Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Monday, November 29, 2010

Amazing Thailand #2: Bangkok's Chatuchak Weekend Market

Chatuchak (Thai: จตุจักร) weekend market in Bangkok is the largest market in Thailand. Chatuchak Market covers over 35 acres (1.13 km²) and contains upwards of 5000 stalls. It is estimated that the market receives over 200000 visitors each day (most stalls only open on Saturdays and Sundays). The market offers a wide variety of products including household items, clothing, Thai handicrafts, religious artifacts, collectibles, foods, and live animals. Chatuchak market is adjacent to the Kamphaengphet station of the MRT Bangkok Metro Blue Line, or about a 5-minute walk from the Mo Chit station of the BTS Skytrain Sukhumvit Line and another MRT station of Suan Chatuchak (Chatuchak Park). Next to the market is one of the older public parks in Bangkok, Chatuchak Park (Thai: สวนจตุจักร). Este video está legendado em português: Chatuchak (tailandês: จตุจักร) Mercado de fim de semana em Bangkok, é o maior mercado público da Tailândia. ตลาดนัดจตุจักร (Jatujak Market) หรือที่เรียกกันว่า JJ Market แหล่งช้อปปิ้งยอดฮิตสุดสัปดาห์ทั้งชาวไทยและชาวต่างชาติ ที่นี่เป็นตลาดนัดที่ใหญ่ที่สุดในโลก[1]ที่รวบรวมสินค้ามากมายจากทุกภูมิภาคทั่วประเทศ มีสินค้าหลากชนิดให้เลือกสรร แถมได้ของที่ถูกใจในราคาที่ย่อมเยาว์ สำหรับตลาดนัดจตุจักรมีจำนวนแผงค้าทั้งหมดมากกว่า 8000 แผงค้า แบ่งเป็น 27 โครงการ มีสินค้า 8 ประเภท ได้แก่ ผักและผลไม้ เสื้อผ้า สัตว์เลี้ยง ต้นไม้ อาหารปรุง อาหารสำเร็จรูป อาหารสด และเบ็ดเตล็ด หอนาฬิกาเป็นจุดนัดพบยอดนิยมที่ในตลาดนัดจตุจักร สร้างขึ้นเมื่อปี พ.ศ. 2530 เพื่อเฉลิมพระเกียรติพระบาท ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIYTxJGQvFY&hl=en

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Chatuchak Weekend Market Thai Iced Tea, Bangkok HD

Watch in HD!!! Largest Market in Thailand that covers 35 acres which sits in the Bangkok metropolitan area. It contains upwards of 5000 stalls and this is just one of them where these guys make great Thai iced tea... *edit In Malaysia its called Teh Tarik. I have been getting various emails from different people stating this practice of making tea like this is actually from Malaysia. Many locals when I visited this market just stated it was Thai iced tea, I appreciate everyone's feedback on this



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jkm8wMRgtx8&hl=en

Friday, November 26, 2010

How To Get To Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand and lies in the far north of the country about 435 miles north of the capital Bangkok. If you are going to be in Thailand and plan on visiting Chiang Mai you have several ways to get there depending on your budget and time constraints.

By Airplane

The International Airport in Chiang Mai has flights daily to and from Bangkok as well as many other Asian cities. Obviously this will be the quickest way for you to get to and from Chiang Mai and there's little reason not to fly because air tickets are very reasonably priced in Thailand. Most times you can get a one way ticket to or from Bangkok for as little as 1500 baht or $50. Even flying from Chiang Mai to the southern islands in Thailand won't set you back more than $100 so why not save hours of your time and fly?

By Train

Traveling by train is fairly popular in Thailand and there are trains leaving from Bangkok several times a day enroute to Chiang Mai. It's possible to get several types of trains including sleeper trains, express trains and standard trains. Those who wish to travel by sleeper train (best option in my opinion) should book their tickets in advance as the trains can sell out, especially during any of the numerous Thai holidays. Depending on which type of train you take the trip will take anywhere from 11 to 15 hours. Contrast that with the 45 minute flight if you take a plane.

By Bus

Buses are also a very popular travel option in Thailand. From Bangkok you will find buses leaving from the Mo Chit bus station several times a day and the cost for and air conditioned 1st class bus ticket is about 500 baht or $17. The bus is also significantly faster than traveling by train, most buses can make the trip in about 9 hours, however the bus seats are also less comfortable than a sleeper train. Those staying in the Khao San Road area of Bangkok can easily find private bus companies leaving from Khao San Road, but caveat emptor. Many people have complained in the past that these private buses will often try to drop you at a guest house or hotel of their choosing when you arrive. As you might guess, most people are too tired to argue after the 9 hour trip and the bus drivers get a nice commission from the hotel.




