Cambodia Secrets of Sihanoukville?

One of the worst held secrets is the rapid emergence of Sihanoukville Cambodia as a major Asian beach resort town. Many that have been here in the past would smugly say I told you so, as to all it was readily apparent that this quiet little coastal beach town had all the makings for a long time now. All that is needed is more flights into the now open Sihanoukville airport; as soon as there is a direct flight from Bangkok; watch out this place is going to blow!

Three things make Sihanoukville especially appealing and you should take every opportunity to see Sihanoukville now before it becomes overrun, which it will in the very near future.

A 5 Star luxury Hotel Under $100

Sokha Beach Resort is a 5 star luxury beach resort that has it own long private beach, a pool the size of a small lake, a staff to guest ratio of 4 to 1, and all the other amenities that you would expect from a 5 star luxury beach resort for under a $100 a night! This price I can assure will not last for long. If your budget is under $100 a night there are lots of other Sihanoukville hotels and guesthouses available near the ocean with more being built at a furious rate.

The Sihanoukville Islands

The islands have always been the real secret there are not many places in the world where you can go to and have this many large undeveloped islands. This will be the area that in the next ten years will see a large growth spurt similar to what happened on Koa Sumui, Koh Phangan and now Koh Chang which incidentally is the closest islands group in Thailand to the Cambodia Thai border. It makes sense that Koh Rung Samleom and Koh Rung will see major things in the next 3 to 5 years and the Koh Tang groups do to its isolation, beauty and excellent scuba diving and water sports, will be the real Shangri la in the future.

Real money, make that Riel money.

The Cambodian economy is based on the US Dollar. What this means for you is ridiculously lower prices compared to a lot of other tourist destinations in South East Asia. Thailand being an excellent example as the Baht continues to get stronger despite a military junta running the country, and a major Muslim uprising in the southern three provinces, that has seen over 2500 killed in just a few years of on going guerrilla warfare. One of the reasons stated for the Junta to take power was to try to get that situation under control which from the news reports that do manage to come out of the region that they are no further along to a solution than they were a year ago.

The increased value of Korean, Malaysian, Singapore, Japanese and Chinese money against the US dollar make Cambodia even cheaper for the regional tourists with Koreans being the fastest growing sector of the tourism market. And the Asian tourists like a lot of things on offer in Sihanoukville including legal gambling and an abundance of very cheap seafood.

You know, I should also mention that despite what the biggest guide book says, it has a lot of really nice beaches to chill on.

How to Become a Dive Instructor

What diver wouldn't want to spend their days diving in a tropical paradise? Teaching others about your passion for diving, can be a very rewarding career. While, it may not be the highest paying job, there something to be said for an office with a view. I spent one glorious getting my Padi certification a few years ago, down in Aruba. The dive instructor I had actually came from Venezuela every day, as it was only 50 miles across the water. They weren't the toughest bunch of instructors I've seen. The day the water temperature dropped below 80 degrees they all started complaining. Water temperature aside, they all seemed to really love their jobs. So if your thinking about becoming an instructor, here are some tips.

Here are a few basic requirements you will need to meet. Don't worry, if your already a diver, chances are you've already done some of them.

1. An education is a must for just about anything these days, and dive instructor is no exception. A high school diploma should be considered a minimum, but a college degree would be even better. Marine biology, or outdoor and recreational leadership would be a couple of applicable degrees.

2. If your not already a diver, you should take some courses, and at least get your PADI or NAUI certification. It's a sure way to tell if your going to like the job.

3. Get your dive master certification, and complete at least a hundred dives. If you haven't got tired of diving at this point, then instructing could be the gig for you.

4. Keep yourself in good physical shape. Swimming is an excellent way to do this, and pretty handy for a diver to know how to do.

5. Your ready to start browsing the job ads.

Jibacoa - Cuba's Holiday Relaxation Hot Spot

Relaxation, peace and quiet are very much the watchwords of Cuba's reputation as being an exotic holiday hotspot, but as more and more people hear about it, the less and less relaxing it gets! It's a bit of a catch-22, but as more and more people are heading on Cuba holidays to the likes of Havana, Santiago de Cuba and Varadero, it becomes less and less relaxing. Fortunately, there are still some hidden gems on the island that are clear of the hustle and bustle of tourist life.

My pick of these places is the calm resort of Jibacoa in Cuba. If you're thinking of booking into a hotel in Varadero or Havana, consider these selling points first - you might just have a change of heart:

1) The peace and quiet

Jibacoa, Cuba, is the very definition of a quiet resort. It's beautifully tranquil - just you and a handful of other visitors enjoying the sunshine and the wonderfully calm atmosphere. It's something of a hidden gem, so you shouldn't have to compete too much against other Cuba holiday makers. In particular, party animals and families with noisy young children have no interest in the place so won't be on hand in Jibacoa's hotels to disturb you. It really is the best place on the island to unwind from the stresses of modern life.

2) Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Just a little way off the shore is Jibacoa's coral reef, making this an unforgettable place to snorkel and scuba dive. If you have access to an underwater camera, bring it along, because the quantity of tropical sea life beneath the surface is simply astounding, and the kind of thing you do not want to forget in a hurry. If you have no experience of either snorkeling or diving, you will have to pass a test - but there are facilities at the Jibacoa resort to prove you have what it takes to the instructor. It may seem like a lot of hassle for a 'relaxing resort', but you'll thank me as soon as you get an eyeful of the beauty beneath the waves!

3) Beach

It should be enough to tell you that residents of Havana take the 60km journey to Jibacoa resort's beach to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. If it's good enough for the locals, then it is good enough for you. A small secluded beach that is the perfect antidote to the chaos of Varadero's miles of sands. Here, it's just you, the white sands, then sun and crisp blue water as far as the eye can see.

4) Markets

If you ever tire of the beach and blissful relaxation (what's wrong with you?!), you may wish to venture from your hotel to Jibacoa's old town. The sight that will greet you is a street market stretching off into the distance. For shopoholics, the 15 Mile Market is an attraction to the area in itself, and here you'll be able to buy everything you could want, from jewelry, to leather goods to keepsakes and crafts. With so many stalls to see, its well worth coming over for a couple of visits.

5) Easy Access to Havana

Perhaps the main reason people don't choose resorts off the beaten track is because they want to have access to the bigger cities, but Havana is just a 33 miles away from the Jibacoa resort! This is close enough to allow you to enjoy the bright lights of the city, but able to return to your tranquil Jibacoa hotel when it becomes too much like the busyness of everyday life.

Sure, it's not the perfect Cuba holiday destination for party animals, who would be better served with Varadero's delights (though there are places to stay out all night should you wish for a break from the relentless calm!), but for everyone who likes an ocean of calm in their hectic lives - be they couples, families or singles - the beach of Jibacoa, Cuba, is simply an unbeatable solution.

Diving in Pattaya

Most people don't come to Pattaya to learn how to scuba dive, but maybe they would, if they knew that Pattaya has excellent and well equipped dive shops, beautiful dive spots - like the near and far islands and some of the best dive boats in Thailand.

The Saifon

Robert Camp of the Adventure Divers in Pattaya built his boat specifically for scuba diving about 5 years ago in Pattaya. The Saifon is easy accessible in the back and on the sides, has two toilets and showers, a kitchen and an upper and lower deck. Food is prepared and served by a wonderful Thai chef.

Padi Courses

The Adventure Divers in Pattaya offer several different dive courses at compatible prices. Whether you are just curious to find out whether scuba diving tickles your fancy or you are an advanced diver, you will find a course suitable for your skill Level.

Discover Scuba Diving

This is a one day course for people who have no experience of diving, and who want to try diving. This is an opportunity to try something SCUBA DIVING ... you've always wanted!

PADI Open Water Diver (basic course)

The entry-level certification will take you from beginner to become a certified diver in just 4 days. The course is divided into 5 academic session and a poolfollowed by 4 dives in the ocean.

Padi Open Water Diver (advanced course)

This course can be completed in just two days and is designed to take the Open Water Diver, under the guidance of an Instructor, into the level of Advanced Diver.

Padi rescue Diver

The course duration is three days during which the student is introduced to all the elements of both "self" and "diver" rescue, administration of emergency aid and CPR for dive related accidents.

Dive Master

This is the first professional level in the recreational diving rating, and is a pre-requisite for entry into the Instructor Development Course (IDC).

Instructor

The ultimate level for those wanting a career in the Scuba industry!

Scuba Diving Equipment - Essentials You Cannot Leave Out

Are you are a scuba diving enthusiast and looking for some help deciding what to buy to complete your scuba diving equipment? Well, fret not. We will outline the four major things you must have for a safe and enjoyable scuba diving expedition.

Mask

The mask is a very essential tool to complete your scuba diving equipment. The mask helps you in more ways than one. First and foremost, it takes the pressure off you while breathing. Another benefit of the mask is that it guards your face against any pressure or element underwater. Moreover, it also helps enhance your field of view.

One must take care of a lot of things before zooming in on a particular mask. You must check to see whether the mask is of a size that fits you, whether it is too tight or too lose or just about comfortable. To check that, simply wear the mask before buying. More importantly, if you wear prescription glasses, then you may have to get a mask with prescription lens so you can traverse under water comfortably.

Fins

Any scuba diving equipment is incomplete without the fins. The fins compliment your swimming so that you are able to swim under the water quicker, better and easily. Again, you need to check that the size fits you before you buy.

Wetsuit

The above mentioned tools complement particular parts of your body; however the wetsuit complements your entire body. It not just makes you feel comfortable and warm, it also ensures that your motion underwater is super efficient and smooth like a snake.

