Bangkok, Thailand, March 20, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Opening in early2015, The Hermitage, an ecofriendly property, is located inthe Kata Beach section of Phuket and sits on 3.5 acres of land adorned with lush gardens, natural rock formations, and even its own waterfall.
All Pool villas and suites at The Hermitage offer full sea views and are set 1772 meters above sea level. Each of the 86 units comes with spacious interiors measuring 80 sq.m. for Junior Pool Suites and 140 sq.m. for Duplex Suites with private pools. Units feature a large terrace from which to enjoy the stunning views of Phuket's famed sunsets and moonlit bay, in addition to 300 meters of landscaped gardens including the resort's own waterfall. Only the finest materials have been used in the construction, including local and imported teakwood or equivalent, and marble. In addition, all suites are equipped with the latest in modern technology including fully automated control over all electrical systems such as lighting, music and security. Meanwhile, Clubhouse facilities for 1,700 square meters will include a Spa villa, Fitness Center, Lobby Lounge, Sunset Bar, Restaurant, and Concierge. Mr. Somsak Kosindecha, Managing Director of The Hermitage, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, saying We are excited to have The Unique Collection on board with us as we have been discussing the project with them since we initially broke ground on The Hermitage more than one year ago. Mr. Peter Kaelli, CEO of The Unique Collection, expressed similar sentiments about the resort's 2015 opening; The Hermitage will set a new standard for luxury resorts in Phuket and Thailand and we look forward to welcoming our first guests early next year. For more information on The Hermitage, please visit www.thehermitagehill.com. About The Unique Collection of Hotels & Resorts Formed in 2005, The Unique Collection of Hotels & Resorts represents 15 upscale boutique hotels and resorts, including 13 properties in Thailand and 2 in Myanmar. For more information, please visit www.theuniquecollection.com For more information on The Hermitage or The Unique Collection, please contact: Jonathan Kreuter, Director of Marketing Communications E-mail: [email protected] Tel. +66(0) 2 250 4527-9 Kanchalikar Phruttisarikorn Public Relations & Marketing Communications Manager E-mail: [email protected] Tel. +66 (0) 2 250 4527-9 Sales Office: [email protected] Tel. +66(0) 2 250 4527-9 Contact Information: The Unique Collection of Hotels and Resorts Kanchalikar Phruttisarikorn +66(0) 2 250 4527-9 Contact via Email http://www.theuniquecollection.com Read the full story here: http://www.pr.com/press-release/548064 http://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+Hermitage,+Phuket,+Joins+The+Unique+Collection+of+Hotels+and...-a0362122541
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Thailand's largest property developer Land and Houses Plc plans to spend 14 billion baht ($382.5 million) to build 'Terminal 21' shopping centres in major tourist destinations Pattaya and Phuket, the Bangkok Post reported citing chairman Anant Asavabhokin. (bit.ly/1Ln6VxM) ---- NOTE: Reuters has not verified this story and does not vouch for its accuracy ($1 = 36.6000 baht) (Compiled by Bangkok Newsroom; Editing by Gopakumar Warrier) '); lse if (window.location.href.indexOf('idUSL1N11K16Q20150915') > - 1) $('#articleText').prepend(' REUTERS TOP 100 '); else if (window.location.href.indexOf('idUSL1N11G2C820150915') > - 1) $('#articleText').prepend(' REUTERS TOP 100 '); else if (window.location.href.indexOf('idUSL1N11K2F720150915') > - 1) $('#articleText').prepend(' REUTERS TOP 100 '); else if (window.location.href.indexOf('idUSL1N11K1W720150915') > - 1) $('#articleText').prepend(' REUTERS TOP 100 '); 2000); ; Lying on the eastern part of the Indochinese peninsula, Vietnam is a strip of land shaped like the letter "S". China borders it to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, the East Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the east and south. There are many means of transportation connecting Ho Chi Minh City , which is the big tourism center in Vietnam, attracting a large of visitors to Vietnam and Hanoi Capital, the polictis, cultural and economic center of Vietnam.
