Thailand Beaches

A journey of a thousand miles

begins with a single step

Lao Tzu

Can you just imagine that fabulous vacation on a beautiful Thailand Beach? Can you just see that setting sun melt into the sparkling blue seas off the beaches of Phuket? Now can you feel that cool breeze blowing under the swaying palms on the beaches of Pattaya. Not enough! Then try to absorb blissful days and balmy nights on the soft white sandy shores of Hua Hin. This is only the beginning...

Everywhere you dare venture in Thailand, you are sure to find stacks of stunning soft sandy beaches dotted along more than three thousand kilometers of tropical coastline. I shall endeavor to guide you through the many spectacular Thailand beach sites from the most popular to the most secluded, from the most dramatic to the to the most serene, from the Gulf of Thailand to the Andaman Sea.

A better beach vacation you will find hard to beat

Loh Dalum Beach Phi Phi Island

What make a Thailand beach destination so attractive to tourists are the many distinctive characteristics that this geographical coastline has to offer. All along the Andaman Coast for instance, you will find hundreds of distinct and dramatic limestone sheer cliffs carved by the wind and water over millions of years to form strange and striking karst formations that seem to ascend into the heavens.

The central bay area around Phang Nga is one such home to these scenic and most spectacular sculptures, some of which have weathered to such a degree that they have become quite hollow inside and now formed into several caves.           

                                                                                                                                                          

                                     Sai Ree Beach Koh Tao

All along the shores you will find many areas of thick mangrove forests, home to an assortment of weird and wonderful creatures including the big fiddler crab (named after the male's single out-sized claw). Following close behind comes the crab-eating macaques who apart from snacking on various fruits during high tide, are merely filling in time while waiting for the main crab course to arrive.

I have yet to see these primates catching a fiddler crab. I am told that their single claw is so powerful that they can open a can. Perhaps I should try catch one of these crabs as my electric can-opener seems to have gone on the blink.

                                          Fiddler Crab

                                       Thailand Beach Guide

Phuket Beaches include Patong Beach, Karon Beach, Bang Tao Beach and many more. These beaches are all complimented with beautiful blue skies, crystal clear turquoise waters, gentle swaying shady palms and white silky soft sand.

Pattaya Beaches include all the best beaches around Pattaya Bay, Jomtein Bay and Naklua Bay. Many of these beaches are considered to be leading windsurfing spots in Thailand. There are also some superb bathing areas in the region with plenty of space to relax in the warm sunshine. What perfect beach getaways.

Hua Hin Beach is a long, wide and flat stretch of uncluttered coastline with lots of room for you to relax in the sun, take a leisurely pony ride or enjoy a variety of water sports. Nearby Cha-am Beach is where you can relax in private under the shade of casuarina trees, take a swim in the warm waters or hire a jet ski.

                                Bang Tao Beach Phuket

Thailand Beach Guide

Ko Samui Beaches are probably the finest and best loved beaches in Thailand. The popular Chaweng Beach is a magnificent palm fringed stretch of silky soft sandy shoreline with equally impressive crystal clear emerald-blue waters and an easily accessible coral reef. Lamai Beach is another pretty piece of paradise with gentle swaying coconut palms leaning effortlessly over blue-green waters.

Krabi Beaches consists of several stunning white sandy beaches tucked away in a corner of the Andaman Sea and majestically complimented with awe-inspiring limestone krasts. Soft sand, crystal clear shallow waters, coral reefs, rock-pools and caves are set against backdrops of picturesque limestone cliffs. The famous Railay Beach will especially appease all rock-climbing enthusiasts.

Phi Phi Beaches are amongst the most charming and enchanting in southern Thailand. All have beautiful idyllic settings for the ultimate tropical getaway. These beaches are exquisite, addictive and seductive and have just the right ingredients or a fun-filled holiday in the sun. Ao Ton Sai Beach is ideal for both swimming and sunbathing. Loh Dalum Beach for hiring a kayak. Long Beach for scuba diving or snorkeling and Laem Tong Beach for a bit of quiet relaxation.

Beach on Koh Wai Island 

 

If you'd like to see some more beach photos, go to www.pictures-thailand.com
source:  http://www.luxury-thailand-travel.com/thailand-beach.html

The Best Of Thailand

The Best of Thailand:

Bangkok

Bangkok’s town is a popular tourist attraction and an essential part of a trip to Thailand.

