Phuket Is A Perfect Getaway Destination For The Holidaymakers

Phuket is one of the Island’s most perfect destinations for honeymooners and people vacationing with family. Located about 860 km south of Bangkok and surrounded by the Indian Ocean and the Andaman Sea, Phuket is the largest island is Thailand. Sometimes acknowledged as ‘the Pearl of the South’ or ‘the Pearl of the Andaman,’ Phuket is an awe-inspiring destination, bestowed with stunning landscape comprising rocky as well as palm-fringed white sandy beaches, dazzling island-dotted seas, glorious coves and bays, lush forested area, amazing tall cliffs, wonderful waterfalls, and ancient shrines. The destination is also much favored for its splendid turn of the century buildings, reflecting Indo-Portuguese and Chinese architecture.

Phuket is credited to be the only island in the country with provincial status, and is made up of three administrative regions: Mueang Phuket, located in the southern region of the island; Kathu District, which is the center of tourist activities in the destination; and Thalang, consisting of the northern area of Phuket.

Phuket provides a feast of attractions for people of age groups and tastes. For people interested to have a peep into the historical past of the place, a great option would be to take a tour to the museums in the region such as Thalang National Museum with artifacts related to the Battle of Thalang.

A visit to shrines such as Chalong Temple would also be a great option for those interested in exploring the historical past of the area. Located about eight kilometers from Phuket town, Chalong Temple is a highly revered temple enshrining the statue of Luang Por Cham, a pious monk who helped the people of the region to stop the rebellion of Chinese Coolie in 1876.

If your choice is different, then head to such places as Phuket Sea Shell Museum, which has on display an astounding collection of shells and museums. For vacationers who want to gain knowledge on marine life of the region, one of the best choices would be to take a tour to the Phuket Aquarium located within the Phuket Marine Biological Center, where interesting info marine life as well as natural preservation are available.

Nothing would be better than climbing atop the Khao Rang Hill to savor the panoramic views of the island. Some excellent options are also available for wildlife lovers including Phuket Snake and Monkey Farm where snake shows as well as monkeys performing various stunts can be seen; and Phuket Butterfly Farm with an incredible variety of butterflies.

In short, Phuket has something for everyone. For instance, Phuket has some superb choices for golf freaks in the form of Banyan Tree Golf Club, Blue Canyon Country Club, Loch Palm Golf Club, and Phuket Country Club. Likewise, there are endless choices for leisurely travelers such as Phuket water-ski cableways, Phuket Fantasea providing incredible shows, and Simon Cabaret Shows.

Other activities that can be enjoyed in Phuket are bungee Jumping, Shooting Range, ATV offroading, go-karting, Horse Riding, Muay Thai boxing, bowling, Thai Dancing, and Thai cooking.

A sightseer’s tour to Phuket would be incomplete without taking a tour to Old Phuket Town, which stands as a testimony of the glorious past of the island. Its attractions cover Heroine’s Monument and a range of Sino-Portuguese mansions, among many others.

Despite these attractions, perhaps the focal point of the island is its incredible coastline with beaches ranging from tranquil white sandy beaches to rocky beaches. Perhaps the most popular among the beaches in the area is the Patong Beach, which is a hot spot for nightlife and dining.

Equally fabulous are beaches in the area such as Bang Tao beach, Kata Noi Beach, Bang Tao Beach, Kamala Beach, Surin Beach, Pansea Beach, Kata beach, Nai Yang beach, and Rawai Beach. Each of the beaches in Phuket has its own uniqueness and provides opportunities to enjoy a range of water sport activities from scuba diving and sailing to sea canoeing and kayaking.

With these umpteen attractions and aplenty of options to enjoy a range of activities, Phuket draws holidaymakers from every nook and corner of the world. Phuket has accommodation options to suit every budget and taste.

For those who can spend extravagantly for their Phuket vacation, some excellent options are available in the form of hotels attached with high-end facilities and amenities. For those seeking solace and privacy, one of the best options would be to go for accommodation choices such as rental villas inclusive of superb accommodation, transportation facilities, dining options, and maid servants.

