Luxury Villas in Thailand

Luxury Villas in Thailand

By Jane Santini
Thailand has, over the past few years, seen a large increase in the number of private villas available for holiday rent. Here we investigate the villa market, and make our recommendations as to how to find and book a villa, and where to stay on your next holiday.

• These alternatives to hotel or resort accommodation often offer exceptional quality and high standards, but a number of very second rate properties are also broadly advertised on the internet and in some cases offer no more than a room in a tired condominium in a poor location: it is important for the holidaymaker to know how to find an appropriate villa, and to understand the pricing structures generally in place, in order to be sure of securing an enjoyable, clean and properly serviced villa at the right price.

It is perfectly possible to rent your own villa in Thailand for your holiday and to enjoy not only superior accommodation, but also a plethora of services, at rates that in fact make such a holiday the sensible alternative to booking a room - or indeed, for those with friends and family, a number of rooms - in a resort.

Why Thailand?
Thailand is a perfect destination for those who wish to rent their own house or villa, for a number of reasons:
- the Thais are widely recognized as a welcoming, smiling people
- The kingdom's cuisine is world-renowned; whilst most visitors will know the famous dishes such as Tom Yam Kung, the variety of cuisines and regional specialties is great, and even a serious glutton would have trouble trying to experience the exhaustive array of Thai food dishes in just one stay.
- Thailand is a shopper's paradise, offering unique silks, handcrafted furniture and a plethora of exotic items at a fraction of the cost of such goods in the West. Clothes, leather goods and decorative items are often at the top of the visitor's shopping list.

• - Thailand offers exceptional value for money: even five star hotels cost a fraction of what they do not only in the West but even in other Asian capitals such as Hong Kong or Singapore.

- Thailand welcomes millions of visitors to its shores annually, and personal safety is generally excellent. Any reported crimes tend to be minor, involving jewellery scams and the like, but the more experienced traveler is hardly likely to fall for these. Most visitors will feel infinitely safer in Thailand than they ever would in equivalent capitals such as London, Paris, New York etc.
Which Thai region should I visit?
The visitor to Thailand today is spoiled for choice, with villas available throughout the kingdom.For shorter stays, we would recommend a single destination stay, so that you can avoid the hassles of travelling and fully explore your chosen location. For longer stays, why not combine a stay in two very different locations, allowing you a greater exposure to the country and its diversity, whilst taking advantage of its inexpensive domestic travel networks? (see below)
Thailand is generally divided into four main regions.

• Bangkok and the central Plains

Bangkok is a sprawling metropolis which, despite its famous gridlocked traffic and teeming streets, offers a great variety of things to do and to discover, to those with patience and a will to explore. The restaurants in Bangkok are second to none, whether you seek Thai or foreign cuisines, and its weekend and other markets deserve to be explored, as do many of its lesser know temples. A cruise on the Chaophraya river - perhaps by privately chartered long-tail boat - is an excellent way of seeing much of the city without being reduced to tears by the traffic.

• The North

The North of the country is home to cities such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son. With tropical jungles and hills, the North attracts those looking to go trekking or seek out places of natural beauty. Do try to avoid the larger cities, as tourism is so developed here that you run the risk of simply being "processed" through a number of popular elephant camps and well-trodden hill tribe treks...

• The Northeast

The Northeast is the largest region of the kingdom, yet has been largely untouched by tourism. The Northeast (or isan) is the rice-bowl of the country, and is predominantly agricultural, producing rice, sugarcane, tapioca, eucalyptus and, increasingly, rubber. Major centres include Khon Kaen and Udon Thani, and the mighty Mekong river twists along this region's borders. The people here are perhaps the most open and fun-loving in the country, perhaps because their lives are based on village traditions where overt consumerism has been much slower to advance than in the other booming parts of the nation. Travel to the Northeast is recommended for those looking for a unique experience, to get away from the tourist crowds, and to immerse themselves in something new.

• The South

The south of Thailand is renowned for its famous beaches and seaside resorts, such as Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui. Some of the country's most expensive holiday villas are found here. Travellers should be aware of the security issues in the south of the country and avoid journeys to the southernmost provinces: your local government's website will post updated advisories with travel recommendations and warnings.
The vacation villa market
Holiday villas in Thailand tend to fall into one of two categories. They are either privately owned, self-contained homes, or villa units forming part of a resort complex. These are quite different propositions!


Resort Villas
The resort-centred villa essentially comprises a resort's superior room inventory, and will be priced accordingly. In many cases, these villas will have been professionally designed by the hotel designer itself, and then sold to a third party buyer, who in turn joins the letting pool operated by the developer to provide a return on investment on the villa buyer's acquisition.
The advantage here is that the villa occupants will generally be able to avail themselves of the additional facilities or services provided by the resort, albeit at resort prices. The disadvantage is that, for those seeking a more genuine experience, they will find themselves simply a guests within a resort complex, and considered as additional - if well-paying "keys".

• Private stand-alone villas

Private villas are generally second homes owned by individuals, located on an individually-held land plot.
These may be rented "as is", with the guests picking up the keys at the start of the trip and returning them at the end, either with or without a cleaning or security deposit. Alternatively, the villa may have its own staff, generally living off property but available throughout your stay to take care of cleaning, laundry, cooking or local visits etc.
Whether you choose a resort villa or privately held property, you should expect to pay a partial deposit at the time of booking, either by credit card guarantee or by a wire transfer.

• Tried and Tested

We tried a number of villa vacations in Thailand, and below highlight one resort villa and one private villa - each offering an exceptional holiday but altogether different experiences.

• Green Gecko, Northeast Thailand

Green Gecko is a privately owned villa located on a large country estate, surrounded by woodlands, plantations and rice paddies in the heart of Thailand's rural northeast, near a town called Udon Thani. Free airport transfers were arranged from the airport, which is accessible via a 50 minute flight from Bangkok on Thai Airways, or budget airlines Nok Air or Air Asia.
In contrast to more mainstream locations, our stay here allowed us to discover and experience the real Thailand, off the beaten tourist track.

• The villa's architecture was traditionally Thai: an impressive wooden staircase led up to the raised and enclosed wooden deck, where our delightful private swimming pool was located, with bucolic views of the surrounding countryside and the evening sunsets. The steeply pitched roofs made of terracotta tiles gave the house an almost temple like appearance. A raised and covered "sala" here offered protection from the strong midday sun and became our favourite spot, with its views over the pool.

Accessible from the deck in two separate buildings were the two bedrooms (each air-conditioned), as well as the living and dining room and kitchens. The master bedroom had a sturdy teak four-poster, king sized bed, with a cotton duvet and feather pillows, a large adjoining bathroom and WC and an outside garden shower. The second bedroom had a queen sized four poster, again with a spacious adjoining bathroom / WC.
The main air-conditioned building housed a dining room with a dining table and seating for six, a living room with comfortable sofas and views onto the pool deck, and a sunken area decorated with futons for lounging in front of the large screen LCD television (complete with a separate high-end home theatre system and international satellite channels). Leading off from this area (behind sliding wooden panels) was an additional WC, and a fully equipped Western kitchen (with built in microwave, oven etc), that in turn led out to a stainless steel Thai kitchen.


