Escape Thailand

My First Giveaway Winner(s) Announcement!

2013-03-23T16:18:00.000-07:00

Thank you everyone for participating in my first giveaway from Escape Thailand. Now is time for the winners announcement. I said there will be one winner, but since you guys were so active, I have over 400 entries going on, so I decided to pick 2 winners instead of one! Each of the winner will receive 3 random picked handmade bracelets made by me.

And the winners are;

Tracy Morin (email: tmorin1@mts.net) and
Sandy Sanders (email: sandys2977@hotmail.com)

Congratulations to both lucky winners. Please head over to our contact page and send me your postal address. I will send out your prize asap. :)

Thanks again everyone for participating. For those who have tried their very best but didn't win this time, chin up! I'm going to do another giveaway pretty soon.

Stay tune.

Ruan Mullika Restaurant, Bangkok: Traditional Thai Cuisine

2013-02-25T05:59:00.001-08:00

Traditional cuisine with over 200 years old traditional Thai house dating back to the early Rattanakosin period. The restaurant situated in traditional downtown Sukhumvit. Surrounded by many tall modern buildings, this ancient house is really an interesting place to visit.

This beautiful restaurant is capable of taking in 120 customers at any given time. It also has private rooms if privacy is one of your priorities when dining out. Ruan Mullika Restaurant also has a hard to find delicious traditional cuisine, which is well-prepared and presented in a wonderful traditional style.

To visit Ruan Mullika Restaurant, get on Sukhumvit Road, Soi 22, once see Seven-11 store, turn into the road and continue on for approximately 200 meters, and Ruan Mullika Restaurant will be on your right hand side. The restaurant open every day from 11:00 to 23:00. To book your place, call +66 (0)2-6633211-2

Jess - Century Park Hotel Bangkok, Treat Yourself to Trendy all-day Dining Venue

2013-02-21T08:22:00.000-08:00

Yes, in Thailand, we've got out-of-this-world street food and all, most times, they are all affordable to even super cheap in price!, but when it comes to treating yourself to a special evening, why not try this trendy all-day dining venue, 'JESS'? The place features delicious international buffet and a la carte menu of Thai dishes, healthy salads, sumptuous sandwiches and delectable international cuisine.

Buffet here featuring delicious variety seafood..

Super size oysters

Mix and match

crabs

Japanese/Chinese food is also available

Or if you are into healthy choices, here's salad and all;

At last.. treat yourself to some delicious dessert choices..

The buffet ts available 18:00 - 22:00, every Friday and Saturday, 1,300 Baht/person (that's around $44) excluding drinks. Book yourself for spaces at the restaurant's site, Century Park Hotel Bangkok, or call 022467800 ext. 4503

Win My First Giveaways!

2013-02-18T17:30:00.002-08:00

It's a little past Valentines and just a little further away from New Year. I can't believe I'd do it again. Yes, I am giving away my jewelry once again, this time on my brand new super blog called Escape Thailand. I have a good feeling about this whole start up thing and allow myself to celebrate the launching of Escape Thailand. For those who don't know why would a so-called 'travel blog' giving away pieces of jewelry, let me 'officially' introduce places I occupy on the web;

Sathem Jewellery by Thitima - Out of self-taught, I make jewelry in my free time, and so I write a bit about it on a blog called My Jewelry Journal. I give them away often on my FB page too (now that explains 'why jewelry').

Give it Some Thoughts - GIST is one 'love-hate' place where I hold you by the hand and actually show you most places where things are missing and need fixing in life. Not as an expert, but as a friend.

So here I am, once again, will be giving away 3 random picked lovely handmade bracelets out of my handmade collection to one lucky winner. This is going to be very exciting! The giveaways will run from today the 19th, February 2013 to Thursday the 21st March 2013. This is an international giveaways, anyone anywhere in the world can participate. There is no cost whatsoever, the prize will be sent to the lucky one totally free of charge.

To enter, follow the steps below;

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can gain more entry by clicking 'follow this blog' button on the 'networkedblogs widget' on the right hand side of the page, and do the same on my friend's site, Explore Siam.

Post comment anything at all about this blog down below so I can check your entries (note: to increase your chances, you can comment as many times as you like in a day and as many days as you like until the end date, so keeps coming back guys!).

And that's it, you're entered into the giveaways. Only those who have done all the 5 steps will be eligible. The winner will be picked randomly. I will post the winner's name on both our page and on this blog 24 hours after the giveaways ended.

Thanks a lot for dropping by, and have a great week everyone.

Bangkok Attractions - Places And Activities You Musn't Miss

2013-02-09T20:23:00.000-08:00

Planing on going to Bangkok for your holidays? Here are 10 must see and must do Bangkok attractions;
1. Get on a river taxi and see the beauty of Chao Praya River.

One of the most interesting view of Bangkok. If you are adventurous, just jump on one at any of its terminals. Make sure to be fast enough as the water taxis hardly fully stop. Alternatively, book a tour from one of the hotels by the river such as The Royal Orchid Sheraton, Shangri la or The Peninsula.

