Wonderful Trip To Thailand.

The Rivers And Canals Of Bangkok

noreply@blogger.com (khonpaknam) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 22:58:57 PDT

Bangkok was founded in 1782 and ever since the rivers and canals have been the main mode of transportation. The interlinked network of natural and man-made canals ended giving Bangkok the title of Venice of the East.

Even today, Bangkok’s river and canals are used to get around the city and many locals prefer this mode of transportation to any other.

People visiting Bangkok say that one cannot leave the city without visiting the temples of Bangkok. However, one should not leave the city without taking a ride on the river and canals of Bangkok.

Chao Phraya Express Boat

This is one of the cheapest boat trips in Bangkok. The Chao Phraya Express Boat service runs between the pier at Wat Ratsingkhon, which is near Krungthep Bridge in Yannawa District, and Nonthaburi clock tower.

The trip gives a view of the temples, churches, palaces and the royal boat house which are alongside the river, and it takes 40 minutes from start to finish. This boat service runs from 5:30 am to 6:00 pm and the cost depends on the distance traveled.

Klong Mon

There are boats that make the trip to Klong Mon and these boats leave every 30 minutes from the River City pier on Charoen Krung Road. The boat trip gives a fascinating glimpse of rural life as it passes through orchards and orchid farms.

Klong Saen Saeb

This one of the main city routes for commuters and shoppers. This canal runs from the Phan Fa Bridge through the main shopping districts of Bo Bae, Ratchathewi, Ratchadamri, Pratunam, Chitlom and Ramkhamhaeng.

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The Bangkok Corrections Museum - Prison Life in a Thai Jail

noreply@blogger.com (khonpaknam) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 22:56:58 PDT

The Bangkok Corrections Museum in Maha Chai Road preserves gruesome aspects of Thai prison history and the brutal prison life before reforms were made to the penal system.

It's located on the site of a former Bangkok maximum security prison built in 1890, during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V) after a study visit to the prisons in Singapore.

The prison museum was first established in 1939, in another prison, the Bang Kwang Central Prison, as a training center for corrections officers. Located in Nonthaburi just outside Bangkok, the Bang Kwang Central Prison has earned the dubious sobriquet, "Bangkok Hilton".

In 1987, the Thai government decided to demolish the prison in Maha Chai Road. Three blocks, a cellblock, a side of the prison wall and two watchtowers were preserved to establish the Bangkok Corrections Museum. The rest of the prison compound was converted to a public park.

The park was named Romanni Nart Park and officially opened on 7 August 1999 by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.

The old penal system was based on retribution through severe punishment and suffering. This is painfully apparent as one goes through the exhibits in the museum.

The ground floor of Block 1 in the Bangkok Corrections Museum where our tour starts, features photographs of the old prison compound and the process of demolition. There's a scaled model of the old prison compound then and the park and museum now, a stark contrast.

The exhibits upstairs are grisly; life-size waxed figures in execution scenes. Previously, condemned prisoners were flogged 90 times before being beheaded by sword. Three executioners are used to ensure that the job gets done.

King Prajadhipok (King Rama VII) abolished this practice in 1934.

The rifle replaced the sword. The condemned prisoner is tied behind a screen with his back to the screen. The executioner fires a pre-aligned rifle mounted on a tripod from the other side of the screen. Photographs display the gory results of both forms of execution.

Executions in Thailand were changed to lethal injection in October 2003.

Blocks 2 & 3 of the Bangkok Corrections Museum are a pleasant reprieve from the mock execution chambers. These blocks exhibit furniture and handicraft, of a high quality, made by prisoners from all over the Thailand. The items are for sale.

The last stop in the Bangkok Corrections Museum is through the gate in the old prison wall fronting Rommani Nart Park. Block 9 is a preserved two-story cellblock in the old prison compound, not a place for the fainted-hearted.

Cells in this block exhibit the execution frame to which the condemned prisoner is tied, crockery for the last meal, gambling and drugs paraphernalia used by prisoners.

Other cells display tools for the brutal punishment of prisoners, a display made more gruesome by the life-size figures used:

A rattan ball pierced with nails into which the prisoner is trussed. An elephant is used to kick the rattan ball around!

A coffin-like box, with a perforated lid, in which a prisoner is bound and left to bake in the sun with the lid closed.

Sharpened bamboo sticks driven by a mallet under the nails of prisoners whose hands are fixed in wooden vices...

In 1908, as part of penal reforms, King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V) abolished all these barbarous tortures.

The pleasant Rommani Nart Park today belies the horrors of the prison it replaced. Old men sit and watch the day go by as teenagers engage in robust ball games. The torture and sufferings in past prison life seemed so distant, preserved only in the Bangkok Corrections Museum.

In 2005, some social scientists in Thailand have commented that the prisons are getting too comfortable to serve as deterrence!

Has the pendulum swung the other way?

To tour this unusual Bangkok legacy, please see map to the Bangkok Corrections Museum

Visit the Bangkok Corrections Museum when you Tour Bangkok Legacies and stroll through the corridors of history. The author Eric Lim, a free-lance writer, lives in Bangkok Thailand.

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Rivers Of Thailand-Chao Phraya

noreply@blogger.com (khonpaknam) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 22:53:56 PDT

The major river of Thailand is the Chao Phraya. It has low alluvial soil which marks the plains of Thailand. Chao Phraya originates from the meeting point of two other rivers Ping and Nan. The main tributary to Nan River is the Yom River.

Wang River is another river which flows in northern Thailand and this is 335 miles long. It originates from Ping River.

The longest river in Thailand is the Chi River which is 765 km but the water flow is very low. It runs through the Yasothon province of Thailand.

Chao Phraya runs for 372 km from Bangkok to the Gulf of Thailand. It bifurcates into two in a place called Chainat. The main portion of the river, known as the Chin River, flows parallel to Chao Phraya and ends in the Gulf. It is called by many names. In Chainat, it is called Makhamthao river and when it passes through Suphanburi, it is called Suphan. It becomes Nakhon Chaisi river when it enters Nakhon Pathon and after that it is known as Tha Chin river when it reaches the mouth of Samut Sakhon. Many canals are diverted from Chin River and the water from the canals is used for irrigation.

Nonthaburi Uthai Thani, , Singburi, Nakhon Sawan, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya and Chainat Pathum Thani are the cities along the flowing river. Nakhon Sawan is the city where the two major rivers Nan and Ping meet. Ang Thong is an agricultural land and Chao Phraya and Noi River meet in this city.

Bangkok Crocodile Farm - To Give a Touch on Crocodile Skin

noreply@blogger.com (khonpaknam) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 22:49:29 PDT

Founded in 1950 at Tambon Tai Ban in Samutprakarn, Bangkok Crocodile Farm is considered to be the largest crocodile center in the world. The concept of establishing the farm was born in mind of Mr. Utai Youngprapakorn who is well known as "Crocodile King" in Thailand and now it functions as the main center of education and research on wildlife preservation.

The farm houses over 60,000 thousand crocodiles of 28 diverse species of all over the world and some of them are unique in Thailand and cannot be seen elsewhere. And it is the house of the largest crocodile of the world that has ever been found in captivity. The main feature of the farm is the daily shows which are the major reason that a large number of people get magnetized every day into the farm. The 'Crocodile Wrestling' shows the crocodile keepers catch crocodiles with bare-hands and put their heads in crocodiles' mouths without fear and with no safety gadgets which amazes the visitor as in how these dangerous creatures are trained not to taste man flesh alive.

In addition, shows include an elephant show which is another key event that takes place every day. and also visitors have the opportunity to see many other wild animals such as tigers, turtles, pythons, hippopotamuses, and many species of birds and fish. And the farm's zoo offers elephant and camel rides, visit to the 'Monkey Playground' where a number of chimpanzees and baboons can be seen closely and paddle boat rides for reasonable charges. The shows take place daily every hour from 8am to 5 pm except at noon.

Moreover, the Crocodile Farm even includes a Dinosaur Museum that exhibit life-size skeletons and models of over 13 kinds of dinosaurs. The museum also performs presentations on the relation between prehistoric animals and man, throughout which visitors would be able to gain a considerable knowledge on the world's history.

Furthermore, one can find world's premier hospitality facilities around with Bangkok hotel accommodations with top-class customer service and mouth watering cuisines. For instance, Bangkok serviced apartments such as President Park welcomes its visitors with stylish interiors and spacious rooms and excellent cuisines in order to serve the best accommodation facilities.

