But of recently, there is a noticeable increase in family tourist  choosing to spend their holiday at patong beach because it has more to offer other than the Phuket nightlife for which it became famous. The recently built shopping mall is very enticing to the family tourists plus the long and crystal sandy beach which is a sunbather’s paradise, not forgetting the clear and clean waters of the Andaman Sea which family tourists love because snorkeling and diving dream becomes true for all.

Along the beach road of Patong, shoppers will find hundreds of shops and market stalls which sell anything from the latest music albums and recently released Hollywood blockbuster movies to the latest Italian designer suits, designer watches, designer underwear’s, designer handbags and belts, hand bags and so on at very reasonable prices.

There are numerous spots along the three kilometers sandy Patong beach for single and family tourists to rent a nice umbrella and beach chair and just as many places to purchase a refreshing coconut shakes and other cooling products for the children or an ice cold Heineken for adults while watch the kids or read a book.

And there so many activities to be found at Patong beach for both single and family tourists as they are several places where one can rent a jet ski, partake in parasailing, wind surfing and water-skiing or even just relax and have a energizing massage from one of the many beach masseuses.

Thailand is a popular destination in Asia for so many reasons but among the many reasons why millions come to the kingdom every year, are the many islands. In fact when you arrive in Thailand, you are going to discover that there are so many islands to choose from and so little time and picking the right one to visit can be very daunting.

An overview of some of the best islands in Thailand include the best known spots like Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and Koh Samet and in my own opinion, these are the best islands in Thailand though they are so many others like Koh Chang and many others you will find in travel guide books.

One of the major high lights of coming to Thailand is to be able to go to the islands and just be near blue water, sea breeze and palm trees with the many activities that fit your budget. Some offer the best beach parties known to man like the full moon party that takes place in Koh Phangan every month and others offer world class restaurants and hotels and activities that is good for those with bigger budgets and other start from the cheapest accommodation and cheap eateries to the 5 star hotels and restaurants which means you will get to stay in a place that offers you the best deal as there are very cheap and expensive accommodations. It is always your choice of accommodation as long as you can afford.

Andaman Apnea is the first permanent free-diving school in Phuket offering Apnea courses and stages. While at the Andaman Apnea academy, you will be treated to free-diving day trips around the Andaman Sea with personalized training stages at all levels with free-divers at your service.

You will learn the spectacular tandem sled dives in total safety assisted by professional free-divers. This is an amazing day out experience with young and motivated instructors who are highly professional and love water sports. So if you love water sports and Phuket, why don’t spend a day with the Andaman Apnea academy for an experience you will never forget and for free.

You can find them at 8/8 Patak Soi 5, Karon, Phuket 83600 or call on + 66 86 654 31 319 to get more information, why don’t try info@andamanapnea.com.

Many people head straight to the South of Thailand and spend the rest of their stay enjoying all that this beautiful region has to offer. There are 14 provinces in all and each offers something different, to the highly popular and crowded areas in Phuket and Krabi to the much quieter, less visited areas of Songkla and Yala near the border with Malaysia.

Although areas of the west coast of Thailand were badly affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004, all infrastructure has long since been repaired thanks to the hard work of local and international volunteers. Perhaps the most effected area was Ko Phi Phi, and people still wanting to make a contribution can do so through the Children of Phi Phi Island foundation

Many people tend to avoid the very south of Thailand, scared off by the stories of bombing and murders. The trouble started in 2004, when a long resentment in the southern-most Muslim-majority provinces burst into violence in Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala provinces. However, this all took place well off the beaten tourist trail, and few visitors were affected.

The Songkla Province town of Hat Yai has also been hit by a series of related bombings, although none of the islands or the west coast beaches have been targeted.

In September 2006, three foreigners were killed in Hat Yai bomb blasts. Some rebel groups have threatened foreigners, but no westerners have been directly singled out for attacks and generally the south of Thailand is still a safe place to travel.

