Category Archives: Thailand

Things to Know before Traveling to Chiang Mai

Did all those Instagram and Facebook posts inspire you to visit Chiang Mai? Are you desperately waiting to experience and admire the beauty of those lush forests, vibrant culture, historic temples and adventurous activities? Well, wait no more and visit the land of elephants, learn some authentic Thai cooking, and visit historic temples! Chiang Mai, located in North of Thailand, is known as the city of contrasts where several Buddhist temples shine bright all day long. It is a journey into the city of winding streets, past the ancient buildings and walls of old city of Chiang Mai. So, let’s look at some of the things you must know before you set on your journey to discover Chiang Mai.

Also, find a good comfortable, best place to stay in Chiang Mai. The accommodation options here range from Hostels to Luxury Hotels.

Things to Know before travelling to Chiang Mai

Things You Must Know Before Travelling to Chiang Mai

A little knowledge of Thai language can go a long way

Although English is widely spoken in the city, it is always good to know a few basic Thai words to communicate well with the locals, tuk tuk drivers, hotel staff and while ordering food. In general also, it is always good to know a few local phrases to show some respect to the locals. What you would find interesting about Thai language is that the men and women use some different words at the end of sentences. While males generally use the word krap, females use kap. Some of the commonly and widely used words are – Sawadee (krap or Kap) which means Hello, Khopkhun (krap or kap) for Thank you, Mai as in No and so on.

Old City Chiang Mai
Old City Chiang Mai

Dress appropriately in Chiang Mai

Since Chiang Mai is the home of several monks and takes pride to have around 300 temples, show respect by dressing up appropriately. It is always good to wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulders as Northern part of Thailand is little conservative as compared to other cities of Thailand. It is best to carry loose fitting, decent clothes as wearing skirts and shorts might even burn your body. So, cover yourself from the sun and keep sweat at bay by wearing breathable outfits. Check the complete post n what to wear in Thailand here.

Best time to visit the city of temples

The peak season starts in November when the weather of Chiang Mai is at its best. Tourists from all over the world travel to the city in the months of November, December and January. However, it is best to avoid a visit during March as that’s when the farmers burn their crop and the city gets covered with a thick blanket of smoke, which is unbearable and terrible.

Temple in Chiang Mai
Temple in Chiang Mai

Don’t hesitate to haggle

When out shopping, do not think twice before haggling with the shopkeepers. While the street markets of Chiang Mai has some of the great stuff to offer, the vendors try to fool the tourists to earn a little extra money. So, offer them a price you feel is the most suitable for an item and walk away if they don’t agree to it. They might call you back with a smile!

Souvenirs in Chiang Mai Thailand
Souvenirs in Chiang Mai Thailand

Popular Brands that you can find around the world

Travel makes you modest, confident, a decision maker, happy, and a storyteller, it also changes your behavior and brain but has ever travel left you confused. Yes! We are serious. It did the same to us in Sri Lanka, when we wanted to have our favorite Choco Chip dessert from Kwality Walls (Unilever) after dinner and we couldn’t find it. We came back to our room with a puppy face at APA Villa Illuketia and later after researching on internet and reading analysis by Data Label, we found; that the brand is known in the country as Magic rather than Kwality Walls. Oh really! It was an eye opener for us and there we realized that some brands are present all around the world but with different brand names.

Magical Evening in Sri Lanka - Brands around the world

So, what is a brand name?

If I go by simple dictionary meaning; Brand Name means the words that identify not only the products but also its manufacturers or producers such as Coca Cola, Sony, Kodak etc. But then why the difference of name here.

And the

Answer we got was

  1. Different countries have different languages, different slangs, different sense of humor and different cultures. The same word may sound like a pride in one country whereas in other it can mean the war or boycott or something else. For example, the Chevrolet Nova might be a good word in English, but for Spanish, the translation of “no va” is “doesn’t go”. So, it isn’t the best option for a new car.
  1. Then is the Language Laws – For example KFC the initials for Kentucky Fried Chicken or the appellation for Finger Licking Food does business all around the world by the name KFC except at Quebec in Canada where they are known as PFK. And the reason for same is that Montreal has super strict Language Laws. If you are a business with English name you need to have a French Equivalent in the country and “Kentucky Fried Chicken” became “Poulet Frit Kentucky”. Hence, PFK was born.

KFC & PFK - Around the world

  1. Already Existing Brand Name and Trademarks – Burger King, the American global hamburger chain operates both nationally and Internationally. But while expanding to Australia they faced a certain issue in their branding. There was already a fast food store named as “Burger King”. So the American Burger King, asked the Australian franchise i.e. Jack Cowin to choose the name form its pre- existing trademarks. He chooses Hungry Jack and to make it more controlling, he added an apostrophe to it. So, the Australian Burger King brand came up as Hungry Jack’s.

