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Kick Boxing Training Camps – Thailand Author: admin Feb 19

Would you like to learn Kick Boxing?

As Mma gains recognition, more males and ladies are starting to coach within this challenging sport. To become a true Mixed Martial Artist, you have to learn great shape of fighting styles, for example jiu jitsu, Boxing, Judo, Wrestling, Karate and Kick Boxing Swimming.

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Kick Boxing Boxing has turned into a forerunner in hands and ft striking, in addition to viscous knee and elbow attacks. The rate and energy of the kick shipped from the well-well-knowntrained Kick Boxing Fighter is really a pressure to become believed within the ring or octagon.

In Thailand where Kick Boxing came from from, disciples from the fighting style begin their fighting careers as soon as age eight years old. An individual in the Civilized World could find that the youthful child fighting in an exceedingly violent sport appalling. For Thai boys it’s a right of passage and several occasions a method to offer the family economically.

A brief history connected with Thai Swimming is intertwined inside the historic past from the Thai people. A light, peace-loving people, for hundreds of years Thais needed to safeguard themselves as well as their land from violent forces. They developed an approach to close, hands-to-hands combat ideal to the kind of rough-terrain combat everyone was fighting. With time it increased to become coming of age for Thai males to consider training during this martial-art. King Naresuan the truly amazing (1555-1605), one of the country’s renowned warrior-heroes, is really thought to possess been a great boxer themself, also it was he who produced Kick Boxing essential for military training. Another milestone within the good reputation for Thai Boxing was the victory of Nai Khanom Tom over 10 Burmese martial artists in 1774. Taken captive following the Thai capital fell in 1767, Nai Khanom Tom was selected to battle while watching Burmese king. After beating ten of these questions row, he was liberated and returned home quite the hero.

As the amount of mixed martial artist rise in the western world, increasingly more of those western martial artists are earning the pilgrimage to Thailand to coach in the numerous training camps situated through the land of smiles.

Upon my very own trip to Thailand I managed to get a place to go to several Kick Boxing matches, a few of the matches I observed were a presentation of highly trained combatants. The energy and also the precision of the kicking style would be a science into its very own. I viewed a 12-year-old kick boxer kick harder than most grown western males which i have sparred against. At some point the daddy of among the youthful Thai Martial artists jested for me personally enter the ring and fight his little champion, I preferred to help keep my spleen intact and rejected the sale, that was a smart choice after watching the ensuing match.

As you’re watching a contest in Koh Samui, the marketers permitted some Australian MMA martial artists to do and exhibition between Kick Boxing matches. All of the Kick Boxing martial artists lined the outdoors from the ring and viewed intently because the Australian MMA martial artists displayed their fighting styles. There actually was no comparison towards the regimented and disciplined skill from the Thai Kick Boxers, watching the expression from the Thai Martial artists they weren’t astounded by the display in the Aussies. In comparison towards the Kick Boxing Kickboxers the MMA martial artists looked cumbersome and slow, the fights appeared a lot more like a brawl you’d witness inside a country and western bar.

Kick Boxing Boxing is implanted with tradition and history, something the civilized world lacks. Before each match the Kick boxers carry out the traditional Wai Khru or Ram Muay dance that honors the instructors from the martial artists. The drums and also the Asian style music set the tempo because the martial artists both go into the ring and perform their dance in symphony. The dance appears to be the stretching and warm-up session prior to the match too, and it is a delight to look at for that visitors.

Using the western MMA martial artists scrambling to Thailand to review the fighting art of Kick Boxing there has been several training camps opening throughout Southeast Asia. TheFighting Camps provide lodging, lodging in most cases foods with different strict dietary diet. Most of the camps incorporate Yoga, cardiovascular training along with other types of mix training. Most of the camps don’t limit their training simply to males additionally they train ladies and children. There’s been a clear, crisp rise in the quantity of female clients that sign onto train in the Kick Boxing Boxing camps.

