Agoda.com, a popular online travel company specializing in discount hotel bookings in Asia, is planning for Songkran, the Thai New Year celebration, by securing availability and offering a wide range of hot hotel deals in famous Songkran destinations in Thailand. The festival is most heavily celebrated in Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chaing Mai, Samui and Phuket.
Songkran is Thailand’s largest, most popular celebration and is similar to Loy Kratong with water being the focus. The use of water originally began as a demonstration of respect, by gently pouring a small amount of water over another person’s hands. Symbolic cleansing still plays a big part in this culturally significant ceremony, however the festival has now evolved from the traditional and taken on a life of its own, escalating into the world’s biggest water fight. Splashing and showering others in water now symbolizes washing away bad luck.
Each year, tourists from all over the world take part in Thailand’s soaking wet fun in the sun. The festival is held in mid-April when the weather is warmest and the celebrations are a sweet relief from the oppressive Thai summer heat. Thailand’s countrywide water fight festival generally lasts for three days, from the 13th to the 15th of April.
Songkran is traditionally a time to celebrate with family, pay respect to elders and express optimism for the year ahead. Bangkok becomes seemingly tranquil with far fewer cars on the usually congested roads as locals return to their hometowns for the celebrations. The exception however is Khao San Road, the backpacker and tourist haven, which becomes jam-packed with both foreign and local water fighters, drenching each other with water guns, buckets, cups, and anything with the capability of containing and throwing water.
Agoda.com is a Singaporean based company with operations in Bangkok and a multinational staff sharing a combined passion for travel. They recently polled their foreign staff asking them to recount experiences and feelings towards Songkran to see how tourists/expats actually perceived the Thai celebration. Those who have experienced Songkran agree it is an amazing festival, unique to this part of the world.
Jean, a Canadian living in Bangkok and working with Agoda, has lived through a couple of Songkran celebrations, said, “It’s one of the few occasions where absolutely everybody is smiling on the streets. And the water fights are so much fun, everyone gets in on it.”
A veteran water fighter, Jean added, “The bucket is the best weapon. Nothing beats a sneak attack from behind and pouring the whole bucket on someone’s back while they are completely unaware. And don’t forget to say “Sawadee pee mai krrrab!” in their ear with a big smile as a finishing touch.”
Phil, a UK staff member who has been able to experience Songkran in several places throughout Thailand, said, “Thailand is extremely hot during this time of year, and a big water fight in the hottest month makes a lot of sense. This year, I would like to try somewhere different. I have celebrated Songkran three times so far, in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Ubon Ratchathani. Every place is different, unique and a lot of fun. I tell my friends at home it’s something they should all experience at least once.”
While Songkran in Thailand is very popular, nearby Laos also celebrates the New Year at the same time, called “Boun Pi Mai”. Luang Prabang and Vientiane are recommended for tourists who prefer the much more subdued Laotian celebrations. During the Laos festivals, people tend to ease up on the water fights and focus more on the religious aspects, like bathing images of Buddha in temples. The first train from Nongkai province traveling into Laos recently opened, making it easier to experience the New Year celebrations of both countries.
Waen, a Thai staff member, mentioned “Songkran is a precious time for family. It’s especially meaningful for elders who don’t get to meet with family members that often. The tradition shows how Thais respect and revere their elders. It’s a time to express thanks to those we respect and to be aware of our religious history. I hope Thais remember to promote this part of the tradition to foreign tourists as well as those crazy water fights.”
The Thai New Year festival draws about a million foreign tourists to Thailand each year to take part in the celebrations. Agoda is offering special rates for Thailand’s and Lao’s hottest destinations in recognition of the Songkran festival.
