Once again it has been shown that holidays to Thailand are the best in Asia, not only for backpackers but for family holidays and couples also. So now regardless if you are traveling on a budget or tourists who want to have a luxury experience a holiday in Thailand will be the best on offer from all the Asian countries.

TripAdvisor recently conducted an online survey of its 9 million members and the Travelers’ Choice Awards 2009 were announced, Thailand topped many of the available categories.

Layana Resort & Spa, Ko Lanta proved to be the best luxury in Asia while Peninsula Bangkok, Bangkok and Tongsai Bay Cottages & Hotel, Koh Samui were successful to be on 3rd and 5th position in the same category. Layana Resort & Spa did not only top the Asia list but also got 2nd place in the “Top 100 Best Luxury in the world”.

One of the most important categories, for me and my family anyway, was the “Top 10 Best for families in Asia”. Thailand took 2 spots  with the Merlin Beach Resort, Patong taking 3rd place and Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, Karon grabbing 5th. I must confess I’ve never been to either of these hotels with my family but from others I have spoken to my vote would be for Le Meridien, The Merlin Beach Resort may be a better hotel, I’ve just never heard anyone talk about it.

Another category I was  interested in was the “Top 10 Best Hidden Gems in Asia”. Surprisingly Thailand took the top 3 spots. The Oriental Kwai Resort, Kanchanaburi, took the number one spot with  Rimping Village Hotel, Chiang Mai grabbing 2nd and LaLaanta Hideaway Resort, Ko Lanta 3rd.

There were other categories in which hotels in Thailand took either 1st or 2nd place, categories such as “Top 10 Best Bargains” and “Top 10 Best for Romance” I’ve listed each category below in which a hotel in Thailand was in the top 10.

Best Bargain Hotels in Asia

1. Oriental Kwai Resort, Kanchanaburi, Thailand

6. The Waterfront Bophut, Koh Samui, Thailand

7. Rimping Village, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Best Hotels for families in Asia

3. Merlin Beach Resort, Patong, Thailand

5. Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, Karon, Thailand

6. JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, Mai Khao, Thailand

7. Laguna Beach Resort, Thalang, Thailand

9. Rimping Village, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Best Hidden Gems in Asia

1. Oriental Kwai Resort, Kanchanaburi, Thailand

2. Rimping Village, Chiang Mai, Thailand

3. LaLaanta Hideaway Resort, Ko Lanta, Thailand

8. Rabbit Resort,Pattaya, Thailand

9. The Waterfront Bophut, Koh Samui, Thailand

Best Hotel for Romance in Asia

2. SALA Samui Resort and Spa, Koh Samui, Thailand

3. Tongsai Bay Cottages & Hotel, Koh Samui, Thailand

5. The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort, Krabi, Thailand

6. Layana Resort and Spa, Ko Lanta, Thailand

Best Luxury Hotel in Asia

1. Layana Resort and Spa, Ko Lanta, Thailand

3. Peninsula Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand

5. Tongsai Bay Cottages & Hotel, Koh Samui, Thailand

I hope these give you some suggestion for your next holiday to Thailand, I know for a fact I’ll be visiting the Oriental Kwai Resort in Kanchanaburi. This is a great part of Thailand that is not visited enough by tourists, but with wonderful rain forests, white water rapids and so much more to do it reminds me a lot of Chiang Mai but without the added hype.

Do you have a favorite hotel or location or maybe a gem of a beach that others on holiday to Thailand may like to visit? Then just leave a comment with a link to the webpage that shows us the best parts of Thailand, according to you.

With all the troubles in Thailand 2008 you would be wondering why anyone would even consider a holiday to Thailand in 2009? I can imagine that for many people who had planned a holiday to Thailand in 2008 found themselves changing those plans at the last minute to go somewhere less in the media.

Last year seen a continuation of ‘problems’ with the government leaders and Taksin Shinawatra, who was for ever popping up now and then keeping media attention focused on his political plight. Thailand’s problems however hit the headlines when PaD protesters managed to close down the International airport for a long period of time. As was to be expected the protest ended without too much fuss and the headlines of yesterday are long forgotten, when something new captures the media headlines.

So back to the fun side of Thailand and why I think you should consider a Holiday to Thailand in 2009.

With the world economy in a tailspin and the UK in recession, prices are dropping everywhere and the tourist industry is no different. With airline operators and hotels all slashing prices to entice overseas travellers to use them, you are in a great position to get a bargain.

If you are in the unfortunate position to have been laid off work or just can’t find a job, then why sit in the UK and be miserable? Avoid the recession and go travel! Sell your stuff, grab a cheap flight and head of for Thailand beaches. You won’t worry about the recession lying on a beach and you can always come back when the economy is better.

Winter in the UK is a time to batten down the hatches and semi-hibernate for the long cold months ahead. Usually however Christmas and New Year was a time to get out and party with friends and family but again the recession put that on the back burner this year. So more likely than not you have been living a day to day existence through the winter, with nothing to look forward to. A holiday to Thailand won’t only heat you up but you will meet a lot of new people from all over the world doing the same thing you are, escaping the recession!

You’ve been working all year, you deserve a break! Sitting behind a desk or working on the factory line or stacking shelves in ASDA for eight hours a day is no fun if there isn’t a light at the end of that tunnel. Let’s face it, between worrying about next month’s budget or sitting on the beaches in Thailand, everyone would choose the beach.

A holiday to Thailand is often a life changing experience, it was for me and many other people I have met while travelling Thailand. You only get one chance at life your so make it worthwhile and don’t let media scare stories stop you from anything. There’s no reason not to go to Thailand in 2009 as many of the reported problems have either subsided or were blown out of proportion by the media.

Some time back in 2008 I posted about the Hua Hin Jazz Festival, now it’s the turn of Phuket to host a musical festival but this times its the blues.

The Phuket Blues Festival is now in its 4th year (missing 2006) and this year is being held at The Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa, on Karon Beach. This hotel is an ideal location for this large outdoor festival and with Eric Bibb headlining the 2009 show they will need all that space.

If you never heard Eric, or even heard of Eric, then you are in fro a treat. You can find some of his best works at other festivals on you tube, look out for “Don’t let know body drag your spirit down”, a masterpiece in blues playing and singing.

If you are on or around Phuket between February 19 and 22 you should definitely take advantage of this blues festival, with tickets costing 1,200Baht (about £24 at the current exchange) for 2days buy at only 3000Baht (£60) you could have the VIP treatment at the festival for the full2 days.

The un-official kick off for the 2009 Phuket Blues Festival starts at 10pm on Thursday 19 in the Rockin’ Angels Jammin’ Cafe in Phuket Town with a warm up. The main events happen across the next two days at The Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa with the end of the festival being played out at the Royal Phuket Marine from 6.30pm to 10.00pm on the Sunday.

The video below is highlights from the Phuket Blues Festival 2008, not only does it show the wonderful acts  on stage last year but it also shows how hot the weather is during February in Thailand. If you happen to be on holiday to Thailand or planning a last minute get away to the tropical island of Phuket during the last week of February definitely look out for this treat.

Edit :- The video on the page seem to be breaking this wordpress theme. So I have had to remove it and just place the link to it HERE