This trip to the Snake Farm was my third, and the show has got less enjoyable each time I have gone. The first issue are the prices which increased in January, 2010. Foreigners pay THB 200 for adults, while Thais pay only 40 THB for adults each. It seems extraordinary to me to have to pay five times a local’s price. It is a massive difference, but other people might have different views on this subject.

Double pricing is alive and well in Thailand elsewhere too. Later in the same day we went to a temple called Wat Arun. Thais get in free while foreigners have to pay THB 50. At both places the price for Thais was not advertised or written anywhere. I only found out because I had to pay for all the Thais who went with us for the day.

And, it was a very expensive day!

The Snake Farm has changed significantly since I first visited it about two years ago. The snakes had more life in them before, and they didn’t act as if they were on sleep medication. There is a big new area in the centre of the outside auditorium. This area has cages and open air enclosures. The enclosures and area in general are all new and of a high quality. But the snakes are just curled up sleeping on pieces of wood, lying in pots, or in the water.

The highlight of my previous trips was seeing the Black Mambas and numerous white mice in the same big enclosure which was the size of a small house. The speed of those snakes was incredible and they weren’t even moving over open ground. Every time a Black Mamba passed a white mouse, you held your breath and hoped the little mouse was not bitten or eaten.

The Black Mamba cage is still there, but the Black Mambas, and the little white mice are gone and do not seem to be anywhere else in the Snake Farm.

The Anacondas also had a cage which is now also empty. In fact, all the snakes in the peripheral enclosures were gone, and the enclosures were empty. I was disappointed because, other than the King Cobra, those two types of snakes were the best to look at by far.

On a previous visit the King Cobra, which comes out very early in the show, had plenty of life and aggression. I was awed by the snake’s anger and the look in its eyes. This time it acted as though it had been wacked on the head because it could barely stand up and open its hood.

For first time visitors there was a mild thrill when one of the snake handlers put a venomous snake close to his head. But he really was in no danger because he was holding the snake further down its body. The smallish snake could not have reached the handler, even with all its strength. There was another snake with a bit of life, but overall there were not many snakes shown to our group.

The announcer spoke English reasonably well, and was amusing. They also put on a slide show in a different building which was included with the entry fee. Unfortunately, we got there too late to see it. We also didn’t see any snakes have their venom extracted. This act is promoted on a sign a the Snake Farm.

There are exhibits inside one building at the Snake Farm. The biggest exhibit is of snakes preserved in large jars. Another exhibit has a few snake skeletons on show. The most interesting exhibit for me was the Python model, in which the snake’s body had been opened up to show the arrangement of the internal organs within the snake. Fascinating!

The exhibit area is professionally built, and there are lots of pictures and text in both Thai and English. This is the best part of the Snake Farm.

Overall I felt the Snake Farm was mediocre especially if you saw it a couple of years ago. The double pricing at the entrance was a major turn-off. Most visitors would not realise they were paying five times the Thai price when buying a ticket with the way the ticket stand is set up. The Snake Show itself is disappointing, except for the building containing the exhibits.

Of course, identifying key areas does not mean you just focus on one group. Demand segmentation helps identify all types of customers that book a suite, reserve a function room, or eat at the hotel’s restaurant.

Market segmentation also makes a wide gamut of information available to the people who run hotels and make business decisions. These pieces of information include numerous aspects of the clientele, such as range, social class, lifestyle, age group, and business type. This data is important to identify particular needs associated to a particular demographic, allowing the hotel to cater to more specific needs should the need arise.

This information is also useful when it comes to implementing new marketing strategies. Which amenity is most appealing for new clients? What would be the best feature to emphasize in order to attract more guests from a particular segment? What activities appeal most to this or that age group? Those questions are just a few of the ones that can be answered thanks to a determined effort when it comes to market segmentation.

Each segment hotel management identifies has a relationship to other segments. The dynamics between these segments is important to assess critical points in the business as well as in making improvements to the approach and execution. Additionally, each segment on its own demands special attention to detail and care in formulating plans and services.

Common segments encountered in day-to-day hotel activities include the business-oriented commercial segment, the corporate segment, and the leisure traveler segment. There are many complex dynamics that are involved within each segment, and some of these dynamics are subject to change, depending on the current state of the economy.

For example, the leisure segment is definitely dependent on the outlook of leisure travelers. Much like during the recent global recession, many leisure travelers were cutting costs or even canceling out a lot of planned trips because of a limited amount or lack of disposable funds. The business segment, on the other hand, is more consistent and more solid, because of the relatively constant demand generated by various businessmen and companies.

