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| Thailand Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see floating market floating market imma The best cultures and backgrounds make Thailand an interesting and memorable country to visit. More people visit Thailand than any other country in Southeast Asia. This is no surprise as the Royal Kingdom of Thailand has much to offer for the visitor: historic culture, lively arts, beautiful beaches, a good nightlife, friendly and hospitable people and last but not least one of the best cuisines in the world. Travel in Thailand is easy due to a good network of trains, buses and airplanes. Most visitors enter the country via the Southeast Asian travel hub Bangkok, the City of Angels. From there you can do great daytrips to cities like the former capital Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi , known for the River Kwai bridge. Popular beach islands include Koh Samui and Phuket Island. Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand is popular for Thai culture and scenary. From there most visitors head either north or south. In the north you can visit the interesting cities of Sukhothai , Chiang Mai , Chiang Rai or Mae Hong Son . The north is known for its fantastic trekking possibilities, the interesting hill tribes, and its gentle Lanna culture. In recent year Chiang Mai has become a center for learning. With class available in such things as Thai culture like Thai massage, Thai cooking, fruit carving, meditation, yoga and now even the age old art of elephant husbandry (mahout training), silversmithing and even Thai Language. The Northern most province is Chiangrai aka the Golden Triangle. It is consider an outback by most travel agencies or tourists. However, it is a plus point because it is less touristy, more laid back and things are more affordable. Equally, the activities from Chiangmai are also available here. In fact, being further up north, the climate is cooler than Chiangmai. Here you can easily step into Myanmar and Laos or you can even take a boat right up to Yunnan. The activities you can indulge in are endless, especially having soak in the sun in the Southern Islands, feel the contrast of Thailand in the North - mountains, lush jungles, waterfall and beautiful flowers all round. In the south the traveler can relax at some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, for example, Koh Tao, Krabi, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or Phuket or Trang. Some areas are very touristy, but it is easy to find some quiet spots. A little closer to Bangkok there is the resort town of Hua Hin and Khao Takiab Beach in Hua Hin, very popular as beaches close to Bangkok, Hua Hin which is home to one of the most used Palaces. Cha Am is also a popular beach area close to Bangkok just north of Hua Hin. The Northeast is popular with independent travelers. Known by Thais as Isaan this area hosts some lovely forested mountains and national parks and very friendly people. The major highlight is probably the famous Khao Yai national park , but other interesting places are easily found in this area including Nong khai and Surin. People with a limited time budget might go to the East Coast. There are many popular resorts, including Pattaya and Jomtien. The region is rich in natural resources, including rubber, rice, fishing, orchards and gemstones, and scenically arresting with several national parks containing waterfalls, virgin forest and uninhabited, remote islands. Popular islands locations are ko Samui, Ko Chang and Ko Samet. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: thailand ___________Sights Edit This Morning Yoga on the beach Morning Yoga on the beach Pang Flowers [Add Sight] Ayutthaya City Edit This Founded in the 14th century and sacked in the 18th, Ayutthaya City was the capital of the Siamese empire. If you are drawn to cathedrals when in Europe, you must visit Ayutthaya and wander around the beautiful ancient temples. Explore on foot or bicycle. A great day trip from Bankok (50 miles / 80 km). type: Churches and Cathedrals World66 rating: [rate it] url: thailandforvisitors.com Okbor Wat Edit This This ancient wat is made of cowdung and human hair. It is situated a stones throw from the Caspian sea and from outerspace shows the planform of Emporor HakBongPhat's right kneecap. Thoroughly recommended type: Churches and Cathedrals World66 rating: [rate it] Hua-Hin Edit This Morning Yoga on the beach Morning Yoga on the beach photo by: Pang Hua Hin became popular as a rainy season retreat in the 1920's with the construction of the railway line from Bangkok. The beautiful, colonial style Railway Hotel was built near Hua Hin's famous rocks in 1923 by the State Railway Authority, which also built Thailand's first public golf course in Hua Hin in 1924. In 1926, King Rama VII built the Klai Kangwon (Far From Worries) Palace on the beach a few km north of the Railway Hotel and this palace is still frequently used by the Royal Family. This set the stage for Hua Hin's popularity and unique ambiance which remains to this day. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] Ayutthaya City Edit This Ayutthaya City type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] :_____________History Edit This Buddha in Sukhothai Era Buddha in Sukhothai Era Pim I am Patrick! Southeast butt butt little butt big head studies suggest that by 4000 B.C. communities in what is now Thailand had emerged as centers of early bronze metallurgy. This development along with the cultivation of wet rice provided the impetus for social and political organization. Research suggests that these innovations may actually have been transmitted from there to the rest of Asia including to China. The Thai are related linguistically to groups originating in southern China. Migrations from southern China to Southeast Asia may have occurred in the 6th and 7th centuries. Malay Mon and Khmer civilizations flourished in the region prior to the arrival of the ethnic Thai. Thais date the founding of their nation to the 13th century. According to tradition in 1238 Thai chieftains overthrew their Khmer overlords at Sukhothai and established a Thai kingdom. After its decline a new Thai kingdom emerged in 1350 on the Chao Praya River. The first ruler of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya King Rama Thibodi made two important contributions to Thai history: the establishment and promotion of Theravada Buddhism as the official religion (to differentiate his kingdom from the neighboring Hindu kingdom of Angkor) and the compilation of the Dharmashastra a legal code based on Hindu sources and traditional Thai custom. The Dharmashastra remained a tool of Thai law until late in the 19th century. Beginning with the Portuguese in the 16th century Ayutthaya had some contact with the West but until the 1800s its relations with neighboring nations as well as with India and China were of primary importance. After more than 400 years of power in 1767 the Kingdom of Ayutthaya was brought down by invading Burmese armies and its capital burned. After a single-reign capital established at Thonburi by Taksin a new capital city was founded in 1782 across the Chao Phraya at the site of present-day Bangkok by the founder of the Chakri dynasty. The first Chakri king was crowned Rama I. Rama's heirs became increasingly concerned with the threat of European colonialism after British victories in neighboring Burma in 1826. The first Thai recognition of Western power in the region was the Treaty of Amity and Commerce with the United Kingdom in 1826. In 1833 the United States began diplomatic exchanges with Siam (as Thailand was called until 1938). However it was during the later reigns of Rama IV (or King Mongkut (1851-1868)) and his son Rama V (King Chulalongkorn (1868-1910)) that Thailand established firm reapprechment with Western powers. The Thais believe that the diplomatic skills of these monarchs combined with the modernizing reforms of the Thai Government made Siam the only country in South and Southeast Asia to avoid European colonization. In 1932 a bloodless coup transformed the Government of Thailand from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy. King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) initially accepted this change but later surrendered the kingship to his 10-year old nephew. Upon his abdication King Prajadhipok said that the obligation of a ruler was to reign for the good of the whole people not for a select few. Although nominally a constitutional monarchy Thailand was ruled by a series of military governments interspersed with brief periods of democracy from that time until the 1992 elections. Since the 1992 elections Thailand has been a functioning democracy with constitutional changes of government. As with the rest of Southeast Asia Thailand was occupied by the Japanese during the Second World War. Since Japan's defeat in 1945 Thailand has had very close relations with the United States. Threatened by communist revolutions in neighboring countries such as Burma Vietnam Cambodia and Laos Thailand actively sought to contain communist expansion in the region. Recently Thailand also has been an active member in the regional Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). __________--Practical Information Edit This Currency The local currency is the Thai Baht (THB) [Add Practical address] Electricity Edit This The electric current is 220 Volt AC (50 cycles) throughout the country. There are many plugs and sockets in use. Travellers with shavers, tape recorders and other appliances should carry a plug-adapter kit. The better hotels will make available 110 Volt transformers. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Business Hours Edit This Most commercial concerns in Bangkok operate on a five-day week basis. Government offices are generally open between 8.30 AM and 4.30 PM with a noon to 1.00 PM lunchbreak, Monday through Friday, except on public holidays. Private businesses maintain much the same hours - - perhaps 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM, with certain exceptions. Many stores open 12 hours a day, seven days a week. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Medical Services Edit This All tourism destinations and provincial capitals have hospitals and clinics staffed by well-trained doctors and nurses. In case of emergencies, ambulances can be summoned from any private hospital. Bumrangrad Hospital in Bangkok is probably the finest in all of Asia. Facilities are world-class and staff and physicians are excellent. The cost of medical care here and elsewhere is quite low compared to the West. type: Embassies and Consulates World66 rating: [rate it] Tourist Information Services Edit This Tourist information is available at the Tourism Authority of Thailand head office in Bangkok, local offices in 22 major cities (listed in the back cover) and the TAT information counter in Bangkok Airport and at every airport where there is a TAT local office. They provide maps, brochures and useful information on tours, shopping, dining and accommodation. All TAT information offices are open seven days a week from 8.30 AM. to 4.30 PM. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] _______________Getting Around Edit This Mini vans are a cheap and easy way to see the sights or transfer to the airport. book at any travel agent in Thailand Mini vans are a cheap and easy way to see the sights or transfer to the airport. book at any travel agent in Thailand Mark Savige Best ways to travel inside the cities: By tuk-tuk, by bus or - by Taxi-meter because of "not so fresh" air. As for the money: Reckon with tuk-tuk fares to be equal to, or even higher, than taxi fares. Threfore nowadays the taxi is probably the cheapest way, if you do not like to take the buses.To get the best price in a tuk-tuk make sure to talk to the driver before you get into the vehicle, if you just get a ride and ask for the price after, you will get charged an arm and a leg. It is more expensive to ride a tuk-tuk during the rush hour and a lot cheaper late at night after the public transport system shuts down and you want to get back to your hotel from a fun night at a club. In Bangkok additional means of public transport are the Express Boat Servive (cheap and a good way to do some sight-seeing, the Skytrain and the Metro (both very comfortable, but relatively expensive). The best and also the cheapest way to travel (if possible) is by water. Many types of boat, and fresh air makes travel marvelous, especially in the hot day. Either way, you will have to use a combination of any or maybe even all of the above ways of getting around, but it does pay off to learn a bit about every possibility, because Bangkok is a massive city spread out on a large area. Renting a car is not recommended. Between places: For long distances take the plane. THAI Airways International has reasonable fare prices and is very good. Other ways for long distances: the train (almost free, so you can afford "first class") or buses. Buses are not really comfortable. Air conditioned buses are good and also cheap, however. Around the Islands: Kho Samui, Kho Pangnan and Kho Tao. Taxi- meters which can bundle in up to 8 people and you can haggle the price depending on the length of the journey. Its always a good idea to check what other people are paying in the taxi. Jeeps/Land Rovers. These are a lot of fun as you sit on the open bit on the back and hang on for dear life, as the roads are very uneven. Watch out for falling out. Again these can cater for up to about 8 people and you can haggle the price. Mopeds/Bikes to hire are a lot of fun and very cheap to rent, however it is one of the most notorious things in Thailand for accidents.More people die every year in motorcycle accidents than they did in the Tsunami last year. You may come away with a Kho Pangnan tatoo, either an exhaust pipe burn or a scrape from falling off. However you could come off a lot worse and no one wants to spend time in a Thai hostpital. So be careful on the roads and with the alcohol in take! It helps knowing your way around after about 7:30pm when it gets completely dark too, there is no lighting along the roads and it is a lot harder to find your way around or find a place to get some gas after dark. The dogs that are running around free day or night are a bit of a danger as well. They don't seem to bite, but they have no fear of people or traffic, stupid! [Add Local transport mode] By Plane Edit This Bangkok Domestic airport terminal is 25 km north of the city. Airport departure tax is required at domestic departures. Domestic passengers have to pay 60 baht/person. Thai Airways maintains an extensive network to any place of importance in the kingdom. Alternatively you can check with Bangkok Airways Bangkok, Samui, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hua Hin and Ranong. Taking a plane to or from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Phuket and Ko Samui is highly recommended. Prices are very cheap and they are a number of daily flights allowing the traveller a lot of flexibility. The best bargin is more.. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Thailand Airlines Edit This Thailand now has several budget airlines. Flights are cheap. Discounts are also offered by other Thai airlines. World66 rating: [rate it] By Car Edit This Thailand has a good up-to-date network of well-maintained roads and highways between all main centres. Much of the north-south route is dual carriageway. Road signage follows international convention and usually are in Thai and English. Often the smaller roads, known as Sois, are in Thai only. Night driving is not recommended on the open road due to heavy truck traffic, which tends to have little respect for cars. Motor bikes can also be a hazard, particularly as they are often ridden into oncoming traffic. Driving on the most of the major routes outside Bangkok and around more.. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] By bus Edit This Modern and comfortable air-conditioned buses provide reliable service to every province and all the major towns. Regular and local buses, while usually slower and less comfortable, are extremely reasonably priced. You can buy ticket at every bus terminal (Please note: in Bangkok there are different bus terminals!) or contact any local travel agent to help with purchasing a ticket. Besides that there are mini-buses leaving from Khao San Road to nearly any spot of tourist interest. There are very cheap, direct, but very often very uncomfortable. Besides that you will not meet any more.. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] By Train Edit This Trains are a great way of travelling and the country takes pride in a well-maintained rail system that reaches almost every corner of the country. Several different classes of train travel are available, from coach to private sleeper, and from regular to express service. Most people tend to buy a sleeper train. The route from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and to the South are the most popular with the foreign visitor. For the train in Thailand, no advance reservation is available, however if you are traveling during weekends on popular routes it is recommended to buy your ticket a few more.. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Scooter Edit This Though not reccomened in citties or other high-traffic areas, Scooters, or Mopeds, are a cheap, fast, and easy way to get around small villages and beach towns in Thailand. At a low cost of about 200-500 Baht a day, you can tour around beach towns, highways, and backroads; which can lead to much more interesting adventures than if you simply took a standard tour. Some smaller islands aloung the Andaman coast have only Scooters, no cars or busses are available, so you eeither have to rent a scooter to get around, or ride a motor-bike taxi for a mere 10-80 Baht more.. World66 rating: [rate it] Bangkoklimo.Org Edit This Arriving Bangkok, look for a transport, consider the number of your group and ask for the price. Those are reasonable and comfortable to getting around. Many destinations anr popular such as Hua Hin, Pattaya, Koh Chang, Cha Amm Kanchanaburi and more at www.bangkoklimo.org World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 0813480241 url: www.bangkoklimo.org address: 731 Dindaeng email: info@bangkoklimo.org __________Getting There Edit This [Add Global transport mode] Air Asia Edit This Air Asia is one of the low cost airlines which offers economy flights within Thailand (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hatyai, Pucket, Chiang Rai ) . If you fly to Asia via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, Air Asia offers connections to Thai cities at very good prices. Check their website for more updates. type: By Air World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.airasia.com Suvarnabhumi Edit This All the flights to and from Bangkok are from Suvarnabhumi (pronounced soo-van-a-poom) airport these days. Getting to and from Subarnabhumi can take at least two hours; be prepared! Airport shuttle costs 150 baht to wherever you go. Line A2 goes to Banglamphu right from in front of the airport exit. Taxi to Bkk should be about 300 baht; they all have meters. From in front of the airport there is a free shuttle bus to Subarnabhumi shuttle terminal, and from there you can catch a cheap public bus (~30-40 baht) to Bangkok city. All the buses ending up at more.. type: By Air World66 rating: [rate it] Bangkoklimo Edit This When you arrive to Suvarnnabhumi Airport and need a transfer to Bangkok Downtown or to another destinationsm such as Pattaya, Hua hin, Cha Am. Trad, Rayong, Koh Chang, Petchburi, Phuket ,Koh samui ie. You can book inadvance for your private transfer with www.bangkoklimo.org to get economy cost. type: By Road World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 0813480241 url: www.bangkoklimo.org address: 731 Dindaeng email: info@bangkoklimo.org _____________-Economy Edit This Economy—overview: In 1997/98 the Thai economy was in a deep recession as a result of the severe financial problems facing many Thai firms particularly banks and financial institutions. In the early 1990s Thailand liberalized financial inflows; banks and other firms borrowed in dollars and did not hedge their positions because there was no perceived exchange rate risk. These funds financed a property boom that began to taper off in the mid-1990s. In addition export growth - previously a key driver of the Thai economy—collapsed in 1996 resulting in growing doubts that the Bank of Thailand could maintain the baht's peg to the greenback. The Bank mounted an expensive defense of the exchange rate that nearly depleted foreign exchange reserves then decided to float the exchange rate triggering a sharp increase in foreign liabilities that cash-strapped Thai firms were already having trouble repaying. In August 1997 the government headed by Prime Minister Chawalit signed an agreement with the IMF for access to a $14 billion facility to supplement foreign exchange reserves and restore financial market stability. Chawalit resigned in November 1997 however under pressure for lacking a coherent approach to managing the IMF program and the financial crisis. Democratic Party leader Chuan Leekpai formed a seven-party coalition government and closely adhered to the IMF program tentatively re-establishing financial stability by February 1998. An economic turnaround requires rescheduling the large short-term foreign liabilities of Thai firms restoring high rates of export growth to finance foreign liabilities and extensively recapitalizing the banking system. GDP: purchasing power parity—$525 billion (1997 est.) GDP—real growth rate: -0.4% (1997 est.) GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity—$8 800 (1997 est.) GDP—composition by sector: agriculture: 10% industry: 28.7% services: 61.3% (1997) Inflation rate—consumer price index: 5.6% (1997 est.) Labor force: total: 32.6 million (1997 est.) by occupation: agriculture 54% industry 15% services (including government) 31% (1996 est.) Unemployment rate: 3.5% Budget: revenues: $24 billion expenditures: $25 billion including capital expenditures of $8 billion (FY96/97) Industries: tourism; textiles and garments agricultural processing beverages tobacco cement light manufacturing such as jewelry; electric appliances and components computers and parts integrated circuits furniture plastics; world's second-largest tungsten producer and third-largest tin producer Industrial production growth rate: -15% (1997 est.) Electricity—capacity: 15.838 million kW (1995) Electricity—production: 77.5 billion kWh (1995) Electricity—consumption per capita: 1 295 kWh (1995) Agriculture—products: rice cassava (tapioca) rubber corn sugarcane coconuts soybeans Exports: total value: $51.6 billion (f.o.b. 1997) commodities: manufactures 82% agricultural products and fisheries 14% (1997) partners: US 19.6% Japan 14.9% Singapore 11% Hong Kong 5.7% Malaysia 4.3% UK 3.7% (1997) Imports: total value: $73.5 billion (c.i.f. 1996) commodities: capital goods 50% consumer goods 10.2% fuels 8.7% (1997) partners: Japan 25.6% US 13.9% Singapore 5% Taiwan 4.6% Germany 4.5% Malaysia 4.1% (1997) Debt—external: $90 billion (1997) Economic aid: recipient: ODA $624 million (1993) Currency: 1 baht (B) = 100 satang Exchange rates: baht (B) per US$1—38.568 (January 2000) 53.812 (January 1998) 31.364 (1997) 25.343 (1996) 24.915 (1995) 25.150 (1994) 25.319 (1993) Fiscal year: 1 October—30 September _____________National Parks Edit This There are number of interesting and beautiful national parks in Thailand. If you want to find more information about them you can contact the National Park Division of the Royal Forestry Department at Phahonyothin Road, Bang Khen in Bangkok. Phone is +66-5614292-3, Extension is 724 or 725. Some 14 percent of Thailand's land area has been set aside for environmental protection. In total, there are now 79 national parks, 89 wildlife and non-hunting sanctuaries, and 35 forest reserves . [Add New] {Khao Yai National Park} Edit This Nong Pak Chi, Khao Yai National Park Nong Pak Chi, Khao Yai National Park photo by: Pim Khao Yai is Thailand's oldest and most revered national park. Spanning four provinces, this 2,000-square-kilometer biological wonderland contains more than 70 mammal species, including tigers and elephants, as well as 320 varieties of birds. It has been declared an ASEAN National heritage site and probably it will be by the United Nations soon, too. Like most of Asia's wildlife sanctuaries, Khao Yai has been long under threat from poachers who are stripping the forest of its plant and animal wealth. In March 2000 the government launched the so-called Khao Yai Conservation more.. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Doi Inthanon National Park Edit This The park is located near the northern city of Chiang Rai. At 2,565 metres, the park is the kingdom's highest peak and its 482 sq km area forms one of the best mountain national parks in Thailand. Home to nearly 400 bird species and hailed as the Mecca of Thailand's bird watchers, the Inthanon mountain range is also a sanctuary for such threatened animals as the Asiatic black bear and the leaf monkey. Luxuriant flora such as orchids, lichens and mosses flourishes on its slopes. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Kao Laem Ya Edit This This marine national park is the nearest park from Bangkok. It is located at Ko Samet. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] ____________Thai Language Edit This There are four main Thai languages spoken in Thailand (Central Thai, Southern Thai, Northeastern Thai (the same language is used in Laos) and Northern Thai, but the language refered to as Standard Thai is close to Central Thai. Being in Bangkok you might notice that Bangkokians skip the "r" in words like the polite ending "khrap". Learning Thai as a "farang" is not really easy, but the Thai people really appreciate if you make an effort. If you want to learn basic words and sentences buy a Thai language course which is available in every book shop selling English language books. Thai is a very complicated language to learn with a unique alphabet to make it even more difficult. To master a few words is not difficult however and will be greatly appreciated by the locals. Here are some essential words. For more information on the Thai language go to Travlang. Notice that Khrap is used as a polite ending for men and kha for women: Yes = chai => ok No = mai-chai Thank you = kob-khun Thank you very much = kob-khun-khrap You're welcome = mai-pen-rai Please = ka-ru-na Excuse me = kor-tot/kor-a-nu-yart Hello = sa-wat-dee Goodbye = lar-korn So long = narn/yao-narn Good morning = sa-was-dee-torn-chao Good afternoon = sa-was-dee-torn-bai Good evening = sa-was-dee-torn-khum Good night = ra-tree-sa-was I do not understand = chan-mai-kao-jai (f) pom-mai-kao-jai (m) How do you say this in [English]? = khun-ja-pood-nee-pen-[pa-sa-ang-glish]-wa-young-lai? Do you speak ... = khun-pood ...? English = pa-sa-ang-krit French = pa-sa-fa-rang-sez German = pa-sa-yer-re-man Spanish = pa-sa-spain Chinese = pa-sa-jeen I = chan (f), phom (m) We = puak-lao You (singular, familiar) = khun You (singular, formal) = khun You (plural) = khun They = puak-kao What is your name? = khun-cheu-ar-rai Nice to meet you. = dee-jai-tee-dai-pob-khun How are you? = khun-sa-bai-dee-mai? Good = dee Bad = mai-dee So so = kor-young-narn-lae Where is the bathroom? Where is the toilet? = hong-nam-you-tee-nai? As you see, the Thai language is not easy at all! When you try to pronounce the above sentences, you will also have to watch the "tones". If you don't, a Thai will simply not understand you! Therefore my advice is NOT to try to learn Thai efore you go there. The chance that you will be able to speak it in a few weeks is practically zero. However, the Thais speak English rather well but they pronounce it a bit different from what you expect. They normally will emphasize the last syllable of every word, to give just one example. Therefore my advice is: In Thailand carefully listen to the Thais and try to master the way they pronounce English! _______________Do's & Don'ts Edit This Thai people have a deep, traditional reverence for the Royal Family, and a visitor should be careful to show respect for the King, the Queen and the Royal Children. This includes, for example, standing up in the cinema as the Royal Anthem is played before every movie starts. You also should stand still, when at public places as the railway stations the anthem is played (at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.) as well. Visitors should dress neatly in all religious temples and shrines. They should never go without sleeves or in shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable clothing (otherwise you will never get into the Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaeow compound. It is acceptable to wear shoes when walking around the compound of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the chapel where the principal Buddha image is kept. Each Buddha image, large or small, ruined or not, is regarded as a sacred object. Never climb onto one to take a photograph or do anything which might indicate a lack of respect. Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman, or to accept anything from the hand of one. If a woman has to give anything to a monk, she first hands it to a man, who then presents it. Or they should place it on a cloth, carried by most monks. Thais don't normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture called a wai. Generally a younger person wais an elder, who returns it. Be careful, however, to do this correctly. There are many types of wai. The best way is to imitate a Thai who greets you. Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body, literally and figuratively. Therefore, avoid touching people on the head and try not to point your feet at people or an object. It is considered very rude. Shoes should be removed when entering a private Thai home. Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon, but holding hands nowadays became pretty normal, especially in Bangkok. Don't ever buy any jewelry in Thailand, unless you are very well aware of the value AND you are able to check if the articles are real or fake. Many tourists are cheated every year by jewelry scams. If they take you to one of those huge jewelry store, you normally (not always!) can trust that the articles are what they are told to be. But in those shops Thais get a reduction of 30-40%, so you pay at least that amount too much. Of course you're welcome to bargain them down to that price, or less even. Meal time is an event in Thailand. Meals are eaten with the right hand. More importantly, Thai's do not use forks to put food in their mouths. A spoon is used for almost everything. It is respectful to use eat in this manner. Do not raise your voice at anyone. You will just look ignorant and uncultured. Showing the soles of your feet in Thailand is equivalent to flipping the bird in the United States. Don't do it. It's usually taken offense more by the elder group. Don't ever be tempted to use or carry any drugs in Thailand. Trafficking or possession of drugs (including "soft" drugs) is in many cases punished with the death penalty. Only if you are lucky, you get a (very) long jail sentence. And Thai jails are very unpleasant places to stay in. Also do not expect that your embassy can do much for you. Many stories circulate about travellers who buy drugs from some guy on the street or beach, only to be busted later that day and forced to bribe the cop (about 10-50,000 baht _____________Tours and Excursions Edit This An essential travel guide for Thailand is 'A Different Brand Of English' by Andrew Mason (Poseidon Books) - it will advise you of scams to avoid, security and cultural tips and give you a guided tour around some excellent Bangkok markets up to Kanchanaburi and that province's infamous sites, like the Bridge Over the River Kwai, War Cemetery, Thai-Burma Railway Museum and Hellfire Pass through to the border at Three Pagodas Pass. A Hotel guide, a restaurant list with comments on the food to a language guide - this is comprehensive, it even advises on how to get in to Bangkok's infamous 'Big Tiger' - Maximum Security Prison (and then out again!). There are interviews in the book, pages and pages of photographs, advice from the State Dept and Foreign Affairs, with exclusive comments by the Australian Prime Minister John Howard for this guide. A must for travel to Thailand. 