|
|
                    |
THAILANDThe land of smiles was introduced as an advertising slogan, but it is so accurately sums up Thailand that it has become much more than a promotional catchphrase. The people are charming and the country is a wonderful combination of ornate temples, ancient pagodas, glorious beaches, stunning mountain scenery, colourful tribes, bustling cities and buzzing nightlife. It's a holiday destination, a cultural treat and a scenic delight all rolled into one. The Culture For the culture vultures, Thailand has a wealth of sight and sounds just waiting to be explored. Thai culture is visible everywhere and is reflected in its traditions, local lifestyles, superstitions and beliefs which are all passed down from one generation to the next. The Shopping Thailand has the added 'wow factor' of being retail heaven. Regular visitors to Thailand know that it can beat many of its Asian neighbours when it comes to finding a great selection of quality goods at attractive prices and if you are street wise, you can get some great deals. Thailand is well know for its genuine brand names and also for it s fakes. Many of the worlds most famous brands for clothing have established factories in Thailand as export bases. You will often find that in the local markets they sell the 'off-runs' at prices well below those in the UK. You can buy just about anything from clothes to souvenirs. In the markets, the rule is barter with patience and a broad smile and you will get a better price. Bangkok is also home to some great shopping malls and quality department stores - Robinsons Emporium and the World Trade Centre to name but two. If you're around at the weekend, try the weekend market at Chatuchak - its well worth a visit for local handicrafts. Silks and custom tailoring are extremely good value. Take pictures of your favourite outfits with you and copies can be made to measure! Even in some resort towns and n Northern Thailand, there are great shopping opportunities. The North is excellent for local handicrafts. Koh Samui boasts a number of art galleries where you can pick up some great artwork at very reasonable prices and beachwear is extremely good value. The Nightlife Bangkok - The city that doesn't sleep comes into its own after nightfall. The dining possibilities are endless and eating out is amazingly good value. Thai food is spicy and laden with garlic and chilli, but if it is too hot for you, there are numerous other options, as you would expect in any international city. The Thais are a very convivial race and Bangkok has a wealth of entertainment venues ranging from the serenity of classical Thai dancing to the noise and excitement of Thai boxing matches to the famous night market of Patpong with its more infamous exotic go-go bars. There is virtually every type of venue to suit every taste. North Thailand -Chiang Mai has a bustling Night Bazaar, which takes place in the main street and also has a great choice of bars and restaurants - something to suit everyone's taste. One of the best evening entertainment choices in the North is to experience an authentic northern Thai Khantoke dinner. Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai, are much quieter and most entertainment takes place within the hotel complexes. Pattaya by night, boasts an amazing range of entertainment possibilities to suit everyone's taste. At sun down you will see the resort take on a different face. Just take a walk along the promenade and sit at one of the many bars which line the seafront. A little known secret about Pattaya, it has some of the very best seafood restaurants in the whole of Thailand. The locals will be happy to recommend a good one to you. In Phuket, if youcrave the highlife, then head for Patong with its lively night markets and oriental mayhem. Sit at one of the many street cafes and listen to the happy chatter. Entertainment often spills out on to the street and can sometimes border on the wild side and occasionally, the outrageous. Bars and restaurants across the island come in all styles from bare foot casual dining under the stars to dress-up-smartly with air conditioning where a truly international cuisine menu is served. Koh Samui wakes up after sunset. From laid back evenings sat in beach bars listening to the sea to clubbing in an open air disco - its all here. Restaurants, bars, nightclubs and late shopping are all available to interfere with your sleep. Away from Chaweng, though, evenings are rather more relaxed. Hua Hin is somewhat quieter and entertainment centres around the hotels, many of which have weekly theme nights. Out and about in the resort, its mainly small family run bars and a choice of casual, or slightly more formal, restaurants, Krabi and Phi Phi are not for night owls, but there are a few lively local bars and restaurants. Khao Lak being a newly developed resort has little or no nightlife - just a handful of local bars set along the coastal road. The Options As a country in its own right, Thailand offers a myriad of multi-centre combinations from cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai to beaches and the hill country. You could also consider a cruise from Phuket or the Eastern and Oriental train either to Chiang Mai or on to Singapore. Bangkok offers direct flights to most major South East Asian destinations including Vietnam, Singapore, Bali, Hong Kong and Malaysia, so the possibilities are endless. In a nutshell.. Thailand is justifiably one of South East Asia's top destinations and the reason is clear - it has something for everyone. The value for money is second to none and when you take into account the high standards of the hotels and the genuine welcome from the Thai people, you have a mix which is hard to beat. Its also a great place for kids of all ages. Thais love children and are very protective of them no matter what their nationality. Fast Facts Geography Thailand has a population of over 62 million and covers an area twice the size of England. It divides into four main areas - the Central Plains including Bangkok; the North, which encompasses the jungles of the hill country; the North East; and the South with its stunning beaches. Language The official language is Thai and the alphabet is very different to ours. Some English is spoken, particularly in tourist destinations. Passports You will need a full British passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond your date of return. Visas A visa is only required if you stay in Thailand for more than 30bdays. Non-British passport holders should check with the relevant embassy for documentation requirements. Vaccinations Vaccinations are strongly recommended. For further information please consult your doctor. Travelling Time Bangkok is approximately 12 hours by non stop flight from the UK. Local Time GMT + 7-8 hours Currency Thai Baht Departure Taxes 500 Baht for international flights and 30 Baht for domestic flights except Koh Samui which is 400 Baht Taxes must be paid locally in Thai Baht only. Thailand Resorts Bangkok
© Copyright. Design & management by Bang Online |
