Beware of strangers asking for gifts from far away

If you have a frequent flyer regime you must read this, it might suit you suite.

That legacy of ridicule from friends when you've failed to complete their objectives during your business trip.

The balancing act of biz and pleasure during travel requires the performance of business Driod and a decathlon athlete.

They're fitted with a roll up of Loyalty membership cards and password decoders. Pockets bursting with multi-lingual business cards.   Secret compartments holster neatly folded retractable cables, conversion plugs and the latest swiss army knife.

 Efficient models are programmed to tolerate extended rhetorical conversations in noisy bars; advanced models sleep with their eyes open.

Such attributes were characterized in the movie “up in the air” with George Clooney.

George, as Ryan Bingham, a corporate downsizing expert whose cherished life on the road is threatened just as he is on the cusp of reaching ten million frequent flyer miles when he mets the frequent-traveler woman of his dreams...

Was it her or those 3rd party priority shopping lists.

Ryan reluctantly breached routine to get a 1mtr cardboard cut out of his sister and brother-in-law to be to popular tourist destinations to collect photo illusions of them on holidays.  What the!

Best FREE Travel Tips Thailand

Thailand offers 5 Key Tourism Regions
North - Authentic, Cool climate and mountains - (tranquil)

North East - Authentic, Hot climate, The crop (farming)

Central - Dynamic, Multi cultural - (the Hub)

Central East - Diverse; Beaches, Golfmania, Nightlife Mania (wow!)

South - Beaches of splender, (civil unrest deep south)

Thanks for your Feedback
We acknowledge the valuable feedback from our readers and Travellers. The feedback has allowed us to publish Rating factors for Locations.

We have applied key values for Tourists and rated them.  The key values are:-

Beginners - Westernised - easier for you - cost of convenience

Authentic - Less Commercial/cost, more "perceived" risk..

Family - Activities

Singles - Entertainment style Nightlife, Bands, Nightclubs

We applied a rating from 1 (lowest) to 10 (best)

To see more click here

Aussie Golf Tours Thailand

Image via WikipediaExperience and Service

There are not many golf destinations in the world where, on arrival your golf clubs are carried from your car and re appear on your pull cart or Buggy with a Thai girl smiling and giving you the courtesy “wai” (hello).

Then, when you have the inevitable 5th or 8th bad shot/s and that ignite the flame of rage you instinctively pan for far away places to jettison your club something unusual happens......



From the corner of eye, the (magpie eye) you catch a glimpse of that quite un assuming bashful smile of your caddy and on stronger contact her head bows as her arms rise and extend to offer you a bottle of water and you begin to hear soft humble tones of “jai yen yen”.


Of course this never happen to me but I’ve heard of this tale many a time!

You can’t help but feel admiration for the caddies confidence in your hidden talents!
There is something special about their optimism and that feeling of Royalty having someone give you yardages to the pin, telling you where trouble lies, and advising which way the putts will turn.

You never get thirsty when golfing or tired of waiting for the beverage. During your round there are refreshments stands ever 3 holes full of snacks and beverages to keep you going.


After the game is finished the culture of Royalty continues. Thai club houses “a castle” it’s what every lottery winner deserves yet anyone can afford, the facilities, from saunas and spas to foot and body massages. Thailand golf club house dining is inexpensive and cater for all kinds of appetites.


Golf in Thailand is designed to be a whole day affair. Start with a warm-up on the grass driving, play 9 holes, (some stop after 9 have a shower then lunch and continue the back nine after lunch), take a post-game shower, and finish the day off with a massage meal, and drinks.


I don’t understand people rushing around during their game, putting their shoes on in the car park and rushing off, golf is a relaxing and social game (at least it was developed to be); so enjoy the round and the golf club facilities when golfing in Thailand.


The Weather
The weather is conducive to good golf all year with the temperatures around 25-30 degrees centigrade you can see why Thailand golf courses are full of golfers all year round in Thailand. You can travel to Thailand anytime and get a game in to beat the cold weather home in Australia. If you prefer a cooler temperature, then golf in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai where the golf courses are less crowded, less expensive, and the temperature rarely gets above 25 degrees centigrade.


