Damnoen Saduak, Colorful Floating Market Activities in Bangkok, Thailand

According to floating market tour package, offered by thaifly website, while I am looking for Floating market program for incoming Saturday with the long term holiday period, this website offers me very nice included additional activities and money worth. Guide leader informs that there are a few Floating Markets around Bangkok. Most of them is commercialized imitation of Damnoen Saduak.

" What does 'Damnoen Saduak' mean? This Thai word - pronounced Damnoen-Saduak - means "Conveniently walk"

Damnoen-Walk and Saduak- Convenience

What is place, you may be having a question in mind, don't you worry; let me introduce you a little bit about this famous place.

The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is located at Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi Province, about 105 kms from Bangkok. According to history around

1866 King Rama IV ordered that a 32 kms long canal be dug at Damnoen Saduak. This canal would connect the Mae Klong River with the Tacheen River.

The excellent quality soil beside the canal is very fertile and suitable for growing many kinds of fruits and vegetables. The area is famous for Malacca grape, Chinese grapefruit, mangoes, bananas, and coconut.

While Thailand have several Floating markets, not far away from downtown (around 100 Kms. from Bangkok), this floating market is most referring for anyone visited and most lively place, it famous with various species of fruits. The market is over 100 years old as history above and still mostly not changed environment, while the traditional Thai style houses and paddle boat will bring you back to wonder history.

Even someone who has never been to Thailand might see some posters or postcards of floating market, that the most photogenic scenery you can find in Gift shop throughout Thailand, even at the airport. I don't know how much you paid for but I can buy a dozen pictures for 100 Baht. What a surprise!, However if you have digital, you can take a photo as nice as you desire and make a unique style of your postcard or poster.

You will see all over paddle boats along the Canal that I can estimate around a hundred (may be thousand). Boatload with various kinds of foods and local fruits, you can order while it was moving. The color of fresh fruit will cause you not to be able to stand or just take a picture. On this situation, you may lose some money for them.

While the event that you would like to see other place or looking for beautiful corner to take a photo, you can rent a water taxi (long tail boat) at 300 Baht, for an hour, you might met the horrendous traffic there like in downtown of Bangkok. Everything on-sale here, On this funny participate, you can have Thai style snack or breakfast on boat or beside of canal, Fruits, snacks, hats, T-shirts, vegetables, silk dress, toys, handicraft and souvenir, its there and cheap.

On your next vacation trip, if you plan to Bangkok, Thailand, I recommend you kindly get more information about Thailand from TAT website that will give you more useful recommendation for your wonderful trip.

To learn more, looking for more nice unique of travel packages, visit here: http://www.thaifly.com

The Paradise Eater by John Ralston Saul

Fourteen years ago I was eating in Shakey's Pizza on Sukumvit Road in Bangkok Thailand and saw an elderly "falang" (white foreigner) slowly walk down the sidewalk with a cane.

That's it, I thought. Bangkok's too safe to be any fun any more.

I haven't been back since.

Yet Southeast Asia's "Free Country" still exerts a strong pull.

It's strongly libertarian (where you can do most anything you can afford to pay for), yet is the world's most functional monarchy. (Yes, there's a representative government for ordinary matters -- but the king is still the true head of the country.)

The official religion is Buddhism, but Central Thailand is full of spirit houses and everybody wears amulets.

It's as different from the West as India, but a lot easier to visit.

With its huge and open sex for sale industry, as the port through which heroin from Burma's "Iron Triangle" flows out to the world, and as a center of investment money from Japan, Thailand is a great place to set an exotic international thriller.

If you've been to Bangkok, reading this book brings back some of the memories. It's fun.

Of course it's connected to drugs, and politics, and widespread corruption, and an American driven crazy by anti-communism. And it just so happens that Field knows just the kind of people who can help him connect the dots. Before he's rubbed out by the Thai Bangkok connection.

Yet the protagonist John Field is portrayed as a "lost" man. He's a Canadian who's pretending he really belongs in Bangkok. He's a reporter, but helps expedite business deals and enjoys the bars and massage parlors.

In fact, the recurring theme of the book is a case of apparently incurable clap he's picked up. A symbol of how the country and its culture have infected him.

It's hard to read this novel, fun as it is on the surface, and not catch of whiff of disapproval from the author. Sex is dirty. Although prostitution exists in all countries, it shouldn't be out in the open where respectable people are tempted by it.

In the end, Field returns to Canada with his grown up daughter from his first Thai girlfriend and his teen-aged Thai former brothel girl new wife, who's also infected with VD. So he's finally grown up, discovered responsibility and his true place in the world. Leaving his self-imposed exile.

The author has spent time in Thailand and learned about its exotic side. Perhaps he should have spent more time with ordinary people living ordinary lives, and their extraordinary culture.

I'd rather read about a falang who found he or she really belonged in Thailand -- without patronizing it.

Richard Stooker has an ex-wife from Laos and has traveled to Thailand. Based on his experiences, he knows that everybody should keep emergency preparedness kits on hand and ready to go -- at all times.

The People Of Bangkok

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is one of the six provinces of the Bangkok Metropolitan Area with a population of over 5,000,000 people.

In Bangkok, you will find people mainly from three races. 80 percent of the local population is Thai; 10 percent consists of Chinese immigrants; 3 percent of the population is Malay while the balance is a mix of Mons, Khmers and Hill Tribes.

Bangkok has always been the migratory crossroad and this was quite evident from the 19th century until World War II. Many Chinese came to Bangkok looking for work as jobs were scarce in China. The Chinese population in Bangkok was so large that even street signs had to be written in Chinese. However, after the end of World War II, Chinese immigration to Bangkok has ceased because of stricter immigration laws.

However, many people from rural Thailand keep flocking to Bangkok in search of work and this means that Bangkok is facing the usual problems associated with overpopulation. There is housing shortage, traffic jams and unemployment.

If one looks closely at Bangkok, one will see that the rich and poor comprise of Thai nationals while the middle class consists of minorities and foreigners. However, most business enterprises in Bangkok, especially those located in Sam Peng, are run by Chinese.

Majority of people in Bangkok practice Theravada Buddhism. 5 percent of the population follows Islam while Christianity and Hinduism is practiced by just a few people.

Most Thais living in Bangkok have a deep sense of pride and dignity. However, they value kindness. What stands out in Bangkok is the friendliness, politeness and the non-assertiveness. Most people are always willing to help anyone, even a stranger, with a smile on the face.

About Author:

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

Bangkok - The City of Angels

At the Thai Village Show & Rose Garden, you will come close to the Thai culture in a variety of ways. You will have the opportunity to witness folk dance, fingernail dance, hill tribe dance, Buddhist ordination ceremony, Thai sword fighting and a traditional wedding.

One of the interesting places is the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, located eighty kilometers away from the city center. Have a closer experience of the life in a Thai village. This pioneering floating market is made up of rows of hundreds of wooden boats. Each of the boats carries fresh farm produce, including vegetables, fruits and flowers. You can also eat fresh sea food that is cooked right on the boats. It is like being in a living museum.

Another impressive site is the Grand Palace and Wat Prakaew, erected in 1782. You will certainly feel the awe that the place inspires. It served as the royal court and home to the Thai king, making it the center of administration for 150 years. The architecture involved even very minor details, showing the great skill that went into its construction. At the Wat Prakaew, you will find the image of Phra Kaew Morakot, also known as Emerald Buddha from the material used. This greatly respected image was carefully carved out of one block of emerald, and it dates back to the 15th century.

The Wat Arun, or Temple of Dawn, is probably the best known temple landmark in the entire Southeast Asia. King Rama II spearheaded its construction in the early 19th century. It was built in the Khmer style, having towering spires and floral patterns that make it stunningly beautiful, especially when you are close to it. Although it is called the Temple of Dawn, you will see its striking beauty better in the evening. The temple marks the beginning of the Rattanakosin Period.

In the Siam Ocean World, you will have an interesting look at aquatic life. This is an underground aquarium that is divided into seven exhibition zones, having a total of over 30,000 species. There are several activities you can do here, including walking in the longest underwater tunnel in Thailand.

If you would like to have an experience of the Chinese culture then Chinatown is the right place to go to. This is where Chinese communities moved to in the 1700s. Chinatown is where you will find most of the gold shops in Bangkok. This is a bustling place with many market stalls.

There are many other places you can visit in Bangkok, including the Vimanmek Mansion, Jim Thompson's House, Wat Pho, Ladyboy show and the Chao Phraya River & Waterways.

Bangkok - the City of Angels is a travel guide from Tripopedia, a travel encyclopedia. This article was submitted under Bangkok travel guides.

Bangkok Vacation Hot Spots

BANKOK - SOME FACTS

If you visit any destination in South East Asia, it may be imperative that you pass through Bangkok. Bangkok has a strange nature of evoking extreme sense of likes and dislikes amongst visitors. A few seem to loathe it while many others swear that it is the most wonderful, fascinating and exciting places on earth. Actually, Bangkok tends to be what a particular visitor wants it to be. Bangkok is a picture post-card haven with beautiful pagodas, pagodas and some of the world's finest hotels. Bangkok's renowned for it's nightlife in the Orient with an opportunity to savor some of world's most unique cuisines. Bangkok is a favorite and best shopping destination in South East Asia.

Bangkok inhabitants are known as Thais and their friendly ways would flatter the snootiest traveler. Bangkok is all in all, a load of fun and games and a great way to enjoy a civilized vacation. Thailand's history emerges from the Bronze Age, whereas Bangkok, the capital is a young city founded in 1782. With a population of around 6 million, 50% of them are under 30. Bangkok lies on the banks of the river "Chao Phraya", a wonderful working waterway full of sampans, wide variety of boats and rice barges.

