Posts Tagged ‘Bangkok’

Bangkok Attractions

January 2nd, 2010 admin

Bangkok has many fabulous attractions which make excellent day-trips. One of the most popular day-trips from Bangkok is the 110 km trip to the picturesque Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, which is in Ratchaburi province.

Bangkok is famous for its floating markets. You will find them at Ton Khem, and there are others at Hia Kui and Khun Phitak.

Organised tours to Damnoen Saduak will probably also include a visit the Rose Garden and the chedi at Nakhon Pathom.

The Rose garden is set in large landscaped tropical gardens but is mostly visited for the ‘cultural show’ that’s put on there – Thai traditional dance, Buddhist ordination ceremony, muay thai (Thai boxing), elephants at work, and takraw (a common sport in Thailand).

Also in the grounds is a luxury riverside resort, thousands of rose bushes and hundreds of exotic birds. Close to Rose Garden are the Thai Human Imagery Museum and the Samphran Elephant Park.

The human imagery museum is a Thai Madame Tussauds with images of famous monks and all the Chakri dynasty kings.

The Elephant park has a variety of elephant and crocodile shows ( featuring these animals wrestling, performing in various ways, including tug-of-war).

Nakhon Pathom, around 60 km west of Bangkok, is a town famous as the reputedly the oldest in Thailand and the place where Buddhist missionaries first entered Thailand from India. It is a typical provincial Thai town with only the gold encrusted Phra Pathom Chedi giving a clue as to its celebrated past.

This is a massive 127m high, making it the word’s largest Buddhist monument, and the most important in all of Thailand. As well as the main chedi, there are numerous bots, Buddha images and other structures nearby. This area is mostly visited either on a day tour from Bangkok, or sometimes on route to Kanchanaburi.

Kanchanaburi is home to the River Kwai and its infamous bridge. The building of the bridge in 1943 was part of a wartime project to link existing Thai and Burmese railway lines to create a direct route from Bangkok, Thailand to Rangoon, Burma (now Myanmar) in an effort to support the Japanese occupation of Burma.

Over 100,000 conscripted laborers and 12,000 prisoners of war died during the whole project.

To the northeast of Bangkok in Minburi are both the Suwan Siam Water Park and the Safari World Park. Easy to combine in one day trip, the water park is set in large landscaped gardens and has surf, whirlpools, fountains, waterfalls, large water slides and flumes.

Other family attractions here are children’s playgrounds, colorful aviaries, an open zoo and botanical gardens.

With more than 150 acres, Safari World is the largest wildlife park in Southeast Asia. There are almost a hundred different animal species, including giraffes, zebras, elephants, lions and tigers.

The marine section has trained dolphin shows and an aviary section with eagles, macaws and parrots. There are various shows available (including dolphins, birds, seals and monkeys).

This is best visited on a tour, as the wildlife section is for vehicles only. Though the park also has coaches you can go through on, most taxi drivers can be persuaded to take you through it if pay them a little more for it. The other sections can be visited on foot.

Discover more about the beautiful city of Bangkok by going to our website – http://www.bangkokpicture.com/
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Exotic Bangkok Golf Vacation Mini Guide

December 26th, 2009 admin

Thinking of places to enjoy a golfing vacation adventure and go somewhere exotic

Consider Thailand as a Golf Vacation destination and you will never forget your experience and the adventure.

In this article I will be talking to you about Bangkok Golf Vacations in particular, although there are hundreds of golf courses throughout Thailand.

First a little about Thailand from Wikipedia. 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 2,576 meters (8,451ft.).

The northeast 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, Udon Thani, Nakhon Sawan, Chiang Mai, Surat Thani, Phuket, and Hat Yai, in Songhla Province.

Bangkok, known in Thai as Krung Thep, is the capital and largest city of Thailand, with an official census population of over 10 million. Bangkok is located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, near the Gulf of Thailand.

Its also in the World Book of Records for the longest named city, Krung Thep is abbreviated.

Bangkok is one of the fastest growing, most economically dynamic cities in Southeast Asia. It is emerging as a regional center to rival Singapore and Hong Kong.

