A Bit of a Background

Thai Massage

Having been practiced for over a thousand years, Thai massage is a well-known element of Thai medicine. Combining manipulation, medicine, and ritual as well as diet, Thai medicine is rooted in the idea that disease occurs as a result of imbalance throughout the body’s energy system. Promoting that balance is the aid that allows for the total healing and rejuvenation of the patient. Thai massage, similar to Shiatsu, is surprisingly gentle compared to other therapies.

The Techniques Unraveled

Because Thai massage is holistic, several techniques must be learned, which are applied in two directions on the energy channels throughout the body.

One such technique is ‘blood stopping’; pressure is applied on the leg or arm arteries for about one minute, so that the principal source of circulation is cut out in order to heighten blood pressure, which slows the heart muscle contractions, which then – as the artery is released and the blood supply is restored to the organ – in turn tone down the blood pressure by creating a relaxed state. This is not recommended for those with diabetes or heart issues.

The ‘passive’ technique is performed by the therapist slowly, at several stages, by stretching and releasing the muscles and joints of the patient. Some other techniques that may be involved in Thai massage are hatha yoga or postures.

The Involvement of Reflexology

‘Reflexology’ which has also been more simply termed as ‘foot massage’ is an essential part of Thai massage. Different points on the feet are believed to correspond to specific organs, so treatment of those points can assist in healing those body parts. Enhancement of the energies in the feet is also believed to allow the patient to form a deeper connection with the Earth.

A proper Thai massage can last up to three hours, if performed on the whole body with all of the techniques that this treatment should employ. Ensure that your therapist is licensed and professional, as these techniques if performed improperly can cause damage to your body and mind. Consult your doctor if you have any particular concerns or for a recommendation.

The Benefits of a Thai Massage

There are basically three seasons in Thailand (though of late the cold season seems to have gone missing), the seasons are, The Hot, The Wet and The Cold. Cold being a rather subjective description though, the shots of emergency blankets being handed out in the northern provinces when it drops to a chilly 10 degrees…that’s 10 degrees Celsius. So what does each season offer.

Thailand Weather

The Hot

March to June : The hottest month is April when even the geckos stay inside and most expats look outside at lunch time and decide to not eat rather than melt on the walk to a food stall. The Hot season is beach season, if that’s your thing then this is the time to come to Thailand, guaranteed sun sun sun all day long day after day. For Trekkers you might find this to be a tad hot to go trudging up hills unless mounted on an elephant, sun stroke and dehydration are high up on the list of things to beware of. Bangkok turns into a molten vat of pollution as the winds die and the smog just hangs around choking up the oxygen. Hotels are at their most expensive during the hot season and weekends will see many of the mid range ones fully booked.

The Wet

July to November : The change over from hot to wet is the worst time to be in Thailand regardless of what you’re into. It’s Hot, it’s wet and the humidity is ruthless. You’ll be desperate to take three showers a day at a minimum…living in a shower for a month might not be a bad plan. If you can imagine living in a sauna for a month then you get the right picture of Thailand at the start of the wet season…unless you’re in Bangkok, then get in a sauna and pipe your car exhaust into the sauna to get the right idea…hmmm yummy. Then thankfully the skies really open up, the wind blows and things freshen up . Rain is pretty much a guaranteed feature on a daily basis and usually kicks off in the afternoon, sometimes lasting all night, Floods are common along with power cuts. So why come to Thailand now…the cost…. hotels are empty, tourists are away, it’s a great time to see Thailand with fewer tourists than usual and get the best prices as even the Thai people stay home at the weekends.

The Cold

December to February : Thailand freezes over, snow falls from the sky and ice-skating is the nations most popular sport…well if you watched the TV or the Thai people running around dressed in winter jackets, boots, gloves and scarves you may start to think it’s true.. in Bangkok it can drop to a bone chilling 15 degrees Celsius at night, and up north it has on occasions dropped down to 2 degrees, the south gets off much lighter and you can escape with a body warmer and a bobble hat. Thailand again is swarming with tourists who have come to take advantage of the cool weather to do see Thailand without burning up. This is the best time of the year to actually “see” Thailand, you’ll enjoy seeing the sights and touring the cities and trekking will be at its best. Again prices will be up and hotels fairly full.

So in a nutshell the best time to come to Thailand is the time that suits what you want to do, Trekkers and Tanners will have different needs, those looking for bargains will have different needs. Just add that there are occasional down pours even in the hottest parts of the year and even the wet season can be dry for a week or more…..but leave your skis at home…there will be no snow…..guaranteed.