Bangkok is a beautiful mix of the old and the new, the modern and the ancient evident from its skyline that comprises of Buddhist temples (wats), luxury hotels, high-rise office buildings and shopping malls making it a kaleidoscope. Under the thin veneer of new found Western influence you will find that the Thais are not devoid of traditional values. The sights of ubiquitous street food sellers, monks on morning begging rounds and women stringing jasmine blossoms on thread near wats will display the cultural heritage of Thailand that is not lost in the arc lights of modernity.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS IN BANKOK

Bangkok is packed with more attractions per square mile than any other city in the world. Despite the crowds, the architecture and the attractions are worth the effort to travel and see. On the top of the list would be Wat Phra Khao and the Grand Palace for sightseeing for half a day. This can include the National Museum and the Wat Pho. Chinatown, Bangkok's major attractions has a unique traditional life untouched by modern civilization and could be fascinating. Historical sites like Rattanakosin Island (central point when Bangkok was founded) are also worth visiting. The main symbolic places of Bangkok are Wat Arun on the Chao Phraya River.

Cross the Chao Phraya to reach Thonburi and you can tour the klongs to appreciate the heritage and culture of the country of Thailand. The Vimanmek Palace, restored by Queen Sirikit, made of golden teak emphasizes the exquisite taste and oriental splendor of ancient Thai royal life.

TOURING AROUND BANKOK

The easier way to explore the country would be put up base in Bangkok and explore the region by using the interesting and unusual daytrips.

Ayutthaya & Bang Pa-In: This probably is the most popular day trip from Bangkok and takes you to visit the Ayutthaya (A-you-ta-ya), the previous and old capital of Thailand, about 50 miles north of Bangkok, the current capital. Ayutthaya has served as the second capital of the Kingdom of Siam for over 400 years. Travellers in the past have described the glittering palaces, temples and Buddhist images depicting it as one of the most beautiful cities on the planet. In an unfortunate event the Burmese burned the glories of this city in 1767. In Ayutthaya, you could hire a tuk tuk along with an English-speaking guide to take you around the celebrated temples (cost could be in the range of 250 bahts). You can also hire a long-tail boat for cruising the 12-mile Chao Phraya River trip that ends at the king's summer palace at Bang Pa-In (300 bahts).

Many such trips are available to be taken. Bangkok never ceases to amaze and so giving an approximate time frame of the trip becomes difficult. You could get there, relax, and see for yourself what Bangkok has to offer. May be you could go back when you have more time, or to see the rest of it. The magnetism of Bangkok is such that despite having been there many a time, travelers tend to come back.

To ensure your vacation recipe is complete, add in that special sprinkle of a Thailand vacation rental. Book Thailand Vacation Rentals matching your criteria. These vacation rentals are presented by their owners or managers.

Find vacation rentals in Thailand with http://www.thailand-vacationrentals.com - comprehensive directory of independently owned vacation rental properties. Every Thailand vacation home for rent features direct contact for the property owner/agent along with photos, property amenities and services, rates and much more.

Fun Facts About Namibia - From Tourism to Sports!

Women's Rights

Did you know- By the early 2000s, Namibia had Africa's fourth highest proportion of women in its National Parliament, behind Mozambique, South Africa and Rwanda. 25.0 percent of the seats in the National Assembly were occupied by women (compared with 14.0 percent in the United States).

World-Famous Icons

Did you know- During the 1990s, Frankie Fredericks, an American-trained business administrator, was one of the world's top sprinters, along with Carl Lewis, Linford Christie and Donovan Bailey. Thanks to his talent, Namibia, an obscure nation, won two medals, 100m & 200m (both silvers), in the 25th Summer Olympics in Spain. Mr. Fredericks was born on October 2, 1967 in Windhoek, Namibia.

Independence

Did you know- The country, formerly known as South-West Africa, gained its independence on March 21, 1990. About the same time, the Sub-Saharan African nation was the world's youngest republic.

Location

Did you know- Located in Southern Africa, the country is bordered on the north by Angola and Zambia, on the south by South Africa, on the east by Botswana, on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. Around 80% of the country's terrain consists of deserts.

Population

Did you know- The nation's population is around 2.5 million people. The Ovambo is the country's largest ethnic group; they make up some 50% of the population. The English-speaking state, twice the size of California, is the most sparsely populated republic in the African region.

Tourism

Did you know- The country, known as the "Gem of Africa", is a unique place for eco-tourists. Much of Namibia is as it was centuries ago. Due to this, it has a host of natural wonders and amazing places. From one of the world's biggest deserts and national parks to tropical forests and savannahs with one of Africa's most concentration of wild animals, including lions, zebras, elephants, rhinoceros, hyenas, and marine mammals. Here, there are so many bigger cats that Namibia has the world's largest population of cheetahs (home to up to 3,000 animals). The country's nature reserves are home to several species of exotic birds. For the last two decades, Namibia a been a favorite destination for South African tourists.

Mineral Resources

Did you know- Like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola, Namibia is one of Africa's richest places in strategic minerals (diamonds, uranium, and gold). Mineral resources are the backbone of the country's economy.

Michelle McLean

Did you know- The tallest Miss Universe (from 1952 to 2009) is Namibia's Michelle McLean, who is 1m 83. McLean is Africa's second MU since 1952. Beginning in the 1990s, in Bangkok (Thailand), Miss McLean, a 19-year-old student-turned-model, was named Miss Universe by a panel of celebrity judges, which included Miriam Makeba, a South African-born singer, and Vijay Amritraj, one of the world's top tennis players in the mid-70s. In the mid-1990s, she became an outspoken champion for children in her homeland. During that time, she set up the "Michelle McLean Children Trust", an organization that work to improve the lives of children.

Summer Olympics

Did you know- Since the early 1990s, Namibia became an independent state, with help of the United Nations, and it was allowed to compete on the Olympic circuit (Commonwealth Games - African Games - Olympics). For the past two decades, it has had a handful of famous athletes in the African continent: Lucktz Swartbooi (track & field/marathon), Monica Dahl (swimming/ 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 200m freestyle, and 100m butterfly), Friedhlem Sack (one of Africa's top shooters), Joseph Jermia (one of the Continent's top boxers), and Agnes Samaria(athletics/800m/ one of the best runners of Africa).

Swakopmund

Did you know- Swakopmund, the nation's second largest city, has some of the best-preserved colonial buildings on the African continent.

International Organizations

Did you know- The Sub-Saharan African state, a predominantly black country, was admitted to the United Nations (UN) and the Commonwealth of Nations in 1990. It also is member of the Organization of African Unity (OUA).

Etosha National Park

Did you know- This English-speaking republic is home to the Etosha National Park, one of the most famous national parks on the Planet. Due to its abundant and unique wildlife, its geography and spectacular landscapes, it has been visited by numerous naturalists, travel writers and wildlife photographers. This nature refuge is one of the largest national parks in Southern Africa.

Miss Universe in Namibia

Did you know- In mid-1994, Windhoek, Namibia's capital, was elected as host city for the 1995 Miss Universe Pageant. Over 80 countries and territories participated in Namibia'95. The telecast, backed up by Head of State Sam Nujoma, served as a springboard to attract more foreign visitors and investors. The event was televised in America and other 60 nations. For the first time in MU history, Africa hosted the global event.

Rossing

Did you know- In the 20th century, the Rossing Uranium Mine -located in the heart of Namibia -- was the world's largest uranium mine.

Alejandro Guevara Onofre: Freelance writer. Alejandro is author of a host of articles/essays about over 220 countries and dependencies (and American States as well), from ecology, history, tourism and national heroes to Olympic sports, foreign relations, and wildlife. In addition, he has published some books on women's rights, among them "History of the Women in America" and "Famous Americans".

Learn Thai Quick and Easy

If you happen to know somebody who's Thai or have been to Bangkok, Thailand, you must have heard of this tonal language. Most of the time people think this language is some version of Chinese. The only thing that makes you think it is Thai is that you are in Thailand. You are not that far from the truth indeed as the Thai language originated from the Kradai language, which is said to have originated from what is now Southern China. It is also mutually intelligible with the Lao language.

The Thai language, being the official language of Thailand, is spoken by about 65 million people. Some of these include those that speak the dialects of Khorat Thai and Bangkok Thai. Although most of the Thai people can speak good English and you can survive in the country using the English language, the Thai people would like you more if you could converse with them in their own tongue.

Thailand is also a great place to shop. If that is your main reason for going to Thailand, you will surely end up getting good bargains when you know how to haggle using the Thai language. Here are some tips on the right way to learn the language:

It is best if you expose yourself much to this language. Since it is tonal it means you can learn one word and use it with different pronunciations to mean different things. The language has five tones such as the mid tone, high tone, the rising tone, the low tone, and the falling tone. It may be hard for an outsider who is learning the language but Thai people are also good in discerning the language through context. Unlike in some languages whose native speakers are intolerant of those who are learning their national language as the second language, Thai people understand and give a lot of leeway for mistakes for foreign learners of the language.

When you speak in the Thai language it is best that you do it with confidence than do it slowly and with hesitation. When you do it that way it will distort the tones, making it hard to understand the language. They say that you will know if you are making progress in your Thai language learning when a native speaker tells you that you speak Thai clearly, instead of saying you speak it well.

It would help a lot to learn the language if you listen to the sounds of it most of the time. Surely you can't be with a Thai or be in Thailand the whole length of time you are learning the language; the closest thing to it would be to listen to a Pimsleur Thai language learning audio on your iPod. Pimsleur's manner of language training is gradual and done through exercises that you can access on your portable device. So start learning the language even while you are caught in a rush hour traffic.

