Visit Chao Phraya River by Tourist Boat

Chao Phra Ya Tourist Boat

Every Saturday and Sunday with Chao Phraya Express Boat

ITINERARY:

9:00 hrs. Depart from Sathorn Pier to Maharaj Pier by 40-seat boat

9:30 hrs. Depart from Maharaj Pier to Koh Kred

10:30 hrs. At Kho Kred, visit the Wat Poramaiyikawas, a 200-year-old ethnic Mon-style temple, with history dating back to early Ayutthaya period. The temple chapel has exquisite samples of architecture, mural painting and fine plasterwork including a display of many ancient Mon artifacts. Afterwards, visit the Mon community's village and Ancient Mon Pottery House. Villagers in the area have maintained their culture, simple lifestyle and their renowned skills in distinctive style of pottery.

12:00 hrs. Depart from Wat Pailom to Baan Kanom Thai (House of Thai Sweets)

12:15 hrs. Arrive at Baan Kanom Thai (House of Thai Sweets) for lunch and observe traditional Thai art of preparing delicate dessert.

13:00 hrs. Leave Baan Kanom Thai, stop at Wat Yai Sawang-Arom to feed hundreds of fish.

13:30 hrs. Arrive at Pimonrart Floating Market, enjoy shopping Thai traditional food and souvenirs.

13:50 hrs. Leave Pimonrart Floating Market back to Bangkok.

15:10 hrs. Arrive at Maharaj Pier

15:30 hrs. Arrive at Sathorn Pier (Taksin)

Tourist Boat: Chao Phraya Tourist Boat

Special boat service to travel along Chao Phraya River

Special boat service to travel unlimited trips along the Chao Phraya River. Operated by the Chao Phraya Express Boat Co.,Ltd. who provide a high quality of service. The boat route is connected to BTS Skytrain at Saphan Taksin Station from Sathorn Pier and proceeds up the river to Phra Arthit Pier The boat service tops at 10 major piers which provide convenient access to sites in surrounding areas such as The Grand Palace. Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho, Royal Barge Museum, China Town, Khao San Road etc.

*Royal Barge Museum Trip

service is available daily from 9.30 to 15.00 hrs. with departures every 30 minutes from the Sathorn Pier.

Tourist Boat: Bangkok Canal Tour

By Chao Phraya Tourist Boat...

Chao Phraya Tourist Boat operated by Chao Phraya Express Boat Co., Ltd. would like to invite you to explore Bangkok canal which has once been known as "Venice of the East" on our Bangkok Canal Tour boats. Departing from Sathorn Pier , connected to Saphan Taksin BTS

station (S6), our tour takes you sightseeing along Chao Phraya River into Bangkoknoi canal, explring the local life style, the temples and the Royal Barge Museum . boat service to travel unlimited trips along the Chao Phraya River.

*Temple of Dawn Trip

ITINERARY: Morning Tour

11:00 AM. Boat departs from Sathorn Pier

11:25 AM. Enter Bangkoknoi canal, once part of the Chao Phraya River

11:35 AM. Arrive at Srisudaram temple for fish feeding

11:40 AM. Continue crusing and exploring the scenery and canal orchards

12:00 AM. U - turn in front of Noi Nai temple in Ranbuatong area

12:20 PM. Visit the Royal Barge Museum which houses the Royal Barge "Suphannahongse"

12:25 PM. Continue to the Temple of Dawn

12:35 PM. Arrive at the Temple of Dawn

12:40 PM. Leave the Temple of Dawn

13:00 PM. Arrive at Sathorn Pier

*Please dress politely. Sleeveless top, shorts and sandals are not allowed.

ITINERARY : Afternoon Tour

14:00 PM. Boat departs from Sathorn Pier

14:25 PM. Enter Bangkoknoi canal, once part of the Chao Phraya River

14:35 PM. Arrive at Srisudaram temple for fish feeding

14:40 PM. Continue crusing and exploring the scenery and canal orchards

15:00 PM. U - turn in front of Noi Nai temple in Ranbuatong area

15:20 PM. Visit the Royal Barge Museum which houses the Royal Barge "Suphannahongse"

15:25 PM. Continue to the Temple of Dawn

15:35 PM. Arrive at the Temple of Dawn

15:40 PM. Leave the Temple of Dawn

15:00 PM. Arrive at Sathorn Pier

*Please dress politely. Sleeveless top, shorts and sandals are not allowed.

Don't hesitate to ask me for more information Tan.wiratchada

Best time to visit Thailand

Where? When?

Wherever you travel in the world, it is important to get the timing right. Not knowing about a country’s seasons and possible weather conditions can turn your holiday into a nightmare. Likewise, gathering some basic details about what to expect will help you make the right decisions about where and when to go.

