Luxury And Comfortable Holidays In Phuket, Thailand
Phuket, Thailand offers visitors a worriless opportunity to enjoy wide, sandy beaches, superb diving sites and a bustling nightlife. You can find many large resorts on the island’s beaches and quality accommodation.
Phuket town is diverse and popular city with distinct Sino-Portuguese architecture with some good places to stay, eat and busy markets to visit. You will discover the Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre and the Bang Pae Patong is the hub of the island – nightlife and after dark transfers into a crazy neon-lit town of frenetic go-go bars.
There is more than enough number of reasons to visit Phuket. The compelling charm of Phuket is one of the major reasons to choose the island as your holiday destination.
Prompthep Cape is a celebrated beauty spot for the luxury and comfort it offers with excellent unobstructed and wide views. It’s highly sought after for witnessing Phuket’s spectacular sunsets. Phuket’s wild life is an enchanting tourist attraction. Phuket Zoo provides you a superb opportunity to explore the wildlife and pleasure exercises, such as monkey shows, crocodile shows and elephant shows. It’s a treasured place to portrait wildlife in the Phuket zoo, boasting of over 600 species of birds, 100 kinds of reptiles and amphibians, and 45 types of mammals thriving on its 10 hectares of area.
Buddhist temples are a distinguishable feature of Thai culture. Wat Chalong, located in the south of the island behind Chalong Bay, is among the major attractions of Phuket. It is one of Phuket’s biggest Buddhist temples, which is widely honored for the effigies of two of its early archimandrites (abbots) who had legendary healing skills. Placed in the middle of Phuket Island is Wat Phra Thong Temple, also known as Golden Buddha Temple. It houses a huge half-buried Buddha whose enticing history extents back to centuries.
Phuket Seashell Museum is another place which offers luxury and comfort. Situated on Viset Road, near Rawai Beach, the Phuket museum is characterized by the collection of over 2,000 rarities including the only left-handed Noble Volute ever uncovered, huge clams, 380 million-year-old fossils, and one of the most elusive golden pearls of the world.
Located on the east side of Phuket Town is Koh Sirey Island (Koh Si Re) which is also a great lure for tourists. Reached by a small bridge, the island has ear-shell farms, a small number of fine beaches, a temple on a hill and an isolated village. A large part of the island is hilly and you can drive throughout the island in half an hour. Some of the inshore sights are exceptionally beautiful. For pure entertainment, you can find places where specialized entertainment is on store for you. Such exciting places are well-known for their special, lavish and personalized theater with high-tech sound and the unforgettably amazing performers.
Khao Phra Thaeo Royal wildlife forest and reserve on the north of the island is an indispensable location. The Khao Phra Thaeo National Park offers luxury and comfort to you and quite importantly a chance to move around and to enjoy the views and sounds of the tropical forest. Situated in the north of the island and including Phuket’s last part of virgin rainforest, the Park is great place to witness the sterling waterfalls, and the gibbon rehabilitation centre that desires to rehabilitate lonely pet gibbons to the wild.
Sited only three kilometers from the town, Phuket Butterfly Garden & Aquarium is an everlasting experience for all those who love nature. Here you can witness a truly fantastic collection of several hundred of the best specimens of tropic butterflies, wandering around freely under a gigantic dome. Its endless plant life, watercourses, and ponds also offer habitat for a superb collection of exotic insects and fish.
Patong Beach is the most renowned beach resort on Phuket. It affords you wide variety of activities and nightlife, and is an ideal place to party and play. Once it is dark the town has a lively nightlife that includes literally hundreds of eating places, chic lounge bars, beer bars and discos. You cannot even dream of such a complete tourist destination. Luxury and comfortable holidays in Phuket is such diverse and seductive.
Why You Should Take a Vacation In Beautiful Phuket!
Phuket is the spectacularly beautiful tropical island off the southern coast of Thailand. Known as the Pearl of the South, it offers a diverse mixture of outstanding natural beauty, culture, sport, crazy nightlife or simple relaxation. It caters for everyone, of all ages, budgets, and needs, and is one of Asia’s most popular destinations.