For those who thirst for the real thing, here is a concise Thai language learning audio course: Learn the Thai Language

When you happen to have a particular language course in mind, try searching for it here: foreign language learning

Patpong Bangkok Hotels - Where to Stay and When to Go

Patpong is located near the commercial hub district of Silom. Though only consisting of one main street Patpong is filled to the rafters with go-go bars, English pubs and small dance clubs. And in between these seedy establishments filled with scantily clad women gyrating their hips to techno beats on stages is the famous outdoor Patpong Night Market situated right on the street that is closed off to traffic starting at 5pm. There is an ongoing joke that in Patpong's Night Market you can find fakes and knock offs of Rolex, Coach leather goods, brand name clothes and woman. Yes even some of the woman there are fake and in Bangkok they are considered the minority third gender called simply Lady-boys.

To experience the best of Patpongs nightlife offerings it is best to stay in a hotel near or around the area of Soi Patpong. Now Patpong as I mentioned above is just a small street. It is sandwiched between Silom and Surawong which are major thoroughfares on the map so you can't miss it. Patpong is also close to Soi Thaniya or Japan Town (Another nightlife scene you should not miss.) that are lined with female hostesses attracting Japanese clientele. These areas are also where the best hotels are located in. Hotels such as the Montien, Silom Serene, Baan Heritage and the Tawana Ramada. Staying near these hotels is a good idea because they are very close to two of Bangkok's fastest mode of mass transportation, the BTS Skytrain and the MRT underground train system.

Traveling onthe BTS and MRT is a great way to avoid Bangkok's ridiculously congested traffic nightmare and cheap. It will take you to the major commercial shopping centers such as Siam Paragon and the Emporium as well as other nightlife hot-spots such as Nana Entertainment Complex and Soi Cowboy. Best of all, the MRT and BTS are ice cold air conditioned and believe me you'll appreciate it. 

As far as when to go I would suggest between the months of October to early April which are the cooler months thus the high season. The rates for hotels are higher but rather still affordable because of the advantages of the Western currency exchange rate. You will also get a better deal in terms of room quality for the rate that you pay at a Western hotel. I notice the rates that I pay at a motel or hotel in the United States, I can book a 4 or 5 star hotel in Bangkok with free international buffet breakfast that includes an omelet station. I'm not kidding. The difference in hotel room quality and service is between night and day. But of course the same rule still applies here as well as anywhere else. The more you pay the better the qualities in room and service you get. So don't expect to pay $20 US dollars a night for a hotel with an Olympic sized pool and a decent gym. Though you still might get a pretty decent free breakfast. 

No matter which hotel you choose I suggest you check out the reviews first. Many hotel reservation companies have customers who give updated information and reviews about the hotels they've recently stayed in. Don't rely on the hotel reviews that you see on guidebooks because the information will be outdated at the time of print. Bangkok hotels go through frequent renovations so an updated review can give you an advanced warning. My last final advice is relax and enjoy your trip to Thailand.

Edwin M. Clark is a business consultant who travels and sometimes lives in South East Asia specifically Thailand for over 8 years. His experience and knowledge in the region has provided valuable information and resources for business venturers and mid range to major corporations in the travel industry.

For more information on the hotels mentioned in this article that are located near the nightlife of Patpong visit Bangkok Hotel Reviews - Silom and Patpong Nightlife Areas

Guide to Bangkok for Tourists and Backpackers

A guide to Bangkok for tourists includes a variety of unique attractions to see, some of the best spas in the world with a large choice of treatments and massages, a choice of some of the world's best golf courses in this golfer's paradise, and has hotels that are desirable but have low prices for those visitors who are on a budget. The Thai hospitality is especially friendly, which makes your holiday a delight. Thousands of restaurants present a wonderful culinary experience, and you can also enjoy the local "street" food to see what the real Thai cuisine is actually like.

The free online Skyscanner can give you information and book you on a cheap flight from London to Bangkok. The peak season is November to March, but if you go in the off season (May, June, and September are the least crowded), you can get better prices on flights and accommodations.

Traveling around the city and area can be accomplished by using an underground system, the sky train along a monorail, fast and air conditioned buses, tuk, and the popular water taxis. Thailand's trains are exceptional since they are on time, frequent, and comfortable.

The GRAND PALACE with its spectacular architecture was the home of kings since being built in 1782 and is still used by the current king, who holds ceremonies on the royal grounds. This Palace has the Emerald Buddha, the holiest and most revered of Thailand's images, which was carved from one piece of jade in the 14th century.

The TEMPLE OF THE DAWN (WAT ARUN) is Bangkok's most photographed temple with its spire, which is 70 meters high and is decorated with Chinese porcelain and small pieces of colored glass.

The ANCIENT CITY is the largest outdoor museum in the world with 280 acres, is shaped into a map of Thailand, and has amazing replicas of famous monuments, temples, and buildings.

The NATIONAL MUSEUM is one of the largest museums in Southeast Asia and was originally a palace. Artifacts from all parts of the country are housed in these beautifully-colored buildings.

The VIMAMEK MANSION MUSEUM was a three-story mansion containing 81 rooms. It is the largest golden teak building in the world and features chambers with royal memorabilia.

Thailand also has some of the best internationally-rated cinemas in the world. Some of the lounges hold only 20 to 40 people who are pampered with complimentary snacks and beverages and who can relax in comfort in seats that recline and come with a blanket and pillow!

Take a boat ride through the FLOATING MARKETS and buy vegetables, fruits, meats, and sweets from the canoes on the water.

Shopping in Bangkok is very popular because you can haggle and get as much as 80% off their goods. This amount of discount is surprising because the goods are of high quality.

Go to PAKCHONG CREEK and take a 45-minute ride on an elephant's back with a caretaker in charge.

The KHAO YAI NATIONAL PARK is a reserve with 153 species of exotic birds and wild animals.

This article has been written by Ross Fraser and discusses Bangkok and backpacking

Slices of Malaysian Life

My flight took off on-time from Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok aboard Air Asia on my journey to Penang, Malaysia.

This was a visa-run. I was leaving the Kingdom of Thailand to go to the Thai Consulate in Malaysia with a stack of paperwork in order to get my working papers.

The round-trip flight was 6,500 Baht and I exchanged an additional 4,000 Baht at TMB (Thai Military Bank) at the airport in order to save time when I arrived.

I did not take any luggage with me, just a heavy-mil plastic bag with the usual toiletries and a change of clothes, including shoes. I thought it amusing though, that the woman sitting two seats from me put the air sickness bag, snack attack in-flight menu, and flight safety information card in her bag as souvenirs, or as perhaps (in her mind) added compensation for her airfare.

I wasn't on a holiday, I was on a mission.

The plane landed at 9:50 am local time, and we were disembarking at 10 o'clock sharp.

No sooner did the plane land, I received 4 emails from the local cellular provider Maxis, offering me a deal. I ignored them since I knew my stay would be short.

If I were to stay longer, I would have purchased a local phone number and talk-time from one of the many vendors around the city.

Walking at a very brisk pace, I was the first to enter immigration, get cleared, pay 38 RM for a taxi to the Thai Consulate and off I went.

I arrived at 10:30 am and submitted the necessary forms. The work was done, now it was time to look-up a co-worker who arrived the previous day for the same task.

He was staying at the Continental Hotel in Georgetown (108 RM net per night) and recommended that I not stay there because of the loud music from a nearby club that doesn't let up until 2 am.

The taxi ride from the Thai Consulate to the Continental hotel in Georgetown was 12 RM.

I opted to stay at the Oriental, which is a hotel, just a couple of blocks from the Continental and one that I have stayed at before. A nice room was only 75 RM net.

It's been about three years since I've been to Pinang (the spelling that you see all over the city) and not only did I stay at the Oriental my last trip; I stayed in the same room (702).

My co-worker was on a tight schedule, since he didn't get much sleep the night before and opted to sleep until about 1 o'clock in the afternoon.

At a small café about halfway between our two hotels we sat and chatted over iced tea, but my eyes caught the eyes of two Japanese females having lunch. The glances between us continued.

My co-worker left at 1:30 to go to the Thai Consulate to pick up his non-immigrant business visa and I was left at the table, but not for long.

Known as not being shy, I got up and walked to the table with the "inviting eyes" and asked if I could join them.

After some awkward moments in language misunderstandings, we were joking and laughing about life, love, and work.

Ayaka is an office worker in Tokyo, 28 years old, and single. Her friend, the one with the great eyes, works in a restaurant in Tokyo, is 36 years old, and single. They both understood the expression "Christmas Cake" and we joked about it.

Go ahead, Google or Yahoo the term; "Christmas Cake Japan" and you'll learn that a Japanese girl who is not married by the age of 25 is referred to as "Christmas Cake" (an old maid) in traditional Japanese society.

Both of these girls could easily pass for being 22 to 25 years old. Amazing Asian beauty.

These girls weren't on a tour, they just needed to get away from the pace of Tokyo and were visiting friends in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, but decided to take a couple of days and explore Pinang.

I was surprised to learn that, they were disappointed in how dirty Tokyo has gotten over the past few years and that neither one of them was able to find "a man" to marry. (Guys, if you're listening, Tokyo appears to be a target rich environment for mates)

Polite, attractive, and warm smiles were hard to leave, but I had some areas of the city that I wanted to investigate. After exchanging email information and taking photos with the girls, we parted ways.

I know I'll see them again, perhaps in Bangkok and if not in Bangkok, on my next trip to Tokyo. (Soon)

Curious to see the influences of the Western World on the east, I walked about a kilometer to a local (and probably thee) mall in town.

Starbucks is everywhere, but the A & W Root Beer stand was closed for good and the signage removed. I know it was an A & W Root Beer stand, because on my last trip, I sat with a guy from Romania and just talked while we each had three A & W root beer floats and waited for our visas to be processed.

Yes, I know that's a bit sick, but when each of us hadn't had one in about 20 years, they went down real easy. Was it excessive? Yes, but sometimes you have to follow your childhood palette.

This recent trip, I admit, and only to you; I ate at McDonald's. I was just in the mood for a cheeseburger.

What surprised me was that on the left side of this McDonald's on the second floor, which is really the third level, in the Prangin Mall, there was an ice cream stand.

