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Category: Thailand

Luxury Travel In Koh Samui!
Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s most popular tourist resorts and as soon as I arrived on the island I could immediately see why. This tropical paradise is located in the Gulf of Thailand and is blessed with gorgeous white beaches, beautiful palm trees and stunning rainforests, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing break. With a wealth of exciting attractions and luxury hotels, Koh Samui has something for everyone, and here are some of the best things to see and experience on Thailand’s second largest island.
Cultural Attractions
Koh Samui may be famous for its beaches, but it also presents a multitude of sightseeing opportunities with the chance to become familiar with the region’s culture. The Big Buddha Temple, also known as Wat Phra Yai, is a majestic sight to behold with its 12 foot golden Buddha that dominates the small rocky island of Koh Fann which is joined to the rest of the island by a causeway. Alternatively, for a completely different aspect of Thai culture, why not attend a Muay Thai boxing match at Chaweng Stadium? Or for an even more unusual yet delicious Thai cultural experience, I attended a Thai cookery class and learned how to make authentic yet simple local dishes – something that every tourist should experience at least once.
Luxury Accommodation
Koh Samui has no shortage of luxury accommodation options, from world class hotels and spa resorts to pretty beachside bungalows within easy reach of the water’s edge. I found that one of the best and most authentic ways to discover the island is by staying in a Koh Samui villa rental, either in a peaceful out of the way location or in the heart of one of the bustling resorts, enjoying the complete freedom of independence in luxurious surroundings. What a perfect way to experience the best of Thailand!
Gorgeous Scenery
No visit to Koh Samui would be complete without spending time on the island’s stunning beaches. While Chaweng Beach is perhaps the best known, I preferred Lamai Beach, with its quieter and more laid-back atmosphere, crystal clear waters and sparkling white sands. After enjoying some peaceful relaxation on the island’s shores, I was ready to see some of the other scenic attractions on a snorkelling trip around the 40 islands of the Ang Thong National Marine Park, on a visit to the famous Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks, and on a thrilling cable ride through the island’s spectacular rainforests.
Thrilling Nightlife
While I spent my days on the island sightseeing and relaxing in turn, in the evening I was ready to let my hair down and have fun. While Koh Samui’s famous Full Moon Beach Parties are not quite to my taste, I did enjoy the fun-filled atmosphere of Chaweng’s Ark Bar which came alive once the sun went down with fire dancers, dancing and music.
There are also plenty of places where tourists can see one of Thailand’s world-famous Ladyboy Cabarets, and for those who enjoy combining shopping with nightlife, the island’s night markets are the ideal evening out, especially the picturesque Fisherman’s Village which is particularly pretty in the light of sunset.
Where’s your favourite spot in Koh Samui?! Let me know in the comments 🙂
September 1, 2016
Packing List For Thailand!
Thailand is a clearly a very popular tourist destination, attracting many people all throughout the year. With a great infrastructure and an abundance of places to shop, especially in the larger cities, anything that you’ve forgotten will be easy enough to pick up when there. Depending on the time of year, and whether you plan to head north to the mountains or south to the beaches, there are, however, a few things in your Thailand packing list that will come in very handy!
Packing List for a Northern Thailand Trip
If you’re planning to head north, there’s a high chance that you’ll spend some time enjoying the lush landscapes of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Mae Hong Son. Jungle trekking is really popular.
As well as your regular clothing, footwear, and toiletries, here are some extra things to pack:
Hiking Boots
A pair of well-worn in, comfortable, and high-quality hiking boots (or shoes) will be invaluable if you’re planning on doing more than just a bit of light trekking. If you only plan to spend half a day or so in the jungle, a good pain of trainers should suffice. For anything more challenging though, sturdy hiking boots will assist greatly on the uneven and sometimes slippery terrain.
Mosquito Repellent
Whilst you can purchase mosquito repellent easily in Thailand, if you are susceptible to bites it is worth taking your own strong repellent. Note that products containing DEET are difficult to find in Thailand.
Swimming Gear
A bathing suit may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you’re thinking about Northern Thailand, but there are many gorgeous waterfalls, some of which are suitable for swimming. It would be a pity to get there and have to miss out on a dip in the cooling waters!
Mosquito Net
Depending on your choice of accommodation, a travel mosquito net, especially during the rainy season, really can help you to have a great night’s sleep.
See More: <The Ultimate Guide to Killing Mosquitoes!
Leech Socks
Mainly applicable for people who want to explore the jungle during the rainy season, leech socks can help protect you from the blood-sucking critters. Make sure you wear long pants and sleeves too.
