5/17/2009
Railay Beach : Krabi
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Railay Beach, a small peninsula located between the city of Krabi and Ao Nang |
Railay Beach (Thai: à¸่าวไร่เลย์) is a small peninsula located between the city of Krabi and Ao Nang in Thailand. Accessible only by boat due to the highlimestone cliffs cutting off mainland access. These cliffs attract rock climbers from all over the world, but the area is also popular due to its beautiful beaches and quiet relaxing atmosphere. Accommodation ranges from inexpensive bungalows popular with backpackers and climbers, to the renowned jet-set resort of Rayavadee. The four main areas of Railay consist of Pranang, West Railay, East Railay and Tonsai, with Tonsai catering more to climbers.
If, you talk about the private and extraordinary beach in Krabi , Thailand . Everybody has to think of “ Railay Beach ” the beach is situated South
If, you talk about the private and extraordinary beach in Krabi , Thailand .
Everybody has to think of “ Railay Beach ” the beach is situated South of Ao-Nang. No road, No car here.
Railay beach where you are able to access by longtail boat only . Railay beach, Trere are 4 beaches around this area; Tonsai Beach, Railay West, Railay East and Phranang Beach (opposited Phranang Cave ). White sand beach, Crystal clear water, View Points,
Cave and Lagoon where you will explore in this beautiful beach. Railay West, East and Phranang Cave Beaches are connected by narrow footpaths winding around the base of the cliffs Railay West, provides you perfectly soft sand beach. And the largest swimming pool made by natural. Dinning at Sun Set restaurant and seeing the Sun set.
Hotel staff at Railay beach trust that your perfect holiday and vacation to Thailand and Railay Beach will make you feel like, you are in a paradise and a unique oasis of natural tranquility and warm hospitality. “The tide at Railay Beach , weather high or low, will affect the manner in which you depart the boat.
If the tide is low at the time of your arrival, the boat will not be able to dock at the pier.
You may find that in order to arrive at the resort, you will be walking across a very shallow sea area which possesses dead corral.
This will be entirely safe: however suggest that you consider wear some short, utilizing a deck shoe or sport shoe to facilitate a comfortable walk.
When the tide is high, your boat will arrive at the pier, In this case any type of shoe will suffice. Both of these together.”
Phra Nang Beach
Phra Nang Beach was one of our favorite beaches in Thailand! The walk from the hotel was amazing. A natural trail that lead to a super paradise beach! There is so much to do on the beach once you get there. Lots of action! Rock climbers, sales of hand made jewelry, monkeys (you can feed and hold), food and food..
Phra Nang Beach was one of our favorite beaches in Thailand!
The walk from the hotel was amazing. A natural trail that lead to a super paradise beach! There is so much to do on the beach once you get there. Lots of action! Rock climbers, sales of hand made jewelry, monkeys (you can feed and hold), food and food boats (floating on along the shore), massages and great scenery.
The beach has an area with action and an area with seclusion. We chose to walk to the farthest part of the beach and spend the day in a secluded area with huge mountains and coves. There was a boat floating that was selling food to anyone who walked up. Anything from grilled corn, pad thai, fresh fruit shakes, fried rice, spring rolls and beer. The cost was anywhere from 20-60 baht and the food was prepared fresh to order right in the boat! You can also buy beer, soda and water from the vendors on the beach if you chose.
There were locals climbing rocks and a huge penis shrine in the action packed corner of the beach. The shrine symbolizes fertility hence the penis' all around it. If you like you can swim to a private beach on the farthest side (secluded side) or hike around the mountain on the busy side and see another part of the beach.
It's easy to spend the entire day there. The water is calm and the long tail boats aren't piled up along the beach. Along the walk to the beach, you can climb a small trail (uphill) to a private lagoon that sits on an upper part of the mountain. There is access to a bathroom and shower (for a small fee) and there are long tail boats available to take you off the beach to anywhere if you don't feel like walking.
I loved this beach because of the scenery and the mountains that sit around and in front of the beach. It has a rough wilderness feeling to it.
I highly recommend this beach, instead of the west side of the island (lots of long tail boats along the coast so it's hard to swim around them.
Phra Nang Beach was one of our favorite beaches in Thailand!
The walk from the hotel was amazing. A natural trail that lead to a super paradise beach! There is so much to do on the beach once you get there. Lots of action! Rock climbers, sales of hand made jewelry, monkeys (you can feed and hold), food and food boats (floating on along the shore), massages and great scenery.
The beach has an area with action and an area with seclusion. We chose to walk to the farthest part of the beach and spend the day in a secluded area with huge mountains and coves. There was a boat floating that was selling food to anyone who walked up. Anything from grilled corn, pad thai, fresh fruit shakes, fried rice, spring rolls and beer. The cost was anywhere from 20-60 baht and the food was prepared fresh to order right in the boat! You can also buy beer, soda and water from the vendors on the beach if you chose.
