Activities in Thailand by E-Biz Travel; Thailand Travel and Accommodations Service

Thai cooking as now enjoyed all over the world is a blend of Asian and European influences adopted through centuries of trade and diplomatic exchanges. Thais have traditionally lived close to the land and the waters, and original Thai cooking reflected that. Main ingredients were rice, fish, vegetable and herbs. Very little meat was used, and traditionally beef or buffalo meat was eschewed since the animals were the mainstays of farm life.

Thais grilled, baked and stewed their food, until the Chinese introduced the techniques of cooking with hot oil. European merchants, diplomats and missionaries also contributed a lot to the cuisine, starting right after their arrivals in the 16th Century. And we all have the Portuguese to thank for introducing chilies to Thai kitchens. Curries and spices, on the other hand, were brought here by the Indians. Over the years Thai cooks have added their own ingenuity, substituting hard-to-find ingredients with what's available locally and adapting the recipes to suit Thai palates.

A Royal Treat
Thai cooking has four regional variations plus the highly refined "Royal" cuisine. Sometimes translated into English as Palace Cuisine, this is a heritage from the days of absolute monarchy, when only the best was served at the Royal table. Every dish must be pleasing to both the eye and the palate. Not only must the ingredients be carefully selected and the cooking techniques perfected, the presentation must also be creative. Today Royal cuisine can be sampled at some restaurants whose chefs are descended from, or were trained by, former palace chefs. Look for the key word "Royal" or "Palace" in their names.

Some cooking schools offer classes on this refined art, but if you don't have the time or the inclination, you can opt for just a vegetable and fruit carving class. Most schools and restaurants offering cooking classes can arrange such a course, which can take anywhere from an afternoon to a whole week. After a few basic sessions and some practice at home, you should be able to wow your dinner guests with your new skills.

A Thai Meal
A Thai meal is traditionally a communal affair, with two or more people sharing several dishes, all served at the same time and eaten with steamed rice. The dishes are:
Snacks and Hors d'oeuvres.These savory tidbits can be eaten alone or as side dishes. Traditional favorites include stuffed dumpling, satay, crisp-fried rice noodles topped with sweet-and-spicy sauce, and spring rolls. Creative presentation is a big part of Thai snack-making, and a professional cook worth his salt will strive to make them as much as feast for the eye as for the palate.

Salads
Thai salads, called yam, are sour, sweet and salty. A simple dressing works equally well for meat, seafood, vegetable and fruit salads. This is made from fish sauce, lime juice and a dash of sugar. The heat comes from fiery little bird chilies, but just how hot a salad should be depends on the texture and flavor of the meat, vegetable or fruit used. Fresh herbs such as marsh mint, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and cilantro are usually used as garnish.

Chili Dips
Usually served with vegetables, meat or fish, chili dips are very versatile. A dip can be a main dish or side dish, added to a pan of fried rice to flavor it, or drizzled on chips to jazz them up. A cook can whip up a bowl of dip from chilies, garlic, onion and shrimp paste or whatever ingredient is available-dried or fermented fish, sour tamarind, dried shrimp, etc.

Soups
Thai soups generally are very flavorful. Meat or vegetable is cooked in broth or coconut cream with a "soup base," usually a blend of spices and herbs, which gives the soup its flavor. A soup is served not at first course but together with other dishes. This way you can wash down the fiery heat of the more spicy dishes with it.

Curries
The heart of all Thai curries is the curry pastes, which, unlike Indian curry, are made from fresh herbs and spices. The paste is cooked in coconut cream before meat or vegetable is added. Main ingredients in most curries are chili, garlic, shallot, galangal, coriander root and krachai (a small brownish orange, indigenous root. Canned curry pastes are available at markets and grocery stores, but freshly-made pastes make more delicious curries.

Single Dishes
Fried rice or noodle dishes make quick, satisfying meals. You can improvise with different types of meat, vegetables and spices. When cooking the rice, use a little less water so it won't become soggy when you fry it. Separate the noodles before adding it to the oil. Add the meat and sauce, then the rice or noodles, and stir frequently over high heat.

