Thailand Tourism Update: Recent Posts

Thailand Tourism Update: Recent Posts http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ Sign up for our forum today to discuss, share and learn about all things Thailand tourism related. en-US Fri, 30 Jul 2010 10:10:15 +0000 bbpress 1.0-alpha-6 <![CDATA[Search]]> q http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/search.php aimhigh on "Planning to migrate in the U.S.?" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/planning-to-migrate-in-the-us#post-136 Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:33:26 +0000 aimhigh 136@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ Planning to migrate in the U.S.? Start the immigration process by applying an immigrant or non-immigrant visa. The Non-immigrant visas are for temporary visits to the U.S. for tourism, study, business or work. Immigrant visas allow for Permanent Residence to stay in the U.S. <a href="http://www.immigrationdirect.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.immigrationdirect.com/</a> tam0s on "discover Ha Long Bay with Oriental Sails" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/discover-ha-long-bay-with-oriental-sails#post-135 Mon, 05 Jul 2010 13:44:20 +0000 tam0s 135@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ That would be a good choice if you visit Ha Long Bay with Oriental Sails cruise team. They have 2 cruises: Deluxe Oriental sails with 16 cabins and brand new Luxury Calypso Cruiser with 12 cabins. With this company, you can discover both nature and human beauty of Ha Long bay, not only landscapes but also culture. They bring you a right traditional Vietnamese design in architecture which is closely combined with modern facility. All the crew on the cruiser are friendly and well trained. Food and all your special requirement are respected and served to the end. Oriental Sails cruise team will never let you down! tam0s on "Travel to Asia- Thailand-Vietnam-Laos-Cambodia.." http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/travel-to-asia-thailand-vietnam-laos-cambodia#post-134 Mon, 05 Jul 2010 13:05:32 +0000 tam0s 134@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ That would be a good choice if you visit Ha Long Bay - Vietnam with Oriental Sails cruise team. They have 2 cruises: Deluxe Oriental sails with 16 cabins and brand new Luxury Calypso Cruiser with 12 cabins. With this company, you can discover both nature and human beauty of Ha Long bay, not only landscapes but also culture. They bring you a right traditional Vietnamese design in architecture which is closely combined with modern facility. All the crew on the cruiser are friendly and well trained. Food and all your special requirement are respected and served to the end. Oriental Sails cruise team will never let you down! tam0s on "discover Ha Long Bay with Oriental Sails" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/discover-ha-long-bay-with-oriental-sails#post-133 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 09:19:33 +0000 tam0s 133@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ HALONG CRUISE ON ORIENTAL SAILS 2 Days 1 Night The Halong Oriental Sails 2 boasts a total of 16 deluxe cabins (6 doubles and 10 twins); each air-conditioned with private ensuite, bar fridge, and rustic rattan furnishings * Connecting family rooms upon request. Day 1: Hanoi – Halong bay 08 00 – 08 30: bus and guide will pick you up at your hotel for 3 ½ hour drive to Halong. Arrive in Halong board Halong Oriental Sails. Lunch is served with a welcome drink while the boat is cruising the bay to enjoy the beautiful limestone seascape with Fighting cock, Dog Rock and Incense Burner . After visiting Amazing Cave we stop at a floating house and go kayaking to Luon cave to enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the bay. Fresh fruit platter will be served followed by a dinner. Overnight on board. (Kayaking: 1,5hrs) (Lunch, Dinner) Day 2: Halong Bay – Hanoi Sunrise breakfast and cruise around the clear & emerald water to another part of Halong bay with a close up view of stunning limestone peaks. such as Drum cave , Man's head Islet….Heading to Van Gia fishing village, you will have the opportunity to understand more about the fishermen's daily life. Having lunch on board with a variety of local foods, enjoying the rest of the boat trip before back to Halong dock. Have a short break before en route to Hanoi . Trip ends around 4h30 pm. (Breakfast, Lunch) PRICE PER PERSON: 105 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: 25 Children under 4 years old are FOC, sharing room with parent. Children from 4 to 9 years old are charged 70%, sharing room with parent Inclusions Meals as mentioned Accommodation on board (on twin /double basis) Pick-up and transfer by A/C vehicle. English speaking tour guide Entrance fees Kayaking, Welcome drink, fresh fruit. Exclusions Drinks Gratuities and personal expenses. What to bring: Original passport, swimming suites, sun glasses, insect repellent Attention: Special requests on food (diet or vegetarian) please inform us before departure. The itinerary may be subject to change due to the bad weather condition Suksan