The Best Time to Travel to Thailand

This is especially true in Chiang Mai, which is one of the most interesting cities in Thailand. You can find here beautiful temples, famous markets and modern malls. It is probably the most important place for Thai handicrafts and arts in whole Thailand. You can buy here handicrafts, arts and antiques cheaper than anywhere else in Thailand. This is also true about modern products that you can buy here. Although foreign tourists who visit Chiang Mai are mostly interested in Chiang Mai’s markets (especially the must see Night Bazaar), there are also very good malls in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai Thailand

Kad Suan Kaew Central Mall

Kad Suan Kaew Central Mall is the biggest mall in the city. It is located on Huay Kaew Road, not far from (about 100-200 meters) the old city moat. This place is very popular in the city, attracting shopaholics from all over Thailand and also abroad. Very popular among young and old. It is also a wonderful place to just come and relax, maybe drinking a cup of coffee in one of the mall’s cafes.

The shopping mall has very interesting Thai decor and is wholly air conditioned. The atmosphere there is very cool and relaxed. You can buy here almost anything. Whatever your shopping requirements are the Kad Suan Kaew Central Mall is the place for you. If you are hungry there are many restaurants where you can find both international and Thai food. The food is really delicious.

You can also stay at the Lotus Pang Suan Kaew Hotel, which is located at the mall and is famous for its hospitality and warmth. You can find at the hotel facilities like a games room, sauna, tennis courts, swimming pool, fitness center and gymnasium.

Central Plaza Chiang Mai Airport

The Central Plaza Chiang Mai Airport Mall is another very popular mall in Chiang Mai. As the name suggests this one is located near the Chiang Mai’s International Airport. It is a very modern mall. It is full of all kinds of shops, cafes and restaurants. It is famous for its delicious, but inexpensive Thai and international food. There is also a very modern movie theater with many cinemas where you can watch western and Thai movies, some of them in 3D.

Pantip Plaza

Pantip Plaza is, as the plaza of the same name in Bangkok, the place for IT shopping. Although it is much smaller than the one in the capital of Thailand, nevertheless if you are interested in shopping for IT products, it is the place to go in Chiang Mai.

Promenada Resort Mall

The Promenada Resort Mall which will open in Chiang Mai in 2012, will be the first resort mall in Thailand.

Best Shopping Malls in Chiang Mai

Koh Samui was a self-sufficient isle community and had minimal partnership with mainland Thailand until the late 20th century. Most of the island’s elegance is in a good condition, and this is the primary cause it became one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Thailand (second only to Phuket). The place has wonderful coral reefs, white sand seashores, and panoramic lagoons. The island’s travel industry continues to grow swiftly over time, and there are now over 260 vacation resorts, luxury villas, and bungalows on the tropical island on account of the increase in visitors searching for the place’s villa rentals.

Koh Samui Thailand

In spite of the existence of countless five-star lodges in Thailand, villas usually attract more visitors. Luxury villas give visitors with all the luxuries of a hotel, but with the extra bonus of privacy. If you want to really move away from it all and immerse yourself in the natural splendor of Koh Samui’s seashores, then hiring a villa is your top choice. Look at this list of top three seashores where you can find the most impressive Koh Samui villa rentals.

Lamai

Lamai is among two important seashores on the east coast of Koh Samui, the other being Chaweng. While Chaweng is known as the very center of it, it is very commercialized and bungalows or villas are really difficult to search for. But if your heart is set on booking an exclusive villa vacation, Lamaiis the next best thing. A few of the things you can do in Lamai include swimming in the Gulf of Thailand, and shopping at the daily Night Market or weekly Walking Street market.

Bophut

Referred to as Fisherman’s Village, Bophut is one among the few places in Koh Samui that maintains the island’s unique Thai-Chinese culture and atmosphere. Bophut focuses on married couples and small families searching for tranquil getaway, and actively discourages the development of modern bars.

Laem Yai

On the northwestern tip of Koh Samui, Laem Yai is a secluded beach overlooking the nearby islands of Angthong. If you’d like to devote your vacation savoring a lovely stroll on the beach and watching wonderful sunsets, Laem Yai is the beach for you.

You can’t screw up if you head to one of these seashores during your future visit to Thailand. Villas found on these beaches may not be as fancy as the standard hotel rooms in Chaweng or Phuket, but the elegance of the place makes it all worth it.

