Thailand as a Tour Destination

Thinking of Thailand as a tour destination? Think exotic, oriental, majestic and more!

Thailand's boundaries stretch to neighboring regions of Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Gulf of Thailand and the Indian Ocean. The exciting Eastern city of Thailand offers immense scope for sea, air and road travel, dependent on a tourist's budget. Its four main regions, namely North, Central Plain or the Chao Phraya River Basin, North East (Korat Plateau) and South Peninsula live up to the true meaning of 'thai,' literally meaning free and denoting the same in its multicultural diversity that happily coexists with its diverse inhabitants.

Agriculturally rich, with paddy fields dotted landscape that make room for heritage palaces and famous temples alike, modern Thailand comes as a pleasant surprise for the global traveler: natural beauty of many beaches and islands, innumerable shopping bargains and vibrant festivities of carnivals and shopping centers that offer wide variety in local foods and gourmet cuisine, exotic hill - tribe villages and ancient ruins all contribute to Thailand's cosmopolitan air as a tour destination.

Thailand as a tour destination: its many exciting activities and pleasures.
Buddhism is the main religion in Thailand with the King of Thailand revered as the supreme monarch and also the patron of all religions embraced by the people. Thus, Thailand has religious tolerance woven into its social fabric and respects people of all races. This multiculturalism makes Thailand a hot favorite as a tour destination for the global traveler with add-on visits to nearby cities like Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth and other major southern Thai towns being part of an avid tourist's list. Places of tourist interest in Thailand include Phuket, Koh Samui, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Koh Chang and Koh Samet while provinces like Krabi, Koh Libong, Koh Hai provides great photographic memoirs of Thailand as a tour destination.

Manoj Gursahani is the Chairman of India's first ecommerce travel portal- TravelMartIndia. Visit the blog for more travel related issues, travel tips and destinations

By Manoj Gursahani

Thailand's World

Thailand is a modern democratic Nation in Central South East Asia. '' Thai '' is the Tai word for '' free ''. The '' Thai '' identity was formed in the late 13 th C at Sukhothai and is not to be confused with '' Tai '' the name of the ethnic groups of people who migrated from Yunnan in the 12th & 13th Centuries. The character of the Thai Nation today and of its people can only be appreciated by exploring its 2000 years of recorded history and the cultures of the various peoples who live here. Thailand's natural landscape includes tropical wet evergreen forests in Southern Thailand to temperate deciduous forests in North Thailand and we explore these in the Thailand National Parks. Thailand art architecture and decorative objects need to be considered with regard to the influences of religion, mythological beliefs and regional artistic styles. Thailand is so large and diverse we detail all about Thailand in separate regions, North or Northern Thailand, South or Southern Thailand, Central Thailand and North East Thailand [ I 'san ].

North Thailand Travel & Places Of Interest

The Thailand Government defines North Thailand as consisting of both [ 1 ] the 84,000 square kilometres comprising 8 provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Lampang, Lamphun, Phrae and Mae Hong Son, which area originally comprised the Lan Na principalities detailed in the North Thailand History link [ the Upper North ], and [ 2 ] the 86,000 square kilometres of the Lower North, comprising the provinces of Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Uthai Thani, Nakhon Sawan, Phichit Phitsanulok and Phetchabun, which area originally comprised the Kingdoms of Sukhothai and later the northern parts of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, Thon Buri and Bangkok Kingdoms.

The Differences Between The Upper North Thailand And The Lower North Thailand

One discernable difference between the Upper and Lower North Thailand is topography. Upper North Thailand is characterised by long valleys generally running north south. The climate has three seasons, hot [ April to May ] cool and rain [ July to September ]. Approximately 72% of the area is mountainous, 21% upland and 8% lowland. The lowland is cultivated by the Tai people to produce wet rice.

Lower North Thailand has 45% of its total land mass less than 150 metres above sea level and is thus similar to Thailand's Central region. However the two mountain extensions of the Upper North, [ 1 ] Thanon Thang Chai Range to the west and, [ 2 ] Petchabun Range to the east attract an extension of swidden hill tribe communities as in the Upper North, all part of the exodus from China of these ethnic minorities over the past hundreds of years. The geographic differences in topography need to be appreciated as the ethnic, sociological and cultural differences are essentially between lowlanders and highlanders [ Hill tribes ]. These classifications and detailed explanations are discussed in North Thailand People .

