The Thai Traveller

Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

noreply@blogger.com (Malinee Chelsea B.) — Sun, 27 Oct 2013 12:23:00 +0700

CANADA'S FRONT DOOR

The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 (better known as 'Pier 21') is the location where over one million immigrants entered Canada for the first time from 1928-1971, Marginal Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

The museum has offers history of those who entered into Canada this way along with a bit about their lives and journeys. Moreover, you can find the gift shop and Scotiabank Family History Centre, Exhibitions at Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is a must to see / discover the Museum’s main exhibition dedicated to the years when Pier 21 was open as an immigration shed. Learn about the one million immigrants, refugees, war brides, evacuee children and displaced persons who came through this gateway between 1928 and 1971. You'll also learn about Canada's participation during the desperate days of WWII when 500,000 military personnel departed from Pier 21. Go on an emotional journey through Pier 21’s historic past when you view the multimedia presentation Oceans of Hope.

Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

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Photos Post

noreply@blogger.com (Malinee Chelsea B.) — Sun, 27 Oct 2013 00:44:00 +0700

Downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Beautiful Scenery at Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Titanic Grave Site - Fairview Cemetery, Halifax, Nova Scotia
สุสานของผู้เสียชีวิตจากเรือไททานิค ตั้งอยู่ที่เมืองฮาลิแฟ็กซ์ มลรัฐโนวา สโกเชีย ประเทศแคนาดา

James Bond Island

noreply@blogger.com (Malinee Chelsea B.) — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 14:27:00 +0700

James Bond Island Phang Nga Bay; one of the most beautiful bay of Thailand, the bay is between Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi. It is famous for gravity-defying limestone formations, including James Bond Island (Kao Ta-pu): On the fateful morning of 26 December 2004, Phang Nga Bay was attacked by a tsunami disaster and thousands of people lost their lives.

There are numbers of small islands between Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi. Some of them have accommodation as below lists;

Koh Bon, it is about 10 minutes from Haad Rawai (Rawai Beach), part of Phuket. The island is an ideal island for a day of snorkelling and relaxing.

Koh Hae (Coral Island), coral island is approximately 15 minutes by speedboat from Chalong Bay (Phuket part), speedboat can be accessible all year.

Koh Lon, is one of the quiet small islands; there are mostly Muslim island lives here and with a few bungalows.

Koh Mai Thon, it is a gorgeous little island with only one which is expensive place to stay.

Koh Maphrao (Coconut Island)

Koh Racha, this island consists of two islands; Raya Yai and Raya Noi which means big and small, the island is an ideal island and popular with scuba divers and a relaxing, as well as snorkelling destination.

Koh Yao, this island is also consists of two islands; Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi. The is land is halfway to Krabi, the island has few upmarket resorts.

Kao Ta-Pu in front of James Bond Island

Sightseeing along James Bond Island can be done in one day-tour. From Phang Nga Town; get your travel tickets from tour operators many different nearby your hotel, and see what's the best for you. Usually there are a couple of different trips available every day. Half day tours, full day tours and tours with a night in Koh Panyi with reasonable price. There are also trips with sea canoeing. Tours booked from Krabi or Phuket are shorter and are more expensive...

Tour operators has organized many different tours and most of them follow standard route around the bay; passing weird rock formations, limestone outcrops, hidden lakes, tiny beaches and many caves. The tours usually go to Khao Ping Gan - The Leaning Rock, which was featured in the James Bond movie "The Man With the Golden Gun" as Scaramanga's hideaway. Kao Tapu in front of the James Bond Island is a popular rock. Beware that on "the" James Bond Island, the beach is littered with trinket vendors trying to sell you something and the experience of seeing the island may be somewhat disappointing and diluted.

A Phang Nga bay tour may take you to Koh Panyi, a village built on stilts. The mosque and the graveyard are the only places which are built on ground. It's a tourist trap during the day as many tours also stop here. Some tours will give you the option to stay overnight, which is preferable to really experience the village as the tourist trap disappears in the evening. If you go inwards you can see more of the village and eat at local stalls. There are specially in the morning and late afternoon many boats to and out of the island.

Canoeing a popular activity in the Phang Nga Bay. It is a form of eco-tourism that is available in several variations, as popular one-day tours, or more extended tours involving overnight camping on island beaches. You will see more than anyone else of the area, as many mangrove swamps and island grottoes are only accessible by canoe :)

Koh Samet

noreply@blogger.com (Malinee Chelsea B.) — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 12:17:00 +0700

One of the Eastern Seaboard islands; Koh Samet located off the coastline of province 'Rayong' Gulf of Thailand. Travel from Bangkok by bus, with departures to Ban Phe (บ้านเพ) from Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai bus station), travel time from Bangkok to Ban Phe Pier approximately 4 hours.

From Ban Phe, there are direct boats to Koh Samet. The boat fee costs 50 Baht for local people, and 100 baht per person for tourists. It takes about 15-40 minutes from Ban Phe to Koh Samet, depends on what kind of the boats and the weather conditions.

Koh Samet has wonderful beaches, the most well-known beaches on the island are Had Sai Kaew, Ao Phai, Ao Vong Duean, Ao Wai and Ao Klew Na-Nok on the East coast and Ao Prao on the West coast.

At Had Sai Kaew or Sai Kaew Beach; there is a national park office where you can get the tourist information; Koh Samet is also under the National park area (Khao Laem Ya - Moo Koh Samet National Park. This national park is just on the way you walk to Sai Kaew beach after dropped off the ferry. In front of this national park, you will see a fee office where you pay for the fee for coming to Koh Samet. As for tourists pay about 200 Baht per one adult and 100 baht for a children. For Thais pay 40 baht for adult and 20 baht for a children. This island also has 7-Eleven shop. And there are many small local shops and easy to buy. If you are at Sai Kaew beach that means you are 3 Km far from Ao Wong Duean, 2.5 Km far from Ao Prao and approximately 6 Km far from Ao Pra-karang. From the national park walk down to Sai Kaew beach takes only a few minute.

Had Sai Kaew which literally means Crystal Sand Beach is very beautiful beach. It is full of soft white sand. It is the place for sunbathing, chilling, relaxing, jet skiing, windsurfing, riding on a banana boat or even partying at night. This is something you can do when you'd like to get away from such busy town. Koh Samet is one of the ideal travel places for most tourists who wanting to chill-out with their families for a couple of day. Travel to Koh Samet on week day is better than weekend as there are more tourist on weekends.

Between Sai Kaew beach and Ao Pai you will see the Mermaid and Pra Aphai Mani statue, (รูปปั้นนางเงือกและพระอภัยมณี) it is a story of "Soon torn phoo" poets.

Ao Phai; Sea-Breeze, Silver sand and Samet Villa Beach, Ao Phai is a small bay on Koh Samet with restaurants and a disco bar just at the beach. Ao Phai offers good quality rooms for couples and families.

Ao Hin Khok; Located close to Had Sai Kaew, Ao Hin Khok is therefore quite crowded. For visitors interested in sunbathing, Windsurfing, with the crystal clear water this is the good place.

Ao Wong Duean; is the second largest beach on the island (the first being Hat Sai Kaew). Ao Wong Duean attracts tourist groups during both the high and low seasons due to its beach and good accommodation. On top of this, seafood restaurants with nice views are also available.

Ao Wai; located within a short walking distance of Candlelight Beach. Shaded by coconut trees, the beach is quiet and scenic good for relax.

Ao Prow; is one of the quietest beaches of Koh Samet. Located quite far away from the nightlife of Koh Samet; Ao Prow is preferred by travelers who quietly enjoy the sea, swimming and sand, And its also best sunset view point of Koh Samet.

Activities

Some activities you could find on Koh Samet;

Windsurfing with its rocky coastline and offshore winds. Hin Khok beach is a good location for windsurfing.

Motorbike Driving Get Motorbike rental nearby the pier goes for about 300 Baht a day for a decent bike, automatic with off road wheels. If you are paying more, you are being ripped off. You should be a decent driver to drive across the Island. Roads can be very bad and rocky especially near Ao Wai beach. ATV's are rented out at about 400 Baht an hour. It is worth a drive if you are a decent driver.

Boat Trips These are arranged to take tourists, mostly by speed boat around the island to snorkeling and diving spots.

Snorkeling / Diving The Koh Samet area is a populars for divers and snorkelers, due its close proximity to Bangkok and abundance or clear water :) Colorful coral and diversity of marine life. Two of the most favoured locations for diving around Koh Samet are Koh Thalu and Koh Kut. Tourists can take a tour around the island and go snorkeling off the rocky uninhabited western side, or around the reefs at the southern tip. Scuba diving excursions can be arranged at Ao Vong Duean.

Fishing Night fishing trips for squid are usually arranged oh Koh Samet.

Massage On the beach there are countless massage therapists offering their massage service. And off the beach on the main roads; there are massage shops around.

Nightlife There are beer bars at virtually every beach, nearly all of them on Had Sai Kaew have hostesses. Besides bars there isn't much else but restaurants are selling alcohol. You can even get the popular sand bucket full of your favorite drink.

Life-style Thai people's lives on Koh Samet and there are several temples around. Many of the folk on Koh Samet however, are not originally from the island, but they've moved to the island to make a decent living through tourism.

The weather on Koh Samet is normally good year around. Also during the rainy season, between June and October, people still come here because it's not generally raining that much during the rainy monsoon season here. Koh Samet is actually the island in Thailand that has the driest weather during the rain season.

เช้านี้ที่เกาะเต่า Good Morning Koh Tao

noreply@blogger.com (Malinee Chelsea B.) — Sun, 25 Aug 2013 10:30:00 +0700

After a long day traveled from Bangkok, and now we are here at Koh Tao, or Tao Island (Turtle island), one of the amazing island scenes in Gulf of Thailand.

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It took us nearly 12 hours ride by bus and boat to get here. We left from Bangkok by Lomprayah (เรือเร็วลมพระยา) at 9PM and, just got to the island nearly 9AM. The bus ride from Bangkok to the pier at Chumporn province, drop off and jump to the boat which we've paid 1,050 baht (Bus+boat inclusive) That was pretty good price for the package bus + boat and it's quite comfortable travel at night even though it took a bit long hours but we're all happy and can see the smiling face on anyone who has touched the island scene, finally...

Now we are at Koh Tao; it's so beautiful island. Most of tourist came here for scuba divers, the local people said "It is one of the top scuba diving destinations in Thailand"

though even non divers are easily drawn in by the island's beauty and its charm.

The crystal clear waters of Koh Tao feature plenty of marine life and major coral that are certain to please the divers. Particularly as the island itself is so spectacular and the atmosphere here is quite relaxing. What's more to expect on this island?... It's now being a center for environmentally friendly diving practices, including the reintroduction of hundreds of juvenile turtles to the island's ecosystem, and efforts to preserve and grow coral reefs. For non-divers can appreciate the beauty of Koh Tao, which seems relatively devoid of inhabitants while the majority of visitors are spending their days underwater, by taking a boat trip around the island to visit Koh Tao's a lot of gorgeous beaches and bays, hiking to the peak of the island, practicing and studying yoga, or simply relaxing in a hammock and enjoying the view of nearby Koh Nang Yuan, a spectacular attraction in its own right.

