Adventure Travel In Thailand

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Alex A. Smith

Travel Overview of Northern Thailand - Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son

Northern Thailand is a mountainous part of the country which borders Myanmar and Laos, characterized by its rugged terrain and mix of peoples such as mainland Thais, Burmese, Shan and hilltribe groups (Karen,Hmong,Lahu,Lisu and Akha). These characteristics give Northern Thailand a culture and feel about it that is very different to the rest of Thailand.

The second biggest city in Thailand and the capital of the North, Chiang Mai attracts thousands of tourists every year. A city of old and new, where east meets west, it guarantees something for everybody. Some say Chiang Mai has everything Bangkok has to offer except on a much smaller and quieter scale. Most people allow a few days in Chiang Mai but one could easily spend a week soaking up the sights and sounds and falling for the allure of this city.

For those looking to explore more of Northern Thailand past the environs of Chiang Mai, there are two popular options. One is to head directly north to Chiang Rai or west to Mae Hong Son. Chiang Rai can be comfortably explored in 3 days covering destinations such as Fang, Thaton and Mae Salong. Most people set aside 3 days or less to discover Chiang Rai, although some make Chiang Rai a day trip- this is not recommended as most of the day is spent traveling as it is a good 4 hours drive from Chiang Mai.

With 3 days/2 nights a recommended route which covers both tourist and non tourist areas is; Chiang Mai - Chiang Dao - Doi Angkhang - Fang -Thaton - Mae Salong -Mae Sai- Golden Triangle - Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai. This route covers some beautiful natural scenery such as paddy fields, farmland growing a variety of crops, mountain backdrops and hilltribes. This route gets off the main tourist trail, the direct road from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai that many commercial tour operators take to visit tourist hot spots such as the Golden Triangle and Mae Sai border.

For those with 4 days or more on their hands Mae Hong Son province which lies west of Chiang Mai is highly recommended. Mae Hong Son has a more remote feel to it as more time is needed to navigate through this mountainous province it remains less chartered by tourists. Home to a mix of peoples such as the Burmese, Shan, hilltribes and Thais, another distinctive feature of Mae Hong Son is the Shan and Burmese influence not found anywhere else in Thailand. This can be seen through the architecture, where ornate Shan style temples are scattered throughout this province. This area is also famous for its mists, named the land of 3 mists due to the dewy mist in the winter, rainy mist in the wet season and mist from forest fires in the summer.

Mae Hong Son Province is best discovered by doing the Mae Hon Son Loop a famous 600km circuit which starts from Chiang Mai taking you through the towns of Pai, Mae Hong Son and Mae Sariang before ending back up at Chiang Mai. The circuit can be done in a clockwise direction stopping off at Mae Sariang first or anti-clockwise via Pai.

For the ultimate Northern Thailand experience with 10 days or more on your hands you could cover both Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai. Starting off with the Mae Hong Son Loop then crossing over from Pai to Chiang Dao and up North to the Chiang Rai region.

Melissa Ah-Sing is the co-founder of Thailand Hilltribe Holidays a responsible tourism outfit in North West Thailand http://www.thailandhilltribeholidays.com/

By Melissa Ah-Sing

Authentic Travel in Northern Thailand - 10 Tips How

Now that so many spots in Northern Thailand have become commercialised by tourism how does one get to see the real side to this country? Well there are still opportunities that exist for this kind of experience, a little bit of time and research can help you get off the tourist trail. Here are some tips:

1. As a rule of thumb, the further away you venture from developed areas the more likely you are to find natural and authentic areas that remain true to Thai culture and way of life

2. It does not take a lot to reach these places, just an hour outside of Chiang Mai you can be in the rural hinterlands. There are regular public buses to Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai, if public transportation is not for you then I would suggest hiring a car and guide

3. Surprisingly hiring a driver with a car is not much more expensive than driving yourself. In addition to this a guide can be hired for approximately 800baht a day