As far as Thailand is concerned, the best time of year for a visit is between November and February. Generally, the weather is cooler during this period and there is certainly less rain than at other times in the year. However, Thailand is a big country with a diverse landscape. There is somewhere to visit whatever time of the year you visit the kingdom.

Thailand's season

Thailand’s seasons are reasonably uniform through the country, but there are some regional differences. What follows is a summary of the seasons as they impact the kingdom’s various regions:

Central Thailand and the East

In central Thailand and the eastern provinces, the really hot summer weather starts around March and goes on to around November. During this time extreme temperatures can go up to the 45 degrees centigrade mark. The winter months are November to February. There may really be only a few days of genuinely cold weather during these months, but the period leading up to the New Year are a welcome respite from the heat throughout the rest of the year. Aside from these days, visitors from Europe still may feel the temperatures as being a bit warm during Thailand’s winter, although not uncomfortably so. The rainy season kicks in around the end of May and goes on until October. The rain is frequent and sometimes fierce. Usually though rainstorms go on for around 30 minutes or so, and after a storm the weather is significantly cooler.

Northern Thailand and the Northeast

Northern Thailand and the Northeast have the same basic seasons as those in the central and eastern regions. The winters are though significantly cooler. Mountainous regions can get particularly cold, on some occasions down to 0 degrees centigrade. In these parts of Thailand’s winter starts in November and goes on to January. Without doubt these are the best months for a visit to the North and Northeast – flowers are in bloom, it is dry and cool, and in the mountains mists and fogs often form making what is already wonderful scenery exquisite.

Southern Thailand

Southern Thailand’s seasons are less distinct and really there are only two proper seasons - summer and the rainy season. The Gulf of Thailand lies to the east of the Thai peninsula while the AndamanSea lies to the west. Visiting areas west of the peninsula (Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi) is best done between November and April to avoid the monsoons that occur during other months – monsoons obviously make visiting islands by boat difficult and sometimes dangerous. Clearly they are best to be avoided. Areas east of the peninsula (Koh Samui, Hat Yai) are best visited between May and October. If you are planning to visit both sides of the coast during your stay in Thailand, March to April would be the best months.

Thai Government’s Meteorological Department

The Thai government’s Meteorological Department provides an English language website (http://www.tmd.go.th) with key information about Thailand’s weather, including forecasts and summaries. Of particular interest is information on climate and surface temperature – very much worth knowing.

Bangkok's real name

City of Angels: Bangkok's real name

To most Thai people, Bangkok is much more commonly known as Krung Thep, which translates roughly to 'City of Angels'. And, just to disorientate you further, Krung Thep is only the abbreviated version of the capital's full ceremonial name, which has made it into the Guiness Book of Records as the longest place name in the world!

While rarely used in everyday life, apart from a few signs aimed at tourists scattered around town, many Thai people pride themselves on being able to recite the entire name by heart. This is usually down to a 1980's rock duo, Utsanee Wasun, who deftly worked the name into a catchy song.

The English transliteration reads:

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

Which translates into the following long line of superlatives:

The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city (of Ayutthaya) of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn.

Top 10 Bangkok Secrets

Secrets are always fun to explore, and in Bangkok they are plentiful! Some are spoken of only in whispers, others take years to discover, a few are outrageously underrated. But one thing unites those picked for our Top 10: all will enhance your enjoyment of this exciting city. Most are door-openers – i.e. places you should visit – but we’ve thrown in a few eye-openers – i.e. curious facts – for good measure. Seize these before the masses do.

Photo by Daylinews.co.th

(1) Fresh Flower Market

If you’re blooming mad about flowers, don’t miss Pak Khlong Talad. The city’s biggest flower market offers an exotic sensory treat, especially between 02:00 and sunrise, when lorries brimming with freshly cut flora, fruit and vegetables rattle in from neighboring provinces, and this unassuming roadside bursts into a symphony of fragrant smells and vibrant colours. Roses, daises, chrysanthemums, indigenous orchids – they’re all here in droves, and at miniscule prices.

(2) Soi Ari

Want to see how Bangkok rolls for its young, creative and hip? Then head for Soi Ari, an adorable neighborhood of low-rise 70s architecture on the Skytrain’s Sukhumvit line (BTS Ari). At the vanguard of what’s considered cool in the capital, it’s a curious blend of the ‘indy’ and the everyday. Bohemian cafes, clothing boutiques and creatives (artists, photographers, graphic designers) live happily alongside well-to-do family townhouses, tummy pleasing street food, and some seriously scrumptious mom and pop restaurants.

