Thailand

About Thailand

2012-01-06T12:48:00.000-08:00

There are many countries in the world that have their own beauty and value which different from the other in locations, cultures, customs and traditions. Thailand is also the one of those that locates in Southeast Asia near the equator.

Thailand has a lot of different beauties and colors of cultures, customs and traditions on each localities in old Thai-Style constructions, art objects and architectures which continues from the past to present more than thousand years.

However, foreigner, who is interested in Thailand, should has a basic information about Thailand first before coming to visit Thailand for any reasons as traveling, history studying, business or etc.:

1.Thailand has five different areas as Central, North, Northeast, South and East and having 76 provinces.

2. Metropolis is Bangkok or Krung-Thep Mahanakhon (grung-teab ma-har-na-korn) in Thai.

3. There are about sixty-two million citizens which are different in races and cultures but stay consistently in the society.
4. People have freedom for respecting in any religions but most of Thai people are Buddhists.

5. Thai language is nation language for writing and speaking more than thousand years since Sukhothai Kingdom.

6. Administration in democracy with Prime Minister that has king as the most respectful institute for the people.

7. Thai currency is made up of baht that changes by the stock market.

8. Thai agriculture products are rice, corn, sugarcane, cassava and etc. which Thailand is important base food producer of the world.

In addition to information upward, Thai people have characteristic of friendly, enjoyment and modesty which can notice from bringing the hands together to the face and smile that gives to each other every time. Thus, Thailand has another name as "The land of smile".

There are a lot of beautiful natures in different areas around Thailand; beaches, waterfalls, mountains and colorful hot forests; for tourists to join and relax in different activities. So, don't be surprise to hear that the most of tourists come back to Thailand more than once and also a lot of foreigners move to stay in Thailand.

Bangkok: attractions

2012-01-01T13:00:00.000-08:00

Ten top sights

Wat Pra Kaew and Grand Palace Complex

The royal complex, located on Ko Ratanakosin, an artificial island by the Chao Praya River, includes Wat Phra Kaew (1) – the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The sacred statue itself is housed in a richly decorated hall while the temple walls are covered with exquisite murals of the Ramakien, Thailand’s interpretation of the Ramayana. The Grand Palace, a curious blend of Italian Renaissance and Thai architecture, was designed by British architects in 1882. Visitors must be covered up.

Contact: 00 66 2 2241833.
Opening hours: Daily, 8.30am-3.30pm.
Admission: 350 baht (£7), including entry to Dusit Palace Park.
Transport: Tha Chang pier or taxi.
Wat Po
Home to a 150ft-long reclining Buddha, Wat Po (2) also houses the largest collection of Buddha images in the country. Traditional massages offered here are highly recommended, and visitors who want to learn about Thai massage should begin here.
Contact: 00 66 2 2219911.
Opening hours: Daily, 8am-5pm.
Admission: 50 baht (£1).
Transport: Tha Thien pier or taxi.

Wat Po is home to a 150ft-long reclining Buddha

National Museum
The country’s largest museum (3), on Na Phra That Road, offers exhibitions illustrating Thai history, plus collections of Buddha images, textiles, ceramics, musical instruments and weapons. The guided tours (in English, 9.30am Wed-Thur) are recommended.
Contact: 00 66 2 2241333.
Opening hours: Wed-Sun, 9am-3.30 pm .
Admission: 200 baht (£4).
Transport: Tha Chang pier or taxi.
Dusit Palace Park
This park (4) contains various palaces and museums, including the attractive Vimarnmaek Teak Mansion (compulsory tours in English every 30 minutes, 9.30am-3pm) – the world’s largest teak building, apparently, containing a vast collection of royal antiques. Visitors must be covered up.
Location: Ratchawithi/Ratchasima Road.
Contact: 00 66 2 6286300.
Opening hours: Daily, 9.30am-4pm.
Admission: Adult 100 baht (£2), child 50 baht (£1); free with same-day Grand Palace ticket.
Transport: Taxi.
Wat Aroon
The spectacular 19th-century Temple of Dawn (5) rises on the western bank of the Chao Praya, its main tower covered with impressive mosaics made from shards of Chinese porcelain.
Location: Arun Amarin Road, Thonburi district.
Contact: 00 6 2 8911149.
Opening hours: Daily, 9am-5pm.
Admission: 20 baht (about 40p).
Transport: Tha Thai Wang pier.
Wat Traimit, Chinatown
Bangkok’s Chinatown (6) was founded in 1782 and is a warren of narrow alleys, incredibly congested roads and street markets. Wat Traimit contains a 10ft-tall solid gold Buddha. Pahurat, to the south-east of Chinatown, is Bangkok’s lively Indian community.
Location: Wat Traimit – Yaowarat Road.
Contact: 00 66 2 2259775.
Opening hours: Daily, 9am-5pm.
Admission: 20 baht (about 40p).
Transport: MRT Hualamphong, or taxi.
Lumphini Park
Named after the Buddha’s birthplace, Central Bangkok’s only spot of green (7) offers an artificial lake and well-kept lawns. Early in the morning, locals practice t’ai chi, while in the late afternoons aerobics classes shatter the peace; prostitutes take over at nightfall.
Location: Rama IV, Wireless and Ratchadamri Road.
Opening hours: Daily, 5am-8pm.
Admission: Free.
Transport: MRT Lumphini, BTS Sala Daeng.

