#Thailand Travel Information

 Thailand Travel Information

        Here' is a quick snapshot of everything you need to know when you're planning a Thailand trip, form destinations to visa and currency advice. Travelling in Thailand is just brilliant, and hopefully this help to get your Thailand adventure off the ground.

                                   Image by Sasin Tipchai from Pixabay (Bangkok)

THAILAND HIGHLIGHTS

Here are a few travelling highlights in Thailand that can help you plan your perfect Thailand adventure tour.

Bangkok-The vibrant capital of Thailand, and the essential place to begin any Thailand trip, Wander around the Grand Palace, enjoy at Wat Pho, visit the floating markets and sample the street food.

Chiang Mai- A highlight of any trip to Thailand. Take part in a traditional Thai cookery course or visit the historic Old town. Ride an elephant, stay in a Hill Tribe village or float down the river on a bamboo raft on one many Thailand jungle treks that depart from this charming city.

Kanchanaburi- Visit the famous bridge over the river Kwai, travelalong the Deach Railway, stay overnight on the floating jungle raft, and swim in the fairytale Erawan waterfalls.

Ayutthaya- The ancient capital of Thailand. Take a sunset tour of the ancient ruins.

Kho Phangan- Home to the infamous Full Moon Party. Head over to the far side of this island  where few tourists venture out, and you will find idyllic beaches. 

Kho Tao- This tiny island is one of the best places in the world to dive and easily included in many Thailand island hopping trip. 

                                   Image by Sasin Tipchai from Pixabay (Phu ket)

Phuket- This colorful and cosmopolitan island is the largest and most popular of Thailand's island.

Kho Phi Phi - The setting of the 2000 move the Beach, the Phi Phi islands.

                                  Image by Sasin Tipchai from Pixabay (Kho Phi Phi)

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Krabi- Visit the Tiger Cave  Valley, wander around the morning market or cruise around the nearby islands.

Kho Samui- Soak up the sun on a sandy beach, visit the night market, or hop into a jeep and explore the less traveled road of kho Samui.

Kho Chang- Laze in a hammock on a beach with a cocktail in hand, hike alongside waterfalls, or trek by elephant.

MAIN TRAVELERS ROUTERS

Most people in travelling in Thailand start off in bangkok, visit Kanchanaburi for a couple of days before working their way up to Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai. Many people chose to end their trip in Thailand with some time on the islands in the South before returning to Bangkok for their international flights home.

CAPITAL AND MAIN CITIES

Bangkok

Other main populated area : Chiang Mai (North)

LANGUAGES

Thai

English

Chinese

CURRENCY

Thai Baht

VISA

Tourists from the UK do not require a visa if planning a trip to Thailand of less than 30 days, If you are planning to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days, then you will require a 6 month visa. Alternatively, it is possible to renew the tourist visa by leaving and then re-entering the country.

#LoyKrathong and Candle Festival

LoyKrathong Day

Highlight Spot: Along the Chao phranya River banks

One of the most beautiful festivals that take place in Thailand is the one for Loy Krathong. This is celebrated on the full moon in October 31, 2020. 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 belive 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 Loy 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) This year is October 31, 2020.

    

                                  The lamp on Loy Krathong Day                  

                                  Credit Photo:bangkokpost.com

    Loy Krathong is an ancient traditional that first originated in Sukhothai, the first Thai capital. It is appropriate to hold this memorable festival in the charged atmosphere of the ruins of this ancient city. Krathong are floated on the river to take away bad luck. This full-moon-wide. In Bangkok, Krathong with lighted candles can be seen from the banks of the rivers and canals. 

Tropping of the Colours   

     Their Majesties the king and Queen preside over this impressive event held each year in the Royal Plaza near the equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn. Dressed in colourful uniforms, amid great pomp and ceremony, members of the elite Royal Guards swear allegiance to the King and march past members of the Royal Family.

#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, following the depreciation of Thai baht currency in 1997. And for those in search of bargains, Bangkok has excellent 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.

