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Info about Thailand

Activities

Dining

Thai Cusine

Thai cuisine is known for its balance of five fundamental flavors in each dish or the overall meal - hot (spicy), sour, sweet, salty and bitter (optional). Although popularly considered as a single cuisine, Thai food is really better described as four regional cuisines corresponding to the four main regions of the country: Northern, Northeastern (or Isan), Central and Southern. Southern curries, for example, tend to contain coconut milk and fresh turmeric, while northeastern dishes often include lime juice. Thai cuisine has been greatly influenced by its neighbors, especially India, China, Malaysia, Laos. Many dishes are in fact Chinese dishes adapted to local tastes.

Shopping top

What to buy

Thai silks, cottons, nielloware, silverware, bronzeware, pottery and celadon, pewterware, precious stones and finished jewellery, and a dazzling range of folk handicrafts make memorable gifts and souvenirs; international standard readymade sports and leisurewear is inexpensive; and quality tailors and dressmakers offer reliable 24-hour services in Bangkok and major tourism destinations.

From : http://www.sawadee.com

Where to shop

Ratchaprasong is a shopping district in Pathum Wan District, Bangkok. Located at the Bangkok Skytrain's Chit Lom Station and the intersection of Phloenchit and Ratchadrami Roads, the area is home to many shopping malls and hotels.

Siam Square is a shopping and entertainment area in Bangkok, Thailand. The area connects to other important shopping centres, such as Siam Center/Siam Discovery Center, MBK Center and Siam Paragon.

Within Siam Square itself, there is a wide range of shops and services, including tutor schools, restaurants, cafe, designer clothing boutiques, record stores, bookshops, Hard Rock Cafe and banks. The customers vary from young-aged school and college students to office workers and foreign tourists. It is sometimes referred to as the "Shinjuku of Thailand".

Sukhumvit Road, In the capital, Sukhumvit Road serves as a main commercial street, and this section is often congested, even at late evening hours. The Chalerm Mahanakhon Expressway has an exit at Soi 1. Thanon Ratchadaphisek crosses Sukhumvit at the Asok intersection.

The Sukhumvit area of Bangkok is easily accessible on the Skytrain Sukhumvit Line, which runs from Mo Chit through the Silom Line interchange at Siam Square up to On Nut on Soi (side-street) 81. The Bangkok Metro's Sukhumvit Station interchanges with the Skytrain at Asok.

The area between Sukhumvit Soi 1 and Sukhumvit Soi 63 is popular as residential area for western expatriates. Japanese nationals tend to prefer from Asok intersection upwards. Rentals tend to be higher in the even numbered streets between Soi 8 and Soi 28 and in the odd numbered streets between Soi 15 and Soi 39. Soi 12 is occupied mainly by Indian expatriates.

The areas of Soi Cowboy (between Soi 21 Asok and Soi 23) and Nana Entertainment Plaza (Soi 4) are packed full of go-go bars. Restaurants of various levels of luxury exist all along the road, as well as hotels including famous names such as The Westin, JW Marriott and Sheraton. Also several shopping malls are found, like the upscale The Emporium shopping center. It also harbours the eastern bus station at Soi 63 Ekkamai.

Major sois off Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok:

Soi number Soi name Remarks
3 Nana Nuea (North Nana) Opposite to Soi 4 Nana Tai (South Nana)
21 Asok Part of the Ratchadaphisek (Silver Jubilee) inner ring road
23 Prasanmitr Srinakharinwirot University campus at the end of the soi
39 Phrom Phong
55 Thong Lor Booming up-market residential and commercial strip; location of Pridi Banomyong Institute
63 Ekkamai Opposite to Bangkok Eastern Bus Terminal and Bangkok Science Center and Planetarium
71 Pridi Banomyong Named after Statesman Pridi Banomyong, who ordered the road to be built
77 Onnut Major road linking the city with its eastern suburb of Lad Krabang and Suvarnabhumi Airport
103 Udomsuk
105 La Salle
107 Bearing

Thong Lo, Shopping malls on Thong Lo include:

Highstreet stores on Thong Lo include:

Pratunam Market  is one of Bangkok's major markets, focusing on clothes which makes it Thailand's largest clothing market. The name Pratunam means Water gate.