International Travel Tips For The Best Family Vacations – Part 2

Traveling abroad has it’s own rewards and challenges and it’s good to think and plan ahead for any trip outside the boundaries of your own country if you don’t want unpleasant surprises to crop up. In Part 1 of this article series we covered several tips on what paperwork may be needed as you travel, how to prepare for driving an auto in a foreign country, medical insurance concerns and much more. Now here are more international travel tips that can help you have the best family vacations while you are abroad:

* Most major credit cards are often accepted in foreign countries, but just be sure that the ones you have can be used successfully everywhere you intend to go. It may also be a good idea to notify your credit card companies in advance that you are leaving the country and how long you plan to be gone just so they do not flag your account and deny charges due to suspicion of fraudulent activity.

* Credit cards are also beneficial to use in many cases since the credit card companies will handle all conversion rates for you, which can save you a lot of money because of not having to make those kind of complicated money conversion calculations on your own whenever you buy anything.

* Try to drink bottled water as much as you can to avoid sickness while on the trip. Water quality can vary considerably from one country or even one area to another, so protect yourself by drinking as much bottled water as you can while on the trip. And avoid putting ice cubes in your drinks as they are usually made with local water and will melt in your drink.

* If you have some health concerns that require treatment, be sure to carry a copy of your medical history along with you in case it may be necessary to get treatment while you are away.

* If you have food allergies, find out how you pronounce the words to describe that food in that country’s language so you can be sure to avoid those foods while you are on your trip.

* Remember that Medicare and Medicaid do not pay for any treatment given outside the US, so determine in advance if additional coverage is needed and purchase trip insurance before you leave in that case.

* If you carry cash while away, it’s often a good idea to keep it in a security belt rather than a wallet that is in your pocket. There are many pickpockets in foreign countries that are tremendously skilled in separating you from your money if it isn’t well guarded.

Be sure to read Part 3 of this article series to get even more valuable international travel tips that can help you have the best family vacations.

Scuba Diving South East Asia

This article describes some of the better dive sites in South East Asia. As a scuba diver, you will probably know that scuba diving in South East Asia has always been very popular because of its vast species of marine life and rich diversity of colorful corals.

As a matter of fact, there are many world class dive sites in this region and with its excellent underwater visibility, South East Asia is indeed a scuba diver’s haven. So, here are some of the top dive sites in South East Asia many of which I have dived in several times.

We shall start with Indonesia and of course, the island of Bali cannot be left out. Perhaps the most dived site in Bali is the Liberty wreck. The wreck was a US army logistic ship sunk by Japanese submarine torpedoes during the last world war.

Liberty wreck lies in the depth of about 10m (32ft) to 30m (100ft) over 120m (385ft) of the sea bed. Divers can see guns, toilets, ship anchor chain among other things of a typical shipwreck. The wreck is heavily encrusted with corals and brightly decorated with gorgonian sea fans and sea anemones.

Scuba divers will also encounter large schools of trevally and more than 400 species of marine fishes and even exotic colonies of elusive garden eels.

Similan island in Thailand is another interesting dive site. Similan is located off the coast of Khao Lak which was hit badly by a Tsunami 2006. Nine granite islands made up the Similan islands. These islands are covered by luxuriant tropical rainforests surrounded by pristine white beaches and turquoise blue water.

This area is a protected national park. Below the water lie a sprawling underwater garden of deep canyons, coral gardens, huge granite boulders, caves and walls. Liveaboard scuba diving is the norm here.

Sipadan Island in Malaysia was made famous by Jacques Cousteau’s documentary entitled Ghost Of The Sea Turtles. This is an oceanic island which is not connected to any continental shelf that rises about 2000 ft on an awesome limestone pinnacle and mushrooms out at the surface.

Many dive magazines have named Sipadan as one of the best dive sites in the world and reported to have the largest variety of soft corals in the world. At Sipadan, scuba divers will encounter exciting drift dives, fascinating coral formations, turtles, lobsters, barracudas and even various species of sharks.

