How To Plan A Hawaii Luxury Vacation

Are you interested in taking a trip to Hawaii? If you would like your next Hawaii vacation to be luxurious, there are a number of steps that you will want to take. For your convenience, a few of those steps are outlined below.

One of the best ways to ensure that you have a Hawaii luxury vacation is to choose your overnight accommodations wisely. Your best option is to book a stay at a private Hawaii vacation rental. In fact, look for luxury rentals. They are often easy to spot. Typically, you will find that luxury vacation rentals come in the formats of homes, villas, and cottages. Luxury rentals often provide you with extra features, such as a swimming pool or hot tub.

When choosing a luxury Hawaii vacation rental, it is first important to define luxury. This is important, as we have different definitions of the word. First, make sure to find a vacation rental that is within your price range. Next, find a spacious rental that can accommodate you and your traveling party. Afterwards, examine your wants. What do you want to get out a luxury rental? How does a hot tub, swimming pool, or an ocean view sound?

As nice as it is to stay a Hawaii luxury vacation rental, you may not have the option of doing so. If you do opt for staying at a Hawaii vacation resort or a traditional hotel, choose something that is luxurious in nature. Examine pictures to find a hotel or vacation resort that is elegant in appearance and has attractive features. Another approach involves staying in a suite, as opposed a traditional hotel room.

As for your other travel plans, be sure to examine Hawaii airlines that are known for their great customer service. This often results in you having a good experience in the air. An important component of having a luxury Hawaii vacation is having a good time. Getting your trip off to a good start is the first step. For added luxury, fly first class. You should get more perks, as well as more attention from flight attendants, than when flying coach.

If you have a driver’s license or if someone in your traveling party does, rent a car. When doing so, be sure to examine luxury rentals. You may want to choose a rental car that you wouldn’t be likely to drive back home. Public transportation is nice, but it should only be used as a last resort if your goal is to have a Hawaii luxury vacation. A rental car combined with a private Hawaii vacation rental allows you to have privacy and come and go as you please.

For dining, examine fine dining restaurants. If you want to have a luxury vacation, but if you are on a budget you can still enjoy fine dining. Ask around once you arrive on the island. Is there any restaurants that are recommended for their fine meals, but affordable prices? Also, once you have made your Hawaii vacation rental reservations, perform a search online for nearby restaurants. Many restaurants have websites where they list their menus, including prices, as well as pictures of the establishment.

It is also important to examine vacation activities. Unfortunately, when many individuals think of luxury vacations, many just imagine lounging around a private rental. Of course, you can do so, but there are also Hawaii vacation activities that are luxurious in nature. A few of these activities include private helicopter tours, private charter boat rentals, dinner cruises, and so forth.

As you can see, there are a number of different ways that you can make sure your next trip to Hawaii is a luxurious one. It is also important to remember that you need to have a clear definition of what luxury is to you before you start making your travel plans.

As a helpful reminder, a private Hawaii vacation rental is the best way to ensure that you have a good, luxurious time. To see what private rentals are available for your intended dates of travel, visit HawaiianBeachRentals.com.

About the Author

Hawaiian Beach Rentals specializes in assisting those seeking Hawaii luxury vacations. Examine their large selection of private Hawaii vacation rentals.

Traveling To London? Try A Car To Get Around

Stansted and Luton airports are two of the five international airports located in London. They are all owned and operated by the BAA, and provide access to all areas of London. To get around the towns nearby you should Car hire UK Airport and two airports are popular car hire locations

To begin at Stansted, one has the option of using the surrounding hotels as a form of home base, or using the airport as a hub to connect to another airport. This third busiest airport in the UK is a single terminal with an air bridge and connected transit system. Within the airport there is internet access, currency exchanges, and several shops and restaurants. Landing at Stansted will place visitors southwest of London and Cambridge. If you desire, car hire London Stansted Airport is available. This airport is slated to expand in the coming years due to the capacity being met at 25 million passengers per year. If the proposal to expand is approved, by the year 2015 Stansted will have the capability to handle even more passengers than Heathrow.

There are some, though, that are fighting this expansion, stating they are negatively affecting the environment, ad using land that will not be pleasing to nearby residents. The original purpose of this airport was to simply releive the Heathrow and Gatwick airports. It has since come into its own with increasing numbers of passengers and flights.

The nearby London Luton Airport is located about 30 miles north of London city proper. It is the fifth busiest airport in the UK. It generally serves as an operating hub for the other four airports based in and around London. You can also access car hire London Luton Airport here.

When the Luton first opened, the focus was on commercial operation rather than passenger carrying. In 1985 it added an international terminal, and in 1990 was renamed London Luton Airport in order to have its connection to the city of London recognized. Still, this airport only operates one runway, and it is equipped with technology to assist planes in landing during inclement weather.

It also has the popular Silverjet terminal that can play host to around 100 passengers, and process them through in less than 30 minutes. It can be found in the main terminal. The Luton also hosts an 8% rate for charter flights released from their runway, and has the ability to accept cargo flights as well.

This airport is experiencing such growth in the last few years that is now the site of a company’s exploration of surface movement surveillance technology and control tools. This will increase the safety factor of the airport, as well as the capacity and efficiency, as the number of passengers continues to climb.

The expansion is being contested by environmentally conscience organizations because the flight paths used by Luton currently are creating disturbances in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The complaint is that many local villages are suffering from the “intolerable noise levels” and the areas of higher altitude are closer to the actual noise.

The future plans for this expansion are on hold for now, as the expansion plans of 2007 were halted. They airport plans to revise some flight paths to avoid as many major cities as possible, and to work towards improving the airport as it currently stands.

