Koh Samui, Thailand - Panoramic Seaview with Sila Evason Hideaway & Spa at Samui

Like usual, I love to travel around. During the meeting, my Thai colleague recommended me to visit Koh Samui as one of the holiday paradises in Thailand. It is a must to visit this place. It is one of the most beautiful islands. Thais and foreigners usually find time to visit this island. With all of these advertisements from my colleague, that is it. I am going. This time, I was in Koh Samui during August 25 – 28, 2007 along with my wife and chose to spend our time at Sila Evason Hideaway & Spa - Pool Villa with the word from my local travel agent – silkzpider.

This island is located in the East coast of Southern Thailand, in the Siam Gulf. It is one of the most famous islands and holds the third largest island after Phuket and Koh Chang. This island is filled with white sand beach, coconut plantations, and fishermen. It’s known by the traveler as a small tropical paradise.

We got there by air through Bangkok Airways. Flying time was about 1 hour. We hire a taxi to transfer us to Sila Evason Hideaway & Spa at Samui which is approximately 10 minutes drive from the airport. The hotel is located on a headland on the northern tip of Koh Samui called Samrong Bay on Choeng Mon. We were stunned by the hotel’s view of surrounding sea. Our villa sat in the nature with sloping headland. This made the view so panoramic. The bathroom was well-designed with plenty of space and light. The hotel’s staff was so polite and friendly. We didn’t even want to get out of the hotel to explore the island. We felt so private, secure, and well-treated; therefore, we decided to spend our first day at the hotel instead of driving around the island. We enjoy the private swimming pool with horizontal design and service from Pool Villa Butler. It was so exclusive. The central swimming pool was also not bad. We also loved the spa treatment that made us so relax. Anyway with all these activities – pool, spa, gym, watersports - we had both lunch and dinner at the hotel.

On the second day, we went out to explore the island by taking an island offered by the local tour company to visit Mummified Monk, Big Buddha, Plai Leam Temple, Grandfather and Grandmother Rock, Monkey Show, Waterfall, and Downtown area. The Grandfather and Grandmother Rock was amazed us. Unbelievable what the nature can make. After full day adventure, we decided to go to Chaweng Beach to have dinner. This beach is the most well-known beach in this island. It filled with nightlife, restaurants, bars, shopping, people, etc. We had dinner at the restaurant named “Captain Kirk”. The seafood was so fresh and tasty with all the grill and boil technique. After a couple of drink, we decided to go back to the hotel. We didn’t know why; we just think about our bed at the hotel. Finally, we agreed upon that we were so tired for the day.

On the third day, we went snorkeling at Koh Tan and Koh Mudsum with a longtail boat. It was a raining season, so we had quite a drop of rain but last for just one hour. No harm done. We were enjoying snorkeling. There were so many fish that had ever seen in my life. I wish I could have them in my fish tank at home. Dinner was arranged by the hotel’s taxi driver at one of the local seafood restaurant. I could not even read the restaurant’s name because it was written in Thai language. It looked good and lots of people were coming to this place. The seafood dishes were recommended by the restaurant’s owner. It was fresh, tasty, and not so spicy (as our request). I wish I could ask my sister to come along; we would certainly love the food here.

On the forth day, we had to catch the early flight back to Bangkok due to my work. We certainly will be back to Koh Samui again due to the clean atmosphere, the nice hotel, the fresh seafood, and the lovely people. Finally, I found out that the hotel is managed by Six Senses Resorts & Spas which also manages Soneva Fushi & Spa in Maldives. That is why they are so professional, and the hotel is so well-design.

P.S. Sorry for not having pictures posted this time. Our camera was filled with water while we were snorkeling. We will need to get a new one soon.

Photo Source: suratthani.go.th and Six Senses Resorts & Spas

Phuket, Thailand - Spectacular Scenery with Great Value Accommodation

After finishing my business in Bangkok - Thailand, I had some free times, so I decided to travel to Phuket between 15-18 June, 2007. I flew to Phuket - flight time is 1.20 hours - by airline named One-Two-Go, rented the car - Toyota Yaris - from AVIS, and reserve the hotel room - Karon Princess Hotel, Superior Room - via Silkzpider.