Koh Samui villa rentals and hotel reservations are tricky to acquire during summer, but the island’s climate is remarkably dry and warm when compared to rest of Thailand for most of the season. You ought to avoid booking your getaway in October and November, though, as those two months are when the rains usually occur.

Experience the Best of Thailand With Koh Samui Villa Rentals

To make a very interesting trip to an unforgettable place, Thailand is a nice option to think over. You can see the famous ruins of kingdoms. The culture in Thailand is highly influenced by two countries, India and China. English is commonly spoken here so you will not find a communication problem there.

Thailand News

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Udon and Ubon are the main cities of Thailand. Patong, Karon beach in Phuket, Pattaya, Khao Lak, chiang mai and Sukhothai Historical Park are famous places to visit. In the heartland of Thailand you’ll have the opportunity to trek, explore lost kingdoms, ride elephants, walk with tigers, raft and visit, and even stay with, hill tribe people!

Thailand has a tropical climate. It is usually sunny from February to May, with an average temperature of 34 degree Celsius. This period is the hottest time of the year in Thailand. Monsoon arrives around the month of June. Plenty of rainfall coupled with sunshine is the typical climate in Thailand from June to October.

The temperature is moderate and usually hovers around 29 degree Celsius. November to January is the best time of the year with a temperature of 28 degree Celsius. Compared to other parts, the northern and northeastern part of the county experiences cooler temperatures during evening and nighttime.

All of that make Thailand is great value; an outstandingly beautiful country; the people are warm and welcoming; it offers a multitude of outdoor activities; it’s home to wonderful ruins of ancient kingdoms as well as present day temples; the food is out of this world and the country has some of the finest beaches on the planet.

Thailand, The Breathtaking Country

Day-to-day life in Koh Samui revolves almost exclusively around the coast, because of the near uninhabitable mountain forests which make up the centre of the island. The residents of Koh Samui reflect beach culture in their lifestyle, food and leisure activities. The island’s economy is hugely dependent on tourism – which means visitors can enjoy all the services and facilities required to ensure a comfortable and safe holiday. Additionally; Koh Samui’s increasing popularity as a tourist hotspot has seen an influx of new 5 star hotels, modern beach villas with private pools and top-rated restaurants.

Map Thailand

Koh Samui is part of the southern region of Surat Thani, which unlike other popular islands in Thailand, is relatively dry throughout the year. Its sunny, tropical reputation is due in part to its relatively short rainy season. This means the island is able to cater for sun-loving tourists for most of the year. Other islands in the region, like Phuket, receive heavy rain for almost 6 months of the year! Visitors should, however, be ready for sudden showers to occur. These will typically last for less than one hour though, and are to be expected on almost any tropical island.

Koh Samui is home to a fantastic variety of water sports – such as canoeing, scuba-diving, snorkelling, kite surfing and even jet skiing. Fun isn’t just limited to the beach though! Why not treat yourself to a few rounds of golf on Koh Samui’s world famous golf course. Or, take in the wonderful nature shows and explore Ang Thong National Marine Park. For any shopaholics or food fanatics out there – Koh Samui has a good range of shops, bars and restaurants to ensure that all tastes are catered for.

For any adventurous travellers – who might want to take in a mix of cuisine, culture and breath-taking coastlines – Koh Samui is home to the best that Southeast Asia has on offer. A multitude of cultures, religions and lifestyles merge into a uniquely Thai experience. Throw in some of the finest weather and cleanest beaches on the planet and Koh Samui really does have it all; and is a must-see destination for any visitors to Thailand. A distinctly Asian experience awaits you, but also benefits from all the fantastic facilities and activities that you’d expected from any first class overseas beach holiday.

Contrary to popular belief, a family holiday to Thailand doesn’t have to entail expensive hotels and cramped rooms! For those who want a little more privacy to cater for your own individual preferences, renting your own villa has proven to be a popular alternative. Depending on your budget and requirements, staying in a villa could work out much cheaper than staying in a hotel. The specific price a villa in Koh Samui can vary according to your own personal preferences, the size of your family or travel group and obviously your own budget. However – the huge selection of villas available will almost guarantee that your ideal villa is out there, regardless of your circumstances.

To make your stay in Thailand extra special, you could indulge with a stay in an impressive five star villa – with your own gourmet chef on hand to cater to your culinary whims! Villas are also available with a private pool or jacuzzi facilities. High-end villas can even provide a private vehicle with your own personal chauffeur!

