Finding the right place in Thailand by Toci

Thailand main country income is tourism, for this reason there is a large selection of Hotels, Resorts, Bungalows, Guesthouse everywhere in the country. Thailand accommodation standard is quite good. for an average of 30 US Dollar you can find decent hotel everywhere in Thailand. Thailand offer also a wide range of accommodations categories. There are Youth Hostels offering beds as low as 5 US $ a day or beach bamboo bungalow for 2 persons as low as 10 US $ a day. In the main cities and touristic destination, several 4 and 5 star Hotel and Resort are also available for just around 100 US $ a day.

On the Internet there are many Agency and tour operator who provide large lists of Hotels and Resort in Thailand. Every Hotel Network have something to offer that can be interesting for one person but not for others and every Tour Operator has something different to offer. This is the reason why it is important to compare between different Tour Operators and Hotel Networks.

http://www.axolotlvillage.com offer a big selection of different Hotels Networks with great Hotel deals and Discounted Rates they are all reliable for making a reservation online.

But how to know which one is a good Hotel ? This is the most common question. You can't believe what the hotel say about itself, everybody will say "I'm the best", You can't believe the Hotels Network too because they may get some money to recommend some Hotel. Who you can really believe are the real Guests, Customers who has been there already. Some Hotel Network offer a section of Guest Comments, Opinions, reviews about the Hotel, Resort or Guesthouse they have been. This is a great way to pick the real information from the hotel.

If you have found a good Hotel and you want to find further information about it, you can alway search Google or Yahoo with the Hotel name as keyword and most probably you will find the Hotel Website. It is common that the Hotel itself offer higher rates than the Travel Networks. In fact the Hotel Networks has always special deals with the Hotels and can offer better Rates than the Hotel itself.

About the Author
Travelled in many asian Countries I decide to settle in my favorite place: Thailand. Living n Thailand since 1991 and travelled all around the country. Speak and read Thai. Mother country Italy.

Thailand Adventures by Spencer Neal

Wilderness Adventure - Thailand

Thailand has always held a special place in my heart. I first travelled there in 1991, a wide eyed kid wet behind the ears with a bucket shop one way ticket to Bangkok. My grand plans of a short beach break before heading down to the east coast of Australia joining the 1000's of Pommie pilgrims earning a right of passage didn't exactly go to plan. I left Thailand eleven months later to return home penniless, emancipated and full of great stories, which my friends soon got bored with.

I returned a few times mainly to Bangkok and Koh Samui happy to be back in the land of smiles but feeling slightly disappointed at all the changes. The old story of development being good for the locals but not good for my sense of adventure. That didn't deter me from joining the Imaginative Travellers Wilderness Adventure two years ago.

Arriving in Bangkok this time was different. I had a hotel booked so no lugging my pack in Bangkok's suffocating mixture of exhaust fumes, heat and humidity looking for a clean bed. I had a group to meet too, this was also good, eating Pad Thai on your own looking for a fellow traveller to strike a conversation with can be hard work. There were 10 of us, a mix of Poms, Aussies, a Canadian, an American and a South African. We all met for dinner and shortly after my first Thai beer I knew this would be a fun trip

Bangkok to me means food and shopping and the best place to find both is the Chata Chuk weekend market. I headed there with belly empty and wallet full destined to reverse the two. The market is huge, really huge, 35 acres of cheap goodies huge and sells everything from furniture to genuine fake designer clothes. The street food is fantastic but remember the Thai's like it hot. I left my shopping with the hotel to keep safe as I would be returning there once I finished the trip.

Off to Chiang Mai on the overnight train. I like travelling like this, sleeping while moving makes sense to me and the train is clean, functional, safe and fine. I think Chiang Mai is the perfect place to escape hectic Bangkok. It's a peaceful, happy place and that reflects in the locals. Sight seeing will take you to the Wat Pratat Doi Suthep temple - stunning and golden on a sunny day. The next stage of the trip was trekking in the surrounding jungle, I decided I needed a massage before we set off.

A trek in the hills of Northern Thailand is a chance to escape everyday life and clear your head. The going is not too difficult for someone with fairly good fitness although if it rains the mud can be tricky. I was enjoying my own head space when we arrived at the first village of wooden homes, pecking chickens and lots of smiles, basic but I couldn't think of anywhere else I would rather have been. Chan, our guide, was a local from a neighbouring village and before long he had us divided amongst our village hosts before the sun set and got too difficult for us city people to do anything without electric light. That night, with the noise of the surrounding jungle lying on a mattress roll on a bamboo floor, was maybe the most peaceful night's sleep I have ever had.

