With so much stress and unwanted vibes that happen day in and day out, a lot more people have realized just how powerful and useful it is to learn the skill of meditating. If you have been able to practice this ability then you will be well aware that most countries in the East are rich in this practice.

When considering practicing meditation even further or even just to start out learning how to do so, visiting Thailand would be an excellent option. Some of the best meditation places in Thailand are not hard to find as long as you read and research about these beforehand.

Temple of the Great Element

Located at Tha-Phrachan in Bangkok, Wat Mahadhatu, more commonly known as Wat Mahatat, is just one of the many meditation centers in Thailand and since it is located in the country’s capital, the chances for someone instructing you in English are higher.

Although most of the instructions and teachings are given in the local language of Thai, visiting the monks at the Vicaya Hall will make the communication much easier for you as they welcome group sitting and walking sessions here.

Temple of Beautiful Banyan Trees

From Bangkok you can go to Wat Sai Ngam or Wat Trai Ngarm by bus to reach Amphoe Nuang, Suphan Buri where it is located, and being able to speak in Thai is a great advantage when you really want to meditate and learn further techniques here.

A good amount of teachings for meditation can be purchased through tapes and books, and what is considered to be extra special with the teachings here is the focus put into channeling energy to the different parts of the body, most especially through hand movements that were developed through the years called the vipassana technique.

Mountain Cave Monastery

Seen at the southern part of Thailand, Wat Kow Tahm is located at the International Meditation Center in Surat-thani and they welcome retreats to guests but at a scheduled time as most teachers are available to provide meditation attendees with lessons both the mornings and evenings.

Those who are really open to the technique and teachings can avail of audio tapes and books plus they will also be able to consult with the temple teachers as they are available to answer questions even out of the schedule of the retreat you will be attending.

Tham Tong Meditation Centre

The Tong Cave is located at Amper Chom Thong in Chiang Mai and is an extension of the centre at Wat Maha That, another temple at Bangkok and this particular meditation center is schooled by a single teacher who can only speak in Thai.

What is special with this centre is giving the visitors the chance to practice meditation techniques at their own accord aside from that which will be taught to them by the temple teacher, in this way instructions are provided and the teacher will take the time to personally interview the participants as they spend their time meditating at the temple.

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Yaksha Guardians – Wat Phra Gaew

The Yaksha Guardians you find in Wat Phra Kaew, the most sacred of the country’s temples, right in Grand Palace, should be on your to-visit list whenever searching for inspiration. The bling is there and the entire temple will be mesmerizing with gables and shimmering walls featuring colored glass mosaics and more. You should know that the area around the temple is also incredible, featuring great statues and beautiful scenery.

Democracy Monument – Banglamphu

The Banglamphu Democracy Monument features impressive design and was built in order to commemorate the move from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy. Corrado Feroci is the Italian sculptor and artist that worked hard to create the masterpiece, with proper symbolism use being featured. A moment in Thailand’s history is perfectly commemorated through the monument.

Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung

Many Thai temples were influenced by regional elements. Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung is one of the most impressive, featuring so many wonderful staircases, lintels, pediments, entry ways and naga bridges. The style of the temple is Angkor and it was built over a period of 3 festivals. It was a temple that was dedicated to the god Shiva and is now a huge tourist attraction in Thailand.

Wat Bupparam

Wat Bupparam (the Bupparam Temple) is a striking temple in Chiang Mai. You find it right in the middle of the city and it is not at all difficult to notice it due to the Burmese-style chedi together with the ordination hall in Lanna style made out of woods and featuring 1819 built details in colorful mirror mosaic. The Dhamma Hall structure is 100% unique, not really made out in the Lanna style we often see in the northern part of Thailand. It is shaped with large columns while even housing a relic that is considered sacred.

Centara Grand Hotel

The skyscraper is found in Bangkok, in the Pathum Wan district. It has 9 floors that are designed for executives, nine lovely restaurants and all the five star hotel facilities that you would expect to get. The Centara Grand, the World Ballroom and the BCC (Bangkok Convention Centre) are put together to create the shape of a lotus, thus offering a symbolic theme with the four elements: fire, air, earth and water. As a whole, these buildings capture the true essence of Bangkok.

Sing Sing Theater

The nightclub is simply wonderful for absolutely all local and international party goers. You are going to feel as if you are inside a sci-fi movie, including Chinese décor that is perfectly complemented with silk covered walls, red lantern ceiling and a birdcage at human scale. 2 downstairs bars are featured, together with a dancefloor that doubles as a performance stage.

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Reasons to Invest in Thailand Real Estate 

Burgeoning condominium sector

Over the years, the condominium sector has emerged as the fastest growing and strongest property sector in Thailand. Bangkok, the bustling capital and international travel hub, has seen steady price growth, as have resort destinations like Hua Hin and Phuket.

