By Kevin James Moore

8 April 2010 [MediaGlobal]: As the water level of the Mekong River continues to diminish, the concerns of those who depend on the river for survival continue to rise. Low water levels have severely disrupted river transportation for both trade and tourism, wrote Jeremy Bird, CEO [...]]]>

Technorati Tags: Mekong River, Thailand Vacation

And then I went on an extended Asia vacation. And here, in Thailand, the Thai food is the real thing. You [...]]]>

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

Posted via email from Evelyne’s posterous

You might think that Phuket is all about beaches and beer bars. Although at first you may not see it, Phuket has a social scene filled with trendsetters and the island’s well-to-do sorts. If you want to live the high life in Phuket, you have to follow the socialite trail and wine and dine in [...]]]>

You might think that Phuket is all about beaches and beer bars. Although at first you may not see it, Phuket has a social scene filled with trendsetters and the island’s well-to-do sorts. If you want to live the high life in Phuket, you have to follow the socialite trail and wine and dine in all the right places. Soon enough, you’ll become a familiar face and will be able to meet the right people, darling.

First of all, you have to look the part. We’re not talking sandals and Beer Chang vests here. Phuket’s social butterflies are snappy dressers. If you want to fit in, ditch those tired clothes and head to Central Festival or Jungceylon to buy yourself some new threads.

When it comes to dining out, Phuket’s butterflies flutter to a variety of places. Baba Dining Lounge at Sri Panwa has been vogue for a while thanks to its secluded location, snazzy décor and a great menu. The owner is something of a familiar face around the island, so there are regular parties at Sri Panwa where people go to drink, dance and mingle.

Another popular haunt at the moment is White Box just before Kamala Hill. White Box is a jazzy restaurant that has great views out over Patong Bay. It’s a little out of the way for tourists, so it’s generally only frequented by Phuket’s socializing residents. White Box also hosts a number of parties with the music policy focused on hip hop or house.

Another hip restaurant is Ratri Jazztaurant in Kata. The steep climb up a hill is worthwhile because of the magical views you’re treated to from the restaurant. Great food and jazz music make for the perfect combination.

On the subject of parties, if you want to be seen in all the right places, you’re going to have to closely follow the party circuit. BYD Lofts is a chilled-out place at the Club Andaman Resort. It’s a great spot to grab a bite to eat and a few drinks while listening to the live music. A lot of people visit BYD before heading to Club Lime.

Club Lime is just about the hippest venue in Phuket. The music ranges from house and electro to techno and breaks. Don’t expect to hear any pop or cheesy dance tunes. At weekends, people dance the nights away at Club Lime until well into the morning. The drinks are expensive and there’s usually a cover charge. The venue looks fabulous, however, and it attracts a fashionable crowd from week to week.

If you want to win some kudos points with the “it” crowd, you’re going to need to find a way to get into the island’s biggest parties, which usually happen as part of Phuket Raceweek and the King’s Cup Regatta. The final party of the King’s Cup is always particularly memorable. Making friends in the right places will help you get invited to Phuket’s many parties throughout the year.

vanalli
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/how-to-live-the-high-life-in-phuket-724149.html

More and more westerners are making Thailand their home. We all transport with us our own set of principal ethics acutely embedded from our upbringings and the societies from which we come. They are the rules by which we live our lives; the principles and message guidelines that govern our actions and certitude making handle. [...]]]>

More and more westerners are making Thailand their home. We all transport with us our own set of principal ethics acutely embedded from our upbringings and the societies from which we come. They are the rules by which we live our lives; the principles and message guidelines that govern our actions and certitude making handle. We do not all have the same set of ideals but anything ideals we handhold, the likelihood is they are different to those detained in Thailand.

Many ex-pats in Thailand are the breadwinners for their families, own their own businesses or are employed in management positions. We thus regularly find ourselves in a spot of donate or contact over Thai people. The leads us to a dilemma. To what thing should we enforce our own set of western ethics against the Thai people over whom, we have effect?

I really follow and like Thai polish. I joyfully support many of the morals of my new home. However, I also have my own set of standards, and I cannot leave them all behind just because I am now in Thailand. Many of them are too extremely entrenched in my mind. Enforcing my set of western ethics into my life inevitably means also forcing them into my partner’s life. My companion is Thai and does not forever judge in the same gear I do.