Lumphini Park, central Bangkok’s only spot of green

Jim Thompson’s House
These traditional wooden Thai houses (8), in a wonderful garden compound, were once the home of Thompson – the US spy and founder of the Thai silk industry, who mysteriously disappeared in Malaysia in 1967. The main house contains a collection of antiques and personal belongings (compulsory tours in English every 10 minutes).
Location: 6 Soi Kasem San 2.
Contact: 00 66 2 2167368.
Opening hours: Daily, 9am-5pm.
Admission: Adult 100 baht (£2), child 50 baht (£1).
Transport: BTS National Stadium.
Mahariamman Temple
Impressive southern Indian-style temple (9) built in the 1860s, open to non-Hindus. The nearby Kathmandu Gallery on Pan Road features regular photo exhibitions.
Location: Corner of Silom Road and Pan Road.
Opening hours: Daily, 6am-8pm.
Admission: Free.
Transport: BTS Surasak.
Tha Pra Chan
This sprawling riverside market (10) sells religious amulets and carvings, including wooden phallic fertility symbols and a huge variety of brass figures. Several small restaurants with river views offer good local fare.
Location: Maharat Road.
Opening hours: Daily, 9am-5pm.~
Admission: Free.
Transport: Tha Chang pier.

Day trips

Ko Kret – an island in the sun
Visitors looking for respite from urban congestion will find a perfect getaway along the Chao Praya River, an hour north of the city. The artificial island of Ko Kret is home to the Mon, a minority specialising in pottery production. Numerous workshops can be found on this traffic-free speck of green. At weekends, Ko Kret is popular with Thai day-trippers and countless food and souvenir stalls open along the narrow paths that crisscross the island.
Admission: Free.
Transport: On weekdays, take a taxi to Pak Kret, then the cross-river ferry. On Saturdays and Sundays, Chao Praya Express (00 66 2 6236001, www.chaoprayaboat.co.th) operates ferries from Tha Sathon pier, 10am-4.45pm. Adult fare 300 baht (£6), child 250 baht (£5).
Taling Chan Floating Market
Bangkok’s floating markets – a network of canals teeming with small samphans, (narrow rowing boats), whose owners sell noodles, fruit and many Thai snacks – have long been a highlight on tourist itineraries. Taling Chan, about nine miles north-west of Bangkok, is one of the most accessible. Restaurants and shops line the canal banks. Location: Klong Chak Phra, Thonburi district.
Admission: Free.
Opening hours: Sat-Sun, 8am-5pm.
Transport: Taxi.

Come fly with he/she! Thai carrier PC Air takes to the skies with 'ladyboy' flight attendants

2011-12-16T05:39:00.000-08:00

Fasten your seatbelts! A Thai airline that hired transsexuals as flight attendants to set itself apart from competitors has taken to the skies.
PC Air, a new charter airline that plans to fly routes across Asia, originally set out to hire only male and female flight attendants.
But it changed its mind after receiving more than 100 job applications from transvestites and transsexuals.

Welcoming: The team of (left to right) Nathatai Sukkaset, Dissanai Chitpraphachin, Phuntakarn Sringern and Chayathisa Nakmai greet passengers in Thai tradition by clasping their hands together

Thai President of PC Air Peter Chan (third from left) and chairman Chatwiwat Klamkomol (fourth from left) during the airline's inauguration ceremony

In demand: Thai transsexuals flight attendants, from left to right, Chayathisa Nakmai, Nathatai Sukkaset, Phuntakarn Sringern and Dissanai Chitpraphachin inside an airplane

Four were chosen, along with 19 female and 7 male flight attendants.
They are Chayathisa Nakmai, Dissanai Chitpraphachin, Nathatai Sukkaset and Phuntakarn Sringern.

Now the new trolly dollies have made their first journey on a flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok to Surat Thani province, southern Thailand.
The airline is hoping to expand with new routes later this month.
During the interview process the airline said that the qualifications for the ladyboy flight attendants were the same as for female flight attendants, with the additional provisos that they be like women in how they walk and talk, and have a feminine voice and the right attitude.

Flight attendant Chayathisa Nakmai introduces in-flight safety before the airline's first journey

Thai transsexual flight attendant Phuntakarn Sringern serves food during the first domestic flight

Though there is very little discrimination against ladyboys in Thailand, they are not officially recognised as women and their identification cards will always say 'male'.
Known as 'katoeys' or 'ladyboys,' transgenders and transsexuals have greater visibility in Thailand than in many other nations, holding mainstream jobs in a variety of fields.
They are especially common in cosmetics shops or health stores, which almost always have a ladyboy shop assistant.

