Sunshine@Thailand

Beautiful Sunshine on Patong Beach at Phuket Island

2011-05-14T06:29:00.001-07:00

Patong beach is the most wellkown place in Phuket island. The beach lying from the north to the south along the south-western coast of the island for 4 kms. between Kamala beach and Karon bay. It is surrounded by green mountains at the north, east and south. At the west, it has clear emerald sea and white sandy beach. The ray of sun touching the sea and sands, it turns everything brightened and becomes beautiful beach on sunshine.

Sunshine Scene:
A good time to travel Patong beach is on Summer season from March to May. There are many activies at Patong beach for travelers: swimming, diving, sun bathing and various water sports. While the sun beam is shading, its colour is changed to the golden. This is the highlight of sunshine scene at Patong beach.

Getting There:
The beach is 15 kms. from Phuket city and Phuket province is far 862 kms. at the south of Bankok. By bus, there are both of non-air and air-conditioned buses from Bangkok to Phuket and taking on small mini buses (Song-thaew) from fresh market to the beach or using taxi. By train, passengers have to drop at Punpin station in Surathani province and connecting with buses to Phuket province. By air, there are daily Bangkok – Phuket flights and connecting wih taxi or buses. It is 40 kms. from the airport to the beach.

Accommodation:
There are many styles and levels of hotels for travelers. Not only hotels but the shopping malls, restuarants and entertainment centers are aslo available at this beach.

Samila Beach and Golden Mermaid

2011-05-04T06:33:00.000-07:00

It is a well known beach and has long history. With golden mermaid statue sitting on the rocks, it is a symbol of this beach. It made from bronze. There is the tale that the mermaid came from the sea at one of beautiful nights. While she was cleaning her hairs with golden comb on the beach, the young fisherman met her. But his apperance made her frightened and escaped to the sea. The fisherman tried to find out and waiting her back but it was useless. She didn’t come to the beach again.
The beach locates at the north of Songkla province lying from Son-On cape and connecting to the area of Samila cape. It is beautiful beach with white sands and has small islands at the background.
On the middle of the beach, there is Golden Mermaid to welcome all visitors. Most of travellers visit this beach and they would like to take photo with her.
At the north, Son-On cape is covered with pine rows that lying along the road on the way to the cape. Surrounding landscape is the blue sea and beautiful islands. Travelers always use the shade of pine trees for their picnic and relaxation.

Sunshine Scene :
Samila beach is in the city area therefore it has local people and travelers in all seasons. The highlight sunshine scene is the sun rise at Son-On cape, it is a good place to watch the beautiful sun climimg up from horizon line to the sky.

Getting There :
It is far from Songkla fresh market only 2.5 kms. in Songkla province of the South. There are frequently local small buses (Song-taew) from Songkla city to the beach and buses from Hat Yai city to this beach.

Accommodation :
There is a lot of accommodaiton located beside the beach, in Songkla city and Hat Yai city. It has various prices and styles for travellers.

Discover The Untouched Paradise of Kood Island

2011-01-31T21:51:00.001-08:00

Kood island is located at the end of the Thai eastern maritime territory bordering Combodia. It covers the area of 105 sq.km.(41 sq.mi.) that lies along north to south with lenght at 25 km.(16 mi.) and width at 12 km.(7 mi.) The central has a moutainous terrain. Small mountains and ridged plains have given rise to many inland brooks, streams and waterfalls. The west is lined with a series of pristine beaches, sparkling clear sea, captivating views. Most of the best known beaches are along the bays of Klong Yai Kee, Klong Hin and Prao. The east has the prime areas at Yai Kerd and Chak bays, including Salad and Yai bays are the major fishing villages. The Paenthee hill is the the highest peak where is a superb viewpoint. Travelers spots in the area include Klong hao waterfalls. It is particularly spectacular with three tiers, it brims with glittering water all year round, superb for soaking and swimming.

Sunshine Scene :
The island has scenic beauties, crystals clear sea, pristine beaches, breathtaking waterfalls and a very pure nature environment. Attractions on the island also include the stone yard landscape and fishing activities.
The interesting activities here are island excursions, a fishing village visit, swimming, smorkeling, scuba diving and coral reefs. Boating, diving and island-hopping are in fact the favourite pursuits at this island, along with lazing in the sun, and this is the place to organise an idyllic day exploring the surrounding tiny islands. All of these make this island has known as the untouched paradise.
A good time to travel Kood island is summer season form February to May and the highlight of sunshine scene is Prao beach which is a great place to catch the magnificent sunset.

Getting There :
Kood Island situated 80 km.(50mi.) southeast of Trat province at the East of Thailand. It has the advantage of being relatively remote while still being easy to access. Travelers fly to Trat or travel by road from Bangkok, and then get on the boat to the island.
This island has limited infrastructure. There is no regular public ferry route to the island, but travelers can catch a local boat that transports goods to the island with 4-5 hrs. The boat leaves on Friday and returns on Monday. Chartered boats to the east side of the island take 2 hrs. There are also speedboats, mostly operated by the resorts, that reach the island about 1.5 hrs. The best choice is to buy a package tour that covers accommodation, meals, activities and most importantly transportation.
There are many resorts, most of them are on the west coast. There is a number of deluxe but several budget resorts providing for choices.

