Thailand - The Traveler's Paradise

Tourism is a major economic factor in Thailand, which in fact started when US soldiers started arriving there for rest and recuperation in 1960s, during the Vietnam War period. At the same period international mass tourism also sharply increased due to many reasons. Rise in the standard of living, increase in leisure time, improvement in science and technology which made travel possible and cheaper etc are some of the reasons. This new trend was virtually capitalized by Thailand. The peak period of tourism is during Christmas and New Year holidays, when tourists from western countries travel abroad to escape from the terrible cold climate.

Mostly Thailand is visited by Asian tourists for Bangkok and the historical, natural and cultural sights in its vicinity. Western tourists visit the country not only for Bangkok, but also for the southern beaches and islands. If you are interested in adventure travel it is better to travel North, with its ethnic minority groups and forested mountains. Those who are interested in trekking can enjoy a lot here. The government promotes tourism by setting up a separate tourism police with offices in the major tourist areas and its own emergency telephone number. It is to be noted that sex tourism is also prevalent in Thailand, though regulated by the government to control the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

In order to face the stiff competition offered by Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam; Thailand is targeting niche markets like golf holidays or holidays combined with medical treatment. Tourists from different countries reach here allured by these, though they are especially aimed at Japan and South Korea. 'Amazing Thailand' is the main marketing slogan for promoting Thailand internationally.

What ever a tourist desires for is available in Thailand. No wonder people throng there in large numbers. Diving sites, sandy beaches, tropical islands, varied night life, archaeological sites, museums, palaces, world heritage sites etc are the specialty of the country. The country is famous for various courses held for the tourists. Popular among them are classes in Thai cooking, Buddhism and Thai massage. People of Thailand are fun loving. Famous festivals are the 'Elephant Round-up' in Surin, the 'Rocket Festival', in Yasothon and the 'Phi Ta Khon Festival' in Dan Sai.

Thai cuisine is another attraction for the tourists. It is famous through out the world with its lavish use of fresh herbs and spices. Expensive as well as inexpensive foods are available in Thailand. Eating enthusiasts can taste Thai cuisine in the gourmet restaurants of Bangkok and others can opt for delicious Som tam at a simple street stall in the country side. Travelers cannot resist shopping in the renowned shopping malls of Bangkok. Central World, the biggest shopping mall in South-east Asia is in Bangkok, offering wide variety of international and local brands. The night markets in the Silom and on Khaosan Road are mainly tourist oriented. T-shirts, handicrafts, counterfeit watches and sun glasses are available here. The moderate climate of Thailand makes it really an amazing tourist destination.

If you are looking for more information then feel free to visit Thailand Travel [http://www.thailandinfomation.com] and Thailand Information [http://www.thailandinfomation.com].

By Jitesh Arora

Backpacking in Thailand - How to Travel Super Cheaply

A great way to get amazing results from your backpacking or traveling-for-low-cost budget is by booking a ticket to Thailand and preparing to explore to your heart's content - cheaply of course. Don't think it can be done? Wait until you've read this article and you'll be ready to book your ticket and go!

Now most budget travelers or backpackers would know this anyway - but in case you don't, the simple fact is that when it comes to low cost travel, Thailand takes the cake, and allows you to eat it too. (By the way, Thailand's neighbors are even cheaper to travel through than Thailand!) So let's find out how to do it.

Firstly understand that you can basically catch trains, buses and vans (boats too, depending on where you're headed) to almost anywhere in Thailand. Pretty much wherever there's a road, there's transport. You'll also have a few choices about what style you want to travel in... You can go local style and pay the local fares, or you can go VIP and pay top dollar (for Thai standards).

As an example, a VIP 24 seater bus with air conditioning (think of it like a fridge on wheels) will cost you the top end of your traveling budget, but give you a very comfortable trip (albeit a cold one). Whereas you can also find a local bus or van doing a similar route and pay less than half the VIP price. You still get to where you're going though!

So, to do Thailand on a really cheap budget is more than possible. The trick is to catch the local buses and vans, and do what the local Thai people do. I've seen folks sit in low-cost seats all night to ride 12 hour train trips, rather than fork out the extra for a bunk bed to sleep in.

Actually you'd be amazed at how cheaply you can travel Thailand for. For under US$10 you can do a picturesque 5 hour journey to a whole new part of Thailand. OK, so the bus might be full, and the driver a maniac, but you still get to where you're going, right? So, go book that ticket right away!