Pantip Plaza is an indoor IT shopping mall located on New Phetchaburi Road in Ratchathewi district, Bangkok, Thailand. The sale of counterfeit software and DVDs are some reasons behind this mall's success and notoriety. Pantip Plaza is open daily from 10 AM to 9 PM. The stores within the plaza are free to operate their own hours. However, by 7:30 PM to 8 PM, many of the stores are already closing down.

Legitimate licensed software remains unpopular for the majority of Pantip shoppers due to high prices and the availability of counterfeit versions of the same software. Prices of counterfeit software, DVDs and games range from about 100 to 300 baht (USD 2.50-8).

A few publishers, such as Blizzard Entertainment, offer licensed "for sale in Thailand only" software with localized Thai packaging and manuals at prices in the $8-$20 range.

As of April 2007, purchasing pirated software remains an easy and open practice, despite the occasional shuttering of all shops selling illegal software and entertainment CDs, DVDs, and VCDs during police checks.

Yaowarat Road in Samphanthawong district. The Chinatown is an old business centre covering a large area around Yaowarat and Charoen Krung Roads. There are many small streets and alleys full of shops and vendors selling all types of goods. It has been the main centre for trading by the Chinese community since they moved from their old site some 200 years ago. Nearby Phahurat or Indian market is one of the city's prominent cloth centres. It is also famous for many varieties of delicious foods, and become foods street in the night.

Visitors can find leading gold shops, garments, textiles, stationery, souvenirs, second-hand parts and equipment, electric goods, computer parts, antiques, imported musical instruments, and local delicacies at a bargain, often at wholesale prices.

Chatuchak or Jatujak weekend market in Bangkok is the largest market in Thailand, and largest of the world. Frequently called J.J., it covers over 35 acres (1.13 km²) and contains upwards of 15,000 stalls. It is estimated that the market receives between 200,000 and 300,000 visitors each day. Most stalls only open on Saturdays and Sundays.

The market offers a wide variety of products including household items, clothing, Thai handicrafts, religious artifacts, collectibles, foods, and live animals.

Suan Lum Night Bazaar is a market in Bangkok's Pathum Wan district, at the intersection of Rama IV and Wireless/Sathorn Roads, opposite Lumphini Park at the Bangkok Metro's Lumpini station. When locals refer to this market in English their pronunciation sounds like "Suan Lum Night Paza". Located on land owned by the Crown Property Bureau, it opened in 2001. The lease on the property ran out in 2006 and the market will reportedly be closed in 2007.

The Night Bazaar is open from 3pm to midnight, with some shops open until later. It has vendors selling gifts, clothing, jewellery, fruit, compact discs, hand-made products and fine arts, such as paintings and sculptures. There is a large beer garden, with an array of food available, and live entertainment. On the other side of the market there is a quieter area with many restaurants offering both inside and outside garden seating.

Outside Bangkok, the main city for shopping is Chiang Mai, the unquestioned center of traditional Thai handicrafts. The Night Bazaar, is a good place to sample the full range of local products such as cotton. lacquerware, silver, hilltribe clothing, Burmese tapestries, painted umbrellas, and woodcarvings. While in Chiang Mai, make a point of going to some of the factories that offer demonstrations of how these goods – – particularly lacquer, silk, silver, and paper umbrellas- -are actually made. Pattaya also has many shops selling Thai goods and a particularly wide selection of precious and semi-precious stones since the popular resort lies near Chanthaburi, where numerous gem mines are located.

From : www.sawasdee.com  and http://en.wikipedia.org

Tips

Fixed prices are the norm in department stores, but at most other places bargaining is to be expected. Generally, you can obtain a final figure of between 10-40% lower than the original asking price. Much depends on your skills and the shopkeeper's mood. But remember, Thais appreciate good manners and a sense of humor. With patience and a broad smile, you will not only get a better price, you will also enjoy shopping as an art.