A good example of westerners and Thais share contrasting standards is the focus of highway wellbeing. Most Thais do not judge in bearing breakdown helmets or seatbelts. They regularly do show them but they do so to duck a patrol pleasant instead than for the sake of wellbeing. Westerners commonly accept the security precautions are a good idea. We may not like our governments enforcing them on us by law but still we suppose in the belief of winning shelter precautions.

It is cool to understand the reasons for this difference in outlook. Thais are fatalistic. It is part of their Buddhist faith. They suppose that what will be, will be. If something is available to ensue then it will ensue and there is little you can do about it. In the west, we consider in controlling our own destinies. We believe our actions have implications that will affect hope actions.

So we have a likely begin of contention. I know some ex-pat westerners who will not establish their car awaiting all their passengers have put on their seatbelts. I know others who will not take pillion passengers on their bike except they garments a helmet. These are not only commonly detained western safety principles but also laws of Thailand. Nevertheless still these westerners are forcing their ideals on Thais who do not clutch the same ethics. We approach to their country and forcing them to act like us. Is this right?

I have no suspicion that our western outlook is the right one on this mistrust. I am definite most accidents are needless and if not you can at least take safety precautions to decrease their impact. However, that is not the goal. It is not a question of who is right or offend but, whether it is right to strength western standards on people in our swarm people who do not believe in them. One of my maxim beliefs is that it offend to shove my beliefs on other people. So I take the stance that if people want to journey in my car or on my motorbike lacking taking safety precautions then it is their picking.

Nevertheless what if you are responsible for that character’s safety? What if that persona is a teenager?

When we had our first product I tacit we would buy a baby seat for the car. It is what we would do in the west. My wife was astounded when I suggested we go shopping for such an item. Why would we want to fastening our baby into the back of the car? She would wear the baby, while I group.

I still thought a baby seat was a good idea so we went shopping. Of course, you will not find baby seats in most Thai shops. They are something most Thais would not think of import. We went to look at the range in Robinsons Department Store. They were steep and they all wanted rear seatbelts to connect them. Our car does not even have rear seatbelts so as well as selling the baby seat we would also have to get the car modified. At this point I accepted we would not buy one.

I still said we desired one but it was just proving too hard effective against the Thai belief that we didn’t. Even the sales girls arranged it wasn’t necessary.

There are many customs the westerners settling in Thailand convey parts of their home country’s lifestyle with them. In Phuket we can get western fashion houses, furniture, kitchens, appliances and satellite TV. I dear Thai food and in our household we eat Thai food usually but still sometimes I want to eat western food. That would never be a riddle in Phuket.

There is nothing wrong with house your own little part of home in your new country if that is what you want. The problem is when your home ethics jump invading the lives of Thai people who do not want them.

Western society is very insidious. We see western promptly food outlets popping up all over Thailand. High profile advertising campaigns make them appear trendy and exciting ignoring the statement that the food is not as good or nutritious as the native fare. The significance is plenty of little fat Thai children. New 7-eleven convenience stores are popping up in every neighbourhood while the limited Thai grocery stores close. The Christian religion has the memoirs of vigorously promoting itself in non-Christian countries. The United States has a statement of promoting ‘the American way’ across the globe.

We look to have an embedded belief in our own rightness. We do not clearly accept other populace’s cultures or morals. We demand them to change to be more like us. It is a deliver about which we necessary to be gentle when living in another mores. We do not should to misplace our own identities and values but we do necessary to find a way to integrate them into our lives without smothering the confined ethos or offending area people.

Jenna Sawin
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/finding-a-good-place-to-eat-in-thailand-732999.html

You have decided to visit Asia for your next vacation and have decided to go to Bangkok, Thailand. Your flight is booked but you are still looking for a hotel. But, how do you decide which hotel to stay at?

Your decision should be based on what you plan to do while you are “Krung Thep”. [...]]]>

You have decided to visit Asia for your next vacation and have decided to go to Bangkok, Thailand. Your flight is booked but you are still looking for a hotel. But, how do you decide which hotel to stay at?

Your decision should be based on what you plan to do while you are “Krung Thep”. Will you be spending most of your time sightseeing, shopping or enjoying the nightlife? You don’t want to waste valuable time in a Bangkok taxi inching along Sukhumvit Road.