Manado, northen Sulawesi, Indonesia is the gateway to world class dive spots in the Bunaken National Park. Muck diving, meaning diving for little critters on the seabed in Manado bay is the norm here. In this part of Indonesia, you will encounter exhilarating wall dives, drop offs, huge napoleon wrasse, reef sharks and also another shipwreck.

Layang Layang in Malaysia is a breathtaking atoll. It is part of a shoal group in the South China Sea known as the Spratly islands. Here, massive numbers of barracuda roams the water, large pelagic fishes and sharks make this place home. Do not be surprised if you are investigated by a school of hammerhead sharks.

Family Travel Destinations in Thailand

Thailand means “land of the free” and is famously acknowledged as the “land of smiles”. You will realize why it is so called when you are relaxing in a beach looking at your children sporting smiles as wide as the estuary of an ocean amuse at the water’s edge without absolutely any care whatsoever. The kingdom boasts a wealth of culture and tradition. It also has the scenic beauty of a multifaceted countryside and gives satisfaction for everyone. Thailand has an enviable history, tropical climate and well known hospitality which is just perfect for families of all kinds ranging from the enterprising to the lazy and vacation minded families searching for pleasure.

The three major destinations that suits families are Hua Hin, Phuket and Bangkok. Hua Hin can be reached from Bangkok with a three-hour drive or a short flight. It offers safe swimming beaches, golf courses, spa resorts and magnificent shopping facilities. This is the oldest and most traditional Thai resort and is a real mixture of the attractions of a contemporary holiday destination with the beauty and fascination of a still bustling fishing port.

While most other Thai holiday destinations are specifically aiming at foreign tourists, Hua Hin is a holiday resort for families. Besides boasting a stunning beach which is as long as 5 miles, Hua Hin offers the highest density of world class golf courses anywhere in Thailand. However, it is not yet recognized as an international golf destination. Green-fees and other costs are at the moment among the cheapest in the world and course maintenance and services are excellent. Apart from sun-filled days on the beach, leisure activities for the whole family include all kinds of water sports.

In the surrounding areas around the town you can find exceptional parks and peaks, caves and waterfalls. Once it is evening the winding roads with numerous and diverse shops make a fantastic stroll. The restaurants constructed on stilts into the sea provide excellent seafood in the legendary and unmatched preparation of the Thai cuisine. Hua Hin offers you everything needed for a unique holiday experience.

Phuket Island is arguably the most celebrated tourist destination in Thailand. Phuket is widely known as the “pearl of the south” and has an excellent selection of resorts from three to five star. There is a compelling scenery on display and the main attractions include the majestic limestone scenery of Phang Nga Bay, the admirable Phi Phi Island and other options like elephant rides, canoeing, rock climbing and horse riding are also available. It also offers tourists the chance for sightseeing around the historic temples, shopping in the alluring markets and nature reserves where you can enjoy a comfortable holiday on journeys to Thailand.

Bangkok, the busy capital city of Thailand, is famous for many historic pagodas, monuments and tourist attractions. Some of the popular sights are the Chao Praya River on which Royal Barge parades took place, The Grand Palace – the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the Marble Temple, the Golden Mount and other favorite destinations include the Temple of the Golden Buddha which is home to an image of the Buddha which is three meters tall and made of solid gold, the National Museum and the Royal Barge Museum. Bangkok has achieved fame also for its shopping district and its life after dark unfolds with clubs and bars functioning throughout day and night. So if you are planning an overseas family trip, there may not be too many better choices than the diverse and awe inspiring country of Thailand.

Chiang Rai – the Glory of Northern Thailand

At the same time, there are a great number of shopping centres which form a good source of your entertainment. Its nightlife also provokes you to be a part of the ongoing amusing events. Apart from everything, Chiang Rai Hotels offer ap

Northern Thailand’s spectacular destination, Chiang Rai highlights a unique world endowed with the beauty of natural sites. It is located in Chiang Rai province and borders Myanmar on the North and Laos on the East. Its breezy refreshing climate, wonderful riverbanks, and dazzling night markets greatly enamor the travelers. Not only this, its glory is also revealed by astonishing monuments and museums. Apart from its scenic locations, tourists can find suitable accommodation facilities offered by Chiang Rai Hotels. Right from budget to luxury to premium, all kinds of hotel are available there. Some of the leading hotels in Chiang Rai include Antara Resort Golden Triangle, Dusit Island Resort, Laluna Hotel and Resort, and Wiang Inn Hotel.