(3) Canal

Once upon a time, Bangkok was famous for longtail boats, tree-lined canals and floating wooden houses – the ‘Venice of the East’. But then cars arrived, bringing with them rowdy roads and torturous traffic. The once mighty khlongs had been usurped. For many tourists today they warrant little more than a guidebook footnote. Our little secret: they’re wrong. While dirty and smelly, many still overflow with glorious life. Thonburi’s offer glimpses of bygone Bangkok, while Khlong Saen Saeb’s boats are part-extreme sports, part-public transport. Don’t miss.

(4) Klong Thom Market

Forget Chatuchak Weekend Market. For second-hand junk and, more importantly, the unrefined buzz of a Bangkok flea market that runs all night long, hit Klong Thom. It’s not really a place for splurging money (not unless you’re after spare car parts, or a used stereo) but will certainly hit the spot for those after a raw, exhilarating market that’s not even remotely touristy. It runs from 17:00 on Saturdays, and runs non-stop into Sunday.

(5) The hottest town on earth

The sweaty brow and sauna-like temperatures are a giveaway. Well now its official: Bangkok is the hottest town on earth. Yes, Mexico City may have more sunshine, and, true, Abu Dhabi does have higher peak temperatures. But, according to the World Meteorological Organization, only Bangkok reaches average annual highs of 32.7 degrees Celsius and lows of 24.1 degrees. As anyone who has woken up swimming in their own sweat during the hot season can testify, this is because Bangkok doesn’t cool down that much at night. Welcome to a true melting pot.

(6) Public Parks

To many visitors Bangkok is merely a vast, flat, ill thought-out expanse of steel and concrete interspersed with little shimmering moments of beauty, like temples. “Where are the parks?,” is the common refrain. “Has Mother Nature been chased out of town?” Thankfully, no. There’s Lumpini Park: a big, welcome slice of green slap-bang in the centre of the city. But the real secret, which few discover, is that it’s not the only one. From the dusty splendour of Sanam Luang, to the lush lawns of King Rama IX Park, the city actually does greenery rather well.

(7) Koh Kret

The Mon minority group who’ve lived there for centuries, the rustic way of life, the somnolent pace – we adore Koh Kret. A little manmade island marooned in the city’s Chao Phraya River, it’s a world unto itself. Stroll (or cycle) along river paths littered with palm fronds, temples and rickety shacks. See potters sculpting red clay and terracotta pots – then buy some in the market. Sample delicacies unique to this isle. Its best quality, though, is its lack of cynicism: unlike some destinations, Koh Kret’s inhabitants greet visitors with genuine delight.

(8) Phra Artit Road

Don’t let its location, just around the corner from the brash chaos of Khao San Road, fool you. Phra Arthit Road is cut from different cloth entirely. This sleepy street is all shade-giving trees, hole-in-the-wall restobars and cute shophouse cafes. Dreamy art students and discerning backpackers come for the quality grub, drowsy vibe and absence of a throng. There are some interesting King Rama V-era houses worth seeing, and the small park – with its ancient white fort and views onto the river – is a great place for some rare solitude.

(9) Massage by Blind

Swedish, Thai, oil, foot, hand or naughty. Bangkok has long been a Mecca for massage-heads. But have you tried a blind massage? Nope, this is not some kinky treatment involving a blindfold but rather a 100% non-sleazy encounter with the able hands of a visually impaired local. It’s common knowledge that the blind compensate for their lack of visual acuity with touch and sound. Here they put this to good use, as they squeeze, click and compress you into a state of complete bodily submission. Wonderful and beneficial for all involved.

(10) Longest Name in the world

The Thai capital has no shortage of sobriquets. There’s Bangkok, the Big Mango, the Venice of the East. However, locally none are as popular as Krung Thep, which translates as ‘The City of Angels’. This is the abridged version of the capital’s full ceremonial name – the longest in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records. Translated, it reads as one long line of superlatives – a poem almost. Locals take great pride in being able to recite the whole thing.

Phuket Vegetarian Festival

Phuket Vegetarian Festival : 28 September - 07 October 2008

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is an annual event held during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar. It is believed that the vegetarian festival and its accompanying sacred rituals bestow good fortune upon those who religiously observe this rite. During this time, local residents of Chinese ancestry strictly observe a 10-day vegetarian or vegan diet for the purposes of spiritual cleansing and merit-making. Sacred rituals are performed at various Chinese shrines and temples and aesthetic displays such as walking barefooted over hot coals and ascending ladders with bladed rungs are performed by entranced devotees known as "Ma Song".