The breathtaking scenery of Phuket simply demands to be explored, and its variety means you will never get bored. Whether you wish to visit the mountains, the tropical jungle, the stunning waterfalls or sea caves, a number of excursions, on foot, boat or on elephant, allow you to discover the untamed interior. Of course, Phuket is also famed for its sandy, palm-lined beaches and warm blue waters, and between enjoying the sunshine on the beach or the various water-sports on offer, such as scuba diving or water-skiing, you will be spoilt for choice.
As well as the magnificent scenery, Phuket also offers a wide variety of activities that will fill your days. For those interested in exploring Phuket’s culture there is plenty to see. A number of Buddhist temples dot the island, the most important and beautiful being Wat Chalong on the southern end of the island. Phuket also has an interesting history, having been located on the trading routes between India and China from the seventeenth century, and subject to competition between European powers for its tin. Old Phuket town still has its colonial architecture and is a must see for those interested in the rich history of Phuket. A visit to the villages of the Chao Leh, or sea-gypsies, along the coast is worth a visit too. Having earned their living in the nineteenth century through piracy or pearl diving, the Chao Leh are now predominantly fishermen, and they offer a glimpse of the other side of this tropical island. Other popular attractions include a trip to the Phuket Fantasea, a unique cultural theme park, or watching Muay Thai, or Thai Boxing. There are also a number of festivals throughout the year that are a mix of celebration and spiritualism for the islanders. And on those days you don’t feel like exploring Phuket’s rich heritage and culture, there is also great shopping to be had!
If, after packing your days with action, you still have the energy to continue, then Phuket also offers a fantastic nightlife- and again, caters for everyone. Patong is the most hedonistic and raucous destination, crammed with go-go bars, discos, restaurants and bars. It is the home of the Simon Cabaret, a mesmerising and fantastical transvestite cabaret which simply needs to be seen. Just as vibrant, although less frenetic, is Karon, while the areas of Kata and Phuket City offer a more family friendly and laid back atmosphere, with a touch of local flavour. Of course, the morning after can be a little stressful, and a number of Spas aim to rebalance your well being in a serene and calm environment. Failing that, a few rounds of gold on one of Phuket’s many golf courses might do the trick.
Phuket can be many different things to different people, being at once energetic, hedonistic, exciting, untamed, spiritual, secluded, relaxing and cultural. It offers you the chance to fill your days and nights with action, fun or leisure, whether through exploration, sport, culture, or simply a day at the beach.
PHUKET ISLAND
Phuket, the biggest island of Thailand, is one of the hottest travel destinations in the world. Some beautiful white sandy beaches surrounded by Palm and Coconut trees constitute the landscape of this beautiful island. There are both kinds of beaches in Phuket. Some bustle with leisurely activities of tourists like the famous Patong beach, while some are serene and tranquil, like Kamala beach.
Apart from the famous beaches, Phuket also has some ancient Buddhist temples and Chinese shrines, for those who are fond to explore historical places. Wat Chalong and Wat Phra Nang Sang temples are among the most visited temples. There are many coral islands around Phuket too.
There is no dearth of leisurely and adrenaline-pumping adventurous activities on this Island. Activities like Elephant safari into the tropical forests of Thailand and a host of water sports offered on the beach add to the recreational quotient of Phuket. And add to this the yummiest of all seafood served in the restaurants along the beaches. With a bustling nightlife and a host of partying places, the fun doesn’t seem to stop in Phuket.
For tourists looking for an in expensive travel package to get the true Thai experience, Phuket offers it all. With a wide range of budget hotels and comparatively cheaper bars and eating joints, more tourists prefer this beautiful island to Bali. For shopping, along with the small shops along the patong beach, which offer cheaper goods, there are also big malls like Junkceylon mall and Central Carnival Mallin Phuket, which house international brands.
Whether it’s strolling bare feet on the soft sand of the beaches, or jet skiing on the beautiful Arabian see or walking leisurely and enjoying the beautiful weather in the market along Patong beach, Phuket offers many memorable experiences to cherishPhuketHotel Apart from the famous beaches, Phuket also has some ancient Buddhist temples and Chinese shrines, for those who are fond to explore historical places. Wat Chalong and Wat Phra Nang Sang temples are among the most visited temples.
