Health Benefits of Thai Soup Under Study

Published by seeking on January 24th, 2012 - in Thailand Restaurant

BANGKOK, Thailand — For years, zesty Tom Yum Gung soup has been a mainstay of Thai cooking. And now researchers are thinking it just might have cancer-fighting ingredients as well as good taste. “Tom Yum Gung is Thailand’s most favorite soup,” according to Chef Rolf Schmitz of the Regent Hotel’s Spice Market restaurant. “It’s a shrimp soup with herbal ingredients like coriander, lemon grass, lime leaves and even galangal roots.” Also called hot-and-sour soup, the dish often includes straw mushrooms and a variety of chilies.

A recent joint study by Thailand’s Kasetsart University and Japan’s Kyoto and Kinki Universities has found that the ingredients in Tom Yum Gung soup are 100 times more effective in inhibiting cancerous tumor growth than other foods. Scientists are seeking to extract the chemical compounds that are most effective from soup ingredients, said Suratwadee Jiwajindra of Kasetsart University. Research also is focusing on edible plants in the region. “The ratio of the cancer pattern in Asians, especially southeast Asians, is very low compared with the pattern in the European and Western countries,” Jiwajindra said. In fact, Thais have a much lower incidence of digestive tract cancers than people do in other countries.

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Traditional Thai cuisine — famed for its heavy use of herbs and spices — has long been known to have health benefits, Jiwajindra said. And despite its spicy taste, Tom Yum Gung continues to be popular, said Schmitz, calling the soup “definitely the best seller if you look into the statistics.” Every month, the soup is “at the top of the charts,” he added. “A day, I’d say we are making 50-60 cups in a restaurant like the Spice Market,” said the chef.

Health Benefits of Thai Soup Under Study

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Things to See in Thailand

Published by seeking on January 23rd, 2012 - in Map Thailand

Thailand has long been a popular tourist destination. Cheap, navigable, family friendly, and with a range of activities, it is easy to see why it is so popular. With the world economy shrinking, Thailand has become an even better choice to visit. Hotel prices have been cut and flights have become cheaper. If that wasn’t enough of a reason, here are some others:

Thailand has some of the best beaches in the world. Whether you want empty beaches or lush resorts, Thailand has an island for you. You can choose between Phuket, a popular family destination, Ko Phang Nagn, a popular destination with backpackers, or Ko Lipe, an out of the way destination in the south of Thailand. No matter where you go, you will find wide white sand beaches, crystal clear diving, cheap accommodation, amazing seafood, and great diving.

Map Thailand

If beaches and diving aren’t interesting to you, Thailand a a variety of other activities for you. There are many historical sites such as Sukkotthai, Lopburi, and Ayutthaya There you can see the old capitals of the Thai Empire. and some stunning Khmer influence architecture.

Keep heading north for lush jungles, hill tribes, and river rafting expeditions. Up north in Chiang Mai you will also find some of the best shopping in all of Thailand at the Chiang Mai night market. Chiang Mai also boasts some amazing temples and is one of the centers of Buddhism in the country. If you head a little further north to Chiang Rai, you can use this city as a base to explore the wild and undeveloped north.

However, the best part of Thailand is its beaches and any trip to the country requires spending a lot of time at one of its many islands. With so many islands, there is bound to be one that suits your travel style. The lesser known and touristed islands such as Ko Lipe, offer travelers cheaper accommodation, more authentic interaction with the locals, better diving, and less crowds to share the beaches with. Most people come here for the sun and there is good reason to. Whatever your reason to come here, you will have a great time with so many available choices.

Things to See in Thailand

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5 Most Beautiful Islands of Thailand

Published by seeking on January 22nd, 2012 - in Koh Samui Thailand

If you are looking for a getaway, consider visiting Thailand islands. Some of the most beautiful islands of Thailand include Koh Chang, Koh Samet, Koh Phangan, Phi Phi island and Koh Samui. They are surrounded by beautiful waters, beaches and plenty of wildlife.