Submitted By: Lakshmi Reddy

About the Author

When traveling to the UK it is far better to avail yourself of Car Hire UK Airports . You can even get a Car Hire Stansted Airport or a Car Hire Luton Airport . They are readily available and now is the best time to book.

History Of The Las Vegas Strip 1960 To Present Day

The 1960’s didn’t start well for Las Vegas. On June 17, 1960, most of the original Las Vegas Strip hotel casino, El Rancho Vegas, burned down. Things then stayed quiet in Las Vegas until 1966, when Howard Hughes came to town. By the time Hughes left ten years later he either current owned or had owned the Desert Inn, Castaways, New Frontier, Landmark, Sands, and Silver Slipper, and in addition he owned huge tracts of Las Vegas land. Additionally in 1966, Caesars Palace and Aladdin opened.

The 1970’s were perhaps the heyday of mob control of Las Vegas. Teamster loans were used to finance the acquisition of a variety of hotel casinos. It would take the FBI years to finally drive the mobsters out. New casinos that opened during the 1970’s include Circus Circus, Holiday Casino, and MGM Grand.

Three incredibly important events occurred in the 1980’s in Las Vegas. In 1980, 84 people died in the worst disaster in Nevada history, the MGM Grand fire. In 1986 Tony Spilotro was found murdered in a cornfield in Indiana, marking the end of major mob influence in Las Vegas. And in 1988 The Mirage, funded by junk bonds floated with the help of Michael Milken, opened for business. The opening of the Mirage signaled the beginning of the greatest growth spurt in Las Vegas Strip history, and encouraged investment in Las Vegas by major corporations.

The Las Vegas Strip was almost completely rebuilt in the 1990’s. In 1990 the largest hotel in the world, the Excalibur, opened at the corner of Tropicana and the Strip. In 1993 Mirage buys the Dunes, including its golf course, and implodes the old hotel. Also in 1993 the MGM Grand, Treasure Island, and Luxor open for business. In 1996 the Stratosphere opened, and the Sands and Hacienda closed. In 1997 New York-New York opened, and Aladdin closed. In 1998 the most expensive hotel casino ever built, the Bellagio, opened, and Hilton split their corporation into gaming and non-gaming entities. Finally, in 1999, MGM bought Primadonna Resorts, and the final three hotel casinos to open in the millennium, New York-New York. Mandalay Bay, the Venetian, and Paris opened.

Now, in the new millennium, two corporations own a large part of the Las Vegas Strip. In 2000 MGM buys Mirage, and in 2004 they also buy Mandalay Resort Group, leaving them with Mandalay Bay, Luxor, Excalibur, MGM Grand, New York – New York, Bellagio, Mirage, Treasure Island, and Circus Circus on the Las Vegas Strip. Meanwhile Park Place purchased Caesars World in 2000 and Harrahs in 2004, leaving them with Paris, Bally’s, Flamingo, Harrahs, and Caesars Palace on the Strip. In 2005 Steve Wynn returned to the Strip with the Wynn Resort. In 2007 two older hotels, the Frontier and the Stardust, are closed and imploded, and, finally, in 2008 the Palazzo opened for business. In addition, the other major change that is currently occurring is the incredible growth of residential condos on the Las Vegas Strip. The fastest growing city in the United States for most of the twentieth century is now looking more like a major urban city.

About the Author

John Rosen works for Las Vegas Strip Map and has seen a lot of Las Vegas Strip history being made during his 40 years living in Las Vegas.

Thailand Overview

Thailand has a rich and colorful culture, and many exotic monuments and stunning beaches, which draw millions of visitors each year, ranging from budget-conscious backpackers to those seeking luxurious pampering in a spa. Where else but Thailand can visitors cruise on a converted rice barge, roar upriver in a long-tail boat and take a white-knuckle ride on a bamboo raft, then stay in jungle tree houses as guests in the homes of hilltribe villagers, or on rafthouses floating on a river? Equally memorable are the trails leading deep into the rainforest past cooling waterfalls, and the simple beauty of the translucent sea lapping onto endless white, soft sand. Not to be missed is dynamic Bangkok, a city that is larger than life, with its futuristic high-rise buildings juxtaposed against the glittering Grand Palace. Early morning is when the saffron-robed monks leave the sanctuary of their wats to receive alms from the people, be it in a dusty village or on crowded city streets. Buddhism is a way of life here and with the reverence the people have for the monarchy, a dynasty that has maintained the independence of the country for centuries, the result for the Thais is a blend of tradition with contemporary living. His Majesty King Bhumibol is the longest reigning monarch in the world, having come to power in 1946. Following the end of absolute monarchy, Thailand moved towards democracy, but this was thwarted by the military, which has often staged coups in protest at government policies. The most recent was in September 2006 when a bloodless coup overthrew Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and replaced him with an interim prime minister until elections could take place, probably in October 2007. For all this, Thailand has risen above economic collapse in 1997, SARS, avian influenza and the devastating tsunami in December 2004 to become a hugely popular destination on the long-haul tourist trail, possessed as it is of great natural beauty and a very rich cultural heritage.
Geography Thailand is bordered to the west by Myanmar and the Indian Ocean, to the south and east by Malaysia and the Gulf of Thailand, to the east by Cambodia, and to the north and east by Laos. Central Thailand is dominated by the Chao Phraya River.

