Thailand Travellers - Explore The Mystery Of Thailand

Thailand is teeming with tourists, perhaps it is because of blend of mystery and excitement, the mix of ancient lore and modern nightlife. Thailand, has been known as Siam for centuries, Thailand has been a crossroads of culture and religion and the 21st century has not changed that fact.

If you are a Buddhist, it is the destination of a lifetime, if you are simply one who enjoys witnessing a culture far different than your own; again it is the destination of life time. For the devotee of Buddha; Thailand is home to some of the most unique and unusual Buddhist temples in the world.

And even if you are not a Buddhist, to stare at the emerald Buddha, crafted entirely of jasper quartz or jade is staggering to the imagination; the jade is dated to the 15th century, with the murals not being quite as old.

Add to that the fact that travelling in Thailand (not counting the airfare to get there) is one of the most inexpensive destinations worldwide. Hotels, food, shopping all are priced to make even a tourist with a modest budget, travel in style and eat like a King (a bowl of noodles cost less than one Dollar US)

If you are either the type of traveller who goes with a group, or strikes out on your own; either is find in Thailand with hotels to accommodate any budget. Backpackers can choose Kaosan road and if your tastes are more refined, you can choose packages from $40 to $100 or even $200 a night. The service is outstanding and staff will cater to your every whim.

Bangkok is full of activity, home to The National Museum of Thai art, musical instruments, weapons, woodcarving, ceramics, clothing and sacred Buddha images. While you're here, don't miss the Vinmanmek Teak Mansion, the largest teak structure standing. And of course you'll want to visit The Royal Elephant Museum and Dusuit Zoom.

ROYAL ELEPHANT MUSEUM: The Royal Elephant Museum (this was first a stable for elephants commissioned by King Chulalongkorn) was an area or enclosure in the Palace and would eventually lay claim to containing the famous white elephant. This elephant was purported to have spiritual powers and was later elevated royal status in 1906.

While there are many ways to travel, I feel that coming to Thailand with a tour is not the best way to see the country. Certainly you will hit the high spots, but you will be surrounded by many other tourists, many love to discover Thailand more intimately. Thailand is a country that loves visitors, has kind and caring people and getting from one place to the other is easy, with the skytrain, taxi or tuk-tuk.

TUK-TUK: The tuk-tuk is like a small taxi and is widely used for transporting people in Southeast Asia. The name itself is derived from the sound of the engine. Tourist seem to like them since in times of increased traffic, they are often faster than a taxi. Be certain of the price you are paying for your ride and bargain for your fare, it is not expected to pay the first price you are quoted in Thailand.

Article Source: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=230779&ca=Travel

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Grilled Fish Restaurant @ Dongdaemun

The restaurant name is 전주식당 - jeonju sikdang - jeonju restaurant.
Picture courtesy of Cheongyecheon Jongno Tour.

How to go:
Dongdaemun Station, Exit 8, walk until you see Daemyong building. Turn right and turn left at the second alley. You will see the restaurant's name 전주식당 - jeonju sikdang - jeonju restaurant. It's beside 호남집 - Honam jib.

Menu (price may change)

More pictures at 애물단지

식사류 - siksaryoo - menu

전주 비빔밥 - jeonju bibimbap - price n/a

낙지 백반 - nakji baekban -  octopus dish - 7,000 won

제육 볶음 - jeyook bokkeum - stir fried pork - 6,000 won

오징어 볶음- ojingo bokkeum - stir fried squid - 6,000 won

청국장- cheong guk jang - fermented bean paste stew (smelly) - 5,000  won

김치 짜개 - kimchi jjigae - kimchi stew - 5,000 won

부대 찌개 - budae jjigae - military stew ( a long history here) -  5,000 won

순두부 찌개 - sundubu jjigae - soft tofu stew - 5,000 won

된장 찌개- dwenjang jjigae - soybean paste stew - 5,000 won

꽁치 백반- kkongchi baekban - Pacific saury /mackerel pike (a type of fish) dish - 6,000 won

고등어 백반 - godengo baekban - mackerel dish - 6,000  won

삼치 백반- samchi baekban - japanese spanish mackerel dish - 6,000 won

굴비 백반- gulbi baekban - dried yellow corvina (fish) dish -  6,000  won

안주류 - anjuryoo - snack/appetizer menu (normally served with alcoholic beverages)

백반 - baekban - meal with a bowl of rice, soup, and side dishes

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Dalat - French Colonials

At first glimpse, hilly and cool Dalat feels like a foreign country: locals go about in sweaters, berets and Sunday suits, and mist hangs over hilly neighborhoods with French villas lost in the mist.

