Beautiful Thailand

Phuket

2007-05-30T15:52:00.000-07:00

Phuket is one of Thailand’s most famous provinces, an island in the south with warm and humid climate throughout the year. Phuket has two main season. The rainy starts from May to November and the hot continue from December to April.Majority of the residents are Thai-Chinese while the rest are Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, Christians and the Chao Le (Sea Gypsies). The major religion is Buddhism and the other is Islam. Languages spoken here are both southern dialect and central Thai.

Phuket is the only provincial island of Thailand and the largest island of the country, lying in the sparkling green Andaman seas surrounded by many beautiful islets.

This island is world class, listed as one of the outstanding holiday destinations for its seaside scenic view, fine beaches, green seawater and vibrant coral reefs. Given all its qualities, there is no hesitation or any doubt that this paradise island is regarded as “The Pearl of Andaman”. Millions of visitors flow to this island every year just for one reason, to ecstatically scrutinize this pearl.

Phuket offers numerous tourist marine sites such as islands, beaches, bays and caves along its coastline and surrounding areas. Each site is never left lonely and deserted as it is always greeted by a steady flow of travelers. Some just lay down lazily for sunbathing on the long beach parallel to green emerald seawater. Some enjoy only swimming in the clear calm sea. Some head to this place especially at Pa Tong beach, for their favorite sport, scuba diving, to go deep down to say “Hi” to the beautiful coral reefs.

Is that a visit worth to spend your weekend or vacation for this kind of place? Staying in a natural surrounding under the blue sky facing the transparent sea, with a wonderful undersea water world that awaits you?

Refill your energy in this island and bring back home unforgettable moments. Anytime you recall those memorable time, smiles will certainly be on your face and it’s happiness that you can feel! Don’t you think so? This tropical paradise is just there at your reach!

To fully enjoy the island, prepare your trip well as this island has many attractions alluring you and the most important thing to do is check the weather before making any departure otherwise the hotel room will only be the place you will be during the rains. The best months to kiss this “pearl” are from November through April, the rain-free season with a sunny sky.

Where to go

Pa Tong Beach

Pa Tong Beach, Phuket’s most popular and prettiest beach, offers visitors various kinds of water sports to enjoy in clear waters along its crescent bay. This beach is most developed with all tourist facilities from hotels, restaurants, shopping centers and its vibrant nightlife filled with endless bars and pubs.

Kata Beach

Kata Beach is divided into Kata Yai and Kata Noi. It’s a scenic gem of the island and still ratains a peaceful and a natural atmosphere, the reason why many five-star hotel operators selsct this place for their locations.

Karon Beach

Karon Beach, the second largest beach of Phuket, welcomes all of its guests by its long, broad beach with a fine strip of white sand. This beach is suitable for swimming and skin diving.

Promthep Cape

Also not to be missed is Promthep Cape, the recognized landmark of Phuket. Its steep cliff turns this cape as a favored spot for glorious sunsets and the splendor of Phuket’s waters. Many photos are taken here for everlasting memories of this wonderful place.

Chiang Mai

2007-05-30T11:35:00.000-07:00

Experiencing the merging of the past into the present in Chiang Mai where locals are proud of the city's 700-year history. Its rich traditional heritage and unique culture is a perfect foundation for the development of the city. Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to find in the heart of the city centuries-old chedis and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels. The original city layout still exists as a neat square surrounded by a moat with vestiges of the fortified wall and its four main gates offering prime access to the old town.

For years, tourists have mistaken Chiang Mai as the northern junction and the base from which they can explore other provinces. The phrase "a day in Chiang Mai is enough to see things around" was common. Today, tourists are surprised by the fact that there is always something new to discover Chiang Mai. Intriguing diversity among ethnic tribes coupled with breathtaking scenery makes Chiang Mai one of Asia's most attractive tourist destinations. Two weeks in Chiang Mai may not be long enough for serious travelers.

