วันจันทร์, เมษายน 28, 2008
Should Bird Flu Concern Bangkok-Bound-Travelers?
by Lazz Laszlo
Having spent many years in the media, you learn quickly that "if it bleeds, it leads."In other words, if it's tragic, sorrowful, and shocking... it's the lead story.In television, they love footage that is viewer stimulating. In radio, they want to grab your attention with a "what" did he say headline. In print, it's all about the attention grabbing headline.Remember; "Dewey Wins!"Accuracy is secondary, I guess.Attention is paramount.Bird Flu was all over the news for quite some time, but has faded in popularity recently. Perhaps the election campaigning is more interesting to watch, read, and hear about.Iraq doesn't even get the headlines it used to. Of course, after five years, I guess they're running out of headlines.Bird Flu or SARs is still a problem that "lives" among us.Good news on this front comes from Thailand's National Electronic and Computer Technology Centre.A man by the name of Saran Samritdejkhajorn has invented an apparatus that has the ability to measure the temperature of anyone who passes by it.Comprised of a thermal-imaging camera, some temperature and humidity sensors, and some circuitry, this device could be a simple way to identify those with the contagious disease known as Bird Flu.Therm-Screen V.2.0 software is now being created by Mr. Samritdejkhajorn and a pilot project for the Bird Flu detector is in the works.Testing continues and the gathering of data is on-going, all of which is projected to improve accuracy.If you sleep with the chickens in Thailand, you should worry about Bird Flu, if you sleep in a hotel, you really shouldn't be concerned. Just use common sense.Since I live in the capital city of Bangkok, I never let the threat of Bird Flu come to mind. It's a city, not a jungle or rural farm plot of land with chickens roaming.Occasionally, I'll spot a sparrow or a pigeon, but the cats are controlling the bird population quite nicely.My advice; don't wait to travel, travel while you're still young enough to make use of all the wonderful that you will learn from your travels
Discount Hotels In Thailand
by Megha Poddar
There are several sites available that have put in tremendous effort to research and include many small, low-priced, inexpensive, but sparkling and at ease hotels. This makes the experience of holidaying and enjoying the trip to the maximum.The discount Phuket hotels located at the centrally located points provide well-designed and pleasing to the eye rooms features deluxe rooms that are top class. The meeting room, administrative suites and Presidential suits are all well appointed and no fault of any sort will be stumbled upon whatsoever. These cheap booking hotels in Phuket talks about that they offer fine luxury at affordable prices. The impeccable service, smart décor and excellent views are all included in the price that is paid. The architecture and the ambiance will somehow remind you how attached the hotels are to their culture and traditions. The food served in the cheap and discounted hotels is typically famous inIf you check in the business discount Bangkok hotels you could access the facility for the conference and meeting rooms that comes along with an outstanding clerical service. In order to arrange certain extra facilities or organize events, the staff is more than co-operative. There are banquet and conference necessities are well met by the personnel or the concerned people of the hotel.However, the best aspect of the discount hotels available in Phuket is its price, features of this hotel like the enormous and full of room designed suites. Further on you could also call for room service massage, babysitting, laundry service and dry cleaning or any other. For more detailed information on discounted hotels you could simply refer to the plethora sites available on the net. You could simply indulge in online booking and avail of further discounts and benefits.