To explore Vietnams hidden charm and natural beauty by train from HCMC to Hanoi , you can plan one of your best vacations to connect on a spectacular train travel. The classic Vietnam tour is offered with the great rail journey from HCMC to Hanoi Capital crossing Nha trang, Danang, Hue, Ninh binh and the magnificent northern parts of Vietnam. Asian Travel and Tours JSC, who are based in Hanoi, will take care of all your HCMC , Vietnam train bookings and provide you with Vietnam train timetable and fares professinally. They do this through Vietnam National Railways who have done a lot for the advancement of the rail transportation system in Vietnam. The train facilities that are being provided for tourists preferring to travel by Vietnam train are pre-processed and pre-packaged supply of food to the passengers along with refined mineral water bottles. Other facilities that are being provided are ticket covers, trolleys and plastic cups. There are no better professional tour operators than Asian Travel and Tours who can confirm your Vietnam train tickets easily. The tickets are available at a promotional price being offered by from Hanoi Capital or HCMC to all other Trans Vietnam cities. Train travel from HCMC to Hanoi is a great option for all travelers to see the natural countryside of Vietnam by travelling comfortably. You are offered trips on new trains that are equipped with modern air-conditioned cars and berths for comfortable overnight journey. Some Saigon trains to Hanoi even have VIP cabin. The train tickets include government tax and transportation insurance. In addition to the HCMC, Vietnam train bookings, you can book special train tour promotion in HCMC or Hanoi to reach various tourist destinations in Vietnam through Asian Travel and Tours who are the specialists in train travel and tour package all over Vietnam. HCMC and Hanoi Vietnam are a land of rich and natural beauty. Tourists will get a good opportunity to experience the picturesque scenery of the whole country from the South to the North. Travelling by train is a very affordable and saved way in Vietnam. It will cost you much less than flying or renting a car or going by bus. You must be aware of the Hanoi Vietnam train time table and HCMC train timetable and fare accordingly to plan your journeys. The major route is between HCMC to Hanoi will stop over at Nha trang station, Quy Nhon, Danang, Hue, VInh, Ninh Binh and ends at Hanoi train station. In return, The trains from Hanoi to HCMC will stop over at Ninh Binh, Vinh, Phong Nha cave, Hue, Danang , Nha trang and ends at HCMC station. For long distance travel, it is advisable for you to use Vietnam train bookings in air conditioned soft-sleeper cabin. Soft seats are fine for short distance only. If you are not pressured with time and you are not travelling overnight, then the soft seat is ideal. With air conditioned coaches, you cannot take photographs of the scenery outside. If you would like to record your journey by the Vietnam train, you have to book train ticket in non-air conditioned trains. Hard sleepers and hard seats have to be avoided altogether as they are usually crowded and uncomfortable. The best time of the year to travel by train is in the autumn season. The weather is cool between September to March next year. http://www.articlebiz.com/article/1051511963-1-discover-the-hidden-charm-of-vietnam-by-train-travel-from-hcmc-to-hanoi/ Natural Beauty:
The Havasu Falls, located in the Havasupai tribal lands, Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA, form some of the most spectacular and natural pools in the world. The calcium carbonate in the water lends it the blue-green hues that surpass the palette of any painter. Taking a dip in a cool, glistening pool in the scorching heat or even otherwise, is a pleasure that cannot be described in words. Swimming pools have been an important piece of architecture since the middle of the 19th century, and history bears testimony to the fact that Britain has one of the oldest public swimming pools in the world. As the wheels of the century turned, architects have begun to draw inspiration from diverse subject and have come up with more and more innovative ideas for constructing pools. As of today, swimming pools can be categorized as private pools, public pools, spa pools, indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, infinity pools, natural pools, and many, many more. Apart from their primary function of facilitating the activity of swimming, pools lend a certain serenity to the place surrounding them, which is why architects have been experimenting with innumerable designs, the effort of which has resulted in the construction of some of the most beautiful pools ever. Here, we have enlisted 30 of the most exotic and famous swimming pools of the world. 1. The Marina Bay Sands Resort, Singapore Like all the rooftop pools, swimming at the Marina Bay Sands Resort gives you the ultimate pleasure of swimming on top of the world. Designed by Israeli-American architect Moshe Safdie, it extends to about 150 meters and is believed to be the largest pool at such a great height. It provides an impressive 360-degree view of the city's skyline. 2. The Chongwe River House, Zambia Designed by Tanzanian architect Neil Rocher, a stay at the Chongwe River House is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Situated amidst the exotic wildlife of Zambia, the house is built of natural material, and the pool located outside the porch is a delight in itself. Swimming in the cool waters, one can spot elephants in the river and the incredible trees across the house. 3. The Golden Nugget, Las Vegas, USA A recipient of several accolades, the pool at the Golden Nugget, named 'The Tank', is undoubtedly one of the most amazing pools around the world. The pool contains waterfalls, a hot tub, and the most unique feature - a shark tank! Situated 30 feet above the ground, one gets to experience the thrill of swimming underwater with the deadliest aquatic animals in the world. While the pool and the hot tub are available from 7 in the morning to 12 in the night, the shark chute is open from 9 a.m. 4. The Library, Koh Samui, Thailand The Red Pool at the Library is one of the most unusual swimming pools around the world. The Library is one of the exclusive boutique hotels in Koh Samui, and the Red pool here gets its name due to the brightly-colored tiles in myriad hues of red, yellow, and orange. It is at a stone's throw away from the beach of Chaweng, and has been rated as one of the most spectacular pools in the world by CNN Travel. 5. The Cambrian, Switzerland The Cambrian is a luxury hotel in the village of Adelboden, Switzerland, situated very close to a ski range. The rooms at the Cambrian face the magnificent Swiss Alps, and the outdoor pool offers a panoramic view of the pristine mountain range. 