Here’s a little bit more about each island…

Koh Samui Thailand

1. Koh Chang is the second largest island located in Eastern Thailand. It received its name from the elephant shape of its headland. There are currently around 5,000 residents who live there year round but it has dramatically begun to increase in tourism the last few years.

Koh Chang gets its beauty from the white sandy beaches, wildlife such as elephants, birds and deer and the blue waters surrounding the beach. There is also plenty of area to go snorkeling to explore the deep waters. Those who would rather not get wet can also go hiking to view the wildlife.

70% of the island remains undisturbed; this includes rainforest, steep hills, wildlife, fine beaches, waterfalls, coral reefs and plenty of active marine life. If you are planning on visiting Koh Chang, the best time to visit would be during the cool season between November and February.

2. Ko Samet is located on the Gulf of Thailand and sits off the coastline of the Thai province of Rayong, about 140 miles southeast of Bangkok. Ko Samet received its name from the cajeput tree that is found all throughout the island.

This island s a popular getaway for the tourists as well as a weekend retreat for the residents who live in Bangkok. You will find most of the beautiful beaches on the east side of Ko Samet. Most of the beaches hide away in small beaches and stretch around 200 meters. The fine white sandy beaches stretch almost into a complete circle.

Individuals who visit the island can enjoy activities such as windsurfing, snorkeling and diving, volleyball and frisbee, boat trips, fishing and massages from masseurs offering their services along the way. Those who are shopping for unique products can browse the high quality crystal and reed products.

When visiting Ko Samet, you won’t have to worry about being rained out as this is one of the driest islands in the area. Their rainy season only extends from May to July.

3. Ko Pha Ngan is located in the gulf of southeast Thailand. The island of Ko Pha Ngan is widely known for its moon party at Haad Rin Beach and also a backpacker destination.

The Moon party consists of electronic music which happens every full moon each month. Thousands of partygoers flock to the island event each time. To make the event more family friendly, police watch the beach and streets during the day and evening.

Not only is the island just known for its moon party, but it is also a peaceful retreat to visit. Tourists can lounge under the coconut trees or walk along the fine white sandy beaches.

4. Phi Phi island is the largest and only populated island. It is known as a tropical paradise. Every view of the island seems picture perfect. There are fine white sandy beaches and rocky formations that sit within the turquoise waters of the ocean.

Visitors can explore the beauty of the island by snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking or rock climbing. The climate of Phi Phi is tropical. The hot season extends from January to April and then the rainy season is during the months of May through December.

If you would rather your stay not get rained out, then it is best to visit during the hot season of Phi Phi. Temperatures average anywhere from 77 to 89.6 degrees.

5. Koh Samui is the third largest island of Thailand. It is known as the island of coconut trees. It also is an island of abundant natural beauty that is enjoyed by about 40,000 full time residents. 90% of its residents are Buddhist.

The island is very large and be quite the workout for those who are adventurous or fit, yet can be explored in just a few hours by car or motorbike. During the months of April through September, the island stays mostly dry while others may be experiencing their seasonal rainfall. October through December is when the island is experiencing most of their rainfall.

Most of the sites to see around the island of Koh Samui is the white sandy beaches, but there is a Buddhist statue that does bring attention from the tourists. Other attractions include coral reef, a butterfly garden, an aquarium, snake farm and a theatre.

With so much natural beauty found within the beaches and the crystal waters of the islands of Thailand, there is plenty of places for a getaway. If you plan on snorkeling, scuba-diving or just lazing around on a beach, you can take in the beauty that surrounds the islands of Thailand.

5 Most Beautiful Islands of Thailand

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Nightlife in Chiang Mai

Published by seeking on January 21st, 2012 - in Chiang Mai Thailand

Enjoying Chiang Mai’s Nightlife

Traveling to Chiang Mai will not be complete without experiencing the nightlife and dining along the rare and astonishing city in Thailand. With influences from China and Burma, the cuisine that can be tasted in this part of Northern Thailand results in flavors that spark & soothe the tastes of locals and tourists alike.

