Thailander

A trip to the elephant park, even just one of them, is a must when in Thailand. And for the more adventurous, a ride on this huge animal would be a great experience as well.

Located in the northern province of Chiang Mai, the Elephant Nature Park is a rescue and rehabilitation center which welcomes both volunteers and visitors. Established in the 1996 courtesy of Sangduen “Lek” Chailert and her husband, it covers an area of 800 hectares and bordered by a river. Providing a sanctuary for rescued elephants was the main objective of the couple when they started their project. The place now provides a natural environment for the elephants and provides a learning experience to people visiting from other countries.

The Baan Chang park also offers an opportunity for people to learn about the behaviors and lifestyle of elephants. Visitors can learn to bath the animals and ride on them through the hills and jungles. In addition, a one-day elephant mahout training can be experienced here. A mahout is the term used to refer to a caretaker of elephants. Continue reading "Elephant Parks Worth a Visit" »

Thailand is famous for many things but when it comes to fabric, it is most well known for its silk. Thai silk is often used in making national costumes worn by entertainers, the country’s high society and royalty. They’re also handwoven and feature unique patterns and colors.

Khorat situated in the northeastern part of the country is the center of the Thai silk industry. It is the main supplier of this special fabric for long years now.

The process of creating silk or what is called sericulture makes use silkworms that come from the Bombyx mori moth. While this type of moth is blind and cannot fly, it does a very important job of laying eggs for the next generation of silkworms. The Bombyx mori moth is capable of producing silk thread in different colors normally light gold and very light green.

Did you know that one thread of silk obtained from cocoons can have a length of 500 up to 600 yards? These threads are then boiled to remove the sticky and glue-like material. They are also combined to create a thicker fiber and are then yarn dyed. Continue reading "How Silk is Made in Thailand" »

Thailand is famous as a shopping mecca. Many visitors from around the globe that visit the country never go home without buying some locally made stuff. Not surprising at all because Thai-made items are very affordable and are quite unique as well.

Apart from the night markets, though, visitors can also shop at the various shopping centers particularly in the capital Bangkok. Those looking for local clothing brands of export quality can find great items at the malls.

Platinum Fashion Mall

This is a six-story mall located on Petchaburi Road housing more than 2,000 shops. It’s a wholesale shopping center and ideal for business owners looking to buy in bulk at great prices. Most of the floors showcase women’s clothing, accessories and jewelry. Other floors feature men and children’s stuff as well as souvenir items and gifts. Continue reading "Must-Visit Shopping Malls" »

Festivals are among a tourist destination’s major attractions. Some travelers often schedule their trips to their favorite destinations in time to attend the festival.

Thailand has its share of festivals and one of them is the Songkran Water Festival, the biggest celebration in the country and undoubtedly, the world’s largest water fight. This is a fun and very kid-friendly activity as people go out to the streets bringing along their squirt guns, buckets and hoses to engage in a water fight.

This activity often associated with kids describes the Songkran or the New Year celebration of the Thais. The festival takes place in April of each year and this 2013, it will happen on April 13 to 15.
Continue reading "Get Ready for the Songkran Water Festival" »

Braces serve an important purpose and that is to correct the alignment of a person’s teeth. But they’re not cheap and they take years to achieve its goal depending on an individual’s dental structure.

The traditional type is made of metal while the latest kind is made of plastic. The plastic one popularly known as the invisible braces is ideal only for people with a slight teeth misalignment problem.

Teenagers who wear the real braces will admit that it’s a tough experience for them to go through this teeth straightening process. It can be a challenge to eat what they want and brush their teeth afterwards and many feel embarrassed when they have it.
Continue reading "Thai Teens Going Crazy Over Faux Braces" »

It’s undeniable that the Thai have a certain knack when it comes to producing quality films. Even more so in the recent years as advancements in technology bring filmmaking software equipment within grasp of more budding filmmakers – even now international movies can be seen even on cable channels such as those you can get through www.DirectTVDeal.com. Continue reading "Top Thai Films with English Subtitles" »

Travel. Medical Tourism. Food. Weddings. These are what make Thailand a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

When it comes to romance, this Asian country is one of the best places to be. Some Western men fall in love with the beautiful Thai women they find or couples from abroad would go here to fulfill their unique dream wedding not done anywhere else.

