3 Basic Guidelines For Property Hunting in Thailand

Here I will be giving my thoughts on where to start looking once you have decided to buy property in Pattaya, Thailand. There are so many condominium complexes, apartment building and housing projects being built, proposed and planned in Pattaya today that it can become somewhat over whelming, and at times a job to know where to start looking.

Firstly I'll give my insights on how to make finding the right property in Pattaya as easy as possible. Now before embarking on the property hunt, you should have a clear set of goals of what you want your future home or investment property to consist of, make sure you know at least the three main essentials:

• Budget
• Location
• Property Type

I know this may sound obvious in the extreme but after working in the Pattaya real estate market for many years it is surprising how many people start contacting estate agents before they have a clear idea of what they actually want and where they want it! What makes the task even harder here in Pattaya is that fact that Pattaya has such a broad range of properties on offer with an even broader range of prices.

You can find a one bedroom condo for 1 million Baht or one for 10 million. Houses range from under 1 million and climb all the way to 100 million Baht and beyond! And although Pattaya feels relatively small once you know your way around, it is still large and diverse enough to have dramatically reflecting price differences. A three bedroom house with a pool and large garden might cost around 11 million Baht in the Huy Yai Area, but would cost close to 30 million on Pratumnak Hill.

Another thing I find interesting with potential property investors or holiday home buyers is the lack of research they put into location, and even as I cringe when I hear agents say it:

'Location Location Location' truly is key!

I would first advise anyone seriously looking to buy property in Pattaya or the surrounding areas is to have a real good look around and try to get a good feel for the different areas. Go and spend a day on Jomtien Beach and then return again in the evening to see how it compares. If it's a rental investment your thinking about ask yourself if you'd be happy holidaying or renting in this area? Take time to explore the different areas and see what's going on and all times of the day and night!

What to buy? Again this will depend on what you want from and your reasons for buying a property in Pattaya. There are also legal issues to take into account when buying property in Thailand for example:

You can own an apartment in your own name as a foreigner but a house or land must be bought and owned in a Thai name or a Thai company name. This is something any decent estate agent will be able to advise you on and I intend to cover this subject in greater detail in my next article.

Obviously agents want to make a sale and help you find the right property, just make sure before hand you know what that is. I would even suggest going to an agent with the three boxes to be ticked and see what they have on offer.

For example;

Max Budget? 5 Million Baht.

Location? As close to the beach as possible!

Property Type? At least a one bedroom apartment.

Above all else, buying a home or investing in property in Pattaya is an exciting experience and should always be fun! It needn't be a chore or headache but be prepared to do a little homework and a lot of legwork and finding your dream home will become a reality.

I really hoped you liked this short article please visit PattayaPropertyforsale! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_David_Roberts

Phuket Favorite Spot for Holiday Villa

There are one saying that the one place that you must visit before you die is the Phuket island. The island lying down on the Andaman sea of the coast of Thailand. Phuket island has been hailed for many years as the interesting tourism destination of the world. Fantastic view of the beach combine with spectacular scenery of the sunset and also the warm feeling of the blue sea will awaits you in one of the Phuket popular beach. The island is the perfect way to have a good time for you, your family or love ones in the combination of perfect silky soft white palm lined beaches, kind hospitality and valued accommodation!

This is no coincident since Phuket has so much potential as a great tourism destination. Phuket has among the most beautiful beaches in the world surrounded with lavish tropical landscapes that surely would attract many tourists. There are so many beautiful beaches such as the Hat Patong. The beach located only around 15 kilometers from the city town. This is one of the most developed beaches in this island. It has so many excellent places to have some fun such as the sport courts, shopping stores, and many other recreational options for the tourists.

From the beginning this area has the tourism as their main source of income and has transpormed the island into one of the wealthiest province in Thailand. The west coast of Phuket was hit severely by the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004, but almost no evidence of the damage now remains. The island enjoy the popularity as the most sought after travel destination. Most beaches are on the west coast, with Phuket Town to the south-east and the airport in the north enjoy the benefit.

Phuket also has living cultural life and off course, dynamic nightlife. To support the tourism the island provides many kind of accommodation for all guests. From accommodation for backpacker's, a hotels and resort even a Phuket villa are available. But the Phuket villas are the advisable accommodation if you want to have vacation in Phuket with your family or if you are on a honeymoon trips. Phuket has many different Villas to rent, most of them are beachfront Villas with some of them even have private beach.

The location of these Phuket villas are around the top beaches. They vary in size and features. From luxurious villas to small one or two bedrooms villas are available. You can also find intimate Villas perfect for honeymoon retreat. Do you want to get close to the nature? How about a small tree house villa? There are many back to nature Villas around Phuket. The villas are equipped with highest standard facilities which matched to a five star resorts and off course an internet connection on every room. Each Villa offering many different features and activities to allow you enjoys the best side of Phuket. You can learn more information about Phuket Villas on Tourism Thailand website. Come and experience Phuket your selves.

About the Author

Want to find out more about Phuket Villas, then visit Michael Bintaro's site on how to choose the best Vacation Villas in Phuket for your needs.

