Medical Tourism in Bangkok Thailand

Thailand boasts one of the most advanced medical tourism programs in Asia, if not the world. Governments throughout Asia have invested resources and money into the ongoing education and training of Thai medical professionals. Many physicians and medical staff receive their training and education in the United States and Europe, and after graduation return to Thailand to launch their practices. Due to the increasing number of qualified doctors and surgeons as well as an increase in excellent medical facilities, and fact that the cost of medical care in Thailand is only a fraction of that in The United States, Europe or Australia, Thailand has become THE hub for medical tourism in Southeast Asia.

More than just major surgery options, routine treatment programs and cosmetic surgery options are becoming commonplace throughout Thailand. Practices such as cosmetic dentistry, LASIK eye surgery, laser teeth whitening, and even sex reassignment (sex change) surgery are becoming more and more prevalent.

Many of Thailand's best hospitals, staffed with overseas educated physicians, cater to the needs and wants of medical tourists who arrive in Thailand solely for medical care. Some of Thailand's leading hospitals include the Bangkok International Hospital, BNH Hospital, Bumrungrad Hospital, and Samitivej Hospital. These medical facilities are leaders in private medical care and provide a dedicated staff to meet the medical needs of their patients.

The Bangkok International Hospital has a vision to create a comfortable atmosphere for its numerous multi-cultural patients. The hospital is staffed with a large number of translators, speaking over thirty languages. Specialized care facilities including the Bangkok Heart Hospital, the Cancer Center, and the Neurology Center are all affiliated with Bangkok International. With a large emphasis on quality service and customer Satisfaction, it's no wonder why Bangkok International Hospital has received recognition and accreditation of the Medical Boards of the United States, Europe, Japan and Australia.

The BNH Hospital was formerly the Bangkok Nursing Home, and by the end of 1890 the operation. The hospital has a long history of support for foreign patients and operates a range of medical services, such as the heart center, cancer center, general health status and medical history, and laser teeth whiteningService Center. Cosmetic surgery options are becoming more and more available at the hospital and include gender reassignment.

Another of Thailand's leading hospitals in caring for overseas patients is Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok. Bumrungrad was one of the first hospitals in all of Asia to receive the Joint Commission International (JCI) Accreditation. The hospital staff is dedicated to assist with the medical conditions of foreign patients and offers a wide variety of medical clinics specializing in different fields of medicine. Some of the available clinic options include neurology, nutrition, endocrinology, and nephrology. A well recognized cosmetic surgery center is available at Bumrungrad and offers packages in reconstructive surgery, hair transplants, skin treatments, LASIK eye surgery, and more. The costs of these packages are far less expensive than those found in the United States or throughout Europe.

Located in the Srinakarin area of Sirracha and Bangkok is the Samitivej Hospital. The hospital is made up of many branches that each offers a series of packages to overseas visitors. The wellness packages offered include physicals, blood cholesterol checks, liver function tests, CBC tests, and many more. Most of the doctors, nurses, and staff have received specialized education in caring for European and other foreign patients. The staff is culturally diverse and numerous translators are available.

As word continues to spread that excellent and specialized care is available in a wide variety of medical specialties, medical tourism will continue to thrive in Thailand. Visitors from all over the globe arrive in Thailand for their medical stay. Overseas patients have learned that the care they receive in Thailand will be of the upmost quality and cost effective to nearly any budget. Patients in need of medical procedures and cosmetic surgery options are continuing to find their solutions in this captivating land.

Nightlife in Patong

Travelers who enjoy to party until the early hours of the morning will certainly enjoy their vacation in Patong. There are plenty of beer bars, clubs and go go bars to choose from. It is known as the center of the nightlife in Phuket.

So if you are planning to spend your vacation in this wonderful holiday destination and are looking for some good places to visit at night then I can definitely recommend you a few great establishments which you should explore.

Discos

There are a number of busy and lively discos in town and the majority is located in the vicinity of Bangla Road. The busiest is the Tiger Disco which is located on top of the Tiger entertainment complex. It normally starts to get busy around midnight and it closes between three and four o'clock in the morning. If you still can't sleep then why not head down to the Safari Pub for an after hour party. Some other great places which you can visit include Bananas, VIP and Tai Pan.