Beautiful Memorable Views at Pang Ung Lake

2011-01-18T23:15:00.001-08:00

It is the area that ever used for planing opiums, this plant was popular among the hill tribes in the North of Thailand. They destroyed a large amount of forest. With the Royal Inintiative Project by HM King for highland development, this area was changed to the land of beautiful landscapes and evergreen forest. The area covers 18,000 rai (7,200 acres) with height at 1,150 m.(713 mi.) above sea level. It consists a large basin with reservior and lake. Around the basin lined with pine forests and green mountains, these made beautiful memorable views at Pang Ung lake.
The interesting activities for travelers are :
Bamboo raft ride, it is especially activities for visitors who wants to touch the liquid smokes above the morning lake.
Camping and viewpoint at the lake, the lake allows travelers stay overnight in the area. Watching night sky in peaceful enviroments and morning walk on the nice paths around the lake. Visiting the near farms to touch highland flowers and fruits with simple village life.

Sunshine Scene :
Travelers can visit Pang Ung through the year. Although a good time is in winter season from November to Februay, but the terrain of high mountains surrounding a large basin and fresh air with natural beauty are waiting the visitors for all seasons.
A highlight of sunshine scene is a sunrise at the lake. It is a place for people who love to touch fresh cold air and beautiful mountain with lake view. The lake gives super views. It is covered with fog in the early morning until the sunshine comes. The water is calm and peaceful while images of smoke float high above liquid in the morning, it is also covered with the cold wind of winter.

Getting There :
Pang Ung is away from the town of Mae Hong Son about 44 km. There are availabe transportation to Pang Ung by plane, bus and car.
By plane and bus, ther are 2 daily flights and frequent buses from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son. From Mae Hong Son route to Pang Ung same the road to Pai get on local buses which has 2 times a day at 9:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. It takes time around 2.5 hours.
By car, From Chiang Mai use the road to Mae Malai-Pai-Pang Mapha, turn right before arriving Mae Hong Son, go straight for 25 km. and then turn left to Pang Ung.
There are few guesthouses in the lake area, but travelers can stay at Ruam Thai village which has various guesthouses and homestays.

Morning Sea of Mist at Keb Tawan Cliff

2011-01-14T20:55:00.001-08:00

Pha Keb Tawan or sun cliff is one part of Thap Lan National Park. This park is located in the joint border of Nakhon Ratchasima in norteast region and Pranchin Buri in central region. It covers an area of 2,235.80 sq.km. The highest peak is at the height of 992 m. above sea level. Its area is comprised of continuous mountain ranges with naturally created valleys, chasms and waterfalls. Moreover it is the source of major rivers in surrounding area. The nature enrichment of this park makes Keb Tawan cliff has beautiful scene with greenever trees and fresh cool weather. Most interesting activities for travelers are :

Nature trail study, travelers can walk from bottom to top of cliff with exotic natures to learn and get relaxing on the way.

Reforestation, it is an interesting activity to recover the forest. The cliff offers wild tree seeds and wooden bow for shooting to the below and planting new forest.

Camping, travelers can stay overnight on the cliff to watch the morning sun which is the most popular activity.

Sunshine Scene :
Most of travelers visit Keb Tawan cliff in winter season from November to February. It a good time with fresh air and cold weather. A highlight of sunshine scene is morning sun in the mist on Keb Tawan cliff. At the front of the cliff, travelers can see beautiful panorama view of evergreen landscapes at below.

Getting There :
The cliff located in the control of National Park Guard No.11, Wang Nam Khieo district, Nakhon Ratchasima province. This guard is a part of Thap Lan National Park office. It is far about 197 km.from Bangkok. There are available transportation to the cliff by bus and car.
By bus, from Bangkok getting on the bus to Krabin Buri district in Prachin Buri province, then using local bus(Krabin Buri - Nakhon Ratchasima) to the cliff.
By car, from Bangkok using highway No.305 and highway No.3049 to Srakaew province, driving along highway No.33 for 71 km. After that taking highway No.304 to the cliff at km.59.
The cliff has only camping service, but travelers can stay at resorts and guesthouses near the cliff. It has various styles and prices.

Blanket of Clouds over Mountains at Huai Nam Dang

2011-01-10T21:40:00.001-08:00

Huai Nam Dang is a National Park which located on the border area of Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son at the North of Thailand, it covers 179.5 sq.km. with rugged mountains running north to south. The highest peak is Chang mountain, standing 1,926 m. above sea level. The park is a source of water to many streams in the area.

There are many interesting activities and exotic lanscapes for travelers. The highlight are :

Kiew Lom mountain viewpoint
On the top of mountain, travelers can enjoy a panoramic scenery, stretching up to Chiang Dao mountain. The view is very beautiful, especially in the morning, when the flying mist fills the whole valley, revealing just a sharp top of Chiang Dao. There are many tiers of beautiful flowers growing at the base of the mountain.

Chang mountain viewpoint
The highest spot of Huay Nam Dang National Park. It is the origin of several waterfalls. There is a famous viewpoint in the morning, the valley fills with fog until the sun comes out to burn it off. Travelers can look around a sea of mist and mountainous scenery, stretching away for about 20 km.

Huai Nam Dang waterfall
The fall originates from a canal, passing through 3-4 levels. Its height is around 50 m. and width 10 m.

Sunshine Scene :
Most of travelers visit to Huai Nam Dang in winter season from November to February. It a good time with cold weather and good scenery of flower blossom. Here the scenery is beautiful, especially the sea of flying mist in the morning. Many tourists like to come and pitch tents, tasting the cold weather at top of high mountains whilst awaiting the dawn mists. A sunshine scene highlight is a viewing on the top of Kiew Lom moutain.

