Thailand travel information Beaches Bangkok phuket Festival Vacation and Holiday

Chiang Mai

2011-11-04T14:28:00.005+07:00

Chiang Mai Province

Chiang Mai. As one of the provinces in Thailand. It is located north of the country. Covering an area of about 20,107 square kilometers. The second largest of the country and has an estimated population of 1.63 million, the fifth largest in the country is divided into 25 administrative districts by the district Galyani Vadhana district No. 25 and No. 878 of the province of the country.

Chiang Mai is a province with a high level of development. Has the potential to develop and grow rapidly. Both tourism and economic investment as the economy, the largest city in the north. Associate of Bangkok. This province has abundant natural and cultural attractions. Has a long history. This is the language of the ancient Lanna Kingdom Lanna (the city) is the local language. Uniquely different from other provinces in terms of tradition and culture.

In 2553, the Chiang Mai Creative City Development Committee. To develop the city as a creative city and the committee is to consider the application of a UNESCO Creative City of UNESCO .

Bangkok

2011-11-04T13:27:00.006+07:00

Bangkok

Bangkok Is the capital. And most populous city in Thailand , as well as the administrative center of transportation. Banking, commerce, communication, and the prosperity of the country. It is also a city with the longest name in the world. The river is important. River flow. The city is divided into two sides, is the capital and Thonburi. The City has a total area of 1568.737 square kilometers.

Bangkok is a Special Administrative Region of Thailand. Does not have a status of the province where the City is also used as a local government office in Bangkok as well. The City elected to the executive and the election of local administrators directly.

The growing influence of the Thai political culture, fashion and entertainment world to New York City's status as the alpha level New York has many tourist attractions like the Royal Palace. The royal castles in the clouds and which attracts about 10 million foreign tourists each year. It is a city with the most foreign tourists, London is second only.

In the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, Bangkok (Bangkok), it was a small trading station. Located at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River, later King Taksin moved his capital to the west of the river. Thonburi and in 2325 was named by King Rama I the Great moved his capital to the eastern side of the river known as Rattanakosin.

Phanom Rung Mountain Festival

2011-11-04T13:11:00.006+07:00

Phanom-Rung - Mountain Festival (Magic moments in Khmer heritage)

Date : 2 April - 4 April
Location : Buriram,Thailand
The tourists. To prove the phenomenon of the architectural wonders of the construction of Prasat Phanom Rung. The sun is 15 castle doors. It is a wonderful phenomenon. It is a shrine in Prasat Phanom Rung Khmer art, one of the world's natural wonders. The combination of architectural knowledge. The construction of the castle. The sunlight falls through the doorway 15 Shiva Linga. As the Lord Shiva. It is located inside the main prang of Phanom Rung castle. That as he Akrlas heaven and each year takes place only four times.

Yasothon Bun Bangfai (Rocket) Festival

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Yasothon Bun Bangfai (Rocket) Festival

Parades of various sized and beautifully decorated rockets, cheer squad, Miss
Bangfai, fancy rocket and highest soaring rocket competitions.

Loi Krathong

2011-11-04T12:21:00.004+07:00

Loi Krathong
Date: 10 Nov 2011

Although the holiday of Loy Krathong is now celebrated throughout the kingdom, Loy Krathong originated in Sukhothai, the first Thai capital. While particularly popular with couples who head down to any nearby body of water to light the candles and incense on their floating Krathongs, visitors can best appreciate Loy Krathong by heading to the ancient capital of Sukhothai, where the holiday was first celebrated.

