Bangkok in Brief

Welcome to Bangkok : The city of culture.

Welcome to the metropolis of Bangkok, one of Asia's most thriving commercial centres. Many first-time visitors to Bangkok have little idea of what they'll actually encounter, Bangkok metropolis, accommodating around 8,000,000 residents, is a sophisticated, fast-growing and occasionally traffic-jammed city.

 

 

Referred to today as the City of Angels (Krung Thep in Thai), Bangkok was once called the Vanice of the East because of its many canals. Although many canals have been filled-in, taking away some of the city's old-world charm, it's still one of the most intriguing places worth visiting in Asia. Numerous visitors keep coming back to the city, some for vacations, some for business and some even to settle down here. Without doubt, modern-day Bangkok is a tourist destination of the East offering a greater variety of things to see and do than any other city in Asia.

Established in 1782 as Thailand's capital, the official full name of the city is probably the longest in the world:

Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udom Ratchaniwet Maha Sathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathatthiya Witsanukam Prasit.

Bangkok (City of Angels) offers an abundance of sites and attractions for tourists and is famous for its Buddhist Temples (Wats) including the famous Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo), adjacent to the Grand Palace. This temple and other beautiful examples of carefully-preserved Thai architecture are referred to in more details in the following section. Bangkok, located in the center of the country, is also an excellent stepping-off point for visiting other parts of Thailand. Although the measured pace of old Siam is now a thing of the past, the country's rich cultural and natural heritage still survives.

Accommodation in the city covers a variety of price ranges, but all offer high standard of service presented by friendly staffs. The city probably has the highest concentration of luxurious hotels in the world.

Currently, hotels and shopping venues offer amazing bargains, following the depreciation of the Thai baht currency in 1997. And for those in search of bargains, Bangkok has excellent examples of Thai handicrafts, Thai antiques, paintings, T-shirts in-fashion accessories, high-grade Thai silks and high quality jewellery.

 

The city also boasts a cornucopia of inexpensive restaurants featuring mouth-watering dishes from all regions of Thailand and international cuisine from just almost everywhere in the world. Many gourmets of Thai food, now rated No. 5 in the world's culinary top ten, considering Bangkok to be on a par with Hong Kong for gastronomic experiences.

 

The city offers a broad variety of restaurants, ranging from simple noodle stands to the most elegant dining rooms. Visitors from Europe and North America who consider themselves connoisseurs of Thai food will find Bangkok a gastronomic paradise. Despite the country's economic downturn, Thai people continue to be outwardly friendly, greeting visitors with their usual gracious hospitality and sincere expressions of friendship-traits which have earned Thailand the title of "Land of Smile". 

 

And that is no gimmick as you will discover by the time you have to leave Thailand. When the time comes, we hope you will leave the city of Bangkok feeling a deep warmth for its many charms and find it fascinating enough to enable us to welcome you back again and again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bangkok Geography:
Located in the center of the country, quite close to the Gulf of Thailand, the greater Bangkok Metropolis (including the former capital of Thonburi on the other side of the Chao Phraya River) covers an area of 1600 km2.

The city is situated right in the middle of the rice bowl of Asia, also known as Chao Phraya River Delta.

Bangkok Weather:
If you like the hot weather, Bangkok is the place for you. Average temp. rarely dip below 25 degree Celsius during the city’s 3 seasons. Between Nov. and Feb. the weather is warm and dry with temp. from 19 – 33 degree Celsius.; Mar – May is hot with temp rising to as high as 42 degrees, and from Jun – Oct (rainy season) it is warm and sometimes wet, but never cold. Even the rain is warm.

Cities in Thailand to Savour

The tourist in Thailand can probably trip a carillion of famous Thai cities off their tongues although their claims to fame may well be more notorious than famous and remembered for reasons that may well be better forgotten. Clearly Bangkok, being the capital city, holds its own claim to fame. Chang Mai, being the ancient Siam capital, also holds a claim to fame. Thailand's peninsula offers names to travellers to Thailand that many know by heart, whether they have visited Thailand or not: Phuket, Pattaya, and Koh Samui.



