Ten Foot Square Asia

One of the biggest groups that travel to other countries for a tour or for a vacation are senior citizens. These seniors have already paid their dues, cashed in their pensions and are living a life where they won’t need to worry about bosses and deadlines ever again. Seniors like to travel at a slower pace, soaking in the culture of another country, visiting well known sites, and generally just have a thoroughly good time.

Because of the large group of seniors who make up the annual tourist population that visits Thailand every year, it becomes a natural progression that senior friendly travels and destinations in the country are put up. These seniors are the ones that have the money to burn so they can afford to pay the premium for excellent service.

Thailand offers a number of unique opportunities for seniors to visit the country in a safe, senior friendly environment. But intrepid Thai travel experts have also started shopping around and presenting some unique aspects of the tour that seniors can add on to the usual sight seeing tours and vacations.

Medical tourism is the hot new buzzword in the worldwide travel industry. Simply put, this is a way for seniors to take advantage of top quality medical services and procedures at a fraction of the price that is cited in their home countries. Thailand is a top medical tourism destination because its medical doctors are some of the best in the region. The facilities and equipments in Thai hospitals are also at par with the most advanced equipments used in other first world countries. Seniors who go for medical tourism tours are offered a number of choices as to what kind of procedures they want done. Most seniors opt for the most popular choices, which are cosmetic surgery and laser sight correction, and even cosmetic dentistry. Seniors can have their face lifts and other cosmetic procedures done by expert surgeons without having to worry about high costs. There are even hospitals that offer packages wherein after the medical procedure they can recuperate in a resort for the absolute height relaxation and pampering. Cosmetic dentistry is also getting popular what with the prohibitive prices for such orthodontic procedures as tooth extractions and the fitting of dentures. By having these procedures done in Thailand, a senior will only pay a small fraction of what he would have paid in his country.

Seniors who do not want any kind of medical procedures done to them but still want to gain the benefits of a truly relaxing vacation can sign on for wellness trips or travel packages. These trips take advantage of the booming spa industry in Asia. Here, seniors can sign up for the typical travel package that would usually consist of extended stays in beach resorts or other vacation hideaways. The difference though are the inclusion of extensive spa treatments and cleansing rituals that are designed to really give the body a chance to recuperate and relax. Aside from the traditional Thai massage there are even programs to teach seniors about meditation techniques and deep breathing exercises that give their bodies and spirits a chance to truly unwind and relax.

Travelling and touring another country is not necessarily a “strictly for adults only” affair. In fact, there are a growing number of tourists who are bringing the whole family in their tour of other countries. Travel and exposure at an early age to other cultures really helps children and how they develop their perceptions about the world. Bringing your whole family to Thailand is a great idea because its is one of the most family friendly tourist destinations not only in Asia but also the world. Like most Asians, the Thais dote on children and this is a testament to the level of care and attention children will receive there. When it comes to activities, there are many child friendly activities that you can choose for your children. There are theme parks, nature trails, and zoos, among others.

Below are just some of the more popular places in Thailand that children will truly love:

There is the Children’s Discovery Museum located near Chatuchak, which is the very popular weekend market. The museum, which was opened in 2001, has a noble goal. It seeks to help children learn about science, nature and culture. One of the main attractions of the museum are the various exhibits that tackle particular subjects. For example, there is an actual functioning recording studio in the building where children actually make demos of themselves singing. There are vehicles with the engines stripped down in order to show how internal combustion works. A word of warning though, this museum was primarily designed for Thai children so there may be some areas where language may pose a challenge.

A great place to visit if you want to be immersed in Thai history and culture is the Ancient City. Located in Bangkok, the 320 acre site is actually shaped like Thailand and as you walk around the place you encounter different depictions of the architecture and the culture of each particular region. This is a great place to visit and teach children about cultural diversity.

