Thailand Life

Thailand (Land of the Free), known as Siam until 1939, is situated in South-East Asia, and covers an area of 513,115 square kilometres - roughly the size of France. The country is bounded by the Andaman Sea to the west, Myanmar (Burma) to the north and west, Laos to the north and north-east, Cambodia and the Gulf of Thailand to the east and Malaysia to the south.

The Mekong River, the longest river in South- East Asia forms part of the border between Thailand and Laos.

Thailand is divided into four geographical regions: Central Thailand (including Bangkok), Northern Thailand, North-eastern Thailand, and Southern Thailand and the Eastern Region which is often included into the Central Region.

Language

Thai is one of the oldest languages in East and South-East Asia. It is a monosyllabic language which uses five tones (high, mid, low, rising, and falling tone) to alter the meaning of a single syllable. This makes it rather tricky to learn for many westerners unfamiliar with tonal languages.

The Thai script, said to have been introduced by King Ramkhamhaeng in 1283, consists of 44 consonants and 48 vowels, and is of Sanskrit origin.

Bangkok

Bangkok became the modern capital of Thailand (Siam) in 1782 by order of the first of the Chakri dynasty kings. Internationally, the name Bangkok (which means 'village of the wild plums') remains the common name. The Thai themselves, however, refer to the city as Krung Thep – often translated as 'City of Angels'. This is the abbreviation of the name given by the first Chakri King to his newly established capital city.

Bangkok is one of the safest capital cities of any “Newly Industrialized Countries”. While there are scams designed to take advantage of foreign visitors, considered rich by local standards, it is generally no problem to walk the streets at night. Bangkok is an inexpensive city while at the same time can provide excellent standards. Bangkok has a population in excess of 6 million.

See and Do in Bangkok

Bangkok is an around-the-clock razzmatazz of snap, crackle and pop. Restaurants, bars, nightclubs, shopping malls, open markets, golf courses, temples, parks and odd smells all combine to provide a riotous experience.

Needless to say, people who live in Thailand's capital city and commercial centre will find themselves with plenty to see and do. A weekend in Bangkok can blaze by in a blur, and whether you choose to take the tourist route and sightsee your way through the city's countless side streets, or whether your prefer to settle in and sit shoulder to shoulder with the locals, dull moments are always at a minimum.

Shopping

From the bits and bobs found at the famous floating markets to the haute couture of high-end fashion, Bangkok has it all. Expats must merely decide if they're in the mood to search for their favourite “White Rabbit” or if they'd prefer the air-con and easy access of the mega malls, which house anything and everything, from boutiques, to cinemas, to bowling alleys and even huge food courts.

Language

Thai is one of the oldest languages in East and South-East Asia. It is a monosyllabic language which uses five tones (high, mid, low, rising, and falling tone) to alter the meaning of a single syllable. This makes it rather tricky to learn for many westerners unfamiliar with tonal languages.

The Thai script, said to have been introduced by King Ramkhamhaeng in 1283, consists of 44 consonants and 48 vowels, and is of Sanskrit origin.

Bangkok

Bangkok became the modern capital of Thailand (Siam) in 1782 by order of the first of the Chakri dynasty kings. Internationally, the name Bangkok (which means 'village of the wild plums') remains the common name. The Thai themselves, however, refer to the city as Krung Thep – often translated as 'City of Angels'. This is the abbreviation of the name given by the first Chakri King to his newly established capital city.

Bangkok is one of the safest capital cities of any “Newly Industrialized Countries”. While there are scams designed to take advantage of foreign visitors, considered rich by local standards, it is generally no problem to walk the streets at night. Bangkok is an inexpensive city while at the same time can provide excellent standards. Bangkok has a population in excess of 6 million.

See and Do in Bangkok

Bangkok is an around-the-clock razzmatazz of snap, crackle and pop. Restaurants, bars, nightclubs, 

shopping malls, open markets, golf courses, temples, parks and odd smells all combine to provide a riotous experience.

Needless to say, people who live in Thailand's capital city and commercial centre will find themselves with plenty to see and do. A weekend in Bangkok can blaze by in a blur, and whether you choose to take the tourist route and sightsee your way through the city's countless side streets, or whether your prefer to settle in and sit shoulder to shoulder with the locals, dull moments are always at a minimum.

