Predicting Thailand Weather

Posted on January 2, 2011 by admin

Predicting Thailand weather

The weather in Thailand is tropical with it being situated just above the equator, so expect hot and humid with very little definition in terms of the four seasons we typically recognize. Instead in Thailand weather follows these general patterns:

Hot and dry – the warmer season starts in the north (Chiang Mai) from about February and ends around June, July in the southern region and islands. In the north you’ll find that the temperatures are more moderate and does not get so hot or so cold in the rainy months, while in the east it can get above 40’C. There is no better place to enjoy this weather than on one of the beaches of Pattaya or on the southern coast. Bangkok is better in the cooler months when the pollution seems to be more under control. There is nothing like the heat to bring out the party costumes when one can enjoy traditional Thai festivals like Loi Krathong.

What to wear – In this heat the best to wear would be light clothing. Sunscreen is advised year round. Footwear is also advised for the hot sand and ground.

Wet and humid – the rainy season starts in around June in the north and moves down to the south over about a month where it lasts for about 5 months, again, ending a month later in the south and the islands.  During these months expect rainstorms, lots of humidity and monsoons, an attribute of typical Thailand weather. In-between all of this rain you will in fact find many days during which there is no rain at all and many parts of Thailand that need more than they are getting. This season definitely has some benefits including fewer crowds, white river rafting where the rivers down south are at their fullest not to mention cheaper and more available accommodations and flights into Thailand.

What to wear – pack for the activities that you are about to embark on with casual rainwear for sight-seeing and shopping.

Thailand Weather

Cool and dry – this is the closest one will get to a winter as we know it and is more comparable to a cool summer’s day with temperatures falling in the low 20”C range. It generally starts in November just as the rains clear up until it starts to get hotter in February/March. This is an extremely comfortable state for taking part in the many activities that are on offer. The rain may come but it will not last long. No need to let it affect your sight-seeing around the beautiful Thailand. This time of the year is better suited to travelling in and around the great cities and if you are not one to handle crowds this may be the best time to visit one of the splendid beaches.

What to wear – While there may be very little rain prepare for it by taking along some general rainwear. The weather may be suitable for short sleeves, but take some warmer clothing along too.

When visiting Thailand weather plays an important role in determining the available accommodation and activities. There is no season not to enjoy Thailand and its beauty.

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Thailand Travel Tips

Posted on January 2, 2011 by admin

Thailand Travel Tips

Getting there – its unavoidable, to get to Thailand in good time you will need to fly. A return ticket can set you back anything from $700 to as much as $2000 depending on where in Thailand you want to go, which airline you choose and the time of the year. So to be sure of getting a good price:

  • Book well in advance
  • Do your research – it’s a known fact that the cheaper flights are to more common destinations
  • Get a quote from the local airlines first

Getting to grips with Thailand travel modes is certainly worth the experience. If this is your first time in Asia, taking a taxi is the best way to go. The taxi’s charge in units of time as opposed to kilometers and when it is quieter for example at night you will find that taxi rides are cheaper. The currency is the Baht and a taxi driver holding up 5 fingers is charging 50 Baht.

What makes Thailand unique is the tuk-tuk taxis. These are generally brightly colored 3 wheelers with canopies and open sides with enough space for the driver in front and 2 people to sit in the back. While most Thai people understand English having the details of where you are going or the establishment’s card can prevent mistakes upfront.

What to see and do in Thailand – Thailand’s list of attractions is long and varied and includes

  • White water rafting during the rainy season
  • Elephant treks taking you out into the unknown on the back of one of nature’s giants for 3 days
  • Visits to the temple ruins of an ancient era
  • Many beautiful, ornate temples
  • And of course shopping!

The shopping in Thailand is second to none with incredible prices, the quality of these products certainly defies the price! Interestingly enough there are no price tags. The moment you show interest and ask the price the haggling begins. Very often vendors refuse to give a fixed price and you will find that once you get started it is a great amount of fun. When packing to go to Thailand travel light, there will be lots to bring back with you!

