Thailand Travel - Hotels

If you are planning to travel to Thailand you have many choices in the way of hotels. Weather you want modern conveniences and state of the art technology, or do you want to stay somewhere with rich historical value, there is a place for you in Thailand.

There are many famous worldwide resorts and hotels in the area, as well as smaller mom and pop places. Each place will give your vacation a special feel. There are places on the beach and places in the forest, no matter what you want your surrounding to be Thailand can make it happen.

Some cities, such as the northern capital Bangkok, are known as party cities while others are more laid back and less crowded. Keep traffic and activities in mind when you book your stay. Some cities offers malls selling jeans while others have road side stands with handmade goods.

December is a hot time for travelers pouring in Thailand. Book your hotel outside of December to save money and miss some of the crowds at tourist attractions. Hotels also offer cheap rates in off seasons.

Many amenities are offered in the larger hotels; internet, on site workout area, and spas. If you stay in a small low cost place in one of the older less populated cities don't expect all the bells and whistles. Ask your travel agent about hotel amenities when booking to make sure you aren't in shock when you show up. You can also search for online photos of hotels and read user reviews.

Consider activities when booking your hotel and lodging. Make sure you are staying in an area that offers activities that interest you. Hike in the forests and view the waterfalls or stay on the beach and snorkel. Many water sports and activities are offered as well as tours. Keep travel times in mind when planning trips. There are also many zoos with exotic animals you can't see anywhere else.

Thailand is one of the rare places that offers something for everyone and has activities for every budget. Always do research before you book your hotel so that you know where you are staying, what is close by, and what your hotel offers.

Yukorn Chanmanee: http://www.thailandhotelsinfo.com

[http://www.thailandinfomation.com]

By Yukorn Chanmanee

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

About Thailand

The Kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia. With its alluring combination of natural beauty, inspiring temples, warm hospitality and infamous cuisine making Thailand a favorite for many visitors from all around the world.

The kingdom was established in the mid-14th century. Known as Siam until 1939 before the name was changed to Thailand which means Land Of The Free. Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country that has never been colonized by a European country. Divided into 6 regions, North, North-East, Central, East, West, and South and comprised 76 provinces with Bangkok (means City Of Angels) as its capital city. A bloodless revolution in 1932 led to a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Bhumibol or Rama IX, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty as the present Head Of State. In 2006, Thailand is celebrating the 60th anniversary of HM King Bhumibol's accession to the Throne. HM King Bhumibol is the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history and has for some time been the world's longest-reigning incumbent monarch.

With its proud history, tropical climate, lush mountains and forests, long stretched beaches and islands, tranquil villages and exciting nightlife, Thailand offers something for every kind of travelers.

Thailand is also a very popular destination for Western men seeking pleasures of the flesh.

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By Oh Srichaphan

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

Koh Samui is the Coconut Island Paradise

Koh Samui is one of the most famous island havens in Thailand. It lies approximately about 700 kms to the South of Bangkok. With Bangkok Airways you can get there within an hour. Koh Samui is also known as the coconut island due to infinite number of coconut trees, giving over 2 million coconuts every month.

It provides the tired traveler nearly endless golden beaches, shining blue waters, plenty of greenery and a peaceful atmosphere. There is wide variety of accommodation in the form of elegantly designed villas on the beachfront offering a clear view of the sea as well as private cottages for those looking for economical accommodation. Renting a villa or cottage for the period of your holiday in Koh Samui is very simple. They are available in two types: the resort villa or the private cottage. The resort villa can form a portion of a resort or hotel chain, equipped with standard facilities in every one, but you can avail of other resort amenities. But there are many who hire private furnished villas or cottages fitted with personal tastes and conventional Thai warmth. The owner/manager is then able to offer more individual attention to you. The villa also has a support staff for cooking, cleaning or providing guide facilities if required. They are more cost-effective for a big group or a family on a holiday. It's highly genuine and conventional feel of Thai warmth.

As a leading international tourist center, Koh Samui offers lots of other activities like spa amenities, checking waterfalls, elephant rides, paintball, sea sports, diving, fishing, golf, bungee jumping etc besides the tourist attractions. There are lots of hotels in Samui, but Park Samui Hotel is the best.

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

By Max Dan

The Best of Phuket

There is perhaps nothing more romantic then planning a getaway for two in beautiful Phuket, Thailand. Blessed with beautiful beaches and small lively towns, Phuket is perfect for the ideal honeymoon or romantic date, as it offers many places to travel around in, and is often considered by many to be the paradise island. There are many tings to explore in Phuket that appeal to every kind of tourist, and many possible routes where a couple can spend some private time and still be able to enjoy the beautiful sights in store.