Simple buying process for condos

Although it can prove difficult for foreign property buyers to buy landed properties like houses and villas, it’s remarkably straightforward to buy a condominium. Thai property ownership laws restrict foreign ownership of all properties to 49% with the remaining 51% Thai owned. This can prove problematic for those with their hearts set on buying land, though those who are interested in buying a condo –the condominium sector is the strongest property sector in the Kingdom – will find it simple and advantageous to buy a condo in Bangkok or one of the resort destinations along the beautiful Thai coastline.

Rapid economic expansion

The Thai economy has been expanding and growing strongly for some time now and this trend shows no sign of slowing down. This is great news for property investors because it shows that the already burgeoning Thai property market will continue to grow steadily well into the future as Thais increase their purchasing power and further continue to rent more comfortable properties. The stronger Thai workers’ purchasing power becomes – the greater the opportunities for foreign property investors to make a tidy profit by investing in the condominium sector.

Top tourist destination

Thailand is one of the top tourist destinations in the world and not only Southeast Asia. The attention Thailand receives helps to further boost property prices, but not only that, it also makes investing in the condominium sector in resort destinations more appealing for investors as the market grows stronger. When property investors think of tourism, it’s now important to not only think of Western tourists who flock to Thailand, but also Chinese tourists who are increasingly setting their sights on Thailand and resort destinations like Phuket as they enjoy higher wages and are increasingly able to travel overseas.

Long-term growth potential

Thailand has long been receiving global investment and it’s remarkable just how diverse the nationalities of investors who have been taking an interest in real estate in Thailand for investment purposes are. The diversity of global investment interest puts the already burgeoning Thai property market in an excellent position for long-term growth and sustainability.

Strong capital gains and yields

Rental yields in the condominium sector have been increasing strongly over time with many property investors enjoying rental yields of 6 – 10% per annum. Furthermore, due to increasing property prices,real estate investors who have invested in the condominium sector have been enjoying significant capital increases in recent years and this is a trend that experts predict will continue for many years to come.

As you can see from the points made above, there are some excellent reasons for investing in Thai property as a foreigner, though it must be stressed that as easy as it is to buy a condominium, nothing should be left to chance and legal advice or representation is therefore advisable.

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While Thailand’s Phuket Island may be dubbed “The Pearl of the Andaman Sea” seeing the most tourists in relation to any other part of the country, Koh Samui is the most popular in the Gulf of Thailand. Notwithstanding its ever increasing popularity, Samui maintains a tropical charm which is hard to beat, offers boundless adventure opportunities and several nearby islands to visit, including hopping over to Koh Phangan for a night of reveling at the famous full moon party.

The island has an endless choice of beaches, bays and hidden coves where you can book hotel accommodation to serve as your base during your holiday. All are absolutely amazing and reveal captivating scenery, but none has such a pulsating energy and electrifying atmosphere as cosmopolitan  Chaweng. Some may say it is too commercialized, but that remains a matter of opinion and would depend on what you want from a holiday on a tropical island. Besides, there is a reason this area is so popular. During the day the long flat stretch of sand’s central area provides thrilling activities including jet skiing and bungee jumping, casual restaurants and pubs line the beach serving all day drinks and snacks to people chilling on the sand and many play cool tunes to liven up the atmosphere.

Behind the restaurants and beachfront resorts the main street is an ant heap of activity. Colourful tuk tuks are buzzing up and down transporting tourists, markets and street stalls sell clothes and all kinds of accessories, there are fast food chains, more restaurants and cool bar lounges. At night, the central part of the area becomes a party animal’s paradise. An entire street branching off from the area’s main road is a display of neon lights featuring an array of clubs, bars and disco’s.  On the beach things are just as festive with people chilling on cushions sipping cocktails and dancing to the tunes of resident DJ’s while others simply enjoy a meal at a restaurant amusing them self with the activity down on the sand.

When you do not want to spend an island holiday in seclusion, but rather want to enjoy mingling, spend days being active and evenings in the company of others letting off steam, I suggest you consider booking a resort in Chaweng.

Hotel Accommodation at Chaweng Beach

A huge plus factor for the area is the diversity in terms of its accommodation options. One of the really great things all over Thailand is that the best locations with the most incredible views are not reserved only for expensive hotels and those who can afford it and, in Chaweng it is no different. On this beach guys like me who travel cheap can find a front row seat to nature’s glory at budget savvy resorts like Ark Bar which is located right on the beach and all the area’s attractions are on your doorstep. Though accommodation prices are very moderate the resort’s general standard is very high. Chaba Cabana, Chaba Samui, Amari Palm Reef and Chaweng Regent are all examples of affordability in awesome locations without compromising standards.

