Uncategorised Article Count: 2
Transport Hubs Article Count: 5
Things to do in Chiang Rai Article Count: 10
White Temple
Wat Rong Khun is commonly known as the White Temple. Just 30 minutes drive from Chiang Rai city this attraction draws locals and tourists in huge numbers.
Tung Gardens
These immaculate and colorful gardens are located near the center of Chiang Rai city. It hosts various flower displays and entertainment throughout the year. There is a large cultural hall in the center of Tung Gardens with interesting historical exhibits.
Mae Kok River
You can take a "long boat" tour from the tour operator located just outside Chiang Rai city on the banks of the Mae Kok river. There are several villages to visit, an elephant park and other interesting locations along the way.
Night Bazaar
The Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is a very popular place for tourists at night. There is entertainment, shops, markets and restaurants throughout this complex and prices are not expensive.
Food
Food in Chiang Rai is cheap and very good. Shown here are fresh green prawns in a chilli marinade with Thai basil served in a glass. This is on the menu at the Night Bazaar in the large central open style wooden structured restaurant. It has a high pitched roof with polished wooden tables and ornate surroundings. The service and food is excellent.
There is also a second section to the night bazaar that has many food stalls with an open area of tables and its own seperate entertainment.
Wat Phra Keaw
Wat Phra Keaw is the most important temple in Chiang Rai. The complex has an amazing ornate wooden museum displaying magnificient historical artifacts. One of the temples has the Jade Buddha of Chiang Rai.
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Touring Article Count: 3
Things to do in Bangkok Article Count: 11
Bangkok Shopping
The Siam BTS Skytrain Station is the interchange for both BTS lines and this is where you will find the major shopping complexes nearby via skybridges and elevated walkways.
There are many shopping malls and department stores in this Siam District, China Town, Asiatique, Silom District, Sukhumvit Road and Maharaj Mall are just some of the other amazing shopping destinations.
In the Siam District:
Central World via skywalk heading east.
Siam Center via skybridge on northside. Siam Paragon via skybridge on northside.
Siam Square via skybridge on southside. Siam Discovery next to Siam Center.
MBK Center head west, then south around the corner on Phayathai Road.
See the Siam Square tour map for details.
Boat Tour
There is the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat that departs Central Pier (Sathorn Pier) every half hour daily 9:30am until 4:00pm.
The boat runs between the major tourist piers up to Pha Arthit Pier. It is a cheap ticket that has unlimited rides and is valid for the entire day. Purchased from Central Pier or Phra Arthit Pier.
A "must see" in Bangkok is to take the Chao Phraya River Famous Attractions self tour.
BTS Skytrain
Bangkoks Mass Transit System extends roughly north to south and then east on the Sukhumvit line. The Silom line runs through the center of Bangkok and then in a southerly direction and winds around to eventually end up to the west. Both lines interchange at the very busy Siam station which is the major shopping area in Bangkok. The Bangkok MRT train subway line skirts around Bangkok.
With a cheap full day train pass you can explore around Bangkok very easily, just avoid the morning and evening peak hour commuters going to work or school. Stop off at any station and hop back on again at your leisure.
There is the Silom Line nearby attractions self tour and the Sukhumvit Line nearby attractions self tour.
Restaurants
The ground floor of Siam Center has many quality restaurants, food shops and a large food court. Visit the card counter to put cash on a food court card for the food court area only. Get a cash re-fund for any un-used balance on the card. The other food shops require cash or credit card and some take the "Rabbit" card that is used for the MRT train service. The other nearby shopping malls also have food court style areas.
Open 10am until 9pm daily. Exit from the Siam BTS Skytrain station and walk along the covered overpass into the complex, then take the escalator down.
TukTuk Touring
Bangkok has modern and comfortable tuk tuks. They can squeeze in and out of traffic and through side streets easily. The drivers speak english and know all the attractions you want to see.
Hire one for the day, barter a fair price, but dont haggle. The driver will be happy to look after you. Tuk Tuk touring is one of the more fun ways to get around Bangkok.
Klong Touring
Traverse the many canals that part off the Chao Phraya river in a fast and colorful longboat. Floating markets and Thai style eateries along the banks of the klongs await you along the way. You can hire a long boat and driver from Central Pier with several tour options available.