With this in mind, it is important for hotels to have dedicated analysts that can sort out the piles of information. Data is one thing, interpretation is another. It is not enough to identify the segments; it is equally important to find an effective way to implement changes to the service.

Market demand segmentation is, without a sliver of a doubt, one of the most important concepts when it comes to starting and maintaining a hotel or other type of establishment in the hospitality industry. A lot of information about the customers is revealed to the management, and this way, hotels can adjust their strategies accordingly to fill the needs of their guests. With market segmentation, establishments will have a clearer picture of who their clients are, and they will also have a better idea on how to better serve each and every client.

Chock-a-blocks with vacationers of all castes and creeds round the year, Goan beaches are one of the most exotic destinations for holidaying in India. Washed by tides twice a day, refashioned by monsoons yearly, the beaches always have something new to offer. Among all the beaches of Goa, the beach which beckons the visitor most is Anjuna.

Anjuna Beach Location:

Titled as “mother of all beaches in Goa”, Anjuna Beach is located 8km west of Mapusa town in Bardez taluka of North-Goa district. Adjacent to Chapora Fort, the sandy stretch of Anjuna was once a hotspot for hippies, who used to meet here during the dry season and party hard.

Tourist Attractions of Anjuna:

But, with the gradual passage of time, this fantastic beach has also turned into a favored tourist destination for both laymen and celebs. Full moon trance parties under the moonlit sky, which lasts till the wee hours of morning are the prime attractions of Anjuna beach. Be it a localite or a foreigner, every body loves to shake their hips in these glamorous parties on the rhythm of electrifying rock or Bollywood music.

Beside these glossy parties, Anjuna is also famed as Freak capital of world. Wednesday Flea market of Anjuna is a bustling business centre as well as a major tourist attraction. Holidaymakers whosoever visits Anjuna never forgets to explore this market as it gives a golden opportunity to behold some unusual stuffs like old Goa trance music cassettes, artificial ornaments carvings, funky T-shirts, European snacks, Tibetan, Kashmiri and Gujarati trinkets etc.

Anjuna Beach Hotels:

Apart from its endless array of tourist attractions, Anjuna Beach is also popular for its excellent staying options. It is no dearth of world class hotels and resorts which are suitable for all pocket sizes. Some of the esteemed luxury and budget hotels or resorts near Anjuna Beach Goa are

Hotel Laguna Anjuna:

Address:- Sorantto Vaddo, Anjuna, Goa – 403509, India.

Designed by the award winning architect Dean D’Cruz (of Nilaya Hermitage acclaim), Hotel Laguna Anjuna, is a simple but stylish hotel. The hotel is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the beach and situated in a rural location. Services and facilities of this hotel includes outdoor pool, a children’s pool, a full-service health spa, a hair salon, a concierge desk, wireless Internet access, air conditioned rooms, these rooms also include refrigerators, shower/tub combinations, and bathrobes.

Mapple Nirvana Hermitage:

Address:- 955/2 Pequem Peddem, Flea Market Road, Anjuna- Bardez, Goa, India

Hotel Mapple Nirvana Hermitage, built on a lush isolated hillock, is situated at the heart of Anjuna beach. The hotel is ideally constructed amidst the lush green surroundings and in the vicinity of the azure waters of the Arabian Sea. The hotel has beautiful Cottages and Garden Cottages. It also has an in-house restaurant. Services and recreational amenities provided by the hotel include Doctor on call, Laundry service, Travel desk, Swimming pool, Car parking, an outdoor pool, a spa tub, a steam room, a business center, and laundry facilities.

Flushing Meadows Goa:

Address:- Pequeno Chiwar, Anjuna, Bardez, Goa – 403509, India.

Located in a small remote village of North Goa near Anjuna Beach, Hotel Flushing Meadows Country Resort is a newly built resort. The resort is surrounded by lush greenery and the hills of Anjuna Village. It has well decorated rooms with balconies facing the poolside.

La Oasis Anjuna:

Address: Flea Market Road, Near Football Ground, Anjuna, Bardez, Goa 403506, India

As the name reflects, Hotel La Oasis is an esteemed hotel constructed nearby to Anjuna Beach. This beautiful hotel has excellent recreational amenities which includes outdoor pool, a fitness facility, a children’s pool, a poolside bar, spa services, and a bar/lounge. Rooms are well equipped with LCD televisions, refrigerators, coffee/tea makers, hair dryer etc.

Other hotels and resorts nearby to Anjuna beach are Country Club De Goa, Riviera De Goa, Suncity Resort, Resort Rio, Royal Heritage Resort etc.