The numerous beaches around the island are perhaps Phuket's best draw. While many tourists often flock to these areas during the hot summer months, Phuket still remains relatively clean, unlike other destination spots. Despite thee rise of visitors in the area however, there are still many secluded beaches where a couple can spend time together with relatively little noises and disturbances. The Kata Yai beach, for example, is renowned as a surfing spot for some, but is considerably less crowded than nearby areas. For those who prefer exploring underwater by snorkeling or scuba diving, then the Laem Singh Beach is the perfect place to swim and watch the breathtaking sunsets. Kayaking is a popular recreation where couples can spend some time to themselves while a hired guide paddles them around. Other beaches include Bang Tao, Surin Beach, and Karon Beach, where restaurants and bars are frequent, but with lesser customers at any one time.

For couples who would like to take an active part in the island's nightlife though, there is always the ever-popular Patong beach, considered Phuket's party capital. There are many bars here that are actually aimed at couples looking to relax and have a great time, and rock joints and jazz clubs are frequent along most of the main roads. Shopping is also Phuket's national pastime, and cheap merchandise is found in both roadside stalls and air-conditioned shopping malls.

For couples who would like a more modern romantic getaway, the nearby Phuket town is the administrative capital of the island, and is easily the best place to go to view cultural landmarks such as the fascinating Phuket Culture Museum or the beautiful Wat Mongkol Nimit temple. Vendors and shopping malls are easily very common here at the most bargain prices. Despite having a thriving business climate, some of the cheapest and good quality hotels can be found here for the thrifty couple, such as the On On Hotel.

For couples who would like to experience something exciting and unique for their honeymoon trips or romantic getaways, then why not try a safari cruise? The Elephant Safari Hills camp, which is located at Khao Suk, offers a adventure-packed journey where visitors can travel on top of an elephant, spend the night underneath the stars in high quality tents served with topnotch meals and cocktails, and hours of exploration amidst the awe-inspiring tropical jungles found all over Phuket. Daytours to other travel packages that can last up to four days are available.

One can never get enough of the sea at Phuket, and romantic cruises are one of the selling points of the island. Couples can take a comfortable trip around Phuket, where the intimate atmosphere and stunning views of the seascape only adds to the romantic mood. Dinner cruises are available at the Banyan Tree, where couples can explore the area in a traditional Thai long boat, serenaded by musicians and first-class meals. For something to while away the hours a little longer, the Hong by Starlight tour provides stunning views of the sea and land, and offers fine dining and comfortable rooms to further the romantic atmosphere.

Thank you for reading my article. Please visit Salwar Kameez for more information on Kurtas

By Jes B

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

Tourist Attractions of Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a lovely Thai island and is one of the most popular travel spots in Thailand along with Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya and Chiang Mai. Here you can do lots of things and see numerous places. Here are some of the must-see attractions in Samui.

Beaches

If you are fond of beaches then you are sure to have remarkable time in Koh Samui. Some of the best Thai beaches are situated on this island. Some beaches that you must see while holidaying here are Chaweng Beach, Big Buddha Beach and Lamai Beach.

Big Buddha Statue

The most famous attraction here is the Big Buddha statue. This golden statue is 12 meters in height and is next to a temple and many various Buddhist temples. You can access it by driving down the route 4171 and go towards to the airport.

Butterfly Garden

The butterfly garden is one of the most serene and virgin spots in Samui. This wonderful attraction has a large number of butterflies and is open every day from 08:30 to 17:30.

Aquarium and Tiger Zoo

If your kids are accompanying you, then you must certainly visit the aquarium and tiger zoo. There are various daily shows that comprise of shows involving birds, tigers and sharks. The Aquarium & Tiger Zoo is open all the days of the week from 09:00 to 18:00.

Snake Farm

If you want to see a snake show concerning King Cobras then a trip to the Samui snake farm is a must. Here you can see numerous types of poisonous snakes, hazardous centipedes and scorpions. The King Cobra shows are held daily at 11:00 and 14:00.

Waterfalls

There are many awesome waterfalls that you can see while holidaying. The most renowned waterfalls in Samui are Hin Lat and Na Muang, where you can go swimming.

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

By Jack Dan

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.

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By Jack Dan

Beautiful Island - Koh Samui

Koh Samui or plainly called as Samui is the 2nd biggest island of the nation of islands also called as Thailand. Thailand comprises of numerous big and small islands. Amongst these islands, the most famous one is Koh Samui. Situated in the region of Surat Thani in Thailand, Koh Samui is the highly preferred and chosen holiday spot in the entire Thailand. Ardent holiday lovers from all around the globe visit this island in order to chill and spend some memorable time of love and proximity with their loved ones.

There are many aspects of this island that entice the tourists. But the best ones include its stunning beauty, peaceful atmosphere, views of lovely seas, water sports, white sandy beaches, warmth of the native Thai people, easy yet luxurious accommodation and the vibrant, throbbing night life in Koh Samui.