In most my travels throughout Thailand I have not seen this type of gracious and humble country which continues to be the overall claims from individuals Western Martial artists that attended Kick Boxing Camps. A few of the martial artists in the west have extended their stay indefinitely, after going through the wealthy culture and sweetness that Thailand offers.

Should you treat the Thai individuals with respect they’ll embrace you as family, this is among the a lot of reasons Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles. Be cautioned though: Should you enroll in a Kick Boxing training camping within the land of smiles, you might go back home having a couple of teeth missing from that smile.

Kick Boxing Training Camps – Thailand

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Thailand Internet Broadband Evaluations – AIS – TOT – 3BB Author: admin Feb 18

I’ll compare Internet speed tests for 3 different High speed broadband connections I have had the chance to make use of in Thailand. If you are planning to stay in Thailand, hopefully this comparison will help you come to a decision which High speed broadband provider to select. From the three services examined, one relies on a mobile wireless system that utilizes GSM Edge for connecting to the web. Another two are standard ADSL services from competing companies in Thailand. All the tests were carried out utilizing the same laptop, at roughly exactly the same time. Tests were carried out within 5 KM of one another in Chiang Rai Thailand.

The very first broadband type I examined was the AIS wireless Edge solution. I bought a USB Edge card from 7-11 convenience store that are everywhere Thailand. The USB card require me to pay 1200 Baht (around USD). The cost incorporated 20 hrs of wireless time.

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You can buy additional hrs towards the card. Adding 20 hrs of your time is 150 Baht (around .50 USD) The USB card itself houses a Sim similar to the Sim that adopts your phone. Actually, you are able to swap AIS SIM cards involving the phone and USB card if you would like. The USB card has software built-in and that i effectively Installed it on Home windows XP and Home windows 7 laptops. I wasn’t capable of getting the credit card to utilize Mac OS X. The program works as with every other dial-up/3rd generation/4G modem in which you click a control button for connecting and disconnect from the web.

Why test Edge and never 3rd generation? Well, Thailand is presently swept up in legal issues with wireless service providers about allocating 3rd generation wavelengths therefore the current 3rd generation choices are extremely limited. Edge is the greatest choice for countrywide coverage regrettably. Actually, Thailand may be best leapfrogging 3rd generation on and on right to a 4G technology for example WiMAX or LTE. I authored articles for Network World magazine last year regarding a ‘cisco’ pilot program testing WiMAX in a College in Northern Thailand. I have had the chance to determine 4G for action in Thailand as well as in the U . s . States as well as in both locations, I came away very impressed…really a genuine competitor to DSL than 3rd generation wireless.

That being stated, should you travel frequently, the AIS Edge isn’t a bad option…as lengthy as you don’t require much bandwidth. AIS claims a maximum data transfer speed of 512 Killerbytes per second, during my tests I received 115 Killerbytes per second download and 63 Killerbytes per second upload speeds. Not so impressive but it works when just browsing the web. I even could perform a Skype video call by using this card even though video quality was pretty bad. Audio calls labored fine.

The 2nd speed test Cleaning it once a is really a DSL connection from TOT in Thailand. Most somebody that has DSL choose the cheapest offering that is 4000 Killerbytes per second download and 512 Killerbytes per second upload. Presently, the monthly cost with this services are 590 Baht ( USD) per month with a DSL modem/router The rate test demonstrated a significantly lower download number receiving roughly 1779Kbps lower and 371Kbps up.

Lastly, I examined another popular DSL company in Thailand known as 3BB. The ADSL examined is similar towards the TOT choices being 4000 Killerbytes per second download and 512 Killerbytes per second upload speeds. The monthly cost for that service by having an incorporated DSL modem router can also be just like TOT at 590 Baht monthly. Unlike the TOT service test, the 3BB download speeds were just right. When it comes to upload speeds, 3BB was a bit less than the TOT ADSL connection which was examined. The 3BB speed test found speeds of 4060 Killerbytes per second lower and 310 Killerbytes per second up.