Getting There :
Huai Nam Dang entrance is on the Highway No.1095 - the route Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son. Chiang Mai is 696 km.(432mi.) from Bangkok.
There are available transportation to Chiang Mai from Bangkok by air, bus, train and car. By air, bus and train – it has daily schedules to Chaing Mai and get local bus (Chiang Mai – Pai) to the park.
By car, from Chiang Mai, take Highway No.107 to Amphoe Mae Malai. Turn left on to Highway No.1095. At km.65, turn left and drive to Huai Nam Dang National Park Office. The total distance is 112 kilometers.
The park has some gusthouses and camping service for travelers, but needed booking in advance.

Morning Sun in the Mist at Phu Ruea

2011-01-03T21:26:00.001-08:00

Phu Ruea or boat mountain is only 121 sq.km, but it has the highest peak at 1,365 m. above sea level. It is a sandy granite mountain of Phu Ruea National Park in Loei province which connected to Laos kingdom. At the top, it is viewpoint that you can panoramically see Khong river – an international border river. It is also the water source of many creeks and rivers in the area.
More than half of its top is covered with low shrubbery, grasslands and strangely formed rock formations. The mountain has many kinds of plants and wild lives. It comprises open pine forest, savannah fields with diverse ground flora and large natural rockeries on which growing plants. There are approximately 105 bird species and the animals, plenty of orchid species which flower throughout the year.
There are many interesting activities and beautiful landscapes for travelers such as nature trail study, flower adiring, viewing, biking trail, bird watching, stargazing, waterfall traveling and cave touring.

Sunshine Scene :
A good time to travel Phu Ruea National Park is winter season from November to February. A highlight of sunshine scene is sunrise at Lhon Noi cliff which is about 3 km. from the park office. It has panoramic view of sun in the sea of mist.

Getting There :
Phu Ruea is situated 48 km.(30ml.) from Loei province. The province is far from Bangkok 520 km.(322ml.)
There are available to go there by air, bus and car. By air, there are 2-3 flights a week form Bangkok to Loei, then conneting local bus to Phu Ruea district. By bus, there are daily direct bus service from Bangkok to Phu Ruea.
By car, using the highway No.203 to Phu Ruea district, then turn right and gurther to about 4 km.(2.48ml) to the park office. The park offers some of accomodation but needed booking in advance. There are also various available accomodation for travelers near the park.

Golden Sun over Nam Nao National Park

2010-12-31T07:52:00.001-08:00

Nam Nao is one of most beautiful parks of Thailand. It covers Phetchabun and Chaiyaphum provinces with 966 sq.km. The area is mountainous and its forests provide the important watershed for the surrounding districts. There are unusual and fascinating landscapes which are popular destinations for travelers. The mountains and forests create cool weather, particularly during the night and early morning. The daytime temperatures are very pleasant with an average annual temperature 25 Celsius.
The forest of Nam Nao contains many different forest types, it has also the pine forest. There are many medicinal plants and orchids. The forest structure provides good shelter for wild animals, therefore it has over 200 species of birds.
The are many attractive activities for travelers which consist of waterfall traveling, nature trail study, viewing, bird watching, butterfly watching, flower admiring and cave touring.

Sunshine Scene :
Most of travelers visit Nam Nao National park during the winter. A good time is from November to February. The sunshine scene is golden sun at Phu Ko, which travelers can view the beutiful scenery of sunrise and get fresh air.

Getting There :
The entrance to Nam Nao National park is on the Highway No.12 in Nam Nao district, Petchabun province at the northern region. This province is far from Bangkok 346 kilometers (215 miles) and Nam Nao is 140 kilometers (87 miles) from Petchabun.
By bus, there are frequent buses from Bangkok to Chum Pae district in Knon Kaen province and getting on local bus from Chum Pae to Nam Nao park.
By car, getting to the park from Chum Pae along Highway No.12 for 145 km.(90 mil) to the km.No.50, then turning right and driving along the road for 2 km.(1.24 mil) to the park entrance.
From Lom Sak using Highway No.12 for 55 km.(34 mil) to the km.No.50, turning left and following the road for 2 km.(1.24 mil) to the park.
There are guesthouses and resorts along the Highway and near the park area for travelers.

Phu Chi Fah : The Roof of Thailand

2010-12-24T23:55:00.001-08:00

Phu Chi Fah or Skyward Mountain is in the Pa Mohn Moutain range along the Thai-Loas country border. It is the higest mountain of the range and its location is on the northernmost area, therefore it is called the roof of Thailand.
The mountain is height at 1,628 meters (5,372 feet) above average sea level. It lies along north to south. The east side which connected to Lao kingdom has very steep cliff. This mountain is the best observation point with the best view, especially in winter.
The temperature on the mountain may be quite cool but up to season change. The area is generally covered with primary forest except on Phu Chi Fah mountain top where 300 rais (120 acres) of grass field covers most of the area. It also has plenty of various flowers, birds and wildlife.
Most of travelers visit this mountain for flowers admiring, sightseeing at observation point and overnight camping. It makes spectacular experience among the hug of beautiful mountains with sea of clouds around you.

Sunshine Scene :
A good time to visit Phu Chi Fah is winter season during November – January. On the way, there are forest growing plots with countless flowers. Beautiful white Bau Hinias can be seen around and at the foot of the mountain.
The highlight of sunshine scene is the sunrise on the top of Phu Chi Fah. Travelers usually stay the night at Baan Rom Fah Thong, around 1.5 kilometers (0.93 miles) away from the observation point, then walk up to Phu Chi Fah at dawn to enjoy the view.