The Value
While golf in Australia can be inexpensive on the smaller public courses, to get onto the top 20 Australian golf courses can cost up to A$350 for a round, (no caddy and cart in this price!).


You can play at any number of Thailand PGA venues (all top 20 golf courses in Thailand) with a caddy and cart for less than A$100 (and this includes a charming caddie and cart). To top it all off you will have service more akin to a 5 star hotel than any golf course in Australia. Now that is what I call great value!


I’m a big fan of playing the best courses, doesn’t matter where I go, so if I’m looking for a great value golf holiday including play some top PGA championship courses, then Thailand is the destination. Golf holidays in Thailand even rivals going away for a week in Australia, especially when you compare the service and quality of the courses, factor in costs such as car hire, food, beverages, and lodging . Throw in some great food, fantastic shopping, daily massages and spas and you even will get your non-golfing partner or spouse wanting to come along.


Links
Everything Golf in Thailand/Bangkok: Golf doctor, Simulator, Shopping Centre, Tours and Games, Course Maps, Course Ratings, Course Summary, Iphone Apps read more

2012 Songkran Festival Bangkok boom boom water

What happens? 
You could say this is the ultimate cultural immersion. And by that I mean, you are going to get completely soaked.

Squirt guns go on sale in the streets, crowds gather around tubs of water and douse passersby, pickup trucks of revelers also make drive-by soakings.
Pretty much anyone is fair game.

Songkran is a Thai word which means “move” or “change place” as it is the day when the sun changes its position in the zodiac. It is also known as the “Water Festival” as people believe that water will wash away bad luck.


The action was welcome all over Bangkok 

Silom very crowded and noisy

Siam was great family fun

Sukhumvit saw many foreigners out and about

Khao San Rd was alive with massive crowds day and night

video report

 "See all Photos and videos 2012 Songkran Bangkok"

Thailand ladyboys... how can you spot them?

Also known as a katoey, the Thai ‘ladyboy’ is a fascinating and sometimes glitzy addition to the eccentricities of Thailand.
Here’s how to tell the difference between a lady and a ladyboy.

Ladyboys or katoey are transgender or transsexual persons who may or may not have undergone male-to-female gender reassignment surgery. With their popular cabaret shows, ladyboys have become an iconic subculture of Thai society, and many are often so gorgeous that it can be difficult for the undiscerning traveller to tell the difference between women and them!

Fair enough, some do give themselves away quickly with mannish behaviour and garish makeup. But there are times when the lusciously curled hair, killer red stilettos, figure-hugging dress, sweet perfume, and amazing poise simply ooze feminine charm, making you wonder if your eyes are playing tricks on you.

Well, not to worry! It’s Fiona to the rescue – here’s a tongue-in-cheek guide to telling when that Thai beauty standing in front of you is in fact a ladyboy, lest you let slip, “Damn, girl!” and end up with an unwanted surprise:


Here are the keys points

1. BIOLOGY 101


 2. BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER


3. MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL…


4. IMPOSSIBLE BEAUTY


5. WORK IT, BABY!

here they are in detail

2013: JANUARY NEWS   - LADYBOY DOCUMENTRY - Ladyboy celebrities

Tours for Corporate, Medical and Team building Bangkok

Welcome to "Exec Tours Bangkok" your market place for unique customisable travel experiences, where you connect with local people who have local knowledge and expertise and are keen to share it with you.


Australian Biz Execs and their team
Sharpen the saw, Team Building, and experience hospitality that's simply Amazing.

We know you'll be enchanted and request introduction to the Australian Business Community Bangkok, from their you'll see the endless possibilities to expand your Business Dynasty and launch into Trade opportunities with Asia.

With our Alliance with AustCham, the leading Business network for Australia in Thailand ensures you meet the right people.

