Online Poker Tells – you Can’t See Them But you Can Judge Them!

Do Online Poker tells really exist? A tell? What is it? A poker tell is some sort of gestures, subconscious act or other mannerisms a person will display playing poker (or really action in life).

Being able to read them is essential for poker playing, but can you understand anything about a player’s tells online? The answer is YES.

Most pros of Online Poker will tell you that the tells they can read are very, but very clearly revealing.

For example, most agree that the speed of play is a very good tell, or indication of what your opponent is holding.

Online Poker offers you the option of waiting till its your turn to play to make any moves, or you can select the ‘in turn” button option.

This means you can act even before its your turn when it relates to checking, folding, betting or raising.

So having selected whatever option you wish, when its your turn, the action is almost instant.

As a good example, the quick bet is usually an indication of weakness.

Similarly, the delayed response is usually an indication of strength. as the delay is often for calculation on what to do with a stong hand.

Some online poker tells are very obvious, and can suggest that your opponent is a beginner.

For example a beginner will usually waits for one card after he has paired before making a bet.

You can see this in the example that he has been dealt a queen in 7 card stud poker, and checks.

You see he is dealt a three on his next street, and is now betting very high.

Is he so stupid to bet high on a pair of threes? You know he has paired his queen in the last street.

Chat boxes also mean a great deal in Online Poker tells.

If the player has been chatting away and all of a sudden goes silent…something is amiss.

This is a great online poker tell.

This sudden quiet is concentraton maybe on some good cards.

However, its also a way to bluff, so you must be really observant of the chatter.

Another really indicative tell is the lightening check.

In 9 times out of 10 this usually indicates weakness. Why?

Because when players quickly use the check and fold buttons, it means they are planning on folding their hands to any coming bet.

However, and note that although checking quickly usually means weakness, use caution if the player check and raises.

To be more exact, as a player check-raises, you can almost bet that at first, the check was a bluff to bet into his strong hand.

Finally, another easy tell is the pause followed by the bet.

You can be very certain this is a tell, and it usually indicates strength.

In other words, the player who delays longer than normal and then suddenly bets, has a strong hand.

This tell means that he is trying to say to you his hand is weak, and he needs time to think. He really hopes to bait you into a call.

For certain Online Poker tells are much different than the live table play tells, but nevertheless, you will find the above guidelines helpful while in the game play online.

You may not be able to see their face but the fact that you can observe their way of playing can be revealing.

Expanding your Business Into Thailand

Thailand is considered one of Asia’s tiger economies, with many opportunities for enterprising companies to make use of both a relatively cheap but well-educated labour force, together with an increasingly efficient infrastructure.

However, there are many pitfalls that need to be avoided when looking to expand a business into Thailand for such a venture to succeed.

Making the initial foray

The Thai government offers a business visa to applicants wishing to come to Thailand to research the opportunities that might exist for their company. This application is best made at the Thai consulate in your existing location, rather than entering as a tourist.

This will allow you to stay up to 90 days at a time and is renewable under the right circumstances. There are many websites that offer detailed advice on the best methods of applying and also the best consulates to apply at with up to date information.

Setting up an office

The best method of hitting the ground running is to look into using a serviced office, at least to begin with. Not only will this offer you immediate support services, you will be able to move into a fully functioning office within a matter of hours.

Most of the facilities you will need (phone, Internet, secretarial, fax, etc) will be immediately available, together with an all important address. Remember too that Thai culture places a great emphasis on status, so make sure your serviced office will impress both in terms of location and decoration.

When looking for a serviced office, remember the following:

· Communication can be a challenge in Thailand, so choose an office where you are able to communicate easily with the staff. They will become invaluable to you when you need to talk to other Thais.

· Location is critical, with Bangkok roads still jammed on a regular basis. Make sure you choose somewhere close to the two train networks. This will save you a great deal of time later on.

· Keep an eye out for hidden costs. Some offices will not be clear on just what is included, so ask about VAT, phone, Internet and installation costs.