on "Bangkok is the best place to spend your holiday season" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/bangkok-is-the-best-place-to-spend-your-holiday-season#post-132 Sat, 24 Apr 2010 06:15:35 +0000 Suksan 132@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ Of course BKK is the best place. If you want to be swarmed by the Army, the riots by the Red Shirts and the Anti Red Shirt protesters. As well as every country has now issued a security warning not to go to BKK in its current state. Phuket, so much nicer and no one is rioting here! Suksan Suksan on "Vietnam visa exemption" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/vietnam-visa-exemption#post-131 Sat, 24 Apr 2010 06:13:16 +0000 Suksan 131@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ Don't believe the Spam.... Most of it is just generated crap.... Why would someone promote Vietnam on a Tourist website for Thailand... Must be slightly crazy... Christopher01 on "Bangkok is the best place to spend your holiday season" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/bangkok-is-the-best-place-to-spend-your-holiday-season#post-130 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 10:47:11 +0000 Christopher01 130@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ Revive with a refreshing holiday at excellent accommodation rooms in the heart of the City of Angels. Enjoy delicious cuisines, delightful entertainment and dream hotels at one of the most pulsating cities in the world. Visit: <a href="http://www.discountedhotelsinbangkok.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.discountedhotelsinbangkok.com</a> vietnam on "Vietnam visa exemption" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/vietnam-visa-exemption#post-129 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 07:14:21 +0000 vietnam 129@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ Citizen holders who wish to enter Vietnam are required to apply for Vietnam Visa in the following suggested ways: 1.Apply Vietnam Visa online <a href="http://vietnamvisapro.com/apply.html" rel="nofollow">http://vietnamvisapro.com/apply.html</a> 2.Apply Vietnam Visa on arrival (Visa to pick up at Vietnam airport) or Vietnam Visa code here (visa to pick up at Vietnam Embassy/ Consulate) 3.Receive the Vietnam Visa approval letter/code after 1 or 2 working days 4.Print the approval letter/code to stamp Vietnam visa at Vietnam Visa airports or Vietnam Visa Embassies/Consulates. Getting Vietnam VISA in not the most significant but it is the first task to be completed when you prepare to visit or spend your trip in Vietnam <a href="http://www.vietnamvisapro.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.vietnamvisapro.com</a> vietnam on "Important steps to register for Vietnam visa on arrival" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/important-steps-to-register-for-vietnam-visa-on-arrival#post-128 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 07:08:38 +0000 vietnam 128@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ STEP 1: Fill in online form Fill in the secure online form. It takes only a couple minutes. STEP 2: Confirm Confirm the information for processing your visa. STEP 3: Pay the service fee Pay the service fee. We accept Credit Card, Paypal, Wire transfer and Western Union. STEP 4: Get your Visa Get the "Visa approval letter" within 2 working days and pick up your visa at airports. Vietnam entry visa <a href="http://www.vietnamvisapro.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.vietnamvisapro.com</a> Visa to vietnam, apply vietnam visa online: <a href="http://vietnamvisapro.com/apply.html" rel="nofollow">http://vietnamvisapro.com/apply.html</a> Getting vietnam visa on arrival, vietnam visa fee: <a href="http://vietnamvisapro.com/vietnam-visa_269.html" rel="nofollow">http://vietnamvisapro.com/vietnam-visa_269.html</a> Suksan on "Important steps to register for Vietnam visa on arrival" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/important-steps-to-register-for-vietnam-visa-on-arrival#post-127 Sat, 17 Apr 2010 12:22:17 +0000 Suksan 127@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ Who cares? This is a Thai Forum... Spamming Idiots. aimhigh on "Important steps to register for Vietnam visa on arrival" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/important-steps-to-register-for-vietnam-visa-on-arrival#post-126 Wed, 14 Apr 2010 19:58:54 +0000 aimhigh 126@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ Online services especially applying for visas and passport is very cool and convenient. Like if you want to renew your Green card and you are still having your vacation in Vietnam you can easily renew it online by visiting the site <a href="http://www.immigrationdirect.com/greencard/renewal-green-card-Form-I-90-replace.jsp" rel="nofollow">http://www.immigrationdirect.com/greencard/renewal-green-card-Form-I-90-replace.jsp</a> Suksan on "Villas or Hotels?" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/villas-or-hotels#post-125 Mon, 05 Apr 2010 07:39:10 +0000 Suksan 125@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ Now I do get asked in other forums about what hotels to visit and what budget people have and where they should stay. My answer is generally the same. It all depends on your budget and what you want to do. Hotels offer some great advantages if you really are on a tight budget, but those of you who have a bit of money to spend should always think about Villas or Condos. Villas and condo's offer a home away from home. You can do what you want, when you want without other people snooping around and looking at you. You generally have your own private pool and so you can relax a lot easier. Because it is a home from home, you get all your proper home comforts. For starters you are in a house, which means you have rooms. Bedrooms of course, bathrooms are a given, but you also have a lounge, a dining area and of course a kitchen. So you can do everything and anything you want. If you are tired after a long day swimming in your pool, make yourself a snack. Go to Tesco's and buy yourself your favourite food and cook it yourself. If you want pure luxury, you could always hire a cook or a live in maid as well to cater to your every need while on holiday. Budget is the only thing that stops you being totally pampered. Then of course, the cost. People think its very expensive to have one of these idyllic villas or condo's but you will find its the same price as any quality hotel. You can get nice 2 bedroom condos from about 3000 baht a night. I think is very reasonable. When you start to include children in your holiday or friends & family you can all share the fun of a condo or villa. I have visited many over the island of Phuket and I can not understand why people always want to stay in a Hotel. I guess it is because people think condos and villas are way out there in prices. Take a look at <a href="http://www.suksanvillas.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.suksanvillas.com</a> for some prices. You will be pleasantly surprised. Remember Hotels are not the be all and end all of a good holiday. Doing exactly what you want when you want on your own terms, is. aimhigh on "Vietnam visa exemption" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/vietnam-visa-exemption#post-124 Wed, 24 Mar 2010 06:34:22 +0000 aimhigh 124@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ Well, this is a great news. so, I can fly to Vietnam without thinking of any Visa since our country are exempted for the Vietnam visa exempted within 21 days as maximum. ____________________________________________________________________ <a href="http://www.immigrationdirect.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.immigrationdirect.com/</a> aimhigh on "Vietnam luxury travel" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/vietnam-luxury-travel#post-123 Wed, 24 Mar 2010 06:27:43 +0000 aimhigh 123@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ These itinenary is really great and it's worth spending. Plus the thought of being in saigon. <a href="http://www.immigrationdirect.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.immigrationdirect.com/</a> 1travel1 on "Vietnam luxury travel" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/vietnam-luxury-travel#post-122 Sat, 13 Mar 2010 02:34:15 +0000 1travel1 122@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ Departure: From Saigon Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights Price: Please contact us for update quotation Tour Code: DH - VLT01 Highlights: Saigon, Tay Ninh, Cu Chi, Cantho, Vinh Long, Danang, Hoian, Hue, Hanoi, Halong, Ninh Binh. Vietnam luxury travel Experience the dynamic atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City, the tranquil backwaters of the Mekong Delta, the history of Hoi An, the majesty of Hue, the faded colonial elegance of Hanoi and the sheer wonder of Halong Bay. The ancient capital of Hoa Lu and the scenic sight of Tam Coc is visited before end of the trip. Vietnam luxury travel BRIEF ITINERARY : Day 1 : Arrival Ho Chi Minh City Day 2 : Ho Chi Minh – Tay Ninh – Cu Chi Tunnel – Ho Chi Minh Day 3 : Ho Chi Minh – Can Tho Vietnam luxury travel Day 4 : Can Tho – Vinh Long – Ho Chi Minh Day 5 : Ho Chi Minh – Fly to Danang – Transfer to Hoi An Day 6 : Hoi An – Hue half day tour Day 7 : Hue City tour Vietnam luxury travel Day 8 : Hue – Fly to Hanoi – Hanoi half day walking tour Day 9 : Hanoi – City tour – Halong Bay Day 10 : Halong Bay – Hanoi Day 11 : Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc - Hanoi Day 12 : Hanoi – Departure Vietnam luxury travel <a href="http://www.vietnamdhtravel.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.vietnamdhtravel.com</a> <a href="http://www.viethighlighttravel.