RussellAbroad. Thailand Travel blog.

Sabai Sabai- Thai Culture

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 06:22:00 +0000

'Sabai' means 'Easy' and is an often quote answer to how you feel when you are feeling good. When you've eaten and you are replete, you are Sabai. When you have had a glass of beer and the mood change has kicked in, you are Sabai. When you are sat on a mat on the beach overlooking some tropical picture perfect scene you are Sabai. When you have just come up from a dive and the boat man asks you how was it, the answer is Sabai. So contented, at one with your self, is the best description of how it translates in every day use.

Some foreigners translate the Thai idea of Sabai, Sabai as a Thai version of the Spanish 'Manana'. Where the emphasis of Manana means we will will worry about it tomorrow, Sabai means we are in the zone now and the tomorrow part is irrelevant. The Manana has a guilt angle, almost acknowledging that something should be done, some work, or duty completed. The Thai culture doesn't need this as it's Buddhist values ensure that the moment and not the duty is king. So in my humble opinion, those who try to equate Manana with Sabai miss the point. I am more knowledgeable with Thai than Spanish so feel free to corrrect me if I am wrong.

Hotels on the beach Sabai Sabai

On being asked by your Thai host, how are you, Sabai dee Mai?. The answer that will please them most is the simple re joiner, Sabai Krup (Ka if you are a lady).

Dropping it into conversation.
If you are staying at a family run guesthouse or hotel on Phi Phi Island for instance you might come down to the reception every morning and ask the receptionist Sabia Dee Mai ? and they will appreciate this. It's informal and not something that happens in luxury Bangkok Hotels.

Hotels on the beach Sabai Sabai

Top Sabai Moments
Here are some of my top Sabai moment in Thailand. (Outside family and friends stuff which obviously hit the number one spot!)

Getting my passport stamped when I arrive in Thailand .
Having a Thai massage on the beach listening to the sound of the sea.
Diving on the quieter side of Phi Phi Don near Wang Long.
Having a beer watching the sun set on Nai Harn Beach.
Jogging to the top of the Karon Highlands in amongst the rubber plantations and getting a view of Chalong and PP in the distance
Eating out down on Chalong Bay at Kang Eng 2.
Finding that perfect food court when you are hungry like crazy but only want to eat a proper spicy green curry.
Going on a speedboat trip into the Phang Nga Bay.
Going on a road trip and ending up in a remote part of Thailand surrounded by happy people
Taking in the Chao Praya river while eating at the water front restaurant at the Sheraton Royal Orchid Bangkok

Samui Hotel Deals

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 05:21:00 +0000

Samui Hotel Deals on Hotelatm.com

What is our excitiment over hunting and finding the right hotel deal. It seems to me it's a very natural 'hunter gatherer reaction', a primordial survival tactic for getting on in life. So the getting something for nothing makes us feel good and gives us a natural high whether it is an extra bowl of fruit on arrival, a pretty flower display in a honeymoon suite, saving 5% here or a free night there.

Samui Hotel Deals Amari

Samui Hotel Deals 5 star on the beach

The internet age has really stoked this love of hunting for value and the Samui Hotel Deals page on Hotelatm.com web site really hits the spot.When you combine these Samui deals with hotel pages that give you the feedback from other customers, good and bad you have a very powerful tool to help find your Samui Hotel.

The Samui Hotel Deals on offer make Samui Island my number one choice for good value deals in Thailand. The Samui Hotel industry is in a highly competitive phase where each hotel is offering cheap Samui Hotel deals. This is great for the traveller to Thailand and makes it a must for your itinerary. Over 100 Samui Hotel Specials are here on the overview page. The hotels on offer are not a wide range at this moment in time but by May 2012 this number will increase dramatically.

Samui Hotel Deals west coast

There are many types of Koh Samui Deals and they change as the seasons progresses. In high season and peak season these deals concentrate more on late Free Night Specials and Fixed night promotions and in the other seasons you can get more special discounts or Early Bird offers.

A lot of these Samui Hotel deals are very similar and it is just semantics as to how prices are reduced. However the differences on how the deals are calculated are important to note as you can see that some of them are really quite amazing.

BB Chaweng 3 star Samui Hotel Deals

The Samui Free Night Specials are the headline deals. So in this Samui deal you stay a few nights and you dont pay for 1 or more nights. This can be a great savings and make you stay particulary cheap.

Samui Fixed Night promotions. This deal is focused on a total price for minimum stays that is less than the total of the number of dasy multiplied by the room rate.

Samui Special Discounts. This is similar to Fixed Night promotions but applies to a fixed date range.

Samui Early Bird Offers. More discounts and cheap hotel room rates are given the earlier you book the room.

Samui Honeymoon offers. The website saya that you need to show a valid Marriage certificate. This will allow you free upgrades, often a complimentary spa package. As a romantic destination this Samui Hotel Deals blog wouldn't be right without the Samui Honeymoon offers which are a superb way to enjoy some of the islands top resorts. I know of some couples who want a romantic deal choose Honeymoon offers as the best way to get value for money. Be warned, the Marriage Certificate! The 4 star Peace Resort Koh Samui offers a honeymoon welcome package and is a highly regarded and well reviewed resort.

Samui Long stay deals. Hotelatm offers a ubiquitous Long Stay deal where you can Stay 15 nights and Pay just 14 nights for any hotel in Thailand, so if the deal you want is not available and you are staying for a longer period this could be perfect for you. This means if you are staying in a 5 star villa complex or resort down to a simple beach hut you can get a decent saving.

Hotelatm.com offers a similar structure for deals in Bangkok, Koh Phangan, Phi Phi Island, Krabi, Phuket, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Pattaya.

Samui Hotel Deals ANg Thong National Park

Samui Hotel Deals perfection

Thai Character- Jai Dee

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:52:00 +0000

Thai Character- Jai Dee. Learning to greet others respectfully is a sign of Jai Dee

Of all the character traits in Thai People understanding Jai Dee is one of the most helpful. Jai Dee means quite literally, Good Heart and refers to the way a Thai person will conduct themselves in their life. It comes from the Buddhist idea of Karma and the idea of; if you do good, if you are good, you get good in this life.

Western Jai Dee.
In western or Christian values, the idea has similarities but also key differences. A nice guy, a good hearted fellow is someone who always seems to strive or see the positive side of life, get on with people and spend a lot of their own energy to make the best of what ever situation they are experiencing. In the west, when this characteristic is taught at school, it is considered moral a duty to try to be good hearted.

Thai Jai Dee.
Thai people are taught to consider being Jai Dee a very favourable state. In Thai culture the trying is not relevant as, due to Karma, you are what you are. Another way of seeing this idea through western eyes is that the emphasis is good fortune whether you turn out to be good hearted or not.

Buddhist temples, school headmasters and mistresses, friends and family throughout the Kingdom preach from Buddhist scripts and stories of good and bad so that it is not as if there is no moral compass. A youngster will take in a great degree of moral values from society as a base. However the fates of life will shape the character and bring him or her to a view of life that works for them.

Youngsters are taught to Wai at a very early age. This helps them with their understanding of Jai Dee

Thai Character- Jai Dee. Paying respect to a monk, may be making an offering of food for the temple.

Jai dee comes over as generosity of spirit, kindness, not quibbling over small detail or money, relaxed around kids, happiness to wait (patience), respect of others, respect of the Thai King, Thai officials and ones elders.

Jai Dum
If most Thai school children experience the same moral maze it is in part considered ill luck that you end up Jai Dum, bad heart . Thai culture will often feel sorry for the person who has not had a good life however they will make a big attempt to steer clear of people like this. People who haven't learnt goodness at school and are on the wrong path can be dangerous.

Tourists in Thailand
It is an all together different experience for a foreigner if they are considered Jai Dee rather than Jai Dum by the local population. Thai people have a generosity of spirit, second to none, and will go out of their way to help you if you come over as Jai Dee. The opposite happens with Jai Dum and life in Thailand becomes very difficult.

To achieve this positive experience, do read up on Thai culture and customs, do get to understand Thai face, do Smile, don't haggle for pennies like a mad man, do tip reasonably and try to keep a sense of humour about yourself. Not only is this approach disarming on one level it leads to a happier interaction with all people in all countries.

So think on, if you are a westerner and in a Krabi , Phuket, Phi Phi, Samui, or Bangkok hotel, be nice and the whole world will be nice with you.

Khun Paradon shows respect at then of a Tennis game

Thai Character- Jai Dee. Showing respect to the other fighter, the trainer and audience.

Thai Massage

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 07:13:00 +0000

Thai Massage thumb pressure to the muscles either side of the spine relieve tension and help the flow of energy.

The benefits of Thai Massage are widely appreciated and speaking as someone who has enjoyed literally hundreds, they invariably send me to sleep. However that is because I prefer the softer form of massage that my older body appreciates!

The Thai massage technique needs muscles, manipulates joints and hits pressure points in an almost sublime combination. The Thai massage focuses on the meridians or Channel (Chinese medicine) and Indian nadis and so the process works the physical body but also aims to balance the energy circulating within it.

Thai Massage stretching loosens the joints and lets the flow of energy flow around the body.

Full Body Massage
What I understand by a Thai Massage is a full body massage. The Just head, or back or foot massage that can be enjoyed is a variation of an extended massage and although these half truths do a fantastic job of relieving tension are not as complete as a full body massage. To go all the way you need time for a 2 hour session or more but I must admit that I have never taken more than the hour. However you can see the extra layers and details when you take a foot massage and imagine how much more depth of massage is available.

Thai Massage is done clothed often with loosely fitted Thai robes. Images on this blog where either the man or women is topless is an oil massage. The oil massage follows the same precepts as the traditional Thai but uses oil for a better tactile connection between giver and receiver.

Thai Massage does a lot of work with the meridians that go through the back of the upper leg hamstring muscles

The changing styles of Thai Massage over the years.

In 20 years of receiving a Thai Massage, predominantly in tourist areas, I have noticed shifts over time. In the early 1990's they started you lying on your back and sought to balance your abdominal organs. As time went on it became less and less and up until today these abdominal organs are rarely touched. This has been a slow move away from medicinal massage and move to a style that promotes relaxation. This is partly because the movement of internal energies involved in the medicinal style could create strong reactions and in some cases pain. When you apply a deep massage to a tired, tense or painful organ the results can be very strong.

It makes sense in that, if you are a travelling tourist with few or no words to communicate in, in Thai, it is virtually impossible for the masseur to probe sensitive areas causing unnecessary pain.

Weight applied to the coccyx helps open out the gait and lets energy flow

Wat Pho V Chiang Mai styles of Massage.
I have noticed that the Wat Pho Bangkok style of massage, which is a later variant in the massage history is more manipulative, needs muscles and focused on relaxation than the more focused Chiang Mai Style which aims to direct energy. The Chiang Mai style is a lot more about the Chinese medicine meridians and balance.

If you go to Wat Po in Bangkok you can get a very inexpensive massage from students of the art, for a nominal price. This may not be your cup of tea but it's an extraordinary scene. You can see 20-50 people all having a massage at one time, with the massage master hovering around to ensure the correct form from his students.

Massage on the beach.
One of the my great pleasures is having a massage on the beach. I love the sensation of dozing and listening to the sea while the masseur works away and my body becomes more and more relaxed. Be aware that many of the masseurs on the beaches like in Nai Harn Beach in Phuket, or Chaweng Beach on Koh Samui will not have the refined training that you would get in a spa in a luxury hotel. Some of the techniques can make a hard man humble as the tune goes, if not applied correctly or if the masseur is too powerful.

Thumbs pressure along the spine energies the body and help clear any blocked meridians

Thai Massage. Elbows either side of the spine allows deep pressure to be applied to all the muscles of the shoulder and arm

Basic Thai language for massage.
To ensure that I get a massage from anyone, even from the simplest place, I have a couple of Thai words that ensure that I don't get beaten up by imprecise technique. It's simple really, say Bow, Bow (rhymes with Cow) it means gently please, If you say Jeb, (rhymes with the Feb in February) this means it hurts or oww!. I don't believe in overkill so if you want to learn more you have to find a Thai teacher. See more here on Thai Language and Learning Thai, Thai Smile customs.

Thai Massage on the street, simple and therapeutic

Thai Massage Stretching around the groin area improves the flow of blood to the abdominal organs

Thai Massage Forearm rotation along the spine, gets movement between the vertebra and energy to flow along the back channels.

Spas and Thai Massage

There are some delightful and top spas around Thailand. These are mainly found in hotels and resorts. Thai people are devoted to the service industry and love the process of making others happy. The range and style of techniques available for relaxation while on holiday is quite astounding and below I have listed a couple of 5 star luxury hotels where the spas compare very favourably with some of the best in the world. Bangkok; Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok and Banyan Tree Bangkok. Phuket; Amanpuri, Banyan Tree Phuket, Twinpalms Phuket. Phi Phi Island; Zeavola Phi Phi Resort. Samui; Bandara Resort And Spa, Anantara Lawana Koh Samui.

