More and more westerners are making Thailand their home. We all bring with us our own set of core values deeply rooted from our upbringings and the societies from which we come. They are the rules by which we live our lives; the principles and moral guidelines that govern our actions and decision making process. We do not all have the same set of values but whatever values we hold, the likelihood is they are different to those held in Thailand.

Many ex-pats in Thailand are the breadwinners for their families, own their own businesses or are employed in management positions. We therefore often find ourselves in a position of authority or influence over Thai people. This leads us to a dilemma. To what extent should we enforce our own set of western values onto the Thai people over whom we have influence?

I greatly respect and enjoy Thai culture. I happily embrace many of the values of my new homeland. However, I also have my own set of values and I cannot leave them all behind just because I am now in Thailand. Many of them are too deeply entrenched in my psyche. Enforcing my set of western values into my life inevitably means also forcing them into my wife’s life. My wife is Thai and does not always believe in the same things I do.

A good example of westerners and Thais holding contrasting values is the subject of road safety. Most Thais do not believe in wearing crash helmets or seatbelts. They usually do wear them but they do so to avoid a police fine rather than for the sake of safety. Westerners generally accept that safety precautions are a good idea. We may not like our governments enforcing them on us by law but still we believe in the principle of taking safety precautions.

It is easy to understand the reasons for this difference in outlook. Thais are fatalistic. It is part of their Buddhist religion. They believe that what will be, will be. If something is going to happen then it will happen and there is little you can do about it. In the west, we believe in controlling our own destinies. We believe our actions have implications that will affect future actions.

So we have a possible cause of contention. I know some ex-pat westerners who will not start their car until all their passengers have put on their seatbelts. I know others who will not take pillion passengers on their motorbike unless they wear a helmet. These are not only commonly held western safety principles but also laws of Thailand. But still these westerners are forcing their values on Thais who do not hold the same values. We are coming to their country and forcing them to act like us. Is this right?

I have no doubt that our western outlook is the right one on this subject. I am sure most accidents are avoidable and if not you can at least take safety precautions to reduce their impact. However, that is not the point. It is not a question of who is right or wrong but whether it is right to force western values on people in our host nation who do not believe in them. One of my moral beliefs is that it is wrong to force my beliefs on other people. So I take the attitude that if people want to ride in my car or on my motorbike without taking safety precautions then it is their choice.

But what if you are responsible for that person’s safety? What if that person is a child?

When we had our first child I assumed we would buy a baby seat for the car. It is what we would do in the west. My wife was surprised when I suggested we go shopping for such an item. Why would we want to strap our baby into the back of the car? She would hold the baby while I drove.

I still believed a baby seat was a good idea so we went shopping. Of course, you will not find baby seats in most Thai shops. They are something most Thais would not think of buying. We went to look at the selection in Robinsons Department Store. They were expensive and they all needed rear seatbelts to attach them. Our car does not even have rear seatbelts so as well as buying the baby seat we would also have to get the car modified. At this point I accepted we would not buy one.

I still believed we needed one but it was just proving too hard working against the Thai belief that we didn’t. Even the sales girls agreed it wasn’t necessary.

There are many ways that westerners settling in Thailand bring parts of their home country’s lifestyle with them. In Phuket we can get western style houses, furniture, kitchens, appliances and satellite TV. I love Thai food and in our household we eat Thai food most of the time but still sometimes I want to eat western food. That will never be a problem in Phuket.

There is nothing wrong with building your own little piece of home in your new country if that is what you want. The problem is when your home values start invading the lives of Thai people who do not want them.

Western culture is very invasive. We see western fast food outlets popping up all over Thailand. High profile advertising campaigns make them seem trendy and exciting ignoring the fact that the food is not as good or nutritious as the local fare. The result is lots of little fat Thai children. New 7-eleven convenience stores are popping up in every neighbourhood while the local Thai grocery stores close. The Christian religion has a history of vigorously promoting itself in non-Christian countries. The United States has a policy of promoting ‘the American way’ across the globe.