Not just a counter, but a soft-serve machine, large counter and all the fixings for a stand-alone ice cream store. I thought it clever that you could order ice cream, McFlurry and the like at the regular counter, but there was a separate operation inside the McDonald's that just catered to the sweet-tooth in all of us.

The local military had a very intimidating display on the ground floor of the mall. There was a fully functional, triple load missile launcher, tripod, and computer guidance system for your viewing pleasure. There were no missiles, of course, but the sunglass-wearing, camouflage-dressed soldiers added that ready-for-combat flavor.

Also circulating the mall were stone-faced security guards with double-pump shotguns strapped to their backs... and yes, I felt quite safe in Malaysia.

Malaysia is mostly Muslim. The people are warm, friendly, many speak English well, and all seem to be trying to make a better life for themselves and their families. At sunrise and sunset, you'll hear the prayers being broadcast on the street.

One way to find out the thinking of a country is to visit its bookstores and music stores. I went to a store called POPULAR on the 4th floor of the mall (5th level) and immediately spotted a best seller.

The title is what really grabbed my attention; "How To Use The Internet To Earn US Dollars In Your Pajamas"

I glanced at the book, but just to show you how "the world" knows that Americans are consumers, on the back of this book it went on to state: "An Asian Internet Entrepreneur's Eye-Popping, Jaw-Dropping And Mind-Boggling Account On How You Can Make Lots Of Money From The Americans Without Ever Having To Leave Your Home Or Sell It In The Process!"

Are Americans (and I really think they mean U.S. Citizens) really viewed as the "Kings and Queens of Consumption" by the rest of the world, or at least the Asian world?

I'll leave the answer to you, but when I saw that book a light bulb went off in my head. What are they (Americans) willing to buy next?

One of the more comical moments was when I entered the elevator of my hotel with four young Chinese men and I asked, "So, which floor is the poker game on?"

They all chuckled and the leader of the group told me this truism as he put it; He said, "When two or more China-men get together it's perceived as one of two things, either it's a secret society or they're gambling."

His words, not mine and there's a very large population of Chinese in Malaysia. All-in-all, it's a very pleasant country, which brings me to another tale.

In the evening and on every trip, I thumb through the yellow pages of the city that I am in, looking for ideas for businesses, or products and services that are not available.

This tidbit has two sides to it; one side is what the traveler sees and the other side is what the traveler doesn't see.

I looked under the headings of massage, massage parlors, escort services, go-go bars, and men's clubs and came up empty.

Yes, there are lots of bars, pubs, and clubs to go drink, dance, and carouse, but no blatant display of adult entertainment.

You have to understand, I live, work, and play in Bangkok where just about everything is available 24 hours a day. All of the vices may not be legal, but most are available.

Male tourism was up more than 15 percent in 2007. Despite the tourism authority's efforts to promote the country to women, the number of female visitors to Thailand declined by more than 10 percent last year.

Now, the other side of the story, which comes from one of my taxi drivers in Pinang. We'll leave his name out in order to tell you truthfully what he told me.

Following an exchange of pleasantries on our way to the Thai Consulate, we were headed toward the airport and my departure flight.

(The only luggage I had on my return flight was a #10 envelope with some papers, money, and my passport. I left everything else in my hotel room for the housekeeping people to keep or find a home for. So, the next time that you're in Pinang, Malaysia and you see a guy with red letters on his left sleeve cuff that spell "LAZZ", it's my old shirt and the pink-stained Converse Chuck Taylor's will be easy to spot too.)

The driver is married with four children. I'm divorced with no children. He told me that, "You are lucky, you buy the milk and do not have to support the cow and deal with the problems of such an obligation."

I clearly understood the meaning of his message and told him that there were great benefits to being a man with a family. I also mentioned my fingers doing the walking in the yellow pages the night before and discovering very little to discover.

He chuckled and said, "All taxi drivers know where to go for fun. I am married, but sometimes I need fun and it is available, but not like Bangkok."

Since I have no intention of buying a cow anytime soon, I'll keep the taxi driver's wisdom with me for future reference, just in case I get tempted.

Malaysia is a wonderful country with many fine hotels, restaurants, beaches, and interesting and polite people.

My total trip cost me 12,000 Baht, which translates to approximately $386.

I probably would have spent more if I went out partying, but remember, I live in Bangkok where every day is a party and every weekend is a holiday vacation.

The race track was closed, which was probably a good thing for me and I never got to check out the building that had big bold letters that read: "Moral Uplifting Society."

Despite the great weather, delicious food, and wonderful people in Pinang, Malaysia; Bangkok, Thailand will remain my home for now.

Lazz Laszlo is a former Investment Executive and Radio & Television Financial Reporter with many entrepreneurial endeavors to his credit. He spends his time as an emcee, public speaker, enjoying life and writing about business, travel, retirement, strategy, and pleasure. To learn more, please visit Lazz's website; [http://www.925-wage-slave-alternatives.com]

Sukhumvit Soi 22

Sukhumvit Soi 22 is one among many Sois that run off the famous Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok, Thailand. It is between Benjasiri Park and Soi 20. Soi 22 is well known and frequented by foreigners. One of the reasons is that it has one of the great Bangkok landmark hotels; Queen Park Hotel. This is a massive building with two towers which were built years apart. The lobby of the hotel is gigantic and trimmed with Thai timber and design. There are massive chandeliers in the lobby. Nine floors up there is a gym and a large swimming pool which gives has a great view of Sukhumvit and Bangkok. This building represents everything that a fine hotel should be, and it is worth going there, even if just to have coffee.

Deeper into the Soi (further away from BTS Skytrain and Sukhumvit Road) is the Park Avenue Hotel which has a middle-to-upper price range. Out front there are an Italian and an Indian Restaurant on each side of the large car park.

Admiral Suites is deeper into the Soi on the same side of the road as Park Avenue. It has well-appointed studio, one bedroom, and other suites which are available on daily rate or longer period if that is required.

At the front of the Admiral Suites complex is the Green Parrot Cafe which is a favourite with tourists in the Soi because it has internet wifi. At most times of the day there will be people in the Green Parrot with their notebooks and netbooks tapping away at their keyboards.

About 30 metres deeper into the Soi is the New Cowboy Bar and Restaurant which was set up, apparently, by the same American Cowboy who set up Soi Cowboy (a fmaous sub-Soi between Soi 23 and Soi Asoke). It is full of memorabilia collected over many years and appeals particularly to visitors from the USA. The food is excellent too.

Much closer to Sukhumvit Road are two famous bar areas called Washington Square and Queen Plaza. Both have well-known Thai bars which have been operating for many years in some cases. Washington Square has the famous Bourbon Street which puts on big feasts for both Christmas Day and for America's Thanksgiving celebrations. The bars in these two places offer all that you might be looking for.

There is an internet cafe which charges 60 baht per hour to foreigners and girls that work in bars at the entrance to Washington Square. However, in a small sub-Soi not far away the rate is only 20 baht per hour, but this tends to be frequented only by Thais.

Washington Square itself is a vast tar-sealed area between Benjasiri Park and Soi 22. It has clusters of buildings on its periphery as well as a large building in its centre which has bars. On its Sukhumvit Road side a very large bar. Cutting through Washington Square is a faster way to get to The Emporium shopping complexes.

One of the famous bars on Soi 22 is the Titanium Club which has an Ice Room where you can have a Vodka or two in very cold temperatures. It is a popular venue for the young and trendy and always seems to have something going on.

All down the half of Soi 22 closest to Sukhumvit Road are massage places, such as May Massage which has the enormous feet over the entrance. People can go for any type of massage they want. The massages are really good and reasonably cheap but it is a good idea to leave a tip as well. Sometimes the massage places have big windows where you can see the interior of the massage facility and the people getting massages in big reclining chairs.

Sukhumvit Soi 22 really has something for everyone whether they are looking for a restaurant, accommodation, massage, or a bar. If you are in Bangkok or in Sukhumvit, Soi 22 it is worth a visit and remember it is quite a long way from Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy so it is much more family friendly than the lower numbered Sois.

Michael Edgerston lives in Thailand and writes on Thailand related subjects. He blogs about Sukhumvit and Thailand at Sukhumvit Blog.

Neilson Hays Library Bangkok - the Legacy of Jennie Neilson Hays

The Neilson Hays Library has its origins in early Bangkok in the latter half of the 1800s, when Silom was referred to as Windmill Road. It was 1869, a year into the reign of King Rama V.

In that year, the Ladies Bazaar Association in Bangkok, a charitable organization founded in 1866, raised funds for a library to cater for the reading needs of the increasing English speaking community residing in Bangkok.

Back then, it wasn't called the Neilson Hays Library but the Bangkok Ladies Library Association.

For a start, the books for the fledgling library were stored in a private residence. Later the Protestant Union Chapel in Charoen Krung Road took over this responsibility until 1900. (The Protestant Union Chapel later became Christ Church in Convent Road.) For the next 14 years the library was housed in temporary premises.

In 1881, Jennie Neilson, the lady who was to have considerable influence on the library and the present building, arrived in Thailand as part of the Protestant Mission. Jennie Neilson married Dr Thomas Heyward Hays, Chief of the Royal Thai Navy Hospital in 1887 and they moved to Bangkok.

From 1900 she was actively involved in the Bangkok Ladies Library Association for the next 20 years raising funds through annual bazaars to supplement the subscriptions.

The name of the library was changed to Bangkok Library Association in October 1911. In 1914, the association decided to buy a plot of land in Surawongse Road for a permanent home for the library to reduce the strain of rent.

One of the older roads in Bangkok, Surawongse Road was built in 1897 by the excavation of a canal which has since been covered for road expansion. Named after Chao Phraya Surawongse Wattanasak, Surawongse Road was a popular residential area in early Bangkok.

Jennie Neilson was President of Bangkok Library Association from 1914 till 1920 when she died of cholera. Dr Heyward Hays commissioned Mario Tamagno, an Italian architect, to design a building in memory of his wife Jennie.