This is not a good time to go to Phuket since rainy season already began in May and lasts till October. However, it is just the begining of the season, it was not so rainy as I expected. The weather was around 30 Degrees Celsius with light rain.

First Day - My flight arrived at Phuket around 8.30am - round trip ticket costed me around 1,700THB. I went directly to AVIS counter to get my rented car. It was nice - brand new Toyota Yaris in red color (see right). The rental cost was 950THB/day. The car was clean and new with full gas in the tank. I chose to rent a car since I don't like the motorcycle. I had fallen down before, and it was really hurt. That was my only reason to rent only car and I had heard that the taxi fee in Phuket area was very expensive. Most people recommended renting a car because the rental cost is much cheaper than the taxi fee.

My first stop after getting out from the airport was the place named "Pra Tong Temple" (see below). This temple enclosed a golden statue of Buddha that sprang up from beneath the earth. The temple is amazing. It was clean, cultural rich, and full with friendly munks. People in Phuket believe that this holy statue brought good luck to them.

Then, I rode along the beach road to check out Laem Sing, Kamala Beach, Na-Kha-Le Bay, and Patong Beach. The road was in a good condition, no rain, not much traffic, and full of the mountain side view. I was stunned by the view. Then, I stopped at Patong Beach - the most beautiful beach in Phuket and had lunch at Jungceylon Shopping Destination - the largest international shopping and leisure destination in the Andaman region. This shopping mall is located on the corner of Bangla and Patong 2 roads - the liveliest spot in Patong area. The place was not so crowded since it was in a day time and at the begining of rainy season; however, the local food was good.

After my stomach was filled, it was time to check in the hotel - Karon Princess Hotel (see below). This hotel is located on the Karon Beach which is next to Patong Beach. The drive from Patong to Karon was smooth, still full of mountain view. This hotel is situated on the beachfront in the heart of Karon Bay with a few meters from the beach of Andaman Sea. This time, I did not expect to spend much time in the hotel, so this 3-star hotel was perfect as recommended by Silkzpider. Besides, I got an extra discount because of the Samui's low season. The superior room was clean equipped with air-condition, cable TV, private balcony, refrigerator, bath tub, shower, bathroom amenities, hair dryer, etc. Perfect place to crash down.


Immediately zipping a cold drink from the hotel, I was on the road again. My plan was driving around the island and stopped by one of the best View Point (see below left) to see bird-eye-view of 3 bays - Kata Noi, Kata, and Karon.

Then, Chalong Temple is another famous temple in Phuket. It's a must to visit. This temple has the statues of Luang Por Cham, Luang Por Chuang, Luang Por Gluam, and other monks. They are the objects of respect and recipients of offerings by Phuket people. Don't forget to buy the firework...your wish will come through.

Then, Promthep Cape (see left) was the next stop. This is one of the Phuket's most inspiring vistas - emerald green currents swirl in the deep water and breakers hurl themselves in vain against the rocky point. It is the most beautiful place to catch Phuket's famous sunset view. Don't forget to buy chicken grill near parking area - a little oilly but taste good. It was great....eating while waiting for the sunset. Now, remind me of that chicken grill, I definitely buy some more, if I have a chance to get there next time.

Now, it was time to go back to the hotel and enjoy my shower before having dinner at Patong area near Jungceylon Shopping Destination. Try any local food stalls and enjoy the drink at Bang La Road.

Second Day - I went on the full day diving trip to Phi Phi Island, Khai Island, Monkey Beach, and Maya Bay (see left)- the ultimate Andaman experience. I really enjoyed the trip. I got this trip from Patong tour counter near Bang La Road. This trip included hotel transfers, speed boat transfer, mask, snorkel, life jacket, lunch, fresh fruit, and a tour guide. It was not my day at the begining, but it was one of my perfect day at the end. Our trip didn't look good at first since we got so many medium waves during the way due to the rainy season. However, the spectacular scenery of the islands and bay were so beautiful both on the land, sea, and underwater. I would never forget it. The tour guy and his team were very helpful and friendly.