· Bargaining is a way of life in Thailand, so be prepared to negotiate a little.

Setting up a Thai company

Advice on this topic would fill an article in itself, but the crux of it is simple. You will need professional help with this task if you are to avoid getting bogged down in administration to the point of not being able to focus on your own business needs.

There are many professional companies that specialize in just this task, and you should get quotes from at least three different companies. Your checklist of factors to consider:

· Once again communication is critical. Any company you choose has to have the ability to communicate with you without misunderstandings. Check to see who will be your point of contact on an ongoing basis.

· Check for a strong history of satisfied customers. Go so far as to ask for references and be diligent in checking them.

· Choose a company that is conveniently located to your base. Bangkok can be troublesome to get around, so bear this in mind.

· Always check the costs and try to make sure you are comparing like for like. If a quote is not clear, request further details so that you can accurately see how one company’s service costs compare with another.

· Negotiate as always, and use this as a way to test communication channels.

Once your company is set up properly, it will be necessary to apply for an official work permit to continue to work in Thailand. Again this is something that you can outsource and is probably in your best interests to do so.

Getting started

Many companies find the easiest way to start in Thailand is to look for a Thai business partner right off the bat. This way, you can plug right in to an existing network and take advantage of partnerships that have been in place for many years.

Of course, this means finding the right partner, which may not always be possible.

The alternative is to look for networks that you can work into quickly and may include:

Your embassy in Bangkok

Clubs such as the British Club or American Club

Industry associations

Expect to spend the first few months meeting as many new people as you can in order to start connecting with the right people.

The one piece of advice that will be relevant throughout your time in Thailand is this:

Always keep smiling and try to keep your temper.

Holdem Starting Hands – Part 1

Top starting hands should be raised and played aggressively. AA, KK, QQ, AK, JJ, AQ, these hands are most likely to be the best before the flop. By raising and eliminating other players early you reduce the risk of getting outdrawn. These hands will hold up the majority of the time against 2 or 3 opponents. So it is important to reduce the number of opponents you face early by betting strong. Other factors when deciding on how much to bet is your position. If you are first to act then you should be folding all but top hands. If you are near last position you have the advantage of seeing what your opponents bet and can make your decision on how strong you feel they are based on there actions.

Top hands are so important and new “rookie” players lose more often by playing too many hands. Its dificult to fold so much, but if you do you will see how profitable it can be. Watch the poker players on TV. These players beat hundreds of opponents to get to the final table, and they do it time and time again. These are great players and most of them play premium hands or are at a level much higher than this and are experts at playing there opponent and not there hands. So as a new player dont try to play hands you shouldn’t because you see it working on TV. Playing your opponent and not your cards is what makes the poker greats masters. But it takes much longer to master these skills, and you need the building blocks to get there.

These hands look good to start with, but will trap you and cost you money if you do not improve or if you are dominated. Hands like AJ, KQ, KJ, QJ, K10, Q10 and J10 . These hands should not be played after a raise and not played at all in early position. You want to have your money in the pot when you have the best hand, playing these hands will cause you to lose money in the long run.

Meduim pairs are great to start with, but if after the flop you haven’t tripped out you should fold them. A single pair will rarely win in a multi-opponent game.

Suited connectors are a decent starting hand. If there is a bet and a call before you fold them. They are best played in late position.

Top Ten Starting Hands

1. A-A (Pocket Aces)

2. K-K (Pocket Kings)

3. Q-Q (Pocket Queens)

4. A-K (Ace King)

5. J-J (Pocket Jacks)

6. 10-10(Pocket Tens)

7. 9-9 (Pocket Nines)

8. 8-8 (Pocket Eights)

9. A-Q (Ace Queen)

10. 7-7 (Pocket Sevens)

Raise these Hands

Top hands to raise with preflop

A-A (Pocket Aces)

K-K (Pocket Kings)

Q-Q (Pocket Queens)

A-K (Ace King)

J-J (Pocket Jacks)

10-10(Pocket Tens)

A-Q (Ace Queen)

Hands you want to see a flop with

A-J (Ace Jack)