All the travelers have their own affordable abilities as well as requirements. Some can spend a comfy stay in a moderate type hotel while some wish to spend journey in lavish way. A budget hotel can rarely offer all the modern amenities like onsite dining, swimming pool, Spa, and fitness centre. On the other hand, 4-star and 5-star Chiang Mai Hotels make available all the high-class facilities. At the same time, there are those hotels too which are specifically meant for the business guests. They encompass latest meeting, seminar, and conferencing facilities. They also cater to the needs of leisure visitors.  

Apart from this, hotels in Chiang Rai are set at convenient locations from where business visitors and holiday makers can make an easy access to the major official centres and tourist attractions, respectively. At the same time, the hotel’s distance from the airport also plays a significant role in determining your comfortableness. Due to a well-developed transportation system in the city, you can smoothly travel within its various parts.

Chiang Rai is a core of natural as well as man-made sites. Some of them include Wat Phra Kaeo, Wat Phra Singh, Hilltribe Museum, Wat Pa Sak, Opium Museum, Mae Kok River, Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall, Chiang Saen Lake, Doi Luang National Park, and Phu Chi Fa. Not only this, there are a number of shopping centres like Chiang Rai Handicrafts Centre, Lily Handicraft Store, Sumalee’s Handicraft Centre, and The Silver Birch. These centres are located at famous markets in the most bustling areas and spread their glare when lit during dusk. Visitors can also explore the vibrant nightlife  at discos, bars, and pubs.

International Travel Allows Travelers To Broaden Their Culture

International travel, since ancient times – in purpose, style and destination – has seldom been affected by stagnation. In fact, it is characterized by being in a continuous evolutionary state, enveloping an intricate ongoing skein of globalization, commerce, and faddism.

The original international travelers of the past were basically merchants on missions, in search of profits for their royal patrons, and their travels were more akin to war and plunder than the sense of adventure associated with modern travel.

Usually, their travels were marked by accidents, resulting either in disaster, or in the discovery of new lands. They were essentially well-planned journeys that headed off into the utterly unknown. For example, Robert Falcon Scott’s polar expedition resulted in the entire party perishing.

Christopher Columbus of course thought he had journeyed to India, when he was actually on the other side of the globe.

Modern international travel can be traced to about 35 years back, with the advent of the first organized trips to the Himalayas in Nepalese territory, and thereafter the first commercialized African rafting trips.

World events have changed things so much since. While all through the ‘80’s Nepal was the archetypal international travel destination; being caught up in Maoist uprising in recent years, it hardly features in any traveler’s itinerary these days. Bhutan, a mountain kingdom nearby, has been the main beneficiary, and is witnessing a surge in its tourism industry.

Likewise, Ethiopia, which was the location of the original rafting trips in the Blue Nile and Omo, is no longer favored as a travel destination, being embroiled in droughts, revolution and wars.

Each year brings forth new travel activities and destinations. In the ‘70’s for instance, overland treks across Afghanistan, river runs in New Guinea and camel safaris in Algeria were favorites amongst travelers, which no longer are possible today.

In the ‘80’s, the popular spots were the Egyptian Nile, for its felucca trips, eastern Turkey, for scaling Mount Ararat, plunging into the Red Sea, riding the waves of surf in Bali, all of which have been adversely affected by world events since.

The ‘90’s witnessed the popularity of Alpine hikes, but that enthusiasm has been dampened today by the Euro rise against the dollar. Natural disasters too can affect international travel. For instance, the aftermath of the tsunami which hit Thailand, a popular destination until then, saw a dramatic fall in the tourism the following year or two.

With AIDS sweeping across Africa, its popular jungle safaris have been on a decline. The avian flu kept many travelers away from China and Southeast Asia.

However, destinations that were rarely favored by international travelers in the past are becoming popular these days, like Mozambique, Libya, Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua, to name just a few.