Third Day - Also a full day trip to Phang Nga Bay - Talu Cave, Hong Island, Panak Island, James Bond Island, and Panyi Island (Fishing Village). This trip was on the other side of island and also included hotel transfers, boat transfer, canoe gear, lunch, fresh fruit, and tour guide. This trip was kind of relax and easy-going-trip observing the undisturbance nature. The canoe tour leader was so funny and very friendly (see right). He certainly knows how to take care and make you smile : )

My dinner plan for the night was having a nice dinner buffet (started at 6.00pm - 9.00pm) and seeing a show at Phuket Fantasea - the award-winning, Las Vegas-style production spectacle colorfully blending the beauty of Thai culture with magical illusion, 4-D effects, aerial ballet, aerobatics, pyrotechnics, special effects, exciting stunts and an elephant circus featuring over 30 elephants in the unique theatrical experience. This is one of the world's greatest buffet feasting of Royal Thai dishes and international delicacies. I was really enjoy the eating. The show was also great. I was amazed what Thai people can do in this world class show. Here is your souvenir from Phuket Fantasea. Enjoy!

Forth Day - Today is my last day in Phuket, so let's see the town. I had breakfast which I didn't actually know the name of the food. I called noddle soup with fish ball and Pork Satay with special sauce. It was great. I love it. Then, I went up to the hill to the other best View Point area. Zipping my ice coffee and looking over Phuket town gave me the unforgetable memory (see below). What's a nice trip.

Amazing Thailand Grand Sale Fair 2007

"Amazing Thailand Grand Sales Fair 2007" is one of the biggest annual exposition of the products and services in Thailand offered at a special price of 10 – 50% off.

Event Date: 21-24 June, 2007
Venue: Bangkok, Thailand, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), Plenary Hall 1-3 and Zone C 1-2
Event Time: 10.00am – 8.00pm
Expected Visitor: 120,000 people (including Thais and Foreigners)
How to Get to QSNCC

Amazing Traveling Paradise: Colorize your leisure time in Thailand with wonderful destinations where will make your vacation memorable. A wide range of best price from hotels, resorts, spas, rejuvenation programs, tour packages, and air tickets are waiting for you.

Amazing Beach Paradise: Enjoy yourself on the white sand beach, experience fisherman ways of living, join in various activities on the beach, and don’t forget to choose a special gift from the sea for your lover.

Amazing Shopping Paradise: Amaze yourself with trendy shopping fun and incredible lowest price of brand name clothes, shoes, bags, jewelries, sportswear, electrical appliances, food and beverage and much more.

Brand Name Paradise: A great number o brand name products are marching from warehouses to your home, enjoy shopping with high standard products of CMG, Body Glove, Dortmuend, Gagon, Dunlop, Super Sport, Nike, Reebok, Adidas at lowest price.

Government Product Paradise: Variety of high quality products from Phu Fa, Sai Jai Thai, and other Royal Projects are served to you in one place. Chemical-free fruits, vegetables, and processed foods from Doi Kum are specially selected for you and your love one.

Follow The Royal Family Project: Visit the exhibition “Follow the King Pathwa”, learn his initiative development projects, join with us to celebrate our beloved king 80th birthday who wins the hearts and minds of all Thai people, then go back home with well selected and high-quality products from the royal projects.

Activities Zone on Retro Life Museum: Meet the entertainment that back to the age of 60’, 70’, 80’ join and have fun with several activities of legendary periods.

Note: If you are in Thailand, don't forget to go to this event to grap a discount air ticket and room rate for 4-5 star hotels and shop for Royal Project's products. Don't forget to look at your target hotel information before getting to the event.