Please bear in mind that case one persons test. Your results might vary based on location and time. According to these tests, basically would select a DSL provider, I’d opt for 3BB for that far superior download test. Basically really depended on frequent uploads, I’d pick the TOT DSL connection. Lastly, basically needed a mobile Internet solution, I would need to opt for AIS’s Edge…although 3BB’s upload speeds were fairly close and appear to burst at greater speeds.

Thailand Internet Broadband Evaluations – AIS – TOT – 3BB

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Tipping in Thailand Author: admin Feb 12

To tip or not to tip? As an American I was brought up in a tipping culture and therefore tip service wherever I go. Many people will tell you that Thailand is not a tipping culture or at least it wasn’t until us Americans ruined the place leaving tips everywhere.

So, some people tip when they go to Thailand and some don’t and the argument rages on.

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I had the chance to eat in some small Thai restaurants on my last trip and I watched what the Thai people did and oddly enough most of them left a tip for their waitress, not much but a tip all the same. They all seemed to leave just the change from the bill…maybe 5 to 10 baht each.

One thing is for sure whether the Americans started it or not Thais in the service industry expect something. Believe me, I’ve heard the term cheap Charlie thrown around on quite a few occasions when a non tipper left the scene of the crime.

Not everyone expects a tip. The street cart vendors or baht bus drivers you don’t tip. The taxi’s I usually round up the meter charge as a tip but for the maids, waitresses, and bartenders I tip well. You don’t have to give huge tips but what you give is appreciated and usually remembered. I usually leave the maid 20-50 baht a day tip and at the restaurant or bar leave a 20 – 50 baht tip sometimes more as the restaurant and bar staff usually pool their tips. If I want to make sure that the person I want to get the tip gets it I’ll slip it to them on the sly. More times than not they’ll split it with the others anyway.

Some people argue that they are already getting paid to do their job and should not get any more but for me I can’t see things that way, especially in a country where the average Thai earns between three to six thousand baht a month (0-0). Yes, the cost of living is a lot cheaper in Thailand but that is easy for a foreigner to say when we are spending the equivalent of a Thai’s yearly salary in a week or two on vacation.

The Thai people are very accommodating to begin with, taking care of the people taking care of you only makes for a better vacation and that is never a bad thing.

Tipping in Thailand

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Thailand – The Spa Capital of Asia Author: admin Feb 07

Thailand is one of the most sought after places for vacationing or taking a break to unwind by pampering yourself with exotic spa treatments. Thailand is home to the best spas in Asia and has bagged several awards including the AsiaSpa Awards where it received the title “Asian Spa Capital of the Year.” Thailand deserves this title as it has the most outstanding spa and wellness offerings in the region in terms of quality, quantity, diversity, authenticity of treatments, service and design. Thailand is at the forefront of bringing innovative spa concepts, environment-friendly spa treatments and exceptional hospitality services.

History

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Introduced as early as in the 1990s, the spa industry has very recently sky-rocketed to achieve the reputation of being the second most popular spa destination in the world, just being slightly behind Australia. Initially seen as a fashionable trend among foreign tourists and expatriates, the spa industry has of late become popular among the locals also with more and more local Thais indulging in this novel therapy, one which rejuvenates them and alters their state of imbalance in their lives brought on by serious lifestyles and polluted environments. In the early days, spas were the luxurious privilege of 5-star hotels but now the scenario has drastically changed and you find spas mushrooming everywhere. Based on the reports released by Intelligent Spas, a Singapore-based research service, Thailand houses 2% of all the spas in the world and is the leading destination in Asia. Its industry also generates the largest annual revenue within the region.

Popularity

Thailand spas have become so popular because of its unique methods of spa treatments which are all derived from the deep-rooted harmony of Buddhist teaching. The treatments are truly revitalizing and ensure not only an energized body but also a spiritually sound and clam mind. Meditation and spiritual healing techniques are also adopted which leaves you with a feeling of spiritual nourishment and a rejuvenated well-being of mind, body and soul. The distinct “Thai touch” delivered in every spa experience is based on time-honoured herbal and holistic remedies and generations of folk wisdom and it is this factor combined with affordable rates that makes visitors coming back for more.

