Saturday, August 16, 2008

Travel Tips in South East Asia

Thailand

Travelling through Thailand is a great experience public transport is great and roads are in excellent condition. A great way to see some of the countryside is to rent a motorbike. When renting a motorbike be sure to check it out thoroughly this is easy enough to say but important points like does the odometer or fuel gauge work these can come in handy later on in the trip, especially if going long distances. The motorbikes in Asia are built a little differently with two brakes a hand brake (front wheel) and the other a foot brake (back wheel). Try to use only the foot brake when travelling fast as using the hand brake will send you flying as it only applies pressure to the front wheel. Another common mistake is when going uphill shifting down gear while gassing the engine this tends to result in a front wheelie and more often than not an accident.

China

China is extremely diverse and the Chinese lead a completely different way of life to the West making it a great experience to travel too. When travelling in China, the roads are excellent as are some of the trains and tracks. As large distances are involved there is a lot of overnight travel. Sleeper trains and buses are common as the local Chinese like to wake up at their destination.

One great tip I learnt while travelling in China on sleeper transport is never to take the bottom bunk. The reason for this is that on many overnight trains and buses the people like to dispose of their rubbish on the floor of the bus or train. This means that if you are sleeping on the bottom bed you are likely to have rubbish thrown down past you during the trip. This is not that bad to deal with but another past time is eating nuts and spitting out the seed casings on the floor, this along with spitting makes the bottom bunk an interesting experience. Waking up to find a pile of rubbish and spit on the floor by your bed doesn’t exactly help either.

Laos

Laos is an extremely beautiful although still primitive country to visit and local transport from villages is normally done on converted trucks, with benches in the back for customers to sit on. Try to avoid travelling on this mode of transport when coming or passing through fishing villages heading to the more centrally located towns, especially in the mornings. The reason is because the villagers tend to take their produce which is mainly fish, including dried fish to sell in the towns. This can make for a very unpleasant experience as the truck is never really considered to be full and sitting next to baskets of fresh and dried fish which stinks for hours is enough to test the stomach of any person.

Cambodia

When travelling in Cambodia, locals like to take Taxis as they are quicker than the buses and manage to avoid the potholes better. The only problem with this is that what the West considers being a normal five door car with two seats in the front and three in the back is considered in Cambodia to hold seven or sometimes eight people. The Cambodians will fit four in the back and three or sometimes even four in the front. If a taxi holds eight people then there would be four in the back and two in the front passenger’s seat a passenger in the driver’s seat, the driver would then be squashed up to the passenger, leaning against him to hold the wheel with his feet at an angle to reach the pedals. This would be impossible in a manual car but some how it is managed in an automatic. Travelling like this is extremely dangerous and not recommended.

There is a general place where Taxis depart from and they don’t depart till they are full. A way to get around this is to buy two or even three seats, effectively meaning you travel in more comfort and safety as this means there would be less people in the Taxi.

Travel Tips in South East Asia
Author: Alex Aziz
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Friday, August 15, 2008

: How to Thailand Holiday Packages Tips

Thailand, island nation located in the south east of Asia .Thailand is a country rich in culture and natural beauty. It has been hallowed with liberal natural parks, productive plains, isolated jungles, beaches washed by turquoise waters and humid islands bathed in endless sunshine. The country has more visible historical indication of its past cultures than any other country in Southeast Asian. Its history is very composite, involving the incursion of many different peoples, the rule of different kings, the concern of various kingdoms and the interaction of dissimilar cultures. Thailand is known for its prominent hospitality, sacred temple, and breathtaking natural beauty. Thailand offers something for all type of travelers. Thailand’s restrictions stretch to adjacent regions of Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Gulf of Thailand and the Indian Ocean. You plan to visit Thailand between July and November; the weather can be awkwardly for you. Around July and November, it will be rainy season in Thailand. The weather is at its best from February to March. It is perfect time to go to the beaches. Places of tourist significance in Thailand include Phuket, Koh Samui, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Koh Chang and Koh Samet while provinces like Krabi, Koh Libong, Koh Hai provides great photographic memoirs of Thailand as a tour destination.

Buddhism is the main religion in Thailand with the King of Thailand respected as the supreme emperor and also the supporter of all religions embraced by the people. Thailand truly is an amazing place, with so much to offer tourists. The regular and most popular destinations of Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Samui, Chiang Mai etc are only a small part of the country, and there are so many more undiscovered charms to be found. Thus, Thailand has spiritual forbearance wicker into its social structure and respects people of all races. This multiculturalism makes Thailand a hot much loved as a tour destination for the global traveler with add-on visits to nearby cities like Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth and other major southern Thai towns being part of an avid tourist’s list. You visit Surin islands, again stopping at a couple of top lunge sites.