The old city of Chiang Mai with its fascinating indigenous cultural identity such as diverse dialects, cuisine, architecture, traditional values, festivals, handicrafts and classical dances is a prime location in its own right. In addition, the presence of hill tribes and their wealth of unique cultures enhance Chiang Mai's distinctive diversity.

Chiang Mai is also blessed with pristine natural resources of mountains (dois), waterfalls, and other nature-based tourist attractions. At the same time, Chiang Mai residents are warm, gracious and congenial providing authentic hospitality making visits memorable and meaningful. Moreover, visitors from all walks of life can collect handicrafts of silk, silver and wood produced locally as timeless souvenirs. Chiang Mai is a place where both backpackers and luxury tourists can enjoy themselves to the fullest.

Most of Chiang Mai's mountains are oriented from north to south. Together they create a multitude of streams and tributaries including Mae Chaem, Mae Ngat and Mae Klang. One of Chiang Mai's distinctive features is Doi Inthanon, Thailands highest peak, which is 2,575 metersMai Mae Nam Ping (Ping River) which originates from the Chiang Dao mountain range. above sea level. In addition, the province boasts flat, fertile valleys, which spread along the banks of the largest and most important river in Chiang

Chiang Mai National Museum.

History

Chiang Mai National Museum is the Main regional museum of the north. The fine Arts Department has assigned this museum to be the centre of education and preservation of art and culture of Chiang Mai and upper northern Thailand, the old Lan Na Kingdom.

Their Majesties the King and Queen graciously presided over the opening of the museum on 6 February 1973. The museum is designed as a Thai style building with a traditional northern of Lan Na style rooftop.

On the occasion of the Celebrations of the Golden Jubilee of his Majesty the King's Accession to the throne, and the 700th Anniversary of the Esbablishment of Chiang Mai in 1996, the Chiang Mai National Museum has been under renovation. The museum building has been expanded to its original full plan and the permanent exhibition will be revised with new displays and additional information, enhanced by new technology. The revised exhibition will be divided into six topics.

Exhibition

The geological and paleontological section prepared by the Department of Ma\ineral Resources, the Ministry of industry

Topic 1 : The natural and cultural background of the Lan Na Kingdom including the geology, ecology, geography and prehistoric settlement of the north.

Topic 2 : The history of the Lan Na Kingdom from the establishment of Chiang Mai city, the peak of its glory, to its being controlled by Burman from 1558 to 1769.

Topic 3 : The city of Chiang Mai under the Kingdom of Siam, From the time Chiang Mai regained its freedom from Burma, to the reestablishment of Chiang Mai city in 1782.

Topic 4 : Trade and economy of the Lan Na Kingdom from 1782 to 1939.

Topic 5 : The modern way of life and social development: agriculture and industry, banking, international relations, education and public health.

Topic 6 : The development of the Lan Na Art Style, and the history of art in Thailand from the Dvaravati period to the present day.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

The temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is certainly one of the most important temples in Chiang Mai, as well as one of the most revered among all Thais. The temple is a major pilgrimage destinations during the important Buddhist holidays of Makha Buja and Visak. Its importance, as well as its location, owes much to the legend of its founding.

According to this legend, a Buddha relic, which some say glowed, magically replicated just before it was about to be enshrined in the big chedi at Wat Suan Dok. The "cloned" relic was placed on the back of a sacred white elephant, which was allowed to roam where-ever it wanted.

The elephant eventually climbed to the top of Suthep Mountain, trumpeted three times, turned around three times, knelt down and died. This was taken as a sign that this was the spot where the relic wanted to be, so King Ku Na built the original of the chedi on Doi Suthep at the end of 14th century.

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

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

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

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

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

Doi Inthanon National Park.

