Most of the performers have been totally transformed into when because most shows won’t even take them until the final curtain has been pulled on their manhood. Gender reassignment surgery in Thailand is also legendary it maintains outstanding surgical standards and is one of the most cost effective places in the world.

Bangkok boasts some of the most famous and fabulous lady-boy show in the world and the cabaret shows pay tribute to the crème de la crème of female persona, from Hollywood glam, disco diva to mythical creatures and legends of the orient. The cabaret shows feature spectacular extravaganza sets and costumes and to add some fun, comedy skits are thrown in to.

Some of the most famous Katoey shows in Bangkok include the following.

- The Katoey Phenomena
- Fame and Fortune
- How to Tell
- A Calypso Lady-Boy Show and many more.

To use one, just walk up to them and state your destination and usually, prices are up for negotiation but generally cheaper than meter taxis and tuk-tuks for short journeys and a little bit more expensive for longer cross-city trips.

Motorbike taxis are very advantageous over other forms of transport in Bangkok because of there speed and usefulness in beating Bangkok’s perpetual traffic jams as the drivers spend most of their time in a relatively limited area of town near their stations and they often have an excellent knowledge of the nearby back streets and short cuts, and they know the local area better than taxi drivers.

Most of the clientele of the motorbike taxis are the local Thais but even a tourist is late somewhere, can have the use of the motorbike because of it’s advantages but remember it might be a terrifying experience because of the way the drivers weave in and out of the traffic, so hold on tight and for a longer distance, make sure that you are given an helmet.

Many people find the summer season far too hot, whilst newcomers to Thailand find the monsoon season humid and sticky. Generally, it only rains for two or three hours a day during the monsoon season, usually in the early morning and then again around 5 pm.

Most people prefer to visit Thailand between November and February, when the weather is dry and relatively cool and the beaches are at their best. This is also when most of Thailand’s festivals take place.

The peak tourist season is from November to late March, with a secondary peak season in July and August. However, this is also naturally when accommodation is the most expensive. People wishing to save money and avoid the crowds would do well to visit during September and October, when the fear of rain keeps most tourists away.

Central Thailand and the East
Often roasting during the summer (40◦C is not unusual), it rarely gets cold in the capital and surrounding area. If you want to beat the heat and the often torrential rain of the monsoon season, it is best to visit between November and February, with the coolest weather usually in January.

When I first arrived in Thailand I was delighted to discover that the pad thai I had enjoyed in London for £5 could be bought for as little as 20 Baht – 35p! Not only that, but the delicious dish can be sampled right on Khaosan Road, allowing you to soak up the atmosphere while you eat. Of course, the price varies according to the quality of ingredients and where you eat it, but a large serving of pad thai made with quality ingredients can be bought for 40 or 50 Baht, which is still less than £1.

I quickly discovered that the ingredients, flavours and presentation of pad thai dishes vary significantly between restaurants and areas. Before long I had sampled the dish at most of the restaurants in my area of Bangkok and found my favourite places to eat.

I have found that the tastiest pad thai is located not in fancy restaurants but in small, traditional Thai restaurants or from carts on the street. Eating on the street also provides the opportunity for people watching, always a welcome diversion.

One of my favourite places to eat and watch the world go by is on Soi Rambhutri in the heart of Bangkok’s Banglampu. Here, the blend of Thai people, seasoned travelers and hapless tourists makes interesting and often comical entertainment.

Noodles were first brought to Thailand by Chinese immigrants. They also brought chopsticks and woks, essential equipment for enjoying pad thai. However, Thai people traditionally eat rice three times a day and noodles were overlooked for a long time.

The Prime Minister of Thailand, Luang Phibunsongkhram; introduced pad thai and made it a national dish during World War II. Thailand was faced with a rice shortage and budget crises at this time and the Prime Minister promoted the eating of pad thai to combat the problem.

Today, pad thai is enjoyed all over Thailand and indeed all over the world. It is loved by Westerners because it is not spicy like many other Thai dishes and can be eaten at any time of the day or night.

Spirit houses vaguely resemble bird houses, which can be found in many gardens in western countries. However, rather than attracting birds, these houses are intended to serve as resting places for the spirits.

