Expensive Ticket to Paradise

Low fare airliners have changed the tourism industry significantly in the recent years. Holiday destinations across the globe are now reachable at affordable cost. In Asia, the largest low fare airliner AirAsia connects South-East Asian hubs to numerous holiday destinations in the region.

Now everybody can get cheap flight ticket from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, or Bangkok to Bali, Phuket, Penang, Hainan, Macau, even less popular new emerging destinations like Krabi in Thailand, Guilin in China, or Bandung in Indonesia.

Unfortunately it is not the case with Koh Samui, the newly emerging tropical island in the southern part of Thailand. Flights to Koh Samui are rather limited and expensive. A flight from Phuket to Koh Samui - which is only about half an hour - costs a lot more than two hours long flight from Kuala Lumpur to Phuket.

AirAsia flies to much less visited Krabi, so if we are looking into airliner's readiness, I believe they are much more than ready. Residents of Koh Samui explained that the situation is caused by absence of airport. The only airport in Koh Samui is owned and operated by Bangkok Air only to serve their own flight with an exception for Thai Airways. Without competition Bangkok Air retains the power to dictate any price they want.

From tourism development point of view, it is quite a bad situation, especially because Koh Samui is a very potential island destination. In addition to beautiful calm white-sandy beaches it is also serves as gate to its surrounding smaller islands including Koh Phangan. So attractive that some tourists are prepared to pay the price, but still, the vast majority chooses to save their money and somewhere else.

Providing private villa accommodation for high-end tourists to whom money is not really an issue, Wisna Wedhana, the Managing Director of Private Leisure International saw the airfare as a significant barrier even to her wealthy clients. "We have many interested clients who decide to go somewhere else as son as they know the ticket price", she complained. "It may be okay if you are traveling alone, but if you are a family of 10, it is a significant amount of money", she added.

Actually there is a few other ways to get to Koh Samui. You can drive from either Phuket or Krabi to the pier at Khanom and take a short ferry trip to Koh Samui. Air-conditioned coaches and train are available from Bangkok to the southern provice of Suratthani where you can take a short drive to Khanom pier. The super luxurious Orient Express train also stops at Suratthani. Another alternative is to take a yacht from Bangkok directly to Koh Samui. "Yes, but no one is comparable with a flight, how do you expect people to take a 10 hours land trip after a long haul trip from Europe", Wisna commented about the alternatives.

Before the authority finds affordable transportation solution, maybe we should see it from the positive point of view, being only available to those who are prepared to pay more or take the pain, Koh Samui is kept as a peaceful tropical paradise.

Private Leisure International's collection of private villas in Koh Samui is available in its website Koh Samui Villas Online. Those who prefer to avoid the hassle and choose Phuket instead can find private villa accommodation options at Phuket Villas Online. The company also provides private villa accommodation in Krabi and Koh Phangan.

Adi has been spending more than five years focusing on helping his clients in private villa and holiday rental industry in Bali to gain better online exposure. Combination of information technology and marketing backgrounds brought him to become the man behind most commercially successful websites in Bali.

Beaches of Phuket

Phuket is a tropical Thai holiday island and is one of the premier travel destinations in the world. The beaches of Phuket are well known for their white sandy beaches lined with gracious palm and coconut trees.

Most tourists staying on Phuket during their holiday unfortunately only visit the beach located closest to their hotel. It is a shame as there are so many beautiful beaches which the tourists could visit. The best way to see all the beautiful beaches is by renting a motorbike or jeep and by simply driving up and down the coast line as travelers will encounter countless beautiful and deserted beaches.

Some of the nicest beaches of Phuket are those mentioned below.

Bang Tao

The beautiful Bang Tao beach is located next to the upscale Phuket Laguna complex where a number of excellent 5 star hotels are located.

Kamala

Kamala beach is one of the most popular beaches and is located only a few minutes drive from Patong beach. Travelers looking for a beach area which offers a peaceful surrounding should consider booking a hotel or resort in the beach resort area of Kamala.

Karon

The most popular after Patong beach is Karon beach and is located just south of Patong. Karon has a long beach and numerous resorts line this beach. Tourists visitingwith children often prefer the somewhat laidback atmosphere that Karon beach has to offer.

Patong

Patong beach is the busiest of all the beaches of Phuket. The vast majority of entertainment and business venues are located in Patong beach. If travelers are looking for a beach resort area where they can party until the early hours of the morning then Patong beach is the ideal choice for them.

Surin

One of the most upscale Phuket beach areas is the area around Surin beach. If tourists do visit Surin beach then they should definitely try the excellent and inexpensive seafood which is served at the Surin beach side restaurants.

George is currently living on Phuket and is working on a number of projects. If you are looking for a great Phuket hotel then do consider staying at Club Bamboo Resort. Read more about Koh Samui in his Samui guide.

Tips to Save Money When Building Your Own House in Phuket Thailand

With the costs rising this year higher than ever before, I like to share a few money saving tips when building your own house in Phuket, Thailand. You can use either some or all of these ideas to cut costs and spend your money on more important items. If it's important to get the highest quality house for the lowest possible cost, this article is for you.

Buying building materials in Bangkok and shipping them to Phuket can be a real cost saver. You want to do your homework first on local prices and quality. Bangkok has a much bigger selection of tile than found on Phuket Island. There are huge areas that sell tiles in Bangkok and a much bigger and cheaper selection too. There are also huge outlets in Bangkok that sell Tile imports from China and Vietnam. Shopping at these outlets can save you big money over local outlets.

Wood Doors and frames can also be acquired in area of Bangkok around Bang Po. It's great fun to shop these wood shops and look at the many different selections available. Wood comes in several grades so it's important to actually see what you're buying. Spending a day looking at the different wood items like wood trim and windows will also give you a few ideas also. There are also a few wood shops inside the infamous weekend market near Bang sue.

Power tools and things like sandpaper and drill bits, electrical wire, bulbs, and lights can be bought in an area called Klong Tom. This can be found in Bangkok's China town area known as Yarrowat. If you ever been here this is the place where are the Chinese have their gold shops near the river in downtown. Sundays is used goods day so there are many extra vendors on the streets during the weekend. Collecting Business cards of the different vendors will come in handy later if you need to buy something they don't sell at home pro when building your Phuket house.

You can purchase many landscaping items just outside Bangkok at a fraction of what you pay on island. The weekend market also has a large selection of plant, trees and other yard Items. Furniture can also be purchased at the weekend market as there are literally hundreds of furniture shops inside there.

Shipping to Phuket is a very easy thing to arrange with your vendors. If you have a lot of stock you can arrange for a 13 ton truck to bring down your truckload of goods. You can really save if you have something heavy to ship like granite, sandstone or tile. Medium size shipments you can use freight shipping companies which also use busses and some big lorry trucks to ship the goods overnight to Phuket. You can even pack the goods in the bus yourself and ride down with them you have time. Being creative In Thailand you too can save a lot of money if you have time and take the time to shop around and buy the items you handpicked to make your Phuket House a home.

Scott Riefler is an expert in Phuket Real Estate. He has written several informative articles. He regularly contributes articles on Phuket Apartments. Sign up for our free informative newsletter at: Phuket Condos.

Thailand - Top 5 Best Places and Destinations in Phuket

Phuket, formerly known as "Tha-laang" is one of the provinces located in the south regions of Thailand. Phuket is Thailand's largest island which is almost the size of Singapore. It has an area of roughly 570 square kilometers. Phuket is made up of one large island, and 39 other small islands. The island is truly mountainous which has a mountain range in the western part of the island. Phuket is bounded with lots of beautiful and attractive sites where thousands of tourists from around the world love to visit.

Here are some of the best loved destinations in Phuket Thailand:

o Nai Yang National Park - located only 20 minutes away from the airport in the island's north-western part. It comprises two beaches namely the Nai Yang beach and the Mai Kao beach. The park covers over ten miles of beautiful and attractive white sand beach which is adored by many. Nai Yang Park is famous for the amazing casaurina trees. The place is a perfect location for picnics.

o Patong beach - Patong Beach is the most admired and well-developed beach in Phuket Thailand, located in the west coast of Phuket. It is considered to be one of the world's Top places for diving. Phuket is Thailand's most visited tourist destination, presenting a variety of beaches, naturally appealing and stimulating night life.

o Phrompthep Cape - located in the southern part of Phuket. This place surely best place for viewing sunsets in Phuket. The place is mostly crowded in the evening with people witnessing the beautiful sunset panorama. This gorgeous looking place is truly favored in Phuket. Visitors coming to Phuket are always advised to come to Phrompthep; that will definitely complete their trip to Thailand.

o Ton Sai Forest Park - located in Bang Pang Kleua, in Ultradit province, Phuket. The park is one of the last remaining jungles in Phuket; swarmed with a variety of mammals including reptiles, bears, porcupines, gibbons, macaques, lizards and over a hundred species of birds. The forest had been a popular tourist attraction in the city.

o Rawai beach - Rawai was the very first tourist beach in Phuket. People of Phuket often drive their way to Rawai on weekends to visit the very gorgeous looking beach. It has also attracted many tourists coming from other countries. Definitely one of the best places in Phuket.

These are just five of the many best places to visit in Phuket. There are a lot more interesting places to see and visit in Phuket, Thailand; the home of world's wonder beauties of nature.