Phuket's Vegetarian festival (or jia chai in local Hokkien Chinese dialect) began in 1825, when the govenor of Thalang, Praya Jerm, moved the island's principal town from Ta Reua in Thalang District to Get-Hoe in Kathu District, where were tin mines and Chinese miners. Kathu was then still covered by jungle and fever was rife. It happened that a traveling opera company (called ngiu in Thai or pua-hee in Hokkien dialect) came from China to perform for the miners

When the whole company grew sick from an unnamed malady, they kept to a vegetarian diet to honor two of the emperor gods, Kiew Ong Tai Teh and Yok Ong Sone Teh. The sickness afflicting the opera troupe then disappeared. This greatly interested the people of Kathu, who asked how it was done. The answer came that ritual vegetarianism with its attendant ceremonies had been the cause, with the result that people embraced the faith enthusiastically. Thus the festival began:starting the first evening of the ninth lunar month, it continued until the ninth evening; the aim was to bring good luck to individuals as well as to the community.

It later happened that one familiar with the festival volunteered to return to Kansai, in China, where he invited the sacred Hiao Ho-le or Hiao lan (incense smoke) and Lian Tui (name plaques), which have the status of gods, to come stay in Kathu. He also brought holy writings used in the ceremonies, returning to Phuket on the seventh night of the ninth month. The people, upon hearing of his arrival, went in procession to Bang Niao Pier to bring him and his sacred cargo back. This was the origin of the processions that figure so greatly in the festival.

The afternoon before the festival begins, a great pole at each temple is raised, called the Go Teng pole, with which the gods are invited to descend. At midnight the pole is hung with nine lanterns, signalizing the opening of the fest. Two important gods are also invited down at midnight to preside over ceremonies; these are Yok Ong Hong Tae and Kiew Ong Tai Tae.

Aside from this, there are other ceremonies throughout the fest, notably: invocation of the gods Lam Tao, who keeps track of the living, and Pak Tao, who keeps track of the dead; processions of the gods' images; and feats of the Ma Song-like bathing in hot oil, bladed ladder climbing and fire-walking. The festival ends with merit making ceremonies at each temple (sadoh kroh) and the send-off of the gods on the last night (when fireworks are at their most impressive).

Ma Song, or entranced horses, are devotees whom the gods enter during the fest. They manifest supernatural powers and perform self-tortures in order to shift evil from individuals onto themselves, and to bring the community good luck. Ma Song fall into two categories: those who, having had an intimation of impending doom, want to extend their lives; and people specially chosen by the gods for their moral qualities.

Throughout the festival fireworks and drums are sounded, especially during ceremonies. It is held that the louder they are the better, because the noise drives away evil spirits.

Participants in the fest keep to a strict vegetarian diet for a varying number of days, usually no less than three. This they do to make themselves strong in mind and body; they refrain from all vice, eating animal flesh, and killing animals. The festival thus promotes good hygiene, brightness and inner peace.

10 RULES FOR THE VEGETARIAN FESTIVAL

1. Cleanliness of bodies during the festival

2. Clean kitchen utensils and to use them seperately from other who do not join the festival

3. Wear white during the festival

4. Behave physically and mentally

5. No meat eating

6. No sex

7. No alcoholic drinks

8. People at mourning period should not attend the festival

9. Pragnant ladies should not watch any ritual

10. Ladies with period should not attend the ritual Source: www.phuketvegetarian.com

Plastic Surgery In Thailand

Breast Augmentation Surgery

Technically known as “augmentation mammoplasty,” breast augmentation is designed to surgically enhance breast size with breast implants. It can correct a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy, help balance a difference in size, or implemented as a reconstructive technique following breast surgery. Breast augmentation is usually performed using saline-filled breast implants, but consult with your doctor regarding the use of silicone implants as recently approved by the FDA in 2005.

Technology

To hide scarring, the surgeon can insert implants through an incision in the armpit, through the areola or where the bottom of the breast meets the chest. Some surgeons use a technique known as Transumbilical Breast Augmentation (TUBA), in which implants are inserted through the belly button via an endoscope.

Average cost of the surgery: US$ 2,500 - 3,000

Facelift Surgery (Rhytidectomy)

Improves sagging facial skin, a slack jaw, and loose neck skin by removing excess fat, tightening muscles, and redraping skin. Most patients who desire a facelift are men and women over 40 years old, seeking to remove the most visible signs of aging.

Technology

(Placement of the incisions and the sequence of events depend on a patient’s facial structure and the surgeon’s technique) Generally, incisions begin above the hairline at the temples, extending in a natural line in front of the ear, and continues behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. The surgeon separates the skin from the fat and muscle below, trimming or suctioning fat from around the neck to improve the contour. He or she then tightens the underlying muscle and membrane, pulling the skin back, and then removes the excess.

