20070930
About Thailand
About Thailand. Geography: The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions : the mountains and forests of the North ; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains ; the semi-arid farm lands ofthe Northeast plateau ; and the tropical island and long coastline of the peninsula South. The country comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Thailand's revered Royal Family, with His majesty the King recognised as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of all religions. Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, the present king. The King has reigned for more than half a century, making him the longest reigning Thai monarch. Thailand embraces a rich diversity, of cultures and traditions. With its proud history, tropical climate and renowned hospitality, the Kingdom is a never-ending source of fascination and pleasure for international visitors. Climate: Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons-hot and dry from February to May (average temperature 34 degrees Celsius and 75% humidity); rainy with plenty of sunshine from June to October (average day temperature 29 degrees Celsius and 87% humidity); and cool from November to January (temperatures range from 32 degrees Celsius to below 20 degrees celsius with a drop in humidity). Much lower temperatures are experienced in the North and Northeast during nighttime. The South has a tropical rainforest climate with temperatures averaging 28 degrees celsius almost all year round. Location: Thailand is situated in the heart of the Southeast Asian mainland, covering an area of 513,115 sq kms and extends about 1,620 kilometers from north to south and 775 kilometers from east to west. Thailand borders the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the Union of Myanmar to the North, the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Gulf of Thailand to the East, the Union of Myanmar and the Indian Ocean to the West, and Malaysia to the south. Language: The national and official language is Thai, while English is widely spoken and understood in major cities particularly in Bangkok and in business circles. Population: The population of Thailand reached 63.36 millions persons at the end of 2003, of which approximately 25 percent are under theage of 15. The size of the workforce is approximately 35 million persons, with the majority of the workforce being under 30 years of age. At the end of 2003, the number of unemployed persons was 0.69 millions persons, 2.0 percent of the total labor force and approximately 1 percent of the totel population. Each year about 800,000 people join thelabor force, with a literacy rate above 90 percent. Many standard labor practices apply, including mandatory severance packages and overtime payments for work in excess of the normal workday. The minimum wage in Thailand is currently 169 baht per day (about US$4.00) in bangkok, and between 133-168 baht in other provinces. While not the lowest labor market in the region, Thailand's workforce is among the most cost-efficient in the world, as they have earned a reputation for diligence and adaptability. In recent years, there has been increased emphasis on education. The Ninth National Economic and Social Development Plan (2002-2006) has focused on balanced development of human, social, economic, and environmental resoures. Transportation: International and Domestic Travel Flying is the most convenient mode of transportation for most visitors traveling to Thailand. Domestic flights are also easy and convenient, cutting down on journey time. A number of domestic carriers service a majority of large provincial cities dotting generously across the country. Travel to neighboring countries is cheaper when booked within Thailand. Train services connect Bangkok to all regions of the country at reasonable prices. A regular rail service also runs between Bangkok and Singapore via Malaysia. Long distance coaches, both air-conditioned and open-aired, connect all major cities. At the local level, diverse forms of transportation are provided: provincial buses, city buses, songthaews, tuk-tuks, rickshaws, boats, and even rental cars. Bangkok International Airport (BIA) Commonly called "Don Muang" , it is the entry point for a vast majority of visitors to Thailand annually. Considered as one of the more modern and efficient international airports in Asia, the singposts are easy to follow and written in both English and Thai. Free luggage carts are provided at the terminal gates. After clearing Immigration Services (vast number of counters, but still slightly slow), take the escalator to the reliable baggage claim area below. If you have nothing to clear, the green customs channel provides a hasty exit into the smiling kingdom of Thailand. Suvarnabhumi Airport Suvarnabhumi Airport, a new international airport located 24 kilometres east of bangkok, was due to be open on September 28, 2006. It replaces the old overloaded airport at Don Muang and accommodates all international and domestic flights to Bangkok..........................................................................
travel pattaya
Thailand Pattaya Thailand travel information and tips.
