I love Thai food. Even before I went on my Thailand vacation, I frequented Thai restaurants, first in London, then when I moved to New Zealand, I discovered a couple of Thai eateries in Wellington.

And then I went on an extended Asia vacation. And here, in Thailand, the Thai food is the real thing. You can really taste the subtle blend of tastes and texures that make a Thai meal memorable.

I was surprised, though, to discover how varied the food is in the different areas in Thailand. There are four major regions and they have their own special cuisine. And sometimes you can find foreign influences in the dishes that have come together over the centuries and melted into the distinct Thai flavour.

For example, the North of Thailand developed its own culture that is not only different in language and customs but also in its cuisine. Over the centuries, this part of Thailand was ruled sometimes by Myanmar (Burma), and sometimes by the old kingdom of Ayutthaya that attracted international traders.

So, in the North you get the glutinous, sticky rice that is rolled onto small balls with your fingers and then used to scoop up the more liquid dishes. The northern curries are much milder than the ones in the other parts of the Thailand, and you can find specialities like a spicy pork sausage or crispy fired pork rind.

In the Northeast of Thailand, in Y-san as it is popularly called, you get your food highly seasoned and hot. Some of the favourite dishes include the famous Som Tam, or green papaya salad, Lap which is a spicy minced meat or chicken salad, and the flavoursome Kai Yang, barbequed chicken. Like the Thais in the North, they like their rice glutinous, and here they use it a a desert as well. Sticky rice and mango is one of my favourites.

The central region of Thailand is where the best known Thai dishes come from. Native spices such as garlic, black pepper and fish sauce were over time complimented with coriander, lime and tomato. The chilli pepper, without which a Thai meal wouldn’t be a Thai meal, was introduced from South America. This is interesting because the hot chilli is now essential in Thai cooking.

Fruit plays an important role in a Thai meal, and often you get mango, durian, pomelo and pinapple and water melon to round off your meal.

The influence of Malaysia can be noticed in the food of southern Thailand. As this part is also surrounded by the sea, there is plenty of fish and seafood available. Lobsters, crabs, squids, scallops, mussels, all have their place in a Thai meal.

The milk of the coconut is used here to take the heat off the chilli-laced curries and soups. The oil of the coconut is for frying, and the flesh you eat as a condiment. Cashew nuts are grown here, and the Thais make a lovely dish of cashew nuts, red and green peppers. onions and chicken.

I like the spicy yellow curry, and the mild Massaman curry which is seasoned with cloves, cardamom and cinnamon and reminds me a little of an Indian curry. Sa Te which which consists of pieces of meat barbequed on skewers and served with a spicy, curry peanut sauce is another one of my favourite snacks.

With such a variety and diversity of food in Thailand it’s not surprising that the Thais spend a considerable time each day eating. I wonder where they put it all…?

Technorati Tags: Asia, cuisine, food, Thailand Vacation, travel

With its large expatriate community and diverse attractions, Pattaya has gained a reputation as one of Thailand’s leading international communities. Its other reputation as Bangkok’s playground and the capital of the sex industry, it attracts a very specific sort of tourist. No matter what your reasons for visiting, you’ll find an exhausting list of attractions, theme parks and entertainment to keep you busy while you’re here. In Pattaya gay travellers are also welcome and made to feel comfortable. Thailand is very tolerant of gay activities, Pattaya is no exception.

Million Years Stone Park and Pattaya Crocodile Farm

The Million Years Stone Park and Crocodile Farm is a great place to take in some of the indigenous plant and animal life of Thailand. More than 1,000 crocodiles are kept and bred on the grounds and there are some elephants and rare albino bears. Elephant shows are held every day, as is the crocodile roundup. The grounds also have some beautiful landscaping, most outstanding of which is the bonsai garden. The park can be reached via a 15-minute drive from Pattaya city centre.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not

This one-of-a-kind museum is located on the third floor of the Royal Garden Plaza building in Pattaya. The facility contains over 300 unusual exhibits exploring the whole gamut of weird and unexplained phenomena. Some of the more popular attractions include the Infinity Maze, an immersive, walk-through sound and light show that tests the limits of perception; and the Haunted Adventure, a resurrection of an old real-life mystery set at the Grimsby and Streaper Casket Company and brought to life with live actors, special effects and animatronics. Despite its emphasis on the odd, Ripley’s is Pattaya’s most outstanding museum and a definite must-see.

