Bangkok Free WI-FI project is back

It is a good news for bangkok people that Bangkok Governor M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra decided to sign an agreement to resume the Bangkok Wi-Fi project.
Such project will provide free Wi-Fi Internet connection from 20,000 hotspots around the capital.

To use the free service, Bangkok residents will have to use their ID card to register for username and password.

Beautiful day in an Orchid garden : Orchid shopping

Being bored with a tiring walk in shopping mall? Let's try something different. A little getaway from busy city, come out of bangkok heading to Nakornpathom (the province were famous Rose Garden is located in).

Relax. Cheerful. Blissful.

I am taking you to have an alternative way of shopping at an "Orchid Supermarket"
Airorchids offers a variety of Orchids for visitors to view and also buy it back home.
The place is not too far from Bangkok as it is in Nakornpathom province, which is adjacent to Bangkok.

Airorchid's contact no. is 0894949900
Operating daily 8.00 - 17.00

Some travel tip

I found a couple of interesting travel tip from Thailand Authority of Thailand, so i bring it here to share with our readers.

 Beware of scams involving tuk tuks, gem shops, and tailors, particularly around popular tourist attractions. Remember, there is no such thing as a free ride.
 
Its better to flag down taxis that are already driving (the red light means empty); these will generally use the meter while parked taxis typically ask for higher fixed fares or will take you for the proverbial ‘ride’.  

During the monsoon season months of June through September rains come quickly and heavily, particularly in the afternoon. Adequate footwear and an umbrella are advisable.    

 Cheap Bangkok Hotels
 Hot Bangkok hotels in hot shopping location Budacco The Living Place 
 Hot Bangkok hotels in Chinatown

Before go to Pattaya or Bang Saen, let's pay a visit at Na Ja Sa Tai Zhi Shrine

Address  : วิหารเทพสถิตพระกิติเฉลิม  ศาลเจ้าหน่าจาซาไท้จื้อ
1/13 ม.5 ถ.อ่างศิลา-บางเสน ต.อ่างศิลา อ.เมือง จ.ชลบุรี โทร.0-3839-8381-4 

Na Ja Sa Tai Zhi shrine (ศาลเจ้าหน่าจาซาไท้จื้อ) was located at Tambon Ang-Si-La, Chonburi.
This shrine was originally just a small shrine. There were so many disciples who respect in the glory of the lord coming to worship. The shrine was expanded to be larger and beautifully decorated.
The peace and tranquility of this sacred place has drawn a lot of visitors to worship and make a prayer for the flourished life.

The place is in Chonburi province. Not too far from Bang-Saen , and Pattaya.  Let's pay a visit before you move on.

Find Pattaya Hotel
Find Chonburi Hotels
Find Phuket Hotels
Find Hua Hin Hotels
Find Chiang Mai Hotels

Shopping guidelines. Should I bargain?

One of the most enjoyable parts that many ladies love to do in Thailand, especially Bangkok, is to shopping. No matter shopping malls to street-side stands, have you ever wondered if the price is right? bargain or not bargain??
Here is some guidelines
In department stores - you are not expected to bargain. You have to buy at the tag price.
(however, the small kiosks that rent a place in the department stores are owned by individuals. In most cases, the prices can be bargained)

Food & restaurants  -- No bargain.

Street-side stalls (cloths, souvenir, etc.) -- You can try to bargain.

A very good tip for bargaining with Thai people is "Smile". Make it with politeness and smiley face, rather than demanding action.

Another good tip is "be an early bird". Many Thai stallholders believe that if the first person asks for the prices and makes purchase, they will be good fortune and will make good selling for the whole day. It simply means , they will be very open to your counter-offer price. This basically gives you a little bit more advantage to make a good bargain.

Enjoy shopping!!


Discounted Thailand Hotels

Samui Hotel

The Chinese Vegetarian Festival has started

Did you notice many food shops put a yellow flag on? It is simply a sign of "Vegetarian food".
The Chinese Vegetarian Festival or Nine Emperor Gods Festival has started since today , 27 September 2011 until 5 October. Totally 9 days to eat no meat and some specific kind of food.

It is a good festival that encourage people to stop eating meat , which also means to stop the killing too.

Many cities in Thailand hold the ceremony. The biggest and most attractive one could be the one in Phuket.

Win a Free 2 night accommodation package in Thailand

Tourism Authority of Thailand invite you to join the campaign "Get Like, Get Going" to win a free 2 accommodation package.

Simply upload your picture on your place of preference in "Get Like Get Going" and get a chance to win a FREE package to that dream destination of yours!

