Finding Cheap and Luxury Hotels in Thailand

Cheap and luxury hotels in Thailand are scattered through out the entire country. Some famous destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, Samui, Pattava, Hua Hin, Cha Am, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Krabi, Phi Phi Islands, Koh Lanta, Khao Lak, etc offer comfortable hotels to stay. Booking cheap hotels in Thailand help you to save huge amount on your budget for accommodations. Moreover, Thailand is a land of authentic Asian culture, spectacular beaches and friendly people. Thailand welcomes millions of visitors every year.

The capital city Bangkok is the home to many cheap and luxury hotels in Thailand. The places in Bangkok like Sukhumvit, Silom, Siam Square, Ploenchit, riverside, Sathorn, Pratunam, Suvarnabhumi Airport, Ratchadapisek, Petchburi, Banglumpu, Don Muang Airport, etc have some hotels which are of World Class accommodations.

No doubt about the facilities provides by the cheap hotels in Thailand. If you are looking for luxury grand motels then the sky is the limit. It means that according to the standard of the hotel the price also hikes. The more comfortable stay you want, more bucks you have to spend. Otherwise, there are motels, inns and resorts in Thailand, which are of cheap rates and easily affordable.

Woraburi Sukhumvit Hotel and Resort is located in Sukhumvit. This hotel is a three star hotel and the rooms of this hotel are luxuriously decorated in Thai style. Facilities at the hotel include outdoor swimming pool, ball room, underground car parking and complimentary tuk-tuk services aimed to provide convenience to guests in Thai style.

This resort of Bangkok offers the facilities and services like Air Conditioning, Bar/Lounge, Barber/Beauty Salon, Business Center, IDD Phone, Laundry, Limousine, Parking, Restaurant, Room Service, Satellite/Cable TV, Shopping Arcade, Swimming Pool, Tour Des, etc.

During your visit in Thailand apart from Bangkok City you must visit other interesting cities of Thailand. For instance, Phuket is a nice beach city. Travelers love to explore its well-known beaches like Patong Beach, Kata Beach, Karon Beach, and so on. This beach city also offers many inns and resorts to stay. Most of the cheap and luxury hotels in Thailand can be found be Phuket.

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Thailand Hotels: Perfect Haven for Tourists

The scenic beauty, rich culture and heritage, historical places of interests, healthy cuisine and above all, traditional hospitality have made Thailand one of the well-known tourist destinations all over the world. This beautiful country draws millions of leisure as well as business travelers. There are abundant Thailand hotels to accommodate them,

Accommodation

Starting from the luxury Hotels in Thailand. there are numerous budget and discount accommodation as well. You will surely find suitable accommodation according to your taste, mood, and budget.

Most of the
Thailand hotels are conveniently located within proximity to the city center. You can enjoy well-accessible transport facilities from each of them. You can also opt for a visit to the eminent tourist destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai or world-famous beaches like Koh Samui, Pattaya, Hua Hin and Jomtien.

Thailand hotels are known for their unrestrained hospitality and world class dining and business facilities. Most of the hotels in Thailand provide you several health and recreational facilities. Some of the finest luxury hotels in Thailand are Anantara Resort Hua Hin, Lebua at State Tower, Rasananda Phangan Island, and Shangri-La Bangkok.

The budget hotels in Thailand are more than comfortable to live in. You can always look forward to avail all the basic amenities and services in all these economy hotels. Some of the standard budget accommodations in Thailand include Baan Hanibah Bed and Breakfast in Chiang Mai, HQ Hostel and Sivalai Place in Bangkok and Tanamas House Nai Yang Beach Bungalow in Phuket.

Each of the Thailand hotels, offering a perfect combination of true Thai charm and wide-ranging facilities, is provided with a tranquil setting which tempts you to spend some more days here.

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A Beautiful, Amazing Must-see Place in Thailand -- Chiangmai

Among the many places in Thailand, Chiangmai comes well recommended, and for very good reasons. Travelers point to the many amazing sights and things to do in this laidback city situated in the Himalayan foothills. For visitors exploring Thailand, Chiangmai never ceases to amaze. Small wonder luxury hotels (like Shangri-La Hotel, Chiang Mai) near this destination are frequented by travelers who want to be near where the popular sights and activities are. With Buddhist temples and other historic sites to the majestic mountains, the handicrafts, the shopping finds, people, the food and bustling night life, Chiangmai offers no dull moment for the curious and adventuresome traveler.