Ms. Pinky is a mom of 3 school children. She is a Systems Engineer, a Technology Researcher and an Independent Medical Billing and Coding Consultant. She and her family is well-traveled all over the world!

Her blogs and websites focuses on stay-at-home moms, dads and students who wants to work at home, build homebased business http://www.mommyisworkingathome.com

Visit her Interesting Site on Asian Travels and Destinations. Discover Asia's Culture and Great Food! at http://www.goingplacesinasia.com

Phuket Private Jet Terminal

In the expansion plans for Phuket International Airport are considerations to open a dedicated private jet terminal.

It is proposed that private investors will be responsible for the development and that it will be constructed separately from the main terminal building. It's thought that if the plans go ahead, the terminal will offer VIP ground handling services and hospitality that rivals five star hotels.

Phuket International is already the second busiest civil airport in Thailand and has seen an increase in the number of private jets, mostly used by property developers seeking out land a development opportunities in the area.

If plans go ahead for the new terminal, Phuket will be sure to attract more private jet charter clients and will be a popular destination for charter operators and brokers.

Private Jet Charters are a growing business and are being recognised by many to be the most time efficient way to travel. Many airports have or are considering private terminals to enhance their service offering and increase their revenue. Airports with dedicated private travel facilities are the perfect partner as they promote a speedy departure and reduce delays on arrival.

Ground handling is an essential part of the private jet charter experience and offers many benefits over travelling on commercial airlines. Predominantly offering a check in time of an average of ten minutes and in many cases allowing the passengers car to drive directly to the steps of the aircraft. A real benefit for regular business travellers who would otherwise be spending up to three hours at the airport prior to departure.

Rob Dore is co-owner and Marketing Director of Jet Booking Direct who offer private jet charters and jet charter management services.

Learning to Fight in Phuket-Thailand

Mixed martial arts or MMA is a combination of the most effective forms of fight sciences like Muay Thai, boxing, and jiu-jiitsu. The popularity of MMA based programing on television and cable like the Ultimate Fighting Championship, King of the Cage, and Cage Rage have fueled the expansion of training camps and schools throughout the world.

Today, fighters, young and old, travel around the world searching for training that will make the the next "Ultimate Fighter." You want to learn Jiu-Jitsu, then head for Brazil. Looking for boxing skills then you might try the U.S. And if you are looking for Muay Thai, there is no better place than Thailand; the home of Muay Thai and the national sport of Thailand.

From one end of the country to the other, Muay Thai is the pride of the Thai people. The fight sport has become popular around the world and now boasts organizations in more than 35 countries promoting tournaments, fights, and amateur and professional titles. For years, martial arts enthusiast and athletes have ben coming to Thailand to learn the science of eight limbs from professional Thai fighters. With the explosion in popularity of MMA in the rest of the world, and here in Thailand, there is a new breed of fighter making his way to Asia and the land of smiles.
MMA fighter's are quickly learning that Thailand is the place to be to learn the secrets of striking through hardcore Muay Thai training.

Thai fighters are known for their aggressiveness, stamina, and ability to ignore pain, which are all prerequisites of the modern cage fighter. They want to learn the secrets of of the Siam warriors abilities and bring it back to the cage.
In 2001, MMA programming on in Thailand took the country by storm, and is now one of the most popular sports viewed on cable TV. The Thai people immediately took to the sport as they quickly recognized Muay Thai as a key aspect of the ultimate fight game. If you are standing up, you are fighting Muay thai style. If you are on the ground, you are using wrestling and jiu-jitsu. The Thai people were proud to see their national sport in the world spotlight.

Starting in 2005, fighters from all over the globe were given the chance to save money and participate in comprehensive training in Muay thai and MMA in Thailand. Modern fight camps, like Tiger Muay Thai & MMA, Phuket, Thailand and Bangkok Fight Club opened their door to professional and amateurs looking to train Muay Thai and MMA all at the same place. Fighters can work their stand-up striking game with Muay Thai and then train Jiu-Jitsu to work on their ground fighting skills. Now fighters would not have to travel from one country to the next to find the training they need. Everything they needed was in one place; a great training environment in the tropics which is conducive to hardcore training, training partners with the skills needed to improve, and the ability to live and train under the same roof without going broke.

As if that was not enough, Thailand offers Muay thai fights seven-days-a-week in most big cities. It used to be difficult for most fighters to find a place to train and finally land a fight. Now fighters coming to Thailand can plan a training regimen and a fight before even arriving in Thailand. I you are in shape and are looking for a fight, head to Thailand and one of the many training camps that accept foreigners. Train for six weeks and then strap on the gloves against a Thai or another foreign fighter. You will head back home with experience and the experience of a lifetime after training in Muay Thai and MMA in Thailand.

Will McNamara is a sports writer and owner of Tiger Muay Thai and MMA Training camp in Phuket, Thailand. http://www.TigerMuayThai.com

A Guide to the Bars and Nightlife of Phuket, Thailand

If you're looking for a touch of funkiness to the usual nightlife scene, Phuket is the right place for you. Like Thailand, some of the entertainment you find here, you won't find anywhere else in the world. There are the mimics', but no one does it as good. There's a range so wide in Phuket that it's hard to know where to start unless you know what you want to see specifically first.

We start off with the Phuket town nightlife, where you get a look into the life and culture of the Thais. Try out a Thai style night club - rooms packed with people drinking and dancing and having a good time. Usually live bands provide the entertainment with music ranging from Thai-pop to groovy semi-outdated western music. If you prefer a regular pub as opposed to a club, one good bar known for its Happy Hour is Dorn's (located on Vichit Songkran) where you see most locals come after a hard day's work. Other local favourite hotspots include Suea Saming; a swanky place with a fine selection of drinks and funky music, Balika and Oasis (Mae Luan Road) and Ozone (Thalang Road) which features a multi-level dance floor.

A tip if you're you would like to party like the locals, bring your own bottle. A common thing over here would be to drink by the bottle instead of paying by the glasses (maybe because it's cheaper).

For a complete 180 on the nightlife scene, head for Patong Beach. Known as the craziest part of Phuket, this place holds itself much better now and the fun is just as wicked. Patong boasts several nightclubs and discos around the area for people to just let go and have fun like no where else. Dance floors, cheap drinks, repeated music and endless energy are found here. For the 'normal' discos, head for Bangla Road. In this vicinity, you'll find places like Tiger Disco, Tai Pan, Baya Beach (think tropical themed), and Banana Disco (popular amongst the younger folk). For the more adult orientated fun, go-go bars are popular in this district as well as Beer bars.

If you're there for the music, check out places like Saxophone and Molly Malone's with live bands and if you prefer the upscale bars Patong satisfies that too. Club Rio for one, known for its cool Latin jazz and The Sofa, a place filled with ( you guessed it ) large plush sofa's and armchairs where you can sip martinis. For something completely wild, (not for kids) try watching a Cabaret. It's both fun and fascinating and something you can only see in Phuket!

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Phuket rentals & Vacation Rentals.

Is it Worth Learning Thai?

It is amazing how many ex-pats you meet in Phuket and Thailand who have lived here for years and can barely string a sentence together in Thai. I know a few long-term ex-pats whose Thai vocabulary is less than 10 words. The simple fact is you do not need to learn Thai to live in Thailand, especially if you are in one of the tourist destinations such as Phuket. Does that mean it is not worth learning Thai?

I know a few ex-pats who insist it is a total waste of time to learn Thai. They say you do not need to speak Thai because there are always people around who speak English. They say they have wives or staff who can act as interpreters. They even claim to have the moral high ground as they say it is more important for Thais to learn English as it is a major international language. Therefore, by not speaking Thai and forcing Thais to speak English they are doing them a favour.

These people do have a point. You certainly do not have to learn Thai to live in Phuket. However, I would still say there is one other thing these people have in common. They tend to be the people who moan the most about Thailand.

We all have our little frustrations about our lives in Thailand. Living in another culture where many rules seem to be stacked against the foreigner is bound to cause a few complaints. We all moan sometimes but it does seem that it is the people who cannot speak Thai, especially the ones who do not even try, who also spend the most time moaning about the country.

I think there are two reasons for this. The first is that their lack of interest in learning Thai is indicative of a more general negative attitude towards the country. If they had a more positive attitude to Thailand, they would be interested in learning the language. Deciding to make a foreign country your home but then making no effort to learn the local language would seem like you are standing rather aloof to that country.

The second reason is that of course it must be frustrating to not understand what people around you are saying. As much as you do not need to speak Thai, life here is easier and more enjoyable if you do.

So many things are just a little bit more difficult if you cannot speak Thai. It may be a trip to the shops, the market, a restaurant or bar. What if you need a telephone line installed or to deal with a bit of bureaucracy? What about ordering a pizza or some other service over the telephone? It is all possible without speaking Thai but just a little bit easier if you do. Many people who cannot speak Thai find themselves constantly attached to their interpreter. Whether that person is wife, employee or whoever, it must be frustrating to need them by your side all the time.

However, the real benefit of speaking Thai is not the practical side of getting chores done. The real benefit is enjoying your time in Thailand. It is in interacting with Thai people, sharing a joke and a laugh. Understanding Thai people and what is going on around you. You will have a more positive interaction with Thais if you can understand what they are saying.

