Tour Northern Thailand

Thung Salaeng Luang National Park Phitsanulok - ทุ่งแสลงหลวง พิษณุโลก

2010-07-07T06:03:00.000-07:00

Thung Salaeng Luang National Park is a national park located in the Phitsanulok and Phetchabun Provinces of Thailand. It encompasses substantial portions of Amphoe Wang Thong and Amphoe Lom Sak.

The park consists of limestone hills, slate and hardpan at altitudes ranging from 300 to 1,028 meters. Thung Salaeng Luang is inlaid with meadows, especially in the southern portions of the park. The park is also the source of numerous streams. There are large salt licks at Pong Sai in the north-west and Pong Thung Phaya in the south-west. the Wang Thong River flows through the park.

The park's forest is primarily classified as deciduous, with lowland scrub and tropical broadleaved evergreen covering smaller areas.

The average annual temperature is 25°C, although temperatures often reach 30°C during late spring and early summer. The average annual rainfall is 1.7 meters.

Thung Salaeng Luang was proposed for inclusion in the national parks system In 1959. Thung Salaeng Luang was declared a national park in 1972. From the late 1960s to the early 1980s, the park's forest was used as a major base for guerrillas of the Communist Party of Thailand.

Thung Salaeng Luang National Park is home to the Kaeng Song Waterfall, (or Namtok Kaeng Sopha) which is a three-tiered waterfall of the Wang Thong River. Shaped like a stairway, Kaeng Sopha is the largest waterfall in Phitsanulok, and it has been dubbed the Niagara Falls of Thailand. The torrents are very strong in the rainy season. The vapor rising in the area creates a vast rain-like curtain. Kaeng Sopha is the subject of a June, 2007 postage stamp in Thailand in the Thailand Waterfall series.

LUANG PHA WIANG CAVE Lamphun - ถ้ำหลวงผาเวียง ลำปาง

2010-06-23T22:56:00.000-07:00

Is one of Northern Thailand's largest caves and by far one of the most
interesting.

I had the pleasure of visiting this cave with the previous governor prior
to it's official opening. Since then, I had the pleasure of returning on
at least three more occasions. Although I am not an avid "plunker" I have
found this cave with its stalagmites and stalactites to be very
interesting and beautiful as have all the people I have taken there.

The Luang Phawieng cave is located about 45 minutes from Lamphun and just
past Ban Hong. ( a good day trip out of Chiang Mai, Thailand) As you leave
the main road you will travel on a dirt road that runs through a rock
quarry. This road runs across a stream and you are at the cave site. You
will find food and drink available in the parking area. Accessibility to
the cave has been one of the reasons in the past, that it has not been
developed into a tourist attraction although it was discovered about 400
years ago.

Legend says that this cave was carved out of the hillside approximately
500 million years ago and a noted place in the past for the robbers of the
area to stash their booty, as well at certain periods a storage area for
the Lanna royalty to store their gems. It also has been and still is a
favorite place for Thai monks as they journey to stop and rest overnight,
or for a day or two of meditation.

In comparison to the Cave at Chiang Dao which may leave you, feeling a
little claustrophobic the Tham Luang Pha Wiang cave is an open and
spacious cave. There are some bats but not too many.

The "shimmering curtain" and "precious stones" are highlighted buy signs
at present only in Thai. There is a total of 9 chambers in the cave. There
are guardrails present where need. The stalagmites and stalactites are in
a continual state of creating this natural scene.

If you're going to visit this cave you should dress appropriately and be
prepared to pace yourself. It is a fifteen minute climb to the top of the
hill in order to enter the cave. You should also carry a bottle of water.
There is a handrail along the path to the top to help those individuals
who need that little extra boost.

Doi Tung - Chiang Rai / ดอยตุง - เชียงราย

2009-11-28T03:16:00.000-08:00

Known by locals as Thailand’s Switzerland, Doi Tung (‘Flag Mountain') is an attractive mountain-top destination of forests and nearby Shan, Akha and Lahu tribal villages. Probably the most important attraction in the area is Wat Phrathat Doi Tung – a temple built one thousand years ago which is an important place of pilgrimage for Buddhists from Thailand and overseas. A giant flag was flown from the point where the temple’s chedis were built giving 'flag mountain' its name. Doi Tung is also home to the Doi Tung Development Project, an initiative of Her Royal Highness Srinakarindra the Princess Mother (mother of Thailand’s current monarch) who passed away in 1995.

Doi Tung has traditionally been an area at the centre of Thailand’s opium production, and with a ready supply of the drug in the area, drug use was prevalent, especially amongst the poor. The Princess Mother built a summer palace in the area and initiated the Doi Tung Development Project.

The purpose behind the project was to establish means of overcoming the area’s social problems through education, training, and through “Sustainable Alternative Development” such as changes in agriculture (an Agricultural Training Centre was set up to help people change from opium production to growing crops such as coffee, strawberries and macadamia nuts) and the introduction of trade in such items as local handicrafts (a ‘Cottage Industry Centre’ was also set up alongside an outlet for locally produced goods and to ensure local crafts such as hand carpet manufacturing are passed on to future generations.

The Princess Mother’s palace has been maintained exactly as it was when she stayed there. The grounds of the palace (Mae Fa Luang Garden) are extremely well kept and certainly warrant a visit. Visits to the Doi Tung Development Project’s various activities are also possible.

A trip to Doi Tung is often combined with a visit to Mai Sai. Probably the biggest draw to the region is its scenery. A trip through the mountains to Doi Tung is simply glorious. Hiking here is possible, but you should always arrange a guide – drug production does still exist and the Mong Thai Army and Karen Rebels are occasionally active in the area.

How to get there: The palace is located at kilometre 12 of route 1149. Given the distances to be covered and the fact a motor vehicle is essential to a trip to Doi Tung, an organised tour to the site is recommended.

Contact:
Doi Tung Development Project
(053) 767-003, (053) 767-015-7

San Kamphaeng Hot Spring - Chiang Mai / น้ำพุร้อนสันกำแพง - เชียงใหม่

2009-11-15T21:47:00.000-08:00

San Kamphaeng Hot Spring, Chiang Mai is situated about 23 kilometers away from San Kamphaeng district and about 36 kilometers from the city. The spring is located in the scenic surrounding of the spectacular hills and in the shelter of the large and shady trees.

San Kamphaeng Hot Spring in Chiang Mai hosts a spectacular lush green park spread over an area of 40-acre.The park has been beautifully landscaped and it has a vast range of beautiful flowers. San Kamphaeng Hot Spring, Chiang Mai is opens from 8:00 in the morning till 4:30 in the evening.

The San Kamphaeng Hot Spring is one of the Chiang Mai Parks and Gardens which is an ideal place to go for picnics. The several facilities in the park include camping area, swimming pool, restaurant dining, mineral water bathing room huts and various other amenities.

If you are hungry you can also stop and eat something at the restaurant, ice-cream stand and other eating points dispersed throughout the premises of San Kamphaeng Hot Spring, Chiang Mai. People interested in sightseeing in Chiang Mai must visit this spring.

This place is the perfect destination for people who are conscious about their health and physical well being. The water at San Kamphaeng Hot Spring, Chiang Mai contains high sulphur content and it cures many diseases and improves blood circulation. The temperature of water at San Kamphaeng Hot Spring, Chiang Mai is around hundred degrees centigrade. The water comes from a deep source many attempts have been made to harness this energy but all had been in vain.

You can reach there by a local taxi which will cost you around 200 baht. Alternatively, you make take a Thailand Tourism - Chiang Mai Bus. It will cost 80 baht per person. The bus will leave for the Hot Spring at 10 am and it will head back to the town at 1 pm.

A short drive from San Kamphaeng Hot Spring will take you to another tourist attraction in Chiang Mai and it is the famous Bo Sang Umbrella Village. It is the place where you will come across an extensive range of handcrafted souvenirs. San Kamphaeng Hot Spring is one of the popular tourist destination in Chiang Mai that attracts numerous tourists every year and helps in promoting tourism in the city to a great extent

Doi Ang Khang - Chiang Mai - ดอยอ่างขาง - เชียงใหม่

2009-11-01T13:07:00.000-08:00

The following is a list of mountains in Thailand. The altitudes are in metres. For the names of the mountains in the Roman script the Royal Thai General System of Transcription has been adopted.

