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"Travel as much as you can life is not meant to be lived in one place"

Thailand

19/6/2016

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BANGKOK
Is the capital and the most populous city of Thailand
Bangkok is one of the world's top tourist destination cities...

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Transport in BKK:
- Buses, are efficient and is the cheapest way to move around the city, sometime it could be free if there is not anyone charging people;
- Taxi, take only the one with meter:
- Rickshaw, are the worse, because are really expensive and is not easy to bargain a price with the drivers.
Where to sleep:
KS GuesthouseIs the cheapest place where to sleep in Bangkok, is clean and good located. Internet is good (500 baht for a fan double room).
http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Hotel_Review-g293916-d546605-Reviews-K_S_House-Bangkok.html
What to do and visit:
- Grand Palace;
- Wat Pho, (100 baht fee entry);
- Golden Mountain (20 baht), it was my favorite and it has a really good view over the city;
- Bayon Sky, 300 baht fee entry with one drink included, but is really worth it to see one of the best view of the city, especially at sunset;
- China town and SAMPENG MARKET;
- Lumphini Park;
- J.J. MARKET;
- Rama VIII Bridge
Shopping:
- MBK;
- Down the Bayon Sky, there is a nice street market selling really cheap clothes;
- Pantip Plaza (Good for technology)
CHING MAI
Is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand.
Chiang Mai means "new city" and was so-named because it was the new capital, founded in 1296, succeeding Chiang Rai. Chiang Mai has over 300 Buddhist temples (called "wat" in Thai). The nightlife in Chiang Mai consists of numerous bars, several club, markets and live music venues.
Rent a motorbike:
It will cost 150/200 Baht for 24 hours. Is better to don't leave your passport instead you can leave 2.000 bath of deposit.
Where to sleep:
- Green Tulip House, cheap and clean place where to stay. The breakfast is included in the price. There are dorms and private room.
The staff is really friendly. WIFI is good and there are also 2 computers you can use.
http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Hotel_Review-g293917-d674576-Reviews-Green_Tulip_House-Chiang_Mai.html
Shopping:
Chiang Mai has a large and famous night bazaar for local arts and handicrafts. The night bazaar sprawls across several city blocks along footpaths, inside buildings and temple grounds, and in open squares. A handicraft and food market opens every Sunday afternoon till late on Rachadamnoen Road, the main street in the historical centre, which is then closed to motorised traffic. Every Saturday evening a handicraft market is held along Wua Lai road, Chiang Mai's silver street on the south-side of the city beyond Chiang Mai gate, which is then also closed to motorized traffic.
Where to eat:
- Brown rice restaurant
http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Restaurant_Review-g293917-d3293966-Reviews-Brown_Rice_Organic_Bistro-Chiang_Mai.html
- Saturday Night market
What to do:
- Thaphae Stadium - Thai Box (350 baht fee entry)
Around Chang Mai:
- Huay Tung Tao Lake (15 Km from the city)
Chiang Mai to Pai 3 hours by minivan (180 bath), but the best way to go, if you are good driver is to rent a motorbike.
PAI
Pai is a small town in northern Thailand's Mae Hong Son Province, near the Myanmar border, about 50 miles/80 km north of Chiang Mai.
Pai was once a quiet market village inhabited by Shan people, but nowadays Pai primarily thrives on tourism. Well-known among backpackers for its relaxed atmosphere, the town is full of cheap guesthouses, souvenir shops and restaurants. In the proximity of the town are spas and elephant camps. Further outside of town, there are several waterfalls and a number of natural hot springs varying in temperature from 80 to 200 degrees Celsius. Some resorts tap the hot springs and feed hot water into private bungalows and public pools. As Pai lies at the foot of the mountains, many tourists use it as a base for trekking and visiting hill tribes like Karen, Hmong, Lisu and Lahu. Another notable attraction is the town's excellent Wednesday Market which brings large and colorful crowds of local villagers and tribal people from all around the Pai Valley.
Where to sleep:
Any accomodation after the little bridge are cheap, in the middle of the country side and with nice hippies vibe!
Pai country Hut, is one of that. 
Where to eat:
The House, if you cross the little bridge, going into town you will find it onthe right side, after 5 mins walking. Nice, tasty and cheap local food;
Madame Ju coffee, amazing shake;
Be boo, is organizing event and nights.