There were locals climbing rocks and a huge penis shrine in the action packed corner of the beach. The shrine symbolizes fertility hence the penis' all around it. If you like you can swim to a private beach on the farthest side (secluded side) or hike around the mountain on the busy side and see another part of the beach.
It's easy to spend the entire day there. The water is calm and the long tail boats aren't piled up along the beach. Along the walk to the beach, you can climb a small trail (uphill) to a private lagoon that sits on an upper part of the mountain. There is access to a bathroom and shower (for a small fee) and there are long tail boats available to take you off the beach to anywhere if you don't feel like walking.
I loved this beach because of the scenery and the mountains that sit around and in front of the beach. It has a rough wilderness feeling to it.
I highly recommend this beach, instead of the west side of the island (lots of long tail boats along the coast so it's hard to swim around them.
A Family Vacation Getaway In One Of The Best Luxury Hotels In Krabi Thailand
So far as luxury hotels go anywhere in the Far East, the Rayavadee in Krabi Thailand is as good if not better than most other luxury hotels.
It is a great beach vacation hotel, with 77 rooms, perfect for a family vacation getaway, and equally fantastic for a honeymoon vacation special deal.
The Rayavadee has to be seen to be believed and everything from the staff to the accommodation, to the grounds, the beaches, and the food are close to being perfect. Krabi is possibly one of the most beautiful places on earth so it is just the perfect position for the Rayavadee.
You have to get to Rayavadee by boat, and the first thing that will strike you is the boat. White leather upholstery and the crew all in matching sailors uniforms. Initial impressions are lasting ones, and this certainly makes you feel you are going to a luxury resort. Moving from the speedboat to reception, the impression continues with details all being taken whilst sitting down with hot towels and drinks, which beats standing around a crowded reception area any time.
The accommodation is top class, and if you are on a family vacation getaway there is the family villa with two bedrooms, one on the ground floor, the extra bedroom being the only difference from the De Luxe Pavilion
A two storey villa, and it is so well equipped with all mod cons. It is the small touches like the bathroom own brand products, the bottles of water everywhere, tea, coffee, and biscuits replaced every day. More food and drinks in a huge sideboard, and chocolates left every night by the bed.
A huge bath which holds two, is a feature of the bathroom, and a huge bed are all part of the ambiance.
A great luxury resort has great food, and on a family vacation getaway with hungry kids to feed, this is a very important consideration. If the reader is considering the Rayavadee for a Beach honeymoon vacation special then food is probably high on your agenda.
You will find the restaurants at the Rayavadee are all of the very best, with impeccable service in each of the four different restaurants. It is fair to say that food is not cheap but the views are just out of this world, and you may find it sensible to go down the beach and eat instead, where you will pay perhaps $15 instead of $100, and get genuine Thai food. It’s perfectly safe and worth the effort.
If you want to be active, then there is lots to do from kayaking through the sea caves hiking, swimming, snorkelling, tennis.
The service from the staff could not be more helpful, you will be treated like royalty.in every way. The only downside is the service by the pool which seems to be on the slow side of slow, but always extremely polite.
They are exceptional apart from that small point in every way, and are a big part of the success of the Rayavedee.
Words cannot do justice to the incredibly beautiful beaches, especially the Phranang and Railey beaches which have powder white sand and views of islands in the distance with little caves to explore. Beware however of the monkeys, who although friendly are everywhere!!
All in all there is no doubt that the Rayavadee in Krabi is one of the best luxury hotels in the Far East. It is an ideal spot place for a family vacation getaway on some of the best beaches anywhere. It would also be a good choice for a honeymoon vacation special, so look out for some great honeymoon vacation deals.
It is a great beach vacation hotel, with 77 rooms, perfect for a family vacation getaway, and equally fantastic for a honeymoon vacation special deal.
The Rayavadee has to be seen to be believed and everything from the staff to the accommodation, to the grounds, the beaches, and the food are close to being perfect. Krabi is possibly one of the most beautiful places on earth so it is just the perfect position for the Rayavadee.
You have to get to Rayavadee by boat, and the first thing that will strike you is the boat. White leather upholstery and the crew all in matching sailors uniforms. Initial impressions are lasting ones, and this certainly makes you feel you are going to a luxury resort. Moving from the speedboat to reception, the impression continues with details all being taken whilst sitting down with hot towels and drinks, which beats standing around a crowded reception area any time.
The accommodation is top class, and if you are on a family vacation getaway there is the family villa with two bedrooms, one on the ground floor, the extra bedroom being the only difference from the De Luxe Pavilion
A two storey villa, and it is so well equipped with all mod cons. It is the small touches like the bathroom own brand products, the bottles of water everywhere, tea, coffee, and biscuits replaced every day. More food and drinks in a huge sideboard, and chocolates left every night by the bed.