We seem to have an ingrained belief in our own rightness. We do not easily accept other nation’s cultures or values. We expect them to change to be more like us. It is an issue about which we need to be careful when living in another culture. We do not need to lose our own identities and values but we do need to find a way to integrate them into our lives without smothering the local culture or offending local people.

or a relaxing yet adventure-filled vacation? Even before the Leonardo DiCaprio starrer, The Beach, brought controversy – and media mileage to this mystical yet modern country in the east, Thailand has long been a favorite among tourists – especially backpackers who want to experience a holiday to remember.

For first-timers in Thailand, it is highly recommended to stay in the country’s capital, Bangkok for at least three days. In spite of the many high-rise buildings and posh malls, Bangkok has certainly not lost its Eastern charm as you are reminded of the Thais rich culture every place you go – through the many temples, the delectable food, and the people’s warm hospitality. It is also good to note that holidaying in Thailand – no matter which Thai city you choose to stay in, is actually very cheap.

So let’s start with the basics of planning the ultimate Thailand holiday. First things first, you will need to find a clean, reputable – and affordable Thailand hotel. If you’re a first timer at this country, you will be surprised by how many Thailand hotels there are. From the super posh to the dirt cheap hotels frequented by backpackers, there certainly are a lot of choices when it comes to a suitable Thailand hotel for all your needs and preferences.

For those who want budget-friendly Thailand hotels that are right smack in the center of Bangkok city, the Pratunam or the Pathumwan area is the place to go. A lot of vacationing families and Asian tourists abound in this area so expect everything to be very touristy. The good thing about the Thailand hotels available in this area though is that majority of the major shopping destinations are easily within reach here. Some of the must-sees are: the popular MBK mall, the uber posh Siam Paragon and the trendy Platinum mall, which is just a few steps away from the very crowded, Pratunam market. The Platinum mall and the Pratunam market are both highly recommended by those who frequent Bangkok, you can get trendy and fashionable items for a much cheaper price compared to tourist traps like the Suan Lum Market. Just don’t forget to haggle and if you can, buy in bulk.

But back to the hotels, if you have a budget for just a 3-star hotel, expect most of Thailand hotels under this category to be fairly decent. Usually with outdated furnishings and fairly clean rooms, 3-star Thailand hotels are still able to make up for these through the great prices that they are offering as well as for the free hotel breakfast for each day of your stay. So load up on the yummy treats that will be on offer and you will surely be able to save a bit since you won’t be go around Thailand on an empty stomach.

Of course, as an added service – and a great way to earn extra, Thailand hotels also offer great sightseeing tours for their guests. If you’re not that stingy, you will find the prices for these tours to be fairly decent. Expect these tour packages to include a visit to the Grand Palace; the nearby Wat Pho where you will find the world famous, Temple of Reclining Buddha; a tour of the Floating Market where you can sample cheap and yummy Thai delicacies; and a chance to ride an elephant at the nature trek.

Other things that are pretty common services and facilities with Thailand hotels are a decent internet connection – usually available at the hotel lobby, a laundry service, and hotel pick up service. If you are interested to find out more about places to stay whether in Bangkok or other cities in Thailand, just check out the Internet for more.

Thailand, or the “Land of Smiles”, as it is also called, is one of the most popular tourist destinations. When you ask someone what are his top travel destinations, Thailand will often be the answer. What makes Thailand such a popular tourist destination? We will see that there are quite a few contributing factors that make Thailand such a popular country.

First of all, Thailand isn’t called the “Land of Smiles” for nothing; there is a good reason why it has that name. Thailand has the reputation of being a country that is extremely hospitable for tourists. Thais are such nice people, always smiling and trying to help whenever they can. They are genuinely interested and have at heart that everyone who visit’s Thailand enjoys their stay. Even though this is a very good reason to visit Thailand, there are a few more that make’s it a must for any tourist.

Another reason would be the rich culture and history of the country. When you visit Thailand, you will be amazed at the number of great temples that you can find a bit everywhere. While in Bangkok, everyone should stop by the Grand palace and the temple of the Emerald Buddha. After that, whether you go up North towards Chiang Mai or down south towards Phuket, you will find many temples and a rich culture that is truly unique. Ayutthaya is such a grand sight to behold and is an UNESCO world heritage site. But there are not only nice temples and ruins to visit in Thailand, the natural beauty of the country is one of its greatest assets.

