2007-12-27

Scenic Beaches

Well established as one of the world's most rewarding travel destinations, Thailand owes its popularity to the remarkable variety of its attractions from deep blue seas to lush green forests. With more than 2,500 kilometers of coastline,Thailand is generously provided with sandy beaches, sheltered bays and idyllic islands.

From busy fishing villages to near-deserted expanses of powdery white sand, the sights and sounds vary depending on location, as does as the style of seaside vacations. What remains constant is the tropical climate and the year-round sunshine. Many of the beaches in the Gulf of Thailand have blossomed into fully fledged resorts. Each has its own distinct character, like the fun-packed Pattaya Beach and the more typically classic resort of Hua Hin. Travel beyond these spots into the eastern provinces of Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat, and you'll discover near pristine coastal and island environments.

Different again is the Far South where Trang and the islands of Phuket and Samui are internationally renowned resorts with some of the world's finest beaches and scuba diving potentials.

PATTAYA

Pattaya is one of the best known of beach resorts in Thailand and features a wonderful natural bay. To the south lies a long sandy beach known as Jomtien which has become a residential area all of its own. Offshore there are more than a dozen islands which have become extremely popular with day trippers. Pattaya itself has grown dramatically over the past 25 years from a quiet fishing village into a mature international beach resort, with a comprehensive range of entertainment and sporting attractions.

Indeed, few holiday destinations in Asia can match the variety of pastimes to be found at Pattaya and its suburb of Jomtien. These include all kinds of water sports, archery, bowling, horse riding, go-karting, tennis and scuba diving and micro light flying. Also within easy reach of Pattaya is a score of international quality golf courses. The resort's nightlife is legendary and caters for people of all ages and inclinations including young children. A wide range of accommodation is available from simple rooms to five-star hotels and just about everything else in between.

RAYONG

This is a rapidly growing province to the east of Pattaya which is far less developed but has some extremely fine beaches. The best known of these is Mae Rampueng, a long and largely empty stretch with only a handful of small hotels and bungalow complexes. Apart from its beautiful coastline and offshore islands, Rayong is also renowned for its scenic hinterland, full of forests, hills and national parks.

CHANTABURI

A short distance further to the east, Chantaburi is one of the most interesting and attractive towns in this region of Thailand. Set admist a series of hills in which small lanes wind their way around local markets and even a large Catholic church, Chantaburi is Thailand's leading gems center. This is a mecca for miners and buyers from all over the world. This region is also famous for its bountiful fruit supplies which are featured in an annual fair held in Chantaburi town.

TRAT

Close to the border with Cambodia, the town of Trat serves as an overnight destination for travelers wishing to visit many islands dotted along this part of the Eastern Seaboard. Of these, Ko Chang is the most popular and it is also Thailand's second largest island after Phuket. This island features some of the most pristine scenery and here one finds virgin tropical jungle that sweeps majestically over the steep cliffs to sandy beaches.

Sports and Pastimes

If ever there could be a sporting paradise on earth, it would undoubtedly be on Thailand's majestic shores!

Everything from the simplest of passive pursuits like bird watching or lazing on a sun drenched beach, to the most energetic of activities such as surf boarding, rock climbing and river rafting - Thailand has them all!

How is it that this tropical paradise is able to provide such a vast array of activities and pursuits for visitors of all ages and from all over the world?

Probably the biggest contributory factor is the continuous sunshine and blue skies which even in the monsoon season are never absent for more than an hour or two under normal circumstances. Far from being last and certainly not least is the psychological effect derived from the smiling faces that are everywhere. A factor that must come into focus also is the matter of cost effectiveness as applies to holidays and the pursuit of leisure activities . In this respect too, Thailand offers more value for money than most other countries in the world today!
Continuous fine weather, wholly cooperative happy local people, high quality and relatively low financial outlay! These are undoubtedly the most significant reasons why Thailand is able to offer such attractive venues for all manner of sports and pastimes to meet all tastes and requirements.

GOLFING IN THAILAND
As local golfers all know full well, there are plenty of excellent golf courses right on their door steps, here in Thailand. The availability of golf courses is so significant that reservations for tee-off times are usually unnecessary at the majority of golf clubs. Moreover, so widespread are the courses that no matter where you travel in Thailand, a club or links is never far from your accomodation or hotel.

Every golfer has a favorite golf course and the reason for liking a particular facility can vary enormously. It may be due to a particularly memorable performance there, a competition-wining round, a hole-in-one or a best-ever score.

It may also have something to do with the surroundings, the scenery or that indefinable quality, ambiance. Thus, it's rare to find total agreement on which course in Thailand is the best overall.

The best way to sum it up is to say that "as long as one can pay the fee, one can take one's pick".

ROCK CLIMBING
Phra Nang and Railay Beach are located on a peninsular which juts out from the mainland. They are only accessible by boat from the provincial town of Krabi in the South of Thailand. The entire area is covered with fabulous towering cliffs of limestone and dense unspoilt jungle which conceals fantastic caves full of stalactites and stalagmites.

This makes Railay Beach the beginning point for great climbing and exploring adventures. This location is suitble for beginners, intermediate level climbers, and advanced experts right up to celebrities such as Todd Skinner, Lyn Hill, Francois Legrand and Ben Moon to mention but a few.

When one is tired of climbing what better than to relax on the almost snow white beaches which melt into an aquamarine sea underneath a perpetually shining sun. If too much warmth becomes a problem, there is an abundance of palm fronds and billowing foliage to provide shade before being tempted to plunge into the crystal clear waters of the azure blue sea.

TREKKING
In the mountainous region of Northern Thailand, the spectacular scenery is awe-inspiring, the mountains seem to be constantly shrouded in mist and yet the the valleys are so colorful that it seems one is in some kind of a time warped "Shangri -La" mosaic. The people that inhabit the hills of Northern Thailand have long been a curiosity for visitors to the Kingdom. Most of them made long treks from Tibet, Myanmar, Yunnan, Lao PDR and Vietnam to settle in the relative calm of Thailand, bringing with them different languages, costumes and cultures. What better a place toundertake an "eco" trek combined with the adreneline rushes that are acquired through river rafting?

To whet the appetite even further, cast your eyes over the extract that follows from a typical Tour Company's Web Site, "After breakfast, depart from Chiang Mai by road for a Shan Tribe Village. A stop will be made en route at a local market before continuing on to the staggeringly beautiful Mokfha Waterfall where a lunchbox will be provided. After arriving at Ban Mae Sae, a three hour trek will begins which will end at a Lisu hill tribe village. Dinner and an overnight stop at this village completes the day's activities. Immediately after breakfast on the next day, another three-hour trek ends up at the Elephant Camp. Following a rest for lunch, experience an elephant ride for one or two hours through the jungle amidst beautiful scenery to the rafting camp at a Karen hill tribe village for dinner and an overnight stopover. Next day to the landing pier at the river for the first leg of a river rafting experience of a lifetime ........."
Thailand has it all!

DIVING IN THAILAND'S CRYSTAL CLEAR SEAS
Scuba diving is Thailand’s most popular water sport, and it’s an experience you will never forget. Explore the brilliantly colored coral reefs and be dazzled by fish of a thousand hues. Expect close encounters with giant barracuda, manta rays, sea cows and even sharks!

