THAILAND (2)

The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions : the mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South.

The country comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Thailand's revered Royal Family, with His Majesty the King recognised as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions.

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, the present king. The King has reigned for more than half a century, making him the longest reigning Thai monarch. Thailand embraces a rich diversity of cultures and traditions. With its proud history, tropical climate and renowned hospitality, the Kingdom is a never-ending source of fascination and pleasure for international visitors.

Neighboring countries:
1) Myanmar - west and north,
2) Lao P.D.R. - north and northeast,
3) Cambodia - southeast and
4) Malaysia - south.

Area: 513,115 sq. km.

Topography: Thailand is divided into 4 natural regions:

The mountainous North, with its profusion of multi-coloured orchids, fascinating native handicrafts and winter temperatures are sufficiently cool to permit cultivation of temperate fruits such as strawberries and peaches;

The high Northeast Plateau, which still jealously guards its many archaeological and anthropological mysteries;

The Central Plain, one of the world's most fertile rice and fruit-growing areas with colourful traditional culture and way of life as well as the sandy beaches of the East Coast and vibrant cosmopolitan Bangkok;

The peninsular South where the unspoiled beaches and idyllic islands complement economically vital tin mining, rubber cultivation and fishing.

Population: Thais are well-known for their friendliness and hospitality. A large majority of over 62 million citizens of Thailand are ethic Thai, along with strong communities whose ethnic origins lie in China, India and elsewhere. About 7 million people reside in the capital city of Bangkok.

People: Thai (80%), Chinese (10%), Malay (3%), and the rest are minorities (Mons, Khmers, hill tribes) Ethnic Thais form the majority, though the area has historically been a migratory crossroads, and has thus produced a degree of ethnic diversity. Integration is such, however, that culturally and socially there is enormous unity.

Language: Spoken and written Thai is largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor. However, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major commercial language. English and some European Languages are spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants in major tourist destinations, and Thai-English road and street signs are found nationwide.

References:

http://www.tourismthailand.org/

THAILAND 1

INTRODUCTION

Northern Thailand is one of the most diverse areas on earth. Culturally rich and containing some of the most beautiful scenery in the country it provides an ideal location for a wide range of interested parties. Steeped in a rich colorful identity all of her own Chiang Mai submits an opulent combination of modern city life in parallel with unique age old charm. The city teems with elaborate temples and cultural relics, some originating since the cities inception some 700 years ago. Doi Suthep monastery crowns the mountain overlooking the fertile valley which embraces Chiang Mai. In the city’s famous night bazaar local traders, modern department stores and exotic tribal arrivals combine offering bargains for all.

The city also boasts of numerous international restaurants of all kinds as well as a thriving night life. Nearby Sankampaeng is busy with the time honored crafts of local artisans. Here the crafts folk utilize their traditional skills to produce intricate products from hand made umbrellas, teak furniture, leather goods, silver / bronze objects and hand made spun silk.

You do not have to travel too far to reach the lush rain forest and exotic tribes that host, just some, of the adventure highlights that have made the North a favored intrepid visitors destination for over two decades.

Simple tribal villages adorn the mountain sides and offer simple overnight lodgings for adventurous wayfarers. Bamboo rafts are constructed to navigate the many rivers and elephants are harnessed to provide novel transportation means for the adventurer. The sights, sounds and scents of the forest will leave an indelible mark of enchantment on visitors of all ages. Mighty waterfalls proliferate throughout the area naturally supplying an ideal picnic point. The cool, benevolent climate of the North encourages vast assortments of fruit, vegetables and plants to flourish. Visitors can purchase this delicious mouth watering morsels at incredibly low prices.

The latest addition to the areas attractions includes a new conservation site for elephants and the surrounding forest.

DIVING IN BALI

All of our diving location are carefully selected based on through study and survey by the experts and recommended by well traveled experts, you may experience fascinating beauty under water in Bali. Here are some famous diving sites those are highly recommended:

SANUR or NUSA DUA AREA
It’s about 20 kilometers from the Airport, you could see beautiful under water panorama with thousands of colourful tropical fish, soft corals and spongers growing on the 25 kilometers of barrier reef. It’s good for Diving course and general information for beginners.

LEMBONGAN & NUSA PENIDA
This island is located in the east of Sanur (45 minutes by speed boat), it’s actually one of the three sister islands of Bali. The white sandy bottom and exceptionally crystal cool water present you with assortment of fishes and marine vegetation.

MANTA POINT
Spectacular under water panorama. Should you dive to Manta ray, here is the place where we can take you to dive in 12 to 15 meters depth, it’s only 50 minutes by boat from Sanur.

