For those looking for peace and tranquility the floating river hotels and bungalows make for an idyllic stay.

Kanchanburi, home to the Bridge over the River Kwai (Mea Nam Kwea in Thai) is an area that’s famed for its floating accommodation, however there a few others around the country. Here’s our pick of the bunch.

Top 5 Floating Hotels In Thailand

1) The Float House

The Float House Kanchanaburi

A night at the Float House is a close as you can get to nature, without having to leave behind the modern comforts we’ve become so used to.

The Float House Address: 55 Moo 5 Tambol Wangkrajae, Amphur Saiyoke, Kanchanaburi 71150.

Image Credit: The Float House, 2012.

2) The River Kwai Jungle Raft Floatel.

Jungle Raft Floatel Kanchanaburi

The bungalows are located a couple of hours outside of Kanchanaburi. There’s also no electricity, or convenience store, however the hotel does supply food and drinks all including in the price.

Jungle Raft Floatel Address: Baan Tahsao, Amphur Saiyoke, Kanchanaburi 70150 Thailand.

Image Credit: Floatel, 2012.

3) The Floating Houses Kanchanaburi

There are a number of private operaters offering Boat Houses for rent by the day. The Flaoting House have several boats you can rent, the largest of which is spacious, comfortably designed, and comes with a generator to power showers, fans and electric lighting.

Floating Houses Kanchanaburi

The Floating Houses Address: 246 Moo 5, Tumbol Tha Kradan, Si Sawat, Si Sawat (Kanchanaburi), Thailand 71250.

4) Raya Buri Resort

Raya Buri Resort Floating Hotel Kanchanaburi

Since the establishment is connected to the main land the hotel boasts all mod cons and an experience to rival any 3-4 star hotel in the world.

Raya Buri Resort Address: 148 Tha Kradan Soi 12 Amphoe Sri Sawad, Kanchanaburi.

Image Credit: Raya Buri Resort, 2012.

5) Koh Chang Grand Lagoona

Floating Houses Kanchanaburi

The large 7 story boat offers well equipped rooms, and being moored up at the lagoon just meters from the beach, the tropical surroundings are as picturesque as you could imagine.

Koh Chang Grand Lagoona Address: Ko Chang Tai, 23170, Thailand.

Image Credit: GrandLagoona,2012.

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Redskins quarterback, Robert Griffin III, is an athlete that finds himself ready to fight that battle once again after a recent injury during Sunday’s game against the Seahawks required surgery. On Wednesday 9th January 2013, Griffin underwent the procedure to repair his ACL reconstructed for a second time.

Griffin managed to bounce back from his first torn ACL, which he sustained in the third game of the 2009 season. He missed the rest of the year but won the Heisman Trophy in 2011.

Robert Griffin III Undergoes Second Knee Surgery

RGIII is by no means the only person to recover from such an injury. Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson underwent reconstructive knee surgery to replace the ACL and repair the MCL in his left knee.

The surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrew on December 30th 2011. The same surgeon who also performed RGIII’s second surgery.

Despite the severity of his injury, Peterson was able to return to the game to almost break the NFL single season rushing record – an incredible record that has remained unbroken since it was set by Los Angeles Rams running back Eric Dickerson in 1984.

Dr. Andrews and Dr. Mark Adickes, the orthopedist who reconstructed Griffin’s ACL in 2009, said that pinpointing a date for RGIII’s return was not an exact science. Aside from the fact that Griffin has already had to recover from such an injury once already, no two athletes are the same, which makes it impossible to tell. However both doctors agreed that he should be ready for the start of the season in September.

Typically it can take a whole year for ligaments to fully heal, that’s why Peterson’s recovery was so remarkable. He tore his ACL in 2011, and was the leagues best in 2012.

Peterson’s focus and intensity in rehab and his natural athletic gifts are what made his quick recovery possible. While it’s clear that RGIII has the same qualities, we’ll just have to wait and see if he can return and keep improving.

