http://www.leadbellybluesfestival.com Sat, 04 Sep 2010 20:56:54 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9 en hourly 1 http://www.leadbellybluesfestival.com/railay-beach-in-krabi.html http://www.leadbellybluesfestival.com/railay-beach-in-krabi.html#comments Fri, 06 Aug 2010 09:51:39 +0000 admin http://www.nailaintan.co.cc/railay-beach-in-krabi.html

Railay Beach is one of those dreamed-for finds and isolated broad curve of bay lapped by the warm azure waters of the Andaman Sea. Railay Beach and its bay are protected on three sides by towering limestone cliffs topped with a lush and verdant tropical rain forest.

What to do

Water sports are by far the biggest attraction of Railay Beach diving and snorkeling of course and sea kayaking is popular too. But novices must be accompanied by an expert or get lessons before venturing out and never kayak without a companion.

The rain forests and jungle above Railay Beach give other opportunities for exhilarating activities. Elephant trekking through the dense forest is a fascinating way to get up close and personal with this primordial environment. Don’t fancy and elephant then why not trek on foot through the forest? It is possible to join an organised trek and experience the real rain forest at close quarters and first hand; an experience that will live in the memory.

The area also contains many fast flowing rivers that empty into the Andaman, these are ideal for white water rafting.

But if these activities seem too strenuous then learn to cook Thai food with one of Krabi’s most illustrious chefs. Lean how to prepare five different dishes ready to serve Thai-style and enjoy eating the creation afterwards.

Because of the cliff formations that define Railay Beach rock climbing is a very popular sport with many areas accessible for climbing along the coast or on one of the many islands. Climbing schools abound.

Shopping

Because of its small size shopping is limited in Railay but there are a number of convenience shops and those selling souvenirs and bric-a-brac. Food and grocery shops are very limited so eating is confined to the restaurants and the few hotels.

Nightlife

Railay is small no more than a large village and that gives it its appeal and charm but do not expect much in the way of nightlife. Hotels and guest houses have bars. Locally owned bars tend to be confined to the beach itself, the Last Bar is just that, they lay out beach mats in the evening catching a Singha or Tiger beer while watching the sunset is a sublime experience.

The more lively venues are to be found near the Diamond Cave area of Railay where there are some Rasta-type bars that are good to chill the night away.

Where to stay

Railay is a small town and accommodation is limited so it is advisable to book early. Failing this Railay is near Ao Nang and Krabi town itself so getting to Railay and back is not a problem as both Ao Nang and Krabi town have a large selection of guest houses and hotels to suit every pocket.

The range of accommodation is vast from the luxurious Ton Sai Beach Resort to more modest ten or twelve-bedded guesthouses.

Where to Eat

All the hotels have restaurants with many of them fronting the beach all serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper. The food is Southern Thai of reasonable quality and price.

How to Get There

Railay Beach can be treated almost as an island, it is isolated on the end of a peninsular and the final approaches can only be gained by boat. A Longtail boat will take about 15 minutes from Ao Nang and cost 100 baht with a minimum of 6 passengers.

In Conclusion

Railay is small and comfortable with breathtaking views and scenery. It is a quiet resort that would not suit every one but for those seeking a different destination that is small and quiet this is the place to stay in Krabi.

]]> http://www.leadbellybluesfestival.com/railay-beach-in-krabi.html/feed 0 http://www.leadbellybluesfestival.com/history-of-hua-hin-thailand.html http://www.leadbellybluesfestival.com/history-of-hua-hin-thailand.html#comments Sat, 24 Jul 2010 10:26:02 +0000 admin http://www.nailaintan.co.cc/history-of-hua-hin-thailand.html

Hua Hin, literally meaning ’stone head’ in Thai, is one of the oldest as well as the most popular beach resorts in the country, situated on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Located about 200 km south of Bangkok and 85 km from the provincial capital, this resort town is much favored for its serene atmosphere comprising striking vistas, tranquil beaches, rainforest jungles, stunning caves, crystal clear water and clean white sand.

Once a typical fishing village, Hua Hin has now transformed into a well-established beach resort coupled with first-class facilities and traditional Thai hospitality. Attractions, among many others, are National Parkland of more than 2000 sq km and Teakwood Palace, which is 12 km south of Hua Hin. Hua Hin also provides excellent options to enjoy a range of activities such as elephant trips, fishing, beach cycling, snorkeling, and horse riding. Besides, Hua Hin is a golfer’s paradise, with world-class golf courses such as Royal Hua Hin Golf Course and Lake View Golf Course.

Hua Hin boasts of a rich history. Throughout its history, Hua Hin has been known by different names such as Ban Samoe Rieng, Samoriang and Ban Laem Hin, until it got its present name in 1911.

