#Chiang Mai

#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 setting at this city is very common. When you travel Thailand and visit Chiang Mai, you surely would want to see museums such as Hill tribe 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 Ciang Mun, Wat Phra Sing, 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.

#Phuket

#Phuket

Phuket is the biggest island in Thailand, located in Andaman Sea of southern Thailand. The island is mostly mountainous rang in the west of the island from the north to the south. The mountains of Phuket from the southern end of the Phuket mountain rang, which ranges for 440 km from the Kra Isthmus. The highest elevation of the island is Mai Thao Sip Song (Twelve Canes), at 529 m above sea level. 70% of the island is covered by forest. The western coast has several sandy beaches, while on the east coast beaches are more often muddy. Near the southernmost point is Laem Promthep (Brahma's Cape), which is a popular sunset viewing point. (http://en.wikipedia.org). 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 serveral water sports and activities including parasailing, jet-skiing, and scuba diving. Bay day, Phuket is alive with beachgoers and shoppers and by night, lights, sounds, and party people dominate the whole island.

#Pattaya

#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 spot 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. Infact, prices of foods, accommodation, and transportations are very affordable. (Robert Thatcher) Pattaya is mean the 'south-west monsoon wind' and correctly pronounced "Patti-yah" not "Patt-eye-yah", it ranks as one of the most successful beach resorts in the world, with some 5.4 million visitors arriving in 2005. Increasing numbers of tourists come from the former Soviet Union and East Asia.

The city of Pattaya is a self governing special municipal area which covers the whole tambon Nong Prue and Na Kluea and part of Huai Yai and Nong Pla Lai. It is located in the heavily industrial Eastern Seaboard zone, along with Sri Racha, Laem Chabang and Chon Buri. However, it remains mostly a tourist city, with very light industry. Pattaya is second only to bangkok in high rise buidings, as many condos for foreign residents are built, and has a modest skyline. The city's economy benefits from its relative proximity to Bangkok. Pattaya is also the center of the Pattaya-Chonburi Metropolitan Are, the conurbation in Chonburi Province. (http://en.wikipedia.org/)

#Krabi

#Krabi

Krabi (Thai : กระบี่) is one of the southern provinces (Changwat) of Thailand, at the shore of the Andaman Sea. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Phang Nga, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Trang. The Phuket province to the west is also neighboring, but without any land boundary. The capital of the region is the city of 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. The province is located at the shore to the Andaman Sea. Most notable are the solitary limestone hills, both on the land and in the sea as island. Rock climbers from all over the world travel to Railay Beach to climb. Of about 130 islands belonging to the province, Kho Phi Phi Lee is perhaps the most famous, as it was the set of the movie The Beach. The coast of the province was badly damaged by the tsunami on December 26, 2004. Other island include : Kho Phi Phi Don, part of the Phi Phi Islands, and Kho Lanta, a larger island to the south.

#The Charming Handicrafts of Northern Thailand

#The Charming Handicrafts of Northern Thailand

For many visittors to Chiang Mai, the Culture of Northern Thailand is best represented by beautiful temples and endless trekking in the mountains. There is however more to this area than colourful hill tribes and elephant rides. Many people have now discovered the fantastic shopping including the Baan Tawai craft centre, which can be found just to the south of the city. Among the many bargains here are a huge selection of handicrafts and cultural souvenires. Chiang Mai has a famous Night Bazaar which is popular destination for visitors looking for interesting items to take home. Most people leave having purchased far more than they intended to, and the local shipping companies do a roaring business. The choice of goods on display is bewildering, and everything from antiques to silk products can be found. You may be surprised to know Baan Tawai has many of the same products for sale as the Night Bazaar and more, and much cheaper prices. The area has been established as an artisan centre for considerable time, but the growing number of tourists over the last five years has led to an expansion. A new wing has been added in addition to the existing arcades of small shops and stalls. A number of large shops that deal in antiques, furniture and outdoor ceramics can also be found on the road leading to the centre. Many overseas handicraft dealers make regular visitors to Baan Tawai to make bulk purchases for their outlets abroad. You may only be looking for a new souvenirs to take home, but it is worthwhile spending half a day here browsing the many stalls. The items on display are among the cheapest you find anywhere in Thailand and include bamboo products, wall hangings, vases, frames, oil and soap gift packs, lamps, ornaments, antique reproducts, silk, incense, candles and much more. You may see these products at other tourist centtres in Phuket, Bangkok, Pattaya, Chaing Mai, and Samui, but the choice will be far less and the prices up to 200 percent more expensive. Most of the handicraft at Baan Tawai are made from natural materials and are uniquely Thai. (Author : Sue Mumford)

#China Town,Bangkok,Thailand,Accommodation,Chocolate,Cake,Tourism,Package,Spa & Resorts,Computer,Software,Online,Internet,Links,Submit,Affilate,Booking

#China Town

Bangkok's China Town is an old business centre convering a large area around Yaowaraj Road and Charoen Krung Road (New Road). There are many small streets and alleys full of shops shelling all types of goods including wholesale items such as household goods, stationary, and toys. The area is always lively, and market stalls abound. There is a profusion of gold shops as well as traditional Chinese foodstuffs and restaurants.