6. The Sanctuary Swala Retreats, Tanzania Sanctuary Swala Retreats is an eco-friendly hotel located in the Tarangire National Park, Tanzania. With contemporary African-style cabins and lounges facing the native grasslands, the infinity pool at Sanctuary Swala is particularly stunning as it overlooks the lake, which is frequented by elephants and other wild animals. The pool area is also a perfect relaxation getaway, where guests can chill with drinks after a particularly tiring day. 7. The Grace, Santorini, Greece Santorini has some of the most beautiful, pristine hotels in Greece. The Grace is one of the most exclusive luxury hotels and offers a breathtaking view of the sea. The pool at the Grace is an attraction in itself, cold and pleasant, with a cool lounge and deck chairs. The turquoise blue waters seem to extend until the end of the earth, and offer a splendid view of the magnificent Aegean Sea. 8. The Caruso, Amalfi Coast, Italy Italy itself is a panorama of stunning architecture and natural beauty. The Belmond Hotel Caruso, located in the town of Ravello, Italy, is a combination of luxury and comfort, and offers the incredible feeling of floating amidst the clouds. The infinity pool is located at what is seemingly the highest point of the town, and the water is on the warmer side. Lounging in the pool, one can experience the flawless service of the hotel staff and watch the magnificent views of the city and the Amalfi coastline. 9. The Hanging Gardens Ubud, Bali, Indonesia The Hanging Gardens at Ubud, Bali, is a stunning piece of architecture and rightly so. The log cabins seem to be perched atop a hill amidst the lush Ubud landscape. The infinity pool beside the cabin is suspended high and gives the incredible feeling of floating above the evergreen forests. The pool is split into levels, and one can literally experience the magic of floating in a water body in the air, with the sounds of nature in tandem, and complete isolation. The swimmers at the lower level have the feeling of a pool and a waterfall, and the ones above feel the magic of swimming over the edge. Extraordinarily exhilarating, no doubt. 10. The Gold Energy, St. Regis, Tibet The St. Regis Lhasa Resort is a luxurious five-star hotel in Tibet, China. The main attraction of this resort is not the ultimate material comfort or the pristine view of the Himalayas, but the glittering gold pool. What makes it seem like real gold is the color of the splendid gold-plated tiles. Heated at 28 degree Celsius and filled with rejuvenating saltwater, a dip in this pool is truly therapeutic and invigorating. 11. The Crocosaurus Cove, Australia A prior warning here, read this only if you are an adventure lover, this is not for the faint-hearted. Located in the center of Darwin city, Australia, the Crocosaurus Cove is a pool that houses crocodiles! The place is famous for the Cage of Death, which allows you to swim with crocodiles. Well, not literally. The swimmers are encased in a glass cabin that is immersed into the pool, and you can actually watch the crocodiles swim with youalmost face-to-face. If you love these humongous and dangerous lizards, you'll have one thrilling experience of a lifetime. 12. The Blue Lagoon, Geothermal Resort, Iceland The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa at the Geothermal Resort in Grindavk, and is one of the prime attractions of Iceland. The pool is man-made and is actually located on a lava field, though the water comes from a geothermal power plant in the vicinity. The hot mineral water of the pool is believed to cure many skin-related ailments, and the spa endorses many rejuvenating activities for the visitors. The Lagoon has a research and development facility as well. 13. The Nemo 33, Brussels, Belgium One of the best and deepest indoor swimming pools of the world, Nemo 33 is located in Uccle, in Brussels, Belgium. Designed by Belgian diving expert John Nuttyheart, this 110-feet deep pool is meant for swimming, recreation, film shooting, as well as underwater diving. The pool contains filtered, non-chlorinated hot water, maintained at approximately 30 degree Celsius. Nemo 33 allows amateurs as well as professional divers to swim in the water with trainers. 14. The Giola Lagoon, Astris, Greece The lagoon at Giola in the village of Astris is a natural lagoon, formed within the rocks. Situated amidst the blue waters of the sea, the green-colored water of the lagoon is a striking contrast. The pool is approximately 20 x 15 meters in size, and is located around 100 meters from the Aeria hotel in Astris. A brilliant natural phenomenon, the lagoon is one of the best tourist spots in Greece. 15. The LeCrans, Crans Montana, Switzerland The LeCrans Hotel and Spa, a deluxe hotel, is situated at Montanatwo-hours from Geneva, Switzerlanda popular ski resort. With contemporary exteriors and modern interiors, the hotel offers the ultimate luxury amidst the cold snow-capped peaks. The hotel has an indoor and outdoor pool as well as a jacuzzi. The outdoor pool is heated and offers a splendid view of the Valais mountain range. Pure and full of tranquility, the pool at LeCrans is definitely worth a visit. 16. The Pamukkale, Denizli, Turkey Pamukkale is a tourist spot in the province of Denizli in Turkey, renowned for its natural hot springs. Popularly called the cotton castle of Turkey, the water contains natural minerals, and the place has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tourists are instructed to maintain hygiene to protect the pools. Pamukkale is made of a sedimentary rock called travertine, and the entire area consists of about 17 hot springs. 17. The Villa Althea, Kefalonia, Greece Villa Althea is a majestic hotel in northwestern Kefalonia Greece, and boasts one of the most incredible hotel swimming pools. The pool is designed like a stepped well or an inverted pyramid. The pool overlooks the vast expanse of the tranquil sea and gives the visitor an ultimately serene feeling of bliss. 18. The Laucala Island Resort, Fiji Located on the small island of Laucala, among the Fiji islands, the Laucala Resort is nothing short of paradise. Apart from the incredible hospitality, the spectacular scenery, and other comforts, the resort is famous for its unique poola pool within a pool. Here at Laucala, the outdoor pool is designed as an exotic water park, and the water-filled glass structure within the pool on the exterior is a magnificent piece of architecture. The pool surrounds the many villas of the resort, and the fresh blue waters amidst the lush green landscape seems just like heaven. 19. The Sha Wellness Clinic, Alicante Designed by Carlos Gilardi and Elvira Blanco, the Sha Wellness Medical Clinic is located at Alicante, Spain and is dedicated to contributing towards the overall wellness of the human race through a combination of ancient and modern techniques. It houses one of the most extravagantly-designed swimming pools and indoor waterfalls of the world. The infinity pool of the hotel is located on the terrace and surrounds most of the luxury suites, with Balinese-style couches in the relaxation area. 20. The Villa d'Este, Lake Como, Italy Hotel Villa d'Este is located at Lake Como in Italy. The hotel comprises three heated pools: an indoor pool, a kids' pool, and a pool on the lake. The floating pool on the lake does not permit kids below the age of 12, and is available with the comfort of a luxurious attached jacuzzi. The kids' pool is located outdoors, near the beach, while the indoor pool is located in the premises of the building. 