Average cost of the surgery: US$ 3,000 - 4,000

Liposuction - (Suction Lipectomy or Lipoplasty)

Removes stubborn fat deposits from the body that are resistant to diet and exercise with a tube and vacuum device. Liposuction can be performed either using the tumescent technique or through ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL). Common locations for liposuction include the chin, cheeks, neck, upper arms, above breasts, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves, and ankles.

Technology

The surgeon makes small incisions in the skin near fatty areas and inserts a long, hollow tube (known as a cannula) which vacuums out fatty tissues. Using the tumescent technique, targeted fat cells are infused with saline containing solution with a local anesthetic before the procedure to reduce post-operative bruising and swelling. Using UAL, an ultrasound probe is inserted under the skin to “liquify” the fat before it is suctioned out.

Average cost of the surgery: US$ 2,000.00 - 4,000.00

Tummy Tuck - (Abdominoplasty)

“Abdominoplasty,” or a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure designed to flatten the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat, tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. Tummy tucks can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen.

Technology

Most commonly, a surgeon will make a long incision across the hipbone directly above the pubic area, with a second incision following to free the navel from surrounding tissue. The surgeon will separate the skin from the abdominal wall up to the ribs, lifting a large skin flap to reveal the vertical muscles in the abdomen. He or she will eventually tighten the muscles by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. Some patients qualify for a “minimum” tummy tuck, if most of their fat is carried below their navel. This is considered a less complex procedure.

Average cost of the surgery: US$ 3,000 - 4,000

Nose Surgery - (Rhinoplasty)

Reshapes the nose by reducing or increasing size, removing bump, narrowing span of the nostrils, changing the angle between the nose and upper lip, or changing the shape of tip or bridge. Rhinoplasty may help to relieve breathing problems (in which case it may be covered by insurance).

Technology

The skin of the nose is separated from its supporting framework of bone and cartilage, which the surgeon then sculpts to the desired shape. The nature of the sculpting will depend on your problem and your surgeon’s preferred technique. The skin is then redraped over the new framework. Most surgeons place stitches inside the nose.

Average cost of the surgery: US$ 700 - 1,000

Eyelid Surgery - (Blepharoplasty)

Corrects sagging, puffy or drooping eyelids, as well as bags and bulges above and below the eyes. The condition is caused when fat forces its way through layers of muscles. If surgery is used to correct visual field defects, upper-eyelid surgery may be covered by medical insurance.

Technology

Drooping eyelids are corrected by incising a flap of skin just above the eyelid and removing excess skin and fat. For lower eyelid surgery, the incision to remove fat is hidden just under the lower lashes. However, blepharoplasty won’t remove crow’s feet and other wrinkles, or eliminate dark circles under the eyes. A surgeon may also use Transconjunctival blepharoplasty, another technique to remove excess under-eye fat; using tiny forceps by making an incision just inside the lower eyelid, in the pink area known as the conjunctival tissue.

Average cost of the surgery: US$ 700 – 1,400

Breast Reduction - (Reduction Mammoplasty)

Removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. Breast reduction can also reduce the size of the areola – the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The goal of this procedure is to give patient smaller breasts that are in proportion with the rest of her body. Breast reduction is usually performed for physical relief versus cosmetic improvement.

Technology

Although techniques vary, the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola, which extends downward, and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. After the surgeon removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, moving the nipple and areola to their new position, he or she then brings the skin from both sides of the breast down and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the breast.

Average cost of the surgery: US$ 3,000 - 3,500

Male Breast Reduction - (Gynecomastia Correction)

Reduces abnormally-enlarged, female-like breasts in men through the procedure of liposuction and/or cutting out excess glandular tissue.

Technology

An incision is made in the areola, the dark area surrounding the nipple, or in the armpit. Fat and glandular tissue are removed to create a chest that is flatter and firmer, contributing to a more masculine contour. Liposuction may be performed in conjunction with male breast reduction.

Average cost of the surgery: US$ 3,500 - 4,000

Ear Pinning Surgery - (Otoplasty)

Reduces the size of large ears or sets prominent ears back closer to the head. Ear surgery is commonly done on children between ages 4 and 14 years old.

Technology

The type of incisions used for ear surgery will depend on the problem, and even when only one ear appears to protrude, surgery is usually performed on both ears for a better balance. For one of the common techniques, a surgeon makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose cartilage, then sculpts the cartilage, bending it back toward the head; occasionally removing a larger piece of cartilage to provide a more natural-looking fold. Another technique involves a similar incision in the back of the ear, skin removal, and stitches used to fold the cartilage back on itself to reshape the ear without removing cartilage.

