Phuket - A Tropical Wonderland

Phuket Island is famous for it beaches but it’s more than just beaches. Thailand’s largest island is a wonderland of wildlife and rainforests. I discovered a part of Phuket Island which is often overlooked by tourists, number of forest reserves and parks, along with exotic wildlife and beautiful waterfalls.

I spent a couple of days in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park located in the north of Phuket which is a triple canopy rainforest. It is the only remaining virgin rainforest on the island. It was a rare opportunity to watch a number of species of wild animal: langurs, barking deer, mouse deer, bears, wild boar, monkeys and gibbons. It was truly an amazing experience as the park conserves about one hundred species of birds which inhabit the forest vegetation, which consists of huge trees, creepers and climbers of every description. During rainy season hikes provide the best views of Ton Sai and Bang Pae waterfalls, with great sightings of resident wildlife such as flying foxes and slow Loris. The reserve has several forest trails for hiking and guides are easily available from the reserve office near Ton Sai waterfall.

Our listing for Hotels will provide a list of hotels in phuket to help with your selection from a wide choice of accommodation. Our range of hotel accommodation is varied and reasonable to suit all budgets

Phuket is truly a tropical wonderland and offers something for just about everyone. For more information on Phuket pls. visit
http://www.stayresthailand.com/hotels-in-thailand/hotels-in-phuket/index.html

Author is an associate editor of
http://www.stayresthailand.com/hotels-in-thailand/hotels-in-phuket/index.html

The website offers exclusive information of Thailand and Phuket Island Hotels We also provide online hotel reservation of Phuket Island Hotels.

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Thailand Festivals

Are you game for a little bit of sport and a spark of adventure? Are you ready to backpack and set off some place where you can relax in your own way; be it visiting temples, sightseeing, or indulging in festivals?

Well, then get ready to set off and experience the beautiful and the magical Land of Smiles, as Thailand is fondly called.

If your are in the mood for fun and frolic, then you can choose the month of April or May to visit Thailand. The Thai joyously celebrate the New Year or the Songkran festival by splaying and splashing water at each other. It is considered to be an auspicious festival and water is poured on images of Buddha. It is believed by doing so water will continue to flow even during the summers and the dry season.

In the month of May, the harvesting and the sowing festival is celebrated and marks the beginning of the rice-planting season. Such is the fervor of the festival, that to commemorate the rice-planting season, the Rocket Festival is held. Here bamboo and gunpowder are blended to make a volatile mixture. This is done to send a message to the sky to send rain during the rice seasons.

If you are a vegetarian or love vegetarian food, then September and October is the ideal month to visit Thailand. During this time, the Buddhists eat an array of vegetarian food for nine days. Another interesting festival that is held in November is the Elephant Roundup where people watch elephants playing football or participating in tug-of-war. In the month of November candle-lit floats are cast into the water to herald good fortune in the coming year. It is a beautiful sight to see thousands of candle-lit floats bobbing up and down in the water.

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The Best Time to Travel to Thailand

Probably the most common question any foreigner living in Thailand will hear from people planning to visit the Kingdom is "When is the best time to come to Thailand"...not an easy question to answer without knowing "why" a person wants to come to Thailand.

There are basically three seasons in Thailand (though of late the cold season seems to have gone missing), the seasons are, The Hot, The Wet and The Cold. Cold being a rather subjective description though, the shots of emergency blankets being handed out in the northern provinces when it drops to a chilly 10 degrees...that's 10 degrees Celsius. So what does each season offer.

The Hot

March to June : The hottest month is April when even the geckos stay inside and most expats look outside at lunch time and decide to not eat rather than melt on the walk to a food stall. The Hot season is beach season, if that's your thing then this is the time to come to Thailand, guaranteed sun sun sun all day long day after day. For Trekkers you might find this to be a tad hot to go trudging up hills unless mounted on an elephant, sun stroke and dehydration are high up on the list of things to beware of. Bangkok turns into a molten vat of pollution as the winds die and the smog just hangs around choking up the oxygen. Hotels are at their most expensive during the hot season and weekends will see many of the mid range ones fully booked.

The Wet

July to November : The change over from hot to wet is the worst time to be in Thailand regardless of what you're into. It's Hot, it's wet and the humidity is ruthless. You'll be desperate to take three showers a day at a minimum...living in a shower for a month might not be a bad plan. If you can imagine living in a sauna for a month then you get the right picture of Thailand at the start of the wet season...unless you're in Bangkok, then get in a sauna and pipe your car exhaust into the sauna to get the right idea...hmmm yummy. Then thankfully the skies really open up, the wind blows and things freshen up . Rain is pretty much a guaranteed feature on a daily basis and usually kicks off in the afternoon, sometimes lasting all night, Floods are common along with power cuts. So why come to Thailand now...the cost.... hotels are empty, tourists are away, it's a great time to see Thailand with fewer tourists than usual and get the best prices as even the Thai people stay home at the weekends.

The Cold

December to February : Thailand freezes over, snow falls from the sky and ice-skating is the nations most popular sport...well if you watched the TV or the Thai people running around dressed in winter jackets, boots, gloves and scarves you may start to think it's true.. in Bangkok it can drop to a bone chilling 15 degrees Celsius at night, and up north it has on occasions dropped down to 2 degrees, the south gets off much lighter and you can escape with a body warmer and a bobble hat. Thailand again is swarming with tourists who have come to take advantage of the cool weather to do see Thailand without burning up. This is the best time of the year to actually "see" Thailand, you'll enjoy seeing the sights and touring the cities and trekking will be at its best. Again prices will be up and hotels fairly full.

So in a nutshell the best time to come to Thailand is the time that suits what you want to do, Trekkers and Tanners will have different needs, those looking for bargains will have different needs. Just add that there are occasional down pours even in the hottest parts of the year and even the wet season can be dry for a week or more.....but leave your skis at home...there will be no snow.....guaranteed.

Article can be used with permission of Chris Sanderson as long as the signature and in place links are left unchanged. Chris Sanderson is an Affiliate Marketing Manager based in Bangkok Thailand with AMWSO.com and the owner of Xaap.com.