A trip to the market is much more enjoyable if you can exchange a few words with the stallholders. They will also usually offer you the normal price for their goods if you ask in Thai rather than quoting the inflated price that they sometimes offer westerners. A trip to a Thai restaurant is much nicer when you can talk to the waitress. A night out with Thai friends is so much better if you can understand what they are saying in their language as well as yours.

What is it like not to get the joke? I often find myself socialising in a mixed group of westerners and Thais. Usually a few of the westerners speak some Thai and a few don't. Sometimes, when the Thais burst out laughing, I see a reaction from the westerners who do not understand what they said. It is an almost paranoid reaction of 'are they laughing at me.' It comes from the constant frustration of not understanding what people are saying, of never knowing the joke.

Thais like it when foreigners make an effort to learn their language. Do not be fooled by the myth that they do not want you to learn Thai. Most of them are very pleased if you make the effort and take it as a complement to their country. The tiny handful I have met who do not like foreigners learning Thai feel that way for the worst reason. There is only one reason why Thais don't want you to learn their language. It is because they do not want you to know what is going on. The only reason they do not want you to know what is going on is that they are up to no good. The old Thai proverb of 'farang know too much, no good' has a simple basis. If you know what is going on, you are difficult to con. If your Thai friends do not want you to learn Thai, then you are socialising in the wrong circles. You should find some new Thai friends.

This is only a generalisation but, in general, people who learn to speak Thai have a much more positive outlook on their life in Thailand. This is partly because if they have made a decision to learn the language then they are probably the sort of people who came to Thailand with a positive attitude from the start. It is also because if you can speak Thai then the whole experience of living in Thailand is so much more fulfilling. How can you really expect to enjoy your time with Thai people if you cannot understand what they are saying?

So while you do not need to learn Thai to live in Phuket, you will probably have a much more positive experience if you do.

If you are coming to Thailand for a holiday or longer-term and you want a quick introduction to the Thai language then see our Thai Language Introduction page. To take your Thai speaking skills to the next stage see our Beginner's Thai Language Lessons

A Guide to the Beaches of Phuket, Thailand

Patong Beach - Over 2km of golden sand awaits you at one of the most famous beaches in all of Phuket. For those who like the feeling of bustling activity, this would probably be the beach for you. Almost infamous for its wide variety of activities such as motorised water sports, wakeboarding, kayaking, volleyball and its party side when the sun goes down, Patong is also one of the most interesting places to be at. When you get hungry, fret not for the road along side the beach is full of restaurants, cafes and bars. If you're in the mood for surfing head for the north end bit of the beach as the waves there are more open to the wind and tend to provide a real rush!

Karon Beach - For those who still want all the facilities that Patong provides but paced in a less hectic environment, Karon beach is an ideal choice. This is one of Phukets' longer beaches (5km) and rarely feels crowded. There aren't any restrooms on the beach unlike Patong, but the hotels across the road usually are more than happy to let you use their facilities (payable). Fine white sand and beautiful waters, if you want sun beds head up south of the beach and if you just want the beach pretty much to yourself, a little corner down the north facing the lake makes a perfect spot.

Kata Beach - Just a few minutes away from Karon, this beach is palm lined and said to be the ideal family beach with its calm and shallow waters making it ideal for swimming. The waters here are excellent for snorkelling during the north-east monsoon season (between November to April). The most common sport would probably be the Banana Boat, whereby you get towed through the water, attached to a speedboat and clinging on making sure you don't fall off!

Paradise beach - As the name suggests, this beach is a picture of paradise with its stunning beauty and safe swimming all year round. Palm trees abundant provide shade from the sun and unlike the other beaches; motor sports are discouraged to up keep the serenity in the area.

Laem Ka Beach - One of the most tranquil and unique beaches in Phuket, this is the only eastern-facing beach in the south of Phuket and its safe waters make it excellent for swimming and a great family fun spot. The whole beach is practically sheltered by the trees and the middle of the beach sits some large beautiful granite boulders and its northern end, with fewer rocks is a great splashing pool.

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Phuket Villas & Vacation Rentals.

Stunning Daytrips From Phuket

Nicknamed 'Jewel of the Andaman', Phuket is one of Thailand's most popular tourist attractions and all year round the island welcomes huge crowds of visitors coming from every part of the world. Phuket is like a vast beautiful playground. And even if you think you've found the perfect beach to sunbath and chill out on, there still a lot to see. Therefore Phuket sightseeing trips are simply a must.

Joining day trips from Phuket is an unforgettable and rewarding travel experience. Within a few hours drive or navigating by boat are some mind-boggling landscapes such as the famed Phi Phi islands, the pretty Khao Lak coast, the breathtaking Pha Nga Bay, great scuba diving options off the Similan islands, and Krabi's stunningly beautiful karst-scapes. There are national parks which feature lush forests, idyllic fishing villages, dramatic waterfalls, blue crystal clear waters, tiny private islands, secluded mangroves and fabulous beaches to seek out.

Phuket is definitely the most visited and best developed island you can find in Thailand. During the last 20 years Phuket has transformed into an upmarket and jet-set travel destination. If you're decided to visit Phuket for your next vacation you'll find yourself located at one of the several wonderful bays dotted along the West Coast. From this spot you can both hire a private vehicle or use the opportunity taking one of the various day trip tours to your chosen destination. A daytrip is really a great idea and there are numerous options as well as travel agents.

If you come here for the first time it is absolutely wise to explore the island itself. There are plenty of lively and wonderful beaches. Located south from Kamala you'll find some of the best beaches, past the crowded and always popular Patong, and onwards to the sweeping Karon and trendier Kata. You should make a stop at each beach and sunbath for a few hours while enjoying some barbecued freshly caught seafood. Keep going south and you'll finally arrive at the unspoiled Nai Harn beach, an excellent spot for enjoying the serene atmosphere and get away from the crowds. Phuket beaches all have their own special atmosphere.

To reach the northern part of Phuket will take a drive lasting about one hour. This non-developed area is not crowded with tourists while the mangroves on the eastern shore provide different scenery of the island. While you find yourself in this region you might want to cool off in the Bang Phrae Waterfall situated in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park's or visit the Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre where you can observe these fascinating and clever animals. Touring this area is extremely rewarding!

Some of the most beautiful panoramas can be found offshore, on top of your itineraries list should be travelling to the Phi Phi Islands. This distinctive craggy island has the form of a butterfly. The island was the main location for the Hollywood feature The Beach and Phi Phi was world news when the Tsunami struck. Actually there are more than two islands, and usually all of the trips stop off giving you the option to snorkel en-route. Your lunch is served once you access Phi Phi Ley's heavenly Maya bay. The only souls which are allowed to spend the night here are campers and park rangers so you'll have the unspoilt beach all to yourself. Phi Phi Don features more dramatic scenery and unfortunately the island started to overdeveloped before the powerful Tsunami washed everything away. On a little sandwich of coconut trees the resorts are positioned between two lovely bays, with sky karst cliffs, rising up to the blue sky, all around. Once you've arrived here you may find it a drag going back to Phuket!

Similarly astonishing and popular is Pha Nga Bay's distinctive karst seascape, which enjoyed a lot of free promotion in the Bond movie, The Man with the Golden Gun. Now the island is even renamed as the James Bond Island, on all trips from Phuket this is a must-see but its all part of an enormous theatre of pillars, positioned along this extensive bay and it is probably one of the world's most photogenic spots. Koh Phan Yee is a picturesque fishing village which is situated in the sea on stilts and it is here where lunch will be served. Buying some souvenirs is something that you should not forget and also walking around this peaceful community. Particularly popular is kayaking among the impressive karst cliffs and wonderful caves.

If you are a diving enthusiast and there is only one chance to see the finest sites, then you might want to take a diving trip to the gorgeous Similan islands. These islands are situated West of Phuket and the trip lasts a few days. Also located here is a protected marine reserve and boat tyrips are the only means of reaching the area's untouched reefs, or enjoy swimming in the clear soothing waters. You don't have a dive certificate? No worries, there are many courses offering dive lessons. Hong Island makes a great daytrip as well. This remarkable island lies between Phuket and Krabi and features a hidden lagoon which is only accessible via a cave tunnel during low tide.

Drive into the hinterland by rented car is also a rewarding option. Phuket is connected by a short causeway and after you reach the mainland you are free to explore the beautiful Southern Thai provinces. Driving north to Khao Lak, you have the option to explore a wilder and unspoiled coastline, and some impressing coastal parks. The Khao Sok National Park is just a bit beyond this with its enormous lake, lush rainforests and idyllic landscapes. The park's chalets offer overnight accommodation. The tropical national parks in Thailand boast fabulous ecosystems full of birdlife, waterfalls, streams, nature trails, and a few animals.

If you're driving out of Phuket it is a great idea to explore the region for a couple of days, with its rubber plantations, and weird landscapes. Visiting the majestic and less visited parks such as Than Bokkharani National Park and Sa Nang Manora Forest Park as you travel en-route through Pha Nga onwards to Krabi town, is especially a great experience.

Andrew Bond lives four months of the year in Phuket, he is a travel writer and when planning his journeys he uses:
http://www.1stopphuket.com
http://www.1stopkrabi.com

Phuket Shopping

Phuket has plenty to offer its visitors including some outstanding shopping venues. Phuket is well known for its beautiful white sandy beaches and exiting nightlife however during the last decade a large number of world class shopping venues have opened in Phuket.