In September 2006, three foreigners were killed in Hat Yai bomb blasts. Some rebel groups have threatened foreigners, but no westerners have been directly

Tourists in Thailand during this period will have the time of their lives and the traditional April waterfight will be indelibly etched in their memories for years to come. In Bangkok, the Songkran Grand Celebration is being held around “Old Bangkok” or the around the Rattanakosin Island district from April 10 to 15 April.

The capital’s main celebrations focus on the bathing rites of revered Buddha image replicas coming from the different provinces in the north, east and south of the country. Phra Chetupon Wimol Manklaram (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) will host the important opening celebration next week and then the party will spread to the four corners of the city.

Ayutthaya is having a massive festival in the Old City while Chon Buri, Suphan Buri and Chiang Mai all have massive events planned including food, drink, music and of course plenty of water being hurled around. Phuket and Koh Samui are also great places to get into the swing of things with plenty of tourist-orientated events being planned.

Firstly, I’m of course going to enjoy seeing my friend again after so long out of the country. It’s always appreciated when people make the effort to include me in their holiday plans.

Secondly, I’ve very much looking forward to using him as an excuse to indulge in all the touristy activities that I do secretly want to do but can’t bring myself to as a dedicated expat. From cuddling tigers to elephant trekking, temple touring to white water rafting, I’ve promised him it all. It’s been so long since I did any of this stuff that I’m going to enjoy remembering why people flock to this country in the first place.

 Thirdly, and most importantly, however, I’m really anticipating what goodies he will bring me from the UK. Last time I was there I remember buying sun cream out of season for £1 (50 baht) a bottle. This is first on my list, and yes, I do still need it for a delicate English skin.

A big block of cheddar cheese is next on my wish list, along with as much wine as he can carry. As while Thailand has almost everything you could possibly desire, it’s the little things you miss the most.

Found directly between Phuket and Thailand’s Krabi coast, Koh Yao is actually two islands, Koh Yao Yai and Kok Yao Noi. The latter is where most of the local people and traveller accommodation is, despite being smaller.

Costs are much lower that the surrounding area, even in high season when most guesthouses are still booked up to the hilt. And there are many lovely beaches and restaurants to explore in the vicinity without the crowds of tourists and hawkers that characterise Phuket and the mainland resorts.

Basic but charming bungalows facing the beach are still on offer for around 300baht a night over the peak Christmas season. And, although nightlife is not exactly pumping, there are a few bars with live music, cable television plus decent grub.

If you fancy indulging yourself, then the Six Senses Hideaway resort is the place to be. This six star spa and hotel has its own delicatessen, spring water, helipad and two restaurants serving innovative takes on classic dishes such as massaman curried wagu beef cheek.

It is also possible to take a trip to some of the stunning limestone cliffs and beaches off the coast, with private boat charters starting at around 1,500baht including snorkels and snacks. The lagoon at Hong Island is a breathtaking natural wonder plus there are unique communities of sea gypsies still living in cliff faces high above the water as they have done for thousands of years.

Certainly Koh Yao Noi is a great place to visit for a cheap and relaxing break, although judging by the speed in which new resorts and developments are springing up, it may not be staying that way for too much longer.

The northeastern Thai town of Udon Thani is the main transport hub for those wanting to get into Laos, and is a 12-hour coach from Chiang Mai or eight hours from Bangkok by bus or train. Alternatively there is an airport here with Nokair connections to many destinations including Pattaya.

Undon Thani is around 50km from the Thai border town of Nong Khai and taxis cost around 600 baht, so you may want to buddy up with some fellow passengers and share the cost. Alternatively mini-buses wait to collect you at the bus station and will carry you direct to Thai immigration for around 200 baht per person.

Once you’ve stamped out of Thailand (don’t forget your exit card folks!) you pay the 20 baht toll across the Friendship Bridge and cross over to the Laos side. There (if you are clever and arranged your visa beforehand) you get stamped straight in at the ‘arrivals’ window.

