Bangkok Weekend Market - Jatujak

Once only popular among wholesalers and traders, Chatuchak Weekend Market has reached a landmark status as a must-visit place for tourists. Its sheer size and diverse collections of merchandise will bring any seasoned shoppers to their knees – this is where you can literally shop ‘till you drop’.

The 35-acre (68-rai) area of Chatuchak is home to more than 8,000 market stalls. On a typical weekend, more than 200,000 visitors come here to sift through the goods on offer. Veteran shoppers would agree that just about everything is on sale here, although not all at the best bargain rates. But if you have one weekend in Bangkok, squeeze in a day trip to Chatuchak Weekend Market and you will not be disappointed.

= Navigating Chatuchak Weekend Market =

For first-timers, ‘conquering’ Chatuchak may seem like an impossible task, but worry not. There is a system to help you navigate your way through Chatuchak. Inside, one main walkway encircles the entire market, and it branches off into a series of numbered alleyways called Soi 1, Soi 2, Soi 3, and so on.

These alleyways are grouped into sections, with 27 sections in all. You will find more than one category of goods contained in one section, and the same category of goods will appear again in the other sections. In terms of locating your category of goods, this system is rather useless; but it will come in handy when you try to locate your particular stall or where your exact location is on the Chatuchak map.

Another way to find your way around Chatuchak is to find points of reference as you go along. The BTS and MRT stations as well as banks and numbered entrance gates are good points of references, as you will come across them as you turn corners. Then again, use the map to locate these references to find your correct orientation.

= What’s For Sale? =

If you can dream it up, Chatuchak probably has it. Here, you will be amazed at the sheer variety of merchandise, whether a Moroccan lamp, an antique wooden chest, a pair of vintage Levi’s jeans, or, on the exotic side, a python.

Although it’s impossible to name all, the selection of goods being offered at Chatuchak can be roughly divided into 11 categories:

• Clothing & Accessories (sections 2-6, 10-26)
• Handicrafts (sections 8-11)
• Ceramics (sections 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 25)
• Furniture and Home Decoration (sections 1,3,4,7,8)
• Food and Beverage (sections 2, 3, 4, 23, 24, 26, 27)
• Plants and Gardening tools (sections 3, 4)
• Art and Gallery (section 7)
• Pets and Pet Accessories (sections 8, 9, 11, 13)
• Books (sections 1, 27)
• Antiques and Collectibles (sections 1, 26)
• Miscellaneous and Used Clothing (sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 22, 25, 26)

When buying goods at Chatuchak, particularly ‘antiques’, it is wise to exercise a few precautions. Check your goods thoroughly to see whether there is any damage, as many vendors sell factory rejects. For ‘antiques’, don’t trust the vendor when he tells you it is genuine. It’s better to bring along an expert, unless you are happy with what you are paying for.


= Bargaining Tips =

Chatuchak Weekend Market is the perfect place for bargain hunting, although whatever you buy here is probably no longer the best deal you can find. So brush up your negotiation skills and be prepared to walk away when the deal fails to go your way. Then, you’ll either be offered a lower price or simply find the same merchandise at another stall. It also helps to do a few practice runs before you actually start buying. Note that a friendly attitude and big smile are your biggest allies in securing the best possible deal.

 

= How to Enjoy Your Shopping Experience =

Few people go to Chatuchak knowing exactly what they want or which stall to go to. Many expect to be surprised and let the sights of all the goods take them through a journey down the maze of stalls. Most often, shoppers arrive with a rough idea of what they want, then are hypnotised by what they see and end up going home with more than a few extra shopping items.
So, the best advice is, if you are going for the first time, to pick a starting point then just follow your instincts, enjoy the experience and bring home your exciting new finds.


= Before You Go to Chatuchak =

Chances are you will end up spending at least half a day here so it is a good idea to prepare a few things to ensure that your shopping experience at Chatuchak is an enjoyable one.

• Wear light and comfortable clothing, e.g. shorts and a t-shirt/tank-top
• Wear comfortable shoes, e.g. a pair of sneakers or sandals 
• Protect yourself against the sun, by wearing sunglasses, a hat and use sunscreen
• Bring a backpack for storing your new-found treasures. It is recommended that you wear your backpack on the front rather than on your back
• Always have bottled drinking water handy 
• Bring enough cash. Most vendors do not accept credit cards, and it can be a long walk to the next ATM
• Beware of pickpockets and watch your belongings 
• Plan to go in the morning, as it can get very hot and crowded in the afternoon
• Free maps are available from one of the information kiosks

= How to Get to Chatuchak =

Hop on the skytrain (BTS) to Mo Chit station, take exit no. 1 and follow the crowd until you see rows of canvas stalls selling clothes. Turn right while continuing to follow the crowd and you will see a small entrance that leads into the market (clothing section).
Another option is to take the subway (MRT) to Chatuchak Park station (exit no.1), then follow the crowd until you arrive at the small entrance that leads into the market (clothing section). For the plant and flower section, get off at Kampheng Phet MRT station (exit no. 1).
The weekend market is open on Saturdays and Sundays, 09:00 - 18:00, and Fridays 18:00 - 24:00. Plant sections are also open on Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 07:00 - 18:00.

