Thailand (Heart of Asia) Holidays

Heart of Asia
One of the world's most popular cuisines. Beautiful beaches and islands. Friendly, charming people. Warm weather all year round. Cheap prices for most things. Colourful, enchanting temples. An exotic culture preserved through the ages in a country that has never been colonised. Where are we talking about? Thailand, of course!

Why Thailand
You can travel to Thailand, if you want to experience lovely smiles and gentleness of Thai people and scenic & cultural treasures of Thailand. Thailand certainly is the "Land of Smiles," which can make you smile, too. It's really is enamoring and exotic country, known for its inviting people, culture,scenery, cuisine, and overall lifestyle. (Travelhouseuk)

A Prequent Choice in International Travel
Located in the heart of Asia, Thailand has been captivating foreign visitors fo decades. Previous visitors return year after year and as the word spreads, first-time visitors come flooding in. The number of foreign visitors to Thailand continues to increase and year after year, records are broken as international visitors flock to this fascinating country.










(Source picture ) : www.sheratonpattaya.blogspot.com
www.thailander.com

LoyKrathong Festival

LoyKrathong Day

One of the most beautiful festivals that take place in Thailand is the one for LoyKrathong. This is celebrated on the full moon in November 12, 2008. The word Loy means to float, and a Krathong is a banana leaf cup. People place a candle and incense sticks in their Krathongs and then float them on a local river or pond. As they push away their Krathong, they ask for forgiveness in polluting the waterways and also for good luck in the coming months.

The festival probably originated in India as a Hindo festival similar to Deepavali as thanksgiving to the deity of Ganges with floating lanterns for giving life throughout the year. According to the writings of H.M. King Rama IV in 1863, the originally Brahmanical festival was adapted by Buddhists in Thailand as a ceremony to honour the original Buddha, Siddhartha Guatama. Apart from venerating the Buddha with light (the candle on the raft), the act of floating away the candle raft is symbolic of letting go of all one's grudges, anger and defilements, so that one can start life afresh on a better foot. People will also cut their fingernails and hair and add them to the raft as a symbol of letting go of the bad part of oneself. Many

Thai believe that floating a krathong will create good luck, and they do it to

honor and thank the Goddess of Water, Phra Mae Khongkha. The beauty contests that accompany the festival are known as "Noppamas Queen Contests". According to legend, Noppamas was a consort of the Sukothai King Loethai (14th century) and she was the first to float decorated krathongs. The Loi Krathong festival is also associated with the start of vegetable carving. The Thai tradition of Loy Krathong started off in Sukhothai, but is now celebrated throughout Thailand, with the festivities in Chiang Mai and Ayutthaya being particularly well known. In Chiang Mai Loi Krathong is also known as "Yi Peng". Every year thousands of people assemble to float the banana-leaf krathong onto the waterways of the city, honouring the Gooddess of Water. A multitude of Lanna-style sky lanterns (khom fai) are also launched into the air where they resemble large flocks of giant fluorescent jellyfish gracefully floating by through the skies. These are believed to help rid the locals of troubles and are also taken to decorate houses and streets. Kelantan also has the same celebration, especially in the Tumpat area. The ministry in charge of tourism in Malaysia recognises it as an attraction for tourist. Many people visit the celebration each year. (www.wikipedia.org)

Phi Phi Islands

Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands are located in Thailand, between the large island of Phuket and the western Andaman Sea coast of the mainland. Kho Phi Phi Don ("Kho" (Thai : เกาะ) meaning "island" in the Thai language) is the largest island of the group, and is the only island with permanent inhabitants, although the beaches of the second largest island, Kho Phi Phi are visited by many people as well. There are no accomodation facilities on this island, but it is just a short boat ride from Kho Phi Phi Don. The rest of the islands in the group, including Bida Nok, Bida Noi, and Bamboo Island, are not much more than large limestone rocks out of the sea.
Koh Phi Phi Leh was the backdrop for the 2000 movie The Beach. Phi Phi Leh also houses the 'Viking Cave', from which there is a thriving bird's nest soup industry. There was criticism during filming of the ' The Beach' that the permission granted to the film company to physically alter the environment inside Phi Phi Islands National Park was illegal. The controversy cooled down however, when it was discovered that the producers had done such as a decent job of restoring the place that it finally looked better than it had done before.
Following the release of The Beach, tourism on Phi Phi Don increased dramatically, and with it the populaation of the island. Many buildings were constructed without planning permission.
Koh Phi Phi was devastated by the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004, when nearly all of the island's infrastructure was wiped out. Redevelopment has, however, been swift, and services like electricity, water, Internet access and ATMs are up and running again, but waste handing has been slower to come back online. (http://en.wikipedia.org/)