Burger King & Hungry Jack - Around the world

  1. International Brand Names –Some brands make no attempts to keep the same name and make changes according to their international audience. For example – Lay’s a famous potato chip brand is known by different names in different countries. It is known as Walkers in UK and Ireland, Smith’s in Australia, chipsy in Brazil, Sabritas in Mexico, Chipsy in Egypt and Elma Chips in Brazil. However, PepsiCo created some unity between all these brands by making their logos appear visually similar.  All these brands logo have a red wavy banner just as that of Lay’s. So, Lays is available all around the world.

Lays - Around the World

  1. Started off as Independent Businesses and later Acquired – In this case, the bigger brands acquire the other reputed brands and keep selling them with the original respective name. For Example – Dove Chocolate Bar available worldwide is not available in UK, India, Ireland and middle east by the same name. Indeed, it is available as Galaxy. The story is both Dove and Galaxy both started off as independent companies. Dove was Chicago-based and Galaxy was a UK firm. Later, the Global confectioner Mars Inc. acquired both these companies and unified their product lines. Although today, the packaging design for both the products is almost identical but still it is sold as Dove in some countries and Galaxy in others.

Dove & Galaxy- Around the World

  1. Previous Connotations – If you are a Diet Coke Lover, you won’t find the same in Europe, Malaysia and Mexico. The reason is that it is available as Coco Cola Light here as the people of these countries associate Light with lesser calories as compared to Diet. But the Branding and Logo is same everywhere making it easier to spot.

These reasons, helped us in understanding why brands are available in different countries by different names. Hopefully they will help you too around the world and next time you can order or buy some of your favorite brands by just looking at their logos or referring to this cool infographic made by Data Label.

Popular Brands Around the World

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8 Must Visit Camping sites in Thailand

If you are a nature lover and adore sleeping under the open sky, if you love watching the sunrise and sunset; the beautiful moon surrounded by millions of glittering stars then you must opt for the camping trips. And if I say camping in National Parks, mountain top and at beaches. Yes! I am talking about some amazing camping sites in Thailand. Camping and glamping in the Land of Smiles will surely help you know the country’s beauty and landscapes better.

Camping sites in Thailand

Indeed, outdoor camping in Thailand offers one of the most amazing and alluring experiences of life. So, here I am listing the 8 amazing camping sites in Thailand.

Note: Do remember to pack your bags with all the cool camping products for a pleasant camp stay.

Camping Sites in Thailand

Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park is one of the most beautiful and top-visited camping sites in Thailand. The national park is located in Surathani Province and is surrounded by the beautiful views of nature. The biggest attraction of the park is wildlife safari, the world’s biggest flower, waterfall, giant trees, rain forests, elephant trekking and much more. This is the one place where one will also find thousands of beautiful butterflies and birds.

Inside the park, there are Khao Sok Boutique camps which is the apt option for nature lovers and Eco-tourists. The camps lies just 6 kilometers from Khao Sok National Park, amidst the mountains and greenery.

Khao Sok National Park - Camping sites in Thailand
Khao Sok National Park – Camping Sites in Thailand (Source)

Khao Yai National Park

The Khao Yai National Park lies 200 kilometers from Bangkok  and is a famous UNESCO heritage site. The Park is famed for rich diversity of plants and animals and is marked as one of the best places full of fresh air. Campers here can enjoy the unique experiences like sleeping in the open with insects lulling, getting up to the voice of wild chicken fowls and barbecuing at night.

Khao Yai National Park - camping sites in Thailand (Source)
Khao Yai National Park (Source)

There are two main camp grounds Pha Kluai Malai and Lum Ta Klong in the park which provides impressive services and helps in animal spotting.

Erawan National Park

Th Erawan National park is located at a distance of 45 minutes away from Thailand’s historic city Kanchanaburi. This park is well known among the tourists because of its seven-tiered waterfalls. The stunning surroundings, freshness and quietness makes the Erawan National Park  a perfect spot for outdoor day-night camping in Thailand.

Erawan National Park - camping sites in Thailand
Erawan National Park

Doi Inthanon National Park

The Doi Inthanon National Park lies just outside the famous city Chaing Mai. The trail located below Don Inthanon summit (The Roof of Thailand) is considered as one of the most spectacular trails of Thailand. One can see a lot of flowers, and waterfalls on the way.

