Fun and Cheap Shopping in Bangkok - Chatuchak Weekend Market

When mentioning about markets in Bangkok, Chatuchak, weekend market always tops the list. It is the most famous market in Bangkok for cheap shopping, with an endless variety of products in massive scale. In recent years, other markets soon subsequently sprout around the city, attempting to challenge the authority of Chatuchak's. But Chatuchak still stands firmly as the mother of all markets.

Covering 35 acres of land area, Chatuchak boasts over 15,000 stalls. This weekend market, as the name states so explicitly, is opened only on weekends, and it is probably one of the most famous markets in the world as well. Exploring this enormous market is no easy task, even with a good map in hand. However, if you do so, you will pretty much find everything here, right in this market. The numbered alleys and lanes are helpful if you happen to lose your way around.

The market is divided into different sections, with a different colour depicting each different zone. There's a section for clothing, a section for handicrafts, and other sections will include items such as jewellery, antiques, ceramics, pets, vintage magazines, stamps and coins, collector's items, household goods, arts, plants, wholesale items, and food. Some shops do not always adhere to the goods specified in the stated sections, so most of the time it boils down to our exploration skills. It's rather impossible to see everything the market has to offer, so just try to explore each zone and you should see most of the products selling in the market. In some shops, you might even see surprises like an old Levi's jacket that has not been seen in shops for years.

For the best time to be there, it is advised to visit the market early, as the place can get really crowded as the day goes on. In addition, the temperature can rise rapidly as the afternoon sun hangs in the sky, and most likely you will get all wet and sticky and uncomfortable in the high heat and humidity conditions.

Bargaining is a must in this market, and it is considered the perfect location to put your bargaining skills to the test. Thai people even when bargaining, likes to do it with a smile. With a friendly and humorous attitude, and armed with a big smile, they are your best weapons to secure the best possible deal.

As few stalls or shops accept credit cards, it is recommended to bring enough cash along with you. But do be aware and on the alert for pickpockets, as theft is common in this place, and it's up to us to proper protect our belongings and valuables. It takes just an instant to lose something valuable like our wallets.

There are many novel stalls in the market, as an interesting feature of this market is that many up-and-coming Thai artists and businessman actually started their careers with a stall at this market. So following in their footsteps, there are lots of aspiring talents hoping to emulate previous successes with their innovative crafts. Food and drinks are aplenty all over the market, together with unusual and mind-boggling Thai snacks such as deep-fried insects, scorpions and frogs, mostly heavily spiced. Try them if you dare, and you might just fall in love with them.

Chatuchak is opened from 0800 to 1800 hours on weekends and also Fridays (wholesale day).

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Koh Samui is a Luxury Destination in Thailand

Koh Samui, or Samui, is one of Thailand's most scenic islands, situated in the Gulf of Thailand. Located around 85 km east of Surat Thani and around 700 km south of Bangkok, Koh Samui is the biggest island in the Gulf of Siam and 3rd biggest island in Thailand. It is also called as Coconut Island due to its infinite number of coconut trees, giving over 2 million coconuts a month.

Koh Samui's main attraction is its peaceful atmosphere rich in mountainous forest grounds, lush tropical ferns, swaying coconut trees, long section of pure white sandy beaches, granite stones, clear blue water, excellent waterfalls, and luminous ponds. Due to this, many tourists from Europe come here all the year round.

Wua Ta Lap, a dramatic cave is one of the most famous Koh Samui attractions. The most famous attraction of Koh Samui is Pra Yai or the Big Buddha. It is a 12 mt tall golden idol, located at the northern part of the island. This awesome idol can be seen even from afar. Situated at the southern region of the island, lies Na Thian Butterfly Garden. It is one more renowned attraction, containing various types of butterflies. There is a well-kept garden, bee house, and a Thai type home connected to the garden.