Chiang Mai Thailand

Try the various carts and stalls that can be found along the streets – the favorites of the Thai people and others in the know. After eating noodles there, you have your choice of bars and clubs along Chiang Mai. Filled with locals, business types, university students, tourists, and expats, these locations just turn out to be the spot of the night for those who want to unwind and have fun with the tastes, sights, and sounds there are around Chiang Mai.

Get hip as you bounce onto the dance floor while the hits are being played. Maybe you enjoy some bling with flashy lights or just stay cozy inside the more serene corners of the area with your closest friends? The choice is yours. Just take your pick among the different hot spots in this town.

Bars and Pubs

Chiang Mai bars and pubs can go from the thematic ones to the British-type pubs. As for the place to look into when it comes to the center of these destinations, the usual venues line the side streets of Moon Muang Road, through the moat near Tha Pae Gate. Moreover, there are various live musical performances along Ping River. Likewise, the sois or alleyways near the night bazaar also cater to several pubs, many of which promote different nationalities. For university students, there are also bars which target the younger crowds such as those studying at Chiang Mai University. Usually, these places are filled with different sorts of customers during the weekends as much as they are common destinations for meet-ups.

Van Bars

One of latest additions to the city’s hot spots are cool van bars. Customized Volkswagen Vans and Chevy vans converted into mobile pubs that are fully-packed with sound systems and even stools for customers to enjoy the one-of-a-kind experience of Chiang Mai nightlife. Hence, some of these van bars even have extendable roofs as well as light shows. One of the most popular of these bars is located opposite of Tha Pae Gate near the THC Bar. And even if this does not offer you disco-like moments, you can nevertheless take great photos as you enjoy a drink at the van with the crowd.

Going along the Other Hubs

Theres a small side street in Chiang Mai behind Ratvithi road, you will come across different bars featuring Reggae, Latin, and Rock-n-Roll that can satisfy many tastes in music.

For a special night out, head off to Chai Blues House. Chai relocated from Bangkok to play the blues and rock and roll in Chiang Mai. It’s a fantastic little art house with great music. There’s a website with directions here.

http://www.ChaiBluesHouse.com.

Nightlife in Chiang Mai

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Golf Holidays In Thailand

Published by seeking on January 20th, 2012 - in Thailand Holidays

Thailand is fast becoming a preferred destination for golf holidays and there is without a doubt that this fascinating and exotic country does provide you with a unique golf experience.

Golf courses in Thailand have excellent and modern facilities along with proper infrastructure and roads. In fact, many golf enthusiasts claim that golf holidays in Thailand are much superior to those in Europe.

Thailand Holidays

This could be because there are many golf courses spread across Thailand so you will rarely find an over crowded golf course. Even in the most popular places, golf courses have sprung up and you will find each course providing you with an exclusive and special atmosphere where golf culture is undiluted by tourism.

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hua Hin, Khao Yai, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Phuket and River Kwai all have golf course ideally suited for different budgets. You can always create a custom golf tour package to suit your pocket, and, if necessary, you can also combine two locations.

However, you should take into account the time of the year you are planning your golf holiday in Thailand. Remember, Thailand basically has three seasons. The cool season starts from November until February. During this period, there are clear skies and the weather is highly conducive for golfing. However, this is the peak tourist season in Thailand and you would need to make reservations well in advance to get accommodation you want.

Summer in Thailand begins in March and temperatures gradually increase. April and May are hot and humid. Do remember that the Thai New Year is celebrated in May and this is the time when Thailand comes to a virtual standstill.

The rainy season in Thailand is from June until end of September. It rains most days and the weather can be highly unpredictable. During this period, there is less sunshine and this can definitely dampen your golf holiday in Thailand.

If you are looking for a budget golf holiday in Thailand then October is the month for you. During this month, the prices are still low and the tourist season has not started as yet. You can decide when to play and get bargain deals.

Golf Holidays In Thailand

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Trekking in Thailand – What to Take, What to Wear

Published by seeking on January 19th, 2012 - in Thailand Weather

You may trek wearing flip-flops with a t-shirt, but wearing them may not protect you from the branches in the jungle or from sun or protect your feet from getting hurt and sore. You have to follow some tips to trek safely in Thailand.