THAILAND
Bangkok
Column Residence, Bangkok 4.5-star, rate starting at USD 63 (normally USD 109)
Chaophaya Park, Bangkok 4-star, rate starting at USD 37 (normally USD 63)
Baiyoke Sky, Bangkok 4-star, rate starting at USD 68 (normally USD 118)
Dynasty Grande Hotel, Bangkok 4-star, rate starting at USD 53 (normally USD 92)
I-Residence, Bangkok 3.5-star, rate starting at USD 28 (normally USD 48)
Dawin Nana Hotel, Bangkok 3.5-star, rate starting at USD 42 (normally USD 73)
Pattaya
Aisawan Resort and Spa, Pattaya 4-star, rate starting at USD 54 (normally USD 94)
Best Western Pattaya 3-star, rate starting at USD 43 (normally USD 74)
Hua Hin
Dhevan Dara Resort and Spa, Hua Hin 4-star, rate starting at USD 81 (normally USD 140)
Bacchus Home Resort, Hua Hin 3-star, rate starting at USD 48 (normally USD 84)
Chiangmai
De Naga Hotel, Chiang Mai 4-star, rate starting at USD 90 (normally USD 155)
LAOS
Chanthavinh Resort and Spa, Luang Prabang 4-star, rate starting from USD 57 (normally USD 99) 3 night stay discount of 15%
Green Park Boutique hotel, Vientiane 4-star, rate starting from USD 102 (normally 176)
Tourists can secure alternative accommodation for enjoying Songkran in Thailand’s and Lao’s hot cities via Agoda’s website www.agoda.com or contact the Agoda Team via e-mail at info(at)agoda.com.
Note to Editors
About Agoda Company:
Agoda (www.agoda.com) is an online hotel reservations service which specializes in securing the lowest discount hotel prices in Asia. Agoda.com is part of Priceline.com (Nasdaq:PCLN). Agoda’s network includes over 9,000 hotels in Asia and more than 50,000 worldwide. The staff of over 300 professionals, located throughout Asia, provides a first-rate reservation service that uniquely combines local knowledge and local connections to provide the best hotel deals to both business and leisure travelers.
In addition, Agoda customers participate in the Agoda Rewards Program, earning further discounts and free stays. Unlike programs that limit travelers to a single chain, the Agoda Rewards Program allows customers to redeem Rewards Points at thousands of hotels around the globe, at any time. A member of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), Agoda’s aim is to promote travel by making it more affordable and more accessible to more people.
Thursday 2 September 2010
Monday 16 August 2010
Travelling with your Thai Girlfriend
Travelling with your Thai girlfriend can be an interesting experience. Especially if she has never travelled outside of Thailand before. She will see everything through fresh eyes, and of course, she will either love or hate it the whole experience.
Most Thai people love to eat Thai food.
They generally don't like 'faring' food like pizza or burgers. So your Thai girl will generally be ok in Asian countries, where the food tends to be spicy and contain fish or rice, but anywhere outside of Asia and your Thai girlfriend might struggle to find something she likes to eat.
India is especially difficult, as is Japan.
If you are in a western country such as Australia or the UK, try to find a store that sells Thai ingredients, such as an Asian grocer, or Asian supermarket. As long as she can get a few familiar ingredients, such as lemon grass or Thai basil, she will no doubt be able to cook up food for herself that she likes to eat.
Your Thai girlfriend will need a passport and a visa.
The passport is generally not difficult to get, and can be obtained in a couple of days from Bangkok.
However, getting a visa for your Thai girlfriend can be difficult. Depending on where you want to go with her, the visa process can be long and complicated. You might need to show documentation and evidence that she will not overstay, and that she has strong and compelling reasons to return to Thailand.
Thailand tends to be considered a ‘high risk’ destination; therefore she will need to show evidence and documentation. It’s always advisable to start doing the necessary paperwork a good while in advance of your planned departure date.
Good Australian Visa Advice
A great website like ‘Australian Visa Advice for your Thai Girlfriend’ can help you with all the necessary paperwork. In effect you will do the visa yourself, but a migration agent will be constantly on hand to help you with the process. It’s not that expensive, and it can really take away the headache of doing a DIY visa application.
Remember, your Thai girl might find the culture shock quite overwhelming when you first arrive overseas. Try to understand that this is all new to her, and she will be struggling with a different language, different culture and possibly even different weather.