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The Re-Timer device, developed by SMR Components, sits over the eyes like a pair of glasses and the elevated position of the bridge allows it to be worn over regular glasses or sunglasses.

The glasses, which are meant as an alternative to sleep assisting drug therapy, emit a soft green light that stimulate the area of the brain responsible for regulating the body 24-hour clock.

Re-Timer Glasses Combat Jet Lag With Soft Green Light

Re-Timer’s lead inventor Leon Lack, a professor of psychology at Flinder’s University in Adelaide, Australia, and a clinical psychologist at the Adelaide Institute for Sleep Health, explained:

“Our extensive research studies have shown that green light is one of the most effective wavelengths for advancing or delaying the body clock,”

Lack says that wearing the device for 50 minutes a day for three days after waking up will advance the body clock. 50 minute daily for three days before bed will delay the body clock.

Re-Timer Frequent Flyer Calculator

The Re-Timer device is powered by an onboard battery, that can be recharged via USB. They also feature foldable arms and come in a premium quality case for easy portability.

The device has passed independent ocular safety tests, however it is not suitable for children younger than 12, as their crystalline lenses have not yet fully developed.

Re-Timer device is already on sale in Australia for $273.90 AUD (about $286).

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The Lumpini Stadium, which is owned by the Thai Army, opened in 1956 and has been holding championship bouts with famous fighters for over half a decade.

Once the original fight mecca of all Muay Thai enthusiasts, the Lumpini Stadium was and still is the battle ground for the most coveted Thai Boxing titles in the world, along side Rajadamneon Stadium.

Lumpini Stadium To Close 2014

However, due its location in the downtown area of Rama 4, near the business district of Sathorn road, land prices have escalated so much that pressure on the Army to sell up and move on has become irresistible. The surrounding land was once home to the much loved Suan Lum Night Bazaar, which was also sold and completely demolished in 2011.

The THB380 million new Stadium is set to move to the Ram Intra Road 30 kms north of Lumphini’s current location. The proposed location raises concerns that Stadium’s further proximity from the backpacker haven of Khao San road, which is just 10 minutes walk from Rajadamneon Stadium, could cause the number of tourists visiting the new venue to decrease dramatically. And since foreigners typically pay 10x more than Thais to watch the fight, the move could seriously harm revenue.

It is still unknown what the new stadium will be called, however rumor has it that it may still in some way retain the Lumpini name, which could cause confusion for visitors to the country who are unaware of the change. Another factor that may affect the number of visitors the new stadium will see.

Despite the possible negative effects the move could have on the sport, the closing of Lumphini Stadium is certainly on the horizon. Let’s hope the end of an ear doesn’t affect the most valued Muay Thai titles.

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So what is about the Thai smile that makes it so encompassing? Well as we in the west may use smile to show our sarcastic side, the Thais use their smiles for a number of reasons, that’s why you’ll see so regularly.

Thai Smile Can Mean One Of Several Emotions

The nervous smile is another expression visitors are likely to notice. When Thais feel uneasy in social situations they often smile to make themselves feel better.

Image Credit: Tevaprapas Makklay, 2008.

‘I don’t know’ is phrase that many Thais replace with a smile, especially if they are feeling nervous. Even serious questions at the hospital or police station can be met with the ‘I don’t know’ smile. In this situation the Thai’s are never trying to make fun of the person, they are simple responding how society has taught them, with a non-confrontational smile.

When things go wrong the Thai’s will often show an encouraging smile, as opposed to getting angry. This can lead to confusing when they smile at a mistake a foreigner has made, but again they are not making fun, they are simply trying to lighten the situation.

The force smile is something visitor will notice in many tourist areas. It’s often the case that workers are simply not happy in the job, but you’ll still get the obviously forced smile to keep the peace.

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Better known as Khun Ying Tobnom by her customers, 44-year-old Khemmikka has been practicing the art of face, buttock, and breast slapping for over two decades, and is one of only a handful of people trained to do so.

