How Safe is Phuket For Travel?

Phuket is one of Thailand's most popular tourist destinations, and yet visitor numbers are well down on previous year. The beaches and streets in Phuket are quiet and businesses are beginning to feel the strain. Thailand's political problems have been well documented by the media, so much so that the country is portrayed as being in complete anarchy. Although the problems have been centered in Bangkok, they have impacted Phuket. But what's the reality of the situation? Should tourists be wary of traveling to Phuket?

The short answer is "no". For a bit of perspective, Thailand has had numerous problems over the years, from coups to bombings. However, it was only the tsunami that really affected tourism in the long run. Thailand's internal problems usually create a few short-term ripples and the media writes of chaos in the streets, but for people living in Thailand, they will tell you that life goes on as usual.

In Phuket, tourism is way down. Hotels are nowhere near full and people on the island are saying that the effect on the industry will be worse in the long term than the tsunami. It's such a dire situation, but it's also completely unnecessary. Travel advisory warnings also don't help.

If you were to visit Phuket right now you'd see a peaceful island. There are no more dangers than normal and everything is safe. There's no fighting in the streets and tourists aren't being victimized or attacked. In fact, there's probably never been a better time to visit Phuket because the island is less crowded than usual.

The beaches are still there and the popular sites are waiting for visitors to trickle in. Of course, travelers should still exercise the same caution they would when visiting Phuket any time of the year. Traveling alone on a motorcycle at night isn't a good idea and care should be taken when out and about. But don't let the news reports put you off a trip to Phuket.

It's a sad state of affairs, but hotel-booking websites have been reporting a huge decline in bookings. The same is true of airlines, who are now throwing out offers left, right and center to entice people to visit Thailand. There are bargains to be snapped up at the moment.

So if Phuket is safe for tourists, then what about Bangkok, where most of the trouble has been? There have been protests and airport closures and all sorts. However, unless you had a plane to catch during that time, if you were in Bangkok, you wouldn't have noticed much out of the ordinary other than when you turned on the news. Everything carried on as usual. It always does.

After the most recent coup, the tanks and soldiers became a tourist attraction. The resultant protests were mostly jovial affairs with picnics and concerts. Some media reports were speculating that Thailand was about to become a bloodbath, similar to revolutions of the past, but such events didn't materialize.

Forums, blogs and phone lines have been inundated with people asking if Phuket is still safe for travel. It is safe, and it likely will be for a long time to come.

Thailand Travel Easy

The allure of Thailand for Aussies remains strong. Sitting just six hours flight from Perth and eight or so from the East Coast, Thailand boasts great beaches, mountain forests, temples galore, great shopping and some of the best food on earth. Add to that the seedier aspects of prostitution and the famous full moon parties and you have an entertaining mix that will leave some wanting more while others may be happy never to go back.

It's a common first time destination for backpackers because it's easy to get around, English is spoken widely and finding good times and mischief is never a problem. There is of course also some pretty nice beaches to sleep off the hangover on or just soak up the sun.

Seasons/When to go

Thailand is hot and humid most of the year. The most comfortable time to visit is during November till March. It rains the least and is not super hot. Thailand's peak tourist seasons are at this time and during July and August.

The rainy season runs from roughly July to October. Rainy season gets a bad rap; during this time the more popular beaches can be littered with trash after heavy rains. Despite this the rain can be a break from the heat, and the countryside is lush and green. October tends to be the wettest time of year.

April - June and September - October typically see the cheapest room rates and the least amount of tourist traffic. Consider these times if you want the cheapest travel away from the hordes in peak season.

Getting cheap flights from Australia to Thailand

If you are planning to book the popular choice of a few days in Bangkok and five or more in Phuket or Ko Samui, it's worth looking around for package deals on offer from the major travel agents in Australia. Like Fiji, it's one of the few destinations where booking this way through an agent can be cheaper than booking on the net. Companies will have allotted rooms and seats on preferred airlines that can be sold very cheaply.