Siam Square area is a good place to stay if you want to have some fun shopping. There are hundreds of small shops at street level and the Siam Center and the Siam Discovery shopping centers have many up-market brand label shops. On the top floor of Siam Discovery Center there is a cinema complex with some of the most comfortable seats to be found in the world. After a hard days shopping, relax and lie down as you watch a movie!

Another great shopping mall nearby is Mahboonkrong (MBK). It will take only 10 minutes to walk there from Siam Square and you will find literally hundreds of smaller shops and stalls, selling many goods at bargain prices. Electronics and clothes are the specialties here. Both of these areas are on the Skytrain routes and are easily accessible.

If you plan on seeing other parts of the country, taking ½ and full day trips, I suggest you book your hotel near the Bangkok Airport. Make sure that you stay near the new Bangkok Airport – Suvarnabhumi and not at Don Muang. Only stay in this area if you do plan to go to Bangkok proper. Bangkok Airport hotels are conveniently located and easy to get to from Suvarnabhumi.

If soaking up the Bangkok nightlife is your reason for visiting, there are a few different areas you can stay. If Patpong Road is your destination, stay either on Silom or Suriwongse Road. The Nana Entertainment Plaza is on Sukhumvit and Soi 4 (or Soi Nana) and there are a variety of hotels – everything from the JW Marriott to the Majestic Suites or the Dynasty. In the Soi Cowboy area, you can stay anywhere near Soi Asoke, Soi 22 or anywhere along Sukhumvit Road and just catch the Skytrain.

Probably, your hardest decision will be selecting your hotel since there are so many 4 and 5 start hotels in Bangkok. For the budget traveler, there are also cheap hotels in Bangkok. Some hotels that I recommend are: Windsor Suite Hotel Bangkok, Viengtai Hotel Bangkok, Radisson Hotel Bangkok, or the Amari Airport Hotel Bangkok. Another solution is to do a search for Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit in any search engine. Or visit my Thailand Link Directory.

Do your research, and look for a discount Bangkok hotel, and enjoy your stay in the Land of Smiles.

Lawrence Westfall
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/hotels-in-bangkok-thailand-76300.html

Phuket is located in Thailand and is very highly rated. In fact, it is among the world’s top ten scuba diving locations. Exotic culture, adventure both above and below the surface, unforgettable food, Phuket has all the right ingredients for a perfect diving holiday. There are breath taking reefs and remarkable underwater rock formations in [...]]]>

Phuket is located in Thailand and is very highly rated. In fact, it is among the world’s top ten scuba diving locations. Exotic culture, adventure both above and below the surface, unforgettable food, Phuket has all the right ingredients for a perfect diving holiday. There are breath taking reefs and remarkable underwater rock formations in addition to the different types of marine life that are found here that provide some amazing opportunities for divers of all levels and persuasions.

One can go live-aboard diving and there are also daytrips and plenty of dive points, dive centers as well as dive courses available for the scuba diver. Liveaboard diving in Thailand from Phuket and Khao Lak with liveaboard boats to Similan islands, Richelieu Rock, Phi Phi, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang, are good examples of where you can go to in this great scuba diving location.

Phuket and Phi Phi Island, which are among the top 10 scuba diving locations in the world boasts of splendid crystal clear water, awesome rock formations as well as an ecosystem that is vibrant and contains a lot of marine life. The water is also warm having average surface temperatures of 82 degrees Fahrenheit and there are hundreds of different varieties of both stony as well as soft corals surrounded by bright colored fish as well as other creatures of the sea which also includes some large reef fish. While stony corals are the life blood of the reef, soft corals are a prominent part of the reef. In some places they look like vast fields of undersea wildflowers.

For those who would like to see big animals there are the Whale Sharks as well as Manta Ray whose sighting is pretty common. In addition, there are also dozens of other picturesque island destinations that lie in close proximity and can be reached by day boats as well as live-aboard cruises, from Phuket. The consistent water temperatures make it possible to go diving throughout the year, right off the coast of Phuket.

For those who desire to visit this beautiful scuba diving location, they can look forward to having great food and under expert supervision they may enjoy their stay where the accommodation too, is very comfortable. And those who wish for Scuba certification, this extraordinary scuba diving location will provide many affordable Dive Shops where beginners may learn the basics and others may try out the master instructor certification.