A bit of history by local tourist information center saying that " Over the past decade Koh Tao has transformed from a sleepy, yet popular place to get a scuba certification to the second most popular place in the world to do so. Once a destination almost exclusively for scuba divers and those looking to get away from it all" - Koh Tao is now also a destination for wild 20-somethings to warm up before or unwind after neighboring Koh Phangan’s Full Moon Party. Fortunately, despite its quite small size, most of the beaches around Koh Tao have retained a charming, laid back atmosphere and bungalows ranging from ultra-basic thatch roof to chic and boutique are available for those on any budget to enjoy the beauty of one of Thailand’s most spectacular islands"

Key Tips

While there are numerous clinics on Koh Tao at Sairee Beach and Mae Haad, the closest hospitals are on Koh Samui and mainland Chumphon
Electricity, supplied by generators, is very expensive: switch off the lights, fans, and air conditioning when leaving your room
Exercise extreme caution when driving motorbikes on Koh Tao
Avoid drinking the night before scuba diving
Don't throw anything at all into the sea!
While diving or snorkeling, look, don't touch; this includes turtles, coral, and any other marine life!

Koh Phangan

noreply@blogger.com (Malinee Chelsea B.) — Mon, 19 Aug 2013 22:22:00 +0700

Koh Phangan, Thailand

Koh Pha-Ngan, or Pha-Ngan Island (เกาะพะงัน), another wonderful island of Gulf of Thailand, which located in Surat thani province, Koh Pha Ngan is halfway between two islands; Koh Samui and Koh Tao. Koh Phangan is also known as the land of coconut trees, and the world-famous full moon party at "Haad Rin Beach". The Full Moon Party is monthly dance music festival set on Haad Rin which is held in every full moon night every month. The event primarily features electronic dance music. This world-famous beach party brings thousands party lovers all around the world to the island, especially in the high season in December to March. And that is the best time to visit the island, when the water is high, clean, clear and good for swimming. It's also good time for you to enjoys of the lovely coconut trees, relax under the shade of coconut trees by white sand beaches and absorb the spirit of the nature.

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How to get there:

By Bus;

The best way to get to Koh Phangan is by Bus (Government Buses) to the Na Dan ferry piers: Bus terminal in Bangkok. Buses also arrive in Surat Thani, from the capital of Surat Thani Province, you you can buy a ticket for a bus + boat ride (ferry + transportation to Don Sak pier). The ferry stop at Koh Samui first, and will drop you off at the pier of Thong Sala. If there is no available listed above (if you've arrived to the bus terminal a bit late in the evening before a weekend or holiday), you can also try a bus to Chumphon and board a ferry there, see "By train". You can buy a ticket on the bus station, it will cost same as if purchased separately (and the bus arrives 2-3 hours before ferry departure, so you shouldn't be late).

Buses from Khao San Road, from here you can buy the joint ticket. A very good but pricier option, is using the morning bus (6AM) and ferry combination from the Lomprayah company arriving to island around 4:30PM with one way ticket price 1,300 baht. A reputable company with an office near Khao San Road, and the option to book online through their website. The air-con bus is very new and quite comfy. There is also overnight bus + catamaran combo BUS leaving Khao San Road, at 9:PM, arriving to island around 11AM.

By Plane;

The closest airport is Samui International Airport (USM). The transportation to the ferry dock is easy to find at the airport. Ferries depart several times a day with the last one around dusk.

By Boat;
From Koh Samui's pier directly to Haad Rin. Ferries also leave from Nathon and Mae Nam piers to Thong Sala by several times a day. For fast Lomprayah Catamaran 3 times a day, and Songserm Express (cheaper than Lomprayah Catamaran;twice a day.

From Koh Tao; there is fast Lomprayah catamaran operating twice a day to Koh Tao for 450 baht at 08:30 and 13:00 or leaving Koh Tao for Koh Pha Ngan at 09:30. The ride between these islands takes 1.25 hours.

Get around on Koh Pha Ngan

Once you entered to Koh Pha Ngan, it's a must to explore the beauty of Pha Ngan Island, through exciting day, evening and adventure tours. Experience, diving, snorkelling, kayaking, speed boat excursions to "Ang Thong National Marine Park", muay Thai, fishing trips, cultural tours, elephant riding. Enjoy the beauty of nature that the Ko Maa area has to offer and have a relaxing boat trip, with so many things to see and do your time on Koh Pha Ngan will be truly memorable.

Visit the beautiful waterfalls and lookouts in the stunning interior of the island.
Visit Ko Maa off the northwest coast of Koh Pha Ngan. It offers one of the best snorkelling places on the island. Also other places to do snorkelling are "Haad Khom beach" and "Haad Yao beach"
There are elephant camps on the way from Baan Tai to Thong Nai Pan for elephant trekking.
Full Moon Party, if your after party heaven you can't do better than Haad Rin; an expanded village of beach bars and cheap chicken burgers, It is most popular one night a month, they called "it is a feast". The night of the Full Moon Party, the beaches packed with trance, dance, electronic music, buckets, and every bars are hoping. Had Rin offers a variety of entertainment venues, some people says 'It's home to the Full Moon Party, or 'houses of thousand beach party's lover'. There are a lot of major sound systems running the length of Had Rin beach, catering for thousand people all around the world and, some talented DJ's pass through, banging out their wares to the raging lunar explorers that have landed on planet party. 'Before going to the Full Moon Party, make sure you book your accommodation for the Full Moon Party ahead, because there is a limited availability.
Jungle Experience at Ban Tai. In the jungle near Baan Tai, Jungle Experience features the best of underground electronic beats; house music, tech house and progressive house. Here you can find plenty of areas to sit down and chill-out complete with decorations, laser and lighting, dancers and performance artists, as well as professional world-class DJs.
Those who are into hiking can be done all around the island. There is a trail that leads between Haad Rin and Haad Tien, The route can become difficult, and bringing enough water is necessary. If you are feeling adventurous, ride a motorbike to the end of the concrete road at Haad Khom from where you can hike through steep terrain and jungle on the coast to isolated 'Bottle Beach'. Another good trail is to the best viewpoint on the island "Khao Ra Viewpoint", on the highest hill on the island.
Scuba Diving, Pha Ngan has lovely sites around the island which are perfect for both the beginners and trained divers. From easy dives off the beach to longer trips by boat you can experience the world of tropical diving. The waters around Koh Pha Ngan are much nicer than most people know (super clear-water), fine hard corals with a good range of reefs and tropical/pelagic fish. "Sailrock" (p.s. You can find many dive schools throughout the island).

Please stay safe on Koh Pha Ngan

Get Out;

Surat thani is the closest city on the mainland.

Koh Samui the biggest and most touristy island on the east coast of Thailand, many boats departing for there from 200 baht (Songserm Express).

For contact; there are internet cafe's; last time I was there and they charged for internet 1 baht per minute, they also provide international calls, and flight confirmation.

Bangkok, Most popular tourist destination in the world 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Malinee Chelsea B.) — Thu, 15 Aug 2013 21:57:00 +0700

Bangkok is now the most visited city in the world!

Bangkok has beaten London to the number one spot as 2013's most popular tourist destination with 15.98 million visitor projected to descend in Thailand's capital city this year, according to the new Global Destination Cities Index released by MasterCard.

Grand Palace,Bangkok

Based on data MasterCard collected from governments, central banks, related public agencies and airlines so far this year, the projection for the entire year says Bangkok is surpassing London, the previous holder of the top place, by a very narrow margin. The report marked the first time any Asian city has been projected to be the top-ranked tourist destination. London came in second, with 15.96 million visitors expected in 2013, and Paris, third, with 13.92 million visitors. MasterCard looked at 132 cities.

Other Asian cities that made it to the Top 20 Global Destination Cities in 2013 include, Singapore at number four; with 11.75 million visitors, Kuala Lumpur at number eight; with 9.2 million visitors, Hong Kong at number nine; with 8.72 million visitors, Seoul at number 11; with 8.19 million visitors, Shanghai at number 14; with 6.5 million visitors, Tokyo at number 16; with 5.8 million visitors, and Taipei; with 5.19 million visitors.

MasterCard Worldwide’s global economic adviser Yuwa Hedrick-Wong cited overall value for money spent for why Bangkok is attractive. That is true for Thailand overall as well.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) adviser Suwanchai Ritthirak cited official data in saying that each foreign visitor spends an average of 9.6 days and 4,100 baht (about US$141.50) in the country. Therefore, to boost Bangkok’s ranking, more needs to be done to increase either or both factor.

Index Ranking by Number of International Visitors (in millions):

Bangkok 15.98
London 15.96
Paris 13.92
Singapore 11.75
New York 11.52
Istanbul 10.37
Dubai 9.89
Kuala Lumpur 9.20
Hong Kong 8.72
Barcelona 8.41
Seoul 8.19
Milan 6.83
Rome 6.71
Shanghai 6.50
Amsterdam 6.35
Tokyo 5.80
Vienna 5.37
Taipei 5.19
Riyadh 5.05
Los Angeles 4.84

Weekends at Koh Larn (Larn Island)

noreply@blogger.com (Malinee Chelsea B.) — Tue, 13 Aug 2013 22:17:00 +0700

Weekends away at Koh Larn

Koh Larn or Larn island is just a wonderful little island in the Gulf of Thailand. It is located approximately 7km off the coast of Pattaya Beach of which is just about two hours drive from Bangkok. The Island is about 4km long and about 2km wide and has about a thousand residents most of whom live in the main village called "Naban". Most of the people that live at Koh Larn, are also work and go to school which located on the island. Any of the everyday necessities are including a police force and a small medical facility. There are six beaches on the island that boast white sand and clear blue water that include Naban Village and Pier. Koh Larn is a lush green tropical island which has an abundant amount of rainfall each year during monsoon. The terrain is mostly mountainous which is covered in most part with heavy vegetation, jungle if you will. Monkeys naturally inhabit the island as well as other wildlife. Infrastructure on Koh Larn in most part consist of narrow roadways covered with brick pavers, you just need to be more careful when you drive the motorbike. Renting a motorbike is the best way to get around on Koh Larn, the cost is around 150-200 baht per day.

On Island;

TAWAEN Beach:
The biggest and busiest beach on Koh Larn, there are a lot of restaurants, some shops, all activities are available. It's a bit crowded for some tastes, but some people may like that The water is beautiful, and some boats go directly to the beach, where there is a boat dock, making it easily accessible.

SAMAE Beach:

Samae Beach considered the prettiest beach, somewhat more up scale / upmarket than the other beaches. Nice selection of quality restaurants. The beach is big but doesn't seem that crowded. There are two places that offer bungalows, including one of them that has air conditioned rooms (Local #No name), no signs there, but don't expect to get a room on the weekends, they will be full. They are very simple accommodations but acceptable. They are not directly beach front, but maybe 3 minutes walk. There might be camping here too. These are on the far end of the beach, (if you arrive by bus or motorbike, all the way to your right if you arrive by boat, as you face the beach from the water, all the way to your left). This beach has better quality shopping and better restaurants, weekends are busy.

TIEN Beach:

Tien Beach is a mid sized beach here on the island. In as far as blue ocean and white sand beach this is the best. This beach has many restaurants and souvenir shops that are a bit more up scale than at the other beaches, but still, has the flavour of Thailand. Tien Beach is a year round beach, with a bit fluctuation of tourist from season to season. The atmosphere here, are very relaxed and quiet. The tourist that visit this beach seem to come in smaller groups and there are for not as much chatter that you would find amongst larger groups. Tien Beach is accessible by speedboat, charter and local taxi.