From the bits and bobs found at the famous floating markets to the haute couture of high-end fashion, Bangkok has it all. Expats must merely decide if they're in the mood to search for their favourite “White Rabbit” or if they'd prefer the air-con and easy access of the mega malls, which house anything and everything, from boutiques, to cinemas, to bowling alleys and even huge food courts.

Maldives opening soon for tourism !

The Indian Ocean island nation is planning to open itself up to tourists from around the world with no covid19 reservations whatsoever starting as early as this July. This is a total reversal of the number of Covid-19-related travel restrictions the country had announced less than two weeks ago.   

Starting July, tourists from all countries will be able to visit the Maldives visa-free, with no Covid-19 testing on either end of their flight to the destination, stay for as long as they like and not bother about self-quarantine either. So, in effect, it is back to business-as-usual in the tropical paradise, it seems. The Ministry of Tourism put out a notice saying “see you in July” when it says “the sun will shine in the Maldives again”. 

This marks a departure from the requirements  the government was mulling only late last month. These included many firsts: a tourist visa that would cost around $100 (Rs7,600), a minimum 14-night stay, as well as producing a Covid-19 test result from no more than one week before arrival. Tourists would have had to be tested again when they arrived in the country at an additional cost of $100. They would then have to quarantine in their hotel or resort room till they got their test results back in a few hours time.  

Arrival at the airport:

* Tourists travelling to Maldives will be provided a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival.
* A health declaration card will be required as part of the on-arrival procedure.
* All arriving passengers should wear masks
* Physical distancing should be ensured.
* Hand sanitization at entry to the arrival terminal.
* All arriving passengers must undergo thermal screening at entry.
* Tourists will not be subject to any quarantine measures upon arrival to the Maldives.
* Tourists will not be required to submit any medical test results for entry to the Maldives. However, travellers presenting with symptoms of Covid-19 upon arrival will be subject to a PCR test at the traveller’s cost. The tourist will be sent to a designated facility for isolation. 
Isolation will be done at a designated transit facility or at the tourists’ destination resort (depending on the resort policy). If the result of the PCR test is positive, the tourist may continue isolation at the resort or will be transferred to a designated state-run isolation facility.

Departure from your place of stay:

* Tourists will have to undergo an exit screening prior to departure from the place of stay.
* The exit screening questionnaire should document any history of fever or respiratory symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath within the prior 14 days. It should be ensured that the guest is not under quarantine or isolation. Temperature should be checked to exclude fever.
* Routine testing for COVID-19 is not required prior to departure, however during exit screening if any tourist is found to have fever or symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 within the prior 14 days, they should undergo PCR testing for COVID-19.
* Testing services are available in the Maldives for tourists who require Covid-19 test results to return to their countries of origin or another destination.

Maldives government website 

https://twitter.com/MoTmv/status/1270734855672922113?s=20Maldives

Amazing Maldives tour

My Maldives Tour

Maldives is a tiny country that consists of paradise-looking islands spread all over the Indian Ocean just south of India and Sri Lanka. That is pretty much everything I knew about the Maldives before visiting.

If you are thinking of a vacation in the Maldives, or you are just curious, then read on!

Me, and maybe you too, when we think of Maldives, we imagine something so luxurious that is absolutely unreachable to a normal person. A dream that will never come true, a place you will probably never visit in this life.

Did I guess it right? Well, at least this is how I imagined the Maldives before I visited…

It is partially true though, I won’t deny that you will not find a 5$ per night accommodation there, like in Thailand or Bali, but it is definitely way more affordable than you might think!

Starting at $200 – $250 US a night you can treat yourself with a very nice bungalow in a luxury resort on a private island. Be sure to book in advance though!

If you are staying on a local island, not a resort, you can just enjoy this holiday sober.

However, there is a walk around to this rule on some local islands. For example, Maafushi has a genius solution to this problem – they have an offshore stationed boat with a complimentary transfer. There, you can drink alcohol with no problems! That is not land, so, technically, it’s perfectly okay.

