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Thailand has a very diverse geography, ranging from arid plateaus in the north-east, towering mountains in the north and steamy jungles in the south. This diversity has led to an amazing variety of plants and animals. Travellers to this amazing country can expect some world-class scuba diving, rock climbing, bird watching, flower spotting and trekking, and many vets flock to Thailand to help care for animals in the country's numerous nature reserves and sanctuaries. Flowers and plants of Thailand Thailand boasts more than 27,000 species of flowering plant, everything from bamboo trees to the national flower called Ratchaphruek, or golden shower. The country is also famous for producing and exporting orchids, of which there are over 1,000 species unique to Thailand. There is also the lotus flower, which in Thailand appears in white or pink colours and is very closely associated with the country's main religion, Buddhism, being a symbol for peace, purity and wisdom. Bud…

Bangkok the big mango Bangkok is the ideal starting point for any Thai holiday and countless monstrous shopping centers and hundreds of clubs will keep you busy forever. The tourist's sights around the grand palace will be done in a weekend and if shopping is not your thing Bangkok have exit in all directions for very cheap prices by air, bus or train. It is also the home of Khosan Road the mysterious street that is the big starting point for every person who wants to be called a true backpacker in Asia. You will feel right at home with backpackers delight such as Star Bucks and Mac D that moved in a few years ago. Pattaya the black pearl on the east coast of Thailand Pattaya, discovered by the Americans during the south east Asia wars, built up by sun hungry men from the United Kingdom during the 1980s, invaded by Vikings in the 1990 and put to sleep until around 2000 when the Arab invasion started but was stopped by the Russian take over in 2006. People come to Patta…

Thailand is a very popular tourist destination in Asia and it is not hard to see why. The country offers an abundance of natural attractions, unique cuisine, and great people - not to mention fantastic weather! Visa Requirements Visitors from most Asian nations as well as tourists from the European Union and Western countries are not required to have a visa to enter Thailand if their primary purpose for visiting is a vacation. However, you need to have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country. Depending on the home country and the means of transportation, visitors get permits of different lengths, so it is best to get in touch with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to find out more. Tourists should also note that they are legally required to carry their passport with them at all times. Things to Do Thailand constantly draws tourists year in and year out. One of the most popular tourist attractions are the many beautiful bea…

How long do I need in the north? Many people ask me how long they need in the North - my personal answer would be 'it could never be long enough!' My first visit to Thailand 4 years ago was to the North, and I have been living here for the past 2 years. For those restricted to a travel schedule though, at least 2 days is needed to cover the basic sightseeing of Chiang Mai (the capital of the North) although you could spend a week and not have covered all that the city and it's surrounds has to offer. If you want to explore the countryside beyond Chiang Mai a recommended 3 days is needed to fully appreciate Chiang Rai province, and a further 5 days for Mae Hong Son. What is the best time of year to go? Winter in Thailand is from November - February, which is also the tourism high season here. Travellers prefer to come during these months as the temperature is slightly cooler, it is also the best weather for trekking. Whilst many people avoid rainy season (May-Sep), ther…

With the currency exchange, it is difficult not to find frugal attractions in Bangkok, Thailand. However, there are a few tips to make travel dollars stretch even further and to better the travel experience. The Grand Palace And The Temple Of The Emerald Buddha Yes, there is an entrance fee (200 Baht, roughly $6 U.S.) but this sight is a must see for any visitor to Bangkok. It hosts a range of Thai architecture. Temples and other national monuments have a strict dress code. No shorts, sleeveless tops, or risqué dress. This is true of the most religious places the world over but in Thailand, travelers should also not wear open heeled sandals (there must be a strap behind the heel). Thai Customs Which leads to some Thai customs that savvy travelers observe. Shorts are considered appropriate only for children and the lower class. The head is considered sacred (closest to the heavens) so do not touch. Actually try not to touch the locals at all. Feet are als…