21. The Hotel Fasano, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Hotel Fasano is situated in the heart of Rio de Janerio and overlooks the famous Sugarloaf mountain. The hotel has an outstanding rooftop infinity pool that offers a splendid view of the Corcovado and Arpoador. 22. The Amangiri Resort, Utah, USA The Amangiri resort located in Canyon Point, Utah, is a masterpiece of elegance, the distinguishing feature being the fact that the resort is built around the pool. The pool is an exquisite piece of architecture, filled with soft green-colored water, with comfortable couches on the deck, surrounded by canyons and plateaus. An oasis of luxury in the Canyon, this pool surely deserves a mention in the list of the best pools in the world. 23. The Perivolas Oia, Santorini, Greece The Perivolas, located in Santorini, Greece, is an elegant structure encompassing luxury suites, clear blue pools, and lush landscapes. An atmosphere of quiet tranquility and heavenly bliss, a trip to the Perivolas resort is sure to give you the ultimate experience of peace and comfort. 24. The Standard, Los Angeles, California The pool at the Standard, in L.A., California, has one of the most amazing hotel balcony/rooftop swimming pools. The pool offers a brilliant view of the city and the mountain ranges. It encompasses a poolside bar, water beds, outdoor fireplace, red decks, dance floor, and a topiary. It is arguably one of the most luxurious pools in L.A. 25. The Skye Bar, So Paolo, Brazil Designed by Ruy Ohtake, Hotel Unique of So Paolo is one of the most beautiful hotels with an innovative design. Te hotel building is designed to look like a ship with stylish interiors. This hotel houses the Skye Bar rooftop pool, which is famous for its outstanding scenic views. The pool area and the sauna are spacious and comfortably designed. The pools are encased with glowing lights, and its walls encompass massage loungers. 26. The Alila Uluwatu Resort, Bali, Indonesia The Alila Uluwati Resort in Bali specializes in pool villas surrounded by green landscapes. Every villa has access to the infinity pool from which the water seems to cascade into the ocean. The open-plan design of the resort allows the sea-breeze to flow in uninterrupted, over the cool waters of the pool, which adds to the peace and serenity of the place. 27. The Paresa Resort, Phuket, Thailand The Aqua Pool suites are a major attraction of The Paresa resort that provides brilliant sea-views. Every suite has its own private infinity edge pool with rainfall showers. With breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea from every suite, this resort offers a sensual and once-in-a-lifetime experience. 28. The Punta Tragara, Capri, Italy The Punta Tragara is a luxury hotel in Capri Italy, and offers an ultimate holiday experience. The hotel encompasses two outdoor pools, of which one is heated and offers thalasso treatments. 29. The Badeschiff, Berlin, Germany A pool inside a river has to be one of the most unique ideas ever. The Badeschiff in Berlin boasts of a floating public swimming pool that was converted from the hull of a ship. The place is open to the public from 8 in the morning until midnight, and is home to the vast expanse of humanity during the summer. 30. The Hotel Avalon, Gothenburg, Sweden The Avalon Hotel is located in beautiful city of Gothenburg, Sweden, and its rooftop swimming pool is a prime attraction. The pool is a marvelous piece of architecture and offers a picturesque view of the city. The rooftop terrace is open in the summer months, where tourists can relax in the pool and have cocktails. These are just some of the countless number of pools in the world that have been designed in an outstanding way. Having a swimming pool in resorts and clubs and five-star hotels is more of a luxury than a necessity, and architects make the most of it to come up with exclusive ideas. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/most-spectacular-swimming-pools-around-the-world.html NATT
In July of 2000, my first trip to Phuket, I met Natt when she was working in a massage parlor located in front of the Patong Beach Resort. This was not your typical sleazy, full service massage parlor. The shop was catering to a high end clientele of mostly middle aged couples and Asian tour groups. If there was any doubt in my mind as to the services that were offered in this shop, it became clear when I witnessed a tourist come in and request an oil massage. I watched Natt escort this man upstairs, within 5 minutes I heard her scream, and the man was rushing out the door, blushing with embarrassment. Apparently he had misunderstood the services that were offered. This must have happened quite often, since most massage shops in Patong Beach are offering these types of services. Natt was only a very young teenager at this time, and as far as I knew she was not interested in earning extra money by offering sex to tourists. Some of her older friends were into the nightclub scene and worked as freelance bar girls. I had the chance to go out with the girls to nightclubs and karaoke bars, dancing, drinking and having a good time. Some of the girls would be interested in hooking up with tourists, however Natt was not one of them. Shortly after I met Natt, she began dating a Thai man that was working at a seafood restaurant near the massage shop. He was a university educated 25 year old man from the same province as Natt and her family. After a few years of dating, they eventually were married in their home province in 2002. I became quite good friends with Natt's husband and my wife and I would often go out to dinner with them or have them over to our house. Natt quit working at the massage parlor and started working as a hair stylist in a salon. After working in the salon for a few months she had an argument with her employer and decided to quit, this trend repeated itself several times over the next year. In 2003 my wife and I opened a laundry shop in Karon Beach, and we asked Natt if she would be interested in working with us in the shop. The shop was brand new in a 3 story building, with bedrooms on each floor. We offered Natt and her husband free room and board in one of the rooms and we paid Natt a modest salary. We all lived and worked together for the next few years, and for the most part we got along very well. Natt and her husband would have the occasional fight, but they seemed to be quite happy overall. After the Tsunami on Dec 26, 2004, we were forced to close the laundry shop. Phuket was suffering from a lack of tourism and many businesses were struggling to survive. In order to support my