Thailand for Your Medical Tourism

Some are unable to fully comprehend the phrase medical tourism. Exactly why would an individual deliberately go on a yearly vacation, only to undergo a surgical procedure or some other type of medical procedure? Normally, going on vacation conjures up visions of hanging out at the ocean, soaked in suntan lotion and sipping your favorite cocktail. When we consider medical procedures, we visualize dreary cuisine, doctors that may be overstressed, and unfriendly hospital workers. An individual basically does not fit those two concepts with each other. However, medical tourism is a topic you can expect to hear more about over the years.

Perhaps, one thing which is making medical tourism very popular, is without a doubt "Obama Care". The present President's efforts at restructuring medical coverage for United States voters is contentious, to put it mildly. Whether you are for it or against it, it is unquestionably bringing focus on the fact that medical costs have now increased. Having said that, a growing number of insurance firms are now setting out to include medical procedures that can be carried out in another country. Perhaps they see that the individual is without a doubt being looked after and also the charge that the insurance firm must cover will be much lower. Thailand is one of the best places anywhere to have almost any surgical treatment you can imagine.

Thailand was indeed seriously affected by the monetary meltdown in the late nineteen nineties. The way it ended up Thailand grew to become an extraordinary bargain-hunter's haven for a lot of things, among them surgical procedures. And so Thailand's medical tourism business was created. Individuals from the United States and around the world have since made the trip to Thailand for its remarkable and modern medical services.

Thailand has a number of fully accredited medical centers, all with very cutting-edge, advanced medical establishments. Bumrungrad International Hospital is certainly remarkable, featuring its in excess of 1,000,000 square feet looking a lot more like a huge super mall than the usual health care facility. The degree of support services is outstanding. English is spoken fluently and the hospital actually provides translators for just about any language. Not only does an individual obtain personalized treatment as well as qualified treatment, the hospital even provides travel support.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6243413

Thai Girls And Thailand Travel

If you've hit an age where meeting attractive younger (than you) girls or women seems to be a wicked challenge, maybe it's time to consider opening your mind to new horizons. Yes I'm talking about Thai girls and Thai women here. And doing it from a guy who has lived in Thailand for the best part of four years.

But before we meet the perfect Thai girl, why Thailand? Maybe it's the attention. It's hard not to be taken by people who seem to be always smiling, welcoming and friendly. And with a great 'not too serious about anything much' attitude and the Thai Buddhist qualities, well, it's all quite compelling.

Anyway, Thailand is a world in itself, so be prepared to be amazed and have all your normal 'logical' thinking replaced with ongoing illogical and strange behavior. In other words, Thailand is a completely weird place. Just remember that when you travel to a foreign country, after you get there, you become the foreigner...

Amongst all its differences, the pleasures are true and fascinating. There's no doubt Thailand is a crazy world. But strangely enough, it seems to hang together well. And the proof is in the pudding... having thrown myself into this lifestyle, I now feel somewhat 'apprehensive' about having to travel to a Western country and meet Western people. Why would I feel that way?

Maybe because I've been immersed in smiling, polite Thai people who always welcomed me and wanted to know about me. Maybe because I've been surrounded by Thai food that is always so important everywhere you go. Food that... "shows how we delicately care about feelings of people." And then there's the Thai girls...

Let's talk about Thai girls and the Thai world through these 5 simple steps:

Step one: Go to http://yourthaigirl.com and read the downloadable ebook, (and while you're there sign up to the Thai Girl, Thai Life newsletter). In this ebook you'll learn all about Thai culture, lifestyle, and of course, Thai girls.

You get savvy on what to do, what not to do, when to do it, and where to go and do it. You'll know what it all means, and the ebook will give you the 'inside picture' to the world of Thailand.

Step two: Book your ticket to Thailand as soon as you can. When you arrive, prepare for the slam... the heat... an invisible hammer that hits you with its mighty force... rushes to greet you with the power of a thousand simmering angels...

And yet, before you know it, you'll be slipping down the long passageways inside the cool air conditioned airport. Get your bags, your bearings, your Thai girl book and prepare for your biggest journey. (Hey, Thailand is not as hot as you think :-)

Step three: Get out and meet and greet people. Prepare your name card, your few words of Thai, a nice hotel or resort with a funny name, and your best clothes. In this country, it pays to look good. Thai's like to be clean, fresh, and attractive. No kidding.

Step four: Just be you. Expect lots of questions. The Thai's want to learn English... speak English with you. You'll have a great, precious, remarkable time. Be adventurous. Be a tourist. Learn new things. Travel on the sky train.

Step five: That's it, all done. Remember though to keep light-hearted. The Thai's like to have fun, not be 'too serious' and will appreciate it if you show respect to the things that are important to them. The key word is enjoyment. Have fun.

