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Hong Kong boasts a highly developed transportation network, both internally and externally. It is well connected with all the major cities and countries in the world. The Hong Kong International Airport, which has been labeled the “World’s Best Airport” eight times by Skytrax, connects Hong Kong to all major cities in North America and Europe with one daily flight at least. Flights to and from Asia and Oceania are also frequent.

Getting into Hong Kong is also possible via helicopters and ferries, especially if you’re traveling from mainland China. Cruise ships from Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam are another way to get into Hong Kong.

While in Hong Kong, you will find a sophisticated mix of (private and public) rail, road, and air transport to get around. These include the Mass Transit Railway (MTR), tramways, funicular or cliff railways, franchised buses, light public buses, taxis, ferries and aerial lift transports such as cable cars. You can also rent a car or a bike to get around.

MTR is the fastest and easiest way to get around. Taxis are another good option. Compared to other cities around the world, taxis in Hong Kong are easy to find and ride. They are also significantly cheaper. You can use the Octopus Card, which is a prepaid debit card the people of Hong Kong use to pay for services such as public transport and car parking. It can also be used in supermarkets, restaurants and convenience stores. You will get discounted rates when using the Card for public transport.

Thailand’s climate can be divided into three parts. They are the rainy season (May to October), the cool winter (November to February) and the hot summer (March to May). The best time to visit Thailand is between November and February during the cool season. Don’t arrive during the rainy season because you will have to contend with heavy rains and slushy roads. Note that the ‘cool’ season is actually not cool (temperatures can easily reach up tp 30 degrees in the middle of the day).

The official Thai currency is the Thai Baht. Currently, the Baht is hovering around 33 Baht per US dollar. With a thousand US dollars, you can live a very comfortable life in Thailand for at least a month.

It is a good idea to base yourself near a hospital whilst in Thailand. Keep cash with you when you go to a doctor or a hospital. Please take care of your passport and other important travel documents because once they are lost, they may be lost for good. Get photocopies of your important documents and stash them in a safe place. If you lose your original documents, please contact your embassy immediately. Foreign nationals from 19 countries are eligible for visa on arrival in Thailand.

Where to stay:

• Patong Resort Hotel
• W Koh Samui
• The Sukhothai Hotel
• The Boathouse Phuket
• JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa
• Chatrium Hotels & Residences
• Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok

 

• Robinson Club Khao Lak
• Patong Beach Hotel
• The Nai Harn Phuket
• The Tongsai Bay
• InterContinental Koh Samui Resort

Sponsors:

• Phoenix Voyages

There are a number of travel options when in Thailand. Traveling in Thailand is inexpensive though not always fast. There are local buses in the cities but they may be crowded, so it is a good idea to rent a car when you are in Thailand (check for damages before you rent the car or the car owner will charge you for them later). Train is the prefered mode of transport for long distance travel. Please ask a local travel agent to help you with reservations.

Do note that foreigners may have to pay a bit more for long distance train tickets than locals. Women are recommended to travel with companions and it is better to avoid night travel.

If you want to go to another island, take a ferry. All major Thai islands are connected to the mainland by ferries. Avoid traveling on boats that are in poor condition or overcrowded. You might have to wait for some time for the next ferry to depart but its worth it. Ferry prices are very cheap and you must buy the tickets inboard. There are speedboats too but those cost a lot more.

If you don’t mind the cost, consider taking a flight. All the major cities are connected by plane. In some cases, you can save a lot of time and effort by traveling by plane. For example, the journey from Chiang Mai to Phuket can take days by road but it is only two hours by plane. There are a number of low cost carriers to consider.

Where to stay:

• Patong Resort Hotel
• W Koh Samui
• The Sukhothai Hotel
• The Boathouse Phuket
• JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa
• Chatrium Hotels & Residences
• Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok

 

• Robinson Club Khao Lak
• Patong Beach Hotel
• The Nai Harn Phuket
• The Tongsai Bay
• InterContinental Koh Samui Resort

Sponsors:

• Phoenix Voyages

Some of the popular places for shopping in Thailand are Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. Carry a small hand towel with you to wipe yourself because it can get quite hot and sweaty during the day. The best time to visit a market is in the early morning or in the afternoon (because the markets are typically crowded in the evening). Plan where you want to go so you don’t go wandering in the city. Bangkok’s street markets are quite popular (Sampeng, Chatuchak, Saphan Phut, Pratunam). Do not offer a vendor a price, if you are not ready to meet it.