4. Although hiring a guide costs a little bit more, their contribution to an authentic experience can be invaluable

5. Without a guide your travel will probably be only observatory, missing out on a lot of valuable information and cultural insight. A guide not only acts as translator but a valuable and educational source of information. A good guide will be able to offer opinions and information outside of what you can read in a travel book

6. Thailand is renowned for its friendliness sand hospitality. A friendly encounter with a local can turn into an invite to his home and there you have it an authentic experience right before you

7. Venture down the little lanes that run off the main roads called 'sois' look carefully and you will find intimate aspects of local life

8. Homestays are also a great way to experience how locals live. Outfits now offer homestays with a Thai family or in a hill tribe village. This accommodation option is often cheaper than staying in standard hotels but offers a much richer experience

9. Take a visit to the local markets which are a great introduction to regional cuisine and produce. The Thais love their markets, at least a handful can be found in every town

10. A common cause of why people do not venture further afield is that they do not allow enough time, so factor in travel time to get off-the-beaten-path. Quantity of time will bring you a quality experience

Melissa Ah-Sing is the co-founder of Thailand Hilltribe Holidays a responsible tourism outfit in North West Thailand http://www.thailandhilltribeholidays.com/

By Melissa Ah-Sing

4 Reasons Why You Need to Go to Thailand

Thailand is known all around the world as the free country but this is not the only reason why tourists and travelers flock to it. Thailand is an interesting country to travel to, whether it's because of the unspoiled culture or its natural Asian beauty. It is definitely worth visiting and here are some of the reasons.

Sport You Should Try

With all the glorious mountain formation that Thailand is blessed with, it has been discovered that it is one of the most ideal places to go rock climbing. Although it is usually a sport for adventure tourists, rock-climbing is definitely something everyone should try. Rock-climbing is not an organized sport so there are no rules to learn and there are no points to earn. It's just you, some wires and some big old rocks to conquer. Not to mention, the view from the climbing points is said to be phenomenal.

Thailand has been such a popular place for rock-climbing that companies that oversee the rock-climbing sport. There would be no need to worry about lack of equipment or instruction because many specialty companies on rock-climbing are available in Thailand.

See The Elephants

Elephants are endemic in Thailand and are also a big part of its culture. It would be a waste to visit the country without seeing them once and experiencing why they are culturally significant. Elephants have attracted so many tourists that the country already has elephant parks to house them. The best thing about these elephant parks is that tourists are frequently permitted to interact with these magnificent animals.

Spots For Great Tours

Thailand is rich in several natural phenomena and formation that are worth looking at. A standout nature point for the country is its rainforests. The rainforests are usually viewed by amazing ziplines that cut across the canopy layers of the rainforests. It sounds like a dream tour and the rainforests that you are now imagining may pale in comparison. This is yet another reason why Thailand is a place worth visiting. The beaches and the rock formations are there, but the rainforests are really something to behold.

The Festival

Imagine Thailand, the beautiful country that it is, during summer. Being a true part of Asia, summers in Thailand are extremely hot. The country's culture itself, however, remedies this. The Songkran festival is celebrated during one of the hottest months of the year, April and in this festival, throwing water on as many people as possible is customary. However, the Songkran festival is not all about bathing even complete strangers in water. It also celebrates the starts of a new Solar Year.

Thailand is interesting country. It's filled with natural beauty and adventures that travelers seek. Remember these Thailand holiday ideas.

By J. Veluz

Why You Should Visit Northern Thailand

Most people associate Thailand with Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and the islands. However there is much more to the country than the beaches of the south, a whole other world in fact.

700km north of Bangkok lies the capital of the North - Chiang Mai, the launching pad for any travelers journeys around the North. So why should one make the journey up there?

Well for those seeking a more cultured, authentic and historic experience the North is the place to go. The North shows a different side to Thailand - less touristic and commercialised than the south means that it is often cheaper too. Another advantage is the cooler climate, during winter daytime temperatures are a more moderate 25-30 degrees, in the highlands temperatures can even dip to as low as 10 degrees something unexpected for the tropical temperatures most people associate with Thailand.