Thailand is the central focus for scuba diving in South East Asia. Thousands of people come here either to dive or to learn to dive and get a certification which allows them to dive all over the world. The reasons for this are very simple, diving in Thailand is competitively priced and there are world-class locations for every level of expertise and scores of professional instructors.

All over Thailand you can expect modern amenities, dive boats having international standards of safety and associated professional facilities.

Sightseeing Suggestions

If you fly into Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, in the early morning and look through the windows of the aircraft, you will be enchanted at the sight of the shimmering roof tops of countless temples and the sparkling waters of the immense Chao Phraya - the veritable River of Kings!

Once settled into this huge 'City of Angels', as it has often been called, the sights and sounds of the city are irresistible. Pay a visit to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and you will be tongue tied for words to describe its magnificence. If you want another mind-boggling experience, take a very early morning boat ride to the landing stage opposite the Temple of Dawn, which is called Wat Arun, and watch the effect of the rising sun on the millions of pieces of mosaic, colored glass and gold leaf covered pinnacles! These are sights that live forever in memory.

Yet again for the early riser, a ride in a "long-tailed boat" on a canal (called khlongs) to the famous floating market will provide a talking point with your friends forever and a day.

Spoil yourself with an evening cruise on the Chao Phraya River and observe the life of the people who live on the banks of this mighty river. The sights to be seen are so interesting you will never want to stop.

Outside of Bangkok, a bus tour to the Rose Garden and an afternoon spent viewing the displays at the Crocodile Farm and the Elephant Village in miniature will yet again fill you with wonder at this paradise on earth that is called Thailand or Siam as it used to be called - land of the free!



The sights and sounds of Thailand will bring you back again and again to this fairytale land, as it has done for the thousands of visitors who return year after year.

Diving in Thailand

Diving — the most popular water sport
Scuba diving is Thailand's most popular water sport, and it's an experience you cannot forget. With magical apparatus allowing you to breathe underwater, a whole new universe opens up to you. Some of the most extravagantly beautiful creatures in creation await you in this weightless, watery world. Explore brilliantly-coloured coral reefs and be dazzled by fish of a thousand hues. Expect close encounters with giant barracuda, manta rays, sea cows and even sharks!

Thailand is the central focus for scuba diving in Southeast Asia. Thousands of people learn to dive in Thailand every year and become avid divers for life. There are world-class locations for every level of expertise and scores of professional. Well-established dive shops are located all over the southern peninsula. Diving in Thailand is competitively priced, and once you have achieved your certification in Thailand, you can use it to go scuba diving all over the world.

Diving is available at all times of the year, although visibility changes according to the season. In the Andaman Sea the best time to dive is from October to April, and in the Gulf of Thailand from May to September — in other words, first-class diving all year round!

All reputable dive shops are affiliated with PADI or other international dive bodies, and most hold courses in multiple languages. All over Thailand, you can expect modern amenities, international-standard boats and professional facilities.

2007-12-17

What Comprises a Thai Meal


What Comprises a Thai Meal

:: Titbits These can be hors d'oeuvres, accompaniments, side dishes, and/or snacks. They include spring rolls, satay, puffed rice cakes with herbed topping. They represent the playful and creative nature of the Thais
:: Salads A harmony of tastes and herbal flavours are essential. Major tastes are sour, sweet and salty. Spiciness comes in different degrees according to meat textures and occasions.


:: General Fare A sweet and sour dish, a fluffy omelette, and a stir-fried dish help make a meal more complete.


:: Dips Dips entail some complexity. They can be the major dish of a meal with accompaniments of vegetables and some meats. When dips are made thinly, they can be used as salad designs. A particular and simple dip is made from chillies, garlic, dried shrimps, lime juice, fish sauce, sugar and shrimp paste.


:: Soups A good meal for an average person may consist simply of a soup and rice. Traditional Thai soups are unique because they embody more flavours and textures than can be found in other types of food.


:: Curries Most non-Thai curries consist of powdered or ground dried spices, whereas the major ingredients of Thai curry are fresh herbs. A simple Thai curry paste consists of dried chillies, shallots and shrimp paste. More complex curries include garlic, galanga, coriander roots, lemon grass, kaffir lime peel and peppercorns.


:: Single Dishes Complete meals in themselves , they include rice and noodle dishes such as Khao Phat and Phat Thai.



:: Desserts No good meal is complete without a Thai dessert. Uniformly sweet, they are particularly welcome after a strongly spiced and herbed meal.

Thai Food & Fruits

Thai food is internationally famous. Whether chilli-hot or comparatively blands, harmony is the guiding principle behind each dish. Thai cuisine is essentially a marriage of centuries-old Eastern and Western influences harmoniously combined into something uniquely Thai. The characteristics of Thai food depend on who cooks it, for whom it is cooked, for what occasion, and where it is cooked to suit all palates. Originally, Thai cooking reflected the characteristics of a waterborne lifestyle. Aquatic animals, plants and herbs were major ingredients. Large chunks of meat were eschewed. Subsequent influences introduced the use of sizeable chunks to Thai cooking.

With their Buddhist background, Thais shunned the use of large animals in big chunks. Big cuts of meat were shredded and laced with herbs and spices. Traditional Thai cooking methods were stewing and baking, or grilling. Chinese influences saw the introduction of frying, stir frying and deep-frying. Culinary influences from the 17th century onwards included Portuguese, Dutch, French and Japanese. Chillies were introduced to Thai cooking during the late 1600s by Portuguese missionaries who had acquired a taste for them while serving in South America.
Thais were very adapt at 'Siamese-ising' foreign cooking methods, and substituting ingredients. The ghee used in Indian cooking was replaced by coconut oil, and coconut milk substituted for other daily products. Overpowering pure spices were toned down and enhanced by fresh herbs such as lemon grass and galanga. Eventually, fewer and less spices were used in Thai curries, while the use of fresh herbs increased. It is generally acknowledged that Thai curries burn intensely, but briefly, whereas other curries, with strong spices, burn for longer periods. Instead of serving dishes in courses, a Thai meal is served all at once, permitting dinners to enjoy complementary combinations of different tastes.

A proper Thai meal should consist of a soup, a curry dish with condiments, a dip with accompanying fish and vegetables. A spiced salad may replace the curry dish. The soup can also be spicy, but the curry should be replaced by non spiced items. There must be a harmony of tastes and textures within individual dishes and the entire meal.
Thai food is eaten with a fork and spoon. Even single dish meals such as fried rice with pork, or steamed rice topped with roasted duck, are served in bite-sized slices or chunks obviating the need for a knife. The spoon is used to convey food to the mouth.
Ideally, eating Thai food is a communal affair involving two or more people, principally because the greater the number of diners the greater the number of dishes ordered. Generally speaking, two diners order three dishes in addition to their own individual plates of steamed rice, three diners four dishes, and so on. Diners choose whatever they require from shared dishes and generally add it to their own rice. Soups are enjoyed concurrently with rice. Soups are enjoyed concurrently with other dishes, not independently. Spicy dishes, not independently. Spicy dishes are "balanced" by bland dishes to avoid discomfort.
The ideal Thai meal is a harmonious blend of the spicy, the subtle, the sweet and sour, and is meant to be equally satisfying to eye, nose and palate. A typical meal might include a clear soup (perhaps bitter melons stuffed with minced pork), a steamed dish (mussels in curry sauce), a fried dish (fish with ginger), a hot salad (beef slices on a bed of lettuce, onions, chillies, mint and lemon juice) and a variety of sauces into which food is dipped. This would be followed by sweet desserts and/or fresh fruits such as mangoes, durian, jackfruit, papaya, grapes or melon.