Many mountains in the country are not important because of their height, but because of their symbolic and cultural significance. Some mountains have Buddhist worship places on top, like Doi Suthep close to Chiang Mai, while others have been adopted as provincial symbol, like relatively small Khao Sam Muk in Chonburi Province. Nevertheless, since the order of height is convenient, the list follows this order, without in any way intending to diminish or promote the importance of any particular mountain.

The Angkhang Nature Resort is the ideal base from which to explore the area. Visit the local hilltribes and the Royal Agricultural Project. Take a mule-ride up the hillside or for the more energetic hire a mountain bike to go exploring.

There are many walking trails around the resort. Nature lovers will notice many rare species of plant and birds in the surrounding countryside.

This remote mountainous region is located in upnorth Chiangmai. The vast area extends to the border of Myanmar and was once covered with hill evergreen forests. The heavy demand of cultivating land had led to the heavy deforestation and turned the dense woods to fruitlands and paddyfields. However, the natural altitudinal terrain of its 1,928 meter peak and the mingled biosphere of the remaining forests with deformed fruitlands has made Doi Ang Khang home of a myriad of resident and migrated birds. Birders from abroad seldom miss the chance to get there as the weather on the Doi (mountain) is pleasantly cool all year around and there are many superb birding trails.

Hume's Pheasant, Rufous-winged Buzzard, Black Eagle, Mountain Bamboo-Partridge, Golden-throated Barbet, Crimson-breasted Woodpecker, Bay Woodpecker, Rusty-naped Pitta, Short-billed Minivet, Long-tailed Minivet, Crested Finchbill Bulbul, Marron Oriole, Fire-capped Tit, Giant Nuthatch, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-Babbler, Red-tailed Laughingthrush, Red-faced Liocichla, Spot-breasted Parrotbill, Daurian Redstart, Rufous-gorgetted Flycatcher, Slaty-blue Flycatcher, Black-headed Greenfinch, Little Bunting, Chestnut Bunting, etc.

During the winter, tourists like to travel to the Chaing Mai Province to camp and enjoy the blooming winter plants. Doi Ang Khang standing 1,900 meters above sea level, borders Burma and is located in Amphoe Chai Prakan.

The Road to Doi Ang Khang: While driving to Doi Ang Khang, you will see many multihued flowers adorning the roadside. However, the road here is steep and winding, so viewing should be left to the passengers.

The Doi Ang Khang Royal Project: The Doi Ang Khang Royal Project is an agricultural station where they study horticulture. Here, in this fifty Rais (80,000 square meters) area, you will be able to see a vast array of indigenous and foreign plants.

The San KiewLom Viewpoint: From this viewpoint, you can overlook an ocean of fog in the morning, while the afternoons bring visions of villages and life below.

The Border Village: Three kilometers from the viewpoint is the Border Village. Here you can see the hill tribe people.

Bermuda Triangle of Thailand - Chiang Rai - สามเหลี่ยมทองคำ - เชียงราย

2009-10-26T14:33:00.000-07:00

The Bermuda Triangle, also known as the Devil's Triangle, is a region in the western part of the North Atlantic Ocean in which a number of aircraft and surface vessels are alleged to have mysteriously disappeared and cannot be explained as human error, piracy, equipment failure, or natural disasters. Popular culture has attributed some of these disappearances to the paranormal, a suspension of the laws of physics, or activity by extraterrestrial beings.

substantial body of documentation reveals, however, that a significant portion of the allegedly mysterious incidents have been inaccurately reported or embellished by later authors, and numerous official agencies have stated that the number and nature of disappearances in the region is similar to any other area of ocean.

Bermuda-Triangle.Org is the web site of Gian J. Quasar. It originally began in 1999 as his massive database on the Bermuda Triangle until the publication of his book, Into the Bermuda Triangle. Now it is also the personal website of the author, not only containing the Bermuda Triangle database but keeping everyone updated on his several other books, events and projects. Gian’s work has been the basis of over a dozen major documentaries and has helped inspire a Congressional Resolution.

To follow countering the BBC’s “new solution” see the Message Board thread here and the complete report on Star Tiger (PDF) and the complete report on Star Ariel (PDF) or this website’s page on the Tudors here and the biography on Star Ariel’s pilot, JC McPhee here.

It is very disappointing to see the BBC trying this transparent spin. The type of information they’re touting as new and a revelation has been on this site for about 9 years. It doesn’t solve anything unfortunately.

The Bermuda Triangle (sometimes also referred to as the Devil's Triangle) is a stretch of the Atlantic Ocean bordered by a line from Florida to the islands of Bermuda, to Puerto Rico and then back to Florida. It is one of the biggest mysteries of our time - that perhaps isn't really a mystery.

The term "Bermuda Triangle" was first used in an article written by Vincent H. Gaddis for Argosy magazine in 1964. In the article, Gaddis claimed that in this strange sea a number of ships and planes had disappeared without explanation. Gaddis wasn't the first one to come to this conclusion, either. As early as 1952, George X. Sands, in a report in Fate magazine, noted what seemed like an unusually large number of strange accidents in that region.

In 1969 John Wallace Spencer wrote a book called Limbo of the Lost specifically about the Triangle and, two years later, a feature documentary on the subject, The Devil's Triangle, was released. These, along with the bestseller The Bermuda Triangle, published in 1974, permanently registered the legend of the "Hoodoo Sea" within popular culture.

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Why do ships and planes seem to go missing in the region? Some authors suggested it may be due to a strange magnetic anomaly that affects compass readings (in fact they claim Columbus noted this when he sailed through the area in 1492). Others theorize that methane eruptions from the ocean floor may suddenly be turning the sea into a froth that can't support a ship's weight so it sinks (though there is no evidence of this type of thing happening in the Triangle for the past 15,000 years). Several books have gone as far as conjecturing that the disappearances are due to an intelligent, technologically advanced race living in space or under the sea.

In 1975 Larry Kusche, a librarian at Arizona State University, reached a totally different conclusion. Kusche decided to investigate the claims made by these articles and books. What he found he published in his own book entitled The Bermuda Triangle Mystery-Solved. Kusche had carefully dug into records other writers had neglected. He found that many of the strange accidents were not so strange after all. Often a Triangle writer had noted a ship or plane had disappeared in "calms seas" when the record showed a raging storm had been in progress. Others said ships had "mysteriously vanished" when their remains had actually been found and the cause of their sinking explained. In one case a ship listed missing in the Triangle actually had disappeared in the Pacific Ocean some 3,000 miles away! The author had confused the name of the Pacific port the ship had left with a city of the same name on the Atlantic coast.

More significantly, a check of Lloyd's of London's accident records by the editor of Fate in 1975 showed that the Trianglewas no more dangerous than any other part of the ocean. U.S. Coast Guard records confirmed this and since that time no good arguments have ever been made to refute those statistics. So many argue that the Bermuda Triangle mystery has disappeared, in the same way many of its supposed victims vanished.

More significantly, a check of Lloyd's of London's accident records by the editor of Fate in 1975 showed that the Trianglewas no more dangerous than any other part of the ocean. U.S. Coast Guard records confirmed this and since that time no good arguments have ever been made to refute those statistics. So many argue that the Bermuda Triangle mystery has disappeared, in the same way many of its supposed victims vanished.

One of the first stories connected to the Triangle legend and the most famous ship lost in the region was the USS Cyclops which disappeared in 1918. The 542 foot long Cyclops was launched in 1910 and served as a collier ( a ship that carries coal) for the U.S. Navy during World War I. The vessel was on its way from Bahia, Salvador, to Baltimore, Maryland, but never arrived. After it had made an unscheduled stop at Barbados on March 3rd and 4th to take on additional supplies, it disappeared without a trace. No wreckage from the ship was ever found and no distress signal was received. The deaths of the 306 crew and passengers of the USS Cyclops remains the single largest loss of life in U.S. Naval history not directly involving combat.

