THAILAND Travel Blog

Bangkok National Museum

2011-09-15T20:36:00.000-07:00

In the former grounds of the 18th Century Wang Na Palace, The National Museum houses the largest collection of Thai art and artifacts in the country. It's definitely worth a visit, especially if visiting nearby Wat Phra Kaew or the Grand Palace.

Opened by King Rama V to exhibit the antiques and gifts bestowed to him by his father, it once held a reputation for being an ill-organised gathering of dusty relics. That has now changed, with exhibits now arranged into three areas consistent with Thai history, and good English-language descriptions available.

The front of the Sivamokhaphiman Hall is a Thai history gallery spanning the Sukothai through to the Rattanakosin periods. The Archaeological and Art History collection showcases items from Thailand's prehistory to Sukhotahai and Ayutthaya eras right through to the modern Thai Kingdom, including many ancient sculptures. Among scores of interesting collections in the decorative arts and ethnological collection are Chinese weapons, gold treasures, precious stones, Khon masks, puppets, ceramics, clothing and textiles, woodcarving and traditional musical instruments from around Southeast Asia.

Other exhibits of interest include a funeral chariot hall, featuring carriages used for royal cremations, and many excellent examples of Thai architecture. These include the Buddhaisawan chapel, a teak or 'red' house called Tam Nak Deang and various beautiful pavilions. Free English-language tours given by volunteers are available and also conducted in German (Thursdays), French and Japanese (Wednesdays).

Opening Hours: 09:00 - 16:00 (Wednesday - Sunday)
Location: Na Phrothat Road, near the Grand Palace
Tel: +66 (0)2 215 8173
How to get there: Taxi is probably the best way to go. Or embark the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Maharaj Pier, then walk about 20 minutes.

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Bangkok

2011-03-06T18:23:00.000-08:00

If you are a skeptic, you’d probably think a wax museum is a wax museum is a wax museum, right? What’s the hype all about? Well, for starter, Madame Tussauds has stepped down from the pedestal and embraced her visitors with a revolutionary concept – the wax museum with exhibits you can touch, hug, play with and even kiss. Imagine shooting hoops with the Houston Rockets centre Yao Ming, appearing on The Oprah Show, practicing Kung Fu with Bruce Lee, drinking espresso with George Clooney, or… ahem… putting your arm over your old pal Mao Zedong’s shoulders.

Madame Tussauds Bangkok is no old-fashioned wax museum. For the entertainment value and a chance to rub shoulders with world celebrities, heads of state, activists, sports heroes and heroines, legendary artists, and even royalty, the 700 baht ticket is more than worth it.

Highlights:

With 10 exhibit rooms decked out in real-life themes, the museum feels more like a journey from one time-warp to the next – Lady Di next to Mao Zedong, Pablo Picasso and his Cubist painting next to Thailand’s leading and somewhat eccentric forensic pathologist Dr. Porntip Rojanasunan in her full rock star regalia, Barak and Michelle Obama in their Oval Office next to Aung San Suu Kyi and the Dalai Lama.

Out of the 10 rooms, The Royal Room is the most elegant and culturally significant, as it showcases the wax figures of HRH Prince Mahitala Thibed Adulyadej and HRH Princess Srinagarindra, the late parents of His Majesty the King. All the decorative elements in this room are meticulously planned down to the tiniest details, whether the royal costumes, colour scheme, floral graphic patterns and music, all of which received the Royal endorsement from the Thai Royal family. This is the only room in which you are not allowed to touch the figures.

A controversial political personality, Chairman Mao seems to get more attention from visitors than Princess Diana or Queen Elizabeth II. But the most photographed is probably a section of the Oval Office, with the U.S. President and First Lady posing by the festoon curtains.

Enough with all formalities, let’s get to the fun part. While Picasso is taking a cigarette break, steal his canvas and create your own masterpiece. Need a piano lesson? Learn it from the Maestro, Ludwig van Beethoven. Meet Albert Einstein in person, or hug him if you are a fan his moustache looks so real that it invites your touch. Did he really have his hair like that all his adult life?

Following Einstein’s glance, you see what looks like Thailand’s Democracy Monument and a foreign sculptor working on his soon-to-be masterpiece. This is the man behind so many important monuments you see in Bangkok. So, meet Silpha Bhirasri (born Corrado Feroci), an Italian sculptor who helped shape Thailand’s modern art scene.

Sports fans, be prepared for some action with your heroes and heroines, whether it’s a game of tennis with former world’s number one Serena Williams – whose biceps are, by the way, bigger than my thighs – kicking bendy goals while David Beckham is watching, putting with Tiger Woods, or lifting weights with Thailand’s Olympic gold medalist Pawina Thongsuk.

Yao Ming, by the way, is as tall as the basketball hoop –try and steal the ball away from him!

After saying goodbye to Yao, it’s time to hit the limelight with your favourite pop idol. Take charge of the microphone, while Madonna and Britney can only look on, or challenge the King of Pop with your best moonwalk. After you’ve had enough fun, proceed down the red carpet and join the glamourous party with the most beautiful faces of Hollywood, whether Johnny Depp, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Leonardo DiCaprio, Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and so on.

Behind the glory and glamour, what makes Madame Tussauds Bangkok different from other wax museums in Thailand is the quality of craftsmanship and attention to detail, from set designs all the way to daily maintenance. It takes British craftsmen between three and six months to finish one wax figure, and the process is highly elaborate. Implanting hair is perhaps the most labourious task, as is the case of some female stars. Each strand of hair is implanted one by one, using real human hair. And the effect, when combined with the sparkle in the figure’s eyes try looking into Julia Roberts’ or Princess Diana’s is totally stunning.

You can learn all about the craft of wax work from the second-floor exhibit on the history of Madame Tussauds. The museums’ souvenir boutique carries an interesting collection of memorabilia and quirky accessories you might want to bring home with you.

Tips:

Madame Tussauds launched its 10th attraction in Bangkok in December 2010, with 70 wax figures, and still counting. About 30 percent of the wax figures are Thai. Expect to spend from one to one and a half hours at the museum.

Opening Hours: 10:00 – 21:00 daily (might change slightly during long weekend or national holidays)

Location: 6th Fl. Siam Discovery Center

Tel: +66 (0)2 658 0060

Siam Ocean World @ Siam Paragon Bangkok

2011-03-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

Two storeys underneath the glitzy Siam Paragon shopping mall, an aquatic wonderland the size of three Olympic swimming pools awaits your discovery at the Siam Ocean World. This underground aquarium, one of the largest in Southeast Asia, will dazzle you with innovative world-class exhibits and over 30,000 curious looking creatures from various depths and aquatic regions across the globe.

Meet some of the world’s record holders, transported all the way from the Amazon River or the Jurassic period when dinosaurs still roamed the earth. Greet the ocean’s deadliest predators in the 270-degree underwater tunnel, sneak a peek into the open ocean from a glass-bottom boat, or, if you really can’t resist, dive in and have a swim amongst the sharks and rays. For kids, a few hours spent at the Siam Ocean World will be as educational as it is exhilarating and memorable.

The World’s Ocean in Seven Zones

Your journey into the Big Blue begins with a prelude at the ‘Weird and Wonderful’ zone, which houses an impressive collection of rare and bizarre-looking marine creatures, such as striped frogfish, garden eel, nautiluses and gigantic spider crabs. The 'Deep Reef' features some of the most fascinating reef dwellers in the world; among them, bat fish, humped head Maori Wrasse and Blue Tang.

Learn how sea animals survive in the 'Living Ocean', and take a hike in the 'Rain Forest' where ancient African lungfish, blind cave fish, giant water rats and otters are on display. Observe life on the edge in the 'Rocky Shore' zone, where penguins and other marine mammals learn to survive under constant change in the unpredictable environment.

Stop to feel the skin of friendly starfish in a petting pond, before continuing on to the 270-degree underwater tunnel and the 'Open Ocean', Asia's largest panoramic oceanarium showcasing sharks of various types – ragged-tooth, black-tipped, leopard – stingrays and giant groupers. Just before you leave, drop by the ‘Sea Jellies’ zone and take in the theatrical display of light and musical symphony as the translucent invertebrates float about in the LED-lit tanks.

Fun for the Entire Family

If you expect more from your visit to an aquarium, Siam Ocean World won’t disappoint you. Your choice ranges from observing the marine creatures from a glass-bottom boat and touring the ‘back of the house’ to combing the ocean floor in a diving suit and 180-degree helmet as well as diving with the predators and their prey in the ‘Open Ocean’.

Children will love the exciting around-the-clock shows, including Shark Feeding, Rocky Shore Talk, Penguin Feeding, Diver Underwater Talk, Rainforest Zone Feeding, Animal Contact and Otter Feeding. You can even feed freshwater fish, among them the Chao Phraya River Stingray and Mekong Giant Catfish – from the Feeding Pier in the Rainforest or have the little fish ‘massage’ your feet at the Happy Fish, Happy Feet Pool. Please note that extra charges apply for each additional activity.

Thailand’s First 4D Theatre

The fun doesn't stop only in the deep blue sea. Come up for a breath of fresh air and a 25-minute virtual reality adventure with the Sanyo 4D-Xventure (charges apply). Using state-of-the-art technology, the virtual environment created by the theatre and its ‘4D Invader’ seats promises to squeeze a scream or a giggle out of every viewer during the movie – that extra thrill that makes 3D theaters so yesterday's news. So, hold on to your seats and enjoy the dive into the virtual underwater world!

Opening Hours: 10:00 - 21:00 daily

Location: Basement floor, Siam Paragon, Siam

BTS: Siam

How to get there: Take Exit 5 from the BTS Siam Station, which provides direct access to Siam Paragon.

Bangkok Skytrain

2010-12-24T23:52:00.000-08:00

While Bangkok has grown incredibly over the last few years - luxury hotels, new shopping malls and skyscrapers adding to the ancient skyline of timeless temples and pagodas - getting around couldn't be easier. The Bangkok Transit System (BTS) or Skytrain, an elevated rail system which crosses the city and connects many of the most popular areas, has made life a whole lot easier. .

The BTS is undoubtedly the swiftest way to get around, and can whisk you right where you want to be in no time at all. It's a cheap, smooth, cool, clean, fast and scenic way to enjoy Bangkok. A new train arrives every 3 - 6 minutes or so between 06:30 and midnight. The last train leaves between 23:30 and 23:50. There are two lines: The Silom line runs between National Stadium in the Siam shopping area to Saphan Taksin at the riverside, and to two newly operated stations (Krung Thon Buri and Wongwing Yai) on the Thonburi side (across from the Chaophraya River), while the Sukhumvit line runs all along the famous road from Mo Chit to On Nut. The two lines meet at Siam station, and also inter-connects at two points with the underground (MRT) - at Sala Daeng and Asok stations. Fares start at 15 baht for one stop.

The BTS will get you to many of the city's main attractions. Major shopping malls, Chatuchak Weekend Market, all Sukhumvit Road's attractions, and even the riverside are accessible by Skytrain. So, if you're new to Bangkok, it's a great way to find your way around and see a large part of what the city has to offer. Trains can get pretty full during peak hours (07:00 - 09:00 and 16:00 - 19:00), as the BTS has also become the choice mode of transport for people living and working in Bangkok. With extensions already underway, Bangkok's legendary traffic may someday be but a distant memory.

Skytrain Passes

One-day Pass

Unlimited travel within the duration of a single day for 120 baht. Ideal for tourists.

Smart Pass / Stored Value Cards

These are available for 100 baht plus 30 baht refundable deposit. They are valid for 5 years and can be filled with a minimum of 100 baht and up to 2,000 baht.

30-Day Pass for Adults

- For 15 trips (use within 30 days), 23 baht per trip unlimited distance, it costs 345 baht.

- For 25 trips (use within 30 days), 22 baht per trip unlimited distance, it costs 550 baht.

- For 35 trips (use within 30 days), 21 baht per trip unlimited distance, it costs 735 baht.

- For 40 trips (use within 30 days), 20 baht per trip unlimited distance, it costs 900 baht.

30-Day Pass for Student

- For 15 trips (use within 30 days), 18 baht per trip unlimited distance, it costs 270 baht.

- For 25 trips (use within 30 days), 17 baht per trip unlimited distance, it costs 425 baht.

- For 35 trips (use within 30 days), 16 baht per trip unlimited distance, it costs 560 baht.

- For 45 trips (use within 30 days), 15 baht per trip unlimited distance, it costs 675 baht.

The following stations offer facilities (such as elevators) for disabled people: Mo Chit, Siam, Asok, On Nut and Chong Nonsi. BTS staff friendly and helpful, and will assist you in any way possible. BTS Tourist Information Centers can be found at Siam, Nana and Saphan Taksin stations. There is also a free shuttle bus (from 06:00 - 21:00) that runs from Ploenchit Station to Ploenchit and Wireless Roads and ends at Soi Ruam Rudi. A very informative BTS city map can be picked up free from any station.

For more information contact the BTS hotline: +66 (0)2 617 7300

Tuk-Tuks In Bangkok

2010-12-24T23:32:00.000-08:00

Tuk-tuks or 'sam lor' (three-wheeled) used to be everyone's favourite way of getting around Bangkok before the BTS, MRT and colourful taxis took over. Originating from an old-fashioned rickshaw during the second World War, a tuk-tuk is essentially a rickshaw with a small engine fitted in.

Tuk-tuks have become one of Bangkok's most recognisable transportation features, and are still popular among tourists and visitors. Riding a tuk-tuk is more of an experience rather than a practical way to get around. So, if it's your first time in The Big Mango, there's no harm in giving it a go. Here are some tips to keep in mind before you wave one down:

Fares vary, depending on the distance travelled, the time of the day, the traffic, and the mood of the drivers. Normally a very short trip will cost 30 baht.
Fare negotiating and haggling is a must because the price named by the driver is always an 'inflated rate' (especially if you're a tourist). The trick is to negotiate 5 - 15 baht off the proposed fare, and take it from there.
Be careful of the 'mafia' tuk-tuks around touristy areas, who often boasts privileged knowledge of 'secret' or 'special' shopping places and things. Some of them may offer sightseeing tours and unsolicited help to take you places. A short and sweet "no, thanks" will save you from their scams. The same rule applies to taxis.
Avoid taking a tuk-tuk during peak hours (07:00 - 09:00, 16:00 - 19:00). You don't want to be stuck in traffic for hours, sweating and breathing in the hazardous fumes from engines all around you.
Tuk-tuks are most ideal for short trips. (Sometimes it would cost the same, or even cheaper, to take a cab to the same destination.

Taxis in Bangkok

2010-12-24T22:55:00.000-08:00

Besides the BTS and MRT, the easiest and most convenient way to get around Bangkok is by taxi. Most taxis are new, spacious and, in addition to the traditional green-yellow and red-blue, they also come in funky colours like bright orange, red and even pink. Finding a taxi is not a hassle, especially around hotels, shopping malls and other tourist attractions.

However, you're in for a really long wait when it rains, and during rush hours. The fare starts at 35 baht, and stays there for the first two kilometres. Thereafter, the fare gradually works its way up with 2 baht at a time (roughly per kilometre). A surcharge applies in traffic jams (1.25 baht per metre when moving under 6 km per hour). Typical taxi fares for going a few kilometres are around 50 baht. Communication can be a problem with the majority of Bangkok's taxi drivers as they often speak little English. Improvise, and be imaginative.

Overall, there's never a shortage of taxis in a city that never sleeps. They're cheap and available virtually 24 hours a day. Meter taxis now predominate, but sometimes you may have to politely ask them to switch the meter on to save negotiating later. Since taxis are cheap and the drivers work all hours in traffic that is legendary, a small tip is often appreciated.

Useful tips:

Available taxis are the ones with the glowing red vacant sign.
No need to negotiate the fare as all taxis in Bangkok are now metered (well, sort of anyway). A driver refusing to use a meter is an indication of a suspicious agenda. If he insists on giving you a fixed fare, instead of using the meter, it's best to find another cab.
Don't be surprised if the driver refuses to take you where you wish to go. There's nothing you can do about it but try your luck with the next taxi.
It's ok to get a taxi at a bus stop when there's no bus approaching, otherwise you can expect to be honked at.
Like tuk-tuks, watch out for an over-eager taxi driver who offers to take you to 'good' places.
Don't expect Bangkok taxi drivers to know the city's every nook and cranny, as a driver qualification exam isn't required. It's always a good idea to carry a map, or the name and the location of where you're heading to written in Thai.
Look behind you and make sure there's no motorcycle coming before you open a car door. It's very common for passengers to open the door without looking, and have a motorcycle slam into it. This can cause serious injury to the motorcycle driver, the taxi passenger, as well as considerable damage to the taxi itself.
Tipping of taxi drivers is not required, though rounding the fare off to the nearest 5 or 10 baht is common practice (it's a nice thing to do, as they earn very little, work long hours in often stressful conditions).
Before getting out of a taxi, make sure you haven't left any valuables or shopping bags behind.
Trust your intuition. If you don't get a good feeling about a taxi driver, rather wait for the next one. For every nasty taxi driver in Bangkok there is also a good and charming one.

Jatujak Weekend Market in Bangkok

2010-12-05T23:53:00.000-08:00

Jatujak Market or "JJ" in Bangkok is Bangkok Weekend Market or just a nick name called is “JJ” Once only popular among wholesalers and traders, Chatuchak Weekend Market has reached a landmark status as a must-visit place for tourists. Its sheer size and diverse collections of merchandise will bring any seasoned shoppers to their knees – this is where you can literally shop ‘till you drop’.

The 35-acre (68-rai) area of Chatuchak is home to more than 8,000 market stalls. On a typical weekend, more than 200,000 visitors come here to sift through the goods on offer. Veteran shoppers would agree that just about everything is on sale here, although not all at the best bargain rates. But if you have one weekend in Bangkok, squeeze in a day trip to Chatuchak Weekend Market and you will not be disappointed.

For first-timers, ‘conquering’ Chatuchak may seem like an impossible task, but worry not. There is a system to help you navigate your way through Chatuchak. Inside, one main walkway encircles the entire market, and it branches off into a series of numbered alleyways called Soi 1, Soi 2, Soi 3, and so on.

These alleyways are grouped into sections, with 27 sections in all. You will find more than one category of goods contained in one section, and the same category of goods will appear again in the other sections. In terms of locating your category of goods, this system is rather useless; but it will come in handy when you try to locate your particular stall or where your exact location is on the Chatuchak map.