If you are booking yourself don't always assume Jetstar (which flys into Phuket direct) will always be the cheapest. Thai airways, British airways and even Singapore airlines will have regular specials into Bangkok from Australia. From there you can book yourself on the domestic carriers to any of the islands (see below). From the East Coast fares have recently been as low as $600 return including tax into Bangkok low season (British Airways or Thai).

For students it's worth checking with STA or Student flights as there are often cheap fares on this route.

The most common route would be to fly into Bangkok, spend a few days and then head out to Phuket or Ko Samui (or both). Expect to pay around $1200 inc tax for all three in low season, while its closer to $2000 inc tax at Christmas (just for flights).

Costs

On a backpacking budget allow $30-50 dollars a day in low season. It's not as cheap as some countries in South East Asia but it's still great value. For a more comfortable holiday, $100 a day will get you a decent hotel and have you living pretty comfortably.

Domestic Airlines

Try these carriers to get you out of Bangkok and to the popular Islands and other Thailand destinations.

Thai Air Asia - Flies domestic and international routes

Nok Air - Flies Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Krabi, Trang, Loei, Udon Thani, Phuket and Nakhon Si Thammarat

One Two Go - Budget carrier with similar destination list to Nok Air. Also has offers free snacks on board.

Bangkok Airways - Flying since 1986 Bangkok air is a popular choice that flys to over 20 Asian cities. Great for Bangkok - Phuket - Ko Samui flights. You can book online and their website also offers a few discounts on accommodation.

Destination Air - A small company that offers scenic flights via sea plane and day trips around Phuket and surrounding islands like Ko Pi Pi. Minimum passenger requirements apply.

Getting into Bangkok Central from Suvarnabhumi airport/what happens when I get to the airport in Bangkok?

Soon after arriving it's easy to change some Aussie dollars to the local currency or use an ATM (for the best rates).

As soon as you leave customs you will probably be set on by locals offering you a taxi into town. Keep cool and ignore these touts as the shuttle bus into the city costs a poultry $9.00AUD and runs from 0430 till 0030. A taxi will be more expensive. Just walk outside and look for the signs for the shuttle bus, it's easy.

Most travellers will be staying on or near the famous Khaosan road, just tell the bus guy that's where your headed. If you are arriving outside of the shuttle bus operating times (and many flights from Oz will) it's still easy to get a taxi. Make sure the driver turns the meter on; it starts at about 35B. Get out of the cab if they won't turn the metre on. Be firm about this - as elsewhere it's a common scam for cabbies to make up the price on arrival. You will have to pay the motor toll if you travel into the city by taxi - so you will be asked for a small amount of extra cash on the way. The cost of a taxi should be no more than $12 or so Aussie dollars into the city. The airport is about 30km or 45mins by road from the centre of town.

If you consider booking a transfer in Australia it's around $40 dollars Aussie one way, so it's much easier and cheaper just to get on the shuttle bus when you arrive. If you arrive late then a taxi is still cheaper than booking a transfer in Australia.

If you're staying in Khaosan Road: After getting off shuttle bus or taxi on Kao Son road, walk to the end of the road where the Monastery (Wat) is, there's a police station off to the right, walk that way, cross the street and go down the red bricked road named Soi Rambuttri (the monastery will now be on your left). This area is far quieter than on the main drag.

Khao san Road accommodation options

In Bangkok Ko Shan road is usually the first port of call for most travellers, usually travellers on a budget. In recent times more comfortable hotels seem to be springing up all over the place. Outside of peak times it's easy enough to just show up in this small area and book a place - though in busier times or if you don't want to wing it booking in advance is easy enough.

The Viengtai hotel is a popular choice for young Aussies. Expect to pay around $10-30 a night.

Rambuttri Inn (15-20AUD) is a popular and comfortable place with a pool.

MyHouse Guesthouse-($10AUD) One of the better cheapies that's nice and quiet by Bangkok standards.