Nathatai Sukkaset, right, and Phuntakarn Sringern serve soft drinks to passengers

Just the ticket: Transgenders and transsexuals are more accepted in Thailand than in most other nations, holding mainstream jobs in a variety of fields

President of PC Air Peter Chan said he want to open up opportunities for Thai ladyboys before the first plane set off from Bangkok

The annual monkey buffet festival at Pra Prang Sam Yot temple in Thailand

2011-12-12T10:54:00.000-08:00

A long-tailed macaque eats fruit and vegetables during the annual monkey buffet festival at the Pra Prang Sam Yot temple in Lopburi

The Monkey Buffet Festival is held annually in Thailand to promote tourism. In 2007, the festival included giving fruits and vegetables to the local monkey population of 2,000 in Lopburi province north of Bangkok.
The festival was described as one of the strangest festivals by London's The Guardian newspaper along with Spain's baby-jumping festival. A photograph from the Monkey Buffet Festival at Pra Prang Sam Yot temple in Lopburi Province shows a monkey trying to get at fresh fruit and vegetable captured in blocks of ice.

A long-tailed macaque licks an ice block with fruits encased in it. The festival is held every year on the last Sunday of November to promote tourism in Lopburi

Bangkok losing its sex appeal

2011-12-11T14:38:00.000-08:00

A bar girl waits for business in Bangkok's Patpong - a place that's lost its attraction for this reporter.

The bright lights of Patpong in Bangkok, Thailand.

BANGKOK'S Patpong red-light district is fast losing its appeal.

It used to be a tourist hot spot - a place where you could be shocked, and awed, as you wandered the parallel side streets in the area celebrated for its sex trade, found between Silom and Surawongse roads.

The strip joints and bars offering girlie shows flank the night market where you can buy a knock-off Gucci bag or a Polo shirt on your way home from watching one of the shows.

At one time this was all done with a sense of theatre. And a sense of fun. It was a "must see" part of the Bangkok culture for visitors to Thailand.

But it is definitely losing its lustre.

I was in Patpong on the weekend and yes I did end up at one of those girlie bars after being dragged there on a hen's night.

OK, dragged may be too strong a word - I admit I went along willingly in a group of five women and two guys.

What we saw though was not "fun", it was not even bad theatre.

The undercurrent in the bar felt nasty, with the girls angrily demanding money after every show.

It was like we had been sucked into a freak show and we were now part of the performance.

We were all uncomfortable and the women on stage looked bored out of their minds.

There were more women guests in the bar than men, something that surprised me. Most people had one quick drink, and left.

We were approached seconds after we set foot on the pavement and asked if we wanted to go to the girlie bar.

Our tour leader, a Bangkok veteran, negotiated the entry fee deal right there on the street before we entered the venue.

This, we later discovered, was essential if you didn't want to get ripped off.

For 300 baht (about $10) each we were allowed in, given front row seats and one beer each.

Three young South African backpackers paid 2700 baht each for the same thing.

They entered the bar without negotiating a price first. As soon as they sat down, they were swamped by six bikini-clad women who hassled them for money. The young South African girls handed over the money out of fear, they felt they had no choice.

It was an expensive lesson to learn for travellers on a budget.

The plan was to spend an hour at the show but left after 25 minutes. The bride decided that she would actually rather look for a bargain at the night market.

Sadly, the vendors here were also nasty. The idea of markets, I thought, was to bargain.

But the prices were double that of other Bangkok markets and there was no sense of them wanting to bargain.

It is certainly not a shopper's paradise. The vendors just laughed when you offered a price.

For a tourist mecca there was not a lot of people around and nothing much was being bought and sold.

There was also little happening in the bars down Silom road.

They had one or two white males holding court with Thai girls pretending to hang on every word.

Business was not booming.

Bangkok will always have Patpong.

Despite what anyone thinks of the morals of a place like this, it will continue to exist.

It is a part of the fabric of the city.

Its days of prospering however may be over.

Today's Bangkok has so much more to offer tourists.

Patpong is now an oddity rather than a attraction.

Pattaya Ladyboys, Katoeys & She-Males In Pattaya

2011-11-26T11:34:00.000-08:00

Pattaya Ladyboys, Katoeys & She-Males In Pattaya

As with all sexual preferences, Thai ladyboys aren't everyone's cup of tea. Whereas some guys swear they've had the hottest sex ever in Pattaya with a ladyboy, others might have been robbed by a gang of katoeys on Beach Road, or simply despise them as a matter of principle.
Ladyboys (or katoeys as the local she-males and transvestites are called in Thai) are a common feature of everyday life all over Thailand. Due to the tolerant nature of Buddhist culture, ladyboys, as well as people with a bisexual orientation, are more visible and more accepted in Thai culture than transvestites or transsexuals in most Western countries.

While the katoey phenomenon isn't restricted to urban areas and you can come across ladyboys in every small village of Thailand, tourist places like Pattaya or Bangkok - worldwide famous for their "naughty" nightlife - attract a large number of Thailand's ladyboys.