Footwear is very important for the trekkers. Get footwear which is strong. The terrain in Thailand will be wet and muddy. That is why the feet have to be protected. You can go with sturdy sandals, but see that the grip is good. While trekking in a jungle, you may land on the sharp objects. So, it is better to wear strong footwear. The climate is hot, humidity is unbearable and the weather is sticky. So, take a shower after trekking and change your clothes. Take clothes which are cotton and loose.

Thailand Weather

Binoculars are the must when trekking across Thailand. In case you forget to carry a pair, there is nothing to worry because you can get them in Phuket, Bangkok or Patong for reasonable rates before you start out. You can have a look at the Elephant Hills. The mountains are full of wildlife, hornbills and monkeys.

Carry a mosquito spray to protect yourself from mosquitoes. These mosquitoes do not cause malaria, but they can be irritating and cause you discomfort in the night. If you have scratched yourself after a mosquito bite and it is not healing, then do not stay in the humid climate.

Torch is also important to carry especially when you are out in the wilderness. The nights are darkest in Khao Sok. So, torch will definitely come handy when you are out trekking and camping.

Medication is also important because you will have no access to a drugstore when you are in the wilderness. Carry all the necessary pills for headache, indigestion, and cough. Also, make sure that you are carrying some antiseptic ointment, bandages and band aids. Do not forget to carry a pocketknife. You never know when you may need it!

Make sure you carry all the above mentioned things when you are out trekking in Thailand. This will ensure that your trek goes of smoothly without any problems.

Trekking in Thailand – What to Take, What to Wear

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Discovering Thai Cuisine

Published by seeking on January 18th, 2012 - in Thailand Restaurant

If you’ve never tried it before, you might think that Thai cuisine tastes a lot like other Asian cuisines. While it does have both Chinese and East Indian influences, it also has its own identity that separates it greatly from the foods served in neighboring countries. Thai food consists of four regional cuisines and is known for its balanced flavors, fresh ingredients, and fantastic aromas.

Thailand happens to be the number one exporter of rice in the world, and as such its rice (particularly its aromatic Jasmine rice) is the staple food of its people. While Western cuisines generally focus on a main entree of meat accompanied by several side dishes such as bread and vegetables, Thai cuisine usually consists of one dish with a base of rice or noodles accompanied by fresh herbs, vegetables, and a meat or mixture of meats. Thai food also contains five flavors: sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and bitter. What makes Thai food unique is that it balances all of these flavors harmoniously into a single dish.

Thailand Restaurant

Some of the most common vegetables found in Thai cuisine include shallots, cucumbers, carrots, bean sprouts, eggplant, zucchini, green beans, celery, and mushrooms. Popular meats in Thai recipes include seafood such as shrimp, prawns, clams, fish, and mussels. Pork, chicken, beef, and duck are also heavily used. Tofu, a meat substitute made from soybeans is another frequent addition.

Unlike many other cuisines that use dried spices and herbs, Thai cooking uses the freshest ingredients available. One of the primary flavoring agents used is a strong fish sauce called “nam pla”. Many dishes also call for oyster sauce or shrimp paste. Shrimp paste is basically a combination of ground shrimp and salt. Other ingredients you’ll find in Thai cuisine include lime juice, pineapples, Thai chilies, curry paste, garlic, sweet basil, lemon grass, coconut milk, soy sauce, peanuts and peanut sauce, cashews, mint leaves, cilantro, and galangal root (similar to ginger but more delicate in flavor).

One of the most important dishes to the people of Southern and Central Thailand is curry, which they serve over steamed jasmine rice. While Indian cuisine is also known for curries, Thai curries are considerably different. They are cooked for a shorter amount of time than are the Indian versions, and Thais use more garlic and fresh herbs whereas Indians use dry spices. In addition, Indian curries tend to be drier whereas Thai curries hold more liquid making them more soup-like.