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.viethighlighttravel.com</a> Simon on "Important steps to register for Vietnam visa on arrival" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/important-steps-to-register-for-vietnam-visa-on-arrival#post-121 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:52:49 +0000 Simon 121@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ Vietnam Goverment offers visa on arrival for those applicants that travel by air to Vietnam. So, if you go by air, the easiest and most simple way is to apply for visa on arrival (visa to be picked up at the arrival airport in Vietnam)! What you need to do is very simple as follows: -You apply online at <a href="http://www.vietnamvisaonline.net" rel="nofollow">http://www.vietnamvisaonline.net</a> -Settle the payment (visa service fee) as per instructions - Receive your visa approval letter after 1working day (urgent service), and 2 or 3 working days (normal service) via email - You print the letter out and bring it together with your photos + passport +some dollars pay the Vietnam Immigration Officer to get your visa stamped in arrival airport in Vietnam and pick up your visa there. And now, you are ready to enter Vietnam! There are two kinds of fees: service fee and stamping fee. - Service fee: the fee is paid ONLINE to proceed the visa for you. - Stamping fee: For getting your visa stamped at VIETNAM airport, pay directly at the Vietnam airports for the Immigration officers by cash (in USD) at immigration Desk. -NORMAL PROCESSING service fee: 2-3 working days -URGENT PROCESSING service fee: 1 working day (plus 10 USD). Legally issued by Vietnam Immigration Department, it has been online for almost 7 years and increasingly becomes the most convenient way to get a visa to Vietnam. The Vietnamese government officially announced that Vietnamprovided visa-on-arrivals at international airports and border crossing pointsfor all international travelers. Vu The Binh, head of the travel department ofthe Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), officially gave theinformation to reporters. The implementation took a few months to give time forthe Customs Department to adapt its information technology system to accommodate the new system. VNAT and <a href="http://www.vietnamvisaonline.net" rel="nofollow">http://www.vietnamvisaonline.net</a> then looked at the new visa procedures. The advantage of on arrival visa is that you will not have to spend your valuable time and your transportation cost to go to the Vietnam Embassy in your country to apply for the visa code. Vietnam visa - <a href="http://vietnamvisaonline.net/vietnam-visa.html" rel="nofollow">http://vietnamvisaonline.net/vietnam-visa.html</a> Vietnam visa online - <a href="http://vietnamvisaonline.net/vietnam-visa-online.html" rel="nofollow">http://vietnamvisaonline.net/vietnam-visa-online.html</a> Vietnam visa fees - <a href="http://www.vietnamvisaonline.net/Vietnam-visa-fees.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.vietnamvisaonline.net/Vietnam-visa-fees.html</a> Vietnam visa on arrival - <a href="http://vietnamvisaonline.net/Vietnam-visa-on-arrival.html" rel="nofollow">http://vietnamvisaonline.net/Vietnam-visa-on-arrival.html</a> Vietnam entry visa - <a href="http://vietnamvisaonline.net/vietnam-entry-visa.html" rel="nofollow">http://vietnamvisaonline.net/vietnam-entry-visa.html</a> Simon on "Vietnam customs formality" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/vietnam-customs-formality#post-120 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:51:29 +0000 Simon 120@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ Import goods and temporary import goods exempt from taxes - Automobiles: having a steering- wheel on the left side, new or second-hand with 70% of the value up, having the papers proving the ownership of the automobile. During the usage, if the automobile is damaged, the user is permitted to import another automobile after liquidation. - Equipments and appliances in service of work: tools, equipments used in the laboratory, professional tools, technique and science documents, concerning office items. - Personal articles: music audio phones, televisions, fridges, washing machines, personal computers, etc. one piece for each kind stated above for usage during their stay in Vietnam. - Other luggage and goods: are entitled to enjoy the duty-free quota and go through customs procedures like luggage of the travelers on entry and exit. After finishing working duration in Vietnam, the automobile, equipments and appliances may be re-exported or transferred (but must pay taxes). If these things are kept to serve for the following mission, it must be submitted the certification of the Vietnamese State body to permit him to leave them back. Arriving in Vietnam, all visitors must fill in Declaration Forms and show their luggage to Customs Officials upon request. There are no limited amounts of foreign currency, objects made of gold, silver, precious metals and gemstones or plated with silver or gold but visitors must declare these in detail on the customs forms. Entry: Tourists are authorized to bring in the following items duty-free: Cigarettes: 400 pieces; Cigars: 50-100; Tobacco: 500 gram; Liquor: 1.5l. Small gift items valued at less than US$ 500. Note: There is no limit to the amounts of cash, precious metals and gems tourists can bring in, yet, amounts of over US$ 7,000 must be declared. It is prohibited for any visitor to bring into Vietnam the followings: - Weapons, explosives and inflammable objects. - Opium and other narcotics. - Cultural materials unsuitable to Vietnamese society. Exit: Goods of commercial nature and articles of high value require export permits issued by the Customs Office. Antiques, some precious stones and animals listed in Vietnam's Red-book may not be brought out of the country. Vietnam visa - <a href="http://vietnamvisaonline.net/vietnam-visa.html" rel="nofollow">http://vietnamvisaonline.net/vietnam-visa.html</a> Vietnam visa online - <a href="http://vietnamvisaonline.net/vietnam-visa-online.html" rel="nofollow">http://vietnamvisaonline.net/vietnam-visa-online.html</a> Vietnam visa fees - <a href="http://www.vietnamvisaonline.net/Vietnam-visa-fees.