Information guide to Thailand

9 Paradise Islands in Thailand

2012-01-28T20:18:00.001-08:00

I will take you to float away with the tide to 9 Paradise Islands in The Southern of Thailand.Speading over both the gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea, these islands offer not only picturesque beaches,underwater life featuring colorful coral reefs and huge variety of fish, but also extremely relaxing lifestyle that will make everyone’s trip impressively unforgettable.

Koh Kradan,Trang (The most Romantic Island)

Renowned for Thailand’s most romantic and classic island, Koh Kradan, Trang is selected by the Tourism Authority of Thailand as location of mass underwater wedding event. Despite a small island, natural surrounding of Koh Kradan is spectacular, including the forest,the endless powdery white beach and the undersea life where star fish inhabit the coral reef.Even after the Tsunami,Koh Kradan remains fascinating tourist attraction for travelers to seek the memorable experience.

Koh Lao Liang, Trang(Adventurous Experience in the Andaman)

After years of closure for bird’s nest concession, stunning twin islands of North and South Lao Liang has revealed its beautiful nature to the eyes of visitors.The vasr of limestone cliffs resembling a bark of North Lao Liang or Lao Liang Nong challenge rock climbers with various routes. For those who are scared of height,water activities are ready for their pleasure ‘snorkeling or kayaking’.If you don’t miss the adventurous experience in the Andaman Sea, make plan in advance since Koh Lao Liang open from November to May only !

Moo Koh Surin Trang (A Wonderful World of Coral Reef)

No island in the North Andaman Sea can beat the beautiful and fertile Surin island.It not only features white sandy beach and crystal clear water that permits a great view of water creatures underneath, but also gathers a ‘Top’list, namely the largest area of coral reef of 7 square kilometer with a long stretch of 1,200 meters, the top variety of fishes with over 200 species and the oldest stretch of coral reef proven by the Blue Hole,Koh Surin Nua, Koh Surin Tai, Koh Torilla, Koh Pajumba and Koh Stock, as well as beautiful underwater Stonehenge in this area offer a great opportunity for visitor to experience the wonder of coral reef and wide variety of fish.

Koh Lipe, Satun (Paradise Island with Natural Beauty)

Koh Lipe, the center of civilization in Koh Tarutao located in Thailand’s southern sea,is fertile with evergreen forest, mangrove forest and hoenbills.Visitors can enjoy Koh Kai with natural stone bridge or take a boat trip to visit the white sandy beach at Koh Adang and Ravi, underwater Stonehenge and Koh Hin Ngam,the only place in Thailand where there are many thousands of round stones on the beach. The charm of Lipe is Supplemented by the South bay, Ao Phattaya 2, a center of seafood restaurants and resorts. Visitor can complete the trip by admiring the sun as it sinks into the sea and visiting Chao Le Villagers who live in a small cottage and earn their living on fishing.

Koh Tao, Surat Thani (A must premier Diving Spots)

Koh Tao, part of Koh Phagnan in Surat, is one of premier diving locations in the Gulf of Thailand with several dive shops, attracting thousands of diver and visitors. It vast open bay provides a wide variety of natural coral reefs and various school of fishes that is best for diving. Koh Tao also offers different scenic such as Haad Sai Ri, Haad Cho Po Ro or Haad mae haad.Visitors who are staying at luxurious resorts in Koh Tao are rewarded with many activities such as banana boat, beach volleyball, jet ski or take a boat for a skin diving at nearby Koh Nang Yuan.

Koh Phi Phi Leh,Krabi (Crytal Lagoon in the Andaman)

Ao Maya, the half-moon bay of Phi Phi Islands hidden in mountain cliffs, seems like the mysterious world hiding itself from the visitors. The bay provides secluded beaches with white sand and magnificent coral reef making the site perfect for snorkeling. Ao Maya is paradise for sea lover to enjoy sunbathing or swimming in a private place surrounded by blue sky, emerald crystal sea, and mountain cliffs. No wonder why Hollywood had chosen it as the location for filming the world’s famous movie, The Beach !

Koh Kai, Koh Tab, Koh Mo, Krabi (The Amazing Thale Waek )

Krabi is famous for its beautiful hundred islands of Andaman Sea.Among the 130 limstone islands, 3 islands namely Koh Kai with a chicken head shaped stone and 2 smaller Koh Tab and Koh Mo, are exceptional. During high tide, they look like 3 nearby ordinary island but during low tide, the sea is separated by the white sand dune that appears to amazingly connect the three islands like a natural bridge, called ‘Thale Waek’. The best time to experiences this phenomenon is 5 days before and after the full moon, just take a short boat trip from Ao Nag or Raileh !

Koh Ngai, Krabi (Gorgeous Scene of Sunrise)

Koh Ngai is one of the spectacular islands in Krabi sea, a must destination of the travelers around the world. The island which can be reached by oat from Krabi or Trang is surrounded by scenic natural beauty and magnificent resorts. The head of the island is home to stone shrine of Kuan Lm Goddess and a place to admire the sunset. A recommended night activity is ‘chicken crab’ searching in the forest, where the crabs are making noise of claw clapping like a noise of chicken crying. Visitor can’t afford to miss the sunrise at Koh Ngai which offers a gorgeous scene of Koh Ma and Koh Chuak sparkling n the serene sea under the sunlight !

Koh Lanta, Krabi (From Sea Port to Tourist Spot)

Transformed from sea port in the past to one of the energetic tourist attractions today, Mo Koh Lanta offers tranquil surroundings for those who prefer serenity. Koh Lanta consists of three major islands namely Koh Lanta Noi, Koh Klang, and Yai, Koh Lanta Yai. From Hauhin village, visitors can travel by ferry to Koh Lanta Yai to enjoy the local lifestyle, then drive to Tanode cape at the edge of the island to visit the beach forest , the white sandy beach up to the cliff where a white beacon is gracefully situated. Admiring the sunset at Laem Tanode before trip back to Ban Sala Dan, the Downtown of Koh Lanta, is a must to complete a happy holiday !

Information from : Men Intrend Magazine

UNDERWATER WORLDS

2012-01-28T20:17:00.001-08:00

The Andaman Sea´s five best dive sites

LIKE A SEASONED celebrity, a multi-coloured frogfish poses in front of an underwater camera. Nearby, a five-metre whale shark glides along, while three manta rays gracefully circle a diver. Such magical scenes are part of everyday life in the Andaman Sea that borders the west coast of Thailand and neighbouring Myanmar. Offering some of the best diving in the world, it is no surprise that this is where divers end up, if they are serious about scuba.

The largest dive centre is Phuket, providing a convenient access point to a huge variety of excellent sites. Some are right on the doorstep, only a short speedboat ride away. Several extra-special ones are further away and further apart. These are best to visit aboard a larger, long-range boat known as a liveaboard.

Both Phuket and Khao Lak to the north are bases for these specially equipped cruisers that ply the underwater paradises.

The comfortable vessels typically travel at night while you sleep, so by morning, all you have to do is jump into the blue water and start your underwater exploration.

Dive into the following five sites for a glimpse of what you can expect to find, deep under the Andaman Sea.

1. THE THREE ISLETS (HOBBIT LAND, THREE STOOGES, SHARK CAVE REEF)
Myanmar

Once part of Siam (Thailand) and now Myanmar, you will find over 300 virtually uninhabited islands and rocks around this small group of islands in the middle of the Mergui Archipelago. This particular site has been called almost as many names as it has received divers over the years and remains one of the best in the Andaman Sea.

As with most, there is little more than barren rock to look at above the water; but below the surface, you’ll find a scenic kaleidoscope of colours, shapes and textures. Many divers travel here to catch a glimpse of a grey reef shark.

Even if they make an appearance, they are a minor attraction compared to the wondrous sea life found amongst the pinnacles: colourful schools of fish, harlequin shrimp, squid, ghost pipefish, anemone or clownfish, frogfish, moray eels, and nudibranchs go about their day and leave you to explore their world.

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2. FANFOREST PINNACLE

Myanmar

As the name suggests, Fanforest Pinnacle (and nearby Western Rocky) is full of sea fans – some of the largest in the world. The pinnacle itself begins five metres below the surface, dropping down to almost a 50m depth. The views are different, depending which side you are on, but they include rocky ridges twisting down towards the sandy bottom and plunging vertical walls.

Here, leopard sharks (oft en referred to as zebra sharks) rule. They hide between rocks and seem to be less afraid of divers than those at other sites. If you are careful and approach the shark at eye level, you should be able to get quite close before they rise slowly off the bottom and gracefully swim away. Their gentle demeanour makes for fantastic and easy photo opportunities. Moreover, the number of other unusual creatures found in between the rock crevices is sure to keep even the biggest fish geek happy.

3. RICHELIEU ROCK
Mu Koh Surin National Park, Thailand

Probably the most famous dive site in Thailand, Richelieu Rock lies just south of the Burmese border and east of the Surin Islands. The pinnacle is barely exposed at low tide and below the surface, it drops over 40m into the sand.

In the 1990s, it was considered one of the best sites in the world, and diving with whale sharks in clear water was the norm. Today, there are fewer whale sharks, but this spot still attracts thousands of divers a year and never fails to thrill – even if the giant stars of the show don’t make an appearance. Every nook and cranny has some sort of life growing on it, and one can spend hours searching for unusual sea-dwellers.

Richelieu is an easy dive to navigate, compared to others in the Andaman Sea. A diver of average skill level can safely explore on his own: the currents are usually manageable and the site is not particularly deep, so it is rare to get lost.

However, it is still best to use a dive master guide if you want to do some serious spotting of marine life; you will see a lot more with someone who knows where all the different critters like to hide.

4. KOH PAYU
Similan Islands, Thailand

Although there are over 20 dive sites around the nine idyllic outcrops forming the Similan Islands, the aquarium-like dive at Koh Payu is perhaps the best. The hard corals are extremely healthy and there is a good mixture of soft corals as well. This is unusual as you typically only find one or the other, not both, in this region.

Most of the reef is composed of sloping hard corals with sea fans springing out between their heads. The main attraction is a particularly large “bommie” or coral head. Starting at about 30m deep, it stretches up almost a further 20m, and is home to an array of creatures: moray eels, nudibranchs, gobies, cowries, frogfish, anemone fish and ghost pipefish among them.

Turning out towards the blue water, silvery jacks dart back and forth feeding, and schools of bigeyes and snappers hang about on the reef. If you only have time for one dive in the Similan Islands, make this your first choice.

5. HIN DAENG
Trang, Thailand

Sitting approximately 95km south of Phuket, Hin Daeng is just a small rock above the water, but what lies below the water is a different matter. It is the size of a football pitch with finger-like ridges that fan out, reaching down to over 65m, making it the deepest vertical dive site in Thailand. The southern side of the rock is almost sheer and known as the most dramatic wall dive in the Andaman Sea, where such depths and formations are rare.

For most divers, the highlight is the spectacular sight of the pinnacle itself – the water is quite clear below the five-metre mark so it is possible to get a real sense of the sheer size of the structure. Amazing marine life among the colourful soft coral and sea fans is another draw: thousands of clownfish, cuttlefish, scorpion fish, manta rays, leopard sharks and even, occasionally, whale sharks are among those hanging around to greet visitors.

Hin Daeng is best suited to advanced divers. However, with an experienced guide by your side, most can safely enjoy this other-worldly experience.

Information from : http://fahthaimagazine.com/2008/01/01/underwater-worlds/

You are here: Home » Destinations » Asia » The Best of Thailand: Top 10 places to visit Posted on: May 30th in Asia, Destinations, Travel, Travel Top

2012-01-28T20:08:00.000-08:00

One of Asia’s most popular tourist destinations, Thailand’s reputation for hedonism attracts thousands of backpackers and its natural beauty also attracts an increasing amount of holiday-makers. Thailand is a mystical country which leaves a life long impression on anyone who visits. It offers a rich history, smiling locals, some interesting quirks and of course an unforgettable experience. To help you see the best of the country, here is our list of top ten places to visit in Thailand:

1. Bangkok

Bangkok is a restless and chaotic metropolis and an essential part of a trip to Thailand. Although not everyone’s cup of tea, the culture-shock inducing capital has some incredible places of interest that you would be foolish to miss. The impossibly bejewelled Grand Palace should really be visited and if you have time, take a trip to Wat Arun (one of the oldest and best known landmarks in Bangkok) and Wat Po which is home to a huge reclining Buddha. The more adventurous head for the notorious backpacker’s road Khao San, the bazaars and alleyways of Chinatown and the infamous Patpong Night Market, located in the city’s red light district.

2. The Floating Market

The Floating Market- made famous by the James Bond classic “The Man with the Golden Gun” – can be found on the Damneon Saduak Canal. Although now a major tourist attraction, the market is highly photogenic and visitors can get an idea of what trading was like in Thailand before the modernisation of the city. It’s also tonnes of fun. If you want to buy something here you will have to hail down a narrow long boat piled high with produce (which is quite an experience in itself). The region also has plenty of vineyards, orchards and thriving local businesses which are great to view by canal boat on route to the market.

3. Chiang Mai

The spiritual city of Chiang Mai is a much calmer city than Bangkok but still an essential visit on the travellers trail if you want to see the best of Thailand. Dotted with temples, craft shops, great restaurants and plenty of Thai massage and cooking schools, the city has a somehow relaxed and comparatively tranquil atmosphere. Many travellers often mention Chiang Mai as their favourite Thai city and once visited it’s easy to see why the city is so popular. It’s location high in the north mountainous region of Thailand also makes it a perfect base for the popular mountain treks. Organised treks can be arranged very easily here with almost every other shop offering them. The trails from Chiang Mai are although interesting are often a well-worn path and many backpackers now head for the nearby small town Pai. Pai is a gorgeously located traveller’s mecca popular with artists and musicians. It also offers less touristy and more ‘rustic’ treks and visits to hill-tribes.

4. San Kamphaeng Hot Springs

San Kamphaeng is a district located 36km from the northern city Chiang Mai. The area is home to the popular hot springs which are set in a 40 acre beautifully landscaped parkland. They are well known for their restorative properties and people come from miles to visit. The springs come from a deep source, are over 100 degrees centigrade and high in sulfur. Here you can camp, dine, bath in the mineral rich waters or if you fancy – boil some eggs.

5. The East Coast Islands

Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are islands on the east side of Thailand popular with both vacationers and backpackers. The islands are known for their palm tree lined white sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters and laid back attitudes. On Koh Phangan you’ll find plenty of bohemian style bars and cafes and of course the world-famous full moon parties. Nearby, the islands of Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan are much less touristy due to their more isolated locations and are perfect for those looking for peace. These islands also offer world-class snorkelling and diving.

6. Mae Hong Son

Mae Hong Son is the capital of Thailand’s northwestern-most province. Its close proximity to the Burmese boarder gives the city a very different feel to the rest of Thailand. Very quiet and isolated this mountainous city is often shrouded in an atmospheric mist. Visitors come here for the unusual and beautiful natural scenery, the mountain trekking and to see the local hill tribe communities – one of which is the famous Karen long neck tribe. The Thanon Thongchai range between Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand is popular for trekking and here you can also see the Pha Sua waterfall. Handicrafts and artwork from the hill-tribe people can be purchased at the local night market-great for unique souvenirs.

7. Ayutthaya

Only an hours journey from Bangkok, Ayutthaya was an important Siamese kingdom existing from 1351 to 1767. The ancient city is now ruined but the remains of the extraordinary and once towering temples are classed as an UNESCO world heritage site and should not be missed. To make the most of this site, allow a full day and of course don’t forget to bring your camera.

8. Railay

Railay and the surrounding coast of the Krabi province (located in the South of Thailand) is a tropical paradise characterised by towering rugged limestone cliffs, turquoise water and powder white sand. From this area it’s also easy to take a trip to nearby Phang Nga to see the iconic ‘James Bond Rock’. Railay is a beautiful secluded beach – accessible only by boat – which attracts a mixture of in-the-know backpackers, well-heeled tourists and enthusiastic rock climbers. Surrounded by dense vegetation and mountains, the area is also perfect for trekking. The beach is unique because it’s completely cut off from the daily grind and visitors kick back and often stay a lot longer than originally planned.

9. Koh Phi Phi

The tiny but idyllic west coast island of Koh Phi Phi is seen by many as the ultimate island paradise. Even though it has now fully recovered from the devastating 2009 tsunami, the island has suffered from rapid tourist growth especially since the release of the “The Beach” (starring Leo Dicaprio). Having said that it still manages to retain a relaxed vibe which seems to keep the backpackers and vacationers happy. Island highlights include climbing a steep viewpoint to watch the sunset and hiring a long tail boat to snorkel the beautiful surrounding waters.

10. Hin Daeng

Diving enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Hin Daeng in Andaman Sea. Literally meaning the Red Rock, this area is often thought to be one of the top diving spots in Thailand – if not the world. Hin Daeng features large underwater pinnacles, incredible carpets of anemone and colourful coral. It’s also teeming with wildlife including large shoals of fish, round batfish, manta ray, barracuda and the odd whale shark or two.

Article Source : http://www.globalgrasshopper.com

The Scenery Resort & Farm at Suan Phung - THAILAND

2010-07-31T02:59:00.000-07:00

This is the last photo set from the Thailand trip back in February. We visited an up and coming tourist attractive for the Thais called Suan Phung. One of the most famous resorts there is The Scenery Resort & Farm, which is often known as New Zealand of Thailand. Anyway, not going to write a lot because I’m in San Jose, CA this week but my bio clock is still on DC time and it’s 3:00AM there. All I can say is it is another good trip away from the city and the resort is definitely worth a visit.

Getting There

The resort is really in the middle of nowhere. It took us 2½ – 3 hours to drive there. For about 45 minutes, it was just a two lane road. We stopped for lunch at a resort/restaurant called Duan-Lom (เดือนล้อม). I ordered a local steak entree and it came well done…

Around the Resort

There are a bunch of things you can do and see at the resort. We spent an entire afternoon just wondering around, being chased by sheep, etc. Warning: The Scenery sheep are always very hungry. They will jump on you, for reals. I tried running a few laps with them chasing and barking at me. In the end, I just gave up and threw the veggies at them. Personally, the best activity was to relax and do absolutely nothing.

On a related note, I think it is a great wedding location.

Accommodation

The accommodation is really well done…except the bathrooms. The ones in our two-bedroom cottage were damp and smelly.

At Night

Instead of going out or eating the restaurant at the resort, my dad and I thought it would be great to do some BBQ while we were there. So we ordered a bunch of BBQ via email prior our arrival. On the roof of the cottage there is a dining area with a grill. Since it was a New Zealand-themed resort, the only kind of BBQ they offered was the high-end one. And by high-end I mean this. The idea of BBQ in the US typically consists of burgers, hot dogs and maybe bacon-wrapped shrimps, which is quite different from what it is in Thailand. Anyway, everything was good. It was a little too hot even after sun down. The temp was around mid 80s with no wind. This place would be perfect for a December vacation.

In Suan Phung Area

On the way back to Bangkok, we visited an orchid farm and learn about how hard it was to grow and take care of them. Mom bought two. We also stopped for lunch at a candle shop called บ้านเทียนหอม.

Article Source :http://lerlop.com/2010/05/scenery-resort-suan-phung

Ratchaburi

2010-07-31T02:51:00.000-07:00

Introduction

Ratchaburi, a glorious town during the Dvaravati period, is located on the bank of the Mae Klong River. The provincial area abounds in natural attractions and historical sites. It is located 80 kilometres west of Bangkok and borders on Myanmar to the west having the Tanaosi Range as a borderline.

This province in Western Thailand has a varied topography; from the fertile level ground around the basin of the Mae Klong River where the economy relies on all kinds of crop, vegetable and plant cultivation, to the high mountain ranges of the Tanawsri Mountain in the west, along the Thai-Myanmar border. The neighboring province to the north is Kanchanaburi, in the east are Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon and Samut Song Kram, While in the south is Phetchaburi Province.

From historical sources, antiques and other archaeological finds that have been uncovered, it appears that Ratchaburi, in addition to bordering Myanmar, was also formerly a commercial port where many traders would meet.

So you can see that Ratchaburi is a land of rich and varied culture and origin, much of which has been preserved and can still be seen today. Amongst the things of interest are the history, the way of life, the culture, beautiful handicrafts, and the natural beauty including caves, streams, forests and mountains. Something to interest visitors from every comer of the world. We challenge you to come and not be impressed.

Boundary

□ North-Connects with Kanchanaburi Provinces.
□ South-Connects with Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram and Nakhon Pathom Provinces.
□ East-Connects with Suphan Buri Provinces.
□ West-Connects with Myanmar.

Ratchaburi Province is divided in to 8 Amphoes. The distances from Amphoe Muang to other Amphoes are as follow :

□ Amphoe Muang - Amphoe Wat Phleng 15 kms.
□ Amphoe Muang - Amphoe Pak Tho 22 kms.
□ Amphoe Muang - Amphoe Ban Pha 22 kms.
□ Amphoe Muang - Amphoe Photharam 26 kms.
□ Amphoe Muang - Amphoe Jombung 30 kms.
□ Amphoe Muang - Amphoe Banpong 42 kms.
□ Amphoe Muang - Amphoe Damnoen Saduak 50 kms.
□ Amphoe Muang - Amphoe Suan Phung 60 kms.

History

The Lineage of Thais in Ratchaburi Provices
"Phahuchartiphun" society, or the various cultures, is one of the most interesting aspects of like in Ratchaburi. Although their cultural lifestyles have been changed by time and generations, many groups still preserve their own ways of like that can be used as a model for the new generations to study.

These many races, despite their different beliefs and lifestyles, are able to live together in peace and harmony, making Ratchaburi a colorful place to live and visit

Thai Song Dam or Lao Sorng

The original Thai Song Dam lived in Dien Bien Foo, but the group which moved to Thailand come from Lao during the Napburi period.

At first, they could be found mostly in Khao Yoi, Phetchaburi, but during the reign of King Rama 4 they began to move on to Ban Don Klang in Ratchaburi too.

The Lao Sorng have kept their traditions, rites and ceremonies intact. Even their food and clothing has managed to stand the test of time. As their name "Dam" or "black" indicates, the tribe like to dress in mostly black attire. The men wearing "Suang Kom", while the ladies prefer patterned brocades, with their hair usually swept up and pinned on top of their heads.

The various Lao Sorng ceremonies are certainly worth watching if you have the opportunity. Nowadays, most Ratchaburi Lao Sorng can be found around Ban Don Klang, Amphoe Damnoen Saduak , Don Khq , Amphoe Ban Phae, Amphoe Chom Bung and Amphoe Pak Tho.

Thai Tanawasri or Karen

This is a hill tribe of mixed race, originating from Tibet and Myanmar. They now live near the Thai/Myanmar border and are the biggest hill tribe in Thailand.

When they first arrived in this country, Thai Tanawasri lived in Nong Krarien, Tambon Rangbua and Amphoe Suwan Pueng, but after experiencing drought conditions in this area they moved onto the banks of the Pha Chi tributarie

Thai Tanawasri have continued their unusual annual tradition of making and eating rice wrapped in leaves. This festival can be observed every year during the 9th lunar month , which usually falls in August, and is known as the "Suwan Pueng Thai Tanasri."

The hilltribe have a special costume which is worn only on important ceremonial occasions.

Thai Tae Ban Phohak

It is often said that the Thai Tae Ban Phohok are really Thais. They have a distinctive abrupt style of speech and vocabulary , Often using old colloquialisms. One of the tribes interesting traditions is called "Khanara" which is a tradition about love. They also popularly like to build clusters of Thai-style houses in the beautiful green and fertile fields and meadows along the banks of the Phohak. This was the area that inspired, and was chosen for, the classic Thai film "Plae Kao", which was produced by Churd Songsri and starred two of the great Thai actors and actresses ; Kwan as the hero and Riem as the heroine.

The Lineage of Thai Mon (or Peguan)

The forefathers of the Mon tribe moved to Ratchaburi during the first Rattanakosin period and lived beside the Mae Klong River in Amphoe Ban Pong and Amphoe Photharam. Even now ,they continue to follow their old tradition of paying respect to the household spirits, and the spirits of their ancestors. They are also very serious about their Buddhist religion, believing that they were the first race to bring Buddhism from India.

The Mon's most important ceremony is called "Songkran Cho Mon" or "Mon New Year", and is usually held about one week after Thai Songkran. They have many interesting games, most notably "Mon Saba" which is a pitch-and-toss game. "Song Phikala" nad "Phrikadong"

On the final day of Buddhist Lent, the Thai Mon always go to the various temples situated on the banks of the Mae Klong River , where they listen to sermons on the story of the last great incarnation of the Lord Buddha, a story which consists of many episodes.

The Lineage of Thai Laowieng or laoti

The reason for calling this tribe "Laoti" is because of their custom of saying "ti" at the end of most words. They first came from Vientianne and settled in Ratchaburi more than 200 years ago. They reside on the banks of the Mae Klong River atSroi Fa Temple and Papai Temple. They can also be found within the boundaries of Amphoe Chom Bung, and in Ban Nasamor and Ban Sungnem. Many of their unique customs have disappeared now , even the merit-making ceremonies such as the "Sart Lao" festival , the "Khao Pradap Din" festival of the tenth lunar month, the "Khao Ji" festival of the third lunar month and the "Prawet" festival of the eleventh lunar month are no longer observed.

Thai Yuan

This is the name that the people used to call themselves during the Lanna period. Documented evidence shows that the Yuan were moved to Ratchaburi during the reign of King Rama I, when the King gave the order to attack Muang Chiang Saen to protect the selves from Myanmar. Most Yuan can be found in Koo Bua, Ang Thong, Don Rae and Chedihak. They are skilled cart makers and skirt weavers.