Traveling to Pattaya From Bangkok

When you arrive at the airport, you can choose public buses, Bell travel service or taxis.

Public Buses - You will find that there are free shuttle buses at the airport to get you over to the Transport Co Ltd station. Be sure to spend a little extra money and take the bus that has air-conditioning, it's usually only about 130 Baht.

Bell Travel Service -This private bus runs straight into Pattaya from the main bus terminal. They will also shuttle you directly to your hotel after arriving in Pattaya for a total of around 200 Baht.

Taxis - If you don't mind spending about 1,300 Baht, you can get to Pattaya a lot faster by jumping in a taxi at airport level one. Busy weekends and holidays will cost a bit more.

Other Ways to Pattaya

Bus - If you happen to be staying or hanging out in downtown Bangkok and you need to get to Pattaya, you can simply go to Sukhumvit Road and Ekamai Bus Terminal is there. It's approximately a 2-hour drive, buses leaves every 30 minutes and one way is only about 125 Baht.

Train - While it does take a good three and a half hours to get to Pattaya by train, it's nice to do at least once to see the land. Not to mention, it only costs 31 Baht! There is a daily train that travels to Pattaya from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Railway Station.

Car - Renting a car may seem intimidating in a foreign land but it's not really so bad. You can take the new Changquing-Pattaya-Rayong-Highway straight there.

How do You get Around Pattaya?

There are many places in Pattaya you can walk to so a lot of visitors come to the city and never even have a need for transportation. The most common way to get around though is the Baht-bus. They are oversized taxis that carry at least 10 people and a ride usually only costs 10 to 30 Baht.

As an alternative, motorbike taxis are really a favorite among visitors because they are often an adventure all in themselves. They are stationed at nearly every corner and the drivers are traditionally more polite and helpful than the Baht-bus drivers so don't forget to tip them.

Lastly, once you have traveled to Pattaya From Bangkok, you may just want to catch a ride in a taxi-meter. These are new to the city and you most expensive option but they are kind of personal taxi service that you are probably used to at home.

Here is a great resource on Bars in Pattaya Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tod_Woodward

Thailand, North vs South

Thailand isn't just cheap hotels, fantastic beaches and an wild nightlife, Thailand offers an astonishing culture to discover which puts a grin on just about everyone's face.

Northern Thailand is mainly surrounded by high mountain ranges, the mountain terrain is mainly jungle, parts of which is inside national parks which are still fertile and verdant with plentiful flora and fauna. There are a lot of sites and locations where holidaymakers prefer to visit to study the life style of the hill tribe people who live high in the mountains.
The climate in northern Thailand is much cooler than the south, November to February is the cool season and can range from about 15 to 29 degrees celsius during the day. At higher elevations, temperatures can sometimes dip down to freezing point at night. It doesn't snow, but sleet does occur at times.

During the hot season, lasting from March to May, temperatures especially in the city are high, rising into the high 30s. The rainy season in the north is from June to October.
Chiang Mai is the tourist hub of Northern Thailand, it is considered one of the most scenic provinces in he country with its valleys, mountain ranges fauna and flora.
One of the most popular things to do in Northern Thailand is going trekking up the mountain and spending a night or two with the hilltribes, it's a great way for the tribes to earn some extra cash and a great experience that shows you that you don't need a whole lot in life to enjoy it.

Southern Thailand is definitely the most popular of the 2, many people do travel to Thailand for the white sand beaches, islands and nightlife. But now a new destination has emerged in Surat Thani called Khao Sok, this place is really starting to come alive over the years and has so much to offer. It has a rainforest which is even older than the amazon rainforest. Not sure how this place has not been discovered in the past, its has a number of wild animals which include Malayan Tapir, Asian Elephant, Tiger, Sambar Deer, Bear, Guar, Banteng, Serow, Wild Boar, Langur, White handed Gibbon, Squirrel and Mouse Deer.

For nice beaches and water activities, Trang is also emerging and one of the better places in southern Thailand to visit, it has not been over developed yet and the prices for everything is much cheaper than the popular Phuket.

If you ever go to Thailand and wishing for a different experience than the usual touristy holiday, Chiang Mai, Khao Sok and Trang are good alternatives to explore.

About the Author

Article by Don Carswell

Khao sok

Khao Sok accommodation

khao sok hotels

Best Ways to Holiday in Phuket

There are many things a traveler can do in Phuket, and it all comes down to your personal preferences when you are choosing the time of the year to embark on a trip to this Thailand city. The city is great for those who enjoy water sports, shopping, sunbathing, and experiencing a new culture which are all year round activities.

Songkran is the name of the New Year in Thailand, and it is one of the most popular celebrations in Phuket. It is held during the 13th to 15th of April. The way the locals celebrate the beginning of the New Year is completely out of the ordinary. The tradition demands that people pour water on each other, but the sense was somehow lost and now the traditional of water pouring is a free for all water fight.

While getting into a water fight may not be to your liking, you can simply step aside and watch the locals celebrate. Everything is allowed: water guns, pipes, and even buckets and barrels filled with water. If you want to get into the heat of the action, the best place to be is Patong where people throw water on one another all through the night. No one is excluded,and everybody wanting to hop in is allowed.