Sriracha Tiger Zoo

North of the city of Pattaya, the Sriracha Tiger Zoo can be found off Route 3241 via a 30-minute drive from the city centre. The subjects of this facility can be found in a variety of circumstances including in their natural surroundings as well as more interactive settings. Visitors will have the opportunity to bottle-feed young cubs as well as have their picture taken with them. The zoo is home to several other species including crocodiles, elephants and scorpions. Some of the more outlandish shows include elephants playing basketball and a woman wrestling a crocodile.

Mini Siam

One of Pattaya’s most well-known sites for tourists is Mini Siam, a 1:25 scale replication of some of Thailand’s most popular sites from across the country. There are 80 buildings in the park representing periods throughout Thailand’s history. Don Muang Airport is on-site, as is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok and the Temple of Phimai in Nakorn Ratchisima. The best time to visit is after dark, when the exhibits are illuminated and take on a new life.

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

Anyone who wishes to visit the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden can catch a shuttle bus that departs from in front of the Nipa Lodge Hotel in downtown Pattaya. This park covers more than 600 acres and hosts a broad spectrum of exhibits dedicated to Thai culture and history. The grounds include a cactus garden, an orchid nursery and a lake with canoes that can be hired. The arts and culture centre hosts daily exhibitions of Thai dance, Muay Thai (Thai boxing) and elephant shows. There’s also a zoo on-site and accommodation for overnight stays.

Wat Yansangwararam

Pattaya is not as well known for its temples and ancient architecture as Bangkok or Chiang Mai. Even so, the Yansangwararam is a temple worth checking out while in the area. It’s located a few miles south of Pattaya and was built in 1988 to commemorate the 42nd year of King Bhumibol’s reign. On-site is a lake with Chinese pavilions and a building that houses several art exhibits and antiques of Chinese origin. The temple itself sits at the apex of a flight of 299 stairs hemmed in by snakes.

Pattaya Elephant Village

Visitors who want to get an up close look at the iconic Thai elephant can do so at the Pattaya Elephant Village. These animals have served the country in a variety of roles over the centuries, spanning war times and more recently, teak harvesting. The elephants in the village are protected and perform daily educational and entertaining feats showcasing their forestry and football skills. Visitors can also ride the elephants into the forest and listen to English language explanations of this beast’s history in Thailand.

Pattaya Beach

While it may be saturated with visitors and a little polluted, Pattaya’s beachfront property continues to be its greatest draw. Visitors come to enjoy the beach in any number of ways, whether it’s a walk on the tree-lined promenade; a relaxed seafood dish eaten on an outdoor veranda or simply a laid-back afternoon spent on a deckchair. Charter boats head out to some of the nearby islands where further exploration and snorkelling is available. There’s not too much actual swimming in the water, though it’s bustling with jet-skis, banana boats and motor boats.

Amusement parks

The constant flux of tourists through Pattaya has given way to a variety of amusement parks. Pattaya Water Park is a huge facility with water slides, Jacuzzis, whirlpools and a children’s wading pool. Staggering towers at the Pattaya Park Resort and Amusement Park are capped by revolving restaurants with impressive views of the city and sea. The Funny Land Amusement Park has all sorts of carnival and theme-park style rides including a roller coaster and a pendulum Viking ship. Asia’s largest aquarium is also located in Pattaya—Underwater World, with an impressive walking tunnel allowing visitors to walk in among the aquatic life.

