In Phuket, despite the fact that there are so many things to see and do, don’t miss a visit to Laem Promthep, as it is Phuket’s most beautiful view points on the island and it is located on the most southern end of the island. The cape is a major tourist stop foe almost all tourists in Phuket and you will find so many vendors selling just about any souvenir you might be looking for.

The Laem Promthep panoramic viewpoint in Phuket is very much appreciated by the tourists and lovers of sunsets and most of the tour operators in Phuket organize a stop in most of their tour destinations during the day or early evening. A long time ago, the villagers called this view point “Leam Jao” or Cape of Gods. This view point almost gives 360 degrees over the sea south of Phuket Island. It inspires a rest and calm to almost every visitor who can see the Phi Phi islands and even the province of Phang Nga.

This is one of the locations that you can really view some of the Island’s most beautiful sunsets and don’t forget your camera. It is very easy to find though the locations related to Laem Promthep, are presented by the shortest path a radio wave would travel and may not be the nearest by road, for example, Laem Promthep is located 0.4 kilometers from viewpoint, 0.8 kilometers from Ko Man, 0.9 Kilometers Nai harn Noi Beach and 1.1 Kilometers from Phuket Sunset Bungalow.

So if it is your first time in Phuket or you think you have seen it all and you haven’t been to Laem Promthep, then you haven’t seen it all and you can walk to it, the pictures taken from this point, will be envy of everyone, when you get home.

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

Yala is well loved for its natural beauty, and the area comprises a large number of parks. Top of the list for nature lovers should be the Betong Municipality Park, which occupies an area of 120 square kilometres on a hill in the middle of Betong city centre. This park offers great views over the city as well as several large gardens, a sports ground, a swimming pool, and a playground. Another interesting park is Sanam Chang Phueak Park.

Yala Province is blessed with a large number of sparkling waterfalls to enjoy, most of which can be swam in. Not to be missed are Namtok Than To, Namtok Inthason, Namtok Bu Ke Pilo and Namtok La-ong Rung – which means Rainbow Waterfall in the Thai language. Betong Hot Spring is a great place to soak away your aches and pains and there are also some interesting caves to explore such as Tham Krachaeng, Tham Mae Nang Montho and Tham Sin, where you will discover an ancient mural depicting the different postures of the Lord Buddha and a painting of three women standing together on the cave wall.

Of course, in area with such an interesting background it is only natural that the diverse history and culture should be reflected in Yala’s temples. Among those of interest to visitors are Yala Central Mosque, Wat Khuhaphimuk and Phra Mahathat Chedi Phra Phutthathammaprakat, which is located on a hilltop in Betong city centre. The enormous chedi has been built in the modern Sivijaya style and covered in gold.

There are many other interesting attractions in the area such as the City Pillar Shrine, Bang Lang Dam and the Largest Mail Box in Thailand.

Most of the more vibrant nightlife can be found in Bangkok, but there are also colourful options in Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai and large towns. On the islands, wild beach parties and bar hopping form the main types of entertainment. It is worth remembering that most bars, restaurants and clubs have a 1 am curfew. However, there are usually one or two places around where you can continue drinking if you want.

Here is a run down on some of the types of entertainment available.

Cabaret Shows can be found in the cities and large tourist areas. This is an extremely colourful affair where dozens of stunning women dance on stage in dazzling sequin covered outfits. Thailand also offers Tiffany Shows, a own unique twist on the traditional cabaret show. Now world famous, these transvestite or ‘lady boy’ shows are extremely entertaining. The performers are stunning and the shows contain comedy and dramatic displays as well as singing and dancing.

Bangkok is by far the best place to go clubbing in Thailand. There is an incredible variety of clubs where you can dance the night away, from the classy Bed Supperclub in Sukhumvit, to the male-orientated DJ Station in Silom. Another great option is Royal City Avenue (RCA), where there are dozens of clubs and bars playing everything from Thai disco music to hardcore Drum and Bass, Hip Hop and Techno. Expect to pay a cover charge at most clubs (300 baht+) and take a photocopy of your passport for identification.