We must confess that this all looked very user-friendly, but that we never used the kitchens - with the exception of helping ourselves to a few iced beers from the refrigerator! As the owner is a former chef, he prepares all his guests' meals throughout their stay, varying the spiciness or composition of these to his guests' tastes. We were delighted to be shown around the gardens to collect a number of herbs and spices, which we were then shown how to spirit into deliciously fresh and tangy Northeastern dishes. We tried the classics too: Thai food certainly is mouth-watering, and staying at a villa like this where all meals are prepared for you, by a chef who is willing to share his secrets, was a boon!

• We spent a good deal of time just lazing by the pool in complete privacy, but also enjoyed a number of excursions with our hosts to experience some of the sights and sounds of the Northeast. These included a spectacular trip in a small wooden boat, across a lake that was fundamentally a vast expanse of pink lotus flowers, interrupted only by the occasional fisherman or wallowing water buffalo (marriage propositioners, take note!) We also visited a local museum that seemed to denominate Thailand as the home of the bronze age, and a number of rowdy, colourful local festivals and wet markets, as well as silk and cobra farms. But our lasting impression was one of rural simplicity and ever-friendly locals, keen to ensure we enjoyed our stay and sample an unending variety of indigenous foods and drinks!

Green Gecko may be booked for stays of 2 nights or more via their website, where availability and rates may be checked online (from around US$280 including all transfers, service and meals.)
Green Gecko
134 Moo 13
Baan Um Jaan
Tabol Um Jaan
A. Prajak Sinlapakhom
Udon Thani
41110 Thailand www.thaivillarent.com
Green Gecko's sister property, Gecko Villa (www.geckovilla.com) offers a cheaper three bedroomed alternative to those on a tighter budget (from around US$160.)

The Villas at Napasai, Southern Thailand
The villas at Napasai are located within the seafront resort complex on the luxury North coast of the island of Koh Samui, in Thailand's southern province of Surat Thani. Koh Samui is accessible via Bangkok Airways from Bangkok, with flights taking approximately one hour (depending or aircraft chosen).
The resort is part of Orient-Express Hotels, Trains and Cruises: as such, both the villa and the resort were professionally managed, and we were able to choose between cooking up our own Thai meals after a visit to the local markets, or to simply walk to the resort's excellent Thai restaurant in the evening.
The villas themselves were located at one end of the property, stunningly sandwiched between a steep hillside behind our house and the sea in front. Each of the villas is tiered down the hillside to the seafront. We stayed in a two bedroom villa, but three bedroom properties were also available. Beyond the two well-appointed bedrooms, our property had a spacious living and dining room with its own kitchen, a maid's room, and, at the ground level, a private swimming pool and "chill-out" area. The main living room was well furnished and had a DVD player, satellite TV, and charming sea view balcony, where we spent most evenings.

• The island of Koh Samui is a major international tourism hub and as such plenty of activities are available for the guest, from exploring waterfalls, to elephant rides, paintball, sea sports, diving, fishing, golf etc. The hotel also offers boating activities, Thai cooking classes, tennis courts, a fitness centre and a spa.

We booked online at the hotel's own internet site, taking advantage of a special offer. Rates for a two bedroom villa are seasonal and start at around US$850 per night, including complimentary American breakfast.
Napasai
65/10 Baan Tai
Maenam
Koh Samui
Surat Thani 84330
Thailand Tel: (66-77) 42 92 00
Fax: (66-77) 42 92 01
www.napasai.com [http://www.napasai.com]
Finding your Thai Villa on the internet
Choosing an appropriate holiday villa on the internet is easy using Google, Yahoo, MSN etc. Remember:
- Play with your search terms: use more specific words to help you drill down to receive a more "targeted" property. "Rural villa with pool Thailand" or "seafront Samui private villa" will give a more specific set of results than will the generic "Thailand Villa", and will be less likely to return a listings site.
- Where possible, book directly with the property owner rather than via a listings site - in all likelihood such a listings site will be charging a commission on top of the normal rate.

- Don't be afraid to ask for references.
- Travel in the off season, and book early. Book ahead, as when a standalone villa is booked - it is booked!
- Make sure the property you choose has a telephone and address listed.
- Travel somewhere different! What makes a stay in a private villa memorable is the way it can take you out of the tourist centres to enjoy a more authentic holiday.
Thailand's Airlines
Thailand's flag carrier offers numerous domestic flights, but travelers "in the know" will turn to the local discount airlines. These offer frequent flights at a fraction of the price and in relative comfort. Try Nok Air or Air Asia. Koh Samui is served by the "boutique airline" Bangkok Air.
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Ecotourism Destinations In India And Thailand Are Worth Checking Out and Medical Tourism In Thailand

Ecotourism Destinations In India And Thailand Are Worth Checking Out
By Rex Freiberger
This summer and spring time is precious, so instead of investing this time at your local dirty beach, why not travel to Southeast Asia and uncover the two hidden ecotourist locations - India and Thailand.
One of those special ecotourism destinations that you may have dreamt about is sure to be the lovely beaches of Kerala in India where there is plenty of natural resources including quite backwaters and a very pleasing climate that is supposed to be among the best in the world that attracts many people to it. Along with ecotourism, Kerala also has many festivals rich in color of local customs and the outstanding culinary delights that makes it a very special ecotourism destination indeed.

Kerala: God's Own Country
Many people in Kerala call this Indian state as being "God's own Country" and the many attractions include clear skies, blue waters and also beaches that provide solitude and quiet. There are also hills where green tea is grown and there are also many bird sanctuaries as well as heavily wooded forests and a lot of wildlife as well. This ecotourism destination also attracts local tourists and those from abroad who also love the many festivals as well as the splendid houseboat rides in the backwaters of the state.

• Ecotourism destinations that are found in Kerala give visitors the opportunity to experience what gentle nature is all about. Not only is there fantastic wildlife and bird sanctuaries to experience in Kerala, but this ecotourism destination also provides ample scope for rock climbing adventures, traveling down bird watching trails and also trying mountain biking while living in the tree houses and also getting to experience the thrill of the forest life complete with its wildlife. I recommend visiting the sit Kerala Back Water for more information on Kerala eco tourism. http://www.keralabackwater.com/kerala-tourism/eco-tourism-in-kerala/index.html

Its one of the best sites on the net.

