วันจันทร์ที่ 29 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2553

A Good Man Is Simply Irresistible

All too often I have heard women say that there are not enough good men out there. Some have said that all of the good men are either married or in committed relationships. However, I do believe that there are still good men that are out there but it just may not be "your" man. Rather than walking the man down the aisle before you ever obtain his first name, why not ask yourself what makes a good man simply irresistible? If you have no idea what makes a man good, then think of those qualities within a man that has you saying "Um, I want to learn more about him" or "wow, he really seems like he is worth getting to know as a friend." Do not take for granted the good men that surround you. Here are some of my personal opinions of what makes a good man simply irresistible.


  • A good man is simply irresistible when he takes time out to spend with his child (ren) while giving his wife or significant other time for herself without having been asked.


  • A good man is simply irresistible when he comes home from work and has dinner ready and waiting for his lady.


  • A good man is simply irresistible when he is able to show emotions when he watches a movie classified as a "chick" flick.


  • A good man is simply irresistible when he lets his woman know when finances are tight and they work on making their finances better without him depending on his mother to bail him out.


  • A good man is simply irresistible when he shows his son how to treat a lady on a date and his daughter how she should be treated as a lady when with a man.


  • A good man is simply irresistible when he realizes and appreciates the fact that he has a woman home that loves and honors his manhood without comparing himself to his boys.


  • A good man is simply irresistible when he is able to connect with his spirit guide and understand that he does not have to be a super hero for the whole world only for his woman and his child (ren).


  • A good man is simply irresistible when he says that he is going to do something and follows through without his woman "nagging" him.


  • A good man is simply irresistible when he loves his woman like no other man can or would. He does not have to physically hurt her to show his love. He just loves her for who she is and not what he wants her to be.


  • A good man is simply irresistible when he is willing to stay home from work (yes, I am talking about those stay at home dads who rarely get credit for raising their children) taking care of the children while his wife earns money for the family.


  • A good man is simply irresistible when he loves himself for who he is and not what his money, car, job, friends etc. believes he should be. He is comfortable in his own skin.

Today I would like to pay homage to all of the good men who continue to live in our society. There are many who are married and are in committed relationships. Yet there are others who are simply waiting for their lady to arrive and appreciate them for who they are and not how their bank account defines their worth. So if you know of any good men around you tell them thank you for being the man they are and let them know how much you appreciate them. Gentlemen, if you know of a man who could be a good man but he chooses not to then give him a little nudge in the right direction as there are still some ladies out here who are patiently waiting for a few good men.




April Lisbon-Peoples is a growth and development coach who enjoys inspiring her clients to find their life's purpose through becoming visionaries. She the founder and CEO of Running Your Race, a coaching practice designed for individuals who are ready to awaken their visions and create their destiny. April also has a strong desire to help mothers find the balance between work and family. Additionally, she also works as a school psychologist in NV.

April has written various articles focusing on elevating and motivating people as they aim towards reaching their highest potential. She aspires to help her clients live their dreams while gaining and maintaining a level of healthy success. So if you are ready to fly like the eagles and see your vision come to past, then visit her at [http://www.creatingmyvision.com] or e-mail her at creatingvision@gmail.com

วันอาทิตย์ที่ 28 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2553

Property in Phuket - Investors Turn to the East

With recent months seeing relative instability and poor returns from overseas property investment, the past twelve months have seen property investors going through a period of reflection, as they look to see which international markets will offer them the long term returns of investment they are looking for. Issues such as increasingly fragile economies and oversupply in traditional markets, have seen investors starting to look at markets such as Phuket with a view to them offering higher yields over the next few years.

Larger than Singapore, and located approximately 860 kilometers south of Bangkok, Phuket is one of South East Asia's premier tourist destinations. Friendly locals, good infrastructure, exceptional cuisine and a tropical climate have resulted in large numbers of international property investors moving into Phuket. As such, the island is rapidly becoming a regional hub of international property investment, offering relative stability in uncertain times.

Recently Phuket has seen some exciting, and genuinely innovative property development projects being launched on the island. Projects such as the Royal Marina and the Laguna Village are well conceived developments, which prove attractive to overseas investors. These projects offer a genuine lifestyle choice for people, offering waterside living in a beautiful and friendly environment.