From : http://www.tourismthailand.org

Packing & Shipping Services

Thanks to the number of tourists coming to Thailand, most shops are experienced at shipping abroad and will attend to all the documents such as insurance, customs, and necessary permits. The Central Post Office also offers a parcel-wrapping service for those who want to make small shipments themselves. For larger items or bulk shipments, there are several Bangkok companies who specialise in such matters.

From : www.sawasdee.com

Trading Opportunities

The Department of Export Promotion (DEP), Ministry of Commerce, Royal Thai Government, offers the Permanent Exhibition, One Stop Export Show- case whereby all manufactured Thai quality products are on display by more than 250 selected exhibitors with more than 10,000 items in the 3 exhibition halls of 4,000 square metres exhibition area. The same services are also available at DEP regional offices. You can browse to your content among top quality products ranging from gift items and handicrafts, all kinds of furniture, toys, leather products, artificial flowers, garments, food products, construction materials, auto-parts, hardware, tools and appliances, stationery and sporting equipment, to mention only some of the items on hand, all carefully selected for reliability and a high standard of workmanship. If you find products that suit your requirements, you may contact the manufacturers directly or DEP staff can provide a variety of services to help make things easy. For example, they will arrange appointments with any companies and also provide negotiating rooms with full office facilities. All of the Permanent Exhibition's services are free of charge. For more information please contact Thai Trade Centre or a Commercial Counsellors Office located in your own country, at the nearest Royal Thai Embassy, or at Department of Export Promotion, Ratchadapisek Road, Bangkok.

Tel: 511-5066-77, Telex: 82354 DEPEP TH, Fax: 512-1075, 513-1917

From : www.sawasdee.com

Entertainment and Recreation top

WHITEWATER RAFTING

Rafting is fast gaining popularity among the young and young at heart. The mountainous regions of the North are the natural venue for whitewater rafting, especially after the rains from June to October when the rivers swell with floodwater. But first-class rafting is also to be found in the northern reaches of the central region.

River grading

LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY

Preparation

Safety is paramount in whitewater rafting. Life jackets and helmets must be worm at all times. Your guide should explain to you all relevant safety procedures before you go, and check weather reports and the condition of the river. You should be able to swim if you wish to go whitewater rafting.

Age & health

It is important to ensure that you are in good health, and fit enough to enjoy this activity. Children over 12 but under 16 must be accompanied by responsible adults. For children under 12 years or for elderly people, only the Thi Lo Su Waterfall programme in May and June is recommended.

MOUNTAIN BIKING top

Mountain biking is a sport increasing in popularity in Thailand, both among Thais and young international tourists. It is an ideal means of touring Thailand’s spectacular natural environment; safe, cheap and fun, and environmentally green. Mountain biking in Thailand is a blend of high-grade exercise and natural, cultural and historical discovery.
The hilly North of Thailand is most suitable for mountain biking. The best time to visit is November to February, when the weather is cooler. A number of companies offer well-organised biking tours, most include guides and, on certain tours, back-up vehicles carrying food and overnight equipment. Bike are also widely available in major tourist destinations, where they can be rented at extremely reasonable rates on a daily basis

USEFUL WEBSITES

Preparation

There are biking tours to suit all abilities and levels of fitness. Some mountainous routes are best suited to more accomplished riders. Unless you are used to long periods in the saddle, some of the longer tours will leave you a little sore.

Bikers should be in good working order and capable of handling the terrain you intend to cross. You should carry enough tools and spares to repair minor mechanical problems, as will as first-aid kits in case of a spill.

As with trekking, a small problem when you are far from civilisation can be a big headache, so make sure the tour organizer is well-prepared. In the heat of the tropics and at altitude, consume plenty of water and make sure you have hats and sunblock to protect you from ultraviolet radiation.

NATURE STUDY top

Thailand’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are some of the best and most extensive in Southeast Asia, and although abundant wildlife is found everywhere in the kingdom, they are the best places to see rare and protected species. Almost all parks have on-site accommodation and food, trails of varying levels of difficulty, and many organize trips, recreational and educational activities.