Thai ladyboys are famous for their sexy looks and their potential to offer you a sexual experience of a "different" and slightly sleazier kind.Born as true men, some say, katoeys know best how to satisfy a man using all parts (and holes!) of their bodies. Because of their sexual condition, many ladyboys are said to be ready for sexual experiments that a standard bar girl may find disgusting - juicy b--- jobs, a--- sex, dildo play, and other less ordinary sex practices. Many ladyboys also have massive (silicon) boobs - a sexual stimulus most ordinarily-equipped Thai girls can't offer.
Just like many Thai women enter prostitution in Pattaya, many Thai ladyboys work as freelance prostitutes on Pattaya Beach Road or Walking Street. Others have "regular" jobs in beer bars or AGoGo bars where they often mix with "real" girls, sometimes making it difficult to decide if that half-naked, big-busted hottie is Pattaya's latest candidate for the "Miss Thailand" beauty contest or just a convincingly made-up "bloke with boobs"?
Those ladyboys who don't work as prostitutes (often to re-pay costly sex reassignments) usually work in traditionally feminine occupations such as hairstylists in beauty salons, shop vendors or waitresses - whereas more talented katoeys may seek a job as show dancer in one of Pattaya's world-famous transvestite cabaret theatres - Alcazar and Tiffany. (Of course, many still freelance as 'part-time hookers' in Pattaya's notorious discotheques or ladyboy meeting points on Walking Street to earn a few extra Baht on the nightshift.)
This means, you could bump into a ladyboy in the next best 7-eleven store, as well as as come across a stunning Pattaya bar "girl" with a suspiciously dark voice and an Adam's Apple, in any bar or nightclub in town.
On top of that, there are special entertainment and nightlife areas (Soi 6/Yodsak, Walking Street and Pattaya Beach Road after sunset), where - although not specifically designated to katoeys - ladyboys can be found in abundance.
However, depending on your sexual flavour, it is important to know that not all Thai ladyboys are equally equipped physically. So before you take the next best katoey back to your room, there are a few details you should know.

So what exactly is a katoey or ladyboy and, most importantly, how can you tell a ladyboy from a "real" girl? Sometimes not so easy for Pattaya newbies ...
First of all, there are three types of ladyboys representing different stages of "gender change": (1) transvestites, (2) "she-males" , and (3) "post-OP ladyboys" who have undergone full sex reassignment.

(1) The first type are transvestites, i.e. physically normally developed men, who simply dress and make up as women. While even those ladyboys - most of whom undergo a hormone replacement therapy, but cannot afford to pay for a costly breast implantation or complete sex reassignment - may look extremely attractive in their fancy dresses and evening gowns, they are still 100% men physically (with very small or no boobs at all).
The other two categories of Thai ladyboys have (partly) undergone plastic surgery and represent different stages of sex reassignment.

(2) Probably the most common type of a Thai ladyboy is best described as "she-male". That's a katoey, who has had his secondary sex characteristics modified and, thanks to plastic surgery, often has unusually big and perfectly-shaped breasts (while most Asian girls have small boobs). Whereas big boobs probably turn most normal men on, please remember that these seemingly perfect "women" still have a little manhood. These cross-gender creatures, combining the physical attractions of both sexes, provide the typical katoey experience most ladyboy lovers seem to be looking for.

(3) A third categoty of ladyboys are such katoeys, who have undergone a full sex reassignment and had their primary sex characteristics altered as well. Having had their sexual organs transformed, ladyboys on this stage of sex change are physically complete women - except for the fact that they were born as men. Also referred to as "Post OP ladyboys".

Thailand has gained a reputation for medical tourism and cheap yet quality plastic surgery or sex reassignment. For Thai standards, however, a complete sex change is still extremely expensive, so most ladyboys in Pattaya are either just transvestites (men dressed and made-up as girls), or transsexuals, who have had breasts created by plastic surgery. For most Pattaya ladyboys, the final step is simply too expensive. Those who could afford it, might not feel the financial urge any longer to prostitute themseves.
Tip: If you want to check whether a ladyboy's boobs are "real" or if the bra has just been stuffed with textiles, don't be shy and grab for them! , they're usually happy to let you touch their boobies and even show them to you before making your choice.
Most ladyboys will be honest and let you know whether they still have a manhood or not - which, by the way, can be hidden away quite easily, so that they can wear sexy tight skirts and jeans without revealing their sexual identity. If so, they should readily offer you a b--- job or other pleasures.

Whereas most Pattaya residents and 'old hands' have developed an ability to recognize ladyboys even from the distance, Pattaya 'newbies' are often at risk of making surprising and undesired (?) sexual encounters.Thai ladyboys are probably the most attractive "women" you will come across in Thailand. Tall as supermodels and with perfectly-shaped boobs, they're often more beautiful than the "real thing". What most ladyboys have in common, though, is an unusually girlish behaviour and exaggarated sexy walk. Whereas some Pattaya bar girls walk like real yokels, most katoeys overdo the sexy walk on their high heels and walk like divas on a cat walk or a red carpet. Their often slutty dress style!

Walking Street - the hottest street in Thailand!