A Selection of Brilliant Bangkok Hostels
by Paul scottyn
There's so much to see and do for travelers on a budget in Thailand's capital, Bangkok, and finding some amazingly cheap accommodation from the range of outstanding hostels in Bangkok is no different.With a wealth of cheap hotels and hostels available to the Bangkok backpacker finding one close to the particular points of interest or specific facilities is unlikely to be a problem.New World Lodge HotelThis centrally located Bangkok hostel has everything that a backpacker could hope for. Reasonably priced, the 172-room complex offers en-suite bathrooms with full facilities including piping hot showers, a fitness center, a restaurant and internet access as standard.Offering a quiet and calm getaway from the busy hustle and bustle that is downtown Bangkok, travelers are unlikely to feel like a recluse, either. Every room offers windows and a walk-on balcony, from which travelers can soak up the capital's atmosphere without even venturing into the sweltering heat.Should you feel like braving it, the lodge is also located within only a short distance of the famous Khaosan Road, where backpackers in Bangkok can find the best of the capital's budget travel offerings in one place.Take a Nap HostelIn terms of character, hostels in Bangkok don't really get much better than the aptly-named Take a Nap Hostel. The (similarly, self-describing) Sleeping Rooms are uniquely decorated with a variety of whimsical and topical themes, from a pop art style bed space to the bamboo or garishly colorful animal forest room.Character aside, hostel features include wheelchair access, elevator and an all important tours desk. It also has the advantage of being located within close proximity of three main transport systems, the MRTA Samyan Station, the BTS Saladaeng Station and the Hualampong Main Station. Each provides access to different points of interest across the city and country.The famous Grand Palace, with its awe-inspiring architecture and gardens, is less than five kilometers away. There's also no shortage of local amenities, with the Robinson and Central department stores within a short walking distance. Big Johns Backpacker HostelFor those keen on meeting fellow backpackers, there's little better than friendly Big Johns. The luxury of a bar, common room, pool table and a library make this hostel a good starting place for the social backpacker.Free internet connection, airport pickup and a 24-hour reception area also add to the appeal of this hostel, which is also conveniently located along the Sukhumvit Road, regarded by many as the 'center' of Bangkok.
วันศุกร์, มีนาคม 28, 2008
Bangkok Luxury Stay: Get Pampered
by Megha Poddar
Colorful, Vibrant, Fascinating and even at the moment astonishing…Its Bangkok, Where luminous skyscrapers shine the skyline beside glittering, cultural temples, and Royal luxury hotels. In this city, a creased garland maker practices her business, outer to a five star mall. Bangkok has all wonder in itself and as well it’s an excitement never ceases to enjoyment.
Some people merely enjoy comfort, opulence and lavishness at the time of staying in a hotel and luxury and Deluxe Hotels is the perfect choice when vacationing. Luxury hotels in Bangkok is another attraction of travelers, they have whole Bangkok in a nut shell. These hotels provide all kind of amenities that offer a supreme level of relieve. Beautiful views, world-class facilities, huge restaurants and excellent services are the trademark of any Bangkok Five Star hotels indeed. These hotels purpose at offering largely pleasing experience to their visitors, where the stay is only a part of the complete procedure.
Luxury hotels are entitled with spacious rooms and bathrooms equipped and furnished well. Attractive interiors, furniture, expensive upholstery that is selected with the experts meets the visitor’s like in each room in all Bangkok luxury hotels. Bathrooms are designed in a way that frequently suits royalty. These luxury hotels manage even level of hygiene and cleanliness. The staff of the hotel is well mannered and experienced in this facet. Many cross checks and checks are prepared make sure that there are no troubles just because the human error.
A complete mini-bar, plasma TV, DVD player, bathrobes, coffeemaker, hairdryer, ironing board with iron, safety deposit box, duvet bed set, High-Speed Wireless Internet Access, are some examples of the facilities offered by the Bangkok luxury hotels to the visitors. On the whole they ensure to their visitors will clear all formalities of airport at completely pester free and approach the hotel in safely manner. It is a short part of luxury hotels….you’ll explore much and much more things in Bangkok hotels, just explore fun! Explore its concealed secrets and enjoy your royalty!