In Thai cuisine you’ll find water-based and coconut milk-based curries. Red, yellow, and green curries are the best known of the coconut milk variety. Thai curry pastes generally consist of fresh chilies, garlic, lemon grass, shallots, kaffir lime, fresh turmeric, shrimp paste, and cilantro roots. While curry is known for its spiciness, the amount of heat does vary depending on the type of curry you choose.

Discovering Thai Cuisine

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US K1 Visa Thailand – How to Get it the Surest Way

Published by seeking on January 17th, 2012 - in Thailand Attorneys

A US K1 Visa Thailand is also known as the Thai fiancée visa. This is a perfect visa for engaged American man and his Thai fiancée to acquire so that the Thai can easily come to the US for marriage. However, obtaining a US fiancée visa is tough ordeal because of the many requirements and complex procedures which it entails. There are many hoops to jump through indeed. But if the applicant follows the proper path and have a true relationship with her petitioner, then getting the K-1 fiancée visa will be the joyful outcome.

The US K1 Visa requires a great deal of information about the American petitioner as well as the Thai fiancée. The American will have to complete an affidavit of support, proving financial capability to support the Thai fiancée in the United States. The last three years of tax returns, a letter of employment, bank statements and more are required.

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The relationship between the Thai fiancée and the American must be fully substantiated. It is important to provide proof of the relationship and the more of this evidence the better. This can be in the forms of photos together, plane tickets, phone bills and anything else that might prove their relationship. Letters of how they met each other and fell in love may also spell the difference.

Once all this information had been compiled, the US citizen must submit a K1 petition on behalf of his/her Thai fiancée with the United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS). Assuming that the K1 visas petition has been approved it will be sent for visa processing at the National Visa Center (NVC). From there, the entire package will be forwarded to the US Embassy in Thailand for the penultimate step, the interview.

The interview is the highlight of the process because it will result either in the approval or denial of the K1 visa from Thailand. The US embassy usually provides the appointment as soon as the visa fees have been fee paid. The applicant must show up on time and have all of the information presented in the original petition. This means copies are really important in case something was lost along the way. During the interview it is important to be honest and upfront providing all the information requested by the interviewing official at the US Embassy in Bangkok. If the relationship can easily be proven then the K-1 visa is not that difficult to obtain.

However, despite the notion that the application can be accomplished by the applicant with simply following the instructions, it would be still be wise to consult a professional trained and experienced in US immigration concerns for assistance. She would need a US visa attorney in Thailand to help him/her, because the Thai fiancée applicant is not usually trained to carry out the complex processes involved in the application. It is important to remember that once a mistake is made, it might be too late to rectify and come up with a possible remedy.

Many people have filed their K1 visa Thailand by themselves only to find out that they made costly errors on the application that resulted in long delays or oftentimes denials. Thus, it is important to plan ahead with a US Visa Lawyer in Thailand to assist the Thai fiancée applicant so the problems with the Embassy or USCIS, can be avoided. The US visa attorney in Bangkok can identify and prevent the red flags from becoming problems, before the USCIS or Embassies make them issues that could permanently prevent the beloved Thai fiancée from ever coming to the United States. Simply stated sometimes the Thai fiancée can say the wrong thing to the interviewing officer at the US Embassy in Bangkok without realizing it.

US K1 Visa Thailand – How to Get it the Surest Way

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Commercial Property Agents – Top 10 Tips for Your Sales Pitch and Listing Presentations

Published by seeking on January 16th, 2012 - in Thailand Property

Let’s face a fact here that is just so common for agents working in commercial real estate. Almost every listing opportunity with office, industrial, or retail property, will involve a detailed sales pitch or presentation with the individual property owner or corporation board that owns the property. Commonly they are experienced people that know commercial real estate, and they have likely asked 3 or 4 agents to all pitch for the listing. Competition for the business will be fierce.

The pitch or presentation will normally take no more than 30 minutes and it will be your only chance to close on the listing. To successfully compete with and against other real estate agents, it pays to set some rules so you can control the situation as best possible.