Huay Kha Khaeng and Thung Yai Naresuan wildlife sanctuaries in Uthai Thani and Kanchanaburi provinces respectively are two of the best places to start. They contain such magnificent creatures as bears, Leopards, tigers, elephants, tapirs, deers, gibbons, monkeys, macaque, guars, shy forest ox, and banteng, or wild red cattle.

Khao Yai National Park, three hours from Bangkok, is another excellent nature study site, with many research projects currently underway on creatures such as gibbons, tigers and hornbills. Khao Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary in Chon Buri Province has an open zoo which makes its wildlife particularly accessible. Species include guar, dusky languor, barking deer and brow-antlered deer. In one of the largest aviaries in the world, it also has the sarus crane and black-necked stork, which it is hoped will one day be reintroduced to the wild. In Kaeng Krachan National Park, the country’s largest pristine forest, there are superb walking trails around a 36 kilometre road, and treks of up to two weeks can be organized. Be prepared for some truly inspiring trees, 70 metres tall and more. Where the forest is open, it is like being inside a living cathedral.

WALKING THROUGH HISTORY top

One of the best ways to appreciate the grandeur and significance of Thailand’s history is to absorb the atmosphere of the ruins and monuments of past Thai civilisations.

Central Plains

Visitors can stroll into a thousand years of history at the historical parks of Sukhothai, Lop Buri, Si Satchanalai and Ayutthaya. Out of the historical parks, Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom is an awe-inspiring sight : The tallest Buddhist monument in the world, and also where Buddhism was first taught in this Buddhist country.

The North

One can enjoy the culture just by walking down the street of Chiang Mai. Here at Wat Pa Pao in Chang Phuak (White Elephant) District, for example, are gorgeous examples of Burmese and Shan temple architecture. A short walk southest of the old town are the weather – worn earthen ramparts erected by Chao Kavila, the warrior who in 1776 drove the Burmese out and restored the city to its former glory. Westward is Doi Suthep, a mountain named after the hermit whose modest cave is just above Wat Phar That Doi Suthep. There are many temples in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Mae Hong Son and Nan where visitors can enjoy the lean about the northern history and architecture.

The Northeast

History lovers may prefer to wander among the ruins of the mighty Khmer empire of the 11th-12th centuries. The best known is Prasat Hin PhiMai, just outside Nakhon Ratchasima, the largest sandstone sanctuary in Thailand of classic Khmer design. The most spectacular monument is Prasat Phanom Rung in Buri Ram, a towering structure seated on top of an extinct volcano, which took over 17 years to restore. Southern Isan is dotted with khmer shrines in various states of repair.

The South

A must – visit is Phar Borom That Chaiya in which authentic Srivijaya architecture is preserved in perfect condition, or Wat Phra Kaeo ans Wat Hua Wiang also in Surat Thani Province Srivijaya was a group of small communities scattered along the Malay Peninsula from Sumatra in Malaysia to the southern part of Thailand from the 7th to the 13th century. These communities shared common cultural ground in terms of Buddhism, trading, governance, and architecture. Some archaeologists believe that a nerve centre of Srivijaya could be Chaiya in Surat Thani Province, since a number of Srivijaya artifacts and architecture have been unearthed there.

Eco-Tourism top

Thailand is fortunate in its prime location for tourism in terms of such natural attractions as beaches and mountains, cultural and historical sites which reflect the glories of Thai civilization, and a sophisticated infrastructure, allowing visitors easy access to all these treasures.

The government's policy on tourism for the past years has been gearing towards more and more sustainable tourism development with emphasis on community participation, safety of tourists and non-exploitation. The term “eco-tourism” has been widely used to describe a form of tourism in natural areas that is based on the knowledge about and responsibility towards the ecological system of the area.

At present, the number of real eco-tourism visitors is still minimal. Mostly, those tourists are included in other types of tourism such as nature-based tourism, agro-tourism, cultural and historical tourism and health tourism. Most of such tourism areas are in natural parks and specific historical-cultural areas.