A huge bath which holds two, is a feature of the bathroom, and a huge bed are all part of the ambiance.
A great luxury resort has great food, and on a family vacation getaway with hungry kids to feed, this is a very important consideration. If the reader is considering the Rayavadee for a Beach honeymoon vacation special then food is probably high on your agenda.
You will find the restaurants at the Rayavadee are all of the very best, with impeccable service in each of the four different restaurants. It is fair to say that food is not cheap but the views are just out of this world, and you may find it sensible to go down the beach and eat instead, where you will pay perhaps $15 instead of $100, and get genuine Thai food. It’s perfectly safe and worth the effort.
If you want to be active, then there is lots to do from kayaking through the sea caves hiking, swimming, snorkelling, tennis.
The service from the staff could not be more helpful, you will be treated like royalty.in every way. The only downside is the service by the pool which seems to be on the slow side of slow, but always extremely polite.
They are exceptional apart from that small point in every way, and are a big part of the success of the Rayavedee.
Words cannot do justice to the incredibly beautiful beaches, especially the Phranang and Railey beaches which have powder white sand and views of islands in the distance with little caves to explore. Beware however of the monkeys, who although friendly are everywhere!!
All in all there is no doubt that the Rayavadee in Krabi is one of the best luxury hotels in the Far East. It is an ideal spot place for a family vacation getaway on some of the best beaches anywhere. It would also be a good choice for a honeymoon vacation special, so look out for some great honeymoon vacation deals.
Things to Bring on a Camping Trip
The enjoyment that can be had from a camping trip largely depends on the camping gear that people bring to camp. When people bring all the right gear at camp and make use of them then the trip becomes a relaxing and fun experience for everyone. Missing essential gear and supplies can result in frustrations at the camp site, ruining the whole experience for everyone.
Below is a list of the things that you should bring to camp to ensure the safety of the campers and to enhance the enjoyment at camp.
Bring a good-sized tent to camp. The tent will protect you from the sun, wind and other harsh elements outdoors. There are a lot of camping tents in the market so it shouldn't be too hard to find a good tent that will fit your budget and meet your needs. The camp will serve as your temporary home at camp so make sure you have enough space for everyone joining the trip.
Bring food and cooking equipment. Food is the most essential item to bring to camp. Make sure you bring enough food to last the whole trip and bring food that won't easily spoil. You will also need some basic cooking equipment such as a camping stove or a camping grill. To keep your food from spoiling and to enjoy cold drinks at camp, you should also bring a good-sized cooler.
For the ultimate comfort in camp, don't forget to bring portable beds. Portable beds are much more comfortable to use than traditional sleeping bags. Sleeping on a portable bed will allow you to have a good night's rest so that you will get enough energy to enjoy all the activities at camp the following day. Having a portable cot will also help campers stay warm during cold nights and cool during warm nights because they will be a few feet above ground instead of sleeping directly on the ground. Portable beds can also be used during the day when you want to take a short nap or rest after a tiring activity at camp.
For safety at camp, you should bring a first aid kit that contains aspirin, bandages, gauze, pads, insect-repellant, and other health and safety supplies. The first aid kit will help you treat minor injuries at camp. For your safety, you should also bring other safety supplies such as ropes, a Swiss knife and other emergency gear. You should also bring a good flashlight or other possible sources of light.
Bring a supply of water. There is no assurance that the tap water at camp will be safe to drink. Make sure you bring a supply of water to use for drinking and cooking. Water is heavy so you probably won't be able to bring a lot but you should at least bring enough for drinking.
There are also some non-essential things that you can bring to camp that will help keep the people at camp entertained such as board games, a camera, binoculars and other items.
For more tips and information about portable beds, check out http://www.myportablebeds.com/airbed.html.
by: Daniel Green
Below is a list of the things that you should bring to camp to ensure the safety of the campers and to enhance the enjoyment at camp.
Bring a good-sized tent to camp. The tent will protect you from the sun, wind and other harsh elements outdoors. There are a lot of camping tents in the market so it shouldn't be too hard to find a good tent that will fit your budget and meet your needs. The camp will serve as your temporary home at camp so make sure you have enough space for everyone joining the trip.
Bring food and cooking equipment. Food is the most essential item to bring to camp. Make sure you bring enough food to last the whole trip and bring food that won't easily spoil. You will also need some basic cooking equipment such as a camping stove or a camping grill. To keep your food from spoiling and to enjoy cold drinks at camp, you should also bring a good-sized cooler.
For the ultimate comfort in camp, don't forget to bring portable beds. Portable beds are much more comfortable to use than traditional sleeping bags. Sleeping on a portable bed will allow you to have a good night's rest so that you will get enough energy to enjoy all the activities at camp the following day. Having a portable cot will also help campers stay warm during cold nights and cool during warm nights because they will be a few feet above ground instead of sleeping directly on the ground. Portable beds can also be used during the day when you want to take a short nap or rest after a tiring activity at camp.