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Learn Thai Massage With The Experts In Thailand

It is no surprise that Thai Massage has become one of the most popular forms of massage in the recent times as it is now considered to be the 'ultimate' massage. This ancient practice works along the Energy lines or Meridians systems. It is not dissimilar to Yoga stretches, chiropractic adjustments, Chinese acupressure and internal organ massage.

Thai Massage has its roots in Buddhist philosophy. It is therefore practiced in many Buddhist temples throughout South East Asia and in particular, in Thailand.

This is because the average Thai includes this traditional technique as an essential part of their daily maintenance health program for improved blood circulation, relaxation, slowing the aging process, and general well being.

This is very different to the western approach of using massage therapy as a way to relieve chronic pain. Whilst it may well be effective in relieving pain, it is better used as part of a preventative health program.

Because there are so many who use Thai Massage daily, there are an abundance of excellent schools and training centers. See thai-massage-schools.com for a comprehensive list of training schools.

If you are considering a career in alternative healing, Thai Massage - as taught in Thailand - is an ideal study choice. You get to learn from the experts, in their environment. As an added benefit, by experiencing life in Thailand you will be sure to gain a holistic understanding of the Thai people, their customs, traditions and belief system. This will help you be a better and more authentic practitioner. You will never get these insights through books or by studying in Western massage training schools.

Russell Clark owns and operates the website Thai-Massage-Schools.com

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Muay Thai Boxing - History And Overview

Muay Thai is an international professional sport and a fighting art. Known as the "King of the Ring" in kickboxing circles, Muay Thai is an art of fighting that originates from Thailand and is their national sport.

Whilst still very much a sport based in Thailand, Muay Thai Boxing is now gaining acceptance in America and the rest of the western world, with local and international tournaments hosted a lot more frequently. The Thai fighters are very tough opponents to beat due to their technique and conditioning, however the rest of the world is catching up, claiming victories against some of Thai's best.

Modern Muay Thai fights are fought in a ring, very similar to the western boxing matches. Perhaps the most attractive and interesting aspect of Muay Thai is the crowd of spectators that gathers to see a match. With techniques including kicks, punches and the extensive use of knees and elbows, Muay Thai is often referred to as the science of 8 limbs.

Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand and it dates back 3000 years Muay Thai was used by the Thai military for unarmed combat training. Many modern Muay Thai fighters have taken up the sport as a career path. I think it has gained such popularity, especially in Thailand, because many Thai national people saw it as a way to make a good living if they were successful at it. You have to remember the average income in Thailand is pretty low, so the attraction to earn a lot more money doing something they love and are good at was strong.

Fighting Strategies of Muay Thai is the first book to reveal actual fighting strategies and tactics as taught in the boxing camps in Thailand. As you may expect, the conditioning regimen in Muay Thai is legendary for its intensity and rigorous demands. This is an age old question; which fighting style is better? Everyone who practices Muay Thai will say Muay Thai is better and the same with Karate.

Muay Thai kickboxing is no longer a man's sport, with many women nowadays coming to boxing gyms to train for fights, get fit, tone up and learn self defense. Muay Thai is not about throwing wild punches. It teaches crisp strikes that are fast and dangerous. If you have watched a Muay Thai fight in real life or on TV, you would know that while Muay Thai is famous for its leg kicks, the great fighters turn to the neck kick for knockout power. The key to beating the opponent in a Muay Thai fight is shin kicks, delivered in roundhouses to the legs, ribs, and head.

David Di Cristo is Editor of the http://www.twinsboxing.com Muay Thai Boxing blog.

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Thailand Women Are Unique

The world often sees the women of Thailand very differently than they actually are. Much of Hollywood would love society to think of Thai women as these sexual beings that do nothing but submit to prostitution and other sexual acts regularly. The truth is however, that Thai women are quite conservative. In fact, their purity is something that is not only expected, but also required.

One thing that makes the women of Thailand so unique is the fact that they do take their purity seriously. When they go on dates, there is very little physical contact at all. Holding hands is something that is seen as being intimate. They do not have pre-marital sex and are honored to be pure when they marry. This fact makes them quite appealing on many levels. They are not the dirty prostitutes the world thinks they are. They are pure and spiritual.

In addition, the women of Thailand are very domesticated. They aren’t well educated in most cases, however they do know how to keep a clean house. They are great at entertaining and cooking and will be sure their mate is completely happy. They see marriage as a way to stay out of the world of prostitution that draws so many Thai women in.

They are morally strong, which makes them incredibly attractive to many people. They stand by what they feel, even if it means they must be poor or do without certain things. In fact, many women will live in poverty to keep their morals in tact, instead of lowering themselves to prostitution.

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Water Sports Holidays In Thailand

You get treasures of ethnic, scenic, gastronomic, and oceanic pleasures in Siam. Thailand certainly is the fascinating and exotic land of lovely people known for their fantastic culture, cuisine, and overall lifestyle. The land, of course, is well known for its beautiful beaches and pelagic pleasures. It is a wonderful destination for water sports in Southeast Asia.

Thailand definitely is the best pick, if you are looking to have fun & adventure packed water sports holidays. You can really have great holiday, beaching, playing beach volleyball & other beach sports, and enjoying numerous water sports activities, such as swimming, rafting, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, and scuba diving in Thailand. Some famous destinations for water sports destinations in Thailand are – Mae Hong Son, Hua Hin, Phuket, Chumpon, Ko Chang, and Koh Tao.

Mae Hong Son, located near the border of Myanmar along the banks of the river Pai, is a wonderful town in the North West Thailand. The town offers you a nice opportunity to enjoy rafting the Pai River. You can join one of the rafting expeditions that are commonly organized in the heart of Mae Hong Son. Mae Hong Son can be accessed by car or bus from Chiang Mai via the Mae Hong Son loop. The town is also served by the Mae Hong Son Airport.

Hua Hin, in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula, some 200 km south of Bangkok, is a celebrated beach resort town in Thailand. It is best known for kitesurfing. You can hire your kitesurfing equipment, have kitesurfing instructions from experts, and enjoy kitesurfing. You can also joint kitesurfing lessons & courses for beginners. You can also enjoy numerous other beach and water sport on the beach resort, with an area around 86.36 km². You can also enjoy swimming, windsurfing, wave surfing, and rowing.

