A walk around Bangkok is full of numerous surprises because besides being a modern and cosmopolitan metropolis with skyscrapers and mega-malls, it injects a huge dose of culture into everyone who visit it. The first unusual place is in the form of house-sized religious stops found on many streets. Locals put small presents, flowers and figures there to thank Buddha for giving them luck, wealth, health and happiness.

There are many people who associate life with stressful moments, pain and sorrow. Thailand is one of the best places for such people to get relieved and establish a new view and approach to their life. Meditation and religion are the key. To explore the secrets of Thai meditation visit Wat Mahathat, a significant center of Buddhism and Meditation. The vast majority of the programs are in Thai but as the tourism flow is very large, you will find lessons in English too. Next to the temple you will find the Amulet Market (open every Sunday) featuring numerous religious amulets and talismans as well as traditional medicine.

The third place is a museum, which completely differs from all other Thai museums. The corpses of convicted killers, such as the corpses of  Thai most known murderer See-Uey and Chinese cannibal are preserved there.

Another place to visit is the Sirocco restaurant. Sirocco outdoor restaurant-bar is located on the very top of the city’s second highest building named Dome at State Tower with its 63 floors. If you can’t afford eating there because it’s too expensive, don’t worry, you can just order a drink and enjoy the glaring scenery of Bangkok.

Thailand’s extravagant capital houses millions of tourists every year. People leave the city hoping the second visit will not be too late. For my part, I believe even at the 20th visit, there will still be much to see and explore. Hopefully you will love this Asian oasis as much as I did.

Photos credits to 1,2,3,4

Kempinski Residences Siam

Kempinski Residences are located in the fashionable and glamor complex with the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok. There’s an alluring garden, which creates a unique terrestrial heaven where the flowers seem to be dancing and the exotic trees make the surroundings even more attractive and desirable. The hotel is very close to the city center. This complex gives families and business travelers an unbelievable lifestyle experience to share forever.

The Residences are connected to Siam Paragon and are the largest lifestyle complex in Thailand offering best places for shopping, dining and entertainment. The rooms are decorated in a very original way and style, one in garden style, the other in classic style, the third in business and so on. Everything is done to make your stay perfect and you will not find even a small detail to complain about.

Shangri-La Hotel

Shangri-La is a five star hotel with 802 well-decorated and luxury rooms with a cable TV and an incredible balcony from where you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the city, especially Chao Phraya River. The deluxe business center of the hotel is quite popular, hereby if you are in search of organizing meetings or conferences, this could be one of the best choices for you.

You will enjoy the Tibetan Spa here, and gorgeous outdoor pool area with its fabulous bar located in a tropical garden. Dining options are really high-class.  The international and traditional cuisine served there is simple mouth-watering. Be sure you’ll like this place.

Renaissance Hotel

200 meter-long Hotel Renaissance is standing in Bangkok like a queen and welcomes everyone with its deluxe service and very hospitable staff. It offers a world-class spa center, fitness and business centers, double beds in king-sized rooms, colorful design and very enjoyable atmosphere. The subtle drinks served at the Renaissance bar will surely amaze you.

Bangkok is so luxurious that it would simply make no sense if the hotels were not luxurious or lacked some very important things that would allow to describe it as such. Trust me, you will never regret choosing one of the hotels mentioned above.

Photos credits to 1,2,3

]]> http://www.travelinthailand.org/best-three-hotels-in-bangkok/feed/ 0 http://www.travelinthailand.org/maesa-elephant-camp/ http://www.travelinthailand.org/maesa-elephant-camp/#comments Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:20:00 +0000 Kusho http://www.travelinthailand.org/?p=2346 While talking about Thailand a lot of people picture unique cuisine, original Buddhist temples and of course smiley elephants riding on which is but a perfect pastime for both children and adults. And it’s totally true because Thailand is popular with its elephants and more importantly, adventurous and extremely enjoyable elephant activities. I firmly suggest that you go for this experience and feel what I felt when I was in Maesa famous Elephant Camp in Thailand.