As well as the favorable local conditions for investors, the second factor affecting this growth in demand for property in Phuket is the increasing acceptance of overseas property investment in Thailand by the local authorities. At present, Thai law states that a foreigner may not own the freehold to the land, however they are able to purchase a freehold title for the building which sits on the land. In effect, the resulting purchase agreement will see the purchaser buying the freehold title for the property, and a separate 30 year lease on the land itself. In this instance, it is common for the contract to provide an option to extend the lease a further two times, each for thirty years, effectively giving a 90 year lease.

Property legislation in Thailand is slightly different for investors wishing to purchase a condominium, where a developer is likely to offer the purchaser both a leasehold and freehold option. Under Thailand property law, foreign ownership of a condominium must be under the allow limit of 49%, and in this instance ownership on a freehold basis can be offered. However if the block is currently over the 49% foreign ownership quota, then the property will be offered on a leasehold basis with the option to extend twice for periods of 30 years.

Whilst this method of property legislation may seem time consuming and complex, it is commonly practiced throughout Thailand, and it is believed that the authorities are currently looking at streamlining this process. As with all property purchases overseas, the requirement for a solid understanding of local legislation makes the choice of a good, multi-lingual solicitor a key factor to a smooth transaction.

These more favorable conditions, coupled with the stable political and economic climate currently being experienced in Thailand, investors are seeing long term returns from a market which currently represents good value in the property market.

The market for property in Phuket is gaining popularity, but still has a long way to go before reaching maturity. With a range of property on offer in the region, Phuket has something to cater for every budget and taste.




Mark Burns is a Partner at Property-Dubai.tv, a global property website, offering a wide selection of property in Phuket and a range of Thailand real estate

วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 25 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2553

My Favorite Phuket Resort

When it comes to Phuket resorts, if you don't do your homework you might find yourself staying somewhere fantastic or else somewhere completely drab. There are a large number of resorts in Phuket. Some of them are among the finest places to stay in all of Thailand, complete with all the trimmings, from swimming pools to spas.

There are some fine Phuket resorts, but one that stands out above the crowd is the Indigo Pearl resort in Nai Yang, towards the north of the island. As a resort, Indigo Pearl has evolved into something really special, winning numerous awards along the way.

The five-star Indigo Pearl is one of the most interesting Phuket resorts around. Owned by the prestigious Na Ranong family, the resort is like a fantasy playground. Every detail, from the cutlery and showerhead to the chairs and tables has been designed to reflect Phuket's tin-mining history. The resort is unique and a far cry from typical high-end chain hotels and resorts that you find all over Phuket.

The rooms at Indigo Pearl are perfect. They aren't excessively flashy, but they are comfortable in the optimal sense of the word. The bedding is exquisite and you won't want to get out of bed in the mornings.

This Phuket resort is located right next to Nai Yang Beach, which is a peaceful beach spot that doesn't attract many tourists. Nai Yang is also home to Phuket's kitesurfing community, so if you want to try something new, this is as good a place as any.

Back on site, there is a decent range of facilities. There are tennis courts and the gym is worth a look if you fancy a workout. As with most Phuket resorts, there are several places for wining and dining.

Rivet Grill is an exceptional restaurant that serves up the best steaks on the island. Meanwhile, Rebar is a funky cocktail bar that stays open late and has a DJ spinning lounge music. The Tongkah Tin Syndicate bar is a funky theme bar full of artifacts from the tin-mining world of yesteryear.

The main restaurant at Indigo Pearl is also home to the best Sunday brunch on the island - even better than the one at Floyd's Brasserie at Burasari.

The staff at Indigo Pearl are well trained and most of them can speak English proficiently. The only trouble with Indigo Pearl is that it's located a long way from the majority of the island's main attractions, but if you can bear being a little out in the wilderness, Indigo Pearl is the perfect Phuket resort.




Get the lowdown in Phuket resorts at Phuket Vogue.

วันจันทร์ที่ 22 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2553

Patong Beach Hotels to Consider

You've decided to visit Patong Beach in Thailand and need a place to stay! There are many hotels available in this party capital of Phuket! You're sure to find that one that's right for you whether you're looking for quiet luxury; family accommodations; other singles; or perhaps an apartment, boarding house, or time share.

So you've opted for Luxury!

o The top end among luxury resorts is Amanpuri, and The Chedi Panasea beach. The elegant thatched suite huts and exclusive setting will impress even the worldliest connoisseur. Rates are from $750 to $18,000 per night for a 6 bedroom pool villa with ocean view.

o The Amari Coral Beach Resort is great for honeymooners! It is on the small hill at the east end of Patong Beach and away from the noise of the town. It's very peaceful with exotic views and an extremely nice staff. Expect to pay $130 to $320.

o Other splurge spots include Absolute Sea Pearl Beach Resort, Diamond Cliff Resort, Burasari, Holiday Inn Resort, Impiana Phuket Cabana, Sunset Beach Resort, and Deevana Patong Resort & Spa. These cost from $90 to $500 per night.