Visa Information

Passports
All visitors entering Thailand must possess valid passports.

Visas
Immigration Information
According to the Interior Ministerial Announcements dated 1 October B.E. 2545 (2002), 20 December B.E. 2545 (2002), 18 October B.E. 2547 (2004) and 6 May B.E. 2548 (2005), passport holders from 40 countries and 1 special administrative region – Hong Kong SAR – are not required to obtain a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes and will be permitted to stay in the Kingdom for a period of not exceeding 30 days on each visit. Foreigners who enter the Kingdom under the Tourist Visa Exemption category may re-enter and stay in Thailand for a cumulative duration of stay of not exceeding 90 days within any 6-month period from the date of first entry.
- Please note that Tourist Visa Exemption does not apply to foreigners holding Travel Document for Aliens issued by these 40 countries.
- Foreigners entering Thailand under the Tourist Visa Exemption category must possess adequate finances for the duration of stay in Thailand (i.e., cash 10,000 Baht per person and 20,000 Baht per family).

Temporary visitors to Thailand for the purpose of pleasure who are exempted from applying for entry visas must be of the nationality of and holding valid passports or travelling documents issued by:

1. Australia : Commonwealth of Australia 2. Austria : Republic of Austria
3. Belgium : Kingdom of Belgium 4. Brazil : Federative Republic of Brazil
5. Bahrain : State of Bahrain 6. Brunei : Negara Brunei Darussalam
7. Canada 8. Denmark : Kingdom of Denmark
9. Finland : Republic of Finland 10. France : French Republic
11. Germany : Federal Republic of Germany 12. Greece : Hellenic Republic
13. Hong Kong : Hong Kong SAR 14. Iceland : Republic of Iceland
15. Indonesia : Republic of Indonesia 16. Ireland : Republic of Ireland
17. Israel : State of Israel 18. Italy : Republic of Italy
19. Japan 20. Korea : Republic of Korea
21. Kuwait : State of Kuwait 22. Luxembourg : Grand Duchy of
Luxembourg
23. Malaysia 24. Netherlands : Kingdom of the
Netherlands
25. New Zealand 26. Norway : Kingdom of Norway
27. Oman : Sultanate of Oman 28. Peru : Republic of Peru
29. Philippines : Republic of the Philippines 30. Portugal : Republic of Portugal
31. Qatar : State of Qatar 32. Singapore : Republic of Singapore
33. Spain : Kingdom of Spain 34. South Africa : Republic of South Africa
35. Sweden : Kingdom of Sweden 36. Switzerland : Swiss Confederation
37. Turkey : Republic of Turkey 38. United Arab Emirates
39. United Kingdom : United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
40. United States of America 41. Vietnam : Socialist Republic of Vietnam

They must enter the kingdom by passenger transports such as aircraft or sea-going vessels of 500 registered tons and up; or through channels of immigration check-points or border check-points on the Malaysian boundary; or enter by means of passenger aircraft, sea-going vessel, rail, bus, taxi, touring coach or hired motor-cycle and having:

- Fully paid ticket or other document belonging to the vehicle owner or to the operator of the vehicle which is to be used for leaving the kingdom within the period specified, or
- Documentary evidence of the owner or operator of the vehicle showing fully paid reservation for the departure from the kingdom within the period specified.
Exempted are Malaysian nationals entering the kingdom by means of bus, hired car, touring coach or hired motor-cycle through immigration check-points or border check-points bordering on Malaysian territory, who need not have travelling ticket or documents mentioned under Items I and 2. Persons mentioned in the above conditions are exempted from visas and are permitted to remain in the kingdom for a period not exceeding fifteen days from the day of entry. They are not allowed to extend their stay for more than fifteen days, unless under unforeseen circumstances such as illness or delay of aircraft departure. Visitors wishing to stay in the kingdom for more than fifteen days are advised to apply to missions in their countries. In the event there are no Thai diplomatic missions, they may apply to missions in neighbouring countries, or forward their request and supporting evidence to the Immigration Division, Soi Suan Phlu, Sathon Tai Rd., Bangkok 10120, Thailand. Tel: 2873101-10 Visitors to Thailand may Obtain Visas on Arrival at
-The Bangkok International Airport
-The Chiang Mai International Airport
-The Phuket International Airport
-The Hat Yai International Airport
They must also have a fully paid ticket which enables them to travel out of the kingdom within the stipulated time. The application for a visa must be accompanied by a photograph as well as the necessary fee. Visitors from some countries may now visit Thailand for up to 30 days without requiring visas: Please contact your nearest Thai consulate for the list of countries.
Validity of Visas
Every kind of visa is valid for a so-day period from the date of issue
Length of Stay
-Transit Visa 30 days
-Tourist Visa 60 days
-non-immigrant Visa 90 days
Note: Please check the period of stay stamped in your passport by the Immigration officer. Visitors who overstay their visa will, at the time of their departure, be fined 200 Baht for each excess day.
Visa Extensions
Apply for extensions of stay at the Immigration office. Fee 1,900 Baht.
Mobile Visa Extension Service
A good news for tourists who would like to extend their period of staying in Thailand. Immigration Bangkok provides visa extension service at the Emerald Hotel Rachadapisek Road , BangkokWorking hour 09.00 – 12.00 every Wednesday effective April 23, 2003One Stop Service for the tourists hold visa and duration for extension as below :
-Transit Visa 30 days
-Tourist Visa 30 days
-Visa on arrival 10 days
-Without Visa 10 days

Applicant must bring your passport (with copies of the first page and recent visa page)1 photo (4x6 cm.) Application fee is 1,900 Baht.For more information please call 0-2287-3101-10 Ext. 2263 , 2265
Re-Entry
Application fee for re-entry permit is 1,900 Baht
Exit Visa
Not required.

2007-12-14

BANGKOK RAILWAY STATION(HUALAMPONG)

The coming of the Royal railway brought a great change to the Thai way of life at that time. Since then, trains have become an important form of transport and play a great role in trade across the country and beyond.
Bangkok's Hualampong station was built 14 years after railways were introduced to Thailand The seven-year construction period started in 1910and finished in 1916. The station was renovated and modernised in 1998, and this has made made a vast improvement in all its aspects.

The station provides 24-hour service. There are regular trains, rapid trains, express trains, and the Sprinter or special express train. Trains are divided into 3rd class, 2nd class sleeping car, 2nd class car and 1st class sleeping car with or without air-conditioning. There are 24 ticket windows and a computer system for passengers to buy tickets and ' making reservations.
The station is complete with a post office, money exchange service, shops, bookstores, restaurants and food and drink outlets. Services such as luggage deposit and hotel reservation are also available for travellers' convenience.

