Phuket - The ultimate paradise for scuba diving

The largest and the most beautiful island in Thailand, Phuket is undoubtedly one of the top tourism destinations in the world. Southern Phuket has remarkable coral islands like Similan and Phi Phi which are suitable for scuba diving.

Scuba diving uses underwater apparatus for breathing and is used for viewing underwater spectacles like floras, faunas, beautiful fishes, coral reefs, especially in coral islands. ‘SCUBA’ is the short form of Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus.

Scuba diving is the main attraction of tourists in Phuket. There are many agencies which provide scuba diving gears and packages for tourists. Day trips as well as night trips to diving areas are also included in the packages. There are dive boats which will take you to the diving destinations.

Coral reefs in Phuket are some of the best spectacular reefs in the world. Over 200 species of hard corals in Phuket create an amazing underwater ecological kingdom. Some of the exotic fish varieties that are seen in Phuket are dolphins, whale shark, manta rays, pelagic and numerous reef fishes and some of the turtle varieties that enchant the Phuket are Olive Ridleys, Hawksbill, Green Turtles and Leather Back.

Scuba diving in Phuket can be done all the year round except during rainy season spanning from month of May to October. The best time though is December when the water temperature is normally of 26-29 degrees. In March- April it can plunge to 10 degrees temporarily due to thermo clines. Visibility in water of Phuket in dry season is around 40 metres. While the visibility range changes according to the rain during rainy season. Scuba diving in Phuket is an experience of a life time which you can cherish.

‘Shop Full Blast’ from Best Western International

Now you have a special package to have a shopping spree in the top tourist destinations of Thailand including Bangkok, Pattaya and Chiang Mai from the world’s largest hotel chain, Best Western International (BWI). The “Shop Full Blast” promotion features a special rate as low as US$66 for a three-day/two-night stay in any participating Best Western hotels and is available until February 28, 2009.

The package includes: three day/two-night accommodations for 2 persons; welcome drink upon arrival; one hour Thai massage for 2 persons; and a free shuttle bus service to downtown. Guests can also enjoy a privileged 10 % discount coupon for shopping at the King Power Downtown Duty Free Mall located on Sri Ayuthaya-Rangnam Road in Bangkok.

For a stay in the Best Western Mayfair Suites, package rate is at US$120.  The new hotel is located within close proximity to Bangkok’s leading shopping centers: Gaysorn Plaza, Central World Plaza and Pratunam.

In Pattaya, Best Western Bella Villa Cabana Hotel and Best Western Pattaya Hotel offer US$169 package rate for an option to choose from its varied room accommodations: deluxe, deluxe ocean view or the poolside room.

At Chiang Mai, Best Western presents an attractive package rate of US$66 for superior room accommodations.

Tashi Nencha to perform in Bangkok

Coronation and Centenary celebrations is the talk of the town these days in Bangkok. Reports have it that on invitation by the Bhutanese embassy in Thailand, the Thimphu-based Tashi Nencha group will perform for three days, starting November 6 at the Thai Pavilion in Bangkok. The group will perform national and regional traditional songs and dances, which the troupe has been preparing for months.

The first day of this performance is scheduled for only VIPs of the Thai government and Her Royal Highness, princess Chulabhorn, will be the chief guest. The following days will be for the public in Bangkok.

“One group will leave for Thailand on November 4 and the others will remain in Thimphu to perform for the Coronation here,” said Tashi Norbu, proprietor of Tashi Nencha.

“We have now every costume and material that we need to perform regional music and dances,” adds Tashi Norbu.

Tashi Nencha, the first entertainment company, was set up in 1987 to preserve the country’s traditional music and dances. The company was also a recipient of the art and culture award from *****uoka, Japan, in 2005.

Chiang Mai opens the world’s largest tunnel aquarium

On Sunday, Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand, saw the opening of world’s largest tunnel aquarium. This Zoo’s aquarium, set on a 10-rai (1.6 hectares) plot of land, is made up of freshwater and ocean sections. It is 133 meters long and 66.5 meters wide. The aquarium, being built by the Zoological Park Organization (ZPO), features the world’s longest tunnel aquarium which houses about 8,000 aquatic animals of 250 different species.

The opening ceremony was presided by the Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat. Somchai visited the northern province of Chiang Mai after he returned home from Beijing, where he attended the Asia-Europe Meeting. Chiang Mai is also expected to be the venue of the ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summit to be held in December.