Looking for mid-range?

o The KN Guesthouse just off Ratuthid Road has a swimming pool and restaurant. It's squeaky clean and has great hosts. Rooms start at $33.

o The Patong Inn is across from the beach, and steps away from Bangla Road. The staff is friendly and the rooms are clean and comfortable. About $56 a night includes breakfast for 2 people.

o Also check these: Yorkshire Inn, Patong Bayshore, Patong Lodge Hotel, and Patong Palmview Resort. Rates will be from $25 to $100+.

Looking for a family spot? Select a quiet hotel close to the beach (there are several that meet these guidelines). This allows easy access to family oriented activities (snorkeling, swimming, and playing on the great sand beaches). Because of the "party-capital" atmosphere in Patong; with its thriving nightlife; numerous "entertainment complexes"; countless bars; and prostitutes to cater to every taste, you will probably want the family to stay away from Bangla Road.

Looking for alternative accommodations?

o The Komma Bar & Guesthouse has a fantastic location on the south end of the Patong strip. It offers good food, warm vibes and hotel quality rooms for about $39.

o The Quality Resort Patong Beach is a boutique resort located just a few steps from the south of Patong Beach. Surrounding the resort are a multitude of shops offering a tempting array of goods and souvenirs.

o Tight budget? You can find a dormitory bed for under $5.




Get more info about Patong hotels and Patong Beach at these top links.

วันศุกร์ที่ 19 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2553

Backpacking Southeast Asia - Thailand Itinerary Ideas

Considering a backpacking trip to Thailand? Here are some ideas for your itinerary.

One Week: If you only have one week in Thailand, you will have to make sacrifices on what you will be able to see. The most common route would be to spend a few days in Bangkok, checking out the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and getting familiar with the Thai culture. The remainder of the trip could be spent on one of the numerous beach locations Thailand has to offer.

Catch a cheap flight to Either Phuket or Ko Samui to relax on the beach for a few days. From Ko Samui you could spend a few days at Ko Pha Ngan if you wanted to attend the full moon party (book accommodation well in advance if you are trying to go to the full moon party). From Phuket, you could spend a few days on the beautiful island of Ko Phi Phi, relaxing on the beach or going snorkeling.

Two weeks: With two weeks in Thailand, you will be able to the vast majority of what Thailand has to offer. Again your trip will most likely start in Bangkok.

If you want to do the beach circuit, catch the bus or a cheap flight to Phuket. Spend a day in Phuket, before heading to Ko Phi Phi. From Ko Phi Phi, catch a ferry to the Krabi region and spend some spend rock climbing and snorkeling. From Krabi take the bus to Surat Thani, to catch the Ferry to head to Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan, before heading back to Bangkok to conclude your trip.

Another option is to visit Northern Thailand, but still spend some time on the beach. Again start in Bangkok before catching the train to Chiang Mai. While in Chiang Mai, visit local native hill tribes, go on elephant rides, go bamboo rafting, take Thai cooking classes, and visit the Sunday Market. From Chiang Mai you can choose to either visit Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan, or Phuket, Ko Phi Phi and Krabi. The easiest way is to catch a cheap flight from Chiang Mai to either Ko Samui or Phuket.

One Month: With one month in Thailand you can visit almost every corner of the country. Along with all the destinations previously mentioned, you can also visit the white sand beaches of Ko Samet and Ko Chang. To the East of Bangkok, these destinations are much quieter than the beach destinations in Southern Thailand. Ko Chang is a good place to visit if you are into scuba diving.

Another destination that is possible to visit is Ko Tao. A short ferry ride from Ko Pha Ngan, this sleepy island also has some excellent scuba diving, and can be a peaceful break from the craziness of the full moon party.

Unfortunately, due to Bangkok's central location and the fact that it is the transportation hub of Thailand, you will have to backtrack if you want to see all corners of the country. If you are willing to take some discount flights, it can help to eliminate the long backtracking journeys.




Knowing where to go when planning your trip can be difficult, so it important to do some research before you leave. To get help on planning your trip, visit http://www.timetogobackpacking.com to create your free Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary. Also, check out the backpacking forums to chat with other travellers.