With any guesthouse in this area make sure you check the rooms first, but most will be fine for how cheap they are.

For more comfortable digs most of the big name hotels are represented in Bangkok. If you have the cash the city's most famous hotel, the Oriental is the place to be. If you can't afford that the Royal Orchid Sheraton just down the river has great views at a much cheaper price.

Other areas of Bangkok are just as good to stay; check out Chinatown and the Sukhumvit road area.

Khaosan Road is good for first time travellers to go out or do some shopping and the best place to arrange other travel service like visas and train tickets.

Getting around Thailand

Rail/Bus

Thailand has fantastic trains and buses which are cheap, fast and easy to use. You can buy tickets from numerous local travel agents, though it's cheaper and not difficult to buy yourself at the bus or train station. The cheapest option to get around is on the 'fan' buses for short or medium journeys - just leave early in the morning to avoid the worst of the heat. The cheapest rail option is third class, which can take a bit longer than the more expensive AC buses but are a fun way to get around.

Beach Destinations

Phuket

This Island of half a million people is the most visited in Thailand. It's well serviced by flights from around Asia and has a great mix of accommodation to choose from. Staying in the heart of Phuket town on the beach will be expensive, while staying a few blocks back or 15 minutes down the road in Karon beach are the cheaper options. This is the area from which you can easily visit islands such as Ko Pi Pi (from the movie The Beach).

Ko Samui

Once a purely budget destination Ko Samui is now a fully fledged resort island. All the major hotels are here, with expensive accommodation the norm. For a budget beach holiday Phuket or Khao Lak, an hour north, are the better bets. Most Aussies will come to Ko Samui on their way over to Ko Panyang for the famous full moon parties. Click the link below for a full page on how to get there and the run down on these popular and always loose nights out. The parties are fairly commercialised these days, but still worth the trip.

Off the beaten path

There's heaps more to Thailand than just Bangkok, Phuket and Ko Samui. It's easy to get around so with a little time checking out places such as Khao Sok national park, Ko Chang and the Similan islands will get you away from the masses. Avoid the southern mainland town of Pattaya; package tourists, pimps, members of paedophiles san frontiers: not nice.

Use a Travel Agent to Book a Flight

If you're planning to fly out of Heathrow Airport, you have several options for booking your flight. You could rely on a travel agent to arrange your flight, book directly through an airline, or go through Internet booking sites. There are advantages to booking flights with each of these resources, and which one you choose will depend on your preferences and goals.
Booking Flights through Travel Agents
Prior to the development of the Internet travel industry, most People relied on travel agents for the content. People used to look for numerous shop travel agents for business, or are choosing a travel agency based on service, reputation, or the convenience of the Agency's position.
The biggest advantage of booking your flight through a travel agent is convenience. If you're buying a flight from Heathrow to Boston and back and your primary goal is to save money are interested in a travel agent may not be the best choice. But if you can donot only a flight to Boston, but hotel accommodations, too, plus multiple flights and accommodations in other cities in the U.S. as part of a sightseeing vacation, booking through a travel agent makes sense.
Travel agents are paid commissions by airlines when they sell flights, so it is not always in their best interest to net you the cheapest possible flight. Of course, they want your business, too, so most travel agents work hard to try to provide customers with competitive airfares. Generally speaking, you may pay slightly more for your Heathrow flight by booking through a travel agent. But if you are short on time or planning much more than a basic round trip flight, paying slightly more will be worthwhile.
There's another good reason to consider booking your flight with a travel agent when you're planning a vacation. Travel agents are in the know about deals on rental cars, combination hotel accommodation and flight packages and other discount offers that can save you money on your trip. Some travel agents can even provide discounts on admission to tourist attractions in the destinations you plan to visit.
Travel agents are also very familiar with airports around the world, as well as airlines. They are able to spot potential problems and help you avoid them, which can help ensure your flight goes smoothly.
When travelers book their flights themselves online, nobody is there to advise them against a one-hour layover in Airport X when traveling from Heathrow. In reality, it could well be impossible to pass through customs, collect your luggage and travel to your next terminal in only one hour - especially if your flight is delayed and you arrive even a few minutes late.
A good travel agent will take into consideration all the factors that could affect your travel, including the seasons, the airlines you're traveling and the airports you'll pass through in addition to Heathrow. Although there may be no guarantees, if your flights are cancelled or changed by your airline, a travel agent may be much more likely to be able to arrange a suitable alternate flight than you would be able to on your own - especially on short notice.
These are just some of the many advantages of booking your Heathrow flight through a travel agent. If you do decide to book your flight through a travel agency, allow yourself plenty of time to shop around. Read all the "fine print" terms and conditions before you make a commitment to any travel agent, and pay close attention to guarantees and refunds in case you need to change or cancel your flight.