K-Q (King Queen)

Q-J (Queen Jack)

J-10 (Jack Ten)

9-9(Pocket Nines)

8-8 (Pocket Eights)

7-7 (Pocket Sevens)

A-10 (Ace Ten)

10-9 Same Suit (Ten Nine Suited)

Bangkok Vacation Hot Spots

BANKOK – SOME FACTS

If you visit any destination in South East Asia, it may be imperative that you pass through Bangkok. Bangkok has a strange nature of evoking extreme sense of likes and dislikes amongst visitors. A few seem to loathe it while many others swear that it is the most wonderful, fascinating and exciting places on earth. Actually, Bangkok tends to be what a particular visitor wants it to be. Bangkok is a picture post-card haven with beautiful pagodas, pagodas and some of the world’s finest hotels. Bangkok’s renowned for it’s nightlife in the Orient with an opportunity to savor some of world’s most unique cuisines. Bangkok is a favorite and best shopping destination in South East Asia.

Bangkok inhabitants are known as Thais and their friendly ways would flatter the snootiest traveler. Bangkok is all in all, a load of fun and games and a great way to enjoy a civilized vacation. Thailand’s history emerges from the Bronze Age, whereas Bangkok, the capital is a young city founded in 1782. With a population of around 6 million, 50% of them are under 30. Bangkok lies on the banks of the river “Chao Phraya”, a wonderful working waterway full of sampans, wide variety of boats and rice barges.

Bangkok is a beautiful mix of the old and the new, the modern and the ancient evident from its skyline that comprises of Buddhist temples (wats), luxury hotels, high-rise office buildings and shopping malls making it a kaleidoscope. Under the thin veneer of new found Western influence you will find that the Thais are not devoid of traditional values. The sights of ubiquitous street food sellers, monks on morning begging rounds and women stringing jasmine blossoms on thread near wats will display the cultural heritage of Thailand that is not lost in the arc lights of modernity.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS IN BANKOK

Bangkok is packed with more attractions per square mile than any other city in the world. Despite the crowds, the architecture and the attractions are worth the effort to travel and see. On the top of the list would be Wat Phra Khao and the Grand Palace for sightseeing for half a day. This can include the National Museum and the Wat Pho. Chinatown, Bangkok’s major attractions has a unique traditional life untouched by modern civilization and could be fascinating. Historical sites like Rattanakosin Island (central point when Bangkok was founded) are also worth visiting. The main symbolic places of Bangkok are Wat Arun on the Chao Phraya River.

Cross the Chao Phraya to reach Thonburi and you can tour the klongs to appreciate the heritage and culture of the country of Thailand. The Vimanmek Palace, restored by Queen Sirikit, made of golden teak emphasizes the exquisite taste and oriental splendor of ancient Thai royal life.

TOURING AROUND BANKOK

The easier way to explore the country would be put up base in Bangkok and explore the region by using the interesting and unusual daytrips.

Ayutthaya & Bang Pa-In: This probably is the most popular day trip from Bangkok and takes you to visit the Ayutthaya (A-you-ta-ya), the previous and old capital of Thailand, about 50 miles north of Bangkok, the current capital. Ayutthaya has served as the second capital of the Kingdom of Siam for over 400 years. Travellers in the past have described the glittering palaces, temples and Buddhist images depicting it as one of the most beautiful cities on the planet. In an unfortunate event the Burmese burned the glories of this city in 1767. In Ayutthaya, you could hire a tuk tuk along with an English-speaking guide to take you around the celebrated temples (cost could be in the range of 250 bahts). You can also hire a long-tail boat for cruising the 12-mile Chao Phraya River trip that ends at the king’s summer palace at Bang Pa-In (300 bahts).

Many such trips are available to be taken. Bangkok never ceases to amaze and so giving an approximate time frame of the trip becomes difficult. You could get there, relax, and see for yourself what Bangkok has to offer. May be you could go back when you have more time, or to see the rest of it. The magnetism of Bangkok is such that despite having been there many a time, travelers tend to come back.

