Saturday, May 30, 2009

Thailand Dream Destination, Kanchanaburi

There are a lot of interesting places in my beloved country due to its rich history, unspoiled and beautiful nature and vivid nightlife which are exactly what tourists need.

One of Thailand Dream Destination which is highly recommended is Kanchanaburi. It is the third largest province of Thailand after Chiang Mai and Nakon Ratchasima.


It is very famous place with the beautiful virgin jungle with a lot of wildlife, mountains and wild rivers (two most important rivers; Mae Nam Khwai Noi and Mae Nam Khwai Yai). These charming and beautiful natures are combined to make Kanchanaburi one of the most Thailand Dream Destination for nature lovers and sportsmen. It is not far away from Bangkok. (just about 130 kgs. West of Bangkok or 2 hours drive from Bangkok.

The most important event that most tourists would love to see is “River Khwai Bridge Festival” which is held at the bridge with spectacular Sound Light Show every year in late November and early December. This event reminds to the history of the Death Railway and the bombardments during World War II.


It is quite amazing that “The Death Railway” was constructed by thousands of Allied Prisoners of War and Asian laborers who were under the imperial Japanese army. The army intended to move men and supplies to the Burmese front where the Japanese were fighting the British.

The world-famous black iron Bridge on the River Khwai was brought from Java by the Japanese supervision by Allied prison-of-war labor as part of the Death Railway linking Thailand with Burma. During World War II, the bridge was the target of frequent Allied bombing raids.

There are many people died from the hard working during the construction of “The Death Railway” as they had to work from dawn until after dark. They were all buried in the War Cemetery where you can stop over and pay a visit for this tragic memory.


Besides, you can follow the historical route from Kanchanaburi to Nam Tok Railway Station by daily train. It is a wonderful trip indeed.

After enjoying the historic parts of the province, you may have to relax with several Thailand’s largest waterfalls. One of those well-known is Erawan waterfall with its seven levels. It is highly recommended as it is the place where you can feel like living in the dream and it really likes swimming in a paradise pool with crystal clear water.

You can feel the spirit of tranquility during your stay in Kanchanaburi. It is the place where everyone is extremely nice and friendly. The weather is perfect and the food is really delicious. We can guarantee that Kanchanaburi is one of the most Thailand Dream Destination. Come and see it by yourself. Your dream may come true there.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Safety Tips for Budget Travelers in Foreign Countries




There are many things to keep in mind when traveling, whether you are a budget traveler or not. You obviously want to keep what money you have for your trip rather than lose it or have it stolen. You also want to keep yourself and traveling companions safe from harm. Here are some tips to follow to ensure your trip is safe and enjoyable in a foreign country.
1. Have a valid passport and all visas required for your trip. Make two copies of your passport. Keep one in a separate part of your travel luggage and the other leave with someone at home.
2. Be aware of any travel warnings for the country you are visiting. Find out about security and safety conditions in your destination.
3. Secure travel insurance!
4. Ensure you have been vaccinated against any infectious diseases prominent in the area you will be traveling to.
5. To make sure you can be contacted in case of an emergency, make a copy of your itinerary and leave it with someone at home.
6. Travel light and don’t pack valuables that you wouldn’t want to lose. Leave your jewelry at home but take an extra pair of glasses if you can’t live without them.
7. Remember you are a foreigner when you travel. You are a guest in their country and therefore should abide by their laws, and to a certain extent, their customs. For example, if you are a female traveling in an Islamic state, be considerate of your dress.
8. Try not to bring too much attention to yourself when traveling. Don’t go out looking like a tourist with a flashy camera and expensive clothes. Try to blend into the scenery.
9. Travel in a group where possible and in well known areas. There will be times you want to get off the tourist track, so make sure you always have a traveling companion with you.
10. Only carry small amounts of cash on you. Your credit card and travelers checks will pay for most things.
11. Watch out for pickpockets! Wear a money belt and keep your purse/wallet in the front of your body. Report any loss or theft immediately to the local authorities.
12. Don’t leave your luggage unattended. Apart from having it stolen or items from it taken, you could also become an unsuspecting drug courier.
13. If traveling with a partner, pack half your clothes in their luggage and vice versa. This way if one of you loses your luggage, you will still have some clothes.
14. Lock your luggage and label everything.
15. Lock your hotel room. Keep money and valuables with you, not left unattended in your room.
16. When using public transport be aware of possible theft. If you are traveling overnight, secure your luggage and sleep on top of it if possible. It is not uncommon for tourists to be drugged while on trains and buses so don’t accept gifts of food or drink from strangers on public transport.
If at any time you feel unsafe, whether it is on the streets or in your accommodation, get out. Follow your instincts. Stay safe when you travel by being aware of the dangers and obeying the laws of the country you are visiting.
This article is brought to you by: Stuart S. Travel – Your Online Travel Guru
www.stuartstravel.com
About the Author:
Stuart S. Travel / Your All World Online Travel Guru:

Sherry Hardesty has been a professional flight attendant for over 15 years. Her experience is extensive and she provides professional travel consulting and booking services at http://www.stuartstravel.com
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Safety Tips for Budget Travelers in Foreign Countries


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Saturday, May 9, 2009

Thailand Dream Destination: Chiang Mai


There are many reasons why Chiang Mai is chosen as one of a Thailand Dream Destination. One of those reasons is that Chiang Mai is the largest and most culturally significant city in the north of Thailand. It is also considered as unofficial capital of the north of Thailand second only to Bangkok.