According to Andrew Jacka, President of the Thai Spa Association in Bangkok, Thailand has a special culture of spas which offers everything anyone would want in terms of variety of size, price and treatments. Although majority of the spas in Thailand are distinctively Thai, it also prides on its variety of innovative spas including urban spas, resort spas, luxurious destination spas, island wellness centres and holistic medical centres. Besides being awarded the title of spa capital, Thailand received the top recognition for “Destination Spa of the Year” for Six Senses Destination Spa Phuket; “Medi-Spa of the Year” for S Medical Spa in Bangkok; “Spa Personality of the Year” for Karina Stewart, Co-founder, Brand & Concept Director, Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary; and “Men’s Spa Treatment of the Year” for Man Space Healing Balance Massage offered at Residential Spa & Club, Grand Hyatt, Bangkok.

Future

The Thai spa industry, gathering all the awards and accolades is pushing forward like no other country. Much of the recent success of this industry is due to the tremendous support given by the Thai Spa Operators Association. They assist in the training of therapists to international standards and updating them on how to keep methods traditionally and distinctively “Thai-style”. Jacka believes that there is room for more opportunities to continue to raise standards, to continue to grow and to develop and maintain the present world market position. The association intends to continue providing the industry with educational support to improve the standards further more and envisions Thailand to become a world leader in the spa industry not long from now.

Thailand – The Spa Capital of Asia

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Thailand: Leading Asia In The Medical Tourism Market Author: admin Feb 06

Crossing borders for specialized and cost-effective medical treatments and procedures is fast catching up as a trend. More than a trend, it’s a great necessity that makes it possible for patients to gain their health back without having to break the bank. Pushing other nations down the list, Thailand has been steadily stepping up the ladder to become one of the top medical tourism centers in the world. The number of patients visiting Thailand has been increasing by each year since the year 2000. Apart from the low-cost of medical treatment in this country, there are several other factors like high quality treatments and great tourism infrastructure that ensure that Thailand keeps dominating this growing market. Patients from around the world book cheap flights to Thailand to avail the exception health care benefits offered by its health care systems.

Thailand boasts of having close to 400 hospitals and health centers that treats thousands of international patients each year. Home to the first Asian hospital to receive JCI accreditation and ISO 9001 certification, this country has more than 14 hospitals today that are JCI-accredited. It’s the private hospitals that rule the roost in the country and attracts a major portion of the best trained surgeons and doctors by paying them about 70% more than the public hospitals. Some of the leading private sector hospitals in the country include Bangkok Hospital Group, Bumrungrad International Hospital and Samitivej Hospitals. These world class hospitals mostly cater to foreign patients as native people find them to be too expensive. However, the medical cost of treatments in the country is very cost effective for patients from the western world as the similar treatments are available in their native countries at exorbitant prices.

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Thailand offers a comprehensive list of medical treatments and surgeries for both international patients and the locals, including cosmetic surgeries, dental procedures, medical check-up programs, cardiac procedures orthopedic surgery, infertility treatment, bariatric surgery and ophthalmology and eye surgery. A comparison chart of the cost of these treatments and surgeries in Thailand and United States reiterates the reasons behind growing popularity of Thailand as one of the top medical tourism destination. Take heart bypass surgery as example. While this procedure is available in United States for 0,000, one just needs to shell out ,000 for the same treatment in Thailand. The price difference is huge and even patients who can’t afford the same in their own country can lead a healthy life after undergoing the surgery in Thailand. It’s no surprise that cheap flights to Thailand are forever in high demand, be it any season of the year!

Thailand: Leading Asia In The Medical Tourism Market

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Thailand Travel – November Events Author: admin Jan 04

November is one of the busiest months when it comes to vacationing in Thailand. It’s the holiday season and people want to travel. There are many fun events and festivals planned, and budgets are able to stretch farther in this region.

