Thailand Archives - Top Spot Travel

April 22, 2024 by jfalbelda

Top 3 Countries for Street Food!

For many, street food often epitomizes a country. Food represents culture, socializing and family and for a traveler it can be new, exciting and open whole new worlds of mouth-watering cuisine. Amazing street food can be found all across the world, from exotic Thai street vendors selling mysterious delicacies (bugs included!) to Mexican tlacoyos or Brazilian Feijoada. Check out these 3 top countries for street food!

Thailand

Delicious, plentiful and cheap, street vendors can be found on practically every street corner in Thailand, with the street food capital obviously being Bangkok. Mostly found for under $5 for an entire meal, Thai street food is great for those traveling on a budget as it’s filling and healthy for the most part. Much of the best street food in Bangkok can can be found in Chinatown, Silom Road and Banglamphu. There are an almost infinite choice of hotels in Bangkok as it’s actually the most visited city in the world, so you won’t find any problem finding a place to enter your food coma next to any of the aforementioned street food hot spots.

What you should try:

Pad Thai

A stapleThai streetfood, pad thai noodles are mixed with various vegetables, meats or fish. Travelers can customize pad thai as much as they wish and will need to decide whether they want their noodles ‘naam’ (with soup) or ‘haeng’) (dry). The pad thai noodles then need to be flavored using either sugar, chili, fish sauce, vinegar with chili and/or peanuts.

May 24, 2020 by Jeremy

Travel Destinations in Thailand – Hua-Hin

In 1834 the province of Phetchaburi fell victim to a severe drought which brought much hardship to the area. As a result of this, a number of agricultural workers decided to seek more fertile land and moved South. They came across a small coastal village with glorious white sand and a row of rocks along the beach. They decided to put down their roots here and named the place Samore Riang, which translates as “Rows of Rocks”.

As the years rolled by, more and more people settled in the area. Prince Purachatra had the Railway Hotel built close to the beach. Prince Krom Phra Naresworarit built palaces at Ban Laem Hin, called Sukaves. It was he that gave the beach the name “Hua Hin”. King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) had his summer palace constructed there and named it Klai Kang Won, which means “Far from Worries”. For 2 years, from 2004 to 2006 it became the main residence of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), until poor health forced him to retire to the Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok.

As 1 of 8 districts within Prachuap Khiri Khan Province and 911 kilometers Southwest of Bangkok, Hua Hin is now a popular visitor destination for indigenous Thais and foreign travelers wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of the cities. There is no doubting the beauty of the area, lush green plantations, rolling hills, sandy beaches and the calm cooling waters of The Gulf of Thailand.

See and Do in Hua Hin

Some visitors arrive in Hua Hin by train, but of course not all. For those that don’t, the station is an attractive structure and worth a short visit. Built during the reign of King Rama VI, the structure is of brightly painted timber of Thai design. But, strangely, it has the feel of a typical Victorian provincial railway station that would not be out of place in an English shire county. Remarkable this station is not, but pretty and pleasing it certainly is.

Black Mountain Water Park

Hua Hin has evolved into a family orientated resort area. Great family fun is to be had at the Black Mountain Water Park. There are 9 separate water slides, a beach pool and a pool just for the younger children. There’s also the lazy river and a wave pool. The park has been constructed around a man-made lake and is set against a mountain backdrop. Open from 10am to 5pm, the Black Mountain Water Park is an exciting day out for both parents and children, go on, make a splash.

The Venezia Hua Hin

Rather than build yet another glitzy shopping mall, which can be found in most towns and cities, the Venezia is something different, it’s a shopping village. Themed with a Venetian style this is a wonderfully refreshing shopping experience, it even sports a replica of San Marco’s Bell Tower. Lining each side of the canal are colorful shops, houses, restaurants and coffee shops. Relaxing terraces and plazas complete the experience, and Venezia makes a wonderful backdrop for the perfect photo opportunity.

Hua Hin Beach

Hua Hin Beach will always be a major attraction for visitors. With 4 kilometers of white sand the beach is rarely crowded and there are plenty of activities for all the family. Ride a pony along the soft sand, ride a banana boat, relax under a beach umbrella or sit on the terrace of one of the many beachside restaurants and bars that sit beneath the palms that fringe the soft white sand. Be you active or idle, Hua Hin Beach doesn’t disappoint.

Hua Hin, Close to Nature

Trekking and hiking is becoming more popular with visitors to the kingdom, and at Hua Hin there is much to see. Hua Hin is surrounded by National Parks, the hills and mountains that rise up from the Eastern seaboard are blanketed with verdant flora that supports a myriad of fauna, perfect for the rural explorer.

Following well mapped and signed posted trails, incredible caves and awe inspiring waterfalls await, viewing points allow for breathtaking vistas, the photo opportunities are endless. The birdlife will excite any ornithologist with, amongst others, the sight of eagles and hawks circling in the blue skies.

Hua Hin Night Market

The town’s night market is as good as any you will find in Thailand. Dominated by local merchandise this is a great place to barter for a bargain. The market also offers wonderful street food and restaurants, freshly caught seafood is a must try, prawns, crab and lobster are too tempting to miss. The night market is not just about lightening your wallet, it is a bright, colorful, vibrant form of entertainment all of its own.

Hua Hin, Something for Everyone

Hua Hin is certainly an all-encompassing holiday destination and provides an experience that lives with the visitor long after the holiday is over. For the old and the young, the adventurous and the idle, Hua Hin has it. From visiting the vineyards and the palaces, the animal park and the butterfly farm to bronzing on the beach, visitors can be sure of Hua Hin.

Visit Hua Hin Destination page on FerrySamui.com for travel packages and schedules to and from Hua Hin.

