TourThailand-Holiday

One Tambon One Product

noreply@blogger.com (Anndrew) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 06:04:00 +0000

Thailand is many provinces are famous for specialising in particular arts and crafts. For instance Chiang Mai is noted for its decorative umbrellas, and Hua Hin for its confectionary made from locally grown pineapples. You will find many outlets in and around Bangkok that sell OTOP products. You can be sure that they are good quality and have a government seal of approval, many products can not be found elsewhere only in OTOP outlets they are well worth seeking out for an authentic souvenir.

Thai's OTOP encourages village communities to improve local product quality and marketing, selects one superior product from each Tambon to receive formal branding as a "Starred OTOP Product" and provides a local and international stage for the promotion of these products. One Tambon One Product cover a large array of local products including handicrafts, cotton, silk garments, pottery, fashion accessories, household items and foods.

Sorce picture from http://www.openbase.in.th

Songkran or Thai Water Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Anndrew) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 17:27:00 +0000

Summer season of the year in Thailand. The date of Songkran Festivals is around the middle of April. The people know as Water Festival. Many Thai people have day off the whole week from work to have a celebration with family and friends. They leave Bangkok to return to their hometown. Songkran is the "Buddhist New Year" or someone call "Thai New Year". It's not absolutely certain of when the jump from sprinkling water over hands changed to pouring over heads, but in the heat of summer season, it seems like a logical step to make. Younger generations have adapted the festival to be what it is today more like a splash by water. Talcum powder or chalk use by monk for blessing and by the young to appreciate grandparents or elder. Most people use the talcum powder together when splashing.

One of the rituals of Songkran is to bathe Buddha statues. As buddhists believe the act purifies and renews life while washing away bad fortune. It's also a custom to pour fragrant water on the hands of revered elders and asking them for their blessing. If you walking on the street. Don't carry your camera unless you have waterproof casing and be careful with your phone before you will wet. Use waterproof bags to protect valuable items and money. It seems happy festival, this is also a dangerous time of year. Out of control reveller have been known to soak drivers of moving motorbikes and cars causing accidents. Some guy using the spirit of the festival to grope and touch female illicitly. You should be caution dress, drunk and drive.

Categories of Thai spa

noreply@blogger.com (Anndrew) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 08:12:00 +0000

The International Spa Association represents over a 1,000 spa providers world-wide and has identified four categories of spa:

Day Spas offer a variety of treatments and therapies on a daily basis. These spas have mo residential facilities.

Resort or Hotel Spas are to be found in a hotel or the grounds of a resort, either owned by the hotel or a specialist spa operator administers the spa. They provide facilities for fitness training, spa therapies and treatments, and often offer special healthy cuisine.

Medical Spas provide comprehensive wellness and medical care within an environment that combines medical and spa facilities. They provide conventions and complementary therapies and treatments.

Destination Spas are those dedicated to providing their clients with a life style improvement program alongside a health enhancement option. These are administered by highly qualified and experienced spa professionals. Besides the spa service they also offer physical fitness and health and life style education programs in accommodation that is provided on site. Spa cuisine is an integral part of the experience

Thai Food Nutrition

noreply@blogger.com (Anndrew) — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 03:27:00 +0000

Thai food is the Food of Thai people have built and broadcast continuously from past to present as a national identity. Thai food can be considered as a national culture of Thailand. Traditional Thai food means food to eat each local. The food is made easier by using plants or vegetables and condiments that are available locally. Have inherited cooking and eating on the same.

Think Thailand and exotic Thai cuisine excellent. Think Thailand, but this time I think of urban areas in the world in most Thai dishes. There is no doubt that Thai cuisine has conquered the world and is one of the most devastating experience to eat and what better place to enjoy Thai food in Thailand itself. Westerners are familiar with Thai food, because it that even the smallest of the city seems to be having at least one Thai restaurant.