Average cost of the surgery: US$ 1,000 - 2,000

Smoking & Drinking in Bangkok Thailand

Smoking Tobacco, and Drinking Alcohol in Bangkok and Thailand

Smoking Cigarettes, Cigars and Pipes

If you arrive as a tourist in Bangkok, you may initially be puzzled as to where to find cigarettes or tobacco. The reason is that tobacco wares are not allowed to be displayed in public and no advertising is allowed. Smaller shops will usually sell cigarettes (which are not expensive, even the imported ones). Most convenient places to buy tobacco are the 7-Eleven convenience stores scattered around Bangkok. The cigarettes are located just behind the counter, but as I mentioned, you will not actually see them displayed and must aks for them.

Not quite sure why anyone would want to smoke cigarettes, but for the more serious smokers you will find tobacco wares (cigars, pipe tobacco) at Siam Paragon and Emporium. The shops that sell tobacco are called Bangkok Wine Cellar (they mostly sell wine and spirits). There is one located on the 5th floor (next to the Gourmet Market) at Emporium Shopping Center, and another one (a bit larger, maybe somewhat more choice) in the corridor left of Gourmet Market at Siam Paragon (located at the basement level floor). The pipe tobacco and cigars are not openly visible, so you have to ask to see the wares.

Most five star hotels will have a small shop where you can buy tobacco wares. I noticed that these shops are allowed to display tobacco for sale.

Smoking is prohibited in restaurants and public places in Bangkok. Smoking is allowed outside buildings. For example, if you are a smoker and visit a Starbucks for your morning coffee, you may want to select one that has an outdoors section.

When you visit bars, well you will see the reason why smoking has been banned in most places, and gets such a bad press. The bars are filled with smoke, and any visit may have you coughing for the next few days. In our opinion, if smokers would have been more self-restraining, things would not have developed as far as they have now, with smokers being treated almost as bad as plain criminals.

Update : As of February 2008, there is a smoking ban in airconditioned bars and night clubs. Up to then, bars and nightlife entertainment venues had been exempted. A grace period has been granted, and full implementation of the new law will probably occur around May 2008.

Drinking and Buying Alcohol

Drinking alcohol is still allowed in Thailand. However, you can not buy alcohol at all times of day. Shops like supermarkets and 7-Elevens are not allowed to sell alcohol between 2.00-5.00 P.M. and after midnight. Sometime in the morning (the time escapes me) sales are permitted again. As far as we know, you can drink alcohol all day though in restaurants and bars.

On some days (religious and national holidays, election days) alcohol sales are banned altogether, and drinks can not be served even in restaurants and bars (which usually close on these days anyway).

Wines are invariably priced high. Even table wines that would be sold at less than 100 baht a bottle in Europe, cost 400 baht and upwards.

Stronger drinks like whisk(e)y, gin, vodka are quite cheap altogether. A bottle of good whisky such as Grant's or Ballantines can be had at around 550 baht a bottle (about 15 US $).

Most supermarkets will sell wines and spirits. Beers and mostly local brand alcohol is available at 7-Elevens (prices are about 20% higher than at supermarkets though). By the way, Thai brandy (sometimes called whisky or rum) is actually quite tasty and very cheap.

Drunk driving is a major problem in Thailand, and thousands of people are killed each year because of it. Most victims (and perpetrators) are 'low-class' motorcycle drivers, and little is done to enforce existing laws, and/or to improve drivers' conduct. Invariably, each year around New Year and with Songkran (the Thai New Year) there will be temporary campaigns to limit the number of road deaths. Unfortunately, the value of life in Thailand is rather low, and therefore little is done to preserve it.

Prices for Plastic Surgery in Thailand

Our prices for plastic surgery in Thailand are the minimum you can expect to pay in Bangkok for highly qualified treatment from licensed, experienced, good doctors at a large, clean, hygienic hospital or clinic with English speaking staff. If price is the deciding factor, all of these can be found for a fraction of the cost.

Cosmetic surgery costs more from the very best and most famous plastic surgeons who are known for a particular procedure. Their surgery cost of breast enlargement, rhinoplasty or SRS will be more. That's also true for the cost of lap band surgery and knee surgery.

However, a number of good plastic surgeons in Thailand charge substantially LESS than comparable doctors in the USA, Europe or Australia -- even if you add the cost of your airfare and accommodations in Thailand. Plastic surgery in Thailand and other types of surgery are high quality and inexpensive. Overseas lap band surgery is great value for money

.

If you are interested in any surgery, treatment or procedure not listed to the right, request a quote by clicking here. The surgeries listed are mostly package prices that include your hospital room, nursing care and meals. None include unforeseen complications. Most exclude medications such as analgesics and antibiotics which are prescribed only when needed and in appropriate amounts.

