Buy Property in Thailand - But Make Sure You Do it Right

Have you thought at some time that you would like to buy property in Thailand, but then decided it might be too difficult? If so, you are not alone.

It's amazing that on so many Internet sites, and in so many property magazines, there are articles galore about how to buy a home in Spain, France, Italy, Cyprus etc., but it's so hard to find any information about how to buy property in Thailand.

Yet Thailand must be one of the most attractive places in the world to own property. With its lush, exotic scenery, its wealth of beautiful temples, its constant warm sunshine and the charm and friendliness of its people, it has an appeal unmatched anywhere. And it's not actually all that difficult for foreigners to buy property there.

So if you want to buy property in Thailand, how do you go about it?

The most important thing you have to be aware of is that, although there is no bar to you as a foreign individual owning a building - e.g. a villa - in Thailand, you cannot own the land on which it is built. There are a number of ways you can get round this.

You can set up a Thai limited liability company. This will cost you an up-front payment of about $12,000 USD plus about $100 USD per month. There is nothing to stop a foreign individual or couple from doing this and it will enable you to own land.
You can purchase a 30-year lease, which you can register as renewable for consecutive periods of 30 years. The contract for the lease, which is in Thai but accompanied by a notarized English translation, is signed at the local Land Office, and you pay 1.1 percent of the appraised value of the property.
Many westerners opt to own a condo (condominium). The process for this is more straightforward as there is clear provision in Thai law for foreign ownership of up to 49 percent of units in a condo complex. To buy a condo you have to transfer currency from a bank outside Thailand to a bank inside Thailand - Bangkok Bank has the most organized set-up for international transactions. Make sure the transfer document states clearly that the funds are for the purchase of a condominium.
Of course there are a lot of westerners, especially males, who choose to marry a Thai national and buy property in Thailand in the spouse's name. This is fine as long as it's a genuine marriage, but entering into a sham marriage for the purpose of buying property is not a good idea. The authorities take a dim view of it, and if the arrangement breaks down the legal complications can be very unpleasant.

There have been a lot of misconceptions about how difficult it is to buy property in Thailand. Actually it's not difficult at all and an increasing number of westerners are using this as an attractive alternative to the traditional Europe holiday spots, which are becoming increasingly crowded. What's more it can even be an alternative solution to the problems currently being experienced by the US and UK property markets. The Thai people are happy to have the foreign currency and it's in their interests to make the process as easy as possible. The delights of life in Thailand, and the fact that your dollar, pound or euro goes a very long way in Thailand, mean that if you're careful you can scarcely go wrong!

Luxury Holiday Travel For the Discerning

When you think of luxury holidays, it evokes different feelings and expectations for different people. Luxury holiday travel can be self-indulgent, allowing you to enjoy things you have craved for a long time. Luxury holidays spark images such as a luxurious silk sheeted 4 poster bed, enjoying a relaxing massage or a pedicure or manicure or simply doing nothing at all on the shores of a tropical paradise. The pleasures of the candlelit bath, the luxury of a holiday trip with your partner or friends can make you feel alive and healthy.

But why do you need such a type of luxury holidays travel experience? The simple reason is that we live life at a fast pace and a luxurious trip to distant or remote shores can help us while away the stress and strains of everyday living. To achieve this, you need to hire the services of a reliable luxury holiday travel company that can provide you with ideas and expert assistance, advising on which hotel, villa or apartment to stay in and ensuring you have the best travel route booked, which will all add up to a fantastic holiday package suited to your requirements.

People want to experience the best life can offer on their luxury holidays travel. These holidays provide them the opportunity to relax, enjoy sight-seeing or the chance to participate in exciting activities. All these activities are unable to find when you are engaged in your normal routine at home or in the office. Many people seek out different qualities when they are looking for accommodation for the gateway of their luxury holidays travel. They try to search it through widespread reputation and preference of people in respect to the experience of other people.

