What To Know About Cheap Holidays In France

Author: Nick Thompson  |  Category: traveling in thailand

With beautiful country, historical landmarks, and amazing food, it is easy to understand why planning cheap holidays in France is a great idea. First of all, while Paris may be the focal point for many, it is much cheaper and more authentic, some would say, to travel to one of many other interesting and lively cities to economize without giving up a memorable vacation.

As an alternative to pricey hotels, camping is quite popular with the locals. Campgrounds in France are rated on a scale just like hotels and many have better amenities than hotels with the same rating. There are a variety of budget accommodations available. As a rule they tend to be smaller lodges, B and Bs and hostels. Great for connoisseurs, Smaller inns are often serve delicious home cooked meals. Other places to stay can be as unique as rural farmhouses that also cater to foodies where often farm and garden fresh cuisine is prepared.

Traveling by car, taxi and even by rail can be very expensive. There are, however, many cheap and convenient alternatives. Rail passes are a good deal if traveling far and wide. Also, consider using one of the discount airlines serving France. Many times, a discount airfare to a southern France city from Paris is cheaper than a rail pass or train ticket.

Keep in mind that the less touristy, the less expensive eating in France is likely to be. Just by walking a few blocks away from the popular landmark is likely to reveal cheaper and less crowded eateries. Bakeries have economical delicacies including baguettes, chocolate and croissants. Another way to save is by shopping for dinner at a local market. Nothing says French like a meal of bread, cheese and wine? In addition, Arab restaurants often have tasty ethnic food for a bargain price. Special tourist menus offer fixed price meals at a discount.

Of course, no trip to France is complete without visiting Paris. Staying at a four star hotel, dining at a excellent restaurant experiencing the finest art galleries are all part of the experience of Paris. Spending wisely and planning ahead are the key to keeping costs down. Be sure to check for once a week discount tickets to famous museums and attractions.

There are so many things to do in France. Not only can France be seen on a budget, but it will probably be a more authentic and unique experience than people get who stay at four-star chain hotels and travel first class. So make sure to plan more cheap holidays in France.

Book now to reserve a really cheap Holidays for 2012. Get the ultimate low down on First Choice Holidays 2012 in our holiday and travel guide. Find out how much you could save with tiprs from travel expert Nick Thompson.

Find Good Inexpensive Accommodation In Hua Hin, Thailand

Author: Anthony Morrison  |  Category: traveling in thailand

Hua Hin used to be a sleepy little seaside village on the Gulf of Thailand. Now it is a little village no longer, as it has developed into one of the country’s leading resorts. It is now a modern town with modern facilities, and if full of all kinds of accommodation for visitors, ranging one to five star hotels, condos, apartments, holiday villa, and rooms for rent.

So for the traveller intending to spend one day or one month it is not difficult to find a place to stay in. That place could be right on the beach, or in the middle of town. It could be expensive or it could be cheap, as there is a price to suit the pockets of everyone.

The beach itself is long and straight and covered with silver sand. Get up early, run a few yards down the beach from your hotel or villa, and jump into the warm waters of the sea. Or take a morning run along the sands before the sunshine gets too hot. Perhaps, a ride on one of the many beach ponies available for hire might be an enjoyable experience.

There are many back-packers, or budget travellers, who travel the world on a shoestring. When they come to Hua Hin of course they look for the cheapest possible place to stay. In Hua Hin this might be about eight dollars for a bed in a ward-like room holding ten or twenty others. A private room with a bed and some pieces of furniture might cost about fifteen dollars. For an air-conditioned room, it would cost more. Condos are available on a monthly basis for about one hundred dollars.

For budget travellers there are plenty of rooms for rent, starting at about seven or eight dollars for a dormitory type bed. Fifteen dollars would be the cost of a room with basic facilities and a ceiling fan, or an air conditioner. Move upscale there are small condos at around one hundred dollars a month, or apartment rooms at twenty dollars a day.