Unfortunately, very few of their traditions have withstood the test of time, except for an annual ceremony held before the start of Buddhist Lent. For this ceremony, the older generation, who have stong Buddhist beliefs, don traditional clothing to pay respect to and feed the spirits of their ancestors.

The Lineage of Thai Khmen Lao Drem

Thai Khmen Lao Derm, or Thai Cambodian Laos, settled here during the Thonburi period of Thai history. Originally, they lived in Laos but were forced to move to Cambodia, before being brought to Ratchaburi by the Thai army. They live along the banks of the Mae Klong River at Ban Pong Sawai and Ban Kung Nam Wan. Just one of the Thai Khmen Lao Derm's traditions remains, which is the order generation's belief that they must go and inform the spirits in native Cambodian language of any upcoming auspicious occasions

The Lineage of Thaijin

Thai Jin, of Thai Chinese, were the biggest minority group to come to Thailand during the reign of King Rama V. Many can still be found living in Amphoe Ban Pong and around the canals of Damnoen Saduak and Ban Nok Kwak.

The Thai Chinese who follow Buddhism, annually have a tradition of taking Buddhist images out in boats for a trip along the rivers around Prasart Sit Temple. Unfortunately, it is difficult to be precise about the exact dates of this important and spectacular ceremony. The other group of Thai Chinese who follow Christianity have built many beautiful churches all over Ratchaburi.

How to get there

By Bus
Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses leave Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal daily. It takes 2 hour for the trip. Contact Transport Co. Ltd. Tel: 0 2435 1199-200

By Car

a) From Bangkok, take Highway No. 4 (Phahonyothin Road) to Ratchaburi via Bang Khae, Om Noi, Om Yai, Nakhon Chai Si, Nakhon Pathom.

b) From Bangkok, take Highway No. 338 to Nakhon Chai Si via Buddhamonthon and turn into Highway No. 4, then proceed to Ratchaburi.

By Train

Regular trains depart from both Hua Lamphong Railway Station and Bangkok Noi Railway Station daily. Travelling time is 2 hours. Call 1690 for more information.

Festivals & Events

Ratchaburi Tourism Fair

is held every year during February–March on the ground of the City Hall. Activities include demonstrations of famous handicrafts, such as jar making and "Sin Tin Chok" cloth weaving, the selling of OTOP products and agricultural produce, and folk art and cultural performances by local tribal groups.

Sweet Grape and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Week Fair

is held around March–April of every year to introduce agricultural produce to the market, especially grapes which most people grow in Amphoe Damnoen Saduak. Damnoen Saduak Grape is famous for its sweetness and good taste. This fair features the beauty contest of Thida A-ngun Wan and the competition of quality agricultural products.

Khao Ho or Ang Mi Thong Festival

is a Su Khwan ceremony or the blessing ceremony for happiness and longevity in life, held around the ninth lunar month. Karens believe that the ninth lunar month is a bad time when ghosts and evil hunt and eat "Khwan" -spirit -of people, so those people may get sick or die. Normally, this ceremony is often held on the full moon day of the ninth lunar month, but if some families are not convenient, they can change to any day in the ninth month. In the ceremony, people boil "Khao Ho" which is sticky rice molded and wrapped in a cone shape; then they will boil it like Khanom Chang.

In the past, they ate Khao Ho by dipping it in honey but at present they often dip it in sliced coconut. On the day they boil Khao Ho, the Su Khwan Ceremony will be held, too. It starts with poking a wooden plate and blowing a Khaen for entertainment; then the elders in each family will tie red threads on the children’s wrists and give a blessing for good luck.

Attractions

Historic Building

Mae Klong River

Location : Amphoe Muang
The city of Ratchaburi, located in the west of Thailand, on the banks of the Mae Klong River, the major western river which is the lifeblood of the many generations of life that reside beside it. It has been the link from past to present civilization.

If you want to visit Ratchaburi, it is from here that you must begin "The ancient town of Koo Bua", the source of many archaeological remains which relate that this used to be a prosperous port during the Dvaravati period of Thai history. Located on the Taow-u-thong Road in Tambon Koo Bua, about 4 kilometers from Ratchaburi. People who are interested in seeing other ancient relics many also like to pay a visit to "Wat Khlong Suwankhiri", which is opened free of charge to those who inform the temple of their visit in advance.

Apart from Wat Klong Suwankhiri, other evidence of art from the Dvaravati period can be found at Tham Ruesi Khao Ngu in "Tambon Ko Phlub Phla", which is located about 6 kilometers from the town. In this cave, you will find a pictures of the Lord Buddha sitting with his back against a wall feet raised in the attitude of giving his first sermon. This picture is known as "Phra Phuttachai Tham Ruesi Khao Ngu", and is another example of the unusual art that could be found during the Dvaravati period.

It is believed that after the decline of Koo Bua, the center of society moved to the banks of the Mae Klong River. It was around this time that the Cambodian influence began to spread itself to Ratchaburi and Petchburi, which can be seen in the pagodas and bas relief's in the walls of the temples around "Wat Mahatat Rachaworawiham", where examples of the distinctive Characteristics of Cambodian Bayon style art can be found. The temple is located on Khao Ngu Road in Muang Ratchaburi. But if you really want to know about Ratchaburi, we suggest you don't miss visiting the "Ratchaburi National Museum". Near the clock tower on the river's edge.

It is open daily from 9.00 am - 4.00 pm except Mondays, Tuesdays and Public Holidays and located inside the old Town Hall which almost 80 years old. The museum highlights all aspects of Ratchaburi's history, including the two most outstanding and widely-recognized features, the dazzling blade of the Ratchasatra sword, and the "Phra Awalogitaesuwan bodhisattva" image which is a fine example of Bayon-style Cambodian art. This image is the best-preserved example of the five that have been unearthed in Thailand. Whichever way you come to Ratchaburi, if you arrive feeling hungry, take the chance to head down to the market on the edge of the river. Here you can satisfy your pangs of hunger with a bowl of the excellent rice porridge and "foi thong" sweetmeat ice cream.

Ruesi Khao Ngu Cave

This famous attraction of Ratchaburi is 8 kilometres from the town along the road to Amphoe Chom Bueng (Route No. 3078). The cave houses a bas-relief Buddha image, considered the oldest archaeological evidence of the Dvaravati period found in Ratchaburi. The figure is 2.5 metres high in the attitude of giving the first sermon.

Religious site

Wat Pa Phrathat Khao Noi
Location : Amphoe Ban Kha

In Muu 1 , Tambon Ban Kha, about 11/2 kilometers from the Amphur Subdistrict, there is a pagoda which houses the remains of "Luang Pu Thet" and is deeply respected by followers of Buddhism. On the mountain is a spot where you get the closest view of the Tanawsri Mountains.

Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat

Location: Amphoe Muang

This ancient temple, locally called Wat Na Phra That, is located on the west bank of the Mae Klong River in the town. Its elegant prang or pagoda remains in good condition and was probably copied from Cambodia's Angkor Wat. The prang made of bricks and stones stands on a rectangular base with pathways around the cloisters. The outer stucco designs were made in the reign of King Borommakot of Ayutthaya. Buddha images of Dvaravati, Lop Buri and Ayutthaya periods are placed around the pagoda. 2 kilometres west of Wat Na Phra That on the route to Khao Ngu is Wat Aranyik with a prang identical to that of Wat Na Phra That but smaller in size.

Wat Khongkharam

Location: Amphoe Photharm

This 100 year old ethnic Mon temple is at Tambon Khlong Ta Khot, Amphoe Photharam, some 22 kilometres from Ratchaburi. The fine mural paintings about Lord Buddha's life in the main shrine hall are full of detail making them seem real. Completed in the early Bangkok period, they are very rare and worth studying. The temple also houses a Thai style building entirely made of
teak with intricate carving designs.

Wat Khanon

Location: Amphoe Photharm

More than 300 Nang Yai puppets are well preserved at this temple, some 10 kilometres from Amphoe Photharam. Nang Yai is an old form of entertainment which gathers many kinds of arts; for example, Thai sculpture and classical performances. The intricate carved puppets are portrayed on the screen by skilled male performers, and it can dance according to the music. The performance is usually demonstrated on Saturday from 10.00-11.00 a.m.

Museum

Wat Muang Local Museum
Location : Amphoe Banpong

This is a Mon temple situated in Tambon Ban Muang, west of Amphoe Ban Pong along Route No. 3089 and a left turn after crossing the Mae Klong River. Besides a Mon style pagoda, a well-managed folk museum has been established as a research centre of history, way of life, and culture of this Mon community.

Ratchaburi National Museum

Location: Amphoe Muang

This is located on Woradet Road near the river. The edifice was formerly the town hall, built in 1922. Established as a museum in 1988, it displays art and ancient items of different periods found in the local area, and exhibits the history of Ratchaburi, as well as its folk art and geology.

The museum is open daily from 9.00 a.m.- 4.00 p.m. exept Mondays and Tuesdays.

Phawothai Local Museum

Location: Amphoe Suan Phueng

This is located 2 kilometres from Suan Phueng district. Two Thai style houses in a pleasant garden displays a collection of ancient artifacts. The museum is open only on Saturdays , Sundays and Public Holidays. Accommodataion is also available for any visitors to stay overnight .

Market

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Location : Amphoe Damnoen Saduak
In the past, daily commerce in Thailand was conducted mostly along rivers and canals (or khlongs in Thai). Bangkok’s water network was busy and served as the principal means of communication causing Bangkok to be called as the “Venice of the East” by early European visitors.

Today Bangkok’s floating markets may not be quite so vibrant. The best known floating market is at Damnoen Saduak, some 109 kilometres southwest of Bangkok or approximately two hours drive. It is a ‘must-see’ destination and probably visited by nine out of every ten tourists who visit Thailand. Every morning, hundreds of boats crowd the market area. Most of them are paddled by women with picturesque straw hats. Visitors can find everything from vegetables and fruits to freshly-cooked noodle and souvenirs at this lively market.

Family Entertainment

Conserving The Nearly Extinct Wild Animals And Rare Plants
Location : Amphoe Jombung

This Amphur is always referred to as the gateway to "Suan Phung" or the "Bee Garden". In the past, the area was just forest and limestone mountains which formed the many beautiful caves in the area. Nowadays, it is a conversation area for the protection of hunted animals and many rare species of plants. The town has many attractions to visit and is one of the most suitable places in Ratchaburi for young people and families.

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Tai Rom Yen National Park ( Surat Thani National Park )

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Tai Rom Yen National Park situated in Surat Thani Province, in the past Khao Chong Chang was an area of communism, and other special events are an area to assassinate of Vibhavadirangsid Prince in helicopter, and to kill Surat Thani's governor assistant, at last can banditry by solder with Tai Rom Yen military operation, next there are announce to national rhinoceros.

Geographical Features

The area consists of complicated mountain range, and is the source of water. Its main rivers are Chawang River, Lamphun River, ์Namtao River and Tan River for examples, and some mountains are limestone so that cause the area has many wonderful caves.

Weather Condition

The weather in the area has two seasons, which are rainy season from May to December, and summer from January to April.

Varieties of Plants and Wild Animals

Location and Journey

Tai Rom Yen National Park
, Ban Na San, Surat Thani, Thailand 84120
Tel. : 0 7791 8611 (VoIP) 08 9893 6455 0 7734 4633 Fax : 0 7734 4633
Head's name : Sukrid Krataichan Position : Technical Forest Officer 7

By Car

From Surat Thani Province along highway 4009 (Surat Thani - Ban Nasan) about 30km to Ban Chiang Phra, then turn left opporite to Khuan Suban School for further 15km to the National Park and Dat Fa Waterfall. Total distance about 45 km.

By Airplane

By Thai Airline Public Co, Ltd. from Bangkok to Surat Thani province, and take a bus to park headquarters

By Train

Use the train everyday from Bangkok to Punpin Train Station, and take a bus to park headquarters.

general Information

Geography

Climate

The weather in the area has two seasons, which are rainy season from May to December, and summer from January to April.

Thailand holidays : Tai Rom Yen National Park ( Surat Thani National Park )

Hat Noppharat Thara - Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park (Krabi National Park)

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Historical

Wai King Cave In the northeastern part of Phi Phi Le Island, is the location of the Waiking cave where the King Phumiphol Adulyadej had been here and gave the new name as "Phaya Nak Cave" because there is one stone looked like the head of naga which local people who collect the nests of swallow birds pay their respects. In this cave, eastern side and southern side, you would find the historical paints of elephant and many kinds of boats pictures.

Beautiful Nature

Shell Cemetery (Susan Hoi)
This is the miracle of nature which took place on the ancient age, 75 million years ago when many kinds of freshwater shell had been starved as a huge fossil, so called the cemetery of shell or "susan hoi" in Thai language. After carefully measurement and analysis by a new technology, we found that this shell cemetery is actually 40-20 million years of age.

Noppharat Thara Beach Formerly, it's so called " Khlong Hang" because after the water from the northern mountain is gone, it would leave only a long sand beach which end at Ko Khao Pak Khlong. This area is the world biggest house of a "hoi-chak-tin" or "feet-pulling shell"

Nang Bay There is a colorful view diferent from other beach because one side of the beach is a mountain which has a stalactite cave, so called Tham Phra Nang. It's very quiet here, so many tourists love to visit and stay here.

Poda Island Located at the southern part of Phra Nang Bay. From the shore, you can see the white sand beach and many kinds of coral because the sea in this area is very clear. This's very attractive for tourists which they can visit here for almost year long.

Mai Phai Island Located in the northern part of Phi Phi Don island, not far away from Yung island. Northern side and eastern side has a beautiful beach and coral reef which most of them are the staghorn coral, laid along to the southern part of island.

Yung Island Located in the nothern part of Phi Phi Don island, you can find the rock beach on the eastern side here and also a small sand beach located in the alley of mountain. In addition, you would find the varieties of beautiful fertile coral reef here.

Phi Phi Le Island Phi Phi Le covers area about 6.6 sq.km. It is the island of limestone mountains consisting of a steep high cliff vertically with the sea surface. Around this island has a sea area with depth about 20 meters. There are many beautiful gulf areas such as Pi Le Bay, Maya Bay, and Lo Sa Ma Bay.

Phi Phi Don Island Phi Phi Don is located about 28 sq.km. Laem Tong Cape is situated at the north of the island where 15-20 families of the sea gypsies dwell. These sea gypsy migrated from Li Pe Island in Satun Province. The cape is suitable for scuba diving and snorkelling. Lam Hua Ra Ket Cape, Had Yao Beach, and Hin Pae are also very beautiful. Ton sai Bay is the most beautiful scenery of the twin bays. Accomadation can be found at Loa Adam. This beautiful picture was been taken 10 years ago where settlement was absent.

Nature Education

Ngon Nak Mountain Nature Trail

Facilities

Accommodation Bungalows are also available.

Camping site There are the camping area with a parking lot, bathrooms and restrooms for serving tourists at the area of Ko Mai Phai Ranger Station.

Food services Restaurant is available in the Park.

Souvenir shop 5 souvenir shops : Ao Phra Nang area, Ao Railey, Hat Nopphrarat Thara, Susan Hoi and Phi-Phi Don.

Docking , Boat Tie-up , Wharf It has 7 ports for parking boats : Ao Phra Nang port, Ao Railey port, Ko Kwang port, Khlong Yingsuea port, Khlong Son port, Hat Khlong Muang port and Ao Nammao port.

Visitor center The office of National Park can serve you with a multimedia tools. You may see the exhibition at the Susan Hoi Ranger Station, Ko Mai Phai Ranger Station and the Railey Information Service Center. This gives you both natural touch and knowledge.

The Royal forest department had surveyed and established the 75 million-year shell cemetery (Susan Hoi), Hat Noppharat Thara - Mu Ko Phi Phi and near-by islands in Nong Thale sub-district, Ao Nang sub-district, SaiThai sub-district and Pak Nam sub-district of Amphoe Mueang Krabi, 389.96 sq.km, as the 47th National Park of Thailand so called "Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park". There after, it had been expanded to cover the shell cemetery and near-by islands, 0.02 sq.km. After that the area of Nong Thale sub-district, Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Krabi province which is the area of the Royal Thai Navy and the Royal Palace area has been excluded from this national park and left only 387.90 sq.km.

Geographical Features

Consists of the land area on the coast of the island such as Ao Nammao mountain area, Ao Nang-Hang Nak forest and other islands. The geological form of this area is the high mountain laid along the northwest-southeast direction. Coast area is the high mountain while the western side has deeper slope than the eastern side. Geological form of sea coast area and islands in Andaman sea would be affected by the line of earth layer movement so called "Indosenia Teotonic Movement". At the area of mangrove forest of Hang Nak mountain you would find the Klom mountain canal on the coast rim which get the drained water from a big pond, so called "Nong Thale" (Sea Pond) and originates the mangrove forest and low plain area of the Samed forest in the area of national park office namely "Khlong Haeng" (Noppharat Thara Beach).

Weather Condition

"Hat Noppharat Thara - Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park is influenced by tropical monsoon wind. During November-October would has the southeastern-monsoon wind drives through and induces to have two seasons of weather here; the first is raining season starts from May till December and the hot season starts from January till April. Average temperature here is about 17 - 37 degrees celsius. Average rainfall per year is about 2,231 milimeters which would be highest in July and lowest in February.

Varieties of Plants and Wild Animals

Vegetations in the national park area could be classified into 3 groups as follows :
Primary rainforest could be found in the high steep mountain. According to these are the limestone mountains which have a thin layer of soil and are frequently impacted with strong wind, lets the rainforests in this area are not naturally fertile. Most of plants are iron wood, rubber and shorea, and the low level trees such as chanpha, rattans, banyans and many kinds of vines.
Mangrove forest could be found in dry canal and Yan Saba canal. Found plants are red mangroves, samae, peninsular, withe beans, black beans, etc.
Phru forest is the society of dominant plants which found the dense samet trees in the Nhoparatanatara beach. Other found plants are shorea, jambolan plum, cogon grass, etc.
Wildlife
Animals int the Nhoparatanataral-Phi Phi Islands National Park can be classified as follows : mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes and other aquatic animals which no spine, such as sea slug. The important one in this group is coral such as a thorn coral, cub surface coral, leaf coral, tree coral, ect.

Location and Journey

Hat Noppharat Thara - Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park
79, Mu 5, Ao Nang , Muang , Krabi 81000, Muang Krabi, Krabi, Thailand 81000
Tel. : 0 7566 1145, 0 7563 7200, 0 7563 7436 Fax : 0 7566 1145
Head's name : Tanapong Apaiso Position : Technical Forest Officer 7

By Car

You can drive from bangkok on the road no. 4th, through Phetchaburi province, Prachuap khirikhan, Chumphon, Ranong, Phang Nga and Krabi which is about 946 kilometers long. The other way, you may drive on road no. 4 to Chumphon province and then change to the road no. 41 through Amphoe Langsuan, Amphoe Chaiya, Amphoe Wiangsa of Surat Thani province, then change to drive on the road no. 4035, through Amphoe Ao Luek and turn to use the road no. 4 again and drive to Krabi province which is about 814 kilometers.

By Airplane

Go by airline, from the Bangkok Airport directly fly to the airport of Krabi province.

By Train

Take a train from Bangkok to the train station of Trang province or the Phun Phin's train station of Surat Thani province or the Thungsong's train station of Nakhon Si Thammarat. After that please take a bus to Krabi province.

By Bus

Take a bus by buying a ticket at the Southern Bus Terminal. There are two bus companies, the first one is the "Transportaion Co., Ltd." and "Lignite Tour Co., Ltd.

Khao Phanom Bencha National Park (Krabi National Park)

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The site is comprised of with Khao Phanom Bencha at 1,397 meter in height above mean sea level, providing watershed area for the surrounding areas of Krabi Province and then flows to Andaman sea. Phanom Bencha mountain range is layed from north to south.

Climate

The weather is warm and humid throughout the year. There are two seasons, Hot season between January to April and Rainy season between May to December, maximum rainfall is in June to October.

Flora and Fauna

As a Moist evergreen forest, fauna in the park consisting of Hopea odorata, Dipterocarpus alatus, lagerstronemia cupida, Malacca teak, Michelia champaca, Parkia speciosa, Baccarea sapida. Ground fauna found are palms, genus Calamus or Daemonothops, greenia wightiana and bamboos. There are a number of animals live in the park which generally can be found are serows, wild pigs, panthers, clouded leopards, black bears, mouse deers, langurs, gibbons, Stump-tailed monkeys, Asiatic wild dog, squirrel, iorises, white-rumped shama, hornbills, pheasants, red jungle fowls.

Mu Ko Lanta National Park (Krabi National Park)

2009-09-20T19:59:00.002-07:00

Establised in 1990, according to the order of Mr. Chaun Leekpai, Prime Minister and Wild Animal and Plant Foundation of Thailand. It includes Ko Rok, Ko Mai Ngam Tai, Ko Ta La Beng, Ko Lanta Yai, Ko Ngai, Ko Tu Kon Lima, Ko Rok Nok, Ko Rok Nai, Ko Hin Dang and nearby islands of Ko Klang district, Ko Lanta Noi district and Ko Lanta Yai sub district, Amphoe Ko Lanta, Krabi province. It is the 62th national park of Thailand which covers area of 134 square kilometers or 83,750 rais.

Geography

Over all geographical feature is the complexity of mountains and rather deep slope. The plain area would be found only in a beach area in the southern part. Most of area here is more than 35 percent slope, except only the middle part of island where a slope is more than 50 percent. The height of this are is range from 100 meters above sea level to a heigth of 488 meters at the peak of mountain.

Climate

Most rainfall is in September which is about 391.4 milimeters and the lowest in January which is about 6.5 milimeters. Number of days of the highest raining is in September which is about 21.6 days and the lowest is in February, about 1.6 days.
In rainy season, the national park will be closed (Rok Nok Island, Rok Nai Island, and Hin Moung - Hin Deang Rock) during 16 May - 15 November every year for visitors safety.

Flora and Fauna

There are a lot of fertile forest resources and varieties of vetgetation which could be classified as follows :

Rainforest covers 19.42 square meters of Lanta Yai island, along the Lanta mountain which covers most of area of the national park. Upper level trees and middle level trees at average height about 15-25 meters are found in this forest. The important plants are L. siamica, Hopea ferrea Heim.,etc. And also the palm tree and cane wood species are the low level trees here, the important species are Fan palm, Calamus erectus Roxb., Calamus caesius Bl., Calamus peregrinus Furt.,etc.
Mangrove Forest could be found in Mai Ngam island, South Mai Ngam island and Ngu island. These islands are not big and most of area is covered with the mangrove forest. Mangrove trees are tall at the same height with averange about 5 meters. Plants could be found here are Avicennia alba, Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata
Beach Forest covers the small area between connecting area of beach and rainforest of Ngai island. The important plants are Bengal Almond, Derris indica, beach moring glory, etc.

Wild Animals
Able to classified into 6 groups as shown below.

Mammal Animals consists of 20 families 30 genuses and 38 species which 2 species had gone from Lanta island. They are wild deers and tigers, and the other species is the sea cow which is the conserved animal. The other two species that being gone are the common barking deer and fishing cat. The rarely finding animal on this island is the the marshall big ear crow bat .
Birds on these islands are totally 58 families, 130 genuses and 185 species. Most easy find in this national park are Brahminy Kite, Birdled Tern, Emerald Dove , etc while the most difficult find are Orange-Breasted Trogon, Siberian Thrush, and Little Spiderhunter, etc.
Reptiles, mostly are Water Monitor, Reticulated Python and Cobra , etc.
Amphibians could be found two species, the first one living in canal is Giant Mountain Frog, Ornate Froglet and the second one living in building and ponds. Others amphibians in forest are Polypedates leucomystax (Gravenhorst)-1829 and Small Toads and the difficult find species is the Dorria frog.
Sea and Fresh Water Fishes which could be found in fresh water ponds of the islands, fresh water fishes that you can find here such as Blue danio. While the sea fishes would be found along the coral reef, rock beach and fresh water canals such as Lizard fish and Porcupine fish, etc.
Animals in the Coral Reef are Staghorn coral, Fungia fungites, Anemone coral, Starflower coral, etc.

Article Source : http://www.dnp.go.th

Ko Lanta - The most beautiful island of Andaman Sea

Just off Thailand’s south western coastal town of Krabi, on the east side of Phang Nga Bay, exists a unique, unspoiled tropical island: Ko Lanta Yai. Ko Lanta Yai preserves its community spirit in both family and business life. With clear, cool waters and superb white sand beaches stretching along a 27 kilometer coastline, its paradisiacal appeal remains unmarred by mass tourism. The island, which reaches a height of almost 500 meters at its extreme end, also boasts a mountain range covered with rain forest.

The Ko Lanta archipelago is made up of over fifty small islands, though only three are inhabited: Lanta Yai , Lanta Noi and Ko Ngai. Lanta Yai is the most attractive to tourists, with its impressive beaches and activities for visitors. Approximately 10,000 of the regions’ 20,000 inhabitants reside on Lanta Yai. Most of Lanta Yai’s residents are practicing Thai Muslims, deriving their income from rubber farming, fishing, palm tree growing, coconut or cashew nut plantations, and the travel industry.

The island itself runs from north to south, with the west coast established as the main tourist area, offering accommodations for all budgets, a variety of activities, and a choice of bars and restaurants. Picture-perfect sunsets can be seen from any of the many beaches, while the colorful local fishing boats known as “long tails” bob lazily in the foreground.

The east coast is far less developed, affording the curious explorer a glimpse of life outside of tourism. Facing toward the mainland, the coastline largely consists of mangroves, with yellow sand beaches towards the southern end. It’s here you will find the ancient Sea Gypsy Village, home to the indigenous settlers on Ko Lanta who live in harmony with the sea.

