Map of Thailand

Accomodation In Pattaya Thailand

Author: KengIsm

During the Thai economic boom of the middle of 1980s to 1990s, hotels have been over-built in Pattaya, Chonburi. As a result, prices are very reasonable compared to most other countries given the high quality of accommodations and services offered.

But if visitors plan to visit Pattaya, it is highly recommended to make hotel reservations well ahead of time, since most hotels there are fully overbooked in these popular tourists destination.

Pattaya has an excess of accommodation in every price bracket. Yet tourist are advised to always take a look at the room (or better still several rooms) before agreeing on a price. However, tourist can see hotel review in more internet websites.

Pattaya boasts an incredible choice of accommodation to suit for every traveler. Facilities range from luxury hotels with private beaches to bayside hotels and bungalows, and inland, economy class hotel and guest houses.

For backpackers and adventurous tourists, guesthouses are usually the cheapest option, costing fewer than USD 10 per night (or less for a dorm bed). This gets you a room with a fan, a squat toilet (often shared) and not much else.

Pattaya hotels start around USD 10 and go up to around USD 300. The upper end of this range will be air-conditioned or more facilities , the lower with not. The primary difference is that with a hotel room, your bathroom should be more private, beautiful, luxurious, bed linen and towels should be provided and there may be a hot shower. Moreover, some hotels provide other facilities such as satellite televisions, WIFI internet and more.

Tourist hotels are generally around USD 25-40 and offer the basics for a beach vacation: swimming pool, room service and cable television. Business and luxury hotels, more than USD 50, offer every modern amenity you can think of and are largely indistinguishable from hotels anywhere else in the world.

Some notably Pattaya's The Hard Rock hotel are the world's best hotels which is win the award "Hard Rock Hotel of The Year". The most luxurious resorts also fall in this price category, with some of the very best and most private.

With a projected 15 millions plus visitors to Thailand predicted in 2006, it is expected that many of the hotels in Pattaya will have high occupancy rates throughout the year.

For those who are not familiar with the Pattaya geography. The South and Central Pattaya located hotels are the ones to choose if you are looking to be in the center of the "action". There are lots of restaurants, bars, shopping and etc.

For those looking for perhaps a quieter night's sleep chose North Pattaya or Naklus, where there are several quality hotels down by the beach at Wongamart.

The beach is better than that in Pattaya and the congestion of both people and vehicles is a lot less than in Pattaya. It is however, easier to travel to Pattaya for the evening by taking one of the many "baht buses" which is Thai people called "Song-Thaew". They congregate at several points along the Pattaya Beach Road

Source: Articlesbase.com

Visa Laws in the Kingdom of Thailand

Author: Wolfgang Jaegel

As per the Visa Exemption Rule, the Kingdom of Thailand allows foreigners from various nations to enter as well as stay here for a limited period of time. In other words, foreigners from countries that are covered in the exemption rule are allowed to stay in Thailand for a period of up to 30 days, for which there is no need for a visa application. Al though not a single visa can exceed a period of 30 days, the exemption rule permits foreign nationals to stay in the country for a period of maximum 90 days within a period of six months.

However, this rule is applicable only to foreigners coming here for tourism purposes. No matter you are a foreigner from a country not included in the exemption law or from one included in the exemption law, it is essential to apply for a visa if you want to stay in the country for a period exceeding 30 days.

Depending upon the changing requirements and purposes of people, there are different types of visas. A visa is simply a permit or consent issued by the Royal Thai Embassies or Royal Thai Consulate General to a foreigner who wishes to stay here for a particular period of time. The visa duration varies based on a number of factors, which may be up to three months, six months, or sometimes up to one year.

However, a visa is never issued for a period less than three months. Most popular among the visa issued by the Thai embassy is tourist visa, which is alternatively known as travel visa or visit visa. A tourist visa is usually granted for a period of up to 30 days or up to 60 days. Thailand issues a 60-day visa to nationals of almost 40 countries, and for nationals of about 19 countries, visa with a scheme, namely, visa on arrival, is issued. Even though the travel visa for Thailand is quite complex, its requirements are same for everyone. Among the requirements for applying for tourist visa is a valid passport from the home country, two passport size photos, and completed as well as signed application forms.