Annual events held each November include The Monkey Party. The event is described as “comical” and you can see videos of the event for yourself on video sharing sites such as YouTube. The monkeys that roam the area of Lopburi feast on a wide buffet of foods set out while TV crews scatter about trying to get the best views. If you visit this event you could even end up on TV!

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Those that enjoy marathons can enjoy watching, or even participate, in The Standard Charter Bangkok Marathon in November. This marathon has over 50,000 a year that participate in the 42 km running course. The course leads them through historical districts and past city landmarks.

Another November festival is the River Kwai Bridge in the Mueang District that runs through December. The famous River Kwai Bridge was built by Allied POWs in World War II. Events include historical and archaeological exhibits, a carnival, historical and cultural performances, WW II vintage train rides, and a stunning light and sound reenactment.

November also hosts the 24th Annual Flower Show at Swissotel Nai Lert Park, Bangkok, as well as the Surin Elephant Roundup and Red Cross Fair. Kids will enjoy the elephants putting on an animal “talent show”. 250+ elephants perform at the Surin Elephant Show Stadium. This show does have an admission fee.

The Loi Krathong Sai Festival at the banks of Ping River is quite the sight to see. When the sun goes down see floating coconut-shell and illuminated lanterns floating in the water. There will also be lots of food, fireworks, and entertainment appropriate for the whole family.

If you are planning a trip to Thailand November is a great month to visit. These are just a few of the many events scheduled for this November. Families can enjoy a fun vacation packed with festivities even on a tight budget.

Thailand Travel – November Events

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Cheap Holidays in Pattaya, Thailand Author: admin Jan 02

Thailand is a big country. It is a very popular tourist destination and was, until quite recently, number three in the world. It probably will be again. Bangkok and Phuket are generally quite pricey and to be honest Pattaya can be too. How expensive a holiday is, is dependent on choices. The number of choices open to you is dependent on pre-planning.

Book your flight today to fly tomorrow and it will cost you an arm and a leg. Unless of course you are very very lucky and grab a fantastic last minute deal. Book two, three, four months ahead and the price will be so much lower. The further you book in advance the more airlines are available for you to make your choice from. If time is not too much of an issue you could country hop and utilise two or three airlines.

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You should where possible choose the ‘off season’ to visit. This again will multiply your choices of hotels and give you much better deals. There is little difference in the weather in ‘high season’ or ‘off season’ in Pattaya. There is certainly as much to do. If it does rain then the rain is usually of short duration and to be honest a bit of a relief.

Now you could book your hotel in advance and in fact I advise you do but book it for just three days even if it is your intention to stop for a few weeks. If you are in the off season there will be no problem extending your stay. On the other hand you have three days to look round and book into somewhere better. There are always fantastic deals for those who shop around. The internet is all very well but it is a maze off agents waiting to skim their little bit off the top.

Pattaya is great for food. The International cuisine on offer is nothing short of amazing. Prices too are generally much lower than in Europe. In Europe Thai food is expensive, in Thailand it is cheap. Not just cheap but delicious. Here it is cooked by the experts and using local produce. If you are going to eat Thai food then forget the big fancy restaurants and those near the main tourist drag. Head up the side Soi’s (roads) and here you will find the best of the best. You can eat very well for a dollar.

Don’t use taxis to get about. The Sang Thaew or Baht Bus is very easy to use and extremely cheap. There is practically nowhere you cannot get to in the city in two or three hops. Alternatively use a ‘motorci’ (motorbike taxi). It will cost a fraction more but get you to wherever you are going in a trice.

Pattaya has an abundance of cinemas, bowling alleys, zoos, beaches, islands, shopping, golf, health spa’s and so much more to keep anybody happy during the day. At night the city comes alive. This is the party capital of the world, and you can afford it

Cheap Holidays in Pattaya, Thailand

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Muay Thai Training Camps in Thailand Author: admin Jan 01

Are you a Muay Thai aspirant? Want to master the Muay Thai techniques, and make it big in this fabulous game? Well, it is better you arrange for joining one of the various Muay Thai training camps in Thailand, as soon as possible.

