Travel to Thailand and enjoy the excitement and intrigue of a whole new culture. In fact one of the best ways to see Thailand is by taking a tour.
This tour is a great choice for anyone who is experiencing Thailand for the first time. You’ll begin your adventure in Belgin in Bangkok.
DAY 1: ARRIVE BANGKOK
Arrive in Bangkok where a local representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for a three-night stay.
DAY 2: BANGKOK
Your guide and driver will escort you on a private longtail boat ride along the Chao Phraya River and its residential canals. You’ll visit Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn Next the Grand Palace, the ceremonial home of the Thai Royal Family. Then visit the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew, the temple that houses the Emerald Buddha the country's most sacred religious image. Then it’s off to Wat Po which is home to the School of Thai Massage. You’ll loop back to Bangkok's central market, a labyrinthine maze of stalls alongside the Chao Praya River.
You’ll visit Bangkok’s flower market where beautifully traditionally dressed women will greet you and offer you flowers. Then it’s off to the silky tycoons Jim Thompson’s home which is filled with an incredible collection of Asian art and antiques. During the evening you can check out Thailand's excellent cuisine.
DAY 3: BANGKOK
Early in the morning you’ll witness the monks practicing their chants at the Marble Temple. Proceed to the Monks Bowl Alley, one of the few places where traditional alms bowls are still handcrafted. Next you’ll get to tour the private Prasart Museum on a Bangkok estate which is surrounded by lush gardens and home to a private collection of Thai and other Southeast Asian art and artifacts dating back to the 13th century. The afternoon will be yours to spend as you like exploring the sights and sounds of Bangkok.
DAY 4: BANGKOK - CHIANG RAI
Today you’ll fly to Chiang Rai, the first capital of the ancient Lanna Thai kingdom, for a two-night stay. Once you’re settled in your hotel you’ll embark on a full day Golden Triangle excursion. You’ll first stop at the Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park where you can stroll along the beautiful botanical gardens, visit the golden pavilion, and admire the collection of northern Thai religious and secular art. From there it’s off to Mae Sai, the northernmost point in Thailand and an excellent stop for shoppers. Then you’ll cross into Myanmar and visit the market at Tachilek. After lunch it’s off to the Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar converge. Then you’ll take a drive along the Mekong River to the ancient ruins of Chiang Saen. You’ll be back at your hotel by sundown in time to enjoy the night culture.
DAY 5: CHIANG RAI
The early morning starts with a boat ride up the Mae Kok River to the Karen village of Ruam Mitr followed by a two-hour elephant ride through rice paddies and precarious ridges. Then you’ll visit Yao hilltribe village where our representative will pick you up for a picnic lunch at Ya Pou. Spend some time walking to the Lahu village of Jaleh, and if you’re energetic continuing for another hour along the trail to the local waterfall. You’ll return to Chiang Rai by late afternoon and it’s time to explore on your own or take a peaceful nap.
DAY 6: CHIANG RAI - CHIANG MAI
You’ll depart by car for the northern city of Chiang Mai, where you will spend three nights. After you’ve settled into your room the rest of the day and evening are at your leisure. But be sure to visit the festive Night Bazaar.
DAY 7: CHIANG MAI
Day 7 is a full day of private touring where you get to explore the city and numerous Lanna Thai temples of Chiang Mai. You’ll start with the mountain temple of Doi Suthep. Here you’ll find 300 intricately carved steps that lead to the temple gate. And what a view of Chiang Mai! After exploring Doi Suthep you’ll stop in at Wat Chedi Luang, the original home of the Emerald Buddha. Finally you’ll take a city tour through Chiang Mai which is considered the second most important city in Thailand, and it has an entirely different feel than bustling Bangkok.
DAY 8: CHIANG MAI
You’ll have the day to explore and enjoy the facilities at your resort.
DAY 9: CHIANG MAI - PHUKET
This morning you’lll be transferred to the airport for the flight to the resort island of Phuket, located in southern Thailand. You’ll spend a three relaxing nights at the resort
DAYS 10 - 11: PHUKET
For the next few days you’ll get to enjoy the splendor the white sand beaches and towering limestone stacks rising vertically from gentle, lapping aquamarine waters in Phuket. . Take a cruise, go sailing, snorkeling, or just relax.
DAY 12: PHUKET - BANGKOK
Today you will fly to Bangkok where you’ll be driven to your hotel for an overnight stay.
