Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi Thailand

Thailand, known as the southeast Asia's premiere holiday destination, offered a remarkable experience for tourists from all over the world. Therefore, my husband and I travelled all the way from Philippines to visit the said country.

It was midnight when we landed at Thailand Airport. As soon as we got our luggage and successfully passed all custom controls, we headed to the lobby. It was not as crowded as I thought, or maybe due to the fact that it was already midnight.

We have reserved a room at Loma Resort and Spa in Pattaya, so a taxi was all we needed. Some drivers refused because their route was just around Bangkok. Using meter was not an option and other drivers already set a fixed fare amount. The price was quite inappropriate, but we haven't had the time to bargain, as we were quite exhausted. Although we had been ripped off by the taxi driver, the most important thing was to safely reach the resort.

Pattaya, which was located 150 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, was a terrific place for families and couples who wanted to have a memorable holiday. It was famous for vibrant nightlife, especially in Walking Street, where bars, restaurants, discotheques, pubs and cabarets stood in every corner. It was probably a remarkable place for single men and women, as well as homosexual and bisexual people.

During daytime, white beaches and shopping malls would definitely be very enticing. A wide variety of local and international cuisines and entertainments also contributed to Pattaya's success as a tourist destination.

Aside from Pattaya, we also spent some days at Koh Chang - Thailand's next largest island after Phuket.

We stayed at the Grand View Resort and Paradise Resort & Spa on the third week of June, during the early rainy season. The weather was not an obstacle to experience some rain forest adventures, such as elephant trekking and motorbike riding. Scenic views of water falls and Buddhist temples were splendid, so as the beaches, restaurants, bars and resorts.

The journey would not be completed without staying in Bangkok. We stayed at the Viengtai Hotel, a two minute walk to Khaosan Road. The hotel was also near to Sunset Street, a phenomenal street surrounded with restaurants and entertainments, as well as tourists from various countries.

Some of Bangkok's attractions were The Grand Palace, Cobra Show, Tiger Temple, River Kwai Bridge and golden temples like Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Po and The Golden Mount.

Travelling with a tuk-tuk, enjoying a Thai massage, drinking Singha and Chang beers and selling fried squids, cockroaches and grasshoppers were also part of Thailand's culture and tourism.

In addition, Thailand was absolutely the "Land of Smiles" as most of the Thai people offered their great smiles.

Shopping would be very interesting, too. There were street stalls on Silom, Sukhumvit and Khaosan Road, shopping malls, Floating Market, Flower Market, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Patpong Night Market and Bangkok's China Town.

Moreover, our three-week holiday experience in Thailand was extremely spectacular.

Bridge River Kwai is a grand hotel based in Kwai, Thailand. It is a classic and country style hotel with old among the hills, gardens and paths. The hotel offers venues for functions such as weddings, conferences and other events. It also offers great food at one of the award winning family restaurants as well as stay accommodation for families and couples.

The hotel, Bridge River Kwai, offers high quality accommodation services. They are comfortable and luxurious with the enchanting design of the classic country time to renew the traditions and culture. It offers great function venues and specializes in wedding services. Its restaurant offers a number of different food items and beverages with delicious taste and healthy ingredients.

There are total 10 accommodation rooms. They offer all the facilities and requirements for the stay that the guests can ever wish for. Six of these family suites are located in the historic inn while the other 4 are located in the School Master's Cottage. All these family suites have queen size beds and complimentary breakfast is provided to guests in all the accommodation rooms. Each of these family suites have arm chairs, a bundle of interesting books, lounge with TV, open fire place and grand piano.

The hotel offers wedding venues for perfect traditional weddings. There are about 4 choices for wedding venues that include the garden, the verandah, Georgian building and even the oak tree premises. The hotel management helps to make your special day even more special and perfect with such romantic sites and classic touch.

The inn is ideal for different private, social and corporate events. The inn has conference rooms for organizing private talks, lectures and meetings. The delegates can then enjoy in the lounge, play tennis, golf or walk in the garden. The restaurant is the only family restaurant in the town that offers all the tasty cuisines of the world. It offers food and beverages even for parties and event held at their function venues.