Actually, there's really nothing to it. It's so easy (once you're here!) The main thing is to keep your calm, appreciate the beauty of Thai girls, seek out quality relationships, and let me know how it all goes, okay.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/450388

Explore the Mystic Beauty of Chiang Rai

Where would you want to go if you wanted to soak in the timeless and conventional beauty of Thailand? Chiang Rai is the answer. Evolving north east of Chiang Mai City, south west of Amphoe Chiang Saen on the Mae Khong and south of the Myanmar border and Amphoe Mae Sai, Chiang Rai city has the Mae Kok River flowing along its north side border.

Visitors can enjoy some of the most exciting festivals and events whilst enjoying a stay in this beautiful city of Thailand.The Wai Sa Phaya Mengrai or Phokhun Mengrai Maharat Festival showcases the Buang Suang worshipping ceremony. The Tribal Culture & Mexican Sunflower Blossom exhibits a splendid sight with the golden burst of Mexican Sunflower fields on the mountain. This festival holds unique entertainment with tribal food, tribal culture demonstrations, tea tasting, traditional Northern dinner and tribal sport competition.

The most popular festival of this city is the King Meng Rai Festival. This colorful festival is held from the January 26th of every year till the 1st week of February. This festival is marked with colorful and spectacular parades of all times, also accompanied by cultural performances and various other competitions. The main essence of the festival is to celebrate the establishment of the Lanna Kingdom of Chiang Rai. The King Mengrai Stupa and the King Meng Rai Great Memorial are two of the famous places frequented by people often during the festival as they are famous landmarks of historical importance. The city bustles with energy as the locals and the tourists throng the streets to view the vibrant parade. The streets are dotted with food stalls and other little shops selling souvenirs and other decorative household items.

Enjoy Fabulous, Flamboyant Festivals

The biggest and the most flamboyant festival of Thailand is the Songkran Festival which is celebrated with as much enthusiasm and joy in Chiang Rai as in all the other parts of the nation. Apart from the parades held in the city and the various beauty contests, there are also boat races held between Thailand, Laos, China and Myanmar on the Mekong River. With myriad activities, this day is truly marked with some extremely spectacular visions of the traditions and customs of this panoramic country. The Loi Krathong Festival is celebrated to worship and thank the Goddess of Water with the lighting of candles by floating them in vessels made of banana leaves.

Chiang Rai holds this festival pompously on a large scale and provides all kinds of entertainment like folk plays, food stalls and various stores selling local handicrafts. Chiang Rai is well known for its delicious lychees and holds the Lychee Festival where one can even splurge their money on these sinfully tasty little treats at reasonable prices. The Dok Siao Ban or Blooming Siao Flower Festival is held at at Phu Chi Fa along with tribal cultural performances and sports competitions. Visitors can travel on a aromatic path at the Chiang Rai Flower Festival that offers the Miss Thinn Thai Ngarm Contest, an agricultural fair, varieties of flowers, flower gardens and flower processions. Tourists can enjoy a stay filled with comfort and pleasure at hotels in Chiang Rai that celebrate the spirit of freedomand hold the aura of an unforgettable vacation surrounded withvibrant festivals.

Ubon Ratchathani - A Retirement Haven

When planning for your retirement you should consider the possibility of retiring to Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand.

Why should Ubon Ratchathani be included on a list of places to enjoy your leisure days? It is a foreign country. The native language is Thai. It is far from your homeland.

Many people, when the are nearing the age of retirement face the realization that they must adjust their lifestyle. Retirement income is often much less than during their working life. Where do you make the cuts?

Ubon Ratchathani is the largest province in Thailand in terms of land mass. It is located in the northeastern region and is bordered by the Mekong River and Laos to the East and Cambodia to the south.

One of the main points for making a new home here is the cost of living. It is easy to maintain an excellent quality of life for a fraction of what it will cost in western countries in Europe, Scandinavia and North America. You can secure quality accommodations, including all utilities, for less than you have been paying the bank for your car payment. You can enjoy three meals a day of tasty Thai food for less than a single meal back home. Medical care is surprisingly affordable at one of the four major hospitals in Ubon.

You can easily travel to Ubon Ratchathani by plane, rail, bus or private auto. The city benefits from being serviced with multiple schedules daily with three major modes of transportation. The buses and trains originate and terminate between Bangkok and Ubon but there are ways to make connections for domestic travel. The buses can take you around Ubon as well as around Thailand.

There is a small but growing community of western expats who call Ubon home. You can meet others to socialize with. If you want to get a taste of your homeland there are stores and shops to acquire the ingredients your need.

If you enjoy traveling you will discover it is quite cheap and convenient to get around Thailand from Ubon. You can walk the beaches of Phuket or Samui Island for a fraction of what you would pay in Hawaii or Florida. Take a trip north to the Lanna culture and mountains of Chiang Mai.