Receiving treatment from 3 masseurs... a real delight

Thai Spas go to great length to cleanse the senses and let you get a superb treatment

Thai Massage needing the pressure points behind the shoulder blade

Thailand Island Hopping

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:20:00 +0000

Thailand Island Hopping must be one of the world's 10 top things to do. Maybe not on a scale of the 7 wonders of the world but a truly fun and happy experience. To come to Thailand for some island hopping, the land of the smiles, with a small travel bag, a list of top beaches, some ferry times and no particular itinerary feels like freedom, an authentic break with town life back home.

Phang Nga Bay island Hopping boats with the traditional Longtail boat

Thailand has two island infested seas, the Indian Ocean on the south west shore and the Gulf of Siam on the east. The islands on the west coast are dominated by Phuket , Phi Phi Island and Koh Lanta and the east coast comprises of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and Koh Chang. These are the best destinations for a good selections of bungalows, hotel or resorts. Often travellers will choose either coast for their stay as it makes sense but not spend too much time in the process of travel.

Island Hopping Ferry ride to Phangan Haad Rin Full Moon Party Thailand

Here is an overview of these islands to give you a taste of what is great, a must see and what to expect. Firstly the west coast island.

Phuket island hopping.
Famous Phuket found in the 1970's by Vietnam War veterans in search of Paradise and should be on your island hopping list. The perfect beaches on the west coast of the island corralled by the Phuket Highlands that soar up 600 meters, covered with jungle and rubber plantation. The key beaches, now as major holiday destination are Patong, Bang Tao, Karon and Kata Beaches. These resort centers area great places to go and do a bit of haggling for those souvenirs and mementos for back home.

Phuket Island Hopping Thailand

On top of this the seas are a wonderful play ground for sailors, surfers and divers as long as sight seers. Phuket is also right on the doorstep of the Phang Nga Bay where James Bond island towers above the famous beach in the Man with the Golden Gun.

Phuket town is the primary center of the island and hosts the yearly Chinese Vegetarian Festival, an exciting, noisy rodeo of Chinese tradition ancient rites and a very macabre series of gory processions that attempt top route out evil and bring luck for the years ahead.

Phi Phi Island island hopping Just 45 km, 1 hour 30 minute from either Krabi or Phuket island this stunning island is perhaps the jewel of Thailand's islands. 6 mini islands and outcrops, sheer cliffs drop down into the coral filled seas teaming with fish and marine life make this a one stop island hopping paradise. Diving, snorkeling and hanging out are the main adventures by day and the night life and moon light evening make for an exceptional experience. There are no cars on this island and so you are continually hoping in and out of boats to get to all the cool beaches and over to the main bar areas in Phi Phi Don Village.

Phi Phi Island Hopping Thailand

Phi Phi Hotels are mainly on Phi Phi Don and are dominated by the 2 and 3 star resorts with the 4 and 5 star Zeavola, Holiday Inn Phi Phi Island and Phi Phi Island Village Resort and Spa being highly popular.


Island Hopping ferries in Thailand

Koh Lanta island hopping
This is a really get away island, ideal for island for hopping. Predominantly jungle mountain the island is very quiet by the standards of many islands. There are some wonderful resorts including the 2012 Top 25 resorts the Layana Resort And Spa (according to Tripadvisor). This is a great place to unwind, away from the chatter and noise of the main the large resort areas.

Koh Lanta on your island hopping tour, Thailand.

Further locations for island hopping on the west coast.Look up Koh Yao Noi in the Phang Nga bay near Phuket and Phi Phi. This exceptionally quiet island has a few great resorts. This island is flat with some great beaches but with prime position looking out onto the stellar skyline of the island filled Phang Nga Bay.

Koh Yao-island hopping Thailand

Near Krabi Island you have the famous Koh Jum which is a place back in time. Hound by the hippies in the 1980's it has a cast away feel. You can get to this island from Krabi town. Other islands to look up are Koh Kradang, Koh Mook the southerly Koh Tarutao Islands. If you go north to Khao Lak there are islands near the Burmese Boarder such as Koh Chang that are definitely worth an explore.

Koh SamuiVery different from the west coast islands, Koh Samui islanders have a very different take on life. Predominantly Chinese and Thai, (On the West coast you have Muslim Thai and Chinese) the mood is very laid back. Surrounding the main beaches of Chaweng and Lamai you have have exciting mix of of resort town, superb entertainment and night scene. This very wooded and mountainous island has lots to see and explore and the west coast beaches are remote and have timeless sunsets.

Samui Island Hopping Thailand

Koh Phangan island Hopping
Very few people get through their time in the Gulf of Thailand without hearing about the Koh Phangan Full Moon Party. Koh Phangan comes alive every full moon as every island hopper in Thailand high tails it down to Haad Rin Beach for 5 days of non stop party. This is a monthly massive event and you hear the rumour mills and the secrets traded as far a field as Khao San Road in Bangkok and Chaing Mai.

Phangan Island Hopping Thailand

Further islands of interest on the east (Gulf of Siam )
Koh Tao is the island famous for diving on the esat coast. There are many beautiful coral gardens around this island and many dive schools there to teach diving. Koh Chang in the far East near Cambodia. This island is a great favourite amongst people from Bangkok.

Koh Chang Island Hopping Thailand

Koh Lipe Island Hopping Thailand

Bamboo island island Hopping boats with speedboats

Haggling, Bargaining, Negotiating in Thailand

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:45:00 +0000

Hill trip trinket sellers in the night market Thailand

Haggling, Bargaining, or Negotiating is an art form and nowhere more interesting than in Thailand. Haggling, Bargaining, or Negotiating is about getting your own way and has been one of the chief life skills of man through the ages. Here is my take on it after 20 years in Thailand and I end with a few suggestions and strategies. It is mainly aimed at tourists arriving in Thailand, those who fancy haggling at a night market but there are some useful tips for those negotiating in business. I hope the tips make sense and are useful. Happy haggling.

Haggling, Bargaining, or Negotiating is where one man pits his trading skills, and uses humour, leverage and an adaptive mind as well as reading all the nuances of the moment to get what he wants. The psychology of a meeting of two strangers is critical for know when to ask directly for what you want.

So how does it work in Thailand. What special Thai knowledge do you need to get the bargain you need.

Is this old map worth time bargaining over?

Average, general, ball park Prices
Preparation is everything. Get a general feel of prices among shops selling the same thing. In business this is quite a process and often means a lot of work researching and meeting suppliers maybe spending some time on line. For a night market situation I would walk along the shops and work out which shop and which sellers look like the most agreeable. I would then ask their neighbours about the prices of the goods I am interested in. This is a fact finding process and it is important to not bite at the first shop that promotes what you are looking for the way you like.

Haggle for a bargain in anight market Thailand

The Haggling dilemma
Both buyer and salesman have key advantages. The sales man has a price he has bought the goods for and therefore knows what the minimum market price makes senses to him. The seller also can haggle all day as this is his job whereas the buyer is often fitting it in between the beach and restaurant time.

The seller has the wallet and an approximate idea of how much he would be happy with and probably knows an approximate price he would pay in his home country. So the main question for the buyer is How to push the seller to come down to his minimum sales price.

How much would you pay for these coins in Thailand?

Haggling using time.Very few sellers are rushed to sell. Street sellers have all day. Business is a process. However you can often see buyers rushing in and hope that by battering down the salesman defences they will get a deal. This in your face style invariably fails as the sales man is more patient, it's his job.

I have done it myself. I go in and start trading prices before the salesman has got up off his chair. The frustration caused by not getting the deal you want is painful indeed and needs to be avoided. You know the taxi ride should be price A, why doesn't the taxi man just say it and be done and we can all get on our merry way. But this idea looses sight of the key part of the equation. This is the sellers livelihood and he is more than happy to wait to increase his sales price even by 5%. So, slow down be patient and you will get a better deal than if you are rushed.

Chatuchak street market, a perfect place to test your negotiating skills

Get the buyer to like you. Treat the seller with respect.
This is a simple enough idea but more progress is made with people who like you than with 'strangers'. Your counter offer is more likely listened to if the sales man is smiling and you are having a crack. I was always told to compliment another persons property. 'Nice shop you got here', 'is that golf course in the photo near hear, looks great'. Some might say it's a schmooze to far but if it is a genuine interest in the human in front of you I think it's OK and also, what's important to me, it seems to help the bargaining.

Negotiating with a smile in Thailand

Thai psychology in a negotiation.
It helps a lot to understand a bit of Thai psychology. Thai self respect or Face, humour, and the Thai smile are key components in haggling for a t-shirt, a wooden jenga game. If you can get this right and even throw in a couple of mini phrases in Thai you can get a great deal.

Chatuchak market in Bangkok Thailand

Thai Face
Thai Face in a negotiation is all about making the Thai man feel comfortable and not making any mistakes with body language. So, 1. Do smile non stop, 2. try to be happy, 3. be ready to laugh. 4. Don't point or 5. touch a Thai person's head and 6. apologies if you accidental touch any body with your feet. 7. Don't point with your feet.

Thai people arn't usually big on hearty hearty hugs or embraces, often keeping back from touch ( it can be a hot and sweaty country after all) so a 'minimalistic you ' can be your best you.

Enjoying some market food in Thailand

Haggling and Money
As a European I can be serious when it comes to money but in Thailand this idea can't be pushed to hard on the outside even if this is what your mind is telling you on the inside. For a street trader the sales are free and easy and if you go along with the idea that this is just a game, the negotiation flows more easily. The freer the flow of the bargaining the more times you can get your counter off in without it being turned down.

Thai Language
I have learn't Thai language over the years but it doesn't come easy to me. See the other Thai Language Blog here. I find the Thai for hello or thank you useful but one of phrases like 'Lot Noi Dai Mai' really makes a difference in the street market. This phrase means can you drop the price a bit and is said with a huge smile on your face to show that it isn't too serious. I only use it towards the end of the negotiation as it it is a last squeeze but I am always surprised by how many people are unnerved enough to drop another bit again.

Bargaining or negotiating tactics.
Always aim high in the street marketing process. Talk about, compliment and show interest in the most expensive item in the shop. This gets the trader's mind engaged. It is probably the item that creates his most profit. The next phase is to ask the price and then revert to talking about the most favoured item, complimenting as you go. Next I would comment that it's a price more than I am interested in paying. In this situation you will get the first counter offer from the seller. Next I will ask about whether it includes deliver or if I buy 2. This will get another lowering or improvement of the deal. And so on, until you say with regret that after all it is not in your budget. Now you can go to another item which is cheaper and start the process again..... and if you have the time, again.

Finally when the seller is really starting to know you, show interest in the item you want. By this time the seller understands you are not a push over and you will be offered a more reasonable price from the beginning.

Make it a negotiation.
From the tactics above you see that a simple request for a price has been drawn out and so from a sales situation, where there is a fixed price, to a haggled final price there has been a negotiation.

There are born negotiators everywhere but the art is a process and must be practised with patience. Give it a go. It can be a lot of fun.

A typical night market in Thailand

T shirt world in Thailand

Chinese New Year (CNY) hotel availability in Thailand

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:52:00 +0000

Chinese New Year Hotel availability is of key concern to all people looking for accommodation in Thailand during this yearly festival. Whether you are coming in from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore or from Europe there can be major issues of availability in Thailand during this time. You should read the tips here if you are having trouble with getting hotel accommodation.

Chinese New Year greeting and feeding the dragon, Thailand

It is difficult to express how big a yearly festival and annual migration the Chinese New Year represents. Traditionally every conceivable mode of transport is used to get home to your birthplace to catch up with your family and renew. See below for more on the Chinese New Year festival) Nowadays many see this holiday as a welcome break from work and want to get out of town and enjoy some down time. For whatever the reason, availability in the hotels is difficult.

Size Matters in Thailand when it comes to hotel availability.
One trick that has worked for me on these holidays through the years is, aim for size. If you are late to book a hotel or resort, if it has more than 150 rooms you are more likely to have availability than the more boutique type hotel / resorts where their 50-70 rooms get snapped up early.

Tips for availability around Thailand.

Department stores are dressed for Chinese New Year Thailand

Availability in Bangkok Hotels
If you are arriving into Bangkok there will always be somewhere to stay as Bangkok has more hotel rooms space than all of India. However, to get something you really want might not be so easy. For sure if you want a room down near Yaorawat Rd Chinatown it might be impossible unless you are booking months in advance. For most people a bit of cunning is needed. If you check you maps you can choose to stay away from Yaowarat say in a district like Sukhumvit where you might want to look at the 5 star Plaza Athenee Bangkok, 4 star Amari Boulevard Hotel or the 3 star Ambassador Bangkok.

Plaza Athenee Bangkok during Chinese new Year (CNY) Thailand

The other tip for Bangkok is follow the MRT (Mass Rail Transit ) line and stay near this as you are then close to an awful lot of Bangkok. This will cut your travel times down between points of interest.

Phuket Hotel Availability
There is a large Chinese community here and there are many Chinese Nationals who come here to celebrate Chinese New Year. Most of the key Chinese temples are in Phuket town and on the road up to the airport and out at Chern Talay near the Laguna Resorts.

Local Chinese Temple art work Thailand

The trick for availability is the large resort town of Patong where you might look at the larger resorts of 5 star Millennium Resort Patong Phuket, 4 star Phuket Graceland Resort And Spa or Amari Coral Beach and 3 star Sunset Beach Resort or Poppa Palace.

Phuket Graceland Resort during Chinese new Year Thailand

Other areas you might consider are down in the far south, hotels and resorts in Kata Beach or Nai harn Beach.