Thailand Travellers – Explore The Mystery Of Thailand
Thailand is teeming with tourists, perhaps it is because of blend of mystery and excitement, the mix of ancient lore and modern nightlife. Thailand, has been known as Siam for centuries, Thailand has been a crossroads of culture and religion and the 21st century has not changed that fact.
If you are a Buddhist, it is the destination of a lifetime, if you are simply one who enjoys witnessing a culture far different than your own; again it is the destination of life time. For the devotee of Buddha; Thailand is home to some of the most unique and unusual Buddhist temples in the world.
And even if you are not a Buddhist, to stare at the emerald Buddha, crafted entirely of jasper quartz or jade is staggering to the imagination; the jade is dated to the 15th century, with the murals not being quite as old.
Add to that the fact that travelling in Thailand (not counting the airfare to get there) is one of the most inexpensive destinations worldwide. Hotels, food, shopping all are priced to make even a tourist with a modest budget, travel in style and eat like a King (a bowl of noodles cost less than one Dollar US)
If you are either the type of traveller who goes with a group, or strikes out on your own; either is find in Thailand with hotels to accommodate any budget. Backpackers can choose Kaosan road and if your tastes are more refined, you can choose packages from $40 to $100 or even $200 a night. The service is outstanding and staff will cater to your every whim.
Bangkok is full of activity, home to The National Museum of Thai art, musical instruments, weapons, woodcarving, ceramics, clothing and sacred Buddha images. While you’re here, don’t miss the Vinmanmek Teak Mansion, the largest teak structure standing. And of course you’ll want to visit The Royal Elephant Museum and Dusuit Zoom.
ROYAL ELEPHANT MUSEUM: The Royal Elephant Museum (this was first a stable for elephants commissioned by King Chulalongkorn) was an area or enclosure in the Palace and would eventually lay claim to containing the famous white elephant. This elephant was purported to have spiritual powers and was later elevated royal status in 1906.
While there are many ways to travel, I feel that coming to Thailand with a tour is not the best way to see the country. Certainly you will hit the high spots, but you will be surrounded by many other tourists, many love to discover Thailand more intimately. Thailand is a country that loves visitors, has kind and caring people and getting from one place to the other is easy, with the skytrain, taxi or tuk-tuk.
TUK-TUK: The tuk-tuk is like a small taxi and is widely used for transporting people in Southeast Asia. The name itself is derived from the sound of the engine. Tourist seem to like them since in times of increased traffic, they are often faster than a taxi. Be certain of the price you are paying for your ride and bargain for your fare, it is not expected to pay the first price you are quoted in Thailand.
Travelling Thailand: 5 Top Destinations
August 15, 2009 by admin
Filed under Restaurants
With several sights to see and surprises to offer, Thailand could be one of the best locations you should not miss to visit. Culture, beaches, people, and heritage sites are some of the things you can expect when you travel to Thailand.
Bangkok – Traveling Thailand wound not be complete without visiting Bangkok. As the nation’s capital with an estimated population of over 10 million (including the neighboring provinces), this city is by far the largest in the country. The city is divided into 50 districts or khet but for tourists and those who are new in the place, 6 divisions would be more useful. These are Ratchadaphisek in the northeast section of the city, Sukhamvit in the southeast, Silom in the south, Thonburi in the west, Rattanakosin in the central north, and Phahanyothin in the north. The whole Bangkok district would give you a diverse taste of culture, history, religion, modernity, and fast-phase life. You can actually witness how all these blend together to comprise the whole Bangkok package. Buddhist temples, historical museums, towering buildings, contemporary restaurants and hotels, shopping centers, canals and rivers, and food make Bangkok a one of a kind city in Southeast Asia.
Phuket – Down south, Phuket features magnificent beaches, tropical sunsets, white sands, blue seas, and breathtaking sceneries. No wonder it is the most popular vacation destination in Asia beating every beaches of the neighboring countries. It has several beaches like Kata Beach, Karon Beach, Patong Beach, Kamala Beach, and Surin Beach. The island showcases several water sports and activities including parasailing, jet-skiing, and scuba diving. By day, Phuket is alive with beachgoers and shoppers and by night, lights, sounds, and party people dominate the whole island.