When people think about going shopping in Phuket they will often think about counterfeit software, DVD movies and fake brand name clothing. If this is the type of goods that you want to purchase during your holiday on Phuket then there are plenty of small stores where you can find these types of products.

If however you would like to purchase high quality products and designer clothing then there are a number of world class Phuket shopping malls where you can go buy these items.

Travelers planning a trip to Phuket and who would like to do some shopping during their holiday should definitely plan a visit to some of the outstanding Phuket shopping venues listed down below.

Jungceylon Shopping Mall

The Jungceylon shopping mall is the newest shopping mall on Phuket and is located in the Patong beach resort area. There are hundreds of stores at this mall as well as plenty of restaurants and other types of entertainment venues. If you feel like catching a movie then you should definitely check out the multi screen movie theatre which is located on the top floor.

Phuket Central Festival

The Phuket Central Festival mall is located along the bypass road of Phuket and is home to some of the finest shops and boutiques found anywhere on the island. If you plan to do some shopping in Phuket then be sure to visit the excellent Central department store which is located inside of this large and modern shopping mall. The Phuket Central Festival mall is also home to a multi screen cinema and there are plenty of food and beverage outlets from which shoppers can choose.

Big C Mall

The Big C mall in Phuket is where most of the local Thai residents seem to enjoy doing their shopping. The main retailer at this Phuket shopping mall is the Thai Big C department store however there are also a number of other restaurants and stores at this shopping venue. The Big C mall is located close by to the Phuket Central Festival shopping mall and is as well located along the Phuket Bypass road.

Ocean Plaza Patong

Another popular shopping destination in Patong is the Ocean Plaza mall. There are dozens of small boutiques which together form the Ocean department store. There is also an excellent supermarket located in the basement of this Phuket shopping mall. If you enjoy bowling then be sure to visit the modern bowling alley which is located on the top floor of the Ocean Plaza mall in Patong.

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 with Phuket car rental information.

Top Things to Do in Dubai

As one of the world's most popular holiday destination, Dubai has firmly established itself as a force to be reckoned with when it comes to tourism. Below are a few of many things you can do when you are in Dubai.

Burj Al Arab: The iconic landmark of the Emirate, be sure to visit the Burj Al Arab if you can to eat in either restaurants. If not then take some time out to just appreciate this marvellous architectural masterpiece which can be seen from pretty much everywhere in Dubai.

Wild Wadi: Based in Jumeirah as part of the Madinat Jumeirah resort, this water park is fun for all the family. Water slides and everything water based, this will keep you entertained for hours. If you are part of the resort, you will get in free. It's always a good idea to visit just before it gets too hot as it can get incredibly hot during the day.

Desert Safari: You cannot visit Dubai without going on Safari in the desert. You will taken in a 4x4 where you will be driven on the dunes. You will then experience some belly dancing, local cuisine and be able to purchase some novelty items not to mention the camel ride too. A great deal of fun and certainly worthwhile.

Quad Biking: Similar to the desert safari but a lot more of an adrenaline rush. You hire your own vehicle and can fight the dunes. A bit more expensive but definitely worth the money. More suited for adrenaline junkies.

Take a trip on the Abra - Water Taxi and Dubai Creek: If you visit the Creek, then be sure to take a trip on the Abra. This will take you to the other side to the old spice souk. The cost is very minimal and the experience of riding on the water is very pleasant.

Ibn Batutta Mall: The world's largest themed shopping mall, just further up form Dubai Marina it celebrates the life of renowned traveller Ibn Batutta, it has over 260 retailers, 50 restaurants an eateries as well as over 20 cinemas, one of which includes Dubai's only IMAX cinema.

Mall of Emirates: One of the biggest shopping centres in Dubai if nor the world, but then again most of them are large. This mall boasts most designer names you can think of. There is lots to do here and you probably will definitely have to come back to finish off what you started. One day is just not enough. There are plenty of places to eat and lots to do for the whole family.

Jumieriah Beach: The most famous beach in Dubai and probably the middle east. Crystal clear waters, blue skies all year round and warm waters make this somewhere you have to go. Ideal for all the families. There is also a women's only day once a week.

Madinat Jumeirah Resort: This consists of several five, six and seven star hotels grouped to be known as the best hotel resort in the whole of the middle east. This encompasses, the Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah beach residence and a few others.

Ski Dubai: Located inside the Mall of Emirates shopping centre, Ski Dubai has been a phenomenon not only in the UAE but in the Middle East. It is approximately about a quarter of a mile long and caters for all types of skiers, even those of a professional standard. It even has a kids area. You can't miss the weird shape as you approach the venue which looks like something weird that has just crashed made of metal. Overall an incredible day out for the family and suits all.

Gold Souk: This is an absolute must if you are visiting the Emirate. The souk is like a shopping centre which is just dedicated to gold. Even if you are not purchasing anything it is definitely worth visiting. One thing that springs to mind is with all the Gold, where is all the security?

Dubai Museum: Learn about the history of where Dubai was and where it is now.

Palm Jumeirah: These man made Islands can be seen from space and are a cluster of residential and commercial properties. These comprise of mostly villas which have been purchased at a premium. This is where the rich and famous generally buy their homes.

Deira Shopping Center: One of the first major shopping areas in Dubai. Not as big as The Mall of the Emirates but this seems like more fun. There is a huge food court where you will see all the usual fast food outlets as well as a children's area next to it. It has all the major international brand names as well as a fantastic cinema that shows Hollywood, Bollywood and local films.

Z Fazal has been writing articles for many years and one of his many interests includes travel. One his latest websites talks about Cheap Hotels Benidorm one of which includes the Rosamar Hotel Benidorm. The aim of the site is to help people find budget accommodation in this popular Spanish town.

Patong Remains Phuket's Most Popular Beach Spot

Phuket is one of Thailand's top tourist destinations. Every year, thousands of tourists flock to the white isle in search of sun, sea and a lot more besides. Tourism has taken a lot of knocks in recent years, what with the tsunami and internal problems, but Phuket still manages to attract a decent crowd no matter what. Although numbers are down after the latest spat of political turmoil, Phuket is still the island of choice for most visitors, and no beach seduces tourists quite like Patong Beach.

To look at Patong Beach, you'd wonder just what it is about the place that keeps travelers coming back in their droves. Patong isn't Phuket's most scenic place, but it does have a lot going for it. The beach itself has seen better days. What were once stretches of gorgeous white sand have become overcrowded and inundated with sun loungers and parasols.

The beach is also not as clean as it has been in the past, thanks to the large number of tourists and hawkers. But Patong is about more than just the beach. If you want unspoiled scenery, Mai Khao, Nai Yang and a host of other beach spots are just a short drive away. What Patong Beach has going for it is convenience. Everything you could think of for a holiday is right their on your doorstep.

The variety of accommodation in Patong is unsurpassed anywhere else on the island. Whether you're a backpacker on a shoestring budget or a honeymooner looking for something romantic for you and your loved on, Patong has it all, with no budget left uncatered to.

Then there is Patong's dining scene, which remains more vibrant and chock full of choice than any other part of Phuket. Whatever your preference, be it for pasta, seafood or fajitas, there are enough restaurants in Patong to please even the choosiest of travelers.

You can't, however, talk about Patong Beach without mentioning the nightlife. It's what makes Patong famous, and also very noisy. For a long time, the nightlife in Patong was primarily about go-go bars and beer bars. To a certain extent, this is still the case. Throngs of tourists come with one thing in mind: meeting Thai girls. Romantic, it ain't, but the sex industry in Patong is not likely to disappear any time soon.

Patong has more to offer than just girly bars. Rockers can mosh at Rock City, dancers can boogie away at La Salsa and serious clubbers can get down at Club Lime. There really is something for everyone at Patong Beach.

There are so many Phuket beaches that it can be difficult to choose which one is right for you. There's no doubt that Patong Beach has a lot to offer, but Phuket is large enough that there is no harm in moving about from one place to the next to get a feel for which areas are the best.

Alternative to Bali Villa Accommodation in Peak Season

Being one of the most sought after tropical destinations, Bali welcomes million of foreign tourists every year. Along the year, number of visiting tourists significantly increases in certain periods known as peak season. During the peak season price of all tourism-related products increases, and even if you can afford the price, availability is getting very difficult.

The situation also applies to luxury services including private villa accommodation. With its continuously increasing popularity, Bali villas are now even more popular than resort hotels, and getting one available in peak season is only possible if you make your booking way in advance, even more than a year ahead.

Other than holiday season in the tourists' origins, these periods are also related to seasonal weather cycle in Bali. By calendar, peak season in Bali falls between July and September, two weeks around Christmas and New Year, and the whole week of Chinese New Year and Easter holiday.

To those who do not want to pay more or hate the crowd of spending tropical holiday in Bali, Phuket is a perfect alternative. Providing almost similar atmosphere and attractions, Phuket has different holiday seasons from Bali. Except for Christmas - New Year period, when Bali is in peak season, Phuket is in low season. The other way round works the same, when Bali is in low season, Phuket is in peak season.

Getting to Phuket is not more difficult than Bali anyway. There are flights available from almost all international hubs like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Jakarta. If you prefer low ware airliners, AirAsia X flies from London and Gold Coast to Kuala Lumpur where you can easily find a connecting flight straight to Phuket.