Address : Rama IV Road Rongmuang Sub-District Pathumwan District Bangkok 10300

Telephone: (662) 220-4334 (Reservation) 220-4268 (Public Relations)

Hot Line: 1690Facimile: (662) 222-4211

E-mail, Web site: www.srt.motc.go.th

Bus: 4 7 21 25 29 34 40 53 73 109 113

Air-con Bus: 4 7 29 73 501 507 Mb 5 4

Pier: Passenger Boat: Hualampong Pier (Phadung KrungKasem Canal) Opening Hours: Daily 24 hrs.
Parking : At the side of the Station

Nearby Attractions :About CafeBoe-bae Market Mahanak MarketWat KalawarWat ThepsirinWat Trimit Yaowarat

CANAL BOAT TRIP

The life-style of the Thai people has always been associated with waterways. With the coming of roads and tall commercial buildings, the view along Bangkok waterways has been constantly ch iging over the years.Canal Boat Trip: The best time to make a canal boat trip would be around six o'clock in the morning in order to capture the authentic atmosphere and the varied activity which begins early in the day :Monks receiving alms, children hurrying to chool, and boats delivering vegetables from far s to markets.Boat trips in the afternoon are best taken aft two p.m. to avoid the heat of the mid-day sun. Th traditional Thai lifestyle can still be found alc g several waterways such as the Daokanong, Ba khunthien and Lart canals. Here visitors can dis wer the more tranquil face of life in Bangkok.A tour might begin with a visit to the National Museum of the Royal Barges, then to see the m, als at Wat Suwannaram. After that, go to see the Guanyin, feed the Swai fish (Pangasius foroleri), ar visit Sala Karnparian at Wat Shepakhao. Then go to Khlong Chakpra for lunch at Talingchan Flc ting Market. From there, go to the floating ubosot of of Wat Phigunthong. Finally, pay a visit to the Sukhothai ubosot in the old merchant ship Sumpaoshape at Wat Chalor.

Address:1. Passenger Boat: Tha Chang PierRaiini Pier (Pakkhlong Talat) Memorial Bridge Pier Oriental Pier
Opening Hours:Daily 6 am-2 pm M Price according to hours used.2. Mitr Chao Phraya ExpressBoat: Daily 8 am 10Phone:(662) 225-6179
Parking:At the Pier compound Nearby Attractions: Wat KaewpoitoonWat Nangnong Wat Nung Wat Ratchaorasaram Wat Sai

RAMA VI BRIDGE

Rama VI bridge was built in 1922 during the reign of King Rama VI at Bangson Sub-District . It was designed to be a rail link between the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River and the western bank, and thus connect the railway system of Bangkok with the west and south of the country. The bridge has a beam of eight metres, allowing medium-sized ships to pass beneath it.


During World War II, the bridge was severely damaged. Repairs were started in 1950, during the reign of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The present Rama VI Bridge is different from the original one, as it is built in the style of the "Warren Lype Bridge", and it carries road traffic as well as the railway.

Address:Prachachun Road Bangsue Sub-District Bangsue District Bangkok 10800

Bus: 18 32 33 49 50 64 90 110 117 203Air Con Bus: 6 23 49 25Koe 203 Mb 1

Openning Hours: Daily 24 hrs.

Admission Fee: Free Admission

Parking:Foot of the Bridge Nearby Attractions: Centre of wood carving at Pracha-naruemit Lane Wat Prachasatthatham Wat Soithong

2007-12-09

The 32 Postures of Guan Yin Goddess


The 32 Postures of Guan Yin Goddess
Venue : Guan Yin Shrine, Lat Phrao District

This Guan Yin Shrine was built in 1983 by the head monk Guang Seng of themahayana Order. The temple observes very strict rules. Monks ordained here have tobe life-long vegetarian and cannot leave the monkhood, with strong determination toabandon the secular world to devote themselves to dharma.
The Guan Yin shrine for the Earth and Sky Gods, and a dragon pillar. The big buildinghouses an image of Guan yin stop a toad, and the Buddha Prince Ang Hai Yi. In otherparts of the building are figures from Chinese mythology and Buddha images, such asGuan Yin images for the 12 zodiac signs, the 32-attitude of of Guan Yin, the famousmonk Tang Sam Chang, and the monk lang lang Tai Sue. There are also a charity soup-kitchen and a meditation hall for worshippers.


Who Is Guan Yin? Guan Yin, one of the most revered Chinese goods, is the goddess of mercy who,some believe, helps eradicate miseries for her believers. Legend had it that Guan Yinwas born a princess, a daughter of a Chinese emperor who was not a Buddhist.He was furious to see his daughter’s devotion to Buddhism. Before her marriage,the princess escaped from the palace and set free several tortured prisoners. Many oppressed people followed her.
When her father was gaining on them, a magic bridgeappeared to save the princess and her follwers. Soonher father was seriously ill. The doctor told her that theonly cure includes the arms and eyes of a virgin. With her gratitude for her father, the princess agreed to sacrifice herself. Her father was miraculously healed.As s consequence of her sacrifice and her willing tohelp those in miseries, people came to worship her asa goodess, a significant one in the Chinese Pantheon.
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Address :4/37 Suksonti 7 LaneLatphrao 53 Road (Chokchai 4) Latphrao DistrictBangkok 10230
Telephone: (662) 539-3951 514-0715 Facimile: (662) 538-8178Bus: 8 27 44 92 96 122 126 137 145Air-con
Bus: 92 137 145 502 514 524 545 Mb 15 20
Opening Hours :Daily 7 am-9 pm Admission
Fee : Free Admission Activity, Festival : Chinese New Year's Day (Late Jan-Feb) Vegetarian Days Guanyin Procession(Held on the 9th day after Chinese New Year's Day)
Parking :In front of the Temple
Nearby Attractions :Wat Latphrao

ERAWAN SHRINE

In 1953 the Thai Hotel and Tourism Co. started the construction of Erawan Hotel. When it was near completion in 1956, the management

consulted an astrologer for an auspicious date for its grand opening. As it turned out, the astrologer pointed out that the date when the foundation stone was laid was not suitable, and advised that a Brahman shrine and a guardian spirit shrine should be built to correct the error.

The management brought in the Dept. of Fine Arts to design and build the statue of Brahma according to the traditions of the department. The gilded plaster statue was enshrined at the Erawan Hotel on November 9, 1956.

Both Thais and foreign visitors come to pay their respects at the Shrine, which is widely known as the Erawan shrine. The number of worshippers is increasing every year. They come to pray to Brahma to grant their wishes, or simply to enjoy the exotic sights, sounds and atmosphere.
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Address :Address: 494 Ratchawithi Road Lumphini Sub-District Pathumwan District Bangkok 10330

Telephone: (662) 252-8754 Bus: 2 13 14 15 17 25 48 54 73 74 76 77 204 Air-con Bus: 38 505 511 513Mb12 20 23Pier: Passenger Boat: Patunam Pier (Sansap Canal)

Opening Hours: Daily 8 am-7 pmAdmission Fee: Free Admission Activity, Festival: Devasathan Sacrification Ceremony (Nov 9)

Membership: Sacrification DanceParking: Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel

Nearby Attractions: Gaysorn PlazaGrand Hyatt Erawan Hotel Le Royal Meridian Hotel Noroyana Phand Peninsula PlazaWorld Trade Centre

LUMPHINI PARK


This 360-rai (about 58-hectare) plot of land was formerly known as the Saladaeng field, and was the private property of King Rama VI. In 1925 the King donated the land to the nation to be used as a public park and fair ground. The Siamrath Phiphitthapan Trade Fair held here to promote Thai products among Thais and foreigners was discontinued after the death of the king. The name Lumphini given by the King came from the name of the birthplace of the Lord Buddha.

Koh Loy or "Floating Island": King Rama Vl arranged for examples of native plants from all regions of the country to be planted here for the education of the people.