While in Thailand, Chiangmai is the kind of place that will strike you as serene because most of the people are not rushing about as they do in other key cities around the world. It may as well be referred to as a pastoral paradise, the kind you are likely to read about in books. Imagine getting all cozy in a nice, well-appointed villa that looks out to hushed paddy-fields and lush hills and mountains beyond them. It's a perfect place to commune with nature and feel close to God.
Actually, for people who visit Northern Thailand, Chiangmai offers respite as a spiritual haven. Pilgrims visit one of the most revered temples of the Thais - the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. It is actually an awe-inspiring 14th century Buddhist architectural showcase. The temple was erected in 1386 by King Keuna the Great. Legend has it that the temple's site was chosen when an elephant carrying half of a holy relic ascended the mountains after several days and circled the temple spot before kneeling down and dying. A visit to Thailand, Chiangmai particularly, will not be complete without seeing the sacred temple.


There are other lovely temples in Chiangmai. You can explore the oldest to the noblest ones, including the Wat Suan Dok, which holds the ashes of Chiang Mai's former Royal Family members. In another chapel lies one of Thailand's largest icons in metal - a 500-year old bronze Buddha. You may also want to visit the temple compound where the divine Lai Kham chapel, with its remarkable murals and woodcarvings, is situated,


For a dose of history, there is another must-see while exploring Thailand. Chiang Mai National Museum will fascinate you no end with its collection of Lanna Thai artworks, ancient, war weaponry, and antique Buddha images.


Shopaholics are also bound to have a heyday at Thailand's night bazaars. For those who would rather watch artisans at work in the villages, a number of cottage industries and handicrafts ranging from parasols, silk weaving, jewelry, woodcarving, silverware, and lacquerware, to name a few, may suit you fine.


Are you raring for an anthropological adventure? Try a river cruise that travels down The Chang pier. This is where elephants used to haul logs from the river in the old days. The pier derived its name from the king's elephants, which used to bathe on that site. You will see some of Thailand's firsts - first bridge, first post office, and other interesting sites and get a whiff of the including lifestyles of the locals who dwelled on opposite sides of the river, plus some historic spots along the riverbanks. All these you can enjoy at a leisurely pace. Check out online travel resources for Thailand and you are bound to have a fantastic experience you will be able to delightfully recount to your family and friends.


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Thailand is one of the Most Popular Golf Holiday Destinations

Thailand is acknowledged as the 'Golf Capital of Asia.' Due to many reasons golfing in Thailand is truly a great experience, which among many others, are exciting as well as challenging golf courses, exceptionally low playing fee, superb club house facilities, excellent course lay out, astounding atmosphere coupled with charming buddies, and much more.


Additionally, one of the fabulous things regarding golfing in the country is the amazing assortment of location as well as environment in which these golf courses are located. From the bustling capital city of Bangkok and Pattaya bestowed with enthralling scenery to the lush green hills of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai and Phuket, acknowledged as the island paradise, Thailand truly presents a veritable drapery of golf delight. In fact, Thailand is one of the best destinations for a relaxing golf holiday amid mind blowing scenery.


No matter how much remote is the area you are visiting in Thailand, it is absolute that there would be one or more golf courses in the area or nearby. Also, a specialty of this mystical tropical paradise is that one can play golf all year round. However, golf in Thailand is not a new sport. According to records, golf was one of the most popular recreational sports even before 100 years ago, the evidence for which is the sports reported at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club on a period as early as during the beginning of 20th century. Erected by a Scottish Engineer within the beach resort of Hua Hin regarded as the first recognized 18-hole golf course in Thailand. But now the country has one of the largest assortments of golf courses in Asia.


Majority of the world-class golf courses in Thailand were built during the great economic boom period. In order to guarantee the best facilities in these courses, many of the owners hired the services of such renowned golfers as Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, Robert Trend Jones, Gary Player, and Arnold Palmer to apply their expertise, values, and signatures. All these make each of the more than 150 golf courses in Thailand of international standard as well as one of its kinds.