Tamagno, like Annibale Rigotti, hailed from Turin the city renowned for its School of Architecture. The Italian duo was responsible for the Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall in 1907.

The other Bangkok landmarks by Tamagno are

• Suan Kularb Residential Hall and Throne Hall in Dusit Garden


• Hua Lampong Railway Station in 1910.

The new building for the library in Surawongse Road was opened on 26 June 1922 and named the Neilson Hays Library.

What piece of Italian architecture would be complete without the characteristic dome? Tamagno designed a rotunda as the grand entrance to the main building. This entrance is no longer in use and the rotunda serves as a gallery for art exhibitions today.

The stone inscription in memory of Jennie Neilson Hayes high up on the wall of the Rotunda Gallery is flanked by old photos of Jennie and Dr T Heyward Hays.

Originally set up to cater for the recreational reading of the
foreign community in Bangkok, today the Neilson Hays Library caters to a substantial local reading population, particularly children.

Activities are conducted to encourage reading habits among children and a section of the library is dedicated to the Children's Corner. In addition, art exhibitions and meet the author sessions are also organized.

The new Café Gallery has recently been completed though the interior décor and fittings have yet to be finalized. The white single-story building, just beyond the shady courtyard, includes a café and exhibition room with a bright and airy atmosphere.

In June 2006, the Neilson Hays Library commemorated its 84th anniversary. The tradition of volunteers staffing the library continues to this day. The spirit of Jennie Neilson Hays and her fellow members of the Bangkok Library Association live on in the Neilson Hays Library.

To get there, please see the map to the Neilson Hays Library.

The Neilson Hays Library is one of the old treasures you'll discover in Tour Bangkok Legacies a historical travel site on people, places and events that left their mark in the landscape of Bangkok.

The author Eric Lim, a free-lance writer, lives in Bangkok Thailand.

River Cruise in Bangkok - Sightseeing on the Chao Phraya

A river cruise in Bangkok gives an insight to the community
life on the Chao Phraya River and the legacies on this river of
kings, a picture of stark contrasts.

It needn't have to be an elaborate affair; you can cut the frills
and expenses. Plan the river cruise yourself for a more
meaningful Bangkok sightseeing tour from the Chao Phraya
River.

The Chao Phraya River is the longest river in Thailand
stretching 370 km from Nakhon Sawan, more than 200 km
north of Bangkok. The river continues past Bangkok to flow
into the Gulf of Thailand in Samut Prakan to the south.

Chao Phraya is also the highest title in ancient Thai nobility,
similar to the Duke in British nobility. The title is no longer in
use.

Attractions, landmarks and views in a river cruise in
Bangkok

Start the river cruise from the Sathorn Pier near the Taksin
Bridge; five minutes walk from the Taksin Bridge skytrain
station, the terminal station for trains from the city center.

Proceed northwards passing the scenic water front hotels like
the old Oriental Bangkok where famous writers like Joseph
Conrad and Somerset Maugham left their mark.

The first recommended stopover, in a river cruise in Bangkok,
is the Ratchawong Pier which leads to Yaowarat Chinatown,
Soi Sampheng where Chinatown started and Soi Sun Yat Sen
named after the father of the Chinese Revolution.

The Memorial Bridge, the next stop, is dedicated to King Rama
I, the founder of Bangkok. His monument, near the bridge,
depicts King Rama I on a throne gazing at the bustling city he
founded more than 220 years ago. Pahurat, the Indian
community in Bangkok is further inland.

Historical aspects of the Chao Phraya

Further upriver on the Thonburi bank, near the mouth of the
Bangkok Yai Canal, the white ramparts of Fort Vichai Prasit
come into view. This was an old Ayutthaya fort built in 1688.
King Taksin's Palace is here in the complex that's now the
Royal Thai Navy HQ.

Next to this old citadel, stands the glittering Wat Arun, Temple
of Dawn, a temple built in the Ayutthaya era.

The Bangkok Yai Canal and the Bangkok Noi Canal, further
upriver, used to be the original course of the Chao Phraya
River.

This long meander was straightened out by a canal in 1542 to
shorten sailing time to Ayutthaya. The new canal subsequently
became the present course of the Chao Phraya River.

The river cruise in Bangkok will now pass the most majestic
sight along the Chao Phraya River, the Grand Palace and the
Temple of the Emerald Buddha in old Rattanakosin, the
historical center, which is the origin of modern Bangkok.

The Thonburi bank, across from the Grand Palace, is where
old communities have lived long before Bangkok was
established as the capital. The Bangkok Noi Museum, further
inland, preserves the history of these communities.

The Royal Barge Museum is located in the Bangkok Noi Canal
near the Phra Pin Klao Bridge.

The river cruise in Bangkok next passes Fort Phra Sumen,
built in 1783 to fortify the old city. Located near the mouth of
the Banglampoo Canal, the second protective canal ring, it's
one of the two remaining forts left from the Bangkok era.

River life and scenes on the Chao Phraya

On the banks, rickety old wooden houses on stilts can be seen
in stark contrast to the spanking new houses and
condominiums. The noodle vendor in a boat sells her food from
house to house as restaurants provide riverside dining near the
some of the piers.

The most spectacular bridge across the Chao Phraya River
encountered in a river cruise in Bangkok is the King Rama
VIII Bridge, a suspension bridge that stands out like a giant
harp over the water. Bang Khun Phrom Palace, which houses
the Bank of Thailand Museum, is nearby.

Bridges across the Chao Phraya River serve as useful
landmarks in a river cruise in Bangkok. Some piers, located
near these bridges, are named after them. You'll pass under
eight bridges in the entire river cruise.

Further upriver life gets less touristy and more rustic,
particularly on the Thonburi bank. Many piers are named
after wats (temples) located nearby, around which community
life is built. Some of these temples, though less well known, are
equally beautiful as their city counterparts.

Chao Phraya boat services for a river cruise of
Bangkok

Chao Phraya River boats ply along the river during the
day stopping at regular piers. These boats are an inexpensive
and convenient way for a Bangkok sightseeing tour of the river.

A Chao Phraya tourist boat service is also available for a day
tour of selected areas and piers. Boat rental services are also
available for groups of 20 or more.

A total of 34 Chao Phraya river piers located along this 25 km
winding stretch of river. You don't have to go all the way
though, just take your pick and get on and off where you wish.

A river cruise in Bangkok provides a very different perspective
of life in the city on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, an
aspect you can't get from the usual Bangkok city tour.

This article, by Eric Lim, first appeared in Tour Bangkok Legacies, a historical travel site on people, places and events that shaped the landscape of Bangkok. Lim, a free-lance writer, lives in Bangkok Thailand.

Cheap Guest Friendly Hotels in Bangkok's Red Light Districts

Finding a cheap guest friendly hotel in any of Bangkok's red light districts is easy. There are simply so much to choose from. Though some hotels stand out above the rest for quality and service all wrapped in an unbelievable affordable rates. Because finding the right hotel will make the difference between a perfect holiday and a holiday in hell.

Bangkok's red light districts are found in 3 central areas of the city; Sukhumvit, Nana and Patpong. All are within easy reach by riding the BTS Sky Trains which are quick and convenient. You can also take a taxi too but be prepared to get stuck in traffic during rush hour.

Sukhumvit's red light district is called Soi Cowboy. Though it's the smallest in size this one lane adult entertainment haven is where you'll find some of the most popular go go bar names such as Long Gun, Rawhide and Cowboy.  Some of the best budget guest friendly hotels near here are Admiral Suites, Citadines 23 Serviced Apartments and Livingstones Lodge.

Nana's red light district is more widespread but most of the action is found in Nana Entertainment Plaza. It's a small 3 story building jam packed with go go bars and an open bar area in the center. Some of the most popular cheap guest friendly hotels nearby is the Majestic Suites, Nana Hotel and Swiss Park Hotel.

Finally Patpong's red light district is simply called Patpong, consisting of 2 lanes running parallel to each other. Patpong is where you'll also find the widely popular Night Market for tourists, running side by side with the flesh bars and clubs. The Rose Hotel is a guest friendly hotel that is literally right outside Patpong.

Bangkok's guest friendly hotels are popular so you should book at least 2 months in advance. It's also a good idea to keep a second choice hotel in mind just in case.

For a more reviews of Bangkok hotels visit Bangkok Budget Guest Friendly Hotels.

James P. Hunt is an avid traveler and writer for an underground blog with information about Bangkok's nightlife. He also a writer and contributor for http://www.bangkokguestfriendlyhotels.com, the definitive online resource about Bangkok hotels.

Best Family Friendly Hotels in Bangkok

Traveling to the exotic far off city of Bangkok in Thailand will definitely provide a great cultural learning experience for the entire family. But Bangkok is also well known for its seedy nightlife and red light districts. And I'm sure no family wants to stay anywhere near one. But there are plenty of excellent family friendly hotels in Bangkok that are far away from the unsavory areas.

When choosing a family friendly hotel in Bangkok it is best to look in the areas of Siam, Pratunam and Chit Lom. All three of those areas are the commercial shopping districts in Bangkok and nowhere near the red light districts.

But the biggest reason why it's best to stay in those areas is because you'll have easy access to the BTS Sky Train, Bangkok's affordable mass transit public transportation. You can even transfer to the MRT, Bangkok's underground trains from the Sky Train. The Sky Train's fares are really affordable and the tracks are elevated above the busiest streets of Bangkok. The Sky Train is definitely one of the best ways to get your family around the main attractions all over Bangkok.

One of the best family friendly hotels in Bangkok is located across the mighty Chao Phraya River. It's called the Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa, a common name in the hotel industry well known for high standards and quality. Since it is situated near the river most rooms have an excellent view of the horizon. Kids can play in one of the best pools in Bangkok while parents can indulge themselves to a first class spa treatment. There are ferry boats to take you across the river and a shuttle bus to take you to the nearest Sky Train station from the Marriott.