Nightlife and gay activities

Anyone visiting Pattaya will at some point be confronted with the city’s notoriety as a part of the sex industry. While it’s true that sex tourism is in full force in the go-go bars along Walking street, it’s easy to find more family-oriented locations across town where you can get a bite to eat or relax in the evening. There are a couple of Irish pubs, an English pub and a blues bar where tourists can enjoy a relaxed evening without the risqué atmosphere. On the whole, the nightlife in Pattaya spans all interests and there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Pattaya is also a popular gay destination. Gay Pattaya is centred on Boyztown and is very welcoming. Gay travellers feel very comfortable in Pattaya and have plenty of options for fun.

Andy Burrows
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/pattaya-travel-guide-top-10-recommendations-120001.html

A little bit about Phuket

The island of Phuket is known as the Pearl of the Andaman Sea because of it beautiful pearl like shape.  It was originally famous for tin mining and rubber, Chinese coolies arrived at the island in the 17th and 18th Century to work on the mines and there is still a hint of Chinese influence here today which can be found in some of the old town’s architecture and Island’s food.  The main beach areas include Patong beach and Karon Beach and as ever, these beautiful palm fringed beaches of squeaky white sands that stretch for miles serve as a wonderful reminder of the natural beauty that Phuket so rightly claims.

Discount Phuket Thailand? What about the hotels?

As for the shoestring guides, Phuket, Thailand is no exception to these, there are good guides for the nigh-on destitute traveler who wants to spend the least amount of money and still live relatively well in a reasonable hotel.  Easily done, let’s first look at some of the rules to shoestring travelling in Phuket.

1. Choose the off-season, which would be around May; the start of the rainy season. And decide on a cheap airline to get you there. (This of course does not guarantee the usual airline safety, but it will get you there-eventually.)

2. Check out the internet for all budget and discount hotels in the Phuket area, you will be surprised by how many websites are available.

3. When you arrive at Phuket airport, you’ll notice one of the great things that will surprise you about Thailand (compared with other countries) that is the availability of cheap budget transport to anywhere or any hotel you want to go. It is all well organized, from bicycle rickshaws, to discount limousine taxis although my personal favourite and thrill is the motorbike taxi. (They don’t ride that fast and you have the handles on the back to hold onto- no helmet necessary).

4. After you have found your budget hotel and booked in for a few nights as a trial run. You will find it easy to change hotels if you don’t like where you are. Next on the agenda of shoestring travelling is budget food.

5. You will find cheaper and better food if you keep away from the main hotel and tourist drag. Most touristy places offer lower service and mediocre food for a higher price. The ones off the main streets will be trying that much harder to get business, hence a better product. The ideal good restaurant would be one which is slightly secluded but not completely empty. The old rule of “if there are no customers, there’ll be no turnover”. Is one worth thinking about. 

6. Souvenir buying: as with restaurants and food, you will get a better bargain if you choose somewhere off the main tourist centers. However, the less customers around anyway, the better the bargaining power. Don’t be afraid to offer what you think it’s worth, then walking off if they don’t accept. I usually use the old “flash the cash to seal the deal” trick-it works every time.

The rainy season in Phuket does happen to be the low season here, but don’t discount this. You will be pleasantly surprised by how good the weather gets-lots of sun and the occasional storm and rain shower which actually makes up for everything by creating beautiful scenic landscapes of the Phuket mountains and seas for wonderful camera fodder.

If you are tired of living on a shoestring there is always a night or two at the Horizon Karon Beach Resort and Spa hotel located at the southern end of the beach and just a two minute walk from the famed Kata beach. The resort hotel is surrounded by lush green vegetation and nature and is set on over 16,000 sqm. of green park land.  Still relatively undeveloped, Karon Beach and the resort hotel is your own “private paradise”.  This hotel offers discounts for the budget traveler and shops and restaurants are also within easy walking distance for all you need.