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.vietnamvisaonline.net/Vietnam-visa-fees.html</a> Vietnam visa on arrival - <a href="http://vietnamvisaonline.net/Vietnam-visa-on-arrival.html" rel="nofollow">http://vietnamvisaonline.net/Vietnam-visa-on-arrival.html</a> Vietnam entry visa - <a href="http://vietnamvisaonline.net/vietnam-entry-visa.html" rel="nofollow">http://vietnamvisaonline.net/vietnam-entry-visa.html</a> Simon on "Vietnam visa exemption" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/vietnam-visa-exemption#post-119 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:49:58 +0000 Simon 119@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ 30 days exemption 1. Thailand Citizens of Thailand are Vietnam visa exempted within 30 days as maximum. If you stay in Vietnam more than 30 days, you are required to apply a Vietnam visa as usual. 21 days exemption 1. Cambodia 2. Indonesia 3. Laos 4. Malaysia 5. Philippines 6. Singapore 7. Brunei Citizens of these countries are Vietnam visa exempted within 21 days as maximum. If you stay in Vietnam more than 30 days, you are required to apply a Vietnam visa as usual. 15 days exemption 1. Japan 2. South Korea 3. Sweden 4. Norway 5. Denmark 6. Finland 7. Russia Citizens of these countries are Vietnam visa exempted within 15 days as maximum. If you stay in Vietnam more than 15 days, you are required to apply a Vietnam visa as usual. Countries which can not be issued Vietnam visa 1. Iran 2. Iraq 3. Nigeria 4. Saudi Arabia 5. Pakistan 6. Lebanon 7. Bangladesh 8. Sri Lanka 9. Malawi 10. Palestine 11. Tunisia 12. Turkey 13. Guinea-Bissau 14. Qatar 15. Ghana 16. Omar 17. Kenya 18. Algeria 19. Libya 20. Angola 21. Morocco 22. Tanzania 23. Kuwat 24. Afghanistan 25. Cameroon 26. Dominica 27. Haiti 28. Jamaica 29. Lithuania 30. Namibia 31. Rwanda 32. Somali 33. Sudan 34. Trinidad & Tobago 35. United Arab Emirates (UAE) 36. Yemen 37. Zimbabwe Due to the difficulty of getting Vietnam visa caused by the differences of diplomacy policy between Vietnam and above countries, you are suggested to come to the Vietnam Embassy in your country to pick up your visa. Vietnam visa - <a href="http://vietnamvisaonline.net/vietnam-visa.html" rel="nofollow">http://vietnamvisaonline.net/vietnam-visa.html</a> Vietnam visa online - <a href="http://vietnamvisaonline.net/vietnam-visa-online.html" rel="nofollow">http://vietnamvisaonline.net/vietnam-visa-online.html</a> Vietnam visa fees - <a href="http://www.vietnamvisaonline.net/Vietnam-visa-fees.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.vietnamvisaonline.net/Vietnam-visa-fees.html</a> Vietnam visa on arrival - <a href="http://vietnamvisaonline.net/Vietnam-visa-on-arrival.html" rel="nofollow">http://vietnamvisaonline.net/Vietnam-visa-on-arrival.html</a> Vietnam entry visa - <a href="http://vietnamvisaonline.net/vietnam-entry-visa.html" rel="nofollow">http://vietnamvisaonline.net/vietnam-entry-visa.html</a> Simon on "Places to Visit" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/places-to-visit#post-118 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:48:30 +0000 Simon 118@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ Why visit Vietnam? Halong Bay, only a few hours out from Hanoi has natural landscape but is still under development. However, a boat trip out from Halong Bay is a great thing to do and the cave exploration will thrill the kids. Bai Tho is a good outfit to hire a private boat and see the bay for 4 hours. If your kids enjoy nature, they will love the view and appreciate its beauty. If they enjoy sitting on boats, they will just love the experience. Rent out a junk to stay overnight for it is an experience to just enjoy the quietness and beauty of Halong Bay. Hue is beautiful and you can hire bikes/motorbike out to the surrounding scenery. Hue may not be as fun for young kids because it is mostly cultural and historic. Hoi An is very safe. If you love shopping then this is the heaven. You can have shoes made, or suits and summer dresses made. All are in good quality and inexpensive. Go for a deal where you 'don't pay until happy' (or only pay small deposit). Yaly is excellent for clothes, although they are more expensive and it is more fixed pricing. There is a lovely French coffee shop by the river and the older Vietnamese here do speak French. There are also beaches nearby. In Hoi An, the Victoria or Golden Sand are right at the beach, and are convenient for families. Golden Sand has a nice, long pool where the children can play. The overnight train to Hue from Hanoi is very cheap and has cabins of 4 drop down beds. Cyclos are nice to ride in. Hochiminh City (HCMC) (aka Saigon) is not totally safe, so definitely stay in the tourist areas. The Cu Chi tunnels and historical tour (just out of HCMC) is well worth going on and will fire the kid's imagination. The War Museum in HCMC is not recommended for children since its photography is explicit and it is unblinking in its coverage of the Vietnam War. For a nice beach, Mui Ne is recommended. It has a nice long stretch of beach lined with a variety of boutique hotels. A road runs parallel to the beach with plenty of restaurants and a few shops. It's not really a key resort, but absolutely lovely. There are some spectacular bright red sand dunes there then you can sled down on bits of cardboard, great fun! The wind can pick up on the beach in the afternoon, the breeze is great but you can end getting sand blasted so it's probably be best for the kids to be on the beach on a morning. Also recommend is the Sailing Club Mui Ne. Interesting types of entertainment: Kayaking in Ha long Bay, trekking in the central highlands, mountain biking and visits to the Cu Chi tunnels. Vietnam visa - <a href="http://vietnamvisaonline.net/vietnam-visa.html" rel="nofollow">http://vietnamvisaonline.net/vietnam-visa.html</a> Vietnam visa online - <a href="http://vietnamvisaonline.net/vietnam-visa-online.html" rel="nofollow">http://vietnamvisaonline.net/vietnam-visa-online.html</a> Vietnam visa fees - <a href="http://www.vietnamvisaonline.net/Vietnam-visa-fees.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.vietnamvisaonline.net/Vietnam-visa-fees.html</a> Vietnam visa on arrival - <a href="http://vietnamvisaonline.net/Vietnam-visa-on-arrival.html" rel="nofollow">http://vietnamvisaonline.net/Vietnam-visa-on-arrival.html</a> Vietnam entry visa - <a href="http://vietnamvisaonline.net/vietnam-entry-visa.html" rel="nofollow">http://vietnamvisaonline.net/vietnam-entry-visa.html</a> Simon on "Travel to Asia- Thailand-Vietnam-Laos-Cambodia.." http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/travel-to-asia-thailand-vietnam-laos-cambodia#post-117 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:46:40 +0000 Simon 117@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ I used the Visa On Arrival system <a href="http://www.vietnamvisaonline.net/" rel="nofollow">http://www.vietnamvisaonline.net/</a> about a year ago on a JetStar flight from Singapore to HCM. No problems at all. lanna.kub on "best place for kids" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/best-place-for-kids#post-116 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:37:43 +0000 lanna.kub 116@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ Thanks birdie.bird for the above information it is very useful for me. I would also wanna know is there any shopping area you would recommend us to be there? debbin01 on "Places to Visit" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/places-to-visit#post-115 Sat, 06 Mar 2010 05:55:44 +0000 debbin01 115@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ Silent Valley National Park: A dense rain forest and the habitat of rare species 80 km from <a href="http://www.keralaholidays.com/Destinations/Palakkad.htm">Palakkad India</a> . It is popularly known as the evergreen forest and noted for its eerie silence because of the lack of cicadas. It is an important biosphere reserve in the Western Ghats and home of the tribal people. The valley is known for the rare Lion-Tailed Macaque. This National Park is a protected area for tigers also. Heap of rice straw, usually seen in front of houses in Palakkad district. Nelliyampathi Known as the Ooty of Kerala, Nelliampathy, about 80 km from Palakkad, is a hill station in the Nelliampathy forest ranges. This forest range constitutes a series of ridges cut off from one another by valleys of dark evergreen forests. Pothundy Dam Around 35 km from Palakkad town, Pothundy Dam is situated on the way to Nelliyampathi hills. The hill area to Nelliyampathy hills starts from Pothundy Dam. People visiting Nelliyampathi use to stop here to enjoy the beauty of the Dam as well to relax during their long journey to Nelliyampathi hills. Anamudi The highest peak in the district. The area has coffee and tea plantations. A typical fence made of bamboo usually seen in villages of the Palakkad district. Attappady Attappady is an extensive mountain valley above the crest of the Ghat ranges, with several rivulets of the river Bhavani. The area is dominated by tribal people. Punarjani Guha The Punarjani Guha is a natural tunnel 15 meters long in the rocky cliff. It is 2 km from the Thiruvilwamala Temple and the chief presiding deity is Sri Rama. The idol is believed to be ‘swayambhoo’, i.e. born on its own. It is believed that performing ‘noozhal’ -- crawling through the tunnel from one end to the other -- will wash away all of one’s sins and thus bring about rebirth. Only men are allowed to do the ‘noozhal’: women may only visit the cave. This ritual is practised on only one day per year, on Guruvayur Ekadashi. Killikkurussimangalam This small village is the birthplace of the famous Malayalam satire poet and founder of the Ottamthullal art form, Kunchan Nambiar. The home of the greatest