If you're looking for a more central location in Bangkok with plenty of luxury department stores then check out the Grand Centre Point Ratchadamri. Technically the Grand Centre Point is a serviced apartment designed for long stay residence. But they welcome short stay vacationers as well. This property contains a huge swimming pool with a kid's pool with plenty of space for tanning and relaxing. There's even a kid's playground inside complete with a private home theater filled with the latest DVD movies.

Another really great family friendly hotel is the Novotel Siam Square. The Novotel is certainly in a prime location. Directly across from the Novotel is the Siam Paragon, Bangkok's newest luxury item super mall with a large aquarium called Siam Ocean World. It's the only place in the world where you can buy the newest Ferrari and dive with sharks in one location. Teens will love Siam Square filled with hip shops and boutiques run by up and coming Thai fashion designers.

Most family friendly hotels are located near many malls with family fun activities such as ice skating rinks, movie theaters and even bowling alleys.

For more information visit Best Family Friendly Hotels in Bangkok for a list of popularly recommended hotels.

Edwin M. Clark is a business consultant who travels to Southeast Asia, specifically to Thailand for over 8 years. His experience and knowledge in the region has provided valuable information and resources for business ventures and mid range to major corporations in the travel industry.

Discover Bangkok - The Good, The Bad And The Ugly

Anyone intending to travel to Thailand my appreciate this snapshot of life in Bangkok, Thailand. There are many different aspects to Bangkok in every possible sense and this is only providing a brief glimpse of a few of them here.

First the Good:

Number one on most peoples list after a visit to Thailand is the people. Amongst the most accomodating and friendly on the planet, usually they cannot do enough for you and when they have done all they can they'll find some one else who can do even more to help you. The tourist industry thrives partly due to the fact that Thais are so service minded and so very good at it. Several of the Worlds finest Hotels are located in Bangkok such as The Sukhothai and The Oriental both demonstrating this extraordinary level of service.

Now The Bad:

Well, I guess we have all heard of the usual scams and yes they all do exist here but by in large though if you were sensible you wouldn't get caught out. As an exception to this there are a certain amount of scams that appear so well organised that anyone could easily fall prey to them if they were unwary. Travellers report the lengths that the scammers go to even recruiting monks to aid there success! Just google bangkok scams and you'll find a host of examples and travellers warnings.

In many areas of Bangkok you will also unfortunately experience the Bangkok stench that often permeates from badly covered sewerage pipes and drains. The easiest solution is to go into any of the tremendous array of restaurants available.

Finally The Ugly:

There is a large thriving market in sex tourism based mainly around areas such as Nana Plaza, Soi Cowboy and Patpong. These places cater largely for the lone male sex tourist and the 'bar girls' there appear experts at identifying the wealthier tourists and extracting cash from their wallets with expert ease.

And well lastly the recent 'Coup' wasn't nice but fortunately within a couple of days local expats reported young children jumping and crawling over the tanks in the street and being given brief tours by some of the soldiers on duty. Whilst still the countries politics may not be in a very good state it certainly appears to not have bothered the tourism industry or expat community too much.

There really is so much to promote about Thailand the list is never ending including: Scuba-diving, Islands, world-class restaurants and stunning national parks and wildlife. All yours to discover and made even easier with the ability to transfer money overseas from your home country to Thailand boosting your travelling budget within moments.

Author Stephen Ryan has been traveling and writing about Asian travel for some years now providing up to date and relevant information for todays independent travelers. More information available at Money Transfer

The 5 Most Popular Travel Destinations in Thailand

Travelers who are planning a trip to Thailand will be able to choose from a wide variety of wonderful travel destinations. There are many beautiful Thai islands from which they can select as well as other type of travel destinations such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Tourists can choose to visit the North of Thailand which has beautiful mountains, magnificent flora and fauna and unique hill tribes. Those travelers that have a preference for a nice relaxing beach holiday can choose to stay at one of the popular Thai travel destinations such as Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin or Koh Samui.

Thailand has something to offer to all travelers which is why Thailand is such as ideal tourist destination. If you need help in deciding where in Thailand you should spend your vacation then be sure to consider the following 5 most popular travel destinations in Thailand.

Bangkok

Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and nearly all travelers going to Thailand will pass through this popular Thai travel destination. Although Bangkok has a bad reputation due to the bad traffic problems and the air pollution, Bangkok is definitely one destination where every traveler should spend a few days during their vacation in Thailand. Bangkok has many great attractions such as beautiful Buddhist temples, a variety of spectacular shopping malls and unique activities such as the floating market.

Phuket

One of the most visited travel destinations in Thailand is Phuket. This popular island is in fact the largest island in Thailand and Phuket has many attractions to offer its visitors. The beaches on Phuket are among the most beautiful beaches in Thailand and there are plenty of excellent Phuket beach resorts from which travelers can select. Many travelers choose to visit Phuket on vacation because of the world famous Phuket nightlife and the many great Phuket bars. Other popular tourist attractions on Phuket include the Phuket Fantasea Show, the Simon Cabaret Show and of course a number of world class golf courses. A number of different airlines offer multiple flights a day from one of the Bangkok airports to Phuket International Airport.

Pattaya

Pattaya is the beach resort area which is closest located to Bangkok which is why many local Bangkok residents visit Pattaya during weekends. The beach at Pattaya is actually not very impressive when compared to the beaches found on Phuket or Samui however the beach is not the primary reason why Pattaya is one of the most popular travel destinations in Thailand. The biggest attraction for many visitors is in fact the lively nightlife which can be found in Pattaya. There are thousands of beer bars and other type of Pattaya nightlife venues where tourists can mingle with the lovely Thai girls that work in these establishments. The fastest way to reach Pattaya from Bangkok is by car. A taxi from Bangkok to Pattaya will cost you around 1200 THB.

Samui

Samui is a beautiful tropical island which is located off the east coast of Thailand. The beaches on Samui are even more beautiful then those found on Phuket. The most popular Samui beaches are all located on the east coast of Koh Samui and are Chaweng beach, Lamai beach and Big Buddha beach. If you are looking for a resort area on Samui which offers plenty of activities and plenty of nightlife venues then be sure to book a hotel or resort in Chaweng beach. Both Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways offer several daily flights from Bangkok to Samui.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai offers travelers a different type of holiday experience then what those travelers visiting one of the beach destinations experience. Chiang Mai is located in the mountains in the North of Thailand. Chiang Mai is a great destination for those travelers that would really like to experience Thai culture and the cultures of the hill tribes. If you enjoy the nature then Chiang Mai is a great choice as there are various great attractions in and around Chiang Mai such as trekking, rafting, elephant riding and visits to the nearby hill tribes. A number of different airlines offer several flights per day to Chiang Mai from either one of the Bangkok airports. The best time to visit Chiang Mai is during Song Kran which is the Thai New Year festival.

James is travel consultant living on Phuket and is working on a number of projects. If you are looking for information about Phuket then be sure to visit his Phuket guide which includes an excellent section on Phuket jobs

The Gulf of Siam, Thailand - Your Island-Hopping, Adventure-Honeymoon Destination

Ever seen the film, The Beach? Idyllic beaches, pristine waters and unending adventure: the chain of islands in the Gulf of Siam is the perfect location for a sizzling-hot honeymoon, romantic but also adrenaline pumping. Come honeymoon planning, evaluate the many pros (all items listed above) and cons (expensive flight, long flight) and you'll see that the pros definitely outweigh the cons. Lazing about on hammocks overlooking the water, island hopping and jungle trekking a la Leonardo DiCaprio in The Beach is the perfect fit for adventure-honeymoon seekers.

The islands of Koh Chang on the east of the gulf, and Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and Koh Samui on the west, are all within short and easy bus or train routes from Bangkok. On these islands you'll find everything from beautiful, quiet beaches, loud and un-ending full moon parties, five star luxury hotels, sweet and simple cabanas, as well as every water adventure you can think of.

Here is a two-week adventure-honeymoon itinerary from Thailand's capital, Bangkok City, to the main islands of the Gulf of Siam.

Day 1: Arrive at Bangkok international airport in the afternoon and take a cab to the very affordable Amari Boulevard Boutique Hotel in the centre of the commercial district (check with your travel agent, as this luxury boutique hotel often hosts package deals with Thai Airlines.) After unpacking and a quick lunch of Pad Thai and pineapple juice for 60 baht (about 2 US dollars - makes up for the expensive flight!), walk down the main strip of the area, packed with souvenir and traditional gift shops. Back at the hotel, book a very affordable guided tour of the city for the next day. Then walk out to the internet café/travel shops and book a bus trip, about an hour east, to the island of Koh Chang.

Day 2: After an early breakfast in the hotel restaurant, climb aboard the bus around 8:30 in the morning and experience the vibrancy of the city: the tuk-tuks pulling people along the street, flower markets with buckets full of fresh blooms and gorgeous Thai silk skirts. On your tour, you will get to see some of the city's favorite sights: the Grand Palace of Siam, Wat Pho Temple, and the famous Reclining Buddha (which also makes an appearance in the film, The Beach).

Day 3: Rise early and catch the bus to Koh Chang Island. It is about an hour ride across the beautiful countryside. From Trat, you'll take a glorious ferry ride over the water to the island. After disembarking the ferry, hitch a ride on a friendly truck to Magic Resort - a family run resort with private cabanas and honeymoon suites right on the beach. The on-site restaurant serves delicious food - green curries, mango salads, spicy fish stir-fry.

Day 4: Meet your hosts: Nong, the village fisherman, Neng, the village Elvis (named for his great karaoke singing), and Henry - a part-time expat from Germany who lives at the resort 6 months out of the year and is the English translator for the family. They are a riot.