Beautiful beaches in the South, mountains and rainforest to the North, there is really something for everyone in Thailand. Phuket is one of the top destinations in South East Asia and for good reasons. The beaches are superb, the weather is great, what can you ask more? In Thailand there are more beautiful beaches than you can possibly hope to visit during your trip, so you should choose carefully. Koh Phi Phi is one of the most popular and became famous after the movie The Beach. There are hundred of tourists that visit Koh Phi Phi every day. But the North also has its charm, although a different kind of charm. If you want to do some jungle trek, you will be very happy by going around Chiang Mai. It is a very fulfilling experience to do a jungle trek in the mountains around Chiang Mai and to visit some small villages.

Shopping is another reason why so many people go to Thailand. Bangkok is quickly becoming a shopper’s paradise. There are huge shopping malls being built around the city and the prices are very good. You can find many bargains if you look around and can also find the top brands in the bigger shopping malls such as Siam Paragon and Central World. If you stop by Bangkok, you should definitely go to the Chatuchak weekend market, the biggest open market in the world. There are over 15,000 stalls and each day hundred of thousands of people go to the market.

Thai food is another reason why people want to go to Thailand. Everyone knows about Thai food, it is very popular and gaining in popularity in Europe and North America. In Thailand, Thai food is much better than what you will find anywhere else and there are restaurants everywhere. There is so much choice of food that when arriving in Thailand you won’t know where to eat. Thai cuisine is very diverse, as there are specialties form the North of Thailand and also form the South. You should definitely try a Pad Thai when you arrive in Thailand, you will fall in love with that meal.

Finally, the last reason is the price. Aside from the air ticket, staying in Thailand is very cheap. You can find nice hotels for about 30$ US and if you eat in smaller restaurants it will cost you around 2$. Activities are also very cheap, as is travel. Staying in Thailand won’t cost you as much as the air ticket if you want to stay on a budget. You could easily spend a lot of money if you stay in the top hotels, as there are prices for everyone, but you can also easily spend very little each day.

So with all these nice factors that make Thailand truly unique, it is no wonder that it is such a popular destination. Everyone should visit Thailand at least once in their life. All of these factors individually could be enough to visit this wonderful country, but when you add them all together, you get a destination that you won’t want to leave.

You are Invited and More than Welcome to also Please Post your Comments about this article at: http://i-shoptheworld.com/2008/09/09/why-is-thailand-such-a-popular-travel-destination/

Please see http://i-shoptheworld.com/world/asia/thailand/ for More Information About Thailand and http://i-shoptheworld.com/products-page/world-origin/thailand/ for products available Directly from Thailand from http://I-ShopTheWorld.com.

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.

 

The simplest way to book a luxury hotel in Bangkok is selecting the official hotel websites of a particular hotel. Among the star rating hotels, 5 star hotels in Bangkok are the grand motels which are mostly preferred to stay by the luxury and elite class travelers. The guests of 5 star hotels in Bangkok include world famous celebrates, great politicians, famous wealthy businessmen, leaders, sportsman and great personalities.

 

The impeccable service of the five star hotels in Bangkok attracts its visitors endlessly. Choose one of the most unique, elegant and exquisite grand comfortable hotel in Bangkok. It will be worthy enough if you make a search of such hotels in search engines. However, the names of some 5 Star Hotels In Bangkok can be mentioned here.

 

The Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa is a luxury hotel which is located near the Chao Phraya River. You will definitely be pleased to see its elegantly decorated and well equipped rooms. Moreover, if you are business or leisure travelers then this resort have lots of facilities to offer to such visitors.

 

The room facilities include air-conditioning, telephone, minibar, room safe, satellite TV, voice mail, Tea & Coffee making facilities, room service, In-House Movies, Internet connection, hairdryer, Non- smoking rooms etc. Further, there are also deluxe room facilities, hotel facilities, leisure facilities, family facilities and many more. Above all, the hotel has a large swimming pool as well.

 

Bangkok the capital city of Thailand has large number of sumptuous motels. In fact, Thailand also offers lots of 5 star hotels to stay. For instance Anantara Hua Hin Resort and Spa is located on the western shores of the Gulf of Thailand.