From Ubon you can be in Laos enjoying a step back in time or head south to Cambodia and visit the awesome magnificence of Angkor Wat. The journey to these places is only a few short hours. If you are wanting to visit friends and family back home it is a one hour flight to Bangkok to make your connection.

Living in a foreign country has requirements that never come to mind when at home. The local immigration office is just a 45 minute drive from Ubon city. All the foreign embassies are a train, bus or plane ride to Bangkok away.

Retirement is a time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. You should seriously consider Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand as an option to maintain or even raise your quality of life.

Holiday in Pattaya Thailand

Buddha Mountain. Sight seeing in Pattaya. What to do on holiday in Pattaya.

Many people who come to holiday in Pattaya think that the only entertainment is to be found in the bars and on the beach.

But just outside of Pattaya is a whole host of interesting places to visit which will make your holiday to Pattaya so much more memorable. In the 30 plus years since Pattaya has become a holiday destination many sightseeing attractions have been developed to cater today's modern tourist.

Outside of Pattaya are many interesting places to visit, which will let you experience the many wonders of Thailand and Thai culture without having to stray too far from Pattaya. Pattaya is fast becoming the number one holiday destination in Thailand. The sand on the beach may not be as white as Phuket's beaches but with Pattaya being so close to Suvarnabhumi airport, Bangkoks international airport, less than 145Km away and the cost's of hotels and holiday rentals in general being so much cheaper than in Phuket many are choosing to come to Pattaya.

Pattaya has many attractions, such as:

Sailing 

Buddha Mountain 

Archery 

Horse riding 

Elephant riding 

Pattaya floating market 

Under water world to name but a few.

This article is focusing on the Buddha mountain and Silver lake vineyard.

Buddha mountain located outside Pattaya going South towards Ban Sare. Approximately 16 Km from Tesco Lotus South Pattaya.

Entrance is free to this beautiful park and cultural icon.

Buddha mountain is so named after an image of the Lord Buddha has been carved into the side of the mountain face. Unlike most Buddha images the largest is not a statue, but a cliff face inlaid with gold leaf in the outline of a sitting, Sukhothai-era Buddha. It is 130 meters tall, 70 meters wide, and can be seen from many miles away. The image and mountain are alternately referred to as "Buddha Mountain", Khao Chee Chan, or "Phra Phuttha Maha Vachira Utta Mopas Sasada".

In the park surrounding the cliff are a number of Salas provided for meditation and rest. Signs point you to the most scenic viewpoint of the image and to the "homage paying area". Directly in front of the cliff face are shrines, elaborate gardens, and a number of terraced pools stocked with lotus flowers. Buddha Mountain a quiet, contemplative place and is a welcome break from Pattaya.

The Silver Lake Vineyard is conveniently situated next to the famous laser-sculptured Buddha image at Khao Chi Chan Cliff, so it is easy to see two attractions in one trip.

You can visit the vineyard by the free shuttle bus, or simply relax in the gardens looking down on the vineyard and across the lake. There are a number of basic food shops and of course you can have an ice cold drink of grape juice from the vineyard. The garden areas at Silver Lake Vineyard are relaxing, and superbly landscaped, with plenty of seating areas to either enjoy your snack or simply take in the views. Strangely there is no wine tasting allowed as the Thai government thinks it promotes alcoholism. But none the less still well worth the trip.

Just across the road from Buddha Mountain and Silver Lake you go Elephant riding or enjoy a meal at the Thai restaurant.

A visit to this beautiful park and vineyard is not only highly recommended, inexpensive but completely relaxing. Pattaya is a place full of surprises and attractions all you have to do is ask and you'll experience a whole different side to Pattaya.

This article has been written by James Lamborn who has lived over 7 years in Pattaya and has broad based knowledge of the property rental market in Jomtien and Pattaya. He has found out, often the hard way where to rent and where to avoid. His articles are intended to give the reader the knowledge he has gained over the years and help them from making some of the same mistakes he and others have made.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5698243