#Bangkok, Thailand

 Bangkok

Bangkok is the capital and most populous city Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep. The  city occupies 1,568.7 square kilometres (605.7 sq mi) in the Chao Phraya River delta in central Thailand and has an estimated population of 10,539 million as of 2020, 15.3 percent of the country's population. Over fourtenn million people (22.2 percent) live within the surrounding Bangkok Metropolitan Region at the 2010 census, making Bangkok an extreme primate city, dwarfing Thailand's other urban centres in both size and importance to national economy.

Bangkok traces its roots to a small trading post during the Ayutthaya kingdom in the 15th century, which eventually grew and became the site of two capital cities. Thonburi in 1768 and Rattanakosin in 1782. Bangkok was at the heart of the modernization of Siam, later rename to Thailand, during the late-19th century, as the century faced pressures from the West, The city was at the centre of Thailand 's political struggles throughout the 20th century, as the century abolished absolute monarchy, adopted constitutional rule, and underwent numerous cups and several uprisings. The city grew rapidly during the 1960s through the 1980s and now experts a significant impact on Thailand's politics, economy, education, media and modern society.

The Asian investment boom in the 1980s and 1990s led many multinational corporations to locate their regional headquarters in Bangkok. The city is now a regional force in finance and business. It is an international hub for transport and health care, and has emerged as centre for arts, fashion, and entertainment. The city is know for street life and cultural landmarks, as well as its red-light districts. The Grand Palace and Buddhist temples including Wat Arun and Wat Pho stand in contrast with other tourist attractions such as the nightlife scenes of Khaosan Road and Patpong, Bangkok is among the world's top tourist destinations and has been named the world's most visited city consistently in several international rankings.

Bangkok's rapid growth coupled with little urban planning has resulted in a haphazard cityscape and inadequate infrastructure. An inadequate road network, despite and extensive expressway network, together with substantial private car usage, have led to chronic and crippling traffic congestion, which caused severe air pollution in the 1990s. The city has since turned to public transport in an attempt to solve the problem. Five rapid transit lines are now in operation. with more systems under construction or planned by the national government and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, but congestion still remains a prevalent issue.

History

The history of Bangkok dates at least back to the early 15th century, when it was a village on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, under the rule of Ayutthaya, Because of its strategic location near the mouth of the river, the town gradually increased in importance. Bangkok initially served a customs outpost with forts on both sides of the river, and was the site of siege in 1688 in which the French were expelled from Siam. After the fall of Ayutthaya to the Burmese Empire in 1767, the newly crowned King Taksin established has capital at the town, which became the base of the Thonburi Kingdom, In 1782, King Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I) succeeded Taksin, move the capital to the eastern bank's Rattanakosin Island, thus founding the Rattanakosin Kingdom. The City Pillar was crected on 21 Aprill 1782, which is regarded as the date of foundation of the present city.

Bangkok's economy gradually expanded through international trade, first with China, then with Western merchants returning in the early-to-mid 19th century. As the capital, Bangkok was the centre of Siam's modernization as it faced pressure form Western powers in the late-19th century. The reigns of King Mongkut (Rama IV, 1851-1868) and Chulalongkorn (Rama V, 1868-1910) saw the introduction of the steam engine, printing press, rail transport and utilities infrastructure in the city,as well as formal education and healthcare. Bangkok became the centre stage for power struggles between the military and political elite as the country abolished absolute monarchy in 1932.  

As Thailand allied with Japan in World War II, Bangkok was subject to Allied bombing, but rapidly grew in the post-war period as a result of US aid and government-sponsored investment. Bangkok's role as a US military R&R destination boosted its tourism industry. Disproportionate urban develop led to increasing income inequalities and migration from rural area into Bangkok, its population surged from 1.8 million to 3 million in 1960.

