Thailand is famous for the beautiful locations, friendly / smiley peoples and hospitality.

But there is another thing that many visitors fall in love with: thai cusine.

Most of the people who have visited Thailand might just know padthai, tom yum kung, red curry and green curry (if you know more than these dishes give an applause to yourself).

There is so much more to discover in Thai cuisine especially if you are ready to get out of your comfort zone and sample the very famous Thai street food

Thai people love “street food” and in every street corners you will find many different kind of food from traditional Thai dishes to western / modern ones (like crepes) to food coming from Laos, China, Vietnam and even muslims favorites

All the major tourist places like Koh San Road in Bangkok, Phuket, Chang Mai and Koh Samui offer hundreds of street food vendor but even in places off the tourist map you will find plenty of choice.

You might worry about the hygiene of the food and if you might get sick from it.

You should open your mind and try, as long as you eat something that is cooked in front of you, you will not get sick.

Try a little of everything and surely you will find your new favorite Thai dish!

Tips to ensure that street food is safe to eat:

1. To be sure of the hygiene of street food only choose the food cooked in front of you
2. The food and the ingredients before being cooked in front of you need to be covered by something to protect them from dust and smog. Best by a plastic or glass box but also thin towel will provide enough protection.
3. Never drink water that is offered in the shops. This include ice the may want to add to your soft drinks or beers. It may be tempting since the water /ice is free but you will regret it later when spending all night on the toilet.
4. Street food carts offer no menu. What you see is what you get. This may sound scary but you can guess all the ingredients just by looking at the food cooked in front of you.
5. Street food carts that gets the most customers are the safest to eat. A constant flow of customers ensure that the ingredients are always fresh and the food cooked on order.

If you follow these easy safety tips you will have no problems at all and enjoy a fun night out Thai style!

In case you are still not convinced about the safety nowadays you will find food courts in every big shopping mall that try to recreate a street food feeling.

In this article I am going to give you seven reasons you should visit Thailand. It is a beautiful country and has a lot to offer. I have been there twice already and I have to say it was a life changing experience for me.

Ok so why should you go to Thailand and what does it have to offer?

1. The Beaches

My number one reason to visit would have to be the beautiful beaches. You are really spoilt for choice and it is really up to you which ones you go to. Some of the most beautiful ones that I have seen are on the island of Ko Pha Ngan, south of the mainland.

2. The People

You will find that the Thai people are very friendly and welcoming. Thailand is often called “The Land Of Smiles” and it really does live up to its name. If you visit Thailand you will be sure to make a lot of new friends.

3. The Atmosphere

Thailand has a unique atmosphere that is very laid back. You can take your time to enjoy the surroundings and take things at your own pace. This is another thing that makes Thailand so special.

4. The Food

Thai food is delicious and extremely healthy. You will find that you rarely will want to cook because the food is so affordable you can just eat out whenever you like. There is a wide range of seafood, noodles and rice dishes. You can eat at local markets, food stalls and restaurants. There are plenty of options for you to choose from!

5. The Temples

Thailand has some magnificent temples that you can visit during the day. Some of the most spectacular ones are in the capitol city of Bangkok but there are many others all around the country.

6. The Nightlife

If you like to party than Thailand could be the place for you. There is always something going on whether you are in Bangkok or staying on one of the islands. There are usually posters everywhere letting you know what is happening and when.

7. The Adventure

I saved the best until last. The most exciting thing about Thailand is that you never know what will happen next. It is one big adventure from the minute you arrive. I think this is what will keep me coming back again and again. You really have to experience it for yourself!

So here are my 7 reason why you definitely should visit Thailand at least once in your life. I know you will enjoy it as much as I did. If you do decide to visit “The Land Of Smiles” then it will surely be an unforgettable experience, which you will never forget.

The most important city of north Thailand, Chiang Mai is one place where there is something for everyone. At a distance of 435 miles from Bangkok, the city attracts about 5 million visitors every year. So there is no reason why one should not come to this beautiful city. Thailand is popular for its glittering nightlife but the place has much more to offer. The city is very religious and celebrates many festivals and events. There is a number of tours to witness the wildlife and enjoy photography.