We Love Pattaya

Where there is a beautiful woman in Pattaya, Thailand

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Calypso Cabaret Show

17 years ago by now , 1987 , we decided to create a show , which should be different - how that ? ! In the show bussiness many curtains were red , many legs were long and feathers on top of all. And yet , there was that vision and that urge to try - and since we do. With red curtains and long legs and feathers , too and with that one shining detail , which is by now CALYPSO's trademark.

The human being's natural beauty - live on stage.

We constantly strip down decorations and costumes to the bare necessities. We minimize choreographic ambitions and create choreographies , which highlight the specific talents and abilities of our actors and actresses. We do not cater to any markets or fashions or trends.


The overload and without any doubt the overkill of today's frenzies of the media world are verifying our concept of reduction.

Daily training of physical stamina , daily rehearsal of the current show and new productions , try to regain daily our motivation not to copy , not to reproduce the traded cliches and stereotypes.

It ' s said : If you 've seen one , you 've seen them all. Well if you travel to Thailand and stay in Bangkok , plan to see our show. It will give you an unseen and unheard-of experience.

The revival of the art of entertainment!

Beautifully Thai! Internationally renowned! Independently creative!

CALYPSO BANGKOK!

Calypso Cabaret - Theater. Established 1988. At Asia Hotel. 296 Phayathai Rd., Bangkok 10400

ENTRANCE : Main-Lobby

SEATING CAPACITY :
Up to 350 visitors per show. Numbered table-seating up to 5 visitors per table.
THEATER LOBBY
GUIDE ROOM
50 PERFORMERS
TABLE RESERVATION
Booking on "First Come First Serve Basis"

PARKING: Free of Charge
- For Bus (in front of hotel)
- For Car (at hotel car park)

SHOW TIME: 8:15 P.M. and 9:45 P.M.

Map of Calypso Cabaret - Theater :

Glass noodle salad - Yam Wunsen

200 g (6 1/2 oz) glass noodles
300 g (10 oz) minced beef
4 spring onions
5 tomatoes
1/2 Kaffir-lime
1 tb brown sugar
1/2 ts chilli paste
2-3 tb light soy sauce
1 ts sesame oil
1 tb fish sauce

Takes 30 minutes

1. Soak glass noodles in warm water for ten minutes, drain and wash with cold water. With a pair of scissors cut noodles into smaller pieces.
2. Cut spring onions into 2 cm long pieces.
3. Heat oil in a pan. Fry beef. Take out of the pan and set aside.
4. Fry spring onions in the pan. Take out of the pan and set aside.
5. Wash tomatoes and dice into bite-size pieces.
6. Mix all ingredients.
7. Season with lime juice, chilli paste, sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce and fish sauce.

Noodles with prawns - Bamie Pad Gung

300 g (10 oz) Chinese egg noodles
300 g (10 oz) Prawns
1 tb oil
1 tb soy sauce
500 g (1 lb) broccoli
2 red pepper
2 spring onions
3 tb oil
3 tb sweet soy sauce

Takes 35 minutes

1. In a pot bring water to boil and simmer the noodles for ten minutes. Drain noodles and wash with cold water.
2. Prawns and marinade with oil and soy sauce.
3. Cut broccoli into bite-size pieces.
4. Slice pepper.
5. Cut spring onions into 2 cm long pieces.
6. Heat oil in a wok or a pan. Add prawns and stir-fry until tender. Add broccoli and continue to stir-fry. Add onions and pepper and stir-fry for five minutes.
7. Add noodles and stir. Season with soy sauce.

--- Another Same Style ---

Fried noodles with chicken - Bamie Pad Gai
Fried noodles with broccoli and pepper - Bamie Pad
Thai fried noodles - Pad Thai

Fried noodles with pork - Guai Thiau Muh

300 g (10 oz) rice noodles
400 g (13 oz) pork fillet
1tb oil
1 tb soy sauce
500 g (1 lb) broccoli
3 tb oil
2 eggs
3 tb fish sauce
3 tb sweet soy sauce
1,5 tb sugar

Takes 30 minutes

1. Slice pork fillets and marinade with oil and soy sauce.
2. In a pot bring water to boil and cook rice noodles for five minutes. Drain noodles and wash with cold water.
3. Cut broccoli into bite-size pieces and stew in a pot with some salt water. Take out of the water and set aside.
4. Heat oil in a wok or a pan. Add pork and stir-fry. Push pork to one side and quickly add beaten eggs. Once they begin to set, gently scramble them. Stir pork and eggs.
5. Add broccolli and stir-fry.
6. Add noodles, fish sauce, soy sauce and sugar and stir well.