Reference : www.thaisabuy.com

Travel Tips - low cost flights to India

Jet Airways Limited was started by Naresh Goyal, the owner of Jetair private, and the airline started its operations in 1993 with 24 daily flights to 12 destinations in India, a nation. A real success, Jet Airways, while enjoying spectacular growth of international-standard services at affordable prices, and is currently the dominant force in the Indian aviation industry, operating more than 330 daily flights to 56 domestic and international destinationson the planet. Jet Airways of Mumbai, is the market leader in terms of number of passengers and flights of several offers convenient full-time service, passengers with the quality of in-flight services and reliability. Although a full-service airline Jet Airways has often cheap and low rates, especially when booking through the Internet.

The vast network of Jet Airways' flights to destinations in India including Chennai, Port Blair, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Guwahati, Patna, Chandigarh, Raipur, Diu, New Delhi, Goa, Ahmedabad, Bhuj, Porbandar, Rajkot, Vadodara, Jammu, Leh, Srinagar, Udaipur, Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Agartala, Lucknow, Varanasi, Bagdogra, as as well as flights to Bangalore, Mangalore, Cochin, Kozhikode, Thiruvanthapuram, Bhopal, Indore, Khajuraho, Aurangabad, Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Imphal, Amritsar, Jodhpur and Kolkata.

Jet Airways also has a growing network of international destinations, such as Bangkok, Kathmandu, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, London Heathrow, Colombo, Brussels and New York. The airline is fast becoming a competitor with international airlines and offers low-cost and regular flights to India, as well as the top destinations around the world.

Previously known as Royal Airways, Spicejet Airlines began its service in May 2005, and India has the largest low-cost carriers, and was also a cost in Rapid chosen as "Best Low> Airline "in South Asia and Central Asia by Skytrax. Spicejet Airlines offers aviation landscape dramatically in the Rs 99 fees for the first 9,000 places available in the first 99 days. It was then followed this with Rs 999 promotional fare for select sectors across the nation. With such a clear vision and a variety of marketing strategies, Spicejet airlines is one of the most popular low-cost carriers on the market and offers over 100 flights to 18 destinations in India. L 'has also attracted worldwide attention, Look Sharp with foreign investors.

Spicejet Airlines currently has an extensive network of low-cost airlines across the country, serving the following destinations in India: Ahmedabad, Bagdogra, Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Jammu, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, Srinagar, Varanasi and Visakhapatnam. Jet Airways, Spicejet Airlines, flights to India, flights to Chennai, Bangalore, cheap

N. Thailand - What are the prospects for cheap flights and travel in Asia?

problems with the arrival of winter for most of the northern hemisphere, many people, how long the situation in Thailand will be a concern, and what are the options for cheap flights in Asia, which are also used to warn both the breath needed to be able to winter in Asia.

When looking for cheap flights to Asia, I make a point of control for a number of airports, several airlines. Also, when you come from the United States, Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco(SFO) and many times from Seattle, the best wagers are the China Air and EVA Air and Asiana Air recently, it seems, that actually offers a couple of flights to Bangkok, if you are in the value of frequent flyer miles for the calculations.