NAUL Beach:

On the far end of the island, very quiet, only a handful of people. This is another nice beach on Koh Larn. Naul beach is a mid sized beach but has the most coconut trees of any other beach on the island. This beach seems to be very seasonal in as far as tourist and sometimes it can be almost deserted in off season. If a deserted beach is what you like then you might try here first, off season occurs between April and late October. If you come here during this time you should bring your own stuff like towels to lay out on and some drinks and food. Koh Larn Resort is located here but sometimes it is hard to find any of the staff here to accommodate your needs so be prepared. From Naban Village, take the Tuk Tuk - Songtaew; 30 Baht per person to get here.

TONGLANG Beach:

Tonglang beachis a mid sized beach. The stretch of sand here is narrower here than the other beaches, but there still is plenty of area to stretch out on. Tonglang beach is accessible by boat there are no roads to this beach.

Activities:

There are many activities here for visitors to enjoy, some include parasailing, snorkelling, jet ski, banana boat, swimming in tropical waters, and there is eve a shooting range located here. The island is mountainous there are also some spectacular views for those that like to take a few snapshots. Koh Larn is also very suited for bicycling and hiking, many bicycling events have been held here. Many movie production companies have used the island for movie shoots. There are many accommodations that will make you feel right at home. Then there are the places to eat many right on the beach, serving up fresh, catch of the day seafood. Many visitors come to stay their entire vacation on Koh Larn and return year after year, kind of a home away from home for some.

Getting here:

There are many ways to get to Koh Larn; first you need to get to the "Bali Hai Pier" where the ferry boat is docked.

Bali Hai Pier is about 2 hours drive from Bangkok. This will take you all the way to Pattaya. You can catch a taxi to the pier for around 1300-1500 baht.

By Minivan; you can take the minivan from The Victory Monument, it's 100 baht to get to Bali Hai Pier.

Once you get to the pier, take the ferry which is located straight out at the end of the pier just on the right side. The fare for Koh Larn ferry is only 30 baht per person for each way. If someone asks you to pay more than 30 baht then you are probably not at the right boat.

Koh Larn ferry go to Naban Port, which is the main village where most people that live on the island have their homes. Naban also has the majority of resorts for those who want to stay for a few nights on island.

Kamphaeng Phet

noreply@blogger.com (Malinee Chelsea B.) — Sat, 20 Jul 2013 21:19:00 +0700

Geographically located in the Lower North on the bank of the Ping River, Kamphaeng Phet is approximately 358 kilometres from Bangkok. To its east are riverine flatlands while the western areas are made up of high mountains lush with fertile forests where a number of national parks have been established.

Areas along the river bank at present-day. Mueang district used to host several ancient towns which had played a major role as strategic front-line frontiers since Sukhothai was the kingdom's capital down through the times of Ayutthaya and early Rattanakosin (Bangkok) eras. The name Kamphaeng Phet literally means "Diamond Wall" a reference to the apparent strength of this formerly walled city's protective barrier. This level of security was necessary, as the city previously helped to protect the Sukhothai and later Ayutthaya kingdoms against attacks from Burma or Lanna.

Things to do in Khamphaeng Phet,

Visit Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, north of city (walk north, hard to miss) 09.00 -16.00. In former times Kamphaeng Phet was part of the Sukhothai kingdom. Ruins from this time are found to the immediate north of the new city.These along with the two related historical cities, became a world heritage site.
Connect with locals in Kamphaeng Phet by Sightseeing the fruits farm, agricultural Tours, Services for Farm, Rural and agricultural tours.

"sweet yellow Marian plums"

Visit Khlong Lan National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติคลองลาน) covers an area of some 300 km over mountain ranges to the west of the province. The highest peak is about 1,400 metres. Of mainly virgin jungles, it is the source of several streams which flow into the Ping River. The park headquarters is near the Khlong Lan waterfall, about 60 km from town. Attractions within the park include the 95-metre high Khlong Lan Fall with scenic surroundings, and the Khlong Nam Lai Fall (น้ำตกคลองน้ำไหล), a 9-level cascade and located off Highway no.1117 at Km. 35 and 10 km further on). The Kaeng Ko Roi (แก่งเกาะร้อย) (off Highway No.1117 at Pong Nam Ron intersection) is a group of rock formations jutting out of the stream looking somewhat like all islands.
Mae Wong National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติแม่วงก์) forms the border between Kamphaeng Phet and Nakhon Sawan and covers an area of about 894 square km. Most of the land is rich in various types of plants. Along the Khlong Lan -Umphang route passing through the park's area, which leads up to the mountains, are several viewing points between km 81 to 115. At Km. 102 is a beautiful road-side waterfall. Other falls within the park include the Mae Krasa (น้ำตกแม่กระสา), Mae Liwa (น้ำตกแม่ลีวา) and others.
Khlong Wang Chao National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติคลองวังเจ้า) is located in King Amphoe Kosamphi Nakhon, 43 km from Kamphaeng Phet. This is an abundant forest with a density of naturally growing teak and beautiful waterfalls. Nearby the park, there is a hill tribe village.
The hot springs of Phra Ruang not so far from the main town. A precise route is to follow Highway 101 north (towards Sukhothai) out of Kamphaeng Phet town for 13 km and then a left and 12 km up this road you'll come upon the springs, can't be missed.
Otherwise there are many great national parks where you can do some hiking.

Local Product
Kluai Khai ("egg banana") is a famous product of this province. Raw and ripe bananas as well as other local produces such as sticky paste (made of rice, bean, sesame and sugar)

Festivals

The Nop Phra Len Phleng Fair (งานนบพระเล่นเพลง) is held during the celebrations of Makha Bucha (full moon in February). A tradition since the times of Sukhothai, it is described in the inscription stone found at Nakhon Chum of how processions were organised to pay homage to the town's major religious sites. The fair today consists of colorfully decorated parades of participants dressed in ancient attires crossing the Ping to pay homage to the Holy Relic on the Nakhon Chum side of the river.

Kluai Khai Fair (งานสารทไทยกล้วยไข่เมืองกำแพง) is held in September each year to promote the local banana for which the province is famous. There are banana contests and competitions on the making of Krayasat (a local sweet), as well as many entertainment performances.

Get In

Kamphaeng Phet is located halfway between Bangkok and Chiand Mai. Air-conditioned buses run regularly from Bangkok Northern Terminal to Chiang Mai, stopping off at Kamphaeng Phet on the way. Non air-conditioned buses are for inter-provincial travel to the other districts. Or by Mini-van from Victory Monument to Nakorn sawan, it cost 130 Baht per person, driving about 2.5 hours to reach Nakorn sawan city. Then take a bus from Nakorn sawan to Kamphaeng Phet take you another hour to get to Kamphaeng Phet.

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Mae Wong National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติแม่วงก์)

Heineken | Departure Roulette

noreply@blogger.com (Malinee Chelsea B.) — Sat, 20 Jul 2013 19:37:00 +0700

Chiang Mai? Thailand? Let's go

Kanchanaburi

noreply@blogger.com (Malinee Chelsea B.) — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 20:41:00 +0700

One of the major tourist destinations in Thailand, city located at the confluence of the rivers Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai. It is about 3 hours by car from Bangkok. Once we get there, it's very easy to get around with our own car, but there are standard local transport available for visitors; such as tuk tuk (songtaew), motorbike taxi and public bus. The tourist attractions in Kanchanaburi including the well-known waterfall (Sai Yok Waterfall), River Khwae; which is suit for rafting and fishing.

For most visitors the main sight of interest is the Bridge over the River Kwai (pronounced khwaae as in air), as the start of the infamous World War II Death Railway to Burma (now Myanmar), as well as the many associated museums. There is an increasingly thriving backpacker scene taking advantage of the chilled-out riverside vibe for those that need to get away from Bangkok. Kanchanaburi is also the gateway to the surrounding province of the same name. More foreign visitors are discovering why Thais know it as one of the most beautiful provinces in the country with its easily accessible waterfalls and national parks.

Kanchanaburi attractions;

Death railway: In the former time, Kanchanaburi was under Japanese control. It was here that Asian forced labourers and Allied POWs, building the infamous Burma Railway, constructed a bridge; an event immortalised in the film Bridge on the River Kwai. Almost half of the prisoners working on the project died from disease, maltreatment and accidents.

At Kanchanaburi, there is a memorial and two museums to commemorate the dead. In March 2003, the Thailand-Burma Railway Museum opened and the JEATH War Museum dedicated to the bridge and the Death Railway. The city is also home to the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. The Chong Kai Allies Cemetery is near Kanchanaburi, about 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) from Wat Tham Phu Wa.

Bridge over the River Kwai:

Located some 3 km north of Kanchanaburi (down New Zealand Road, off Saeng Chuto Road), this iron bridge (Saphan Mae Nam Kwae) across the Kwai Yai River is the main attraction for many visitors. Immortalized in the famous movie and novel, it was a part of the infamous Death Railway to Burma, constructed by POWs working for the Japanese in hellish conditions during World War II. Some 16,000 POWs and 90,000 Asian workers (most of them enslaved) died during the railway construction. The present iron bridge is the second wartime incarnation (a part of the original can be found in the War Museum), but two central 'boxy' spans were rebuilt after the war to replace three sections destroyed by Allied bombing.

You can cross the bridge on foot. While the centre of the track has been thoughtfully turned into a steel-plated walkway and there are little side platforms between the spans for sightseeing and avoiding trains. There are guardrails, but some areas of the bridge lack them, so be careful of small children! Off the end of the bridge, you can feed or ride an elephant bare-back at negotiated price of 600 baht per ride. At May 2010, the elephant was kept on a short chain, and had to stand in its own waste products.

As the bridge is still used locally, it is possible to take one of the trains that cross the bridge every day. The ride from Nam Tok (the train line's terminus) to River Kwai Bridge station takes a bit longer than 2 hours

Chongkai War Cemetery: (either bargain with a taxi or rent a bicycle to get there; it's at the west side of the river). A neatly maintained smaller cemetery 2 km out of town along the road that leads to Wat Thaopoom. This is the final resting place of Dutch and British forces.

Thailand-Burma Railway Centre: 73 Jaokannun Rd (next to Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, near the south of Mae Nam Khae Road), ☎ +66 3 451 2721, 09:00-17:00 daily. Generally considered to be the best source of information regarding World War II in Thailand, railway construction and route, and the conditions endured by POWs and Asian labourers. Very moving exhibits, including video and interactive displays. A visit takes at least one hour, and probably longer if you want to read everything.Fee includes a free coffee or tea at upstairs cafe, where you can sit at the window bench overlooking the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. It is a good place to sit and reflect after your tour of the centre. 120 baht.

World War II Museum and Art Gallery: Mae Nam Khwae Rd (about 50 m from the Bridge over the River Kwai). 08:30-17:30 daily. This well-signposted complex houses a bizarre collection of museums and exhibits, most of which are poorly maintained and labeled. To your left as you enter is the "War Museum", a 4 storey building encrusted with statues, which starts off with a little Burmese shrine but is mostly devoted to pre-WW2 Thai history through the ages and is filled with wall paintings of Kings and racks of rusty pistols. There are good views of the bridge from the roof of the riverside building. Above the WW2 museum is the most bizarre section, housing (among other things) dusty stamp collections and a gallery with wall paintings of all Miss Thailand winners. The World War II and (old) JEATH Museum is lurking in the basement. 40 baht.