Accommodations: Pattaya has many types of accommodations available at many different prices. Hotels, condos, guest houses and rental homes are available by the day, the week, the month or the year.
Hotels / Guest Houses:
The best way to find clean cheap hotels in Pattaya is to stay of the beaten path. Anything on Beach road will be both expensive and dirty, the same goes for 2nd road. Amazingly enough, in Pattaya, a more expensive hotel doesn't necessarily guarantee you a higher quality room. The right hotels have nice rooms for the same price. You can expect to pay about 500 baht per night for a nice room. Hot water, daily change of sheets, safe, and 24 hours security are included. The deposit is usually about 1000 baht. Cheaper rooms can be had for 250 baht with no air conditioning, I would not recommend these hotels unless you are a budget traveler, they are usually decrepit with no windows. If money isn't a big issue you can also stay in posh western hotels They will cost you over 1000 baht per night but will be of world class standard.
Condos:
Condos are basically studio apartments. They are furnished and cost on average about 12 000-16 000 baht per month. Electricity and water are not included but you can expect to pay an extra 1000 - 2000 baht per month extra. Condos are fully furnished and include cable TV.
Cell phones:
If you plan to stay here for more than 2 weeks, getting a cell phone is recommended (unless you are traveling with your family), you will meet many new friends in Pattaya and cell phones can help you get in touch with them. A used cell phone will cost you about 1000 baht, a good one as high as 15 000 baht. In Thailand electronics carry the same price tag as in the West since the products are imported from Japan.
Motorcycle rentals:
Pattaya has numerous motorcycle rental outfits. You can rent anything from a 125 cc moped to a 1300 cc sport bike. The cost is 150 baht per day for the 125 and 500-1000 baht per day for the big sport bikes. Insurance is sometimes included but not always...you have to ask individual shops about it. You don't need an international driver's license although it is recommended.
Food:
Thai food is very cheap but also very spicy although not all of it. Price varies from 10 - 50 baht with an average of 20 baht a meal. The best way to order is to go to a restaurant that has pictures on the menu. Western fair meals will run you about 150 baht on average, there are plenty of them in Pattaya. Tap water is unsafe to drink but bottled water can be bought at only 5 baht a bottle.
Health:
No vaccination is required but Hepatitis A shots are recommended since the sanitation in small establishments isn't always the best. You should purchase some extra insurance just in case something happens, although a hospital visit is only 30 baht for Thai people, it could be very expensive for foreigners.
Weather:
Perfect, perfect and perfect. Pretty much always sunny, when it does rain it's only for about an hour or so. You won't need to bring your umbrella! The temperature varies from about 25-25 degrees on average. You never get cold in Pattaya.
Things to do:
High speed go Karts 500 baht / 10 minutes Jet skiing 600 baht / 30 minutes Tiger Zoo 400 baht Chinese museum 70 baht Pattaya Park waterslides 100 baht Movies 100 baht
Bruno Vincent info@novatranz.com
Source: www.isnare.com
Accommodations: Pattaya has many types of accommodations available at many different prices. Hotels, condos, guest houses and rental homes are available by the day, the week, the month or the year.
Hotels / Guest Houses:
The best way to find clean cheap hotels in Pattaya is to stay of the beaten path. Anything on Beach road will be both expensive and dirty, the same goes for 2nd road. Amazingly enough, in Pattaya, a more expensive hotel doesn't necessarily guarantee you a higher quality room. The right hotels have nice rooms for the same price. You can expect to pay about 500 baht per night for a nice room. Hot water, daily change of sheets, safe, and 24 hours security are included. The deposit is usually about 1000 baht. Cheaper rooms can be had for 250 baht with no air conditioning, I would not recommend these hotels unless you are a budget traveler, they are usually decrepit with no windows. If money isn't a big issue you can also stay in posh western hotels They will cost you over 1000 baht per night but will be of world class standard.
Condos:
Condos are basically studio apartments. They are furnished and cost on average about 12 000-16 000 baht per month. Electricity and water are not included but you can expect to pay an extra 1000 - 2000 baht per month extra. Condos are fully furnished and include cable TV.