Another way to find your way around Chatuchak is to find points of reference as you go along. The BTS and MRT stations as well as banks and numbered entrance gates are good points of references, as you will come across them as you turn corners. Then again, use the map to locate these references to find your correct orientation.

If you can dream it up, Chatuchak probably has it. Here, you will be amazed at the sheer variety of merchandise, whether a Moroccan lamp, an antique wooden chest, a pair of vintage Levi’s jeans, or, on the exotic side, a python.

Although it’s impossible to name all, the selection of goods being offered at Chatuchak can be roughly divided into 11 categories:

Clothing & Accessories (sections 2-6, 10-26)
Handicrafts (sections 8-11)
Ceramics (sections 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 25)
Furniture and Home Decoration (sections 1,3,4,7,8)
Food and Beverage (sections 2, 3, 4, 23, 24, 26, 27)
Plants and Gardening tools (sections 3, 4)
Art and Gallery (section 7)
Pets and Pet Accessories (sections 8, 9, 11, 13)
Books (sections 1, 27)
Antiques and Collectibles (sections 1, 26)
Miscellaneous and Used Clothing (sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 22, 25, 26)

When buying goods at Chatuchak, particularly ‘antiques’, it is wise to exercise a few precautions. Check your goods thoroughly to see whether there is any damage, as many vendors sell factory rejects. For ‘antiques’, don’t trust the vendor when he tells you it is genuine. It’s better to bring along an expert, unless you are happy with what you are paying for.

Chatuchak Weekend Market is the perfect place for bargain hunting, although whatever you buy here is probably no longer the best deal you can find. So brush up your negotiation skills and be prepared to walk away when the deal fails to go your way. Then, you’ll either be offered a lower price or simply find the same merchandise at another stall. It also helps to do a few practice runs before you actually start buying. Note that a friendly attitude and big smile are your biggest allies in securing the best possible deal.

Few people go to Chatuchak knowing exactly what they want or which stall to go to. Many expect to be surprised and let the sights of all the goods take them through a journey down the maze of stalls. Most often, shoppers arrive with a rough idea of what they want, then are hypnotised by what they see and end up going home with more than a few extra shopping items.

So, the best advice is, if you are going for the first time, to pick a starting point then just follow your instincts, enjoy the experience and bring home your exciting new finds.

How to Get there:

Hop on the skytrain (BTS) to Mo Chit station, take exit no. 1 and follow the crowd until you see rows of canvas stalls selling clothes. Turn right while continuing to follow the crowd and you will see a small entrance that leads into the market (clothing section).

Another option is to take the subway (MRT) to Chatuchak Park station (exit no.1), then follow the crowd until you arrive at the small entrance that leads into the market (clothing section). For the plant and flower section, get off at Kampheng Phet MRT station (exit no. 1).

The weekend market is open on Saturdays and Sundays, 09:00 - 18:00, and Fridays 18:00 - 24:00. Plant sections are also open on Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 07:00 - 18:00.

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The Northern Lantern Festival & YI-PENG LOI KRATHONG @ Chiang Mai provincial centre November 10 – 31, 2010

2010-11-18T02:27:00.000-08:00

The unusual ritual of launching Lanna-style floating lanterns (khome loi or khome yi-peng) is a unique aspect of the Chiang Mai Loi Krathong festival. Traditional belief has it that when these huge lanterns are set adrift and float away, so do the troubles of the residents in the community.

'Yi-peng' literally means the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month and the Chiang Mai 'Yi-peng' and 'Loi Krathong', the Festival of Lights is organised annually by the Chiang Mai Municipality. During the festival, the entire city of Chiang Mai, its houses, streets, canals, moats and the river are decorated with lights and beautiful lanterns, making these festivities, a most beautiful and memorable experience for visitors.

The practice of setting adrift traditional krathong floats in rivers, canals, waterways, lakes and ponds is also observed by the residents of Northern Thailand. While traditional krathong were made exclusively from banana leaves, today the krathong come in all shapes and sizes and are made from a broad range of materials. Following the contest, the krathong are set afloat on the Mae Ping River.

The final night of the celebration is the most important. A procession of spectacular "Krathong Yai" or giant krathong floats will wing their way through the streets of the northern capital. The giant krathong feature elaborate decorations depicting the story of the life of the Lord Buddha, Thai literature, history and Thai art.

Many other activities of interest will also be organised ranging from Krathong contests, Lanna Thai cultural presentations and folk performances, bamboo raft races and boat races on the Mae Ping River and fireworks.

Other activities during the festiva willl include live demonstrations of traditional Lanna Thai crafts including the production of silver ornaments and lacquerware (kreuang koen), and Lanna folk performances.

Contact information:

Tourism Authority of Thailand, Chiang Mai Office

Areas of responsibility: Chiang Mai, Lampang, Lamphun

Tel: +66 (0) 5324 8604, (0) 5324 8607

Fax: +66 (0) 5324 8605

E-mail: tatchmai@tat.or.th

Web site : www.tatchiangmai.org

IMPORTANT:

Event dates and programme details may be subject to change. To ensure you have the most updated information, please reconfirm details prior to travel.

Contact:

Tourism Authority of Thailand

Email: info@tat.or.th

Website: www.tat.or.th

Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 (120 automatic lines)

Fax: +66 (0) 2250 5511 (two automatic lines)

FOR EVENT INFORMATION,

please call 1672.

Address:

1600 Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Rajatevee

Bangkok 10400 THAILAND.

Hotel Recommended:

Night of A Thousand Floating Lanterns November 17 - 22, 2010

2010-11-15T09:12:00.000-08:00

Loi Krathong Sai Festival, The Royal Trophy Loi Krathong Sai, Tak Province.

Night of A Thousand Floating Lanterns, November 17 - 22, 2010 On the Mae Ping River (in front of Kittikhun Hall)

In Tak province, the banana-leaf floats are replaced by coconut shells which are threaded together and launched simultaneously so they appear as long chains of hundreds of glittering lights on the Ping River, hence the origin of its name, "Loi Krathong Sai".

As the full moon of the twelfth lunar month (usually in mid-November) lights up the night sky, throughout the Thai kingdom, hundreds of thousands of ornately-decorated krathong or traditional banana leaf floats are set adrift in rivers and waterways in a spell-binding ritual called "Loi Krathong" — the 'festival of lights". This is one of the Kingdom's oldest and best-preserved traditions.

Krathong floats in the shape of lotus blossoms are most popular and are made from materials easily found in each locality. Loi Krathong customs and traditions reflect local beliefs and cultural evolution and interesting regional variations can be seen.

There are various accounts about the origins of Loi Krathong. However given the river-based culture that forms the foundation of the traditional Thai way of life, it is widely believed that these are offerings made to Mae Khongkha - Mother of Waters in an act of appeasement. Many also believe that by setting adrift the krathong, one symbollically casts away one's grief, misery and ill-fortunes.

Event Highlights

Procession of the Royal Krathong A procession of the auspicious royally bestowed flame for lighting the Loi Krathong Sai floats is followed by a procession of the Loi Krathong Sai floats.

Loi Krathong Sai Contest. Entries are divided into the following categories:

Loi Krathong Sai Procession
Leading krathong (float)
Closing krathong (float)

* Rituals are performed to seek forgiveness from Mae Khongkha — Mother of Waters

* The krathong sai rafts are set adrift.

* Stage performances provide lively entertainment. The sales of local village products and handicrafts promoted under the OTOP — One Tambon One Product — promotional campaign provides visitors with an opportunity to shop for best buys from the province.

Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tak Office

Tel: +66 (0) 5551 4341-3

Fax: +66 (0) 5551 4344

E-mail: tattak@tat.or.th

Web site : www.tat.or.th/north04

IMPORTANT:

Event dates and programme details may be subject to change. Many of the festivals and events listed on Thailand's official calendar of annual events are traditional Buddhist or folk festivals, the date of which is either determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and waxing and waning moon. These are not staged events. The festivals reflect the rhythm of life in rural Thai villages and local traditions as observed in times past. To ensure you have the most updated information, please reconfirm details prior to travel.

Contact:

Tourism Authority of Thailand

Email: info@tat.or.th

Website: www.tat.or.th

Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 (120 automatic lines)

Fax: +66 (0) 2250 5511 (two automatic lines)

FOR EVENT INFORMATION,

please call 1672.

Address:

1600 Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Rajatevee

Bangkok 10400 Thailand

Kanchanaburi Attractions

2010-08-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

The Bridge on the River Kwai
Internationally famous, thanks the several motion pictures and books, the black iron bridge was brought from Java by the Japanese supervision by Allied prisoner-of-war labour as part of the Death Railway linking Thailand with Burma. Still in use today, the bridge was the target of frequent Allied bombing raids during World War II and was rebuild after war ended. The curved spans of the bridge are the original sections. A daily train is still following the historical route from Kanchanaburi to Nam Tok Railway Station.
Admission fee: free

Historical background: 'Death Railway'

In 1943 thousands of Allied Prisoners of War (PoW) and Asian labourers worked on the Death Railway under the imperial Japanese army in order to construct part of the 415 km long Burma-Thailand railway. Most of these men were Australians, Dutch and British and they had been working steadily southwards from Thanbyuzayat (Burma) to link with other PoW on the Thai side of the railway. This railway was intended to move men and supplies to the Burmese front where the Japanese were fighting the British. Japanese army engineers selected the route which traversed deep valleys and hills. All the heavy work was done manually either by hand or by elephant as earth moving equipment was not available. The railway line originally ran within 50 meters of the Three Pagodas Pass which marks nowadays the border to Burma. However after the war the entire railway was removed and sold as it was deemed unsafe and politically undesirable. The prisoners lived in squalor with a near starvation diet. They were subjected to captor brutality and thus thousands perished. The men worked from dawn until after dark and often had to trudge many kilometres through the jungle to return to base camp where Allied doctors tended the injured and diseased by many died. After the war the dead were collectively reburied in the War Cemeteries and will remain forever witness to a brutal and tragic ordeal.

Don-Rak War Cemetery

This War Cemetery is also known as the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. It is located opposite Kanchanaburi's Railway Station on Saengchootoe Road. It contains the remains of 6,982 Australian, Dutch and British war prisoners who lost their lives during the construction of the Death Railway.
Admission fee: free

Chonk-Kai War Cemetery

The second War Cemetery is about 2 km south of town on the bank of the Kwai Noi River and occupies the former Conk-Kai Prisoner of War Camp. This cemetery is more peaceful, attractively landscaped and contains 1,740 remains (by countries: 1,379 British, 313 Netherlands, 42 Malayan and 6 Indian). It was the site of a base camp, a hospital and a church built by the prisoners themselves. The great majority of 1,740 casualties buried in this war cemetery, which is the original burial ground started by the prisoners, are men who died in the hospital nearby.
Admission fee: free

JEATH War Museum
JEATH is an acronym for the primary nations which participated in local action. These nations are: Japan, England, Australia, Thailand and Holland. The museum inside Wat Chai Chumphon has been constructed largely in the form of an Allied Prisoner of War camp which is managed by a Thai monk. The thatched detention hut with cramped, elevated bamboo bunks contains photographic, pictorial and physical memorabilia dating from the Second World War.
Opening hours: daily 8:30 AM - 18:00 PM
Admission fee: 30 Baht

War Museum at the Bridge
The private sector Museum that collects lots of World War II Stories, such as war instruments, photographs, uniforms, etc. It is located on the bank of Kwai River nearby the Bridge on the River Kwai. Inside the building is also an Art Gallery on 2nd and 3rd floor. The paintings on the second floor relate ancient battles between the Thais and Burmese, while third-floor murals tell Thai history and provide portraits of prime ministers and other important political figures. This private museum also features Khmer-style woodcarvings, a pair of elaborate Burmese Buddhas, and excellent paintings of Chinese deities.
Opening hours: daily 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Admission fee: 30 Baht

Thai-Burmese Railway Centre
The TBRC is an interactive museum dedicated to the history of the Thailand-Burma Railway. The Death Railway runs once 415 km from Ban Pong (Thailand) to Thanbuyuzayat (Burma). The museum is located next to the Don-Rak War Cemetery.
Opening hours: daily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Admission fee: 100 Baht

Ban Kao National Museum
This national museum is located 35 km from Kanchanaburi town it also overlooks the Kwai Noi River. The museum was constructed beside a Neolithic burial site discovered by an Allied Prisoner Of War during the construction of the Death Railway. About 4,000 years ago Neolithic man lived, roamed and hunted there beside the Kwai River, sheltering beneath rock overhangs or in nearby caves. The Baan Kao museum houses skeleton remains, pots, axe heads, jewellery made from animal bones and other artefact dating from that time.
Opening hours: 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM (The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.)
Admission fee: 20 Baht

Kanchanaburi Monkey School
The Kanchanaburi Monkey School trains 17 monkeys and 1 gibbon. All of the monkeys have been rescued - some were found in poor health conditions. Now they get trained to harvest coconut, dive, play basketball. Just to name few of their skills. Monkey School is located on the way to Khao Pun Cave on highway 3228 and turn left at the level crossing.
Opening hours: daily 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Admission fee: 150 THB
Show starts on demand.

Wat Kao Pun & Kao Pun Cave
The Kao Pun Wat and the cave are located about 5 km from town at highway 3228. Some boat tours stop there for a visit. Inside the cave are several Hindu and Buddha images in some rooms. Behind the temple on the way to the river is a big Buddha located from where you can have a fantastic view of the river valley.
Opening hours: daily 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Admission fee: 20 THB (for the cave)

Elephant's world
Elephant's World is an elephant conservation camp established by Dr. vet. Samart Prasitpon in 2008. Elephant's World take care aged elephants which are to old to work for the tourism industry. He also took over and takes care now the elephants from the nearby former Elephants & Friends conservation centre. Dr. Prasitpon's aim is to give the elephants a place where they can enjoy their last days without having to work. Not for tourists and not for the economy - or at least as worse as that - to end up on the street and beg for money to buy their daily food. The conservation camp is located on a beautiful place next to the river nearby Nichigo Golf in Ladya subdistrict. It is about 30 km away from Kanchanaburi town. Dr. Prasitpon works with elephants since many years and he is still working full-time with them and take care them in national parks around Kanchanaburi. He also teaches student groups from Bangkok how to treat wounded elephants and shows them how to examine the animals. Also tourists are welcome to volunteer at Elephant's World. Volunteers wash the elephants and stay with the mahouts to collect food for the pachyderms. Tourists can even stay there overnight in a basic hut. 2 and 3 days programms are offered through their website. Dr. Prasitpon or his wife can even arrange a pick up from Kanchanaburi town.
Opening hours: daily 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Admission fee: donate to the conservation camp
Phone: +66 (0) 81 - 632 225 8
Internet: www.elephantsworld.org
It is recommended to call before visiting.

Kanchanaburi Province

2010-08-12T01:23:00.000-07:00

Because of its magnificent landscape and charming beauty, Kanchanaburi has become a major tourist destination, with attractions including several well-known waterfalls, caves that were once inhabited by Neolithic man, pristine national parks, tranquil rivers, virgin forests, and several large reservoirs. Together, these attractions offer an intriguing experience for both first-time and repeat visitors. Whether it’s fishing, rafting, canoeing, mountain biking, bird-watching, star-gazing, golfing, elephant and jungle trekking, or even living in a bamboo raft, Kanchanaburi takes pride in offering them all.

In north and west Kanchanaburi, the terrain is comprised mainly of mountains and high plains, with the Thanon Thongchai Range acts as a natural border between Thailand and Myanmar. The range is the source of Kanchanaburi’s two most important rivers Maenam Khwae Noi (Little Kwai River) and Maenam Khwae Yai (Big Kwai River), which form the famous Maenam Mae Klong. As a result of these major rivers and three of Thailand’s largest reservoirs, Kanchanaburi features several of Thailand’s largest Namtok (waterfalls) as well as a number of wildlife sanctuaries.

The most defining natural attractions in Kanchanaburi is arguably the Three Pagodas Pass, a break in the Thanon Thongchai Mountain Range that divides Thailand and Myanmar. Along an overland trade route from India, it is through this pass that Buddhism was thought to first to arrive in Thailand around the 3rd century. The province and its pass were later controlled by the Khmer of Angkor in the 13th century, who built a fort there ( a Khmer temple from the time has been restored as a tourist attraction). The kingdom of Ayutthaya also built a military garrison in the area, though it was through the pass that the Burmese frequently swept into Siam and eventually razed the capital of Ayutthaya. In World War II, the Japanese built a railway through the pass using forced labor, including western POWs. Later known as the Death Railway, the line included an infamous bridge crossing the Kwai River that was the subject of a historically inaccurate academy award winning film. The Three Pagodas Pass area is also home to numerous hill tribes and other minority groups who reside in the area as nation-less refugees without citizenship in either land. For visitors, it is possible to get temporary one-day visas to cross the border for a sneak peak at Myanmar and do some shopping for exotic souvenirs.

The city of Kanchanaburi is located at the point where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai Rivers meet and form the Maenam Mae Klong. The notorious Death Railway passed through the town, near which stands the site of the Bridge on the River Kwai. Nearby the reconstructed bridge are monuments including an Allied War Cemetery and a war museum.

In economic terms, Kanchanaburi has been prospering for a number of years. Important industries include sugar, agricultural products, and jewelry. Tourism is also a main source of income for the locals, though most are engaged in agricultural activities. The province’s population is made up of Thai, Mon, and Karen peoples, most of whom are rural dwellers who enjoy living simply and respecting nature. Moreover, folk music and dances dating back at least 500 years are still performed to this day.

Only two hours from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is accessible by road or rail, the latter of which includes sightseeing day trips that run on weekends and public holidays; these weekend special trains are reasonably priced and make hassle free and enjoyable adventures. Even the climate of Kanchanaburi, cooled by the altitude, forests, and rivers, is a welcome respite from the heat and congestion of the nearby capital city.

Kanchanaburi city, the capital of Kanchanaburi Province, is a popular resort town; picturesque and worthy of a visit in its own right, it is frequently visited as base of operations for exploring the many cultural, natural, and historical attractions in the surrounding countryside. Located at the confluence of the Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai Rivers, Kanchanaburi lies at the source of the Mae Klong River, and these majestic bodies of water are defining characteristics of the town.

The original town of Kanchanaburi was established by King Rama I as a first line of defense against the Burmese, whom he believed might use the old invasion route through the Three Pagodas Pass at the Siam-Myanmar border. According to most historians, the old town of Kanchanaburi was located near Ban Lat Ya, a small village situated approximately 16 kilometers north of the present town. The present provincial capital is a relatively newer town built by King Rama III in 1833.