วันพุธที่ 17 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2553

Tiger Muay Thai Camp Review (Phuket, Thailand)

This is a review for Tiger Muay Thai & MMA in Phuket, Thailand. I turned up and originally planned and paid to stay here for 1 week... 1 week turned into 2 weeks. Then I came back for a month.

Pricing
The cost for training is about average for a Farang training in Thailand, and is as follows:

  • Half day 300B

  • Full day 500B

  • Week 2500B

  • Month 9000B

  • 3 Months 24000B

A strong recommendation I will make, is that if you are coming here on a budget and/or have not done much intense training before, then only pay a week or so in advance. Time and time again people pay up for 3 months in advance, then only train a few times a week. Pay a week in advance and then see how much you think you will train before shelling out loads of cash in advance.

Payment is accepted via cash or credit card (Visa & MasterCard).

Accommodation

Rooms vary from 2,500B (small room with fan) to 20,000B+ (room with air con and all modern facilities and a swimming pool)/month. I was paying 12,000B for a very nice double room with cable TV, Wi-Fi, hot electric shower etc. at a place just down the road called 'The Nature House'.

My advice for accommodation is to only pre pay a few days or a week to start with. As you may find something much cheaper or if you already have a cheap room you may not like it and wish to upgrade.

A good (but not exhaustive) accommodation list is available on the TMT website.

Food

Eating in the local area can be anything from 40B a meal to 350B+ depending on where and what you eat. The cheaper meals tend to be Thai food (generally consisting of rice or noodles dishes), western food is much more expensive. A restaurant called Mama's is one of the cheapest around here and has a solid reputation. They also have cheap rooms available (9,000B/month).

Whatever you do, DON'T pay in advance for the food plan at the gym. It is overpriced and many people end up missing meals. There are plenty of other places to eat, variety is more fun than eating at the same place every day.

Training

As well as Muay Thai, the gym offers classes in MMA (mostly no gi jiu jitsu and sparring), Western Boxing, Krabi Krabong, Yoga and Circuit training.

In all honesty, the Muay Thai classes are overcrowded, and you will unlikely be recognised and given individual attention unless you stay a long period of time, or pay extra for private sessions. But you can still get a good work out.

The western boxing classes are good, with two world champions and a stadium champion instructing. But can still get very busy.

The MMA classes I have mixed feelings towards. The mornings are just no gi jiu jitsu (which is taught to a fairly decent level by Ray Elbe) and the afternoons are fairly intense sparring. And they do have a nice cage to train in. However no wrestling is taught.

If you want to do MMA here then my advice is to get the best of it by training the morning no gi BJJ class and then do the Muay Thai or Western Boxing class in the afternoons.
The gym also hosts seminars often (most of which are free) with visiting fighters. Whilst I was there Royce Gracie, Alberto Crane and Roger Huerta gave seminars!

Facilities

Tiger Muay Thai has some of the best facilities in all of Thailand. At the time of writing they have 6 rings, a MMA cage, a weights room (with enough benches, racks, machines and weights to get a really good workout), another weights area with lots of kettlebells and several spinning bikes, and many heavy bags. They are also having a large extension built.

Location

Phuket is a very large tourist destination. However, Tiger Muay Thai is located in the subdistrict of Chalong, which is cut off from most of the distractions this brings (beaches, bars, nightlife etc), but these are easily accessible by taxi or if you rent a scooter for 3-4,000B per month.

I'd recommend a scooter if you are staying for any period of time (just be careful, there are some 10,000 accidents a year in Phuket alone involving bikes).

With the freedom of a bike you can access the food and clothing markets, Central Festival shopping centre (including cinema), Beaches, Bars & Clubs, the local Zoo, the aquariam, Elephant trekking, Snake shows etc!

Equipment Shop

The price of most things in this shop are jacked up. Shop around unless there is something really specific you want here.

Personal Comments

Your time at Tiger Muay Thai will be what you make it. It can be a serious training camp or you can come here with the best of intentions yet get caught up in boozing most nights and spending your days on the beaches... or you can do a bit of both.

This place is aimed more towards the casual trainer on holiday with plenty of cash to spare, so unless you are quite tight fisted you can easily spend a lot of money.

I made lots of friends and enjoyed myself and what all the different classes had to offer, but after a time I grew tired of the overcrowded and commercial side to the gym and decided to switch over to Dragon Muay Thai just down the road...