Beer Bars

There are hundreds of beer bars in Patong and the most popular ones are located along Soi Bangla. If you are looking for companionship then these are the type of nightlife venues that you would want to visit. Some really famous establishments include Sharky's, Mai Thai, Aussie bar and the Kangaroo.

Go Go Bars

These types of venues include special shows and ladies dancing on stage. The highest concentration of these establishments can be found in Soi Sea Dragon which is located just off Bangla Road.

Pubs

There are also a number of outstanding pubs in this beach resort area and these include a number of wonderful Irish pubs and which include Molly Malone's, Finnegan's Wake, the Irish Times and Scruffy Murphy's. Some of these pubs have live music, large screen televisions and pool tables.

Fabulous Koh Samui Hotels

Travel to Thailand and include Koh Samui Island to your plan. The moment one arrives here, the place casts a spell on you, with its beautiful palm fringed beaches in the traditional villages and the relaxed atmosphere. Koh Samui is the third largest Thai Island, home to some of the well-known beaches like Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, Big Buddha, Choeng Mon, Hua Thanon and Maenam. This island is famous for its natural beauty and charm, and importantly a place where one can enjoy their holiday their way, from a relaxed one, to a laid back or an active and fast paced.

This place is for the beach lovers with the beautiful white sand beaches, clean, clear water, thriving tropical gardens and gentle ocean breezes. Koi Samui Island today is a familiar name in Europe, Australia to the USA. The first tourist arrival started in 1971 and since then the place is charming its visitors, though the current pace of development has made it a more commercial but the sleepy magic still exits and it is certainly a paradise out here. Visitor's to Samui are rewarded with an ideal tropical retreat away from the traffic and hustle bustle of city life, alluring white-sand beaches, a sapphire-blue sea, with loads of tempting Thai cuisine. To add the people are unusually warm and friendly. The best and most developed beaches are at Chaweng and Lamai, which offer a wide range of Koh Samui hotels, restaurants and nightspots to suit every taste and budget.

Make the most of your holiday as Samui offers a number of places to see and things to do. Kick-start by visiting the island's natural attractions the coral beds at Laem Sed and Tong Takien, the Hin Lat and Na Muang waterfalls and the phallic rock formations at the southern end of Lamai bay, which are just a few to name. If one has time on hand, beyond the main island there are other places worth exploring. Koh Phangan is world famous for its monthly Full Moon Parties, then Koh Tao offers with one of the best diving locations in Thailand and the Ang Thong National Marine Park is worth visiting.

Of the many things, the accommodation facilities at the Island are tempting. Koh Samui has a wide range of hotels in Koh Samui. There are five-star resorts available to bungalows on the beach. Moreover, this place is just perfect, if one is looking for a place without really big hotels, resorts and discotheques, but great beaches, places to eat, bars and even a couple of fine nightclubs. For no reason who come here once, want to come back again.

Secret Islands For Your Next Holiday in Thailand

Thailand is one of the greatest vacation spots in the world It is inexpensive, has affable people, delicious food, a diverse culture and an amazing variety of sites to visit. You can relax on amazing beaches, hike large mountains, dive impressive coral reefs, visit ancient historical sites, explore great caves, and hang out in energetic and fast paced cities. However, most tourists come to Thailand for the beaches and, these tropical islands are the best reason to come to Thailand. However, Thailand has hundreds of tropical islands to choose from. Most tourists stick go to a few popular Thai islands and with good reason. They wouldn't be popular if they weren't good. However, despite Thailand being firmly on the tourist trail, there are still some undiscovered islands in Thailand. Here are seven islands in Thailand that are relatively not very touristy:

Ko Lipe is a small island located in the southern Thai province of Satun and is situated in the Andaman Sea. The island is located in the Tarutao National Marine Park. The name "Ko Lipe" means paper island in the local Sea Gypsy language. Though Ko Lipe is gradually becoming more touristy, it is still a relatively quite place for now. There are coral reefs for diving right off the island, white sand beaches, inexpensive food, and nice locals. Most places only have electricity until midnight, giving you a place to watch the stars at night. Avoid the holiday season when the crowds peak.

Ko Tarutao National Marine Park consists of 51 islands located in the Andaman Sea. Ko Tarutao is the main island and is where the park headquarters is located. There are no lodges, resorts, restaurants, or bars on the island. There is just the park's canteen and a small store that is only open until 8pm. Accommodation here is simply cheap bungalows or tents. For those looking for a cheap and rustic island in Thailand, this place is it.