Business work visa is another popular type of visa issued in Thailand. It falls under the category of non immigrant visa group, and is also known as non-immigrant visa work or Business 'B' Visa. A business work visa is regarded as a first step to apply for a work permit in Thailand. When business work visa is issued for the first time, it is given for a period up to three months. But, you may get either double entry or sometimes even one year multiple entry visa when you apply it for second time.

However, you are required to leave the country every three months. But there is an exception and you may get a valid one year business visa, if you acquire work permit through an approved program of Board of Investment (BOI.) Likewise, in this case, you needn't have to leave Thailand every three months. But, you have to comply with a lot of paper works provided you leave the country for holiday purposes. Nevertheless, this is not applicable for normal entry visa. Some of the requirements for obtaining a work visa are sponsorship of Thai company, VAT certificate, withholding tax, and letter of employment.

Different types of visas in Thailand also include Ed Visa (Education Visa), which is usually issued to students who are interested in studying in the country. An Ed Visa must be applied at least a month prior to the trip to Thailand. Of the requirements in order to get this visa are a valid passport and a letter from the admission department of college or university you are going to study. Transit visa, diplomatic visa, and courtesy visa are the other popular types of visas issued by the embassies.

Nowadays, a plethora of law firms, immigration agencies, and other service providers are in the scenario to render to a host of services in dealing with visa laws as well as requirements. With an expert team consisting of professional migration consultants, these service providers undertake a myriad of activities in connection with obtaining work permits as well as visas and visas for a number of destinations located worldwide.

Some of them even provide the services of expert immigration attorneys for scrutinizing the authenticity of documents. There are also certain service providers who assist you in securing an Australia visa, the US visa, and the UK visa, apart from visas for other countries such as New Zealand and South Africa.

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/law-articles/visa-laws-in-the-kingdom-of-thailand-268973.html

The Exotic Cuisine of Thailand

Author: Wolfgang Jaegel

Thai cuisines are regarded as one of the best as well as delicious in the world. Since situated between the political and cultural destinations of China and India, Thailand's dishes have strong influence of cuisines of both these countries. A strong influence of Malaysian flavors is also prevalent in Thai cuisines.

In short, a Thai cuisine is an incredible blend of the Indian, Chinese, and Malaysian cuisines. Further, as many of the monarchs and royals were educated in European nations, they returned to their home place with western culture and western taste in cuisines. Perhaps for this reason Thai cuisines are sometimes influenced by western European flavors.

Above all, Thai cuisines reveal a great deal about the nation, from its political and trade history to its geography. Nowadays, the exotic cuisines of Thailand are much popular in such western countries as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

One of the unique features of Thai cuisines is that it is an assortment of four basic tastes: sour, salty, pungent, and sweet. Thai dishes are not only tasty but also healthy because of its low fat and high fiber as well as the nutritious elements of herbal ingredients. Typically, a Thai meal includes hot salad, a soup, a fried dish, a curry dish or a dip with fresh vegetables and fried fish.

However, rice dishes are the staple among the Thai cuisines. The highest quality, long grained Jasmine rice, otherwise known as fragrant rice, is mostly used for preparing traditional Thai rice dishes. Steamed rice dishes served with aromatic curries and mouth-watering stir fries would satisfy any palate.

Sometimes, curries, fries, and other ingredients are poured on to the rice to form a dish, namely, khao rad gang. Significant of the ingredients that can be found in most of the Thai dishes are nam pla, a kind of fish sauce; shrimp paste, which is a blend of shrimp and taste; Thai egg plants; Chinese ginger; coconut mil; chillies; and a variety of herbal leaves such as kaffir lime leaves and Thai basil.

The cuisines of Thailand are categorized according to the different tastes of the region, such as, central, southern, northern, and northeastern. In central Thai region, cuisines are mostly a blend of hot, salty, and greasy tastes. Among the specialties that are cooked in this area are steamed rice, fried items, soups, and side dishes including curries and shrimp paste dip with fresh vegetables.

Chinese dishes such as noodles and noodle soups are also much popular in this region. Thai cuisines in southern part are more or less influenced by Malay cuisines. One of the much favored dishes in the area is Khanom chin, which is mostly taken with hot spicy curries and vegetable items. Apart from rice dishes, sea food items are important in this region. Further, the dishes prepared here are a mix of sour and salty tastes.

When comes to north and northeastern regions, most popular cuisine here is steamed glutinous rice. Mostly, northern Thai cuisines are simple, and are especially known for its unique style of eating, namely, Khantok Dinner, which is an accompaniment of sticky rice, curries and nam phrik ong, prepared with ingredient like minced pork, tomatoes and chilies.