Highlights of the Sukhothai Loy Krathong celebration include displays of lighted candles and fireworks, folk dancing and a spectacular light & sound presentation.
At the Sukhothai Loy Krathong festival, visitors will be dazzled by the float procession of large krathong from 17 Northern provinces. The procession will consist of krathongs from government agencies, state enterprises, private sectors, and the general public. There are also a Krathong design contest, the Miss Noppamas Beauty Contest, and Sukhothai arts and culture performanc

Songkran Festival in Bangkok

2011-11-04T11:52:00.007+07:00

Songkran Festival in Bangkok

Date: 9 - 17 April, every year
Venue: Nagaraphirom Park, and the Royal Temple around the Rattanakosin Royal Square, Bangkok

Experience the demonstration of the Songkran Festival in 4 regions, pouring some scented water to the Buddha Image, enjoy various tasty dishes and cultural performance at Nagaraphirom Park during 10-15 April at 10.00-20.00 hrs. (the Opening Ceremony will be held on 9 April.)
Visit the Royal Temple such as Wat Phra Kaeo, Wat Pho, Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn),
Wat Ratchaorasaram, Wat Ratchaphradit, Wat Ratchabophit, Wat Bowornniwet, Wat Suthat, Wat Phraram Kao, Wat Chanasongkhram, Wat Saket (The Golden Mount), Wat Rakhang, and Wat Kanlayanamit. Moreover, partake in the Songkran Festival in Rattanakosin Royal Square and its neighboring (Bang Lamphu, Khaosan Rd., Phra Athit Rd., Santhichaiprakan and Wisut Krasat) (During 9-17 April, at 10.00-18.00 hrs. Please visit an information booth of each temple for getting a “passport” to collect the stamp of each temple for receiving a souvenir at Wat Pho.)

Chiang Rai

2011-11-04T01:42:00.000+07:00

CHIANG RAI Province

The quieter neighbor of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai is a land of outstanding natural beauty, where visitors looking to avoid the hordes can visit remote hill tribes, spot exotic wildlife, and check out the golden triangle, the former center of the world’s opium trade.

Chiang Rai has been inhabited since the 7th century, but it was not until 1262 that King Meng Rai established it as the first capital of the Lanna Kingdom. The capital was later relocated to Chiang Mai and since that time Chiang Rai has lived in the shadow of its neighboring province, though for tourists this is a good thing.

Today, Chiang Rai is a traveler’s paradise, endowed with abundant natural attractions and antiquities. Attractions range from ruins of ancient settlements and Buddhist shrines to magnificent mountain scenery and hill tribe villages. For those interested in the natural side of Chiang Rai, jungle trekking is a magical experience; explore the mountains of the north along various hiking trails, many of which access the villages of diverse hill tribes groups, many of whom maintain their traditional lifestyles.

Chiang Rai town, which tends to be a little more ‘laid back’ than its more popular neighbor, now competes with Chiang Mai as a tourist attraction and is fast becoming a popular escape for tourists wanting to leave their troubles behind.

Chiang Rai, the former capital of the great Lanna Kingdom, is a fascinating province filled with cultural and natural wonders, including the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos, and Burma come together; an area that was once the hub of opium production, a trade that had much influence on cultural practices and lifestyles. Chiang Rai had stayed off the tourist radar for many years, its people enjoying very leisurely development and mostly traditional, rural lifestyles. Until this day, entire clans live together in bamboo houses and each village has its own individual character.

Recently tourism has boomed in Chiang Rai, where visitors have come to explore the pristine natural beauty of the countryside and immerse themselves in the indigenous culture, including those of a variety of different hill tribe communities. Fortunately for tourists, Chiang Rai is also a center for community development projects, helping rural villagers develop their attractions without adversely affecting their natural and cultural assets.

Huna Hin Beaches

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Hua Hin Beaches

Hua Hin, one of Thailand’s premier beach resort towns on the Gulf of Thailand, is less than 200 km south of Bangkok, making it one of the most popular weekend getaway destination for city residents. A resort equally popular with young couples and families, tourists and Thais, Hua Hin is also the location of the King of Thailand’s summer palace, Klai Kang Won, “Far from Worries.”