One of the most diverse sites in the world for marine life is Thailand. There is plenty of diving in Thailand with 4,500 square miles and 300 major reef groups to dive on. Dive sites range from pinnacles to submerged rocks to softer sites with coral gardens and sheer walls. Diving in Thailand has something to offer ever level of diver. With its huge diversity of creatures and wide range of diving locations Thailand has become one of the most popular dive sites in the region and the world. Thailand has a number of popular diving destinations and these will offer a wide range of well equipped, highly experienced dive centres. The dive centres will offer a wide range of leisure trips from day trips to full live on boards as well as all the training you will require from open water to diving instructor. Phuket is probably the most famous location in the region which has excellent dive sites which are reachable within a day of Phuket, bust if you really want the best diving in T…

Bangkok has always been known for its nightlight. Late night restaurants, bars and clubs of all kinds are found throughout the city. In the past few years, bars and pubs are sprouting up like weeds as it seems. With so many choices (literally hundreds) in just downtown Bangkok, how does one choose the venue for a night? Here are my top 5 bars that I have tried and would suggest to you all and the good news is that there is something for everyone - by atmosphere and cost. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Zuma ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A contemporary Japanese restaurant with a chic and sophisticated long-bar that sits partially inside and the other half, outside. Located on the ground floor of The St. Regis Bangkok Hotel, Ratchadamri Road, Zuma is the sixth of its kind in the world. Atmosphere: Elega…

Every year many Australians make the trip to Bangkok, without doubt among the most exciting and vibrant cities in South East Asia. April is the best time to book a visit to Bangkok, with prices at their lowest from then until June and in September, and with it being such a popular destination, cheap hotels in Bangkok are never hard to find. Its affordability means it is easy to combine a busy and active trip with a comfortable hotel stay. Hotels in Bangkok are varied enough to suit any sort of traveller on any budget. They are also located across the city, which is easily navigated through public transport, making them handy for exploring and activity. The business district of Silom and nightlife centre Sukhumvit feature many top of the range 5-star hotels. The bustling backpacker haven surrounding Khao San Road is overflowing with cheap hotels to suit the more modest traveller. However even the swankiest areas have a good range of budget options. All could make a suit…

The Western tourist can come unstuck when looking for cheap hotels in Bangkok. Ideas of basic standards of accommodation vary according to where you come from. Hiram and Hettie from Houston may be expecting better facilities than Han from Hanoi - or even Henry and Hannah from Harrogate (UK). Let me guide you. To be sure of western-style luxury stay at one of the many familiar western chains. The only problem is that they can be very expensive. And, let's face it, stay in a Hilton or Marriott in Bangkok and you might as well be in New York, London or Cairo. You want to stay in Bangkok, right? The good news is that there are plenty of independent hotels in Bangkok that offer reasonable standards of accommodation at bargain rates, Who needs a wardrobe, after all? Hangers are the important part - right? You'll probably know that Bangkok is the capital, and primary city of Thailand. In Thai it's called Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (or Krung Thep for short, which means "city of angel…

Thailand is one of the best places to enjoy an exciting night life. There are numerous bars and clubs where one can enjoy live bands playing, perfect for an amazing night out. Here are the top five places in Bangkok to enjoy live bands: o Tokyo Joe’s – located at the 25/9 Sukhumvit Soi, right at the opposite side of the Tara Hotel. Tokyo Joe’s is called the Mecca of Blues. The bar opens at around 9.30 every night. Lots of talented local musicians crowd the club with amazing music. The Tokyo Joe’s musicians occasionally play R&B, soul and jazz music. Their specials are the Flamenco Nights on Mondays, and the jam sessions on Sundays which are the people’s favorite. Visitors and guests can enjoy the soul siren music of Tokyo Joe’s bar. With relaxing comfortable atmosphere, everyone will definitely have a good time. o Adhere the 13th – located at 13 Samsen Rd, Banglumphu in Bangkok. The club is open daily from 5pm until midnight. Adhere the 13th is inconspicuous and stran…