Check out my blog for more reviews: MMA & Muay Thai blog.

วันอังคารที่ 16 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2553

Why Choose to Live in Phuket?

There's no denying that Phuket continues to be a winner with holidaymakers, but it's often overlooked just how appealing the island is to expats aiming to relocate. Thailand is a great place to live, but depending on your needs, each different province will be like heaven or hell. Most people's first stop is Bangkok., but the appeal of the big city can wear thin in a short time. Phuket has most of the amenities of Bangkok with the added bonus of being a tropical island.

One of the main draws of living in Thailand is how cheap everything is compared to the places such as America, Japan, Europe, Britain and Australia. Money goes a lot further in Thailand than in many other countries, You may have read about how expensive Phuket is to live, but take those words with a pinch of salt. Phuket may be slightly more pricey than Bangkok, but if you're careful with your money you can live on much the same as in the capital.

Accommodation isn't expensive in Phuket unless you're keen on renting a lavish condo or a big house. You can rent a basic studio apartment or a small house for about 5,000 baht a month in Phuket Town. You'll find that renting a place somewhere like Patong is a lot more expensive. Alternatively, if you have a Thai wife you can buy your own house for a fraction of the price of something similar in the Western world.

Eating out is also reasonably priced and there are a variety of restaurants to choose from in Phuket. There are numerous places to go shopping, including Central Festival mall in Phuket City and Jungceylon in Patong. Tesco and Tops are two popular supermarkets that you can find all over the island.

Other amenities in Phuket include cinemas, go-kart tracks, shooting ranges, bars, clubs and pubs, and a couple of parks. The real draw of the island, however, is its beaches.

It doesn't take long for new residents to figure out which beaches are worth visiting and which are worth avoiding altogether. Forget Patong Beach if you want something scenic and try somewhere like Yanui or Mai Khao instead. It's a fantastic feeling to be able to have your pick of more than a dozen beach spots on your day off.

In terms of work, there are ample opportunities to find employment with schools, language schools, magazines, newspapers, hotels and resorts, property companies, and other businesses. Get yourself to the island, get out there and meet people - soon enough the opportunities will begin to present themselves.




There's no doubt that Phuket is a great place for a holiday or even as somewhere to relocate to. Phuket Vogue is a website that might help you make the decision, with all the latest gossip about Phuket events and restaurants in Patong, as well as a handy currency exchange feature.

วันอาทิตย์ที่ 14 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2553

Phuket Weather: What to Do When It Rains

So it has been raining all night and you are sad looking out your hotel window looking at the torrential rain wondering what to do with your rainy day in Phuket. Below are a few options that are not affected by the rain and some that make it much better.

1. Quad biking - probably one for the guys but the rain makes quad biking much, much more fun, with puddles to splash through and mud to slide on. Yes you will get very wet and very muddy but it will be worth it i assure you!

2. Spa Treatment - probably one for the girls whilst their partners are out quad biking! Get into the dry and relax with a spa treatment. There are a million and one treatments available and all at very cheap prices compared to western spas.

3 - Shopping - Always a favorite rainy day activity wherever you are. Phuket has a number of indoor shopping centers with underground parking so you never have to step into the rain. Central Shopping Mall, Big C, Tesco-Lotus, Ocean Plaza and Robinsons Department Store around Phuket Town or Jungceylon in Patong are all big indoor centers worth a look.

4 - bowling/laser tag/cinema - The Jungcelon in Patong has a number of indoor activities beyond shopping such as laser games or live gun shooting, 10 pin bowling and a cinema. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants so really there is something for everyone. I always head hear when the Phuket weather turns nasty!

5 - Go for a swim - most people tend to avoid the pool or the beach when there is a downpour, but swimming in the rain is great fun and because Phukets weather is hot; be it raining or not the rain makes little difference! Get wet in the rain!




For luxury Phuket villas, hotels, restaurants and activities take a look at the luxury Phuket guide.

For luxury Phuket villa rental http://www.phuket-luxury-villa.com

Article written by Craig L.

วันศุกร์ที่ 12 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2553

Shop 'Till You Drop in Phuket, Thailand! A Shopping Guide Written by a Local

Gifts, Souvenirs, Boutique Clothes & Jewelery
It can be fun to wonder along Surin Beach road to discover the small souvenir shops and boutiques clothing stores. As you walk down Surin beach road there is a small gallery where you can buy paintings, and a lovely boutique clothes shop Dharma bum. You could also visit Twinpalms Hotel, and the 'Island Shop', on the ground floor near to the juice bar, selling beautiful bikinis, necklaces and bags, and Palm Spa sells interesting teas, essential oils, and candles. At Palm Spa you could treat yourself to a fantastic steam and massage, you will emerge feeling a million dollars! As you continue walk towards the end of the road there is a fascinatingly shop - Soul of Asia, which is great for browsing.