 

Among 5 Star Hotels In Thailand this five star alliance is really beautiful abode to stay. The rooms of this hotel include fitness center, fine dining nearby, meeting space, fine dining on site, banquets & meetings, Spa facility, high speed internet, outdoor swimming pool, etc. During your stay in Anantara Hua Hin Resort and Spa, you can take part into various activities such as horse riding, jogging and running, biking, shopping, playing volleyball, boating and strolling along the beach. So book Thailand Hotels and enjoy the tour.

Upon arrival, have your first meal on the island at the Koh Chang Grand Orchid Restaurant in Klong Son village. It is under the resort of the same name and offers Thai, international, and seafood cuisine.

       

Ton Sai Restaurant is set on top of a banyan tree, thus the name. It is located at White Sand Beachand serves fusion food.

Relax after dinner by sitting back at the nearby Sabay Bar. The bar is lively with the music from a Filipino band and fire-twirling shows by skillful performers.

Blues Cha Cha bar set along the main road at Kae Bae just across The Chill is a place to

wine and unwind. Live bands plays nightly and firehouses play to the tune that fire up the atmosphere of a lively evening.

If you are looking for a 5-star environment Breezes bar at the Amari Resort would be your best pick.

Featuring a trendy decor the cozy bar plays live music 6 days a week and offers a wide selection of cocktails, beers and wines as you would expect from a 5-star hotel.

If you are a bit tired there is the sofa bed for you to stretch out. Patrons can also choose to relax at the outdoor quiet lounge facing the sea.

The White Sand Beach Restaurant is located right on the beach where guests can bask in the gentle sunshine or relax under the starry sky while dining.

The restaurant serves Thai and European menus, as well as dishes individually prepared by the chef.

Alina Restaurant, Ban Thai Restaurant and Banpu Koh Chang Restaurant are in-house restaurants for resorts of the same names on White Sand Beach.

It is an added advantage for the guests of the said resorts since these restaurants which serve seafood, Thai and international favorites are only a step away from their accommodations.

If dining under the starry sky is your current leisure pursuit, then Cookies Restaurant is the place to visit. For those seeking a Swedish dining experience, Heli’s Kitchen is definitely the right choice.

Pizza lovers should be delighted to know that there are at least three pizza places on the island. If you prefer a fine dining ambience with candle-lit tables, try Invito Italian Restaurant. Pizza Ban Nuna is, meanwhile, down to earth.

Sassi, at the Amari Emerald Cove Resort, is famous for its traditional Italian cuisine. Its bright and vibrant atmosphere is cosy yet lively. The restaurant’s air conditioned indoor ambience complements the fine tastes of Italy.Outdoor servings are available if you prefer the natural air supply.

Just one level below is the Just Thai restaurant stylishly designed with contemporary Thai

decor. Expect the more innovative Thai delicacies and fresh seafood. The restaurant turns a bit Japanese with an additional 5-course dinner menu every Mondays and Thursdays. Outdoor seatings are available here too.

The Cove Terrace boasts of an all-day a la carte menu in a bright, airy setting. Check out the special theme buffet available on some evenings. Exclusive romantic sunset dining right on the beach can be arranged.

Buffalo Bill Steak House on White Sand Beach serves one of the best steaks on the island . The wild west steak house has a very relaxed ambience and a friendly staff Here, the portions are American size but not the prices.

The Milky Bar on White Sand Beach is an ideal place for those who want to spend the night singing to the tune of music.

The Terrace Restaurant in the premise of the Chang Buri Resort and Spa on White Sand Beach is on a hillside terrace where diners can enjoy food in a natural environment. The restaurant prepares both Thai and European cuisines.

The resort’s Beach Bar Restaurant is perfect if you prefer to dine by the beach, where the menu is similar to that of the Terrace Restaurant.

For fine dining experience amongst the vegetation of a rainforest overlooking the sea go to Saffron On The Sea. This boutique restaurant offers Thai & Western delicacies in the open space with a good view of the mountain and the sunset.

For a change in scenery, schedule a breakfast or lunch date at The Cinnamon Restaurant, at the Aana Resort on Klong Prao Beach. The restaurant is located along the river, and now provides free Wi-Fi connection for its patrons.

If a light meal is all you need at the moment, then visit The Hill Bar at the same resort. Before heading down to dinner, drop by at the same bar for a sunset aperitif.