Similar restrictions apply to your bikini and other open clothes if you are staying on a local island. Try to dress modestly and respect the local traditions. You will usually find special “bikini zones”, where you can swim in an open swimming suit, but you should be dressed in a conservative way (long dress and a scarf to cover your shoulders) when passing through the village to get there.

This, of course, does not apply to those staying in a resort island; you can wear whatever you want there!

Maybe you’re not a fan of museums, culture and new things, and just want to shop ‘til you drop. You still want to head to Male! Most resorts will have day trips available to the capital island, so check your Maldives holiday package. Once there, a few streets should catch your eye. On Chaandhanee Magu, buy woodcarvings and thudu kuna (traditional woven mats) for mom and dad, then hit up Male Local Market and browse produce, shell jewellery and vases while sipping cold coconut juice. Bring plenty of rufiyaa!

You’ll find lots of funky fruits in the market (screwpine, anyone?), but if that’s just not enough to hold you over, head to Male’s northeast corner for waterfront dining. You can find everything from Western-style to Thai to tiny cafes serving tea and “short eats” (or snacks). To eat like a local, look for kavaabu (deep-fried rice, tuna and coconut), curries and of course seafood!

Shocking: Sushant Singh Rajput commits suicide in his Bandra home.

TV actor Sushant Singh Rajput has reportedly committed suicide at his home in Mumbai. The actor was living alone during the lockdown. Police have reached his apartment but the reason has not been revealed yet. It is said that the actor wasn't feeling well for a few days. According to the reports, police have informed that the actor was found hanging in his Bandra home. Just five days back, his former manager Disha Salian was found dead. 

Sushant started his career with the Television show Kis Desh Mein Hai Mera Dil and rose to fame with Pavitra Rishta. With the Zee TV show, he ruled the hearts of the people for many years. His on-screen chemistry with actress Ankita Lokhnade was much appreciated by the viewers. 

Goa Trip In Rainy Seson ( Moonsoon ) July 2018

        Goa Trip In Rainy Seson ( Moonsoon ) July 2018

Most tourists want to come Goa’s sandy shores during the sunny and dry winter months between October and March when the weather is perfect for the beach and Goa buzzes with activity. By April and May the heat and humidity rises and the crowds reduce. The period between June – September is Goa’s monsoon or rainy season. This puts most tourists off but I discovered there are many advantages, as well as some disadvantages, to visiting Goa in monsoon.

Goa or Goa’s rainy season is between the months of June and August. The rains start in late May and extend up to September, but most of it is in the June-August period. Goa is in the Konkan coast of India, so the rain is heavy. There can be a few spells of thundershowers as well. making July the wettest month of the year.

 I started journey from Chandigarh, India. (My Home Town) to Goa (Via-Mumbai) in       Monsoon 2018 !

At Chandigarh Airport

Chandigarh

  

           

(At Chandigarh Airport flight to Goa Via - Mumabi)

(At Delhi Airport)

(At Mumbai Airport Clicks)

(At Mumbai Airport)

             First the Q is ? Should I Come to Goa in Monsoon?

I love rain. I grew up in Chandigarh where springtime meant rain for a month or more straight. A lot of people told me, “The Goa in monsoon season will be ten times more than what you’ve ever experienced,” but I have to say, it isn’t that bad. I hear it’s unbearable in Calcutta during the second monsoon. That’s why it’s important to understand the seasons of India before you visit. Goa in monsoon season isn’t much worse than Ohio’s spring except it lasts longer and power outages occur.

                  Is Goa most beautiful in monsoon season?

Some say that Goa is the most beautiful in the rainy season, and while the lush green paddy fields and local life are really a joy to explore and photograph, sadly Goa’s beaches do not look at their best during monsoon season.

The beaches are a bit litter strewn, the seas a little murky and sometimes too rough for swimming and many of the beach side shacks hang half torn down and dilapidated. On a gloomy, cloudy day it may not be exactly your idea of beach bliss!