Bangkok is one of the largest and busiest cities on the planet and trying to find your way around can be something of a challenge for even the most seasoned traveller. But don't despair - with a cool heart, plenty of patience, an icy bottle of water and a bit of forward planning, you'll be on your way across town before you know it.

Here are some tips on Bangkok transport options and how best to make your way around this bustling metropolis

1. Avoid Tuk Tuk Scams

Tuk Tuks (3 wheeled motorised taxis) can provide you with a quick and readily available means of getting around Bangkok, but don't be tempted by the '20 baht' offer of a full day tour of the city. These scams invariably take you from one dull & overpriced shopping venue to another, each one selected on the sole basis that if you buy something, your tuk tuk driver will earn himself a nice commission bonus. Not all tuk tuk rides are scams but just make sure you negotiate a reasonable price for your (direct) trip before jumping on board.

2. Utilise the Bangkok Skytrain and newly opened Underground

The BTS Skytrain and newly opened Underground (or subway) network will get you around Bangkok in the fastest possible time. If you want to get across town in a hurry and avoid the infamous Bangkok traffic jams, then these two transport systems will serve you well. From most points around the city you can take a quick walk or taxi ride to the nearest station and be on your way in air-conditioned comfort in no time at all. Just remember, during peak times, you'll be sharing the ride with thousands of Thai commuters, so you'll be lucky to get a seat, but it still beats sitting in traffic for up to two hours.

3. Try the Chao Phraya Ferry Service

For a scenic journey across town, try one of the many ferry services operated on the main river, the Chao Phraya, which winds its way through Bangkok. Only available during daylight hours, this is one of the most relaxing and stress free ways to get around Bangkok, plus you'll see a terrific blend of old and new architecture as you pass by sweeping skyscrapers and humble wooden abodes. There are ferry stops all along the river, usually marked on any map of Bangkok and if you're not sure which ferry to take to get to where you're going, just ask one of the other commuters or ticket staff - they'll be happy to help you on your way.

4. Taxis are cheap but traffic moves slowly

In Bangkok, you can hire a metered taxi for very little cost. For example, a journey from the airport to your downtown hotel is likely to only cost you in the vicinity of 200 THB (or about $5). Keep in mind, however, that as reliable and comfortable as Bangkok taxis can be, they are still subject to peak hour traffic jams. If you need to be across town during peak times, consider leaving for your destination earlier to avoid traffic, or else take a combination of taxi and public transport (skytrain, underground or ferry) to avoid getting stuck in one of those notorious Bangkok traffic nightmares. Also, when taking a taxi, make sure you select a driver who uses a meter, not one who quotes you a set fee, as choosing the second option will invariably end up costing you more.

5. Leg Power

If you want to sightsee in Bangkok or don't have far to travel across town, consider donning a pair of good walking shoes, grabbing a bottle of water and setting out on foot to explore this vast and exciting city. Especially during peak traffic times, you'll find this a much more enjoyable mode of transport and you'll get to see some of the intricate details which make up this cosmopolitan city. In addition, you'll get closer to the people and probably make a few new friends along the way.

6. Public Buses & Trains

Public buses run everywhere in Bangkok but trying to work out which bus goes where can be a bit daunting, even for veteran Bangkok travellers. If you've got a sense of adventure and a bit of time on your hands, you'll find this a fun and inexpensive mode of transport, as well as a great way to meet people along the way. Just keep in mind that peak hour in Bangkok will mean very full buses, sometimes not even standing room will be available.

Public trains (not the underground) are mainly for travel to regional destinations, so unless you're heading upcountry, travelling by train around Bangkok is probably not your best option.

7. Motorbike Taxis - Not for the Faint-hearted

Their ability to duck in and out of the congestive Bangkok traffic and the low cost make motorbike taxis a popular choice for many living in Bangkok. If you only need to travel a fairly short distance, a motorbike taxi could be a fast options for you. Keep in mind though that this mode of transport is not the safest form of getting around and you'll require nerves of steel as well as great trust in your driver if you choose to travel by motorbike taxi around Bangkok.