Phuket is a city rich in festivals and the Vegetarian Festival is something you do not want to miss if you do not mind extreme manifestations. The festival is held in October and it has a religious connotation, but the rituals are like no other. The participants walk around the city in a trance like state which is believed to allow them to feel no pain. To demonstrate this belief they pierce their skin with all kinds of sharp objects.

The festival is not called the Vegetarian Festival for no reason. During the celebrations, the restaurants in the city will not serve meat under any circumstances. Other out of the ordinary experiences are offered by the city of Phuket, if you find your way towards the Chinese temples. Saphan Hin is the place where the festival ends with people tossing firecrackers in the way of the people in trance that take part in the religious rituals.

Chinese cuisine is a fixture in Phuket restaurants, so if you like this type of food you can taste the best dishes during the Chinese New Year. The celebrations mirror those from China, without the same glamor, but they are still something to attend if you happen to be in Phuket during the month of February.

If you want to take part in the Thai New Year's celebrations, you can buy some firecrackers from street vendors, but be aware of that accidents may happen.

Traveling to Phuket during summer guarantees a quiet vacation. If you do not like the crowd and the noisy celebrations, it is a good idea to visit the city from May until October when most tourists do not come to this destination. Still, the weather is great and you can enjoy all the city has to offer without fighting the crowds.

About the Author

Best Ways to Holiday in Phuket is a travel guide from Tripopedia, a travel encyclopedia. Learn about things to do in Phuket, places to see and places to eat.

Finding The Best Hotels in Thailand

The Best Hotels in Thailand.com, an online Thailand hotel accommodation booking facility, has four main objectives and is putting their money where their mouth is.

1. To provide unrivaled Thailand hotel prices and special deals 2. To list and promote only those hotels travelers may book with confidence. 3. To provide as much factually correct tourist information about Thailand, so potential visitors may make informed decisions. 4. To provide clients with fast, friendly and effective service.

Our association with one of the longest standing integrated Thailand travel solution companies makes it possible for us to offer the lowest prices for most 4 and 5 star Thailand hotels. Whether it is the best Phuket hotels, Bangkok hotels or hotels in the north of Thailand in areas like Chiang Mai, we are able offer hotel deals and special offers that will suite any style and budget. Visit our website, compare our prices and you will note, booking Thailand hotels with us puts you in the winning seat.

The name, The best Hotels in Thailand, was chosen for a reason. In simple terms, whether a client books a 3 star or 5 star hotel with us, they can do so with confidence simply because we do not blindly list and promote any hotel, we only list the best. The definition of quality is to comply with expectations and we accept our clients expect the best. For this reason we have taken the guess work out of choosing hotels and narrowed them down to hotels you may be sure of and offer them at super prices.

As a value adding feature, we also aim at providing travelers to Thailand with as much relevant and factually correct tourist information as possible. Find out what Thailand says about passport & visa requirements, when is the best times to visit, attractions and activities, the best beaches and even a 5 day weather forecast, we answer it all.

But it does not end here. Hotel bookings in all the different Thailand destinations, guided tours & excursions, airport transfers and car rentals, with us you have it all under one roof.

A representative from the best hotels in Thailand team is standing ready to offer advice on any questions you may have. Visit us at: thebesthotelsinthailand.com and allow us to impress you with Thailand hotel accommodation prices you did not think possible, backed up by friendly and attentive service.

About the Author

The Best Hotels in Thailand.com is a secure online Thailand hotel accommodation booking service and Thailand travel guide.

Experience the Attractions of Thailand

Thailand is a land with many cultural traditions and one with the longest reigning head of state in the world. For all its modern industrialized image, there is still an aura of spiritualism in Thailand. This is befitting a country where over 95% of the population is Buddhist and is evident from the reverence people show to monks. To see a glimpse of ancient Thailand head to Ayutthaya, the erstwhile capital of Thailand. Ayyuthaya is 50 miles from Bangkok and is well worth a visit. Here you can see the ruins of ancient buildings and the Grand Palace. The ruins still bear vestiges of grandeur and one can easily close their eyes and imagine themselves back in ancient times.

Thailand alone, among the South East Asian countries, was never colonized by any European country. This means much of its culture and traditions have continued uninterrupted. Elephants were once a symbol of Thailand. The numerous elephant parks across Thailand offer the interested tourist an opportunity to interact with the gentle pachyderm at close quarters. At the camps, you can touch, feed and bathe elephants. You can also spend time at overnight camps with the elephants learning how to direct them. This makes for a great family holiday.

Have a Natural Vacation

Another unique holiday possibility is interacting with the hill tribes. Many agencies offer the amateur anthropologist an opportunity to stay with a family of the hill tribes in the North of Thailand. Guests participate in the routine and rituals of the tribe. A similar idea is to stay in rural Thailand and participate in activities like working in the paddy and sugarcane fields. If this is not your idea of a vacation, head for the well known beaches and luxury hotels Thailand, Phuket, Pattaya and other developed resort towns offer a range of water-based activities like diving, island hopping and snorkeling. You can indulge in shopping, massages and other lifestyle activities.

