Amazing Bangkok - The Capital Of Thailand

by Pauline Go
Bangkok is the largest and most populated city in Thailand. It is also the capital of Thailand. It used to be known as Krung Thep in Thai. Bangkok is situated on the east bank of the river Chao Phraya.

The original name Krung Thep has been in use for more than two century. The name Bangkok is used for foreigners and visitors and is only restricted to a particular district of the city.

There are three royal palaces in Bangkok. There are many historical places around and in the city. It was the capital for two kingdoms, namely Krung Thep and, for a short while, Thorn Buri. The reclining Buddha, temple of the huge Golden Buddha, historical sculptures are situated along the banks of the river Chao Phraya.

Bangkok has always attracted tourists, and this is the reason a lot of foreigners are found to have settled in this beautiful city. Many of them have found jobs and then there are others you have started their own businesses to earn a livelihood. There are still others who have come from expensive western countries to spend out their retirement living a cheap, easy and comfortable life in this hospitable city.

The nightlife offers variety of entertainment for the people and is considered to be one of the key attractions of Bangkok. There are clubs and cafes for the wealthy, bars and pubs for those on a budget. A street in the Phra Nakhon district, known as Khao San Road, is considered to be the first international street where all kind of people from various part of the world can be seen.

Earlier Bangkok used to have a network of canals known as khlongs and these were used by people to transport them from one place to another. Now most canals have been converted into roads. However, there are still a few canals which can be seen but unfortunately most of them are not clean.

thailandbuddy.com

Where to go wining and dining in Bangkok

by Andy Burrows
First-time visitors might find Bangkok a bit overwhelming, especially when finding a nice place to dine. A dizzying array of Bangkok restaurants is located around town, with all kinds of food imaginable. Most of the upscale places usually have an extensive menu of drinks so you can sip a glass of wine and dine on good food at the same time.

Praised for their remarkable services, sumptuous food and jaw-dropping views of the city and the bewitching Chao Phraya River, Sirocco (tel: +66 2 624 9999) on the 64th floor of the State Tower on Silom road and Vertigo (tel: +66 2 679 1200) on the 61st floor of Banyan Tree Hotel on Sathorn road are definitely two of the best rooftop venues in Bangkok.

Serving first-class Mediterranean and Italian cuisines respectively, Sirocco and Vertigo are always booked up so it's a good idea to give them a call to reserve your table and secure your ultimate dining experience. Eating in Bangkok Rooftop bars are also available at these two venues, offering a wide range of very yummy but pricy cocktails and imported wines. If these places sound like they might burn a hole in your pocket, there are plenty of less expensive choices among Bangkok's bars and pubs.

Thai cuisine is definitely a must try once you are in Thailand. Although you might claim to have tasted Thai dishes before in your home country, there's nothing quite as fun as seeing your friend sweat like a pig after a spoonful of authentic, spicy tom yam kung in a Bangkok restaurant. Of course, you can always ask the cook to tone down the spiciness.

Typical Thai dishes can be found in every single local Bangkok restaurant across the city. However, those wishing to dine on Thai cuisine in an elegant style should try Baan Khanitha (tel: +66 2 675 4200) and Blue Elephant Cooking School & Restaurant (tel: +66 2 673 9353), both featuring royal, mild and garnished Thai dishes in a remarkable, upscale atmosphere.

Bangkok also has a full range of other Asian venues including Japanese, Chinese and Indian restaurants where you can eat. Japanese food lovers should try Tsu (tel: +66 2 656 7700) at JW Marriott Hotel and Keyaki at the Pan Pacific Hotel (tel: +66 2 632 9000), serving real Japanese food and fresh sashimi. Dim sum and other Chinese dishes can be found at the China House at the Oriental Hotel (tel: +66 2 659 9000) and at Bai Yun at the Banyan Tree Hotel (tel: +66 2 679 1200).

For those into spices and curries, Indus on Sukhumvit 26 (tel: +66 2 258 4900) and Royal Indian in the old town (tel: +66 2 221 6565) have an array of Indian dishes to please your palate, while live Indian music, silver-star services and scrumptious authentic Indian grub can be found at Rang Mahal at Rembrandt Hotel (tel: +66 2 261 7100) and Tandoor at Holiday Inn Hotel (tel: +66 2 238 4300).

Steak fans can also find a plenty of steakhouses in Bangkok however there are only a few worth trying. The most well-known for their mouthwatering yet pricy steaks is New York Steakhouse at JW Marriot Hotel (tel: +66 2 656 7700). For a family-styled steakhouse, try Great American Rib (tel: +66 2 258 5942) for its homey atmosphere and yummy ribs.