Royal Monument of King Rama VI: Located at the park's main entrance. Alumni of Vajiravudh Colic to built the memorial with additional funding forn he government of F.M. Plaek Pibulsongkram and public donations.
Clock Tower: This Chinese style stucture was built in 1925 as preparations for the Siamrath Phiphitthapan Trade Fair.Lumphini Park Public Library: This is the first Pub[ library in Thailand. It has 30,000 books and has opened audio and visual educational services, promotions to encourage reading, and book exhi?bition etc.


LUMPHINI PARK
Address:
Rama IV Road Wangmai Sub-District Pathumwan District Bangkok 10300 Telephone: (662) 252-7006Bus: 4 13 14 15 17 25 (Samyak) 45 46 47 62 67 74 76 106 109 115 116 149Air-con Bus: 4 5 62 67 76 507 Sai 38 Mb 14 17

Opening Hours : Office: Mon-Fri 8 am-4 pm Closed: Sat Sun Public Hols. Park : Daily 4:30 am-8 pm Admission Fee: Park: Free AdmissionBoat Pedal Boat : 40 Baht/hrs. Aerobic Dance: Daily 6-7 am

Activity, Festival : Music in the Park: Sat Sun Library : Lumphini Park Public Lib.

Telephone: (662) 252-8030 Facimile: (662) 252-8030 Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 8:30 am-8 pmClosed: Mon Public Hols.School, University: Suan LumphiniParking : Inside and In front of the Park

Nearby Attractions :Central Dept. Store Chula.Hosp. Dusit Thani Hotel Lumphini Boxing Stadium Pan Pacific HotelRobinson Dept. StoreRoyal Bangkok Sports Club Silom Road

2007-11-14

Chinese Thais

There have been many Chinese immigrants over the past few hundred years. Many Thai families have Chinese blood in them. In most of them, you cannot see any cultural difference; nonetheless, in MANY partly or wholly "Chinese Thai" families there is a MAJOR difference between them and mainstream Thais.

Most Chinese came to Thailand due to crop failures in China or just looking for better opportunities overseas, and so many arrived destitute. Most of the immigrants actually didn't leave offspring, but many did survive and thrive here based on sheer effort and smarts.
A large subset of Chinese immigrants have created descendants instilled with a strong work ethic and who value education
.
When you look at the top people in the banks, business, and society, you will see a disproportionate percentage of Chinese Thais.
It is a nice blend of work ethic, education, and pleasant Thai ways.
There are some interesting studies about why Thailand has achieved a relatively high per capita income for the Asian region, and modernity with good infrastructure, compared to other countries, despite the fact that Thailand was the only country in the region never colonized.

One of the most interesting analyses is that it's because the Thai people were much more tolerant of immigrants, and readily assimilated them into Thai society, rather than the usual tribal ways of bigotry, xenophobia, resistance and overly nationalistic laws against immigrants. The old Thai kings especially fostered the assimilation of immigrants.

(Of course, the United States did likewise in the 1700s. Also, 2500 years ago, Rome was originally a low class poor town in Italy, but was known as the most tolerant and hospitable town for immigrants.)
This hospitality extends into the present time, which is a major reason why Thailand is a favored destination for tourists and businesspeople alike. Including myself, who has travelled around Asia and settled down in Thailand!

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Special Thanks : Thailandguru

Regional Differences

There are some slight regional differences between Thai people as they see each other.
Thais from the northwest are seen as the most compassionate and peaceloving.
Thais from the northeast are the poorest on average, and tend to be the most resilient as well as the best labor pool for unpleasant jobs. Many Thais in the northeast are a merge between Thai and Lao (Laotian) culture, and in fact a lot of Lao words are spoken within Thai sentences there.
Thais from the south (down the western peninsula) tend to be more independent minded and a little bit more assertive. This is a long coastline and you can see in their features that there is a lot of immigrant blood in them. Similar things can be said about parts of the southeast, but the southeast is a small part of the population.

Bangkok is populated mostly by people from all over Thailand who came to Bangkok for work or higher education.

In the big city of Bangkok, Thais tend to be much less community oriented, like people in any big city in the world. There is a stark difference between city people and country people in Thailand.

Thai Names

Thais are given a nickname by their family at a very young age, and this is what family, friends, and familiar associates call each other. This name is NOT a legal name, and does not exist anywhere in legal paperwork.


Thais are given a legal first name and surname at birth, but no middle name. When you first know a Thai person in an office or other fairly formal setting, then you address them as Khun [Firstname]. Later, this may switch to their nickname.


However, in very informal settings, Thai people will introduce themselves by their nickname only, and you may never know their real name unless you ask.
The nicknames are usually one syllable words though some are two syllable and sometimes three. Their translations mean silly things like "shrimp", "baby chicken", "eyes", "gift", and lots of other things.

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Special Thanks : Thailandguru

2007-11-05

Facts of life

1. At least 2 people in this world love you so much they would die for you.

2. At least 15 people in this world love you in someway.

3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.

4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.

5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.

6. You mean the world to someone.

7. If not for you, someone may not be living.

8. You are special and unique.

9. Someone that you don't even know exists, loves you.

10. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.

11. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back on the world.

12. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won't get it, but if you believe in yourself, probably, sooner or later, you will get it.

13. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.

14. Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will feel much better when they know

15. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.

2007-11-04

Somebody is me...

Somebody is thinking of you.
-somebody is caring about you.
-somebody misses you. -somebody wants to talk to you.
-somebody wants to be with you.
-somebody hopes you aren't in trouble.
-somebody is thankful for the support you have provided.
-somebody wants to hold your hand.
-somebody hopes everything turns out all right.
-somebody wants you to be happy.
-somebody wants you to find him/her.
-somebody is celebrating your successes.
-somebody wants to give you a gift.

-somebody thinks that you ARE a gift.
-somebody hopes you're not too cold, or too hot
-somebody wants to hug you. -somebody admires your strength.
-somebody is thinking of you and smiling.
-somebody wants to be your shoulder to cry on.
-somebody wants to go out with you and have a lot of fun.

-somebody thinks the world of you.
-somebody wants to protect you.
-somebody would do anything for you.
-somebody wants to be forgiven.
-somebody is grateful for your forgiveness.
-somebody wants to laugh with you.
-somebody remembers you and wishes that you were there.
-somebody is praising God for you.
-somebody needs to know that your love is unconditional.
-somebody values your advice.
-somebody wants to tell you how much they care.
-somebody wants to share their dreams with you.
-somebody wants to hold you in their arms.
-somebody wants YOU to hold them in your arms.
-somebody treasures your spirit.
-somebody wishes they could STOP time because of you.
-somebody praises God for your friendship and love.
-somebody can't wait to see you.
-somebody wants to be with you.
-somebody wants you to know they are there for you.
-somebody stayed up all night thinking about you.
-somebody is alive because of you.
-somebody is wishing that you noticed him/her.
-somebody wants to get to know you better.
-somebody wants to be near you.

-somebody misses your advice/guidance.
-somebody has faith in you.
-somebody trusts you.
-somebody needs you to have faith in them.
-somebody hears a song that reminds them of you.
-somebody loves you.
-somebody is me...

Bangkok, Thailand, Houses, Condominiums, Apartments


Viewing houses, condominiums or apartments starts with choosing the right location. Bangkok is vastly spread out, as a city of approximately 8 million people, and Thailand is as tall as the U.S. west coast.


