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Chiang Mai River Cruise
Whilst the choice of river dinner cruises in Bangkok is overwhelming, the same is not true of Chiang Mai. Mae Ping River Cruise is probably the best established of the few companies that run dinner cruises in Chiang Mai. However, the choice of food isn’t extensive with the option of a set menu or a
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Motorcycles - What to Watch Out for When Hiring a Motorbike in Thailand
Thai-Style Driving
Motorcycles are a common form of transport in just about every part of Thailand and the apparent Thai disregard for safety may come as a shock to many visitors. It’s not unusual to see entire families on one motorbike; dad driving, junior perched in front holding on to the h
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Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are a part of life in Thailand. Some people suffer more than others from mosquito bites, but there are a few simple steps you can take to lessen the chances of being bitten. Whilst the risk of getting malaria is low, mosquitoes can also carry dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis. The fi
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Visiting Thai Temples
Visitors to Thai temples (wats) may find the atmosphere surprisingly relaxed as they often serve as local community centres. Within the temple grounds children can sometimes be seen playing games of football or basketball and monks may engage you in conversation. However, there are some important th
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Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai
If you only visit one temple in Chiang Mai, then this should be the one you visit. The mountain wat that overlooks the city of Chiang Mai is the holiest temple in the north of Thailand.
History of the Temple
According to legend, in the late 14th Century holy relics were placed on the back of a whit
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Farang in Thailand
The term ‘farang‘ (often pronounced as ‘falang‘) is a general term used by many Thais when referring to Caucasian visitors. The exact derivation isn’t clear with some experts stating that it is a contraction of the Thai word ‘farangset‘ (French) as the Frenc
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Learning the Thai Language
Whatever country you visit, local people usually appreciate if you make at least some effort to speak their language. Thailand is no different in this respect, but achieving the correct pronunciation isn’t so easy.
Thai is a tonal language and makes use of some sounds and tones unfamiliar to m
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Snakes, Scorpions & Creepy-Crawlies
Although there are plenty of different varieties of snake in Thailand, the vast majority of foreign visitors are unlikely to see one outside of a zoo or a snake farm.
If you are going trekking, it should go without saying that you are advised to use a reputable guide who will advise you on precauti
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Thai Greeting – the Wai
Whether they’ve been to Thailand before or not, most people will be familiar with the traditional Thai form of greeting, the wai, in which the palms are pressed together in prayer-like fashion and the head is lowered. However, what appears to be a simple gesture is in fact governed by very subtle ru
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Sunday Walking Street Market, Chiang Mai
Not to be confused with the famous Night Bazaar on Changklan Road, the Walking Street Market is always attended by large numbers of Thais and offers a more authentic local shopping experience.
There is a market which sets up in the old silver-making district of Chiang Mai on Wualai Road on Saturday
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Chingchok Update and One More Thai Superstition
For all those animal lovers out there, you’ll be pleased to know that the chingchok that fell on my head has suffered no ill effects from his recent kamikaze expedition. Pictured on the right, the little chap has happily taken up residence in my bathroom and seems content enough with his new surroun
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What is the Biggest Danger for Visitors to Thailand?
Malaria? Bird-flu? Cobras, scorpions or rabid dogs?
From what I’ve seen and heard, it is probably Thailand’s roads that present the biggest danger. The same can probably be said of many nations, but I think there are a number of reasons why this is the case in Thailand.
Pedestrians
Crossing any road
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Review: Cabbages and Condoms, Bangkok
It’s an unusual name for a restaurant, but don’t let that put you off going there. Cabbages and Condoms is the brainchild of Mechai Viravaidya, a leading light in the campaign for family planning, safe-sex and HIV prevention. Apparently, the name for the restaurant came about because Mechai once sai
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Waiting Time at Bangkok Airport
Having recently taken an international flight from Suvarnabhumi airport, it reminded me just how long it can take to get from check-in to the boarding gate, so I thought I’d relay my own experience.
Check-in Desk
I flew with Emirates and arrived nearly 4 hours before my scheduled departure. Fortunat
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How Much to Tip in Thailand
When to tip and how much to tip are common questions for many visitors to Thailand. I’ve listed a number of different scenarios with suggested advice on how much to tip, but really it’s a case of whatever you feel comfortable with. The old advice about leaving a tip of 10% of the charge is a reasona
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Tsunami Evacuation Drill
With participation from tourists and locals, Thailand recently carried out tsunami evacuation drills to test escape routes and warning systems. The television pictures of masses of sun-seekers panting and sweating as they ran along in the heat did look bizarre. However, nobody in the region needs to
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Getting a Tattoo in Thailand
I’m not sure what it is about Thailand that tempts so many people to get tattoos done during their stay here. It’s probably cheaper than having it done back home and then there’s the mystical, spiritual element that clearly tempts people to get Buddhist-inspired designs. However, it isn’t just faran
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Eating from Street and Beach Vendors
Is it safe to eat from roadside vendors in Thailand? That’s one of the questions I asked when I first came here. Like many things in Thailand, the answer isn’t as straight forward as it might at first appear. I wasn’t very adventurous when I first came to Thailand and was always worried about eating
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Queen Sirikit's Birthday - Mother's Day in Thailand
Today is Mother’s Day in Thailand, the date fixed to coincide with the Queen’s birthday. Queen Sirikit is considered to be the mother of the nation just as the king is seen as the father of the nation. Queen Sirikit is 75-years-old and there have been nationwide events to mark the day wi
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Thailand's Tailors' Shops
It’s possible to get suits, shirts and dresses tailor-made in Thailand for a fraction of the cost it would be in the West. The savings are so great and the tailors so plentiful that it can be hard to resist. But what about the quality? If you are paying $50 for a suit will it be reflected in the wor
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