For the really rich there are villas, spas, exclusive resorts, and five-star hotel suites. Of course, all these are located right on the sea, or very near it. For a price it is possible to lead a very pampered and luxurious life. At the other end of the spectrum, it’s possible to enjoy the delights of this charming town with very little money.

Take a cheap room in the middle of the town. Walk around and find out what makes the place tick, what the people do and how they live. Then in the evening stroll down to the sea for a seafood dinner at one of the many shore-side restaurants, and afterwards sample the night-life in the many clubs, pubs, and bars.

Unless it’s a five star hotel, an advance booking is probably not needed. The town is only crowded on national holidays like New Year, so there will always be somewhere to stay. It’s best to visit a few places to get an idea of price and quality levels, and when something suitable is found, then that’s the place for you. Don’t worry about the location, because the sea is never very far away. Just tell yourself that Hua Hin accommodation Thailand is not difficult to find

Lot of tourists from all around the world visit Hua Hin during their journey. Some of them stay in Hua Hin only one day. They don’t waste lot of hours to find accommodation in Hua Hin because they can reserve accommodation on the internet.

Rest And Entertainment Around Hua Hin

Author: Jack Smith  |  Category: traveling in thailand

People who do not live in Thailand but have heard of the fabulous tourist industry that operates there will be interested in Hua Hin. It does not have quite the same image as better known Bangkok, Phuket or Pattaya, but is perhaps more sedate. This is because it was discovered by the Thai monarch and has been a resort favored by the Thai elite since early in the twentieth century.

Hua Hin was just a fishing village before it was discovered and developed as a holiday resort by the Thai monarch. This was way back in 1928, before the country as a whole became famous as a world destination. The interesting landscapes and travel features have been more gradually developed and so the atmosphere is less frenetic.

There is a very famous beach which extends for five miles. This allows for happy wandering up the sands for those who like to hike. But most people will prefer to lounge in one spot, leaving more space for the more mobile. Many water sports can be enjoyed in the mild seas.

There is not a great deal of wind and the beaches enjoy many sunny days. The temperatures throughout the year are in the twenty degree centigrade range, which is not too hot or too cold. Rain falls heavily in the months of October and November, but fades away in December. January is quite a dry month with a temperature of about twenty-five degrees.

Many golf courses are available, and this is perhaps in keeping with the atmosphere of affluence. They are fine courses with low green fees, and not overcrowded. Other activities include shopping and sightseeing. Dramatic landscapes, caves waterfall and mountains can be visited and agents are available to arrange tours and organized trips. With Bangkok being two hundred kilometers away there is much that is authentic and unspoilt Thai to be seen.

A wide range of hotels provides accommodation options for most people visiting this city. Small budget hotels and bed and breakfast establishments are available for those on restricted budgets. It is also possible to find self catering apartments and back packer type accommodation. At the other extreme the famous international chains of hotels are well represented and can be booked online in advance. From a hotel one may wander through shops and markets, even visiting the all night markets.

An annual Jazz festival takes place in this city. Accordingly there is a good offering of live music, and also Thai entertainments. The ‘Ladyboy’ cabaret at one hotel offers an interesting evening’s entertainment that is distinctively Thai. However, there are also establishments that offer typically British pub activities such as darts, billiards and even TV featuring soccer. Those who have opted to leave Britain for good apparently enjoy a few nostalgic ex-patriot moments.

Hua Hin has enjoyed royal patronage since well before the tourist boom too hold two hundred kilometers away. The Klai Kangwon may be visited even though is is still an official residence. Like Britain, Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. However it is the friendliness of ordinary people and the fine environmental features that the charm of the city resides.

Each day plenty of people visit Hua Hin in Thailand. The tourists think only good things about with accommodation in Hua Hin. Tourists love to spend their free time on the beutiful beaches.

Mini Guide To Phuket

Author: Mr Kamol Yodsuwan  |  Category: phuket

Are you planning your cheap holidays to Thailand? If so, let me please introduce you to Phuket. Whether it’s world class diving in the Andaman Sea, golf at world-standard championship courses or exciting eco-adventures in tropical forests, Phuket is a place to extend your horizons.