The national parks system in Thailand was previously cited its growing importance to the eco-tourism industry. With most parks easily accessible by road, there exists excellent potential to expand the number of visitors who use them.

Meditation top

Meditation is found in some form or another in all major religious traditions but in Buddhism it is integral to the path to enlightenment.  The practitioner trains his or her mind so that it can understand the four-points that form the core of the Buddha’s teaching: suffering, what causes it, the end of suffering, and the path to that end.

Consequently, the art of meditation is a highly developed one in Thailand.  One doesn’t need to be a Buddhist, or even be interested in Buddhism, to benefit from meditation.  A valuable training that can be applied to daily life, it greatly helps concentration and can lead to a state of peace and calmness, no matter where the meditation is performed.

There are two main branches in Buddhist meditation: Samatha (calmness, concentration) and Vipassana (insight), which stresses mindfulness.

The techniques of Samatha meditation are many, some of them older than Buddhism itself.  Amongst the most commonly practiced in Thailand is Anapanasati, or “mindfulness with breathing”.  Mantra meditation, in which given words are repeated over and over to help focus the mind, is also widely practiced.  Kasinas, where mediators concentrate on an object outside themselves, such as a crystal ball and candle flame, is yet another form.

Sati, or mindfulness, is the key to Vipassana meditation. When the mind is untrained it is wide open to outside disturbances, and the objective is to be aware of what happens but not dwell upon it. So you train yourself to be aware of the body’s movement, the rise and fall of the chest as you inhale and exhale, the movement of the legs and feet as you walk, and your feelings and state of mind. Walking, sitting and lying meditation are a few of the Vipassana techniques, and to avoid distractions as far as possible the retreats are usually held in isolated and peaceful surroundings.

Meditation teachings are widely available in Thailand for Thais and visitors alike, ranging from English language day classes in Bangkok through to intensive month-long Vipassana courses at remote retreats in the provinces.

Diving top

Scuba diving is Thailand’s most popular water sport and the country boosts some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world – the water is clear, sea life plentiful, transport and accommodation readily available and instruction to a very high standard. Diving in Thailand is comparatively cheap, and once you have achieved your certification in Thailand, you can use it to go scuba-diving all over the world.

Diving is available at all times of the year, although visibility changes according to the season. In the Andaman Sea, the best time to dive is from October to April, and in the Gulf of Thailand from May to September. At recommended dive sites in Thailand the water is so clear that the under-water world is visible from the surface: whale sharks, manta rays, marlin, flying fish, dolphins and coral reefs.

All reputable dive shops are affiliated with PADI or other international dive bodies, and most hold courses in multiple languages. All over Thailand, you can expect modern amenities, international standard boats and professional facilities.

For group or family travelers, all good live aboard operations will take non-divers along at a substantially reduced fee. Friends and family can relax, swim, sunbathe, snorkel and still enjoy the food, trip, scenery and experience of sailing in some of the world’s most beautiful waters.

Misconceptions about learning

IT IS DANGEROUS.

Not true. All the recommended dive companies listed here are PADI certified and have well qualified, experienced staff. As long as divers follow instructions and are prepared, there is less danger than swimming in the sea.

IT TAKES A LONG TIME TO LEARN AND IS EXPENSIVE

Not true. All PADI centres offer beginner’s courses in a swimming pool for a half or full day. Becoming PADI certified will take four days in Thailand. Anyone over eight years can do a “Bubble Blowers” course in a pool for free. A Discover Scuba Diving course will cost around 4,000 baht and take one day. A full Open Water PADI course will take four days and cost around 10,000 baht

IT’S DIFFICULT AND YOU HAVE TO BE VERY FIT.

Not true. Anyone over the age of 12 can do a PADI certified course. As long as they are in good medical condition and have no history of asthma, heart or breathing problems, a severe cold or problems with your ears, then they are ready to dive.

Precautions & preparations

There are some precautions and preparations that should be taken before diving, whether you are experienced or a beginner.