For those with a more modest budget in mind, don’t fret! Luxury doesn’t have to be sacrificed by staying in a cheaper holiday villa in Thailand. You could decide to stay a little further inland; or perhaps agree to rent a larger villa with a bigger group, thus leaving a lighter cost to your wallet. Staying at one of the many Koh Samui villas can be a safe, comfortable and affordable option for your holiday this year.

A Guide to Villa Holidays in Koh Samui, Thailand

A delicious, quick, easy to prepare, and healthy dish, with low cost ingredients. It’s easy to see why this dish is so readily available on the streets of Bangkok, and why it’s so popular with budget conscious backpackers.

Thai Food

Flavours are somewhat complex, combining hot, salty, sweet and sour, but together a good balance is created.

Ingredients:

Serves 2

200g of Shrimps or prawns (raw preferred)

2 medium sized eggs

approx 130g of dry rice noodles

4 tablespoons of pad thai sauce

1/2 lime

1/2 cup chinese chives

1 cup of bean sprouts

1 tablespoon of crushed chillis

1 tablespoon crushed peanuts

2 teaspoons of fish sauce

1 carrot (optional)

2 spring onions (optional)

2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

Pad Thai cooking instructions:

Step 1: Soaking the noodles – Fill a large bowl or container with warm water, and place the 130g of dried Thai rice noodles (approx 1/3 of the pack) into the bowl so that the water is completely covering the noodles. They will need about 10 minutes of soaking, so that they become soft, but not cooked.

Step 2: Take the 200g of prawns and using a sharp knife, make a cut along the back to open them up slightly, removing any stringy vein type material from inside. Once this is done, wash them all under cold water.

Step 3: Cut away the bottom 1/3 of the Chinese green chives and put aside for use later. Chop the other 2/3 of the chives up for cooking. Follow by slicing the spring onion diagonally into thin pieces. Also slice the carrot into thin slices, or grate it, keeping a handful aside for use later. Finally cut your lime into quarters, wash the bean sprouts, and your preparation is complete.

Step 4: By now the noodles should have been soaking for about 10 minutes, poor them into a sieve and drain all excess water.

Step 5: Put 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil into a wok or pan, and set your cooker to a high heat. When the wok is hot, put the prawns in (ensure they have been drained of any water to you don’t get hot oil spat at you!) Immediately after the prawns, crack the 2 eggs and put the white and yoke into the wok. Stir contents thoroughly adding more oil if required. After a few stirs, add the noodles, and continue to stir quickly and frequently.

Step 6: Add the 4 tablespoons of pad thai sauce, and stir in. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed together and the sauce evenly distributed. By this stage, all ingredients should have been cooking for just a couple of minutes on a high heat, cook for too long and the dish will become too dry.

Step 7: Add the chopped Chinese green chives, spring onions, some of the chopped carrot, and the bean sprouts into the wok. Once again stir everything together so the ingredients are well mixed. Add the 2 teaspoons of fish sauce, and continue stirring.

Step 8: Now the noodles should be soft and tangled – the cooking is complete. Pour contents onto a plate, and add to the side of the plate the bottom 1/3 of the Chinese green chives, bean sprouts, the 1/4 of lime, 1 table spoon of crushed chillies, and 1 tablespoon of crushed peanuts. Sprinkle some of the grated carrot you kept back earlier over the noodles.

Serve and Enjoy!

Thai Recipes – Pad Thai Noodles Recipe

Golf has become very popular in Thailand and as a result many world-class golf courses have come up in the country. These golf courses are challenging with full range of services and are set against breathtaking backdrops. Most golf courses in Thailand offer their patrons fine dining, luxurious accommodation, carts, caddies and full equipped pro-shops with knowledgeable pros. The courses are also equipped with saunas and massage centers. Most golf courses in Thailand are located quite close to beach resorts, making it a win-win situation for tourists who can play off golf and then go to the beach and relax.

Thailand Golf

The climate is conducive to golfing right round the year. One can even go for a golfing holiday during the rainy season as it seldom rains for more than a couple of hours at a time. In winter, northern part of Thailand does get a bit chilly and it is advisable to pack a sweater for your golfing holiday to Thailand. Many golf courses have installed floodlights so that golf enthusiasts can still be on the green even after the sun sets.

Green fees in Thailand are well below international standards and playing golf is not an expensive affair. Golf courses may charge a paltry amount of 250 baht on weekdays with the amount increasing marginally at weekends. Phuket has the highest green fees in Thailand, which is still lower than what one would pay in golf courses in other parts of the world.