If you are looking for a good night out in Thailand travel to one the beaches along the coast for example Patong beach in Phuket, or simply feel the vibe in the streets Bangkok. Pattaya is well known for its very vibrant night life with thousands of bars to entertain you by night and beautiful beaches by day. In Thailand the dress code is basically covered up. Loose light weight clothing is appropriate unless you are on the beach. Being improperly dressed can also mean being turned away at the door.

Patong beach

No Thailand travel guide would be complete without a word on the food. The food is all served with plenty of fragrant rice. Thai food itself is more than delicious, its exotic tastes and spices add a variety to any dish. It’s easy to enjoy Thailand and it’s even easier to enjoy the food.

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To interpret attractions when looking at the Thailand Map

Posted on January 1, 2011 by admin

How To interpret attractions when looking at the Thailand Map

Thailand is a small country in Southeast Asia with the bulk of the country being inland and bordered by Laos in the north and Burma and Cambodia to the west and east of this small country. Despite its small size this country is one of the most densely populated in the world.

To the south of Thailand is the Malaysia tipped peninsula along which many of the world’s most beautiful beaches can be found.

The Thailand map shows that Thailand consists of 5 main regions:

  • North Thailand
  • North East Thailand
  • Central Thailand
  • Eastern Thailand
  • Southern Thailand

North and Northeast Thailand

The most northern province of Thailand is Chiang Rai and close by you will find Thailand’s second largest city Chiang Mai whose landscape is littered with magnificent ancient Buddhist temples. This is the centre for meditation and Zen. Home also to forests where one can observe elephants working as well as enjoy a day trip or a 4 day trek on the back of one of these great beasts. A great festival where the elephants are rounded up in November after the rainy season attracts many visitors to Surin.

Central and Eastern Thailand

The Thailand map shows this area as south and incorporates most of the country. Thailand was previously named Siam and the ancient capital of Siam was Ayutthaya until in 1939 when it was replaced by the city of Bangkok further downstream. The ancient city immortalizes the ruins of the Khmer empire and classical Thai architecture while Bangkok has been described as chaotic and vibrant and is a source of business, politics and entertainment. Scattered through this enormous city are a large number of temples and shrines not to mention the massive Buddha statue an incredible 15m (5 storeys) high. In the central plains the town of Kanchanaburi is where you will find the Bridge Over The River Kwai well known for the part it played in history during the war. To commemorate the many that died here a train still runs along the ‘Death Railway’, a popular activity for tourists.

Southern Thailand

This is the peninsula that forms the western border of the gulf of Thailand with the eastern border formed by the coasts of 3 different countries as shown on the Thailand map. It is here that some of the most un-spoilt beaches of the world can be found including the island of Phuket popular for tourists in the hot months and also called the Pearl of Andaman Sea.

If diving interests you there are many diving schools that offer lessons and excursions into the beautiful coral reefs surrounding Koh Samui. Snorkeling is also popular because of the high visibility provided by the perfectly clear still water.

Thailand Map

Paying close attention to the Thailand map will help you to decide the kinds of activities and attractions that interest you. Keeping to one or two areas will minimize travelling time and maximize your experience of all that Thailand has to offer.

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Thailand Culture

Posted on January 1, 2011 by admin

Exploring Thailand culture
From a western point of view the Thai people are a very curious bunch indeed. Despite their exposure to hundreds and thousands of English speaking tourists they speak very little English however have a system for communicating. The Thai speak Thai and knowing a few basic words as well as a few cultural norms will get you around Thailand very easily.