Thailand Shopping

Thailand is one of the best places in Asia for bargain hunting and visitors will be spoilt for choice with the huge, glitzy shopping malls, department stores, small shops and bustling street markets. Both Bangkok and Chiang Mai have excellent night markets. Good buys include Thai silks and cottons, leather goods, batiks, silver and gold, pottery with celadon green glaze, precious and semiprecious stones (in particular rubies and sapphires are indigenous to Thailand), pearls, dolls, masks, painted umbrellas, lacquerware, pewterware, bamboo and wood artifacts and bronzeware. The weekend market at Chatuchuk in Bangkok is a regular cornucopia with hundreds of stalls stocking items ranging from genuine antiques to fighting fish. Tailor-made clothes are also good value and can be made in a matter of days, yet the standard is very high. Duty-free shops are located throughout the country and items can be purchased there and delivered to the airport in time for the departure flight. Value Added Tax (7%) can be refunded on goods bought in shops labelled ’VAT Refund for Tourists’, where there is a minimum transaction of ฿2,000 including VAT. VAT Refund Application for Tourists forms are completed at the time of purchase and it is necessary to show one’s passport. Cash refunds (minimum ฿5,000) can be obtained in the airport departure hall and often the goods purchased must also be shown. Shopping hours Mon-Sun 1000-2100/2200. Currency Information:
Currency Baht (THB; symbol ฿) = 100 satang. Notes are in denominations of ฿1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of ฿10, 5 and 1, and 50 and 25 satang.
Currency Exchange Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks (which have the best rates), hotels (which charge high commissions) and, in larger towns, bureaux de change (generally open 0800-2000). Outside large towns and tourist areas, notes higher than ฿500 may be difficult to exchange, so visitors are advised to carry small change. Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. ATMs are found in all major cities and almost all provincial banks.
Traveller's Cheques Accepted by all banks and large hotels and shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling.
Banking Hours Mon-Fri 0830-1530.

Thailand Food & Dining

There are many Asian and European restaurants. Thai food is hot and spicy, but most tourist restaurants tone down the food for Western palates. Most Thai food is prepared with fresh ingredients and lemon grass and coriander are often added to enhance flavors. Rice is commonly eaten with most meals and generally the various dishes ordered are shared by all the diners. Excellent food can be found at the stalls of the many street vendors around the country. Popular fruits are papaya, jackfruit, mangosteens, rambutans, pomelos (similar to grapefruits) and, above all, durians, which farangs (foreigners) either love or hate. Owing to the strong smell of durians, the majority of hotels do not allow them onto the premises.
Things to know: Bars have counter or table service. There are no licensing laws.
National specialties: • Tom yam (a coconut-milk soup prepared with makroot leaves, ginger, lemon grass, prawns or chicken). • Gang pet (hot ’red’ curry with coconut milk, herbs, garlic, chillies, shrimp paste, coriander and seasoning) served with rice. • Pad Thai (stir-fried rice-noodles) served with shrimp or chicken garnished with peanuts. • Desserts include salim (sweet noodles in coconut milk). • Well worth trying is sticky rice and mangoes (rice cooked in coconut milk served with slices of mango). This is a favorite breakfast dish in the mango harvest season (March to May).
National drinks:
• Local whisky, Mekhong and rum SamSong are very popular. • Singha and Singha Gold are locally made beers which dominate the domestic market. • Coconut milk straight from the shell during the harvest season is particularly refreshing in the heat and humidity.
Legal drinking age: The post-coup government has proposed raising the legal drinking age from 18 to 20.
Tipping: Most hotels and restaurants will add 10% service charge and 7% government tax to the bill.
Nightlife Bangkok offers a wide range of entertainment venues, from nightclubs, pubs, bars, cinemas and restaurants (many of which are open air), to massage parlours, pool halls and cocktail lounges. The nightlife is concentrated in two districts of Bangkok - Patpong (between Silom and Surawong roads) and Soi Cowboy (Sukhumvit Road) and every night both areas are thronged with people. Bangkok’s sex industry is as blatant and booming as ever. Many venues are open all day and late into the night, although bars and clubs are supposed to close at 0200. Sometimes there is an admission fee but this usually includes one or two drinks. The dress code is very relaxed, although a few of the nightclubs do enforce smarter dress. There are no casinos in Thailand as gambling is illegal. Performances of traditional religious and court dances can be seen at the Thailand CulturalCenter and Patravadi Theater in Bangkok. Elsewhere on the mainland, nightlife takes the form of traditional dances. The islands are renowned for their nightlife, and attendance is almost exclusively by foreigners. The full moon parties are notorious and continue well into the following morning. Performances of the infamous katoeys (lady boys) are worth a visit, with the most famous at the Calypso Cabaret in the Asia Hotel in Bangkok.