There are few attractive places in the area, like Hin Ta Hin Yai, 2 famous granite stones that show up among many other rock structures along the shore. These 2 rocks, mean Grandfather and Grandmother and are regarded as the starting point of the Mui people. Attractions also comprise of the Samui Aquarium having various tropical fish and nautical fauna. Other must-see attractions include Thale Nai, surrounded by mountains; the statue Garden showcasing a collection of Buddhist and Hindu Statues; and Tham Bua Bok.

Besides Samui is famous for its lovely beaches like Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, and Maenam Beach. Every one of them has facilities where you can participate in activities like fishing, boat chartering, and sailing. Also Samui has some dramatic water falls like Namuang. Koh Samui also has some of the excellent diving sites in Thailand, with many stunning islets like Koh Mad Lang, Koh Som, and Koh Taopun.

But Koh Samui's wide range of activities comprises other things besides diving and fishing. It offers great alternatives for bowling, with over 10 pin bowling. If you love shooting, there are excellent facilities available to practice your shooting skills at the Shooting Gallery, which has many guns with actual ammunition.

There are some excellent alternatives available for adventurers. They include Bungy Jumping in Chaweng. Samui's nightlife is vibrant, and there s a wide variety of hot beach bars, cabaret bars, rocking, and pubs. If you want something different while on your trip, then go for Muay Thai (Thai boxing) match or participate in a Thai cooking lesson, conducted by some famous Thai cooks. You can also go on an elephant trekking for a memorable experience.

There are many other alternatives available like Treasure Island Adventure Golf Course and a tennis court as well as go kart amenities. If you are looking to rejuvenate yourself, there are numerous spa facilities to soothe and pamper yourself. Most of the deluxe resorts and hotels provide various massages and herbal treatments.

Samui is rich in accommodation alternatives, ranging from stylish bungalows to sea view villas to beachfront resorts to luxurious hotels. Most of them offer luxurious amenities like air-conditioned rooms combined with en-suite bathrooms, lounge, kitchen, and dining room.

Amenities include barbeque section, baby sitting facility, and car rental. Moreover, most of the villas and apartments provide maid service, besides amenities like excellent swimming pools and free airport transfers. Also, there are few excellent alternatives available for low cost travelers. In particular, many of them give some type of rebates for reserving rooms beforehand.

These attractions and innumerable options available make Koh Samui an undoubted luxury place in Thailand!

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Thailand Airport Seizure - See Why Travelers in Bangkok Got Really Darn Mad

Imagine you are on your honeymoon to a beautiful tropical country. You are looking forward to pristine beaches, peaceful jungles, luxury hotels in Bangkok and most of all, efficient travel that does not unduly inconvenience you. If you were heading out of Bangkok at the end of November 2008, you found a travelers' nightmare.

In December 2008, Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand was taken over for eight days by anti-government protesters. This article will not examine what is behind this takeover but the effect on travelers. And the airport seizure in Thailand had travelers darn mad.

Americans fumed as they missed getting home for Thanksgiving, a holiday second only to Christmas in the U.S. One clearly miffed man railed at a Thai woman for their "cockamamie protest" as the reason he would not get his turkey dinner. Others on their honeymoon said they needed to take a break from their hectic life but needed to get back to the U.S. for job interviews they were missing and to work towards saving for their next vacation.

Now that there are so many travelers stranded, there very well may be no cheap hotels in Bangkok as a lot of travelers need places to stay in the capital city. Looking to the future, however, even businessmen in Thailand are livid at the effect of the protests with some analysts saying the country's tourist arrivals could fall from an average of around 15 million to just 6-7 million in 2009. If that's true, luxury hotels in Bangkok could soon turn in to cheap hotels in Bangkok just to get occupants away from other hotels.

While time will quickly date this article, the main idea will not. Remember, nothing is for certain and when you are in a foreign country your travel plans can go bad fast. Forget planning ahead, life is how you react. Those travelers who always look on the bright side of their travel circumstances cherish the memories even a bad travel experience can bring.