These people certainly seem to have a foot fetish with many customs and beliefs regarding feet and also shoes. The belief comes from the feet being the dirtiest part of the body. The Thailand culture does not care much for footwear just so long as the feet are covered. It is not unusual to find a Thai person dressed to the nines and wearing a cheap pair of plastic shoes. It is considered bad manners to show the soles of the feet, so resting your feet on a chair would be out. Putting your feet above the head of another person is also considered rude and so too would it be to stand on a coin with the kings head on it! It shows respect to remove your shoes when entering someone’s house and even some of the traditional Thai restaurants and shops. This rule of course extends to the many temples around Thailand.
Using the feet for anything other than walking can cause you some trouble! For example closing doors or preventing a door from closing. Gesturing with your feet is also considered rude. Stepping over people who may be in the way is a no-no. Stepping over food is certainly not tolerated.     Thailand Culture
The Thailand culture also has customs with regards to eating. They prefer to sit on the floor at low tables. If you go to a Thai restaurant you will be presented with a glass of cold water as you sit down, even before you order. Perhaps to clear the palate for the delicious medley of tastes? The food is not divided into courses; instead it comes in various bowls arriving as they become ready. While some food is served with chopsticks, it is also eaten with a fork and a spoon, knives being reserved for the kitchen.
In Thailand culture public displays of anger are not tolerated at all. When dealing with a possible conflict the worst way to get a resolution is to show anger or raise your voice. The Thai’s understand that such displays cause regret and embarrassment and are best avoided. Instead these kinds of reactions are ignored. The Thai have a very positive outlook on life and prefer to shrug off disagreements. They deal with work, play and disagreements with a smile and Thailand has been appropriately nicknamed “The Land of Smiles”.
Westerners can learn a lot from the Thailand culture. They are a forgiving bunch who prefer to focus on fun and the enjoyment of everything you take the time to do. They do not get irritated, instead practice patience and have a totally different approach to the important of time and punctuality. It is no wonder Thailand is such a popular place to enjoy a holiday.

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Thailand Hotels

Posted on December 31, 2010 by admin

A guide to Thailand hotels
Thailand has many types of accommodation to suit every budget from the 5 star, luxury Thailand hotels, particularly geared towards western culture right down to the guesthouses, bungalows and backpackers lodges in Bangkok that may take a lot more getting used to.


Thailand boasts links to many of the world’s top hotel chains like the Marriot, Hyatt and Sheraton and other top Thai hotels like the Shangri-La and Amari chain.
Cha-am Sabaya Jungle Resort
Many of the activities in Thailand are divided between inland activities for example elephant treks and coastal activities like swimming, surfing and diving. This is one of the few Thailand hotels that combine the best of these two worlds. Right on the coast and close to Hua Hin beach, right on the gulf of Thailand and within driving distance from Bangkok, the resort consists of bungalows nestled between 100 year old trees right on the beach. The overhead shade and the thick hard wood keep them cool on the inside even in the hot months and provide privacy on a popular beach.
Amari Nova Suites – Pattaya
Thailand HotelsOne of the Amari resorts, this hotel is found in the popular sea-side town of Pattaya. Pattaya is well known for its shopping malls and exceptional night life. This is one of those Thailand hotels that really goes the extra mile towards making their guests feel completely at home. The bathroom is fitted with all the comforts from home right down to the hairdryer and bathrobe. Here the rooms aren’t just rooms; each is a suite with a separate sleeping area. Each suite has its own private balcony complete with furniture! Thailand is most certainly different and these comforts of a western civilization certainly make it easier to enjoy the quirks of the people and their culture.
Centara Karon Resort Phuket
Phuket has become one of the most popular tourist destinations worldwide in recent years. Phuket is an island that is joined to the mainland by a long bridge. Travelling to Phuket by mainland can be done by plane to Phuket’s small airport or over the bridge. Driving at a decent speed will take a full 10 hours! Every hour is worth it as Phuket’s beauty is breathtaking. Unlike many of the smaller islands Phuket has learnt to deal with the crowds and suffers very little during peak season.
The Centara Karon Resort is one of the many establishments on the island and caters too for the expectations of their visitors. The staff is well trained and offers the highest service to the guests. They realize that there are many bars on the island and also that some prefer wholesome activities as opposed to a chaotic night life experience. Like many of the popular Thailand hotels the Centara Karon Resort arrange all activities from their front desk ensuring that their guests get to experience what they came to Phuket for.
Because of the beautiful country it is you will find in Thailand hotels are plentiful. It seems as though everyone has climbed onto the bandwagon so it has become necessary to be sure before you arrive that your chosen hotel will meet with your expectations.