Best Hotels in Phuket

Phuket is an island jam-packed with luxury resorts, but the $64,000 question is: ‘Which are the best?’ Ok, let?s start with the best then. Renaissance Phuket in Patong Beach, Andara Resort & Villas in Kamala Beach and Cape Sienna Phuket also in Kamala Beach.

Sightseeing in Phuket

Phuket Half-Day Safari Tour: It’s fun for the whole family on this half day combination tour on Phuket island. Admire the unspoiled scenery from the back of an elephant and canoe the calm surrounding waters.

Nightlife in Phuket

There is no denying that the go-go bars, girly bars and sex shows are a very visible part of the nightlife scene in Patong and to a lesser extent Karon and Kata. Some people find the girly bars distasteful. For others it is all part of the colour and vibrancy of the nightlife scene, while for some it is the main reason for coming to Phuket.

Restaurants in Phuket

While Thai food is renowned world-wide for its wonderful flavours and fresh ingredients, Phuket is especially famous for its seafood, and, you don’t have to empty your bank account to enjoy the most sumptuous of dishes.

Weather

Phuket has a moist, tropical climate, influenced chiefly by monsoon winds that vary in direction according to the season. From March to September, as the sun’s rays strike directly above the equator, the land mass of Asia is heated more than is the Indian Ocean. This draws moist hot air from the ocean over Phuket and southern Thailand, bringing the rains of the southwest monsoon. By mid-April the winds are mainly from the southwest and are heavy with moisture.

Safety Issues

The tragic tsunami of 2004 has been well documented and though the odds of it occurring again in the near future are slim, the Aceh-Andaman fault line remains a threat so that a tsunami warning system, with buoys, sirens and evacuation routes has been put in place. Be aware that tsunami drills are undertaken from time-to-time.

Want to find out more about cheap Thailand holidays, then visit Jose Garces’s site on how to choose the best Thailand holidays for your needs.

Hua Hin: A Marvel Of A Beach Side Destination

Author: Sandy More  |  Category: traveling in thailand

Some experiences are simply out of this world in every sense of the word. One such experience is Hua Hin, Thailand. Nowhere else in the world are there such striking sites, glorious weather and warm people.

This spot can be checked off for every wish a holiday maker could have. It was first home to farmers migrating to escape drought. When they came across Hua Hun, they opted to call this place home.

Later on, Railway Hotel, or Sofitel Hotel, was put up right by the beach. The then king visited and he so liked the place that he put up a summer home. It is today the full time abode of the King of Thailand. A group of palaces were later put up in the area by a prince who named the beach near his place Hua Hin. The area was later elevated and to a district of Prachuap Khiri Khan province. With the completion of the southern railway, Hua Hin became the pioneer and best known beach resort in the country.

The beach is the main charmer. Also a puller is the traditionally built wooden railway station structures. The vibrant market also gets quite a crowd. Also of interest are peaks from which one can stand and gaze upon the beauty of the land. Tao Hill, Takiap and Hin Lek Fai Hill. A sight to behold is the 11 tier Pa La-u Waterfall and the emerald forest hidden in it.

The superstitious may want to carry an extra brassiere when heading to a beach by the same name. Legend has it that the Spirit Houses of Brassiere Beach was built to appease the spirit of the daughter of a fisherman who was cut into pieces with her breasts falling into the sea. Locals hang brassieres here and pray for good luck.

Wat Huay Mongkol where famous monk Luang Pu Thuat lived is another attraction. In it is the largest Luang Phor Thuat statue within a setting similar to that of a park. Eight kilometers south of Hua Hin lies the serene Army Welfare Office beach called Suan Son Pradiphat. The lone vineyard in the area, Huan Hin Hills Vineyard offers great views and wine tasting sessions where native Monsoon Valley Wines are sampled.