About Central Thailand

Central Thailand is situated on the central plains of the Chao Phraya River and the Meklong River valley. The first substantial civilisation here was that of the Mon people and during the 6th - 9th C its Buddhist Kingdom was referred to in chinese records and on silver coins as '' Dvaravati ''. Influences from India when merged with Mon characteristics formed the basis of religion, art, architecture and public administration.

About South Thailand

South Thailand comprises the Southern Peninsula with the Andaman Sea to the West and the Gulf of Siam to the East. It is a mountainous region and the Phuket Mountain Range is the most important on the West from Chumphon to Krabi and to the East is the Nakhon Si Thammarat Mountain Range from Surat Thani to Satun. Between these ranges are the plains and limestone hills and to the South the Sannkalakhiri Mountains which divide Malaysia and Thailand.

Thailand has in excess of 138 wildlife sanctuaries and National Parks. The major locations are listed in the opposite links and we detail 20 National Parks and eco tourism locations. Thailand is home to over 15,000 species of vascular plants and 16,000 species of animals

Thailand travel and tourism to Thailand places of interest is not a matter of a few choices as is the case with many Asia destinations. Thailand is large and diverse with a large selection of travel and holiday options. In 2005 over 14 million tourists visited Thailand and their range of interests varied.

James Andrew is of the writers at Thailand's World. To know more about Thailand, you can check out http://www.thailandsworld.com for more info.

By James L Andrew

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

Adventure Travel In Thailand

If adrenaline is your thing then Thailand is a place where you can get your fix of adventure in graduated doses. Some would say that negotiating the Bangkok traffic on the way from the airport is adventure enough in itself, but if you want to put your experiences on a more organized footing there is no shortage of opportunity.

Most developed resort areas on the coast offer bungee jumping, para-gliding, Jet skiing and water skiing. So flinging yourself from great heights or being blasted in to the air or across water at great speed can be easily achieved.

Thailand also remains a veritable paradise for those who enjoy the world underwater, whether that's diving, snorkeling or even submarining in Phuket.

It is also a country rich in wilderness areas of mountains, forests and waterfalls which makes trekking big business in the north of the country. The best season for trekking is between November and February when the weather is cool and the air is clear. Many operators in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son and Pai offer trekking tours. Often these will be run from guest houses and it's worth asking around to find one that suits you. A trek usually lasts between three and five days and you will need good boots and a proper pack since the walking can be quite hard especially in the heat.

The guide will usually take you through ethnic villages of Lisu, Karen, Meo, Akha and Paduang. All these tribes are different in dress, language and culture and most migrated to the mountainous areas of Thailand, Laos and Vietnam within the last century from China. Also included in a trek will be some rafting and maybe some elephant riding.

If the gentle rafting on a trek is not adventurous enough for you, many operators offer the white water variety. Pai is the best place to go for this and the tours are run from mid June to January when the rainy season raises the height of the water levels.

When it comes to two wheeled travel Thailand offers some of the best touring and off road motorcycling in the world. The roads are excellent and pass through mountain scenery of breathtaking beauty. Infrastructure is good with plenty of guest houses and places to eat en route. You can either go on a tour or hire bikes on your own, Chiang Mai having by far the greatest variety on offer. It is important to be an experienced driver and this is doubly true for trail riding. Many operators run tours and to get the best from off-roading, or simply finding obscure routes, it is often better to go with a guide who knows the area.

For those who spurn engines then mountain biking is now really popular and there are many operators who run trips.
Whether on the lakes and rivers of the north or the Andaman Sea in the south Kayaking is available in most tourist friendly places where there is water. Tours are even run down the Mekong River. In the south Krabi and Phang Nga provinces offer spectacular scenery with luminous seas dotted with soaring limestone outcrops.

For those who want to get airborne there are a number of ways you can do it. Ballooning is offered both in Chiang Mai and Pattaya between October and March. The views in the North are better than on the coast.
Perhaps, whether it's the sea, the mountains or the jungle, it is the wealth of natural beauty available in the national parks all over Thailand that make it so attractive to the outdoor enthusiast. From the heights of Doi Inthanon in the north to the maritime depths of Surin in the south there are 103 protected areas where you can enjoy an amazing variety of scenery and wildlife. Where ever you are in Thailand there is a wilderness of some sort near by.

Alex Smith maintains and manages the Cheap Thailand Travel website at http://www.cheapthaitravel.com

By Alex A. Smith

Travel Thailand: 5 Top Destinations

With several sights to see and surprises to offer, Thailand could be one of the best locations you should not miss to visit. Culture, beaches, people, and heritage sites are some of the things you can expect when you travel to Thailand.