Bangkok is the beating heart of Thailand , made up of the open canals of Venice, the night life of New York, and many colorful temples of Asia. Bangkok is a place where anyone can find what they are looking for - endless markets and shopping malls, culinary abundance made up of everything and anything, hotels at any rate and visitors from all over the world.

Being the capital of the world's third most popular tourist destination Bangkok combing east and west in a live and thrilling way.

 

San Kamphaeng Hot Springs:

San Kamphaeng Hot Spring is about 36km from Chiang Mai City in Thailand. It is located in the middle of the natural environment of the trees and fertile hilly zones. The drive to the small village of San Kamphaeng weaving requires a large number of trades and the famous village of Bo Sang umbrella. There is a enjoyable park containing the hot springs which is about forty acres and behind 4km from the Bo Sang village.

The park is well equipped surrounded by natural scenic beauty and various type of nice flowers especially in the cool season. The campground, swimming pool, restaurant and cabins segregated mineral water bathing rooms are also available here which is the most attraction of this Park. San Kamphaeng Hot Spring is the best destination for health and physical well-being. 

Mae Hong Son:

Mae Hong Son is the capital of Thailand’s northwestern-most province. Its close proximity to the Burmese boarder gives the city a very different feel to the rest of Thailand. Very quiet and isolated this mountainous city is often shrouded in an atmospheric mist. Visitors come here for the unusual and beautiful natural scenery, the mountain trekking and to see the local hill tribe communities – one of which is the famous Karen long neck tribe. The Thanon Thongchai range between Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand is popular for trekking and here you can also see the Pha Sua waterfall. Handicrafts and artwork from the hill-tribe people can be purchased at the local night market-great for unique souvenirs.

 

Chiang Mai:

The spiritual city of Chiang Mai is a much calmer city than Bangkok but still an essential visit on the travelers trail if you want to see the best of Thailand. Dotted with temples, craft shops, great restaurants and plenty of Thai massage and cooking schools, the city has a somehow relaxed and comparatively tranquil atmosphere. Many travellers often mention Chiang Mai as their favorite Thai city and once visited it’s easy to see why the city is so popular. It’s location high in the north mountainous region of Thailand also makes it a perfect base for the popular mountain treks. Organised treks can be arranged very easily here with almost every other shop offering them. The trails from Chiang Mai are although interesting are often a well-worn path and many backpackers now head for the nearby small town Pai. Pai is a gorgeously located traveller’s mecca popular with artists and musicians. It also offers less touristy and more ‘rustic’ treks and visits to hill-tribes.

 

The Floating Market :

There are countless floating markets throughout the country, many within a couple of hours’ of the capital. The colorfully clad merchants at these lively markets paddle along congested canals in sturdy canoes laden with fresh fruit and vegetables to sell to shoppers on the banks. There is lots of chatter and activity – bargaining is common – that’s all part of the fun -- but don’t expect to get the price down more than a few baht.The most famous of the floating markets is Damnoen Saduak, about 100 kilometers southwest of Bangkok. This buzzing market is at its best in the early morning before the crowds arrive and the heat of the day builds up. Our tour further includes a visit to Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakorn Pathom, supposedly the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia.

can be found on the Damneon Saduak Canal. Although now a major tourist attraction, the market is highly photogenic and visitors can get an idea of what trading was like in Thailand before the modernisation of the city. It’s also tonnes of fun. If you want to buy something here you will have to hail down a narrow long boat piled high with produce (which is quite an experience in itself). The region also has plenty of vineyards, orchards and thriving local businesses which are great to view by canal boat on route to the market.

The East Coast Islands:

Koh Samui is the archetypal tropical island, with beaches of powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. In contrast, a mountain ridge runs east to west of the country, covered in forested hills, coconut palms and emerald paddy fields. From Koh Samui, take a boat across to Koh Phangan an island that has recently emerged into the luxury market with pristine white beaches that are some of the best Thailand has to offer. Further into the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin is a charming fishing village with a long, curving bay and excellent golf courses in the area. To the far east of Thailand close to Cambodia lies Koh Kood, an undiscovered gem of an island with untouched jungle interiors and deserted beaches. These islands also offer world-class snorkelling and diving.