                                Credit Photo: posttoday.com

Administration of the city was first formalized by King Chulalongkorn in 1906, with the establishment of Monthon Krung Thep Phra Maha Nakhon (มณฑลกรุงเทพพระมหานคร) as a national subdivision. In 1945, the monthon was split into several provinces, the administrative boundaries of which have since further changed. The city in its current from was created in 1972 with the formation of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), following the merger of Phra Nakhon Province on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River and Thonburi Province on the west during the previous year.

#Beautiful Bangkok, Thailand

 Welcome to Bangkok Thailand 

Interactive Installation Art with “Beautiful Bangkok 2020 : A Blossom of Happiness” by  MQDC (ททท.) December 31,2019

      Credit: posttoday.com

#Island Wedding Event in Phuket, Koh Samui & Krabi

Island Wedding Event in Phuket, Koh Samui & Krabi

    Nestled in the Andaman Sea between Phuket and  the Malay Penninsula of Southern Thailand is a remarkable stretch of secluded islands, natural rock formations and marine waters known as Phang Nga Bay. A large part of the bay is protected under the Ao Phang Nga National Park and occupies a 400km2 area between Phuket and another popular Thai destination, Krabi island.

Limestone cliffs with caves, archeological sites, and even a James Bond island are among the many attraction that make the Bay one of Thailand's best kept secretes. Choose to convene on any one of the 42 islands that comprises shallow marine waters and forested wetlands, a teeming habitat to an array of exotic wildlife and lush greenery.

Among  the small island littered along the Bay, are Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta, paradise enclaves on the Thai isle where you can hold a beautiful and intimate wedding ceremony in the privacy of your party of loved ones.

Bring your dream island wedding to life with us . Walk down an aisle lined with seashells, with the sand between your toes and the sea as your witness. Your perfect day is not unattainable - through our planners' in-depth knowledge of the Bay and our affordable wedding packages on preferred islands, make your special day a truly magical event.

Religious Wedding Event in Phuket, Koh Samui & Krabi.

The island paradise of Phuket is perhaps most famous for its tranquil blues and white sands, making it the choice destination for vacationers seeking relaxation. Among these is a handful who retreat into yoga camps on and around Phuket Island. Steeped in traditional Buddhist practices, and coupled with the locals' charm and openness, Phuket really is the perfect spiritual respite for escapees of the modern world.

Likewise, for couples seeking a truly spiritual union, we offer wedding packages catered to any religious belief. From a chapel wedding overlooking the Andaman sea, to a colourful Buddhist wedding with your choice of Thai rituals - we can ensure you have a blessed event that truly celebrates your marriage of souls.

Chapel Wedding Event in Phuket, Koh Samui & Krabi.

The majority of Phuket's inhabitants are Buddhists and this fact can be seen in almost ever facet of daily life on the island, especially in the religious ceremonies held around the island all year-round. Historically, the Thai island has gone through the passing of many colonial hands, notably the French, whose signs of reign can hardly be seen except for two divine chapels on the island.

For couples who've envisaged a traditional wedding set in paradise, we offer event packages catered to bringing this experience to life. Our trained wedding planners are on hand to ensure that your dream wedding becomes reality. Choose between a chapel on the North West of Phuket island, a stunning structure built on stilts over a lagoon; or a South Westerly facing chapel set majestically up in the hills overlooking the cooing waters of the Andaman Sea, Whichever your choice, you'd be sure to have a spectacular view of the sunset when you say your vows.

Beach Wedding Event in Phuket, Koh Samui & Krabi.
beaches' Phuket has gained the reputation of being South East Asia's premier tourist destination. This mostly stems from the face that its beautiful beaches are incomparable in this region, and its bucolic setting, simply charming. The beaches of Patong, Kata, Karon and Nai Ham are particularly popular with the tourist crowd looking for their share of fun and relaxation.

Our organizers are privy to Phuket's more remote beaches like Kata Noi and Phromthep Cape - perfect quiet enclaves for the romantic beach wedding. The beaches' seclusion gives one the feeling for being marooned on an uninhabited island. And low human traffic means that these shores are unfettered in its splendour, alluring and arguably more beautiful than its more popular counterparts. Tie the knot in a sunset ceremony, witnessed by an intimate party of family and loved ones. Feeling like king and queen for the day doesn't come closer than this, when you're the only ones on the island.