Before you have eaten Thai food in Thailand and made with fresh ingredients, then no one can really say, delighted that the taste of various dishes from that country. Of course, each of the major Thai cities and tourist destinations offer more than its fair share of excellent Thai restaurants specializing in everything from country easy cooking Thai cuisine, or even a type of food Phad Thai and Tom Yam Gung

Siam Square and Siam Paragon in Bangkok

noreply@blogger.com (Anndrew) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:32:00 +0000

However if your tastes and purses reach to higher levels than street and night markets then you are in the right city for recently Bangkok has seen two up market shopping centres openning for business.The Siam Paragon as the largest shopping centre in Asia. The Siam Paragon is easily access from Siam Skytrain station.

In this super-centre you will find all the usual luxury name brands from Giorgio Armani, Elizabeth Arden, Hugo Boss, Hermes, Jim Thompson, Burberry and Paul Smith, to Bulgari, Cartier and Rolex.Technology wonks will be enjoying choice of many famous quality names being represented such as Bose, Sony, Toshiba, Pioneer, Marantz and Bang & Olufsen.

Want to learn a language from any language school.There are dance and music schools along with cooking courses and fitness centres. Actually there will have screen cinema complex and an IMAX cinema.Not to forget the large exibition hall and a concert hall ing the Royal Paragon Hall with 5,000 seats for show and concerts.

It is impossible to wander around Siam Paragon and not get a little hungry.There is a large food hall on the ground floor with a choice of dishes from around the world.You will be spoiled from choices.There is also a wide selection of local eateries too.In the surrounding area plenty of places to eat,from the ubiquitous Hard Rock Cafe, a popular but touristy spot, to some well-known and popular Thai restaurant chains all of which are popular with locals and visitors.

The British Council is on the little side streets that make up much of the Siam Square development and a wonderful Chulalongkorn book shop fills all kinds of English and Thai language books from obscure academic tomes to more accesible classic and modern novels, also equippers with a good stationary section.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

noreply@blogger.com (Anndrew) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 02:41:00 +0000

Chatuchak Weekend Market

pic from http://www.bangkoktourist.com

The eldest of Bangkok markets is Chatuchak, also known as "JJ market" or the weekend market. This enormous and sprawling ground is open every Saturday and Sunday. Chatuchak is divided in zones and has stalls after stalls specializing on one type of product. Rows of stalls selling denims and jeans, shoes and trainers, socks and underclothes, crocky and cutlery, delicate glass ornaments, more functional glass and household ware, wood carvings, ceramics, woven baskets are just some of the goods on sale.

Suan Lum Night Bazaar

noreply@blogger.com (Anndrew) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:43:00 +0000

Just a few minutes walk away from Silom/Patpong is the Suan Lum night bazaar- altogether a different market. It flocks with traditional-style shops rather than market stalls. A bit more difficult to get a bargain here and that is reflected in the better quality of the goods. A little bargaining may be tolerated.
You will find a lot of fine art and hand crafted furniture, as well as object diart in this market. It is profoundly pleasant to browse the shops and their products.
Suan Lum opens at 6 p.m. and closes at midnight. Besides the shops, there are many restaurants and cafes, and a massive beer garden with live bands. The Joe Louise Puppet Theatre is not to be missed - offering nightly shows of traditional Thai puppetry. The kids will love it and adults find it fascinating.

Silom and Patpong area

noreply@blogger.com (Anndrew) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:22:00 +0000

The most famous and popular of the night markets is Patpong. It opens for business at 7 p.m. every night and seems to close when the last customer has decide to call it a day.
Patpong connects Silom and Surriwongse Roads. By day it is a fairly quiet, but at four in the afternoon the street rings with the clatter of stall being erected and the goods being laid out on displayed. At seven the area comes alive with the throng of stall holders vying for your attention. Anything is available from Thai silk clothing, format ties, informal shirts and trousers, cheap CDs and DVDs of the latest music and film released. Remember to bargain for the first price is simply an opening bid, treat it like a Dutch auction and you can go wrong. If the price is not right then walk away, there are more vendors nearby who will be only to willing to consider your best price.
Patpong market spills into Silom with more stalls to be browsed and picked over. In the Silom with more stalls to be browsed and picked over. In the Silom street market you will find novelty items, magic tricks, and knick-knacks made from recycled cans, decorative, festive lights and lamps along as well as watches and clothes.