For a more relaxed dining experience, get down to Aana’s The Beach Bar for street food, drinks and cocktails. 

Imagine dining in a tropical garden setting with the sound of the lapping waves of the nearby sea. Remark Cottage Restaurant at the Klong Prao Beach makes that experience possible, plus letting you enjoy a wide variety of seafood.

 A health-conscious vacation is now possible at the Boutique Restaurant where they serve health and vegetarian foods.

Just inside the Chai Chet Resort is the Chai Chet Seafood which serves the best in seafood cuisine to its in-resort patrons.  However, they will also be happy to welcome anyone who’ll come visit them.

Enjoy a homey, cozy atmosphere while dining at the K.B. Restaurant that serves local favorites, fresh seafood, and international food.

Let Siam Beach Restaurant’s chef prepare for you only the best Thai food a la carte and discover what it is like to experience the so-called dinner in paradise.

The Bay Restaurant at the Dusit Princess Koh Chang has a delightful selections of seafood and international cuisine. Modern decor in bright colours with a view of the Bai Lan Bay will further enhance your appetite.

The fishermen’s village in Bang Bao is the place to go to for the best seafood. Here you can expect the freshest catch of

the day, at famous restaurants. One of the most reputable seafood restaurant here is the Ruan Thai Restaurant. Set above the sea the restaurant is famed for its fresh seafood prepared the local way at reasonable prices.

For a romantic culinary adventure try the Tantra Restaurant at the Nirvana Resort in Bang Bao where contemporary European and Thai cuisine are prepared by their renowned chef. An innovative promotion called the Nirvana Twilight Nights include a breathtaking view of the sunset amid soothing beats and refreshing cocktails, an illuminated jungle walk and a 3-course dinner at the restaurant set on stilts overlooking the fishing village and the calm sea. Fine wines and an extensive drinks menu add to the delight.

On the eastern coast, a vegetarian outlet–Spa Koh Chang Restaurant–is fast becoming popular among travelers. Its “Food for Health” slogan makes it a distinct choice for health-conscious diners.

Salakphet Seafood Restaurant is built above the waters, giving the place a relaxing ambience and a feel of being part of the fishing community.

Watering holes, or beer bars, can be easily found on every beach on the island.

Other than Koh Chang, most resorts on other islands include meals in their packages. Nevertheless, some restaurants such as the Makathanee Restaurant on Koh Maak also serve a la carte menus. The place which is under the resort of the same name serves seafood, local and international favorites.

Get a feeling of the island by dining at the Shantaa Restaurant on Shantaa Koh Kood. It is where local favorites are enhanced with the cooking secrets of local chefs. 

But just before heading down to the restaurant, take a detour to the resort’s Shantaa Beach Bar for your favorite drinks and snacks.

You can find more information in Koh Chang at http://www.koh-chang.com

Thailand means “land of the free” and is famously acknowledged as the “land of smiles”. You will realize why it is so called when you are relaxing in a beach looking at your children sporting smiles as wide as the estuary of an ocean amuse at the water’s edge without absolutely any care whatsoever. The kingdom boasts a wealth of culture and tradition. It also has the scenic beauty of a multifaceted countryside and gives satisfaction for everyone. Thailand has an enviable history, tropical climate and well known hospitality which is just perfect for families of all kinds ranging from the enterprising to the lazy and vacation minded families searching for pleasure.

The three major destinations that suits families are Hua Hin, Phuket and Bangkok. Hua Hin can be reached from Bangkok with a three-hour drive or a short flight. It offers safe swimming beaches, golf courses, spa resorts and magnificent shopping facilities. This is the oldest and most traditional Thai resort and is a real mixture of the attractions of a contemporary holiday destination with the beauty and fascination of a still bustling fishing port.

While most other Thai holiday destinations are specifically aiming at foreign tourists, Hua Hin is a holiday resort for families. Besides boasting a stunning beach which is as long as 5 miles, Hua Hin offers the highest density of world class golf courses anywhere in Thailand. However, it is not yet recognized as an international golf destination. Green-fees and other costs are at the moment among the cheapest in the world and course maintenance and services are excellent. Apart from sun-filled days on the beach, leisure activities for the whole family include all kinds of water sports.