Bangkok is also known for its nightlife. There are a number of bars and nightclubs which are frequented by foreigners. The top nightclubs in Bangkok are Insanity Nightclub, Levels Club & Lounge, Route 66, Demo and Grease Nightclub. There are also a number of seedly back alley massage parlous and Go-Go bars in Bangkok but avoid those. In the south, Phuket has a very colorful nightlife. Seduction Club in Patong is very popular.

Gambling is illegal in Thailand. All games of chance and luck are banned in Thailand (except the state owned lottery). So don’t go betting on Thai boxing matches, fish fights and cockfights. If you are caught engaging in any one of them, the police will charge you.

Where to stay:

• Patong Resort Hotel
• W Koh Samui
• The Sukhothai Hotel
• The Boathouse Phuket
• JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa
• Chatrium Hotels & Residences
• Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok

 

• Robinson Club Khao Lak
• Patong Beach Hotel
• The Nai Harn Phuket
• The Tongsai Bay
• InterContinental Koh Samui Resort

Sponsors:

• Phoenix Voyages

Thai food pays a lot of attention to detail, taste, color and texture. It is intricate, has good flavor and uses ingredients with medicinal properties. The Thai are not only concerned about how the food tastes, they are also interested in how it smells, how it looks and how it fits in with other food.

Most Thai dishes require light preparation, have strong aroma and are quite spicy. Seven Thai dishes have made the list of 50 most delicious foods from around the world (by CNN International). These dishes are Pad Thai, Tom Yam Goong, Massaman Curry, Som Tam, Thai fried rice, moo nam tok and green curry.

Thai cuisine is four regional cuisines rolled into one. They are central Thai, Northern Thai, Isan and Southern Thai. Rice is staple in most diets. In fact, the word khao means both rice and food. Rice is made into congee, noodles, vermicelli and even rice flour.

Herbs, vegetables and a variety of spices are a big part of Thai food. Fish and other sea food are commonly eaten in Thailand. Most Thai meals will finish off with a sweet dish (can be fruit also), containing rice, coconut milk, banana and fruits.

The Thai also eat fried insects especially in the North where they are quite popular. Crickets, silkworm, termites, ant eggs, bee larve, grasshoppers are commonly fried and eaten. Thai street food is also renowned around the world (Thailand is called the world’s street food capital). Most Thai are non-vegetarians, so finding exclusive vegetarian food in Thailand can be quite difficult. Don’t forget to try the local beers – Singha (called Sing by the locals) and Chang. Other popular beverages in Thailand are Thai Ice tea and Thai coffee. Krating Deang is a popular energy drink in the region (Red Bull was derived from this drink).

Where to stay:

• Patong Resort Hotel
• W Koh Samui
• The Sukhothai Hotel
• The Boathouse Phuket
• JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa
• Chatrium Hotels & Residences
• Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok

 

• Robinson Club Khao Lak
• Patong Beach Hotel
• The Nai Harn Phuket
• The Tongsai Bay
• InterContinental Koh Samui Resort

Sponsors:

• Phoenix Voyages

Most foreigners to Thailand arrive in Bangkok and start their journey from there. Bangkok has a number of famous Buddhist temples that are worth visiting. Please dress appropriately when you go to the temples otherwise you may be turned away. Wat Pho or ‘Temple of the Reclining Buddha’ is a must visit.

Other places to visit in Thailand are Pai (town), Phanon Rung, Railay (if you are an adventure junkie or rock climber), Khao Sok National Park, the ancient city of Ayuthaya (just 80 km away from Bangkok), Chiang Mai (best city in the North) and the Thai islands (gorgeous scenery, beautiful beaches and lively party scene).

Chiang Mai is Thailand’s cultural capital. In Chiang Mai, do visit Doi Suthep (a hill top temple) and Nimmanhaemin (for trendy shops, eateries and cafes). There are also a number of elephant parks in and around Chiang Mai.