Hotels in Chiang Mai

This shining city of Thailand has the best facilities in accommodation. The hotels in the city are both elite as well as economical. The Siripanna Grand Resort & Villa is very popular among the tourists and also the most recommended. It offers great food and view and the staff is very friendly. It is fully booked in the tourist season; so to stay here an early booking should be preferred. And for those who can spend more, there is the Rimping Village which is beautiful and also the most exclusive hotel of the city. There are many more options to choose from.

Restaurant in Chiang Mai

The food of this part of Thailand is amazing. There are so many restaurants which offer mouth watering food. The food here is as exclusive as the country and delicious. There are large numbers of restaurants in the city as lots of tourists come here. Some of the very popular restaurants are The Good News Restaurant, The House Restaurant or The Antique Restaurant.

Holiday in Chiang Mai

A holiday in the city means a whole new experience for those who think Thailand is just about nightlife. Various tours like the Elephant Jungle Trek and Ping River Rafting Tour or the Temples Half-Day Tour take the traveler to its magnificent wildlife for which Thailand is famous in the whole world. The events like the Yipeng Loi and Krathong Festivals attract a lot of tourists every year. Even the Ping River Festival is held as a tribute to River God and shows the religious side of the city. It is not at all difficult to travel in the city as all means of transport are available. One can travel by air or by train but a private taxi can be trusted the most. Of course, when in the city one can go for the best of movies and parties and have a blast!

In Thailand, Akha is the tribal community who live in the hills of Chiang Rai, the Northern Province. The Swing ceremony of Akha tribal community is held between mid-August and September. This ritual takes place just two months before corn and rice are ready for harvesting. Celebrating the Swing Festival is a way of saying thanks and expressing respect for food. The festival is celebrated for four days and night by dancing, singing, feasting and enjoyment.

The Akha people believe in worshipping their ancestors, as they believe after the death of an elder, they become their guardian and look after their welfare. They also think that the abundance crops are blessings of their ancestors.

This annual Swing ceremony also acts as a transition from adolescence to adulthood. During this ceremony Akha girls are dressed as a full grown adult with ornamental head dress which is designed to reflect different stages of a woman’s life.

On the first day of the festival all family members gather at 11 in the morning to prepare for their ritual offerings. They offer one red and one black chicken along with wine, ginger, tealeaves and other items to their ancestors at noon. Then through out the night they dance and sing.

The second day is the most important of all days. It involves the whole community and village priest, and the tribal elders lead the ceremony. They dismantle the old swing erected the previous year and put up a new swing in that place.

On the third day, offerings are made at the dawn and on the final day; the village priest declares the end of the ceremony which is held again the following year.

After hearing from many Thai’s raving on about Trang and how the snorkeling was great, I thought I better go see what the fuss is all about and also heard great reviews in a few Thai forums. My wife and I went to a travel expo in Bangkok and booked a package which included 2 nights accommodation, including all meals and 2 days of snorkeling.

After a 1 hour flight we landed in Trang, it is located south of Phuket. Our resort picked us up from the airport and took us to a pier for our ferry to our resort which was on a small island. At the pier I couldn’t help but notice all the rubbish that was around, the place was filthy and I was starting to think this trip is not going to live up to the hype from my Thai friends. But after the ferry to our resort I was surprised that the rubbish had disappeared. Our bungalow was located about 10 meters from the beach which was nice.

After we dropped our bags off we went to have diner, where we were greeted with 6 dishes of seafood. The amount of food would of feed a family. After dinner which we didn’t come close to finishing we went back to the bungalow for some sleep to get ready for a full day of snorkeling.