Italian cuisine is quite famous among locals and as a result, you can find Italian venues everywhere in the city. Some of the most notable ones include the 11-year-old Gianni Ristorante (tel: +66 2 252 1619) and Biscotti (tel: +66 2 255 5443) at the Four Seasons Hotel for their authentic Italian dishes with a creative twist. Meanwhile, Scoozi Pizzeria (tel: +66 2 391 5113) and Bella Napoli (tel: +66 2 259 0405) are famed for their pizzas and pastas.

If you want to find French food at a Bangkok restaurant, your best bet is to try one of the French eateries in the larger hotels. Bangkok's old favourite is Le Normandie at the Oriental Bangkok Hotel (tel: +66 2 659 9000), while Le Vendôme (tel: +66 2 662 0530) on Sukhumvit 31 is a renowned newcomer and possibly the only good French venue not situated in a hotel. A few fine German restaurants are scattered around Bangkok. Bei Otto (tel: +66 2 262 0892), the oldest German restaurant in Bangkok, serves a wide range of German beers, bakery items and yummy German grub. Bangkok's bars

Even though most restaurants aren't open into the early hours to serve starving party animals, you can always find countless street vendors with their mouthwatering street treats including BBQ chicken, meatballs and kebabs along Sukhumvit and Silom roads. Soi Nana (Sukhumvit soi 4) is very famous for its variety of tasty kebabs.

With a number of restaurants around town, no tourists will ever go hungry in Bangkok. You also don't have to worry too much about your weight as there are so many things to do in Bangkok that you will burn your calories in a flash. By activities, we mean shopping, of course!


goarticles.com

Thailand Diving Tour

by: Tara Alton
Are you ready to take the plunge? Receive your professional PADI dive certificate while staying at one of the most beautiful and unspoiled stretches of whitesand beach in all of southern Thailand. We are offering a package on the dates of June 10 through 20, 2005 that will include:

2 nights in Bangkok at a cozy, centrally located guesthouse with pickup from airport if desired
5 nights at beachside resort including meals, accommodation, 4 day dive course certificate, and transport to and from with guide.
Visit to elephant sanctuary within a national park
1 night in Hua Hin
2 additional nights in Bangkok
Our stay in the south cannot be rivaled in terms of comfort, quality and beauty. We will have the white sands and crystal blue waters virtually to ourselves. When not diving, options abound such as enjoying a relaxing Thai massage, swimming laps in the Olympic sized pool, playing beach volleyball, going on a firefly or squid boat tour in the evening or simply enjoying a good book under the palms. First rate accommodations include air conditioning, hot water and cable TV in every room.

For nature lovers, the grounds at the resort host the most exotic and beautiful flora in Thailand. In addition, fruits and vegetables are grown organically and eggs are raised naturally to supply the restaurant. The resort also utilizes a water reclamation system to irrigate the grounds, makes compost using kitchen scraps to fertilize the garden and uses energy efficient air conditioning in its newer rooms. In the ‘Play + Learn’ garden (Plearn) you can learn about the sustainable agriculture practiced here.

Our trip will also include a stop at an elephant sanctuary in a National Park. This is a rare opportunity to get off the beaten track and observe elephants, an esteemed national symbol, in their natural habitats. With a one night stop in Hua Hin, known for outstanding food and shopping, our package includes it all. While in Bangkok, your guide will navigate you through the sights, sounds and smells of this great city. Temples, restaurants, shopping and more!! We’ll show you the way.

This paradise has so much to offer, we invite you to come with us!

Itinerary

June 10

Available pickup from airport and drop off at Bangkok guesthouse.
June 11

Breakfast included today. Bangkok tour day, visit temples via river boat, China town and other highlights of the city.
June 12

Breakfast included. Travel day; down to resort.
June 13-16
PADI dive course at resort. Meals and accommodation included.
June 17

Stay in Hua Hin tonight via elephant sanctuary visit.
June 18

Travel day; back to Bangkok
June 19

Bangkok day; What would you like to do? Museums, shopping, nightlife…we’ll get you there! Breakfast included today.
June 20

Trip commences, breakfast included. Optional airport drop off if desired

articlecity

Thailand’s Vegetarian Festival

by: John Turner
First time visitors arriving in Thailand at the start of any October might be puzzled by the myriad of eye-catching bright yellow pennants displayed by street vendors or nowadays even strung out in front of restaurants. What it simply means is that the annual Vegetarian Festival is upon us once again.