Nevertheless, throughout this period of time, some destinations have retained their attraction as travel destinations due to low prices, a wide range of adventurous activities, and political stability.

Northern Queensland in Australia is an example, with its famous diving in the vicinity of the Great Barrier Reef, its river rafting in the rainforest, and excellent biking and hiking in the great weather that exists throughout the year.

International travel has become common place among travelers of all ages, locations and nationalities. The opportunity to experience a wide variety of culture and lifestyles has sparked a rise in travel abroad.

Travel Tips for Adventure Tour

If you want to enjoy the best of enthusiasm, excitement, enthrallment and challenge, then an adventure tour will be the right choice for you. Most people in this world love to go on an adventure trip just because they want to take a break from the mundane routine they suffer from in their daily life.

Here, you need to follow certain travel tips in order to make sure that you enjoy a great adventurous trip and come back safe and with wonderful memory of the expedition. The reason is that adventure expedition involves a great amount of risk due to the activities like trekking, hiking paragliding, snorkeling, rafting and mountaineering.

Here are some wonderful tips for your adventure tour. Follow these tips to enjoy the best of what you can during your expedition.

a) Physical activity:

It is extremely important to consider the amount of physical activity that you would like to involve in. If you want to simply travel across the world and have a look at exquisite places across the globe then you don’t require to possess extraordinary health fitness. If you are looking forward to enjoy the adventure like the trekking, hiking or mountaineering, then you require to be in the perfect state of health. The reason is that these activities require a good amount of physical exertion. Keep this in mind when you plan your adventure travel.

b) Activities:

Make a list of all the activities you want to involve in while on an adventure tour. Decide the activities you want to indulge in while you are on an adventure travel. This will let you plan your travel wisely and also allow you to enjoy the tour.

c) Shop comparatively:

You need to shop comparatively to avail great prices when on a adventure tour. You need to spend some days or even weeks to make a research on different adventure travel organizations and operators. This way, you will be able to get the best price. Try to compare the services, prices and then negotiate on the price quoted to you.

d) Set a budget:

You need to work within your stipulated budget in order to enjoy your adventure tour. Plan a budget and stick to it.

e) Terms and conditions:

Get a copy of the travel operator’s terms and conditions in black and white. Review the policies carefully.

Tourism Malaysia – All time high

Malaysia makes a perfect holiday destination with its captivating attractions and sights. The country’s breathtaking beauty, culture and friendly people have given it the name of a tropical paradise. You are in for a unique experience in the country with a land that is rich, colorful, and full of contrasts. Located in the heart of South East Asia, Malaysia map is demarcated into two main regions. First region is the Peninsular Malaysia bordered by Thailand, and East Malaysia, which is bordered by Indonesia on the Borneo Island. It is not a very big country, with the map of Malaysia covering around 127,316 sq miles of land but with so much on offer, it is an excellent tourist place.

Malaysia is considered the most pleasant of the countries in South East Asia, with so much to do and see. The visitors are left awestruck with the country’s sunny beaches, charming islands, forests, glorious mountains and much more. It is a paradise out here and Malaysia tourism is on all time high and sees no stopping as there is much more than the leisure holidays, it is a shopping heaven, venue for conferences, an adventure land, and the list is endless. For a country that is looking towards it future and still treasuring its past, can be rightly termed as the rising star. The country’s history has resulted in a vibrant mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous tribal cultures, creating a real melting pot of peoples, traditions and religions. The country’s tropical island resorts and never-ending white, sandy beaches offer with a taste of paradise. Get a feel of the country by visiting some of the exciting locales in the country.
Kuala Lumpur
On the Malaysia map, Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia, which is a unique blend of modern and traditional charm. A city, which has grown to be a flourishing metropolis, is a sight with its stunning buildings, shopping malls and shopping opportunities galore. Go exploring and one will find captivating sights, historical buildings, quite spots close to nature and a rich cultural heritage. The city of Kuala Lumpur is a getaway for an all-together different experience. The city is a melting pot of different cultures, religions and traditions that it has that special charm and excitement all around that lures the visitors here.
Langkawi
Popular as ‘The land of Mystical legends’, Langkawi is a paradise amidst nature located just off the Malay Peninsula’s west coast near the Thai border. This beautiful island is now a popular destination for more and more tourists from across the world as the region is gifted with some of Asia’s best beaches and untouched rainforests thriving with wildlife. Langkawi Island comprises of 99 tropical islands at about 30 kilometers from Kuala Perlis and 51 kilometers from Kuala Kedah. The region abounds in number of landmarks and historical sites that weave a magic around the visitors. This tropical island is a beautiful and peaceful get away from the real world and perfect to chill out.
PENANG
Penang is the main draw for Malaysia tourism and the tourists often visit the city to experience its rich culture, natural wonders to fantastic shopping opportunities. Malaysia’s top destination is blessed with natural beauty and striking heritage, making it a popular destination for centuries and now among visitors from around the globe. Penang Island is considered as Asia’s famous islands and is widely called as the Pearl of the Orient