DAY 13: DEPART BANGKOK
It’s off to the airport for your flight home’
You’ll have wonderful memories to share with friends and family when you return! This is will be one of the best vacations you ever take!
http://www.articleclick.com/take-the-discover-thailand-tour.html
Showing posts with label tourist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tourist. Show all posts
2007/08/21
2007/08/19
Thailand - Asia's primary destination
by M. Ellis
Over six million foreigners fly into Thailand each year. It has become Asia's primary holiday destination and is well located, serviced and popular as a first stop on any overland journey through Southeast Asia.
Tourist money has played a significant part in the country's recent development. Yet amazingly Thailand's cultural integrity remains largely undamaged. In this country of fifty-three million people, over 90% are practicing Theravada Buddhists. King Bhumibol is a revered figure across his nation. Temple rooftops and saffron-robed monks dominate the entire country. Though some cities and beach resorts are have been westernized by high-rises and neon lights, the typical Thai community is the traditional farming villager. Still true to this day, ninety percent of Thais still earn their living from the land.
Most journeys start in Bangkok . It can be an overwhelming introduction to Southeast Asia, as Bangkok is characterized with its chaos, noise and pollution, but there are traveller-oriented guesthouses in droves here, and many spectacular temples to visit. It's also the best place for arranging onward travel and visas for neighboring countries. A popular side-trip from the city takes in the raft houses of Kanchanaburi, the infamous site of the Bridge over the River Kwai. After Bangkok, most travelers head north, via the ancient capitals of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai . They head to the enjoyable ad laid-back city of Chiang Mai. There, very often, treks are organised to the nearby hilltribe villages.
If tranquility is what you are after, you will find it in the countryside up in the northern highlands around Mae Hong Son and along the Mekong River in Thailand's northeast (Isaan). There you can stay in village guesthouses or even family shacks if you are lucky, then hop across the border into Laos. In northeast you will find two fine ancient Khmer ruins at Phimai and Phanom Rung, they are certainly worth a visit and give you something to boast about, as the are much less frequented by tourists. There is also Thailands most popular national park, Khao Yai .
After trekking, cycling, white water rafting or going for an elephant ride, as well as the rural relaxation experience, most visitors head for the beach - and Thailand's eastern and southern coasts are lined with magnificent white-sand shores, aquamarine seas and kaleidoscopic reefs. The most popular beaches in Thailand with its foreign visitors are the east coast backpackers' resorts of Ko Samet and Ko Chang, the Andaman coast of Laem Phra Nang, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lanta and Ko Tarutao and the Gulf Coast islands of Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao,. The southern island of Phuket as well as the east coast resort of Pattaya are more expensive, package-tour oriented areas. In the furthest part south, Thailand merges seamlessly with Malaysia. There are plenty of border crossing points there and the city of Hat Yai offers travellers long-distance bus and rail links to many Malaysian towns. Crossing over to Cambodia overland, alas, is not so easy, however, there are two crossings currently open, Poipet and Trat.
The climate of most of Thailand is governed by three seasons: rainy (roughly June to October), caused by the southwest monsoon; cool (November to February); and hot (March to May). The cool season is certainly the best time to visit, with Christam being the peak season for Thailand. In the hot season, temperatures can rise to 40°C. The rainy season hits the Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi) harder than anywhere else in the country and usually heavy rains persist from May to October. On the other hand, The Gulf coast (Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao) hardly sees any rain between June and September, but is hit heavily by the northeast monsoon, brings torrential rain between October and January.
www.wishtotravel.com
2007/08/18
Phuket as a tourist destination
Phuket the biggest island of Thailand, is approximately as big as Singapore and lies exactly 867 kilometres south of Bangkok surrounded by the Andaman sea in the Indian ocean.
The wealth of Phuket comes originally from its tinmines and its kautschuk. The island lies on a traditional trade route between India and China and is displayed often the logbooks of old foreign ships . The historical influences on Thailand are numerous. Even today houses built at the end of the 19th century bear witness to Chinese and Portuguese influence.
The Portuguese, French, Dutch and English traded peacefully with Phuket / Thailand.
Other visitors came with less peaceful intention. The most famous monument in Phuket is from the heroines Thao Thepkasattri and Thao Sisunthon, who led the islanders successfully against an invasion by the Burmese in 1785.
Phuket has wonderful bays and sandy beaches with palm trees. Towards the interior of the island you will find jungle, waterfalls and lakes. The gastronomy and hotels are exquisite. All possibilities for sports and leisure are available.
On Phuket you can find everything to make your holiday an unforgetable experience.