(some of click in flight Landing at Goa's Airport)

 

  

    

           REASONS FOR VISITING GOA IN THE MONSOON

Super Cheap – Check the flight ticket prices. You can get a round-trip ticket for half the price, compared to the peak season. Those from Mumbai or Bangalore… Goa is just a road trip or a bus ride away. The best hotels and villas in Goa are also offered sometimes at a flat discount of 50%. Budget hotels are available at just INR 500 and that too, right next to a beach. You can ride a rented scooter for anything between INR 250 and 175.

The Lushness – Goa is at its greenest during the monsoon. The rivers are all full, and so are the lakes and ponds. The waterfalls look gorgeous and are at their roaring best. Dudhsagar falls, a famous landmark, is simply breathtaking during the monsoon. A torrent of water comes down the falls – you can hear the roar from a distance. The trees are all green and the rice paddies look incredible.

Nature – Walking and trekking is a pleasure this time of the year. There are many trails you can explore. Some of them take you over the Western Ghat Mountains. You can also visit the wildlife sanctuaries – Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sancutary, Netravali Wildlife Sancutary, and the Mhadei Wildlife Sancutary. There is also the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Many birds come out after a shower. You can see them backing in the sunlight for drying off.

Enjoy the Rain – Goa is magical when it rains. Getting wet in the rain is a fun experience. Or you can just relax, put your feet up and see the downpour. The cloud cover and rain over the Arabian Sea always looks so beautiful. Watch the raindrops as they crash into the sea. Take a long siesta, have some coffee, and enjoy the beachside in the evening. Or go on long walks when it is not raining. There are so many ways of enjoying Goa in the monsoon months.

Monsoon Festivals – The festivals never end in Goa, even in the monsoons. Many Goans love to celebrate the arrival of the rains. Take for instance, the Sao Joao festival of June, and the mud games of Chikalkala. There is the feast of Patolleanchem too, and of course, India’s Independence Day on August 15th.

Adventure Sports – Swimming is not recommended in the rains because of the stronger currents and rough tides, but there are still plenty of adventure sports activities during the monsoon season. There is trekking, hiking, bird watching, and white water rafting, which is a hot favorite this time of the year. The monsoon makes the rivers swell, making white water rafting more challenging and exciting.

Nightlife – Goa does not shut down completely in the monsoon. Many nightclubs are still open, hosting their fun parties and rain dances. Visit Mambo’s, Tito’s and the St. Anthony’s Bar in Baga, the LPK (Love Passion Karma) in Candolim, Curlies on Anjuna beach, and the bar of Park Hotel in Calangute. A few beach shacks too host their parties in the rainy season.

Food – Most temporary shacks are open only during the peak tourist season. But you will still find the permanent shacks and the restaurants serving their drinks, seafood, Goanese and Konkan delicacies, and continental foods. There is an abundance of vegetables and fruits this season. Don’t forget to try the local delicacies, including the fruit punches, shakes, and mocktails.

                    

 Every Corner of Goa with my Click's.

(Goa's Famous Beaches , Chaopora Fort, Vagator Beach, Bagha Beach, Candolim Beach, Calengute Beachs)

    

Don’t forget to take the ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ selfie at the Chapora fort & Vegator Beach !!

Chapora Beach

Vegator Beach

 The Baga, Calangute, Candolim stretch remains quite busy, especially at weekends, with Indian tourists and most accommodation, restaurants, shops and bars are open. Although is no where near as busy as it is in season time (for me, this was a good thing!) if you are looking for some action in the rainy season then Baga is probably your best bet.

The beaches in the North popular with hippies and backpackers like Anjuna and Vagator still have a handful of the more permanent structures open but most of the shacks on the beach and closed for monsoon, and when they say closed they really mean it!

Morjim, Ashvem and Mandrem are quiet even in season but felt pretty deserted in the rainy season. Arambol seems to get busier and busier each season but off season while a few places are open at the north end of the beach it is blissfully quite and the shoulder to shoulder stalls that line the roads in season are refreshingly absent during monsoon.

South Goa even in season is the place to go to escape the crowds and, while the popular beach huts in Palolem are all taken down for monsoon and South Goa is very quiet, the luxury hotels offer great monsoon rates.

Green, Green, Goa

Some say that Goa is at it’s most beautiful in the rainy season as everything is so luscious, green and so jungly. It’s almost like the jungle is trying to take back Goa!