Copyright 2006 Kris Gardener. Please feel free to pass this article on to your friends, or use it in your ezine or newsletter. It's a shareware article.

Unlike Advices for travelers, here we list advices and different situations, which will bring many troubles to you and other people.

Most of these advices were collected by real people in quite ordinary situations. If you have your own additions to these advices - you are welcome to send them!

It's always better buying pasteboards privately - this way you will spend less time for purchase and save your time.

When you are going into a trip, don't forget to put all your belongings in beautiful and expensive bags - this way all other people will understand that you are a rich person and respect you.

1. It's better to put all good and expensive things in one or two biggest bags - let everybody know that you can afford yourself many good things.

2. Take much money with you, put them in one pocket or bag - in case you see something interesting on the way - you will be able to buy it at once without troubles.

3. You need to put big banknote in your purse - you always need to have cash for purchase.

4. You need to dress yourself stylishly and with comfort. In winter women will like a mink or blue fox fur, in summer - miniskirt.

5. You should put your pasteboard in a purse, put there also passport, driving license, documents etc. You always should have everything with you.

6. When you are already on a platform, act this way: put all your belongings in a big and long raw and turn away - somebody will need them. During this time you will be able to enjoy sunrise or a beautiful view on opposite side.

7. As soon as you take your place in a compartment, tell your fellow travelers about your destination, occupation, business - you have nothing to hide from other people - you're an honest man.

8. Do not put all your belongings under lower seat - you know, it's difficult to take things from there - it's better to put everything on open upper shelves - it will be easier to take them.

9. You need to hang your overcoat on a hook close to the door - allow passers-by throwing a surprise into your pocket.

10. While unpacking your luggage, turn bag to your fellow traveler - he should see how many interesting things you have.

11. Buy most appetizing and tasty foods on all stops: meat, cutlets, cakes, fish - even raw - you will cook it when you come home.

12. If your fellow-traveller offers you drinks, which he prepared for you while you were absent, drink as much as you can - they use sleeping-draughts only in detectives.

13. If you are alone in your compartment, visit diner - find a friend there and invite him to your compartment - you will have more fun with a stranger.

14. If somebody asks you to change big banknote - do it - may be you will need it.

15. If you are offered to buy some electrical appliance: radio, player, electric razor, electric kettle etc. - buy it, don't worry that you cannot test their work - they are so cheap.

16. Hide all your money in underwear on all custom houses and enter small sum in a customs declaration - you know, nobody will search you and doubt in your words.

17. When you go to bed, do not close the door - this way you will receive fresh air and have a good sleep.

18. You should better sleep with your head to the window - this way you won't hear passers-by and fall asleep calmly.

19. It's better to leave all your money and documents in pockets for the night - this way you will be able to pay for everything in case of necessity.

20. It's better to leave good shoes close to a shelf for the night - you may want to go out in the night, and slippers are not good for this - you know, you are a rich man.

21. Leave your compartment as often as you can - you do not need to know what your fellow traveler is doing there.

22. Play cards for money to entertain yourself - this way time will pass quicker.

23. When you arrive at your station - take all your bags and run out from your carriage - don't waste time to check your luggage.

24. Drink more beer (juice, soda water) before all big stations, where train stops for 10-15 minutes. Your stomach will never let you down.

25. Take more perishable goods with you (summer sausage, cakes etc.) - this will give you a stimulus to eat everything quicker.

26. Eat more garlic, onion and other spices on the journey - people should see you're an epicure.

27. Do not wash yourself before departure - you still can sweat. You will take a shower on your arrival. And people should understand this.

28. Do not put clean underwear and cloth on the journey - you can soil them.

29. Never take medicines on the journey - your stomach, heart and head will never let you down.

30. Try to arrive at a strange city closer to midnight - you will have much time for night's familiarization walks.

31. Upon arrival register your luggage and write large the number on paper, so that a man, standing next to you, could see it.