Udon Thani, to the north-east of Thailand, amidst the Isaan countryside, is really only a town but it has a couple of claims that ought to bring it to the attention of the traveller to Thailand. Hua Hin, Krabi, Khon Khan and Surat Thani are all cities in Thailand and known to a greater or lesser extent. Other famous cities in Thailand include Koh Phangan, Koh Phi Phi, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Nakhon Ratchasima although these are lesser known to the international world outside of Thailand.

City of Angels and Rose of the North
The city of Bangkok, is the capital city of modern Thailand, colloquially known as the City of Angels. Meanwhile, Ayutthaya and Chang Mai each share historical claims to being capital cities from ancient Siam. Rose of the North is the title given to the ancient city of Chiang Mai. As with any capital city Bangkok reveals a cosmopolitan diversity, five star hotels rubbing shoulders with dilapidated roadside food-stalls.
This diversity is further exhibited in Bangkok's wide range of excellent hotels and restaurants offering a truly international range of cuisine. Shopping offers the tourist a truly absorbing pastime, especially as Bangkok lays claim to some of the biggest shopping malls in Asia. If shopping malls seem rather tame, you can always visit Chatuchak, a particularly large outdoor market held at weekends, or other outdoor markets with similar characteristics.

The famous Thai city of Chiang Mai lies along the Ping River. It has long spread its suburbs out from around its original 700 year old limits. Apart from being the old capital city of Thailand, Chiang Mai is particularly noted for its innumerable Buddhist temples, each one surpassing the previous one in exquisite decor. The oldest of Thailand's temples, Wat Chiang Man, is located here. Another 'must-see' for any visitor to Chiang Mai is the lake, Huay Tung Tao, nestling amongst a mountain-bound terrain. There is also a zoo which cares for the welfare of more than 7,000 animals.

Pearl of the Andaman Sea and other Coastal Cities
Phuket has the honour to be known as the Pearl of the Andaman Sea. Other coastal cities include Hua Hin, Krabi, Pattaya Beach, Patong Beach, Rayong, Chumphon: in fact, with Thailand having 3,219km of coastline there are far more cities than could possibly be included here. Much of Thailand's coastline could be designated as areas of outstanding beauty, especially Hua Hin and Krabi. Many beaches cater for the family; there are some areas where young people party all night and sleep all day, however.

 

Different Cities Reflect Diversity of Provinces
Thailand has many different provinces, each one different from the next. Some of this difference can be due to a range in temperatures, some due to specific handicrafts being traditional to that village or province: there are silk villages where silk material is produced and woven and other villages where this silk is tailored into beautiful garments. The temperature in Chiang Mai is vastly different to the temperatures experienced in the beach resorts to the south of Thailand so naturally this would be reflected in how different the cities in the north are to those in the south.

Nevertheless, regardless where tourists to Thailand go, they cannot fail to be moved by the beauty and history each of Thailand's famous cities evokes. Busy these cities might be, but the evocative aura experienced as travellers visit each city is something that will always remain in their memories: these cities will provide the traveller to Thailand with a lifetime of never-to-be-forgotten reminiscences to savour in the future.

 by Soophott Lert

New Layout, New Destionations and More!

 Summer Vacations 2011 are finally here!

Isn't it a great occasion to introduce a few changes on my blog? As you have probably already noticed, the website has undergone a major redecoration. I hope you will like the new layout as well as new navigation and search options.

Additionally, several new articles appeared in the Asia section, as it is one of the most popular travel destinations. I'm sure you will find something just for you among all the new resources. Don't be surprised if it inspires you to plan new trips!



Remember, any feedback is welcome. If you have any suggestions, do not hesistate to write.

Oh, and one more thing... happy reading!

Choose The Best African Safari Holidays

If you go on African safari holidays you will experience a land of sunlight, spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife. You will have an opportunity of a lifetime that will remain in your wonderful memories.

The stunning panoramic vistas, the game reserves including the Masai Mara and the beautiful plant life will all combine to give you an exciting adventure holiday you dreamed about.

