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

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

Bangkok Khao San Road Hostel Reviews

Hostels in Khao San road for budget travelers and backpackers is a dream come true for exploring Bangkok. There are many budget hostels as well as budget accommodations that border as a full service hotels today. Finding the right one can make a dream vacation of a lifetime or just a plain old horrible memory.

Khao San road is situated near the historical districts in Bangkok. It borders the meandering waters of the Chao Phraya River. The royal Grand Palace and the peaceful majestic grounds of Wat Po are within walking distance as well as Thailand's national museums and other cultural and educational institutions.

For many travelers who wish to explore Bangkok's historical and cultural sights on a budget, making Khao San road as your base is ideal. Hostels are dotted all over Bangkok but staying in a hostel in Khao San road will ensure you're near a cheap and filling authentic Thai meal served al fresco at arms reach.

It's not uncommon to live off in Khao San road on just 150 Baht ($5 USD) per day on 3 square meals.

Hostels in Khao San road can run as little as 300 Baht ($10 USD) per night and some hostels include a simple breakfast with the rates too.

Charoendee Hostel for example cost 250 Baht with coffee, tea and toast for breakfast. They even include free wi-fi for all you Internet junkies who who can't wait to check emails.

And there's the Chada Hostel with 350 Baht rooms that include a private bathroom, which is the truest luxury in the hostel living backpacker's world. Though they don't include breakfast though. Not a shame at all since you can land yourself a tasty Pad Thai outside for 25 Baht.

Finally we have the Shambara Boutique Hostel. It's a unique little former house with old world charms set on the side road off the noise and sometimes chaos of Bangkok's heavy traffic. It's peaceful settings and homey feel will leave you feeling homesick when you checkout. A room at the Shambara will set you back around 350 Baht including a simple breakfast.

Hostels in Khao San road are one of the true best values in Bangkok and a great area to explore other parts of this exotic and fascinating city. Plus it doesn't hurt that staying in Khao San road will leave you with enough money in your pocket once you return home.

Visit Khao San Road Hostel Reviews for more information about budget travel in Bangkok Thailand..

Edwin M. Clark is a business consultant who travels to Southeast Asia, specifically to Thailand for over 8 years. His experience and knowledge in the region has provided valuable information and resources for business ventures and mid range to major corporations in the travel industry.

By Edwin M Clark

Top 7 Budget Accommodation in Thailand

For any travel to Thailand, the choice of budget accommodation is very wide indeed. It is always better to plan your holiday in advance and make the necessary bookings before you arrive so as to avoid disappointment. Don't forget, all travel plans should include the best travel insurance you can afford, and this is especially the case when visiting Southeast Asia.

There are literally thousands of budget accommodation outlets right across Thailand and is impossible to give even an adequate cross selection to suit all tastes. So, in the interests of brevity, we will look at seven budget accommodation locations in various towns and cities across Thailand. To make this task easier will be looking at places where travellers have been able to provide comments on their experiences. This adds some validity to the assessment.

Bangkok. No list would be complete without at least some indication of accommodation in the capital city.

Ratchana Place. This hotel is located very close to Bangkok airport and is reputedly the most affordable accommodation in the district. The rooms are clean and secure and as at January 2010 were available from as little as $17 per night.

Chang Mai. One of the most popular destinations, originally made famous by the beautiful girls, there are plenty of choices when it comes to budget accommodation.

Baan Lamyai Guesthouse. Similarly priced, this comfortable guesthouse comes with double and triple bedrooms each with their own private washroom. A real feature is the beautiful dining room.

Ko Tao. A popular backpacker's choice, Ko Tao is probably best known as a diving destination.

Ban's Diving Resort, as backpackers as well as those seeking a little more comfort. It is situated on a prime piece of beachfront well located for some stunning diving experiences.

Ko Kut. A palm fringed tropical town located close to the sea make this an easy backpacking choice.

Klong Chao Resort. This resort consists of well made and designed timber structures, located not far from the sea along the river. Accommodation is cheap, clean and safe.

Ko Phi Phi Don. A popular destination this town has many to choose from but the best budget accommodation we can find is:

PP Twin Palms Bungalow. At less than $30 per night this beautiful hotel offers great value for money.

Mae Sot. This unusual destination has some fantastic bargain accommodation, none more so than:

Centara Mae Sot Hill Resort. This three star hotel offers clean and comfortable accommodation in a very safe environment.

Khao Lak. Located close to the Similan and Surin Islands, this is a great location for backpackers looking for a great scuba diving experience.

Briza Beach Resort costs around $55 per night but is still classified as four-star accommodation.