 

Koh Phi Phi:

The tiny but idyllic west coast island of Koh Phi Phi is seen by many as the ultimate island paradise. Even though it has now fully recovered from the devastating 2009 tsunami, the island has suffered from rapid tourist growth especially since the release of the “The Beach” (starring Leo Dicaprio). Having said that it still manages to retain a relaxed vibe which seems to keep the backpackers and vacationers happy. Island highlights include climbing a steep viewpoint to watch the sunset and hiring a long tail boat to snorkel the beautiful surrounding waters.

Railay:

Beautiful Railay Beach is one of the most stunning locations in southern Thailand. Formed by a deer's neck of sand that connects the mainland to a spectacular cluster of limestone outcrops, it's a place of breathtaking beauty despite the rapid development that's taken place.

A popular spot for rock-climbers, sun hedonists and water babies, the area has something for everyone from kids to grandmas: take your pick from diving and snorkeling to climbing and beach volleyball. In the evening, regular parties keep the barflies entertained, while others can relax in one of a reasonable selection of restaurants. There even an increasingly popular full moon party here, though not as huge as the huge event on Haad Rin, Ko Pha Ngan.

 

Hin Daeng:

A series of wall dives with intermittent shelves at varying depths. There are more soft corals than hard, but the main attraction is the seemingly endless diversity of marine inhabitants, including leopard sharks, turtles, moray eels, lionfish, bannerfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, pipefish, sea kraits, crabs, shrimps and lobsters.

This is due to the fact that this, and neighbouring Hin Mouang, are the only reef-type communities or feeding grounds within the area. Individually, though, they have different attractions. For instance, the deeper waters around this site are one of the few remaining places in the country where grey reef sharks can be encountered. Manta rays and whale sharks are also regular visitors.

 Ayutthaya:

Just 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bangkok is the old capitol of Ayutthaya, its pronounced ah-you-tah-ya.) The city became Thailand's capitol in the mid-14th century and remained the capitol until the late 18th century.

The Ayutthaya period is looked on by many as the time when much of what is now thought of as "Thai style" was developed. In temples, this is when you see a marked transition from the Khmer style prangs to the bell shaped chedi. While Sukothai further north is seen as the birth of the Thai kingdom, Ayutthaya is seen today as its high point. Around Ayutthaya are signs of the Japanese, French, Dutch and Portuguese traders that came to the Thai court.

Ayutthaya is usually visited as part of a packaged day trip from Bangkok, which usually includes stops at the Bang Pa In palace as well as the Bang Sai royal arts center. You can spend a leisurely day here and see the main sights, or a quick stop, all with relatively low pressure compared to many other tourist sites. From Ayutthaya you can quickly get on an expressway and be back in Bangkok in about an hour. It's relatively easy to do a day trip on your own, so you can go at your own pace and probably spend a lot less money. Read my How To Do Your Own Day Trip article for details.

About Thailand

This week we will start with One of Asia’s most popular tourist destinations all over the world ;

Thailand

Thailand’s reputation for hedonism attracts thousands of backpackers and its natural beauty also attracts an increasing amount of holiday-makers. Thailand is a mystical country which leaves a life long impression on anyone who visits. It offers a rich history, smiling locals, some interesting quirks and of course an unforgettable experience.

There are some general  information about Thailand:

Thailand (TY-land or /ˈtaɪlənd/), officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam (Sayam), is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the west by the Andaman Sea and the southern extremity of Burma. Its maritime boundaries include Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand to the southeast, and Indonesia and India in the Andaman Sea to the southwest.

The country is a constitutional monarchy, headed by King Rama IX, the ninth king of the House of Chakri, who, having reigned since 1946, is the world's longest-serving head of state and the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history. The king of Thailand is titled Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, the Upholder of the Buddhist religion, and the Defender of all Faiths.

Thailand is the world's 51st-largest country in terms of total area, with an area of approximately 513,000 km2 (198,000 sq mi), and is the 20th-most-populous country, with around 64 million people. The capital and largest city is Bangkok, which is Thailand's political, commercial, industrial and cultural hub. About 75% of the population is ethnically Thai, 14% is of Chinese origin, and 3% is ethnically Malay; the rest belong to minority groups including Mons, Khmers and various hill tribes. The country's official language is Thai. The primary religion is Buddhism, which is practiced by around 95% of the population.

Thailand experienced rapid economic growth between 1985 and 1995, and is presently a newly industrialized country and a major exporter. Tourism also contributes significantly to the Thai economy, as the country is home to a number of well-known tourist destinations, including Ayutthaya, Pattaya, Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and Ko Samui. There are approximately 5.2 million legal and illegal migrants in Thailand, and the country has also attracted a number of expatriates from developed countries.

