What to Do in Koh Phi Phi Thailand

Koh Phi Phi Thailand is the perfect holiday destination for tourists of diverse taste and budget. Visitors to the island are never at a loss to find interesting things to do.

The island shot to fame with the Hollywood movie ‘The Beach’ starring Leonardo Di Caprio. Maya Bay, where the film was shot and the scores of picturesque beaches on the island offer endless possibilities for water sports enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Koh Phi Phi Thailand is famous worldwide for its excellent diving locations. Hin Muang, the rock formation that juts out of ocean at low tide is a diver’s delight. Located barely 45 minutes speedboat ride from the island, Hin Muang has steep ridges measuring 30 meters to 60 meters. The variety of marine life, including whale sharks and manta rays, adds to the experience.

Snorkeling at Long Beach is popular among tourists. Here it is common to encounter the magnificent 2m long Black Tip Reef Sharks. There is no need to worry; these creatures are timid by nature. Another good snorkeling location is Hin Klang. However, the strong tides there require good swimming skills. The exquisite coral reefs situated offshore are worth the effort.

Maya Bay holds immense charm to movie buffs. It is also the venue of one of the best beach parties on the island. This is an organized tour of the island starting from Phi Phi Don. Also included in the tour are snorkeling and kayaking near the cliffs of Phi Phi Ley.

To spend a lazy day amidst nature, visit Monkey Beach. Located at a 10-minute boat or kayak ride from Loh Dalum, this virgin beach is a reminder of the lost world. Or, try the Sunset kayaking trip under the cliffs of Phi Phi Don.

While in Koh Phi Phi Thailand, there is never a dull moment.

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Golf in Thailand

When it comes to golf, Thailand has more to offer than any other country in South East Asia. There are, quite literally, 250 courses. Where ever there is any kind of tourism infrastructure, even in quieter areas, you will find at least one golf course. Generally they are of a high standard since Thailand has made a conscious effort to promote this side of its tourist industry. Standards may be high, but prices are very reasonable.

Add into the equation the fact that the weather is good all year round and many of the courses will be part of resorts also providing other facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, restaurants and spas. Golf first came to Thailand in the 1920′s under the auspices of Rama VII in the royal, seaside resort of Hua Hin. The Hua Hin course is still very much in use and has a historical feel all of its own. The real explosion, however, came in the 1980s in parallel with Thailand‘s great leap forward in the tourism industry in general.

Top course architects, such as Nick Faldo, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus, were recruited to design courses that would be different and challenging. Testament to the rapid ascent to respectability of golf in Thailand is the fact that it now hosts many major international tournaments such as the Johnnie Walker Classic. Bangkok may be an urban sprawl but it boasts some world class golf courses. There are over forty in and around the city and everyone has their favorite. For something unusual try the Thai Country Club. It has a very challenging and well maintained layout. Krungthep Kreetha Golf Course is only 30 minutes from the city center which makes it convenient if you are pressed for time. Lakewood Country Club to the east of the city virtually doubles as a botanical garden with more than 45 species of plants and more than 2,000 trees. The Alpine Golf Club is one of the most challenging courses in Thailand playing host to major PGA tournaments in Thailand and certainly lives up to its reputation.

Pattaya may have its detractors as a beach resort, but when it comes to golf it would be impossible to find fault with it. Spread across the provinces of Chonburi and Rayong is an incredible choice of venues. The Siam Country Club was the first course in the region and dates from 1968 when Pattaya was still little more than a fishing village. It still holds its own, especially after the 2006 remodeling. Laem Chabang International Country Club about 25 km from Pattaya is a luxury course designed by Jack Nicklaus. Nearer town is the Phoenix Golf Club. There are many, many more. Also within reach of Bangkok is Kanchanaburi. Situated on the banks of the River Kwai, next to a national park in the shadow of jungle clad mountains, not far from the Burma border, there are many courses in the most beautiful of tropical settings.

The Grand Garden Golf Club, Green World, Mission Hills Country Club, Nichigo Resort & Country Club, The River Kwai Golf Club and the Blue Sapphire Golf Club all have their own special qualities. Similarly rural with equally majestic settings, the mountainous north also boasts a number of very good courses. The Chiang Mai Green Valley Country Club set next to a beautiful lake is only 15 minutes from the Chiang Mai itself. Chiang Mai Highlands is right next to the mountains. The Chiang Mai-Lamphun Golf Club is an 18-hole championship course lying in a natural valley surrounded by rolling hills. The traditional architecture of the clubhouse and buildings give it a distinctively northern flavor.

It is no surprise that Phuket, with all its international luxury resorts, also boasts excellent facilities for golf. There are some stunning courses where the luminous blue of the nearby sea contrasts with the rich greens of the fairways. The Blue Canyon Country Club, the Phuket Country Club, the Laguna Phuket Golf Club and the Mission Hills Golf Resort are four of the best known providing outstanding facilities. Where ever you choose to play golf in Thailand it is usually possible to book a whole package with all facilities included which leaves you free to step onto the course soon after stepping off the plane.

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Buying Land in Thailand

After a wonderful vacation from amazing Thailand, you are so elated by its astounding beaches, beautiful people, and culinary delights that you decided to buy a piece of it and call it your own little place in tropical paradise. You excitedly turned on your computer, keyed in Buying Land in Thailand and pressed enter. Thousands upon thousands of entries beckon you for that miraculous “click”. BUT, before you get carried away, do you have sufficient information about property acquisition in Thailand? Are you well protected from the common Thai property problems prevalent in this country?