Phuket, the largest island and the southern province of Thailand, is best known for its beaches. It is popular destinations for beach & water sports. You can enjoy numerous beach & water sports activities, such as swimming, kitesurfing, yachting, windsurfing, wave surfing, rowing, snorkeling, diving, scuba diving, etc. in Phuket. Famous Phuket beaches include Bang Tao, Surin Beach, Laem Singh Beach, Kamala Beach, Patong Beach, Karon Beach, Kata Yai Beach, Kata Noi Beach, Ao Chalong, and Rawai Beach.

Chumphon or Chumpon, the capital of the Chumphon Province at the shore of the Gulf of Thailand, is a fantastic town in southern Thailand. Located about 463 kilometers away from Bangkok, Chumpon is famous for kitesurfing or kiteboarding, and other water sports activities. You can enjoy numerous beach & water sports activities, such as swimming, windsurfing, wave surfing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, and rowing. The town can be accessed by bus or by ferries.

Ko Chang, located on the Thai east coast 310 km away from Bangkok near the border to Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand, is the second largest island of Thailand. It is famous for sailing and scuba diving. However, you can also enjoy several other beach & water sports activities, such as swimming, windsurfing, wave surfing, snorkeling, diving, and rowing in Ko Chang. The island can be accessed by ferries operating from Laem Ngop.

Ko Tao, an island located near the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand, is widely famous for scuba diving. Diving in Ko Tao is easy and full of fun. Often, you have encounters with turtles, stingrays, barracudas, lots of small fish, and reef sharks. The island is a great place for divers. It is a great place to learn diving, as there are hardly any currents. You can also enjoy several other water related activities, such as wake boarding, water skiing, sumo tube, wind surfing, and sailing. Ko Tao can be accessed catching ferries from Surat Thani, or Ko Samui, or Ko Pha Ngan.

Author writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing listings for Hotels, Villas, Holiday apartments in Phuket, and Thailand holiday villas.

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Learning to Fight in Phuket-Thailand

Mixed martial arts or MMA is a combination of the most effective forms of fight sciences like Muay Thai, boxing, and jiu-jiitsu. The popularity of MMA based programing on television and cable like the Ultimate Fighting Championship, King of the Cage, and Cage Rage have fueled the expansion of training camps and schools throughout the world.

Today, fighters, young and old, travel around the world searching for training that will make the the next "Ultimate Fighter." You want to learn Jiu-Jitsu, then head for Brazil. Looking for boxing skills then you might try the U.S. And if you are looking for Muay Thai, there is no better place than Thailand; the home of Muay Thai and the national sport of Thailand.

From one end of the country to the other, Muay Thai is the pride of the Thai people. The fight sport has become popular around the world and now boasts organizations in more than 35 countries promoting tournaments, fights, and amateur and professional titles. For years, martial arts enthusiast and athletes have ben coming to Thailand to learn the science of eight limbs from professional Thai fighters. With the explosion in popularity of MMA in the rest of the world, and here in Thailand, there is a new breed of fighter making his way to Asia and the land of smiles.
MMA fighter's are quickly learning that Thailand is the place to be to learn the secrets of striking through hardcore Muay Thai training.

Thai fighters are known for their aggressiveness, stamina, and ability to ignore pain, which are all prerequisites of the modern cage fighter. They want to learn the secrets of of the Siam warriors abilities and bring it back to the cage.
In 2001, MMA programming on in Thailand took the country by storm, and is now one of the most popular sports viewed on cable TV. The Thai people immediately took to the sport as they quickly recognized Muay Thai as a key aspect of the ultimate fight game. If you are standing up, you are fighting Muay thai style. If you are on the ground, you are using wrestling and jiu-jitsu. The Thai people were proud to see their national sport in the world spotlight.

Starting in 2005, fighters from all over the globe were given the chance to save money and participate in comprehensive training in Muay thai and MMA in Thailand. Modern fight camps, like Tiger Muay Thai & MMA, Phuket, Thailand and Bangkok Fight Club opened their door to professional and amateurs looking to train Muay Thai and MMA all at the same place. Fighters can work their stand-up striking game with Muay Thai and then train Jiu-Jitsu to work on their ground fighting skills. Now fighters would not have to travel from one country to the next to find the training they need. Everything they needed was in one place; a great training environment in the tropics which is conducive to hardcore training, training partners with the skills needed to improve, and the ability to live and train under the same roof without going broke.

As if that was not enough, Thailand offers Muay thai fights seven-days-a-week in most big cities. It used to be difficult for most fighters to find a place to train and finally land a fight. Now fighters coming to Thailand can plan a training regimen and a fight before even arriving in Thailand. I you are in shape and are looking for a fight, head to Thailand and one of the many training camps that accept foreigners. Train for six weeks and then strap on the gloves against a Thai or another foreign fighter. You will head back home with experience and the experience of a lifetime after training in Muay Thai and MMA in Thailand.

Will McNamara is a sports writer and owner of Tiger Muay Thai and MMA Training camp in Phuket, Thailand.http://www.TigerMuayThai.com

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Pattaya

Pattaya is one of the largest cities for tourism that can be found in the country of Thailand. Physically, Pattaya is located in the Gulf of Thailand and is Southeast of the country's capital, Bangkok. With wonderful attractions offered, much of this city's economy consists of tourism. If you are interested in visiting Thailand, chances are that you may want to think about visiting the city of Pattaya. This city is known to have a lot to offer to its tourists, which is the reason that it has become such a popular tourist attraction recently. Here, we will take a much closer look at some of the main attractions that Pattaya has to offer to its tourists, in order to help you determine whether or not vacationing in this city may be a decision which you may want to make in the future.

Pattaya Beach is a favorite spot of many tourists, and it is also the most popular beach that Pattaya Thailand has to offer. Since it is located near shopping centers, bars, and hotels, it has become very popular among tourists. Unfortunately, it is often hard for many to get a spot on the sand, due to its popularity. Jomtien Beach is another one of the beaches which Pattaya Thailand has to offer. While it does offer some hotels and restaurants, Jomtien is mainly an area where people own summer homes. It is typically easier to find a spot on the sand at this beach than at Pattaya Beach. Jomtien Beach is especially loved by who enjoy taking part in water sports. It has a large entertainment center which offers water park attractions, a roller coaster, a monorail and fun attractions for children - which has helped with it become a popular area for people who are vacationing as families to want to visit.