Zoos
Asia boasts of having a great diversity in animals and various wildlife. This affords your children the chance to see some unique animals that are only endemic to Asia. One of the most popular zoos in the country is the Chiang Mai Zoo. The zoo offers much of the same “fare” as the other zoos in the world. Its biggest claim to fame though, and the reason why it is arguably the most popular zoo in Thailand, are the two pandas it has in residence. The two pandas, Tewan and Tewee, are on loan from the Chinese government. This is one of the rare occasions one can see pandas outside China. This makes it a very important stop in a tourist’s itinerary especially if children are also included.

Theme parks
Kids love theme parks, but unfortunately Thailand is not really well known for its theme parks. This is a country where culture, history and ancient architecture reigns supreme. But despite being not very well known in the theme park department, the Thais are working to develop some very memorable and truly world class theme parks that children will definitely love. So stay tuned.

Talk about the nightlife in Thailand and obviously the first thing that will come to mind is the bustling and very lively red light districts of Thailand – Patpong, Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza. In fact, Thailand has become famous (or is it infamous?) for its very sexy and titillating nightlife brought about by these places.

But of course, thinking of this is quite one dimensional. Although Thailand is known for its sexy bars and shows it is just one aspect of a very active social environment that the country has been nurturing for many, many years. For example, Thailand has great night clubs and bars where one can mingle with some of the movers and shakers in the country along with celebrities and socialites. There are also a variety of music events that are held in certain parts of the country. Of course, Thailand being a mecca for tourists, it is but natural that it plays host to many world class performing artists.

Below are some of events and happenings that you can visit when in Thailand:

Cabarets

Thailand has become known worldwide for both its female impersonation artists and transvestites (also called by some as ladyboys but more commonly called katoeys in the country). In fact, these impersonators / artists have created a thriving business in plying their skills in mimicking women, especially world famous female icons.

Those who are visiting Chonburi can visit the Alcazar Cabaret, which has practically become a tourist attraction. This is a straight up cabaret that is marked with full blown and extravagant musical and dance numbers. Most of the performers wear extremely elaborate evening wear that would not look out of place in a transvestite’s wildest fantasies. This is no budget production either as state of the art lights and sounds are used for the performances. Visitors can eat at a number of restaurants and cafes before and after the show. As a way attracting more visitors, the Alcazar Cabaret hosts the annual Greatest Lady-Man Pageant in the World – a beauty contest for transsexuals.

Probably the most famous cabaret of this type in Thailand though is Tiffany’s Show, also in Chonburi. The show has been held for over 30 years now and consistently fills the 1000 seat theatre where it mounts the show. When it comes to lasting power, quality of shows and sheer chutzpah, Tiffany’s Show has no equal.

Entertainment Areas

The Royal City Avenue in Bangkok can arguably be the biggest secret in the whole of Thailand. This area is located in the capital of the country and yet this is probably the least known attraction in the country. The RCA is a long road that has a multitude of bars and clubs lining it. Most of the youth of Bangkok hang out here. Whatever your musical preference you will most likely see an establishment that would cater to it. You can eat, drink and socialize in a wide variety of establishments that have diverse themes and concepts. Be warned though that the demographic here is YOUNG, many tourists say that you will most likely not enjoy yourself if you are over 30 since the activities hear are really geared towards teenagers. This is a great place to hang out if you are relatively young and will be staying in Bangkok for a extended period of time.

Traveling to a different country is an exciting and eye opening adventure. The exposure you get from the different cultures, histories and people that you will meet along your journey will help you become a more well rounded individual who sees your surroundings and develops your opinions constantly aware that you are part of a global community. In other words, you will become less insular in your views and perception.

Visiting a country as steeped in culture and diversity as Thailand is an opportunity that should not be wasted. You should enjoy your trip but also be aware that you are in a country with a vastly different culture. In order to make your trip more worthwhile here are some travel tips that will help make your stay in Thailand a truly beneficial one for you:

Learn some important Thai words and phrases – English is not widely spoken in Thailand so you may have a hard time communicating with vendors and taxi drivers. It would be a good idea to learn some important word and phrases so you won’t need to struggle as much with the language barrier.