In between the resorts and towns are relatively less traveled areas like the superb Khao Sok National Park. Here, you can relax, away from the hordes, in the serene surroundings of your tree house bungalow and take in the relaxing sounds of natural surrounds. The caves, waterfalls, animals and the treks make this a lovely getaway. Excitehotels.com can help you plan the perfect Thai vacation by arranging accommodation that is exactly right for you.

Excitehotels.com leads the way to Amazing Hotels in Thailand

About the Author

Offering hot hotel deals and stunning discounts, Excitehotels.com leads visitors to Thailand hotels where they can experience the much-spoken about hospitality, culture and cuisine.

The Song of Bangkok's Nightlife

Are you ready to skim through the night and choose your favorite watering hole? Or would you like to hang out at the glittering popular pubs, clubs and party till the wee hours of the morning? Packed to the brim with versatile and innovative activities, Krungthep or the City of Angels showers its visitors with a kaleidoscope of things to do and places to see. Excitehotels.com offers various types of Bangkok accommodation that would be both comfortable and convenient for visitors to relax and revive after a day of hectic sightseeing. If visitors have chosen a cheap Bangkok accommodation in the heart of the city, they will find it easy to reach the Skytrain (BTS) or Underground train (MRT) and take off on a journey through an ancient culture. With innumerable things to do and see, Bangkok fills the senses with shopping, a delicious array of dishes from traditional to modern kitchens and a nightlife that is much-spoken about and much-sought after.

Listen to the Beat of Vibrating Venues

Stringing out the facets of entertainment with innumerable areas filled with pubs, bars, clubs, discos and eateries, Bangkok takes visitors through its popular districts of Silom, Sukhumvit, Siam/Rajdamri, Khao San Road, Chidlom/Phoenchit, Sathorn, Thonglor and Ekkamai to relax and watch shows, listen to music or indulge in a cocktail or a beverage of your choice. Highlight your night at the sparkling and entertaining venues at the Riverside, Ratchadaphisek, Chatuchak, Don Mueang Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport and listen to the beat of the night in Bangkok. With gay go-go bars, Bangkok's transsexuals (kathoey), also popularly known as ladyboys, transvestite cabarets and the popular go-go bar strip Patpong, visitors can experience the colorful aspects of one of the most bubbling holiday hotspots in South East Asia that they can enjoy as they plan an evening in their comfortable and modern Bangkok accommodations.

Explore the experience of Bangkok's nightlife and enjoy psychedelic interiors, electronic dance music, hippie hangouts, small pubs, sophisticated clubs and exotic menus including an array of beverages that has appealed to the young and old, smart and sophisticated crowds that throng these vibrating venues. Dressed in trendy apparel, these night spots are popular places with stunning interiors, versatile bartenders, with various bars, pubs and clubs churning out suitable music to suit the ambience and the tastes of their regular clientele and tourists staying at appealing Bangkok accommodations. Ideal for relaxing after a day of hard work or hectic sightseeing, Bangkok's entertaining evenings offer class, charm and the club culture with a kaleidoscope of modern settings energized by dynamic beverages, delectable cuisines and funky to fabulous music.

Bangkok Accommodation offers the Brilliant and the Best Hotels

About the Author

Offering hot hotel deals and stunning discounts, Excitehotels.com leads visitors: bangkok-accommodation.com Bangkok accommodationstay at a chosen where they can experience the much-spoken about Thai hospitality, culture and cuisine.

Dodge the City Stress in Pai Thailand

A quick drive from Chiang Mai town is one of the most stunning and pretty small towns in Thailand. The town is called Pai Thailand and it's a calm laid back location situated in a scenic little valley. A short time ago it wasn't too well known, but recently it has become a favorite spot for Thai's and foreigners alike, looking to remove themselves from the hustle bustle of city living. You'll find yourself sent back in time in Pai Town, with the old Thai type buildings throughout the town and bamboo bungalows for those searching for a traditional Thai escape.

Once you travel to Pai Valley Thailand there's a good possibility that you will be entranced by its beauty just as some prior visitors have. A good number of the transplants in Pai Thailand came for a short time and never left. They fell in love with the town and it's chilled out mood and chose to call it their home.

Getting Here and Around

Those choosing to make the excursion to Pai Town have various methods for getting there. The safest way is to take the orange public buses, which are inexpensive and will ply the twisting and winding roads at a sedate pace. Those who are adventure seekers or simply in a hurry to reach Pai Town can take a private van from Chiang Mai, however be warned that the drivers really race along the roads with no concern for safety, their's or yours! Once you get to Pai town you can get around easily on foot or by renting a bicycle. For longer trips to the outskirts of Pai you can rent a motorbike very cheaply.

What to do and What to See

There are a variety of Wats, or temples, located around Pai Valley Thailand and one of the easiest to visit from the town center is Wat Mae Yen. This temple is perched on top of a small hill and gives a wonderful view of the rice paddies around Pai Thailand, the surrounding mountains and of Pai Town itself.