Doi Inthanon National Park covers the areas of Sanpatong District, Chomthong District, Mae Chaem District, Mae Wang District, and Toi Lor Sub-district of Chiang Mai Province within an approximate area of 482 square kilometers. The National Park consists of high mountains, including Doi Inthanon, which is the highest mountaintop in Thailand and the source of many rivers such as Ping River, where the Bhumipol Dam is situated and generating the electrical power. The National Park has beautiful natural scenery such as waterfalls, particularly Mae Ya Waterfall, which is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand.

Historically, the mountain of Doi Inthanon was refered to as Doi Ang Ka. Prince Intharawichayanon, the last ruler of Chiang Mai, realized the importance of the country’s forests, especially in the north, where the forest serve as the watershed for the country. He was interested in helping and supporting people who were investigating the history in his area. So he requested that his body must be placed on the summit of Doi Ang Ka. After his death, the mountain was renamed Inthanon, a short version of his name. Today, visitors can see the Inthanon Wichayanon stupa on the summit of Doi Ang Ka.

Since the National Park is located at 2,565 meters above the sea level, it has cold weather and high humidity throughout the year, particularly on the top of the National Park. In winter, the temperature at the National Park is below 0„ac. And in summer, despite hot weather in central Chiang Mai and nearby districts, it is still freezing on the top of Doi Inthanon and tourists should be prepared with thick clothes.

The forest in the park is one of the country’s very significance and valuable heritage. Forests include Moist Evergreen Forest, Pine forest and Mixed Deciduous Forest, worth in economic like teak and mountain pine. Dipterocarp spp. Xylia xylocarpa, Pterocarpus, macrocapus Terminalia sp. and Lagerstroemia sp. to name a few. In addition to these, there are many beautiful flowers including vanda orchid, phycastylis and rhododendron. Sphagnum Moss and osmanda fern are found at higher levels in the park. fifty years ago, the mountain peaks were home of hill tribe people. The biggest village was Ban Khun Klang, whose agriculture method was often destructive to the forest ecosystem. Currently the several Royal Projects, assists the villagers in growing cold-climate fruit such as strawberries, grapes and apples as well as flowers. The number of wild animals in the park is decreasing the encroachment. The animals are hunted and their habitats are destroyed for agriculture. The remaining animals include serpent, gibbons, tigers, deer, wild boars, Siamese hares and Red Jungle fowls.

Because of its broad altitudinal range and the cool climate of its upper reaches, the park supports the largest number of bird species of any site in Thailand. The Center for Wildlife Research at Mahidol University records a present total of 362 species and expects addition many at the summit are migrants from northern Asia. Species restricted to Doi Inthanon are Ashy-throated Warbler and an endemic race of the Green-tailed Sunbird; the park is the only site where the Chestnut-bellied Rock-Thrush and the Yellow-bellied Flower pecker are known to over summer and probably breed.

Doi Chiang Dao.

Chiang Dao is the ridge of mountain of Doi Chiang Dao and Doi Pha Daeng. This is the same area of Chian Dao Wild Animals Protection Area and Sri Lanna National Park which namely the Pha Daeng National Park (Chiang Dao). The forest of the northern part of Thailand is the source of Ping river and Mae Tang river or so called "Khun Nam Ping and Khun Nam Mae Tang" which are located in the National Conservation Forest of Chiang Dao, Amphur Viang Haeg, Amphur Chiang Dao and Forest Conservation of Mae Fang river in Amphur Fang, Chiang Mai province. Geographic here is the complexity of mountains and has the fertile forest. The natural highlights of this national park are Sri Sangwan waterfall, Pang Tong waterfall, Nivet Hold of Water, Krab cave, Tab Tao cave, Doi Pha Tang and Doi Bha Dang which you can make a sightseeing at the top of mountain. Additional, this area also had been found the interesting historical evidence. The national park covered area totally about 1,123.336 square kilometers or 702,085 rais was established on November 2, 2000.