JEATH War Museum: Th Pak Phraek (Adjacent to the Wat Chaichumphon temple complex 1 km south of the town centre). 08:30-18:00. The free guide leaflet concludes with these salutary words - "May Peace Always Conquer Violence". Exhibits are housed in a palm hut, modelled on the kind of buildings that Death Railway POWs would have slept in. The exhibits themselves are timeworn and many have been attacked by insects and weather. It may seem a amateurish in it's style of curation. The temple complex next door is much more interesting. A cross-river boat service is available from the Jeath museum. This is the main drawcard of the World War II Museum and Art Gallery complex. It features a section of the first wooden bridge, recreations of the POW barracks and random military paraphernalia. Downstairs is an exhibit of prehistoric Thailand complete with semi-erotic murals. 40 baht.

Get In

By bus

BKS public buses (line 81) leave from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Taling Chan สายใต้ตลิ่งชัน), which is located far west in the suburb Thonburi. In Kanchanaburi, there are two separate but nearby bus terminals, with 1st class buses departing from an office off Thanon Saengchuto, and 2nd class buses from the larger terminal one block east.

1st class buses should leave Bangkok every 15 minutes from 05:00-22:30, take about 2 hours, and cost 110 baht, including a bottle of water.

2nd class buses (new route) leave Bangkok every 20 minutes from 03:30-19:00 and take about 2 hours.

2nd class buses (old route) leave Bangkok every 15-30 minutes from 04:00-18:00 and take about 3 hours.

There are also tourist minibuses directly to/from Khao San Road, departing Kanchanaburi at 13:30 and 18:30hrs.

There are also some buses leaving less frequently from Bangkok's Northern Mo Chit bus terminal (note: not the same as Mo Chit BTS station, and not within walking distance of it, although a standard 50 baht motorbike ride is available. It's often called "Mo Chit 2")

Here are the times that you could find at the station:

First-class bus with toilet (3 hours, 122 baht): 06:00, 11:00, 14:30

Second class bus with no toilet inside: 05:00, 07:00, 09:30, 12:30, 17:00

Bus rides may be variable or cancelled (for example, with 14:30 being last of the day.) BUT there are vans available at the bus station leaving even when you're told there's no way to get there by bus! It may pay to talk to the information desk for this.

From Nakhon Pathom, there are direct buses (2nd class only) every 15 to 30 minutes between 04:00 and 18:00, which take two hours. Alternatively, you can hop off a 1st class bus when it passes by Nakhon Pathom, but double-check with staff to ensure the route allows this and they know your plans.

From Sangkhlaburi to Kanchanaburi, you're spoilt for choice:

Air-con VIP buses leave at 08:45, 10:45 and 14:30 and take 4 hours.

Air-con minibuses leave at 06:30, 07:30, 11:30, 13:00, 15:30 and take 3.5 hours.

Standard buses leave at 06:45, 08:15, 10:15, 13:15 and take 5 hours.

By train

Trains leave Bangkok's Thonburi Train Station at 07:50 and arrive at Kanchanaburi at 10:25, also at 13:55 and arriving at 16:24. You may be interested in buying a ticket all the way to the River Kwai Bridge, since these two trains are the only ones which cross the bridge each day. Since December 2005, the fare is 100 baht for foreigners.

Be warned that reaching Thonburi Station from Khao San Road is harder than it looks; tuk-tuk drivers will try to charge you outrageous rates, and walking involves crossing two bridges and looping back a ways. The best way is probably to take the passenger boat from Phra Arthit Pier and connect to a cross-river ferry that reaches the Thonburi Railway pier, then walk or take the open minibus from there. The other way to reach Thonburi (Bangkok Noi) Station is walk little bit south from Thammasat university, take river ferry from Wat Mahathat to Wanglong, on the other side of river walk west until you reach main north-south road, here walk north until you reach big bridge where you will go under it and then just walk west to train station, all this from Khao San Road to train station takes only about 35 minutes easy walk and river ferry. You can also walk a bit away from Khao San Road and find a metered taxi that will not rip you off. The fare should be about 70-80 baht from Khao San on the meter.

Return trains leave from the main railway station; from the River Kwai Bridge they leave 6 minutes earlier. Riding 3rd class is an adventure in itself, and definitely recommended.

Both train services continue to/from Nam Tok, the current terminus of the Death Railway. The normal trains will charge "Farangs" (Westerners) 100 baht in each direction from Kanchanaburi to Wang Pho, the last station before Nam Tok. The 10:30 train has a special tourist section, where the low, low price of 300 baht gets you air-con, a soft drink and a certificate of having ridden the Death Railway. This service has occasionally been operated by a steam engine, but usually uses an ordinary diesel DMU, and rail fans will have to content themselves with the Japanese-era steamers plinthed at the main and bridge stations, also at the waterfall in Nam Tok Noi. The steam train rides no longer operate.

By minivan

Minivans depart to Kanchanaburi from BTS Victory Monument. The minivans leave when they are full or every 15 minutes. The price is 130 baht from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi and 120 baht from Kanchanaburi to Bangkok.

By car

Kanchanaburi is about 3 hours drive from Bangkok, along Hwy 4 (Phet Kasem) from Bangkok until it meets Hwy 323. This will take you all the way to Kanchanaburi.

You can catch a taxi to Kanchanaburi, return to Bangkok for the day for around 2,000 baht. This should include stopping at the Bridge over River Kwai and museum, Kanchanaburi township, the local dam and the cemetery for the prisoners of war. You may need to pay a bit extra to visit Erawan Falls which is about an hour out of the town centre and the Tiger Temple.

By limousine taxi

Bangkok (Airport) limousines are a comfortable and swift means of travel between Thailand's capitol and Kanchanaburi. Transfer rates by luxury Japanese sedan are typically from 3,000-3,500 baht.

By Minibus

For shorter travel, day trips from Bangkok are commonly sold at Bangkok travel agencies. Typically these include Toyota minibus transport from one's hotel to Kanchanaburi and back (visiting the famous bridge, Erawan National Park, etc., depending on the package), and perhaps lunch and entrance fees.

Sukhothai The Dawn of Happiness

noreply@blogger.com (Malinee Chelsea B.) — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 16:34:00 +0700

One of the northern provinces (Changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Phrae, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, and Lampang. Sukhothai can be translated as Dawn of Happiness. with the provincial's "Source of national heritage, the Thai alphabets, the best Loy Krathong celebrations, firm foundation of Buddhism, the fine Teen Jok cloth, ancient chinaware, holy Pho Khun Ramkhamhaeng’s mother, dawn of happiness"

Sukhothai located in the valley of the Yom River on the lower edge of the northern region, 427 kilometres north of Bangkok, and covers some 6,596 square kilometres.

The Khao Luang Mountain Range, with its four main peaks: Khao Phu Kha, Khao Phra Mae Ya, Khao Chedi, and Pha Narai, lies within the Ramkhamhaeng National Park in the south of the province. The Si Satchanalai National Park is located in the north-west, protecting the mountainous forest areas of the Phi Pan Nam Range at the northern end of the province.

History

Sukhothai, meaning the Dawn of Happiness, was a town founded in the 13th century on the fringe of the Khmer empire. The exact year is unknown, but according to the Fine Arts Office it was between 1238 and 1257. Founded by Phokhun Si Intharathit, it was the first truly independent Thai (Siamese) Kingdom after defeating the Khmers. Sukhothai enjoyed a golden age under their third king, King Ramkhamhaeng, who was credited with creating the Khmer-derived Thai alphabet which is essentially the same as that in use today. He also laid the foundation for politics, the monarchy and religion, as well as expanding its boundary of influence. Sukhothai was later ruled by many kings. The province is most famous for the historic city of Sukhothai, the capital of the Sukhothai kingdom. It is located about 12 km from the modern New Sukhothai city. Not far from Sukhothai are the Si Satchanalai historical park and the Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park. Both were cities within the former Sukhothai kingdom and of the same time period.

The province was at first known as Sawankhalok; it then was renamed to Sukhothai.

Sukhothai Historical Park Photo courtesy of 123rf.com

Sights / Attractions:

Sukhothai Historical Park (อุทยานประวัติศาสตร์สุโขทัย) is registered by the UNESCO as the world’s heritage like Sukhothai historical park.The capital of the Sukhothai kingdom in the 13th and 14th centuries,in what is now the north of Thailand. It is located near the modern city of Sukhothai, capital of the province with the same name. The city walls form a rectangle about 2 km east-west by 1.6 km north-south. There are 193 ruins on 70 square kilometers of land. There is a gate in the centre of each wall. Inside are the remains of the royal palace and twenty-six temples, the largest being Wat Mahathat. The park is maintained by the Fine Arts Department of Thailand with help from UNESCO which has declared it a World Heritage Site. The park sees thousands of visitors each year, who marvel at the ancient Buddha figures, palace buildings and ruined temples. The park is easily toured by bicycle or even on foot.

The protection of the area was first announced in the Royal Gazette on June 6, 1962. In 1976 the restoration project was approved, and in July 1988 the park was officially opened. On December 12, 1991, it was declared a World Heritage Site as part of the Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns together with the associated historic parks in Kamphaeng Phet and Si Satchanalai.

Ramkhamhaeng National Park

Widely known as Pa Kho Luang. It covers an area of about 341 square kilometers, or 213,125 rai. It is blessed with wildlife, birds, and natural beauties, including fertile tropical jungles and mountain. Ramkhamhaeng National Park, within the province of Sukhothai, is surrounded by the districts of Kirimas, Ban Dan Lan Hoi, and the provincial capital of Sukhothai.

Khao Luang

An important source of water for its surrounding areas. This exquisite national park, with a combined natural and historical background, covers an area of 341 square kilometres, and was declared to be a national park in year 1980. High hills and steep cliffs, some over 1,200 metres above sea level, together with fascinating falls and different species of plants and wildlife, are some of the major attractions available in this park offered to nature-loving tourists or visitors. Furthermore, the archaeological and historical sites with ancient remains and relics make the park even more attractive, especially for critics and theologians. The park also contains a lot of natural beauties, such as the Khao Luang mountain range, Sai Rung Waterfall, an herbal garden, and the Savannah located in the high country of the Khao Luang range. High country of the Khao Luang mountain range: The four main peaks of the park are within the high country. These peaks offer beautiful views. Khao Phu Ka and Khao Phra Mae Ya at 1,200 meters above sea level are the park's highest summits. Looking up from the park's headquarters, one can see the outline of a woman, in what some people would say is a very suggestive position, on one of the ridge lines.

Si Sachanalai National Park

Was proclaimed a national park on 8 May 1981. With a total area of 213 square kilometres in Amphoe Si Satchanalai and Amphoe Thung Saliam of Sukhothai Province, Si Satchanalai National Park offers trekking routes through waterfalls and caves. There is Tad Dao Waterfall, originated from the Tha Pae stream. The 30 meter high fall is wonderful, ideal for rest and relaxation. Thara Wasan Cave, blessed with fantastic stalactites and stalagmites, is located about 1.5 km away from the park's office. Wildlife is found here, including hundreds of thousands of bats. Tad Duan Waterfall, situated about 500 meters away form the office of the park, is ideal for swimming. Conveniently accessible. Everyone can enjoy.