Jeremiah Iverson is a world traveler and has made it his passion to find cheap accommodation for any budget. Search http://asianahotels.net/ for the best deals and widest inventory for hotels in Asia and beyond.

5 Great Things to Do in Thailand

It's a challenge to fit everything you want to do in Thailand into your holiday. There are so many options for a holiday in this stunning Asian country that you'll never have enough time to get them all done! To help you out, I've put together this short list of suggestions. You'll certainly be able to fit a couple of these five activities in on a standard two week holiday.

1. Explore the countryside

Even if you're spending your holiday in Bangkok, it's worth spending some time in the countryside too. You'll be surprised how close the country is to the city, making it easy to spend a day away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. You can explore along the canals, called "klong" in Thai, and gaze at the beautiful Thai landscape. There are many orchids in the wild for avid photographers and you can even visit an agricultural cooperative to learn more about traditional Thai farming.

2. Learn traditional Thai massage

If you're heading to Thailand on a romantic holiday or even for your honeymoon, learning traditional Thai massage could be the perfect way to amp up your romantic time together. You can practice your new skills on each other even after the lesson is over. Thai massage is usually done with the participants fully clothed and no oil is involved. The masseuse typically uses all part of his or her body - knuckles, elbows, knees, and even feet - to massage you in a variety of different almost yoga-like positions. It's different but will still provide you the same relaxed, happy feeling you'd get after an ordinary massage.

3. Ride an elephant

Surely riding an elephant will be a new experience for you, and it's one that you can't have many other places! If you love animals, consider heading to Anantara for a one to three day mahout training camp. You'll learn from the experts on how to drive, feed, and bathe the elephants. You might even be surprised to find yourself developing a bond with your individual elephant as you get acquainted with his or her personality. You'll find yourself sorry to leave your new friend and you'll have a great story and pictures to display back home.

4. Visit a winery

It may surprise you to learn that Thailand produces quality wine, but you can certainly use it to your advantage on a holiday there. You can visit one of Thailand's famous wineries, like the GranMonte, and sample some of their best wine. This is a perfect romantic experience for couples to enjoy together. The GranMonte even has its own quality restaurant for a meal out after you've finished touring the vineyard.

5. Take a cruise down the Chao Praya River

Looking for some relaxation? You might want to seek out a short cruise. The cruise can provide you with the ultimate in luxury while you're exploring nearby Thai culture. For example, on your sail down the Chao Praya River you'll visit traditional temples and feed fish to make merit at them. You'll also visit a variety of museums and you might even find yourself visiting a palace or having a go at traditional Thai handicrafts.

Meghan Burton is a professional copywriter. She recommends The Turquoise Holiday Company for all of your luxury honeymoon needs.

Buddhist Culture Abounds in the 'City of the Deity'

Bangkok is the transportation and financial hub of Southeast Asia and the metropolitan hub of Thailand. A study abroad experience in Bangkok shows students how history and modernity can fuse into a culture and city rich in temples, modern and ancient architecture, canals with floating shops and wonderful religious history.

The temples and palaces in Bangkok that can be visited during a study abroad in Bangkok are breathtaking. Among the most renowned is the Wat Phra Kaeo which contains a huge emerald Buddha that only the king is allowed to get close to. The Royal Palace has three halls made of gold and offers daily tours.

The study abroad Bangkok program allows students the chance to see not only a part of the rich Asian culture, but also a government different than our own, and unique in many ways to any other government in the world. Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia not to be colonized. It is run by a constitutional monarchy with a king who has very little power but much prestige.

The study abroad Bangkok program will also assimilate students into the world of Buddhism. Buddhism makes up 95% of the Thai population and is the explanation to the large number of temples found in Bangkok. Prevalent

The combination of religion, politics and culture make it obvious to students who study abroad in Bangkok why it is the education center of Thailand. The hub of Thailand's prestigious universities litter this capital city and offer homes to students looking for technical and teaching positions as well as general study.