To learn more about Chiang Mai and what to do once you arrive in Chiang Mai please visit the authors website.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Pattaya Thailand Travel Guide

The town of Pattaya is located just an hour from the Bangkok International Airport and is a popular weekend getaway for residents of the capital city. The lively, fun, and exciting town offers tropical beaches, some family-friendly activities, and value shopping. Dining options are inexpensive, plentiful and feature some of the best Thai fusion food in the country. Hotel prices and packages vary depending on the budget and the exquisite beachfront destination never tires in attractions and sightseeing opportunities.

Some of the more popular activities available in the seaside town of Pattaya vary from parasailing in the bay, deep sea fishing, elephant riding, strolling through tropical gardens, and tai chi on the beach. The area is full of adventure activities that can be self-guided or accompanied by a trusty and informative tour guide. Pattaya is known for its diving options and is one of the oldest areas in all of Asia for Scuba diving. The diving season runs year-round and the water temperature is perfect for this activity. Diving centers and companies boast offices along the waterfront as well as Walking Street and feature certifications and classes for diving students. The rich marine life and coral that surround the reefs make the area one of the most scenic diving places in the world.

For a little less adventure, tourists may witness beautiful sunsets along the outskirts of the city or relax at a day spa or beauty treatment center. Horseback riding can be enjoyed at one of the area's stables such as the Horseshoe Point Riding Academy. There is also a polo club that lies at the edge of Pattaya and is often frequented by members of the Thai royal family.

Travelers longing to spend the day touring other areas near and around Pattaya have their choice of day trip options to choose from. Visits to area temples, the Sri Racha Tiger Zoo, or the Elephant Village can all be arranged. Motor coach buses pick tourists up at their hotels and transport them to the various destinations. Most day trips last all morning, all afternoon, or both. In some cases, lunch and a light snack may be provided. The highly sought after Elephant Village day trip allows guests to witness a large elephant show featuring the world's most majestic animals.

Shopping in Pattaya offers a unique experience and includes trips to shops, boutiques, and smaller scale open air markets. Fashionable boutiques provide silk garments, gemstones, and jewelry that tourists can, at times obtain a good deal on. Shops in the area also sell unique paintings, handicrafts, and plenty of souvenirs.

Gourmet Thai cuisine can be found throughout Pattaya. Depending on the palate, visitors can sink their teeth into genuine Thai dishes or a fusion of flavors that combine Thai with German, Russian, Mexican, Korean, or even Indian fare. Many of the gourmet restaurants are found in the heart of Pattaya while the resorts also offer four and five star quality meals.

When the sun goes down in Pattaya, the nightlife comes alive. Known internationally as the naughtiest city in the world, Pattaya offers entertainment for the tame or raucous at heart. North Pattaya's nightlife is quieter than many of the other locations throughout the city. Restaurants, bars, and pubs are scattered throughout the area and provide casual drink and dining atmospheres to topless go-go girl venues. Taking a walk down the Pattaya Bay Promenade after hours offers a colorful display of the people and culture of Thailand. Many tourists are accosted by the occasional bar girl but the sights can be interesting and picture worthy.

If it's a wild nightlife scene or beachfront paradise you are looking for, Pattaya will meet your needs and then some. Pattaya is a great place to get away from everyday life and experience a look into Thailand like no other.




Alex Smith maintains and manages the Cheap Thailand Travel website at http://www.cheapthaitravel.com

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Four Helpful Thailand Travel Tips

Thailand still evokes an exotic image in the minds of most travellers. After you have organised your travel insurance, you can set about the exciting task of planning your journey. And there is plenty to plan for. Despite the eruptions of the past few months, the only political trouble occurred in the main streets of the capital, Bangkok. Travellers who have returned from their Thailand holidays have commented that outside the capital, life went on as normal and tourists were able to enjoy the luxury and relaxation they were looking for.

Happily, many of the more exciting parts of Thailand are outside the capital anyway, so even if you feel a little unsafe you can rest assured that the majority of the country is stable, happy, and ready to accept tourists from anywhere!

With so many places to choose from however, it is often difficult to know which destinations to include on your itinerary. So, with that in mind, let's take a look at four top tips to help you plan your trip.