For safety at camp, you should bring a first aid kit that contains aspirin, bandages, gauze, pads, insect-repellant, and other health and safety supplies. The first aid kit will help you treat minor injuries at camp. For your safety, you should also bring other safety supplies such as ropes, a Swiss knife and other emergency gear. You should also bring a good flashlight or other possible sources of light.
Bring a supply of water. There is no assurance that the tap water at camp will be safe to drink. Make sure you bring a supply of water to use for drinking and cooking. Water is heavy so you probably won't be able to bring a lot but you should at least bring enough for drinking.
There are also some non-essential things that you can bring to camp that will help keep the people at camp entertained such as board games, a camera, binoculars and other items.
For more tips and information about portable beds, check out http://www.myportablebeds.com/airbed.html.
by: Daniel Green
River cruise in Bangkok – sightseeing on the Chao Phraya River
A river cruise in Bangkok on the Chao Phraya River gives the visitor an overview of the legacies on this river of kings. The historical monuments, grand palaces, temples and various communities on the riverbanks present a historical insight into the city and also a picture of stark contrasts.
It needn’t have to be an elaborate affair; you can cut the frills and expenses. Plan the river cruise yourself for a more meaningful Bangkok sightseeing tour from the Chao Phraya River.
At 370 km, the Chao Phraya River is the longest river in Thailand. It's headwaters start in Nakhon Sawan, more than 200 km north of Bangkok. The river continues past Bangkok to Samut Prakan and flows into the Gulf of Thailand to the south.
Chao Phraya is also the highest title in ancient Thai nobility, similar to the Duke in British nobility. The title is no longer in use.
Attractions, landmarks and views in a river cruise in Bangkok
Start the river cruise from the Sathorn Pier near the Taksin Bridge; five minutes walk from the Taksin Bridge skytrain station, the terminal station for trains from the city center.
Proceed northwards passing the scenic water front hotels like the old Oriental Bangkok where famous writers like Joseph Conrad and Somerset Maugham left their mark.
The first recommended stopover, in a river cruise in Bangkok, is the Ratchawong Pier, which leads to Yaowarat Chinatown, Soi Sampheng where Chinatown started and Soi Sun Yat Sen named after Dr Sun Yat Sen, the father of the Chinese Revolution.
The Memorial Bridge, the next stop, is dedicated to King Rama I, the founder of Bangkok. His monument, near the bridge, depicts King Rama I on a throne gazing at the bustling city he founded more than 220 years ago. Pahurat, the Indian community in Bangkok is further inland.
One of the most attractive periods is to visit is during the
Loy Krathong Festival, when the Chao Phraya is transformed into a river of lights by floral floats lit with candles.
Historical aspects of the Chao Phraya
Further upriver on the Thonburi bank, near the mouth of the Bangkok Yai Canal, the white ramparts of Fort Vichai Prasit come into view. This was an old Ayutthaya fort built in 1688. King Taksin’s Palace was in this complex that’s now the Royal Thai Navy HQ.
Next to this old citadel, stands the glittering Wat Arun, Temple of Dawn, a temple built in the Ayutthaya era.
The Bangkok Yai Canal and the Bangkok Noi Canal, further upriver, used to be the original course of the Chao Phraya River.
A canal was built in 1542 to straighten out this long meander and shorten the sailing time to Ayutthaya, the old capital. The new canal subsequently became the present course of the Chao Phraya River.
The river cruise in Bangkok will now pass the most majestic sight along the Chao Phraya River, the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in old Rattanakosin, the historical center, which is the origin of modern Bangkok.
The Thonburi bank, across from the Grand Palace, is where old communities have lived long before Bangkok was established as the capital. The Bangkok Noi Museum, further inland, preserves the history of these communities.
The Royal Barge Museum, where the famous barges for the Royal Barge Procession are displayed, is located in the Bangkok Noi Canal near the Phra Pin Klao Bridge.
The river cruise in Bangkok next passes Fort Phra Sumen, built in 1783 to fortify the old city. Located near the mouth of the Banglampoo Canal, the second protective canal ring, it’s one of the two remaining forts left from the Bangkok era.
River life and scenes on the Chao Phraya
On the banks, rickety old wooden houses on stilts can be seen in stark contrast to the spanking new houses and condominiums. The noodle vendor in a boat sells her food from house to house as restaurants provide riverside dining near the some of the piers.
The most spectacular bridge across the Chao Phraya River encountered in a river cruise in Bangkok is the King Rama VIII Bridge, a suspension bridge that stands out like a giant harp over the water. Bang Khun Phrom Palace, which houses the Bank of Thailand Museum, is nearby.
Bridges across the Chao Phraya River serve as useful landmarks in a river cruise in Bangkok. Some piers, located near these bridges, are named after them. You’ll pass under eight bridges in the entire river cruise.