32. Do not take a toilet-set with you - may be they will start distributing tooth-brushes in trains.

33. Do not ask about train arrival - your inner "Ego" will tell you.

34. Never learn rules of behavior on the railroad. This is unnecessary information for you.

35. If you need to change trains, take care that interval between trains on a station is no longer than 5-10 minutes. Trains run according to time-table, why should you waste your time on a railway station?

With air travel so readily available, every Tom Dick and Harry has been to Spain, France and Greece for their summer holiday and it only takes a couple of hours to get home if it all goes wrong, but Asia, now this is another thing. If you're planning on travelling to Thailand, you might find these tips helpful for that first, slightly daunting week.

Arriving in Bangkok at the beginning of your Thailand trip is similar to arriving in any large city around the world. The airport is huge and daunting, but essentially you are lead off the plan, directed to collect your luggage and set free where Bangkok if you oyster.

My first trip to Thailand was at the age of 19 when a friend and I planned 3 months travelling around Thailand. With a Lonely Planet in my hand and a rucksack on my back we had no real plans and no hotels booked! Walking out of the arrival lounge the warm evening heat of the city was a pleasant contrast to the cold winter day we had left in England. We jumped in a taxi and like 9 out of 10 other backpackers asked the taxi driver to head for Koh San Road, the essential place to kick off your Thailand trip. The journey took about an hour along a surprisingly good quality motorways and back streets with fantastic views of the citys at night time. Arriving in Koh San Road we paid our driver a considerably small amount for an hours ride in a taxi and were faced with the bustling streets, bright neon lights and throng of backpacker of Koh San Road. As we walked down the street with our backpacks obviously fresh off the plane at the beginning of our Thailand trip, we were approached by numerous hotel owners proudly holding pictures of rooms they had to offer. We settled for the best priced room above a noodle bar, dumped our bags and although we had just got off a 15 hour flight the excitement of the city were too much to go to sleep. We headed out as the time neared midnight for a cold beer and a bowl of noodles - to begin our Thailand trip in style.

The following few days we got into a routine of waking up eating a typically English breakfast of eggs, bacon of a bowl a muesli in the hotel restaurant and looking through our lonely planet to see how we would spend our day. We visited Wats, Buddha's, temples, markets, parks and even took a trip to pat pong to see the infamous ping pong show! We drank local Chang Beer and chatted to other Thailand travellers about their experiences and the best places to head to.

Bangkok is easy for travellers to Thailand to navigate, with a million tuk-tuk drivers willing to take you anywhere, usually via a tailors to get their petrol vouchers. Like with any large city there are a plethora of amazing place to visit. There are ATMs, banks, shopping centres, street vendors selling amazing food from deep fried crickets to sticky rice and coconut. There's a boots pharmacy and the end of the road and a of course a MacDonald's! Thailand travel agents offering excursions to the jungles and the beaches, to the river Kwai and to the ancient temples of Ayutthaya and so all the things that you could possible could of worried about before you begin your Thailand trip are quickly forgotten. With the friendly Thai nature I never heard a word raised in anger and although there are of course the occasional scams, I think Bangkok was everything and more I could have wanted from a city.

Thailand is really traveller friendly, with a great transport system that includes buses, trains and planes, all running through Bangkok. After we left Bangkok to continue travelling around Thailand, we returned numerous times as we passed through for the night on our way to a different part of the country each time making it feel even more familiar and a little bit like home in a country so far away from England.

I hope that this will put your mind at rest about travelling in Thailand, as it's a brilliant place that is really welcoming to travellers from all over the world.

THAILAND HIGHLIGHTS

Bangkok - The vibrant capital of Thailand and the essential place to begin any Thailand tour. Wander around the Grand Palace, enjoy a massage at Wat Po, visit the floating markets and sample the street food.

Chiang Mai - A highlight of any trip to Thailand. Take part in a traditionalThai cookery course or visit the historic Old Town. Ride an elephant, stay in a Hill Tribe village or float down the river on a bamboo raft on one of the many jungle treks that depart from this charming city.