The legend behind Phuket Vegetarian Festival

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is held in the ninth lunar month of every year for nine days. During this time the participants eat no meat, wear white clothing, and focus on the cleanliness of their mind and body. The ceremonies sometimes include gruelling activities such as walking over hot coals or puncturing their own cheeks with items such as knives and skewers.

This festival has its roots back in 1825 when a group of travelling Chinese entertainers became ill and in an effort to heal themselves, took up a vegetarian diet and prayed to their emperor gods. When the local people saw them getting better they attributed it to the diet and the religious ceremonies. So, to ensure good health and fortune for themselves they then began to celebrate the festival each year.

Famed for its picturesque views and natural beauty, Phuket boasts some of the most stunning locations to watch sunsets from and prides itself in its forests, waterfalls and a jungle to explore.

Koh Kong has more to offer than casinos

At the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) workshop on biodiversity conservation and tourism development in Bangkok, Mayuda Mang, deputy chief of the Tourism Department of Koh Kong, reminded the tourists that the 11,000 sq km province of Koh Kong had a wide variety of tourist attractions apart from its casino.

“Koh Kong is home to the country’s largest mangrove areas and we still have several small pristine islands eligible for ecotourism development,” said Ms Mayuda.

Though, situations have been tense between Thailand and Cambodia, Mayuda said Koh Kong and the opposite province of Trat have remained on good neighbourly terms. Trat has sent experts to help Koh Kong villagers preserve mangrove forests, said Ms Mayuda, adding: “We appreciate that cooperation and would like to see deepened collaboration on nature conservation in our country.”

However, she conceded that Road No 48, which was jointly opened by then-deputy prime minister Somchai Wongsawat and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, with a bridge linking the Thai border to Koh Kong and on to Phnom Penh, would inevitably attract all kinds of investors, traders and gamblers to Cambodia. The owners of the casino projects are Thais and Cambodians and gamblers come not only from Thailand, but also from China and Taiwan, as well as a few locals.

Phi Phi Don voted among Top 100 World Destinations?

Phi Phi Don in Krabi was voted as one of the Top 100 World Destinations on www.tripadvisor.com, a tourism website owing to its virgin natural beauty and tranquility winning the 82nd rank. The Tourism Authority of Thailand, Krabi Director Pornprapa Lorsuwan is overwhelmed and said tourists voted through this website which has over 25 million visitors per month. Phi Phi Don ranked 5th in the top 25 for Asia Tourist Destinations. Other Thai destinations which were also rated in the top 25 included Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Pha-Ngan Island, Koh Tao in Surat Thani and Krabi province itself, which ranked 25th.

Jennifer Ellison and her fiancé in Thailand

Jennifer Ellison and her fiance Tony travel to Thailand to shoot the cover of her new album ‘Jennifer Does Thailand’, and make a TV show directed by Richard Lightboy along the way. The shwo is hour-long, one-off programme for Sky One and it also featured Jennifer’s make-up artist, record company exec and their partners - all whom joined her, and the TV crew, on the trip. Pls have a look at the video below:

Jennifer Does Thailand

SHINee growing in popularity in Thailand

Just four months since they debuted and SHINee has already registered their name on the list of Hallyu Stars. Their debut song Replay is gaining popularity in Thailand. SHINee’s management company SM Entertainment said “SHINee’s Replay has ranked 2nd on Thailand’s POP Channel International Chart.” SHINee’s popularity is not just overseas but on Korean online & offline charts as well.

On August 29th SHINee released 2 versions of their 1st album ‘The SHINee World’ and on the online album sales site Hot Trax Daily Chart SHINee ranked 1st and 3rd place. They also topped the live chart and is maintaining their popularity.

Love Like Oxygen ranked 2nd on Soribada’s popularity chart and 6th on Doshirak and is rising in popularity. They reconfirmed that they are the best new group in 2008.

Have you visited the Uthai Thani in Thailand?

Uthai Thani province in Northern Thailand is less traveled but is richly endowed by nature with its large resource of forest and wildlife. “Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Reserve” which has forests, plains, many streams, and many rare and endangered animals was proclaimed a Nautral World Heritage Site on 13 December 1991.

Other attractions include the different lifestyles of locals, such as the life of raft residents on Sakae Krang River, a waterway that aided the birth of the province and which has been a lifeline for its people since ancient times. In addition, at the end of the Buddhist Lent, Buddhists from all directions congregate in the province for a major merry-making festival called Tak Bat Thewo at the foot of Khao Sakae Krang at Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri.