Perhaps the greatest thing that set apart Thai golf courses is its highlights such as caddy system. Mostly, this function is undertaken by Thai ladies with polite nature as well as excellent knowledge and idea on golf courses in Thailand. In other words, these ladies are adept in almost all facets of golf and can help a golfer with a number of things such as how to choose a golf club, which is the most perfect to lay up, and info on the speed of green. Another great thing regarding playing golf in the country is its salubrious climate. Above all, an obvious benefit of playing golf in the country is that you can play it for an exceptionally low alluring price.


Options available within these golf facilities are truly stupendous, with many of them boasting of brilliantly designed individual holes coupled with almost all types of exciting hazards, from intimidating lakes and mighty bunkers to canyons. When comes to club house facilities, they are mostly well-constructed and are inclusive of almost all comforts including first-class restaurants, bars, specialized areas for post-tournament functions, and air-conditioned facilities for changing. For real golf freaks, even such facilities as accommodation choices and fitness and sauna facilities are available.


In addition, many of the golf courses are attached with excellent practice area, which is sometimes coupled with the services of pro to guide you in shaping your golfing skills. Also, many of the golf courses come with a well-stocked pro shop and provide options for golf cart rentals.


Alpine Golf and Sports Club and Dynasty Golf and Country Club in Bangkok, Rayong Green Valley Country Club and St. Andrews 2000 in Pattaya, and Dusit Polo Club in Hua Hin, are just few among many of the world class golf facilities in Thailand.


Apart from these, many of the top end hotels and resorts spread across the nation provide state of the art facilities for enjoying golf vacation in Thailand. Some of them even render superb value packages inclusive of three or four nights' accommodation in a highly sophisticated room, breakfast, seafood dinner, traditional massage treatments, and tee off two or three times, for an enjoyable golf holidays.


In short, playing golf in the country is undoubtedly a rewarding experience, with an assortment of superb golf courses set amid scenic backdrop and coupled with excellent clubhouses and services of courteous caddies as well as pro.


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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.


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3 Places You Must Visit In Thailand

For people seeking sun, sand and plenty of adventure, Thailand is amongst the top places in the world to visit. The beautiful scenery of the coastal islands compliments the rich culture and mountainous regions to the north, not to mention Bangkok, one of South East Asia’s most intriguing cities. There’s a multitude of places to visit and things to do in Thailand, and whether you’re a tourist or a backpacker, you’re almost sure to never get bored by the country’s rich offerings. Indeed, you could choose to spend a week bronzing yourself on a beach in the south, or spend months exploring the highlands to the north and the borders with Laos and Cambodia. If you’ve got a trip to Thailand in store for this year, then take a read of this article to find out about some of the top destinations.


Ko Samui
Thailand’s third largest island is situated in the Gulf of Thailand, while being a particularly popular option with backpackers in search of booze and sun. So the legend has it, the island was little more than a tiny self sufficient tourist community until 1979, when two tourists arrived via a coconut boat. What they arrived at was a series of beautiful beaches on bright blue waters, and since then tourism has boomed. Ko Samui is now a particularly popular choice with the suitcase brigade as well as the more hippy inclined backpacker set. It can offer the comforts of home on its beautiful beaches, and gives a welcome boozy respite for those who have ventured off the beaten path and want a return to civilisation.


Ko Chang
An island for those who want a little more than the offerings of the more tourist centric islands, Ko Chang is a rock that soars out of the sea, complete with jungle, rugged terrain and of course, many of its very own beaches. Located to the East of the Gulf Thailand near Cambodia, you won’t find the regular sellers of knock off Ray-Bans and DVDs in a hurry, and the tourist hubbub is replaced by a more natural tranquillity. The island is home to an array of stunning wildlife that inhabits the scenery. Sea eagles, Andaman kites and hornbills all nest here, while you may even see a reticulated python if you venture inland! When visiting make sure you take on of the dirt pathways for a nature adventure.


Krabi Province
Most travellers choose to breeze through Krabi town, as people are keen to move on to the paradises of Ko Phi Phi and Railay. These two gems of the Andaman Sea boast some of the most stunning scenery in the whole of Thailand, which is a spectacular feat if you consider the extent of beautiful coastland and mountains in the country. Railay is located behind a layer of impenetrable cliffs, and it is only possible to get there by boat. Surreal limestone formations make it a fantastic place for rock climbing, while the beach is possibly the revered in the country. Ko Phi Phi don, meanwhile, is an island 30km to the South West of the mainland of Krabi. As the backlot for The Beach, staring Leonardo Di Caprio, it’s not difficult to see why the place is thought of as one of the world’s top island paradises.

