Visiting Thailand

NY Times 36 Hours in Chiang Mai Thailand

2008-04-13T04:57:00.000-07:00

Full Article: 36 Hours in Chiang Mai, Thailand

36 Hours in Chiang Mai, Thailand
By JOSHUA KURLANTZICK

BLESSED with a cooler climate than Bangkok and buffered by lush mountains, Chiang Mai has long served as a backpacker’s gateway to Thailand’s northern reaches. But an influx of Thai artists and Western expatriates has turned this quiet city into a vibrant destination in its own right. Design studios have sprung up in town, fusing traditional Thai with modern twists. Age-old curries are now paired with Australian red wines and croissants. The area around Nimanhaemin Road now looks like South Beach, packed with BMWs and Art Deco homes, alongside contemporary art galleries run by young Thais with purple hair and nose rings. But traditional Chiang Mai is still there. Walk away from Nimanhaemin into the old city and you’ll see shaved monks meditating and backpackers chowing down on banana pancakes.

Continued on nytimes.com

Free Maps of Bangkok Thailand on Google Maps

2008-04-07T07:04:00.000-07:00

Google has free maps of Asia inside Google Maps. These now include road and street maps of major cities. Check out Bangkok Thailand Google maps here:

Link to Google Maps

Full Moon Party in Koh Panghan

2007-10-10T08:52:00.001-07:00

Full Moon Party
Originally uploaded by re-ality

The Full Moon Party in Koh Panghan is one of Thailand's most famous repeating festivals. Every month there is a Full Moon Party in Koh Panghan on Had Rin Nok beach, and thousands of people visiting Koh Panghan take part.

As the name implies, the Full Moon Party in Koh Panghan takes place on the night of the full moon, which changes monthly. Music and dancing are all part of the Full Moon Party, and the party lasts all night.

Koh Samui Thailand

2007-10-10T08:46:00.001-07:00

Koh Samui west coast beach
Originally uploaded by Lionoche

Koh Samui, Thailand, is a popular destination for sun worshippers and beach lovers. Located in southern Thailand, Koh Samui is the third largest island in Thailand.

Koh Samui is best known for its beautiful white sand beaches, but there are plenty of other Koh Samui activities to be enjoyed as well. People visiting Koh Samui can view the Leam Suwanaram Temple, witness Koh Samui's stunning Namuang Falls, go ATV riding in Koh Samui, do some sport fishing off the coast, or ride a zip line through the trees in Koh Samui's jungle.

Patong Beach Phuket, Thailand

2007-10-10T08:37:00.001-07:00

Patong beach
Originally uploaded by Evergreen forest

The most famous beach in Phuket is Patong Beach. With its beautiful blue water and white sand, Patong Beach is a breathtaking sight. That said, Patong Beach also has its darker side; the areas around Patong Beach are heavily built-up with a myriad of gritty souvenir shops, crowded restaurants, and loud nightlife. If you're looking for seclusion, Patong Beach is probably not for you. If you're looking for a lively party, Patong Beach might be just what you want.

Best Time of Year to Visit Thailand

2007-10-10T08:31:00.001-07:00

Waiting For the Guests - Karon Beach Thailand
Originally uploaded by neilalderney123

In general, the best time of year to visit Thailand is November to February. During this time the weather is cooler and there is less precipitation.

There are regional variations in seasons and temperatures in Thailand. Central, eastern, and northern Thailand weather tends to be cooler. November to February is still the best time of year to visit Thailand in these areas, but farther north it will be colder.

The best time of year to visit Thailand's southern areas is slightly different, and depends on your destination. The best time of year to visit Thailand's southwestern areas like Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi is November to April.

The best time of year to visit Thailand's southeastern areas like Koh Samui and Hat Yai is May to October.

