Thailand Tour & Travel News and Frequently asked Questions
Please take notice that any text that is underlined is clickable to
and more information.
We will use this page for updates and news of what is happening around
Thailand. We won't be able to update daily but as often as we can. We
will also be answering many of the frequently asked questions that we
get from you by email so start sending us your questions. We have been
living here for more than 17 years and can most probably answer any question
you may have.
July 18,2007
We have just added on line Thai cooking lessons
videos. Each lesson includeds recipies and helpful tips from Thai Chef
Mr. Chanrat Karatna. You can also watch his student try their hand at cooking
Thai food. Dishes include Thai Green Curry, Phad Thai Noodles, Hot and
Sour Prawn Soup, Spring Rolls, Banana in Coconut Milk. We will be adding
more shortly
July 6, 2007
Many of our clients are requesting private accommodations so
we found a brand new home in a
restricted, high end, very quiet, exclusive neighborhood. Full security, 5
minute walk to the beautiful resident only swimming pool and fitness
center. This is a brand new home, never been lived in. It has 3 bedrooms and
bathrooms. 2 bedrooms for your family has private baths. You host/guide
will stay with you in the extra bedroom and take care of cooking etc if
needed. We will also
have a maid to clean the home,
change bedding, towels, wash your clothes etc while you are on tour. We can also
provide a rental car with or without driver. The location is about 10 minutes
from the airport and 20 minutes to
the city center with a great view of Doi Suthep mountain.
We will have furniture put in by the end of the month and
I will do a video of the home inside and the surrounding grounds and
swimming pool. etc.
May 10, 2007
With the price of gasoline and transportation going up and up it is getting
difficult for low budget travelers to enjoy a private trek or tour. We
have come up with a very nice tour and trek many will be able to afford.
We will
be using the train to go to a
small town in the mountains where you will be able to stay with a Thai
family and your guide. From here you can hike in the mountains to waterfalls,
visit hill tribe villages, work in the fields with the family and villagers
or just relax. You can help
cook your meals and enjoy real Thai village life. From here you can go
on to Chiang Mai or return to Bangkok. I will be going with one of our
guides to the village early next week to make the arrangements and take
pictures. This private tour and
trek will be available June 1, 2007.
School starts again this week and I would like to again thank our clients for helping the children in need. We purchased 21
pairs of new school shoes, pants, backpacks, socks and school supplies. Without our clients would not be able to help.
Feb. 17, 2007
The Songran Festival or Thai New Year is April 12 - 15. Songkran first started in the old Kingom of Lanna, which then comprised of Northen Thailand, parts of Laos, and southern
Yunnan Province China. Today it is celerated some what in most of Thailand but nothing like in Chiang Mai. The dates are
April 12 - 15 each year. Most people in other countries think of Songkran as a chance to throw water on each other but it
is much more than that for the northern Thai people. You can read about Songkran, the rituals, festivities and what it all
means. You can also view the short streaming video
of the Songkran Festival Parade and the biggest water fight on the planet.Many of the hotels, trains, and flights willbe fully booked soon. If you are interested in joining us let us know by using the Custom Excursion Request
form or contact us directly at allthai@all-thailand-exp.com.
Please include when you plan to be in Thailand, how many persons in your party and type of accommodations you prefer.
Dec. 30, 2006
We want to thank all of those who have toured with us during the past year.
You have made a big difference in the lives of many orphaned hill tribe children. Ning and I had the pleasure to take clothes and toys
to 10 hill tribe oprhaned children in Mae Chem and the home there. Not only were the children enjoying their first Christmas ever but
we were able to share it with them. You can see the photos here. You are a blessing to
all of us.
Dec. 17, 2006
We have been taking a lot of video in the last two months, which can be seen on our
video page These include the Royal Floral
Exposition, Loi Krathong festival in Chiang Mai city, a wedding at beautiful Kristadoi Garden Resort and
2 children Orphan homes we support. We have added a new Bed and Breakfast to our list of recommended accommodations in Chiang Mai,
Which you can see on our accommodations page.
Oct. 29, 2006
We were invited to the Chiang Mai Night Safari last week to see the new resort they have just opened there. They have
real nice rooms for
families and private Thai Style Bungalows, very nice. This is a great place to stay if you plan to also visit the
Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 Exposition, which is located next to the Night Safari. The Exposition start Nov. 1, 2005
and lasts until
the end of Jan. 2006. Parking is not available at the Exposition however the Night Safari resort has a shuttle bus
service to and from.
