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The Effects of the Monsoon on Thailand’s Weather
Monsoon
A common misconception is that monsoon refers to rain, but in fact monsoon refers to the wind. The word, ‘monsoon’, comes from the Arabic word, ‘mausim’, meaning season and nowadays monsoon is the term used for the seasonal shift in wind direction which usually brings
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When is the Rainy Season in Thailand?
The rainy season in Thailand varies from region to region and is largely dominated by the monsoon. Very broadly speaking, Thailand’s rainy season can be classified as May/June to October. For most of Thailand, the wettest months are usually August-October. However, the Gulf Coast of the southern pen
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The Life of Buddha
There is some debate about the exact date of birth of Gautama Buddha, but general consensus seems to put it at around 500 to 400 B.C. He was born as Prince Gautama Siddharta into a royal warrior family in what was northern India (now Nepal). At the time of his birth, astrologers predicted he would e
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Buddha Day: Visakha Puja
Today is a public holiday in Thailand to mark Visakha Puja Day*, the most important Buddhist holiday. It marks the three most significant dates in the life of the Lord Buddha commemorating the day on which he was born, achieved enlightenment and passed into Nirvana. All three events occurred on the
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Theravada Buddhism in Thailand
There are various forms of Buddhism followed throughout the world, but in Thailand 95% of people are Theravada Buddhists.
Theravada Buddhism
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Hotel Review: BJ Holiday Lodge, Pattaya
I travelled to Pattaya at the end of April to meet up with friends who were over here on holiday. One of my friends was staying at the BJ Holiday Lodge with his wife and recommended this hotel.
The BJ Holiday Lodge is situated in Soi 3 just off Beach Road and so has an excellent location. It’s a 2
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The Elephant in Thailand
Elephants have played an important part in Thailand’s history and today the Thai elephant (chang Thai,) remains as an enduring symbol of Thailand. In bygone eras they were used in warfare, but more recently elephants were used as a beast of burden, particularly in the logging industry. The elephant
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Hill Tribe Museum, Chiang Rai
Many tourists visiting Chiang Rai use the city as a base for trekking and visiting the surrounding hill tribe villages. Before going to the hill tribe villages I recommend a visit to the small, but very informative museum dedicated to hill tribe culture on Thanalai Road (next door to Cabbages and Co
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Mango with Sticky Rice and Mango Shakes
There are a number of different varieties of mango in Thailand which means that there is no one single mango season and the fruit can be enjoyed in one form or another during most of the year. However, April and May is traditionally considered the main mango season.
Mango with Sticky Rice
A simple d
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Traditional Thai Massage
Traditional Thai medicine has four components to ensure good health; herbal medicine, correct diet, meditation and massage. All four are important to maintain the balance in health. The most important thing about Thai medicine is that it takes a preventative approach, treating the cause of a disease
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Phra Nang Cave, Krabi
Many visitors to Phra Nang beach simply go there to soak up the sun, laze on the white sand and admire the stunning Krabi scenery. Flanked to its left and right by the neighbouring beaches of East and West Railay, Phra Nang commands an enviable location on the tip of the headland looking out on the
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Island Hopping in Krabi
Some cynics say there are no longer any unspoiled island paradises left in Thailand, or indeed, anywhere else in the world. There’s no doubt that the advance of tourism and improvements in transport have made previously remote destinations more easily accessible, but a bit of island hopping can reve
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Review: Cabbages & Condoms Restaurant, Chiang Rai
I visited here with my sister having spent some time at the Chiang Rai Hill Tribe Museum which is next door to the restaurant. The restaurant and museum are run by the PDA (Population and Community Development Association). Amongst other projects, the PDA has been at the forefront of family planning
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Thai Pancakes (Roti)
Thailand is justifiably famous for its food. More accurately, Thailand is renowned for its savoury and spicy food. Some visitors take to the food immediately whilst others take a bit longer to adapt. However, there is one food that seems to be universally popular with overseas tourists coming to Tha
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Hua Hin Jazz Festival
The Hua Hin Jazz Festival has been going since 2002 and this year is expected to attract over 60,000 visitors to the seaside resort south of Bangkok. With a line up of international and local musicians, the Hua Hin Jazz Festival has become a well-established event attracting tourists from all over T
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Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok
With over 9,000 booths spread over 35 acres of land, Chatuchak is believed to be the world’s largest weekend market with an average weekend attracting over 400,000 people. The market is something of a Bangkok institution also known as ‘Talat Jatujak’ which in turn is simplified as ‘JJ’. Although ple
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How to Haggle in Thailand
The most important thing to remember when you are dealing with shopkeepers and stallholders in Thailand is to smile. It might sound trite, but the smile is one of the most important parts of getting a good deal when you are shopping in Thailand. Smiling establishes good intent and even if you don’t
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Ko Samui Taxis to Use Meter
This shouldn’t really be headline news; a taxi actually switching on its meter when a passenger gets in. Tourists visiting Ko Samui have long complained about rude and aggressive taxi-meter drivers refusing to put on the meter and charging exaggerated fares, but it seems changes are on the way . . .
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Joe Louis Puppet Theatre, Bangkok
A performance of traditional Thai puppetry from the Joe Louis Puppet Theatre in Bangkok has won the highest accolade in the World Festival of Puppet Art held recently in Prague. The bi-annual competition attracts the best puppeteers in the world and this year’s success by the Joe Louis troupe emulat
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Bangkok Shopping Guide
From glitzy, designer malls to second-hand stalls and flea markets, Bangkok has it all and then some. Knowing where to go is half the battle and with this guide to shopping in Bangkok, you’ll be one step ahead of the game. Some of the local markets offer the authentic experience that some people cra
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