Go-Go bars can be found in most cities and large towns, especially Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya. They are generally located in special areas and can be easily identified by the flashy neon signs and scantily dressed women in the doorways. In Bangkok, head for Soi Cowboy, Nana Plaza or Patpong.

Karaoke Bars can be found all over Thailand. Imported from Isaan, these bars specialise in loud Isaan music, flashing coloured lights and sexily dressed women crooning on stage. Many bars also have a selection of Western songs and Westerners are welcome to sing, although be aware that a charge for this is often included in your bill.

Full Moon Parties are another Thai speciality. The most famous of these can be found on Koh Phangan, where is it so popular that they now hold a half moon party as well. Other good places to party on the beach include Koh Phi Phi and Raleigh beach. Bars usually play loud music until dawn and you can expect a selection of DJs, spectacular decorations and fire shows.

Alternatively, if you just want to take it easy, there are movie theatres all over Thailand. All show movies in English with Thai subtitles, even in small villages. When booking, make sure you ask for the ‘subtitle’ movie. A tribute to the king is played at the start of the movie, and you are expected to stand and show respect along with everyone else. The movie theatres are highly air conditioned and can be a bit chilly, so it is a good idea to take along a light jumper or jacket.

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.

 Another two men were wounded in the troubled area when two men on a motorbike opened fire in the province on Pattani.

 The 45-year-old Muslim man was killed was on his way back from worshipping at the local mosque.

 The man was also riding a motorcycle and this is just the latest in a string of incidents involving militants on motorcycle targeting other drivers.

 A village leader was also targeted on his way home from the market in Pattani recently and a government volunteers was shot dead at a Pattani bird singing competition.

 The Buddhist soldier, mentioned earlier, had shots fired at his car as suspected militants from Yala hid by the roadside.

 More than 4,000 people have now been killed since separatist militants launched their insurgency in Thailand’s southern region in 2004.

Is anything worth so much bloodshed?

Another two men were wounded in the troubled area when two men on a motorbike opened fire in the province on Pattani.

The 45-year-old Muslim man was killed was on his way back from worshipping at the local mosque.

The man was also riding a motorcycle and this is just the latest in a string of incidents involving militants on motorcycle targeting other drivers.

 A village leader was also targeted on his way home from the market in Pattani recently and a government volunteer was shot dead at a Pattani bird singing competition.

The Buddhist soldier, mentioned earlier, had shots fired at his car as suspected militants from Yala hid by the roadside.

More than 4,000 people have now been killed since separatist militants launched their insurgency in Thailand’s southern region in 2004.

Is anything worth so much bloodshed?

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.

The few television pictures that there are of the latest tragedy are gruesome, and the fear and confusion and the faces of the people of Haiti will certainly be familiar to anyone who was present in the aftermath of the December 26^th disaster.

The Thai government has promised to pledge no less than $20,000 US dollars to the Haiti, which although ever little helps, I’m sure will barely scratch the surface of the vast regeneration that this already poor country now needs.

The gesture does, however, remind many Thais of the great amount of international help that came their way after the Tsumani, both in the form of monetary aid and man-power.

Meanwhile, I am happy to say that four Thai nationals who were working in Haiti when the quake hit on Wednesday have been found safe and well.

They have been in touch with their relatives here, but in true Thai spirit, they will not be returning home yet, opting of course, to return the favour and do all they can to help to help another nation in crisis.

Unlike Spanish bullfighting, the Ko Samui variety is fairly harmless with buffalos beautifully decorated with gold-painted leaves and ribbons.

The contest features bouts of head-wrestling where two male water buffaloes face off at selected stadiums at Ban Makham, Ban Saket and outside Nathon town around the island.

It lasts only two rounds with the competitors being sprayed with water by local monks. But competition is fierce with the owner of the winning animal typically taking millions of baht home in prize money.

The buffaloes lock horns with the boisterous crowd cheering them along. Eventually the weaker one will submit, with the first buffalo to turn and run away is deemed the loser.

The next Buffalo Fighting Festival should be held on the island on January 1 so look around town for details on posters.