Thee Lor Su
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Thailand: Introduction
The Kingdom of Thailand is a country that is full of surprises, it has more visitors than any other Southeast Asian country and offers an eclectic mixture of experiences that serve to leave an indelible mark on all who enter the country's warmth and beauty. To explore Bangkok is to explore Asia at its most raw and unspoiled. The modern world has more than intruded upon Thailand. It has torn it apart, redefined it -- but what is unique and most native to the country still exists and persists in spite of the intrusion of the modern world upon it.
That is what is so fascinating about Thailand. You can experience Asia of fifty and even two hundred and fifty years past, and you can experience Asia of the future. The unabashed addiction to progress is everywhere, in its ultra-modern and very new mass transit rail system, its unique and varied skyscrapers or its unbearable and stubborn traffic, dirty air, and dedication to the art of entertaining the tourist. You can spend a week in Bangkok touring the ancient sites and modern wonders, or you can spend months on end seeking out the less travelled destinations hidden away in the mountains and islands. But, whatever you decide, you will feel inspired, safe, and often in awe.
Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and its main tourist attraction. A bustling city of approximately 6 million people, the pace is constant, frenetic and fantastic. Food is ever present and you are greeted by a kaleidoscope of colours, smells and tastes where you can eat at street side vendors (do not worry, people rarely become sick) or at one of the world’s finest restaurants -- and enjoy them equally for the cuisine and the experience. Thais love buffets, and almost every hotel offers an extravagant one at very modest cost. The best can be found at the Shangri-La hotel, with their amazing barbeque buffet served poolside daily, or at the Landmark hotel (less costly, but no less impressive). For sheer taste factor, the Peninsula hotel serves up a buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner that you will not soon forget. There is a restaurant for every budget, serving cuisine of every country, with Asian cuisines being the most common. There is one thing true about every meal in Bangkok -- you'll never have a bad one, regardless of price.
There is a multitude of things to do in Bangkok, sightseeing being but one with the Grand Palace being the premier attarction. But in Bangkok, just a walk in any neighborhood is an experience. It is a safe city, and there are no "bad" neighborhoods. Shopping is terrific, and cheap at the weekend and night markets. A visit to Chatuchak Weekend Market is an absolute must. There are as many 15,000 stalls catering for up to 200,000 visitors per day; WOW. Thais love to bargain at the markets and stalls. The first price is just a ballpark figure that starts the bidding. They will hold their calculators and as you go lower, they will counter somewhere in the middle until you are both satisfied. Payment is in Thai baht only. There are also mega-malls that would make the avid shopper salivate. These places offer designer goods -- Gucci, Tiffany etc -- but it's the markets that provide the most fun and the best prices. The two main markets are Chatuchak Weekend Market (easily reached by Subway now), and the Suan Lum Night Bazaar, located just off Lumpini Park. Both are huge and offer lots to see, eat, drink and buy. Even if you don’t buy a thing, the experience will be unforgettable. Bring your camera. Another must for the tourist is Jim Thompson's house in Siam square. It is a truly remarkable example of traditional Thai residential architecture and houses some of the finest examples of southeast Asian art. Jim Thompson was an American architect who fell in love with Thailand and became a silk entrepreneur. He was instrumental in bringing about the worldwide popularity of Thai silk. His story is a fascinating one that, to be fully appreciated, requires a visit to this most beautiful and peaceful oasis right in the heart of Bangkok
For a real treat, take a day tour two hours outside of Bangkok to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. It is a mesmerizing shopping experience that is a journey back in time. And you can get great bargains as well. A few things to beware of when shopping in Bangkok: First, the many touts and stores that offer cheap suits with many pants and shirts for 99 USD. They are usually very poor quality and not made on the premises. It is worth the extra hundred dollars or so to find a reputable store with in-house tailors and manufacturers that will make suits to fit you with many choices of fabrics. Taxi drivers and tour guides receive payoffs for taking you to shops that sell these clothes. Ask your hotel or a local where to buy, and you will get beautiful clothing at a fraction of the price you would pay at home, but not for a song. Also, BIG WARNING -- beware anyone that tries to get you to visit a jewelry store or gem shop. These are major ripoffs. Check with your hotel if you want to buy jewelry and they can recommend reputable shops.