To ensure your vacation recipe is complete, add in that special sprinkle of a Thailand vacation rental. Book Thailand Vacation Rentals matching your criteria. These vacation rentals are presented by their owners or managers.

Professional Poker Tools – Part One – PokerTracker

Professional poker players are constantly evaluating their game and that of their opponents. The best software for this is PokerTracker. Poker tracker will record every hand of poker that you play online and arrange them into a neat easy to use database to show you exactly how you are playing and, more importantly, how your opponents are playing. If the pros are using it you should too. So how does it work?

Online poker rooms will automaticall store detailed hand histories on your hard drive for every hand of poker that you play. PokerTracker will then import those hand histories into a database and allow you to compile stats on yourself to help to plug leaks in your game. It will also allow you to profile your opponents and find and exploit weaknesses in their game. PokerTracker is also a great record keeping tool. It will tell you how many hands you have played, how much you won or lost, how many hours you have played, how much you are making per hour, and a number of other things. The most important aspect of the software is the statistics though.

PokerTracker will allow you to see how loose or tight and how aggressive or passive you are playing. It will also give you this information for any and all of your opponents. There may be times that you start to get lax with your starting hands and begin playing too many hands. This is a common problem that often goes overlooked. PokerTracker will catch it immediately. You can also see how often you checkraise, win at showdown, go to showdown, and a variety of other stats.

The software will also allow you to look at the performance of every different starting hand from AA down to 72o. You can sort these by position as well to see where you are making money and where you are losing money. Cutting out losing hands is one of the most profitable things you can do as a poker player. Without some type of tracking software there is no way to know what hands are making you money in what position and what hands are costing you money. Generally you remember your big winners and your big losers. Its the hands inbetween that make or break a professional poker player. Make sure that you don’t have any gaping holes in your game.

Professional poker tools is a series of articles. This is part one. The author is not affiliated with nor does he sell any of the software discussed in any of these articles. Please view the authors other articles to find more information on professional poker tools.

Bangkok Capital Of Thailand

If New York is the city that never sleeps then Bangkok, Thailand’s colorful principal city, comes a very close minute place. The city was founded in 1782 by the first monarch of the give Chakri period. today it’s the country’s spiritual, commercial and educational hub, home to approximately ten million people or more than 10% of the Thai population.

Bangkok (or Krung Thep in Thai which means “city of angels”) is an exciting, high differ melting pot of east meets west. It is a dynamic city that has embraced technology and modern living with its busy expressways, bold skyscrapers and designer style filled shopping centres. Yet underneath it all, it remainder a traditional sanctuary of society, history and time-honored customs, where elders are respected and family forever comes first.

As you voyage from the airport you’ll see quite of examples of modern architecture dotting the cityscape and between them all, fixed proud, are glittering Buddhist temples such as Wat Phra Kaew and The grand Palace. Twisting through the distinct jungle, you’ll spy leftovers of the “old Bangkok” below you – olden canals and waterways that are well appeal exploring on a dinghy fall.

Every Thai household and structure, even the most modern, has a traditional mood house built outer for good fortune and to award the mood of the land. Each day, small offerings of fruit and water are laid out, often with arrangements of flora. If you’re an early riser, earnest to make the most of your rest time in Bangkok, don’t be staggered when you see Buddhist monks in saffron robes making their morning “alms” rounds accepting food and donations from native people, children and old.

Thailand has a steamy climate with an yearly mean temperature of around 75 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit, so bundle light clothing for your fall. innate fibers like line and linen are often more comfortable when you’re walking and touring in hot climate. Practically everywhere you go in Bangkok you’ll find you some relief from the reheat, with blasts of icy cold air conditioning in retail outlets and hotels.

From swagger to May it’s the hottest time, with the record temperatures and wetness. From June to October is monsoon season, so memorize to take an umbrella. November to February is cooler and fewer humid. memorize that the monsoon season varies throughout the country and can fake the climate you experience.