Those who prefer to stay in ultimate privacy of private villa will find Phuket the perfect alternative to overcrowded Bali in its peak season. Most villas will be available and therefore offered at significantly lower price. With a little luck you can get a bargain price of less than 50% off the published rate. Other tourism services such as restaurant, car hire, tours, activities, even souvenir shops are also significantly cheaper and easily available. Talk to your travel agent to find suitable villa accommodation in Phuket.

If you have been visiting Thailand too often you want to go even further, try Vietnam or Cambodia. Luxury accommodation have gone so far even to this newly emerging destination, you can easily find and rent Vietnam villas and enjoy the same level of luxury villa living, just like in more matured destinations. With less tourists coming, you can avoid crowds almost all year round.

Adi has been spending more than five years focusing on helping his clients in private villa and holiday rental industry in Asia-Pacific to gain better online exposure. Combination of information technology and marketing backgrounds brought him to become the man behind most commercially successful websites. Find more about Adi at his blog adiarifin.com

The Best Hotels in Phuket

Phuket is a beautiful island adorned with natural elegance, it is an island as big in size as Singapore, Phuket is the country's largest island, located off the west coast of Thailand, in the Andaman Sea. Over the years, Phuket has been a major tourist destination drawing visitors from all over the world to try hotels in Phuket. The island has pristine sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and has the facilities for numerous water sports activities.

Hotels in Phuket have the capacity to accommodate visitors of all categories, from low budget casual tourists, to wealthy and high profile tourists. For low budget tourists, there are many mid-range economy hotels in Phuket, along with small cottages, apartments and rest houses.

Hotels in Phuket will definitely cost less than other Asian country's, yet they will provide a high standard of facilities. Among the higher range hotels in Phuket, there are a number of five star hotels to choose from, all of which have state of the art facilities.

Situated nearly 870 Km away from Bangkok, the island is joined with the mainland by a bridge. Phuket is a southern province of Thailand and Phuket city is the administrative centre of the province.

The climate is at its best in Phuket during the months of December to April. The rest of the year it mostly stays hot and humid, but this is a great time for finding bargain hotels in Phuket. As it has become an international tourist hot-spot, English has been a common second language, so visitors do not have to worry about difficulties in communication.

Phuket has an international Airport situated in the north, where there are direct flights to Australia and Europe during high season, and regular charters to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok throughout the year. There is no shortage of bus services in and out of Phuket, and a railway station is 5 hours away from the island. Ferry services to other tourist destinations like Krabi and Ko Phi Phi are available also.

Phuket is famous for its snow white, sandy beaches including, Surin, Patong , Bang tao, Kamala , Laem sing , Kata Yai , Karon, Rawai, Ao chalong are some of the beaches that draw majority of the tourists. Coral island and Ko Yao are two other nearby islands that are strongly recommended for any tourist.

There are plenty of sites to visit in the town itself, including Chalong Wat Buddhist temple is an interesting place to visit, so is the Phuket Fantasea show. There is a golf course available, and also an animal sanctuary. Hotels in Phuket can be reserved online, although it is a good idea to book early.

Get more info and the scoop on hotels in Phuket at these links. Don't book a Phuket hotel without researching it thoroughly.

Services and Facilities of Phuket Hotels

Phuket, the biggest island of Thailand, has turned out to be a popular beach destination, thus, attracting tourists from different corners of the world. Beach activities, water sports, pristine sandy beaches, tourists' sites and sea water have made it an ideal place to visit as far as recreation and relaxation is concerned. Phuket hotels had made the required provision of accommodation for the tourists to make their trip comfortable. December to April is the best time to visit the place due to pleasant weather in the area. In order to meet the needs of different kind of tourists, hotel Phuket offers excellent accommodation to welcome and entertain its tourists.

The broad array of accommodation ranges from cheap budget Phuket hotel to mid-range hotels and star luxury hotels and resorts, thus it before you a wide choice of list to select from, depending upon your taste and budget. Many of these hotels are well equipped to suit the needs of business and leisure travelers. No doubt, that friendly milieu and unfailing courtesy of the staff would provide you the homely comforts. Manifestation of style and elegance can easily be noticed in the facilities and services provided. Well equipped latest technologies and fine dining all form the part of long list.

Many economy hotels and budget hotels ensure comfortable stay with standard services at low price. Exquisite cuisines at in-house restaurants of these hotels at reasonable price are awesome to taste. All these feature of Phuket hotels had made their best efforts to serve tourists and Phuket itself not lagging behind as some of the main attraction in Phuket are: -

o Hat Patong- it is the most developed beach in Phuket, offering sporting, shopping, leisure and recreational options. There are many activities to entertain the tourists such as snorkeling, swimming, windsurfing, sunbathing and sailing. The place is equally known for seafood and its vibrant nightlife.

o Phuket waterfalls- these are some interesting gathering places for people seeking cool places for picnic and a dip. Bang Pae and Ton Sai are two of the main falls located in the town. Its great fun to visit the places during monsoon as it offers one of the best sites for trekking.

o National parks: - to the north of Phuket island, natural beauty and serenity of national park and wildlife reserves can be easily seen. There is diverse range of wildlife so it's better to hire guides at the entrance.

o View points: - Prom Thep Cape is one of the spectacular view points on south-western tip of the island. One can easily see all the way to Phi Phi and other islands on a clear day.

Nancy Eben

Hotels in Phuket

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Phuket Hotels

5 Best Countries to Retire For Singles - Find the Best Places to Retire in the World For Singles

It's never too early to plan for your retirement especially now that the value of dollars is volatile. To make the most of your hard-earned money, retirement outside your home country will go a long way. Here are some of the best countries to retire for singles:

Thailand is not only a tourist magnet but also a good place to stay for your retirement. The food is fabulous, the people are laidback and the weather is just right for your muscles and joints. Plus the beaches in Phuket are absolute charmers too.

Ecuador's main attraction is the low cost of living. If you want to make your money go a long way, this is the place to go. Visit Quito, one of UNESCO's first world heritage sites, enjoy the airline promos for retirees and the tropical climate. Ecuador makes it easy for you to have a grand time anytime.

Panama is full of adventure so for those who don't want to totally leave behind what they have back home, this is a perfect place to set your retirement home. Americans will enjoy Panama City's conveniences. But if it gets too hot, you have an option to head for the cooler mountain places. Just learn Spanish.

New Zealand welcomes retirees for six months at a time. If you want a retirement place that is relaxed, laid back and has the convenience that you've gotten used to, then New Zealand will provide you all that and more.

Belize may not ring a bell as a place for retirement but not for long. Its tropical climate is attracting a lot of retirees. Its retired person program gives perks and exemptions too hard to resist. Its beaches are best for your aching bones and muscles. And the official language is English!

Keep in mind that what you are looking for in a best place to retire may not be the same as someone else. Good thing there are sites available that help you make better choices.

Learn more about the best countries to live and spend your retirement. Who knows, you may just find that special someone you've been longing for. Best Country To Live

3 Important Issues to Consider in Applying For a UK Spouse Visa in Thailand

Thai Spouses of UK citizens who wish to join their partner and settle in the UK are qualified to apply for a UK Spouse Visa in Thailand. The UK Spouse visa will allow the holder to live and work in the UK for two years. Near the expiration of the allowed time to stay, if the couple is still married and living together, the Thai spouse may then apply for a permanent residency in the UK. There are three significant issues to consider before filing an application for a UK Spouse Visa in Thailand. These are as follows:

1. The Legal Marriage and genuine ongoing relationship.

This can be supported by submitting the original copy of the Marriage Certificate along with other documents. Another way of proving the marital relationship is by showing pictures or recorded videos taken during the wedding ceremony or the actual Marriage Registration. You must be able to show exchange of correspondence such us letters, postcards, chats, emails, telephone bills, photos together and even receipts of money transfers. Plane tickets, boarding passes and hotel bookings can also be used as proof to show that you have done things and traveled together. Both the applicant and sponsor should also write a letter about their relationship stating how and when the first meeting took place, how the relationship developed and express each eagerness and desire to be with each other to spend life together as family.

2. The Sponsor's current Financial Position and Accommodation in the UK.

The UK Embassy in Bangkok and its commercial organization partner, VFS, will check if the sponsor has the capability to support the future spouse's stay in the UK without asking help from the public funds. To affirm and establish this requirement, the sponsor must provide his/her latest six months bank statements, employment certificate, at least 3 months recent pay slips, house title deed, mortgage or contract with the landlord. To strengthen this requirement, a photo of the sponsor's house in the UK (including every room) is a must.

3. Age requirement is at least 21 years old.

This is very simple. If the applicant is below 21 years of age, the sponsor must wait until the applicant is 21 before applying for a spouse visa. This rule applies the same way to the sponsor. Thus, none of the couples must be under 21 during the application. Both of them must be of legal age for the Thai spouse to be issued a UK Spouse Visa in Thailand.

Jose Darrel Bella works as a Consultant for Siam Legal International, Thailand's largest legal service network with offices in Bangkok, Manila, London, Los Angeles, Phuket, Samui, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Hua Hin. Contact Siam Legal at +66 (0) 253 8100 or info@siam-legal.com to learn more about UK Spouse Visa Thailand or UK Visa Thailand in general.