Thailand Travel Tips

Social Conventions Present-day Thai society is the result of centuries of cultural interchange, particularly with China and India, but more recently with the West. Western visitors will generally receive a handshake on meeting someone. A Thai will be greeted with the traditional closed hands and a slight bow of the head - the wai. Buddhist monks are always greeted in this way. The Thai Royal Family is regarded with an almost religious reverence. Visitors should respect this. It is very bad manners to make public displays of anger, as Thais regard such behavior as boorish and a loss of ’face’. Public displays of affection between men and women are also frowned upon, and it is considered rude to touch anyone on the head or to point one’s feet at someone. Shoes should be removed before entering someone’s home or a temple. Informal dress is widely acceptable and men are seldom, if ever, expected to wear suits. Beachwear should be confined to the beach and topless sunbathing is frowned upon. Smoking is widely acceptable.
International Travel:
Getting There by Air The national airline is Thai Airways (website: www.thaiairways.com).
Departure Tax ฿500 for all international departures. Transit passengers and children under two years of age are exempt.
Main Airports Bangkok International (BKK) (Suvarnabhumi) (website: www.airportthai.co.th) 30km (19 miles) east of the city (journey time - 1 hour).
To/from the airport: There are airport express bus routes to the city. There are also regular public bus routes to the city and to the provinces, including Pattaya. An overhead city rail link is being built and is expected to open by December 2007. Taxis are also available at all hours.
Facilities: Left luggage, first aid, chemist, duty-free shop, banks/bureaux de change, restaurants, bars and snack bars, post office, international and local car hire, accommodation reservations, and Internet cafe.
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) (website: www.airportthai.co.th) is 4km (2.5 miles) southwest of the city (journey time - 20 minutes).
To/from the airport: Taxi services are available to the city center.
Facilities: International and local car hire companies, banks/bureaux de change, restaurant, shops and bar.
Phuket International Airport (HKT) (website: www.airportthai.co.th) is 32km (20 miles) northwest of Phuket (journey time - 45 minutes).
To/from the airport: Taxis and limousines are available to the city center. Facilities: Left luggage, duty-free shops, first aid, bureau de change, post office, restaurant and snack bars, international and local car hire companies and tourist information.
Getting There by Water Main port: Bangkok (website: www.bkp.port.co.th), but there are very limited passenger services available. There are passenger crossings between Thailand and Laos at several points along the Mekong River.
Cruise lines call at Thailand.
Getting There by Rail State Railways of Thailand operate through trains (tel: (02) 222 0175; website: www.thailandrailway.com) between Butterworth in Malaysia, with daily connections between elsewhere in Malaysia and Singapore and the borders with Cambodia (at Aranyaprathet) and Laos (at Nong Khai). The opulent Eastern and Oriental Express (tel: 0845 077 2222, within the UK; website: www.orient-express.com) runs directly from Bangkok to Singapore, but is expensive.
Getting There by Road There are international roads from Cambodia, Malaysia and Laos. Roads into Myanmar are not officially open to tourist traffic. Long distance air-conditioned buses travel to border crossing towns and can be arranged at the bus stations or through travel companies.
Overview The following goods may be imported into Thailand without incurring customs duty by any person, irrespective of age: 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco or equal weight of cigars; 1l of alcoholic liquor.
Prohibited Exports There are restrictions on the import and export of illegal drugs and all firearms and ammunition, and the export of items of archaeological interest or historical value, without a certificate of authorization from the Department of Fine Arts in Thailand. The export of images of the Buddha and other religious artifacts is also subject to this ruling. Radio transceiver equipment, plant and living materials, live animals or products, medicines and chemicals also require a permit from the relevant government agency.
Warning: Any drug-related offences are severely punished and may result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
Internal Travel: Getting Around By Air Thai Airways International (TG) (website: www.thaiairways.com) runs services to all major towns, using a total of 12 airports including Phuket and Chiang Mai. Bangkok Airways (PG) (website: www.bangkokair.com) flies several additional routes including Ko Samui. Discounts are available in off-peak seasons and during special promotional periods. PB Air (website: www.pbair.com) and Nok Air (website: www.nokair.co.th) also fly domestically.
Departure tax: ฿50 (฿100 from February 2007) for all domestic flights, ฿300 for domestic flights from Samui Airport. Children under two years are exempt.
Getting Around by Water Thailand has, depending on the season, up to 1,600km (1,000 miles) of navigable inland waterway. Services operate along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok between Rajburana and Nonthaburi by taxi-boat ferries operated by the Chao Phraya Express Boat (tel: (02) 623 6143; website: www.chaophrayaboat.co.th). In addition long-tailed motorboats ply the river. Ferry services operate between the mainland and several islands including Surat Thani to Ko Samui, Phuket to Phi Phi and Trat to Ko Chang and can be booked in person at the dock. Strong competition on all of the major routes ensures that fares are kept low. Reduced services operate during the monsoon season from May through to October along the east coast and Andaman coast, and from November until January on the Gulf coast. The more remote spots become inaccessible in these periods. Getting Around by Rail The excellent railway network extends over 4,600km (2,860 miles), linking all major towns with the exception of Phuket. It is run by State Railways of Thailand (tel: (02) 222 0175; website: www.thailandrailway.com). There are four main routes to the northern, eastern, southern and northeastern regions, and also a line serving Thon Buri, River Kwai Bridge and Nam Tok. There are several daily services on each route, with air-conditioned, sleeping and restaurant cars on the principal trains. The journeys are leisurely and comfortable, and traveling by train is certainly one of the best ways to get around the country. The Southern Line Express stops at Surat Thani for those who wish to continue by bus and ferry to the islands off the east coast. Most railway timetables are published in English.
Rail Passes There is a Thailand Rail Pass available for 20 days travel in second or third class.
Getting Around by Road There is a reasonable road network comprising many highways, designated by numbers, and 52,000km (32,300 miles) of national and provincial roads. All major roads are paved. Traffic drives on the left. Coach: There are inter-urban routes to all provinces. Fares are very cheap and buses very crowded. Privately owned air-conditioned buses (seats bookable) are comfortable and moderately priced. Coaches can be booked in person at the bus stations.
Car hire: Available in all main towns and cities from both international and local companies.
Regulations: The minimum age for driving in Thailand is 21 years and the wearing of seat belts is compulsory. The speed limit is 60kph (35mph) in towns and cities and 90-100kph (52-60mph) on expressways and country roads. Documentation: A national license and International Driving Permit (IDP) are required. IDPs are valid for three months, after which a Thai driving license is required.
Getting Around Towns and Cities Conventional bus services in Bangkok are operated by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, but there are also extensive private minibus operations. Premium fares are charged for air-conditioned (cream and blue buses) and express buses. The ordinary buses are cream and red or white and blue and charge a flat rate regardless of distance traveled. Fares are generally low and are collected by conductors. In Bangkok, taxis displaying the TAXI-METER sign are metered. Samlors or tuk-tuks are three-wheeled taxis without a meter; the fare must be negotiated before the journey commences. These are cheaper than taxis but are only suitable for short distances. There are express, rapid and ordinary motorboat services on the Chao Phraya River between Nonthaburi pier to the north of Bangkok to Rajburana pier in southern Bangkok. The express boats, marked with a yellow flag, are more expensive than the rapid orange flag flying boats. The ordinary flagless boats are the cheapest. Bus maps of the city are available, on arrival, from the tourist office at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The Skytrain (BTS), an elevated mass transit system in Bangkok, runs from 0600-2400. The Metro runs from Hualamphong to Bang Sue with 18 stations in between. Trains leave every 5 to 7 minutes between 0600 and 2400. Chiang Mai public transport is limited to red minibuses (songtaews), tuk-tuks and rickshaws, although taxis with meters have now been introduced. Journey Times The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Bangkok to other major cities/destinations in Thailand.