While the sinking of the Cyclops remains a mystery, the incident could have happened anywhere between Barbados and Baltimore, not necessarily in the Bermuda Triangle. Proponents of the Bermuda Triangle theory point to the lack of a distress call as evidence of a paranormal end for the vessel, but the truth is that wireless communications in 1918 were unreliable and it would not have been unusual for a rapidly-sinking vessel to not have had a chance to send a successful distress call before going under.

The SS Marine Sulphur Queen, a tanker ship carrying molten sulphur, disappeared off the southern coast of Florida in 1963. The crew of 39 was all lost and no wreckage from the tanker was ever found. While the disappearance of the ship is mentioned in several books about the Triangle, authors don't always include that the Coast Guard concluded that the vessel was in deplorable shape and should have never gone to sea at all. Fires erupted with regularity on the ship. Also, this class of vessel was known to have a "weak back", which means the keel would split when weakened by corrosion causing the ship to break in two. The ship's structure had been further compromised by a conversion from its original mission as an oil tanker to carrying molten sulphur. The conversion had left the vessel with an extremely high center of gravity, increasing the chance that it would capsize. The SS Marine Sulphur Queen was all-in-all a disaster waiting to happen and it seems unfair to blame its demise on the Bermuda Triangle.

Missing Avengers become the Triangle's "Lost Squadron"

So how did this tragedy turn into a Bermuda Triangle mystery? The Navy's original investigation concluded the accident had been caused by Taylor's navigational confusion. According to those that knew him he was a good pilot, but often navigated "flying by the seat of his pants" and had gotten lost in the past. Taylor's mother refused to accept that and finally got the Navy to change the report to read that the disaster was for "causes or reasons unknown." This may have spared the woman's feelings, but blurred the actual facts.

The saga of Flight 19 is probably the most repeated story about the Bermuda Triangle. Vincent Gaddis put the tale into the same Argosy magazine article where he coined the term "Bermuda Triangle" in 1964 and thetwo have been connected ever since. The planes and their pilots even found their way into the science fiction film classic, Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Where is Flight 19 now? Well, in 1991 five Avengers were found in 750 feet of water off the coast of Florida by the salvage ship Deep Sea. Examination of the plane's ID numbers, however, showed that they were not from Flight 19 (as many as 139 Avengers were thought to have gone into the water off the coast of Florida during the war). It seems the final resting place of the lost squadron and their crews is still a real Bermuda Triangle mystery.

Bueng Si Fai-Phichit / บึงสีไฟ-พิจิตร

2009-10-15T12:30:00.000-07:00

Phichit (Thai: พิจิตร) is one of the provinces (changwat) of Thailand, located in the north of the country. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan and Kamphaeng Phet.

Bueng Si Fai is a large fresh-water lake to the south of town. It is a Fishery Department’s facility to breed fresh-water. Along the banks is a delightfully landscaped park suitable for rest and recreation. The scenery is at its most scenic in the early morning and late afternoon. On the other side of the park is an aquarium exhibiting species of native fish and local fishing equipment. An eye-catching sight is a gigantic, crocodile-shaped structure within which is a space which could be used for meetings.

Bung Si Fai This 4,800 acre swamp locate 1 km. West of Phichit Market is a fish breeding source surrounded by lotur,grown by locals for the use of its flower and leaves. In the area there is a parked called "Suan Somdet Phra Si Nakharin". It is a nice place for relaxation and picnic dining. The place is also decorated with "Phichit Crocodile Auditorium", an auditorium constructed in the shape of a huge crocodile, since Phichit was once full of crocodiles. The main functional part is the 'stomach' which is an air-conditioned meeting room and can accommodate about 3 persons. Its other dimensions are as follow: 38 meters long, 3 meters high and 4.5 meters long for the part of the mouth. There is also a fish aquarium which is open daily from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m..

Phu Chee Fah-Chiang Rai / ภูชี้ฟ้า-เชียงราย

2009-10-15T12:07:00.001-07:00

Phu Chee Fah, Chiang Rai, is one of the popular places to see Sunrise. A chilly night, a 700-meter walk at 4.30am, a sitting against the wind, all just for the morning sunrise at Phu Chee Fah.

The stunning viewpoint of Phu Chee Fah has been long popular with Thai tourists, but remains little known amongst western travellers. On a clear morning, the views out and over a vast stretch of mist swathed Laos, are absolutely breathtaking.

Set in a remote part of the Thai-Lao border in eastern Chiang Rai province, the view from the summit of 1,628m stretches over a vast stretch of Sainyabuli province in Laos. The view is best at dawn on a clear day, when the valley below fills with mist -- November to February is considered the best time of the year to visit.

There are a bunch of guesthouses and camping is also available, but the difficult part is getting here -- you really need your own transport -- either motorbike or car -- to reach Phu Chee Fah.

Phu Chee Fah can be approached from Wiang Kaen in the north or Thoeng in the south, with the latter being the more popular route taken.

If you choose to approach from Wiang Kaen, expect some stunning mountain scenery and some moderately challenging road conditions. Also, if you choose this route, the more northern viewpoint of Doi Patang is also worth visiting.

If travelling by motorcycle, you're best to do this route with others as if you have a problem with your bike you could be stranded for a long time -- very little traffic uses this road -- though it is about 95% sealed.

There are three areas around Phu Chee Fah with guesthouses, one about 2km north of the final turnoff to the summit a second solitary guesthouse about 1.5km north of the turnoff and the other about 500m south of the final turnoff.

On weekends most places are open, but midweek, many are closed and food opportunities may be limited. From the turn-off it is another km to the parking area, then a 700m hike to the summit.

You can reach Phu Chee Fah by motorbike from either Chiang Rai or Chiang Khong, with both trips taking around 3-4 hours. For those with their own transport, an overnight visit to Phu Chee Fah is highly recommended.

Bueng Boraphet - Nakhon Sawan / บึงบอระเพ็ด - นครสวรรค์

2009-10-13T08:16:00.000-07:00

Bueng Boraphet (Thai: บึงบอระเพ็ด) is the largest freshwater swamp and lake in central Thailand. It covers an area of 224 km² east of Nakhon Sawan, south of the Nan River close to its confluence with the Ping River.

Originally the area was covered by a large swamp, which was flooded in 1930 with the building of a dam to improve fishing.

This is the only known site for the White-eyed River Martin which used to winter there, but has not been seen since 1980, and may be extinct.

106 km² of lake have been declared as a non-hunting area in 1975. In 2000 it was also declared as a wetland of international importance by the Thai government.

Bueng Boraphet is a semi-natural lake which fluctuates in its water level throughout the seasons. Unfortunately the status of non-hunting area affords it little protection and the reedbeds are greatly reduced due to human disturbance.

This is one of the largest single wetland sites in Thailand and perhaps one of the most famous due to the few sightings of the almost mythical White-eyed River Martin all occurring here. Although it is unlikely that this bird will be seen again, a combination of reedbeds, lotus swamps, open water, grassland and fringing woodland makes for a great birding spectacle at any time of the year although winter will provide the most species.

Boat trips for birdwatching or sightseeing here are a pleasant option for birders and non-birders alike and the crocodile breeding centre offers a chance to see these creatures at close quarters.

Waterbirds are obviously the main reason for a visit to Bueng Boraphet, but many other open-country species can easily be seen here. For me one of the most memorable species is the Pied Kingfisher which can be viewed whilst hovering before it dives to catch its prey. However, for many people the large and colourful waterbirds such as Purple Swamphen, Asian Openbill Stork, Glossy Ibis, Spot-billed Pelican, Oriental Darter, Indian Cormorant, Pheasant-tailed Jacana and Bronze-winged Jacana are the main attraction and Bueng Boraphet has been the site where the populations of many of these scarce species are beginning to make a comeback in Thailand.

Despite declines in recent years, large numbers of waterfowl still use Bueng Boraphet in the winter. The resident Cotton Pygmy Goose and Lesser Whistling Ducks are very common but Garganey are also very numerous in the dry season. Other species regularly found include Ferruginous Duck and Tufted Duck although a pair of Baer's Pochard in 2009 were the first record for more than 10 years.