Thailand has many local arts and crafts that you may want to bring home as souvenirs. Do some research on these products before you buy, so you know what's a reasonable price and quality. Some examples include: handspun Thai silk, teakwood items, spirit houses, gems/jewelry, tailored clothing, and art. Thais are masters of commerce. They're always trying to divert you from your intended destination and sell you something, so be prepared! Never believe a person who tells you that a tourist site is closed. This is explained in all of the tour guides, but you can't imagine how crafty and believable these folks are until you experience it! You'll be approached five or six times as you walk around the Grand Palace area. It's too bad Thailand doesn't seem to have an enforced "Thailand Craft" stamp of approval. You may often feel vulnerable to rip offs. It is a good idea to look out for OTOP shops and products. This is a government initiative that stands for; One Tambon One Product. This put simply means that various areas / provinces are supported by the government to produce items such as crafts, foods, etc etc and are helped with the marketing and distribution. There are frequent trade shows in BKK that market and sell the goods and it is possible to buy quality goods at affordable and genuine cost.
Bangkok is awash in ancient temples, Chinese Temples, museums and sites worth a visit. You can hire a local tour guide for any particular site you wish to visit. They are easy to find outside each site. For a few bucks you can get a private guided tour by an expert. Your hotel concierge can arrange a guide, but you will pay more and won’t necessarily have a better time. Each site has a brochure in English, so a guide isn't required for a positive experience. Sometimes it's best just to walk around at your own pace and take in the sights, sounds, and smells on your own. Bring along an umbrella for shade and some water.
Getting around is easy, but not without its headaches. The Bangkok mass transit system, now eight years old, features the Skytrain system, with two routes that hit most of the tourist sites, with the exception of the Grand Palace. The Skytrain costs about 50 cents a ride, is fast, frequent, safe and convenient. You can buy a book of ten rides and get a small discount. The subway system has one circular route that goes to the Weekend Market and other areas. It is pricier but very clean and safe. The bus system has two types of vehicles: Buses without A/C ( unless you consider having no windows as a form of A/C !!!!!) that are very cheap, but crowded and slow, and upscale buses with A/C that are more costly, but don’t stop as frequently. You can get schedules from your hotel. Traffic is terrible in Bangkok. It can take hours to go a few miles in traffic. It is not uncommon to be held at a red light for 7 or 8 minutes at major junctions. But hey, this does not bother the local drivers, look around you and you may see them using this opportunity to take a nap !!!! Taxis are a good way to get around because they are air conditioned, private and cheap, but in traffic, you are at the mercy of the road and not even the best taxi driver can overcome that. Taxis use meters. IF a taxi driver does not use the meter, either agree on a price or get out. Also, don't be surprised if a taxi declines your custom if you are asking him to take you somewhere that is not on his patch, or if they ask you for directions if you already know your destination. Bangkok is a huge City, many taxi drivers only know "there own back yard" so to speak. Tuk-tuks, the small bicycle-like touring vehicles are very cheap, and sometimes a little faster to snake through traffic, but the smog can be a killer. When you take a Tuk-tuk, always agree on a price before you start your journey, and a small tip goes a long way. Boats on the Chao Phraya River are another easy and pleasant way to travel. There is a network of riverboats, from inexpensive local boats to more expensive express and tourist boats. All are great fun and easy, and stop at all of the best tourist sites along the river including the Grand Palace. There's a fresh breeze, much welcomed during the midday heat, and the sights are some of the best. Plan a day to travel up and down the river, stopping at the many piers and visiting the sites.