Water Sports Holidays In Thailand

You get treasures of ethnic, scenic, gastronomic, and oceanic pleasures in Siam. Thailand certainly is the fascinating and exotic land of lovely people known for their fantastic culture, cuisine, and overall lifestyle. The land, of course, is well known for its beautiful beaches and pelagic pleasures. It is a wonderful destination for water sports in Southeast Asia.

Thailand definitely is the best pick, if you are looking to have fun & adventure packed water sports holidays. You can really have great holiday, beaching, playing beach volleyball & other beach sports, and enjoying numerous water sports activities, such as swimming, rafting, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, and scuba diving in Thailand. Some famous destinations for water sports destinations in Thailand are - Mae Hong Son, Hua Hin, Phuket, Chumpon, Ko Chang, and Koh Tao.

Mae Hong Son, located near the border of Myanmar along the banks of the river Pai, is a wonderful town in the North West Thailand. The town offers you a nice opportunity to enjoy rafting the Pai River. You can join one of the rafting expeditions that are commonly organized in the heart of Mae Hong Son. Mae Hong Son can be accessed by car or bus from Chiang Mai via the Mae Hong Son loop. The town is also served by the Mae Hong Son Airport.

Hua Hin, in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula, some 200 km south of Bangkok, is a celebrated beach resort town in Thailand. It is best known for kitesurfing. You can hire your kitesurfing equipment, have kitesurfing instructions from experts, and enjoy kitesurfing. You can also joint kitesurfing lessons & courses for beginners. You can also enjoy numerous other beach and water sport on the beach resort, with an area around 86.36 km². You can also enjoy swimming, windsurfing, wave surfing, and rowing.

Phuket, the largest island and the southern province of Thailand, is best known for its beaches. It is popular destinations for beach & water sports. You can enjoy numerous beach & water sports activities, such as swimming, kitesurfing, yachting, windsurfing, wave surfing, rowing, snorkeling, diving, scuba diving, etc. in Phuket. Famous Phuket beaches include Bang Tao, Surin Beach, Laem Singh Beach, Kamala Beach, Patong Beach, Karon Beach, Kata Yai Beach, Kata Noi Beach, Ao Chalong, and Rawai Beach.

Chumphon or Chumpon, the capital of the Chumphon Province at the shore of the Gulf of Thailand, is a fantastic town in southern Thailand. Located about 463 kilometers away from Bangkok, Chumpon is famous for kitesurfing or kiteboarding, and other water sports activities. You can enjoy numerous beach & water sports activities, such as swimming, windsurfing, wave surfing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, and rowing. The town can be accessed by bus or by ferries.

Ko Chang, located on the Thai east coast 310 km away from Bangkok near the border to Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand, is the second largest island of Thailand. It is famous for sailing and scuba diving. However, you can also enjoy several other beach & water sports activities, such as swimming, windsurfing, wave surfing, snorkeling, diving, and rowing in Ko Chang. The island can be accessed by ferries operating from Laem Ngop.

Ko Tao, an island located near the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand, is widely famous for scuba diving. Diving in Ko Tao is easy and full of fun. Often, you have encounters with turtles, stingrays, barracudas, lots of small fish, and reef sharks. The island is a great place for divers. It is a great place to learn diving, as there are hardly any currents. You can also enjoy several other water related activities, such as wake boarding, water skiing, sumo tube, wind surfing, and sailing. Ko Tao can be accessed catching ferries from Surat Thani, or Ko Samui, or Ko Pha Ngan.

Author writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing listings for Hotels, Villas, Holiday apartments in Phuket, and Thailand holiday villas.

The Theater of Epidaurus

If you are in love with the theater, then you might want to visit the ancient Epidaurus Theater. It is the best preserved Greek theater. It is located around 60km south of the Greek city of Corinth in the small village of Epidaurus. This village was an important commercial and religious centre about 25 centuries ago.

The theatre was discovered in 1881 by Panadis Kavadias, a prominent Greek archaeologist of the 19th century out of curiosity. It took him six years of hardwork to excavate an almost intact theater. Archaeological facts suggest that the theater could have been constructed around 330BC by Polyclitus the Younger, an excellent sculptor an architect from Argos, a nearby city.

For a visitor, it is easy to identify the basic parts of the theater. The orchestra, a flat circular area used for dancing and chorus, is encircled by a narrow strip of marble. Its floor is of compacted earth, and it has an altar in the middle. Behind the orchestra is the scene building, of which only the foundations remain.

The Epidaurus theatre had a total seating capacity of more than 13,000. The seats in the front row are exclusively reserved for dignitaries. These seats are built of a reddish stone and have support for the back and differ from others.

Many tourists enjoy standing in the middle of the orchestra and reciting poems, sing, or even whisper to the friends sitting far up in the topmost rows. The sound waves are hardly diminished when they reach upper rows.

Also sound reflection as it strikes the hard, compact surface of the orchestra and the tiers of seats help to ensure good sound production.

Annually, a drama festival is hosted at the theater. Every summer, many Greek and foreign theatrical companies, gather at the theater to present performances of ancient dramas. Thousands of tourists and theater lovers visit this site to attend modern performances of plays written some 2,500 year ago in this ancient theater.

When next you think of spending a summer holiday, consider a visit to the Epidaurus of Greece.

Fortune Ihunweze who is the author of this article is a professional Environmental Resources Manager. He is very vast in environmental management issues and has written many articles on the environment. His website which covers just about everything you would need to know about the environment is located at: http://www.environmenthighlight.com

Safest Airlines in the World

Many air travelers wonder what exactly are the safest airlines to use when they travel. Here are the winners according to several criteria:

Safest Airlines

Likely the most important criteria for a safe airline is the amount of fatalities the airline has over a period of recent years. This may be the best way to judge the record of maintenance but also of personnel, including pilots and engineers.

Qantas is a name well known to those interested in airline safety. Based out of Sydney, Australia, Qantas safety rating has plummeted as of late, but still ranks fairly high among other airlines of the world in terms of overall safety.

Other airlines considered to be most safe in terms of least passenger fatalities include America West, EasyJet, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, North American Airlines, Southwest and Virgin Atlantic. In addition, many smaller, regional carriers are among the safest airlines including Ireland's national carrier, Aer Lingus, Air Europe, Air Jamaica, Austria Airlines, BahamasAir, Canadian North, Corsair, Estonian Air, Eurowings, EVA Air, Finnair, Frontier Airlines, Fujian Airlines, Icelandair, Midway Airlines, National Jet Italia, Novair, Ozark Airlines, Portugalia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Oman Air, Sahara Airlines, Shandong Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Spanair, Syrian Air, Sun Country Airlines, TransAsia Airways, Tunisair, Ukraine International, Uzbekistan Airways and WestJet Airlines.

It's interesting to note that many smaller carriers may have a safer reputation than larger carriers simply because of the vastly larger amount of flights that larger carriers have each day. Quite simply, the more flights, the more chance that something will go wrong.

Most Secure Airline

El Al airlines, Israel's national airlines, is considered to be the world's most secure airline company. This is due to their tight security measures and protocols used to prevent terrorism and hijackings on their planes. Founded in 1948, El Al airlines has a fleet of over 30 planes. El Al has prevented and stopped numerous attacks on their airlines from terrorists and has also managed to stop hijackers. El Al scrutinizes and interviews every passenger prior to boarding. Also, plain clothes security officers as well as uniformed officers patrol the areas where passengers gather to board.

Worst Airlines

In addition to safe airlines, there are also known bad airlines. These include Indonesia Airlines, Ukraine's Volare Air, Phuket Airlines from Thailand and North Korea's Air Kyo. The criteria used for worst airlines is the number of aircraft lost, so it's a good idea to stay away from these airlines.

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Attractions In Phuket Thailand

Phuket Thailand has many attractions one can discover either on day trips or longer. The Beaches are by far the biggest attraction to Phuket because it has many beaches for one to explore. You can keep yourself busy all year round with the many attractions in Phuket other than just the beaches however.

Taking day trips can be a lot of fun. I have rented long tail boat and gone to the many different islands that are about thirty minute boat rides from the many different piers on island. It's not hard to find a long tail boat as even many of the beaches have them lined up just off shore. A day trip is very inexpensive and will remind you of a time when life was simple and uncomplicated.

Rubber tree plantations are plentiful on the island and watching and learning how locals make latex from the rubber trees is educational as well as interesting. This age old tradition can also be viewed at night where the Thais find it cooler to work at night or work it as a secondary or night job to supplement their income.

Taking a sea canoe off the eastern part of Phukets calm waters to go cave exploring can be a fun way to get a little extra sun as well as a good workout. There are many little islands, coves and caves to explore with a canoe off Phuket's east coast and water is tranquil and turquoise blue.

The island offers many shows also like monkey shows and snake shows. Many bus tours will take you to the caves in Phang Ngn bay and to visit James Bond Island. Another famous day trip is a boat ride out to Phi Phi Island for the day. I find this boat ride rather boring but I have made the trip many times so now I am partial.

If you enjoy Thai boxing, there are several places you can go and watch Thai boxing and even train with the young men. I personally enjoy watching a fight every now and again. The action is real, not staged and the hype is almost as good as wrestling on TV. There is Thai boxing in almost every small town in Phuket.