Probably the main attraction of Phuket is its stunningly beautiful coastline. There are soflty rising sandy beaches with calm water and rocky cliffs with wild surge. From the northern tip of Phuket, where the Sarasin-Bridge connects the island with the mainland, range the following beaches and places of interest:
Phuket-Town:
The provincial town is a sleepy town, but also a popular aim for shopping bargains. Neat colonial style residences and tradehouses, which were built in the 19th century from the tin and kautschuk barons, as well as shady arcades give it this very special character.
Rang Hill:
Located on the hill top adjacent to Phuket town. Enjoy a meal or a drink whilst enjoying a birds eye view of the hustle and bustle below. There is also a fitness-park.
The Thai Village:
In this thai village at the Thepkasattri Road you can have a typical southern Thai lunch. There is also a cultural show with Thai dancing, sword fighting, Thai kickboxing, a performance of local customs and a elefant show. You also can buy typical handycrafts.
Thalang National Museum:
Not far away from the monument of the two heroines is the Thalang National Museum. Within the museum is a permanent exhibition about the life on Phuket/Thailand. There are also artefacts and excavations exposed, which have been found at the coast, as well as souvenirs of the war with the burmese.
Mai Khao Beach (40 kilometers from Town):
This sandy beach lined by pines is the largest beach on phuket. From November to February giant turtles come onto shore to lay their eggs.
Nai Yang Beach (30 kilometers from Phuket Town):
is part of the Sirinath National Park. The biggest part of the woody beach contains of Casurina-pine-trees. There are also wide mangrove woods. The quiet surrounding makes it the perfect beach to relax, have a picnic, swim and snorkel.
Wat Phra Thong:
This temple is situated inland from Nai Yang beach and shelters a Buddha statue, which is partly buried underground. The legend says, that once a boy tied his waterbufflo to a protrusion from the ground. At this place both, the boy and the water buffalo became sick. The villagers started to dig and discovered, the pile was the golden tuft of hair of a Buddha statue. Nevertheless they weren't able to free more than the upper part of the statue. Thereupon they built a temple above. In the year 1785 burmese aggressores tried again, to fully excavate the statue, but they also failed, being attacked by a swarm of hornets.
Ton Sai Waterfall Forest Park & Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Park (22 kilometers from Phuket Town):
This 22 square kilometre national park teems with bears, porcupines, gibbons and makak-monkeys, lizards and more than 100 different kind of birds.
Roaring waterfalls provide the perfect resting place to cool down.
Pansea Bay, Surin Beach, Sing Cape & Kamala Beach (24 kilometers from Phuket Town):
These beaches lie very close together. Due to the high waves and the undertow it isn't recomended to swim at Surin beach. But there are beautyful sunsets to be seen. On the other hand the north end of Kamala beach is relatively safe for swimming.
Patong Beach (15 kilometers from Phuket Town):
The most developed beach of Phuket offers a huge variety of Leisure possibilities. Three kilometres of shopping, windsurfing, snorkeling, sailing, swimming and sunbathing. The nummerous restaurants invite you to sample cuisine from around the globe. There are a number of excellent seafood restaurants.
Karon and Kata Beach (20 - 17 kilometers from Phuket Town):
Both beaches are very long, relatively quiet and perfect for swimming, snorkeling, sailing and sunbathing.
Nai Harn Beach (18 kilometers from Phuket Town):
A white sandy beach with a shallow lagoon in between two rocky cliffs. Home to the royal meridien yacht club, Nai Harn provides for good swimming, sailing, sunbathing.
Phromthep Cape:
This cape, the southern tip of Phuket, directly follows Nai Harn Beach. The best place on the island to view the sunset. Although, can get crowded at weekends.
Rawai Beach (17 kilometers from Phuket Town):
This beach, lined by palm trees is famous because of the sea gipsies, who live there. This is a pebble rather than sandy beach. The best place to charter a longtail boat to one of the many islands surrounding Phuket.
Chalong Bay (11 kilometers from Phuket Town):
The restaurants here serve the best seafood all over Phuket.
Wat Chalong:
Inside the buddhist temple some kilometres up-country from Chalong beach are the statues of the most worshiped buddhist monks: Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang.
Phanwa Cape (10 kilometers from Phuket Town):
On the southern tip of this peninsula is the oceanographic institut and the Phuket aquarium, where you can see hundrets of exotic marine inhabitants of the waters around Phuket.
Pearl Farms:
On the neighbouring islands of Nakha, Rang Noi, Rang Yai and Bon are pearl farms. Special permission is required to survey them.
http://mellow-phuket.com/phuket.htm
The wealth of Phuket comes originally from its tinmines and its kautschuk. The island lies on a traditional trade route between India and China and is displayed often the logbooks of old foreign ships . The historical influences on Thailand are numerous. Even today houses built at the end of the 19th century bear witness to Chinese and Portuguese influence.