By: Roberto Raffa

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Thailand Weather – When Should You Go?

Most probably the one question most often asked by holidaymakers wanting to go to Thailand is: “When is the best time for a holiday?”. Not as easy to answer as you could think, without knowing more about what your friends want to do in Thailand.


There are three standard seasons that make up the Thailand weather cycle: Hot Season, Wet Season and Dry Season. But within the country the weather varies a lot from the cool north to the hot and sunny south.


Lets have a look at what the Thailand weather is like:


Hot Season:

March to June: The hottest months of all. April is particularly hot, nearly too hot, even for the locals. Step foot outside and you will be melting within minutes, sweat dripping from your body. Hot season is beach season. Swim in the blue ocean and bask the shade of the palm trees. Trekkers may find it too hot to really enjoy.


Wet Season:

July to November: The wet season is the worst time to spend time in the Thailand weather, regardless what you are looking to do. Its humid, wet and it rains several times a day. Not just a few drippings, but real monsoon style, where the vault of heaven seem to open. But the hotels are plentiful and cheap. A good choice for backpackers on a budget.


Dry Season:

December to February: The best season to visit Thailand. The Thailand weather is almost normal here, the sky is clear of clouds and its hot, but not too hot. If you can try to go at this time.

By: Jack Powers

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Health Tourism in Thailand

Private healthcare in the West is notoriously expensive, for some, prohibitively so. Commonplace medical items like dentistry or health check ups are high-priced, while surgery and major operations can completely bankrupt many individuals. Thus, the rapidly-growing practice of traveling across international borders to obtain healthcare.


Many have found their solutions in Thailand, spurring a trend in "health tourism" within the country. Why Thailand? Because the Thai medical profession is one of the most advanced in the region. Thailand's hospitals and clinics are world class. Investments in equipment and management standards are so high that major hospitals are "internationally accredited".


The following are some "ball park" cost comparisons. The cost of surgery can be one-tenth of what it is in the United States or Western Europe, and sometimes even less. A heart-valve replacement that would cost $200,000 or more in the US, for example, goes for $10,000 and that includes round-trip airfare and a brief vacation package. Similarly, a metal-free dental bridge worth $5,500 in the US costs around $500. A knee replacement in Thailand with six days of physical therapy costs about one-fifth of what it would in the US. Lasik eye surgery worth $3,700 in the US is available for around $730. In the US cataract surgery for one eye runs around $8,000, but at a prestigious International hospital in Thailand cataract surgery can be performed on both eyes for around $2,500. Cosmetic surgery savings are even greater: A full facelift that would cost $20,000 in the US runs about $1,200. A thorough dental cleaning and checkup runs around $10.00.


Tourists are drawn to Thailand for many reasons - tropical beauty, splendid beaches, and a fascinating culture. Now however, health is yet another reason that lures visitors to the kingdom. Thailand has become the spa capital of Asia. The country abounds in health clubs and spas, and offers an incredible amount of sporting activities, everything from golfing to scuba diving, and from biking to cave exploring.


Thai Airlines features what is known as Royal Orchid Holidays. Medical checkups, has become so important, Royal Orchid Holidays has added medical checkups to its package tours. It's an unusual theme for a package tour, perhaps, but a very practical one, giving travelers the opportunity to have a comprehensive medical checkup while they are in Thailand for business or pleasure. Quality healthcare combined with a tourism holiday at a low price attracts patients from all over the world.


On the medical side, an Internet search of the International hospitals in Bangkok will provide all the information necessary regarding medical procedures available and the related costs. While the list is long, to start, your search should include the popular Bumrungrad Hospital, Bangkok Hospital,Samitivej Hospital, and Bangkok Nursing Home Hospital. They are all internationally accredited hospitals.