Article Source : http://www.lantainfo.se/en_index.htm

Than Bok Khorani National Park (Krabi National Park)

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Than Bok Khorani National Park is a rainforest situated in the valley in the midst of the mountains. Streams flow through the area disappearing into the limestone rocks underneath the mountains, on their journey to the sea. The source of the stream is Nam Phut Cave and Ao Mai Dam Mountain (Black Tree Bay Mountain). This was formerly the territory of wild elephants, until people moved in and settled the area. They cleared the forest and took possession of the land for agriculture, until only the stream remained. The park was established on 30th September 1998.

Geography

Geography of Tarn Bok Koranee National Park is the ridge of mountains alternatively laying along north-south direction like a complicated wave and has varieties of deep slope. There is a little bit of plain area, most of them would be found on mountain shoulder and valley. The limestone mountains in this area are covered with the mixed tropical forest and in addition it also consistis of mangrove forest, waterfall stream, sea and beach. Morevever, there are a limestone island and many small islands, about 23 islands.

Climate

The climate of this national park is a monsoon weather, consists of 2 seasons; raining and hot season or so called "eight raining-four sunshine" which means raining for 8 months and hot for 4 months.
Raining Season starts from April till December every year. The heavy rain would be found in September while November would be cold with an average temperature at 26.4 degrees celsius.
Hot Season starts from mid of January till April every year. February is the lowest of raining and very hot but suitable for travel. In April, the average temperature is 29 degrees celsius.

Flora and Fauna

The national park covers an area of 104 sq.km, including a group of 23 islands off the coast of Krabi as Chong Lat Tai Island, Ka Rot Island, Pak Ka Island, Lao Bile Island (Hong Island), etc,. The landscape is dominated by a series of impressive mountains; precipitous, tall, limestone towers, protruding out of the landscape in a typical Karsts topography. Sink holes in the rock lead the way to underground streams, and numerous mountain cave. Than Bok Khorani National Park is the source and watershed for the water of Ao Luek District, flowing from five important streams; Marui, Klang, Nam Tok, Ao Luek and Ka Rot.
The main plant communities are rainforest, mangrove forest, and freshwater swamp forest.
Rain Forest is found on the steep mountain ranges, Hopea spp., Lagerstroemia spp., Dipterocarpus alatus, Intsia palembanica and Terminalia wallichiana being the dominant trees, and the undergrowth is characterised by Salacca sp., rattan and bamboo.
Mangrove Forest is mostly found around Tham Rot Tai Mountain, Nam Bay and Ka Rot Island. The main species are Rhizophora, Kylocarpus, Bruguiera, Sonneratia and Avicennia.
Swamp Forest covers the footslopes of Chong Lom Mountain. Because the forest no longer covers a wide, continuous area, the variety of wildlife is reduced.
Wildlife
Mammals, include Wild boar, Fishing Cats, Mouse Deer, Gibbon, Langurs, Large Indian Civet, Malayan Porqupine, Pangolin, Otters, Squirrels, Javan Mongoose and Flying Lemurs.
Birds, include Brahminy Kite, Common Koel, White breasted waterhen, Hill Myna, Woodpeckers and Grey Wagtail. The rivers are habitat for a wealth of freshwater species, including True Eel and Long Tom.
Reptiles, such as chameleon, bengal monitor, king cobra, cobra, reticulated python, malayan pit viper, bronzeback, etc.
Fish, whilst the sea supports coral reefs, with both hard and soft corals, Parrotfish, Starfish, and Anemones. Interesting Points

Article Source : www.dnp.go.th

Than Bok Khorani National Park (Krabi National Park)

Hat Khanom - Mu Ko Thale Tai Nation Park ( Nakhon Si Thammarat National Park)

2009-09-20T19:58:00.000-07:00

At present, under the process of appointment as a national park, which shall cover part of the following local: Khlong Thong, Khlong Reng, Khao Ok, Khao Thong Not, Pa Khao Chai Son, Len Khlong Khanom, Khao Fee Hai, Khao Wang, Khao Krot, Chai Kram-Wat Pradu, Khao Hua Chang Forest and 8 islands namely, Ko Mut Tang, Ko Mut Kong, Ko Rap, Ko Hua Ta Khe, Ko Wang Nai, Ko Wang Nak, Ko Noi and Ko Ta Rai, all in Sichon and Khanom District, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, and Ko Samui District, Surat Thani.

Geography

Most of the area is covered with lush primary forest which is the originating point for many creeks, from which water is used by the locals for consumption and agricultural activities. Some of the areas are of limestone mountain and quite healthy mangrove forest.

Climate

Influence from the South-Westerly wind and North-Easterly wind results in rainfall almost all year round. However, there are 2 seasons altogether, which are summer (February – April) and rainy season (May – January).

Flora and Fauna

Forests in the area are:
Primary forests with valuable plants such as Intsia palembanica, Dipterocarpus sp., Ironwood, Sandoricum Koetjape and Indian Oak.
Mangrove forests with valuable plants such as Mangroves, Taboon and Thespesia populneoides.
Limestone Mountain also exists with plants such as Chanpah and Opuntia elatior.
Wildlife
Can be classified as follows:
Mammals – Sus scrofa (wild pig), Monkey, Semno, Squirrel, Menetes berdmorei (Indochinese ground squirred), Naemorhedus sumatraensis, Muntiacus muntjak, Ursus malayanus, Tiger, Barking deer, Gibbon and Malayan sun bear.
Birds – Spilornis cheela (Cnested), Treron curvirostra (Thick-Billed Pigeon), Copsychus saularis (Oreintal), shama, dove, cormorant, Nicobar pigeon, seagull, Egretta sacra (Pacific Reef-Egret) and Ducula aenea (Green Impevial)
Reptiles – consists of tortoise, snakes and chameleon.
Amphibians – different kinds of frogs, Bufo asper.
Other aquatic life – Channa striatus (Sepenthead), crab, shrimp, saltwater fish, brook carp and snakehead

Article Source : http://www.dnp.go.th

Namtok Khlong Kaeo National Park(Trat National Park)

2009-09-20T19:57:00.000-07:00

Namtok Khlong Kaeo National Park(Trat National Park)

Most of the area consists of not much complicated mountain range such as Khaokaw Mountain Range, Tabard Mountain, Tachoat Mountain and Kampang Mountain. At the ridge of the mountains, 100-836 meters above sea level, is the border of Thai and Cambodia. The highest peak is Khaotabath Mountain Peak 836 meters above sea levels. The area is the source of canals such as Klong louk, Klong kaew, Klong hinpleang, Klong lue, Klong kajai, Klong malagor etc. Water in all of these canals flows to Klong sator and to the sea.

Climate

The weather in this area is tropical monsoon and influenced by southwestern monsoon in the rains and northeastern monsoon in winter. The area has productive forest that causes heavy continuous rain all the year round. The seasons are as follows.
Summer - starts from February to April
Rains - starts from May to October
Winter - starts from November to January

Flora and Fauna

The area consists of rain forest which is the source of rivers and has many kinds of plants such as small shrubbery and 25-60-meter tree. The valuable trees in this area are Dipterocarpaceae, Marlabar ironwood, Sterculiaceae, Meliaceae, Lagerstromeae etc. And shrubberies found normally are ginger, galangal, rattan, palmae, bamboo, fishtail palm, and areca palm etc.
The surveyed area is naturally productive forest so that makes this area has a number of animals, for example, a great number of leeches in many wet places show that the area still has a great number of wildlife too.

Article Source : http://www.dnp.go.th

Grand Temples of Thailand

2009-09-20T19:55:00.002-07:00

As the majority of the country’s population are practicing Theravada Buddhists, one of the most prominent sights around Thailand from Bangkok to Chiang Mai are the tiered rooftops of grand temples (known as wats).

Thanks to its combination of such fascinating culture with a low cost of living, Thailand attracts thousands of backpackers each year, with numerous hostels in Thailand providing cheap accommodation for travelers exploring the country’s sights.

Bangkok

Often the first point of call for backpackers in Thailand, the hectic modern surface of the capital city, Bangkok, conceals a history that’s bound up with its numerous impressive temples.

Home to the country’s most famous attraction, the Grand Palace, Bangkok is at the heart of the Thai Kingdom and its cultural heritage. In the grounds of the Palace complex lies Wat Phra Kaeo, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha – Thailand’s most sacred site.

Whilst the Emerald Buddha is small in size, it’s often considered to be the most important image in Thailand. Moved to its current location in 1784, legend places its origins in India with years of Southeast Asia fighting around (and over) it in between.

In addition to this celebrated image, there are paintings and figures inside the wat which depict the mythology of Ramakien, the Thai version of the Hindu epic of the hero Rama.

The giant reclining Buddha at Wat Po is a must see

Just to the south of the Grand Palace, the dazzling Wat Pho is also a popular attraction in Bangkok. The oldest temple in the city, it dates back to the 17th century and is famous for its huge reclining Buddha.

With regards to a place to stay, there are a number of hostels in Bangkok offering both cheap private rooms and dorms to travelers exploring these stunning sights. Many of the best (and most affordable) hostels are situated in Banglamphu, a hub for travelers in the city and in easy reach of the Grand Palace.

However, these temples are just part of Bangkok’s rich history – other highlights include the Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, beautifully decorated with Chinese dragons, and the large Wat Arun, one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks.

Old Sukhothai

North of Bangkok, the ruins of the walled city of Sukhothai lie on Thailand’s central plains. Easily accessible by bus via the modern settlement nearby, there are also some convenient hostels in the vicinity.

The temple ruins at Sukhothai are 600 years old

Dating back to the 13th century, the city originally housed around 40 separate temples. Today, the most important site is the large Wat Mahathat, surrounded by a moat and filled with the remains of many of Sukhothai’s ancient monuments.

Chiang Mai

Heading further north, public transport whisks backpackers on to Chiang Mai. This laidback and old-fashioned city is an intriguing sight in itself, although it’s mainly a center for hilltribe trekking in the mountains which surround it.

The beautiful Wat Phra Singh is the city’s must-see temple with its exemplary 19th century Lanna architecture, interior murals and gilded roof pediment. To the east sit the ruins of Wat Chedi Luang, once home to the Emerald Buddha, but destroyed by an earthquake in 1545.

Wat Phu Tok

Thailand’s least visited region, the northeastern province of Issan is home to Wat Phu Tok, a stunning retreat perched on the rocky outcrops of the red hills to the east of Nong Khai.

Built by meditation master Phra Ajaan Juen, it winds itself into the cliffs with wooden walkways that represent the seven levels of Buddhist enlightenment. The top level, on the flat of the hill, is in the midst of an overgrown forest.

Although it’s best reached by car, Wat Phu Tok is also accessible by bus from Bung Kan or the nearest town, Ban Siwilai, where there are also a handful of budget hotels providing beds for backpackers exploring the region.

Thailand National Park Chiang Mai : Ob Khan National Park

2009-09-20T19:55:00.001-07:00

Ob Khan National Park covers the areas of Pha Samoeng National Conserved Forest including areas of Tambol Samoeng Tai, Tambol Mae Sarb, Tambol Borkaew of Samoeng District; Pa Mae Khan-Mae Wang National Conserved Forest including Tambol Mae Win, Tambol Ban Kard, Mae Wang Sub-district, Sanpatong District, Tambol San Klang of Sanpatong District; and Pha Chang-Mae Khanin National Conserved Forest including Tambol Namprae, Tambol Banpong of Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai Province, within an approximate area of 574 square kilometers or 341,875 rai. The geographical features of the National Park mostly consist of high mountains. And “Yod Khun Tien” is the highest mountaintop of the National Park, at the altitude of 1,550 meters. The National Park has beautiful natural tourist attractions and varieties of major plants and wild animals.

Geography

The geographical features of the National Park consist of high and low mountains, extending from mountains in the area of Mae Chaem District, Chaing Mai Province. The majority of mountains in the National Park are not much high. And “Yod Khun Tien” is the highest mountaintop of the National Park, at the altitude of 1,550 meters, followed by “Doi Khun Huay Prachao” at the altitude of 1,443 meters, and “Doi Khun Win” at the altitude of 1,424 meters above the medium sea level, etc. The National Park is the source of major rivers and gullies flowing into Ping River including Nan River, Lan River, Tien River, Win Gully, Mae Toa Gully, Mae Kamin Gully, Lah Luang Gully, etc. Most areas of the National Park are mountains at the average altitude of 800 meters above the medium sea level. There are small plains along rivers and gullies, including hillside plains where villages are situated.

Article Source : www.dnp.go.th

Buffalo Racing

2009-09-20T19:53:00.000-07:00

You could be forgiven for thinking that a domesticated buffalo is not built for sprinting, but in Chonburi town, the gateway to resorts along the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, farmers have managed to tweak a turn of speed from these working animals that is nothing short of amazing.

The annual Buffalo races, 13 October, are a hotly contested series of sprints across on an open space in front of the town’s municipal offices.
Tourists and the town’s residents turn out for these amazing races that have been featured in the past on CNN and the BBC as a must-see event.

The races are taken very seriously by the owners of the buffaloes. Prizes for the first nose past the finishing line guarantee owners go to considerable lengths to ensure their buffaloes are in tip-top condition.
Clouds of dust rise as these hefty animals pound down the short course at an alarming speed, reminiscent of a stampede. The crowd roars in support of the favourites and the atmosphere is as an enthralling as watching thoroughbred race horses.
Admittedly, mites slower than a race horse, but the buffaloes are no slouches when it comes to making a short dash for glory.

Although this day of fun and competition would succeed with just the buffaloes as the celebrities, there are other activities to make it a worthwhile outing for families.
A fair with food stalls and handicrafts appeals to visitors who love authentic Thai food, snacks and sweets. Then there are the rides for children, concerts of folk music and, of course, a beauty contest where the prize is the honour of being declared Miss Buffalo.
Not exactly the most adhering of titles for an aspiring beauty queen, but it does not seem to deter contestants from seeking the limelight of the catwalk.
Here is a festival that provides photo opportunities to capture an unusual adaptation of the 100-metre dash. Well worth seeing, is always the conclusion of those who make the effort to travel to Chonburi.

If the more traditional version of four-legged races is more appealing then the venue should be the Horse Show, 23 October at the Sanctuary of Truth, also in Chonburi province, on the outskirts of Pattaya The show is organised to commemorate the reign of King Rama V, the Great, on a day set aside as a national holiday to honour a ruler who initiated many of the developments that ultimately encouraged the economic and social transformation of the nation.

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park ( Surat Thani National Park )

2009-09-20T19:52:00.002-07:00

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park is an archipelago in the gulf of Thailand consisting of 42 separate islands, the principle islands being;Phaluai, Wua Ta Lap, Mae Ko, Sam Sao, Hin Dap, Nai Phut and Phai luak. All the islands occur in Ang Thong district, of Amphur Samui, Surat Thani province. The park covers a total area of 102 sq.km of which about only 18 sq.km is land. The National park does not encompass the entire island chain, its jurisdiction covers about 82% of the total area. The park was established on 12th November 1980.

Geographical Features

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park consists of 42 islands. Its main islands are, for examples, Phaluai Island, Wua Chio Island, Wua Talap Island, Mae Ko Island, Samsao Island, Phai Luak Island, Kha Island, Hindap Island, Phi Island, Wua Kantang Island, Mae Yat Island, Wua Te Island, Naiphut Island, Changsom Island, Hanuman Island, Thaiphlao Island, Huaklong Island, and Kho Ban Island.Most of the islands consists of limestone mountains about 10-400 meters above sea level. Because the limestone can change its structure easily by both chemical condition and weather, so that makes the islands have many, strange-looking caves and cliffs, and some islands are looked like ancient Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Prasart Hin Pimai.

Weather Condition

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park has been influenced by monsoon that causes big waves and heavy rain, approximately 2,000 mm. of rain all the year round, and the temperature is approximately 23 ^oC. The appropriate time for visiting the islands is between February and April, although the temperature is quite hot but the sea is calm suitable for sailing.
During monsoon (November and December) in the Gulf of Thailand always have big waves and windy. Traveling to Ang Thong National Park, Surat Thani Province is not safe. Thus, National Park office announced for temporary closing during 1 November - 23 December every year.

Varieties of Plants and Wild Animals

The islands of the park are covered in forest of four types;
Dry Evergreen Forest, occurs on the larger islands with significant patches on Wua Ta Lap,Phaluai and Sam Sao. The principle tree species are; Memecylon sp., Barringtonia fusiformis, Semecarpus curtisii, Cinna- momum sp., Caryota spp., Calamus spp. and Paphio- pedilum niveum "Ang Thong" Pfitz.
Beach Forest, occurs in a narrow strip around most of the larger islands, especially in the area above high water mark on beaches. Species occuring include; Terrminalia catappa, Thespesia populnea, Carophyllum inophyllum, Scaevola taccada, Erythrina fusea, Pandanus monotheca and Crinum sp.
Limestone forest, occurs on the exposed cliff faces and in the very shallow soils on top of the limestone hills. Most of the plants found here are small and highly adapted to survive in the severe environment, species recorded include; Dracaena loureiri, Euphorbia antiquorum and Morinda sp.
Mangrove forest, occurs in the very sheltered spots where sandbars and mudflats have developed. This forest type is best represented around Mae Ko island and on the eastern side of Phaluai island. These forest areas are well structured with many trees, both large and small, the dominant species is Rhizophora apiculata.
On the larger islands with areas of undisturbed forest many species of animals are present. Occasionally seen are Spectacled langurs, Hairy-nosed otters, bats, Pacific reef-egret, Brahminy kite, White-bellied seaeagle, Common sandpiper, Edible nest swiflet, Oriental pied hornbill, Southern pied hornbill, Ashy drongo, Collared kingfisher, Monitor lizards, Tortoises, Sea Turtles and Pythons.

The area of the Gulf of Thailand in which the islands are situated is at a maximum 10 meters deep. The islands rise up out of the water and are thus surrounded by water which is relatively shallow. This means that the water is greatly influenced by turbid river water from the mainland, the river water does not encounter deep water which will reduce its velocity and thus allow carried sediment to settle out. The water around the islands is thus fairly turbid all year round. The coral development on the islands is not extensive and is restricted to a narrow band encircling each island close to the shore, especially on the southwestern and northeastern sides. Although the Northwestern side of the islands is the area most influenced by the monsoon, in sheltered spots good corals develop especially; elephants tusk coral, brain coral, stagshorn coral and in deeper water plate corals of the genus Pavona and flower corals of the genus Goniopora. Animals found inhabiting these reefs include; Butterflyfish, Angelfish, Parrotfish, Stingray, Black tip shark, Grouper and Cowrie shells.
In areas where the water is not so clear or is subjected to strong currents the species diversity is poor and is dominated by Seaworms, Crabs and brown seaweeds, of the genus Sargassum and Turbinaria.
In places with steep rocky shorelines or where the water is very turbid coral cannot survive. In these areas sedentary marine life is prevalent including; Sea fans, Oysters, Clams and Mussels, which can be seen covering the exposed rock surfaces.
The water of the gulf of Thailand is very rich and provides a valuable resource upon which a rich diversity of animals and plants are able to thrive. This richness is long established and thus the seas around Ang Thong are plentiful. Species commercially collected are Softcorals, Penshells, Sponges, Seaweeds and Barnacles, important fish species caught include; Mackerel, Anchovy and Squid.

Location and Journey

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park
145/1, Talat Lang rd, Talat Sub-district,, Muang Surat Thani, Surat Thani, Thailand 84000
Tel. : 0 7728 6025, 0 7728 0222 Fax : 0 7728 6588
Head's name : Satid Tontikittiya Position : Administrative Forest Officer 7

By Car

Use national road number 35 (Thonburi-Paktho) from Bangkok to national road number 4 pass Phetchaburi province, Chumphon province, and Prachuap Khiri Khan province to national road number 41 to Surat Thani province, approximately 644 kilometers. ( Bangkok to Koh Samui air-bus fare = 745 Baht.) Go on to Donsak District and on board a ferry from Donsak District for another 60 kilometers.

By Airplane

By Thai Airline Public Co, Ltd. from Bangkok to Surat Thani province. The airfare is 2,055 Baht.By Bangkok Airway Co, Ltd. from Bangkok to Samui Island. The airfare is 3,180 Baht. There is return flight every day, and about 1:15 hour a trip.

By Ship

Traveler can set off from Samui Island to Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park about 35 kilometers with 1,100 Baht a person by taxi-boat (tour boat).

By Train

Use the train everyday from Bangkok (Hua Lam Phong) to Phunphin Train Station, and take a bus to Surat Thani Province and go further by bus of Surat Thani – Samui Island.

By Bus

Take a bus from Surat Thani to Ko Samui District about 84 kilometers with the air-bus fair = 210 Baht a person. from Ban-Don Seaport, Surat Thani Province, to Samui Island at 05.00 AM. And at 09.00 PM. from Samui Island to Surat Thani Province at 04.00 Am.

Thailand National Park : Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park ( Surat Thani National Park )

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park ( Surat Thani National Park )

2009-09-20T19:52:00.001-07:00

Geographical Features

Weather Condition

Varieties of Plants and Wild Animals

Location and Journey

By Car

By Airplane

By Ship

Traveler can set off from Samui Island to Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park about 35 kilometers with 1,100 Baht a person by taxi-boat (tour boat).

By Train

Use the train everyday from Bangkok (Hua Lam Phong) to Phunphin Train Station, and take a bus to Surat Thani Province and go further by bus of Surat Thani – Samui Island.

By Bus

Thailand National Park : Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park ( Surat Thani National Park )

Tags : Thailand National Park , Thailand Travel, Nature Travel , Thailand Picture, National Park Camping ,Scuba

Backpacking in Thailand - North

2009-09-20T19:01:00.000-07:00

AYUTHAYA

When arriving at the Bangkok international airport, one leaves the air-conditioned airplane into a wall of humid heat. It was 38 degrees C (100 F) in early June. One gets used to it quickly, but it sets the pace for the rest of the trip - leisurely walking is the only way to avoid breaking into a sweat all the time, and one contrives to stand near fans a lot.

I arrived with no plans where to go next, so I had a hotel booked in Bangkok to get a feel for the country before I set off. This was unnecessary; Thailand is very well suited to just hopping on a bus or train and going off on a whim. I used a train from Bangkok's Hualamphong train station to Ayuthaya, the next morning; it would have been better to go there right from the airport.

Ayuthaya was the capital of Thailand until 1757, but now it is just a large field of ruined wats like the one in the picture to the right, and at the top of this page. From the train station it's a short walk to the ferry, an old wooden pier with shaking stairs and a boat driven by an ancient open diesel motor. The town begins promising on the other side, but peters out very quickly, like a toy town built by a child with too much space and way too few houses. Nice wats, all ruins.

I stayed for one night in the Wieng Fa hotel, not very fancy but not bad for a Thai budget hotel.

WAT?

A wat is a buddhist temple compound. There are wats in every village that are well-maintained and staffed by monks in their orange clothes. Cone-shaped chedis can be found in all wats, either in the pointy Thai style or the older rounded Khmer style. Almost all the wats in Ayuthaya and Lopburi are ruins.

All the buildings in Ayuthaya and Lopburi are built from bricks and covered with plaster. Most of the plaster has fallen off, and the brick structures are not very well preserved - they keep crumbling, and some buildings are merely huge overgrown piles of bricks, like the temple behind the Buddha at the top of this page. In many cases, the ground the chedi was built on has sunk over the centuries, so that formerly straight floors now curve up and down, and many chedis are strongly leaning to one side.

Khmer chedis like the ones in the picture have very steep stairs leading to a door. The inside is basically hollow, with a ceiling tapering to a tip. Originally, there were shrines inside, Buddha statues and sacrifices. It is possible to climb up there and look in but entering is difficult because of the stench of the bats that found a home in the dark caverns.

Wats also contain countless Buddha statues, all in one of the seven standard poses. They are usually covered with gold leaf, sometimes smoothly applied and sometimes loosely attached by worshippers; sometimes, if there isn't enough money, there is a single gold patch on the right breast. In the ruined wats, many statues are broken and headless.

LOPBURI

I took the train from Ayuthaya to Lopburi. Trains are very convenient, they run frequently and are extremely cheap. I went third class, which means benches running along the sides, fans on the ceiling, and open windows. Lopburi, unlike Ayuthaya, is a real small town with shops and markets, and much more interesting than Ayuthaya. Right across from the train station, there is a wat not unlike the ones found in Ayuthaya, where the picture on the right was taken.

Lopburi also has an old palace, parts of which are in ruins and parts of which are still in use. They are all set in a large garden that is used by the locals as a park. Another wat is crawling with monkeys, who also run free in the town, looking for food. The little guy on the left was alarmed by the camera I stuck in his face.

In general I'd recommend staying in Lopburi, not Ayuthaya. There may be fewer and less prominent wats but there is just more to do there.

CHIANG MAI

The next stop on many people's itineraries is Sukhothai, another former capital, but I decided not to spend another day looking at ruins so I went straight to Chiang Mai. (Looking back, a day in Sukhothai would have been better spent than a day on the southern islands.) I used a sleeper on the night train from Lopburi, lower berth, which is about the most expensive thing the railway offers (about $12). The beds are a bit short for a Westener (Thais are generally shorter) but comfortable. Earplugs made sleep possible; train tracks in Thailand are not continuously-welded and the wheels rattle. Anybody used to whispering European trains will be shocked by the noise! In second class it's bad; In third class it's deafening.

Chiang Mai is a large city but much smaller than Bangkok, without the smog and the traffic chaos but with all the amenities. The picture on the right shows a typical side street - some old wooden buildings, many new concrete buildings, shops, market booths, and food vendors and little taxi cabs and people everywhere. Very few places in Thailand have that sparkling designed look of western shopping streets; people just use any space available and make do with what they have.