Where to Stay in Bangkok?

Where to Stay in Bangkok?

Bangkok offers a diverse choice in accommodations to match every taste and budget. A visitor can afford to stay royally in an elegant hotels or live peacefully in a guest house on a moderate budget. Since lot of hotels are often completely booked during the peak season from November to March, it is advisable that visitors go for advance reservations if they are contemplating to visit during this period. Accommodations cost lesser compared to Hong Kong and Sigapore and inexpensive by Western standards, specifically because of the degradation of Thai currency due to the Asian economic crisis of 1997.

The major hotels districts are based around Siam Square and Ploenchit Road; close to the Chao Phraya River, along Silom Road, Surawong Road and Sukhumvit Road. There are other places such as Banglampoo for modest guesthouses accessed by backpackers, along the river where some modern high-rise hotels are expected to come up; and Chinatown, which is among the most energetic and typically Asian parts of Bangkok.

Around Siam Square, you will discover some very admirable places to live in. You can also find variety of shops, restaurants and nightspots. The less costly places are centered on Soi Kasemann 1 and near Jim Thompson's House and Museum. These places, such as Bed and Breakfast, provide a guesthouse atmosphere coupled with hotel comfort.

The areas of Chao Phraya River, Silom Road and Surawong Road enclose some of the older sections of Bangkok. The area around Silom Road and Surawong Road is recognizied as the financial district, and has numerous hotels and restaurants. You can find enough entertainment and shopping options in the Patpong Night Market. You can also find centrally placed top-class hotels suitable for both business and leisure. The Luxury establishments, characterizes a distinctly Thai character and boasts an elegant design.

If you travel further towards the west, you will arrive at the riverbank, where some of the outstanding hotels in Bangkok are to be discovered. Hotels here deliver riverfront luxury biased toward tour groups. Most hotels here offer you world-class facilities along with exceptional view from its rooms. There is a handful of other hotels overlooking the Chao Phraya River.

Sukhumvit Road is another area popular for shops and nightspots. The area also boasts for some extremely attractive bars. There is good enough presence of midrange hotels and Inns here. But the better four-star and five-star hotels cater more for business travelers than tourists. Even if they lack in character, they more tahn compensate for that in the facilities they provide.

There are some brand-new hotels oriented toward the business traveler and also possesses most modern fitness centers. There is no shortage for luxurious hotels either on Sukhumvit, while there are also old hotels having their own tradition to show for People who love modern-sized, unpretentious topnotch accommodation are not disappointed either. Some of the hotels also have rooms affording you nice views of the Bangkok skyline.

No matter wherever you decide to stay in Bangkok, the hospitable people here in the "Land of Smiles" will provide you everything needed to relax and enjoy your time in this fantastic city. (Gregory Smyth)