• Our tours are for people that want to do more than just see the sites.
• Our "Personal Assistants" are members of the community where they work.
• Our P.A.'s are enthusiastic passionate people, eager to help you experience their community and environment from their point of view.
• Most of our P.A.'s are independent, working for themselves. Others work for companies who have committed to excellent treatment of their workers.
• Some of the people you'll find here are full-time P.A.'s, others do it part-time. All of them have a special story to tell. each P.A. has been screened before they become part of the system, and you can read uncensored ratings of their tours. In the rare case when problems develop "Exec Tours Bangkok" is there to help resolve them.

"ETB" only features private tours, no strangers, just you and the people you want on your tour. Tours are categorised by Exec's and/or their Team

• Business connections
• Team Building
• Medical Tours

We offer information on tour zones

• "Tour Zones" (Family, Shopping, Nightlife),
• Censorship rating F (Family), PG (Parental Guidance), M (Mature licenced premises), R (Adults only), X-up2u
• Popular Tours
• Team Building and Corporate Challenges

We create unique interactive maps of Bangkok where you can use our Fast-rack maps and expand your search or D.I.Y. use or Search word Index and build your own tours


Our search feature lets you easily find the tour that meets your needs. If you'd like a customise tour, our system makes it easy to request changes.
Tour pricing is based on a single price, and fees charged if there are entrance fees tickets or other valid reasons.

In most cases you'll pay the full cost of the tour on booking.
The P.A. is independent and sets their own price you do not tip them. "Exec Tours Bangkok" promotes ethical tourism, the idea that travellers have an obligation to support the communities they visit. When you book a "P.A.", you know where your money goes.
In most cases this is directly to the person providing the service, if it's not, we'll tell you where your money goes and why.
"Exec Tours Bangkok" promotes a unique travel experiences. It's not for everyone, but it might be where you'll find your next travel adventure.
 
Here is a recent tour Book for a 4 day team building adventure

see the photo slide show at http://www.exectoursbkk.thaibis.com/visitors/2010-11-team-building-4-days

or  Promo Video on this page

Defining Hospitality Star ratings

Though many travelers rely heavily on star ratings when booking hotels, there is no international standard system, nor even clearly defined parameters. What constitutes a four-star hotel in one area may differ sharply from what is considered a four-star hotel in another area. European hotels generally rank from one to four stars, meaning that a four-star hotel in Thailand can differ greatly from a four star hotel inn Australia.  Not just the quality control and features but also the attitude and aptitude of the staff and Management.

Picture left
The Dream Hotel, Soi 15 Kong Toey, Bangkok

As 5 star boutique Hotel at incredibley low prices but top notch presentation and service.. but how will you ever know?.. unless you've sacrificed a trip to discover more, have a trusted friend or travel ambassador...   (hey check out Asoke PA below)

Lack of Unification
Some sites may rely on an amalgamation of several ratings systems, including their own. This means the site is even less likely to award properties ratings similar to that of other sites. Hotwire, for instance, culls its ratings from several major guides in addition to customer feedback and the experience of its own reviewers. Therefore, how Hotwire ranks a hotel may differ from the hotel's own rating.

We have collated a fair and equitable system and posted to our forum for both Hotels and Restaurants and from this we can apply a rating to the venues that are accredited to the Bangkok Hospitality Database, a free service for Travellers.

Restaurant

Picture right
Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant, Bangkok

Don't let the name fool you, like so many people that form the wrong view based on perceptions, know the difference between and traveller and a tourist!

The Restaurant is a "Must do" travel spot in Bangkok, it's full of lovely Thai staff, Culture and food and of course you'll discover an important message.

more about this restaurant

The solution for your Travel Planning -

Corporate Tours - Aussie Exec Tours Bangkok
The service is pitched for the Business Exec (Guys and Girls) and/or their team. We can introduce you to the Trade network in Bangkok or simply bring your team for reward for Achievement. The service extends to medical tours, golfing, shopping and Tourism.  We don't like to do the "norm" we like to change attitudes and immerse you in amazing Thailand.