Of course, the beautiful beaches that Pattaya Thailand has to offer is not the only thing that this city has going for it. There are many other attractions which Pattaya has to offer that tourists all find to be quite appealing. Some of these attractions include golf courses, places for go-cart racing, the Sri Racha Tiger Zoo, Pattaya Beach Resort Water Park and Funny Land Amusement Park, a submarine, a crocodile farm, and various museums. There are also various shopping centers and stores which anyone may be interested in visiting while they are in Pattaya. Go go bars and strip clubs occupy the time of many tourists.

As you can see, there are so many different tourist attractions that Pattaya Thailand has to offer. Ranging from its beautiful beaches where you can spend the day relaxing, having fun in the sun, or taking part in water sports to its amusement parks and other entertaining activities that the city of Pattaya has to offer, there is no doubt that Pattaya has gained some much well deserved appeal from tourists. No matter what you are interested in doing while you are visiting Thailand, Pattaya has just about everything that you could possibly be interested in to offer. There is no doubt that Pattaya Thailand is a city which you may definitely want to think about visiting.

Written by Robert Rystrom for http://www.pattayalinks.net Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_Rystrom

City Spotlight - Bangkok

The capital city of Thailand is a vibrant and colourful city and is the perfect destination for holidaymakers who want a vacation that combines culture, relaxation and fantastic nightlife. Here are the top five reasons to visit.

Restaurants

Bangkok has a variety of restaurants offering a diverse choice of world cuisines but if you are in Thailand then why not try some delicious Thai food. The label ‘Thai cuisine’ covers a wide range of foods from curries to seafood so there’s something to suit all tastes.

Nightlife

Bangkok nightlife has something for everyone, from stylish clubs and bars to British-style pubs. There are plenty of chic bars and lounges to chill out in and if you’re after something a little more lively head to Royal City Avenue for some of the best club nights in Thailand.

Culture

Bangkok is steeped in culture. The city is home is to some of the most beautiful temples in Asia including the Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and the Grand Palace. The city has over 400 temples.

And for some traditional Thai culture visit the Patravadi Theatre complex where you can witness classical Thai performing arts. The centre hosts Thai dance and drum classes every Friday and Saturday afternoon.

Shopping

Shopping in Thailand is a whole new experience. From the trendy ‘Playground’ in Thong Lor, a three-storey, black granite building which creates the impression of being inside a playhouse, to the fascinating markets. The Patpong Night Market in particular is a must see for tourists. This bustling market opens after sunset and is a favourite for shoppers looking for a bargain.

River Cruises

While in Bangkok, treat yourself to a river cruise along Thailand’s ‘River of Kings’ on the Mekhala, a former rice barge converted into a floating hotel. The Mekhala has air-conditioned cabins and a plush restaurant. Sit on the deck and enjoy the stunning scenery including the ancient capital of Ayuthaya and the Bang-Pa Summer Palace.

Russ Pooley writes for Drake & Cavendish who provide a luxury hotel research directory featuring over 5,000 luxury hotels in over 700 resort locations around the world. As a content provider we are committed to developing entertaining and informative travel related information. You can read further articles and details at
http://www.drakeandcavendish.com/luxury_hotels/far_east/thailand/bangkok/

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Important Festivals Of Thailand

If you plan to visit Thailand, then do look at the Thai calendar to get an idea of the range of festivals that are prevalent in Thailand. Round the year, you will come across some festival or the other in Thailand.

Welcome to the land which boasts of three new years – one which is celebrated on January 1 every year, the second, or the Chinese new year, in the month of February on first day of the first lunar month, and third takes place in the month of April and is called the Songkhtan festival.

The Chinese New Year is quite interesting and it features acrobats, lion dancers, and colorful firecrackers. The third new year or the Songkhtan festival reflects the old Thai tradition and belief. People celebrate this festival by sprinkling water on the image of Buddha, monks and people at the temple. This act is symbolic of the fact that water supply will last throughout the dry season.

In addition to New Year festivals, a cultural fair called Phra Buddha Baht is celebrated from end of January to the month of February. In this fair, several cultural activities such as music and theater are performed. This fair is mainly held in temples. Apart from this fair, there are other colorful fairs such as Bosang Umbrella Fair displaying a wide range of bright paper umbrellas and handicrafts, and Flower Fair exhibiting beautiful and colorful flowers of Thailand.

Other festivals that are popular are Maka Bucha Day, Chakri Day, Pattaya Festival, the National Labor Day, Fruit Fair, Visakha Bucha Day, Asalaha Bucha Day, Candle Festival, Buffalo Race, Loy Krathong Festival, River Kwai Bridge Week, and many more. Each one of these festivals and celebrations are well worth a dekko.

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4 Most Beautiful Thailand Beaches

Thailand has one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. For those that have traveled there they know that the beauty of this untouched place makes for some of the best vacations in the world. This is coupled with the vast amount of historical culture that abounds the countryside and there is never a shortage of things to do in this country. Because much of this land is untouched by development you will find that relaxation and peaceful living is more than possible. The reaches of the mighty have not gotten this far and that means that you will get the very best in the vacation arena, especially when it comes to the Thailand beach areas.

Khao Lak is a wonderful Thailand beach. Just a short drive from the airport, this paradise offers a remote vacation area like no other. Thanks to the area being largely uninhabited, there is lush rain forest nearby along with a whole host of wildlife to be viewed. The water remains warm in the November through December months and the fishing and scuba diving is out of this world.

Phuket Thailand Beach is another great spot. Enjoy this resort November through March. There is more than enough to do. It is a bit more crowded than other beaches as this area thrives on the tourism dollars that it brings in. The scuba diving is top notch in this area and you will also find some of the warmest most clear water in the world. There are several nearby attractions to keep one busy for quite a few days.

Phi Phi Don Thailand beach is quite the turn around. Once a remote and nearly unknown place, this Thailand beach came to life when Hollywood came in and filmed a movie here. It is now considered to be one of the most popular beaches in the entire country and is frequented by many big names. This is a site that you will not want to miss, as the views are breathtaking and the water warm and inviting.