Hua Hin features a beautiful, powdery sand beach, numerous seaside seafood restaurants, a lively night market, numerous beach activities, and some great inland activities, not least of which is golfing at some of Thailand’s most renowned courses. Hua Hin is also the site of Thailand’s most popular music festival, the Hua Hin Jazz Festival. Just down the coast at Takiab Bay visitors can take seaside horseback rides and visit a hilltop Buddhist temple with a spectacular view.

Accommodation along the beach and on the streets leading away from the sea range from simple guesthouses to luxury resorts, and includes some of the finest spa-retreats in the world. Hua Hin is accessible via train, bus, or car and the seaside community of 60,000 residents epitomizes warm and welcoming Thai hospitality.
The seaside town of Hua Hin, meaning “Stone Head”, was named after the rocks at the north end of the powdery sand beach. Hua Hin became Thailand's first beach resort after a train line was laid in the 1920 to provide access from Bangkok and King Rama VII established his summer retreat in the area. With a 5 kilometer-long beach that features numerous activities and hosts an annual jazz festival, the laid back and hospitable town of Hua Hin continues to draw both tourists and Thais.

In addition to beach activities, outstanding seafood restaurants, and a vibrant night market, Hua Hin is well known for having some of the finest golf courses in Thailand, as well as some of the most renowned resorts and destination spas in the world.

Koh Chang

2011-11-04T01:28:00.000+07:00

Koh Chang (CHANG ISLANDS)

With no less than 50 offshore isles, Koh Chang boasts the finest red gems, sweet Rakam fruits, indigenous dogs, the historic Koh Chang Naval engagement, and is the eastern-most province in Thailand.

Koh Chang (Elephant Island) is Thailand’s second largest island and the primary destination for those visiting Koh Chang Marine National Park, which includes dozens of unspoiled islands. Located in Trat Province, about 300 kilometers East of Bangkok and not far from the Cambodian border, Koh Chang is 70% covered by unspoiled rainforest and the island’s 5000 permanent residents are only gradually becoming more involved in tourism as development has increased in the past decade.

Now serviced by an airport just 15 minutes from the ferry terminal in Trat, Koh Chang is more easily accessible than ever before. Drawn to Koh Chang’s pristine beaches and sparkling water, more well-to-do Thai and international travelers have been discovering Koh Chang and numerous luxury spas and resorts have sprung up to cater to them. Nonetheless, the island is still a dream destination for budget travelers and families, with a wide variety of affordable accommodation options and numerous gorgeous and tranquil beaches surrounded by crystal clear water.

While the number of tourists has increased, particularly among middle class Thais, Koh Chang is still predominately unspoiled forests and pristine beaches. In addition to natural beauty, the island is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including native birds, snakes, deer, and even a number of elephants. As for activities, Koh Chang and the nearby islands that make up the national park are great for snorkeling, diving, camping, and jungle hiking.

The majority of tourists stay at Haad Sai Khao, Haad Kai Mook, Haad Ta Nam, and Laem Bang Bao, all of which are linked by a single road running down the west coast.

Access to the island is via Bangkok Airways service to Trat or buses that connect to shuttle service to the ferry docks at Laem Ngop near Trat.

Once the quiet refuge of backpackers in the know, Koh Chang (Elephant Island) has grown in popularity as a tourist destination since 2000, when the Thai government hoped to develop the island as the next Phuket. Fortunately, as Koh Chang is nearly as large as Phuket, a decade of development that has seen the construction of an airport in Trat and numerous hotels and restaurants has done little to sully its appeal as an island of spectacular natural beauty.

Koh Chang, the largest island in the Koh Chang Marine National Park, is a beach lover and nature enthusiasts dream come true. While recent development has led to the opening of some nightlife on the island, the primary attractions on the island are the beaches, waterfalls, and neighboring islands. However, several fishing villages, a number of naval battle sights, and some opportunities for diving and snorkeling make Koh Chang both an interesting and relaxing place to visit.