--- Another Same Style ---

Fried rice noodles with prawns - Guai Thiau Gung
Fried rice noodles with squid - Guai Thiau Plaah Mük
Fried rice noodles with beancurd - Guai Thiau Taohoo

Fried rice noodles with chicken - Guai Thiau Gai

300 g (10 oz) rice noodles
400 g (13 oz) chicken fillets
1 tb oil
1 tb soy sauce
500 g (1 lb) broccoli
3 tb oil
2 eggs
3 tb fish sauce
3 tb sweet soy sauce
1,5 tb sugar

Takes 30 minutes

1. Slice chicken and marinade with oil and soy sauce.
2. In a pot bring water to boil and cook rice noodles for five minutes. Drain noodles and wash with cold water.
3. Cut broccoli into bite-size pieces and stew in a pot with some salt water. Take out of the water and set aside.
4. Heat oil in a wok or a pan. Add chicken and stir-fry. Push chicken to one side and quickly add beaten eggs. Once they begin to set, gently scramble them. Stir chicken and eggs.
5. Add broccolli and stir-fry.
6. Add noodles, fish sauce, soy sauce and sugar and stir well.

Garlic Shrimp

Sumptuous, succulent shrimp easily stir-fried in a tangy Thai garlic sauce - and it takes only 15 minutes to make! Salty-sweet, garlicky, and a little spicy, it's the perfect dish to serve any night of the week. Also beautiful enough to serve at a party as an appetizer or finger food (see serving tips below). Goes nice with rice, or crusty French bread. Even your kids will go wild for these shrimp (just reduce the chili content). ENJOY!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 13 minutes

Ingredients:

• 12-15 medium to large shrimp or prawns, butterflied (shells can be removed or left on, as desired)
• 2 Tbsp. oyster sauce (I used Golden Dragon Brand)
• 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp. fish sauce (available in tall bottles at Asian stores)
• 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 5-7 cloves minced garlic (to taste)
• 2 Tbsp. lime juice
• 2-3 Tbsp. oil for stir-frying
• 1 fresh red chili, minced, OR 1/2 tsp. dried crushed chili (to taste)
• GARNISH:
• lime or lemon wedges
• handful of fresh coriander
• Optional: more fresh chili, OR dried crushed chili

Preparation:

1. Make the marinade/sauce by combining in a mixing bowl: oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, garlic, lime juice, and chili. Stir well.
2. Place shrimp in the marinade and stir well to coat.
3. Heat some oil in a wok or frying pan. When hot, add the shrimp along with the marinade.
4. Stir-fry 2-3 minutes, or until shrimp are plump and pink. They will also be lightly browned from the sauce. (Avoid overcooking, or shrimp will turn rubbery.)
5. This dish can be served 2 ways: For a Dinner or Lunch Entree: Simply slide onto a serving platter and sprinkle with coriander, plus additional fresh chili (if using). Add lemon or lime wedges to the side, and serve with rice, naan, or crusty French loaf. A nice rice dish that pairs well is Thai Sticky Rice .
6. If Serving at a Party or as an Appetizer: Use tongs to pick shrimp out of the wok/pan, allowing most of the sauce to drip back into the pan. Arrange the shrimp on a serving platter, adding a sprinkling of fresh coriander and additional chili (if using). Place lime or lemon wedges on the side. Pour the sauce from the wok/pan into a small bowl. Place the bowl next to the shrimp on the serving platter for dipping. Enjoy!

Easy Grilled Fish in Thai Garlic Sauce

This grilled fish recipe starts with a superb garlicky barbecue sauce that's perfect for all types of fish, whether fillet or steak, salmon or sole. Marinate your fish briefly in this sauce, then simply grill it up! This easy fish recipe can also be baked in your oven if the weather doesn't cooperate. And as a bonus, it's a very healthy fish recipe that's low in fat and calories but extremely high in taste. ENJOY!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• SERVES 2-4
• 4-6 fillets fresh fish, such as snapper, cod, salmon, etc...
• garnish: handful of fresh coriander and wedges of fresh lime
• MARINADE/SAUCE:
• 4 Tbsp. soy sauce
• 4 Tbsp. oyster sauce (I used Golden Dragon brand)
• 1 Tbsp. fish sauce (available by the bottle at all Asian/Chinese food stores)
• 2 Tbsp. loosely packed brown sugar
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp. lime juice
• 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper OR dried crushed chili

Preparation:

1. Stir all marinade/sauce ingredients together until sugar dissolves.
2. Place fish fillets in a flat-bottomed bowl and pour half the sauce over. Turn the fillets in the sauce. (Reserve the rest of the sauce for later.)
3. Allow fish is marinate for at least 10 minutes while you warm up the grill, or up to 24 hours in advance (just cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to cook).
4. Lightly brush the grill with a little cooking oil, then grill the fish for 5-10 minutes per side, or until the fish flakes easily and the inner flesh is no longer translucent.
5. Heat up remaining sauce and use as a dip, glaze, or to spoon over the fish (and rice or potatoes) as you eat it. Note that this sauce is very strong-tasting, so you only need a little bit at a time. If you find it too strong, you can dilute it slightly with a splash of white wine or sherry and some fresh lime juice. If you find it too sour, add a little more sugar. ENJOY!
For Indoor Cooking: Place marinated fish in a covered baking dish along with the marinade. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until fish flakes easily and the inner flesh is no longer translucent.

Fillet Grilling Tip: If your fillets are very thin, you may want to use a "fish cage" which makes turning easier. Another method is to spread tin foil or banana leaves over the barbecue - again, oil the surface where the fish will be cooking to make turning easier. For more on grilling with banana leaves, see: How to Cook with Banana Leaf.