Sangkhalok Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์สังคโลกสุโขทัย)

Located within Mueang Ake Plaza, Thanon By-pass, just 12 kilometres off the old city. The museum displays more than 2,000 pieces of Sangkhalok ceramic wares collected from various sources both locally and internationally.

The Fish Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์ปลาในวรรณคดีเฉลิมพระเกียรติ)

Located in the Rama IX Park, along Highway 12. It displays a variety of fresh water fish mentioned in Thai literature, such as the travel poems titled Kap Ho Khlong Nirat Phra Bat and Kap Ho Khlong Praphat Than Thongdaeng, and the Kap He Ruea boat song by Chaofa Thammathibet (Chaofa Kung).

The Ramkhamhaeng National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติรามคำแหง)

Houses many artifacts found from archaeological excavations in Sukhothai, as well as those donated by the locals. The museum is divided into three premises: the Lai Sue Thai Chet Roi Pi Memorial Building, Museum Building, and Outdoor Museum.

The Sawankhaworanayok National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติสวรรควรนายก)

Houses exhibits in a two-storey building. Upstairs houses sculptural collections from various periods, mostly those formerly collected within the compound of Wat Sawankharam and offered by Phra Sawankhaworanayok. In addition, there are Buddha images, relocated from the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum, from the pre-Sukhothai to the early Ayutthaya period.

The Centre for Study and Preservation of Sangkhalok Kilns (ศูนย์ศึกษาและอนุรักษ์เตาสังคโลก -เตาทุเรียง)

Considered the industrial area of Si Satchanalai. Numerous celadon wares in broken, as well as perfect, condition have been discovered. The kiln is oval in shape with a curved roof like that of a ferryboat and is 7–8 metres long. The centre consists of two buildings situated on the kiln site area with two kilns Nos. 42 (ground level) and 61 (underground) exhibited in situ. There are also exhibitions on artifacts, academic documents, and on the evolution of ancient ceramic wares.

Local Products:

Khanom Kliao (ขนมเกลียว)

Famous snacks of Sukhothai made from wheat flour and egg, seasoned with salt and pepper, and made it into a twist shaped-dough. Fried until crispy and further glacé. It has a sweet taste and is available everywhere.

Activities:

Agrotourism

Cycling Route along the Orchards - Some visitors enjoy cycling around the orchards and tasting a variety of fruits like pomelo, santol, sapodilla, coconut, star fruit, various kinds of bananas, as well as the tasty and fleshy plum mango (Bouae Macrophylla) with its chicken-egged size.

Tambon Ban Tuek Community of Amphoe Si Satchanalai. This is a small and peaceful community filled with trees, paddy fields, and scenic mountain ranges, while tourists can enjoy the traditional life of fruit growers. Different types of fruits grown along the hilly terrain include longkong, langsat, mangosteen, durian, banana, pomelo, rambeh, and rambutan.

Eco and Soft Adventure Tourism

Cycling Route: The Old Town of Sukhothai Trips within the Sukhothai Historical Park are also made by personal or rental bikes.

Local Products:
Khanom Kliao (ขนมเกลียว)
Famous snacks of Sukhothai made from wheat flour and egg, seasoned with salt and pepper, and made it into a twist shaped-dough. Fried until crispy and further glacé. It has a sweet taste and is available everywhere.
Sangkhalok ceramics (เครื่องสังคโลก) These replicas arguably look as good as the originals.

Thung Luang terra cotta (เครื่องปั้นดินเผา) of Khiri Mat district come in unique patterns. The products include flower pots, vases, basin, water jar, lamps, with perforated decorations of animal fiqures like frogs, bullfrogs, and dogs.

Butter-baked Banana (กล้วยอบเนย) A well-known snack of Amphoe Khiri Mat, it resembles another local sweet called Khanom Rang Nok made from sweet potato. This butter-baked banana snack is made from slicing raw banana horizontally, left to dry for half a day, seasoned with salt, deep fried, adding sugar, and giving it a good stir. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and add butter. This product is available everywhere.

Transportations:

By Roads There are 5 highways connecting Sukhothai:

Highway 12 connects the eastern districts starting at Ban Dan Lan Hoi and passing Muang and Kong Krailat districts to Phitsanulok province.

Highway 101, starting at Si Satchanalai district, connects the northern districts to the southern districts and passing Sawankhalok, Si Samrong, Muang and Khiri Mat districts to Kamphaeng Phet province.

Highway 102 connects Si Satchanalai district to Uttaradit province.

Highway 1180 connects Sawankhalok district to Si Nakhon district and Uttaradit province.

Highway 1048 connects Sawankhalok district to Thung Saliam district and Lampang province.

By Air

The airport is located in Amphur Sawankhalok and is about 30 km away from downtown. Flights operate daily between Sukhothai – Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

By Rail

Rail system in Sukhothai is one part of northern route from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong central station. Sukhothai is located on the main Chiang Mai – Bangkok line.

Songthaew (public passenger pick-up vehicles)
Songthaews are the most popular form of public transport in the new city and the rural areas. Larger sized Songthaews travel to and from the old and new cities.

By Bus

Air-conditioned buses run regularly from Sukhothai Bus Terminal to Bangkok and Chiang Mai, stopping off at other major towns on the way. Non air-conditioned buses are for inter-provincial travel to the other districts.

Others

Tuk-tuks and motorbike-taxis are popular for short journeys within the new town.

Where To Stay at Nakorn Si Thammarat

noreply@blogger.com (Malinee Chelsea B.) — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 13:35:00 +0700

View Larger Map

The below lists are accommodations by down town area;

Grand Park (แกรนด์ปาร์ค) 1204/79 Pak Nakhon Road (Tel: 0 75 317666–73), 80 rooms: 600-900 baht

The Twin Lotus (เดอะ ทวิน โลตัส) 97/8 Phatthanakan Khu Khwang Road (Tel: 0 75 323777 Fax: 0 75323821 ฺBangkok Tel: 0 2711–0357-9 Fax: 0 2381–0390), 10 rooms: 950-2,500 baht

Thai Fa (ไทยฟ้า) 1751/5 Chamroen Withi Road (Tel: 0 75 356727) , 13 rooms: 120–180 baht

Thai Hotel (ไทยโฮเต็ล) 1373 Ratchadamnoen Road (Tel: 0 75 341509, 0 75341512 Fax: 0 75344858), 215 rooms: 200-1,310 baht

Thai Li (ไทยหลี) 1130 Ratchadamanoen Road (Tel: 0 75 356948, 356319), 20 rooms: 120–140 baht
Thaksin (ทักษิณ) 1548/23 Si Prat Road (Tel: 0 75342790-4 Fax: 0 75342790), 120 rooms: 490-1,900 baht

Nakhon Hotel (นครโฮเต็ล) 1477/5 Yommarat (Tel: 0 75 356318), 42 rooms: 140–350 baht
Nakhon Garden (นครการ์เด้น) ¼ Pak Nakhon Road, Tambon Tha Wang (Tel: 0 75 313333), 50 rooms: 455 baht

Bua Luang (บัวหลวง) 1487/19 Soi Luang Mueang, Chamroen Withi Road (Tel: 0 75 341518, 341570 Fax: 343418), 84 rooms: 320 baht

Phet Pailin (เพชรไพลิน) 1835/38–39 Yommarat Road (Tel: 0 75 341896-7 Fax: 343943), 80 rooms: 200–640 baht
Montien (มณเฑียร) 1509/40–41 Yommarat Road (Tel: 0 75 341908–10 Fax: 345561), 100 rooms: 220–500 baht

V.P. Guesthouse (วีพีเกสท์เฮ้าท์) 1209/30 Yommarat Road (Tel: 0 75 314777–81 Fax: 314782), 47 rooms: 300–540 baht

Sakon (สากล) 1414/1 Buranaram Road (Tel: 0 75 356080), 23 rooms: 220–300 baht

Siam (สยาม) 1403/17 Chamroen Withi Road (Tel: 0 75 356090), 50 rooms: 100–300 baht

Udom Hotel (อุดมโฮเต็ล) 1461/8-9 Yommarat Road (Tel: 0 75 356310, 075356645), 105 rooms: 130–250 baht

North-Eastern

noreply@blogger.com (Malinee Chelsea B.) — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 11:38:00 +0700

Surin

A town in Isaan, Thailand.The land of big elephants, prestigious silk, beautiful rosary, many Khmer ruins, sweet radish, fragrant rice, and rich culture. It's a large province in the Northeastern Isaan region. The people of the region have always been highly regarded for a particular skill capturing and taming elephants.

Surin, a quiet town, its one claim to fame is its annual Elephant Roundup, which takes place in November (book a room in advance). Surin is well-known for its elephants. Surin's people have a long relationship with elephants and they have become the provincial icon. Throw in plenty of Khmer ruins, beautiful silk, and aromatic jasmine rice and they all make Surin an interesting destination.

A few attractions to explore in Surin;

Surin National Museum - has exhibits relating to the geography, history and ethnic groups of Surin. The museum is located about four km south of the city along Route 214. There is nothing to see along the road, and given the speed of cars and the lack of a side walk, walking is not recommended. The pink songthaew from the city will take you to the museum for 10 Baht, or use a tuk-tuk/samlor.
Silk Village - Statue of the founder of Surin
Wats - Surin has several.
Elephant training village - at Tha Tum, about 60 km away.

Festivals:

The Elephant Roundup is a three-day long event where elephants roam the streets of Surin and perform in various activities; soccer and beauty contests.

Khmer-era temples: These stretch from the border westwards to Buriram Province. There are few organised tours (tourism is not overly big in Isaan). You can always find an (expensive) rental car, with driver, at your hotel, or it is possible to visit the major temples by using the local public transport system (this is very cheap). Ask you hotel or guest house for instructions. (Most signs at the bus and train station are in Thai, but the staff are very helpful).

Prasat Ta Meuan - a complex of three structures built in the 12th–13th centuries around the time of the Cambodian king Jayavarman VII. The largest building is Prasat Ta Meuan Thom. It is surrounded by an outer wall, and contains a large central, rectangular building on a north-south axis. To the south is Prasat Ta Meuan Toht, a smaller structure, with an outer wall. The last and smallest of three is Prasat Ta Meuan, a small building with no wall, approx 15m x 5m in size. All of these buildings show signs of disrepair and looting. A return journey by taxi to the complex will cost you 2000 baht (April 2007). There are occasional excursion buses, when there is sufficient interest. Check with your hotel or travel agent. There is no on-site English language assistance, nor much information about the complex. There may still be unexploded land mines from the days of the Khmer Rouge. Stay on the paths and do not wander into the surrounding jungle. Entry is free.
Prasat Sikhoraphum - a set of temple ruins in a quiet surroundings, can be reached by bus or train (30 km, 1 hour plus)
Prasat Hin Phluang - a collection of several minor ruins near the Cambodian border; private transport (watch out for landmines!)
Prasat Phumpon - a small and jumbled collection of ruins (60 km)

Get There:

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By Car

From Bangkok, head north via Hwy 1 (Pahonyothin Rd) and merge onto Hwy 2 (Mittraphap Rd) at Saraburi. Use Hwy 24 (Chok Chai-Det Udom) via Nang Rong, Prasat, then turn left onto Hwy 214 to Surin. This route is 457 km long. From Nakhon Ratchasima, motorists can use Hwy 226, en route via Chakkrarat, Huai Thalaeng, Lam Plai Mat, and Buri Ram to Surin. This route is 434 km long.