Apart from large waterbirds, Bueng Boraphet is an excellent site for passerines too. Asian Golden Weaver, Streaked Weaver and Baya Weaver can all be found and this is perhaps one of the easiest places to see Siberian Rubythroat. Oriental and Black-browed Reed Warblers are common in the dry season and in 2008 Thailand's first Blyth's Reed Warbler was trapped and ringed here.

Sightings of Quail are always exciting and many species occur here including Rain Quail, Blue-breasted Quail and Small Buttonquail, although none are easy to see; the grassy areas grazed by cattle would be the best places to look for these species.

This is, of course, the only place that White-eyed River-Martin has ever been found, with the last confirmed sighting in 1978. Read Doug Judell's article about investigating a possible sighting in Cambodia here: White-eyed River Martin

Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park - อุทยานแห่งชาติภูหินร่องกล้า

2009-10-10T14:02:00.000-07:00

Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park has an area of 307 square kilometers. It lies in Dansai disteict of Loei province and Nakhon Thai district of Phitsanulok province. Phu Hin Rong Kla is blessed with natural beauty and historical significance. Unfortunately, the fighting there during communist years did priceless damage to the forest. The geologied features landscape and natural beauty in the area have been restored and protected after the communist insurgents loss.

From 1968 to 1972, the mountains of Phu Hin Rong Kla were the major strongholds for the communists, who were threatening the political stability of the nation. In 1982, government forces began the battle in Phu Khang, and attempt to drive out the insurgents. Forces from the First, Second and Third Army of the Regional Army Commend joined together with the Aviation Divison, Special Force center, the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force, and Civilian Thai Forces in trying vanquish the communists. The government forces were unsuccessful, primarily because of the unforgiving terrain, set high up in the mountains in mostly dense forest.

The Army changed its battle plan after initial setbacks and eventually rousted the communests. The Third Army and various military forces, the police and Civilian Forces and the Civilian-Police Military 33, (P.T.T.33) led by Major Pairot Chanurai defeated the communists wihtout bloodshed. Villagers in the area. Mostly Hmong, who had initially sided with the communists, eventually decided to abandon their allies. The communists were forced to give up their territory. After that, the P.T.T.33 began to develop the area by building a road. The paperwork was also begun to establish a national park. The Third Army and the Royal Forest Department begun the discussion about turning the area to be park.

In February 1983, the National Park Division sent officials to survey the area and concluded that it had fantastic natural beauty, served as an important watershed, and had many historical points such as Lan Hin Taek and Lan Hin Pum. It was deemed on agreement that Phu Hin Rong Kla had ability to be national park. The Royal Forest Department proposed the park and the assembly on March 15, 1983. A decree made areas of Nakhon Thai district in Phitsanulok as well as Dansai district of Loei into national park in 1984. Phu Hin Rong Kla officially became Thailand’s 48th national park.

The general topography of the park is steeply mountainous. The northern part of the park in Chaiburi Dstrict borders Laos. The Southern part of the park runs into Phetchabun Province. The mountain range includes the peaks of Phu Phangma, Phu Lomlo, Phu Hin Rong Kla and Phu Man Khao, the tallest in the park at 1,820 meters above sea level. The second tallest is Phu Lomlo at 1,664 meters. The park is the headwaters of many streams, including Huai Mueat Don, and Huai Luang Yai.

Phu Hin Rong Kla’s climate is similar to that of Phu Kra Dueng National Park and Phu Luang National Park. Because of its high altitude, the park is cool all year round, especially, of course, in the cool season, when temperature can occasionally drop to freezing point. Mist can cool and pleasant; the temperature does not rise much above 25 oC

The park has mixed deciduous, dry dipterocarp, dry evergreen, and hill evergreen forests.
Mixed Deciduous Forest tends to be spacious and open. The soil quality and moisture is low. Tree species commonly found include Dipterocarpus obtusifolius, Shorea obtusa, Shorea siamensis and Dipterocarpus tuberculatus.

Dry Evergreen Forest has better and moister soil, particularly in higher elevations and along streams. Species include Dipterocarpus alatus, Hopea ferrea, Hopea oborata, Anisoptera cochinchinensis, Dalbergia oliveri, Chukrasia venlatina, bamboo, and Brahm among others.

Hill Evergreen Forest is occurs in cool higher elevations of 1,000 meters and up. Species tend to be soft woods. Important species include Dacrydium elatum, Betula alnoides, Eugenia cumini, Anneslea fragrans Podocarpus imbricatus and Pinus merksii P. kasiya.

The flat areas on ridge tops are sandy and support Sphagnum recuryum, algae and perennial plants such as Burmannia disticha and Osbeckia chinensis. In addition, may orchid species can be found in rocky areas, including Lycopodium phlegmaria and rhododendron. These flowers bloom between the rainy and cool seasons.

In the past, Phu Hin Rong Kla was evergreen forest and had big diversity of wildlife. But later, when the communists and government began fighting, the area turned into a battlefield. Much of the forest was damaged and much of the wildlife was killed or fled to safer areas. Remaining wildlife includes tigers, leopards, Asiatic Black Bears, wild boar, fox, monkeys, leopard cats, wild hare and many bird species, such as boves barbets, common Flameback, Asian Barred Owlet, Brown Hawk-Owl, jungle fowl, bulbuls, and swallows.

Laplae - Uttaradit / อำเภอลับแล - อุตรดิตถ์

2009-10-09T19:28:00.000-07:00

Laplae (Thai: ลับแล) is a district (Amphoe) in the western part of Uttaradit Province, northern Thailand.

In the past, the district office of Laplae was located in Mueang Thung Yang. Later it was moved to Mon Cham Sin, about 1 km north of the present location. As the location of the office was inconvenient to reach, Luang Si Phanon Mat ordered to move the district office to Mon Sayammin. At the same time, King Chulalongkorn visited Laplae and chose to reserve Mon Cham Sin for position the Buddha statue named Phra Lua. This statue was built from the gold left when building Phra Phuttha Chinnarat, Phitsanulok Province.

Neighboring districts are (from the east clockwise) Mueang Uttaradit, Tron of Uttaradit Province, Si Satchanalai of Sukhothai Province and Den Chai of Phrae Province

Laplae district can be reached from the provincial town by taking Highway No. 102, taking a right turn after about 3 kilometres onto Highway No. 1041 and continue on for a further 6 kilometres. The site was originally an ancient community during the Ayutthaya Period. It served as a secret hide-out for people in Phrae and Nan who fled from enemy or calamity as its location was sandwiched in between mountains. Today Laplae is an attractive place to visit with interesting ancient sites and hand-crafted, materials. It is also a major producer of Langsat, the province's famous fruit.

Wat Phra Yuen Buddhabahtyukol Is about 200 meters away from Wat Phrataen Sila-at. This is an ancient temple which has been in existence along with Wat Phrataen Sila-at and is located on the same hill but on different doi. As legends tell, that that Lord Buddha has traveled here and stood on top of this hill so the footprints of his left and right feet have appeared on the same laterite base. These Buddha footprints are 1.50 meters high above ground and have lotus base supporting and there is a Mondhop covering the Buddha footprint. At the side of mondhop there is remnant of laterite stone, which is the base of old, chedi having the shape like Khaobin shape of Sukhothai period. In the area of this Wat Phrayuen Buddhabahtyukol still there is a small vihara where Maravichai posture bronze casted Buddha image is situated. It is Sukhothai art Buddha image called ?Luang Phor Buddharangsi ?Related Tags: Wat Phra Yuen Buddhabahtyukol

Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat - Phitsanulok / วัดพระศรีรัตนมหาธาตุวรมหาวิหาร - พิษณุโลก

2009-10-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat Woramahawihan (Thai: วัดพระศรีรัตนมหาธาตุ, also commonly referred to as Wat Yai) is a Buddhist temple (Wat) in Phitsanulok, Thailand, where it is located on the bank of the Nan River near the Naresuan Bridge.