There is also the Klong boats by the Saen Saep Boat Service that only cost 10 or 20 baht a trip depending on how far you travel. They travel east/west on the Saen Saep Canal through Bangkok and intersect at Pratunam Pier near the huge Central World shopping complex. Exit at the Hua Chang boat pier for Siam Center and Siam Tower shopping complexes.
Nightlife
Nightclubs, Rooftop bars, Ladyboy Shows, Bars with dancing girls, Shopping Malls open until 9pm, Thai cultural shows and many night markets make Bangkoks nightlife a potpourri of amazing attractions.
River Cruise
Daytime cruises and also dinner cruises at night from various piers. Your hotel can advise and book you on available dinner cruises.
Markets
A "must see" in Bangkok is the Katuchack Weekend Market. It has some 8,000 stalls and shops spread over 35 acres.
There are many other markets in Bangkok.
Patpong Night market
Rot Fai Market in Ratchada district
Pratunam Market
Sampeng Lane Market
Suan Night Bazaar
Amphawa Floating Market
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market JJ Green Market in Katuchack
and many more.
Temples
Some of the more popular temples to visit are Wat Pho, the Golden Mount Temple, Wat Arun, Marble Temple, the Boat Temple, and Wat Phra Kaeo in the grounds of the Grand Palace.
Bangkok Tour Maps
Chiang Mai Tour Map
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Chiang Mai Map |
Main Page Slider Images Category Article Count: 3
Things to do in Ayutthaya Article Count: 10
Historical Temples
Ayutthaya has many partially restored ruins of temples and the ancient royal palace. Here you can find the well known image of the Buddha head in a Banyan tree. There are also many amazing old temples that have been well maintained over time. The most comfortable way to see everything is to take a day tour from one of the local tuk-tuk tour operators that roam the streets.
Elephant Ride
You can take an elephant ride from the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Royal Kraal.
Floating Market
There is a floating market located to the east of old Ayutthaya that is popular with locals and tourists.
Pasak River Cruise
Old Ayutthaya is surrounded by the Pasak River and Chao Phraya River that join to form a natural moat like structure. Ayutthaya is the ancient capital city of Siam. The ruins within is what remains after the Burmese invasion of 1767. You can take a boat tour where they have stops along the banks of the river so you can visit the ancient ruins and also the many magnificient temples.
Shopping
There are many markets, shops and small malls and the floating market in and around old Ayutthaya. If you want to visit a modern shopping complex then there is the Ayutthaya Park Shopping Center far outside the old Ayutthaya near the main highway 32 to the east.
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Mae Sai Article Count: 2
Thai Culture Article Count: 4
Things to do in Chiang Mai Article Count: 9
Historical Attractions
Chiang Mai has many interesting historical attractions such as the Royal Ancestral shrine of Lanna and Historical Centre, Lanna Folklife Museum and the many temples with Wat Phantao being quite unique. The old section of Chiang Mai city is surrounded by a square moat. Hire a tuk-tuk to take you around for a half day, the driver will know where to take you.
Songthaews in Chiang Mai
Normally the red songthaews drive around the streets and markets in Chiang Mai and some drive up to Wat Doi Suthep in the mountains. White songthaews travel east to the city suburb of Sankampaeng. Yellow songthaews travel north to Mae Rim. Blue songthaews travel south to Lamphun and Sarapee. Green songthaews travel north east to Mae Jo.
Night Safari
The Chiang Mai Night Safari is a large complex which has a night safari, changing cabaret type shows, childrens world, tiger show, a colorful laser water fountain show and other attractions.
Anusarn Night Market
This night market is next to Kalare Night Bazaar and several other markets and is probably the most vibrant and popular area for tourists and locals in Chiang Mai at night. You can start at the top of the road and spend an entire night walking down and visiting all the markets, street stalls and malls.
Doi Suthep
Outside of Chiang Mai city is the mountain called Doi Suthep. Located on the top is Wat Doi Suthep which is a very important and busy temple.
The ride from Chiang Mai city takes an hour. Along the way you will see people walking , motor bikes, bicycle riders and songthaews traversing the steep mountain side.
At the top there are hundreds of people, markets along the road and down the side of the mountain and into the entry of Wat Doi Suthep, songtheaws and motorbikes lined up along the road. A very busy and crowded scene.