Bangkok - Traveling Thailand wound not be complete without visiting Bangkok. As the nation's capital with an estimated population of over 10 million (including the neighboring provinces), this city is by far the largest in the country. The city is divided into 50 districts or khet but for tourists and those who are new in the place, 6 divisions would be more useful. These are Ratchadaphisek in the northeast section of the city, Sukhamvit in the southeast, Silom in the south, Thonburi in the west, Rattanakosin in the central north, and Phahanyothin in the north. The whole Bangkok district would give you a diverse taste of culture, history, religion, modernity, and fast-phase life. You can actually witness how all these blend together to comprise the whole Bangkok package. Buddhist temples, historical museums, towering buildings, contemporary restaurants and hotels, shopping centers, canals and rivers, and food make Bangkok a one of a kind city in Southeast Asia.

Phuket - Down south, Phuket features magnificent beaches, tropical sunsets, white sands, blue seas, and breathtaking sceneries. No wonder it is the most popular vacation destination in Asia beating every beaches of the neighboring countries. It has several beaches like Kata Beach, Karon Beach, Patong Beach, Kamala Beach, and Surin Beach. The island showcases several water sports and activities including parasailing, jet-skiing, and scuba diving. By day, Phuket is alive with beachgoers and shoppers and by night, lights, sounds, and party people dominate the whole island.

Chiang Mai - The second largest city in Thailand with an estimated population of more than 200,000. This city located in the northern part of the country offers greener and quieter city. Chiang Mai's tourism is becoming more and more popular and permanently settling at this city is very common. When you travel Thailand and visit Chiang Mai, you surely would want to see museums such as Hilltribe Research Institute Museum and the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center. With religion and history enriching the city, you can see several Buddhist temples such as Wat Chiang Mun, Wat Chiang Mun, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Oo-Mong, Wat Phra Jao Mengrai, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, and Wat Chedi Luang. The oldest temple dates back in the 11th century. Chiang Mai features attractions such as Chiang Mai Flower Festival in February, Bo Sang Umbrella & Sankampang Handicrafts Festival in January, The 2nd Orchid Fair also in January, and the Loi Krathong Festival usually falls in November.

Pattaya - Located 150 km. north of Bangkok, Pattaya is one of the most popular tourist destinations, which offers great beaches, beer and go-go bars, and a wide array of sport activities. Visit Pattaya when you travel Thailand is a must. Although it is the most overdeveloped part of the country in terms of tourism, prices in Pattaya still remains with reach. In fact, prices of foods, accommodation, and transportations are very affordable.

Krabi - In a small province of Krabi lies a small town with the same name. Paying a visit Krabi town when you travel Thailand is worth the time. Located south of Bangkok near Phuket and Phi Phi island, the town features great beaches along with high end hotels and not so expensive hotel that cater tourists of different classes.

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides Thailand travel resources on http://www.your-thailand-travel.info.

By Robert Thatcher

Ao Nang, One of Thailand's Premier Attractions

Ao Nang is steadily becoming one of Thailand's premier tourist attractions. Getting there is quite easy, by bus, car, minivan, or plane, but sadly not by train. The Thailand train from the Thai border with Malaysia stops at Hat Yai then goes East across country to Surit Thani thus missing Krabi altogether. Krabi is the main town in this area, and from here Ao Nang is easily accessible.

If you're not keen on a flight to Krabi, which is in fact an international airport, my advice is to take a minivan from the van terminal in Hat Yai which will only cost about 200 baht and takes about three to four hours.

If you're coming from Bangkok, then the train will get you to Surit Thani and from there again I advise a minivan. It's also about 200 baht and takes about the same time.

Once in Krabi a local opened backed bus will take you to Ao Nang for about 60 baht and takes about 30 minutes. The bus ride to Ao Nang takes you through some beautiful countryside and then just as the bus approaches the town you find yourself surrounded by towering limestone cliffs which are a feature of this area. It really is an amazing site. Ao Nang is a small, quaint, seaside town loaded with things to see and do.

There is just one main street that bananas from one side of town to the other. One side of the road is filled with shops and restaurants and the other side of the road is pure beach.

The beach here is excellent, great for swimming, lazing and walking. There is a colony of monkeys at one end that are always ready for a feed and a pose for some pictures. All along this beach you will find the long tailed boats that are ready to take tourists to the many islands and beaches that are easily accessible from here, fares are quite reasonable too.

There is plenty of accommodation here from 2 star upwards and a bargain can always be found. There are plenty of good eating places ranging from the humble street kitchen to top grade restaurants, you will also find the usual fast food outlets.