วันอังคาร, กุมภาพันธ์ 26, 2008
Bangkok's Fact : Thailand travel Bangkok hotel booking 2008
by ALADIN
This is the facts about Bangkok that you have to know.Name: BangkokCountry: Kingdom of ThailandGovernment type: Special administrative areaGovernor: Apirak KosayothinTime zone: GMT+7Area: 1,562.2 km²Population: about 10 millionsLanguage: Thai (English is widely spoken)Measures: Metric SystemVoltage: 220 voltsMobile Phones: GSM 900/1800Visas:Visitors from most countries are issued 2- to 4-week entry permits on arrival and upon presentation of a passport and a ticket for the return or onward journey. Entry permits cannot be extended while you are in Thailand. It is advisable to check with a Thai embassy or consulate in your country before departure.If you are planning a longer stay, apply for either a 60-day tourist visa or 30-day transit visa from Thai embassies and consulates overseas. These can be extended at the Immigration Office in Bangkok for a nominal fee.Currency: Thai bathTHB 1.00 equals:.01 British Pound (GBP) .02 Euro (EUR) .03 US Dollar (USD) .03 Australian Dollar (AUD) .04 New Zealand Dollar (NZD) .04 Singapore Dollar (SGD) .22 Chinese Yuan Renminbi (RMB) .23 Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) 1.16 Indian Rupee (INR) 3.30 Japanese Yen (JPY)Taxes:A value-added tax (VAT) of 7% is added to all purchase amounts. The VAT is refundable for tourists only at participating shops.Tipping:A service charge of 10% is usually added automatically to all hotel and restaurant bills in Bangkok. If not, a 10% tip is appropriate for waiters.Business HoursBank Hours 8:30-9:30 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday.Office Hours 8-9 am to 4-5 pm, Monday through Friday. Shop Hours8-9 am to 9 pm or later throughout the week. Department stores are open 10 am to 8-9 pm all week.Public Health:Check with your local clinic about vaccination requirements. Drink only bottled or boiled water.Dress: Light clothing for the summer months and a sweater for the cooler months. Suits are appropriate for business occasions. Shorts and T-shirts are frowned upon in government offices. It is more respectable to wear modest dress in temples.Weather:As a tropical city, Bangkok enjoys warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The May-June summer temperatures range from 35C to 40C (95F to 104F) while winter temperatures range from 30C to 34C (56F to 93F).Districts:Since Bangkok have an area about 1,500 sq.km., They have been divided in to 50 districts.1. Bang Kapi 2. Bang Koknoi 3. Bang Kokyai 4. Bang Khuntien 5. Bang Khen 6. Bang Kholaem 7. Bang Khae 8. Bang Sue 9. Bang Na 10. Bang Bon 11. Bang Phlat 12. Bang Rak 13. Bueng Kum 14. Chatuchak 15. Chom thong 16. Don Muang 17. Din Daeng 18. Dusit 19. Huai Kwang 20. Kanna Yao 21. Khlong Sarn 22. Khlong Toei 23. Khlong Samwa 24. Lad Krabung 25. Lad Phrao 26. Lak Si 27. Min Buri 28. Nong Chok 29. Nong Khaem 30. Pathumwan 31. Prawet 32. Pomprap Satruphai 33. Phaya Thai 34. Phra Nakhon 35. Phra Khanong 36. Phasi Charoen 37. Ratchathewi 38. Rat Burana 39. Saphan Sung 40. Sathorn 41. Sai Mai 42. Samphanthawong 43. Suan Luang 44. Taling Chan 45. Thawi Watthana 46. Thung Khru 47. Thon Buri 48. Wang Thonglang 49. Watthana 50. Yan Nawa
An eastern getaway - Thailand Holidays : : Thailand travel Bangkok hotel booking 2008
An eastern getaway - Thailand Holidays : Travel Thailand holiday
by Christine Da Silva
My friend Anel and I were on our way to a 16-day Thailand holiday. This meant 16 days of absolute leisure, including shopping and spas, not to mention a cultural experience.But first... We booked into our hotel. Everything in Bangkok seemed shiny, especially our hotel where yellow gold played an intricate part of the architecture. The room was spacious and every inch as beautiful as I expected, with striking views of the city.After settling in at the hotel, we headed towards the Grand Palace. Luckily we read in a brochure about the Grand Palace that a certain dress code is expected when entering, including no shorts, no sleeveless tops and no flip flops. Being from a completely separate culture, we found this a little strange and hadn’t really predicted this happening whilst being on holiday, but one of the perks of a holiday is to experience new cultures and practices.We took the Chao Praya River express to the palace. It was a great idea, because as we moved towards the Grand Palace and Wat Pra Kaew, also known as The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, we had an overview of an unforgettable sight. The colours of the Grand Palace are in a striking contrast to the white wall that surrounds it. The gilded stupas and rooftops are tiled with bright, shiny orange and green tiles. There were mosaic encrusted into the