You’ll find all types of accommodation in Bangkok – from luxuriant 5 star international names to slighter backpacker hostels, special by children tourists. Book online and see what singular charge you can find to flatter your mood and that all-important resources. You’ll uncover everything from peaceful luxury escapes with spas to exciting hotels right in the concern of the action.

One of the first lexis you’ll learn in Bangkok is “Rot tip” or “rot tit” which plainly means “cars that stick”, in other lexis traffic jam. But the everyday snarls and deadlock have been hugely enhanced by Bangkok’s cosmopolitan ship system.

You can now jaunt the subway, the Hua Lamphong – Bang Sue line has 18 stations along the 12 mile course. It’s stable, quiet and modern.

Jump on a BTS Sky convoy. BTS sky trains ply along Sukhumvit, Silom and Phahonyothin roads. The routes relate Bangkok’s important hotels and main shopping areas such as Siam upright, Silom, Ratchaprasong and Chatuchak Weekend sell.

Of course, you can’t go to Bangkok lacking a jaunt in a tuk-tuk. These fast three-wheeled open-air powered taxis are prevalent for tiny journeys. Fares must be bargained in develop, it’s part of the fun.

The grand Palace: the number one attraction. Every visitor to Bangkok should see the magnificent buildings within the grand Palace compound to get a mood of this grand architectural style. while the founding of Bangkok as the Nations principal by queen Rama I, The grand Palace has been the main architectural emblem of The Thai splendid Family. The splendid Family actually resides at Chitralada Palace while The grand Palace is worn for ceremonial purposes.

Wat Pho: probably the most interesting temple in Thailand. It combines history, medical skill and is a highlight for meditation and traditional press education. Have a press while you’re here, at a very good value.

Chatuchak Weekend Market: with over 9,000 shops and stalls you’ll be tempted over and over. Close to everything that is for trade in Bangkok is here, including antiques, Buddha amulets, handicrafts, clothes, flora and furniture. (You’ll note that some maps denote it “Jatuchak”. Many English lexis have many spellings, so if you’re in misgiving, ask the hotel janitor to write it in Thai for the taxi driver.)

Vimanmek mansion Museum: the world’s prime blond teak structure located in the compound of the Dusit Palace on Ratchawithi street. The three-storey splendid mansion has 81 quarters, halls and ante-chambers containing exclusive memorabilia.

Jim Thompson’s House: this sharp Thai house and buildings viewpoint as a museum to the man who recharged the Thai silk diligence after the minute World War. The company he founded, Jim Thompson Thai Silk, is recognized worldwide for its brilliant fabrics, home accessories and manner matter. The gardens are equally impressive with a upmarket steamy jungle imitating nature’s random beauty right in the highlight of the city.

Shopping in Bangkok is not imperfect to one or two streets. You’ll find dozens of malls, markets and luxury retail outlets throughout the city. The most prevalent are located around the Ploenchit-Ratchaprasong region, Sukhumvit Rd and Silom-Surawong-Patpong, including the fantastic Patpong night sell where you can choose up your souvenirs, manner and Thai handicrafts. Don’t be shy to bargain in the sell (nicely) as your buck can go a long way.

Bangkok’s highest river, the Chao Phraya is the place to be. assume a splendid navy stretching as far as your eyes can see. A fleet of superbly stamped splendid barges slowly sail into inspect, manned by the splendid Thai flotilla dressed in olden ceremonial uniforms. Each sailor rowing in wonderful harmony, perfected through months of intense practice.

Thailand has a well deserved reputation as the “The Land of Smiles”. You’ll collect a cordial hail and feel the authentic friendliness of the locals. One thing’s for steady, the memories of a rest here will holiday with you for a life.

Travel destinations in Thailand – Part 9

Thai New Year

Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year, also called the Water Splashing Festival, celebrated for 3 full days every year in April and in some areas even longer than that. This year Songkran is from the 13th until the 18th of April.

Songkran Day or Thailand New Year is one of the biggest events in Thailand each year. Thailand must be the only country in the world that actively celebrates 3 different New Years each year! There is the New Year on the 31st of December, then there is the Chinese Lunar New Year that takes normally place in February and there is the Thai New Year itself which is in April each year.