Popular Holiday Choice

Safari holidays are extremely popular and people come from all over the world to experience this unique adventure and activity filled experience. You can plan African safari holidays in any of the countries that have game reserves. There are almost fifteen countries in the African continent where you can experience safari holidays and there are varieties of safaris to suit your preferences and budget. Established and well recognized companies which design safari holidays can provide you the best packages for well-planned holidays in the African continent.

Adventure Activities And Sightseeing

If you set off for a Kenya safari holiday there are plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and adventure. There are some of the continent's finest beaches, magnificent wildlife and scenery and rolling savannah and much more. There is plenty you can do or see in this golden land which will remain etched in your memory forever.

• Mount Kilimanjaro is a perfectly shaped volcano which can be climbed from five different routes. It is one of the most accessible summits of the world compared to other mountains in the world. Everyone dreams of conquering the summit and stand on the 'roof of Africa'.
• Masai Mara National Reserve: This is one of Kenya's best known wildlife areas and offers you a chance to see the famous wildebeest migration and see the 'big five'. Highly trained game rangers will escort you through safari vehicles on drives and you can see hippos, jackals, giraffes, antelopes, cheetahs and many animals in their natural habitats.
• Bird watching safaris: This is one of the highlights of your African Safari Holidays. You can arrange an ornithological safari in many of the national wildlife parks and reserves in Kenya including Nairobi National Park and Ngong Forest Sanctuary among others.
• Tsavo East and West National Parks: This is one of the largest parks in Kenya and you can view around 500 species of birds, see rhinos, hippos and a number of species of game.
• Safari Beach Holidays: You can combine the thrill of the wildlife African bush and a romantic stay by the Indian Ocean at the stunning palm-fringed beaches that line the east coast.

Different Choices Of Safaris

There is an interesting and extensive range of safaris you can choose in your African safari holidays. You can choose among many kinds of safaris each one designed to suit your preferences.

• Cultural safaris
• Balloon safaris
• Honeymoon safaris
• Scenic safaris
• Adventure safaris
• Luxury safaris
• Road safaris
• Fly-in safaris
• Bike safaris
• Family safaris
• Walking safaris

Whichever kind of safari you choose, you can be sure that you will love your African safari holidays. The key element to enjoying your safari holiday is to choose an agent with experience of understanding your choices and who provide the best holiday packages.  Bruce Puckett

Great Places to Visit in Mallorca

Taking a villa holiday to Majorca can give you and your family a great opportunity to discover new and exciting locations and things to do. Many people choose to spend their holiday basking in the sun during a break in the Balearics, but there are also many that like to get out and visit some of the resort's popular and unique points of interest and attractions.

Here are just a few of Majorca's most popular places to visit, even if you aren't keen about visiting museums, historical ruins or nature reserves you may well be pleasantly surprised.

DionisBennassar MuseumHouse, Pollenca

For those that are interested in arts and painting in particular the Dionis Bennassar Museum House is a wonder to visit. The artist Dionis Bennassar has been called the illustrious son of Pollensa and was born in the Pollenca region in 1904 and trained and improved upon his artistic skills in the city of Palma. The museum features a vast collection of artwork not only by Dionis Bennassar but by many other major artists and sculptors from the Balearics. There are regularly new displays and exhibitions held at the 17th century house as well as seminars and classes.

Palace de l'Almundaina, Palma de Mallorca

The Palace de l'Almundaina is located next to Palmas cathedral; the site itself has hosted a palace on it since the Muslim wars back in the 14th century. The palace is surrounded by wonderful gardens that are a joy to explore, in the afternoon visitors can find shade when the sun is behind the towering cathedral next to it.

Can Planes Contemporary Art Museum, Sa Pobla

Mallorca has a great selection of museums and art galleries that not only depicts the islands many great resident artists but also influenced individuals from around the world. The Can Planes art museum exhibits and centres upon the interesting and fascinating niche of contemporary art, both inside and in its grounds, visitors can find sculptures and artwork by Mallorcan artists. A toy museum is located on the top floor of the museum and is another reason to head to Sa Pobla.