For those who enjoy the nightlife in Phuket there is none better then that found in Patong Beach. The town has many discos and a nightlife like no place else in the world. Patong has been voted the number one nightlife spot my several men's magazines. The many beer bars and night spots can be fun to explore is a relaxed and laid back attitude one would expect to find in the islands of the Andaman Sea.

If you find you want to get away from the average tourist hangouts, Phuket town can offer some interesting shows and live entertainment. It even has some great festivals like vegetarian festival and Chinese New Year's.

I have now lived on the island for several years and grown to call Phuket Home. The island is more than just a great tourist destination; it's a great place to live.

Scott Riefler is an expert in dealing with Phuket Real Estate and finance related matters. He has written several informative articles on topics like mortgage, home refinancing, real estate loans and real estate insurance. He regularly contributes articles to web guides on real estate and home refinancing. Sign up for our free informative newsletter at: Phuket Apartments Newsletter

Holidays in Thailand Reviewed From Phuket to Bankok

Holidays in Thailand are holidays about golden Buddhist temples, a bloody history and a frenetic marketplace culture. Holidays in Thailand can also be about luxury resorts or sailing round the islands or discovering the culture, but they are always about friendly smiles and idyllic white beaches whether you go to Phuket or Bangkok.

Most holidays in Thailand begin in Bangkok, both a climate controlled consumer mecca and a hot, humid and colourful market place. No holidays in Thailand should be without an attempt at bargaining, of visits to some of the ancient, golden roofed temples that poke out above the newer buildings, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Traimit and the Grand Palace come highly recommended. No holidays to Thailand should be without a few meals from street vendors, some cheap pampering and seeing some graceful local dancing. And if you're not a shopper or a dancer, maybe consider ducking off to see some Muay Thai boxing before the end of your holiday in Thailand.

Thailand has hundreds of islands, but the two most popular for island holidays in Thailand are Ko Samui and co. in the Gulf of Thailand near the Ang Thong Marine Park and Ko Phi Phi and co. in the Andaman Sea near Phuket..

For island holidays in Thailand about relaxation, luxury, walking along footprint-less sand and warm waters, Ko Samui and Ko Tao are the best choice. Ko Tao is also a good choice for low budget holidays in Thailand and people who like diving and snorkelling.

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 turquoise seas, and these provide the best backdrops for sailing or island hopping holidays in Thailand.

Phuket is another popular destination to add to itineraries of holidays in Thailand. It's the coast's busiest hub, so has some of the heartiest nightlife as well as some spectacular beaches: Katanoi, Surin, and Patong are recommended by World Reviewers. The Ko Phi Phi islands, used as a location for 'The Beach', are some of the best known and still most beautiful and an old favourite for holidays in Thailand. You can only stay on Ko Phi Phi Don, the larger island; Maya Bay, where 'The Beach' was filmed is on smaller Ko Phi Phi Lee. Ko Lon, Ko Lipe, Ko Lanta and rocky Krabi are quieter islands to base your Andaman island break on, all offering a mix of local hospitality, tropical beach vistas and watersports, and there's the choice to stay on one or hop between depending on time restraints. Wherever you choose to stay it's worth factoring in a day trip into your holidays in Thailand, to Phang Nga Bay, and see James Bond island and Koh Pannyi island, which still has its traditional stilt fishing villages built over the water.

The best time for holidays in Thailand is between December and February but as far as the weather goes, Thailand is pretty blessed all year round.

WorldReviewer.com is a travel website; If you are looking for holidays in Thailand from Phuket to Bangkok have a look at independent reviews written by independent travel experts.

Contributions of the Jews to Toledo City in Spain

We must now pass over the influence the Jews exerted on Toledo in different spheres of industry and commerce, as well as culturally, spiritually and socially, and on the appearance of the city. Both they and the Saracens contributed greatly to progress in all fields of public activity.

From Cordova, fleeing from the upheavals and struggles of Arabic Spain, they brought the famous School of Translators, a brilliant centre of encyclopaedic culture which radiated its light, not only upon Toledo, but to the whole of the country.

In the square called the Plaza de la Judería they had one of their celebrated alcanas, a busy market which sold Persian carpets, silks from Damascus, Indian pearls, Arabian perfumes, cloths from Kashmir and spices from Ceylon. if we shut our eyes to the humdrum realities of the present day, we can perhaps visualize this market, near Santa Maria la Blanca and extending into the alleys round about, a clamour of voices of buyers and sellers, haggling over every kind of surprising merchandise; awning covered stalls beneath the mediaeval sun, canvas fluttering in breezes from the Sahara like sails of ships upon the Mare Nostrum... And men with pointed beards, greedy eyes, and skins still tanned by the suns of biblical lands. And women with faces the shape of a hazel-nut, with dead-white skin and deep bright eyes and mysterious gaze, with rhythmical walk and willowy waist, women of whom we seem to have a faithful copy in Dominico Theotocopuli's «Lady in Ermine». She was probably Jerónima de las Cuevas, the Cretan painter's only love, amid the arduous hours of his glorious work. Such types, both male and female, we can still encounter if we walk about the Judería a little and keep our eyes open as we peer into the pretty patios of its narrow alleys, where the Hebrew women, beneath the cool shade of awnings, used to weave linen with their white hands.

When the Jews were finally expelled from Spain by the Catholic Sovereigns, they carried with them to countries in the south-east of Europe (where the sweet Old Castilian speech can still be heard) the keys of their houses as a token of the ownership which their descendants have for centuries dreamed of recovering some future day.

The Toledo Jews, in various ages, experienced periods of privilege and of persecution. If they obtained advantages in the reigns of some sovereigns -such as Alfonso the Seventh, the Eighth and the Tenth-, they also felt the weight of implacable persecutions, especially at the hands of the common people, who always regarded them with aversion and handed down fearful legends in which the Jew was the cruel protagonist.

More information: http://www.toledo-travelguide.com

Luis Arenas

http://www.toledo-travelguide.com

Ray Elbe Trains Mixed Martial Arts Elite in Thailand

Mixed Martial arts is one of the fastest growing sports both in the United States and across the globe. With the recent popularity explosion in the sport, many fighters and students are in search of the most experienced and reputable training camps.

Phuket, Thailand has slowly became the mecca of Muay Thai and mixed martial art training. The MMA program at Tiger Muay Thai dubbed "MMA Phuket" is the leading MMA training facility in Thailand. Led by professional MMA fighter "Magical" Ray Elbe, MMA Phuket trains Mixed Martial arts, Submission Grappling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and wrestling combined with Muay Thai for stand-up striking.

Head Instructor Ray Elbe, a professional MMA fighter and full time trainer, is one of the most respected and well known figures in the MMA world. Elbe has honed his skills as a mixed martial artist into a teaching career in Thailand. With a brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Junior Prado, Elbe also carries a impressive 24-11 professional record having won 6 out of his last 7 fights with his last loss in 2006 to WEC veteran Erik Apple.

"Magical" Ray Elbe is ranked 6th all-time on the popular MMA website Sherdog for submission wins by arm-bar and is a multiple belt Champion in the United States and Mexico. Elbe has been featured in many of the worlds top MMA and grappling magazines, developing a huge following in both Thailand and the US and landing sponsorships from Full Tilt Poker, Waterhouse Management, and Lojak Religion. Elbe is actively training in Phuket focusing on his Muay Thai striking skills to compliment his top notch ground game on the road to becoming a truly complete fighter.

Recently promoted to a BJJ black belt under Juliano Prado, winning a Martial Combat 6 Super fight Championship belt, and landing a guest appearance on ESPN STAR Sports Reality TV show "GAME", 2010 is sure to continue to be a huge year for Ray Elbe. Elbe hopes to continue to progress and is looking clear one of the few blemishes from his record in his next fight on October 15th at Martial Combat 8 where he will faces PRIDE FC and K-1 Veteran Shannon "The Cannon" Ritch, who defeated Elbe in 2004.

D. Ferris

http://www.mensnow.com

Patong Beach

Patong beach is the most popular beach area of Phuket. Most of the travelers that spend their holiday on this popular Island in Thailand will end up staying at a resort or hotel which is located in Patong. We would like explain why this resort area is so popular compared to other beach resort areas such as Kamala beach, Karon beach, Kata beach and Surin beach.

Patong beach is where the largest variety of activities, restaurants, nightlife venues and tourism infrastructure can be found. Travelers can also select from an overwhelming range of hotels and resorts.  Tourists who enjoy shopping will also most certainly enjoy spending their holiday as there are a number of excellent shopping venues such as the Jungceylon shopping mall and the Bangla Ocean Plaza.

Attractions

There are plenty of fun and interesting tourist attractions for travelers to choose from in Patong beach. Obviously there is the beautiful white sandy beach and all the water sport activities which are organized there. Another very popular tourist attraction is Simons Cabaret. This Thai ladyboy cabaret show is one of the most popular attractions of Phuket and their shows are suitable for visitors of all ages. Another popular attraction is the elephant rides which are organized opposite the Safari Club.

Hotels

There are plenty of excellent Patong beach hotels and resorts for travelers to choose from. This popular destination is also home to a large variety of guesthouses which are an interesting option for those tourists who are traveling on a budget. The main differences between a guesthouse and regular hotel or resort lies in the amount of facilities offered at each type of accommodation. Guesthouses generally offer spacious guest rooms however do not have facilities such as swimming pools and fitness areas.