But diversity in accommodation in this part of the island goes further than just loads of resorts to choose from. With this stretch of sand being as long as it is you can choose to be only a few minutes’ walk outside the fray, not hear a sound and enjoy total tranquility. Resorts like Akura Chura is close enough to the action for convenience, but far enough to not be disturbed and even has a private stretch of beach in front of the resort.

If you want to move up the chain and spent a little more on a honeymoon or maybe a holiday with the family you can be 5 minutes further away from the mainstream crowds toward the southern end in Chaweng Noi. This area is tranquil and relaxed, has an assortment of 5 star hotels and mere minutes from the pulsating centre of things.

Luxury hotels in the area I recommend include the Centara Grand Beach Resort. If you like a combination of stylish sophistication, family friendly facilities and island living you won’t go wrong.

Between Chaweng and Lamai, Samui’s second most popular area is the Banyan Tree resort located in its own private bay. It is luxurious and each of its villas sports private pools. Banyan Tree is unrivaled if you are out for a romantic holiday and can afford the price.

Bhundhari Spa Resort is located on a hillside which allows breathtaking ocean views. It is 5 star, but reasonably priced and also has private pool villas.

Anantara Lawana is located right to the northern opposite end of the beach and in my opinion one of the best luxury hotels on the island when price, location and facilities are taken into account. It is located on the beach amid total tranquility and again you can have a villa with your own pool.

Author: George Conradie lives to travel around south-east Asia and Thailand in particular. After several excursions as a tourist visiting all corners of the country he finally settled in Thailand in 2009 and now works as a with a locally based hotel booking guide.

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CELTA is short for Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults and will equip you with the necessary knowledge to successfully teach mature students, give you a wider variety when searching for employment and a distinct advantage over others when applying jobs.

A CELTA qualification is not only widely recognised around the globe but, in many countries, it is actually demanded by potential employers. There are many interesting countries that you can visit and work in that demand this qualification, among these are Thailand, Japan, South Korea, many Middle Eastern countries, Australia, England and Wales. The main reason for these countries demanding the qualification is simple; they want their teachers to have a very high educating ability so as to provide their students with the best teaching that is available to them.

There are fantastic teaching opportunities to be found in Australia however their curriculum is geared more toward the teaching of British English, Asia and the Middle Eastern countries are a little more flexible with their teaching methods partly because their cultures are significantly different to western countries.

When considering taking a CELTA course it is vitally important that you make sure that the school, university, learning centre or on-line source is fully legal and accredited, failure to do this will end in tears as your hard earned qualification will quite simply not be worth the paper that it is printed on. If you opt for an on-line course you will be sent learning materials that you will need to spend time studying and should be provided with contact details of a teacher/mentor who will answer any questions that you may have and help you to navigate your way through the course to a recognised qualification at the end. If you opt to attend a CELTA course in a School, University or any other accredited learning facility then you can expect the course to take roughly four weeks however there are longer length courses available specifically designed to enable people that already have jobs to participate in a CELTA course.

Whichever learning option you choose a CELTA course will require you to accrue teaching hours; this will involve you personally handling classes whilst being monitored and assessed by a qualified supervisor who will determine whether or not you are ready to be certified.

One of the most important benefits of taking a CELTA course is the fact that, as we have said, you will actually handle classes of adults before you go out into the big wide teaching world. The fact that you will have been monitored and approved by an experienced supervisor will give you the confidence that you need to be successful in your chosen career. Many people think that teaching adults is difficult or intimidating but this is not the case with a CELTA course. The skills that this course will give you will enable you to enrich the knowledge that your adult students already have, make it much easier to strategize and plan your lessons and be confident that you know exactly which teaching methods will work for your students.

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1. Delhi, India

India is one of those countries that truly encapsulates the ‘cultural wonder’ tag and, indeed, just about any of its cities could have been chosen instead of Delhi. But its multi-ethnic and cosmopolitan atmosphere, unique architectural and cultural treasures, and sheer variety of attractions make Delhi a microcosm of Indian culture. It’s one of the oldest existing cities in the world, inhabited since the 6th century BCE.   To name but a few, the lavish Iskcon Temple is a cultural gem providing insights into Hindu mythology, while the famous Red Fort is a historic highlight. Another one not to miss is Humayun’s Tomb, the reported inspiration for the Taj Mahal itself (which is only a few hours away from Delhi).

2. Thimphu, Bhutan

For those wanting to escape the mundane and experience a new and exciting culture, Thimpu Bhutan is ideal. The city itself is the largest in Bhutan but only in recent years has it been touched by western influences and urban development. That is, much of the city retains its age-old culture and traditions.   Indeed, the major attractions are the monasteries such as Changankha Lhakhang constructed in the 15th Century. Religious icons such as the State of Sakyamuni Buddha, a 51.5 metre bronze statute seated atop a hill overlooking the valleys, is also a must-see.