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Thailand beaches

Posted on December 31, 2010 by admin

Popular Thailand beaches and what makes them special

Thailand beaches are split mainly into beaches that are in the mainland coast and island beaches both being just as popular as the other with the mainland beaches being within a stone’s throw from the bargain hunting paradise while the island’s being focused on tourists’ entertainment and accommodation.
Mainland beaches
‘Hua Hin’ is one of the beaches right on the Thailand gulf and though the water is typically warm is not ideal for swimming. What makes this beach popular are all the activities including water sports not to mention that it is close enough for visitors over-nighting in Bangkok to enjoy the day on the soft white sand.Thailand Beaches
‘West Railay ‘beach is a small secluded beach where peace and tranquility are the order of the day. Despite the crowds during the hot months the common goal remains. Since this beach is surrounded by tall precipices visitors adventure onto the beach by boat.
The coast of Sumai boasts ‘Lamai Beach’, with much of the same scenery as many other Thailand beaches. It elegantly combines a great party atmosphere at night as well as the great warm water, perfect for good swimming during the day.
‘Sairee Beach’ has long been noted as being the diver’s beach, rich in coral reefs and largely un-spoilt and un-commercialized. For this reason much of the accommodation is less pricy and more readily available in peak season. Arriving by ferry you can easily sit and look back at all the smaller islands dotted in the Andaman Sea.
Island beaches
KoKo Lanta island has miles and miles of beaches that can only be accessed by the adjacent hotel. One of the hotels on this island is Lanta Villas with its own beach ‘Khlong Dao’. It has been found, the nicer the hotel, the nicer the beach.
Ko Tarutao National Marine Park consists of around 50 smaller, undeveloped islands. The park is closed from mid may to mid November during the hot and wet season as the conditions become less than ideal. Many of the beaches do not have accommodation but that does not stop the day visitors! Three of the larger beaches ‘Ko Tarutao’, ‘Ko Adang’, and ‘Ko Lipe’ all have accommodation and other facilities.
Phuket beaches are some of the most talked about in the world featuring in magazines for their idyllic conditions. Among these beaches is the largest and most popular being ‘Patong Beach’. It is well known for water sports and has a general hum of excitement.
‘Kata Beach’ a few short kilometers from Patong Beach in the south of Phuket is quieter than its neighbor. The warm tropical water has strong waves during the rainy season and attracts surfers to enjoy the great seas.
Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh islands are lined with many of Thailand’s now un-kept secrets. Since the filming of the movie ‘The Beach’ these islands have attracted the crowds to these beautiful Thailand beaches.
From the ever popular Full Moon Party Beach ‘Haad Rin’ to the quieter more tranquil of Thailand beaches, there is something for everyone and easy for everyone to enjoy something.

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Booking flights to Thailand

Posted on December 17, 2010 by admin

Things you need to know when booking flights to Thailand
Direct or indirect – that is the question