Day 5, 6: Still here. You won't want to leave. After singing karaoke, you have visited all the neighborhood thatched-roof pubs, ridden on elephants in the jungle and watched villagers tap the rubber trees. You've relaxed on the pristine white sands of the beach and read several novels from cover to cover, or you've meditated on the water, watching monks glide along the sand in their saffron robes. You're sitting beside your loved one, asking, "Is this a honeymoon? Or a dream?"

Day 7: Back to Bangkok. From there book a train to the island of Koh Samui. A longer ride, but you can catch a comfortable train or a local flight so that you can stretch your legs.

Day 8: You are in Koh Samui, staying at the luxurious Amari Palm Reef Resort. It is here, with the unrivaled view of the beaches, 2 swimming pools, and spa services that you will enjoy the romantic "honeymoon" stage of the journey (if you haven't already!) Beautiful palm-fringed, hilly landscapes, Cheweng Beach close by, and only minutes from Wat Prha Yai, home of the sitting Golden Buddha. Rent a scooter and ride around the island. The landscape is wild.

Day 9: Still at the pool. You just can't leave.

Day 10 and 11: Getting a little bit bored? Catch a ferry over to the next island about 30 minutes north to Koh Phangan - rumored to be the filming site for The Beach. Here you can snorkel the deep waters and lounge in hammocks during the day. Enjoy a beach Thai massage for 6 US dollars. Then join the Half Moon or Full Moon party at night.

Day 12 and 13: Another short ferry ride north takes you to Koh Tao. This is often the favorite island for many adventure honeymooners for its unspoiled beauty. The terrain is hilly, a little more difficult for your scooter to navigate, but less touristy. It is a great scuba diving and snorkeling destination and also boasts some great locations for rock-climbers (all the gear for these adventure sports are readily available from rentals on the island.)

Day 14: Back to the big city by train. After your final authentic Thai meal, catch a cab back to the airport. On the plane, devise a plan for when you'll next return for a longer stay.

Discover honeymoon stories, tips and more articles at http://www.myhoneymoonstory.com

Bangkok Pills, Weight Loss, and You - If it Sounds Too Good to Be True, It's Too Good to Be True

Someone recently asked where to get something called Bangkok Pills. It seemed like they knew what they were talking about, but I had no idea what they were, so I did a bit of research.

The first few places that I found were marketing-related sites trying to hawk them as some special weight loss pill from Thailand, but further research revealed that their name actually came from the fact that they were illegally smuggled from Thailand into the United States (or wherever). One wonders why such an amazing pill would have to be smuggled around instead of being widespread in its use.

Bangkok pills are supposed to allow you to burn weight without any real exercise. As someone who has struggled with their weight for their entire life, I could definitely see the draw towards them, until I realized what's inside them. The key ingredients in Bangkok pills include Fen-Phen (Fenfluramine and Phentermine) and Ephedrine.

Fen-Phen has existed as a weight loss combination for quite some time, but its use has been riddled with nasty side effects, including drowsiness, fatigue, increased heart rate, short-term memory loss, and vomiting. Sounds like lots of fun, especially when my current workout routine keeps me feeling alert and energized, instead of amnesic and tired.

Ephedrine is equally fun, with side effects ranging from more drowsiness to chest pain, sweating, palpitations, and once again, vomiting.

In short, there is a very good reason why Bangkok Pills are banned. I would rather be slightly overweight than constantly vomiting and tired, and I don't see why anyone would feel otherwise.

Amy writes for Asian Beauty Blog, a free makeup website that includes a makeup forum and a section for makeup tips. Join Asian Beauty Blog today for more great articles!

Thailand Hotels - Refreshing Moments

Are you are looking for a beautiful place where you can come in close contact with the Mother Nature? Then you should come to the Southeast Asian country, Thailand. It is a wonderful place to make your vacation an unforgettable experience. Thailand has some popular beaches and is home to green forests, natural wonders and entertainment areas that draw a large number of tourists every year. Phuket, Pattaya, Bangkok, Koh Samui and Chaiang Mai are the five main cities in Thailand that are supposedly treated as the best holiday destinations in Thailand. Thailand remains warm through out the year having a variation of climate.

Accommodation

Staying over here is not at all a difficult matter. You can simply walk into any of the outstanding hotels in Thailand and book a room for yourself and your family. According to your budget and preferences, you can try out any of the hotels in Thailand. You will find many excellent resorts and hotels in Thailand welcome you to the beachside destination. To make your search simpler, the numerous Thailand hotels are categorized into five-star, four-star, three-star and two-star hotels. The hotels in Thailand can be divided into Luxury and Budget hotels.

The luxury or deluxe hotels in Thailand are some of the best accommodation options found in Thailand. The luxury hotels in Thailand offer a wide range of top-class services and amenities that will certainly leave you mesmerized. Rooms at these luxury hotels are spacious and boast of huge comfortable beds, writing table, closets and ceiling fans. Private balconies or terraces are there for you to enjoy marvelous view of the surrounding area. The facilities that are provided in each of the rooms are custom made to meet the demands of both the business and leisure travelers. The various room facilities offered by the luxury hotels include air conditioning facility with individual controlling temperature devices, attached bathrooms with showers and bathtubs, well stocked mini bars, satellite television, coffee and tea makers, hairdryer and others. You don't need to worry about the dining facility in these hotels. The in-house restaurants serve gourmet delicacies that are sure to give you an excellent culinary experience. You will be catered to a host of Thailand delicacies that will make you lick your lips. Hotel amenities and services at the luxury hotels also cover the business, recreation and other associated services.

If you have a fixed budget, then you can go for any of the budget or low cost hotels in Thailand The budget hotels in Thailand are in no way inferior to any of the luxury hotels in Thailand. The facilities available in these low cost hotels may not be as extensive as the luxury or deluxe hotels, but no doubt you can expect a good combination of all the excellent services. These services and facilities not only assure you a hassle free vacation but also let you live in a stylish and comfortable manner. These hotels in Thailand offer well appointed rooms that have television, refrigerators, safe deposit box, ceiling fan, closets and others. The hotel amenities are quite good and includes parking space, swimming pools, meeting rooms, room service, laundry, parking and others.

For more online information on Thailand Hotels, please log on to Asiarooms

Old Stamps - Impressions At A Stamp Exhibition

Old stamps feature pictures of stamps from the 20th Asian International Stamp Exhibition in Bangkok at the Royal Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon held from 3 - 12 August 2007.

Walking through the rows of old postage stamps flooded my mind with a mix of memories of momentous events, of the rise and fall of great empires, some of which have occurred in my lifetime. These were some of the pictures of stamps that caught my eye.

Penny Black stamps

England's Penny Black, the first pre-paid adhesive stamp in the world, was issued in 1840 in the reign of Queen Victoria at the height of the British Empire. The demise of the Empire came a century later, when Japan shattered Britain's invincibility in World War II.

Old stamps Solot

In 1883, in the reign of King Rama V the first Thai stamp Solot (named after the price of the stamps in the old Thai currency) was issued. The postal service was one of the many reforms in the Chakri Reformation during the Fifth Reign from 1868 - 1910.

These two seemingly simple old stamps changed the lives of millions.

Chinese military mail

Chinese military mail during the Sino-Japanese War 1894 - 1895, a long forgotten war, was a harbinger of worse to come. In the following century, Japan invaded China in the 1930s and South East Asia in the 1940s. Born after the war, I was spared the horrors of Japanese occupation. My grandparents and parents weren't so lucky.

Letter from Mafeking

Lord Baden Powell's letter from Mafeking brought back pleasant Boy Scout memories, the outdoor adventures and the wholesome values imbued by the international Scouting movement.

Old stamps on a letter from Sungei Golok

Narathiwat is the southern province in Thailand, adjacent to the Malaysian state of Kelantan. It's also currently gripped in a Muslim insurgency. Who could have sent that letter from Sungei Golok, an obscure little town in Narathiwat, to Paris in 1936?

Commemorative stamps - coronation of HM Queen Elizabeth II

The first day cover for the coronation of HM Queen Elizabeth II on 2 June 1953 reminds me of my mother. She still treasures the crockery set commemorating the event in 1953, that's proudly displayed in her showcase at home in Singapore.

Old stamps in the turbulent decades

The red stamps of China's Cultural Revolution were reminiscent of a turbulent age; the anti-colonial struggles in the 50s, the Communist insurgencies in the 60s and the climax of the Vietnam War in the 70s.

In April 1975 after the North Vietnamese took Saigon, the Prime Minister of Thailand, M R Kukrit Pramoj, asked the Thai army high command how long it would take the Vietnamese to reach Bangkok. The answer was a matter of days!!!

We shuddered when the Vietnamese marched into Phnom Penh in 1976. By then, the fanaticism of Mao's Red Guards paled in comparison to the killing fields in Cambodia and the grim prospect of battle hardened troops knocking on our doors.

Genghis Khan - man of the millennium

Mongolia's Genghis Khan resurrected images of the great warrior, in my school books, whose Empire stretched from Beijing to the Caspian Sea and the Danube as his horsemen rattled the gates of Eastern Europe. His military feats have been unsurpassed since.

These were the old stamps that caught my eye, images of men and women whose actions have moved the lives of millions around the world. Stamps tell different stories through different eyes. Take a journey through the pictures of stamps and find out, what's your story?

Photos of the stamps mentioned in this article are available at Old stamps which first appeared in Tour Bangkok Legacies a historical travel site on people, places and events that left their mark in the landscape of Bangkok.

For more on the history of Thai stamps, please see the Philatelic Museum in Bangkok.

The author Eric Lim lives in Bangkok Thailand and writes for this do-it-yourself historical travel guide for independent travelers.

Marketing Challenges

Marketing in Bangkok is a unique experience when compared to many other cities and certainly when compared to American cities. First, the Asian culture is completely different from the west. Second, although the overwhelming majority of people in Bangkok are Thai, there are also sizable communities of people who speak Japanese, English and Chinese. This means that trying to reach people through Traditional media can be difficult since there are Thai, English and Japanese newspapers here and radio stations in Thai, English and Chinese. And the mass market TV stations are all in Thai.