Thailand History

The Kingdom of Thailand (known as Siam until 1939) was ruled by the Khmers, based in what is now neighboring Cambodia, during the 11th and 12th centuries. In 1238, two Thai chieftains rebelled against Khmer domination and established the first independent Thai kingdom. Ayutthaya, to the north of Bangkok, was the capital of the kingdom from the early 14th century, until its destruction by Burmese invaders in 1767. The Burmese were quickly forced out and the monarchy re-established. The absolute rule of the monarchy lasted until 1932, when it was replaced by a system of constitutional monarchy. Thereafter, Thailand gradually installed a democratic, pluralistic system of government. Progress was slow, mainly because of the attitude of the military, which has traditionally exercised a strong (although rarely beneficial) influence on Thai politics. Since 1932, the army has taken over the government on no less than 17 occasions. During the Cold War, this was a minor consideration – democratic governments were a rarity in the region and Thailand’s chief strategic ally, the USA, were more concerned with Thailand’s role as a bulwark against encroaching communism from elsewhere in Southeast Asia. In this regard, Thailand was an influential member of the main regional anti-communist bloc, Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN). Since the end of the Cold War, Thailand has been prominent in proposing the reformation of ASEAN into a regional trading bloc. This was part of a realignment of Thai foreign policy engineered by the government of Chatichai Choonhaven, who led the country from his election in 1988 until his overthrow in a military coup in February 1991. This coup – the 17th and last since 1932 – was a short-lived affair headed by army chief General Suchinda Kraprayoon and ended with a return to democratic civilian government in March 1992. Over the next five years, Thailand had four elections and a variety of coalition governments. King Bhumibol, who is revered as a semi-deity by many Thais, intervened on several occasions to calm situations that appeared otherwise to be spiralling out of control. As well as the inherent problems of coalition politics, successive governments were also being undermined by growing corruption in Thailand’s political and business life. These issues were brought to a head by the 1997 Asian financial crisis, of which Thailand was one of the principal victims. The incumbent government fell, due to its inept handling of the crisis. After that, Chuan Leekpai, who had held the premiership between the end of 1992 and mid-1995, returned to the premiership at the head of Pak Prachatipat (Democratic Party), the main liberal party in Thailand. 1997 was a watershed year for Thailand. As well as the economic crisis, from which Thailand initially suffered severely but has since recovered well (see Economy), a new constitution limiting the influence of the military was finally put in place. The first elections for a new Senate under this new constitution were held in March 2000. The poll for the more powerful House of Representatives was held in January 2001. The problem of corruption, which has long bedeviled Thai politics, was reflected in the fact that the winner – the billionaire tycoon, Thaksin Shinawatra – had been indicted for fraud and tax evasion. Nonetheless, leading the quirkily named Thai Rak Thai (Thais Love Thais) party, Thaksin Shinawatra won a decisive mandate on the basis of promises to support poor farmers and stand up to the IMF. Despite his personal difficulties, Thaksin has presided over a relatively successful administration and became the country's first democratically-elected prime minister to win a second consecutive term in a landslide victory in elections held in February 2005. The Democrats appear unlikely to overturn Thaksin’s huge majority, especially since their most popular and experienced politician, Chuan Leekpai, retired in 2003. The economy is booming once again and significant progress has been made in the foreign policy field, especially in relations with India and Malaysia, with whom co-operative agreements on bilateral mutual security have been signed. Thailand also hosted a key stage of the ultimately successful peace talks between the Sri Lanka government and the Tamil Tiger rebels (see Sri Lanka). There have been some setbacks. The border with Myanmar, Thailand’s most troublesome neighbor in recent years, was closed for much of 2002 after fighting between the Myanmar army and Shan rebels spilled over into Thai territory – not for the first time. There has also been a steadily growing insurgency in the mainly Muslim-populated provinces in southern Thailand bordering Malaysia. This is rapidly becoming a serious problem for the Thai government. In addition, on December 26 2004, an earthquake in southeast Asia triggered a tsunami that impacted considerably upon Thailand's tourist infrastructure. The west coast was the worst hit area, including outlying areas and tourist resorts near Phuket. Many hotels were ruined. Thousands were killed and there are still around three thousand people missing. Although the Thai authorities were not keen on requesting disaster relief aid, they have sought technical help in identifying the many who died - this process is ongoing. Government Under the most recent version of the constitution, finalised in October 1997, the legislature is the bicameral Ratha Sapha (National Assembly). The 393-member Saphaphuthan Ratsadon (House of Representatives) is elected for a four-year term. Executive power is vested in the prime minister and cabinet of ministers, with the former drawn from the ranks of the Ratha Sapha – normally the leader of the largest party (or largest party in the governing coalition). Economy The Thai economy expanded very rapidly during the 1980s and early to mid 1990s; average annual GDP growth between 1990 and 1996 was 8.5%. The economy was already slowing down when the Asian currency crisis struck in the late summer of 1997. In 1998, the economy contracted by 11%. After a strong initial recovery, the Thai economy stuttered in 2001/2 following 9/11, and in 2003 suffered because of the reaction to SARS, the war in Iraq and fears of terrorism. Steady growth in 2004, because of domestic demand and strong exports, gave the economy resilience to the outbreak of Avian influenza and soaring oil prices and growth had recovered to 6.1%. However, following the tsunami in December 2004, growth slowed to 4.3% in 2005. The inflation rate is 4.4% with unemployment down to 1.8%. Following the financial collapse in 1997 the government launched the Amazing Thailand campaign which increased tourist arrivals dramatically, all keen to take advantage of the favorable exchange rate. Arrival numbers peaked in 2002 but were down by 10% in 2003 with the occurrence of SARS. However, visitor numbers have improved steadily and were more than 13 million in 2005, over 2 million more than 2002.