2011-11-20T09:23:00.000-08:00

Walking Street is a famous and vibrant part of the city of Pattaya and runs from the south end of Beach Road to the Bali Hai Pier, and there are entrance arches at either end. The street is traffic-free at night, from 6pm to 2am, and this is where most of the action in Pattaya happens. There are go-go (dancing girls) bars, beer bars, discothèques, sports bars, posh seafood restaurants and night clubs - you name it, it's here. Coloured neon signs and girls with happy-hour/drink special offer boards entice you into various establishments of differing tastes. If live music's your scene, then you'll hear plenty along this street. Even if you're not into what this street is synonymous for, it still has to be sampled just to see what happens here. There is a common saying that for tourists who come to Pattaya and did not get to see and experience the atmosphere of Walking Street is liken
to not having been to Pattaya at all, as Walking Street is the hub of entertainment in Pattaya.

Freelancers in Pattaya

2011-11-19T03:04:00.000-08:00

The most popular Dancings for Freelancer are Tony's, Marine Disco, Lucifer and Candy Shop on Walking Street and Bamboo Bar on South Pattaya Road, about 100 meters from the entry to Walking Street.
Lucifer is known for its high security controls. Every Lady has to show her identity card. Underaged Girls are a NO at Lucifer. Nevertheless, most visitors agree that Lucifer attracts the most attractive Freelancers in Pattaya. At the entry to Lucifers Disco a band plays international hits. The dancing itself is a high level Disco with air conditioner. Pattaya's oldest Disco, but still running hot, is Marine Disco. At Marine a Band alternates with Discosounds over a high level sound system. The dancing is on the second floor of the building. A moving staircase brings you there. Marine Disco is air-conditioned. Despite its high prices, the talk of the town is Tony's Entertainment Complex. You are dancing to life and disco music as well. Tony claims to make strict entry controls. Nevertheless, on many nights we could spot ladies in the age of 17 to 20 years dancing at this place. Tony's Entertainment Complex is a popular 'after work' place for Bar Girls too. Therefore not all Ladies at Tony's are Freelancers. The venue is air-conditioned. Tony's has an open heart for unmated Ladies: Their first drink is free. Candy Shop on Walking Street is another polular dancing. The venue is an open ventilator cooled disco. The bar plays its hard beats at very high levels. Bands alternate with disco sounds. Candy Shop is still attracting a growing number of very lovely ladies. Bamboo Bar at the entry to Walking Street is a 'open air' dancing with two Bands playing each evening. The real thing starts at about 23:00. The Ladies at Bamboo Bar usually have a open heart for older men. From all the places mentioned here, Bamboo Bar is the place with the most familiar touch. Ventilators help to cool down. Hollywood Pattaya on Soi Phettrakun (Nothern Pattaya) is another popular place to meet freelancers. The dancing has a perfect mix of life music, disco sounds, shows with beautiful dancers and sexy visitors. Mixx, Torus, Club Insomnia and Gulliver's Walkingstreet are the other four meeting places for freelancers, all located on Walking Street. Taking photos at this places is unwanted or even prohibited.

2011-09-09T16:10:00.000-07:00

Nana Plaza in Bangkok

Bangkok Hot Spots

Located in Sukhumvit Soi 4, Nana Entertainment Plaza is Bangkok's sleaze central. Notorious for its racy themed go-go bars - from school-girl and leather dominatrix to ladyboy - it's literally a 'sex mall', with three storeys of eye-popping activity all focused around a square-shaped central atrium. Unlike at the better-known Soi Cowboy or Patpong, Nana is a 'more adult' scene. That means no families, no markets and few curious tourists strolling in for a look. It is still worth a look if you are looking for an exotic visual experience, and a photo to talk about when back home.

Walking down Soi 4 from Sukhumvit Road, you'll know you're approaching Nana when you spot the line of street vendor carts preparing an array of weird and wonderful bites. These include 'som tum' (spicy green papaya salad), 'kai tod' (charcoal-grilled chicken) and fried insects, among other odd delicacies - comfort food for the bargirls who mostly hail from Thailand's northeastern Isaan Province.
Young girls in halter tops and short mini-skirts can be found filling up bags of crispy invertebrates, which they chop up and eat with rice and a dash of 'nam prik', chili and shrimp jam (watching them refuel on these down-to-earth pleasures, even joining in, makes for an interesting diversion from the other sorts of pleasures found here)

Nana Entertainment Plaza

Greeting you when you pass beneath the monstrous 'Nana Entertainment Plaza' entrance sign is a mass of glowing neon signs, yelling at you from all directions. Shouting even louder than the neon is the intriguing cast of upfront characters - ladyboys and girls - who will try and accost you... it's all light-hearted and unthreatening.
On the ground floor are mostly open-air beer bars to choose from. Girls will try to tempt you in for a drink or a game of Jenga but not much really happens here. The shows and the A Go Go Bars with naughty names like Lollipop and Red Lips are located on the first floor. Girls here will step into your path and will try to drag you in for a look with a naughty laugh.

Nights in White Satin

Ascend up the escalator to the first floor and it's mostly go-go bars. These include Spankys, Fantasia and Rainbow 3. Rainbow 4 is one of the biggest, with hordes of Japanese-looking girls attracting a busy mix of Westerners and Japanese spectators.
G-Spot, Cassanova and Temptations are among the most popular, and it's no surprise - they're ladyboy bars and put on dazzling shows. Angel Witch, on the left, with its lesbian and dominatrix shows is also a big hit. A lot of thought and energy clearly goes into the costumes and performances here - girls in elegant but provocative strips of white satin were strutting gracefully to 'Nights in White Satin' on our visit.
For relative calm, head for Big Dogs bar on the left corner of the entrance. This is a humble watering-hole, with beers and a raised terrace view onto the street and alleyway.