This unique Thai festival had its origins on the southern island of Phuket some 180 years ago and has gradually spread to virtually all parts of the kingdom. Rather surprisingly, it is actually of Chinese origin and not really Thai at all. It began among the Chinese immigrants who had flocked to Phuket in the early 19th Century to work in the tin mines that once provided the island’s economy. According to local historians, about the year 1825, a mysterious epidemic struck the Chinese miners and their leaders met to discover the cause. They noted that the traditional Chinese rituals were being neglected, and the mining community was accordingly ordered to undergo a period of fasting as a penance. After nine days, the disease vanished as mystifyingly as it had arrived.

Now no one likes going hungry for days on end, so the village elders decided on a compromise. They vowed that each year on that anniversary the Chinese on the island would practice a period of cleansing by adopting a vegetarian diet. Offerings to the Chinese divinities would naturally be made and a strict code of conduct would be followed, which included sexual abstinence and foregoing the consumption of alcohol. As the years went by, something bizarre also took place. Individuals spontaneously began to be “possessed by spirits” during the festival and would take to impaling themselves with sharp object or slashing themselves with razor sharp knives. Yet once the spirit had left them, there would be no visible wounds or even the slightest scars. This Hindu like self-mutilation naturally drew Thai tourists to the island, and these Thais carried the idea of a vegetarian festival back to their home provinces.

Nowadays, the Vegetarian Festival is observed in virtually every fair sized city in Thailand. The yellow pennants one sees bear a Chinese character in red, with the Thai word “jeh” next to it. Both mean vegetarian. Any vendor displaying these flags will be selling flesh free food and the restaurants will have adapted their usual recipes to meatless cooking.

In Bangkok, the Vegetarian Festival is best seen in Yaowarat – the city’s picturesque Chinatown. It begins there on the first day of the 9th month of the Chinese lunar calendar with ceremonies similar to those on Phuket. Even before that, Chinatown residents will have started stocking up on vegetarian meat substitutes – usually high protein soy bean products, and it has been estimated that meat sales drop by as much as 70 percent during the ten days of the festival.

But the festival is not merely limited to Chinatown or the Chinese-Thais. Many ethnic Thais and even foreign expats welcome the change to a vegetarian diet, and perhaps one restaurant in five will switch over. In fact, vegetarian tourists have been known to plan their visits to the kingdom to coincide with this period.

The dishes offered during the Vegetarian Festival are nothing short of delightful. All of the Thai favourites are available, but with a slightly different twist. Instead of tom yam gung (spicy shrimp soup), there will be tom yam jeh (spicy vegetable soup). Gaeng matsaman, a delicious southern Thai curry made with chicken, potatoes, onions and peanuts, instead will have the chicken replaced by tofu. Gaeng kiao wan, a mild green curry usually made with chicken or fish, will now be made with soy protein. Mushrooms of all types will be used in abundance, and the big yellow Japanese soba noodles are used to produce a version of kweitiou pat Thai (noodles fried Thai style) that is well worth waiting for.

In fact, Thailand’s Vegetarian Festival is probably one of the best times to visit the country, even though it does fall within the rainy season. After all, you can always carry an umbrella. And the choices of food offered at this time of year rival the best of any cuisine that Asia has to offer.

So next time you come to Thailand, look for those yellow pennants. If it is not that time of year, just tell your waiter you want to try the aharn jeh, the dishes on the vegetarian menu. Most restaurants will have one. It makes a pleasant break from the usual meat heavy diet that is so common in the west.

Aharn jeh aroy mahk! Thai vegetarian food is delicious. Try it and see if you don’t agree. You should also visit us on http://www.foodinthai.com where you will be introduced to the origins and types of Thai food, Thai cooking, courses and the various Cooking Schools in Thailand. We hope you will stay with us and enjoy learning more about it.

foodinthai.com

Diving On Koh Tao In Thailand

by: Andy Perrin
Scuba diving is by far the biggest attraction on Ko Tao, and it is easy, fun, and you will see a lot of fish, perhaps even turtles, stingrays, barracuda, reef sharks, and even a whale shark if you get lucky

You will get good diving weather on Koh Tao apart from November, when the sea is choppy, and visibility is poorer than normal. The visibility can be over 40 metres during the rest of the year.

You will find a lot of dive operators on the island, and some of them offer accommodation. Just beware that when you read the accommodation is free, it’s not really, because they will offer discounts if you stay somewhere else.