Desserts
Ideal for washing down the spices, Thai desserts are sweet but not intensely so. Banana or flour dumplings in sweetened coconut cream and season fruit in sugar syrup topped with crushed ice are some of the easy-to-make favorites. Thais also eat a lot of candied fruit-banana and breadfruit being two of the most popular--alone or topped with coconut cream.

Setting Up a Thai Kitchen
You need a few utensils to start. A wooden chopping block, a set of knives, a set of mortar and pestle (an electric blender will also do), a Chinese-style frying pan or wok, a soup pot and a brass pan for desserts should be enough for daily cooking and an occasional dinner party. Spoon and fork are the only cutlery you need. Thai cooks always have at hands dried chilies, garlic, shallot, shrimp paste, and a good bottle of fish sauce.

Gems : Bangkok is the coloured gemstone capital of the world. Rubies and sapphires are indigenous stones, but virtually all coloured gems, as well as diamonds, are available. Shoppers should exercise caution and buy from reputable dealers only.
Antiques : Thai, Chinese, Burmese and Khmer antiques are excellent buys. There is an export ban on certain pieces, particularly Buddha images. Other pieces may require an export license, but any reputable dealer will be able to advise on restrictions and any necessary documentation.
Ceramics : Both traditional and contemporary styles of pottery are available throughout our kingdom. Best known are the distinctive sea-green celadons from the Sukothai area, and the central provinces' colourful Benjarong (five color) porcelain, which are unique to our country.
Nielloware : Practiced in the South for hundreds of years, nielloware is the craft of decorating gold and silver objects with delicate etched designs filled with a metal ware. Nielloware trays, boxes, vases and other items are some of our best buys.
Lacquerware : A specialty of Chiang-Mai and the north, this craft involves coating split bamboo or wood with lacquer, then adding intricate hand-painted designs typically gold-on-black lacquer or yellow and green on a red brown background. Look out for lacquerware bowls, boxes, trays and other items for decoration or for souvenirs.
Thai Orchids : We're famous for our huge variety of orchids and their magnificent colours and durable beauty make them a popular purchase. Specially packaged flowers, complete with water supply, are easily transported and can be conveniently purchased at Bangkok International Airport.
Furniture : Rattan and rosewood furniture items are available in many designs and styles and can also be made to order. Shops in Bangkok and Chiang Mai have a wide selection and can arrange shipment overseas.
Hilltribe Crafts : The tribal groups who live in the hills of the north make a variety of beautifully embroidered textiles and silver jewellery. Chiang Mai is the centre for such goods.
Clothing : We're one of the world's leading manufacturers of ready-to-wear clothing. Fashion boutiques are found in every shopping mall, while cheaper clothing such as T-shirts and jeans are available at bargain prices from street vendors. Custom tailoring is also very affordable and tailors can produce or copy most styles in just a few days.
Silk : Probably the most famous of all our kingdom's handicrafts, silk is available in a range of colours, patterns and plys, and is sold by the yard, or as ready-made clothing and souvenir items. A unique style of Thai silk is Mat Mee, a tie-dye silk traditional to the North-east. The best known outlet for Thai silk is undoubtedly Jim Thompson's shop at the top of Surawong Road in Bangkok.
Cotton & Batik : Our Thai cottons have become increasingly popular and are a good deal. Particularly notable are the hilltribe cottons woven by the tribal people of the North, typically displaying bold designs and often lavish embroidery. Equally distinctive are original batiks crafted at several studios in Bangkok.
Pewterware : Pewter is fashioned with great skill by Thai craftsmen, and the smooth, silky finish of this attractive alloy is enhanced by delicate relief decoration. Pewterware items include plates, boxes, vases and pocket flasks.