Thailand: The Land of Smiles
Another exciting ecotourism destination is Thailand, the country that raises images of fields filled with fruits that ripen beneath tropical suns and which is a fast emerging ecotourism destination in the world. That is not surprising given that there is striking wildlife and rivers that run freely along with the cloud forests that seemingly are endlessly covered in mist. It also has a number of towns that are small in size, but are big in life and with tiled roof homes is harmony personified that is further enhanced by the friendliness of the local people. Here too, you can find bird watching very exciting, beach resorts and a basic trek in the jungles which contributes immensely to the country's ecotourism industry.
http://www.all-thailand-exp.com

This is a wonderful ecotourism destination that has both Pacific and Atlantic Oceans striking their waters onto its shores and the climate is temperate, and you will especially enjoy the limestone climestone cliffs and g as also the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve that are the country's two world heritage sights.
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Medical Tourism In Thailand
By Pauline Go
Medical tourism is fast becoming very popular in Thailand, especially given the fact there are some very good hospitals in Thailand catering specifically to foreign patients. Bumrungrad Hospital, Bangkok Nursing Home Hospital and Samitivej Hospital are three such hospitals which are also popular with the local foreign population living in Bangkok.

• You would be surprise to know that these three hospitals having been promoting themselves quite actively in the last four to five years and now 60 percent of the patients in Bumrungrad Hospital are foreigners while Samitivej Hospitals has 40 percent. It is not that these hospitals do not accept Thai patients. They do. However, while foreigners consider these hospitals cheaper than the hospitals in their own country, most Thai cannot afford these hospitals. Hence, they do not visit them.

It is estimated that nearly 1.28 million foreigners visit Thai hospitals each year bring in revenues close to 33 billion baht.
Hospitals like Bumrungrad Hospital are covered a lot of U.S. television station and international magazines like Newsweek.
There is no doubt that medical tourism in Thailand is all set to become a major revenue generator not just for the hospitals but also for the country. The prices offered in Thailand are much lower compared to the U.S. and UK. However, the standard of treatment and technology is as high if not better. One thing is for sure that the hospitals in Thailand more hospitable and friendly.

• Though medical tourism in Thailand is booming, the omnipresent question is whether the poor of the country will get the same facility and treatment. From end of 2006, healthcare has become free in Thailand but there is a dearth of doctors in poorer provinces as doctors prefer to work for private hospitals where the salaries are higher.

Pauline Go is a professional writer for many website like Thailandbuddy.com. She also writes other great articles like Thailand Travel Information, Thailand Real Estate Industry Analysis , Facts on the Stonehenge
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Thai Medical Tourism and Arab States and Planning Your Thailand Holidays

Thai Medical Tourism and Arab States
By Poom Morgan
Medical tourism within Thailand has increased dramatically over recent years. If we look back over the previous five years alone we can see an almost four fold increase in medical tourists arriving in Thailand. In 2005 there were around 500,000 medical visitors seeking treatment in Thailand, by 2009, this number had increased to approximately 1,400,000. This is a large increase by any standard and there are good reasons for it. Firstly, Thailand is able to offer highly competitive prices for treatment in comparison to most developed nations. Secondly, the quality of hospitals and trained personnel is of a standard similar to those seen throughout the very best hospitals worldwide. Thirdly, and possibly most importantly, Thailand is well placed in being able to offer a wide range of tourist attractions and resort choices. It is possibly this last factor that has helped to drive the industry forward as potential medical tourists seek to combine their scheduled treatments with an exotic holiday.

• Helping to further develop the medical tourist industry within Thailand have been the incredible investments and developments made by the private hospital sector. Looking to benefit from the growing trend of visitors, private hospitals have invested heavily in buildings, state of the art equipment and staff. Leading the way in attracting visiting patients have been hospitals like Bumgrungrad International Hospital and the Bangkok Hospital Group. These hospitals attract as many as half of their patients from outside of Thailand. If we look at the country distribution of medical visitors, important markets include; Europe, Japan, America, Bangladesh and Myanmar. This combined market accounts for approximately 25% of the total. Arab states, incredibly total almost 60% of the total market. So why are Arabs, in ever increasing numbers seeking medical treatment from outside of their home country?

Unlike many other countries, surprisingly cost is not necessarily one of the primary reasons. If we take the example of the U.A.E., who staggeringly account for over 40% of Thailand's medical tourists, many of the country's inhabitants can be considered as wealthy by any measure. Clearly, this group of people is unlikely to visit Thailand, for medical treatments, on cost considerations alone. Reasons cited for seeking treatment outside of the UAE include a loss of faith in local services, with many complaining that the overall quality of local service is not up to standard. Also, visitors see a visit to Thailand, for medical treatment, as an ideal opportunity for a vacation in a liberal environment with extensive leisure options available.

• Arabs have a history of seeking medical treatment from outside of their own country, but what has changed is that since the mainland terrorist attacks on the USA in 2001, they are now more reluctant to seek medical treatment from western countries. This is principally since they sadly and all too frequently feel, particularly in America, a sense of hostility towards them. When arranging, in some cases life saving surgery, it is obvious that a more relaxed and welcoming environment is far more likely to induce both a quicker recovery and a more positive experience. In this regard Thailand has very much been the one to gain. In response to this influx of Arabs patients, hospitals in Thailand have been quick to respond and have made extensive efforts to further grow this lucrative market sector. Hospitals like The Bumrungrad International Hospital have already furnished their facilities to the very highest of standards. Additionally, with Arab speaking staff, a choice of halal food, numerous prayer rooms and even strategically placed compasses pointing to MECCA, everything has been done, and continues to be done, to ensure a very comfortable stay for the Arab visitor.

With the huge revenues involved from medical visitors to Thailand from Arab countries, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) have targeted this specific group, and are currently engaged in a wide range of promotional activities, in an attempt to further expand the market. The TAT has very ambitious plans to grow this sector, but the U.A.E. is not going to give up without a fight. Currently under construction, and due to be completed this year, is the huge and costly development of Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC). If this new initiative is enough to slow down and ultimately reverse the flow of patients from the U.A.E. remains to be seen.
Poom Morgan. Who's passions include travelling, reading and languages.
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Planning Your Thailand Holidays
By Devin Brindinshire
Thailand holidays can be customized to fit virtually any traveler's budget and personal tastes. Because tourism is such a vital part of the Thai economy (representing a larger percentage of Thailand's GDP than that of any other Asian nation), almost every part of the country is equipped with food and lodging catered toward foreign visitors. Furthermore, the nation's amazingly diverse geography offers a wide range of activities to choose from. No matter what it is that you'd like to do on your holiday, there are surely several, easily-accessible places in Thailand that offer it at a price that fits your budget.
Planning Your Thailand Holiday
For most of us, the first steps in planning any holiday include setting a budget, determining how long our holiday will last, and deciding when we can go. As you walk through these steps in planning your Thailand holiday, here are a few important points to consider:

• The price of lodging in Thailand runs the gamut from as low as around �8 GBP per day (about $5 AUD/USD) for a bed in a hostel, all the way up to hundreds of pounds per night for five-star accommodations at world-class, international hotels
• In my personal opinion (and this is shared by a great number of foreign travelers I've met over the years), you should plan on spending a minimum of 10-14 days in Thailand during your holiday if you want to visit the country's major attractions without being rushed
• Because Thailand's tropical climate is hot, humid, and rainy for much of the year, the country's "high season" for tourism is during the comparatively drier, cooler months of November through February

Some additional thoughts on these points...
With regards to prices for food and lodging, while it is accurate to say that daily rates cover quite a wide spectrum, it is also true that you can find many incredible deals throughout the country if you know when and where to look. For example, in September 2010 I was able to book four nights at a legitimate, five-star luxury hotel in one of the most-popular sections of Bangkok (Thailand's most-expensive city) for just under �90 GBP per night (that's approximately $60 AUD/USD). In an upcoming article, I'll discuss some of the most-effective strategies for finding bargains that maximize your holiday budget.