The Treasures of Bangkok

• The Royal Palace


• Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)


• Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)


• Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)


• National Museum (located in an 18th century palace)


• Jim Thompson House


• Kamthieng House


• Royal Barges Museum


• Ayuthaya Historic Park

Why Study Abroad in Bangkok

• The slogan "land of smiles" represents the friendly hospitality shown by the locals


• English is taught as the second language in Thailand


• The Thai king is the longest reigning monarch in the world; his reign began in 1946


• There are historical temples, shrines, museums, dance performances, and festivals every day


• From the northern jungles to the southern beaches, the picturesque scenery provides a gorgeous backdrop for endless weekend excursions

Universities in Bangkok

• Mahidol


• Chulalongkorn


• Thammasat


• Silpakorn


• Kasetsart


• The Asian Institute of Technology

Melissa Rubin is a senior copywriter and Web developer at OTO Networks, a digital marketing company located in Baltimore, Maryland. Her primary responsibilities include SEO, link building and creating content for multiple sites. A preview of a site on which she has worked, http://www.StudyAbroadDomain.com, is available with this article.

The Functional Training Myth - Functional Training Is Not What You Think It Is

Functional Training has its benefits and should always be integrated to a certain extent in training programs, but it should not be the bread and butter of your workout routine. The word functional in front of training simply makes the point of giving the idea that the movement that will be done somehow has a function in the person's life.

What is a functional movement though? Is a squat or a lunge functional or traditional? Well the answer to that depends on the application and how it is explained to the person. Here are a few examples of functional movements as related to our lives.

1. Squat - The squat is the most important functional movement. Throughout life we squat for various reasons and we generate power from the gluts, quadriceps and hamstrings. We squat to take a seat; we rise from a squat when standing. We should be utilizing squats when picking up items from the floor both small and large.

2. Box Step Ups - These are also functional as box step ups if taught correctly serves the function of increasing strength throughout the legs. When you think of stepping up, we use this movement often when walking up stairs. Think about it the next time you take the stairs two at a time. Your box step ups will make that movement easier during your daily stair climb.

3. Rows - Strengthening the upper back is important to everyday functional movements. Upper back exercises help maintain better posture and alignment through the body. Carrying items require the back to engage to pull the shoulder blades back and keep the shoulder from impinging. We spend most of our lives forward over a computer or doing things that strengthen the front of our body much more than our back. This can lead to various shoulder injuries and postural issues.

These movements are all thought of as traditional movements, yet they serve a function in our lives. I point these things out because the next time your personal trainer mentions functional training and starts to have you doing all types of acrobatic movements like a side T plank with your leg extended, ask yourself is this applicable to my life? Not to say these things aren't useful, but if your entire workout is built upon these types of body weight movements, then don't expect to lose body fat, lose weight or shape and sculpt your body any time soon.

Check out my blog for more articles like this http://bangkokpersonaltraining.wordpress.com/

Living in Bangkok? Check out our website for more information about personal training http://www.activelifestyleonline.com

Bangkok Street Life

I've lived in Bangkok since mid-1994, but only about May, 2006 moved into a typical Thai neighborhood here in Bangkok. Though it's between two major avenues, Rama IV Road and Sukhumvit Road (and is only a block from rama IV Road), it's an entirely different world from that found along the capital's major arteries.

The streetlife in Bangkok is vibrant just about everywhere, but especially in the out-of-the-way places, where people get to know each other. In my small area, there is an amazing number of sidewalk vendors selling just about everything, beauty shops, Mom-'n-Pop "doo-dad" shops, so selling food and drinks, others selling other stuff, even tailor shops. And the occasional actual sit-down, indoor restaurant. There's even a 7-Eleven nestled in the soi that does a brisk business!