A favourite beach wedding service includes a late afternoon blessing and certificate signing under an embellished ceremonial arch, followed by a celebratory glass of champagne, with the sun setting over the Andaman Sea in the horizon as backdrop - a most romantic way to say "I do".

Villa Wedding Event in Phuket, Koh Samui & Krabi.

These days, exclusivity and privacy are much sought-after commodities. Have an intimate event in one of Phuket's luxurious villas. With your dream wedding in mind, our planners have chosen a selection of private villas that are perfect for an intimate gathering of loved ones on your special day. These villas offer spacious layouts and unique locations that make them unparalleled venues for an elegant wedding ceremony, party and reception.

Most of these villas offer stunning sea views and are equipped with gorgeous fixtures and furnishings. Polite and discreet staff are always at hand to make sure your needs and that of your party guests are always met. A gorgeous villa, a private setting, a beautiful island, and intuitive service - all centered round making your special day a truly charming affair.

Yacht Wedding Event in Phuket, Koh Samui & Krabi.

Surrounded by beautiful waters, Phuket's location in the heart of the Andaman Sea makes it a Mecca for water-sports enthusiasts. On the West coast of the island lies the wide expanse of the blue seas, while on the East coast we have Phang Nga Bay, quiet unchartered waters for those seeking the excitement of the open waters.

Phuket Weddings and Events has designed wedding packages aboard a yacht for a truly one of a kind experience. Tie your knot amidst crystal clear waters, against a stunning backdrop of the sun in the horizon and beautiful limestone karsts that rise up from the water. This remarkable natural phenomenon can be seen in many place throughout the bay, making yachting along Phang Nga a really magical experience. Moving southwards, and dotted along the bay, be amazed by little islands with secluded white beachs with waters in all shades of  greens and blues.

Choose from a variety of luxury yachts for your wedding event. We have wedding and party packages aboard various luxury yachts, each offering preferential rates for our clients. With access to most of the finest private yachts available in the region, and 30 years of experience in the yachting and event planning industries, we look forward to an opportunity in creating your perfect yacht wedding or party. Our expertise lies in customizing wedding packages to suit any budget, without compromising your dream wedding.

Hotel Wedding Event in Phuket, Koh Samui & Krabi.

As South East Asia's leading tourist destination, Phuket is not short of luxurious hotels. From five-star hotels under leading hotels chains, to more intimate boutique hotels, when considering your hotel wedding in Phuket, you'd have plenty to choose from.r

While many of these hotels and resorts offer their own wedding services planned by their own in house wedding organizers, most of them have limiting options. This is where we come in. We work closely with the hotel wedding planners to help offer options outside of the hotel. Whether this means having a having your hen party on a helipad, or having having lavish decorations with in the banquet hall - we make sure no concession is made at the expense of your dream wedding. coral reefs and sea life

Underwater Wedding Event in Phuket, Koh Samui & Krabi.

The Andaman Sea is as beautiful underwater as it is to look at. The Thai waters are teeming with coral reefs and sea life - making it a national treasure and a truly magnificent natural wonder. Popular diving spots litter the seas surrounding Phuket, with the turquoise marine waters being rich with fauna and fish life that all come protected under the region's conservation laws.

For a completely unique experience, tie the knot amidst billowing sea anemoues, colourful underwater blooms and curious marine onlookers. Certified scuba divers can enjoy the wedding package of your choice with a variety of dive boats at different locations around Phuket. Depending on the time of the year, you can choose from spots that offer the best conditions for your event. We have organized courses with full PADI certification for couples and members of their party who have not dived before. Learn necessary diving tips before having your underwater marriage, and leave with more than a commitment to each other!

Garden Wedding Event in Phuket, Koh Samui & Krabi.

