Archive for the ‘Thailand’ Category

Koh Samui

Sunday, September 16th, 2007

Koh Samui is considered the third largest island in the Gulf of Thailand. Flourishing green rainforests and coconut cultivated area covers the island to a great extent. Latest modern development gave rise to the appearance of modern day establishments including luxury resorts, wellness spas, banks, and international airport; these improvements paved way in making Koh Samui the travel destination of travelers heading for the Gulf of Thailand. Even with the recent economic growth in Koh Samui, local residents made it a point to protect and preserve the tranquility of the island that is often recognized by tourists visiting Koh Samui.

Beaches in Koh Samui

Koh Samui boasts of the great number of beach choices who loves to have fun in a peaceful atmosphere. Each and every beach in Koh Samui has their individuality in terms of ambience. There are beaches that offer a place for those seeking a romantic and calm place to enjoy swimming. Those who love nighttime entertainment can settle for the beaches that are near to shops and late night disco bars. Food lovers will like to stay in a beach that has a number of restaurants catering local cuisines to Western cooking right on the beach. Some of the beaches in Koh Samui have tranquil sea character with marginal coral reefs where snorkeling buffs can do snorkeling activities as much as they like.

Sightseeing in Koh Samui

Besides water fun and adventure, you will enjoy sightseeing many places in Koh Samui. You may arrange for a tour to see these places or better yet to settle for something less expensive, you can also travel around Koh Samui, of course with the help of a Koh Samui map.

Visit Hua Thanon, a fishing village in Koh Samui where you can catch sight of their uniquely designed high-bowed boats with brilliant colored patterns. Within this fishing village is a fish market where the freshest catch of the day are sold.

Big Buddha, Koh Samui

The most famous attraction in Koh Samui is the Big Buddha, which is found in Phra Yai Temple. This popular statue is very huge you can visualize its appearance even if you are several kilometers away from its location, the primary reason why tourists continuously visit the statue, to personally witness its absolute beauty and enormous size.

Waterfalls in Koh Samui are such a sight to behold. Some of these are Na Muang I and Na Muang II. These two waterfalls are some of the most picturesque places of interests in Koh Samui.

Shopping in Koh Samui

Shopping is a must for travelers. A travel to Koh Samui will give you the chance to enjoy shopping for a wide array of Thailand souvenirs, clothes, paintings and many more. Chaweng and Lamai are the top destinations when you are thinking of shopping in Koh Samui.

If your primary purpose for traveling is relaxing, Koh Samui is highly recommended to be in the top list of your travel considerations.

Thailand Holidays

Thursday, May 24th, 2007

Thailand that was once known as the Kingdom of Thailand lies in Southeast Asia and it has been home to many indigenous cultures. The major influences in Thai culture are those of India and China as well as some of the other cultures from countries neighboring this beautiful country. It is almost as large as Spain as also the state of California and is home to several distinct geographic regions and the climate is mainly tropical with plenty of monsoons.

Bangkok Thailand

Thailand is quite prosperous and its newly industrialized economy has at one time enjoyed the highest growth rate during the decade between 1985 and 1995. The population is mainly Tai speaking and among them is the Central Thai who are most numerous followed by the Northeastern Thai and the Northern Thai as well as Southern Thai peoples. As you would expect, the Thai language is the national language having its own alphabet though there are many ethnic as well as regional dialects as well. English, though taught in schools is of a low proficiency.

Thais are mainly Theravada Buddhists, which has evolved over time with many regional beliefs having been incorporated and Islam is prevalent in the South of Thailand. The culture is like that of other Asian countries and respect of elders as well as ancestors is part of the Thai spiritual practice. In addition, the Thais are very hospitable people who are also known for their generosity, with a pronounced sense of social hierarchy.

The famous sport of Muay Thai or Thai boxing is Thailand’s national sport as well as a native martial art, which has grown in popularity throughout the world, especially during the 1990s. You would also like the Thai cuisine that has five basic tastes, which are sweet, sour, and spicy as well as bitter and salty.

Tourism is a major attraction as well as a major industry in Thailand with people from all parts of the world coming here including many Germans and Scandinavians. The best time to visit this wonderful country would no doubt be during February and March months when the weather is at its kindest and the beaches too are fun to be at. Besides Bangkok, the Capital of Thailand, there are also many other places to visit once you come to Thailand.

Of special interests to tourists are the Island of Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, and of course the capital Bangkok. In fact, Phuket Island prides itself on being Asia’s most popular tourist and holiday resort and it is ideally suited for a perfect holiday. You will find plenty of entertainment in Patong Beach, Kata as well as Karon where the bars, restaurants as well as exciting seafood and explosive night life will keep you interested well past the wee hours of the night.