Top 10 National Parks of Thailand

Thailand encompasses an array of national parks and wonderful landscapes that go from the mountainous north right down to the myriad islands in the Thai Gulf and Andaman region. There are 79 national parks in all, covering all areas of the country and although fees for foreigners are steep, most people are blown away by the beauty.
1. Khao Yai National Park
One of Thailand's very best, Khao Yai National Park is massive and resides to the northeast of Bangkok. It is the country's oldest national park and comes with 500kms of hiking trails, huge waterfalls, pristine forest and around 300 species of birds alone. Elephants and tigers are among the big animals here.
2. Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park is one of Thailand's most visited. Despite its remote nature it is wholly accessible by bus on the slow road between Surat Thani and Phuket. Khao Sok has a whacking great lake in the middle, stretching for over 50kms across, which supports vast numbers of fish and ecosystems. There are deep caves connected to the lake that are viewable outside of the wet season.
Elsewhere in the park is some good trekking from the headquarters and a pretty gorge to swim in. Keep an eye out for wildlife if you go for an extended trek. You are unlikely going to see tigers, yet there are all sorts of wonderful creatures to spot. A number of well done guesthouse operations are at the park entrance.
3. Phang Nga Bay National Park
Phang Nga Bay National Park is one of the most beautiful places in the world for lovers of water and islands. It has a stark karst land and seascape, which features hue pillars poking up out of the ground and water. There are caves, traditional villages and lush foliage galore here and it is only 100kms from Phuket Town. The kayaking in Phang Nga Bay National Park is particularly good.
4. Ang Thong National Marine Park
Ang Thong is a dreamy archipelago between Koh Samui and Surat Thani. It is rarely visited on the order of Thailand's main parks due to the general inaccessibility. Tours from Samui are popular and often incorporate kayaking around the many bays. You can trek to the top of some of the islands and also camp out near the park headquarters.
5. Erawan National Park
Kanchanaburi's most famous park features the stunning Erawan Falls, a huge cascade of water over seven tiers down 1,500m. Visitors can swim in the pools as well as walk up the trail which skirts the falls. The rest of the park has good walking and a collection of caves, including Phrathat Cave. This park gets really busy during holidays.
6. Erawan National Park
Kanchanaburi's most famous park features the stunning Erawan Falls, a huge cascade of water over seven tiers down 1,500m. Visitors can swim in the pools as well as walk up the trail which skirts the falls. The rest of the park has good walking and a collection of caves, including Phrathat Cave. This park gets really busy during holidays.
7. Doi Inthanon National Park
Thailand's highest national park reaches a point of over 2,560m above sea level. The mountain itself is fairly unremarkable on its peak, however, as you can only go so far due to the research station there. On the drive up the mountain are the King and Queen's stupas, while on the flanks are huge waterfalls and a degree of accommodation.
Lesser Visited Thai National Parks
8. Mu Koh Surin
Often referred to as simply Surin National Park, this northern park straddles the Thai/Burma border down on the Andaman Sea. Most of the park's territory covers the sea where there are five main islands, including North Island, South Island and three smaller ones. The snorkeling here is superb.
9. Tarutao
This largely unseen area of Thailand resides right down in the south and up against Malay territory. It encompasses dozens of islands in Satun province and includes the busiest island, Koh Lipe. You can also stay on Koh Tarutao and Koh Adang. The snorkeling, amazing sunsets and quietness are the big deal here.
10. Ko Samet
Although Koh Samet is a high profile place that sees a huge number of tourists, most come here for the beaches and not for its marine park status. It sits down in Rayong province, not far south of rowdy Pattaya, and is accessible by ferry only. Koh Samet is only a few kilometers long but is pretty rugged. It sports amazing coral and beaches that are incredibly white and the driest climate in the country.
Park Fees
Most parks charge fees to enter and sometimes as much as 400 baht for the higher profile ones. It may not sound much, but considering most Thais only earn 200 baht a day and also only have to pay 20 baht to get in, it is.

Pattaya and Jomtien Beach

The Kingdom of Thailand draws more visitors than any other country in south East Asia, with its irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned hospitality, robust cuisine and ruins of ancient kingdoms. Pattaya and Jomtien Beach are considered by some as Thailand's twin fun paradises based on their beaches, diving, windsurfing, island trips, numerous golf courses, and world renowned nightlife. Pattaya, and especially Jomtien, have been growing at a fast rate. Proof of Pattaya and Jomtien's popularity is their forever-growing cosmopolitan flavor, with a large contingent of Expats from all over the world who have either settled and retired here, or invested in a holiday home. Many Expats could only have dreamt of buying a condo or house, looking over the ocean and waking up to the sea breezes, at a fraction of the cost that they would have paid in their home countries.

The growth in the residential market has been further boosted by a demand for property from Pattaya locals and other Thai buyers due to the closeness to Bangkok. As a result of the new airport and continued improvements in infrastructure, more property developers are also entering the market to launch a variety of developments, including residential, international chain hotels and retail projects. Based on the number of property developments currently underway, its a clear indicator that this trend is set to continue.