The province is divided in to 8 Amphoe (districts), as follows:

Amphoe Muang Uthai Thani
Amphoe Lan Sak 58 kms. from the city
Amphoe Nong Kha Yang 11 kms. from the city
Amphoe Nong Chang 21 kms. from the city
Amphoe Thap Than 16 kms. from the city
Amphoe Ban Rai 79 kms. from the city
Amphoe Sawang Arom 30 kms. from the city
Amphoe Huai Khot 51 kms. from the city

North borders of the province are Amphoe Phayuha Khiri, Amphoe Krok Phra and Amphoe Lat Yao of Nakhon Sawan.

South borders include Amphoe Wat Sing and Amphoe Han Kha of Chai Nat and Amphoe Doem Bang Nang Buat of Suphan Buri.

East borders are Amphoe Phayuha Khiri of Nakhon Sawan and Amphoe Manorom of Chai Nat. The Chao Phraya River divides the provinces.

West borders are Amphoe Um Phang of Tak and Amphoe Sangkhla Buri and Amphoe Si Sawat of Kanchanaburi.

Golden opportunity for photographers of South-east Asia

If you are an ardent photographer residing in south east Asia, then you just have this whole month to prove your caliber with some ultimate photography skills. The Second Annual FCCT Photojournalism Awards is here again to acknowledge both the pros and amateurs for whom clicking snaps is both a profession and passion…and what’s more…you don’t need to be a member with the FCCT to participate!

There are precisely 4 categories for which you can send in your entries. They are:

* Spot news - for the best photos taken at news events in Asia
* Feature photography - for the best non-news “feature” photos taken in Asia
* Photo essay - for the best collection of up to 12 photos on a single topic taken in Asia.
* “Environmental” photography - for the best photos focusing on the environment, climate change or natural resources in Asia

Photos must be submitted in compact disc or DVD to FCCT by Oct. 1, 2008. Winners will be announced in late 2008. Submissions can be published or unpublished work taken over the last year.

Now the most vital question, what do you get if you win?

Well here’s your answer

Photo of the year winner gets a new Canon EOS SLR camera (with lens kit), a $1,000 cash prize sponsored by Toyota, and a voucher for a 2 night stay in a luxurious Anantara Pool Villa at the soon to be opened Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa on Mai Kao beach in Thailand.

First-place winners in each category get a new Canon CP 760 mobile printer, a $250 cash prize sponsored by Toyota, and valuable vouchers for free dining at The Oriental Hotel in Bangkok.

Selected winners will also receive round-trip tickets for economy-class air travel in Asia, courtesy of Star Alliance, the global airline network whose members include Thai Airways and other international carriers. For further information contact The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand at:

Penthouse, Maneeya Centerive
518/5 Ploenchit Road, Pathumwan
Bangkok 10330 Thailand.

Experience the best of nature at Khao Lak

Khao Lak is famous for its spectacular natural surroundings which consist of a variety of landscapes. On one side of Khao Lak are the dazzling white sandy beaches of Andaman  and the famous Similan Islands, as well as abundant coral beds and wonderful marine life. On the other side are the rich and vibrant jungles, the home to the rare species of wildlife animals and plants.

Khao Lak offers a variety of activities and sightseeing opportunities for nature lovers. Here are some of the wonderful things to see and do there.

Large sandy beaches shaded by casuarinas and palm trees.

Offshore, coral forests are perfect for diving and snorkeling. You can reach here via long-tail boat, about 45 minutes from the shore.

Khao Lak National Park offers go trekking, swim in a waterfall, bird watch or have a picnic in the forest.

Located only one hour offshore from Khao Lak, there is an archipelago of nine islands called the Similan Islands.  Rated within the top ten dive spots in the world, it has to offer the reefs that surround the islands, which are home to giant sea turtles, manta rays as well as a huge variety of fish and sharks.  The islands are numbered Koh 1 - 9, with camping facilities and a restaurant on Koh 4.

There are a number of beautiful temples in Takua Pa, only 30 minutes drive north of Khao Lak.

Khao Lak is a diving heaven offering easy access to many outstanding diving spots in nearby marine parks such as Koh Surin and Koh Similan, two of the best diving spots in Thailand. Most dive companies offer ‘live-aboard’ trips (spending the night on the boat) and day trips.

The local bay is extremely sheltered, ideal for expeditions of sea canoes to explore the many fascinating caverns and hidden caves here, which are not possible to be explored through other boats.

You can also go trekking or elephant riding to discover the areas wild flora and fauna by trekking or riding on an elephant through the forest.