Getting There :
Phu Chi Fah is 144 kilometers (89 miles) away from Muang district, Chiang Rai province. This province is far from Bangkok 785 kilometers (487 miles). There are daily flights and frequent air conditioned buses from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.
From Muang district, Chiang Rai gets on public bus to Chiang Kham district. After that, connecting with small local bus to Pang Ka. The trip takes time 3-4 hours.
Most of accomodation is on the bottom of Phu Chi Fah, there are available guesthouses and camping service for travelers.

Wintersun over Beautiful Range at Doi Phatang

2010-12-20T08:26:00.001-08:00

Doi Phatang or high steep slope mountain is located at the border of Lao and Thailand kingdom and is one of the top northernmost viewpoints. This mountain is the popular scene of wintersun over beautiful range.
It is 1,800 meters (5,940 feet) high above sea level and is one part of Pamon range. Its shape is a long range wiht many montains connected from one to another. The interesting traveling places are Hill slope No.103, Bong Cliff, Khao Kad Defile.
Hill Slope No.103 is a good viewpoint. It covered with grass field and mountain complex.
Bong Cliff has a big manhole as the entrance to Lao kingdom, on the day which clear sky travelers can see Lao’s landscape and evergreen forest at the opposite side.
Khao Kad Defile is the gap of mountain that departed from each other and has Mekong river at below.

Sunshine Scene :
A good time to travel Doi Phatang is winter season from December to January. This period, it is not only fresh air with sea of fog over mountain complex, but it also has the blossom of Thai Sakura and Purple Buahinia in surrounding areas.
An exotic beautiful sunshine scene is the wintersun when sun set at Hill Slope No.103.

Getting There :
Doi Patang is located at Wiang Kaen district in Chiang Rai province. Chiang Rai is far from Bangkok 785 kilometers (487 miles). There are daily flights and frequent air conditioned buses from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.
Get on public bus at Chiang Rai to Chiang Kong district, and connecting with local bus to Doi Phatang. There are 2 departure times at 9:00 A.M and 3:00 P.M. It takes time 2-3 hours.
At Doi Phatang, there are some guesthouses and camping service with satisfied rate for travelers.

Golden Sunset at Khao Yai National Park

2010-12-16T21:42:00.001-08:00

Khao Yai National Park (Khao Yai means Big Mountain) is the popular destination of nature travelling which is not far from Bangkok- capital of Thailand. Most of travelers concern various nature activities and spectacular scenes. One of the most beautiful scenes is the golden sunset at Khao Yai National Park.
This park consists of complicated mountains from the shortest at 802 meters (2,647 feet) to the higest at 1,351 meters (4,458 feet) above sea level. It covers 2,168 sq.km. (837 sq.mi.) of the Central, Northeast and East regions. The north and the east parts of the park are smoothly sloping down, while the south and the west parts are rising up. This area is the source of main rivers of surrounding areas. The central is covered with tropical moist evergreen forest.
The park has a diverse plant community, comprised of main vegetion types, and plenty of mammal species, pecies of herptile, invertebrates and beautiful nature sences.

Sunshine Scene :
The most popular time to visit Khao Yai is the winter from November to February. It is clear, sunny and cool weather. Average daytime temperature is around 22 Celsius. Another choice to visit Khao Yai National Park is the summer from March to May. During summer it is dry and windy weather. Daytime temperature is 20-30 Celsius.
Most of people visit Khao Yai National Park for nature trail study, night time wildlife spotlighting, wildlife watching at observing towers, jungle & water fall trekking, rafting and relaxation with fresh nature atmospher.
Sunshine scene highligt is the golden sunset at Saisorn Resavoir on the central part of the park. It is one of the most beautiful sunset scenes.

Getting There :
Khao Yai National Park has 2 entrances from Nakhon Ratchasima and Prachinburi provinces. The more convinient entrance is Pak Chong district in Nakhon Ratchasima province. It is far from Bangkok 200 kilometers (124 miles). By bus,there are many daily air conditioned buses. By train, it has 5 daily available trains starting from 05:45 A.M.(arriving 8:55 A.M.) to 11:40 A.M.(arriving 3:22 P.M.). From Pak Chong, using local pubic bus to the park northern entrance. By car, driving along Phaholyothin and Mitrapab Road, at the junction on Mitrapab Road No.56 KM., turning right to Thanarat Road. It takes 23 kilometers (14 miles) to the entrance.
There are various accommodation for travelers from budget to luxurious level. Most of them are on Thanarat Road.

Sukhothai Loi Krathong & Candle Festival

2010-11-21T00:36:00.000-08:00

Colorful and various decorated beautiful styles of krathongs – floating lotus-shaped containers made from bannana leaves and trunk or other materials - appear in everywhere. With smiling on the faces, people puts krathongs on the water in canals, lakes, rivers and sea. Krathong is the symbol of this celebration which is the most important Thailand full moon ceremony. The great and original celebration is Sukhothai Loi Krathongs & Candle Festival.
Sukhothai is the first capital of Thailand kingdom(13-15 centureis). It has proporous commercials and arts. The art and cultural heritages of Sukhothai period still remain in present Thai life. Loi Krathong & Candle Festival is originated from Nang Noppamas – Queen of Sukhothai King, she made krathong as lotus-shaped and the king floated it along the river. Since then, on the full moon night in 12th month of Thai lunar calendar(October-November), people floats krathongs – like lotus-shaped- to pay respect and apologize to Goddess of Water. This ceremony also flies away misfortune from them.

Sunshine Scene :
Sukhothai Loi Krathong & Candle Festival is held at Historical Park – the Sukhothai ancient city – which located outside the new city at the west 12 kilometers. They celebrate the festival from the morning with palm offfering to monk ceremony, many celebration activities on the day and Loi Krathong ceremony in the night. The highlight scene is krathong floating on the river among streams of candle light from myriad krathongs while the moon light is shining on the river.

