When most people who have never been to the country think of Thailand, they probably most likely think of Thai massage or Patpong ping pong shows. Ali G’s movie even had the Thai ambassador, ahem, “performing” this show in the UN. While some Thais may find it insulting to be mostly known for this, some would find it funny. You may be surprised to find out most Thais in Bangkok have never seen the infamous ping pong show and that probably more foreign tourists and residents have viewed this spectacle. Those who live in Bangkok will tell you there is more to Silom nightlife and even Patpong itself than this supremely bizarre oddity.

Silom Road lies a block from the Suan Lum Night Bazaar, the Lumpini boxing stadium, and the main part of the road begins right across from Lumpini Park. Patpong is a soi (small road or alley) just off the right of Silom if you are coming from Lumpini Park. Yes, Patpong has many go go bars and the like, but it also has become a family tourist destination because of its night market. Many of the bars there will be open until early in the morning and the night market is no different. A stroll through this market packed to the brim (indeed, it spills well out onto Silom) with stalls. There is also much indoor shopping in with a Central shopping center and other smaller or equal size indoor (and air-conditioned) shopping buildings on both sides of Silom Road.

Other features of the Silom nightlife are the old Hindu temple further down the road opposite Narai Hotel, where you can start the night by observing the activities of the devotees and caretakers of the temple at sunset. Once that’s finished, you can eat some food on the street at one of many delicious stops, or have some coffee in one of the many coffee shops. There are bars with out dancing girls as well, such as the extremely popular O’Reilly’s Irish Pub right next to the BTS (elevated train) station. And if you want to be close to the action you can stay in one of the many cheap Silom hotels or a luxury once, such as the prestigious Dusit Thani Hotel.

While Patpong ping pong shows have become synonymous with the most famous Bangkok red light district, you can see there is so much more to the Silom nightlife. Too much to cover in one article, in fact, but at least you have a taste of the true reality.

          Chiang Mai is shopping paradise for most travelers because of its unequaled abundance of handicrafts and quaint local goods sold at very affordable prices. Shopping venues are scattered around the city both at day and night; the range of products for sale is vast and many visitors to Chiang Mai include an extra empty bag to their shopping list in order to haul the bounty home. Each of several famous markets has gained recognition and nationwide popularity as the best overall place for buying quality hand-made products at very reasonable prices. As Chiang Mai is a well established tourist destination, finding accommodations and getting around the city are not something to worry about.

Chiang Mai is recognized as one of the handicrafts centers of Asia because it has a very large system of street markets and local markets that are very easily accessible. The markets trace down many blocks along bustling streets and that sometimes seem to have no end. The limiting factor in how much market you will be able to cover may often depend on how far you want to go before your feet tire out. The products are available in a vast variety including a wide range of wood work, silk products, silver art and jewelry, clothing, ceramics, interior decor, antiques, Buddhist art, lacquer work, and the list goes on…

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is the most well known night market in Thailand, taking up about 10 square blocks centered on Chang Klan road in central Chiang Mai. It is easy to spend a whole night just strolling past hundreds of street-side stalls and indoor arcades. The Night Bazaar is a great place to shop for exotic and beautiful handcrafted goods created by local artisans and skilled crafts-persons from the surrounding villages. The quality is generally high and some very good values can by found, especially if you are skilled at bartering a good deal.

Chiang Mai Walking Street can be a very nice alternative to the more hectic Night Bazaar and prices are aimed more at the locals so prices are generally low; so much that often there is no room to negotiate a bargain. The Walking Street Market is open only on Sundays and is a definite must see because the atmosphere is very relaxed, the market street is quite beautiful and this is an excellent place to mingle with the wonderful Thai people and to find fantastic bargains. The entire Walking Street is about 1 kilometer long and runs the entire length of Ratchadamneurn Road beginning at Thapae Gate and ending at Wat Prasing. Apart from a wide range of hand-made products on offer, one can also enjoy many Thai food stalls, street performances of a traditional nature, and also some much need massage and foot massage.

More serious shoppers can go directly to the villages and factories that manufacture handicrafts and other products and offer for wholesale at San Kamphaeng. Borsang village, just before San Kamphaeng, also has many shops offering a range of handicrafts and is renowned for its unique Borsang umbrellas. Baan Tawai just south of Chiang Mai is home to a wide range of wood carving, wood décor, and other handicrafts.