In 2006 you will pay in the region of 10,000 bht for a PADI open water certificate, and this should include the new PADI training manual, proper professional instruction, rental equipment, boat dives etc. This may include insurance and basic accommodation, but shop around, and remember the methods of instruction may differ enormously.

A few hints include avoiding shops that use swimming pools to teach you in. You’ll find it cold, boring, and unhygienic, bearing in mind this is a very popular diving island, and they will have literally hundreds of students .

Choose one that will take you to a private beach so you will see fish and coral right away, it is a lot more interesting, and you will probably get more dives!!

It’s also a good idea to find a dive shop that has its own private pier, so you won’t have to climb over other boats at the pier, although you won’t be carrying your dive gear, that should be carried by a Dive Master Trainee. In addition you ought to ask how many students there will be in your group, because there should not be more than a small handful, if they tell you there will be more than ten then look elsewhere. You want personal tuition for something as important as this, and you want your course to be really enjoyable.

If you are looking for specific dive shops, this list whilst by no means exhaustive, is at least a starting point.

1. Coral Grand . Located in a much quieter area than the other dive shops, at the far end of the beach, the hotel is more upmarket than most on the island although the 'free' rooms are still basic. Operates 2 dive boats plus a speed boat.

2. Divepoint . Located in Mae Haad on the waterfront. Divepoint has probably the nicest dive boat on the island, big enough that you won't have to carry your gear to and from it. PADI and SSI.

3. Easy Divers. Fantastic Dive Shop with really experienced instructors. Professional and fun with great accommodation. Based right in the heart of Ko Tao.

4. IDC Ko Tao. Instructor development courses (IDC's) run every month by English PADI Course Director Matt Bolton.

5. Phoenix Divers. Right on Sairee Beach, has good boats, new gear and multilingual often western staff.

6. Stingray Divers. Very modern dive resort overlooking Chalok Ban Khao Bay.

Hope this information helps you to have great diving experience on Koh Tao.

worldwidevacationspots.com

Thailand: homestays and villas vs. hotels

by: Simon Hantly
More and more people today seek fulfilling holidays at cheaper rates. The days of booking holidays at a local travel agent and disappearing on a package tour are dwindling, as vacationers turn to the internet to seek alternatives.

Renting a private house is becoming more and more common as visitors seek authenticity, privacy, independence, and originality whilst on holiday. And if such a stay also offers the possibility of direct interaction with the locals and costs less than a hotel stay, the attractions are manifold.

In Thailand,more and more properties are now available for direct rent from their owners on a daily or weekly basis. Thailand’s real estate boom has helped develop the number of villas and holiday homes available. It is in general a pity that these properties still tend to be huddled together in the mass tourism markets of Pattaya, Phuket, and Koh Samui, which somewhat defeats the original attractions of an independent holiday home.

However, looking more closely, it is not difficult to narrow down one’s search and to locate private properties for rent at highly attractive rates in original destinations. And in accordance with the Thais’ legendary hospitality, these villas are even occasionally rented out more as if friends – rather than paying guests - were being accommodated: meals are cooked for you, transport arranged, and invitations made to local ceremonies or festivals. In short, the Thais have realized that, whilst some guests may prefer privacy, others seek a genuine interaction at the local level with the country’s inhabitants, as they seek a memorable local experience instead of a manufactured stay.

Our exploration of Thailand’s holiday home rentals led us to several very different properties, and clearly, whilst the supply is not huge, the attractions of these homes, the hospitality of the Thais, the zing of the delicious food and the promise of sun all make these properties a marvelous holiday alternative.

We particularly enjoyed our stay at “Gecko Villa”. From the outset, their comprehensive website (http://www.geckovilla.com) gave full details of the property, with numerous photographs and an online availability checker. Our email reservation was responded to rapidly, and helpful suggestions made about getting to the destination.

Upon arrival we were met at the airport by the smiling owners and driven to the large house that was set in the middle of emerald rice paddies, sugar cane plantations and woodlands. The property was set on extensive grounds guaranteeing privacy by our own pool, and the bedrooms and facilities all lived up to or surpassed what we had seen described on the internet. The kitchen showed up our own kitchen at home, and the shower garden in the master bedroom was a delightful touch.

When we said we loved Thai food, we were delighted to be taken off around the grounds to pick our own herbs and spices – including strange plants that we had never considered using in the pot – before being shown how to make genuine Thai and Northeaster dishes. The owners seemed genuinely pleased to be able to impart their knowledge and love of food – and we were equally happy to have this cooking lesson provided at no cost!