The hub of Chiang Mai is much more laid back than it's Bangkok counterpart, yet has the same endless possibilities for activities and sightseeing. It is a great destination for soft adventure activities such as; ziplining through the forest, cycling, white water rafting and elephant riding. Trekking is probably the most popular activity here due to the pristine nature and variety of hilltribe villages scattered throughout the area. Then there are countless other cultural, historic and natural wonders ranging from temples, caves, museums to waterfalls.

Outside of Chiang Mai one could spend weeks exploring the rural provinces of Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai visiting remote areas and villages near the Thailand Burma border. This area is rich in traditional culture, hilltribes and breathtaking scenery.

The north of Thailand is characterised by it's sweeping mountain landscapes, forests, waterfalls and temples. The pace is much slower and outside of the towns there is an air of serenity and calmness. Another important facet are it's people - Northern Thais are renown for their gentle nature and kindness perhaps a result of their surroundings in fertile and abundant countryside.

Even beach lovers end up falling for the lure of the north and many make repeat visits. The north offers something for all ages and tastes, it is somewhere where you can surround yourself in the lush nature, kick back and relax or be as active as you want.

Created by Melissa Ah-Sing is the co-founder of Thailand Hilltribe Holidays a responsible tour operator that specialises in North of Thailand Tours

By Melissa Ah-Sing

Chiang Mai Tailor - A Great Place to Start Your Search For High Quality at Low Prices

If you're going to be making a trip to Thailand, you probably already have in mind a few bargain of the century purchases you want to make while you're there, because let's face it, the Southeast Asian paradise is well known for our favorite goods at rock-bottom prices. And one of the common items that comes to mind is a nice fashionable suit.

Where you plan to travel will certainly figure the most in your purchasing decisions, but if you are going to make it up to the Northern mountain ranges, I highly suggest you hold off until then and buy a couple suits from a reputable Chiang Mai tailor.

Chiang Mai was once the cultural secret of Thailand, though how it ever stayed that way is a mystery since any local you talk to will tell you it is the number one place you have to see in Thailand. It's known to many as Thailand's cultural center, and though it is growing in popularity, it still lies off the beaten track.

While to most Thais, Chiang Mai is the epitome of everything the country stands for, to foreigners it is truly a shopper's paradise. The city came to be as a trading post where tribes from different regions of the mountain ranges came to sell their crafts and goods, and it maintains a reputation as a shopping mecca to this day.

With this history, Chiang Mai is also well known for very skilled craftsmen in about every kind of craft you can think of, and the great skills of the Chiang Mai tailor are no different. If you find the right shop, you will find some of the finest fabrics in the world at prices you could only find in Thailand and proud men who value their work like a Westerner can barely understand.

Take the time to stop in and get fitted, it is well worth it.

Not all Chiang Mai tailors are the same, however. One thing you will notice as soon as you step off the plane in Bangkok is that the country is over-flowing with tailors, just as with competitors in every industry. On Khao San Road, they swarm you in the street. "Suit, Sir? Suit, Sir?" the Indian men holler at every step, as if completely oblivious to the fact that you're wearing shorts and sandals while sporting a 3-day beard growth.

Things are a little mellower in the North, but you'll still find remnants of the same scene if you don't get off the tourist track. And you'll often find that if you buy a great-looking suit from these fly-by-night suit tailors who are just looking to make a quick buck that it will come apart within the first year if not within the first month.

But a Chiang Mai tailor worth their salt typically develops quite a following in the expat community, just like the tailors of old. Ask around. If you know some Thais who have the kind of money to wear suits, asking them for a referral is even better. Or, if you don't know where to start, get online and start Googling for some outside opinions.

The bottom line is do your research and unless you know suits well do not just walk in off the street. What if you don't have time to come to Thailand? You can still get high quality suits at rock bottom prices. Many Thai tailors develop such a loyal following in the expat community that word of their services drifts overseas to Europe, America, and Australia. So now, many make frequent trips abroad and visit cities to take measurements for groups of people.