367 pages. <http://www.poseidonbooks.com/a_different_brand_of_english.htm> [Add New] River Kwai Edit This The River Kwai and Kanchanaburi area is ideal for a day trip from Bangkok to visit the famous Bridge on the River Kwai and enjoy the natural scenic beauty of the River Kwai area World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.beachsiam.com Bangkoklimo Edit This Find tours and excursions in Bangkok and around. Choose at Exotic Thailand at www.bangkoklimo.org World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 0813480241 url: www.bangkoklimo.org address: 731 Dindaeng email: info@bangkoklimo.org ___________Health Before setting off, you might want to check the illnesses described below that occur here. The information is from the CDC and should be pretty accurate, but if you really think you have something, go see a doctor. If you're not sure where to find good medical attention, check with a the nearest international hotel, they are usually in the know (though the facilities they refer to might charge you a little bit more) AIDS [more] Hepatitis C Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Most persons who acquire acute HCV infection either have no symptoms or have a mild clinical illness. However, chronic HCV infection develops in 75%–85% of those acutely infected, with active liver disease developing in 60%–70% of chronically infected persons. [more] Malaria Malaria in humans is caused by one of five protozoan species of the genus Plasmodium: P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, or P. malariae. All species are transmitted by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Occasionally, transmission occurs by blood transfusion or congenitally from mother to fetus. Although malaria can be a fatal disease, illness and death from malaria are largely preventable. [more] Rabies A dangerous and possible deadly disease, can be contracted from a wild animal to a human w/ a single bite. Please when visiting do not touch animals that do not seem tamed. [more] Tuberculosis [more] Typhoid A very stong course of anti-biotics will wipe it out. After getting typhoid I was very weak for at least 3 months after the anti-biotic course. There is a vaccine that is good for three years. If you consume a large dose of typhoid there is a good chance of getting it regardless of the vaccine. [more] a ids As a physician in Belize and had Dengue myself. Ibuprofen works well for the fever and aches, and, in my opinion, is not a risk for hemmorhagic fever (which has never been seen in Belize, as far as I know). [more] ____________Day Trips Edit This Hua Hin Golden Buddha Hua Hin Golden Buddha Thailand, Laos. Contributors February 16, 2005 change by giorgio (1 point) February 15, 2005 new by friedinger [Add Day Trip] Hua Hin Edit This Day trips from Bangkok to Hua Hin offer the visitor the chance to swim or relax on the beach, enjoy amazing Thai seafood ( Hua Hin is famous in Thailand for excellent seafood ), Elephant Ride, Off Road all Terrain rides, Elephant Rides, fishing trips, a large number of amazing temples including the temple area of Khao takiab and Khao Khailat. Alos visit the Old Palace and see the famous Hua Hin Railway Station, one of the most photographed rail stations in all Asia. Enjoy Afternoon Tea at the world famous Sofitel Hotel which was built in the 1920's as the original rail station more.. World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.huahinwhatson.com address: Hua Hin 180 km south of Bangkok ____________People Edit This Small village in Thai Border Small village in Thai Border Pim Population: 60 037 366 (July 1998 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 24% (male 7 440 863; female 7 169 837) 15-64 years: 70% (male 20 605 197; female 21 210 697) 65 years and over: 6% (male 1 596 267; female 2 014 505) (July 1998 est.) Population growth rate: 0.97% (1998 est.) Birth rate: 16.76 births/1 000 population (1998 est.) Death rate: 7.11 deaths/1 000 population (1998 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1 000 population (1998 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female (1998 est.) Infant mortality rate: 30.82 deaths/1 000 live births (1998 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 69 years male: 65.35 years female: 72.83 years (1998 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.84 children born/woman (1998 est.) Nationality: noun: Thai (singular and plural) adjective: Thai Ethnic groups: Thai 75% Chinese 14% other 11% Religions: Buddhism 95% Muslim 3.8% Christianity 0.5% Hinduism 0.1% other 0.6% (1991) Languages: Thai English (secondary language of the elite) ethnic and regional dialects Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 93.8% male: 96% female: 91.6% (1995 est.) ______________Beaches Edit This Takiab Bay Hua Hin Beach Takiab Bay Hua Hin Beach Thailand has a wide choice of beaches including picturesque white sandy beaches washed by clear azure waters. Beaches and Islands in Southern Thailand include Phuket island, Krabi, Phi Phi islands, Koh Lanta on the South West Coast, Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan in Southern Thailand in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Chang and Koh Samet off the South Eastern Seaboard of Thailand in the Gulf of Thailand. mainland beaches in the Gulf of Thailand close to bangkok include Pattaya and Jomtien beach are and the Hua Hin area including Cha Am, Khao Takiab Bay. Beaches also stretch between pattaya and Trat on the South Eastern Seaboard and also south from Prachuap Khiri Khan to Bang Saphan and Chumphon on the coast south of Bangkok. [Add Beach] Jomtien Beach Edit This Jomtien beach Thailand is located just beyond Pattaya, south east of bangkok. Jomtien Beach is less than 2 hours from Bangkok by modern expressway. Hotels and resorts are very good value along the coast at Jomtien beach. Vacation apartments and holiday apartments are also available at Jomtien Beach. One of the most popular Thailand beaches. World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.jomtien-beach.travelreporter.com Koh Samui Beaches Edit This Koh Samui has a range of beaches including the busiest beach on Samui which is Chaweng Beach. Lamai Beach on Koh Samui is quieter and Bophut and Big Buddha Beaches are fairly quiet. There are also many small quiet beaches on Koh Samui. World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.beachsiam.com address: Chaweng Koh Samui Island Thailand Krabi Beaches Edit This The Krabi area of Southern Thailand has some of Thailand's most amazing beaches. The area includes the beaches of Railay and Phuley, Phi Phi island beaches, south to Koh Lanta, also small offshore islands around Krabi with amazing beaches. The Ao nang beach area has a wide selection of hotels and resorts but there is no real beach at Ao nang and you need to take long-tail boats to reach the best beaches. World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.beachsiam.com address: Ao Nang Krabi Karon Beach Phuket Edit This Karon Beach on Phuket island is located on the popular west coast of Phuket south of Patong Beach and north of Kata beach. Karon Beach on Phuket island offers a wide stretch of beach that is several km long. Almost all hotels and resorts are set back across from the Karon Beach Road. World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.beachsiam.com address: Karon Beach Phuket Island Thailand Khao Takiab Beach and Bay Edit This i Khao Takiab beach and Khao Takiab Bay in the Hua Hin area offer a choice of beaches, swimming, sailing, boat trips and fishing at offshore islands. These are relaxing Thailand beaches near Bangkok. Also temples, elephant rides, horse cart rides, off-road all terrain rides and nearby golf. The busy town of Hua Hin is just 10 minutes for restaurants and entertainment plus night markets and shopping. All just over 2 hrs 30 mins from Bangkok by highway. World66 rating: [rate it] zipcode: Hua Hin area url: www.khao-takiab.com address: Khao Takiab Bay Hua Don Kha Takiab Beach Hua Hin Edit This Takiab Bay Hua Hin Beach Takiab Bay Hua Hin Beach Hua Hin has several beach areas stretching both north and south of Hua Hin. The beaches are of soft sand. Width of beaches varies from quite narrow to very wide and the tide also affacts the width of beach. The main beach are of Hua hin stretches from the town center south to Khao Takiab ( Chopstick Mountain ) and the famous Golden Buddha. North from Hua Hin is the Cha Am Beach area. South from the town center of Hua Hin and just beyond Khao Takiab beach is Hua Don beach Khao Takiab Bay where there are beach hotels, holiday bungalows and holiday resorts, further along is more.. World66 rating: [rate it] zipcode: Hua Hin url: www.huahinwhatson.com address: Hua Hin Beach Kata Beach Phuket Edit This i Kata Beach on Phuket island is a quiet and relaxing beach area that offers an excellent soft sandy beach and clear waters. Although Kata Beach is quiet in relation to some other beaches on Phuket island it offers a choice of many restaurants, local shopping plus activities. Kata beach Hotels and Resorts offer accommodation from budget to luxury. An ideal beach for those wishing to rest and relax and enjoy fine accommodation in a quieter beach area on Phuket Island. World66 rating: [rate it] zipcode: Phuket Island url: www.beachsiam.com address: Kata Beach Patong Beach Phuket Edit This Phuket Island Beach Phuket Island Beach photo by: Asiaoz Patong Beach is Phuket's liveliest beach area. Patong beach has hotels and resort accommodation, a long and wide stretch of beach that fronts this popular and busy beach resort area that offers swimming, water sports, shopping, restaurants, entertainment and nightlife. Beaches to the south of Patong beach include Karon beach and Kata beach. Patong is the busiest of all Phuket beaches. World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.beachsiam.com address: Patong Beach, Phuket Pattaya Beach Resort Edit This Pattaya is a lively and busy beach resort area about one and a half hours by expressway from Bangkok City or Bangkok Airport. The main Pattaya beach area is busy but there are quieter beach areas at North Pattaya and nearby Jomtien Beach. In addition to being a lively and popular beach city, Pattaya also hosts many International Sport Events, Music Festivals, and is also a major conference destination in Asia. Pattaya offers in addition to inexpensive places to stay many top 4 star, 5 star and other luxury resorts and hotels. Wide choice of international more.. World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.beachsiam.com address: Pattaya Cha Am Beach Edit This Cha Am Beach is 160 km / 100 miles south of Bangkok. Cha Am beach is a quiet beach area close to Bangkok. The beach area offers modern hotels and resorts along the coast and beaches. Cha Am is a quiet town with a beach road that is very busy at weekends. Many luxury Cha Am hotels and resorts are located south of the town directly on the beach. World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.beachsiam.com address: Cha Am Beach Thailand Bang Saphan Edit This Bang Saphan Beach is located north of Chumphon on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The long and wide beaches include Baan Krut. This is a quiet and rural area of Thailand to enjoy the enrichment of the culture and scenery of the Gulf of Thailand. World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.huahinwhatson.com address: Bang Saphan Koh Phangan Edit This Koh Phangan has been popular for many years as a budget beach island destination in Thailand. Koh Phangan now is becoming more popular with all travelers as more and more mid price and top end resorts and accommodations open. There are still lots of cheap places to stay and budget accommodation but the choice is much greater now. Koh Phangan can be reached by boat from Koh Samui World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.beachsiam.com address: Koh Phangan Island Thailand Koh Tao Beaches Edit This Koh Tao Island Thailand is popular for scuba diving and snorkeling and also offers a choice of beaches. Apart from diving the island is also very scenic and relaxing. Becareful of over expensive hotels and guest-houses, this island caters mostly for divers and if your not part of that crowd best hone your baraging skills. In the low seasons hotels can be at least half off the listed price.Just remember there are plenty of places to stay, just be persistant espically if your on a budget! World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.chumphon.8k.com address: Koh Tao Island Thailand Khao Lak Beach Edit This Khao Lak Beach Khao Lak Beach Khao Lak Beach, in Phang Nga Province is about 80 Km north of Phuket Airport, or about 1 to 1 1/2 hours drive. The beach itself is about 2 miles long, quite narrow and offers spectacular views over the Andaman sea and the various Island rock formations. There is an abundance of accommodation available, from low budget guest houses to premier 5 star luxury hotels, beach hotels and resort accommodation. More suited to family's and romantic couples than say Phuket, due a quieter night life scene and limited facilities, Khao Lak is also very popular with scuba divers more.. World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.nongasia.com address: Khao Lak, Pang Nga Nai Harn Beach Edit This Nai Harn Beach on the southern tip of Phuket is my favourite Phuket beach, its in a shallow bay and unlike many Thailand beaches is quite deep, leaving plenty of room for beach activities such as frisbee and beach football. The water is shallow for a reasonable distance so its safer for children, (but they should be supervised) and the bay prevents many of the stronger currents that circulate around Phuket. The treeline at the back of the beach is host to varity of bars and restaurents, so getting a snack or meal or few beers and more.. World66 rating: [rate it] address: Nai Harn, Phuket Nai Yang Beach Edit This Nai Yang beach is on the north west side of Phuket, about 2 miles south of the aiport. The name means 'inside rubber' because the a long stretch of the beach is in a nature reserve with of lots of rubber trees. Nai Yang beach is very popular with the local Thai's, despite being near the airport, the noise of the planes doesn't seem to reach the beach, and with it being a nature reserve it's largely undeveloped and has a natural and tranquil atmostsphere. World66 rating: [rate it] address: Nai Yang, Phuket Kohjum Lodge Edit This Thai eco-resort with a natural individual charm. Thai eco-resort with a natural individual charm. Koh Jum Lodge is located on the unspoiled Koh Jum Island between Krabi and Koh Lanta. Sixteen cosy cottages in traditional Andaman style are set in a natural coconut plantation and tropical gardens. World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.kohjumlodge.com address: Koh Jum Beach, Ting Rai, Koh Jum Island, Siboya District, Krabi 81000, Thailand. email: info@kohjumlodge.com ____________Festivals Edit This Loy Krathong Loy Krathong Rene Hasekamp The train to Amsterdam leaves every 30 minutes. [Add Festival] Songkran Edit This Songkran in Pattaya 2006 Songkran in Pattaya 2006 photo by: Lars Adler Hansen Songkran The Thai New Year ( Thai : ???????? Songkran ) is celebrated every year on 13 April to 15 April . It is also celebrated in Laos (called Songkan in Lao), Cambodia , Myanmar (Burma where it is called Thingyan ), and by ethnic Dai in Yunnan , China . Sri Lanka also celebrates a similar festival called Sinhalese and Tamil New Year on the same dates. The more.. World66 rating: [rate it] Loy Krathong Edit This Loy Krathong Loy Krathong photo by: Rene Hasekamp On the full moon day in the tenth lunar month (usually in November) the Loy Krathong Festival is celebrated. "Loy" means "to float" and a "krathong" is a small boat, made out of a piece of palm tree, decorated with (mainly) flowers, three joss sticks, and a candle. On Loy Krathong Day people put their krathongs in a river, make a wish (for the Goddess of the Water) and that is it. Riverside restaurants charge higher prices, but seeing the floating krathongs with their burning candles will give more.. World66 rating: [rate it] ____________Things to do Edit This [Add Activity] Sam Roi Yot Flatlands south of Hua Hin Edit This Cycling in the flatlands of the Sam Roi Yot National Park south of Hua Hin is very popular. From Hua Hin cycle south through Khao Takiab beach and continue past Suan Son to Pranburi. From Pranburi head East towards the Sam Roi Yot National Park. This area is ideal for flatland riding and includes forests and coastline. There is plenty of shade along the route and apart from a busy stretch of road between Suan Son and Pranburi traffic is slight. type: Cycling World66 rating: [rate it] address: Sam Roi Yot National Park url: www.huahinwhatson.com To Do in Bangkok Edit This On http://www.bonhighheels.com Bangkok / Not to be Missed you can find the best tips To Do for Bangkok: To Do Movie Theatre The latest movies in the best theatres. Dusit Zoo A great escape from the crowd. Ocean World Step into a world-class aquarium. Bowling, Ice skating and Horse racing A real Thai experience, mix with the locals. Relaxing at Lumphini Park Free sports classes, boats for rent, picknick, free music performances, and....There is so much to do. Buddhist monks Get up early and experience a totally different Bangkok. type: Other World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.BonHighHeels.com email: info@bonHighheels.com ::::::::::::::::Ayutthaya Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo poncharee Ayuthaya was the capital of the Thai Kingdom, before being ransacked and plundered by the invading Burmese. The capital then moved south to present day Bangkok. One of the UNESCO cultural sites, the old city was an amazing city of more than a million inhabitants. The city was courted by the Dutch, Portuguese, French, English and Japanese, and many foreign visitors said that it was the most illustrious city they had ever set their eyes upon. Modern Ayuthaya is a provincial capital, with a number of industrial estates in the vicinity. The historical centre is but a short tuk-tuk ride from the train station, and is littered with ruined temples. _________Sights Edit This [Add Sight] Bang Pa-In Palace Edit This This palace is located in Tambon Bang Len, Amphor Bang Pain, 18 kilometres south of Ayuthaya. It lies 58 kilometres north of Bangkok by fad, 61 kilometres by road. To access to Bang Pain from Ayuthaya, one can go by Phahonyothin Road and make a right trim at Km 35 for another distance of 7 kilometres to Bang Pa - In Palace. type: Palaces World66 rating: [rate it] openinghours: daily, 8.30 am - 4 pm tel: +66-2-243273 or +66-35- 261044 Wat Phra Ram Edit This This is one Ayudhaya's oldest temples, built in 1369 by King Ramesuan, situated on the outside of the eastern town wall. It was built on the site where the first monarch of Ayudhaya, King Uthong, was cremated. The prang has been partially restored, but one can still find some original stucco garudas and nagas. The tall archway at the entrance to the compound was designed for elephants to pass through. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Wat Phra Sri Sanphet Edit This The temple was built in 1491, at the command of King Borom Trilokkanatin in the grounds of Wang Luang Palace. Two of the now restored Ceylonese-style chedis were built during the reign of King Rama Thi Badee II to enshrine the relics of his father, King Trillokanat, and brother. The third was added later, by his own son King Borom Racha, to enshrine the relic of his father. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] The Fort Edit This The forts along the city wall and outer circle fortresses as found in the historical records include Poni Mahachai, Pom Phet,Pom Ho Ratchakhru, Pom Chidkop, Pom Champaphon, Poni Yal, etc. They are mostly situated at waterway intersections. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] City Wall & Gate Edit This They were newly constructed by the command of King Rama IV. The original foundation of thecity wan has since been found through excavation, thus revealing that the original area was much more spacious than what is currently seen. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Front Palace / Chankasem Edit This On the bank of Pasak River, this palace was built during the reign of King Maha Thammaraja, the 17th Ayutdiayan monarch, for his son's residence (King Naresuan). Like other ruins, the palace was destroyed by the Burmese and lift unrepaired for a long time. King Mongkut of the present Chakri dynasty ordered reconstruction of this palace for use as a residence during his occasional visits to Ayutthaya. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] ________Getting Around Edit This The best way around is on one of the many tuk-tuks or songteaws. You can even get them to do a full-day package. You can also cycle around, since the terrain is rather flat. Once in the historic centre, you can even walk from site to site. Contributors January 22, 2006 change by out of the grey [Add Local transport mode] Elephant Ride Edit This You can take an elephant ride around the ruins. This gives you a different vantage point, and how it must have been like when Ayuthaya was capital. World66 rating: [rate it] _________Getting There Edit This The town of Ayuthaya can be reached by rail from Bangkok, from Hualamphong Train Station. One way express train ticket is 235 Baht. The train also calls at Don Muang Train Station opposite the airport, so you can also ride to Ayuthaya upon arrival. Alternatively, you can take an air-conditioned coach from the North/Northeastern Bus Terminal near the Chatuchak Weekend Market for 55 Baht. Contributors January 22, 2006 new by out of the grey [Add Global transport mode] Bangkoklimo.Org Edit This Visiting the historical site of Thailand is very interesting and attracting for all visitors. You will find the ruin temples dated back in 13 th century. We recommend you travel by private car that bangkoklimo also orgarnise for. Especially who do not have much time to stay in Thailand. You will get all details and enjoy day tour with this company. type: By Road World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 0813480241 url: www.bangkoklimo.org address: 731 Dindaeng email: info@bangkoklimo.org ________Museums Edit This [Add Museum] Chao Sam Phraya National Museum Edit This The museum is located on Rochana Road, opposite the city wall. It houses various antique bronze Buddha ifnages and famous carved panels.A receptacle at the Thai Paviflion contains relics of Lord Buddha and objects of art more that 500 years old. The museum also has a substantial collection of local artifacts. Jost Wagner: An interesting museum. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] openinghours: daily except Monday and Tuesday, 9 am. - 4 pm :::::::Bang Saphan Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Bang Saphan is on the Sunrise Coast of Thailand south of Hua Hin and north of Chumphon. The Bang Saphan Beach area including Baan Krut provides quiet beaches and an opportunity to experience natural Thai life in the many coastal villages. The Island of Koh Talu is also close to the Bang Saphan Beach area on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. :::::::Bangkok Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Walking inside the Grand Palace Walking inside the Grand Palace Adriana Selage Thailand's capital city is a fantastic place to visit. It is the travel hub for the whole Southeast Asian region. Most people come back and forth if they visit the different regions of Thailand, for example Chiang mai, Koh Samui or Phuket or Trang. Its bad reputation for long traffic jams and pollution is no longer justified. At the end of 2000, the new BTS Sky Train went into service and new roads have been built. To get around there is also now the MRT metro (underground railway), which serves a number of locations in the centre of the city. Tuk Tuk is an other way of transportation (taxi), it is an open air ride, however the polution is very high and the weather is very hot and humid it is not recommented to ride with it. It will be a noisy ride also inhale all gas from cars in front of you.. In comparison to other mega-cities, Bangkok is also a very safe city and has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. In the 'City of Angels', you’ll soon find out that walking, instead of taking a taxi or bus, is often the quickest option. Another good option is the water-taxi (catch it at the end of the Silom sky train line at Saphan Taksin). Besides the fact that it is an experience in itself -defy the polluted canals with the wind in your hair and see the back part of life in Bangkok, many of the city’s attractions are near to the various stops along the river. Make a stop at the Temple of Dawn and tour the klongs in order to find the floating market (sorry to disappoint you, but it has been transferred to solid ground) or just get off nearby Kao San Road. There are three monkeys and a gorilla in the haystack. Despite the fact that most of them are located in the center of the thriving modern metropolis, Bangkok's sights, temples belong to the finest ones in Asia. The most spectacular are located on the same compound: the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Keo, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The rooflines and spires are extravagant, ornamented richly and will probably leave you dazzled at the spot...and this is only one compound away from Bangkok's Chinatown. Other sights in Bangkok include the National Museum (a great introduction to the county’s history and artifacts), the Red Cross Snake Farm (to watch venomous snakes being milked) and the Weekend Market near Chatuchak Park (there’s a little bit of everything, including giant dead roaches neatly arranged for sale in the food section). Also worth a visit is the Suan Lum Night Market at the corner of Wireless Road and Rama IV Road. It is right next to Lumpini MRT station. The Jim Thompson’s House brings alive the era of a U.S. citizen who was almost solely responsible for reintroducing Thailand’s silk-weaving industry. His home is a tribute to Thai art and architecture. Bangkok offers also an amazing nightlife with bars, discos, live music and even Latin Salsa is becoming popular. A lot is said about and done in Patpong, Bangkok's red-light district. It's not particularly different from red-light districts elsewhere. At night-time, Patpong's brightly and colorfully lit streets are packed with people who parade along the clubs lining the streets —some of which might even shock the most worldly visitors. Maybe there is already enough excitement for you going on Kao San Road and its neighboring area. This is the street to go when you're looking for cheap accommodation, small restaurants and fellow travelers full of good stories (of which one might give you a treasure-map of one of the unknown deserted islands just off the coast...) If you want to get a personal advice how to get the best out of your one day Bangkok visit, check out the "A perfect day..." section. By the way, do you know the real name of Bangkok? It's Krungthep Mahanakon Bovorn Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokpop Noparatratchatathani Burirom Udomratchanivetmahasatan Amornpiman Avatarnsatit Sakkathattiyaavisnukarmprasit. The english translation would be something like: The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: Sezgin Aytuna :::::::::Cha Am Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Regent Cha Am Resort Hotel Regent Cha Am Resort Hotel Cha Am is 160 km south of Bangkok on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, just 20 km north of Hua Hin. Cha Am is very popular with weekend visitors from Bangkok but during the week is quiet. Hotels include many famous hotels and resorts including the Dusit resort and Polo Club, The Regent Cha Am, Courtyard by Marriott, and the Springfield Resort. Cha Am is much quieter than Hua Hin which is just 20 minutes away by modern highway providing shopping, restaurants and bars. ________Getting There Edit This Cha Am can be reached from Bangkok by taxi in about 2 hrs 30 minutes, a little longer by express bus. There are also trains but not all trains stop at the small Cha Am station but all trains stop at the main Hua Hin Train station 20 kms south of Cha Am. Contributors April 20, 2005 new by giorgio [Add Global transport mode] Bangkoklimo Edit This It is our recommend that to travel to Cha Am by road is more comfortable as to go to Hua Hin. After arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport you can ride the car or a Minivan directly to save your time and relax to the most peaceful places. Here is also a second home for rich people in Thailand. It takes about two hours driving here. To get a comfortable and reliable service you can find at www.bangkoklimo.org So at least you will get more infornmation before travelling to Thailand. type: By Road World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 0813480241 url: www.bangkoklimo.org address: 731 asoke dindaeng email: info@bangkoklimo.org Bangkoklimo Edit This It is our recommend that to travel to Cha Am by road is more comfortable as to go to Hua Hin. After arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport you can ride the car or a Minivan directly to save your time and relax to the most peaceful places. Here is also a second home for rich people in Thailand. It takes about two hours driving here. To get a comfortable and reliable service you can find at www.bangkoklimo.org So at least you will get more infornmation before travelling to Thailand. type: By Road World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 0813480241 url: www.bangkoklimo.org address: 731 asoke dindaeng email: info@bangkoklimo.org :::::::::Chantaburi Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Chantaburi province is located in the east of Thailand, about 300 km from Bangkok. The province is rich in natural resources, especially sapphires and rubies. There are many fruit orchards, producing plentiful supplies of tropical fruits such as rambutan, durian and longan (see the pages about the Thai fruits). The province is also rich in natural attractions, from pristine beaches to waterfalls and natural parks filled with wild plants. Chantaburi has played an important role in the history of Thailand. After the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, it was here that king Taksin retreated to. Having regrouped his soldiers he marched back into the central plains and reclaimed Ayutthaya. Chantaburi was later occupied by the French between 1893 and 1904, before an agreement was made, in which Thailand conceded land that now lie in Cambodian territory. ______Chanta Buri Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Chantaburi or the 'City of the Moon' has played a vital role in the history of Thailand. With abundant natural beauty and man-made attractions, Chantaburi sees a lot of tourists . It is 245 km from Bangkok and 110 km from Rayong. :::::::Chiang Dao Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see View from Peka Spa - Marisa Resort & Spa - Chiang Dao View from Peka Spa - Marisa Resort & Spa - Chiang Dao Tony Tucker Approximately one hour north of Chiang Mai on a mostly four lane highway, Chiang Dao is a beautiful, peaceful, and mountainous area. In the vicinity, there is trekking, bamboo rafting, hiking, elephant rides, elephant shows, many different groups of mountain people (hilltribe villages), abundant nature, Thailand's 3rd highest mountain, mountain / forest temple, meditation possibilities, and also the Chiang Dao Cave. There are several guesthouses and resorts in the area. ::::::Chiang Rai Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see The White Temple. The White Temple. kay Chiang Rai is Thailand's most northern province and is frequented mostly by tourists and shoppers. Attractions include the famous Golden Triangle and the mighty Mekong River. A wealth of cultural diversity awaits those who take the time to explore the region. The name Golden Triangle evokes an impression that illicit drugs are the activity of this area. Yes, it was once a notorious place. However, with strict enforcement by various countries particularly the United States and Thailand, playing an important role of eradicating the drug menace by educating the many hill-tribes to have a permanent settlement instead of the slash and burn to grow crops. Schools were built to educate their children on the Thai curriculum and welfare. Changrai is 785 km north of Bangkok and is in the midst of mountains and hills. Across the great Mekong river is Myanmar and Laos, thus the name “Golden Triangle”. All nationalities can cross over to these countries easily by road, boats, or air with valid passports and visa. Being the first to establish into a city by King Mengrai of the Lanna Kingdom, it has many ancient ruins. There are many activities you can indulge like visiting the only handcrafted White Temple in Thailand; the ever changing flowers in the most beautiful botanical garden (Doi Tung); Hill-tribes, Opium or the National museum; elephant riding; shopping for foodstuff; clothing; jewelries; handicrafts or ride on a long propeller boat on the Mekong river; explore the natural rock formation and caves with spectacular formations e.g. Big Cave, Fish Cave. Of course, if you are a nature lover, go to the mountains. Doi Tung – it has a sacred hilltop Buddhist shrine built in 911 AD and it is believed that the left collar bones of Lord Buddha is enshrined in the twin pagodas. On your way up, enjoy the panoramic view then drop in to visit the Akha and Lahu hill-tribe village famous for their hand woven textiles and silver jewelries. Not satisfied with one mountain? Venture to Thailand’s little Switzerland, the Doi Mae Salong, incidentally “doi” means mountain. It sits on an elevation of 6000 feet above sea level. The air is cool and refreshing throughout the year. The settlers are ethnic Chinese descendants of the KMT nationalist army who took refuge in Thailand to escape from the Communist forces of Mainland China more than 50 years ago. The settlement has its own Christian churches, Buddhist temples, schools, locally produced oolong black tea, shops and restaurants. A better way to experience first hand the local foods, way of life and customs of the Northern Thai is through a village home stay. :::::::Chiang mai Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see busy street busy street masha Chiang Mai is named the "Rose of the North" for the abundance of flowers that thrive in the cooler mountain climate. The surrounding of the city is blessed with an outstanding beauty in nature. If you want to get away from busy Bangkok, but still want to stay in a big city with lots of things to do Chiang Mai is a very good choice. Thousands of Western expatriates made Chiang Mai their home, which fortunately brings the positive aspects of expat residents. The local people themselves are an unforgettable part of Chiang Mai. Handicrafts of silk, silver and wood are timeless souvenirs for visitors from all over the globe. Along with all this, a wide variety of accommodations, restaurants and entertainment all help to make Chiang Mai one of Thailand's prime tourist attractions. Perhaps the best thing about Chiang Mai for visitors is that with a small amount of research and effort it is easy to find great places outside of the city offering trekking, tours, and locations which are what Northern Thailand is really about. Doi Saket, Chiang Dao, Pai, Soppong, Mae Salong, Mae Hong Song, Chiang Saen and Mae Chaem are just a few of the gems awaiting the discerning traveller. :::::::::Chumphon Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Chumphon is located on the mainland coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Chumphon is the gateway to Koh Tao with regular ferry servies operatong between Chumphon and Koh Tao. There are also ferries from Chumphon to Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. Chumphon is also a major stop on the Thai railways line that runs from Bangkok south to the Malaysia border. Chumphon has several hotels, restaurants and shopping. There are beach areas north of Chumphon and onwards to Bang Saphan and Ban Krut. The town is also close to the North to South main highway. _______Getting There Edit This The trainn line operates south from Bangkok passing Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Baan Krud and onwards to Chumphon. The line continues south to Surat Thani, it continues to Hat Yai plus a line also to Trang. Ferries operate from Chumphon to Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. There is an airport but currently no schedukled flights. Regular express buses operate from Chumphon north to Bangkok and to destinations South. ::::::::Hat yai Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see The city is located about 30km (18.5 miles) from the Thai-Malaysian border. Hat Yai is a lively boomtown, the business centre of southern Thailand and also a popular tourist destination, particularly for men attracted by the nightclubs, massage parlors and brothels that are prohibited in certain country. A real interesting attraction is the huge reclining Buddha; you can enter the statue's torso to view the lungs and heart. Traditional bullfighting where bulls lock horns and push each other until one retreats is a popular spectator sport. ::::Hua Hin Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo Hua Hin is located approx. 