Shopping in Thailand

noreply@blogger.com (Anndrew) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 17:49:00 +0000

Shopping in Thailand

Most visitors always amazed at the variety of shopping opportunities Bangkok has to offer. Anything and everything is on sale from high class products that could grace the exclusive shops of London, Paris or New York, to cheap rip-offs of designer labels, CDs, VcDs, watchs, suitcases and the like; and everything in between these two extremes.
Bangkok does not have anything like London's Oxford Street, or Paris's Marais, New York's 5th Avenue, or Singapore's Orchard Road. However there ares where street and night markets and large upscale shopping centers along the main business, entertainment and tourist areas of Silom, Sukhumwit and Siam Square. You will find an abundance of retail therapy opportunities. What people want to do most when they arrive in Bangkok is to visit the streets and night markets; and Bangkok has them in profusion.

Spas in Thailand

noreply@blogger.com (Anndrew) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:19:00 +0000

Spas in Thailand

With its centuries old practice of massage and traditional remedies, and its well deserved reputation for excellent service Thailand is a leader in the field of spa treatments.
Whether you are a spa novice or an experiencd devotee, there are many choices of spa therapies to be enjoyed here. They range from one or two hour treatments in specialist resort, destination or midical spas that offer a full range of treatments. Of course the prices vary with the establishment too.
The Thai spa phenomenom is relatively recent innovation having been introduced by the Oriental Hotel Spa, Banyan Tree Hotel Spa and Chiva-Som International Health Resort; the country's only destination spa. From these small but quality beginnings and just a decade or so there has been a rapid growth in the number of spa facilities both in Bangkok and Thailand; so much so that the country now boasts over 200 quality spas.

Hotels in Thailand

noreply@blogger.com (Anndrew) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:26:00 +0000

Thailand Hotels

Thailand has never short of first class, five star hotels and resorts. In fact in Bangkok and well representes by the major international, regional and domestic hotel chains. Bangkok can even boast one of the most famous hotel mames in the world in the 130-years-old Oriental Hotel on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
Many of Bangkok's top hotels are situated on the river banks, the all offer superb views of this busting and vibrant waterway. The Hilton Millennium has recently joined the likes of the Oriental, Shangri-La, and the Peninsula hotels. All these four waterside hotels have an unrivaled international reputation and all of them strive to maintain and even improve on the level of service, care and attention they provide to every guest.

These hotels need no testimonials to prove their commitment to customer service. Just to step inside any one of them to instantly feel their dedication to serving the needs of their guests. Combine this with the famed Thai sense of service and willingness by all staff to maintain and improve their standards. A stay at either of these hotels is an experience that will live in the memory for a very long time.
But Bangkok has excellent hotels with superb standards spread over the city, but principally in the business and tourist areas of Silom / Sathorn and Sukhumvit areas.

Thai Festivals and Thai Public Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Anndrew) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 01:22:00 +0000

Thai Festivals and Thai Public Holidays

1st of January - New Year's Day
In Thailand there are three New Year's days. The Western, on Jan 1st, the Chinese New Year on the first day of the First Lunar month, usually in February and the Thai New Year marked by the Songkhran festival in April. Thais usually exchange gifts on January 1st.

31st of January and 1st of February - Phra Buddha Bath Fair
Held at the temple of the Holy Footprint at Saraburi which is 236 Km north from Bangkok. There are many activities including music and outdoor drama.

