Meditation walk for Khao Yai Forest

AWAY

June 5 marks World Environment Day. This year is special for being declared the International Year of Forests and the years 2011-20 are also the Decade of Biodiversity. To mark this occasion, several environmental protection and Buddhist groups in Thailand invite all to join the Meditation Walk for Khao Yai Forest from June 3-5.

Khao Yai Forest’s Haew Narok waterfall.

On June 3 at 2pm, participants will gather at Wat Khao Yai near Chao Phor Khao Yai Shrine in Nakhon Ratchasima's Pak Chong district. They will stay overnight to pray, exchange knowledge and opinions on environmental protection and prepare for the next day's walk.

On the second day, all will pray and meditate from 5am-6am when they will start their meditation walk towards Khao Yai Forest. From 11am-1:30pm, they will have lunch, meditate and listen to a sermon by Thai Zen Bhikkhuni Niramisa of the Plum Village at the resting zone at the Kilometre Post 30. After that, they will continue walking and stay overnight at Kong Kaew Youth Camp, where they will pray, meditate and share viewpoints.

On the last day, they will continue walking along Khao Yai-Prachin Buri Road until reaching Haew Narok Waterfall where they will pray and declare their intentions to protect Khao Yai Forest which is rich in biodiversity, with its rich variety of flora and fauna.

For more information, visit www.birderhouse.com or call 086-192-7855 or 089-0464-8198.

South of Thailand travel fair

The Tourism Authority of Thailand invites all to its "Miracle of Two Southern Coastlines", being held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre's C and Plaza zones from now until May 29.

The fair features 170 booths selling hotel, resort, farm stay, tour, spa, diving, rafting and other packages for 14 southern provinces. Its aims are to assist tourism business operators affected by the recent floods and mudslides in the South and promote tourism in the area.

For more information, contact the TAT Call Centre on 1672.

Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary covering two forests—Hala in Yala province and Bala in Narathiwat province— is well known among birdwatchers and nature lovers as home to several species of hornbill.

Cheap travel with budget airlines

Thailand's budget airline, NokAir, will start operating one Don Muang-Narathiwat flight and one Narathiwat-Don Muang flight daily on June 3. The all-inclusive prices range from 1,300 to 3,300 baht per flight per person depending on travelling dates and classes.

Reservations can be made via www.nokair.com or the Nokair Call Centre on 1318.

Meanwhile, AirAsiaGo, a one-stop online travel portal, has come up with an exclusive offer for Kbank credit card members to enjoy hotel deals all across Thailand starting from 999 baht per night.

Bookings must be made before June 15 for travel from May 3-Sept 30 at www.AirAsiaGo.com.

From now until July 31, Thailand's boutique airline, Bangkok Airways, is offering the "Summer Fly Summer Free package" for travellers to journey in pairs between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Lampang, Trat, Phuket, Samui, Luang Prabang, Yangon, Siem Reap or Phnom Penh.

Travellers may start booking now for travel from now until July 31.

The prices for a return air ticket and two-night accommodation and airport transfer, except for Rangoon Airport taxes, start from 4,900 baht per head for Bangkok-Chiang Mai, Bangkok-Sukhothai, Bangkok-Lampang and Bangkok-Trat; 5,900 baht per person for Bangkok-Phuket; 8,500 baht per head for Bangkok-Samui; 9,900 baht per head for Bangkok-Phnom Penh and Bangkok-Yangon; 11,900 baht per head for Bangkok-Siem Reap and Bangkok-Luang Prabang.

For more information or reservations, check www.bangkokair.com/summerfly or visit the airline's booth at the Ultimate Dreamed Destination travel fair being held at Siam Paragon until May 22.

If you have any comments or news to share, send them to pichayas@bangkokpost.co.th.

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Gay Phuket, local attractions and exploration

Phuket has not only Sun and sea sand. There are a number of activities and attractions waiting for explore.

Crystal clear warm waters surround the Phi Phi Islands

The majority of gays to Phuket visitors come with a premeditated intention of spend most of your holiday, soaking up the Sun. But if his body can be dragged from the wild Beach will discover you a wide range of entertainment in and around Phuket Island. Here are some of our favorites.

Khao Sok National Park

Visit jungle reserve Prime Minister of Thailand which has more than 48 species of mammals including wild elephants, Tigers and leopards.

The Phi Phi Islands

She became famous by the movie 'The beach' and now far more developed. However Phi Phi lay and Phi Phi Don are yet a majestic spectacle of seeing and makes for an interesting day trip tour.

Diving

Islands around Phuket offer some of the best places in Southeast Asia of diving. Of particular interest is the closure by Islands similar where visibility can reach more than 30 meters and Leopard sharks and dolphins are common. There are a number of certified PADI diving schools on the island which provide instructions and organized excursions.

Phang Nga Bay, worth a day trip

Phang Nga Bay extends from the East coast of the island of Phuket to Krabi. This Bay is home to giant rock mountains rising from the sea, the most famous of which is called James Bond island. Spectacular views which is worth a day trip to see.

Simon Cabaret in Phuket

Dinner (buffet) and big production show. Yes it is very touristic but really fun show to see.