Tropical Thai Fruit Salad - Served in a Pineapple

This healthy and exotic Thai fruit salad will be the hit of your party - especially when served in a pineapple "boat" (a carved out pineapple). Create your own assortment of tropical and local fruit - whatever is fresh and in season. Serve with ice cream, whipped cream, or on its own for a fresh fruit feast. Makes a terrific addition to a potluck, BBQ, or dinner party. Carving instructions for the pineapple are included with the recipe - just follow the steps (with pictures).

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 fresh, ripe pineapple (for more on buying and preparing fresh pineapple, see below)
• an assortment of fruit, such as pineapple, papaya, lychee, star fruit, watermelon, dragon fruit, mango, etc...
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 3 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp. lime juice
• optional: a few leaves of fresh basil as a garnish

Preparation:

If you wish to serve this fruit salad in a carved-out pineapple, go to my instructions: How to Create a Pineapple "Boat".Includes how to buy and prepare fresh pineapple. For great tips on how to buy and prepare exotic tropical fruits such as pineapple, dragon fruit, star fruit, mango, etc... see my: Thai Tropical Fruit How-to Guide.

1. To make the fruit salad, peel and cut up the fruit you have chosen into bite-size pieces. (If you have carved a pineapple, add chunks of the carved out fruit to the mix.) Place fruit together in a mixing bowl.
2. In a cup, mix together the coconut milk, sugar, and lime juice. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
3. Pour this mixture over the fruit and gently mix the salad. Do a taste-test, adding a little more sugar if not sweet enough for your taste. Tip: the brown sugar may be a little granular at first, but the natural acids of the fruit will soon break it down.
4. If serving in a carved-out pineapple, spoon or scoop the fruit into the pineapple (reserve as much of the liquid as possible, since the extra may leak through the bottom of the pineapple. When serving the fruit salad, you can spoon the reserved liquid over each portion). Garnish with a few leaves of fresh basil, if desired. Tip: be sure to place a plate or bowl under the carved-out pineapple, as it may leak.
5. Serve this fruit salad on its own, or with yogurt, ice cream or whipped cream, and enjoy!
6. Leftovers will keep in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This salad is perfect for breakfast (with yogurt and a little granola sprinkled over), for a snack, or for dessert.

Easy Thai Red Curry Chicken Recipe



This easy Thai Red Curry is fragrant and sumptuous, and can be made anywhere from mild to red-hot, depending on how much spice you prefer. It's a healthy and hearty curry dish that will awaken your senses and boost your mood. Note that in Thailand this curry would be simmered in a wok over a stovetop, but in this case I have adapted it to suit Western cooking methods so that it can be baked in an oven (easier for most North Americans). This means it can be put together and in the oven in under 20 minutes! ENJOY!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 medium chicken, cut into parts (skin can be removed for less fat)
• 2-3 kaffir lime leaves (purchased frozen at Asian stores), OR substitute 1 Tbsp. lime juice
• 1 cinnamon stick, OR 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• handfuls of fresh basil and coriander/cilantro
• RED CURRY SAUCE:
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 shallots OR 1/2 cup purple onion, sliced
• 1 thumb-size piece galangal (or ginger)
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 Tbsp. tomato ketchup, OR tomato paste + 1/2 tsp. sugar
• 3 Tbsp. fish sauce
• 1 Tbsp. chili powder (North American type)
• 1 Tbsp. ground cumin
• 1 Tbsp. ground coriander
• 2 heaping tsp. brown sugar
• 2 tsp. shrimp paste (available by the jar at Asian stores)
• 1-2 fresh red chilies, minced, OR 1/2 to 3/4 tsp. cayenne pepper, OR 1/2 to 3/4 tsp. dried crushed chili
• VEGETABLES:
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2-3 tomatoes, sliced into wedges
• optional: 1-2 cups chopped eggplant (leave skin on), OR 4-5 Thai eggplants

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Place chicken pieces in a fairly large casserole dish.
3. Place all curry sauce ingredients in a food processor or blender. Process well.
4. Pour the curry sauce over the chicken. Stir well, so that each of the chicken pieces is covered with sauce.
5. Add the kaffir lime leaves and cinnamon, mixing these into the sauce.
6. Cover and bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees.
7. Remove dish from the oven. Add the vegetables and stir them into the sauce. Return the curry to the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is well cooked.
8. Do a taste test. If the sauce isn't salty enough, add more fish sauce (1 Tbsp. at a time). If it's too sour, add a little more brown sugar. If too spicy, add more coconut milk. If not spicy enough, add a few fresh-cut chilies or dried crushed chili/cayenne pepper.
9. Ladle the curry into a large serving bowl. Sprinkle generously with fresh basil and coriander (cilantro), and serve with plenty of Thai jasmine-scented rice. ENJOY!

Soi Cowboy

Soi Cowboy is located close to the intersection of Sukhumvit Road and Asoke Road. It is just about 100 meter from the intersection and connects Asoke Road with Soi 23 Sukhumvit, running parallel to Sukhumvit Road. Left far corner of the intersection if you are coming from the direction of Nana, Landmark, Ambassador.