There are plenty of tour shops, chemists, 7/11's, massage parlors, and bike hire outlets. There are two good bar entertainment areas for those who want to stay up late.

Ao Nang is a great place to spend time on your travels, I did and I will return.

Hello, my name is Jim and I have a website designed to give honest and real advice to travelers going to Thailand, I have toured all over the country and I am happy to pass on my experiences which will hopefully improve your trip. http://www.thailand-cheap.com

By James D Jones

Visiting Koh Samui

Koh Samui is 700 kms to the south of Bangkok in the Gulf of Thailand and 50 kms from Surat Thani. Regular flights are the most comfortable way to reach the island. For those looking to save money, trains, buses and boats can be used. If you have car or motorcycle, there are car ferries.

Via Air

Koh Samui's little open airport has both domestic and international flights from Singapore, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. There are hourly flights from Bangkok's Suvunarbhumi International Airport between 6 am to 9 pm for Koh Samui everyday. There are hourly Bangkok Airways flights and Thai airways has 2-3 flights per day. These flights cost 2200 - 3500 baht for Bangkok Airways and can go up to 7400 baht for Thai Airways. The duration of the flight is about 1.15 hours.

Bangkok Airways also conducts daily flights to Koh Samui from Phuket, Chiang Mai and Pattaya and twice a week flights between Krabi and Koh Samui. For economical flights, opt for Air Asia's flights from Bangkok, costing 600 - 900 baht. These flights take you to Surat Thani, from where you can take local shuttles or cabs to Donsak Pier or Samui Ferry Pier and then continue further to the island.

For international tourists, Bangkok Airways conducts direct flights from Hong Kong on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and Singapore on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Berjaya Air has 2 flights per week on Thursday and Sunday from Kuala Lumpur.

Via Train and Ferry

You have to buy train & ferry tickets separately. So you have to take local transport from the train station to the dock, where you can buy ferry tickets. To prevent any delay, find out about ferry timings in advance. However avoid online booking of trains from Bangkok to Surat Thani by using your credit card to prevent addition of handling fees to the ticket costs. You may also have to face the risk of waiting for a boat to Koh Samui or being overcharged for local transport to the dock. So it advisable to buy a combined train/shuttle/ferry ticket from one of the numerous travel agencies in Bangkok. There are 2 trains departing from Bangkok's Hualamphong station everyday and arrive at Surat Thani in 8 hours. When you take a combined ticket, you are escorted and taken to the ferry, from where you can arrive at Koh Samui in 1.5 hours. The costs starts from just more than 1000 - 1700 baht, based on the type of train seat selected for the journey.

Via Bus (or coach) and Ferry

For cost conscious, bus and ferry trip is the best option. Air-conditioned overnight buses depart from Bangkok's southern bus station everyday. These buses leave at late afternoon and early evening. On reaching Surat Thani, buses are transported to Koh Samui. Bus fares start from 300 to 400 baht based on the class of service selected and travel time is about 14 hours. Ferry fares lie below 50 baht. Private companies operate coaches and pick up people from numerous spots in Bangkok. They usually let travelers buy a combined coach/ferry tickets from local travel agencies. This journey takes around 13 hours. The cost lies between 350 - 650 baht based on the type of the service. There are daily bus services from Hat Yai, Phuket and Krabi. However this trip is meant for the toughest travelers. Unscheduled local buses halt at any spot to pick up anybody looking to board the bus. The trip may take longer than the overnight buses and coaches

Via boat

Express catamaran service to Koh Samui departs from adjacent Koh Tao and mainland ports of Chumphon and Surat Thani. There are also usual ferry service and smaller boat services available. Long-tail boat service operates planned trips to and from Koh Phangan.

Via car or motorcycle

There is a ferry service departing every hour from 06:00 - 18:00 from both Donsak Pier and Samui Ferry Pier. The time taken is about 1.5 hours.

You are welcome to publish the article along with the hyperlinked URL: Samui Hotel

By Jack Dan

Thailand Trips

Thailand is a beautiful country where you can do about everything. From luxury hotels to wild rapids on the rivers it is a place where you live the vacation of your life. There are a couple of things you can do in order to enjoy without spending too much. One important detail is to eat the local food rather than expensive international cuisine. Getting a local guide in order to know which establishments are cheaper is essential. Local magazines that are available at very popular locations can inform you of area where you can obtain cheaper drinks and party without spending too much.