190km south of Bangkok and 92 kilometres north of Prachuab Khiri Khan, its provincial chief town and it is a coastal, well known resort town, set on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin has a population of around 60,000 people, the King of Thailand has his summer palace Klai Kang Won (Far from Worries) adjoining the beach. Recently upgraded highways provide for a leisurely three hour drive to Thailand's oldest beach resort area. Hua Hin has one of the lowest rain falls in Thailand and being a coastal town gets that lovely sea breeze, so can be visited all year round. There are three seasons, the dry season (March-September), the rainy season (October - November) and the warm season (November-February). One of the lowest rainfalls of any beach area. Weather is hot but refreshed by a cooling sea breeze. Most days offer clear blue skies and sometimes billowing white clouds. Hua Hin was chosen as the Royal resort due to the excellent weather and climate. Among the most important landmark is the Klai Kang Won Palace, a royal summer residence built by King Rama VII. The major nightlife attraction which is very popular with both Thai and foreign tourists is the night market. A wide choice of cuisines naturally with many fine Thai restaurants. Hua Hin is unlike most other beach resorts in Thailand. If you are looking for bright lights and frantic all night action you will be disappointed there. It is very much a family holiday resort area with good shopping and multi-national restaurants including, of course, the best Thai seafood the country has to offer. Hua Hin has night markets, stylish shops and boutiques. There are many old style and art shops close to the fishing piers, art and crafts shops . The main beach area fronts the town itself where many fine resorts are found. Beaches to the north and south . The beaches at Khao Takiab (Chopsticks Hill) and Takiab Bay (Chopsticks Bay) are just to the south of the town centre. Hua Hin beaches stretch along the coast both north and south. For out door fun and adventure you can enjoy watersports, Elephant rides, All terrain Vehicle rides, fishing and boat trips. Khao Takiab Bay is a popular beaches with clear clean water and gentle waves, beach loungers and beach umbrellas for shade. Palm trees and Casuarana trees line the long beach at Takiab Bay. These beach areas are also popular for jogging and beach cycling. The area also offers the opportunity to visit the temples of Khao Takiab, feed the monkeys, climb to the viewpoint. The Khao Takiab area has many temples includes many built many years ago. Snorkeling is available a few hours south . The River Kwai is just 3 hours from Hua Hin . The National Park at Sam Roi Yot (Three Hundred Peaks) is just 30 minutes south of town. Apart from its fabulous beaches, Hua Hin is best known for its cotton products, which come in a wide range of prints and colours, and its dried seafood products which enjoy enduring appeal among those who favour Thai and Chinese cuisine. A nightly street market in Hua Hin town is a favourite venue for shoppers. Hua Hin also boasts Thailand's first golf course (still in use as the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course after some 70 years). Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: http://www.huahininthailand.com ::::::::Jomtien Beach Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Nusa Playa Hotel Jomtien Beach Nusa Playa Hotel Jomtien Beach Jomtien Beach is located just beyond Pattaya, about 90 minutes by express highway from Bangkok Airport. Although a very busy beach resort area Jomtien Beach is quieter than it's neighouring Pattaya which is just 10 minutes north of Jomtien. Although often included with Pattaya it has developed into a busy resort area with hotels, condos, vacation rentals, restaurants and shopping. Jomtien Beach is one of the most popular beaches near Bangkok with a good choice of places to stay. An ideal beach close to Bangkok for those who want a busy and active beach resort area but quiter than Pattaya. :::::::::Kanchanaburi Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see On the way to Sankhlaburi On the way to Sankhlaburi Pim Visitors may not have heard of this province but it’s likely they know about the nearby bridge over the River Kwai. Many Allied prisoners of war perished during World War II building the infamous Death Railway. The bridge itself is very unassuming; today it’s still used occasionally by local train traffic. Whilst on the subject of bridges Kanchanaburi also boasts the longest wooden bridge in Thailand in Sangkhlaburi district, Kanchanaburi province across the Mekhong, you can see Mon villages. Visit the nearby museum which chronicles life in the POW camps and the history of the jungle railroad’s construction (there is even a simulated Allied bombardment). Also take a walk through the immaculately maintained Allied War Cemetery where you’ll find the graves of more than 8 000 POWs who died working on the bridge and railway for the Japanese imperial Army. It’s a very moving experience. Kanchanaburi can be seen as a day trip from Bangkok try to include a trip to Nakhon Pathom a must if you plan a couple of days. If you’re spending a couple of nights in Kanchanaburi consider taking a day trip to Erawan National Park. Easily reached by bus the park sits in the middle of thick jungle and contains a series of small waterfalls descending a hill and flowing into a series of pools. It’s a delight to swim in the cold clear pools as an antidote to the thick tropical heat. Outside of Kanchanaburi the unique Jungle Rafts Hotel lies on the River Kwai about two hours by boat from nearby Pak Saeng (reached by car or bus from Bangkok). Built on the edge of the river the hotel provides a perfect base from which to tour caves take walks in teak and bamboo forests swim in the river see picturesque waterfalls and wild orchids and indulge in either western or Thai food. Plan two nights if time permits. :::::::::Khao Lak Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Khao Lak was made famous by the 2004 Asian Tsunami, when thousands of Thai and tourists were killed. Before that Khao Lak was a developing beach resort, relativly unspoiled and popular with scuba divers and family's. Its now been largly repaired and is open for business again, and in many ways a cleaner and better organised resort than before. ::::::::Khao Takiab Beach Bay Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see usa mas restaurant usa mas restaurant Herbert L Khao Takiab Beach and Khao Takiab Bay are located in the Hua Hin area on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The surrounds offer beaches, elephant rides, boat trips, offshore fishing, horse riding, cycling and nearby Golf Courses. Ideal for those seeking a beach area that is quiet and relaxing and yet just minutes from the busy center of Hua Hin. At low tide during most of the day the beach is almost 100 metres wide and is several kms long. There are beach loungers and shades and also fern and palm trees along the beach. The water is clea and the waves are just gentle ripples. At the north end the rocky mountain of Khao Takiab is an amazing view. Ideal for jogging you also find people paying petanque and volley ball, even when busy at weekends there is plenty of room and beach space to find your own quiet area. Beach vendors to not bother anyone but are available for a cold drink, tropical fruit or food snacks. The area behind the beach has Bourganvillia lined quiet streets with vacation homes, small guesthouses, boutique accommodation. You will also find Elephant and also grazing cattle, this is a very nice area and under 10 minutes from the centre of Hua Hin. _______Sights Edit This photo Huahinwhatson Khao Takiab Bay has many fine Thai temples, many of these are illuminated at night making for a very attractive sight. The area also offers Horse Riding, Elephant Rides and soft adventures in addition to the long and wide stretch of beach. ::::::Khao yai national park Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see waterfall waterfall unknown Khao Yai is Thailand's oldest and most revered national park. Spanning four provinces, this 2,000-square-kilometer biological wonderland contains more than 70 mammal species, including tigers and elephants, as well as 320 varieties of birds. It has been declared an ASEAN National heritage site and probably it will be by the United Nations soon, too. Like most of Asia's wildlife sanctuaries, Khao Yai has been long under threat from poachers who are stripping the forest of its plant and animal wealth. In March 2000 the government launched the so-called Khao Yai Conservation Project, so hopefully future generations are able to visit this outstanding piece of nature. The park has over 50 km hiking trails, many of them formed by wildlife movement. Elevations range from 100 to 1400 metres. It is easy to get lost so it's recommended to hire a guide. Trips to the park can be arranged easily from Bangkok. ______Getting There Edit This The easiest way is by a tour operator. If you want to go on your own there are frequent busses from Bangkok leaving from the northern bus station to Pak Chong, from where you can take a songthaew to the park gates. From Khorat take a Bangkok-bound bus and get off in Pak Chong. Trains leave from Bangkok or Aythaya. The ordinary train takes around four and half hours from Bangkok. Some people prefer even hitchhiking. ::::::::Ko Samet Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Fisher villiage Fisher villiage Igor Zhuravlev An Island getaway southeast of Bangkok. Part of a national park area. By some considered to have the nicest sand in Thailand. Very popular destination among thai-people and also visited by many foreigners. Naga Beach is the most popular to young party people with several bars and hut-type hotels. The rest of the island consist of smaller beaches with a selection of lodging and resorts in different price categories. Some place get full during weekends so it is advised to arrive mid-week since many places do not offer advance bookings. To enter the nice parts of the island you have to pay a fee to the national park authority which is ten times higher for foreigners as it is for thai guests, so if you are asian looking and speak a bit of thai you can easily pay the smaller fee. Local transport consists of pick-up trucks with seats that costs some money to use. There is plenty of bus connections to Ban Phe where you take a boat to the island. If you buy your ticket from Khao San Road the boat fair is usually included and if there are few passengers you they might use a van instead of a bus. An alternative is to take the cheaper busses from Bangkok Ekkamai and buy boat fare when you arrive, to do this you should preferable speak a little bit of thai since the bus station can be very confusing. Alternativly any bus to Ranong will leave you with a short tuk-tuk or song-thaew ride to Ban Phe where you can walk onto the ferry, this is probably the cheapest way to get there. Since it is a national park you are allowed to set up at tent anywhere on the island (several places rent out tents) even if there is a sign saying it is not allowed. At Naga beach there is a small shop, a book exchange and internet cafe. There are ATMs on the island so you don't need to bring cash, some places accept credit cards but with an extra fee. From the island there is plenty of daily boat trips and also the possibility to learn scuba diving. The diving on the island can be very special and a great experience. Many bars offer nightly movies when you are tired. _________Getting There Edit This The ferry leaves from Banpae Pier everyday, from 07.00 until 17.00 ,arrive at 3 piers on Samet Island, which are Thadan Pier (25min), Praw Pier (30min), Vong Duen Pier (45min). You can hire also a speed boat from Banpe Pier to Samet , which costs around 1,000 Baht/Trip. But first you have to get to Banpae. There are a number of possibilities to get there. [Add Global transport mode] By taxi Edit This By taxi it will take about three hours and cost from 1,600 to 2,000 baht. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] By bus Edit This Busses to Koh Samet via Banpae leave from Eakamai station. The trip takes approx. 3 hours. Bus services start from 07.00 until 20.30 every 40 minutes. Check time table Bangkok: +66-2-3912237, Banpae: +66-38-651528. The bus fee is approx. 3 US-$ per person. type: By Rail World66 rating: [rate it] :::::::::::Koh Chang Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see sunset on lonely beach sunset on lonely beach mauira Off Thailand’s southeastern coast Koh Chang is Thailand’s second-largest island after Phuket. The Koh Chang National Marine Park occupies most of Koh Chang as well as several nearby islands. The island is located 140 mi/225 km southeast of Bangkok. In recent years the island has become more popular with travelers and Thai people alike. Most of the beach resorts are located on the beautiful west coast of the island. Koh Chang has several wonderful waterfalls that allow swimming and diving from rocks. There are elephant trekking tours through the jungle and there are a dozen diving schools that will guide you to the best diving spots that Thailand has to offer. Most Thais like to go squid fishing at night and kayaking or hiking during the day. There is a local information repository kohchang.guidebook.in.th that hosts maps and tips. Arriving on Ko Chang by boat, you are greeted by many truck taxis waiting to take you around the island. The roads are steep and winding at times, but these local treks will be memorable. ::::::::::Koh Lanta Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Sunset on Koh Lanta Sunset on Koh Lanta www.dubstar.ch Several years ago, Ko Lanta was an offbeat destination inhabited only by Muslim fishermen who couldn't understand why anyone would visit their hot, remote island. Ko Lanta today has over a dozen bungalows stretched along the west coast, from the northern village of Ban Sala Dan down to Ban Sangka U at the southern tip. Getting to this island can be a bit tedious but not difficult.Once you're there however, you will realise that its worth the effort. A long ride in a small ferry from Krabi must be taken. You can also take a train to Trang and find a local truck with seats in the back that will take you for an hour long ride to another ferry point. Ko Lanta archipelago consists of 52 islands, but only Ko Lanta Yai and a few small islets have formal accommodations. Ko Lanta offers some fairly good beaches almost completely untouched by mass tourism, and a bit of skin diving over offshore coral beds. Another sidelight is the near-complete dominance of Islam on the island, a world where Muslim mosques vastly outnumber Buddhist wats. Public nudity is discouraged. If you are looking for a holiday to just unwind,feel the breeze in your hair,go back into time,this is the place.With just enough of technology, to say connected to the rest of the world, by means of a few internet cafes and ISd calling stations,this is a wonderful retreat from the maddenning crowds.Getting around is easy,as you can rent bikes taht come with helmets or one can hop into the native version of a rikshaw.There are beach parties all over,a disco,massage parlours and even thai cooking classes.Food id clean and hygienic,available at all times with convenience stores everywhere.Hotels are plenty,with friendly staff, though communicating might pose aproblem sometimes. One can go scuba diving,snorkelling,cave exploring,on a jungle safari or simply gat a tan on the beach.The evenings are the best time to venture out,enjoy a drink by the beach and head to a party nearby.If you happen to be around for the Lanta festival,you cant miss it.Wonderful colours,smells and sounds amke it an unforgettable experience, with foot massages,skits,puppet shows, and cultural shows a part of the evenings itenary.You cant miss the food all over which is clean,affordable and very sumptous.One get get a lot of good bargains by way of clothes and accessories. The monsoons bring heavy downpours June-October. You can usually find bicycles to rent to explore the island. Bring water and food with you though as supplies are hard to come by on the east side of the island. ::::::::Koh Ngai Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Koh Ngai and Koh Mook is the far south of Thailand offer Thai tropical island paradise scenes and tropical island accommodation. Koh Ngai and the other islands can be reached by air from Bangkok with Nok Air to Trang Airport or by train to Trang. Some visitors also travel by air to Krabi and then continue down the coast to take the boat acrosss to Koh Ngai or the neighbouring islands. Islands that offer tropical and rustic beach accommodations, snorkeling and relaxation. ::::::Koh Samui Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see South of Lamai South of Lamai Morsan Koh Samui or Samui Island (in Thai language "Koh" means "Island") is in general considered as the second most beautiful tourism spot in Thailand. But those who want to enjoy the natural beauties with serene environment will be sceptic of this opinion. Koh Samui is simply the best place for them. Over the years it has attracted many foreigners, especially from Europe. It's interesting that many foreign travellers who came to Koh Samui just to pass vacation, couldn't avoid falling in love of its beauty. Eventually they settled there and this is reflected from a large number of foreign residents there. When we first wrote about Koh Samui in the mid 1980s we predicted that the building of an airport on the island would forever change its character—and not for the better. Well Samui has its airport and though there have been some significant changes it’s still a very pleasant place to go. The only people likely to complain are those who spent time there when it was in its undeveloped state. Samui still has lovely clean beaches with magical blue-green colored water and an idyllic atmosphere—it’s just that there are now three to four times as many people enjoying it as before. Koh Samui is at 295 mile or 475 km south of Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. ::::::::Koh Talu Island Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Koh Talu island is off the coast of the Gulf of Thailand near Bang Saphan and is reached by a short spedboat ride. The island has 2 resorts, this is relaxed and laid back island life so do not expect nightlife, restaurants or shopping, for eating there are the resorts. Offshore snorkeling and quiet beaches _________Koh Talu Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Koh Talu is an island, quite small, limited to accommodation near the beach, a short boat ride from Bang Saphan which can be reached by road or rail from Bangkok or from the south of Thailand. Situated along the coast between Hua Hin and Chumphon, trains also operate north from Hat yai and Surat Thani. There are express buses from Bangkok and Hua Hin and also from Surat Thani. ::::::Koh Tao Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see landing on Ko Tao landing on Ko Tao mauira This little island offers the accessible low key Thailand option. The ferries and speed boats drop off at the main pier and extension of the town's primary paved road. The little town offers all of the backpacker treats, including internet cafes, several food stops/bars, dirt bike rentals, a clinic with an English speaking nurse, an excellent pastry shop and place to read the paper, several general stores and more than a few beachside restaurants. The joy of this island is that it also offers a chance to get away from all of that. Several of the bungalow operations are only guaranteed accessible by boat or by foot. The sand and gravel roads leading to the out of the way spots tend to wash out early in the rainy season and stay washed out until well into the dry season. Even the courageous on large dirtbikes will find some of the roads unrideable. Hence, the challenge. Some of Thailands best snorkelling can be had in Koh Tao. Some snorkel tour operators bait the fish for a good show. Sometimes the fish show their appreciation by taking a little nip of the farangs (foreigners). These bites tend to be more startling than actually dangerous. Still, keep an eye out for trigger fish. My hands down recommendation goes to the Coral View Resort. This dozen bungalow operation is run by John, an Aussie, and his Thai wife. If one waits for the touts to clear, one can usually spot John waiting for the mellow customer. The Coral View offers dive instruction, a quiet beach, easy access to fantastic snorkeling and a view of Shark Island. A short conversation with John is all one needs to get a discount on his already low prices, especially on extended stays. Please give my best to Honee, an exceptional girl amoung the normally industrious Thai people. ________Things to do Edit This Sailing on Koh Tao Sailing on Koh Tao www.island-cruises.org Diving: Koh Tao is a diving paradise with over 30 PADI dive shops, with amazing coral gardens and marine life very close to the coasts. Most people come to get a PADI Open Water certification, which takes three or four days, and includes a pool session and four dives in open water. Prices and safety are about the same everywhere, and not really a criterion for choosing a dive shop. Prices change but you should expect to pay 200-250 dollars for a course (June 2006). If you would like to do a course in your own language, inform if there is an instructor available. All instructors speak English, but Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Dutch, German, French, Spanish, Italian and Hebrew are quite common too on Koh Tao. (Dutch speakers can go to Parthenon, Greece symbol by Greece-Athens.com for Dutch instructors at different diveshops). You should also inform about the group size during your course. It is largely a matter of taste, but for the average traveler a group from four to six people is best educationally and socially. However, when you want to do a course alone or with two or three people, you should explicitly ask a dive shop beforehand. Another point of consideration is the location of dive shop. Do you want to be on the party beach Sairee, on a bit more quiet beach like Chalok Ban Kao, or do you really want perfect quietness and stay at Tanote bay? The last relevant point is the accommodation. You will want to stay at or very near your dive shop, simply because that is where you will spend most of your time and meet your fellow students. Some dive shops will give you a discount on accommodation if you are diving with them, but that depends on the dive shop and season. In general, it is better to find accommodation you like and pay one or two dollars more than to stay somewhere that you do not really like. So, do your research beforehand on the internet. Most dive shops have their own website, so Google around a bit. You can write an Email to info@duikeninthailand (all languages) for personal advice. You can also try Parthenon, Greece symbol by Greece-Athens.com for more information. Over the last couple of years more and more non divers have discovered the beauty of this island with its secluded little bays and unspoiled mointain ridges. Due to this, and the increasing amount of small upmarket resorts and villas nestled in the hillsides there are nowadays a lot more activities provided. Other water related sports: In January 2007 the first sailing charter company on Ko Tao was opened: Island Cruises. They are offering Day Sails, Sunset Cruises, private charters and Ang Thong Marine Park safaris. The helpful staff is happy to assist finding accommodation or transport. Other water related activities available are wake boarding, water skiing, sumo tube, wind surfing, and sailing lessons. Other activities: Hike to one of the secluded bays on the northern and eastern side of the island? On the 2 hour walk through the jungle to Mango Bay you will hardly meet any people. And when you're there-well, the snorkeling is good too. Or do the same trip with a dirt bike or ATV but be advised: Only for really experienced drivers-the medical facilities on the island make a very good living from motorcycle accidents. More adrenaline? Go rock climbing or do some paint-ball jungle games (temporarily closed, reopens in December 2007) For the ones who are into a serious workout the Thai boxing stadium in Sairee is offering Muoy Thai courses and if that's not enough the Monsoon Gym is conveniently located beside the stadium. Less straining is playing mini golf or bowling in Mae Haad, doing a massage course or yoga. Cooking courses are also available. Last but not least elephants have arrived here; if you want to look at Ko Tao from an elephants back, go for it. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: wikitravel :::::::::Koh Yao (Yao Island) Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Ko Yao (???????), sometimes written Koyao, is a group of islands between Phuket and Krabi. There are two main islands, Ko Yao Noi ("Small Long Island") and Ko Yao Yai, with Noi being the more developed of the two. Ko Yao Noi remains a beautiful island, where most people still believe that the island should be preserved from human degradation. Sea Gypsies (Moken people) were inhabiting the Bay before anybody else, except maybe other nomadic people like forest hunters and collectors (Sakai, Negritos). The 3,500 or so inhabitants of Koh Yao Noi are thought to be recent migrants from the Malay Peninsula (Satun, Trang). The Mon population, linguistically and culturally belonging to the Khmer ethnolinguistic group, did settled in peninsular Thailand since ever, ruling maritime states like the one of Ligor (Nakhon Si Thammarat). They melt continuously with Southern migrants from Malaysia and with Northern rulers (Thai), over centuries of commercial exchanges and political conflicts. Most probably the Mon stock remains prevalent for most of the people living nowadays in Southern Thailand, including people of Koh Yao. Numerous cave paintings hidden in the many islands of the bay, extending from 2000 years ago to last century, attest the influence of distinct communities in the emergence of a mixed origin population, living now in the provinces of Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi and Satun. The most recent migrations (17th-18th century) from Satun and Trang to Ko Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi is attested by the fact that the particular dialect spoken on the island still bear obvious Malaysian lexical traces, particularely regarding toponyms and vernacular names of the flora species. The main industries on the island are fishing and rubber planting. A little rice farming and some fruit, palm and coconut plantations are evident. Boat building and farming techniques here have been passed from father to son and, while some of the youngsters leave Ko Yao to seek the bright lights of Phuket, most return to their tight knit community. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: http://wikitravel.org/en/Ko_Yao :::::::::::Koh Yao Island Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Koh Yao island is a quiet tropical Island between Phuket and Krab :::::::Koh pha-ngan Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Full Moon Party Hat Rin Beach Full Moon Party Hat Rin Beach mauira Koh Phangan is north of Koh Samui. It is being developed now, but it is still more relaxed than Koh Samui or Phuket. Best things to do include a snorkeling trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park a visit to Bottle Beach - lay on the beach or hike to the waterfall. The media portrays Koh Phangan as purely a Full Moon party island but in actual fact there are numerous resorts and fantastic beaches away from Haad Rin on the South. For example moving North from the port of Thongsala along the West Coast are beaches such as Haad Yao and Haad Son that offer excellent entertainment and views. Mae Haad beach is simply stunning. Moving south from Thongsala are beaches such as Baan Kai and Baan Tai with amazing views of Koh Samui in the near distance. When the lightening storms highlight the bigger island it is amazing. The Eastern side of the island is more remote and the roads to reach it are hard but upon reaching your final destination there are beauties to behold. For example Thong Nai Pan Noi has been listed as one the most beautiful beaches in Asia. Than Sadet has an amazing waterfall that was visited by a past King of Thailand and has his initials burned into the rocks. One of the quieter spots on the island is Chalok Lam Bay in the north of the island about 15 minutes from the port of Thongsala and 30 minutes from the party town of Haad Rin. Many people choose to party hard in the south and then relax in the less developed north. So whether you are partying hard or just chilling out Koh Phangan has much to offer all. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: content that I created and also placed similar on Vcarious :::::::Koh phi phi Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Maya Bay Maya Bay Matteo Rigotti The so-called Phi Phi islands consist of Phi Phi Lee and Phi Phi Don. Phi Phi Lee is approx. 6 square kilometres in area. Steep, lightly vegetated cliffs rising from the seabed, hidden bays concealing beaches and calm clear waters. Two kilometres north, the larger ( 28 square kilometres ) Phi Phi Don has a curving white and palm-fringed beach extending between mountain masses sheltering calm waters. This, and other minor beaches, offers beachside bungalow and chalet accommodation. The area immediately adjacent to a Muslim fishing village contains bars offering living music ; restaurants specialising in popular European cusines and Thai food ; cabarets ; souvenir shops ; dive shops and charter boat operations offering game fishing excursions and day trips, including several opportunities for snorkelling, around the major islands, including Ko Pai ( Bamboo island ), half an hour from Phi Phi Don and touted by locals as one of the most beautiful and unspoiled, uninhabited islands in the area. Koh Phi Phi is totally back in business! Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: corrected spelling (Koh Paid -> Koh Pai) ________Sights Edit This Not much to see in Koh Phi Phi unless you take you take the hike up to view point where you get a fabtastic view over the narrow strip of land joining the two hills that nake ups the islnd and also get eaten alive my largest mosquitoes in SE Asia. Boat trips ca take you round the island or to nearby Phi Phi Leh, home of the sea starlings that provide the nests for the famous chinese bird nest soup _______Getting Around Edit This Getting around on Phi Phi is by shanks pony!! There are no Tuk Tuk's, no motorcycle taxi's and definitely no taxi's or buses, although the few people with motor scooters will happily give people a ride. It's not a problem though, everwhere is just a short walk, unless you want to walk up to the view point. If you need to get to the more remote beaches you can get a taxi boat, a typical Thai longtail boat, but be prepared to barter, or walk! ______Getting There Edit This The Phi Phi islands are located about 48 Km southeast from Phuket, 42 km south from Krabi Town and 40 km from Ao Nang Beach. They can be reached in between 1 1/2 to 3 hours depending on the type of boat you choose. Boats leave from Phuket, Ao Nang and the Chao Far Pier in Krabi Town on a daily basis. _____People Edit This The People of Ko Phi Phi consist of the Thai Sea Gypsy's an animist tribe who although nomadic by nature establish villages on various islands throughout Thailand, Thai muslims and Thai buddhists, although the establishment of the bug hotels chains have brought other Thai's in from Bangkok. _____Phi Phi Island Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Phi Phi Island between Phuket and Krab. Phi Phi island is a popular destination for those taking a day trip from Phuket or krabi but it also has resorts and other places to stay, a beautiful tropical island. ::::::::::Krabi Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see A perfect day at Railey Beach Krabi A perfect day at Railey Beach Krabi Mark Savige Locally known as the location of the Graveyard of Shells (fossil beds near the sea) Krabi also has nice beaches and an interesting botanical garden. The beaches in Krabi (Raylee Beach, Aonang Beach) are crowded in winter as are the beautiful nearby Phi Phi Islands (Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh) located about 40 mi/60 km off the coast that are currently (and unfortunately) being overdeveloped for tourism. Easily accessible by boat from Krabi the Phi Phis have almost deserted white-sand beaches and green cliffs jutting from the water. Phi Phi Don is a popular hangout for the yachting crowd but it’s still an enjoyable place to hang out with good food and cheap bungalows but these are becoming less affordable for the travellers wishing to budget it seems the interest is for package tours. Have a water-buffalo steak while there and dive the reefs—although some have been destroyed there are some unspoiled areas remaining. Phi Phi Leh has some interesting caves worth exploring. The caves many of which contain ancient paintings are home to sea swallows. Local people climb to the tops of these huge caves on spindly bamboo poles to harvest the birds’ nests that are used in bird’s-nest soup. Krabi is 40 mi/65 km northeast of Phuket. Krabi is beginning to accommodate more visitors each year raising fears that it will be another Phuket. ::::::::Kui Buri Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Kui Buri is a quiet coastal area on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand south of Hua Hin towards Prachuap Khiri Khan :::::::Kui Buri Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Quiet and relaxed small town and village areas along the coast of the Gulf of Thailand south of Hua Hin and pranburi towards prachuap Khiri Khan on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Off the beaten track coastal location in Thailand along the Sunrsie Coast. ________Getting There Edit This Travel by bus or train south of Bangkok, you can also take local bus and train from Hua Hin along the coast to Kui Buri. [Add Global transport mode] bangkoklimo Edit This If you wish to take a private car to Kui Buri, please contact bangkoklimo.org they provide a transfer service to Hua Hin and the southern route. type: By Air World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 0813480241 url: www.bangkoklimo.org address: 731 asoke dindaeng email: info@bangkoklimo.org _______Day Trips Edit This You can travel easily to from Kui Buri by bus or train or local car to Prachuap Khiri Khan for a trip and see the famous scenic Bay and also the Monkeys at the temples. ______Beaches Edit This There are almost deserted beach areas around Kui Buri, the beaches are not that great but this is a place that benefits from hardly any tourists and yet have a great local Thai atmosphere, evenb if you do not stay a visit for lunch from places such as pranburi is interesting. ::::::::Lampang Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Famous for its horse-drawn carriages and with a rooster as its provincial emblem. Lampang boasts a long history of human settlements on the Wang River basin, some of which dating back to more than 1000 years. It is rich in archaeological evidence reflecting ancient civilisations of Hariphunchai, Lanna and Burma. Lampang is the only province in Thailand still retaining horse-drawn carriages as a means of transport with in city limit. Visitors can hire such vehicles to tour places such as markets, traditional houses along the river bank and the numerous temples in town. The Thai Elephants Conservation Centre is located in the Thung Kwian forest park in Hang Chat district about 32 kilometres from town on the route to Chiang Mai. