Hat Yai - Growing City in the Southern Thailand

Hat Yai is one of Thailand's southernmost cities, located in the province of Songkhla. It is only 30 km from the Malaysian border. The city began as primarily a railroad hub between Thailand and Malaysia. It is one of the lesser known tourist spots in Thailand and is attractive to those who wish to 'get away from it all,' but still have the features of a city available.

The city is becoming increasingly popular among gays. There are at least 3 gay bars now and a gay sauna called GL Sauna as well. Admission is 250 baht and includes a drink.

The gay bars are within easy walking distance of each other, the most popular being the G-Men bar.

The city was a small village until the coming of the railroad in 1922 and has slowly, but surely increased in size ever since. The population is now about 160,000. The official name of the city is Ma Hat Yai. Ma Hat is the Thai word for a fruit tree relative of the popular Jackfruit. Yai means large or big.

Getting to the city and the area is no problem. There are buses, airline service, and obviously railroad service. Within Hat Yai there are plenty of mini buses, tuk-tuks, and motorcycle taxis.

Accommodations are relatively in expensive in Hat Yai as it is not a beach town or resort city. Food in Hat Yai is mostly Thai, but some of the shopping malls have restaurants that feature 'farang food' and there are a few 'farang food' restaurants. It is best to book a room via a travel agent. You will almost always get a better rate from a travel agent than booking directly through a hotel in Hat Yai.

Night life in Hat Yai includes a surprising number of bars for a small city, several of which include live music. A popular place to go is Oceana, and entertainment complex just outside of Hat Yai. There you will find a very nice open air restaurant and bar that covers two floors and is in a beautifully romantic landscaped setting, open until about 2:00am. There is a disco nearby and it seems to remain open until about 4:00am.

The Lee Garden Plaza features fast food restaurants including McDonald's, KFC, and Sizzler. There is also a modern multiplex cinema at Lee Garden.

There is not very much in the way of sightseeing in the Hat Yai vicinity, but the three most popular attractions are:

Wat Hat Yai Nai - Features a 35 meter long reclining Buddha, the third largest in the world.

Hat Yai Municipal Park - This park is quite popular among the Thais and includes an abundance of flowering plants and a very good aviary.

Ton Nga Chang Waterfall - Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand. It is a 7-tiered waterfall, the most popular being the third level, known as the "Elephant Tusk" waterfall. Here the falls separate into two streams, resembling elephant tusks. You can easily hire transportation to and from the park for about 400 baht.

Many farang doing visa runs go to Hat Yai due to its close proximity to the Malaysian border. The run takes you to Dannok. From there you simply cross over the border on foot, take care of your visa renewal, and return, although there are plenty of motorcycle taxis to take you, if you wish, 20 baht each way. Mini vans are available to take you back to Hat Yai for about 60 baht, but they do not depart until they are full. The trip takes approximately 90 minutes.

To keep up with the latest info on this great city, go to http://thailandvisa.com

For all the information you need to know about Thailand Visa and Immigration issues and about living and working in Thailand, go to http://www.thailandvisa.com The Thailand Visa website is a free resource for expats living in Thailand and for travelers who want to visit the country. Michael A. Allen lives abroad and loves travel and adventure.

By Michael A. Allen

Transport in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai's roads get quite busy, and getting caught up in the congestion can be a frustrating and exhausting experience. I have seen tourist literature about the city accentuating its peaceful quality, and although plenty of such places exist (mainly outside Chiang Mai), you will not find them on its highways. This article attempts to describe the types of available transport in Chiang Mai, the best ways of getting around and the pros and cons of each mode of transport, with personal anecdotes included.

I. Public transport

a. Metered Taxi

A misnomer, as taxi drivers do not switch their meters on -- certainly not in the experience of my partner and I! As a non-Thai, you need to come to an agreement with the driver before climbing in, as foreigners are routinely overcharged. Every time we asked for the meter to be turned on, we were told that it was broken. Do not hesitate to walk away in search of another taxi if you feel you are being had. There are plenty around, and the taxi driver might even back down and give you a decent price. Eventually we started cutting the asking price in two, and to negotiate from there. It did not always work, but at least we did not come across as completely green.