• When determining how much time to spend in Thailand, it's important to remember that, for those of us traveling from an English-speaking country, our holiday will include at least two very long airplane flights (on the way there, and the return trip), and adjusting our body clocks to a significant time difference. For me, this leads to a feeling that jetlag and travel always shortens my actual time in-country by two days. I'll pad the amount of time I expect to spend seeing the sights, or relaxing by two extra days for this reason.

As for choosing a time of year to visit, avoiding the hot, humid Thai summer and autumn monsoon is a valid consideration for many travelers. Temperatures often approach 40� C during those months which, coupled with the tropical humidity and almost-daily thunderstorms, can be a bit overwhelming for some visitors. The flipside of this equation is that airfares and lodging are dramatically cheaper during this so-called "Low Season". If you're on a tight budget, and don't mind a little heat and rain, you'll find that your hard-earned money stretches a lot further at this time of year.

• The Five Regions of Thailand - Where Should I Go?

To see the remarkable amount of geographic and cultural diversity that exists within Thailand, all you have to do is compare the country's five unique regions: the Central, East, North, Northeast, and South. Depending on how much time you're able to spend in-country, you may be able to visit all five during one stay (personally, I wouldn't try this unless I had a whole month to spend on holiday). If your time is more limited, you should probably focus on no more than two or three areas, and leave the others for future Thai holidays.

Central
Because the vast majority of foreign tourists arrive, and depart, from Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, it's highly likely that your visit to Thailand will include a stay in the nation's capital. A bustling city of 11 million (most Bangkok residents will tell you that this official estimate is probably low by as much as 50%) and the heart of Central Thailand, Bangkok offers its visitors a fascinating cross-section of the nation's past, present and future. Here you'll find everything from the historic Royal Palace (dating back to the Kingdom of Siam), to ultra-modern shopping malls, vibrant entertainment districts, and a thriving business center that is quickly becoming the largest in Southeast Asia.

• Central Thailand's other primary attractions include the historic city of Ayutthaya (Siam's ancient capital), and the western coast of the Gulf of Thailand. This part of the gulf coast is especially popular with Thai families and honeymooners thanks to its quiet, clean beaches, abundance of affordable hotels and resorts, gorgeous golf courses, and relative proximity to Bangkok (about two-and-a-half hours by car). If you're looking for a quiet beach getaway, that's close enough to Bangkok that you won't need an airplane or boat to get there, the gulf towns of Hua Hin and Phetchaburi are perfect for you.

East
The region generally considered as Eastern Thailand lies to the southeast of Bangkok, and is bordered by the Gulf of Thailand to the west, and Cambodia to the east. Home to the growing coastal city of Chonburi and the popular tourist destination of Pattaya, the main attraction of this area is the proximity of its beaches to Bangkok (less than a two-hour drive).
Whereas western gulf resorts like Hua Hin tend to primarily attract Thai nationals, the eastern gulf is a magnet for western tourists thanks to Pattaya's notoriety as one of the world's wildest party towns. This bawdy image has been slowly changing in recent years, however, as developers have opened a string of new family-oriented resorts and attractions along Pattaya Beach and its surrounding areas.

• North

Northern Thailand is distinctly different from the rest of the country in terrain, climate, and culture. Bordering Myanmar (Burma) and Laos to its north, the region is mountainous, heavily-forested, and noticeably cooler than anywhere else in the country (particularly in the High Season). The Lana culture (a hybrid between Thai, Burmese and Laotian influences) prevails throughout the region, and can be seen in the d�cor, dress, and food offerings in cities like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

The principal city in the north, Chiang Mai, is Thailand's second-largest and an absolute must for any visitor to the country. The heart of Chiang Mai is still surrounded by a moat and 1,000-year-old fortifications that protect some of Southeast Asia's oldest, and most-important, temples, while the rest of the city is dotted with universities, art galleries, and enough lodging and entertainment options to satisfy any type of traveler.
Chiang Mai is also the jumping off point for backpackers to explore the area's famous mountain trails, as well as anyone who is looking for outdoor adventure activities like white water rafting, elephant safaris (i.e., riding an elephant off into the jungle for day or two), and otherwise getting up close to the region's wildlife (including monkeys and tigers). There are so many exhilarating things to do in this part of the country that you're guaranteed to enjoy yourself.
Northeast
Thailand's northeast (dominated by the province of Isaan) is a heavily agricultural region that borders both Laos and Cambodia along the Mekong River. Khmer culture (i.e., ethnic Cambodian) is the prevailing influence on Isaan's people and the majority speak the Khmer language, in addition to Thai and several other regional dialects. This influence is also seen in Isaan cuisine, which is distinct from traditional Thai food for its heavy use of sticky rice, and extremely spicy chilies.
While this relatively undeveloped part of the country has not been a traditional tourist destination, recent government projects (notably the restoration of numerous ancient, Khmer archaeological sites) and the rapid economic growth of Isaan's major cities Buriram and Khon Kaen have begun to draw more visitors over the past decade. The city of Khon Kaen is of particular interest to anyone interested in making a land crossing into Cambodia.
South
When talking about the south of Thailand, the first names that come to mind are Phuket, Koh Samui, and Koh Phi Phi (better known to foreigners as the Phi Phi Islands). White, sandy beaches, sky-blue water, and idyllic settings that look like they're straight out of a Hollywood movie set (mostly because they are, but that's for a later article) are what define this region of the country. In short, it's your run-of-the-mill tropical paradise.
The south of Thailand is generally considered to be the thin peninsula that separates the Gulf of Thailand from the Andaman Sea, and extends all the way south to the border with Malaysia. This stretch of land, and the islands that skirt both of its coasts, are home to some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world, as well as world-class facilities for every other water sport imaginable. That's all in addition to the incredible beaches, lagoons, and panoramas that the area is so famous for. With that said, I'm sure that it comes as no surprise that I highly recommend you include at least one of this region's fantastic resorts in your Thailand holiday.

• The Hardest Part of Your Thailand Holiday - Getting There

Well, it may not be entirely accurate to say that the hardest part of your Thai holiday will be finding a way to get there. It's more likely to be forcing yourself to board the plane home at the end of your stay. I once heard it said that the only place in the Land of Smiles where you don't see happy people is the international departure lounge at the airport. More often than not, that seems to be true.
In all seriousness though, finding an affordable airfare has usually been the most difficult piece to put in place when I've planned my holidays to Thailand. With the price of jet fuel continuing to soar, this has become even more difficult over the last couple of years. In many cases, I find that I wind up spending as much on my airline ticket as I do on the entire rest of the holiday combined.