In the 2 days of snorkeling, we had an amazing time, there was so much fish and they would eat rice right out of our hands. We also went to a place called the emerald cave, its a small opening in the side of a mountain which we swam as a group into (with life jackets). The cave was really dark, but if you looked down the water was light blue and was giving us a little light from the reflection from the sun. After about 30 meters in it just went pitch black for about 50 meters. Once we got to the end of the cave, the water lit up as there was an opening at the end of the cave. Our guide told us there is a small beach surrounded by cliffs on the other side of the wall. But to get there we would have to swim under the wall for about 5 meters. I am a pretty strong swimmer and it was easy for me, but we had one guy who couldn’t swim at all. We had to make him hold his breath and 2 of us swam and pushed him under and through to the other side.

Once we all got through we were on a beach that was about 50 by 50 meters. It was a stunning place. I was told by our guide, that many years ago this is where pirates used to hide there valuables.

Once we got back out we went to many other spots to snorkel before we went back to our resort.It was an exhausting day.

After each tiring day we were greeted by a huge amount of seafood for dinner. I have to say this trip did live up to the hype. Trang is a beautiful place to visit, I would recommend it to anyone. If you like the sun, good food and snorkeling, then Trang is the place to go.

Nothing beats true adventure tours in Thailand. It is a land of fun, exotic cuisine and a melting pot of culture unique even in Southeast Asia. It has something for everyone – but especially for an intrepid jungle trekker and outdoor explorer. Strap that backpack on and enter a steamy, mysterious world where temples and skyscrapers sit squarely next to each other.

Before you pack your bags, keep a few things in mind:

Pack smart. Packing light means packing smart. Look for light garments that can be easily folded, washed and reused. Multifunction garments are a must. Pack a light blanket and towel. Accommodation here is wonderfully welcoming, but you may find yourself stranded outside the common bathroom with a towel older than you!

Get the best backpack and pair of good shoes you can afford. You will be riding a lot of tuk-tuks (pedicabs), buses, walking the towns and villages and more. Well-made gear will last through the weather and travel, but also stop your back from aching, your feet from swelling and turning your adventure into an exercise in misery.

Cash on hand. If you can change money before you leave your country, do so. Exchange rates are higher in airports, so you may not get the most out of your money. You do not want to end up stranded at the airport without a single baht to your name while some tourist hawker waves a Tours in Thailand sign at you!

Water. This may be a tired maxim but tours in Thailand can be ruined by a bout of stomach flu, or a fever you just quite cannot shake. Developed country stomachs cannot handle water from the tap so buy bottled every time. If you cannot stand the thought of constantly having to pay for water, bring a filtration device or a reusable tumbler.

Eat everything cooked. Until you acclimatise (or until your stomach does) avoid fresh greens or raw fruit. [Unless you are travel-savvy enough to have packed vegetable wash.] Looking forward to eating fresh greens? Mix one part vinegar to three parts water to rinse your veggies in – it is an organic wash that can help kill microorganisms.

Bring meds. Check and double check your painkillers, vitamins and any medical necessities. You may want to add a few water purification tablets too. Over-the-counter meds are not a rarity in Thailand, but you do not want to find yourself stranded in the middle of a temple tour with a nasty case of the hives. If you are allergic to food or medication, keep a note on your person (preferably somewhere where it can easily be seen) in English and if possible, Thai.

Stay fit. If you are used to exercise, hit the markets and temples right off the bat to help you work off that jet lag. Rent a bike to tour the city if you want to keep up your exercise regime, sign up for a muay thai class if you have the time, swim or dive.

Use the network. Before checking into a hotel or signing up for a tour, use the power of the Internet. Many ratings websites give you an honest write up. Join forums, ask questions and plan out your route and trip accordingly.

This exotic Asian country is an adventures haven. Many tours in Thailand are geared towards the discerning backpacker. Make the right decisions and your money will go a long way towards creating that out of the country experience you have always wanted.

If you are planning for a holiday trip that would be memorable and at the same time would not burn a hole in your pocket then tour Thailand. Although, it is not among the best tourist locations, it certainly is nothing less than a paradise for those who love to mix themselves into new culture and new experiences. Thailand is a place that provides you with a lot of activities and relaxation as well. You will find a lot of ethnic culture, food, customs, traditions, places and people that will take you into a new world that you would have never heard about.