Phi Phi Island Hotel availability
Primarily this does not have many Chinese Thai's working here but thge Phi Phi Hotel group is run but a Chinese family from Had Yai. Likely availability will be at 4 star Phi Phi Island Cabana Hotel and the 2 star Phi Phi Hill Resort.

Phi Phi Hill Resort at Chinese New Year Thailand

Samui Hotel availability
Chaweng is the main beach town for Samui and here you will often find some availability so look at hotels like 5 star New Star Beach Resort, 4 star Chaweng Regent Beach Resort and 3 star Chaweng Cove Beach Resort or Baan Kao Hua Jook Boutique Villas And Serviced Apartments.

New Star Beach Resort during Chinese New Year Thailand

Chinese New Year Dates (CNY dates)

2012	January 23	Dragon
2013	February 10	Snake
2014	January 31	Horse
2015	February 19	Sheep
2016	February 8	Monkey
2017	January 28	Rooster
2018	February 16	Dog
2019	February 5	Pig

New to the Chinese New Year?
The Chinese New Year celebration is about the family and ancestors. It's a celebration of all those who have come before you and brought you to this time, blessed to be surrounded by family. Chinese New Year is a quiet day to be with family and maybe visit the extended family.

The head of the family will lead the everybody to the shrine where they will give thanks to their ancestors. The family will offer food to the family ancestors and pray for them. Interestingly the food will have meaning so if an uncle loved belly of pork there might be a small dish of this among the sweet cakes. To the outside world this might seem a random collection of food types but the symbolism is a very strong and binding gesture that keeps the notion of family at the forefront of Chinese belief system.

Chinese New Year offerings to the ancestors

Leting off fire crackers is very important to Chinese people to ward off bad spirits

Incense is lit and used in part while bowing 3 times at the ancestral shrine and bowing towards the family elders. This sign if respect is in keeping with the day#'s ceremony. Only after these acts have been performed can the celebrations for Chinese New Year continue. The Chinese feast day is the biggest day of the year.

New Years Eve
The Chinese New Years Eve celebrations are famous for colour noise and offerings on the street. Legend has at that a strange and exotic beast called ' Nien' would come and ravage the streets and town so Chinese people placed offerings decorated the house with red, wore red and lit firecracker to ward off this evil.

Vibrant Colour surrounding the Chinese New year Celebrations Thailand

During the New Years Eve celebrations, adults will hand red envelopes 'ang pao' the the children. Theses money presents are always of great delight to young and old, giver and receiver. Thai Chinese communities will set off firecrackers in their thousands and the noise and colour is immense. Bangkok Chinatown along Yaowarat Rd will have dragon dances and acrobat processions all day and night and the restaurants will be packed with people celebrating.

Sale of Chinese New Year Decorations Thailand

Cheap Air Tickets to Thailand -Guest Blog

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:30:00 +0000

Cheap Air Tickets to Thailand

Thailand is one the most popular beach destinations in the global tourism industry because apart from the panoramic beaches to rejuvenate and abundance of water activities to enjoy it offers luxury at budget prices. Thick jungles, crystal blue waters, lip-smacking cuisine, exotic culture and cheap yet ultra-modern accommodation facilities attracts millions of tourists from across the world to relax, refresh and rejoice in this vivid land, Thailand. If you’re also looking forward for a budget friendly vacation in Thailand, the first thing is book cheap airline tickets at the earliest and rest assured that the whole trip would be suitable to your pocket.

Here are some tips to book cheap airline tickets to Thailand:

1) Plan your trip 30-60 days in advance: Except for July and August months (being monsoon season), there’s a lot of traffic to Thailand. The fewer the seats vacant, the higher the ticket cost is. Hence, waiting for last minute deals won’t be a great idea. Hence, waiting for last minute deals to Thailand is certainly not a good idea if you want to book cheap air tickets.

2) Travel on week days rather than weekends: Many people make their travelling plans on weekends taking care of their working schedule. This is the reason air fares tend to be higher on weekends.

3) Check for Early Morning or Late Night Flights: Early morning and late night flights are usually cheaper as not many people prefer to board flights during odd hours. If you are not travelling with kids, it would be a great idea to book these flights as there will be comparatively less number of passengers on board.

Thus, planning for departure on a weekday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, and coming back on early Saturday or Sunday morning may help you in getting air tickets for cheap. And by booking your tickets a month or two before departure may fetch you the cheapest fare for the same dates.

4) Subscribe CheapOair RSS: This will keep you update about special airline deals CheapOair has and about when the fares are going up and when are they going down.

To know more about airlines tickets or book your tickets online, visit CheapOair.com. CheapOair is an online travel company, an online travel company providing cheap air tickets, hotels, car rentals and vacation packages.

Author: Rachna, CheapOair Travel Blog

Co Phi Phi

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:38:00 +0000

Co Phi Phi is magic. According to a WIN-Gallup International center survey, the happiest people live in Co Phi Phi (85%). It certainly has won many accolades for it's beauty and as each year roles by and the ferries round the headlands of Co Phi Phi Don, a new wave of visitors gap with pure delight as they catch their first glimpse of Tonsai Bay.

Co Phi Phi is not a resort town, or resort bay experience but an eclectic mix of simple and luxury hotels nestles around a bustling village where you are just as likely to enjoy some serious diving or snorkeling as you are to take on some serious nightlife partying. And if this seems all too much there are plenty of places to just sit and soak up paradise and while a way a few perfect days in the sun.

Kicking Back on Co Phi Phi Thailand.

One thing all visitors have in common is their love of the way the sand feels between their toes... sheer pleasure. The seas are a gorgeous 29 degrees all year round so you can swim as long as you wish, either to take the heat of the day off your back or play at night in the moonlight and experience that special romantic moment.

Maya Bay Co Phi Phi Thailand

Co Phi Phi is about romance for many who visit it's shores. The elegant settings, the lack of the serious world makes this an ideal place to unwind and let the moment and the rhythm of nature take you where you need to be. Phi Phi Island Village Resort And Spa, Holiday Inn Phi Phi Island, Zeavola Phi Phi Resort are the high end romantic getaways in the north of the island. Mama Beach Residence and Phi Phi Island Cabana Hotel are the main ones for Phi Phi Don Village.

Holiday Inn Phi Phi Thailand

One of my biggest loves of this special place is that there are no cars. Walk. Yes you must walk everywhere and this means take it slow or you will get too hot. So everybody including the market traders are taking it slow as this is the best way to move around. This adds to the laid back atmosphere of Phi Phi. Air conditioning is an important part of your decision making process when you book accommodation on Co Phi Phi. Those who don't need air con and can cope with the heat but for many the air con and swimming pool are essential.

Co Phi Phi revolves around the sea as nearly every piece of land turns into hill as soon as you get more than 150 meters inland. The beaches and boating trips seem to dominate the main activities and there is plenty to see.

The traditional boat of the islands is the Longtail boat which is basically a tractor engine with an extra long prop shaft that acts as a rudder as well. These used to be very noisy affairs but in the last few years mufflers and petrol engines are being used which makes for a much more pleasurable ride. The longtail is the main taxi, tour and excursion boat that gets you from bay to bay or out to Phi Phi Ley. Out in the fresh air, with the wind blowing past your face and out on the sea... there's nothing better.

For those who need a bit more that the 5-8 passenger longtail boats, the wooden converted fishing boats are a great way to tour. These boats often have a toilet and are more sea worthy but on the down side will have tours with 20 or more people on them.

Bamboo island sits to the north and has a commanding view of Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley in the distance, is surrounded by a huge coral garden and has a sandy beach that need a sunglasses warning on it as the sand is that bright!

Phi Phi Ley is about 97% cliff which seems impossible until you get their. The sheer faces drop straight into the deep blue sea. Wall diving is a key draw on this island. The Viking Cave is where the Bird's Nest Soup ingredients are farmed and this is Co Phi Phi 's primary industry outside tourism. The 2 beaches are a joy to be seen. Loh Samah has a tiny beach and a lovely coral reef. Maya Bay beach is where the shot the movie for Leonardo Di Caprio's classic 'The Beach'. This island has many tour boats so it is best to visit out of hours.

Co Phi Phi Don has the accommodation and here you can find everything from dormitories to 4 and 5 star resorts. The island can only sleep about 6400 tourists but there is such a diverse group of people that party nights can be quite brilliant.

Kayaking on Co Phi Phi Thailand

Co Phi Phi Hotels and Resorts are predominantly on the beach and 50% of them will have a swimming pool. Guesthouses, dormitories camping (camping not in place every year) will be inland but JJ Bungalow is in the middle of the island and it is only 180 meters and 220m from Loh Dalum beach or Tonsai Bay. Best Budget Hotels and Resorts, Best Mid Range Hotels , Best Beach Front Resorts on Phi Phi are useful links for good accommodation.

Fruit seller on on the main pier

Co Phi Phi is a collection of 6 islands, the two many Phi Phi's Bamboo island Moskito Island and the 2 rocky diving outcrops of the Bida's. The geography of the island is stunning with near vertical cliffs dominating the landscape where ever you look. The only real flat land is at the main Co Phi Phi Village by the main pier and at Loh Bagoa where the famous Phi Phi island Village Resort holds court. Co Phi Phi is reached by ferries from Phuket Krabi and Lanta Island some 45km away and for more details in getting there see the main transfer to Co Phi Phi help page.

phi-phi.com is the predominate website for detail and good research on Co Phi Phi Weather, Phi Phi Photo Galleries, Phi Phi Interactive Map.

Cliff jumping off Phi Phi Don

Co Phi Phi is also known by Koh Phi Phi or Phi Phi island or Phi Phi Thailand.

Golf in Thailand

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:33:00 +0000

Thailand Golf.
Thai people are mad on golf. To play golf gives you a social standing and the Thai face of someone of importance. There is no other sport that has piqued the Thai's imagination. Golf, the infamous struggle of mind and club against ball and hole has ensured an amazing number of golf clubs through out Thailand. Around all the major towns there are golf courses and the business classes while away many a fruitful hour chewing over opportunities as well as enjoying some of the most delightful golfing in the world. If you like golf then Thailand is an ideal holiday destination for you.

Another charming aspect of golf in Thailand is the Caddy system. 200-350 THB gets you an attentive, quiet caddy who will carry your bags and offer when needed, some helpful advice on each hole. Play in the morning or evening to avoid the heat and you will have some delightful days ahead of you.

Only one caveat and that is be prepared for a wager. There seems to be nothing like the thrill of money riding on the next putt to get Thai golfers smiling and laughing. Often per hole this can be quite a cost if you are having an average day.

There is a vast variety of golf clubs in Thailand and here are a few that give an idea of what to expect.

Bangkok golf
Golf in Bangkok is an exclusive past time as with all major cities in Asia. Land is precious, golf is played at golf country clubs that often enjoy the full gamut of club facilities like restaurants, pools and often gyms and or spas. The whole golf experience is based on the gentile pastime of the haves and or businessman. These golf clubs have long histories and often high membership prices which encourage a luxurious surroundings and luxury apres enjoyment.

Alpine Golf and Sports Club
As one of the top two golf clubs in Bangkok and on of the best in Thailand as a whole the Alpine Golf and Sports Club is a very difficult course with fast green and rolling fairways. Tiger Woods won at this exclusive private club which hosted the 2000 ’Johnnie Walker Classic’.

Alpine Golf and Sports Club, Bangkok, Thailand

Facilities; Pro Shop Driving Range Tennis Pool Sauna Massage Restaurant.
Par 72. 18 Holes.Designed by Ronald Mr. GARL
Time from Hotels. (downtown approx) 1 hour
Suggested Hotel: Banyan Tree Bangkok

Bangkok Golf ClubRated in the top 10 of Bangkok Golf courses that has a collection of delightful water hazards that's keeps you guessing till the final hole. The Bangkok Golf Club is a highly rated for the club house ambiance and greens.
Features; Additions are a 9-hole Par 3 course. Pro Shop Driving Range Tennis Pool
Sauna Massage Restaurant Night Golf .
Par 72.Designed by Chird BOONYARATHAPANTime from Hotel; (downtown approx) 45 min.
Suggested Hotel: Conrad Bangkok

Green Valley Country ClubNear the new Suvarnabhumi airport and just off the Bang Na Trat Highway this is one of Bangkok's more traditional golf course. The fairways, greens and water obstacles make for a great afternoon out in this immaculate kept course.

Green Valley Country Club Thailand

Features; Opened 1988 Pro Shop Driving Range Pool Sauna Massage Restaurant
Par 72, 18 HoleDesigned by Robert TRENT JONES jr.Time from Hotel; (downtown approx) 45-60 min.
Suggested Hotel: Landmark Bangkok

Hua Hin golf.Golf in Hua Hin is often treated as a weekend by the sea for many, an escape from the hectic and busy ritual of Bangkok life. And why not. Just 3 hours drive out of the center of one of Asia's biggest metropolis's is one of the primary oasis's with so many things to do for the those who enjoy a bit of luxury. A bit more laid back and a lot more country makes a weekend out to Hua Hin a tremendous phillip after a week in the grind.

Banyan Golf Hua Hin
This one of Hua Hin's most famous recent landmarks, opened in 2008 it is already considered one of the top 3 courses. Elegant greens and fairways make for a lovely day out amongst nature.