Chiang Mai is also popular for the diverse ethnic arts that you can find many hill tribe shops across the city. One recommended hill tribe shop is the Hill Tribe Products Promotion Center on Suthep Road next to Suan Dok Temple. It was established by His Majesty the King to promote the products created by 6 different tribes in Chiang Mai including Akha, Karen, Yao, Hmong, Lisu, and Lahu. This is aimed at generating alternative income to replace a reliance on opium cultivation in the past. Shop here for unique ethnic goods and help the hill tribe people.

Those who are interested in modern shops of the much more commercial variety, there are two big shopping centers: Kad Suan Kaew Plaza and Central Airport Plaza. The latter is relatively new and less than 5 minutes from the Chiang Mai International Airport. Panthip Plaza on the same road as Night Bazaar is ideal for techy people who are looking for computers and electronic gadgets with many discounts and a wide range of technical product available at good prices.

Chiang Mai offers more than shopping venues. It is a friendly and beautiful city with rich history steeped in Thai Lanna culture. Hundreds of temples and historical sites are found everywhere across the city and it is very easy to head out of the city to some spectacular natural areas. When not shopping, a visitor can enjoy waterfalls, elephant shows, and trekking tours. Some may be attracted by the more adventurous activities such as white water rafting, bungee jumping and paintball battle. Whatever you could ask for in a trip, Chiang Mai can offer… plus a whole lot more.

For information about vacation planning or traveling in Chiang Mai, please visit www.chiangmai-vacations.com.

Getting to Pattaya is very easy. It is just 147 kilometers away from Bangkok and 160 kilometers away from Bangkok International Airport (Old Airport). It takes approximately 90 minutes by car. If you would like to drive by yourself, you can take Route 3 (Bangna-Trat) and go along until you find the junction telling you to turn right to Pattaya beach, or you can take Motor-Way which is more convenient. You can also take a flight operated by Bangkok Airways to/from Koh Samui at Sattaheep Airport.

About Pattaya’s weather, Winter season starts in November through February. The temperature is between 20-30 degree Celsius and 50% humidity. Summer season starts in February through May. The temperature is between 30-40 degree Celsius and 75% humidity. Rainy season starts in June through October. The temperature is between 25-30 degree Celcius and 90% humidity.

Pattaya comprises 4 areas - North Pattaya, Central Pattaya, South Pattaya, and Jomtien beach. There are few tourists in North Pattaya if you compare with others. Travelers love to be there when they want to relax, swim in the sea or take a water sports or activities. In Central Pattaya along to South Pattaya, there are a lot of business and services including bars, restaurants, department stores, souvenir shops, and entertainment complexes.

Jomtien beach locates in the southern part of Pattaya. It is 4 kilometers away from Pattaya city. Many tourists love to go swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and other water activities there. Also, tourists can travel to near islands such as Lan island, Krok island, Phai islands by speed boat.

Besides having fun with water sports and activities, Pattaya has much more wonderful attractions which you can’t miss such as Ripley’s Believe It Or Not museum, Pattaya Water Park, Pattaya Crocodile Farm, Elephant Village, Sriracha Tiger Farm, and Nongnuch Garden.

I have details of some interesting places here.

Cabaret Show - Amazing and fabulous ladyboy show with fantastic costumes.

- Tiffany Show - have three shows daily; 7pm, 8.30pm and 10pm and an additional show at 5.30pm on holidays.
- Alcazar Show - have three shows daily; 6.30pm, 8pm, and 9.30pm and an additional show at 11pm on Saturdays.

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum - located at Royal Garden Plaza Pattaya. There are more than 300 collections of unbelievable things from all over the world by an American Robert Ripley.

Mini Siam - located on Sukhumvit Rd. km 143th. It collects all amazing places over Thailand and the world in small size such as Dawn Temple, Rama 9 Bridge, Eiffel Tower and more.

Go-Kart - a small car racing field for people who love speed and excitement. It locates in Pattaya city. Some providers are Siam Carting Circuit and Pattaya Cart Speedway.

You can find more about Pattaya at my webblog at http://travel-pattaya-thailand.blogspot.com