Today, Thailand earns around six percent of its national GDP through tourism and as per the travel experts; Thailand will soon become one of the most preferred locations in the Southeast Asia because people do not have to spend out more on their tour. The ferries and bus transport in Thailand is comparatively cheaper and therefore international tourists are willing to move from one part of the country to another without any problems. As per the survey in 2009, more than 14 million international visitors had visited Thailand which is a growth of 7 percent from the earlier years and it is expected that the number of visitors to Thailand will grow in 2010 as well.

If you are planning to tour Thailand make sure that you find a good hotel over there which fits your budget rather than going for expensive accommodation. Since Thailand has more natural resources, the real pleasure is when you enjoy your stay in natural environment like on beaches and places around beaches. However, if you love to visit Thailand when it is not crowded than make sure you visit Thailand in the month of January to May because during these months you will find that there are not many tourists around and the weather too is warm so you can make the most of out the weather.

Thailand has a lot of attractions apart from natural landscapes. If you are in Thailand make sure that you visit places like Phanom Rung, Buddhist temples and other World Heritage sites. If you love to participate and watch the culture of Thailand than do watch some of the favorite festivals in Thailand like Songkran, Rocket Festival and Phi Ta Kon festival. These festivals mostly happen in the month of March to May because the climate is pleasant and warm. You can even try the delicious Thai cuisine when you are roaming different places in Thailand.

Before going to Thailand, I was ignorant of Indochinese in the same way that I found many Americans to be ignorant of any essential differences between the Japanese and Chinese. I guess I too thought of Indochinese as some sort of variant of Chinese. I was in for quite a surprise when I arrived in Bangkok in 1986 and though I found lots of East Asian trappings I realized very quickly that Thai culture was completely different from the East Asian culture I had been used to. And it’s not that the fact of this difference took me by surprise really; it’s more that I had no clue as to what Thai culture was and it was a whole new world to me, replete with wonders, friendly people, scammers, and mean-looking soldiers.

I want to dispense with the rip-off artists right off the bat. Thailand seems to have more than its fair share of them even now, as the nation grows more prosperous. But to be fair, it seemed like there were less scammers when I was there in the mid-eighties, although Thailand was a much poorer country than it is now. Maybe they were just unaware that tourists mean lots of money. In any case scammers are prolific in any nation that is poorer relative to the tourists that it hosts. This is true all over the world and Thailand is no exception.

What I suppose I loved most about the Thais was there lack of formality, their honesty, happy laughter, and nonchalance. Mai pen rai may now be a cliche Thaiism, but I remember a distinct never mind attitude when I was there. And I remember that between strangers Thais were more than willing to construct a relationship ad hoc. I remember the time that I walked into a drug store to buy some prickly heat powder, and the lady pointed at my face, laughed, and said, You no shave (I hadn’t). I remember the boarding school high school boy on the overnight bus who fell asleep on my chest like I was his brother or something (what was I to do, push him off?). And I remember the pretty lady at the boat ticket office who looked me squarely in the face, smiled, and said, You’re good looking man (she wasn’t flirting, just observing). In a similar vein, I remember an attractive vegetable market girl suddenly grabbing my arm, saying, You buy. No meaning to it, just high pressure sales Thai style.

But Thais seem to be both more professional and less trusting these days. Mai pen rai.

Phuket Island Thailand – One of the World’s Great Island Holidays

Most people visit Phuket for the beaches and because it’s one of those ‘must-see’ tropical islands. For those who can pry themselves away from the regular tourist trappings and head across the island, they can catch a glimpse of what the island offered prior to the growth of the tourism industry.

At the island’s main crossroads at Ban Tha Rua stand bronze statues of Khunying Jan and her sister Mook, celebrating their heroic and successful resistance to the Burmese invasion in 1785. In Phuket City, the ornate Chinese wats of Jui Tai and Put Jaw are testament to the island’s economic history. Tin was once the primary source of wealth for the island, and from the 16th century onwards, Hakka Chinese entrepreneurs and their workforces came to the island to exploit the mines.