Chiang Mai – The second largest city in Thailand with an estimated population of more than 200,000. This city located in the northern part of the country offers greener and quieter city. Chiang Mai’s tourism is becoming more and more popular and permanently settling at this city is very common. When you travel Thailand and visit Chiang Mai, you surely would want to see museums such as Hilltribe Research Institute Museum and the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center. With religion and history enriching the city, you can see several Buddhist temples such as Wat Chiang Mun, Wat Chiang Mun, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Oo-Mong, Wat Phra Jao Mengrai, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, and Wat Chedi Luang. The oldest temple dates back in the 11th century. Chiang Mai features attractions such as Chiang Mai Flower Festival in February, Bo Sang Umbrella & Sankampang Handicrafts Festival in January, The 2nd Orchid Fair also in January, and the Loi Krathong Festival usually falls in November.
Pattaya – Located 150 km. north of Bangkok, Pattaya is one of the most popular tourist destinations, which offers great beaches, beer and go-go bars, and a wide Array of sport activities. Visit Pattaya when you travel Thailand is a must. Although it is the most overdeveloped part of the country in terms of tourism, prices in Pattaya still remains with reach. In fact, prices of foods, accommodation, and transportations are very affordable.
Krabi – In a small province of Krabi lies a small town with the same name. Paying a visit Krabi town when you travel Thailand is worth the time. Located south of Bangkok near Phuket and Phi Phi island, the town features great beaches along with high end hotels and not so expensive hotel that cater tourists of different classes.
Guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand’s
May 8, 2009 by admin
Filed under Restaurants
This isolation has kept Chiang Mai’s distinctive charm relatively intact to the present day. It is pleasant to be able to report that a destination has improved over recent years, as has been the case in Chiang Mai, where the moats have been dredged and repaired, many roads repaved in attractive red bricks, lumpy concrete lamp posts replaced with ornate ones and the city walls restored.
On the one hand, the northern Thai city still holds on to its rural roots and the earthy local culture known as ‘Lanna’, which literally means ‘one million rice fields’. On the other hand, Chiang Mai has its own airport, three universities and outlets representing all the country’s main chains of shopping malls and restaurants.
Its main attractions, however, are its style and its splendour. Wander the Old City’s backstreets and you will stumble on some of southeast Asia’s most alluring Buddhist temples. There are over 300 temples in Chiang Mai and its outskirts, of which maybe be most magnificent is Wat Doi Suthep, topped by a stunning 24 metre high gilded chedi, partially shaded by gilded bronze parasols. Established in 1383 and famous for its large gold-plated chedi, it overlooks the city from its 1,073m eerie on the slopes of 1,685 metre Doi (Mount) Suthep and is visible from the city on a clear day. The site was selected by sending an elephant to roam at will up the mountainside. When it reached this spot, it trumpeted, circled three times, and knelt down, which was interpreted as a sign indicating an auspicious site. Centrally-located Wat Phra Singh temple’s small wooden Phra Viharn Lai Kham building is perhaps Chiang Mai’s most beautiful. The front of the building’s exterior is ornately decorated with gold leaf flowers on a red lacquer background whilst, in the interior, exquisitely carved window frames compete for the eye’s attention with fascinating and detailed wall murals.
At each corner of the Old City moat, you will be distracted by the spicy aromas that waft from the woks used to cook the region’s distinct cuisine, which fuses Thai, Lao, Burmese, Mon, and Chinese influences. For visitors whose bums are bored of bucket seat restaurants, the city has droves of restaurants that serve every kind of cooking imaginable, from water buffalo beef to tapas. Chiang Mai is Thailand’s fifth biggest but second most-visited city and is a magnet for settlers from around the globe, many of whom are eccentric or unusual.
Meet silversmith Steve McCarthy, who designed the chalices that grace the spectacularly successful 2006 religious mystery movie The Da Vinci Code. McCarthy calls Chiang Mai “as close to paradise as you can get”. He likes the way that locals know neither the time nor day, have few wants and no pretensions. “People laugh at people who spend money ostentatiously,” he says, adding that everyone who visits Chiang Mai returns.