Thailand International Watercross Grand Prix 2007

There are many different types of Jet Ski or Personal Water Craft "PWC" competitions such as Endurance, Slalom, Freestyle and Watercross. The watercross is the most popular being similar to the Grand Prix motor racing, but on water.

Thailand is very proud to have officially established the Watercross of Thailand since 1998. Watercross of Thailand has been rapidly growing and has created 13 Thai competitors who have become World Champions. This pushes Thailand to the leaders of World Watercross today.

According to the growth of watercross in Thailand, Thai Jet Sports Boating Association of Thailand Patroness "Princess Ubolratana" has decided to organize its annual grand prix 2007 in the name of "Thailand International Watercross Grand Prix 2007" or TIWGP

The competitions have 4 different categories:

1st Field: From 10-11 March at Huaynaamkam, Srisaket province

2nd Field: From 7-8 April at Chaihaad Laemsadet Beach, Kungkraben, Chantaburi province

3rd Field: From 9-10 June at Cha-Am Beach, Petchburi province

4th Field: From 21-22 July at Lampu Island, Suratthanee province

All fields will constantly continue for 15 groups. The 1st to 2nd moto will compete on Saturday and the 3rd and 4th moto will take place on Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm . Free entrance.

For the past 2 first fields, more than 15,000 local people were interested and attended the competition. Both 2 days of competition was very lively and cheered by huge crowds through out the competition.

Mr. Sanit Worapanya, the President of Thai Jet Sports Boating Association of Thailand Patroness "Princess Ubolratana" reveals "The association is well-prepared this year and can be said that it is the best Watercross in Asia. Everyone is welcome to watch this event."

The Thai Jet Sports Boating Association of Thailand Patroness "Princess Ubolratana" co-operating with Petchburi Administration and Cha-Am Municipality organize the 3rd Field which is held from Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th, June at Cha-Am Beach, Petchburi. This competition is the first field in lower central area. It is also to promote Petchburi's tourism and near by provinces. The competition will be televised on TrueVisions UBC Supersport Action, channel 36 on Sunday 10th, June from 2 pm to 4 pm.

There will be world champion Thai Jet-skiers joining the competition such as Mr. Chawalit Keauchalearn, the world history champion and the first Thai world champion Jet-skier. Mr. Chokuthit Molee, Mr. Panya Wangboon, Mr. Aekachol Kingchansin, Mr. Supadet Tarnsai, Mr. Panom Khunjeng, Mr. Nakorn Sirachai .

TIWGP is sponsored by Thai Airways, PTT, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Singha Beer, TrueVision UBC, TV Channel 3, Daily News Newspaper, Cha-Am Municipality and Petchaburi Administration

Thailand Travel & Dive Expo 2007

On May 24, 2007, I went to the expo organized at Queen Sirikit Convention Center, Bangkok, Thailand named "Thailand Travel & Dive Expo". The slogan of the expo is "The Real Diving Hub of Asia" started from 24-27 May, 2007 between 11.00am - 8.00pm. in Plenary Hall 1-3.

The highlight for this event is the airline ticket from both Air Asia (located at the Ballroom area) and One-Two-Go (located at Plenary Hall). Air Asia has the promotion of domestic flying as low as 99 THB, international route as 399THB, and 9 THB. The 9 THB promotion is the big hit offerred one round a day at 9.00am. The person has to stay in the arranged line before 9.00am to get the number and to be serviced in the Ballroom (reservation area). One-Two-Go also has the domestic promotion of 9THB per seat per flight. Both of these promotions (9 THB) from both airline are worth for a long line queing.

The other highlight is the latest and best diving equipment. They are so many things to choose from including diving certification courses and trips. On the date that I came, the sellers tended to not lowing the price as bargain because they foresee the sale possibilities that they will have during this weekend. I will check them out again on May 27, 2007. I sure that I will certainly get what I want (hopefully it still last until the last day).

Some other things about this event is the tour package, hotel package, equipment for trekking, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities. However, I found myself interested in diving equipment and air ticket section rather than these sections.