The area, in general, consists of complicated mountains. The main mountains in the east part, almost sedimentary rock, are Doi Thumglab, Doi Huatoe, Doi Khunhuay Sai, Doi Phadang, Doi Thum Ngob and Doi Danfak. The main mountains in the west part, covered by forest, are Doi Khampra, Doi Pukphukka, Doi Lekjee, Doi Sankiew-khompra, Doi Kiew Who Lom, Doi Tuay and Doi Yang klor. In the middle of the high mountain ranges, north and south between Huay Mae Jok and Hnong Kheaw Village, is the low-land which has low mountains, for examples, Doi Thummyung and Doi Khunpao. And in the west part, the highest area about 400-1,800 meters1,794 meters above sea level, be the highest mountain. There is heavy rain because the area is influenced by southwestern monsoon. above sea level, has Doi Pukphukka, about

The temperature is quite hot in summer and cold in winter with the lowest temperature about 7.5 degrees Celsius, and the highest temperature about 26.7 degrees Celsius. There is heavy rain in rainy season approximately 1,838.5 mm. of rain all the year round with the heaviest rain in August.

The area has not been suffered by the weather except some time in winter which has heavily windy rain come with hail in which can destroy the local orchard and cause wild water blowing down heavily. The wild water is too much so that can damage the communication in the area and the nearby area.

The area consists of complicated mountain range and productive forest which is the source of water. In the semi-evergreen forest, montane forest and pine forest has the valuable plants such as wild champak, Yang, Malabar ironwood, baleric myrobalan, cinnamon tree, pine, Heang (a kind of Dipterocarpus obtusifolius) and eng. And in the mixed forest and deciduous forest has the valuable plants such as Burmese ebony, ironwood, Tabak (a kind of Lagerstroemia), Yorpar (a kind of Rubiaceae), Sela (a kind of Lagerstroemia), Chittagong wood, ingyin, Siamese sal, myobalan wood, Tiew (a kind of Catoxylum), many kinds of bamboo and grass, etc.

The area is in the same forest of Chiang Dao Animal Reservation, Chiang Dao District, so that make it be the habitat of valuable animals such as goral, wild boar, barking deer, banteng, guar, porcupine, langur, palm civet, squirrel, chipmunk, many kinds of bird and reptile. And the amphibians found near river are many kinds of frog, toad.

Baan Bor Sang.

Baan Bor Sang is noted for its famous umbrellas. This village will attract you by their unique hand-painted colorful paper umbrellas which are very popular as souvenirs among both Thais and foreigners. If you have the chance to visit this place, bring some lovely products of this village for souvenirs and you won't regret giving them to friends.

Pattaya

2007-05-30T09:30:00.000-07:00

Pattaya is nestled along a picturesque bay on the East Coast of the Gulf of Thailand, roughly 170 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. From a fishing village in the 1960's, Pattaya has emerged as the favorite Southeast Asian vacation center. A fascinating escape where tourists, holiday makers and vacationers from around the world unfold an incomparable array of possibilities to unwind during an exotic holiday beach vacation.

Unlike other beach resorts, where natural surroundings are used as magnets to attract tourists, Pattaya makes an all-out attempt to provide the best of everything. Here, everything means everything a tourist can imagine while on holiday: recreation, entertainment, sports, sightseeing and fun. To put it simply, Pattaya is a paradise for everyone, as it has a variety of attractions suitable for all types of visitors. This is the place where you can fill your day, from dusk to dawn, with endless activities, or you may choose to do nothing at all and relax.

Pattaya currently integrates the delights of a 1st class beach resort, city-like dining, shopping and night entertainment facilities with more than 300 assorted hotels, thousands of shops, restaurants and bars. In addition, there are an array of sports and recreational activities including beaches, golf courses, tennis courts, go-kart, gyms for working out, weight lifting and Thai-boxing gear. Pattaya offers a broad range of things to do. During the day, one may enjoy riding elephants or driving humble automatic mini-bikes, monstrous motorcycles, or even monster multicolored convertible Jeeps. Others go for shooting firearms, scuba diving and surfing, deep-sea fishing, speed boats, scooters, water-skiing, parasailing, or aerial sports such as gliding ultra-lights and flying motor-propelled gliders. On the other hand, at night, there are restaurants, bars, theaters, cabaret shows, night clubs, bowling halls, billiard & snooker clubs, discos, sauna & massage parlors, not to cite its absolutely incredible shopping which is available non-stop both day-and-night.