Wat Yai is famous throughout Thailand for its golden sculpture of the Buddha called the Phra Buddha Chinnarat (Thai: พระพุทธชินราช). Many Thai people consider the Phra Buddha Chinnarat to be the most beautiful Buddha portrait in Thailand. It depicts Buddha in the posture of overcoming Mara (Thai: ปางมารวิชัย), also called Mara submission. A stone inscription indicated that he was molded over 700 years ago by a King Mahathamaracha Lithai of Sukhothai dynasty. Several faithful copies of the Phra Buddha Chinnarat are displayed in other temples, including Wat Benchamabophit in Bangkok and Wat Saranat Thammaram in Rayong. Also, the Phra Buddha Chinnarat is depicted on the official seal of the Phitsanulok Province.

For today's visitor, the principal attraction is Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, which occupies a large compound facing the river, close to the bridge leading into the town centre. Fortunately was spared the fire that wiped out most of the town's architectural heritage and survives as a superb monument, its central gild prang in the Khmer style dominating the skyline as an unmistakable landmark.

Giving rise to the temple's fame is it s presiding Buddha image of Phra Buddha Chinnarat, which is enshrined in the main chapel and daily attracts hundreds of devotees. Such veneration of the highly revered image has had the side-effect of prompting a lively trade in religious objects and devotional souvenirs, although even this bustle cannot detract from the stunning beauty of the statue.

The brilliance of the Phra Buddha Chinnarat is paralleled by the superb interior architecture and decoration of the chapel that enshrines it. Of particular note are the main doors, which are stunningly inlaid with mother-of pearl, the amazingly detailed work making them masterpieces of this traditional form of Thai decorative art. Somewhat eclipsed by the beauty of the doors but worthy of attention are the restored mural paintings of the interior walls flanking the entrance. Depicted on the left-hand wall is the Jataka tale of Phra Vessandon Chadok, while on the right are scenes from the life of the Buddha.

Typical of northern temple architecture, the chapel is low-ceilinged -- necessitated by the deep sweep of the roof -- and the interior, painted mostly in dark red and black, is dimly lit by narrow slits along the upper walls. Everything is designed to focus attention on the presiding Buddha image, its proportions enhanced by its setting, and the pervading atmosphere evokes a feeling of profound serenity.

Packed in the extensive complex of cloisters and halls that surround the main chapel are collections of Buddha images, ceramics and other artifacts, many of which possess considerable aesthetic value but are so cluttered as to inhibit full appreciation. But this is a living temple, not a museum, and the galleries of Buddha, along with the courtyard crammed with amulet stalls, souvenir vendors and lottery sellers serving the daily throng of devotees, adds rather than detracts from a very real sense of religious practice.

To the rear of the temple compound is an open area which offers the best view of the central prang, adding during the Ayutthaya period. Also to be seen here are the remains of laterite columns, all that survives of an earlier chapel, and a tall statue of the standing Buddha, restored and rather over-enthusiastically painted.

Sukhothai Historical Park - Sukhothai / อุทยานประวัติศาสตร์สุโขทัย - สุโขทัย

2009-10-03T21:38:00.000-07:00

The Sukhothai Historical Park covers the ruins of Sukhothai, capital of the Sukhothai kingdom in the 13th and 14th centuries,[1] 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.[1] 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.[2] 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, together with the associated historic parks in Kamphaeng Phet and Si Satchanalai.

Sukhothai Historical Park is a World Heritage Site. Important ancient monuments are contained within the old city walls and outside the city walls.
A characteristic feature of Sukhothai temple architecture is the lotus-bud chedi. It features a conical spire finial on a square-sided structure on top of a three-tiered base. However at Sukhothai also Sri Lankan and Srivijaya type monuments are present. Most of the temple structures in Sukhothai Historical Park were of course constructed during the Kingdom of Sukhothai era (from around 1235-1438 A.D.)

Inside the old city walls, Wat Mahathat occupies the largest section. It is a monastery about 200 meters square in size. Many original Buddha images are still present among the ruins. The compound contains no less than 198 chedis. The temple structures are described on the famous Sukhothai Stone Inscriptions.

Wat Si Sawai is located about 350 meters south of Wat Mahathat. Its three prangs were built in Lopburi style. Lintels, fragments of Hindu images and a linga indicate that the temple was initially a Hindu sanctuary. It was later transformed into a Buddhist temple.

Wat Sa Si is northwest of Wat Mahathat. Its round stupa serves as historical evidence of the influence of Sri Lankan (Sinhalese) Buddhism in old Sukhothai.

Outside the old city walls, Wat Phra Phai Luang is located close to the northern gate. It contains a group of ancient monuments of great significance. Among its many structures, it originally contained three buildings in prasat style. One of them is remaining and is adorned with stuccoed reliefs depicting the life of the Buddha. Its art details indicate that Sukhothai had cultural contact with the Khmer empire in the reign of Jayavarman VII and was also associated with Lavo (Lopburi), then a Khmer town of great importance in the central plain of Thailand.

Northwest of the city wall, Wat Si Chum is much visited with a well known large sitting Buddha image. The image is also mentioned in the Sukhothai Stone Inscription No.1, and Phra Atchana (Ajana) is the name of the Buddha image. There are ancient drawings on the ceiling of the mandapa surrounding the Buddha, telling the stories of the former incarnations of the Buddha (Jatakas).

Wat Chang Lom is located east of the City. Similar temple compounds are present at Si Satchanalai and Kamphaeng Phet. The temple consists of a main bell-shaped chedi with 32 elephant statues around its base.

Besides the temples described there are many other temple structures scattered around old Sukhothai. It is best to hire a bicycle (easily available) to spend time visiting the sites.

The Ramkhamhaeng National Museum is located within walking distance of Wat Mahathat. It is a good starting point for an exploration of the ruins. A replica of the famous Ramkhamhaeng inscription is kept here among a good collection of Sukhothai artifacts. You can see different Buddha images with different styles and origins. For linguists, there is a very nice section showing the evolution in time of Thai, Khmer, Mon scripts. King Ramkhamhaeng is credited with originating the original Thai written language.

The importance of Sukhothai in Thai history can not be understated. While the kingdom did not last that long in time, at the height of its power, its influence covered an area actually larger than present day Thailand. To the west its influence reached Pegu and Martaban. To the south, to present day Nakhon Si Thammarat. To the north, to Luang Prabang (present day Laos). This influence was not only gained by battle field conquests, but in large part by diplomacy, intermarriage in a pattern of political relationships based on vassals and overlords. Sukhothai however was not a state in the present day meaning of the word. Many parts of the kingdom retained important local power, while submitting themselves to Sukhothai.

Umphang Thee Lor Sue Waterfall - Tak / น้ำตกทีลอซู - ตาก

2009-10-01T21:43:00.000-07:00

Top 6 fo the world

Thee Lor Sue Waterfall locateed in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, is the most beautiful and biggest in Thailand. Original from Huai Klotho, it flows down a mountain valley at high of 200-300 metres and a width of almost 400-500 metres. The falls flow down in tiers surrounded by virgin forest. There is a trail to the waterfall from the wildlife sanctuary office. It take approximately 30 minutes to walk, and there are place to stop and admire the impressive views from the top. In the wet season, Thee Lor Sue waterfall will be at it most beautiful. To get there, follow a small road off the main road from Umphang 27 Kms.Visitor must follow the set route, ro raft and walk through the forest. Vehicles can enter between December-April only.

Thee Lor Jor or Falling Rain Waterfall is approximately 3 kms. from Umphang. The waterfall is divided into 2 tiers. The upper falls are located on a high cliff and the tier is narrow whereas the lower falls are part of the stream of the Mae Klong river, falling like rain fall. It is possible to travel all year-round.

Thee Lor Lay waterfall is approximately 23 kms. from Ban Palata. The waterfall is upper falls are located on a high cliff and the tier is narrow whereas the lower falls are part of the stream of the Mae Klong river, falling like rain fall. It is possible to travel all year-round.