Kanchanaburi - Visit the famous bridge over the river Kwai, travel along the Death Railway, stay overnight on a floating jungle raft, and swim in the fairytale Erawan waterfalls.

Ayutthaya - The ancient capital of Thailand. Take a sunset tour of the ancient ruins.

Ko Phangan - Home to the infamous Full Moon Party. Head over to the far side of this island where few tourists venture out, and you will find idyllic beaches.

Ko Tao - This tiny island is one of the best places in the world to dive. Phuket - This colourful and cosmopolitan island is the largest and most popular of Thailand's islands.

Ko Phi Phi - The setting of the 2000 movie 'The Beach', the Phi Phi islands Krabi - Visit the Tiger Cave Valley, wander around the morning market or cruise around the nearby islands.

Ko Samui - Soak up the sun on a sandy beach, visit the night market, or hop into a jeep and explore the less traveled roads of Koh Samui.

Ko Chang - Laze in a hammock on a beach with a cocktail in hand, hike alongside waterfalls, or trek by elephant.

MAIN TRAVELLERS ROUTES Most people travelling to Thailand start off in Bangkok, visit Kanchanaburi for a couple of days before working their way up to Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai. Many people choose to end their trip in Thailand with some time on the islands in the South before returning to Bangkok for their international flights home.

CAPITAL AND MAIN CITIES Bangkok Other main populated areas: Chiang Mai (north)

LANGUAGES Thai English Chinese

CURRENCY Thai Baht

VISA Tourists from the UK do not require a visa if planning a trip to Thailand of less than 30 days. If you are planning to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days, then you will require a 6 month visa. Alternatively, it is possible to renew the tourist visa by leaving and then re-entering the country.

Those who've tried it will tell you it's probably the best thing they've ever done. If your purpose for traveling is adventure and excitement - then backpacking is the best way to achieve this. Backpacking however is not meant for everyone - it requires the ability to leap out of one's comfort zone. In fact you need to abandon the idea of comfort altogether, leave expectations behind and bring curiosity along. If you're willing to do the above, then backpacking is the cheapest way to travel the world. There are certain things though, that you must know as a backpacker. Here's your travel checklist:

1) You carry your own backpack, always. When applied broadly, this means that as a backpacker you're on your own, even if you travel in a group. You need to be able to take care of yourself, no matter what. As such resourcefulness is important. Evaluate all decisions in this light. Plan your trip keeping in mind what you can handle and what you can't. You're not out there to prove anything. The idea is to have fun, but not pay a heavy price.

2) Backpacking is no joke. It requires thorough and advance planning. Since you will be on your own and out of your home for a decent period of time, planning will ensure that you do not run into problems that end up ruining the trip or those that were completely avoidable. Planning is also important to ensure that you manage your time and your money efficiently while you're traveling. Plan your date of departure, route, tickets, the places you will see, where you would like to stop, where you would like to stay in advance. Whether you stick to this or not is of course entirely optional. The purpose of the plan is to give you some idea as to what you're doing. It's pretty hard to change a plan you never had.

3) Carry information, by the truckload. This is the single most important item on the list. Knowledge of the place you're visiting is of utmost importance, not just to make your trip safer and easier but to turn it into a learning experience. The more you know of a place theoretically, the more the actual experience will mean to you. Also, in case of an emergency, information about the place you're in will be your saving grace. Knowing a place beforehand will also ensure you don't miss out on anything.

4) Prepare the backpack well: The backpack is what will stay with you throughout, so you want to ensure it has what you need to survive. The emphasis is on 'survive' so you need to carry accordingly. A backpack is ergonomically built - which means when used correctly it causes no or minimal discomfort. For this it has to be used intelligently. Learn how to pack a backpack well (courtesy the internet) and then how to carry it properly. The last thing you want is a backache on your travels.