Getting There :
Sukhothai is in the lower North of Thailand. It is far from Bangkok 427 kilometers (265 miles). There is a daily flight and direct air conditioned bus from Bangkok to Sukhothai. The bus service takes time 6-7 hours. Most of acommodation is in new Sukhothai city and is the budget level expept fews which located around Historical Park.

Why sunshine at Thailand ?

2010-11-01T04:48:00.000-07:00

Thailand - Land of Sunlight

Map of Thailand ( Source : http://maps.google.com)

Thailand's country size is 513,115 sq.km. (198,114 sq.mi.) which ranking number is 50 from 200 independent states. It’s slightly bigger than Spain, (1:0.99) but a lot smaller than USA (1:13). In terms of population (63.5 million-as of 2009), its ranking number is 21 and just slightly above UK (61.6 million).

Thailand is one of countries that’s mostly fascinated to travelers, especially the ones who love sunshine. A Kingdom of Thailand located in Southeast Asia and the tropical zone. It is a prosperous land of sunshine with 3 seasons : Summer, Rainy and Winter. Winter has a good warming sunshine. The temperature is around 25 ํC (77 ํF). It starts from November to February. Summer has a delight sun. The temperature is quite around 30 ํC (86 ํF) which has clearly blue sky, beautiful sands and seas. It starts from March to May. Rainy is differently fascinated from other seasons, it has green rice fields with golden sunshine. The temperature is average 27 ํC (81 ํF) and starts from June to October.

Not only sunshine, but Thailand has many beautiful places to visit and has attractive cultures, friendly people to welcome all visitors. In 2008, Thailand won the best traveling country form Danish Travel Award and in 2008, 2010 Bangkok- Thailand’s capital, won the best city for travel from USA leading traveling magazine-Travel & Leisure.

Last Light of Thailand Sunset at Phromthep Cape

2010-11-01T04:38:00.001-07:00

Although Phromthep Cape is not the westernmost point of Thailand but it is used to tell the last light time of Thailand sunset. Moreover it has beautiful scene while the sun is dropping from sky to the sea. Therefore it is the landmark of Thailand sunset.
Phromthep is a small cape that hands into the sea at the south of Phuket island.
From the the top to the rock groups at the bottom, travelers can walk along the slope to see and feel the blue green of Andaman sea. On the ridge, there are several palm trees, tall grasses that are changed from green in the rainy to golden in the winter.

Sunshine Scene :
A good time to visit Phromthep Cape is in the summer from December to March. In the evening with summer breeze while sun is slowly moving down from sky to the sea. It is a spectacular sunshine scene of Thailand sunset.

Getting There :
Phromthep Cape is located in Phuket province. It is far from Bangkok 862 kilometers (534 miles) on the Andaman coast at the South of Thailand. There are many direct international and conneting international via Bangkok flights to Phuket. There is no direct train to Phuket and travelers must get off at Phun Phin Railway Station in Suraat Thani province and connect by regular bus to Phuket. There are all styles and prices of hotels available to travelers.

Chang Island : The King of Thai Gulf

2010-10-08T20:47:00.000-07:00

It is called Chang Island (Elephant island) because its shape looks like a sleeping elephant. The island lies along the north to the southeast on the Thai east coast near the border to Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand. Chang Island covers an area 217 sq.kms.(83.8 sq.ml.) with length at 30 km and width at 14 km. Most of the island is high mountains with complex rocks. The inner are rain forest with water falls. The outer are surrounded with more than 47 islands. The west is the fine beaches and fisherman villages at the south. With different beautiful places, Chang Island is the King of Thai Gulf.
There are beautiful beaces on the west side of the island. Each of beach has different styles. Three popular beaches are Sai Kao, Klong Plao and Kai Bae.
Sai Kao beach is the family-friendly ambience and white beautiful clean sands wiht 6 kilometers (3.72 miles) long.
Klong Plao beach is plenty of coconut trees. It is quite peaceful and calm beach with clear blue sea. At the corner of the beach, it has group of rocks that is a good place of viewpoint.
Kai Bae is a short and not much slope beach. It is a good place for swimming and sun bathing.
Chang Island is not only comprised of fine baches but it is also coral reefs, marine life and a rich natural resources (teeming with hills, forests and streams).

Sunshine Scene :
A good time to visit Chang Island is form November to April. This period is least rain and no monsoon. The beautiful sunshine scene is the sunset at Klong Plao beach. With coconut tree background and white sandy beach surrounding, sun is slowly moving from sky to the sea. It is the moment of impression.

Getting There :
It located in Trat province with 8 kilometers (5 miles) from the coast at the Southeast of Bangkok. There are frequent air-conditoned bus service leaves Bangkok to Trat from 6:00 A.M. to 10:30 P.M. and 3 daily flights departs from Bangkok to Trat. Travelers have to use the ferries to Chang Islands at Laem Ngop, Center Point or Thammachat Bay sea port.
Accommodation on the island ranges from simple beach huts and bungalows to luxury villas, suites and apartments. If you drive, you can hire motorcycles, jeeps and cars to take you to any of the beaches along the coastal roads.