D.I.Y. Tours  - Asoke PA

The overwhelming success of Aussie Exec Tours Bangkok has been from the synergy of our P.A's, Local Thai people oozing enthusiasm and Thai Smile charm. The natural hospitality skills capture the hearts of our guests and everyone feels is able to shed their armour and feel human again.

The PA service is now being extended to the general tourism market, visitors on short stay realise the significant benefits of the Asoke PA service.  For a nominal fee the girls provide orientation services to get you familiar with the local area and transport systems, or shopping tours.  In most instances people find it invaluable to appoint the PA's for continued attendance joining in for tours, meals and social events. The bonus of cultural exchange is a great value added experience and thus the typical 4 hour booking extends to the 4 or 5 days of the clients visit.

Bangkok Database Venue is free to access and use. It's designed for Planners "it's Logistical not Beautiful"...  it's under construction.  We have includes 3rd party search engines in the Hospitality subpages for Bars, Hotels, Restaurants.

Bangkok shopping is a Shopaholic dream

SIX months after Bangkok was rocked by riots, tourism operators are trying to lure tourists back to the city with the best package deals in years. Here are some of the latest:

Image via WikipediaThai Airways International celebrates its 50th anniversary this year with a range of special airfares in all classes. As part of its Thai Spring Sale, return fares from Australia to Bangkok are reduced (valid for bookings by October 17 and travel until March 31, 2011). Contact a licensed travel agent for tickets and information on other destination deals.

Bangkok is renowned for its main shopping malls down town (with Central World being the biggest shopping mall in South-east Asia), offering an astounding variety of international and local brands.

Towards the north of the city, and easily reached by skytrain or underground, is "Chatuchak Weekend Market" (also known as JJ markets). It's possibly largest outdoor market in the world, selling everything from household items to live, and sometimes endangered, animals. You need to some conditioning to tackle this venue.

Image via WikipediaPhoto right - Pratunan market

The "Pratunam Market" downtown, is nearly totally specialised in fabrics and clothing. The night markets in the Silom area and on Khaosan Road are mainly tourist orientated, selling items such as T-shirts, handicrafts, counterfeit watches and sunglasses.

In the vicinity of Bangkok one can find several visually stunning floating markets such as the one in Damnoen Saduak. The "Sunday Evening Walking Street Market", held on Rachadamnoen road inside the old city, must be the shopping highlight of a visit to Chiang Mai up in northern Thailand. It attracts many locals as well as foreigners.

The "Night Bazaar" is Chiang Mai's more tourist orientated market, sprawling over several city blocks just east of the old city walls towards the river.

When it comes to shopping you really must have the right "intel". You must arrange a inbound "PA" Local assistant. Our PA's at Aussie Exec Tours Bkk are not Guides, they are local people keen to host you around and for the nominal fee you will save so much time and money and gain a new friendship.  Everyone confirms the experience is well worth the price.  The link below shows a map of the shopping locations and from that site you can find details about our PA as well as a recommended tour residence for Aussie Execs and their team.

It’s not just the shopping, Thailand offers a great variety of attractions.

Image via WikipediaThese include diving sites, sandy beaches, hundreds of tropical islands, varied night-life, archaeological sites, museums, hill tribes, exceptional flora and bird life, palaces, a huge amount of Buddhist temples and several World Heritage sites. Many tourists follow courses during their stay in Thailand. Popular are classes in Thai cooking, Buddhism and traditional Thai massage. Thai national festivals range from the fun-for-all water splashing Songkran to the almost fairytale like quality of Loy Krathong. Many localities in Thailand also have their own festivals. Famous are the "Elephant Round-up" in Surin, the "Rocket Festival" in Yasothon and the curious "Phi Ta Khon" festival in Dan Sai.

Links 

Aussie Exec Tours Bangkok - Map of shopping venues 

Our website offers a D.I.Y. tour service or book us for manage you and your team
Aussie Travel Thailand website - details of Festivals by location and dates
Forum articles Bangkok shopping