Cell phones:
If you plan to stay here for more than 2 weeks, getting a cell phone is recommended (unless you are traveling with your family), you will meet many new friends in Pattaya and cell phones can help you get in touch with them. A used cell phone will cost you about 1000 baht, a good one as high as 15 000 baht. In Thailand electronics carry the same price tag as in the West since the products are imported from Japan.
Motorcycle rentals:
Pattaya has numerous motorcycle rental outfits. You can rent anything from a 125 cc moped to a 1300 cc sport bike. The cost is 150 baht per day for the 125 and 500-1000 baht per day for the big sport bikes. Insurance is sometimes included but not always...you have to ask individual shops about it. You don't need an international driver's license although it is recommended.
Food:
Thai food is very cheap but also very spicy although not all of it. Price varies from 10 - 50 baht with an average of 20 baht a meal. The best way to order is to go to a restaurant that has pictures on the menu. Western fair meals will run you about 150 baht on average, there are plenty of them in Pattaya. Tap water is unsafe to drink but bottled water can be bought at only 5 baht a bottle.
Health:
No vaccination is required but Hepatitis A shots are recommended since the sanitation in small establishments isn't always the best. You should purchase some extra insurance just in case something happens, although a hospital visit is only 30 baht for Thai people, it could be very expensive for foreigners.
Weather:
Perfect, perfect and perfect. Pretty much always sunny, when it does rain it's only for about an hour or so. You won't need to bring your umbrella! The temperature varies from about 25-25 degrees on average. You never get cold in Pattaya.
Things to do:
High speed go Karts 500 baht / 10 minutes Jet skiing 600 baht / 30 minutes Tiger Zoo 400 baht Chinese museum 70 baht Pattaya Park waterslides 100 baht Movies 100 baht
Bruno Vincent info@novatranz.com
Source: www.isnare.com
20070918
PHUKET Thailand's only island province
Phuket....... Thailand's only island province,Phuket is a world famous tourist destination,renowed for its beautiful beaches,clear waters,lots of offshore islands providing great sites for diving,as well as plentiful high quality resort accommodation. Formerly its great wealth came from tin mining,and the influence of the Chinese tin and rubber entrepreneurs is evident,especially in the town,where numerous Chinese temples and shrines celebrate a Vegetarian Food Festival every October. Today the province's wealth comes from the vest tourism industry that has developed in recent yeares,as travellers around the world discover Phuket has a lot to offer in the way of sun and sea. By contrast the hilly intereriorhides forests,a national park,gibbon rehabilitation centre and promises of elephant treks.Attraction....... Patong Beach Phromthep Cape Karon-Kata Beaches Wat Chalong Phuket AquariumFestivals....... Laguna Phuket Triathlon (October) Phuket Vegetarian Festival (October 20-28) Patong Beach Carnival (November) King's Cup Regatta (December)Souvenirs....... Kung siap (shrimp chilli dip) taosaw dessert cashew nuts pearls batik clothTravel....... By Car : Take Route 4 from Bangkok to the south. Along the way pass the provinces of Nakhon Pathom,passes through Kuraburi,Takuapa,and Thai Muang Districts before reaching the town of Kok Kloy. Then,cross the Thao Thep Kasattri or Sarasin Bridge to Phuket island. The distance is 867 kms. By Coach : Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses leave the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok daily. Southern Bus Terminal Tel. (02)4347192,4345557,Phuket Central Company Tel. (02)4355019 Phuket Travel Tel. (02)4355018,Phuket Bus Terminal Tel. (076)211408. By Air : Thai Airways international operates flights to Phuket daily. The travel time is 1 hour 20 minutes. Contact TG office in Bangkok Tel. (02)2800060,6282000 for flight schedule and reservation. By Sea : The Deep Sea Port (Port of Phuket) at Phuket is visited by both cargo and cruise ship from Thailand and from abroad. Contact your travel for information about the many different ships that stop at Phuket.
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