27 mar. 2014

Bangkok - Thailand

Bangkok  is the capital and the most populous city of Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon.
 The city was the centre stage of Thailand's political struggles throughout the twentieth century, as the country abolished absolute monarchy, adopted constitutional rule and underwent numerous coups and uprisings. The city grew rapidly during the 1960s through the 1980s and now exerts a significant impact among Thailand's politics, economy, education, media and modern society.
 The city is now a major regional force in finance and business. It is an international hub for transport and health care, and is emerging as a regional centre for the arts, fashion and entertainment.
Bangkok is among the world's top tourist destinations. It is named the most visited city in MasterCard's Global Destination Cities Index, and has been named "World's Best City" for four consecutive years by Travel and Leisure magazine.
Bangkok's rapid growth amidst little urban planning and regulation has resulted in a haphazard cityscape and inadequate infrastructure systems. Limited roads, despite an extensive expressway network, together with substantial private car usage, have resulted in chronic and crippling traffic congestion. This in turn caused severe air pollution in the 1990s. The city has since turned to public transport in an attempt to solve this major problem. Four rapid transit lines are now in operation, with more systems under construction or planned by the national government and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

Bangkok has around 8 million people and almost 1 million are tourists.There are a lots of Wat Buddhist Temple here,a lots of historical places and sky lounges and bars where you can hang out. It's a nice city to visit and a beautiful country,from mountains to wonderful beach. I spent two weeks in Thailand and all the time I felt safe and everything was ok.


Please be aware that, most of these girl's shows are places of extortion, where, the customers are fooled to come in and later charged with exorbitant amounts, resulting in frequent quarrels and uncouth scenes. earlier these places were not reported to deal with foreigners 
in such a way, however low season and bad business has forced them to resort to such practices. most of these cases go unreported as the victims are not sure whether such  shows go hand in glove with the police department.


BTS station and Bangkok Airport every 12-20 minutes. The train stops at Ratchaprarop - Makkasan - Ramkhamhaeng - Hua Mak - Ban Thap Chang - Lat Krabang and terminates at Bangkok Airport. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
Cheap price,40 bath from Suvarnabhumi Airport  to Ratchaprarop. Speedy link to downtown. Easy to get to from airport arrivals ,go down one lift. Takes you direct into town. Very clean and safe service. You need to know where you intend to stop.They have 2 types of link - a fast non stop link and a cheaper link that has about 6 or so stops, so a little slower,30 min. Both are fine. A yellow/pink taxi (not a VIP taxi - simply one from the taxi rank) from the airport to downtown Bangkok is about 350 BHT on the meter so its just as easy to go by taxi - unless you arrive in rush hour when taking the train will prove a much much faster transfer. 











From Grand Palace to  Temple of Dawn-Wat Arun, just walk around Grand Palace and just behind the Grand Palace you will find the river station to take the Big Boat ,for only 3 bath.
Don't do like me :) When I Got out from Grand Palace,there was I guy who told me to go to Wat Arun very cheap, with tuk-tuk share to the river station for 20 bath,3 person,and he took us to a river station where was a few guys with some small boats,and they ask us 200-300 bath for a ride across the river to Wat Arun.So we politely refused and we take a tuk-tuk for 60 each person. And only when we get to the Temple,we saw the sign for the Boat which cross the river for 3 bath only :)
That's how you learn things :) 






For the Zoo,near by Victory Monument,a few Bus Station away,I paid 200 bath,but it's very small and not to many animals to see.


River Pier,from Ratchaprarop to MBK, 12 bath.
  

25 mar. 2014

Ayutthaya - Thailand

The Ayutthaya historical park  covers the ruins of the old city of Ayutthaya, Thailand. The city of  Ayutthaya was founded by King Ramathibodi I in 1350 and was the capital of the country until its destruction by the Burmese army in 1767.
In 1969 the Fine Arts Department began with renovations of the ruins, which became more serious after it was declared a historical park in 1976. The park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site  in 1981.Thirty-five kings ruled the Ayutthaya kingdom during its existence.
From Bangkok ,Victory Monument you can take a minivan for 60 Bath to get there.I just went to Victory Monument with a card where I wrote AYUTTHAYA and they show me which one goes there :)
Ayutthaya it's a village with almost 15 historical place to visit. You can get here from Bangkok with minivan and here you can hire a tuk-tuk which offer you a round trip to see al the Heritage Site.The distance between those are to long to walk!











21 mar. 2014

Phy Phy - Maya Bay Thailand

Everyone raves about it. The crystal blue waters are captivating and beautiful.
Phi Phi Islands have long won their popularity due to the rich underwater world, that's why they are known to every diver. However, apart from beautiful beaches and coves, there are many natural and historical attractions, which will help to diversify the rest and make it even more intense.
Phi Phi Don is annually visited by thousands of tourists. Not far from the park there is a resort and several pristine beaches. Fans of secluded relaxation can head to one of the picturesque bays or walk through the jungle enjoying the birdsong. Main symbols of Phi Phi Don are its two mountains; the local name of the attraction can be translated as 'twins of Phi Phi'.
In the southern part of the island there are several rocks and lush tropical forests. One of the rocks is equipped with an observation deck providing a great view of the palm island. Small uninhabited island of Phi Phi Le is a must see place for every diver. There are some beautiful grottoes on the island, which differ not only with their beauty, but also with unique acoustics. After underwater walks you can devote your time to one of the local beaches or rent a boat and explore the surroundings.




 Phi Phi Island observation point,20 bath,and you will have to climb a lot of stairs :) but it worth it :)


 Maya Bay Island
The world famous Maya Bay, location of the film “The Beach” starring Leonardo Dicaprio, located in Phi Phi Ley, with white sandy beach, surrounded by gigantic limestone cliffs and coral reefs.




 During the day this place is packed with tour boats, long-tails and has tourists from all over the world, around here.The sand is sooo soft its literally like talcum powder.

  Saw some monkeys busy eating peanuts.



17 mar. 2014

Koh Phangan - Thailand

Koh Phangan 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 not only. Ko Phangan has two sister islands: the larger Ko Samui to the south and the smaller Ko Tao to the north,favorite for snorkeling and scuba diving spots.
The tourist area are in the South of the island, and the North ,where I lived a few days,was a quiet place but very nice with beautiful scenery.
I went there with plain,bus and ferry boat. I took the plane from Don Muang Airport - Bangkok,with Air Asia,cheap flights but very ok,and then the bus to port and then the ferry boat to the island Koh Phangan. 









15 mar. 2014

Pattaya - Thailand

Pattaya is  a beach resort popular with tourists.  It is located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, about 100 kilometres (62 mi) southeast of Bangkok. 
The famous beaches in Pattaya are Beach Road and Jomtien Road where you will find all the fun and nice view,nice place to relax and enjoy yout leisure time.You can visit some Wat Buddhist Temples around this area,or visit the Sanctuary of Truth,a huge ,modern wood sculpture.

Bus from Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya leaves every 30 min from 8 terminal,which is near by  taxi and bus station. It's an old bus ,but with AC,so it;s very ok for a 2 hours trip, 120 km.Ticket cost 134 bath. Bus stop in Pattaya at main street Sukhumvit Road,and from there to the beach you can take for 50-100 bath per person, Baht bus which is a share taxi van with 2 bench. 
Just at the intersection at Walking Street and Beach Road, you will find the minivan to Bangkok,Victory Monument station,for only 94 bath,the taxi is around 1000-1500 bath.