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: http://www.hotel-club-thailand.com/destination/lampang.htm :::::::::Mae Hong Son Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Ricefields Near Soppong Ricefields Near Soppong Mae Hong Son is a peaceful spot located in the north-western corner of the Kingdom. Visitors will notice a strong Burmese influence. The city has been a place known for power struggles between various Tai (Shan) and Burmese kingdoms over the years. The city is best visited between November and March when the town is at its most beautiful. Mae Hong Son is sheltered by several mountains, keeping it cooler during the summer months and allowing the temperature to drop to only 2ºC during January. The mountains have long been home to various migrant hilltribes. The region's many natural attractions have brought increasing numbers of visitors over the recent years. It is very popular with independent travellers. There are more than 20 guesthouses. Mae Hong Son is a great place for daytrips in the region and provides great opportunities for adventures; on its twisting roads, sweeping rivers and in the mountainous forested region, passing through villages with Burmese/Shan style temples. Waterfalls, not only pleasing to the eye, but also fill small pools which are a perfect treat at the end of long treks through the forests. The region is also well known for its multitude of caves: archaeologists have discovered some 67 in the province, many still containing prehistoric relics. The 400m long cave at Tham Lod, about 80km to the northwest of Mae Hong Son, near Soppong , is just one of these fine caves. ::::::::::Mahasarakham Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Taksila Hotel - 4 Stars for a 1-star price Taksila Hotel - 4 Stars for a 1-star price J. Davies Being a college town boasting seven institutions of higher learning, prices are cheap and the restaurants are lively. The city is also the provincial capitol for Mahasarakham Province with a fairly new and strikingly beautiful white modern-traditional capitol building on the south side of town. The Museum of Northeastern Isaan Culture is on the downtown campus of Mahasarakham University (MSU), the largest of the local HE institutions with a student body of 30,000 plus. MSU's second, Khamriang Campus (9 kilometers north of town) is not to be missed. Strikingly modern architecture in rich brick facades characterize the many buildings on campus--contrasting with nearby rice farmers plowing with buffalo, provide a great amatuer photographer's delight. Several relaxing parks are nearby for a stroll or picnic, one of which is Wang Ma Cha, a few kilometers northeast out of town. Tuk-tuks and mortorcycle taxis are plentiful and cheaply-hired. Frequent and cheap bus service connects with other nearby towns (Khon Kaen, Roi-et) for great one-day excursions. The downtown Taksila Hotel provides a four-star experience for a one-star price, including a delicious Wednesday noon buffet and Thai massage services. A new and even cheaper hotel is currently being built a few kilometers north of town, hosted by Mahasarakham University's hotel and tourism faculty. Other inexpensive options are the Vasu Hotel, with its Thai-style cafe, also in the city centre, and Suan Warun, the training hotel at Mahasaraham Rajabhat University just off the Khon Kaen road. Suan Warun boasts an excellent restaurant and sometimes offers very low prices to ensure a flow of guests for the students. Shopping options in Mahasarakham remain more limited than in other large Isan towns but have improved in recent years. The old Serm Thai department store in the city centre is now just part of a small mall, which also includes Tesco Lotus and the usual Western-oriented fast food outlets such as KFC and Svenssons. A new shopping plaza is under construction near the canal past the Vasu Hotel. The fresh food market near the central clock tower provides a fasinating insight into the culture of a central Isan town. In the past Mahasarakham had the reputation of a regional educational centre with very limited entertainment options. However, today there are a large number of lively restaurants and bars, mainly on the side of the city near the downtown campuses of MSU and the Rajabhat, and on the roads leading in to the Khamriang campus. Two of the best restaurants are Jaan Nuan near the city centre on the Borabue road, and Si Muang Steakhouse in a nearby soi leading to the Nursing College. Westerners will probably like the lunch buffet available at Monkey Steak adjacent to MSU's Khamriang campus. Best time to visit: November through January for cool weather. [Be sure to visit the Photo Gallery for more scenes from Mahasarakham and sites mentioned in this review.] (May 2006) _________Getting There Edit This Overnight Train Berth from Bangkok to Khon Kaen Overnight Train Berth from Bangkok to Khon Kaen jdavies There are several ways to reach Mahasarakham depending on the traveler's budget and time available. Below alternatives are listed from most expensive to least expensive. Alternative #1: From Bangkok, fly Thai Airways to Khon Kaen for about $40 (USD) and a 45-minute flight. Take a taxi to the Khon Kaen bus station (specify "non air-con station"). Buses leave every hour for Mahasarakham; about a 90-minute ride. Alternative #2: From Bangkok's Buanglamphoo Rail Station, take the 8:45pm night train to Khon Kaen. Enjoy a comfortable night's sleep in an air-conditioned car with curtained private beds for about $16 (USD). A porter will wake you and serve you coffee prior to your arrival, if requested. Arrive at Khon Kaen about 6:00 a.m., and proceed to the bus station (10-minute taxi or tuk-tuk ride) as described above. First bus for Mahasarakham leaves about 6:30 a.m. Alternative #3: From Bangkok's Northeastern Bus Station (Mochit), take the Mahasarakham bus (ticket wickets/gates #11 or #12), for the eight-hour ride. There are both overnight and afternoon buses. Cost, approximately $6-$7 (USD). The advantage of this route is that you travel directly to Mahasarakham without the Khon Kaen intermediary destination. (May 2006) ::::::::::Muang Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see "Muang" is the word for "city" in Thai. This section refers to no specific city. :::::::::Nong khai Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see The Sculpture Park, Salakeawkoo The Sculpture Park, Salakeawkoo Julian Wright Nong Khai is located on the banks of the Maekhong river, 630 km north-east of Bangkok . Across the river is People's Democratic Republic of Laos . This is a good base from which to explore Isaan, the North-East of Thailand, and the only place in Isaan at which you can cross the river into neighbouring Laos by using the so-called Friendship Bridge in Nong Khai town. The scenery around Nong Khai and along the Maekhong river is very beautiful and worth checking out. Outside of Nong Khai is Wat Khaek (also known as Salaa Kaew Kuu), a zany Buddhist-Hindu scupture park worth a visit. . The city is also a good place to buy handicraft of the region and neighbouring Laos. . A slightly eccentric bar in town, The Bridge Bar, has a website with information about travelling to and from Nong Khai. Their website is at thebridgenongkhai.com. :::::::::Nonthaburi Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo_4 tathisri Nonthaburi is situated in a fertile basin on the bank on the Chao Phraya River. This abundant town is full of fruit and flower plantations as well as historical temples. The town is only 20 kms. from Bangkok and is conveniently accessible by road or river. Nonthaburi has been found in history as a part of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. It was once consolidated with Bangkok in 1943 and was re-established as a province in 1946. Nonthaburi occupies an area of 622 square kilometres and is administratively divided into six districts: Muang Nonthaburi, Pak Kret, Bang Kruai, Bang Bua Thong and Sai Noi. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: pak kret :::::::::Pattaya Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Pattaya Beach Pattaya Beach Ode au persil Located 147 kilometers southeast of Bangkok or only about two-hour drive, Pattaya is Thailand's premier beach resort and annually attracts hundreds of thousand of pleasure-seeking tourist from all over the world. Visitors can windsurf, water ski, swim, sunbath, snorkel, sail, or take trips to offshore coral islands. They can rent water scooters to explore Pattaya bay, and motorcycles and jeeps to explore neighbouring-beaches. Pattaya boasts an incredible choice of accommodation to suit every pocket. Facilities range from air conditioned opulence to basic simplicity. Essentially, the visitor has the choice of luxury hotels with private-beaches; bayside hotels and bungalow; and "inland" economy-class hotels and guest houses. Pattaya offers some of Thailand's choicest seafood in several specialty restaurants. Steak houses and fast-food outlets provide attractive alternatives and gourmets and gourmands alike find satisfaction in restaurants featuring French, Italian, Swiss, German, Hungarian, Scandinavian, English, Indian, Moslem, Japanese, Chinese and Thai Cuisines. From families to individual visitors, Pattaya offers something for everyone and all the ingredients for a truly memorable holiday. Also worth a look is close by Jomtien beach about 3 kms south. This is a rapidly developing area with emphasis on beach life rather than sleaze. There are several excellent golf courses within 15 minutes taxi ride including the 27 hole Phoenix, and the excellent Pattaya Country Club (check for sport days which include a free lunch and a round for 15 dollars) Further south (30 mins) is the Navy course near Sattahip, this is beautiful and still cheap (18 holes for 25 dollars). ::::::::::Petchburi Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Wat Yai Suwannaram Wat Yai Suwannaram nirvana Petchaburi is about 130 km south of Bangkok, 30 km north of Cha Am and 50 km north of Hua Hin. This busy town also offers the visitor the opportunity to visit temples and also the hilltop Old Palace. :::::::::Phang-nga bay Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Khao Phing Kan Khao Phing Kan Matteo Rigotti The provincial capital of Phang Nga is a small town, set amidst spectacular limestone crags. A classic example of the limestone karsts can be found at the famous Koh Phing Kan or 'James Bond Island', with its famous over-hanging rock, from the movie "The Man With the Golden Gun". The city is located approx. 800 km south of Bangkok. ::::::::: Phitsanulok Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see x Phitsanulok is located 380 km north of Bangkok. Worth a visit are the Pra Buddha Jinaraj (Chinarat) image at Wat Mahathat, an outstanding folklore museum, a Buddha factory, and night markets and floating restaurants on the Nan River. Another important plus is the complete absence of tourists, making Phitsanulok a refreshing change from the more popular destinations in central and northern Thailand. Phitsanulok originally served as a Khmer outpost called Song Kwae before the Kwai Noi River changed its course in the 11th century. In the 15th century Phitsanulok was the seat of the Ayuthaya viceroy, who ruled the province of Sukhothai. Phitsanulok is highly regarded among the Thai people as the birthplace of King Naresuan the Great, who governed the province 1569-84. A memorial to King Naresuan is located on the north side of the river on the grounds of the former Chandahana Palace. After a devastating fire in 1955, Phitsanulok was relocated five km from the old site and rebuilt in a modern shophouse style (structures with two stories--a shop downstairs, living quarters upstairs) that offers few architectural blessings ::::::::: :::::Phuket Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see i Phuket (pronounced 'Poo-ket') is a large island in the off the Thailand's west coast, in the Andaman Sea. The island is about the size of Singapore, with some 40kms (25 miles) of beaches. Phuket is located about 900 kms south from the nation's capital, Bangkok, and is connected to the mainland by a 100 meter-long causeway. Phuket's population of 1.6 million people ranks sixth among all provinces in Thailand. The province is the richest in Thailand (on a per capita basis) and second only to Bangkok in real terms. In the past, the island derived much of its wealth from tin production, which began in Phuket over 500 years ago. The presence of tin attracted European colonial powers such as the Portuguese and British. Many Chinese and Malay workers also came to Phuket as labourers to work in the tin mines. This mix of different cultures has given Phuket a flavour of its own. The influence of the Chinese and Portuguese are still evident in the old town today. There is also a strong muslim community in Phuket, with about 35% of the island's population being muslims of Malay descent. Along with the incredible beaches, hills and lush jungle, Phuket is a water lover's paradise. The reefs and surrounding islands teem with marine life. There is a host of water activities including scuba diving, yachting, water-skiing, windsurfing, jet-skiing and parasailing on offer. Other attractions are the Phuket Aquarium, the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park and five golf courses, including the prestigious Blue Canyon Country Club. Phuket is an ideal base from which to explore the Andaman region. Many boats leave Phuket for trips around Phang Nga Bay, with its impossibly sheer limestone outcrops that rise out of the sea, many caves and odd shaped islands. Other popular destinations are Phi Phi Island, Racha Islands and the Similan Islands. The Similans are considered to be among the top ten dive sites in the world. Phuket is not all about beaches. If you have time, the interior is definitely worth exploring. There are rice paddies, rubber plantations and small slices of Phuket's remaining rainforest. Phuket Town (now renamed Phuket City) is definitely worth checking out. There's plenty of shops and departments stores, as well as a few flea markets as well as some small antique and handicraft shops. Many of the streets are lined with Sino-Portuguese shop houses and houses, a reminder of the island's heritage. Patong, across the island from Phuket Town, is the noisy nightlife centre of the island with great beaches and facilities. Beaches such as Kata, Karon and Surin are quieter and have a more relaxed feel to them. One of the best family beaches is Nai harn beach at the southern tip of the island. The best beaches are along the west side, but the wind and waves from the Andaman sea can make them rough at times. Nai Harn on the other hand is a bay sheltered from worst winds and the sea is shallow for a long way out making it suitable for children (supervised of course). Also the beach is large enough, so there is plenty of room, and the restaurants and bars are right at the back under the tree line so getting stuff to eat and drink and enjoying it in the shade is convenient. Getting around by car or bike More than 10,000 people are injured and over 250 killed every year in road accidents in Phuket. Nine out of ten accidents involve motorbikes. Major risk factors are driving at night, and drunk-driving mostly by foreigners and that no one wears a helmet. Renting a car or motorbike to explore the island on your own is a cost-effective way of getting off the beaten track. However, given the driving habits of most locals and the resulting carnage on Phuket's roads every year, the risks do demand careful consideration. Driving habits are Thai style ignoring all the rules and keeping going at all costs, not much worse than Naples, but like there it keeps traffic moving. Traffic lights have just made things worse in the last few years. Motorcycle and scooter rentals start at around 150 baht/day, coming down to 100 baht/day for rentals of a week or more. There is a crash helmet requirement but no one wears one. A family of four (with two toddlers) on a bike will only share one helmet that the father wears but does not close it. You are hardly see police but supposedly Phuket police conducts spot checks at which a driving licence must be produced. Don't bother with an international licence. The current on-the-spot fine for not carrying a licence is 300 baht and then you continue ... Renting a car usually costs between 800-1000 baht if you want to go for an ecomonical one like a toyota vios or a jeep. Several rental companies are located in and around airport. Avis is located within the airport while Hertz, National and sixt are located walkable distance outside the airport (across the road). Bookings can be made online for these. More options would be local car rentals like airportrental and phuketcarrental. Rates are a little better without any other hassles. Driving around isn't that bad if you stay in and around the highways. No parking problems as such. The main highway Rt. 402 streches across phuket and connects all the major beaches like Patang, Surin, Mai Kao and the sunset point. Driving in Phuket can be a little crazy compared to most western nations, and congestion is limited to Phuket Town and the main stretches of Patong Beach. Drive very defensively at first and watch what the locals do. Of course, it helps if you are accustomed to driving on the left side of the road, which in itself could be enough to detract some North American or European drivers. Also be careful to check the level of insurance on a hire car, many local companies say they have 'full' insurance when in fact it is only a very basic level. Braun car rentals [2] , Pure and Via Car Rentals are reputable. :::::::::Prachinburi Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Prachin Buri is located some 134 kilometers from Bangkok. It occupies an area of 11,957.5 square kilometers and is administratively divided into seven Amphoes : Muang, Ban Sang, Kabin Buri, Na Di, Prachantakham, Si Maha Phot and Si Mahosot. The information gathered here are provided with support of the Thai Tourist Organisation TAT __________Sights Edit This The city itself does not have to offer very much, but there are some interesting sights out of Prachinburi. Explore one of the nice waterfalls or the Morakot Historical Park. In the city the most interesting thing to do is probably visiting the Prachinburi National Museum. [Add Sight] Morakot Historical Park Edit This This historical site is located at Wat Sramorakot, Tambon Kokthai, Amphoe Sri Mahosot. From Prachinburi, Follow Route 319 for a distance of approximately 23 Kilometres then turn left for approximatey 500 metres. This group of ancient ruins were built during the 14th - 18th centuries of the Buddhist Era (7th - 8th centuries A.D. ) Among the ruins, there are Lord Buddha's footprints, which are the largest and oldest in Thailand. Dach footprint is approximately 1.30 metres wide and 3.50 metres long, and has the Wheel of Dharma at the middle of the sole. . type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Khao Ito Waterfall Edit This The waterfall comprises of a main stream that wet and cool seasons. Surrounding the area of the falls, is natural forest.This is a popular picnicking spot for locals, There are also stalls selling food and beverages. Nearby, there is the Chakrapong Dam also known as the Khao Ito Dam, which is used for storing water. Is located approximately 12 kilometres from Prachinburi. Follow Poute 33 towards Aranyaprathet; then at km.160-161 turn onto a side route and follow for 2 kilometres. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Takro Waterfall Edit This a series of huge rocks along a valley of KhaoYai National Park. The surrounding area is forested, which not only provides a cool and shady atmosphere, but also makes a great place for picnicking. There are white papids especially during the wet season. Is located at Mooban 8, Tambon Bufai, approximately 16 Kilometres from Amphoe Prachan-takham. Follow Foute 33 to Amphoe Prachantakham then turn onto the route to the falls. From the carpark, it is another 500 metres walk to the falls. The water flows quickly over type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: uran openings: 324 tel: 6465344 email: 34fdggfd zipcode: asd url: 324324 Prachinburi National Museum Edit This Located behind the Prachinburi Provincial Hall, this place holds a collection of invaluable ancient art from Prachinburi and neighbouring provinces. There are displays of ancient artifacts from Sri Mahosot, an ancient city of the Dvaravati Preiod as well as examples of Lopburi ans Khmer art; such as, tools, household utensils, statues, and other forms of art. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Sa Morakot Edit This This ancient Khmer reservoir can be found at the village of Ban Sa Khoi, southeast of the Prachinburi township. The original laterite sluices of the dam, along with Naga sculptures can still be found there. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: Ban Sa Khoi Village Wat Phra Si Maha Pho Edit This This monastery is located in Amphoe Khok Pip, about 20 km from Prachinburi centre. Situated in the grounds of the monastery is the largest and oldest Bodhi tree to be found in Thailand. The seedling of the tree was brought from Buddha Gaya in India. The tree is surrounded by various Buddha images in different attitudes. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: Amphoe Khok Pip :::::::::Pranburi Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Bacchus Resort Bacchus Resort br Pranburi is located south of Hua hin on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. It has a quiet beach and is also located close to the famous Sam Roi Yot National Park that stretches along the coastline south. There are many excellent resorts in the area. Pranburi is becomming a very popular beach and coastal destination in Thailand, close to Hua Hin and national parks, there are now more hotels, resorts and other accommodations in the area though it remains a quiet and relaxing place to stay at a beach not too far from Bangkok. _________Sights Edit This beach near Pranburi beach near Pranburi Jacques Bekaert Pranburi is close to the famous Sam Roi Yot National Park thjat stretches along the coast between Hua Hin and prachuap Khiri Khan. ::::::::::Saree Beach Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Sairee beach memorial Sairee beach memorial Leo Hoogendoorn Sairee Beach memorial. It is a memorial for a son from a former king. :::::::Satun Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Leppa Island, Satun Leppa Island, Satun Satun is a small harbor town in the southwest of Thailand, at the Andaman Sea, close to Malaysia, and about 2 hours from HadYai. :::::::::Sisaket Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Roadsign in Sisaket Roadsign in Sisaket W.Schmid Sisaket is located in north-eastern Thailand between Surin and Ubon Ratschatani. It is developping at a fast pace and there are many old kmer temples to visit. Hotels start at only about 10 USD. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: http://www.res24asia.com/IsanRegion ________Things to do Edit This Roadsign in Sisaket Roadsign in Sisaket W.Schmid If you would like to know what you can do in Sisaket, Isaan, Thailand, you can visit the Sisaket online web directory from Res24asia.com. HAve a nice stay in the ISan-region. It can be found at: ::::::::Ubon Ratchatani Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Ubon Ratchatani is located about 650 km north-east of Bangkok. The city lies near the Moon-river and the Mekong river. For more information about Ubon Ratchatani and hotels and resorts in Ubon Ratchatani and things to do in the Isan region please log onto: www.res24asia.com/Isanregion.html. We hope you will find the information helpful. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: www.res24asia.com/Isanregion.html ::::::::Songkhla Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see The mermaid statue on the beach The mermaid statue on the beach Adriana Selage Songkhla province is in the deep south of Thailand, bordering with the state of Kedah in Malaysia, about 950 km south of Bangkok. It was formerly a part of the large Srivajaya kingdom that had control of the southern peninsular. The ancient city of Songkhla is located on a stretch of land between the Gulf of Thailand and the Songkhla Lake (Thale Sep Songkhla). The original settlement was at the foot of Khao Daeng. Many remnants from its past association with the Srivajayan Empire and from the Europeans, who arrived much later to trade in the area, can be found around the province. The province also boasts splendid beaches, waterfalls and other natural attractions. ::::::::::Sukhothai Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Loy Krathong show in the old temple complex in Sukhothai Loy Krathong show in the old temple complex in Sukhothai Leo Hoogendoorn Sukhothai which literally means "Dawn of Happiness" is located 427 km (267 miles) north of Bangkok, and was founded in 1238. Sukhothai used to be the capital of Thailand for approximately 120 years. The former greatness of Sukhothai has been preserved in architectural monuments. Ruins of the royal palaces, Buddhist temples, the city gates, walls moats, dams, ditches, ponds, canals and the water dyke control system which was the economic base of the kingdom has been restored by the Fine Arts Department with the cooperation of the UNESCO, not only to foster Thailand's national identity but safeguard an important part of mankind's cultural heritage. The new town of Sukhothai, a few kilometers away from the old one, is where hotels, restaurants and other infastructure facilities are located today. ______Practical Information Edit This Free travel guides and travel information from the official tourism offices of Sukhothai, Thailand. Research travel information for vacation ideas, and find events, attractions, arts & culture, dining, shopping, museums, travel guides, travel videos, conventions, tours and much more for cities throughout the city with this official travel and tourism portal. Recommended hotels for Best Hotel Rate Guarantee visit http://www.unseensukhothai.com _________Sukhothai Historical Park Edit This The Sukhothai Historical Park is without a doubt the highlight of a trip to the former capital of Siam. The park is located 12 kms. from town on the Sukhothai-Tak Highway. Ruins of the royal palaces, Buddhist temples, the city gates, walls, moats, dams, ditches, ponds, canals, and the water dyke control system, which was the magical and spiritual center of the kingdom, are now preserved and have been restored by the Fine Arts Department with the cooperation of UNESCO, not only with a view of fostering Thailand's national identity but the safeguarding a fine example of mankind's cultural heritage. The tourist Service Centre is near Wat Phra Phai Luang. The centre provides information and facilitates visitors to the Sukhothai Historical Park, as well as displays models of historical buildings and structures in old Sukhothai. It is open daily 08.30-16.30 hrs. Admission fee is 40 baht. [Add New] The Royal Palace Edit This The palace is located in the centre of the town. This area is surrounded by a moat and contains two main compounds; the royal building and the sanctuary in the palace. In the royal compound exists the ruins of the royal building called Noen Phrasat. Here, the famous stone inscription of King Ramkhamhaeng was found by King Mongkut (Rama IV) in the 19th century together with a piece of the stone throne called "Manangkhasila Asana" King Ramhamhaeng set up the throne in the midst of a sugarpalm grove where , at his request, a monk preached on Buddhist Sabbath days and the more.. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Wat Mahathat Edit This Sukhothai's largest temple is Wat Mahathat. It has customary main chedi in lotus-bud shape and a ruined viharn. At the base of the Chedi stands Buddhist disciples in adoration, and on the pedestal are seated Buddha images. In front of this reliquary is a large viharn formerly containing a remarkable seated bronze Buddha image of the Sukhothai style, which was cast and installed by King Lithai of Sukhonthai in 1362. At the end of the 18th century, the image was removed to the Viharn Luang of Wat Suthat in Bangkok by the order of King Rama I and has since been named Phra Si Sakaya more.. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Old city wall Edit This The city wall is located in the centre of the historical park in Tambon Muang Kao and surrounded by earthen ramparts. The north and south walls are each 2,000 metres long, where as the east and the west walls are each 1,600 metres long. The walls contain four main gates: Sanluang on the north, Namo on the south, Kamphaenghak on the east, and Oar on the west. A stone inscription mentions needed help, they would ring the bell and the King would come out to settle disputes and dispense justice. Inside the town stands 35 monuments including Buddhist temples and many other structures. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] :::::::::Surat Thani Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Surat Thani is situated on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Popular as the place to take ferries across to Koh Samui. Surat Thani also has a major railway station for trains to the South and also trains north to bangkok. Surat Thani also has an airport served by several airlines. _________Getting There Edit This Surat Thani Airport is served by domestic flights from Bangkok by Thai Airways, One-2-Go and other airlines. Surat Thani also has a rail station with frequent trains North to Chumphon, prachuap Khiri Khan, Hua Hin and Bangkok. Trains operate also to the south to Hat Yai and onwards to Malaysia. Surat Thani is located close to the main highway, in addition to the highway North and South this is where there is also a road to krabi and Phuket. ::::::::Surin Province Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Surin Elephants Surin Elephants Chatchai Chumnum Near to the Thai-Cambodian border in Thailands central eastern region, Surin is the home of the annual Elephant festival, having been the breeding grounds for the royal elephants for much of Thailands history. _______Surin Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see A medium sized city located 477km from Bangkok, Surin is the center of the province that bears its name. Center now for much of the collection of Jasmin Rice grown in the region, it also is the closest Thai city (and Airport) to Angar Wat just 60 KL away across the Cambodian Border. However the airport has been closed to the public since 1999. Surin's main attraction is undoubtedly the annual Elephant Roundup, at the Surin Sport Park. At other times of the year, artifacts associated with elephant capture and training can be seen at Surin Museum. ::::::::Tarutao Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see koh lipe 2003 tarutao andaman sea koh lipe 2003 tarutao andaman sea ©txm.2003 www.2hi.de Tarutao is a national park that has not been spoilt by development. It includes the incredible Butang Islands, some of the most beautiful unspoiled islands in Asia. These offer fantastic diving and snorkeling but are very difficult to travel to and have poor facilities. Out of season it is almost impossible to visit, and in season there are too few bungalows for the visitors that come, so you may end up sleeping on the beach. There is talk that a new daily ferry service will start to operate in December from the nearby island of Langkawi, which will make these islands far more accessible :::::::::Trang Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo_33 The city of Trang with a population about 600,000 used to be an important trading port in former centuries. During the Ayuthaya period, Trang was a common port of entry for Western visitors. Most visitors come to see the nearby beaches and islands. Like the provinces of Krabi and Phang Nga, Trang has a geography of limestone mountains pocked with caves and fine sandy beaches facing beautiful idyllic islands. Fortunately Trang has not been taken over by the tourism industry. The reason is simply that it already has a fully developed economy, based on the rubber plantations that have flourished since the end of the last century. The seafood industry, tin and barite mining have also been well established to support the workforce of Trang. Apart from the province's appealing tropical islands, the interior is strewn with caves, waterfalls, hot springs and lakes. You can find this beautiful nature twenty km north of the rather uninteresting provincial capital. Trang or Muang Thap Thiang used to be a port involved in foreign trade. It was the first city where rubber was planted. Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahison Phakdi brought rubber from Malaysia and planted it here before anywhere else in southern Thailand in 1899. Rubber is now considered an important commodity of Thailand. The important Trang River flows through the province from its origin in the Khao Luang mountain range and the Palian River from the Banthat mountain range. Trang is a coastal province on the Indian Ocean with a long western coastline of about 199 kilometres. The province consists of an archipelago in the Andaman Sea with over 46 islands. Of these, 12 are in Amphoe Kantang, 13 in Amphoe Palian and 21 in Amphoe Sikao. The best time for sea travel is during October to May of the following year. Trang has a total area of 4,941 square kilometres and is divided into 9 districts (Amphoe) and 1 sub-district (King Amphoe); Amphoe Kantang, Amphoe Huai Yot, Amphoe Yan Ta Khao, Amphoe Palian, Amphoe Sikao, Amphoe Wang Wiset, Amphoe Na Yong, Amphoe Ratsada, and King Amphoe Hat Samran. ::::::::Udon thani Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Private pool, Gecko Villa Private pool, Gecko Villa Udon Thani is a northeastern province covering an area of 15,589 square kilometres. The provincial capital is 562 kilometres northeast of Bangkok. Udon Thani is probably best known for its archaeological wonders, paramount among them the hamlet of the Ban Chiang where the world's first Bronze Age civilisation is believed to have flourished more than 5,000 years ago. Although Udon generally receives only a passing mention in guidebooks it is an important hub for surrounding villages and is a friendly and pleasant town with cheap hotels and restaurants a plenty. Udon is a place you visit for no particular reason but its low cost of living and relaxing pace. ___________Sights Edit This [Add Sight] Nong Prajak Edit This A pleasant place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. This man-made lake and park is located in the north-western part of town. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Na Yoong Nam Som Forest Park Edit This Located some 100 kilometres northwest of the provincial capital, beyond Phu Phar Bat Historical Park, in Amphoe Nam Som, this park is best known for the 40-metre high Yung Thong Waterfall which cascades down a steep cliff in verdant surrounding from the Phu-Pan and Phu Ya U ridges. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Pu-ya Shrine Edit This As the chinese God and Goddess of Mercy, Pu-yu Shrine revered by poor people and those encountering personal problems, believing they will be grandted favours they seek, Two lakeside is located near the railway on the east of the provincial capital. Out-of-city Attraction type: Parks, Gardens and Zoos World66 rating: [rate it] Ban Chiang National Museum Edit This Located some 56 kilometres east of the provincial capital along Highway No. 22 (until Km. 50 and then along Highway No. 2225), this museum is currently open to the general public every day. Ancient artifacts, including tools, utensils, pottery and jewellery, between 4000 and 7000 years old, were unearthed in the immedite vicinity. the distinctive pottery, with its fingerprint whorl decorations, is belived to be the world's oldest decorative earthenware. Nearby burial pit, left as they were after excavation, in the compound of Wat Po Si Nai, show how valuables, including more.. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Prachak Silpakhom Lake Edit This i Known locally as Nong Prachak, this vast stretch of water is named after the founder of Udon Thani, and is decorated with colourful flowerring plants that lend the area much of its pleasant atmosphere. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Ban Chiang Historical Park Edit This The accidental discovery of broken pieces of pottery by Stephen Young in 1966 would lead to the excavation of the area by archaeological experts. The findings have been the most important to be discovered in Southeast Asia. The bronzeware discovered at the site has been dated to 3600 BC, 500 years earlier than that found at the Euphrates and Tigris basin, where scholars believed that bronze metallurgy had developed. The digs also discovered distinctive clay pottery, pots and vases which are associated with the burial sites that were found. Many of the jars contained more.. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Huai Luang Reservoir Edit This This spot, 25 kilometres from the provincial capital along the Udon Thani-Nong Bua Lam Phu route unit km. 15, and a further 10 kilometres by road, is a good place for fishing, rafting and cruising. Huai Luang Reservoir , a large reservoir under the Royal Irrigation Department's responsibility, covers and area of some 20,000 rais with the capacity of 113 milion cubic meters for water. It feeds 86,000 rais of agricultural area and also serves as a source of water animals for food and public water supply. Huai Luang is a scenic attraction ideal for rafting, fishing and more.. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] address: AIT , pathumthani email: manojkendre@yahoo.co.in _________Day Trips Edit This [Add Day Trip] Ban Chiang Edit This Ban Chiang is a tiny village 50 kilometres east of Udon Thani and best visited as a day trip from Udon. Ban Chiang is the site of a major archeological excavation and the home of the distinctive swirl-design pots which you see all around Udon Thani. The Ban Chiang excavation site is a glimpse into a society that existed over 5000 years ago. As well as the excavation site there is a museum with a considerable selection of excavated items. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] :::::::Ayutthaya Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo poncharee Ayuthaya was the capital of the Thai Kingdom, before being ransacked and plundered by the invading Burmese. The capital then moved south to present day Bangkok. One of the UNESCO cultural sites, the old city was an amazing city of more than a million inhabitants. The city was courted by the Dutch, Portuguese, French, English and Japanese, and many foreign visitors said that it was the most illustrious city they had ever set their eyes upon. Modern Ayuthaya is a provincial capital, with a number of industrial estates in the vicinity. The historical centre is but a short tuk-tuk ride from the train station, and is littered with ruined temples. _________Sights Edit This [Add Sight] Bang Pa-In Palace Edit This This palace is located in Tambon Bang Len, Amphor Bang Pain, 18 kilometres south of Ayuthaya. It lies 58 kilometres north of Bangkok by fad, 61 kilometres by road. To access to Bang Pain from Ayuthaya, one can go by Phahonyothin Road and make a right trim at Km 35 for another distance of 7 kilometres to Bang Pa - In Palace. type: Palaces World66 rating: [rate it] openinghours: daily, 8.30 am - 4 pm tel: +66-2-243273 or +66-35- 261044 Wat Phra Ram Edit This This is one Ayudhaya's oldest temples, built in 1369 by King Ramesuan, situated on the outside of the eastern town wall. It was built on the site where the first monarch of Ayudhaya, King Uthong, was cremated. The prang has been partially restored, but one can still find some original stucco garudas and nagas. The tall archway at the entrance to the compound was designed for elephants to pass through. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Wat Phra Sri Sanphet Edit This The temple was built in 1491, at the command of King Borom Trilokkanatin in the grounds of Wang Luang Palace. Two of the now restored Ceylonese-style chedis were built during the reign of King Rama Thi Badee II to enshrine the relics of his father, King Trillokanat, and brother. The third was added later, by his own son King Borom Racha, to enshrine the relic of his father. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] The Fort Edit This The forts along the city wall and outer circle fortresses as found in the historical records include Poni Mahachai, Pom Phet,Pom Ho Ratchakhru, Pom Chidkop, Pom Champaphon, Poni Yal, etc. They are mostly situated at waterway intersections. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] City Wall & Gate Edit This They were newly constructed by the command of King Rama IV. The original foundation of thecity wan has since been found through excavation, thus revealing that the original area was much more spacious than what is currently seen. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Front Palace / Chankasem Edit This On the bank of Pasak River, this palace was built during the reign of King Maha Thammaraja, the 17th Ayutdiayan monarch, for his son's residence (King Naresuan). Like other ruins, the palace was destroyed by the Burmese and lift unrepaired for a long time. King Mongkut of the present Chakri dynasty ordered reconstruction of this palace for use as a residence during his occasional visits to Ayutthaya. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] ________Getting Around Edit This The best way around is on one of the many tuk-tuks or songteaws. You can even get them to do a full-day package. You can also cycle around, since the terrain is rather flat. Once in the historic centre, you can even walk from site to site. Contributors January 22, 2006 change by out of the grey [Add Local transport mode] Elephant Ride Edit This You can take an elephant ride around the ruins. This gives you a different vantage point, and how it must have been like when Ayuthaya was capital. World66 rating: [rate it] _________Getting There Edit This The town of Ayuthaya can be reached by rail from Bangkok, from Hualamphong Train Station. One way express train ticket is 235 Baht. The train also calls at Don Muang Train Station opposite the airport, so you can also ride to Ayuthaya upon arrival. Alternatively, you can take an air-conditioned coach from the North/Northeastern Bus Terminal near the Chatuchak Weekend Market for 55 Baht. Contributors January 22, 2006 new by out of the grey [Add Global transport mode] Bangkoklimo.Org Edit This Visiting the historical site of Thailand is very interesting and attracting for all visitors. You will find the ruin temples dated back in 13 th century. We recommend you travel by private car that bangkoklimo also orgarnise for. Especially who do not have much time to stay in Thailand. You will get all details and enjoy day tour with this company. type: By Road World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 0813480241 url: www.bangkoklimo.org address: 731 Dindaeng email: info@bangkoklimo.org ________Museums Edit This [Add Museum] Chao Sam Phraya National Museum Edit This The museum is located on Rochana Road, opposite the city wall. It houses various antique bronze Buddha ifnages and famous carved panels.A receptacle at the Thai Paviflion contains relics of Lord Buddha and objects of art more that 500 years old. The museum also has a substantial collection of local artifacts. Jost Wagner: An interesting museum. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] openinghours: daily except Monday and Tuesday, 9 am. - 4 pm :::::::Bang Saphan Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Bang Saphan is on the Sunrise Coast of Thailand south of Hua Hin and north of Chumphon. The Bang Saphan Beach area including Baan Krut provides quiet beaches and an opportunity to experience natural Thai life in the many coastal villages. The Island of Koh Talu is also close to the Bang Saphan Beach area on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. :::::::Bangkok Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Walking inside the Grand Palace Walking inside the Grand Palace Adriana Selage Thailand's capital city is a fantastic place to visit. It is the travel hub for the whole Southeast Asian region. Most people come back and forth if they visit the different regions of Thailand, for example Chiang mai, Koh Samui or Phuket or Trang. Its bad reputation for long traffic jams and pollution is no longer justified. At the end of 2000, the new BTS Sky Train went into service and new roads have been built. To get around there is also now the MRT metro (underground railway), which serves a number of locations in the centre of the city. Tuk Tuk is an other way of transportation (taxi), it is an open air ride, however the polution is very high and the weather is very hot and humid it is not recommented to ride with it. It will be a noisy ride also inhale all gas from cars in front of you.. In comparison to other mega-cities, Bangkok is also a very safe city and has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. In the 'City of Angels', you’ll soon find out that walking, instead of taking a taxi or bus, is often the quickest option. Another good option is the water-taxi (catch it at the end of the Silom sky train line at Saphan Taksin). Besides the fact that it is an experience in itself -defy the polluted canals with the wind in your hair and see the back part of life in Bangkok, many of the city’s attractions are near to the various stops along the river. Make a stop at the Temple of Dawn and tour the klongs in order to find the floating market (sorry to disappoint you, but it has been transferred to solid ground) or just get off nearby Kao San Road. There are three monkeys and a gorilla in the haystack. Despite the fact that most of them are located in the center of the thriving modern metropolis, Bangkok's sights, temples belong to the finest ones in Asia. The most spectacular are located on the same compound: the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Keo, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The rooflines and spires are extravagant, ornamented richly and will probably leave you dazzled at the spot...and this is only one compound away from Bangkok's Chinatown. Other sights in Bangkok include the National Museum (a great introduction to the county’s history and artifacts), the Red Cross Snake Farm (to watch venomous snakes being milked) and the Weekend Market near Chatuchak Park (there’s a little bit of everything, including giant dead roaches neatly arranged for sale in the food section). Also worth a visit is the Suan Lum Night Market at the corner of Wireless Road and Rama IV Road. It is right next to Lumpini MRT station. The Jim Thompson’s House brings alive the era of a U.S. citizen who was almost solely responsible for reintroducing Thailand’s silk-weaving industry. His home is a tribute to Thai art and architecture. Bangkok offers also an amazing nightlife with bars, discos, live music and even Latin Salsa is becoming popular. A lot is said about and done in Patpong, Bangkok's red-light district. It's not particularly different from red-light districts elsewhere. At night-time, Patpong's brightly and colorfully lit streets are packed with people who parade along the clubs lining the streets —some of which might even shock the most worldly visitors. Maybe there is already enough excitement for you going on Kao San Road and its neighboring area. This is the street to go when you're looking for cheap accommodation, small restaurants and fellow travelers full of good stories (of which one might give you a treasure-map of one of the unknown deserted islands just off the coast...) If you want to get a personal advice how to get the best out of your one day Bangkok visit, check out the "A perfect day..." section. By the way, do you know the real name of Bangkok? It's Krungthep Mahanakon Bovorn Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokpop Noparatratchatathani Burirom Udomratchanivetmahasatan Amornpiman Avatarnsatit Sakkathattiyaavisnukarmprasit. The english translation would be something like: The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: Sezgin Aytuna :::::::::Cha Am Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Regent Cha Am Resort Hotel Regent Cha Am Resort Hotel Cha Am is 160 km south of Bangkok on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, just 20 km north of Hua Hin. Cha Am is very popular with weekend visitors from Bangkok but during the week is quiet. Hotels include many famous hotels and resorts including the Dusit resort and Polo Club, The Regent Cha Am, Courtyard by Marriott, and the Springfield Resort. Cha Am is much quieter than Hua Hin which is just 20 minutes away by modern highway providing shopping, restaurants and bars. ________Getting There Edit This Cha Am can be reached from Bangkok by taxi in about 2 hrs 30 minutes, a little longer by express bus. There are also trains but not all trains stop at the small Cha Am station but all trains stop at the main Hua Hin Train station 20 kms south of Cha Am. Contributors April 20, 2005 new by giorgio [Add Global transport mode] Bangkoklimo Edit This It is our recommend that to travel to Cha Am by road is more comfortable as to go to Hua Hin. After arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport you can ride the car or a Minivan directly to save your time and relax to the most peaceful places. Here is also a second home for rich people in Thailand. It takes about two hours driving here. To get a comfortable and reliable service you can find at www.bangkoklimo.org So at least you will get more infornmation before travelling to Thailand. type: By Road World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 0813480241 url: www.bangkoklimo.org address: 731 asoke dindaeng email: info@bangkoklimo.org Bangkoklimo Edit This It is our recommend that to travel to Cha Am by road is more comfortable as to go to Hua Hin. After arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport you can ride the car or a Minivan directly to save your time and relax to the most peaceful places. Here is also a second home for rich people in Thailand. It takes about two hours driving here. To get a comfortable and reliable service you can find at www.bangkoklimo.org So at least you will get more infornmation before travelling to Thailand. type: By Road World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 0813480241 url: www.bangkoklimo.org address: 731 asoke dindaeng email: info@bangkoklimo.org :::::::::Chantaburi Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Chantaburi province is located in the east of Thailand, about 300 km from Bangkok. The province is rich in natural resources, especially sapphires and rubies. There are many fruit orchards, producing plentiful supplies of tropical fruits such as rambutan, durian and longan (see the pages about the Thai fruits). The province is also rich in natural attractions, from pristine beaches to waterfalls and natural parks filled with wild plants. Chantaburi has played an important role in the history of Thailand. After the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, it was here that king Taksin retreated to. Having regrouped his soldiers he marched back into the central plains and reclaimed Ayutthaya. Chantaburi was later occupied by the French between 1893 and 1904, before an agreement was made, in which Thailand conceded land that now lie in Cambodian territory. ______Chanta Buri Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Chantaburi or the 'City of the Moon' has played a vital role in the history of Thailand. With abundant natural beauty and man-made attractions, Chantaburi sees a lot of tourists . It is 245 km from Bangkok and 110 km from Rayong. :::::::Chiang Dao Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see View from Peka Spa - Marisa Resort & Spa - Chiang Dao View from Peka Spa - Marisa Resort & Spa - Chiang Dao Tony Tucker Approximately one hour north of Chiang Mai on a mostly four lane highway, Chiang Dao is a beautiful, peaceful, and mountainous area. In the vicinity, there is trekking, bamboo rafting, hiking, elephant rides, elephant shows, many different groups of mountain people (hilltribe villages), abundant nature, Thailand's 3rd highest mountain, mountain / forest temple, meditation possibilities, and also the Chiang Dao Cave. There are several guesthouses and resorts in the area. ::::::Chiang Rai Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see The White Temple. The White Temple. kay Chiang Rai is Thailand's most northern province and is frequented mostly by tourists and shoppers. Attractions include the famous Golden Triangle and the mighty Mekong River. A wealth of cultural diversity awaits those who take the time to explore the region. The name Golden Triangle evokes an impression that illicit drugs are the activity of this area. Yes, it was once a notorious place. However, with strict enforcement by various countries particularly the United States and Thailand, playing an important role of eradicating the drug menace by educating the many hill-tribes to have a permanent settlement instead of the slash and burn to grow crops. Schools were built to educate their children on the Thai curriculum and welfare. Changrai is 785 km north of Bangkok and is in the midst of mountains and hills. Across the great Mekong river is Myanmar and Laos, thus the name “Golden Triangle”. All nationalities can cross over to these countries easily by road, boats, or air with valid passports and visa. Being the first to establish into a city by King Mengrai of the Lanna Kingdom, it has many ancient ruins. There are many activities you can indulge like visiting the only handcrafted White Temple in Thailand; the ever changing flowers in the most beautiful botanical garden (Doi Tung); Hill-tribes, Opium or the National museum; elephant riding; shopping for foodstuff; clothing; jewelries; handicrafts or ride on a long propeller boat on the Mekong river; explore the natural rock formation and caves with spectacular formations e.g. Big Cave, Fish Cave. Of course, if you are a nature lover, go to the mountains. Doi Tung – it has a sacred hilltop Buddhist shrine built in 911 AD and it is believed that the left collar bones of Lord Buddha is enshrined in the twin pagodas. On your way up, enjoy the panoramic view then drop in to visit the Akha and Lahu hill-tribe village famous for their hand woven textiles and silver jewelries. Not satisfied with one mountain? Venture to Thailand’s little Switzerland, the Doi Mae Salong, incidentally “doi” means mountain. It sits on an elevation of 6000 feet above sea level. The air is cool and refreshing throughout the year. The settlers are ethnic Chinese descendants of the KMT nationalist army who took refuge in Thailand to escape from the Communist forces of Mainland China more than 50 years ago. The settlement has its own Christian churches, Buddhist temples, schools, locally produced oolong black tea, shops and restaurants. A better way to experience first hand the local foods, way of life and customs of the Northern Thai is through a village home stay. :::::::Chiang mai Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see busy street busy street masha Chiang Mai is named the "Rose of the North" for the abundance of flowers that thrive in the cooler mountain climate. The surrounding of the city is blessed with an outstanding beauty in nature. If you want to get away from busy Bangkok, but still want to stay in a big city with lots of things to do Chiang Mai is a very good choice. Thousands of Western expatriates made Chiang Mai their home, which fortunately brings the positive aspects of expat residents. The local people themselves are an unforgettable part of Chiang Mai. Handicrafts of silk, silver and wood are timeless souvenirs for visitors from all over the globe. Along with all this, a wide variety of accommodations, restaurants and entertainment all help to make Chiang Mai one of Thailand's prime tourist attractions. Perhaps the best thing about Chiang Mai for visitors is that with a small amount of research and effort it is easy to find great places outside of the city offering trekking, tours, and locations which are what Northern Thailand is really about. Doi Saket, Chiang Dao, Pai, Soppong, Mae Salong, Mae Hong Song, Chiang Saen and Mae Chaem are just a few of the gems awaiting the discerning traveller. :::::::::Chumphon Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Chumphon is located on the mainland coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Chumphon is the gateway to Koh Tao with regular ferry servies operatong between Chumphon and Koh Tao. There are also ferries from Chumphon to Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. Chumphon is also a major stop on the Thai railways line that runs from Bangkok south to the Malaysia border. Chumphon has several hotels, restaurants and shopping. There are beach areas north of Chumphon and onwards to Bang Saphan and Ban Krut. The town is also close to the North to South main highway. _______Getting There Edit This The trainn line operates south from Bangkok passing Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Baan Krud and onwards to Chumphon. The line continues south to Surat Thani, it continues to Hat Yai plus a line also to Trang. Ferries operate from Chumphon to Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. There is an airport but currently no schedukled flights. Regular express buses operate from Chumphon north to Bangkok and to destinations South. ::::::::Hat yai Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see The city is located about 30km (18.5 miles) from the Thai-Malaysian border. Hat Yai is a lively boomtown, the business centre of southern Thailand and also a popular tourist destination, particularly for men attracted by the nightclubs, massage parlors and brothels that are prohibited in certain country. A real interesting attraction is the huge reclining Buddha; you can enter the statue's torso to view the lungs and heart. Traditional bullfighting where bulls lock horns and push each other until one retreats is a popular spectator sport. ::::Hua Hin Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo Hua Hin is located approx. 190km south of Bangkok and 92 kilometres north of Prachuab Khiri Khan, its provincial chief town and it is a coastal, well known resort town, set on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin has a population of around 60,000 people, the King of Thailand has his summer palace Klai Kang Won (Far from Worries) adjoining the beach. Recently upgraded highways provide for a leisurely three hour drive to Thailand's oldest beach resort area. Hua Hin has one of the lowest rain falls in Thailand and being a coastal town gets that lovely sea breeze, so can be visited all year round. There are three seasons, the dry season (March-September), the rainy season (October - November) and the warm season (November-February). One of the lowest rainfalls of any beach area. Weather is hot but refreshed by a cooling sea breeze. Most days offer clear blue skies and sometimes billowing white clouds. Hua Hin was chosen as the Royal resort due to the excellent weather and climate. Among the most important landmark is the Klai Kang Won Palace, a royal summer residence built by King Rama VII. The major nightlife attraction which is very popular with both Thai and foreign tourists is the night market. A wide choice of cuisines naturally with many fine Thai restaurants. Hua Hin is unlike most other beach resorts in Thailand. If you are looking for bright lights and frantic all night action you will be disappointed there. It is very much a family holiday resort area with good shopping and multi-national restaurants including, of course, the best Thai seafood the country has to offer. Hua Hin has night markets, stylish shops and boutiques. There are many old style and art shops close to the fishing piers, art and crafts shops . The main beach area fronts the town itself where many fine resorts are found. Beaches to the north and south . The beaches at Khao Takiab (Chopsticks Hill) and Takiab Bay (Chopsticks Bay) are just to the south of the town centre. Hua Hin beaches stretch along the coast both north and south. For out door fun and adventure you can enjoy watersports, Elephant rides, All terrain Vehicle rides, fishing and boat trips. Khao Takiab Bay is a popular beaches with clear clean water and gentle waves, beach loungers and beach umbrellas for shade. Palm trees and Casuarana trees line the long beach at Takiab Bay. These beach areas are also popular for jogging and beach cycling. The area also offers the opportunity to visit the temples of Khao Takiab, feed the monkeys, climb to the viewpoint. The Khao Takiab area has many temples includes many built many years ago. Snorkeling is available a few hours south . The River Kwai is just 3 hours from Hua Hin . The National Park at Sam Roi Yot (Three Hundred Peaks) is just 30 minutes south of town. Apart from its fabulous beaches, Hua Hin is best known for its cotton products, which come in a wide range of prints and colours, and its dried seafood products which enjoy enduring appeal among those who favour Thai and Chinese cuisine. A nightly street market in Hua Hin town is a favourite venue for shoppers. Hua Hin also boasts Thailand's first golf course (still in use as the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course after some 70 years). Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: http://www.huahininthailand.com ::::::::Jomtien Beach Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Nusa Playa Hotel Jomtien Beach Nusa Playa Hotel Jomtien Beach Jomtien Beach is located just beyond Pattaya, about 90 minutes by express highway from Bangkok Airport. Although a very busy beach resort area Jomtien Beach is quieter than it's neighouring Pattaya which is just 10 minutes north of Jomtien. Although often included with Pattaya it has developed into a busy resort area with hotels, condos, vacation rentals, restaurants and shopping. Jomtien Beach is one of the most popular beaches near Bangkok with a good choice of places to stay. An ideal beach close to Bangkok for those who want a busy and active beach resort area but quiter than Pattaya. :::::::::Kanchanaburi Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see On the way to Sankhlaburi On the way to Sankhlaburi Pim Visitors may not have heard of this province but it’s likely they know about the nearby bridge over the River Kwai. Many Allied prisoners of war perished during World War II building the infamous Death Railway. The bridge itself is very unassuming; today it’s still used occasionally by local train traffic. Whilst on the subject of bridges Kanchanaburi also boasts the longest wooden bridge in Thailand in Sangkhlaburi district, Kanchanaburi province across the Mekhong, you can see Mon villages. Visit the nearby museum which chronicles life in the POW camps and the history of the jungle railroad’s construction (there is even a simulated Allied bombardment). Also take a walk through the immaculately maintained Allied War Cemetery where you’ll find the graves of more than 8 000 POWs who died working on the bridge and railway for the Japanese imperial Army. It’s a very moving experience. Kanchanaburi can be seen as a day trip from Bangkok try to include a trip to Nakhon Pathom a must if you plan a couple of days. If you’re spending a couple of nights in Kanchanaburi consider taking a day trip to Erawan National Park. Easily reached by bus the park sits in the middle of thick jungle and contains a series of small waterfalls descending a hill and flowing into a series of pools. It’s a delight to swim in the cold clear pools as an antidote to the thick tropical heat. Outside of Kanchanaburi the unique Jungle Rafts Hotel lies on the River Kwai about two hours by boat from nearby Pak Saeng (reached by car or bus from Bangkok). Built on the edge of the river the hotel provides a perfect base from which to tour caves take walks in teak and bamboo forests swim in the river see picturesque waterfalls and wild orchids and indulge in either western or Thai food. Plan two nights if time permits. :::::::::Khao Lak Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Khao Lak was made famous by the 2004 Asian Tsunami, when thousands of Thai and tourists were killed. Before that Khao Lak was a developing beach resort, relativly unspoiled and popular with scuba divers and family's. Its now been largly repaired and is open for business again, and in many ways a cleaner and better organised resort than before. ::::::::Khao Takiab Beach Bay Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see usa mas restaurant usa mas restaurant Herbert L Khao Takiab Beach and Khao Takiab Bay are located in the Hua Hin area on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The surrounds offer beaches, elephant rides, boat trips, offshore fishing, horse riding, cycling and nearby Golf Courses. Ideal for those seeking a beach area that is quiet and relaxing and yet just minutes from the busy center of Hua Hin. At low tide during most of the day the beach is almost 100 metres wide and is several kms long. There are beach loungers and shades and also fern and palm trees along the beach. The water is clea and the waves are just gentle ripples. At the north end the rocky mountain of Khao Takiab is an amazing view. Ideal for jogging you also find people paying petanque and volley ball, even when busy at weekends there is plenty of room and beach space to find your own quiet area. Beach vendors to not bother anyone but are available for a cold drink, tropical fruit or food snacks. The area behind the beach has Bourganvillia lined quiet streets with vacation homes, small guesthouses, boutique accommodation. You will also find Elephant and also grazing cattle, this is a very nice area and under 10 minutes from the centre of Hua Hin. _______Sights Edit This photo Huahinwhatson Khao Takiab Bay has many fine Thai temples, many of these are illuminated at night making for a very attractive sight. The area also offers Horse Riding, Elephant Rides and soft adventures in addition to the long and wide stretch of beach. ::::::Khao yai national park Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see waterfall waterfall unknown Khao Yai is Thailand's oldest and most revered national park. Spanning four provinces, this 2,000-square-kilometer biological wonderland contains more than 70 mammal species, including tigers and elephants, as well as 320 varieties of birds. It has been declared an ASEAN National heritage site and probably it will be by the United Nations soon, too. Like most of Asia's wildlife sanctuaries, Khao Yai has been long under threat from poachers who are stripping the forest of its plant and animal wealth. In March 2000 the government launched the so-called Khao Yai Conservation Project, so hopefully future generations are able to visit this outstanding piece of nature. The park has over 50 km hiking trails, many of them formed by wildlife movement. Elevations range from 100 to 1400 metres. It is easy to get lost so it's recommended to hire a guide. Trips to the park can be arranged easily from Bangkok. ______Getting There Edit This The easiest way is by a tour operator. If you want to go on your own there are frequent busses from Bangkok leaving from the northern bus station to Pak Chong, from where you can take a songthaew to the park gates. From Khorat take a Bangkok-bound bus and get off in Pak Chong. Trains leave from Bangkok or Aythaya. The ordinary train takes around four and half hours from Bangkok. Some people prefer even hitchhiking. ::::::::Ko Samet Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Fisher villiage Fisher villiage Igor Zhuravlev An Island getaway southeast of Bangkok. Part of a national park area. By some considered to have the nicest sand in Thailand. Very popular destination among thai-people and also visited by many foreigners. Naga Beach is the most popular to young party people with several bars and hut-type hotels. The rest of the island consist of smaller beaches with a selection of lodging and resorts in different price categories. Some place get full during weekends so it is advised to arrive mid-week since many places do not offer advance bookings. To enter the nice parts of the island you have to pay a fee to the national park authority which is ten times higher for foreigners as it is for thai guests, so if you are asian looking and speak a bit of thai you can easily pay the smaller fee. Local transport consists of pick-up trucks with seats that costs some money to use. There is plenty of bus connections to Ban Phe where you take a boat to the island. If you buy your ticket from Khao San Road the boat fair is usually included and if there are few passengers you they might use a van instead of a bus. An alternative is to take the cheaper busses from Bangkok Ekkamai and buy boat fare when you arrive, to do this you should preferable speak a little bit of thai since the bus station can be very confusing. Alternativly any bus to Ranong will leave you with a short tuk-tuk or song-thaew ride to Ban Phe where you can walk onto the ferry, this is probably the cheapest way to get there. Since it is a national park you are allowed to set up at tent anywhere on the island (several places rent out tents) even if there is a sign saying it is not allowed. At Naga beach there is a small shop, a book exchange and internet cafe. There are ATMs on the island so you don't need to bring cash, some places accept credit cards but with an extra fee. From the island there is plenty of daily boat trips and also the possibility to learn scuba diving. The diving on the island can be very special and a great experience. Many bars offer nightly movies when you are tired. _________Getting There Edit This The ferry leaves from Banpae Pier everyday, from 07.00 until 17.00 ,arrive at 3 piers on Samet Island, which are Thadan Pier (25min), Praw Pier (30min), Vong Duen Pier (45min). You can hire also a speed boat from Banpe Pier to Samet , which costs around 1,000 Baht/Trip. But first you have to get to Banpae. There are a number of possibilities to get there. [Add Global transport mode] By taxi Edit This By taxi it will take about three hours and cost from 1,600 to 2,000 baht. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] By bus Edit This Busses to Koh Samet via Banpae leave from Eakamai station. The trip takes approx. 3 hours. Bus services start from 07.00 until 20.30 every 40 minutes. Check time table Bangkok: +66-2-3912237, Banpae: +66-38-651528. The bus fee is approx. 