Today, it is the best choice for cheap I do not see the possibility of Bangkok in Thailand to Singapore. KL and Singapore are slightly more expensive to fly in early February with a 2-3 week stay. I was always getting prices that were $ 50 higherSingapore and a bit 'more to KL. Against this situation, I was in those airports and on some occasions I saw him rewarded with low cost flights from Asia. Once I flew from Bangkok to Singapore, a 2 hour break and then back to Bangkok to catch a flight from South-East Asia.

Saigon is also one that I consider. I have a flight from Saigon in the last minute which was several hundred euro less than the usual routes in the future.The big problem with Vietnam is that you have a visa before you have to get there, and if the transit in both directions, they make you buy two visas and can not be at the same time, a huge pain in the seat cushion. You can also Tokyo, but the budget carriers are not players in this market, so the adults can have it. Hong Kong is also without action of Air Asia, Tiger and Cebu Pacific Air, which are best for the cost of expensive travel Asiacheap flights.

So, for the winter season if you wanted to get a passport in Thailand this year, where would you take to travel? I would look in Cambodia, the Philippines and Vietnam. Cambodia is now one of the safest countries in the region if you ignore a traffic accident. The beaches of Sihanoukville offer everything to get what one in Thailand, and are excited to be there. Vietnam has also a problem of road accidents, but also very safe forTourists, but not quite friendly and a bit 'more expensive. The Philippines has allot of crime in the city, but when on the beaches, you are more likely to have a great time, as the locals are very friendly and the prices are reasonable in their season, which I think refers more to Hotel owners more likely that the number of tourists. Awarded pressure on concerns that were much the southern islands, but people I know who has traveledrecently said this is old news.

I would also be a very tough Indonesia, except for the fact that in its monsoon season. For those with a boycott of Myanmar (Burma) do not agree, it is also very high on my list. North of Malaysia would be on my list when I searched for the most beaches. The Perhentian Islands offer some of the best resorts in Asia. All of these decisions on safety, enhanced by a culture and low prices.

Before this crisisthere was a burnout on Thailand as the cost of living there will stop rising, and there is no increase in value. From Bali to Phuket for a good head to head comparison to a longer stay if you're on a tight budget, Bali is a much better deal with the culture and assign more with the exception of the Internet, a much better infrastructure. The only big negative here in Indonesia is the Visa and the Traffic Police, the foreigners to be seen as a mobile ATM. If you make the mistake of complainingthat mistakenly targeted, double or quadruple the normal "tea money", which only aggravates the tourists even more. I am very interested, Bali is the safest place in Asia, hands down safely.

Many decisions will be interesting to see with the end of the winter season as it plays. Everyone hopes that Thailand get back to normal, to make it all irrelevant.

Travel advice for domestic travelers

If someone plans to travel, then you will follow these ten domestic travel tips useful first.

"Shop around. Do not spend more than necessary for domestic flights.

"Check your flight in advance at the time of departure and arrival times for the control. If you do not know the time and the flight is late, you could sit at the end of the airport for hours.

"The search Travel Insurance Company is an option for domestic travelers to find out if yourAssicurazione covers you outside of your country.

"If the relatives are planning a trip for domestic travel is with family and call the airline in advance to see if you can select the place. Otherwise, you have to sit separately from family members in line.

"The weather can be very different destination in comparison to the air in your home instead. American, a great country, the national race could have a completely new page to obtain U.S.never seen before. For example, if a domestic flight from Los Angeles, CA Miami, FL. The conditions are slightly different and you need to pack accordingly.

"Be aware that you might end up somewhere for domestic flights, where the language is spoken.

"Imagine you're away from your place and you have your purse or luggage stolen when you are away from home for domestic travel. To avoid this loss of its good idea to losePhotocopies of all important documents.