There are some areas in Thailand where you can get really nice discounts. The market in Chiang Mai is a fantastic place to find plenty of souvenirs and local craftsmanship. Thailand is a country with many beautiful areas and probably you will want to see most of them. You will be to find some nice packages and information on tours in Khao San Road in Bangkok. Many travel agencies are located in this area so there is a good chance that you will find what you need. Thailand is a great country but there are moments that you will need to exercise precaution to avoid dangerous situations.

Bangkok the capital of Thailand is a magnet for tourists but occasionally some political protests might happen. There are many opposing groups with different political views and sometimes the confrontation can get out of hand. Shoot outs can sometimes be a part of the scenario and you do not want to be in there when that happens. So is very important that you watch the news and travel there only during peaceful times. Another area that can be a bit problematic is the southern area of the country. That zone has been very conflicting with different groups. Many deaths have been reported in that area so is wise to avoid traveling there.

One of the wildest things you can do in Thailand is traveling through the rapids. The Mae Taeng river will you an adrenaline rush like no other. Once you get in the raft, the instructor will tell you what to do in order to enjoy the savage rapids to the extreme. Rock climbing in Thailand is an adventure that you must experience. The Krabi area will provide any rock climber the feeling they always wanted. Try to avoid the rainy season otherwise you will not be able to do much rock climbing.

Read about tips to acquire properties in the Punta Cana real estate. Visit us for information on the Punta Cana resorts to help you decide where you will be staying at your vacation.

By Mary Ponce

Krabi Five-Star Hotels

Krabi, Thailand is one of the few destinations in Thailand to remain unspoiled despite the influx of tourists. To enjoy the beaches to the utmost, it is necessary to stay in Krabi five-star hotels. Find listed here, some of Krabi's most popular luxury five-star hotels.

1. Amari Vogue Resort, Tub Kaek beach: This resort built in the famous Lanna architectural style lies looking out over the superb Tub Kaek beach. All the rooms of this magnificent resort afford breath-taking views of the ocean, distant islands and the surrounding green landscape. Guests are offered the choice of indoor and outdoor restaurants. The Sivara Spa, Jacuzzi and swimming pool are its other attractions.

2. Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas, Ao Nang: Lying on a private bay, things cannot get any better than this. This is the ideal choice for those who value privacy, luxury and comfort. The resort's proximity to airport and commercial areas are considered its other assets.

3. Rayavadee Premier Resort, Railay: Its unique triangular construction makes it possible for the resort to face three of the most popular beaches of Krabi - Railay, Nam Mao and Phra Nang. Being part of the Krabi Marine National Park, these beach areas are well-protected from senseless developmental activities. Plush furnishings and pleasant ambiance are the resort's hallmarks.

4. Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort, Klong Muong beach: This beachfront luxury resort spreads across the beautiful Klong Muong beach. The well-kept landscaped gardens and Zen-style architecture make the resort a tropical paradise. Despite its oriental settings, Sheraton Krabi has all the modern amenities demanded by present-day travelers - swimming pool, sun deck, gym and business center. One of its prime attractions for children and grown-ups alike is its resident baby elephant named Baba Rara.

Krabi five-star hotels are a class apart and allow you to enjoy your holidays to the level best.

Paisit Kapilakan owns and operates the website My Krabi Holiday that provides more than just information and reservation for hotels in Krabi. My Krabi Holiday offers a comprehensive travel guide to Krabi, Thailand and the best discount for hotel reservations in Krabi. For more information on Krabi five-star hotels, visit http://www.mykrabiholiday.com and avail the fabulous offers.

By Pasit Kapilakan

Affordable Thailand Hotels - Krabi

The laidback atmosphere, uncrowded beaches and natural beauty of Krabi, Thailand is attracting tourists to this tropical paradise. However, the steep tariffs of Thailand hotels Krabi are a deterrent to average travelers. Here are some Krabi hotels that are affordable without compromising on luxury and comfort.

1. Heritage Hotels, Ao Nang: Located in a quiet corner of Aonang beach, this hotel has 78 comfortable rooms to let out. Its proximity to the airport is another advantage for guests.

2. Ao Nang Beach Resort, Ao Nang: This two-star resort is set amidst the tropical greenery and white sand beaches of Krabi. The majestic mountains form its backdrop to complete the postcard image.

3. Ao Nang Sunset Hotel, Ao Nang: This resort is the perfect choice for budget-conscious families. Its pleasant ambiance, convenient location, proximity to shopping centers and restaurants are much appreciated by its guests.

4. Sand Sea Resort, Railay: The famous Railay beach of Krabi is considered a haunt of affluent travelers. This resort is an exception. Located close to the west Railay beach, this is an offer not to be missed.