Naveen Marasinghe is an Online Marketing Executive at eMarketingEye which is a search engine marketing company that offers PPC Management and SEO services and specializes in serving the online travel and hospitality industry.

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How To - Bangkok Holiday Packages Tips

noreply@blogger.com (khonpaknam) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 22:48:02 PDT

Bangkok is the capital, largest urban area and primate city of Thailand. The city mix of Thai, Chinese, Indian, Buddhist, Muslim and Western culture combined with the driving force of the Thai economy makes it gradually more nice-looking to foreigners both for business and happiness and has made the city the world's top tourist objective. A river journey in Bangkok provides a very different viewpoint of life in the city on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, an aspect you can't get from the usual Bangkok city tour.

Bangkok nightlife has a status for life form natural and noisy. But at the same time it's comfortable, secure, agreeable and great fun! Quickly establishing itself as Asia capital of cool, Bangkok miscellaneous nightlife panorama facial appearance everything from excellent live music and good jazz clubs to ultra cool bars, trendy clubs and great restaurants - and goes far beyond its once-upon-a-time seedy and mischievous image.

The traveler can find Bangkok by night as a careless place to relax with a drink, enjoy a straight dinner while listening to a live jazz performance, take a dinner cruise on a traditional teak rice barge down the Chao Phraya river in the moonlight or enjoy a conventional dance presentation at the Patravadi Theater, where conventional and fashionable theater elements are included into something quite unique and Thai. Bangkok is known for its large green sections within the city center, including the large forest park between Yannawa and Samut Prakan. The Stock Exchange of Thailand is located in Bangkok with over 500 listed companies.

Bangkok also includes many shopping and business roads like the Sukhumvit Road which includes high-rise business buildings, apartments, and shopping malls, Sukhumvit Road is where many foreigners like to come shopping. Bangkok is Thailand's major tourist gateway, which means that the majority of foreign tourists arrive in Bangkok. The city boasts some of the country's most visited chronological venues such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. There are numerous projects to maintain Bangkok's momentous sites in the Rattanakosin area and river districts. Wat Pho, which houses the Temple of the Reclining Buddha or Wat Phra Chetuphon, is located behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in the Grand Palace. Thailand has a variety of shopping experiences from street markets to world class luxury malls.

Tourists have in times gone by always preferred famous markets to the other forms of shopping. The Chatuchak weekend market is one of the largest shopping destinations in Bangkok. Bangkok offers a widely varied nightlife. Like nearby Pattaya, the city is notorious for some concentrations of massage parlous, go-go bars and karaoke places, with Pat pong, Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza being the main areas catering to male tourists. This has led Bangkok to be called 'The World Biggest Whorehouse'. Millions of people from all corners visit Thailand every year to enjoy its nightlife, which led to the growth of new hotels clubs and bars. In many nightclubs in Bangkok, you will see dance very sensual. Nightclubs, nightclubs, taverns and offer customers all sorts of alcoholic beverages. A section keen for the Pat pong nightlife is, in most of this district, you can also visit the interesting Nana Plaza.

Priya Singh wrote this article on behalf of Thailand honeymoon package For more information on Cheap Vacation To Thailand, discount airline tickets and travel tips for visiting Thailand you can visit joy-travels.com

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Muang Boran - The Ancient City in Bangkok

noreply@blogger.com (khonpaknam) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 22:46:04 PDT

The vast piece of land, spreading over 200 acres, resembling the shape of Thailand with many original and reproductions of buildings, monuments and statues, was built up under the patronage of Lek Viriyaphant and considered as the largest open air museum in the world. It is situated in Samut Prakan province and close to the Crocodile Farm and consists of the beautiful gardens, some of which are depicting Thai legends.

The replicas in the ancient city have been constructed with the support of professionals of the national museum in order to make sure that their historical accuracy would be shown as it is. Also some buildings are life-size models of existing and former sites, and the others are one-third scale. Muang Boran has sculptures from the Thai legend, "the Ramakien" which demonstrates the Royal Barge procession, and a model Thai village in which craftsmen have used ceramics, paper umbrellas and lacquer items as building materials.

The floating market in the ancient city is another major part of the attraction which has been filled with water. In this lake there are flocks of large fish that can be fed with local food. And nay one can feast the tasty food including traditional Thai food according to his or her selection in the floating restaurant. Also we can see small shops selling Thai handicrafts and souvenirs to the tourists which are not in very higher prices. The most admirable fact is that the entrance fee is just 300 THB which is a very reasonable amount comparing to what can be gained out of it and every visitor gets free use of a bicycle during the open time from 8am to 5pm in order to explore the whole area.

Also to mention some of the other outstanding works in this legendary city, the former Grand Palace of Ayutthaya can be mentioned. But it was ruined by the Burmese during the invasion in 1767. And Phimai Sanctuary also can be mentioned as one of the key attractions within the ancient city. The common factor of these constructions is that the plan and ornaments of the structure have been affected by their real historical ruins and the relevant documents in order to keep its original forms.

And another important fact for those prefer to have a long stay a number of Bangkok service apartments such as Royal President are located near by the Muang Boran that welcomes the visitors offering superior level facilities with reasonable charging.

Naveen Marasinghe is an Online Marketing Executive at eMarketingEye which is a search engine marketing company that offers integrated Internet marketing solutions and specializes in serving the online travel and hospitality industry.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Naveen_Marasinghe

Golf Holidays In Thailand

noreply@blogger.com (khonpaknam) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 03:32:48 PDT

Thailand is fast becoming a preferred destination for golf holidays and there is without a doubt that this fascinating and exotic country does provide you with a unique golf experience.

Golf courses in Thailand have excellent and modern facilities along with proper infrastructure and roads. In fact, many golf enthusiasts claim that golf holidays in Thailand are much superior to those in Europe.

This could be because there are many golf courses spread across Thailand so you will rarely find an over crowded golf course. Even in the most popular places, golf courses have sprung up and you will find each course providing you with an exclusive and special atmosphere where golf culture is undiluted by tourism.

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hua Hin, Khao Yai, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Phuket and River Kwai all have golf course ideally suited for different budgets. You can always create a custom golf tour package to suit your pocket, and, if necessary, you can also combine two locations.

However, you should take into account the time of the year you are planning your golf holiday in Thailand. Remember, Thailand basically has three seasons. The cool season starts from November until February. During this period, there are clear skies and the weather is highly conducive for golfing. However, this is the peak tourist season in Thailand and you would need to make reservations well in advance to get accommodation you want.

Summer in Thailand begins in March and temperatures gradually increase. April and May are hot and humid. Do remember that the Thai New Year is celebrated in May and this is the time when Thailand comes to a virtual standstill.

The rainy season in Thailand is from June until end of September. It rains most days and the weather can be highly unpredictable. During this period, there is less sunshine and this can definitely dampen your golf holiday in Thailand.

If you are looking for a budget golf holiday in Thailand then October is the month for you. During this month, the prices are still low and the tourist season has not started as yet. You can decide when to play and get bargain deals.

Temple Boys Of Thailand

noreply@blogger.com (khonpaknam) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 03:31:09 PDT

In the country-side of Thailand one will find many boys working in the temples as temple boys. These boys help monks in their alms collecting as they go from village to village. A temple has the responsibility of the monks alms bowl and food career. The temple boy accompanies the monk when they are their daily rounds of alms collection.

If a temple has many monks and novices, then the alms collection is normally divided into several routes. On certain routes only one temple boys assists the monks while on others there can be two or more. This usually depends on the quantity and amount of food offered by lay people.

On return to the temple, temple boys prepares food for the monks and novices. As a religious rule, monks are not allowed to eat food unless it is presented by a lay person. This excludes water and liquids. After the monks finish eating, temple boys will keep some food the monks for their second meal which must take place before midday. However, if some monks for the Buddhist precepts strictly, they will eat only one meal a day. The leftovers are eaten by the temple boys as it is considered a sin for lay people to eat before monks and novices. After midday, the only food consumed by monks and novices is liquid like water or pasteurized milk.

A temple boy undertakes work of a housemaid in a temple. The only difference is that the temple boy is not paid for the work. A temple boy gets free food, accommodation and merit in exchange for work. Mostly poor farmer families send their boys to the temple to live temple boys. It is their way of ensuring that their sons gets free food and accommodation. However, there have been cases when boys from affluent families live in temple compounds.