There is a lot to choose from for recreation; tee off on the green, go elephant camping, ride a horse, try eco-cruising, martial arts or miniature football. Or, frolic in the water and surf, kite board, snorkel or go deep sea diving. Thai cooking lessons and Thai boxing classes are also offered. At the Market Village, pick up pick up jeweled ornaments, handicrafts and gemstones. Khommaphat, which is printed cotton cloth, is the most known product. At night, shake a leg at the karaoke bars, concerts, discos and enjoy drinks from the bars.

There are lots of accommodation choices; quaint cottages, world ranked resorts, hotels and holiday apartments. You can go for accommodation that is done to allow great views of the waters and beach. Regardless of the choices you make though here is a guarantee; your time at Hua Hin will be a blast you will not soon forget.

Want to experience something new and want to Visit Thailand? Sandy More recommends Hua Hin simply because that is a location of adventure and great vacations. Simply make reservation of accommodation at Hua Hin and enjoy numerous activities.

Have Boundless Fun, Tropics And Sites At Hua Hin

Author: Karen Knit  |  Category: traveling in thailand

If an exotic destination is what you are after, look no further than Hua Hin, Thailand. It is the most famous beach town in the country and with good reason. The scenery is one of virgin scenic beauty. If gods came down to rest, it is easy to believe this is the place they would choose. This gem of a holiday destination is on the north side of the Malay Peninsula. It is on the southern side of Bangkok and it lies over an area of 84, 883 square kilometers. It is one of 8 districts that make up Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

Even Thai Royalty wanted to be close to this beach town. Hua Hin is only 25 kilometers away from the home of the Royals. The itinerary on a visit to this town will be a packed one with all the activities and sites . And with the sea and beach so close, it is all fun times here. There is the option of sinking deep into things with deep sea diving and snorkeling. You can also test your fishing skills or just skim the surface with a session of water polo or surfing. You can also go to a higher level with elephant camping.

After all the water games, relax at one of the spas along the beach. A Thai massage, done with indigenous coconut oil, will revive your body and spirits. You can also get other body treatments at the first rate spas.

Another guarantee of the Hua Hin, apart from a memorable, picturesque holiday is perfect weather. It has a tropical climate there will hardly be wet weather because when rainfall is only seen occasionally. Though sometimes heavy, rain spurts are also short. Also, the skies will go grey but the sunsets and sunrise remain spectacular. March to May are the hottest months with things cooling down from November up to February.

Hua Hin Beach is the main enticement. There is the quaint, wooden railway station buildings. By night, take a stroll in the street market. You can indulge in a platter of Thai sea food that is prepared for you right on the spot as you shop around. One thing you should not go home without is the varied native handicrafts.

There are a number of high points that are great viewpoints. Four kilometers from the town stands Takiap Hill where there are a number of Buddhist temples apart from the advantaged view. Another peak is Hin Lek Fai which also boasts a public park.

The other high point is Tao Hill where there is a road that takes one to two beaches, Hat Sai Yai and Hat Sai Noi. The main activity here is fishing and there are some temples to visit here as well. A magnificent waterfall made of 11 tiers is another spectacle not to be missed. Neither should the luxuriant forest within it, with all the different kinds of birds and butterflies.

While taking in these and other attractions, you can take your rest in one of the accommodation options that are available. One choice is world-class resorts or a stay in one of hotels or holiday apartments. They are also self catering cottages for budget travelers which offer simple and comfortable accommodation. Whatever you do and wherever you stay, time spent at Hua Hin is time spent in one of the best spots in the world.

The author of this article really enjoys Hua Hin. Those marvelous beaches are something she loves to get back to each year. The Hua Hin accommodation has a good quality and price ratio.

I Given Up Smoking And I Go On A trip In Thailand.

Author: Fabrice Cramberry  |  Category: traveling in thailand

Have you always dreamed to spend your holiday in Thailand, but it is true that the finance has always been a bit tight. With the education of children, the car breaks down, the new refrigerator, every time you have unexpected expenses. But when it comes to buying your daily pack of cigarettes and spent a few dollars here and there does not seem to bother you too much. Have you thought that merely to stop smoking would save enough for you your trip to Thailand.