There is nothing that compares to the Thailand New Year. Imagine parades, shows, music, lots of people having fun and the biggest water fight in the world! Songkran is a Thai word which means “move” or “change place” as it is the day when the sun changes its position in the zodiac.

There are 2 main parts of the Thailand New Year water plays: Water of course and white powder that people will put in your face.

On the streets, many stalls will be selling water guns of all sizes for 100-about 800 Baht for the biggest ones. Now all you need is some water which you can also buy on many places on the street. Normally, shop keepers will have big barrels of water standing on the streets that are constantly refilled with water. You can pay a small fee and are then able to use the water non-stop. It is a lot of fun. Just beware of the ice water that some are using! Songkran is a traditional festival and before it comes people concern upon environment with cooperation such as to clean houses, public places, temples and official buildings.

Songkran is a time when workers in Bangkok from outside of town, head back home in droves. All forms of transport are booked months in advance and if you don’t have a reservation, forget it, you are going nowhere. It is actually a nice time of the year to be in Bangkok, for the Songkran period it is relatively deserted.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand organizes the walking streets in front of Central World Plaza, one of the big Thailand property (http://www.thaiproperty.co.uk /), all the way through Silom Road and up to Siam Square where another event will be held the platform at Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace.

There are some extra activities will be held to make it more enjoyable such as, DJs will be playing all kinds of music, people throwing water on each other and putting powder on their faces as well as dancing on the streets.

Not only tourists, but also investors who want to invest in property in Thailand like to visit Bangkok during the Songkran day and they also take part in these activities. When you are going out during the festival then wear the worst clothes or buy a cheapest one because you are going to be wet for sure. People usually don’t bring their mobile phone and camera when the celebration is on the peak then its very difficult to safe all these things.

The Songkran day which is known as the Thai New Year brings more joy and happiness and people eagerly wait for this festival every year. They really enjoy every moment of these four days and have fun in their life.

Pattaya Travel Guide – Top 10 Recommendations

With its large expatriate community and diverse attractions, Pattaya has gained a reputation as one of Thailand’s leading international communities. Its other reputation as Bangkok’s playground and the capital of the sex industry, it attracts a very specific sort of tourist. No matter what your reasons for visiting, you’ll find an exhausting list of attractions, theme parks and entertainment to keep you busy while you’re here. In Pattaya gay travellers are also welcome and made to feel comfortable. Thailand is very tolerant of gay activities, Pattaya is no exception.

Million Years Stone Park and Pattaya Crocodile Farm

The Million Years Stone Park and Crocodile Farm is a great place to take in some of the indigenous plant and animal life of Thailand. More than 1,000 crocodiles are kept and bred on the grounds and there are some elephants and rare albino bears. Elephant shows are held every day, as is the crocodile roundup. The grounds also have some beautiful landscaping, most outstanding of which is the bonsai garden. The park can be reached via a 15-minute drive from Pattaya city centre.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not

This one-of-a-kind museum is located on the third floor of the Royal Garden Plaza building in Pattaya. The facility contains over 300 unusual exhibits exploring the whole gamut of weird and unexplained phenomena. Some of the more popular attractions include the Infinity Maze, an immersive, walk-through sound and light show that tests the limits of perception; and the Haunted Adventure, a resurrection of an old real-life mystery set at the Grimsby and Streaper Casket Company and brought to life with live actors, special effects and animatronics. Despite its emphasis on the odd, Ripley’s is Pattaya’s most outstanding museum and a definite must-see.

Sriracha Tiger Zoo

North of the city of Pattaya, the Sriracha Tiger Zoo can be found off Route 3241 via a 30-minute drive from the city centre. The subjects of this facility can be found in a variety of circumstances including in their natural surroundings as well as more interactive settings. Visitors will have the opportunity to bottle-feed young cubs as well as have their picture taken with them. The zoo is home to several other species including crocodiles, elephants and scorpions. Some of the more outlandish shows include elephants playing basketball and a woman wrestling a crocodile.