Life of temple boy in a village can be difficult when the farmers in the village are poor. As a result the food offered to monks would be extremely limited and it is quite common for little food to be left over for the temple boys after monks and novices finish eating.

Street Food in Thailand... A Smorgasbord For All The Senses

noreply@blogger.com (khonpaknam) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:19:30 PDT

Like other Southeast Asian countries, food stalls are everywhere in the streets, markets and festivals of Thailand, providing an endless smorgasbord of aromas, color, sounds and flavors - food in Thailand is a feast for all of the senses.
Picture a barbecue hotdog stand outside a North American sports stadium. Now, instead of hotdogs and buns sizzling on a grill, the food cart is laden with fresh bananas, which are slathered in batter and deep-fried to golden in a giant wok, then scooped into a paper bag like a super-size order of extra thick homecut french fries. That was my first breakfast in Thailand while I watched hundreds of beautifully costumed elephants play soccer and tug-of-war in an annual Elephant Round-up in Surin, in the far northeast of the country!
The next 'hotdog stand' does have a grill, placed over a large bin of charcoal, with flattened chicken quarters sizzling on sticks that you eat like a popsicle; next door to that is yet another steel cart heaped with fresh, ripe pineapple, mango and papaya, and sporting a huge mortar and pestle for transforming the greener papayas into a crunchy, sweet-sour-spicy salad with morsels of shrimp or squid, chiles, garlic and sugar.
What makes Thai food so delicious and distinctive among other Southeast Asian food is this unique blending of fresh herbs, spices and other ingredients that combine for a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salt and heat that leaves your mouth feeling clean and your tastebuds popping in the afterglow.
Fresh fruit, salads and even soups and noodles are ladled into plastic bags with a skewer, fork, spoon or straw for eating on the go or perched on a folding chair at a nearby metal card table in the market.
Thai buses and trains become moving picnic grounds, with everyone chatting, eating and sharing the fare hawked through the vehicles' windows at roadside stops and terminals: Gai Yang, the flattened barbecue chicken on a stick, skewered meat and fish balls and sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves.
Carnivals and markets feature huge woks at knee-height, bubbling with deep-fried critters of all sorts, many unidentifiable. Are they grasshoppers? crickets? spiders? baby birds? small frogs? -- my mouth and eyes were constantly wide open in wonder and amazement!
I spent an inordinate amount of time in the fresh produce and night food markets -- exuberantly fascinated and often visibly discombobulated, to the great amusement of the vendors and shoppers.
After traveling every aisle of food carts and woks on my mission to find the freshest, most interesting and tasty-looking dishes, I was often met with earnestly shaking heads or "No, you don't want that - that's Thai food!" by English speaking cooks or bystanders when I pointed and gestured and tried to ask for a meal I knew I truly wanted. On my first such adventure, I did not know that the custom was for the cook to show the ladle with the amount of the garlic and chili for you to indicate how much you wanted: thinking she was simply asking if I wanted those Thai ingredients, I nodded vigorously at the heaped display, and in it all went! Yes, it was Thai food, and I enjoyed every sizzling touch to my lips under the watchful, laughing eyes of the vendors and bystanders who had gathered.
I spent as much time learning about, admiring and experiencing the food as I did with major tourist attractions, often spending hours strolling through streets and markets taking in the sights and smells and sounds: quiet clucking rising up from a heap of vibrantly coloured roosters or chickens tied together at the feet - a Thai rooster's plumage is extraordinarily beautiful; plastic tubs and buckets just full enough of murky grey water to keep the fish, frogs or turtles alive until a sale was clinched; mounds and mounds of green and red, and purple and orange; the pleasant stench of durian and jackfruit - pleasant because I was just so thrilled and in awe of it all!
I tried deep-fried grasshoppers at a carnival in Kanchanaburi during a sound and light show of "The Bridge On The River Kwai" that ended with a fabulous fireworks display recreating the Allied bombing campaign that destroyed the bridges of the Death Railway in 1945. I tried a few tiny roasted wood worms offered by a very thin host in a northern hill-tribe village near the Myanmar border, and feared that I was eating his family out of house and home. I discovered countless traditional dishes I had never tasted and savoured authentic versions of some I had had in Toronto's newly arrived Thai restaurants. As often as I could, I watched their creation so that I could try to replicate them when I got home and got a kitchen again.
Many people are alarmed at how daring I was with my stomach. During two years of round-the-world travel, including six months in Southeast Asia, I only had one tiny bout of queasiness over a couple of days on Sumatra in Indonesia. In fact, I had never eaten so well or felt so healthy in my life. I must have found the perfect balance of common sense and adventure, or, some might argue, I was just lucky.
I don't recommend trying everything, and I do recommend a few common sense tips for sampling the full range of the food on offer throughout your travels:
at street and market stalls, do watch the cooking for awhile to ensure that the ingredients are fresh and the food is being cooked thoroughly; if you have any doubts, move on to the next vendor
choose vendors that have a good steady flow of customers - not only is the food probably very good, but the turnover means fresher food
ask your guesthouse host and any other residents you meet for their favourite places to eat, and for recommendations on dishes to order
follow the other safe eating tips you find in travel guides, like recommendations about water, ice cubes, and peeling fruit and vegetables
Of course, you will find an endless selection of sit-down restaurants where you can savour some of the more familiar Thai dishes now found in restaurants around the world: green curry with chicken, red curry with beef, pad Thai and other noodle dishes, and wonderfully aromatic sweet basil dishes.
Whether you plan to sample the fabulous foods from the street vendors and markets or stick to what you know, learn a few tips on deciphering a menu or asking for a type of dish with a few Thai Food Terms.
Many supermarkets are now carrying a range of prepared sauces, curries and other Asian products, but if you enjoy adventure and creativity in your own kitchen, many Thai recipes are fairly easy to create once you've mastered a few essentials. Gai Yang, after all, is really just barbequed chicken with a Thai twist! A good food reference guide or cookbook with a glossary of Asian ingredients will help you gain that perfect balance of sour, sweet, salt and heat that is unique to Thai cuisine.

Exotic and Amazing Golf in Thailand

noreply@blogger.com (khonpaknam) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:17:39 PDT

Over 260 golf courses, white sand beaches, tropical weather and friendly people make for an ideal golf vacation. Thailand golf holidays also promise a great value, top playing conditions, fascinating culture and awesome service. This golf in Asia paradise is growing in popularity, particularly with golfers and couples looking for an exotic golf location. The green fees are inexpensive from a western perspective. There is a wide range of courses, accommodations, destinations, sight seeing tours, and historical sights. The local currency is the Thai baht and there are golf courses in every major tourist destination. Golfers will find premier golf courses in Bangkok, Hua Hin, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Kanchanaburi (River Kwai), and Samui island.
The golf courses range from PGA championship layouts to municipal courses run by the Thai government and military. Every golf club has a clubhouse which serves a wide variety of Thai and western food. Caddies are included at all golf courses in Thailand and this makes for a fun way to enjoy golfing in Thailand. For the more adventurous, golf side trips to Vietnam and Cambodia are easily arranged from Thailand and these make excellent get-away golf vacation destinations. The capital city of Bangkok Thailand has over 60 golf courses to choose from. This makes Bangkok the usual first stop on most Thailand golf tours. In addition to golfing, there are numerous sights, markets, entertainment, and spas. It is an exciting blend of modern golf in a major capital city. Nightclubs, entertainment and restaurants give the city its after golf vibrancy.
The most popular golf courses are Thai Country Club, Alpine Golf Club, Navatanee Golf Club, and Royal Gems Golf Resort. Suwan Golf Club is a new course that rivals the others mentioned. Beach golf resorts entice many visitors, particularly Phuket, Hua Hin, and Pattaya. They caters to the golf holidaymakers tourists with numerous championship golf courses, hotels of all standards, shopping outlets and nightlife. Pattaya is also famous for its numerous go go bars and therefore appeals mostly to single golfers. Phuket and Hua Hin are more scenic and tranquil, thus attracts golf visitors who prefer more luxurious golf holidays. Thailand golf holidays can also appeal to non-golfers. Golf resorts which have on site spa and massage centers make for good choices for mixed groups of golfers and non-golfers.
Also resorts with water sports are well liked by golfers. Other activities such as elephant trekking, scuba diving, rafting, and Thai cooking are all very popular. The largest island in Thailand is Phuket and it is a center for golfers from around the world. Phuket Town is the largest town and a great place to shop. There are market stalls, department stores, shopping malls and outlets for golf equipment, antiques, and crafts. As usual on Thailand golf holidays, there are some premier golf courses like Blue Canyon, Mission Hills, and Red Mountain on the island.
Mark Siegel is the owner of Golfasian and has played golf for over 30 years. He has lived and worked across Asia during the last 20 years and during this time has traveled extensively both as a tourist and also as a resident throughout all Thailand. Out of the 200 or so golf courses in all Thailand, Mark has first hand playing experience at the 100 best courses from the North to the South of the country.