The town itself is a place to relax, watching the water from the banks of the river, inside a raft house, or from a riverside restaurant. Many visitors like to rest along the river with a cold drink and a good book. Many of them come here just for a couple days but stay for weeks in order to explore all of the attractions in the surrounding countryside. Along with visiting spectacular waterfalls, lush forests, and three of Thailand’s largest reservoirs, white water rafting, elephant trekking, and golfing are popular activities for visitors. Kanchanaburi is an excellent tourist destination for nature lovers.

Keeping Akha Traditional Alive

2010-08-11T21:53:00.000-07:00

High on some of the most pristine and remote mountains in Northern Thailand live the Akha, a little-known, self-sufficient and culturally unique people who prefer to avoid city life in favour of a distinctly rural idyll. The Akha are a relatively poor tribal people living on the very top of the most inaccessible peaks. Of Tibetan origin, they are the most recent hill people to have migrated to Thailand, and they are perhaps the least conversant with Thai as a language. They are immediately distinguishable by the elaborate and beautiful headgear of the women perhaps the most remarkable single feature of Thai hill tribes.

Today there are more than 55,000 Akha living in Thailand, practising shifting cultivation of various crops including maize, dry rice and temperate vegetables. Until quite recently the Akha were often involved in opium cultivation, though today this has been replaced by lamyai (longan) fruit, coffee and tea as the crops of choice.

Akha women are most easily distinguished by their elaborate, helmet-like head-dress, made up of silver coins, beads, feathers and fur. Clothing characteristically a long-sleeved jacket over short skirt ending just above the knees is of indigo-dyed cloth, often made with home-grown cotton, decorated with embroidery, buttons, cowry shells and seeds. Akha women also wear elaborately embroidered puttees between the knee and ankle. Pendant earrings and broad neck bands of silver are highly prized, the latter worn with multiple strings of brightly coloured beads.

By nature Akha tend to be polite, retiring and often a little shy. Few outsiders visit them in their mountain fastnesses, and when Akha visit local towns on business, they generally hurry back to their hills just as soon as time allows. But in rustic Chiang Rai it is now possible for tourists to visit an Akha village, enjoy an authentic Akha homestay, learn first-hand about Akha culture and traditions, and experience the Akha’s unique relationship with nature and the environment.

BAAN HUAI KEE LEK AKHA VILLAGE

COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM

The small, community-based Akha village of Huai Kee Lek (also spelled Huay Kee Lek) nestles atop a forested peak high above the rushing Huai Masang river some 30 kilometres north of Mae Suai in Thailand’s northernmost province of Chiang Rai. The valley below is defined by verdant rice terraces and mixed Thai and Lahu villages, but Huai Kee Lek is richly and distinctively Akha in nature and appearance.

The village was established more than forty years ago in 1965, in an auspicious spot selected by the community elders. Once chosen, an Akha shaman threw chicken eggs to determine the village precincts and identify requisite sacred sites including the village gate, sacred well and cultural grounds. According to the villagers, these activities attracted a number of local and foreign visitors to visit the new village, and in time this led to the idea of setting up homestay facilities to attract tourists and increase the community income.

The concept has worked well, and today Huai Kee Lek tourism is managed by a village committee while profits are used to sponsor both Akha cultural activities and local forest conservation projects.

The Essence of Akha Culture

Akha first began arriving in Thailand in the late 19th century, migrating mainly from China’s Yunnan Province by way of Burma. They speak Akha, which is a Tibeto-Burman language, and are closely related to both the Lisu and Lahu peoples. Traditionally, Akha place a great deal of importance on genealogy. Children learn their family history at an early age, and emphasis is placed on honouring parents, elders and ancestors. As part of this custom, they have an extensive oral history of their ancestors going back at least fifteen generations, and this is preserved in a series of chants.

As animists, the Akha believe in a world brimming with locality spirits, some benevolent, some indifferent, and some downright dangerous. These spirits have a very direct and definite impact on the physical world, and must be appeased or kept at bay. Should the natural balance of existence in and around an Akha settlement be disrupted, the direct results can be hardship, ill-health and even death. The practice of traditional Akha religion includes placing ornately carved spirit gates at the entrance to a village where guardian tutelary spirits are believed to dwell.

Akha Traditions at Baan Huai Kee Lek

Baan Huai Kee Lek is a rather forward-looking ‘traditional Akha village’. Some of the villagers observe the old Akha religious customs, while others are Buddhist, and still others Christian. But the village as a whole recognizes the importance of preserving Akha cultural traditions, and great care is taken to mark off and protect spiritual sites of importance, including the spirit gate and surrounding copse, the cultural grounds used for the annual swing festival, the sacred well and the dwelling places of local tutelary spirits.

The concept of community-based tourism has also certainly helped to foster and protect traditional Akha music and cultural performances. The villagers at Huai Kee Lek are encouraged to be proud of and preserve their cultural identity, while at the same time profiting materially from the additional funds such activities bring into the community coffers. In addition, while Akha women are still devoted to their elaborate traditional costumes and heavy, jewelled head-dresses, community-based tourism has helped to reinforce this tradition.

Akha also observe at least nine formal cultural festivals year-round, the most important of which are Chon Khai Daeng in April, the Lo Ching Cha or Akha Swing ceremony held in mid-August and September, and the Top-Spinning Festival in December. Visitors to Huai Kee Lek at these times are especially welcome.

Visitor Activities at Huai Kee Lek

Besides staying in a genuine Akha stilt house with really amiable and helpful Akha families, visitors have unusual and unparalleled opportunities to observe the Akha at work in their fields which are situated some distance away from the village, chiefly to protect them from domesticated animals notably the docile but ravenous sway-bellied black pigs that lie sleeping beneath the houses when not prowling for food. Akha work hard at growing their own maize and dry rice as staples, while increasingly farming tea or coffee for cooperatives in Wawee, the nearby district centre.

Tourists can also explore the surrounding forests in the company of an experienced Akha guide who will explain the practice of sustainable forestry, hunting and gathering, and the essential arts of self-preservation and spirit-appeasement. Akha have for many centuries enjoyed a special relationship with the surrounding forests, traditionally practicing ‘shifting agriculture’ by cutting and burning the undergrowth, farming the ash-fertilised slopes, and moving on after two or three years to leave the depleted fields fallow to recover. Unfortunately, due to population pressure, this is no longer sustainable, and great care has to be taken to husband and preserve what remains of northern Thailand’s once pristine forests.

Visiting Baan Huai Kee Lek

Huai Kee Lek village is well off the beaten track, and yet relatively easily accessed by a good surfaced road from the district centre of Mae Suai to the small valley settlement of Baan Masang; from here it is a steep but safe drive for 3.5 kilometres along a concrete and compacted earth road up into the hills. The first views of Baan Huai Kee Lek, glimpsed across a narrow, tree-lined valley, are spectacular indeed. There are currently fifteen homestay houses in the village, and visitors will be greeted by the local Akha schoolteacher, Mr Vuthikrai Mawpaa, who is also in charge of no fewer than 65 shy but studious village schoolchildren.

Local guides will show visitors around the village, pointing out important spiritual and cultural sights and explaining their significance to the Huai Kee Lek Akha community. Guests learn about traditional Akha beliefs, see Akha costumes and handicrafts being made, experience everyday Akha activities and sample Akha cuisine. In the jungle beyond the village they will be guided to see the plants and wildlife that still remain at the centre of Akha lifestyles.

AKHA SWING CEREMONY

The swing ceremony, held in mid-August and September, is the best known of all the Akha rituals and celebrations. The annual ritual is performed when the rice and corn have matured and are almost ready for harvest, approximately two months before the harvest season. It is in essence a sacred thanksgiving ritual and a form of ancestor worship performed as an expression of respect and gratitude to ancestors. Merry-making, feasting, song and dance continue throughout the four days and nights of the festival.

On the first day of the four-day ceremony, family members gather at approximately 11.00 a.m. to help prepare ritual offerings. The construction of the ceremonial village swing is the main focus of the proceedings on the second day. The third day is the day of the grand feast and Akha Swing Ceremony. The swing ceremony is the main activity on the evening of the final day.

The annual swing ceremony is also a ‘rite of passage’ marking the transition from adolescence to adulthood. For the first time in their life, Akha girls are dressed in their full adult attire, complete with a heavily-ornamented head-dress adorned with silver, fur, strings of beads, seeds, tassels made of brightly-dyed chicken feathers. For Akha girls and women, the costume and particularly the head-dress reflects stages in their life, evolving through childhood to adolescence and culminating in the elaborate adult attire worn for the first time at the annual swing ceremony.

For details, please contact

The Association for Akha Education and Culture in Thailand

Tel: 053 714 250

Cellphone: 081 952 2179

E-mail: info@akhaasia.org

Web site: www.akhathai.org

Refer : Andrew Forbes and e-Magazine, News Room, Nikki Phanichkarn

Search for Thai hill tribes

Phitsanulok City

2010-06-11T02:16:00.000-07:00

In addition to its importance in the history of Thailand, Phitsanulok features rivers, mountains, and forests, ideal for lovers of natural beauty. Apart from its exceptional natural charisma, Phitsanulok provides visitors with an opportunity to explore notable chapters of Thailand's history. For example, Phitsanulok contains evidence of an ancient community dating back between 2,000 and 4,000 years, including ancient stone axes. In addition, the old temple of Wat Chula Mani, situated 5 kilometers south of the city, was built even before the Sukhothai Kingdom came to power in the 12th century.

Phitsanulok prospered under both the Kingdoms of Sukhothai (1238-1378 C.E.) and Ayutthaya (1350-1767 C.E.). In particular, it played a strategic role in the Ayutthaya era when it became the Kingdom’s royal capital for 25 years during the reign of King Borom Trailokanat.

Phitsanulok was also the birthplace of King Naresuan the Great (R. 1590-1605) the legendary King who declared Ayutthaya’s independence from Burma in 1584. King Naresuan is known for his victorious and honorable single-hand combat atop an elephant-back against a Burmese Crown Prince.

Once named Song Khwae, meaning two rivers, Phitsanulok is situated between the Nan and Khwae Noi Rivers, which is also a strategic location between Thailand’s central plains, northern mountains, and northeastern plateau. Phitsanulok is therefore a natural hub and an ideal base for travelers wishing to explore the lower North and western Northeast. However, Phitsanulok is more than just a stopover for tourists; it is a province with a number of tourism opportunities. While most of Phitsanulok's terrain is flatlands, one third of the area is covered by mountains in the north and east, where national parks and waterfalls await exploration.

Songkran Festival 2010 Announcement

2010-04-05T03:25:00.000-07:00

The Great Songkran Day this year falls on Wednesday 14 April 2010, corresponding with the Year of the Tiger.

Lady Songkran
is named Montatevee Emerald green dress with cats eye ornaments, preferred milk and butter, sharp iron in the right hand and walking cane in the left hand, donkey as the vehicle.

For food, this falls on Papa. Planting would be in 1 parts whereas another 10 part would perish. Food is very scanty.

This year Tues is a day of plentiful rain, There will be 300 torrents of rain: 60 from the human world, 100 in the ocean, 90 in the Himapan forest, and 120 in the mountains of the universe.

Prediction about the Great Songkran Day, the first day of Aries and New Year Celebration Day.

In case of Songkran day is falling on Sunday, plants shall give inappropriate productivity. In case the first day of Aries falls on Sunday, the rice shall die, lots of foreigners will enter the country, the elders shall worry about something affecting them. Should the New Year Celebration fall on Sunday, the King shall have great power to eliminate all enemies from all directions.

In case of Sonkran day is falling on Monday, tsenior government officers and their ladies shall have great power. Should the first day of Aries fall on Monday, there shall be sickness and expensive salt. Should the New Year Celebration fall on Monday, the Queen and her Lady-in-Waiting shall be happy.

In case of Songkran day is falling on Tuesday, there shall be a lot of crime and serious sickness. Should the first day of Aries fall on Tuesday, all fruits shall be expensive. Should the New Year Celebration fall on Tuesday, all civil servants shall be happy and overcome their enemies.

In case of Songkran day is falling on Wednesday, senior government officers shall be admired internationally. Should the first day of Aries fall on Wednesday, all food shall be expensive, widows shall loss their residence. Should the New Year Celebration fall on Wednesday, all psychologists shall be happy.

In case of Songkran day is falling on Thursday,the subordinates shall lose their advantages to their superiors. Should the first day of Aries fall on Thursday, all fruits shall be expensive, the Royal Family shall be worried about the country. Should the New Year Celebration falls on Thursday, all monks, nuns and Brahmins shall perform good activities.

In case of Songkran day is falling on Friday, there shall be richness with food and plants, heavy rain, strong storms, and people shall suffer from eye diseases and sickness. Should the first of day of Aries fall on Friday, chili shall be expensive, birds will suffer from disease, danger will occur to wild animals, and widows shall be lucky. Should the New Year Celebration Day fall on Friday, merchants and the head of the household shall have good luck in their business and earn lot of profit.

In case of Songkran day is falling on Saturday,there shall be lot of crime and serious sickness. Should the first day of Aries fall on Saturday, food shall be expensive, less rice products, expensive fruit, less water and fire in the center of the city, and noblemen shall be punished. Should the New Year Celebration Day fall on Saturday, all soldiers shall beat their enemies.

In addition, there are predictions from other beliefs that if the Great Songkran Day falls

on Sunday, the Songkran Queen will be Mrs. Paengsri, rice will be very expensive, most people shall suffer from diseases, enemy attacks, rice and plants are destroyed by insects, uneven rains, millionaires shall become bankrupt, rubber trees will be a great plant for other plants, and the holy rice will remain at the bamboo tree.

On Monday, the Songkran Queen is Manora. In such year, there shall be lots of snakes, most people shall suffer from diseases and have bad luck, and the holy rice will remain at Mai Dua Kliang.

On Tuesday, the Songkran Queen is Raksot Thevi. In such year, there shall be good rains in the beginning and end of the year but less rain in the middle of the year, destruction to rice farms, less fruit productivity, bad situation in the country, rice and plants are destroyed by insects, and the holy rice will remain at Mai Oye Chang.

On Wednesday, the Songkran Queen is Mantha. In such year, there shall be uneven rainfall, half production and half destruction of rice yields, expensive goods, bad luck for noblemen, and the holy rice will remain at Mai Kram.

On Thursday, the Songkran Queen is Kanyathep. In such year, there shall be regular rain according to the reason, elders shall be in danger, lots of dead animals, the people will be happy and have wellbeing while the noblemen and monks shall be worried, and the holy rice will remain at Bastard Teak.

On Friday, the Songkran Queen is Rintho. In such year, there shall be good rain in the beginning of the year and less in the middle of the year, the plants and rice are destroyed, danger to monks, and the holy rice will remain at Mai Phuttha.

On Saturday, the Songkran Queen is Sama Thevi. In such year, there is a lack of rain, the plants are destroyed by insects, great fire and expensive goods.

This national celebration of the tradition Thai New Year captures the imagination of travellers for both its cultural and fun attributes; the latter being enthusiastic bouts of water splashing between friends and relatives.

In Bangkok, the Songkran Grand Celebration will be held between 10 and 15 April around the Rattanakosin Island district, sometimes called “Old Bangkok.”

The main celebrations, in the capital, focus on bathing rites of replicas of revered Buddha images originating from various provinces in the North, South, East and central regions, interspersed with traditional food and dessert-making demonstrations and cultural performances. The opening ceremony will take place, 10 April, at Phra Chetupon Wimol Manklaram or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

There are also important celebrations through the country at various tourist destinations:

Old City Songkran Festival, Ayutthaya

Songkran Festival, Chon Buri

Amazing Songkran, Suphan Buri

Phra Pradaeng Songkran Festival, Samut Prakarn

Songkran Festival, Chiang Mai

Songkran Festival, Sukhothai

Fantastic Northeast Songkran, Golden Shower Tree and ‘Kan’ Festival and Sticky Rice Road in Khon Kaen

Grand Northeast Songkran Festival, Nong Khai

Songkran Nakhon Phnom and Thai-Lao New Year Celebration

Hat Yai Midnight Songkran, Songkhla

Grand Songkran Festival and ‘Nang Dan’ Parade, Nakhon Si Thammarat

Songkran on the Beach and Phuket Bike Week 2010

Contact:

TAT Call Centre 1672

Events Planning Division, Tourism Authority of Thailand

Tel: 0 2250 5500 ext. 3470-3

website :

www.tourismthailand.org

www.songkran.net

Loy Krathong Festival November

2009-10-14T21:18:00.000-07:00

In November some may wonder what is going on in Thailand when seeing travel magazine ads, posters at your hotel of Thai girls dressing in traditional Thai clothing with a beautiful floating object. That's a sign indicating that Loy Krathong is on its way. In Thai Loy means to float and Krathong means a circular floating object with decoration of banana leaves, flowers, a candle and incense sticks. All these are related to Loy Krathong, an event which does not occur on the same date every year; instead it counts on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month. In this year 2007 it will be held on November 24, a romantic night. People look forward to going out and launching Krathongs together to predict the romance future by the direction the Krathongs float. However, this season is also good for strengthening relationship in family.

The history of Loy Krathong is rather obscure. Some believe that Krathong was first created by Tao Sri Chulalak or Nang Noppamas in Sukothai. Others overlook its origin yet focus on the purposes of the ritual: to pay respect to the Goddess of the Water showing their gratitude on their plentiful use of water and ask for forgiveness in the ensuing pollution. Floating the beautiful Krathong away, which is the key activity in Loy Krathong,also refers to flying away misfortune and bad things in the past and asking for good luck in the future.

Although it is not a national holiday, many activities other than floating Krathong, are conducted in this festival, such as, contests of Krathong-making and Noppamas beauty pageants, local games and performances and fireworks.

If you are in the North of Thailand, you can join this spectacular occasion at Chiang Mai where it is specifically called Yee Peng -floating of lanterns into the sky. Or you can go to Tak where a line of thousand glittering lights are seen on the Ping River . When looking closer, you see that Krathongs here are made of coconut shells, threaded together to make chain and that's the story of Loy Krathong Sai.

Moreover, this year you can see Loy Krathong Sai made from banana trunk in Samut Songkram too. For sure, the festival in old cities is so famous and attracts a herd of visitors. Glory and ancientness of the kingdom is utterly alive in Phao Thian Len Fai in Sukhothai. In Bangsai District, Ayutthaya, you can feel the grandeur of Loy Krathong Tam Pratip and long boat race at Bangsai Arts and Crafts Centre of H.M. queen Sirikit of Thailand.