Martin has been writing articles for nearly 3 years. His newest interest is in postcard marketing. So come visit his latest website that discusses everything about postcards such as postcard marketing and direct marketing postcards for your small business marketing adventures.

By Martin Hurley

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

Amazing Thailand - Explore and Be Amazed

Amazing Thailand is a traveller's paradise. Not only is Thailand crawling with sandy white beaches and islands, it's heaven for people who love food and shopping. Thailand cuisine is famous worldwide for its fresh herbs and spices. For food lovers, Thailand tourism does not restrict itself to restaurants of fame. Whether an outdoor stall in downtown Pattaya, or a classy restaurant in Bangkok - the tastes of Thailand come out in full glory. And if food isn't exactly what you're looking for, then Thailand also offers a rich shopping experience. Bangkok houses some of the biggest shopping malls in the world with almost everything under the sun on offer - be it international or local brands of household articles, electronics or fabrics.

What makes tourism in Thailand all the more amazing is its culture and festivals. The legendary Thai massage gets its own flow of tourists - some come for the massage and some come to take courses in Thai massage. National festivals in amazing Thailand include the fun-for-all water splashing 'Songkran', and the almost fairytale like quality of 'Loy Krathong'.

Popular tourist destinations in Thailand are:

Phuket, Ko Samui, and Hatyai in Southern Thailand; Bangkok, Pattaya, Kanchanaburi, and Ayutthaya in Central Thailand;Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, and Pai in Northern Thailand; and Khao Yai National Park and Phimai historical park in North-eastern Thailand.

Bangkok

Bangkok was originally a small trading centre is one of the most visited tourist places in the world today. The city has innumerable tourist spots and attractions like the Siam Ocean World, The Grand Palace, Thonburi Snake farm, Dusit Zoo, Chao Phya river and its canals, Wat Pra Kaeo - the temple the emerald Buddha, Pat Pong night bazaar, and the Calypso Cabaret.

Pattaya

Originally a fishing town, Pattaya also attracts as many tourists as Bangkok. The Sri Racha Tiger Zoo, the Vimantaitalay tourist submarine which offers trip underwater to see corals and deep sea life, The Million Years Stone Park, Pattaya Crocodile Farm, Pattaya Park Beach Resort Water Park, Funny Land Amusement Park, Siriporn Orchid Farm, Underwater World Pattaya, the Thai Alangkarn Theater Pattaya, Bottle Art Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum are amongst the hundreds of tourist attractions here.

What started off as Rest and Recuperation for American soldiers in Vietnam in the 1960s is today one of the most preferred tourist destinations. Amazing Thailand as it's popularly known has seen an exponential increase in tourism through five decades now, with predictions of even better future prospects.

Visit amazing Thailand for its beauty and explore Bangkok, Thailand along with nightlife in Pattaya, Thailand.

By Willium Taylor

Khao San Road - A Backpacker's Guide to Southeast Asia's Launch Pad

Ask any traveler who has been to southeast Asia before and nine times out of ten that person would have stayed on Khao San Road. It's a glorious launching point for travel into one of the worlds most popular backpacking destinations. It can all seem incredibly daunting the first time you put that backpack on and step off the plane into the thick wet heat that bangkok so proudly possesses, but as soon as that first cold beer hits your lips and you realise you're a world away from anything you've known before, it all becomes worth it.

Khao San Road (KSR) is infamous in Bangkok. It's by no means the cheapest place to stay, nor the most beautiful, but if you want to stay in the heart of backpackers central, KSR if for you. The wide streets occupy bars, cheap hotels, clothes markets, travel agents and endless food stalls. You can expect to pay around $1 for a bowl of fresh noodles cooked in front of you or slightly less for a plate of sweet, sticky rice served with delicious mango. The taste buds are truly stimulated here in Bangkok, from the cheapest food stalls to high class hotel restaurants.

Most Hotels on KSR don't accept advanced booking and this can be pretty scary if it's your first time, but even though hotels fill up fast, you'll always find somewhere to stay. A typical air con single room will range from $10 - 30 per night, breakfast included, but if you're willing to brave the heat and opt for a fan room, the cost can get ridiculously cheap. KSR gets pretty lively at night, street entertainment comes out, loud music pumps into the street from the many clothes stalls around, and the healthy population of gap year students and budget travelers head to the wide array of bars that surround KSR. The nighttime buzz is truly memorable.

You're out there to have the time of your life, so keep it that way by following a few basic rules.

1) Keep your main cash and passport in the hotel safe, don't hide it under the mattress or on you in person.