Places of Interest on Your Holidays in Thailand

noreply@blogger.com (khonpaknam) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:16:28 PDT

Thailand has some great holiday home accommodation that holiday makers can rent while staying in Thailand on their vacations. Some holiday makers rent luxurious villas with swimming pools on one of Thailand's many clean beautiful beaches. Some holiday makers stay in self catering holiday apartments in Thailand.
A rich and colourful country, Thailand is a land of exotic monuments, splendid beaches, temples, shrines, waterfalls and lush green landscapes. Thailand is flanked by Myanmar, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos and the Gulf of Thailand. The country's tradition, culture and heritage attract many tourists from around the world. Visitors can get an up and close view of the Thailand and its people with boat rides and rice-barge cruises. Thailand is a blend of both traditional and modern.
Bangkok, the capital city is a popular destination for tourists. The city is the business centre and the hub of economic and political affairs. It is referred to as Krung Thep. Many holiday makers stay in a holiday apartment in Bangkok and experience the night life to the full of this capital city of Thailand.
The river Chao Phraya flows through the city. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo, the temple complex which is home to the Emerald Buddha, are also found in Bangkok. The city has drastically changed and become a slick, prosperous and modern place. The city is also home to around 300 Buddhist temples and shrines. The Temple of the Reclining Buddha is the most famous temple in the city. The floating market, modern night clubs, and many historically important buildings make this city such a popular tourist destination.
Chiang Mai is the second-largest city in Thailand and has many interesting views to offer in the form of ancient and beautiful temples, teak forests, elephants, caves, waterfalls and a visit to the hill tribes. Doi Suthep temple and elephant trekking are very popular with tourists staying here. Doi Suthep another famous temple in Thailand that is located on a hilltop. Elephant trekking allows the tourists to get a closer look at the natural splendour and wonderful places of the city.
Kanchanaburi province is filled with jungle clad hills and waterways. The town is the original site of the popular and historically famous Bridge over the River Kwai where allied prisoners of war and Thai labourers were killed by the Japanese. Train trips are arranged for a visit across the post war bridge and this is a very moving and emotional experience.
The Phang Nga Bey is located near to Phuket. The bay shot to international fame after the area featured in the James Bond movie, The Man with the Golden Gun. Around 3500 islands are scattered in this bay. The islands are home to fauna and flora. For many decades the islands were considered impenetrable but now canoe trips are arranged for the tourists and the locals through the tunnels and the cracks in the rocks. There are some stunning holiday villas in this part of Thailand.
Ko Phi Phi Islands are yet another place to visit on your holidays in Thailand. The twin islands are full of natural splendour. The largest of the two, Ko Phi Phi Don, is dumbbell shaped and has a coastline that is full of white beaches and further inland tropical rainforest.
It does not matter if you want to stay at the hill tribe villages, go elephant trekking, adventurous boat rides or admiring the stunning seascapes and landscapes, Thailand can provide them all. Many holiday makers choose to rent a holiday villa or stay in a self catering apartment during their holiday in Thailand and use them as a base to explore this stunning country.

Thailand Beaches - How to Discover Hidden Beaches in Thailand

noreply@blogger.com (khonpaknam) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:15:10 PDT

There are a million reasons to visit Thailand, such as the tropical rainforest's of the north, the Bridge over the River Kwai to the west in Kanchanaburi or the soft white sand of the beaches to the south to name a few. Many travelers who head south are searching for a perfect paradise, a place with deserted beaches fringed by green palm trees and soft white sand to bury their toes into. The reality however is they will end up on a beach just as packed with tourists as their flight was there.
In southern Thailand you can find many beaches. Some will be packed with tourists, jet skies and banana boat rides while others will be hidden paradise. Now if you want the jet skies and banana boats then things are easy but if you seek out that little corner of paradise then you need to do a little more work. Holiday planning should be the most essential part of any holiday and it should entail more than a visit to your local travel agent to pick up some brochures.
Here I have listed outlined 7 points that I belief help in finding those hidden beaches in Thailand.
7 Points To Great Holiday Research
Decided on what type of holiday you want, beach, city or forest break. If you want a combination of these then do the following 6 steps for each destination.
Note down 5 phrases or words that come to mind when you think about your chosen destination.
Put these phrases into Google or any other search engine you may use and have a look at the first page results, then ignore them.
Move to page 2 and 3 and working your way down ignore hotel booking services and visit the web sites that seem like information pages and have some relevance to your searched term or phrase.
Look for locations on these web pages that maybe you have never heard about or read about and take a note of the name.
Search for this unknown location and take note of the number of pages with the term.
The location with the least number of pages should now be your focus for your next holiday destination.
The Steps In Action:
Just in case you are not aware, I'm in love with Thailand beaches. When i think about them I get images of white sand, palm trees, blue waters, cool breeze and deserted beaches. I put these terms into my chosen search engine, Google for me, and here is what I find.
White sand Thailand returns 2.35 million results moving on to page 2 I ignore hotel booking service sites and see about half way down the page Amazing-Thailand.com - Tropicals Islands in Thailand a quick scan produces two possible locations, Koh Larn and Koh Turatao. The later returns 1,380 results and Koh Larn shows 55,400 pages. I now have my first holiday research place, Koh Turatao.
A word of warning about finding deserted beaches. These areas will often be far from any commercial outlets, medical centers or English speaking locals. This can be paradise when things go good but if the unthinkable happens and you take ill or get injured finding help can be a difficult task, just remember this before you head off into the unknown.
Finally, I would like to ask that in your research you do come across that perfect paradise then please keep it to yourself. There has been many paradise locations spoiled after someone has found it then wrote a post on some travel forums about their experience. Let others find hidden treasures, it really can make for the best possible holiday ever.

Ivory Carvers - The Thailand Connection

noreply@blogger.com (khonpaknam) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:13:42 PDT

For more than 15 million years, Thailand has been a home of elephants and the exquisite craftsmanship of ivory works of art. Although it is known that the elephants have long been a part of Thailand, it was not until the Bronze Age that the first ivory item was placed during the time period of 3,600 BC. This ivory beaded necklace was originally discovered at a Thailand site within the Udon Thani Province.
In Ban Kao, Kanchanaburi province there has been many ivory concentric circles discovered that dates back between 700 BC and 200 BC, along with combs made of ivory, and even bracelets. Thailand had been well known within the world ivory trade during the 14th to 18th Centuries, and many various items were also carved during this time period. There were many varieties of ivory containers, Knife and sword handles, musical instrument pieces, chess pieces, official seals, buttons for clothing and even dolls made of ivory.
During the 19th and very early 20th Century there were royal carvers that specially designed handles for utensils and ivory combs along with the very important religious ivory sculptures that included large ivory Buddha carvings, small Buddha figurines, Thepanom deities for worshipping and ivory stupas. The many ivory containers that were carved during the reign of King Rama V were so popular that he held an ivory caring contest for containers only and there were then 17 different variations of ivory container types acknowledged during the event. The royal families and other aristocrat's would have specialized ivory carving containers made for them, and the unique designs would be as their personalized signatures.
King Rama V was well known for keeping a good number of highly skilled carvers of ivory for just the purpose of sculpturing specialized ivory containers just for the royal family. This was a competitive group of personal sculptures; with the absolute best sculpting craftsman being rewarded what was known as the "Seal Sculpture" title. They would then be put in charge of the official seals manufacturing for the government. Superior ivory carvers were always offered patronage from the upper class families for their ivory wants and needs.
It was during the early 1930's that a talented Buddhist monk known as Boonrod Lohartrakool began his Buddha carving in Monorom of central Thailand. He was so talented that he became very well known as a ivory Buddha carver, and many other monks would go to him for their temple carvings or to purchase carvings from him to sell in other places in Thailand. From his work alone, the demand for many other religious items started, such as Rosaries, lions, Buddha Amulets and the Thai angel known as the Nanggwak.