Thailand Property

Confidence is the key to a great listing presentation. The way you get that confidence is to know your market trends, the property precinct, the deals, prices, time on market, the supply and demand factors, and the best way to market each individual property to its target audience.

Here are some tips for a great presentation or sales pitch for the commercial property listing:

Understand the listing and selling (or renting) needs of the client from their perspective. What is driving their actions today and how can you best serve that need? What is the ideal outcome for them and how long should that take to achieve?
Talk about and tell your story, but ask questions of the client about their understandings and needs. The whole presentation should be connecting and not a one way conversation.
Look the part from the start. Your physical presentation will impact your pitch from the outset. Any distractions or diversions on your clothing or in your appearance will not help you in any way. The client will assess you visually before they listen to what you have to say.
Never give out or send any proposal material to the client beforehand. Wait until the presentation actually starts. Your brochures and marketing material or proposal should be explained in ‘real time’ to avoid any misunderstandings and to encourage agreement.
Use lots of visually based concepts and ideas that are relative to the property listing. Pictures and graphs are great for the purpose.
Get plenty of pictures of the subject property and automatically run a ‘slide show’ on your computer or laptop screen. The pictures help your dialogue and conversation.
Get small agreements from the client as you proceed. Small step agreements move the discussion ahead and help you with the final agreement.
Show comparisons and trends of the market with photos and chart the outcomes in time and monetary terms.
Deal with the clients questions as they arise. If you put off a question, the client will suspect that you have some problem or issue. Expect them to test you on many concepts and ideas.
Have 3 or 4 relevant stories from the market to tell the client as part of the presentation. Stories are the most powerful tool you can use in a sales pitch or presentation. It has been proven that the client really listens and remembers.

These simple tips have helped so many people over the years. Take command of your presentation; it’s the only time you can convert the business that you need.

Commercial Property Agents – Top 10 Tips for Your Sales Pitch and Listing Presentations

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Koh Samui Weather in April

Published by seeking on January 15th, 2012 - in Koh Samui Thailand

With daily average temperatures in Koh Samui ranging between 25.3oC to 28.1oC, travelers can expect great weather all year round, making Samui weather a cooperative component for your travel itinerary. ShaSa Resorts and Residences have ample Wi-Fi Internet facilities and tour and travel assistance to support your travel plans throughout the island. Feel free to make use of these services so you can find out if Samui weather agrees with whatever plans you have in mind for the day.

In April, Samui weather temperatures usually reach their peak at 28.1OC. The difference is substantial when compared to those of January (25.5oC), February (26.5OC), March (27.5OC), May (27.3OC), June (27.3OC), July (27.3OC), August (27.3oC), September (27.1OC), October (26.3OC), November (26.1OC) and December (25.3OC). Looking through the temperature figures, one can conclude that the temperature steadily builds up one degree higher for every succeeding month from January till March, peaks in April, goes down a little but stays steady between May and August, lowers a bit in September, then gently goes down from September to the last month of the year.

Koh Samui Thailand

The average monthly rainfall during the fourth month of the year is pegged at 72 millimeters, definitely more than those of the first three months: January at 46 mm; February at 11 mm; and March at 25 mm. However, it’s still a significantly less monthly precipitation than those for May (170 mm), June (136 mm), July (145 mm), August (149 mm), September (200 mm), October (254 mm), November (269 mm), and December (121 mm). Based on these rainfall averages, one can surmise that the first four months of the year carry very little or no rainfall, except when storms enter Thailand’s area of responsibility, as what had happened in March 2011. Generally, a substantially lower rainfall average is to be expected characteristic of Koh Samui weather during the hot season starting March till April.

Some references state that Samui weather is characterized by sunny days from May through September, which could be perfect for weddings or other special events like beach concerts or beauty pageants. What could be a more enjoyable experience than having the lovely Samui weather as a contributory element and the elegant beaches of Samui as a backdrop for that special occasion? Except for sporadic episodes of rain showers, the period between May until September is truly ideal for seaside events.

Between late April and early May, the increase in rainfall is a welcome respite from the heightened temperatures that characterize the major part of April. Even locals eagerly anticipate this sudden precipitation climb. Samui weather affects everyone after all, locals and tourist alike.