Golf In Thailand

The Cove offers a myriad of features that will enhance your vacation, such as a twenty two meter infinity pool, an outdoor cinema that, at night, converts the lawn into the ultimate floodlit out door movie theatre, a private gym, an in door TV room, with all of the latest high-end audio visual technology, a children’s dorm, with bright colours and bean bags, and a twin room that can be used as nanny quarters.

Koh Samui Thailand

There are five main rooms above, and below, the pool. The upper bedroom pavilions are surrounded by tranquil pebble ponds with fountain features and private lawns with sun loungers. On the next level there are two other bedrooms with walk in wardrobes and flat screen TV’s that share a private lawn and a covered comfortable sala. One of the bedrooms has a free -standing bath looking out across its own private bathroom, providing the ultimate in private, romantic luxury.

This incredible Samui villa has plenty of open spaces, cutting edge style, and has been designed for practical living. The décor has natural tones, bright cushions and contemporary art work, giving the villa a modern feel. The extended wooden dining table can seat up to twenty guests as well as being able to provide more intimate seating. The café is a relaxed and intimate place to enjoy a coffee, or poolside drink, while at night it converts into a sophisticated bar area with mood lighting. At the end of the garden you will find a private beach side massage pavilion with its own music system for the ultimate in luxurious relaxation with in -house massage and spa treatments.

The villa has direct beach access, a table tennis table, WiFi throughout, and twenty four hour security., All the bedrooms have TV, DVD, and iPod docks as well as telephones. The music feeds include thirty eight thousand iTunes and squeeze box system. The Cove is the ideal place to disappear into another world where luxury, privacy, and enjoyment, are at your finger tips.

The Cove, Koh Samui, Thailand

Concerning the tourist industry and the increasing tourism figures each year that continue to rise despite any seasonal problems that may rise, has fueled real estate Investors who have an eye for a return on their investment. This is one reason why investment companies try to get their foot in the door and specifically seek the “ever popular Pattaya” as one of the favorite investment locations in Thailand.

Thailand Investment

Thailand has recently attracted significant foreign investment, it has become one of the Asian economic leaders and is one of the fastest growing economies in the region. Following the global crisis and Dubai’s monumental debt issues, investors are rapidly turning back to Thailand as they see the opportunities available. Over recent years, Thailand’s infra-structure has progressed with great improvements to airports, ports, road and rail networks, energy and utilities infra-structure, power plants and transmission grids. Thailand is Asia’s prime tourist destination, offering a world class tourist industry at affordable prices making it a haven for visitors, re-locators and property investors alike.

The completion of the Suvarnabuhmi-Bangkok international airport have further boosted growth in the commercial property markets as well as making Thailand even more accessible by air. The local airport to Pattaya that currently handles internal flights to Phuket, Kom Samui and a handful of international flights to and from Russia, it is soon to become the Pattaya international airport. Within two years this airport will cater for the coastal regions south of Bangkok. These factors are helping to fuel the real estate market here in Pattaya and the coastal resorts down towards Rayong, making it possible for CPA Development to offer you real property investment opportunities in the central hub of South East Asia.

Capital gains tax does not affect Thailand and investments are appreciating year by year in a solid upward trend. In very recent times we have seen land prices start to increase rapidly as investment in the area continues increase and in doing so continues to bring more investors from overseas. Now is the time to take advantage of these trends and make investment within the property market here in Pattaya. Trend has shown investment in Pattaya to be stable and is now even more appealing as risk is lower compared to the earlier investors of this region.

Strategic Economical Location

The city is located on the Eastern Seaboard which reaches from Bangkok right down to the tip of Thailand in the east. The Eastern Seaboard is where you find the center of commercial activities, home to many huge industrial estates and the export oriented industries of Thailand. Laem Chabang port plays a key role as it is Thailand largest port for international marine shipping. The Eastern Seaboard also has a diversified economy comprising of emerging tourism, construction, and retail industries. It is here the most money is concentrated, generating also a large part of the Thailand’s GNP (Gross National Product). Due to the economical importance of this region the infrastructure is excellent. New railway development has recently been approved and it only takes just over 1 hour by road from the International Airport to Pattaya City. Pattaya is the region’s refuge where people unwind, the place for leisure and fun and relaxation. It is the tourism center of South East Asia. Tourists come from anywhere, be it from neighboring countries or from another continent. Pattaya is ever changing, evolving, innovative and always trendy.

The Property Investment Market in Pattaya, Thailand