Staying at Bangkok you never miss a shot as well. Popular places for Loy Krathong evening include Chao Phraya River, Rama IIX Bridge, Santichaiprakan Park on Phra Artit Road, Benjasiri Park or Queen's Park on Sukhumvit Road, Benjakiti Park on Ratchada Pisek Road and other waterways and universities. These venues tend to have a lot of people and it could be very crowded.

Many of hotel and waterside restaurant offer Loy Krathong dinners and cruises. Or if you don't prefer going out into the crowd, you can virtually Loy krathon at http://www.loikrathong.net. The end of the year is near; this festival is set up for the occasion.

Have fun!

Phuket Vegetarian Festival : 18 - 26 October 2009

2009-10-14T20:52:00.000-07:00

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is an annual event held during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar. It is believed that the vegetarian festival and its accompanying sacred rituals bestow good fortune upon those who religiously observe this rite. During this time, local residents of Chinese ancestry strictly observe a 10-day vegetarian or vegan diet for the purposes of spiritual cleansing and merit-making. Sacred rituals are performed at various Chinese shrines and temples and aesthetic displays such as walking barefooted over hot coals and ascending ladders with bladed rungs are performed by entranced devotees known as "Ma Song".

Phuket Vegetarian History

Phuket's Vegetarian festival (or jia chai in local Hokkien Chinese dialect) began in 1825, when the govenor of Thalang, Praya Jerm, moved the island's principal town from Ta Reua in Thalang District to Get-Hoe in Kathu District, where were tin mines and Chinese miners. Kathu was then still covered by jungle and fever was rife. It happened that a traveling opera company (called ngiu in Thai or pua-hee in Hokkien dialect) came from China to perform for the miners.

When the whole company grew sick from an unnamed malady, they kept to a vegetarian diet to honor two of the emperor gods, Kiew Ong Tai Teh and Yok Ong Sone Teh. The sickness afflicting the opera troupe then disappeared. This greatly interested the people of Kathu, who asked how it was done. The answer came that ritual vegetarianism with its attendant ceremonies had been the cause, with the result that people embraced the faith enthusiastically. Thus the festival began:starting the first evening of the ninth lunar month, it continued until the ninth evening; the aim was to bring good luck to individuals as well as to the community.

It later happened that one familiar with the festival volunteered to return to Kansai, in China, where he invited the sacred Hiao Ho-le or Hiao lan (incense smoke) and Lian Tui (name plaques), which have the status of gods, to come stay in Kathu. He also brought holy writings used in the ceremonies, returning to Phuket on the seventh night of the ninth month. The people, upon hearing of his arrival, went in procession to Bang Niao Pier to bring him and his sacred cargo back. This was the origin of the processions that figure so greatly in the festival.

The afternoon before the festival begins, a great pole at each temple is raised, called the Go Teng pole, with which the gods are invited to descend. At midnight the pole is hung with nine lanterns, signalizing the opening of the fest. Two important gods are also invited down at midnight to preside over ceremonies; these are Yok Ong Hong Tae and Kiew Ong Tai Tae.

Aside from this, there are other ceremonies throughout the fest, notably: invocation of the gods Lam Tao, who keeps track of the living, and Pak Tao, who keeps track of the dead; processions of the gods' images; and feats of the Ma Song-like bathing in hot oil, bladed ladder climbing and fire-walking. The festival ends with merit making ceremonies at each temple (sadoh kroh) and the send-off of the gods on the last night (when fireworks are at their most impressive).

Ma Song, or entranced horses, are devotees whom the gods enter during the fest. They manifest supernatural powers and perform self-tortures in order to shift evil from individuals onto themselves, and to bring the community good luck. Ma Song fall into two categories: those who, having had an intimation of impending doom, want to extend their lives; and people specially chosen by the gods for their moral qualities.

Throughout the festival fireworks and drums are sounded, especially during ceremonies. It is held that the louder they are the better, because the noise drives away evil spirits.

Participants in the fest keep to a strict vegetarian diet for a varying number of days, usually no less than three. This they do to make themselves strong in mind and body; they refrain from all vice, eating animal flesh, and killing animals. The festival thus promotes good hygiene, brightness and inner peace.

10 RULES FOR THE VEGETARIAN FESTIVAL
1. Cleanliness of bodies during the festival
2. Clean kitchen utensils and to use them seperately from other who do not join the festival
3. Wear white during the festival
4. Behave physically and mentally
5. No meat eating
6. No sex
7. No alcoholic drinks
8. People at mourning period should not attend the festival
9. Pragnant ladies should not watch any ritual
10. Ladies with period should not attend the ritual

Mae Ngao National Park

2009-08-23T17:45:00.000-07:00

Mae Ngao National Park is located in Mae Hong Son Province and is spread over an area of 412 square kilometers. The park is natural sightseeing spot and is also a source of many small rivers and streams that flow into the Salawin River.

The park has high mountains from where all the rivers flow westwards into Salawin River. Basically the waterway system of the park is similar to the pattern of tree; there is a large river and its branches. Some of the major rivers and gullies in Mae Ngao National Park are as follows:

Mae Ngao River is longest and most important river of the park. It is 42 kilometers long and starts at Ban Sob-khong. The river is approximately 10 to 12 meters wide and the water is extremely clear and clean. Many gullies flow into the river and some of them include Huai Mae Loh-noi, Huai Mae-bang, Huai Mae Lela-kro, Huai Oloh-gro, and Huai Kong-oum.
Mae-yuam River flows from Khun-yuam district and meets Mae Ngao River at Ban Sob-ngao. This river is approximately 215 kilometers long and its flows southwards and passes through the western part of the park for nearly 14 kilometers.
Rid River is situated in the northern part of the park and flows westwards toward Kong-koi sub district.

The majority of park is evergreen forests which cover land at elevations higher than 1,000 meters. Along the banks of Mae Ngao River you will find mixed deciduous forest. Dry dipterocarps are found growing at the slopes. The park has a large number of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, including including Wild Boars, Asiatic Black Bears, Monkeys, Flying Squirrels, Foxes, Asiatic Wild Dogs, Wild Rabbits, Small Bamboo Rats, Red Jungle Fowls, Singing Myna, Turtle Doves, Blue Magpie, Cobras and Banded Krait.

You should also visit the Tham Pla cave or fish cave located at Ban Umlow village near Mae Ngao River. Inside the cave is a swamp where you can see a lot of fish. Another interesting place within the park is O Lo Gro Waterfall formed by a part of O Lo Gro stream. The waterfall is 150 meters high can be reached by a long walk on foot. Visitors love to visit Doi Pui viewpoint which is located on the slope of Doi Pui Luang at an elevation range of 1,600 meters to 1,700 meters. During the cool and dry season, you can view the beautiful misty surroundings.

Hotel Recommended:

Phu Klon, Mae Hongson

2009-08-23T16:58:00.000-07:00

Enclosed by the luscious hills of Northern Thailand and abundant with natural resources is Mae Hong Son, an ecotourism destination that is rich with tradition and remains, to this day, as a source of many valuable natural resources, namely the hot spring and mineral water spring, both of which are emitted from an underground source that is rich with minerals, creating a mud and clay that is highly beneficial for human health and skin.

The discovery and history of Phu klon

In 1995, a healthy mud source was discovered at Pong Dued Mae Sa Nga or the present name Phu klon by a group of French and Thai geological researchers who went sightseeing in Mae Hong Son, Thailand
A stream of hot mineral water was found rising in the middle of rice field flowing into a small creek. Many people recovered from illness and pain when soaked in the warm water in the creek.
In 1996, the mud from the hot spring was sampled and laboratory proved for minerals at Thermalium Luxeuil Laboratories in France. It took 4 years to find out the useful minerals and natural substances.
In 1999, the results from the laboratory showed that the mineral contents of the mud are good for the skin and blood circulation. There are some minerals that are found in the Dead Sea mud and volcano lava mud. Being rare minerals, they can be found only at a few places on earth
The survey renewed with satellite technology, heavy machinery and ground operation from Australia.
In 2000, Phu klon was registered as Phu klon Country Club Limited Partnership with Baht 1,000,000 registered capital to develop the location to be one of the amazing tourist attractions of Mae Hong Son and Thailand.

PHU KLON COUNTRY CLUB:
132 M.2 Makjampae, Muang, Maehongson 58000
SALE OFFICE:
277 Tapae Rd. Changklan Muang Chiangmai 50100
Tel: 66 5328 2579 Fax: 665327 92600
Website : http://www.phuklon.co.th/
Email : info@phuklon.co.th

Hotel Recommended:

Wat Hua Wiang, Mae Hongson

2009-08-23T16:26:00.000-07:00

Located amidst the misty mountain ranges, the beautiful city of Mae Hong Son is one of the most sparsely populated cities in Thailand that is located in the northern most part of the country.

This city is home some truly delightful religious temples that are worth a visit. Notable among these is the Wat Hua Wiang. Constructed in the year 1863, Wat Hua Wiang is the most visited tourist spot inside the city of Mae Hong Son. Also known as Wat Klang Mueang, this Buddhist temple is located on the Sihanatbamrung Road present adjacent to the morning market inside the city.

The most remarkable feature that is present inside the temple is the Phra Chao Pharalakhaeng, a beautiful image of Lord Buddha dressed in an elegant attire. This is a Burmese-styled bronze statue and is considered to be a true replica of the one present in Mandalay, Myanmar. The temple primarily contains a large compound comprising of a two-storey building with a multi-tiered tower. Due to improper maintenance, many parts of the temple are in a bit dilapidated state. Interestingly, this look adds to the beauty and elegance of the temple. Unlike other temples in Thailand, Wat Hua Wiang has a more lively appearance considering the fact that the temple houses quite a few monks. By paying a visit to this temple, one can have a complete understanding about the Buddhist customs, traditions and religious activities of Thailand.

Wat Hua Wiang is open to visitors throughout the day. Admission into the temple is free. Visitors can reach the temple either by taking the famous Thai Tuk-Tuk or by getting on top of a Songkaew. Apart from these, there are also local buses available from the airport.

Hotel Recommended:

Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu

2009-08-23T15:32:00.000-07:00

The temple atop Kong Mu hill, Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, affords a spectacular view of the entire valley in which Mae Hong Son is nestled. The temple itself is notable for its two large white chedis and its typical Shan architecture.

The temple dates from around the time of the village's upgrade to a city in 1874. One of the huge chedis contains the ashes of a revered monk that were bought from Burma by two devotees. The other houses the ashes of Mae Hong Son's first governor, Phaya Singhanat Racha.

A steep road leads further up to the crown of the hill where the ubosot is located. In front of the ubosot is a large slender standing Buddha image. A small chedi and several cenotaphs stand next to the ubosot. In front of the standing Buddha, a boat rowed by two monks and two lay people carries the Buddhist wheel.

Reaching the temple on foot means taking one of two paths. From Wat Phra Non, a stairway leads halfway up the hill and then joins the other path which starts at Wat Muo Taw. This second path is a little easier, as it consists mostly of a zig-zag of ramps with only short stairways at the switch-backs. There are also covered rest stops at each corner.

If you don't feel like a climb, you can rent motorcycles or a car to drive you to the top.

Hotel Recommended:

Tha Pai Hot Springs in Mae Hong Son

2009-08-23T15:24:00.000-07:00

Tha Pai Hot Springs are one of the focal points of Huai Nam Dang National Park, in Mae Hong Son province, 8 kilometres south of Pai. The springs offer a number of bathtubs for visitors to bathe in, and it is also possible to bathe in the stream that runs through the site. The water from these springs is said to have strong therapeutic value.

How to get there:

Tha Pai Hot Spring are near Huai Nam Dang Waterfall in Haui Nam Dang National Park. The entrance to the park is kilometre 65 and 66 on highway 1095 (Chiang Mai - Pai - Mae Hong Son). A number of tours leave Mae Hong Son from the springs available at guesthouses and hotels.

Hotel Recommended:

Tham Lot Forest Park,Mae Hongson

2009-08-23T15:01:00.000-07:00

Nestled in a deep valley and surrounded by lofty mountain ranges, Mae Hong Son province has remained unexposed to the outside world. Today, this province is a dream holiday destination for tourists around the world.

It is popular for its spectacular scenic beauty, comfortable weather and pristine surroundings. One such remarkable place to visit in this province is the Tham Lot Forest Park.

Tham Lot Forest Park is situated 77 kilometer from the town of Mae Hong Son in the district of Pang Mapha. The most interesting aspect of Tham Lot Forest Park is the way in which nature created an exotic subterranean aura of darkness and mystery.

Tham Lot Forest Park has derived its name from the Tham Lot Cave that is present inside the park. In fact, Tham Lot is a huge cave system that is almost 1 kilometer long. Archaeological excavations have revealed that there were people inhabiting this place some 2,000 years ago. To be precise, these caves are believed to have provided shelter to pre-historic man. In fact, archaeologists have found ancient artifacts of clay utensils and a number of carved wooden coffins that validate this claim. The roof of these caves is completely filled with several beautiful stalagmite and stalactite formations. Interestingly, a small brooks runs through the entire length of the cave from the cave’s mouth to the other side of the mountain. One can either hire a raft or travel on foot in order to explore these caves. In order to hire a raft, visitors have to pay 100 baht per group.

Located around these caves are lush evergreen forests that provide a wonderful experience of a lifetime. Also present in this forest park is the Tham Lot Nature Study Center in front of the Tham Lot cave mouth. Visitors can get accommodation at this center. Overnight camping facilities are also available inside the park.

Hotel Recommended:

Wild-Sunflower Field at Doi Mae U-Kho

2009-07-22T21:41:00.000-07:00

Located near the Mae U-Kho Waterfall, the Wild-Sunflower Field (Thung Bua Thong) covers over 1,000 rai of land. This field is by far the most visited place at Doi Mae U-Kho, especially during November and December when wild-sunflowers bloom, blanketing the surrounding fields for as far as the eye can see.

It is believed that Christian missionaries who entered the area about 70 years ago, were the first to plant these magnificent flowers, as they are actually native to Central and South America, where they are known as the 'Mexican Sunflower'.

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Mae Hong Son Province

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

MAE HONG SON is nestled in a deep valley hemmed in by high mountain ranges, Mae Hong Son has long been isolated from the outside world. Virtually covered with mist throughout the year, the name refers to the fact that is terrain is highly suitable for the training of elephants.

Former governors of Chiang Mai used to organise the rounding up of wild elephants which were then trained before being sent to the capital for work. Today, Mae Hong Son is one of the dream destinations for visitors. Daily flights into its small airport bring growing numbers of tourists, attracted by the spectacular scenery, numerous hilltribe communities and soft adventure opportunities.

THAI YAI CULTURE

The Thai Yai can be seen along the northern border with Myanmar. They may at one time have been the most numerous of the ethnic Thai tribes that stretch across Southeast Asia. A large group settled in Mae Hong Son.

The Thai Yai culture has had a strong influence on the province, as can be seen in its architecture. Although a part of the Lanna region, the indigenous Thai Yai people living in Mae Hong Son are faced with very cold weather during winter and extremely hot weather in the summer, with mist or fog practically throughout the whole year. Not surprisingly they have had to adapt to the environment.

As a result, their architectural style has developed into something different from other Lanna communities. Their living quarters are usually built with tall floors and low roofs, the sizes differing according to ones social status and position. Homes of the ordinary folks are usually with one single level of roof, while those of the local aristocrats have two or more levels forming a castle-like shape. The space thus provided is believed to help air circulation. An interesting feature of the Thai Yai style is the perforated designs along the eaves which are an architectural identity of the area.

How to get there from Bangkok

By Car

Mae Hong Son is located 924 kilometres from Bangkok. Drive from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and then choose the following routes to Mae Hong Son:

Chiang Mai Hot Mae Sariang Khun Yuam Mae Hong Son (Route 108) with 1864 curves, a distance of 349 kilometres.

Chiang Mai Mae Malai Pai Mae Hong Son (Route 1095), a distance of 245 kilometres.

By Bus

Muang Nuea Yan Yon Tour (Tel: (0 2936 3587-8) operates an air-conditioned bus which runs directly from Bangkok to Mae Hong Son every day. The bus departs from Chatuchak (Mochit 2) Bus Terminal at 6 p.m. The trip takes about 17 hours.

By Rail

One can travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by rail and then continue to Mae Hong Son by bus. For more information, call 1699, 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020 or visit www.railway.co.th

By Air

Thai Airways flies Bangkok-Chiang Mai-Mae Hong Son daily. Reservation should be made in advance at Tel: 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 or call 1566 or visit www.thaiairways.com for current schedule.

SGA Airlines offers flights from Chiang Mai -Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai - Pai For current schedule, please call 0 2664 6099 or visit www.sga.co.th

Hotels Recommended:

City of horse-drawn carriages

2009-07-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

Horse-drawn carriage of Lampang has been well -known for more than 90 years and it is the only province in Thailand still retaining horse-drawn carriages as a means of transport within the city. It is an amazing experience to tour the ancient city of Lampang witnessing the people’s lifestyle and conserved architecture.

The first horse-drawn carriage arrived on the same time together with the rail in the late 1914. The owner of the first carriage was Lampang’s last governor, Prince Boonyawat Wongmanit. He hired an indian driver from Bangkok for the carriage.

Lampang had been the trading center of the Upper North, a gateway to Lanna, consumer goods and daily appliance transported from Bangkok were unloaded here before forwarded to other provinces like Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Phayao and to neigbouring countries like Lao PDR and Myanmar as well.

In 1957, It was a golden period and there were 185 carriages altogether and Lampang is the only province where horse-drawn carriage hold official document. Every carriage had to pay five baht tax annually and a renewal license for two baht.

Lampang’s horse-drawn carriages are known as ” Queen Victoria”. Each has four wheels with two big seats at the back and two additional seats upon request. It can hold a total of four people in one carriage.

The sound of horse’s hooves striking the concrete roads and ding-dong of the bells ringing on the carriages along small lanes or on the main streets make the passers-by feel that this is a "city of horse-drawn carriages."

Hotel Recommended:

Doi Khun Than National Park

2009-07-22T09:43:00.001-07:00

One hundred years ago, the Rroya State Railway of Siam blasted a tunnel through Doi Khun Tan to connect Lampang with Chiang Mai. This tunnel is still the longest in the kingdom. On the other side, is the Khun Tan Railway Station. This is where your ascent into the wilderness will begin.

Location
The Doi Khun Tan National Park is located in Amphoe Mae Tha in the Lamphun Province and Amphoe Hang Chat and Amphoe Muang in the Lampang Province. The mountainous terrain requires all Railway to stop at this station to check their brakes before continuing on their journey.