Phuket is home to a deverse assortment of exotic wildlife on land and in the surrounding waters. Beach shrub and primary forest are not an uncommon sight on the main Phuket island as well as the lesser inhabited islands in the Andaman Sea. These forests are teeming with lush flora and fauna and a few rare species of insects and butterflies. Have a unique wedding garden party in the company of beautiful butterflies. With sunlight streaming through the foliage and grass at your feet, celebrate your marriage made in the heart of paradise. Our event planners have wedding packages suitable for any wedding party. Whether your dream of having a tea party in a butterfly garden as part of your reception, or a walk down the aisle in the shrub - your dream garden wedding can very much be a reality.

Cliff Wedding Event in Phuket, Koh Samui & Krabi.

Celebrate your marriage with a wedding, situated a little closer to heaven. While most of Phuket is comprised of low-lying lands, on Phuket as well as the surrounding islands are a handful of elevated headland, cliffs with spectacular views, and hilly ranges offering a 360 panorama of the surrounding seas. Our wedding planners have organized packages atop any one of these locations - from Karon Cliff, overlooking Karon beach on the west coast of Phuket island, to famous Kata View Point, a highland located midpoint between Nai Han and Kata beaches. Whichever your choice, be assured of the breathtaking views. There can be no more a dramatic and unforgetable way to begin your marriage than one with a vantage point such as this.

(Credited by Patrick Way a truilliamson and Sripanwa.com, http://www.phuketemagazine.com)  

#Why Samui Thailand is a Wonderful Destination-Travel-Destinations

Why Samui Thailand is a Wonderful Destination-Travel-Destinations

 People who have already been to Thailand or know a bit regarding the country are likely to have heard about the lure of Koh Samui [http://www.thailandmusings.com/koh-samui/]. This 3rd largest Thai island in the south of the country is well known for its beauty and tropical perfection. Quite a few visitors have been seduced by Samui Island in the past, but if you've never visited you probably question what all the fuss is about and need help deciding if it's worth making the trip to Samui Thailand.

Well, not only is Samui Thailand truly worth a visit - it is 1 of those destinations in the world that's once seen and always remembered. In fact, a great deal of people who visit Samui Island once are hooked forever and a few never depart. There are also in expanding amount of Western expatriate retirees relocating to live in Thailand and Samui Thailand is a popular location because not only is it surprisingly affordable, but it offer up and excellent standard of living. (by Steve).

Koh Samui 

Even if your goal is not to move to Samui Thailand it is a fantastic place to visit. You will learn that the people on the island are incredibly friendly, there are so many things to do and see and the weather is simply ideal if you like the tropics. And if your intention is to relocate then you will also be impressed with the superior quality of medical care and schooling on the islnad in the conjunction with an affordable excellent lifestyle and beautiful natural surroundings. If you want to experience  the best of Thailand in a great environment and just moments away from all the amenities and facilities you could possibly want then Samui island is the destination for you. Koh Samui is a wonderful place to take in natural beauty like waterfalls and virgin jungles, visit a coconut plantation, learn to drive in the clear warm waters around the island or simply relax and work on your tan on one of the amazing white sand beaches. In addition, it is a perfect base for visits to the nearby smaller islands such as Koh Katen, Koh Ma or Koh Wua Talep. And if spa's are your thing then consider taking some time for yourself in one of Samui's refreshing spa's?

You will find that Samui is home to many luxury spa's and you can have almost any type of treatment you wish. The excellent spa's on Samui will permit you to release yours stress and rejuvenate your energy before you head back out into reality. Let yourself be taken care of all day at the spa and later head by great nightlife at the bars of Samui Thailand. Or just add to your relaxed state by chilling on the beach with drink in hand.
If you are with me in believing that this is a perfect way to spend your vacation then why not give Samui Island a try. I am going to bet it will get into your bones just as it has mine and will have you craving to return as much as you can, perhaps for good.
(Source: www.besttourism.com)