All you have to do is let them know you want them to come to your city and how many people are interested, and they'll try to make arrangements for you. You may even get a free suit if you have enough people waiting when they get there.

Want to find out more about what constitutes a good Chiang Mai tailor? Do your research before you make your trip to Thailand or start looking into how you can get a solid professional tailor to come to your city and give you quality at a price the local businesses wouldn't dream of competing with. Go to http://www.ChiangMaiTailor.com to begin your search.

By James Druman

Thailand Holidays - Attractions to See on Your Visit

The allure of a visit to Thailand is an intense one due to its varied enticing elements.

Thailand is unique with its mix of friendly smiling people, ancient culture and religious artifacts, lush landscapes, great beaches and modern metropolis. It is difficult to cull the list of fascinating destinations to see in Thailand to a mere handful but here is an attempt to offer some requirements during your visit.

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and one of the world's great cities. Bangkok is a modern city with world famous nightlife, world class restaurants and fabulous shopping. It also is the home to some of the most important Buddhist temples and relics in the world. These include Wat Phra Kaeo (Emerald Buddha Chapel), Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), Wat Saket (Golden Mount), and Wat Benchannabophit (Marble Temple).

Chiang Mai is north of Bangkok and is in a green valley surrounded by mountains. It is well known for its Arts & Culture Center, many museums, beautiful Buddhist temples and two elephant sanctuaries. This is also a well known area to study Thailand's delicious cuisine through numerous cooking schools.

Ko Tao is an island in the Gulf of Thailand in the southern part of the country. It is a world famous scuba and snorkel destination where you can swim with turtles, stingray, barracuda and even whale sharks. Other beach destinations include Phuket, Hat Khao Lak, Ko Mak, Ko Kut, Ko Pha-Ngan and Hat Phra Nang.

Ayutthaya is the ancient capital of Thailand and is about 85 km north of Bangkok. It is a world heritage site known for its historic Buddhist temples, museums and parks. Important sites to see here include Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Ancient Palace Chao Sam Phraya Museum and Phra Ram Park. Ban Chiang located in the northeaster part of Thailand and is another world heritage site and is considered to contain some of the world's oldest Bronze Age artifacts.

One of the best times to visit Thailand is during its cool season which runs from November to the end of February. The weather is warm, with temperatures averaging about 30 degrees Celsius 85 Fahrenheit but with low humidity and clear skies. This is Thailand's peak tourist period.

Some important national holidays are Magha Puja which is celebrated at the full moon in February. Monks and others bear flowers, incense and candles and circle the countries temples after sunset. The Songkran Festival is April 12 - 14. This is the Thai traditional New Year's festival and a great place to experience it is in Chiang Mai. Visaka Puja is the most holy day for Buddhists as it celebrates the birth of Buddha. It is celebrated in May at the full moon.

James is an ardent traveller who has explored many countries and cities worldwide. Before travelling to Thailand James likes to plan his trip using his favourite travel websites.

By James T Pritchard

Planning a Trip to Northern Thailand ?

The north of Thailand - the most mountainous part of the country which has borders with Myanmar and Laos, is known for its impressionable mountains, lofty landscapes, spectacular waterfalls, rugged terrain and colourful hilltribe villages, and rural communities that still remain traditional. The first thing you will notice is that this part of the country is less touristic than the islands of the south and Bangkok. The pace of life is much slower here - Northern Thais are very laid back and renown for their gentle nature and kindness perhaps because of their surroundings in lush and fertile countryside. This is a part of the country that still remains largely traditional and authentic.