Hotels in Thailand range from ultra-luxurious to simple and cheap. Prices are much lower than in other major cities in Asia and the United States. A room at the five star top-rated Peninsula or Oriental can be had for under $200 per night, and a very nice room in a central location at a four star hotel can be had for as little as $50 per night. Thai service and hospitality is uniformly impressive despite what you might pay, but lodging quality can vary wildly. Read reviews on Trip Advisor. But remember, you don’t have to pay a lot for a wonderful hotel experience in Thailand. Here are some favorites: the five star Peninsula, the Shangri-La, Dusit Thani, JW Marriot, and Sheraton Sukhumvit, the four star Sofitel Silom and Pan Pacific. The Millenium Hilton next to the Peninsula is a five-star find, for about $125. Beware the Holiday Inn Silom -- it’s a real dump. There are many more -- do some careful research. Most hotels include a delicious breakfast in the room rate, and like everything else in Thailand, a letter or email to the manager or sales department can often win you a discount, an upgrade or free amenities. Serviced apartments and hostels abound in Bangkok and are a great alternative to hotels for a longer stay. They offer fantastic value for money compared to hotel costs.
Entertainment abounds in Bangkok, albeit in different forms and varieties than you might be used to. There are many traditional options such as jazz clubs in hotels that offer Western style cabarets, but it's the offbeat venues that offer the most fun. You might walk near a Chinese temple and hear music coming from inside, only to discover the courtyard has been transformed into a theatre, with a touring troupe of Chinese opera singers presenting a traditional Chinese opera. The beautifully costumed proceedings, the sights and sounds are fascinating and something you will have never before experienced. There are Thai dinner shows that present typical Thai performing arts in dance and singing; kickboxing, a brutal Thai sport that can thrill some and put the fear of God in others;and of course, there are the "shows" that Bangkok is famous for. Without going into detail, let it be said that there is nothing too strange that it won’t be found somewhere in the city. There are shows that feature men and woman "on sale" for a modest fee, and more. Whatever your tastes may be, you will find satisfaction in Bangkok. This industry is an integral part of life in Thailand. While the Thais are not proud of it, they turn a blind eye, never judging, but abiding by a way of life to "live and let live."
One final word is about the weather in Bangkok and throughout Thailand. They have three seasons -- hot, hotter and hottest. But honestly, they do have the rainy season ( summer), the cool season (fall), and the hot season (spring). In the fall, the temperature can fall into the seventies, but rarely does. If you go to Thailand, be prepared for hot and steamy weather. In March through May, temperatures can soar into the 100s Fahrenheit and stifle even the heartiest of travellers. Go in the fall if you can, but summer isn’t bad, as long as you don’t mind sweating. The North can be a little cooler, but the country basically has the same weather north and south -- HOT.
There is a world of opportunity and adventure outside Bangkok. The Islands to the South, Phuket and the lesser known Koh Samui are havens for posh resorts and modest prices and exotic adventures. Phuket is a large Island and full of tourists. It made the news for the devastation it suffered due to the 2004 tsunami, but it has fully recovered and is more vibrant than ever. While Patong Beach is a tourist trap full of small hotels, clubs (of various types), restaurants and shops, there are many quiet areas. The hotels range from out of this world (the JW Marriot, Evason Resort) to the simple and eclectic (Baan Yin Dee in Patong). Phuket has something for everyone, and enough beauty to satisfy the senses. The swimming on Phuket is not good all year round, especially in summer, when the surf is very rough. Go to www.phuket.com for full info on lodging, hotels and shopping. Several low-fare airlines fly to Phuket from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Singapore and Hong Kong. Koh Samui. Chaweng Beach is the central point of the island, and is lots of fun, full of great restaurants, bars and hotels. A favorite hotel on the island is the Meridien Baan Taling Naam. It is one of the most luxurious, gorgeous hotels you will ever experience, and at about $200 per night, you can’t beat it. Food is very pricey, and it is very remote, but oh what a getwaway -- the ultimate honeymoon experience. Koh Samui can only be reached by Bangkok Air flights, and hotels book up early. There are many other small and wonderful islands that are less touristy, such as Similan, Phi Phi Island, Kai Island, Krabi, and the wonderful town of Hua Hin, on the coast 3 hours southwest of Bangkok, an up-and-coming tourist spot full of luxurious hotels. There is also Pattaya, two hours southeast of Bangkok, where Thais go for weekend jaunts, and "thrill"-seeking tourists abound. For a short break / long weekend, a more peaceful destination in this part of Thailand is Koh Samet in Rayong province. It's a short boat trip from Bang Pae and is a haven for chillout seekers. ( Note: Samet can be busy during Thai national holiday periods.) Further south, and relatively new to the travel map, is Koh Chang.