CHIANG RAI
Chiang Rai Province has such a diversity of attractions that its capital city is often overlooked. If you take the time to know it, Chiang Rai is a small but delightful city with a relaxed atmosphere, good value accommodation and some tasty eats.
It's also the logical base from which to plan excursions to the more remote corners of the province.
Where to sleep:
Ben Guest House 
http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Hotel_Review-g297920-d1230500-Reviews-Ben_Guesthouse-Chiang_Rai_Chiang_Rai_Province.html
For a double room you will pay 400 baht.This is  nice and clean guest house with amazing swimming pool and WIFI.
Is not in the middle of the town, but is relaxing and you can rent a motorbike and be anywhere you like.
Where to rent a motorbike:
- SO GOOD Travel Agency, in the center of the town, is renting motorbike for 200 baht per 24 hours.
Where to eat:
- Connect cafe, in front of the agency, has nice food local and international;
- Swenen's, go there if you like to try an amazing Mango ice cream with rice;
- Street food in front of the Hospital, is the cheapest place where you can eat, is local and the people are really nice there.
What to do:
- Night Bazaar is a night market, located in the middle of downtown, Chiangrai. A place for souvenirs and local products, with free cultural performances. Also more than forty restaurants.
- Saturday Night Walking Street just north of downtown. Hundreds of local folks display their crafts and food. Includes local dance and showcase displays.
- Khunkorn Waterfalls, free entry. 20 Km away from the white temple. Is a nice short trekking with lovely waterfall at the end. Mainly locals go there
- Doi Mae Salong - Choui Fong Tea plantation 
What to visit:
- Wat Rong Khun, more well-known among foreigners as the White Temple, is a contemporary unconventional Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand. It was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat in 1997. The project is predicted to take ninety years to complete and the artist has plans in place to ensure that his work is continued long after his death. Admission to the temple is free.
- The Black temple,  Just two kilometers north of the famous White Temple, you will find the mysterious Black House or ‘Baan Dam,’ built by Kositpipat’s former student Thawan Duchanee. Not just one building, but a collection of almost forty monuments which are home to Duchanee’s extensive collection of weird taxidermy and bones. Thawan Duchanee’s unusual style is quickly gaining recognition and he is now considered a Thai National Artist. He certainly has his own unique style and the project ‘Baan Daam’ is ongoing. 
SUKOTHAI
Sukhothai, is a small city (population 35,713) in Lower Northern Thailand, most famous for the ruins of the ancient city Sukhothai.
The name translates as "the dawn of happiness". 
The province's temples and monuments have been restored and Sukhothai Historical Park is an area with numerous sites of historical interest which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
Where to sleep:
TR Guesthouse, clean and nice place. Breakfast is included. Good WIFI and you can rent cheap motorbike there.
Just make sure if you arrive late in the night to tell them in advance, because they close the guesthouse around 9 pm.
http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Hotel_Review-g303921-d1172091-Reviews-TR_Guesthouse-Sukhothai_Sukhothai_Province.html
What to visit:
Sukothai National Historic Park
12 Km away from the guesthouse you will find this amazing ruins with many beautiful Buddha. There is a fee entrance of 100 baht every gate you would like to visit.
The most important area to visit is called WAT Srichum (Central and North part).
Between central and north part, do not miss WAT Phraphai Luang, the broken Buddha.
The best way to see the ruins in the Sukhothai National Historic Park is by bicycl or motorbike. The best time to see the ruins is mornings when it's a little cooler and before the buses arrive, at noon when they have lunch, or after 16:00.
ISLANDS
There are many Islands in Thailand, is not possible to do all of them in one trip, because you will rush everywhere and you wont enjoy anything. The best way to visit every island is to rent a motorbike or pushbike if you are fit, and in this way you can be independent and free to explore and discover.
Each Island has some expensive or cheap place, and a lot of nice beaches. You need just to find your way. The first night arriving in a island sleep close to the pier and the day after, rent a bike and then you can find the best and cheap spot for you where to set up for your stay. Usually you wont find many accommodation online and for sure they will be overpriced.