August 13, 2019 by Jeremy

A Guide to Exploring the Thai Islands in 21 Days

If you’re in need of a beach getaway, there is nowhere else on Earth that compares to the Thailand. Whether you travel from Koh Phangan to Koh Phi Phi or Koh Tao to Koh Samui, spending time exploring the Thai islands is the best way to add a slice – or many slices – of paradise to your life.

One of the biggest mistakes among the travelers of the world is not allocating enough time to the islands, so it is important to give yourself plenty of time to soak up the sun. Spending at least two weeks traveling around Thailand is a must, but three weeks is even better. After your 21-day journey island hopping around Thailand, there’s a good chance you won’t be ready to leave.

Get Started in Bangkok

No matter where you intend on going, Bangkok is the ultimate starting point. It is highly recommended that you spend at least a day or two exploring the hustle and bustle of Bangkok before heading to the islands of the South. As the capital of the country, Bangkok serves as the mecca of Thai culture.

Before soaking up the sand, surf, and salt, spend some time trying authentic Thai street food, browsing through night markets, and exploring the temples surrounding Bangkok. One of the biggest mistakes by travelers flying through Bangkok is not spending any time in the city. Sure, it’s hectic and might not be your cup of tea, but just give it a chance for a day or two.

Head South to Phuket

There are a few options for getting from Bangkok to Phuket. The first is to fly, but the much better option is to travel by land. Of course, if you’re in a hurry to get to the southern Thai islands, taking the one hour flight is your best bet. However, you’ll be missing out on some gems that you can only experience by traveling over land. If you do choose to take a bus or train, make a side trip to the National Park called Kanchanaburi.

Once in Phuket, you’ll quickly see why this is referred to as the Gateway to the Andaman Sea. If you’re lucky enough to book accommodations right on the water, you’ll be surrounded by azure waters morning, noon, and night. Although Phuket is touristy and hectic, it is a must-visit destination.

The neighborhood you choose to stay will have a huge impact on your Phuket experience. For crazy nightlife and ladyboys on every corner, head to Patong. For something a bit more lowkey and less in your face, Kata Beach is a better choice.

Take a Ferry to Phi Phi Islands

Phi Phi is known best for being home to the famous Maya Beach where Leo filmed his famous movie, The Beach. Although Maya Beach is currently closed to tourism, there is plenty more to keep you busy. Similar to Phuket, Koh Phi Phi is just as touristy and has a lot going on. However, the tiny size of this island means that you can walk around the entire thing. In fact, you’ll have to resort to getting around on foot since there are no motor vehicles on the Phi Phi Islands at all.

Next, Head to Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is another fairly small island, but it is large enough to accommodate for cars and scooters. The vibe on Koh Lanta is entirely different than Phuket and Phi Phi. It is way more laid back here, so it’s easy to take a break from partying during your time on this island. Check out Hey Hostel if you’re hoping to stay right on the beach and in need of some social vibes.

From Koh Lanta, Head to the Gulf

If you have the time, make a trip to the island of Koh Lipe and then spend some time in Krabi’s Railay Beach. If not, it’s time to head directly to the Gulf of Thailand from Koh Lanta. The most famous Gulf islands include Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. Koh Tao is a diver’s paradise, so be sure to check this little island out if you have SCUBA on the brain.

Koh Phangan is home to the infamous full moon parties, so plan your trip accordingly so that you’re on the island during the full moon. Koh Samui is a less popular area, but it’s a great place if you’re hoping to chill and get away from all the partying. There is also an airport in Koh Samui where you’ll be able to catch a flight to Bangkok before heading back home.

June 25, 2013 by jfalbelda

Thailand’s Best All-Around Beaches: Pattaya

Thailand is known for many things including delectable cuisines, bustling Bangkok, pristine mountains, and of course its countless beaches. Most people who vacation there will mix in a bit of it all, but one thing not to miss is soaking up the sun on one of the myriad islands or famed coastal destinations, including none other than, Pattaya.

Pattaya is one of the biggest beaches close to Bangkok, at just a 2 hour drive south. It is a bit notorious for its large concentration of beer bars and sex tourism, but the city government has been doing a lot to spruce up the beaches and make everything a bit more family friendly. If you want to check out some hotel packages, see Best At Thailand – Pattaya for some pretty good deals.

The beach is a sandy 3-mile stretch, with many quieter parts to do give it your best shot at appeasing the sun gods, but there are also plenty of other activities like Mini Siam, a theme park displaying miniature replicas of sights in Thailand as well as international ones. You can also check out the Pattaya Elephant Village to see shows/go for rides on one.

If adrenaline is more you fix, then sign up for a round of paintball, go for a ride in some high-speed go-karts or go shooting at the 19 lane indoor gun range. Another popular thing that foreigners (referred to as Farangs in Thai) do while in Thailand, and especially by the seaside, is to rent a motorbike or scooter and enjoy the scenic drives. Just make sure you where a helmet and never drink and drive! If you happen to have a bit of rain one night, take in a movie at one of the modern cinemas or even play some bowling at one of the two bowling alleys.

If you are of age, and make it to Pattaya, you must certainly spend at least one night out to experience the wild nightlife which brought this small seaside city to recognition. There are countless bars, dance clubs and go-go bars, and if you just take everything for what it is, you’re sure to have a memorable night out!

May 17, 2013 by jfalbelda

The Best Hotel Pools in The World

For some people, a pool can make or break a hotel. Here are five of the best hotel pools in the world that will satisfy swimmers and sunbathers alike.

1. Banyan Tree, Seychelles

This tropical resort is located along Mahé Island and features a spectacular Indian Ocean view. Lush plant life wraps around this serene hotel and guests can enjoy the atmosphere and the view with poolside snacks and drinks. Read More »