In Bangkok :
Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two major streets, and there are many areas throughout the city affording ample choice and easy access. Here's just a selection of some of the places to go shopping!
Chatuchak Park Weekend Market :
A famous Bangkok landmark where you can buy just about everything from clothing to potted plants - a paradise for browsers and bargain- hunters alike.
Silom-Mahesak-New Road :
Many gems and jewellery stores are found here, also the River City Shopping Complex, known for its quality antique stores and regular auctions.
Silom-Surawong-Patpong :
The commercial heart of Bangkok. Houses dozens of specialist shops,
boutiques and shopping plaza representing all the major buys. Street stalls also abound, most notably Patpong's famous night market.
Ploenchit-Ratchadamri :
Many department stores and shopping malls are here, including the World Trade Centre, with dozens of shops and restaurants, and the Siam Centre, which contains many fashionable boutiques. Opposite the World Trade Centre you will find the Narayaphand Pavilion, the official handicraft centre selling items from all parts of the country.
Chitralada Shops: Outlets for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's SUPPORT Foundation, which encourages the production of traditional Thai handicrafts. Chitralada shops can be found in Bangkok and other major travel destinations such as Pattaya and Chiang Mai.
Pratunam-Phetchaburi :
Pratunam Market, one of Bangkok's garment districts, is the place to go for low-priced clothing of all kinds.
Bang Lamphu :
Close to the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bang Lamphu has a lively market where clothing is a popular buy.
Beyond Bangkok :
The main city for shopping outside the capital is Chiang Mai, which ranks as one of the world's largest centres for handicrafts and cottage industries. The extensive range of local products includes cotton and silk, hilltribe clothing, Burmese tapestries, hand-painted umbrellas and lacquerware, and many such items can be found at its fascinating Night Bazaar. Pattaya also offers plentiful shopping for Thai goods while
virtually all other cities and resorts provide ample opportunity for buying gifts and
souvenirs, as well as local specialties.

Fixed prices are the norm in department stores and a number of shops in Bangkok, but at most other places bargaining is acceptable and expected. Generally, shopping in Thailand is easy, fun and very rewarding, but the following advice is useful especially when making gem and jewellery purchases :

• Shop around to compare prices - this is especially important with gems and jewellery
• Obtain a receipt for goods bought and check if is correct before leaving the shop
• Never let a tout or new found friend take you shopping. Stores give commission to these people, and the cost is reflected in the price you pay.
• In general, jewellery items cannot be returned. If refunds are allowed, then often 25-30% of the selling price will be deducted as "costs of damages". More reputable companies may offer a full refund although usually only within a certain time limit, such as 30 days. Do not believe any claims by shop owners that purchases can be refunded at Thai embassies, consulates or other government offices overseas.
• Reputable shops will give a written agreement to a full refund on any goods returned within 90 days. If a shop refuses to do this, go elsewhere.
• Shops in hotel arcades pay high rents and accordingly prices tend to be higher than at street shops. On the other hand, hotel arcades are very convenient if you have little time for shopping

Of the many nighttime activities, the most important is eating. Thailand is famous for its eating places with a great choice of delicious dishes at reasonable prices.

Indeed, the places for dining in this country are unlimited. Apart from the ordinary indoor restaurants, there are also outdoor restaurants and restaurants-on-boat. Some riverside restaurants also provide boats for their customers to view the night scenes along the river. They usually sail at about 7 p.m. and spend at least one hour cruising.

Many restaurants, especially those in the first-class hotels, provide music for entertainment. As in night-clubs, there are singers singing Thai and Western songs or musicians playing various kinds of musical instruments. But if you want to experience something Thai, why don't you go to a high-class Thai restaurant where you can enjoy Thai dishes, Thai music, and maybe Thai classical dances, too, all at the same time.

If you are still full of energy after dining, you may go to such places as : discotheques, bars, pubs, nightclubs and karaokes. There are plenty of them in Bangkok and other tourist cities. Some karaokes even offer private and VIP rooms.

If you don't like any of these, perhaps seeing movies may suite your interest. In the first-class cinemas, the last show of film starts variedly from about 10 p.m. to 11.30 p.m.