Of course, Chiang Mai has its share of wats and shrines. The one on the left shows the interior of the building that houses the Buddha shrine, with an especially elaborate ceiling. On the steps of the altar, smaller statues, burning incense, and offerings are placed. The rug in front is used by kneeling worshippers. To the right is a picture of King Bhumibhol of Thailand, who is greatly respected in Thailand and whose picture can be found everywhere.

As I write this, I sit in the hotel garden by the pool under palm trees, watching the boats on the Maekong river which flows through Chiang Mai. If you can afford B1800, stay at the River View Lodge. They took care of my excursion plans and flight arrangements, and when the hotel's excursion offers didn't quite meet my expectations they found another agency that had just what I wanted. Every once in a while I like to relax in a good hotel, avoiding all the hassles like cold showers and insects in the cheap ones, and the River View Lodge was one of these.

Like all towns, Chiang Mai has a variety of "markets", which are really bazaars of haphazard booths of all kinds, like in the picture on the left. The typical booth offers food or clothes, but there are specialty markets too (in Bangkok there is a large "hi-fi market" where the stalls offer BNC connectors and little bags of transistors and cable drums and all kinds of other electronic parts!). In between there are food vendors, small carts with a display case full of meat and vegetable bowls, a gas cooker, and nicely arranged food.

If you are so inclined, there is always a mini-mart selling Pringles potato chips and Danone yoghurt nearby, but why Thailand visitors would eat pizza and cheeseburgers is beyond me. I started carefully at hotel restaurants for fear of upsetting my stomach, but when nothing happened I switched to random Thai places, and as nothing continued to happen I started sampling from street vendor carts. No problem. I avoided tap water and unpeeled fruit though. The pineapples and mangos are wonderful, unlike any I have ever eaten before, but OJ is poor - polluted, excuse me, fortified with artificial flavors and color. There are 7-Eleven stores all over Thai cities, and they count as upscale shops here, even air-conditioned and full of Western wares.

ELEPHANTS, HILL TRIBES, AND RAFTING

Chiang Mai is an excellent starting point for excursions into northern Thailand, and there are travel agents everywhere offering them. The point where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar (formerly Burma) meet is called the Golden Triangle, a supposedly beautiful area but rather far away, and an excursion takes many days so I chose something closer to Chiang Mai. I ended up with an excursion by Panda Tours (phone 278296) that included elephant riding, river rafting, and hiking up some hills to visit mountain tribes and see waterfalls.

Elephants are used as work animals in rural Thailand, carrying timber or doing heavy farmwork. They are a tourist staple too. They mount a wooden saddle on an iron frame on the back for two people to sit, while the driver, a small boy in my case, sits right on the bare head of the elephant, guiding it with his feet behind the elephant's ears. Elephants walk with slow, pondering, pounding steps, up and down hills on narrow paths. We rode for an hour until we got to the end of the trail.

From there, we continued hiking up the hill to visit hill tribes. That's what they call them; they are really immigrants from adjoining poorer countries trying to get Thai citizenship. I was assured that they don't mind being gawked at by tourists... They live in primitive huts built from roughly cut wood and palm leaves, but not so primitive that they wouldn't sell Coca Cola to thirsty tourists or watch TV. We visited several; it was a fairly long hike involving several shaky wicker-and-bamboo bridges like the one on the left.

We also passed some small rivers and a waterfall, where some people went swimming. The water is very warm, but in some places, especially still water, one can catch quite interesting diseases such as small worms that burrow through the skin and swim to the liver where they live happily everafter, so I skipped that opportunity.

The final item on the agenda was river rafting. The rafts were built from bamboo, tied together with old bicycle tires. There was a guide standing in front who guides the raft through the faster sections of the river with a long pole, and two or three tourists, one of whom stands in the rear with another pole. Water levels were fairly low so there were no difficult rapids, but there were large boulders and sand banks we had to maneuver around. In one place we got stuck and had to get off into the water, and then collided in mid-stream with the next raft...

Rafting on a small river through the jungle is great fun. It's not a jungle in the Tarzan sense, but there are dense forests, mangroves, ferns, and reed; with birds and small animals everywhere. Snakes, too; we saw one. They are small but poisonous. We were warned that it would get wet, but compared to true white-water rafting it was slow and quiet.

This excursion was certainly worth its cost ($20). It was fairly short, but travel agencies in Chiang Mai offer anything from half-day to week-long tours, from seeing some wat somewhere to hiking through the forests of the Golden Triangle. Some day I'll come back and spend more time here. Chiang Mai was the best part of the entire trip.

Travel Packing Tips for Thailand Vacations

2009-06-10T21:28:00.000-07:00

This travel packing tips list goes beyond the usual shirts, shorts, and undies. This list will help you prepare for Thailand's climate and way of life.

Unless you'll be in the mountains of Chiang Mai, Thailand is always warm. There's no need for cold-weather clothes. Don't bring them.

While Thailand has a large selection of common items, you may not find the exact brand you prefer. Don't count on finding your favorite deodorant, soap or anything else. If it's a "must have" then pack it just to be sure.

Electronics

A/C 3 Prong Plug adapters - Voltage in Thailand is 220. In the USA it's 110. Thailand wall outlets usually don't have the 3rd grounding prong, only two. Bring some plastic adapters for your plugs.
Digital camera - Get a lithium ion battery if you want longer lasting and rechargeable. Get AA batteries for convenience.
Notebook computer - There are internet shops everywhere with high-speed ADSL internet at reasonable rates so you may not need to bring your notebook computer at all. If you do bring it WIFI is available in big cities, at all Starbucks and most Black Canyon Coffee shops across the country and in Bangkok almost city-wide.
Mobile phone - Bring one or buy a cheap phone here. Thai phones take SIM cards you can purchase cheaply.

Papers

Thai dictionary - Here is an excellent Thai-English dictionary that is small and very useful. Also have a look at the Essential Thai Phrases article
Emergency cards for each person coming - List phone numbers for people at home authorities can call in case of accident or illness. Make directions clear - include country calling code.
Cash or traveler's checks - You can easily exchange traveler's checks for local Thai Baht at large banks, but better to also carry some cash - as much as you can afford to lose at one time. Theft isn't all that common, but it happens.
Printed copies of hotel, rental car confirmations
Guidebooks - Lonely Planet is still the most widely used guidebook, but it isn't the most up-to-date guidebook you can purchase.
Maps - print internet maps and pick up once you arrive in Thailand.

Security Items

Luggage locks
Money waist belt
Travel security alarm
Luggage name tags

Pharmacy Items

Sunscreen - Not a wide range of SPF numbers.
Insect repellent with DEET - Mosquitoes are a problem especially at dusk. They overlook the locals as they've acquired a taste for foreign blood.
Tampons - Pads are widely available but tampons are not.
Medications - Many can be found in pharmacies, but the one that you require might mean a trip to the hospital pharmacy. Thai pharmacies stock little outside the usual cold medicines, cough drops, and a small assortment of vitamins. An aspirin substitute is "Paracetamol" or, sometimes called, "Paracap".
Imodium RD - This one works wonders and it comes in small pills so easily carried.
Motion sickness pills - If you plan on taking a ferry anywhere you might want to have these on hand.
Vitamins - Vitamins are expensive here for some unknown reason. Bring your own.
Ear plugs - You might be glad you did.
Birth Control - Bring your favorite from home.
Handkerchief or tissue - Restrooms in Thailand often use a dishwasher squirt hose instead of toilet paper. Big city stores and restaurants will probably have tissue, but always have some of your own.
Large plastic bags with zippers for wet articles - You will likely have wet items you need to keep separate in your backpack.

To Wear

Clothing Tips - Bring loose, very light clothing that breathes. The heat is stifling at times, don't pack any nylon underwear or bras as you'll regret it. Shorts, no socks, sport sandals and a lightweight loose shirt are prescribed.
Bathing suits - Swimsuits should be modest. Thai women swim with shirts and pants on typically. Swimsuits are OK only at the beach, not in town. Cover up. Guys - that means shirtless in town is not OK. Shirts everywhere except at the beach.
Hat - you'll probably want a hat to keep the sun off your head, face and neck. We're very close to the equator and the sun will feel stronger than in America or Europe.
Shoes - Bring sport sandals with straps for the heel and forefoot. They might get wet, often if you're at the beach a lot. If your feet are over a US size 10 you will have difficulty finding larger sizes here outside of Bangkok.
Sarongs - Towels are heavy and take a long time to dry. Sarongs are light and dry in 15 minutes in a breeze or in front of the hotel fan.

Here is a rather comprehensive list of items to bring with you when you travel to Thailand. Ignore all cold weather items!

Eating Thai Food from Street Stalls

2009-06-10T21:26:00.002-07:00

Thailand's symbol of quality food preparation.

One of the most common fears for first-time visitors to Thailand is that the food is not foreign belly-friendly. Many guidebooks cite horror stories about food poisoning overseas, but most tourists in Thailand won’t have any serious issues.

Thailand has pretty good standards of cleanliness. Though probably not considered world-class, Thailand would rank highly in comparison to most of its Asian neighbors.

Some visitors eat all their meals from food stalls lining the streets and don’t experience any problems. Others might drink a cup of chai yen (sweet Thai tea) and spend the rest of their vacation leapfrogging restrooms. Pay attention to the following food tips and you’ll probably be just fine:

“Clean Food Good Taste.” Occasionally, at a street-side vendor or restaurant, you’ll see this sign (photo above). Consider it a fairly reliable indicator that the owner cares about cleanliness and food preparation standards.
Eat where there are many Thai people. Thais know where the food is safe and delicious.
Follow the yellow shirts. Thais in short-sleeved yellow Polo-type shirts, to show respect to the king, are often government workers and professional employees that have a little more money to spend on food. Thais with more money usually eat at places a step up from the cheaper places - and you probably should, too.
Stay away from pre-made food that might have been prepared days ago. It’s safer to watch your food cooked fresh in front of you. You don't want to eat from a vendor with pale yellow chickens hanging behind the glass and festering in the Bangkok sunshine day after day without customers. High turnover is key.
No MSG. If you don’t want MSG, you must say something, because some vendors add it in spoonfuls. Many vendors in tourist areas will understand, “No MSG please.” But if not, in Thai you’d say, “My sy pawng choo rote ka" if you’re a female, and, “My sy pawng choo rote krup” if you’re a man.
Insist on choosing your food. If there's food on display - point to what you want. You’re paying for it, so show them which one you want; don’t let them choose the older food for you.
Bring home remedies. Don’t forget the Imodium AD and other preferred remedies from home, just in case! You may not be able to find exactly what you’re looking for in the pharmacies here.

If you do start to feel significantly ill, you should go to a hospital or clinic quickly so they can sort out the issue and help you return to good health. Medical treatment is very inexpensive compared to the USA and other western countries. Thai doctors have a lot of experience with diagnosing and treating food poisoning, so let them help so you can enjoy the rest of your vacation exploring amazing Thailand.

The Golden Triangle of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar

2009-06-10T21:26:00.001-07:00

The Golden Triangle refers to a mountainous area covering parts of Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar which is approximately 135,000 square miles in area.

History:

The Golden Triangle has been one of the largest production centers of opium in the world since the 1950s.

Opium is taken on horseback to be refined into heroin at the Thai-Myanmar border. From there it’s trafficked across the border through small northern villages and brought to Bangkok for international distribution. Thai and American couriers from Thailand travel by airline into the United States.

Economy:

Opium growers and refiners, couriers and the whole industry reap large profits. Myanmar is said to finance their army largely from their opium production efforts in the Golden Triangle to other countries. Thailand outlawed opium growing and Thailand's King Bhumibol created a crop substitution program in 1959 that replaced opium as a crop. There are very severe penalties for those caught with the drug.

What is There to See and Do?:

Mai Sai town has a border crossing with Myanmar where there is a small shopping area with traditional souvenirs including clothing, toys and many unique items.

Village of Sop Ruak, where the Ruak and Mekong Rivers meet. There is a viewpoint where you can look over Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.

Local Karen hill tribe members in traditional dress are available for photos.

Many old Buddhist temples across the region.

There is a gambling casino across the border in Myanmar at the Mai Sai border crossing.

Rowboat and longtail boat trips on the river bring you closer to Myanmar where the government is still at war with the Karen hill tribe. Trips downriver to Laos gives a peek into their simple nature, as children play in the water close to where adults throw fishing nets.

In addition to a number of budget hotels there is a 5-star hotel, Anantara Resort, overlooking the hills of Myanmar, Laos and the Mekong River below.

Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are two Thailand cities close to the border with many things to do. Hikers are encouraged to try the new Pang Soong Nature Trail. This is an amazing four-hour trek along dirt forest paths in Chiang Mai. Trekkers will see over 15 waterfalls and manage a 1,500 feet vertical climb as the path winds its way up the mountain.

Bottom Line:

A nice getaway from the crowds of Chiang Mai, Bangkok and other tourist areas of Thailand. Don’t make this the focus of your trip north, but a short visit while in a neighboring city, Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai, would be ideal for most.

Chiang Mai Markets, Thailand - Handicraft Shopping Paradise

2009-06-10T21:24:00.001-07:00

Chiang Mai is shopping paradise for most travelers because of its unequaled abundance of handicrafts and quaint local goods sold at very affordable prices. Shopping venues are scattered around the city both at day and night; the range of products for sale is vast and many visitors to Chiang Mai include an extra empty bag to their shopping list in order to haul the bounty home. Each of several famous markets has gained recognition and nationwide popularity as the best overall place for buying quality hand-made products at very reasonable prices. As Chiang Mai is a well established tourist destination, finding accommodations and getting around the city are not something to worry about.

Chiang Mai is recognized as one of the handicrafts centers of Asia because it has a very large system of street markets and local markets that are very easily accessible. The markets trace down many blocks along bustling streets and that sometimes seem to have no end. The limiting factor in how much market you will be able to cover may often depend on how far you want to go before your feet tire out. The products are available in a vast variety including a wide range of wood work, silk products, silver art and jewelry, clothing, ceramics, interior decor, antiques, Buddhist art, lacquer work, and the list goes on..

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is the most well known night market in Thailand, taking up about 10 square blocks centered on Chang Klan road in central Chiang Mai. It is easy to spend a whole night just strolling past hundreds of street-side stalls and indoor arcades. The Night Bazaar is a great place to shop for exotic and beautiful handcrafted goods created by local artisans and skilled crafts-persons from the surrounding villages. The quality is generally high and some very good values can by found, especially if you are skilled at bartering a good deal.

Chiang Mai Walking Street can be a very nice alternative to the more hectic Night Bazaar and prices are aimed more at the locals so prices are generally low; so much that often there is no room to negotiate a bargain. The Walking Street Market is open only on Sundays and is a definite must see because the atmosphere is very relaxed, the market street is quite beautiful and this is an excellent place to mingle with the wonderful Thai people and to find fantastic bargains. The entire Walking Street is about 1 kilometer long and runs the entire length of Ratchadamneurn Road beginning at Thapae Gate and ending at Wat Prasing. Apart from a wide range of hand-made products on offer, one can also enjoy many Thai food stalls, street performances of a traditional nature, and also some much need massage and foot massage.

More serious shoppers can go directly to the villages and factories that manufacture handicrafts and other products and offer for wholesale at San Kamphaeng. Borsang village, just before San Kamphaeng, also has many shops offering a range of handicrafts and is renowned for its unique Borsang umbrellas. Baan Tawai just south of Chiang Mai is home to a wide range of wood carving, wood decor, and other handicrafts.

Chiang Mai is also popular for the diverse ethnic arts that you can find many hill tribe shops across the city. One recommended hill tribe shop is the Hill Tribe Products Promotion Center on Suthep Road next to Suan Dok Temple. It was established by His Majesty the King to promote the products created by 6 different tribes in Chiang Mai including Akha, Karen, Yao, Hmong, Lisu, and Lahu. This is aimed at generating alternative income to replace a reliance on opium cultivation in the past. Shop here for unique ethnic goods and help the hill tribe people.

Those who are interested in modern shops of the much more commercial variety, there are two big shopping centers: Kad Suan Kaew Plaza and Central Airport Plaza. The latter is relatively new and less than 5 minutes from the Chiang Mai International Airport. Panthip Plaza on the same road as Night Bazaar is ideal for techy people who are looking for computers and electronic gadgets with many discounts and a wide range of technical product available at good prices.

Chiang Mai offers more than shopping venues. It is a friendly and beautiful city with rich history steeped in Thai Lanna culture. Hundreds of temples and historical sites are found everywhere across the city and it is very easy to head out of the city to some spectacular natural areas. When not shopping, a visitor can enjoy waterfalls, elephant shows, and trekking tours. Some may be attracted by the more adventurous activities such as white water rafting, bungee jumping and paintball battle. Whatever you could ask for in a trip, Chiang Mai can offer- plus a whole lot more.

Published At: Isnare Free Articles Directory http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=316313&ca=Travel

Steel Art in Thailand - Miracle of the 21st Century

2009-06-10T21:22:00.000-07:00

Thailand is making a name in the international arena in making steel arts. Many Thai online sites showcase their craftsmanship in the form of Alien, Star Wars characters, Predator, and so on. These are made from scrap metal and are freestanding.

The development of the industry started about 15 years ago. Small and very basic models were being made by independent artists using wire, bolts and nuts. Stick figures, motorcycles and animal models were being made. This was but a hobby and there was no commercial intention behind the creation of these figures, they were just a way of spending time for 12 craftsmen.
After the appearance of the first Predator movie in 1987, this industry experienced its first growth. The artists were by this time adept at basic models and were seeking challenge. So they decided to work together to create a Predator statue, made from scrap metal.

The Thailand manufacturing industry for the creation of metal sculptures could only grow so fast because there was a lot of cheap scrap metal. These were sourced from Ford Thailand, scrap yards, boat manufacturers, military suppliers etc. 5 artists together mad the first Predator, which was 1.5 meters high and took four months. 20 workers also volunteered time to complete this statue. At that time no internet existed, and there were no computer designing, digital photography. The entire design was made from one photo and this was just a poster of the Predator which was imported from USA.

Artists had no design ideas, and no plans on how to start construction. The work was basically a social activity. A three dimensional frame was made from wires and artists searched through the masses of scrap metals and discussed which parts would look good on the statue. Drinking was as much a part of the event as was construction. The artist voted to complete the job if anyone thought there were improvements to be made.

The finished statue was not sold but passed between the people who made it. Finally it was donated to charity. But the legacy that was born never ceased to exist. Now it is a bit difficult to get the workers with skill and team spirit. But once such a group is assembled, they work with a great sense of family spirit. They share the glory of making a statue and are happy to assist each other.

Thailand has developed a great hand crafted steel works industry. There are many people involved in this business and they are getting great offers as well. For example, the Art From Steel, Thailand’s largest manufacturer of steel art, gets regular offers to make factories replica, Alien V's Predator bar furniture, symbols and gift items. Science fiction seems to be the most attractive of the works. Along with the Aliens, Star Wars and Predators, they are also producing Terminator, Gremlin etc designs as well. So it is becoming a good source of revenue for the Thailand people as well. There are scopes for major developments in this sector.

Published At: Isnare Free Articles Directory http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=332094&ca=Arts+and+Crafts

Thailand Public Holidays 2009

2009-06-10T21:09:00.000-07:00

January 1st (Thu) New Year's Day

January 2nd (Fri) New Year's Day (added holiday)

January 26th (Mon) Chinese New Year (not a public holiday, but some businesses close)

February 9th (Mon) Makha Bucha

April 6th (Mon) Chakri Day

April 13th (Mon) Songkran

April 14th (Tue) Songkran

April 15th (Wed) Songkran

May 1st (Fri) Labour Day

May 5th (Tue) Coronation Day

May 8th (Fri) Visakha Bucha

July 1st (Wed) Mid Year Bank Holiday

July 7th (Tue) Asanha Bucha

July 8th (Wed) Khao Phansa - Beginning of Buddhist Lent

August 12th (Wed) H.M. the Queen's Birthday; Mother's Day

October 4th (Sun) Awk Phansa Day - End of Buddhist Lent

October 23rd (Fri) Chulalongkorn Day

November 2nd (Mon) Loy Krathong (not a public holiday)

December 5th (Sat) H.M. the King's Birthday

December 7th (Mon) Substitution Day For the King's Birthday

December 10th (Thu) Constitution Day

December 31st (Thu) New Year 's Eve

Downloadable ThaiVisa 2009/2552 Calendars

FESTIVALS & EVENTS February - May 2009

2009-02-16T19:04:00.000-08:00

Thailand Ladies Open 2009

Thailand Ladies Open 2009
Date : February 18 - 20, 2009
Venue : The Vintage Club, Samut Prakan

The 2009 Thailand Ladies Open is jointly organized by Thailand Ladies Golf Association and The Vintage Golf Club. It will be the 22nd occasion that TALGA has organized for the professional ladies with the challenge trophy from H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn for the professional winner and the challenge cup from the Governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand for the Amateur winner.

For More Information
Thailand Ladies Golf Association, Tel. +66 (0) 2255 7376 ext. 107, 108
www.thailadiesgolf.org

Mekong River International Multi-Sport ITU Asian Cup 2009

Mekong River International Multi-Sport ITU Asian Cup 2009
Date : 27th - 29th March 2009
Venue : Along the Mekong river, Amphoe Mueang Nong Khai, Nong Khai

Hightlights :
Buddy Bike & Run
Aquathlon Asian Cup Series 2009
Duathlon Asian Cup Series 2009
Triathlon ITU Asian Cup 2009

Let’s see Thai-Lao Friendship Brideg, OTOP Fair, Food Fair, etc.

For More Information :
Triathlon Association of Thailand, Tel. 66 (0) 2578 4515, (0) 814 843 335
TAT Udon Thani, Tel. 66 (0) 4232 5406-7
Events Planning Division,TAT, Tel. 66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 3475-77
TAT Call Center 1672
website : www.thaitriathlon.org

Thai Elephant Week

Thai Elephant Week
Date : 13 March 2009
Venue : Thai Elephant Conservation Centre, Lampang

Thailand’s most noble beast, the elephant is the star of two important events this month. In the northern province of Lampang, people interested in the welfare and care of these noble animals gather for Thai Elephant Week, 13 March at the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre.

The scene of documentary films made for worldwide TV audience, the conservation centre, located in Hang Chat district in Lampang province, is a renowned refuge where elephants, both healthy and invalid, can be cared for and respected.

In this day visitors can learn from mahouts about the traditions and practices that help to maintain an elephant’s health and well-being. On the lighter side, visitors can also join the mahouts, feeding the elephants in the style of the northern Khantok dinner. Considered an ancient royal tradition adopted by princes and high-ranking officials of the Lanna Kingdom, the Khantok dinner is at the pinnacle of traditional northern cuisine.

So what better way to recognise and respect our elephants than to give them a Khantok treat?

For more information
TAT Chiang Mai Office, Tel 66 (0) 5324 8604, 66 (0) 5324 8607
Thai Elephant Conservation Centre, Tel 66 (0) 5424 7979
www.thailandelephant.org

World Comedy Film Festival 2009

Title: World Comedy Film Festival 2009

Concept: Laughter’s Beyond Frontiers

Time frame: April 23-29, 2009

Venues: Paragon Cineplex, Siam Paragon and SF World Cinema, Central World

Objectives:

1. Improving the image of the country after the political, economic, and social crisis of the past two years.
2. Regaining the confidence of foreign tourists and investors.
3. Bringing in income during the time of recession.
4. Creating an atmosphere of harmony and reducing
tension among the people.

Target Groups and Beneficiarie:

1. Foreign tourists.
2. Foreign investors and film industry operators: Fortifying the country‘s strength as an investment and production base.
3. Thai people: Increasing consumer spending and stimulating the economy.

Main Activities:

1. Opening Ceremony Welcoming guests from various foreign film industries, beginning with a fancy parade of local comedians dressed as the world’s well - known comedians and characters.

2. Closing Ceremony A gala night for comedians and festival participants, joining to pay tribute to one of the world’s renowned film comedians with an honorary award for his or her contribution to the art and world of comedy.

3. Film Screenings 55 films in total.

Scope and Contents:

1. The screenings of comedy films from all over the world. Tentative program includes twenty films from Asian countries; such as, China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Palestine, Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka and Syria, twenty films from Europe, America and Africa, ten Thai classic and contemporary films, and some internationally regarded shorts. The goal is to bring together highly successful comedy films, directors and actors with a special focus on Asian cinema.

2. There are seven comedy film festivals existing internationally. This is the first one to be held in Asia.

3. This is the first time the Comedian Association, the Federation of National Film Associations, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand co-operate together to showcase the local prowess of comedy acts in films and other kinds of media.

Expected Results:

1. Atmosphere of fun and pleasant feelings between the Thai people and foreigners touring the country.
2. Consumer spending with more jobs and income for those involved in the film industry and tourism generated from having 1,000 expected participants, film industry operators, and the press from various parts of the world, joining the festival.

Organizers:

1. The Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand
2. Tourism Authority of Thailand

1st Asian Martial Arts Games 2009

1ST ASIAN MARTIAL ARTS GAMES 2009
Date : 25 Apr 2009 - 3 May 2009

The 1st Asian Martial Arts Games 2009 will be hosted by Thailand from 25 April to 3 May 2009 in Bangkok as well as Suphan Buri province of Thailand. Featured games including compulsory Martial Arts, namely Karatedo, Kickboxing, Wushu, Muay, Kungfu and Kurash, as well as optional Martial Arts namely, Jujitsu & Beltwrestling, Pencat Silat and Kaliripattu.

This event will see the participation from 45 countries with expecting more than 2,500 competitors around the world.

Competition Schedule

For More Information, please call 1672

Aka Hill Tribes Mini Light and Sound Presentation

Aka Hill Tribes Mini Light and Sound Presentation
Date : Saturday 10 January / 14 Febuary / 14 March /11 April 2009
Venue : Chiang Rai Social Development Centre 12 on the Doi Mae Salong road
in Pa Sang Sub-district of Mae Chan, Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai province hosts its annual light and sound show that presents insights into the culture and daily life of the Aka hill tribes, resident in hilltop villages in Mae Chan District.