Going North, there are many adventures awaiting the avid tourist. Chiang Mai ( pop 160,000 ) is the hub of Northern Thailand and its biggest city with many points of interest. The City is overlooked by the impressive and ever present Doi Suthep (1676 mts). Visits to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, ( prepare for the 300 step incline !! ) and Phra Tamnak Phu (winter palace) and it's beautiful gardens are a must. There are also more than 300 other temples; it is a mini-Bangkok and well worth visiting. Daytrips to Doi Inthanon national park offer magnificent views, temples and waterfalls. It is home to the highest peak in Thailand (2595mts). Also visits to tribal villages, and many other villages that are very traditional and still practice ancient ways of lifecare are a must on the tour schedule. For the ultimate hotel experience, stay at the Four Seasons Chiang Mai, an all-villa resort set amidst a working rice field. It is luxury defined. Beyond Chiang Mai lies Chaing Rai and ultimately the "Golden Triangle" the meeting point of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar (Burma).
In summary, Thailand is Asia’s most wonderful, beautiful and enigmatic destination -- it is cheap, fascinating, safe, entertaining, and inspiring. Once visited, never forgotten.
FACTS
Currency - Thai Baht, currently trading at about 36 baht to 1USD. ( approx. 68 bahts to 1 GB pound). Banks operate daily Monday through Friday, accept and cash, travellers checks, Credit card advances, ATMs -- very modern and efficient. (Note: the best exchange rates are obtained when dealing in cash; no cc charges )
Getting there: Many major airlines fly into Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and there are daily direct non-stops on Thai Airways in ultralux Airbus 340s from Los Angeles (15 hours) and New York (18 hours). Approx. 10 hours from London
The Language: They speak Thai, which is a tonal language and the alphabet is completely different. English is spoken in all hotels, some restaurants (also offer English menus if you ask), but on the street, only broken English is spoken.
The Food: Delicious, spicy, safe to eat. The water is not safe and unless you are in a Western style hotel, you should drink bottled water.
Check local conditions regarding malarial protection. Generally Thailand is safe, but always confirm before travelling.
That is what is so fascinating about Thailand. You can experience Asia of fifty and even two hundred and fifty years past, and you can experience Asia of the future. The unabashed addiction to progress is everywhere, in its ultra-modern and very new mass transit rail system, its unique and varied skyscrapers or its unbearable and stubborn traffic, dirty air, and dedication to the art of entertaining the tourist. You can spend a week in Bangkok touring the ancient sites and modern wonders, or you can spend months on end seeking out the less travelled destinations hidden away in the mountains and islands. But, whatever you decide, you will feel inspired, safe, and often in awe.
Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and its main tourist attraction. A bustling city of approximately 6 million people, the pace is constant, frenetic and fantastic. Food is ever present and you are greeted by a kaleidoscope of colours, smells and tastes where you can eat at street side vendors (do not worry, people rarely become sick) or at one of the world’s finest restaurants -- and enjoy them equally for the cuisine and the experience. Thais love buffets, and almost every hotel offers an extravagant one at very modest cost. The best can be found at the Shangri-La hotel, with their amazing barbeque buffet served poolside daily, or at the Landmark hotel (less costly, but no less impressive). For sheer taste factor, the Peninsula hotel serves up a buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner that you will not soon forget. There is a restaurant for every budget, serving cuisine of every country, with Asian cuisines being the most common. There is one thing true about every meal in Bangkok -- you'll never have a bad one, regardless of price.