wife and family I returned to Canada to take a job on a deep sea fishing boat. I returned 6 months later and when I returned I was shocked that Natt and her husband had broken up. He had moved out and was no longer living with us. Natt had told me that they had been in a fight and she asked him to leave. Natt was no longer a young girl, she was a very attractive 19 year old woman. She was no longer working for us, and since she lived with us free of charge, she was not in any hurry to get another job. She began to show interest in western men, and she dated a few of my friends. None of these relationships would last very long, as the men she would choose would be young tourists that were only traveling through town, and would not be looking for an unemployed girlfriend that wanted them to support her. Her boyfriends would normally disappear just shortly after she would start asking them for money. In one case, she even faked a pregnancy in order to extort some money from a young man she was seeing. During this period in time, I also noticed that money and valuables were going missing from my shop, and Natt was the prime suspect. It was difficult for me to bring this up with my wife because her and Natt were like family. Eventually my wife caught Natt in the act and we had to ask her to leave. Natt then moved into a room not far away, and started working the local nightclub scene as a freelance bar girl. Eventually my wife had forgiven Natt for stealing from us, and she would visit our shop on a regular basis. She would often arrive with different men that she had been spending time with, and she certainly enjoyed flaunting her newly acquired wealth. Of all the men that Natt introduced me to, none of them were more than 10 years older than her, and all of them were reasonably decent looking. These men had collectively financed Natt's new extravagant lifestyle. There were so many of them that I could not possibly remember the story of each of these men that I had a chance to meet. In 2008, Natt was engaged to an Italian man that she had only known for a short period of time. He had showered her with money, and for Natt, this was true love. I only learned his name when I saw it in the form of an enormous tattoo on her lower back. Ironically she had another boyfriend with a similar name, and she convinced him that she had the tattoo done for him, and the misspelling was an honest mistake. With her fiance in Italy, Natt desperately needed a passport before she could apply for a visa to Italy. There is no government office in Phuket for Thai people to apply for a passport, the nearest place that this is possible is at least a 4 hr drive away in Surat Thani. Natt would need somebody with a car to give her a ride to Surat Thani. The only person she could think of that had a car, was her ex husband. So she arranged for her ex husband to pick her up at my shop, and drive her to Surat Thani to get a passport, so she could go to Italy and marry this man she had only recently met. I had not seen her ex husband since they had broken up, and I was shocked to hear that he would have agreed to help her at all. When he arrived at my shop, I spoke to him about it briefly, he said that he was not concerned about anything, and that they were still friends regardless of the way she was choosing to live her life. The night that Natt returned with her new passport, there was a party at my shop, and I had several friends over. The son of one of my close friends had just arrived, and this was his first night out in Thailand. I noticed that Natt was immediately interested in this 20 year old American boy with little experience. I had an opportunity to sit down and talk to him, and warn him that she was not worth the trouble and he should be aware that she was already engaged. Looking back on it, he was probably thinking I was "daring him". Within a few days, these two were joined at the hip, spending every moment with one another. After watching the two of them spend time together, I truly believe Natt had fallen in love with him, and he had certainly fallen in love with her. Natt was waiting for her visa application for travel to Italy to be accepted, and she was receiving money from her fiance on a regular basis. Her new American boyfriend was aware of the visa application, but he had hoped that she had fallen for him, and that she would eventually cancel her trip to Italy and call it off with her Italian fiance. The reality was, the Italian man was showering her with money, and the young man from Florida did not have any money to offer. When the visa application was accepted, the young man from Florida was heartbroken. The Italian fiance eventually did learn of the relationship between Natt and her young American boyfriend. They spoke on the telephone and via email, and the young American insisted that he and Natt were lovers and Natt would not be going to Italy. Natt was able to convince her fiance that she was not involved with the American and he was just a prankster trying to cause problems for her. She left Thailand on a flight to Italy only a few days after her visa was approved. Needless to say the young man from Florida was devastated, unfortunately his friends and family were less than sympathetic. He had been warned, he should have known better, but as we all know, love is blind. I think that this is a lesson everyone needs to learn, and the younger you are, the easier it will be for you. Many people learn this later in life when it is much more difficult to recover from. Only a week after Natt had gone to Italy, I had thought that the drama was over. My young friend from America was already getting on with his life, and trying to put this experience behind him. Just when I thought the story was over, I was rudely awakened by a phone call in the middle of the night. My wife answered the phone at about 4am, I heard her speaking to a western man and I could hear that the conversation had become quite intense. I heard my wife explaining that in fact Natt was OK and her family was OK and nobody had died. I had no idea what was going on, I took the phone and spoke to the person myself. I spoke to a man from Belgium, he was emotional and upset, he was very concerned about Natt. The man explained that he was Natt's boyfriend and he had spent time with her while he was on vacation a few months earlier. He was under the impression that Natt had passed away and her family was suffering from this and many other recent tragedies. The fact is that there were no tragedies. I explained to the man on the phone that Natt was alive and well, living in Italy. Her family was also healthy and doing just fine. He began to explain to me that he had been told that Natt's sister had died, and that Natt was suffering from a heart condition. He had seen for his own eyes that Natt was taking heavy doses of medication. The fact is, Natt's sister was living in Northern Thailand, and the medication Natt was taking were only diet pills to keep her slim. She had apparently