Banyan Hua Hin Thailand

Features; Pro Shop Driving Range, Restaurant
Par 72. 18 Hole
Designed by Pirapon NAMATRAT
Time from Hotel; (downtown approx) 15 min.
Suggested Hotel: Evason Hua Hin And Six Senses Spa

Black Mountain Golf Club.A golf course that is notably one of the best in the region offers 18 holes of pure pleasure. Set amongst the rolling hills that breath pure oxygen, this is a superb location for any golfer.

Black Mountain Golf Club Hua Hin Thailand

Features; Pro Shop, Driving Range, Restaurant, Spa,Par 72. 18 HoleDesigned by Phil RYAN (Pacific Coast Design)Time from Hotel; (downtown approx) 15 min.
Suggested Hotel: Anantara Resort And Spa Hua Hin

Black Mountain Golf Club Hua Hin Thailand

The Imperial Lakeview Hotel and Golf ClubThis resort course offers an 18 course and 2 nine hole courses which gives a wonderful variation to a golfing vacation. As a typical resort course it is not too difficult and there are a multitude of golf buggies to to keep the strain to a minimum.

Features; Phil RYAN (Pacific Coast Design)Par 72. 18 HoleDesigned by Phil RYAN (Pacific Coast Design)Time from Hotel; (downtown approx) 15 min.
Suggested Hotel: Praseban Resort Pranburi

Pattaya golf.
Pattaya is the seaside fun town of Bangkok but has a rather good reputation for golf. Just a couple of hours outside Bangkok itself, you can let yourself go a bit down on the beach. The courses are more in land and benefit from the real magic of the Thai countryside. When golf is finished the famous nightlife in Pattaya will add to your enjoyment.

Bangpra International Golf Club.This well established golf course has been redesigned many times since it's opening in 1958. The Japanese design style comes with the incorporation of nature, trees and water features that make a game here a real pleasure. The hills as back drop add a borrowed scenery to a wonderful club.

Bangpra International Golf Club Thailand

Features; Pro Shop Driving Range Tennis Pool, Sauna Massage Restaurant Par 72. 18 HoleDesigned by Japan Golf PromotionTime from Hotel; (downtown approx) 60 min.
Suggested Hotel: Amari Orchid Pattaya

Burapha Golf Club
The 2x 18 hole Burapha Golf Club courses are a championship course and an intriguing and charming British style Country Course. Both courses present challenges and with their location a possible day out from Bangkok itself.

Features; Pro Shop Driving Range Tennis Pool Sauna Restaurant
Par 72. 18 Hole.
Designed by Gary PANKS David GRAHAM
Time from Hotel; (downtown approx) 30 min.
Suggested Hotel: Dusit Thani Pattaya

Crystal Bay Golf ClubThe renovated 27 holes Crystal Bay Golf Club enjoys lush landscaping with water features that are not always there as hazards. The club has a Hawaian feel with the extensive use of palms and a well watered fairways. Some of the par 3's are testing!

Crystal Bay Golf Club Pattaya Thailand

Features; Pro Shop Driving Range Pool Sauna Massage RestaurantPar 108. 27 HolesDesigned by THAI TAKENAKATime from Hotel; (downtown approx) 30 min.
Suggested Hotel: Amari Orchid Pattaya

Golf on Thailand's islands.There's nothing quite like golf on the islands of Thailand and Phuket dominates the scene with 6 well turned out courses. Along side the courses you get some fabulous views (Mission Hills) and some wonderful settings Country Club that make a day, weekend or week highly memorable.

Phuket Golf.Phuket is an ideal Golfing destination. Phuket has a wonderful range of luxury Hotels and resort and host of further activities to make a trip to Phuket truly eclectic. The diving or jungle safaris can take your mind away from a bad day of golf and the restaurant and nightlife scene can sooth away a hard day on the greens.

Blue Canyon Country Club
The Blue Canyon Country Club is one of Thailand's finest clubs that boast both a Champion Course, The Canyon Course and the Lakes Course. The exquisite nature of the Canyon Course is a must experience for all serious golfers. Golf carts only available on LAKES.

Blue Canyon Country Club Phuket Thailand

Features; Pro Shop Driving Range Pool Sauna Massage Restaurant
Par 72/72. 2x 18 Holes.
Designed by Yoshikazu KATO/Gary PLAYER
Time from Hotel; (approx) 20min.
Suggested Hotel: Banyan Tree Phuket

Laguna Phuket Golf Club
The Laguna Phuket Golf Club is the classic Resort course that is quite forgiving. The atmosphere is typically relaxed and allows you to take in the Kamala Highlands. No golf carts available.

Laguna Phuket Golf Club Thailand

Features; Pro Shop Driving Range Tennis Pool Sauna Massage Restaurant
Par 71. 18 Holes.
Designed by Max WEXLER
Time from Hotel; (approx) 5 min.
Suggested Hotel: Best Western Allamanda Laguna

Phuket Country ClubThe Phuket Country Club is the established course in Phuket for all the old families and those who have spent time on the island. The wonderful setting takes in the Phuket Highlands in a vast panorama that almost surrounds you. It's location close to Patong Beach makes it very popular with weekend golfers.

Phuket Country Club Thailand

Features; Pro Shop Driving Range Pool Sauna Restaurant Par 72/36. 18/9 HolesDesigned byTime from Hotel; (downtown approx) 10 min.
Suggested Hotel: Novotel Phuket Resort

Thai Language and Learning Thai

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 08:15:00 +0000

Learning Thai language and Thai customs

Learn Thai
Many European find it difficult to learn and communicate successfully in Thai because it is based on a totally different grammar structure, has a large alphabet, it's intonation, is very contextual and is greatly affected by body language.

Thai Language
The Thai Language derives from the ancient languages of Asia and takes a lot of input from the 2 great cultures of the region, China and India. Although the direct line of the language is from India subcontinent, namely it's Sanskrit based script, the way it is used and spoken has many classic features of the Chinese way of life.

Learning Thai for westerners in a formal setting

Thai Grammar
Thai grammar is based more on simpler ideas than the European languages. It doesn't need to pin point exactly who did what to whom. The language is more than happy with inference and vagueness not accepted in Europe. As seen by a Thai mind, exactness is all too often for people who are too serious, those who carry the weight of the world on their shoulders.

Examples of where the Thai language and communicating are not too exact;

In translating the Thai 'ma laew' you get come hear already, the 'laew' or already being the past tense. The simple construct of grammar, 'laew', is put at the end of every sentence that refers to the past. Also there are no real variations of past tense that you get in English. i.e. I gave, I had given, I was giving.
Often the 'I, you, he, she, it, we,' are not said as this is understood by the situation you are in. 'I, you, he, she, it, we,'are used in Thai but only for emphasis.
The niceties of English of please, thank you, your welcome are almost non existent in word form as the Thai language uses a politer set of words than a usual vocabulary and or more polite body language.

Thai alphabet
Also the Thai written language has a large alphabet with 48 characters with 25 vowels. Vowels can be partly explained by understanding that in English, the a vowel is pronounced differently if it sits next to another vowel ie; ''ae, ao, au, ai,' etc.

A tradition Thai alphabet poster as found in countless primary school classrooms

Learning Thai at School
Thai alphabet and language is learnt by rote in school when children are about 4 or 5 . Learning is done with a lot of repetition based on saying the letters of the alphabet. Each letter is sounded out by saying the list of traditional objects, many of which are non existent in today's society. Gourds and Temple paraphernalia are no longer part of the 2012 world for the majority but by repeating these symbols Thai people are united in the traditions of their own customs and culture.

Thai Numbers
Traditional Thai numbers, are written down as in the first column on the first row below. You can see these numbers on all bank notes and all key documents, like land papers. However, following world conventions and for the sake of speed of writing, western numbers are used in shops and in accounting and are understood by everybody. Yet again Thai culture embraces its history and customs and religiously teaches the Sanskrit numbers to all children from an early age.

Thai numbers and numerals

Thai Intonation
On top of all of this, the Thai language has a very specific intonation where the romanized pronunciation of ma can be 'dog', 'mother' or 'come here' depending on how the word is stressed and the inflection is used.

Getting to grips with the Thai language... especially those idioms

Thai Idioms.
'Taan Khao laew?' can be translated as have you eaten? It is often used as a greeting rather than the formal Sawadee Krup/ Ka (hello or goodbye). Likewise another greeting in the local southern dialect 'Bai Nai Puern?' means hello but translates as where are you going?

These are examples of local idioms which are easy enough to pick up and give a rich depth to the Thai language as they define what is important to the Thai nation and how it's language has reached where it is now. Thai language has not been put upon by modernisation to simplify it's way of communicating and so this lovely way of life is full of idioms, full of character and nuance.

Hierarchy, Thai Face and language.
From the moment a baby is born, the mothers aunts and friends will talk to the newborn from a position in the Thai Hierarchy. Elders and children of a higher social standing will be respected and afforded a more deferential spoken language. Twins will be talked to and taught to address each other as older brother/ sister XXXX or younger brother/ sister YYYY and this will stay with them for the rest of their life.

My father, on visiting my wife's family, was asked by an uncle how old he was. This totally threw him. The last time anyone had asked him his age socially was decades earlier in his life. However the Thai uncle wanted to get the right tone in his language to speak to my father so as not to upset the natural hierarchy in the family and preserve or keep Thai Face.

Mistakes by linguists.
Many fine linguists who can normally learn a language in 6 months make huge head way as they have the ability to remember phrases and lists of words. As commented above, the grammar is not as taxing as say English, so the perception is that this great linguist has made significant progress.

All too often I have seen these people get into trouble in Thailand as they translate European thoughts and mannerisms into Thai. The result is they have totally missed the presumed hierarchy in the language and blunder away in a Thai translation (grammatically correct) but appearing too bold or forceful in the wrong occasion. Often you will hear a common put down.. the foreigner knows too much. The foreigner has learnt how to translate but not how to communicate and or get things done in Thailand.

Body Language in Thailand
The simple truth is that you outward appearance , demeanor and composure, your surface face is a key to communicating in Thailand and a language all in itself. The famous Thai Smile says so much about the way language works. Thai people love to communicate with like minded souls and a happy, giving and flexible demeanour can show in ones face, a gesture and a polite use of language and will always find a way though. Coversely, all the great language skills in the world seem to get you nowhere if you are tired, grumpy and or pushy.

Thailand is a country of great intrigue, joy and happiness and you either play by it's language rules or don't play at all.

Thai Nudity... no images.

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:26:00 +0000

This blog looks at where, why, when nudity in Thailand happens seen from the perspective of a normal Thai National and a European. The blog has been written without nude images in an attempt to make it serious.

As I have commented in previous blogs this month, Thai Culture maintains a rather conservative and traditional form and public nudity in Thailand is rare. When you compare the tabloid newspaper images from Europe with those of a Thai newspaper you can see that Europe is far more at home with topless female images on display every day. In Europe these tabloid papers show a daily diet of provocative and racey images that would not be accepted in Thailand.

Even when many people from outside Thailand point to the well publicised girlie bars, go-go clubs and shows and say this can't be true, the fact remains that the vast majority of Thai culture looks down on, frowns at and rarely gets involved in nudity.

'Thai Face' ensures that only those who have been forced or dropped to the lowest levels and find themselves in the sex industry would show themselves off in public. How you look is of key concern to Thai people and being nude in public is not seen as desirable in anyway.

As in Europe, it would never be seen as a worthwhile drunken prank, to pose nude for a picture or an expression of free will to be nude in public. The European act of nudity of enjoying time with no clothes on in public or at a nudist camp, would be a complete anathema to a Thai National.

Nude or topless beaches in Thailand
I know this is a complicated area of thought and a potential minefield for opinion but in my humble opinion, your average Thai citizen would react as much, and if not a lot more than a European in seeing a nude lady or man. This isn't an issue for tourist in Thailand in the norm except when Europeans visit Thai beaches.

Topless female sun bathing in a hotel or resort is not really seen as the done thing even though it does happen. Most of the time the hotel or resort owners would be too embarrassed to comment to a guest, but take it from me, it is not considered normal.

Nude beaches are not formally sanctioned in Thailand but some beaches are more known as more tolerant than others. Many tourists to Thailand from Europe will go topless but not on the main beaches. When women go topless they will get many admirers and often unwanted attention so these places are typically off the beaten track. The vast majority of Thai men are not used to seeing topless and so nudity creates quite a stir.

By the by....

Thai men and women.
Thai men and women are strong characters when it comes to marriage and living their life. By comparison European men and women share a lot more equal status with their wife's. There is a culture of acceptance among many strong Thai men for having affairs or taking up with a girlfriend while married. This is certainly not the rule but compared to Europe it is more common.

Coffee House sexuality.
The coffee house, often found in an established hotel is a feature in towns where men would go to be sung to /crooned at by Singers, women who, over time, might be asked out on a date by the men in the coffee shop. But this is more sensual entertainment and fully clothed.

Sex outside marriage
It might be argued that there are less cultural barriers to sex in Thailand than in Europe. Older Christian values of sex outside a marriage are similar to Buddhist values but failure to stay faithful in Christian lore brings out emotions of guilt where in Thailand the values it would be more to do with loss of face for your self or within the family.