Airlines that Fly to Thailand

2007-10-10T08:19:00.001-07:00

Bangkok International Airport (BKK/VTBD)
Originally uploaded by Hyougushi

The following are airlines that fly to Thailand:

Airlines that fly to Thailand from the US:

Northwest Airlines has flights from the US to Thailand
Thai Airways has flights from the US to Thailand

Airlines that fly to Thailand from Australia:

British Airways has flights from Australia to Thailand
Emirates has flights from Australia to Thailand
Jetstar has flights from Australia to Thailand
Qantas has flights from Australia to Thailand
Thai Airways has flights from Australia to Thailand
Tiger Airways has flights from Australia to Thailand

Airlines that fly to Thailand from Hong Kong:

Bangkok Airways has flights from Hong Kong to Thailand
Cathay Pacific has flights from Hong Kong to Thailand
China Airlines has flights from Hong Kong to Thailand
Emirates has flights from Hong Kong to Thailand
Finnair has flights from Hong Kong to Thailand
Gulf Air has flights from Hong Kong to Thailand
Kenya Airways has flights from Hong Kong to Thailand
Thai Airways has flights from Hong Kong to Thailand

Airlines that fly to Thailand from Singapore:

Air Asia has flights from Singapore to Thailand
Bangkok Airways has flights from Singapore to Thailand
Cathay Pacific has flights from Singapore to Thailand
Finnair has flights from Singapore to Thailand
Jetstar has flights from Singapore to Thailand
SilkAir has flights from Singapore to Thailand
Singapore Airlines has flights from Singapore to Thailand
snowflake airlines has flights from Singapore to Thailand
SWISS Airlines has flights from Singapore to Thailand
Thai Airways has flights from Singapore to Thailand
Tiger Airways has flights from Singapore to Thailand
Transaero Airlines has flights from Singapore to Thailand
Turkish Airlines has flights from Singapore to Thailand
Valuair has flights from Singapore to Thailand

Phuket Thailand

2007-10-10T08:05:00.001-07:00

From a Phuket Overlook
Originally uploaded by LeeLeFever

The island of Phuket, Thailand is one of Asia's most popular beach destinations. With the azure water of the Andaman Sea and its white sand beaches, Phuket attracts visitors from all over the world.

People visiting Phuket can enjoy a range of activities. Phuket diving and snorkeling are popular, as well as Phuket's golf courses, eco-tourism in Phuket, and boat tours in Phang Nga Bay. Phuket nightlife centers on the famous Patong Beach, where people visiting Phuket can party the night away.

Pictures of Thailand on Flickr

2007-10-10T07:57:00.001-07:00

Thailand - Bangkok
Originally uploaded by vtveen

There are thousands of pictures of Thailand on Flickr!

Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant in Bangkok

2007-10-09T10:58:00.001-07:00

The famous Cabbages and Condoms restaurant in Bangkok
Originally uploaded by Irene2005

Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant, Bangkok
6 Soi 12, Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok, Thailand

Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant in Bangkok is one of the most famous restaurants in Bangkok. Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant is run by Thailand's Population and Community Development Association, which believes that contraceptives should be as inexpensive as vegetables. Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant in Bangkok offers traditional Thai food and, of course, condoms.

Bangkok Food from Street Vendors

2007-10-09T10:54:00.001-07:00

Bangkok
Originally uploaded by siebe

There is no shortage of street vendors selling food in Bangkok. At any time of day or night, people visiting Bangkok can find a large variety of Thai food sold by street vendors.

Common types of food found in Bangkok's vendor stalls include pastry foods and fried meats and vegetables. If you plan to buy food from a Bangkok street vendor, make sure that it is thoroughly cooked and has not been sitting out for too long. If you have a sensitive stomach, think twice before eating food sold by street vendors in Bangkok.

Thai Currency

2007-10-09T10:49:00.001-07:00

10 Thai Baht
Originally uploaded by code_martial

The Thai currency is the Bhat (THB). 1 Thai bhat equals 100 Satang.

Thai bhat coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50. Visitors are unlikely to use them, as they are worth very little.

Thai bhat notes come in denominations of 10 (very rare), 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000.