Highlights
The Khun Tan Tunnel: The Khun Tan Tunnel is the longest in Thailand, stretching for 1,300 meters. At the front of the tunnel is a monument to the German engineer who made this colossal project possible.

Climbing Up to Doi Khun Tan: From the Khun Tan Railway Station there is a path leading to the summit of Doi Khun Tan. This mountain has four peaks. The first peak is only 1,300 meters from the station. Here, you will find accommodations and restaurants to prepare you for the following legs of your trip. The second peak is higher up. On your way, you will pass the home of the ex-prime minister of Thailand. His house is surrounded on all sides by indigenous pine trees. The third peak is higher still. Up here is a retreat for the local missionaries. During the winter, you can see the brilliant crimson fields of poinsettias. This is a wonderful place to take a break in bask in the views it has to offer. The fourth peak is the highest. From atop this craggy summit, you can look out over the valley and see the city of Chiang Mai.

The TadMoei Waterfall: Located between the second and third peaks is the path to the moderate-sized Tad Moei Waterfall. To get here, you must descend for 300 meters.

How to Get There
The most convenient way to get to Doi Khun Tan is to take the train. If you are traveling from Bangkok, you will want to take the express train. The Nakhon Phing Express departs Bangkok in the evening and arrives at the Khun Tan Railway Station first thing the next morning. When you exit the train, you can immediately start your hike up to Doi Khun Tan.

To contact Khun Tan National Park call: 0-5351- 9216

Chae Son National Park

2009-07-22T09:34:00.000-07:00

A major place for relaxation in Lampang is the Chae Son National Park, which is located in Mueang Pan district area. It can be reached by taking Highway No.1035 taking a left turn at Km. 59. A further 17 kilometre is a lush forested and mountainous region with a 73-Celsius hot spring over rocky terrain, providing a misty and picturesque scene particularly in the morning. There are bathing facilities for health purpose.

One kilometre away is a clear, cool brook where tourists can take a dip in water fed by the 6-level Chae Son waterfall originating from winding brooks and streams flowing through high mountains. There are accommodations and camping areas for visitors.

Admission Fee: Adult 200 Baht Child 100 Baht

For more details, visit website http://www.dnp.go.th/

Lumpang Hotels

Tham Pha Thai National Park

2009-07-22T09:27:00.001-07:00

The 1284 square kilometers park comprises of rugged mountans in the north-eastern Lam Pang province, covering 9 forest reserves in Ngao, Lam Pang, Mae Moh and Chae Hom districts. The north-south limestone hills run down until they reach Lam Pang city district, the elevations being in the range of 280 to 1253 meters above the sea. The highest peak is Yod Doi Mae Khwan at 1253 meters located in the north of the park close to the border with Phayao province.

Average year round temperature has been 25º C, and that of January is 5º C. May to October is rainy season followed by cold months from November to January. Then comes the dry summer season.

Interesting places in the parks

Tham Pha Thai cave is in the walking distance from the park headquaretrs. The cave goes under ground more than one kilometer from its entrance. A lot of stalactites and stalagmites are found inside.

In Ngao district, around 6 km from the Ban On village, people can hike up to Lhom Phu Kaew which has a crater that makes the mountain looks like a volcano.

Kiw Lom dam lake on Vang river offers boat excursion, and raft houses to stay. The lake is around 34 km north of Lam Pang city.

In adition, there are several more waterfalls, caves, and places where pre-historic artifacts have been found in the park. The park is welknown among local people.

How to get there

From Lam Pang take highway 1 to the north for about 65 km to the left turn-off road to the park headquarters.

The park maintain a couple of bungalow houses and a camp yard.

Lumpang Hotels

Wat Phra That Lampang Luang

2009-07-15T08:22:00.000-07:00

About 20 kilometers from Lampang is the old temple of Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. On first glance, this walled citadel sited on a man-made mound of earth has a very fortress-like look to it. That's because the temple was built on the site of an eighth century fortification, called a wiang, that guarded the routes to Lampang.

The temple buildings seen today were built in the fifteenth century, and one of the reasons for the temple's popularity is the relatively pure state of all the temple buildings. Unlike most of the temples in Chiang Mai, Wat Phra That Lampang Luang hasn't been 'improved' to conform to modern Thai ideas about temples. The courtyard is still filled with sand, and the huge main wiharn (prayer hall) is still open on all sides.

To enter the temple, you must pass a pair of guardian lions and climb the naga stairway up to the massive main gate. The main prayer hall, the Wiharn Luang, stands close inside the main entrance. The wiharn is open on all four sides, forming a huge covered hall. Sturdy columns support the roof. The columns are finished in black lacquer and stenciled with gold leaf designs.

At the back of the Wiharn Luang sits a massive gilded ku, a sort of Laotian prang sheltering the main Buddha image. The Buddha image is the Phra Chao Lang Thong, cast in 1563. On either side of the Ku are throne-like pulpits, sometimes used by monks but more often used to house other Buddha images on important ceremonial days.

Behind the main prayer hall stands the 45 meter tall chedi. The chedi was faced with copper and bronze sheets, which over the centuries have oxidized into a variety of green and blue shades. The chedi has somehow escaped the gilding which is now universally applied to chedis, even if they weren't originally built that way.

Flanking the chedi on the south side is another prayer hall, the Wiharn Phra Phut, a small chapel built in 1802 with a beautifully carved fascade. Behind the Wiharn Phar Phut is a tiny tower-like structure, the Ho Phra Phuttabat. It houses a Buddha footprint sculpture. The building is generally only open on important festival dates, and may never be entered by women.

On the other side of the chedi and the main wiharn are two other small open chapels. Although very weathered, both have some rather interesting details and murals.

A doorway on the south side of the gallery leads you to several other buildings, as well as the temple's museum. On the way, you'll pass an ancient bodhi tree whose branches are supported by a forest of crutches.

The two museums are not very interesting, even though one houses the Phra Kaeo Don Tao, a supposed 'copy' of the Emerald Buddha and made at the same time. But it lack most of the subtlety of the Emerald Budda, and the setting doesn't do it justice. For a close-up look at the Emerald Buddha, you're better advised to visit Wat Phra Kaeo in Chiang Rai, where they have a recently made copy in a beautiful setting. However, there is a beautiful 400 year old scripture library in amongst the museums that is worth a look.

Lampang Hotel
Lampang Province

Lampang Province

2009-06-27T03:00:00.001-07:00

Famous for its horse-drawn carriages and with a rooster as its provincial emblem, Lampang boasts a long history of human settlements on the Wang River basin, some of which dating back to more than 1,000 years. It is rich in archaeological evidence reflecting ancient civilisations of Hariphunchai, Lanna and Burma.

Lampang is administratively divided into the following districts: Muang, Thoen, Mae Phrik, Ngao, Ko Kha, Wang Nuea, Mae Tha, Chae Hom, Sop Prap, Seom Ngam, Hang Chat, Mae Mo and Mueang Pan.

How To Get There?

By Car

From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 and Highway No. 32 to Nakhon Sawan via Sing Buri, Chai Nat, then turn into Highway No. 1 again to go to Lampang via Kamphaeng Phet and Tak, a total distance of 599 kilometres.

By Bus

Transport Co. Ltd. operates both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned bus to Lampang. Buses leave Bangkok's Mochit s Bus Terminal daily. Other private bus companies are such as Wiriya Tour, Tel: 0 2936 2827 and New Wiriya Tour Tel: 0 2936 2205-6.

By Train

DistanRegular trains depart from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Railway Station to Lampang daily. Call 1690 or visit www.railway.co.th for more information.ces from Amphoe Mueang to Other Districts

Wang Nuea 107 kms.
Chae Hom 52 kms.
Ngao 83 kms.
Ko Kha 15 kms.
Mae Tha 27 kms.
Hang Chat 46 kms.
Soem Ngam 39 kms.
Mae Mo 40 kms.
Thoen 96 kms.
Sop Phrap 54 kms.
Mae Phrik 125 kms.

Hotels in Lampang

Trip Guide-Chiang Rai

2009-06-26T05:01:00.001-07:00

Fullday Doi Mae Salong/ Pa Tai and Boat Trip along Mae Kok River

Visit Doi Mae Salong, village of the Chinese refugees. Along the way make a stop at the Hilltribe Development Centre, the centre aids and administers local hilltribe settlements. Hilltribe handicrafts, including woven cloth. Continue to Pa Tai begin 2-hour excursion along Mae Kok river by longtail boat to Chiang Rai via Akha village, forest park, hot spa and Karen village.

Full-day Elephant Safari

1-hour excursion along Mae Kok River by longtail boat to Karen village and begin a 2-hour elephant ride across hills, valleys and streams to hilltribes villages where lunch will be served. Continue with a 1-hour walk to visit the waterfall and return to Chiang Rai by van or local minibus.

Fullday Chiang Saen/ Boat Trip along Mekong River/ Chiang Khong

Visit Chiang Saen to see the ruins of this ancient city. Then cruise by longtail boat enjoy a scenic along the Mekong River with spectacular views of the Laotian countryside via Ban Hat Bai (Thai Lue weaving village) and visit the town of Chiang Khong where the giant fresh water “Pla Buk, Catfish” are caught between April 18 and early June each year. Visit the Yao an Hmong hilltribe villages, and return to Chiang Rai.

Fullday Doi Tung or Doi Mae Salong/ Mae Sai/ Chiang Saen

Visit Phra That Doi Tung, the twin pagodas where it is believed the collarbone of the Lord Buddha is contained, and the Doi Tung Royal Villa, The Mae Fah Luang Garden. Continue to Mae sai, Thailand’s northernmost point, and tour a bustling market-place full of goods from Myanmar and China. Then tour the ancient city of Chiang Saenincluding ruins of numerous temples, stupas, Buddha images, Lanna Thai artifacts are still to be seen. Archeological objects are exhibited at the museum. Alternative:-Visit Doi Mae Salong Village the Chinese refugees. “Santi Khiri” is home to descendants of Chinese Nationalist soliders who fled to Thailand in 1940. Mountainside tea plantations and fruit orchards provide good scenery. Along the way make a stop at the Akha-Yao villages and Hilltribe Development Centre.

Half-day City Tour/ Boat Trip along Mae Kok River

Enjoy a pleasant ride by trishaw, the favorite mode of local transportation, and tour the city. Visit local market area and major temples i.e. Wat Phra Kaeo, which once housed the Emerald Buddha, and Wat Doi Khao Khwai or Wat Doi Thong, city view point. Continue with a short excursion along Mae Kok River by longtail boat.

Hotels in Chiang Rai

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Chiang Rai Province

2009-06-26T04:17:00.000-07:00

Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand is about 785 kilometers north of Bangkok. Situated on the Kok River basin, Chiang Rai covers an area of approximately 11,678 square meters with an average elevation of 580 meters above sea level. The province, which is located within the renowned Golden Triangle area where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand converge, is also known as the gateway to Myanmar, Laos and Southern China.

Chiang Rai, which was founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai, was the first capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom (Kingdom of a million rice fields), which was later conquered by Burma. It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai became a Thai territory and was proclaimed a province during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910.

Today, Chiang Rai is a travelers paradise endowed with abundant natural tourist attractions and antiquities; the province itself is evidence of past civilization. Attractions range from magnificent mountain scenery, ruins of ancient settlements, historic sites, Buddhist shrines and ethnic villages as the province is also home to several hill tribes who maintain fascinating lifestyles. For those interested in the natural side of Chiang Rai, jungle trekking is recommended along various trails.

Chiang Rai which tends to be a little more ’laid back’ now competes with Chiang Mai as a tourist attraction and is fast becoming a popular escape for tourists wanting to get away from the troubles they left behind.

How to get there?

From Bangkok - Chiang Rai

By Air

Thai Airways has daily flights connecting Bangkok with Chiang Rai. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000, the Chiang Rai Office tel. 0 5371 1179, 0 5371 5207, or view their website at www.thaiairways.com

One-Two-Go offers daily flights from Bangkok to Chiang Rai. Call 1126 or book online at http://www.fly12go.com

SGA offers flights to Chiang Rai. Call 0 2664 6099 or visit: www.sga.co.th

By Bus

The coach ride from Bangkok to Chiang Rai is probably best made overnight since passengers can avail themselves of sleep prior to an early morning arrival. There are both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned bus services from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) on Kamphaengphet 2 Road. The journey may take approximately 9-11 hours.

By Car

Take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road), turn to route No. 32 passing Ayutthaya, Angthong and Singburi Provinces and change to route No. 11 passing Phitsanulok, Uttaradit and Phrae Provinces then turn left to Highway No. 103, drive through to Ngao District and turn right onto Highway No. 1 which takes you to Phayao and Chiang Rai Provinces. The total distance is 785 km.

By Rail

There is no direct train to Chiang Rai. You have to take a train to Lampang (9 hrs. from Bangkok) or Chiang Mai (11 hrs.) and then take a bus to Chiang Rai. (2 hrs. from Lampang and 1.30 hrs. from Chiang Mai) For more details, call the State Railway of Thailand, 1690 (hotline), or 0 2223 7010 or 0 2223 7020.

By Boat

The capital may also be reached from Tha Thon in Chiang Mai province by a scenic 4-6 hour (depending on climatic conditions, such as rain, and other factors such as high waters and fast currents) long-tail boat ride along the Mae Kok River.

From Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai

By Bus

Chiang Rai is 182 kilometers north of Chiang Mai. Air conditioned buses leave 12 times daily from Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal to Chiang Rai. Some buses continue to Mae Sai and Chiang Saen.

By Air

Airlines have numerous daily flights servicing the Bangkok-Chiang Mai route and the Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai route.

Hotels in Chiang Rai
Hotels in Bangkok
Hotels in Chiang Mai

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Chiang Dao Caves

2009-06-25T05:11:00.001-07:00

It only takes about an hour to reach Chiang Dao by car from Chiang Mai but on arrival, it is as though you have travelled back in time.

Travelling north from Chiang Mai on route107 through Mae Rim and Mae Tang, the road after forty kilometres of rolling countryside will start to ascend the mountain. The road is both wide and well surfaced so it is an easy crossing of this relatively small mountain. Do watch out for elephants at about the halfway mark. From the road's summit you descend down and make a final straight run into Chiang Dao, a total of sixty-three kilometres from Chiang Mai.

The town of Chiang Dao is fairly typical with a market (well frequented by colourful hilltribe people), shops and eateries. The main reason to be here is not to see the shops but to visit the Chiang Dao Cave, ("tham" in Thai).

Clearly signposted towards the end of the town off to the left is the road that takes you the final seven kilometres to the cave entrance. As you travel along this narrow road, you will see the imposing 2275-metre high Doi Chiang Dao mountain range straight in front of you. The car park is situated on the left and there are several restaurants and stalls ready to revitalise you if need be.

The cave complex is supposed to extend more than twelve kilometres into the mountain but there are five main areas inside where visits can be safely made. Just outside the main entrance is a crystal clear pool containing a lot of very large fish that are extremely well fed due to the ever-present fish food vendor and children eager to oblige. The water comes directly from the mountain.

Pay the ten baht admittance fee and ascend the steps to the cave itself. The air feels decidedly cool after the heat of the day but rest assured, you will soon be sticky as the air inside the cave thins out noticeably.

You immediately descend to a large cavern where there is a Buddha image and a lot of guides with gas lamps offering to guide you through the cave complex and point out all the interesting features. They charge a fixed 100 baht for their services as the sign clearly states. The price is the same for all size groups so it makes good sense to join up with others if possible.

There is some electric lighting to the main Buddha images but as the sign states strongly, do not go wandering off into the un-illuminated caverns alone. A torch is no use at all and it is very easy to become lost plus there are several unmarked drops. You have been warned!

Gai (chicken). Kai (egg). Hua Chang (elephant head); ngoo (snake), grong thai roop (picture frame). These will all be words that become very familiar as you duck through small openings and then clamber into large caverns. These are names for the natural formations that the guides will point out to you. Some really do look incredibly as the guide is describing them, others need a little more imagination.

Probably the most beautiful images are the formations of crystals from thousands of years of water dripping through the rocks to make solid sparkling waterfalls. Nature is truly spectacular on occasions and this is certainly such an occasion.

The tour follows a rough oval and will have you crawling through small gaps deep in the mountain and following along man made pavements. You go up steps, down steps and the entire time marvel at the spectacle around you. There is no hurry you can go at any pace you please to take it all on board.

After several caverns you come out onto the main paved route. The guide may not mention the river and head off back to the entrance but it is worth seeing so just ask. (Pai doo mae nam, dai mai?), or saying "river" a couple of times will have you heading off in the right direction which is to the left.

How far you can go before you reach water depends on the season. You know you are close when the floor becomes sandy. Check out the water level marks on the cave walls to see exactly the difference the rainy season makes.

From here you are approximately fifteen minutes walk back to the main entrance.

Some tips for an enjoyable visit:

Use the guides. Take a drink with you. Be prepared to crawl a little. If you are claustrophobic do not go. Stand close to large formations, as flash on a small camera is not too strong. Use the handrails. Be careful, as the floor can be slippery. Never remove anything from the cave. Watch your head. Keep children close to you at all times.

Along the way to Chiang Dao there is an elephant training camp which offers rides and rafting if you want to extend your visit in this beautiful area. Nature at its best.

Marisa Boutique Resort & Spa Hotel

304 Moo 4, Muang-Ngai, Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai 50170 Thailand

Chiang Dao

Sexy Thai Ladyb...

2009-06-25T05:02:00.000-07:00

The term kathoey or katoey generally refers to a male-to-female transgender person or an effeminate gay male in Thailand. Related phrases include sao (or phuying) praphet song ("a second kind of woman"), or phet thi sam ("third sex"). The word kathoey is thought to be of Khmer origin.[citation needed] It is most often rendered as ladyboy in English conversation with Thais and this latter expression has become popular across South East Asia except in the Philippines where the term Billyboy is sometimes used.

he term "kathoey" is not an exact equivalent of the modern western transwoman — it suggests that the person is a type of male, unlike the term sao praphet song, which suggests a female sex identity, or phet thee sam, which suggests a third gender. The term phu-ying praphet thi sorng, which can be translated as "woman of the second kind", is also used to refer to kathoey. Australian scholar of sexual politics in Thailand Peter Jackson claims that the term "kathoey" was used in premodern times to refer to intersexuals, and that the usage changed in the middle of the twentieth century to cover cross-dressing males. The term can refer to males who exhibit varying degrees of femininity — many kathoeys dress as women and undergo feminising medical procedures such as hormone replacement therapy, breast implants, genital reassignment surgery, or Adam's apple reductions. Others may wear makeup and use feminine pronouns, but dress as men, and are closer to the western category of effeminate gay man than transgender.