First introduced in 1999, the show is now staged once a month during the tourist high season from January to April.

This month, the show will be presented, 10 January, 14 Febuary, 14 March and then finally on 11 April, at the Chiang Rai Social Development Centre 12 on the Doi Mae Salong road in Pa Sang Sub-district of Mae Chan.

Yasothon Bun Bangfai Rocket Festival

Yasothon Bun Bangfai Rocket Festival
Date : 8 - 10 May 2009
Venue : Phaya Thaen Park, Mueang District, Yasothon

The underlying logic and science behind the famous rocket festival, scheduled for 10 to 12 May, in the unassuming northeast town of Yasothon, is not to be found in a chemistry laboratory.
While the rocket owners pack as much as 25 kg of black powder into plastic or bamboo pipes to give their homemade missiles take off, the blueprints for this exceptionally noisy festival are traced in the mystical skies ruled by gods. Approaching rain clouds signal the start of the rice planting season, but according to northeastern folklore the first raindrops fall only when the gods are in the mood for love. They need encouragement hence the importance of the Bun Bang Fai, or rocket festival, to stir the mythical community, resident in the heavens, to bless earth with fertility and rain.
One mother of all rockets shoots high into the sky possibly for a kilometre or more stimulating the gods to action. Its vapour trail and height is seen as an omen. The higher it goes, the more rain will fall on the northeast plateau bringing good fortune and a bumper rice harvest.
None of these lofty goals prevent Yasothon’s residents and thousands of visitors from the more earthly pleasures of merry making associated with their homemade rockets.
All sizes and shapes are built around a simple plastic or bamboo pipe packed solid with black powder and fuses. They can be up to 10 metres, or more, in length, as long as they are capable of powering into the skies at blast off. Anything short of that spectacle prompts a chorus of laughter from the crowd and even a few missiles of mud aimed at the head of the hapless rocket owner.
While the rockets compete, the crowd is entertained with comedy, often bawdy with a smattering of dirty jokes and raucous country music. It’s a genuine farming community excuse to have fun and get the planting season off to a good start.
Accidents are few and far between, but as the beer and rice whisky flows, missiles may stutter, wobble or even do some low flying antics over the tents and entertainment stages.
Rocket festivals are held throughout the region and in neighbouring Laos, but Yasothon residents, noted for their sense of humour, inspire an event that draws international visitors attracted by a hilarious three-day party. It embodies I-san’s ability to rise above the hardships of tilling the land.
Ironically, at any other time of the year, Yasothon is a sleepy northeast town that hardly warrants a second glance. Rarely visited by tourists, it is overshadowed by its neighbour Ubon Ratchathani, 98 km to the southeast. Considered the prime tourism gateway to the lower I-san region, Ubon Ratchathani’s airport is served by both the national airline, Thai Airways International, and low-cost airlines. It is possible to hire a car at the airport and drive northwest on Highway 23 to Yasothon.
The town’s hotels are full during this short festival and hotels will double their rates to cash in on the festival’s popularity. There are also hotels in Roi-et, 60 km northwest of Yasothon, while some visitors may decide to stay in Ubon and embark on a daytrip returning after sunset.

Contact :
TAT Ubon Ratchathani Office
Tel : 66 (0) 4524 3770-1, 66 (0) 4525 0714
Yasothon Municipality Office
Tel : 66 (0) 4571 1397 Ext. : 112

Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day

Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day
Date : 11 May 2009
Venue : Sanam Luang, Bangkok

Signs of the times.

A Brahmin ceremony seeks a sign to guide the nation to a healthy harvest.

Economists have their own ideas on how 2009 will pan out. They take stock of the rice crop, the inbound flow of tourism and fluctuations on the foreign exchange market to provide a peep at where we might be heading.

There is a much more colourful way to reach the same conclusions and it is at the heart of a century old custom, the annual Ploughing Ceremony.

Held at on the spacious grounds of Sanam Luang against the backdrop of imposing government buildings and the Grand Palace, this ancient Brahmin ceremony takes place 9 May at an auspicious time set even to the seconds hand of the clock by custodians of this custom.

Having their origins in India, the rites of the Ploughing Ceremony can be witnessed in Myanmar, Thailand and Cambodia.

Once the Brahmin priests have set the auspicious time after consulting the stars and interpreting omens, the stage is set for Bangkok to turn the pages back from modern commercial endeavour to a ceremony that touches the soil and essence of life itself.
To the sound of tambourines and flutes the royal ceremony draws various players to a pegged area of “Sanam Luang” where omens will be interpreted to chart the course of the nation’s economy and wellbeing.

One of the players is a high ranking official of the Ministry of Agriculture dressed in ancient regalia -- a white tunic sparkling with precious stones and wearing on his head a long pointed crown.
Two oxen covered in scarlet and gold cloaks wait to be attached to a plough.
Brahmin guards dressed in green officiate over the first of three important ceremonies.

At the Royal pavilion, three golden Pa Nungs (sarongs) of different length are presented to the Minister. He dons one of them and his choice is considered an omen that gives the Brahmin priest a hint of the year’s prevailing weather and its impact on the harvest.
If the minister chooses the shortest of the Pa Nungs it suggests abundant rain, while the longest hints of drought and hard times. The medium length Pa Nung is considered the most appropriate for the economy. It suggests harmony in nature, perfect conditions for a bumper harvest.

Emerging from the pavilion the Minister is led to the two oxen tethered to the plough. In front of a vast crowd he carefully ploughs three circular furrows to the sound of conch shells and trumpets.
Four maidens carrying baskets with blessed rice, follow the Minister as he begins the ploughing of three more furrows. They sprinkle the rice seeds in the furrows, while Brahmin priest sprinkle lustral water.

As the Minister completes the third furrow the crowds burst through the flimsy barrier to snatch the seeds from the earth. Farmers believe that mixing them with seeds bought from the market will guarantee a handsome harvest.
Finally, the oxen are led to the pavilion where they are offered seven bowls full of rice, corn, millet, beans, grass, rice wine, and water. Their choice is considered a vital omen that will assist the Brahmin priests to divine the year’s outcome for the nation.
If the oxen choose rice, it signals a plentiful harvest. If they ignore the rice it hints of scarcity. If they lower their heads towards the bowls of water, this suggests abundant rain.

Wisely, there is no evidence that the oxen have ever sipped the rice whisky, but on many occasions, the oxen lose their appetites and have to be encouraged to lower their muzzles to the bowls.

Once the oxen have made their choice, the Brahmin priest evaluate all the omens, which are then read to the representative of HM the King by a civil servant of the Ministry of Agriculture. As the crowds disappear some will remain to search the earth for a little longer in the hope of finding a blessed rice seed and possibly a promise of a better year to come.

Rock Climbing - Thailand's The Spot

2009-02-06T18:44:00.000-08:00

Mention Thailand and images of beaches, elephants and Bangkok come to mind. Less known is the fact Thailand rock climbing is some of the best in the world.

Located in Southeast Asia, Thailand is bordered by Cambodia, Burma and Laos in the north and Malaysia in the south. The shape of the country is somewhat similar to Italy, and you'll find similar differences between northern and southern Thailand that you do in Italy. For rock climbing enthusiasts, the south of Thailand is where the action is.

The rock formations in Thailand are almost universally limestone. The level of climbing can be as simple as bouldering or as challenging as tackling over vertical cliffs. This makes Thailand a popular rock climbing destination since it has a little something for everyone.

Krabi

Located on the southern section of the "tail" of Thailand, Krabi has a wide variety of rock climbing challenges. Most of the climbs in this area are of the pre-bolted sport route variety. There are literally hundreds upon hundreds of climbs with difficulty levels from beginner to multi-pitch knuckle crushers.

The beauty of climbing in Krabi is... well, the beauty. While you might have visions of jungles and mosquitoes when thinking of Thailand, Krabi is an area of a different sort. Most of the climbs have been set up on cliff faces on the beach. Being natural capitalists, the Thai's have built hotels, bars and so on at these locations. As a result, you can literally climb a multi-pitch route for five hours, cool off with a swim and then have a beer. If there is such a thing as a rock climbing heaven, many feel Krabi is it.

Before you cash in your savings, keep in mind that Thailand is a seasonal vacation spot. If you go during the wet season, there is a good chance you'll just end up sitting around drinking beer. While that isn't too bad, you'll go crazy looking at the climbs that are so close, but oh so far away.

Generally, you want to head to Thailand from late November through maybe April. The summer months tend to be both incredibly hot and wet. Make sure you pull up forecasts for the area before booking a trip.

Flying to Thailand is inexpensive, but flights are incredibly long with stopovers. Still, it is all worth it once you experience Thailand rock climbing.

Thailand - Sights of Bangkok

2009-02-06T18:29:00.000-08:00

One of the most popular destinations in Asia to visit over recent years has been Thailand. This of course has also coincided with the booming popularity of Thai cuisine around the world. Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is the main entry point where the vast majority of tourists to Thailand will use.

Bangkok is a very interesting city because in addition to the usual modern buildings of offices, hotels and shopping centers, there are also about 400 exotic Thai temples that seem to stick out among the urban landscape. There are Thai citizens on the streets dressed in modern business clothing as well as Buddhist monks in saffron robes. Yet this is what part of Thailand is. The traditional mixed in with the modern. In fact, it’s the traditional attractions that make Thailand so magical. The temples are sights that one just cannot see in the western world. They are like objects that popped out of an Asian fairy tale.

Like many other large Asian cities, Bangkok is congested with traffic, people and pollution. In fact, the air can be bad enough that there are locals wearing surgical masks in the streets. With an average annual temperature of 28 degrees Celsius or 83 degrees Fahrenheit, it can be somewhat uncomfortable outside for some tourists, especially those from northern climates. Also beware that there will be people on the streets who will try to hustle tourists and direct them to their own businesses and tours. But unlike places in the Caribbean, Thais are polite and not aggressive people. For example, once upon arrival at the international airport, there will be people within the terminal including the ones at the booths who will be offering taxi transportation to your hotel. Although these are legit, they will charge a premium compared to the taxis waiting outside the terminal. There is a similar situation at the hotels. The taxis waiting right outside the main hotel entrances do seem to quote more than those waiting on the side streets just further down. The three-wheeled ‘tuk tuk’ vehicles also vary a lot so it may be wise to ask for quotes from a few drivers rather than taking the first one you see. The tuk tuks are a fun ride by the way so they should be experienced at least once while in Bangkok. The city also has various public buses and river taxis which are long boats used on the river canal system. A nice way to spend some time is to take a ride on one of these river taxis to cruise the canals which some refer to as the ‘Venice of the East’.

The Grand Palace is probably the most visited attraction in Bangkok. This complex is surrounded by walls built in 1783 and contains government offices, royal residences monuments and the Emerald Buddha Chapel. The Royal Chapel which contains the Emerald Buddha is the monarch’s private chapel. The Buddha itself is actually a one piece jade sitting on top of a golden altar. It’s not a large Buddha but it is very special. Apparently, they change the Buddha’s clothing which is also made of gold on a seasonal basis. There are numerous monuments on the grounds that are dedicated to past monarchs. Walls with large mythological scenes are displayed throughout. The buildings and monuments within the Grand Palace have some very striking colors including golds and greens. Gold color is used quite a lot and the distinctively curved Thai roofs on the buildings are very detailed. Equally stunning are some of the interiors of these buildings with their magnificent rooms and halls used for different ceremonies and events. Some of these halls have special royal altars.

One temple not to miss is Wat Po which is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. It features a giant Buddha lying on its side. Even the soles of this Buddha’s feet have very intricately detailed designs. Other nice temples to see are Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple). The Wat Po temple has traditional Thai massage services which are very popular among tourists. Other temples such as Wat Mahathat and Wat Parinayok also have Thai massages available. The Royal Barges or long boats which are used during ceremonies on the river are also nice to see. The details put into decorating these boats are just remarkable.

For wildlife enthusiasts, there’s the Pasteur Institute’s Snake Farm where poisonous snakes are fed daily and visitors can watch handlers milk cobras for their venom. There is also the world’s largest Crocodile Farm. The national sport of Thai kickboxing can be seen at two different stadiums in Bangkok. Both the Ratchadamnoen and Lumphini stadiums feature events throughout the week on different days. Thai theatre and traditional dance are very interesting to watch as cultural entertainment. These can be seen at theatres as well as some of the top hotels in the city.

Bangkok has some good shopping opportunities especially for jewelry, handicrafts and textiles including silks as well as cottons. As in other locations in Asia, vendors in the streets will expect some bargaining of prices where the retail stores have fixed prices. Just like in Hong Kong, Bangkok has many custom tailors who can make suits, shirts and dresses for clients within 24 hours. Some will even delivery the finished clothing to your hotel free of charge.

There are some general guidelines of etiquette in Thailand that should be followed by all visitors. The Thai royal family is revered in this country so no outsider should ever make any even slightly negative remarks about the country’s monarchy. Temples should not be entered unless one is covered with long pants or skirts. Shorts and shoulderless tops are not permitted in temples. Footwear is always removed prior to entering any temple. Images and statues of Buddha, even postcards, are considered sacred in Thailand so one should never climb on one or do anything that will show disrespect. Public displays of affection between men and women are also frowned upon. Of course this seems to be a complete contradiction to Bangkok’s famous red light and adult entertainment districts such as Patpong. But this is yet another example of the contrast that’s found in Thailand.

The attractions in Bangkok warrant a few days stay in the city before heading out to other parts of Thailand where there’s much less pollution and more beautiful natural scenery. Bangkok has good air connections with other Asian destinations as well so it can easily be fit into a larger tour of Asia.

The Sights of Bangkok in Thailand
by: Clint Leung http://www.thailand-travel-guide.co.uk/articles/sights-bangkok.html

Whitewater Rafting at Its Best - Thailand Style!

2008-12-08T17:16:00.000-08:00

About 90 minutes from Chiang Mai is a little river called the Mae Taeng. Bordered on both sides by steeply sloping fields of banana trees and luxuriant jungle, it is easily one of the loveliest places in Thailand for an adventure.

But lazily watching a river go by is quite a different experience from actually being in the midst of its rushing, bubbling madness. As the Mae Taeng boasts Thailand's best white water rapids.
The difficulty of a stretch of white water rapid is measured on an internationally-approved scale of one to six. The Mae Taeng is made up primarily of rapids rated three and four - enough to produce an intense adrenaline rush.

I went with Siam River Adventures. Owner Jason Younkin has been running river trips in Thailand for 8 years, uses the best equipment and runs his company with such iron-willed efficiency that he wears a German army helmet while navigating the Taeng. Whatever his reasons, the helmet inspired my confidence. Nevertheless, Jason hails from Colorado and is also a Rescue 3, Swiftwater Rescue Instructor. I knew that Colorado-ians were experts on rocks and rivers, if not headgear aesthetics. Jason is one of the first to run all the rapids on the Mae Taeng. He promotes "Cultural Adventures" - trips for adrenalin junkies with an essence of Northern Thai tradition.

After a bumpy but scenic ride up to the rustic company headquarters, we ate lunch and then learnt the basics of whitewater rafting. Most importantly, we learnt how to synchronize our paddling so that we could maneuver the raft efficiently, and also know what to do if someone should fall into the water. Groups of not more than six per boat were arranged and each was assigned a professional rafter as a guide.

A Rapid Ride

After drifting lazily down the river, we became lulled into a false sense of security. Then the first set of rapids hit. Det our guide shouted out directions and we dutifully obeyed. Though strenuous, we ultimately emerged unscathed from the rushing tumult and raised our oars in an exuberant "high-five".

The next set of rapids was fiercer, the water rushed around us as our boat pierced the waves. We were Soaked! We still had some more grade 4 rapids ahead.

The rapids kept coming, faster and more frequent. Gradually, we all fell into a rhythm and, like a well-oiled machine, forded our way over the boulders and falls, and twists and turns.

We thanked Det for taking such good care of us as we climbed out. There on the banks, it was how I'd imagined heaven to be: beer and biscuits, and hill-tribe women trying to sell jewellery.
I'd do it all over again because it was an amazingly fun trip - except, that is, for the parts where nobody realises you're panicking. Which is why I'm planning to wear a German army helmet every day, all the time. I'll sure look cool and moreover, I no longer have any fear of large rapids.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Younkin

Living in Thailand - How to Know You've Been in the Land of Smiles For Too Long

2008-12-08T17:07:00.000-08:00

Thailand is an amazing place to live. The friendly people, delicious food and beautiful scenery are just a few reasons to live here. However, the culture is very different from what most westerners are familiar with. Below is a list to help you determine if some of the more curious Thai cultural oddities have rubbed off on you.

You see an elephant in the street and don't think "Oh wow! An elephant!" but instead complain about how it's slowing down traffic.

You wake up in the morning with a hankering for rice and noodles, not eggs and toast.

You think that riding your motorcycle the wrong way down one-way streets, running red lights and riding on the wrong side of the road are perfectly normal.

You think that Singha and Chang are actually pretty decent beers.

You see a family of four and their dog riding together on a single motorcycle and you only wonder what they ate for dinner.

You wear sweaters and sweatshirts despite the steaming hot weather.

You are deeply concerned when your favorite rice dish goes up in price by $0.15 to a staggering $0.60.

The language actually starts to make a little sense.

You have no problems eating raw pig organs mixed with pig blood and spices.

10 year olds riding motorcycles in the streets do not faze you.

You think Sangsom and Mekong are actually pretty decent whiskeys.

You haven't cooked a meal in months, besides what can be made with a hot water maker.

You find that some of the Thai music is actually pretty decent.

Shaking somebody's hand feels weird.

You can ride a motorcycle with 10 grocery bags, a bookshelf and a hot pizza box strapped to it.

You ask for every meal extra spicy.

You put spicy fish sauce on everything.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Bak

Thai Massage - A Bodywork Experience Like No Other

2008-12-08T17:06:00.001-08:00

Thai massage is rapidly becoming one of the favorite options for individuals looking for a good, relaxing massage. While still not as popular in the United States as it is in Europe, this style of massage is certainly becoming more prevalent - and well-paying - for qualified practitioners.

History of Thai Massage

Despite the name, Thai massage originated in India. It is an ancient practice that monks learned in India and then brought back to their homeland. Shivago Komarpaj is commonly thought to have been the originator of this massage style in Thailand, bringing it back from his travels over 2,500 years ago.

For generations, Buddhist monks taught other men (as women were forbidden to enter the temples where monks resided) the art of massage, and many Buddhist temples combined spirituality with these treatments.

Techniques of Thai Massage

Most massage types require the person receiving it to simply lie there and receive the treatment for anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. Thai massage is more intensive and participatory for the client. The traditional style takes up to two hours and usually involves the recipient being maneuvered into yoga poses to aid the function of the actual techniques. Putting the body in certain positions makes it easier for the masseuse to manipulate the muscles properly, resulting in a far more thorough treatment.

The movements in this type of massage are fluid and smooth. Through stretching and pressure, the muscles are worked and acupressure points stimulated. It is often referred to as "Thai bodywork," as it has such a beneficial effect on the body.

The process of Thai massage begins with by pressing the muscles, opening the sen energy lines and softening the muscles in preparation for the stretches. All this is done while the recipient of the massage is completely clothed, which is yet another difference from regular massage practices, wherein oil is used on the bare skin.

Once the muscles have been softened sufficiently, starting at the head and extending down to the toes, the process of stretching begins. The masseuse uses full body contact to mold, stretch, and maneuver the recipient's body into the chosen yoga poses, stretching the now soft muscles and elongating them.

Because of the number of different ways the body can move and muscles be manipulated, there are different specialties in the area of Thai massage. Some aim to prepare the body for sports, while others are designed to heal or repair damage done. Also, there is a more modern type of Thai massage that came about from the teaching of tourists the techniques only, leaving out the information on energy flow and spirituality.

Benefits of Thai Massage

There are quite a few benefits unique to Thai massage procedures. Whereas regular massages simply knead the muscles to relax them, the Thai techniques work to return them to their original length. This is believed to be effective because muscle pain may be caused by muscles that tighten due to tension or repetitive motions. For example, if an individual only ever moved his or her legs in 45 degree angles, the muscles would shorten over time and even cause considerable pain. Thai massage is designed to help.

After a good Thai massage session, the entire body is relaxed and the muscles are stretched out, making movement easier. Often, joint pain is diminished or even eliminated completely. With repeated treatments, the body becomes supple and flexible, returning to what should be a natural state. Other, more unexpected benefits include relief from constipation and other bowel problems, headaches, aches and pains, and joint stiffness. This is usually attributed to the newly released flow of energy caused by the pressing of the muscles.

Learning Thai Massage

It's not a good idea to try Thai techniques without proper training in this specific type of massage. The pressure and positions used mean that the possibility for injury with untrained masseuses is quite high. The danger is not just to the recipient; because this is a physically strenuous activity for both parties, incorrectly performing the moves can cause back problems in the practitioner, as well.

Certified courses can be found in most Western countries. You can also study in Thailand, but the courses are usually lacking in many areas, and it can be difficult to find one that is held in English. Most traditional massage schools in the United States don't yet offer Thai techniques as an option, so you will likely need to enroll in a facility that specializes in alternative therapies or even Thai massage in particular.

The demand for this unique brand of bodywork is growing rapidly as more and more people discover the benefits of Thai massage. While it doesn't require any equipment apart from a mat, there is special training involved to master the techniques safely.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_McDermott

Travel with Khao Sam Roi Yod Mountain Thailand.

2008-11-17T03:19:00.002-08:00

Khao Sam Roi Yod Mountain Prachup Khiri Khan Province Thailand.

Khao Sam Roi Yod, The height from M.S.L. : 605 meters

Location : Kiu Buri District and Kho Sam Roi Yod Sub-District, Prachup Khiri Khan Province.

Thung Sam Roi Yod is a big pond this is the habitat of various kinds of bird, both local and migrated ones, altogether about 316 kinds.

Khao Daeng scenic viewpoint is around 400 meters away from The National Park-5.00 P.M is the best time to do so, as you can see the sunset and watch birds returning to their Sanctuaries in the evening.

This spot is 1.5 kilometers away from The National Park Headquarter.
Praya Nakhon Cave Praya Nakhon Cave is big and beautiful. At its roof, there is a hole where the sunlight can get in through. The most outstanding thing in there could be "Koo Ha Karue Had Pavillion" with four gable wall.
Laem Sala Beach Laem Sala Beach is the sand beach nearby "Ban Bang Pu". You can reach there in 2 ways :
- By Boat : Take a boat Ban Bang Pu for about 20 minutes.
- By Foot : From Ban Bang Pu intersection go to Khao Thien. Walk across the mountain for around 530 meters from Wat Bang Pu Temple.Mountain surround the beach.

Keaw Cave Keaw Cave is around 13 kilometers away from Headquarter. In the cave you will see beautiful Stalagmite and Stalactite.

Sai Cave Sai Cave is another beautiful cave in this area. It is in "Kung Ta-nod" village, 9 kilometers from Headquarter. You can park the footthill and walk further for about 280 meters.

Source: ArticleTrader.com

Fly and discover Thailand, one of the world’s most exciting travel destinations

2008-11-17T03:19:00.001-08:00

Thailand is simply an incredible country with a whole world of culture to be explored. Whether you're going for two weeks, or two months there are packages to suit and with a high emphasis on service quality present in most areas, you'll find the stress taken out of your trip.

Although many people may associate travelling around Thailand with roughing it in youth hostels, exploring the region can still be done in luxury. Thailand is home to some of the world's most magnificent hotels, with stunning examples such The Peninsula and Lebua at State Tower in Bangkok.

Asia overall is one of the top predicted growth destinations for 2008, with editor Alyson Cook citing Thailand as a particularly exciting country. She explained that it is becoming "very high on the luxury travellers' list" with more boutique hotels and spas, rather than the traditional backpacker market that previously dominated the region.

The Five Star Alliance release yearly lists of the best, high quality hotels in the world and recently included the Shangri-La in Bangkok, which is described as having "lush gardens, river views and a signature spa ...[which] offers guests the warmth of the Thai capital amid the serenity of a tropical retreat."

Deciding to visit Thailand can be a daunting experience, and it's obviously impossible to begin to cover everything in one trip. Start by deciding which area interests you the most and allow yourself enough time to enjoy the region properly and don't forget: you can always come back again!

Travelling around should also be made part of the holiday experience. For example, a cruise could be a fantastic way to experience the stunning coastline of Thailand. Train is also a fabulous option, with famed examples such as the Orient-Express taking travellers through south-east Asia, from Bangkok to Singapore. This well-known train is basically a moving hotel, with breakfast brought to your personal compartment each morning and optional coach trips on the way to special places of interest, such as the Penang region.

Cars are only practical for short trips - but short flights between destinations will save time and help you make the most of precious holiday hours. Flights to Bangkok are also competitively priced and have contributed to the countries roaring tourist trade.

However be aware that if you want to go to Thailand you will require immunisations, so seek advice from your doctor about what's needed.

Article Source: http://www.justtheflight.co.uk/features/41-fly-and-discover-asia.html

TOURISM UPDATE - Kamalaya Koh Samui Voted Best Wellness Retreat

2008-11-17T03:13:00.000-08:00

Kamalaya Koh Samui, the Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa, was the winner of the Best Wellness Retreat category in last week’s Spa Asia Crystal Awards.
The awards were announced at the Wellness Summit Gala Dinner in Kuala Lumpur on 16 October, which was attended by over 220 industry people and media.
Kamalaya was one of 8 finalists in the category, which included wellness destinations from Asia and one from Australia. This was the first year that Kamalaya, which opened in November 2005, had entered the awards.