Make sure she is prepared for the cold if you are taking her to a temperate climate, as it's likely she will feel the cold much more than you. Even summer time in the UK can feel cold to Thai people who are used to tropical Thailand’s balmy climate, with its heat and humidity. So taking her to a winter destination would definitely be a shock to her system. Though imagine how cute it would be to be with her the first time she experiences snow and ice.
Above all else, enjoy travelling with your Thai girlfriend. It’s sure to be a memorable experience.
Some good links that may help you are:
thai tourism
thai People
Most Thai people love to eat Thai food.
They generally don't like 'faring' food like pizza or burgers. So your Thai girl will generally be ok in Asian countries, where the food tends to be spicy and contain fish or rice, but anywhere outside of Asia and your Thai girlfriend might struggle to find something she likes to eat.
India is especially difficult, as is Japan.
If you are in a western country such as Australia or the UK, try to find a store that sells Thai ingredients, such as an Asian grocer, or Asian supermarket. As long as she can get a few familiar ingredients, such as lemon grass or Thai basil, she will no doubt be able to cook up food for herself that she likes to eat.
Your Thai girlfriend will need a passport and a visa.
The passport is generally not difficult to get, and can be obtained in a couple of days from Bangkok.
However, getting a visa for your Thai girlfriend can be difficult. Depending on where you want to go with her, the visa process can be long and complicated. You might need to show documentation and evidence that she will not overstay, and that she has strong and compelling reasons to return to Thailand.
Thailand tends to be considered a ‘high risk’ destination; therefore she will need to show evidence and documentation. It’s always advisable to start doing the necessary paperwork a good while in advance of your planned departure date.
Good Australian Visa Advice
A great website like ‘Australian Visa Advice for your Thai Girlfriend’ can help you with all the necessary paperwork. In effect you will do the visa yourself, but a migration agent will be constantly on hand to help you with the process. It’s not that expensive, and it can really take away the headache of doing a DIY visa application.
Remember, your Thai girl might find the culture shock quite overwhelming when you first arrive overseas. Try to understand that this is all new to her, and she will be struggling with a different language, different culture and possibly even different weather.
Make sure she is prepared for the cold if you are taking her to a temperate climate, as it's likely she will feel the cold much more than you. Even summer time in the UK can feel cold to Thai people who are used to tropical Thailand’s balmy climate, with its heat and humidity. So taking her to a winter destination would definitely be a shock to her system. Though imagine how cute it would be to be with her the first time she experiences snow and ice.
Above all else, enjoy travelling with your Thai girlfriend. It’s sure to be a memorable experience.
Some good links that may help you are:
thai tourism
thai People
Sunday 15 August 2010
Visas for your Thai girlfriend
You can opt for the Fiancee or Spouse Visa option which will allow your Thai fiancé to stay until the wedding day comes.
The downside to the Fiancee or Spouse Visa is that you and your Thai girlfriend must go through a rigorous review and interview to provide proof and grounds in the legitimacy of your relationship. You have to lodge a Visa application at Bangkok. You can do this by getting yourself to the VFS office in Bangkok through skytrain via Surasak station or taxi.
Once unloaded on the train or taxi, you can walk your way through the VFS to the thirty-fourth floor. Once you have made it there, you will be greeted by security personnel and be asked of your purpose of visit. You will have to write these down on their log book and you will be issued a number as you are allowed to enter the premises. You can use the waiting and lag time to complete the requirements for your application.
Wrap up the photocopies of the important documents such as the completed application form, a letter from her employer, her personal bankbook with or without savings and a photocopy of it, a photocopy of her passport details page, a photocopy of the front and back parts of her valid ID cards, the letter of invitation that highlights the reasons of her application, the statutory declaration of her relationship with you, evidence of regular income, evidence of communication while apart, any evidence of financial support to her and your pictures together.
Once the originals have been copy-furnished, you will be called to the table of application. Your documents will be inspected to make sure that you have met the necessary requirements for application. You will have a higher chance at success in application if you are ready with your application requirements and if your documents are very well-prepared. The Embassy charges you 2600 Baht or so paid in cheque or money order. You could get an application form with a small fee of 35 Baht. The processing fee would be around 500 Baht which includes value-added tax. The processing of documents at the VFS office at Bangkok will take you several minutes. It would be faster when all the required submitted documents are complete. Use these application requirements to prevent problematic situations that could potentially ruin you and your Thai girlfriend’s future.