Language:

The official language of Thailand is Thai, a Tai–Kadai language closely related to Lao, Shan in Burma, and numerous smaller languages spoken in an arc from Hainan and Yunnan south to the Chinese border. It is the principal language of education and government and spoken throughout the country. The standard is based on the dialect of the central Thai people, and it is written in the Thai alphabet, an abugida script that evolved from the Khmer script. Several other dialects exist, and coincide with the regional designations. Southern Thai is spoken in the southern provinces, and Northern Thai is spoken in the provinces that were formally part of the independent kingdom of Lannathai.

Thailand is also host to several other minority languages, the largest of which is the Lao dialect of Isan spoken in the northeastern provinces. Although sometimes considered a Thai dialect, it is a Lao dialect, and the region in where it is traditionally spoken was historically part of the Lao kingdom of Lan Xang. In the far south, Yawi, a dialect of Malay, is the primary language of the Malay Muslims. Varieties of Chinese are also spoken by the large Chinese population, with Teochew being best represented.

Numerous tribal languages are also spoken, including those belonging to the Mon–Khmer family, such as Mon, Khmer, Viet, Mlabri and Orang Asli; Austronesian family, such as Cham and Moken; Sino-Tibetan family such as Lawa, Akhan, and Karen; and other Tai languages such as Nyaw, Phu Thai, and Saek. Hmong is a member of the Hmong–Mien languages, which is now regarded as a language family of its own.

English is a mandatory school subject, but the number of fluent speakers remains very low, especially outside the cities.

Religion:

The national religion is Theravada Buddhism. Thai Buddhism ranks amongst the highest in the world. According to the last census (2000) 94.6% of the total population are Buddhists of the Theravada tradition. Muslims are the second largest religious group in Thailand at 4.6%.[1][71] Thailand's southernmost provinces – Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and part of Songkhla Chumphon have dominant Muslim populations, consisting of both ethnic Thai and Malay. The southern tip of Thailand is mostly ethnically Malay, and most Malays are Sunni Muslims. Christians represent 0.7% of the population. A small community of Sikhs in Thailand and some Hindus also live in the country's cities. There is also a small Jewish community in Thailand, dating back to the 17th century.

For more information  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thailand

Visa & Customs

GENERAL INFORMATION

As a general rule, any foreigner seeking entry into the Kingdom of Thailand for business, investment, study, medical treatment, mass media, religion, employment and other purposes is required to apply for a visa from a Thai Embassy or Consulate-General. To do so, a foreigner must possess a valid passport or travel document that is recognized by the Royal Thai Government and comply with the conditions set forth in the Immigration Act B.E.2522 (1979) and its related provisions.

Foreigners who fall into any of the following categories are prohibited to enter the Kingdom.

    Having no genuine and valid passport or document used in lieu of passport; or having a genuine and valid passport or document used in lieu of passport without visaing by the Royal Thai Embassies or Consulates in foreign countries; or from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, except if a visa is not required for certain types of aliens in special instances. Visaing and visa exemption will be under the terms and conditions as provided in the Ministerial Regulations.

    

    Having no appropriate means of living following entrance into the Kingdom.

    

    Having entered into the Kingdom to take occupation as a labourer, or to take employment by using physical energy without skills or training , or to work in violation of the Alien Work Permit Law.

    

    Being mentally unstable or having any of the diseases as prescribed in the Ministerial Regulations.

    

    Having not yet been vaccinated against smallpox or inoculated or undergone any other medical treatment for protection against disease and having refused to have such vaccinations administered by the Immigration Doctor.

    

    Having been imprisoned by the judgement of the Thai Court; or by a lawful injunction; or by the judgement of the Court of foreign country, except when the penalty is for petty offense or negligence or is provided for as an exception in the Ministerial Regulations.

    

    Having behavior which would indicate possible danger to the Public or likelihood of being nuisance or constituting any violence to the peace or safety of the public or to the security of the public or to the security of the nation, or being under warrant of arrest by competent officials of foreign governments.

    

    Reason to believe that entrance into the Kingdom was for the purpose of being involved in prostitution, the trading of women of children, drug smuggling, or other types of smuggling which are contrary to the public morality.

    

    Having no money or bond as prescribed by the Minister under Section 14 of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 .