Koodiyattam maestro and authority of abhinaya Natyacharya Vidushakaratnam, Padma Shri Guru Mani Madhava Chakyar, is also here. Kanhirapuzha Dam This dam feeds almost half the agricultural land of the district. It supplies water to such places as Mannarkkad, Ottappalam and Shoranur, and is the biggest dam built with soil in Kerala. There is a garden in front of the dam. Suksan on "An introduction to a different story" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/an-introduction-to-a-different-story#post-114 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:37:22 +0000 Suksan 114@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ Spam Post....again Suksan on "An exception to the general rule" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/an-exception-to-the-general-rule#post-113 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:36:38 +0000 Suksan 113@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ Another Spam Post.... birdie.bird on "best place for kids" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/best-place-for-kids#post-112 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:20:40 +0000 birdie.bird 112@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ We have stayed at the Chaweng Regent Beach Resort once with our children. They loved it, and so did we. The markets/restaurants and bars are all outside the hotel on the road. The hotel is right on the beach (I think all the hotels on Chaweng beach are). There are 2 pools, 1 big main pool near the beachfront and a smaller pool with a swimup bar in the middle of the hotel grounds. I dont know if it has a kids club though as we didn't use this, but I think the best hotel on Chaweng beach for anyone who visited here. Have fun Koh Samui is really fantastic. lanna.kub on "Chiangmai Vacation in Apr 10 - 15" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/chiangmai-trip-in-apr-10-15#post-111 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:50:36 +0000 lanna.kub 111@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ did you mean for northern food instead of southern food ???? ^_^ Anyway if you are looking for northern food then here go through this article and you'll get some idea of what you should ordered. <a href="http://www.lanna.com/restaurants/restaurant-guide/chiang-mai-cuisine.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.lanna.com/restaurants/restaurant-guide/chiang-mai-cuisine.html</a> lanna.kub on "best place for kids" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/best-place-for-kids#post-110 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:26:30 +0000 lanna.kub 110@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ We are planning on heading to Koh Samui in August 2010 with our six-year old son. Would like to be near the beach/restaurants/shopping and it looks like Chewang might be the place to be? Would the Centara Grand be the best hotel to stay in? seagull on "An introduction to a different story" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/an-introduction-to-a-different-story#post-109 Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:00:49 +0000 seagull 109@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ Tourism has for some time qualified as the world’s largest industry. With an increase in both leisure time and disposable incomes, and with travel becoming easier and faster, more and more people are taking the opportunity to visit other countries. Between 1972 and 1992, the tourist trade expanded by 300% (Hanneberg, 1994). Today, this industry has a turnover corresponding to 6% of the global Gross National Product (GNP). As we approach the end of this decade, there is every indication that the worldwide tourist trade will continue to grow and expand. With the decline in the primary economic sectors over the past few years, tourism has become a central part of the development activities in the highlands and even the isolated islands. The highland region in the country alone currently attracts over 2.6 million tourist visitors each year. One of the places in Kerala that has benefited much is the popular hill station, Munnar. The wide range of industries that benefit from this annual influx of visitors, include • Retailing • Arts and crafts • Transport However, since the late 1980s, the tourism industry in the highlands and the islands has stood still in terms of growth. Between 1989 and 1992 the number of trips by UK tourists to these areas fell by 28% (although there was an increase in the number of visitors). The present problems include, • Continuing recession, • Problem of poor accessibility and • Increased competition from foreign markets Even though the above factors are all contributing to make this a testing time for the tourism industry in the state of Kerala, the travel industry is expecting major changes. In places like <a href="//www.keralatravelcompany.com"">munnar tour packages</a> have many takers even during times of recession because they offer more choices at affordable costs. howdy on "Chiangmai Vacation in Apr 10 - 15" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/chiangmai-trip-in-apr-10-15#post-108 Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:01:22 +0000 howdy 108@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ Hay !!! Lot of thanks for the above information. Would be pleasure to include some of the above trip in my plan. Is the southern food can be eaten easily like about the taste of it. As we are not famaliar with Norther dishes. I've had some of Pad-thai and Tom-yum with some more dishes couldn't actually remember the name. What do southern people special dishes so i could find that in the menus. Suksan on "Planning for honeymoon trip during April" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/planning-for-honeymoon-trip-during-april#post-107 Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:24:18 +0000 Suksan 107@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ Hopie - please contact me on <a href="mailto:scott@suksanvillas.com">scott@suksanvillas.com</a> and then it will be easier to communicate. 3 days - can easily fill that up with fun, thrills and great dinners. I look forward to hearing from you. Also I am sorry for the late reply, been busy my end. suksan halowena on "Chiangmai Vacation in Apr 10 - 15" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/chiangmai-trip-in-apr-10-15#post-106 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:17:07 +0000 halowena 106@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ Hie Howdy!!! i've plenty of tour program to share with u as i've been there last summer as well. first of all i've been to Doi Suthep and after that on the same day i went visit famous temples in Chiang Maisuch as Wat Prasing ,Wat Chedit Lung and ChiangMai Art & Culture Center. For all this you will finish in the evening time. another tour would like to suggest is to visit the highest spot of Thailand,Doi Inthanon and on the way back visit Hmong Hilltribe Market in this program you will also visit some of the Thai temple here. you can also go to visit Mae Sa Elephant Camp Home Industrial including; Lacquerware,Silverware,Silk,Celadon,Teak-wood carving, BorSang Village to see cotton umbrellas and paper parasols. The rest 2 days you can enjoy waterspalsh season which will occur during that period of your visited in Thailand. I hope this would help you plan ur trip more smoother. Cheers!! HALOWENA howdy on "Chiangmai Vacation in Apr 10 - 15" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/chiangmai-trip-in-apr-10-15#post-105 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:40:08 +0000 howdy 105@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ Hi all i will be traveling to Chiangmai for my vacation during April 10 - 15 2010. I would like to know what program should i included to make my trip more adventurous. Im visiting there with my 2 friends and staying in Royal Princess Chiangmai. Also where shall i find delicious Thai spicy food around there. Looking forward for the help in this matter. Howdy!!!! traviecraze on "Singha Global Carnival." http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/singha-global-carnival#post-104 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:30:49 +0000 traviecraze 104@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ Is it the same like last year carnival that held in Bangkok ?? coz that one is fabulous one. Till then im visiting Bangkok on 12th March and hope i would have a chance to visit this carnival once again for my this trip. As we will spend only 2 days in Bkk and we are flying to Hongkong after that so wish i could join this carnival then. Will try not to miss it halowena on "Planning for honeymoon trip during April" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/planning-for-honeymoon-trip-during-april#post-103 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:25:42 +0000 halowena 103@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ last month i've been to Phuket for my honeymoon trip as well we both really had good times in Andaman White Beach Resort which is very nice surroundings and beaches in Phuket was absolutely unseen anywhere so beautiful unseen thing in Thailand. You can have romantic dinner by the seaside which make the whole trip the most romantic one in your life. try to visit the website for more information about your dinning here <a href="http://www.andamanwhitebeach.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.andamanwhitebeach.com</a> Cheers !!! Hopie on "Planning for honeymoon trip during April" http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/topic/planning-for-honeymoon-trip-during-april#post-102 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:15:57 +0000 Hopie 102@http://thailandtourismupdate.com/forums/ Thanks so much Suksan, I've been there once too with my friends staying near Patong beach which is very nice place to enjoy the holiday. I think your recommendation is good for planning something romantic for my wife. I'm not sure where can i find Romantic places or dinners to spend my time except for the beaches which will definitely be visited during this trip to Thailand but this gonna be in the morning-noon time. I plan to be there for 3 days there in Phuket so would you kindly recommend the place that can make my trip more perfect.