The island of Ko Chang is a tropical marine national park. Situated in the east near the Cambodian border, it's Thailand's second largest island after Phuket. Recently, with the surge in development and popularity, Ko Chang is Thailand's new popular tourist destination. With its chain of white sandy coves and beaches, pristine rain forests, abundant wildlife, coral reefs, high mountain peaks, waterfalls, and great nightlife, Ko Chang is one of Thailand's most sought after holiday destinations. If you stick to the east side of the island, there is very little development and you can still enjoy a holiday away from the crowds.

Surin National Park is found some 60 km off the west coast of Phang Nga province. The excellent diving, snorkeling, hiking and game fishing are what most visitors come for, and those hoping to find a quiet refuge from the tourist traps will be delighted with the lack of "development." Surin Nuea is also home to a community of around 150 Moken, or "sea gypsies", who have settled there on a semi-permanent basis for several decades. The islands are protected and can only be visited by organized tours, which helps keep the diving good and the crowds thin.

The Similan Islands are composed of nine granite islands washed by a clear blue tropical ocean and blessed with some of the world's finest beaches. Despite a rough start, the Similians and all its reefs have recovered from earlier calamities and overuse. Boats entering the Similan Islands have to follow strict rules imposed and controlled by the national park officials, have to use the moorings prepared by the national park and use closed waste water systems to avoid any pollution.

Ko Lanta is popular with tourists seeking a holiday away from the parties. It's popular with a more relaxed crowd than nearby Ko Phi Phi: more walking on the beach and watching the sunset than drinking and dancing. And even when the island is at its fullest, there will be a quiet place for you to relax - the beaches are never full.

Ko Mak is one of Thailand's best kept treasures. It is an ideal destination for visitors who want a tranquil environment unspoiled by mass tourism. Amongst 10,000 palm trees, there's a temple, three fishing community villages, rubber plantations, and two uninhabited beaches. Hardly anyone comes here, except couples and divers. Koh Mak is the perfect place to relax, explore, calm your mind and soothe your senses.

Journeys to these islands in Thailand will give you peace, quiet, wide beaches, crystal blue ocean, and not a lot of people. Let's keep the secret between us though so the islands stay that way for as long as possible, otherwise these great islands will be ruined at a quick pace.

Thai Air Asia Offers Flights To Chiang Mai

Trends are changing globally and tourists are preferring to go off the beaten path, take on new destinations where there is more originality and less commercialism resulted by tourist arrivals.

The recent move of Thai Air Asia, has turned Chiang Mai into its newest hub as the airline officially inaugurated its third hub in Thailand earlier this week. Thai Air Asia already offers flight to Phuket, where it has its second hub and the first in capital City Bangkok.

Thai Air Asia is the continent's largest low-cost airline and uses Airbus A320 to serve three destinations within the continent that includes Flights to Bangkok, Hat Yai and Flights to Singapore. At this occasion, Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia (TAA) stated:

"We see Chiang Mai emerging as an attractive destination for tourists, and we want to contribute to make Thailand's northern capital even more attractive thanks to our low-fare structure,"

In very recent past, some internationally reputed and notable airline have stopped their flights to Chain Mai, the names include Thai Airways, Tiger Airways and Malaysia Airlines. These airlines have hardly any success in offering flights to Chiang Mai. However, considering the changing trends that can be seen and counted in terms of number and collected as facts and figures, as more people are reserving flights directly to beach destinations, without stopping over in the capital cities and away from commercialism, there are very bright chances for Thai Air Asia to make its place as the only flights to Northern Thailand.

The country has recently see increase in number of flights to Puce, that arrive without stopping over in Bangkok (only connection flights to Bangkok ) while flights from and to other cities and Islands in Thailand are gaining more popularity.

Thailand Culture Tips - How to Be a Farang in Thailand

I never dreamed I'd end up as a farang in Thailand. But here I am, and it's a pretty good life too. If you've got a similar idea floating around your head (Ie. you're thinking you might come and holiday, or reside in Thailand), then I've got news for you. You're going to become a farang too. So what this article is going to do is show you how to be a farang and give you a basic idea on what Thailand culture is on about.

The first thing is that, no matter what and how you think, you're going to hear Thai people use the word 'farang' to describe you. My advice for that is to not concern yourself too much about it, and look at it as a) Thai culture and b) a polite way of saying you look different!