The Portuguese, French, Dutch and English traded peacefully with Phuket / Thailand.
Other visitors came with less peaceful intention. The most famous monument in Phuket is from the heroines Thao Thepkasattri and Thao Sisunthon, who led the islanders successfully against an invasion by the Burmese in 1785.
Phuket has wonderful bays and sandy beaches with palm trees. Towards the interior of the island you will find jungle, waterfalls and lakes. The gastronomy and hotels are exquisite. All possibilities for sports and leisure are available.
On Phuket you can find everything to make your holiday an unforgetable experience.
Probably the main attraction of Phuket is its stunningly beautiful coastline. There are soflty rising sandy beaches with calm water and rocky cliffs with wild surge. From the northern tip of Phuket, where the Sarasin-Bridge connects the island with the mainland, range the following beaches and places of interest:
Phuket-Town:
The provincial town is a sleepy town, but also a popular aim for shopping bargains. Neat colonial style residences and tradehouses, which were built in the 19th century from the tin and kautschuk barons, as well as shady arcades give it this very special character.
Rang Hill:
Located on the hill top adjacent to Phuket town. Enjoy a meal or a drink whilst enjoying a birds eye view of the hustle and bustle below. There is also a fitness-park.
The Thai Village:
In this thai village at the Thepkasattri Road you can have a typical southern Thai lunch. There is also a cultural show with Thai dancing, sword fighting, Thai kickboxing, a performance of local customs and a elefant show. You also can buy typical handycrafts.
Thalang National Museum:
Not far away from the monument of the two heroines is the Thalang National Museum. Within the museum is a permanent exhibition about the life on Phuket/Thailand. There are also artefacts and excavations exposed, which have been found at the coast, as well as souvenirs of the war with the burmese.
Mai Khao Beach (40 kilometers from Town):
This sandy beach lined by pines is the largest beach on phuket. From November to February giant turtles come onto shore to lay their eggs.
Nai Yang Beach (30 kilometers from Phuket Town):
is part of the Sirinath National Park. The biggest part of the woody beach contains of Casurina-pine-trees. There are also wide mangrove woods. The quiet surrounding makes it the perfect beach to relax, have a picnic, swim and snorkel.
Wat Phra Thong:
This temple is situated inland from Nai Yang beach and shelters a Buddha statue, which is partly buried underground. The legend says, that once a boy tied his waterbufflo to a protrusion from the ground. At this place both, the boy and the water buffalo became sick. The villagers started to dig and discovered, the pile was the golden tuft of hair of a Buddha statue. Nevertheless they weren't able to free more than the upper part of the statue. Thereupon they built a temple above. In the year 1785 burmese aggressores tried again, to fully excavate the statue, but they also failed, being attacked by a swarm of hornets.
Ton Sai Waterfall Forest Park & Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Park (22 kilometers from Phuket Town):
This 22 square kilometre national park teems with bears, porcupines, gibbons and makak-monkeys, lizards and more than 100 different kind of birds.
Roaring waterfalls provide the perfect resting place to cool down.
Pansea Bay, Surin Beach, Sing Cape & Kamala Beach (24 kilometers from Phuket Town):
These beaches lie very close together. Due to the high waves and the undertow it isn't recomended to swim at Surin beach. But there are beautyful sunsets to be seen. On the other hand the north end of Kamala beach is relatively safe for swimming.
Patong Beach (15 kilometers from Phuket Town):
The most developed beach of Phuket offers a huge variety of Leisure possibilities. Three kilometres of shopping, windsurfing, snorkeling, sailing, swimming and sunbathing. The nummerous restaurants invite you to sample cuisine from around the globe. There are a number of excellent seafood restaurants.
Karon and Kata Beach (20 - 17 kilometers from Phuket Town):
Both beaches are very long, relatively quiet and perfect for swimming, snorkeling, sailing and sunbathing.
Nai Harn Beach (18 kilometers from Phuket Town):
A white sandy beach with a shallow lagoon in between two rocky cliffs. Home to the royal meridien yacht club, Nai Harn provides for good swimming, sailing, sunbathing.
Phromthep Cape:
This cape, the southern tip of Phuket, directly follows Nai Harn Beach. The best place on the island to view the sunset. Although, can get crowded at weekends.