Thailand Country & Tourist Information

Location South-East Asia. Area 513,115 sq km (198,115 sq miles). Population 64 million (2005). Population Density 124.7 per sq km. Capital Bangkok. Population: 9.4 million, including Thon Buri (UN estimate 2005). Government Constitutional monarchy. Recent history: Thailand’s recent past has been characterized by economic boom and bust, unstable government, unrest in the Muslim south and the effects of the December 2004 tsunami disaster. After a quarter of a century of military rule, civilian government was restored to Thailand following student riots in Bangkok, but this was to last only three years before the military took over again in 1976. This eventually became a civilian government again in 1983, but eight years later yet another military coup took place. This time, though, a civilian prime minister was installed, and following this, despite various government collapses and allegations of corruption in high places, parliamentary democracy prevailed until September 2006 when there was a peaceful military coup. Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was forced to stand down, his term of office since 2001 being constantly marred by accusations of corruption. An interim prime minister was put in place by the military, and endorsed by the king, until new elections, which are expected to take place in October 2007. Language Thai is the official language. English is widely spoken, especially in establishments catering for tourists. Religion The vast majority adhere to Buddhism (Theravada form), 5% are Muslim and there are Christian and Hindu minorities. Time GMT + 7. Electricity 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin plugs are standard. Head of Government Interim Prime Minister Surayud Chulamont since September 2006. Head of State HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) since 1946. Telephone Country code: 66. Mobile Telephone Roaming agreements exist with many international mobile phone companies. There is good coverage, especially around main towns. Internet There are plenty of Internet cafes, some even found in remote areas visited by tourists. Media While the government and military control nearly all the national terrestrial TV networks and operate many of Thailand’s radio networks, the print media are largely privately run. Post Airmail to Europe takes up to one week. Post office hours: The General Post Office in Bangkok (on Charoen Krung Road) is open Mon-Fri 0800-2000, Sat-Sun and holidays 0800-1300. Post offices up-country are open Mon-Fri 0800-1630, Sat 0900-1200. Press Many daily and weekly Thai newspapers are available, including Thairath. The English-language dailies are Bangkok Post and The Nation. Radio Radio Thailand and MCOT are operated by government agencies, while Army Radio is controlled by the Royal Thai Army. There are more than 60 stations in and around the capital. Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2007-December 2008 period. 2007 1 Jan New Year’s Day. Feb/Mar* Magha Bucha Day. 6 Apr Chakri Day. 13-15 Apr Songkran (Thai New Year). 1 May Labor Day. 5 May Coronation Day. May/Jun* Visakha Bucha. 1 Jul Mid Year Bank Holiday. Jul* Khao Phansa Day (Buddhist Lent). 12 Aug HM The Queen’s Birthday. 23 Oct Chulalongkorn Day. 5 Dec HM The King’s Birthday. 10 Dec Constitution Day. 31 Dec New Year’s Eve.
2008 1 Jan New Year’s Day. Feb/Mar* Magha Bucha Day. 6 Apr Chakri Day. 13-15 Apr Songkran (Thai New Year). 1 May Labor Day. 5 May Coronation Day. May/Jun* Visakha Bucha. 1 Jul Mid Year Bank Holiday. Jul* Khao Phansa Day (Buddhist Lent). 12 Aug HM The Queen’s Birthday. 23 Oct Chulalongkorn Day. 5 Dec HM The King’s Birthday. 10 Dec Constitution Day. 31 Dec New Year’s Eve. Note * The religious festivals are determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and therefore are difficult to predict. The dates provided here are estimates. Contact Information: Royal Thai Embassy in the UK 29-30 Queens Gate, London SW7 5JB, UK Tel: (020) 7589 2944 or 7225 5506. Website: www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1230 (consular section); Mon-Fri 1400-1700 (telephone enquiries). Tourism Authority of Thailand in the UK 3rd Floor, Brook House, 98-99 Jermyn Street, London SW1Y 6EE, UK Tel: 0870 900 2007. Website: www.thaismile.co.uk Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1700 (personal callers). Royal Thai Embassy in the USA 1024 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA Tel: (202) 944 3600. Website: www.thaiembdc.org Tourism Authority of Thailand in the USA 61 Broadway, Suite 2810, New York, NY 10006, USA Tel: (212) 432 0433. Website: www.tourismthailand.org