It is a about 300 meter long street, with a total of about 40 small and bigger bars, located on both sides. Famous bars include Long Gun, Tilac, both close to Asoke Road.
On the other side, close to Soi 23, we find Baccara, Midnite bar, Our Place, (and Dollhouse) In between them, a vast array of smaller bars.

Soi Cowboy, which has for a long time been regarded as a more sedate entertainment venue, has recently seen a more active nightlife scene. Different from Nana Plaza, quite a few bars offer topless dancing, nude dancing and shows. Overall, Soi Cowboy has upgraded itself over the last few years, and the neon lighting outside the bars is really unparalleled in other nightlife centers around Bangkok.

Traditionally, Soi Cowboy was less expensive than other entertainment areas. However, over the last few years, prices have gone up, and beers and liquor drinks now go for between 120 and 150 baht. Lady drinks and soft drinks (even water) are priced above 100 baht, sometimes quite a bit.

Soi Cowboy Review : Click

Nana Plaza - Soi Nana

Three floors of nightlife activity around a central atrium. Nana Plaza has been somewhat affected by a 2003 nightlife 'crackdown', a few years back. Bars used to have a lot of naked dancing. One of the attractions of Nana Plaza was that many bars had shows on offer, sometimes of the more degrading variety. Nudity was a no-no for many years (possibly also the bars colluded to keep things clean), but in 2009 we noticed that some bars are showing again.

The first floor has a lot of busy and exciting bars, including Rainbow 2, Playskool, Rainbow 1. On the left in the middle you will find Pretty Girls bar. The Rainbow bars at ground level are invariably busy.

On the second floor, G-Spot, a large bar is in the right far corner. Next to G-spot is one of the most crowded bars on the Plaza, Rainbow 4. In the left far corner is Casanova, a well known ladyboy (katoey) bar. On the left side, you will find the rather flashy (by Nana standards) newly decorated Spankys, and Angel Witch, long famous for its choreographed shows.

The third floor offers less bars. On the left the large Carousel bar, which has shows on offer. On the right and the far right corner you have Carnival and Cascade bars respectively, both featuring mainly (or only) ladyboys.

Nana Plaza is more expensive than Patpong (less and less relevant, though known by name) and used to be more expensive than Soi Cowboy, but not anymore. In most larger bars, beer is priced at 120-150 baht, as are most liquor drinks. Soft drinks and lady drinks are now also above the 100 baht barrier, sometimes much higher.

Before I forget, the central atrium, as well as the entrance to the Plaza, feature a number of beer bars, that can be used to enjoy the scenery and do some 'people-watching', if you prefer not to go inside the go-go bars.

Soi Nana Review : Click

Pattaya Girls – Meet Thailand’s Beautiful Girls

Pattaya is a magical place, truly one of a kind. Sometimes it seems like Pattaya exists in a parallel universe, where none of the rules of the outside world apply. It’s a city of lust, love and sometimes despair. Whatever you are looking for, you will find it here. Every year thousands of men travel here in search of the beautiful Pattaya girls. Some look for a wife, others for a girlfriend, while some are just looking for hot nights of sex.
I have travelled and worked all over the world, Asia, Europe, South America and the US and I believe that there is nowhere in the world, where there are so many attractive women in one place as Pattaya.
Pattaya is a place of opportunity, of fresh starts in life. You never know what may happen when you leave your room here. Go outside smile at a girl, make small talk, and take it from there. It may come to nothing or it may end up in nights with the best sex you ever had. You may have met your future wife, but you don’t know it yet. Whatever you are looking for in Pattaya, there is a good chance you will find it.
Thai girls flock to Pattaya in search of love, money and excitement. The city and it’s neon light, open bars and clubs lures both foreign men and Thai women alike looking for a fresh start in this tropical paradise. Most of the girls that come to Pattaya are sincere in wanting to find a foreign boyfriend or husband. Others just like to play the game of love and lust for as long as possible. Just like the men who go to Pattaya have different reasons for doing so, so is it with the Thai girls who come here.
I’ve met many happy foreigner-Thai couples who met in Pattaya and I’ve met many couples where it didn’t work out. I’ve seen older men become young again, filled with life and desire for living life again. Pattaya girls have that quality, to make you feel young again, strong, wanted.

Nice Thai Girls Versus Thai Bar Girls

If you search the internet for stories of foreign men falling in love with Thai girls you’re bound to find hundreds of posts articles and stories that have been written over the years. The funny thing is many of the stories you’ll find end badly. The reason for this is pretty apparent.
Typically you’ll see in the story that the writer has been warned about Thai bar girls and yet they continue on thinking “it will never happen to me”. Every month there are stories to be found about Americans, Australians and Europeans either being bankrupted or even committing suicide in Pattaya and Patong over Thai bar girls. We may never know the entire truth about these tragedies, but they carry a similar theme.

What is it that makes men ignore the fact that many relationships with Thai bar girls end so badly? Why do they think that they are different and that their Thai girlfriend will work out as a romance or marriage, even though she’s come from the type of life lived in the bars?