Further upriver life gets less touristy and more rustic, particularly on the Thonburi bank. Many piers are named after wats (temples) located nearby, around which community life is built. Some of these temples, though less well known, are equally beautiful as their city counterparts.
Chao Phraya boat services for a river cruise of Bangkok
Chao Phraya River boats ply along the river during the day stopping at regular piers. These boats are an inexpensive and convenient way for a Bangkok sightseeing tour of the river.
A Chao Phraya River tourist boat service is also available for a day tour of selected historical areas and piers. Boat rental services are also available for groups of 20 or more.
A total of 34 Chao Phraya River piers are located along this 25 km winding stretch of river. You don’t have to go all the way though, just take your pick and get on and off where you wish.
Chao Phraya River ferries provide point-to-point crossings at various piers to help you get to the other side.
A river cruise in Bangkok provides a very different perspective of life in the city on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, an aspect you can’t get from the usual Bangkok city tour.
It needn’t have to be an elaborate affair; you can cut the frills and expenses. Plan the river cruise yourself for a more meaningful Bangkok sightseeing tour from the Chao Phraya River.
At 370 km, the Chao Phraya River is the longest river in Thailand. It's headwaters start in Nakhon Sawan, more than 200 km north of Bangkok. The river continues past Bangkok to Samut Prakan and flows into the Gulf of Thailand to the south.
Chao Phraya is also the highest title in ancient Thai nobility, similar to the Duke in British nobility. The title is no longer in use.
Attractions, landmarks and views in a river cruise in Bangkok
Start the river cruise from the Sathorn Pier near the Taksin Bridge; five minutes walk from the Taksin Bridge skytrain station, the terminal station for trains from the city center.
Proceed northwards passing the scenic water front hotels like the old Oriental Bangkok where famous writers like Joseph Conrad and Somerset Maugham left their mark.
The first recommended stopover, in a river cruise in Bangkok, is the Ratchawong Pier, which leads to Yaowarat Chinatown, Soi Sampheng where Chinatown started and Soi Sun Yat Sen named after Dr Sun Yat Sen, the father of the Chinese Revolution.
The Memorial Bridge, the next stop, is dedicated to King Rama I, the founder of Bangkok. His monument, near the bridge, depicts King Rama I on a throne gazing at the bustling city he founded more than 220 years ago. Pahurat, the Indian community in Bangkok is further inland.
One of the most attractive periods is to visit is during the
Loy Krathong Festival, when the Chao Phraya is transformed into a river of lights by floral floats lit with candles.
Historical aspects of the Chao Phraya
Further upriver on the Thonburi bank, near the mouth of the Bangkok Yai Canal, the white ramparts of Fort Vichai Prasit come into view. This was an old Ayutthaya fort built in 1688. King Taksin’s Palace was in this complex that’s now the Royal Thai Navy HQ.
Next to this old citadel, stands the glittering Wat Arun, Temple of Dawn, a temple built in the Ayutthaya era.
The Bangkok Yai Canal and the Bangkok Noi Canal, further upriver, used to be the original course of the Chao Phraya River.
A canal was built in 1542 to straighten out this long meander and shorten the sailing time to Ayutthaya, the old capital. The new canal subsequently became the present course of the Chao Phraya River.
The river cruise in Bangkok will now pass the most majestic sight along the Chao Phraya River, the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in old Rattanakosin, the historical center, which is the origin of modern Bangkok.
The Thonburi bank, across from the Grand Palace, is where old communities have lived long before Bangkok was established as the capital. The Bangkok Noi Museum, further inland, preserves the history of these communities.
The Royal Barge Museum, where the famous barges for the Royal Barge Procession are displayed, is located in the Bangkok Noi Canal near the Phra Pin Klao Bridge.
The river cruise in Bangkok next passes Fort Phra Sumen, built in 1783 to fortify the old city. Located near the mouth of the Banglampoo Canal, the second protective canal ring, it’s one of the two remaining forts left from the Bangkok era.
River life and scenes on the Chao Phraya
On the banks, rickety old wooden houses on stilts can be seen in stark contrast to the spanking new houses and condominiums. The noodle vendor in a boat sells her food from house to house as restaurants provide riverside dining near the some of the piers.
The most spectacular bridge across the Chao Phraya River encountered in a river cruise in Bangkok is the King Rama VIII Bridge, a suspension bridge that stands out like a giant harp over the water. Bang Khun Phrom Palace, which houses the Bank of Thailand Museum, is nearby.
Bridges across the Chao Phraya River serve as useful landmarks in a river cruise in Bangkok. Some piers, located near these bridges, are named after them. You’ll pass under eight bridges in the entire river cruise.
Further upriver life gets less touristy and more rustic, particularly on the Thonburi bank. Many piers are named after wats (temples) located nearby, around which community life is built. Some of these temples, though less well known, are equally beautiful as their city counterparts.