S'Albufera Natural Park

Majorcahas plenty of nature and the S'Albufera Natural Park has more than enough to enjoy. The wetlands are home to a whole host of birds and wildlife, a visitors' centre is on hand to give more information on the residents of the park and how they live within the nature reserve.  Thom Sanders

Beaches in Mexico

When in Mexico, one must make it a priority to spend some quality time on at least one of the many beaches in Mexico. The Mexican coastlines and harbor areas have numerous stretches of beautiful beaches that are visited frequently by sun bathers, tourists, and any visitors seeking a great relaxing getaway.

Located on the Yucatan peninsula, Cancun is a very popular Mexican beach vacation destination. It is a resort town that is very popular among university students especially during the week of spring break. Offshore, there is Isla Mujeres a beautiful beach island. There is also Isla Holbox which is also a beautiful getaway resort.

The Pacific coast resort town of Acapulco also is a very popular resort. This resort attracts many rich and famous people and over the years has become overrun with tourists. There are man large hotels that line the beautiful beaches of Acapulco. Many travellers are attracted by a popular Acapulco activity, cliff diving. There are several locations for one to jump many metres off cliffs into beautiful clear blue waters.

Further south of Acapulco there is Puerto Escondido. This beach area is ideal for surfing and snorkeling. There are many different beaches in Mexico and some offer different activities because of geological and geographical factors. Some other notable beaches include: Ixtapa, Guerrero, Ensenada, Baja, San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur California, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Playa Miramar. Cd. Madero, Tamaulipas, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Huatulco, Oaxaca, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Guaymas, Sonora, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Acapulco, Guerrero, Cancún, Quintana Roo, Puerto Escondido and Oaxaca.  Harry Preston

The Beaches of Puerto Vallarta

The beaches in and around Puerto Vallarta may be the most diverse in Mexico. Located at the midpoint of Banderas Bay, the area surrounding Puerto Vallarta boasts 34 miles of coastline, 26 of which are sandy beaches. Within the city, the beaches are elegant and pristine, bordered by restaurants and resorts.

Beaches to the north of the city tend to be longer and wider, with great opportunities for surfing and swimming. South of Puerto Vallarta, the mountains topple into the sea in places, creating placid coves and intimate sandy pockets.

Playa Los Muertos is the most frequented beach in Puerto Vallarta. This sandy beach is long and wide with small waves perfect for swimming. Despite its popularity, there is usually plenty of room to spread out a towel and soak up rays. Los Muertos is a bustling place full of craft and food vendors; the beach itself is lined by numerous resorts, restaurants and bars. This is also a great place to ride a parasail and get a bird's eye view of the city. The beach has the added attraction of being on the edge of Viejo Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta's beautiful old town.

Several other beautiful beaches lie in close proximity to the city's Hotel Zone. Playa El Saldo, also known as Marina Vallarta, primarily caters to hotel guests. However, the beach is wide and well-maintained, offering stunning views of the city and its mountainous backdrop. Playa Pelicanos is generally quiet, making it a great place to escape the beach crowds while remaining in the heart of the city. Playa Las Glorias is the name of the sandy stretch between Playa Pelicanos and Marina Vallarta. If you're staying in a hotel north of the primary Hotel Zone, you will find this excellent swimming beach outside your back door.

North of the city, the beach of Nuevo Vallarta offers a wider stretch of sand with fewer rocks than most beaches within Banderas Bay. As favorites of families, visitors to Playa Destiladeres and Playa Bucerias can expect mild waves (perfect for boogie-boarding or learning to surf), elegant white sand beaches and fresh seafood at charming palapa-shaded restaurants. To the North, Punta Mita, also known as Playa Anclote, is distinguished for its row of pleasant beach restaurants and gentle slope, making it a perfect beach for all ages. With consistently low, rolling waves, Punta Mita is also celebrated as an excellent place to learn to surf. 

There are even a few surfing schools that offer instruction to travelers. For those with more experience on the waves, the tiny community of Sayulita is the place of choice. A surfing mecca of international renown, the shoreline of this picturesque fishing village is home to abundant coves and beaches where surfers hunt perfect waves and day trippers relax in the sun. 