One of the main advantages of living in Pattaya Jomtien Beach, apart from the climate and low cost of living, is their world class infrastructure. Many world travelers we have talked to are impressed with the infrastructure when compared to the Philippines, Costa Rica, and other exotic travel destinations. Over the past 10 years, millions of Thai baht has been ploughed into improving Pattaya's infrastructure by resurfacing roads and improving the city's visual image. Roads and transportation are first class. The most common means of traveling around Pattaya and Jomtien Beach is the "baht bus". Seldom do you have to wait more than five minutes for the bus. The regular baht bus fare within Pattaya is 10 baht which amounts to about 35 cents American. There are two bus terminals where you can take an air conditioned bus to Bangkok or to one of the popular provinces. A large number of sports facilities have been built in and around Pattaya to cater to a wide range of sporting activities. All facilities are easy to reach. The telephone system is a modern PABX and internet cafes providing ADSL service (2 mbps) are common place. Health care is of a very high standard. There are three large international hospitals and one hospital that caters to the local Thais. Doctors are highly trained and speak English well. The hospitals also offer some interpreting services if your native language is not English

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/858184

Beach Holidays in Thailand

Motorshow girls Thailand

Songkran 2011

Lots of festivities and feast in Thailand are beyond doubt remarkable one. One of the most awaited festivities in Thailand is the Songkran Festival. Thai people, travelers and tourists are looking forward for this event especially the Songkran 2011. This celebration falls from the 13th to 15th day of April. What to expect during this event? Well, if you love water during the hottest days in Thailand you this festivity is surely right for you! It is the biggest Water Fight in Thailand wherein you'll certainly get soaked in water the moment you put your foot outside your doorstep.

Seeing everyone handling their bucket of water and water gun, while shouting out loud "Sawadee Pi Mai" meaning Happy New Year, you'll be amazed on how Thai people express their happiness in this special occasion. Songkran Festival is the longest holiday that is why most of the travelers and vacationers set their holidays on this day to ensure that they will be a part of this once a year event. For people in Thailand, water is the main thing for cleansing purposes for them to wash away all the evil doings that they've done from the past. It is also one way of removing bad fortune for the years ahead.

Songkran Festival is not merely on the water throwing, though for some people especially for the vacationers it is the main highlights of the festivity. The real essence of this festivity aside from cleansing them and washing away bad luck, traditionalists take this opportunity to give respect to their ancestors, elders' neighbors and friends. During this time they also have a monastery visit to feed the monks and offer prayers to revered Buddha.

Songkran 2011 is one major event to look forward to. It is not just for fun but it is also a circumstance to do well and show respect to the people around you. Being a part of this big event, you will truly feel how Thai people treasure their families. You can also feel how warm they welcome you the time you enter in this perfect place. You're not just a tourist to them but you are also a part of the celebration.

Great Adventure Holidays - Krabi

Krabi hotels offer a mesmerizing stay with traditional hospitality and fabulous cuisine that visitors will enjoy. Krabi lies on the southern coast of Thailand, a gorgeous jewel set in the warm waters of the Andaman Sea. It is reputed to have some of the most pristine and beautiful beaches in the world. It has a typical tropical climate and a torrid monsoon season. Most people choose to visit Krabi and its sun-drenched beaches during the dry season between November to April when it's hot and dry.

Krabi has made a name for itself in the water sports world. It has some spectacular dive sites and a rich marine life for snorkelers to enjoy. The sea bed around Krabi has caves and caverns covered with brightly colored anemone and it's often possible to see a leopard shark or a barracuda. Ao Nang Beach is one the most popular sites to start your dive. The seven islands around Ao Nang have a diverse marine life and have diving sites for people of all abilities. Koh Yawasam with its shallow waters and easy access to deeper water makes for an ideal location for diving tutorials. It is possible to get your Padi certification in Krabi. Koh Yawabon on the other hand is restricted only to very experienced divers because of the strong currents and large no light zone.

Enjoy Sun, Sea, Sand and Sensations

Because of its spectacular natural beauty, large areas of Krabi have been declared sanctuaries or Marine parks. Nature lovers are drawn to Krabi to trek the dense jungles and explore the wide variety of fauna and flora here. The experience is enhanced as one can stumble upon sparkling rock pools, gushing hot springs and the green mountain slope interspersed with silver threads of distant waterfalls. Natural lagoons catch the eye with the crystal clear and brilliant hues of the water. The Emerald pool is one of the most famous and is known for its beauty. The authorities of some natural parks have maps with Nature trails marked out so that visitors can safely trek through the jungle while hitting all the landmarks in the area. Many of the hot springs are said to have therapeutic value. Irrespective of the veracity of this claim, the hot springs can still be enjoyed as a relaxing and calming experience.

Krabi is also becoming increasingly popular with adventure sport enthusiasts such as rock climbers. The huge limestone cliffs, caves and immense rock formations make it an ideal target for rock climbers. There are many courses offered on the easier cliffs. The cliffs around the Railay Beach are particularly popular with the climbing fraternity. Guided climbs are easy to find and there are over 600 climbing routes mapped out. Whether you are staying in a Krabi hotel on the main land or you choose to make an island your base, there are many reasonable food options around Ao Nang and Krabi town and you will never run out of things to do and places to see with an abundance of delicious food everywhere.

Phuket Property Investment

Phuket, formerly known as Talang, lies off the west coast of southern Thailand in the Andaman Sea. Phuket is Thailand's largest island; it is connected to the mainland by two bridges and is approximately the same size as Singapore.