When the price of Tin dropped, the island shifted its primary production to rubber and pineapple plantations and then, in the mid 1970’s, turned it’s attention to maximizing the possibilities provided by an inexhaustible stream of tourists.

Between the headlands, particularly on Phuket’s west coast, are the sandy beaches fringing the Andaman Sea against a backdrop of the little explored interior of heavily forested mountains. Chief among these beaches is Patong, the eternally busy repository of most of Phuket’s hustle and bustle. This is where the Hawkers hawk, touts tout and the kathoey ladyboys bamboozle beer-soaked tourists in the bars of Soi Bangla.

In the 2004 tsunami Patong’s many hotel developments suffered badly, though Hat Kamala slightly to the north bore the full brunt.

If the pace of life in Patong is taking it’s toll, if the prospect of yet another karaoke night seems simply too demanding, there are a myriad of alternatives to chose from. After all, Phuket is a considerably large island, nearly the size of Singapore in fact, so your options are hardly restricted.

To find the quieter beaches it’s advised you head to the northern end of the island, where Phuket’s largest beach, Hat Mai Khao, remains relatively unspoiled and less crowded. Just round the corner of the islands southern tip is Rawai Beach, which (by virtue of its east coast location) offers some fabulous sunset views.

Away from the water and the ribbon developments visitors will find the interiors national parks and reserves, along with the rubber and pineapple plantations. If the mind is soothed by these peaceful surroundings, the body can also enjoy it’s own vacation during the nine-day vegetarian festival that falls each October, at the end of the cool season in Phuket – a true detox for body, mind and spirit.

Amongst the myriad of pleasures on Phuket is the fabulous local cuisine. Don’t be afraid to be adventurous and seek out the eating-houses where locals are dining on mass. This is a sure sign that the food is good and inexpensive. The experience alone is enough to satisfy you but the quality of the meals will draw you back time and again.

Relax and enjoy this slice of paradise, an island so rich with offerings and yet so peaceful and rejuvenating. The speedboat day-trips to Phi Phi Island are highly recommended. Take in James Bond Island and the location for the filming of Hollywood movie ‘The Beach’. It’s wonderful day on the water and a visual delight.

For a wonderful holiday that will not break the bank, Phuket Island Thailand has to be one of the most attractive destinations on the planet. Arrive, relax, indulge and experience…

There are many countries to visit in the world and each offers its own unique attractions and reasons to be visited. So, why Thailand? What makes this country unique, worthwhile and simply a great place to visit?

With approximately 15 000 000 visitors per annum, and many return visitors from previous years, certainly confirm the popularity of the country, but you are unique and will you find what you are looking for?

Many people have indicated to me that, if you are going to be flying all the way to Thailand, I guess you have to be someone who likes the beach and the ocean.

This indicates the perception of people that Thailand is all about warm weather, islands, blue seas, white beaches and palm trees. While this is certainly part of the allure, it definitely is not all Thailand is about.

The first thing that comes to mind is the price tag for visiting and staying in hotels in Thailand. Whether you are a back packer, 5 star vacationer or somewhere in-between, Thailand remains one of the most affordable travel destinations in the world.

When elements like the quality of hotel establishments in Thailand (which rival the best in the world) the beautiful surroundings, family friendliness and warm tropical weather to name but a few, is also brought into the equation, accommodation in Thailand is an outright bargain.

To add to the attractive hotel accommodation prices in Thailand, this must also be one of the countries in the world, if not the country in the world, where hotels offer the most incredible special deals and money saving packages.

Where else would you find hotels offering deals like “stay 16 nights and pay only 8” or “stay 10 and pay only 5”? It is also not like there is just one or two offering such a deal once in a while. There are a plethora of them, ranging from 3 to 5 star all over Thailand, including destinations like Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi and basically all the rest.

The next reason on my list is the extremes to which hotels and resorts in Thailand go to create the ultimate family friendly vacation destination.