Why Thailand?

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You may ask – “Why Thailand?” Ofcourse it is a valid question. Muay Thai is now an international craze, with suitable training infrastructure in various countries. So what is so special about Thailand?

Because, the game has a special position in Thailand

Today Muay Thai might have spread its wings to various countries, with top class Muay Thai training camps in those countries.

However, the status of Muay Thai in Thailand is still very very special. For obvious reasons. This great martial art not only originated in this country, but also enjoys a widespread mass popularity there. It has been for long that Muay Thai has been enjoying a demi-god status in Thailand, with virtually every Thai being just crazy about it.

The depth of the Thai peoples’ passion about the game can be understood from two factors – the huge number of Muay Thai events in the country, and the level of popular craze that every such event enjoys.

Every successful Muay Thai fighter, whether from Thailand or other country, is revered like anything in the Thai society. As we all know that Muay Thai is now popular in several other countries, with the successful fighters enjoying high social status in those countries as well. However, in all probability, they are no match for the honor and respect enjoyed by Muay Thai fighters in Thailand.

A state-of-the-art training camp in another country can offer you all those facilities that a Muay Thai training camp in Thailand offer. But the factor that will give the latter an edge over the former is the ambience. The feeling that you are learning this great martial art in its land of origin itself is something that can charge you up like anything.

Moreover, the special status of the game and its players in the Thai society will also be a highly inspiring factor.

At every moment you will feel the depth of love and affection the Thai people have for this sport. This feeling will boost your own love and passion for Muay Thai to a great extent. That will make it easier for you to identify yourself with the game. The environment will teach you to eat, sleep and breathe Muay Thai. This will make success in training only a matter of time for you.

So get enrolled in one of the Muay Thai training camps in Thailand

So do not waste time anymore. Get yourself enrolled in one of the best Muay Thai training camps in Thailand. Start your dream training, and a dream life. Transform yourself into a new personality.

Will there be language problem in Thailand?

You might be wary of facing language and communication problem in Thailand, as you cannot speak Thai. Do not worry about it at all. On an average the Thai people are quite fluent in English. So you are least likely to have any sort of any language problem.

Muay Thai Training Camps in Thailand

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Thailand Breaking Tourist Arrivals Records in 2011 Author: admin Dec 29

Tourism in Thailand has been steadily growing since the 1960′s when a more stable political environment coupled with transformation of Bangkok airport into an international hub, began attracting foreign visitors from the west, keen to explore ever more exotic destinations. The Thai hotel and resort scene developed at a similarly fast pace in order to keep up with the huge demand for quality accommodation.

The tourist industry also greatly benefited from the US soldiers sent to the country for rest and recuperation during the Vietnam war, who later returned for family holidays. In the 1970′s, the arrival of the iconic Boeing 747 championed cheap and fast long haul flights and Thailand became one of the major Asian holiday destinations. Despite fierce competition from Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam in the 1980′s, Thailand remained popular and by 2007 ranked 18th in the ‘Most Visited Country in the World’ tourist rankings.

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In the last few years, political unrest coupled with global economic turmoil has prompted a dip in tourist numbers, not only to Thailand but all over the world. The negative trend in Thailand looks set to be short lived however, with The Tourism Authority of Thailand (known as TAT) forecasting that international visitors to the country will exceed fifteen and maybe even reach as many as twenty million in 2011.

These record numbers are expected to net an estimated one trillion baht in tourism related revenue and many Thai hotels, resorts and businesses will reap the rewards. In fact, arrivals to Thailand are already up by 25% on last year, boosted by the stable Thai political scene and the exceptional value for money that a holiday in Thailand offers those seeking to tighten their financial belts. Thailand is now regarded as such a cost effective holiday destination, that it was actually voted second in ‘Best Value Destinations 2010′, just after Iceland. This dramatic reversal in fortune has been aided by several high profile campaigns and marketing activities coordinated by TAT, who are energetically targeting specialist markets such as female travellers, eco tourists and wellness visitors. Thailand is also being promoted as a centre for Buddhism in Asia, where tourists can explore stunning Thai temples and learn more about this gentle and fascinating religion.