Would these men behave the same way, with the same expectations in their home countries? Would they shack up with a prostitute and expect her to be loving and faithful? I don’t really think so, and it makes me scratch my head to think they have these expectations simply because they are in Thailand.

Maybe they only do this in Thailand because they can’t afford it in their home countries. Or maybe they somehow lose their minds in the craziness that is Thailand. Perhaps it’s their own way of coping with culture shock. Whatever the case, if you’re in a relationship with a Thai girl take a look at this list of questions you should be asking yourself:

1. Does your wife or girlfriend hide her phone calls? Does she get calls at all hours of the night? Doesn’t that make you suspicious? It should.

2. Is your girlfriend or wife always asking for money to send home? Is it the same amount each month? Not definitive, but could indicate a boyfriend or husband back in the home village that she is supporting.

3. If your Thai girl has piercings besides her ears or tattoos it a big warning sign of a bar girl or former bar girl. Good Thai girls don’t do this. This is changing somewhat for the younger generation however so may not be conclusive if your wife or girlfriend is under 25.

4. The biggest indicator of all. Are her friends involved in prostitution? As with any other profession or lifestyle, like types tend to be drawn together because of similar experiences.

The best thing to do is just practice common sense. I know it’s easy to lose your bearings when seeing all the beautiful available girls in Thailand, but try to maintain a sense of normalcy. You may not be used to so much attention from beautiful girls, but get used to it, it’s just like that in Thailand for a foreigner.

Try to think with your higher brain, not the one between your legs. While your new life in Thailand may seem surreal at times try to maintain a sense of reality amongst the insanity. Keep your usual filters about what is right and wrong in place. Too many men seem to deal with the newness of Thailand by setting up a new category in their brain called “This is Thailand”. Anything new or strange gets put through this filter and passes simply because “This is Thailand”" and not the same as your homeland. Some things really are the same dude.

The same evasive behavior from your girlfriend that would set off alarms in your home country should be setting off alarms here in Thailand. Just because all else is different around you doesn’t mean that it’s normal for your new girlfriend to hide things from you or fly off into abusive rages at no provocation.

Listen to your inner voice and if it’s telling you something is wrong then get away. Things may be different in Thailand, but girls are girls everywhere and Thai girls are not that much different from the girls at home. Girls at home lie and cheat and guess what, so do Thai girls. It’s still not the norm, but it is common, especially for the girls that tend to be attracted to foreigners in the first place. Take your time and find a nice Thai girl and you’ll be much happier in the long run.

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Bangkok for Beginners

If we were asked to represent three South-East Asian capitals by tropical fruits, we might think of clean, green Singapore as a fresh lime, and richer-flavoured Kuala Lumpur, perhaps as a ripe pineapple.  Employing this imagery, the association that immediately springs to mind for Bangkok is the king of tropical treats,  the delicious, delightful and delectable durian. Granted, this head-sized botanical wonder with its thick spiky skin and soft yellow flesh, is very much an acquired taste. It is like a smelly cheese is to a connoisseur, and the fruit's initial effect on a novice's nostrils can be just as overwhelming as the first impressions of the Thai capital on an unsuspecting new arrival, fresh from Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The oft-intoned "Wow, they stink before even being peeled" is indeed true, and it is this fact which effectively bans the offending fruit from enclosed public spaces. Even following a durian-laden truck in a closed air-conditioned coach can fill the vehicle with more than just a tolerable whiff. "Hey, how can people eat this thing?" is a common question, posed almost as frequently as "Hey, how can anybody actually live in Bangkok?"

But beware, like the durian, Bangkok can be habit-forming. The teeming 220-year old Thai city not only has a strong and unique flavour, it possesses a potentially highly addictive mix of subtle qualities, which once experienced, can lure visitors back, time and again. "Aye, this is our 14th trip" I overheard an elderly Scots couple say to some fresh-faced honeymooners on a neighbouring pool bed the other day, adding: "Ye can get a real taste fir it"

Aye, and they are not alone. Hotels all over the city will tell you of again-and-again-guests who have become close friends of staff and management through repeated, often annual, visits. Given the air and noise pollution, the motorised chaos, and the often searing temperatures, it is not easy for "outsiders" to understand the attraction. Even if you ask those geriatric aficionados why they keep coming back, they tend to reply in non-specifics. "Oh, we just love it here" is a common response. If you dig deeper, it may be followed by any or all of the following:- the people, the food, the temples, the river, the canals, the smiles, the charm, the smells, the friendliness and the friends made, the sounds, the shopping, the atmosphere......and the magic. Don't forget the magic.  Years ago, I had to entertain some VIP British tourists to dinner. On meeting the middle-aged couple in the hotel lobby bar, they greeted me grumpily by blurting that they'd just arrived, hated what they had observed on the way from the airport, and had absolutely no desire to venture out at night into "this bloody awful place." Instead, they wanted to eat a "nice steak and chips" in the hotel grill room. After two rounds of drinks and much cajoling, I finally did persuade them to at least try Thai food at my local restaurant - with the promise that I'd take them home instantly any time they wished.