3 US-$ per person. type: By Rail World66 rating: [rate it] :::::::::::Koh Chang Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see sunset on lonely beach sunset on lonely beach mauira Off Thailand’s southeastern coast Koh Chang is Thailand’s second-largest island after Phuket. The Koh Chang National Marine Park occupies most of Koh Chang as well as several nearby islands. The island is located 140 mi/225 km southeast of Bangkok. In recent years the island has become more popular with travelers and Thai people alike. Most of the beach resorts are located on the beautiful west coast of the island. Koh Chang has several wonderful waterfalls that allow swimming and diving from rocks. There are elephant trekking tours through the jungle and there are a dozen diving schools that will guide you to the best diving spots that Thailand has to offer. Most Thais like to go squid fishing at night and kayaking or hiking during the day. There is a local information repository kohchang.guidebook.in.th that hosts maps and tips. Arriving on Ko Chang by boat, you are greeted by many truck taxis waiting to take you around the island. The roads are steep and winding at times, but these local treks will be memorable. ::::::::::Koh Lanta Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Sunset on Koh Lanta Sunset on Koh Lanta www.dubstar.ch Several years ago, Ko Lanta was an offbeat destination inhabited only by Muslim fishermen who couldn't understand why anyone would visit their hot, remote island. Ko Lanta today has over a dozen bungalows stretched along the west coast, from the northern village of Ban Sala Dan down to Ban Sangka U at the southern tip. Getting to this island can be a bit tedious but not difficult.Once you're there however, you will realise that its worth the effort. A long ride in a small ferry from Krabi must be taken. You can also take a train to Trang and find a local truck with seats in the back that will take you for an hour long ride to another ferry point. Ko Lanta archipelago consists of 52 islands, but only Ko Lanta Yai and a few small islets have formal accommodations. Ko Lanta offers some fairly good beaches almost completely untouched by mass tourism, and a bit of skin diving over offshore coral beds. Another sidelight is the near-complete dominance of Islam on the island, a world where Muslim mosques vastly outnumber Buddhist wats. Public nudity is discouraged. If you are looking for a holiday to just unwind,feel the breeze in your hair,go back into time,this is the place.With just enough of technology, to say connected to the rest of the world, by means of a few internet cafes and ISd calling stations,this is a wonderful retreat from the maddenning crowds.Getting around is easy,as you can rent bikes taht come with helmets or one can hop into the native version of a rikshaw.There are beach parties all over,a disco,massage parlours and even thai cooking classes.Food id clean and hygienic,available at all times with convenience stores everywhere.Hotels are plenty,with friendly staff, though communicating might pose aproblem sometimes. One can go scuba diving,snorkelling,cave exploring,on a jungle safari or simply gat a tan on the beach.The evenings are the best time to venture out,enjoy a drink by the beach and head to a party nearby.If you happen to be around for the Lanta festival,you cant miss it.Wonderful colours,smells and sounds amke it an unforgettable experience, with foot massages,skits,puppet shows, and cultural shows a part of the evenings itenary.You cant miss the food all over which is clean,affordable and very sumptous.One get get a lot of good bargains by way of clothes and accessories. The monsoons bring heavy downpours June-October. You can usually find bicycles to rent to explore the island. Bring water and food with you though as supplies are hard to come by on the east side of the island. ::::::::Koh Ngai Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Koh Ngai and Koh Mook is the far south of Thailand offer Thai tropical island paradise scenes and tropical island accommodation. Koh Ngai and the other islands can be reached by air from Bangkok with Nok Air to Trang Airport or by train to Trang. Some visitors also travel by air to Krabi and then continue down the coast to take the boat acrosss to Koh Ngai or the neighbouring islands. Islands that offer tropical and rustic beach accommodations, snorkeling and relaxation. ::::::Koh Samui Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see South of Lamai South of Lamai Morsan Koh Samui or Samui Island (in Thai language "Koh" means "Island") is in general considered as the second most beautiful tourism spot in Thailand. But those who want to enjoy the natural beauties with serene environment will be sceptic of this opinion. Koh Samui is simply the best place for them. Over the years it has attracted many foreigners, especially from Europe. It's interesting that many foreign travellers who came to Koh Samui just to pass vacation, couldn't avoid falling in love of its beauty. Eventually they settled there and this is reflected from a large number of foreign residents there. When we first wrote about Koh Samui in the mid 1980s we predicted that the building of an airport on the island would forever change its character—and not for the better. Well Samui has its airport and though there have been some significant changes it’s still a very pleasant place to go. The only people likely to complain are those who spent time there when it was in its undeveloped state. Samui still has lovely clean beaches with magical blue-green colored water and an idyllic atmosphere—it’s just that there are now three to four times as many people enjoying it as before. Koh Samui is at 295 mile or 475 km south of Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. ::::::::Koh Talu Island Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Koh Talu island is off the coast of the Gulf of Thailand near Bang Saphan and is reached by a short spedboat ride. The island has 2 resorts, this is relaxed and laid back island life so do not expect nightlife, restaurants or shopping, for eating there are the resorts. Offshore snorkeling and quiet beaches _________Koh Talu Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Koh Talu is an island, quite small, limited to accommodation near the beach, a short boat ride from Bang Saphan which can be reached by road or rail from Bangkok or from the south of Thailand. Situated along the coast between Hua Hin and Chumphon, trains also operate north from Hat yai and Surat Thani. There are express buses from Bangkok and Hua Hin and also from Surat Thani. ::::::Koh Tao Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see landing on Ko Tao landing on Ko Tao mauira This little island offers the accessible low key Thailand option. The ferries and speed boats drop off at the main pier and extension of the town's primary paved road. The little town offers all of the backpacker treats, including internet cafes, several food stops/bars, dirt bike rentals, a clinic with an English speaking nurse, an excellent pastry shop and place to read the paper, several general stores and more than a few beachside restaurants. The joy of this island is that it also offers a chance to get away from all of that. Several of the bungalow operations are only guaranteed accessible by boat or by foot. The sand and gravel roads leading to the out of the way spots tend to wash out early in the rainy season and stay washed out until well into the dry season. Even the courageous on large dirtbikes will find some of the roads unrideable. Hence, the challenge. Some of Thailands best snorkelling can be had in Koh Tao. Some snorkel tour operators bait the fish for a good show. Sometimes the fish show their appreciation by taking a little nip of the farangs (foreigners). These bites tend to be more startling than actually dangerous. Still, keep an eye out for trigger fish. My hands down recommendation goes to the Coral View Resort. This dozen bungalow operation is run by John, an Aussie, and his Thai wife. If one waits for the touts to clear, one can usually spot John waiting for the mellow customer. The Coral View offers dive instruction, a quiet beach, easy access to fantastic snorkeling and a view of Shark Island. A short conversation with John is all one needs to get a discount on his already low prices, especially on extended stays. Please give my best to Honee, an exceptional girl amoung the normally industrious Thai people. ________Things to do Edit This Sailing on Koh Tao Sailing on Koh Tao www.island-cruises.org Diving: Koh Tao is a diving paradise with over 30 PADI dive shops, with amazing coral gardens and marine life very close to the coasts. Most people come to get a PADI Open Water certification, which takes three or four days, and includes a pool session and four dives in open water. Prices and safety are about the same everywhere, and not really a criterion for choosing a dive shop. Prices change but you should expect to pay 200-250 dollars for a course (June 2006). If you would like to do a course in your own language, inform if there is an instructor available. All instructors speak English, but Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Dutch, German, French, Spanish, Italian and Hebrew are quite common too on Koh Tao. (Dutch speakers can go to Parthenon, Greece symbol by Greece-Athens.com for Dutch instructors at different diveshops). You should also inform about the group size during your course. It is largely a matter of taste, but for the average traveler a group from four to six people is best educationally and socially. However, when you want to do a course alone or with two or three people, you should explicitly ask a dive shop beforehand. Another point of consideration is the location of dive shop. Do you want to be on the party beach Sairee, on a bit more quiet beach like Chalok Ban Kao, or do you really want perfect quietness and stay at Tanote bay? The last relevant point is the accommodation. You will want to stay at or very near your dive shop, simply because that is where you will spend most of your time and meet your fellow students. Some dive shops will give you a discount on accommodation if you are diving with them, but that depends on the dive shop and season. In general, it is better to find accommodation you like and pay one or two dollars more than to stay somewhere that you do not really like. So, do your research beforehand on the internet. Most dive shops have their own website, so Google around a bit. You can write an Email to info@duikeninthailand (all languages) for personal advice. You can also try Parthenon, Greece symbol by Greece-Athens.com for more information. Over the last couple of years more and more non divers have discovered the beauty of this island with its secluded little bays and unspoiled mointain ridges. Due to this, and the increasing amount of small upmarket resorts and villas nestled in the hillsides there are nowadays a lot more activities provided. Other water related sports: In January 2007 the first sailing charter company on Ko Tao was opened: Island Cruises. They are offering Day Sails, Sunset Cruises, private charters and Ang Thong Marine Park safaris. The helpful staff is happy to assist finding accommodation or transport. Other water related activities available are wake boarding, water skiing, sumo tube, wind surfing, and sailing lessons. Other activities: Hike to one of the secluded bays on the northern and eastern side of the island? On the 2 hour walk through the jungle to Mango Bay you will hardly meet any people. And when you're there-well, the snorkeling is good too. Or do the same trip with a dirt bike or ATV but be advised: Only for really experienced drivers-the medical facilities on the island make a very good living from motorcycle accidents. More adrenaline? Go rock climbing or do some paint-ball jungle games (temporarily closed, reopens in December 2007) For the ones who are into a serious workout the Thai boxing stadium in Sairee is offering Muoy Thai courses and if that's not enough the Monsoon Gym is conveniently located beside the stadium. Less straining is playing mini golf or bowling in Mae Haad, doing a massage course or yoga. Cooking courses are also available. Last but not least elephants have arrived here; if you want to look at Ko Tao from an elephants back, go for it. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: wikitravel :::::::::Koh Yao (Yao Island) Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Ko Yao (???????), sometimes written Koyao, is a group of islands between Phuket and Krabi. There are two main islands, Ko Yao Noi ("Small Long Island") and Ko Yao Yai, with Noi being the more developed of the two. Ko Yao Noi remains a beautiful island, where most people still believe that the island should be preserved from human degradation. Sea Gypsies (Moken people) were inhabiting the Bay before anybody else, except maybe other nomadic people like forest hunters and collectors (Sakai, Negritos). The 3,500 or so inhabitants of Koh Yao Noi are thought to be recent migrants from the Malay Peninsula (Satun, Trang). The Mon population, linguistically and culturally belonging to the Khmer ethnolinguistic group, did settled in peninsular Thailand since ever, ruling maritime states like the one of Ligor (Nakhon Si Thammarat). They melt continuously with Southern migrants from Malaysia and with Northern rulers (Thai), over centuries of commercial exchanges and political conflicts. Most probably the Mon stock remains prevalent for most of the people living nowadays in Southern Thailand, including people of Koh Yao. Numerous cave paintings hidden in the many islands of the bay, extending from 2000 years ago to last century, attest the influence of distinct communities in the emergence of a mixed origin population, living now in the provinces of Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi and Satun. The most recent migrations (17th-18th century) from Satun and Trang to Ko Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi is attested by the fact that the particular dialect spoken on the island still bear obvious Malaysian lexical traces, particularely regarding toponyms and vernacular names of the flora species. The main industries on the island are fishing and rubber planting. A little rice farming and some fruit, palm and coconut plantations are evident. Boat building and farming techniques here have been passed from father to son and, while some of the youngsters leave Ko Yao to seek the bright lights of Phuket, most return to their tight knit community. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: http://wikitravel.org/en/Ko_Yao :::::::::::Koh Yao Island Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Koh Yao island is a quiet tropical Island between Phuket and Krab :::::::Koh pha-ngan Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Full Moon Party Hat Rin Beach Full Moon Party Hat Rin Beach mauira Koh Phangan is north of Koh Samui. It is being developed now, but it is still more relaxed than Koh Samui or Phuket. Best things to do include a snorkeling trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park a visit to Bottle Beach - lay on the beach or hike to the waterfall. The media portrays Koh Phangan as purely a Full Moon party island but in actual fact there are numerous resorts and fantastic beaches away from Haad Rin on the South. For example moving North from the port of Thongsala along the West Coast are beaches such as Haad Yao and Haad Son that offer excellent entertainment and views. Mae Haad beach is simply stunning. Moving south from Thongsala are beaches such as Baan Kai and Baan Tai with amazing views of Koh Samui in the near distance. When the lightening storms highlight the bigger island it is amazing. The Eastern side of the island is more remote and the roads to reach it are hard but upon reaching your final destination there are beauties to behold. For example Thong Nai Pan Noi has been listed as one the most beautiful beaches in Asia. Than Sadet has an amazing waterfall that was visited by a past King of Thailand and has his initials burned into the rocks. One of the quieter spots on the island is Chalok Lam Bay in the north of the island about 15 minutes from the port of Thongsala and 30 minutes from the party town of Haad Rin. Many people choose to party hard in the south and then relax in the less developed north. So whether you are partying hard or just chilling out Koh Phangan has much to offer all. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: content that I created and also placed similar on Vcarious :::::::Koh phi phi Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Maya Bay Maya Bay Matteo Rigotti The so-called Phi Phi islands consist of Phi Phi Lee and Phi Phi Don. Phi Phi Lee is approx. 6 square kilometres in area. Steep, lightly vegetated cliffs rising from the seabed, hidden bays concealing beaches and calm clear waters. Two kilometres north, the larger ( 28 square kilometres ) Phi Phi Don has a curving white and palm-fringed beach extending between mountain masses sheltering calm waters. This, and other minor beaches, offers beachside bungalow and chalet accommodation. The area immediately adjacent to a Muslim fishing village contains bars offering living music ; restaurants specialising in popular European cusines and Thai food ; cabarets ; souvenir shops ; dive shops and charter boat operations offering game fishing excursions and day trips, including several opportunities for snorkelling, around the major islands, including Ko Pai ( Bamboo island ), half an hour from Phi Phi Don and touted by locals as one of the most beautiful and unspoiled, uninhabited islands in the area. Koh Phi Phi is totally back in business! Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: corrected spelling (Koh Paid -> Koh Pai) ________Sights Edit This Not much to see in Koh Phi Phi unless you take you take the hike up to view point where you get a fabtastic view over the narrow strip of land joining the two hills that nake ups the islnd and also get eaten alive my largest mosquitoes in SE Asia. Boat trips ca take you round the island or to nearby Phi Phi Leh, home of the sea starlings that provide the nests for the famous chinese bird nest soup _______Getting Around Edit This Getting around on Phi Phi is by shanks pony!! There are no Tuk Tuk's, no motorcycle taxi's and definitely no taxi's or buses, although the few people with motor scooters will happily give people a ride. It's not a problem though, everwhere is just a short walk, unless you want to walk up to the view point. If you need to get to the more remote beaches you can get a taxi boat, a typical Thai longtail boat, but be prepared to barter, or walk! ______Getting There Edit This The Phi Phi islands are located about 48 Km southeast from Phuket, 42 km south from Krabi Town and 40 km from Ao Nang Beach. They can be reached in between 1 1/2 to 3 hours depending on the type of boat you choose. Boats leave from Phuket, Ao Nang and the Chao Far Pier in Krabi Town on a daily basis. _____People Edit This The People of Ko Phi Phi consist of the Thai Sea Gypsy's an animist tribe who although nomadic by nature establish villages on various islands throughout Thailand, Thai muslims and Thai buddhists, although the establishment of the bug hotels chains have brought other Thai's in from Bangkok. _____Phi Phi Island Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Phi Phi Island between Phuket and Krab. Phi Phi island is a popular destination for those taking a day trip from Phuket or krabi but it also has resorts and other places to stay, a beautiful tropical island. ::::::::::Krabi Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see A perfect day at Railey Beach Krabi A perfect day at Railey Beach Krabi Mark Savige Locally known as the location of the Graveyard of Shells (fossil beds near the sea) Krabi also has nice beaches and an interesting botanical garden. The beaches in Krabi (Raylee Beach, Aonang Beach) are crowded in winter as are the beautiful nearby Phi Phi Islands (Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh) located about 40 mi/60 km off the coast that are currently (and unfortunately) being overdeveloped for tourism. Easily accessible by boat from Krabi the Phi Phis have almost deserted white-sand beaches and green cliffs jutting from the water. Phi Phi Don is a popular hangout for the yachting crowd but it’s still an enjoyable place to hang out with good food and cheap bungalows but these are becoming less affordable for the travellers wishing to budget it seems the interest is for package tours. Have a water-buffalo steak while there and dive the reefs—although some have been destroyed there are some unspoiled areas remaining. Phi Phi Leh has some interesting caves worth exploring. The caves many of which contain ancient paintings are home to sea swallows. Local people climb to the tops of these huge caves on spindly bamboo poles to harvest the birds’ nests that are used in bird’s-nest soup. Krabi is 40 mi/65 km northeast of Phuket. Krabi is beginning to accommodate more visitors each year raising fears that it will be another Phuket. ::::::::Kui Buri Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Kui Buri is a quiet coastal area on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand south of Hua Hin towards Prachuap Khiri Khan :::::::Kui Buri Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Quiet and relaxed small town and village areas along the coast of the Gulf of Thailand south of Hua Hin and pranburi towards prachuap Khiri Khan on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Off the beaten track coastal location in Thailand along the Sunrsie Coast. ________Getting There Edit This Travel by bus or train south of Bangkok, you can also take local bus and train from Hua Hin along the coast to Kui Buri. [Add Global transport mode] bangkoklimo Edit This If you wish to take a private car to Kui Buri, please contact bangkoklimo.org they provide a transfer service to Hua Hin and the southern route. type: By Air World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 0813480241 url: www.bangkoklimo.org address: 731 asoke dindaeng email: info@bangkoklimo.org _______Day Trips Edit This You can travel easily to from Kui Buri by bus or train or local car to Prachuap Khiri Khan for a trip and see the famous scenic Bay and also the Monkeys at the temples. ______Beaches Edit This There are almost deserted beach areas around Kui Buri, the beaches are not that great but this is a place that benefits from hardly any tourists and yet have a great local Thai atmosphere, evenb if you do not stay a visit for lunch from places such as pranburi is interesting. ::::::::Lampang Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Famous for its horse-drawn carriages and with a rooster as its provincial emblem. Lampang boasts a long history of human settlements on the Wang River basin, some of which dating back to more than 1000 years. It is rich in archaeological evidence reflecting ancient civilisations of Hariphunchai, Lanna and Burma. Lampang is the only province in Thailand still retaining horse-drawn carriages as a means of transport with in city limit. Visitors can hire such vehicles to tour places such as markets, traditional houses along the river bank and the numerous temples in town. The Thai Elephants Conservation Centre is located in the Thung Kwian forest park in Hang Chat district about 32 kilometres from town on the route to Chiang Mai. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: http://www.hotel-club-thailand.com/destination/lampang.htm :::::::::Mae Hong Son Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Ricefields Near Soppong Ricefields Near Soppong Mae Hong Son is a peaceful spot located in the north-western corner of the Kingdom. Visitors will notice a strong Burmese influence. The city has been a place known for power struggles between various Tai (Shan) and Burmese kingdoms over the years. The city is best visited between November and March when the town is at its most beautiful. Mae Hong Son is sheltered by several mountains, keeping it cooler during the summer months and allowing the temperature to drop to only 2ºC during January. The mountains have long been home to various migrant hilltribes. The region's many natural attractions have brought increasing numbers of visitors over the recent years. It is very popular with independent travellers. There are more than 20 guesthouses. Mae Hong Son is a great place for daytrips in the region and provides great opportunities for adventures; on its twisting roads, sweeping rivers and in the mountainous forested region, passing through villages with Burmese/Shan style temples. Waterfalls, not only pleasing to the eye, but also fill small pools which are a perfect treat at the end of long treks through the forests. The region is also well known for its multitude of caves: archaeologists have discovered some 67 in the province, many still containing prehistoric relics. The 400m long cave at Tham Lod, about 80km to the northwest of Mae Hong Son, near Soppong , is just one of these fine caves. ::::::::::Mahasarakham Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Taksila Hotel - 4 Stars for a 1-star price Taksila Hotel - 4 Stars for a 1-star price J. Davies Being a college town boasting seven institutions of higher learning, prices are cheap and the restaurants are lively. The city is also the provincial capitol for Mahasarakham Province with a fairly new and strikingly beautiful white modern-traditional capitol building on the south side of town. The Museum of Northeastern Isaan Culture is on the downtown campus of Mahasarakham University (MSU), the largest of the local HE institutions with a student body of 30,000 plus. MSU's second, Khamriang Campus (9 kilometers north of town) is not to be missed. Strikingly modern architecture in rich brick facades characterize the many buildings on campus--contrasting with nearby rice farmers plowing with buffalo, provide a great amatuer photographer's delight. Several relaxing parks are nearby for a stroll or picnic, one of which is Wang Ma Cha, a few kilometers northeast out of town. Tuk-tuks and mortorcycle taxis are plentiful and cheaply-hired. Frequent and cheap bus service connects with other nearby towns (Khon Kaen, Roi-et) for great one-day excursions. The downtown Taksila Hotel provides a four-star experience for a one-star price, including a delicious Wednesday noon buffet and Thai massage services. A new and even cheaper hotel is currently being built a few kilometers north of town, hosted by Mahasarakham University's hotel and tourism faculty. Other inexpensive options are the Vasu Hotel, with its Thai-style cafe, also in the city centre, and Suan Warun, the training hotel at Mahasaraham Rajabhat University just off the Khon Kaen road. Suan Warun boasts an excellent restaurant and sometimes offers very low prices to ensure a flow of guests for the students. Shopping options in Mahasarakham remain more limited than in other large Isan towns but have improved in recent years. The old Serm Thai department store in the city centre is now just part of a small mall, which also includes Tesco Lotus and the usual Western-oriented fast food outlets such as KFC and Svenssons. A new shopping plaza is under construction near the canal past the Vasu Hotel. The fresh food market near the central clock tower provides a fasinating insight into the culture of a central Isan town. In the past Mahasarakham had the reputation of a regional educational centre with very limited entertainment options. However, today there are a large number of lively restaurants and bars, mainly on the side of the city near the downtown campuses of MSU and the Rajabhat, and on the roads leading in to the Khamriang campus. Two of the best restaurants are Jaan Nuan near the city centre on the Borabue road, and Si Muang Steakhouse in a nearby soi leading to the Nursing College. Westerners will probably like the lunch buffet available at Monkey Steak adjacent to MSU's Khamriang campus. Best time to visit: November through January for cool weather. [Be sure to visit the Photo Gallery for more scenes from Mahasarakham and sites mentioned in this review.] (May 2006) _________Getting There Edit This Overnight Train Berth from Bangkok to Khon Kaen Overnight Train Berth from Bangkok to Khon Kaen jdavies There are several ways to reach Mahasarakham depending on the traveler's budget and time available. Below alternatives are listed from most expensive to least expensive. Alternative #1: From Bangkok, fly Thai Airways to Khon Kaen for about $40 (USD) and a 45-minute flight. Take a taxi to the Khon Kaen bus station (specify "non air-con station"). Buses leave every hour for Mahasarakham; about a 90-minute ride. Alternative #2: From Bangkok's Buanglamphoo Rail Station, take the 8:45pm night train to Khon Kaen. Enjoy a comfortable night's sleep in an air-conditioned car with curtained private beds for about $16 (USD). A porter will wake you and serve you coffee prior to your arrival, if requested. Arrive at Khon Kaen about 6:00 a.m., and proceed to the bus station (10-minute taxi or tuk-tuk ride) as described above. First bus for Mahasarakham leaves about 6:30 a.m. Alternative #3: From Bangkok's Northeastern Bus Station (Mochit), take the Mahasarakham bus (ticket wickets/gates #11 or #12), for the eight-hour ride. There are both overnight and afternoon buses. Cost, approximately $6-$7 (USD). The advantage of this route is that you travel directly to Mahasarakham without the Khon Kaen intermediary destination. (May 2006) ::::::::::Muang Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see "Muang" is the word for "city" in Thai. This section refers to no specific city. :::::::::Nong khai Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see The Sculpture Park, Salakeawkoo The Sculpture Park, Salakeawkoo Julian Wright Nong Khai is located on the banks of the Maekhong river, 630 km north-east of Bangkok . Across the river is People's Democratic Republic of Laos . This is a good base from which to explore Isaan, the North-East of Thailand, and the only place in Isaan at which you can cross the river into neighbouring Laos by using the so-called Friendship Bridge in Nong Khai town. The scenery around Nong Khai and along the Maekhong river is very beautiful and worth checking out. Outside of Nong Khai is Wat Khaek (also known as Salaa Kaew Kuu), a zany Buddhist-Hindu scupture park worth a visit. . The city is also a good place to buy handicraft of the region and neighbouring Laos. . A slightly eccentric bar in town, The Bridge Bar, has a website with information about travelling to and from Nong Khai. Their website is at thebridgenongkhai.com. :::::::::Nonthaburi Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo_4 tathisri Nonthaburi is situated in a fertile basin on the bank on the Chao Phraya River. This abundant town is full of fruit and flower plantations as well as historical temples. The town is only 20 kms. from Bangkok and is conveniently accessible by road or river. Nonthaburi has been found in history as a part of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. It was once consolidated with Bangkok in 1943 and was re-established as a province in 1946. Nonthaburi occupies an area of 622 square kilometres and is administratively divided into six districts: Muang Nonthaburi, Pak Kret, Bang Kruai, Bang Bua Thong and Sai Noi. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: pak kret :::::::::Pattaya Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Pattaya Beach Pattaya Beach Ode au persil Located 147 kilometers southeast of Bangkok or only about two-hour drive, Pattaya is Thailand's premier beach resort and annually attracts hundreds of thousand of pleasure-seeking tourist from all over the world. Visitors can windsurf, water ski, swim, sunbath, snorkel, sail, or take trips to offshore coral islands. They can rent water scooters to explore Pattaya bay, and motorcycles and jeeps to explore neighbouring-beaches. Pattaya boasts an incredible choice of accommodation to suit every pocket. Facilities range from air conditioned opulence to basic simplicity. Essentially, the visitor has the choice of luxury hotels with private-beaches; bayside hotels and bungalow; and "inland" economy-class hotels and guest houses. Pattaya offers some of Thailand's choicest seafood in several specialty restaurants. Steak houses and fast-food outlets provide attractive alternatives and gourmets and gourmands alike find satisfaction in restaurants featuring French, Italian, Swiss, German, Hungarian, Scandinavian, English, Indian, Moslem, Japanese, Chinese and Thai Cuisines. From families to individual visitors, Pattaya offers something for everyone and all the ingredients for a truly memorable holiday. Also worth a look is close by Jomtien beach about 3 kms south. This is a rapidly developing area with emphasis on beach life rather than sleaze. There are several excellent golf courses within 15 minutes taxi ride including the 27 hole Phoenix, and the excellent Pattaya Country Club (check for sport days which include a free lunch and a round for 15 dollars) Further south (30 mins) is the Navy course near Sattahip, this is beautiful and still cheap (18 holes for 25 dollars). ::::::::::Petchburi Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Wat Yai Suwannaram Wat Yai Suwannaram nirvana Petchaburi is about 130 km south of Bangkok, 30 km north of Cha Am and 50 km north of Hua Hin. This busy town also offers the visitor the opportunity to visit temples and also the hilltop Old Palace. :::::::::Phang-nga bay Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Khao Phing Kan Khao Phing Kan Matteo Rigotti The provincial capital of Phang Nga is a small town, set amidst spectacular limestone crags. A classic example of the limestone karsts can be found at the famous Koh Phing Kan or 'James Bond Island', with its famous over-hanging rock, from the movie "The Man With the Golden Gun". The city is located approx. 