Antique Siamese Maps New Discoveries of Old Treasures

noreply@blogger.com (khonpaknam) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 04:11:32 PDT

In 1995, 17 antique Siamese maps were discovered in the Grand Palace. Ironically, the people who found these rare old maps weren't even looking for them. On a search for old court textiles for an exhibition, officials stumbled upon some cotton sheets with elaborate markings in a cupboard in the Princess Abhantri Paja Mansion, royal residence of a daughter of King Rama V.
The cotton sheets turned out to be antique Siamese maps. The discovery of these maps started a quest for their origin and purpose that was to last almost 10 years. The officials presented the maps to the Crown Princess who tasked Santanee Phasuk, a geography teacher at Chitralada School to embark on this mission.
In 1997, Santanee went on a royally sponsored doctorate in cartography to research on these maps at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.
Together with Professor Philip Scott, Head of the Geography Department in the same university, Dr Santanee researched and analyzed the old maps, which covered Burma, Thailand Indochina and China.
Characteristics of the old maps
The old maps are hand drawn and hand painted on large cotton sheets with names written in Thai script. The maps consist of topography maps with the terrain features painstakingly marked, coastal maps and even a chart of a battle plan!
Muang Tawai (Tavoy, Myanmar) is the largest map on display, at 4 x 5 m showing the western border province of Kanchanaburi, River Kwai and Three Pagoda Pass, the traditional invasion routes of Burma into old Siam. The area was the scene of frequent battles during the Siamese-Burmese Wars in the reign of King Rama I.
Saiburi (Alor Setar, Kedah) is the only display that's not an actual map but a detailed chart of a battle plan to capture a coastal fort in what is now Peninsula Malaysia. It was the battle plan of the Siamese expeditionary force to put down a Muslim revolt in southern provinces.
The chart denotes details of enemy cannon and forces, deployment of Siamese ships and forces, the attack plan, including the assault and scaling parties for the walls. The chart even records the outcome of the battle and casualties. The name of rebel leader on the chart matched that of a rebel leader during the reign of King Rama III.
Khemen Nai Ni (Cambodia) covers famous Angkor Wat and Tonle Sap, the lake that drains and fills during the dry and rainy seasons. The positions of Angkor Wat and other temples and Tonle Sap with all its tributaries are clearly marked in detail.
The area covers the Cambodian provinces of Battambang and Siem Reap over which several wars were fought. These territories were in dispute right up till the 1940s.
Of the five antique Siamese maps, Muang Jin (China) is the most fascinating. The 2x4 m piece covers the entire coastline from Thailand to southern China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, all the way to Japan and Korea, including the northern tip of Luzon, Philippines. The coastline has been accurately mapped with details of all the coastal inlets.
Muang Kwantung (Guangzhou, China) is a city map of old Canton, showing the Pearl River delta, location of factories and buildings in the city.
Purpose of antique Siamese maps
The topography maps on border areas with Burma and Cambodia, traditional foes, were obviously for military purposes, the military routes and terrain features mapped by military commanders during campaigns to assert territorial claims or suzerainty.
Trade with China, the major trading partner then, required navigation charts mapped by ship captains and surveyors hugging the coast to China on a 30 –40 day round trip.
Accuracy of old maps - direction, distance and location
Military routes and distances were generally accurate as these were physically traversed. Locations of terrain features, mountains, jungles and rivers were also accurate.
The scale of these antique Siamese maps was compared with modern maps; the directional error was 1 degree, quite a mapping feat given the technology of those days.
Period of antique Siamese maps
The period of these maps was determined by a through detailed analysis of the hand-written Thai script, the consonants, vowels, tone marks used then and the writing styles.
The use of obsolete consonants, the cursive writing style and predominance of the first two tonal sounds in the Thai language indicate that the period of these old maps during the reigns of the first three Chakri kings i.e. around the late 18th the early 19th centuries.
This rare collection of antique Siamese maps is remarkable as there are very few maps of these areas before the early 19th century. The collection is kept in the personal library of the Crown Princess.

The Bridge Over The River Kwai In Thailand

noreply@blogger.com (khonpaknam) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 04:08:26 PDT

One of the most famous tourist spots in Thailand is the Bridge over the river Kwai. This famous bridge is about four kilometers from Kanchanaburi, across the river Kwai. A great tragedy occurred during the construction of this famous bridge. It was constructed by prisoners of war who were captured by the Japanese during World War II. It is believed that during the construction of bridge, 16,000 war prisoners and 49,000 forcibly employed laborers died.
The construction started in October 1942. During the construction of the bridge, there were no sophisticated machines to aid the construction. The workers building the bridge used dynamite to break rocks and boulders leading to accidental deaths of many. Once the bridge was built, the railway played a major role in opening the area for cultivation. Before the bridge was constructed the area was a forest and people were afraid to enter it.
However, today the bridge is a famous tourist spot. There are many places to look around and enjoy a day around river Kwai. In Tambon Tha Sao, a place near river Kwai, visitors can hire a boat which can carry a maximum of 10 to 12 to visit the Lawa Cave and Sai Yok Yai Waterfall. The trip takes a total of 4 hours to go and return and is well worth the time spent traveling.
There is also a war museum located near the river Kwai bridge. The museum houses a collection of weapons, tools, and utensils used by the prisoners of war and the Japanese army during the construction of the bridge and World War II.

Bridge Over the River Kwai (Or Death Railway Trip)

noreply@blogger.com (khonpaknam) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:23:51 PDT

The Kwai River Bridge was made famous by the 1960s movie about a bamboo bridge being built by British Soldiers in Burma during World War II. This movie was mostly fiction, the bridge is of concrete/metal construction and it is actually located in Thailand. Thailand Tourism authority offers a great service of train tours. These are low cost trips that you can take that range from day trips to long weekends to various scenic parts of Thailand. Most of the trips begin and end in the Hua Laphong Rail Station, the main rail hub for passengers for the entire country. Pictures of this station are shown above. The station is clean and organized, but beware, it is also VERY busy. As a side note: Thailand uses their rail and bus system as their major artery moving people and products throughout their borders.
The tour that I choose was a day trip that took me almost to the Thai border with Myanmar, ending in the Soiyak Water Falls but making stops in Phra Pathom Chedi, Bridge over the Rive Kwai, the "Death Railway", and the Kanchanabury WWII Cemetery. I will describe each of these stops in detail below. The trip was a full day, starting at 7 am and not returning to Hua Laphong Station until after dark, around 7 pm. The train was un-air-conditioned but was comfortable, at least while we were moving.
Phra Pathom Chedi
Our first stop was at the temple called Phra Pathom Chedi , The Temple main feature was a huge pagoda (see the pictures below. The stop was just long enough to walk from the train station to the Temple without too much rush. To get to the temple we walk through a city market area where you can get anything from a quick snack to a glass of ice coffee.
Bridge over the River Kwai and the "Death Railway
The Bridge was made famous by a 1960's film of the same name. The film, however was in fact fiction based loosely on the events surrounding this bridge. I will not go into detail of the differences between the film and this bridge but will let that up to you. Briefly, the bridge is located in Thailand, not Burma but many people (mostly British soldiers) did give their lives building this bridge for the Japanese during World War II. This is why this railway is known as the "Death Railway" in Thailand. The rail line leading from the Kwai River Bridge to the Soiyak Water Falls appears treacherous but is well maintained and safe for travel. The railway follows the river and often has sheer cliffs overlooking the river and can be quite scenic. However, these conditions lead to many deaths during WWII.
Kanchanaburi WWII Cemetery
The WWII Cemetery in Kanchanaburi is filled with the bodies of the people who gave their lives constructing the Kwai Bridge for the Japanese Army. This stop is quite sobering knowing these men gave their lives building the rail line that was we were just on.
Soiyak Water Falls
The Soiyak Water Fall is the final stop of this trip and it is quite refreshing. The waterfall is augmented in areas with concrete and being an geologist is could tell immediately that it wasn't natural. The industrious Thai People have taken and natural water supply and made is a tourist stop. The surrounding area is a natural area and protected from development, which is good. There are hiking trails leading to the water falls source; a small stream filled with small fish and is icy cold. Also along the trail is a few caves to explore. The Thai People find these areas sacred, as evidenced by the presence of sacred images located in the caves. The trail are quite interesting, having many native plants and animals to observe along the way.
At the very end of the Railway sits an historic train, once used by the Japanese during the construction of the railway. The plaque commemorating the train and the people who died in its construction gave the trip some meaning for me.
We returned to the Hua Laphong Rail Station rather late and I was quite tired, but the trip was worthwhile and I would recommend this trip to anyone interested in learning some about historical Thailand.
For more interesting travel ideas please visit my website: http://www.apllc-connect.com
Copyright 2008 Asia Products LLC.
Christopher Snyder is the Founder and Managing Director of Asia Products LLC and currently is living in Bangkok, Thailand.
He writes on a variety of topics including current events, politics, and travel ideas. He manages an e-commerce store buying products to sell on http://www.asiaproductsllc.com. He is documenting some of his more interesting travels in his Asia Travel Ideas website: apllc-connect.com
You can email him by clicking here
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What Are Thailand's Main Tourist Attractions and Activities?