The sea is mediator and there is less sickness. We again see some truly amazing fish while diving in the clear steamy water. But the most fantastic moment comes when a small husk of dolphins swim alongside our boat. How are barely credible to see this while traveling to and from tropical paradises. There tends to be more boats that have come from Phuket for the diving around the Simolan Islands. The largest groups of non-Thai people are the Chinese who have traditionally played an extremely important role in the economy. Many have assimilated into majority Thai society, and do not live in Bangkok's Chinatown on Yaowarat Road. After the end of the Vietnam War, many Vietnamese refugees settled in Thailand, mainly in the northeastern region. Muay Thai, after they retired from the army, these soldiers often became Buddhist monks and stayed at the temples. Most of the Thai people's lives are closely tied to Buddhism and temples; they often send their sons to be educated with the monks. ”Muay” is also one of the subjects taught in the temples.
How to Thailand Holiday Packages Tips
Author: Priya Singh

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Thursday, August 14, 2008

Phuket Is A Combination Of Tropical Forest And Crystal Blue Waters

For those people who likes adventurous trips and get pleasure from enjoying the beauty of a place then you ought to travel to Phuket Islands in Thailand. Phuket is a combination of tropical forest and crystal blue waters and an ideal destination for those who wish to have an exciting trip. It offers a wide range of options for you to be relaxed and serene from the tension free ambiance.

Thailand is situated in heart of Southeast Asia and is unique in its culture and traditions and among the top tourist destinations in the world. The Phuket islands are located 862 kilometers south of Thailand's capital Bangkok. It is the largest island in Thailand and is often dubbed as the pearl of south.

The island is blessed with lush green tropical forests that have immense variety of flora and fauna. It is surrounded by crystal blue waters that lash on to the white powdery beaches and cliffs and turns out to be a real breathtaking sight and thus making it the busiest and most sought after destination among travelers around the globe.

The allure of the bronze sun, huge azure sky, the endless crystal blue oceans and the tropical forest together makes it a paradise. In Phuket you can feel the mesmerizing blue seas, stunning sunsets, and with sweet music dispersing around invites you to join the party. The island is popularly known for its white silky beaches, hospitality and the modern facilities for accommodation.

You can really have an adventurous trip around the tropical forests of Phuket which is known for its inquisitive dwellers. You can also have an exciting trip on the speedboat surrounding the islands and tropical forest of Phuket and also the Phang Nga Bay or the Patong beach. This wonderful Island is filled with everything you need and it is sure that Phuket can cater to all taste and budget. Why so late to plan a trip to Phuket? Come on and enjoy a fun-filled holiday in the amazing surroundings of one of the planet's most beautiful island getaways.

The ideal time to visit Phuket is from the month of November to February during which the climate is excellent and the average temperature ranges from 24 to 32 degree Celsius. It gives you an opportunity to take pleasure in watching the clear blue sky, the scintillating breeze and the crystal blue waters, all add to the beauty of the occasion. Luxurious accommodations are provided with resorts offering high quality facilities that give comfort and privacy to the visitors.

The resorts in Phuket are simply the best ones with facilities like libraries, fitness centers and massaging centers. Residential villas can be found near to the Phuket Island which helps you to relax in front of the beautiful sandy beaches. You can order traditional Thai cuisines that are specially prepared for the visitors who have a special interest towards it. Mediterranean, Seafood, Scandinavian and Japanese cuisines are also available in abundance.

The Phuket Island is linked to Bangkok by road and you can travel by air. You can reach Phuket Island within 1 hour from Thailand International Airlines. Direct flight services are available to Phuket from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Japan, Sydney Taipei, Perth and other major destinations. Additional direct flight services connect Phuket to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Japan, Taipei, Perth, Sydney and other destinations. The Phuket Islands are just 15 minutes away from Phuket international airport.

The tropical forests in phuket offer you a really thrilling experience that you would cherish in your memory forever. You can also carry a camera along with you so that the glorious moments you experience in this wonderful island can be made known to your next generation.

The 4 kilometer long shallow sandy beach is ideal for swimming and other water sports such as skiing, surfing, snorkeling, sailing etc. You can have sunbath on the white sandy beaches for as long as you like and special zone is provided for the convenience of the visitors. If you haven't visited Phuket yet, be prepared for a travel to Phuket the next time. You can say that you have visited one of the most beautiful places in the world "The Phuket Islands" after visiting Phuket.

Phuket Is A Combination Of Tropical Forest And Crystal Blue Waters
Author: Wolfgang Jaegel

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Travel Thailand Guide - Enjoy a Unique Trip of Bangkok Via Its Waterways

Rivers and canals have traditionally been the lifeline of Thai people since ancient times. Today, they present a fun and exciting way of seeing Bangkok rather than usual traffic-congested, chaotic channels normally presented to tourists.