Koh Samui

Koh Samui : A New Luxury Destination in Thailand
Koh Samui, also known as Samui, is Thailand's one of the most idyllic islands, located in the Guft of Thailand. Situated about 85 km east of Surat Thani and about 700 km south of Bangkok, Koh Samui is the largest island on the Gulf of Siam and third largest island in Thailand, other two being Phuket and Koh Chang. Sometimes Koh Samui is also referred to sa Coconut Island because of its countless number of coconut palms, harvesting more than two million coconuts per month. Koh Samui's prime attraction is undoubtedly its serene environment blessed with mountainous jungle terrains, luxuriant tropical ferns, swaying coconut palms, long stretch of pristine white sandy beaches, grante boulders, clear blue water, superb waterfalls, and sparking ponds, Hence, it is no wounder why foreigners, particularly from Europe, flock here year - round.
One of the most popular among the Koh Samui's attractions is Wua Ta Lap, which has to its credit a stunning cave. Perhaps the most prominent attraction of Koh Samui is Pra Yai or the Big Buddha - a 12 mt high golden statue which is proudly placed at the northern point of the island. This astounding image is visible even from several kilometers away. Located at the southern part of the island, Na Thian numberous species of butterflies. A well-maintained garden, bee house, and a Thai style house are also attached to the garden.
There are also some interesting destinations in the area, such as, Hin Ta Hin Yai, which are two renowned granite stones that stand out among numerous other rock formations along the coastline. These two rocks, literally meaning Grandfather and Grandmother are beleved to be the origin of the Mui people. Landmarks also include the Samui Aquarium with a variety of tropical fish and marine fauna. Other worth visiting destinations in the area Thale Nai, encircled by mountains; the statue Garden featuring an array of Buddhist and Hindu Statues; and Tham Bua Bok.
In addition, Samui is much famed for its incredible beaches such as Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, and Maenam Beach, each of them providing options to enjoy a range of activities such as fishing, boat chartering, and sailing. Further, Samui boasts of some stunning water falls like Namuang. Koh Samui is home to some of the best diving sites in Thailand, with a range of spectacular islets such as koh Mad Lang, Koh Som, and Koh Taopun.
However, Koh Samui's enormous range of activities is more than diving and fishing. For instance, Koh Samui provides excellent options for bowing, with more than ten pin bowling. For shooting enthusiast, superb facilities are available to enhance your shooting skills at the Shooting Gallery, consisting of a variety of guns with live ammunition.
Some Superb options are also available for adventures in the form of Bungy Jumping in Chaweng. Equally fabulous is Samui's nightlife, with arange of happening beach bars, cabaret bars, rocking, and pubs. If you are looking for something different during your Koh Samui vacation, then spectacle a Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) match or take a Thai cooking lesson under the guidance of some renowned Thai cooks. Likewise, take an elephant trekkinh for a unique experience.
A lot number of other choices are also available, such as Treasure Island Adventure Golf Course and a tennis court facility as well as a go kart facility. For weary travelers, a plethora of spa facilities are available to get pampered and relaxed. Majority of the high-end resorts and hotels render a range of massages and herbal treatments.
From elegant bungalows and sea view villas to beachfront resorts and world-class hotels, accommodation options are aplenty in Samui. Many of them provide top-class facilities including air-conditioned rooms coupled with en-suite bathrooms, lounge, kitchen, and dining room.
Facilities cover barbeque area, baby sitting service, and car rental. Further, majority of the villas and apartments offer maid service, apart from facilities such as superb swimming pools and complimentary airport transfers. Besides, there are also some fantastic options available for budget conscious travelers. Above all, most of them provide some kind of discounts for booking rooms in advance.
With these attractions and umpteen options to choose from, Koh Samui is unquestionably luxury destination in Thailand!. (Wolfgang Jaegel)

Thailand as a Medical Hub

Thailand as a Medical Hub in Asia


The Royal Thai Government is actively working to establish as a regional medical hub in Asia by 2008. To achieve its goal, the government has allocated a large sum of money into medical research and development, as well as into the promotion of new medical technology. At present, a substantial number of foreigners come to Thailand each year to seek medical treatments. This number is expected to reach at least 2 millions by the year 2008.
At the same time, Thailand's leading private hospitals are seizing up this golden opportunity to upgrade their medical facilities and to expan the scope of their services to accommodate the various needs of foreigners. Foreigners have access to a range of medical services, such as general diagnosis and treatment, physical check up, dental and eye care, and cosmetic surgery. Many large private hospitals are also staffed with translators to assist foreigners in their communications with medical professional. Most importantly, Thai physicians, most of whom obtained their training from pretigious medical institution aboard,are highly qualified and adhere to strict international medical standards.
By western standard, Thai hospitals offer extremely cost competitive medical services. Costs for medical services in Thailand can be up to 50 - 80% cheaper than in North America.