Besides its outstanding water treasures, there is a whole lot more available right here at this wonderful scuba diving location in the form of beautiful beaches, gourmet restaurants, vivacious night life as well as a number of other attractions all available where and when one wants it. There are also popular dive centers such as Dive Asia, Colona Diving, Similan Diving Safaris, Moskito Diving, Blue Planet Divers, and Sea Bees Diving plus a number of others for those who desire to try out more of this scuba diving location at Phuket.

Jose Rossello
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/phuket-an-amazing-scuba-diving-location-73457.html

The Kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia. It covers an area of 514,000 square kilometers. It is roughly equidistant between India and China. Thailand shares its borders with Mynammar (Burma), Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia. Myanmar (Burma) is on the north-west side , Laos on the north-east, Cambodia on the south-east and [...]]]>

The Kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia. It covers an area of 514,000 square kilometers. It is roughly equidistant between India and China. Thailand shares its borders with Mynammar (Burma), Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia. Myanmar (Burma) is on the north-west side , Laos on the north-east, Cambodia on the south-east and Malaysia on the south.

Topographically the country is divided into four distinct areas: the mountainous North, the fertile Central Plains, the semi-arid plateau of the Northeast, and the peninsula South distinguished by its many beautiful tropical beaches and offshore islands.

Climate

Thailand is largely tropical. It is hot and humid all year around.A degree of relief provided only in the mountains in the far north of Thailand. Thailand’s climate is dominated by monsoons. There are three seasons: the cool season (November to February), the hot season (April to May), and the rainy season (June to October).

People

The population of Thailand is about 60 million. Ethnic Thais form the majority. Historically, the area has been a migratory crossroads, therefore, strains of Mon, Khmer, Burmese, Lao, Malay, Indian and, most strongly, Chinese stock produce a degree of ethnic diversity.

Religion

The national religion is Theravada Buddhism. More than 90 percent of all Thais practice this religion. The remainder of the population adheres to Muslim, Christian, Hindu and other faiths. There is full freedom of expression in Thailand. Buddhism continues to cast a strong influences on daily life.

Customs

‘Wai’ is one of the most distinctive Thai customs. It is similar to the Indian namaste gesture. Generally, it involves a prayer-like gesture with the hands and a bow of the head. It comes in several forms showing greeting, farewell, or acknowledgment. Physical demonstrations of affection in public are common between friends, but less so between lovers. It is thus common to see friends walking together holding hands, but couples rarely do so except in westernized areas.

Visas

The Thai Government has adopted the tourist friendly policies in order to flourish Thai Tourism industry. Most nationalities do not require a visa for a stay of up to 30 days provided they have a ticket for onward travel. Longer visits require a visa which can be obtained from Thai embassies and consulates. Tourists visas permit stays up to 90 days. Thai immigration requires visitors passports to have a minimum of 6 months validity and at least one completely blank visa page remaining.

Travel to Thailand

Most visitors arrive through Bangkok’s Don Muang International Airport which is connected by daily flights to Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. Flights, from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Hong Kong, land on a regular basis at Chiangmai, Koh Samui, Phuket and Hat Yai. Charter flights sometimes land in Bangkok, Phuket, and at U-Taphao for Pattaya.

Regular rail services link Singapore and Bangkok intermediary stops include Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth, Penang and major southern Thai towns.

Overland entry to Thailand is restricted to three road crossings on the Thai- Malaysian border, and the bridge spanning the Mekong River between Laos and Thailand at Nong Kai.

Travel within Thailand

Thai Airways International (THAI) operates a wide domestic network with daily flights linking virtually all major towns with Bangkok. Ground transportation is extremely comprehensive and quite cheap. There are convenient rail connections with the North, Northeast and South, while air conditioned coach and government bus services are operated from Bangkok to all town throughout the country. Rental cars are also readily available.

Recreation

Golf, tennis, ice skating, and bowling are the main recreations of the people of Thailand. At the same time, boxing and kite fighting are the most popular local sports in Thailand.

Thai Boxing is not only the most exciting spectator sport in Thailand but also a means of self-defense for the Thai people. It also the honor of being the largest spectator “ring sport” in the world. Unlike the Western-style of boxing, Thai Boxers are allowed to use their feet, elbows, legs and shoulders. The Ratchadamnoen Stadium and Lumpini Stadium are the main venues of the bouts.