    

    Being a person prohibited by the Minister under Section 16 of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522.

    

    Being deported by either the Government of Thailand that of or other foreign countries; or the right of stay in the Kingdom or in foreign countries having been revoked; or having been sent out of the Kingdom by competent officials at the expense of the Government of Thailand unless the Minister shall consider exemption on an individual special case basis.

The examination and diagnosis of disease of a physical or mental nature, including protective operations as against disease, shall be conducted by the Immigration Doctor.

Information on location and contact number of the Thai Embassy and Consulate-General abroad could be obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Consular Affairs, Visas and Travel Documents Division, 123 Chaengwattana Road, Bangkok 10210, Tel. (662) 981-7171 ext. 3201-2, 3204-5 or direct line 575-1062-4, Fax. (662) 575-1066 , E-mail : div1303@mfa.go.th

Note: Please check the period of stay stamped in your passport by the immigration officer. Visitors who overstay their visa will, at the time of their departure, be fined 500 baht for each excess day. 

CUSTOMS

Duty Free Allowance

The duty free allowance will be applied to accompanied personal effects up to Bath 10,000 worth if i) the items are intended for your own personal or professional uses; ii) the quantity are reasonable; and iii) the items are not subject to prohibition or restriction.

However, there are limits on the amount of alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, cigars and smoking tobacco to which you may include in your duty free personal exemption as follows:

    200 cigarettes or 250 grams of cigars or smoking tobacco

    1 litre of spirituous liquor.

Personal effects do not include motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts regardless of the length of time used and owned.

More information about visa http://www.mfa.go.th/web/12.php

Thai Foods

 

            

Thai food is known for its enthusiastic use of fresh (rather than dried) herbs and spices as well as fish sauce.

Thai food is popular in many Western countries especially in Australia, New Zealand, some countries in Europe such as the United Kingdom, as well as the United States, and Canada.

Instead of a single main course with side dishes found in Western cuisine, a Thai full meal typically consists of either a single dish or rice khao with many complementary dishes served concurrently.

Rice is a staple component of Thai cuisine, as it is of most Asian cuisines. The highly prized, sweet-smelling jasmine rice is indigenous to Thailand. This naturally aromatic long-grained rice grows in abundance in the verdant patchwork of paddy fields that blanket Thailand's central plains. Its aroma bears no resemblance to the sweet smell of jasmine blossoms, but like jasmine flowers, this rice is precious and fragrant, a small everyday delight. Steamed rice is accompanied by highly aromatic curries, stir-frys and other dishes, incorporating sometimes large quantities of chillies, lime juice and lemon grass. Curries, stir-frys and others may be poured onto the rice creating a single dish called khao rad gang , a popular meal when time is limited. Sticky rice khao neow is a unique variety of rice that contains an unusual balance of the starches present in all rice, causing it to cook up to a pleasing sticky texture. It is the daily bread of Laos and substitutes ordinary rice in rural Northern and Northeastern Thai cuisine, where Lao cultural influence is strong.

Noodles, known throughout parts of Southeast Asia by the Chinese name kwaytiow, are popular as well but usually come as a single dish, like the stir-fried Pad Thai or noodle soups. Many Chinese cuisine are adapted to suit Thai taste, such as khuaytiow rue, a sour and spicy rice noodle soup.

There is uniquely Thai dish called nam prik which refers to a chile sauce or paste. Each region has its own special versions. It is prepared by crushing together chillies with various ingredients such as garlic and shrimp paste using a mortar and pestle. It is then often served with vegetables such as cucumbers, cabbage and yard-long beans, either raw or blanched. The vegetables are dipped into the sauce and eaten with rice. Nam prik may also be simply eaten alone with rice or, in a bit of Thai and Western fusion, spread on toast.

Thai food is generally eaten with a fork and a spoon. Chopsticks are used rarely, primarily for the consumption of noodle soups. The fork, held in the left hand, is used to shovel food into the spoon. However, it is common practice for Thais and hill tribe peoples in the North and Northeast to eat sticky rice with their right hands by making it into balls that are dipped into side dishes and eaten. Thai-Muslims also frequently eat meals with only their right hands.

Often thai food is served with a variety of spicy condiments to embolden the dish. This can range from dried chili pieces, sliced chili peppers in rice vinegar, to a spicy chili sauce such as the nam prik mentioned above.

 

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