800 km south of Bangkok. ::::::::: Phitsanulok Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see x Phitsanulok is located 380 km north of Bangkok. Worth a visit are the Pra Buddha Jinaraj (Chinarat) image at Wat Mahathat, an outstanding folklore museum, a Buddha factory, and night markets and floating restaurants on the Nan River. Another important plus is the complete absence of tourists, making Phitsanulok a refreshing change from the more popular destinations in central and northern Thailand. Phitsanulok originally served as a Khmer outpost called Song Kwae before the Kwai Noi River changed its course in the 11th century. In the 15th century Phitsanulok was the seat of the Ayuthaya viceroy, who ruled the province of Sukhothai. Phitsanulok is highly regarded among the Thai people as the birthplace of King Naresuan the Great, who governed the province 1569-84. A memorial to King Naresuan is located on the north side of the river on the grounds of the former Chandahana Palace. After a devastating fire in 1955, Phitsanulok was relocated five km from the old site and rebuilt in a modern shophouse style (structures with two stories--a shop downstairs, living quarters upstairs) that offers few architectural blessings ::::::::: :::::Phuket Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see i Phuket (pronounced 'Poo-ket') is a large island in the off the Thailand's west coast, in the Andaman Sea. The island is about the size of Singapore, with some 40kms (25 miles) of beaches. Phuket is located about 900 kms south from the nation's capital, Bangkok, and is connected to the mainland by a 100 meter-long causeway. Phuket's population of 1.6 million people ranks sixth among all provinces in Thailand. The province is the richest in Thailand (on a per capita basis) and second only to Bangkok in real terms. In the past, the island derived much of its wealth from tin production, which began in Phuket over 500 years ago. The presence of tin attracted European colonial powers such as the Portuguese and British. Many Chinese and Malay workers also came to Phuket as labourers to work in the tin mines. This mix of different cultures has given Phuket a flavour of its own. The influence of the Chinese and Portuguese are still evident in the old town today. There is also a strong muslim community in Phuket, with about 35% of the island's population being muslims of Malay descent. Along with the incredible beaches, hills and lush jungle, Phuket is a water lover's paradise. The reefs and surrounding islands teem with marine life. There is a host of water activities including scuba diving, yachting, water-skiing, windsurfing, jet-skiing and parasailing on offer. Other attractions are the Phuket Aquarium, the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park and five golf courses, including the prestigious Blue Canyon Country Club. Phuket is an ideal base from which to explore the Andaman region. Many boats leave Phuket for trips around Phang Nga Bay, with its impossibly sheer limestone outcrops that rise out of the sea, many caves and odd shaped islands. Other popular destinations are Phi Phi Island, Racha Islands and the Similan Islands. The Similans are considered to be among the top ten dive sites in the world. Phuket is not all about beaches. If you have time, the interior is definitely worth exploring. There are rice paddies, rubber plantations and small slices of Phuket's remaining rainforest. Phuket Town (now renamed Phuket City) is definitely worth checking out. There's plenty of shops and departments stores, as well as a few flea markets as well as some small antique and handicraft shops. Many of the streets are lined with Sino-Portuguese shop houses and houses, a reminder of the island's heritage. Patong, across the island from Phuket Town, is the noisy nightlife centre of the island with great beaches and facilities. Beaches such as Kata, Karon and Surin are quieter and have a more relaxed feel to them. One of the best family beaches is Nai harn beach at the southern tip of the island. The best beaches are along the west side, but the wind and waves from the Andaman sea can make them rough at times. Nai Harn on the other hand is a bay sheltered from worst winds and the sea is shallow for a long way out making it suitable for children (supervised of course). Also the beach is large enough, so there is plenty of room, and the restaurants and bars are right at the back under the tree line so getting stuff to eat and drink and enjoying it in the shade is convenient. Getting around by car or bike More than 10,000 people are injured and over 250 killed every year in road accidents in Phuket. Nine out of ten accidents involve motorbikes. Major risk factors are driving at night, and drunk-driving mostly by foreigners and that no one wears a helmet. Renting a car or motorbike to explore the island on your own is a cost-effective way of getting off the beaten track. However, given the driving habits of most locals and the resulting carnage on Phuket's roads every year, the risks do demand careful consideration. Driving habits are Thai style ignoring all the rules and keeping going at all costs, not much worse than Naples, but like there it keeps traffic moving. Traffic lights have just made things worse in the last few years. Motorcycle and scooter rentals start at around 150 baht/day, coming down to 100 baht/day for rentals of a week or more. There is a crash helmet requirement but no one wears one. A family of four (with two toddlers) on a bike will only share one helmet that the father wears but does not close it. You are hardly see police but supposedly Phuket police conducts spot checks at which a driving licence must be produced. Don't bother with an international licence. The current on-the-spot fine for not carrying a licence is 300 baht and then you continue ... Renting a car usually costs between 800-1000 baht if you want to go for an ecomonical one like a toyota vios or a jeep. Several rental companies are located in and around airport. Avis is located within the airport while Hertz, National and sixt are located walkable distance outside the airport (across the road). Bookings can be made online for these. More options would be local car rentals like airportrental and phuketcarrental. Rates are a little better without any other hassles. Driving around isn't that bad if you stay in and around the highways. No parking problems as such. The main highway Rt. 402 streches across phuket and connects all the major beaches like Patang, Surin, Mai Kao and the sunset point. Driving in Phuket can be a little crazy compared to most western nations, and congestion is limited to Phuket Town and the main stretches of Patong Beach. Drive very defensively at first and watch what the locals do. Of course, it helps if you are accustomed to driving on the left side of the road, which in itself could be enough to detract some North American or European drivers. Also be careful to check the level of insurance on a hire car, many local companies say they have 'full' insurance when in fact it is only a very basic level. Braun car rentals [2] , Pure and Via Car Rentals are reputable. :::::::::Prachinburi Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Prachin Buri is located some 134 kilometers from Bangkok. It occupies an area of 11,957.5 square kilometers and is administratively divided into seven Amphoes : Muang, Ban Sang, Kabin Buri, Na Di, Prachantakham, Si Maha Phot and Si Mahosot. The information gathered here are provided with support of the Thai Tourist Organisation TAT __________Sights Edit This The city itself does not have to offer very much, but there are some interesting sights out of Prachinburi. Explore one of the nice waterfalls or the Morakot Historical Park. In the city the most interesting thing to do is probably visiting the Prachinburi National Museum. [Add Sight] Morakot Historical Park Edit This This historical site is located at Wat Sramorakot, Tambon Kokthai, Amphoe Sri Mahosot. From Prachinburi, Follow Route 319 for a distance of approximately 23 Kilometres then turn left for approximatey 500 metres. This group of ancient ruins were built during the 14th - 18th centuries of the Buddhist Era (7th - 8th centuries A.D. ) Among the ruins, there are Lord Buddha's footprints, which are the largest and oldest in Thailand. Dach footprint is approximately 1.30 metres wide and 3.50 metres long, and has the Wheel of Dharma at the middle of the sole. . type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Khao Ito Waterfall Edit This The waterfall comprises of a main stream that wet and cool seasons. Surrounding the area of the falls, is natural forest.This is a popular picnicking spot for locals, There are also stalls selling food and beverages. Nearby, there is the Chakrapong Dam also known as the Khao Ito Dam, which is used for storing water. Is located approximately 12 kilometres from Prachinburi. Follow Poute 33 towards Aranyaprathet; then at km.160-161 turn onto a side route and follow for 2 kilometres. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Takro Waterfall Edit This a series of huge rocks along a valley of KhaoYai National Park. The surrounding area is forested, which not only provides a cool and shady atmosphere, but also makes a great place for picnicking. There are white papids especially during the wet season. Is located at Mooban 8, Tambon Bufai, approximately 16 Kilometres from Amphoe Prachan-takham. Follow Foute 33 to Amphoe Prachantakham then turn onto the route to the falls. From the carpark, it is another 500 metres walk to the falls. The water flows quickly over type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: uran openings: 324 tel: 6465344 email: 34fdggfd zipcode: asd url: 324324 Prachinburi National Museum Edit This Located behind the Prachinburi Provincial Hall, this place holds a collection of invaluable ancient art from Prachinburi and neighbouring provinces. There are displays of ancient artifacts from Sri Mahosot, an ancient city of the Dvaravati Preiod as well as examples of Lopburi ans Khmer art; such as, tools, household utensils, statues, and other forms of art. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Sa Morakot Edit This This ancient Khmer reservoir can be found at the village of Ban Sa Khoi, southeast of the Prachinburi township. The original laterite sluices of the dam, along with Naga sculptures can still be found there. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: Ban Sa Khoi Village Wat Phra Si Maha Pho Edit This This monastery is located in Amphoe Khok Pip, about 20 km from Prachinburi centre. Situated in the grounds of the monastery is the largest and oldest Bodhi tree to be found in Thailand. The seedling of the tree was brought from Buddha Gaya in India. The tree is surrounded by various Buddha images in different attitudes. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: Amphoe Khok Pip :::::::::Pranburi Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Bacchus Resort Bacchus Resort br Pranburi is located south of Hua hin on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. It has a quiet beach and is also located close to the famous Sam Roi Yot National Park that stretches along the coastline south. There are many excellent resorts in the area. Pranburi is becomming a very popular beach and coastal destination in Thailand, close to Hua Hin and national parks, there are now more hotels, resorts and other accommodations in the area though it remains a quiet and relaxing place to stay at a beach not too far from Bangkok. _________Sights Edit This beach near Pranburi beach near Pranburi Jacques Bekaert Pranburi is close to the famous Sam Roi Yot National Park thjat stretches along the coast between Hua Hin and prachuap Khiri Khan. ::::::::::Saree Beach Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Sairee beach memorial Sairee beach memorial Leo Hoogendoorn Sairee Beach memorial. It is a memorial for a son from a former king. :::::::Satun Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Leppa Island, Satun Leppa Island, Satun Satun is a small harbor town in the southwest of Thailand, at the Andaman Sea, close to Malaysia, and about 2 hours from HadYai. :::::::::Sisaket Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Roadsign in Sisaket Roadsign in Sisaket W.Schmid Sisaket is located in north-eastern Thailand between Surin and Ubon Ratschatani. It is developping at a fast pace and there are many old kmer temples to visit. Hotels start at only about 10 USD. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: http://www.res24asia.com/IsanRegion ________Things to do Edit This Roadsign in Sisaket Roadsign in Sisaket W.Schmid If you would like to know what you can do in Sisaket, Isaan, Thailand, you can visit the Sisaket online web directory from Res24asia.com. HAve a nice stay in the ISan-region. It can be found at: ::::::::Ubon Ratchatani Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Ubon Ratchatani is located about 650 km north-east of Bangkok. The city lies near the Moon-river and the Mekong river. For more information about Ubon Ratchatani and hotels and resorts in Ubon Ratchatani and things to do in the Isan region please log onto: www.res24asia.com/Isanregion.html. We hope you will find the information helpful. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: www.res24asia.com/Isanregion.html ::::::::Songkhla Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see The mermaid statue on the beach The mermaid statue on the beach Adriana Selage Songkhla province is in the deep south of Thailand, bordering with the state of Kedah in Malaysia, about 950 km south of Bangkok. It was formerly a part of the large Srivajaya kingdom that had control of the southern peninsular. The ancient city of Songkhla is located on a stretch of land between the Gulf of Thailand and the Songkhla Lake (Thale Sep Songkhla). The original settlement was at the foot of Khao Daeng. Many remnants from its past association with the Srivajayan Empire and from the Europeans, who arrived much later to trade in the area, can be found around the province. The province also boasts splendid beaches, waterfalls and other natural attractions. ::::::::::Sukhothai Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Loy Krathong show in the old temple complex in Sukhothai Loy Krathong show in the old temple complex in Sukhothai Leo Hoogendoorn Sukhothai which literally means "Dawn of Happiness" is located 427 km (267 miles) north of Bangkok, and was founded in 1238. Sukhothai used to be the capital of Thailand for approximately 120 years. The former greatness of Sukhothai has been preserved in architectural monuments. Ruins of the royal palaces, Buddhist temples, the city gates, walls moats, dams, ditches, ponds, canals and the water dyke control system which was the economic base of the kingdom has been restored by the Fine Arts Department with the cooperation of the UNESCO, not only to foster Thailand's national identity but safeguard an important part of mankind's cultural heritage. The new town of Sukhothai, a few kilometers away from the old one, is where hotels, restaurants and other infastructure facilities are located today. ______Practical Information Edit This Free travel guides and travel information from the official tourism offices of Sukhothai, Thailand. Research travel information for vacation ideas, and find events, attractions, arts & culture, dining, shopping, museums, travel guides, travel videos, conventions, tours and much more for cities throughout the city with this official travel and tourism portal. Recommended hotels for Best Hotel Rate Guarantee visit http://www.unseensukhothai.com _________Sukhothai Historical Park Edit This The Sukhothai Historical Park is without a doubt the highlight of a trip to the former capital of Siam. The park is located 12 kms. from town on the Sukhothai-Tak Highway. Ruins of the royal palaces, Buddhist temples, the city gates, walls, moats, dams, ditches, ponds, canals, and the water dyke control system, which was the magical and spiritual center of the kingdom, are now preserved and have been restored by the Fine Arts Department with the cooperation of UNESCO, not only with a view of fostering Thailand's national identity but the safeguarding a fine example of mankind's cultural heritage. The tourist Service Centre is near Wat Phra Phai Luang. The centre provides information and facilitates visitors to the Sukhothai Historical Park, as well as displays models of historical buildings and structures in old Sukhothai. It is open daily 08.30-16.30 hrs. Admission fee is 40 baht. [Add New] The Royal Palace Edit This The palace is located in the centre of the town. This area is surrounded by a moat and contains two main compounds; the royal building and the sanctuary in the palace. In the royal compound exists the ruins of the royal building called Noen Phrasat. Here, the famous stone inscription of King Ramkhamhaeng was found by King Mongkut (Rama IV) in the 19th century together with a piece of the stone throne called "Manangkhasila Asana" King Ramhamhaeng set up the throne in the midst of a sugarpalm grove where , at his request, a monk preached on Buddhist Sabbath days and the more.. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Wat Mahathat Edit This Sukhothai's largest temple is Wat Mahathat. It has customary main chedi in lotus-bud shape and a ruined viharn. At the base of the Chedi stands Buddhist disciples in adoration, and on the pedestal are seated Buddha images. In front of this reliquary is a large viharn formerly containing a remarkable seated bronze Buddha image of the Sukhothai style, which was cast and installed by King Lithai of Sukhonthai in 1362. At the end of the 18th century, the image was removed to the Viharn Luang of Wat Suthat in Bangkok by the order of King Rama I and has since been named Phra Si Sakaya more.. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Old city wall Edit This The city wall is located in the centre of the historical park in Tambon Muang Kao and surrounded by earthen ramparts. The north and south walls are each 2,000 metres long, where as the east and the west walls are each 1,600 metres long. The walls contain four main gates: Sanluang on the north, Namo on the south, Kamphaenghak on the east, and Oar on the west. A stone inscription mentions needed help, they would ring the bell and the King would come out to settle disputes and dispense justice. Inside the town stands 35 monuments including Buddhist temples and many other structures. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] :::::::::Surat Thani Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Surat Thani is situated on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Popular as the place to take ferries across to Koh Samui. Surat Thani also has a major railway station for trains to the South and also trains north to bangkok. Surat Thani also has an airport served by several airlines. _________Getting There Edit This Surat Thani Airport is served by domestic flights from Bangkok by Thai Airways, One-2-Go and other airlines. Surat Thani also has a rail station with frequent trains North to Chumphon, prachuap Khiri Khan, Hua Hin and Bangkok. Trains operate also to the south to Hat Yai and onwards to Malaysia. Surat Thani is located close to the main highway, in addition to the highway North and South this is where there is also a road to krabi and Phuket. ::::::::Surin Province Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Surin Elephants Surin Elephants Chatchai Chumnum Near to the Thai-Cambodian border in Thailands central eastern region, Surin is the home of the annual Elephant festival, having been the breeding grounds for the royal elephants for much of Thailands history. _______Surin Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see A medium sized city located 477km from Bangkok, Surin is the center of the province that bears its name. Center now for much of the collection of Jasmin Rice grown in the region, it also is the closest Thai city (and Airport) to Angar Wat just 60 KL away across the Cambodian Border. However the airport has been closed to the public since 1999. Surin's main attraction is undoubtedly the annual Elephant Roundup, at the Surin Sport Park. At other times of the year, artifacts associated with elephant capture and training can be seen at Surin Museum. ::::::::Tarutao Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see koh lipe 2003 tarutao andaman sea koh lipe 2003 tarutao andaman sea ©txm.2003 www.2hi.de Tarutao is a national park that has not been spoilt by development. It includes the incredible Butang Islands, some of the most beautiful unspoiled islands in Asia. These offer fantastic diving and snorkeling but are very difficult to travel to and have poor facilities. Out of season it is almost impossible to visit, and in season there are too few bungalows for the visitors that come, so you may end up sleeping on the beach. There is talk that a new daily ferry service will start to operate in December from the nearby island of Langkawi, which will make these islands far more accessible :::::::::Trang Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo_33 The city of Trang with a population about 600,000 used to be an important trading port in former centuries. During the Ayuthaya period, Trang was a common port of entry for Western visitors. Most visitors come to see the nearby beaches and islands. Like the provinces of Krabi and Phang Nga, Trang has a geography of limestone mountains pocked with caves and fine sandy beaches facing beautiful idyllic islands. Fortunately Trang has not been taken over by the tourism industry. The reason is simply that it already has a fully developed economy, based on the rubber plantations that have flourished since the end of the last century. The seafood industry, tin and barite mining have also been well established to support the workforce of Trang. Apart from the province's appealing tropical islands, the interior is strewn with caves, waterfalls, hot springs and lakes. You can find this beautiful nature twenty km north of the rather uninteresting provincial capital. Trang or Muang Thap Thiang used to be a port involved in foreign trade. It was the first city where rubber was planted. Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahison Phakdi brought rubber from Malaysia and planted it here before anywhere else in southern Thailand in 1899. Rubber is now considered an important commodity of Thailand. The important Trang River flows through the province from its origin in the Khao Luang mountain range and the Palian River from the Banthat mountain range. Trang is a coastal province on the Indian Ocean with a long western coastline of about 199 kilometres. The province consists of an archipelago in the Andaman Sea with over 46 islands. Of these, 12 are in Amphoe Kantang, 13 in Amphoe Palian and 21 in Amphoe Sikao. The best time for sea travel is during October to May of the following year. Trang has a total area of 4,941 square kilometres and is divided into 9 districts (Amphoe) and 1 sub-district (King Amphoe); Amphoe Kantang, Amphoe Huai Yot, Amphoe Yan Ta Khao, Amphoe Palian, Amphoe Sikao, Amphoe Wang Wiset, Amphoe Na Yong, Amphoe Ratsada, and King Amphoe Hat Samran. ::::::::Udon thani Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Private pool, Gecko Villa Private pool, Gecko Villa Udon Thani is a northeastern province covering an area of 15,589 square kilometres. The provincial capital is 562 kilometres northeast of Bangkok. Udon Thani is probably best known for its archaeological wonders, paramount among them the hamlet of the Ban Chiang where the world's first Bronze Age civilisation is believed to have flourished more than 5,000 years ago. Although Udon generally receives only a passing mention in guidebooks it is an important hub for surrounding villages and is a friendly and pleasant town with cheap hotels and restaurants a plenty. Udon is a place you visit for no particular reason but its low cost of living and relaxing pace. ___________Sights Edit This [Add Sight] Nong Prajak Edit This A pleasant place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. This man-made lake and park is located in the north-western part of town. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Na Yoong Nam Som Forest Park Edit This Located some 100 kilometres northwest of the provincial capital, beyond Phu Phar Bat Historical Park, in Amphoe Nam Som, this park is best known for the 40-metre high Yung Thong Waterfall which cascades down a steep cliff in verdant surrounding from the Phu-Pan and Phu Ya U ridges. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Pu-ya Shrine Edit This As the chinese God and Goddess of Mercy, Pu-yu Shrine revered by poor people and those encountering personal problems, believing they will be grandted favours they seek, Two lakeside is located near the railway on the east of the provincial capital. Out-of-city Attraction type: Parks, Gardens and Zoos World66 rating: [rate it] Ban Chiang National Museum Edit This Located some 56 kilometres east of the provincial capital along Highway No. 22 (until Km. 50 and then along Highway No. 2225), this museum is currently open to the general public every day. Ancient artifacts, including tools, utensils, pottery and jewellery, between 4000 and 7000 years old, were unearthed in the immedite vicinity. the distinctive pottery, with its fingerprint whorl decorations, is belived to be the world's oldest decorative earthenware. Nearby burial pit, left as they were after excavation, in the compound of Wat Po Si Nai, show how valuables, including more.. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Prachak Silpakhom Lake Edit This i Known locally as Nong Prachak, this vast stretch of water is named after the founder of Udon Thani, and is decorated with colourful flowerring plants that lend the area much of its pleasant atmosphere. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Ban Chiang Historical Park Edit This The accidental discovery of broken pieces of pottery by Stephen Young in 1966 would lead to the excavation of the area by archaeological experts. The findings have been the most important to be discovered in Southeast Asia. The bronzeware discovered at the site has been dated to 3600 BC, 500 years earlier than that found at the Euphrates and Tigris basin, where scholars believed that bronze metallurgy had developed. The digs also discovered distinctive clay pottery, pots and vases which are associated with the burial sites that were found. Many of the jars contained more.. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Huai Luang Reservoir Edit This This spot, 25 kilometres from the provincial capital along the Udon Thani-Nong Bua Lam Phu route unit km. 15, and a further 10 kilometres by road, is a good place for fishing, rafting and cruising. Huai Luang Reservoir , a large reservoir under the Royal Irrigation Department's responsibility, covers and area of some 20,000 rais with the capacity of 113 milion cubic meters for water. It feeds 86,000 rais of agricultural area and also serves as a source of water animals for food and public water supply. Huai Luang is a scenic attraction ideal for rafting, fishing and more.. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] address: AIT , pathumthani email: manojkendre@yahoo.co.in _________Day Trips Edit This [Add Day Trip] Ban Chiang Edit This Ban Chiang is a tiny village 50 kilometres east of Udon Thani and best visited as a day trip from Udon. Ban Chiang is the site of a major archeological excavation and the home of the distinctive swirl-design pots which you see all around Udon Thani. The Ban Chiang excavation site is a glimpse into a society that existed over 5000 years ago. As well as the excavation site there is a museum with a considerable selection of excavated items. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] |
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GNU Free Documentation License Esso utilizza materiale tratto da http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thailandia Cronologia/Autori: http://it.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Thailandia&action=history ThailandiaDa Wikipedia, l'enciclopedia libera.
Il Regno di Thailandia (in thai: ราชอาณาจักรไทย 'Ratcha Anachak Thai', oppure ประเทศไทย Prathet Thai Paese dei Thai; italianizzato Tailandia.) è uno Stato del sud-est asiatico, confinante con Laos e Cambogia ad est, Golfo di Thailandia e Malesia a sud, e con il Mare delle Andamane ed il Myanmar (ex-Birmania) ad ovest. La Thailandia è nota anche come Siam, che è stato il nome ufficiale della nazione fino all'11 maggio 1949. La parola Thai (ไทย) significa "libero" in lingua thailandese e da anche il nome al popolo Thai, portando alcuni abitanti, in particolare la considerevole minoranza cinese, a continuare ad usare il nome Siam.
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Una cascata nel
Parco nazionale Sai Yok.
Con i suoi 513.000 km² di superficie, la Thailandia è la 49° nazione del mondo per estensione. È paragonabile per dimensioni alla Spagna. La Thailandia è sede di molte regioni geografiche distinte, in parte corrispondenti ai gruppi provinciali. Il nord del Paese è montagnoso, con il punto più alto corrispondente al monte Doi Inthanon a 2.576 metri. Il nordest è costituito dall'altopiano Khorat, confinante ad est con il fiume Mekong. Il centro della nazione è invece dominato dalla valle fluviale in gran parte pianeggiante Chao Phraya, che si getta nel Golfo del Siam. Il sud è costituito dallo stretto ponte di terra di Kra Isthmus che si allarga nella penisola malese. Il clima locale è di tipo tropicale e caratterizzato dalla presenza dei monsoni. Tra metà maggio e settembre si assiste ad un monsone sudoccidentale caratterizzato da grande piovosità, caldo e nuvolosità. Tra novembre e metà marzo si assiste invece al manifestarsi di un monsone asciutto e freddo di nordest. L'isthmus meridionale è invece caldo e umido. Accanto alla capitale Bangkok le città principali sono Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Nakhon Sawan, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Surat Thani, Phuket e Hat Yai (Provincia di Songkhla).
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Scorcio suggestivo a
Amphoe Palian, nella provincia del
Trang; la Thailandia è anche una delle più importanti mete
turistiche internazionali
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Thailandia Itinerario 1 Thailandia del Nord-Est (Isaan e parco Khao Yai) a cura di Stefano Gala Punto di partenza e arrivo: Bangkok Lunghezza: 1000 km Durata: 6 gg. Mezzo di trasporto: Pullman/treno + auto a noleggio (consigliata per Phimai e Buriram) Difficoltà: nessuna Un Itinerario adatto a coloro che vogliono uscire dai normali circuiti turistici e visitare luoghi meno noti, ma non per questo meno affascinanti, della Thailandia del nord est, zona altrimenti nota come Isaan. L'Isaan si estende fino al confine con il Laos e la Cambogia ed è di gran lunga l'area con il più basso reddito annuale pro capite (500 USD) dell'intero Paese. Accanto all'interesse naturalistico offerto da Parco Khao Yai c'è posto anche per un approfondimento degli aspetti artistico-culturali di questa parte del Paese. Un cospicuo numero di splendidi templi è infatti dislocato sulla dorsale montuosa che separa l'odierna Thailandia dalla Cambogia, tra le città di Surin e di Buriram, ognuno di essi posto in posizione dominante sulle sue vette. Primo giorno: Bangkok - Pak Chong - Parco Nazionale di Khao Yai (150 km circa) Partendo dal terminal nord della Stazione dei bus di Bangkok si giunge, dopo circa 4 ore di viaggio, a Pak Chong, comodo punto di partenza per la visita del Parco Nazionale di Khao Yai. L'ingresso nord di quest'ultimo dista 25 km da Pak Chong ed è facilmente raggiungibile grazie ad un servizio di pullman oppure noleggiando una moto, un minibus o un songthaew. L'ingresso nord è raggiungibile anche da Khorat, 80 km di veloce superstrada; frequenti i collegamenti tra Khorat e Pak Chong in pullman, costo 60 bath circa. L'ingresso sud del Parco è a 30 km da Prachinbury (194 km da Korat), che è facilmente raggiungibile da Bangkok (136 km) attraverso una comoda autostrada a 4 corsie e con un servizio di pullman (Terminal nord di Morchit) con partenze ogni 20 min. fino alle 23.30, costo 75 bath). Secondo giorno: Parco Nazionale di Khao Yai Il Parco Nazionale Khao Yai si estende su una superficie di 1.850 kmq ed è il più vasto e inesplorato del Paese, con numerose specie di animali allo stato libero e selvaggio (elefanti, tigri e molte specie di uccelli). Il Parco è attraversato da nord a sud da una strada asfaltata che collega Pak Chong, nella provincia di Nakhorn Ratchasima, e la provincia di Prachin Buri a sud, e offre un primo assaggio delle qualità estetiche e naturali del Parco. Il Quartier Generale del Parco è posto al centro di questa strada, quasi a quota 1.000 m. Qui si trova un information desk che fornisce preziose informazioni sulle specie animali e vegetali presenti nel Parco e permette di concertare i percorsi di trekking assieme ai rangers. Qui poi si trova anche l'unico punto di ristorazione della zona. L'area attorno al Quartier Generale è caratterizzata da vasti territori con vegetazione bassa ed adatta al pascolo dei daini, dei cervi e dei cerbiatti, molto numerosi e che, ormai abituati al contatto con l'uomo, si lasciano tranquillamente avvicinare. A 5 minuti di cammino dal Q.G. si trova una piccola cascata, la Krong Kaeo. Tra le escursioni organizzate, può essere interessante il giro notturno in pick up: l'escursione dura 1 ora (alle 19 e alle 20) ed è organizzata dal Q.G. del parco (costo 300 bath a pick up). Per i tours, a Pak Chong le agenzie migliori sono la Wildlife Safari (Thanon Pak Chong) e la Wildlife Tours (c/o il Grand View Lodge) ma tutti gli alberghi offrono il tour di 1 giorno e mezzo che costa circa 1.000 bath e comprende: l'escursione serale in pick up per avvistare gli animali, la gita alla Bat Cave e alle cascate Heo Suwat. Un numero telefonico di riferimento per il parco è il seguente (uff. di Bangkok): 66-2-579-72.23; fax 46.11. Principali attrazioni del parco Di ineguagliabile spettacolarità e violenza, le cascate Heu Narok sono sicuramente l'attrattiva principale per chi vuole visitare il Parco in pochi giorni e senza inoltrarsi in impervi percorsi nella jungla. Situate quasi all'estremo sud del parco a circa 30 km dal Quartier Generale sulla strada 3077, sono tra le più belle cascate della Thailandia e si presentano in tre consecutivi stadi per un dislivello complessivo di oltre 150 m. Sono raggiungibili attraverso un facile ed agevole percorso di trekking (di lunghezza complessiva inferiore ai 2 km) un po' più arduo solamente nella parte conclusiva quando una ripida serie di scale permette di insinuarsi lungo la parete rocciosa teatro del primo livello della cascata. Questo primo stadio non è il più alto, ma l'acqua scende comunque da diverse decine di metri di altezza. Scendendo lungo questa ripida scalinata si può raggiungere un piccolo spiazzo piuttosto distante dal getto d'acqua: tuttavia, la violenza del getto è cosi' impetuosa che il bagno per i visitatori è garantito (si consiglia pertanto di munirsi di indumenti di ricambio). Non e' purtroppo possibile raggiungere il secondo e più maestoso salto dell'altezza di quasi 100 metri, reso inaccessibile a causa della sua ubicazione. Le Northern Waterfalls sono un altro gruppo di cascate situato lungo uno dei più suggestivi percorsi di trekking del Parco. Tra queste spiccano per bellezza le Heu Suwat che si trovano in una zona facilmente accessibile a 3 km dal Quartier Generale del Parco e a pochi minuti di cammino dall'area del parcheggio. Dopo le Heu Narok, le cascate Heu Suwat sono le più spettacolari e famose del Khao Yai. Procedendo a piedi da qui verso ovest attraverso uno dei più semplici percorsi di trekking del parco, si raggiungono in breve tempo le cascate Kluey Mai, meglio note con il nome di Orchid Falls. Dal Quartier Generale, il percorso di trekking per visitare le Heu Suwat e le Orchid Falls è di circa 3 km e dura circa 2 ore. Khao Khiaw e Khao Rom sono le vette più alte del Parco dalle quali si può ammirare un diverso scenario naturale, dominato dalla foresta sempreverde tipica delle elevate altitudini. Il view point è raggiungibile in auto. Grazie ad un dislivello di 110 m, le Sarika Waterfalls sono le seconde cascate più alte del Paese, precedute solamente dalle Mae Ya Waterfalls nel Doi Inthanon National Park nella provincia di Chiang Mai. Nonostante abbiano un regime d'acqua inferiore alle più suggestive ed imponenti cascate Heu Narok, sono in ogni caso una delle più rinomate attrazioni del Parco. Le Nang Rong Waterfalls invece, a breve distanza dalle prime, sono maggiormente apprezzate dagli amanti di kayaking e rafting grazie ai numerosi salti che le contraddistinguono. Qui hanno avuto luogo le competizioni acquatiche dei Giochi Asiatici del 1998. Il percorso di trekking più impegnativo tra quelli realizzabili in giornata si trova nella North West Area. E' della lunghezza di 8 km e permette di attraversare aree con diversa vegetazione a seconda dei versanti della montagna. Il percorso non è particolarmente arduo e permette di raggiungere una delle Watching towers da cui è possibile praticare il bird watching. Non lontano da questo percorso si trova anche il Salt Lick, una zona prediletta da diverse specie animali per la presenza di minerali importanti per la loro alimentazione. All'interno del Parco c'è un dormitorio dove è possibile pernottare su prenotazione. In alternativa si consiglia di pernottare nelle immediate vicinanze di Pak Chong. Khao Yay Garden Lodge (Thanarat Road - km 7, fuori Pak Chong, a 24 km. dal parco): 1.200 bath con A/C; tel. 044/31.35.67, fax 31.21.43. Khao Yay Villa & Mountain Resort (Thanarat Road - km 4): 870 bath con A/C; tel. 01/211.27.16, fax 212.59.80. Noleggia moto!! Terzo giorno: Pak Chong - Khorat e dintorni (200 km circa) Si prosegue in treno da Pak Kong alla volta di Khorat da cui è poi possibile muoversi in auto a noleggio per visitare alcuni caratteristici villaggi. Tra questi, sono degni di visita: Pak Thong Chai, piccolo villaggio conosciuto per la tessitura della meravigliosa seta Mudmee, colorata ancora manualmente e acquistabile nei mercatini; Ban Dan Kwain, altro piccolo villaggio situato a 15 km a sudest di Khorat lungo la Route 224 Nakhon Ratchasima-Chok Chai, conosciuto come il "paese della ceramica". Il nome del villaggio, che letteralmente significa "posto di sosta per i carri", deriva dal fatto che anticamente le carovane dei commercianti provenienti dalle province di Buriram, Surin e dalle regioni Khmer, sostavano in questa zona per raccogliere l'argilla. Per la sera, si consiglia un giro per il mercato di Thanon Panat a Khorat. La sede TAT di Khorat (aperta dalle 8.30 alle 16.30) si trova sulla Thanon Mittaphap: dalla stazione ferroviaria bisogna andare sempre dritto fino a Thanon Mukkhamontri e da qui a sinistra fino alla highway per