In the late 19th century, a better option for traveling was introduced here, with the passing of the Siam Orasumphol – the first steamer – through many small communities along the Gulf of Thailand. The resort’s royal connection, that has still to this day, began during the turn of the 20th century when Prince Chakrabhongse, a member of the royal family, came here for a hunting trip. Impressed with the tranquility of the area, he built a beach villa, which was first of its kind in Hua Hin.

However, the history of Hua Hin’s transformation as a luxurious seaside resort dates back to 1903 when a railroad connecting Hua Hin to Bangkok was built here as a part of the Southern Railroad. As a result, the destination enjoyed the convenient access and it gradually began to draw the attention of nobilities such as members of royal people and aristocrats from the nation.

The first person to recognize the unequaled beauty of the place was Prince Nares, who served as the Minister of Public Works during the reign of King Rama V. As a result, he constructed an elegant residence, namely, the Saen Samran Royal Residence in 1911 at the southern end of Lam Hin Village. Subsequently, another bungalow, named Ban Plub Pa, was built by Prince Tewawongworapakorn nearby the Saen Samran. Again within a period of five years, a series of stunning bungalows were built by other members of the Royal Family at the northern end of the village.

In 1916, during the reigns of King Rama V and VI, the construction of southern railway line connecting Siam to British Malaya was completed. This in turn spurred the popularity of the place, and many elites of Bangkok society began to flock to Hua Hin.

However, until 1922, there were only limited accommodation and dining facilities for passengers taking a break at Hua Hin Railway Station. Understanding the problems, Prince Purachatra – the then Director General of the State Railway – took steps to provide better lodging and dining facilities.

As an outcome, in 1923, the Railway Hotel – a graceful Victorian structure coupled with a superb continental restaurant – was opened, which is today’s Sofitel Central Hotel. Soon after this, the then king commissioned for road maintenance in order to build a golf course opposite the railway station. This led to the establishment of the country’s first standard golf course, the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course. Later, the much famed night market, Talad Chatchai was opened.

After sometimes, inspired by the pristine beauty as well as natural surroundings of the place, Prince Prajadhipok commanded for the construction of Klai Kangwon Palace, even prior to his accession to the throne as Rama VII. On the completion of its construction, the palace was named Klaikangwon, meaning ‘far from worries,’ which in turn is still used by the members of the Royal Family.

Year after year, more and more attractions were introduced in the area by the Royal Family. Consequently, Hua Hin gradually shot to fame and became one of the sought after destinations, frequently visited by aristocrats from different parts of the country. Al though, badly affected by the World War II, Hua Hin managed to recover.

Today, Hua Hin is undoubtedly a holiday destination of international stature. Despite its amazing growth and development as a splendid tourist destination, Hua Hin still continues to be a peaceful sanctuary, maintaining rich as well as royal Thai roots.

]]> http://www.leadbellybluesfestival.com/history-of-hua-hin-thailand.html/feed 0 http://www.leadbellybluesfestival.com/miami-holiday-apartments-be-at-home-on-vacation.html http://www.leadbellybluesfestival.com/miami-holiday-apartments-be-at-home-on-vacation.html#comments Sat, 24 Jul 2010 10:20:34 +0000 admin http://www.nailaintan.co.cc/miami-holiday-apartments-be-at-home-on-vacation.html

As a holiday getaway, Florida attracts more than its fair share of tourists. Over 1.5 million Britons, for example, traveled to Florida in 2005, a staggering number when you think that the feelings towards the US throughout Europe have not been as positive as it was before 9/11.

Florida boasts some of most beautiful beaches around notwithstanding the obvious popularity of our theme parks in and around Orlando. Miami in particular with its rich diversity of people from Latin America, the Caribbean Islands, Europe and elsewhere is a unique melting post of cultures and languages.

If you travel to Miami with your family, then you will know that staying in crammed hotels, however luxurious or fancy they might be, may not be the solution for you and your family.

Miami Vacation Apartments are an ideal alternative for you and your family. They may not provide room service although some hotels have suites that are equipped with the usual amenities provided by conventional apartments, but they provide more room for your money.

Miami Holiday Apartments come in all regular combination of sizes, number of room (from one bedroom to 3 bedrooms and sometimes even more). They are fully furnished and equipped and boast the usual kitchen, lounge and dining room available in any home.

They are truly your home away from home, and with the additional space they provide, they will also most likely enable you to save a whole bunch of money on nightly rates when compared to hotel accommodation but also savings on meals taken at home rather than hotels for example.

Families can travel and explore their holiday destination and then come home to relax and rest in the privacy of their own bedrooms.

One last thing to consider when searching for a holiday apartments is that they are also called Vacation Condos, Miami Holiday Accommodation or even Vacation Apartments.

Miami Holiday Apartments: Don’t travel without them!

]]> http://www.leadbellybluesfestival.com/miami-holiday-apartments-be-at-home-on-vacation.html/feed 0