This route begins from Ban Palata, Follow the smooth flowing stream for approximately an hour. The first point is where the upper stream meets, Huai Klotho that come from Tee Lor Sue waterfall, that pass Ban Klotho. The banks of the river are full of green mountain forest. In some place, there are high mountain ranges stretching from Phawatu Mountain Range. The first rapid to be seen are Kaeng Lekati that are divided into 3 parts and extend for many kilometres. There are large rocks obstructing small river basin. The rapid that are the most difficult are Lekati 2. Below the rapid, there is a narrow sandt bank where it is possible to rest. From there, follow the river past a small waterfall on the right handside surrounded by high cliff. Continuting on, there is an overhang that looks like a person's face. The top is know as Phakhonmong. Onthe lower side is a stream that become a large set of rapids that is full of meanders. There are also large rocks know as Kaeng Khonmong that are divide into 3 parts. There will be a wide river basin that has a large sandy bank. Continuting on, there are know large rapids and the river flows continuously onto the month of Huai Kachochita also know as Elephant Running Creek. There is an island in front of this area, which is suitable for camping overnight. After this is Kaeng Kachochile. Passing this, there is a large open space where the water flow toward a cliff resembling a cave on the edge of the river. A large waterfall tumbles down and there are vines and other plants hanging onto the cliff side. Ferns adorn the top of the limestone cliff. This is Thee Lor Lay waterfall, the final destination on the rafting route

Taksin Maharat National Park - Tak / อุทยานตากสินมหาราช - ตาก

2009-10-01T21:25:00.000-07:00

Taksin Maharat National Park is in the Mae Sot District of Tak Province. The park is close to Lan Sang National Park and covers an area of 149 Km2. Taksin Maharat was officially designated a National Park on the 23rd December 1981, becoming Thailand’s 40th National Park. The park was originally named “Ton Krabak Yai National Park” because of the enormous Krabak Tree (Anisoptera Spp.) which grows there. Later on the Royal Forest Department changed the name to Taksin Maharat National Park to honor King Taksin the Great. The Park also has amazing geological phenomenon - a natural stone bridge. It is also believed that King Alongphaya of Burma used to march his army through this area.

Taksin Maharat is a rugged mountainous Park, often swathed in cooling mists. Thanon Thongchai Mountain is a major watershed and creates the boundary line between Mae Sot and Tak Districts.

Visitors can enjoy the cool fresh air of Taksin Maharat all year round, but bring a jumper in the cold season (Nov-Feb) as it can get chilly at night.

Evergreen forest and pine forest cover the upper slopes, with deciduous and dipterocarp forest lower down. Plentiful wildlife includes serow, sambar deer, barking deer, golden cat, wild pig, and bear.

From Tak (provincial capital) take the highway no. 105 to the west. At the km. 26 marker, turn right (to the north) into the route heading to the park's headquarters. It is only 1.5 km to the headqurters from the turn-off point.

The Phae Mueang Phi - Phrae / แพะเมืองผี - แพร่

2009-10-01T06:04:00.000-07:00

The Phae Mueang Phi (วนอุทยานแพะเมืองผี) is a wide area with no large trees. Because of subsidence and erosion of the soil, the harder elements remain and are formed into the shapes of exotic-looking mushrooms.

Pae Muang Pee Forest Park is located in Mae Lai District, Num Chum District and Tung Hong Disctrict, Muang Ampur, Prae Province. It is a forest park of 0.27 sq.km and was gazetted by Royal Forest Department on 4 March 1981.

Forests occur on the wavy plain in Pae Muang Pee Forest Park. Outer area is slightly sloped. Altitudes in the area range from 180-210 metres.

The main vegetation is Dry Dipterocarp forest. Tree species found here include Dipterocarpus obtusifolius, Meliosma pinnata, Bombax anceps, Croton argyratus, Combretum spp. and Gigantochloa albociliata. The tree species that have been planted to help regenerating forest are Acacia auriculaeformis, Cassia javanica and Caesalpinia pulcherrima. Wildlife found here are snakes, lizards, butterfly lizard, hare and various bird species.

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep - Chiang Mai / พระธาตุดอยสุเทพ - เชียงใหม่

2009-09-29T17:25:00.000-07:00

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep (Thai: วัดพระธาตุดอยสุเทพ) is a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. The temple is often referred to as "Doi Suthep" although this is actually the name of the mountain it is located on. The temple is located 15 km from the city of Chiang Mai and is a sacred site to many Thai people. From the temple impressive views of Chiang Mai can be seen and it remains a popular destination of foreign visitors.

The original founding of the temple remains a legend and there are a few varied versions. The temple is said to have been founded in 1383 when the first chedi was built.[1] Over time the temple has expanded, and been made to look more extravagant with many more holy shrines added. A road to the temple was first built in 1935.

White Elephant Legend

According to legend, a monk named Sumanathera from Sukhothai had a dream; in this dream god told him to go to Pang Cha and look for a relic. Sumanathera ventured to Pang Cha and is said to have found a bone, which many claim was Buddha's shoulder bone. The relic displayed magical powers; it glowed, it was able to vanish, it could move itself and replicate itself. Sumanathera took the relic to King Dharmmaraja who ruled the Sukhothai.

The eager Dharmmaraja made offerings and hosted a ceremony when Sumanathera arrived. However the relic displayed no abnormal characteristics, and the king, doubtful of the relic's authenticity, told Sumanathera to keep it.

However, King Nu Naone of the Lanna Kingdom heard of the relic and offered the monk to take it to him instead. In 1368 with Dharmmaraja's permission, Sumanathera took the relic to what is now Lamphun, in northern Thailand. The relic apparently split in two, one piece was the same size, the other was smaller than the original. The smaller piece of the relic was enshrined at a temple in Suandok. The other piece was placed by the King on the back of a white elephant which was released in the jungle. The elephant is said to have climbed up Doi Suthep, at the time called Doi Aoy Chang (Sugar Elephant Mountain), trumpeted three times before dying at the site. It was interpreted as a sign and King Nu Naone ordered the construction of a temple at the site.

The wat can be reached by road from Chiang Mai. From the car park, at the temple base visitors can climb 309 steps for free to reach the pagodas or there is a tram.[2] Entry to the temple on the tram costs 30 Thai baht for foreigners (or 50 baht if you would like a two-way tram ticket included)[3] and is free for Thai nationals.

Once inside the temple grounds; visitors must take off their shoes. Visitors must be appropriately dressed. The original copper plated chedi is the most holy area of the temple grounds. Within the site are pagodas, statues, bells and shrines. Aspects of the Wat draw from both Buddhism and Hinduism. There is a model of the Emerald Buddha and a statue of the Hindu God Ganesh. Views of Chiang Mai can be seen on the other side of the temple.

The temple grew and changed in the 600 years since its founding. In particular, it was extensively renovated in the economic "boom" years of the early 1990's. From our admittedly western viewpoint, a lot of the charm has been lost as everything was covered in granite and gold. However, the temple remains an important sight that first-time visitors to Chiang Mai shouldn't miss.

The chedi sits in a rather small courtyard at the very peak of the mountain. The courtyard building sits on a larger plaza containing several buildings as well as a lookout point from which you can see, weather permitting, all of Chiang Mai and the surrounding plain.

Among the buildings on the plaza is a small museum displaying old pieces of temple wares as well as some of the more ancient or unique monetary donations to the temple. Note that before entering the courtyard containing the chedi, you must remove your shoes. You must also be dressed appropriately, although the temple can provide some clothing on loan to cover up your naughty knees and slinky shoulders.

Now for the bad news: To reach the temple itself requires a climb up a naga staircase of 309 steps. For the faint of heart, there's also a funicular cable-car to the top which has just been re-built after several fatal crashes. The fare for the new improved funicular is 20 Baht.

At the base of stairs, where cars and motorcycles park, there is a large market of food stalls, jade factories and endless relentless souvenir sellers.

You can get a songthaew (a small pickup truck with seats along the sides of the covered bed) from the small market area at the corner of Manneenopparat and Chotana Roads, just outside the Changpuak Gate. A round trip, including a visit to the Doi Pui Maeo village, runs around 150 Baht.