If you are visiting Royal Phuket Marina you may want to purchase some home-made chocolates and pasteries to die for. Royal Phuket Marina has a lovely furniture store with various items you could take home with you and spa.

Surin Plaza, and Canal Village are also great places to explore. For example, Ginger (ground floor, Surin Plaza) has some interesting trinkets, jewelery, and gift items.

Within Canal Village you can find Jim Thompson Thailand's famous producer of silk products including cushion covers, purses and other luxury items. There is also a good coffee shop, clinic, travel agent, and souvenir shops. It has an ATM and parking.

Local Thai Markets
The best local Thai markets is the Sunday market in Cherntalay, at the intersection by the Police station, every Sunday afternoon. If you want to purchase everyday Thai style clothing, shoes and food this is the place to shop, beware buying toys for small children as the Thai products do not adhere to international safety standards.

Western Style Super Markets
Tesco Lotus is open from 9am to 10pm everyday, it has an ATM and parking, and it is located about 10 minutes from Club Lersuang. Tesco Lotus is the nearest western style Super Market, it sells most grocery items including fresh milk, drinking water, fruit, vegetables, suncream, music, books, and newspapers; as well as a bakery and pharmacy.

Carrefour in (Jungceylon mall) Patong is much larger Super Market and it's about 20 minutes away. Other Super Markets such as Big C, and Tops can be found in the center of Phuket Island. Local shops, grocery stores and Seven-Eleven convenience stores are on every main road.

Shopping Malls
There are two main shopping malls, Central Festival and Jungceylon.

Jungceylon in Patong is the nearest mall, and it has a large variety of shops, including Robinson's department store, sports shops, a diving shop, food center, cinema, nail and beauty salons. You can park underground but you may need to pay a small fee depending on how long you stay (show your shopping receipts). It also has an excellent indoor market called That's Siam, perfect for souvenirs such as Thai Silks, Pearls, Shells and local items.

Central Festival is located in the center of the island and is about a 30 minute drive, it has some designer brands like Guess, and everyday shops as well. Its a great place to buy good quality items, ask for a 5% tourist discount card.

ATMs can be found at all shopping malls and large super markets, the nearest ATM's are at Tesco Lotus and Surin beach road, near to the Tuk Tuk stand.




For more information on shopping, restaurants and things to do in Phuket, Thailand see our website http://phuketvacationapartments.com or http://royalphuketmarinaapartments.com

วันอังคารที่ 9 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2553

Discover the Relaxing Thai Massage - Here Are the Top 5 Best Massage Centers in Thailand

Thai massage is said to have been developed by Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, believed to be the, physician to the Buddha, in India more than 2,500 years ago. It has then made its way to Thailand, where its principles and techniques slowly became influenced by the customary Chinese medicine.

It was performed by monks for centuries used as one element for Thai medicine. Thai massage is said to be more stimulating and precise than any other kinds of massage.

It is also being called the "Thai yoga massage", where in the therapists uses their hands, knees, legs, and feet to move people into a sequence of yoga-like positions. Many people say it is like performing yoga without doing any work. Much compression of the muscles in the joint areas and acupressure are used during the massage treatment. Many describe Thai massage as both comforting and refreshing sort of therapy.

Here are the five best massage centers in Thailand:

1.     The Garden Chiang Mai - located in Chiang Mai, Thailand offers you the enjoyments of foot massages in the garden. Garden Chiang Mai massage is based on reflexology and acupressure styles, which means that with their qualified staff, massage is always relaxing and stimulates the whole system. They also offer neck and back massage here. With just 150 baht per hour, one can enjoy traditional Thai massage. The massage routines are performed in luxury air-conditioned rooms. This is a Thai massage center designed to awaken and manipulate the body. Thai massage provides full relief from many aches and pains which helps with achieving good posture.

2.     Oriental de Phuket - found in Phuket, Thailand a place for one to have a refreshing mind and body. Oriental de Phuket is well recommended for Healthy Massage that will help everyone reduce stress and have a peaceful time. 