Hedin Johan
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/living-on-a-budgetshoestring-in-phuket-716389.html

Koh Samui is usually called Samui by the locals of Thailand. This island is located at the east coast Kra Isthmus of the country. It is the country’s 3rd major island having a vicinity of 228.7 km as well as a population of more than 50,000. The island is prosperous with white sandy beaches, innate reserves, coconut trees and coral reefs.

Initially, the island was dwelled in by fishermen settlers for approximately 15 centuries back. They came from Southern China and Malay Peninsula. The term Samui is mysterious in particular. Probably this word is an addition to the name of a certain native tree called mui, or perhaps this is a version of the Chinese term Saboey which means “safe haven”. Koh is a Thai term meaning “island”.

During the late twentieth century, the island was a remote independent district, having short association with the Thailand mainland. Koh Samui lack roads until early 1970s, and there is a 15km trip from a side of Samui going to the other side which included a whole-day trek via the mountainous central rain forests.

The island only encounters 2 seasons similar to other areas of southern Thailand. Rainy season arrives during May until December, and dry season happens during January until April. Because the island has a tropical weather, every time there is rain, it pours heavily but not too long.

Previously, Koh Samui’s economy centers on survival agriculture, fishing, and coconut as their main source of crop. Starting 1980s, tourism has made way to change their status and is prevailing nowadays. The establishment of steady, high speed internet connection has made this island a practical spot for IT businesses, which is now providing a certain level of economic assortment. With the island’s weather and accessibility, this has made it really striking for international investors.

A private airport known as Koh Samui Airport is primarily constructed by the Bangkok Airways. Still it is the major operator and the sole airline that provides services to the island going to main Thailand. There are private speedboats that you can hire going back and forth of Koh Samui. Regular boats are linked to Koh Phang-gan and Surat Thani. At daytime there is a boat going to Koh Tao.

It was just in the early 1970s when the original visitors who rode a coconut boat came to Koh Samui. For many years the island only contains a small number of bungalows and a seep of tourists. During the early 1990s was when boats packed with travelers began to arrive at the island and that was when the island become well known. Today, Samui is the 2nd well-liked island destination of Thailand next to Phuket.

This island is a sanctuary of innate beauty, having nice white sand beaches, stunning corals, luscious lagoons, scenic waterfalls, crystal clear water and captivating coconut trees. Tourism is now the leading industry, than the previous one which is the coconut. The progress of Koh Samui is no w paying off. Beaches such as Lamai and Chaweng are congested. Though, there are still serene beaches around.

Pakawat
http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/explore-the-beauty-of-koh-samui-692853.html

              Romantic moments make our life more happy and cheerful. Every couple in this world loves to enjoy some romantic moments to celebrate their love relationship in different ways. Romantic holiday is one of the best & popular ways. But sometimes career paths and personal lifestyles do not always allow for a weeklong vacation from the norm. If you’re planning a honeymoon, romantic weekend, romantic break, romantic holiday for two or romantic getaway, you’ve come to the right place as romaticusaholidays.com  provides you the information about romantic holidays, romantic vacations and brings you the romantic collection which gives you the most memorable venue for your special occasions.  