Names and Contact Information :

Bumrungrad Hospital
33 Sukumvit 3 (Soi Nana Nua)
Wattana Bangkok 10110
Tel : 66-2-667-1000
Fax : 66-2-667-2525
Emergency: 66-2-667-2999
Out-Patient Appointment : 66-2-667-1555
Dental Appointment : appointment@bumrungrad.com
E-Mail : info@bumrungrad.com
Website : http://www.bumrungrad.com/

Bangkok General Hospital

2 Soi Soonvijai

New Phetburi Rd.

Bangkok 10320

International Medical Center

Tel : 662 310-3101

Tel 24 hrs : 662 310-3102 (24hrs.)

Fax : 662 310-3367

E-mail : imc@bangkokhospital.com

Website : http://www.bangkokhospital.com/

Dental Hospital

88/88 Sukhumvit 49, Suhkumvit Road

Bangkok 10110

Tel: 662 260-5000-15

Fax : 662 260-5026

E-mial : dental@loxinfo.co.th

Website : www.dentalhospitalbangkok.com

(http://www.thaicongenvancouver.org/)

(Gary b.Shelly : 2007 : 34)

The Thai New Year

Songkran Festival


Songkran is the Thai New Year, a time for the family members to reunite and spend some precious time together. During this time, workers who come from the provinces to work in the capital city of Bangkok metropolis will return home to celebrate. The millions workers will take away with them traffic jam and pollution. Therefore the bustling town will be deserted leaving Bangkok a nice and quiet place to live for a few days.
Songkran Festival falls on April 13th - 15th each year. This year (2008), the auspicious day will be on Sunday - Tuesday. Holidays will start from Saturday 12th to end on Thursday 16th, or a total of five days. There will be celebration throughout the Kingdom.
The term "Songkran" is Thai from the original Sanskrit language which means "Transfer", "Movement", or "Changing position". This is because it is the time the Sun changes it's zodiac position from the twelfth sing of Zodiac Pisces to the first sign of Zodiac Aries, hence a New Solar Year. Although the Thai people officially changed the New Year to January 1 in 1940 to coincide with the Western business world, the traditional Songkran Festival is still celebrated as a national holiday.
The first Songkran day will be on Sunday April 13th, which is "Song kran Long Day" or the passing day of the old year. On this day people will clean their home, their bodies and wear the new cloths. The next day will be Monday April 14th, called "Nao Day" or "Da Day" which means the preparation of various auspicious ceremonies. Food and basic necessities will be prepared on this day to offer to monks and give to friends and relatives on the New Year day.
The big day will be on Tuesday April 15th, called "Maha (Major) Songkran Day" which means the great important day of New Year. Thai starts New Year day early in the morning with alms offerings to monks, sermon attendance in the temple and spring blessing from the monks. Traditional Thai would do merit by bringing sand to the Wat (Temple) for Making Sand-Chedi (Pagoda) during the Songkran Festival. Today, Thai will simply releases birds and fish in merit making.
In the afternoon, after performing a bathing rite for Buddha images and the monks, young people pour scented water into the hands of elders. and parents as a mark of respect. Thry will also seek the blessing from the elders. Then after, people will cerebrate Songkran by splashing water player fully on each other in "water wars" Everyone gets soaking wet and since it is the hottest season of the year (temperatures can rise to over 100 Degree Falenhigh or 40 Degree Cencious on some days), the custom is quite refreshing. It is also a great fun. Thai people celebrate this festival with water as people believe that water will wash away past sins, consequently, the term "Water Festival". Some choose to follow an old belief that the Nagas or mythical serpents brought on rain by spouting water from the seas. The more they spouted, the more rain there would be. So, one might believe that the Songkran customs of throwing water is actually a rain-making idea. (http://www.xomba.com/)