5. Sunrise Tropical Resort, Railay: Another affordable accommodation on the famous Railay beach. The resort's inaccessibility adds to its charm. It can be reached only by a long-tail boat ride from nearby beaches.

6. Tipa Resort, Ao Nang: Tipa Resort's claim to fame is its setting amidst the tropical greenery near the beautiful beach. The resort rooms offer spectacular views of the land and the sea.

7. Krabi Resort, Ao Nang: The resort set beneath swaying palms on the most famous beaches of Krabi affords direct beach access. Ample attention is given by the resort management to make their guest feel at home during their stay here.

Majority of Thailand hotels Krabi are located on its two famous beaches - Aonang and Railay. While Railay is considered mostly upscale, Aonang has a fair mixture of all types of accommodation.

Paisit Kapilakan owns and operates the website My Krabi Holiday that provides more than just information and reservation for hotels in Krabi. My Krabi Holiday offers a comprehensive travel guide to Krabi, Thailand and the best discount for hotel reservations in Krabi. For more information on Thailand hotels Krabi, visit http://www.mykrabiholiday.com and avail the fabulous offers.

By Pasit Kapilakan

Sheraton Krabi Hotels - Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort

Krabi province of Thailand and Sheraton group of hotels make a heady combination. Sheraton Krabi hotels came up with Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort on the beautiful Klong Muong beach in an attempt to match the beauty of the locale with its luxurious rooms, excellent facilities and impeccable hospitality.

And, how they have succeeded in this endeavor! The resort designed with distinct Thai influence is the ideal place to relax after a long day of sight-seeing and activities. Sheraton Resort offers the added advantage of their Club Rooms, which entitles its guests access to Club Lounge and its accompanying benefits.

Spending a lazy day is never dull when staying at Sheraton Krabi hotels. The beachfront swimming pools enveloped in tropical gardens offer the perfect location to relax with a refreshing swim or in a hammock under the blue sky. The array of bars and restaurants here lets you enjoy a variety of mouth-watering cuisines and cocktails.

The location of the resort on the beachfront affords its guests multitude of options to explore the province and its assortment of activities. Right from the beach, guests can board private boats for activities such as kayaking, diving and snorkeling and go exploring the nearby islands like Phi Phi Islands and James Bond Islands.

Sheraton Krabi hotels are well established as excellent locations for meetings and events. The Andaman Grande Room and Krabi Room are popular choices for indoor entertainment, while the huge beach marquees serve as outdoor venue. The resort offers the most modern equipments and accessories, including audiovisuals, for the function. This is an ideal location for theme parties.

Sheraton Krabi hotels have special offers for specific groups of travelers. These are Meetings Offers, Wedding Options, Activities Offers, Family Offers and Spa & Wellness Offers. Other popular offers are 'More Nights=More Rewards', 'Free Nights', 'Getaway Package', 'Club Away Package', 'Family Connection Package' and free upgrade option.

Paisit Kapilakan owns and operates the website My Krabi Holiday that provides more than just information and reservation for hotels in Krabi. My Krabi Holiday offers a comprehensive travel guide to Krabi, Thailand and the best discount for hotel reservations in Krabi. For more information on Sheraton Krabi hotels, visit http://www.mykrabiholiday.com and avail the fabulous offers.

By Pasit Kapilakan

Enjoy Your Holidays at Krabi Tipa Resort Thailand Hotels

If you are feeling jaded and worn out, the best prescription to good health would be a Krabi vacation. A week long stay at a Krabi Tipa Resort Thailand hotel can bring back spring in your step and sparkle in your eyes.

Krabi Tipa Resort Thailand hotels are a peaceful paradise situated in the lush green landscape of Krabi's Ao Nang beach. Snuggling on the hillside amidst the 16 acres of landscaped garden, the resort is a perfect getaway for city folks.

Far away from crowds, yet close to beach and central beach area - this exactly describes Tipa Resort. The beach is located at a walking distance of 5 minutes. The beach area has restaurants, bars and shops for those who want to get a feel of the local scene.

Tipa Resort has 66 Deluxe rooms, all of them in the ground floor and affording spectacular views of ocean and surrounding landscape. The 21 bungalows offer more privacy and is built in wood to give a rustic finish. Baanmai is a recent addition, located higher up on the hillside. Thai decor, spacious bedrooms and private balcony are its highlights.

The resort facilities include swimming pool, poolside bar, Thai traditional massage and room service. For business travelers, Tipa Resort offer wireless internet access in the lobby. Safety deposit box, open-air car park and laundry service are its other attractions. The resort also has a playground and separate pool for kids.