SABAH
Sabah enjoys a setting amongst the lush, green, tropical hills and facing green waters. Kota Kinabalu City is the capital city of Sabah. It is a favorite destination among the locals and tourists alike as the place offers a wide variety of attractions, physical beauty, the year-round pleasant climate and the friendly people. The combination of all this makes it a popular holiday destination for the visitor’s. It is the second largest state in Malaysia, located at the northern part of the Island of Borneo. This region is an inviting place for its unspoilt beaches, lonely tropical islands, charming culture, colorful and beautiful marine life, spectacular countryside dominated by an awesome mountain Mt Kinabalu.

Travel destinations: Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

Nestled between the “Land of Smiles” and “Truly Asia” is the “Hidden Charm”-Vietnam, and what a charm Vietnam is with its lovely people, exquisite cuisine, colorful and diverse landscape, rich history, and literally thousands of miles of sun drenched sparkling beaches set against coral blue seas, which to a beach bum like me, is reason enough to make Vietnam one of my favorite destinations. One of Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches lies on Phu Quoc, a quaint and laid-back island located in the Gulf of Thailand just off the southern tip of Vietnam, and any traveler to Vietnam seeking sun, sand and sea is guaranteed to be more than happy with a trip to this breathtaking little gem.

First settled by Chinese fisherman, the island is perhaps most notorious for its massive prisoner of war camp, or Coconut Prison, used by both victor and conqueror alike, where the barbed wire body wraps and oven like holding cells serve as a sober reminder of the brutality wrought by war. Phu Quoc is however best known for its legendary hand-crafted fish sauce or nc mm, that pungent and salty liquid pressed from fermented anchovies that is a vital ingredient in Vietnam’s many culinary delights, and its “fragrant” odor is the first to greet you when you step off the plane. Anchovies are not the only catch of Phu Quoc’s substantial fishing industry and you can enjoy an awesome array of fresh seafood at prices that will barely buy bread back home, but more on that later. Phu Quoc also holds some fairly spectacular waterfalls and tropical jungles to compliment its incredible beaches. Last but not least, Phu Quoc is home to the world’s smartest dogs, at least that is what some canine experts claim. These motley pooches can be found all over the island and the Dog Museum and Breeding center is the best place to catch them in all their splendor. In fact, the hilltop gardens and orchid draped swimming pool overlooking the palm tree lined beaches below gives new meaning to living a dog’s life and, unlike their northern cousins, these little guys need never worry about ending up in the stew pot at the end of each month.

Once you are in Vietnam, getting to Phu Quoc is fairly easy and inexpensive. Vietnam Airlines has two flights a day from Ho Chi Minh City and the round trip fare for the hour long flight is around US$70.00. For the more adventurous and budget minded you can also take a bus to Rach Gia on the mainland and catch a ferry from there. This is the main mode of transportation

Shopping for Thai Handicrafts

Think ‘Chiang Mai’ and images of mountains and waterfalls come to mind. First time visitors might be forgiven for thinking that Chiang Mai’s key attractions and activities include temple tours and trekking, and that the Northern culture is defined by colourfully dressed hill tribe folk and an ancient moat. But one of the city’s greatest selling points is its fantastic shopping and the Baan Tawai craft centre south of the city is a cornucopia of handicrafts, home décor and Asian cultural souvenirs.