In the surrounding areas around the town you can find exceptional parks and peaks, caves and waterfalls. Once it is evening the winding roads with numerous and diverse shops make a fantastic stroll. The restaurants constructed on stilts into the sea provide excellent seafood in the legendary and unmatched preparation of the Thai cuisine. Hua Hin offers you everything needed for a unique holiday experience.

Phuket Island is arguably the most celebrated tourist destination in Thailand. Phuket is widely known as the “pearl of the south” and has an excellent selection of resorts from three to five star. There is a compelling scenery on display and the main attractions include the majestic limestone scenery of Phang Nga Bay, the admirable Phi Phi Island and other options like elephant rides, canoeing, rock climbing and horse riding are also available. It also offers tourists the chance for sightseeing around the historic temples, shopping in the alluring markets and nature reserves where you can enjoy a comfortable holiday on journeys to Thailand.

Bangkok, the busy capital city of Thailand, is famous for many historic pagodas, monuments and tourist attractions. Some of the popular sights are the Chao Praya River on which Royal Barge parades took place, The Grand Palace – the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the Marble Temple, the Golden Mount and other favorite destinations include the Temple of the Golden Buddha which is home to an image of the Buddha which is three meters tall and made of solid gold, the National Museum and the Royal Barge Museum. Bangkok has achieved fame also for its shopping district and its life after dark unfolds with clubs and bars functioning throughout day and night. So if you are planning an overseas family trip, there may not be too many better choices than the diverse and awe inspiring country of Thailand.

Shoestring budgets

I have travelled to Thailand before, that inevitable shoestring holiday of sun, city, beach and a starvation diet of cheap alcohol, old fried rice and the occasional luxury of sweet Thai dessert. Watching the movie called the Beach the other day, made me realize how close they were to reproducing an authentic guest house Del cheapo Bangkok. The only thing they got wrong were the walls of the guest house, Thai hotels and guest houses have completely enclosed walls, not ones that are open at the top as depicted in the movie. The open style walls in hotels however, can be found in cheap Chinese hotels in places like Penang, Malaysia. If you are fortunate enough to stay in one, you will have the luxury of breathing the same tobacco smoke filled, alcoholic and germinated air as another fifty odd guests.

Luxury is Luxury in Thailand

Cast all that to the back of your mind, then close your eyes and think of serenity, peace, beauty and gold.  These are some of the words that we can sum up to help us attain that sense of the luxury we all desire.  Thanks to the history of Thailand, Thailand already has a sense of luxury that includes all the above and more.  Thousands of years of monarchy built the Kingdom, also known as Siam, to what it is today.  And at its heart is the City of Angels or, Krungthep as Bangkok is most widely referred to amongst Thai people.  Its full name gives reference to the most revered palace in Thai culture and in full reads; “The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city (of Ayutthaya) of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn”

To enjoy these aspects of Thai culture and the history of the Kingdom, I would recommend a visit to this special place of worship, the temple that lies within the walls of the famed Royal Grand Palace as mentioned in the city name; The Emerald Buddha.  Thai history and culture combined with its strong sense of religion makes Thailand one of the most fascinating countries to visit. Add luxury to your wish list and you’ll have a dream holiday of a lifetime. In the early 1900s King Rama VI aimed at bringing a self rule utopia to the Kingdom, his ideology  was named Dusit Thani “Town in heaven” and it gave a chance for the general populace to enjoy a taste of what is now known as democracy. 

Mention the word Dusit Thani today however, and you will think of one of the most luxurious hotels in the world.   With over 500 spacious and luxury style rooms, Dusit Thani Bangkok is a very popular hotel located in the heart of Bangkok’s busy shopping centre and near the night markets. Its central location and easy access to both sky train and subway makes it a perfect choice for luxury and accessibility to the rest of the city. My personal favourite in my dream of dream’s holiday would have to be the Thai Heritage Suite. A luxurious setting of traditional Thai style combined with a five star service of western cultural desire.   Surely a hotel to remember them by.

The most expensive part of travel to Cambodia and indeed any international destination is the price of the airplane ticket. This is particularly true for Cambodia which doesn’t have a direct destination link with major airlines based out of the South East Asia catchment area. However the introduction of online airline booking systems has made the costs to travelers more competitive. It is now possible to receive  price comparisons from over 100 different airlines in a matter of minutes. The arrival of budget airlines in the South East Asia area has also made the market more competitive and offered more assistance to the budget traveler.