told him that her sister had committed suicide, and that she desperately needed to raise money to pay for the funeral. He was in love with Natt, so he was happy to help her in this time of need. He was young and inexperienced, and he wanted to help someone that was less fortunate than himself. After he had been generous enough to send money to help pay for the funeral of her sister (still alive), she decided to tell him that she was sick and dying from her heart condition. She would require an operation in a last attempt to save her life. She was able to convince him to send money for flights for her mother and father, so they could be with her before she died. He was told a few days later that Natt did not survive the operation. Needless to say, the family was asking for more money to cover the cost of Natt's funeral. He did not hesitate, the next day he sent 2250 Euro via Western Union. He continued to send money to help the family get back on their feet. When he lost contact with the family he decided to contact us and ask if we had heard anything. As he told me these stories, I was shocked and horrified, but it all made so much sense. The stories he was telling me explained where Natt had been getting such large sums of money. The stories I was hearing did not sound as unbelievable as you might think. They actually sounded like similar lies I had known Natt to tell. I apologized to the man and explained to him that he had been the victim of an elaborate scam. We exchanged email addresses, and he filled me in on the rest of the details including sending me the copies of the Western Union receipts for the money he had sent. When all was said and done, he had sent a total of over 15,000 Euro. Now 2 years later, Natt has not returned from Italy, she is now married and living with her Italian husband. She has never expressed any remorse for the pain she caused the people whose lives she affected. It is typical for some uneducated Thai people to justify taking money from those who they view as more fortunate than themselves. They believe that foreigners come by their money easily, so they should not worry so much if they lose it. This is a story of a young lady that did not need money, but was overcome by greed and would do anything in her power to get her hands on as much wealth as possible. Her family did not receive any of this money, nor did they ask for any. You might read this story and think it is an isolated incident, and a poor example of what makes a woman decide to get involved in the sex trade. The fact is, anyone who has lived in Thailand and had any experience with bar girls can probably tell you a similar story. DISCLAIMER : The story above is a true story based on facts about a sex trade worker in Thailand. The real name of the woman in this story is not mentioned in order to protect her Identity, however the nickname is given. There are thousands of women in Thailand that go by the same nickname, however based on the events in the story you may feel that you know the identity of the woman the story is about. Chances are if you are able to determine the identity of the woman by reading this story, then you are not learning any details that you did not already know. In order to protect the woman's identity there are no photos attached to this article showing the face of the girl in the story. The photos may include body shots, photos with the face blurred out or random photos of other women. http://travelinasia.hubpages.com/hub/Phuket-Girl-2 PHUKET, 20 October 2015: Royal Phuket Marina will host three international exhibitions over 11 weeks, bringing more than 10,000 visitors to Phuket.
The marinas events season starts with the Asia-Pacific Cigar, Whisky & Lifestyle Expo (APCWL) hosted 23 to 25 October. It represents a first for Asia, organised by Hathor Investment Group an investment management company focused on hospitality and headquartered in Hong Kong. As we enter Phukets peak tourist season we will be hosting three large-scale exhibitions between October and January and over 2016 we expect to have on average one large-scale trade, or consumer exhibition, each month, said Royal Phuket Marina chairman,Gulu Lalvani. Just month later the Food and Hotelex, a B2B and B2C exhibition will convene at the marinas exhibition hall 19 to 22 November. Organised by Expolink Global Network Limited, Food and Hotelex will include visiting master chefs, wine tasting a bartender competitions. Royal Phuket Marina has a 2,500 sqm waterfront air-conditioned exhibition hall with ample parking. The third exhibition is the Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX), which will be held 7 to 10 January 2016. Asias premier boat show, PIMEX attracts over 5,000 visitors from more than 30 countries around the world. Adding to Royal Phuket Marinas proposition as a MICE destination is the groups THB5 billion five-year investment plan that will see the addition of two resort properties totalling more than 600 rooms, 160 serviced apartments at La Reserve condominium, the RPM childrens zone and expansion of marina facilities. Our five-year investment plan will make Royal Phuket Marina even more attractive to event organisers and the destination of choice for exhibitions of all sizes, added Lalvani. Visit www.royalphuketmarina.com. http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2015/10/phuket-marina-taps-events/ Baba's Nest resort in Phuket, Thailand
Baba's Nest rooftop lounge and bar, at the heart of the Sri Panwa resort in Phuket, Thailand, offers 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding sea Muhammad Lila/ABC News Baba's Nest resort in Phuket, Thailand Sri Panwa's villa accommodations all feature heated infinity pools. The sandals are an added touch. Muhammad Lila/ABC News Baba's Nest resort in Phuket, Thailand Upon request, Sri Panwa's concierge can book a boat trip to Racha Noi, a private island paradise with white talcum powdery sand. Muhammad Lila/ABC News Baba's Nest resort in Phuket, Thailand The sunset vibe at Baba's Nest is laid back and entirely unpretentious. Children, especially, are welcome. Muhammad Lila/ABC News Baba's Nest resort in Phuket, Thailand At sunset, Phuket's Baba's Nest offers a unique experience. With no walls, ceilings, or windows, it's a place where earth, water, and air all meet. Muhammad Lila/ABC News Baba's Nest resort in Phuket, Thailand Instead of traditional tables and chairs, Baba's Nest offers large seating cushions spread out over a wooden platform. The infinity pool isn't just for show ? guests are encouraged to use it. Muhammad Lila/ABC News Baba's Nest resort in Phuket, Thailand Sunset at Baba's Nest, the focal point of evening life at Sri Panwa resort. Muhammad Lila/ABC News Baba's Nest resort in Phuket, Thailand There are no artificial lamps or chandeliers at Baba's Nest. Evenings are candlelit. Muhammad Lila/ABC News Phuket, has seen many changes in its history and the tourist boom is only the latest development in a story that goes back hundreds of years.