A little further out from Pai you can see the Mo Pang Falls where a cooling swim or thrilling water slide is possible all year round. You should also take the time to stop by Pai Canyon, located on the way to the Pai Valley from Chiang Mai. A short climb will get you an amazing view of the Pai Valley, Pai Town and the surrounding mountains. Pai Valley is also a great place to see the sunset dropping behind the mountains. Either place can be easily reached by motorcycle.

Two of the very popular activities for travelers to Pai Thailand are the elephant rides and river tubing or rafting. You can ride on the bare back of an elephant through the jungle or through the river, however be cautioned...if you choose the river safari you will get wet! Of course if you like to get wet then you can't skip the river rafting and tubing down the Pai River. Tubing trips are usually half day affairs and are fairly calm, however the rafting trips can be several days long and take you through the rapids of the Pai River.

Or just do nothing, sip Chai tea, chill out and watch the day go by. That is also a top tourist activity in this charming town. Urban development recently has seen Pai Town losing its small town charms a bit. Get here quick before it becomes another over-developed tourist spot.

If you are interested in learning more about Pai Thailand then take a look at the authors website where he covers not only Pai Valley, but all areas of this astounding country called Thailand.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Walters

Bali Travel Tips and Luxury Rentals

There are quite a few elements in a vacation to Bali that one cannot find elsewhere. Bali is one of the most exotic and beautiful tourist destinations. But what make it even more special are the luxury villa rentals in Bali, which add to the experience and enhance it. Be it the exhilarating architecture mixing traditional and local thinking with western influence or the end to end comfort with contemporary furnishing and a high level of sophistication soaked in modernity, there is a different world in every Bali villa - luxury accommodation in Bali. These gorgeous luxury and private villas in Bali are in themselves worth a visit.

Bali Tourist Attractions

Although there is no end to beauty at Bali, there are certain attractions one cannot miss at Bali. The beautiful island of Bali is famous for the cool beaches, Hindu temples and sublime gardens. Bali is located between two other islands called Nusa Tenggara and Java and is one of the 18000 islands that make the large archipelago called Indonesia.

Bali travel tips will always talk both about its architectural and artistic brilliance as well as the city life and contemporary settings. For the connoisseurs of Balinese painting, the Ubud museum called Purl Lukisan is a really treat. Ubud has various other art galleries including modern art works. Neka Art Museum is another well known attraction.

For those who would like to shop and party hard, the nightlife of Bali is at its fullest expression in the capital Denpasar, Seminyak and Kuta. Kuta is also famous for sandy stretches that are amazingly curved. The Pasar Badung market for a variety of stuff and the resorts and nightclubs provide a start contrast to the peaceful cliff front villas in Bali.

The Pura Besakih is one of the greatest tourist attractions of Bali with its sanctuary and shrines of the Hindu Trinity. Considered as the holiest of all the temples in Bali, this is set up on the Mt. Agung's slopes. Canggu is another must visit place in Bali. This peaceful place is now transforming itself into of the major tourist spots in this region. Canggu is about thirty to forty five minute drive from the international airport and offer magnificent views of the endless rice fields. Nestled away from the busy city life, this place is haven to the people who crave for tranquility and peace. Located close of Canggu is the Echo beach which is among the best for surfers to test their skills.

Luxury Villa Rentals in Bali

The luxury villa rentals in Bali are an attraction of their own, for the gorgeous ocean views, cliff top mansions perched precariously on the slopes, lovely landscaped gardens which are wonderfully colorful. An interesting example is the Villa Oazia, which provides spa living with the tranquility of river borders and an emerald green belt of Canggu rice fields. Power food is available in this villa that creates an island of fantasy for the visitors with its eco-friendly architecture, activities for personal development and therapy services. The tropical environment provided by this lovely villa also offers spa treatments, surfing and other adventure trips, river views, a glimpse of Balinese sculptures, traditional joglo houses and gardens with facilities for romantic candle light dinners. The villas are truly a paradise of their own.

The author of this article has inspected over three hundred villas in Bali and would love to share this knowledge to all visitors to this beautiful part of the world. She knows the area intimately, and has selected the very best privately-owned Bali Villa. She also has set up a company called Bali Heaven to enable tourists to get as much information as possible about the beautiful and picturesque Bali Villas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Florens_Yessica

Exploring the Doi Tung Thailand Flower Gardens

If you are visiting the Mae Fa Luang District of Thailand, you should take some time to explore the beautiful peak of the Doi Tung mountain. As you travel up the mountain, you will take Highway Number 110 and Highway Number 1149. This scenic route features numerous scenic overlooks that provide you with gorgeous views of the countryside below. One of the most famous overlooks gives you views of the Phra That Doi Tun Holy Relic.

This route also takes you by the tribal villages of Akha, Muser, and Shan as you travel to the peak. The beautiful Mae Fa Luang Garden is a gorgeous botanical gardens that features native plants growing from rock outcroppings, and many of these plants have year-round blooms that add color to the landscape. This garden has gained international attention and has received the Pacific Asia Tourism Association's PATA Gold Award. One of the most famous point in the gardens is a famous bronze statue featuring a group of children that create a pyramid as they reach for the sky. The gardens are open to the public daily. The Mae Fa Luang Garden sits just below the Doi Tung royal villa, which is the former residence of the Late Princess mother Somdej Phra Srinagarindra.