With the cost of internal air travel in Cambodia expensive the budget traveler will be seeking out alternate forms of transport. Cambodia fortunately has very efficient bus services utilizing the country’s modern highway system. Where is your favorite destination point in Cambodia? Is it Siem Reap in the north to view the majestic Angkor temples? Is it the coastal region to the south including the port and beaches of Sihanoukville on the Gulf of Thailand? Or is it the lesser known town of Kratie on the Mekong River where you’ll be able to sight the Irrawaddy dolphins? All these destinations are a 5 to 6 hour bus trip from the capital city; Phnom Penh.The International Airport at Phnom Penh is the busiest airport in Cambodia and is the first port of call for most travelers.

All long distance bus services in Cambodia operate during daylight hours. With buses setting out as early as 7 am travelers have enough time to enjoy the sights after reaching their travel destination without losing a entire day on traveling

In this part of South East Asia, Cambodia offers cheap accommodation. It is possible to stay in clean, guesthouse accommodation from as low as US$4 per night. US dollars as well as Cambodian riel’s are the accepted currencies in this country. For the budget traveler these accommodation prices represent great value as generally accommodation is the most expensive cost after air travel.

The low local cost of living is reflected in the price of food. It is possible to get an excellent, nourishing meal for under $2 from street vendors. By simply following locals to where they go to eat, travelers will save money by not needing to pay expensive restaurant prices. There needs to be no excuse to put off travelling to Cambodia as it would qualify as one of the World’s most affordable travel destinations amidst some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.

Foreigners love their hamburgers, French fries, soft drinks and Thai’s just have to have rice with every meal. But which would I prefer after living most of my life in Canada and now having retired to Chiang Mai, Thailand?

As with any large city there are an abundance of fine restaurants catering to different tastes and budgets. Chiang Mai is no different. Thai people love to eat. Restaurants are full of Thai’s and foreigners enjoying all types of cuisine. Rather than deal with fine restaurants which we all dine at but not every day this article deals with the day to day dining of the Thai people here in Chiang Mai.

Popular restaurants in North America are Harvey’s, McDonalds, and Burger King. Here we have the street vendors. The end result is a quickly prepared affordable meal.

The street vendors may sell fresh fruits such as pineapple, mango, watermelon, strawberries (locally grown), and more. Each fruit is cut up into small pieces and placed in a plastic bag and you are provided a long wooden stick with which to eat it. Cost is normally 10 baht which comes to about 25 cents U.S. and the fruits are kept cool and are delicious. Also vendors here sell fast foods and snacks. Get a meal of cooked rice, meat and veggies again placed in a plastic bag but this time wrapped tightly by an elastic band for about 20 baht or 50 cents U.S. Take your pick of a rice dish, or a noodle dish or a soup. Tasty and normally already prepared and wrapped and still warm or if you want to wait one minute they will take it out of the pot and put it into the bag while you wait. So a cooked meal and a tasty snack for a total of about 75 cents U.S. For many Thai’s in Chiang Mai this is there most common meal. They then proceed to drive home, unwrap the elastic, put some rice in a bowl, place several cups of the table with a bottle of water and that is one of their meals.

We all love fast foods and we all want it to be affordable. That we have in common. What you will find different between here and there is the price, quality and service.

Price. The price of meals whether it be at restaurants, or street vendors is cheap compared to what we are used to. A filling meal can be had for less than a 1US dollar for a meal I described above which includes a bowl of rice, cooked meal from street vendor and fruit from street vendor. For only $2.50 U.S. you can dine out at an all you can eat full course buffet, desserts, coffee, tip and taxes included as well as a tip for the parking lot attendant The prices are low because the ingredients are locally grown and because the labor cost is inexpensive.

Quality. The quality of the food is much healthier here than back home. Back home KFC, McDonalds, and Harvey’s are popular lunch and dinner restaurants. If you think you are thinking healthy foods there think again. Here you do not have the greasy French fries, Hamburgers stuffed full of ketchup, mustard, onions, mayo and more to hide the taste of the meat you are eating. Here you eat rice, fresh vegetables, fresh fish, drink water with the meals as opposed to a bucket sized plastic container packed full of ice and watered down sugar flavored soft drink.