Sometimes we list multiple prices for the same plastic surgery procedure to reflect the actual variation between surgical prices charged by various doctors. There is often a range of prices for the exact same cosmetic surgery. The price often reflects the prestige, reputation, expertise and experience of the physician for that particular plastic surgery procedure — but not always. Top plastic surgeons tend to charge more but sometimes the most experienced also have the most affordable fees.

Some top plastic surgeons quote prices in Thai Baht. In those cases, the Thai Baht price prevails at all times. For US dollar prices with no Baht price, those prices prevail regardless of changes in the currency exchange rate.

Our reference to Plastic Surgeon “A” or “B” or “C” is NOT a grade and is NOT an indication of quality. For some plastic surgeries, Plastic Surgeon “C” is the best of the best. Plastic Surgeons “B” refers to a large team of surgeons, only one of whom will actually perform the plastic surgery.

Hospital Room Fee for procedures with no package price

(room rates INCLUDES food & nursing care cost)

A Superior Room costs US$135/day.

Food and nursing care is included in the room rate. It has air-conditioning, phone, couch, cable TV with news, movies and sports in English, refrigerator, table, and a locker. Phone calls are not included in the price.

A Suite costs US$215/day.

Food and nursing care is included in the room rate and it has everything found in a Superior Room with the addition of a small living room separated from the patient's room by a door which can be left open or closed, it is larger, has separate cable TV in both the patient's room and living room and has a microwave oven. The primary advantage of a Suite is the ability for patient or significant other to have privacy.

Medical Tourism in Thailand

“Medical Tourism in Thailand” is your personal health care partner providing the medical tourist with international medical tourism facts about affordable surgery abroad & low cost personal health care services. If you seek breast enlargement, dental implants, SRS, drug rehab, infertility treatment, IVF egg donation PGD or plastic surgery in Thailand we'll help you find the best value for money.

Breast augmentation surgery starts at US$2,600. LASIK surgery cost in Bangkok is US$3,550 less than the average in the USA. Computer assisted total hip replacement surgery costs just US$2,800. The cost of lap band surgery, including two nights stay in hospital, is just US$9,000. Thailand medical tourism offers not only affordable plastic surgery abroad at ISO-certified international hospitals but also a world class alcohol treatment center, the latest medical diagnostic imaging, teeth whitening and affordable dental care.

Medical tourism in Thailand is a low cost health insurance alternative and a great source for things which cheap health insurance usually excludes such as a cosmetic dentist. But we are also the #1 source of information about Dr Sava Perovic, likely the world's leading urological surgeon, who on rare occasions performs FtM & MtF SRS transsexual surgery in Bangkok. He's also the world's leading plastic surgery phalloplasty Dr. offering the best permanent surgical results, extremely high rates of success for all his procedures and remarkably low numbers of complications.

If you need affordable health care or cosmetic surgery, you can get it from an advanced health care center in Bangkok that is hi-tech, modern, effective & safe. Have chronic pain? International medical tourism gets you affordable medical diagnosis and treatment from a competent, licensed, experienced and skilled medical doctor who can give you the quality health care you need. Dr Somsak Lolekha, president of the Medical Council of Thailand believes: “Medicine is about saving lives, not making money.”

From medical tourism packages overseas to medical tourists agencies, anyone thinking about becoming a medical tourist will find this site about medical tourism in Thailand, and elsewhere, valuable food for thought and an answer to prayer. Thailand medical tourism has some unique features but you may find our insights, comments, opinions, suggestions and questions relevant and applicable for any medical tourism outside of the USA, Australia, Canada or Europe. And if you are coming to Bangkok, we can coordinate your visit to the hospital at no charge. The international hospitals report our help greatly reduces problems & improves the patient experience.

We try to be impartial but sometimes we'll give pure editorial opinion about international medical tourism and medical tourism marketers. But we'll try to make sure a medical tourist can clearly tell what is opinion and what are medical tourism facts. For more than three decades we've been researching the top medical tourism hospitals in Thailand, using them for our own health care and that of our friends and loved ones, including many Thais. There are many private hospitals in Bangkok. We've seen the good, the bad, the ugly, the cheap and the expensive. Our experience can help ensure you get excellent value for money.

Other USA medical tourists agencies may not have the experience abroad to give you a clear idea of what to expect overseas. We've got decades of first-hand experience to help you sort out the bewildering array of options:

• Europe medical tourism? Their best surgeons come here.
• UK medical tourism? What about their superbugs?
• USA medical tourism? Only for the super-rich.
• Canada medical tourism? Free for them, not you.
• medical tourism India? Not bad, but compare our facilities!
• medical tourism Mexico? Close, but more expensive.
• medical tourism Costa Rica? Convenient but not better.
• medical tourism in the Philippines? We speak English too!
• Caribbean medical tourism? Surgery is not a vacation.