Nong Khai Naga Fireballs – The Mysterious Phenomenon on Mekong River

2011-09-07T08:21:00.000-07:00

At the end of Buddhist Lent each year, along the Mekong River, there is an event that remains a mystery for the people of the Nong Khai province. Annually, on the night of the 11th lunar month, the natural wonder of Naga fireballs appears for those who come to observe the phenomenon. Naga Fireballs or Bang Fai Phaya Nak Festival, the famous spectacle where hundreds of flaming orbs rise up from the river, annually attracts people from all regions of the country to gather along the banks of the Mekong River to observe the amazing and unexplained fireball event.
The Naga Fireball festival will be held on the full moon night of 11th lunar month, also the end of Buddhist Lent in Nong Khai province. This fireball phenomenon occurs over takes 1-3 days only at this time of year. What people will witness are mysterious fireballs that erupt from the surface of Mekong River in a relatively short flight before they are extinguished. There is no sound, no smoke, and no fragments from the fireballs have ever been retrieved. Typically the fireballs are visible only after sunset and local legend is that the fire balls come from Naga, a Thai Dragon.

Based on the Buddhist Legend, the Naga or the king serpents are ferocious mythical animals that lived in underwater dwellings. Naga can alter their physical appearance to be anything from human to snake. Once they came to know the Lord Buddha, they admired and respected Buddhist teachings and devote themselves to be followers. It is said that the Naga produces these precious fireballs to welcome and pay homage to Lord Buddha when the Lord Buddha comes back from the heaven on the 11th lunar month.

In contrast, some scientists say that this is a natural phenomenon occurring from methane gas ignition. Some people think that it is a man-made hoax. However, no matter what causes the fireballs, supernatural phenomenon or fun ruse, the event is nonetheless a great opportunity for Thai people to come out and celebrate the end of Buddhist lent and to enjoy a fun and spiritual evening.
Many Thais, especially rural villagers, maintain a strong faith and it is a significant religious event to pay respect to the river and to the Naga. For all involved, every time of the red-pink Naga Fireballs bursts upwards the people will greet it with joyous cheers.

To witness the Naga fireballs, there are several spots along Mekong River in the Nong Khai area for watching; for example, Pha Tang village in Sangkhom district, Hin Mak Peng Temple in Si Chiangmai District, Pak Khat District, Rattana Wapi District, etc. The most eventful Naga Fireball exhibition can be seen at Phon Phisai District. If you set out to see these fiery orbs of the mighty Mekong River, just make sure you talk to the locals to find a good place from where to watch.
The Naga Fireball festival will also feature food stalls, Naga legend information, Naga Fireball exhibitions, night bazaar, long-boat races, light and sound show, and other events. If you like to join in the fun and be part of the crowd, the Naga Fireball Festival promises to be unique and enjoyable.

Saving and Gaining Face

2011-05-22T11:53:00.000-07:00

After you arrive at your Thai hotel. You are hot, tired, sweaty and are looking forward to a relaxing and invigorating shower. You dump your bags, take off your clothes, and head for bathroom. You turn on the shower -- and nothing happens. You check all the controls, but it simply doesn't work. You call room service, wait for twenty minutes, and no one comes. You put on your clothes and go down to reception.There is the smiling receptionist.

Now the thing that the Westerner ( Farang ) will do is to complain, annoyed if necessary."I have paid a lot of money for this room, and I expect every thing to work properly, and a quick service, is that too much to expect"? In Thailand, an attitude like this will get you nowhere.

Unless the staff are used to Westerners, you will get an embarrassed smile and probably no action.

There are two factors at work here. One is that Thai society is highly non-confrontational . It is rude and a sign of weakness to show anger. The only time a Thai shows their anger is when they have lost control over their feelings and that can be sometimes dangerous, and their actions are unpredictable. Thais can find it hard to accept that Westerners can openly show their anger while still being outwardly in control. So the angry tourists you see are potentially harmful beasts, and are therefore treated to a smile and little else.

So, if you want a peaceful life, never show anger in front of Thais, which is easier said than done, but well worth the effort, and good for your self-discipline.

The other factor here is saving face . By complaining, you are making the hotel staff, lose face. In a losing face situation, most Thais will back away and avoid contact as much as possible. It is better to express yourself in a way that allows them to gain face. So, in the case of the faulty shower, if you want the best response, say something like "Oh dear, I am so hot and tired, desperate for a shower, but I can't get it to work. It is probably just that I am a silly Western ( Farang even better ), but can someone help me?"

The response to this approach will be almost immediate and helpful.

By asking for help and putting yourself down, you have given them a chance to gain face by helping you, and they will almost always be delighted to do whatever they can.
If approached the right way, Thais are the most helpful and friendly people I have ever met. If you ignore their cultural ways then you may regret it!