Girlie Bars.. a go-go entertainment.
There is a lot of nudity inside the streets in places like Patpong in Bangok and Soi Bangla in Patong, Phuket but this is not the focus of this blog subject.

To help promote this blog I have listed the search words with a similar theme
Thai nude
Thainude
Thailand nude
Thailand nudity
Thai nudity
Thai nudist
Thailand nudist
Thailand nudist beach

No Caveat
Again, these are my personal thoughts on nudity in Thailand.

What is Thai Face or 'saving face'?

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 08:04:00 +0000

What is face, or saving face?
Thai face saving is about how Thai people conduct themselves in their lives, a key components of the glue that holds Thai society together. Keeping Face is closely entwined with the many Thai hierarchies that exist in society, class, seniority in age, social or business position. Face is partly respect (giving face) but also defines the defensible boundaries between people in these different hierarchies (saving face). In a further expansion of the idea, face is used to define and measure acceptable social mobility between people, positions in an organization and class.

Thai face.
The vast majority of children in Thai schools are taught a strict moral compass at school, almost Victorian or Edwardian in it's attitude to style and content. These ideals place strong pressures on children but also give them a strong sense of what it is to be Thai and what is acceptable behaviour.

On raising the Thai flag every morning, school children are imbued with the strength and glory of the Thai Kingdom, a strong reverence for The King, fundamental respect for the authority of the state and an all important sense of where they fit into society.

Explaining why this is so effective in Thailand, 95% of all Thai's are 'same culture Buddhists'. Culturally and religiously they are the same, there is very little history of immigration. Their is a strong buddhist culture that ensures there are many children brought up by monks, especially in the poor areas of Thailand. Also deciding to go into the temple for 3 months absovles you from doing National service.

Aligning their similar education with a strong cohesion of religious thought makes for a strong sense of what it is to be Thai. This is something to be proud of and also something to defend. Thai people are fiercely proud of who they are, a country never conquered like so many others, during the colonial era of history.

Family Loyalty, society and Face
Living in Thailand is more based on the extended family than a European sense of the political society. Having said that, the the last few years has seen a massive upsurge in political demonstrations and a commentary on the political elite. As the Bangkok middle class voice grows, Thai society is changing, as the use of social networks and phones become more ubiquitous out side the capital, change is inevitable. However, whether it totally changes the family I doubt.

Families can be large organisms in Thailand with the extended family coming to dozens of people. Along with the family's trusted friends you can get almost everything done. Whether it is advice on the law, finding the right doctor, helping with a loan, knowing which governement officail to work with, the family knowledge bank is essential.

Within the family there are weak or strong bonds but when an indiviual is pushed, the collective face, support and help of the family will often ensure that the family stays protected and it's bond stays strong. As Thailand is a lot more focused on the family than many northern European countries beware crossing someones family face. Family will look after themselves.

Personal face
The way the shopping malls in Thailand are packed every day testifies to how important the visual impression of ones self is in Thailand. People dress very well and will tend to dress up rather than slovenly. How a person carries themselves and how they expect to be treated is important as it defines who they are. As with many Asian cultures who adhere to the virtues of a society with face, shopping by brand name is critical as it allows the buyers to define who they are and what group they follow.

Thai people don't take kindly to being put down, told off as this can be seen to breaking their face. This is an attack on their deepest held beliefs and if you push someone to this point expect a very strong reaction.

Issues come when foreigners (holiday makers) use of language pushes a Thai person into a corner from where their good manners can't move. Thai people are very forgiving towards foreigners who do not understand these rules of face and will let us make many mistakes but if cornered they will react very quickly.

Is face the same or similar to European 'Pride'?
As the saying goes, Pride comes before a fall. European values are based on Christian virtues, a list of moral do's, dilemmas and character styles you should steer clear of. Pride is something that society tends to steer clear of where as face is something that everybody in Thailand possesses. So on my take on face, you can be a European without pride but it is difficult to be Thai without face.

Having said all the above there are many Europeans who do have a similar or equivalent personality traits. The politician, the salesman, the perfect house wife, the guy who is never wrong, all have a similar traits. They will defend and justify their action, word or deed in spite of vague realities. This can have some aspects similar to face but deep down is something quite different.

Giving face
'Giving face' is the term used to show that you act in a way where you know the other persons boundaries or hierarchy and enforce these with simple respect and in some situations, flattery. This can appear from the outside as facetious but it has an important role of keeping the structure of the hierarchy in place.

If you are trying to work with someone who holds the power for getting something done, the process of 'giving face' can be a way of making the other person feel comfortable with you. I personally, will go out of my way to dress smartly and act courteously if I am going to see a doctor, policeman or government official as this seems to get the best and quickest results.

The digital new Age the youth and face.
The anonymity of driving a car, the phone and Internet means that since 1980 some of the traditional face values are diminishing country wide. The common theme with the car, phone and Internet is that Thai people do not need to be face to face when they interact. However once these same people are face to face their demeanour changes and people drop into the role they see themselves best representing.

Face in Asia
Face is very common in Asia but varies depending on where you are. Understanding the face issues and boundaries are essential for doing business in the these countries and greatly help visitors if they want to enjoy an extended stay.

All the views above a self observed from living and being strongly connected to Thailand for 20 years. I am exceedingly pro Thailand and if anything said here offends, I apologies.

Thai food court

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 07:49:00 +0000

If you are a lover of Thai food in all it's guises then a trip down the local food court is one of Thailand's great foodie pleasures. Food courts are a name for an organized places to eat where the landlord will bring together a full and wide range of differing food types. These mini shops are owned by individuals who share their profit with the landlords and have 2-3 meters shop front to sell their specialities. As you go in you buy coupons and use them to buy your meals at the stalls. This ensures that the landlord controls the amount taken. The stall holder gets a percentage of the profit. You can return the coupons for cash at the end.

If you love curry you will love this!

Lining up for the coupons. This doesnt take long.

You might get a couple of curry stalls, a couple of noodle soup variations, Thai salads, chicken and rice, pork, rice specialities and Thai deserts and drinks. You might get Northern Thai food delicacies in the south and southern delicacies in the north so you might find it an excellent place to find food types you cant get in your hotel or resort. There are rarely less than 7 or 8 of these mini stalls in a food court but sometimes, like my favourite in Bangkok Airport, over 20.

Pahd Thai heaven.

I like going to the food courts as my Thai wife can eat something totally different to me and we are both happy. The food show cased is rarely available in restaurants at the same level of originality. I find menus catering to the westerner's tastes relatively mild in flavour and small in variation and so I appreciate this real deal. It is disappointing to me when hotel Thai food is so without any spice and too often lacks the intensity of preparation. The food courts are also fast and very good value.

Thai desserts

The food courts are packed at office meal times but as many people will snack these places are often busy throughout the day. Traditionally the meals are small because it is common to have
a couple of dishes rather than one large meal, European style. More often than not people will eat with friends rather than be alone as is the norm for most of Asia. This means the process of sharing food will allow you to try more than a couple of dishes. This is very Thai, very communal and very sociable.

Variety of food in Thailand often takes a traveller by surprise. The number and variation of ways of preparing rice or noodle, the number of soups types not to mention the variations of vegetable and fruits makes this experience truly memorable if it is your first time.

Fresh Mango with Khao Niaow rice and coconut sauce

Thai food courts are inexpensive, often street food brought into a collective environment to give the eating public a great variation in one location. Nearly all large public buildings seem to have them. They are an essential ingredient of the Shopping mall and can be found in their older format next to old markets.

Issan Food from the North

One of my favourites is at the salubrious Supercheap wholesale market on Thepkrassattri Rd Phuket. Here you can get meals with the freshest ingredients and the tastes that really jump out at you. The curry stall owners vie with each other on choice and variation each day creating over 20 different dishes just on each stall.

As it is linked to the wholesale market it brings in fresh produce and the meals are sold to those who know fresh and in that sense have high standards. It's not the cleanest of venues, it is open air without air con but the through put of food and the 600 degrees in which food is cooked ensures safe eating (well for me anyway).

A mix match plate from a curry stall

Another surprise food court I love is at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. Click on the link to see a video. You have to dig through the airport map to find it as it is there for the workers at the airport and anybody wanting the original local tastes of Thailand. (The food court is near the MRT, the modern rail link, entrance).

One final gem. Seafood which is so hard to find in many parts of Europe can be found at many food courts especially if you are near the sea. As well as having a stunning variation it comes at fantastic value. This is worth checking out.

Bar BQ squid .... wow

If you are staying in a Hotel or resort or seviced apartment you will not find food like this around the premises. If this kind of food exploration excites you then take a walk or get down to the nearest shopping Mall and head for the top floor.

More links to articles on Thai Food
Dining on Phi Phi Island
Recommended Trendy Restaurants in Phuket
Thai cooking classes
Restaurants in Haad Rin
Bangkok restaurants
Recommended Restaurants in Pattaya

Diving in Thailand

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 07:42:00 +0000

Thailand Diving is an experience to match the best in the world though not all reefs and seas are equal. The Similan islands enjoy the premier diving sites but are out in the Ocean and so many visitors end up diving the Thailand's inland reefs which are closer to the main resort destinations of Phuket, Phi Phi, Krabi, Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. These diving sites are more variable and are more influenced by local conditions such as the state of the moon/ tide, weather and season and their position in the greater ocean reefs.

Often diving is organised and pre-booked before departure. It gives you a chance to research the dive company, and work on any reviews, good or bad that might make your decision easier. Having said that, if you are staying a luxury island 4 and 5 star hotel or resort then you will be able to organise your diving 'in house'.

Euphoria. Loving it

Thailand's most famous diving islands.
The Similan diving experience is perhaps the stand out dive location in Thailand as it is a series of small islands surrounded by beautiful reefs far from the mainland shores of Phang Nga Province. Diving in the Similans give you the best waters in Thailand, clear and free from any fishing debris and any of the coastal villages. The western coast is on the Indian Ocean and shares a similar but diverse habitat of all the islands that stretch from Koh Tao in the south, Past the vast array of islands off Burma and up to the Bay of Bengal.

Similan Islands

Turtle in the Similans... beautiful sand!

In the deep waters off the Similans there are a series of migratory paths for some of the Thailand's migratory pelagic species and whale shark, manta are a common sight. Many dive boats leave Phuket island or Khao Lak (Tapla Mu) to reach the Similan islands which lay out to sea and just over the horizon. It is only recently that day diving from the mainland has been made possible with the introduction of large and fast speedboats to take divers out as for nearly all the history of diving in the Similans diving has been done by live aboard. There are many live aboard operations that cater from simple to the high end luxury diving experience.

Phuket Diving
One of Thailand's key tourist destinations, Phuket has has a wealth of diving sites though there is very minimal diving from the shore. Most diving centers on taking the day boats from Chalong Bay going out to Racha Island, Shark Point and Phi Phi Islands. On Racha island the visibility is excellent with 40 meters being common. This is one of Phuket's closest reefs and enjoy all year conditions. Phuket Shark Point is one of Thailand's iconic dive days where you are able to dive 2 submerged reefs and the Wreck all within a 600m square.

The wreck dive. Reached from Phuket or Phi Phi
Cuttlefish off Shark Point

Phi Phi Island.
The famous Thailand island of Koh Phi Phi lies some 45km-48km from Phuket and Krabi respectively and is home to more reefs, rock walls, caves underwater pinnacles than most other areas of Thailand. It has the reputation of a mecca for divers. Not only does it have an extraordinary array of dive sites, they are often no more than 15-20 minutes by boat from the shore. On top of this and with speedboat transfers you can get to Koh Ha or Hin Daeng with in a days dive where you can get to see Whale Sharks in the right season. PADI courses are taught at the 15 or so dive schools on the islands.

Day Dives off Phi Phi Island

Manta off Hin Muang

Swim through Phi Phi Island

Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
Diving off Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao is diving in the southern reaches of the Gulf of Siam and part of the Pacific Rim diving experience. This zone of diving is nearer the historic start of marine life and is open to more variety of sea life than the Thailand's western shore. However geographically this area is at the end of the diving archipelago starting nearer Papua New Guinea and Indoneasia. Although excellent diving it has less migratory traffic from the larger species of marine life.

Off Sail Rock

One of the key dive sites is Sail Rock, a large granite pinnacle that breaks the surface. Far from land it is an obvious location for schools of trevally to feed off the juveniles that cloud together in defense of these dangerous predators. It is also home to large schools of long fin batfish. 30 meters deep it has a glorious swim through that can be entered at 20 m and left at 5 m. This cavern like structure can be full of glassfish, confusing the way through. Home to morey eel and the occasional passing whale shark, Sail Rock is one of Thailand's key dive sites.

Whale shark off Sail Rock

PADI Courses to learn diving are taught at Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.

Dancing Durban Shrimp

Thai Smile customs

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 06:42:00 +0000

What's in a smile? Well to a Thai, it's almost life itself.

One of the most appealing aspects of travelling around Thailand to someone new to the country, is the Thai smile. Many foreigner traveling to Thailand have commented to me that they have never experienced anything like it. It's almost as if they question whether their home country, in fact the rest of the world, has got it all wrong. In my own humble opinion I think they probably have and it is one of the jewels in the Thai culture that's often overlooked.