Mini Siam

One of Pattaya’s most well-known sites for tourists is Mini Siam, a 1:25 scale replication of some of Thailand’s most popular sites from across the country. There are 80 buildings in the park representing periods throughout Thailand’s history. Don Muang Airport is on-site, as is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok and the Temple of Phimai in Nakorn Ratchisima. The best time to visit is after dark, when the exhibits are illuminated and take on a new life.

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

Anyone who wishes to visit the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden can catch a shuttle bus that departs from in front of the Nipa Lodge Hotel in downtown Pattaya. This park covers more than 600 acres and hosts a broad spectrum of exhibits dedicated to Thai culture and history. The grounds include a cactus garden, an orchid nursery and a lake with canoes that can be hired. The arts and culture centre hosts daily exhibitions of Thai dance, Muay Thai (Thai boxing) and elephant shows. There’s also a zoo on-site and accommodation for overnight stays.

Wat Yansangwararam

Pattaya is not as well known for its temples and ancient architecture as Bangkok or Chiang Mai. Even so, the Yansangwararam is a temple worth checking out while in the area. It’s located a few miles south of Pattaya and was built in 1988 to commemorate the 42nd year of King Bhumibol’s reign. On-site is a lake with Chinese pavilions and a building that houses several art exhibits and antiques of Chinese origin. The temple itself sits at the apex of a flight of 299 stairs hemmed in by snakes.

Pattaya Elephant Village

Visitors who want to get an up close look at the iconic Thai elephant can do so at the Pattaya Elephant Village. These animals have served the country in a variety of roles over the centuries, spanning war times and more recently, teak harvesting. The elephants in the village are protected and perform daily educational and entertaining feats showcasing their forestry and football skills. Visitors can also ride the elephants into the forest and listen to English language explanations of this beast’s history in Thailand.

Pattaya Beach

While it may be saturated with visitors and a little polluted, Pattaya’s beachfront property continues to be its greatest draw. Visitors come to enjoy the beach in any number of ways, whether it’s a walk on the tree-lined promenade; a relaxed seafood dish eaten on an outdoor veranda or simply a laid-back afternoon spent on a deckchair. Charter boats head out to some of the nearby islands where further exploration and snorkelling is available. There’s not too much actual swimming in the water, though it’s bustling with jet-skis, banana boats and motor boats.

Amusement parks

The constant flux of tourists through Pattaya has given way to a variety of amusement parks. Pattaya Water Park is a huge facility with water slides, Jacuzzis, whirlpools and a children’s wading pool. Staggering towers at the Pattaya Park Resort and Amusement Park are capped by revolving restaurants with impressive views of the city and sea. The Funny Land Amusement Park has all sorts of carnival and theme-park style rides including a roller coaster and a pendulum Viking ship. Asia’s largest aquarium is also located in Pattaya—Underwater World, with an impressive walking tunnel allowing visitors to walk in among the aquatic life.

Nightlife and gay activities

Anyone visiting Pattaya will at some point be confronted with the city’s notoriety as a part of the sex industry. While it’s true that sex tourism is in full force in the go-go bars along Walking street, it’s easy to find more family-oriented locations across town where you can get a bite to eat or relax in the evening. There are a couple of Irish pubs, an English pub and a blues bar where tourists can enjoy a relaxed evening without the risqué atmosphere. On the whole, the nightlife in Pattaya spans all interests and there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Pattaya is also a popular gay destination. Gay Pattaya is centred on Boyztown and is very welcoming. Gay travellers feel very comfortable in Pattaya and have plenty of options for fun.

Travel destinations in Thailand – Part 10

From the moment we stepped of the plane and onto the Disney inspired tram that leisurely transported us to the thatched roof cabanas masquerading as an airport, I knew Koh Samui was indeed going to be a memorable destination. The best way to get there is a flight from Bangkok, a route almost monopolized by Bangkok Airways, but this boutique airline lives up to its many accolades as one of the best in the business, and the charming laid back character of the open air airport, honestly, defies description and must be experienced to be believed in today’s world of armed guards packing assault rifles patrolling equally fortified air terminals.