3. Siem Reap, Cambodia

Due to the number of expatriates living in the once quaint city of Siem Reap, modern amenities are available to the hordes of rampaging tourists hoping to visit Angkor Archaeological Park.   Even whilst staying in Siem Reap there are a number of worthwhile things to see, do and eat: one can start the day off with a motorbike tour to absorb the distinct scenery in and surrounding the city, follow up with a trip to the Psar Chas markets to accumulate souvenirs such as bloom bags and Cambodian ceramics, relax and indulge with Khmer-style massages and conclude the day with Khmer cuisine and cultural performances that are aplenty.

4. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is undoubtedly the cultural hub of northern Thailand. Visitors will be able to spend their time immersing themselves in historical sites such as the thirty temples within the walled city alone. The temples are decorated with beautiful woodcarvings and each offer different designs and experiences, as they are a combination of Burmese, Sri Lankan and Lanna Thai styles. The locals would swear that you’ve not experienced Chiang Mai until you’ve seen the view of the city from Doi Suthep temple.   Oh, and it probably wouldn’t make sense for visitors to not visit the elephant camps. You can either imagine riding an elephant and watching performances where they play football and paint, or visit and experience this for yourself.

5. Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is abundant with contrasting experiences for visitors. The country has become increasingly more developed with theme parks such as Lotte World and Dreamland and walking down Cheongdam (Celebrity) Street, visitors may indulge in luxury brands – Cartier, Louis Vuitton and Prada are only a few of the many you will find.   At the same time, it retains its distinct cultural heritage. Thrice a day, in front of Daehanmun the main gate to the Deoksugung Palance, the changing ceremony takes place with members of the royal guard exchanging keys to the palace. This watching experience can be enriched with traditional costumer hire, photo time with the royal guides and a drum beating experience.

6. Hokkaido, Japan

Being the second largest, northernmost and least developed of Japan’s four main islands, Hokkaido attracts mainly outdoor lovers such as skiers and snow-boarders. Ski resorts such as a Niseko ski resort provide superior service to the large number of tourists visiting each year. Niseko also contains an abundance of restaurants, bars shops and tours. From Niseko, visitors can engage in day tours to Sapporo, participate in the Annual Ice Festival and other cultural activities as well.

By Linda Campbell – Follow her on Google+.

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I and my friend visited Fare Buzz, a leading travel company, searching for cheap tickets. We finally got the best flight deals and booked British Airways flights to Bangkok from London Heathrow. We had planned to stay for less than a month in Thailand, so being UK citizens we didn’t require a visa to enter Thailand. The day had come to take our flights to Bangkok and visit this amazing place. After a tiresome journey of 11 hours, our plane landed at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok. This is Thailand’s biggest airport. Most international flights arrive here. Though, some of the international and regional flights also arrive at Don Muang International Airport, which is also in Bangkok.

We took a taxi out of the airport and decided to book a budget hotel at Khao San Road for our stay in the city. The Khao San Road is famous as the haven for backpackers. We spent a peaceful, relaxing night at our hotel. After a long, tiring journey all what one wants is great relaxation, free from all worries. And, we got it. Simply great!

The next day we were ready to see the many attractions in Bangkok. One of the most dazzling sights you get to see here is the colossal Grand Palace complex. The traditional Thai architecture is the hallmark of the palace complex. The palace houses the famous Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which was constructed in the 14th century. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is also known in Thai language as Wat Phra Kaew. The Temple of the Reclining Buddha is another major attraction here. This is also known as Wat Pho. Here you’ll find the famous reclining giant, gold-clad Buddha statue. Among other sightseeing opportunities include the Forensic Museum and the famous floating markets, which you’ll find to be mostly chaotic.

Bangkok is a great shopping destination. The experience of shopping is thrilling here. The city is a shopper’s paradise for the quintessential shopaholics. Bangkok has it all – from gigantic air-conditioned malls to buzzing markets across the city. It would not be out of place to say that shopping in Bangkok is a day-and-night activity. You can go on and continue with shopping and splurging free till you drop. Consider visiting the sprawling Chatuchak market, which is the largest weekend market here. You’ll get a variety of goods here at cheap prices. Don’t forget to savor Thailand’s national dish pad thai. It comprises of noodles stirfried with eggs, prawns and fish sauce, and is available everywhere. Bangkok is dotted with numerous pubs and the city is famous for its thriving nightlife. Our visit to Bangkok was great and worth remembering. Purchase your flight tickets now and have a memorable experience of your visit to this fantastic Southeast Asian destination.

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