Chao Phraya boat services for a river cruise of Bangkok
Chao Phraya River boats ply along the river during the day stopping at regular piers. These boats are an inexpensive and convenient way for a Bangkok sightseeing tour of the river.
A Chao Phraya River tourist boat service is also available for a day tour of selected historical areas and piers. Boat rental services are also available for groups of 20 or more.
A total of 34 Chao Phraya River piers are located along this 25 km winding stretch of river. You don’t have to go all the way though, just take your pick and get on and off where you wish.
Chao Phraya River ferries provide point-to-point crossings at various piers to help you get to the other side.
A river cruise in Bangkok provides a very different perspective of life in the city on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, an aspect you can’t get from the usual Bangkok city tour.
Bangkok Attractions - Places And Activities You Musn't Miss
Going to Bangkok for your holidays? Here are 10 must see Bangkok attractions and must do activities in the city of of angels.
1. Get on a river taxi and see the beauty of the Chao Praya River.
A very different view of Bangkok I’ve got to say. If you’re the adventurer, you can just jump on one at any of its terminals. Just be fast enough as the boats ( water taxis ) hardly stop. Otherwise, book a tour from one of the hotels by the river such as The Royal Orchid Sheraton, Shangri la or The Peninsula.
2. Rub elbows with the locals and tourists at the Weekend market, Chatuchak/Jatujak
It can get very hot in here but it’s an excellent place to see the wares of Thailand. You might even find a good buy along the way. Thai ( and not so Thai ) goods available from antique furniture to fake jeans.
3.See the wonders of the Grand Palace
All hail the Queen of England, but her Buckingham Palace is nothing compared to this glorious work of art in the middle of Bangkok.
4.Have a Thai massage in Wat Po and if you have the time, take the 10-day Thai Massage course
If you don’t get a Thai massage in Thailand then you haven’t been to Thailand at all. Experience this somewhat bone breaking yet de-stressing technique right from where it originated. Or if that’s a bit too much, go for the foot massage instead.
5.Have A Relaxing Spa At The Banyan
A relaxing spa retreat right in the middle of the city. You can choose from a 1 hour facial treatment or if you have time to spare, have a 7 hour Banyan package and spoil yourself mad.
6.Visit the Floating Market
It may just be another commercial avenue for tourists to spend their dollars, but if you go to the floating market early in the morning when the “river-folk” are actually buying and selling goods mindless of the tourists, then it’s a very good cultural experience.
7.Haggle at the night markets
Sure many goods are over-priced but if you know how to haggle and how much you’re willing to pay for what you’re buying, this can be very fun. If you go very early, just when the shops are opening, you might even get the prices real low ( first buyers luck!)
8.Shop Till You Drop
Shopping is the Thai’s national past time and wherever you are in Bangkok, you will never run out of shops to explore. You’ll find practically everything in this City Of Angels and at very reasonable prices to boot. For reasonable priced clothes, go to Pratunum Market; for little trinkets, go to Yaowarat in Chinatown; for bargain software, go to Panthip plaza, and for designer clothes, try Central Plaza or The Emporium Shopping Center.
9.Try Thai cuisine
You’ve had Thai food in your country and I’m sure it’s good; but Thai food cooked in Thailand, is in my opinion, just heavenly! Just be sure to know the words, Mai Pet ( My Pet ). This means not spicy in Thai, but you’ll probably be wondering how hot the spicy dishes are after you’ve bit into your first chilli!
10.See An Elephant Show
I know they should be in the wild and all that…but if I were an elephant, this humiliation of dancing in front of amused humans is much better than the alternative which is walking on the hot streets of Bangkok waiting for tourists to buy me a piece of sugar cane for food. And I have to say, this is one show I enjoy. Watch out for the baby elephants! They’re a real treat!
by: Aimee C. Barnard
1. Get on a river taxi and see the beauty of the Chao Praya River.
A very different view of Bangkok I’ve got to say. If you’re the adventurer, you can just jump on one at any of its terminals. Just be fast enough as the boats ( water taxis ) hardly stop. Otherwise, book a tour from one of the hotels by the river such as The Royal Orchid Sheraton, Shangri la or The Peninsula.
2. Rub elbows with the locals and tourists at the Weekend market, Chatuchak/Jatujak
It can get very hot in here but it’s an excellent place to see the wares of Thailand. You might even find a good buy along the way. Thai ( and not so Thai ) goods available from antique furniture to fake jeans.
3.See the wonders of the Grand Palace
All hail the Queen of England, but her Buckingham Palace is nothing compared to this glorious work of art in the middle of Bangkok.
4.Have a Thai massage in Wat Po and if you have the time, take the 10-day Thai Massage course
If you don’t get a Thai massage in Thailand then you haven’t been to Thailand at all. Experience this somewhat bone breaking yet de-stressing technique right from where it originated. Or if that’s a bit too much, go for the foot massage instead.