Since reaching people through traditional media is difficult many forward-thinking marketers are turning increasingly to the internet. There are many Thai language websites here in Thailand but many Thais also use English-language sites to a certain degree. Therefore, many marketers that are trying to reach local audiences for different products have quite a number of options. YouTube and Google, for example, get large numbers of Thai visitors and there is also a Thai-language versions of Google.

There are also a few Thai-language video sharing sites, although they receive very small amounts of traffic compared to YouTube. So, marketers here are producing content that is in English or Thai and also using tags in both languages to experiment with the effectiveness of tags that are not in English. Since Thais search in both languages this should ultimately prove to be successful.

Marketing companies in Bangkok are also using email marketing as part of their mix although reliable email lists are hard to come by here. However, there are some small lists available that are relatively reliable and there is at least one company that we know of that sends out weekly newsletters to its 40,000-strong database of businesses and you can pay to put an HTML ad inside it.

And, as connection and download speeds become faster here in Thailand, the use of video is becoming more and more important to marketers looking to use the fastest-growing and most effective method of communicating ideas. As mentioned above, there are very few Thai video-sharing sites but the major video-sharing sites in the world are becoming more popular here and traffic is on the rise.

As in other more developed countries, Thailand is also turning to the internet but the progress here has been somewhat slower. With recent technology and infrastructure improvements here, however, that progress should quicken and propel Thailand into the ranks of its more advanced neighbors.

Tom Aikins is a Bangkok-based consultant specializing in search engine optimization and internet marketing at www.seonorthamerica.com. He regularly presents seminars on these subjects and also writes about the carbon offset industry for the website www.carbonoffsetstandard.com.

Best Things to Do in Thailand, Beaches Near Bangkok and Andaman

Thailand's white and turquoise beaches, golden Buddhist temples, bloody history and marketplace culture are loved by both end of the travel budget scale. Some visitors just swing though the country on a beeline to the coast, while some take months meandering though; either way Bangkok, nearby beaches and the islands are some of the best things to do in Thailand.

Most visitors to Thailand fly into Bangkok. Bangkok has a reputation for a lot of different things, but most visitors will want to see the temples, eat and shop in the markets and make time to tour the city in a canal, and these are some of the best things to do in Thailand. Unless you're a fan of your local red light district you might want to swap a trip to the seedy, now touristy, red light district in favour of some cheap pampering elsewhere.

Top things to do in Thailand: Bangkok, includes visits to the Wat Phra Kaew: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, who is actually made of jade or jasper, the Temple of the Standing Buddha, Wat Traimit: and Wat Benchamabophit: also called the Marble Temple, made all of white, polished Italian marble and both one of Bangkok's most beautiful and most popular temples. The Grand Palace, the ornate European building with the Thai style roof made famous by 'The King and I', and home to Thailand's parliament since the 18th Century, and the Vimanmek Mansion Museum, a national museum, the world's largest teak building and a good place to come to see classical Thai dancing, Thai folk dance and martial arts demonstrations, are two of more of the best things to do in Thailand.

Go shopping, of the best things to do in Thailand, another thing people travel to Bangkok for, at Talat Kao Market for Chinese specialities, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, for a truly unique veggie shopping experience, or for everything else at Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the world's largest markets with around 15,000 stalls. And if you're not a shopper, maybe duck off to see some Muay Thai boxing at Rajadamnern Stadium.

Another of the best things to do in Thailand is to visit some of the islands, of which Thailand has hundreds, but the two most visited groups are Ko Tao, Ko Samui and co. in the Gulf of Thailand near the Ang Thong Marine Park and Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lipe and co. in the Andaman Sea near Phuket and the Phang Nga Bay, out of which James Bond Island - the one used in 'The Man with the Golden Gun' - sticks like a dagger - seeing it is definitely one of the best things to do in Thailand.

The islands sprinkled round the Gulf of Thailand are fringed with coconut groves and white beaches, and warm, footprint-less, sandy coves; many of them have lush interiors, especially those of the Ang Thong Archipelago, or interesting limestone formations. Ko Samui is probably the most idyllically famous, but Ko Tao is supposed to be the new Ko Samui - more 'The Beach', than 'The Beach' beach, and is popular with divers and those on more modest budgets. Most visitors to these islands come for some resort and relaxation time - another one of the best things to do in Thailand.

On the other side of Thailand, the Andaman Sea Islands are the ones that look like giant limestone daggers with a sprinkling of bright green alfalfa jungle on top, plunging deep into sandy bottomed, turquoise seas, in dispersed with sandier islands totally ringed with perfect tropical beaches. Hundreds of islands make up this group, loved by divers snorkellers, paddlers, sailors and people who appreciate luxury resorts or just really lovely beaches.

WorldRevier.com has independent travel reviews written by many travel experts including the best things to do in Thailand, Beaches near Bangkok and Andaman Park

Bangkok's Floating Market

Although it's known as Bangkok's floating market the Damnoen Saduak floating market is actually about 100 kilometers Southwest of Bangkok in Ratchaburi Province. If, like me, you've seen many pictures of people selling many colorful fruits and vegetables on the open waters of the canals then this has been on your list to see while in Bangkok. Although there are many different floating markets to be seen around Thailand, Damnoen Saduak floating market is the oldest and largest of them.

Unfortunately all those pretty pictures you've seen of Damnoen Saduak floating market are either a marketing ploy or just some tourists way of making themselves feel better after being ripped off at Thailand's largest tourist trap. The truth is 90% of the merchants at the floating market are selling tourist trinkets like carved elephants, Thailand t-shirts, hammocks and of course those straw hats you see the merchants wearing at the market. Most of the merchants are actually on the banks of the canals and the boat drivers get a cut of the sales so they stop at all the souvenir shops. You'll see people selling fruits and vegetables from their boats but they are few in comparison to the trinket traps.

Now, I knew all this going into it and actually the scam starts well before you get to the market but I had other plans. First let me tell you how the scam lays out. Taxi drivers throughout Bangkok have brochures of the floating market and they push it to all the tourists. They will tell you that they will take you there on the meter or off the meter for 800-1000 baht. You might think that's a good deal considering the distance away from Bangkok, and it is.

The taxi drivers make their money from kickbacks. Once they get you to the area they take you to the power boat tour of the Damnoen Saduak floating market where the operators meet you at the taxi and give you a bottle of water before telling you the cost for a 2 hour trip around the market will cost you 3500-4500 baht per person (over $100). At this point they have you. Most likely you know nothing of the market and don't realize there are other boat operators and you've come such a long way to see it so you relent and pay up.

Knowing all this beforehand I decided to go about my trip to Damnoen Saduak floating a different way. One morning while walking through Bangkok a taxi driver gave me the spiel and I told him I knew the deal but I still wanted to go. I needed to go to Pattaya in a few days and I told him I would use him for that trip as well if he could get me a deal, surprisingly he said "ok". He said I could pay the meter or 1000 baht and he would charge me 1400 baht to go to Pattaya. The deal was set and he picked me up 7am the next morning.

You see, I didn't care about the floating market except to get a few of the traditional photographs of the fruit and vegetable merchants selling from their boats. I knew that the two market areas that comprised The Damnoen Saduak floating market were a very small part of the canal system, the larger part is where the people live and that was what I wanted to see...and like a box of crackerjacks there is a prize hidden in the canals, a beautiful temple which very few tourists to the floating market ever get to see.

After the hour and a half journey to the floating market the taxi driver hooked me up with a power boat owner that would cruise me through the markets then through the residential canals and to the temple located further back. The boat set me back 800 baht but that was a cheap price to see the markets my way without stopping at every souvenir shop along the way.

The two main areas of the floating market were indeed made up of many trinket shops but there were still great photos to be had of the merchants selling from their boats. I'm told that if you can get onto the klongs (canals) before 8am then you will have the best scenery to shoot as that's when the locals are actually paddling around selling to each other and there aren't many tourists around. By 9am the klongs surrounding the markets are heaving with full boats of tourists and you can get quite jostled around by the boats hitting one another in the crowded lanes.

Once through the market areas We stopped for some coconut soup before heading into the residential area of the canals which were beautiful. You can see the floating market's impact on the surrounding area by the new houses being built, some of them are very nice. All the houses had many flowers planted and the owners seemed very proud. Of course there were some real shacks as well with trash strewn everywhere but they were few and far between.

We then went to the Wat at the end of one canal. The Wat itself was very beautiful but certain areas looked like they needed to be fixed up. I spent over an hour at the Wat complex and was surprised that I was alone the whole time, not one other tourist was to be seen.

All in all it was a great trip for me because I knew what I was in store for. If you find yourself wanting to visit Damnoen Saduak floating market keep in mind a few things. Getting there early is key to getting the best pictures of the market. Plan beforehand how you will be getting to the market, whether it be by hotel tour or taking a taxi ride. The powerboats are expensive but the paddle boats will cost you 100-200 baht per hour. Keep in mind that you will be riding in these boats with other tourists unless you can make a deal and they also won't go much further than the markets due to paddle power.

If you are tight on time and have many of Bangkok's attractions to see then give the floating markets a pass because it isn't worth missing Wat Arun or the Grand Palace. If you still have your heart set on seeing the floating market then make a day trip out of it and visit the famous rose gardens and Tiger Temple as well as they are very close.

Born and raised in Baltimore Maryland I finally set out to discover the world in 2006. South East Asia has always been a beacon for me and Thailand its crowned jewel.

I write about my experiences in Thailand as well as the cultural aspects of being a foreigner in a foreign land. My blog Thailand, Land of smiles is full of stories and thousands of photos from my journeys throughout Thailand. I blog daily about Thailand at: http://thailandlandofsmiles.com