Getting married in Thailand does not cost much compared to the U.S. and Europe and you can make it as unique as you and your partner like. The rules to follow are the same for westerners (farang) marrying a Thai or western couples tying the knot in Thailand.
Continue reading "Getting Married in Thailand" »

Thailand is well known as a shopping haven. Tourists including business owners often flock here to shop for souvenirs and supplies for their stores and shops back home. For those running a business, items they normally buy in the Thai capital Bangkok include clothes, bags, wallets, silk and other authentic fabrics, fashion accessories and home decors.

A great place to shop while in the capital city is the Chatuchak weekend market, the largest of such kind not only in the country but as well in the whole world. It covers more than 35 acres and accommodates more than 5,000 stalls.

Situated on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, the market is open on weekends only starting at 7 a.m. It’s an ideal place to explore while visiting Bangkok and very accessible to other tourist attractions such as the Discovery Museum, Queen Sirikit Park, Railway of Thailand Museum, Chatuchak Park and the JJ Mall.

The Chatuchak weekend market is a one-stop-shopping destination. Everything you’re looking for you can find here — clothes, books, plants and flowers, artifacts, wooden workings, fabric, ceramics, antiques, shoes, jewelry, houseware and a whole lot more. Prices here are very competitive and if you’re lucky, you can haggle for a lower price from certain stalls.

People in business going here to shop for their supplies need to visit here during opening time to enjoy a quiet and cooler place while shopping. The place gets so busy later in the day and the heat can be a problem.

During summertime, the heat there can become unbearable so make sure to plan your trip well particularly if shopping is your main goal in visiting the country. Avoid the rainy season as well if possible.

Photo via worldbestspot

About the author:
Teresa is a freelance blogger and mom of two who loves to travel with her family.

Thailand is well known for a lot of things. Rich history and culture, great tourist attractions and food and affordable souvenir items.

Apart from cheap clothes that visitors can buy from night markets, the country is also a source of beautiful and low-cost gemstones. Bangkok is where tourists can find many shops that sell different kinds of jewelry adorned with previous stones.

Chanthaburi is the specific place to visit. A small city with a population of 50,000, Chanthaburi is where colored gemstones are processed and traded. Unaware to some of you, about 80 percent of the world’s supply of ruby and sapphire go through this place.

This city is home to ruby and sapphire mines and enjoyed a progressive mining business in the 1960′s and 70′s. But while mining has stopped there, gem factories continued to exist providing new methods of heating gemstones to enhance their clarity and color. Eventually, traders from the different parts of the world started to have their precious gems processed in Chanthaburi. Families run businesses here that specialize in grading, cutting and polishing of gemstones.
Continue reading "Where to Find Beautiful Gemstones in Bangkok" »

Phuket is a famous tourist destination in Thailand attracting an estimated two million people from all over the globe each year. Even the rich and famous love to take a holiday here when they get the chance.

This biggest island in the country offers child-friendly and world-class resorts plus lots of exciting activities to do all day and all night long. Take your pick from these budget-friendly to luxurious resorts we’re sharing here.

If you’re a backpacker or have just enough budget for your vacation, you may check in the five-storey Chinotel right in the heart of Phuket. It offers 24 rooms each with an air conditioning system, an LCD television, free internet access and mini bar. Chinotel is situated in a busy area making it a great choice if you love to observe the local life.

A great resort that’s not heavy on the pocket is the Ao Sane Bay located north of Nai Harn beach. You can stay at one of the bungalows here constructed on a hillside that features plenty of old and tall trees. For those who want more privacy, the deluxe pavilion rooms are best and these have private terraces as well.
Continue reading "Where to Go for a Family Holiday in Phuket" »