Guests are provided with limousines for airport transfer on request. For moving around Krabi province or beyond, the resort also has car, bike and boat rentals. Tipa Resort has a tourist information desk to provide guidance to their guests.

Krabi Tipa Resort Thailand hotels offer special packages to guests until 15 April 2010 - 'Special Last Minute Deal' and 'Tipa Hunsa Package' for 3 days and 2 nights. So, what are you waiting for now?

Paisit Kapilakan owns and operates the website My Krabi Holiday that provides more than just information and reservation for hotels in Krabi. My Krabi Holiday offers a comprehensive travel guide to Krabi, Thailand and the best discount for hotel reservations in Krabi. For more information on Krabi Tipa Resort, visit http://www.mykrabiholiday.com and avail the fabulous offers.

By Pasit Kapilakan

Travel Guide For Thailand - 5 Activities Not to Be Missed in Thailand

Thailand offers a vast variety of both indoor and outdoor activities, from going up to the top of the forested hills to down under the ocean. As a result, it is hard to narrow the choices of destinations and things to do in Thailand to the five best options. However, if we really have to choose, this travel guide for Thailand will pick the following 5 not-to-be-missed activities instead. Yet, as mentioned, they are not all of the best attractions visitors can enjoy in Thailand.

1. Experiencing amazing underwater World
Experiencing the beautiful underwater nature is one of the most popular visiting activities located in the southern and eastern part of Thailand. A large part of the reef is still protected by Thai government in order to limit the impact from human activities so that there are still vast biodiversity under warm sparkling water existed in this country. Moreover, due to the accessibility from the tourists, the underwater world is a popular destination for travelers, especially for scuba diving and snorkeling. The well known places for this are such as Krabi, Trang, Phuket, Koh Samet, Koh Phangan, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Tao etc.

2. Enjoying the World's famous beach party on Koh Phangan (Full Moon Party)
Koh Phangan is a famous destination for full moon party. 10,000 - 30,000 party lovers would come and enjoy the all-night beach party which will be held every month on the island. Besides the night time, this island still has some beautiful nature of clear sky, blue sea, white sand and coconut trees for visitors to enjoy. This is the place where the peace of nature and fun of the big live party come together.

3. Relaxing with a traditional Thai massage
One thing that any travel guide for Thailand can't be missed to mention about is traditional Thai massage or in Thai "Nuad Phan Thai". Thai massage is an art with long history. The massage is something unique involving stretching and deep massage that traveler should try once visiting Thailand to experience some peaceful relaxation during their trips. Visitors can choose to enjoy this kind of service from many places around the country from luxury spas in hotels to trusted traditional place for Thai massage as Wat Pho, the place close to the Grand Palace.

4. Shopping cheap but quality products back to your home
Thailand is one of the best shopping destination in Asia and popular for its bargaining markets. Best buy products include Thai silks and cottons, silver and gold, batiks, leather goods, beautiful pottery, precious stones such as rubies and sapphires, pearls, wood artifacts, bronze ware, designer items, tailor-made cloth, technology, etc. Travel guide for Thailand shopping places would include both shopping streets and malls such as Chatuchak, Suan Lum Night Bazaar, Silom area, Sukhumvit areas and shopping malls such as Central Plaza, The Mall, Paragon, Emporium, etc.

5. Cooking the delicious Thai cuisine with cooking classes
Thai food is one of the world's most famous and healthiest. Many dishes have become favorite dishes for people around the world such as Thai fried noodles (Pad Thai), hot and spicy soup with shrimp (Tom Yum Gung), coconut soup with chicken (Tom Kha Gai), etc. There are many Thai cooking classes now available for travelers around Thailand both in hotels and in institutions. So, here is the chance for visitors to learn how to make this finest cuisine back home.

These are the 5 activities that this travel guide for Thailand would recommend visitors to try and gain some experiences like no other. As said, these five are not all you can enjoy in this country. There are more to do such as visiting great diversity of the country's natural heritage for some adventure holidays, enjoying night life in Pattaya for some extra fun, riding on an elephant into the thick jungles for once-in-a-lifetime experience or traveling on a boat trip along Chaophaya river to touch on Thai way of living besides the river.

Last advice, before being able to enjoy those activities, advance booking for those activities and accommodation nearby is always a good idea. Travel guide for Thailand would highly recommend requesting for some promotional rates when booking as bargaining can often work in this country.

See here for more details and promotions.