In the Bangkok region, approximately half of all expats want to be in the central business district (CBD), or somewhere along the two skytrain routes serving that area, namely on or near Sukhumvit-Phloenchit Rd. or the Silom subdistrict. This area is almost purely highrise luxury condominiums and serviced apartments, though there are some individual homes and townhouses scattered around, sandwiched within the concrete maze.

The other half of expats are spread around Bangkok's suburbs, and are usually those who prefer a house and a quiet, spacious neighborhood, or else more economical housing, and/or to experience the Thai way of life (middle to upper class Thai). New housing estates near the expressways have many expat residents.

However, if you plan to commute into town, you should know which parts of the "expressway" are often jammed at what times, where the skytrain (and soon to be underground train) goes, and what other modes of transport are available (e.g., private and public expressway vans to a skytrain station).


The purpose of this section is to give you a general orientation to Bangkok and its regions, show you the most popular expat business and residential locations, review some of nicer places for expats, introduce you to some of the less conventional but nice places where some expats live off the beaten track, and attempt to give you a general feel for Bangkok and its different regions.
It is best to find a home well suited for you from the outset, because your environment and amenities can make a significant difference for your life here. A little more time and money spent up front will usually prove well worth it many times over, in the long run, in terms of your quality of life in Thailand, as well as money saved.

Your choices are:
1.Serviced apartments - more expensive than rented condos, and many have a hotel-like atmosphere rather than a home orientation, with a much higher percentage of foreigner occupation as well

2.Rented condos - offer a wider selection of decor and prices, and exist in far higher numbers, but rented individually by owners

3.Houses - in the suburbs, the greatest amount of space for a given price, but houses around the CBD are immensely more expensive and far less in supply

4.Townhouses - similar to houses, just scaled down in price


Within the Sukhumvit-Silom "central business district" (CBD), there are literally hundreds of highrise condos and serviced apartments that expats live in (not counting purely Thai places), with a wide range of prices, amenities, styles and building ages. Unfortunately for the renter/buyer, the Bangkok real estate market is again tight (i.e., a seller's market) in the CBD, and most are full at a given moment, especially as regards the good units.

Construction of new condominium buildings resumed in 2001-2002 and was quickly ramped up in 2003 (and some abandoned buildings resumed, those of which 1997-related bankruptcy and other legal problems permitted) but these won't be coming on-line until late 2004 and 2005, and in fact some are already sold out based only on the paper plans!

(You may have already noticed that Thai bank accounts offer negligible interest. Many wealthy people buy condos in the CBD as investment properties, which have appreciated in value many times faster than bank interest rates since 2001, besides renting out at decent rates.)
Expats often waste a lot of time & effort going around in the traffic and heat, then dealing with the Thai language barriers, in search of an available condo or house to their specifications and preferences.


If you are not real familiar with Bangkok, if you don't have a lot of time & energy to burn, and if you want to find the best home, then you may want to consult a housing specialist who maintains a database of the good quality condominiums and serviced apartment buildings and keeps updated on the available units in each, as well as good houses in the metro region.

If you are interested in a house, then an on-the-ground search will be even more challenging because unlike highrise buildings which are obvious from a distance, decent housing estates are usually not on the main road, but are hidden behind the roadfront business facade, or down a soi a quiet ways, completely out of view from the main road.

Unlike in North America, the vast majority of Thai owners of condos and houses do not sign an exclusive agreement with any real estate company, but instead just advertise their homes in various other ways. Professional real estate companies have networks of people who maintain private, in-house listings of condos/houses/other properties -- usually nonexclusive -- which are very dynamic.


These agents and agencies will also maintain contacts with condo building managers and others related to these properties, who update them when a condo becomes available for rent or sale at the moment. These networks can be very longstanding, personable, interlinked with an extensive real estate community, and trusted by reputation. In Thailand, a network of contacts is important in more ways than one!

If a client wants a condo or house of a particular style, then the real estate agent will check what's known to be available but should also call the managers of condo buildings with similar styles to find out what's available at that time, or the management of housing estates.
If you are looking for a home, then it is strongly advised that you use a professional real estate guide to save you time, energy and frustration, as they can nicely help you find the best selection of homes for your specifications and preferences, as well as deal with the Thai language barrier.

The Bangkok housing market generally consists of:
-The Central Business District (CBD), which has mainly condos and serviced apartments, but also some houses and townhouses scattered among the highrise and business area, usually right along crowded subsois and not in "estates" or "villages:
-Suburban "villages" or housing estates which usually are planned neighborhoods from the start, and are quiet, quite a bit more spacious, and have clean air
-Suburban highrise condominiums and apartment buildings scattered around

Factors that go into a decision on where to live may include:
-Work location
-Whether you drive, need skytrain or subway access (inner city), or take other public transport
-Personal preferences in style of housing
-Schools for children

Of the expats who live and work in Bangkok, probably around half are in the central business district (CBD), namely at the beginning of Sukhumvit Rd. and in the Silom and Pathumwan-Lumpini areas, as shaded in yellow on the map below, shaded in yellow, near the bottom. This region is mostly highrise office buildings, condominiums and apartments.

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Special Thanks : thailandguru

2007-11-02

Good guys trying to help often get burned

First of all, I must state the fact that I know several guys who have former bargirls as wives, and the ladies are exceptionally good wives. They cook, they clean meticulously, they serve their husband, and they put out an equitable effort to help their husbands in day to day life. They go to school to improve their English, and they complete their coursework for their level at a reasonable rate. They are full partners in a relationship.

However, these are the exceptions to the rule. Far more commonly, a nice guy puts out all the effort, and money, and gets burned in the end by an ungrateful and lazy bum of a lady who carelessly does things to piss off their husband/boyfriend (e.g., neglectful of his needs and/or blows money despite budget arguments and/or is unfaithful). When it comes time to part ways, she takes all she can get and makes his life miserable, in a most ungrateful manner.

When you're a guy in Thailand who starts talking with prostitutes, you find a few who say clearly that they do not want to do what they are doing, but they have no money, no skill, and few alternatives. You want to help, feeling that they've just had bad luck in life.

Many of these ladies are quite pleasant and calm. Others have a lot of energy and hustle at what they do. Some even have considerable education, e.g., are attending the university and supporting themselves by "working" on men at discos.

I'm an entrepreneur with 16 years of continuous self-employment and hiring people. I can always find something profitable for people to do in order to sustain themselves in society, including Thais from top to bottom. However, after several attempts at hiring university level ladies who asked me to hire them out of prostitution, and other freelancer down the skills scale, for anything from running messenger errands around town (low education), to answering the phone and making simple phone calls (medium education), to simple computer tasks (university level), I now must agree with my predecessors in this regard -- you will almost surely get burned.

The following describes some of my experiences. I have had 0% success with hiring ladies of the night who ask for and agree to a job, though admittedly it's a sample of less than 10, and I gave up a long time ago in view of alternative sources of hiring such as word of mouth in my Thai communities. However, I know a lot of good guys who have tried the same thing. The success of my associates is also pretty close to zero.

We always offer them more money than what other Thais are eager to work for, wage levels and job descriptions that many self-disciplined Thais would consider fortunate to get. However, the freelance prostitutes fail to be nearly as reliable or do acceptable quality of service. Fortunately, we usually don't even have to fire them. They just don't show up for work after awhile ... that is, they don't show up at the office, but they do show up at the discos again.

