IN 4 THAI , Thailand Travel Information

Thailand was chosen as representing the best value for money for travelers

2009-07-03T06:49:00.005+07:00

CNN International today announced the results of its Online Consumer Survey (OCS) on Travel and Tourism which reveals that Thailand was chosen as representing the best value for money for travelers in the Asia Pacific region. The survey conducted across CNN English websites had more than 5,000 respondents globally. Thailand came out as the best value in Asia-Pacific for respondents over China in second place and India in third.

The comprehensive survey also revealed that although times are tough, the recession hasn’t reduced people’s desire to travel. On the contrary — people are trading down, not trading out — but not compromising their experience. In addition, more business leaders are likely to travel over the next 12 months than in the past year.

Overall the survey indicated that more people would travel for holiday over the next 12 months than last year, but 1 in 5 would make fewer trips

46% of business travelers in Asia Pacific claim the economic environment has had no impact on their business travel plans.

79% of Asia-Pac respondents feel they are likely to take a vacation in the region within the next 12 months. And the economic downturn isn’t affecting everyone’s travel plans. Asia-Pacific holidaymakers spent an average of just over US$4,000 on their last vacation, - ahead of the global average of $3,700.

71% of CNN’s audience of global travelers flies long-haul for leisure. Respondents take an average of 14 days vacation a year and holiday an average of three times a year.

Brand image and reputation also remains a critical factor for air travel, and survey respondents clearly feel that preferred, trusted airlines are able to command a premium. Respondents are also more likely to do fewer trips than look for cheaper hotels or discounted flights with budget airlines.

58% of Asia Pacific respondents are ‘willing to pay more to travel with my preferred airline’ (vs. 50% globally and just 41% of North American respondents)

61% of these Asia Pacific air travelers ‘prefer to fly with a trusted brand regardless of cost’. Furthermore, in difficult financial times, there is value for advertisers in targeting premium audiences.

83% of business travelers influence the choice of airlines and hotels when it comes to corporate travel.

40% of those who travel for work fly business or first class, make an average of five business trips per year and are away for an average of 19 days per year.

William Hsu, VP Advertising Sales, CNN International added “These results send a strong message to tourism boards that smart destination branding is critical for country differentiation and return on investment.”

The survey comes as the latest PAX research for the full year 2008 once again reconfirms CNN as the leading channel in its genre for reaching each of the 3 main PAX groups: Affluent Adults, Business Decision Makers and Top Management. Among the Top Management group CNN is the leading international channel regardless of genre, while CNN.com continues to generate substantially higher reach than all other measured media sites.

Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2009

2009-06-21T12:13:00.002+07:00

Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2009
Date : 1 June to 31 August 2009

Thailand’s annual Amazing Thailand Grand Sale got underway this month and continues to offer visitors great bargains right through to 31 August.
This year, as fuel prices escalate, both visitors and residents are looking for more value and bigger discounts when they are shopping. Thailand never disappoints.
Most mega stores and shopping malls are offering discounts of between 10 to 70%, so there are bargains galore for the shopper prepared to browse around the stores.
Fortunately, most of Bangkok’s major shopping malls and stores are located close to the city’s skytrain or metro transport systems, making it very convenient to hop from one store to the next.
Both the Skytrain and the Metro, offer day use stored-value cards for visitors to make it even more convenient to use the two systems.
Bangkok’s main shopping districts and streets are to be found along Ploenchit and Sukhumvit roads.
Many of the department stores have direct bridge linking them to Skytrain stations. Just a short walk from the Skytrain stations and visitors discover some pretty impressive department stores and shopping plazas namely Siam Discovery Centre, Siam Centre, Central World Plaza, Erawan Bangkok, Amarin Plaza, Gaysorn, Central Chidlom, Home Pro Plus, Robinson Department Store, The Emporium and The Mall Department Store.
Discounts are also available in King Power duty free shops, both at Suvarnabhumi Airport and downtown locations. There are even discount deals on luxury treatments at spas, a round of golf at a selection of courses at all major tourist destinations, travel packages and even medical check-ups at world-class hospitals.
The three-month campaign also embraces a variety of destinations beyond Bangkok such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hua Hin, Cha-am, Pattaya, Nakhon Ratchasima, Udorn Thani, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai and Samui Island.
Grand Sale prizes are offered in conjunction with the campaign sponsor, Visa Card, and include bargain holiday packages to premier destinations such as Phuket and Samui.