5) Prepare yourself better: On a tour like this, you're up against a lot. As long you carry your presence of mind and don't lose your sense of adventure - you'll do great. However exercising caution never hurt anybody. So maybe a course in self defense or learning the language are really good ideas.

Thailand is known for its spectacular scenery, hospitality, historical monuments and traditions that go back thousands of years. A visit to this fascinating country will leave you wanting repeat Thailand holidays.

Thailand has something to offer everyone. North Thailand offers trekking, hiking, hill tribes and ethnic groups with colorful dress and unique customs and culture. The East of Thailand has incredible islands and beaches ("The Beach" was filmed here) and water sports including para-gliding and snorkelling.

South Thailand offers even more spectacular beaches (including Phuket and Koh Samui), waterfalls, water sports such as snorkelling, kayaking and beach parties that go on for three days. In West Thailand you can see elephants, tiger temples and the famous "bridge over the river Kwai." Central Thailand offers the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, with extravagant night-life, plazas, shopping malls and 1000 year old temples.

The climate in Thailand is mostly tropical, with a mean annual temperature of 28° C. It is usually very hot in the Central Plains and South but cooler in the North, such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai where visitors to the Kingdom can cool off. If you prefer a cooler period to visit the best time is November to March when the days are mostly dry and the humidity lower, although the island Koh Samui is best visited from June to September.

Thailand´s rich culture has been influenced by Cambodia, Laos, China, Burma and from the rest of Southeast Asia. Thailand's national religion is Theravada Buddhism and has become central to modern Thai identity. The Buddhist religious lifestyle in Thailand has remained almost unchanged for centuries and many Thais honor and respect it. This way of life can be seen daily from the floating markets, to the meditation and religious ceremonies. The peaceful and calm nature of the Thais means you will receive the warmest of welcomes and be left wanting many more Thailand holidays.

Thailand is very accommodating for UK citizens. It takes approximately fifteen hours on a direct flight from The UK. Many Thais speak English with main road signs in English and Thai. You do not need inoculations for your Thailand holidays, however precautions against hepatitis, malaria and typhoid are recommended if you are traveling to Northern Thailand or near to the borders of the Mekhong regions. Currency exchange rates are favorable and prices are cheap, with a very nice meal in a romantic setting costing around eight to ten pounds for two people.

Thailand is known as "The Land of Smiles." For your next holiday, kick back and relax on one of the many beautiful, warm beaches Thailand has to offer.

The Kwai River Bridge was made famous by the 1960s movie about a bamboo bridge being built by British Soldiers in Burma during World War II. This movie was mostly fiction, the bridge is of concrete/metal construction and it is actually located in Thailand. Thailand Tourism authority offers a great service of train tours. These are low cost trips that you can take that range from day trips to long weekends to various scenic parts of Thailand. Most of the trips begin and end in the Hua Laphong Rail Station, the main rail hub for passengers for the entire country. Pictures of this station are shown above. The station is clean and organized, but beware, it is also VERY busy. As a side note: Thailand uses their rail and bus system as their major artery moving people and products throughout their borders.

The tour that I choose was a day trip that took me almost to the Thai border with Myanmar, ending in the Soiyak Water Falls but making stops in Phra Pathom Chedi, Bridge over the Rive Kwai, the "Death Railway", and the Kanchanabury WWII Cemetery. I will describe each of these stops in detail below. The trip was a full day, starting at 7 am and not returning to Hua Laphong Station until after dark, around 7 pm. The train was un-air-conditioned but was comfortable, at least while we were moving.

Phra Pathom Chedi

Our first stop was at the temple called Phra Pathom Chedi , The Temple main feature was a huge pagoda (see the pictures below. The stop was just long enough to walk from the train station to the Temple without too much rush. To get to the temple we walk through a city market area where you can get anything from a quick snack to a glass of ice coffee.