Top 5 Sightseeing Bangkok, Thailand

2007-10-09T10:42:00.001-07:00

Demon & Monkey Caryatide - Grand Palace, Bangkok
Originally uploaded by MsAnthea "Anthéaïs"

5. Jim Thompson's House, Bangkok

4. Wat Arun, Temple of the Dawn, Bangkok

3. Golden Buddha, Wat Traimit, Bangkok

2. Giant Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho, Bangkok

1. Grand Palace, Bangkok

Bangkok Hotels

2007-10-09T10:38:00.001-07:00

Four Seasons
Originally uploaded by kymai100

Bangkok has no shortage of hotels. Here are a few of my favorite Bangkok hotels:

Four Seasons Hotel, Bangkok

The Eugenia, Bangkok

Jim Thompsons House Bangkok, Thailand

2007-10-09T10:31:00.001-07:00

Jim Thompson's House, Bangkok
Originally uploaded by Lorna87

Jim Thompson's House in Bangkok is a great destination for visitors to Bangkok. Jim Thompson's House is a well-preserved traditional Thai house in Bangkok made of teak wood. Jim Thompson was an American living in Thailand who revived the silk industry in Bangkok.

People visiting Bangkok can tour Jim Thompson's House to see antiques and art from Thailand. Jim Thompson's House also has a good restaurant and a silk shop.

Jim Thompson's House Opening Hours: 9am-4.30pm

Jim Thompson's House Entrance Fee: 100 Baht.

Floating Market Bangkok, Thailand

2007-10-09T10:25:00.001-07:00

Floating Market, Bangkok
Originally uploaded by caroline keyzor

The floating market in Bangkok is a cultural adventure that requires an early start. The floating market in Bangkok closes in mid-day, so people visiting Bangkok are advised to wake up early to get to the market. Take a small boat to the floating market and browse through the fruits, vegetables, noodles, souvenirs, handicrafts, and spices while honing your bargaining skills.

How to get to the floating market from Bangkok:
Go to the Southern Bus Terminal, which is 25 km from Bangkok (taxis from Bangkok to the Southern Bus Terminal cost around 110-$150 Bhat). From the Southern Bus Terminal, take bus #78 (bus costs around 64 Bhat). The trip takes 2 hours. Get off at Damnern Saduak.

When you get to the bus stop, do not go with the boat operators who will approach you. They will charge around 1,000 Bhat for a motor boat ride through the floating market. If you walk 10-15 minutes to get closer to the market, you will find other boat operators who will take you for 150 Bhat.

Wat Arun, Temple of the Dawn, Bangkok

2007-10-09T10:15:00.001-07:00

Wat Arun - Temple of the Dawn
Originally uploaded by Not Quite a Photographr

Wat Arun is a spectacular sight on the banks of the Chao Praya River. The first thing visitors to Wat Arun see is the stunning 79m Phra Prang pagoda covered in ceramic and porcelain tiles. Although there are a lot of kitschy tourist shops around, Wat Arun in Bangkok is worth a visit.

To get to Wat Arun, take Arun Amarin Road or take a ferry from Tha Tien Pier.

Wat Arun Opening Hours: 8.30am - 5.30pm

Wat Arun Entrance Fee: 30 Bhat

Golden Buddha Bangkok, Thailand

2007-10-09T10:08:00.001-07:00

Grand Palace Bangkok
Originally uploaded by epriveass

Smaller and less opulent than either the giant reclining buddha or the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Bangkok's Golden Buddha still has its own charm. Made of solid gold and weighing over 5.5 tons, Bangkok's Golden Buddha is quite a sight.

Located in the upper level of the small Wat Traimit temple in Bangkok's Chinatown, the Golden Buddha in Bangkok is open to visitors for an entry fee of 20 Bhat. Visitors must remove shoes before entering the room, and photographs are allowed.

Wat Traimit and the Golden Buddha in Bangkok are located on Yaowarat Road near Hualamphong Train Station.