The power of a smile
You can experience the power of the Thai smile as you arrive in a European capital after a visit to Thailand and are confronted by faces showing, stress, distress, and at best a neutral demeanour. There is no uplift in your own heart as you arrive in these places as the smile is missing.

From the moment you set foot on Thai Airways or arrive in the airport you can see working people going about their business with a smile and rarely a frown on their face. This is not absolute and I will talk about the unhappy below. I must admit that not all immigration personnel are happy and smiling but we must be careful of being too literal, they have a serious job to guard the Thai boarders. However once you are enveloped by the Thai culture and custom of smiling, it is uplifting and relaxing. It's as if everything is possible.

The Thai custom to smile
The smile is something that all Thai's give to each other. I think it adds to community, a sense of agreement on what it is to be Thai and it echos and reverberates through society. There are strong beliefs among Thai people about the way you should conduct yourselves. It is important not to externalize your negative emotions as this spreads unhappy thoughts around. Conversely, showing a positive outward demeanour means that you can enter conversation with a positive spin. Living with a positive spin is a lot easier to have a happier life and or to get a solution to a problem.

A Thai introduction starts with a smile
Many assume the equivalent to a western hand shake is a wai between people (a bowing gesture with palms of the hands together in a Christian prayer shape, and the tips of the fingers just below the nose). This is the form of greeting, the initial physical recognition of each other but the equivilant of the pressure of the hand grip in a hand shake is fully completed in Thailand by the smile.

No negotiation will ever progress far unless you come to it with an open and light heart, being prepared to give and take. By smiling you are showing that you are alive to the possibilities and that perhaps your stance can be improved on or altered. There is a strong believe that both sides of a negotiation can be recognised and accommodated.

I suppose the Asian love of harmony is at the bottom of this, the ideal of, if we try to live together, more can be achieved than if we set up barriers and come accross as confrontational, negative or cup is always half full.

Thai characters traits
For Thai people, a smile is the norm and shows you are jai dee (a good heart, good character). It shows to the outside world that you are not angry, or hot tempered and that you have a sunny disposition. This might seem a strange emphasis but one of the worst commentaries you can have thrown at you is that you are jai lrorn (a hot head) or worse jai dum (a black heart, a bad character). Many Thai people will naturally steer clear of jai lrorn and jai dum as this type of character will be associated with trouble.

A smile rather than language
The Thai language is a complex process of protocol with a far less precise grammar structure than say English of German. Also it is is very full of idioms. The literal Thai translation for 'hi, how's it going' can mean 'have you eaten' or 'where are you going friend?' in the many and various situations of life.

Thai hierarchies and language
Traditionally the Thai society is very structured with very definite hierarchies and positions to be observed. Talking to an elder or younger, a subordinate, a superior or a government official might all employ differing turns of phrase showing the understanding of each others place in that society, organization or family. The smile of a jai dee person is the universal language that cuts through all the levels and allows you to communicate with everybody more freely.

A smile is in the eyes.
Not all smiles are the same. This is a world wide truth. A smile from a politician might not have the same resonance as a smile between friends and family. A genuine smile seems to show in the eyes and last longer. A happy person, unaffected by pressures has a clear shinning smile that makes the eyes glow (a twinkle) and conversely an unhappy person has a smile that shows a duller hue, or even a sadness. Similarly a smile born of genuine happiness lasts longer than one that has been is forced.

Don't be confused by a smile and hard reality.
Many tourists staying in a hotel or resort in Thailand are totally knocked out by the Thai smile and fall in love with the country and people immediately. This is understandable for the reasons above. However the Thai smile can often mask realities of daily life.

I have seen Thai people who have taken a knock and are obviously in pain, smile as they don't want to show that pain. They dont want to share their anguish and want to minimise a bad experience for their friends. I suppose this is similar to a stoic's response in Europe.

I have seen people smile and say yes to questions when they should have said no, rather than admit they cant help a tourist in their country. This is a matter of face, another custom and complexity of understanding what is going on in Thailand. (I'll write something about this soon.) This could be seen as weak willed and it sometimes is, but is also part of a Thai's natural custom to look after Thai-ness and covers their inate pride in which they hold their own country.

Protesting with a smile

Misunderstanding
Face and smiling is one of the areas that causes most problems for tourist in Thailand. Here is example. A tour bus is late and the tourist wants to know why it is late as they might miss thier ferr,y boat, transfer etc. The bus driver will often give a smile and give a 'sorry I don't know' in response. The Thai national will understand that it is late but has no way of changing this fact. His answer might very well be to smile in this situation. This can often be read incorrectly by the foriegner who might think that the Thai is making fun of him or that he doesn't care. This might make the foriegner more upset but still the only reaction is a smile. The westerner wants to see that there is some sympathy with their situation (as European values would perhaps expect). However in this situation, the foriegner seems to get the opposite. If the foriegner persists in questioning and raising his her voice, the Thai might move from a smile to a nervous laugh. This intern upsets the foriegner more but this is the instinctive reaction to situations where the Thai feels that matters are getting out of control.

Fixing a problem using Thai customs to your advantage.
If there is a problem, never get upset or show your feelings externally as this will get a counterproductive reaction. Try to relax and smile and go through your problem, request for information and you will get a lot further. Perhaps this will take a lot more time than back in a home country but going calmly about your business will get to a solution or no solution without creating further problems.

Unhappy people
Life is complex and not all Thai people follow the one stereo type or idealized pattern that is learnt in Thai schools. Tourists do come accross those who are worked too hard or are too tired. There are some that only see westerners as an opportunity to make some money. ( I would ask you to consider whether there are people like that in your own country). The smile is not in the eyes any more and with everyone like this all over the world, you try to keep your distance. Having said that, many of these unhappy people will be better company if you in turn smile at them.... smiling can be addictive and contagious!!

Happy Smiling..

Phi Phi Thailand

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:09:00 +0000

Phi Phi Thailand commands a magical place in the hearts of all those who have travelled there. The sheer beauty of the sea and landscape of the island is enough for you to just stop and gaze, stunned. When you round the corner of Phi Phi Don, coming from Phuket or Krabi, the ferry boat rails are full of one scene every day. In some of the smaller boats you can even detect the boat leaning over fractionally with the numbers of people all on the left side, taking in the scene of Phi Phi Don or shooting off a picture for memory. It's as if Hollywood has taken the most glamorous tropical setting ever and plonked it in front your very eyes. It is truly inspiring.

Phi Phi Thailand. Phi Phi Ley

And yes it is the place where Leonardo Di Caprio made his famous movie, 'The Beach'. It was set in the jewel of Phi Phi Thailand on Maya Bay. You can see why this one Bay has the pull that it does. It is a near perfect example of that Hollywood improbable landscape that is just too pretty to ignore. I like to visit before 9.30am and after 3pm as it is alot cooler then and the tour boats from Phuket have gone back.

The Best of Phi Phi Thailand
The best place to start is with a list of all that is great on Phi Phi, the must see, top activities to do, where to go and then take a deep breath. For such a small island it has a superb selection of attractions, activities and nightlife.

If you like diving then Phi Phi has some of the regions best dive sites and dive schools. Phi Phi is at the center of things good in the dive world in Thailand. Whether you are new to the underworld experience and need to take a PADI course, or whether you have just trained and needs some beautiful yet non technical diving, or finally if you need something challenging, Phi Phi has it within 1 hour speedboat trip. In fact 85% of all the reefs are just 20 minutes from Phi Phi Don main pier so there is plenty of opportunity to dive and still get to see the rest of the island. This is why Phi Phi island is a magnet for divers and there are over 20 dive schools on the island.

The image below is of Blue View Divers that has an interesting policy of going out with the traditional longtail boats rather than the large dive boast. This has a double advantage to the diver that make it unique. Primarily you are very limited to the numbers in the dive group as the longtail boat has a maximum loading limit. The other advantage is that it can enjoy a different surface time between dives. Where as the traditional dive boat anchors off a beach, a longtail can go onto the sand so you can have a bit of an explore or a lazy moment on the sand.

Blue View Diving Phi Phi Thailand

Similarly, snorkeling in the shallow reefs of Phi Phi Don Island and Phi Phi Ley Island, some 20km of reef are tremendous fun place to explore. My favourite time on Phi Phi is snorkeling with the sharks, see image below. These black tip reef sharks are harmless to humans and yet make a thrilling morning out down on Long Beach. There is nothing like getting your heart racing than having an encounter with a 1-2meter long shark. The Black Tip Reef Shark are timid and time in the water must be spent without disturbing the sea or thrashing around for the best success.

Phi Phi Thailand. Black Tip Reef Shark

Kicking Back
Many of those who travel to Phi Phi Thailand just need the beach, a place to sit and relax. There is nothing quite like sitting in a world beauty spot, maybe with a drink and a chance to be still, take it all in and just breath. It's no suprise that people love to do nothing on their holiday as it is the way to unwind. As my heart beat lowers to my minimum, I find true relaxation.

Phi Phi Don Village
The village at Phi Phi Thailand is a mesmerizing mix of restaurants, bars, dive schools, souvenir shops all connected by pathways. There are no cars on the island so you just walk around. If there is one thing that gets you slowed down into that holiday mode, it is walking. At 30 degrees C, a brisk pace doesn't cut it. You must walk slow or you over heat.

The village is a curious mix of tourist land and the village. Thai people work on the island and they have their market center, their mosque and life goes on in parallel and yet both sides of the tourist industry walk along the same paths going to the same destinations. The walking brings everybody down to the same level and this gives a great village feel, a shared experience.

The Muslim aspect of the village does not have a large impact on the tourist experience. The Phi Phi Thailand Muslims are very tolerant and used to holiday makers. In fact 95% of the population has an income from tourism.

Phi Phi Hotels and Resort
Most Phi Phi Accommodation is right on the beach and there are still many resort offering the bungalow / cottage or villa style so loved in Europe. However in the last 5 years there have been some new low rise hotels put up that have increased the number of quality rooms on the island (namely PP Palmtree Resort & PP Andaman Legacy).

Prices are quite high on Phi Phi but you can understand that there are real additional costs in getting all your provisions from the mainland 48 km away.

Thailand Phi Phi. Phi Phi Island Village Resort

If you are choosing a place to stay on Phi Phi it is good to work out how close you want to be to the main Phi Phi Don Village. Some people hunt out the beach party scene and wouldn't be where it is inconvenient to get late night longtail boat taxis. Others need the peace and quiet of the north of the island at Laem Tong. I love Long Beach as it is close to the village so you can get a 10 minute taxi boat but far enough away so you can really get away from the village.

In the days of yore
I first arrived here in 1992 and for me, the charm of the place is that not much of the scenery has changed. (sure the village has changed and the hotels have improved). I have spoke to many of the people who travelled to Phi Phi before me and they talk of the time when the Cabana Hotel was a few grass huts on the beach. This part of Phi Phi Thailand has changed out of sight but in many ways it has become more accessible to more of the world. It is a great shame if you get to Thailand and you don't get time to see one of the truly classic island get aways in the world.

Phi Phi Thailand. The Remote Lanah Bay

The spelling of Phi Phi Thailand.
Phi Phi Thailand is sometimes referred to as Co Phi Phi, Koh Phi Phi, Phiphi, PP or Ko Phi Phi. Co Phi Phi is the latest spelling for the island and the Co part of the Phi Phi has all that modern SMS texting, twitter and facebook spelling cache that might catch on in a big way. The Co is the spelling of Koh which means island. From Koh to Co is a short step so you can see why it's happening. The jury is out on this blog on whether Co Phi Phi is cool!

Thailand property,

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:01:00 +0000

Thailand property.
Many people from outside Thailand become so in love with the country that they can think of nothing other than buying a place in the sun, a bit of real estate property that can act as their get away from the pressures of work, an investment for the future or retirement home. Many expats living in the neighbouring countries of Singapore Malaysia and Hong Kong are drawn to comparatively inexpensive property prices that can be found in Thailand.

Bangkok the hub.
Bangkok Thailand is the main town in tropical Asia. No other town has it's size and complexity, it's variation and business dynamism. It is no surprise that a lot of inward investment aims at getting a bolt hole in 'The Big Mango'. From here, a lot of business gets done, connecting South East Asia with Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. No self respecting businessman will fail to recognise this. There are many high rise luxury smart condo's in Bangkok and in the Pattaya (Bangkok-by-the-sea). These are taken up by all the world as they come to join one of the world most vibrant economies.

Second Home
If you live in Asia in a town like Bangkok, Hong Kong or Singapore you might want your weekends on the beach. A lot of people think like this and there has been a striking number of upscale property developments catering to space bound town dwellers. What's more appealing than leaving the smog and congestion of the large urban metropolis's and heading for the Thai Islands of Phuket and Samui. A 1-3 hour flight and you've kicked your shoes off and are strolling down a sandy beach with a sunset a head of you, and a cool sea breeze un-knotting the stress lines accumulated during the week.

Retired
When you do an analysis of the living expenses in US, Northern Asia, Europe and Thailand there is a striking difference between the countries. Many people from Europe and the Americas choose to relocate to the tropics. Many combine the best of the seasons by living in Thailand during the northern hemisphere winter and then returning to summer in their own country. The perpetual summer feeling is a great pull and many gated communities have large number retirees enjoy a great life style.