During your trip to Koh Samui, you will not experience any trouble in getting an accommodation due to abundance of Samui villas, resorts, hotels and bungalows. The travelers who visit this island, take time out from their hectic schedule and enjoy themselves fully here. The beaches on this island are the best aspect of the island that entice tourists the most. They love the white sand on the beaches and spend time lying lazily on the beach, enjoying the warmth of the sun with a drink in hand or having a body massage. You can spend a lot of time staring at the beauty of the infinite expanse of sea water. The water sports are also highly adventurous, as they contain numerous thrilling games. You can find much more details about this exotic island on the net.

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

By Jack Dan

Koh Samui is a Beautiful Tropical Island in Thailand

Koh Samui is the 3rd biggest island in Thailand that is located in the Gulf of Thailand, around 90 km east of Surat Thani and approximately 750 km south of Bangkok. In fact, it is really an Amphoe (district) of Surat Thani and is divided into 7 sub districts (tambon): Angthong, Bophut, Lipa Noi, Maenam, Maret, Namuang, and Taling Nam. It is also called as the Coconut Island, as it grows over 2 million coconuts each month.

The area is a tropical paradise due to its lovely white sandy beaches, azure-blue sea, vibrant green forested hills, distinct limestone and scenic coves and bays. There is hardly any traffic and the locals are warm and friendly. Due to this, the place has become a hotspot for tourism.

The island is renowned for its glorious shoreline, lined with a long arc of palm lined white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Chaweng Beach is one of the busiest and most famous beaches here. It has a large number of beachside cafes, disco bars, and cocktail bars. Another famous beach here is Lamai Beach, which is full of an assortment of restaurants and amusement centers. It is not very crowded, and so a walk on this beach is actually relaxing and peaceful.

If you want peace and privacy, then head over to Maenam Beach, which is a suitable venue for backpackers and elite. This beach houses few of the excellent deluxe resorts and hotels in the area. Bophut is another lovely beach here and has a quiet fisherman's village, full of tranquil eateries, hip boutiques, and old wooden houses.

Other famous beaches on the island include are Big Buddha Beach, Choeng Mon Beach, and Lipa Noi Beach. Every beach on the island has facilities to let you experience a wide range of activities like diving, snorkeling, swimming, and sea canoeing.

Besides this, there are infinite number of things to see and do in Koh Samui. For nature lovers, a trip to Na Tian Butterfly Garden to see a wide array of different types of brightly colored lepidopterans is a must. It also has a bee house and an insect museum, containing few rare breed of insects.

For animal lovers, there is a Crocodile Farm that contains crocodile species like Caimans and saltwater crocodiles; Samui Aquarium and Zoo containing scores of fish species and specialties such as Asian tigers, sea hawks, and parrots; and Snake Farm housing few rare and most hazardous snakes in Asia.

If you want to go sightseeing, then Koh Samui offers many enchanting attractions. One of them is Big Buddha, the most famous symbol of the island. It is a 12 m tall golden idol of Lord Buddha in sitting pose, which is visible from a distance,

Hin Ta Hin Yai, are spectacular rocks also called as Grandfather and Grandmother rocks and are regarded as the forefather of the Mui race. Magic Statue Garden is an astonishing garden situated at the heart of the forest and accessed by traveling through precipitous cliffs and forested rivers and hills and Overlap Stone, is quite tough to arrive at these remarkable boulders.

Other must-see attractions in Koh Samui comprise of temples like Hainan Temple, Hin Lad Waterfall Temple, Laem Sor Pagoda, and Pagoda Khao Chedi. Other things to see here also include Buffalo fighting, Monkey Show, and conventional Thai Boxing.

Koh Samui is well-connected by sea, land, and air and has excellent accommodation alternatives.

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

By Jack Dan

Koh Samui is a Luxury Destination in Thailand

Koh Samui, or Samui, is one of Thailand's most scenic islands, situated in the Gulf of Thailand. Located around 85 km east of Surat Thani and around 700 km south of Bangkok, Koh Samui is the biggest island in the Gulf of Siam and 3rd biggest island in Thailand. It is also called as Coconut Island due to its infinite number of coconut trees, giving over 2 million coconuts a month.

Koh Samui's main attraction is its peaceful atmosphere rich in mountainous forest grounds, lush tropical ferns, swaying coconut trees, long section of pure white sandy beaches, granite stones, clear blue water, excellent waterfalls, and luminous ponds. Due to this, many tourists from Europe come here all the year round.

Wua Ta Lap, a dramatic cave is one of the most famous Koh Samui attractions. The most famous attraction of Koh Samui is Pra Yai or the Big Buddha. It is a 12 mt tall golden idol, located at the northern part of the island. This awesome idol can be seen even from afar. Situated at the southern region of the island, lies Na Thian Butterfly Garden. It is one more renowned attraction, containing various types of butterflies. There is a well-kept garden, bee house, and a Thai type home connected to the garden.

