Traveling to Thailand - 8 Places to Start Your Thailand Holiday

Bangkok the big mango

Bangkok is the ideal starting point for any Thai holiday and countless monstrous shopping centers and hundreds of clubs will keep you busy forever. The tourist's sights around the grand palace will be done in a weekend and if shopping is not your thing Bangkok have exit in all directions for very cheap prices by air, bus or train. It is also the home of Khosan Road the mysterious street that is the big starting point for every person who wants to be called a true backpacker in Asia. You will feel right at home with backpackers delight such as Star Bucks and Mac D that moved in a few years ago.

Pattaya the black pearl on the east coast of Thailand

Pattaya, discovered by the Americans during the south east Asia wars, built up by sun hungry men from the United Kingdom during the 1980s, invaded by Vikings in the 1990 and put to sleep until around 2000 when the Arab invasion started but was stopped by the Russian take over in 2006. People come to Pattaya to live, to play golf, to visit the many girl bars but they don't come to swim in the sea. Pattaya is not a ideal family holiday destination but Thai family's still flock her on big weekends to sit under huge parasols with their cloth while playing cards and eating sea food.

Issan the forgotten Kingdom

Not many tourists travel further north then Ayutthaya but more to the north east is the forgotten tourist destination if Issan (essan). Issan is what many people call the real Thailand and people from north east are the work horses behind all factories and rice farms in Thailand. On the big holidays you can see Bangkok shut down and the bus stations overfill with people trying to get back to the forgotten Kingdom. For people that want to travel where not many tourists have traveled before this is the perfect place to start your exploration of Thailand. Most backpackers skipped the north east of Thailand and headed straight for the northern parts so this is a hidden gem. You will not see many other white people besides the older settlers and their younger native wife's. Don't be surprised if some villages never seen a white person and that you will see Thai genuine smiles and hospitality. You can travel by bus but the best way to travel is by car or motorbike if you have the possibility.

Samui island the rebel outpost

Samui was from the beginning a big farm for Coconuts but most of them have been cut down or died in a disease and nothing is done to save them. Now Samui in south Thailand is a place for backpackers that could not leave Thailand because they did not want to back their suite job. They also could not get enough of trance music that coming from the island of Koh-Phangan. The former backpackers' have set up spa, yoga centers, cologne centers, wellness centers and just feeling happy because I smoke to much weed centers. Samui has real unspoiled beaches and bungalows by the sea and in the wet season the whole center get flooded. You can compare it a bit to Christiania in Denmark since the motorbike gangs also found their way here, it just more sunny.

Phuket the Andaman Pearl

Phuket is the starting point of every island hopping tour in south Thailand and many low cost carriers fly here every day from around the world. It the home too many expat and you will find the most ridicules prices ever for a house on this Island. Phuket is a perfect holiday detention for everybody because it has the nightlife, the clean beaches and cheap hotels if you look for it. Phuket has never really recovered after the Tsunami 2004 and the many hotels are empty most of the low season and real bargains can be found.

Krabi the Island kingdom

Who can forget the old James Bond movie "Gold finger" and the hidden Island near Krabi in south Thailand? If you want beaches, underwater exploring and quiet nightlife then Krabi is the place to go. It is also the place people go for rock climbing. Krabi has many spectacular five star resorts where the beach really belongs to you and not many tourists bother to travel down here.

Chiang Mai the northern realm

It does not matter how you spell it Chiang Mai, Chiangmai, Cheng Mai or Cheang Mai it is still the capital of northern Thailand. Many artists and culture personalities from both Thailand abroad have built homes here and they create a unique atmosphere in this northern part of Thailand. If you want to travel further north and visit the hill tribes of Thailand Chiang Mai is your starting point. The town has lost some of its charm to traffic jams and forest burning but in the cold season Thai travel so they can try on the glows and winter clothing's they bought in Bangkok. If you want to buy cheap Thai style furniture imported from Burma this is the play to go.

Hua Hin the new charter Paradise

Thai people think of Hua hin like a high society place and like to travel there by car and stay in posh hotels and visits expansive spas. The sea side resort is most famous because it's where the King of Thailand like has his summer castle. The tourists that come here are mostly charter and Hua Hin is perfect for families even it's is a bit difficult to get there. The beach stretches forever and ever year they play elephant polo here.

Personal Thailand is a blog about living and travel Thailand. Personal Thailand also touch subjects like living with Thai girls and finding the right Thai girl. If you consider taking a holiday in Thailand or want to marry a Thai girl and live here you should read our blog.

By Melker Eriksson

Visit Ubon Ratchathani Thailand

Ubon Ratchathani is the easternmost province in Thailand. On the banks of the Mekong and Moon rivers you will find a sign that states, "be the first to see the sunrise in Thailand." Ubon Ratchathani is located in the Northeastern or Isaan region of Thailand. It is the largest Thai province in terms of land mass. Most of the land is either rice fields or forest. It began its Thai life as a Monthon first known as Ubon Monthon and later as Isaan Monthon and served as the capitol.

The original residents were Laotian refugees who gave the local food, language and culture its flavor. When you visit Ubon you will discover a culture that is slightly different from the other four regions of Thailand. The music and dance are livelier. The cuisine is spicier. The friendly people truly make a difference. You will find a wide variety of Thai Buddhist temples in the province. Ubon Ratchathani is known for having the highest density of temples in all of Thailand. You will enjoy the Candle Festival held in Ubon Ratchathani each year in July, centered around the full moon.