In considering "saving" a prostitute, guys lower their expectations for the lady's standard of work and professionality, and dramatically up the salary and fringe benefits.
I am sure that there are some prostitutes out there who would do a good job if given an opportunity, and be very appreciative. However, they are a very small percent, and I haven't met them in all my years here.

(If you want to know why the go-go bars are so strict and "cruel" by deducting a baht per minute for late ladies, and strict in enforcing that rule, this is why. As bar owners have told me, it's the only way to get them to work on time. Some companies have adopted this policy for professional employees, too.)

First, they usually don't show up for work on time, if at all. Secondly, if they do show up, then they aren't as good a worker as others, and often do careless work. You care for them, but they don't care much for your business and your clients. Why should you care any more?

In the end:
-You have wasted effort, money and precious time
-Your employees are laughing at you, the boss, for being a stupid farang (but some of them also admittedly learned to be less foolhearty themselves)
-Some things you expected to get done in your business did not

Fortunately, thanks to some of my predecessors sharing their wisdom with me, as I am sharing my experiences with you, I myself did not lose heavily. However, I know guys who tried to set up their former prostitute girlfriend in a business of their own and lost a LOT of money. Some have been successful, but they are just a very small percentage -- the exceptions to the rule. Far more commonly, the lady neglects to do what she says, spends the money irresponsibly "like there's no tomorrow", and sometimes outright scams the guy.

LISTEN TO THESE GUYS. Make up your own mind, but do listen, and look for the warning signs.

Hearing many of their stories, I quickly see their mistakes from the start, and excuse them for being new to Thailand. On the other hand, I learned some painful lessons several times over in my 9 years here. Each time, I raised my threshold for helping people.
I really don't like to be negative, and I hope that my experience was unlucky, but let me share with you my experiences.

First of all, unlike some other foreigners, I don't tell ladies what they should do, or lead ladies too much. I don't do that with anyone. For example, when I interview people for a job, I must see initiative from them, and I hire only those who express initiative.
I am guilty of lowering my standards when it comes to helping a lady get off the street. I have also been wrong to believe that they would appreciate it and try to help me back. The same goes for some of my friends.

Let's go thru some of our experiences.
I've changed the names to protect the not-so-innocent.

Non-prostitute employees
The difference between these ladies and the people I normally hire is literally like night and day.
With normal people, no up front money to pay their apartment, food, etc. They take the bus habitually with no complaints, not taxis. I get the feeling that they have normal communities and "credit" among family members and friends, and are trusted by others in their community. They are more reasonable and composed.
I am careful about who I hire. For example, after receiving a referral from someone, I'll call them. In the telephone interview, if their first question is "how much is the salary" then the interview is over. If it is about the job description, then the interview continues on to the next levels, including the salary.

So, what are prostitutes planning?
Usually, they have no plan, except to find a rich foreign guy willing to support them. They live day to day. They don't make much effort to think proactively. They just follow and react to others in their environment, passive.

If they have a plan, then it is to sit at home and watch TV all day, gossip with their friends, and go shopping.

If you expect them to cook special food for you or do other considerate things -- for them to put out the same level of effort for you that you put out for them -- then you're usually setting yourself up for disappointment. In fact, you will be lucky if they can even manage the maid and gain the respect of one for long.

That said, I must say that there are exceptions, as I know guys who have wives and girlfriends who are appreciative, diligent and more than earn their keep. (Sometimes I wonder if the guy deserves the lady!)
However, the good situations are far outweighed in sheer numbers by the negligent ladies.
Over time, a guy becomes more and more skeptical about ladies who express a willingness to develop a career alternative to prostitution. Is it just easy talk, "at the moment"? That is the issue to resolve.

For awhile, I gave them credit for having the courage to venture out into farangland in order to expand their horizons. However, more often than not, it's just to find someone to support their lazy, ultra laid back lifestyle, and take them away for some exciting and free (indeed, profitable for them) vacation adventures.

You can put in a lot of effort, time and money to help them, but when you need it in return, will they give you a significant amount of time and effort to help you?
Don't try to make them into something they are not. They are professional pleasers, and they will please your need to try to help them, but most of them won't help you back. When the time comes, after they've sucked you dry, they will just spit you out, often dramatically ... more often than not.

If misery loves company, the let it be known that I've known guys who have lost millions of baht ($25,000+), some their entire life savings, all hard earned and saved. Beyond people I've known, I've also heard of guys who have lost TENS of millions of baht. One guy married the lady and bought a life insurance policy, assigning her as the beneficiary. Her family hacked him to death (not very cleverly, either) in order to claim the money. Thus, he lost not just his money, but literally lost his life.

If you have invested a lot of money into a lady and have been ripped off, then be careful about trying to get any of it back, considering the possible dangers of this pursuit.
Be thankful for what you've got, and your own options in life.
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Special Thanks : Thailandguru

2007-10-27

Things to do in Bangkok Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand, has a lot to offer tourists and business people passing through. With some of the best hotels in the world at the some of the best prices, there has never been a better time to explore this amazing country. As one of the only countries in Asia to have never been colonised, and even with the enormous kick into the 21st century that Bangkok has experienced which makes it one of the most advanced cities in Asia, the Thai people have still managed to retain a lot of their beautiful culture and hospitality.
The names you have heard such as the land of Angels, the land of smiles are all true, and you can expect to have a great time when you are there. There is a lot to do when you are in Bangkok and depending how much time you have while you are there it is important to prioritise, and a little planning will help you to make the most of your time there. The section below will give you a few ideas of what there is to do in Bangkok, scroll down and see what grabs your interest.
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Spas: Thailand has some of the best spas in the world. Ever type of massage, and treatment is available at some of the best prices you will find anywhere. As this topic is so large we have devoted an entire page to the best Spas in Bangkok which list rates, treatments, pictures etc so that you can make an educated choice of where best to indulge in a bit of pampering.

Golf: For golf enthusiasts Thailand could quite easily be described as a golfers paradise, with so many golf courses to choose from at some of the best rates in the world. As with the spas, the topic of golf is too large to fit here so we have devoted a special page to golf giving you details of the best courses offered so you can enjoy Golf in Bangkok to the fullest.

Grand Palace: Is an absolute MUST, as it is an outstanding architectural achievement, that also houses the infamous Emerald Buddha, which is the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. We suggest that you go early in the morning to avoid the major crowds, it will still be busy but getting there around 9 am or 10 am will give you a little more space. Do not wear shorts when you visit, and if you are female we recommend that you do not wear sandals, skirts and suggest that you wear a long sleeved blouse or something. You will need to keep half the day if not more open to see everything and you will definitely need your camera with a lot of film handy. To get there, you can either take a taxi, or the Sky train to National Stadium stop and then a taxi from there, on the way back we recommend that you take one of the many taxi boats. The Grand Palace officially opens 8.30 am and closes 3.30pm. Admission fee costs 200 Baht and includes a ticket to the Vimanmek Royal mansion. It may be advisable to rent a Personal Audio Guide that will only cost 100 Baht for two hours, and comes in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese and Mandarin.