When you reach the top of the Doi Tung mountain, you will arrive at the Wat Phra That Doi Tung temple. This temple has been an important pilgrimage destination for devout Buddhists, and its rich history can be traced as far back as 911 AD. From the top of Toi Tung, you can take in amazing views of the green countryside of both Thailand and Burma.

Whether you are on a religious pilgrimage to the Wat Phra That Doi Tung temple or you simple want to enjoy the amazing beauty of the area, the Doi Tung mountain should be included in your plans to visit the area.

Nuttikan La is a flower growing and gardening enthusiast. She runs a Thailand flower delivery website as well as a personal blog where she shares her experiences as a Thailand florist.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nuttikan_La

The Best Beaches of Hua Hin Thailand

If the beach scene is what you crave, then consider staying at a Hua Hin resort and you will be right in the midst of all the beach activity that takes place in the region. Hua Hin beach is renowned for its beautiful beaches which is why it is a particular favourite of Bangkok residents. In fact, many of them own vacation homes in this area and spend much of their free time enjoying and happy the Hua Hin beach life on your vacation experience.

Hua Hin is the oldest beach resort in the Kingdom of Thailand. Hua Hin has been transformed from a fishing village in a fashionable beach resort in the 1920's with the construction of the Hua Hin railway station here in the reign of King Rama VI (1910-1925) and the Klai Kangwon summer palace during the reign of King Rama VII in 1926.

Make sure that you inquire at your Hua Hin hotel as to the recommendations they have for an enjoyable day at the beach. There is a good possibility that they will suggest one of these 3 primary beach destinations when you visit the region:

Cha-Am beach - located roughly 28 km to the north of Hua Hin, the beach road is lined with vendors of all types which make this a shopping adventure as well.

Hua Hin beach - roughly 7 km in length, this beach stretches from the centre of town to Khao Takiab and has not been over-developed unlike other Thailand resort areas. If you are looking for a quieter beach destination, this should be your primary choice.

Khao Takiab beach - also known as Chop Stick Hill, the beach is located 7 km to the south of Hua Hin. At the top of the hill overlooking the beach, is a temple and a huge population of monkeys longing to be fed by the locals and tourists.

About the Author

Lek Boonlert is an editor and content reviewer at DirectRooms and is responsible for all Hua HIn Hotels content.

Get the Experience of Hollywood Stars

Phuket Island is a little eden in South Thailand which is applauded for its pristine beaches and landscapes. Thailand is an wonderful country with the ideal combination of living civilization, warm tropical weather, and lavish gorgeous natural environment. Phuket Island is not only found on tourism booklets, this beautiful island is also frequently found in movie screens. The Phuket presents so many exquisite beaches that for sure would attract in a lot of holidaymakers. With its exotic natural beauty, no question Phuket becomes the selection for film scenes production.

You can find many Hollywood movies filmed in Phuket Island. It ranges from James Bond films to Bridget Jones, and off course the box office The Beach starred by Leonardo DiCaprio. You will be able also feel the same atmosphere the Hollywood stars feel while you are visiting Phuket. This island and surrounded little islands have great luxury Phuket villas that become the selection of world famous celebrities to stay. If you wish first class accommodation and the top grade scenes, you can rent one of villas in Phuket. You will be able easily find luxury villas near all Phuket beach. Since most villas are beachfront, it gives you easy access to private beach and off course five stars graded facilities.

Do you want something more private and luxurious? Well you will be able to take some of the top rated private Phuket villas. You are able to find them in many little islands surrounding Phuket, including the famed Phi Phi Island. Yes, this is the very same island as appeared in The Beach. This is a great alternative to feel the same romance in beautiful beach as featured in The Beach movie. Really got hit on movie buffs? Don’t forget that Phuket also has Phuket International Film Festival this year. So, call your travel agent and book one of the best Phuket villas for your best Phuket experience.

About the Author

Dharma serves as online marketing consultant of Phuket Villa and Phuket Villa

Best Thailand Cities and Attractions

Thailand is the only country in the S.E. Asian area which has never been colonised, so it lacks the colonial architecture and influence of nearby countries such as Cambodia and Vietnam. However, due to its location, it often acted as a buffer between competing European powers and its political and economic influence on the region remains huge.

The capital, Bangkok, known in Thai as Krung Thep (an abbreviation of the full ceremonial name which is 21 words and 168 letters long) is a huge bustling city with some of the worst traffic jams in the world. For many people it is a city to get out of as soon as possible and head for the beaches, but Bangkok does reward those who give it more time.

Bangkok, as capital, is home to the revered Thai royal family and many of the royal palaces are open to the public. Wat Phra Kaew, home of the Emerald Buddha and part of the Grand Palace, the king's official residence is the most important temple in Thailand. Next door is Wat Pho, which houses the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The reclining Buddha is 46 metres (151 ft) long and is covered in gold leaf. A favourite way to reach the temples is to avoid Bangkok's traffic and take one of the 'river' buses which run regularly along the Chao Phraya River.