Bangkok Nightlife

2011-05-18T11:55:00.000-07:00

After the sun goes down, Bangkok get its second breath. The heavy traffic subsides and the mad rush is over.
The city is full of night time pleasures, and all areas can be reached by tuk tuk or taxi or for even cheaper travel the BTS ( Skytrain ) or MRT ( Underground system ). So be prepared for a great night out!
There are five major areas these being:-

1. Chidlom - Ploenchit - This area's well heeled mix of office suits, ex pat executives and high society Thais makes for a nightlife scene that falls into the upmarket bracket. Think high class restaurants and lavish wine bars with great atmospheres, there are no markets or dens of sin here.

2. Silom - Thailand's 'Wall Street' is by day a place of financial institutions, law firms and multinational corporations. However at night Silom slips out of its suit, transforming into a bustling shopping street and night market, selling such things as bootleg DVDs, trinkets, T shirts and fake watches. These are set next to raucous streets namely red light district Patpong, Soi ( Street ) 2 and Soi 4.

3. Sukhumvit - The nightlife here is exciting, ever evolving, cosmopolitan and can be reduced to three main pursuits: drinking, dancing and debauchery. There are countless pubs and bars most of which are American or European styled, with pool tables and draught beers on sale. They usually close about 1.00am. The hot spots are in Nana Plaza which has Thai style bars and go-go bars mostly set in a three story complex of raucous activity all focused around a square-shaped central atrium.

4. Khao San Road - This area takes off at night, neon lights burst into life, music begins blasting out from street side sound systems, while the masses start mapping out the long, alcohol-soaked night lying in front of them. There are no shortage of choices to the upscale 'Silk Bar' and 'Cinnamon', to the quiet tranquility of the back-alley 'Hippie de Bar', or the crude charms of a kerb-side cocktail shack complete with plastic stools and ghetto blaster there is something to suit every mood , taste, budget and cleanliness. Some of the thrifty even opt to purchase beers from the local 7/11's and drink in the street, hobo style.

5. Radchadapisek - Young party goers, or those looking to recapture their misspent youth, should head for Royal City Avenue more commonly known as RCA, this long road is one of the few government-designated nightlife zones. Which means they are legally allowed to open until 2.00am. It is busy everyday but especially at weekends when it is full of well dressed young things in their late teens and early 20s and also backpackers bored with Khao San Road scene, there is Hip Hop, R'n'B, House and Trance. Some of the clubs are so packed you can hardly move. There is also a girls-only bar called 'Zeta' catering for the blossoming lesbian scene.

Soi 6 ( Soi Yodsak ) - Pattaya

2011-05-17T10:03:00.000-07:00

Soi 6 in Pattaya is located in Central Pattaya between Beach Road and Second Road it is also called Soi Yodsak.

Have you come to Pattaya for the culture,food,beaches and shows? then stop reading now!
Soi 6 is for red blooded males and maybe a few females as well, its a Soi like nowhere else in Pattaya, it is sexy, sinful and a little bit seedy as a lot of the bars are dimly lit and small.
I take my newcomer friends to Soi 6 as soon as they arrive, so I can throw them in at the deep end, the look on their faces is a sight to behold, within a few yards of starting the walk they are accosted by pretty, scantily clad girls a lot of whom will run up to them and try to pull them into their bars saying "hello sexy man I want to be with you!" if you say no it's fine but be prepared to be attacked by the next wave of girls at the next bars.
If you decide to go in one of the bars of your own accord then, unless you specifically ask for a certain girl sitting there, then the girl whose turn it is will follow you in, I don't know how they do it but the girls know who's turn it is and strictly stick to it. Once inside then it is up to you, they will first ask you if you want to drink anything which usually you do, nearly all the customers buy the girl a drink and sit with them. The girl will then ask do you want short time with them, which means going at the back or upstairs for whatever you want, I'll leave that to your imagination! I actually have never gone short time with them, but I believe it is about 500 baht, if and when I go in the bars I just chat and have a few drinks, honest! There are a couple of British bars/pubs along the Soi where you can buy bitter beer,cider,guinness and lager, and is frequented by mainly British farangs having a breather from the outside excitement. The bars/pubs are called The Lord Nelson and The Queen Victoria, the queen vic sells very nice food and both have very reasonable rooms for rent, the prices of which depends on the season, they both have websites, so check them out.

If you fancy a ladyboy ( kateoy ) then there are some on Soi 6 but there are a lot on the back of Soi 6 which is called Soi 6/1.
So if your after some daytime fun and games with your friends, or even alone, I cannot think of anywhere better, it is a place you will never forget, believe me.

A Girl for the Night or maybe longer?

2011-05-16T07:10:00.000-07:00

You have come here for the girls OK?

That's fine, so have many other men, and 99% of them will go home with everlasting memories of the ladies of Pattaya, and after their experiences, will realise that the loneliest place in Thailand is the 'Bangkok International Airport Departure Lounge'!

OK first of all finding a girl in Pattaya is easier than crossing the road, mind you, that's not so easy sometimes!