A big family of elephants peacefully lives in the tropical Valley of Chiang Mai. This elephant territory is called Maesa Elephant Camp. It’s one of the largest elephant groups living in North Thailand. The lively atmosphere and the natural surroundings will make you love this place and dive in the attractions it offers. From downtown Chiang Mai it’s just a twenty minutes drive, but I am sure that you will wish it be longer as the way to Maesa Camp offers a glaring view worth your time and worth being placed in your “memory book.”

The camp now houses almost seventy eight elephants. Ideal animal conditions are provided there. In 1976 Choochart Kalmapijit seeing how intelligent elephants are decided to establish the Maesa Elephant Camp. He worked with various elephants. Protecting elephants is a huge problem in Thailand because for example in the 20^th century there were over one hundred thousand elephants in the country while now their number has decreased, so Maesa Camp is very important for preserving elephants and promoting their healthy development.

On each second Saturday of January Children’s Day is celebrated in Thailand. On that day the camp allows children and students to enter the camp free. It’s an amazing activity for children to get closer to the animals and learn about their lifestyle.

Another festival is the National Thai Elephant Day, which is held on March 13 (March 13 was officially established as the National Elephant Day in 1998). Maesa organizes various events on this day, so if you happen to be there at that time be sure it will be full of unforgettable moments and emotions. All elephants in Maesa Camp are trained and know how to communicate with people and entertain them. They also present performances and play different games.

Elephants are clever creatures, so trust me they will be very thankful if you applause them after each show! These smiley elephants will take you to another world; a world of happiness, lack of worries, relaxing activities and smiling faces. So don’t miss your chance.

Photos credits to 1,2,3,4

In general, there are a lot of buses from Bangkok to Ayutthaya and they run between Bangkok Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) and Ayutthaya’s main terminal on Naresuan Rd. every 20 minutes between 5 am and 7 pm. The ticket costs 30 bahts and the trip takes around 2 hours. Air-conditioned buses operate the same route every 20 minutes from 5.40 am to 7.20 pm. (every 15 minutes between 7am and 5pm) at the rate of 47 bahts, the trip takes 1.5 hours when traffic to north of Bangkok is light, otherwise it will take two hours.

The original name of Ayutthaya is Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. The city was founded by King U-Thong in 1350 and kept its statues as the nation’s capital until it was sacked by the Burmese in 1767. It has been one of the richest cities of Asia due to its vast array of temples that still embellish the best city view.

Ayutthaya boasts of palaces, temples and religious monuments each presenting a story, and this place’s historical significance is very important for Thai people. Ayutthaya is a river island city, less than 12 square km. There are approximately 100 historical well preserved ruins and temples. There are a lot of tours that  will give you an excellent opportunity to spend a day there to see a few different temples. The majority of the visitors come to explore Ayutthaya historical park, which includes most of the magnificent and fascinating ruins of the ancient city and was declared a UNESCO World heritage site in 1981. Over 400 hundred temples were originally built in Ayutthaya, and the fact they were built by various rulers and in different times means they present an interesting and awe-inspiring range of designs and styles.

Many of the temples from Ayutthaya’s glory period still exist today, although in various states of preservation. Wat Mahathat is by far Ayutthaya’s most photographed temple, made famous by the head of a large Buddha statue, which has become entangled in the roots of a giant banyan tree. Take a bicycle and make a tour around Ayutthaya: usually many people choose this way of exploring the place because it’s comfortable and you can stop wherever you wish and stay as much as you want.

But there is much more in Ayutthaya than simply temples. The Ayutthaya Elephant Camp provides visitors with the perfect opportunity to find out more about these mighty beasts. Rides can be arranged around the scenic area too.

And lastly, if you haven’t visited Ayutthaya, then you haven’t visited Thailand. So hurry up!

Photos credits to 1,2,3,4

Baan Chaweng Beach Resort & Spa

A blend of classic Thai style and contemporary luxury, the stunning Baan Chaweng Beach Resort & Spa is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a nice place at three star prices. One of the top hotels in the center of Chaweng town right on its white sandy beach, Baan Chaweng Beach Resort & Spa offers well-appointed and tastefully-furnished 94 rooms of various categories. You can choose form Beach front suites and bungalows, deluxe villas, superior villas and superior building rooms, all equipped with modern amenities and facilities.