A house in the image above might cost you around £70,000/85,000Euro/US$ 110,000. You can see why many people are intrigued by the idea of down sizing their lifestyle and living in the sun for a few years.

What I have outlined below are the broad strokes of buying a property in Thailand. You will need to consult a property lawyer to get the full detail for a purchase.

Buying a property on Thailand.
Everywhere you look Thailand Property is for sale. The Thai economy has gone through as massive improvement of smart and upscale property development. Initially in the 70's, 80's and 90's and the first few years of the 00's it was more difficult to find a well constructed house or villa with an equally good legal structure that gave security to the owner. There are now many property developments that have it all wrapped up. You might pay a price for it but they do exist. And what is more, the property variation has improved so that there are now many more lower budget properties of value.

Legally speaking, a foreigner can own a Thai Property but the land must be in a Thai National's name. This has lead to a dearth of legal companies who specialize in getting non Thai Nationals their dream property, condo or land. The vagaries of the Thai Law mean that there is a very definite way in which you can own your own property and very definate ways in which you cannot. It is important to understand that the law in Thailand assumes that the land is owned by a Thai national.

Land
It is possible to buy land in Thailand but it must be bought in a Thai national's name (or a Thai company's name). There are few restrictions to building in Thailand and so for those who know what they want, for those who have a vision this can be an exciting project to get into. There are many good architects and project managers, Thai and western, who can put the right team together to make a house.

Law and the Land
The land paper is a key aspect of Thai property.
By referring to the address and showing a simplified planned drawing of the footprint of the shape of the land and defining;
Title Deed 78699.
Land No.61.
Book No. 787.
Page 99.
Survey No 2586.
each plot of land is logged and is distinct from each other.

Issues of boundaries can happen depending on the age and style of the survey of the land plots. Imagine 200 years ago a piece of Forest is claimed as settlement land and turned over to grazing farmland with a farm property. The boundary markers are in the initial owner's mind and could easily be 'this tree to this tree, straight down to the stream and then nearest line to the road or track'. As a neighbour arrives this is not discussed in detail and a rough zone of influence builds up between the neighbours. After a few years, when asked to define the boundary both neighbours give a different boundary line.

Move on to this 1900-1990; newly settled land and subdivided land was marked by numbered concrete posts which were driven into the land. These points referred to exact points on the land title that could define the land. The only problem was that inaccurate placement of these posts meant that there could still be argument.

The latest survey techniques involve using GPS and having a very exact location for the post. This isn't always plane sailing as the team that puts the posts in the ground might not always get the posts to the correct positions for technical reasons, (granite boulders in the way) or laziness, to clear the undergrowth and jungle.

For these reasons it is important to understand your land titles especially in Thailand's holiday destination's of Phuket and Samui) as you don't want to have a land title that is in dispute with a neigbour.

The different names for the land titles reflect the type and age of the survey that define the land plot and the differing rights of use.

Chanote (Nor Sor 4 Jor)
This is the best title and is deemed full ownership and prevelant throught Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin. This land parcel is GPS surveyed and compared to the fixed national map. This will have exact land size and written on the chanote down to a square wah which is 2 meters x 2 meters. This land can be subdivided, the right of use has been confirmed.

Note this anomaly even with a Chanote title; a land buyer agrees a price with the seller. The land is surveyed again and if the land amount varies to the sale contract, the difference is resolved by the buyer paying more or less from the value agreed.

Nor Sor 3 Gor
The survey here is done be aeiral photograhy and focuses on the boundariy posts between neighbours. This land can be subdivided, the right of use has been confirmed.

Nor Sor 3 Kor
This is similar to the Nor Sor 3 Gor but there are no concrete posts to define the land. This land can be subdivided, the right of use has been confirmed.

There are multiple more land titles defining communes, agriculture, settlement and squatting with poorer rights of use and land will be priced accordingly. As an indicator Chanote land may cost 10-100 times the price of the Por Bor Tor 5.

Por Bor Tor 5
This is an old right that means that Tax has been paid on the property but gives the owner no official rights except...the owner can apply for a Sor Kor 1 which allows the possessor to farm the land.

Upgrading land
The key to understand the title issue are rights. Some people have got a good deal by buying land with low value rights and then applying through the Thailand Land Department and the courts to upgrade the land title. This takes some perseverance and time but allows you more security on your land and increases it's value.

Thailand with kids

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:14:00 +0000

Space, quality time with kids
If you don't get to see your kids a lot because of work and commitments, your vacation time can be very precious, a time away from the hubbub of the daily grind, the kids out of the repetitiveness of school life and the Xbox.

If I am honest, I don't really get to play as much with the kids as I want, as life is a frantic rush between, getting up, getting everybody to school, getting fed in the evening, homework, down time in front of the TV or machine and sleep. Weekends are not much better as the kids have their sport, their sleep overs, their list of must do's.

It's difficult to have strong bonding moment without distractions, or a common task or family chore. Travel can bring all these things back to the family in spades so in my opinion, the family vacation, though expensive is essential for a happy life.

Thailand with kids
I am often asked how to travel in Thailand with the kids and I say easy. Once you bite the bullet with the cost of the air fare I find it straight forward. I am looking for kid friendly hotels that have plenty of space, have good pool facilities and are on the beach. I am looking for hotels and resorts that have family rooms, connecting rooms or who can make up an extra bed in my room. I am look for resorts with easy access to international hospitals (God forbid) and are not too far from the airport. These can be found and a tour through the kingdom can be as fun and outward going or inward resort looking as you like.

Thailand for kids
Thai people love kids. They love kids and I don't mean in a creepy or oddball way. It's as if kids can do no wrong and hotel staff are more than happy to give kids attention or even play with them for hours on end even if they are at work.

Having said that, an area where Thai people can be a bit over playful is when they see children with fair and white hair. It can be a bit off putting as people will come up to the children and touch their head, their hair or might be inclined to give a friendly pinch on the cheek. If this type of thing would unnerve you be prepared.

Thai people love babies and again will be inclined to touch and pat which does make a lot of families uncomfortable. If this doesn't worry you too much it can be made use of. Often my wife and I had many pleasant meals down by the beach while a member of staff either held the babies or played with them.

On the whole Thai people are very generous and accommodation towards kids and go out of their way to help families travelling in Thailand.

Thailand for children
Children like many things about Thailand. There are many reasonably priced hotels that have wonderfully playful water pools, and water parks, have games rooms and have great in room facilities... like the dreaded gaming machines.

Western food is available in all 3-5 star resorts although my kids were happy with fried rice and fried eggs, or noodle soup or fried noodles as Thai food for ages. The bar B q chicken or pork appears every where and of course the ubiquitous fruit is a Major pull to all those who appreciate healthy eating. Now in their teens they eat a far wider selection of simple or light curries.
Playing on the beach is one of life's great pleasures and no less on Thai Resort destinations and Islands. Those families with kids new to Thailand might want to start their first couple of days on the beach at either sunrise or sunset as the sun can cause all kinds of sun burning or heat stroke. Shade time, Sun cream and covering up are strongly advised.
Thailand is a great Vacation for the family
The right hotel or resort for your family in Thailand can be a difficult thing to prescribe but here is a list of hotels that might be of interest.

Phuket
3 star Merlin Beach Resort
5 star Laguna Beach Resort

Phi Phi Island3 star Andaman Beach Resort Family Bungalow (sleeps 4)

Samui4 star Amari Palm Reef Resort
Bangkok
Marriott Resort And Spa Bangkok

Thailand Tipping Custom

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:24:00 +0000

Tipping custom in Thailand.
A very common question for visitors is how much to tip in Thailand. Thailand is a tipping place and are expected. Wages are not large by western standards and the custom to tip helps keep a good quality of service and a smooth relationship between the tourist and the tourist worker. Thai people do tip each other so it does reflect society's practice in general.

Tipping amounts will vary according to who you are, what country you are from and where you are in Thailand. Some find tipping as natural as breathing and will put there hand into their pocket at the smallest trifle and some are a lot more careful. This is human nature. However it always nice to find the right balance.

When you compare the American attitude to Tipping (a real tipping people) to say the English (many people are down right squeamish when it comes to tipping and are considered poor for tips) it is easy to see why Thai people working in the travel industry contrast the different cultures.

Some tourist areas are more likely to require a tip than others. A 5 star hotel or resort in Phuket get on better with tips and tourists in will get preferential treatment if the tips are right.

How much to tip.
Having lived in Phuket for some time and watching my Thai wife tip, the right protocol seems to be about gauging the salary of the person working for you. It is easy to over tip but this will cost you and there will always be a limit to how much better a service can be provided. It is better to tip with the right balance as this keeps everybody happy.

Tipping Restaurant Staff
Restaurant staff will probably get minimum wage in a simple local restaurant so 10-20 THB is greatly appreciated. In a smart local restaurant 20-50THB is good. In a full-on 5 star resort it can be 50-500THB depending on the size of the meal.

Tipping Hotel Staff.
I always tip the hotel or resort door man or bag carrier ( I stay in 3 to 4 star hotels) as this is the first time that the hotel staff will see you. I will tip above average here as this means everybody will naturally help you out during your stay. This isn't big money, 100-200THB to the bag boy, 50 THB to the door and the rest of the time during your stay, you can give 20-50THB and everybody seems happy and willing to help you at any turn. Some might consider this excessive but I often consider this a small additional price compared to the hotel room price and well worth it.

Tipping and tours
You don't need to tip a boss unless he is a one man band tour guide, ie a self employed. You would tip a a boat man in a kayak tour who helps you in and out of your kayak. The same for snorkeling diving and fishing tours. Aim to give a little something, 100THB to no more than 5% the cost of the tour.

Tip a Taxi?
Taxis don't need tips unless they go out of their way or move your heavy luggage around. But there again 50-100THB gets a smile that you remember as you get out at the airport when you return home. Tipping for a limo can start from 100THB but would rarely go beyond 500THB.

Tip on a shared bus.
On the whole I would not tip here unless the bus man moves heavy luggage or goes out of their way to help. Here I would rarely give 100THB but might easily give 50THB.

Tipping as a family
As a family of 4 I would not give any more than the figures above and would probably not give any less. How ever I would give on the higher side for the family and the lower side if it were just myself. The larger the group the more important it is to tip generously.

We only live once. I say, make someone smile!

Driving on Phuket

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 11:04:00 +0000

Driving on Phuket Thailand.

If new to driving in Thailand but intend to have a go in Phuket you might want to peruse these tips before you start. Although there are many many places worse for driving in the world, if you are only used to driving in Europe or US, it can come as quite a shock to be faced with the dynamics of the Phuket road. Although the great majority of tourists who drive get on and adapt and enjoy it, driving in Thailand doesn't cater for the faint hearted, so be careful.

Driving on Phuket. Kata and Karong beaches

Might is right.
If you are driving down the Thepkrassattri Rd from Phuket Airport towards Phuket Town you will be on the main artery for Phuket Traffic. These means you will be on the road with all the trucks coming down from Bangkok and other provinces. Many of these truck drivers have driven non stop through the night to off load in Phuket and often do not take a break. With out sleep, often on a lot of caffeine they are pumped up to driving fast. They don't take any nonsense, and believe they are in the right. Keep out of their way!

Meek has some significant powers.
The other key aspect of Thailand roads is that all motor bikes have great protection in Thai Law. The motor bike is the transport of most of Thailand's villagers and for many of the poorer people and in an accident situation between a westerner and a motorbike driver, it is all too easy to create a blame culture where the foreigner, who cant defend himself in Thai, is wrong.

Driving on Phuket, Driving amongst the bikes

Motor bike riders are everywhere and there are probably 5-10 bikes to every car on the road at any one time. I have seen up to 5 people on one bike. I have seen 10 year old's driving bikes and so there a can be a carelessness and randomness to the way they are driven.

Keep clear of the bikes! The way to do this is always check your rear view mirror on the undertaking side, at any real movement from your lane. Motor bike drivers drive on the inside lane, even if they are going faster than a car or truck, and so can come up underneath you without any notice.

Another way to keep clear of the bikes is to drive in the middle or the fast lane, though you will have to have a speed to justify sitting in these lanes.

Tour Buses and Taxis in Phuket
Similar to the Trucks on Phuket, Taxi Drivers and tour bus drivers some can be paid for results, miles driven and so there are some very aggressive bus drivers on the road. If you see what you think is aggressive driving, keep clear.

Going over the hills on the windy roads
Just after a dry patch of weather, often in March and April, the oil from any badly kept cars trucks and bikes which has spilt onto the road can be a very dangerous hazard. As the rain falls it combines with the oil and makes for a deadly slippery surface. The main accidents happen with motor bikes and especially when going over the Patong Hill down into Patong Beach. Take extra care during the rain.

Loi Kratong, New Years Eve, Chinese New Year, Thai New Year (Songkran).
The main festivals in Thailand are often celebrated with Whisky and beer. Driving after 3pm during Loi Kratong, New Years Eve, Chinese New Year, Thai New Year (Songkran) can have the added excitement of drunken driving.

Road Works.
On the hole, the roads in Phuket are good but potholes are an issue on the quieter roads and there are regular road works. Often there is no warning for road works and the first time you know there is any obstruction is when you are right on top of them.