Here are some hints and tips to get you started on that application – and to have a chance at developing a relationship with the girl of your dreams.
Other Visa options could also be explored like the Work Visa, Student Visa and the Family Sponsored Visa.
Does this sound something like your situation? If you have decided on trying to get your Thai girlfriend to visit you in Australia, you now face the decision of how to get her a visa. To tell you frankly, getting a Visa for your Thai girlfriend would be a lot of work especially in terms of time and energy. You really have to be a hundred percent certain that the person you’re getting the Visa for is worth all of it. Chances are, it is.
The downside of a tourist visa is that it does not allow your Thai girlfriend the freedom to work or study in Australia. And you must show evidence that you can support her during her stay with you. While following the more lenient guidelines in this Australian Visa option. This does not mean though that you and your Thai girlfriend can do anything you want while she is staying in Australia. several guidelines to adhere to when applying for An Australian Tourist visa. Also remember that with a Tourist Visa, your Thai girlfriend cannot receive Australian-sponsored Medicare. This means that you are responsible for her health condition as she arrives and stays with you.
The downside to the Fiancee or Spouse Visa is that you and your Thai girlfriend must go through a rigorous review and interview to provide proof and grounds in the legitimacy of your relationship. You have to lodge a Visa application at Bangkok. You can do this by getting yourself to the VFS office in Bangkok through skytrain via Surasak station or taxi.
Once unloaded on the train or taxi, you can walk your way through the VFS to the thirty-fourth floor. Once you have made it there, you will be greeted by security personnel and be asked of your purpose of visit. You will have to write these down on their log book and you will be issued a number as you are allowed to enter the premises. You can use the waiting and lag time to complete the requirements for your application.
Wrap up the photocopies of the important documents such as the completed application form, a letter from her employer, her personal bankbook with or without savings and a photocopy of it, a photocopy of her passport details page, a photocopy of the front and back parts of her valid ID cards, the letter of invitation that highlights the reasons of her application, the statutory declaration of her relationship with you, evidence of regular income, evidence of communication while apart, any evidence of financial support to her and your pictures together.
Once the originals have been copy-furnished, you will be called to the table of application. Your documents will be inspected to make sure that you have met the necessary requirements for application. You will have a higher chance at success in application if you are ready with your application requirements and if your documents are very well-prepared. The Embassy charges you 2600 Baht or so paid in cheque or money order. You could get an application form with a small fee of 35 Baht. The processing fee would be around 500 Baht which includes value-added tax. The processing of documents at the VFS office at Bangkok will take you several minutes. It would be faster when all the required submitted documents are complete. Use these application requirements to prevent problematic situations that could potentially ruin you and your Thai girlfriend’s future.
Here are some hints and tips to get you started on that application – and to have a chance at developing a relationship with the girl of your dreams.
Other Visa options could also be explored like the Work Visa, Student Visa and the Family Sponsored Visa.
Does this sound something like your situation? If you have decided on trying to get your Thai girlfriend to visit you in Australia, you now face the decision of how to get her a visa. To tell you frankly, getting a Visa for your Thai girlfriend would be a lot of work especially in terms of time and energy. You really have to be a hundred percent certain that the person you’re getting the Visa for is worth all of it. Chances are, it is.
The downside of a tourist visa is that it does not allow your Thai girlfriend the freedom to work or study in Australia. And you must show evidence that you can support her during her stay with you. While following the more lenient guidelines in this Australian Visa option. This does not mean though that you and your Thai girlfriend can do anything you want while she is staying in Australia. several guidelines to adhere to when applying for An Australian Tourist visa. Also remember that with a Tourist Visa, your Thai girlfriend cannot receive Australian-sponsored Medicare. This means that you are responsible for her health condition as she arrives and stays with you.
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