             Have you got time off together in November? Need ideas for that romantic getaway? Romaticusaholidays.com gives you some romantic tips and romantic date ideas, romantic holiday spots which will cut down on the travel stress. You will get some romantic ideas like to gift romantic gift baskets, romantic holiday cards, and romantic movies to your partner to make some memorable moments. From walking hand-in-hand on an idyllic beach, to finding the perfect cozy restaurant for two, romantic vacations or romantic holiday breaks are a great way to get to know each other better, or even fall in love all over again. There are lots of romantic holiday places and destinations to far-flung lands which are increasingly popular, and many exotic locations are now much more accessible than before. Romaticusaholidays.com provides you the information about various romantic holiday spots abroad, romantic holiday packages, cheap romantic holiday, holiday inn express and much more. Romantic holidays in UK, Romantic holidays in Paris, Romantic holidays abroad will make your sweetheart feel special. For the perfect romantic winter holiday, bunker down with the one you love, the spoils of exploring the local cellar doors, some sumptuous local produce, and place yourself in front of a crackling log fire. USA holidays can be secular, religious, international or uniquely American. Luxury can mean resorts, day spas, bath treatments, vintage wines, gourmet foods. Luxury winter holiday vacations, when done right, provide memories to last well beyond the New Year. Peaceful tranquility combined with a stylish, intimate ambience is the perfect hideaway for couples. Three stylish and spacious farm holiday cottages offering superb hospitality and magnificent views. Enjoy your romantic holiday weekend with your partner in self contained romantic holiday cottages in UK, guesthouses, romantic accommodations and hotels, great camping and caravanning, and farm stays. Enjoy different food cuisines and lavish food to make special occasion. Some places will give you the nature beauties and scenery treasures to relax your mind and body. Asian countries will be the best places to enjoy the nature on romantic holidays. Whether it’s a romantic Caribbean Island, exotic Thailand Beaches, lovely sceneries of Switzerland, romaticusaholidays.com will guide you through every pros and cons of the most romantic destinations around the world. Romaticusaholidays.com tries to compile the best of special interest romantic holidays information available with our experts to make your romance trip a very special trip.

            So plan such romantic gateway or a romantic weekend to celebrate your love with your partner & bring some joy in your life. As these moments make our life beautiful and they give meaning to our life.

Juhi
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/get-all-information-about-romantic-usa-holiday-and-enjoy-it-673169.html

Besides all of the night time fun and sandy beaches that comes included with your pattaya vacation, there is also a lot of art that needs to be seen and history and culture that needs to be learned. Whenever you go to a new place, somewhere you have never been you do not want to be doing everyday things that you do at home, you want to be out and about, exploring and seeing new things. So maybe you should to look into the art scene in Pattaya. If you are looking for something along the lines of performing arts, then definitely stop by the Thai Alangkarn Theater in Pattaya. This theater is huge, and comfortably seats 2,000 people. The theater also offers a restaurant and shows are shown daily. There are also many galleries and art caf้s located in Pattaya, many performing art studios that should definitely be looked into.

Pattaya, before it was known for its vivid nightlife and exquisite beaches and attractions, it was nothing more than a small fishing village. It was then turned into a resort for incoming tourists in the late 1960’s. Once it was established many service members from the United States military began to flock to Pattaya when they were in port. This became somewhat of a problem because prostitution became more prominent in the city. Since then Pattaya has cleaned up and has become more of a family vacation destination due to the fact that it offers activities for every member of the family.

As for culture in Pattaya, it is mainly geared toward the performing arts. There are many performing arts shows that you and your family can attend and really feel like you are part of Pattaya. If you are in Pattaya in April then check out the festival that is held every year at Pattaya Pier. You can see beauty pageants as well as musical performances and cultural shows! This will definitely give you a feel for what Thai culture is all about.

If you are looking for activities that you and your family can learn from, then stick to the culture events that Pattaya has to offer. Try to stop by some galleries and see the art displayed by artists from that city! Try to brush up on the history and the culture before you arrive in Pattaya, this way you might not feel like such an outsider and you will be able to understand the people that live there.

Soophott Lert
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/art-history-and-culture-in-pattaya-thailand-722325.html

Imagine you are on your honeymoon to a beautiful tropical country. You are looking forward to pristine beaches, peaceful jungles, luxury hotels in Bangkok and most of all, efficient travel that does not unduly inconvenience you. If you were heading out of Bangkok at the end of November 2008, you found a travelers’ nightmare.

In December 2008, Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand was taken over for eight days by anti-government protesters. This article will not examine what is behind this takeover but the effect on travelers. And the airport seizure in Thailand had travelers darn mad.

Americans fumed as they missed getting home for Thanksgiving, a holiday second only to Christmas in the U.S. One clearly miffed man railed at a Thai woman for their “cockamamie protest” as the reason he would not get his turkey dinner. Others on their honeymoon said they needed to take a break from their hectic life but needed to get back to the U.S. for job interviews they were missing and to work towards saving for their next vacation.