• Nonetheless, there are a few helpful techniques I've acquired over the years that generally lead me to the lowest available prices at the time of my departure. They require a great deal of flexibility with regards to departure days and times (and you won't be getting any non-stop flights to Bangkok), but I do feel confident that they save me money in the end. I'll delve into this subject in detail in the near future.

As for now though, please peruse the rest of the site and be sure to leave any comments or suggestions you may have beneath the appropriate article. You can access the article directory by going to our main Holidays in Thailand page.
To find informative, new postings on specific destinations in Thailand, entertaining stories about the author's experiences in Thailand, or general travel information on the country as a whole, visit Devin Brindinshire's blog http://www.holidays-to-thailand.com.
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Tourist Visa For Thailand and Holidays to Thailand - Breathtaking Beauty on a Budget

Tourist Visa For Thailand
By Dennis Ramm
Thailand is a beautiful country. Her tropical weather and rich culture act as natural magnets for those who dwell in the far-side of the world. A big chunk of Thailand's revenues are obtained from the tourism industry, making her the tourism hub of the far-east. What if you live on a different country and would want to have a vacation in Thailand? For sure, it won't be as easy as going for a walk in a park, roam around and get off the place after. Guidelines are followed, and documents are needed before you board the plane bound for the land of smiles.
Visiting Thailand as a Tourist
When you visit Thailand for the purpose of leisure, sight-seeing and personal enlightenment, you are a tourist. A tourist is not allowed to work or conduct business in Thailand. A tourist needs a Thai tourist visa so he/she can stay in Thailand for a period of 15 - 30 days while doing her own explorations and excursions in the Kingdom.
What is a Thai Tourist Visa?
A tourist visa is a stamp or document needed so you can stay in Thailand for a specific period of time, for the purpose of tourism. It is stamped on your passport upon arrival at the airport in Thailand, or it can be obtained in your home country through the Thai embassy or consulate located there. The tourist visa can also be extended if necessary. There are certain countries that made agreements with the government of Thailand so their citizens can benefit from the Thai visa exemption when entering Thailand as tourists.
Requirements for a Tourist Visa
When applying for a tourist visa for Thailand, certain documents and fees are needed to obtain one. The documents and the fee are subject to change anytime and without prior notice, so it would be a good idea for an aspiring tourist to inquire for the right information before flying off to Thailand.
Documents Required:
1. Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months 2. Visa application form (filled out) 3. One (1) recent 4x6cm. photograph of the applicant 4. Roundtrip air ticket or e-ticket (paid in full) 5. Proof of financial means (20,000 baht per person/40,000 baht per family)
Don't forget that Thai consular officers reserve the rights to request for additional documents when they deemed it necessary, so it is advisable that you present yourself when you're in a good shape and state, together with your papers and documents. Visa Fee: US $ 30.00 per entry or equivalent. The tourist visa fee is subject to change without the prior notice, so it is a good idea to be updated by visiting the nearest Thai Embassy or consulate in your area, or by visiting the Thai Embassy website for online updates.
Validity of the Thai Visa
The validity of a Thai tourist visa ranges from 15 days to 60 days, depending your nationality. Applicants from USA, UK, and Australia will receive a 60 day Thai Tourist Visa from their Thai Embassies.
Visa Exemption Rule (No Thai Visa)
If you arrived on Thailand through an international airport, you will have permission to stay 30 days (depending on whether your country made a bilateral agreement on visa exemption with Thailand.) If you enter Thailand via land border, you will be stamped a 15 day permission of stay in Thailand as a tourist at the immigration post, after which you will have to exit the country again on or before the expiration of your permission of stay. However, the tourist visa can also be extended if you wish or need to stay longer in Thailand. You will have to file an application for an extension of stay at the Office of Thai Immigration Bureau located at Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120. Bear in mind that the success for an extension of stay is solely at the discretion of the immigration officer attending to your application.
In summary, Thailand Tourist Visas can be obtained for up to 60 days of travel in the Kingdom. This can be extended an additional 30 days at the Thai Immigration office. It is important to remember to apply for the Thai Visa prior to your departure to Thailand.

Dennis Ramm is the Managing Partner for Siam Legal International, Thailand's largest legal service network with offices in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Samui. The firm has international locations in London and Los Angeles. Siam Legal is a full-service law firm and provides a wide range of legal and Thailand visa services. Reach Siam Legal at +(66) 2-253-8100, or info@siam-legal.com.

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Holidays to Thailand - Breathtaking Beauty on a Budget
By John S Wright
Thailand is known all over the world as a great tourist destination. Not only is this country full of amazing and diverse tourism sites, there is such an enormous variety of tourism packages to Thailand that holidays to Thailand can be both affordable and unforgettable.

•        Packages are available to suit every budget, and there are so many site destinations, accommodations, and dining choices that everyone is sure to enjoy their Thai vacation. Honeymoons, scuba diving holidays, walking / hiking holidays, cycling holidays, wildlife tours, family tours, cultural tours, or beach holidays are just some of the many ways to enjoy the great natural beauty and cultural riches that Thailand has to offer.

Holidays to Thailand are a delight to the senses and rich in cultural experiences as well. Thailand is blessed with four major natural terrains: Northern Thailand's forests and mountains; Northeast Thailand's steppe farmlands; Thailand's Central Plains with their vast rice fields; and Thailand's southern peninsula's tropical islands.
Located in the heart of mainland Southeast Asia, Thailand has a population of more than 65 million. Of these, three-quarters are Thai, with Chinese making up 14% of the population. Nearly 95% of the population is Buddhist, making Thailand one of the most heavily Buddhist countries on earth, but many other faiths are represented here as well. Though English is widely understood in tourist destinations and major cities in Thailand, learning a few phrases in Thai is a good idea before leaving on holidays to Thailand.
Bankok, Thailand's capital, is many people's first choice in destinations for holidays to Thailand. It is one of the world's most exciting cities, with an amazing array of culture, history, extravagance, and nightlife, counterpoised with the serenity of the temples and floating markets. The Asian investment boom of the 1980s and 90s resulted in Bangkok's becoming a regional financial and business capital. It has also developed increasing influence in sectors as diverse as politics, fashion, and entertainment. Some 11 million international visitors experience Bangkok every year.

• But there is far more to holidays to Thailand than the dizzying urban landscape of Bangkok. Beach resorts like Phuket and Krabi are as beautiful as ever, and have come far in recovering from the 2004 tsunami. One of the most beautiful places in Thailand is Koh Samui in the southern part of the country. It is a very popular holiday destination in Thailand. The provincial town of Songkhla in the far south is a well-kept secret.The beach is unkempt, with a natural, windswept quality. This is off the beaten path for most tourists, yet it is a very beautiful place to visit.