West Railiy Thailand beach is one of the undiscovered diamonds in the rough. There is very little that is expensive here and one can stay at the “resort” for over a week and barely tap the budget. The sands are milky white and the water clear. Scuba diving is very popular here as well as the fishing. This location is only accessible by long tail boat so plan for a bit of a long ride.

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Low Cost Airlines in Thailand

When Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes launched a no-frills, low-cost airline in 2002 with only two planes, few people realised the effect it would have. From only four routes, Air Asia set off a low-fare revolution that changed the face of the airline industry in the region. It is a stunning success story and now has 35 aircraft and flies millions of passengers across south-east Asia every year.

If you want to book a ticket with a low-cost carrier, the first trick is to find out which airlines serve your intended route. With lower advertising budgets than traditional airlines, this is often quite difficult. For your convenience we have listed the major budget carriers serving the two prime destinations - Singapore, Thailand.

Singapore:

The major budget carriers operating to and from this island state are JetStar Asia and Tiger Airways. JetStar Asia covers most major destinations in south-east asia, as well as Bangalore and Kolkata in India.

Tiger Airways covers Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand, Macau, and Padang in Indonesia. It is the only budget carrier direct to Vietnam from Singapore and the only budget choice to Australia, flying from Singapore to Darwin).

Thailand:

The three main operators in Thailand are Thai Air Asia, Nok Air and One-Two-Go. Thai AirAsia was launched in January 2004. Based primarily in Bangkok, the airline serves Thailand's major domestic destinations, as well as Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Kota Kinabalu), Singapore, Macau, Xiamen and Hanoi.

Nok Air, a subsidiary of Thai Airways International, flies from Bangkok to domestic destinations such as Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai and Udon Thani. One-Two-Go covers the major domestic routes within Thailand with fixed-price tickets.

As the number of people flying has increased, so has the demand for hotel accommodation and other products. Both Thailand and Singapore hotels are experiencing boom times as more people can afford to visit.

Chris Bonds is a consultant for HotelTravel.com - a leading international online travel information and hotel reservations service offering discounted hotel rates in top destinations world wide. Visit http://www.hoteltravel.com for additional travel information.

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Beauty Vacations in Thailand

Have you ever considered cosmetic surgery? Well for the price of an operation in Europe or America, we can provide the services you require here in Thailand. Your main expense will be the operation and airfare, and for a nominal fee we will take care of all your needs whilst you stay here. Based here in South East Thailand we have lots to see and do here . It is recommended that you don't fly for 10 days after most cosmetic surgery,so we will look after you as you get better. Our hotels are based a short journey away from the clinic. Some only a short walk from one of the most famous sandy beaches in the world.

For the first time ever we can offer you a vacation with a difference.

We are prepared to offer you a package which will take care of all your holiday needs,whilst you have cosmetic surgery in the land of smiles. We will take care of your every need.

We have now for the first time ever prepared an offer which is an all inclusive package.All you have to do is decide what dates are best for you to attend,then contact us and we will arrange for all the facilities to be ready here in Thailand when you require them.We provide procedures for face, breast and abdominal surgery. All in our luxury private hospital.

So come to the " Land of Smiles " and find out how we can make you smile again with the look you have always desired, but never thought you could afford.

We treat you as our own very special guests all throughout your stay in Thailand

There are other companies offering surgery in Thailand but we are the only one including hotels and airport transfers. Also we are the only one offering these services in this luxurious resort. so please visit our website.http://www.pcps.biz/

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The Earliest Kingdom of Thailand

The earliest kingdom of Thailand was the Sukhothai Kingdom, built around the city of Sukhothai. Sukhothai was the capital of Siam, and is located in north central Thailand. This was the earliest kingdom and it existed between 13th and 14th century.

In the 13th century, Sukhothai was a part of Khmer empire. It was recognized as a Thai ruled kingdom when two Thai chieftans, Pho Khun Pha Muang and Pho Khun Bang Klang Hao, declared their individual independent kingdom in Thailand. The first king of Sukhothai was Pho Khun Bang Klang Hao who also called himself Pho Khun Si Indrathit or Intradit.

The kingdom of Sukhothai eventually expanded and made alliances with other Thai kingdoms. Their adopted Theravada Buddhism as their state religion. The son of the king Pho Khun Bang Klang Hao succeeded the throne after him. Later on, his brother Pho Khun Ramkhamhaeng took over the throne. During his regime, Sukhothai enjoyed a golden time and prospered to its maximum.

Ramkhamhaeng introduced the first Thai letters. During his regime, the kingdom expanded and spread over a large area from Martaban (now Myanmar) to Luang Prabang (present day Laos) and down to the Malay Peninsula. The kingdom was larger than modern day Thailand.

Loethai, the son of Ramkhamhaeng, took over Sukhothai after his father died. But he could not bring the same prosperity to his kingdom as his father. Soon, other dependent Thai kings started liberating themselves from King Loethai. The once great Kingdom of Sukhothai quickly became a small local province and very soon lost its importance in the region.

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Northern Thailand - Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai was founded by King Mengrai and is situated in Northern Thailand. The city still has a moat and a wall around it which was built by the Lannathai kingdom to protect it from the invading Burmese armies who used to constantly raid the city.

If you are planning a visit to Northern Thailand, then make sure you have Chiang Mai in your agenda. The best time to visit Chiang Mai is from November to March. This is the time when the weather in Chiang Mai is cool and you will be able to enjoy the city and its beauty. You can also plan a visit during June, July and August. These months, though hot, will not make a dent in your finances as most hotels, restaurants and other places of tourist interests do not charge too much. Try not to go to Chiang Mai in April and May as these two months are the hottest time of the year.

No holiday in Thailand is complete without visits to its Buddhist temples. Chiang Mai is no different. It has many Buddhist temples to choose from. You can admire the marvel of classic Thai architecture at Wat Phra Singh or you can visit Wat Suan Dok, the 14th century temple which is the site of important monastic universities.

Chiang Mai has many hot springs and you can relax and rejuvenate yourself with a mineral bath or a traditional Thai massage. You can also taste the local cuisine at the innumerous bars and cafes along the streets of Chiang Mai. Of course, no holiday to Thailand would be complete without an exciting night out. Chiang Mai has a lot to offer in terms of nightlife.