Phuket Simon Cabaret

If you want entertained by some of the best Thailand Ladyboys, below, to book tickets to see this show. A real extravaganza of costumes and magnificent artists performers. Displays twice in one night at 0930 and 7.45 pm.

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Koh Samui: where to eat

Samui has a surprising number of exceptionally good restaurants. If culinary is an important element of Samui holiday you will not disappoint.

The combination of fresh ingredients, beautiful surroundings and creative chefs is a recipe that was made in heaven.  Here is a list of some of our favorites.

Zazen restaurant, Zazen Resort, Samui 177, Moo 1, Tambon Bophut ring road

A beautiful restaurant overlooking Bo Phut beach that fuse aspects of French and Moroccan style with impressive results. Two menus: a European (mainly French-inspired) and another Thai.  Exceptional service and delicious food: what more can you want?  Reservations are essential and must be made a few days in advance. Tel + 66 7742 5085

Thai braid Imperial Beach Resort Samui, Chaweng Noi

And now something completely different. We are fairly certain that there will be never tried Thai food similar to this. Certainly we have not had. He described best as a Thai version of Heston Blumenthal.  Three talented chefs offer a completely unique approach to Cook Thai dishes popular produce food exceptionally well served in large black slate.  The kitchen is open from 7 pm to 10 PM bookings essential. + 66 7741 3528

Namu, W Resort, Bo Phut

Announced as 'Asia' tomorrow this restaurant, modern but intimate with a view to the beach specializes in contemporary Japanese cuisine. Fabulous combinations of flavors and intelligent presentation. Only 8 tables so book in advance. Enjoy a cocktail or after-dinner drink in the special SIP bar of to the side.

Mar 11

This intimate restaurant is established in Beach Bang Rak with wonderful views over the sea. It offers the best of Thai and international cuisine in Samui.  Reservations are essential and in peak season book well in advance. 66 77 245134 or + 66 891232364

The page, the library, 14/1 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach Road,

Restaurant high platforms beach front of international cuisine and Thai of minimalist style.  Nearly as peaceful beach which can get in this part of Chaweng.

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Gay Phuket: luxury

Phuket Island is located about 500 kilometres south of Bangkok. It is 30 miles from top to bottom and has covered a mountainous Centre with palms and rubber trees.

They are the best beaches on the West coast of the island. These beaches benefit from persistent wonderful sunsets. Beaches of Patong, Kata and Karon are the best known, but can get busy during the high season. Beaches and resorts further north or South of these central areas will be far more peaceful and quiet.

Another factor is how important is for you about the bars and clubs of Patong.  Taxis are available around the world 24 hours a day, but they are expensive compared to other parts of Thailand. For example, Surin beach of Patong will cost around 500 baht ($ 17 / ? 11) each way.

Sri Panwa, Cape Panwa, Phuket $$$ $$ +

Private luxury. Stunning villas and suites, located on a hill isolated overlooking the sea. We love the bedroom pool villas. Contemporary design with all the latest technology. Thirty-five minutes from Patong by car, but this place can afford, you can pay the Patong taxi fare!

The Surin $$$ $$

Located in one of the most beautiful and quiet beaches in Phuket. Closed for remodeling from April to November 2011, so this announcement is only relevant if you are travelling after this date. It promises to be even more special when he returns to open. Only 20 minutes from Patong.

Flora, Patong $$$ $

If you want to stay in Patong close section gay from the beach, then its difficult to defeat the Flora. 2008 Open in this luxury hotel offers elegant and surprisingly peaceful accommodation. The hotel has two private swimming pools, a gym and spa. The Bar area and restaurant offers breathtaking views to the sunset and some of the best food in the city. Members of the small group to the world of luxury hotels.

Pearl Indigo, NAI Yang beach. $$$$+

Luxury suites and villas on the long beach of Nai Yang arena, located towards the northern end of the island of Phuket. This resource can boast a number of very good restaurants which attract customers from other stations. Forty minutes from Patong.

Villa Real of mom Tri, Kata Noi Beach, $$$ $

7 Miles to the South of Patong, this resort offers traditional and elegant accommodation combined with a salt water with style embedded in the rock pool. Kata Noi beach nearby.

Located in the North Beach very quiet of Mai Khao Beach, the Black Pearl is a villa in front to design exclusive hideaway beach. He was recently elected one of the 10 most livable homes in Thailand.

The name of a rare flower that grows in this very natural spa. Located 600 metres from Patong Beach gay section. Quiet area that it combines a good level of accommodation and service.

International travellers often fly to Bangkok and then get on a domestic flight to Phuket. Some other regional centres such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur also has direct flights to Phuket.

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Gay Pattaya: where to stay

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Pattaya is one of Thailand's oldest beach resorts with plenty of good quality gay friendly hotels and gay guest houses. These are the accommodations that have our thumbs up.

The area is broadly split into two parts – Pattaya town and the  Jomtiem Plaza area. So the first decision you need to make is which area you wish to stay in.