Chiang Mai City is a lively city with a rich history and numerous cultural festivals, as well as terrific local restaurants, Buddhist temples, and plenty of entertainment options. The so-called Golden Triangle is a great tour of Thailand, where you'll experience hillside tribal villages, the Mekong River, and much rustic natural scenery. The reason the area is called the Golden Triangle is because it is close with two other popular destinations for visitors: Burma and Laos. The tourism options in this region are abundant.
Most holidays to Thailand that come packaged include travel and transportation arrangements, accommodations, visits to special sites, and other perks to make traveling easy and to maximize enjoyment. The people and government in Thailand welcome tourists and go out of their way to make sure that visitors are well cared for.

• Even visitors on strict budgets can have enjoyable holidays to Thailand, because there are unique packages available that let visitors spend days and nights at the homes of local families. These holidays are a unique opportunity for learning how the people of Thailand live their day-to-day lives, and are a great cultural education and chance for making friends. Such holidays can be specially tailored for those who would rather come and go at will rather than spending full time with local families.

Thailand and those who package holidays to Thailand are very flexible and willing to create the perfect packaged holiday for any taste or budget. Whether you want to stay close to the popular beaches, temple sites, and other tourist attractions, or do something different like ride elephants, experience local wildlife or tribal culture, or visit the River Kwai, holidays to Thailand offer enough options that anyone can make that trip of a lifetime to Thailand that they'll remember fondly forever.

• My main interests are helping people learn about holidays to Thailand, luxury hotels Thailand and Ko Samui hotel. To find out more about holidays to thailand simply visit our website at http://holidaystothailand.org

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Thailand - A Huge Hot Spot For Medical Tourism and Thailand Airlines

Thailand - A Huge Hot Spot For Medical Tourism
By Sebastian Harley
Medical Tourism is becoming more popular by the day. Out of all of the places to visit in Southeast Asia, Thailand is often one of the most popular destination points. It is so popular, in fact, that equates for almost 7% of the entire GDP! To understand what Thailand can offer you as a visitor, you must first decide on what you hope to discover. Due to its sheer magnitude, it can be a destination you see yourself visiting time and time again.

• Thailand has attractions suited for everyone with plenty of things to keep you entertained during your visit. The thick, green jungle can be a beautiful thing to explore on a tour and the water is as crystal clear as it comes. The water's so warm, in fact, that it feels more like a dip in the tub than a splash in the ocean. It's gained its reputation as the most popular destination because it provides the perfect mix of things. It has an exotic feel but is safe. It is incredibly affordable but still has all of the amenities you would need on your travels. From beach front bungalows to exquisite resorts, Thailand has you covered.

No matter what your interests are, there's a spot in its geography that has you covered. Out of the normal activities, many find the Thai golf courses to be an exciting new adventure in the 18 hole world. For rock climbers, the cliffs in the city of Krabi are some of the best in the world to test your skills on. If you're a water person, surfing and scuba await on its coast. And for those seeking some rest and relaxation, Thailand has grown to become the world's second highest ranking destination for spas in the world and it's Medical Tourism is also growing at a fast rate.

• As mentioned many people find themselves flocking to Thailand because of Medical Tourism. Medical procedures can be undergone for a fraction of what they cost here in places like the United States or England, and the medical expectations set before them are often equivalent or higher than those in North America. All in all, Thailand is a cheap place to score an exotic vacation. A weak currency and hordes of visitors lends itself to affordable and valuable finds the country over. If you are looking for a place that seems to offer the exotic flavor of a foreign country and tropical location but don't want to fork out all of your hard earned cash, consider a visit to Thailand!

Sebastian has been traveling around South East Asia for some time and has put together a number of blogs on the subject. If your interested in Thailand then check out http://www.aboutkohchang.com
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Thailand Airlines
By Ian Pennington
Travelling is the most amusing means of getting away with redundant routines at home and office. Everybody loves to grasp some vacation in the form of tours and adventures. While tourism creates a big bulk in a nation's economy, recent developments in terms of transportation and hotel accommodation. To complement the growing tourism needs of tourists visiting Asia, Thailand airlines make every trip as safe and exciting as possible for the jetsetters.
Operational Thailand airlines include Thai Air Asia, SGA Airlines, PB Air, Thai Airways International, Orient Thai Airlines, Bangkok Airways and Nok Air. All are geared towards providing a hassle-free and safe sky travel. They offer passengers with the most convenient way of releasing airline tickets, boarding and unloading, baggage deposit services and tour assistance.

• Thailand airlines deliver the high standards of flying tourists from all over the world. Thai Airways serve flights from Bangkok and Phuket to any point of destination cities in the US and Europe such as Los Angeles in California, Munich in Germany, Melbourne and Sydney in Australia, Rome in Italy, Paris in France, Madrid in Spain, London in the United Kingdom, Athens in Greece. Connecting flights via Doha in Qatar, Manila in Philippines and other Asian cities are also given as options.

Serving flights to and fro all continents of the world, Thailand airlines afford hospitality and high quality of services to every jetsetter. The eminent culture of congeniality is apparently seen in how the flight stewards reach out to their passengers. Because Bangkok is considered as the aviation hub of Asia, more flight schedules are opened by Thailand airlines to give the travelers wider choices to reach Thailand.
It is said that wherever Thailand airlines fly, the authenticity of Thai culture and heritage travels along with it. Cheap flights are now being offered online through international travel agencies. Online booking is the quickest and most convenient way to get your tickets at slashed rates. Lower than usual, air ticket prices are only enjoyed by those who link with Thailand's accredited travel companies.

• Although Thai has its own native tongue, Thailand airlines are competitive in terms of employing competent flight attendants who have the ability to speak the universal language. They are carefully trained and equipped with strong verbal skills using English as the medium of interaction.

There are more than 70 destinations in 40 countries now that Thailand airlines are flying back and forth. This goes to say that Thailand is keeping up with the world tourism trend of vacationing not only during summer but all seasons of the year. Whether it is for business or amusement, travelers seek to fly to Thailand to discover its cultured means, English education progress and eco-tourism boost.

• Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about airlines [http://discounttravelonline.info/thailand-airlines], please visit Discount Travel Online [http://discounttravelonline.info] for current articles and discussions.

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Cosmetic Surgery - Traveling to Thailand

Cosmetic Surgery - Traveling to Thailand
By Ryan Frank
Cosmetic surgery in this day and age has become widely accepted and with the advancements cosmetic surgery has made in the last couple decades, more people are deciding to go under the knife for many different cosmetic needs. With this boom in cosmetic surgery, many have chosen the Thailand medical tourism industry for their cosmetic procedures because of factors such as lower costs, high standards of quality, and beautiful travel opportunities.

Lower Costs

One of the main reasons the health tourism of Thailand continues to grow is because there are many who cannot afford or do not want to pay the high prices for cosmetic surgery in their home country when they can get the same procedures done in Thailand for much less. In fact, the costs of cosmetic procedures in Thailand are often up to 70% cheaper than getting the same procedures done in the United States.

High Standards of Quality

Many of Thailand hospitals have been accredited by such organizations as the International Organization of Standardization (ISO) and the Joint Commission International (JCI), both of which are non-governmental and non-profit international standard setting organizations.
Besides maintaining very high standards for their hospitals, Thailand is also known for its highly certified physicians, many of which were actually trained and educated in Europe and the United States at highly accredited universities such as Harvard.