2. Meet and greet with the locals and tourists at the Weekend market, Chatuchak/Jatujak

It can get very hot in here but is an excellent place, nonetheless, to see the wares of Thailand. You will definitely find a great buy along the way. There's just about anything available here in Chatuchak market. Whatever your taste or interests.

3.See the wonders of the Grand Palace

Take a close look at the glorious work of art in the middle of Bangkok.

4.Get a Thai massage

Get full Thai massage, or foot massage, or both! If you don't get a Thai massage in Thailand then you haven't been to Thailand. Experience the wonderful way of relaxing and de-stressing without breaking your bank.

5.Have A Relaxing Spa At The Banyan

A relaxing spa retreat right in the middle of the city. You can choose from a 1 hour facial treatment or if you have time to spare, have a 7 hour Banyan package and spoil yourself mad.

6.Visit the Floating Market

Get to floating market early in the morning and you'll get a very good cultural experience where the river-folks are trading mindless of the tourists.

7. Night markets wonders

Affordable, interesting goods are available all over Bangkok's night markets. Be sure to ask questions and negotiate, you will have great experience shopping. Also if you go very early, just when the shops are opening, you might even get the prices really low.

8.Shop Till You Drop

Shopping is the Thailand's national past time and wherever you are in Bangkok, you will never run out of shops to explore. You can find practically everything in this City Of Angels and at very reasonable prices to boot. For reasonable priced clothes, go to Pratunum Market; for little trinkets, go to Yaowarat in Chinatown; for bargain software, go to Panthip plaza, and for designer clothes, try Central Plaza or The Emporium Shopping Center.

9.Try Thai food

Thai food is just heavenly! Try some or all of them, everyday!

10.See An Elephant Show

Visit the famous show often used as a signature for a Thailand visit. They are cute, they are smart and they will make your day even more adventurous. Take lots of pictures and have fun experiencing Thailand's little chaps! They are real treats!

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Top 3 Spots for Amazing Street Food in Bangkok, Thailand

2013-02-07T04:08:00.000-08:00

Bangkok is one of the greatest eating cities in the world. You can easily spend your whole month wandering around the street eating away! Everything seems delicious and, best of all, you can do this all day long for under $5.

An awesome meal is never hard to find in Bangkok. What do you fancy?, chicken, squid, fish, crab, shrimp, pork, beef, fish balls, fresh fruits, rice, noodles, snacks, etc? You can have them all, cooked the way you've never tried before, well presented, ready to serve. They are flavorsome and truly vibrant. Here are the top 3 spots in Bangkok where you can find amazing street food;

Yaowarat Road (China town in Bangkok)

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Yaowarat Road is one of Bangkok's main road also known as 'China town'. There are many small streets and alleys full of shops and vendors selling all types of goods. It has been the main centre for trading by the Chinese Community. There are numerous number of street food vendors in Yaowarat Road, and they are open day and night. You can spend well over one month here going to different vendors everyday and couldn't finish trying them all.

Location : China Town “Yaowarat”
How to get there : By transportation such as Taxi or Tuk-Tuk: heading to Charoen Krung Road, parallel to Yaowarat Road at its north. Then walk towards your destinations in the China town.
Bus: Number 1, 4, 7, 25, 35, 40, 53, 73. Boat: get on at Chaophraya River Pier and get off at Ratchawong Pier.

2. Khao San Road

Khao San Road is situated a little further away from Chao Phraya River, very convenient to vist. The Democracy Monument is nearby, and ten minutes away from The Royal Field “Sanamluang". Khao San Road is well-known destination for travelers with it's affordable and most varieties street food selections. During the night, the place turn itself into a lively road with stalls selling cheap food/restaurant, clothes, handicrafts, souvenirs and other goods.
Location : Khao San Road
How to get there : Bus routes: 2, 47, 59, 60, 68, 70, 79,203, 503

3. Victory Monument

Victory Monument is one of the biggest Food Street in Bangkok where four main roads intersected and merged into the circle. Many shopping centers are selling wonderfully affordable products attracting young buyer, along with varieties of inexpensive food and restaurants. The market open 11:00 am, and after 6 pm this spot is crowded with street vendors, shoppers, and people eating outdoor.
Location: Victoria Monument
How to get there : Sky Train “BTS” to Victory Monument Station. Bus routes 12, 18, 24, 26, 29, 34, 39, 54, 59, and 63

Here are some more photos..

Exotic food ingredients and various aromatic, sophisticated spices of street food vendors in Bangkok will sure satisfies your cravings. So where are you heading to tonight?

Thailand: Visa Information - What Works and What Not

2013-02-06T12:03:00.000-08:00

Visa Information for Visitors to Thailand

Remember that the rules can change so please check back often especially before travel.

1. Tourist Visa Exemption (Aka: Visa Waiver Stamp)
If you are eligible, you can enter Thailand for 30 days without a visa by receive a visa waiver stamp on arrival. No forms or payment is needed. All you have to do is fill out the usual Arrival/Departure card that you are given on the plane.

Notes: 1) Tourist Visa Exemptions *may* be extended only ONE time for a period of no more than 7 days upon formal application including application extension fee at any Immigration Office Bureau; this must be done on or before your current period of stay expires.