Rawai Beach (17 kilometers from Phuket Town):
This beach, lined by palm trees is famous because of the sea gipsies, who live there. This is a pebble rather than sandy beach. The best place to charter a longtail boat to one of the many islands surrounding Phuket.
Chalong Bay (11 kilometers from Phuket Town):
The restaurants here serve the best seafood all over Phuket.
Wat Chalong:
Inside the buddhist temple some kilometres up-country from Chalong beach are the statues of the most worshiped buddhist monks: Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang.
Phanwa Cape (10 kilometers from Phuket Town):
On the southern tip of this peninsula is the oceanographic institut and the Phuket aquarium, where you can see hundrets of exotic marine inhabitants of the waters around Phuket.
Pearl Farms:
On the neighbouring islands of Nakha, Rang Noi, Rang Yai and Bon are pearl farms. Special permission is required to survey them.
http://mellow-phuket.com/phuket.htm
2007/08/07
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
2007/07/29
On Arrival At Bangkok You Must...
by Tim Ryan
Even before you arrive in Bangkok you would be wise to check upon the visa requirements for your particular nationality. Most persons of western nationality however will be provided automatically with a 30 day tourist visa.
On expiration of this Visa you will usually be able to extend it at the Immigration centre on 'Suan Plu' Road in downtown Bangkok for a maximum of 14 days. After this period expires visitors would than have to leave the country or risk being fined. If you know you are going to stay for longer than this period consider applying for a visa in advance from your home country where double entry and triple entry visas maybe available for you. A double entry visa if extended in Suan Plu twice can get you up to 6 months on a tourst visa whilst only leaving the country once.
In the past tourists could simply leave the country every thirty days and return on the same day to reveive another new thity day visa. however the Thai government are seemingly tightening up on this practise and enforcing several other laws and procedures to make this practise less feasible on a continuous basis.
If you arriving via the International airport be aware that you will immediately be accosted by the usual army of touts offering you taxi services and so on. A metred taxi should cost around 300 baht to downtown area but you will most likely have to negotiate a fixed price for the journey as the Taxi drivers realise they have a captive market and will be unlikely to settle for the metred price.
One alternative is to use the bus shuttle service which runs to all the main tourist centres including Khao Sahn Road (Banglampoo area)for 150 baht. These buses tend to leave every half an hour with the trip downtown taking about the same time span again.
Many travellers arrive weary and are in no fit state to do the currency conversions in their head so it pays to have a bit of fore knowledge. $10 at the moment gets you roughly 300 baht and 10UK pound will get you in the region of 600 baht (double check at Money Transfer Review.com). One final tip when handing over 1000 baht notes say the amount out loud so they are aware that you know it is a thousand baht note and they don't give you change for the wrong amount. It can be suprisingly easily to be short changed when using unfamiliar notes, especially with jet lag!
goarticles.com
Even before you arrive in Bangkok you would be wise to check upon the visa requirements for your particular nationality. Most persons of western nationality however will be provided automatically with a 30 day tourist visa.
On expiration of this Visa you will usually be able to extend it at the Immigration centre on 'Suan Plu' Road in downtown Bangkok for a maximum of 14 days. After this period expires visitors would than have to leave the country or risk being fined. If you know you are going to stay for longer than this period consider applying for a visa in advance from your home country where double entry and triple entry visas maybe available for you. A double entry visa if extended in Suan Plu twice can get you up to 6 months on a tourst visa whilst only leaving the country once.
In the past tourists could simply leave the country every thirty days and return on the same day to reveive another new thity day visa. however the Thai government are seemingly tightening up on this practise and enforcing several other laws and procedures to make this practise less feasible on a continuous basis.
If you arriving via the International airport be aware that you will immediately be accosted by the usual army of touts offering you taxi services and so on. A metred taxi should cost around 300 baht to downtown area but you will most likely have to negotiate a fixed price for the journey as the Taxi drivers realise they have a captive market and will be unlikely to settle for the metred price.
One alternative is to use the bus shuttle service which runs to all the main tourist centres including Khao Sahn Road (Banglampoo area)for 150 baht. These buses tend to leave every half an hour with the trip downtown taking about the same time span again.
Many travellers arrive weary and are in no fit state to do the currency conversions in their head so it pays to have a bit of fore knowledge. $10 at the moment gets you roughly 300 baht and 10UK pound will get you in the region of 600 baht (double check at Money Transfer Review.com). One final tip when handing over 1000 baht notes say the amount out loud so they are aware that you know it is a thousand baht note and they don't give you change for the wrong amount. It can be suprisingly easily to be short changed when using unfamiliar notes, especially with jet lag!
goarticles.com
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