You can see a streaming video
of the Night Safari and the Resort here.
Oct.14,2006
We want to thank all our clients who have been with us during the past year. Part of the money from the tour goes to help orphaned
hill tribe children. Cold season is fast approaching and last week we purchased 46 warm blankets, sheets, pillow cases, 2 pairs
of socks for each child and warm clothes for several babies. Right now we are trying to take care of 46 children in 2 different
childrens homes. These children go to public school so they won't feel left out of the Thai Society. They are on school break
right now but it starts up again on Oct. 30. This week we will receive a list of school supplies needed and will make the purchases
next week. I will start a picture page soon so you can see the kids and the supplies we give them, which also includes food, milk etc.
Sept. 23, 2006
Everything here continues to be as normal after the Coup like nothing has happened. If I did not see the TV I would never
had known anything happened. Banks, schools and government offices were closed for a day just like a normal holiday and
that was about it. My wife's friends went out in Bangkok and had their pictures taken with a few military guys eating
ice cream together. It just makes life more interesting here, this is Thailand.
Aug.22,2006
Last week there was a meeting held in Chiang Mai of the Thailand Trade
and Travel Association. Senior members included the Thailand Hotel Association,
National Parks and Forest Department and many Chamber of Commerces from
all areas of Thailand.
Hundreds of travel agents and tour operators from all over Thailand attended.
The news was not good.
First; All National Parks will up the entrance fee for foreign visitors
from 200 Thai Baht to 400 Thai baht per person. The fee for Thai nationals
goes from 20 Thai Baht to 40 Thai Baht. This begins September 16, 2006.
The reason given was that the National Parks are way overcrowded with visitors.
The parks mentioned were Similan and Phi Phi islands, Kao Yai, Doi Pu Chefah,
Loi, Doi Inthanon, Doi Angkang as being the most crowded in peak season.
Second; Guest houses, hotels and resorts have all agreed to raise prices
beginning Nov. 1, 2006. Some of the local Thai owned places are raising
the price as much as double. Larger international chains around 10% to 30%.
The reason given is that Internet hotel booking sites are now filling most
of their establishments with visitors. They say they made more profit when
people would book directly through them by fax, telephone or their own web
site as they didn't have to pay the commissions. The prices will also be
passed onto the booking agents so going through them will be higher also.
Some good news for our clients
Needless to say this caused a big uproar from the tour operators. Hours
of talking and negotiations followed. The Parks Department did not change
their view and the prices will double for sure. The hotels, guest houses
and resorts agreed to give much better discounts for tour operators to pass
on to their clients. Interenet hotel booking agents will be the biggest
loser as they will be given the new prices in full. Each tour operator will
have to negotiate with the hotel, resort or guest house seperately for a
new lower pricing agreement.
All the Thai airlines were there also but said little except prices will
rise due to the rising cost of fuel the the high landing rights fees at
the new Bangkok Airport.
Aug. 8, 2006
Today we are looking to purchase property at the base of Doi Inthanon National
Park and the highest mountain in Thailand. This property has lots of old
forest and several species of lowland birds. Birds we have spotted here
include; Baya Weaverbird, White-breasted waterhen, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater,
White-throated Kingfisher,Indian Roller and Green-billed Malkoha.
We
plan to put in air conditioned bungalows
around the trees and leave the land as natural as possible. There will
also be a small swimming pool and kitchen. All the bungalows will have
two bedrooms and two bathrooms and a large screened in varanda, which
will be
excellent for families.
Meals will be prepared in the kitchen and taken to your bungalow where
you can enjoy your meals in the Varanda. We plan to build only 6 of the
bungalows on the large piece of land with nature trails for bird watching.
This is
great
news for
for our bird watchers as they will have a nice place to spend the evening
while birding in the park.
You will be able to access the bungalows by taking an air conditioned bus
to Cham Thong from Chiang Mai, which is about a 40 minute ride. We will
meet
you in Cham Thong for the 10 minute ride to the resort. Private transportation
can also be arranged.