Rivers (mae nam) and canals (klongs) were the main pathways for trade and travel in most of the country for centuries. The Thai way of life is serene by the banks of the Chao Phrya, which is dotted with beautiful architecture and temples.

When Bangkok became the Kingdom’s Capital in 1782 (which marks the beginning of the Rattanakosin era), canals crosscut and converged at various points across the city. Thus, the main reason why early Western merchants and diplomats dubbed Bangkok the “Venice of the East.”

Early Bangkok residents lived life by the banks of the Chao Phraya River or close to it as Chao Phrya literally means ‘Great King.’ Today, many foreigners opt to stay in apartments and hotels on the river, because of its calming force and interesting views. Touring the waterways will give you a glimpse of the city’s glorious past, especially if you take a peak at the Royal Barge Museum – where you can imagine how wonderful a royal entourage of more than 70 barges down the river would look like.

While Bangkok may be fast-flying towards technological development, the genuine charm of the waterways seem to provide an unruffled source of temperance. Perhaps the nature of the river is best reflected by the famous Thai smile and hospitable disposition.

Many boat services along the Chao Phrya connect various ports in Bangkok with northern provinces as well. River cruises are ample, with some of the best offering sumptuous lunches – look out for some of the more traditional barges such as those operated by the Peninsula and Shangri-La. Canal tours are also widely available around the busy pier of Ta Chang.

Once you’re in a long-tail boat (kind of like a Thai style racing boat for passengers that is popular for touring) or a classic, gracefully moving barge, you will witness magnificent temples and other historic buildings of interest. You will see the Royal Thai Navy Dockyard, the Thai Maritime Navigation Company, the Old Customs House, Wat Prayunrawong temple, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), the Grand Palace, Wat Rakhang Kositaram, and the Royal Boat House.

If you have got more time, a visit to the river island of Koh Kret is also a good choice. A shuttle boat leaves Wat Sanam Nua temple, which is a brisk walk from the Pak Kret Pier and runs from 6 am to 9 pm. Basically, within the island, a community of traditional potters lives and peddle their wares for over a century. Descendants of Mon ancestry, their forefathers who arrived in Bangkok from Burma. Spending their lives perfecting the art of terracotta ceramics, tourists are very welcome to purchase their products.

However, try to stay off the river during the evening rush hour as the waterways remain a popular method of travel for much of the city’s population, a clever way to avoid the infamous Bangkok traffic.

Travel Thailand Guide - Enjoy a Unique Trip of Bangkok Via Its Waterways
Author: Worldstepper

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Thailand Travel 10 Tips

1. Koh Chang – Don’t stop at only Koh Chang because Koh Mak, Koh Kood and Islands surrounding Koh Chang also have more beautiful beaches and water.
2. Chiang Mai – Try to find hotels outside of the city such as on Hangdong – Samoeng and Samoeng – Sankamphaeng routes because there are better views and hotels along the mentioned route are less expensive than the hotel in the city with the same standard. The true nature of northern Thailand can also be experienced.
3. Phuket – Don’t pay too much attention to sea-view rooms because the limitation in space. The sea could not be seen directly from rooms in most hotels. The tourist should pay more attention to the standard of the hotel and the distance from the beach.
4. Koh Samui – If you have limited fund, the best way to travel to Koh Samui is by speed boat from Lomprayah Catamaran Company. Lomprayah offers less expensive service than taxi for hire and service provided by the hotel directly. Nevertheless, if you have no problem with fund, you should hire a taxi because this would create job for the locals.

5. Andaman Sea – Trang Sea is as beautiful and interesting as nearby provinces such as Krabi. The prominent tourist spots in Andaman Sea are Koh Libong, Koh Hai, etc.
6. Krabi – Although Railay beach in on the mainland, you still have to travel by boat from Ao Nang beach because it is surrounded by mountain and cannot get to by land transportation.
7. Pattaya – North Pattaya beach and Central Pattaya beach have many facilities but the true nature can be found at Koh Lan, which is 7.5 kilometer from Pattaya. You can get there in 45 minutes by regular boat and 15 minutes by speedboat.
8. Hua Hin – Hua Hin is a popular beach that is close to Bangkok but that does not mean that it is the most beautiful. Not far from Hua Hin, Pranburi beach is much quieter and more suitable for relaxation but the transportation may not be as convenience as at Hua Hin.
9. Koh Samet – You should contact travel agency or the hotel in order to find out which pier to get on the boat. Some hotels provide their own service. Don’t trust strangers because you might end up higher price.
10. Bangkok – Jatujak market has products from all over the country e.g. cloths, decoration, house hold items, souvenir, food, pet, etc,
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