GOLFING top

Golf is one of the most popular sports in Thailand. The game arrived in the county a century ago and was quickly taken up by the elite and the fashionable. Among the first sponsors of the game were the armed forces and government institutions, which built and continue to own some of the finest courses in the county.

About 350,000 visitors are believed to have played golf in Thailand in 2002, generating an expenditure of nearly 6.2 billion baht. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is planning to raise these figures to one million golfers, generating an estimated 18.45 billion baht by 2007. In 2004 alone, the plan is to attract 400,000 golfers. Who will generate an estimated 7.1 billion baht, an increase of 14.29% over 2002.

There are over 200 high standard golf courses nationwide, many of them championship standards. The world’s top designers have made a significant contribution. Jack Nicklaus, Roboert Trent Jones Jr, Pete De Gar Player and many others have perfected modern layouts, using the best grasses and latest techniques.

The result is some of the most attractive courses in Asia, with excellent facilities, memorable signature holes and regular maintenance to keep them in top-class condition. Every course has its caddies; it's mandatory to empoly one caddie for your round. They are Thailand’s secret weapon in making golf such good fun. These brightly clad ladies, in smart uniforms and straw hats, know lots about the course, smile almost all the time, and very good at reading putts.

There are at least a few courses in or within easy reach of all major cites. Most of the newer courses offer accommodation on site or nearby, plus recreational facilities for the whole family.

For the more adventurous, there are older, natural courses in remote areas around the courses in remote areas around the country owned by the Royal Irrigation Department, the Electricity Generation Authority of Thailand, all offering good value. So for golfers who not only appreciate a challenging course, but an exotically different one too, there is an extraordinary choice.

The best time to plan a golfing trip is the cool season, from November to March. From April to October it is hot and wet, but even in the rainy months the downfall usually comes in the afternoon, and for only a few minutes. Most courses have good drainage systems, and the rains should not interrupt your game for long. At some facilities you may need to book ahead, through your club or your hotel, and advance booking is recommended for weekends. Greens fees continue to be very reasonable, as are the fees for caddies.

As most of the golf courses are located in the provinces, promoting golf also furthers the TAT policy of ensuring that throughout the provinces.

Spa top

Readership surveys and polls conducted by leading international travel, leisure and lifestyle publications also reflect a clear vote of confidence in Thai spas. Since 1999 spas in Thailand have managed to consistently secure a place in the world’s top overseas spas. In the 2003 survey conducted by Conde Nast Traveller of the UK- a leading travel and lifestyle magazine – Chiva-Som International Health Resort at Hua Hin was selected the number one overseas destination spa and Mandara Spa at JW Marriott in Phuket the best hotel spa in Asia. Other spas in Thailand that have consistently taken top spots in international surveys are Banyan Tree Spa, The Spa at Four Seasons Chiang Mai and Six Senses Spa.

Massage top

THAI MASSAGE

Nuad pan boran is the name for traditional Thai Massage which dates back at least 2,500 years. It is recognised as a practical application of the Buddhist concept of metta, or loving kindness. Thai Massage is a known healing technique that places emphasis on the mind and body connection and, with a skilled therapist, it is also used as a tool in the treatment of emotional and spiritual disorders. Thai Massage is based on the principle that invisible lines of force run through the body. The focus is on 10 lines called “sen”.  The massage seeks to release blockages that may exist along the sen to allow the free flow of energy throughout the body. The client is clothed and lies on a floor mattress.  The therapist applies pressure using the thumbs, fingertips, hands, feet, arms and legs. Compression using the therapists’ body weight is also applied to large areas of the body, such as the back and hips. Pressures combined with manipulations stretch the spine and pull on joints to leave the body feeling loose and relaxed, ultimately maintaining flexibility and relieving tension. The therapist works kneeling or sitting on the floor alongside the client, working from the feet up to the shoulders and neck, over the face and onto the scalp. Thai Massage is a deep-massage technique that can be very relaxing. However, it can go beyond pampering and relaxation and the more advanced practitioners are trained to treat ailments and diseases as well.

From : http://www.tourismthailand.org