Beautiful Travel Opportunities

The extra perk that comes with Thailand medical tourism is the beautiful travel opportunity. Thailand is one of the most beautiful and serene countries to visit with a number of beautiful beach resorts. While you are recuperating and recovering from your cosmetic surgery, you can take time to meditate on the beauty of Thailand. Besides having some of the most beautiful scenic beaches and a picturesque countryside, Thailand is also known for its superior hospitality which will make recovering from any cosmetic procedure more comforting.
For a complete guide to health tourism [http://www.wellnesstravel.com/] , please visit [http://www.wellnesstravel.com/].
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Dental Tourism in Thailand
By Yachika Verma
Thailand has often been at the centre stage of the world for providing fantastic tourism to people from all over the world. Its beautiful locales, sandy beaches, and warm nature have often won the hearts of millions of people who have paid a visit to the country for business or leisure alike.

A new concept in Thailand is the dental tourism or the quality of dental services it offers to people who are residents or tourists alike. Thailand dental has been a progressive hub in the field of medical sciences by the day and the popularity it is gaining amongst the world is quiet staggering to believe.

Cosmetic dentistry in Thailand is almost dirt cheap if compared to that in Europe and the USA. And it is of equally good quality. Dental misalignment are taken good care of by experienced dentists all through out the country and especially in the capital city of Bangkok. The advancements in the field of cosmetic dentistry have scaled new heights by the time. But the problem most people face, especially those who live across Europe and USA are the sky high charges to avail facilities of this kind. That is when they resort to the concept of dental tourism. It is an increasingly popular phenomenon where by you can get your dental treatment taken care of at a comparatively lower cost and also take a vacation.

Special dentist insurance plans are available through out the Asian market to take care of your cosmetic surgery expenses. As cosmetic dentistry is a lengthy procedure, insurance covers in the USA can rocket up to a huge amount. But the same facility in Thailand can cost you almost 5 times less and that is why people are so aware and resorting to this concept. An orthodontic treatment in the lieu of cosmetic surgery is generally a lengthy procedure which may go up to 1-2 years to complete. It also depends upon the severity of the issue you have with your teeth though. But nowadays, there are packages available where you can consult your dentists every once a week to get treated and by that, the time period for the cosmetic treatment to conclude is shortened considerably.

Not always is dental tourism a fool proof concept. If the issue with your treatment indeed is severe, that may take a lot of sittings and you may not be able to afford such a prolonged vacation. So, in such a case, it's best to take the opinion of your dentist before embarking upon such a journey. Lastly, it sure is a progressive step in the medical world to treat people universally for a comparatively cheaper cost and at the same time maintain the quality of treatment as in Europe or UK. It will grow with time!
The website offers more information on Thailand dental clinic. In order to get the facts on Thailand dental, simply click on the links.
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Reasons Why Sex Tourism Is Booming In Pattaya And Phuket And The Consequences
By Anjul S. Hazaam
When most people think of Thailand, they think of it as one of Asia's preferred destinations for tourism. Many who have visited know it for its white sand beaches, night life and, from as far back as the second world war, as a center for "rest and recreation." The phrase "rest and recreation" came to Thailand as American soldiers used to visit between their war missions. The normal locals who were poor and did not have many sources of income saw this as an opportunity for making money. On their recovery trips to Thailand, the soldiers would regularly look for female companionship. This increased the demand for the number of women working in the sex-business. This sex business was not limited only to women. The requirement for male sex workers was equally on the rise. Largely by the demand created by these US military tourists, the seed of the sex business grew into a service sector by the end of the war. The reputation of cities like Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket also grew as they became known for this flesh trade.
The sex industry grew and nothing was off limits. Heterosexual and gay sexual prostitution became common place and, quite unfortunately, even child prostitution has risen. Male and female sex tourism has are increasing by the year. It is estimated over 850,000 western women have traveled to engage in sex since the early 80's and many of them have visited multiple times.
The cities of Pattaya and Phuket are acknowledged hubs for sex tourism. Pattaya is considered by many as a shopping mall of the sexual trade in Thailand. Pattaya alone attracts over 2- 4 million tourists each year. It is estimated about 6000 bar girls, massage girls and freelance sex workers are servicing the appetites of sex tourists. These numbers are said to shoot as high as 15000-20000 during the U.S.Navy annual joint U.S/Thai Operation Cobra Gold military maneuvers. Pattaya, in particular, has been in the news for rampantly growing child sex tourism. Sadly, child prostitution is even said to be one of if not the major source of money generation all throughout Pattaya.
In comparison with Pattaya, Phuket is believed to be a more standard, adult tourist-prostitution destination. The sex workers there and other red light districts throughout Thailand are said to consider prostitution as more or less a job they perform in order to be able to afford the basic necessities and some of the lures of the western world like TV.
Phuket's Patong Beach, with its increased tourist population of bare-busted European women is adding to the sexual appetite and, some say, increasing business for the local Patong Beach prostitutes. This phenomenon is said to be leading to increased prostitution prices in the area and to the cost of living in Phuket.
The proliferation of the sex trade in Thailand underlies the fundamental issues of poverty, corruption, illiteracy and misguided social philosophy. Yet Thailand is growing as a highly preferred tourist destination for those visitors seeking sex. The billions of dollars generated by the sex trade in Thailand provide a living for many people, but are not helping Thai society in the big picture. Thailand's incidence of HIV/AIDS, although more controlled than many places, is still a problem. And issues such as organized crime, sexual slavery and child prostitution continue to plague Thai society.
Anjul S. Hazaam is a freelance writer who helps entrepreneurs promote their projects. His latest focus is on Motorcycle Crash Helmets. If you're shopping for a helmet, check out some of the best Motorcycle Helmets For Sale a rock bottom prices.
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The Growth of Golf In Thailand and How to Save Money on Surgery - Try Medical Tourism

The Growth of Golf In Thailand
By Jason Bobby Butler
The dramatic growth of Golf tourism in Thailand shows few signs of abating, with Tourism Authority of Thailand forecasts for the current year suggesting that some 3% of total inbound visitors - around 600,000 visitors - will arrive on Thai shores in search of a golfing fix at the Kingdom's premier golf destinations; Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Phuket.

With golfers spending on average three times more than their fellow visitors, the boost to the local economy is dramatic, driving the value of inbound golf tourism to Thailand towards the landmark US $2billion mark.

External political factors and natural disasters that have put pressure on the industry in the past, have been removed from the equation, leaving the golf industry free to harvest the fruits of its combined efforts.
And harvest it has. The Kingdom's leading golf courses have all reported higher year-on-year bookings for 2012 to date and if the trend continues, last year's golf related tourist arrival figure of 500,000 visitors will be eclipsed by an additional 100,000 visitors, sinking an extra 3 billion Thai baht into the local economy.
"There has been a dramatic improvement (in tourist arrivals)," said Prasertchai Phornprapha, managing director of Siam Country Club, near Thailand's coastal resort city of Pattaya.
"When there is peace in Thailand it is the destination of choice because of its culture and value for money," he added before going on to claim that the course has budgeted for 50,000 foreign golfers during the current year, half its total fee-paying guests.
Thailand's foothold as the premier golf destination in Asia will be further strengthened and the increase in arrivals will bring global market leader Spain - with 100 million golf tourists a year - into sight. Competitive pricing and guaranteed year-round golf are just two of the factors that have extinguished the treats of traditional golf 'powerhouse' destinations of the US, Ireland, Australia, England and even the home of golf Scotland.