There are three main sets of islands in Thailand. Some of the well known ones are Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Samet, Ko Chang, Ko Tao, Ko Phi Phi and Phuket. Ko Phi Phi is where Leonardo DiCaprio starred, ‘The Beach’ was shot. Phuket is the best and largest island destination in Thailand. If you want to go scuba diving, visit Ko Tao.

 

 

Where to stay:

• Patong Resort Hotel
• W Koh Samui
• The Sukhothai Hotel
• The Boathouse Phuket
• JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa
• Chatrium Hotels & Residences
• Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok

 

• Robinson Club Khao Lak
• Patong Beach Hotel
• The Nai Harn Phuket
• The Tongsai Bay
• InterContinental Koh Samui Resort

Sponsors:

• Phoenix Voyages

The Thai are very friendly people. Some tourists have said that the Thai are some of the nicest people they have ever met. This comes from the region’s Buddhist influence. The typical Thai is always smiling, very polite, helpful and always happy. They will go out of their way to help you and even translate for you. They also treat guests very well. If you have ever made friends with a Thai, the next time he sees you, he will give you a big smile and a hug. No wonder, Thailand is called, ‘land of smiles.’

Nearly 95% of the people are Buddhists (Theravada). Theravada Buddhism is supported by the government and the monks receive many government benefits, like free bus travel. The traditional Thai greeting is the wai, which is performed with folded hands and a slight bow of the head. It is similar to the ‘Anjali mudra’ of the Indian subcontinent. In other ways, the Thai are very conservative and they don’t show PDAs (public displays of affection). Touching the head, unless you are an elder is considered rude. Most Thai don’t speak English (but the Thai will make every effort to understand you) so it is a good idea to learn basic Thai phrases before you come here.

Where to stay:

• Patong Resort Hotel
• W Koh Samui
• The Sukhothai Hotel
• The Boathouse Phuket
• JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa
• Chatrium Hotels & Residences
• Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok

 

• Robinson Club Khao Lak
• Patong Beach Hotel
• The Nai Harn Phuket
• The Tongsai Bay
• InterContinental Koh Samui Resort

Sponsors:

• Phoenix Voyages

Written by John Loffler

Koh Samui Holiday

There are a couple of ways to get to Koh Samui from Bangkok, but for a first-time traveller, just book your tickets in advance at a reputable travel agent in Australia. (I say that now, 7 years after I did this trip. After 7 years of travelling I do all my own trip planning.)

The Journey Begins

The flight takes about 1hr 15 mins flying Thai or Bangkok Airlines. This was a holiday I was really looking forward to, just relax and chill out. The stresses of the last few months in Western Australia and some personal issues back in Perth had left their mark. This was going to be a week of doing very little.

Bandara

The hotel I had booked was 5 star, had its own beach, a couple of swimming pools, bars, restaurant and close enough to the central area of Koh Samui to walk. I was picked up from the airport. Don’t you love that bit about arriving at an airport and there’s some dude holding up a sign with your name on it? Yeah, me too. The drive to the hotel was leisurely, air-conditioned, and for a new visitor to Samui, full of interest. We passed through the popular area which is called Chaweng Beach. My hotel was in the BhoPut Beach area.

I was treated like royalty on arrival and if I were to describe this place, the Bandara Resort, I would use the term ‘breathtaking’! Look at the pictures and I am sure you will agree. After checking in, I wasted no time getting into my bathers, grabbing a towel and heading for the beach. To get there, you have to walk past the two swimming pools. OMG! (After looking at the more recent photos I see they have added an infinity pool!)

The Hotel Beach

Then it’s a casual stroll through the hotel’s glorious gardens at the end of which is a bar and…the beach. Loungers supplied, clean sand, clear water, paradise was here! The room was fantastic, spacious, beautiful decor and very Thai. With Australian money the rate I paid in 2010, $100 a night which included breakfast, was very cheap when you look at the standard of the accommodation.

Correct Terminology

Slip! Slop! Slap! I was in the water in a flash. I don’t know at what temp the Gulf of Thailand water usually runs to, but somewhere in the mid-20’s might be an educated guess. While the beach was private, that didn’t stop the hawkers from parading through there selling everything from flip flops (thongs) and sunglasses to a massage. This was my introduction to an aspect of SE Asia that, at times, became annoying. By the way, during my years of travel I have had to use the term ‘flip flops’ due to some funny misunderstandings I had with my US and Canadian friends when I referred to that particular footwear as ‘thongs’.