Just finding all those destinations on a map is already exhausting. So many continents! So many countries! So many cities! So many hospitals! So many doctors! Relax. Your search is over. Thailand has the quality health care you need at a price you can afford. You'll probably find you've got enough money for additional elective procedures such as cosmetic plastic surgery and the dental work you've been postponing until you win the lottery. Dental care in Thailand costs about 85% less than the USA and 50-75% less than Mexico.

Medical Tourism Best Place To Go

The focus of “Medical Tourism in Thailand” is to inform you and other medical tourists seeking affordable surgery abroad that Bangkok, Thailand is your destination of choice. We can also provide medical escort and concierge services if you decide to come and want our help. We do not mark up the medical care, surgeries or dental care we recommend. Except for highly specialized procedures that may not be listed, we quote from price lists published by the hospitals and doctors or from quotes they provide to us. Ask them or ask us, the price of any particular surgery will be the same always.

Medical tourism in Thailand is a great idea because “The Land of Smiles” is already one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet. You probably already know Thai food is great and have heard that Thailand is a fantastic place to vacation. But did you know:

• many Thai doctors are American Board Certified and a number are Australian Board certified as well?
• the quality of health care available in Thailand rivals the best of the USA and Europe?
• the direct flight from New York City to Bangkok takes only 16 hours?
• you can get your surgery or medical treatment in Thailand for 70%, 80%, even 90% LESS that at home?

many Thai doctors have studied and trained and practiced medicine at:

• Cleveland Clinic
• Mayo Clinic
• Cedars-Sinai
• Johns Hopkins
• Harvard
• Columbia; and
• Roswell Park Cancer Institute, to name a few.

Tired of listening to the claims "America has the best health care in the world" when it's really only the most expensive health care in the world? Consider medical tourism. If you cannot afford the Cleveland Clinic but need that quality, medical tourism in Thailand is the solution. Would treatment at the Mayo Clinic break the bank? Medical tourism in Thailand is a viable alternative. Got a lot of respect for the medicine of Johns Hopkins, Harvard & Columbia University but don't have the deep pockets or comprehensive health insurance required? Thailand medical tourism gives you doctors trained at all those places but now providing treatment and services in clean, hygienic, ultra-modern, medical skyscrapers in Bangkok — for just 15 cents on the dollar.

Concerned about “accreditation” or “certification”? Good. All Thai hospitals must be licensed by the Thailand Ministry of Health. All Thai doctors must have medical licenses. Many are licensed by the medical associations of two or more countries, including the USA. Thailand has it’s own Medical Council which is the equivalent of the American Medical Association (AMA).

Many Thai hospitals have already achieved the International Standards Organization's ISO 9001:2000 accreditation. Leading hospitals have their own quality assurance department which regularly audits the health care facility & it's other departments.

At least one Thai hospital has accreditation from the international division of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), a private, nonprofit organization that is the primary inspector of hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical institutions in the USA.

But before you get too impressed by JCAHO accreditation or give it more importance than it may deserve, you should read the Boston Globe newspaper report of 17 March 2007 about how Massachusetts General Hospital failed a JC inspection because of “a series of issues raised by the inspectors” including:

• staff neglecting to wash their hands before and after caring for patients;
• medical records lacking dates and times;
• caregivers failing to record whether patients on pain medication experienced less pain; and
• staff failing to ask some patients about the medications they were taking before being hospitalized to ensure they would not be given drugs or treatments in the hospital that could cause a bad reaction.

Massachusetts General Hospital appealed the findings of the inspectors and made “improvements”. A second inspection found the hospital still "out of compliance in 10 areas" but the Joint Commission gave the hospital full accreditation anyway.

We also refer to this news story because it shows you many of the good reasons to carefully consider medical tourism in Thailand:

High-quality health care in the USA is available only to the rich, the powerful and the influential. Most Americans get the level of health care you see on the “ER” TV series. Medical tourism in Thailand gives you the top-quality care you and your loved ones deserve at a price many people can afford.

The quality and cleanliness of Thai hospitals and the quality of the health care they provide is quite good and probably much, much higher than you imagine. Service is fast, courteous, and competent. At many private Thai hospitals there’s no waiting to see a doctor — even a specialist.

You are likely to find you save so much money that you can afford to also get all the dental work you need.

And you can recover in the peace and quiet of a beautiful, friendly, luxurious, affordable tropical resort where you can stay three days and nights with free broadband Internet access and "all-you-can-eat" buffet breakfasts for the cost of a single filling for a tooth in the USA. I can assist you anyway.;)

 

 

Search Amazon.com for medical tourism travel guide