Sun and Memory at River Kwai Bridge

2010-09-26T07:43:00.001-07:00

Most of beautiful sences in Central of Thailand is sunrise and sunset at the rivers, but the River Kwai Bridge is quite different. It is the scene of sun and memory. The River Kwai Bridge is a bridge which connected both sides of Kwai Yai river in Kanchanaburi province at the west of Central Thailand. It is one part of “Death Railway”
During World War II Japanese troops used Allied prisoners of war to build the railway from Kanchanaburi in Thailand to Myanmar. Thousands of prisoners died as a result of brutal treatment by their captors, therefore it is called “Death Railway”
The railway was built during 1942 – 1943 and its strategic objective was to link 415 kilometers (257 miles) of rugged terrain between Thailand and Myanmar in order to secure an alternative supply route for the Japanese conquest India. It was an ambitious goal that was accomplished with limited equipment, brutal treatment of forced labour and engineering creativity.
The bridge that spans the Kwai Yai river with lenght at 300 meters (1,000 feet) was in use for 20 months before the Allied bombed it in 1945.
Nowadays, over the running river, the bridge stands alone on sunshine. It tells us the witness of war. Althouhg time goes on but the cruel war is still in our memory. It is the scene of sun and memory at River Kwai Bridge.

Sunshine Scene :
A good time to visit the River Kwai Bridge is winter season from November to December. But it is a good choice to visit in rainny season from August to September, it has less rain in this period with low price hotels and resorts.
A good scene is the walking from one side to the other side of the bridge in the morning at the begining of sunlight.

Getting There :
The River Kwai Bridge is from Kanchanaburi city to the North at 4 kilometers (2.48 miles) and from Bangkok is 128 kilometers (79.36 miles). There is frequent air conditioned bus service from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi. It has daily train leaving Bangkok at 7:45 A.M. and arriving Kanchanaburi at 1:30 P.M. There are various of hotels and resorts in the city or along with the river.

Nang Bay in Krabi : Sand, Sea and Sun

2010-09-14T02:37:00.001-07:00

It is a large bay with long sandy beach, plenty of strange shape small islands and limestone range. All of them, makes spectacular view of the bay with an atmosphere of sand, sea and sun.
At the front of the bay, it has small islands on the emerald sea. Their shapes are different and beautiful.
East of Nang bay is Phra Nang cave and beach. The cave has beautiful stalagmite and stalactite layers and it is a holy place of local fishermen. The beach is a splendid strip of whispering white sand, framed by looming cliffs.
Next from the east is Rai Leh beach. It has 2 parts, east and west which seperated by mountain. East Rai Leh beach lies across the peninsula and has a pupular activity – cliff climbing. West Rai Leh is a peace and quiet beach for sun bathing.

Sunshine Scene :
A traveling season to Nang bay is in summer from January to April. At Rai Leh and Phra Nang cave are the good point to see sunset. It is one of the most exotic beautiful places of sunset scenes in Thailand. West Rai Leh is very quiet and good for sun bathing.

Getting There :
Located at Muang district in Krabi province on the Andaman coast of the South Thailand. It is far from Krabi 26 kilometers (16 miles) and 840 kilometers (521 miles) from Bangkok. It is a center of traveling in Krabi area. There is bus service departs from Krabi to Nang bay every 5-10 minutes. It has a lot of hotels and resorts with various styles and ratings.

Phimai Temples : The Great of Sand Stone Monument

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Phimai sand stone temples were buit in 11th – 12th centuries before Angkor Wat around 100 years, it also was the orginal town of one of Khmer (Combodia) royal family that had reigned the Angkor Wat in later. Its name is from Vimayapura that means city of Vimaya (the name of respected figure or religious place) with developed into the Thai name ‘Phimai’. Phimai temples were built to give respect to their ancestors with Buddhist style which is different from other Khmer historical places in Thailand, therefore it is the great of sand stone monument.

It consists of 3 parts. The inside part is a yard rounding with terraces and major white sand stone pagoda at the middle. The middle pagoda has Ramayana and Krisana (Gods from Indian epics) together with Buddhist carvings. The middle part is a yard rounding with walls. This yard has 2 buildings headed to the west and 4 pools at each of corner. The outside part has pathway to the temples decorated with Naga bridge and Singha sculptures (Naga and Singha are the creatures from the myth of Hindu)

Sunshine Scene :
A good time to visit Phimai temples is winter from November to February. With warming sun and fresh air in the morning, it’s a suitable time to go around and learn this great sand stone monument.

Getting There :
Phimai temples are located in Phiamai town, Nakorn Ratchasima province at the Northeast of Thailand. It is far from Nakorn Ratchasima 60 kilometers (37.2 miles) and from Bangkok 259 kilometers (161 miles).
There is bus service from Nakorn Ratchasima to Phimai town every half-hour. It also has hotels and guesthouses that are available to travelers.

Ayuttaya Thailand : Ancient City in Rice Fields

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Located in central basin and it is a former capital of Thailand. Ayuttaya is fantastic fascinated city. There are many ancient temples and places in the city to travel, most of them are ruins because of war 300 – 400 years ago. It is on lower plain with rivers and canals. The plain that is good for rice farming, therefore there is a vast of of rice fields surrounding it – look like a paradise city. Even though city is fast expanded and rice fields are changing to factories and real estate projects, rice farms are still important to produce daily foods and it still remains colorful fascination

Sunshine Scene :
A good time to travel Ayuttaya is on all seasons. Besides city trip to travel Historical Park, a good sunshine scene is rice farms surrounding the city. Sun over the rice farms is very impressived and a good memory.

Getting There :
Threre are available transportations from Bangkok to Ayuttaya. It is far from Bangkok at the north 76 kilometers (47 miles). There are frequent bus service from Bankok to Ayuttaya. Trains to Ayuttaya leave Bangkok throughout the day. Travelers can stay at hotels in Ayuttaya or back to stay in Bangkok.