The property was fully serviced and the rate we paid covered all our meals and even generous quantities of cool beer and fresh fruit juices. And as we were there in the mango season, we were encouraged to simply help ourselves to the fresh fruit straight from the trees…

It was rare to find a house deep in the Thai countryside, and truly off the beaten tourist track, that offered every comfort for a relaxing stay in the real Thailand. The Visitors’ Book was full of glowing comments and the many repeat guests bore testimony to the visitors’ enjoyment of their stays, not only because of the property itself but because of the genuine welcome they received.

Tips on booking holiday homes:

• Try to book directly with the property site. Searches tend to list global villa rental sites that generally take a commission on your stay, making it more expensive, and in some cases try to prevent you from contacting the owners directly.

• Look for an individual property rather than a house in a villa development. The latter are often managed by hotel groups and simply glorified hotel rooms – at hotel rates!

• Travel in the off , but book early. Better rates can generally be found for travel out of the tourist seasons, but do make sure you book ahead, as when a standalone villa is booked, it is booked!

• Make sure the property you choose has a telephone and address listed.

• Travel somewhere new! Much of the fun of your own holiday house is the way it can take you out of the tourist centres to enjoy a more authentic holiday.

Airlines

Thai Airways, Thailand’s flag carrier offers numerous domestic flights, but savvy travelers will turn to the local discount airlines. These offer frequent flights at a fraction of the price and in relative comfort. Try Nok Air (http://www.nokair.com) or Air Asia (http://www.airasia.com).

articlecity

Sailing from Phuket for a day

by Andy Burrows
The marine industry has shot up since the Thai government lowered boat import tax from 200 per cent down to 0 per cent. Sailors here will not want for spectacular scenery and sailing. The deep-blue water sailing of the Andaman Sea off the west coast is a joy for all yachties, while the east coast calm Phang Nga Bay offers year-round activity and spectacular, unique scenery.

Phuket's powdery-sanded west coast beaches and the dark, deep blue waters are famed the world over. The west coast also offers the highest concentration of entertainment and accommodation. However, all the marinas are on the southern and eastern coasts, which are sheltered all year round.

"The sailing here is incredible," says Bob Welders, a tourist from Australia, "I spend most of my time on the water and the rest eating the great seafood and partying in Patong - you can't beat Phuket."

Marinas are all the craze in Phuket and are popping up anywhere possible, to accommodate the rich influx of yachts from around the world. Many yachties are moving towards relocating their yachts from Europe or the Caribbean as mooring fees are much lower. The island is shaping itself as an international yachting and sailing centre.

Thus, you'll have no problems finding a daytrip sailing from Phuket. Phuket online tourist resource There are a range of charting companies as well as schools offering ASA and RYA certification. Those wanting to sail the Andaman for a day will probably head for the Similan Islands. This collection of nine incredible islands is located in a marine national park, which has kept them picture perfect. The Similans are a top diving destination and the sands above are no less stunning than the corals below.

The other option, and probably the best option during the green season, is to take your sailing to the east coast, to the waters of Phang Nga Bay. The islands and karst rock formations dotted all through the bay provide the most unique scenery in the world. Besides tying up and swimming to the uninhabited rocks and beaches, you can spend time exploring the 'haung' ('rooms' open to the sky and surrounded by rock, accessed by walking or wading through a cave entrance).

If you're looking for a restaurant, try sailing to Koh Yao Noi and visit The Paradise, where lunch is served in an open-air pavilion on the beach. Nearby Koh Yao Yai is the largest island in Phang Nga Bay and it takes roughly an hour to get there by sailboat.

You won't want to miss the Phi Phi Islands, just a few hours sail away. Phi Phi Don is the largest island and popular with a younger crowd for its diving, cute bungalows and extensive nightlife. The national park beaches of Phi Phi Leh, the location for the filming of the 1990s movie The Beach, have a pretty and relaxed atmosphere. Beyond Phi Phi is Krabi, which is reserved and much like Phuket was back in the 1980s.

Closer to Phuket, just 20kms away, lie the islands of Koh Racha Yai and Noi. These are both still undeveloped for the most part and Racha Yai offers accommodation. Phuket cruising guide There are two beaches on Racha Yai, one deep and one shallow - but both lovely. Koh Khai is just within sight of the eastern shore of Phuket and good for snorkelling.