noreply@blogger.com (khonpaknam) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:22:27 PDT

Bangkok
Most people spend a few days in the Thai capital, but many find the pollution, traffic congestion and chaotic street life extremely wearing. There's plenty to take you off the street, however, including the glittering Grand Palace compound and its beautiful gigantic Reclining Buddha; the comprehensively stocked National Museum; the massive Chatuchak weekend market; with over eight thousand different nightlife that suns the full range from cutting-edge clubs to depressing strip joints.
Beaches
Thailand's beaches are among the world's best. You'll find the most developed and expensive resorts, and some of the finest sands, on the islands of Ko Samui and Phuket, while backpakers tend to head for the more budget oriented Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Tao, Ko Lanta and Ko Mook. Krabi's Railay beaches are nothing short of stunning, Ko Samet makes and easy and economical break from Bangkok and Ko Chang is handy for travelers heading in and out of Cambodia.
Trekking
Unlike the organized treks in the Himalayas, Thailand's "hill-tribe treks" focus on the ethnic-minority villages that you walk to, rather than on the walking itself or the scenery. The hill tribes live way out in the sticks, but their villages are connected by tracks, so the hiking is not difficult. Most treks last two to four days and feature nights in the villages, as well as an elephant ride and river rafting. The main trekking centres are the northern cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, but routes out of both are hugely over subscribed, so it's better to start from Mae Hing Sin, Pai, Kanchanaburi or Umphang instead, where trails are quieter and more rewarding.
The ruined former capitals of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya
Dating from the thirteen century, Sukhothai is a beautiful example og thoughtful city planning enlivened by lakes and elegant statues of the Buddha. The 300-year-old temples and palaces of Ayutthaya display a refined mix of Hindu and Buddhist sculpture and are fun to explore by bicycle. Both sets of ruins are now conserved as historical parks. There are plenty of sobering World War II sights in the town, as well as reasonable range of trekking, rafting and cycle options that make the most or the fine river scenery, plus some appealing rafthouse accommodation too.
Kanchanaburi
Sited on the banks of the River Kwai, the town is most famous for its role as a POW camp in World War II and for its bridge, whose destruction by the Allied Forces was immortalized in Davis Lean's movie. There are plenty of sobering World War II sights in the town, as well as a reasonable range of trekking, rafting and cycling options that make the most of the fine river scenery, plus some appealing rafthouse accommodation too
Khao Sok National Park
Here you can sleep in a tree house under limestone karst, wake to the sound ogf the hooting gibbons, and take an adventure tour via waterlogged caves and jungles trails to a lake
The ancient Khmer temple of Phanom Rung
This exquisite pink sandstone complex was built in the tenth century as a blueprint for the Angkor temples across the border in Cambodia
Thai massage
Enjoy a traditional massage at Bangkok's Wat Pho temple, then learn the techniques yourself at a course in Bangkok or Chiang Mai.
Snorkelling and diving off the remote Similan Island
The turquoise water, powdery sands and banks of coral are regularly visited by sharks, rays and turtles
The Mae Hong Song loop
Hire a motor bike and spend as many days as you can spare on the circular 600-kilometre route through the glorious upland scenery of the remote northwest
Kayaking along the Krabi coastline
An exhilarating way of exploring the spectacularly craggy outcrops and remote uninhabited islands of the south west-coast
Sang Khom
It's great to just chill out in this idyllis tree-shaded little town on the Mekong river, where you can hire bicycles to visit traditional local villages and mess about on the water in inner tubes and dugout canoes
Pai
This laid back north-Thai town has a distinct New Age air and is the perfect place to take some courses in alternative therapies, browse the art shops and arrange a trek.
Full-moon beach party
Join the hordes for the monthly full-moon parties on Ko Pha Ngan, an infamous back-packers' beach rave attracts up to 30,000 clubbers.
Please view the most beautiful photos of Thailand's tourist attractions by clicking the link below:-
Photos of Thailand
http://www.letstravelplease.com is where you can get the best traveling destinations information, great traveling deals, cheap flights and great hotel discounts. Have fun!!
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Kanchanaburi - The Death Railway, the River Kwai and the Facts Behind the Film

noreply@blogger.com (khonpaknam) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:49:16 PDT

With the ongoing growth of the long haul flight market Thailand continues to increase in popularity with European holidaymakers in search of year round sunshine, however there is more to Thailand than crowded beaches or the noise and bustle of Bangkok. Somewhere that does not always make it into the holiday brochures is Kanchanaburi.
Kanchanaburi is home to the bridge on the river Kwai which is well known to many people through the book of that name, and later the 1957 film directed by David Lean, and starring Jack Hawkins and Alec Guinness.
Both the book and the film tell fictionalized accounts of the building of this railway bridge, and the construction of this part of the Thailand Burma railway by the Allied prisoners used as slave labour by the Japanese army during the second world war.
As anyone who has seen the film will know the original bridge on the river Kwai was destroyed by Allied aircraft shortly after construction, and the bridge on the river Kwai that can be seen today is therefore not original. It is however still in regular use today, as at least part of the Thailand Burma railway is still in operation.
Adjacent to the bridge on the river Kwai is Kwai bridge station, home to some interesting items of preserved railway stock including several historic steam locomotives and other pieces of general stock from the wartime period.
Next stop after Kwai bridge station should be the small museum next to the bridge on the river Kwai. The museum is dedicated to all the servicemen who served in whatever capacity on the Thailand Burma railway, and it contains many interesting relics from that period, it does however get very crowded at times. A more peaceful atmosphere may be experienced at the nearby war cemetery where you can spend an hour or two walking among the graves of the men who died in the struggle to construct the bridge and the 'Death Railway'.
If you have the time while you are in the area there is no more relaxing way to end your trip to Kanchanaburi than to take a boat trip on the river. It will give you a unique opportunity to experience the bridge from a more impressive angle, and you will gain a new respect for the men who toiled so hard, and died to construct the bridge on the river Kwai.
Peter Bruce Townsend has been writing and publishing articles on a variety of subjects for the last ten years. He has travelled extensively through South East Asia, and the Philippines. He lives in south east London with his wife Mona, and spends his time re-publishing public domain works for http://www.TownsendPublications.com and maintaining the website http://www.SouthEastLondonDating.com
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Kanchanaburi River Kwai - Kwae Bridge - By Mountain Bike

noreply@blogger.com (khonpaknam) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:47:36 PDT