The reason why a lot of people still smoke in the United States is that many of them do not consider the habit to be really very dangerous. Actually, until the 40’s, smoking was considered totally harmless, but it was not long after that lung cancer started becoming a major problem. Now people scramble to quit, but they are stuck on nicotine. That’s the nicotine the addictive component of tobacco.

Smoking had been proven time and time again to cause cancer, especially lung cancer. I’d bet if you saw it happen someone close to you, you will find reason enough to quit. I do not hope this even happen to an enemy, but often I find that it is the right kind of incentive that most folks need to break the habit. But hey – who says you should wait for lung cancer to befall a friend before you stop smoking.

Knowing that as many as 43 of the 4,000 or so chemicals in a single cigarette can cause you to have cancer should be helpful information, but alas it isn’t enough to cause someone already addicted to quit. You need more, like incarceration or something to help them with the process. Why not take them to see a doctor and seek some serious advice, if nothing else works.

I know lot of folks who work out and then go right on to smoking, yet it is a proven fact that exercise could help you quit. If you can focus enough on what else you are doing every time the urge comes, you can break the habit; but the same might not work for the other fellow. You merely need to understand that even similar people are different.

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The Top 5 Things to See In Bangkok

Author: Devin Brindinshire  |  Category: thailand culture

Since Bangkok is usually the first place that we all wind up visiting on our holidays to Thailand (in fact, it’s rather unavoidable if you arrive to the country by air), I thought that it may be helpful to provide a brief review of what I consider to be the city’s best tourist spots. I know that not everyone will agree with me on these choices, but I do have my reasons for offering this particular group of attractions. If nothing else, my list should give you a good sampling of the various flavors the city has to offer if you’re short on time and can only spend a couple of days in the capital.

No. 5 – A Stroll Down Khao San Road

Granted, it’s a bit over-commercialized these days, and many of the vendors seem only interested in upselling you on junk that you really don’t want, but Khao San Road is still a good place to start if you’re trying to get a feel for Bangkok. Aside from the pirated DVDs of Western movies, cheap jewelry, and low-quality tee-shirts, Khao San Road still does give you all the sights, smells, and sounds that make the “City of Angels” such a unique place in the world. It’s also a great area to sit outside, have a few cool drinks, and do some people watching in the evening.

No. 4 – Bangkok’s Legendary Temples – Wat Arun and Wat Pho

The famed Wat Arun and Wat Pho are not only two of the most-famous silhouettes of Bangkok skyline, but are also among Thailand’s most-famous, and architecturally-influential, Buddhist temples. I recommend visiting them together as part of a river cruise tour because, despite their relative proximity to one another, they are on opposite sides of the Chao Phraya River. Another advantage to the boat tour is that it will also allow you to include visits to the wats’ other famous neighbors in Bangkok’s famed Old City district.

No. 3 – The Floating Markets

If you’ve ever thumbed through a Thailand travel brochure, you’ve undoubtedly seen pictures of local merchants selling their wares to other boaters in the middle of the river. That’s what the floating markets are all about and, despite the fact that they too have become a bit over-commercialized in recent years, they’re still well worth seeing if you’re a first-time visitor to Thailand. Just be warned – you’ll have to get up early in the morning to visit the various markets outside Bangkok, since they all start around sunrise and end by noon.

No. 2 – The Chao Phraya – One of Asia’s Most-Renowned Rivers

The mighty Chao Phraya River provides visitors with a convenient route around the Old City (Bangkok’s historic, riverside district), and breathtaking views unavailable from anywhere else. Because you’ll, in all likelihood, be visiting this part of Bangkok in the afternoon, it’s also a great way to see all of the major attractions without getting stuck in traffic.