For the past two decades or so, Thailand has seen an influx of foreigners spending their hard earned monies to acquire property in this land of beauty. Unfortunately, those acting in ignorance of Thai laws helplessly witnessed their monies go down the drain of non-recoup. Now, with reason restored, you wonder: Are Foreigners allowed to own land in Thailand? Generally, foreigners are not allowed to directly purchase land in Thailand. Simply put, Thai laws prohibit foreigners from owning land in their own name, although theoretically there is an exception but it is yet to be seen in practice.

This notwithstanding, there are alternatives available to foreigners for successful land acquisition. The most common option is to set up your own Thai Limited Company to own the land on your behalf. Another option is to enter into a long term leasehold with the Land owner. It is a commonly unknown fact that although a foreigner cannot own land in Thailand, he can own the house or structure built thereon. One only has to apply for a construction permit to build the house in his own name.

The next step is to get well acquainted with the process of buying real estate in Thailand. It is also important to understand the different types of Thai title deeds in order to determine the extent of the owner’s rights over the land you are interested in. Also, it is advisable to know the cost of transfer and Thailand property taxes in advance. Use the property transfer calculator to determine the over-all purchase cost.

Most importantly, use the Thai legal services for property acquisition of registered and reputable lawyers in Thailand to protect your interests and ensure that your own tropical paradise will soon become a reality.

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Schengen Visa in Thailand

A Schengen Visa allows the holder to freely visit all member nations of the Schengen Agreement. The Schengen Agreement was originally signed between just five countries in Europe. However, since that time the number has grown to 25 member nations including; Austria, Belgium, The Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherland, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. By obtaining the most popular and common type of Schengen Visa, Category C, an individual is allowed to stay in any of these nations for 90 days within a period of 6 months. This means that a person can stay up to 90 days in any of these nations and freely move between them without having to obtain different visas for each country. While those 90 days do not have to be consecutive they are only available for the six month period after first entering a Schengen Nation. There a number of different types of Schengen Visas available in Thailand to individuals who complete the necessary application process.

Types of Schengen Visas: There are a number of Schengen Visas available to Thai applicants. The following are a list of the different types of visas offered by member nations. However, Category C is the most common type of visa and is the one recommended to travelers.

· Category A Visa: Some nationals are required to have this visa allowing the individual to travel through the international transit areas of Schengen Nations airports. However, this does not apply to Thai citizens and is most likely not necessary for travelers.

· Category B Visa: This visa allows individuals to single, double or multiple transits to Schengen Nations for a period of 5 days of less.

· Category C Visa: This visa is the most popular type of Schengen visas and provides the individual holder the ability to travel within Schengen Nations without obtaining additional visas. The visa is good for 90 nonconsecutive days. However, those 90 days must be used within six months of the date of first entering a Schengen Nation.

· Category D Visa: This visa is issued by individual Schengen Nation and allows a holder to stay in that country for the length of time provided by that individual nation. The holder of this visa may travel within other Schengen Nations for up to 90 days within the six month period of first arriving.

· Category FTD and FRTD: These visas are only special visas for road and rail lines between Mainland Russia and Kalingrad Oblast which borders the Baltic Sea.

Filing Documents: To complete an application for a Category C Schengen Visa the following documents should be provided:

1. A completed application available online or at Schengen Nations’ embassies.

2. A passport and a copy of that passport. The passport must be valid for at least three months after the planned return from Schengen Nations

3. A photograph or photographs of the applicant’s face that was taken within six months of applying. The amount of photographs required may vary so it is advisable to have a few available.

4. Proof of medical travel insurance that meets or exceeds €30,000.00

5. Evidence of a stable financial background, such as bank statements, property certificates and similar documents.

6. Documents showing travel arrangements, accommodations and related materials that show that the trip will be temporary.

7. If you are staying at another person’s residence in a Schengen Nation it might be necessary to bring an invitation from the individual you are staying with in order to verify your accommodations.

General Process: Once these documents are prepared an individual must complete a brief filing process. First, you must go to the embassy or consulate of the Schengen Nation that you intend to spend the majority of your time in. If that is unknown you could go to the Embassy or consult of the Schengen country you will first arrive in. Second, you must submit the documents listed above to the necessary station and pay the €60 filing fee (approximately THB 3,000.) This is usually the final step, but occasionally an interview will be requested to ask about your visit. A visa will usually be issued within in 4-5 business days after submission; the process can take longer if an interview is required.

Note:

· If the Schengen Nation that you are planning to spend the majority of your time in does not have an embassy or consulate in the country you are residing in you should contact the Schengen Nation that represents the other Nation for purposes of visas.

· Meeting the above requirements and completing the filing process does not guarantee a visa as approval is up to the discretion of the reviewing officer.

Conclusion: Making an application for a Schengen Visa in Thailand is the most convenient and effective way for a Thai national to travel through Europe. It allows an Thai national up to 90 days of travel to all Schengen Nations within a six month period. The visa is truly a 25 nation tourist visa that is provided to an individual who meet minimum requirements and file the appropriate application.

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