The Spa Asia Crystal Awards is an annual event to honour and recognise the ‘best of the best’ in the spa and wellness industry. A rigorous judging process includes the evaluation and scoring of submissions by a panel of industry judges (30% of total score), a secret shopping audit conducted by SpaAudit.com (60% of total score) and votes from Spa Asia readers (10%).

The Best Wellness Retreat category is awarded to the destination that best embraces Spa Asia’s definition of ‘spa’ across the operation and offers guests a personalised experience of holistic treatments that deliver wellness of body, mind and spirit. To make the nominations list, businesses must give evidence of their forward thinking approach to wellness, structured training programs and how they embrace a broader wellness concept that considers the environment, the staff and the host country.

Kamalaya Koh Samui is a Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa located amid a tropical landscape on the southern coastline of Koh Samui, Thailand. Kamalaya integrates healing practices and treatments from East and West, a beautiful natural environment, inspired healthy cuisine, customised programs and wellness retreats to offer a unique concept in personal wellbeing and holistic lifestyle possibilities.

Trang Hotels- Oasis of peace

2008-11-06T18:50:00.000-08:00

Trang, a gem of Thailand, is a land of pristine beauty, sun soaked beaches and lush greenery. Located 828 kilometers from Bangkok, this city of Thailand is renowned for its islands, parks and beaches. Embark on a trip to the Ko Kradan or explore the Khao Chong Wildlife and Nature Education Centre. You can lie back on the beaches, indulge yourself in the varied sport activities or soak yourself in the history and the culture of the land. To meet the needs of all types of travelers, there are many Trang Hotels.

Be it the hotels in the town or the hotels in the beach areas, all of them offer excellent accommodation facility to all. The Thumrin Thana Hotel located close to the airport, bus terminal and the train station is a good option of accommodation. Trang Plaza Hotel located opposite Praya Rasadanupradit Mouument Park offers 196 guest rooms that are well appointed. Thumrin Hotel is proud to be the first luxurious international first class hotel of Trang. Wattana Park Hotel where you can get style and comfort under the same roof offers international standard of services to all.

Apart from these there are a good number of resorts in beach areas. The Chang Lang Resort, the Lay Trang Resort, the Amari Trang Beach Resort and the Pak Meng Resort are some of them. The islands of Trang also feature a good number of accommodation option. Koh Mook Charlie Beach Resort in Koh Mook beach is a paradise for nature lovers. The traditional bungalow of Koh Ngai Villa which overlooks panoramic seas and gardens is worth mentioning. Most of the hotels and the resorts in Trang, Thailand are located in the midst of natural beauty. If you are a nature lover, then the beachfront Cottages are the best for you.

It is one of the prime destinations for honeymooners. To welcome you there are special honeymoon suites with a host of modern facilities that shower the much desired comfort. The hotels of Trang feature a number of well appointed rooms that assure you the comfort and the warmth of your home. Apart from the standard rooms, there are honeymoon suites for honeymooners, executive suites for business travelers and disabled rooms for physically challenged ones.

Trang hotels also offer excellent dining, business and recreational facilities. You can dine the regional dishes served in the restaurant or can sip a glass of your favorite drink in the bar. Most of the hotels of the city also offer a well equipped conference rooms for all its guests.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

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Muay Thai Training Techniques

2008-10-30T19:06:00.001-07:00

Muay Thai is a Thai mixed martial art form. It has many techniques of fighting. While using Muay Thai techniques, also known as "Mae Mai Muay Thai," fighters use the entire body including fists, elbows, shins, feet and knees.
The basic Muay Thai training techniques include punch techniques (jab, straight right/cross, hook and uppercut), elbow techniques (horizontal, diagonal-upwards, diagonal-downwards, uppercut, downward, backward-spinning and flying) and kicking techniques (push kick, roundhouse kick, etc.). The following are some special Muay Thai techniques:

The Clinch

This technique is exclusively used in Muay Thai fights. While combating the fighter applies this technique by holding his opponent either around the neck and head or around the body. It is known as Thai clinch.
To apply the clinch, the fighter has to hold his opponent either around the neck and head or around the body. The fighter also has to press his forearm against his opponent's collar bone while his hands are around the latter's head rather than his neck.

A common clinching technique used in Muay Thai fights is to just tap the head downward then give a throw. The fighter can also throw the opponent to his left in case the latter is using a knee from the right. It can cause the opponent to lose his balance.
The Kru

This is a tough technique. A new fighter takes a lot of training and hard work to learn this technique. The technique is provided by the fighter’s Krue or Thai boxing training. The trainer makes the fighter work hard and learn the technique. It is a tradition for the fighter to express his respect to his trainer through a ritual called Wai Kru.

There are some elements that are part of Muay Thai training techniques. These include:-

•Running – A trainee has to run 18 km running per day (around 12 km in the first half and around 6 km in the second half).
•Stretching – The trainee has also to do stretching for around 20-30 minutes. It improves muscular elasticity and reduces the stretch reflex.
•Shadow boxing – This training includes around 20 minutes of shadow boxing. Shadow boxing is usually practiced in front of a mirror.

Muay Thai training takes a lot of hard work. To become a good fighter young people have to go through a lot of physical and mental strain. It takes sheer dedication, commitment, and “never-say-die” attitude that a trainee transforms himself into a sound Muay Thai fighter.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Muay Thai training camps in Thailand

2008-10-30T18:48:00.000-07:00

Are you a Muay Thai aspirant? Want to master the Muay Thai techniques, and make it big in this fabulous game? Well, it is better you arrange for joining one of the various Muay Thai training camps in Thailand, as soon as possible.

Why Thailand?
You may ask – “Why Thailand?” Ofcourse it is a valid question. Muay Thai is now an international craze, with suitable training infrastructure in various countries. So what is so special about Thailand?

Because, the game has a special position in Thailand

Today Muay Thai might have spread its wings to various countries, with top class Muay Thai training camps in those countries.

However, the status of Muay Thai in Thailand is still very very special. For obvious reasons. This great martial art not only originated in this country, but also enjoys a widespread mass popularity there. It has been for long that Muay Thai has been enjoying a demi-god status in Thailand, with virtually every Thai being just crazy about it.

The depth of the Thai peoples’ passion about the game can be understood from two factors – the huge number of Muay Thai events in the country, and the level of popular craze that every such event enjoys.

Every successful Muay Thai fighter, whether from Thailand or other country, is revered like anything in the Thai society. As we all know that Muay Thai is now popular in several other countries, with the successful fighters enjoying high social status in those countries as well. However, in all probability, they are no match for the honor and respect enjoyed by Muay Thai fighters in Thailand.

A state-of-the-art training camp in another country can offer you all those facilities that a Muay Thai training camp in Thailand offer. But the factor that will give the latter an edge over the former is the ambience. The feeling that you are learning this great martial art in its land of origin itself is something that can charge you up like anything.

Moreover, the special status of the game and its players in the Thai society will also be a highly inspiring factor.

At every moment you will feel the depth of love and affection the Thai people have for this sport. This feeling will boost your own love and passion for Muay Thai to a great extent. That will make it easier for you to identify yourself with the game. The environment will teach you to eat, sleep and breathe Muay Thai. This will make success in training only a matter of time for you.

So get enrolled in one of the Muay Thai training camps in Thailand

So do not waste time anymore. Get yourself enrolled in one of the best Muay Thai training camps in Thailand. Start your dream training, and a dream life. Transform yourself into a new personality.

Will there be language problem in Thailand?

You might be wary of facing language and communication problem in Thailand, as you cannot speak Thai. Do not worry about it at all. On an average the Thai people are quite fluent in English. So you are least likely to have any sort of any language problem.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Discover the Hidden Thailand

2008-10-30T18:34:00.000-07:00

Thailand is more than Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and Chiang Mai. In fact, there are a great many fascinating out-of-the-way places that regular visitors know and love, which you might like to consider adding to your itinerary when you’re planning your next trip to Thailand.

About 260 km outside Bangkok, the ancient city of Nakhon Ratchasima, also known by its historical name of Khorat, is famous for its several heritage sites that reveal the roots of traditional Thai culture. Once the gateway to the country’s northeast, the city was a major centre of the vast and influential Khmer kingdom, which stretched across much of Southeast Asia, between the 9th and 15th centuries. Life moves at a relaxed pace here, compared to the main tourist centres. Just south of Nakhon Ratchasima, in a lush river valley, is the delightful market village of Dan Kwain, well known for the fine quality of its ceramics and distinguished by the individuality of its products.

Near Nakhon Ratchasima, there are dense forests, mountains, and rivers with spectacular waterfalls. Khao Yai National Park, listed as a World Heritage site in 2005, undulates over magnificent mountain ranges blanketed by thick forests, and plunges down deep valleys with wild river courses. Wildlife is abundant and accessible and you can see elephants, tigers, monkeys, black bears, deer, butterflies, insects, and birds. This is an ideal place to spot a Hornbill, which is common in the park from August to September. You can even join tiger-spotting trips accompanied by park rangers.

The quiet riverside town of Kanchanaburi, about 130 km west of Bangkok, is another place where you can explore more of Thailand’s natural and historic treasures. Kanchanaburi lies next to the Kwai River, where the famous World War II bridge still stands (the subject of an Oscar-winning movie, The Bridge Over the River Kwai). It’s a poignant reminder of the hardship endured by those who were forced to work on the infamous Thai-Burma Railway. Natural attractions here include numerous lovely waterfalls and caves. The trek through the steamy undergrowth, to the stunning seven-tiered Erewan Waterfalls, is well worth the effort. Your reward is a plunge into the cool, clear water beneath the falls, where curious fish nibble at your toes.

North of Chiang Mai, in the jungle wilderness, is Thailand’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon. The national park, also of that name, presents some of the regions most exciting trekking opportunities. Best accessed by motorbike, due to the rough and narrow roads, Doi Inthanon is a mountainous expanse with deep valleys that contain a rich diversity of distinctive flora and fauna. Be warned that temperatures on the mountain top can drop to –8 C and the peak is often swathed in mist. Here you’ll find the prized red and white varieties of rhododendron, as well as more than 350 bird species, more than in any other location in Thailand.

Sukhothai, Thailand’s first administrative and cultural capital, established in 1257, is today a group of well-preserved ruins. During its 120-year golden period, the old city was known for its stunning temples, statues and gardens, and is now a significant historical focal point. The site is well worth the short drive out of the current city of Sukhothai, about 400 km north of Bangkok.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Rayong Hotels- quintessence of style and sophistication

2008-10-25T19:46:00.001-07:00

Rayong, once a drowsy town has magically transformed itself into one of the blooming tourist destinations. Connected with the Gulf of Thailand, this conglomeration of 10 islands is an upcoming tourist hub in the South East Asia. Marvel at the beauty of the odd shaped rocks, the islands and the marine resources and gaze at the beauty of the rippling waters and the rising sun.

Nature lovers and sports enthusiasts from all across the world come to this town for self- indulgence. Be a part of the Rayong Fruit Festival when the town produces the highest count of fruits. Enjoy all these and a lot more while you spend days of comfort in the Rayong Hotels.

Most of the hotels in Rayong are located in the beach areas. Some of the most renowned hotels in Rayong are Baan Pae Cabana, Hinsuai-Namsai Resort Hotel, P.M.Y. Beach Resort, Purimas Beach Hotel, Star Hotel and others. Stay in the hotel and explore the pristine beaches during your leisure.

Lay back in the sun soaked beaches or captivate the beauty of the scenic waterfall in your camera. Travelers can hire a room that offers excellent view of the crystal clear waters, the blue skies and the palm fringed coastlines.

Apart from the budget hotels in the town, there are several luxurious accommodation options to choose from. Be it your business trip or your honeymoon, the hotels in the town are there to satisfy your needs. Most of the hotels and the resorts are well connected and are easily accessible from any part of the world.

Most of the Rayong Hotels in Thailand offer well appointed rooms and suites. There are a variety of rooms to choose from. While professionals can choose from the executive rooms or suites, physically challenged individuals can board the disabled rooms.

The rooms of the hotel feature a number of basic amenities that are a must. Feel pampered while availing the room service that is offered to bring a smile on your face.

Rayong is renowned for seafood delicacies. Lovely preparations made from sea food and tropical fruits top the list of favorites. Enjoy all these and a lot more in the on-site restaurants of the hotel.

There are many hotels that also care for the drinking needs of the travelers. There are bars that serve guests with a variety of drinks. The business facilities and the recreational amenities offered to the guests also include a number of other amenities.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Mae Hong Son Hotels: A treat for the guests

2008-10-25T19:45:00.000-07:00

Thailand has always been an eye-candy for the travelers all over the world. Apart from the beaches and islands, beauty of the small towns of Thailand has also fascinated the travelers. Mae Hong Son is one among them which has drawn the attention of the real nature lovers. This small town in Northern Thailand shares the border with Myanmar. The presence of a satisfying range of Mae Hong Son hotels tempts the visitors to have an extended stay.

Mae Hong Son Hotels are scattered all over the town. Whether you are planning to stay near the city center or the riverside, you always have plenty of option to choose from. Since the town is frequently visited by different category of travelers, you can find both the luxury and budget hotels in Mae Hong Son.

Accommodation

For those eager to stay in a luxurious hotel of Mae Hong Son can select from a number of 4-star hotels near the city center like, Golden Pai & Suite Resort, Imperial Tara Hotel and Rooks Holiday Hotel. If you are looking for some more luxury hotels you can come to Pai, a small town between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son. Belle Villa Hotel, Muang Pai Resort and Phu Pai Art Resort are among the popular luxury hotels.

These luxury hotels pamper you with their host of modern facilities and amenities. The exclusivity of the guestrooms and perfection in business and other facilities make you feel relaxed. The guests get the privilege of venturing out on an organized trip to Phasua Waterfall National Park, the Fish Cave near the village of Huay Pha and Pha Sua waterfall.

Like other 3-star hotels in Thailand there are some mid-range hotels in Mae Hong Son. To suit the taste and needs of the travelers various Mae Hong Son hotels have been developed which are little less than luxurious. Some of the popular Mae Hong Son hotels like, Riverhouse Resort and Riverside Hotel are very close to the river.

Pura Vida Resort and Baan Krating Pai Hotel are among the other mid-range hotels which has a satisfying range of facilities to please the guests. Staying in any of these Mae Hong Son hotels offer you the scope to go for trekking in the surrounding mountains, arranged by the hotel staff.

There is no dearth of budget hotels in Mae Hong Son, especially near the city center. Mountain Inn & Resort and Fern Resort are the well-maintained economy class Mae Hong Son hotels which meet the needs of the budget travelers. Transportation around the town is not a problem as you can always hire a private tuk-tuk or opt for a horse cart ride to reach any of the hotels.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Chiang Mai Hotels - Rose of the Northern Thailand

2008-10-25T19:44:00.000-07:00

The beautiful city of Chiang Mai, located in Northern Thailand is surrounded by mountains and lush green countryside area. As per its mesmerizing beauty and wonderful location the city is often called as, "Rose of the North". As the fifth-largest city of Thailand, Chiang Mai is much greener and composed in comparison to other centers of the country that even includes capital city Bangkok.

Being the core of Northern Thailand, this city is swarmed by countless number of visitors every year. It offers magnificent attractions to visitors which leave them spell-bound. With good hospitality services offered by Chiang Mai Hotels like D2 hotel, Veranda hotel, and the Holiday Inn, tourists experience pleasant visit to the city. So, splendid locations with good accommodation facilities, Chiang Mai offer an amusing retreat to the tourists.

Chiang Mai has gained a splendor image and is a storehouse of wonderful locations like museums, temples, hot springs, waterfalls, shopping areas and other attractions. These spots provide opportunity to tourists to come and experience the world which is entirely different. Chiang Mai hotels are located at convenient areas, around all the major attractions which allow tourists to visit them easily without any hassle.

After visiting the vivacious locations tourist doesn't leave the city without appreciating its compelling beauty. Some of the major attractions of Chiang Mai are Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Chet Yot, Wat Chiang Man, Wat Tha Ton, Wat Lok Moli, Chiang Mai National Museum, Hilltribe Museum, Khruba Siwichai Monument, Bhubing Palace, Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden, Taeng Dao Elephant Camp, Twin Royal Pagodas, Mae Klang Waterfall, Mae Sa Waterfall, Mae Ya Waterfall, Fang Hot Springs, San Kamphaeng Hot Springs, Doi Inthanon National Park, Doi Suthep & Doi Pui National Park, Doi Tao Lake, Night Bazaar, Muang Kung Earthenware Village, Ban Thawai Woodcarving Village, Ban Rai Phai Ngam Cotton Weaving Village, Bo Sang Umbrella Village and San Kamphaeng Cotton & Silk Weaving Village.

Chiang Mai also hosts various colourful festivals like Bo Sang Umbrella Festival, Flower Festival, Chiang Mai Art & Culture Festival, Songkran Festival and Lantern Festival & Loi Krathong Festival. These festivals taking place in different months of the year are held in their own unique way. Visitors are highly fascinated by these festivals which attract them to participate.

With the beauty of culture in Chiang Mai, you will also find here the opportunity to try hand at adventurous activities like trekking, elephant riding, bungee jumping, rafting, cruising, mountain biking, golfing, swimming and tennis.

While enjoying all these things, you can avail the good hospitality services offered by Chiang Mai Hotels, which are available in each and every range. Moderate, budget and luxury hotels in Chiang Mai allow the tourists to choose a hotel of their choice according to their need and budget. Good facilities are provided by these hotels which make tourists feel like home and have a wonderful journey.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Some Guides About Travelling To Thailand

2008-10-25T19:43:00.001-07:00

Occupying an area of more than 500,000 square kilometers, Thailand has been geographically classified into four different regions such as the mountainous North, the fertile Central Plains, the semi-arid plateau of the Northeast, and the peninsula south. Likewise, by region wise, the country is divided into six distinct areas such as the Central Thailand, North Thailand, North East Thailand, South Thailand, South East Thailand, and West Thailand.

Each of these areas comes with a host of mind boggling attractions. Located on the central plains of the Chao Phraya River as well as the Meklong River Valley, Central Thailand is sometimes acknowledged as 'the Rice Bowl of the Country,' since it is the most fertile region in the country. As a tourist spot, this area contains a host of attractions that are of historical significance.

Central region of the country is dominated by Bangkok, with its mind blowing palaces, beautiful wats, hundreds of museums, and expansive shopping areas. Highlights of this region also cover Ayutthaya, which once served as the capital of the country, and now featuring attractions such as the Bang Sai Royal Arts and Crafts Center with traditional Thai handicraft items, Bang Pa In Summer Palace, and Ayutthaya Town; Saraburi, whose focal point is the Phra Buddha Bat Woramahavihan Temple with a rock that is believed to have the Buddha's footprint; Lopburi, which was an important settlement during the reign of the Khmer empire in the tenth century.

Suphanburi, boasting of one of the oldest national parks in the park, namely, the Khao Yai National Park; Nakorn Pathom, with attractions such as Phra Pathom Chedi - the largest of its kind in the world, and Floating Market; Kanchanaburi, which is home to Death Railway, Raft Trips and Houseboats, and Three Pagodas Pass; Petchaburi, with landmarks like Phra Nakorn Khiri, Khao Luang Caves, and Cha Am; Prachuap Khiri Khan, whose prime attractions are Hua Hin - a beachside resort, and Khao Sam Roi Yod National Park - one of the most enchanting parks in the nation.

North Thailand is regarded as the country's cultural heart. Among the points of interest in this area are Chiang Rai, with attractions such as Chiang Saen, a fourteenth century town, and Mai Sai, which is on the Burmese border; Kamphaeng Phet, whose centerpiece is the Old City that dates back to the time of the kingdom of Sukhothai during the 13th century; Lamphun, with a highly revered shrine, namely, Wat Phra That Hariphunchai; Sukhothai, which is homes to attractions such as Sukhothai Historical Park and Sri Satchanalai with an incredible elephant temple.

When comes to the Southern Thailand, this area is bestowed with some magnificent as well as excellent beach resorts of international standards. Perhaps the greatest of all beach resorts in the region is Phuket, with an international airport and more than half dozen beaches.

Popular destinations in Southern Thailand also include Samui Island, whose highlights, among many others, are Grandfather and Grandmother Stones and Angthong National Marine Park; Krabi, which is much favored for its breathtaking landscape consisting of dazzling white sandy beaches, magnificent coves and bays, and fantastic limestone cliffs; and Phi Phi Islands.

Other places of interest in Southern Thailand are hot springs that are found nearby Ranong town, and Victoria Point, where you can spot a number of casino centers.

Above all, Thailand provides tourists visiting the country with a continuum of facilities in order to indulge in an array of activities such as hiking, trekking, sightseeing, swimming, rafting, deep sea fishing, and much more. In order to cater to the growing number of tourists in the country, Thailand comes with a number of accommodation options from upscale hotels to apartments and villas that are mostly replete with facilities that a world-class resort renders.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Shooting films in Thailand-Patong Beach

2008-10-25T19:39:00.000-07:00

Shot in Thailand

Thailand today still remains a popular place to film movies. The main reason being that a lot of story lines involve Thailand and the Thai people-indeed a lot of story lines involve Thailand simply because she is one of the few countries in the world that hasn't been spoilt by colonization, globalization-a country that still holds a certain mystique and spiritual treasure.

Shooting in Thailand started almost a century ago when the first movie called Chang was filmed. From then on the likes of Bruce Lee in Big Boss, James Bond (Roger Moore) in Man with the Golden Gun to mention a few have graced the Thai shores.

Off-set gossip

Getting "extra" work on some of these movies was not so difficult either. Back in the 90s when Michael J.fox and Sean Penn were filming Casualties of War, a good friend of mine managed to get the job as Michael's stand-in. He spoke English and was short enough which was all that was required.

The gossip here was that all three spent a lot of time off the set or in the hotel drinking and smoking some of the locally brewed vegetation! Watch the movie again sometime and see if you can spot the highs! For this job food and accommodation was laid on at the Idyllic havens of Patong beach and other regions of Phuket.

Rambo III was another story-a backpacker in the hotel I stayed in at the time was refused extra work on this set just because he was taller and better looking than Rambo, not too difficult perhaps. Meanwhile Hugh Grant in a Bridget Jones sequel was said to have been chased back to his hotel by bar girls-this is entirely untrue. He was the one who did the chasing... DiCaprio's Beach on the other hand drew some controversy for another reason.

Apparently Fox Studios had decided in their infinite wisdom to re-design the beach at Phi Phi to their own natural Thai image. Environmentalists ran amok- as indeed they were entitled to-and tried to have production suspended. Compensation was paid, the movie went ahead and restoration of the area was conducted. It may be interesting to note that according to the Lonely Planets' guide to the area, the beach was much improved by effects of the 2004 tsunami.

Thai Style

Of course plenty of Thai movies are also being shot all over Thailand and some require western extras to help out. If interested, you may want to ask some staff at the accommodation you are staying at-they would be able to inform you of which and where the latest movie is being shot.

You may want to watch the shooting or even earn a little extra cash by taking part! Patong Beach in Phuket has been the scene of many and various movie sets. Accommodation is plentiful in the area and the natural beauty of its palm fringed beaches and its hidden coves would add to the enhancement of any movie.

Accommodation

When thinking of accommodation in the Patong area. Horizon Patong Beach Resort and Spa comes to mind. This idyllic haven nestled near to the beautiful Patong west-beach offers a choice of 160 rooms, two swimming pools and a fitness club. Tropical botanical gardens that surround the hotel offer a taste of paradise and tranquillity. Surely a fitting movie set where the guests are the stars and the staff are surely the extras.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Shooting films in Thailand-Patong Beach

2008-10-10T21:43:00.000-07:00

Thailand today still remains a popular place to film movies. The main reason being that a lot of story lines involve Thailand and the Thai people-indeed a lot of story lines involve Thailand simply because she is one of the few countries in the world that hasn't been spoilt by colonization, globalization-a country that still holds a certain mystique and spiritual treasure.

Shooting in Thailand started almost a century ago when the first movie called Chang was filmed. From then on the likes of Bruce Lee in Big Boss, James Bond (Roger Moore) in Man with the Golden Gun to mention a few have graced the Thai shores.

Off-set gossip

Getting "extra" work on some of these movies was not so difficult either. Back in the 90s when Michael J.fox and Sean Penn were filming Casualties of War, a good friend of mine managed to get the job as Michael's stand-in. He spoke English and was short enough which was all that was required.

The gossip here was that all three spent a lot of time off the set or in the hotel drinking and smoking some of the locally brewed vegetation! Watch the movie again sometime and see if you can spot the highs! For this job food and accommodation was laid on at the Idyllic havens of Patong beach and other regions of Phuket. Rambo III was another story-a backpacker in the hotel I stayed in at the time was refused extra work on this set just because he was taller and better looking than Rambo, not too difficult perhaps.

Meanwhile Hugh Grant in a Bridget Jones sequel was said to have been chased back to his hotel by bar girls-this is entirely untrue. He was the one who did the chasing... DiCaprio's Beach on the other hand drew some controversy for another reason. Apparently Fox Studios had decided in their infinite wisdom to re-design the beach at Phi Phi to their own natural Thai image. Environmentalists ran amok- as indeed they were entitled to-and tried to have production suspended.

Compensation was paid, the movie went ahead and restoration of the area was conducted. It may be interesting to note that according to the Lonely Planets' guide to the area, the beach was much improved by effects of the 2004 tsunami.

Thai Style

Of course plenty of Thai movies are also being shot all over Thailand and some require western extras to help out. If interested, you may want to ask some staff at the accommodation you are staying at-they would be able to inform you of which and where the latest movie is being shot.

You may want to watch the shooting or even earn a little extra cash by taking part! Patong Beach in Phuket has been the scene of many and various movie sets. Accommodation is plentiful in the area and the natural beauty of its palm fringed beaches and its hidden coves would add to the enhancement of any movie.