The beachfront restaurant offers both traditional Thai and international cuisine sure to delight. In addition, the pool bar is a perfect place to unwind after a tiring day along with a fine drink. And if its total wellbeing that you are looking for, head to the resort’s Rachawdee Spa, a truly unique sanctuary of serenity, tranquility and natural beauty, offering holistic treatments with local herbs, tropical fruits and Oriental philosophies to ensure your full pampering and rejuvenation of body, mind and soul.

Coco Palm Resort Samui

Conveniently located on the serene Maenam Beach, in the northern part of Samui Island, the Coco Palm Resort Samui is another charming resort, offering budget stay in a traditional peaceful Thai atmosphere alongside exceptional service and quality accommodation. Boasting 35 luxurious wooden cottages and 15 standard cottages, set in love potion gardens, the hotel also offers on-site amenities including an elegantly-designed swimming pool, a restaurants serving mouth-watering dishes, cocktail bar, as well as a tropical garden, where you can relax at your heart’s content.

The hotel is a great choice for leisure travelers and can easily be reached by bus or high speed catamaran from Bangkok. The cozy resort lied close to Lomprayah Pier, where visitors can take a ferry to explore the neighboring islands.

Maryoo Hotel Koh Samui

Another budget option in the majestic island of Koh Samui is the Maryoo Hotel, ideal for those who want to stay away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With all the conveniences of a 4 star hotel, Maryoo Hotel Koh Samui provides guests with the ultimate in terms of service, accommodation and recreation. Take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary shuttle service that will transfer you to Samui’s popular Chaweng Beach, or else rent a motorbike and discover the island at your own pace.

Photo credits to 1,2,3,4,5

The best time to go to East Coast beaches of Thailand is from December till March apart from peak holiday times. And the worst time is definitely from May to October.

Hat Sai Kaew/Diamond Beach/, Ko Samet

It takes 3 hours to get from Bangkok to this astonishing place by bus. The coast is blessed with the softest white sand beaches, gently shelving and washed by crystal waters. Cool atmosphere, clean seas and unusually nice climate is what you will appreciate here most. High class accommodation options and yummy Thai restaurants welcome you at quite good prices. Every single detail is carefully considered. Ko Samet has a lot of attractions to dive in; it is also blessed with warm and pure water, and more importantly, it’s very safe. The islands are very close to each other, there is always a bus ready for you to take from one island to the other.

Ko Samui

Ko Samui is the third largest island in Thailand. It’s no longer a deserted tropical hideaway but is still one of the world’s most popular resort islands with glaring view, countless activities and entertainment. It’s especially famous for its vibrant nightlife. If you want to make everything really ideal try to book your hotel in advance to avoid problems because this island houses so many tourists each year that the booking is a must.

Hat Chin, Ko Pha Ngan

This is the place of party animals. Hat Rin is in general known for a prime rave venue especially at the famous full moon party that is the island legendary event started in 1989. The beaches here are crowded but it is also a pleasure to stay there enjoying the best-of-the-best and the sunny weather.

Thai Islands are not that expensive for you to enjoy everything they provide and offer. A family visit there is a great idea too. The one thingyou should do it to book everything before your visit and take your camera to take most interesting and amazing photos.

Photos credits to 1,2,3

From early morning till late night street vendors prepare full meals. People buy them and enjoy right in the streets. Not only inhabitants but also the countless tourists visiting Thailand throughout the year say that street food taste is not available even in the most expensive restaurants of Thailand.

There are neighborhoods that serve best-of-the-best from Thai street food and one of those is Luphini Park. Right outside Lumphini on Ratchadamri Road street sellers will offer you Isan food and  this will be an ideal choice for your dinner. Dishes most popular with people are som tam, lab and sticky rice. This place is usually very crowded, so you shouldn’t even think of finding a calm place; it’s just impossible. Oh, make sure you ask the vendors not to make your food too spicy because spicy food is peculiar to Thai cuisine. Sometimes they might even not ask you whether you love it or not, but just serve with a big smile on their face.