By Bus

Bangkok's northern bus terminal (Mo Chit 2) on Kamphaeng Phet II Rd has daily service to Surin.

Minibuses (60 baht) connect the town with Chong Chom, which hosts a border crossing with O'Smach in Cambodia.

A bus from Si Saket will cost 92 baht.

Bus and train terminals are within easy walking distance, about 300 m apart.

By train

Trains regularly leave Bangkok's Hualamphong and Bang Sue stations for Surin. For more information, call 1690, 0-2220-4334, 0-2220-444 - or visit here

Tiger Temple - Wat Pa Luang Ta Bua

noreply@blogger.com (Malinee Chelsea B.) — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 11:19:00 +0700

Wat Pa Luang Ta Bua,

popularly known as the Tiger Temple, is the biggest tourist trap of the region. Admission starts at 600 baht per person, but depending on the 'experience' you'd like, goes as high as 5,000 baht. The temple is nowhere to be seen, but the tigers are lounging in a dusty canyon, surrounded by minders in yellow shirts and overseen by a monk off in the corner. When they are not sitting unnaturally still, the tigers are kept in barren concrete cells. You can watch the tigers from a distance, and when your time comes, the minders will take your camera and snap a few photos of you crouching behind the comatose tiger, as well as a few close-ups of the tigers themselves.

You can also pay a 1,000 baht extra for a "special" photo with a tiger, where you can have the head of a semi-unconscious one put in your lap. It's all kind of odd, but the pictures will certainly wow your friends, unless they value animal welfare over souvenirs in which case you might seriously disappoint them. Unverified reports of a tourist being seriously mauled by the tigers abound, regardless of which it is only common sense to not annoy tigers. A few years of domestication will not erase centuries of innate wildness.

Also, you are NOT allowed to wear bright yellow, pink or orange tee-shirts, or they will not allow you inside. You must also sign a release form, just in case you're harmed by the many animals at the temple (there are also water buffalo and deer roaming the parkland). You MUST bring your own camera, because the trainers do not have any.

The tiger temple is off the road heading to Sai Yok. you can take a bus heading towards Sai Yok or Sangkhlaburi. There is a sign about 1 km before the Tiger Temple. Once you see the sign make a big fuss and run up to the front of the bus and motion that you want to get off. The temple itself is about 1-2 km down the side road. To get back to kanchanburi, you can either try to flag down a bus on the main road going towards Kanchanaburi or you might be able to buy a ride with one of the minibus tour groups. You could also rent a motorbike and ride there yourself.

In the past, reports from Tiger Temple volunteer workers and staff revealed that the tigers were maltreated and abused by the abbot of the temple and his staff. A 2008 report from the British conservation group Care for the Wild International (CWI) reveals disturbing evidence of animal abuse and illegal tiger trafficking at the temple. It has since been revealed that the animals are drugged on a daily basis, although there are some travellers reporting otherwise. There are numerous conservation and animal welfare groups campaigning against the controversial Tiger Temple, which has a track record of ill-treatment of the animals, including tigers disappearing in trucks during the night.

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If you'd like to ignore the warnings of many travellers before you, as well as the reports of conservation experts, then to get to the temple, you can approach a Song thaew (Tuk Tuk) driver at the bus terminal and ask to hire him for an afternoon as you should best visit the temple then and not in the morning. He should charge about 700 baht for a hire from 13:00-18:00hrs.

Snoop Lion - Torn Apart ft. Rita Ora Phuket Bounce!

noreply@blogger.com (Malinee Chelsea B.) — Sat, 13 Jul 2013 08:37:00 +0700

Rita Ora and Snoop Lion (formerly known as Snoop Dogg) have finally released the video to track Torn Apart which features on Snoop's most recent album Reincarnated. Torn Apart is #1 on the Billboard reggae charts! The Video, which begins with the pair in a bar, evolves to become a reminiscence of the party scene that we all love and expect from Snoop Lion, featuring the legendary rapper and UK RIP sensation Rita Ora partying on a tropical beach. The single features British singer Rita Ora has a feel good reggae melody that matches the videos exotic backdrop. The music video is shot on the sandy beaches of Phuket, Thailand, the perfect getaway! Enjoy watching....

Chiang Mai

noreply@blogger.com (Malinee Chelsea B.) — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 23:05:00 +0700

The largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand. It is the capital of Chiang Mai Province, a former capital of the Kingdom of Lanna, and was the tributary Kingdom of Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai located approximately 700 km (435 mi) north of Bangkok, among the highest mountains in the country. The city is along the Ping River, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya River. Chiang Mai means "new city" and was so-named because it was the new capital

In recent years, Chiang Mai has become an increasingly modern city and has been attracting over 5 million visitors each year, of which between 1.4 million and 2 million are foreign tourists.

It has also recently positioned itself to become a Creative City, and is considering applying for Creative City Status with UNESCO. Chiang Mai is one of two tourist destinations in Thailand on TripAdvisor's list of "25 Best Destinations in the World", where it stands in place 24.

Chiang Mai's historic importance is derived from its close proximity to the Ping River and major trading routes.

While officially the city (thesaban nakhon) of Chiang Mai only covers most parts of the Mueang Chiang Mai district with a population of 160,000, the urban sprawl of the city now extends into several neighboring districts. This Chiang Mai Metropolitan Area has a population of nearly one million people, more than half the total of Chiang Mai Province. The city is subdivided into four wards (khwaeng): Nakhon Ping, Srivijaya, Mengrai, and Kawila. The first three are on the west bank of the Ping River, and Kawila is located on the east bank. Nakhon Ping district comprises the north side of the city. Srivijaya, Mengrai, and Kawila consist of the west, south, and east respectively. The city center—within the city walls—is mostly within Srivijaya ward.

With the significant city in northern Thailand; Chiang Mai has a tropical wet and dry climate tempered by the low latitude and moderate elevation, with warm to hot weather year-round, though night time conditions during the dry season can be cool and are much lower than daytime highs. The maximum temperature ever recorded is 42.4°C in May 2

Chiang Mai has over 300 Buddhist temples (called "wat" in Thai).These include:

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, the city's most famous temple, stands on Doi Suthep, a hill to the northwest of the city.

Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, dates from the 13th century. King Mengrai lived here during the construction of the city. This temple houses two important and venerated Buddha figures, the marble Phra Sila and the crystal Phra Satang Man.

Wat Phra Singh is located within the city walls, dates from 1345 and offers an example of classic northern Thai style architecture. It houses the Phra Singh Buddha, a highly venerated figure brought here many years ago from Chiang Rai.

Wat Chedi Luang was founded in 1401 and is dominated by a large Lanna style chedi which took many years to finish. An earthquake damaged the chedi in the 16th century and only two-thirds of it remains.

Festivals

Thousands of Khom Fai in Mae Jo during Loi Kratong

A truckload of people after getting hit by water during Songkran in Chiang Mai

A street in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai hosts many Thai festivals, including:

Loi Krathong (known locally as Yi Peng): Held on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar, being the full moon of the 2nd month of the old Lanna calendar. In the western calendar this usually falls in November. Every year thousands of people assemble floating banana-leaf containers (krathong) decorated with flowers and candles onto the waterways of the city to worship the Goddess of Water.

Lanna-style sky lanterns (khom fai or kom loi), which are hot-air balloons made of paper, are launched into the air. The sky lanterns are believed to help rid the locals of troubles and are also taken to decorate houses and streets.

Songkran: Held in mid-April to celebrate the traditional Thai new year. Chiang Mai has become one of the most popular locations to visit for this festival. A variety of religious and fun-related activities (notably the good-natured city-wide water-fight) take place each year, along with parades and a Miss Songkran beauty competition.

Chiang Mai Flower Festival: A three-day festival held during the first weekend in February each year, this event occurs when Chiang Mai's temperate and tropical flowers are in full bloom. Tam Bun Khan Dok, the Inthakin (City Pillar) Festival, starts on the day of the waning moon of the six lunar month and lasts 6–8 days.

Activities

Elephant Camp: Chiang Mai Visit an Elephant Camp where you can enjoy an Elephant Show, Elephant Ride, River Rafting and Ox Cart Ride when you visit Chiang Mai, Thailand

Shopping: Chiang Mai has a large and famous night bazaar for local arts and handicrafts. The night bazaar sprawls across several city blocks along footpaths, inside buildings and temple grounds, and in open squares. A handicraft and food market opens every Sunday afternoon till late on Rachadamnoen Road, the main street in the historical centre, which is then closed to motorised traffic. Every Saturday evening a handicraft market is held along Wua Lai road, Chiang Mai's silver street on the south-side of the city beyond Chiang Mai gate, which is then also closed to motorized traffic.

Thai massage: The back streets and main thoroughfares of Chiang Mai have an abundance and variety of massage parlours which offer anything from quick, simple, face and foot massages, to month-long courses in the art of Thai massage.

Thai cookery: A number of Thai cooking schools have their home in Chiang Mai (see also Thai food).

For IT shopping, there's Pantip Plaza just south of Night Bazaar, as well as Computer Plaza, Computer City, and Icon Square near the northern moat and IT City department store in Kad Suan Kaew mall.

Dining

Khantoke dinner is an old Lanna Thai tradition in Chiang Mai. It is an elaborate dinner or lunch which is offered by a host to guests at various ceremonies or parties, e.g., at weddings, housewarmings, celebrations, novice ordinations, or funerals. It can also be held for temple celebrations such as celebrations for specific buildings in a Thai temple and at Buddhist festivals such as Khao Pansa, Og Pansa, Loi Krathong, and Thai New Year (Songkran).

Transportations

Bus,train and air connections serve Chiang Mai well. A number of bus stations link the city to central and northern Thailand.

The Central Chang Pheuak terminal (north of Chiang Puak Gate) provides local services within Chiang Mai province and the Chiang Mai Arcade bus terminal north-east of the city (requires Songthaew or tuk-tuk ride, see below) provides services to over 20 other destinations in Thailand including Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and Phitsanulok. There are several services a day from Chiang Mai Arcade terminal to Bangkok (a 10–12 hour journey).

Train

The state railway operates 14 trains a day to Chiang Mai Station from Bangkok. Most journeys run overnight and take approximately 12–15 hours. Most trains offer first-class (private cabins) and a second-class (seats fold out to make sleeping berths) service..

Air

Chiang Mai International Airport receives up to 28 flights a day from Bangkok (flight time about 1 hour 10 minutes) and also serves as a local hub for services to other northern cities such as Chiang Rai, Phrae and Mae Hong Son...

Shopping at Nakorn Si Thammarat; The Local Touch

noreply@blogger.com (Malinee Chelsea B.) — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 13:12:00 +0700

Shopping at Nakorn Si Thammarat, as its province well known of the Nielloware, Brassware, Necklaces, Shadow play making and Yan Liphao basketry, which the amazing style, beautiful patterns, these stuff are always amazed tourist or visitor who came to Nakorn Si Thammarat.