Koh Samui doesn’t possess the same weather elements in the rainy season that make up Phuket. Situated as it is in the Gulf of Thailand and lying in the east, this creates significant distinctions between the two places. It also is a notable feature that places the weather patterns in Samui island as either tropical or monsoonal, so unlike Phuket’s.

Koh Samui Weather in April

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Places of Interests in Phuket, Thailand

Published by seeking on January 14th, 2012 - in Phuket Thailand

For any visitor to the land of smiles, one of the places of interest Thailand offers is Phuket. There are many places of interest in Phuket and many things to see and do- regardless of your preferences.

With 13 beaches, even the windy coastal roads on the island boast of beautiful views at every bend. You can go from the wild party central in the south to the calm, peaceful north beaches as you wind down the day with the perfect sunset.

Phuket Thailand

If you happen to be visiting Phuket during the months of September of October, you could catch the Vegetarian Festival. This Buddhist festival last for a duration of 9 whole days and marks a period of abstinence from meat by the devotees. Highlights of this festival are large scale processions by the devotees who carry heavy and large body piercing as a symbol of penance, walking on burning coal, traditional performances of dance and even knife acts.

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, you can also go elephant trekking, bungy jumping and more on this little island where the fun doesn’t stop. After a busy day out, you might want some downtime and what better way to soothe your muscles than with a traditional Thai massage? Depending on your preferences, you can have anything from a foot massage to an entire full body massage with the traditional herbal sauna.

When night falls, head for the local pubs and market for a good meal. There are also numerous music clubs around playing anything from jazz, live bands, to techno club beats.

Places of Interests in Phuket, Thailand

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Is Phuket Still the Best Place in Thailand?

Published by seeking on January 13th, 2012 - in Thailand Beaches

Most travelers have heard of Phuket which has been Thailand’s number one tourist destination for years with its white sand beaches and nightlife, but many other places are starting to get popular. Southern Thailand is well known for its white sand beaches and cheap food and accommodation; while Phuket is the most popular destination in southern Thailand, Trang, Krabi, Koh Samui, Hat Yai and Songkla have gained on Phuket.

While southern Thailand is mostly knwn for its beaches and tropical islands, their is a beautiful rainforest in Khao Sok which is even older than the Amazon rainforest in Khao Sok which is only now starting to be popular. So if you your down south and wanting to discover more than just white sand beaches, Khao Sok is only a few hours from Phuket and is a totally unique experience.

Thailand Beaches

Trang is gaining popularity amongst tourists and has been a favourite for the local Thai people. There is many small Islands around which have beautiful resorts. One thing that Trang has is great snorkeling, with the right conditions I would have to say it is unmatched if you compare it to anywhere in Thailand. The water is clear with beautiful long stretches of coral and tropical fish to be seen. If you do decide to go to Trang and snorkel, you have to visit the emerald cave. It is a beach that can only be reached via going through a small cave which is about 100 meters long in the side of a cliff the side of an island. It is not a cave you walk through, you have to swim through it and can only be accessed at certain times due to the tide.

With cheap prices and stunning snorkeling, it is hard to see Trang not getting a lot more popular over the next decade.

Krabi is very similar to Phuket with its nice white sand beaches, it is a little less crowded and has the best rock climbing at Railay beach which is a short, cheap, speedboat ride away. If ou like a more peiceful holiday but with a bit of action, Krabi is a nice place to visit.

Koh Samui has gotten very popular over the last decade and has much better beaches than Phuket, You can go on scubba diving tours in Koh Tao which is close to Koh Samui and is rated by many as the best in Thailand for diving. Koh Samui has been a little over developed over the years and has lost its uniqueness with western franchises stringing up everywhere. Still a nice Island to visit but is very touristy.

Hat Yai and Songkla are other destinations which is gaining a little popularity but is only developing slowly, these 2 places are a good place to visit if you want a better experience of a real Thailand and better experience with Thai culture.

Is Phuket Still the Best Place in Thailand?

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