To all these amazing things in the right way, you need a right Bangkok accommodation. That’s exactly the point when you can consider the option of staying in Bangkok serviced apartments. People who go to Bangkok for a longer period of time prefer to stay in apartments rather than in hotels. The reason behind this

There are apartments available in Bangkok that have all the facilities that make people feel at their home. There are world class hotels in the capital of Thailand and these are also a centre of attraction of many tourists. The Sukhumvit hotel has received a lot of appreciation from its customers and is mainly accommodated for businessmen, who like to do their big deals in this Tai-pan hotel. It is also known as Pullman Bangkok King Power hotel. The administration of Bangkok has also made apartments in the same region so that tourists can also be accommodated. It is due to this competition that you can find accommodation at lower rates. In fact, it is quite amazing that price of this hotel is $89 per night. Now this is easily affordable and with their excellent customer services, it is a good option to consider.

If you are one of those persons who like to stay near riverside then Bangkok will not disappoint you. The Royal Orchard hotel has been built near the riverside and it is one of the most famous hotels in Bangkok. The price of one room here is $108 per night and its venue distinct it from other hotels. Though people think this rate is a bit on the higher side, but considering the fact that there is no other accommodation in this area other than this hotel, it starts looking good even at this rate.

It is a must place for every tourist who wants to see the real beauty of Bangkok. However, if you like to see a trendy place in Bangkok, then you must have a stay in Baiyoke Boutique hotel. This hotel is known for its excellent decoration, unique style and outstanding customer facilities. This hotel has simple furniture but provides superb facilities along with foolproof security.

This hotel is located at the centre of Pratunam shopping area and is very close to the Baiyoke sky hotel. All these features enhance the quality of this hotel and make it a perfect accommodation. In nutshell, it is enough to say that Bangkok has an apartment in a location that you love the most. Facilities are outstanding and serviced are fabulous. But, you can understand it only when you visit this amazing city.

Visitors to the Museum of Buddhist Art are usually advised to start their tour in an annex to the main building that houses the Kuan Yin Palace and Museum which displays statues of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. The courtyard outside this museum has six miniature wooden palaces housing Chinese deities.

The main theme of the Museum of Buddhist Art, however, is housed in eight rooms upstairs in the main building displaying Buddha statues, sculptures and figurines from the different kingdoms that had an impact on Thai art and culture.

The various schools of Buddhist art of each era blended with the previous and added its distinct touch. Detailed explanations are provided for the Buddha statues, their characteristics, different postures and subtle variations in the folds of the robes.

The museum is a useful source of knowledge for the scholar of Buddhist art and Buddha sculptures. The casual visitor, seeking an overview of an important aspect of Thai culture, would find this museum interesting as well.

Buddhist art from the various kingdoms displayed in the Museum of Buddhist Art

Dvaravati art (6th – 11th centuries AD)

Dvaravati art is based on the culture of the United Kingdom of Dvaravati in Nakhon Phahom, Central Thailand established by the Mon from Burma. The Buddhist art work of this period is based on the Southern India and Sri Lanka models.

Srivijaya art (7th – 14th centuries)

The Srivijaya kingdom covered Sumatra, Java, the Malay Peninsula and Southern Thailand, right up to Surat Thani and Nakhon Sri Thammarat. The art form from this era had a rich mix of Indian, Khmer, Sri Lanka, Java and Sumatra cultures.

Khmer art (11th – 19th centuries)

From 6th – 14th centuries, the Khmer Empire in Cambodia ruled over Laos and northeastern Thailand (Isarn). Khmer art was to have an enduring legacy on Buddhist art work for centuries to come.

Burmese art (11th – 19th centuries)

Burmese art evolved from the various ethnic groups in the ancient Burmese kingdom of Pagan. The Burmese, Mon, Arakan, Tai-yai kingdoms developed Buddhist art during their respective reigns. All these groups had an influence on Thai art.

Sukhothai art (13th – 15th centuries)

Art flourished in the Sukhothai Kingdom under the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng. Classic Sukhothai art soon emerged from the Khmer influence and established its unique style.

Ayuthaya art (1350 – 1767)

The exhibits on Ayuthaya art in the Museum of Buddhist Art represents the longest period in Thai art. Pre-Ayuthaya art was a combination of Khmer art of the Bayon period (the Bayon temples in Cambodia) and Dvaravati art, a mixture which was known as U Thong Art.

The establishment of Ayuthaya produced a blend of Khmer and Sukhothai styles which gradually evolved into its own distinctive character in the 16th century.