Kathoeys are often identified at a young age, and are considered to be "born that way". They may have access to hormones (available without prescription) and medical procedures during their teenage years.

The term "kathoey" may be considered pejorative, especially in the form "kathoey-saloey". It has a meaning similar to the English language "fairy" or "queen".

Kathoeys usually work in traditionally feminine occupations, in shops, coffee bars and restaurants, beauty salons and hairstylists. Many also work in entertainment and tourist centers, as dancers, in cabaret shows Alcazar and Tiffanys in Pattaya are among the best known or as prostitutes.

Kathoeys are more visible and more accepted in Thai culture than transgender or transsexuals are in Western countries or the Indian subcontinent. Several popular Thai models, singers and movie stars are kathoeys, and Thai newspapers often print photos of the winners of female and kathoey beauty contests side by side. The phenomenon is not restricted to urban areas; there are kathoeys in most villages, and kathoey beauty contests are commonly held as part of local fairs.

Some believe that this higher acceptance is due to the nature of the surrounding Buddhist culture, which places a high value on tolerance. Using the notion of Karma, some Thai believe that being a kathoey is the result of transgressions in past lives, concluding that kathoey deserve pity rather than blame.

Pattaya: Kathoeys on the stage of a cabaret show.

A common stereotype has older well-off kathoey provide financial support to young men with whom they are in a personal relationship.

Kathoey women currently face many social and legal impediments. Families (and especially fathers) are typically disappointed if a son becomes a kathoey, and kathoey women often have to face the prospect of coming out. However, kathoey generally have greater acceptance in Thailand than most other Asian countries. Legal recognition of kathoeys is non-existent in Thailand: even after genital reassignment surgery, they are not allowed to change their legal sex. Discrimination in employment and lending remains rampant. Issues can also arise in regards to access to amenities and gender allocation; for example, a kathoey who had undergone sexual reassignment surgery would still have to stay in an all-male prison.

In 1996, a kathoey education student murdered a young woman. This was followed by negative coverage of kathoey in the Thai press; the Rajabhat Institutes (teacher training colleges) then closed their doors to all kathoey.[citation needed] The decision was reversed after protests by homosexual and feminist groups.[citation needed]

Also in 1996, a volleyball team composed mostly of gays and kathoeys, known as the The Iron Ladies, which was portrayed in two Thai movies, won the Thai national championship. The Thai government, concerned with the country's image, then barred two of the kathoey from joining the national team and competing internationally.

Among the most famous kathoeys in Thailand is Nong Tum, a former champion Thai boxer who emerged into the public eye in 1998. She was already cross-dressing and taking hormones while still a popular boxer; she would enter the ring with long hair and makeup, occasionally kissing a defeated opponent. She announced her retirement from professional boxing in 1999 undergoing genital reassignment surgery, while continuing to work as a coach, and taking up acting and modeling. She returned to boxing in 2006.

In 2004, the Chiang Mai Technology School allocated a separate restroom for kathoeys, with an intertwined male and female symbol on the door. The 15 kathoey students are required to wear male clothing at school but are allowed to sport feminine hairdos. The restroom features four stalls, but no urinals.

Following the Military Coup in Thailand in 2006 kathoeys are hoping for a new third sex to be added to passports and other official documents in a proposed new constitution. In 2007, legislative efforts have begun to allow kathoeys to change their legal sex if they have undergone genital reassignment surgery; this latter restriction was controversially discussed in the community.

Revues and music groups

Following a similar group in South Korea, the first all kathoey music group in Thailand was formed in 2006. It is named Venus Flytrap and was selected and promoted by Sony BMG Music Entertainment.

The Lady Boys of Bangkok is a kathoey revue that has played at the Edinburgh Festival in 2006 and 2007 and also in several other cities in the UK.

Films

Ladyboys is a 1992 documentary film made for Channel 4 TV and directed by Jeremy Marre of Harcourt Films [1]. It relates the story of two teenage kathoey who prepare for and enter a rural beauty contest and then leave for Pattaya to find work in a cabaret revue.

The story of the 1996 Iron Ladies volleyball team underlies the humorous and successful 2000 movie The Iron Ladies and the 2003 sequel The Iron Ladies 2. The 1996 team and the movie inspired other kathoey in the nation to step up for themselves.

The 2002 Thai film Saving Private Tootsie tells the story of a group of gays and kathoey who need to be rescued after a plane crash in rebel-held jungle territory. The film explores anti-gay attitudes in various ways. It is loosely based on an incident in December 1998 when a group including a popular singer and his kathoey makeup artist survived a plane crash.

The life of the kathoey kick boxer Nong Tum is related in the 2003 movie Beautiful Boxer. Unlike The Iron Ladies 1 & 2, Beautiful Boxer used a serious tone.

In the 2005 Thai martial arts film The Warrior King or Tom yum goong, the main villain, Madame Rose, is a kathoey, and there are two references to this in the film (for the US release these were edited out). She is played by Jin Xing who is herself transgendered.

Books

The book Ladyboys: The Secret World of Thailand's Third Gender gives an intimate portrait of Thailand’s Kathoey. It is a collection of authentic stories about journeys of self-discovery by those who have struggled with gender identity while trying to maintain normal lives and careers. The book features some of Thailand's celebrity ladyboys such as Boxer Nong Toom as well as the life of others such as a magazine columnist, a cabaret performer and a prostitute. The book was written by Susan Aldous and Pornchai Sereemongkonpol and published in May 2008 by Maverick House Publishers.

Doi Inthanon National Park

2009-06-25T04:10:00.001-07:00

This national park which covers an area of 1,005 square kilometers is located on Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain which is 2,565 meters above sea level. Located between Mae Chaem and Chom Thong, the park is comprised of the largest tract of upper mountain forest which ranges across Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and ends in Northern Thailand. The mountain ranges gave birth to the main tributaries of the Ping river and formed the beautiful waterfalls, namely Siriphum, Wachirathan, Mae Pan, Mae Klang and Mae Ya. The moist and dense evergreen forest is abundant with lichens and wild orchids. The park is also a paradise for bird lovers.

Visiting Doi Inthanon is possible throughout the year however, the best period for viewing the waterfalls is May through November while the best period for viewing wild flowers is December through February and for ornithologists is November through March.

Getting there: Travel 58 kilometres west of Chiang Mai via Highway No. 108 to Chom Thong, then turn right into Highway No. 1009 and continue a further distance of 48 kilometres along Highway No. 1009 to the summit. A good asphalt road takes visitors up but is rather steep, thus the vehicle must be in a good condition. Visitors could pay for the entrance fee at Km. 8.

Doi Inthanon can be reached by a local truck (Song Thaeo) from Phra That Chom Thong or Mae Klang Waterfall. The Song Thaeo runs to Doi Inthanon National Park Office (Km. 31) and neighbouring villages. A chartered Song Thaeo costing around 800 baht can make stops at other attractions around the area.

Admission : adult 400 baht, child 200 baht

Facilities :

Accommodation, restaurants, and camping sites are available at the park headquarters at Km. 31. Tel: 0 5335 5728, 0 5326 8550, 0 5326 8550, 0 5326 8577 Bangkok Tel: 0 2562 0760 or http://www.dnp.go.th/

Attractions in Doi Inthanon National Park

Namtok Mae Ya is one of the most beautiful cascades in Chiang Mai. Water flows from a 280-metre steep cliff onto different rock formations in a lower basin like drapes. The well-managed waterfall is teeming with verdant forests and is best for recreation. It is located 1 kilometre from Highway No. 1009 junction, turn left for 14 kilometres and then take a 200-metre walk.

Namtok Mae Klang is a 100-metre one-level waterfall located 8 kilometres from Highway No. 1009 junction and turn left onto an asphalt road for 500 metres.

Tham Bori Chinda is a large cave located near Namtok Mae Klang at Km. 8.5 of Highway No. 1009. The road sign to Tham Bori Chinda will be seen at the junction on the right. The deep cave has stalactite and stalagmite formations, Buddha images and a rocky stream. The surface of the water glitters like diamonds flake when light reflects the stream. Sunlight in the cave allows visitors to see the entire cave.

The Tourist Centre at Km. 9 has exhibits on nature and animals that inhabit the area.

Namtok Wachirathan is a large waterfall which plummets over the edge of a high cliff into a deep pool below. When there is a large amount of water, there are large splashes in the basin, creating a cool and refreshing environment. The delightful ambience can be felt by walking on a slippery bridge that leads to the waterfall. To get there, turn right off Highway No.1009 at Km. 21, then follow the signpost to the waterfall a further 350 metres on foot. At Km.20 a new road is built to reduce the walk to the waterfall.

Namtok Siriphum is a splendid waterfall that falls from a steep cliff in two lines and can be seen en route to Doi Inthanon. The attractive waterfall is located at Km. 31 of Highway No. 1009, take a right turn for 2 kilometres and is approachable only on foot from the base of the waterfall.

Doi Inthanon Royal Project is in Khun Klang village close to the park headquarters. The project was initiated in 1979 to help the hill tribes to cultivate cash crops other than opium and train them on modern agricultural practices. Most produces are temperate zone plants. Flower plantations, a plant breeding research lab and flower plantations of hill tribes (Hmong) are open to visitors.

Phumisiri, twin pagodas located at Km. 41.5, were built to commemorate the fifth cycle birthdays of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. Both pagodas share the similar bases as well as a two-level walking path that surrounds them. The pagodas enshrine Lord Buddha’s ashes and Buddha images, and overlook the magnificent scenery of Doi Inthanon.

Doi Inthanon Peak has a cool climate all year round. The Air Force Radar Station and King Inthawichayanon’s stupa located on the mountaintop. King Inthawichayanon, the last king of Chiang Mai, was concerned about the importance of forests and wanted to preserve the forests for future generations. He was so familia with Doi Inthanon that he asked that part of his ashes be kept here. The Tourist Information Centre, near the top of Doi Inthanon, exhibits a chronological background of the mountain, including its geography, biology, forests, and animals.

Namtok Mae Pan is the longest waterfall in Chiang Mai, which flows from a 100-metre cliff. Its charm can be enjoyed by standing some distance from the falls. From afar, the white water and the green forests around the falls make a beautiful picture. From Km. 38 of Highway No. 1009, drive along the Doi Inthanon-Mae Chaem road (Highway No. 1192) for 6 kilometres and a sign to the waterfall will be seen, then drive on an unpaved road for 9 kilometres. The lovely waterfall can be reached by a ten-minute walk from a parking lot. In the rainy season, the road to Namtok Mae Phan is in a poor condition; only a four-wheel vehicle could make the journey.

Namtok Huai Sai Lueang is beyond Namtok Mae Pan, about 21 kilometres from Doi Inthanon-Mae Chaem Road. Turn left to an unpaved road where only a four-wheel vehicle could make a trip in the rainy season. The medium-size cascade has water all year round and flows from a cliff to each level.

Natural Study trek on Doi Inthanon Kiu Mae Pan starts from Km. 42. This short trail, winding through pristine forest for about 2.5 kilometres, a 3-hour walk, allows the hiker to experience the natural beauty of the forest at first hand. The Rhododendrons, commonly found in the Himalayas, are found along the trail and they are in full bloom during December-February. Trekkers on this route should seek permission from the park headquarters at Km. 31 for safety reasons. A group of not more than 15 people is recommended. Food consumption is not allowed while trekking. This nature trail is closed for reforestation from June 1 to October 30 annually.

Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail was surveyed and designed by Mr. Michael MacMillan Walls, a Canadian volunteer biologist who devoted to his work and died from a heart attack on this mountain. This trail is 360 metres long, passing through wet and cold areas in a lush valley. Forest above 2,000 metres is covered with lichens and wild orchids. Indigenous plants that needs a high level of nutrition, organic deposits, and rare species of birds are seen along the trail.

There are more nature trails on Doi Inthanon, each providing different views of the diversity of plants, reforestation, the importance of tributaries, the origin of caves, hilltribe agriculture, and birdwatching. Walking trails range from 1 to 8 kilometres. Each trip needs approval from the Chief of the National Park and a trekking leader is needed. The service is obtained at the Park Office at Km. 31.

Birdwatching on Doi Inthanon Inthanon

Birdwatching Information Centre (Uncle Daeng’s Shop) is located at Km. 31. This is a bird information exchange centre among birdwatchers, nature students and the general public. The information details the habitat and food of birds and animals living on Doi Inthanon. The aim is to pass on this knowledge to the next generation. It also provides the Doi Inthanon Birdwatching Diary, bird sketches by various bird watching experts, birdwatching trails, bird pictures, and slides.

Winter is the best time for birdwatching when indigenous and migrant birds are found including Eurasian Woodcock, White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Citrine Wagtail, Forest Wagtail, Chestnut Thrush, Scarlet Finch, Little Bunting, and Crested Bunting.

Phra Mahathat Napha Methanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphaphon

Hotels in Chiang Mai

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Recommended 1 Day Tour Program in Chiang Mai

2009-06-25T01:54:00.000-07:00

1 day Safari

Elephant show

Elephant Riding and visit Hill tribe Village. (Takes about 40 minutes or more)

Ox Cart Riding (takes about 30 minutes or more)

Bamboo rafting (takes about 35 minutes or more)

Visit orchid farm and butterfly farm (takes about 30 minutes or more)

1 day Trekking

Elephant Riding (Takes about 45 minutes or more)

Visit Meo & Karen Hilltribe Village and Waterfall.

Bamboo rafting (Takes about 45 minutes or more depend the water’s level)

1 day in Chiang Rai

Visit Mae ka jan Hot spring for a half an hour.

Visit Chiang Sean Old City for a half an hour.

Visit the Golden Triangle for a half an hour. Buffet Lunch (included Tea or Coffee and Fruit)

Enjoy shopping at Mae Sai. Visit Yao & Akha Village

1 day for Inthanon National Park

Visit Wachiratarn waterfall for a half an hour.

Visit Karen Village for a half an hour.

Visit Inthanon Royal Project

Visit the Twin Pagodas “Pra Mahathat Napametaneedon and Pra Mahathat Noppapol Phumisiri”

The Peak of Doi Inthanon; Thailand’s highest peak.

Visit Siritarn Waterfall for a half an hour.

Note: Please contact your licensed travel agent for above programs. To check the registered travel agents please call Registration Office Northern Provinces, Tourism Authority of Thailand at 0 5320 4602 or 0 5320 4485 (Mon.-Fri. from 08.30-16.30)

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Cycling Routes in Chiang Mai

2009-06-25T00:25:00.000-07:00

Embraced by the Magic Lanna – Explore the Purity of Northern Kingdom

Route: Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai – Phayao - Lampang

Route Overview

Destination(s): Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai – Phayao – Lampang

Tour Duration: 12 Days 11 Nights

Ride Distance: 740 Kms.

Level of Difficulty Moderate: - Challenging

Type of Bike: MTB / Hybrid / Road Bike

Terrain 50% Flat , 50% Ascending – Descending

Season: May – February

Route Details:

Leaving hustle and bustle of Chiang Mai behind, the route will let you warm up by pedaling along Mae Ping River and lush plantation to Chiang Dao, exploring its old teak houses before going up hill to Tha Ton, a sleepy town where you can enjoy scenery of the valley from the hilltop Buddhist temple. Then, ride along the Mighty Mekong River to Golden Triangle where border of Thailand, Laos, and Burma meet, and learn about the drugs in the area from the Hall of Opium. You can ride by the big river to Chiang Saen and explore its ancient town which can be dated back to centuries, then try out Nang Lae Pineapple, famous local fruit of Chiang Rai. From Chiang Rai, take quiet back road through golden rice paddies to tranquil town of Phayao to see its traditional teak houses and enjoy scenery of its vast lake Kwan Phayao. Also along the route, while riding through rice paddies, you can stop by for chatting with smiley rice farmer about their cultivation and local wisdom farming. Enjoy the scenic route all way to Lampang, where you will be stunned with architectural beauty of Lanna style Buddhist temple in Wat Phra That Lampang Luang whose craftsmanship and elegant ubosoth always impress pilgrims. Lampang, which was glory by tember business, will make you love its elephant which once played significant role in logging. Elephants in Elephant Training Centre will show their remarkable talents and make all audience lover them. After long journey, it is a very great idea to relax by dipping your tired body and legs in Sankampaeng Hotsprings. After the refreshment and recovery, kingdom of handicrafts in Bo Sang Viliage, elegant temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, and nightlife of Chiang Mai are await everyone to celebrate.

Hotels in Chiang Mai

How to get Chiang Mai

2009-06-25T00:09:00.000-07:00

By Car from Bangkok (approximately 8 hours)

Route 1: Drive on Highway No.1 (Phahonyothin) and turn left to Highway No.32 (Asian Highway) which passes Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, and Nakhon Sawan, then take Highway No. 117 to Phitsanulok and Highway No. 11 to Lampang, Lamphun and Chiang Mai. The total distance is 695 kilometers.

Route 2: From Nakhon Sawan, take Highway No. 1 passing Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, Lampang, and Chiang Mai. Total distance is 696 kilometers.

By Bus

From Bangkok

There are ordinary, 2nd class and 1st class air-conditioned buses leaving for Chiang Mai daily (8.00 a.m. to 09.00 p.m.) from the Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal). Call 02 936 3600, 02 936 2852, and 02 937 8055 for a more updated bus timetable. Private buses, which can be conveniently booked in tourist-oriented places in Bangkok, are also available. However, the public buses from the Northern Bus Terminal are generally more reliable. The journey takes approximately 10-12 hours, depending on traffic.

From Chiang Mai

If you travel to any districts in Chiang Mai, use Chang Phuak Bus Terminal located on Chotana Road, tel. 053 211 586. Destinations include those located along the northern route (Highway No. 107) which passes through Mae Rim, Mae Taeng, Chiang Dao, Chaiprakan, Fang and Mae Ai. Some buses continue to Tha Ton, the northern-most province of Chiang Mai.

If you wish to travel outside the province, use Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Station. Contact tel: 0 5324 2664 for a more updated bus timetable. Destinations include Golden Triangle, Mae Sai, Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai, Nan, Phayao, Phrae, Lampang, Lamphun, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Mae Hong Son (both old and new routes), Mae Sot, Mae Sariang, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat), and Udon Thani.

