Modern Thailand, new tourists

By Derek Miller
Of all of the places to visit in South-east Asia, the Kingdom of Thailand is easily the most popular with Western travellers.

Attracted initially by the flavors of old Siam, the stunning natural beauty of the islands, beaches and mountains of the North and the warmth of the Thai people, many visitors never leave or come back time and again.

What tends to anchor travellers and secure repeat trippers are the convenience of easy access to most Western โ€˜necessitiesโ€™. In many parts of Thailand access to fast-food chains, bookshops, video stores or English language TV is easily available.

At the same time the throbbing Tuk-tuks, the street hawkers selling chocolate coated grasshoppers and the long-tail boats jetting down pungent canals never let anyone forget where they are. Even the French-fries will be served with a sachet of chilli sauce.

Western amenities are not the only home-comforts for the tourist in Thailand; western standards are also becoming the norm too. The standards of many of the international hospitals in Bangkok (and elsewhere) are truly world class and often the hospitality they offer really sets them apart.

Traditionally visitors to Thailand have included the budget travellers, the sex tourists, the beachcombers, the middle-aged world tourists and the businessmen but these days more and more people are coming here specifically for the medical facilities. The rationale is why not combine a relaxing beach holiday with dental work, cosmetic surgery or even elective surgery?

Especially when the standards of medical treatment can rival any in the world and the low prices mean that those relaxing weeks on the beach are effectively an idyllic free recuperation.

Thailand is so ready to receive Western tourist these days that many of the old frustrations have been completely eliminated. Also the ability of most Thais to be able to offer basic assistance in English helps things run smoothly.

However, as with visiting any foreign country, some care should be taken in communicating with people to minimize those awkward misunderstandings. In Asia particularly it is important not to show anger or impatience as it will only count against you. Also, choose your words carefully to be easy to understand. Listening to irate โ€˜Farangsโ€™ shouting โ€˜Department of Consular Affairsโ€™ at a wide-eyed motorcycle taxi driver in Bangkok can be extremely tiring for all concerned and unlikely to be successful for the tourist.

Now that Bangkok has state-of-the-art mass transit in its unique sky train and ultra-modern underground rail system it is a lot less draining to move around this sprawling metropolis. The systems donโ€™t cover every part of the city yet but you can travel in comfort to the area you want first, so to eliminate those interminable cross-town taxi or bus rides.
http://www.articles-hub.com

Visit Thailand - The Land Of Buddha

Barney Garcia |
Thailand is the perfect tourist destination for nature lovers, shopping lovers and for the followers of Buddhism. Thailand is all these teemed together and much more. Situated in the heart of South East Asia, Thailand has some of the best Buddhist temples, which offer peace, serenity and tranquility.

The Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha

The temples and monasteries of Thailand date back to a few hundred years. The Emerald Buddha Temple is one of the most sacred sites in Thailand and requires visitors to be properly dressed before they can enter the holy place. The Jade statue of the Lord, which is elevated off the ground is a visual treat for visitiors. This temple occupies just one corner of the court of the grand Palace.

Magnificent Bangkok

You must be out of your mind, if you visit Thailand and leave without visiting Bangkok. The capital of Thailand has everything that a tourist can dream of. Shopping plazas, Temples, Museums, Hotels offering exquisite Thai food, Islands, Beaches, Tall high-rises and a sprawling nightlife, Bangkok has it all. Be it the largest building in the world to be made of Teak wood, in Vinmanmek Teak Mansion, or the 46 meter long statue of reclining Buddha in the Wat Pho temple, you will never ceased to be stunned by the beauty of Thailand.

Shopping enthusiasts can head off to Siam Square, which is one of the most popular shopper's destinations in Thailand. Ma Boon Krong and Siam Center are two of the biggest shopping centers here. You can spend an entire day here and yet comeback unsatisfied. There are so many restaurants, theatres and shops to keep you busy. Thailand also has cheap roadside shopping opportunities for tourists who do not wish to blow away much money on shopping.

For Nature Lovers

Nature lovers can head straight to the Ko Chang national park that has many activities. Apart from the wildlife, tourists can also pursue diving, snorkeling or elephant riding over here. The place usually overflows with tourists all the time. Beach lovers can head off to Pataya, which is a pretty serene beach. It is located just 150 kms away from Bangkok.

Go discover Thailand!!

http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/visit-thailand-the-land-of-buddha-43257.html

Thailand Travel 10 Tips

Author: sarawut
1. Koh Chang – Don’t stop at only Koh Chang because Koh Mak, Koh Kood and Islands surrounding Koh Chang also have more beautiful beaches and water.

2. Chiang Mai – Try to find hotels outside of the city such as on Hangdong – Samoeng and Samoeng – Sankamphaeng routes because there are better views and hotels along the mentioned route are less expensive than the hotel in the city with the same standard. The true nature of northern Thailand can also be experienced.

3. Phuket – Don’t pay too much attention to sea-view rooms because the limitation in space. The sea could not be seen directly from rooms in most hotels. The tourist should pay more attention to the standard of the hotel and the distance from the beach.

4. Koh Samui – If you have limited fund, the best way to travel to Koh Samui is by speed boat from Lomprayah Catamaran Company. Lomprayah offers less expensive service than taxi for hire and service provided by the hotel directly. Nevertheless, if you have no problem with fund, you should hire a taxi because this would create job for the locals.

5. Andaman Sea – Trang Sea is as beautiful and interesting as nearby provinces such as Krabi. The prominent tourist spots in Andaman Sea are Koh Libong, Koh Hai, etc.

6. Krabi – Although Railay beach in on the mainland, you still have to travel by boat from Ao Nang beach because it is surrounded by mountain and cannot get to by land transportation.

7. Pattaya – North Pattaya beach and Central Pattaya beach have many facilities but the true nature can be found at Koh Lan, which is 7.5 kilometer from Pattaya. You can get there in 45 minutes by regular boat and 15 minutes by speedboat.

8. Hua Hin – Hua Hin is a popular beach that is close to Bangkok but that does not mean that it is the most beautiful. Not far from Hua Hin, Pranburi beach is much quieter and more suitable for relaxation but the transportation may not be as convenience as at Hua Hin.

9. Koh Samet – You should contact travel agency or the hotel in order to find out which pier to get on the boat. Some hotels provide their own service. Don’t trust strangers because you might end up higher price.

10. Bangkok – Jatujak market has products from all over the country e.g. cloths, decoration, house hold items, souvenir, food, pet, etc.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/thailand-travel-10-tips-97663.html