Spirit houses are built for two purposes: to attract the spirits from the heavens and as alternative accommodation for the spirits that live in the homes of humans. It is believed that if the spirits are treated with respect they have the power to grant wishes, protect people and bring them good health and luck.

If, however, the spirits feel as though they have been mistreated or disrespected, they can cause businesses to fail, loss of fortune and health. For this reason, the spirits must be informed when an important venture – such as a new business or marriage – is planned.

The spirits that reside in spirit houses are known as Phra Bhum Jowthee, or Guardian Spirits of the Land. There are nine different types of Phra Bhum Jowthee, each performing different functions and bestowing various blessings. When selecting their spirit house, Thai people are careful to decorate and adorn it with objects that will appeal to a specific type of spirit.

The main types of spirits that are revered are The Guardian of the House and The Guardian of the Gardens. In fact, these are the only types of spirits that have permanent spirit houses built for them, although temporary spirit houses may be built for other spirits on special occasions.

The main role of The Guardian of the House is to watch over and protect the home. Without exception, every spirit house in modern Thai society has a spirit house for this function and the spirit is also expected to provide financial security and help in business matters.

Spirit houses can be seen absolutely everywhere in Bangkok and the rest of Thailand. People looking for outstanding examples could go to the spirit house in the Grand Palace complex, where hundreds of people gather to make offerings, say prayers and have wishes granted. Other examples can be found outside large hospitals, markets and hotels.

These are the preparations for the ceremony to mark to start of Khao Phansa, or Buddhist Lent. The children will visit various temples in the area and present the monks with gifts. The candles are a tradition originating in the days before electricity, when candles were an essential source of heat and light.

The monks bless the candles the previous day in a special ceremony at the school. Once everything is ready, everyone heads to the temple and the children circle the wat, playing music and dancing, moving their hands in the traditional minimalist style in time to the music. Many of the students are carry baskets of gifts, which contain candles, flowers, incense and everyday items such as toothpaste and soap.

The tradition of the three-month rains retreat or Phansa dates back to the days of early Buddhism in India. Then, all holy men spent the three-month rainy season in a permanent abode, foregoing their usually wandering around the country. They avoided unnecessary travel during this period for fear that they might trample young plants and ruin the farmers’ crop. Thai people follow this tradition because Lord Buddha decreed that his followers should adhere to this custom.

Buddhist Lent is a time for spiritual renewal, merit making and meditation. During this time, monks must stay in a fixed location and rely on the gifts and alms presented to them by the local people, whose responsibility it is to care for them.

Offerings can be almost anything, but savoury dishes and sweets are traditional items that provide light such as candles, lanterns and lamp oil are seen as particularly auspicious offerings as they are believed to provide the monks with both physical and spiritual illumination. The candles are often more than six feet high and ten inches in diametre.

Many young men enter the monk hood during Phansa, either for a short period or permanently. During the three months, no monk may disrobe and leave the monk hood. Phansa is considered so important in Thailand that all male government officials and members of the armed forces are allowed three months’ leave on full pay once in their lifetime, in order to spend at least one Phansa as a monk. Buddhist monks teach the young boys Buddhist Doctrine, as well as preaching to the villagers who visit them.

During Buddhist lent, Thai people refrain from bad habits such as drinking alcohol, smoking and leading an inappropriate life. Many Thai people make resolutions to reform and renew their life during the rains retreat, in much the same way as Western people do at New Year.

This is an English translation of the song sung by Thai students to celebrate Loy Krathong.

Not quite as chaotic as Songkran, Loy Krathong is one of the most interesting Thai festivals. In Thai, Loy means “to float”, whilst krathong is the name of the small lotus-shaped rafts, which are specially constructed for the occasion. Loy Krathong is held on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the lunar calendar. This usually falls in November and is celebrated this year on November 24th.

The Loy Krathong festival dates back about 700 years. Coinciding with the end of the rainy season and the rice harvest, it is a way of apologizing for polluting the water. Thai people float a krathong on the water to thank the Goddess of Water, Phra Mae Khongkha. The act of floating away the candle raft sybolises letting go of anger and grudges so that a person can start life afresh.

Another symbol of Loy Krathong are the beautiful kom loy lanterns. When inflated, a candle is placed inside and the lantern was released, rising high into the air to become another flickering point of light.