Here, one will observe warmest welcome and the best services. therapists are well trained and qualified by specialized Thai Massage Association

3.     Chiva Som - is everyone's "Haven of Life" located in the the Gulf of Thailand. Chiva-Som is all about learning to live, enjoy life, enjoy life's pleasures and appreciate Thai massages. Here, one enjoys relaxing Thai massage and other different massage techniques. The Chive som massage center has well trained staff that will surely give everyone the comfort they need.

4.      Health Land - located in Pattaya Nua Road, Thailand. Offers relaxing Thai massages for as low as 450 Baht per session. The massage will take up to 2 hours, where one can fully relax and enjoy the luxury of the place while having a peaceful time.

5.    Friend's Massage - located only 200 meters away from Sukhumvit. It is a clean and good-looking building which has been newly renovated. Friend's massage offers traditional Thai massage and oil massages, beauty treatments such as manicure, pedicure, facial massage, nail painting, and even hairdressing services.




Ms. Pinky is a mom of 3 school children. She is a Systems Engineer, a Technology Researcher and an Independent Medical Billing and Coding Consultant. She and her family is well-traveled all over the world!

Her blogs and websites focuses on stay-at-home moms, dads and students who wants to work at home, build homebased business http://www.mommyisworkingathome.com

Visit her Interesting Site on Asian Travels and Destinations. Discover Asia's Culture and Great Food! at http://www.goingplacesinasia.com

วันอาทิตย์ที่ 7 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2553

Is Phuket Still Worth a Visit?

If you were to pay attention to expat forums and travel websites, you'd soon come to the conclusion that Phuket wasn't worth visiting. Long-time expats and grumpy travelers have been known to paint a very gloomy picture of Phuket. It's the same old story: over development has spoiled the beaches, there are too many people, everything is expensive and it just ain't like it used to be. All of this is true, to an extent, but only if you choose to hang out in the island's tourist traps.

A visit to Phuket can be as lovely or as depressing as you want it to be. Spending a week in Patong in the hopes of finding a secluded beach paradise would put most people off a return trip to the island, but with a little thought and planning ahead, it's easy enough to suss out a few of the better spots to visit.

On the other hand, if you want a holiday chock full of rowdy nightlife, late-night discos, a reasonable beach and lots of tourists, Patong could be just what you need. There's no denying that the beach resort can be a lot of fun if not taken too seriously, but let's face it, most people go to an island to enjoy the sun, sea and sand.

Kata and Karon are two beaches that are less crowded than Patong and a whole lot more appealing. Accommodation at these two beach spots is reasonably priced and it's easy enough to travel from one part of the island to another. The best way to get around is, of course, by hiring a motorbike, but there are taxis and tuk-tuks that will ferry travelers around for over-the-top prices.

So if the island's most popular area is worth giving a miss, you might be wondering if there are enough other decent spots to still make a trip to Phuket memorable. There are lots of beautiful areas of Phuket, some better known than others. Phuket Town may not have a beach, but it's still a place that should be checked out, if only for the good food and lazy vibes. It's also a transport hub, with regular links to most of the island's beaches and other points of interest.

If you're keen to see some of Phuket's beaches, find your way to Yanui Beach or take a trip to Coconut Island, just off the east coast. Mai Khao Beach is another good one, although for the most part it is so deserted that there isn't even anyway to buy a cool drink.

Phuket has changed a lot over the past 20 years, but that doesn't mean it should be scratched off travelers' itineraries. Just don't listen to the jaded long-timers.




Get all the latest information about beaches and restaurants in Phuket by heading over to the Phuket Vogue website.

วันศุกร์ที่ 5 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2553

Water Sports For All to Enjoy in Phuket

Phuket is the biggest island in Thailand and is a destination where visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports. Fishing, yachting, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, parasailing, jet skiing and banana boat riding are the main water activities visitors can find in the province.

All levels of swimmers can snorkel and experience the joys of swimming over coral reefs with colorful fish. The best locations for snorkeling in Phuket are Laem Sing Beach, Kata and Kata Noi Beach, and Ao Sane Beach among a few others. Snorkelers are advised to wear a T-shirt and protective UV cream as the sun is usually very hard.

For people who want to try deep water scuba diving, Phuket has lots of fantastic diving sites. A multitude of diving shops offer to beginners PADI Open Water courses, and for the experienced divers a selection of diving trips are organized around smaller islands. The Similans, Phi Phi islands, Koh Racha Yai & Noi have the best spots for a dive.