Thailand Activities

Watersports Thailand's 2710km (1694 miles) of coastline, on both the Indian and the Pacific Oceans, as well as its many offshore islands, make it a popular destination for watersports, particularly diving and snorkeling. Two of the largest diving centers are at Pattaya, a two-hour drive from Bangkok, and Phuket, both of which offer access to numerous offshore islands and coral reefs. The Andaman Sea is particularly good for reef diving, the famous Similan and Surin islands being the most visited areas. In the Gulf of Thailand, the islands of Ko Phangan, Ko Samui and Ko Tao also attract many divers, while Ko Chang and the Trat area are amongst the most recent locations to have opened up to sports tourism. The Burma Banks and the islands off Trang Province have also recently been hailed as new diving destinations. Live-aboard dive cruises, equipment rental and certified diving courses are widely available. Several beaches are particularly well-suited for windsurfing, particularly Chaweng, Hua Hin, Jomtien (south of Pattaya), Karon (on Phuket island), Kata and Lamai (on Koh Samui). In the Gulf of Thailand, the windiest months are mid-February to April; in the Andaman Sea, the period from September to December has the strongest winds (for further information on beaches, see also the Where to Go section). Sea canoeing and kayaking have become increasingly popular in recent years, the coastal limestone islands in Phang Nga Bay, north of Phuket, being the favorite destination, also offering the chance to explore the half-submerged cave systems known as hongs. Sailing is a popular way to access Thailand's many islands and the main base for sailing trips in the Andaman Sea is Phuket, which also hosts the annual Kings Cup Regatta in December. Sailing cruises in the Gulf of Thailand usually start from Pattaya. Yachts can be chartered either with or without a crew. The presence of big game fish, such as barracuda, tuna, wahoo, swordfish or marlin, attracts many game fishing enthusiasts, who can charter fully crewed boats from most major coastal resorts. Inland raft trips can be arranged on several rivers. Trekking The best trails are in northern Thailand, particularly the remote provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son. This is also the region of the infamous Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet and from where much of the world's opium originates. Treks usually run for three or four days through a scenery consisting of forested mountains inhabited by hill tribes whose small villages offer basic overnight accommodation for trekkers. Guides are widely available, but visitors should ensure that, besides English, they speak some of the hill tribe languages and have good contacts with the tribal communities. Although the people are reported to be extremely friendly, trekkers should also be aware that the area is mostly unpoliced and hold ups and robberies have been reported during the last few years. Meditation Thailand has dozens of temples and meditation centers specializing in vipassana (insight) meditation. Instruction and accommodation is usually free, though donations are expected. Different meditation techniques and dress codes apply to different centers. Upmarket resorts offering mind, body and spirit holidays are also available, with various alternative therapies included in the package. Larger retreats are for the serious minded only. Male and female English speakers are welcome, but strict segregation of the sexes is enforced and many places observe a vow of silence. Thai kick-boxing Also known as muay thai, this traditional sport can be seen every day of the year at the major stadiums in both Bangkok and the provinces. Thai boxing matches are preceded by elaborate ceremonies and accompanied by lively music. Thailand has over 60,000 full-time boxers. Foreigners may enrol at a traditional muay training camp, some of which specialize in training westerners. There is a strong spiritual and ritualistic dimension to muay thai, adding grace to an otherwise brutal sport. Spectator sports Horse races are held every two weeks at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club on Saturday and at the Royal Turf Club on Sunday. Another spectator sport is takraw, also sometimes called Siamese football, in which a small woven rattan ball is kicked around by players standing in a circle and often performing spectacular moves. The aim of the game is to keep the ball off the ground, and to do this any part of the body can be used except for the hands.