The next day's trek was shorter and we covered ground quicker, maybe we were getting used to the trekking but I think it was the excitement of the elephant ride to come that afternoon. Lunch was delicious but we were too busy watching the elephants wash in the river to notice. Elephants are brilliant creatures and being on one journeying deeper into the jungle is a fantastic experience.

The next morning Chan had us up early helping him and the village men build our rafts to take us down river to civilization. It is all part of the experience helping the guys and by helping I mean staying out of their way while they expertly craft our rafts. A serene float down to the nearest small town where our bus was waiting to take us to a hot shower and another massage.

We left Chiang Mai and headed back to Bangkok where we broke the journey up to the south with an over night stay in the city of angels.

I had heard a few good things about Khoa Sok national park, not too popular with tourists or backpackers alike due it not having a major bus stop. To get there you need to stop the bus by the 3rd banyan tree after 17th stream near the big hill and you will find a bakkie waiting to take you into the park. I'm glad we had a tour leader. The first night we slept with the birds in tree houses the second and third we stayed in raft houses on a man made dam. It is a truly beautiful area and a few of us spent the days swimming in waterfalls, flooded caves, kayaking and hiking and some of just sat back and took it all in.

How to finish this Thailand trip? On the beach of course. The islands around Krabi are what we visualize when we think of a Thai beach and they do not disappoint. The Thai's have a word called sabai, loosely translated it means an inner happiness and contentment. I woke one afternoon from a napping on the beach and understood exactly what sabai means.

This trip can be found on the Thailand section of Travel Light

http://www.travellight.co.za/south_east_asia_tours/thailand_tours.htm


About the Author
Spencer Neal has worked in adventure travel since 1997. His many adventures and passion for travel has led him to part own an online adventure travel agency Travel Light www.travellight.co.za specialising in world wide adventures for South Africans. You can contact him at spencer@travellight.co.za

Planning a worry-free family vacation by gayle

Summer time means only one thing to most people: vacation. Summer fun means going to the beach or spending time with relatives overseas. Many enjoy traveling during summer because of the good weather and the time-off that they get from working hard. However, taking vacations can also turn out to be another form of "work." All the preparations needed to go on a vacation can become so taxing. From packing the bags to getting the kids to join, to making hotel reservations and preparing a doable itinerary --- the minute details of going on a vacation can take a toll on even the most eager vacationers.

In planning for the perfect family vacation, all members of the family should be made to take part in the planning. A lot of stress and anxiety involved in going to vacations stem from the fact that not all members of the family agree on the time, destination or activities to be done during the vacation. It is also wise to check the family budget to see what possible places they can go to depending on their budget.

Anxiety can also be felt during a vacation when expectations are not met or when unscheduled changes take place. A million problems can occur and turn that dream vacation into a nightmare. A delayed flight, or lost baggage, or having a conked out air-conditioning unit in the hotel room can be a real drag.

More anxiety can ruin a vacation when the parents lose a sense of control over their children. Just imagine a parent losing sight of a toddler in a crowded beach, or suddenly finding out that your child was left behind during the last stop of the tourist bus.

An even more serious source of anxiety is not having control over one's environment. Remember all the tourists who almost lost their lives while visiting New Orleans? Or the number of families who perished during the tsunami that hit Thailand in 2004?

Taking time off with the family should be absolutely free of stress and anxiety. Vacations should be fun and full of laughter. At the same time, it is important to accept is impossible to avoid stress and anxiety during a vacation because of the simple reason that we cannot control every single facet of our lives.

So, what can we do to make our vacations truly worry-free?

One easy step to take is to talk to a travel agent. While it may entail spending a little more money, a professional travel agent can help you think through your plans, budgets, and timeline for taking a vacation. Another option to consider is to buy a travel guide book. Travel guide books contain lots of information about the place that you want to visit. From the book, you may be able to read about the culture, beliefs, interesting places to visit, and the usual "Do's and Dont's."

If reading a book is not your thing, surfing the Net may be the next best thing. Websites of resorts and other destinations can provide information and pictures --- all useful in planning that trip.

So next time, make sure you consider all options on how to make your vacation planning worry-free.


About the Author
DrugstoreTM.com is a reputable online drug store.