Nielloware (เครื่องถมนคร) is a famous craft of the province and is well known since the old days. There are two types; black surface with white designs and black surface with gold designs. The Nakhon Si Thammarat College of Arts and Handicrafts teaches this craft. Nielloware of this province is popular for its durability and intricate designs by hand. The finished product is a bright, shiny black object with beautiful patterns. Items include rings, necklaces, bracelets, bowls, pedestals, and trays. The best shopping area is Tha Chang Road, behind Sanam Na Mueang in the area of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, Nakhon Si Thammarat Municipality, and the Tha Wang market area.

Brassware (เครื่องทองเหลือง) can be found at the Suan Maphrao Thai-Muslim village behind Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan. The only brassware product now available is a cylinder for making noodles.

Necklaces (สร้อยนะโม สร้อยเงิน สร้อยสามกษัตริย์) have long been the work of local silversmiths who can create gold, silver and mixed (gold, silver and an alloy) necklaces. The centre is at Tha Chang Road behind Sanam Na Mueang.

Shadow play making (การแกะหนังตลุง) is an art that goes with the popular southern entertainment of shadow play. Thai shadow play figures have been transformed from those found in Java so that they are now very Thai. The hands and feet of the figures are fully movable during performances. The hide used can be either raw cow or goat hide. Designs are made by using chisels of various sizes to make small holes along drawn patterns. The price of each figure varies according to the delicateness and size of each one. Shadow play figures are now important products of Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phatthalung. Nakhon Si Thammarat city, in particular, has plenty of shops selling this unique product.

Yan Liphao basketry (จักสานย่านลิเภา) is another famous product of the South, particularly in Nakhon Si Thammarat where people have been making it for over 100 years. Yan Liphao is a climbing plant that grows in damp places. It likes to exist among other plants. The trunk is very tough and durable, so locals found a way to make good use of it by making household goods such as handbags, tobacco boxes, tea utensils, etc. Some pieces are encased in silver alloy, gold alloy or gold. It takes around 10 days to a month to make one item, depending on the details of the design. The major Yan Liphao production spots are Ban Mon, Tambon Tha Rua and Ban Na Khian, Tambon Na Khian, both in Amphoe Mueang, and families in Fort Vajiravudh.

Kapho fans (พัดใบกระพ้อ) are made from a kind of palm called Ton Pho by locals. The villagers of Ban Khok Yang in Ron Phibun use their spare time to make the fans. The leaves are dried and then woven into fans. Some are dyed into bright colors and sold at reasonable prices. Kapho fans are well known and sold throughout the country. Fans in Nakhon Si Thammarat can be bought at stores at Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, souvenir shops on Tha Chang Road and in Bowon Bazaar in the Tha Wang market area.

Nakorn si thammarat; The City full of history

noreply@blogger.com (Malinee Chelsea B.) — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 14:59:00 +0700

Nakorn si thammarat usually shortened to "Nakhon. The province is located on the shore of the Gulf of Thailand. The terrain is mostly rugged hilly forest area. It contains the highest elevation of southern Thailand, the Khao Luang with 1,835m. Now protected in the Khao Luang nationalpark. It is about 400 miles south of Bangkok, on the east coast. The area around Nakhon Si Thammarat was part of the Srivijaya kingdom from the 3rd century.

The Ramkhamhaeng stele lists it among the areas within the realm of Sukhothai.

After the fall of Sukhothai it fell it its successor, the Ayutthaya kingdom and was one of the tributary kingdoms or 1st class provinces.The city was the administrative centre of southern Thailand during most of its history. Originally a coastal city, silting moved the coastline away from the city. The city has a much larger north to south extension than west to east. The modern city centre around the train station is located north of Old Town. It is one of the most ancient cities of Thailand, previously Kingdom of Ligor, and contains many buildings and ruins of historical significance. With the fall of the Siamese capital of Ayutthaya in 1767 it regained independence, but returned to its allegiance on the founding of Bangkok.

In the 17th century British, Portuguese and Dutch merchants set up factories there and carried on an extensive trade.

"The provincial slogan is เมืองประวัติศาสตร์ พระธาตุทองคำ ชื่นฉ่ำธรรมชาติ แร่ธาตุอุดม เครื่องถมสามกษัตริย์ มากวัดมากศิลป์ ครบสิ้นกุ้งปู"

- which translates to A historical town, the golden Phra That, plentiful minerals, three-metal nielloware, numerous temples, abundant"

The provincial seal: Nakorn Si Thammarat

The provincial seal shows the Phra Baromathat Chedi of the Wat Phra Mahathat Voramahavihan, one of the most important historical sites in southern Thailand. According to the city chronicle it was already built in 311, but archaeology dates it to the 13th century. The chedi is surrounded by the animals of the Chinese zodiac in the seal. The twelve animals represent the twelve Naksat cities or city-states which were tributary to the Nakhon Si Thammarat kingdom: the Rat of Saiburi; the Ox of Pattani; the Tiger of Kelantan; the Rabbit of Pahang (actually a city in Pahang which is said to be submerged by a lake now); the Dragon of Kedah; the Snake of Phatthalung; the Horse of Trang; the Goat of Chumphon; the Monkey of Bantaysamer, the Rooster of Sa-ulau (unidentified city, might be Songkhla, Kanchanadit or Pla Tha); the Dog of Takua Pa and a Pig of Kraburi.

The city full of history;

Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan (วัดพระมหาธาตุวรมหาวิหาร)

A royal temple of the first class. Inside the temple are many buildings of importance, especially the royal building which has beautiful architecture from the Ayutthaya period and the Sam Chom building where the Buddha image attired in royal wardrobe Phra Si Thamma Sokarat is housed.

Phra Phutthasihing (พระพุทธสิหิงค์)

This sacred image was believed to have been ordered by the king of Lanka in 157 AD and was brought to Thailand during the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great. The hall housing the image was originally the Buddha image hall of the palace of Chao Phraya Nakhon (Noi).

Ho Phra Narai (หอพระนารายณ์)

Ho Phra Narai (หอพระนารายณ์), another Brahman place of worship opposite Ho Phra Isuan. Located on the Ratchadamnoen Road. The original structure and design of this hall are unknown. However, a gray sandstone image of the god Narai wearing a hat and holding a conch in the right hand was discovered in the hall. It is estimated that it dates from the 11th-12th Buddhist century. This image is now in the National Museum in town. The only artifact on display in the hall is a replica of the Narai image discovered at an archaeological dig in Amphoe Sichon.

Phra Wihan Sung (พระวิหารสูง)

Phra Wihan Sung (พระวิหารสูง) is an important historical site located just outside the ancient city wall to the north in the area of Sanam Na Mueang, on Ratchadamnoen Road. The site is so called because of its high location on a hill 2.10 metres above level ground. There is no exact historical evidence but it is believed that its architecture and wall murals are from the early Rattanakosin period. The building houses plaster images with a fat clay core. The images are either from the 23rd-24th Buddhist century or from the late Ayutthaya period.

The Thai-style monk's residence of Wat Wang Tawan Tok

(กุฏิทรงไทยวัดวังตะวันตก)

The Thai-style monks’ residence of Wat Wang Tawan Tok (กุฏิทรงไทยวัดวังตะวันตก) is on Ratchadamnoen Road in the area said to be opposite Wang Tawan Ok, the retreat of Chao Chom Prang. Formerly a park, Chao Phraya Nakhon (Noi) donated Wang Tawan Ok and the park opposite it to a temple, now known as Wat Wang Tawan Tok. In 1888, Phra Khru Kachat (Yong) and his disciples built a group of houses for monks. The 3 houses have a pointed roof connected to the other and there are exquisite Nakhon Si Thammarat designs on the walls, doors, windows, and vents. The Siam Architects Society named these houses the best conservation effort in the area of historical sites and temples in 1992.

Chinese buildings at Wat Pradu and Wat Chaeng

Chinese buildings at Wat Pradu and Wat Chaeng (เก๋งจีนวัดประดู่และวัดแจ้ง) Built in the early Rattanakosin period, they house the ashes of Phraya Nakhon and believed to also have the ashes of King Taksin the Great.

Pak Phanang, The Southern Sun

noreply@blogger.com (Malinee Chelsea B.) — Fri, 10 May 2013 18:05:00 +0700

Pak Pha nang Coast and Talumphuk Cape (ชายทะเลปากพนังและแหลมตะลุมพุก) The sites of a severe storm in Nakhon Si Thammarat in 1962. The coast of Pak Phanang is a long beach with the Talumphuk cape to the north jutting out into the Gulf of Thailand like a crescent moon. The part where it is connected to Nakhon Si Thammarat bay has some villagers, while the coast on the gulf has a beautiful, pine-lined beach. To get to both places, take Highway No. 4013 (Nakhon Si Thammarat-Pak Phanang) and then 16 kilometres on a road to Pak Phanang. Both sides of the road are shrimp farms and mangrove forests.

Pak Phanang is the name of district means Sheltered Mouth, referring to the mouth of the Pak Phanang river protected from the open sea by a long peninsula.

During the thesaphiban administrative reforms the district was created in 1895 in the name Bia Sad (เบิ้ยซัด). And then was renamed to Pak Phanang; a name first recorded for the area.

On October 25, 1962 Tropical Storm Harriet hit the district. The low Talumphuk peninsula to the north of the district was completely devastated, and even in the town Pak Phanang itself the storm surge made the water rise to 4 meter depth. The flooding caused more than 1000 fatalities, and many more homeless.

Due to its geography Neighboring districts are (from the south clockwise) Hua Sai, Chian Yai, Chaloem Phra Kiat and Mueang Nakhon Si Thammarat. To the east is the Gulf of Thailand. The most striking geographical feature is the long elongated peninsula Talumphuk, which is formed of sand deposited by the predominantly northward current interacting with the outflow of the Pak Phanang River. The shallow bay formed by the peninsula is about 3 km wide at the mouth of the river and 10 km at the top of the peninsula. Originally the coastliine of the bay consisted of tidal flats and mangrove forest, however a lot of the western coast had been converted into shrimp farms.

Photo courtesy of Greenpeace: "Fisherman"

A fisherman lays his catches fish to dry under the sun. The fish come from the river basin which is the main source for thousand of people as living along river. Now the river is threatened by Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand's (EGAT) plan to build a coal-fired power plant in Nakhon Si Thammarat province. Near shore fishery, shrimp farming, Bird nest collecting, and rice farming are the main source of livelihood of thousands of people in the province. Greenpeace stands in solidarity with the people's movement, calling on the Thai government to have political will and action and lead the country towards an energy revolution by investing in renewable energy and putting in place more aggressive energy efficiency.