Lanna art (13th – 20th centuries)

The Lanna kingdom (Land of a Million Fields) was established by King Mengrai in northern Thailand in 1296. Pure Lanna art developed when the kingdom was independent. Lanna came under Burmese rule and later under Thai rule. The Buddha statues during these periods had their subtle differences.

Lan Xang art (14th – 18th centuries)

The Lan Xang kingdom (Land of a Million Elephants) was founded by King Fah Ngum in the 14th century after the fall of Sukhothai. The kingdom covered present day Laos and parts of northeastern Thailand. King Fah Ngum made Buddhism the state religion and so began an art form that also left its mark on Buddhist art.

Thonburi art (1767 – 1782)

Thonburi art had a brief period as the kingdom lasted for only 15 years.

Rattanakosin art (1782 – present)

What followed was Rattanakosin art of the modern Bangkok era. The Buddha statues and sculptures during the reign of the Chakri Kings developed a distinct identity of their own.

The other eight rooms in the Museum of Buddhist Art are not directly related to the central theme but are equally interesting. These cover artifacts from the pre-historic Ban Chiang culture, Yao paintings, stone sculptures.

An unusual set of exhibits in this museum is the room displaying statues of Jesus Christ and Mother Mary, a reflection of the religious tolerance in Buddhist society.

The Museum of Buddhist Art embodies not just the art and culture evolved for more than a millennium through the rise and fall of several kingdoms. It symbolizes the philosophy of moderation and tolerance, values that serve as a beacon of light in these troubled times.

For more Bangkok Museums.

Types of watches

The only gift that we can not do without is the time because people just like as a stopwatch. The first watches were watches Ridgeway grandfather. As human taste was chic and sophisticated, brand name watches in many different types, as now transformed clocks,wall clocks, desk clocks, and watches. These clocks are named on the basis of where they can be placed.

Emergence of Technology for Branded Clocks

The advances of technology have injected even more variety into clock types and given more opportunities for clockmakers to devise yet more features to suit the growing needs of people especially in promoting a business. There are now atomic clocks for those who need time to be accurate down to a fraction of a second. Waterproof, pressure-resistant watches are a common product from most brands that can be quite useful for business promotions.

Hotels, banks, military facilities, and other establishments need and use time zone clocks. Timers and stopwatches are useful in sports activities and scientific procedures, and of course these precise institutions require only the best, so they turn to renowned Branded Clocks. When buying these extremely modern clocks to promote your business, it is especially advisable to buy the branded ones. This is because these clocks carry the credibility and dignity that each clock guarantees. When a brand claims that its clock is water-resistant down to 500 meters underwater, we can rely on that guarantee.

The Better Choice

Consumers of course are free to choose in buying timepieces, whether branded or not. Mass-produced no-brand clocks are much cheaper after all. But if you want your money’s worth, buying branded pieces is ultimately the better option. Some companies even specialise in only one type of clock. This means that their works are unparalleled with expertise, making sure that their craftsmanship has top-notch quality. It doesn’t take a genius to realise that at the end of the day, Branded Clocks provide broader time perspectives.

If you haven’t heard of Khan San Road (or “Thanon Khao San” in Thai), it was cemented as the destination of choice for young backpackers in Bangkok in the book and movie of the same name, The Beach (movie starred Leonardo Di Caprio). Many use it as a base in their travels to other parts of Thailand whether it be for a jungle trek or time on the beach. It is a great place for a little traveler culture, to meet friends from around the world, and for those who live in Bangkok, a road and surrounding area that has some great restaurants.

Basically, you can get a cheap Khao San guesthouse with your own, personal room for as low as 100 baht. There may be a few dormitory style Khao San hostels but that’s not necessary. For the price of a few dollars, why not get your own, private room? Usually you will have to share a shower and toilet with the rest of the hall but sleeping quarters with one bed and a lock on your door are the norm.

So, if you are a backpacker looking for cheap rooms in Bangkok, chances are you will be heading for one of the dirt cheap Khao San hotels. If you stay out of trouble (beware much trouble is to be had in the area) and when you get home you can tell others how you stayed at an amazingly thrifty Khao San guesthouse.

I mention hiking boots as this region is famed for its hiking trails. Hikes can vary from a short day hike to a hike lasting a few days your choice. Chaing Mai is also well know for the hill tribes that live in the nearby mountain regions. You will also see members of the hill tribes in Chiang Mai most are selling wares but you will fall in love with their wonderful colorful and exotic costumes and those wide eyed innocent smiles.

If hiking is to strenuous then the other option is to hire a car preferably a 4×4 to help with the steep hills and go exploring this beautiful region of Thailand. In fact car hire or prearranged tour trips are the only way to experience this remote region of Thailand.