Service. A teenager earning a few extra bucks in a fast food restaurant or an adult making a living out of working full time in a restaurant here. Which one would you expect to provide the best service? Nothing more needs to be said.

If you come to Chiang Mai do not go searching for restaurants that have what you normally eat. You may as well stay home and buy a video about Thailand, or watch a TV program about Thailand.

The foods here are tasty, healthy, and inexpensive.

The basic ingredient in all the meals is rice. Yes rice for breakfast too. I have never been one for rice. Potatoes was my staple. But here potatoes are pricey and although I admit to buying them and making potato soup and french fries it is the exception and not the rule.

As I have said before, the Thai’s are known for making anything taste good.

So take fresh ingredients combine that with rice and special sauces which are the key to the taste and there you have it – Healthy, Tasty, and Inexpensive meals.

Top if off with locally grown fresh pineapple, watermelon, mango, strawberries or a dozen or more fruits and you have a meal you will enjoy and which is good for you.

The funny thing about foods is that whatever you really like is NO GOOD for you. What are your favorites? Cake, pies, French fries, hamburgers, ice-cream. Well they are not that good for you in terms of eating them regularly. What do you hate to eat? Broccoli, asparagus, spinach, brown rice, boiled chicken. Well these are good for you.

So if you come here to Thailand. do try several different types of Thai foods. You may find a soup that you just cannot get enough of, or a Thai dessert that you have no idea what it was and which you absolutely enjoyed, or fresh fish which is abundant here. Prawns, sea bass and more cooked up on a large plate will leave you wanting more.

I have eaten meals, snacks and fruits sold by small roadside food vendors and never experienced any problems. The ingredients are fresh, kept on ice if required and cooking areas cleaned regularly. So I see this as a safe, inexpensive way to buy snacks and meals. I would recommend that you carry a bottle of water which can be purchased at 7-11 for only 13 cents as you may get a bit dehydrated especially if you are doing a lot of walking and this if anything may be the cause of a quick jaunt to the rest room.

Are there things that I do not eat that Thai’s eat? Yes there is a fruit called Durian, the Thai’s just love it but it has such a foul odor that when I gave it a try I had to breathe through my mouth. Apart from the odor it has the texture of a pudding and is rich in flavor. What I did not have the courage to try and which I expect would be healthy to eat was the fried insects. I suppose that it is just a matter of getting used to the sight of them. Perhaps I could dine on both the fruit and insects regularly if I kept breathing through my nose and kept my eyes shut while I ate.

But you should try what we call Suki. It is a soup that you cook on your table in a pot with hot coals underneath. You decide on the ingredients such as chicken, beef, liver, fish and add them and take them out when they are cooked. Normally the meats go in first as they take longer to cook and then the vegetables. In about 5 minutes you have your soup. Two small bowls will accompany the meal. They are both made of hot peppers. One has the appearance of a green paste and the other a red paste. You can either dip your meat or fish into the paste or put a teaspoonful into your soup. The green paste is spicy, makes me perspire a bit and gives me a longing for a cold glass of water during I eat my soup. The red paste I do not touch and would not recommend you try it unless you are accustomed to eating it or you are Mexican. My girlfriend eats her Suki with the green paste and admits to making trips to the washroom during the middle of the night and not to brush here teeth. A filling meal for 4 people for about $3 U.S. and that includes taxes, tip, and bottled water with a bucket of ice.

Remember how earlier on I said that the Thai’s have a reputation for making any food taste delicious. That is true. The KEY is the sauce. I do not know what ingredients go into the sauces but I do know that I was not a rice eater and now with I will be scraping the bottom of each bowl of food that is served to me. Normal white rice cooked in a rice cooker combined with fried vegetables and meat with the special sauce is simply delicious.

And if you want to know where I would eat given the choice now, a fast food restaurant there or a street vendor here? My reply would be a street vendor here. After the meal here I am filled up, the food is delicious, the fruits are fantastic and prices are so low and I feel fitter.

Want to learn more about Thai foods. Check out our Thai foods and recipes on our website.