There are few attractive places in the area, like Hin Ta Hin Yai, 2 famous granite stones that show up among many other rock structures along the shore. These 2 rocks, mean Grandfather and Grandmother and are regarded as the starting point of the Mui people. Attractions also comprise of the Samui Aquarium having various tropical fish and nautical fauna. Other must-see attractions include Thale Nai, surrounded by mountains; the statue Garden showcasing a collection of Buddhist and Hindu Statues; and Tham Bua Bok.

Besides Samui is famous for its lovely beaches like Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, and Maenam Beach. Every one of them has facilities where you can participate in activities like fishing, boat chartering, and sailing. Also Samui has some dramatic water falls like Namuang. Koh Samui also has some of the excellent diving sites in Thailand, with many stunning islets like Koh Mad Lang, Koh Som, and Koh Taopun.

But Koh Samui's wide range of activities comprises other things besides diving and fishing. It offers great alternatives for bowling, with over 10 pin bowling. If you love shooting, there are excellent facilities available to practice your shooting skills at the Shooting Gallery, which has many guns with actual ammunition.

There are some excellent alternatives available for adventurers. They include Bungy Jumping in Chaweng. Samui's nightlife is vibrant, and there s a wide variety of hot beach bars, cabaret bars, rocking, and pubs. If you want something different while on your trip, then go for Muay Thai (Thai boxing) match or participate in a Thai cooking lesson, conducted by some famous Thai cooks. You can also go on an elephant trekking for a memorable experience.

There are many other alternatives available like Treasure Island Adventure Golf Course and a tennis court as well as go kart amenities. If you are looking to rejuvenate yourself, there are numerous spa facilities to soothe and pamper yourself. Most of the deluxe resorts and hotels provide various massages and herbal treatments.

Samui is rich in accommodation alternatives, ranging from stylish bungalows to sea view villas to beachfront resorts to luxurious hotels. Most of them offer luxurious amenities like air-conditioned rooms combined with en-suite bathrooms, lounge, kitchen, and dining room.

Amenities include barbeque section, baby sitting facility, and car rental. Moreover, most of the villas and apartments provide maid service, besides amenities like excellent swimming pools and free airport transfers. Also, there are few excellent alternatives available for low cost travelers. In particular, many of them give some type of rebates for reserving rooms beforehand.

These attractions and innumerable options available make Koh Samui an undoubted luxury place in Thailand!

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By Jack Dan

Thailand is a Traveller's Paradise

For ardent travel lovers, a trip to Thailand is the most eagerly awaited trip. The primary reason for this is the stunning natural beauty and the peacefulness of the country. Due to this travelers from around the world flock here to spend their holidays. The country is encircled by water from all the sides. This has made this island nation all the more beautiful. Holidays to Thailand are undoubtedly very popular and so the tourists come to this island all the year round.

Thailand is one of the Asian nations that is ardently loved by travel lovers. This is due to lovely view of the blue waters, water sports, lush greenery, coconut farms and the hospitality of the local Thais. These are prime attractions that bring people to this country. However Thailand is a land of contrasts that surprises the travelers. While it is very serene and holy, it is also equally thrilling. Its night life must be particularly mentioned, since it is very thrilling and vibrant.

Thailand is a nation of islands. Of all the islands, the most visited one is Koh Samui. It is the 2nd biggest island in the country. Vacation to Koh Samui is quite famous as the area offers a great view of the infinite waters of the sea. The water sports are the highlight of the holidays in Koh Samui. The visitors enjoy simply lazing around on the white sandy beaches below the sun and have a relaxing massage. Getting a view of the sunrise and sunset is very easy from this island, as the area is surrounded by the water bodies. The attractions of Koh Samui leave an indelible mark on the visitors to the island.

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

By Jack Dan

Discover Pattaya - Investing in Pattaya Has Never Been So Rewarding

Pattaya is a city in Thailand that lies on the east coast of the Thailand Gulf. It is deemed to be one of the largest cities of tourism in the world. Known for its beautiful and wonderful attractions, Pattaya draws more than six million visitors every year.

Pattaya is known for its attractive surroundings. The sparkling white sandy beaches, the breath-taking panoramic view of the city from a place up hill, the pulsating night attractions is not just a perfect place for vacations but a perfect place to invest as well.

Pattaya can give you all the fun you can think of. From simple sightseeing to an exhilarating bungee jumping experience, from the traditional horse-back riding to the latest motor sports racing, name it, Pattaya got it all.

A visit to Pattaya is ideal for couple who wants a romantic and luxurious honeymoon, sports enthusiasts who are looking for extreme sports adventure, businessmen who find investing in Pattaya promising, and to anyone of all ages who are seeking for a peaceful break or an exciting getaway.