Few people come to Chiang Mai without an evening spent wandering the famous Night Bazaar and going home with a lot more than they intended. The range and prices of goods on display are astonishing, featuring everything from antiques to Zen art. But this is simply a convenient warm up for Baan Tawai, where many of the crafts are made and sold at much cheaper prices.

“We had a fantastic day there” says, Judy Hickman, from Kansas City. “In the end I spent more than a thousand dollars, and the lady at the shop is shipping for me”. She confessed that she didn’t intend to redecorate her home while on holiday but the prices were too good to ignore. “They’re making us a hyacinth sofa for out TV room and we got a bunch of awesome Buddha carvings, one huge one for our lounge wall” she gushes.

The area has been an artisan centre for quite some time, but with the influx of tourism it has expanded considerably in the past five years and now includes several arcades of stalls and small shops, with a whole new wing recently added. The road leading to the centre is also lined with larger shops dealing in furniture, outdoor ceramics and antiques. Handicraft dealers from all over the world now fly in regularly to stock their shops abroad, spawning a whole industry of sourcing agents and logistics support.

But if you’re just here for a little souvenir shopping you won’t regret squeezing a half day tour in to your Northern Thailand schedule. Baan Tawai is the cheapest place in Thailand to find silk, antique reproductions, incense, candles, oil and soap gift packs, ornaments, lamps, bamboo products, wall hangings, frames, vases and much more. They can all be found on market stalls at tourist centres in Bangkok, Phuket and Samui, but the range is far less and the mark-up almost 200 per cent. Most the items on display at Baan Tawai are uniquely Thai, many characteristically Northern and hand made from natural materials.

Wood is definitely the spirit of the place, with plenty of carved figurines, Buddhist art pieces, décor items and wall hangings. But the Thai have a knack for creativity and the range has diversified incredibly in recent years, introducing contemporary designs and ideas. Many of the shops construct teak furniture, made to order, at stunning prices. And although a bedside table doesn’t exactly fit into your suitcase, a professional packing and shipping infra-structure has developed which means you simply have to show up with your credit card.

Apart from spending money, just wandering among the stores and seeing the artisans at work is fun. The Thai are very gifted with their hands and you can see them weaving rattan, carving busts, painting, adding colourful finishes to figurines, or applying delicate lacquer work in time-worn traditions. Another wonderful aspect of Baan Tawai is the pride that the shop owners take in decorating their small shops. Chiang Mai has a distinctively romantic character and the locals love to create small ponds, gardens, water features and displays in the shops, hotel lobbies, restaurants, galleries and coffee shops all over the city. But by far the best little tropical gardens can be found at Baan Tawai.

Baan Tawai is also famous for Asian antiques, some of which rank among the world’s best. Chiang Mai is possibly one of the best places in the region to find not only valuable pieces but very authentic looking reproductions. After all, for 200,000 baht you can become the proud owner of a late-eighteenth century Burmese Buddha head made from marble or you can outfit your entire apartment with equally impressive looking copies for the same price.

“There’s a bigger market now for reproductions”, says Khun Monsit Boonvipatsavee, owner of Chilli Antiques – one of the most established dealers in town. “Now antiques are very expensive and difficult to spot, that’s okay if you’re a dealer, but now people are just looking for something that looks old”, he explains. His gallery on the Hang Dong–Sarapi road has some fantastic examples of ancient-looking Buddha figurines, bronze bowls, pewter and Burmese masks. He has perfected methods of burying newly crafted pieces soaked in acid to speed up the aging process to create truly impressive pieces of pseudo antiquity. Aged bronze Buddha heads are very popular accessories on the décor list of the expensive villas in Phuket and Samui and his pieces can be found in some the country’s most expensive hotels.

Thai products are fast becoming famous the world over, they are cheap and beautifully crafted. From silk bed throws to the ubiquitous triangle cushions, the distinctive styles are now found on flea markets and in decors shops from London to Christchurch. You may not have planned to take too much back with you but once you discover the delightful products available and the prices, you’re likely to be dashing to one of those luggage stalls at the night market.

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