Because river tours are such a popular attraction, they are offered from any number of sources – from the independent operators you’ll see along the banks of the Chao Phraya, to the more upscale companies you can book through your hotel’s travel desk. My personal recommendation (if your time and budget permit, of course), is to take a morning trip up to the historic ruined city of Ayutthaya, and then take the afternoon cruise back downstream to Bangkok.

No. 1 – The Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Probably the most-popular attraction for those visiting on their holidays to Thailand, the Grand Palace is a visually-stunning walled complex that has served as the home to Thailand’s monarchs for over 200 years. The outer compound is particularly fascinating as it houses the ornate mausoleums of several generations of Siamese and Thai kings, as well as the highly-revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha – one of Buddhism’s most-sacred shrines.

Because the monarch is still held in the highest esteem in Thailand, visitors to the Grand Palace are expected to abide by its dress code. Tops must cover the mid-section and shoulders, and long pants must be worn during the visit. If you arrive dressed inappropriately, you will be sent to an on-site fitting room where you will be loaned something appropriate to wear during your visit.

Learn more about Holidays to Thailand. Stop by Devin Brindinshire’s site where you can find out all about the wide range of Thailand Holidays available to fit your budget and interests.

Where Should You Go on Your First Holiday to Thailand?

Author: Devin Brindinshire  |  Category: traveling in thailand

If you’re in the process of planning your first holiday to Thailand, you’re likely wrestling with the decision over which cities to visit. This task needn’t be a difficult one, as it is really just a matter of asking yourself what you like to do. Are you someone who enjoys a holiday filled with activities that make your heart race, or is your goal to find a nice place to unwind? Do you enjoy losing yourself in another culture, or simply losing yourself in seclusion and natural beauty? No matter which of these things you’re looking for, Thailand offers the very best of each to its visitors.

As a long-time visitor to Thailand, and part-time resident, I recommend three different locations to first-time travelers: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Each is certainly well-known to the international tourism community, but in this article, I’ll tell you exactly why. For each of these three cities is distinctly different, offering its own unique taste of Thailand.

Ideally, you’d be able to visit all three over the course of your holiday to Thailand but, if that isn’t in the cards, so to speak, then my hope is that this article will help you choose the destination(s) best suited to you and your travel companions. Thailand truly has something to offer everyone if you know where to look. Hopefully this article will help you find your holiday paradise in the Land of Smiles.

Bangkok

Thailand’s capital and largest city, Bangkok is home to an estimated 11 million people and, by some estimates, nearly 25% of the country’s total population. Because most foreign visitors arrive by air, and Thailand’s largest international airport is just outside the city limits, it is highly likely that you’ll wind up spending at least part of your holiday in the “City of Angels”. This is your good fortune, since the Bangkok is one of the world’s greatest tourist attractions.

Visiting Bangkok gives you a glimpse into all of the unique elements that make up Thailand. Towering high rises, modern super malls, and state-of-the-art architecture stand side-by-side with ancient Buddhist temples, and traditional Thai street markets selling everything from cheap souvenirs to authentic local dishes. It provides an unmistakable view of all that Thailand was, is, and will be.

From shopping in Siam Square, to visiting the Royal Palace and the city’s other famous historical sites, to taking quiet boat rides down the Chao Praya, to diving in headfirst into the city’s wild entertainment districts, Bangkok has something to offer visitors of every stripe.

Chiang Mai

One of Thailand’s most-significant cultural centers, and the nation’s second-most-populous city, Chiang Mai lives up to its nickname of the “Rose of the North”. Situated in the country’s highest mountain range near the borders with Laos and Myanmar (Burma), the city has wonderfully preserved the remnants of its historic past as the capital of the 13th Century Lanna Kingdom, continues to contribute to Thailand’s current culture by housing a thriving art scene and several of the nation’s best-known universities.

There is much, much more to Chiang Mai than just cultural attractions, however. The city is just a short drive away from several of Thailand’s most-famous national parks and action sports attractions. If you’re looking for an unforgettable venue for backpacking, hiking, seeing wildlife up close and personal, rock climbing, biking, or anything else that makes your hair stand up on end, Chiang Mai is just your cup of tea.

