Thailand Asia Vacations

The Kingdom of Thailand (IPA: /ˈtaɪlænd/, Thai: ราชอาณาจักรไทย, IPA: [râːtɕʰa-ʔaːnaːtɕɑ̀k-tʰɑj]) is a country in Southeast Asia. To its east lie Laos and Cambodia; to its south, the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia; and to its west, the Andaman Sea and Burma. Its capital and largest city is Bangkok.

Tourist Information
Walking Tours
Although Bangkok is not really the best city for much exploration on foot, Diethelm Travel (tel: (02) 255 9150; website: http://www.diethelm-travel.com/) offers a walking tour of Chinatown, called ‘Bangkok Way of Life’, which lasts 3 hours 30 minutes.

Bus Tours
World Travel Service (tel: (02) 233 5900; website: http://www.wts.co.th/) runs small group tours with free pick-ups from numerous hotels throughout Bangkok. Tours can be booked direct or through the tour desk in some hotels. Half-day city tours include the ‘Royal Grand Palace Tour’ and the ‘Temples Tour’. Diethelm Travel (tel: (02) 255 9150; website: http://www.diethelm-travel.com/) offers similar tours.

Bicycle Tours
Every day at 1300 there is a 3-hour bicycle tour of Bang Kra Jao, a wilderness area with small villages, temples and jungle, just across the Chao Phraya River. The starting point is the Golf Driving Range at Sukhumvit Soi 26 and it is organised by Spice Roads (tel: (02) 712 5305; website: http://www.spiceroads.com/) and the charge includes the hire of a bicycle, helmet, water and snacks. Spice Roads also offer other day tours.

Boat Tours
Bangkok is laced with khlongs (canals) and life alongside the khlongs is far removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown Bangkok. An ideal way to see this side of the city is a boat trip, passing tiny temples, orchards, orchid farms and typical houses on stilts. These are organized by World Travel Service (tel: (02) 233 5900; website: http://www.wts.co.th/) and Diethelm Travel (tel: (02) 255 9150; website: http://www.diethelm-travel.com/). The tours on offer from Diethelm include a visit to the floating market at Damnoan Saduak....

Leading hotels in Thailand
Anantara Phuket Resort and Spa

Overview

Discover and explore the vibrancy of southern Thailand. Guests can engage in the natural landscape and ambience of their surroundings on the magnificent North West coast of Phuket as they watch breathtaking sunsets over Andaman Sea. Anantara’s collection of 83 villas, each with its own private pool, is framed by magnificent gardens with enchanting paths meandering down to the sea. Reminiscent of a southern Thai village, each boasting 180m2 of walled privacy, an expansive bedroom, dressing room and indoor bathroom, colorful silks, teak furnishings, a deep soaking outdoor terrazzo tub -- joined directly to a private swimming pool surrounded by hardwood timber decks and an open air living room/sala. All villas have a daybed in the bedroom, an iPod docking station, LCDTV and DVD surround system, Wi-Fi Internet access, an Espresso coffee machine and a mini-bar filled with gourmet snacks and beverages.

The laid-back luxury of the resort is enhanced by unique and sophisticated dining concepts, and pampering leisure and recreation options

Banyan Tree Bangkok

Overview

Well-known for being the tallest luxury spa hotel in Bangkok, it boasts unparalleled panoramic cityscapes, elegantly decorated guest rooms, renowned legendary service and the Banyan Tree Club lounge with integrated spa facilities. Located in the heart of Bangkok's central business and embassy district, Banyan Tree Bangkok also affords guests great ease for shopping, entertainment and sightseeing. The hotel's 327 rooms are sleek and contemporary but have sophisticated design flourishes which create a warm aesthetic. The floor to ceiling windows ensure that natural light floods the space, as well as capitalizing on the fantastic panoramic city views, for which the hotel is famous. The new Two-Bedroom Grand Banyan Suite provides utmost comfort and facilities in an extensive elegant area of city sanctuary.

Banyan Tree Phuket

Overview

Bordered by golden beaches and the Andaman Sea, Banyan Tree Phuket is nestled in lush, tropical gardens. Guest are treated to lavish villas that include sumptuous silk textiles, teak furniture and floors, and stunning celadon bathrooms with open-air sunken tubs. Award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, exceptional Southeast Asian dining and a full range of sports activities create a memorable experience in Thai hospitality

Bo Phut Resort & Spa

Overview

Koh Samui is one of Thailand‘s loveliest tropical islands. Bo Phut Resort & Spa has earned an unparallel reputation for offering the most luxurious and secluded hideaway on Samui. The resort is located on a superb beach of Bo Phut whilst surrounded by 7 acres of indigenous plantations.