By performing a series of slaps against the skin, the technique is said to be able to reshape and enlarge the breasts, buttock or face. Khun Ying says the beauty technique was passed on down by her grandmother and claims that when applied to the breasts the slapping massage can help enlarge a size 31 to a size 32 (no mention of cup size).

Results are said to visible within just four sessions, however there is still no scientific evidence to back up the claims. However, for larger breasts, breast implants still offer the best results.

Aside from offering face, buttock and breast slapping massages Khun Ying also shares her knowledge through a series of training course, however becoming officially qualified in the business is far from cheap with courses starting at $165,000.

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This eye-catching structure was built to worship Airvagta, the elephant diety of Hindu mythology, and standing 29 meters high and weighing over 250 tons, the elephant statue is largest in the world. The statue itself is made from pure bronze and is hollow, with the left rear leg housing a lift, the rear right leg a spiral staircase and the tail a fire escape.

The project was started by Lek Viriyaphant (aka Khun Lek), the same businessman responsible for the Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya and the Ancient City, also located in Samut Prakan. The building of the museum, which started in 1994 and took almost ten years, was supervised by Pagpean Viriyaphant, Khun Lek’s eldest son. Unfortunately, both of them died before the construction was completed.

Three Headed Elephant Statue At Erawan Museum

The museum is made up of three levels, each of which represents a one of the Three Worlds of the Thai cosmos. The first level is in the basement of the museum and represents the cosmological Underworld. The second level is located in the domed upper level and represents Mount Meru, the center of the Buddhist universe – traditionally located somewhere in the Himalayas. The third level, in the belly of the three-headed elephant, symbolizes Tavatimsa Heaven, a place above Mount Meru where the elephant deity Airavata resides. This part of the museum is home to 9 images of Buddha, some of which are amongst the oldest in Thailand. The walls and ceiling of the dome are hand-painted in art depicting the solar system.

Visitors are not allowed to take photos in the part of the museum, but a there is a photographer who can take shots for a small commission.

The Erawan Museum is surrounded by tropical gardens with pavilions, secluded benches, ponds, and rockeries abundant with rare flora.

Visitors wanting to reach the museum can do by taking a taxi along Sukhumvit road towards Samut Prakan. Taxis from the inner city cost between 150-300 baht, depending on your location. Admission to the Erawan Museum grounds cost 50 bhat, entry to the Museum is separate, and costs 150 baht for adults, or 150 baht for children.

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The company’s chairman, Peter Chan, hopes the move will set his company apart from its competitors, while opening opportunities for the ‘third sex’.

Thailand has one of the world’s largest populations of ladyboys, with many holding positions as shop assistants in salons and cosmetic stores.

Although the country is known for is conservative views, the population remains largely tolerant of ladyboys, or ‘katoeys’ in Thai. And due to the high demand of men wanting to become women, Thai doctors have become pioneers in the field of gender reassignment.

PC Air Hires Ladyboy Flight Attendant

Affordable costs, highly skilled surgeons and picture perfect results make the procedure much more of a reality in Thailand than in the U.S., where costs can easily reach six figures.

Some ladyboys simply chose to wear make-up and dress like women, but all of the 4 new recruits have undergone full transgender reassignment surgery.

PC Air had originally decided to hire male or female applicants, but changed its mind after receiving more than 100 applications from ladyboys for the jobs. Then from December 2011 to February 2012, the airline hired its first 4 transgender flight attendants, along with 19 female and 7 male cabin crew.

Chan noted that while generally accepted by many, some may shun the airline because of its decision, however he believes that the katoey’s would be valuable to his airline since they are typically ‘service minded’.

Bosses were said to have judged the applicants on the same criteria as all female staff, which evaluated femininity, attractiveness and proficiency with English and Mandarin, as well as the ability to learn airline security and safety, and flight service.