To start with, it is a known fact that Thais are extremely fond of children, and as an expat Thailand resident, this became very apparent very quickly. Hotels and resorts all over Thailand acknowledges children as their future customers and as such the highly professional kids clubs with an array of educational and other fun and exiting kids activities, creates a haven for children to enjoy their own holiday. At the same time, this creates time for the parents to have time available to them selves.

Many hotels in all price categories also offer ideal family friendly accommodation. From two to five bedroom accommodation and themed children’s rooms, small to large families will find suitable accommodation anywhere in Thailand.

Thailand is safe. Even for the single female traveler, this must be one of the safest tourist destinations in the world. It certainly cannot be argued that crime will never take place in Thailand. However, Thais are a non aggressive people and the probability of a tourist falling victim to crime, especially violent crime, remains very low. To maintain this status as a safe tourist destination, The Royal Thai Police have established the Tourist Police Division. These men and women are mostly English capable, unbiased and a tourist’s first friend when arriving in the land of smiles.

Referring back to our first point in terms of Thailand not being all sand and surf, the diversity of the country’s landscape, history and culture as a tourist attraction, needs special mention.

Thai civilization dates back to 3600 BC, though Thailand first announced independence around 1238 AD. Since then, the city of Sukhothai was taken from the Khmer Empire and placed under Thai rule, the Lanna Kingdom was founded, Ayutthaya was the first capital and later moved to more or less where Bangkok is today and cities and temples, of which the outer walls and ruins can still be visited today, was build. Hence, Thailand with all these heritage sites, palaces and museums, is a history lovers dream and will enrich your knowledge of a very old and very exciting culture. Then many historical and ancient places are actually a must for every tourist.

As said, Thailand’s beautiful islands, warm azure oceans, crystal white beaches and warm tropical weather is the primary reasons for many, if not most who come here. However, getting off the beaten track can lead to a very exciting and fulfilling visit.

Venture up north to Places like Chiang Mai (a place they say perfected hospitality), Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son, to experience more typical Thai culture, the friendliness of the people and a jaw dropping landscape. Green forested hills, rivers and waterfalls define the beautiful environment, also rich with history and culture.

A plethora of national parks dot Thailand, especially in the north, criss crossed by hiking trails, waiting to be explored. This is a far cry from sipping cocktails under a palm tree on an island right?

And while you are there, visit the Northern Hill Tribes, descendants of Chinese, Burmese, Laotians & Vietnamese who migrated to Thailand over the centuries. Still dressing in traditional clothing and very much still living the way they always did, these friendly people is an experience not to be missed.

Another highlight of traveling through Thailand is the cost of transport. Certainly, if one is going to travel in private luxury all the time, things can be slightly more expensive, but generally, traveling in Thailand can be dirt cheap and the many colourful transport options make it as much fun as it is budget friendly.

Also, the more authentic and local your mode of transport, and thus also more fun, the cheaper it gets. Swap the fancy speedboat for a longtail boat for instance (not all longtail boats look like a canoe. Some are bigger boats carrying larger cargo, but they are basic). It is much slower, but you get to see so much more and it just feels great.

Take the train from Bangkok to Surat Thani if you are traveling to several islands in The Gulf of Thailand instead of flying. Even with a mini bus from Bangkok to Chumpon and from there by boat to islands in the Gulf will cost you less than 2000 Thai Baht for a 600 kilometer journey. All the while it will be a much bigger adventure and part of your entire vacation experience than just taking the fastest and most expensive option.

In summary, you want to visit Thailand because it is so different. Different to the west, but also different to most other eastern or Asian countries.

A big city like Bangkok aside, Thailand is still very much rural, and even in towns a little more developed like Hua Hin, Thailand still retains a very authentic Thai feel. Life is still simple in many ways with a relaxed, tomorrow will see to itself attitude.

Our advice is to book hotel accommodation in more than one region of Thailand. Spend a week on an island, but then also explore the inner and northern part of Thailand, be surprised and impressed at the same time and start making plans to return as soon as possible.

For fast & friendly service and the best prices where it comes to hotel bookings, transport arrangements and tours and excursions, contact http://www.thebesthotelsinthailand.com