Bridge over the River Kwai and the "Death Railway

The Bridge was made famous by a 1960's film of the same name. The film, however was in fact fiction based loosely on the events surrounding this bridge. I will not go into detail of the differences between the film and this bridge but will let that up to you. Briefly, the bridge is located in Thailand, not Burma but many people (mostly British soldiers) did give their lives building this bridge for the Japanese during World War II. This is why this railway is known as the "Death Railway" in Thailand. The rail line leading from the Kwai River Bridge to the Soiyak Water Falls appears treacherous but is well maintained and safe for travel. The railway follows the river and often has sheer cliffs overlooking the river and can be quite scenic. However, these conditions lead to many deaths during WWII.

Kanchanaburi WWII Cemetery

The WWII Cemetery in Kanchanaburi is filled with the bodies of the people who gave their lives constructing the Kwai Bridge for the Japanese Army. This stop is quite sobering knowing these men gave their lives building the rail line that was we were just on.

Soiyak Water Falls

The Soiyak Water Fall is the final stop of this trip and it is quite refreshing. The waterfall is augmented in areas with concrete and being an geologist is could tell immediately that it wasn't natural. The industrious Thai People have taken and natural water supply and made is a tourist stop. The surrounding area is a natural area and protected from development, which is good. There are hiking trails leading to the water falls source; a small stream filled with small fish and is icy cold. Also along the trail is a few caves to explore. The Thai People find these areas sacred, as evidenced by the presence of sacred images located in the caves. The trail are quite interesting, having many native plants and animals to observe along the way.

At the very end of the Railway sits an historic train, once used by the Japanese during the construction of the railway. The plaque commemorating the train and the people who died in its construction gave the trip some meaning for me.

We returned to the Hua Laphong Rail Station rather late and I was quite tired, but the trip was worthwhile and I would recommend this trip to anyone interested in learning some about historical Thailand.

Thailand is a sovereign country in Southeast Asia. Thailand is a kingdom ruled by a monarchy. It is a predominantly a Buddhist country, having Bangkok as its city capital. Thailand offers visitors a host of cultural offerings as well as beautiful beaches to explore. Tourism is currently the reason behind Thailand's economic surge, giving credits to places like Pattaya, Ko Samui, Chiang Mai, and Phuket as the biggest crowd drawers.

It isn't surprising for visitors from across the western side of the globe to fly to Thailand just to have a different kind of vacation. Thailand has many fascinating things to offer, starting from the interesting Thai wedding that is offered to guests. A Thai wedding is the better cultural alternative to being married in Las Vegas. Of course there are also special festivals, boat races, and country fairs that make this country very enchanting indeed.

If you're scheduled to visit Thailand real soon, it is highly encouraged that you book a car that could take you around town. Keep in mind that Thailand only has one airport and it is located in Bangkok. From Bangkok, you would have a lot of traveling to do if you intend to go to the other places of interest in the country. While there are railways and buses to take you there, nothing beats having your own car to drive around this scenic country.

Thailand is served by major car hire companies such as Budget, Avis, and Thrifty. If you would like to book a car while here, it is best that you use the services of these companies. They also have online partners that would gladly help you choose the perfect car for you and your companions. There are big cars available for extra large groups, like the Toyota Hiace. For those who prefer city driving, a Honda Civic maybe ideal.

Thailand has great things to offer all its first-time travelers. You can ask for a tour of the Koh Chang Island and all its sparkling waters. If you are more interested with Thailand's history, a Chiang Mai exploration is in order. Now if you would like to be blessed by the gifts of Buddhism, maybe you can pay beautiful Kanchanaburi a visit for a view of the tiger temple, its national parks, and its breathtaking falls.

Without doubt Thailand is becoming one of the fastest growing golf destinations for visiting tourists throughout the world. Only recently, the association of world golf travel agents voted Thailand the best up & coming destination, enhancing the excellent reputation it already has.

In order to assist you in planning your Thailand golf holiday, I have detailed below the most frequently asked questions.

When is the best time to visit?

Without doubt, the best time of year for golf is from November - February/March. This is the 'cool' season, although is also the peak season for visiting tourists. As such, be prepared for busy golf courses and try to plan your holiday well in advance.

What about the rest of the year?