The Coast of Thailand

Gulf of Bangkok Situated in the Eastern Gulf, Pattaya, one of Southeast Asia's most infamous beach resorts, is blighted by excessive development. The quieter nearby resort of Bang Saen is a more salubrious choice. A little further away is Ko Samet, an idyllic island about a 30 minutes' boat ride from Rayong. Two to three hours south of Bangkok are Cha'am and Hua Hin. Phuket Phuket was one of the regions hit by the tsunami in December 2004. Kamala and Patong beaches suffered the worst damage but the clean up process has been excellent. The island of Phuket (attached by a causeway to the mainland) in the southwest corner of the country is one of several resorts on the Indian Ocean. Phuket is now threatening to outstrip Pattaya as the number one beach resort in Thailand. The main town of Patong has a reputation for sex and sleaze, but many of the resort hotels that are dotted around the bountiful beaches of the island are superb. The island is also large enough to accommodate backpacker beach-hut developments alongside the slick luxury hotels. Diving is popular, though visibility can be a problem. Phang Nga Bay Easily reached from Phuket, this bay boasts one of the world's most stunning seascapes; the area was featured in the James Bond film, The Man with the Golden Gun. Approximately 3500 islands (ko) are scattered in the bay. Though forbidding and seemingly impenetrable from the outside, they harbor a wealth of untouched fauna and flora in their hollow interior. Until recently, they were believed inaccessible from the surrounding sea. There are now canoe trips through tunnels and cracks in the rock, although this is dependent on the prevailing tide. Ko Phi Phi Islands These idyllic twin islands lie an easy boat trip away from either Phuket or the mainland at Krabi. The largest, Ko Phi Phi Don, is a dumbbell shaped slice of paradise, its coastline fringed with white beaches all around, and its interior clad with tropical rainforest. The only town, Ton Sai, has been largely ruined by uncontrolled tourist development, but much of the rest of the island is still untouched and a number of upscale hotels and resorts inhibit these better-preserved areas. Neighbouring Ko Phi Phi Leh's main claim to fame was that it was controversially used as the setting for the Hollywood blockbuster, The Beach. There is no accommodation on this limestone outcrop, but it makes a perfect day trip from its larger sibling. Ko Samui Over the last decade or so Ko Samui, once a backpacker's haven, has developed into a more sophisticated beach resort, complete with an airport that offers regular flights to and from Bangkok and Krabi. Ko Samui is Thailand's third-largest island, and although tourism is now the main industry, its lingering rustic charm is summed up by the fact that coconut farming is still a major industry. Chaweng Beach is the island's largest beach and has a number of good hotels as well as groups of bungalows and bars that are ideal for the budget traveller. Ko Phangan Ko Phangan is still relatively undeveloped and is mainly visited by the more adventurous traveller looking to get away from fast food outlets and chain hotels. Each month it hosts all-night full moon beach parties at Had Rin with up to 10,000 revelers frolicking in the moonlit surf in a nefarious festival that attracts everyone from backpackers to the Bangkok young professional set. There are no luxury hotels on the island, but there are plenty of beach hut accommodations dotted in small communities around the island, offering a real escape or the chance to party with other travelers. The only access to Ko Phangan is by boat from Ko Samui or Surat Thani on the mainland. Ko Tao Ko Tao, which translates as 'Turtle Island', is another less-developed island, but it is becoming increasingly popular as a scuba-diving destination. Ban Mae Hat is the only real town, and it is given over to cheap hotels and dive operators. The diving around Ko Tao is excellent with clean water and good visibility.

Bangkok

Over the last decade or so, the self-styled Land of Smiles has grown from being mainly a backpacker preserve to become one of Asia's most popular tourist and business playgrounds. From its shambolically thrilling capital, Bangkok, through to the epic white sands of some of the world's most beautiful beaches, Thailand manages to cater for many diverse tastes. The difference is today that the elephant treks through the jungle and days spent on palm fringed beaches end more often than not in a sumptuous hotel or spa resort rather than a 'dollar-a-night' beach hut. Most Thais refer to the capital as 'Krung Thep', the shortened Thai name of a city that actually consists of 32 different words, a fittingly impressive number of monikers for a capital that is one of the world's most eclectic and thrilling. Bangkok is to Thailand what London is to England: the metropolis, the hub of business, economic and political affairs. The rapid pace of change and the increasing prosperity that gives the city much of its vibrancy have also caused some problems, with widely reported nightmare traffic congestion and pollution. Over the last few years, the opening of a slick new overland metropolitan railway that enables visitors to glide over the chaotic scenes below, coupled with the cheap and frequent river boats and the reasonably priced air-conditioned taxis, have improved the situation markedly. Through the city flows the Chao Phraya River, on the banks of which can be found some of the best hotels in Bangkok. It is also where visitors will find the Grand Palace which, covering a huge area, is one of the major sites. Here also is Wat Phra Kaeo, a temple complex which houses the Emerald Buddha. This Buddha statue is not covered in emeralds, as the name suggests, but is made of translucent green jade. Upriver from the Grand Palace are the Royal Barges. These richly ornamented barges are still used today for special processions on the Chao Phraya. Within the city limits is a wealth of over 300 Buddhist temple and shrines. Most famous are Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple), Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Wat Trimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha). One of the largest temple complexes in the country is Wat Pho. Altogether, there are over 30 individual temples scattered here, of which the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is the largest. The Buddha's statue is enormous, an amazing 47.5m (156ft) long and 15m (49ft) high. The gardens surrounding the temples offer an escape from the hectic pace of the big city. The temple also houses the national school for traditional Thai massage. The Floating Market is an interesting place to visit, although it has become more of a tourist attraction than a genuine market for Thais. Other sights include Lak Muang (the city stone), the Erawan Shrine, where local offerings are made daily, and the National Museum. Housed in the Suan Pakkard Palace is a collection of precious antiques. Also interesting is the former home of the American silk-dealer Jim Thompson who vanished without a trace in 1967. Today, the house is a craft museum with a shop selling high-quality silks at reasonable prices. Bangkok's burgeoning nightlife is also a major attraction. The ubiquitous 'girlie bars' of Patpong are notorious, though these days they are tourist friendly, and, beyond these dens, there are new designer bars and slick modern nightclubs, as well as some of the best restaurants in Asia.

The important traveling place in Chiangrai

Chiangrai is in the northern part of Thailand that is surrounded with the mountains. Then the tourists can travel in every season especially in winter, they feel and touch with natural environment. Chiangrai Province has many interesting places for the tourists such as the Golden Triangle, Doi-Tung, Mae-sae that are waiting for the tourists to explore the fantastic of nature in Chiangrai. Our Chiangrai residents welcome you to visit Chiangrai.
The important organizations of tourism in Chiangrai : - Chiangrai Tourism Management Center 053-740584,05374059 -Tourism Authority of Thailand (Northern Part 2) 053-744674-5,053-717433 - Tourist Police in Chiangrai Tel: 0-53717-7779, 0-5374-0249 - Tourism Organization in Chiangrai Tel: 053-715690 - Tourism and Sport Center in Chiangrai Tel: 0 - 5371 - 6519