Nationals from these countries have continued to overlook their home market and head for the warmer climes of Thailand. The strong Aussie dollar has encouraged an influx of Australian visitors during their winter months - coinciding with the local off-peak tourist season - while the faltering European economies has had little impact on visitors from Europe - who favour visits during the November to March high season.

And this pace of growth shows little sign of abating. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Sport, Chumpol Silpa-archa, has targeted to double foreign inbound arrivals in the next 3 years, to reach a figure of 30 million foreign inbound tourists by 2015, with an expected income generation of US $450billion.
A fair slice of this will no doubt find it's way into the local golf industry.
setForehire.com is Thailand's leading golf equipment hire specialists. Our equipment inventory includes the latest golf clubs and golf shoes sourced from leading manufacturers, including Taylor Made and Adidas. For more information about hiring golf equipment in Thailand. Please contact http://www.setForehire.com.
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Eco-Tourism In Thailand
By Pauline Go
Eco-tourism has become popular all over the world with people demanding that countries do more to preserve nature and environment. Thailand is not far behind in eco-tourism and many activities popular in Thailand fall under that category.

Thailand is very popular with tourists looking for adventure in the wilderness, and is mainly because of the abundance of natural resources that Thailand has to offer its visitors. Mountain biking, whitewater rafting, camping and trekking, scuba diving, bird watching and rock climbing have become the done thing in natural tourist areas. All these activities are available all over Thailand, especially in the south, west and the mountainous regions of the north. The most popular of all these activities being offered to tourists are trekking, bird watching, scuba diving and mountain biking.

The government and private organizations are making sure that there are many back-to-nature activities for eco-tourism seekers. Most national parks in Thailand come under the purview of the Royal Forest Department and they have trekking trails for nature lovers. Many camping sites are also present in these national parks.
Neither trekking nor camping is a new activity in Thailand. They have been present for decades. However, eco-tourism has ensured that the activities are better managed now than before. Thailand is paying more attention to preserving its natural resources as it has come to realize that the tourists will come as long as the natural resources are unspoilt and off-the-beaten areas are better equipped to cater to tourists without disturbing the environment and the natural flora and fauna.
Check Out More Articles:
Thailand Travel Information, Thai passport requirements, Bangkok Tourist Attractions,
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How to Save Money on Surgery - Try Medical Tourism
By Arthur P Hanson
How would you like to cut your surgical expenses in half? Medical costs in the U.S. can be staggering: US$ 100,000 for hearty bypass surgery, US$ 50,000 for hip replacement surgery. But it is possible for patients to save ten's of thousands of dollars on medical procedures such as these. All it takes is the willingness to travel abroad and a bit of research.

The thought of medical tourism can give people pause. They worry about the quality of the healthcare they will receive. If the medical facilities will be clean and modern and mostly if it is safe. It might be surprising to learn that not only can you receive treatment by western trained and internationally certified doctors in state of the art facilities overseas, but that many times the quality of the care and facilities surpasses anything that you can receive at home.

As the Michael Moore film 'Sicko' pointed out, the American healthcare system just doesn't work for many people. Spiraling medical costs, long waiting times for surgery and under-staffed hospitals leave many people searching for an answer. Several hundred thousand people pack their bags each year and head overseas for medical treatment. They go for just about every type of medical procedure, covering everything from addiction recovery in Antigua, Dental surgery in Mexico to heart bypass surgery in Thailand.
There are more benefits then just the cost savings. Often the savings are enough that the patient can enjoy holiday time before or after the medical procedure. Often the quality of the facilities and level of professional care is actually better then you can get back home.

Just How Much Money Can Be Saved?

How does tens of thousands of dollars sound! The actual cost savings depends on the type of medical procedure being done. The more expensive the surgery, the larger the cost savings can be. There is a huge range of potential savings; ranging anywhere from 50 to even 80 percent depending on the procedure and where you go to have the surgery.
In addition, the costs of the flights and hotels have to be factored into the costs. As a general rule of thumb, any procedure that costs more then US$ 6,000 in the U.S. would be a good candidate for having done overseas. Lower then this and it is difficult to break even because of the added costs of the airfare and hotel costs.

More expensive surgeries are obviously the most viable options for medical travel. Here are some sample costs savings:

Hip replacement surgery: Normally costs around US$50,000 in the U.S. but can be done for around US$10,000 in India.
Heart bypass surgery: Costing around US$100,000 in the U.S. it can be done for around $12,000 in Thailand.
Heart valve replacement surgery: US$200,000 but can be done for about US$10,000 in India.
Where to Go?
Many countries now actively promote medical tourism; at last count there were approximately 30 countries actively involved in medical tourism. The two leaders in the field are Thailand and India and get the most tourist arrivals each year. They both have very low surgical prices, internationally recognized hospitals with excellently trained staff and high quality facilities.
Closer to home; Mexico and Costa Rica are popular for dental tourism. Argentina, Brazil, Malaysia, Panama and South Africa are also popular destinations.

Is it Safe?

As long as the proper research is done, the quality of care should not necessarily be a cause for concern, especially if you book through a reliable agency. Research should be done on the country, hospitals and doctors before committing to any surgery. Many of the doctors are western trained, getting their medial degrees in the U.S. or Europe. Facilities at many internationally recognized hospitals are also world-class.
Using a reliable medical tourism company in the U.S. can cut down on the risks as the company will research the hospitals and staff themselves, and even personally examine the hospitals themselves. They can also advise the patient on such things as travel costs, post operative care and the best destinations for the surgery the patient is considering.

How to Start?

If you are considering medical tourism then you should first have the initial diagnosis done in the U.S. After finding out what procedure is required, you can ask the approximate cost and then use this for comparisons from the overseas hospitals. Don't forget to factor in the flight and hotel costs.
If you are looking for more information, click medical tourism which is an informational and reference source. You can also Google for "Medical Tourism Companies" which is a good starting place for companies that can assist patients that are interested in medical tourism.

There is no single type of medical tourist. There used to be a stereotype of the wealthy Beverly Hills jet-setter flying overseas for cosmetic surgery but this is no longer the norm. Now all types of people, from all walks of life and all income levels are jumping on the bandwagon. In these difficult economic times it is hard to argue with the cost savings that medical tourism can provide, especially when people realize that they can actually get a better quality of care abroad.

Discover Medical Tourism is a free information site for patients to research and learn about medical tourism. Covering most of the major countries specializing in medical, health and dental tourism including Thailand Medical Tourism.
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