Regulator

The word regulator may make you wonder, what's it got to do with the must-haves list of scuba diving equipment? Whilst you may not be wearing it on any parts of your body, it plays an equally important role as the other tools. The role of the regulator is to manage the pressure and flow of the oxygen. This way you can relax and breathe nice and easy underwater. So don't even think of venturing underwater, without a regulator.

So go ahead and complete your essential equipment with the above four important pieces. However, there are several other tools that are available and depending upon what you fancy you may want to buy those as well. You can also consider buying discount scuba diving equipment, and all you need to do is some research by spending some time.

Where To Stay In Thailand

Thailand is all about beautiful sandy beaches, lush green jungles, secluded hill tribes, mysterious caves, ornate temple, friendly people and mouth-watering food. Although these things are worth seeing, the fact remains that you will still need a place to stay at night. There are many opportunities in Thailand to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences but you still need to figure out where to stay.

Deciding on where to stay in Thailand can be a tricky thing if you do not handle it correctly. There are so many places to choose from but you need to figure out whether the hotel or guesthouse you select meets your needs.

Thailand has world-class hotels and you need to do your homework well before leaving for your vacation. Only then will you truly enjoy your stay in a hotel in Thailand. Here are some places where you can think about staying while you are in Thailand.

Where to stay in Thailand:

o Anantara Resort

This resort is located at the famous Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. It is surrounded by scenic jungle and offers a lot of comfort and hospitality to visiting guest. The resort also has its own elephant camp, spa and Lanna Cooking School to make your holiday a memorable one.

o Chiva Som

Is peaceful and secluded resort if you are looking for peace and solitude. However, you will never be bored with the array of wellness treatments the resort has to offer to rejuvenate yourself before returning the chaos of modern life.

o The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

The hotel overlooks the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok and is over 120 year old. It is considered to be one of the best hotels in the world with its award winning spa, fitness facilities, wellness center and high luxurious accommodation.

Golf Vacations in Bangkok, Thailand

There can be no finer destination for your golf vacation than the Kingdom of Thailand, with over 260 golf courses and an all year round golfing climate, golf played at a relaxing pace, a refreshment stop every 4 holes, excellent golf caddies, and truly magnificent clubhouses and much more Thailand has got to be at the top of your list for a golf holiday.

Wherever you travel in Thailand you will find magnificent golf courses throughout the kingdom, the most popular regions are Bangkok, Hua Hin, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Kanchanaburi, and you will find championship courses in all of these regions.

Asia as a golfing destination is becoming increasingly popular and Thailand is Asia's leading golf destination, the green fees compared to western rates are inexpensive and there literally 100's of courses from which to choose.

Add to this a wide range of excellent hotels providing all levels of accommodation and a standard of service that is second to none, this combined with excellent restaurants serving fine Thai and Western cuisine at a fraction of the cost you would expect to pay elsewhere.

The Caddy Factor

The one thing that sets Thailand apart from all other Asian golf destinations is Thailand's golf caddies, they add another dimension to your round of golf by providing excellent reading of the greens, they also mark, clean and re-place your ball, you never even have to take your ball out of the cup.

Your only responsibility on the golf course is to hit the ball apart from when you tee-up the ball that of course is after the caddy has handed you the washed ball and the tee. Many of the caddies are beautiful and would be strong contenders in a beauty contest elsewhere.

In short your caddy can add value to your Thailand golfing experience, with their friendly smiles, and fun loving nature they will surely add another ingredient to a pleasurable Thailand golfing vacation.

Bangkok Golf

Bangkok is a modern vibrant city of towering office blocks, ribbons of expressways, teeming traffic and a Skytrain, the elevated mass transit system that threads its way above Bangkok's main thoroughfares. Yet alongside these futuristic trimmings lie the ancient traditions that visitors love so much - glittering temples and palaces, barefoot monks in orange robes, old wooden buildings, and ceremonies like the magnificent Royal Barge procession on the River of Kings.

Bangkok is the business, financial and political centre of Thailand. Yet it remains a fun place to visit; a renowned city of entertainment, cuisine, night markets and shopping for the whole of Asia. Hospitality is legendary. All are welcome and many come.

In Bangkok alone there are over 60 golf courses in the greater Bangkok area, the most popular being Thai Country Club, Alpine Golf Club, Navatanee Golf Club, Amata Springs Country Club, all championship courses that have hosted PGA tournaments.

Summary

No matter where you go in Thailand you will find a host of activities to whet your appetite for adventure, from elephant trekking, river rafting, mountain biking, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving or just plain sightseeing, whatever you desire you'll find in Thailand.

I have been in the golf tourism business in Thailand since year 2000 and there can be no truer testament to golf in Thailand than the number of clients I have who return year after year to relive their golfing experiences in Thailand.