Climb the magnificient stairs to the top to visit Wat Doi Suthep. This is an active temple and very important to the people of Chiang Mai and a very popular destination for tourists. There is an amazing view of Chiang Mai from the top.
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Phayao Article Count: 2
About Thailand Article Count: 4
Things to do in the Golden Triangle Article Count: 1
Attractions at Sop Ruak
Sop Ruak is a small town on the edge of The Golden Triangle. Located 1.5 hours north east of Chiang Rai city. Just south is Chiang Sean and on the opposite side of the Mekong River is Don Sao which is a tourist border town in Laos.
Mekong River at Sop Ruak
From Sop Ruak you can take a speed boat ride up the Mekong River to see Chiang Sean and over to the other side to Laos.
Don Sao border market
Cheap shopping at the Don Sao border market in Lao on the opposite side of the Mekong river. Take a long boat from Sop Ruak . No visa required
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Transport Article Count: 3
Maps Article Count: 12
Bangkok Tour Maps Article Count: 12
Chiang Mai Tour Maps Article Count: 1
Things to do in Pattaya Article Count: 5
Pattaya City
Pattaya City is located 160 kilometres (99 miles) and is about two hours drive south of Bangkok. The options for travel from Bangkok to Pattaya are busses, train, private taxi, minivan picking you up to your hotel or you could rent a car. There are airline services but it takes twice as long due to stopovers.
To get to Pattaya from Suvarnabhumi airport you can take a private taxi for about 1500 baht or take a bus from the Suvarnabhumi Public Transport Center located 3 km from the airport. Take the free express shuttle bus from arrivals on the second floor that also stops at the car rental center.
The Pattaya city districts are North, Central and South. Outer city districts are Wong Amat-Naklua to the north, the more prestigious Pratumnak Hill to the south west, Jomtein to the south and East Pattaya on the east side of the Sukhumvit main highway.
You can spend an entire vacation in Pattaya with all it has to offer. There are all types of entertainment for single people and families in Pattaya. There is many shopping centers and malls, cultural entertainment, water fun, a zoo, and much more.
You can get around Pattaya by hiring a motor scooter (risky) or taking a songthaew (taxi truck) that holds about 10 to 12 people at a time.
Songtheaws have distinct routes around Pattaya with the main circuit going south down the main Pattaya Beach Road until Walking Street in south Pattaya, then turns around one block to go north up Pattaya 2 Road through central pattaya until it reaches north Pattaya at Dolphin Circle Roundabout and then back down Pattaya Beach Road.
A single ride should only cost 20 or 30 baht per person. Get in a waiting songtheaw that has people already seated because the driver will wait until it is full before departing.
If you get in an empty one that is waiting then the driver may assume you want a hire ride, and charge you 100 Baht. You can flag down the correct colored one as many just go round and round picking up customers. Press the buzzer inside the cabin when you want to stop. Ensure you have the correct change when you pay at the end.The all blue baht bus for north/central/south Pattaya city. The blue with white band baht bus goes to Jomtein beach. These wait at Pratamnak Road which is the southern continuation of Pattaya 2 Road.
A Thanon is a major road and a Soi is a street. If a Soi is a major street it will have its own name and minor streets coming off this will simply be named Soi and incremented by number, such as Soi 1 etc.
Pattaya city has a very scenic walkway down Beach Road which ends up to the start of Walking Street where you can continue on to the pier where boats await to take you to any of several floating restaurants.
Floating Restaurants
Walk to the end of Walking Street in the evening and out onto the pier to catch a free speed boat ride out to your choice of several floating restaurants out on Pattaya Bay.
Pick a night with little breeze if you want to eat on the open top deck which has the most magnificient views of Pattaya city. You may want to search online for some reviews before choosing the restaurant.
Beaches
Pattayas golden beaches are next to the main Beach Road. On the other side are shopping malls and markets.
Jomtein Beach is another popular destination only a short ride south of Pattaya city. You will find many resorts and restaurants lined up on the main road that stretches along the coastline. There are places to relax, have a drink, get a foot massage and pedicure, buy food from beach vendors, order a meal, and of course, go for a swim.
Condominiums
Pattaya is a retirement haven for expats living abroad who often purchase a condominium apartment. Many have a magnificient view out into the Gulf Of Thailand.