The expo's website is www.thailanddiveexpo.com

The product categories can be classified as:

Camping / Tents
Climbing equipment
Fishing equipment
Canoe, Kayak, Surfboard
Sportwear
Footwear / Trekking Boots
Fitness equipment
Sport nutrition & Energy drinks
Books & Magazines
Association / Organizations
Other products and services
Diving Equipment & Accessories
Trip Operators
Dive School / Training
Dive Destinations /Resorts
Live-aboard / Boat operators
Dive Apparel & Swimwear
Technology for Diving
Underwater Photography / Videography
Sport Nutrition & Energy Drinks
Books & Magazines
Association / Organizations
Other Related Products

The floor plan to see overall expo can be seen at "http://www.thailanddiveexpo.com/page_floor2.htm"

Event activities include: Stage Activities, Seminar about tips for trip, diving and photography, Thailand Bouldering Competition 2007, TDEX Underwater Photo Contest 2007 Theme : Amazing of Underwater World, Thailand Travel Photo Contest 2007 Theme : Amazing of Nature.

The expo can be divided to 2 main zones - Travel Zone and Dive Zone. The exhibitors from each zone is listed below:

DIVE ZONE:

28 GRAPHICS
P115, P116
MAGAZINE "FINS"

ADVANCED PHOTO SYSTEMS
P114
UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENTS

ALLSTAR DIVING CENTER
A1/1-A1/3
DIVING COURSES, DIVING TRIPS

ANDAMAN DIVING GROUP
P85, P87
DIVING, RETALL SHOP

AQUA FORUM
P111
DIGITAL CAMERA

BANGKOKDIVE
P96
DIVING PACKAGES & DIVING EQUIPMENTS

BLUE DIAMOND RESORT
P64
DIVING COURSES & RESORT

BORNEO DIVERS (MALAYSIA)
P79
DIVING

BUBBLE DIVE
P58
DIVING TRIPS

CHUMPHON CABANA RESORT AND DIVING CENTER
P86
RESORT & DIVING

CHUTARAT CHIENWITTAYAKUN
P110
OTHER

DIVE & TOUR SEA - PARADISE
P61
DIVING TRIPS

DIVE CENTER THALASSA MANADO (INDONESIA)
P75
LIVE-ABOARD, BOAT OPERATORS

DIVE CONCEPT
A1/4
DIVING EQUIPMENTS

DIVE EVOLUTION
P82
DIVING COURSES, DIVING TRIPS

DIVE INDEED
P73
EQUIPMENTS, COURSES, TRIPS

DIVE JUNKIE
P157
DIVE SCHOOL, EQUIPMENTS

DIVE MASTER
P93, P94, P95
DIVING COURSES, EQUIPMENTS, TRIPS

DIVE MISSION
P81
UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENTS

DIVE SUPPLY BANGKOK
A2
DIVING EQUIPMENTS

DIVERS ALERT NETWORK ASIA PACIFIC
P83
DIVE INSTITUTE

DIVEWORLD (THAILAND)
P102 - P205
DIVING EQUIPMENTS

END DIVERS (BALI)
A6
DIVE SCHOOL, EQUIPMENTS

EXPLORER CHANNEL
P153
MAGAZINE "NATURE EXPLORER"

FREEDOM DIVE
P71
DIVING TRIPS, EQUIPMENTS

GREEN WORLD FOUNDATION
P159
FOUNDATION

GREEN FIN PROJECT
P158
FOUNDATION

IMAGE FOCUS
P154
MAGAZINE "SHUTTER PHOTOGRAPHY"

INTHANON SPORTING GOODS
P66, P68
SPORTING GOODS

KHAOLAK SCUBA ADVENTURES
P98
TRIPS DIVING

KOHTAO EASY DIVERS
P88
RESORT & DIVING

MAGIC PRODUCTIONS
P155
MAGAZINE "ANYWHERE"