Each of these items is placed in a large wooden tray and guests sit around it to sit and eat with hand. Northeastern cuisines, or Isan, as it is fondly known, have stronger taste in contrast to that of other parts of the country. One of the main dishes that can be found with almost every meal is pla ra or fermented fish. Also, a prominent dish prepared here is Som Tam, or green papaya salad. Additionally, some of the dishes prepared here have the influence of Laos.

Some of the well-liked Thai dishes are Tom Yam Kung, which is a spicy soup with shrimp as the main ingredient; Kaeng Khiao Wan Kai, a sumptuous curry prepared with chicken; Phat Thai, a noodle items cooked in traditional Thai style; Phat Kaphrao, a meat dish cooked with sweet basils; Kaeng Phet Pet Yang, a curry made with roasted duck; and Phanaeng whose main ingredients are meat and coconut cream. Aside these, sea food specialties prepared with fresh supplies of crabs, oysters, lobsters, prawns, and other shellfishes are truly scrumptious.

Also, worth mentioning are delicious, multifarious Thai desserts, prepared with ingredients such as coconut cream, coconut flesh, rice flour, palm sugar and eggs. Thong Yip, Met Khanun, Mo Kaeng, Kluai Chueam, and Thapthim Krop are just few among the yummy Thai desserts. Above all, much famed are incredible Thai vegetable dishes.

Source: Articlesbase

Top 10 Beaches in the Caribbean

Author: Travel Guru

A holiday to the Caribbean offers you the chance to visit some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. Virtually every island of the Caribbean will have beaches that amaze; with crystal clear blue seas, sugar white sand & palm trees.

To help you choose where to go and more importantly what beach to choose, we have compiled a list of the top 10 beaches in the Caribbean.

1/ Palm Beach (Aruba) – Idyllic beach setting with superb white sand.

2/ Grand Anse Beach (Grenada) – 3km beach with sugar-white sand, lots of space & shallow waters.

3/ Johnson’s Point (Antigua) – Made up of secluded coves; these white soft sand beaches are a must for snorkeling & swimming

4/ Pink Sand Beach ( Bahamas) – One of the world’s most photographed beaches, often voted world’s best by travel publications. 5km’s of salmon pink coloured sand, due to red plankton that has mixed with the fine white sand.

5/ Crane Beach (Barbados) – Often voted as Barbados’ most beautiful beach. Imposing cliffs, a natural coral reef and soft white sands make for a perfect beach.

6/ Negril Beach (Jamaica) – Laid back atmosphere and Jamaica’s prettiest beach. A lot quieter than Seven Mile beach.

7/ Englishman’s Bay (Tobago) – A sheltered beach with fine white sand, crystal waters & surrounded by a palm jungle.

8/ Grace Bay (Turks & Caicos) – Part of a national marine park, this beach has fine white sand, calm turquoise waters and is protected by a barrier reef.

9/ Trunk Bay (US Virgin Islands) – A beautiful beach with crystal clear waters, considered one of the best places for snorkeling in the Caribbean.

10/ Shoal Bay (Anguilla) – Put Angullia on the tourism map; sugar-white sand, crystal clear blue waters & coral reefs.

Source: Articlesbase

Travel Tips For Des Moines International Airport

Author: Jawahn R Thompson

The following article covers a topic that has recently moved to center stage--at least it seems that way. If you've been thinking you need to know more about it, here's your opportunity.

Are you an American who is looking to fly out of the country? If so, you will need to find an airport to fly in and out of. If you live in or around Iowa, you may want to look into the Des Moines International Airport. After you have fully researched and examined the airport, you will likely find that it has everything that you want, as well as everything that you need.

The Des Moines International Airport, like many other airports, is only serviced by a limited number of airlines. Those airlines include Allegiant Air, American Eagle, Comair-Delta, Continental Express, Midwest Airlines, Northwest Airlines, United Airlines and, US Airways. If you are utilizing the it for the purpose of flying out of the country, you will find that not all airlines offer international flights. That is why it is advised that you keep this in mind when choosing an airline to fly with.