5.Have A Relaxing Spa At The Banyan
A relaxing spa retreat right in the middle of the city. You can choose from a 1 hour facial treatment or if you have time to spare, have a 7 hour Banyan package and spoil yourself mad.
6.Visit the Floating Market
It may just be another commercial avenue for tourists to spend their dollars, but if you go to the floating market early in the morning when the “river-folk” are actually buying and selling goods mindless of the tourists, then it’s a very good cultural experience.
7.Haggle at the night markets
Sure many goods are over-priced but if you know how to haggle and how much you’re willing to pay for what you’re buying, this can be very fun. If you go very early, just when the shops are opening, you might even get the prices real low ( first buyers luck!)
8.Shop Till You Drop
Shopping is the Thai’s national past time and wherever you are in Bangkok, you will never run out of shops to explore. You’ll find practically everything in this City Of Angels and at very reasonable prices to boot. For reasonable priced clothes, go to Pratunum Market; for little trinkets, go to Yaowarat in Chinatown; for bargain software, go to Panthip plaza, and for designer clothes, try Central Plaza or The Emporium Shopping Center.
9.Try Thai cuisine
You’ve had Thai food in your country and I’m sure it’s good; but Thai food cooked in Thailand, is in my opinion, just heavenly! Just be sure to know the words, Mai Pet ( My Pet ). This means not spicy in Thai, but you’ll probably be wondering how hot the spicy dishes are after you’ve bit into your first chilli!
10.See An Elephant Show
I know they should be in the wild and all that…but if I were an elephant, this humiliation of dancing in front of amused humans is much better than the alternative which is walking on the hot streets of Bangkok waiting for tourists to buy me a piece of sugar cane for food. And I have to say, this is one show I enjoy. Watch out for the baby elephants! They’re a real treat!
by: Aimee C. Barnard
Camping Safety Tips: Food, Water, Ticks
Camping out in the woods can be one of the most gratifying experiences available for those who stress over the hustle and bustle of daily life in or near a city. The dangers of contemporary lifestyles and environments can themselves drive people to the slow pace of the woods. Crime, careless drivers, pollution, identify theft. Who needs it!
While seeking a safe haven from the pitfalls of "civilization", the camper must also bear in mind that the great outdoors is fraught with its own set of dangers. Let's consider a few and how you can counter the risks.
In part 1 of this two-part series, we'll look at food safety, ensuring you have clean water to drink, and avoiding ticks.
FOOD SAFETY
Bacteria can invade many types of food, especially those high in protein and moisture, such as milk, milk products, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, cream pies, custards and potato salad. After preparation, these foods must be kept either hot (above 140 degrees Fahrenheit) or cold (below 45 degrees Fahrenheit). Between the two temperature ranges lurks the danger.
A camper who does not have the means of sustaining food that can easily spoil outside of those thermometer readings should not bring them on the trip at all. It would be much safer to bring canned food and garden goodies.
Exposed food should be prepared prior to the trip and protected in plastic prior to icing them since ice can trap harmful bacteria. For example, though ice pulled from a frozen stream in winter can help to keep food cold, it should never be permitted to touch the food itself.
And whether eating meals from a picnic table or sitting on the ground, always cover the eating area with something clean, like a plastic table cloth.
Any food that you suspect may be spoiled should be disposed of rather than eaten. The risk is just too high.
CLEAN DRINKING WATER
When you are thirsty, there is nothing like a cold, clear glass of water to satisfy. At home, our tap water is normally relatively safe, though many people opt to filter it through one means or another to improve the odds of safe drinking.
Aside from water that is purified for us, however, it has been estimated that the vast majority of surface water in the US fails to meet government standards for intake safety.
When you are camping without your own water (or a sufficient supply) and are not at a camp ground that has purified running water available, you will need to take additional measures to protect yourself from water contaminated by bacteria and viruses.
There are fundamentally four options for accomplishing this. The first you can do at the camp site. The other three require preparation prior to heading out to the camp site.
* Boil the water - Heat suspect water to a boil, and let it continue to do so for several minutes. After cooling off, it should be consumable.
* Iodine liquid or tablets - Instructions that come with the iodine will explain how many drops to use for a specific amount of water, and for what time period.
* Filtering - Most microorganisms can be filtered out depending upon the materials used in the filter and the filtering design of the unit. When purchased, be sure the instructions clearly state what will and will not be filtered out.
* Purification - Purifying will remove or kill all dangerous water-born bacteria. Using this method, the water should be run through the purifier at least a couple of times to ensure drinking safety.
AVOIDING TICKS
Ticks look innocuous on the surface. But tiny as they are, they still have the potency to make a person very ill with Lyme Disease. They can dig their way into a person's skin very easily without notice when he rests up against a tree or walks in brush. Once on the skin, ticks will burrow their way in and are not easily removed.