There is a multitude of things to do in Bangkok, sightseeing being but one with the Grand Palace being the premier attarction. But in Bangkok, just a walk in any neighborhood is an experience. It is a safe city, and there are no "bad" neighborhoods. Shopping is terrific, and cheap at the weekend and night markets. A visit to Chatuchak Weekend Market is an absolute must. There are as many 15,000 stalls catering for up to 200,000 visitors per day; WOW. Thais love to bargain at the markets and stalls. The first price is just a ballpark figure that starts the bidding. They will hold their calculators and as you go lower, they will counter somewhere in the middle until you are both satisfied. Payment is in Thai baht only. There are also mega-malls that would make the avid shopper salivate. These places offer designer goods -- Gucci, Tiffany etc -- but it's the markets that provide the most fun and the best prices. The two main markets are Chatuchak Weekend Market (easily reached by Subway now), and the Suan Lum Night Bazaar, located just off Lumpini Park. Both are huge and offer lots to see, eat, drink and buy. Even if you don’t buy a thing, the experience will be unforgettable. Bring your camera. Another must for the tourist is Jim Thompson's house in Siam square. It is a truly remarkable example of traditional Thai residential architecture and houses some of the finest examples of southeast Asian art. Jim Thompson was an American architect who fell in love with Thailand and became a silk entrepreneur. He was instrumental in bringing about the worldwide popularity of Thai silk. His story is a fascinating one that, to be fully appreciated, requires a visit to this most beautiful and peaceful oasis right in the heart of Bangkok
For a real treat, take a day tour two hours outside of Bangkok to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. It is a mesmerizing shopping experience that is a journey back in time. And you can get great bargains as well. A few things to beware of when shopping in Bangkok: First, the many touts and stores that offer cheap suits with many pants and shirts for 99 USD. They are usually very poor quality and not made on the premises. It is worth the extra hundred dollars or so to find a reputable store with in-house tailors and manufacturers that will make suits to fit you with many choices of fabrics. Taxi drivers and tour guides receive payoffs for taking you to shops that sell these clothes. Ask your hotel or a local where to buy, and you will get beautiful clothing at a fraction of the price you would pay at home, but not for a song. Also, BIG WARNING -- beware anyone that tries to get you to visit a jewelry store or gem shop. These are major ripoffs. Check with your hotel if you want to buy jewelry and they can recommend reputable shops.
Thailand has many local arts and crafts that you may want to bring home as souvenirs. Do some research on these products before you buy, so you know what's a reasonable price and quality. Some examples include: handspun Thai silk, teakwood items, spirit houses, gems/jewelry, tailored clothing, and art. Thais are masters of commerce. They're always trying to divert you from your intended destination and sell you something, so be prepared! Never believe a person who tells you that a tourist site is closed. This is explained in all of the tour guides, but you can't imagine how crafty and believable these folks are until you experience it! You'll be approached five or six times as you walk around the Grand Palace area. It's too bad Thailand doesn't seem to have an enforced "Thailand Craft" stamp of approval. You may often feel vulnerable to rip offs. It is a good idea to look out for OTOP shops and products. This is a government initiative that stands for; One Tambon One Product. This put simply means that various areas / provinces are supported by the government to produce items such as crafts, foods, etc etc and are helped with the marketing and distribution. There are frequent trade shows in BKK that market and sell the goods and it is possible to buy quality goods at affordable and genuine cost.
Bangkok is awash in ancient temples, Chinese Temples, museums and sites worth a visit. You can hire a local tour guide for any particular site you wish to visit. They are easy to find outside each site. For a few bucks you can get a private guided tour by an expert. Your hotel concierge can arrange a guide, but you will pay more and won’t necessarily have a better time. Each site has a brochure in English, so a guide isn't required for a positive experience. Sometimes it's best just to walk around at your own pace and take in the sights, sounds, and smells on your own. Bring along an umbrella for shade and some water.