Golden Mountain : The Landmark of Old Bangkok

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Phu Khao Thong or Golden Mountain is one of Bankok’s landmarks which height at 100 meters. The bottom is a man-made hill covered with cement walls and 2 staircases around it for go up and down. The top is a small golden pagoda that has a Buddha relic inside. It was started building more than 150 years ago during King Rama III (1787-1851) and completed in King Rama V(1853-1910).
At the top, one can find a breezy 360-degree view of Bankok’s most photogenic side. Because of it’s location in Pomprab district which is one of the capital’s center in the past, it is the landmark of old Bangkok.

Sunshine Scene :
Visiting to golden mountain is available on all seasons. A good time is in the morning, on the top, travelers can see Bangkok’s historical area and famous places : Grand Palace, Sanam Luang, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Chao Praya River
In the sunlight, watching Bangkok life which is moving at below and surrounding with historical places. It is a good view.

Getting There :
Golden Mountain located in Pomprab district, Bangkok. It daily opens from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. There is available public bus service to go there.

Wat Arun, Bangkok : The Temple of Dawn

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It is the big famous pagoda with the height at 82 meters, and has a long history more than 300 years. After the king of Thonburi defeated his enemies and arrived this place at dawn around 230 years ago, he renamed it’s name to Wat Jaeng (or Wat Arun) – that means the temple of dawn. This pagoda is surrounded with 4 smaller ones, all of them are decorated by various styles and colours of chinese porcelains. The top of central pagoda is crowned with nine pronged finial and it’s body has circum ambulatory galleries running around it which can be reached by climbing any one of the four very steep staircases. Above each staircase, there is a niche with a figure of Indra on his three headed elephant Erawan. Four smaller pagodas have statues of Pra Phai – the wind God – on his white horse are placed in each niche on these. These are the architectures from the beginning of Bangkok era (1782 – 1910).

Sunshine Scene :
Wat Arun is located at the west bank of Chao Phraya river in Bangkok. On the each stage of central pagoda, the view of Bangkok across the river is very impressived. From this point, one can see the Grand palace, the temple of Emerald Buddha and Wat Pho.
Visiting Wat Arun is available on all seasons, but in the evening before the dark is a good time. At the opposite bank of Chao Phraya river watching the sun is moving down from the sky behind it, it’s a very beautiful.

Getting There :
Get on the ferry of Chao Phraya river at Thatien port on Thai Wang road, it departs every 10 –15 minutes and starts from 6:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. By car or bus, it is located on Arun Amarin road, Bangkok Yai district.

Cha – am Beach : Song of Sun and Golden Memories

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Cha – am beach is one of wellknown destinations for travelers on the east coast of upper Thai Gulf in the South of Thailand. It started from small fisherman village in the past, and became a relaxed resort town since 1920s. According to the rapid expanding of modern life, people in Bangkok – a capital of Thailand – was looking for the leisure beach and Hua Hin – the first leisure beach on this region – is over crowded, Cha – am is a new choice. It is small town with quiet beach. Cha – am is the scenery of beautiful sun and golden memories for a lot of people who has ever been there from day-to-day.

Sunshine Scene :

A good time for traveling to Cha – am is Summer from Marh to May, but it has alternative traveling scenery in the beginning of Rainy from June to July with less crowded and quieter. A lot of people returns to Cha – am beach seeking for their golden memories. Walking along with the beach in the morning, sun rises from sea to sky while sound of waves is playing music like the song of sun. It makes Cha – am beach is so beautiful.

Getting There :

Cha – am beach or Hat Cha - am is located in Petchaburi province at the South of Thailand and it is far 240 kilometers (140 miles) from Bangkok. There are available transportations to Cha – am. It has twice a day of southern train routes from Bankok with drop and pick up passengers at Cha – am ; Morning train starts at 9:20 A.M., arrives at 1:10 P.M. and Noon train starts at 1:35 P.M., arrived at 7:43 P.M. Threre are frequently bus service leaving from Bankok to Cha – am.

Hua Hin Travel : Riviera of Thailand

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Hua Hin is a first beach for vacation of Thai people since 1920s. At the beginning, it is for the royal family and upper classes from Bangkok but it became a popular vacation place for other people in later. This is from it is not far from Bangkok and has convenient transportation. It is a wellknown place like the Riviera of France, therefore it is the “Riviera of Thailand”.

Hua Hin is crowded with travelers in summer season but is quiet with less rain in rainy season.

While other regions are covering with rain from southwest monsoon at the beginning of rainy season from June to July, the upper southern region along with the coast line of Thai gulf gets less influence from them. Hua Hin located in this region, therefore it is a another good choice to travel at rainy time.

Sunshine Scene :

The good time to visit Hua Hin is during summer from March to May. Enjoying with cleary blue sky and long white clean sandy beach on the day of sunlight, it is an exotic place. In the rainy from June to July before heavy rain from northeast monsoon comes, Hua Hin is a quiet place. It has less crowded travelers - especially on the weekdays, so it is a good chance to travel.

The most popular activity on the beach is horse riding, it is so funny. This is a land mark of Hua Hin travel.

For sun lovers, waiting to watch sun creeping up from sea to sky in the morning, it is an exotic scene of a new day.

Getting There :

Hua Hin is in Prachaub Khiri khan province on the south of Thai gulf coast. It is far from Bangkok 265 kilometers (165 miles). The trip by air conditioned bus leaves from Bangkok every 30 mins from 5:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. It has daily train leaving from Bangkok at 9:20 A.M. and arriving Hua Hin at 1:35 P.M. In the town, there are many accommodations from luxury to budget level for travelers.