KOH CHANG
Koh Chang is an island in Trat Province, Eastern Thailand. It is Thailand's second largest island, and the biggest in Eastern Thailand. Koh Chang is one of Thailand's most beautiful islands with long white sandy beaches, most half deserted. The island is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including a good selection of birds, snakes, deer and a number of elephants. The name means Elephant Island, named for the elephant shape of its headland, although elephants are not indigenous to the island. The best season to go is the (comparatively) cool season between November and February.
I have been in Koh Chang in May, the weather was nice, with some rain, but not tourist around, maybe that's the reason that makes this Island my favorite in Thailand.
Where to sleep:
Most accommodation is located on the western side of the island, where the sandy beaches are. On the eastern side of the island there are no sandy beaches and this side is far less touristy. There are some nice waterfalls though.
- Bailan Bay resort and restaurant, is a complex of basic bungalow with a private beach in the middle of nowhere. Perfect if you are a couple and want to relax in the nature.
- Tantawan Resort (500 baht for a double), right on white sand beach. Basic room but nice location.
- Three House (200 baht for a bungalow), the only accommodation in Long Beach. Really basic, cheap, good food and lovely family running the place.
Where to eat:
The Island is plenty of restaurant cheap and expensive and 7 elevens, so is not gonna be hard to find some food.
I suggest you to eat on the beach for dinner, where the atmosphere is really nice and there are fire show.
Beaches:
- Lonely beach, is not lonely anymore and is one of the most famous beach between backpackers.
- Long beach, is hard to get there, the road is horrible, but is worth it to get there. No many tourist, only one guest house/restaurant called Three House and amazing "lonely" beach.
- White sand beach, is the most touristic and expensive side of the island.
- Bai Lan beach, is a quit part with amazing view for the sunset.
What to visit:
- Salakphet fishing village and temple
Get around:
- motorbike, is the best way to visit the island. You can rent a motorbike for 150/200 Baht per day.
- shared taxi, they are ok, but expensive, slow and crowded.
How to get there from Bangkok:
 300 Baht, to get from Bangkok to Koh Chang, included one bus of 7 hours, departing around 8am, and 1 hours of ferry.
If you know when you need to go back, buy the ticket of return at the agency at the pier it will be 250 Baht, otherwise once in the Island they will ask you crazy price up to 800 Baht to go back to Bangkok.
Most ferries operate from Laem Ngop.
HOSPITAL
International clinic Koh Chang, expensive but efficient and modern clinic on the Island, open 24 hours.
M e O is the closet accommodation to the clinic, cheap, with aircon, but the staff is not really friendly.
KOH TAO 
Ko Tao, literally Turtle Island, is an island off the Central Gulf Coast of Southern Thailand. Historically, Ko Tao was once a detention place for political prisoners similar to Ko Tarutao of Satun Province, but today it is a great place for divers. The island is geared towards diving tourists more than backpackers on a budget. Ko Tao is a great place to learn how to dive.
Where to sleep
Lotus resort (Sairee beach), 300 baht for the cheapest double room.
Amazing swimming pool, almost free for depending which kind of room you have with the resort. The pool is open until 4 am, and usually is the meeting after party point.
Sairee beach is really dirty and full of tourists. But there are a lot of diving school if you are interested in it and a lot of bar and clubs on the beach. Otherwise i suggest you to move somewhere else if you want some place more quite with nice sea.
What to see
- Shark Bay 
don't worry too much about sharks, they are only small black-tip reef sharks
- Freedom beach, quite and isolated beach, where there is only one bar/resort.
Go there even once to watch happy sunset.
- Chalok bay, less touristic then Sairee beach, there is one nice restaurant with pool in front of the beach
- Sai Daeng Beach, amazing water and corals.
You can snork here
How to get there from Bangkok:
Get around
There is one main road running north to south on the island with many smaller roads diverting off it. Some roads lead over the spine of small mountains that run along the middle of the island and are all dirt, can close out after rain, and can be challenging even to a skilled driver. There are usually plenty of taxi cars available on both Sairee village and Mae Haad, however they tend to be expensive given the distances travelled. 
It is normal practice for motorcycle rental places to ask for a passport as deposit, this is due to the fear of drunken tourists crashing their bike and not returning it. You should be wary of handing over your passport unless you are positive of the legitimacy of the operation.