The capital of the North - Chiang Mai, is the most popular and best base for travel around the North of Thailand. Thousands of tourists visit every year - A city of old and new, where east meets west, it guarantees something for everybody. Some say Chiang Mai has everything Bangkok has to offer except on a much smaller and quieter scale. Most people allow a few days in Chiang Mai but one could easily spend a week and not have covered all of Chiang Mai's Attractions

If you want to explore the rural beauty of Northern Thailand and get to the heart of it's culture and way of life, then consider a visit to Chiang Rai or Mae Hong Son. A recommended 3 days is needed to fully appreciate Chiang Rai province, which is probably most famous for the Golden Triangle but there is so much more than this such as Thaton and the Chinese village of Mae Salong. Please see Chiang Rai Destinations for more info. A further 5 days is needed for Mae Hong Son province best discovered by doing the Mae Hon Son Loop a famous 600km circuit which starts from Chiang Mai and takes you through the province via Pai, Mae Hong Son capital and Mae Sariang before ending back up at Chiang Mai.

For the ultimate Northern Thailand experience with 10 days or more on your hands you could cover both Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai. Starting off with the Mae Hong Son Loop then crossing over to Chiang Rai via Pai then Chiang Dao. If you don't have time for these excursions then you can still experience the countryside of the North at destinations such as Doi Inthanon and Samoeng which are only 1-2 hours drive from the city and can be done a day trip from Chiang Mai.

Even beach lovers end up falling for the lure of the north and many make repeat visits. The north offers something for all ages and tastes, it is somewhere where you can surround yourself in the lush nature, kick back and relax or be as active as you want.

When planning a holiday/vacation to the North, many people will research about travel destinations in Northern Thailand from travel guides and have unrealistic expectations of the number of places they can cover within a short space of time, as travel guides don't tell you how long it takes to get from place to place or much time you will need there.

There can be so much information it is overwhelming and difficult to put into an exact itinerary, if you need help planning your trip in the North I would be happy to help (no obligations), just send me an email at: mja1906@hotmail.com

Created by Melissa Ah-Sing is the co-founder of Thailand Hilltribe Holidays an outfit that specializes in cultural tours of Northern Thailand

By Melissa Ah-Sing

Travel to Thailand Made Easy

The allure of Thailand for Aussies remains strong. Sitting just six hours flight from Perth and eight or so from the East Coast, Thailand boasts great beaches, mountain forests, temples galore, great shopping and some of the best food on earth. Add to that the seedier aspects of prostitution and the famous full moon parties and you have an entertaining mix that will leave some wanting more while others may be happy never to go back.

It's a common first time destination for backpackers because it's easy to get around, English is spoken widely and finding good times and mischief is never a problem. There is of course also some pretty nice beaches to sleep off the hangover on or just soak up the sun.

Seasons/When to go

Thailand is hot and humid most of the year. The most comfortable time to visit is during November till March. It rains the least and is not super hot. Thailand's peak tourist seasons are at this time and during July and August.

The rainy season runs from roughly July to October. Rainy season gets a bad rap; during this time the more popular beaches can be littered with trash after heavy rains. Despite this the rain can be a break from the heat, and the countryside is lush and green. October tends to be the wettest time of year.

April - June and September - October typically see the cheapest room rates and the least amount of tourist traffic. Consider these times if you want the cheapest travel away from the hordes in peak season.

Getting cheap flights from Australia to Thailand

If you are planning to book the popular choice of a few days in Bangkok and five or more in Phuket or Ko Samui, it's worth looking around for package deals on offer from the major travel agents in Australia. Like Fiji, it's one of the few destinations where booking this way through an agent can be cheaper than booking on the net. Companies will have allotted rooms and seats on preferred airlines that can be sold very cheaply.

If you are booking yourself don't always assume Jetstar (which flys into Phuket direct) will always be the cheapest. Thai airways, British airways and even Singapore airlines will have regular specials into Bangkok from Australia. From there you can book yourself on the domestic carriers to any of the islands (see below). From the East Coast fares have recently been as low as $600 return including tax into Bangkok low season (British Airways or Thai).

For students it's worth checking with STA or Student flights as there are often cheap fares on this route.

