PONCHO: never without!

Thailand is a tropical land...

here can rain anytime!

while you're sunbathing on the beach,

having shopping on a street,

going to the office or travel around...

DON'T MISS THIS ITEM!!!

for less than 1€ this pocho will save your travel 

and color up your rainy day!

 

and... SMILE!

after few minutes the sun comes back again ;)

travel by bus i Thai: SO SWEET!

Traveling by bus in Thai many things can happen...

delayed time,

"rustic" roads,

different bus from the one you have booked,

but...

what's your reaction when they give you blanket & cupcake before sleeping?

<3

Kop khun khaa!

cultural discovery: PHUKET OLD TOWN

The bustling centre of Phuket is often overlooked in favour of the beaches, but there's a lot to see and do (and spend your money on!) in Phuket Town. Recently upgraded to "city" status, Phuket Town features an exciting mix of old and new, simple and sophisticated, peaceful and pulsating.

Phuket Town is where a part of the real Thailand can be found. 

You could walk around these streets taking photos every day, 

...during day and night time.

Unlike many Thai provincial capitals, Phuket Town fairly shines with personality and nowhere more so than its Old Town. 

In this historically rich part of town you will find shrines, temples (Buddhist and Chinese), ornate and beautifully preserved 'shophouses', quaint cafés, tiny printing shops, impromptu private and public museums and even a mini ex-red light district.

There are some new buildings too, but the old early 20th century shophouse architecture predominates. 

The heart of Old Phuket Town is Thalang Road, 

in particular the block between Thepkassatri road and Yaowarat road.

 Thalang Road is the core of Phuket's Old Town 

and the commercial centre of the past. 

A lot of renovation has been done in recent years, 

and the ugly electric and telephone cables have disappeared, 

so the beautiful Sino-Portuguese shophouses 

and grandiose Sino-colonial mansions, 

in this area are great photo motifs now.

BANGKOK: 2013 tourist awards!

Last month Sept 2013, MasterCard’s "Global Destination Cities Index" declared that: Bangkok 

-Thailand capital and portal to some of the country’s renowned beaches- 

would be the most visited city on earth in 2013.

The Southeast Asian megacity beats London, Paris and New York for the title, with 15.98 million visitors expected this year. 

London was a close second, with 15.96 million people expected. 

This is the first time an Asian city has grabbed the top spot on the index.

And now... Let's go to BKK and wait for the new year 2014 results! ;)

PINEAPPLE & SHRIMPS RICE: traditional thai recipe

 One of the most noted among traditional dishes: 

"FRIED RICE INSIDE PINEAPPLE" 

Come to Thailand to try!

Prep time: 25 mins
Cook time: 10 mins
Serves: 2

Ingredients:
    •    250g thai rice (normal, jasmine, or mix dark white rice)
    •    1 tb sp oil
    •    10/12 small shrimp (after peeled chopped)
    •    1/2 fresh pineapple (cut into small chunks)
    •    5 scallions (large, chopped)
    •    1 clove garlic (minced)
    •    2 ts ps soy sauce
    •    1 tb sp curry
    •    1 tb sp fish sauce
    •    fresh cilantro (for garnish)
    •    half fresh lime (optional)

Preparation:
    1.    Take 7/8 minutes to clean well the fresh pineapple: cut the fruit in the vertical half, use only one half. Empty the pineapple shell with knife and spoon, leaving about 0,5cm of pulp on the peel. Clean well the shell internally 'cause it will be the rice serving container. Chop the pineapple pulp and take 1 cup of it.
    2.    Set a pot of water on to boil for the rice. Cook the rice. Drain and set aside.
    3.    Heat wok over high heat, swirl the oil in pan to coat. Add minced garlic and chopped shrimp, and stir-fry 3 minutes or until done. Transfer to a large bowl, cover and keep warm.
    4.    In the same heated oil stir in scallions, pineapple and rice, and stir-fry 1 to 3 minutes or until heated through. Add cooked shrimps.
    5.    Combine soy and fish sauce with curry in a glass; stir into rice mixture.
    6.    Serve inside the pineapple shell, topped with fresh cilantro. Optionally squeeze over a slice of lime juice.