Thai to German – Silly

My first evening in Samui saw me dine at a local German eatery where I had wiener schnitzel, a favourite of mine. That was my last western style meal as I later discovered Thai food. By the way, the food at the hotel, including the free breakfast, was just magnificent.

My Island Scooter Rides

The next day I went and hired a scooter. I really needed to get around to see as much as possible. It was incredibly cheap at $7 a day. Helmet? No. shorts, t-shirt and thongs were all that were needed. The trip started at the Big Buddha, a 12-metre high statue that stands next to the Wat Phra Yai Temple and from which building the views over the island are somewhat grand. Tourist shops were many but I did stop and check out the Predator and Alien statues that had been created. They were rather special. Other places to visit were the Elephant Rock, the Vagina (Grandmother Rock) and Penis (Grandfather Rock) and a meal at a restaurant called ‘Orgasmic’! On Samui, there are a couple of things to remember. There is always a place to eat and with over 1100 hotels on 220 square kilometres of island, always a place to stay.

Elephants

I did the elephant ride in the mountain area near Na Mueang Falls, the biggest waterfall on the island and a stunning spot. I might add that elephant rides were okay to do then, maybe not anymore, and they have possibly been stopped. My friend, a local, went underneath the elephant three times. It is supposed to bring you good luck. I guess it’s good luck that the bugger didn’t tread on you!

Touring the Island

When you are riding around on your scooter, there’s a whole lot more to see and better places to stop. Some of the restaurants were not much more than shacks but built almost on the water. Eating there was a joint sensory effort of enjoying the gastronomic delights as well as the visual sights of ridiculously blue water and white sand beaches.

Traditional Thai Dancing

Bandara Resort had a Thai dance night along with the dinner. How could I miss that? In a way, it was beautiful with the costumes and the tradition of the story being told by the dancers’ hands. I just couldn’t work out why the dancers had to be guys dressed like women. Were the guys better dancers? Not many of the hotel guests turned up so there seemed to be an inordinate amount of attention shown in my direction. (To Be Continued)

 

Where to stay:

• Patong Resort Hotel
• W Koh Samui
• The Sukhothai Hotel
• The Boathouse Phuket
• JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa
• Chatrium Hotels & Residences
• Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok

 

• Robinson Club Khao Lak
• Patong Beach Hotel
• The Nai Harn Phuket
• The Tongsai Bay
• InterContinental Koh Samui Resort

Sponsors:

• Phoenix Voyages

Visitors have a lot of options for sight-seeing in Central Vietnam. You must visit the Tan Ky House which was constructed two centuries back by an indigenous Vietnamese family. This spectacular house, surviving seven generations, is extremely well-maintained and reflects elements of Chinese and Japanese architecture on the exterior.

You could also visit the ‘Japanese Covered Bridge’ which is a pretty little bridge and a symbol of Hoi An. Constructed in the 1590s, the bridge is known for its ornamentation. Weathered statues (monkeys and dogs) guard the entrances of the bridge.

Cycling is the ideal way to explore the beautiful Vietnam scenery. A very popular cycling tour starts from Hanoi and goes into the central highlands. It finally ends on the Ho Chi Minh City coast.

For a unique kind of entertainment experience, you could also visit the Dive Bar, quoted as the top bar in Hoi An. The bar has a brilliant vibe with modern electronic tunes playing in the backdrop. You can relax in the lounge-style sofas and have fun at the pool table, cocktail garden or the pub grub.

The Hue Imperial dishes might be dominating the Central Vietnamese cuisine, but there is still quite a lot to discover with regards to the food in Central Vietnam. The cuisine of Central Vietnam is spicy and strongly flavored and very different from the food of the North, which is primarily influenced by the Chinese cuisine.

Some of the most popular dishes of Central Vietnam include Banh Ep, which appear like tiny balls of dough in the uncooked form with barbecued pork bits. A griddle is used to flatten them and the dish is accompanied with some fried shallots and fresh scallions before serving.

Banh Beo is a popular street snack. When travelling to Central Vietnam, you will notice piles of empty bowls stacked on top of each other in various corners. These are used for serving Banh Beo which are steamed sticky rice cakes with ingredients made with pork rinds and shrimp.