Spending your gap year in Thailand

Asia’s most popular gap year destination is without a doubt Thailand. The land of smiles boasts abundant recreational, historic and natural attractions and it is especially a highly interesting destination for the gap year traveller. Spending your gap year in Thailand might be truly rewarding!

During their gap year many foreign visitors will be doing volunteer jobs. Thailand offers a wide range of different volunteer options.

Thailand situated in South East Asia, ranks steadily among the world’s top three travel destinations. To its west located is Burma, to its south Malaysia and to its east Cambodia and Laos. The country is the globe’s 49th largest and has about the same size as France.

The main religion is Theravada Buddhism while Islam is the second largest religion in the nation. The Buddhist teachings are central to modern Thai belief and identity. In practice, Buddhism in Thailand has expanded over time to include numerous regional religious beliefs originating from ancestor worship as well as animism.

In the deep south of Thailand, Islam is the main religion. A number of different ethnic peoples, many of which are marginalised, inhabit the country. Several of these ethnic groups overlap into Burma (Myanmar), Malaysia, Laos and Cambodia and have retained their distinctly way-of-life and traditional culture despite severe Thai cultural influences. A significant part of Thai society is formed by overseas Chinese, especially in and around the capital of Bangkok.

The greatest way to realise a rewarding vacation in Thailand is to participate in one of the many volunteering programs. This way it is possible to experience the real Thailand and its population. Thailand travel tips

Volunteering in Thailand can be truly rewarding!

Volunteering jobs are available in almost every region of Thailand. Conservation and teaching English are the two principal volunteer activities. Conservation work usually involves animals such as helping to protect endangered species. Teaching English mostly takes place in orphanages and (hill tribe) schools.

Volunteers for Thailand 

Thailand domestic air travel

Especially in the peak season it is wise to book domestic flight services in advance, though tickets can be purchased at the air hubs if available; the tax for domestic flight services is included in the ticket’s price.

The majority of the domestic flights are operated by Thai Airways, the country’s main airline, and travels to more than 20 main cities and towns; today Bangkok Airways covers only a few destinations from the capital city, including the seaside resorts of Hua Hin, Rayong and Koh Samui. Domestic flight services depart from the new Suvarnabhumi air hub as well as limited services from Don Muang airport. Other carriers running domestic services include Nok Air and Air Asia.

The quickest, most convenient but also most pricy way of reaching the new airport is by metered taxi, which rate depends on the traffic conditions and where you are. If you leave downtown Bangkok before 6:30am you usually can get to the airport within 45 minutes, but after this time you should depart at least 90 minutes prior to your check in time. Most of the better hotels and guesthouses as well as the travel agencies in the downtown area can arrange a private minibus or cab to the airport.

Full guide on transportation to Thailand 

Euro 2008 not as popular as the previous editions

The Euro 2008 football tournament just kicked off but you’d hardly know in many less touristy destinations across Thailand. The troubled economy and increasing inflation are keeping the popularity level at an uncommon low. Usually the significant football tournaments always excited huge interest and the advertisers flocked using these major sports events as sales springboards.

However, it seems that Thailand’s unstable political and economic situation is the reason for entrepreneurs being cautious and not willing to spend a lot of money on advertising. Due to the increasing living costs the Thais have to tighten their belt and therefore many people decide not to go out. Obviously the entertainment venues in the less-touristy destinations will feel the pinch.

Guide to Thai culture 

The venues in Pattaya and Phuket will probably be as crowded as always during the Euro 2008 tournament but I’m not sure if they will sell as much beer as usual. After all, the English won’t be very interested watching the games as their mega-expensive team failed to earn sufficient points during their Euro qualification games and won’t be playing. 

Playing Tarzan in the jungle of Koh Chang

Travellers wishing to escape from the Chang Island clichés of elephant trekking and the beach should definitely check out the Treetop Adventure Park. With pulleys, carabiners and body harnesses connecting the high trees, its provided entertainment is immediately understood to first-time visiting tourists.

Treetop Adventure Park offers nature-lovers and thrill-seekers an adventurous trip through the lush jungle by swinging from one treetop to another. Nantapol, the adrenaline-junkie who operates the park says that many people getting away from the beach scene truly enjoy the blissful break. “For some enthralling action, our business lets you swing like a Tarzan through the trees, which is an unforgettable experience and a huge adrenaline rush.” Koh Chang travel guide

The Treetop Adventure Park is positioned on Koh Chang’s southern tip. A bamboo hut overlooking the gorgeous Bai Lan Beach serves as the park’s base camp. A hectare of rainforest provides the playground where the exciting jungle adventure takes place. Dear devils swing enthusiastically through the air making use of high ropes, zip slides and Tyrolean crossings. Interested? Obviously you first must attend a quick training session.