January - unscheduled dates - Bosan Umbrella Fair
Held in Chiang Mai during January, it features colourful paper umbrellas and other local handicrafts. Chaing Mai is noted for its production of decorative umbrellas and parasols.

February - at the start of the luna month - Chinese Lunar month.
Usually in February. Businesses close for 3-4 days giving families time to get together and worship at one of the Chinese Buddhist temples. There may also be public celebrations with acrobats, Lion Dance and firecrackers. The latter are believed to frighten away "foreign devils"

February - Flower Carnival
Held in Chiang Mai during February it features parades and colourful floats exhibiting the local flora.
End of February Beginning March - Makha Bucha Day
End of February / beginning of March, depending on the moon. This commemorates the day when 1250 of Buddha's disciples gathered spontaneously to hear him preach. Buddhists visit Wats and make merit by such acts as releasing caged birds. In the evening the celebrations culminate in a candle lit procession around the main temple building.

6th of April - Chakri Day
Commimorates the founding of the Chakri Dynasty, of which the present King Bhumipol is the 9th King. Portraits of the King and Queen are prominently displayed and decked with tributes of flowers.

13th to 15th April - Songkhran
This is the celebration of the old Thai New Year.
Songkhran is a time when the Thai family will try to be together, and many people will travel back to their home village.
This holiday has now become secularised, with exuberant merrymakers bucket full, or even with a hose. To add to the fun, tale is mixed with the water and may be daubed on your face. Take it all in good spirit, no one is exempt, not even the policemen.

Secound week of April - Pattaya Festival

1st of May - National Labour Day

5th of May - Coronation Day
This celebrates the coronation of the present King Bhumipon, Rama IX. Tributes are paid at shrines and portraits of His Majesty.
End of May - Royal Ploughing Ceremoney
This is an ancient Brahman ceremoney celebrates the beginning of the rice planting season.

June
Full moon of the 6th Lunar Month - Visakha Bucha Day
This celebrates the birth, death and enlightenment of Buddha, and is the most sacred day on the Buddhist calender.

Mid July - Asalaha Bucha Day
This is the day before the start of Buddhist Lent.

Mid July - Buddhist Lent
This marks the start of Khao Pansa, Period similar to the Christian Lent.

12th of August - H.M. Queen's Birthday
Tributes are paid to Her Majesty

23rd of October - Chulalongkorn Day
This commemorates the death of King Chulalongkorn, Rama V in 1910.

November
Full Moon 12th Lunar month, November - Loy Krathong
Krathongs, or lotus flowers made of natural materials, containing a candle, incense sticks, a coin or two and beatifully decorated with flowers are launched into the sea, or any convenient stretch of water, as a thanksgiving to the water spirits, and a cleansing of sins.

December
The 3rd of December - Trouping of the Colour
Their Majesties the King and Queen preside over this annual event which is held in the Royal Plaza, Bangkok.

5th of December - Constitution Day
This marks the day in 1932, when the monarchy became constitutional, at the very beginning of democracy on Thailand.

31st of December - New Year's Eve
The end of the old year when everybody celebrates.
Besides these national holidays and festivals there are many local and regional festivals are feast days held throughout the year.

Thai Greeting

noreply@blogger.com (Anndrew) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:54:00 +0000

Thai Greeting

The Wai is the traditional Thai greeting which is used instead of a handshake, but it can also be used as a means of saying sorry, thank you, or to pay respect.

If you are introduced to a Thai and that person Wais to you then you should return the Wai. Generally the younger person will Wai first, but the Wai of a small child is best return by a big smile. If you receive a thank you Wai from an airline stewardess or after tipping a waitress it is inappropriate to return the Wai.

Thai Manners

noreply@blogger.com (Anndrew) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:01:00 +0000

Thai Manners

Some dos and don'ts

- Do not criticise the king, queen or any member of the Royal Family past or present

- Do not criticise the religion

- Do not wear shoes inside a temple building

- Do not show public displays of affection

- Do not sun bathe topless

- Do not touch the top of anyone's head (even as a friendly gesture)

- Do not point your feet at anyone and do not use your feet to move or point out anything.