Wat Phra That Lampang Luang - Lampang / วัดพระธาตุลำปางหลวง - ลำปาง

2009-09-29T05:02:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Doi Phu Kha - Nan / ดอยภูคา - น่าน

2009-09-28T23:37:00.000-07:00

Doi Phuka national park, in Nan province, was designated on 17 June 2000. The park is named after the tallest peak in the park boundaries, Doi Phuka, which sits at 1980 meters (6140 feet) above sea level. It is the northern Thailand's largest national park covering 1,704 square kilometers.

Since the landscape was created under the ocean there are abundance of limestones. Consequently there are limestone caves, waterfalls, and fossils. Rainy season is from May to October, with the peak rainfall in August and September. The cold season (November - February) is the popular season for the visitors.

There are 3 main different forest types. Mixed Decidous forest, Dipterocarp with Oak forest and hill evergreen forest. There is a rare plant called Chompoo Phuka Tree in the park. This tree flowers in the month of February and fruits in the month of May. The flower, white rose in color, bloom in long upright racemes.

There are three main different forest types found within the park. Mixed Decidous forest, Dipterocarp with Oak Forest and Hill Evergreen Forest. Besides, there is also rare plant - Chompoo Phuka Tree. This tree flowers in the month of February and fruits in the month of May. The flower, white rose in color, bloom in long upright racemes.

Mountain view point Doi Phu Ka: A rugged mountain with fantastic scene. The weather out there is cool and there are fogs and clouds all year.

Waterfalls: The tallest waterfall in the park is Phufah waterfall. Fah Shee Nok waterfall, Mae charim Ton Tong waterfall, and many other waterfalls are also worth visiting.

Caves: Many caves are found within the borders of Doi Phuka national park.

Tharn Lod: Local people call it "Nam Ok Roo", which is a natural phenomenon. The water inside a cave in the mountains, flows out across the caves to the outside.

The Ancient Palm (caryota sp.): It is an endangered species. These trees grow well here due to the proper soil properties. These are found on the rocky mountain slopes.

To get to the Doi Phuka national park, take the route Nan - Pau for 60 km. There is a sign mark that will take you along the 25 km turn-off route to the headquarters.

Kwan Phayao Lake - Phayao / กว๊านพะเยา - พะเยา

2009-09-28T08:26:00.000-07:00

Covering an area of 2.3 square kilometers and located at an altitude of 380 meters above sea level, Kwan Phayao is one of the largest artificial lakes in entire Northern Thailand.

In fact, this lake is the largest fresh water habitat in the upper northern part of Thailand that provides livelihood for local people of the region. Situated on the southeastern banks of this lake is the beautiful and bustling town of Phayao.

Majority of the water coming into the Kwan Phayao is from the Nam Mae Ing. However, a smaller percentage of water also comes from the Mae Tam. Interestingly, Nam Mae Ing empties itself on the northern side and Mae Tam fills up at the southern end. However, the water inside the lake is never allowed to rise beyond a certain level. Sluice gates are used to control the water level and there is also a spillway so that the mean water depth is always maintained at 1.7 meters. Water from the lake is emptied in the east into the Mekong River via Nam Mae Lag.

Another interesting aspect of this lake is that the pH of the water varies between 6.0 and 9.1, thus making it highly conducive for the growth of almost thirty-six species of aquatic plants and twenty-two species of fish. In fact, Kwan Phayao is considered as the largest semi-natural wetlands in entire northern Thailand. Kwan Phayao Lake is also known to be a preferred destination for resident and migratory birds. Apart from these, the water in the lake is also an important source of municipal water supply.

The main aquatic plants in the lake are Najas graminea and Ceratophyllum demersum. 22 species of fish are recorded for the lake, most dominant are the artificially introduced Nile Tilapia (Tilapia nilolica) and the Climbing Perch (Anabas testudineus). Also 47 bird species were found at the lake in a survey in 1982.

The lake was created in 1939 to improve irrigation in the area. It was added to the list of 61 most important wetland areas on August 1, 2000. There are currently plans to restore the ancient temple Wat Tilok Aram dating back to the end of the 15th century, which was submerged during the construction of the lake.

Present around the lake are some beautiful and picturesque locations, thus making Kwan Phayao a popular weekend destination for the locals of Phayao.

Wat Phrathat Chohae - Phrae / วัดพรธาตุช่อแฮ - แพร่

2009-09-27T06:54:00.000-07:00

Phrae is one of the most ancient cities in Thailand , an old establishment having been founded in the same period as Sukhothai and Chiang Mai. The town was built over 800 years ago, allegedly by Thai Kern and Tai Lue people. It is laced with romance and enchants visitors with the famous love legends called "Phra Lor" and "Phu Chana Sibtid". The former name was Wiang Kosai, which means Silk Cloth. This province is quite a prosperous province due to lucrative coal mining and, until recently, logging businesses. The town is popular as a manufacturing centre for rattan furniture and the indigo dyed farmers' shirts which are worn all over Thailand as a symbol of solidarity with rural Thai life.

The province of Phrae may be somewhat off the beaten track, but its undiscovered treasures are well worth noting is the annual Rocket Festival, which marks the beginning of the rice growing season in May.

One of the attractions of Phrae is its eclectic blend of temple architecture. Traditional Lanna architecture, with its multi-tiered roofs, is seen side by side with examples of Burmese and Lao temple architecture.

Phrae has an overall area of 6,538.6 square kilometers, and is administratively divided into 8 Amphoes (Districts) : Amphoe Muang, Rong Kwang, Wang Chin, Song Long, Sung Men, Den Chai and Nongmuang Khai; located 555 kilometers from Bangkok.

Wat Phrathat Chohae is the most famous temple in Phrae. It is located in Muang District on a hill outside of the town, about 9 kms. to the east. It is currently being renovated by the Fine Arts Department. Also of great interest is Wat Phrathat Chorm Jaeng, an ancient temple which is sometimes called "the temple of predawn" and is located on Doi Tong hill, about 12 kms. away from the town center. It is one of the oldest temples in the province and was built in 1331 B.C.

Phrathat Cho Hae , 3The people is located at Tambon Pa Daeng, 9 kms. from Phrae town, and coated with thin Dok Buad gold sheet, having the height of 33 meters, width of each side of the base of 10 meters. The name Cho Hae is derived from a kind of grade satin, woven from Sib Song Panna Kingdom , wrapped around the pagoda by the villagers as an offering. Annual fair worshipping the pagoda takes place on the middle of the fourth lunar month (sixth northern month) of every year.

Wat Rong Khun-Chiang Rai / วัดร่องขุ่น - เชียงราย

2009-09-25T23:21:00.000-07:00

Wat Rong Khun (Thai: วัดร่องขุ่น) is a contemporary unconventional buddhist and hindu temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand. It was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat. Construction began in 1998 and is expected to end in 2008.

Wat Rong Khun is very different to any of temple you are likely to see in Thailand. A lifetime project of artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, the temple has a fine blend of traditional Buddhist art with contemporary themes. The temple is almost entirely white – no other colours are used at all. It is though decorated with small pieces of mirrored glass which add substantially to the temple’s spacious and airy feel. Designed to be viewed in moonlight, if you can manage to get there when the moon is out it’s worth the effort – very nice indeed. This temple is certainly worth a visit unless you have limited time.

Wat Rong Khun is different from any other temple in Thailand, as its ubosot (Pali: uposatha; consecrated assembly hall) is designed in white color with some use of white glass. The white color stands for Lord Buddha’s purity; the white glass stands for Lord Buddha’s wisdom that "shines brightly all over the Earth and the Universe."

The bridge leading to the temple represents the crossing over from the cycle of rebirth to the Abode of Buddha. The small semicircle before the bridge stands for the human world. The big circle with fangs is the mouth of Rahu, meaning impurities in the mind, a representation of hell or suffering.

All the paintings inside the ubosot (assembly hall) have golden tones. The four walls, ceiling and floor contain paintings showing an escape from the defilements of temptation to reach a supramundane state. On the roof, there are four kinds of animals representing earth, water, wind and fire. The elephant stands for the earth; the naga stands for water; the swan's wings represent wind; and the lion’s mane represents fire.