Home to some beautiful yacht Marinas the island offers endless opportunities for diving and sailing, it has superb golf courses and an international airport as well as a huge variety of international and local cuisine.

Phuket attracts people from around the world and has always been a popular choice for holiday makers. In that last ten years Phuket has become an increasingly popular investment choice for homes, second homes, investment properties and retirement villas. The property market is still booming.

The reasons Phuket makes such an attractive investment opportunity are many. The island has a laid back attitude compared to life in the west and is blessed with many stunning beaches. Its first class infrastructure and modern amenities such as international schools and hospitals, post offices, fast internet connections and stylish shopping venues make it as ideal for families with small children as it is for career couples and retirees.

When you choose to invest in Phuket Property you are choosing to invest in an island that enjoys a thriving tourist industry. With an increasing amount of holiday makers choosing to rent private villas instead of staying in a hotel, when you invest in a property in Phuket you have the option to renting the property out for some or all of the year and making it work for you.

Whether you choose to buy a plot of land and design and build your own home, choose to buy off plan or buy an existing property you will find a vast range of options available. You may choose to buy a condo close to the nightlife and the action or choose somewhere more relaxing such as Rawai or Nai Harn, where property is still very affordable. If you choose an older Thai property, and many although structurally sound are badly designed, by simply taking out a few walls you can affordably create your own unique living space and enjoy a tropical island project.

Getting to know and understand the laws and restrictions regarding buying land is easy and there is a lot of help available to make sure you make informed decisions.

With its all year round climate and immense choice in property style it is not hard to see why Phuket is one of the most popular property investment locations in the world.

3 Myths About Medical Tourism to Thailand

There are actually three sides to the medical tourism story. The first is the endless positive hype coming from the promoters of Thailand as a health care hot spot. Second is all the FUD (fear, uncertainty, doubt) cultivated by detractors who want you to stay home and suffer quietly with your home country's health care system. Third and somewhere in between is the reality of receiving medical care in Thailand as a medical tourist. That reality is, in general, a lot closer to the hype than it is to the FUD. But there are some common themes in the media repeated over and over again that are really just myths and here we are going to bust them.

Myth #1: The medical staff at all the big hospitals speak English

Sadly, this is untrue. Many doctors at the major private hospitals in Bangkok have trained and practiced in English speaking countries so they are fluent and communication is normally not an issue. But many other doctors are not fluent in English. Furthermore, the nurses and technicians in most hospitals, even the ones most popular with medical tourists, have a rather basic (at best) command of the English language.

Myth #2: There is no follow-up care if you get medical treatment in Thailand

This myth seems to be popular with western doctors spreading FUD about medical tourism. Understandably, they are not pleased when a patient presents themselves with complications after returning home from surgery abroad. But this is not because follow-up care isn't available at the medical tourism destination. It is the result of the patient not planning for it and instead cutting short their medical holiday to return home quickly. Most patients don't plan for complications so they do not allow adequate time for follow-up care at the hospital that performed the procedure. Obviously this is an issue with patients, not care givers, since patients cannot be forced to extend their stay in case complications arise.

Myth #3: If you are the victim of malpractice in Thailand you have no recourse

This myth is promulgated largely based on the fact that the Thai courts don't award money for emotional distress. If you are the victim of malpractice you can receive money for your costs to fix the problem. It isn't easy and it takes a lot of time, just as in western countries. There is an existing government organization called the Thai Medical Council which is the first stop in making a complaint against a doctor or hospital. If that produces no results, or moves too slowly (a common complaint), then you can take it to the courts. As a foreigner, that process will be nearly incomprehensible so you will need a competent Thai lawyer (foreigners are not allowed to practice law in Thailand) and it is unlikely you will find one that will work on contingency (since awards are limited to cost only). You will also need to make some appearances so you will need to make additional trips to Thailand as the case proceeds. In the end, the court will award damages if it agrees with your complaint. A recent example was the award of 12 million Thai baht to a couple who sued for 350 million baht because the hospital failed to inform them that their child would be born with Down syndrome. Note the difference in the amounts - you can sue to inflict punishment but the courts will only award what is determined to be necessary costs.

Wrapping it up, if you are contemplating a trip to Thailand for health care you should not fall for the three common myths. Do your homework on the medical practitioners who will treat you to ensure there are no communication issues, including speaking with them on the telephone (usually possible). Plan for sufficient time on your medical holiday for follow-up care in case there are complications. And don't count on extracting a windfall settlement if something goes wrong. If things are bad enough you can receive compensation but know that it will only be for costs - no monies for emotional distress should be expected.

Thailand Beach Holidays

It is not a secret that Thailand offers some of the best beach holidays in the World. Krabi, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi as just few of the areas and islands with impressive nature that attract more and more tourists everyday.