Sun

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Sunshine on All Seasons

Sun on Beaches and Islands

East, South and some parts of Central region are beaches and islands that’re very famous. It’s divided to 3 parts (1) South Eastern Coast (2) Thai Gulf Coast (3) Andaman Coast

(1) South Eastern Coast

South Eastern coast is the nearest beaches and islands from Bangkok – a capital of Thailand. You can walk on white beautiful beaches with clear blue sea and delight sunshine. Staying in cottages of peaceful islands to relax and listen sound of waves.

(2) Thai Gulf Coast

Most of exotic beaches and islands of Thai Gulf coast are in Southern located along with East-to-South coast. It’s a good time to see sun rising from the sea in the morning, beautiful ray of sun is climbing up from horizontal line to the sky and changing from orange to golden colour. You can see coconut farms surrounding with fresh air. Sun is not tired to shine and follow you from morning till evening. These are the places for sunshine lovers.

(3) Andaman Coast

Sea and beaches along with Andaman coast are quite different from Thai Gulf coast. It located in the South-Western of Thailand that has deep blue seas and beautiful coral yards. While sun is falling to the sea in evening, you can see the last light of the day fading from sky.

Sunlight over Hill in Jungles

Most of the North are jungles and hills. It’s the origin of major Thailand’s river - Chao Phraya that running from the North to Central and Bangkok.
Sun over hills in jungles is very impressive. On camping, travelers waiting to see sea of fog and sunlight, when the first ray of sun starts shining through fog and sky is turning to bright. It’s a scene of good memory.
In the past, elephants are very important to living in jungles and hills, people used them for transporting and working. At present, there are conservation elephant centers to take care elephants and to give services for travelers e.g. trekking on elephants, elephant shows.

Cities on Sunny Day

Bangkok is the biggest and highest population city in Thailand. It’s built for over 220 years ago and is one of capitals located beside the sea. There are different faces of Bangkok.

Someone said it is the most traffic jam and pollution city, someone told it is the most conflict of new and old city, but in the fact that it's the city of differnt faces.

Bangkok night is colorful, especially at entertainment zones. You can find good foods, music and theaters.

Before morning comes - in the dark, there are people on the way to home while a lot of people is hurry to go to work.

Morning starts with rush hour and crowded with people from everywhere moving to the city inner.

Although, Bangkokians don’t care it, sun is still does its work - light controlling and time telling.

Sun at Chao Phraya river’s bank is very beautiful. It has the background with temples, historical buildings and running streams of the river to reflect sun’s shadow.

Rivers and Sun

Rice is the most important plant for Thai people. Not only it’s daily foods, but it’s also the major of export goods. Central of Thailand is the biggest land of rice farms. When you travel the central area, you will see massive green rice fields beside you.

Sun over rice fields is very beautiful and different meaning from season to season. In Rainy, sun is over green rice fields that means time of growth, later in Winter, sun is over golden rice that means time of harvest, and in Summer, sun is over sleeping farms without rice that means time of farmers to relax from their work.

After harvest, most of rice farms are quiet but a plenty of flowers are blooming in the fields. Sea of flowers are brighten in the ray of golden sun.

Sun and Historical Places

There is Mekong river at the eastern border of Thailand – the long running water streams from China through Thailand, Lao and Cambodia border.

The Northeast located in plateau and has a lot of historical sceneries. Threre are ancient metal tools – the earliest tools in the Southeast Asia – that’s back to 5,000 years ago. It’s witness to the civillization of this land. There are many lime stone temples with grand and fascinated styles were built in 700 years before.

The first ray of rising sun of Thailand is in Northeast. Whiles sun is rising to the sky – changing from dark to white with fresh air on the mountains, it tells us this country is waking up.

Air

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Tropical Climate with Sunny Day

Map of Thailand weather (Source: Thai Meteorological Dept)

The climate of Thailand is under the influence of monsoon winds of seasonal character : southwest monsoon and northeast monsoon. The southwest monsoon which starts in May brings a stream of warm moist air from the Indian ocean towards Thailand causing abundant rain over the country, especially the windward side of the mountains. Rainfall during this period is not only caused by the southwest monsoon but also by the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and tropical cyclones which produce a large amount of rainfall. May is the period of first arrival of the ITCZ to the Southern parts. It moves northwards rapidly and lies across southern China around June to early July that is the reason of dry spell over upper Thailand. The ITCZ then moves southerly direction to lie over the northern and northeastern parts of Thailand in August and later over the central and southern parts in September and October, respectively. The northeast monsoon which starts in October brings the cold and dry air from the anticyclone in China mainland over major parts of Thailand, especially the northern and northeastern parts which are higher latitude areas. In the southern parts, this monsoon causes mild weather and abundant rain along the eastern coast of the part.

The onset of monsoons varies to some extent. Southwest monsoon usually starts in mid-May and ends in mid-October while northeast monsoon normally starts in mid-October and ends in mid-February.

From the meteorological point of view the climate of Thailand may be divided into three seasons as follows :

Rainy or southwest monsoon season (June - October). The southwest monsoon prevails over Thailand and abundant rain occurs over the country. The wettest period of the year is August to September. The exception is found in the southern Thailand east coast(Thai Gulf coast) where abundant rain remains until the end of the year that is the beginning period of the northeast monsoon and November is the wettest month.

Winter or northeast monsoon season (November - February). This is the mild period of the year with quite cold in December and January in upper Thailand but there is a great amount of rainfall in southern Thailand east coast(Thai Gulf coast).

Summer or pre-monsoon season (March - May). This is the transitional period from the northeast to southwest monsoons. The weather becomes warmer, especially in upper Thailand. April is the hottest month.