In 1977, Chalermchai Kositpipat volunteered his service to carry out the construction of the ubosot at his own expense as an offering to Lord Buddha, but he later altered the plan as he saw fit in such a way that Wat Rong Khun developed into a prominent site attracting both Thai and foreign visitors.

Nowadays, Wat Rong Khun is still being constructed. When completed, the construction project of Wat Rong Khun will consist of nine buildings: the ubosot, the hall containing Lord Buddha’s relics, the hall containing Buddha images, the preaching hall, the contemplation hall, the monk’s cell, the door façade of the Buddhavasa, the art gallery, and the toilets.

Doi Inthanon - Chiang Mai / ดอยอินทนนท์ - เชียงใหม่

2009-09-25T09:07:00.000-07:00

Happiness always glows... every season!
Whichever season it is. If your travelling intention is to be appended within the nature and cool weather, we would like to introduce "Inthanon" ...Lanna Heaven, the Miraculous Recreation for you and your family in the Family Resort & Birding Center ; natural and comfortable lodge in the calm and private surrounding.

Doi Inthanon (Thai: ดอยอินทนนท์) is the highest mountain in Thailand. The mountain was also known in the past as Doi Luang (meaning big mountain) or Doi Ang Ka, meaning the crow's pond top. Near the mountain's base was a pond where many crows gathered. The name Doi Inthanon was given in honour of the king Inthawichayanon, one of the last kings of Chiang Mai, who was concerned about the forests in the north and tried to preserve them. He ordered that after his death his remains shall be placed at Doi Luang, which was then renamed.

Doi Inthanon, is part of a mountain range separating Burma from Thailand also known as Loi Lar Mountain Range or Daen Lao Range. This range, the westernmost of the Shan Highland system, separates the Salween watershed from the Mekong watershed. Other high peaks of the Loi Lar Mountain Range are Doi Luang Chiang Dao (2,175 m), Doi Pui (1,685 m), and Doi Suthep (1,601 m).

In 1954 the forests around Doi Inthanon were preserved as one of the original 14 National parks of Thailand. In 1972 and 1975 its area was increased, so it now covers 482.40 km². The park spreads from the lowlands at 800 m altitude up to the peak in 2565 m, thus covering many climatic and ecological different parts, thus with a total of 362 it has the second highest number of bird species of any national park in Thailand. The park is often called The roof of Thailand.

On the lower slope of Doi Inthanon, near the Karen hill tribe village Ban Sop Had, are the Vachiratharn waterfalls, where the river Vachiratharn tumbles over a granite escarpment.

Various activities for nature lovers.
Apart from pleasure nature and comfortable accomodation, Inthanon is the meeting place for Bird Watcher, exchange various species information with various enjoyable activities for you and your family such as jogging in the morning, bird watching, trekking, bicycling, Camping and bedding in tents as well as other healthy recreation activities.

Pai - Mae Hong Son / ปาย - แม่ฮ่องสอน

2009-09-24T23:28:00.000-07:00

Pai, a tiny town halfway between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son

Halfway between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son, the mountain road makes a winding descent into a large green valley carpeted with rice paddies and fruit groves. Mountains rise on all sides and butterflies flit along the streets. Here you'll find a tiny town called Pai, named after the river that runs through the valley.

Pai, a speck of a place with main roads (all four of them) offers you a rich bohemian atmosphere where you can collect your thoughts and commune with nature.
In Pai, every day is a lazy Sunday. And if you're ready for it, Pai offers you a wide palet of activities. Never a dull moment...

Outdoor Activities in Pai

The Pai River itself is one of the main attractions here. Outfitters organize rafting adventures on some pretty raucous rapids from July to January. Trekking is also popular, with 2- and 3-day treks to Karen, Lahu, and Lisu villages. See also Wikipedia for more info about nature, culture, hilltribes etc. around Pai. The adventurous can find a local map for self-guided hikes to nearby waterfalls and caves, but quite a few wayfarers just lounge in town living simply and enjoying the nightlife.

Hilltribes - Longnecks

Longnecks

The tribe of the "Long Neck Women"
The tribe of the "Long Neck " and "Long Ears" Women.
There are three Padung villages and all the three are near the Burmese border, not far from the city of Mae Hong Son.

The villages are
Huei Sua Tao
Na Soi
Nam Pieng Din

You can fly from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son, see one or two villages and fly back on the same day. It is not recommended !!! You better stay at least 3 days in this one of the most beautiful provinces of Thailand - Mae Hong Son. There is much to see in and around the provincial city.

The Padung are a sub-group of Karen (Bwe Group) living in Kayah state of eastern Burma on the Thailand border. Their numbor is less than 40,000 people. The Padung call themselves "Lae Kur" or "Kayan". They have their own language belongs to the Kenmic group in the Tibeto-Burman language family.

The Karen themseves are not one homogeneous group but rather a loose confederation of heterogeneous and closely related tribes. Among the smallest Karen tribes in Thailand are the Karen Padaung.

In Thailand, only a few families of Padaung have settled temporarily as refugees in Muang District of Mae Hong Son Province, living among other hilltribes groups, mostly Karen, and being the one of the main reasons for visiting tourists to that area.

The Padung escape from the Kaya State in Burma to Thailand in this century and are actually refugees of a political turmoil. They belong to the Karenni sub-group of the Karen People, which are still fighting for their independence in Burma.

The Karen-Padung occupied central Burma before the Burmese arrived from the North and they, together with the ancient Mon, farmed the Irrawaddy and Salween Valleys and built civilizations based on their unique cultures.

The Padung women are putting brass rings around their necks. This distorts the growth of their collarbones and make them look as if they have long necks - which they don't. This row of brass rings do not actually stretch their necks but in fact squash the vertebrae and collar bones. A woman generally has about twenty or more rings around her neck. This neck ring adornment is started when the girls are 5 or 6 years old.

The rings on the arms and the legs are not quite as prominent as those on the neck simply because the neck rings are so pronounced. However, these rings are just as important. The rings on the arms are worn on the forearm from the wrist to the elbow. Those on the legs are worn from the ankles to the knees, and cloth coverings are kept over most of these rings, from the shins down to the ankles.

Other Karen-Padung tribes reside in Phrae Province, and Baan Tha Ton in far north Chiang Mai province [close to Aka's Guest Home 14 km from Baan Tha Ton]. The Karen-Padung in Phrae live in the Wang shin District, in Mae Sin Village, Kang Jai Village and Mae Pong Village. These are in the vicinity of KM 75 on the Phrae-Wangchin Road. The women of. these Karen tribes display their beauty, and their status as married women, by wearing carved elephant tusk in their ears. When a woman is married, her ears are pierced and an elephant tusk of one to four centimeters in length is inserted.

During the early stages the ear pieces are quite small, especially for younger women. The weight of the tusks gradually weighs down on the ear lobe and the ear gets larger and larger, and longer and longer. Then larger tusks are inserted and the process repeats itself until the woman's ears become extremely elongated and floppy. The married woman wears these ear pieces for life.

The tradition of these Karen - Padung who are sometimes referred to as the "Long-Ears" is one of the oldest of peoples in this part of the world. Long before any of the present day territories were formed by boundaries into nations or countries, the peoples of Southeast Asia, particularly mountain dwellers, practiced a custom known as "Loaded Ears". According to this custom, the ears, being one of the most sacred parts of the body, were an important object of adornment. For beauty in the women and for strength in the men, the ears of both sexes were loaded. Today, among the Karen-Padaung of Phrae and of Burma, this tradition is continued for the female gender only, once married.

Unmarried girls in these tribes do not wear the ear pieces, but they do wear white dresses, in contrast to the red and black dresses worn by the married women, and on the backs of their hands a few magical words are written in spiritual languages. These words carry meaning to bless these girls to have a happy life.

Most of Padung are animists, but about 10 percent are Buddhists. Now, the number of Christians is increasing because of the Roman Catholic mission. The annual festival for the fertility and prosperity of the whole community is usually held at the beginning of the rainy season. Sacrifices are made to the spirits for good health and bountiful harvests. Rice is the Padung main crop.