Before you head into the woods, you will need to minimize opportunities that these blood suckers have to find their way to your skin through an opening in your clothing. Tuck in whatever clothing you can: shirt into pants, pant legs into socks, shirt sleeve over top of gloves (if the weather is cool enough for gloves).
Additionally, spray on your clothing a good insect repellent that has a high percentage of. The repellent can be located at any sporting goods store and most general retail outlets.
Upon return to your camp site or turning into your tent for the night, check your body visually and with your hands looking for any small bumps that may be indicative of a tick that has landed on or embedded itself into your skin. Have someone else look carefully through your hair (running their fingers through it) and scan anywhere else that you cannot easily see, such as your back.
If you find that a tick has dug itself into your skin, immediately (but very carefully) remove it with tweezers. Grab it as close to its legs as possible, making sure to extract its entire body. If you are unable to do so, it would be better to leave the camp site for a time to visit a doctor than to risk infection.
In part 2 of this brief series, we will continue our consideration of camping safety tips, focusing specifically on camp fires, wild animals, and dangerous activities in the woods.
By: Mike Foster
While seeking a safe haven from the pitfalls of "civilization", the camper must also bear in mind that the great outdoors is fraught with its own set of dangers. Let's consider a few and how you can counter the risks.
In part 1 of this two-part series, we'll look at food safety, ensuring you have clean water to drink, and avoiding ticks.
FOOD SAFETY
Bacteria can invade many types of food, especially those high in protein and moisture, such as milk, milk products, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, cream pies, custards and potato salad. After preparation, these foods must be kept either hot (above 140 degrees Fahrenheit) or cold (below 45 degrees Fahrenheit). Between the two temperature ranges lurks the danger.
A camper who does not have the means of sustaining food that can easily spoil outside of those thermometer readings should not bring them on the trip at all. It would be much safer to bring canned food and garden goodies.
Exposed food should be prepared prior to the trip and protected in plastic prior to icing them since ice can trap harmful bacteria. For example, though ice pulled from a frozen stream in winter can help to keep food cold, it should never be permitted to touch the food itself.
And whether eating meals from a picnic table or sitting on the ground, always cover the eating area with something clean, like a plastic table cloth.
Any food that you suspect may be spoiled should be disposed of rather than eaten. The risk is just too high.
CLEAN DRINKING WATER
When you are thirsty, there is nothing like a cold, clear glass of water to satisfy. At home, our tap water is normally relatively safe, though many people opt to filter it through one means or another to improve the odds of safe drinking.
Aside from water that is purified for us, however, it has been estimated that the vast majority of surface water in the US fails to meet government standards for intake safety.
When you are camping without your own water (or a sufficient supply) and are not at a camp ground that has purified running water available, you will need to take additional measures to protect yourself from water contaminated by bacteria and viruses.
There are fundamentally four options for accomplishing this. The first you can do at the camp site. The other three require preparation prior to heading out to the camp site.
* Boil the water - Heat suspect water to a boil, and let it continue to do so for several minutes. After cooling off, it should be consumable.
* Iodine liquid or tablets - Instructions that come with the iodine will explain how many drops to use for a specific amount of water, and for what time period.
* Filtering - Most microorganisms can be filtered out depending upon the materials used in the filter and the filtering design of the unit. When purchased, be sure the instructions clearly state what will and will not be filtered out.
* Purification - Purifying will remove or kill all dangerous water-born bacteria. Using this method, the water should be run through the purifier at least a couple of times to ensure drinking safety.
AVOIDING TICKS
Ticks look innocuous on the surface. But tiny as they are, they still have the potency to make a person very ill with Lyme Disease. They can dig their way into a person's skin very easily without notice when he rests up against a tree or walks in brush. Once on the skin, ticks will burrow their way in and are not easily removed.
Before you head into the woods, you will need to minimize opportunities that these blood suckers have to find their way to your skin through an opening in your clothing. Tuck in whatever clothing you can: shirt into pants, pant legs into socks, shirt sleeve over top of gloves (if the weather is cool enough for gloves).
Additionally, spray on your clothing a good insect repellent that has a high percentage of. The repellent can be located at any sporting goods store and most general retail outlets.
Upon return to your camp site or turning into your tent for the night, check your body visually and with your hands looking for any small bumps that may be indicative of a tick that has landed on or embedded itself into your skin. Have someone else look carefully through your hair (running their fingers through it) and scan anywhere else that you cannot easily see, such as your back.
If you find that a tick has dug itself into your skin, immediately (but very carefully) remove it with tweezers. Grab it as close to its legs as possible, making sure to extract its entire body. If you are unable to do so, it would be better to leave the camp site for a time to visit a doctor than to risk infection.
In part 2 of this brief series, we will continue our consideration of camping safety tips, focusing specifically on camp fires, wild animals, and dangerous activities in the woods.
By: Mike Foster
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