After you have made the proper airline reservations, you can begin to prepare for the rest of your tip. Namely, your packing. When doing so, it is advised that you keep all air travel rules in mind. In addition to the air travel rules that you must follow domestically, you are advised to famialrize yourself with the rules that can be found in other countries. It is the best way to ensure that you will be able to have a pleasant experience, let alone even make it to your intended destination. You can easily do this by contacting the Des Moines International Airport directly or by visiting the online website of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

You can see that there's practical value in learning more about this airport. Can you think of ways to apply what's been covered so far?

Once you arrive at the Des Moines International Airport, you will have to show the proper forms of identification at the first check-in point. This should be where you will receive all of your boarding passes. If you are flying out of the country, you will need to have additional identification documents. These documents may include your passport, a certificate of citizen ship, or a copy of your birth certificate. The type of documents required will likely depend on where you are traveling to and which airline you are flying with. In the event that you do not have the proper forms of identification, you will likely be prohibited from proceeding any further.

As long as you have the proper forms of identification, you should be able to proceed to the next security checkpoint. At the Des Moines International Airport, like most other airports, you will find that at the airport security checkpoints are more intense than those for domestic flights. That is why it is extremely important that you arrive at the airport early. They recommend that you arrive at least two hours in advance. For international flights, they recommend that you arrive even earlier.

Depending on how you plan on arriving at the Des Moines International Airport, you may need to make additional accommodations. In the event that you are able to receive a ride to the airport from someone that you know, your travel will be as easy as it could possibly be. If you are planning on driving yourself to the airport, you will have to familiarize yourself with airport parking and fees. In the event that you need assistance getting to the airport, you will find that a number of buses and taxi cabs service the area.

If you have already made your flight reservations, out of the Des Moines International Airport, you will want to familiarize yourself with the airport layout, if you haven't already done so. If you are unfamiliar with the airport, you can easily examine its layout online. In fact, you can also print off a small, but detailed map of the whole airport. You can find this map, as well as other valuable information by visiting their website.

As your knowledge about Des Moines International airport continues to grow, you will begin to see how it fits into the overall scheme of things. Knowing how something relates to the rest of the world is important too.

Source: Articlesbase

Essential Backpacking Gear List

Author: Brian Mcgregor

When planning your backpacking trip, you need to think carefully about what equipment to take and what you can afford to leave behind.

There are some things that you simply must have. Whilst there are plenty of new gadgets and devices that are supposed to enhance your backpacking experience, when it comes down to it, there are some traditional items that you should never leave home without, regardless of what new technology you may have in your pack. These essential items are listed below.

Map

The key here is to choose a map which has sufficient detail to clearly show the trails and area details of where you will be backpacking. Apart from that, it really does not matter what type of map you choose.

Compass

You will need a good quality compass that will withstand the elements outside. The fact is you have to know which direction you are going. Just taking a map is not going to work.

Flashlight

It is very important that you always can see where you are going. A good quality flashlight is essential, plus batteries. You can now buy wind-up torches, which remove the need for batteries. Remember, it can be very dark in none-rural areas. Not having adequate lighting can contribute to falls or injuries which can really ruin a good backpacking trip.

Extra food and clothing

Instead of packing just what you need, you should try to pack extra just in case. You could get lost, or encounter bad weather, or you might just get stuck and not be able to get back. You must always be prepared for the unexpected, and extra food and clothing will help you cope.

First Aid Kit

This is a really important item. There are many things which can happen out in the wilderness. Even if you are traveling in a very well kept area, you can still find a need for a first aid kit. Make sure you get a kit that is well stocked with a variety of supplies.

Knife

Ideally you should have a multi-function knife which incorporates several different tools. Such tools can prove to be very important and their uses are endless when backpacking. At a minimum, a nice sharp knife that can cut through fabric and cord is necessary.

Matches

Matches can prove to be a lifesaver, particularly in cold weather conditions. You should either get waterproof matches or carry your matches in a waterproof container.

Water or water treatment

Drinking water is essential as you must stay hydrated while backpacking. If you do not carry water, an alternative is to have the necessary supplies to adequately treat water.

These are the essentials, but as you plan your trip you will quickly find there are many considerations when deciding on what to take. Make sure you seek good advice from the many resources available to you.

Source: Articlesbase

Thai Foods and Cooking

Author: Kai

Thai food has become in recent years one of the world's favorite cuisines. When we speak of "Thai food ", we are in fact talking of four very distinct regions in the country, each with their own culinary traditions. We are speaking too of the dishes created in the royal courts and palaces of Old Siam, that have been passed down through many generations of chefs, and finally into public domain.