Southern Thailand Trip
The south of Thailand is mainly known for its glorious beaches and islands. With hotspots like Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phi Phi, beach lovers will be in their element! Here are some things not to forget in your packing list:
Swimming Gear
It goes without saying that you will want a couple of bathing suits to hit the beaches whenever you want! Two is enough – one will dry whilst you wear the other. Do note that it can be difficult to buy very small or very large sizes from the many vendors close to the beaches, so don’t bank on being able to pick something up there. A beach towel is also beneficial.
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes with high-quality sunglasses – the sun can be intense in Thailand!
Sun Screen
Sun screen can be pretty expensive in Thailand, so it is often better to stock up before you go. Also, higher factors can be hard to find. This is especially important for people with sensitive skin who are prone to burning in the sun.
General Packing List For Thailand
There are some items that are useful no matter where you go in the Land of Smiles 🙂
Sarong
Whether you’re male or female, a beach sarong can really be one of those items that becomes your best friend on your travels! It’s not only great as a wraparound for the beach! Forgotten your towel? Use your sarong! Need a cover-up for visiting a temple? Use your sarong. Something to lie on at the beach? Feeling a bit chilly on the bus? Need something to protect your souvenirs? You guessed it – use your sarong!
Personal Hygiene Goodies
Certain essential hygiene essentials you might not be able to grab so readily in Thailand, especially in rural areas. Throw in your usual contraception (you can never be too sure!), a few spare plasters/band aids, a SheWee, and your menstrual cup (your not using tampons still are you?!)
Umbrella
Although you probably think you would only need an umbrella in the rainy season, and for sure it’s really useful then, an umbrella is also a great way to give yourself some instant shade in the brutal heat of the hot season. A high quality travel pop up a micro-umbrella in your bag and you’re sure not to regret it!
Enjoy your trip to Thailand! Thailand is an incredible destination. A sense of adventure, a friendly nature, and a desire to learn more about the local Thai culture are also highly recommended!
What essentials did I miss off the list?!
September 1, 2016
Bangkok’s Bizarre Attractions!
If you are planning to spend more than just a few days in Thailand’s fast-paced and lively capital city of Bangkok, there are some truly weird and wonderful sights and attractions to complement he popular historic and cultural sights that most people put at the top of their sightseeing lists. You may be wondering where to go after you’ve hit up the famous sights such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Khao San Road, Wat Arun, the malls, Chatuchak Market and so on, or you may be looking to explore a stranger side of the city. Don’t miss these bizarre Bangkok attractions to add something new to your time in the City of Angels:
Museums at Siriraj Hospital
There are six different museums within the complex, with three that are particularly odd, perhaps bordering on the downright weird and macabre! The strangest are the Pathology Museum, the Forensic Museum, and the Parasitology Museum.
In the Pathology Museum you can gaze in a mixture of horrified curiosity and revulsion at preserved deformed babies, learn more about killer diseases and those diseases that have almost been eradicated, and see numerous other pathological exhibits.
The Forensic Museum is just as creepy and gruesome, with displays of corpses that have met unpleasant ends. There are victims of fatal accidents and people who died from horrific diseases and illnesses, as well as the preserved bodies of some of Thailand’s most heinous and infamous criminals. The Parasitology Museum has specimens of particularly nasty-looking and dangerous parasites – it is certain to make your skin crawl!
The Human Body Museum
Staying on the creepy and macabre theme, the Human Body Museum is another bizarre place that will send shivers racing down your spine. It is located in Siam Square, a somewhat unusual place for such an attraction amongst gleaming malls and trendy shops! The museum is quite clinical and houses 14 dissected bodies. The bodies originally came from Japan and have been sliced open to educate people on the inner workings of a human being. It is rather fascinating once you get over the fact that you are looking at parts of what were once real live people – the clinical atmosphere helps to make it seem less gross though.
The Corrections Museum
Housed within a former high security prison for some of the country’s worst criminals, the Corrections Museum is another of Bangkok’s strange attractions. As well as being able to see the cramped and incredibly uncomfortable conditions that inmates were kept in you can also see a terrifying array of instruments that were used to torture and punish people. Items include sharp objects that were used to beat prisoners, sticks that were driven under people’s nails, small boxes in which prisoners were locked and left in the baking sun, and hooks from which people were suspended – by their jaws! If it could possibly get any more dreadful, you can also see large nail lined balls in which prisoners were locked – for the balls to then be kicked around by an elephant!