The one and only time we successfully caught a metered taxi was at Chiang Mai airport, where we had flown in from Bangkok. Ensure you go to one of the two official taxi counters located in Arrivals inside the airport, where you will be handed a ticket; indeed, the unmarked cars idling outside for unwary travelers are not licensed. The 30-minute fare into town cost us 60 Baht, plus the standard 50-Baht airport tax (payable at the airport).

b. Tuk-Tuk

Tuk-tuks are fun and a one-time must for anybody new to Thailand. However, I would not recommend them on a regular basis as they are also noisy and passengers are at the mercy of noxious car fumes, not to mention the occasional heavy smoke in late spring and summer when farmers burn land and bush to foster new growth. Glorified motorcycles (three wheels + handle bars), they are reasonably expensive when compared to Songthaews (see below). Suitable only for short trips, foreigners are charged more as a matter of course. To get a lift, simply flag a tuk-tuk down and give your destination. Bear in mind that most tuk-tuk drivers speak limited English.

c. Pedicab

Powered by very agile and older men, pedicabs provide slow but scenic tours of the Old City, particularly within the moat area. Rates are negotiable. The descendant of rickshaws, they are not as numerous as they once were, but they are none-the-less still around. Flag one down to get a lift.

d. Truck (Songthaew)

Songthaews (literally 'two benches') operate like buses in that they travel on selected routes. You flag them down, tell the driver your destination, and he will tell you to hop in if he is going that way. Quick, efficient and cheap, Songthaews pick up other passengers on the way. They are a good way to get around, and unlike tuk-tuks and taxis, do not tend to overcharge: it is a flat 20 Baht per adult if you are traveling within the city (look out for the red-coloured Songthaews); if you are traveling outside the city, the trucks are yellow, and of course cost more.

e. Buses and Trains

Public transport in Chiang Mai is unusual in that it does not include a bus service. Nor are there any commuter trains, elevated trains or subways as in Bangkok.

NB If you do not speak Thai, one way of ensuring you get to your destination is to present the driver with a business card carrying the address and map of your destination. However, it needs to be in Thai as not all drivers speak or read English.

We have heard stories about drivers pretending to be short of change in order to avoid paying back the difference. This has never been our experience, but it seems important to mention. So ensure that you have plenty of 20-Baht notes on you at all times.

II. Rented transport

Chiang Mai has plenty of rental firms to choose from, whether for cars, motorcycles or scooters. Whatever your vehicle, if you do decide to go for it, ensure you have your driver's license and an International Driver's License with you at all times. Take a photograph of your rental to ascertain that you are not charged for damage you are not responsible for. You will also need to leave your passport as security. Please bear in mind that you will need to return the vehicle if you are due for a visa run (unless you have a second passport, of course -- in which case ensure that the ID you hand in to the rental company is NOT the one with your Thai visa!).

a. Scooters and motorcycles

Scooters and motorcycles are one of the best ways to get around Chiang Mai, particularly as traffic can get quite congested. However, you need to be at ease with the Thai way of driving, which is 'flexible', to say the least. Mandatory third party injury is included in the rental price of a motorbike but there is no third party insurance available for vehicle damage. An extra 50 Baht per day will limit costs associated with any damage to your rental. There are special rates for daily/weekly and monthly rental, but do not hesitate to negotiate an even better deal. You can get a 110cc scooter for 150 Baht per day (with extra insurance; 100 Bath without). A 125cc is a better choice if there are two of you on the bike, and some firms also rent larger bikes. I would recommend an automatic to a manual, as it handles easier in traffic.

Once you have made your choice, check the scooter/motorcycle out thoroughly before you go (particularly lights and brakes) and ask to take it on a test run (to check out the steering). Always wear a helmet (normally thrown in for free; check it fits and that it is good quality). Most accidents here tend to involve motorcyclists, and I have been told that horrific motorcycle accidents are reported in the Thai-speaking press, but not in the English-speaking papers. I cannot imagine why, unless it is to avoid a slump in the motorbike rental business. Helmets are compulsory, despite the fact that few Thais wear them. The fine for driving without one is 200 Baht (the cost of a new helmet!), although it rarely seems to be enforced.