The biggest draw is the people. I live in a tiny quadrangle made up of two condo buildings facing each other in one direction, and a private residence and another condo building facing each other in the other direction. The area in the middle is actually a car park, but functions for all the world as a village square. As I write in mid-afternoon, there are countless small children playing and laughing, and various residents outside visiting each other. Sometimes I go out when an ice cream vendor comes inside our little square -- more to buy treats for one of my neighbor's little boys than for myself. Almost daily, another neighbor's little girl will come to my door and stand quietly until I notice her. Once she has my attention, she smales, wais me, (To wai is to greet someone by placing your hands in front of your face by your chin and nose, then to nod, or even bow, depending on the perceived different social status -- the deeper you wai, the more respect you show.) She is absolutely fascinated by my computer, and loves to come in and quietly stand at my side to watch me typing, surfing the Internet -- whatever I'm doing at the moment.

And the adults are just as wonderful as the Wee Ones. Virtually everyone smiles at me -- Thais are [rightly] world-famous for their friendly smiles -- some even giving me a wai when I leave home daily.

A couple months ago I tripped and fell, fairly badly banging up one of my lower legs in the process. For about a week, I couldn't walk unaided -- and was unable to get a walker or cane until the following day. Word spread, and people stopped by in drove to offer to get me something to drink or eat, or to get me whatever I needed. One neighbor, who herself is the chief reason I moved here (she's my best friend), spent hours on end for days on end with me just to be on hand should I needed anything at all.

I sometimes stroll slowly along the sub-sois just soaking up the sheer vitality around me. The vendors shouting and their bells ringing, people visiting and laughing, or maybe eating some of the wonderful street food from the many vendros -- they all add to the feeling of a non-stop but pleasantly low-key street party. But we don't think of it as partying at all, since it's everyday life for us. There's a Thai word for "work" -- but it also means "play."

And that's very much the Thai outlook on life. You see this especially in the Thai dining customs of old. They didn't eat set meals, as we do in the West, instead snacking throughout the day, walking in from the fields whenever they got hungry to where food was always on the fire. they would eat a little, chatting with whoever was around for a few minutes, then wander back to work. Of course, modernization has taken away some of that -- a factory can't operate on such a basis, for instance -- but not in my neighborhood!

If you visit Thailand, or even if you live here but live in a major area, such as Sukhumvit Road's well-known "Foreigners' Ghetto," and if you've never wandered the small sois, give some thought to doing so. It really doesn't matter where in Bangkok you do it, for the most part -- the streetlife in such back ways is the same in about all of them. And bask in the life.

Mekhong Kurt, Webmaster

[http://BangkokAtoZ.com] Bangkok's Voice On The Web

A website about Bangkok, Thailand (mostly), organized around a "dictionary" of information. There are also photo galleries, audio files, and LOTS of articles. I write a weekly column called "The Rounds" (always linked near the top of the homepage) with a variety of articles. I also review submissions for possible publication.

Luxury Alliances in Thailand - 5 Star Hotels in Bangkok

The simplest way to book a luxury hotel in Bangkok is selecting the official hotel websites of a particular hotel. Among the star rating hotels, 5 star hotels in Bangkok are the grand motels which are mostly preferred to stay by the luxury and elite class travelers. The guests of 5 star hotels in Bangkok include world famous celebrates, great politicians, famous wealthy businessmen, leaders, sportsman and great personalities.

The impeccable service of the five star hotels in Bangkok attracts its visitors endlessly. Choose one of the most unique, elegant and exquisite grand comfortable hotel in Bangkok. It will be worthy enough if you make a search of such hotels in search engines. However, the names of some 5 Star Hotels In Bangkok can be mentioned here.

The Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa is a luxury hotel which is located near the Chao Phraya River. You will definitely be pleased to see its elegantly decorated and well equipped rooms. Moreover, if you are business or leisure travelers then this resort have lots of facilities to offer to such visitors.