2) Never travel alone at night. As safe as it might seem, stick with friends or a crowd of people you know. Opt for the taxi instead of late night walk. Act the same way you would back home.

3) Drink responsibly. Some of the Thai whiskey that is put into drinks can go down like fruit juice but is very strong. Take a careful note of what you've drank and how much and if needs be, carry a bottle of water with you.

But most of all, suck in the experience, Thailand is a beautiful country with amazing people and what a better gateway into that experience than by visiting Khao San Road

By Zack Mellors

Trang, Thailand - Thailand's Best Unknown Secret

After hearing from many Thai's raving on about Trang and how the snorkeling was great, I thought I better go see what the fuss is all about and also heard great reviews in a few Thai forums. My wife and I went to a travel expo in Bangkok and booked a package which included 2 nights accommodation, including all meals and 2 days of snorkeling.

After a 1 hour flight we landed in Trang, it is located south of Phuket. Our resort picked us up from the airport and took us to a pier for our ferry to our resort which was on a small island. At the pier I couldn't help but notice all the rubbish that was around, the place was filthy and I was starting to think this trip is not going to live up to the hype from my Thai friends. But after the ferry to our resort I was surprised that the rubbish had disappeared. Our bungalow was located about 10 meters from the beach which was nice.

After we dropped our bags off we went to have diner, where we were greeted with 6 dishes of seafood. The amount of food would of feed a family. After dinner which we didn't come close to finishing we went back to the bungalow for some sleep to get ready for a full day of snorkeling.

In the 2 days of snorkeling, we had an amazing time, there was so much fish and they would eat rice right out of our hands. We also went to a place called the emerald cave, its a small opening in the side of a mountain which we swam as a group into (with life jackets). The cave was really dark, but if you looked down the water was light blue and was giving us a little light from the reflection from the sun. After about 30 meters in it just went pitch black for about 50 meters. Once we got to the end of the cave, the water lit up as there was an opening at the end of the cave. Our guide told us there is a small beach surrounded by cliffs on the other side of the wall. But to get there we would have to swim under the wall for about 5 meters. I am a pretty strong swimmer and it was easy for me, but we had one guy who couldn't swim at all. We had to make him hold his breath and 2 of us swam and pushed him under and through to the other side.

Once we all got through we were on a beach that was about 50 by 50 meters. It was a stunning place. I was told by our guide, that many years ago this is where pirates used to hide there valuables.

Once we got back out we went to many other spots to snorkel before we went back to our resort.It was an exhausting day.

After each tiring day we were greeted by a huge amount of seafood for dinner. I have to say this trip did live up to the hype. Trang is a beautiful place to visit, I would recommend it to anyone. If you like the sun, good food and snorkeling, then Trang is the place to go.

Don Carswell is publisher on Thailand who you can ask about anything on Thailand.
My website is Thailand
Thai forum

By Don Carswell

Koh Tao - Visit the Beautiful Turtle Island

Address in Thailand is an amazing experience, the senses and the taste of the joy of living is updated, but decided to stay, where to go can be a difficult task, as many are offered. But one of the most beautiful islands on the nearby island of Koh Tao, visit translates as "Turtle Iceland.

Koh Tao is about three hours by ferry to the mainland, and there is easy access to all of Thailand, Koh Tao, pay the $ 10 back from Bangkok. The island is about 21 square miles, and can the island on a day to go smoothly. This place is ideal for the search for a friendly young man who knows how to play, but they are willing to rest six days a week.

Accommodation can be very fast in the night under a full moon, so it is best to book in advance, but if you're interested in learning scuba diving, many companies throw a house package. Koh Tao is to learn one of the best places for diving, and also one of the cheapest. And a bit endless and estuaries is the ideal place to learn to dive in clear water, warm and protected.

There are many activities to participate, by climbing up into the jungle-trekking, sailing or simply relax in a beautiful white sandy beach. Nightlife can be animated in Koh Tao, when you in the right place to go especially at the beach in the background that the most popular area of the island. For those who want a quiet dinner and drinks, have a great selection of restaurants, easy access to the entire island.

When the island to take the best one bicycle / motorcycle. Do not drink and drive in these streets, no matter how much every day for him. Hundreds of drunken driver was seriously injured annually. Do be reasonable and common sense!

First, you can enjoy this beautiful island and experience to tell.

The author is an avid traveler and writer .