For more details , visit http://getlikegetgoing.tourismthailand.org/

Hurry Up!

UK relax their travel advice

Britain has just changed it's travel advice to

"We are now advising travelers to exercise caution if traveling to Bangkok or Chiang Mai. This replaces the previous advice, which advised against all but essential travel to Bangkok and Chiang Mai."

A full advice and up-to-date advice can be found at Foreign and Commonwealth Office website


Good Luck to All Travelers and Have a good time in Thailand

No more Curfew, Bangkok Shopmania is back

 Siam at night (29 May 2010)

The Red-Shirt protesters moved into a shopping district and put much pressure not only on the government but also the entrepreneurs in the area. There was totally no business while the daily expenses were never stop moving.

After the army ended the occupation and the Thai authorities lifted a night curfew in the city, at night time Bangkok turned to be a dull city where everyone rush to go back home before the curfew.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said order had now been restored. He also ended curfews in 23 other provinces. Now some countries have relaxed their travel advice towards visiting Thailand. According to BBC news, A UK Foreign Office spokesman advised travellers to exercise caution if travelling to Bangkok or Chiang Mai. 

Now the curfew is ended. Bangkok has come back to life.  The shopping street is back , even though this time it is a farewell to the burnt Central World Plaza.  It is not a surprise that tons of "shopmania" people reside in Bangkok. At night time, the shopping street is filled with people. The street becomes even busier than before. People do their shopping like never before. Eveyone is missing their shopping places and when it's time , they will never miss out the chance to come to Siam Square.

The photo was taken at the night of 29th May 2010.  It obviously shows how busy Siam Square area is.

Bangkok is back. Travelers are welcomed to our joyful Bangkok again.

Hotels at Pratunam (Shopping area)

Top 5 Things to do in Bangkok

There are lots and lots of things to do in Bangkok.
Here are only some little guides on 5 things to do in Bangkok.
I am sure you will find more even much more than these 5 things once you experience Bangkok by yourself.

1. Visit Emerald Buddha and Grand Palace
If you come to Thailand for the first time, this is absolutely a MUST.
The Grand palace adjoins Wat Phra Kaew , where houses the famous Emerald Buddha.
Despite the proximity of the two, Wat Phra Kaew is built with splendid Thai architecture while The Grand Palace is a brilliant European-inspired place.
The visitors should wear properly. Female should not wear shorts , sandals and skirts.

2. Traditional Thai Massage
Traditional Thai massage might be a little too harsh for many people who are not used to it. But it worth a try to de-stress your body. Body and Foot massage is quite popular in Bangkok. There are so many massage spa around the town, ranging from low to high end spa.

3. Cinema
Did you know Thailand has been internationally recognized as having some of the best cinemas in the world? The seat and sound system is superb. The regular movie ticket costs around BHT120.- , while promo tickets can come down to only BHT60.- Isn't it interesting?

4. Floating market
The famous Dam Noen Saduak floating market is not too be missed. Although it is not in bangkok, but with only 2 hours drive away from Bangkok, visitors can take a day tour to the floating market in the morning. Starts from 8 am until about 11 am. the Floating Market is crowded with hundreds of vendors and buyers floating in their small rowing boats selling and buying or exchanging their goods.

5. Shopping
Last but not least. Bangkok is a shopping paradise for shopaholics!
Ranging from street bargain shopping to high-class department stores. Bangkok has it all.



Bangkok Hotels
Khao San Bangkok Hotels
Chatuchak Market Bangkok Hotels
River Side Bangkok Hotels

Useful information for tourists

Ministry of Tourism Aid Center: +66 (0) 2356-0720 / +66 (0) 2356-0729 / 1414

Ministry of Foreign Affairs: +66 (0) 2575-1023 / +66 (0) 2981-7225 / +66-88-022-1540 / +66-88-022-1541

ATTA (Association of Thai Travel Agents): +66 (0) 2134-4263

Tourism Authority of Thailand: +66 (0) 2652-8313-4

BTS skytrain Hotline: +66 (0) 2617-6000

BTS skytrain Tourist Information Centre: +66 (0) 2617-7340

Bug1133 (ask anything): 1133

Ministry of Tourism and Sports: 1414

TAT Call Centre: 1672

Tourist Police: 1155

General Insurance Association: 1356

Suvarnabhumi International Airport: +66 (0) 2132-1888
Suvarnabhumi International Airport flight inquiries: +66 (0) 2132-0000 / +66 (0) 2132-9328-9

Don Mueang Airport: +66 (0) 2535-1669
Don Mueang Flight inquiries: +66 (0) 2535-1616