To visit shopping centers and department stores is another kind of entertainment which you can have until 9 p.m. which is the closing time for most department stores.

By the way, watching Thai-style boxing is also popular. Two best-known boxing stadiums in Bangkok are Lumpini Stadium on Rama IV Road and Ratchadamnoen Stadium on Ratchadamnoen Road. Boxing matches are staged at the former on Sundays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and at the latter on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The programmes may include international-style boxing and usually begins early in the evening. There are also boxing stadiums in tourist cities such as Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket and Samui.

Amazing Golf Package Baht 7,000 nett at Grand China Princess Hotel Package includes : - 2 Nights accommodation with American Breakfast - Round trip transfer from hotel - golf course ... More

Golf is one of the most popular sports in Thailand. It arrived here a century ago and was quickly taken up by the elite and fashionable.Among the first sponsors of the game were the Armed Forces and government institutions, which built and continue to own some of the finest courses in the country.

Golf's popularity rose dramatically after the country hosted its first international tournament-the 1975 World Cup. The number of courses rose sharply in the past decade, in step with the country's economic boom. The world's top designers have come and left their marks, so have many world-class players. Now there are at least a few courses in or within easy reach of all major cities. Most courses built in the last 10 years offer accommodations on site or nearby, plus recreational facilities for the whole family. For the more adventurous, there are older, natural courses in remote areas around the country owned by the Royal Irrigation Department, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand and the State Railway of Thailand, all offering good value.
The best time to come is the cool season, from November to March. From April to October, it is very hot and wet. But even in the rainy months, the heavy pour usually comes in the afternoon, and for only a few minutes. And since most courses have good drainage systems, the rains should not interrupt your game for long. At some facilities you may need to book ahead, through your club or your hotels. Do book in advance for the weekends, for attendance goes up sharply at most courses, and for the peak travel season, from December to February.

The state of the economy not withstanding, greens fees continue to be very reasonable. So are the fees for the well-trained, helpful caddies. Service on green and at the clubhouse, as befitting the Land of Smiles, is prompt and courteous.
Since the country is well connected by road, rail and air, you can take day trips to the courses and return to stay in the city, or hire a car and draw up your own itinerary. Lodging facilities in all major cities run the full spectrum from the cozy to the luxurious, and in every town there is at least one comfortable place to stay. For the family, or to fill a break in your schedule, there is a diverse choice of culture, adventure, dining and shopping available wherever you choose to tee-off.

Experience Thai-Style Natural Healing
A massage to restore balance among the elements. A herbal sauna to cleanse and rejuvenate the body. A herbal pack to calm nerves and redirect the energy. All this may sound very New Aged in the West, but it has been part of daily life here for centuries.

Before the arrival of modern medicine, herbalists filled the dual role of doctor-pharmacist. Originally, village doctors were monks or former monks, since Buddhist temples were the center of learning, not only of religion but of more worldly matters like astrology and medicine as well.

Thai traditional medicine holds that the body has four elements: wind, water, earth and fire, and ill health results from an imbalance between them. To remedy an ailment, the village "doctor" would make a herbal pack for the patient to ingest, rub onto the skin, or add to a steam compress. Another major component of traditional medicine is energy. When the energy lines are blocked, the individual will become ill, physically or emotionally. A massage or sauna would be prescribed.

Experience Thai Massage
Traditional Thai massage is a proven physical therapy that dates back to ancient India sometime before the lifetime of Buddha. It has been practiced here for centuries, and many swear by it as effective cure for common ailments such as aches and pains, fevers and nervous strains.

Traditional massage reached the peak of popularity in the early 18th century. King Rama III, great-grandfather of the present monarch, had all available knowledge on the subject gathered and inscribed on stone slabs. These now stand on a corner of the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho), along with stone figures of rishis demonstrating various massage postures. You can try this ancient therapy in its original form at the temple; masseuses trained at Wat Pho massage school offer their service seven days a week at very reasonable prices.