Now that there are so many travelers stranded, there very well may be no cheap hotels in Bangkok as a lot of travelers need places to stay in the capital city. Looking to the future, however, even businessmen in Thailand are livid at the effect of the protests with some analysts saying the country’s tourist arrivals could fall from an average of around 15 million to just 6-7 million in 2009. If that’s true, luxury hotels in Bangkok could soon turn in to cheap hotels in Bangkok just to get occupants away from other hotels.

While time will quickly date this article, the main idea will not. Remember, nothing is for certain and when you are in a foreign country your travel plans can go bad fast. Forget planning ahead, life is how you react. Those travelers who always look on the bright side of their travel circumstances cherish the memories even a bad travel experience can bring.

Jeremiah Iverson
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/thailand-airport-seizure-see-why-travelers-in-bangkok-got-really-darn-mad-678992.html

Matt Butcher is thirty three years old and hails from Essex, UK. After quitting his job at London’s, Stansted International Airport, where he was employed as an operations controller for a handling company (a high stressed job with very little reward), Matt decided to leave England in search of a fresh challenge and to pursue his dream of becoming a diving instructor and it is in Thailand where he has been living and working for the last six years.

Matt first came on holiday to Thailand in 1993; he immediately fell in love with the country and its people vowing one day to return. Matt did return to Thailand in 2000, and it was on Phi Phi where he first leant to dive -Koh Phi Phi is situated in the Andaman Sea between Phuket and Koh Lanta. After discovering for himself the underwater delights that diving offered, he decided that he wanted to progress his dive skills and knowledge; and eventually after much studying became a full time Padi Open Water Diving Instructor.

Matt is one of the most famous Scuba divers in Thailand if not the whole of South East Asia, if only for his misfortune. Here in his very first interview; he tells us about living and working in Thailand, what it’s like to dive with huge Mantas Rays and Whalesharks, life as a videographer and his true love for Moray eels.

Hi Mat, why did you choose Phi Phi Island as the place where you would learn to dive, there must be closer places to home than Thailand?

I chose Phi because it is a great place to dive as well as a great holiday destination. The water temp is always around 30 degrees; there are lots to see like Sharks, Turtles, and other interesting stuff. Phi Phi is also a nice place to live and work, it’s has a small community where there is always something going on, it’s also a great place to party. I did my open water and advanced courses on Phi Phi, then travelled to Koh Tao for my rescue and Divemaster courses. As far as the quality of diving goes Phi Phi wins hands down, there is just much to see.

Have you ever dived in the UK? If not, why not?

No. The main reason, I guess, is that I’m not too keen on the idea of diving in cold water. I like coral reefs, colorful fish, good visibility, and being able to dive in just a pair of board shorts. I’ve never used a dry suit and don’t really fancy it. Saying that, maybe one day I wouldn’t mind trying some hardcore ice diving.

So, you really do not think you will be returning back to work in England any time soon then?

It’s very unlikely. Two weeks a year in the UK is enough for me. Thailand’s my home these days and I’m happy here; I live here with my Thai girlfriend and our young daughter.

What’s it like working on a paradise Island like Phi Phi, is that the place where the filmed the movie The Beach?

A4: Working on Phi Phi is great, everything is close by and everyone knows everyone. Workers get discounts in bars and restaurants, and life is generally good. I like the fact there are no roads, cars, or motorbikes. The downside about staying on Phi Phi is that it is getting quite expensive, especially when it comes to renting rooms and bungalows. For the monthly rent you pay on Phi Phi for a basic room with a bed and a fan, you could easily get a two or three bedroom house in Phuket, and Phuket isn’t exactly cheap. It was after The Beach was filmed that prices shot up, people just became too greedy.

Have you worked anywhere else in Thailand, if so where?