On the tourism side, Thailand is known as The Land of Smiles. It is often referred to as the most exotic country in Southeast Asia. In Bangkok a visit to the Grand Palace is a must see. Trips to a floating market or to the Bridge on the River Kwai, or other popular destinations, are easily arranged and inexpensive, even with a personal driver. A short flight or overnight train trip and you can be enjoying the pristine beaches in the Southern Islands or the Northern mountains with its waterfalls, elephants bathing in mountain streams, and Hill Tribe villages.


Consider Health Tourism in Thailand. You will readily see that you can have a medical procedure, and a wonderful holiday, all at less cost that you would have paid for the medical procedure alone in the West.

About the Author

Brian Bees has lived and worked in Asia for 28 years.

A "must read" overview on Thailand and other Asian countries is the Retire to Asia! E-Book. 67 pages of text and stunning photographs. Visit me at http://www.retiretoasia.net

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Stress Buster Holiday In Thailand

If you desire for a memorable and unforgettable holiday, it will be very wise of you to land in Thailand, a place of serene environment with natural beauties. The beautiful waters and the magnificent view will make you forget all your sorrows till you are in this very place. People from all across the globe come here leaving behind all their stress and worldly tensions to watch the blue waters starting from their foot step and escaping into the long lost horizon. The place that attracts maximum visitors is Koh Samui, a beautiful island in Surat Thani, which is the largest province in southern Thailand. People visiting Koh Samui cannot help falling in love with its picturesque view.


Koh Samui is well equipped with both water and air transport facilities. If you want an adventurous start for your perfect holiday, you can always choose ferry transportation from Surat Thani and reach to the white sandy beaches of Koh Samui crossing the waving and rippling waters.


Tourists visiting Koh Samui don’t have to face any accommodation problem, thanks to a number of luxurious and affordable hotels and bungalows in the beautiful island. To add to the facilities of the tourists all the hotels and luxury bungalows are not very far from the most popular beaches like Bophut beach, Choeng Mon beach, Chaweng beach, Bang Rak beach and Mae Nam beach. Some of the notable hotels are Lamai Buri resort, Grand sea view resort, X2 Samui, Matlang resort, Serene Hill resort and many more. As these hotels are very close to the beaches you can take a quick walk to the beaches no matter which hotel you check in. You can enjoy watching the sun rising and setting. Any tourist wishing to live life in Thailand to the fullest can always go for the luxurious Ko Samui bungalows.


A coastal road encircles the palm-fringed paradise or the Koh Samui Island. The other attractions besides the lovely beaches are the coral beds, the coconut plantations as well as forested hills. The Lamai beach is very attractive for its magnificent view along with luxury accommodations. However if you wish, you can always try the adventure sports like aqua diving and aqua biking in the beaches like Chaweng and Bophut. Nathon is the capital of Koh Samui which is situated on the southwest coast of the island. The other primary tourist attractions include the Namtok Hin Lat water fall, buttery fly garden, Ban Lipa Yai village, Thong Takhian and the snake farm of Laem Set.

By: Suchi Thomson

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How To Successfuly Go Trekking In Northern Thailand

Trekking throughout Northern Thailand has become a very fashionable extension to the standard sight-seeing tours that have operated in this area for many years. For thousands of tourists each year, along with the history & charm of Chiang Mai & its people, trekking has become a major drawer for the region.


The aim of this article is to provide hands on "how to" information to ensure that you get the very best from your particular trek.


Trekking in Northern Thailand provides its visitors with memories that will stay with them forever, it really is an unforgettable experience, I actually have a couple of friends who after trekking around Northern Thailand for a couple of weeks promptly went home, sold everything up and now live up in the mountains north of Chiang Rai, and confided to me recently that they had never been happier, it’s that life changing !.


Chiang Mai as the major city in the region, is also the “hub” for all the trekking orientated activities. The mountainous ranges that surround the city, offer lush un-spoilt tropical jungles & wilderness containing numerous wild plants & flowers, including hundreds of varieties of wild flowering Orchids.


This area is also home to several groups of Hill Tribes People ,who migrated to Northern Thailand from Myanmar & China up to around 200 years ago.These trekking adventures provide the perfect opportunity to view first-hand the traditional lifestyles of the major groups of different ethnic hill tribes including the Lisu, Karen, Long Necks, Akha, Lahu, & Hmong hill tribes. Many of the treks are actually built around the hill tribe villages & people all which adds up to a fantastic adventure for both the visitors & the locals.