Good food also comes up from the street level, and many of Thailand's most popular dishes can be found at the smallest food stalls and restaurants. And there is the influence of China, India, Malaysia and other neighbouring countries. So all these different factors come together under the label "Thai food", and you will find them in varying degrees at any Thai restaurant you care to visit, anywhere in the world.

One of the most distinctive aspects of the cuisine is its use of herbs and spices. With regard to the spices, some Thai dishes are very hot, but by no means all of them. The herbs have another function, in addition to providing flavour, in that they all have to varying degrees various medical and therapeutic benefits.

Thailand has a long history, going back to ancient times, of the use of herbs for medical purpose, and this in turn has permeated the ways of cooking and preparing food. Coupled with its low-fat qualities and its essential freshness, this helps make thai food one of the healthiest anywhere. Another important aspect about Thai food is the hospitality and friendliness, the sheer enjoyment of good companionship and of eating that is such a powerful element of the Thai personality. Sharing a meal is an important part of the day for any Thai person, and meal are very seldom taken alone. That is why all the dishes are generally served at once during Thai meal, and why there is a communal spoon placed alongside each dish for people to help themselves and to serve others.

A Thai meal ideally is a communal affair, principally because the greater the number of dinners the greater the number of dishes that can be sampled. Diners choose what ever they require from share dishes and generally add it to their own plate of rice. All the dish are serve simultaneously, or nearly so. The object is to archive a harmonious blend of the spicy, the subtle, the sweet and sour, and a meal is meant to be equally satisfying to the eye, nose and palate.

Thailand is blessed with many varieties of plants, herbs and spices which ensure s balanced diet. Today, visitors can both relish classic Thai menus and the benefits of a natural diet, and study the art of Thai cooking at several specialist schools in Bangkok and major beach resorts.

You can see more information about Thailand and Thailand tourism at http://thailand-vacation-info.blogspot.com.

Source: Articlesbase

Responsible Travel in Asia

Author: David Stevens

Responsible travel is a new way of travelling moving away from the mass tourism. Responsible travel means respecting and benefiting the local people and environment at your destination. It is about minimising your impact on the local culture and environment and maximising your connection with the local people and environment. It is about making a positive contribution during your trip and having the most rewarding and inspiring travel experiences of your life.

Responsible tourism can be defined as travel that takes into consideration the the following issues.

Environment: Responsible travel is travel that minimises the negative environmental impact and makes a positive contribution to the conservation of the natural and human heritage.

Cultural: Responsible travel is travel that respects the local culture and traditions and promotes a greater understanding between travellers and the locals.

Economic: Responsible travel is travel that has financial benefits for the local community and operates on the principles of fair trade.

This kind of travel is very popular in Asia. There are a lot of opportunities to join an eco tour and engage yourself in eco tourism in Asia. China, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam are just some of the wonderful destinations on offer in Asia.

Travelling around Asia has become very easy and cheap with many low cost airlines connecting you between many destinations around Asia. Also Asia is a very cheap travel destination so you will get a lot more for your money.

Responsible tourism starts before you even set off on your travels. Research your destination before you leave. Find out about the culture or religions and make sure you respect the local sensibilities. You will find that the local people will very much respect the fact that you make the effort to understand and respect their traditions.

Asia is overflowing with customs and little etiquettes. It is very important to try and adhere to these. Not only will local people feel respected, they will respect you in return, allowing you a fuller experience. After all you are a visitor in their country.

When you are travelling try to travel independently instead of in large group tours. This will result in low impact, helping to sustain the local culture and environment. It will also enable you to have a much more meaningful travel experience as you will get much more opportunities to meet the locals and see more of the country off the beaten track.

Always ask before taking a photo of anyone in Asia. Pointing at your camera with raised eyebrows will usually suffice. Respect their wishes if they decline your very kind offer.

Try and learn a little of the local language. Even just some basic greetings and thank you. You will find that people respond very well to this. This will give you the chance to talk to the locals even if it just to say hello or thank you.

Visitors to religious and historic sites should pay particular attention to the following: be sure to dress appropriately and follow local guidelines, be mindful of your manners and local etiquette and never remove anything from religious or historical sites.

Responsible travel in Asia is an amazing experience that will last for many years to come.

Source: Articlesbase