A popular destination is Jim Thompson Museum the former home of the American who helped revive the Thai silk industry in the 1950s and 60s. The 'house' is actually six buildings which he bought in various parts of Thailand and had rebuilt in Bangkok to house his collection of Asian art. Thompson disappeared in mysterious circumstances in Malaysia in 1967.

The capital of the northern part of Thailand is Chiang Mai, the country's second most visited city. The city has hundreds of temples, chief of which is Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, built on a hill overlooking the city. According to legend, the site was chosen by a white elephant which was carrying a holy relic placed on its back by the king. The elephant climbed the hill, trumpeted three times and lay down to die. This was taken as a sign and the temple built.

Kanchanaburi Province is a mecca for history buffs. This is the location of the famous movie, Bridge over the River Kwai and guests may wish to visit the Hellfire Pass Memorial established at the site of a cutting on the Death Railway where PoWs were forced to work.

In the far south of Thailand are the hugely popular beach and nightlife islands of Phuket and Ko Samui. Phuket has over a dozen beaches to choose from and it is becoming more and more difficult to find a quiet spot. The nightlife here is internationally famous. Ko Samui, with its white sands and turquoise sea is no less popular. Here however, there are some quieter beaches on the north side of the island. Quieter islands can be found all over Thailand's long coastline.

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Phuket Is a World Class Destination in Thailand

Phuket, apart form Pattaya, in Thailand is another world class destination. This serene place is known for its beautiful beaches and blue sea. It is also one of the top ten diving destinations in the world. There are sight seeing options around Phuket, the main attraction being James Bond Island. This island has provided the perfect backdrop for many Hollywood as well as regional films. The popular Hollywood film, The Beach was shot here, though it failed to make a hit at the box office.

For many people Phuket is a paradise and they return to this place as they want to relax and delve in the fun. The people are warm and hospitable and apart from the delectable Thai cuisine you get to taste other types of cuisines as well. The markets are abuzz with people as you can expect to get some good deals for any commodities you buy. You can also carry Thai souvenirs for your loved ones back home. There are all budget hotels in Phuket and you will not be spending much time in finding a hotel of your choice. Do indulge in diving and other types of water activities as they surely will leave you spellbound.

The visuals of the breathtaking natural reefs will pleasantly surprise you. The whole region is isolated from pollution of the other cities and hence you can take in the fresh air at the beach day in and day out. You can also go for a short diving course and get a diver's certificate in return. And if you want to go to destinations via sea then do not forget to visit Similan Islands as well as Hin Muang and Hin Daeng. The boat rides to reach these beautiful spots don't cost much. And the water temperature is just perfect, hovering around 82 degrees. The marine life under the sea will leave you breathless. It is so exotic and peaceful that you will surely have a fantastic time.

In the sea, you also get to see the bigger fishes such as the manta rays and the whale sharks. The island destinations around Phuket make for wonderful one day trips. You can start early in the morning, enjoy your day at the island and then return home in the evening. The sea is safe and the water is calm. The sea is good for diving throughout the year. If you have a good taste for food then don't forget to visit the food stalls near the beach for piping non veg as well as veg food. For a few bahts you get to experience fantastic Thai cuisine. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags in your next vacation and head to Phuket. Who knows, you may have the best time of your life, even better than Leonardo De Caprio in the movie, The Beach.

Kunal Vahalia who stays in Mumbai, India has written hundreds of travel articles as his passion and has shared his experiences on article directories and online travel websites. He is a travel agent living in Mumbai and he specializes in doing Mumbai sightseeing tours. He offers many Mumbai tours such as full day Mumbai city tour, kanheri caves tour, elephant caves tour, half day Mumbai tour, etc.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kunal_A_Vahalia

Where to Have Lunch by the River in Bangkok

The best places in Bangkok to have lunch are the restaurants in five star hotels, which are located along the banks of the Chao Phra River. Most of the hotels have free boats in which you can cross the river. There is also sky train available from Sukhamvit to Taksin Jetty which goes along the Shangri-La and also The Oriental. Both these are hotels.

Angelinin, which is a part of Shangri-La hotel, on the new road in Bangkok has delicious seafood. Its menu mirrors the Roman food. You can have Italian cuisine with added flavors which taste like Mediterranean. The starters include items ranging from buffalo mozzarella to squid ink risotto. In the main course, you can have yellow fin tuna panini, or prosciutto pizza. You can finish of your lunch with a delicious amaretto chocolate pudding. The restaurant is open for lunch from 11.30 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Benihana, which is a part of the Marriott Resort and Spa on the Charoennakorn Road, is popular for its delicious Japanese food. The meals are cooked by the Japanese chefs who love to show of their expertise in front of the customers.

La Normandie of the Mandarin Oriental is situated in the Oriental Avenue. The food here is delicious and tastes like French homemade food. The items which are popular are the meat pie, pork belly casserole along with garlic confit and duck.