       2) Applications for extensions are at sole discretion of the Immigration Bureau personnel. Yyou may be asked for documents as to support your application.

       3) The application fee is nonrefundable in the case of refusal.

        Click here to see which nationalities are eligible for a 30 day visa waiver stamp.

2. Visa on Arrival
Some nationalities can are eligible for Visa on Arrival system. If you are, you will need to pay fee and fill out a form before reaching immigration. There are clear signs in the airport showing you where to go to complete the form.

       Click here to see which nationalities are eligible for a Visa on Arrival.

3. Tourist VisaIf you are not eligible for either of the above, or in the case of you wishing to stay in Thailand longer than 30 days, you can apply to your local Thai Embassy or consulate for a tourist visa. This type of visa is normally valid for 60 days. You will have to complete an application form with photographs, and pay application fee in advance.

However, apart from what's on the rules and regulations available, there are times, in some circumstances, where you need to apply or extend your visa in Thailand and things somehow does not go your way. Be it the absence of documents, the photographs are somewhat not according to the requirements, or the staff at the office tending to you just don't seems to let things go so easily they keep you going back to the office time and time again for no obvious reasons, you might want to stop struggling for a minute, remind yourself that you are in a super flexible country, where everything and anything can get done as long as you know how and who you should approach, and do the following;

In the immigration office, look around and scan through. Judging from the faces, try to find someone who appears reasonable and willing to talk, walk up to the person and ask direct questions concerning your application. At the end of the questions, you should add, "what do I have to do, or who do I need to go to to get this done?".
Wait for the answer. If the staff is still playing 'hard to get', keep pressing on, "Really.. what do I need to do? I really need to get it done."
At this point, if you show your sincerity enough, the staff might be able to give you directions as in, who you should meet, what you should do, or how much is required to get the result you want.

There is no telling how far can this process go. I have gone through this and know a bit of a trick out there. If you want to know more about the topic, feel free to leave me a message (or go to 'contact page'), I'll be happy to help make things a bit more straightforward.

Have fun in The Land of Smile!

Thailand Overview and Means of Transportation

2013-02-02T22:40:00.000-08:00

Thailand is a country in Southeast Asia with coasts on the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. It borders Myanmar (Burma) to the northwest, Laos to the northeast, Cambodia to the southeast and Malaysia to the south. With great food, tropical climate, fascinating culture and great beaches, Thailand is a magnet for travelers all over the world.

For good reasons. You can find almost anything here, beautiful beaches, greats jungles, good variety of food, fine dinning pubs, clubs, and restaurants, day/night market, etc, there is something for every interest and price bracket, from beach front backpacker bungalows to some of the best luxury hotels in the world. Many travelers come to Thailand and extend their stay well beyond their original plans and others never find a reason to leave. Whatever your cup of tea, they know how to make it in Thailand. This is not to say that Thailand doesn't have its downsides. This of course, range from traffic jam in big city, price exploitation, scamming, and crime.

Coming to Thailand

The main international airports in Thailand are in Bangkok and Phuket. both are well-served by intercontinental flights. Practically every airline that flies to Asia also flies into Bangkok, this means there are plenty of services and the competition on the routes helps to keep the ticket prices down. International airports are also located at Hat Yai, Krabi, Ko Samui and Chiang Mai, though these largely restricted to flights from other Southeast Asian countries.

Getting around;
Songthaew

A Songthaew is a truck-based vehicle with a pair of bench seats in the back. one on each side. It is mostly based on a pick-up truck it has a roof and open sides. Songthaew are operating as local buses generally the most economical way to travel short distances (fare usually starts from 5baht). Take care to always getting on one that has other passengers on, otherwise you might be charged at a much higher rate. Proper Songthaews in operation are always on specific routes, which divided according to colors. They would go round and round their routes all day long. If you are not in a hurry, try hop on ones you see regularly in operation near your area, study the routes and see where they take you. This way next time you want to go somewhere nearby, you know which color a Songthaew you would hop in, and since you know where you are going, will pay the same fare as other people on board. If you stop a Songthaew driver and ask the driver to go to specific place outside the route and the driver agreed to take you, be prepare to pay a much higher fare for your trip.

Taxi
Metered taxis are common in Bangkok, while elsewhere in the country, most are only available upon request. They are an excellent mean of transport when available, as long as you always demand the use of the meter and negotiate the fare before hop in. This is for your own peace of mind. Most taxis do their jobs relatively well and honest, but some are also out there looking for foreigners as a means to earn higher fare when possible.

Motorbike
Motorcycle is one of the most common forms of transport. It can be rented without difficulty in many locations. Rates start at around 125 baht/day up to around 2500 baht/day for the very latest model high capacity sport bikes. Many places will rent to you without requiring a license, though legally speaking, you do have to have a valid license. Helmets are normally included, but are usually ultra-basic models with very flimsy chin-strap fasteners. Always ask for a better one or better yet, buy a good one yourself and bring along.

Apart from transportation, there are numerous other aspects of Thailand waiting to be explored. Get yourself as much information as possible while packing your bags, as it will proof very helpful when you actually arrive here in 'The Land of Smile'.

Stay tuned for the next guide!