Doi Inthanon National Park- Camping sites in Thailand
Doi Inthanon National Park (Source)

The Park has official and 2 private campsites to choose from. These campsites, at night makes the valley glitter like stars on the earth.

Also Read : 6 must visit hidden treasures of Thailand

Phu Tub Berk

If camping among the cabbage fields on mountain slopes is what you have never done before, then add this to your bucket list. Phu Thub Berg, the tip of Phetchabun province lies at 1768 meters and is a perfect camping site in Thailand. The camp site here offers wonderful panoramic views of the valley sometimes submerged in the puffy sea of mist, with beautiful sunrise, sunset views and twinkling stars at night.

Phu Tub Berk, Phetchabun thailand - camping sites in thailand
Phu Tub Berk, Phetchabun Thailand (Source)

Pang Ung

Pang Ung, or Baan Ruam Thai, is known as the hidden Switzerland of Thailand because of the lush green valleys and serene atmosphere. Here, the large water body surrounded by mountains and  the rows of pine trees make it a perfect camping destinations in Thailand. The site offers the breathtaking morning and evening views, which are highly romantic for the couples.

Pang Ung, Thailand- camping sites in Thailand
Pang Ung, Thailand

Hintok River 

The Hintok River is another magnificent camping site in Thailand. Just there at the gigantic cliff are stunning Hintok River Camps  overlooking the  historic “River Kwai” of Thailand. The camps being at wonderful location  makes it to the great tourist attractions of the region.

The River is absolutely loved by kids and youngsters because of the jungle scenery, pitch dark starry sky, greenery, large mountains, etc. Camping at this location makes one feel more closer to the nature. The deluxe camps, swimming pools, outdoor shower, luxurious furniture are some of the biggest attraction of this place.

Hintok River Camps - Camping Destinations in Thailand
Hintok River Camps (Source)

Similan Island

The Similan Islands not less than a paradise is a group of 9 small islands; which lies 50 miles away from the Phuket Town. It is a place where heaven meets earth. This Island is known to have the best diving sites in the world. Efforts of the Plant Conservation Department, Wildlife, Thai Mueang District, Phang-nga, has made it one of the most popular and perfect camping sites in Thailand.

Similan Islands - Camping Destinations in Thailand
Similan Islands (Source)

The accommodation options at Similan Island are camping or staying in a bungalow. For adventure freaks and budget travelers, we suggest Camping to experience the wild life and nature at its best.

Also Read: Koh Samui City guide

Apart from these, there are several other camping sites in Thailand like Chiang Dao in Chiang Mai province, Ko Lao Liang in Trang province, Thi Lor Su Waterfall in Umphang wildlife sanctuary, Khao Laem National Park and Huay Mae Kamin Waterfall in Kanchanaburi province etc.

Camping sites in Thailand

Best time to Camp in Thailand

The camping can be done at any time of year. However, November to March is considered as the best time, as the weather is slightly cooler. Avoid camping during monsoons that are from July to October, especially in Southern Thailand, like Phi Phi Islands.  Apart from this, you must follow this 2 week Thailand Itinerary for a perfect holiday.

Koh Samui City Guide

Ko Samui or Koh Samui City is a self-sufficient island which means the big source of business in itself. It has been taking care of the tourism infrastructure like a well – oiled machine. Indeed, the Island continues to work tirelessly day and night to earn far more revenues than any other cities or islands of Thailand.

Koh Samui  today has become far more from the tiny fishing village of the 1940’s and is frequented by hippies and backpackers. The powdery white stretches of its amazing beaches are now transformed into premier holiday destinations especially on the entire Western Gulf coast. These retreats cater majorly to a new generation of revelers, with a majority of them being scaled up to the luxury retreats.

Koh Samui City Guide

To take in the sights of the city, which is approximately half the size of Phuket, one just needs the better part of a day to go around the whole island. We say Koh Samui can be best experienced by taking a slow and casual approach, and the Koh Samui city guide given here will clearly explain the character of the different spots. It will help one to find what could be just right for his/her Ko Samui / Koh Samui vacations.

WHERE TO EAT IN KOH SAMUI CITY

Chez François, Fisherman’s Village, Bophut

There has never been a bad word uttered for this restaurant, and it has earned a lot of universal acclaims. Diners, here are welcomed through a large and beautiful ornate doorway which opens to a street in Fisherman’s Village. The place has a quaint small bar, while the menu keeps changing daily depending on the market availability of a product. Guests are advised to book the table well in advance.

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Barracuda, the Wharf, Bophut

Situated inside the 24,000 sq km open-air mall called, The Wharf, the Barracuda lies at the western portion of the popular walking street of Bophut. This is the most noticeable restaurant here and it is run by a German. They serve one of the best Mediterranean food using local ingredients. The food is fresh, simple and the service is just impeccable at all times.