Facts

This exotic beach resort welcomes approximately 5 million visitors a year. The friendly and hospitable Thai nature boosts its promotion, frequently bringing back the repeat visitors and constantly increasing the number of newcomers.

Pattaya city is located on the eastern coast of the country at latitude 13 N and longitude 101 E in the area of Chon Buri province. It is 147 kilometers from Bangkok and lies parallel to Sukhumvit Road on its east and the coastline on its west. Pattaya occupies an area of 208.1 sq. km. that is divided into 53.44 sq. kilometers of land and 154.66 sq. kilometers of islands and sea. Its coastline is 15 kilometers long.

Pattaya has a plain on the coast with some high mountains to the south. The area on the east slopes down towards the sea on the west.

Pattaya City has been administered under a special autonomous system since 1978. It has a status comparable to that of a municipality and is administered separately by the mayor of Pattaya City, who is responsible for making policies, organizing public services, and supervising all employees of Pattaya City Administration.

Bottle Art Museum

The only Bottle Art Museum in the world is in Pattaya City. Thailand exhibited in a large air-conditional hall, you can find more than 300 beautiful maniatures in the bottles. The result of efforts by Mr. Pieter By De Lej from Holland and Mrs. Prapaisi Thaipanich from Thailand. Who have decorated approximately 14 hrs. daily for almost 15 years.

New experience of the bottle contained models of interesting place in the world. Experience more with real practice ("Try to do it by yourself") with friendly staff. Impression Experience with hand-made souvenir shop.

Mini Siam

Mini Siam, The wonderful miniature city with the scale of 1 to 25. They built great structures from around the world. At Mini Siam you can enjoy great structures from Europe such as Eiffel Tower, Status of Liberty and many more.At Mini Siam you can enjoy watching most important places in Thailand by one stop at here. Many wonderful historical Park like acient Ayuthaya or main Palace, Wat Phrakeaw and

more. If you visited Mini Siam after sunset, you can fine Mini Siam in other look.At Mini Siam they also has other activity for you can enjoy Ko-Cart too.

Mini Siam is open every day from 9:00 to 18:00. Admission is 300 Baht
(about US$7.50).

Under Water World

Under Water World is a showcase of diverse marine species from the Gulf of Thailand. Through the glass tunnel, many schools of various kinds of fishes, seahorses, sharks and turtles swim and play close near you that you feel like you are really in the bottom of the sea. Feeding animal shows under water and on surface is another lure of this place. This is definitely one major attraction in Pattaya.

Ripley's Museum

Ripley's Museum(Believe it or not!) features over 300 weird but wonderful exhibits and artifacts from all over the world. This fascinating gallery is on the third floor of the Royal Garden Plaza in Southern Pattaya. What about you? You believe or not?

Loei

2007-05-29T13:34:00.000-07:00

Although geographically located in the northeast or I-San, Loei has many things in common with the northern region – namely its numerous high hills and mountains and its wintry as well as foggy climate. Literally speaking, the province deserves its name “Loei” which means ‘beyond’ or ‘to the furthest extreme’ as Loei lies in the northernmost part of the Northeastern region. Most notable is that Loei is the only province in Thailand where the temperature can drop to as low as zero Celsius in winter while it can become hotter than any province during summer. In short, Loei’s geography and climate is unique when compared to other I-San provinces.