- Women must not touch a Buddist monk

- In temples and royal palaces dress modestly, no shorts or short skirts, women should cover bear shoulders and men should not wear short trousers.

Surat Thani

noreply@blogger.com (Anndrew) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:54:00 +0000

Surat Thani

The numerous islands along the coast make Surat Thani a perfect weekend hideaway. The ideal destination for many is Kho Samui, The Gulf of Thailand and its renowed islands, particularly Kho Samui. Samui is part of Surat Thani province its mainland has high plateaus and forested mountains while there are low basins in the center and along the eastern coast.
Thailand's third largest island, and its neighbour Kho Pha-ngan a celebrated island that hosts the biggest beach full moon party. North of Pha-ngan is Kho Tao famous for its excellent coral reefs. To top it all is the dazzling 250-square-kilometer Ang Thong Marine National Park, where a stunning archipelago greets visitors with their charming palm-fringed beaches, crystal clear water and colorful coral reefs.

Trang

noreply@blogger.com (Anndrew) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 17:10:00 +0000

Trang

Trang has both mainland beaches and a whole string of offshore islands. For
visitors interested in light-adventure activities such as cruising coastal waters, visiting notable sights like the enchanting Emerald Cave, which is accessible only by water, this destination will prove to be outstanding experience.

The near by Mu Ko Petra National Park has beaches and islands lapped by the warm waters of the Andaman Sea. Some of the dive sites in the national park are world-class. There are also wildlife sanctuaries such as Namtok Khao Chong and Khlong Lamchan Park with waterfalls, nature trails and caves. For those looking for a relaxed, tranquil ambience, Trang is a perfect place to unwind
amidst stunning scenery.

Phuket

noreply@blogger.com (Anndrew) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:11:00 +0000

Phuket

On Thailand's western seaboard are the famous islands of Phuket, Phi Phi, and the Similans. The Similan Islands are a diver's paradise and are by far the most beautiful of dive sites any where in the world.

Phi Phi islands are another attractive diving and snorkeling destination that are well worth a visit.

Thailand's biggest island Phuket is only an hour's flight from Bangkok and as Thailand's longest established island holiday destination Phuket has a well established vacation culture and infrastructure. Phuket is an island of diversity with resorts that have vibrant nightlife with resorts that have vibrant nightlife with endless stretches of bars and pubs to quiet and secluded resorts hotels in out of the way bays.

Marine sports enthusiasts are amply catered for, with dive sites galore where you can hire all you need for a thrilling und erwater experience. There are many PADI approved diving schools on the island too that provide internationally accredited dive instructors to safely teach you to dive.

For the best in nightlife Patong can not be beaten, it is the most developed of Phuket's resorts and has a range of hotel and bed and breakfast accommodation that will suit any pocket. It is also packed with top notch restaurants. Patong's beach is justly famous for its three kilometer long strech of white sand and clear blue sea with breathtaking views to the north and south. But if neon-lit nights are not for you then the smaller and quieter resorts of Karan and Kata will provide a soothing, relaxing weekend away but are close enough to the more vivacious nightlife available at Patong.

Phuket boasts many attractions suitable for the whole family Simon's Cabaret is an extravagantly fantasy song and dance show that is a continuously moving tableaux that transports you for a musical visits to every continent.

Phuket FantaSea is a 140 acre theme park packed with a multitude of activities and entertainment: a festival village with carnivals, games, handicrafts and shopping. Night time at FantaSea has a breath-taking Las Vegas-style theatrical show that vividly highlights Thailand's rich cultural heritage.

Phromthep Cape is perhaps one of Phuket's most important landmarks, the cape juts into the Andaman at dusk it is a popular viewing point. Sunset at Phromthep cape is a kaleidoscope of changing hues, shifting light and lengthening shadows and it is one and the same a calming yet exhilarating experience.