If you are looking forward for an ultimate beach experience, Pattaya is the best place to be. With its long and beautiful beaches, fun-filled water sports, non-stop entertainment and an unrivaled oriental beauty, Pattaya has everything a traveler could ask for. The bright beaches in Pattaya provide you not only relaxation but also intense water activities such as wind surfing, snorkeling, sailing, deep sea fishing, water skiing, parasailing, gliding, etc.

Shopping is also one of the activities the visitors don't want to miss. You can buy Thailand's best buys such as jewelry, clothing, handicrafts, and many more from the shopping centers and malls of Pattaya.

If you want to stay fit while on a vacation, the well-equipped fitness centers offer you perspiring activities such as thai boxing and weight lifting. Sports such as tennis, wall climbing, bowling, shooting, snooker, and a lot more is also famous in Pattaya. Among these sports, golf is the most popular. With more than eighteen golf courses around, most of these courses have international standard with 18 to 27 holes, Pattaya's golf courses is the best place to play golf around the world.

If you are looking for something more thrilling, you can also enjoy some adrenaline-pumping activities that Pattaya has to offer you such as bungee jumping and leisure flying. With many recreational parks, amusement parks, zoos, marine aquariums, botanical gardens, and cultural show theatres abound, Pattaya will never cease to astound you.

After visiting and enjoying the spectacular place of Pattaya, reward yourself by dining at Pattaya's wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bistros. Whether you prefer Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, French or their very own Thai cuisine, the mouth-watering food they offer will surely fill your stomach without hurting your pockets

Activities in Pattaya are endless. Wherever you go, everywhere you look, there's always an activity that's waiting for you. Such activities can be tiring and exhausting. The best way to end the day is to pamper yourself at Pattaya's spas and best massage parlors that offer Thai massage, foot massage, or reflexology massage. The fun doesn't end when the day ends. At sun down night attractions come to life. You can visit night clubs, discotheques and open-air bars that provide food, drinks, music, and world class entertainment.

Pattaya offers you a variety of accommodation options to suit every pocket. Wherever you decide to retire, whether in an economy class or a luxurious five-star hotel, you will find yourself home away from home with the best amenities and excellent services they offer.

With the growing number of visitors, the number of developing businesses, investing in Pattaya can never be a mistake - as long as you know where to start and you know what to do.

The opening of International airport not far away from Pattaya played a significant role in drawing more tourists and attracting more businesses. The number of tourists has increased significantly. More and more infrastructures are developing rapidly, which is therefore contributing to the notable progress of the city. Five-star hotels, world class golf courses, exciting night attractions are pulling in big spenders in the city from all over the world.

Better schools, more health and medical facilities, new infrastructures have drawn more residents and foreign expatriates worldwide. More and more employees are drastically coming in the city as the Board of Investment of Thailand is regularly approving new businesses and new projects just within the city. Pattaya is now considered a true city teemed with local and foreign residents, local and international business owners, and workers from home and abroad.

With the rapid development of resorts and businesses, the extensive development of properties such as real estates and condominiums, the rising standards in hotel accommodation, the newly built airports and other transportation stations that make the place an easy access, Pattaya is redefining itself to draw more and more visitors which is significantly very beneficial to the community.

The rising prices of land and properties such as real estate, condominiums, business establishments and the like gave a major contribution to the rapid and stable growth of Pattaya's economy. Therefore, it has driven a lot of people to go investing in Pattaya.

If you're one of those who consider investing in Pattaya, here are a few tips in purchasing a property might help you ensure a smooth sailing transaction:

1. If you're not sure and needs help in purchasing a property, look for reputable and credible sales agent or any Pattaya property company that can give you advice and assist you when purchasing a property.

2. It is essential to have a good lawyer when buying a property. If you want to purchase a property in Pattaya, you might want to get a lawyer who knows your language. They will help you understand all the terms, conditions and legalities in purchasing a property.

3. Investing on a condo unit is the most popular to first time investors. Before deciding to invest a condominium unit, you must first decide whether the unit will be your own residence or for third party rental purposes. This will help you decide where your condominium must be located. If you are going to have the condominium rented by third parties, you should look for a condo that is located near establishments or job companies and should be easily accessible to public transportations.

4. Real estate business in Pattaya is swarming with scammers who try to fool people, especially first time investors who do not have any experience in real estate. Always be aware of scams, have someone experienced who can be trusted to guide you in your investments. Double check and verify all the necessary information before purchasing an investment.

Investing can be tough and really expensive. You don't want your time, effort and hard-earned money go to drain because of failed investments. But by investing in real estate especially in Pattaya, you can be certain that you are making the right decision. Investing in Pattaya is a great way to raise your net worth.