Grand Palace Bangkok & Wat Phra Kaew

The biggest temple in Thailand. The mecca of Buddhism.

Spend a Day at Pattaya Floating Market

Sightseeing in Pattaya. What to see and do in Pattaya.

Most people who come on holiday to Pattaya tend to think that the only entertainment is to be found in the bars and on the beach.

Pattaya has much, much more to offer than that. In the 40 or so years since Pattaya first started to become a holiday destination, all sorts of sightseeing attractions have been developed. Many have been here since before the Farang arrived but only in the last 10 years or so have their economic wealth and vale as a tourist attraction been fully exploited.

Only a few minutes outside of Pattaya are many interesting places to visit, which is making the Pattaya of today a much more family oriented holiday destination than it once was.

The attractions are many, such as: 

Sailing. 

Fishing. 

Diving. 

Elephant riding. 

Pattaya floating market. 

Buddha mountain. 

Under water world to name but a few. This article is focusing on the Pattaya floating market.

The floating market is located just outside Pattaya going South towards Ban Sare. Approximately 6 km from Tesco Lotus South Pattaya.

There is no entrance fee so it's up to you what you spend. The facilities there are modern and clean with plenty of toilets seating and of course ATM's

To get there is easy. Many of the baht buses will take you there for about 500 Baht or you can join a coach from one of the hotels.

A day out at the market is a day well spent especially if you've only been spending your time on beach road.

The aim of the market is to show case the four regions of Thailand. North, South Esarn and Central Thailand. Inside the market you'll find food vendors and craftsman making traditional handicrafts.

The market is on a lake and the buildings are all built on stilts. There are walk ways between the four regions and as you walk from region to region the food changes as does the traditional local music. You can hire a longboat to take you around visiting the four regions. As you walk over the wooden gang ways you'll see vendors selling from their boats and cooking their local food. The floating market is not only popular with tourist but local Thai's as well go there. The food on sale is all at local prices that you'd pay outside which makes this not only an enjoyable outing but inexpensive as well. A typical meal will cost you no more than 50 Baht or $1.72c or £1.06p. Very good value for money. During the day there are shows of traditional Thai dancing and music. Sit and relax in one of the many wooden restaurants serving food from their region. There is always plenty to see at the floating market. Have your portrait painted, feed the Elephants, and try the local delicacies such as deep fried Locust, grubs, and pupae. Although fried chicken seems to be more popular. There are many events held at the market such as boxing over the lake on a log. The looser gets wet! The latest attraction is the rope ride over the lake, again not expensive and that can be said for the entire day out at the market. An interesting and memorable day out that doesn't cost a lot. If you want to avoid the crowds then don't visit at the weekend.

Bars in Korat

There are a number of good places in Korat where you can enjoy a few cold Singha beers or a bite to eat with fellow expats. Some special events are also organized at these watering holes and these include weekly quiz nights, dart tournaments and football nights.

If you are visiting Korat and would like to go out at night then please do visit some of the excellent bars listed down below. You will certainly have a great time!

The Ram

The newest place in town is The Ram which is located next to the Sabai hotel. This British pub offers drinks are very affordable prices and they also offer a great selection of pub food. A quiz is organized every Wednesday night and many local expats attend this event. There is also a proper pool table, large screen televisions and a dart area at this bar in Nakhon Ratchasima.

George and Dragon

One of the most established expat hang outs is the George and Dragon which is located in a side street located off the central square. It also offers some decent English pub style food including fish and chips. If you fancy a game of pool then please note that there is also a good pool table at the George and Dragon.

Sports and Cocktail

The Sports and Cocktail bar is a long time favorite Korat bar among the local expat community and was started by Paul and his charming wife. It has recently been sold to Jason and I am looking forward to see what he will do with this watering hole. There are a number of televisions showing various live sports and there is also a pool table. There is also a basic but good food menu and an excellent selection of local and foreign drinks.

Pizza Shop

This place is more of a restaurant however many locals visit the Pizza shop as they can enjoy a few nice drinks on the terrace outside. It is located in the center of town and is located only a short distance up the road from the George and Dragon pub. The Pizza shop has the best food menu of all the different Korat bars and it includes excellent pizzas, Swedish meatballs and a wide range of Thai dishes.

Chiang Mai Zoo

ituated in the heart of the evergreens of Thailand, the zoological gardens give people the opportunity to visit animals in their natural locale. The hilly terrain that surrounds the zoo is the perfect milieu for the thousands of resident animals, mammals, birds and reptiles. It is particularly popular among school children due to the novel experiences on offer.