Today's visitor to Phuket will see many restaurants, and some old houses, named Junkceylon or Jonkcelaon. This was the name given to the island by the 16th and 17th century pirates who haunted its waters, hiding in the caves and coves along the coast. It's present name, Phuket, derives from the Malay word Bukit which means hill (thought to derive from the island's mountainous terrain). Phuket and Tin Mining Despite the pirates, traders flocked to its shores for what the island had in plenty, tin, one of the ancient world's most prized commodities. Tin is fairly easy to extract, especially when the veins of tin are close to the surface as they were in Phuket, there were other commodities that attracted traders to the island, rare corals from the surrounding seas and edible birds's nests (a delicacy to Chinese gourmets and still collected on the island). To mine the tin, thousands of indentured Chinese and Malay workers were brought in, immigrants who set an indelible seal on the island, seen today in the architecture and the food. The entrepreneurs built mansions for themselves well away from the scarred and cratered landscape which was left littered with the detritus of tin mining. Then in the early years of the 19th century, rubber trees were imported from Malaya and soon Phuket was the richest province in Thailand. Tourism arrives Phuket in the 1970's Tourism arrived in Phuket in the 1970's with the advent of cheap travel and long-haul flights, although back packers had already found their way there in the late 1960's. Roads were cut through the mountains to the magnificent beaches, hotels were erected, and a new airport was built. Few would have thought in those early days of tourism that Phuket, with its scarred and cratered ugliness, would, in the course of a few decades, become Asia's No. 1 tourist spot. Cratered Landscape Left by Tin-Mining in Phuket Despite the scarred landscape, brilliant creative architects designed hotels that made use of the enormous craters that despoiled the landscape. One of the finest examples of what could be done with an area so ruined, is that of the Laguna complex on Bang Tao beach. The first hotel there in the 1970's was the Dusit Laguna and one of the craters on the site was transformed into a gently shelving, sandy sided, lagoon which quickly transformed itself into a beginner's wind-surfing paradise. Later, as more hotels were erected in the area (Sheraton, Banyon Tree, Allamanda and Laguna Beach) other craters were transformed into canals linking the hotels, and today it is the most attractive resort on the island, with boats bustling between the five hotels that share the waterways and lagoons created from the detritus of tin-mining. Old Chinese Houses in Phuket Legacy of Tin-Mine Owners Many of the old Chinese houses still survive in Phuket Town, built in the Sino-Portuguese style which can also be seen in Malacca from where many of the Chinese labourers originally came. Those who prospered built themselves town houses along the new streets, but the really rich built the mansions still to be seen outside the town. Dredging Tin from the Seas Around Phuket In the 1980's there was concern among the hoteliers and locals when tin-mining began again - this time in the sea. Dredging for tin went on day and night just opposite the Laguna complex and it was said at the time that the dredging was having a detrimental effect on the beach (see picture below). This continued for a few years but either they extracted all the tin available, or the people of Phuket derived some power to keep them away, but since then, no mining has taken place on this lovely island. Old people in Phuket still remember the tin-mining days, the very early tourists remember the rubber tapping and a little tin-mining, and in the writer's day, the tin-dredger in the bay was a daily reminder of the power of big business. Could this happen again? Probably not. The world is more aware of the dangers facing the planet and care for the environment is on high on every government agenda. And Phuket is now established as Thailand's No. 1 Resort Island. Two hours on the road from Bangkok is Pattaya, one of the most sought after beaches in Thailand. The milky sands, limpid blue sea, and the night life is a local as well as international attraction that brings in the multitudes year after year. It is not just the tourists who come to Thailand, you can see a lot of cosmopolitan crowd having set up base in Pattaya, having bought up villas and bungalows, and having made Pattaya their home. The Thai government has promoted foreign settlers here by putting forth special schemes for retirees who wish to settle down in Thailand. Pattaya offers a easy and economic life style, that is further helped by the tropical climate, a hospitable and friendly culture, while you also have access to good shopping, dining, art and cultural festivities, and a good night life too.
Day in and day out, you can enjoy the jet skis, parasailing, and all that water fun activities like you never did before anywhere else in Pattaya or you can choose to sip you beer or cocktail and laze around in the sands or the countless beach bars that almost crowd the Pattaya beaches. If you would like to enjoy a fishing trip or need more privacy you can hire a boat and go for a day long cruise into the sea, and escape the crowds and the buzz of Pattaya beach. Pattaya beach usually gets crowded during the weekends and holiday seasons. For a more family oriented fun there are a number of zoos and theme parks, dedicated to animals where you and your children can come to witness the animals at close quarters. You can also swim with the dolphins at the Oasis Sea World or visit the Underwater World, which is an underwater aquarium which is home to many thousand varieties of fishes and may hundred species of sea life. There are museums like the Bottle Art Museum, and Ripleys Believe it or not museum where you will find the weirdest things in the planet. Night life in Pattaya is a celebration that lasts till dawn. There are a lot of dance bars with many variations that serves different tastes and sexual orientations and is one of the major attractions to those visiting Pattaya. Dotted with over 21 golf courses, amateur and avid golfers can pick and choose your course and have endless days of golfing around. A couple of miles south of Pattaya is the Jomtein Beach, which is considered more of a family friendly beach when the crowds pour in on the Pattaya beach making it noisome and frenzied. The Jomtein area is one of the most sought after areas for settlement by the expats due to the shopping, restaurants and also the laid back atmosphere, making Jomtein more nirvana-like! With a 6 km long beach coast, there is ample space for families to enjoy a day long outing in the sands by the shore. There are a lot of traditional Thai, grills and BBQs, and fast food outlets catering to the tourist, day in and out. Author's Bio: We have best selection of information about Thailand for all tourists. It carefully selected links to guides, tips, elephants camps and beaches in Thailand. Thailand - travel guide, Thailand weather and information about Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya. http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/pattaya-thailand-a-tourists-road-to-nirvana "The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever."