TULAMBEN WRECK/ AMED
It’s about 125 kilometers from the Airport, A US Merchantman sunk during world war II in 6 to 30 meters provide unforgettable diving experience. The wreck is fully grown with different varieties of clams, gorgonia, sea fans, corals and with feeding fishes in the lave flowing area mount Agung.

MENJANGAN ISLAND
It’ about 3 hours drive to get this place , An under water park famous for its great variety of corals, sponges, tropical reef fishes and its crystal clear water and spectacular wall diving that drops off to 40 meters down.

AMED
It’s about 125 kilometers from the airport, this dive side is good for all divers or for fun diver, you’ll see a myriad of soft corals and fishes life. Amed has nice wall that drops of to 40 meters down.




Reference:
http://subadra.wordpress.com

FOOD IN BALI

Dining in Bali pose endless possibilities as Indonesia has one of the world's greatest cuisine. From a five-star restaurant to a roadside stall, you will be amazed by the choices offered. Tourist-oriented restaurants abound in tourist centers but Indonesian and Chinese food is predominant.

Influences from all corners of the globe make up Balinese comestibles. Curries, cucumber, eggplant, Indian mustard and cow peas came from India; the Chinese brought the wok and stir-frying, Chinese mustard, and vegetables such as brassica and Chinese cabbage; from Arabia came kebabs and mouthwatering goat stews, while the Europeans introduced avocados, peanuts, pineapples, guavas, papayas, tomatoes, squashes, pumpkins, cocoa, soybean and cauliflower.

Balinese cooking revolves around spices, often partnered by coconut milk, which adds a rich flavor and creamy texture to intriguing dishes of tropical vegetables, poultry, meat and fish. Sugar, fragrant roots and leaves are fondly used and the end result is food that is both subtle and sophisticated. Rice is the basis of any Indonesian meal. A main serving of rice is normally taken first, followed by a small portion of three to four dishes of vegetables or meat, known as lauk. These dishes of lauk are placed in the center of the table for all to share.

A side dish or sambal, made with red-hot chilies ground with dried shrimp paste and other seasonings such as lime juice should be taken with caution. It can be scorching for the inexperienced or chili intolerant person, so do not be too adventurous with your sampling. If indeed you are scorched, do not drink water immediately as it will only worsen the situation; instead settle for bananas, plain boiled rice, bread or cucumber. However, delicious side dishes like tempeh, a protein-charged savory cake made of fermented soybeans, and rempeyek, small crisp cookies made of peanuts, should not be missed.


Five Legs

For simple dining, there are warungs - snack bars and mobile carts that cater mainly to local workers and those who understand that low cost hawker meals are really safe to eat. These three-wheeled carts are often pushed by young boys and are nicknamed kaki lima, which means five legs - the three wheels of the cart and the two legs of the boy!

Adventurous travelers can delight in sampling all these delicacies that can be found within reach. Those who are unsure but are willing to try should go for something simple such as pisang goreng or banana fritters, lumpia, a type of fried spring roll, and bakso, a meatball soup. Lawar, a specialty of Bali, is composed of minced pork, coconut and spices. Other types of lawar that are available include chicken, egg, green bean, and jackfruit. Do take note though, if it is red in color, it is made of fresh raw blood. You should also try a snack called tupat, which is normally not found elsewhere. It is actually steamed rice in coconut-leaf packages that are cubed with tofu, cucumber, spinach and sprouts and mixed with a fiery peanut sauce. Do not miss bubur injin or black rice pudding for breakfast or dessert, it is heavenly! Do ask locals for a price estimation but expect to pay around Rp. 2,000 to Rp. 5,000.


Tropical Fruits

Bali has a extensive range of fruits, some unimaginable and some you wish you had never imagined! One of these is the fabled durian, the King of Fruits, which is a thorny fruit the size of a football. It has an offensive smell to some but are prized by locals. Others that can be savored include mangoes, mangosteens, bananas, jackfruit, rambutans, markisas, pineapples, papayas, longans, melons, oranges, and custard apples, to name a few. Of course, the best fruit would be the salak or the snakeskin fruit. This scaly, brown fruit encloses a crunchy white fruit with a pear-like flavor; Bali is famous for its salak.

Tips and Hints

Bottled drinking water (air) is highly recommended. The most common brand is Aqua, which is synonymous to drinking water. Just be certain that the bottle has an intact plastic seal! Many people confuse the effects of an altered diet with the symptoms of more serious illnesses. When there is an inclusion of herbs, spices and palm oil, numerous travelers will experience changes in bowel actions. Some people may fall ill from eating in the markets while others may have the same effect dining at the most exclusive restaurants. But these do not pinpoint to any particular eating venue. Rely on your five senses when choosing the right place and type of food to eat but most importantly, have a great meal!



Reference:
http://www.marimari.com