Luxury holidays travel with your family and friends can provide you with a million of memories to cherish. When you plan your holiday trip, you should choose a travel destination which helps to bring the best times for you. Millions of people plan their luxury holidays travel every year. In the planning of luxury holiday travel, you should decide at the onset what you want from your trip, for example, relaxing on a beach, or enjoying water rides and the beauty of natural scenes or a mix of everything! The aim of the holiday operator is to listen to your thoughts and then to help put together the trip of your dreams.

A popular misconception is that a luxury holiday can cost you the earth. If you plan ahead and hire the services of a reputable travel company, you may be pleasantly surprised at the end results in terms of cost when weighed against the quality of your holiday. Careful planning and sensible management of your budget provides you with a great platform to be able to relax and enjoy that once in a lifetime luxury holiday trip.

There are thousands of attractions and places in the world which are worthy to visit the only difficult decision is choosing which one to go to now! But whether you have a fixed idea on where to go or want expert advice on your next luxury holiday then be sure to contact a name you can trust.

Thailand Travel - Famous Vacation Destination

Thailand is a beautiful country with rich heritage and culture. The exotic naturally beauty, alluring landscapes, and moderate climate will offer great retreat to the travelers.

No wonder Thailand has become the most preferred vacation destination and millions of people visit this land of wonder every year. Among other tourist attractions, Golden Triangle is considered to be one of the most famous tourist destinations in Thailand. This triangle produces opium, which often tempts the tourists to gather near this place to gain a strange type of experience.

This area is covered with beautiful temples and shrines, with several sight seeing spots including towns and villages forecasting the wonderful landscape.

Chiang Rai in Thailand has many historic sites to explore, including elephant rides and eye-catching Doi Tung Royal Villa that is sure to provide a breathtaking experience. The main aspect that differentiates vacation destination in Thailand from that of other countries is the beautiful weather.

The best period to visit the beautiful places of Thailand is December to February, which is often referred to as, "cool season". There are many tourist attractions in the country that often grabs the attention of many travelers.

Some of them include: Pattaya, one of the most famous ocean site resort, with many affordable restaurants that falls under the budget of every traveler, Koh Samui covered with many beach hotels, where you can enjoy the exotic beauty of beaches along coastline, Phuket, called "Pearl of the south" has variety of restaurants that offers extraordinary Thai cuisines.

These entire vacation destinations are sure to make your Thailand Travel a memorable one.

Surfing Holiday Tips

Thinking of going on a surfing holiday? Here are some surfing holiday tips you can follow to have a great time.

First, you should always be wary of possible dangers and stay away from them. Even in places that seem almost safe, there might be hidden dangers lurking around. For example, there could be sharp rocks or coral under water. Thus, you should always talk to a local or a lifeguard of the area to ask about the beach that you want to visit to get yourself familiarized with the surroundings. You could also make an observation where people would choose to paddle in and out of the water, as that would be an indication of safer grounds.

If you are new to surfing, avoid areas of the water crowded with surfers, but is still safe to surf at. Although other people may be experienced surfers, but if you suddenly pop up in the way, you might just get hit by another surfer. Start out with a companion so that you can help each other out should anything happen. Of course, getting professional lessons will be a great way to start off because they will be able to give you lots of tips.

Another thing you should do is to get the right surf board. If you are a beginner, do not think that you will be saving money by buying the shorter surf board like those professional surfers has since you will eventually want a shorter one once you get your groove in surfing. In fact, shorter surf boards are more difficult to use at the beginning when you do not know how to maneuver it as it is extremely responsive to the water and your maneuver. If you cannot control your board well, you might fall off and get hurt, incurring medical expenses! Start with a long board as it is easier to float and paddle.

Last but not least, always remember to protect yourself from the sun. Wear Lycra wetsuits when you surf as they will not get heavy in the water, and remember to apply waterproof sun block of at least SPF30+. Avoid the hottest time of the day and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Hopefully, with these surfing holiday tips, you will have a great time surfing!