Robert Tracey Loves Real Estate and loves Thailand and Loves talking about it he takes investors to Thailand to look for property for investment and life style he will show you everything you need to know about investing in Thailand find out more by going to http://buyrealestateat.com/

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By Robert William Tracey

The Land of Smiles - Natural Wonder and Impressive Culture

Throughout her long history, Thailand has absorbed immigrants. Many were skilled as writers, painters, sculptors, dancers, musicians, and architects. These immigrants helped to enrich Thailand's indigenous culture.

Minorities of Thailand include the Chinese, Thai Malays, and the Laotian. Anything between 9% - 15% of Thailand's population is thought to be Sino-Thai (depending on how Chinese is defined). In the early 19th and 20th Century, Chinese immigrants came and settled down here. They married Thai women, took Thai names, most of them adopted Buddhism (although they were not required to renounce their ancestor worship) and learnt Thai. As elsewhere in the region, these Chinese immigrants proved to be remarkably adept at money making and today control a disproportionate slice of businesses.This is an exotic land that is surprisingly convenient and accessible. First introductions are made in Bangkok, a modern behemoth of screaming traffic, gleaming shopping centres and international sensibilities interwoven with devout Buddhism. Even the most cosmopolitan Thais wouldn't dare choose a marriage date without consulting a monk or astrologer. And notice the protective amulets that all Thais - from the humble noodle vendor to the privileged aristocrat - wear around their necks: this is holy fashion.

Sitting upon the crown of the kingdom are misty mountains and Chiang Mai, the country's bohemian centre, where the unique and precise elements of Thai culture become a classroom, for cooking courses and language lessons, for curious visitors. Climbing into the mountain rang are the stupa-studded peaks of Mae Hong Son and villages of post-Stone Age cultures. Sliding down the coastal tail are evergreen limestone islands filled with tall palms that angle over pearlescent sand. Thailand's beaches are stunning, hedonistic and mythic among residents of northern latitudes. But few visitors trudge into the northeast, a region better suited for home stays and teaching gigs than quick souvenir snapshots. In this scrappy region you can dive deep into the Thai psyche, emerging with a tolerance for sparingly spicy food and a mastery of this strange tonal language.

A unified Thai kingdom was established in the mid-14th century. Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power. A bloodless revolution in 1932 led to a constitutional monarchy. In alliance with Japan during World War II, Thailand became a US treaty ally following the conflict. A military coup in September 2006 ousted then Prime Minister Thaksin. The interim government held elections in December 2007 that saw the former pro-THAKSIN People's Power Party (PPP) emerge at the head of a coalition government. The anti-THAKSIN People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) in May 2008 began street demonstrations against the new government, eventually occupying the prime minister's office in August. Clashes in October 2008 between PAD protesters blocking parliament and police resulted in the death of at least two people. The PAD occupied Bangkok's international airports briefly, ending their protests in early December 2008 following a court ruling that dissolved the ruling PPP and two other coalition parties for election violations. The Democrat Party then formed a new coalition government with the support of some of THAKSIN's former political allies, and Abhisit Wetchachiwa became prime minister. Since January 2004, thousands have been killed as separatists in Thailand's southern ethnic Malay-Muslim provinces increased the violence associated with their cause.

Thailand, the land of a 1,000 smiles, is one place where you can be sure of the warmest welcome. The friendly Thai people certainly have lots to smile about, from the tropical beaches of the south, to historic cities and jungle-clad mountains. On a holiday here, you can spend time in the lively capital, explore the country's varied culture and wildlife, then take your pick of beautiful beaches.

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Get Ready to Spend Holidays in Phuket Hotels

Phuket is a one stop destination for all the beaching activities you would have ever dreamt of, and that too at best prices in the world. Being one of the most famous islands in Thailand, Phuket is an all- time- favorite tourism hub of the country. Made from 40 magnificent beaches, Phuket is all you can ever ask for from a great Asian holiday. But there are certain frequently asked questions when it comes to Phuket tourism, such as, how to get to your location and what are the best accommodation options available. The doubts and questions are natural because the language and culture of the island can make a foreigner feel entirely out of place. So, if you want to get what you really need, then you better know how to enquire for it.

Your primary need is food. You can't do anything about it unless you get to the place. Moreover, it is related to the subsequent factor we are about to see. Next in line comes stay. Yes, it is the accommodation part that eats away the biggest chunk of your holiday budget. And when you are on a long distance vacation, you need a truly comfortable place to stay in, something exceptionally relaxing and replenishing. So watch out for some great accommodation plans before you set out on your Thai vacation. As with everything else you do, start searching online for feasible Phuket hotels, spas, resorts and restaurants. Rendering online information on tourism has become a fast growing marketing venture, so get ready to be snowed under a horde of websites and tourism portals. Browse through some of the better looking ones and do some serious reading. Believe me, in terms of foreign tours, nothing can be more helpful than educating oneself about the targeted destinations. By this way, you can learn about the most visited beaches in Phuket, their activities and entertainment options. You would be in a better position to get your plans streamlined with respect to food, accommodation and beach entertainment.