On arrival, they sat at the wooden table expressing a mix of utter dejection and intense fear, much like that of poor wretches about to be executed. Signs of cautious enjoyment appeared however when the aromas of our food order reached their noses, and relaxed if reluctant nods followed as they began to sample the rich, wonderful tastes. Laughter joined in as an adjoining table of jolly Thai students sent us over glasses of local "Mekhong" whisky to accompany our Thai beer, and all duly stood up charmingly to give us regular toasts, ensuring our maximum indulgence in the copious supply of spirits, which generously just kept on arriving. The previously stuffy Brits were suddenly convivial, charming company. The dinner turned into a huge, hilarious success.

Out on the street, with the now smiling pair metamorphosed into merriment, it was easy to coax them into a coasting "Tuk Tuk", Bangkok's open-sided three wheeled taxi. Seconds later, we were roaring three-up through the traffic to enjoy a great evening in the city's night spots, with the couple waving to all and sundry, and all and sundry happily waving back - in a way that only happens in Thailand.

As a finale, I took them to the Erawan shrine, a small open place of worship dedicated to a Brahman God, situated at Rajaprasong, one of the city's busiest intersections in Pratunam.

In this incense-filled microcosm of Asia, the roar of the traffic was curiously muted by the music from the small Thai orchestra performing at one side. As we sat down to observe, dancers and worshippers obscured our view to the street outside. Offerings of sweet-smelling garlands, stacked up over the hours, rose higher than our heads. Although I had been there countless times, there was something undeniably special about this particular evening, something, perhaps, even verging on the mystical. The lady's very emotional voice suddenly interrupted my thoughts: "I have never experienced anything as wonderful as this" she was saying, over and over again. I looked over, and saw she was in tears. Her husband wasn't too far away from the same emotion. Two more Bangkok addicts were thus born. And it happens every day. It is perhaps this undeniably magical quality of "Krungthep" as it is called by the Thais, that becomes so compelling - the unexpected experience in a relatively unattractive city, when the world freezes in a moment of arresting, unforgettable beauty.

Certainly, if the rough translation if its official name (which happens to be the longest place name in the world, and thus occupies a section in the Guinness Book of Records) is anything to go by, this is no ordinary spot on the globe:

Great city of angels, the supreme repository of divine jewels, the great land unconquerable, the grand and prominent realm, the royal and delightful capital city full of nine noble gems, the highest royal dwelling and grand palace, the divine shelter and living place of reincarnated spirits.

In other words - what better place for a fascinating holiday? Or a place to do business? Amari Hotels and Resorts is lucky to have several hotels in this huge metropolis, each in its own special location. Whether you are a first-time traveller to the Thai capital, or an old hand coming back for yet more magic, Amari wishes you a warm welcome to this amazing city.

The Thai Elephant --Symbol of Nation

Elephants have been revered in Thailand for many centuries. Famous as the strongest beasts of burden, in Thailand they were important in battle, with kings mounted on Elephants fighting the Burmese to defend Thailand on many occasions. They have also been noted for their intelligence, memory and pleasant nature. A Thai legend has it that a marriage is like an elephant-- the husband is the front legs, that choose the direction, the wife the back legs, providing the power !
A white elephant is even included in the flag of the Royal Thai navy, and the "order of the white elephant" is one of the highest honours, bestowed by the king. White elephants, in fact, are very rarely completely white. The skin has to be very pale in certain areas to qualify as a "white elephant"
In the past, wild elephants were caught and trained. The city of Mae Hong Sorn was founded as a stockade for newly caught elephants, since that region had a high elephant population. This century, the number of elephants has declined so rapidly that the entire domesticated stock are one or more generations from their wild forebears. There are still a few thousand wild elephant in northern Thailand, in remote jungle south west of Chiangmai.
The Forestry Department uses trained elephants to extract illegal stores of teak logs, which poachers keep in remote areas where the use of vehicles would be impossible. Most elephants nowadays, however, are used to carry tourists around -- probably easier and more pleasant work than dragging heavy logs !
There are two main species of elephant in the world. The African Elephant -- Loxodonta, which is larger with bigger ears and a less docile nature. The ears help the animal to lose heat on the sunny open country it inhabits in Africa. The Indian elephant -- Elephas, is a native of thick forest, so is smaller, with much smaller ears. There have also been reports of pygmy elephants in South East Asia, only 1.5 metres tall, but these are probably extinct. The Indian elephant is 3 metres from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders (males 50 cm bigger). They weigh about four tons, and need 250 kgs of food a day, and 60 gallons of water.They are vegetarians, eating a wide variety of plants. In Thailand, their favourite food is tamarind, but as anyone who has been to an elephant camp knows, they seem to love bananas and sugar cane. Both sexes have tusks, although they are far larger in the male. Some males do not grow tusks, and are supposed to be better workers.
The trunk is a highly sensitive organ -- capable of very delicate manipulations. I saw an elephant with an itchy leg pull down the branch of a tree to scratch itself. This did not quite do the trick, so it put one end of the branch in its mouth and chewed it a little, then tried again, with better results. This was a clear example of tool making and using -- which used to be a definition of 'human'.