Koh Chang Beach Resort - Packed With Outstanding Service and Amenities

Thailand is a wonderful place that has wonderful places to explore. If you are planning to make a trip to Thailand, then make sure to visit Koh Chang. This is an amazing Island that is packed with lots of natural beauty. One of the most attracting places is the Koh Chang Beach Resort that is packed with outstanding service and amenities. This resort is the perfect place to have a relaxing and pleasurable getaway. Definitely, you will have an awesome time with your friends, family and loved ones. The resort is surrounded tropical nature that will make you spellbound.

Koh Chang Beach Resort is well known for roomy accommodations and you can get fifty bedroom suites to choose. There are big bungalows and private villas those are perfect for your honeymoon. If you want to feel the spark of Thailand, then surely this resort is the right one. You feel the real escape that is purely natural and will make you delighted. There are two swimming pools those are perfect for every age group people. You can view the sunset that will make your day wonderful.

You can have different types of activities like elephant riding, boat riding and beach visiting. Think how wonderful it would be doing trekking activities in the famous National park. Well, during your stay in the Koh Chang Beach Resort, you can spend time doing different types of adventure sports activities. Some of the most widely done adventure activities are scuba diving, and water sports. In this resort, you can taste some finest Thai cuisines and different types of international cuisines. Koh Chang Beach-Resort is a real home to all travelers those are coming for vacation to this magnificent island. So, what are you waiting for? Book your stay in this lovely beach resort. With more domestic as well as foreign tourists that are visiting to the Koh Chang for holiday vacation, hotel owners and developers are now rushing into tap of the market potential. Example, Amari Emerald Cove Resort, first 5 star resort hotel on main island that opened the doors just some years before and then, there are lots of projects like this that are springing up at Koh Chang. White Sand Beach is the family oriented area & quite many assorted beach resorts & hotels are found here all along with a few luxurious beach resorts like Chang Buri Resort and Spa.

Do you want to read more about Thailand luxury resorts and hotels Koh Chang

By Dennis Kjaergaard

Shopping in Thailand

My holiday to Thailand was truly an amazing experience. Among the many countless other joys and wonders, Thailand was a great place to shop and Bangkok in particular, where the variety of retail outlets and goods is surprising. I could find genuine name-brand products on sale in department stores for half as much as back home. Even more there are bargains in more down-to-earth places in form of open market stalls that leave you awestruck.

With the excellent exchange rates, and amazing discounts, I could find everything that I wanted and that too at exceptional prices. From sophisticated air-conditioned shopping malls to sweaty markets under canvas, to roadside vendors. There’s so much, that one can literally shop till one drops. Thailand is recognized as one of the world's leading gems and jewelry centers and I shopped for some great collection of jewelry. Bangkok's Chinatown or the nearby Ban Mo Jewelry Street should be checked out for exquisite jewelry.

Bangkok is the capital of shopping malls, open - air markets, road - side vendors, charming side street antique shops and art galleries. And best of all, Thai handicrafts, the most famous of which is Thai silk. Markets sprawl the streets, even the rivers, of every town in Thailand, so I was never far away from a good buy. A visit to the floating market at Damnoen Saduak, just outside of Bangkok was an unusual experience and I returned with designer clothes, jewelry, pirated DVDs and CDs to tacky, but essential, souvenirs.

It was really obvious now why Thailand is famous as being a great destination for the serious shopper. Whatever you are looking for, there’s bound to be an outlet in Thailand. For more information on this pls. visit: http://www.stayresthailand.com/shopping-in-thailand.html

Author is an associate editor of http://www.stayresthailand.com The website offers exclusive information of Thailand and Shopping in Thailand We also provide online hotel reservation of hotels in Thailand.

By Niraj Singh

Things to See in Thailand

Thailand has long been a popular tourist destination. Cheap, navigable, family friendly, and with a range of activities, it is easy to see why it is so popular. With the world economy shrinking, Thailand has become an even better choice to visit. Hotel prices have been cut and flights have become cheaper. If that wasn't enough of a reason, here are some others:
Thailand has some of the best beaches in the world. Whether you want empty beaches or lush resorts, Thailand has an island for you. You can choose between Phuket, a popular family destination, Ko Phang Nagn, a popular destination with backpackers, or Ko Lipe, an out of the way destination in the south of Thailand. No matter where you go, you will find wide white sand beaches, crystal clear diving, cheap accommodation, amazing seafood, and great diving.
If beaches and diving aren't interesting to you, Thailand a a variety of other activities for you. There are many historical sites such as Sukkotthai, Lopburi, and Ayutthaya There you can see the old capitals of the Thai Empire. and some stunning Khmer influence architecture.
Keep heading north for lush jungles, hill tribes, and river rafting expeditions. Up north in Chiang Mai you will also find some of the best shopping in all of Thailand at the Chiang Mai night market. Chiang Mai also boasts some amazing temples and is one of the centers of Buddhism in the country. If you head a little further north to Chiang Rai, you can use this city as a base to explore the wild and undeveloped north.
However, the best part of Thailand is its beaches and any trip to the country requires spending a lot of time at one of its many islands. With so many islands, there is bound to be one that suits your travel style. The lesser known and touristed islands such as Ko Lipe, offer travelers cheaper accommodation, more authentic interaction with the locals, better diving, and less crowds to share the beaches with. Most people come here for the sun and there is good reason to. Whatever your reason to come here, you will have a great time with so many available choices.