Situated along the Phetchabun Mountain Range, Loei, a province that rises approximately 400 meters above sea level, is dubbed “the land of seas of mountains, the coolest in Siam”. Covering an area of 11,424 square kilometers (equivalent to 7.14 million rai of land), Loei Province, which is 520 kilometers from Bangkok shares a border with Laos to the north with the Khong and Heung Rivers forming the natural border, with Khon Kaen and Phetchabun Provinces to the south, with Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Nong Khai and Khon Kaen Provinces to the east, and with Phitsanulok Province to the west. The province can be divided into three main areas: the high mountains in the west, the plains at the foot of the hills in the south and the east, and the lowlands in the basins of the Khong and the Loei Rivers.

Loei Province has an abundance of precious resources such as forests and natural resources. Of equal importance, however, is its unusual mix of northern and northeastern culture which is treasured by both locals and visitors. This remarkable cultural blend has produced more than one local dialect but only one local identity.

Attractions within the province that should be explored include Phu Kradung, Phu Luang and Phu Reua National parks, as well as Tha Li and Chiang Khan Districts.
Administratively, Loei is divided into 12 districts (Amphoes) : Mueang, Wang Saphung, Phu Kradueng, Chiang Khan, Pak Chom, Tha Li, Phu Ruea, Dan Sai, Na Haeo, Na Duang, Phu Luang, Pha Khao, Erawan and Nong Hin.

Phu Kradung National Park.
Located in the north eastern province of Loei , the park is one of Thailand's most romantic spots. The 1360 meters high mountain might have received its name Phu Kradung from its bell like shape ( kradung means bell in Thai ).

The park is largely covered with seasonal tropical rain forest and ever green forests. The 60 square kilometers (mountain top) plateau is a savanna of pines, oak, beech, etc.
There are some mammals including elephant and barking deer, and many bird species in the park.

The region receives heaviest rain in October and there is almost no rain during December to February. The park is closed from June to August because of intense pressure on the environment by the visitors. Most popular months are October to January when the park can be crowded on weekends.

Tents and porters can be arranged at the park offices located at the foot of the mountain and at the top.

It is a 9 km distance from the base of the mountain (park's headquarters) to the camp ground and office at the top of the mountain. The final 4 km is a walk on the plateau to reach to the park head quarters and the camping ground.

Villagers have set up food and drink stalls along the climb. The trek takes 3 to 6 hrs. On the plateau visitors have 50 km of marked trails to cliffs, waterfalls and meadows. Expedition into the deep forest where large animals exist should be accompanied by a guide provided by the park office.

Accommodations and facilities
On the Phu Kradung mountain top there is a camp ground with tents for rent. A number of restaurants are available.

Phu Reua National parks.
general Information
Located in Loei, one of the coolest provinces of Thailand. It is rugged mountain range and also the headwater of many rivers of Loei. Phu Reua is the highest peak of 1,365m above sea level. At the top, it is viewpoint that you can panoramically see Hueang and Khong Rivers.More than half of the top of Phu Reua is covered with low shrubbery, grasslands and strangely formed rock formations. Due to the cool climate the area is rich in orchid species which flower throughout the year. Pha Lon Noi is good point to see the sun rise.

Topography
It is a high mountain comprised of sandy and granite. The highest peak is Phuruea. It is 1,365 meters high from the sea level. The other important peaks are Phusun, which is 1,035 meters high from the sea level, and Phuku, which is 1,000 meters high from the sea level. It is the water source of many creeks and rivers such as Huai Nam Dan, Huai Bong, Huai Kiangna, Huai Saikhao, Huai Tio, and Huay Phai which is the source of Huai Phai waterfall.

Climate
It is in Loei where is the coldest city in Thailand, and high above the mountain, therefore it is cool a whole year especially in the winter season. There is hails ‘Mae kaning” therefore the tourists need to be well prepared.

Flora and Fauna
Phuruea has many kinds of plants and wild lives such as wild roses, moss, fern, wild orchid, bear, barking deer, boar, hyena, monkey, squirrel, wild fowl, rabbit, turtle, as well as birds.