However, if you haven’t anything pre-organised you go to the ‘visa on arrival’ window on the left hand side and had over your passport, one photograph and your visa fee (35$US for most nationalities). You can pay 1,500 baht if that’s all you’ve got but obviously it is more economical to arrange dollars beforehand.

Once over the border minibuses wait and offer to take you to the Thai consulate (providing its still early enough – we got through at about 9.30am), wait for you to hand in your visa forms and then take you to the hotel of your choice. All this costs 150 baht but, in my experience, is well worth is for the saved headache and to be sure that you get your application in straight away.

The Thai consulate has lots of people hanging around outside trying to persuade you to let them fill out your form for you for a 40 baht fee. The form is in English, however, and so you’re better off heading straight in, collecting a ticket from the machine on the right hand side of the windows and doing it yourself.

There are pens and tables there plus little pots of glue for pasting your two passport-sized photographs to the form. Once you’ve handed in your completed paperwork (there is no fee until March , 2010, for tourist visas) then your driver will take you to your hotel.

We were in town last week which corresponded with the start of the 25^th Sea Games so the whole place was packed with Thai coach tours and there were few bargains to be found. Nevertheless, we managed to get a nice ‘VIP suit’ with TrueVisions cable TV, air conditioning, bathroom and minibar for 1,200 baht per night.

After that a pleasant evening was spent wandering the French colonial promenades and feasting on baguettes and apple croissants plus gallons of dark, delicious Beer Lao. The next afternoon our driver picked us up from the hotel for the reverse of the journey of the previous morning.

The embassy opens its doors at 1.15pm (already with a huge queue by then) but people moved fairly quickly through as various nationalities picked up their passports complete with double-entry tourist visas. I did enquire about the possibility of a triple-entry but my request was politely declined.

Then it was back across the border and to Udon Thani for the bus home. Generally Vientiane is a lovely, if sleepy, town well worth staying around for a couple of nights next time you need to nip over a border. The food was delicious and the booze certainly superior to Chang or Leo. And at the end of the day what more matters.

A combination of mind-blowing processions, ear-splitting firecrackers, peaceful chants and vegetarian cuisine attract many visitors that wish to experience an entirely different side of the Jewel of the Andaman. For over 150 years this colourful festival, which takes place from October 18 to 26, has been an annual merit-making event.

On the first day of this Phuket festival, the entire town will fly numerous yellow flags to mark the spiritual retreat’s start. In every Chinese shrine a large pole will be raised on the eve of the celebration, and the nine emperor gods are invited descending from the heavens to join the ceremonies. Once the nine lit lanterns are hung on the poles, the festival has begun.

The Vegetarian Festival culminates with a rather bizarre procession of persons that are in a deep trance, piercing certain bodily parts with daggers, spears and other sharp objects. The nine deities’ spirits possess the ascetic devotees and as a result they don’t seem to feel any pain.

Guide to Phuket airport

In the centre of Krabi’s forests there are several crystal clear water pools. The area’s mountains provide these soothing pools continuously with cool spring water. Take a rewarding trip organised by one of Krabi’s reputed dive agencies and visit the finest diving sites for some mind-boggling underwater adventures.

Visiting Thailand without enjoying a revitalising spa or massage treatment is truly a shame! Krabi offers excellent spa and massage facilities. There’s a choice of various oil and non-oil treatments. The skilled masseuses will definitely relieve you from all your body’s pains and aches. Especially after an exhausting day of jungle trekking a massage is highly recommended! Once you’ve experienced the healing effect of a good massage you undoubtedly want to be treated again and again.

Each type of traveller will certainly find his most suitable lodging establishment in Krabi as this popular Thai travel destination boasts a wide range of affordably priced hotels and guesthouses. Amazing Krabi has so much to offer to its adventure-seeking visitors. The majority of the first-time visitors decide to come back at least one more time.

The first part of the brief Krabi tourist guide was earlier published in the blog section of the 1stop Krabi travel guide.