Tips : Koh Chang is approximately 30 km long and 14 km wide: a total area of roughly 217 km². The Koh Chang National Marine Park covers an area of 650 km², of which 70 % is offshore.

Koh Samet

2011-11-04T01:11:00.000+07:00

KOH SAMET (SAMET ISLANDS)

Koh Samet is a small island in Rayong province, around 200 km Southeast of Bangkok, along the way to Trat province and the island of Koh Chang. Technically part of Khao Laem Ya - Koh Samet National Park, Koh Samet is a popular weekend getaway for Thais and foreigners living in Bangkok, so there are dozens of beach resorts, bars, and restaurants on nearly every beach, although visitors are allowed to camp if they wish to do so.

Quiet and relaxing on the weekdays, raucous and fun on the weekends, Koh Samet is, despite its proximity to Bangkok, a beautiful island with powdery white sand, generally great year round weather, and a variety of lodging options.

Koh Samet derives its name from the cajeput trees that grow on the island, called “samet” in Thai. In the past however, it was called Koh Kaew Phitsadan, the "Magic Crystal Island". It’s no surprise from that name that Koh Samet was chosen to be part of a national park.

Visitors to Koh Samet looking for unspoiled beauty have to get away from the more developed beaches along the east coast, though even the most popular beaches are quite beautiful. Those looking for more relaxation can book rooms at the more upscale resorts on the west coast, which are spectacular places to watch sunsets.

Koh Samet is a small island around 200km south-east of Bangkok and just over 5 km off the coast of Rayong province. The island is part of the Khao Laem Ya – Koh Samet National Park though all of Koh Samet’s beaches have been developed to cater to the large stream of Bangkok residents who flock to the island each weekend. Drawn by its 14 fine, white sand beaches that feature a number of beachside bars and restaurants, Thai and foreign visitors return again and again to Koh Samet to enjoy the excellent weather on the island and appreciate its great natural beauty, home to exotic wildlife species including monkeys, hornbills, gibbons, and butterflies.

Tips :

Make sure that you wear mosquito repellent around dawn and dusk as it is possible to contract Dengue Fever on the island.

The best time of the year to visit Koh Samet is during the cool season between November and February when the weather is cooler and the seas are calmer.

Room rates are considerably lower than published the low season (March – October).

Koh Samet has no fresh water source; water must be brought in from the mainland or gathered from the rain; please used sparingly.

There are three ATMs on Koh Samet: one outside the 7-Eleven at the arrivals pier in Nadan, and two near the 7-Eleven just outside the national park entrance booth by Haad Sai Kaew.

Prices for goods such as mosquito repellent and rates for motorcycle rentals are slightly lower in Nadan, where passengers alight from mainland ferries.

koh Lann (Islands)

2011-11-04T00:54:00.000+07:00

Koh Lann islands

Location : South Pattaya, Pattaya, Thailand
Lying about 7.5 kilometers off of Pattaya by a 45-minute ferry or 15 minutes by speed boat ride, the island measures 2 kilometers by 5 kilometers and offers several white sandy beaches, notably Hat Ta Waen, Hat Laem Thian and Hat Thong Long, the latter facing coral reefs. Visitors can choose either snorkeling or viewing the coral from glass bottom boats. Ferries to the island leave South Pattaya pier daily from 10.00 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Cruises by sailing junks, with lunch provided are also available.

How to go there
A ferry service departs Laem Bali Hai Pier to Ko Lan everyday. Departure time is from 7.00 a.m.-6.30 p.m., while the arrival trips leave Ko Lan from 6.30 a.m.-6.00 p.m. It costs 20 baht. The boat will stop at Na Ban Pier. In case of going to other beaches, a long-tailed boat can be rented or a taxi can be hired. Furthermore, speed boats for 10 persons are available along Pattaya beach. Visitors can stop at Ta Waen Beach and Thong Lang Beach. The rental fee for the speed boat is 2,500-3,000 baht or depending on the agreement.