Located off Thailand’s often-overlooked eastern coast in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is Thailand’s third largest island and is often cited as one of the world’s most beautiful island destinations. Whether your passion is sunbathing, diving, golf, sailing, jungle trekking, eating or howling at the full moon, Koh Samui can accommodate you and more; however, to a seasoned business traveler like myself accustomed to modest luxury, the most compelling reason to visit Koh Samui is the decidedly decadent experience that awaits you in the hundreds of private villas tucked in and around the flora draped hills overlooking Chaweng Beach.

For the same cost as that concrete cubicle with a queen bed known as a “deluxe” at most resorts you can surround yourself in a royal tapestry of indulgence; think marble open air baths with spectacular (and private) views of aquamarine waters of Chaweng Bay, super king sized beds of richly carve mahogany piled high of silk and comforting down, spacious and airy sitting rooms fitted out in classical, yet luxurious, Thai simplicity that inspires even the un-inspirable, all served up with a personalized Thai hospitality that leaves no detail unattended. My personal favorite is Sandalwood Villas, in no small measure from the fond memories of one amorous evening fueled by the exquisite in-villa dining and personal massage services arranged for my partner and I by Sathit, the resident manager, and his team. Most of these properties are private and, unfortunately, are seldom in the travel agents portfolio but can be found with a careful search on the web. Another good source are websites where travelers post their experiences and recommendations such as asiarooms.com. But of course man cannot live in luxury always and Koh Samui offers options for all, no matter your budget, and the beaches

Phuket nightlife still evolving

Phuket nightlife takes on many different forms. Phuket is one of Thailand’s top destinations and as such there is a diverse range of nightspots on the island. Although Phuket nightlife is not quite on the same level as in Bangkok, that doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to find somewhere to have fun.

Phuket nightlife is at its most lively in Patong. You’ll either love Patong or you’ll hate it. The bars are loud, the clubs are obnoxious and the streets are crowded. That being said, Patong is cheap and the bars and clubs stay open later than in other parts of Phuket.

Patong is famous for its nightlife. The center of the action is found on Soi Bangla, which is a hive of go-go bars, discos and stage shows. This is Phuket nightlife at its most seedy, but it can be a lot of fun if you go in the right frame of mind.

Generally speaking, the bars and clubs in Patong churn out hip hop and dance music hits. It can all be a bit predictable, so don’t go expecting anything special.

Patong is also known for its girls. Yes, it’s true, there are countless bar girls and sex shows in Patong, but the people of Patong make no effort to conceal these facts. Patong is what it is and it’s best not to take the whole place too seriously.

Perhaps the most fun that can be had in Phuket is at some of the local clubs. Phuket nightlife is at its most authentic in the small Thai clubs, where you can check out some of the local bands. Phuket Town is probably the best place to sample some Thai-style clubbing.

Also in Phuket Town there are lots of pubs and beer bars and much less of the seedy side of Phuket nightlife.

There are plenty of other areas where you can go and party, but usually they aren’t as busy and entertaining as in Patong or Phuket Town. There are a few exceptions scattered around the island in places such as Surin, Kata-Karon and Nai Harn.

The only area that Phuket really lacks anything in terms of nightlife is serious clubbing. There are a few Phuket clubs where you can hear cutting-edge music, but these are few and far between. However, it is possible to catch electro, techno, breaks, house and more in some Phuket clubs and bars.

Phuket could be a major clubbing destination in Southeast Asia, but the island has a long way to go before it can start competing with the likes of Singapore and KL.

For now, Phuket nightlife has enough depth to keep people entertained, but you feel as if there is more to come. The shining beacon of Phuket nightlife is that there is a great live-music scene around the island. There are lots of bands who can rattle out everything from rock and indie to jazz and blues. If you can get into it, there is a top indie scene in Phuket. Pick up some CDs in a local store to get a feel for the music.

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