Riding around exploring the countryside is a treat at this time especially as you can watch the locals going about their daily life largely unperturbed by tourists

  

Many guest houses and restaurants close down for the rainy season so don’t just pick a place in the Lonely Planet and show up as it might not be open! It’s best to book online in advance if you are coming to Goa in monsoon.

But don’t worry you will still find somewhere to stay and something to eat, although most of the markets, parties and top restaurants are not open there are even still some parties in Baga and Calangute. In fact, this area is crowded in season time but probably the best place to stay in monsoon as more things will be open.

The Baga, Calangute, Candolim stretch remains quite busy, especially at weekends, with Indian tourists and most accommodation, restaurants, shops and bars are open. Although is no where near as busy as it is in season time (for me, this was a good thing!) if you are looking for some action in the rainy season then Baga is probably your best bet.

    

  

  

  

Feast of St. Anthony – St. Anthony’s statue is lowered to a well, even as the locals pray for a good monsoon and harvest. The festival is celebrated on June 13th every year.

Touxeachem Fest – Held at Santana Church or the Church of St Anne on July 29th. The newlyweds and childless couples visit the church and pray for a happy marriage and a child. It is sometimes referred to as the “Cucumber Feast” as the visitors offer cucumbers to St Anne.

Chikhal Kalo – This fun festival has been celebrated for more than 150 years. There are many mud games, including mud fights with drums and bells playing in the background.

Patolleanchem Feast – The Socorro Socio-Art and Cultural Association organizes this festival in August to celebrate Goan culture and India’s independence. There are performances by local artists. There is an exhibition.

 

Bonderam Festival – The locals visit the Divar Island, close to Panaji on the last Saturday of August. There is an interesting parade with traditional floats, a fancy dress competition, boat races, live music, and brass band performances.

World Goa Day – A festival to celebrate the culture of Goa. There is music, showcase of some of Goa’s most famous traditions, and local cuisine.

So what’s open in Goa during the rainy season?

While there are not many Western tourists, you won’t be the only tourist here! I noticed a distinct lack of Russian tourists who flock here in season time but monsoon season in Goa is popular with Indian tourists.

  

     GOA FESTIVALS IN THE MONSOON YOU CANNOT MISS

Sao Joao Feast of St. John the Baptist – Also called, “Sao Joao”, this is the fertility festival of Goa. There is traditional music, dancing, and boat races. There is a parade where you can see young people wearing a crown, feathers, and leaves. Men are seen jumping into wells to recover “feni” or local alcohol bottles. Pool parties are held too.

Beach Side Party – In June, you should be at the Calangute beach for this exciting festival of live entertainment and music.

Feast of Saint Peter and Paul – The local build rafts and sail on Goa rivers, singing and playing songs.

The beaches in the North popular with hippies and backpackers like Anjuna and Vagator still have a handful of the more permanent structures open but most of the shacks on the beach and closed for monsoon, and when they say closed they really mean it!

              The advantages of visiting Goa in monsoon season:

Lower Prices

Green, beautiful scenery, a great time to explore the countryside by motorbike,

See a more local side of life

Less Crowds and have some of the beaches all to yourself.

The storms and rains can be quite dramatic and amazing to watch

                The disadvantages of visiting Goa in monsoon season:

Weather can be unpredictable, rain is likely and weather is often not great for lazing on the beach

Many places shut outside the main tourist season meaning that there is not so much variety of accommodation, restaurant, shopping and partying options available and the markets are not open either.

As there are not so many tourists you are less likely to meet people and may feel a little lonely. One time I stayed at a backpacker hostel and meet a great bunch of people but did not see many other international tourists.

The beaches do not look their best and the water is sometimes too rough for swimming. Also, if you are the only foreigner in a bikini on the beach then you may attract a lot of unwanted attention.

And at last but not least !! That Goa is every time favorable for me ! Just pack and go, and love some beautiful beaches in every seasons.

Thats what i want !! M Loving IT !! 

My Return Flight (Goa To Delhi).

    

   

For Your Help here's the Chart for Goa Beachs, Main divided in two parts ;

 

Check out more on my fb & Blog :

https://www.facebook.com/GoaHelpost/