Bo Phut Resort & Spa is a fine attribute of traditional and contemporary Thai design, combining an exotic and tranquil setting. The resort is situated in the northern tip of the island, approximately 5 km. from Samui International Airport. Our boutique resort is a perfect combination of distinctly designed accommodation in a setting of rare natural beauty which only Samui has to offer.

All 61 rooms including 32 villas and 29 deluxe rooms are designed in a Modern – Thai style, featuring modern amenities such as separate shower and bathtub, satellite TV with movie channels , news and sport channels, DVD/CD player, in-room safe, and well stocked mini bar

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket

Overview

Long considered one of Thailand's finest resorts, the Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket is set among mature tropical greenery along the two-and-a-half kilometer Bang Tao Beach and is flaked by two inland lagoons. Situated halfway between Phuket Town and Phuket International Airport, the resort's signature warm, traditional Thai hospitality and décor creates an exquisite atmosphere of charm, elegance and luxury. Services at the integrated resort include world class golf, pampering spa, wide-range water-sports or just heavenly relaxation. It's an all-encompassing experience that ensures a special Thai memory. A low-rise building evoking Thai style, appointed rooms and suites, the last word of luxury

Karma Samui

Overview

Karma Samui resort is nestled in a serene cove, within a 5 minute drive to Chaweng Beach -- the island's shopping and entertainment center and rises gracefully from the blue seas and golden sands of a stunning tropical beach. 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom pool villas capture commanding ocean views of the Gulf of Thailand as they cascade down to the radiant blue waters of the sea.

36 one, two, three and 4-bedroom pool villas - each with a fully equipped kitchen, laundry, TV/DVD/CD player, WiFi, writing desk, mini-bar and a tropical outdoor shower-pool-Thai sala facing the sea

Rayavadee

Overview

Rayavadee is located on the edge of Krabi Marine National Park with towering limestone cliffs and islands dramatically bordered by the crystal clear waters of the Andaman Sea. Krabi enjoys mild weather throughout the year and is famous for its sandy beaches and gorgeous natural scenery. Located just 180km east of Phuket, Rayavadee sits at the heart of the stunning Phranang Peninsula and offers 98 enchanting two story pavilions and 4 luxurious villas. The resort is spread over 26 acres of coconut groves and surrounded by three National Park beaches. The award winning architecture and tropical landscaping provide an atmosphere of a southern Thai village, while the interior decoration boasts all the luxury and comforts guests desire

Santiburi Beach Resort, Golf & Spa

Overview

An exclusive deluxe resort of great refinement with a distinctive and very attractive Thai appearance, this charming member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World is a property of great elegance and grace. Its architecture of elaborate and steeply pitched red-tiled roofs, flared eaves and carved gables, dominating cool cream facades, integrates superbly into the beautiful setting - tucked away within 23 Park-like acres of lush and perfectly maintained tropical gardens that border palm-shaded Mae Nam beach, arguably Koh Samui's most attractive beach on this quieter north coast with 300 meter private frontage. The main building interiors house a huge marble lobby, pools, fountains and local artifacts, intimate lounges and tasteful wicker furnishing and polished woods. And though the Santiburi's prevailing mood is a deceptive one of great tranquility, its discreet and relaxed atmosphere belies the hotel's really impressive range of leisure and sporting amenities.

The Chedi Chiang Mai

Overview

The Chedi Chiang Mai, centrally located on the banks of the Mae Ping River in the center of Chiang Mai City, is within walking distance to the famous night markets. The hotel incorporates modern Asian design, with teak wood flooring, and warm rich colors.

52 deluxe rooms and 32 Chedi Club Suites, each with a garden, courtyard or river view, balcony with day bed and an in-room safe. Chedi Club accommodations include complimentary breakfast buffet, cocktails and snacks, butler service and round trip transfers in a Mercedes Limousine

The Sukhothai, Bangkok

Overview

Lush tropical gardens and decorative ponds surround The Sukhothai, an oasis in the heart of Bangkok situated on six acres. The hotel's location is perfect for the business or leisure traveler. Only a 35-minute drive from Suvarnabhumi International airport by chauffeur-driven Mercedes S Class limousine. From spacious, teak-floored bathrooms and fine furnishings, the hotel's accommodation reflects an authentic hospitality that blends tradition with the best of elegant, contemporary living

Thailand is home to several distinct geographic regions, partly corresponding to the provincial groups. The north of the country is mountainous, with the highest point being Doi Inthanon at 2,565 metres above sea level (8,415 ft). The northeast, Isan, (see special section on this region) consists of the Khorat Plateau, bordered to the east by the Mekong river. The centre of the country is dominated by the predominantly flat Chao Phraya river valley, which runs into the Gulf of Thailand. The south consists of the narrow Kra Isthmus that widens into the Malay Peninsula.