Kanchainburi is right up there with the most popular spots to visit in Thailand so this article is about a new way to visit kanchanaburi 'by mountain bike'. The cycling day trip is run by a small mountain bike company based in khaosan road Bangkok.
The trip started at 9.00am with a pick up at khaosan road. The heat smog and traffic of Bangkok can be a little off putting for anyone who is a cyclist but the trip organizers drive you further and further away from the hustle and bustle and as you look out of the car window you gradually see peaceful side of Thailand and its cycling potential. After a 2 hour journey we arrived at kanchanburi railway station with and old engine out and we could immediately began to see towns history. The tour guides off loaded the bikes from the van and armed with a bottle of water, a bicycle and a guide we headed out into the heat on the first leg of our trip. The first thing we noticed was the clean air which made the cycling easy and relaxing and after a few days in Bangkok it was like stepping out into anther world. We first rode through a short part of the town which is quite lively and littered with guest houses and restaurants. Bicycles and motorcycles seem to be the main source of transport for most of the locals who when they see you give a friendly smile an say "sawadee krup" which means hello in Thai.
After about a half a kilometer of riding through the busyish town we turned off left and almost instantly the busy scenery disappeared and we were on the quiet back roads. We rode over rivers and railway tracks and saw local Thai houses, people and plantations, the steady riding pace and frequent stops gave us some great photo opportunities as well.
Finally after a steep climb up a short road we arrived at a place called Kao Poon cave and temple. This cave isn't just a small cave like you usually see it's actually quite big and full of interesting Buddha statues, bats, stalagmites, stalactites and even some monks. The cool air inside the cave also made the 15 minutes we were in there very refreshing.
After the cave the guide took us to take some pictures of a breath taking view of the river Kwai. Then through the market and along the railway tracks to the Chung Kai cutting which was cut by hand by POWs during the Second World War. It's only when you get up close to the cutting that you realize what hard work it must have been to do something like this on such a big scale. Next we followed the guide along some country back roads heading for the river Kwai Bridge. When we first got to the bridge the first thing we noticed before we came around the corner was a strong smell. But the instant we got there we knew where it was coming from, an elephant. Huge elephants live near the bridge next to a souvenir market which sells Burmese's jewelry and accessories.
It was now time to cross the famous river Kwai Bridge, high up above the water walking along the train tracks with gaps on each side this isn't for someone whose scared of heights although its quite safe if your careful and if a train comes there's plenty of time to get out of the way and wait safely on one of the waiting areas.
After crossing the bridge we settled down in a floating restaurant under bridge for some delicious Thai food and then set off on the bikes. We rode back through the town and to the death railway museum which is full artifacts, models and stories from the Thai Burmer railway during ww2. After a quick cup of tea at the museum it was a short ride back to the car and we headed off to the famous Wang Pho Viaduct.
It took us just 45 minutes to get there and the short drive is well worth it, this place is picturesque and the size of the Viaduct is fascinating. It gave us a great opportunity for some photos especially when the train came past. It was now time to head home after along day. I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to see most of popular places in kanchanaburi but by different means, bicycle. The guide (Pakkard) was excellent and did everything she could for us. We finished the day feeling good and happy to have done the trip.
Good companies to do this trip with are http://www.mountainbiketoursthailand.com or http://www.mthilltours.com
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Kanchanaburi Town in Thailand

noreply@blogger.com (khonpaknam) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:45:54 PDT

Kanchanaburi, a quaint little town in Thailand, is located 129 kilometers west of Bangkok. It has a mountainous landscape and is considered to be the third largest province in Thailand. Historians state that this town was near a village called Ban Lat Ya. The village has a historical background. It was used by the Burmese to invade Thai kingdoms.
Bordered by the Thanon Thongchai Range, this place is a welcome sight with its hilly terrain, sparkling waterfalls, gushing rivers, and several wildlife sanctuaries. Two important rivers, Maenam Khwae Noi and Maenam Khwae Yai originate from this range. Namtok, the largest waterfall in Thailand, is found in this region.
Kanchanaburi, is looked upon as a tourists’ paradise. Filled with a wide range of exciting activities like river rafting, fishing, mountain climbing, bird watching, mountain trekking, mountain biking, exploring forests and sanctuaries, staying in bamboo rafts, canoeing, and golfing. It is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy. What is more, if you have an urge for adventure, you can get the opportunity to explore exciting caves. These caves are noted for being the dwelling spots of Neolithic men. You can also get to visit memorable places, such as Bridge on the River Kwai. The name is very famous because it was one of the World War II sites and a famous movie was made based on this site.
People in this area are mostly farmers but the town also has various industries such as sugar, agricultural products, and gemstones. The local people are simple in nature and love to celebrate festivals with lots of music and dance. These festivals are being celebrated and have been passed down to generations for centuries.
Kanchanaburi is well known for its scenic beauty and for being a source of major attraction for the tourists. In short, it is the perfect place to visit to enjoy and have a fun-filled and relaxing vacation.
Check Out More Articles:
Thailand Tourist Attractions, Thai Radio Online, Tetris The Flash Game,
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Holidays in Kanchanaburi Thailand - Historical and Picturesque

noreply@blogger.com (khonpaknam) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:44:33 PDT

Today visitors come to pay their respects to fallen Allied soldiers or to discover for themselves more about the town's dark past. But Kan, as locals call it, is also a great place to relax at riverside guesthouses or venture to nearby natural attractions.
Sights
THAILAND-BURMA RAILWAY CENTRE Before you head out to the Kwai River Bridge, get a little history under your belt at this museum (%0 3451 0067; 73 Jaokannun; adult/child 60/30B; h9am-5pm). Professional exhibits outline Japan's aggression in Southeast Asia during WWII and its plan to connect Yangon (in Burma) with Bangkok via rail for transport of military supplies. Captured Allied soldiers as well as Burmese and Malay captives were transported to the jungles of Kanchanaburi to build 415km of rail - known today as the Death Railway because of the many lives (more than 100,000 men) the project claimed.
KANCHANABURI ALLIED WAR CEMETERY Across the street from the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, the Kanchanaburi Allied War Cemetery (Th Saengchuto; admission free; h7am-6pm) is a touching gift from the Thai people to remember the POWs, mainly from Britain and Holland, who died on their soil.
KWAI RIVER BRIDGE (DEATH RAILWAY BRIDGE) While the story made famous by the film The Bridge on the River Kwai is one of endurance, heroism and suffering, the span itself is just an ordinary bridge with an extraordinary history. A bit of imagination and some historical context will help to enliven a visit to the bridge, which was a small but strategic part of the Death Railway to Burma. Engineers estimated that construction would take five years, but the human labourers were forced to complete the railway in 16 months. Allied planes destroyed the bridge in 1945 but later repairs restored the span; the bomb damage is still apparent in the pylons closest to the riverbanks.
During the first week of December there's a nightly sound-and-light show put on at the bridge. It's a pretty impressive scene, with simulations of bombers and explosions and fantastic bursts of light. The town gets a lot of tourists during this week, so book early. The bridge is roughly 3km from the town centre and the best way for you to reach it is by bicycle. You can also catch a sÇŽwngthÇŽew (5B) going north along Saengchuto, but it isn't obvious when to get off; if you get to the Castle Mall, you've gone too far. There are also three daily departures across the bridge on the Kanchanaburi-Nam Tok train
WORLD WAR II MUSEUM Near the bridge is a privately owned museum (Mae Nam Khwae; admission 30B; h9am-6pm), a veritable temple to kitsch, sometimes also known as the JEATH War Museum to capitalise on the popularity of another museum by the same name in town. The collection might be the oddest assortment of memorabilia under one roof, but the building does afford picture postcard views of the bridge.
JEATH WAR MUSEUM This outdoor museum (Pak Phraek; admission 30B; h8.30am-6pm), the original JEATH, is run by monks as a testament to the atrocities of war. The displays of historic photographs are housed in a bamboo hut, much like the ones the POWs used. More a photo gallery than museum, it isn't very informative, but it is heartfelt, especially the fading pictures of surviving POWs who returned to Thailand for a memorial service.
Comprehensive information related to trip to Thailand and the best deals for hotels Kanchanaburi.
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3 Places You Must Go in Thailand

noreply@blogger.com (khonpaknam) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:43:16 PDT