“The short training provides necessary info on the safety system and used tools”, explains Nantapol. “Once the session is finished, we take the fearless tourists up to the tops of tall trees for some true action.” The jungle swing trails offer two levels: smooth and hardcore.

Get your kicks while swinging through the jungle on Koh Chang 

After donning the protecting body gear, a 30-metre high tree must be climbed before braving a “flying skateboard” throughout the valley to another tree’s platform. Its great fun and less difficult than you might think. Then, there are the swaying wooden bridge and tricky rope bridges to tackle. The soft core trip’s final station is a flight across the green jungle landscape suspended beneath a solid cable. By using your own weight correctly and pulleys you glide gently through the air like an experienced martial arts master.

The hardcore adventure includes taller trees to climb along with longer cables resulting in higher flights. “The climax is the immense Zip Line where tourists rapidly swing through the treetops for 150 metres,” says Nantapol with a big smile on his face.

Located on Bai Lan Beach, you can call Treetop Adventure Park for more info by dialling (084) 310 7600 or visit their website

Pran Buri, a tranquil travel destination nearby Hua Hin

The serene destination of Pran Buri mainly draws travellers due to its lively fishing villages, the three-lined road running along the shore, sun-dried as well as freshly caught seafood and a great selection of nearly empty beach areas. Pran Buri can be reached within less than a 30-minute drive from the popular seaside resort of Hua Hin. The distance between Pran Buri and Bangkok is about 175 miles.

Today, hotel developers have discovered this once peaceful backwater and real estate construction has taken root. However, this wonderful area still boasts plenty of tranquil locations but this may rapidly change in the near future. Most visitors arriving here find it quite hard to leave again. Aside from the ocean and sun, visitors will be impressed by the superb white sandy beach areas, ubiquitous waving coconut trees and lush forests.

 Pran Buri Beaches usually are nearly empty

Among members of Bangkok’s jet-set as well as the Thai royalty, this seaside resort town was never popular. A satellite beach of Hua Hin was the reputation that Pran Buri always seemed to have. The locality also provides a principal military base, with Burmese territory just over the border.

Driving from Hua Hin to Pran Buri is a rewarding experience and you will reachyou’re your digital camera endlessly, as the route offers jaw-dropping views. A popular en-route stop is provided by Khao Kaloke, a hill positioned in the heart of Pran Buri Beach. Here travellers might enjoy one of the snacks available at the food stalls or have a more substantial meal, served by the several restaurants.

Sawadikarn Restaurant on the hill’s other side is a favourite stop as well. This venue offers seats on bamboo tables, while guests can enjoy the magnificent view of the bay brimming with numerous fishing boats. The quaint villages of Ban Rua Yai and Ban Nong Ban Kao are situated south of Pran Buri. Visitors here can explore the nearly empty, wide and long beach.

For many years this has been one of Southern Thailand’s most stunning beachside routes. The road is beautifully flanked by the sparkling blue ocean on one side and green countryside on the other. Today, the panorama is often interrupted by hotel ads and land sales announcements.

The southern part of Pran Buri has a real rustic charming atmosphere, representing a few budget-friendly bungalows and laid-back fishing villages. Spending one night here is recommendable as you definitely will appreciate the solitary beach stroll as the sun starts to rise. In Northern Pran Buri visitors will find plenty of things to do as well. Here you can enjoy a river trip by boat navigating inland, while passing by mangrove, ancient shrines and idyllic fishing villages. On the return trip, explore the tiny villages situated at the river’s mouth and you shouldn’t forget to buy an amount of reasonably priced, outstanding dried shrimp and squid.

Travel guide to Isaarn, another unique region in Thailand which is not yet invaded by buses loaded with huge crowds of tourists.

Essential Thailand travel and tourist information

The enchanting “Land of Smiles” is nestled between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, bordering Cambodia, Laos and Burma. The kingdom is exotic yet very accessible, offering something suitable for every kind of visitor. Unwind on white sandy, sun-soaked beaches, trek through lush forested jungles, or live it up in Bangkok, the country’s humming capital.

Thailand has plenty on offer for tourists to discover. This South East Asian nation boasts an extensive selection of new travel experiences in cuisine, sounds, sights, culture, religion, and outlook. However, Thailand might be totally different compared with your country, it is most likely the most convenient exotic destination for visiting tourists. The locals are kind and helpful, recreational activities are excellently organised, the national cuisine is yummy and in general tourists receive good value for money.