MERMAIDS DIVE CENTER
P65
DIVE SCHOOL, EQUIPMENTS

NAUI PACIFIC RIM SERVICES SDN BHD
P106, P107
NAUI INSTITUE

NUDI-DIVEEVOLUTION
P84
EQUIPMENTS

OCEANIC CENTER (THAILAND)
P118, P119, P120
EQUIPMENTS

PADI ASIA PACIFIC
P91
DIVE INSTRUCTOR

PROFESSIONAL DIVER
P89
UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENTS

PT.EXHIBITION NETWORK INDONESIA
P60
ORGANEZTION

SABAH TOURISM BOARD
P112, P113
DIVE OPERATOR, DIVING PACKAGES

SCUBA JAMBOREE
P92
DIVING COURSES, EQUIPMENTS, TRIPS

SEA FROG
P90
DIVING COURSES, EQUIPMENTS, TRIPS

SIAM DIVING ENTERPRISES ASIA PACIFIC
A5
DIVING EQUIPMENTS

SIAM TRAVELER.COM
P152
MAGAZINE "TRAVEL TIPS"

SIPADAN WATER VILLAGE
A1/5
RESORT & DIVING

SPORT DIVING MAGAZINE
P148, P149
SPORTING GOODS

SWIMCOACH
P48, P72
TRAVELING BAG

TALAYTHAI.COM
P101
MAGAZINE

THE DIVE SITE
A8
DIVE SCHOOL, EQUIPMENTS

THE EXPEDITION
P117
DIVING, EQUIPMENTS

THE LIVING SEA
P77, P78
EQUIPMENTS, DIVING COURSES

TONG HO MERCHANDISING
P78, P80
WETSUIT

TOPFLIGHT SPORT
P99
EQUIPMENTS, DIVING COURSES

TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND
A4, P22-P25
TOURISM ORGANIZATION

TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND (PHUKET)
A7
TOURISM ORGANIZATION

TROPIC OF CANCER
P151
MAGAZINE "TROPICAL"

TRUE FITNESS
P67, P69
FITNESS

TUFI DIVE RESORT (PNG)
A6
RESORT, DIVING

VENUS TECHNOLOGY
A1/6
VENUS MARINA

WARM WATER DIVERS (SAFE DIVE)
P97
DIVING EQUIPMENTS

WAHOO DIVING CENTER
A6
EQUIPMENTS, DIVING COURSES, TRIPS

WORLD TRIP
P150
MAGAZINE "TRIPS"

WWW.MALDIVESPACKAGE.COM
P59
TOURS, DIVING

X-SITE DIVING AND TRAVELING
P70
DIVING TRIPS


TRAVEL ZONE:

ADRIATIC PALARE HOTEL (BANGKOK & PATTAYA)
P121
HOTEL

AIYAPURA RESORT & SPA
P47
RESORT & SPA

BACK PACK SHOP
P4, P5
CAMPING EQUIPMENT

BAN RAYA TRAVEL AND TOUR
P30
RESORT, TOURS

BIG CAMERA
P41
DIGITAL CAMERA

DIGITAL TIME
P43
WATCH

FEEL FREE
P55 - P57
KAYAK BOAT

FIELD & CAMPING EQUIPMENT
P11, P12, P13, P14
CAMPING EQUIPMENT

FUNCTION INTERNATIONAL
A3
CHAPARRAL CRUISERS, RESORT

GLOBAL HOLIDAY
P136
TOURS

HORNBILL PROJECT
P108
FOUNDATION

HUMMEL
P29
POCKET KNIFE

I.C.C.INTERNATIONAL PCL (CWX)
P27
SPORT WEAR

JC TOUR (PHUKET)
P125
TOURS

JEBSEN & JESSEN MARKETING (T)
P50,P51,P62,P63
DIGITAL CAMARA

JOHNSON & JOHNSON (THAILAND)
P2
CONTECTLENS "ACUVUE"