Boyztown (Pattayaland) and Sunee Plaza are both in the Pattaya town area. The main Dongtarn gay beach is close to the Jomtien Plaza.  Taxi are available 24 hours a day making it quick and easy to get between the various gay areas. Here are some of our favourite very gay friendly or exclusively gay hotels and guest houses in both areas.

Boyztown / Pattayaland / Sunee Plaza area.

Dusit Thani $$$$$

This peaceful luxury beach front resort is located less than 5 minutes by taxi from Boyztown and 15 minutes by taxi to the gay Dongtarn beach.  Guest rooms feature an extremely comfortable bed, modern Thai styling with great sea views. Exceptional service. Dusit Thani is probably the best luxury option in Pattaya for gay travellers.

Hilton Pattaya Thailand $$$$ 333/101 Moo 9 Nong Prue Bangla

Luxury beach front hotel that is less than 10 minutes walk from all the action in Boyztown. Stylish, well equipped rooms many of which have great sea views. Fabulous infinity edge pool and bar that overlooks the sea.

Copa Hotel $ 325/106-109 Pattayaland Soi 3, Pattaya

Situated right in the middle of Boyztown above the Copa Show Bar. Features 22 en-suite rooms, satellite tv and free wi-fi internet access. Telephone + 66 (0) 384 88694

Ambience Hotel $$ 325/89 Pattayaland Soi 3, Pattaya

Like the Copa, The Ambience is situated right in the middle of all the Boyztown action. Each of the traditionally styled bedrooms and suites have a shower, satellite TV and free wi-fi.  The Ambiance Bistro is open from 7am to 3am. The Ambience is home to Boyz Gym and Sauna who’s friendly staff will help you get the most out of your workout.

map’s printable version

Near the Dongtarn Gay Beach / Jomtien Complex

The Rabbit Resort  $$$ 318/84 Moo 12, Soi Dongtan Police Station, Jomtien, Pattaya

Popular gay friendly resort close to the gay section of Dongtarn beach.  Beautifully traditional Thai styled suites and private villas with teak furniture, Jim Thomson silks, private gardens or terraces.  The relaxed environment is enhanced further by mature gardens, sun terraces, and two pools one of which is reserved for adults only. Tel +66 (0) 382 51730

Avalon Beach Resort  436 Moo 12, Thuppraya Road, Dongtarn Beach, Jomtien, Pattaya

Great beach front location right by the gay section of Dongtarn Beach.  Less than a 10 minute walk to the Jomtien Complex  gay area. This modern hotel offers a range of comfortable traditional styled rooms. The hotel has its own pool and sun terrace and caf?. Tel + 66 (0) 383 03999

The Venue $ 413/24-28 Jomtien Complex, Thapparaya Road Jomtien

Popular gay owned and managed hotel within the Jomtien complex close to the gay beach. All rooms feature air-conditioning, a mini bar, tea & coffee making facilities and free wi-fi. The Venue has a small private pool, hot tub and terrace. The Venue is also home to a nightly cabaret show.

The Room Club $ 318/79 Thappraya Road, Dongtarn Beach, Jomtien Pattaya

Gay owned boutique hotel right next door to the Avalon Beach Resort and directly opposite the gay section of Dongtarn Beach. Lounge bar and restaurant that serves food and drinks throughout the day. Tel 66(0) 382 51461

East Suites $

EAST suites is a gay serviced residence in the heart of Jomtien Complex with seven different luxury  suites (from 30 to 100 sqm)featuring a comfortable king-size bed, flat screen cable TV, a DVD player, complimentary wireless internet access, and a large in-room electronic safe. Each suite has seating area and kitchenette with a microwave, mini bar, fridge / freezer and coffee / tea making facility, a large bathroom and a  furnished balcony.

Tui’s  Place $ 318/77-78 Thap Phraya Road, Pattaya

Popular gay bed and breakfast located next to the gay section of Dongtarn beach. Comfortable rooms with en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning and free wi-fi internet access.  Tel +66 (0) 382 51432

Sanuk Guest House $ 391 / 49 Moo 10, Soi Thappraya Road Pattaya

Gay guest house above the Sanuk Sauna. All rooms are ensuite and comfortably furnished with a King Sized Bed, air con, TV, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, internet access, and safe. Located halfway between Jomtien Gay Beach and Boyztown and right on top of all the Sanuk Sauna action.

The Bondi Beach Guest House $ 410/51-52 Dongtan Beach Road

Beach front guest house with en-suite rooms, some with sea views,  mini fridges, airconditioning, televisions, Tea/Coffee making facilities. Tel + 66 (0) 806307314

Posedon Guest House $  413/ 3-5 12 Moo, Thappraya Road, Pattaya

Gay guest house located close to the Jomtien Complex and around 250 metres to the beach.  All rooms are en-suite with king sized beds, air-conditioning, flat screen TV’s and free WiFI.  Tel + 66 38 303 698

Two Guys Guest House $ 504/497 Soi Yensabi, Moo 10 South Pattaya

Low cost gay guest house located close to Sunee Plaza. All room have an en-suite shower, air-conditioning, a fan, TV and room safe. Free Wi-Fi.  Bar and cafe serves good value food and drink. Tel +66 (0)38 713 652

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