Be aware of the various social customs – Always be conscious that culturally there may be customs that you need to follow and nothing is worse than making a faux pas of not following well entrenched customs as you will surely offend the Thais. For example you are required to stand up when the National Anthem is played in the streets (usually at 8 am and 6 pm), accord proper respect to the Royal Family and wear clean cloths and take off shoes when inside temples. Women are not supposed to touch a monk or give him anything directly (it should be coursed to someone). Other customs may seem harmless not to follow but you still should regardless of how you feel about it. For example, it is not “nice” to point your foot at people or touch the head of people. Additionally, you should be aware that public displays of affection are frowned upon in Thailand.

Have a rudimentary knowledge of the lunar calendar – All of the temples in Thailand (actually in all of Asia) follow the lunar calendar. It will be a good idea to read up on this as it will come handy when you start touring the various temples in the country especially since there are certain days in the calendar when it will be best times to make your visit.

Try to experience Thai life by eating and drinking at local restaurants – Local restaurants are a great place to meet people from all walks of life. Additionally, you also get to sample the fabled Thai cuisine as cooked by people who really know their stuff. You even lessen your chances of suffering from food poisoning when eating in these places because the ingredients are always fresh compared to when you eat in western-style restaurants.

Know where to buy jewelry – tourists love to buy jewelry in Thailand because it is cheaper there. But in order to be safe and eliminate any chances of fraud only buy in establishments that have the “Jewel Fest Club” emblem of standard displayed on their windows.

There are basically two types of travelers or tourists. There are those who work within a tight budget, and thus make calculated purchases and try to stretch their budget for the trip so that at the end of their journey they are able to maximize every single cent that they spent. This would usually mean foregoing certain aspects of their tour like a certain level of comfort or scrimping on some of the more extravagant or luxurious choices.

Then there are the travelers to whom expense is not a big matter. For them spending and spending a lot of it is part and parcel of having an enjoyable trip in a foreign country. For these types of people, no expense will be spared in order to experience the best trip possible and to feel that they are pampering themselves in their trip. For these types of travelers, everything should be impeccable and have a veneer of high quality, high cost and exclusivity.

When it comes to accommodations, these types of travelers will also spare no expense just to get the level of luxury that they expect from the premium prices that they will pay. The country of Thailand actually attracts these kinds of tourists and it is for this reason that many luxury hotels can be found in the country that cater to this exclusive clientele. Whether in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Ayuthaya, discerning travelers who want to live the high life can find hotels that can meet their standards.

Phuket, which is the epicenter of Thai beach life, has several great choices for luxury vacationing. This island attracts international celebrities and jetsetters so it is natural that it also boasts of a number of top notch luxury hotels. Amanpuri is one of the most luxurious hotels not only in Phuket but in the whole of Thailand. The hotel is situated right near the shore of Pansea Beach and has a spectacular view of the Andaman Sea. The hotel has won both the Conde Nast Award and the Travel & Leisure Award. In fact, Conde Nast has cited it as one of Asia’s Top Five hotels. It offers services and amenities one can expect from a top tier hotel. It’s most popular service offering though are private dinner cruises.

Travelers who will be staying in Bangkok can check out The Peninsula Bangkok. The Peninsula won Travel + Leisure Magazine’s World’s Best Hotel award in 2003 and is just one of the many recognitions and accolades it has garnered through the years. The building itself, whose architecture is inspired by Chao Phraya river, is the centerpiece of a hotel that offers world class amenities and services.

Chiang Mai travelers, on the other hand, can check in at the Four Seasons Chiang Mai which boasts of Lanna-style pavilions that make it stand out from the rest of the competition. The Four Seasons is renowned for what is considered as the world’s finest spas. Those who have a yen for cooking can also check out its Thai cooking school. More traditional amenities and services are also offered by the hotel.