You will also see the various different ways that have been used to execute people throughout Thailand’s history, learn more about the day to day life of inmates and see things that were common within in the prison community, be surprised at the inventive ways people tried to smuggle items into the prison, and there are also lots of old photographs. On a lighter note, one part of the museum contains handicrafts and furniture that have been made by current prisoners from all around the country. It is possible to purchase some lovely and good quality home items.
Tuptim Shrine
Although you will see many shrines and spirit houses all around Bangkok, and indeed, all around Thailand, this one is likely to be a bit different to most that you see! You will find it within the grounds of the Swissotel Nai Lert and it is to honour and give respect to the spirit of fertility – Chao Mae Tuptim. The shrine is adorned with and surrounded by hundreds of phalluses in all colours and sizes! There are giant stone penises, tiny wooden carved organs, and everything in between!
Some other bizarre Bangkok attractions include the bustling Amulet Market, Shadow Puppet Theatres, the “David Beckham” temple, and Wat Mahabut with its shrine to Mae Nak Phra Khanong.
March 8, 2015
5 of the Very Best Islands in Thailand … and Why You Should Visit Them!
Thailand has over 1,000 different islands scattered off its coast. They come in all different shapes and sizes and many are not inhabited. Some are off the Andaman Coast and some are off the Gulf Coast; all offer something different and a great time! If you’re looking for gorgeous tropical beaches away from the crowds, you got it.
If you want to meet loads of other people and mingle, no problem. Is partying hard your thing? You won’t be disappointed! You can find almost anything you want between the different islands, so allow plenty of time to visit the main ones!
So, here are 5 of the very best islands in Thailand!
1# Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi is actually made up of several islands, with the main one being Phi Phi Don. Often said to be Thailand’s most beautiful island, that claim to fame is enough to make you want to go there! Although you certainly won’t be alone when you visit there are still plenty of secluded spots where you can escape the crowds and enjoy a quieter spot of beach or a walk in the lush forested areas. Head to the viewpoint for the most incredible views.
Although it is not possible to stay on the second largest island, Phi Phi Lay, it is definitely worth taking a boat trip to. Made famous by the hit movie “The Beach”, Maya Bay is a prime spot for visitors. With soft white sands and clear blue waters that are protected by towering karts, it will probably be one of the prettiest places you have ever seen!
2# Koh Chang
Lots of developments have made Koh Chang a favourite playground of both foreign visitors and urban Thais. Just a few hours’ drive away from Bangkok the island combines lovely beaches with a dense jungle interior. Mix and match lazy days lying in the sun with time spent hiking and enjoying nature. Within the jungle you will find a few delightful waterfalls too.
The island has a good range of places to eat, drink, sleep, and shop, and so really does offer the best of everything!
3# Koh Lipe
A relative newcomer to the tourism scene, Koh Lipe is situated in the deep south of Thailand not so far from the border with Malaysia. With views that could have come straight from the pages of a glossy holiday brochure, Koh Lipe is one of the country’s previously undiscovered gems.
It also has some fascinating cultural aspects by way of the local population – it is one of few places in the country that is home to a significant population of sea gypsies, known in Thai as Chao Lair. With a completely separate cultural identity to the majority of the Thai population it is a great spot to learn about the different faces of the country. Dine on fresh and tasty seafood and enjoy the peaceful air.
4# Trang Islands
Not one individual island but rather a group of islands, the Trang Islands are forecast to rapidly gain popularity. In the south of the country they are really easy to access from the mainland with a short boat ride. Some of islands have accommodation, although it is also possible to hit the highlights with a day trip. Steeped in folklore and local legends, the Trang islands really are a sight for sore eyes. Quieter than other parts of the country, it is really easy to feel as though you have discovered your own private lice of paradise.
The Morakot Cave within Koh Muk is highly recommended – swim through a pitch black cave and exit in a small but perfectly picturesque inner lagoon. Only accessible through the cave tunnel you can relax on a narrow stretch of sand with a stone and jungle backing and swim in the spectacular emerald green waters. Try the local Trang cake too – it’s tasty!
5# Similan Islands
Lying in the Andaman Ocean the Similan islands are pretty remote when it comes to tourism. They are, however, some of the country’s best diving spots. If you are into exploring the ocean deep you should definitely add the Similan Islands to your bucket list. Visibility is typically great and you will see a wide variety of colourful and interesting sea creatures.
There are also fascinating underwater rock formations to admire and you can spend active days exploring the dense and wildlife-rich jungles.
Start living the dream and visit some of these awesome and amazing Thai islands on your next trip to the Land of Smiles.
November 10, 2014