Accommodation

When thinking of accommodation in the Patong area. Horizon Patong Beach Resort and Spa comes to mind. This idyllic haven nestled near to the beautiful Patong west-beach offers a choice of 160 rooms, two swimming pools and a fitness club.

Tropical botanical gardens that surround the hotel offer a taste of paradise and tranquillity. Surely a fitting movie set where the guests are the stars and the staff are surely the extras.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Khaolak

2008-10-10T21:38:00.000-07:00

Khaolak Beach is on the Andaman Sea just 80 Kilometers North from Phuket International Airport. It locates on Km 56-57 heading to Takuapa town. There are many beaches all the way from Phuket to Takuapa such as Thai Muang Beach, Bangnieng Beach, Khaolak Beach and Bangsak Beach. But Khaolak beach is the most popular beach for many tourists because the beach is clean and long with golden sand where most of the resorts are located. Khaolak Beach is well known for tourists who love to stay in a remotely area because the beach is very quiet and no bars or entertainment close to the beach. Tourists can also get to Similan and Surin Islands by chartered boats leave from Thap Lamu Pier in Thai Muang District (30 minutes from Khaolak beach) and take about 3 hours to reach the islands.

Getting There

By Air from Bangkok : A flight into Phuket International Airport, followed by a road trip of a further 80 kms to Takuapa town. Most hotels and resorts there have an airport transfer service.

By Bus from Bangkok : take a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal to Takuapa heading Phuket but don't forget to tell the bus to get off at Khaolak which is on Km 56-57 heading to Phuket.

By Car from Phuket : use route 402, pass the parallel spans of Sarasin and Thao Thepkrasatri Bridges. You are now in Phangnga province and heading to Koak Kloy town and Thai Muang and then Takuapa. Khaolak is on Km 56-57 heading to Takuapa town.

By Car from Takuapa : Heading South to Phuket town about 50 kms from Takuapa to get to Khaolak Beach

Backpacking In Thailand

2008-10-10T21:30:00.000-07:00

Planning a trip to Thailand appeals to travelers of all shapes, sizes and budgets because it is quite easy to navigate about the different cities and main attractions. The travel is also inexpensive, leaving you with more money to explore the booming silk industry, as well as the delicious cuisine. Thai food melds a combination of mind, body and soul into their spicy and sweet balanced meals, offering some of the best dishes in the world.

Why Thailand is So Popular

When planning a backpacking trip to Thailand, you may have heard of what attracts tourists to the various areas about the country. In the North, trekking through the mountains is quite popular. More than 300 temples can be located in the beautiful natural surroundings of Chiang Mai. Top-notch quality and inexpensive stays can be found at every corner, offering flavorful food and interesting shopping outlets.

As a backpacker, you will find an abundance of places to stay at in the area, including Julie's Guesthouse. At this establishment, you will be able to sign up for a couple of days trekking through the jungle that features lovely views and a first-hand look at how the locals thrive. To avoid getting hit by the monsoon rains, plan an adventure for this area between the months of October and April.

Central Thailand brings the allure of Bangkok, which overflows with shopping, addicting cuisine, palaces and temples. The Chao Phraya River provides a great scene to explore. Main attractions to consider include the Royal Palace, the Wats and Chinatown, as well as the Chatuchak Weekend Market.

Notable festivals can be experienced in Ayuthaya, where scenic riverside gardens await in Sukhothai. The endless possibilities for exploration are mind-boggling. The islands of Southern Thailand bring you closer to white sands and warm waters. The largest of the bunch is called Phuket, where other notable selections include the Phi Phi Islands and the waterfalls of Krabi.

Nightlife

Many tourists enjoy the overall aspect of Thailand nightlife. This is one of the main reasons a large amount of travelers backpack throughout the country: nature, culture, food and fun. If it's a good time you're looking for, try the many go-go and beer bars in Pattaya, as well as Chaweng Beach (Ko Samui) that parties into the wee hours of the night.

Koh Phangan is the site where thousands of locals and tourists gather to celebrate by the light of the full moon. It's a world famous beach party that never seems to end, offered once every month. It is one of the best places to experience the food, drink and dance of Thailand island life in an event that literally rocks the senses.

Source: Free Articles

Thailand – Chang Mai And The Night Market

2008-10-04T03:18:00.002-07:00

Chang Mai is the largest city in the north of Thailand and well worth a trip. In many ways, Chang Mai is similar to Bangkok, but without the mass of people.

Chang Mai

Chang Mai is perhaps the most serene big city I have ever had the privilege of visiting. Located at the foot of a large mountain, the city nicely meshes older areas with modern conveniences. Serene Buddhist temples stand only a few blocks from bustling universities. Much of the city can be walked, but moped rentals are cheap and plentiful. Street markets are common, but the hustle and bustle of Bangkok is not.

The night market is perhaps the most noted thing about Chang Mai. Located in the eastern side of the city, the night market runs about a mile down the length of street dwarfed by malls, restaurants, stores selling art and spas. The stalls on the side of the road tend to sell cheap touristy products, but you should check them out anyway to sample some of the food items. Thais seem to take great humor from cooking anything they can get their hands on so long as they can gross out the tourist. Yep, you can munch on fried roaches, spiders, crickets and so on. For a good laugh, one can hang out around the stalls and watch tourist try the delicacies. It’s like the show Fear Factor without the washboard stomachs and breast implants.

To find the “good stuff” at the night market, you should head off the street and up into the open air malls. As you move towards the back of the malls, the quality of the products goes up dramatically. You’ll find artist not only hocking their wares, but also creating them before your eyes. There is some serious talent in the back of those malls.

If silk is your material of choice, Chang Mai is a good place to purchase it in bulk. Do not buy it at the night market. Instead, ask your hotel for a recommendation to a shop. Prices are low, but quality is high.

Traveler’s Tip

Guidebooks will tell you the best way to get to Chang Mai is to take an overnight train from Bangkok. Liars! Flying domestically in Thailand is very cheap. A one-way flight from Bangkok to Chang Mai will run you about $40US. There is no need to book ahead. Just walk into the airport in Bangkok and buy a ticket on the spot. If you prefer to spend the night in a bunk on a train, knock yourself out. Just keep in mind Thais tend to have smaller body masses than Westerners. Much smaller.

Of all the cities in Thailand, Chang Mai is my favorite. Yes, even more so than Bangkok.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=16992&ca=Travel

Meditation And Yoga In Thailand

2008-10-04T03:18:00.001-07:00

For many years I have had an aching back and neck, I tried various therapies but no avail the problem continued. I started to try Yoga and after a few years slowly my pain dissolved, I tried for 1 hour a week which seemed sufficient for a while until I went to live in Thailand I noticed that the island I had moved on had so much Yoga going on and the people that I were meeting were quite dedicated to yoga, some of them practicing every day, Truthfully I thought it to be a little extreme.. Anyway I was influenced to step up my once a week practice to 2 or 3 times per week and after 1 month of practicing 3 times per week I felt considerably more energy flowing through my body and I found that I could actually sit up straight for longer than 5 minutes without having pain in my lower back.

Additional to Yoga a big help was stepping up to a more healthy diet, again I was surrounded by health freaks in the town which made it easy for me to adjust which made a change from being around pot smokers all the time.

I went for an iridology exam and also a blood reading and both came out with similar results, they were saying that I have been eating the wrong foods for my blood type, which is A+, so0 I started adjusting my diet to the foods and drinks that resonate with my blood type and now I can say that I generally have more energy and awareness. It is amazing how a few adjustments can make a difference, but you will actually find yourself craving the very things that are not good for you, so when people advise you to eat what you like and transmute it I don’t believe that’s beneficial, when you do this you are succumbing to your cravings.

The most amazing practice I have come across is Sun Yoga, which was taught to us in a workshop in Thailand by an amazing Yogi named Uma Sankar, you can check his site at www.sunyoga.info.
He practices meditation by staring into the sun each day and claims that this fully nourishes oneself, he has not eaten or drank anything since 10 years, neither does he need sleep! When I have the chance I spend 30 minutes before sunset or after sunrise which is actually more beneficial as it is the fresh rising prana that you ingest.

Moving on from there another amazing practice is living on prana only, not even needing the sun, this practice was taught to us in Thailand to many of the Yoga students here by a lovely woman named Jasmuheen.
This involves slowly adjusting your diet to a raw food diet, then liquids only eventually moving onto prana. There are various meditations that are needed to re program the mind/body so that it does not have the need for food or drink anymore, such as visualizi8ng the kidneys being hydrated etc..

Yoga can be used for physical fitness or it can be used as a spiritual practice which aim is to unify all levels of being and connect with the divine.

Give it a try! And who knows you may move on to Sun Yoga or you may be inclined to live on prana and save the washing up!

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=187545&ca=Wellness%2C+Fitness+and+Diet

Gemstones in Thailand

2008-10-04T02:50:00.000-07:00

The Myth of Gemstones in Thailand

Thailand's reputation as a center of civilization in the Orient has been reflected by the rich forms of art that has formed an integral part of most Thais. The artistry of Thai artisans have intrigued men and women around the world for its exquisite, delicate splendor and beauty. The long tradition of fine craftsmanship has passed through several generations and is still very much intact today.

Gems and jewelry is one of the key industries which has flourished ever since ancient times. Traditional belief suggested that by wearing certain jewels and clothes which agree with the colour of the day and or birthday would bring good fortune and success.

A Birthplace of Jewels. Fine Craftsmanship and Discovery

Thailand has been recognized as one of the world's major gems and jewelry centers. The Kingdom is not only endowed with dedicated and gifted artisans, but also gemstone resources.
Sapphires have been discovered in Kanchanaburi. Chanthaburi, Si Saket, Ubon Ratchathani, Phrae, Phetchabun and Sukhothai. Chanthaburi's districts of Pong Nam Ron, Bo Rai and Khao Saming have been known as producers of rubies: in addition to. Nam Yuen district of Ubon Ratchathani.

The red rubies discovered in Chanthaburi have been known as "Tab Tim Siam" or "Siamese Rubies" which are sought after by jewel lovers around the world for their dazzling red and magical looks. The Siamese Rubies have thus credited Thailand as the "Land of Jewels of die East."

Thailand's gems and jewelry industry has systematically developed from a cottage level to a large-scale export-oriented scale. The sector has become one of the country's top-ten foreign exchange earners, generating tens of billions of Baht to the economy and creating jobs for millions of people.
Quality, attention to detail and reasonable pricing are elements of continued success of the Thai jewelry industry. To enhance the sector's competitiveness, the Royal Thai Government has exempted tariffs on imported raw materials.
Furthermore, to make the purchase of gems and jewelry in Thailand even more attractive, the Royal Thai Government has agreed to provide full refund on Value Added Tax (VAT) imposed on jewels bought by foreign visitors.

The conditions currently applied to VAT refunds are as follows:-

Purchase at shops with the sign "VAT Refund for Tourists".
Bring along the goods with oneself within 60 days from the date of purchase.
Minimum value of purchase from one shop in one day is 2,000 Baht.
Total value of goods purchased for a VAT refund must be at least 5.000 Baht.
Sales clerks will prepare a VAT refund form and hand two copies of the form to buyers with a Tax Invoice.
Goods eligible for VAT refund must not be restricted items such as firearms, explosives and the like as well as unset gemstones.
Must bring along the goods to the port of disembarkation for display to Customs officials.

Over the years, Thailand has developed to become one of the world's top-five jewelry polishing centers which has included Israel, Belgium, the United States and India.

The Kingdom's gemstone polishing capability has developed by leaps and bounds, leading to the creation of "Bangkok Cut", which is widely admired.

With the advantages mentioned above, it always makes a good reason to buy a piece of jewelry in Thailand when you are here right in the one of the world's forefront gems and jewelry centers.

The quality of Thai jewels is assured

Retailing of gems and jewelry in Thailand is governed by proper trading rules which are closely supervised by government and industry organizations. The quality of gems and jewelry is examined and guaranteed by internationally accepted local bodies such as the Asian Institute of Gemological Science (AIGS), the International Gemological Institute (IGI), the Gems and Jewelry Institute of Thailand, etc.

The adoption of stringent examination processes and issuance of quality certificates assure you of the quality standards of the goods you purchase exactly match your expectation both for personal pleasure and investment.

So if you are looking for something that reminds you of fond memories of your visit to the Land of Civilization of the Orient that is rich in arts. heritage and friendship, consider buying a Thai jewel.

How to choose a gemstone and a piece of jewelry

Nature of Gemstones
First, it is essential to have the basic knowledge about the characteristics, colors, clarity, cutting style and the weight of the gemstones you are selecting. Generally speaking, there are two categories of gemstone - precious and semi-precious.
Precious stones are Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Emerald and Cat's Eyes.
Semi-precious stones are Tourmaline, Peridot, Tazanit, Garnet. Opal, Spinel, Zircon, Aquamarine, Moonstone, Agate, Pearl, Sunstone, etc.
The commercial value, hardness, and durability of semi-precious stones are normally less than precious stones.
Thailand is one of the world's most important sources of Corundum. the collective gemological name for precious stones like Ruby and Sapphire.

	Ruby	Its color ranges from dark red to pink hardness measured in Mohs is 9: reflective index is from 1.762 to 1.770 (+/-0.009 - 0.005}: and specific gravity of 4.00 (+/- 0.10 - 0.05). This precious stone has its origin in countries like Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar (Burma), Vietnam and Tanzania.
	Blue Sapphire	It is another species of Corundum with properties quite similar to Ruby in terms of color, hardness and specific gravity. Its origins are Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar (Burma).
	Yellow Sapphire	As part of the Corundum family. Yellow Sapphire has specifications like 'Blue Sapphire and Ruby, but it is only found mostly in Thailand and Sri Lanka.
	Diamond	Discovered mostly in Africa, Australia, Russia and South America, the Diamond is normally colorless, though some come in the shades of light yellow and brown. Its hardness is 10 in Moh measurement; reflective index of 2.417: specific gravity of 3.52 (+/-0.01).

Quality and value of gemstones

The value of a gemstone lies in its beauty, measured by its color, luster, transparency, clarity, perfection of cutting (polishing), size, durability as well as rarity.

Ruby	The most valued Ruby is in pigeon's blood red. The stone with dark to purple red color has a lesser value. The Ruby which yields good transparency is considered more beautiful and has more value than the lesser one. The value of Ruby can also be judged by its clarity which is normally a key characteristic of the stone, and physical site. Another beauty yardstick of Ruby is the "Asterism" or star in the stone that renders it the name of "Star Ruby." The star can be best appreciated from Ruby with a cabo chon shape placed in the light.
Blue & Yellow Sapphire	The highly priced color of Blue Sapphire is "pure" blue not being tainted with green or gray, yet not too dark or black. The most beautiful color for Yellow Sapphire is dark yellow and golden yellow. The popularity of the two shades varies from one market to another, depending on tastes and fashion trends. Blue and Yellow Sapphires with good transparency and clarity command more value with size as another determining factor, though it is easier to find a bigger size of Blue and Yellow Sapphires than Ruby. Like Ruby, Blue Sapphire has the "star" while it is rare to find a star in Yellow Sapphire.
Diamond	More common colors of diamond range from light yellow and light brown while while is rarer (see color grading table). There are also established clarity levels of diamond (see clarity table). The bigger the size the higher the value of the diamond. Well-proportioned cut diamond is capable of reflecting light, yield more brilliance and sparkle, thus is more valued.

Color grading

Color Scale

Trade Terms

Colorless to	D	Colorless	Finest White	Jager	Colorless
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I	E			River
	F		Fine White
	G	Near Colorless		Top Wesselton	Stones in this grade look colorless face-up: slight traces of color will not be apparent in mounted stones to other than the trained eye.
	H		White	Wesselton
	I		Commercial White	Top Crystal
	J		Top Silver Cape	Crystal	Small stones in these range will look colorless face-up when mounted but large one will be tinted.
	K	Faint yellow	Silver Cape	Top Cape
	L
	M		Light Cape	Cape	Mounted stones in this grades will display a Yellowish tint even to the untrained eye.
	N	Very Light Yellow		Low Cape
	O		Cape	Very Light Yellow
	P
	Q
	R
	S	Light Yellow	Dark Cape
	T
	U
	V
	W
	X
	Y
Fancy Yellow	Z	Fancy

Clarity

	Scandinavia	Exchange	USSR	Alternate W. Europe
FL	FL		10X CLEAN	IF
IF	IF	PURE	10X CLEAN	IF
VVS 1	VVSI 1	VVS	10X CLEANISH	VVS 1
VVS 2	VVSI 2		10X CLEANISH	VVS 1
VS 2	VSI 1		10X VERY SLIGHT	VS 1
VS 1	VSI 2	SI	10X VERY SLIGHT	VS 1
SI 1	SI 1		10 SLIGHT EYE CLEAN	SI
SI 2	SI 2		10 SLIGHT EYE CLEAN	SI
I 1	PIQUE 1	PIQUE	VERY SLIGHT TO THE EYE	PIQUE 1
I 2	PIQUE 2		SLIGHT TO THE EYE	PIQUE 2
I 3	PIQUE 3		MARKED TO THE EYE	PIQUE 3

	Flawless
IF	Internal Flawless
VVS	Very Very Slightly
VS	Very Slightly
SI	Slightly included
I	Imperfect

Content of Fine Gold and Precious Metal in Alloys

Fine gold	Platinum
24 karat(Kt) gold is referred to 100% pure gold 22 Kt = 92% 18 Kt = 75% 16Kt=67% 14 Kt=58.5% 12 Kt=50% 10Kt=41.7%	PT950=95% PT900 = 90%

Weight measurement for gold, gemstones and diamond

The weight of gemstones and diamond is measured in carat and grams. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams, while one gram is 5 carats or 1.000 milligrams.
Gold is measured in karat, referring to the percentage of gold in alloys. Karat, in gold measurement, is usually written with a capital "K" or "Kt" to provide a distinction from "carat" for precious stones measurement:,

Certification of Gemstones and Jewelry

In normal practice, the issue of an authenticity certificate for jewels purchased rests on a laboratory. However, such certificates can be issued by specialists who have graduated from gemological institute and been employed by jewel stores.
With the growing use of synthetic stones in jewelry, it is very crucial that buyers demand the certificate of authenticity with a gem identification report being issued by authorized gemologists from the stores they make the purchase

Published At: http://www.sawadee.com

Thai-Style Natural Healing

2008-10-04T02:36:00.000-07:00

	Experience Thai-Style Natural Healing
A massage to restore balance among the elements. A herbal sauna to cleanse and rejuvenate the body. A herbal pack to calm nerves and redirect the energy. All this may sound very New Age in the West, but it has been part of daily life here for centuries. Before the arrival of modern medicine, herbalists filled the dual role of doctor-pharmacist. Originally, village doctors were monks or former monks, since Buddhist temples were the center of learning, not only of religion but of more worldly matters like astrology and medicine as well. Thai traditional medicine holds that the body has four elements: wind, water, earth and fire, and ill health results from an imbalance between them. To remedy an ailment, the village “doctor” would make a herbal pack for the patient to ingest, rub onto the skin, or add to a steam compress. Another major component of traditional medicine is energy. When the energy lines are blocked, the individual will become ill, physically or emotionally. A massage or sauna would be prescribed.
	Experience Thai Massage
Traditional Thai massage is a proven physical therapy that dates back to ancient India sometime before the lifetime of Buddha. It has been practiced here for centuries, and many swear by it as effective cure for common ailments such as aches and pains, fevers and nervous strains. Traditional massage reached the peak of popularity in the early 18th century. King Rama III, great-grandfather of the present monarch, had all available knowledge on the subject gathered and inscribed on stone slabs. These now stand on a corner of the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho), along with stone figures of rishis demonstrating various massage postures. You can try this ancient therapy in its original form at the temple; masseuses trained at Wat Pho massage school offer their service seven days a week at very reasonable prices. Most hotels rated three stars and above offer traditional massage as part of their health and fitness services. All the spa resorts include it in their therapy programs. Despite common misconceptions, clothes stay on the whole time. If you are interested in learning the techniques, Wat Pho’s massage school offers a 10-day course that costs 6,000 baht. Contact the school, in the temple’s compounds, Chetupon Road, or call (662) 225-4771.
	Thai-Style Herbal Therapies
Herbal sauna is no newcomer to Thailand. For many centuries people with just about any kind of affliction would visit a sauna, where herbal packs formulated just for the ailment would be added to a water heater. The resulting steam would be absorbed both through the nose and the skin. The heat also sweated out toxins and cleansed the pores. As recently as the beginning of this century, hundreds of these saunas existed in Thailand, but with the arrival of modern medicine most of these went out of business. But even today, home-made herbal sauna—along with a diet regimen packed with herbs is the post-natal therapy Thai women, especially those living in the countryside still swear by. Herbs also dominated Thai women’s beauty and skincare regimens. Sour tamarind worked wonders as a body scrub, for example, while crushed turmeric would be rubbed onto the skin to keep it soft and smooth. With the recent revival in holistic therapies, indigenous herbs are being discovered anew for their health and beauty benefits.
	Natural Healing Facilities
Herbs also dominated Thai women’s beauty and skincare regimens. Sour tamarind worked wonders as a body scrub, for example, while crushed turmeric would be rubbed onto the skin to keep it soft and smooth. With the recent revival in holistic therapies, indigenous herbs are being discovered anew for their health and beauty benefits.
	Modern SPA Experience
Spa treatments are now such a rage that it’s easy to forget that as recently as six years ago there was no spa facility here. Soon after the opening of Banyan Tree Spa Phuket in 1987, Thailand started to gain a reputation as a new spa destination. The country now has five spas that are attracting new groups of visitors, some of whom planning their trips as pure spa vacation. Published At: http://www.sawadee.com

Planning A Trip To Thailand?

2008-09-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

If you want an exotic trip, why not choose Thailand? Though it might be costlier than heading to southern California or Miami, you’ll have memories (and photographs!) that will wow your friends and family for years to come.

As you plan your priceless journey, just remember to keep a few factors in mind:

Thailand Visit Tip #1: Learn about Thai food

When you get to Thailand, you’ll no doubt be trying a great deal of Asian cuisine. Thus, it would behoove you to try some of the more common Thai dishes before you set off on your journey. If you live near a large city, you no doubt have access to any number of Thai restaurants. When you go, ask the servers or proprietor(s) about authentic Thai fare. That way, you’ll be able to prepare your palate for your visit.

If you’re not able to make it to a Thai eatery, you can always check out a book on Thai cooking from the local library (or purchase one in your Barnes and Noble or Borders bookseller.) This way, you can try your hand at creating some of the culinary delights you’ll be feasting on during your time in Thailand.

Thailand Visit Tip #2: Dress for the temperature and weather conditions

Because the Internet affords you the opportunity to find out about weather anywhere in the world, make sure you jump online during the days before you leave for your visit to Thailand. That way, you’ll know exactly what to pack (and what not to wear). Nothing is worse than being in a country where you don’t know the language and are feeling physically uncomfortable because you’re dressed inappropriately.

Thailand Visit Tip #3: Go to your doctor

Before traveling overseas, it’s best for you to get a full physical at your doctor. Why? First of all, you really should have an annual appointment, anyway. But secondly, you don’t want to have a health emergency when you’re overseas.

Your physician may also prescribe a variety of shots or suggestions for healthy eating regimens while you’re in Thailand. Make sure you bring a notepad and jot down all his or her comments.

Thailand Visit Tip #4: Get your passport in advance

Many people traveling to countries such as Thailand forget to order their passports until too late. In all the excitement, this important “to do” is entirely forgotten.

Rather than waiting until the last minute, make sure that you get your passport immediately, because it can take some time to receive in the mail. In fact, you might even want to get your passport before you book your flights to and from Thailand, just to be on the safe side. (And your passport will last many years, so even if you have to put off your Thailand trip for a year or two, your passport will still be good.)

By taking a few precautions, you can ensure that your time in Thailand will be well-spent and will result in a meaningful vacation that you’ll recall with fondness for the rest of your life.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=93011&ca=Travel

Facts About Thailand For Those Who Dream Of Going There

2008-09-28T20:32:00.002-07:00

Thailand is one of the most beautiful and culturally diverse areas in Southeast Asia. Because it was never colonized, it retains much of its original culture.

The people of Thailand are very friendly and hospitable. There is no language barrier because the staff speaks English and other European languages in most of the hotels, restaurants and tourist places. There are many different modes of transportation in Thailand. Tourists can hire a taxi, take a bus, ride on a train, rent a car or motorcycle or hike on foot through the beautiful countryside. The most interesting ride is the Tuk-Tuk, a three wheel bike, which provides a fantastic open air ride around any city.

Thailand means “the land of the free”, and is blessed with three seasons. Summers runs from February to May. The rainy season extends from June to October. The cold season lasts from November to January. Many people vacation in Thailand during December and January to get away from the cold in their countries over Christmas and New Year’s. Thailand has vacationers from all over the world.

Thailand has a very diverse geography. Tropical islands are found in the southern peninsula. There are many beautiful beaches surrounded by clear, blue waters on one side and tropical jungle on the other. The people here are involved in rubber cultivation, tin mining, and fishing. In the central part of Thailand are paddy fields, farms and many varieties of edible fruits. Here, too, are the ancient ruins of Ayuthaya, the royal capital of the kingdom of Siam, and Sukhothai. The mountains and forests of Thailand are in the north. Many different tribes are located in the mountains. Tourists can visit them from boats or by crossing the rail road lines over the famous river Kwai. They can also see unusual native handicrafts and multicolored orchids. The northeast plateau is famous for its rich archaeological and anthropological findings.

Thailand is the perfect vacation spot for those seeking a romantic getaway or who want to shop. Gourmets will love the many varieties of sea food. Many travelers also come here for an adventurous vacation. Thailand offers aquatic sports for all ages, including scuba diving, snorkeling, wind-surfing and water-skiing. Afterwards, tourists can relax on the beautiful beaches, sipping their favorite cool drink in good company.