The second very popular street food place is Victory Monument where you will find a large street market full of street vendors offering delicious food. You will find countless noodles and rice dishes and also sandwiches usually made for high-school students who study near the market.

In all street markets you will find a lot of fruits. There are special tropical fruits, which can be found only in this territory called Thailand, hereby we  suggest that you don’t miss your chance and try them.

Visit the colorful street markets of hospitable Thailand and enjoy one of the most delicious cuisines in the world with its spices, fruits and unusual dishes.

Photos credits to 1,2,3,4

The Lanna Kingdom is an ancient 13th century kingdom in Northern Thailand started by King Mengrai in 1259 who established his capital in Chiang Mai in 1291. Exactly from this Kingdom grew a society with great culture and language along with its own traditions, habits and rituals that are very interesting to see and enjoy.

Kamthieng is a marvelous place, an old Thai hidden getaway on Asoke road and simply an amazing house. It is over 160 years-old. The green oasis of Thailand with its dramatic view of Nature is a perfect place to hide from the world and isolate from the crowded cities feeling like in a fairytale.

This house is the live representative of Thai society and center-piece at the Siam Society, which promotes the preservation of historical heritage, vulture, arts and environment. The house is stocked with artifacts that represent the traditional rural way of life with its amazing hand-woven fabrics, ornate wood carvings and traditional musical instruments and regional items. The traditional woodcarving exhibit features many more of the large teak ham yon panels. They vary widely in design, but all share the same high-quality craftsmanship. Any one of them requires a lengthy study by the casual visitor to fully appreciate the hard work.

It’s open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9.00am to 5.00pm. And the admission fee for adults is 100 baht and for children — 50 baht.

A tour to this incredible house gives the visitors a great opportunity to witness various rituals, get information about Lanna culture life, family behavior and architecture. Lanna society practices animism, a belief in the presence of spirits in natural objects and phenomena.

This unique experience will take you to another world and you will totally appreciate your trip to Thailand. Fabulous surroundings will make you discover many things of Thai great history and the mix of ancient and modern beautifully standing next to each other will give you breathtaking emotions and unforgettable memories to cherish forever. Don’t forget to take your photo-camera to take super and crazy photos that will make you smile every time remembering this unusual and ideal experience in fascinating Asian luxurious place called Thailand.

Photos credits to 1,2,3,4

Wat Pho: the biggest temple of Bangkok

Wat Pho or Wat Phra Chetuphon (as inhabitants used to call it) is commonly known for the huge Reclining Buddha statue it houses. The body of Buddha is all covered with gold plating and is decorated with mother-of-pearl inlay on his eyes and the soles of his feet. The bottoms of the Buddha’s feet are decorated with 108 auspicious scenes in Chinese and Indian styles. Having 20 acres large it is the largest Wat in Bangkok and is technically the oldest too because it was built over 200 years before Bangkok was established as the capital of Thailand. Wat Pho is also the largest temple of Bangkok and has good English speaking guides that will provide interesting information for around 200 – 400 baht, depending on how many people there are in your group as well as your negotiating skills. There are also a few astrologers and palm readers available for consultation. You can also receive a blessing from a monk for a small donation, which helps maintain the temple. The entrance fee is 20 baht so it’s very cheap and really worth seeing and exploring.

The Wat Pho complex consists of two walled compounds, bisected north-south by Sanam Chai Road running east-west. The northern walled compound is where the reclining Buddha and massage school can be found and the southern walled compound, Tukgawee, is a working Buddhist monastery with monks in residence and a school. Wat is home to more than 1000 Buddha images.

Wat Pho offers you typical and enjoyable Thai massage you will never forget. But this massage is totally different from other forms of therapeutic massages. It is invigorating rather than relaxing, because it works with yoga style and tends to make people overcome stress and improve blood circulation. The cost is around 120 baht for half an hour or 200 baht per hour. Look no further; you will never regret visiting it.

Every part of Bangkok oozes beauty and history. The whole city is worth exploring but there are monuments and landmarks that simply cannot be missed. If you’re considering a city break in Bangkok, visit Wat Pho, a  chosen place for its historical importance, popularity and aesthetic appeal.

Photos credits to 1,2,3,4