Thailand, truly amazing!

The variety of numerous to visit interesting destinations throughout the country is one of Thailand’s great benefits. This friendly country has something on offer for each type of traveller including: tropic beach areas, lush jungles, cool mountains, ancient temples, great outdoor adventures, beautiful orchids, tasty cuisine, booming nightlife, amusement parks, bird watching spots and much more…

The huge and well-facilitated Bangkok Suvarnabumi International Airport is where the majority of the visiting tourists arrive. Despite the crowds, pollution, hectic traffic and the heat, the Thai capital is filled with many must-see tourist sights.

Known for being Thailand’s cultural centre, located around the gorgeous Royal Palace visitors can’t miss the old town. This pleasurable part of Bangkok is brimming with lively markets, Buddhist temples, shops and traditional houses of architectural interest.

Bangkok’s downtown area boasts modern, huge skyscrapers, first-class hotels, and glitzy shopping malls. The city centre features both, the city’s business district and main entertainment area.

Historic and picturesque cities and towns filled with ancient temples and surrounded by an environment boasting unbeatable natural beauty is what travellers will find in the northern part of Thailand. The various colourful hill tribes, living mainly in the mountainous regions, have become one of Thailand’s star tourist attractions.

The two most significant cities in the north are Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, both boasting an international airport and providing a great base, from which where to start exploring Northern Thailand.

Some of the globe’s finest beaches can be found along southern Thailand’s gorgeous coastline, representing options for all budgets and tastes. Some of the offered activities here include: fishing, sunbathing, sailing, swimming, golfing, diving and snorkelling.

Whether you’re looking for tranquillity, activities or a pulsating and naughty nightlife scene, popular travel destinations such as Phuket and Krabi have it all. Especially Krabi, boasting stunning limestone panoramas and gorgeous white sands, is a popular destination for enjoying the best family vacations. Full Krabi tourist & travel guide

Samui Island is beautifully positioned in the sparkling Gulf of Thailand’s waters. Koh Samui as well ranks among the absolute top of Thailand’s most beloved holiday destinations. Situated within a short distance from Koh Phangan, Samui still offers budget-friendly accommodation as well as a wide range of luxury first-class hotels and resorts.

Located farther away, nearby the Cambodian border you can find the serene and awesome Koh Chang Island. Those looking for Thailand’s naughtiest nightlife should head to the seaside resort town of Pattaya!

Thailand is an outstanding holiday destination for history buffs. Kanchanaburi is located west of Bangkok and is most famous for housing the “Bridge over the River Kwai”, built under miserable conditions by thousands of forced labourers during the Japanese occupation in World War II. The surrounding area boasts breathtakingly beautiful rural landscapes along with several magnificent waterfalls.

The ancient capital cities of Ayutthaya and Sukothai feature plentiful historic treasures dating back to the glorious past. The north eastern part of Thailand is known as the “Isaarn region” featuring numerous ancient Khmer constructions. The Khmer empire of Angkor’s best architectural examples can be found in Korat as well as in Buriram.  

Whether visiting tourists are history enthusiasts, water sports fanatics, gastronomists, party animals, backpackers, outdoor lovers, or sun worshippers, Thailand won’t disappoint them!

Thailand medical tourism

Most people interested in travelling will know that Thailand is one of the most wonderful vacation destinations in the world. However, not that many people know that this South East Asian popular holiday destination also attracts many medical tourists. Thinking about being treated in such gorgeous tropical environment will already positively effect the healing of your sickness or injury.

If you are considering medical treatment in a foreign country then Thailand might be the best destination for realising your medical recovery. The country boasts top-quality medical institutions providing a wide range of professional medical services at very affordable costs.

Thailand has become a popular medical tourism destination as the medical services in the country are of world-class standard employing often Western-trained specialised doctors and nurses.

Bangkok and Phuket offer some of the best hospitals, which offer face-lift, breast reduction and lift, breast enlargement, abdominoplasty, brachioplasty, and blepharoplasty surgery methods. Other treatments include: liposuction, knee or hip replacements, neck lift, mid-face lift, forehead lift, sex reassignment and nose correction treatments.

If you want to receive one of the above mentioned treatments than don’t wait any longer as medical tourism in Thailand could offer you the best deal. Many of the outstanding private hospitals provide general medical, dental and cosmetic treatments.

Medical tourism in Thailand is booming

Patients will be surprised by the additional services the hospitals offer. The hospital will offer private transport to and from the hotel for its patients, interpretation assistance if necessary, frequent medical checks and if needed assistance at the airport upon departure. Thailand health guide

In addition, the hospitals operate communication services such as 24-hour contact numbers and cell phones, they provide useful advice on local excursions and sightseeing tours and information on various recreational and leisure activities.