By Bernie Chan

Explore the Best Destinations of Thailand

Planning for vacations is a difficult task. It is quite confusing to choose the best destination. So what about visiting Thailand during these vacations? Nothing could be better than visiting Thailand and its amazing destinations. It has many places to visit like the beaches, national parks, cultural and heritage sites. Even the people of Thailand are very friendly.

So let us know about the top five destinations to visit in Thailand.

1. Bangkok

Bangkok is the most important place to be visited in Thailand. Also being the capital city it is the largest in Thailand. There are 50 districts or popularly known as khets. It is a traditional city where you can enjoy the rich culture and traditions. The diverse history and a perfect blend of different culture is the major attraction. The Buddha Temple and the museums are best known for their architecture and finest piece of work. Apart from the destinations there are many shopping centers where you can enjoy shopping with bargaining.

2. Phuket

Phuket is located south of Thailand with spectacular beaches, crystal clear water, magnificent sunsets and amazing scenic landscapes. It is most popular place in Asia just for its fascinating beaches. The different beaches are Karon Beach, Kamala Beach, Surin Beach and many others. One can enjoy scuba diving and the dazzling nightlife. It is just perfect for a family vacation to explore the beauty of Phuket.

3. Chiang Mal

Chiang Mal is the second largest among all the cities of Thailand. It is a popular tourist destination because of the natural attractions. Every year the number of visitors visiting this place is increasing. The natural and scenic beauty of nature will definitely catch your eyes. Explore some of the finest museums at the Chiang Mal full of history and culture. There are several Buddhist temples to visit. The most appreciated festival is the Handicrafts Festival organized every year in January.

4. Pattaya

Pattaya is situated at about 150 km from Bangkok. Pattaya has famous drinks to try and also the exquisite bars. Without visiting Pattaya your trip is incomplete. The other sports activities can also be enjoyed.The best part is that the hotels and transport facilities are available at cheaper rates.

5. Krabi

Krabi is a small province which has small town called as Krabi. It is located near Phuket and Phi Phi Island. Here you will get to enjoy perfect beach destinations. The hotels are easily available.

That was all about the top five destinations of Thailand. Hope you have a pleasant experience.

Visit Here To See The Best holiday destinations and family holiday destinations

By Allen Cleveland

Rock Climbing - Thailand's The Spot

Mention Thailand and images of beaches, elephants and Bangkok come to mind. Less known is the fact Thailand rock climbing is some of the best in the world.

Rock Climbing

Located in Southeast Asia, Thailand is bordered by Cambodia, Burma and Laos in the north and Malaysia in the south. The shape of the country is somewhat similar to Italy, and you’ll find similar differences between northern and southern Thailand that you do in Italy. For rock climbing enthusiasts, the south of Thailand is where the action is.
The rock formations in Thailand are almost universally limestone. The level of climbing can be as simple as bouldering or as challenging as tackling over vertical cliffs. This makes Thailand a popular rock climbing destination since it has a little something for everyone.

Krabi

Located on the southern section of the “tail” of Thailand, Krabi has a wide variety of rock climbing challenges. Most of the climbs in this area are of the pre-bolted sport route variety. There are literally hundreds upon hundreds of climbs with difficulty levels from beginner to multi-pitch knuckle crushers.
The beauty of climbing in Krabi is…well, the beauty. While you might have visions of jungles and mosquitoes when thinking of Thailand, Krabi is an area of a different sort. Most of the climbs have been set up on cliff faces on the beach. Being natural capitalists, the Thai’s have built hotels, bars and so on at these locations. As a result, you can literally climb a multi-pitch route for five hours, cool off with a swim and then have a beer. If there is such a thing as a rock climbing heaven, many feel Krabi is it.

Before you cash in your savings, keep in mind that Thailand is a seasonal vacation spot. If you go during the wet season, there is a good chance you’ll just end up sitting around drinking beer. While that isn’t too bad, you’ll go crazy looking at the climbs that are so close, but oh so far away.
Generally, you want to head to Thailand from late November through maybe April. The summer months tend to be both incredibly hot and wet. Make sure you pull up forecasts for the area before booking a trip.
Flying to Thailand is inexpensive, but flights are incredibly long with stopovers. Still, it is all worth it once you experience Thailand rock climbing.

Rick Chapo is with http://www.nomadjournals.com/climbing.cfm - makers of rock climbing journals. Personal climbing journals make great Christmas gifts for rock climbing, mountain climbing and ice climbing. To read climbing articles an stories, visit http://www.nomadjournaltrips.com/mountain_rock_ice

By Richard Chapo