#Unique Thai Style

#Unique Thai Style

Thai food is one of the national major identities that reflects the ways of life, thinking and mind of the Thai people which are hidden in the taste of consumption of meat dishes and sweet food. Thailand is rich with a variety of plants and crops since the ancient times, so that we could cook many type of foods suitable for each group of different people. Chao Wang Thai food has been praised for its excellence, both for its good tastes and beautiful appearances. Due to its original source, it is cooked within the palace for presenting to the persons of the royal lineage and royal family as well as for use in the important ceremonies and rituals. Chao Wang foods differ from those we are normally eating in everyday life in many aspects, e.g. their meticulosity, fineness in every step of selection, preparation an cooking which are very important, no matter that they are simple cooking foods eaten by the common people or special foods cooked by the people working in the royal palace, particularly for Som Tum Choa Wang, will differ widely ranging from the papaya meat that can be seen at a mere glance for the equal sizes of papaya threads, or pieces of soybean cakes, which are the ingredients of Mee Krob, shall be cut into pieces equal to the size of matches sticks. The vermicelli of fine noodles will be cooked into true crispy, not puffy and stiff like other normal vermicelli.

#Accommodations

#Accommodations

Bangkok has accommodation to suit every taste and budget. A visitor can live like an emperor in an elegant hotel, or just get by in a guest-house on a modest budget. The capital offers a rich variety of choices in all price categories and, compared to their counterparts in the West, hotels offer good value for money. It is recommended that visitors make advance room reservations if they plan to visit Bangkok form November to March, since many hotels in the city are normally fully booked during the peak season.

#Night Life

#Night Life

Bangkok is not only colourful in daytime but also after sunset when the city takes on a different light and comes to life to offer amusement 24-hours round the clock.

#Phat Phong & Sukhumvit

Probably the most popular night-life spot in the city, located between Thanon Silom and Thanon Surawong, the Phat Phong area is full of a-go-go bars and beers bars. There are also exciting Thai Boxing (Muay-Thai) bouts in the three short streets comprising Phat Phong. In Sukhumvit area, there are another two popular night-life spots: Nana Entertainment Plaza (or N.E.P.) in Sukhumvit Soi 4 and Soi Cowboy which is located between Sukhumvit Soi 21 and 23.

#Floating Market

#Floating Market

Despite the emergence of the ubiquitous farm pick-ups, paddy farmers and orchard gardeners still continue to meet and barter their products in age-old trading spots on the cannals (Klong). Early every morning, sampans laden with all kinds of tropical fruits and vegetables and fresh products, wind their way to the floating markets around Bangkok. There is one particular floating market in Bangkok that visitors can enjoy : Taling Chan Floating Market is a weekend market in front of Taling Chan Distric office, open from 09.00 to 17.00 hours. Boat trip services are available for sight-seeing along the cannal where gardens and a village lifestyle are still to be seen. (Bangkok Metropolitan Administration: 2001: 223)

#Thai Handicrafts

#Thai Handicrafts

Thai Handicrafts Thai Antiquies Bangkok, located in the centre of the country, is also an excellent stepping-off point for visiting other parts of Thailand. Although the measured pace of old Siam is now a thing of the past, the country's rich cultural and natural heritage still survies. Accommodation in the city cover a variety to price ranges, but all offer high standard of service presented by friendly staffs. The city probably has the highes concentation of luxury hotels in the world. Today, hotels and shopping venues offer amazing bargains, follwing the depreciation of Thai baht currency in 1997. And forthose in search of bargains, Bangkok has excullent example of Thai Handicrafts, Thai Antiquies, painting, T-shirt in fashion accessories high-grade Thai silks and quality jewellery. Our section on Amazing Shopping directs you to some of the best spots in the city for bargain-hunting.

#The Capital of Asia

#Bangkok is the Capital of Asia

Bangkok was one called the Venice of the East because of its many canals. Although many canals have been filled-in, taking away some of the city's old-world charm, it is still one of the most intriguing places worth visiting in the Soueast Asia. Established in 1782 as Thailand's capital. Bangkok, City of Angels, offers an abundance of sites and attractions for tourists and is famous for Buddhist Temples (WAT) including the famous Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo), adjacent to the Grand Palace. This temple and other beautiful example of carefully-preserved Thai architecture, are referred to in more details i our section on day tours.

Welcome to Bangkok

Welcome to Bangkok the City of Culture

Welcome to the metropolis of Bangkok, one of the Southeast Asia's most thriving commercial centres. To help you get the most from your visit, and to make your stay as pleasant as possible, the Bangkok Metropolitant Administration extends to you an invitation to browse through this Amazing Bangkok Metropolis and learn something about the city and its residents.