By Train

Express and rapid trains operated by the State Railways of Thailand leave for Chiang Mai from Bangkoks Hua Lamphong Station 6 times a day from 8.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m. The trip takes about 11-12 hours for express trains. For more information, contact tel. 1690, or 02 223 7010, 02 223 7020. Chiang Mai Railway Station, tel. (053) 24 2094, 244 795, .247 462 245 363-4

By Air

Domestic airlines including Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Air Asia, Nok Air, Orient Thai Airlines, Air Andaman and Phuket Air operate several flights daily between Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Thai Airways also operates domestic flights from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai and Phuket. International flights to and from Chitakong, Luang Phrabang, Khunming, Yangon and Japan (Narita) are also provided. Call 02 628 2000 (Bangkok), 053 211 044-7 (Chiang Mai), or visit www.thaiairways.com for more information.
Bangkok Airways also offers several flights daily on the Bangkok - Chiang Mai route, some with a stopover at Sukhothai. International routes to and from Jinghong and XiAn are also available. Call 02 265 5555, 265 5678 (Bangkok Office) or 053 27 6176 (Chiang Mai Office) or visit www.bangkokair.com for more information.
SGA offers flights to Chiang Mai. For more information, call Bangkok Office 66 2664-6099 or visit: www.sga.co.th
For Nok Air call 1318 or visit www.nokair.co.th for reservations. Apart from Bangkok-Chiang mai flight, the airlines also operate flights between Chiang mai and Udon Thani twice aweek.
For Orient Thai Airlines, call 02 267 2999 or visit www.orient-thai.com for more information

Foreign Airlines operating flights from Chiang Mai to several destinations are:

Air Mandalay operates flights between Chiang Mai and Yangon on Sundays and Thursdays. Contact 053 818 049 (Chiang Mai office), visit www.myanmars.net/airmandalay or write to cnxrr6t@sita.gmsmail.com for more information.
Mandarin Airlines operates flights between Chiang Mai and Taipei three times a week on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. For more information call, 053 201 268-9 (Chiang Mai office) or visit www.mandarinair.com
Lao Airlines operates flights on the Chiang Mai Luang Phrabang route three times a week on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. Call 053 223 401 (Chiang Mai office), visit www.laoairlines.com or write to qvcnx@loxinfo.co.th for more information.
Silk Air operates flights between Chiang Mai Singapore three times a week on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. Call 053 276 459 053 276 495 (Chiang Mai office) or visit www.silkair.com for reservations.

Travelling within Chiang Mai

From Airport, Train and Bus Terminal to town

There is a licensed airport taxi service available at the taxi kiosk outside the baggage-claim area. Purchase a ticket and present it to the drivers waiting by the arrivals exit area. The trip will cost approximately 100 bahts for a sedan car that seats 4-5 people (with luggage).

From the airport, train station and bus terminal, you can easily get a song taew (red mini-bus). To charter a minibus or car, please check the correct fare at the TAT counter first.

Normally, first-class hotels provide complimentary transportation between the airport, railway station or bus terminals and the hotel for guests who have made advance reservations.

Short-distance travel

For relative short distances you can take a sam lor or tuk-tuk (a tricycle). Fares must be bargained in advance. Short rides within the city costs between 20 and 30 bahts. Longer rides may cost as much as 50 bahts.
Just new in town is the taxi-metre, the same as those running around Bangkok. The minimum (starting) fare is 35 bahts.
Song taew (red mini-bus) is the most common means of transportation in town. Passengers can hop in and out as they wish. Simply tell the driver the destination and negotiate the price before boarding. Fares range from 10-20 bahts depending on the distance.
Bicycles: Some travelers prefer to ride a bicycle around the city as most of the roads and alleys are accessible by bicycle. Bicycles can be rented from bicycle shops and certain guesthouses.
Rental cars: All major car rental companies such as AVIS, Budget, and Hertz, as well as Thai car rental companies are ready to provide suggestions on travel itineraries. The easiest way to locate a car rental company is to ask at the airport or the hotel, as those are the places where most companies are located.

Chiang Mai roads are in good condition with signs posted in English. Why not take a car for a spinω

Chiang Mai Province

2009-06-24T22:52:00.001-07:00

Experiencing the merging of the past into the present in Chiang Mai where locals are proud of the city’s 700-year history. Its rich traditional heritage and unique culture is a perfect foundation for the development of the city. Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to find in the heart of the city centuries-old chedis and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels. The original city layout still exists as a neat square surrounded by a moat with vestiges of the fortified wall and its four main gates offering prime access to the old town.

For years, tourists have mistaken Chiang Mai as the northern junction and the base from which they can explore other provinces. The phrase "a day in Chiang Mai is enough to see things around" was common. Today, tourists are surprised by the fact that there is always something new to discover Chiang Mai. Intriguing diversity among ethnic tribes coupled with breathtaking scenery makes Chiang Mai one of Asia’s most attractive tourist destinations. Two weeks in Chiang Mai may not be long enough for serious travelers.

The old city of Chiang Mai with its fascinating indigenous cultural identity such as diverse dialects, cuisine, architecture, traditional values, festivals, handicrafts and classical dances is a prime location in its own right. In addition, the presence of hill tribes and their wealth of unique cultures enhance Chiang Mai’s distinctive diversity.

Chiang Mai is also blessed with pristine natural resources of mountains (dois), waterfalls, and other nature-based tourist attractions. At the same time, Chiang Mai residents are warm, gracious and congenial providing authentic hospitality making visits memorable and meaningful. Moreover, visitors from all walks of life can collect handicrafts of silk, silver and wood produced locally as timeless souvenirs. Chiang Mai is a place where both backpackers and luxury tourists can enjoy themselves to the fullest.

The Past

Chiang Mai literally means new city and has retained the name despite having celebrated its 700th anniversary in 1996. King Meng Rai founded the city as the capital of the Lanna (A Million Rice Fields) Kingdom on Thursday, 12th April 1296 during the same period of time as the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom. King Meng Rai the Great conferred with his friends, King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Phayao before choosing the site where the capital of the Lanna Kingdom was to be founded.

From then, Chiang Mai not only became the capital and cultural core of the Lanna Kingdom, it was also the centre of Buddhism in northern Thailand. King Meng Rai himself was very religious and founded many of the city’s temples, which are still important today.

At the height of its power, the Lanna Kingdom extended its territory far into Burma and Laos, and southwards to Kamphaeng Phet a province above Sukhothai.

The Burmese conquered the Lanna Kingdom in 1556 ending the dynasty founded by King Meng Rai that lasted over 250 years. As Burma had occupied Chiang Mai for nearly 200 years, Burmese architectural influences are visible in many temples. At the end of the 18th century, King Taksin the Great regrouped the Thais in the south and finally drove the Burmese out with the help of King Kawila of Lampang thereby regaining Thai independence from Burma. Chiang Mai was then governed by a succession of princes who ruled the north as a Siamese protectorate under the Chakri dynasty. In the late 19th century, King Rama V appointed a high commissioner in Chiang Mai and it was only in 1939 that Chiang Mai finally came under the direct control of the central government in Bangkok the same time the country was renamed Thailand.

In the past, Chiang Mai was only accessible by river and elephants. More convenient access was achieved only when the railway line was completed in the late 1920’s. Moreover, the first motor vehicle driven directly from Bangkok arrived in Chiang Mai in 1932. Such isolation was more favorable to Chiang Mai as it helped to nurture and preserve the unique Lanna culture.

When we look at Chiang Mai today, it is the economic, cultural and communications hub of northern Thailand complete with excellent infrastructure, good roads, by passes and road tunnels, and reliable communications infrastructure.

The Setting

Chiang Mai, with an altitude of approximately 310 meters above sea level, is situated approximately 700 kilometers from Bangkok on the Mae Ping River basin. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, the city covers an area of approximately 20,107 square kilometers and is the country’s second largest province. Chiang Mai borders Myanmar on the north, Lamphun and Tak Provinces on the south, Chiang Rai, Lampang and Lamphun Provinces on the east and Mae Hong Son Province on the west. The terrain is mainly comprised of jungles and mountains, which are home to the hill tribes. In addition, wildlife and exotic flora may be found in the national parks.

Most of Chiang Mai’s mountains are oriented from north to south. Together they create a multitude of streams and tributaries including Mae Chaem, Mae Ngat and Mae Klang. One of Chiang Mai’s distinctive features is Doi Inthanon, Thailands highest peak, which is 2,575 meters above sea level. In addition, the province boasts flat, fertile valleys, which spread along the banks of the largest and most important river in Chiang Mai Mae Nam Ping (Ping River) which originates from the Chiang Dao mountain range.

Chiang Mai where to stay?

Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary

2009-06-24T04:57:00.000-07:00

Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary is the conserved forest covered 643,750 Rai (257,500 Acres), located in the forest in the junction of 5 provinces: Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Prachin Buri. This fertile forest is the last of the east. General landscape is about 30-150 meters high above sea level. It is the origin of Bang Pakong River in Chachoengsao, Khlong Tanod in Chanthaburi, and Prasae River in rayong. There are many kinds of wild animals and birds.

Ang Rue Nai Waterfall is about 2 kilometers from the Guard Unit. Traveling: From Chachoengsao, go to Pahnom Sarakham first, and then use highway No.3245 to Tha Takiap, after that go to Ban Nong Khok for 57 kilometers, and use the route to Wang Nam Yen of Sa Kaeo for 15 kilometers. Tourists who love nature should contact Wildlife Conservation Division, Forestry Department (Tel: 579-9446) in advance.

Chachoengsao where to stay?

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Chachoengsao Province

2009-06-24T03:03:00.001-07:00

Chachoengsao or Paet Rio is located on the east of Bangkok. Its fertility is due to Bang Pakong River. It is an important venue for agricultural products in the Central Region, with mango as the most popular fruit of the province. Moreover, it is the location of the sacred Phra Phutthasothon Buddha image.

Derived from Khmer, the name Chachoengsao means deep canal, while the name of Paet Rio (Paet means eight and Rio means stripes) has been believed to have come from the way dried fish (which are abundant in the area) were being pierced into eight stripes.

The history of Chachoengsao dated back since the Ayutthaya Period during the reign of King Phra Borom Tri Lokkanat. Most people live along the banks of Bang Pakong River and canals. Phra Phutthasothon or Luang Pho Sothon is the center of beliefs and faith. In the past, Chachoengsao was a small town, and was upgraded to a province in 1916.

Chachoengsao is 80 kilometers from Bangkok, with the area of 5,351 square kilometers. The local administration is divided into 10 Amphoe (district) and 1 King Amphoe (sub-district), namely: Amphoe Muang, Bang Khla, Bang Nam Prieo, Bang Pakong, Ban Pho, Phanom Sarakham, Sanam Chai Khet, Plaeng Yao, Ratchasan, Tha Takiap, and King Amphoe Khlong Khuean.

Geographical Location

In general, the areas are plains with forests along the sea coast. In the east, in Amphoe Sanam Chai Khet, the areas contain highlands and mountains, with the attitude of 300 meters above sea level.

Chachoengsao where to stay?

Klong Suan 100 Year Market

2009-06-24T02:49:00.000-07:00

Klong Suan 100 Year Market

Situated on the banks of Prawetburirom Canal, Khlong Suan Market lies in two provinces: Tambon Thepparat, Amphoe Ban Pho, Chacoengsao Province and Tambon Khlong Suan, Amphoe Bang Bo, Samut Prakan Province. This traditional market dates back to the reign of King Rama V. The market contains many different shops, which are getting rare these days, since they are increasingly being replaced by modern convenience stores and shopping malls. More than 100 years old, it still retains the quaint charm of the old days. Visitors will be pleased with the traditional market atmosphere while enjoying a great variety of tasty food.

In the past, the market was most conveniently accessible by boat. There was only one passenger boat service from Chachoengsao to Bangkok, serviced by Nai Loet (Mr. Loet). The boat picked up passengers at Chachoengsao, ran past Khlong Suan Market, and eventually arrived at Pratu Nam (Water Gate) in Bangkok.

The market is still an important community centre, transit point for commuters, and cargo port. The market is also a centre uniting the spirit of the Thai, Chinese and Muslim people who lived peacefully in the same area, as can be seen from the architecture of its temples and mosques, and a Chinese canteen offering free vegan food for people. In addition, its people always cooperated in developing the community’s infrastructure, for instance digging canals and building roads. Though they were of different religions, they have always enjoyed morning cafe get-togethers to share ideas, experiences, news and politics. The coffee shops have always been lively community meeting places.

The local governmental organizations of the two provinces support the preservation both of the community’s buildings and simple way of life. In addition, Khlong Suan Market has been promoted to the status of cultural attraction, of which visitors are welcomed to experience its idyllic atmosphere dating back to the reign of King Rama V.

Where to stay in Chachoengsao?

Getting there:

By car – from Bangkok, take Motorway Expressway, and follow the signs for ‘100 Year Old Khlong Suan Market’, or take On Nut – Chachoengsao Road, drive past Latkrabang Institute of Technology, continue straight, and Khlong Suan Market will be on the left.

For further information, contact Tambon Thepparat Municipality, Amphoe Ban Pho, Chachoensao, tel. 0 3859 5633, 0 3859 5716, or Tambon Khlong Suan Municipality, Amphoe Bang Bo, Samut Prahan, tel. 0 2739 3253, 0 2739 3329, 0 2704 1273.

Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan

2009-06-24T02:24:00.000-07:00

This temple is in the municipal area by the Bang Pakong River. Built in late Ayutthaya Period, with its original name of “Wat Hong”, it is the location of Phra Phutthasothon or Luang Pho Sothon, the important Buddha image in the attitude of meditation with a width of 1.65 meters and a height of 1.48 meters high. According to the legend, this Buddha image had been floated along the river, before being placed here at this temple. The original image was a beautiful Buddha image, but later on cement was placed on the image to prevent from burglary. Worshippers from all walks of life come to pay respect to this most reputed image by pasting gold leaves on the image.

The present chapel (ubosot) is a new, beautiful, and gigantic building which has replaced the old one. The chapel actually depicts the style of the applied Rattanakosin period..

The operating hours are during 07:00 –16:15 hrs. weekdays and 07:00 – 17:00 hrs. weekends. Moreover, there are many stalls for food and local souvenirs. Long-tailed boat service to and from the city market and the temple is also available.

Hotels in Chachoengsao

Sand Castle Chachoengsao

2009-06-24T00:50:00.000-07:00

Situated next to Carrefour Supermarket in Chachoengsao downtown, the Sand Castle Chachoengssao commemorates HM King Bhumibol’s 80th Birthday. This exhibition shows displays exquisite craftsmanship in the gigantic sand statues which were created by over professional 70 sculptors worldwide from the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, the United States, Czechoslovakia and Thailand. More than 30 pieces are exhibited on 4.8 acres of land, making this the world’s largest indoor sand sculpture exhibition.

The exhibition is divided into 3 sections:

1. Sand sculptures concerning HM the King

Sculptures in this zone extol HM the King and his many good works and dedication to his country and people.

2. Sculptures depicting Thai history and literature

This is a very interesting exhibit in the dark, with stunning light and sound effects.

3. International Sand Sculptures

This zone is dedicated to sculptures drawing source material from worldwide sources, including the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, the Statue of Liberty, Brandenberg Gate, Van Gogh’s work, wind mills, etc.

The Sand Castle Chachoengssao is open every day from 9.00-18.00 hrs.
Admission is 80 Baht for adults and 40 Baht for children.
For further information, call 0 3851 5120 - 1
Where to stay in Chachoengsao?

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

2009-05-22T04:53:00.001-07:00

In 1491, Wat Phra Si Sanphet was located inside the compound of the Grand Palace-the foundations of which are still visible-and served as the royal chapel, as Wat Phra Kaeo does in Bangkok. This Wang Lung Palace (Royal Palace) was built by King U-Thong upon the founding of the city. Used as a residential palace, it became a monastery in the reign of King Ramathibodi I. When King Borom Trai Lokanat commanded the construction of new living quarters, this residential palace was transformed into a temple,and the establishment of Wat Phra Si Sanphet. In Ayutthaya’s heyday, this was the largest temple in the city.

The three main chedis which have been restored contain the ashes of three Ayutthaya kings. The temple is situated at the northern end of Si Sanphet Road. The royal chapel does not have any monks and novice inhabitants.

Admission fee is 50 baht. A package ticket vilid for 30 days is also available at 220 baht each, covering admission to Wat phra Si Sanphet and the Ancient Palace Complex, Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Phra Ram, Wat Chai Watthanaram and Wat Maheyong .

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Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit

2009-05-22T04:39:00.001-07:00

This chapel is located to the south of Wat Phra Si Sanphet. A large bronze seated Buddha image (Phra Mongkhon Bophit) was originally enshrined outside the Grand Palace to the east. It could be dated to the 15th century and was originally intended to stand in the open air. Later, King Songtham commanded it to be transferred to the west, where it is currently enshrined and covered with a Mondop. In the reign of Phra Chao Sua, the top of the Mondop was burnt down by a fire due to a thunderbolt. The King then commanded that a new building be built in the form of a big sanctuary (Maha Wihan) to cover the image in lieu of the former Mondop. During the second fall of Ayutthaya, the building and the image were badly destroyed by fire. The present Viharn and Buddha image have been reconstructed and renovated. The open area located east of the Viharn was formerly Sanam Luang, where royal cremation ceremonies took place.

Admission fee is 50 baht/person.
Ayutthaya Hotel

Ayutthaya

2009-05-21T22:15:00.000-07:00

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya or Ayutthaya in short, is one of Thailand’s historical and majestic highlights. Serving as the Thai capital for 417 years (1350 1767: Kingdom of Ayutthaya), it was once glorified as one of the biggest cities in Southeast Asia. During the 17th century, most foreign visitors to Ayutthaya, traders or diplomats alike, claimed Ayutthaya to be the most illustrious and glittering city that they had ever visited. The map of Ayutthaya published in 1691 by Simon de la Loubere in Du Royaume De Siam is proof of such recognition.

The Kingdom of Ayutthaya reached its apex in terms of sovereignty, military might, wealth, culture, and international commerce in the 16th century when the Kingdoms territory was extended far beyond present-day Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Ayutthaya even had diplomatic relations with Louis XIV of France and was courted by Dutch, Portuguese, English, Chinese and Japanese merchants.

Visitors can explore and appreciate Thai history in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, which is situated only 86 kilometers north of Bangkok. Visitors to Ayutthaya can marvel at its grandeur reflected through numerous magnificent structures and ruins concentrated in and around the city island surrounded by Maenam Chao Phraya, Maenam Pa Sak and Maenam Lopburi.