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Thailand Hotels - Providing Decent Tourist Stay

Thailand, the country of tropical beaches, beautiful hills, and architectural monuments has been one of the popular tourist destinations in the world. Thronged by countless number of travelers from different corners of the world every year, the country has sustained its identity as a beautiful tourist destination. Also, there are various Thailand Hotels situated around the popular locations that provide comfortable stay to visitors.

The best time to visit Thailand is during the cool season from November-February. These months have sunny days and less chances of rainfall are there. Moisture in whether is also lower during these seasons. You can enjoy all its major destinations during this shiny season. The country's tourism is prospering in nature. Tourism is one of the mainstays of its economy.

Thailand offer glittering cities, wonderful beaches, ancient temples, picturesque riversides and shopping malls that are considered as some of the major tourist destinations. The country possesses various astonishing locations, which are located in its popular destinations such as Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Bangkok, Koh Chang, Lampang, Pattaya and Phuket. Wat Arun Temple, The Khlong Bangkok Noi and Khlong Bang Yai-Royal Barges Museum, Wang Suan Pakkard in Bangkok are very famous. Similarly, The Sanctuary of Truth, Khao Pattaya View Point and Wat Khao Phra Bat, UnderWater World, The Bottle Art Museum in Pattaya are the other major tourists' attractions of Thailand. Likewise, The Airport Plaza, Kad Suan Kaew, Warorot and Lamyai Markets, The World Insects Museum and Orchid Farms are the major attractions in Chiang Mai.

Along with these involvements there are even numbers of comfortable accommodations in Thailand that are located at convenient places that enable the tourists to visit the nearby attractions easily. From standard hotels to premium hotels, each and every kind of hotel is available in most of the famous hotspot cities of the country thereby providing cozy stay to the guests. Good in-room and hotel facilities are provided at hotels as per their specific star category. Some of the Thailand hotels such as Chiang Mai Plaza Hotel, Kooncharaburi resort and Sailing Club, and Dhevan Dara Resort and Spa are well known hotels that provide comfortable stay with good facilities to guests. Being at Thailand Hotels make you feel dignified.

So, in what so ever city of Thailand you plan your vacation or event, it is for sure that with the availability of wide range of hotels you can attain a safe and secure stay.

Book the Thailand hotels of your choice through AsiaRooms at reasonable price and make your journey joyful and pleasurable.

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Karen of Thailand

Karen are one of the hill tribes living in Thailand and are found in the hilly terrains of Northern Thailand. This tribe also inhabits certain parts of Myanmar. The Karen people moved to Thailand in the 17th century. There are two main sub-groups in Karen, namely the Skaw and Pwo. There are approximately 280,000 Karen living in the hills of Thailand.

The Karen live in bamboo houses raised on stilts and beneath which they raise domestic animals like pigs, buffaloes and chickens. They practice swidden agriculture and irrigate paddy fields. All the family members of Karen live together under a single roof. The parents with their unmarried as well as the married children may also live together. The village priest is given the highest authority to run the village along with the elders.

The Karen women are noted for their skills in weaving. They wear clothes that are hand-woven on back strap looms. Each group has its own style of dressing. Unmarried girls wear loose white vee necked blouses while married women wear blouses and skirts in bold colors, usually blue and red. The Karen men produce musical instruments and tobacco pipes and sell them in the lowland towns.

Most of Karen people are animists who believe in supernatural elements. They perform rituals to gods of land and water. They also believe that spirits live in rocks, tree, and mountains. The Karen try to live in harmony with nature and they believe that the guardian spirits help them in leading harmonious lives.

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Preparing For Thailand

Majority of people in Thailand speak the Thai language. If you are planning to visit Thailand, then learning some of the local dialects and phrases will be useful. Apart from sightseeing, there is also fun in interacting with the locals. The Thai are well known for their hospitality and their happiness doubles if they see a foreigner or a traveler trying to speak their language. Many Thais cannot speak English. Therefore learning their language would definitely be an added advantage for you.

You will not only learn a new language but will also gain a rich insight into the culture and heritage of Thailand. You also have the advantage of moving around easily in Thailand if you are equipped with the Thai language.

When you speak the language, you should end the sentence with ‘Krab’ if you are male and ‘Kha’ if you are female. Thai language has a musical lilt to it, ranging from high, medium to low pitch tones. Stressing on a word or stretching the word longer may even change the meaning of the word and the sentence. If you hear the Thai speaking, then you will have a better idea of how to speak this lovely sweet language.

To mention a few Thai phrases, ‘Sa-wat dee’ means Hello and Goodbye, Khorb koon means Thank you, Gee bath? means How much?, Arai means What, Sai means Left, Kwaa means Right, Gai mai? means Is it far?, Tum mai means Why? and Chai/Mai chai means Yes/No.

If you go shopping in Thailand, you can use some of the phrases such as, ‘Ra ka thao rai?’ meaning How much is this?, ‘Paeng pai’ meaning That is a little expensive, ‘Lot noi dai mai’ meaning Can you make it cheaper?, and Ja ma mai meaning ‘ I will come back later’.

These phrases will help you to find your way during traveling, interaction with shopkeepers and talking with the locals.

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Thailand Travel - 10 Interesting Facts About Thailand

It's certainly the mesmeric land of Thais that attracts more visitants than any other country in the Southeast Asia. Thailand is the country known for beguiling scenic beauty, stunning beaches, impressing culture, commendable hospitality, fantastic temples, ruins & souvenirs of fabulous ancient kingdoms, gastronomic riches, and lovely, smiling, and welcoming people.

Thailand certainly the destination that appeals you, bewitches you, captivates you, enthralls you....! It's the place that makes you visit it again and again. It's the vacation destination that you dream of. Surely, you can find oodles of interesting things in Thailand, but here are the 10 most interesting facts about Thailand.

It is often nicknamed as the "Land Of Smiles," because of the perceived gentleness of its people. The country is really populated by smiling, inviting, and receiving people. Thais are really gentle, polite, soft spoken, friendly, and hospitable human beings.