I am very lucky as my job takes me to the Similans islands and Phuket dive sites.

Phuket, wow, what’s the diving like there?

The diving is surprisingly good. I was pleasantly surprised when I first dived in Phuket after years on Phi Phi. The visibility is usually good, and we are always seeing cool stuff like Manta Rays at Racha Noi.

Have the recent problems at Bangkok airport affected tourism where you are?

Yes, it’s pretty quite at moment. I just hope they can sort out the political problems soon. It seems that which ever side is elected the other side cannot accept it and they throw their toys out of their cots and start causing trouble. It has to stop. If some people cannot accept a democratically elected government, elected by a majority, maybe they should take the privilege away, though where that may lead to is a scary thought.

You mentioned the Similan Islands before, where exactly are they?

They are about six hours north of Phuket by boat. Or like many do, you can travel by bus to Khao Lak (a beautiful beach resort 50 minutes north of Phuket International airport) from there you go to Tab la mo port and the journey is a bout 2 hours in a speed boat.

Apparently these are some of the best dive sites in the world; can you elaborate on them please?

The great thing about the Similans is that it’s a protected marine park. The visibility is usually excellent, and there are some pristine coral reefs which teem with fish. There’s also a huge variety of dive sites to choose from, some gently sloping coral reefs, some with massive boulder formations.

What is your favorite dive site and why?

I like a lot of them. Elephant Head Rock is cool, it’s easy to find Sharks there; well it is if you know where to look. Three Trees has some great corals and a lot of fish, but my favorite sites are just north of the Similans, like Koh Bon, I have had some wicked dives with Mantas Rays there, and Richelieu Rock (the most famous dive site in Thailand), as I’ve seen quite a few Whalesharks there.

So now you have become a videographer? You must have some amazing footage.

Yeah I’ve got a few external drives full of good stuff.

What is your favorite sea creature and why?

Probably Manta Rays, they always take my breath away when I see them gliding past they are just so graceful, the boat is always buzzing after a Manta sighting.

Everybody who comes to dive in Thailand wants to see a Whaleshark or Manta Ray how many have you seen?

I have seen more than 100 Manta Rays and seven or eight Whalesharks. I saw two Whalesharks on a single dive once at Hin Muang.

Is it true you once had a close encounter with a Moray Eel, what happened?

There used to be a famous Moray called Scarface at East of Eden in the Similans and a lot of instructors and dive guides would take food down for her, and feed her in front of their guests. I was careless one day, and wasn’t paying attention when I was removing food from a plastic bag. Scarface came around behind me, could smell the food, and accidentally latched onto my thumb. I tried to prize her jaws open and get her off me but it was no good. Within seconds there was a sickening popping sound and my thumb was bitten clean off. She swam away and that was the last I saw of my thumb. It was my fault, firstly for feeding a wild animal, and secondly for being careless. My dive buddy Bex was holding my camera and managed to get some footage of it happening.

You mean you have video footage of it? Can you tell us about the operation?

After several months when the wound healed and the Doctors were happy that there was no infection, I flew up to one of the best hospitals in Bangkok; where a specialist hand micro surgeon amputated one of my second toes and attached it to my hand. In an operation which lasted over six hours, he connected all the nerves, blood vessels, and tendons. Now I have a new thumb, which is almost as good as the old one. I can feel it, and move it like a real thumb.

Did it not put you off diving?

Not at all, I was back in the water less that a month after having the operation. Why would it put me off? It was an accident.

How do other people react when you tell them the story?

These days I don’t mention it, unless someone asks. They’re usually quite amazed at how normal my toe / thumb looks.

I heard this story in a dive shop in Koh Tao (another Thai Island) how do you deal with the fame?

It’s not something to be proud of really, and it’s not really fame. Not many people know it was me, and I like to keep it that way.

Would you feed Moray Eels again or have you learnt your lesson?