The World Meteorological Organization has dubbed Bangkok the world’s hottest large city. Moreover, it is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Bangkok is also known for relatively low retail prices.

Bangkok is the place to visit for breathtakingly beautiful temples, magnificent palaces, Thai dancers, Thai kickboxing, museums, and island hopping, with
6 international airports , destinations all within one hour or so flights within Thailand. You will also find great bargains while shopping country wide.

Thailand’s new airport is a work of art which stands alone and sets a new international standard for travelers, with all the latest hi-tech equipment , and visitor friendly features no where else to be found, just now opening in July through September.

So, besides the enjoyment of your golfing vacation, you will also be able to enjoy the visit to Bangkok, Thailand in many other ways, not the least of, which is the fantastic Bangkok nightlife and world-class hotels at rates you won’t believe.

All in all, a golf vacation to Thailand is more than just an average golfing vacation, it’s an adventure to remember.

Lets talk about some of the particular Golf Clubs and Golf Courses in Bangkok.

Windmill Park Golf & Country Club: Designed by Nick Faldo, this 18-Hole, Par 72, golf course is very challenging from the back tees. It features a lot of water for most of the entire course and the Par 5 holes are all doglegs. The last hole is probably the biggest challenge where you have to hit onto an island where the clubhouse is also located.

Bangpoo Country Club: This 18 hole course was designed by Arnold Palmer and is one of the most popular golf vacation destinations. It is located about 60 miles southeast of Bangkok. You will not contend with as much water as you will on the Windmill course but wind will be a factor in your golf game at Bangpoo. Wide Fairways make the course a little easier for the average golfer.

Vintage Golf Clubs: There is a lot more here than just golf. It features a glamorous clubhouse with tennis courts, a swimming pool, and even a fitness center. This 18 hole, Par 72 golf course was designed by Arthur Hills and is a rather flat course. However the greens, fairways, and water hazards are well placed. The Par 5 holes will give any golfer the challenge they are looking for and the 18th hole is especially challenging with a narrow green sporting water on two sides.

Bangpakong Riverside Country Club: Built by the Bangpakong River, this 18 hole course presents unique challenges for golfers at any skill level. The river intertwines through the golf course and into some of the greens themselves.
It sports thick rough areas even though the fairways are wide. Golfers will also have to contend with strong winds in addition to the obvious water hazards.

Thana City Golf & Country Club: This Golf Club is located along the Bangna-Trad Highway. A beautiful course designed by Greg Norman gives golfers a chance to play holes of varying skill levels.
There are Par 4, 300 yard holes up to Par 4, 440 yard holes. Very fast greens make this golf course a real challenge.

Dynasty Golf & Country Club: Designed by Dennis Griffiths, Dynasty is an 18-hole golf course about an hour-and-a-half drive from Bangkok. The greens are well placed and the course is fairly flat.
There are creeks that provide good water hazards and the trees and flowers that surround this beautiful golf course are something to be admired.

Subhapruek Golf Club: (Formerly Bangna Country Club). The name, Subhapruek, was given to the golf course by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in 1995 and means Beautiful Plants.
This golf course is one of the most beautiful courses in Thailand. Every single one of the 18 holes was designed by Pete Dye as a signature hole. The course presents physical and mental challenges that rival the best golf courses in the world.

Natural Park Ramindra Golf Course: (Formerly Winsan Golf Club until taken over by the Natural Group in 1992) Designed by Jack Niclaus, this 18-hole golf course features holes with sandy wastes, water hazards, and bunkers.
Like any golf course designed by Jack Niclaus, it presents challenges golfers at all skill levels can enjoy. It is located near Safari World, about and hour drive from Bangkok.

These are only a few of the golf courses in and around Bangkok, Thailand. You will enjoy exploring to find other courses such as those I will recommend below. A trip to Thailand for a golf vacation is one you will never forget.

Other recommended Golf courses you can search for online before booking your Bangkok, Thailand golf vacation.

Green Valley Golf Club, Rose Garden Golf Club, Kiarti Thanee Country Club, Royal Gems Golf & Sports Club, Krisda City Golf Club, President Golf & Country Club, Krung Kavee Golf Club, Pinehurst Golf & Country Club, Lakewood Golf & Country Club, Panya Indra Golf Club, Lum Luk Ka Golf Club, and Navatanee Golf Club.