Mei Jang is in the Peninsula Hotel on the Charoennakorn Road. It is a Chinese restaurant. The menu has items like barbecued duck along with the jelly fish salad, stir fried egg noodles, lobster and abalone fried rice. The restaurant is open for lunch from 11.30 a.m. until 2.30 p.m.

Arun Residence on Maharah Road offers items like tom young goong, fresh spring rolls, mushrooms and stir fried noodles along with shrimp. You should not miss this if you love Thai food.

About Author:
Kum Martin is an online leading expert in travel industry. He also offers top quality articles like: Culture of Thailand, Muay Thai Principles

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Thai Traditional Music and Dance in Performance

The traditional music and dance of a country represents its culture and history. You will find out more about the culture and history of Thailand attending some shows that depict this aspect of the country.

The Thai Khon dance is showcases the stories from the Hindu epic Ramayana. You will see the Monkey God, Hanuman very commonly depicted as a white monkey. Hanuman served King Rama and helped to defeat a demon named Thotsakan and his army. Usually meanings of some movements are explained to the audience. The audiences are also told which mask represents which character. English narration helps the western audience to understand the story. The masks which represent the Gods, demonic creatures and the celestials are vibrant and the performers sing, act, dance and perform aerobics all through the show.

If you want to have a different experience, then go for Siam Niramit which has a night dinner show with the new effects that lights up the night sky and the nearby Himapaan Forest.

The National Theater of Thailand is open throughout the year, but the theater stages Thai music and dance show only on the last Friday and Saturday of the month. The National Theater is a huge building with the red roof with gold eaves. It is made up of three parts consisting of a theater, workshop and an auditorium which is next to the open air sala.

The performance given by the performers is long and original. If you are person who cannot sit for two hours listening to traditional music of Thailand, then go to other theaters before visiting the National Theater.

For the tourists who are staying in five star hotels, usually the hotel will have traditional music and dance performances during the weekends. In fact, hotels like the Oriental Hotel, Shangri-la Hotel and Marriott Hotel and Spa are renowned for their shows.

About Author:
Kum Martin is an online leading expert in travel industry. He also offers top quality articles like: Culture of Thailand, Muay Thai Principles

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kum_Martin

Top 3 Best Vacation Spots in Asia

Most tourists from around the world find Asia as their perfect haven and the best place to spend their long planned vacation. Aside from its rich cultural heritage and magnificent beaches, it is much cheaper to travel in Asian countries too. Here are top Asian destinations you would love.

Thailand

Even if Thailand is unstable politically right now but still it doesn't stop millions of tourists every year to come to Thailand and spend their vacation in one of their beautiful islands. Phuket and Bangkok is the most visited place in Thailand because of its magnificent beaches. Not only that, people who love to shop can shop their hearts out in Bangkok.

Visitors enjoy their vacation not just from the things they see and do but because of the food too. They just love Thai cuisine, it is delicious and cheap as they say. Anywhere you go in Thailand you will find a place to eat especially in Bangkok. The streets are just filled with different kinds of restaurant offering different Thai dishes. You can also find world class restaurants which serves Thai cuisine as well as other International cuisine. Food is definitely a big thing in Thailand.

Indonesia

Indonesia is the largest archipelago of the world which consists of 17,508 islands. If you want to see nature at its best then Indonesia is the best place to spend your holiday. They have various tourist attractions to boast couple with the best modern amenities to make your holiday a comfortable one.

Indonesia is world renowned tourist destinations for their beaches, museums and temples and of course for its magnificent scenic beauty. Travelers, historians and other visitors never miss to stop by and take pictures in their famous towering temples and grand pagodas.

But of course one can't possibly miss their beautiful beaches most specially the spectacular white ones of Bali. Bali has become a world class tourist destination. Famous Hollywood movie stars often spend their vacation here. Perfect place too for newly weds who are spending their honeymoon in the island.

Philippines

Known as the Pearl of the Orient, Philippines is indeed boated of its glory by showing lots of tourist attractions in their 7,107 islands. The country is popular for its beautiful islands, white beaches, diving spots and a lot more. That is why millions of people from all over the world are definitely enticed by it beauty. Fortunately it's not only the places that attract tourists to visit the Philippines but also with their people. Filipinos are certainly compassionate and very hospitable that even strangers will feel at home with the place.

It is home to the world famous white beach of Boracay Island. Other famous beaches are found in Panglao Island, Bohol, and Palawan. Famous diving spots are found in Cebu as well as Bohol. Other tourist spots like Taal Volcano and Taal Lake at Tagaytay will surely hold your breath away. Other places worth to see are Negros, Panay Island, Siquijor and more. The list is just endless and it will probably take your lifetime to discover all of the beauty of the Philippines.

It is probably the reason why most foreigners choose to relocate here in the Philippines especially those who are well beyond their golden days. They choose to spend their retirement days in this country.

If you want to get more information more about top vacation destinations, try visiting topvacationdestinations.org, where you will find this and some more travel tips and reviews about top beach vacation destinations in Asia.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pierre_Smith