The welcoming chirps and songs of hundreds of birds draw people to the 'Nakorn Ping' Bird Garden, where a myriad of colourful birds gaily flutter their wings. The tour continues to the Freshwater Aquarium where Ture Eels, Siamese Carps and Striped Catfish float about freely. Wildlife from around the world is on display at this zoo, including Indian Rhinoceroses, African Cape Fur Seals, Malayan Tapirs, Koalas and a two very special Pandas from China. The pandas are adored by all the visitors who feed and play with them. Elephant families, giraffes, hippopotamuses, zebras, deer, a gibbon and ostriches constitute the large and diverse animal population of the zoological gardens.

The authorities of the zoo permit camping overnight, which is an adventurous experience. Children love the excitement of sleeping amidst nature, under a starry sky by the side of a cascading waterfall, keeping an eye out for animal activity. Camping gear is provided at a nominal fee for enthusiasts to experience thrills of a night in a jungle. The 'Twilight Zoo', is another rare and exhilarating feature of this facility. Visitors can observe the behavior and attributes of nocturnal animal species from the safety of a tram car, at nightfall.

Golf in Pattaya

While you may not automatically associate golf with Pattaya, you might be interested to know that top golfers like Jack Nicklaus, Dennis Griffiths, Gary Player and Nick Faldo actually designed the course here.

Why Golf is Special in Pattaya

You could not ask for better weather for a round of golf. The climate is tropical, the sun is generous and you're surrounded by azure blue waters, emerald lagoons and evergreen rainforests. Oh, and in case you already forgot, a female caddy who acts as your own private cheerleader.

The courses in Pattaya are beyond spectacular. There are championship greens here that most people would not be able to afford to golf on back home. Fortunately, golf in Pattaya is cheap, really cheap! Green fees start at 500 Baht so even adding on a car, a girl, beer and a souvenir, you've still had quite an inexpensive day.

Where to Golf

Pattaya Golf and Sports Club - This is a fairly new course and one that stays pretty busy with both golfers and nature lovers. The greens are housed in a very natural environment with plenty of interesting birds and plants to observe. The club also has exceptional accommodations if you're looking for a place to stay as well as several restaurants and a spa.

Burapha Golf Club - David Graham along with Gary Panks designed these 37 holes found in Sri Racha's rolling countryside. The setting is tropical and elegant and is rated a must see. Although golf is traditionally cheap in Pattaya, Burapha Golf Club is the most expensive place you will find.

Laim Chabang Golf Club - This remarkable 27-hole course was designed by Jack Nicklaus. There has been several professional tournaments played here so you know these greens are challenging. Here you will find an abundance of ponds, creeks, lakes, extra-large rock formations and sand bunkers to get in your way.

Noble Place Golf Club - If you're looking for a super cheap place to Golf in Pattaya, Noble Place Golf Club is definitely it. Peter Thompson designed this 27-hole course that is perfect for the average player. It's challenging enough to keep you interested but modest enough to allow you to keep your dignity.

Bangkok Shopping

Bangkok is generally considered to be one of the leading shopping destinations in the world. There are so many outstanding Bangkok shopping venues where shoppers can shop until they drop. You can certainly find for sale whatever you are looking for. People from all over the world travel to Bangkok simply so that they can visit the wonderful shops, boutiques, markets and shopping malls.

Bangkok is well known for its pirated DVD movies and software as well as all the fake brand name clothing which is for sale in many of the street side vendors however there are also a large number of modern shopping malls in the Thai capital city. In these malls you can find many stores and boutiques from well known fashion designers and international brand names.

There are too many shopping venues in Bangkok to list in a single article however we have listed and reviewed for you some of the most popular Bangkok shopping venues.

Central World Shopping Mall

The Central World Shopping Mall in Bangkok is in fact the largest mall in all of South East Asia. This Bangkok shopping mall is home to over five hundred stores, various entertainment centers and over fifty restaurants. The largest supermarket found anywhere in Asia is also located at the Central World Shopping Mall.

Pantip Plaza

If you would like to buy some games, software or some IT products then the best place to visit in Bangkok is definitely Pantip Plaza. This large IT shopping mall consists off hundreds of both small and large computer stores and Pantip Plaza is popular with both local residents as well as tourists. Pantip Plaza is located along Petchaburi road nearby to the Amari Watergate hotel.

MBK Shopping Center

If you are a hard core shopper then you should definitely visit the MBK Shopping Center during your stay in the Thai capital. This well known Bangkok shopping mall has eight floors and over two thousand small stores. Opening hours at the MBK Shopping Center are daily from 11:00 until 22:00 and it is located right next to the National Stadium Bangkok Sky Train station.

Weekend Market

The most famous weekend market in Bangkok is the Chatuchak weekend market. This popular Bangkok market attracts close to a quarter of a million shoppers every weekend. Prices for many products found at the fifteen thousand market stalls are the cheapest found anywhere in Bangkok which is why both tourists and Bangkok residents enjoy shopping at the Chatuchak weekend market. Opening hours during the weekend are from 08:00 until 19:00.