Jacques Cousteau If there's one place which epitomizes the quote mentioned above, it's got to be Phuket. Yes, I do know what you're thinkingit's too crowded and it's rather uncouth. In pockets, it definitely is. But then again, we're talking about a world-class destination, favored by the rich and famous for its luxurious living and fine dining. Being abundantly blessed by Nature, the island's USP lies in its wonderful beaches. Well, at least in some of them, if not all. The tourism boost has been a boon and a bane to the island; while the economy's been smiling, the place is turning into a crime magnet at the same time. But we're not getting into all that at the moment. This piece is about Phuket's best beaches, and that's precisely what follows. However, keep in mind that Phuket's nastiness in the form of pesky vendors and rogue taxi drivers may tag along as well. Patong, located on the west coast, is synonymous with everything Phuket stands forand we're talking both, carnal and surreal. The area is abuzz with the 'mai pen rai' or 'take it easy' attitude, for when you're in Patong, everything, and we mean everything, is easy to get. From a Pad Thai breakfast off the street, to a Thai cabaret show to round off the night, nothing is impossible when you're here. But amidst the neon lights, the souvenir shops, the sleazy ladyboy bars lies Patong's super-popular beach. Stretching 3 km, the beach holds quite a reputation for its nightlife. Which doesn't mean that families refrain from coming here. There are endless activities to indulge in, including jet-skiing, parasailing, swimming, or simply lazing on those inviting lounge chairsyou may even get a Thai massage, if you please. If the main beach in Patong is too overwhelming for you, head to Freedom Beach, a white sand haven dotted with granite rocks and surrounded by hills covered by thick cover of green. The beach can only be accessed by boat, which means, you'll find relatively fewer crowds here. On the agenda here is soccer, volleyball, snorkeling, and sunbathing; all of which you indulge in complete peace and quiet. Paradise Beach is another gem in the vicinity of Patong, which stands true to its name. The beach itself is tiny and rocky, with the clearest waters that are perfect for a spot of snorkeling. You can hire a boat from Patong to get here, provided the tides aren't too choppy. People take the effort to sail down here to simply view the gorgeous corals, and spend a relaxed day heremind you, there aren't any vendors here. Yay! Surin Beach, again, is on the west coat of Phuket, and is around 15 km away from Patong. The beach is small, but makes up in terms of scenic beauty. Like other beaches, Surin is commercialized as wellyou'll find endless rows of loungers here. The atmosphere, though, is much less charged, which is a pleasant change indeed. The tiny resort town of Surin also goes by the name of Millionaire's Row, owing to the many famous names that come here to vacation and/or own some spanking, sea-facing property here. You'll find some excellent grub for cheap over here, along with some high-end restaurants as well, and you can particularly enjoy a leisurely dinner here, as you watch the sun go downtruly, one of life's greatest pleasures. Surin is not exactly a place for those into water sports. The sea here is a little too rocky for novice surfers, and you'll hardly find any speedboats over here. Kayaking is one activity which does find some takers, with excursions going to the Laem Singh Beach which is close by. Karon Beach is favored by families, and you won't spot a lot of the singles crowd here. It's across the street from Hilton Phuket, so many of the hotel's guest often do the hop-skip-and-jump to get here. The beach is long and clean, and more importantly, not as crowded, which makes it perfect for long walks. If you're looking for a spot of isolation, head to the northern end of the beach, which tends to be practically deserted all the time. The nighttime markets are also a great place for some unusual finds and souvenirs to take home. Water sports operators make their vociferous presence felt at all times on Karon. So, from parasailing and jet skiing to windsurfing and wakeboarding, you'll find plenty of exciting options here. The beach is a great spot for snorkeling as well. A favorite way to pass the evening here, according to the locals, is to play a game of volleyball, and everyone is invited to play or watch. Karon Beach suffered a lot of damage in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, but has made quite a recovery ever since, and is now one of the most remarkable beaches in Phuket. Kata Beach is located further south from Karon, and is a gem of a spot in the shape of a cove. The street that lines the beach is lined with treesa refreshing splash of green in searing hot Phuket. It has all the beach essentialsloungers under humongous umbrellas, water sports like surfing, parasailing, and jet skiing. You'll also find the beach staple of food carts and shacks selling some delicious Thai food here. With all the white sand and turquoise water loveliness around you, it's really hard to be wanting anything more. But even so, snorkeling is one activity that must be enjoyed here on Kata Beach, for the water is perfectly clear, shallow, and warm. Windsurfers and Hobie Cats can be rented by the hour. The southern end of the beach is predominantly a surfer's zone. It doesn't matter if you're a beginner, the waves here are not as fierce, and you can even avail surfing lessons. An erstwhile fishing village, Kamala has undergone a complete facelift in recent years. A stone's throw away from Padong, Kamala Beach is the antithesis of its more famous neighbor. So, if you're coming here (and you should), expect a more laid back scene, with families and couples having a relaxed day on the beach. Also, you won't be too hassled by vendors when you're here, which in Phuket, is a major plus. The relative solitude here at Kamala Beach is a treasured quality for the locals, mostly comprising retirees and long-term holiday makers. As far as activities are concerned, this beach is quite good for scuba diving, although you need to get in touch with any of the local schools here to arrange a trip for you. Surfers usually head to the northern end of the beach which has beach break with stable sandbanks, owing to the presence of reefs. Besides, you'll also find the seaside regulars like parasailing and jet skiing. A bit about the overall beach-scene in Phuket Being an island, you're never too far away from a beach when you're in Phuket. But yes, we all have our reasons for coming here, so you need to chalk out a purpose before you hit the beach. Padong, by a long shot is the clear winner if you're looking for action and excitement, be it water sports or nightlife. There are calmer spots in Phuket too, like the Freedom Beach or Paradise, depending upon your activity of choice. Most beaches on the island are accessible by car or motorbike. You may have to even take a ferry to reach a few beaches. Phuket may have gained a bit of notoriety over the years, but rest assured, it isn't as bad as you'd imagined it to be. Unless, of course, you choose to go looking out for trouble, wanting to live your version of The Hangover movie. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/best-beaches-in-phuket-you-should-not-miss.html |
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March 2018
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