Most people arrive via airplane from the Bangkok Dun Muang domestic airport; please note this is can change so do check with airline in advance. If you have time the train from Bangkok is an attractive option.

Chiang Mai offers a wide range of accommodation from budget hotels to world class hotels.

Driving Tip : Unlike other parts of Thailand especially Bangkok the roads are not congested and driving is easy be sure to have a good map of the region, these are normally provided by the rental companies but are also available in any large petrol stations in Chaing Mai.

The town itself is quiet but does have an outdoor market which is open every evening, a good selection of pubs and restaurants surround the market area. However do visit the river side region with a good selection of bars that offering first class music and alfresco dining by the riverside.

Driving Tip : Tour guides or drivers can be hired for as little as THB500 per day so let them do the driving wile you relax and enjoy the passing scenery.

It is also very popular for its rich and beautiful landscape. It features unique rock formations, ancient granite rocks and spectacular coves among others. There is also a small church here that will soon celebrate its 1st century. The Lady of our Assumption lies close to the Port and along la digue Island Lodge’s southern section. Other hotels are located near coconut and vanilla plantations.

Adventure at its finest is what you can expect from your vacation. Apart from admiring the white sand beaches and the waters, you can even climb towards the top of Belle Vue for breathtaking views of the entire island. The people of the island are laso noted for their hospitality and warm nature. Although the lifestyle seems slow, you are assured of a relaxing environment either in the comforts of any of the La Digue hotels or in its great outdoors.

When it comes to transportation, there are oxcarts or taxis. Since the use of cars is restricted in this Island, the main method of transport is either through these oxcarts or through the use of bicycles. After a whole day of activities, you can take refuge in the comforts of hotels in La Digue like Felicite Island Lodge and La Digue Island Lodge.

Felicite Island Lodge – This accommodation in La Digue features 2 luxurious two-bedroom bungalows. Included with its full board accommodation is an exclusive tour of the Island or enjoy fishing activities through Skipper – the yacht of the island. Rooms in this lodge are equipped with 2 bathrooms with a shower, a lounge, a large veranda, dining room, kitchen and entertainment facilities. Other activities include tennis and snorkeling and diving.

La Digue Island Lodge – This is one of the most sought after La Digue hotels. It offers 9 individual bungalows as well as a hotel complex right on the beach and in the midst of palm trees. Its lobby has been recently renovated luxuriously. It also has a bar, reception, large pool with bar and a snack bar. Rooms are equipped with telephones, TVs, radios, air conditioning units and terraces. Although the beach fronting the hotel isn’t suitable for swimming, especially in the months from November to May, there are many other beaches nearby you can swim in.

Due to the enormous progress in the island, services of Thailand lawyers have become more in demand for both Thai nationals and foreigners alike. Instead of personally handling Phuket real estate transactions, for instance, people hire legal experts in order to save them time and effort, as well as to prevent any complication with Thai property laws. Investors who want to establish a business in Phuket also prefer to hire a lawyer for the Thai company registration, visa and work permit and other legal matter concerning to registering a company in Thailand.

Increasing demand for legal services in the island has brought in many small and big time law firms in Thailand to expand their practice to Phuket. Though there are few licensed local attorneys based there, not all can be classified as competent and knowledgeable on the legal technicalities involving law from the foreigners’ home country as it relates to their activities in Phuket. Samples of such instances are the Thailand prenuptial agreement and its relationship to the laws in the foreigners’ home country or drafting of a Thai Will to fully cover both the assets in their home jurisdiction as well as in Thailand. A Thailand lawyer with experience handling legal works with foreigners is a necessity.

Extra care must be observed in order to protect your interest and by way of making sure that the Phuket law firm that you will hire is worth the fees. Take the following tips to save yourself from the hands of inept attorneys.

1. Do not grab the first lawyer who offers his service. Always check all the available options. Talk with 2 or 3 lawyers and select the one you feel most comfortable with.

2. Do not be deceived by advertisements. Some are actually too good to be true. It is better to select one that proposes realistic claims.

3. Do check the internet. Typically, the most popular and established firms are able to create websites that covers the Phuket legal services they render. Some even render free assistance via chat or emails. Their replies will reflect their expertise on the field and will actually reveal if they are capable enough to handle the case.

4. Do try to check their law office in Phuket. A personal visit at the place of business can show you how professional the Law Firm operates. This will also give you the opportunity to ask the Phuket lawyer some questions such as the field of legal expertise, services being rendered and the corresponding rate being charged.