Guide to Bangkok by Hosh

Bangkok is an exhilarating destination, with her interesting mix of traditional sights and attractions, exotic aromas and western influence. To unravel the layers of this city, you'll need to understand its history and culture. A trip to this Kingdom of smiles will allow you to do this if you allow yourself enough time to see some of the treasures this place has to offer. At least three days, and this is not a problem with an abundance of cheap flights and good hotels available in Bangkok throughout the year. This article features some of the highlights and traditional must-see attractions.
Wat Pho Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) is one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok and located next to the Grand Palace. It is most famous for its grand and splendid reclining Buddha, covered in gold leaf and measuring more than 150 feet long. There are some cool spots under the trees beside the temple for rest and rejuvenation as well. Treat yourself to their famed massage services where they offer trained professionals in the school of traditional massage housed within the temple itself. You will also enjoy the action of dropping coins into a long line of small containers around the reclining buddha, as an act of accumulating blessings for yourself and others.
The Grand Palace The Grand Palace, with its glittery, extravagant architecture, is simply grand. This famous palace was built in 1782, and it continues to capture visitors' imagination with its magnificent buildings and intricate details. It gives you an insight into Thai royalty, in local Siamese style with its wonderful mix of colours.
Entering the palace grounds, you will have to wear long trousers or skirts. The dress code states no jeans, but don't worry, you can always rent the appropriate clothing for free if you turn up in them. Audio guides are avaliable near the entrance and are helpful if you are not in a tour group.
There's always touts outside the palace scamming unaware tourists that the grand palace is closed, and suggesting to follow their tours. Just don't be fooled by them.
Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo) Located inside the grounds of the Grand Palace, and regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand, Wat Pra Kaeo enshrines Phra Kaew Morakot (the Emerald Buddha), the highly revered Buddha image meticulously carved from a single block of jade. This temple is a huge incredible riot of glittering gold and colours, everywhere you look. There are a million details not to be overlooked and part of visiting the Grand Palace is seeing this Emerald Buddha. If you happen to visit the palace on the same day as the King himself, grab the chance to see the Emerald Buddha clad in its gold outfits!
Floating Market The floating market has been reduced to a touristy state nowadays, but even though transactions are more involved and to do with tourists rather than locals these days, the floating market boats are still piled high with tropical fruits and vegetables, fresh coconut juice and local food cooked right on the boat itself.
With each boat jostling for space within the narrow canals, it's absolutely frantic and disorderly. The paddling skills of each boat-woman are to be admired at and they will stop and bargain with you at any time. It's vibrant, noisy but great fun.
Chao Phraya River The Chao Phraya River flows through the capital and is where Bangkok's historic roots lie. One of the most fascinating and scenic areas of Bangkok, the riverside reflects a constantly changing scene day and night. The river is also one of the major transportation systems of the city, with massive traffic jams along the roads all day. The water-taxis ferries commuters up and doen the river, and heavily laden rice barges can also be seen in the waters.
The river is set against a backdrop of glittering temples, palaces and historical landmarks. You can also find luxury, five-star hotels, as well as cheap hotel deals along the riverside.
Chinatown Chinatown is a busy area, packed with market stalls and has probably the greatest concentration of gold shops in the city. Always crowded, especially during the Chinese New Year period, this area still retains its old look and relatively untouched by modern high-rise developments. The Chinese community here still continues their own traditions and religious practices. Restaurants can be found abundant along the streets, offering Chinese cuisines, delicacies and seafood. One of the best places to enjoy sumptuous seafood at relatively cheap prices, and this area has lots of budget hotels for any backpacker.
Jim Thompson House Jim Thompson or James Harrison Wilson Thompson was born in Greenville, Delaware in 1906. He is an American who started the Thai silk industry in Thailand after World War II. With his natural flair for design and color, and his dedication to reviving the craft, Thompson gained worldwide recognition for his success in generating international demand for Thai silk. This former residence of his houses a magnificent collection of Asian art and many unique displays, in addition to it being best place to purchase silk in Bangkok.
This place has an intriguing history to boot as well. During the Easter weekend in 1967, Thompson disappeared while on holiday with friends in Cameron Highlands, a northern Malaysian resort. An extensive and extended search failed to reveal any clues about his disappearance. Theories abound about his disappearance, but there has been no answer as yet.
Vimanmek Mansion Built by King Rama V upon his return from Europe in 1897, this palace is the world's largest golden teakwood mansion featuring an elaborate and unique blend of Victorian and Thai architecture. Altogether there are 31 exhibition rooms, with the bedrooms, the throne room and the bathrooms maintaining the atmosphere of the Thai past. Some display rooms house exhibitions of Thai art including silverware, ceramics, crystal ware, and ivory.
About the Author
The author enjoys taking time off a mundane engineering worklife and travelling to other countries enjoying their food, culture, hospitality and spirit. She believes beautiful exciting places abound around the world, and it'll be a waste not to visit. Visit http://www.getcheapholidays.com for more information on cheap airfares and hotels.