You can play golf throughout the year in Thailand outside the cool season, and the weather is a mixture of very hot days, to very wet days. However, do not let this put you off as there are a number of great advantages. You can get some great deals on hotel prices and the courses are much quieter to play.

April is still a 'dry' month, with the rainy season not really starting until May. However, April & May are without doubt the hottest months of the year. June - August is not quite as hot, although you tend to get daily downpours. Again, do not let this put you off as they are normally short lived, and the courses dry out very quickly. September and October, the weather tends to be similar to that of the summer months although things tend to be drier and the weather becomes more predictable as the year wears on.

Where is the best place to play?

This depends very much what you are looking for. Bangkok has a huge number of courses, infrastructure that you would expect from any major capital and the city is very lively, providing a great experience for everyone.

The coastal resort of Hua Hin and the northern cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are a bit quieter, and very popular with couples looking for golf, relaxation, and a sampling of true Thai culture.

Pattaya is without doubt the entertainment city in Thailand, and not for the shy and retiring type, although it also boasts a large number of excellent courses.

Phuket, the famous tropical island, offers a combination of great golf and stunning beaches, and there is also now a championship course on Koh Samui, another tropical island.

North of Bangkok, lies the famous Khao Yai National Park, and there are a number of excellent courses now open in this region, which boasts spectacular scenery and views.

Finally, the area of Kanchanaburi, and the famous River Kwai, also has a number of fine courses, historical sights, and can be a great alternative to the other popular tourist destinations.

What are the courses like?

The majority of golf courses in Thailand are nothing short of first class. With many being designed by famous golf professionals such as Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo, together with top golf course architects such as Pete Dye and Robert Trent Jones, you will be amazed with the quality.

What about the caddies?

Caddies are compulsory on a Thai golf course and are a fantastic experience. Included in your green fee, they cost around 250 baht (approximately 7 US dollars) a round, which has to be the best value for money in the world. In most cases they will carry your clubs on 'caddy car' (trolley), should you wish to walk, although they will also ride with you in a cart if you prefer. Please note it is compulsory at only a few Thailand golf courses to use a cart. Your caddie will be allocated upon arrival, and will look after your clubs until you tee-.off and are of particular assistance for easy golf in Thailand. Always helpful with a smiling face, your caddie is another part of the unique Thailand golf experience. They mark and clean your ball, give guidance on the line of putts, and try to keep you cool when things get a bit hot during your round.

What is there to do outside golf?

You will certainly never be short of things to do outside golf. As a leading tourist destination Thailand has a number of alternative attractions and exciting opportunities to combine golf & travel, and its tourist magnetism remains unrivalled in any other part of the world.

From the many temples and night markets, to the state of the art shopping malls, from stunning beaches, to the stunning waterfalls and scenery, there is something for everyone.

The culture and customs in Thailand also provide a fascinating insight to this wonderful country leaving you completely amazed.

Thailand also hosts some the best Spa facilities in the world, allowing you to relax and enjoy the rejuvenating treatments, and unbelievably friendly service that goes with it all.

I recommend all golfers allocate some time after their rounds for, at least, a one hour foot massage. This treatment is available throughout the country at clean specialized shops located almost on every street corner in the tourist areas. For around 200 baht (approximately 5 US dollars) is an experience not be missed. For the golfer who has walked his 18 holes, this papering of his feet and legs only goes to further the pleasure of the total golfing experience only available in Thailand.

What about transportation and getting around?

Your package booked with most tour operators will provide transportation from the airport to your hotel, and return transfers to the golf course each day. You can reserve this private transportation in the evenings although there is no shortage of local transportation.

Taxi's are very cheap, and in abundance. Also, you have the famous 'Tuk Tuk's', a smaller open air version of a taxi that will transport you around town at very little cost.

In summary, if you are thinking about a golf vacation to Thailand, then one company, Golfasian, http://www.golfasian.com, will be more than happy to answer any additional questions you may have. We pride ourselves on our high level of service, and repeat customers we get each year by providing as much customized assistance as needed to our golfing customers.