July 31, 2006
The Paduang Long Neck Karen are in the news again. Tour operators who own
the 3 camps where the "Long Neck" are kept want to
move them to one big concentration camp. The Paduang have contacted several
NGO's with a request that they be taken back to the Kayah State in Burma
where they are from. Some of the reasons being the women cannot leave the
high walled village, girls
cannot go to public school, low wages; around 1400 Thai Baht per month,
tired of being looked at like a freak show.
The group of detained Padaung had been lured and trafficked from their
home village in northeastern Burma into Thailand many years ago by a Thai
Karen agent, who had pledged to take them to visit their relatives in Mae
Hong Son. According to a rescued
Padaung, a woman, a mother of two, died in mid-1997 of exhaustion and heartbreak,
as she had been long separated from her children, who remained in Burma.
Dec. 15, 2005
I have just taken a short streaming video of a traditional North Thailand Khantoke Dinner with Thai music and dance,
which you can see on our video page.
Nov. 28, 2005
The Chiang Mai Flower Festival is Feb 3 - 5, 2006. The main parade is on
the 4th. Make
your reservations early as hotel,
flights and trains will be filling up shortly.
Also Feb. 11 -12, 2006 is the Doi Inthanon National Park Bird Census. We will be taking only 12 persons on this bird watching tour.
Price will include accommodations in the park, meals and transportation. Make you reservations now.
Nov.26, 2005
Just came back from bird watching at Doi Inthanon National Park Thailand.
Here is a list of the birds that I spotted. It will
give you a good idea of what you can see on a 2 day trip to the park.
Nov. 10, 2005
Now you can fly from Los Angeles to Chiang Mai without having to stop in
Bangkok. China Airlines flies first to Taipae where you can stretch you
legs for the two hour wait for your flight directly to Chiang Mai. Checking
the
travel booking web
sites I have found the prices to be under $1000 round trip.
Nov. 5, 2005
We have decided to post ads on our web site. These are suppliers that we use and trust. This also helps pay for the
bandwidth needed for our new Thailand Videos page.
We get a lot of questions about travel insurance. Although we provide simple accident insurance for
all our clients once on tour some want more coverage. This company is one of the oldest and best in
the travel insurance business.
Nov. 1, 2005
We have added streaming video of interesting sights and accommodations
in Thailand. These are in fact home videos that I took with my wife
and friends as we travel around Thailand.
You can see the videos by clicking
here.
We will be adding more from time to time so keep coming back.
May 29, 2005
Now you can read detailed journals and see photographs of our tours and soft adventures.
I need to go on our tours from time to time to make sure everything continues to run smoothly.
When I do I keep a Journal and post them on the internet. See my journals at
Virtual Tourist
and IGOUGO.
April 8, 2005 Thailand is still a very safe place to travel
The problems in the extreme south east of Thailand have been going on
for decades but is just now getting a lot of attention in the media.
The troubled area is only a small section along the southeast corner
of the Thai
Malaysian border which extends inside Thailand for about 20 kilometers.
I remember just 12 years ago we had to have a Thai Army escort to ride
a boat on
the Mae Kok river from Thaton to Chiangrai. That wasn't reported in the
media. Maybe these countries giving travel warnings about Thailand should
look in their own back yard (major city crime).
March 1, 2005 Cheap Flights Singapore - Chiang Mai, Thailand
Visiting or living in Singapore? There are now direct flights to Chiangmai, Thailand every Sun., Mon., Wed. and Fri
for under $25 US dollars. See Tiger Airways .
Tsunami Relief
Beginning January 1, 2005, 50% percent of all profits for any tour booked
with us in the month of January will go to relief for the victims of the
Tsunami in Thailand. Your tour can be taken any time in 2005. We need your
help now as many children are now orphaned, women widowed and fishermen
without boats or work. Homes and lives have been completely destroyed.
Many are without clothes, shelter or cooking utensils.
Prices.
One of the many questions is about the price. Because we do only private tours
and soft adventures we need to know a little information about your needs before
we can quote a price. We will need to know;
How many persons in your party and are there any children under 12?
When do you plan to be in Thailand?
What type of accommodations do you prefer?
Do you need air or train tickets for inside Thailand?
We can then get back to you with a detailed itinerary and price in a matter of hours.
Many of our clients wish to pay in foreign currency (not Thai Baht). The exchange rate price we give you in your
currency can change from the time of booking to the time of your tour with us. For this reason all prices are as of
time of booking not time of arrival. The final payment upon of arrival in Thailand will be payed in Thai baht
at the exchange rate at time of booking.