The local climate is tropical and characterized by monsoons. There is a rainy, warm, and cloudy southwest monsoon from mid-May to September, as well as a dry, cool northeast monsoon from November to mid-March. The southern isthmus is always hot and humid. Major cities beside the capital Bangkok include Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Sawan, Chiang Mai, Phitsanulok, Surat Thani, Phuket and Hat Yai.

Phuket Hotels - A wide choice of hotel accommodation in Phuket from DirectRooms.com

Online Quotes & Reservations

Hotels by Auto Europe Auto / Car Rental by Auto Europe

Escorted Tours & River Cruises

Globus Tours Cosmos Tours

Book online with the Pleasant Holidays Online Booking Engine

U.S. Department of State Thailand Information:

Country Description

Entry/Exit Requirements

Safety and Security

Tips for Traveling Abroad

News on Thailand Travel continually updated from thousands of sources across the web

News on Bangkok Thailand Travel continually updated from thousands of sources across the web

Thailand Attractions

Ayutthaya: The former capital of Siam was one of the world's largest and most sophisticated cities before it was sacked by the Burmese in 1756. Today, it remains one of Thailand's greatest historical treasures, with abundant evidence of its former grandeur. It's easily reached in a day trip from Bangkok.

Sukhothai: Founded in 1238, Sukhothai (The Dawn of Happiness) was a capital of an early Thai kingdom. Many of the ruins of this religious and cultural center are faithfully preserved and well maintained in an idyllic setting.

Wat Phra Kaeo (Bangkok): With its flamboyant colors and rich details, this shrine is a magnificent setting for Thailand's most revered image, the Emerald Buddha. Inside the main temple building, a profusion of offerings surrounds the pedestal that supports the tiny image.

Wat Arun (Thonburi/Bangkok): The golden Temple of Dawn shimmers in the sunrise across the Chao Phraya River from Bangkok, but the sunset is even better still. As you climb its steep central prang (tower), you get a close view of the porcelain pieces that make its floral design.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkon (Phitsanulok): One of the most holy temples in the country, Wat Yai is home to the Phra Buddha Chinarat image, cast in bronze. One of the few remaining Sukhothai images, this one is the prototype for many replicas. Outside, the temple complex hums with activity and many Thais make the pilgrimage here.

Thailand Smoking Ban

Tough laws
Thailand has some of the toughest anti-smoking laws in the world and it was the first to have cigarette packets carrying warnings about sexual impotence. Surveys have found a link between the popularity of film heroes and music stars and teenage Thais who pick up the habit. And there are more and more doing so, even though there has been a recent drop in the overall number of those who smoke. Almost 80% of smokers in Thailand started before they reached the age of 20.
The new smoking ban in Thailand bars and restaurants is in effect and from what I have observed the law is being treated like any other law in Thailand. What I mean is, some establishments have already set up smoking areas, others say you have to smoke outside the restaurant or bar, and others are ignoring the law altogether.

The reason for ignoring the ban could be that it will not really be enforced for a couple of months. Instead of stiff fines being issued, there will be warnings and education until the end of May, 2008.

But, then, the fines will be steep. If enforced, smokers can be fined 2,000 Baht (approximately $62 US dollars) and venue owners will be fined up to 20,000 Baht (over $600 US dollars).

This will force the bar and restaurant owners to enforce the law on their property. If the ban just penalized smokers, the establishment owners would completely ignore it.

This is nothing really new. Thailand has banned smoking in hospitals, government buildings, and train stations for a few years now. This is just an extension of an already existing law.

We have a similar law in Hawaii. It is a little more stringent in that we cannot smoke within 50 feet of the door of the establishment. The law also provides fines for smokers and bar and restaurant owners.

As a smoker, I was a bit peeved initially at the law, but as time has gone by, it is really no big deal. If I have to step outside to smoke it is no big deal.

I am currently visiting Khon Kaen, Thailand and go out almost nightly. I haven’t been to any bars but I have visited quite a few restaurants. One of my favorites, La Mai, has set up a smoking area near the restrooms. Smile restaurant allowed me to smoke at the table. And, Bu-Sa-Ba restaurant has a small, covered smoking area in the rear of the restaurant.

So, between now and May 31, ask your waiter or waitress if it is alright to smoke. If they have a smoking area set up, please use it. If you have to go outside to smoke, like at Kit'z Café, then just sit at the table and have your cigarette.

I am not sure how the major tourist areas, Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket, are going to respond or what the impact on tourism will be. I would guess that starting on June 1, 2008, there will be a crackdown to show people that the government is serious about the ban.

So, if you are planning to visit the Land of Smiles, and you smoke cigarettes, make sure to ask if it is OK to smoke before you light up. Otherwise, you may have to pay dearly.