For people seeking sun, sand and plenty of adventure, Thailand is amongst the top places in the world to visit. The beautiful scenery of the coastal islands compliments the rich culture and mountainous regions to the north, not to mention Bangkok, one of South East Asia's most intriguing cities. There's a multitude of places to visit and things to do in Thailand, and whether you're a tourist or a backpacker, you're almost sure to never get bored by the country's rich offerings. Indeed, you could choose to spend a week bronzing yourself on a beach in the south, or spend months exploring the highlands to the north and the borders with Laos and Cambodia. If you've got a trip to Thailand in store for this year, then take a read of this article to find out about some of the top destinations.
Phuket Located to the west of the country, Phuket is the largest and most popular island in Thailand. The island was hit hard by the 2004 Tsunami, but recovery has surged through tourism in the time since. With miles and miles of idyllic beaches and a collection of hotel resorts that wouldn't look out of place in a list of the world's best, tourists pour here by the bucket load. Some of the top resorts lie in the northern town of Ao Bang, where serious pampering comes at a serious price. This is home to a 7km long white beach and the Laguna Phuket golf club. Further south is Patong, a popular resort that lights up with neon during the night while providing home to the island's most popular beach - Hat Patong.
Ko Chang An island for those who want a little more than the offerings of the more tourist centric islands, Ko Chang is a rock that soars out of the sea, complete with jungle, rugged terrain and of course, many of its very own beaches. Located to the East of the Gulf Thailand near Cambodia, you won't find the regular sellers of knock off Ray-Bans and DVDs in a hurry, and the tourist hubbub is replaced by a more natural tranquillity. The island is home to an array of stunning wildlife that inhabits the scenery. Sea eagles, Andaman kites and hornbills all nest here, while you may even see a reticulated python if you venture inland! When visiting make sure you take on of the dirt pathways for a nature adventure.
Krabi Province Most travellers choose to breeze through Krabi town, as people are keen to move on to the paradises of Ko Phi Phi and Railay. These two gems of the Andaman Sea boast some of the most stunning scenery in the whole of Thailand, which is a spectacular feat if you consider the extent of beautiful coastland and mountains in the country. Railay is located behind a layer of impenetrable cliffs, and it is only possible to get there by boat. Surreal limestone formations make it a fantastic place for rock climbing, while the beach is possibly the revered in the country. Ko Phi Phi don, meanwhile, is an island 30km to the South West of the mainland of Krabi. As the backlot for The Beach, staring Leonardo Di Caprio, it's not difficult to see why the place is thought of as one of the world's top island paradises.
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bei_M_Maniago

Phuket Shopping

noreply@blogger.com (khonpaknam) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:59:14 PDT

Phuket has plenty to offer its visitors including some outstanding shopping venues. Phuket is well known for its beautiful white sandy beaches and exiting nightlife however during the last decade a large number of world class shopping venues have opened in Phuket.
When people think about going shopping in Phuket they will often think about counterfeit software, DVD movies and fake brand name clothing. If this is the type of goods that you want to purchase during your holiday on Phuket then there are plenty of small stores where you can find these types of products.
If however you would like to purchase high quality products and designer clothing then there are a number of world class Phuket shopping malls where you can go buy these items.
Travelers planning a trip to Phuket and who would like to do some shopping during their holiday should definitely plan a visit to some of the outstanding Phuket shopping venues listed down below.
Jungceylon Shopping Mall
The Jungceylon shopping mall is the newest shopping mall on Phuket and is located in the Patong beach resort area. There are hundreds of stores at this mall as well as plenty of restaurants and other types of entertainment venues. If you feel like catching a movie then you should definitely check out the multi screen movie theatre which is located on the top floor.
Phuket Central Festival
The Phuket Central Festival mall is located along the bypass road of Phuket and is home to some of the finest shops and boutiques found anywhere on the island. If you plan to do some shopping in Phuket then be sure to visit the excellent Central department store which is located inside of this large and modern shopping mall. The Phuket Central Festival mall is also home to a multi screen cinema and there are plenty of food and beverage outlets from which shoppers can choose.
Big C Mall
The Big C mall in Phuket is where most of the local Thai residents seem to enjoy doing their shopping. The main retailer at this Phuket shopping mall is the Thai Big C department store however there are also a number of other restaurants and stores at this shopping venue. The Big C mall is located close by to the Phuket Central Festival shopping mall and is as well located along the Phuket Bypass road.
Ocean Plaza Patong
Another popular shopping destination in Patong is the Ocean Plaza mall. There are dozens of small boutiques which together form the Ocean department store. There is also an excellent supermarket located in the basement of this Phuket shopping mall. If you enjoy bowling then be sure to visit the modern bowling alley which is located on the top floor of the Ocean Plaza mall in Patong.
James is travel consultant living on Phuket and is working on a number of projects. If you are looking for information about Phuket then be sure to visit his Phuket guide which includes an excellent section with Phuket car rental information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Bukovsky

The Lowdown on Phuket

noreply@blogger.com (khonpaknam) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:58:27 PDT

I spent two years in Bangkok before I decided that I'd had enough. It was nothing against the city, but I just felt as if I needed a change. I was given an opportunity to work in Phuket and I took it. Twelve months later and I feel a craving to return to Bangkok, but I won't, because I've been there and done that.
People often ask me what it's like in Phuket. I receive numerous emails from people mulling the idea of moving to the island.
Different people come to Phuket with different expectations and different ideas. When I came to Phuket, I had a fair idea of what the place was like. Phuket is a large island. There are more than 10 main beaches and just as many islands dotted around the coast. For this reason, you can find whatever it is you're looking for in Phuket.
If you want unspoiled beachfront, then head to Mai Khao Beach or Yanui Beach. If you want rowdy nightlife then go to Patong Beach. For surfing you ought to check out Kata Beach. There are even a few splashes of Sino-Portugese culture in Phuket Town.
I live on the outskirts of Phuket Town. I have easy access to decent restaurants, shops, beaches, everything really. While I don't plan to stay in Phuket forever, I am glad to have lived on the island and really seen it for its good and its bad side.
I'd recommend to anyone to spend a bit of time in Phuket to really see what the place is about.
However, after spending the best part of a year in Phuket, there's something about the island that just hasn't clicked with me.
After Bangkok and Pattaya, Phuket is the destination within Thailand that attracts the most expats. People come to Phuket in search of beaches, romance, work, whatever. It isn't the aesthetics of Phuket that bugs me - there are enough beautiful Phuket beaches and islands to keep anyone happy; it's the lack of action that can be a bit of a downer.
Coming from Bangkok down to Phuket, there are stark differences that I haven't been able to get over, no matter how hard I try and convince myself that I'm happy in Phuket. For a start, the social scene sucks. You just don't have the same mix of like-minded people as you do in Bangkok.
Then there's Phuket nightlife. I'm not necessarily referring to just clubs and bars, but to everything that goes on once the sun sets. In Phuket, you can't stroll out at 2 am and find people all over the place. You can't even travel around the island after dark for fear of being mugged if you're on a motorbike or being ripped off if you're riding in a tuk-tuk.
One year in Phuket has left me certain that the island is not a place I want to settle on. However, my idea of paradise is, of course, not the same as the next person's, which is why many people come to Phuket and never leave.
The author of this article can be found over at Phuket Vogue.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Crook

Phuket Golf Courses

noreply@blogger.com (khonpaknam) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:57:52 PDT

Phuket is one of the premier golf destinations in South East Asia. If you enjoy playing golf then why not combine a beach holiday and golf holiday into one? This wonderful Thai holiday island is famous for its stunning beaches but it is also well known for its world class golf courses.
A number of well respected golf tournaments are held annually on Phuket and famous golfers such as Tiger Woods have had the pleasure of playing on a number of different golf courses on the island. It is also worth noting that some of these courses have been designed by leading designers such as former champion Jack Nicklaus.
There are a number of different locations from which players can choose. This article offers information on the best courses on the island.
Blue Canyon Golf Course
The leading golf course on Phuket is Blue Canyon which has been ranked as one of the top golf courses in Asia by various different international publications. A number of well known tournaments have been hosted at Blue Canyon including the renowned Johnnie Walker Classics Tournament. Some famous golfers which have played at Blue Canyon include Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Greg Norman.
Mission Hills
Another award winning golf course it the one located at the Mission Hills Phuket Golf Resort and Spa. It was designed by Jack Nicklaus and it is an eighteen hole, par seventy two golf course. What makes this place so spectacular is that golfers enjoy stunning views of the Andaman Sea whilst playing golf.
Loch Palm Golf Club
The golf course at the Loch Palm Golf Club is extremely popular with especially local residents and expats and has recently been completely renovated. Loch Palm is recognized to be one of the leading Thai courses and it is a eighteen hole, par seventy two golf course. It is also home to the largest lake found at any of the courses. Players can find this course rather challenging due to the various height differences on the course.
Phuket Country Club
The Phuket Country Club is home to the oldest golf course on on the island. It is located in the center of the island in the Kathu area. It is the favorite golfing destination on this Thai island among expats due to the affordable green fees and membership fees. If you have a high handicap then te Country Club could be the ideal one for you to visit during your holiday.
James is travel consultant living on Phuket and is working on a number of projects. If you are looking for information about Phuket then be sure to visit his Phuket guide which includes an excellent section with Phuket golf information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Bukovsky