Barracuda Restaurant, Koh Samui City Guide
Source: wanderluxe.theluxenomad

Stacked, Chaweng Beach, Bophut

We advise you not to get fooled by the simple design of Stacked at Chaweng Beach, Boput. Right from their open kitchen to the lighting theme, the place is extremely comfortable and contemporary. The selection of steaks and salads here is wonderful. However, the real challenge at Stacked is eating the famous Stacked Burger. This burger here is out of the world, and if one can finish the monster within 20 minutes, it is free; else you need to pay 1000 bahts for it. Bon appetite!

Stacked Burger at stacked Restaurant, Koh Samui City Guide

NIGHTLIFE IN KOH SAMUI CITY

9Gems, 141/190 Moo 6, Bophut

Relax by the side of a hill, enjoying fusion food and cocktails overlooking Chaweng. The 9 Gems, an upscale lounge, located in a classy villa, is the perfect place to splash your cash in Koh Samui.

9Gems Lounge Restaurant: Koh Samui City Guide
Source: Kosamui

Air Bar, Moo 3, Taling Ngam

Air Bar is considered to be the only place from where one can view a stunning sunset. The Air Bar lies at the top of Intercontinental Samui Baan Resort. Their stylish bar extends well over the cliffside and offers great views of the ocean. It is advisable to grab the prominent view seats as early as 5 pm. The bar has an excellent cocktail menu, created by a famous mixologist.

Intercontinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort. AirBar, Koh Samui City guide
Source: Samui Intercontinental

Woo Bar, W Retreat, Mae Nam

Have you imagined ever, having a drink at late evenings in the round lounges, set within an infinity pool?  The Woo Bar has a large shaped W at one end reflecting into the water. As dusk falls and the sound of the Dj and the lights come on, guests can marvel at the amazing views of Koh Phang. A free flow of 10 signature cocktails is available for about 1200 bahts to while away the hours.

Woobar, W retreat, Koh SamuiCity Guide
Source: ministryofvillas

WHERE TO KEEP FIT IN KOH SAMUI CITY

Samahita Retreat, Namuang, Taling Ngam

The Samahita, or ‘balanced’ as translated in Sanskrit, is a wellness retreat located in the quieter southern part of Koh Samui. Guests of all levels of abilities are encouraged to partake in the various stress-reducing programmes, through a wide range of yoga and meditation techniques.

Samahita Retreat, Koh Samui City Guide
Source: Theretreatcompany

The Spa Samui Beach Resort, Lamai Beach

This exceptional beachfront resort has been attracting guests for decades, especially those looking for specialized treatment for healing and hypnotherapy. The atmosphere at the resort is very calm and peaceful and it encourages guests to bond and vibe with each other.

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The Sanctuary, Koh Phangan

This magical piece of paradise is situated not so distant from Koh Samui, albeit a short boat rides away to the charming isle of Koh Phangan. There are no communication channels here, and the electricity is extremely erratic, which means no ATM’s either. This is incidentally the plus point here as all the action here takes place under the stars.

The Sanctuary, Koh Phangan; Koh Samui City Guide
Source: www.nomadasaurus.com

WHERE TO STAY IN KOH SAMUI CITY

Amari Koh Samui

Accommodation forms an important part of any holiday. And the Amari beach resort offers the best of both worlds to the guests since it is located by the sea in Chaweng. From Beach King rooms to Family villas this 4-star property is ideal for everyone looking for a luxury vacation in Thailand.

Amari Koh Samui; Koh Samui city guide
Source: Kenwoodtravel

OZO

With a location, bang on Chaweng beach, OZO is perfect for those seeking uninterrupted bliss on the golden sands. The plethora of bars and clubs, for which Chaweng has a reputation, allows the guests to party away after sunset.

Ozo, Koh Samui; Koh Samui city guide
Source: Priceline

Banana Fan Sea Resort

The Banana Fan Sea Resort located on the beach has 73 rooms and is situated near the Phetch Buncha Thai Boxing Stadium. The rooms are simple, but lavishly appointed and have all the basic amenities and much more.

Banana Fan Sea Resort, Koh Samui; Koh Samui City Guide
Source: Holidaycheck

It is highly recommended that prior visiting Koh Samui City/ Island, gather as much information as you can, in order to get the best out of your valuable time and money. The short guide compiled here by us is just a small attempt to give you the local information on the island which was once just a tiny coconut plantation and an erstwhile the most famous backpacking destination.

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Also do check and share, 3 days at Patong town, Phuket, Thailand.