Our Refund Policy
We get many questions about our refund policy concerning deposits. We collect deposits
before the tour which cannot be refunded. This is because we use the deposits to pay
for hotels and other services which must be payed for in advance. We cannot get this back
so there are no refunds in all or part. However we can hold a reservation for you up to
one year should you like to reschedule your tour.
GREAT NEWS!!
There are now several low budget air carriers in Thailand so if your travel agents quotes you
a price on a flight via Thai Airways to Chiangmai or Phuket don't panic. You can book
flights on line with Air Asia for half the price.
Nok Air and One Two Go also have
much cheaper flights.for One Two Go you need to purchase the tickets at the airport in Bangkok.
Take the Train, clean, Safe, Comfortable & Fun
Taking the overnight train Bangkok to Chiangmai is very inexpensive and it saves you money on one
night in a hotel. You can take a 2nd class air conditioned car with sleeping berth and meet other
travelers and local Thai People. If you are a family or want something more romantic the private
1st class compartment is for you. For families you can get joining compartments, one for the kids
and one for the parents. For train timetables and prices see
State railway of Thailand
We will be able to get the train tickets for you if you book a tour with us.
Affordable Special Decerning Budget Treks and Tours
We have just started joining tours and treks where you can join a group. For those who
just can't afford a private tour you will still be able to have a great time in Thailand
and meet others. We will find the right kind of tour or trek for you just fill out the
custom excursion request form as always and let us know you wan to join a group.
Holidays and Festival bookings
Many of our clients like to partake in one of Thailand famous festivals such as Loi Krathong
in late Oct. to late Nov. (the dates change yearly depending on the full moon). Also a lot
of interest in patakeing in the biggest water fight in the world at Songkran or Thai New Year
which is April 12 to 15 every year. If you plan to come during these times please be prepared
to book 6 months in advance as all hotels and modes of transportations can be full 3 months
before the festivals.
Weather in Thailand
I have been living here for more than 15 years and have found a pattern.
In the south of Thailand you can get rain any time and day because of
the sea breezes and mountains. The weather in the north,
central and east of Thailand is much easier to predict. In the south
it can rain for days any time of year however less so From Jan. to March.
All other times be prepared for a shower. The seas are very
rough and many beaches are not good for swimming unless it is a protected
cove from June thru Oct. Also visibility under the water is reduced
greatly so diving is not very good then either.
In other parts of Thailand it is pretty predictable. Near Bangkok you might get a short shower at anytime.
In east and north Thailand once the cold front arrives from China around the first of December it will not
rain again until late March to mid April when you will have the mango rains for maybe a week.
The temperature from December thru Feb. is nice and cool and can get close to freezing in the mountains but
NO RAIN. Starting in late May, when the winds change to coming from the southwest, the monsoon rains will
start. This will last until mid November when you start getting cold front from China then heavy rain and
high winds that doesn’t last long. The rains during the monsoon in the north and east of Thailand happen
mainly at night so at 8 PM you better be where you want to be. Early morning is beautiful after the rains
and you might then get a short shower in the afternoons but they won’t last long.
Anytime is a great time to visit Thailand rain or shine. The problem might be when you are in the south
looking for a sun tan on the beach and then it rains every day. I hope this helps you understand a little
about the weather here. Oh, don’t forget the Tropical depression that might move in between June and December.
What Should I Bring Along if I am taking a Trek
Here are some things you should bring along with you.
Insect repellent, sun screen, Long and short sleeved shirts, Long and short pants, a light jacket
good walking shoes or boots (not sneakers), flip flop shoes (you can get here cheap if you like)
extra socks, hat, good sunglasses, a towel, tissue paper, camera, pen light, ear plugs (the frogs
can get very loud at night and the chickens very early in the morning),zip lock plastic bags,
small water proof day pack. During rainy season a good rain parka. Most operators offer mosquito
nets, bedding and or sleeping bags. make sure you ask before coming to Thailand so you don't forget
anything.
When you are ready
to reserve your accommodations and festival tour or design your own excursion,
fill out the Custom Excursion Request form or
contact us directly at
allthai@all-thailand-exp.com Please
include when you plan to be in Thailand, how many persons in your
party and type of room you prefer (single, double, tripple, or twin).
Bird 