The most popular bars are along Second Road, Sois ( Roads ) 6,7, and 8 which run between Beach Road and Second Road and of course the famous Walking Street. The easiest, is to wander in and out of the various bars wherever you are, as they have a festive atmosphere most of the time. As you sit down they will say "welcome" and "do you want a drink?" One or more of them will try and engage you in conversation, the ones who speak English well have probably been there some weeks, and those who can't speak English, and just sit there and smile, have only just arrived. After you have made your choice then you can pay the ladies bar fine, which is the charge levied by the bar for taking the girl away from her work, all bars charge this, and it varies from bar to bar, but is between 300 and 450 baht. Once you are ready to leave with your lady you can either, agree a price there and then or like me, decide in the morning after weighing up the pros and cons of the nights action. The lowest I have paid is 500 baht and the highest is 1,500 baht, I have known some lovestruck men pay a lot more but you do not have to. When arriving at your hotel the girl will hand in her ID card, this for your protection if god forbid there was problems. Up in your hotel room she will act shy and go in the bathroom, shower and come out wearing a towel, they all do this, but as soon as they get in bed they will let you remove it. Some girls are more promiscuous than others, so either tell them at the bar what you like or take pot luck.

In the morning she will politely hang around and wait for you to pay her, once you have paid her she will leave, unless, you want to see her again, then remember you will have to pay the bar fine for every day she is with you but she may charge you less.

Beware some girls will say "I love you" and most of the time they do not mean it,( the very odd time they do!)
because they think you are an easy touch and want you to go on shopping trips with you hoping that you will buy them clothes or jewellery etc, so be warned!

I fell for this on my first trip, but never again, but then I did not have this blog to read.

Have a good time

I will tell you more about the Thai Bar Girls in later blogs.

Travelling to Udon Thani

2011-05-15T04:18:00.000-07:00

If you are considering travelling to Issan especially Udon Thani here are a few suggestions for your travel.

Rail Travel

The North East line crosses the Issan plateau via Khon Kaen to Udon Thani and the on to Nong Khai which lies on the Mekong River and borders Laos.
There is an Eastern spur which goes to Nakon Ratchisima ( Korat ) , Buriram, Surin, Sisaket before finishing at Ubon Ratchisima again on the border with Laos.
The Udon trains timetable from Bangkok are as follows:-

Departs 06.20 Arrives 18.10
Departs 16.30 Arrives 05.05
Departs 18.40 Arrives 07.35
Departs 20.00 Arrives 09.14

The 6.20 train does not go through to Nong Khai

Cost

1st class sleeper 1177 baht
2nd class sleeper 689 baht
3rd class seat 245 baht
at the present time 49.55 baht to 1 pound

By Road
Bangkok is 560 miles from and can be a bit scary first times if you have not driven in Thailand before fuel is about 35 baht per litre

By Air

Cost is about 3000 baht and takes 1 hour if you book well in advance with Air Asia you can get it as little as 750 baht for a return trip

By Bus

Bangkok ( Mochit Bus Station ) to Udon Thani
VIP air conditioned buses leave every day only 24 seats at a cost of 990 baht
1st class air conditioned buses leave every day but have 40 seats at a cost of 732 baht

Want to know more?
please ask

Arriving at Bangkok going to Pattaya for the first time - Travel hints

2011-05-14T07:35:00.000-07:00

Travelling from Bangkok to Pattaya

Bangkok International Airport

When you arrive at Bangkok International Airport ( Suvarnabhumi ) after clearing immigrations and customs you will emerge out of either Area B or Area C ( Area A is for domestic flights )
You be overwhelmed by touts, men in nice suits or pretty ladies offering you different types of transport to Pattaya, some are fine but expensive, some can be a bit shady!

These are 6 ways of getting to Pattaya :-

1. Go to one of the desks offering a limo service plus driver, you will get a nice car but the cost is 1500 baht plus 60 baht motorway toll fees.

2.Go out of the main airport building and look for the metered taxi rank which is usually entrance 7 or 8, you will be given a ticket then a metered taxi will turn up and the driver will put in your cases in the boot and take you to your destination in Pattaya, the cost of this 1050 baht plus 60 baht motorway toll fees.

3.Go out out the main building and look for the complimentary shuttle bus at the kerbside which will take you to the airport transport centre where you can buy a ticket to Pattaya for 106 baht, but at the moment they only leave every 2 hours, this may increase when it is well known.

4. Get a metered taxi to Ekkamai bus station on Sukhumvit Road at Soi 63 ( Street No.63 ) where you can get a bus every half an hour from 5.20am to 23.20pm cost is 117 baht, both the bus options stop at Pattaya north bus station where you can hire most forms of transport to take you to your destination in Pattaya, the motorcycle taxis being the cheapist.

5.Get a metered taxi to Hualamphong railway station where one train per day leaves for Pattaya at 6.50am but takes 3 hours, twice as long as the road transport and only runs on weekdays, but only cost 30 baht.

6. Hire a car, fuel is cheap in Thailand, but if you have never driven in Thailand I would not reccomend it as it can be quite scary first time.

Pattaya Beach and City

At the time of composing this the baht was 49.55 to 1 pound

If you want any more information please ask me

Hope these tips have been of use to you!

Enjoy your stay