As Sayulita has developed over the past few years into a surfer's town with a bohemian feel, travelers will be treated to a refreshing, laid-back attitude. A few miles beyond the northern-most point of the bay are the beaches of San Francisco and San Pancho. Sporting a windswept and primitive feeling, with deeper, creamier sand and rougher waters than inside Banderas Bay, these beaches are ideal for travelers who want a taste of pristine nature and the open sea.

To the south of Puerto Vallarta lie such treasures as Playa Gemelas, Playa Garza Blanca, and Playa Punta Negra. Because both are slightly more difficult to access, you'll find beautiful beaches that are fairly secluded and scarcely used, with great rock outcroppings for snorkeling. In this area, you'll also find Playa Mismaloya, where John Huston's The Night of the Iguana was filmed in 1963, putting Puerto Vallarta on the international tourist map. With a rustic South Seas feel, Boca de Tomatlan is a small sandy cove at the jungle's edge three miles south of Mismaloya where the Tomatlan River meets the bay. Boca de Tomatlan is the last beach stop on the primary road heading south from Puerto Vallarta. It is another great site for swimming or snorkeling with a couple of lovely beach restaurants where you can sit under a palapa on the beach and enjoy fresh seafood.

To the south of Boca de Tomatlan are a number of quaint fishing villages, secluded beaches and peaceful coves. Playas Las Caletas and Las Animas are elegant, rock-lined stretches ideal for quiet relaxation. Quimixto, one of the largest fishing villages in the southern half of Banderas Bay, features a number of excellent restaurants and the best surf south of Puerto Vallarta. Near the southern-most point of the bay, Majahuitas and Yelapa allow visitors to feel completely removed from civilization. Bordered by lush jungles, these beaches are the definition of tropical privacy.  Justin Burch

A Family Holiday in Melbourne

Melbourne is a beautiful and fun city to visit with the family. With lots of fun activities for kids and couples, Melbourne is a city full of great places to visit, stay and explore. Founded in 1835, during the reign of King William IV, Melbourne has some of the most interesting and diverse cultures. From their art scene to sports events, Melbourne is popular for just about everything and something for everyone.

To find cheap flights to Melbourne try to book the flight at least a few weeks in advance. If you do not already have a travel agent or a website you have been using to buy your tickets, then simply search for cheap flights Melbourne online and it will give you the top websites offering travel services. Be sure to check at least 4 different sites to compare costs end up with the cheapest tickets.

When taking a family holiday it is very vital to pick a place that has affordable and easy local travel. Melbourne has one of the most organized bus systems that will take passengers around the city. For longer journeys, they have the greyhound and the Southern Cross Railway Station, so a trip to Sydney can also be incorporated into your family holiday.

If visiting Melbourne in the summer, it's a great place to spend time with the family on the Brighton beach. With lots of fast food outlets, bars, restaurants and small shops, it is a fun place to take the kids and kick off your own shoes and soak up some sun. If you do not enjoy the beach scene, then head to Melbourne's many parks for a picnic and enjoy the local culture, with lots of history each picturesque park, like the Alexandra Gardens or the Birrarung Mar will be an experience.

With one of the most happening art scenes in the world, Melbourne has some great and child-friendly art galleries. The Melbourne Museum has eight galleries, an IMAX theatre and is located in Carlton Gardens. With one gallery dedicated to children, a live rainforest and a cultural centre there is plenty to explore for the entire family. Melbourne is also home to ArtPlay, a creative arts studio for children, where for a small fee children can create mosaics, paintings and other crafts.

With a Chinatown and Greek Precinct, Melbourne offers a wide range of experiences. Lonsdale and Russells street are full of delightful Greek dining, galleries and shops. Melbourne is definitely a really amazing city that is expanding in more than one ways, with lots of exciting places to visit and exciting events happening around the clock, it is a new family favourite because of its tourist friendly transport and affordable local hotels.  Carl Liver and Barry S Summers