Phuket's other not to be missed sites are the butterfly farm, aquariam.
The islands has its own archipelago of smaller islands surrounding it, some of which are secluded and uninhabited. Many of them can be reached by chartered boats.

Cha Am and Hua Hin

noreply@blogger.com (Anndrew) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 07:22:00 +0000

Cha Am and Hua Hin

A very different experience awaits at Cha Am and Hua Hin. These two resorts are dignified and a world away from the frenetic experience that Pattaya has to offer. Both are small enough to

wander around without the need for transport. The hotels in each resort are no more than minutes from the beachs with many fronting the beach.

In Hua Hin the white sand beach strethes for a miles and as on all Thai beaches umbrellas and loungers are provided for comfort and relaxation. Vendors will tempt you with cool drinks, snacks and traditional Thai massage right on the beach, and there are even pony rides available for the young and youngish.

For a grandstand view of Hua Hin and the Gulf of Thailand take a tuk tuk to Hin Lek Fai Hill just outside the city. The views from this vantage point are amazing and stretch for miles up and down the coast, little fishing boats and yachts seem perfectly still on the Gulf's calm waters.

Also worth a visit is the Monkey Temple where it is possible to feed the wandering and sometimes marauding wild monkeys. It is great fun to see how they interact with each other and the daily stream of tourists. Afterwards climb the steps to the top of the temple for more spectacular views of the town and Gulf.

The fishing harbour and pier is a busy 24-hour operation with boats dropping their catchs fresh from the sea. If you want to sample just-out-of-the-water fish and shell fish there are plenty of restaurants near by.
Both Cha Am and Hua Hin are renowned for their excellent golf courses, indeed the first course in Siam was built in Hua Hin in the early 1900s. A trip worth making is to Ratchaniwat
Marukhathaiyawan Palace also known as the epalace of love and hope'was built in 1923 by Rama IV as a rainy season retreat.

This is the perfect place to spend a few contemplative hours away from the rat race. Although it is located in a Border Patrol Police base just tell the guard that you are visitting the palace and you will be let through. There is no admission charge.

Pattaya

noreply@blogger.com (Anndrew) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:31:00 +0000

Pattaya
Pattaya along with its more demure neighbour Jomthien are Bangkok's nearest beach resorts
just a couple of hours from the capital. Some people may think of Pattaya as a schizophrenic town. On the one hand it has a reputation for wild night life and on the other its more refined side. North Pattaya is perhaps the quietest part of Pattaya and one that resembles the old town with its air of an ancient village characterised by traditional wooden houses, bobbing fishing boats, narrow streets and little shops selling of the worldis leading hotels to choose from ranging from the Amari and Dusit group hotels, the Montien, Marriott and the unique Rabbit Resort. There is a plentiful supply of budget and super-budget accommodation.

Pattaya has many attractions to keep child and adult occupied for a long weekend, The Elephant Village is a sanctuary where former working elephants can live out their remaining years in dignity and peace. There are elephant treks and daily shows to showcase the majesty of these magnificent creatures.

Pattaya Underwater World is the largest ocean aquarium in Asia. This theme park has over 4,000 marine animals and from 200 species ranging from the common to the rare.

Rippley's Believe It Or Not Museam is a collection of over 250 weird and wonderful exhibits that include African voodoo dolls and masks made from human skin. The Motion Master Panorama Theatre is a high tech ride that features dynamic seating and digital surround sound to thust you into the middle lf the action of specially produced movies a real thrill ride.

Other attraction include Pattaya Water Park with its swimming pools, whirlpools, and waterslides. Take in spectacular views of Pattaya Bay from the revolving restaurant at the top of the Tower.
As well as a range lf water sports like diving, sailing, snorkeling, and water jetting, you can experience the thrill of sky diving or taking a flight in a microlight aircraft.