Well, I used to love feeding her, but no, I wouldn’t do it again. It’s not really a good idea to feed marine life, it’s not natural, and with animals like Morays and Sharks especially, they can start associating scuba divers with food. Accidents can happen.

When and where will your next dive be?

My next dives will be tomorrow at Koh Doc Mai and Anemone Reef near Phuket. I head up to the Similans in a few days for a week or so.

Well good luck Matt, take care and Thank you for talking to us!

Jason Butler
http://www.articlesbase.com/scuba-diving-articles/thumbs-up-to-diving-in-phi-phi-thailand-708140.html

Thailand is one of the most beautiful and culturally diverse areas in Southeast Asia. Because it was never colonized, it retains much of its original culture.

The people of Thailand are very friendly and hospitable. There is no language barrier because the staff speaks English and other European languages in most of the hotels, restaurants and tourist places. There are many different modes of transportation in Thailand. Tourists can hire a taxi, take a bus, ride on a train, rent a car or motorcycle or hike on foot through the beautiful countryside. The most interesting ride is the Tuk-Tuk, a three wheel bike, which provides a fantastic open air ride around any city.

Thailand means “the land of the free”, and is blessed with three seasons. Summers runs from February to May. The rainy season extends from June to October. The cold season lasts from November to January. Many people vacation in Thailand during December and January to get away from the cold in their countries over Christmas and New Year’s. Thailand has vacationers from all over the world.

Thailand has a very diverse geography. Tropical islands are found in the southern peninsula. There are many beautiful beaches surrounded by clear, blue waters on one side and tropical jungle on the other. The people here are involved in rubber cultivation, tin mining, and fishing. In the central part of Thailand are paddy fields, farms and many varieties of edible fruits. Here, too, are the ancient ruins of Ayuthaya, the royal capital of the kingdom of Siam, and Sukhothai. The mountains and forests of Thailand are in the north. Many different tribes are located in the mountains. Tourists can visit them from boats or by crossing the rail road lines over the famous river Kwai. They can also see unusual native handicrafts and multicolored orchids. The northeast plateau is famous for its rich archaeological and anthropological findings.

Thailand is the perfect vacation spot for those seeking a romantic getaway or who want to shop. Gourmets will love the many varieties of sea food. Many travelers also come here for an adventurous vacation. Thailand offers aquatic sports for all ages, including scuba diving, snorkeling, wind-surfing and water-skiing. Afterwards, tourists can relax on the beautiful beaches, sipping their favorite cool drink in good company.

Thailand offers something to every traveler:

Phuket is known for its exotic islands and beautiful beaches. Tourists can sunbathe on the beach, relax around a hotel pool or go on a number of popular excursions. Phuket’s nightlife is very lively. The multi-cuisine restaurants and bars are always filled with tourists.

Chiang Mai is a combination of modern city life and old village charm. Tourists can visit a working elephant camp, the Mae Sa Waterfall and an Orchid Farm. There are temples which are close to 700 years old. The Doi Suthep monastery sits on the top of a mountain 3500 feet above sea level, overlooking the fertile valley embracing Chiang Mai. The monastery is famous for its many holy relics of the Lord Buddha. Chiang Mai’s night bazaar is a favorite shopping place of tourists. Almost anything can be bought there at bargain prices.

In Chiang Rai, tourists can see the local hill tribe villages of the Akha and Yao. They can also see the ruins of Chiang Saen, Mae Sai and the Golden Triangle. The triangle is where the borders of Burma, Thailand and Laos meet. Together with Chiang Mai, the city sits in one of the artistic and religious centers in Thailand.

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. The name means “city of angels.” Bangkok is a centre of commercial, industrial and cultural activities. The Grand Palace; Wat Phra Keo, which houses the Emerald Buddha; and Dusit Maha Prasat Hall are three of Bangkok’s largest attractions. Here tourists can see large, gleaming golden spires, soaring roofs, intricate paintings and ornate statues.

Joe Goertz
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/facts-about-thailand-for-those-who-dream-of-going-there-71208.html

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