KRUNGTHAI CARD (KTC)
M3,P20,P21,P62,P63
CREDIT CARD

K-TRADE-INTERNATIONAL
P137
ORTLIEB, TUBUS, EXPED

LAGUNA HOLIDAY CLUB
P33
HOTEL

LASER VISION TECHNOLOGY
P40
LASER VISION

LORIN
P132
DIGITAL CAMERA

MOON TWENTY TWO
P1
SUNBLOCK

NAUTICAL INN HOTEL
P124
HOTEL

ORIENT THAI AIRLINES (ONE-TWO-GO)
P6, P7, P18, P19
AIRLINES

OUTDOOR INNOVATION
P8-P10,P15-P17
CAMPING EQUIPMENT

OUTDOOR MANIA
P54
HOYT, SAMICK

PANASONIC
P134,P135
DIGITAL CAMERA

PASAK HILLSIDE
P126
HOTEL & RESORT

PAVILION SAMUI BOUTIQUE RESORT
P53
RESORT

PHOTO BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
M2
ASSOCIATION

PIRKLINE ENTERPRISE
P122, P123
BRONYE DAY SPA

PRE-FABRICATE CONSTRUCTION
P129
TRAVELING BAG

PUKTIEN CABANA BEACH RESORT
P30, P36, P39
RESORT

RANDO-TEC
P37
CAMPING EQUIPMENT

ROYAL PHUKET CITY HOTEL
P130
HOTEL

SABAIDE SERVICE AND TRAVEL
P38
TOURS

SABINA TOUR
P128
TOURS

SUAN SAK-SUPHA RESORT
P133
RESORT

THAI TRADITIONAL MASSAGE HERB ASSOCIATION
MASSAGE

TRSC LASIK
P32
LASIK

TOURISM MALASIA
P42, P49
TOURISM ORGANIZATION

THE IMPERIAL TARA HOTEL
P145
HOTEL

TWIN LOTUS RESORT & SPA
P131
RESORT & SPA

UNITED BMEC (THAI)
P31
CAMPING EQUIPMENT

WAGNON
P127
FLASH LIGHT

The fact of this information is provided by N.C.C. Exhibition Organizer Co., Ltd. and www.silkzpider.com

Amazing Thailand - Paradise for Shopper

I was in Thailand just 3 days and got so many things to do, go , and shop. Let's see how my trip would benefit you.

First Day: I arrived in Thailand early morning and got to the hotel - Pathumwan Princess Hotel (recommend and got deluxe room with special rate from http://www.silkzpider.com/). The hotel's location is perfect-right in the middle of the town adjoining with 7 story shopping mall building named MBK Shopping Center and in the center of the Siam Area. The hotel looks modern and well-maintained. The room is clean and quite large for 2 people.

After getting some refreshment from the hotel, we went shopping at "Siam Paragon" (http://www.siamparagon.co.th/)- the new and modern shopping entertainment in town. There were so many good selections to choose, especially lady shoes, cosmetic, and sport accessories.

After shopping for 2 hours, we had lunch at the "Food Court in this shopping complex". The Thai food was excellent- spicy, sweet, sour...ummm...very tasty, yummy. Assorted kind of food such as Pad-Thai, Tom-Yum-Kung, Assorted Curry with Rice, Assorted and Decorated Bakery, etc.
Then, we went down to "Siam Ocean World" (http://www.siamoceanworld.co.th/) located in the lowest floor of the building. This is the largest aquarium in the Southern Hemisphere. It has 7 zones including weird and wonderful, deep reef, living ocean, rainforest, rocky shore, open ocean, and sea jellies. The admission is 450 Baht for adult and 280 Baht for child. The place was filled with all kinds of aqustic animals including the one that we had never seen in your country.

Then, we went to pay our respect to "Erawan Shine" locally known as "San Pra Prom" located at the junction of Ratchadamri Road and Ploenchit Road. People come here to make specific pray with special offer if their pray is granted. It's just the belief, but I certainly made my pray and hope that he will grant it : )

Then, we went to "Pratunam Area" to buy cloth. This is the wholesale area for clothing located in the center of the Bangkok. Many international and local people come here to buy things for resell in their store. We got so many things for our friends and family back home such as baby clothing, beach bag, hand bag, etc. Imagine nike sport bag was cost me about 5USD. Baby cloth for my nephew cost only 2USD per set. I really love this place.