For a quieter stay but not too far from the action and excitement of Pataya, Jomthien is the perfect location. Pattaya's night time delights are just a song taew ride away. Jomthien beach is no where very far from anywhere in Pattaya.

Chiang Mai

noreply@blogger.com (Anndrew) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 00:17:00 +0000

Chiang Mai

The city has been settled for over 700 years and is rich in culture and tradition, Chiang Mai truly is a delightful antidote to its capital city brother. Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to find in the heart of the city centuries-old chedis and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels. The original city layout still exists as a neat square surrounded by a moat with vestiges of the fortified wall and its four main gates offering prime access to the old town. Much of the old wall has been sensitively restored. The city remains a low-rise one with very few sky-scrapers or tall buildings, those that are there are outside the city centre itself. The city occupies a natural basin surrounding by mountains that give this part of Northern Thailand a more moderate climate than the rest of the country.

Chiang Mai has its share of bars and pubs to explore at night. Not to be missed is Chiang Mai Zoo although it is hilly and can be quite a slog, and the regular trolley rides are very welcome on a hot day. While at the zoo you must see the pair of Pandas recently donated by China, they are entrancing even when just slumbering.

The city boasts 300 hundred ornately decorated Buddhist temples. The most famous ones include Wat Phra Singh with its Sinhalese Buddha, the 700-years-old Wat Chiang Man Visible from many parts of the city are the enormous ruins of Wat Chedi Luang and the teak built Wat Phan Tao. A little way out of town are Wat Jet Yod and Wat Suan Dawk, both over 500 years old and have fascinating histories.

A trip to the top of Doi Suithep and its temple that looks over the city is a must. The temple is one of Thailand's most revered and valley. The hill is steep in places so it is best to hire a taxi. If the weather is good take some time to visit the many waterfalls on the top. They are refreshing and cooling on a hot day.

Chiang Mai is home to many hill tribes. Trips to their villages are increasingly popular, giving an insight into this unique way of life. Also popular are trips to the excavated old Chiang Mai settlement of Wiang Gum Kham, southwest of the city. These 13th century ruins were only recently re-discovered. The city is also a good launching point for hill treks which include river rafting and elephant riding.

The National Elephant Reserve between Chiang Mai and Lampang is an interesting side visit. There is a twice daily elephant show that demonstrates both the strength and grace of these national creatures. You can also see the work of vets as they tend to the ill and injured animals that are brought to them from the outlaying districts.

Chiang Mai's night bazaar is enormous - a bargain hunter's paradise, packed with local produce, silk and fine cotton clothing, accesories and trinkets. This is a shopping experience to be savoured at a leisurely pace. One done shopping you will find respite in the many bars, pubs and restaurants.

Sukhothai

noreply@blogger.com (Anndrew) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 07:56:00 +0000

Sukhothai

Even older than Ayutthaya is another capital of a former kingdom, Sukhothai was founded in

the 13th century as the first truly independent Thai kingdom that enjoyed

a golden age under King Ramkhamhaeng who was credited for devising

the Thai alphabet. Sukhothai Historical Park is another of Thailand's

UNESCO Heritage Sites and is a must see. The park is 12 kilometres from

Sukhothai town the ruins of royal palaces, Buddhist temples, the ancient city gates, walls. Even

the moats are an entrancing spectacle especially as the setting sun sheds a tangerine coloured

cloak over the ruins.

The countryside around Sukhothai is laced with old and interesting temples. The age-old city

walls of this impressive site enclosing a variety of attractions. The old royal palace

lies in the centre of the town and is surrounded by the original moat covering an

immense 160,000 meters. It was in the royal palace that the stone containing the

first written Thai alphabets were discovered during the reign of King

Mongkut (Rama IV). In the middle of the 19th century King

Ramkhamhaeng's original throne

was installed in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok. Within the

walls is a large eight meter tall Buddha image that sits in an avenue of partly ruined pillars. Stroll

to the back of the shrine and a mill-pond-still lake reflects the sceneas if viewed in a looking

glass. This is a tranquil place and perfect for a contemplative moment or two. To the south

stands a pedestal of a large Chedi built up in steps. The lowest platform is

adorned with beatiful stucco figures of demons, elephants and lions with

angels riding on their backs. Look out too for the famous "pineapple" chedi

at Wat Phra Phai Luang. The Sukhothai National Park has been immaculately restored by the

Thai Fine Arts Department and the gardens are ablaze with plants and flowers of every hue.