There are a lot of ancient temples that all make Chiang Mai the perfect holiday choice. Among those are:

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep which is the most famous temple in the area. On a clear day, the temple's location can affords superb views over the city.

Wat Phra Singh which is located within the city walls. It is the classic northern Thai style architecture. This temple is one of the most important temples in the city.

Moreover, there are some interesting and famous national parks in Chiang Mai as follows:

Doi Inthanon which is the highest mountain in Thailand. This gives a wonderful feeling of nature.

Doi Suthep where Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep situated


Dokmai Garden which is introduced you to the nature and culture of the north of Thailand.

Elephant Natural Park

Hill-tribe tourism and trekking: there are Akha, Hmong, Karen and Lisu tribes living in the north of Thailand.


San Khampaeng which is the village of Mae Kon Phong. It's home to multiple tea and coffee plantations.

Chiang Mai has a large and famous nightly bazaar for arts and handicrafts and counterfeit products of all description.

Furthermore, you can join and celebrate many famous Thai festivals which are involved in Chiang Mai as follows:

Loi Krathong (known locally as Yi Peng) which is held on the full moon of the 12th month of Thai tradition lunar calendar. (in November) Most people show worship to the Goddess of Water by floating Krathong decorated with flowers and candles into the rivers. Besides, they also let Khom Fai (sky lanterns) into the air as they believe that this could help to get rid of their troubles and they decorate this Khom Fai at their house and streets accordingly.

Songkran (the water festival) which is held in mid of April to celebrate the traditional Thai New Year. Most visitors come to see this festival since there are a variety of religious and fun activities taking place each year. Besides, many great parades and a Miss Songkran beauty competition are included in this festival. As this is the hottest time of the year, most people pour, squirt or throwing water on each other.

In the old days, Songkran was a time to forgive all of the animosity and resentments of the past year and the water symbolized the washing away of those difference. Most people had water sprinkled on each other, it was refreshing.

Nowadays, it is a playful, water fight in which the whole population take part. Be prepared to get wet just about anywhere you go.

Flower Festival which is hold during the first weekend in February each year. (A three-day festival) The tropical parades, traditional dancing shows and a beauty contest are included in the festival.


Whatever the reason that make Chiang Mai to be one of a Thailand Dream Destination, there is one thing you will see everywhere in Chiang Mai is the Chiang Mai’s people who are among the friendliest and most welcoming in the world. (Chiang Mai is the place where every face has a smile) They enjoy the thousands of tourists around the world who visit them each year. We can say that Chiang Mai is the place where is so much to see and so many memories to bring back with you.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Tips For the Best Beach Vacations


Tips For the Best Beach Vacations

With summer just around the corner, one can not help but day dream of the many summer destinations that are available. It seemed like most prepare for this favorite vacation time. Since summer is associated with water, cloudless skies and sun-filled days, the beach is the perfect place to enjoy these things. Basking under the sun, swimming in the clear blue waters and basically, having a good time on the cool white sands are just some of the greatest attractions for a beach holiday.

Beach vacations can be fun and adventure-filled. The key is choosing the right destination and the right beach vacation package for your whole family. There are many travel agents that offer great beach vacations packages. These packages come with hotel accommodation, breakfast and even guided tours. Beach vacations can be more exciting if you choose packages that offer free additional recreational activities such as scuba diving or snorkeling. Instead of these activities, you can also choose beach vacations packages that include services like free massages on the beachfront and free use of bicycles or motor bikes. This way, your days will be filled with new experiences at no cost at all.

If you do not have any travel agent, the second best thing is searching the internet for offers or packages on beach vacations. You can start with choosing a destination like the Caribbean, Hawaii or even Boracay. From here you can look at the hotels offering promos and compare prices and features. Choose a hotel that has air or land transport arrangements as well so that you won't be bothered with haggling or rushing. . Before booking, check the weather forecast of the destination you like so you can be assured of a perfect time.

If you have time, you can do a little research on your destination. Since beach vacation can be costly, especially if you stayed in five-star hotels or resorts, knowing other places to eat or shop can be very practical. Another option is o get booked during the low-peak season in the destination of your choice.

Once you've booked your hotel and airplane, make a list of important things to bring. Beach vacations can be enjoyable but without protection like sun block, sunglasses, hats or umbrellas, you can suffer from mild to serious sunburn. Also make sure you bring medicines for unexpected cases of cold, cough, fever or stomachache. These medical emergencies will definitely ruin anyone's memories of a fantastic beach vacation.
About the Author:
Richard Henderson lives in Las Vegas and loves to travel to exotic locations. You can visit his website about Beach Vacations here.
http://www.vacations-discounts.com/Beach-Vacations.html
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Tips For the Best Beach Vacations