The room facilities include air-conditioning, telephone, minibar, room safe, satellite TV, voice mail, Tea & Coffee making facilities, room service, In-House Movies, Internet connection, hairdryer, Non- smoking rooms etc. Further, there are also deluxe room facilities, hotel facilities, leisure facilities, family facilities and many more. Above all, the hotel has a large swimming pool as well.

Bangkok the capital city of Thailand has large number of sumptuous motels. In fact, Thailand also offers lots of 5 star hotels to stay. For instance Anantara Hua Hin Resort and Spa is located on the western shores of the Gulf of Thailand.

Among 5 Star Hotels In Thailand this five star alliance is really beautiful abode to stay. The rooms of this hotel include fitness center, fine dining nearby, meeting space, fine dining on site, banquets & meetings, Spa facility, high speed internet, outdoor swimming pool, etc. During your stay in Anantara Hua Hin Resort and Spa, you can take part into various activities such as horse riding, jogging and running, biking, shopping, playing volleyball, boating and strolling along the beach. So book Thailand Hotels and enjoy the tour.

Looking for 5 Star Hotels In Bangkok? We have best hotel room rates for Thailand Hotels. Select from thousand of hotels available to book online.

Sports in Thailand - Birthplace of Udomporn Polsak!

Road to London 2012!

Anat Ratanapol

Did you know- At the 1974 Asian Games in Tehran (Iran), the country's idol Anat Ratanapol won two Asian gold medals (100m & 200m). At the previous Games in 1970 in Bangkok, Thailand, he had won two medals (gold and silver).

Australia 2000

Did you know- Thailand 's weightlifter Khassaraporn Suta won the bronze medal in the women's 58-kilogram category at the 2000 Summer Games in the Australian city of Sydney.

Boxing

Did you know- The Kingdom of Thailand - known as Siam until 1939- is home to many famous boxers in Asia. Payao Pooltarat won the bronze medal, together with Orlando Maldonado (Puerto Rico), in the 48kg category in the Olympic Boxing Tournament in the Canadian city of Montreal in July 1976. Twenty years later, by 1996, the nation's boxer Somluck Kamsing earned a gold medal in the Olympics in the United States. Later on, by 2000, Wijan Ponlid became Olympic champ in the Games of the 27th Olympiad in Oceania, at the expense of Bulat Jumadilov (Kazakhstan), Jerome Thomas (France), and Vladimir Sidorenko (Ukraine). Meanwhile, Porchnchai Thongburan won the bronze medal. In 2004, Manus Boonjumnong made national history when he earned a gold medal in the Olympic Boxing Tournament in Athens, Greece. At the Asian Games in Doha (Qatar) in 2006, Boonjumnong won the continental title.

National Idol

Did you know- Weightlifter Udomporn Polsak became the first Thai woman to win an individual Olympic gold when she earned the Olympic title in the featherweight 53 kg class in 2004. Because of her example, dedication and contribution to the sports history of the Kingdom of Thailand, she is an idol in Bangkok, the nation's capital.

Spain 1992

Did you know- Thailand's Olympic Committee had sent a team of thirty athletes to the Summer Olympics in the Spanish city of Barcelona in 1992. They competed in aquatics, athletics, badminton, boxing, judo, sailing, shooting, tennis, and weightlifting. In the previous Olympics in 1988, the Asian nation sent 20 athletes to South Korea.

Sports

Did you know- The country's most popular sports are basketball, boxing (including "Thai boxing" ), soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and weightlifting.

Soccer

Did you know- In March 1981, Bangkok hosted the XXII Under-20 Asian Tournament. This event was won by South Korea, followed by Qatar (runner-up), Japan (third), Thailand (fourth), and Bangladesh (fifth).

World Record

Did you know- The nation's weightlifter Pawina Thongsuk broke the world record in the 63kg competition at the 2005 World Championships in Doha, the capital city of Qatar. A year ago, she had won a gold medal at the 28th Olympiad in Greece.

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"