For more than ten years Thai hospitals have been catering for the international patients’ increasing medical demands. Generally the staff members at the hospitals speak fluently English while the buildings are facilitated with good accommodation units, cafeterias, shops and miscellaneous services. 

Worldwide medical tourism 
 

A nation travels back home after the Songkran holiday

All roads into the Thai capital were congested one week ago, the Songkran holiday’s last day, as thousands of Thais returned from visiting their hometowns back to jobs in Bangkok. The Morchit bus stations were extremely busy from dawn and throughout the entire area there were huge traffic jams. Arriving passengers at the main Hualamphong rail station in Bangkok experienced difficulties finding a taxi because there weren’t enough available taxis to handle the huge amount of home-comers. Some taxi drivers refused turning on the fare meter.

Nearly 400,000 passengers used the rail services. Additional rail services were provided the previous night by coaches leaving from upcountry locations. The most used departure stations were Ubol Ratchathani, Uttaradit, Udon Thani, and Si Sa Ket. All seats in the trains were fully booked.

Many Thais visit their hometown to celebrate Songkran with the family

Travellers seeking to get to Khorat, the Northeast’s main gateway could make use of one of the 560 extra bus voyages and from here take trains back to the capital. In the southern part of Thailand security was tightened. Bangkok-bound travellers crowded the Hat Yai rail way station. Extra carriages provided by the State Railway Authority still weren’t sufficient to meet demand.

Transport to Thailand 

The Buddhist monk’s role in Thailand

One month ago I drove around 80 miles to witness the initiation of one of my few Thai friends, becoming a Buddhist monk. I had met Ad for the first time about 18 months ago as my local water-delivery man and since then we’ve become good friends. Being curious, I’ve asked him about his decision becoming a monk. A religious philosophical answer is what I did expect but surprisingly his main motive was economic.

During the last 6 months of his job the number of customers increased significantly, whilst his boss’ unreasonable demands steadily rose. As a result he had to expand his deliver area and work more hours trying to get new customers. So after a while he got fed up with the whole situation, quitted and decided to become a Buddhist monk. After doing a little research, It became clear that many people in similar situations made the same decision.

“Hello dear, I’ve become a monk.”

Charitable gifts are mainly what Thai monks live on: the population donates eatable products and other goods as a way of earning merit. However, the more persons decide to become a monk only to escape from economic recession a crunch point will be reached some day. There will be fewer gifts as there are less people to donate while a growing number of monks must compete for them. Guide to Buddhism and Thai culture 

In our Western Christian society the monasteries always supported themselves owning livestock and farming ground. Additionally, the Christian monasteries operate hospices, hospitals and schools. They offer lodging to travellers and study various sciences. These institutions are entirely self-supportive communities with their own micro-economy. The civilisation’s collapse and the Dark Ages could be survived due to their self-sufficiency.  

The question kept popping up into my mind: besides the spiritual, what is the Thai Buddhist monk’s practical contribution? Might this kind of thinking be considered by the Thais a typical example of another arrogant foreigner attacking their culture, or could there be some validity to my question? You may think I’m totally wrong or perhaps agree with me. What I experienced is what I wrote about here. If I’m wrong, please explain it to me… 
  

Wat Po, the oldest Buddhist temple in Bangkok

Among the locals known as “the source of traditional wisdom”, the Wat Po temple in Bangkok has officially been recognised by UNESCO.

The ancient Buddhist temple, which features the famed statue of the huge reclining Buddha and housing the internationally-acclaimed Thai massage school, has recently been registered at a UNESCO meeting, which took place in Australia, as a Memory of the World Programme showpiece under the World Heritage Memory Net.

Wat Po in Bangkok

The temple’s official long name in Thai language is “Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklaram Raywaramaravihahn” is blessed with ancient wisdom such as written history about traditional medicines, Thai yoga and massage techniques along with important Buddhist scriptures. Much of this is depicted in the statues’ shapes and murals. Recently on the last day of March, the birthday of King Rama III, UNESCO officials presented the title’s citation to abbot, Phra Panyabodeeh.

UNESCO World Heritage Centre

This religious structure is one of the Thai capital’s oldest temples and houses over 1,000 images of the Lord Buddha. Weera Royphoyanarat, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Culture, welcomed the temple’s recognition and announced new traffic regulation plans to be imposed at the environment surrounding the temple. This way he hopes to achieve that taxi drivers and tourist bus chauffeurs will park their vehicles properly.

Guide to temples in Bangkok