Getting around is easy, but not without its headaches. The Bangkok mass transit system, now eight years old, features the Skytrain system, with two routes that hit most of the tourist sites, with the exception of the Grand Palace. The Skytrain costs about 50 cents a ride, is fast, frequent, safe and convenient. You can buy a book of ten rides and get a small discount. The subway system has one circular route that goes to the Weekend Market and other areas. It is pricier but very clean and safe. The bus system has two types of vehicles: Buses without A/C ( unless you consider having no windows as a form of A/C !!!!!) that are very cheap, but crowded and slow, and upscale buses with A/C that are more costly, but don’t stop as frequently. You can get schedules from your hotel. Traffic is terrible in Bangkok. It can take hours to go a few miles in traffic. It is not uncommon to be held at a red light for 7 or 8 minutes at major junctions. But hey, this does not bother the local drivers, look around you and you may see them using this opportunity to take a nap !!!! Taxis are a good way to get around because they are air conditioned, private and cheap, but in traffic, you are at the mercy of the road and not even the best taxi driver can overcome that. Taxis use meters. IF a taxi driver does not use the meter, either agree on a price or get out. Also, don't be surprised if a taxi declines your custom if you are asking him to take you somewhere that is not on his patch, or if they ask you for directions if you already know your destination. Bangkok is a huge City, many taxi drivers only know "there own back yard" so to speak. Tuk-tuks, the small bicycle-like touring vehicles are very cheap, and sometimes a little faster to snake through traffic, but the smog can be a killer. When you take a Tuk-tuk, always agree on a price before you start your journey, and a small tip goes a long way. Boats on the Chao Phraya River are another easy and pleasant way to travel. There is a network of riverboats, from inexpensive local boats to more expensive express and tourist boats. All are great fun and easy, and stop at all of the best tourist sites along the river including the Grand Palace. There's a fresh breeze, much welcomed during the midday heat, and the sights are some of the best. Plan a day to travel up and down the river, stopping at the many piers and visiting the sites.
Hotels in Thailand range from ultra-luxurious to simple and cheap. Prices are much lower than in other major cities in Asia and the United States. A room at the five star top-rated Peninsula or Oriental can be had for under $200 per night, and a very nice room in a central location at a four star hotel can be had for as little as $50 per night. Thai service and hospitality is uniformly impressive despite what you might pay, but lodging quality can vary wildly. Read reviews on Trip Advisor. But remember, you don’t have to pay a lot for a wonderful hotel experience in Thailand. Here are some favorites: the five star Peninsula, the Shangri-La, Dusit Thani, JW Marriot, and Sheraton Sukhumvit, the four star Sofitel Silom and Pan Pacific. The Millenium Hilton next to the Peninsula is a five-star find, for about $125. Beware the Holiday Inn Silom -- it’s a real dump. There are many more -- do some careful research. Most hotels include a delicious breakfast in the room rate, and like everything else in Thailand, a letter or email to the manager or sales department can often win you a discount, an upgrade or free amenities. Serviced apartments and hostels abound in Bangkok and are a great alternative to hotels for a longer stay. They offer fantastic value for money compared to hotel costs.
Entertainment abounds in Bangkok, albeit in different forms and varieties than you might be used to. There are many traditional options such as jazz clubs in hotels that offer Western style cabarets, but it's the offbeat venues that offer the most fun. You might walk near a Chinese temple and hear music coming from inside, only to discover the courtyard has been transformed into a theatre, with a touring troupe of Chinese opera singers presenting a traditional Chinese opera. The beautifully costumed proceedings, the sights and sounds are fascinating and something you will have never before experienced. There are Thai dinner shows that present typical Thai performing arts in dance and singing; kickboxing, a brutal Thai sport that can thrill some and put the fear of God in others;and of course, there are the "shows" that Bangkok is famous for. Without going into detail, let it be said that there is nothing too strange that it won’t be found somewhere in the city. There are shows that feature men and woman "on sale" for a modest fee, and more. Whatever your tastes may be, you will find satisfaction in Bangkok. This industry is an integral part of life in Thailand. While the Thais are not proud of it, they turn a blind eye, never judging, but abiding by a way of life to "live and let live."
One final word is about the weather in Bangkok and throughout Thailand. They have three seasons -- hot, hotter and hottest. But honestly, they do have the rainy season ( summer), the cool season (fall), and the hot season (spring). In the fall, the temperature can fall into the seventies, but rarely does. If you go to Thailand, be prepared for hot and steamy weather. In March through May, temperatures can soar into the 100s Fahrenheit and stifle even the heartiest of travellers. Go in the fall if you can, but summer isn’t bad, as long as you don’t mind sweating. The North can be a little cooler, but the country basically has the same weather north and south -- HOT.