A good trekking guide will help explain the traditions, the unique tribal and spiritual beliefs and their rituals.


While the increasing popularity of trekking has seen some commercialisation of these ethnic groups, this does not need to detract from experiencing their unique culture and gaining an understanding of the hill tribes’ history, traditions,culture & values.


Providing that you are reasonably fit, not heavily pregnant, or a child under 6 years of age, and that you don't mind 'roughing it' a bit, then Thailand trekking is just right for you.


The treks undertaken are completely safe and the trekking is generally well organised, with registered guides leading you along well worn routes.


Chiang Mai as the trekking centre, is the place I suggest you use to book your trek, DON’T book anything on the internet, DON’T book anything until you arrive !, there are MANY different tour companies / shops offering EVERY type of tour & timescale imaginable.


Many of the guesthouses also double up as trekking tour specialists. Several of the trekking companies also have smaller satellite offices located around the main tourist areas of the Night Bazaar, Thapae Road & the eastern areas of the old city. Please check out both the Google Map for the centre of Chiang Mai & the rather fabulous Interactive Photographic Map of Chiang mai centre !!


You need to take time visiting several of the different tour companies to ensure you get EXACTLY the mix of activities that you want, don’t take notice of taxi drivers, tuk-tuk drivers, songthaew drivers or anyone else that is likely to be making money from their recommendations !!.


The main areas that the trekking tours operate in are Mae Hong Son (12hrs), Pai(6hrs) & Chiang Dao(3hrs) all north-west of Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai(6hrs) (hrs in brackets denotes travelling time from Chiang Mai) north of Chiang Mai.


Pai is also a good alternative as a base, as it is located between Mae Hong Son & Chiang Dao and offers quite a substantial range of various treks from this small town located on a plateau with mountains all around, this is quite a popular alternative to the bustle of Chiang Mai.


Pai really is an enchanting place, with a lovely winding river running through it, and lots of Homestay properties that follow the course of the river.


A few suggestions & tips to ensure you get the best of your trek:


1. What is the right size of trekking group ?: – it should always be less than 10 people, ideally 6-8 is a nicely balanced group size.


2. Who is the leader ?:- trekking alone in the mountains around Northern Thailand is NOT advised, use the services of a registered guide, all registered guides have to undertake a month’s training at the University of Chiang Mai before receiving certification. Make sure your tour operator confirms that they are also registered with T.A.T.(Tourism Authority of Thailand) before handing any money over. The T.A.T. has strict guidelines the agencies must follow to insure the trekker receives the best service with good reliable guides. You could also ask to see recommendation letters from previous satisfied “trekkies”, this is common practice and they are used to it.


3. How long are the treks?:- its really up to you, the shortest ones are just a few hours, the longest ones can be a couple of weeks, the most popular are the one & two day treks, the one day treks are typically for the people that don’t want “too much culture” ie staying out overnight, sleeping on a mat, covered by a mozzy net, eating “local” food !!. The two day treks are definitely for the hardier types who have more of the “explorer” instincts. But again it really depends on what you want from your trek you can include white-water rafting, riding elephants, bamboo rafting, jungle trekking, kayaking etc, etc.


4. Where will we stay?:- accommodation & food on ALL overnight treks is “basic”, thats half the fun, beds typically are mats made of straw with just blankets & a mosquito net to cover you, food is typically rice (with everything), fish & vegetables. It is a good idea to take chocolates, snacks & fizzy drinks with you as you will be burning a lot of energy, and some people will not take to the local food as well as others.


5. What will I need to take with me?:- Things to bring
(you can get all of these things cheaply in Chiang Mai)
- Small backpack / rucksack
- Warm, weatherproof clothing (particularly from Nov. to Feb)
- Sun block
- Lightweight raincoat / plastic poncho
- Sandals (Teva or Teva-style is good for walking through the river - as long as you don't need ankle support these are good for the whole trek for most of the year.)
- Sturdy weatherproof footwear with good grips (not essential if you are happy walking in Tevas).
- Socks (for the evenings)
- Long trousers / pants are good for parts of the trek (the ones where you can unzip the legs are ideal)
- Torch / Flashlight (+ extra batteries)
- Towel
- Hat
- Insect Repellant
- Some people like to bring along a cotton sheet / cotton sleeping bag liner for sleeping in / under.
- Money for soft drinks / beers / handicrafts / tips (small notes can be useful)


6. What is the best time of year to go?:- Chiang Mai area generally has excellent weather throughout the year, however avoid June – October as that is the rainy season, outside of that period is fine, if you choose December or January make sure you take plenty of spare clothes, it can get very chilly during the winter nights !!.