Note from the author:
Although there are many excellent choices, my personal favorite is Pinehurst Golf & Country Club, minutes from Don Mueng International Airport, great accommodations in a country setting , excellent service with a smile, and moderately priced to fit within your budget.

Just watch out for the water traps. I’ve donated 100’s of golf balls over the years.

Reed Langdon lives in Thailand with his family and is an avid golfer. For more information and tips on great golf vacations visit his website at http://www.golfvacationonline.info
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See Bangkok, Knows Thailand

November 30th, 2009 admin

Next to the Royal Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, there is a vast open ground called Sanam Luang or Thung Phra Men.

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Bangkok Hotels – A Surreal Experience

October 18th, 2009 admin

A visit to Bangkok is often described by many as a surreal experience, especially when one enjoyed a comfortable stay in one of the exuberant hotels in Bangkok. The splendour of the city lies in the fact that this financial hub of south-east Asia, which has also earned the reputation of being one of the best tourist destinations in the world, has hotels which cater to the needs and budgets of everyone.

Whether you are visiting Bangkok on a business trip or have plans to spend your holidays there, this mesmerizing city has plenty of attractions which have the potential of making your trip an unforgettable experience for you. And staying in a good hotel, within your budget, is only going to enrich your experience to the maximum.

If one’s budget is not constrained, and if one is bent upon indulging in one of the most luxurious stays, then it is best to book one’s accommodation in a five star hotel in Bangkok. One can also choose from a wide array of four, three or two star hotels which offer equally comfortable and high-spirited stays. Most of the star hotels in Bangkok like Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok, Conrad Hotel, Grand Hyatt Erewan, Four Seasons and InterContinental Bangkok, match the best hotels in the world, in terms of services or facilities. And if you are one of those who want nothing but the best then, hotels like, The Oriental Bangkok or The Peninsula Bangkok would best suit your needs and style, as they head the list of luxurious hotels in Bangkok.

Most of the luxurious hotels can be found along the banks of River, Chao Phraya. It would not be an exaggeration to call the Riverside area as the time-honoured area of city where the spirit of the city originally lies, and hence the hotels in this area have so much to offer to their visitors in terms of captivating and charming sights. The Riverside, with its clean and serene surroundings, is well connected with other important areas of the city through ‘Saphan Taksin’ which is a key Skytrain terminus. This area is often considered as the traditional spirit of the city and it has lots to offer to the visitors in terms of picture perfect sceneries. Some of the star hotels can also be found in major areas like Silom, Siam Square, Sukhumwit, Surawong, Phloenchit and Ratchadaphisek. One night stay in any of the star luxury hotels costs 2500 baht onwards.

In Bangkok, one can find the mid-class hotels in plenty. Most of the mid-class hotels in Bangkok are very decent and provide all the important facilities and services essential for a comfortable stay. Some of the most well-known mid-range hotels in Bangkok are Chaleena Princess Hotel Bangkok and Citadines Bangkok Sukhumvit. One can also choose to stay in 13 Coins Airport Grand which is a resort with optimum charges. Although these mid range hotels are distributed all over Bangkok, it would not be wrong to say that most of the mid range hotels are concentrated around areas like Silom, Sukhumwit, Surawong and Phloenchit. Most of the mid range hotels are reasonably priced in the range of 750 to 2000 baht per night.

Bangkok is one of the very few capital cities, which has budget hotels distributed profusely over the entire city, and which provide all basic amenities at a very low cost of 50 baht to 750 baht. Travellers looking for budget accommodations can try reasonably priced hotels like Bangkok city Inn Hotel, Diamond City Hotel, Manohra Hotel, Royal Pacific Hotel or Samran Place Hotel. Bangkok also surprises the travellers with the location of these budget hotels, which can be found almost adjacent to the star and luxury hotels. It is in complete contrast with the West where budget hotels cannot be found in the central locations. It would not be an exaggeration to say that Bangkok is one city which allows the budget travellers to enjoy and have fun to the maximum.