The most common route would be to fly into Bangkok, spend a few days and then head out to Phuket or Ko Samui (or both). Expect to pay around $1200 inc tax for all three in low season, while its closer to $2000 inc tax at Christmas (just for flights).

Costs

On a backpacking budget allow $30-50 dollars a day in low season. It's not as cheap as some countries in South East Asia but it's still great value. For a more comfortable holiday, $100 a day will get you a decent hotel and have you living pretty comfortably.

Domestic Airlines

Try these carriers to get you out of Bangkok and to the popular Islands and other Thailand destinations.

Thai Air Asia - Flies domestic and international routes

Nok Air - Flies Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Krabi, Trang, Loei, Udon Thani, Phuket and Nakhon Si Thammarat

One Two Go - Budget carrier with similar destination list to Nok Air. Also has offers free snacks on board.

Bangkok Airways - Flying since 1986 Bangkok air is a popular choice that flys to over 20 Asian cities. Great for Bangkok - Phuket - Ko Samui flights. You can book online and their website also offers a few discounts on accommodation.

Destination Air - A small company that offers scenic flights via sea plane and day trips around Phuket and surrounding islands like Ko Pi Pi. Minimum passenger requirements apply.

Getting into Bangkok Central from Suvarnabhumi airport/what happens when I get to the airport in Bangkok?

Soon after arriving it's easy to change some Aussie dollars to the local currency or use an ATM (for the best rates).

As soon as you leave customs you will probably be set on by locals offering you a taxi into town. Keep cool and ignore these touts as the shuttle bus into the city costs a poultry $9.00AUD and runs from 0430 till 0030. A taxi will be more expensive. Just walk outside and look for the signs for the shuttle bus, it's easy.

Most travellers will be staying on or near the famous Khaosan road, just tell the bus guy that's where your headed. If you are arriving outside of the shuttle bus operating times (and many flights from Oz will) it's still easy to get a taxi. Make sure the driver turns the meter on; it starts at about 35B. Get out of the cab if they won't turn the metre on. Be firm about this - as elsewhere it's a common scam for cabbies to make up the price on arrival. You will have to pay the motor toll if you travel into the city by taxi - so you will be asked for a small amount of extra cash on the way. The cost of a taxi should be no more than $12 or so Aussie dollars into the city. The airport is about 30km or 45mins by road from the centre of town.

If you consider booking a transfer in Australia it's around $40 dollars Aussie one way, so it's much easier and cheaper just to get on the shuttle bus when you arrive. If you arrive late then a taxi is still cheaper than booking a transfer in Australia.

If you're staying in Khaosan Road: After getting off shuttle bus or taxi on Kao Son road, walk to the end of the road where the Monastery (Wat) is, there's a police station off to the right, walk that way, cross the street and go down the red bricked road named Soi Rambuttri (the monastery will now be on your left). This area is far quieter than on the main drag.

Khao san Road accommodation options

In Bangkok Ko Shan road is usually the first port of call for most travellers, usually travellers on a budget. In recent times more comfortable hotels seem to be springing up all over the place. Outside of peak times it's easy enough to just show up in this small area and book a place - though in busier times or if you don't want to wing it booking in advance is easy enough.

The Viengtai hotel is a popular choice for young Aussies. Expect to pay around $10-30 a night.

Rambuttri Inn (15-20AUD) is a popular and comfortable place with a pool.

MyHouse Guesthouse-($10AUD) One of the better cheapies that's nice and quiet by Bangkok standards.

With any guesthouse in this area make sure you check the rooms first, but most will be fine for how cheap they are.

For more comfortable digs most of the big name hotels are represented in Bangkok. If you have the cash the city's most famous hotel, the Oriental is the place to be. If you can't afford that the Royal Orchid Sheraton just down the river has great views at a much cheaper price.

Other areas of Bangkok are just as good to stay; check out Chinatown and the Sukhumvit road area.

Khaosan Road is good for first time travellers to go out or do some shopping and the best place to arrange other travel service like visas and train tickets.