walls and the colours seemed overwhelming.A good time to shop... After our morning of cultural awareness, it was time for some shopping; after all, Thailand is well known for its markets. We took a shocking pink taxi (all colours in Bangkok are bright) to northern Bangkok where the Chatuchak Market is situated. Anel was the one to remind me to pack as little as possible since she knows of my addiction to shopping and I was so grateful to her for that! There were probably thousands of stalls. I was in shopping heaven! At some stage I was standing with about ten DVD’s in my hands when Anel said to me that she had done enough shopping for the day, and that I was being a little overzealous with my spending. This is why we are great friends; we can tell each other things like this without being offended. Amongst the clothes I bought was a beautiful native designed top. The patterns are quite unique using beautiful colours like no other top I had ever seen.Our trip continues... In the next few days we continued to Koh Pha Ngan, Satun, Penang, the Cameron Highlands, Kuala Lampur and Melaka.Melaka, or Malacca, is the capital of the Sultanate of Malacca. The culture in Malacca is as diverse as South African, but with a difference of course. It’s a mixture between Chinese, Malaysian, Portuguese, Dutch and British. The Malaccans really know how to make good food. For lunch Anel and I went to a little restaurant in the town centre and had Nyonya-Baba cuisine. It’s a mixture of Chinese and Malay cooking, but with a bit of a spicy bite. Anel is used to eating spicy food, but as for me: not exactly. At first bite it was a bit of shock to my system. Anel laughed while I was almost in tears for the most part of my meal. Even if you don’t enjoy spicy food, you have to try it once at least.For our last day we continued to Singapore. Singapore can be described as a big beautiful concrete jungle. Anel and I booked into the outdoor Spa Botonica for our last day: Pure bliss! We had a pebble foot bath, followed by a Vichy rain shower and aromatherapy body booster. My favourite was the hour and half aromatherapy massage. I dozed off during my massage and felt a bit sheepish when Anel woke me up to tell me that lunch was already served. Afterwards we had an aromatherapy facial followed by a pedicure before heading back to the hotel.During dinner we were discussing our favourite parts of the holiday. The cultural differences were the one thing that stood out the most. Some say the world is getting smaller and smaller everyday, but it’s only when you travel that you really appreciate the fact that although this might be true, there are still indifferences that makes life just so much more exciting.
วันเสาร์, มกราคม 26, 2008
Bangkok Nightlife Guide - The Best Of Thailand : Thailand travel Bangkok hotel booking 2008
by Larry Willis
Over the last few decades, Thailand has emerged as one of the leading tourist destinations in the world. Millions of people from all over visit Thailand every year to enjoy its vibrant nightlife, which in turn has resulted in the growth of new clubs hotels and bars.There are many striking and beautiful cities throughout Thailand. But if it is the nightlife that you are looking for, than look no further than Bangkok. Bangkok is not just another shopping destination. Bangkok is full of bars, nightclubs, pubs, and discos. Not only is the nightlife affordable, but they are good places to go and relax.If you're a person who loves the nightlife, then you'll love visiting Bangkok. Here's your guide to Bangkok nightlife. While you're there, check out the stylish interiors of the clubs and hang out with the exciting crowds. You can also hit the floor with some of Bangkok's great dancers!At the many night spots throughout Bangkok, you'll see some very sensual dance performances. The nightclubs, taverns and discos offer customers all sorts of alcoholic beverages. The ones that most people order are beer, champagne, tequila and vodka. A very lively section for nightlife is Patpong; and in addition to that neighborhood, you might also enjoy visiting the interesting Nana Plaza.It is great news to find out that most of the clubs in the city of Bangkok are very reasonable. Hip-hop is a very popular music at a lot of the Bangkok clubs. A lot of the dance clubs will open around 9 pm. If you want to really enjoy yourself you should stay into the later hours of the night.When you do an internet search for "Bangkok" you will uncover hundreds of articles full of advice and tips for the typical tourist. Narrow your search to "nightlife" and you can research all of the great places for partying. No matter how you learn about Bangkok's hot spots, you will definitely be impressed with all they have to offer.