If you have the proper holiday insurance, travel within Thailand is a safe and rewarding destination and with so many budget accommodation options to choose from Thailand is a budget traveller's paradise.

Save money on your travel insurance today. For a free quote, visit Travel Insurance.

By Josh I Harrison

Travel Really Does Broaden the Mind

It is true what they say about travel; it does broaden the mind. In fact most people who travel a lot tend to me more tolerant and open different ideas about the world. As people move from one country to another they begin to realize that all humans have things in common, and most of us are trying to do the best we can. Travel makes you not only more aware of your own culture, but it begins to make you feel like a citizen of the world.

One problem with travel is there is just so much choice available. There are almost two hundred countries on our planet and visiting them all would take some doing, and a very understanding boss. Not only this but some of these countries are huge and somewhere like China or Russia is not a place you could see much of in a two week holiday. Another thing holding a lot of people back from travelling is the expense. Travelling the world costs money, but if you follow the example of the backpacker and are prepared to slum it a bit then you can do it relatively cheaply.

What most people end up doing is making a compromise; it is probably not essential that you visit places like Tuvalu or Kiribati, but even when you remove the smaller countries there are still a lot of places to visit. One way of getting around this is by doing a tour of different countries; you won't really see much of each country but you will get a taste of each and some great memories. A popular thing to do is by an around the world air ticket. This can be an open ticket and you could spend up to a year moving from one destination to another.

If you want to follow the example of the backpacker and travel the world on a shoestring then you will be staying in lots of hostels and only eating local food. If you are prepared to sacrifice luxury and don't party too much then you can make your money go a long way. There are some countries where it is claimed you can manage on a couple of dollars a day. Places like the islands in Thailand are a popular destination for people to kick back on their world tour and save a bit of money.

If you want to visit Europe then be prepared to spend a lot more money than you would in South East Asia or India. There are cheap alternative in most European locations, but you could pay for a nice fancy hotel in Bangkok for the same price as you would pay for a dormitory bed in somewhere like London or Paris. Japan is another country where you will spend a bit of money.

The many benefits associated with travel make it well worth the expense and time. If you want to broaden your horizons then travel is going to do that for you. If you can manage to take a year off to see the world then you will be sure to come back a different person.

Ryan Fyfe is the owner of http://www.total-travel.info/ - an information resource for all things related to Travel including articles, news, movies and more.

By Ryan Fyfe

Thailand Has More to Offer Than You Think

It is hard to imagine anyone getting bored in Thailand; there is just no excuse for it. No matter what type of holiday you prefer you will find something in this land that was once called Siam. Most holiday makers make their way south to the island. If the idea of lounging around on tropical beaches is exactly what you expect from a holiday then this is where you will want to go. Thailand attracts many visitors, but it is still possible to find some stunning isolated beaches. On most of the islands you will also find accommodation to suit every budget.

Backpackers like to stay on islands like Koh Pan Ngan or Koh Lanta, because here you will find the cheapest accommodation. Koh Pan Ngan is the scene of the Full Moon Party and if dancing the night away is your idea of heaven then this will be the island to visit. If you have a bit more money to spend then you might like to visit Koh Samui or Phuket. Here you will find some real high class hotels, but you can also find reasonable deals as well. All of these places will have wonderful beaches where you will be able to work on your tan.

If you want to have the best possible night life in Thailand then goes to Pattaya; this is not called sin city for no reason. First timers to this part of Thailand can be quite shocked by full-throttle hedonism that exists in a place like this, but Pattaya is also increasingly becoming a place for family holidays as well. Some of the best resorts and hotels can be found in this area, and you will also get the best in western dining; there is no reason to ever get homesick in this city. Pattaya is the sort of place that you will either love or hate; many visitors love this part of Thailand so much that they would never consider going anywhere else.

If you would like more of an adventure holiday then you should head up north the Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai. This is a great area for trekking and visiting the local hill tribes. If you love bookstores then you will love Chiang Mai. This is also a great city for doing courses like massage, Thai cooking, Thai language, or even yoga. This northern part of the country differs a lot from the south and tends to attract a different crowd. If you wish to travel up to the mountains then a real treat will be Pai; this has become a real backpacker's hangout.

Many visitors use Thailand as a base while they explore other parts of the region such as; Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, or Burma/Myanmar. It is the most modern country in the area and it offers a level of luxury that is just not possible in these other countries. Many visitors do a circular tour of South East Asia that starts and finishes in Thailand; this can be a great way of doing it but you will need at least few months if you want to see even some of what is on offer.

Ryan Fyfe is the owner of http://www.my-thailand.info/ - an information resource for all things related to Thailand including articles, news, movies and more.

By Ryan Fyfe

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