Siam was the old name of Thailand. It was the official name of the country until 1949, when it was changed to Thailand by official proclamation. 'Thai' in the Thai language means 'freedom'. So, Thailand means "land of freedom" or "land of the free".

The Mon ruled over what is now known as Thailand. The area was also held by Khmer. The Mon Empire was a great Buddhist empire, and the empire had trading relations with Indians for centuries.

Thailand retains much of its original culture, because it is the only Southeast Asian nation that has never been colonized. Thai culture is kin to the Cambodian culture & religion, which was adopted by Thais in the 13th century, after the fall of the Khmer Kingdom.

King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, established Bangkok as the capital in 1782. Bhumibol Adulyadej, the current King of Thailand, is also a Chakri Dynasty ruler. He is also known as Rama IX. He is the longest serving monarch in the Thai history.

95% of the Thai people are Buddhists of the Theravada tradition. 4.6% of the people are Muslims. Malays are mainly concentrated on the southern tip of Thailand. 0.75% of the people are Christians, mainly Catholics. Sikhs & Hindus are tiny, but influential. The nation also has a small Jewish community.

Thailand is also known as the "Land of white Elephant." White elephants were highly esteemed and valued by the Thai Rulers. Elephants are still highly revered in Thailand. They are considered as the symbol of peace and prosperity.

Thais do not like someone touching them on head. They believe that soul, which is considered extremely sacred, resides in head. So, don't ever touch a Thai on the head, not even a Thai child.

Thailand is the 49th country area wise, with its total land area of 514,000 km² (198,000 sq mi). It is comparable to the size of France, and it is somewhat larger than the California State of the United States.

Thailand has 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which include Ban Chiang Archaeological Site near Udon Thani, Dong Phayayen - Khao Yai Forest Complex, Historic City of Ayutthaya & Associated Historic Towns, Historic Town of Sukhothai & Associated Historic Towns - including Kampang Phet and Si Satchanalai, and Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries.

Author writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing listings for Hotels, Villas, Holiday villas in Thailand, and Holiday villas worldwide.

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Winter Blues? It's Nothing A Luxury Spa Break In Thailand Can't Cure

Whilst the UK's unpredictable weather is as much a part of its identity as fish and chips, it can cause many people to feel down and depressed when the dark, winter months kick in.

But in the summer months, many parts of the UK actually experience perfectly good weather and extended periods of sunshine. So, why do so many people choose to holiday abroad at a time when the UK weather really isn't all that bad?

Well, this is why many people are now deciding to take winter holidays instead, with over a quarter of people now taking their main holiday between October and the end of the year. Not only is it, in general, an easier period to get time off work, it's normally cheaper too and it provides two weeks of respite from the gloomy British winter. And as it is a cheaper time of year to travel, this means that more emphasis can be placed on 'lavish' rather than 'budget', with a luxury spa holiday providing the perfect remedy to beat the winter blues.

Thailand, for example, is a popular destination for winter sun and not just for a simple beach holiday either. There are many luxury destinations available within Thailand, be it a Phuket spa holiday resort or a Koh Samui spa holiday resort.

Indeed, a luxury Thailand spa holiday can be found to suit most requirements. For example, many people choose to travel to Thailand for the superb diving on offer and it's possible to narrow the search by features such as on-site dive schools or even the availability of water sports, ensuring the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.

But what makes Thailand a real 5 star holiday destination is the ability to combine a luxury spa holiday with a true cultural holiday experience. When not unwinding or being pampered, there are golden temples, busy markets, excellent food, mountain scenery and a plethora of glorious beaches to explore. Furthermore, the one aspect of Thai culture that ensures so many people return year after year is the warmth and friendliness of the local people. And this is what makes Thailand truly stand out from other destinations in the world.

So, with the nights drawing in, many people choose to take their main holiday later in the year. And as it's generally cheaper to travel 'off-season', that luxury spa holiday in Thailand may be just the thing to ease those winter blues.

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Amazing Culture Of Thailand

When you speak of Thailand, instantly a picture of people with small eyes and happy smiling faces appear before you. They have the typical south-east asian look. However, their ways, their way of speaking, their beliefs, and their culture are a symbol of their true identity.

Thailand mostly comprises of people who speak Tai language. Tai speaking people are spread over Central Thai, the Northeastern Thai, the Northern Thai, and the Southern Thai. Central Thai is the area where one finds most Tai speaking people.

In addition to Tai speaking people, there are Chinese who have blended seamlessly with the Thai. Other cultures include Malays, Mon, Khmer, and even Vietnamese.

Majority of Thais follow the Theravada Buddhist tradition, which ranges from animism to worshiping of ancestors. However, the Muslim community is also a big religious group in Thailand. The Muslim population is mostly prevalent in places south of Chumphon. The Malay group is present in the southern part of Thailand. In addition to these communities and groups, there is a sprinkling of Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs as well.

Based on their belief and main Buddhist tradition, Thai people pay a lot of respect and homage to their ancestors. It is the core of their spiritual belief and faith. They are very generous and hospitable people. Social hierarchy plays a very important role in their lives. They touch the feet of their elders as a mark of respect and to seek their blessing. The elders play a key role in any important decisions or ceremonies.

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Scuba Diving In Thailand - The Secrets Of One Of The Worlds Most Popular Diving Destinations

Thailand has one of the world's most diverse marine habitats, with more than 300 major reef groups covering an area of over 4,500 square miles. From pinnacles and submerged rocks, through to stunning coral gardens and sheer walls, the scuba diving in Thailand has something to offer scuba divers of all levels of experience. It is this diversity in marine habitats and diving environments which attracts so many divers to the waters around Thailand every year, and today the region is one of the world's most popular scuba diving destinations.

There are a number of major diving destinations in Thailand, all offering a wide selection of diverse dive sites. Throughout all of these major destinations is a network of well equipped, knowledgeable and experienced dive centres, offering a range of diving from leisure dives through to a selection of scuba diving courses.

It would be impossible to discuss Thailand, without looking at the scuba diving in Phuket and the surrounding areas. Without doubt, the diving in Phuket is of the highest standard, and the waters surrounding the 'island' host a number of excellent dive sites. However, the real underwater treasures of Phuket lie slightly further afield. Dive sites such as the Burma Banks, The Similan Islands and the Mergui Archipelago are often found high on the wish list of many discerning scuba diver and offer some of South East Asia's finest dive sites.