Elephant Society

In the wild, elephants stay together in herds of 5 to 20 individuals. There is always a leader, the strongest male. When threatened, the males, normally docile, will charge their foes. When families give birth, after a gestation period of 22-24 months, she goes to a grassy, comfortable spot with a 'friend', who acts as midwife. This friend clears up the afterbirth and placenta, and keeps mother and baby apart. There are cases of mothers, confused and exhausted, killing their new- born, if there is no friend to stop it. There is nothing sadder than a mother elephant who gives birth to a still born baby. She will stay with the dead body for several days, grieving. The life expectancy of elephants is in the 70's, and many over 100 years have been reported. The usual cause of death in the wild is the teeth, which were out, and the elephant dies of slow starvation.
Elephants only sleep for three or four hours a day, usually from 11pm to 3am. They simply lie down, yawning and later snoring just like humans. Only sick elephants sleep standing up.
 
 
 

Training

Elephant calves begin their training when they are about four years old. They quickly learn and obey the words of command. They get to know their driver (mahout), and get used to being mounted and dismounted. For the first month they are kept restrained in a wooden 'crush' while they learn the basics.
Later, they learn more complex instructions needed to work with teak logs, including kneeling, picking things up, dragging, rolling, pushing, carrying etc. By the age of ten, they are ready for 'graduation', and the work of an adult. A working elephant can lift 700kg, and haul two tons of wood one kilometre without a break. Their natural walking speed is about 4km per hour. They reach their physical peak at 25 years old, and work until they are 60 years old, then they are retried and set free.
 
 
 

Where to See and Ride Elephants

There are several sites which have daily elephant shows. The closest is at Mae Sa, only 20 kms from Chiangmai. Further afield is Chiang Dao elephant camp, another 30 kms north. 80kms south of Chiangmai, on the road to Lampang, is the 'Thai Elephant conservation Centre'. Under Royal patronage, opened by Queen Sirikit, a large area of replanted teak forest is worked by donated elephants. The idea is to prove by doing it that elephants make more sense than vehicles -- they do not damage the surrounding forest so much, they do not require petrol, and damage the soil far less than vehicles. There is even a plan to manufacture teak furniture on site in a few years. There is an excellent show tree times a day. At all the camps, after the show those interested can enjoy a ride of various duration's through pretty scenery. There are also several smaller elephant camps, some with shows.
Most elephants in the north are owned by people of the Karen hill tribe -- in fact many of the mahouts wear the traditional red shirts of Karen men.
I once fell off an elephant. Fortunately a very rare event. The beast did not have his usual mahout, and it was very hot. The elephant simply kneeled down, and I and my companion simple slid off. no-one was hurt, but it was quite a shock -- its a long way down!

Learn Thai Foot Massage

How to Foot Massage

The feet are often neglected, what better way to give the feeling of rejuvination throughout the entire body then to give foot massage. The techniques on how giving a foot masage listed here do not claim to have any documented medical benefits. However, in most cases, it will more than likely have the recipient walking away feeling better than they did prior to starting. When learning how to give foot massage, it is ok to make it your own. Although there might be some moves that you must be careful with to avoid injury, especially with pregnancy foot massage , it is really up to you on how to give foot massage.
I have provided a couple of possible routines how to foot massage below. They are designed around different concepts for someone with or without socks on. You may adapt your own style or method as you progress. Remember that there is no guaranteed massage stroke or move that everyone will love. Be aware of the eyes and facial reactions of the person you are giving a foot massage to so that you know if they are enjoying that specific technique. Giving a foot massage :

1. Fill a large tub with warm water; fill with Epsom salts and eucalyptus oil.
2. After soaking, dry off feet.
3. Do basic stretches with the foot; pushing the top of the foot away ( dorsiflexion) from you and pulling the top toward you ( plantarflexion ). If you need any help with definitions, you may review the foot glossary

4. Warm up the foot by rubbing it all over and appling lotion or oil in a sweeping motion. Include the top, heel and arch. Gliding strokes work best. It is important to rub the entire foot first to warm it up. If you start to apply deep pressure to the foot before warming it up, there is a greater risk of causing injury.

5. Cup the foot with your hands and squeeze with the appropriate amount of pressure. You may move up and down as you are holding the foot.

6. Wrap your hand around the top of the foot, and then apply pressure with your fist to the underside of the foot. You can apply pressure by pushing in and out or in a circular motion.

7. Using your thumb and a moderate amount of pressure, start at the top of the foot on each side. Now glide toward the botom along the sides of the foot. There are tendons that run along each side of the foot, these can be good to stretch.

8. Wrapping your hands around the foot from the front, squeeze firmly and pull upward alternating hands as you pull upward.

9. Rotate each toe starting the largest working to the smallest.

10. Finish giving a foot massage with a few sweeping strokes before finishing and gently resting your hands on the feet.

Foot Massage Chart

According to the principles of reflexology, different parts of the foot correspond in actions with different parts of the body. A toe massage can assuage sinus pain, while applying pressure on the arch soothes a tummy ache. The chart below can help simplify the complex healing art of reflexology. However, be aware when looking at this chart, foot massage and foot reflexology are different topics. Foot massage leans more toward using rubbing and manipulation versus applying direct pressure on specific points of the feet.