Walking Street
This famous street opens up to only pedestrian traffic in the evening. There are restaurants, many bars and nightclubs and interesting sidewalk shows. This is more of an adult entertainment area. Every night it is always busy with tourists. At the end of the street is Bali Hai Pier.
Nightlife
Beside the nightclubs, restaurants and bars in Walking street there is the quieter scene north on Naklua Road and the more relaxed area of Jomtein Beach which is well south of Pattaya city.
Jomtein has more bars, nightclubs and restaurants and some have tables where you can dine right on the beachfront. Some of the more entertaining venues are the ladyboy caberet shows, live music bars and Muay Thai kickboxing.
Shopping
Some of the more popular shopping malls in Pattaya are Mike Shopping Mall in the center of the city, Central Festival Pattaya, Pattaya Floating Market located out on Sukhumvit Road, Central Center and Pattaya Night Bazaar located south on 2nd Road.
Floating Market
Pattaya Floating Market is located on Sukhumvit Road, 25 kilometers south from central Pattaya City. It has a new market complex and the more authentic older style market area all spread over 62 acres.
Water Fun
Pattaya bay has water activities for the more adventurous tourist. You can parasail by taking a pick-up boat from the Bali Hai pier located at the end of Walking Street and out to the pontoons in the bay.
Jet-ski hire is risky due to scams on tourists being blamed for pre-existing damage.
There is also snorkelling, scuba diving, water-skiing and deep sea fishing on chartered boats.
Island Tours
Pattaya has speedboats, ferries and sailing tours to take you to any of the several islands off the coast.
There are several small and larger islands in the Gulf of Thailand just out from Pattaya that are very popular with tourists. You can take a ferry or hire a speed boat to visit for a day. There are resorts on the islands if you want to stay.
The closest and smallest but with no accommodation is Koh Krok and accessible with speedboat hire from Bali Hai pier and is cheaper if you are in a group. The largest island is Koh Larn and there is a regular ferry service departing from the Bali Hai pier. Koh Larn island has several beaches, water sports and accommodation.
Koh Sak is a smaller island with only two beaches and only accessible via speedboat hire. Koh Ling (Monkey Island) is home to hundreds of macaque monkeys. They are wild but can be fed nuts and fruit. To get there take a sailing tour from Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Na Jomtien.
See the Vacation Islands of Thailand for more information.
Thai BBQ
There are many Thai BBQ open restaurants around Pattaya and some of the best are in Jomtein which is a short and cheap songtheaw ride south of the city. These types of restaurants are very basic but you can always find a flashy restaurant and pay a lot extra just for the decor!
Very fresh seafood. Sometimes the prawns start wriggling after they warm up on your plate after being taken out from the refridgerated buffet tables. In the very early morning you can stroll the beaches and see the fishermen untangle their nets and clean the boats after fishing.
Prices vary but are very cheap compared to eating fresh seafood in many western countries. You help youself to the refridgerated buffet of small cut assorted meats, seafood, fish and take back to your table to cook yourself on top of a charcoal Thai style round BBQ that is surrounded by a moat of stock where you can simmer your vegetables. There is a large array of condiments to choose and usually a selection of Thai style sweets and icecream for afterwards.
Prices per person are around 300 to 500 Baht and this is how the locals eat, so the food must be good.
Thai Culture
The Thai Alangkarn Theater south of Pattaya and past Jomtein on Sukhumvit Road is a large complex with a restaurant.
It is a cultural theater and boasts "The Thai Extravaganza Show" with pyrotechnics, multi-colored laser effects and real surround sound system.
Tiger Zoo
An hours drive from Pattaya city there is the Sriracha Tiger Zoo. There is a free shuttle service from most major hotels in Pattaya. The zoo is open 8am until 6pm daily and has a food and beverage kiosk, a restaurant open for lunch, and a souvenir shop.
The zoo boasts tiger, elephant, crocodile shows, and pig shows. You can also see the famous Scorpion Queen.
Temples
One of the more famous and popular attraction in Pattaya is Luang Phor Yhai, commonly known as Big Budda Hill. The other must see attraction is The Santuary Of Truth located in north Pattaya.
Nightclubs
Pattaya is well known for its bar and nightclub scene. Some of the popular areas are Walking Street, Soi 6 between Pattaya Beach Road and Second Road in North Pattaya, Soi Buakhao between Pattaya South Road and Pattaya Klang, Soi LK Metro in Central Pattaya.