Thailand offers something to every traveler:

Phuket is known for its exotic islands and beautiful beaches. Tourists can sunbathe on the beach, relax around a hotel pool or go on a number of popular excursions. Phuket’s nightlife is very lively. The multi-cuisine restaurants and bars are always filled with tourists.

Chiang Mai is a combination of modern city life and old village charm. Tourists can visit a working elephant camp, the Mae Sa Waterfall and an Orchid Farm. There are temples which are close to 700 years old. The Doi Suthep monastery sits on the top of a mountain 3500 feet above sea level, overlooking the fertile valley embracing Chiang Mai. The monastery is famous for its many holy relics of the Lord Buddha. Chiang Mai’s night bazaar is a favorite shopping place of tourists. Almost anything can be bought there at bargain prices.

In Chiang Rai, tourists can see the local hill tribe villages of the Akha and Yao. They can also see the ruins of Chiang Saen, Mae Sai and the Golden Triangle. The triangle is where the borders of Burma, Thailand and Laos meet. Together with Chiang Mai, the city sits in one of the artistic and religious centers in Thailand.

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. The name means “city of angels.” Bangkok is a centre of commercial, industrial and cultural activities. The Grand Palace; Wat Phra Keo, which houses the Emerald Buddha; and Dusit Maha Prasat Hall are three of Bangkok’s largest attractions. Here tourists can see large, gleaming golden spires, soaring roofs, intricate paintings and ornate statues.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=99507&ca=Travel

Quick Guide To Thailand

2008-09-28T20:32:00.001-07:00

Thailand is possibly the most-visited country in south-east Asia. The irresistible combination of fine beaches, ancient monuments and civilisations and renowned cuisine makes a holiday here an absolute must.

Where is it?

Thailand is in south-east Asia, bordering Malaysia to the south, Myanmar (Burma) to the north, and Cambodia and Laos to the east. It benefits from coastal stretches both in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Thailand.

Where can I stay?

Thailand is a popular country to visit – Bangkok is a 24-hour city with hotels to match whilst smaller cities and coastal resorts have also made the most of the constant tourist trade. Travellers are becoming more sophisticated, however, which has resulted in a number of boutique hotels opening to cater for the discerning guest. For those who love the beach, try the luxury of Aleenta; a small, private beach hotel which houses just 17 suites and 2 private villas. With unspoilt beach on your doorstep, an infinity pool and romantic breakfast and dinner settings, beach-life rarely gets better. Alternatively, go for the lights and sounds of Bangkok, where you could stay at the Ibrik City; a very chic hotel right in the middle of the business district and next to the famous “Blue Elephant” cooking school. With just three rooms, this is a modern yet homely hotel and great transport connections mean that this boutique hotel is the ideal base for days and nights in Bangkok.

What can I see?

Thailand is renowned for its ancient monuments, stupas and temples. From the sheer architectural delight of the Phimai Temple, a Hindu/Buddhist temple, to the ancient stupas in the Sukothai Historical Park, there’s much to learn about civilisations hundreds and thousands of years old and the way they affect the people of Thailand today. Don’t miss the busy and colourful markets either, and make sure that you spend time sampling the fabulous food for which Thailand is so well known. Venture away from the beaches to the rivers and mountains of Thailand’s interior to sample a simpler way of life, or take in the energy of Bangkok with a city visit.

How do I get around?

You can hire a car to get around Thailand, but it may be easier to take the train. Bangkok city is serviced by a Sky train and boat service, so there’s no need for any other transport to get you around. Outside Bangkok and closer to the coast, use the buses and trains to get about. The trains may be slower than you’re used to, but they’re comfortable. On the other hand, the buses are fast and furious, but they are cheap and air-conditioned.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=63932&ca=Travel

The Sights Of Bangkok In Thailand

2008-09-28T20:31:00.000-07:00

One temple not to miss is Wat Pho which is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. It features a giant Buddha lying on its side. Even the soles of this Buddha’s feet have very intricately detailed designs. Other nice temples to see are Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple). The Wat Pho temple has traditional Thai massage services which are very popular among tourists. Other temples such as Wat Mahathat and Wat Parinayok also have Thai massages available. The Royal Barges or long boats which are used during ceremonies on the river are also nice to see. The details put into decorating these boats are just remarkable.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=38003&ca=Travel

Tao Island (Ko Tao)

2008-09-25T05:36:00.001-07:00

Tao Island is composed of 21 kms of rocks and coconut trees, surrounded by shallow beaches. It is located 45 kms north of Samui and 40 kms east of Chumphon. On the west coast Mae Nam, the main town, is the residence of most of the local population. The busiest beach is Sairee Beach north of Mae Haad where you can have the widest choice of accommodation. The second most famous beach is Ao Chalok Ban Kao south of Mae Hadd. Other small bays and beaches are difficult to access by road.

Ko Tao, meaning turtle island, is named after the topography of its central mountain which resembles a turtle's back. The small tropical island amid the deep blue sea is encircled by miles of coral reefs and pinnacles where you can find some large, deep-water fishes such as mantas and whale sharks.

Most tourists come here for diving as its diving industry is reaching a higher and higher peak. Yet, Tao Island still has other charms of a tropical island; beautiful and quiet coves, wide stretches of sand, transparent seas, cheap accommodation, and a peaceful atmosphere. However, the beaches are not nice and the sea is too shallow for swimming.

Although there are a variety of choices of accommodation to choose from, the facilities on the island are simple and basic, but are improving. Electricity on the island comes from the generator which is shut down at 7 pm. However, most bungalows and resorts provide 24 hour electricity service and some have air-con rooms.

How to get there
From Samui: There are speedboats leaving Bophut and Maenam piers at 8.30 am for the price of 450 baht. Speedboats leave Nathon at 12.00 am and it takes a half hour to get to Ko Tao. Or else you can take Songserm Express boats from Nathon leaving at 12.00 to Mae Haad via Phangan for the cost of 450 baht. For cheaper transport, there are slow boats running from Maenam - departure at 9.30 am to Mae Haad via Thongsala for 100 baht.

From Phangan: Speedboats run from Thongsala to Mae Haad leaving 8.30 and 12.30 am for a fare of 250 baht.

From Chumphon: There are speedboats leaving Chumphon pier at 7.00 and 8.00 taking almost 2 hours to Mae Haad with a fare of 500 baht. Another alternative is Songserm Express boats leaving at 7.30 am for the cost of 400 baht.

Article Source: http://www.thailand.com/

Lamai Beach (Hat Lamai)

2008-09-25T05:33:00.000-07:00

Lamai beach was the first to be developed for tourism. Actually, it was once more developed than Chaweng. Before that it was an authentic and peaceful fishing village. Its infrastructure has changed considerably within the past two decades. The entire village nowadays has completely turned into a tourist-oriented town. Over the last decade Lamai has lagged behind in development compared to Chaweng. Lamai is a linear village running the length of the beach. On the eastern coast, the beach stretches for around four km. Most of the resorts are on the east of the main road, running down the beach. Usually the beach is far less crowded and disturbed than Chaweng. The sea is also deeper and clearer due to being well maintained by the community.

The town is smaller and more compact than its neighbor, with a stronger village feeling as most restaurant bars, cafes shops and even the main nightclub are all concentrated in the small but lively center known as "Lamai Gulch". Internet providers, supermarkets, shops, travel agents, and a caravan of bars and restaurants are all crammed together along the roadside and down the dusty side lanes. But for food lovers, your appetite may not be satisfied here. Although there are a few good restaurants, there is certainly not as much choice when it comes to eating and drinking. All imaginable tourist facilities can be found: post office, e-mail, banks, money exchanges, travel agencies, clothing shops, trailers, gyms and body piercing.

Central Lamai has a broad selection of bungalow type accommodation, ranging from the budget end of the scale to the magnificent, the latter with landscaped gardens, swimming pool and seclusion. There are just a few luxurious hotels along with a number of guesthouses for a wide range of budgets.

Party time comes at night and Lamai is pretty lively. Most of the action happens around "Lamai Gulch". You can find some real home-style outdoor restaurants serving Thai and western food, the beach bars offer live bands, music clubs with old rock and reggae along with trendy new techno music, video features and a variety of restaurants. There are few discos which start swinging at about midnight. This area is pretty cheap and is home to dozens of girlie bars.

Yet, amid the touristy ambiance, there remains a village character. Ride or walk to the back of the beach road and you're in the heart of banana groves and coconut plantations. You can take a mountain bike ride up the hill tracks and into the rocky interior. Or follow the road down past the cape at the southern end where many large rocks make rather weird formations and you will find the pools where the famed Grandfather and Grandmother rocks attract most tourists with the bizarre scenery.

Shopping in Lamai is not nearly so varied as in Chaweng. There are of course plenty of supermarkets and minimarts and tailor shops every 100 m or so. There are also a string of souvenir shops on the road running down to Hin-ta, Hin-tai and another set on the ring road at the northern entrance to Lamai beach.

There is a charming old monastery with a tiny museum. There are even a couple of meditation centers, and a number of local gyms where you can take Thai boxing lessons.

There is also a choice of dive shops offering trips to Lamai reef. Most are dead coral reefs which can be accessed by a beach dive from Lamai beach. There are jet skis costing 1,400 baht per hour or 500 baht for 15 minutes and paragliding for 800 baht per trip.

Within the last few years Lamai has become an attraction for health and healing resorts. A number of healing centers and spas have risen up around the northern stretch and this area is known as 'longevity beach'. To get to the beach, it is very easy to take a songtaew running around the island for the cost of 150-200 baht.

Hua Thanon

2008-09-25T05:32:00.000-07:00

Hua Thanon

Hua Thanon is a village at the head of the road on the south coast. It is home to a busy Muslim community with a fishing village feeling. You can find a lively market and a couple of restaurants, but probably not more than that. In a sense, the village offers just local and authentic ways of life. There are no bungalow resorts, but there are a number of houses for monthly rental. The only recommended thing to enjoy is to go shopping for food. Hua Thanon is the best place to buy superb fresh seafood at reasonable prices. You are pretty much guaranteed that seafood here is better than anywhere else on the island. One can take a songtaew from anywhere on the island as they run to almost every nook and corner of Samui at a price of about 150-200 baht, depending on the distance.

Phangan Island (Ko Phangan)

2008-09-25T05:31:00.001-07:00

Located just 12 km north of Samui, Phangan can be easily accessed by a half hour boat ride. Once it was just a backdoor neighborhood of Samui. But it is getting a new look.

Since Samui has begun to target up-market tourists, more and more backpackers and budget travelers have found the great hideaways here. It becomes increasingly attractive to other travelers who discover that Samui has nothing matching with their interests. Less expensive and less crowded are two main advantages experienced by backpackers. There are 160 places to stay around the190 square km of the island, at a cost of about 100 baht. Except for Rin Beach, many of the beaches are nearly deserted.

The island has two main attractive sites: Rin Beach and others. Rin Beach is a center for parties and hanging out while other beaches are tropical escapes with untouched nature and breath-taking scenes. Phangan has long been famed for its astonishing beauty which attracted King Rama IV to make regular visits here. Thong Nai Pan, one of the top five of Thailand's best beaches, was his long time favorite.

There is not the full range of modern development and tourist entertainment like the atmosphere of Samui. Not to mention no airport, big resorts, hotels, or paved roads. But it is a real paradise for all the senses, with undamaged nature and raucous parties, which may seem to be a contradiction, but the island has a certain magnetic power which makes it magically possible.

Getting There: Speedboats leave Samui daily from Maenam and Bophut piers to Thongsala at 8.30 am at a cost of 250 baht and also leave Nathon at 12.00 am, then return from Thongsala at 10.30 am for the price of 150 baht.

Songserm Express operates express ferries from Thatong, Samui to Thongsala via Nathon. The ferries leave Thatong at 8.30 am, arrive at Nathon at 10.30 am, then leave Nathon at 11.00 am and arrive at Thongsala at 11.45 am. They also run a car ferry service from Kanom to Thongsala via Na Thon. The ferries leave Thongsala at 6.30 am, arrive Na Thon at 8.00 am, and reach Kanom at 9.30 am. The return trip from Kanom leaves at 6.00 pm, arrives Nathon at 7.30 pm and reaches Thongsala at 9.00 pm.

Longtail boats run from Maenam pier to Phangan at three main destinations: Rin Beach for 120 baht, Tien Beach for 150 baht and Thong Nai Pan for 200 baht.

For an alternative route, but a longer trip, you can take nightboats from Ban Don, Surat Thani to Thongsala. The boats leave at 10.00 pm and take six hours and a half for the price of 170 baht.

Getting Around: It's recommended to take a songtaew as it's the fastest and most convenient means of transportation on the island. Fares depend on the destination, but are not higher than 100 baht around the island. Or else you can hire a motorcycle which is pretty much more expensive depending on how great you are at bargaining. There is crowd of motorcycle taxis outside Bovy Supermarket near the pier at Thongsala.

The interesting beaches and natural attractions on the islands include:

Thongsala: Thongsala is the only main port and it is also the only town on Phangan, houseing most of the island's residents. It provides all kinds of necessary facilities you may need including banks, ATMs and a post office. Aside from that, there is not much of interest about the town, just a small under-developed Thai village with some construction in progress.

The town is busy during the day because crowds of tourists come and go. At least, if you have to hang out waiting for the boat, there is a line of restaurants along the road leading toward the pier. There are lots of alternative choices here to enjoy local and western style food. For a more entertaining moment, you can absorb the Thai art of boxing at a boxing stadium within Thongsala. Or there are a few karaoke restaurants that create a bouncing atmosphere. Tourists go wandering away from Thongsala at night and the local people are left with a quiet and sleepy town.

Rin Beach and Full Moon Parties: On the far southeast of Phangan, Hat Rin is the liveliest and craziest beach. It has been marked as "something different" from all other places in Thailand, and probably the world. It now has become a spot for a travelers' community whose members truly believe in hedonism.

Rin is composed of two beaches: sunrise on the east and sunset on the west. Sunrise beach is a wide stretch of white sand in a stunning curved bay while sunset beach is not really as nice. All ranges of accommodation from low budget to air-con bungalows are concentrated around the two beaches. There are no comfortable and luxurious five-stars hotels and resorts here as Rin's reputation is for cheap and wild living.

Rin Beach is the ideal for all kinds of pleasure that the young and young at heart are searching for. It is a venue for the world famous Full Moon Party happening every month on the sunrise beach. Hanging out, going to parties, meeting wild and weird people, matchmaking, listening to techno, garage, house music, marijuana, drugs and spiritual awakenings all can be experienced at Rin Beach. Hat Rin has all kinds of music to fit with everyone's tastes and you'll not be disappointed.

The party starts when the first gleam of golden moonlight touches the white sand. The beach is lighted up with thousands of lamps and is full of thousands of travelers until dawn. Have fun and get wild!!!

Thong Nai Pan Beach: Thong Nai Pan is a magnificent double bay which is split by a narrow cape creating two wide beaches of white sands: Thong Nai Pan Yai and Thong Nai Pan Noi.

As a major attraction for members of the Thai royal family, the beach has long been kept as a secret and hidden place away from the crowds. There is not much development going on around here and it has the old and authentic atmosphere of Thai beach village. You may have to put in some effort to go there, but it is well rewarded with perfect beaches and friendly people.

On the southern bay, Thong Nai Pan Yai, the bigger of the two, is the residence of nearly all the local population. The beach has a wide sandy beach and a small village encircled by coconut plantations. There are a few bungalow resorts along the beach, two shops and a few bars and restaurants and the locals own most of the businesses here. Thong Nai Pan Noi, the quieter of the two, is a magnificent long beach of white sands with coconut trees in the background and surrounded by mountains. There are plenty of beach huts and bungalows along the beach. Thong Nai Pan Noi is a good place for pleasurable swimming and snorkeling.

There are two ways of commuting to Thong Nai Pan. You can take a pick-up songtaew from Thongsala and it can be accessed by boats from Thongsala, Rin Beach and Maenam.

Yao Beach: On the west coast of the island, Hat Yao means Long Beach. It has almost one and a half kms of white sand with deep water making for good swimming. There are just a few basic and low budget bungalows on the beach, but a more comfortable and expensive resort is in the process of construction.

One main thing to be informed of is that Hat Yao is quite a laid back village, but under development. Once Hat Yao was quite difficult to reach because there was no proper paved road, but now the situation is better as the road from Thongsala to Hat Yao is almost finished. Not everywhere in Hat Yao has electricity yet. All the electricity used during a few hours each evening comes from the main generator. So no nightlife entertainment at all.

Than Sadet Waterfalls: Than Sadet Waterfalls means "Royal Stream" as many members of Thai royal family have made frequent visits here, including King Rama V, King Rama VII, and King Rama IX, the present king. For a confirmation, the three kings left their signature on the rocks below the falls. So it could be assumed that the waterfalls must have some sort of extraordinary beauty to attract even the rulers of the country to come for a vacation. The falls have been guaranteed and it's really worth it to prove it for yourself.

Situated at Thong Nang Village, you can reach it by taking the road from Ban Tai Village to Thong Nai Pan Beach. Then turn-off about halfway up the road and head east toward Sadet Beach at Thong Nang Village. The trail follows a river along which you can see a series of waterfalls.

Phaeng Forest Park Waterfalls: About halfway between Thongsala and Chalok Lam there's a turn-off heading to the waterfalls. The waterfalls themselves are worth a visit, but you can have some pleasure absorbing the magnificent nature and stunning viewpoints on the way. Uncountable coconut trees, pure white sands and deep blue sea colored with a bright blue sky can be seen from here. Along the trail to the falls there is a marble Buddha Image which is said to be one of the finest statues on the island.

The best way is to get a motorcycle to explore the splendid vistas. It is most convenient to rent one. You need at least 125cc to travel up and down the hills because some roads are dirt tracks which are sheer and uneven.

Bophut Beach (Hat Bophut)

2008-09-25T05:30:00.001-07:00

Once Bophut was the largest town after Nathon on Samui, but progess now seems to be frozen. It was a prosperous and busy town with a fishing port and a harbor full of brightly painted boats, with a pier extending toward Phangan Island in the distance. There were family-run Chinese shops along its narrow streets which ended at a small square. At present, the old authentic atmosphere hasn't changed a bit, but most of shop houses are now restaurants, and scuba diving companies own most of the beautiful painted boats. Tourism still keeps spreading its powerful influence in every nook and corner, not excluding this village which is one of the most genuine on Samui.

The beach is not nice and the water is not great for swimming because there is a lot of seaweed and algae in the bay. If you wish for a little better water, the eastern end of the beach is dotted with resorts spilling onto the sands. One thing to make clear is that Bophut itself, rather than the beach, is the dominant attraction because it is an authentic Thai village.

Bophut is on the north coast, connected with Big Buddha Beach (Ban Ruk) on the east and Maenam on the west. You can access the main village by highway 4171 and many of the resorts are only accessed from the main highway 4169. The village itself is pretty small and congested with shops, restaurants and bars which can be easily discovered on foot.

Chaweng Beach (Hat Chaweng)

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On the east coast of Samui Island lays Chaweng Beach, a classic tropical beach in all respects. Chaweng Beach is the longest strip on the island. Stretching for 6 kilometers, Chaweng is most popular and offers a wide range of facilities from the luxurious to the very basic at varying prices.
The strip splits naturally into three sections, with the resort town located in the central area. In recent years it has blossomed into the island's second largest town. It is a magnet for visitors from all over the island. All the attractions are easily accessed by the road which runs parallel to the beach.

Chaweng is considered as the center of tourist activities. It is the most developed area, too. You can find some of the island's best hotels, together with an endless number of bungalows, beach bars, restaurants, discos and shops. You can just sit and lie on a deckchair in the shining sun - it's quite common for most people here. Relaxing for lazy hours on the beach here is the one way to escape from the sophisticated, frustrating world. If you wish to find something more active, there are ample things to do.

If you stroll along Chaweng road you can find myriad shops and stalls offering something for everyone including shopping enthusiasts, Internet addicts, book lovers and food hunters. Food lovers can find just about anything, whether it's Thai or western, and there are also some very good seafood restaurants. For a quieter evening there are plenty of bars and restaurants right on the beach, offering a dreamy view of the Gulf. You may find that the prices of Thai food here are more expensive than other places on the island, but the taste is worth it. If windsurfing, catamaran dingy, jet skiing, water skiing and parasailing are what you are looking for, many resorts and hotels offer quite reasonable equipment rental rates.

Nightlife at Chaweng is reaching legendary status, so it is rather noisy and crowded. Central Chaweng Beach has the greatest concentration of venues. Most of the nightlife attractions are located there. A good choice of music venues ranges from traditional Thai to jazz, rock to reggae. There are nightclubs, outdoor theaters, cabaret shows, beach bars, girlie bars, pool bars, snooker halls, video shops, British, American, and European style pubs and clubs. Many of them stay open until the first gleam of daylight so that you can enjoy the nocturnal life from dusk till dawn.

Chaweng has the greatest number of dive shops on Samui, many of which organize day and night dives at the long reef just off Chaweng beach. A number of companies operate one-day trips from Chaweng beach to Angthong, Sail Rock, Ko Tao and other sites.

Despite all the activity, however, Chaweng still maintains the classic image of a palm-fringed tropical beach. The beach both in Chaweng Noi and Chaweng Yai is a really lively nature paradise. Generally, you can say that for beach-lovers, and sun-seekers, Samui's palm-fringed, sandy beaches and warm waters are just the very paradise on earth they are searching for.

One can get a songtaew or "two row" truck to reach Chaweng. They run all over the island and the price from Nathon to Chaweng is 30 baht. After arriving on the island, you can hire a taxi from the airport to Chaweng for 150-200 baht for a more private and comfortable ride.

Nang Yuan Island (Ko Nang Yuan)

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Ko Nang Yuan is a group of three islands northwest of Ko Tao. The pretty little islands are interconnected by a long sandy beach. The long stripe of smooth white sand can be explored on foot.

The beaches on the islands are undisturbed and quiet, and they are all clean. The highlight of Nang Yuan is the beautiful scenery of the underwater world. The most magnificent and deepest spot is called Kohng Hin Nang Yuan which has unspoiled and untouched coral reefs.

Nang Yuan is also good for snorkeling. Just 10 m away from the shore, the deepwater coral reefs and marine life are clearly seen in the transparent blue seas and the bright sun. The stunning view of a panoramic scene of the sandy beach that links all three islands together can be reached by a 50 m staircase.

There is one bungalow resort on Nang Yuan with a full range of facilities for your convenience, but the price is quite expensive, ranging from 1,200 to 3,500 baht. From Ko Tao's pier there is a long tailed boat to Nang Yuan for the price of 100 baht, from 8.00 am - 4.00 pm.

Information guide to Thailand

9 Paradise Islands in Thailand

Koh Kradan,Trang (The most Romantic Island)

Koh Lao Liang, Trang(Adventurous Experience in the Andaman)

Moo Koh Surin Trang (A Wonderful World of Coral Reef)

Koh Lipe, Satun (Paradise Island with Natural Beauty)

Koh Tao, Surat Thani (A must premier Diving Spots)

Koh Phi Phi Leh,Krabi (Crytal Lagoon in the Andaman)

Koh Kai, Koh Tab, Koh Mo, Krabi (The Amazing Thale Waek )

Koh Ngai, Krabi (Gorgeous Scene of Sunrise)

Koh Lanta, Krabi (From Sea Port to Tourist Spot)

UNDERWATER WORLDS

1. THE THREE ISLETS (HOBBIT LAND, THREE STOOGES, SHARK CAVE REEF) Myanmar

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3. RICHELIEU ROCK Mu Koh Surin National Park, Thailand

4. KOH PAYU Similan Islands, Thailand

5. HIN DAENG Trang, Thailand

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1. Bangkok

2. The Floating Market

3. Chiang Mai

4. San Kamphaeng Hot Springs

5. The East Coast Islands

6. Mae Hong Son

7. Ayutthaya

8. Railay

9. Koh Phi Phi

10. Hin Daeng

The Scenery Resort & Farm at Suan Phung - THAILAND

Ratchaburi

Tai Rom Yen National Park ( Surat Thani National Park )

Hat Noppharat Thara - Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park (Krabi National Park)

Khao Phanom Bencha National Park (Krabi National Park)

Mu Ko Lanta National Park (Krabi National Park)

Ko Lanta - The most beautiful island of Andaman Sea

Than Bok Khorani National Park (Krabi National Park)

Hat Khanom - Mu Ko Thale Tai Nation Park ( Nakhon Si Thammarat National Park)

Namtok Khlong Kaeo National Park(Trat National Park)

Namtok Khlong Kaeo National Park(Trat National Park)

Grand Temples of Thailand

Bangkok

Old Sukhothai

Chiang Mai

Wat Phu Tok

Thailand National Park Chiang Mai : Ob Khan National Park

Buffalo Racing

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park ( Surat Thani National Park )

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park ( Surat Thani National Park )

Backpacking in Thailand - North

AYUTHAYA

WAT?

LOPBURI

CHIANG MAI

ELEPHANTS, HILL TRIBES, AND RAFTING

Travel Packing Tips for Thailand Vacations

Electronics

Papers

Security Items

Pharmacy Items

To Wear

Eating Thai Food from Street Stalls

The Golden Triangle of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar

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Economy:

What is There to See and Do?:

Bottom Line:

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1. THE THREE ISLETS (HOBBIT LAND, THREE STOOGES, SHARK CAVE REEF)
Myanmar

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2. FANFOREST PINNACLE

Myanmar

3. RICHELIEU ROCK
Mu Koh Surin National Park, Thailand

4. KOH PAYU
Similan Islands, Thailand

5. HIN DAENG
Trang, Thailand