Now, we went to "Pantip Plaza". This is the place for computer shopping on Phetburi Road in Pratunam District. It is an indoor IT Shopping Mall with 5-story building. We got software, hardware, and computer accessories for lower price than our town. For example, I got Flash Drive SanDisk: Cruzer Micro 1 GB for only 8 USD and Kingston: Data Traveler II 1 GB for only 10USD, etc. I will certainly show this to my boss and my colleague. They will be envy. Glad to come here.

Then, catching a taxi meter (make sure the meter is turned on) to "Suanlum Night Bazaar". This is the night market open until midnigtht located on Wireless Road in Pathumwan District (much like Chatuchak, but open only night time). I didn't get much things from here, but the surrounding is good.

Now, moving to the place named "Patpong"- Thailand's well-known nightlife area. There are so many bar, a lot of people, many product to shop including watch, polo shirt, cloth, lighter, shoes, belt, etc. We had our dinner here ordering from the food stall nearby. Sorry, couldn't remember the name of the plate, just follow other people eating at the same stall. Then, so tired, so we went back to the hotel to recharge our battery for the 2nd day.

Second Day: "Wat Phra Kaew" was our first place to visit. This is the temple of Emerald Buddha and also the Thailand's most important temple. Special things about this place is the robe for this Buddha which will be changed 3 times per year by the King RamaIX considering Thai's seasonal changed-hot season, cold season, and rainy season. The Buddha and the place are cultural rich. "Grand Palace" adjoins Wat Phra Kaew. It used to be royal residence area. Currently, it only uses for occasional ceremonial purposes. It builds with Thai and European style. Very beautiful both Wat Phra Kaew and Grand Palace.

Next stop is "China Town" locally known as "Yaovarath". Most Chinese merchants preferred to stay in this area. We found them everywhere including "Sampeng Lane" which famous in selling all kind of souvenirs in bulk such as six pack or one dozen per item. We got cute hair string, alarm clock, office accessory paper weight, pen, mechanic pencil (All of these in Kitty Collection) : ) Food stall here was also good taste and cheap. We had Noodle with BBQ Pork, Oily Rice with Chicken, and Sugarcane Juice. Perfect Lunch. Then, we went to the place named "Thieves Market" locally known as Nakhon Kasem ( if I'm not mistaken). Merchants here are well known for selling Thai and Chinese antique products stolen from anywhere in Thailand. We bought Buddha here to remind us about our trip to Thailand.

Then, "Khao San Road" was our last place to visit for this 2nd day. This is the place for budget traveller located in Banglumpoo District. It is simply splendid, lively scene. A market with a huge range of goods and hundreds of restaurants. There were so many shops and many of goods with low price such as silver necklace, silver ring, antique furniture, fashion and traditional clothing, music, CD, DVD. Actually, we didn't buy many things here except silver necklace and ring, but we really enjoy the food along this road. We were eating while walking. So many fun and people are so friendly and lively. Oh! foot message here was great. Try it. Help me a lot after a long walk, just 200-300 Baht per hour.

Then, it was time to go back to the hotel to recharge ourselves again.

Third Day: This is a big shopping day. We was going to "Chatuchak Weekend Market". You might call it "The World's Biggest Weekend Market". It is a heaven for bargain shopper. This market is selling everything such as antique, fashion, cloth, wooden crave, live animal, plant, furniture, ceremic, glass, etc....you name it. Imagine, this area contains about 100,000 booths overflowing with people. We spent the whole day walking, eating, sitting, sightseeing in this place.

Now, it's times to get back to the hotel and got ready to catch the flight to go home. We were very tired but worth to visit. We will come back again....Lovely Thailand.....

P.S. Does anyone has any recommendations for different shopping place in Thailand? Please advice....