  • The best time to visit Thailand is any time except the rainy season from July to October. The monsoonal season which dominates the weather over that period doesn't mean it is impossible to visit Thailand at that time it just means that you will have to get used to short bursts of heavy rain at any time of the day. Apart from that, you will find the weather in Thailand is good although it can be extremely hot in summer. Most tourists tend to travel between November and February when it is at its coolest.

  • Customs regulations are very strict in Thailand and any breaches are treated harshly. Make sure you check with your travel agent to make sure you're not carrying too many cigarettes, wine or spirits. When it comes to drugs, Thailand is notoriously harsh and you will no doubt be aware of the death penalties which have been handed down to anyone involved in the narcotics trade.

  • When you travel to any new country it is always exciting to explore the culture and to see how other people go about their daily lives. Although this is welcomed in Thailand, make sure you are respectful of some of their closely held beliefs. The royal family is held in very high esteem by all Thais, so you should never criticise the monarchy. Images of the Buddha are also treated as sacred no matter where they are situated in or how big they are. Buddhist monks are also treated with great respect and should not be touched under any circumstances. Also, don't forget to take off your shoes when visiting someone's home or a temple.

  • One of the quirky things you should be aware of is the Thai treatment of the head and feet. The head is sacrosanct in Thai culture so you should avoid patting anyone on the head, including children. As opposed to this never use your feet to point at anything and never allow the palms of your feet to point towards an image of the Buddha.

If you bear these tips in mind you will enjoy your hollow even more, and once again that figure to organise your holiday insurance well in advance.




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Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Thailand Travel Tips

Tips

Be weary of people, both foreign and Thai, with elaborate hard luck stories or offers of incredible business deals. Always keep important valuables locked away in your hotel safe.

Do not carry a lot of cash on you and always keep your money and wallet in a hard to reach place. There are many pick pockets operating in Pattaya and be extra careful of groups of ladies when on a baht bus and also of the lady boys who approach you. If a lady boy comes up to you or brushes against you then the first thing you should do is check your pockets and make sure nothing is missing.

Be careful picking up freelancers especially at the late night discos as some of these girls have been known to drug a foreigner once back at his hotel and then leave with all his valuables and money.

You may want to carry around a copy of your passport, but not the original, with you.

Do not drink the tap water and avoid ice (tap water) been added to your drink in the bars.

Join the forum and try to hook up with other fellow travellers to show you the ropes and also good to have a wing man to shoot the breeze while on the 'hunt' for a date.

You will find that Thailand is a very tolerant country with many happy positive people who will treat you with respect and you will have a great holiday, there are still some important rules which as a visitor to a foreign land you will need to follow. Failure to do so and your dream holiday could turn into a nightmare.

Do NOT take drugs and even more important DO NOT sell drugs. If caught selling drugs you could be sentenced to death though most foreigners get 25 to 50 years jail sentences in terrible third world prisons with no possibility of parole. That is you will serve the full term of your sentence in squalid conditions even if it's your first offense.

DO NOT make any negative comments about the Thai Royal family. The Thai king is very much loved and respected and any negative comments would result in jail time or worse beaten up by a mob.

Do NOT make negative comments about Buddha, Thai culture or traditions.

DO NOT get in an argument or fight with anyone in Thailand, especially if it a Thai man. Most Thai men are generally built smaller than us foreigners but if you get in a fight with one then irrespective of who is at fault, all Thai men within eye shot will join in and side with the Thai man and you end up trying to fight off a mob who have no problem using sticks, knifes, helmets, iron bars or anything they can lay their hands on at that moment to inflict great harm to yourself. If a Thai man creates a problem, swallow your pride, smile and walk away because if things boil over then it will never be fair fight.

Do NOT get involved in arguments or fights involving other people even if they are foreigners involved. This is true but the sad case in Pattaya that trying to help others in can result in the same people you were trying to help turning on you and you end up the victim of an assault or accused of starting the fight!

The Age of Consent in Thailand is 18. Failure to comply with this will result in severe prison sentences when caught and your face and name will be broadcast on national news channels and newspaper both in Thailand and abroad.

Do NOT overstay your visa. Failure to do so may result in jail time if you are stopped for whatever reason and found to be on an expired visa.

DO NOT Gamble. Gambling, including online gambling, is illegal in Thailand and if caught can result in hefty fines.

Take great care when renting a motorbike in Thailand. Many tourists get killed on the roads in Thailand while driving a motorbike. UK figures alone show that at least 1 British tourist is killed every other day in Thailand due to a motorbike accident. If you do decide to ride a motorbike in Thailand then always wear a helmet as required by Thai law.




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Numfon Sutato loves to travel, read ebooks and write articles.