That it’s so different is why it’s long been a place for French colonials, Vietnam kings and communist-era honeymooners have come to escape Vietnam’s heat and hassle. In the last 15 years or so, guidebooks have put Dalat at par with other itinerary staples as Nha Trang and Hoi An, but to be honest not all visitors are equally swayed by its gentle green mountains, brisk temperatures and quirky take on what tourism means (like the ‘Dalat cowboys’ offering pony rides or the dream-like tree/cave hotel with red-eyed kangaroos in rooms you can tour all day).

Nightlife is limited, and the dining situation not that much more advanced. But many like it – particularly for relaxed motorbike rides or canyoning and trekking tours to minority villages in the mountains. And sitting over coffee at Dalat Lake. And grabbing a beer or upscale meal at the French-built Dalat Palace hotel. And spending a couple days out of the heat.

Worth It? Not all visitors like Dalat equally, but if pollution, city hustle or the heat has you down, Dalat is about the best two-day rejuvenator in Vietnam

What to Do Number one: relax in the hills and soak up the night chill, then consider more active past times (day treks, canyoning trips, self-made motorbike rides).

Best Time to Go Anytime? Traditionally the best time is February to May, perhaps for early December’s Flower Festival; it’s dry November to May, but I’ve enjoyed drizzly, cool summer breaks here (with hordes of local tourists)

How Long? Two or three days

Gateway A convenient mid-way point between Saigon and Nha Trang, with buses going to both, plus a good-value flight to Saigon.

Fact The name ‘Da Lat’ refers to a river or stream of the local hilltribe the Lat. The town was founded a century ago as an idea by French scientist Dr Alexander Yersin for a hill-station retreat with a heat-break temperate climate

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Ironman Malaysia Triathlon in Langkawi

Brought to you by renowned sports brand name Lotto, this event will be held on February 23 2011 on the tropical island of Langkawi, Malaysia.

With up to USD 50,000 cash prizes up for grabs, individuals from all across the globe will come together and compete in this annual Langkawi event. Only male and female pro-triathletes are eligible to receive the cash prize, while age groupers will receive medals and an opportunity to compete at the final triathlon held in Hawaii.

Competitors for Ironman Malaysia Triathlon will have a very rough course to complete to obtain the coveted prizes. Set on the Equator with tropical hot and humid temperatures, Langkawi will give even seasoned athletes a professional and personal challenge.

This year’s triathlon installment consists of several obstacles, namely:

1. Swimming – Athletes begin their day with a two-loop swim in the Kuah Bay, beginning and ending at the waters beside the prominent Dataran Lang (Eagle Square).
2. Cycling – The 180.2km route begins at the Jetty after athletes complete their initiating swim. The terrain for this three-loop course is a combination of flat land and hills.
3. Running – With a fairly acceptable terrain, athletes should feel comfortable to complete this obstacle. However, even the strongest athletes have a hard time running in the heat of Langkawi in February. The total of 42.2km run begins and ends at the Dataran Lang (Eagle Square) in Kuah.

Enjoy the beginning of this great event onboard one of your own chartered yacht from Blue Water Star Sailing. Then set sail for the day on pristine waters and discover the wonderful hidden treasures Langkawi has – mangrove forests, limestone rocks and bat caves, and wonderful secluded beaches. And grab a chance while you’re out cruising, to anchor and take a swim at a nice spot.

Or opt to enjoy the evening with a luxurious dinner while cruising in the Andaman Sea. View the sunset from the deck of your chartered yacht. Blue Water Star Sailing will help make your boating dreams come true.

So get in touch with us to book your chartered yacht today!

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