"Calls can be expensive, even for domestic travelers. The best way to save money, phone cards for use in a pay phone or check with the telephone company if they can arrange for you to use their mobile phones in other parts of the country a reasonable price.

"Bring read many books and magazines. If you take domestic flights can often be a bit 'boring after a while', so it's good to have somethingThey occupied. You can also avoid overpaying for books or magazines in an airport with the addition of their favorite books or magazines. Otherwise, enjoy your trip home and try to get into trouble not too much.

I give you the best travel advice for travelers to national holidays exciting and I promise that if you try you get the best vacations. In addition, you have absolutely nothing to try to lose. I suggest Bidding & Best Travel WebsitesI found when searching on Google.

World Travel Statistics vagabonds

This is the intersection where dreams and reality collide. So many have been believing that for a year to take a break and travel the world, you need everything you've worked for the victims, to make a big loan from the bank, and basically keep your life.

And then I have also dared to dream of traveling the world.

To help you understand the obstacles (real and imaginary) are involved in travel, let's go to my worldStatistics.

First, a brief introduction on the trip. My wife and I recently took a sabbatical and traveled through the south-east Asia, India and Nepal. We bought a one way ticket to Bangkok, traveled by train (and the occasional bus or boat) and ate more food for the road (which tend to be healthier than you, prior to cooking). We lived modestly, but not unpleasant. E 'possible but not advisable to do what we have for 30% less.

These are the world travel serverStatistics

Cost of living: $ 1,300 These private rooms for two, sometimes with air conditioning, and a lot of street children to eat one. Maybe once a week we would take in a show, or have a nice dinner. Alcohol has been limited because of the relative value is ridiculous (a beer costs more than a bungalow in South East Asia) in the third world countries. If you are going to drink, you should budget 1:59 dollars for every drink in this part of the world.

Visa fees: $ 80each month. Many places such as Thailand and Singapore do not require visas for Americans, many (including Nepal and Vietnam) are still quite expensive and include additional costs for travel to certain areas.

Flights: $ 2700th We bought a single ticket to Bangkok, and a kind of return from Moscow, which has pushed the price considerably. For the same amount that we could get a round the world ticket from eight to ten destinations. L 'The problem was that $ 5,400 to pay money in advance (we were working on the road) was.

Trains: 2000. $ I admit, this is an estimate because they do not keep receipts for all our trips. If your stay in Southeast Asia, rather than by train from Beijing to Moscow, it seemed, you could easily spend half that amount.

total amount spent for two: $ 21.260 .. Not bad for less than $ 1,000 per month per person, we could do what most people only. Dream I hope to travel the world to help the statistics you realize that the world is seen not as expensive as you might think. Sure, you could go to Europe and spend twice as much, or go to Africa or South America for a little 'more, but the lesson is this: do not know until the numbers. Try to delete all your monthly expenses to return home and on the road!

Last minute deals on airline tickets - How to get the lowest prices possible to travel by plane!

Many large companies, tours and things to sell this guy who wants to believe that the cheapest airline tickets flights are difficult to obtain. I'm here to tell you that this will not be further from the truth, and if you know where to look because you can get some incredible deals on airline tickets to any destination.

1. One of the first things you can do is to see what flights at odd hours. Many times people want to flyeasy for them, so if you can get a price of flight in a strange time, then you can use the position to negotiate to get the airlines to lower them. This is a great way to get some really quality offered at reasonable prices.

2. Also, you can also directly to the airlines. What this allows you to do to receive offers that do not advertise to the public. Hotline Often, airlines have offered up one, but you need to knowwhen to call, as these deals can sell very quickly. The best time to call is right around midnight, because it is when systems are updated frequently.

3. By far the best method I found for more discount deals on airline tickets, is there anyone in the business, able to show how. What I mean is that you need the airline industry to find someone who currently or formerly worked. Often these people can show you some really greatTips for deals incredible that you would never be able to get otherwise.