ENJOY!!!

LOS: do you know why?

Thailand is commonly called LOS in the slang language...

do you know why?

 

LOS actually means: "Land of Smiles" 

Thailand has been called LOS by many people who live here and many who visit this charming land. The “Smiles” seem to come from a combination of the beautiful countryside, the laid-back, pleasant Thai people, the lower cost of living, a more relaxing pace, many opportunities for fun and entertainment at affordable prices, and the many other advantages of living in the exciting Orient.

The people of Thailand are gentle, fun-loving and easy to get to know. 

If you try to learn the language, you will endear yourself to them as they love to hear foreigners try to say their words.

You can smile at any Thai you pass by, while walking on the street, and that person will most likely smile back at you.

:)

(Pic from Suvarnabhumi Airport BKK)

shots of Thai: FAMOUS MOVIES

Dozens of foreign films have been shot in Thailand.
The availability of elephants, exotic jungle and beach settings, relatively low production costs and a good domestic film industry, have made Thailand an attractive location for many Hollywood films and other foreign productions.

The Beach (2000) 

directed by:  Danny Boyle

cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Virginie Ledoyen

007: The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)

directed by: Guy Hamilton

cast: Roger Moore, Christopher Lee

 

Bridget Jones The Edge of Reason (2004)

directed by: Beeban Kidron

cast: Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant

 Mortal Kombat (1995) 

directed by:  Paul W. S. Anderson

cast: Christopher Lambert, Robin Shou, Linden Ashby

The Hangover Part II (2011)
directed by: Todd Phillips

cast: Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms, Justin Bartha

John Rambo IV (2008)
directed by: Sylvester Stallone
cast: Sylvester Stallone

 The Impossible (2012)
directed by: Juan Antonio Bayona
 cast: Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor

10 most popular: THAI BEACHES

A quick overview of the 10 most famous beaches in Thailand.

1. Patong Beach, Phuket

Phuket is now Thailand's most important tourist destination, offering a variety of beaches, attractions and exciting night life.

Patong Beach is the most popular and well-developed beach on Phuket Island.

With a wide coastline, soft white sand, warm water and plenty of hotels, restaurants, shopping and nightlife options within walking distance it’s impossible to get bored here. 

2. Railay Beach, Krabi

Though it’s technically on the mainland, Railay Beach is only accessible by boat and has a desert island feeling you won’t find on most of the country’s popular beach destinations. Clear blue waters, small islands on the horizon and majestic cliffs surround the small beach, which is generally not crowded except during peak season. A unique and romantic scenery.

3. Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi

Maya Bay is maybe the most popular location in Thailand, and has become even more popular after the 2000 movie "The Beach" was filmed there. Than, according to the Lonely Planet's Thailand guidebook, the 2004 tsunami dramatically improved the look and the celebrity of this beach.

Maya Bay can only be visited on day trips by boat, since there are no accommodations here. Hordes of people visit during high season, but the beauty makes dealing with the crowds worth it.

4. Hua Hin Beach, Hua Hin

This beach on the Gulf of Siam is immensely popular for locals and international visitors, thanks to the very Luxury Hotels, the flat stretches of beach, plenty of things to do and the ease of travel from Bangkok. Hua Hin Beach slopes very gently into the gulf, so while it’s not the best beach for real swimming, it’s a great place for families with small children.

5. Kata Beach, Phuket

The pleasant bay of Kata, just a few minutes away from Patong, charms many visitors with its white sands and clear waters. Very popular with families, Kata is an all-round favourite due to its spectacular palm-lined beach, great restaurants, lively but not excessive nightlife and varied accommodation options - all close to the beach. From May to October surfers flock to catch Kata's waves, while from November to April the beach is alive with sunseekers.