Hire places are plentiful along Moon Muang road (east side of the moat).

b. Cars

To hire a car, the best course is to go to a recognized dealer (Avis/Budget, etc) as the vehicle will, in theory, be better serviced. You will also get full insurance (but check the fine print; note that Visa cards normally cover collision damage) and they will more likely provide an alternative if your car fails for some reason. Although less practical in heavy traffic, there is no doubt that cars offer more protection, comfort (especially on long journeys) and...air conditioning!

Rental of a car or 4-wheel drive will set you back approximately between 700 and several thousand Baht per day, and mini-buses somewhat more. Monthly rental offers a better deal (do not hesitate to bargain hard) and on-line offers provide the best rates of all.

You can also rent a car with a driver. The daily cost is roughly 1,750 Baht for a car and 2,000 Baht for a mini-bus (this does not include fuel). After 5pm, the price per hour is approximately 100 Baht. You will also need to pay for the driver's food and accommodation in the event of overnight trips. It is worth mentioning, though, that we were wandering round Chiang Mai when we were approached by a taxi driver who offered us his car and his services as a driver at a daily rate of 650 Baht.

c. Bicycles

They are readily available everywhere, but particularly in tourist areas of the Old Town (guesthouses, travel agents, serviced apartments, etc). They typically cost between 150-200 Baht a day. I personally would not rent one for getting around town (too dangerous), but they are convenient and quite magical in the quieter parts of Chiang Mai. Helmets do not appear to be compulsory, but it is a very good idea to wear one.

To conclude, transport in Chiang Mai takes many forms. What you are most comfortable with will depend on your age and your experience, but you should be able to find a way of getting around that suits you. Do not hesitate to approach other foreigners for their experiences. To my mind, the most important things to remember are safety, and, where appropriate, hard bargaining for a better price.

Elizabeth Slater is a retiree living in Thailand and writes about retirement issues affecting expats currently in, or considering moving to, Thailand. For more information visit her website Thailand Retirement Experiences at http://thailandretirementexperiences.com/.

By Elizabeth Slater

Exploring Thailand

It seemed as if the earth smiles, Thailand is a Southeast Asian frontier, the Andaman Sea Gulf of Thailand, Burma south. Bangkok is also the largest city and capital. It is also the center of the country's political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. This country is very popular with tourists from all over the world, its diversity. Their traditions are fascinating and diverse cultures. The country has a lot of historical attractions, including temples, palaces and museums. Country, nature, friendly people, exotic cuisine, relaxation and wellness.

Thailand has its own language. Thailand has spent nearly 75 million people. English is taught as a second language in this country and it is used for its residents. As in any other language in the world, Thailand is also known as a complex mixture of different sources. Some of these hubs, Sanskrit, Khmer, Malay, Chinese and English.

There are several opportunities throughout the country and "a simple and convenient. Land is also a modern transport system. You can take the plane, train, bus, elephant taxis, taxis and tuk-tuk. Tuk-tuk three wheels of vehicles for the transport over short distances in the journey of the country.

Thai food is known throughout the world. If you are not eating in Thailand? Each Thai dish, the principle remains the harmony, or was a hot chili or very mild. Thai cuisine is a combination of ancient Eastern and Western influences harmoniously combined with some very Thai. This kitchen offers a variety of ingredients, spices and complex flavors of a complex fragrance. Your favorite dishes Gay Mamuang Met Pad (Fried Chicken cashew nuts), Pia Tord (deep fried roll), Panaeng (spicy beef and coconut cream), Som Tam (spicy papaya salad), Moo-Te (Grilled with turmeric sticks), gay Tom Yam (spicy chicken soup), Tom Kha Kai (chicken coconut soup), Central and Eastern European Gay Kang Wan (Green Chicken Curry), Pad Thai (noodles chips) and Tom Yam Gung. (Spicy Shrimp)

Most popular destinations in Thailand, Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew Nang Yai (shadow puppet), Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Ayutthaya Jim Thompson House, Umphang and ecotourism, Sukhothai, Ao Phang-Nga Marine Park, Pattaya, and many others. Offices in Bangkok, Chiang Mai is a great night market. Weekend Market in Bangkok Chatuchuk shopping paradise with hundreds of rich antique items, clothing and animals .

See a list of discounted Pimsleur courses at PimsleurMethod.com Pimsleur languages courses are a great way to learn on the go. Are you ready to really learn a new language? Try Pimsleur.

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