Phuket

The island of Phuket is famous around the globe for its unmatched natural beauty. Just hours away from the Malaysian border, Phuket is in the deep south of Thailand, and presents travelers with a landscape unlike anything else you’ll find in the country. Not surprisingly, its pristine beaches and breathtaking vistas have conspired to make Phuket one of the nation’s most-pricey tourist destinations, but most visitors agree that it is worth every dollar, pound, or euro.

A typical day on holiday in Phuket will likely include time spent soaking up the rays on the island’s world-famous beaches, or playing a round or two of golf on one of its fantastic courses. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and other water sport excursions are offered throughout the island, as are land-bound activities that take you into the lush forests of its interior.

For those looking to really get away from the world for a day or two, Phuket is also the departure point for boat cruises out to the famed Phi Phi Islands. A favorite for water sports enthusiasts and photographers alike, the islands (called Koh Phi Phi in Thai) annually rank among the world’s most-beautiful travel spots.

Summary

As was mentioned earlier in this article, it would be an ideal holiday to Thailand if you were able to visit all three of the destinations discussed above. If that is not possible, however, then my hope is that this article was helpful as you decided upon the location best for you and your travel companions. Just remember, even though you may not make it to all three places on this particular holiday, they’ll be there waiting to be discovered in the future.

Looking for more in-depth ideas and suggestions for your Holidays to Thailand, then visit www.holidays-to-thailand.com to find the best advice on Thailand Holidays.

categories: travel,travel tips,advice,asia,thailand,holidays,holiday,vacation

The Most Luxurious Hotels in Bangkok

Author: Becky Padmore  |  Category: Bangkok

Bangkok should be a place on everyone’s travel list. It’s a manic city, where hedonism and grittiness are balanced by traditional beauty, pockets of spiritual sereneness and smiling faces. Mostly popular with backpackers and curious tourists it’s a city which requires it to be experienced rather than than seen. Many travellers opt for budget hotels but like in many Asian countries, Bangkok’s top-end luxury hotels are exceptional. Here are some of the best:

Le Meridien Bangkok – Each of the hotel’s 282 subtle yet modern guestrooms and suites captures the colourful views unfolding in Bangkok and the Silom area below through floor-to-ceiling windows. The decor is ultra-contemporary and very classy. Two innovative five-star restaurants, a bar and a stylish lounge entice guests with menus introducing gorgeous cuisine, creative cocktails and a great range of coffees. Prices range from ($109-$205)

Peninsula Bangkok – The Peninsula Hotel Bangkok is positioned on the western bank of the Choa Phraya River, which is the ancient River of the Kings, close to the Sathorn Bridge. The Peninsula Hotel Bangkok features 370 rooms, all with stunning river view, and a selection of suites, including 60 one-bedroom and five themed suites. It also has a great range of places to eat and be entertained including Jesters, Mei Jiang, Thiptara, River Cafe & Terrace, The Lobby bar, The Pool bar, The Peninsula Boutique and Caf.

Mandarin Oriental – The Oriental Hotel is recognized as one of the world’s premier city resorts. It is located near the Chaophraya River with a beautiful view at night. The rooms and suites are very luxurious. The restaurants and bars are also in a class of their own. The spa is one of the most beautiful in the world. The gorgeous hotel has a long list of celebrity guests spanning decades. Prices range from $324-$477

Siam@Siam Design Hotel & Spa – Colonial style not your thing? Then try the eclectically designed Siam Design hotel. This smart and luxurious hotel is strategically located in the heart of Bangkok’s commercial district and right on the doorstep of the ubiquitous sky train. Service, relaxation and a sensual moody atmosphere are the priority here and unsurprisingly the hotel attracts a young, hip and trendy crowd. Prices range from $138-$167

For more great international travel tips visit www.globalgrasshopper.com which includes advice on the best places to visit in Thailand