Snake Farm: Officially called the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, is definitely wirth a visit and the memory will linger for while after you have returned home. The snake farm is one of the largest producers of anti-venom Serum in Asia, and before going on to the show, they will explain to you how Serum is made, the difference between snakes and some other useful tips, such as what to do if you are faced by one ! After the educational period you are led outside, shown around the different snake pits and then to a stand where they will show you a snake show which includes feeding and other entertaining tricks. If you a bit queasy around snakes sit at the back of the small stand. The snake farm can be found on Rama IV, opposite the Suriawongse Road, and not far from the Pan Pacific Hotel. The closest Sky train stop is SalaDaeng. The shows begin at 11am and 2.30 pm on weekdays and 11 am on holidays, admission is 70 Baht.

Crocodile Farm: Is 30 kilometres away from Bangkok, and you can pretty much devote a whole day to it with transport etc included. It is very close to the Rose Garden so you might as well do them both at the same time. It is an enormous place with over 60,000 fresh and seawater crocodiles to see. They have feeding where you can buy chicken to throw to the crocs, and they also have a show every hour, where a brave or perhaps crazy guy puts his head inside the crocs head etc. If you do not have much time in Bangkok missing this will not be a serious mistake and something that you can always catch on another visit. Admission is 300 Baht for adults and 200 Baht for children. The farm opens from 7 am to 6pm. The farm also houses other creatures such as snakes, gibbons, lions, and trained elephants. They even have a small dinosaur museum, where life size dinosaurs and their skeltons are on display.

Floating Market: The infamous market that many articles on Bangkok, cover with pictures of Thais selling there fresh produce on boats. The market is some 80 Kilometres outside of Bangkok. You can take an organised tour, or take a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal. Everyday, hundreds of vendors boats crowd the market area early morning until around noon. You will be able to travel around in boat and see a little of what Thai village life is like. Although do remember that this is now a very famous excursion so it will not be your normal Thai village. It is best to get there early.

National Museum: This museum which is within walking distance from the Grand Palace is one of the largest in Southeast Asia. The museum was once used as a palace and consists of several old yet beautiful buildings of colour. The museum also houses many artifacts found from all parts of the country ranging from Neolithic times, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya to the modern Bangkok period. Admission is 40 Baht per person, and the museum is open everyday except Mondays, Tuesdays and annual holidays, from 9 am to 4 pm.
National Gallery Museum: Opposite the National Museum mentioned above, on Chao Fa Road, and exhibits traditional and contemporary works of art created by Thai artists. Opening times are the same as above, and the admission fee is 30 Baht.

Wha Mahathat: This is an old temple which was built during the reign of King Rama I. It is located on Na Phrathat Road near Thammasat University. The temple houses the Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University, which is one of the two highest seats of Buddhist learning in Thailand. Foreigners can take advantage of the meditation classes that are offered. The temple opens from 9am to 5 pm daily.

Wat Pho: Neighbouring the Grand Palace the Wat Pho is found along Thai Wang Road and houses the very impressive gigantic gold plated reclining Buddha which is some 46 metres long and 15 metres high ! Its soles are inlaid with mother of pole ! Admission is 20 Baht and is open from 9 am to 5 pm.

Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun): Is on the other side of the Chao Phraya river. You can take a boat from the Tha Tien Pier near Wat Pho or by Arun Amarin Road. The temple is best known for its 79 metre high porcelain encrusted Pagoda that sparkles magnificently in the sun.
Wat Ratchanatdaram: This temple was built during the reign of King Rama III, in 1846 and is found along Mahachai Road. Loha Prasat is the temples main attraction, and stands 36 metres high with 37 surrounding spires, it is the only one of its kind in the world. Next to the temple is a statue of King Rama III.

Wat Indravihan: This temple is well known for its huge standing Buddha image called Luang Pho To, which measures 32 metres tall and 10 metres wide. It was built during the reign of King Rama IV, and is located on Wisutkasat Road in Bang Khun Phrom area.

Wat Bowon Niwet: This temple built in 1829 is the shrine-hall of Phra Phutthachinnasi, a very beautiful Buddha image which was moulded in around 1357. Wat Bowon Niwet is one of the most temples in Bangkok, whose one time chief abbot was King Rama IV, before he ascended to the throne. Other Chakri kings who resided here during there monkhood, include King Rama IV, King Rama VII as well as His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The temple can be found on Phra Sumen Road in the Bang Lamphu area.

Vimanmek Mansion Museum: Is definitely a great day out. The mansion is the worlds largest golden teak building. The 3 storey Royal mansion contains 81 rooms, halls and ante-chambers containing Royal memorabilia.The compound located in the Dusit Palace on Ratchawithi Road, is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm and admission is 50 Baht. The dancing shows begin at 10.30 am and 2.30 pm. Proper attire is required. So no shorts, sandals etc.

Wat Trai Mit: Is located on Yaowarat Road in China Town, near the Hulamphong train Station. This temple houses a very impressive solid gold Buddha which weighs 5 and a half tonnes and is three metres in height ! This seated Buddha image was built in the Sukhothai period.
Erawan Shine: You will most probably come across this shrine, on your shopping tours or perhaps as you notice that your taxi driver is no longer holding the wheel, instead is performing a quick 'wai' and not looking at the road ahead of him ! The shrine is located next to Sogo, and the Grand Hyatt Hotel. The shrine is devoted to Phra Phrom, a Hindu God, who is greatly revered by Thai people. Laced flowers (Malee) and small wooden elephants as well as Thai dancing performances are always offered to this statue by grateful and hopeful devotees. The closest sky train station is Chidlom.

Philatelic Museum: If stamps are your thing you may be interested in the stamp museum located on the 1st floor of the Metropolitan Postal Bureau, behind the Sam Sen Nai Post office. Stamps and such are for sale. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm.

Ancient City: The largest outdoor museum in the world, which consists of gigantic sized replicas of famous buildings, monuments and temples that can be found all through Thailand. The area the museum covers is some staggering 280 acres, and is built into a shape that resembles the actual shape of Thailand. The Ancient City is at 33.km on Sukhumvit Road and is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm with admission costing 50 Baht per person.
Thai Boxing (Muay Thai): Thai Boxing or Muay Thai is becoming very well known around the world, and is a popular stop off for people who enjoy it. The two main stadiums are Ratchadamnoen Stadium on Ratchadamnoen Nok Road and is open Monday and Wednesday at 6 pm Thursday at 5 pm and 9 pm, and Sundays at 4 pm and 8 pm. The other major stadium is Lumpini Stadium on Rama IV Road, and fights are every Tuesday and Friday at 6pm and Saturday at 5 pm. You may want to ask the Hotel where you are staying at for tips on the best seats and even to get the tickets for you.

Shopping: With some of the shopping facilities in Asia, shopping is something you will not want to miss. Most of the shops, have some amazing discounts, sometimes as much as 80 % off. High quality goods can be had in the major shopping centres. Copy goods etc. can be found in most of the street stalls on Sukhumvit, or the Night Plaza in Patpong. To read about shopping in Bangkok please visit our page devoted to Shopping in Bangkok.
Night Life: Bangkok is famous around the world for its entertainment and night life. We have devoted a whole page to reviewing the Bars in Bangkok, please take a look.

Restaurants : Thailand has a culinary delight for you to explore, the food is now becoming more and more popular around the world, with the Tourism Authority of Thailand actively using their delicious food as a tourist attraction. There are thousands of restaurants in Bangkok, but knowing which are good and which mediocre is as difficult in a foreign land as it is in your home town. We have a page devoted to restaurants in Restaurants in Bangkok.