The temples and museums are as good as culture vultures would expect from Thailand’s second city, but what you maybe wouldn’t expect is that the shopping here is so good that even unreconstructed males might miraculously find themselves actually enjoying it. Chiang Mai, along with Bangkok’s weekend Jatuchak market, is one of the two best places to go shopping in Thailand. The city is the country’s best place to buy art and sculpture, of which the value and the quality of the higher-priced items is amazing. It’s best to buy it here as most of the best pieces never leave town: the best artists, like those the world over, are more interested in painting than selling. At the Sunday market here you can pick up beautiful oil paintings at less than a tenth of what comparable quality would cost you in the West. The market is open from 3 till 10pm, but don’t leave too early, as the best painters are a bit bohemian and don’t bother turning up till quite late, as they don’t have to try too hard to sell their work.
Whilst in Thailand, why not visit one of the country’s currently best three beach destinations:
Koh Lao Liang: http://www.andamanadventures.com/kohlaoliang.shtml
Ao Nang: http://www.andamanadventures.com/ao_nang.shtml
Railay/Tonsai: http://www.andamanadventures.com/railay-tonsai.shtml
Thailand Is Their Land: Travel To Thailand
The true magic you’ll find when you travel to Thailand is its alluring authenticity. Thailand is the only Southeast Asian nation never to have been colonized by European powers; consequently, the still-standing and functioning monuments of the past attract visitors who admire thousands of years of history integrated into present day society. Even more appealing, Thailand offers the diversity of a society running in parallel: booming city life and leisurely beach escapes, thickly canopied jungles and white sand islands, indulgent cuisine, clubs and cocktails and the sanctuary of Buddhist lifestyle. Thailand has come of age as a traveler’s dream destination, an affordable gateway to paradise with all the modern conveniences at your fingertips.
What’s In a Name?
The Kingdom of Thailand was known as Siam until 1939, when a bloodless revolution instated a constitutional monarchy and the name was changed to literally mean “free” land. The original kingdom was founded in 1238, but largely influenced throughout history by China and India. Geographically, Thailand is surrounded by countries whose turbulent 20th century histories have defaulted tourism into its exotic but more accessible borders. For this reason, Thailand is also a wonderful home base from which to explore Cambodia and Laos to the east, Myanmar (Burma) to the west, and Malaysia to the south.
Wat You Waiting For?
Thailand is littered with just as many exciting cities as beautiful beaches. Where you might notice the imbalance is in the inconceivable number of temples, or wat. As the main center of the very north, Chiang Mai is a large, beautiful and historic city. A visit to the famous Night Bazaar or the nearby Wiang Kum Kam archeological ruins is certainly not enough to distract even the most oblivious from the more than 300 Buddhist temples that sprinkle the skyline with shiny gold, red and green hues. Make sure to visit Wat Chiang Mun, the city’s (and possibly Thailand’s) oldest temple, located within the old city walls and dating back to 1296. Heading south, do not miss Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, Thailand’s two former capitals (the latter being the founding city) classified as World Heritage Sites filled with hundreds of beautifully maintained temples, statues and bustling human activity, all embedded within the lush green environs.
Bangkok is perched on the Gulf of Thailand, but this humming, vibrant and congested 24-hour capital city is a far cry from the resort cities and towns found east and south along Thailand’s sub-tropical coastline. Thailand extends south into the Kra Isthmus, providing for extensive coastline and some of the most filmed beaches in the world. Phuket is the most famous resort island, but more rewarding is a trip to one of the smaller and less commercialized areas. Ko Tao is of particular interest for scuba divers, while Ko Pha Ngan has become famous among younger travelers for its regular full moon festivals held all night on the sparkling shores. Ko Phi Phi is far more breathtaking in person than even the camera angles of the film “The Beach” could do it justice.
Some rudimentary social customs aside, Thailand is an extremely easy going and welcoming travel experience. Everything from simple to luxurious is at your disposal, and all with a very fair price tag, not to mention an unbeatable combination of picturesque beaches, rainforested mountains, and an intense metropolitan culture. So really, what are you waiting for? Start planning to travel to Thailand today.
A Beautiful, Amazing Must-see Place in Thailand — Chiangmai
March 19, 2009 by admin
Filed under Tourists Attractions
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.