The ladyboy attendants wear special gold-colored name tags to distinguish them, but most passengers say the can not tell them apart from the female crew. Anut Pruksuwat from Malaysia said:

“I still don’t know who is a ‘ladyboy’…I think they’re all very friendly. They provide great service to the passengers.”

One of the newly chosen ladyboy crew, a former winner of the 2007 Miss Tiffany pageant, Dissanai Chitpraphachin – nicknamed Nong Film – said it was her dream to become a flight attendant.

Nong Film was featured as the face of the company in its advertising campaign.

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But like all medical procedures, cosmetic surgery does not come cheap, which is why many people turn to medical tourism. Countries such as Thailand, and India offer exceptional medical services performed by board certified plastic surgeons at affordable prices, and since these countries are also excellent holiday destinations, more and more people are hopping on a plane to rejuvenate their body and mind, whilst experiencing a different culture.

The 7 most popular cosmetic procedures to have abroad

Most Popular Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Procedures To Have Abroad

Mommy Makeover

A procedure popular with women aged between 30-50 who have had children and wish to rejuvenate the areas of the body affected by pregnancy.
The procedure generally involves a series of operations including tummy tuck, liposuction and breast augmentation, breast lift of breast reduction.

A mommy make over takes around 3-5 hours, depending on the amount of surgery performed. The patient is not required to stay in hospital following the procedure, and may return home. Recovery period can range from 1-4 weeks.

Body Lift

Boyd lift’s are ideal for anyone who has lost a lot of weight and wants to get rid of excess skin. Like the mommy make, body lift’s involve a series of procedures including tummy tuck, a thigh lift, and buttock augmentation. A body lift takes around 5-6 hours, and recovery time takes anywhere from 2-6 weeks. Following the procedure the patient is required to stay in hospital for 1-2 days.

Facial Makeover

Another series of procedures, a facial makeover can address several areas of the face. Facial makeovers involve a combination of face lift, neck lifts, brow lifts, upper and lower eye lids, as well as fat grafting. The procedure takes about 3-6 hours, does not require hospitalization, and the recovery time is roughly 2 weeks.

Liposuction

There are several different types of liposuction; Traditional Liposuction, Power-Assisted Lipo, Tumescent Lipo, Ultrasonic Lipo and Laser Lipo. Discussing options with your surgeon will help you decide what procedure is most suitable for your needs. Liposuction typically takes 2-4 hours to perform and does not require hospitalization. Recovery time is around a week.

Learn More About Types of Liposuction

Rhinoplasty Nose Job

Nose jobs cannot only help reshape your nose, the procedure can also fix any nasal problems you might have. The surgery takes around 3-5 hours and does not require hospitalization. Recovery time is 1-2 weeks.

Chin Implants

Chin implants are a great procedure to help balance features on the face. Experts say that in some cases people who think they need a nose job could do better with a chin implant as it can create more a attractive distance between the nose and chin.

Traditional Tummy Tuck

A traditional tummy tuck involves removing excess fat from the belly, and retightening the muscle layer to recountour the waistline. The surgery takes between 2-3 hours. Unfortunately the procedure causes quite a bit of discomfort, during the recovery period, which is usually about 2-3 weeks.

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Designed by Beijing-based German architect Ole Scheeren, the Archipelago Cinema was originally created for the “Film on the Rocks Yao Noi” festival, and was made entirely out of recycled materials.

Archipelago Cinema Designed By Ole Scheeren

Guests at the Archipelago Floating Cinema Thailand

On the evening guests were transported out to the floating raft, clad with comfortable bean bags and seating, and treated to a film experience like no other as they watched on the huge screen set between two limestone peaks.

Each modular section of the cinema was designed for reuse after being dismantled. The parts of cinema have now been donated to the local Yao Noi community – the people who originally helped build the theater – who will continue to use the pieces as a playground and to stage performances.

Archipelago Floating Cinema

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