Most hotels rated three stars and above offer traditional massage as part of their health and fitness services. All the spa resorts include it in their therapy programs. Despite common misconceptions, clothes stay on the whole time. If you are interested in learning the techniques, Wat Pho's massage school offers a 10-day course that costs 6,000 baht. Contact the school, in the temple's compounds, Chetupon Road, or call (662) 225-4771.

Thai-Style Herbal Therapies
Herbal sauna is no newcomer to Thailand. For many centuries people with just about any kind of affliction would visit a sauna, where herbal packs formulated just for the ailment would be added to a water heater. The resulting steam would be absorbed both through the nose and the skin. The heat also sweated out toxins and cleansed the pores. As recently as the beginning of this century, hundreds of these saunas existed in Thailand, but with the arrival of modern medicine most of these went out of business. But even today, home-made herbal sauna-along with a diet regimen packed with herbs is the post-natal therapy Thai women, especially those living in the countryside still swear by. Herbs also dominated Thai women's beauty and skincare regimens. Sour tamarind worked wonders as a body scrub, for example, while crushed turmeric would be rubbed onto the skin to keep it soft and smooth. With the recent revival in holistic therapies, indigenous herbs are being discovered anew for their health and beauty benefits.

  The waters of the Andaman Sea especially its upper part have a good circulation and their underwater surroundings are in a very pure and unspoilt condition. That's why the area is the best and most valuable for diving in Thailand. Numerous dive companies offering diving tour programmes, basic courses, and modern equipment are located at seaside tourist attractions and on islands with great diving opportunities like Phuket, Phang-nga, Krabi, Ranong and Trang. Some of the dive sites in the Andaman Sea are described below :

Similan Islands : Ranking among the most beautiful dive sites of the world, are composed of nine islands containing a great variety of dive spots with different characteristics, such as :

Fantasy Reef is composed of three submerged rock formations where you can find yellow corallines and soft corals, colourful angels, bat fish, whale sharks and manta rays. Christmas Point provides challenging swim-through among the rocks and is home of Christmas tree worms. Orchid Nursery Rocks with a lot of corallines and artistic rock formations have a coral reef sloping down into the deeper sea. Skull Rocks offer plenty of colourful soft corals in different shapes like cups, brains, and tables. The Lone Rock is a dive spot where only one big rock is located with a dive scene ideal for taking photographs.

Tachai Island provides a large group of rocks to the south of the island where whale sharks and manta rays, barracudas, yellow backs, fusiliers, and green damsels can be seen.

Surin Islands is a marine national park. It has diverse coral which attracts exotic species of marine life. Ideal for divers and snorkellers to catch sight of the ghost pipe fish and frog fish.

Richelieu Rocks is considered a world-class dive site with the widest diversity of marine life including whale sharks which are so tame as to let visitors take photographs of them easily.

Mu Sang Rocks can be reached from Phuket. The rocks are covered by soft pink corals. They are known as Phuket Shark Point because there are tame leopard sharks living there.

Koh Racha Yai & Koh Racha Noi are twin islands. The larger Ko Racha Yai offers colonies of hard corals and tropical marine life, especially octopi, cuttlefish and false barracudas. Dive sites of the smaller Ko Racha Noi feature larger fish and mammals.

Phi Phi Islands consisting of Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le islands have attracted divers from all over the world due to their spectacular dive scenery featuring a wide assortment of marine life, numerous walls caverns, caves, coral gardens, and sloping reefs.

Hin Daeng is one of the best dive spots of the lower part of the Andaman Sea. It rises three metres out of water with barracudas and needle fish around there. Divers may also encounter whale sharks and manta rays. This is perhaps the only dive site in Thailand where grey reef sharks are often sighted.

Hin Muang features a series of six or more submerged pinnacles. It provides the deepest drop-off in Thailand. Large pelagics including barracuda, tuna, whale sharks, and large stingrays are sighted.

More information about diving in Thailand