Get wooed at Bangkok’s Fashion & Leather Fair

The Thai capital is fast becoming the pulse of the newer generation and in this effort to brand Bangkok as the “ASEAN Fashion Center”, the Department of Export Promotion (DEP) under the Ministry of Commerce is planning to draw attention to the Thai fashion and leather industry by showcasing the “23rd Bangkok International Fashion Fair and 21st Bangkok International Leather Fair 2008″ (BIFF & BIL 2008).”

To be held from the 27th to 31st of August 2008, this fashion & leather extravaganza, is expected to get bigger and better this year with its foremost regional sourcing and networking platform for both local and overseas fashion trade professionals. Being held at Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center (BITEC) Bangna, it is going to be a treat for the fashion connoisseurs to eye some of the magnificent range of services including design, manufacture and merchandise, with emphasis on a strategy of value-added performance in every segment of the fashion and leather industries alike.

BIFF and BIL is unique in its activities. More than 40 amateur designers (with less than 8 years of experience) and 10 designers (with their own brands) from countries like India, Australia, Mexico, Japan and Spain, will showcase their stunning collections. Some of the other attractions of the event will be

* Resort Wear : summer and travel wear.
* BKK SMITH : acknowledging new wave jewellery designers and entrepreneurs.
* Bag &Totes : leather bags made for party, leisure and work.
* Material &Tanning: Leather Materials & Tannery for fashion & lifestyle products
* Exotic Asia : Crafted Textile & Clothing in Asian Styles

Last but not least, BIFF & BIL 2008 will also be the platform for the Asia Fashion Federation Conference 2008 under the theme “Today Asian Fashion Lifestyle”. Participating will be some 200 representatives of the five member countries of the Asia Fashion Federation: China, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Thailand. With more than 850 booths and 550 companies, and free entry (except on trade days), the entire show is certainly going to be Thailand’s most exciting trade and fashion experience and a must for all committed to some serious fashion.

Duty free shopping at the Bangkok airport!

What would you do if you are halting at the Suwarnabhumi airport for a few hours? Well, what else but duty free shopping! The capital as well as the largest city in Thailand, Bangkok is one of the Asia’s biggest shopper’s paradise and its airport is no different. Here you can get anything and everything literally under one roof…. from liquor, tobacco, perfume, cosmetics, fashion, watches, pens, lighters, accessories and costume jewelry, skincare and aromatherapy and toys to electronics and confectionery. Whats more is that there are many luxury brand outlets too on the fourth level of the magnificent airport. Burberry, Bvlgari, Cartier, Coach, Dior, Dunhill, Hugo Boss, Mont Blanc and Swarovski are few of the brands out there to woo you.

Perfumes: the long walk shopping street makes it easy to browse and choose from the various brands of perfumes available! Some of the brands you can get here are Victor & Rolf, La Prairie, Acca Kappa, Agent Provocateur, Bond No. 9, Dr. Brant, Organic Pharmacy and PureLogicol.

Liquor: the wide range of wines and liquors, is particularly famous. There is an extensive array of spirits from all across the globe for the taste connoisseurs. In fact the rates here are almost 50% less than the Bangkok shop rates.

Fashion: the newest fashion awaits you at the Suwarnabhumi airport. From labels like Benetton, Victorinox and Samsonite to LeSportSac, you get a multitude of options to buy from! Do check out the prices before losing your wallet over them.

The list to shopping at the Bangkok airport seems endless. Even a whole day might be too little for shopaholics. All you have to do is carry a lot of money and indulge in some serious duty free shopping but do not miss your flight in the bargain!

Tourism authority of Thailand attracts Chinese visitors

In a bid to attract the high-spending Chinese tourists to the Kingdom, The Tourism Authority of Thailand [TAT] recently launched a new campaign called ‘Wonderful Thailand 2008’. With this they have specifically invited Select Chinese media to showcase the various top quality tourism products and services of Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai.

All the invitees will be given five star hotel rooms and will get to experience the magic of Thai Spa and other tailor-made health related products and services of Phuket. All in all, the Thai tourism department is leaving no stone unturned to lure the Chinese visitors to Thailand that reached over a million for the first time, last year, making it the fourth largest Asian market after Malaysia, Japan and Korea.

In March this year, a mega-familiarization trip was organized and all the invited operators had a chance to experience new travel routes to offer to their clients. TAT also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Shandong Provincial Tourism administration (SPTA) to boost tourism co operations.

With such initiatives it can be safely said that as soaring oil prices create an impact on the travel industry in general, possibly hurting the longer-haul markets, TAT has turned more of its attention to nearby high spending Asian markets trying its level best to improve tourism situations in Thailand by increasing the number of repeat visitors!