If you are one of those fashion conscious people who love to enjoy the nightlife, then it would be best to stay in a hotel at a central location in Bangkok like Silom, Suriwongse Road, Sukhumvit or the Soi Cowboy area. It will not only keep you in close proximity with the hustle and bustle of the city, but will also enrich your nightlife experience. If shopping is your weakness, then you can try staying in Siam Square area which is quite reputed for fun shopping. This area is quite close to Mahboonkrong (MBK) shopping mall. Both these areas can be reached through the Skytrain routes. But if visiting other parts of Thailand is your priority over holidaying in Bangkok, then it is highly recommended that you determine on a hotel near Bangkok Airport.

Any discussion on the hotels in Bangkok would be incomplete without the mention of Khao San Road which is also considered as “the centre of the backpacking universe”. This area is the undisputed favourite of the budget backpackers visiting Thailand and South East Asia. Though this area lags behind in providing connectivity to other major areas of the city, but it is still considered as the best area to stay in, if one wants to enjoy the conventional and ascetic charms of the city.

Bangkok, the land of smiles, has something in store for each and every visitor. The only pre-requisite being proper research, before determining on a hotel which best suits one’s taste, mood and budget, to make the experience surreal and unforgettable.

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Vacation Attractions Along the Main Chao Phraya River at Bangkok

October 15th, 2009 admin

Bangkok, metropolis of Thailand is one place that tourists should never miss. It is a place of great culture and diversity. There are also a lot of worthwhile activities that you can do in Bangkok. Experience relaxation is the finest level while enjoying and exploring a new cultural experience. If you are planning a visit in this far-east city, you should consider staying in one of the amazing Bangkok riverside hotels. Enjoy the sight of the flowing waters of Bangkok while experiencing ultimate comfort. This article will give you options on where to stay in Bangkok.

One of the Bangkok riverside hotels that you can consider is the Bangkok Marriott Resort and Spa. This internationally acclaimed hotel offers a five-star luxury treatment while inside the confines of classic Thai architecture. It is situated near the River of Kings, the Chao Phraya that is why the hotel is enveloped in the cool breeze from the river while you will be embraced by the warm Thai hospitality. Also enjoy the traditional Thai hospitality mixed with modern culture in the Bossotel Inn. This Bangkok riverside hotel promises a home away from home atmosphere that will ease the effects of long travel. The Bossotel will give you the exotic feel of Thailand while enjoying the longed relaxation and comfort.

Another Bangkok riverside hotel that offers five-star amenities that will surely guarantee ultimate relaxation is the Lebua at State Towers. Also situated at the banks of the River of Kings, the Lebua promises an experience of Thai culture. The suites they recommend are considered the most spacious compared to other hotels in the city. If you want to experience contemporary living in the middle of cultural heritage, the Millennium Hilton Bangkok is certainly for you. Under the management of the well-renowned Hilton Hotels, the Millennium guarantees the warmth of Thai culture in an ultra-contemporary setting.

One of the top Bangkok riverside hotels is the Montien Riverside Hotel. Promising a great view of the Chao Phraya joined with the Asian hospitality you ever dreamed of, the stay in the Montien will surely be an experience you will never forget. Bangkok by the river is an experience that you shall never miss, and that is the promise of the Ramada Plaza Menam Riverside. It is very ideal for leisure and business trips alike. The hotel is not far from Bangkok’s famous shopping and dining districts. A trip in Bangkok will never be the same if you opted for a stay in this Bangkok riverside hotel.

”Home away from home” that is what tourists want from hotels. The River Side Bangkok is recommended for luxury vacations. This Bangkok riverside hotel provides services such as traditional Thai massage, sauna, and swimming pools that will be ideal for pure relaxation and comfort. These are just some of the Bangkok riverside hotels that offer traditional Asian hospitality that will certainly ease the stress from a busy and hectic lifestyle. Whenever visiting Bangkok, try one of these Bangkok riverside hotels for a memorable relaxing experience.

William I. Neil has provided the archives of riverside hotels in Bangkok, Thailand at Menam Riverside Hotel
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