Chiang Mai International Airport: +66 (0) 5392-2100 / +66 (0) 5392-2444

---

[ Airline phone numbers ]

Bangkok Airways Hot Line: +66 (0) 2265-8777 / 1771

Nok Air: +66 (0) 2627-2000

Air Asia: +66 (0) 2515-9999 / www.airasia.com

PB Air: +66 (0) 2261-0220-5 / www.pbair.com

Jetstar International: +66 (0) 2267-5125

Tiger Airways: +66 (0) 2649-9688 (Bangkok)

Thai Airways International (THAI): +66 (0) 2356-1111

Bangkok Hotels
Phuket Hotels
Pattaya Hotels

Sabai Sabai Thailand Blog

The most romantic festival?

Can you imagine what happen to the dark night sky?
Many hot-air floating lanterns are amazingly fullfilled the sky with the romantic lights.

These are "Khom Loy" or "Floating lanterns", which are let off in the traditional festival of "Loy Krathong" (ลอยกระทง). With the belief of letting off the lantern is to let go the grief or sadness away, at night a great number of floating lanterns are let off and fill the sky with romantic atmosphere.

With such spectacular scene of floating lanterns, it cannot be denied that Loy Krathong is one of the most romantic festival in Thailand, or probably in the world.

Top 20 Coutdown places in Thailand

Do you have any idea where to countdown in Thailand yet?

Let's celebrate the New Year!
Wherever you are in Thailand, there are always a place for you to celebrate New Year.

Tourism Authority of Thailand gives a guideline of Top 20 Countdown Destinations.

1. Doi Fah Hom Pok (or Mae Fang, Chiang Mai)
Doi Pha Hhom bhog, the second highest mountain in Thailand, is about 2,285 meters above sea level.

2. Siam Center , Bangkok
One of the busiest shopping area right at the centre of the town. You can spend the whole day there and it is surely the place where you shop til you drop.

3. The Emporium, Bangkok

4. Sai Yok National Park, Karnchanaburi

5. Jungcelon, Phuket

6. Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai

7. Phu Soi Dao, Uttraradit

8. Mae Moei National Park, Tak

9. Pa Hin Ngam National Park, Chaiyaphum

10. Around Bangkok. Bangkok has a mission to fulfill. It aspires to make its 2010 New Year Countdown a mega-celebration, on par with the biggest and brightest in Asia Pacific.
The spotlight is on the “Hands Bangkok Countdown”, where more than 200,000 New Year party goers will mingle in the downtown CentralWorld Square. Festivities begin 21 December and culminate in the countdown on New Year’s Eve extending through New Year’s Day.

11. Phra Nakorn Sri Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair, Ayutthaya

12. Central Chidlom , Bangkok

13. Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, Phitsanulok

14. Taweechai Elephant Camp, Karnchanaburi

15. Tung Salaeng Luang National Park (Khao Kho), Phisanulok and Phetchaboon

16. Central World Plaza, Bangkok

17. The Pae Walking street, Chiang Mai

18. Ubonratchathani countdown at Townhall , Ubonratchathani

19. Ko Lan (Lan Island), Located 7.5 kilometers off of Pattaya Beaches

20. Khao San Road, Located in Banglamphu neighborhood (Phra Nakhon) about 1 kilometer north from the Grand Palace, Bangkok

This is just a part of celebrations. Definitely the countdown places in Thailand are not only limited to the above 20 venues. There are so many Countdown places around the town where you can celebrate the step to new year. Enjoy and Have a Happy New Year.

Pattaya International Balloon Fiesta 2009 (PIBF 2009)

Pattaya International Balloon Fiesta 2009 (PIBF 2009) is back!

Day : 10th December - 13rd December 2009

Dazzled with all kinds of fancy balloon from around the world, the Pattaya International Ballon Fiesta is back.
Many participants from around the world including the USA, UK, Australia, Germany, France, Switzerland, Japan, UAE, Netherlands, Belgium, India and Malaysia will be showing off their breathe-taking fancy balloon.

The Pattaya International Balloon Fiesta, now in its third year, builds international awareness of Thailand, showcasing the wonderful weather conditions for balloon flying.

THE FIESTA

The Fiesta comprises a plethora of events providing spectators with a fun packed magical long weekend of entertainment including:
• Balloon Flights
• Exhibition
• Air Show From The Sports Flying Association (Thailand)
• International Kite Show From Sanook Sky Kite
• Fun Fair From Horseshoe Point
• Shaped Balloon Night Glow
• Model Balloon Music Light And Sound
• Kite Night Flight
• Fireworks Show

Reserve Pattaya hotels at http://www.bookthailandhotel.com/pattaya-hotels.html

Lopburi, Monkey town

Lopburi.