There is a world of opportunity and adventure outside Bangkok. The Islands to the South, Phuket and the lesser known Koh Samui are havens for posh resorts and modest prices and exotic adventures. Phuket is a large Island and full of tourists. It made the news for the devastation it suffered due to the 2004 tsunami, but it has fully recovered and is more vibrant than ever. While Patong Beach is a tourist trap full of small hotels, clubs (of various types), restaurants and shops, there are many quiet areas. The hotels range from out of this world (the JW Marriot, Evason Resort) to the simple and eclectic (Baan Yin Dee in Patong). Phuket has something for everyone, and enough beauty to satisfy the senses. The swimming on Phuket is not good all year round, especially in summer, when the surf is very rough. Go to www.phuket.com for full info on lodging, hotels and shopping. Several low-fare airlines fly to Phuket from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Singapore and Hong Kong. Koh Samui. Chaweng Beach is the central point of the island, and is lots of fun, full of great restaurants, bars and hotels. A favorite hotel on the island is the Meridien Baan Taling Naam. It is one of the most luxurious, gorgeous hotels you will ever experience, and at about $200 per night, you can’t beat it. Food is very pricey, and it is very remote, but oh what a getwaway -- the ultimate honeymoon experience. Koh Samui can only be reached by Bangkok Air flights, and hotels book up early. There are many other small and wonderful islands that are less touristy, such as Similan, Phi Phi Island, Kai Island, Krabi, and the wonderful town of Hua Hin, on the coast 3 hours southwest of Bangkok, an up-and-coming tourist spot full of luxurious hotels. There is also Pattaya, two hours southeast of Bangkok, where Thais go for weekend jaunts, and "thrill"-seeking tourists abound. For a short break / long weekend, a more peaceful destination in this part of Thailand is Koh Samet in Rayong province. It's a short boat trip from Bang Pae and is a haven for chillout seekers. ( Note: Samet can be busy during Thai national holiday periods.) Further south, and relatively new to the travel map, is Koh Chang.
Going North, there are many adventures awaiting the avid tourist. Chiang Mai ( pop 160,000 ) is the hub of Northern Thailand and its biggest city with many points of interest. The City is overlooked by the impressive and ever present Doi Suthep (1676 mts). Visits to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, ( prepare for the 300 step incline !! ) and Phra Tamnak Phu (winter palace) and it's beautiful gardens are a must. There are also more than 300 other temples; it is a mini-Bangkok and well worth visiting. Daytrips to Doi Inthanon national park offer magnificent views, temples and waterfalls. It is home to the highest peak in Thailand (2595mts). Also visits to tribal villages, and many other villages that are very traditional and still practice ancient ways of lifecare are a must on the tour schedule. For the ultimate hotel experience, stay at the Four Seasons Chiang Mai, an all-villa resort set amidst a working rice field. It is luxury defined. Beyond Chiang Mai lies Chaing Rai and ultimately the "Golden Triangle" the meeting point of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar (Burma).
In summary, Thailand is Asia’s most wonderful, beautiful and enigmatic destination -- it is cheap, fascinating, safe, entertaining, and inspiring. Once visited, never forgotten.
FACTS
Currency - Thai Baht, currently trading at about 36 baht to 1USD. ( approx. 68 bahts to 1 GB pound). Banks operate daily Monday through Friday, accept and cash, travellers checks, Credit card advances, ATMs -- very modern and efficient. (Note: the best exchange rates are obtained when dealing in cash; no cc charges )
Getting there: Many major airlines fly into Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and there are daily direct non-stops on Thai Airways in ultralux Airbus 340s from Los Angeles (15 hours) and New York (18 hours). Approx. 10 hours from London
The Language: They speak Thai, which is a tonal language and the alphabet is completely different. English is spoken in all hotels, some restaurants (also offer English menus if you ask), but on the street, only broken English is spoken.
The Food: Delicious, spicy, safe to eat. The water is not safe and unless you are in a Western style hotel, you should drink bottled water.
Check local conditions regarding malarial protection. Generally Thailand is safe, but always confirm before travelling.
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