From what I understand, the word 'farang' comes from 'farangset' which means France. Now you could always argue until you're blue in the face that you don't come from France, so therefore you're NOT a farang. But... it doesn't work like that in Thailand. In fact, it's rather simple. If you're a Westerner in Thailand, then you're a farang. So, the quicker you can accept this, the easier it will be for you to live in Thailand!

The thing that you DON'T want to do is to take offense at being called a farang. Now I've known farangs (sorry, I mean Westerners, or foreigners!) that take offense at being called that. But, honestly, you can't fight Thai culture, as it is what it is. It's best to accept the situation as a Thai person might, with a simple 'may pen rai,' or 'that's cool.' (It's Okay).

In fact, if anything, the simple expression 'may pen rai' is perhaps the ultimate 'advice' to living as a farang in Thailand. You can really take that expression to heart too, not because it's so commonly used, but because it's really a great indicator of just how accepting and relaxed the Thais are about life. In many ways, it's a true reflection of Thai culture.

Now, if none of this is making sense right now, don't worry too much about it. When you eventually do come to Thailand, you'll know exactly what I'm on about.

Top 10 Best Places and Interesting Destinations in Thailand For Vacationing Family With Children

Thailand is the best place to spend family vacations. The country has plenty of beautiful and attractive places which parents and their children will definitely love. There are top ten best places in Thailand where most families from around the world love to visit. Here is the list of the ten most recommended vacation destinations in Thailand:

1.    Pattaya, Thailand - located along the Thailand Gulf. It is the most popular ocean site resort in the Southeast Asia. Pattaya has 300 affordable hotels to choose from, which are perfect for vacationing families of any size. There are also a number of markets and shopping malls. Lots of affordable restaurants are also found in Pattaya serving the delicious Thai delicacies.

2.    Phuket - the most popular tourist destination in the country with its beautiful white sand beach coasts. Phuket is also known as the "pearl of the South". Here, one can find the best variety of restaurants offering the best of Thai cuisines.

3.    Koh Samui - perfect to spend family summer vacations. Koh Samui has a large number of beach hotels where one can enjoy the amazing beauty of the white sand beaches along the coastlines. Resorts offer good budget accommodations which will surely please families.

4.    Chiand Mai popular tourist destination mostly because of the best shopping experience it offers. Here, one can buy a lot with just a dollar. Tourists often swarm the market of Chiang Mai that opens from 5pm and opens until midnight daily. The night marketplace has many products that will surely suit and satisfy everyone. Goods such as clothes, baggage, souvenir items, shoes and a lot more can be found here. There are also clubs in several places which offers very affordable prices. This is definitely a place for any family vacation.

5.    Koh Chang Thailand - is a marine national park which attracted thousands of visitors worldwide. The island has a nick name of "the last untouched paradise in the Southeast Asia", because much of its place are not yet been discovered by modern explorations and haven't been built in with establishments and infrastructures. Here, one can fully appreciate the pure gifts of nature. Koh Chang has everything nature has to offer. Perfect getaway place for families who wants to have a quiet and peaceful vacation. Families can rent natively designed bungalows where they can feel at ease and comfortable all throughout their stay.

6.    Krabi, Thailand - an island territory of Thailand that has fine-looking coastline and offshore islands. This location was used in the movie "The Beach" starring Leonardo di Caprio. These beaches are truly pictures perfect panoramas, together with the coconut palm trees and the blue waters of the ocean. Krabi has been a favorite place for vacationers coming from different countries.

7.    Hua Hin - a place which combines pleasure and beach holidays and also a place for several sports. Golf has been the most famous sport here wherein visitors can play under the shade of the coconut trees.

8.    Chiang Rai - a located in the mountainous regions of Thailand, which are said to have retained much Thailand's culture. Popular attractions here include the White Temple, which is the only handcrafted temple in Thailand with striking botanical gardens. Visitors love to visit here and take a look at the Buddha statues built in Buddhist temples which truly spectacular.

9.    Cha-am Thailand - located 160 kilometers south of Bangkok, about two hours drive via car.  Cha-am beach resort is known as the longest white sand beach in Thailand. It is also a place for golfing which many of vacationers enjoy to play. Perfect for vacationing families.

10.    Bangkok - the main attractions in Bangkok are the magnificent temples and shrines along the city. These religious buildings were made with artistic architecture design which are truly captivating to the eyes.