Traffic Lights on Phuket
Traffic lights in Thailand have a peculiar variation that is worth commenting on. At quiet times in the day they get locked into a flashing amber mode. The idea is there is no right of way. As you approach the lights you must check to see if there is any traffic and avoid it. Often the wilder drivers just drive through without looking too much because it is not a red light.

Traffic
Traffic is an issue on the from about 7.30-9.00am and then 4pm-5.30pm most days but especially during the Thai school terms which are November til April and May till October.

by-pass roads near Phuket Town at Sam Kong and the Central Festival (Thai Naan ) intersections
the main Patong- Phuket road
Phuket town north for 1.5km on the Thepkrassattri Rd
Phuket town south for 1.5km on the Chao Fa Road (from Chalong to Phuket Town)

It rarely gets badly snarled up but it does take time to run through.

One great system Thailand has on traffic lights is a count down shown above the lights between red lights. This allows you to know how many seconds before the next green lights. I think they should employ in the rest of the world. It is an excellent system.

Accidents
Thai Law insists that you cannot move the vehicles from the scene of the accident. In fact you cannot move them at all until okayed by the insurance companies. This is because all accidents reports must be written from the last position for the vehicles involved. It is worth taking some pictures if you have a handy camera to remind yourself of the scene.

Be insured
I all things be insure and be insured for a comprehensive cover. The reason for this is that accidents do happen in Phuket and it is great to be able to phone the Insurance company. They will have English speakers who will argue your point as they are definding the insurance claim agaisnt their company. In this situation you will not need to to try to get involved with the other party.

Death toll
Last time I heard a statistic, 20-30 people die a month on Phuket Roads each month. Many of these accidents can be attributed to late night speeding, drunkenness. An aweful lot of these accidents involve carelessness on motorbikes. It is rare for tourists to get hurt. Be ever awake!

Car Rental

Driving on Phuket; getting a jeep down the sea front

There are the standard car rental places with standard saloon cars up by the Phuket Airport. Branches of Avis, Budget, PureCarRental can be found just outside the gates of the airport (on the left).

If that is not your scene, check out the jeeps on Patong Beach seafront if you like to get the air running through your hair.

Your Guesthouse Hotel or Resort
It's worth checking your Guesthouse Hotel or Resort in case it doesnt have parking. Some of the places in the back streets of Patong do not have onsite parking which can make having a rent a car a pain.

I love driving in Phuket. It gives me a totally different perspective from being driven around, a chance to explore a stunning island. Some people get upset with the style of Phuket driving but I marvel at it. It is an amazingly rich culture that can drive so freely without systems, and not worry about it so much. People get where they are going and life goes on.

Happy driving!

4HKD8CEB2D35

Thai Tailors: RussellAbroad

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:53:00 +0000

Last time I went to the tailor I came out with a couple of lovely shirts that take cuff links. The cotton was of an excellent quality and they were well made.

I must admit to have never really used a tailor anywhere before and I found the process to be most therapeutic. Raul, my Nepalese tailor, was a very mild mannered and kind fella who took measurements in a very professional way and made me feel most welcome. It does help when you are offered a drink when you arrive so that you can take your time in choosing what you want.

I choose the materials, light and soft cottons in yellow and was asked to come back in 2 days time with a 'fit out'. As is always the case, some areas of the shirt had taken in to maximise the effect and appearance but all went very well. I moved from a geeza in a shirt to 'Ambassador Phil'!!... they really looked great.

Two tips I have picked up from people getting suites made up in Thailand is that you must be careful what you choose. It is easy to be excited by bright colours as they appear vibrant in the Thai sun. However, when you get back to northern Europe they can appear garish if it is a cloudy country. The other issue is to think about is the thickness of the cloth and the country you will be using the suites in. I am from England and many of the suit materials would be too light except for use as a summer jacket.

I picked up the completed shirts after another 2 days and felt very happy with myself. I choose Jaspals Tailors for 2 reasons... I know Jaspal from my running club, The Hash House Harriers and as importantly, my brother in-law, Dave, who has been using Jaspal's shirts for some years and has had no problems at all with washing them, colours etc.

The guy in the pictures is Dave the brother in-law.... cheers Dave!

Hotel resort in Patong

RussellAbroad

Aspasia Phuket: RussellAbroad Blog

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:39:00 +0000

RussellAbroad

The Aspasia Phuket has positioned itself in a unique place on one of Thailand's most celebrated island hotel and resort holiday destinations. Nestled on the quiet promontory in front of Kata Village, the Aspasia Phuket enjoys glorious views of the Indian Ocean and takes in the best of nature. Kata Beach, the beach itself, is a beautiful 1km of lazy sandy paradise. he Kata Beach village is set back and has all the amenities needed for a diverse holiday... bars, restaurants, simple shopping etc.

This 5 star resort is highly recommended and very well reviewed by independent travellers and writers such as the ones by hotelatm.com. Most reviews point to the rooms as excellent value and spacious, some point to the layout of the hotel as being a little chaotic but when you are working with locally designed and run hotels and resorts this is quite common.

What get's me about the Aspasia Phuket is the starting prices next low season 1 April 2012 til 31 Oct 2012 which are a very exemplary 2,957THB a night in their Deluxe Grand Garden. This is certainly a good deal for a 5 star resort. Aspasia Phuket rooms and rates.

What I also like about their price strategy is that they do not charge for a Christmas Eve and a New Years Eve compulsory Gala Dinner which always miffs people off in my humble opinion, as most people would prefer to eat out, or at least call their own tune on these special days. So another tick there.

They also have a deal if you are staying for around 2 weeks. See the Aspasia Phuket free night off special deal here.

Stay 15 Pay 14

SAVE THB 5,506

For: all room types

01 Oct 2011 ~ 31 Dec 2012

Kata Beach is in the quieter south of Phuket but still connected enough by good roads to get to see all the main attractions of Phuket in day trips. The south of the island is often the area used by divers as Phi Phi Diving, Racha, the shark points and the Wreck are all served from the south Port of Chalong Bay. Phuket Dive sites. Scuba Diving Tours from Phuket.

More deals similar to this see Facebook hotelatm.com and Twitter hotelatm .com

RussellAbroad

Koh Phangan Full Moon Party dates: RussellAbroad

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:17:00 +0000

RussellAbroad

So it's getting pretty close to next months Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, Thailand on 2011 December 10th .

But dont forget.....

Xmas 2011 Full Moon Party Date

Friday 25, December 2011:

Christmas Party

New Year 2012 Full Moon Party Date
Thursday 31 December 2011:
New Year Party
Saturday 01 January 2012:
New Year's Day After Party

2012 Full Moon Party dates below.

Koh Phangan Full Moon Party dates: fire show

Although this is not my thing any more, it goes without saying that these Koh Phangan Full Moon Parties are a major draw to thousands of travellers every month and as in December, more than once a month. These parties draw all the in-crowd and travellers, revellers and music people. The party is a focal point and a meeting point and for some their main reason for a visit it to Phangan.

So it takes off 2011 December 10th Full Moon Party but it is building up to it for about 4-5 days before hand.

Koh Phangan Full Moon Party dates; all night

The full moon party beach is Haad Rin and this is where the big event takes place. The village of Haad Rin is one large chill out, coffee shop, restaurant, bar, 7 eleven, place to crash, support village for this monthly event. Once you are there you have everything you need. Importantly, Haad Rin faces east so it gets the full view of the rising and falling moon..... it's something special.

Koh Phangan Full Moon Party dates: dance music

The full on party takes place on the beach with many massive bars pumping tunes out on the crowds. The beach is deep and takes thousands of people. Check out these links to the bars ... Cactus Bar, Drop In Bar in Haad Rin, Vinyl Club in Haad Rin, Zoom Bar in Haad Rin Nok.

Koh Phangan Full Moon Party Dates: haad Rin Beach

For good detail of what you need to take and prepare for, you can turn to the trusty Koh Phangan Full Moon party guide.

For Full Moon Party guesthouses, bungalows on the beach, hotels and resorts there is one important issue you must know about Koh Phangan. Rooms are sold with a minimum 5 days minimum booking for any stays covering the full moon party. This means that if you want to make sure of getting a good place to chillout in the middle of the party then you need to get booking before hand. The party is massive and so, although there will hotels and resorts to stay at last minute, straight off the boat, you can bet they are not the best places and in some situations the guesthouses and resorts are down right no good plus they stick you for a high price so it is worth considering your accommodation beforehand.

Koh Phangan Full Moon Party dates: sunny beach fun Haad Rin

Another trick to know is that you can stay in Koh Samui hotels and resorts during the full moon party and make use of the speed boats that ferry party goers to and from the event. What it costs in the speedboat is more than made up for in the comfort and price of Samui ... (aim for Bophut beach if you are interested in this option).

Check out the reviews or ratings for your accommodation and you expectations will be met.

Useful Accommodation links;
Haad Rin Hotels and resorts
Bo Phut Samui Accommodation links

Koh Phangan Full Moon Party dates: just keeps going on and on.

Full Moon Party Dates 2012

Koh Phangan Full Moon Party dates: the buzz!

Full Moon Party Dates 2012
Sunday 08, January
Wednesday 08, February
Wednesday 07, March
Friday 06, April
Sunday 06, May
Monday 04, June
Tuesday 03, July
Saturday 04, August
Saturday 01, September
Sunday 30, September
Monday 29, October
Wednesday 28, November
Tuesday 25, December
Friday 28, December
Monday 31, December

The dates for the party are always there or there abouts in that the partyis 5 days long and so every night is massive before and after. The party dates center on the dates above.

Koh Phangan Full Moon Party dates; vibrant scene

PLaces to stay at the full moon party ar many but beware the best places get booked out well inadvance. This means you will need to get your hotel or resort booked early. The other key bit of information is that most hotels take bookings for a minium of 5 days. You can circumnavigate this a bit by staying on Koh Samui and speedboating over for the parties. Koh Phangan Haad Rin Hotels here. Northern beach Bophut Beach Koh Samui Hotels here.

RussellAbroad; The latest Thailand Blog...enjoy

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:46:00 +0000

Maya Bay Phi Phi Island

RussellAbroad

I have lived in Thailand on and off for 20 years and have been involved with the Travel industry nearly all that time. I have had houses in Phuket and Phi Phi Island (on the Indian Ocean) and have travelled widely around Thailand.

Arriving as a traveller myself in the southern islands, hopping between resort and bungalow, I remember the incredible emotion of Thailand. That happy state where you cant believe your luck.... everybody was smiling and polite, the weather was simply gorgeous and the food was to die for. As I run my travel business hotelatm.com I continually try to remind myself that this is what makes Thailand special. It's a unique travel destination, a place where you can be excited, intrigued, enthralled, or if you just need some down town, a place where you can kick your shoes off, relax and let the day take your worries away on the wind.

It is with this in mind, I come to write this blog. I hope some people might be interested in this view of Thailand, a place where everything seems possible for those on a well earned break.

Two other aspects will be key to these missives, local news and hotel stays.

Thai News

Bangkok Skytrain

Not all of Thailand can be seen through the rose coloured spectacles of holiday life, as, underneath the charm of the fine resorts and hotels, runs another life, something more dynamic and rich. Thailand is a democratic monarchy whose king is greatly revered. Thai society is a traditional Asian one with great elegance, structure and not without it's foibles. In this Thai Blog I will endeavour to comment on the interesting aspects that make travelling in Thailand such a rewarding experience. From local news to national events, Thai life often plays out in ways not expected by those from outside the Kingdom.

Thailand is not without it's problems, but when you dig deep enough, which country can't put it's hand up and say, so has ours? However, what has always struck me over all these years, is the way Thai people push through to a solution. Very rarely confrontational unless provoked, the Thai way is for consensus and harmony. This doesn't mean a perfectly ordered solution, and often by western standards, the solution might not be considered fair, but society does get through a lot of life with a smile on it's face and a desire to get on.

Hotels, Resorts, Guesthouses and Hostels in Thailand

The beach scene at Zeavola Phi Phi Island

I will also point readers to some of the best hotels and resorts in Thailand. Thailand has a huge number of places to stay which vary wildly in quality and value, from 5 star international chain hotels to wooden tree houses, from elegant locally run hotels with character to perfect beach villas. Sometimes it is just good sense to pick up some tips from people who have been round the Thai tourist Industry.

The key tourist destinations of Thailand are Bangkok, Chiang Mai Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket, Phi Phi, Samui and Koh Phangan. The perifery tourist destinations of Krabi, Khao Lak, Phang Nga and Koh Tao will also recieve mention.

When I first arrived I was a backpacking traveller and came down after a stint in the Himalaya and so got to learn how to survive on a budget as my other blog Cheap Hotel or Guesthouse on Phi Phi Island testifies.

Since then I have travelled around Thailand and done countless site inspections of Hotels and Resorts. This has given me a broad view of Thai accommodation and allows me some knowledge in calling quality and value.In the RussellAbroad Blog I will take time to describe Resorts Hotels, Guesthouses and Hostels that come under the heading of good value as it is great to arrive at a holiday destination knowing you have got a great deal.

So, if you have a little time, or are happy to dip in every now and again, please see what's going on in the land of the RussellAbroad Blog.

Also, if you like what you see ..... tell a friend about this page.

Phil Russell

Wat Chalong Phuket