Find Adventure on Dubrovnik Villa Holidays

If you enjoy taking a break that allows you to try something new or indulge in existing adventurous passions then a visit to Croatia is for you. With a wide range of villa holidays available in the country, it can be difficult to choose between its scenic and exciting destinations, however, for water sports fans Dubrovnik stands out. By booking a Dubrovnik villa, you will gain access to the Adriatic Sea and a whole host of exciting activities both above and below the waves.

Sailing tops the list when it comes to water-based pastimes in the area. With plenty of islands to explore each day, you will find sailing in the Adriatic will show you a different side to Croatia's coast. Whether you've got your sea legs or are still a bit of a landlubber, there will be a sailing excursion for you. You can hire a boat complete with crew to help you get to grips with the activity or you can opt to charter a boat and head off on your own to explore exactly where you please.

Mljet Island is located in the southern Adriatic and is a designated national park, guaranteeing any sailors a peaceful and beautiful place to visit. This location is also the ideal place to try your hand at scuba diving if you are intrigued by the world that lies beneath the waves.

As a protected area, the waters around Mljet Island boast some rare wildlife not frequently seen elsewhere in the Adriatic. Dive operators in this part of the region must be fully licensed though - so make sure that you check before heading out on an excursion.

Other attractions for divers include ship wrecks and walls featuring bright red corals, as well as the region's famously clear water. An alternative way to interact with the marine life is by taking a fishing excursion while staying in a villa in Dubrovnik.

The deep waters of the Adriatic are home to some of the world's most impressive big game fish, such as tuna, swordfish and amberjack. Hop on a boat and head out for the day and you could be lucky enough to catch one of these impressive sea creatures with your rod and reel.

If after trying your hand at sailing, diving and fishing you are still in need of further exhilaration, then why not consider kayaking? Or if you want something land-based then you could always strap on your walking boots and head for the hills to hike through some of Dubrovnik's picturesque countryside.

Holiday Villas in Italy

Italy is a very popular holiday destination for families going on holiday and staying in holiday homes. It is a country rich in culture and good food, making it a perfect holiday destination for those families staying in self catering holiday apartments or holiday villas with swimming pools.

It is situated in the Mediterranean and borders France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia. The country, which is a peninsula and is surrounded by the Ligurian Sea, the Sardinian Sea, and the Tyrrhenian Sea in the west, the Sicilian and Ionian Sea in the South, and Adraitic Sea in the East.

Italy has a very diverse landscape, but can be primarily described as mountainous including the Alpes and the Apennies mountain ranges that run through it. Italy has two major islands as part of its country: Sardinia, which is an island off the west coast of italy, and Sicily, which is at the southern tip of the country.

Italy has beautiful sunny summers and sun lovers can enjoy some of the fabulous Italian sandy beaches. Many holiday makers choose to stay in a holiday villa with swimming pool in Sicily. Sardinia is also a very popular tourist destination and has some outstanding self catering apartments and holiday cottages available for rental direct from their owners.

The Italian lakes are regarded as some of the most beautiful lakes in Europe. Lovers of outdoor pursuits and water sports often stay in self catering holiday homes and explore the local area. Umbria is an area of outstanding natural beauty and many families go there on vacation. Many stay in a villa with swimming pool and use the villa as a base to go hiking and explore the area.

Florence and Tuscany are full of contrasting architecture and offer the tourist a holiday full of culture and fine cuisine. Lovers of good food and wine come back to this part of Italy year after year and stay in some of the self catering apartments and beautiful holiday villas.

Rome is now one of the most popular cities in Europe, visited by families spending long vacations staying in holiday villas. They use these holiday villas as the base to explore the culture and history of this fine city. Rome is also a popular destination for couples going on romantic breaks with many staying in some of the fantastic self catering holiday apartments.

Italy is a diverse country offering holiday makers some of the best beaches in Europe. In summer it has long months of sunshine and many families love going on vacation to the Italian Lakes where they can stay in holiday cottages or Italian farmhouses. Lovers of history and culture are spoilt for choice where to stay, with self catering apartments available for rental. No mater what your budget there are some great holiday homes available for rental in Italy.