KOH PHA NGAN
Ko Pha Ngan is an island in the Gulf of Thailand in South East Thailand, and located in Surat Thani Province. It is famous for its full moon party at Haad Rin Beach and as a backpackers destination. But if you like to enjoy, relax and explore a beautiful island, go there 2 days after the full moon party. Everybody would be gone by then and everything it will be half price. This is for me the best time to go. Sometime I have felt like in a ghost Island. So peace full, but at the same time at night if you feel bored you can go and research some cozy and free party, with good music and vibe.
How to get there:
From Koh Tao is really easy to get to Koh Pha Ngan.
You just need to take a ferry at 10 am for 350 baht and will take you there in 2/3 hours.
From Bangkok take a bus and ferry, for 600 baht, departing at 6pm and arriving at 2pm.
Where to sleep:
Is really important if you go to Koh Pha Ngan during any of the parties you can find on the island, to have already an accommodation, otherwise it will be easily fully booked.
- Hard road Cafe (Baan Tai), is a modern style backpackers hostel. Is the perfect place if you are interested in parties. They will arrange everything for you. It cost 250 baht for 1 bed in 4 bedroom with air con, during Half moon party.
- Green Peace Bungalow, it is right on Ban Kai beach, is the perfect place if you like to be quite and relax. In low season a fan bungalow for 2 people is 350 baht. You can rent motor bike here for 200 baht per day.
Where to eat:
- Memory Restaurant, serves a really good a nd cheap Pad thai;
- Life Style (Ban Tai), a lovely lady and her family run this place. Meal for 50 baht are good, fresh and big;
- Amsterdam Bar, nice food and “treats”on the top of a hill, with chilling out seat and amazing view specially at sunset. There is also a new swimming pool for 100 baht per day.
Parties:
- Full moon
- Half moon
- Ban Sabai After party (Free)
http://www.hadrin.com/Templates/T2_bansabai_info_eng.html
Are the 2 parties most important, but on the island is plenty of other parties, you need just to find the right for you. Check the link below for a full list and dates of parties.
http://thaipartyfor.me/thailand-party/koh-phangan-party/
What to visit:
-Kho Ma
-Wat Pho Herbal Sauna, is a traditional herbal steam sauna. The herbs offer many benefits: lemongrass to nourish the skin, tamarind relieves itching, tumeric for skin infections. Herbal steam sauna in Wat Pho (Baan Tai village)  is open every day 1pm – 7pm. It is part of the temple so runs on 70 Baht donations. Remember to help them with the ever-rising costs of fuel and herbs. You can also get a traditional healing Thai massage for 300 baht for 1 hour.
-Chinese Temple
-Phaeng Falls
-Wat Pao Sang Tham
-The Blackmoon location, at the Magic mountain in Ban Tai is a beautiful view point for sunset’s time;
-Secret beach
-Chaloklum beach
Travel Agency:
-Sumito Travel Agency (Ban Taii)
 AO NANG
Ao Nang is a central point of the coastal province of Krabi, Thailand. The town consists chiefly of a main street, which is dominated by restaurants, pubs, shops and other commerce aimed at tourists. The main beach is used by sunbathers to a certain extent, but there are a large number of longtail boats which offer access to other beaches on the mainland and on nearby islands. So, is a good connection point to get to some really nice place. The main beach at Ao Nang is the main departure point for boats to a number of places, including the nearby resort of Railay, which cannot be accessed by road, Poda Island and Chicken Island.
Where to sleep:
- Ao Nang backpacker, really cheap in low season (150 baht per day for a bed in a dormitory)
Railay Beach is a small peninsula located between the city of Krabi and Ao Nang in Thailand. 
Accessible only by boat due to the highlimestone cliffs cutting off mainland access. 
These cliffs attract rock climbers from all over the world, but the area is also popular due to its beautiful beaches and quiet relaxing atmosphere. 
The four main areas of Railay consist of Pranang, West Railay, East Railay and Tonsai.
East Railay Beach is the docking point for boats arriving from Krabi. The East Beach is primarily covered in dense mangrove which is unsuitable for swimming. This is the cheapest side, after Tonsai, where to sleep.
East Railay Beach is the docking point for boats arriving from Krabi. The East Beach is primarily covered in dense mangrove which is unsuitable for swimming.