sorce : Tourism Investment Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel : 66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 2951

Why Thai massage is an effective massage therapy for relieving low-back pain

2009-06-12T04:01:00.005+07:00

Why Thai massage is an effective massage therapy for relieving low-back pain

Thai massage, also known as Thai-yoga, is a style of massage therapy that is gaining in popularity in the U.S. recently. More people who get massage are receiving Thai massage.Massage therapy has been shown to be effective for treating low back pain naturally. With so many massage therapies being practiced, maybe it is time to examine the effectiveness of individual styles like Thai massage.Thai massage foundations.Thai massage is rooted in ancient Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurveda is considered a more holistic approach to treating physical conditions than our modern Western medical model.The Western approach to treating conditions is to look at each symptom, and each corresponding body area, separately from the rest of the body. When we strain a muscle, we repair that muscle. We don't pay attention to the surrounding muscles until they appear symptomatic. This is not holistic, or prevention-based.Ayurveda and Thai massage are steeped in prevention and holistic treatment. When pain or tension arises, the whole body is treated. There is no question that muscles, organs, and other areas are affected when one is injured or diseased.Thai massage applications.Thai massage is a form of relaxed, gentle, assisted stretching. Some of its stretches are more dynamic, like yoga being applied to a relaxed person.During a Thai massage session, the therapist will apply stretches to the client's entire body. In the process, the therapist loosens muscles and joints. They enhance movement and restore circulation in tight areas. They relieve stress and tension in restricted tissues.Thai massage and back muscles.When a therapist offers Thai massage, they do not focus on one area or muscle group. They apply their therapy to the whole body.Back fitness depends on many muscles working together. When muscles in the lower back are weak, they are not fit. They are at risk for becoming strained or stressed.Everyday activities are mostly multi-directional and dynamic. Most daily activities require the use of several muscles working together in harmony. Back injuries commonly occur because the muscles are not prepared for dynamic, everyday functions.Thai massage loosens all of the muscles in the back, and stretches all of the surrounding muscles. It treats the entire low back in a way that improves its ability to perform everyday activities.For more information about natural therapies to relieve back pain, visit the Higher Lifestyle blog at www.higher-lifestyle.blogspot.com

story by : higherspa

Wai : Traditional Thai greeting

2009-06-08T01:00:00.007+07:00

Sawasdee is well know as Thai greeting custom mean "Hello" and/or "Welcome".
And when you see Thai's say Sawasdee they should brought his/her hands together and raise the palms to chest level and bend they head to they hands , This is a "Wai" that is a sign of greeting, make honor and give respect to some one in Thai custom.

For Thai people they are not do shake hands for greeting but "Wai" and also do Wai for mean thank you or even for meaning of apology.
When you be in Thailand you can see all Thai people alway used this "Wai" in their every day lives.

But you no need to do Wai to everyone.
Thai people just do Wai for the one they respect to, the most important is you should do Wai from your heart and must pay respect to the one you give Waiing to.
You don't have to Wai every one you meet in the street and You don't have to do Wai to your friend or someone younger, it make the younger fell uncomfortable to get you Wai except someone younger give you Wai first so you can return they respect by do the same "Wai" back to them.

So, if someone give you Wai, it mean his/her give respect to you, and for Thai manner we have to return they Wai by give them Wai back, that mean the receiver usaully do the same to the 'Waier'.

Trick to do Wai
There are many hidden sign of Wai in Thai custom, such as the way to Wai for respec to Buddha is diferrent from the way to Wai to people, but don't worry about it no matter you do right or wrong, just do Wai by feeling and meaning to Wai.