Bangkok Per i noleggi dell'auto in città, c'è la Care Travel (offre anche l'autista - tel. 044/27.29.23 - 01/71.87.708) e la Budget Car Rental (044/34.16.54.). Hotel consigliati a Khorat: Thai Hotel (Thanon Mittapahap): 400 bath. Tel. 27.07.27. Sri Chumpol (nella centrale Thanon Chumpol): 250 bath; tel. 24.74.60. Iyara Hotel (Chompol Rd. - Amphur Muang - Khorat): 1.000 bath Hotel Anachak (Jomsurangyat Road, vicino all'ufficio postale in centro): 500 bath Sri Pattana Hotel (Thanon Suranari): 500 bath; tel. 25.16.52. First Hotel (Thanon Burin, vicino all'autostazione 1 dei pullman): 360 bath Siri Hotel (Thanon Phokrang, vicino alla porta occidentale della città): 400 bath Quarto giorno: Khorat - Phimai - Khorat (120 km) Phimai è raggiungibile da Khorat in bus in 1 ora e ½ dall'autostazione 2 (la comodità dello spostamento in bus consente di evitare lo Special guided tour che costa 10 volte di più!) La minuscola cittadina di Phimai, dispersa tra gli esotici paesaggi rurali a circa 60 km da Korat, è il luogo principale dove assaporare la storia dei khmer in territorio thailandese, nel periodo antecedente a quella del Siam. Il suo amplissimo parco storico (Prasat Hin Phimai), dichiarato patrimonio dell'UNESCO e visitabile in almeno mezza giornata, è infatti un vero e proprio gateway di accesso verso il profondo Isaan. A circa 1,5 km a nordest del Prasat Hin Phimai si trova Sai Ngam, paese conosciuto per la presenza di uno dei più vecchi alberi di banano di tutta l'Asia. Questa pianta, considerata sacra, ha oltre 350 anni di vita e le sue fronde si intrecciano fino a formare una cupola naturale. A circa 20 km dal capoluogo (lungo l'autostrada che collega Nakhon Ratchasima con Khon Kaen) s'incontra il Prasat Hin Phanom Wan, il primo per ordine di importanza religiosa dei grandi templi del periodo khmer benché, per dimensioni, sia molto più piccolo del vicino Prasat Hin Phimai. Qualora non si volesse tornare a Khorat per il pernottamento, si può prendere in considerazione l'idea di dormire una notte a Phimai. In questo caso, è assolutamente consigliato l'hotel Phimai Inn (sulla route 206): 600 bath con ogni tipo di confort da hotel quasi di lusso! Quinto giorno: Khorat - Buriram - Khorat (240 km circa) Per raggiungere Buriram da Khorat (120 km a sud est della città) bisogna prendere la highway n. 226 per Amphoe Chakkarat, Huay Thalaeng e Lam Plai Mat. Esiste anche un regolare servizio di pullman che parte dall'autostazione 2 di Khorat (2 ore e 1/2) nonchè un comodo treno che impiega 1 ora e 45 min. (orari comodi: 10.28 e 10.55). L'autostazione 2 è nelle vicinanze dell'highway per Non Khai, sul prolungamento del Thanon Mittaphap (sede del TAT). Per andare direttamente al Wat Phanom Rung da Khorat, bisogna però prendere il bus per Surin e scendere a Ban Tako (alcuni km dopo Nang Rong), da dove si può noleggiare un songthaew o un taxi per giungere ai templi. Sul crinale della catena montuosa che fa da confine, ad est, tra la Thailandia e la Cambogia sono ancor oggi arroccati alcuni capolavori khmer del primo millennio. Tra questi, i templi ed i palazzi più suggestivi sono il Prasat Muang Tham ed il Wat Phanom Rung , il complesso di tempi khmer meglio conservato, dislocati proprio sulle vette delle cime montuose e quindi in grado di offrire una splendida vista panoramica sulla sottostante pianura cambogiana. Sesto giorno: Khorat - Bangkok (250 km circa) In treno/pullman/auto si torna a Bangkok. In pullman il percorso si compie in circa 3 ore e 30 min. di viaggio. :::::Thailandia Itinerario 2 Le isole del golfo meridionale di Thailandia: Ko Samui, Ko Tao e Ko Phangan a cura di Stefano Gala Punto di partenza e arrivo: Ko Samui Durata: 10-15 gg. Mezzo di trasporto: traghetto Difficoltà: nessuna KO SAMUI (prefisso 077) Ko Samui è un'isola vasta 280 kmq interamente ricoperta da piante di frutto. Si raggiunge in aereo da Bangkok (1 ora di volo, circa 3.800 bath a tratta) o in nave da Surat Thani (12/14 ore di pullman + 1 ora di nave). Il capoluogo dell'isola è Nathon, dove ci sono i due moli di imbarco/sbarco per tutte le destinazioni: dista circa 20 km da Chaweng, il posto più frequentato sia di giorno (per la sua lunghissima spiaggia), sia di sera (per la moltitudine di locali notturni). La piccola cittadina non offre nulla di particolare, ma può essere usata per sostarvi durante il giro dell'isola, pranzando magari in uno dei tanti ristoranti presenti. Occorre tener presente ad ogni modo che a Nathon si trovano molti servizi, quali l'ufficio postale, alcune banche, l'ufficio d'informazioni turistiche, oltre naturalmente a svariati negozi. A Ko Samui ci sono interessanti posti da vedere: le cascate di Nua Muang (tra Hua Thanon e Nathon) e Hin Lad (2 km a sud di Nathon), il Parco nazionale marino Ang Thong (composto da decine di isole coralline raggiungibili in giornata con gite in barca), Grandpa/Grandma stones (formazioni rocciose a sud di Lamai, nella spiaggia Ao Bang Nam Cheut), la baia di Laem Set (con il butterfly garden), Ko Tan (il principale di una serie di isolotti a sud di Samui raggiungibili noleggiando una barca). Da non perdere il Sarvi Monkey Centre (1/2 km. a sud di Ban Phut), dove ci sono gli spettacoli (ore 10.30, 14 e 16; costo 150 bath) delle scimmie che prendono i frutti dagli alberi. Interessante anche il promontorio di nord est, lungo il quale si trovano alcune baie di estrema bellezza: Thong Sai Bay è la più nota, mentre ThongSon, Narong Bay (la "baia nascosta" e difficilmente raggiungibile) ed altre sono le più suggestive. Proseguendo ancora verso Chaweng si incontrerà infine Chaeng Mon Beach, forse una delle più belle dell'isola. Le spiagge migliori dell'isola sono: Bangpo, Maenam, Sunflower, Talingngam, Thong Krut, Tailing Ngam, Thong Say Bay (a nord dell'isola), Samrong Bay, Chaweng Mon e Chaweng Noy (a sud di Chaweng). A sud di Chaweng Noi si trovano alcune calette abbastanza appartate tipo Ao Thong Yang e Ao Thong Ta Khian, divise da alcuni promontori rocciosi. Da vedere poi le cascate di Nua Muang costituite da un paio di salti. Il primo è alto circa 18 metri, mentre il secondo, della lunghezza di circa 80 metri, è raggiungibile con un soft trekking di circa mezz'ora. Da Ao Bang Nam Cheut, spostandosi un poco all'interno e lasciando quindi la strada costiera, si possono visitare due templi, il Wat Samret ed il Wat Khunaram, il quale conserva la mummia di un monaco morto durante la meditazione oltre venti anni fa. Continuando lungo la strada costiera, dopo Na Thon, s'incontrano altre spiagge non particolarmente suggestive ma meritevoli di una visita, come la rocciosa Hat Ang Thong e Ao Bang Po, quest'ultima nella parte nord dell'isola. Dopodichè si giunge a Mae Nam, una discreta conca sabbiosa abbastanza lunga e lambita da acque calme e profonde, da cui partono le imbarcazioni per Ko Phangan ed altre isole dell'arcipelago. A nord est s'incontra dapprima la stretta spiaggia di Bo Phut, quasi sempre protetta dai venti, e successivamente Bangrak, una stretta e scura striscia sabbiosa di circa tre chilometri. Lambita da acque non particolarmente attraenti, è dominata dal Grande Buddha, una statua dorata alta circa 12 metri posizionata in cima ad una scalinata su Koh Faan, un isolotto collegato alla spiaggia da un ponte rialzato. Per quanto riguarda il soggiorno, per chi non voglia allontanarsi da Chaweng, è consigliabile optare per Chaweng Noy Beach, vicina al centro ma lontano dal caos. Per tranquillità e bellezza è tuttavia assolutamente preferibile la spiaggia Maenam Beach, non lontano dall'aeroporto e a soli 5 km. dalla vita notturna di Chaweng: è di gran lunga la più suggestiva e tranquilla dell'isola e offre possibilità di alloggio per tutte le tasche. Si consiglia vivamente di soggiornare al resort Anong Villa (tel. 24.72.56.), che offre spaziosi e confortevoli bungalow direttamente sul mare a soli 500 bath. Farsi dare il bungalow n. 4: offre una vista mozzafiato!! In alternativa, si può optare per i seguenti resort: Cleopatra's Place (800 bath; tel. 42.54.80.); Palm Point Village (800 bath ; tel. 42.50.95.) e Maenam Resort (1.000 bath; tel. 42.51.16.). KO TAO (prefisso 077) Più a nord rispetto a Ko Samui e più al riparo dal maltempo proveniente da est, Ko Tao è un' isola che si presenta con alcune condizioni climatiche più favorevoli rispetto alla prestigiosa "sorella". Quest'isola, dai fondali incantevoli e dall'acqua azzurra e cristallina come uno specchio, si trova a circa 4 ore di barca sia dalla costa (provincia di Chumpon) che da Samui, e a 1 ora circa da Ko Phangan. A Chumpon si può pernottare al porto, dove c'è una guest house dal costo molto limitato (350 THB circa). I gestori della Guest House sono anche gli stessi che organizzano i trasporti navali da Chumpon a Ko Tao utilizzando veloci fuori bordo che coprono i 72 km di distanza in circa 2 ore. Ci sono 4 diversi collegamenti giornalieri per Ko Tao da 4 moli diversi, tutti fuori dalla città di Chumpon: l'ultima corsa è a mezzanotte, mentre la prima è alle 7.30. Il viaggio complessivo da Bangkok dura circa 11 ore (7 ore di pullman fino a Chumpon e poi 4 ore di barca), qualcosa di più in treno che dovrebbe anche essere un po' più caro (la 2° classe, senza A/C, costa 200 bath, la 1° classe costa 400 bath). Il viaggio in pullman VIP con A/C costa invece 275 bath (ultime corse alle 22.30 e alle 23.30 dal terminal sud; forse c'è anche una corsa alle 14 che costa 150 bath). C'è un pullman che parte da Bangkok alle 19.30 e arriva a Chumpon alle 5.30, con coincidenza della barca alle 8.30 e arrivo a Ko Tao alle 10.30. Si tenga conto che il costo della tratta Chumpon-Ko Tao dovrebbe essere intorno ai 200 bath per il Fishing boat (5/7 ore) e 400 bath per lo Speed boat (2/3 ore). C'è un Fishing boat che parte a mezzanotte. Per la prenotazione del viaggio, privilegiare le seguenti agenzie in Khaosan Road: Vista Travel Service; RIS Nathalie Travel; CFT Tours; Tami Tour. Una volta giunti a Ko Tao non bisogna fermarsi lungo le sue due spiagge principali poste in prossimità del porto d'attracco (Mae Haad e Sairee Beach) in quanto sono mal tenute e danneggiate dall'incuria dei locali nonché dei visitatori. Bisogna invece raggiungere le baie che si nascondono attorno all'isola: tra queste si consiglia Chalok Bankao Bay (a 4 km a sud del molo, spiaggia molto ricca di hotel e locali anche per la sera) e soprattutto Sairee Beach, lunghissima spiaggia a qualche km dal molo di Mae Haad, dove la sera c'è anche molta vita. Da Ko Tao si può andare con un long tails boat a Ko Nang Yuan: il prezzo è intorno ai 100 bath per persona. Sempre in long tail boat si possono fare giri intorno all'isola alla scoperta di spiaggette isolate (1.000 bath a barca per il periplo dell'isola). Ci sono molte possibilità di alloggio sull'isola, che comunque è spesso completa nei periodi di punta. HOTEL CONSIGLIATI Tropicana Resort (Chalok Baan Kao beach): bungalow a 300 bath. Tel. 45.61.67. JP Resort (Chalok Baan Kao beach): 250 bath Porn Resort (Chalok Baan Kao beach) Ko Tao Cottage (Chalok Baan Kao beach): 660 bath Ko Tao Palace (Sairee Beach): 1.300 bath. Tel. 456.504/5. Fax: 456.250. Assolutamente il migliore di tutti!!! KO NANG YUAN (prefisso 077) In prossimità di Ko Tao si trova un' attrattiva particolare ed unica. Tre piccolissime isole, note con il nome di Ko Nang Yuan, sono unite tra loro da una meravigliosa e scenica striscia argentata di spiaggia corallina che assume la forma di stella a tre punte. In questa esclusiva località turistica non ci sono strade e mezzi a motore. La ricettività alberghiera è limitata a un resort di lusso (Koh Nang Yuan Island: 1.500 bath con colazione inclusa) e a qualche bungalow. KO PHANGAN (prefisso 077) Ko Phangan è raggiungibile con 1 ora di traghetto da Ko Samui (porto di Bophut) o da Ko Tao. La città principale dell'isola è Thong Sala, dove vive circa la metà degli isolani e luogo di attracco dei traghetti. L'isola è ricca di cascate molto belle (Nam Tok Phaeng, Thanprapat e Thanprawet). Si consiglia la gita Cactus Club's Reggae Magic Boat Trip: costa 350 bath (partenza alle 10.30) e offre il periplo completo dell'isola con fermate alle belle ed inaccessibili spiaggette di Hat Khuat e Hat Khor (chiedere al Cactus Club o all'Outback Bar a Haad Rin). Consigliata una gita alla vicina isola Ko Mae. Evitare per il soggiorno la spiaggia Haad Drin, troppo incasinata durante le feste del Full Moon Party! HOTEL CONSIGLIATI Asia Hotel (vicino al molo): 500 bath con A/C. Phangan Chai Hotel (vicino al molo): 900 bath con A/C. Tel. 37.70.68. ::::::Thailandia Itinerario 3 Bangkok e oltre a cura di Stefano Gala Punto di partenza: Bangkok Punto di arrivo: Kanchanaburi Lunghezza: km 470 circa (senza le escursioni) Durata: 6 gg. Mezzo di trasporto: Treno o pullman Difficoltà: facile Bangkok, città che richiama suggestioni lontane e angosce moderne, sovrappopolata e sommersa da un traffico sempre caotico e da un perenne velo di smog dovuto ad un altissimo tasso di inquinamento atmosferico. Una città comunque da vedere magari dedicando qualche giorno in più alla visita dei suoi dintorni: l'antica capitale Ayutthaya e la più lontana Kanchanaburi (chi non ricorda "Il ponte sul fiume Kwai")? Primo giorno: Bangkok Quasi certamente il vostro primo impatto con la Thailandia avverrà all'aeroporto Don Muang . Un attimo di smarrimento è consentito ma non fatevi impressionare troppo ...e decidete subito a quale mezzo affidarvi per raggiungere Bangkok. Potete prendere un taxi (usate solo quelli con l'insegna taxi meter che non fanno sconti, ma sono sicuri ed economici; una corsa in taxi fino in città dovrebbe costare circa 400 bath) o il bus, la cui fermata è sulla Vibhavadi Rangsit Highway (4 bath la corsa). I bus che vanno in città dall'aeroporto sono il 29 (a Chinatown), il 59, il 95 (senza A/C) e il 4, 10, 13 (con A/C). Per chi ha i bagagli, è consigliabile utilizzare il servizio di minibus (Airport Bus) che porta in diversi punti della città a seconda della linea scelta e che costa 100 bath: la fermata è a sinistra dell'uscita dal terminal. L'A1 porta a Silom; l'A2 porta a Khaosan Road, dove ci sono i bus 30 e 11 che portano al terminal sud dei pullman; l'A3 porta al terminal Est Ekamai (fermata dello Sky Train); l'A4 a Hua Lamphong. Forse la scelta migliore è offerta dal treno molto più veloce (1 ora contro 2-3 ore per raggiungere la città: 30 km nel traffico di Bangkok sono tantissimi!). La stazione è dalla parte opposta al terminal 1 e porta a Banglamphu (vicino a Khaosan Road), a Chinatown e alla stazione Hualamphong (in zona centro). Usciti dall'aeroporto, andate verso destra e attraversare la superstrada al primo passaggio pedonale. Da qui svoltate a sinistra in direzione Bangkok: la stazione è a circa 100 metri da lì vicino all'Amari Hotel, tra la highway e la strada dell'hotel. Tradotto alla lettera, Bangkok significa "il villaggio dove cresce il kok", un frutto aspro e simile nella sua forma ad un'oliva. Ultima capitale dei Thai, Bangkok è stata fondata ufficialmente nel 1782: non è quindi particolarmente antica e la sua urbanistica tradizionale è stata completamente sconvolta in questi ultimi decenni tanto che quasi più nulla ricorda ciò che le era valso il titolo di "Venezia d'Oriente". Si comincia con la visita del Grande Palazzo (Phra Borom Maha Rajawang) che riassume, nelle sue composite architetture, due secoli di storia, e si continua con il Wat Phra Keo, grande recinto che racchiude diverse costruzioni tra le quali, la più nota, è il tempio del Buddha di smeraldo (XIV-XV sec.), massima sede religiosa del Paese (per la visita si consiglia un abbigliamento formale evitando short e sandali). L'adiacente area dell'antichissimo Wat Phra Chetuphon, oggi più noto come Wat Po o Tempio del Buddha disteso, è uno dei luoghi più interessanti da includere in una generica visita della città. La statua del Buddha, lunga 46 m e alta 15 è completamente rivestita di foglie d'oro. Il volto esprime un superiore benessere mentre nelle piante dei piedi sono istoriati in madreperla 108 segni di lieto auspicio della vita del Buddha. Non lontano dal Grande Palazzo si trova poi un tempio poco conosciuto ai classici circuiti turistici ma di rara bellezza e suggestione, il Wat Rajapradit, in marmo grigio ed elevato sopra un'alta piattaforma. La visita è permessa solo il primo e quindicesimo giorno di ogni mese lunare: se siete a Bangkok in questi giorni non perdetela. Nel cuore della Ratchadamnoen Road, cioè il Viale del re, sorge la Montagna d'Oro (Phu Khao Thong), una collina artificiale che rappresenta il monte Meru e da cui si può ammirare un bel panorama della capitale. Sulla cima, i resti ricoperti d'oro di un antico chedi (pagoda) del periodo Ayutthaya . Il Wat Saket, ai piedi della collina, è uno dei più antichi templi di Bangkok. A questo punto si può attraversare il fiume (davanti al Wat Po c'è un imbarcadero) e, in traghetto, raggiungere il Wat Arun o Tempio dell'Alba che sorge lungo la sponda opposta del Chao Praya , il fiume che attraversa Bangkok. Costruito nel periodo di Ayutthaya, si staglia controluce al calar del sole offrendo uno spettacolo oltremodo suggestivo. Secondo giorno: Bangkok Si può iniziare la giornata con una visita dei klong, i canali di Bangkok. Scomparsi nella maggior parte in quanto trasformati in strade, ne sono rimasti a Thonburi, a occidente del Chao Phraya, dove si potranno ancora osservare gli ambulanti che trasportano e vendono la loro merce sui battelli. Nel corso della visita si può visitare il Museo delle barche reali, posto alla confluenza del Chao Phraya con il Klong Bangkok Noi. Nel pomeriggio si può proseguire con la visita di China Town con i mercati strapieni di frutta e cibi stranissimi, la stradina dei tagliatori di pietre preziose, le gioiellerie cinesi, ed un sacco di altre curiosità (farmaci tradizionali, indovini ecc.). All'incrocio tra Yaowarat Road e Charoen Krung Road il Wat Trimitr, noto come il Tempio del Buddha d'Oro custodisce una statua di Buddha in oro massiccio alta 3 metri. E' consigliata anche una visita ai mercati notturni di Bangkok. Tra questi i più pittoreschi sono i mercati della frutta e verdura di Mahanak, il mercato di Pak Klong Talat e soprattutto il Mercato dei fiori, dove tra gli altri si possono ammirare svariate specie di orchidee altrove rare e ricercate. Terzo giorno: Bangkok Non siete ancora stanchi di mercati e siete mattinieri? In 2 h (prov. di Ratchaburi, 109 km da Bangkok), potete recarvi al pittoresco mercato galleggiante Damnoen Saduak aperto solo la mattina dalle 7 alle 11. Al ritorno si può fare una sosta a Nakhon Pathom (60 km a ovest di Bangkok) per vedere il gigantesco Chedi Phra Pathom che, con i suoi 127 m, è la pagoda buddhista più alta del mondo. In alternativa, se preferite restare a Bangkok potete eseguire un po' di esercizi tachichi seguendo i movimenti dell'insegnante cinese al parco Lumphini per poi visitare l'allevamento di coccodrilli di Pak Nam, a 30 km dalla capitale. Nel pomeriggio, ancora acquisti al Makuborn (più conveniente) o al World Trade Center, dove è consigliabile portarsi il passaporto e il biglietto aereo per accedere al duty free dell'ultimo piano (la merce verrà consegnata direttamente all'aeroporto, dopo il check in). Si può anche andare alla Jim Thompson House (Soi Kasem San 2, Rama I Road, a poca distanza da Siam Square), dove sono esposti prodotti di artigianato e sete. La villa sorge in mezzo alla vegetazione ed è nata dall'assemblaggio armonioso di sei differenti palazzine in tek scelte tra nobili residenze in varie parti della Thailandia. Se siete a Bangkok di sabato o di domenica potete andare al Weekend Market (parco Chatuchak, sulla strada che porta all'aeroporto) dove potete trovare davvero di tutto, dalle porcellane ai serpenti. Per trascorrere piacevolmente una serata consiglio il Silom Village (Silom Road, a 10 min. da Patpong), centro di artigianato con un bel giardino, un ottimo ristorante tipico e programmi di spettacoli folcloristici. Oppure, a volte fanno delle feste nel piazzale del WTC dove si mangia all'aperto, si ascolta musica e si beve Singha Beer o Carlsberg a fiumi spendendo poco. Per pernottare a Bangkok senza spendere cifre eccessive consiglio le guesthouses nel quartiere di Banglamphuu, altrimenti in Khao San Road si possono trovare guesthouse per tutte le tasche!!! I prezzi sono relativi al pernottamento in camera doppia, prima colazione compresa. Hotel Royal River (Charansanitwong Road, sulla sponda di Thonburi): 14,46 euro; tel. 433.0300. Hotel Sol Twin Towers (New Ram VI Road): 18,08 euro; tel. 216.9555. Hotel Asia (Phayatthai Road): 19,11 euro; tel. 215.0808 Hotel Narai (Silom Road): 22,72 euro; tel. 237.0100 Hotel Century Park (Ratchaprarop Road): 23,76 euro; tel. 246.7800 Hotel The Arnoma (Rajdarmi Road): 26,86 euro; tel 255.3410 Hotel Ruamchit Plaza: 25,82 euro Hotel Mandarin (Rama IV, vicino alla stazione): 27 $. Quarto giorno: Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Bangkok (km 170 circa) Situata a 86 km da Bangkok, Ayutthaya si raggiunge in treno o in pullman in 1 ora e ½ (terminal nord di Morchit, che si trova al capolinea della metropolitana sopraelevata Sky Train , corse ogni mezz'ora fino alle 19.20. Se preferite il battello, potete risalire il Chao Phraya partendo dall'imbarcadero di Tha Thien, a Bangkok). (C'è anche un treno diretto che collega Pak Chong ad Ayutthaia in 3 ore. Se si proviene da Kanchanaburi, ci si può andare in pullman direttamente via Suphanbury. Prendete il pullman 411 fino a Suphanbury, poi dovete cambiare (50 bath). Attenzione: non rimanete sul bus fino alla stazione di Suphanburi, ma chiedete dove parte il bus 703 per Ayutthaya!! Sedetevi sulla parte sinistra del pullman per avere una vista migliore delle rovine sulla strada!! Le corse da Suphanburi a Kanchanaburi e viceversa non sono frequenti, per cui fate attenzione alle coincidenze con Ayutthaya). Piccola e incantevole cittadina che sorge su un'isola in corrispondenza dell'incrocio di 3 fiumi, Ayuttaya si può girare in motorino o perfino in bici . Ad Ayuttaya le stazioni dei bus sono 2: Teminal 1 nella centrale Naresuan Road, vicino al mercato Chao Phrom, per i pullman diretti a Bangkok; Terminal principale N. 2 vicino al Grand Hotel (4 km dalla città; ci si arriva da Naresuan Road con il bus n. 5 o in minibus). La stazione ferroviaria è posta oltre il fiume a circa 1 km dal centro ed è raggiungibile in tuk tuk al costo di 40 bath. Ayuttaya è l'ultima gloriosa città capitale, i re dell'antico Siam ne fecero la loro residenza per oltre 400 anni (1350-1767 d.C.): vi si possono visitare i resti di stupendi templi, andati distrutti nel 1767 dopo l'invasione birmana della citta'. I piu' suggestivi sono: il Wat Sri Samphet (il più bello e grande della città, tempio e dimora reale per molti sovrani dell'antichità), il Wat Yai Chay Mongkok, il Wat Raj Burana, il Wat Phra Mahathat (di fronte al Wat Raj Burana), il Vihara Phra Mongkok Bophit (con una delle più grandi statue del Buddha esistenti in Thailandia, oggetto di grande venerazione in tutto il Paese), il Wat Na Phra Men e soprattutto il Wat Chai Wattanaram, che si trova fuori citta' ed è idillicamente disposto sulle rive del fiume. Da visitare anche l'Ayutthaya Park, immenso mercato e centro commerciale che si trova al km 71 di Asia Road. Imperdibile poi una visita alla residenza estiva della Famiglia Reale (aperta dalle 8.30 alle 16.30) che si trova nella piccola località di Bang Pa In, a circa 20 km a sud della città (raggiungibile anche in treno, in minibus dal mercato Chao Phrom in Thanon Naresuan o, ancor meglio, con una crociera River Jet in catamarano lungo il fiume della durata di 20 min. e al costo di 30 bath!! Rivolgersi a Phra Nakon Si Ayutthaya). I suoi immensi giardini orientali e gli edifici costruiti in diversi periodi e stili architettonici creano un fasto esotico di sicuro effetto. Il TAT (aperto dalle 9 alle 17) si trova a Si Sanphet Road, vicino alla Polizia turistica. Hotel consigliati: Ayothaya Hotel (Tessabarn Road - zona centro, vicino alla via principale Naresuan Road): 1.100 bath con A/C e colazione; tel. 23.28.55, fax 25.10.18. Quinto giorno: Bangkok - Kanchanaburi e dintorni (km 300 circa) A circa 130 km a nord-ovest di Bangkok, Kanchanaburi si raggiunge in pullman o in treno in circa 2 ore dal terminal Sud di Thonbury. In pullman ci sono corse ogni 15 min. fino alle 19, al costo di circa 100 bath. Da Kanchanaburi c'è un pullman di 1° classe che raggiunge il terminal sud di Bangkok in 2 ore (ultima corsa alle 19) al costo di 62 bath. Il Tourist office TAT (aperto 8.30/16.30) è alla stazione dei treni in Saeng Chuto Road (venendo da Bangkok è prima della stazione di polizia). Kanchanaburi è rinomata perchè è situata sul fiume Kwai, reso famoso dal ponte omonimo di un film di successo (la vicenda narrata sia nel film che nel romanzo da cui fu tratto è però del tutto immaginaria). Tragicamente vera fu invece la costruzione della "ferrovia della morte" voluta dai balisi e che costò la vita a oltre 250.000 uomini, quasi 400 uomini per ogni silometro di questa follia inutile. Lungo il Kwai Noi e il Kwai Yai, i due fiumi che salgono dalla città, si possono ammirare paesaggi ricchi di vegetazione, parchi e cascate. Entrambi sono costeggiati da una strada: la 323 risale il fiume Kwae Noy per 153 km fino alla diga Khao Laem; la 319 risale il Kwao Yay per 69 km fino alla diga Sri Nakarin. Alla stazione ferroviaria di Lum Sum si può prendere il treno della "Ferrovia della morte" (Death railway) che in un'ora e ½ circa porterà a Nam Tok seguendo il fiume di sinistra (Kwae Noy) e passando sul viadotto in legno fatto aggiungere in tempi di pace. La corsa singola costa 17 bath e c'è alle 6.11 e alle 10.51. Se si prende la seconda, si fa giusto in tempo a stare pochi minuti e poi bisogna riprendere il treno che riporta in città; altrimenti bisogna pernottare a Nam Tok o tornare in barca. Da qui si prosegue per due km per le cascate di Say Yok Noi (a 60 km da Kanchanaburi). Dal molo Pak Saenh in Tamhon Tha Sao (posto lungo la strada che porta alle cascate Say Yok, fuori da Kanchanaburi) si può prendere una barca (1.500 bath a barca per 10/12 pax) per spingersi più a nord, raggiungendo il Parco Nazionale Say Yok Yay (a 130 km) e le omonime cascate (principale attrazione del parco, insieme al Lawa Cave). Il viaggio in barca dure 4 ore circa andata e ritorno. C'è anche un servizio di pullman che porta da Kanchanaburi alle Say Yok Noi (in 1 ora) e Say Yok Yay (in 2 ore). A nord delle cascate Say Yok Noi c'è una sorgente di acqua calda (Hin Dad) dove ci si può immergere e fare il bagno. Il fiume si getta a nord nel lago Khuean Khao Laem, dove ci sono ristoranti, bungalow e si può prendere una barca per fare il giro del lago. Nei pressi delle prime cascate c'è il villaggio River Kwai, dove si può visitare il mercato del villaggio Namtok e, eventualmente, dormire nei bungalow galleggianti. Dal villaggio si può andare all'Hell Fire Pass dove si trova un museo che testimonia le condizioni disumane in cui i prigionieri erano costretti a lavorare per la costruzione della ferrovia. Sesto giorno: Kanchanaburi - Parco Erwan - Kanchanaburi (km 120 circa) Sul fiume Kwao Yay ci sono invece da vedere il parco Erawan (entrata 26 bath) con le omonime cascate, a 60 km dalla città lungo la statale 319. Sono cascate molto più belle delle Say Yok, raggiungibili attraverso un percorso di trekking lungo un paio di km che consente di toccare tutti e sette i salti di queste cascate. Si percorre al massimo in un paio d'ore ed è poco impegnativo, ma è meglio dedicarvi una giornata intera per un'escursione a parte, possibilmente non durante il week end quando i primi due livelli delle cascate sono molto affollati di thailandesi. C'è un servizio di bus da Kanchanaburi ogni 50 min. dalle 8 alle 16, che porta in 2 ore alle cascate Erawan Nam Tok al costo di 26 bath (ultima corsa per il ritorno alle 16). Si sconsiglia di aderire ai tour organizzati perchè il bus è comodissimo e porta fino all'inizio del percorso di trekking. Ci si può spingere ancora più a nord, fino al lago artificiale della diga Sri Nakharin Dham (105 km dalla città): qui si possono raggiungere a piedi le cascate Huey Mae Camin, dove c'è un salto che dovrebbe spiccare su tutti per bellezza e dimensioni. E' un punto dove, per la distanza notevole, pochi visitatori si spingono e quindi è ancora più affascinante. E' raggiungibile anche in auto, oppure in barca dal molo Tha Kradan che si trova 12 km. a nord della diga Sri Nakharin. IMPORTANTE!! Poichè settimanalmente vengono chiuse le due dighe poste in cima ai fiumi, i rispettivi corsi d'acqua subiscono dei forti ridimensionamenti: per questo motivo, evitate di programmare le escursioni alle cascate e ai fiumi di lunedì (per il Kwae Noy) e di sabato (per il Kwae Yay - Erewans). In città è possibile noleggiare jeep o motociclette in molti negozi sulla Saeng Chuto Road (accanto all'ufficio del turismo) e sulla Song Kwai Road. Si consiglia "Harris motorbike for rent", vicino alla guest house Sugar Cane. PREZZI ESEMPLIFICATIVI DEI TOURS DI KANCHANABURI Con la Erewan 98 Travel, il tour di 1 gg. che porta alla diga Sri Nakharin (con pranzo incluso) costa 1.450 bath a persona. Il tour di un giorno sul Kwae Yay (treno fino all'Hellfire Pass, gita alle cascate, pranzo, e ritorno sulla zattera) costa 1.800 bath. Hotel consigliati: Luxury Hotel (Saeng Chuto Road, a sin. della stazione ferroviaria): 800 bath; tel. 51.11.68. Felix River Kwae: 1.700 bath (su thairooms.net); tel. 51.50.61, fax. 51.50.95. River Kway Hotel (Saeng Chuto Road, dopo il Luxury): 1.400 bath; tel. 51.13.348, fax 51.12.69. Non andate all'MK perché le stanze sono poco pulite e alquanto spartane e, in definitiva, il rapporto qualità-prezzo non è affatto conveniente. |
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Il Regno di Thailandia (in thai: ราชอาณาจักรไทย 'Ratcha Anachak Thai', oppure ประเทศไทย Prathet Thai Paese dei Thai; italianizzato Tailandia.) è uno Stato del sud-est asiatico, confinante con Laos e Cambogia ad est, Golfo di Thailandia e Malesia a sud, e con il Mare delle Andamane ed il Myanmar (ex-Birmania) ad ovest. La Thailandia è nota anche come Siam, che è stato il nome ufficiale della nazione fino all'11 maggio 1949. La parola Thai (ไทย) significa "libero" in lingua thailandese e da anche il nome al popolo Thai, portando alcuni abitanti, in particolare la considerevole minoranza cinese, a continuare ad usare il nome Siam.
[modifica] Storia
[modifica] Geografia
Una cascata nel
Parco nazionale Sai Yok.
Con i suoi 513.000 km² di superficie, la Thailandia è la 49° nazione del mondo per estensione. È paragonabile per dimensioni alla Spagna. La Thailandia è sede di molte regioni geografiche distinte, in parte corrispondenti ai gruppi provinciali. Il nord del Paese è montagnoso, con il punto più alto corrispondente al monte Doi Inthanon a 2.576 metri. Il nordest è costituito dall'altopiano Khorat, confinante ad est con il fiume Mekong. Il centro della nazione è invece dominato dalla valle fluviale in gran parte pianeggiante Chao Phraya, che si getta nel Golfo del Siam. Il sud è costituito dallo stretto ponte di terra di Kra Isthmus che si allarga nella penisola malese. Il clima locale è di tipo tropicale e caratterizzato dalla presenza dei monsoni. Tra metà maggio e settembre si assiste ad un monsone sudoccidentale caratterizzato da grande piovosità, caldo e nuvolosità. Tra novembre e metà marzo si assiste invece al manifestarsi di un monsone asciutto e freddo di nordest. L'isthmus meridionale è invece caldo e umido. Accanto alla capitale Bangkok le città principali sono Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Nakhon Sawan, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Surat Thani, Phuket e Hat Yai (Provincia di Songkhla).
[modifica] Popolazione
Scorcio suggestivo a
Amphoe Palian, nella provincia del
Trang; la Thailandia è anche una delle più importanti mete
turistiche internazionali
[modifica] Collegamenti esterni
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| Crociera Tailandia |
| _________________Thanks to
www.travelpuppy.com
Guida Di Corsa Della Tailandia Grazie a
www.imondonauti.it |
| Thanks to www.travelpuppy.com |
| Coast of Thailand Coast of Thailand - TravelPuppy.com Gulf of Bangkok Located in the Eastern Gulf, Pattaya, 1 of Southeast Asia's most notorious beach destinations, is crowded by massive development. The more peaceful nearby destination of Bang Saen could be a more pleasant place. A little further is Ko Samet, a peaceful and delightful island which is around a 30 minute boat ride from Rayong while Cha'am and Hua Hin are a 3 hour drive south of Bangkok. The latter was a royal holiday place and is currently enjoying a renaissance. Phuket Phuket Island is connected by 2 bridges to the mainland, Phang Nga. It is situated in the southwest corner of Thailand. Phuket has become the most popular beach destination in Thailand. Patong, a small town, is famous for its wild bars on Bangla Road, but a number of accommodations and hotels that are scattered around the abundant beaches on the island are excellent. Phuket is also large enough to accommodate backpacker beach-hut developments alongside deluxe hotels. Diving is popular but visibility can be a problem. Since the tsunami Phuket has recovered and again welcoming visitors from around the world. Phang Nga Bay Easily accessible from Phuket, Phang Nga Bay is home to 1 of the world's most remarkable seascapes; the area was shown in the James Bond film, The Man with the Golden Gun. About 3,500 islands (ko) are spread out through this bay. Although obviously impenetrable from the outside, they are home to a wealth of unspoilt fauna and flora in their hollow interior. They were believed unreachable from the enclosing sea but now canoe trips can take you through some tunnels and cracks in the rocks, although this depends on the prevailing tide. Ko Phi Phi Islands These peaceful and pleasant twin islands which were battered by the tsunami is easily reached via a boat trip from either Krabi or Phuket. Ko Phi Phi Don, the largest island, covered with tropical rainforest, is a slice of paradise with its wide white sandy beaches. Ton Sai, the only town, is being rebuilt, unfortunately back to its ugly days before the tsunami struck. Ko Phi Phi Leh, a short boat ride away, became famous when it was used as the setting for the Hollywood film, The Beach. There are no accommodations on this limestone island, but it is an ideal place for day trips from its larger island. Ko Samui Ko Samui, once a backpacker's paradise, has been transformed into a more advanced beachfront holiday destination, complete with an airport that provides regular flights from Bangkok and Krabi. The country's 3rd-largest island, Ko Samui's major industry is now tourism although it used to be coconut farming. The largest beach on the island is Chaweng Beach which features many nice hotels including bungalows, bars and shops that are suitable for budget travellers. Ko Phangan The comparatively undeveloped island is primarily visited by the more adventurous travellers who wish to escape from fast food eateries and chain hotels. Each month it is the setting for the all-night full moon beach parties at Had Rin with up to 10,000 revellers frolicking in the moonlit surf in a wacky festival that appeal to everyone from backpackers to the Bangkok young professionals. You will not find luxury hotels on the island, but many beach hut accommodations are located in small communities around Ko Phangan, providing a real escape or the opportunity to party with other travellers. The island can only be reached via boat from Ko Samui or Surat Thani. Ko Tao Ko Tao, translating as 'Turtle Island', is another undeveloped island, but it is becoming widely known as a scuba diving site. The only real town, Ban Mae Hat is being over run by budget accommodations and dive operators. The diving is great with clean water and good visibility. |