Ayutthaya

noreply@blogger.com (Anndrew) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 01:18:00 +0000

Ayutthaya

Trevel back to a different time in one of the country's many impressive historical sites. Ayutthaya is just a couple of hours from Bangkok and is one of Thailand's historical hilights. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya for over 400 years before the Burmese sacked it in 1767 forcing the movement of the capital to Bangkok.

The splendor of Ayutthaya's past can be glimpsed in its magnificent ruins that are scattered around the modern city like pebbles on a beach. Majestic is a word that does not do justice to the relics of this ancient kingdom. Phra Nokhon sri Ayutthaya Historical Park is a UNESCO World
Heritage site. This vast stretch of ruins is near the heart of the modern city. It is home to many significant ruins like the Wihan Somdet Hall; which is cloistered on three sides and was the first building in Ayutthaya to be covered in gold leaf. A fitting decoration for coronation, and investiture ceremonies that used to he held there.

Relaxing away the long weekend visit the Wihan Phra Mongkol Bophit in the Ayutthaya Historical Park, it is home to one of the Thailand's largest bronze Buddha images. Even though a restoration of the original which was badly damaged by a lightening strike, this Buddha image is still impressive.
The ancient city walls are visible below their later reconstruction by Rama IV. It is fun to have the kids trace the original extent of this old city. The building style too is interesting being a fascinating mix of Hindu and Khmer-inspired motifs and styles.

A little way outside Ayutthaya is the Prasat Nakhon Luang - the skeleton of the former summer retreats of the Ayutthaya kings. It sits on the banks of the Pasak River, one of the rivers and canals that formed the city is defences.
Today there are groups of ruins and rows of headless Buddhas where once a grand empire thrived, but even in their present un-restored state the relics of Ayutthaya are breathtaking in their grandeur and awe-inspiring in their antiquity.
There are so many sites of interest in and around the city that the most efficient way to see them all is to hire a bicycle at one of the many hire shops.

Thai Currency

noreply@blogger.com (Anndrew) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 01:14:00 +0000

Thai Currency

The currency is the Baht, a sub-division is the Satang. Baht Coins are : One, two, five and ten,

these are silver coloured except for the ten baht which is bimetallic. There are small 25 and 50

satang coins that are gold coloured but these are nearly worthless and will only be offered in change

in the supermarkets.

The notes are : Twenty, fifty, one hundred, five hundred, and the largest denomination a 1,000

baht.

Thai People

noreply@blogger.com (Anndrew) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 01:07:00 +0000

Thai People

pic by www.thaigoodview.com

Even though Thailand has been populated since the dawn of history there remain some

conflicting theories on where the Thais came from. One theory says that about 4500 years ago

Thais originated in northwestern Szechuan in China and later migrated to Thailand. The

migrants split into two groups one settled in the North and became the kingdom of 'Lanna' and

the other group settled further south to became the kingdom of 'Sukhothai'.

Thai Calendar

noreply@blogger.com (Anndrew) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 00:28:00 +0000

Thai Calendar

In 1940, Thailand moved its New Year's Day to January 1st. The old New Year is still a holiday

called Songkran. Years are counted as the Buddhist era (B.E.) which started 543 years before the

Christian era (A.D.). To calculate the Buddhist year simply add 543 to the present Christian year

and vice versa. So 2009 A.D. plus 543 is the year 2552 B.E.