If you are traveling alone then Patong is your best option as it is cheap and loads of fun. People from all over Phuket drop in at this spot either for cheap shopping or simply to experience the famous Thai massage. But if you are with your family and you need a family-friendly beach, then watch out for Karon hotels and resorts. Karon is one of the most beautiful and most tranquil beaches in the whole of Phuket. There are several family hotels and resorts in Karon that offer great stay at great prices. Making your bookings online can let you grab some great discount offers. Look out for seasonal offers too, if you haven't yet made your fixed plans. Opt for a hotel with spa services because spas in this region are well known for their special Thai treatments. Plan now and start early, you can indisputably put together great savings from this year's Asian vacation.

Are you looking for something that can let you know about the most amazing Phuket hotels? Simply click on the links to get the best Karon hotels.

By Yachika Verma

Patong Hotels and Resorts - Tourist Guide

If you are on your way to confirm your flight tickets to Phuket, you could do with some education about this famous Asian island. Remember, it is a Thai-speaking nation and being a Westerner, you should be apt enough to get your way with the locals. Sure enough you will be finding yourself surrounded by all sorts of tourism support and guide, the moment you land at the spot. Nevertheless, you can get all the help you need from these local tourist guides. However, if you are on the island for the first time, then you better be equipped with some important facts and figures pertaining to this land and its landmarks. I am saying this because the culture and the local lingo in here is something too typical for this part of the country.

Your first concern should naturally be finding a good stay. Now, there are different methods to proceed. Surfing online can act as a good primary source of info in this context. As you know well, Phuket and its famous beaches have always been the best Asian attractions. So, you would not find it too hard to get a good glimpse about the island's tourism sector, if you know where to search for the same. There are many independent tourism sites on Thailand and similar Asian hotspots. Search about interesting destinations like Patong. You would surely come across numerous websites listing Phuket hotel deals and various tourism attractions in and around the island.

It would be much better if you make all your bookings before landing at your destination. This would be far economical, besides advanced bookings can earn you good discounts too. You would not find much difficulty in fishing out the right deal for you. Visit the official tourism website for Thailand and you will find some of the best packages listed in there. What you get depends on what you are looking for. Make your budget plans and arrive at a decision as to what kind of accommodation you would settle in for. If you are looking for a budget friendly Thai holiday in Phuket, Patong hotels can be your place. It is great for surfing, partying or simply sightseeing. Truly, a paradise of a place, Patong beach can keep you engaged and entertained for days. You might not even feel the need of traveling to another location before winding up your holiday.

There are many Patong hotels and resorts that accommodate tourists at incredibly low rates. Besides stay, cheap shopping and dinning is yet another specialty of Patong. In this region of the island you would find everything you need at great prices. Search online for hotel deals in Patong and you will find luxury stay, deluxe rooms, private villas and single rooms at great discounted prices. Spa services are the hallmark of Thai hospitality. So, remember to try out a few spas before leaving the island. It can be surprisingly relaxing and even psychologically rejuvenating.

Are you looking for something that can let you know about the most amazing vacation experience in Patong Hotels? Simply click on the links to get best Phuket hotel deals.

By Yachika Verma

Thailand - Arrival in Pattaya

I was very happy when we pulled away from Don Muang airport. I had got over the first obstacle - that of getting a taxi to Pattaya without being ripped off. I sat in the back, which I was asked to do, although in Europe, I typically have a preference to sit up front with the driver for a conversation if I'm travelling alone. Anyway, I sat in the back and looked around me; I soon guessed that the driver did not understand English. I did not have a difficulty with that and settled down to look at the barren scenery in silence.

After an hour and a half, I could see that we were getting close to Pattaya. Thirty kilometres equals thirty minutes as the city will slow us down, I reckoned. Anyway, with that the driver turned to me smiled, said 'Bia' and turned abruptly left off the road. Luckily Thais drive on the left, as they do in the UK. He stopped the car by a 'Seven-Eleven' shop and opened the door for me to get out. We went in and he guided me to the upright fridge full of Bier Chang, a Thai beverage that I did not know.

He opened the fridge door and grinned. I took two, thinking that he could not drink and drive, but that if he wanted one, I had one to spare, or I could drink it myself. Covered culturally. He took two more. OK, I thought we are nearly there anyway. At the check out, he put his tins in front of mine and stepped back nimbly. Just as the cashier was ready to tell me how much with a pen and paper, he tossed a pack of cigarettes into the pot and walked away. 110 Baht or $2 the lot. Outside, I gave him a beer and the cigarettes, which he accepted thankfully. After finishing a beer and a cigarette, we were off again.