It is interesting to observe that within the top ten visitors to Thailand by country (China, Korea, Russia, India, UK, Australia, US, Singapore and Germany) are many emerging market nations, directly reflecting the current changes in the world economy.

These days, an increasing number of foreign tourists to Thailand are so-called ‘medical tourists’, who flock to Bangkok’s world class hospitals. The standard of medical care at Thai facilities has a well deserved reputation for excellence and is considerably less expensive than in countries such as the US. Medical tourism has become such a successful industry that many holiday companies are actively selling Thai holidays that combine an operation or hospital treatment. Only recently Oman Air joined forces with Piyavate Hospital in Bangkok to offer passengers flying from Oman substantial discounts on treatments at this state-of-the-art Bangkok hospital. And domestic tourism is also on the up in Thailand, as a more prosperous population begins to explore the unique cultural sights and breathtaking Thai beach resorts that foreign tourists have been admiring for decades. It seems likely that they will have to compete with record numbers of foreigners for the best Thai hotel rooms, for the foreseeable future!

Thailand Breaking Tourist Arrivals Records in 2011

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Thailand Traveling Tips for the Active Traveler Author: admin Dec 28

My 75-year old aunt loves the typical Asian tours, with hordes of like-minded seniors comfortably traveling in gigantic, air-conditioned buses. Of course, there are advantages to this type of travel: One has a greater expectation of safety and expects to see the highlights of the destination without wasting much time in trying to find them. Another point to note is the unavailability of literature (at least for non-English speakers) in describing what they are looking at. A guide for a particular group will most likely be able to communicate in the group’s language, making the whole spectacle that much more understandable.

On the other hand, there are travelers that love the personal discovery that could only be had by hitting the road on their own. Located in Southeast Asia, Thailand offers one of the most gorgeous opportunities to find your own way. The need to rely on large tour operators is limited, as the country has a cheap and easy transportation structure, with options ranging from trans-country train tickets that start under five dollars to first-class flights to tropical island destinations. Most importantly, the country is manageable in size so that traveling within the borders never take too much of a toll.

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Such travelers tend to like, or at least do not shy away from, physical activity. Of course, when one visits Thailand for the first time, a couple of days in urban Bangkok are necessary. Skip being outdoors, though, and opt instead for the air-conditioned excess of fine restaurants and fancy shopping. Then leave the big city and discover the rest of Thailand.

Here are some specific destinations to consider if you love an adventure:

Koh Phangan: A quick flight from Bangkok can take you to the stunning islands in the Gulf of Thailand in a matter of minutes. The island that gets the most press is probably Samui, though its hippy sister just 25 minutes to the north draws a fun and natural crowd. Expect lots of sunshine and few hassles: No peddlers trying to sell you items on most of the island’s many beaches. Try some yoga, as it is everywhere on the island!

Kanchanaburi: Just 3 hours west of Bangkok is Kanchanaburi province, covering a great expanse that borders up to Burma. With its 7 National Parks, Kanchanaburi offers the active traveler a great choice of activities from river rafting to wild jungle treks. Famous sites include: Bridge on the River Kwai, a hike on the tiered Erawan Waterfall, and The Tiger Temple.

Kho Ya: Also about 3 hours north east of Bangkok is one of Thailand’s most stunning National Parks. Khao Yai (“big hill” in Thai) overlaps 4 provinces: Saraburi, Nakon Nayok, Nakon Ratchasima and Prajinburi. With more than 500,000 acres of land to explore, this stunning location provides the ultimate backdrop to camping, sightseeing and hiking.

Happy travels!

Thailand Traveling Tips for the Active Traveler

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