More importantly,Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, an extensive historical site in the heart of Ayutthaya city, has been included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list since 13 December, 1991.

The Past

The Kingdom of Ayutthaya was built and developed in leaps and bounds. The ruins in Ayutthaya that survived the test of time embody both the glorious and ignominious stories of the Kingdom.

This ancient capital of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, had thirty three kings of different dynasties and reached its peak in the middle of the18th century. A magnificent city with three palaces and over 400 magnificent temples on an island threaded by canals Ayutthaya was truly an impressive city that attracted both Europeans and Asians. After a 15-month siege the Kingdom of Ayutthaya was conquered and completely destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. When King Taksin the Great finally liberated the Kingdom, a new dynasty was established and the capital was moved to Thonburi.

The seal of Ayutthaya depicts a conch on a pedestal tray placed in a small castle under a Mun tree. According to legend, King U-Thong, founder of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, discovered a beautiful conch buried in the ground being prepared for the establishment of the seat of his Kingdom. Consequently, he had a tiny castle built to house the shell. Hence, the provincial seal.

The Present

Today, there are but groups of crumbling ruins and rows of headless Buddhas where once an empire thrived. The temple compounds are still awe-inspiring even in disrepair and a visit here is memorable and a good beginning for those drawn to the relics of history.

The architecture of Ayutthaya is a fascinating mix of Khmer (ancient Cambodian style) and early Sukhothai style. Some cactus-shaped obelisks, called prangs, denote Khmer influence and look something like the famous towers of Angkor Wat. The more pointed stupas are ascribed to the Sukhothai influence. For new arrivals who had limited their visit to Bangkok, similarities may be noted with the riverside Wat Arun, an 18th-century structure that was built in the so-called Ayutthaya style, a melding of Sukhothai Buddhist influences and Hindu-inspired Khmer motifs.

Ayutthaya is administratively divided into 16 districts: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ban Phraek, Bang Ban, Bang Pahan, Bang Pa-in, Amphoe Bang Sai, Bang Sai, Lat Bua Luang, Maha Rat, Nakhon Luang, Phachi, Phak-Hai, Sena, Tha Rua, Uthai and Wang Noi.

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Namtok Sarika

2009-05-13T01:06:00.001-07:00

Namtok Sarika

The most famous waterfall in Nakhon Nayok is located in Sarika Sub-district, approximately 15 kilometers east of the city along Highway No. 3050. The nine-tiered waterfall cascading down the cliff to a forested hillside has a large natural pool on each level which is sometimes is perfect for swimming. Accommodations, restaurants and souvenir shops are available. Local products including brooms and artificial flowers made from wild pine are sold in shops around the waterfall.

Luang Pu Man, the famous and revered monk, had resided in nearby Sarika Cave for his religious meditation from 1917-1920. Other than Luang Pu Mans meditation place inside the cave there is also a chapel located at the top-end of the cave. In addition, there are residences of monks and nuns who pursue inner-path meditation.

Getting to this picturesque waterfall is very convenient. Drive along Highway No. 3049 for about 12 kilometers, then take a left turn to Highway No. 3050 and proceed for another 3 kilometers.

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Rafting along Nakhon Nayok River

2009-05-13T00:52:00.001-07:00

Rafting along Nakhon Nayok River

Originating from Khao Yai National Park, the Nakhon Nayok River branches out at Wang Takhrai Canal. Canoe rafting trips leave from Wang Ta Krai Canal (next to Wang Ta Krai Bridge) and proceeds along Nang Rong Canal to the Nakhon Nayok River. There are many exit points along the river bank such as at Ban dong, Kaeng Sam Chan, Wang Kutapha and Wang Yao. The distance for each section is 2-5 kilometers. The river is quite smooth without rapids, but may have many unexpected (but thrilling) twists and turns.

The canoeing routes as follows:

Wang Takhrai Bridge - Sam Chan Rapids: distance - 3 kms.
Wang Takhrai Bridge - Wang Kutapha: distance - 4 kms.
Tha Dan Bridge - Sam Chan Rapids: distance - 3 kms.
Tha Dan Bridge - Wang Kutapha: distance - 4.5 kms.
Wang Takhrai Bridge - Wang Yao: distance - 6.5 kms.
Tha Dan Bridge - Wang Yao: distance - 6.5 kms.

More complete and up-to-date information, regarding current prices and water (current) conditions, can be obtained from the TAT office in Nakhon Nayok tel: 037 312-282 and 312-284.

* Trekking, please refer to section in Khao Yai National Park.

Namtok Heo Narok (Waterfall)

2009-05-13T00:44:00.001-07:00

Namtok Heo Narok

Located to the south of the Park, this beautiful 3-tiered waterfall cascades from a 200-meter cliff through forested mountains onto the plains below. Its first tier is 60 meters high. The scene is breathtaking, particularly when watching the strong currents flowing from the first layer to the lower layers at a 90-degree angle before disappearing into the deep valley. The waterfall is truly spectacular and equally dangerous claiming at least one elephant death per year as wild elephants jungle path is through the waterfall.

The waterfall is accessible via Route No. 3077 (Prachin Buri-Khao Yai Route). Traveling by car from the city, drive along Suwannason Road, take a left turn to Highway Number 3077 at Noen Hom intersection or Naresuan roundabout in Prachin Buri Province, and proceed to the Km. 24 marker.

From Bangkok, take the Don Muang-Hin Kong route; turn left on to Highway No. 33, which leads to Noen Hom Intersection. Alternatively, use the Rangsit Road and drive towards Nakhon Nayok-Noen Hom Intersection, then switch to Highway No.3077 to Namtok Haeow Narok.

By Bus: From Bangkok. There are several bus companies operating on the Bangkok-Prachin Buri route. Buses depart from the Northern Bus Terminal on Kamphaengphet 2 Road. Get off the bus at Naresuan Intersection and then hire a song taew to Khao Yai National Park.

Angthong Province

2009-05-13T00:26:00.000-07:00

Ang Thong, a province, which is luxurious of native handicraft like, molded court dolls, firebrick, and wickerwork. It is also the origination of Li Ke, the native folk song, hometown of Nai Dok and Nai Thongkaeo, the two heroes during Bang Rachan Battle. Ang Thong is also abundant with more than 200 clean, magnificent, and interesting temples, most appropriate for Thai chronological study.

Ang Thong, originally known as Mueang Wiset Chai Chan, is located on the Noi River and the low-lying land of Chao Phraya River. It is an essential frontier outpost of Ayutthaya when fighting with the Burmese. As appeared in several parts of Ayutthaya chronicles, especially, prior to the defeat of Ayutthaya in 1767, the Burmese encamped at Mueang Wiset Chai Chan to attack Ayutthaya causing Bang Rachan Battle, a noted event recorded in Thai history. Later during the Thonburi era, Mueang Wiset Chai Chan was moved to a new site on the left bank of the Chao Phraya River at Ban Bangkaeo and was named Ang Thong since its location was a fertile basin similar to a water and rice bowl of the country.

Ang Thong is a small province located at the lower part of central Thailand as large as 968 square kilometers. Topographically, almost all of the Ang Thong area is low plain with two important rivers crossing the province, i.e. Noi River and Chao Phraya River. Ang Thong is administratively divided into 7 Amphoes: Amphoe Mueang Ang Thong, Amphoe Wiset Chai Chan, Amphoe Sawaeng Ha, Amphoe Pa Mok, Amphoe Pho Thong, Amphoe Chaiyo, and Amphoe Samko. Borders are Sing Buri to the north, Ayutthaya to the south, Ayutthaya and Lop Buri to the east and Suphan Buri to the west.

Distances from Amphoe Muang to neighbouring Amphoes :

Amphoe Pho Thong 11 kilometers
Amphoe Pa Mok 12 kilometers
Amphoe Wiset Chai Chan 13 kilometers
Amphoe Chaiyo 15 kilometers
Amphoe Sawaeng Ha 25 kilometers
Amphoe Samko 27 kilometers

Distances from Ang Thong Province to other Provinces nearly :

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 31 kilometers
Sing Buri 40 kilometers
Suphan Buri 44 kilometers
Lop Buri 67 kilometers

Nakhon Nayok

2009-05-13T00:20:00.000-07:00

Nakhon Nayok is a destination which is often taken for granted by many tourists. The fact that it is located just 106 kilometers from Bangkok and its attractions may be visited as a day trip makes it just a stop over spot for travelers. But this is not always the case. Nakhon Nayok is famous for its refreshing natural beauty including waterfalls and parks, renowned historical sites, soft adventure activities, and its variety of fruits.

Nakhon Nayok is one of Thailand's central provinces. Covering some 2,130 square kilometres, it borders Saraburi and Nakhon Ratchasima Provinces on the north, Prachin Buri Province on the east, Chachoengsao Province on the south and Pathum Thani Province on the west.

The northern part of Nakhon Nayok is located in the Dong Phaya Yen mountain range an area covered by the Khao Yai National Park. Yod Khao Kiew, its highest peak, is 1,292 meters above sea level. The central part of the province is on a contrary, a rather flat river plain formed by the Maenam Nakhon Nayok. The southern part of the province has relatively unfertile acidic soil.

The provincial seal says a lot about Nakhon Nayok. It is a picture of a circle indicating the unity of Nakhon Nayok people. An elephant raising an ear of rice in the circle represents fertile forests with numerous elephants. An ear of rice refers to farming which is fruitful. The background with a pile of straw, trees and clouds depicts fertility and the natural beauty of the province.

Nakhon Nayok is a province with a history of over 900 years. It was believed to have been established in the Dvaravati period as indicated by some remains found in Ban Dong Lakhon, a village to the south of the town. During the Ayutthaya period and the reign of King U-Thong, the town which was an eastern garrison was only a forested but infertile highland called Ban Na (village of the rice field). Jungle fever, unfruitful and unproductive agriculture forced the settlers to migrate elsewhere. It was not until the King granted an exemption of paddy field tax that people began to move in and settle down as a community. It was then named Muang Nayok which literally means the town that the paddy tax was lifted.

In 1894, under the royal command of King Rama V, Nakhon Nayok was designated as part of Prachin Buri province. Eventually, it became a province in its own right.

Where to stay in Nakhon Nayok?

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Wat Khun Inthapramun

2009-05-13T00:03:00.000-07:00

Wat Khun Inthapramun

Is located in Tambon Inthapramun. It is an ancient temple constructed in the Sukhothai period. Considering the original line of brick remains, it is estimated to be a large temple. The largest and longest reclining Buddha in Thailand, 50 meters from the topknot to the feet, is enshrined here. Originally, the reclining Buddha image was housed in the wihan, but this temple was on fire and was left deserted with the Buddha image in the open for centuries. The image features and size are similar to those of Phranon Chaksi, a reclining Buddha image in Sing Buri Province. Therefore, it is assumed to have been constructed in the same period. The image possesses attractive Buddha features with a serene smiling face attracting respectfulness and faithfulness from people. Thai kings went to pay homage to the image e.g. King Borommakot in 1753, King Rama V in 1878 and 1908. The present king came to present the royal Kathin robes in 1973 and again in 1975. Buddhists from all over the country always make their visits to worship the image.

Moreover, within Wat Khun Inthapramun compound, there are historical remains of basement, some parts of walls, and Buddha image in Luangpho Khao wihan. Inside the all-purpose pavilion, there is a statue of Khun Inthapramun and the skeleton found in the wihan of the reclining Buddha image in 1998 lying on his face with his hands and feet tied up. People believe that this skeleton is of Khun Inthapramun, but some say it is not. According to the legend, Khun Inthapramun was a revenue officer who secretly embezzled the government tax to build this reclining Buddha image as a holy object. When the King asked how he obtained the fund from, Khun Inthapramun did not reveal the truth because he was afraid that his merit from building the image would be passed on to the King. He was finally sentenced to death. And the temple was then called Wat Khun Inthapramun.

How to get there :

This site can be accessed by 3 routes. Ang Thong Amphoe Pho Thong (No. 3064), then take a right turn at Km 9 for approximately 2 kilometers. Or take the route from Sing Buri province to Amphoe Chaiyo at approximately Km 64-65, take a left turn for 4 kilometers to reach the temple. Or take the new route Amphoe Wiset Chai Chan Pho Thong (along the irrigation canal road) when arriving at Amphoe Pho Thong, take a right turn for 2 kilometers to reach the temple.

Ko Kret - Nonthaburi (Kret Island)

2009-05-12T21:51:00.000-07:00

Ko Kret
Ko Kret or Kret island in the Chao Phraya River was created from the digging of a canal around a cape of the Chao Phraya River. In 1722, during the reign of King Thaisa of Ayutthaya, the island was called Khlong Lat Kret Noi which means a shortcut to Kret canal. Later, the current diverted, making the canal larger and turning the cape there into an island.

Ko Kret has prospered since the Ayutthaya period as evident from the many temples on the island that are from that period. However, it may have been deserted when the Burmese sacked Ayutthaya. When Ayutthaya was reclaimed, King Taksin the Great relocated the Mon people who found religion here. The Mon people on the island came during the Thon Buri period and during the reign of King Rama II.

Chao Phraya Express Boat Co., Ltd. organises one day trip cruising to Koh Kred from Sathorn Pier every Saturdan and Sunday. Prices: Adult 300 baht, Child 250 baht. For more information call 0 2623 6143 or 0 2623 6001-3, 0 2225 3003, 0 2222 5330 ext. 106 or visit http://www.chaophrayaboat.co.th/

A bicycle is the best transportation mode on the island.

Attractions on Ko Kret :
Wat Poramai Yikawat or Wat Pak Ao has many interesting things to see. There is a small castle with a five-tiered roof at the temples landing. It used to house a Mon coffin of a former abbot.
The fascinating convocation hall is decorated with items imported from Italy, a style that was popular during the reign of King Rama V. The king wished to preserve some of the traditional ways and commanded that this temple have prayers in the Mon language. Nowadays this temple is the only one that keeps the Buddhist scripture in this language. The main Buddha image here is in the Man Wichai posture, the work of Prince Praditsathanworakan who also made the Siam Thewathirat Buddha image. King Rama V praised this images beauty because its face seems alive. Another Mon characteristic here is the Mon-style pagoda that is a replica of Phra That Chedi Mutao in Hongsawadi that is highly revered by all Mons and houses the holy relics of Lord Buddha.

The chapel enshrines a reclining Buddha of the late Ayutthaya period that is decorated with striking mural paintings of royal insignias drawn by Prince Prawit Xumsai. Behind the building is a Buddha image of the province called Phra Nonthamunin from the late Ayutthaya period in the meditation posture on a Mon pedestal (Chong Phara) made by local artisans. In front of the building is a marble Buddha image that Sang Sew Sun, a Burmese, presented to King Rama V. The building is open daily during 08.30-16.30 hrs.

The museum exhibits artifacts that include earthen Buddha image, glassware, porcelain, and the Hem in particular. The Hem, a Mon-style coffin, which was made by Colonal Chatwat Ngamniyom, is considered a masterpiece of art. Its superb design and aluminum plate carving have been delicately done. It is believed that the Mons had copied the coffin style of Lord Buddha, which had a straight base, wide top, and narrow sides. The drawing of this coffin is shown in the museum. The Hem usually contains a dry corpse. A monks Hem has a window for onlookers to see the corpse inside.

Jim Thompson’s Museum

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This exquisite collection of traditional Thai house stands as a museum to the man who revived the Thai silk industry after the Second World War.

The story of James H.W. Thompson is one upon legends are made. After serving in the U.S.A. armed forces, Jim Thompson settled in Thailand and found the tremendous opportunity to re-establish the Thai silk industry. In recognition of his services to the country, he was bestowed the royal award of The Order of the White Elephant.

The company he founded, Jim Thompson Thai Silk, is recognized worldwide for its brilliant creations.

He was an avid collector of Asian artifacts and antiques and The Jim Thompson’s House is possibly the epitome of his collection.

Before his mysterious disappearance in the Cameron Highland in Malaysia in 1967, his house was the talk of the town where he entertained his friends and visitors including the like of Somerset Maugham.

The house sits on approximately a half acre of land on Mahanak Canal. Ban Khrua village where his silk weavers lived and worked. Is just on the other side of the canal. To build the house he gathered 6 original traditional teak structure from different parts of the country and brought carpenter from Ayutthaya who completed the house in 1959.

The gardens are equally impressive with a lush tropical jungle imitating nature’s haphazard beauty right in the center of the city.

Jim Thompsons connoisseur collection of antiques and artifacts is on permanent exhibition, making this a magnificent museum of the lifestyle of the legend.

Location: Soi Kasemsan 2 , Rama 1 road, opposite National Stadium, Pathum Wan

How to get there : taking Skytrain to National Stadium BTS Station or taking bus routes 15, 47, 73, 204

Open daily : 9.00 am. to 5.00 pm.

Admission fee : Adult 100 baht, Child 50 baht.

Contact : Tel. 0 2216 7368

Website : www.jimthompsonhouse.com

Check for :Bangkok Hotel

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Bangkok Canal Tour

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A voyage through time

Bangkoks history is so closely connected to the waterways. It used to have so many canals that it was often called The Venice of The East. Rattanakosin Island came into existence when King Rama I had the Bang Lamphu Klong constructed to fortify Bangkok.

Cruising along the klongs as the canals are called in Thai, takes you on a journey of contrast back to earlier eras and up to modern Bangkok.

The most popular klong trips start on the Bangkok side of the Chao Phraya River and cross over to the Thonburi side to venture up Bangkok Noi and Bangkok Yai canals. These journeys take you to fascinating places such as The Royal Barge Museum and the colonial-style Thonburi Railway Station.

On the way you will see a different side of life as you pass the homes of the klong-dwellers. Each home seems to have its own boat, be it a small canoe or a hang yao the long-tailed boats powered by car or truck engines and a propeller on a long shaft that acts as both propulsion and steerage.

The contrast continues as you pass into idyllic rural pockets where villagers grow fruit, vegetables and orchids which are sent to markets on the long-tailed boats. You’ll see children on there way to or from school and saffron robed monks travelling to their klong-side temples. You may even come across Thai women in boats selling boat noodles, drinks, snacks and fruit.

Most organized canal tours take you to a floating market at Taling Chan in Thonburi that operates from 8.30 a.m. until noon. It is usually crowded with other tourists.

How to get there : Tour boats depart from the pier beside the Oriental Hotel, at River City and Tha Chang Wang Luang Pier. Or Tha Chang pier near the Grand Palace. They usually ask for 1,000 baht per boat though if you try hard you can knock the price down around 800 THB or less for personal boat trip. ;)

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