The scuba diving on the Western Gulf of Thailand sees a different emphasis, and the small islands found here have become one of the world's most popular areas to learn to scuba dive. In fact, the island of Koh Tao has developed a complete tourist industry from scuba diving, and today large numbers of would be scuba divers travel to Koh Tao every day to begin their diving education. Other islands within the Western Gulf of Thailand are also home to developed scuba diving industries, and destinations such as Koh Samui and Ko Pha-Ngan are both home to a large number of dive centres and excellent dive sites.

Throughout Thailand there are a number of exceptional dive sites, and sites such as the Richelieu Rock and Chumpon Pinnacle are widely acknowledged as being world class dive sites. However it is the sheer volume of excellent dive sites that makes Thailand such a popular destination. Destinations such as Pattaya, Krabi, Ko Chang and the Surin Islands are all home to a number of exceptional dive sites and dive centres.

Today, Thailand is one of the world's most popular scuba diving destinations, and large numbers of scuba divers travel long distances to dive in the waters surrounding this stunning country. The sheer diversity of the diving on offer here ensures that there is something to cater for all tastes and levels of experience. From vertical wrecks, through to submerged pinnacles, from the largest sharks, through to the smallest nudibranches, the diving in Thailand has something for everyone.

Mark Burns is Director of Scubaworld.tv, a large scuba diving site specializing in scuba diving in Thailand and a leading provider of information on Scuba diving in Phuket.

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7th THAI TOURISM FESTIVAL NOW BIGGER AND BETTER

Thailand’s annual Tourism Festival and Travel Mart 2008 to be held 5-8 June, 2008, at Challenger Hall, Impact Muang Thong Thani Exhibition Centre, is to grow still further this year with the inclusion of exhibitors from Indonesia and Malaysia.

Already the biggest such event in the kingdom, the Thailand Travel Mart (TTM) 2008 Plus Amazing Gateway to Greater Mekong Subregion and Thailand Tourism Festival 2008 (TTF 2008) has grown steadily from being just a Thailand show to a regional show, targetted at both the trade and consumer.

According to TAT Governor Mrs. Phornsiri Manoharn, “This year, for the first time, the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) subregion is being incorporated into the event in line with the declaration of the ‘Visit IMT-GT Year 2008’ at the 3rd Summit in Singapore in November 2007.

The inclusion of both buyers and sellers from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand will substantially enhance the appeal and value of attending the show for both trade and consumers, she said.

The IMT-GT areas to be included are the provinces bordering the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. They include:

Indonesia: Banda Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra and South Sumatra, Bengkulu, Jambi, Lampung , Riau Island, and Banka-Belitung. Malaysia: Kedah, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Selangor, Negeri Semibilan, Kelantan and Melaka Thailand: Songkha, Satun, Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani.

With their inclusion, this year’s event will grow to about 392 sellers from Thailand and the GMS countries, including 250 hotels and resorts, 32 travel agents and tour operators, 4 ecotourism and adventure operators, 6 wellness and spa, 6 airlines, 10 entertainment, theme park, culture show, 12 golf and other travel products and services, 6 associations and organisations, 16 companies from the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) and 50 companies from IMT-GT.

They will meet with 487 buyers from 62 countries (as of 16 May 2008), an increase of 33.2% over 2007. Buyers from major markets such as Europe, South East Asia, America and the Pacific comprise 70% of the total and the remaining 17% are from emerging markets such as East Europe, CIS countries, the Middle East and South America.

The 392 hosted buyers have been carefully selected by TAT with cooperation from its overseas offices and private sector. TAT has also invited 80 media from around the world to cover the travel mart as well as participate in the fam trips.

The event is especially important for the small and medium sized enterprises which do not have the large marketing budgets to afford participation in the major international trade shows. This year, 139 exhibitors are SMEs, or 36% of the total.

The official programme will begin on 4 June, 2008, with a welcome reception in the evening at the Royal Jubilee. The business meetings will be held on 5-6 June at the Challenger 3, Impact Muang Thong Thani Exhibition Center and the show will be opened for consumers on June 7-8, 2008.

For the domestic Thai consumers, the highlight will be the Thailand Tourism Festival, the country’s largest travel and tourism showcase event that includes many activities to promote the preservation of Thai culture, traditions and local lifestyle with stage performances and demonstrations of local arts and crafts though four regional villages.

The summer months usually see a slight dip in international visitor arrivals, so this is a good time to promote domestic tourism. The event will feature many interesting activities such as Cultural and Community Life Tourism, Ecotourism, Adventure Tourism, Health Tourism and Tourism that follows the path of His Majesty the King’s sufficiency economy concept.

Cultural performances will highlight each Thai region as well as the neighbouring countries. TAT’s various projects will also be exhibited along with related government projects and academic discussions on tourism subjects.

In addition, other branches of the Thai public and private sectors will also be present, along with tourism organisations and associations, tourism-related businesses and small and medium sized enterprises. Travel agents, airlines, hotels, resorts, arts and crafts makers nationwide will also participate, many of them with special offers exclusively designed to attract visitors to the event.

Consumers will have a chance to meet with travel specialists at this event to answer their queries regarding travelling, i.e. planning your trip, tips and traps. This will be the first time the public will have such an opportunity.

A special fun section area has been arranged where children can enjoy adventure games and develop a love for travel in a sustainable and environmentally-friendly way.

Visitors will enjoy various kinds of tourism activities and have a chance to win many exciting prizes. At the main stage, spectacular cultural performances will be held from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, highlighting the best of each Thai region as well the culture and heritage of our neighbouring countries.

TAT is expecting at least 150,000 people to attend throughout the four-day event, generating an estimated 150 million baht, both directly and indirectly.

Mrs Phornsiri said, “We guarantee the event will help visitors find the perfect combination of products and services for their next travel plan, whether it be for leisure or a domestic meeting or convention, adventure travel or incentive. Travelling around the country is a service to the Thai economy because it helps create jobs and distributes income nationwide. Everyone benefits.”

For more details please visit the web site: www.thailandtravelmartplus.com

Contact information:
International Public Relation Division
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419
E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.th
web site: www.tatnews.org