Another interesting event during Loy Krathong are the beauty contests, known as “Noppamas Queen Contests” after the consort of the former king of Sukhothai, King Loethai. Noppamas is credited with starting the tradition of krathongs when her beautiful tribute caught the attention of the king as it drifted down the river.
Loy Krathong is a great opportunity to experience a Thai festival. Whether you choose to do it simply as and onlooker or get fully involved, Thai people are extremely found of this festival and pleased to share the experience.

Damnoen Saduak Floating market is popular with tourists and many travel companies offer tours of the market, which include a trip along the canal networks in a longtailed boat. However, this market can be rather crowded

For visitors who crave a more authentic experience, a number of other floating markets can be found around Bangkok.

The Taling Chan Floating Market is located just outside central Bangkok and has remained true to its roots.  The women here wear traditional blue overalls, or ‘mor hom’ and conical hats and can be seen slowly paddling boats filled with fruit, vegetables and flowers. This market is held on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 4 pm. To get there, take bus 79 or 83, or telephone 02424 5448 for more details.

The Tha Kha Floating Market is held six days a month from 6-12 on weekends, varying according to the Thai lunar calendar. Situated 10kms past Damnoen Saduak, it is best to visit around 7 a.m.

A return taxi journey costs around 700 Baht. Alternatively, take a bus to Samut Songkham from the Southern Bus Terminal and a mini bus from there.

Situated in the Bang Kruai district of Nonthanburi, the bang Khu Wian Floating Market is also worth a look. Visit around dawn and you will see traditional scenes of village life, untainted by modern values. To get there, simply take a boat from the Tha Chang Pier near the Grand Palace.

Klong Toey slum

It doesn’t happen often that foreign government officials visit Bangkok’s biggest slum, Klong Toey. But the Australian minister, Stephen Smith absolutely wanted to meet the 76-year-old nun whose work with the needy has won her a small amount of fame in Perth, where he and the nun originate from.

Since 1992 Joan Evens has worked and lived in the slum community, helping to educate and feed the poor people. Smith’s visit was a fast show of encouragement and support, which was highly appreciated by the sister, who receives frequent donations from expatriates in the country, the embassy, plus Western Australian supporters.

More than one million Bangkokians live in slums.  More on Sister Joan Evens

If you eat like the Thais, than the products on your plate will contain fresh veggies, freshly caught seafood, barbecued beef, pork or chicken and rice. The drink used with a meal is usually a glass of plain water. No mega-sweet Coke or Sprite!

Pad Thai, a delecious, nutritious and cheap meal for less than a Buck!

The prices for the wide range of varied meals which are served by street vendors or at common Thai restaurants are truly cheap. You absolutely don’t have to spend more than US $2.50 for a substantial healthy meal including a drink. For just a couple of bucks more you may go dining out and enjoy a complete “all you can eat” buffet, including coffee or tea and dessert.

Guide to the finest restaurants in Phuket

If you really want to experience Thailand’s culinary culture than you shouldn’t only dine in the restaurants which serve the food you normally eat back home. Don’t be narrow minded and at least try to enjoy some of the typical Thai culinary delights during your stay in the country. It is healthy, delicious and inexpensive.

As you probably know, rice is the daily Thai meal’s basic ingredient. The Thais mostly even have rice (rice soup) for breakfast. I never really was a rice eater and always preferred potatoes. At most of the Thai markets potatoes are rather expensive (about $1 per kilo). However, I must admit still buying some potatoes once in a while as sometimes I like eating a good potato salad but by now it’s mainly rice what I eat and prefer.

At the markets in Thailand you can also buy many different fresh fruits such as strawberries, pineapples, mangos, watermelons, apples, grapes, dragon fruit, lemons, bananas, oranges, coconuts, jackfruit, rose apples, papayas and cantaloupes. Probably the king of all fruits here is durian. The strong aroma normally prevents visitors from sampling this yellow, soft fruit that is eaten by pinching it open. Most visitors will love the taste once they had the courage trying some of this fruit!

If you never visited Thailand and probably never will than it might be a good idea to visit a website offering some recipes of simple Thai dishes. This way you could even enjoy some superb Thai cuisine at home. Forget about the usual Western food for a while and try it! I’m pretty sure you’ll cook it more and more often once you’ve tasted it.

The first part of this article was posted earlier on this Chiang Mai Thailand blog