Where to sleep:
- Rampala, is one of the cheapest place where to sleep (bungalow for 300 baht), but the staff is not really friendly
Internet:
Internet is not really easy to find, and is expensive. Some restaurant has WIFI.
What to visit:
- Lagoon, hard path if is raining.
- View point, easy to reach and the view is beautiful.
- Toi San beach, is a beach more relaxing and chilling. Good vibe.
- Pranang beach is a amazing beach and there are two caves to explore.
 KOH LIPE 
(Not recommended for travelers…of course really good for tourist in holiday!)
Koh Lipe is a small island in the Southern part of the Thai Andaman Sea, 60 km away from the mainland (2 hours by boat). On a clear day you can see Langkawi Island in Malaysia, which is just 30 km away. Only during high season (from November until early May )you could get into Malaysia on a speed boat. During the low season (from May to October) only 2 boats are running to and from Pak Bara every day, and some of the hotels and other businesses still close down.  It is famous for it's white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and abundant marine life. There are 3 main beaches in the island, Pattaya beach, Sunrise beach, Sunset beach. Koh Lipe's main street is called "Walking Street". Probably some years ago Koh Lipe it was a paradise place, but unfortunately is not anymore. It is so touristic and overpriced, even in low season (basic bungalow 500 baht. A Pad Thai 150 baht. Rent a boat for 1 day between 600-1000 baht). It is crowded and dirty (even if visitors has to pay 20 baht management fee on arrival). There is a big rubbish place in the middle of the small island and the rubbish boat, during the low season leaves every 2/3 days and it is parked right on Pattaya beach. The smell is strong and horrible, because of the hit. The sea is beautiful, but the tourism ruined this Island and I believe that it just became a holiday place for rich people, looking for comfort more then adventure or local life. The local people are trying to sell you everything and it is stress full to walk around.
Ho to get there:
The closest pier is Pak Bara (400 baht per way+ 20 baht National Park fee). The boat will leave visitors 100 mt away from the shore, in the middle of the sea in a platform. To get to the island, you need to wait more and get a tale boat (50 baht per person). Tale boats are going up and down all day long, and to me looks like a hell more then a paradise. During the low season are parked (impossible to swim next to the shore) on Sunrise beach, during the high season are parked on Pattaya beach.
From Koh Pha Ngan it will take 1 day and half, calculating all the waiting and it will cost 1200 baht.
 Where to sleep:
I was sleeping at Moonlight bungalow at Pattaya beach (500 baht per night for a double, basic and dirty bamboo bungalow). Some Malay’s guys I have met where sleeping in Sunset beach for 350 baht.
MORE ABOUT THAILAND:
Dengue fever
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dengue
7 eleven
7-Eleven is part of an international chain of convenience stores. 7-Eleven, primarily operating as a franchise, is the world's largest operator, franchisor, and licensor of convenience stores with more than 50,000 outlets surpassing the previous record-holder, McDonald's Corporation, in 2007 by approximately 1,000 retail stores. 7-Eleven branded stores under parent company Seven & I Holdings Co. are located in 16 countries with its largest markets being Japan (15,000), the United States (8,200), Thailand (6,800), Indonesia, Canada, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Malaysia. There are some in Australia as well.
Festival in Thailand:
- Songkran on 13–15 April, traditional rituals as well as water fights.
- The Chinese New Year (January–February) and Vegetarian Festival (September–October) are celebrated widely by the Chinese community, especially in Yaowarat.
Sport:
Muay Thai is a combat sport from the muay martial arts of Thailand that uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques. This physical and mental discipline which includes combat on foot is known as "the art of eight limbs" because it is characterized by the combined use of fists, elbows, knees, shins and feet, being associated with a good physical preparation that makes a full-contact fight very efficient.
Muay Thai became popular in the sixteenth century whereof the first commercial Muay Thai gym outside Thailand was founded in 1978 in Curitiba,Brazil, nevertheless became widespread internationally only in the twentieth century, when practitioners defeated notable practitioners of other martial arts. A professional league is governed by the World Muay Thai Council. Modern Bangkok has developed a strong spectator sport culture. While muay Thai kickboxing matches at Rajadamnern and Lumpini Stadiums are regularly broadcast on television, the sport has mostly been overtaken in popularity by association football. ​
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