6. Chaweng Beach, Samui

Chaweng is the largest and most popular of Samui's beaches and is the longest on the island's east coast.

Approximately 7 km long with powdery white sand, bordered by emerald-blue waters and a coral reef where waves break.

Almost all activities are on the beach (even parts of the nightlife), from the sunset to the late evening it's possible to enjoy a wide choice of bar and restaurants.

7. Sairee Beach, Koh Tao

Certainly the best choice for all the snorkelers and divers, even if… visitors are slowly realizing that Ko Tao has more to offer.

Sairee, this one mile stretch of white sandy beach, clear waters with swirls of aquamarine, and coral aquatic life has a plenty of inexpensive accommodations and restaurants and it's perfect for any-purpose tourism!

8. White Sand Beach, Koh Chang

White Sand beach or Haad Sai Khao as it is called by the locals.

This beautiful stretch of beach on the west side of the island is fringed with palm and coconut trees against a backdrop of jungle clad mountains, fine powdery white beach sand and spectacular sunsets. It is the most popular place to stay on this wild island and offers the most diverse ranging from simple shacks to 5 star luxury units.
 

9. Haad Rin, Koh Phangan

As beautiful as it is, Haad Rin is really known for just one thing – Full Moon Parties! Once a month the beach goes on an all-night bender with plenty of drinking, dancing, music… and the moon. At other times of the month, the party atmosphere still pervades so this beach is really suggested for young guys!

10. Ko Nang Yuan, Ko Tao

Just 1km North from Ko Tao, this close-knit group of three tiny islets provides the most spectacular and unique beach scenery in these parts, thanks to the causeway of fine sand that joins up the islands. It is famous for its diving spots and its great snorkeling beach. 

BANGKOK: the City of Angels

Do you know that Los Angeles is not the only "City of Angels" of the world?

The full ceremonial name of Bangkok enters Thailand in the Guinness Book of World Records as the place with longest name in the world:

-Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.-

  The original name was given by King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke that relocated the city on the eastern side of the river and gave the city its ceremonial name.

Luckily for the Thai people, their language allows many words to be shortened 

and the city picked up the official name of Krung Thep Maha Nakorn 

 – meaning "the City of Angles".

***

Wanna know the other "City of Angels" of the world?

WIKIPEDIA!

PADTHAI: the famous thai noodles

PAD THAI is one of the most famous and delicious traditional dishes.

Come to Thailand to try!

Here you can find the receipe to excite your palate:

Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 8-10 mins
Serves: 2

    •    250g dried rice noodles (there are different qualities, chose the one you like!)
    •    3 tb sp fish sauce
    •    ¼ cup Thai sweet chilly sauce
    •    3 tb sp peanut butter
    •    3 tb sp safflower oil
    •    1 tb sp tamarind sauce
    •    3 cloves garlic, finely minced
    •    1 red chilly finely minced
    •    1 boneless skinless chicken breast, finely sliced
    •    10 prawn tails, peeled
    •    1 egg
    •    2 spring onions, finely sliced
    •    100g soy bean sprouts
    •    15 small cubes of fried tofu (optional)
    •    ½ cup chopped coriander
    •    ½ cup peanuts, roasted and chopped
    •    1 lime

Set a pot of water on to boil for the rice noodles. If using dried noodles, soak in hot water for 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Combine fish sauce, chilly sauce, tamarind sauce and peanut butter. Set aside.
Heat oil in a wok or frypan and stir-fry garlic, chilly, chicken and prawns over high heat 2-4 minutes until cooked.
Add beaten egg and stir-fry until scrambled and just set.
Add tofu cubes, stir-fry for 2 minutes and set. (optional)
Drop soaked noodles into the pan. Lower the heat.
Add sauce mixture and toss for 1-2 minutes over medium heat to fully coat. Mix in most of the spring onions and bean sprouts. Toss over heat for a minute to combine.
Serve in bowls topped with reserved coriander and peanuts. Squeeze over a slice of lime juice.

ENJOY!!!