Getting around Thailand

Rail/Bus

Thailand has fantastic trains and buses which are cheap, fast and easy to use. You can buy tickets from numerous local travel agents, though it's cheaper and not difficult to buy yourself at the bus or train station. The cheapest option to get around is on the 'fan' buses for short or medium journeys - just leave early in the morning to avoid the worst of the heat. The cheapest rail option is third class, which can take a bit longer than the more expensive AC buses but are a fun way to get around.

Beach Destinations

Phuket

This Island of half a million people is the most visited in Thailand. It's well serviced by flights from around Asia and has a great mix of accommodation to choose from. Staying in the heart of Phuket town on the beach will be expensive, while staying a few blocks back or 15 minutes down the road in Karon beach are the cheaper options. This is the area from which you can easily visit islands such as Ko Pi Pi (from the movie The Beach).

Ko Samui

Once a purely budget destination Ko Samui is now a fully fledged resort island. All the major hotels are here, with expensive accommodation the norm. For a budget beach holiday Phuket or Khao Lak, an hour north, are the better bets. Most Aussies will come to Ko Samui on their way over to Ko Panyang for the famous full moon parties. Click the link below for a full page on how to get there and the run down on these popular and always loose nights out. The parties are fairly commercialised these days, but still worth the trip.

Off the beaten path

There's heaps more to Thailand than just Bangkok, Phuket and Ko Samui. It's easy to get around so with a little time checking out places such as Khao Sok national park, Ko Chang and the Similan islands will get you away from the masses. Avoid the southern mainland town of Pattaya; package tourists, pimps, members of paedophiles san frontiers: not nice.

Full moon parties

For heaps of information, maps and video of this infamous party check out our guide to the full moon party.

Visas

Most travellers opt for the 30 day visa exemption stamp on arrival. A condition is that you must be able to prove that you're leaving Thailand by air within 30 days of your arrival. Only proof of flights are acceptable, as is proof of access to the equivalent of 20,000 baht to support yourself.

Another option visa tourist visa (in advance) valid for 60 days. You can also buy double and triple entry tourist visas, with each entry also entitling you to 60 days. Tourist visas can be extended for varying lengths, at varying number of times and varying costs.

If you liked this article check out my travel site Aussie Travel Advice. It's a free and independent site with over 140 pages of travel advice and links, as well as our travel blog. It's written by a former travel agent, a doctor and journalist and contains the best travel advice for Australians going overseas. Combined the authors have visited over 80 countries.

If you are interested in travel check out the site. It's not just for Aussies. There's a great travel health section and the travel blog should have something for everybody. Safe travels!

By Brook Mitchell

Thailand - Travel in Pai

Have you thought about traveling to South Asia? Well, that Thailand is a natural starting point. Bangkok can be reached by bus and all the beautiful places in this part of the world is not enough, at any time. Whatever you decide always to take the boat to slow down the Laotian Mekong, go to Angkor Wat in Cambodia and see the Petronas Towers in Malaysia, is an attempt to avoid the hustle and bustle of Bangkok!

However, Thailand has a lot of places it is very sad if they disappear! One of the most striking, these small towns in Pai was for me! Pai in northern Thailand near the border with Burma (Myanmar). Do not worry, all the crap you hear on Burma, Pai is completely isolated. It is a small picturesque town in the mountains and show the place I have ever seen. Measures the population of 3000 and most of them are foreigners. The city center is only three streets full of bars, clubs and restaurants, a street vendor decadent richness. And the customers of these establishments are of the Thai tourists of all ages, people from all over the world. If you stay a week, than you know yourself at all! In fact, after five days, there will be new entrants and naive as you are there for many years.

Like most small towns go, it's quite different! People who were there for a few days, usually the year of residence in the original plan. Small towns are like those of many questions and there is a magic of this small mountain village charm. Scooter should pay no more than 80 Bhat ($ 3 U.S.) per day of rental space tourism and is an absolute necessity. Over 20 minutes of magic is at your fingertips. Waterfalls, hot springs in the park, to revive ancient temples and elephants have access to many of the stay.