7. How to choose which trek?:- you need to first of all decide what you want included, also do you want "rigorous" trekking, or something "easier" more like a ramble. Ensure you get exactly what you want, don’t be hurried or pushed by the agents, there are plenty to choose from. Don’t just go for the cheapest trek, weigh everything up carefully, if its too cheap corners are cut which will usually result in a disappointing result.


8. What will it cost?:- costs vary tremendously as you would expect, but purely to be used as a guide(based upon 6-8 people):
1x full day tour - typically 2,500/3,000thb/person
2x full day trek - typically 2,000thb/person/day
3x full day trek - typically 1,500/2,000thb/person/day


But remember, its not about getting the cheapest price, its ALL about finding the right ingredients within the trek that you want, along with the "demands" of the trek to meet your own fitness levels.


By just following this simple guide, it will ensure that you too have memories of your time in Northern Thailand for many years to come.

By: Kevin Butters

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Beach Resorts in Thailand

A country home to breathtaking beaches, Thailand attracts beach lovers in droves from all around the world. If all you were looking for was an idyllic beach holiday, Thailand is the best place to be in this summer! The most beautiful beaches of Thailand are found in Pattaya, Phuket, Bangkok and Koh Samui. The ideally located beach resorts in Thailand give you easy access to the exciting beach activities.


Phuket Island in Thailand is home to the finest range of beaches. It is one of the favorite destinations for tourists seeking an ultimate tropical holiday! Beach lovers and adventure enthusiasts visiting Phuket from all across the world will get no dearth of beach resorts. Phuket hotels are available in a variety of categories and prices. Accommodation in Phuket varies from luxury hotels to cheap hotels, guest houses to family hotels. The lovely beaches of Phuket such as the Kata Beach, Patong Beach, Karon Beach, Bangtao Beach and Kamala Beach are some of the quiet retreats for the harried traveler! These serene beaches are also home to some of the finest beach resorts in Thailand. Whether you want to spend a relaxing holiday or want to indulge in a great variety of adventure activities, Thailand beach hotels and resorts are conveniently located for your full satisfaction! Lamai Apartment, Chada Guest House, Blue Sky Residence Patong, Lamai Guesthouse, The Bird Cage Patong Guesthouse Phuket, Phuttasa Residence Patong, Toy Beach Residence Patong and Seven Seas Hotel Patong are some of the finest names amongst beach resorts in Thailand.


You will get the best bargains and discounts on some of the beach hotels and resorts services. You have to consult discount hotel booking services to get the lowest rates on your hotel. You can compare rates of the best Thailand beach resorts from hotel booking worldwide before you reserve your hotel.


Bangkok is not home to beaches. But the neighboring islands of Bangkok have some of the beautiful beaches of Thailand. You can arrive at the Suvarnabhumi Airport at Bangkok and get to the nearest beach spots within a few hours. Jomtien Beach, Pattaya, Bang Saen, Koh samet Island, Cha Am, Pranburi and Hua Hin are some of the most popular beaches close to Bangkok. The nearby beaches of Jomtien, Hua Hin and Cha Am offer you both luxury beach hotels and cheap hotels. You can avail accommodations in and around Bangkok to access your beachfront destination conveniently. You can find out more about Bangkok hotels from online hotel booking sites. If you want to grab the best discounts on the hotel amenities, you can consult discount hotel booking sites.


If you are looking for a relaxing beachfront experience near Bangkok, you can visit the beautiful islands near Bangkok. A beachfront experience on the Koh Chang, Koh Tao and Koh Samet Islands, near Bangkok is a must for beach-lovers visiting Thailand. If you want to have some fun diving, the Koh Tao Island is the best place for you. You will get some of the best beachfront accommodations at the on Koh Chang Island, Koh Samet Island and Koh Tao in Thailand.


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