Grand Palace Bangkok, Thailand

2007-10-09T10:00:00.001-07:00

Apsonsi - Grand Palace - Bangkok
Originally uploaded by MsAnthea "Anthéaïs"

The Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand is one of Bangkok's most visited destinations. The sprawling grounds, beautiful architecture, gold statues, and long history all attract visitors to Bangkok's Grand Palace.

Visitors to Bangkok's Grand Palace can walk around the grounds and through some of the buildings. Make sure to check out the Temple of the Emerald Buddha as well.

Giant Reclining Buddha, Bangkok

2007-10-09T09:55:00.001-07:00

Views in the Giant Golden Buddha temple
Originally uploaded by Gaetan Lee

One of the most visited destinations in Bangkok, the giant reclining Buddha is 46m long and 15m high and is plated in gold. Situated in Wat Pho, a large temple in central Bangkok, the giant reclining Buddha in Bangkok is worth a visit. People visiting Bangkok can see the Buddha and walk around the Wat Pho grounds to admire the other buildings and statues.

Wat Pho and the Giant Reclining Buddha are located Chetuphon Road, an easy walk from the Grand Palace.

Giant Reclining Buddha Opening Hours: 8am-5pm (closed 12pm-1pm)

Giant Reclining Buddha Entrance Fee: 20 Baht

Four Seasons Hotel, Bangkok

2007-10-09T09:46:00.001-07:00

Four Seasons
Originally uploaded by kymai100

The Four Seasons Hotel, Bangkok
Address: 155 Rajadamri Road, Bangkok, Thailand

The Four Seasons Hotel in Bangkok is one of Bangkok's premier luxury hotels. From the brightly-colored high ceilings in the lobby to the huge outdoor pools to the plush decor in the guest rooms, the Four Seasons Bangkok is the perfect place for a romantic getaway in Thailand's capital.

Standard rooms at the Four Seasons Hotel in Bangkok run from around USD$250-400, depending on the season.

The Eugenia Hotel, Bangkok

2007-10-09T09:39:00.001-07:00

amazing THAILAND - 106
Originally uploaded by haribote

Located in Bangkok's beautiful Sukhumvit neighborhood, The Eugenia Hotel is one of the most unique boutique hotels in Bangkok.

The Eugenia's motto, "It's not a hotel, it's a home!," is a fitting description of the comfy Eugenia. The Eugenia Hotel has only a small number of rooms, each of which is furnished with antique furniture and beautiful white linens. Downstairs is a small restaurant, a beautiful library, and an outdoor patio with a swimming pool.

Rooms at The Eugenia range from around $150-220/night.

Elephants in Bangkok on streets

2007-07-03T01:38:00.001-07:00

One of the weirdest things about Bangkok are elephants on the city streets! You can buy a bit of food from their handlers for 10-20 baht to feed them for a bit.

Thailand Do's and Don't's

2007-01-09T02:04:00.001-08:00

Photo title: Dinner @ Starry Seafood
Link to flickr.

Good manners is easy in Thailand with a few simple steps. Try the below to ensure success in your trip!

Avoid conflict. Thais appreciate a soft tone of voice and are very averse to conflict. Find a deferential way out of tense situations.

Avoid pointing or other confrontational behavior

Don't point at anything with your foot

Treat images of Buddha like you would a respected person

If you're sitting not on a chair, sit so your feet are not in front of you

Do not stare at people.

When greeted with a wai, the traditional greeting, do not lower your head to acknowledge the wai

If you pass an older person, dip your head slightly to appear more like their height

Do not speak ill of the king, discuss politics or mention that the King was born in America

At 8 AM and 6 PM in public, stand quietly for the national anthem.

Thailand Bans Smoking Publically

2007-01-09T01:56:00.001-08:00

Photo title: Market Man smoking Cheroot
Link to flickr.

Thailand, as of Dec 29, has banned smoking in all public places. Be warned, if you're a smoker, you're going to be confined to treatment like in New York City!

They're quite the trendsetter for southeast asia in this matter. In very few countries do you see such stringent anti-smoking policy.