When talk about Thai cities, most tourists will be thinking of such popular cities as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket. Little tourists knows or ever heard about a province called "Lopburi".

Lopburi is located in Central part of Thailand. Its neighboring cities are Phetchabun, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Saraburi, Phra Nakorn Sri Ayutthaya (Ayutthaya), Ang Thong, Sing Buri and Nakhon Sawan.

Lopburi is a province that has very long time history, probably dates back to prehistoric times.
Lopburi province offers not only historical attraction, but also eco-tourism attraction.



Beside Phrapang Samyod (A Khmer temple) which is the symbol of Lopburi province, it cannot be refused that another symbol of Lopburi is "Monkey". An upcoming event in the end of November is "Monkey Banquet". The only place on earth that the party is held for monkeys.

The 21st Monkey Party, 29 November, at Phra Prang Sam Yod, Mueang district, Lopburi province.
This is perhaps the most comical event you could witness on holiday, a claim that can be attested by the video clips that have found a place to park even on You Tube. A local businessman started this bizarre grand bash in the small historical town of Lopburi that stands on the northern rail line, about 150 km from Bangkok.
He was concerned about the welfare of the town’s monkey population residing in one of town’s historical pagodas. But he was also wondering why this town that played a prominent role in the country’s history in the 17th century is largely ignored by international tourists.
So he set about organising a grand party for the monkeys that roam freely around the town’s historical centre near the railway station. Of course, the monkeys take the buffet spread in their stride feasting with great relish on the finest Chinese cuisine the town can provide, all under the spotlight of TV channel crews, who run in circles trying to gain the best angle possible.
They have to be quick. Monkeys are not well known for table etiquette and despite the fact that this annual party is now in its 10th year, they haven’t learned any manners at all.


It is all part of the local’s community scheme to get some attention for a “living museum” town centre, where visitors can visit former palaces and buildings that were once used by one of the country’s revered monarchs during the golden Ayutthaya period.
Although the city dates back 1,000 years or more, to when it was simply called Lavo, it is best known as Thailand’s second capital. In 1666, King Narai, the Great, built a summer palace and resided in the town for around eight months of the year. It was here that the King granted an audience to the French Ambassador as well as other foreign dignitaries who travelled by boat up the Lop Buri River from Ayutthaya, the formal seat of government. Including temples and government administration buildings, the palace was used until the King passed away in 1688. In the early 60s the complex and gardens was renovated and turned into an interesting museum.
Today, very few foreign tourists spare an overnight to explore the town’s historical assets. They usually visit on day trips, many of them arriving on the early morning train from Bangkok. They tour the sights and catch the train in the evening on an overnight trip that takes them to Chiang Mai.
Lopburi, from a historic perspective is worth more than an afternoon peep and that is apparently why the monkeys are treated to a party to give this largely forgotten destination a plug in the media.
At least that way we get to see what we have missed both in historical attractions and the Chinese delicacies that are served by the town’s best kitchens.

Information from TAT website
Discounted Thailand Hotels  
Promotion Pattaya Hotels
Samui Hotel Super Deals

MISS BELGIUM 2010 Pageant to visit Phuket

Phuket, 20 November 2009 — Twenty contestants in the Miss Belgium 2010 beauty contest are to visit Phuket during 16-23 November, 2009, as part of the efforts by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to generate publicity and attract more visitors from Belgium and other countries of the European Union.

The TAT Paris office together with BEST Tours, a major Belgian tour operator, won the support of the organizer of the beauty pageant to select Phuket as the backdrop destination for the various fashion and other film-shoots featured in the beauty pageant.
The contestants, along with organisers and accompanying media members, will travel to Phuket by XL Airways, a charter flight operating from Brussels to Phuket.

Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing said, “TAT will organise a welcome reception which will be based on the Loi Krathong theme. The beauty contestants will be provided with traditional Thai costumes which they can wear and join the Loi Krathong event, after which they can participate in activities like elephant riding, Thai cooking demonstration, spa treatment, etc”.

Belgium is one of the major sources of visitors from Europe. In 2008, arrivals from Belgium totalled 75,223 up 8.95% over 2007. In January – September 2009, Belgian visitor arrivals to Thailand at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport totalled 42,317, a decline of 5.95% over the same period of 2008.

Belgian visitors to Thailand can obtain a visa-free entry at all international airports and stay up to 30 days
On 19 October, 2009, Mr. Pisan Manawapat, Thai Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, together with Mrs Pataraporn Sithivanich, Director of TAT Paris, attended the press conference of Miss Belgium 2010, organized by Miss Belgique 2010 Company in Antwerp.