It is to celebrate the beginning of Thai Buddhist Lent which coincides with the start of the Monsoon season. Ubon Ratchathai is a convenient jumping off place on your way to Cambodia or Laos. There are border crossing to both countries within a two hour drive from the provincial capitol. Nature has blessed Ubon with many natural attractions. Take some time and visit the rock formations of Pha Taem or lunar-looking craters of Sam Pan Bok on the Mekong. You will find it very convenient to get to Ubon Ratchathani.

The local airport is host to several daily flights between Ubon and Bangkok. The rail service includes a variety of times and classes, from express to overnight sleeper and the truly economy third class. Buses arrive and depart from Bangkok and other locations around Isaan and Thailand. Accommodation in Ubon range from luxury pool villas on the banks of Mekong river in Khong Jiam district to a room with a bed for less than $10US per night. Getting around town is quite easy by mini-bus, tuk tuk or motorcycle taxi.

And if you want to venture out in the surrounding countryside to visit small towns or villages you should have no problem finding a bus that will get you there. You might fall in love with Ubon and want to extend your stay. That is no problem as there is an Immigration office just a 45 minute drive from downtown. Do yourself a favor and think about Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand when you are making your travel plans.

For more information about Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand to help you with your travel plans you can visit Ubon Travel and Living Guide. There you will find one of the top English language sites about Ubon that can help spark your interest to experience Thailand, Isaan and Ubon at http://www.weloveubon.com

By Darwin Dennis

Know About Thailand - The Exotic Destination of South-East Asia

Bordered on four sides by Myanmar, Loas, Combodia and Malaysia, Thailand is a fascinating country of Southeast Asia. The popularity of this country lies in its enchanting culture, great beaches and its tropical climate. The ecstatic city of Bangkok is the capital of this country, which is a conglomeration of 76 provinces divided into five geographic and cultural regions. These separate regions are namely North, Isaan, Central, East and South. Bangkok lies in the central part of the country. The country receives a large number of tourists every year. There is a wide range of hotels in Thailand to accommodate this emerging number of tourists coming to this city. Important cities and popular tourist destinations in Thailand are Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Pattaya, Ayuttaya and Sukhothai etc.

Attractions in Thailand

Thailand is popular for its beautiful beaches and islands. Ko Lanta, Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Samui, Ko Samet, and Phuket are some renown beaches that serve as famous tourist spots. This country offers a large number of beautiful Parks and gardens including some great National Parks. Ang Thong National Marine Park in Surat Thani Province, Khao Yai National Park in Isaan, Tarutao National Park in Satun Province are few worth visiting National Parks in Thailand.

How to reach Thailand

Thailand can be easily reached by air, rail or road transport. The international airport at Bangkok receives flights from most of the important cities across the globe. There are also international flights directly to/from Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Ko Samui, Phuket, and Pattaya. For local traveling, there are different options like taxis, and local public vehicles like Songthaew and Tuk-tuk. Boats are also common mode of traveling here.

Hotels in Thailand

Accommodation in Thailand is ample. There are various Hotels in Thailand, lodges and guesthouses where you can fit in as per your budget and comfort. All the cities including Bangkok offer a good number of hotels to accommodate tourists in Thailand. According to your budget, you can choose to stay at the deluxe hotels with all the contemporary amenities. There are many boutique hotels, business hotels, budget hotels and cheap hotels that can be chosen. Besides, most of the reputed hotels have their chains in major cities of Thailand like Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai and so on.

For more details on the Thailand Hotels you can log on to Asiarooms.com, which gives a complete guide on the Thailand. So go ahead now and reserve your hotel to get the best hotel deal with Asiarooms.

By Mahendrasingh Singh

Retire in Thailand - Affordable Retirement in Paradise

Thailand is a favorite retirement location for many westerners and retirees from other parts of the world. Not only is it affordable but it offers so much to the adventurous soul who seeks a place to retire. Thailand has so much beauty everywhere and so many exciting places to visit.

The Most Popular Thailand Retirement Locations Are:
Bangkok
Pattaya
Phuket
Chiang Mai
South Of Thailand
.
...that's not all...Retirees also choose other locations in Thailand like: North East Thailand 'Isaan', Chiang Rai, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Khon Kaen, Hua Hin or some of the beautiful Islands in the south of Thailand.
Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao are just a few of the beautiful islands in the south of Thailand with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. If you don't want to live on an island it is nice to have the option of visiting an island for a few days or weeks.
Visiting Thailand for a longer stay before retiring in Thailand is a good way to find out if this is the Paradise for you. Some people come to Thailand for 6 moths to one year to find out if they want to retire in Thailand and find the area of Thailand they like.
There are things about Thailand that may be a little difficult for some to live with. The Thai Visa requirements are confusing but need to be understood. A foreigner can own a condominium in Thailand but not land. As a foreigner you will always be a foreigner.
Thai people treat everyone with respect yet they will always refer to you as farang -foreigner- which is not meant to insult you but it is deeply engrained in Thai people and it is the way they refer to white people.
The list of good things about Thailand is seemingly endless and outweigh the 'negative'. Thai people are one of the most sociable nations on the planet and have an extremely carefree attitude. They love to joke, have fun and eat delicious food.
So, to sum it all up: If you like to see beautiful things and places, have fun, you are laid back, you like to eat delicious and exotic dishes and you would like to have all of that for pennies on the dollar....you may want to consider Thailand as a retirement location.

How Much Money Do You Need In Thailand?
The answer is; how long is a piece of string? There are people who can live very comfortable for well under $ 1,000 a month and then you have people who think $ 5,000 is bare minimum.
There are people who pay $ 100 a month rent for an apartment and are happy and then there are people who own a one million dollar condo and are happy or still think they could have done better.

Visit http://www.paradise-pattaya.com/retire-in-thailand.html
Visit http://www.paradise-pattaya.com/thailand-visa-requirements.html

By Harri Brent