Flights to Thailand are generally indirect flights with stopovers in Europe or Asia. Direct flights may take less time and can be as much as double the price. Whichever route you decide to take will land you in the brand new Suvarnabhumi international Airport in Bangkok. This magnificently modern and traditionally designed building is complete with large wooden Buddhist statues, not to mention rows of typically Thai high class eateries and plenty of stores to tickle any fancy. From here you can choose a connecting flight or even take a taxi or shuttle to your chosen destination.
What you can expect to payBooking flights to Thailand
From most destinations you will find that a return flight to Thailand’s main international airport will cost on average from $700 to $950 with the cheaper flights to Thailand being available in the off peak season where it is rainy and humid in Thailand. If the weather is not much of a deterrent you can avoid high prices as well as large crowds by choosing to holiday during July to November.
If flying is your choice of transport you can get an interconnecting flight to Phuket or Chiang Mai starting at around $50. Depending on which airline you have chosen you are able to book flights directly to most big cities in Thailand. For this you are looking at around $2000.
Staying in the air
Flights to Thailand can take anything from eleven to thirteen hours from the UK and as much as 24 from other destinations. Make the most of any stopovers by browsing the shops and restaurants at the various international airports. No matter where you are coming from you will be gaining time as you fly across time zones! Minimize jet lag by resting in the plane and be ready to enjoy the glorious Thai landscape and cuisine the moment you step on Asian soil.
Choosing your airline as important as choosing your destination.
Thailand has 2 local airlines, Thai airlines and Thaifly. Between these 2 and China Airlines you will find the cheapest flights to Thailand. You can also choose to fly Singapore Airlines or Air Berlin for around $300 more to Phuket. The most expensive flights to Thailand are flights to Chiang Mai which work out to approximately double the lowest advertised rate at about $2000. Airlines flying to this city include Korean Air.
Quantum Airways is often a really good choice with Thailand being between the land down under and pretty much everywhere else. The only thing to bear in mind here is that a sudden increase in demand for tickets to Australia will affect the availability of flights to Thailand, no matter which airline you choose.
Booking your flights to Thailand is a task not to be taken lightly, different airlines offer varies tariffs, services and destinations. These may not be available from your departure point and to be sure that your journey is as smooth as possible many prefer for a travel agent to make the arrangements.

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Why Thailand holiday packages are the best way to go

Posted on December 17, 2010 by admin

Why Thailand holiday packages are the best way to go

Thailand is a rich mix of culture and beauty with lots to see and do. Flying into Thailand you will land in the capital, Bangkok.

Thailand’s head of state is a monarch and the King’s official residence, The Grand Palace, is found here too. Despite being very different to most western cultural norms the capital is surprisingly modern and busy, the streets lined with restaurants and food stalls. If you are coming to Thailand to shop and find incredible bargains among the glitz and glam, Bangkok has some of the best shopping centers and of course a night life to match. Thailand has some of the most beautiful, pristine beaches in the world and Phuket and Pattaya are well known and popular choices among tourists.

The food served is a little more spicy that the Thai food we have been exposed to though many of the 5 star hotels are quite aware of western expectations and accommodate nicely.

Plan a perfect trip to Asia and choose one of many Thailand holiday packages to suit your needs.

Thailand Holiday PackagesThailand is full of things to do and places to see from the busy Bangkok to the wild life reserves of Southern Thailand including the Jungle Safari, National Park and a once in a lifetime trip to an Elephant camp! What about the glorious, pristine beaches of Phuket? To be sure you get to see everything you have come to Thailand to see it is wise to choose a themed holiday package. When you choose a package you won’t have the hassle of organizing accommodation or comparing rates. Not to mention you get a single price for an all inclusive trip from $1000 to $1800 per person for as many as 8 days, including air-fares, taxes, accommodation, breakfast and shuttles. The more services you wrap together the more discounts you will get. The longer you chose to stay in the same establishment, again, the higher the discount and the richer the experience.

You can customize any of the Thailand holiday packages or choose one ranging from 3 to 8 days. These will typically be in the same resort or hotel so getting to know a bit about Thailand and what it is you would like to see is a must. Some Thailand holiday packages appropriately include a drive or a 4×4 trail and other activities if peace, rest and shopping are not your only objectives.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Thailand is during the hot and dry season from February to July. The temperatures rarely exceed 30’C in the south making the heat very pleasant and the calm ocean and tranquil beaches perfectly welcoming.  The rainy season has high humidity and makes it uncomfortable for beach goers and shoppers alike. Shoppers may enjoy the time from November to February when it is dry and cooler.
Thailand holiday packages are all put together with an intense knowledge of Thailand, the culture, and activities available and taking a look at what is available should be your first port of call.

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