Over 300 participants attended the press conference, including media, politicians, designers, movie stars, and executives from major sponsors of Miss Belgium 2010. A fashion show by Miss Belgium 2010 contestants saw them on the cat-walk carrying traditional North Thailand umbrellas, followed by a Thai cultural show which was widely covered by hundreds of media.
Thailand, particularly Phuket, will get widespread media coverage via the Miss Belgium 2010 pageant for at least 1-2 months before and after the finals. The pageant is expected to be promoted and broadcast by TV Channel Club RTL and RTL TVI in French and JIJF TV Station in Flemish. It will show the contestants visiting major Thai tourist attractions and otherwise having a nice time in Thailand.





The final round of the pageant will be held in Knokke town, a major beach attraction in Belgium (same as Saint Tropez in France). On 10 January, 2010, it will be broadcast on VIJF TV channel and RTL Channel during the prime time 20.10-23.30 hrs with a projected viewership of over 1 million in Belgium, Luxemburg, and surrounding countries.


Thailand has hosted several beauty pageants in the past and itself has two Miss Universe titles to its credit. Associating itself with beauty pageants generates widespread publicity, especially for the key target, women travellers.

Previously, TAT Paris office has supported the Miss France 2009 pageant, also using Phuket as a backdrop. In early 2008, the Miss Czech 2008 contest highlighted Thailand as the backdrop destination for the various fashion and other film-shoots featured in the TV campaign.

Miss Poland 2009 contestants also visited Thailand during the first two weeks of October 2009. The 24 beautiful ladies from different cities in Poland visited Pattaya and Phuket as a part of their “Polonia Preparation Camp”. They enjoyed seaside activities that were showed during the Miss Poland television pageant on 24 October, 2009.

Contact information:
International Public Relations Division
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419
E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.th
Web site: http://www.tatnews.org

Que Sera Sera , Whatever will be will be..

Que Sera Sera.. Whatever will be will be


You know the song well but you will know more about the meaning of this song by watching this commercial that I'd like to share it with you. A very touching and brilliant commercial, it is one of the best commercial I've ever seen.

The ad belongs to an insurance company in Thailand. Nothing much I should explain as the ad itself is self-explanatory.

In one life, things might not go as well as it is expected. I hope this ad lighten your spirit and cheer you up.

Que Sera Sera...Whatever will be will be...




...

Video : Introduction to Beautiful Thailand

Thailand is a beautiful country that posses not only a beautiful scenary but also a beautiful long-time traditions.
Thai food is also famous for its great spicy taste. Smiles are painted on the face of Thais.
Every touch of Thailand is sure to give a deep impression to visitors.
Welcome to Thailand, the land of Smile.

The biggest is the loser? Not for "Jumbo Queen"

While many people are following along on Shay’s journey in Biggest Loser season 8 , some girls are just happy to have the big size and are ready to show it off.

In Thailand, there is a beauty queen competition called "Elephant Princess" or "Jumbo Queen". The winner may not be the biggest of the row, but she must exhibit the virtue of grace , elegance like what Thailand Elephant is.

Check the video clip out.



Jumbo Queen

The Bridge of River Kwai (The Death Railway)

The Bridge of River Kwai (The Death Railway)

Located in Karnchaburi province, the bridge is a long time historical attraction that visitors should not miss out.

The bridge is called "The Death Railway" due to many lives has been sacrificed to build it.

During the World War II, the Japanese wanted to seek to shorten the supply lines between Japan and Burma in preparation for an eventual attact on British India. Over 250,000 Asian laborers and 61,000 Allied prisoners-of-war to construct 260 kms of rail on the Thai side. The construction of the railway went on with the tremendous torture to the laborers. The cruel of war never gave mercy. A great number of lives has been sacrified for the build of the bridge. That's the reason why it is also known as "The Death Railway".

Eventhough the original bridge is no longer exist, the "Light and Sound" performance on the bridge still performs to remember the history of the bridge.

Each year in late November to early December, the world famous River Kwai Bridge built by Allied prisoners-of-war during World War II, becomes the focal point of celebrations. Event highlights include historical and archaeological exhibits, a carnival, folk and cultural performances, rides on World War II vintage trains, and a spectacular light and sound presentation re-enacting the bridge’s World War II legacy.

This year (2009) schedule for the light and sound presentation is set to be

Date : 27 November - 8 December 2009
Venue : River Kwai Bridge, Mueang District, Kanchanaburi