Matt loves Thailand and has been living in the country for two years. He has seen it all and still loves the beaches the most. His favorite thing to do in Thailand is Travel Ko Lipe.

By Matthew Kepnes

Thailand - The Land Of Smiles

Have you ever wondered what makes Thailand one of the top travel destinations in the world? This could be because Thailand, the Land of Smiles, has something to offer each person visiting this beautiful and exotic country. Whether you are looking for scenic serene beaches or a rural setup, Thailand has it.
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a wonderful blend of Asian and Western cultures. You will find huge shopping centers rubbing shoulders with streetside vendors. If that is not enough, you can imbibe the Thai culture by visiting an amazing array of temples or just hanging out at the Chatuchak market. Although Bangkok is like any other metropolis, busy and polluted, do not get taken in by this. It has a lot to offer to any traveler visiting this thriving city.
Any visit to Thailand is incomplete without a visit to the ancient cities of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. You will learn a lot about Thai history and culture by just wandering about the spectacular ruins and ancient temples.
Northern Thailand has always been a popular destination with foreign tourists, especially Chiang Mai. Many tourists camp out at Chiang Mai when they go check out the hill tribes living here. For those of you who may not know it, the long-neck hill tribes can be found here and if you are luck you might even end up in their village. Chiang Mai has a lot to offer besides the hill tribes. You can visit temples, museums and many other sites of interest. It is definitely a relaxing change from Bangkok's hustle and bustle.
Thailand, the Land of Smiles, has many experiences and sights to offer you. The Thai people are genuinely friendly and will always greet a tourist with a wide smile. Thailand has a lot to offer to any visitor besides the proverbial beaches and resorts. All you need to do is take time out to discover the real Thailand.

About Author:
Pauline Go is a professional writer for many website like Thailandbuddy.com. She also writes other great articles like Thailand Travel Information, Thailand Real Estate Industry Analysis, Facts on the Stonehenge

By Pauline Go

Thailand - The Land of Smiles and Cheap Travel

Thailand is known as the land of smiles, which is amazing considering the traffic jams in Bangkok. For budget travelers, Thailand simply can’t beat on price alone.
Thailand
Thailand is an odd mix of contrasts. It can be extremely stressful while trying to get around in Bangkok and gloriously relaxing while laying on practically any of the beaches that populate the coast of the country. Regardless of the situation, the Thais have a habit and custom or smiling regardless of what you ask or how you ask it.
Beaches
The beaches of Thailand need no introduction. Used as the setting for hundreds of movies, they come in a variety of styles. The beaches of Phuket and Phi Phi fall along the lines of traditional beach resort areas like you might find in a place such as Cancun, Mexico or Tamarindo, Costa Rica. On the other end of the scale, you can find more rustic beach areas in places like the island of Ko Chang where you’ll have a few beach bungalows, a couple of bars and one or two stores. If you’re looking for a little of both styles, just ask around.
Da North
Infatuated with the beach life, many people fail to head up country when in Thailand. This is a mistake as the north is the host to such locations as the city of Chang Mai, the Summer Palace of the King of Thailand and interesting little villages. For the outdoor enthusiasts, rafting, hiking and mountain biking are very popular and widely available.
Prices
If you’re on a budget, Thailand is a perfect travel destination. For some reason, flights to Thailand are particularly cheap with my recent flight on Korean Airlines running roughly $650 round trip. Once in country, your money will go a long, long way.
I think a note of caution is need at this point. Please beware. If you decide to take a trip to Thailand, you won’t want to come back to your native country. You will, however, definitely come back to Thailand!

Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com - makers of travel journals. Visit NomadJournalTrips.com to read more articles about Thailand travel and Adventure Travel.

By Richard Chapo