As small as it may seem at first glance, with much joy is awesome! a little trendy bars are places that never would have imagined! These dancers spinning POI such as entertainment and ultra-cool design is meant for others. Live music, if you have something that is not surprising jazz bar entertainment every night, that's really good! If you are lucky and bars, so well hidden that only a certain person could not go further. This is a place of delights and surprises, always has the luck.

In short, I had to change the experience of Pai to my trip to Southeast Asia! I wanted to stay longer than a few days. But when he finally came back to the bike, I was surprised by the Bill. I have lost all concept of time and spent a month there. But after a few close friends, I found traveling through Laos, Cambodia saw, Malaysia, Singapore and other people I met in Pai in each country. I do not regret a minute there! And if you decide to go, I can guarantee you feel the same way! Have a nice trip to my friends.

For more travel stories about travel around the world do not hesitate to click the link below.http://hollywoodbackpackerhostel.com/blog/south-east-asia-travel-pai/ http://hollywoodbackpackerhostel.com/

Mountain Bike Tours in Thailand

For those that love to explore by Bike, cycle through the great out doors and see sights most tourists never see, then Thailand is home to a handful of reliable, trusty bike tour operators. Bike Tour operators can be found in Chang Mai, Bangkok and Phuket.

Some of these tours focus on road riding and road bikes covering great distances. Other tours are exclusively off road and down hill riding only. Some Mountain Bike Tour operators combine on and off road riding allowing the riders the thrill of single track as well as the enjoyment of discovering small villages away from the crowds. Short tours for those short on time, or wishing to fit many other activities in to their valuable Thailand vacation time are available. Longer tours for those with more time or more passion for biking are also on offer.

All inclusive packages providing English speaking local guides, hotel accommodations, meals and support vehicles make sure you get the most of your Cycling Adventure Tour in Thailand.

Often the Tours are so much more than Biking, the journey will also be a culinary exploration of Thailand the host country, sample the various dishes and discover while Thailand is known world wide for it cuisine. Historical sites are visited, other Adventure activities are often included in these Biking Adventure Tours including boat trips, kayaking in lake and rivers, visits to Thai temples and meeting the local people.

So regardless if your an occasional Cyclist, road rider, new or experienced Mountain Biker, Thailand and it's Bike Tour operators have a tour suitable for you.

For detailed Free information and advice on Bike and Adventure Tours in Thailand visit our site. Our dedicated team of Adventure Travel Experts are waiting to help you with your Thailand Travel plans.

http://www.amazingbiketoursthailand.asia/

By James Hembrow

Eco-Tourism In Thailand

Eco-tourism has become popular all over the world with people demanding that countries do more to preserve nature and environment. Thailand is not far behind in eco-tourism and many activities popular in Thailand fall under that category.
Thailand is very popular with tourists looking for adventure in the wilderness, and is mainly because of the abundance of natural resources that Thailand has to offer its visitors. Mountain biking, whitewater rafting, camping and trekking, scuba diving, bird watching and rock climbing have become the done thing in natural tourist areas. All these activities are available all over Thailand, especially in the south, west and the mountainous regions of the north. The most popular of all these activities being offered to tourists are trekking, bird watching, scuba diving and mountain biking.
The government and private organizations are making sure that there are many back-to-nature activities for eco-tourism seekers. Most national parks in Thailand come under the purview of the Royal Forest Department and they have trekking trails for nature lovers. Many camping sites are also present in these national parks.
Neither trekking nor camping is a new activity in Thailand. They have been present for decades. However, eco-tourism has ensured that the activities are better managed now than before. Thailand is paying more attention to preserving its natural resources as it has come to realize that the tourists will come as long as the natural resources are unspoilt and off-the-beaten areas are better equipped to cater to tourists without disturbing the environment and the natural flora and fauna.

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By Pauline Go