I offered him another beer but he would not take it. I never really worked out why he took two, but only wanted one, but it did not go to waste. Fifteen minutes later, we came into Pattaya along its fantastic beach view road. Pattaya bay is really beautiful, with everything you imagine a tropical beach to have, although we seemed to be lost. We were traveling at 15 kpm down a empty beach road which is five or six kilometres long. Sure enough, he was lost. He knew my hotel was off Beach Road, but had no idea where.

So, I rolled down my window and made to ask the foreigners I saw but the driver would not stop. It was mystifying. Days later I was told that Thais do not like to ask the way and rarely do. We got there thirty minutes later, which was thirty minutes late to meet my friend and he had gone.

The bar, The Pig and Whistle on Soi 7, was lovely, so I paid off the driver and went inside. The air conditioning was really appreciated and I sat down to wait for the boss, who turned out to be from England. He bought me a drink and told me that my friend had had to go, but that he would return at 8pm. I went up to my room to rest and think. Including the seven hours time difference, it had taken 28 hours to get here.

Owen Jones, the author of this article, writes on a lot of topics, but is currently occupied with Sunstar Tanning Beds. If you would like to know more about Tanning Bed Bulbs, tanning beds and accessories, please go over to our website for some great offers.

By Owen Jones

Holidays in Koh Samui - Getting Value For Money

Considering taking a holiday in Koh Samui? Wondering whether you'll be able to get value for money? Or will a stay in paradise break the bank? Well you'll be pleased to hear that in fact there are always fantastic deals available, many at significant reductions, you just need to know where to look to secure that bargain holiday in Koh Samui.

Koh Samui is known for having some of the best luxury hotels available at low and affordable prices. If you're considering spending your vacation in Koh Samui why not consider some of the island's popular destinations; such as the Anantara Bophut Resort and Spa situated in Fisherman's Cove, with its personalised spa menus and infinity pool; or the Carpe Diem Hotel with its excellent location right in the heart of Fisherman's Village; or maybe try the brand new Arisara Place Hotel on the hillside with its 30 serviced apartments. Thanks to the good exchange rates against many of the major currencies, including the US Dollar, Euro & GBP, visitors to the island should find that they get even greater value for money.

The abundance of fantastic deals available in many of the Koh Samui resorts means that everyone should be able to achieve excellent value for money when booking their holiday; whether you choose one of the luxury hotels such as the Bophut Resort & Spa, or one of the Leading Small Hotels of the World, or whether you opt for one of the fantastic huts of the Como Resort along the beach at Buddha Bay, there is a great deal waiting for everyone.

Tour operators, travel agents, hotels and airlines are always offering some great discounted deals, you just have to look for them, and if you look in the right places you can achieve luxury at some of their best and lowest prices. Early booking discounts are often available around eleven months in advance of your holiday or when the new season's rates are announced. These early booking discounts are often made more enticing by offering reduced or 'no' deposit schemes.

At the other end of the spectrum are the last minute deals, where booking late can often secure you a bumper deal; however these can often be a little hit and miss - you may be able to secure yourself a cheap hotel but the cost of flights often increase closer to the date of departure so keep this in mind, or in order to qualify for the late booking discount you may need to accept 'allocation on arrival', in these cases you don't actually find out which hotel you will be staying in until you arrive at your destination, which may not suit everyone. Other deals which are often available are bonus offers such as seven nights for the price of five; or you may find that some hotels and tour operators are offering free room upgrades, for instance you would pay the listed price of a deluxe room, but receive an upgrade to one of the much coveted sea view rooms.

Another consideration is when to take your holiday. Do you need to take your holidays to Koh Samui during the peak periods such as Christmas and Easter, or during one of the main school holidays between July and August? If you don't, then booking out of season is another great way of achieving great value for money as tour operators, airlines and hotels often offer some great incentives to book your holiday during their quieter periods. Or if you want to make the most of your money, why not time your visit to Koh Samui to coincide with one of the festivals which are held on the island, such as the eagerly awaited and widely celebrated festival of 'Loy Kratong' or the full moon night, which is normally celebrated in November - the festival is a spectacular sight with thousands of people gathering on the islands beaches in the moonlight, with many of the locals taking to the water in small Kratongs or boats that are lit by candlelight, a very romantic and spectacular sight from the beach.

There are many untapped bargains and deals available for the discerning holidaymaker on this breathtaking paradise island, holidays in Koh Samui offering fantastic value for money are there for the taking, so what are you waiting for?

Visit http://www.bophuthotels.co.uk to browse the latest discount holidays available to Koh Samui in particular our fantastic deals on Bophut Hotels. You'll also be able to read our resort guide to find out everything you need to know about the beautiful paradise island of Koh Samui and Bophut Resort.

By Jessica Portman

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