Kite fighting is an ancient local sport in Thailand. It has been played and patronized by the Kings of Thailand for centuries. Kite fighting contest is held from March to April at the Sanam Luang in Bangkok. Hundreds of Kites of different forms and colors are made by the Thais. Each kite is huge in size and requires a number of people to fly it. Kites are classified as “chulas” (male) or “pukpaos” (female). The object of the contest is to force the opposition’s kite to land in your half of the field while thousands of people cheer. This makes the competion very interesting and excited.

Another traditional Thai game is Takraw . It involves the use of a takraw ball, made of rattan. The ball is five to six inches in diameter. The players hit the ball over a net to another team by using their head, feet, knees or elbows.

For more information about thailand travel visit: http://thailand.ixs.net/travel/travel-thailand/index.aspx

Heidi Grumm
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/thailand-travel-ixs-119947.html

Thailand has always possessed a strong sense of mysticism and natural healing through the variety of available yoga and meditation options. This becomes apparent through the many spas and resorts that can be located throughout the country. Below you will find an array of worthy health spa and vacation resorts, which accommodate a wide range [...]]]>

Thailand has always possessed a strong sense of mysticism and natural healing through the variety of available yoga and meditation options. This becomes apparent through the many spas and resorts that can be located throughout the country. Below you will find an array of worthy health spa and vacation resorts, which accommodate a wide range of budgets.

1) The Oriental, Bangkok

The Oriental is considered one of the most beautiful spas in the world from the suites all the way down to the standard room. The spa marks a breakthrough in Asia, which is considered one of the first of its kind. Popular options include the Oriental Massage, as well as the Jet Lag Recovery Treatment. The spa also features a Revitalizing Seaweed Treatment, Essential Oil Massage, Oriental Mud Wrap and the Oriental Herbal Wrap. Average Price: $330-$2200

2) Natural Wing Health Spa

Located a couple minutes from the Bang Por Beach, visitors will find themselves situated about a tropical oasis, surrounded by white sands and lovely views. If you are interested in staying at this location, you will find a satisfying selection of deluxe Thai villas. The resort offers access to a refreshing swimming pool, as well as a top-notch health spa with authentic Thai massage. Additional services offered include yoga, meditation, colonic cleansing, as well as acupuncture. Average Price: $40-90 per day

3) St. Carlos Medical Spa

For those who wish to experience the uplifting properties of traditional Thai medicine, this is the place to seek out. The spa treatment and other therapies have earned a reputation for providing a small slice of heaven to visitors. Once you check into deluxe accommodations, you may explore the open terrace, evening cruise, or delicious international cuisine. One of the most popular packages at this location includes the Honeymoon Package, offering five treatments per day (three primary and two mini options). Average Price: $100-$1500

4) Evason Hua Hin Resort & Six Senses Spa

There are close to 150 luxury, lodging options featured at this resort and spa, which places you in the midst of a breathtaking tropical garden. The private pool villas here provide great views of the Gulf of Siam. Many tourists boast of the superb level of service and amenities offered at this resort, from the lotus pool to the romantic balconies. A popular package option to be on the lookout for is called the Exotic Flower Bath, which includes two hours of a full body, face and scalp massage. Average Price: $125-$425

5) Patong Villa Hotel

The Chaidee Spa at this hotel offers traditional Thai surroundings, as well as a satisfying location to let all worries float away. Situated on the tropical destination of Phuket, accommodations are located rather close to the beach. At the onsite beauty salon, you may enjoy facial and foot massages, as well as traditional Thai and Swedish massage. Average Price: $27-$40

6)Pimalai Resort & Spa

There are close to 1000 meters of sand-filled beach land to experience when staying at this resort and spa. Placing tourists in the southern part of Thailand, within the province of Kabi, you will be able to enjoy the breathtaking coastline. Available spa selections include the Pimalai Pampering Package (flower bath and massage); Ultimate Detox Package (flower bath, body wrap, massage); “Koo Rak” Package (body scrub and massage); and Royal “Koo Rak” Package (herbal steam, flower bath, body scrub and massage). Average Price: $250-$2000.

As you can tell, in recent years Thailand has emerged as a spa destination with some of the world’s best spas in idyllic locations at affordable prices.

Bridget Connors
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/the-six-best-thailand-resorts-and-spas-81104.html