Nightlife

The nightlife of Phuket is well known around the globe and Patong beach is where travelers can find the best that the nightlife has to offer. There are a number of really great discos in on the island and these include the Tiger Disco, Safari Club, Seduction Discotheque and the Banana Disco. Other popular nightlife venues include the many beer bars found along Bangla Road as well as the Go Go bars found in Soi Sea Dragon.

Restaurants

There are hundreds of restaurants in Patong beach and you can basically find food from all corners of the world. As this resort area is such as popular place for expats to live and for tourists to visit, many foreigners wishing to live there  have opened a restaurant serving food from their home countries. If you enjoy fresh seafood then you will also be more than happy as some of the finest seafood restaurants of Thailand are located there.

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 with Patong beach information.

Phuket Villa Rentals - Simple Tips To Enjoy A Phuket Getaway More

The province of Phuket in Thailand has truly been one of the most visited and frequented tourist destinations in Asia. That is why the sector for tourist inns and properties has really enjoyed a rise. These days, there is a good and significant market for Phuket villa rentals. And as a vacationer, you would generate more savings if you would rent a place to stay in as you enjoy your Phuket getaway.

As a regular traveler, you surely have been well acquainted and familiarized with the services of hotels. You should be noticing that hotel accommodations all over the world are getting similar to each other that you could hardly distinguish the difference between staying in a US hotel and in an Asian hotel. In that way, Phuket villa rentals are more advisable if you want to know more about the culture of the area in your vacation.

Practical tips

It is important to note that there are simple and practical guidelines that would surely help you make villa rental in Phuket more noteworthy and advantageous. In the planning process, you should first weigh the pros and cons of taking Phuket villa rentals especially in consideration with your budget and other factors.

Take note that on the first glimpse, villa rentals are generally looking more costly than hotel accommodations. But what is good about Phuket villa rentals is that you would be able to generate greater savings especially if you re going in a group and if you intend to stay for a few weeks or even months.

Why villa rentals?

As mentioned, villa rentals in Phuket would help you get to know more and experience the culture not just of the province but also of the whole of Thailand. That is because villas are taking the traditional and genuine Thai home designs. Such structures and homes are also made of the usual and some native Thai home materials.

Villa rentals in Phuket are designed to cater more to vacationers who are in groups or who are intending to stay longer than usual. While hotels could be practical for staying in a just a few days, maybe a day or two, villas are more practical to lease if you are staying for weeks or months. It is just like renting a town home in the area.

When to go

You have the privilege to schedule your vacation as you please. If you are planning to go on a splendid getaway and you want to go to Phuket, you should plan to go there any month except for November to April. That is because in such months, there are practically more tourists going to the area as everyone seems to be going there on the Christmas, New Year and Easter holidays.

Phuket villa rentals would be costlier on such months. That is because as the demand rises up, surely, prices go along. And besides, it would be harder to book villa and even hotel accommodations. All other months are definitely good times to go and take a much needed break in Phuket's beaches.

Get more out of your Tuscan vacation by staying in a Tuscany villa rental by visiting http://www.vacationhomerentalsguide.com, a popular vacation rental website that specializes in finding inexpensive Orlando, Florida condo rentals so you can enjoy your trip to Disney world.

Romantic Valentine Getaway For Couples - Tips

If you intend to take a vacation out of your country on this Valentine's Day, I have some romantic ideas and tips what you can do besides looking for a destination, hotel and booked a plane ticket. You can make a romantic valentine even a magical valentine with a few surprises and surely will make your partner more in love with you.

Giving a Vacation's tickets will be one of the gift options for Valentine's day this year because fortunately, Valentine will be on Sunday this year. If you are planning to give a surprise by giving vacation's ticket, you can do it on Friday or Saturday. Also if you can not get out of town or out of the country, you can still book a room at the hotel and celebrate Valentine's Day together with your lover.

Some tips to make your vacation to be romantic:

1. Do not bring the kids, Leave them with your family that you trust for a few days.


2. Do not bring your works, tell your sweetheart "I'm All Yours", try to finish your work before valentine.


3. Prepare for some important things like maps, and list the places you want to visit. Look for any Valentine events, also Chinese New Year happens to be the same date as Valentine's day and Some shopping places like in Paris have winter sale on February.


4. Find out the weather forecast for your destination, Some countries are experiencing winter on February, prepare water resistant shoes, jacket, gloves and ear protectors.


5. Book a hotel's room from now, not until you have to walk to find hotels available.


6. Book a plane from now, you'll get a cheaper price and also it happens to be a low season this February.

Some things you can do to make it more romantic:

1. Call the hotel where you are going to stay, ask if they can prepare a candle light dinner in the rooms and beds filled with roses, say that you will pay in advance, perhaps they would be willing to do it. If not, contact a flower delivery shop about a week before Valentine's Day, ask them to send flowers to the hotel where you stay on Valentine's Day.


2. Prepare your "war equipments", I mean your night activities tools, if you're a woman, bring or buy the most attractive lingerie and prepare for your first night at the hotel.


3. Prepare some surprise gifts such as rings, necklaces, etc. wrap them nicely and ask the hotel whether they can arrange to put the gift on the room before you come or not. If not, ask for shipping packages to deliver your gift on Valentine's Day to the hotel where you stay.

Some of the Romantic destinations you can visit:

1. Paris, Favorite couples destination, you can visit the Eiffel tower and have a dinner there. Or walk down the Champs Elysees, go to the Arc de Triomphe, visiting the Louvre Museum, saw the painting in Montmartre and even just sitting in the cafe that are common in Paris.


2. Caribbean Island, Enjoy the warm atmosphere, relaxing, and If you like the natural landscape, the Caribbean island was a must to visit. Visit the island of Barbuda, a beautiful island with lots of wild and natural spaces.


3. Swiss Mountains, There's nothing more beautiful to see the alpine mountine, nothing is more romantic than sitting in front of the fireplace only both of you, while drinking wine and no activity is more fun than skiing with your partner. You can visit St. Moritz, the most famous resorts in the Swiss.


4. Bahamas, relax in front of both the beach, a quiet place and feel like the world belongs to both of you.


5. Venice, known as the most romantic city in the world, you'll see the architectural beauty of Venice, visiting Venice will make you want to go back next year. Many romantic cafes in Venice, enjoy musics in the main square is one of the activities you should do.


6. Amsterdam, Many events will be held in Amsterdam on Valentine's Day and make sure you visit those if you're there. You can relax at the bar jazz and don't forget to see the sex museum.

In addition, some places in Asia are very interesting to visit, such as Phuket, Bali, Lombok, etc. I suggest you who want to travel on Valentine's Day is to determine your destination from now and buy the tickets. Prepare everything you need and i believe you will experience the most romantic Valentine's Day ever. Have Fun and Happy Valentine's Day.

My name is Erick and I'm a professional magician, IT Consultant and learning to be a writer. I'm currently doing my valentine web project at http://www.magicalvalentine.com and if you need more tips on how to make your valentine getaway more memorable, please visit Valentine's Romantic Getaway Ideas.

What You Need to Know About Overstaying in Thailand

Thailand is well-known around the world as one of the most sought-after tourist destinations, owing to its rich cultural and ecological diversity. During your unforgettable visit to the Land of Smiles, you may find yourself craving for more of the Thai experience, thus opting for an even more extended stay in the country.

However, it is very important for you to keep in mind the basic guidelines for overstaying in Thailand so that you can avoid having problems with Thai immigration and enjoy the rest of your trip.

What is Overstaying?

Overstaying is the defined as the act of exceeding your allowable stay in Thailand beyond the validity of the immigration stamp or visa granted to you. As a foreigner, it is your duty to keep in mind the date of expiration of your stay in the country, and you are advised to leave Thailand prior before your permit of stay expires. Overstaying is an offense where only foreign citizens are held liable.

Consequences of Overstaying

Overstaying is penalized by Thai Immigration law. Technically this is a violation that is punishable even on the first day of overstay, but generally if you overstay for only one day, you need not pay a fine. A fine of 500 baht per day is charged beginning on the second day of overstay. The maximum fine for overstaying in Thailand is 20,000 baht and children can also be charged with overstaying if they are over the age of seven.

You can pay your fines for overstaying at the airport or at the nearest Thai Immigration office. The process takes less than ten minutes, and you can even pay your overstay fines in advance. While this is a very convenient option for tourists, keep in mind that overstaying is still a violation of Thai Immigration rules. The Immigration Police can still detain you until you can book your flight out of Thailand and it can be a very uncomfortable experience for you, so it will be best to avoid overstaying in Thailand unless very urgent situations call for this option.

Why You Need a Thai Visa

If you are really interested in taking a longer trip and explore more of the Land of Smiles, and even possibly explore employment and business opportunities in the country, it will be best for you to apply for a Thai Visa prior to your arrival in Thailand so as to avoid problems with Thai Immigration. It is recommended that you seek the assistance of a reputable Thai law firm, who may be able to discuss with you your options in your application for a Thai Visa. They may also be able to be a valuable resource of legal advice throughout your stay in Thailand.

Belle Baldoza works as a Business Correspondent for Siam Legal International, Thailand's largest legal service network with offices in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Samui. The firm has international locations in London and Los Angeles. Siam Legal is a full-service law firm and provides a wide range of legal and visa services. Visit Siam Legal on the web at http://www.siam-legal.com