Wat Pho (Temple Of The Reclining Buddha)

noreply@blogger.com (Malinee Chelsea B.) — Fri, 10 May 2013 17:45:00 +0700

Wat Pho (วัดโพธิ์)
Its official name is - Wat Phrachetupon Wimon Mangkhlaram Ratchaworamahawinan

Wat Pho is a Buddhist temple located in the Rattanakosin district directly adjacent to the Grand Palace (Wat Phra Keaw) as known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

This photo of Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) is courtesy of TripAdvisor

In the former time Wat Pho is named after a monastery in India where Buddha is believed to have lived Prior to the temple's founding. the site was a centre of education for traditional Thai medicine, and statues were created showing yoga positions. Wat Pho is one of the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok and home to more than one thousand Buddha images as well as one of the largest single Buddha images "The reclining Buddha"

The Wat Pho complex consists of two walled compounds bisected by Soi Chetuphon running east–west. The northern walled compound is where the reclining Buddha and massage school are found. The southern walled compound, Tukgawee, is a working Buddhist monastery with monks in residence and a school. Outside the temple, the grounds contain 91 chedis (stupas or mounds), four viharas (halls) and a bot (central shrine). 71 chedis of smaller size contains the ashes of the royal family, and 21 large ones contain the ashes of Buddha. The four chedis are dedicated to the four Chakri kings. The temple has sixteen gates around the complex guarded by Chinese giants carved out of rocks. These statues were originally imported as ballast on ship trading with China.

The outer cloister has images of 400 Buddhas out of the 1200 originally bought by king Rama V. In terms of architecture, these are varied in different styles and postures, but these are evenly mounted on matching gilded pedestals.The main temple is raised in marble platform punctuated by mythological lions in the gateways. The exterior balustrade has around 150 depictions of the epic, Ramakien, the ultimate message of which is transedence from secular to spiritual dimensions.

Wat Pho is named after a monastery in India where Buddha is believed to have lived. Prior to the temple's founding, the site was a centre of education for traditional Thai medicine, and statues were created showing yoga positions. An enormous Buddha image from Ayuthaya's Wat Phra Si Sanphet was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767; King Rama I (1782-1809 A.D.) incorporated its fragments to build a temple to enlarge and renovate the complex. The complex underwent many changes in the next 260 years. Under King Rama III (1824-1851 A.D.), plaques inscribed with medical texts were placed around the temple. These received recognition in the Memory of the World Programme launched by UNESCO on February 21, 2008. Adjacent to the building housing the Reclining Buddha is in a small raised garden, the centrepiece being a bodhi tree which is propagated from the original tree in India where Buddha sat while awaiting enlightenment. The temple was created as a restoration of an earlier temple on the same site, Wat Phodharam, with the work beginning in 1788. The temple was restored and extended in the reign of King Rama III, and was restored again in 1982.

Reclining Buddha

The image of reclining Buddha is 15 m high and 43 m long with his right arm supporting the head with tight curls on two box-pillows of blue, richly encrusted with glass mosaics.The 3 m high and 4.5 m long foot of Buddha displays are inlaid with mother-of-pearl. They are divided into 108 arranged panels, displaying the auspicious symbols by which Buddha can be identified like flowers, dancers, white elephants, tigers and altar accessories. Over the statue is a seven tiered umbrella representing the authority of Thailand. There are 108 bronze bowls in the corridor indicating the 108 auspicious characters of Buddha. People drop coins in these bowls as it is believed to bring good fortune, and to help the monks maintain the wat. Though the reclining Buddha is not a pilgrimage centre, it remains an object of popular piety.

What To Do In The Theme Parks

noreply@blogger.com (Malinee Chelsea B.) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:44:00 +0700

Looking for something more fun, getting more excited or looking for action, activities Let's just get to the fun park then.

Dreamworld

As they says "Life is like a roller coaster" but today we are here at Dreamworld ride this roller coaster... Fun filled, entertaining day out.

Dreamworld is only a short ride up the motorway, past Don Muang old airport. The taxi cost is about 250 Baht to get there. Tickets cost 550 Baht for entrance and unlimited rides;

the top rides in the park are undoubtedly the iconic Sky Coaster, a modern Roller Coaster, Super Splash, Tornado and Hurricane.

Besides riding, there is a Snow Town which costs 150 Baht extra.

SNOW TOWN, DREAMWORLD

Dream World opening hours; 10:00 - 17:00 daily, until 19:00 on holidays.

Siam Park City Bangkok

World of pleasure with covered area over 300 acres that can create happiness for family and friends. To be truly enjoyable. Excited with all the trimmings. Or natural tranquility. Vibe infuses natural greenery. Among the trees the wind waves and sun. Apart from the water park, Siam Park has been created to become multipurpose park that meets the needs of people of all ages in the family. With many of these services.

Amusement park with rides more than 20 types for both children and adults. Visit The Water Park, offering the perfect place to cool down, jumping in and out of the river that flows through the park, which also boasts the largest wave pool in the world with small waves shallow areas suitable for all ages. For older kids the Super Spiral is great fun with slides, and for daredevils 'the speed slide'. There are mini slides for smaller kids. This is one of the scariest water rides I've ever experienced but great fun anyway.

Tickets cost 900 Baht for entrance.

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Siam Park City Bangkok opening hours; 10:00 - 18:00 daily.

What to eat

noreply@blogger.com (Malinee Chelsea B.) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:57:00 +0700

Typical Thai Meals, mainly consists of a soup or curry dish with rice, a salad, a fried dish, a single dish and desserts. Normally there would be a mix of spicy and mild dishes for 'balance' and to neutralise tastes. Also, a Thai meal is served all at once, as opposed to serving dishes in courses. For breakfast; Thais don't particularly mind having spicy food in the morning. Different kinds of curry on top of rice with a fried egg, Grilled pork with sticky rice (Khao Niew Moo Ping) are common for breakfast or even the single dish like "Khao Man Gai", most city people prefer something quick and easy due to the busy lifestyles. Lunch will be something a little heavier and dinner is often shared among family and friends. And, in between, 'snacking' is common.

Grilled Calmar (Pla Muak Yang')

Thais are generally eat three main meals a day just like the rest of the world, but we have a bit of habit snacking between meals. The whole spectrum of hawker food from savoury Grilled Calmar (Pla Muak Yang'), fresh coconut ice-cream.

Mango with sweet sticky rice, freshly orange juice, fresh fruits and frittered bananas are available, virtually everywhere in the city and you can say that reasonable price. Thai people love sharing food. If you go out for lunch or dinner with Thai friends, you are most likely to be asked whether you'd like a single dish or dishes to share. To share or not to share, that is a question entirely up to you. To make things easier, it helps to observe or ask other people in your group what style they're going for. If they've decided on sharing, then you should join in the fun.

Dining

Evening; Two alternative routes here: either the traditional Bangkok of teak houses and go-go bars, or the brash new Bangkok of super hip restaurants and clubs.

Traditional Dine at Baan Khanitha, a fair hike down Sukhumvit Soi 23 from Skytrain Asok (E5). Excellent Thai food, although the amount of chili is toned down for tourists (just ask, and they'll spice it up if you're brave enough to try!). Particular favourites here are the pomelo salad (ยำส้มโอ som tam om) and roast duck in red curry (แกงแดงเป็ด kaeng daeng phet). Mains mostly range around 200 baht.

Hop on the Skytrain and change trains at Siam for Sala Daeng station. Follow the crowds a few hundred metres down Silom Road and through the street market until you spot the signs of Patpong to your right. Pick a go-go bar of your liking, perhaps King's Castle III if you're adventurous and want to see transvestites strutting their stuff. Beers around 70 baht a pop.

Temple of Emerald Buddha

noreply@blogger.com (Malinee Chelsea B.) — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 22:33:00 +0700

The Grand Palace (Wat Phra Kaew - วัดพระแก้ว)

The Grand Palace was the first place I've visited since I entered to the BIG Mango, Bangkok 10 years ago. I've heard every visitor to Bangkok should once see the magnificent building within the Grand Palace to get a feeling of the grandeur architectural style, and the Temple the Emerald Buddha (officially known as Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram) is regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand, within the grounds of the Grand Palace, it ehshrines Phra Kaew Morakot (the Emerald Buddha), the highly revered Buddha image meticulously carved from a single block of jade. The temple of Emerald Buddha is beautifully decorated and has a great sense of peace about it.

The construction of the Temple of Emerald Buddha started when the King Buddha Yordfa Chulaloke Maharach "King Rama I" moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok, unlike other temples, it does not contain living quarters for monks, rather, it has only elaborately decorated holy buildings, statues, and pagodas. The main building is the central called "Ubosot" (Ordination hall), which houses the Emerald Buddha. Even though it is small in size, it it the most important icon for Thai people.

Other attractions in Wat Phra Kaew include a model of Angkor Wat, which was built under the order of King Rama IV when Cambodia was under Siamese control. The model was later recreated in plaster at the behest of King Rama V to celebrate the first centenary of the Royal city. And don't miss the Balcony, which can be compared to the temple wall. The murals inside tell the Ramayana epic in its entirety. On the columns of the balcony are stone inscriptions of the verses describing the murals. Each gate of the Balcony is guarded by the five-metre tall 'Yaksa Tavarnbal' (Gate-Keeping Giants), the characters taken from the same epic.

The murals inside tell the Ramayana

Details: Admission fee is 400 Baht. The fee also includes tickets to the Coin Pavilion,

Vimanmek Mansion and Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall, all of which are worth seeing in their own right.

The site is open daily 08:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 01:00 p.m. - 03:30 p.m.

How to get there: The Grand Palace and Wat Pra Kaew are in the Banglamphu area of Bangkok – the ‘Old City’. You can take a taxi or Tuk Tuk. The following buses will get you there:

Bus Number: 1, 35, 44,47, 123, 201

Air-conditioned Bus Number: 2, 3, 7, 8, 12, 25, 39, 44

Tips;

Photography inside the Emerald Buddha is strictly forbidden. This is not just a requirement of the chapel; taking pictures of Buddha images is against the law.

Letter to Phuket

noreply@blogger.com (Malinee Chelsea B.) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:19:00 +0700

Dear Phuket, my tropical island in dream!

Thinking back to those old days when I travelled to Phuket and the tropical island, It was my paradise. I've been missing it... lately. Every time when I was thinking about my travel spots, even rain or shine you're always my travel's life, Phuket; you've never made me disappointed or feeling weird of my travel, even once.

That's it, how I feel every time when I'm thinking about Phuket and my holiday.

View from the top "Phuket Town"

From the trip I and my friend have been discovered the charming temple grounds and the delicious food stalls around Thalang District which is not far riding a motorbike from our hotel. After that we moved in to downtown, we've visited your (Phuket) Sunday market and we have found some lovely coffee shops and art galleries nearby. We rode around the town on rental bike; it was really excited. We were sightseeing around, spotted lots of your old very charming town in style of "Sino-Portuguese" architectural, and that was really stunned us". My friend made a lots of great shots over this "Sino Portuguese house, town and style. We really enjoyed the full day.

Phuket old town "Sino-Portuguese"

Next day trip was about 'Andaman Sea Snorkelling and swimming at the beach"

The 2nd day of this trip, we were all about rolling in the Andaman Sea; where it calm and clear, unmoving as a mirror, nothing stirred on the crystal waters. That was what all about the Andaman Sea. What an amazing day snorkelling, saw another lives under water world, varieties of fish like clown fishes, sea anemones and beautiful coral reefs. I was in love with this tropical water of Andaman Sea... It was my ideal place for snorkelling, and swimming and relaxing.

From the trip, I've got some Key Tips for season to travel Andaman Sea

There are 2 seasons in a year we called "The Green Season" in May - October and,
"The Hot Season" in November - April, this is the best snorkelling time of year, when the sea's at its most tranquil.
The beaches of the south coast are typically crowded, while the north is far more calmly. So, don't forget to watch out the red flag before you jump to the beach.

Bye bye Phuket,
We'll be coming back!