Besides swimming, snorkeling and diving, other water sports can be enjoyed on the water like fishing. A fishing boat can be rented for the day for five or six persons where not only fishing, but sunbathing, can be experienced in the Andaman Sea. All the fish caught, mainly Tuna, will end as a dish for lunch, prepared by the crew on board of the boat.

Sea kayaking is another good way to explore the coast of Phuket from the sea. Kayaks with one or two seats can be rented at several beaches: Nai Harn, Ao Sane, Tri Tra and Yanui Beach. Kayaking tours are also organized to explore Phang Nga Bay's cliffs and caverns. It is recommended to ask if it is safe to kayak on the western coast as big waves and courant can be dangerous at times in Phuket.

Jet skis are available for rent in the main beaches but are regrettably overpriced because renters are together in an agreement not to compete and prices will be never discounted. There have been reports of tourists being scammed into paying huge bills for damages to the machines they did not do. The advice would be not to rent them and at the same time help for a better environment with less noise pollution.

Para-sails and banana boats are other activities available. Parasailing is safe as there is someone present during the short trip to make sure that the parachute goes the correct way. Banana boat is a great way to share with five other friends a few minutes of fun on an inflatable banana towed by a speedboat on the water. The fun is over when everyone is eventually thrown into the water.

Phuket definitely has everything that a visitor would want to do on a vacation at the seaside. From very busy beaches to smaller ones, everyone can find a favorite place to go and enjoy water sports.




Michel Gerard is a Travel author located in Asia. Visit the Phuket GuestHouse website to book your accommodation online and grab your *free* ebook: "Stories of Authentic Eco-adventure Destinations for Travellers in Thailand" => http://www.guesthousephuket.com/ebook.html

วันอังคารที่ 2 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2553

What Time of Year Should You Go to Florida?

Visiting Florida for a vacation is an excellent decision, however, the weather is always a consideration. With a trip to any state, considering the weather patterns for that state is very important. Knowing when the best time of year to visit will keep your visit fun and safe, as bad weather conditions can make the trip hazardous. Florida has one of the mildest climates in America, with golden sun-filled days and beautiful clear nights almost year round. However, there are times of the year that it is not a good idea for a vacation.

Florida lies in an area of the country that is close to the tropical islands. As such, the state has a time of the year between June 1st and November 30th that is known as "hurricane season". During this time of year, the state sees tropical disturbances, including tropical depressions and hurricanes. These storms can be dangerous, especially for tourists who are not familiar with this kind of weather pattern. However, that is not to say that it is a bad time to visit Florida. The storms do not always make landfall, and are rarely strong enough to warrant evacuation. Remember to watch the weather reports, particularly from Miami, Florida. They will give you up-to-date information on the tropical activity.

During the summer months from June to August, most schools in the state of Florida are released for summer vacation. This can usually mean an increase in activity flow for theme parks, like Disney World, and Universal Studios Orlando. They are also the hottest months of the year in Florida, which can be dangerous. However, most Florida theme parks offer terrific water attractions that can keep you cool in the heat. Beaches are also excellent in Florida this time of year. Keep in mind, however, that there are few excellent surf locations on either coast in Florida, unless there is a severe storm in the tropics. Florida beaches are better known for being clear and mild with light chops, rather then for having premium conditions for surfing.

Having a flexible vacation time is also a good idea. The reason for this is that during the "tourist season" there is a large number of people that visit the state for its warm sunny beaches and its amazing theme parks. However, this may not be a great time for a fun-filled vacation with the family, especially if you do not like crowds of people. The theme parks are opened to tourists, as well as residents, year round. Therefore, most Florida residents take their vacations during the off-season, before and after the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, as well as before and after Summer and Spring Vacation. These times of year also yield certain specials for theme parks that anyone can take advantage of. The beach areas, like Miami, are also less crowded during the off-seasons.

Making a trip to Florida is an excellent vacation plan for anyone. However, it is best to keep in mind the different kinds of conditions that the state offer, in regards to both weather and tourism. The number of people that visit the state each year during the normal tourist season is in the high thousands and can be somewhat overwhelming for some people. The weather conditions can also become dangerous at times, as well. Watching the weather reports for the state of Florida can help keep your vacation safe and fun.




Article by Dan Carson, Specializing in South Beach Real Estate [http://ssluxuryre.com/listings.asp] & Miami Beach Waterfront Condos [http://ssluxuryre.com/Waterfrontcondos.asp].