Visiting Puerto Vallarta

Mexico evokes certain images when mentioned as a vacation destination, but when the topic of conversation is Puerto Vallarta, it becomes necessary to expand a little bit. This isn't a run of the mill getaway spot where cerveza and sunbathing are the main draws; Puerto Vallarta is rich with culture, art, and adventure along with the typical relaxation aides mentioned above, meaning a trip here will contain all you could ask for in a tropical beach getaway.

Puerto Vallarta (doesn't the name alone rev you up just a little bit?) is located on the Pacific coast of Mexico on what is know as the Mexican Riviera. Near the center of the expansive country, this destination enjoys fine weather most of the year and tends to attract a healthy wintertime crowd in search of relief from the snow and ice that less fortunate parts of the world are forced to endure. Summers can be steamy and rainy with high humidity and temperatures in the 90's, while the winter months range from 70 to 85 degrees. The sun shines for nearly 300 days a year, so chances are you'll be happy with the conditions during your visit.

History has seen Puerto Vallarta evolve from a simple fishing village to a fashionable spot worthy of shooting a movie starring Elizabeth Taylor, and today it is not only a solid choice for tourists looking to kick back and have some fun, but it has retained a singular identity that sets it apart from other resort towns. Wandering around this town is a feast for the mind as well as the eyes, so prepare to be replenished in more ways than one.

For example, an unmissable sight is the Malecon, an eleven block stretch of coastline that contains sculptures, shops, bars and people-watching opportunities galore. This is one of those places to "see and be seen" and it's also quite visually interesting. Take a look at the nine foot tall bronze seahorse that tells an interesting story about the wily ways of the ocean and stands as the first statue to be built along the promenade. It's worth the piece that shows a thirty foot ladder, with two children is climbing ever upward, and all in the way that God is a sea nymph and locked in an eternal gaze. Most are of Mexican artists, with great vision, this announcement should not be overlooked.

After nourishing your creative side, adrenaline rushes through the use of one of the many opportunities for sport tastic. The north coast of Puerto Vallarta is ideal for a wide range ofheart-pounding activities like surfboarding and windsurfing and there are several popular scuba diving and snorkeling spots, including Los Arcos and Isla Marietas. Kayaks can be rented at most area beaches, and the experience of floating above the fray for a bird's eye view can be achieved by taking a parasailing adventure. The seaside cabanas and shops will take care of all equipment and instructional needs, so get ready to have a blast.

Cuisine-inclined folk, a.k.a. food lovers, be aware that Puerto Vallarta claims to have the best food in Mexico. Sushi is a specialty and chefs from all over the world call this home, so expect to be wowed on more than one occasion. Casual to classy, cheap to luxurious, the culinary atmosphere can best be summed by one phrase: lot's of choices.

Golf, shopping, nightlife, festivals and art galleries will help to finish out your itinerary; don't forget to save some time for lounging, swimming, floating and reading as well. This is your time to catch up on sleep, reconnect with your significant other, and forget about your responsibilities. Do this by whatever means necessary; in Puerto Vallarta, it won't be a challenge.

One more aspect of the trip that will lend itself to the successful execution of your great escape will be your lodging decision. To take things to the limit, consider renting a vacation home rather than staying in a hotel. Puerto Vallarta Vacation Rentals have a way of making you feel like you're in your own world, one where you decide what your schedule is and who to spend your time with. Pick a romantic beach house for two equipped with all that you'll need to remain secluded for a while, or choose a spacious villa with enough bedrooms to let the whole beautiful family breathe and coexist peacefully.

Checking out all the properties online is fun way to spend a little time, and may reveal the future site of many pleasant memories. At the very least, it'll get you in the mood to visit Puerto Vallarta (as if that's a difficult thing to get excited about) so start exploring your options today.