Thai people are friendly full and we still have a smilling face to the way you do no matter right or wrong and happy to see you try to do our custom.

By the way you shoud know, when Thai people smile or laughing it mean they feel good and happy, So don't feel bad or uncomfortable when people laughing on some thing you have done.

Intorduction to Muay Thai

2009-06-06T06:40:00.003+07:00

Muay Thai or Thai martial arts.
All across the world, people have heard about it and possibly even witnessed it first hand or on television - the furious punches, bone crushing elbows, lethal and piercing kicks, and the unforgettable knees. Although watching it on television is great, nothing begins to compare to seeing these moves executed live - with thousands of fans cheering the fighters on.

This is the wonderful world of Muay Thai kickboxing. Muay Thai is a martial art that is unlike any other, rich in the proud heritage of an entire nation. The style is interwoven into the well known history of the Thai people. Even though they are gentle and fun loving people, they’ve had to defend both themselves and their land for many years against the aggressive powers and thieves.

To protect what they had, the Thai people developed a fighting system of close combat techniques that were suited to the type of rough terrain they would be fighting in. Over the years, it eventually become a rite of passage for all Thai men to train in this amazing martial art.

In the beginning, Muay Thai proved to be a dangerous and deadly art, with the fighters having no safety gear or protection - all they had were lengths of cords in which they would wrap around their fists as gloves. As the years progressed, rules were written into the equation to establish some protection for the fighters.

Over the years, Muay Thai has progressed as both a martial art and a style, attracting people from all over the world. There are training facilities in Russia and the United States, with qualified instructors to help teach Muay Thai to interested students.

These days, Muay Thai is one of the most popular sports in the world. There are a lot of television networks that broadcast Thai bouts on a weekly basis, pleasing avid fighting fans from all over the world. International boxing is another popular sport, although most successful International boxers got their start in Muay Thai. This goes to show why Muay Thai training is so popular - and so lethal as well.

Normally, Thai bouts are fought with 5 three minute rounds, with a two minute rest period in between the rounds. All fights are preceded by a dance, which gives the contestants the opportunity to pay homage to their teachers. The dance is an excellent exercise to warm up with, with plenty of symbolic meaning towards the style.

During the fights and even with training, you’ll see that each Thai boxers wears armbands and a headband. The headband that fighters wear is believed to have been blessed by a monk or teacher, and will bestow luck upon the fighter. Thai boxers take a lot of pride in their training and fighting, with the headband being a source of inspiration and pride for the fighter.

During training, Thai fighters will learn a lot about their spiritual well being, the history of Muay Thai, and the skills they need to survive. Fighters that plan to compete in Thai fights will need to practice a lot, as the fights can be very demanding. Thai training can be very brutal, all depending on where you study. If you are studying the ancient arts of Thai boxing, you can count on the training to be very rigorous and demanding.

Although Muay Thai can be a tough art to practice, it is one of the best martial arts that you can study. The techniques are lethal, the training is tough - yet the competitions make it all worth while!

by: Al Dawson

Beach Holidays in Samui

2009-06-06T05:08:00.004+07:00

Koh Samui or Samui island of Surat Thani southern Province of Thailand is a breathtakingly beautiful island off the east coast. White beaches and clear warm sea is the main attraction of this place. It is a great place for beach holidaying. Get away from the hectic troubling everyday life and lose yourself in the midst of nature. Koh Samui is Thailand's third largest island and rich with natural resources, white sandy beaches, coral reefs and coconut trees. Everything about this island is exotic - the lovely beaches, the beautiful sea, the dense green jungles, and even the rural inhabitants of this place.

There are several beautiful beaches on this lovely island. The chaweng beach is a big one on the northeast side of the island. The beach bustles with life. The water is shallow, the beach clean and the scenery beautiful. A little way into the island from the beach is the one way beach road along which are situated several hotels, villas, spas, night clubs, shops and much more.

Lamai beach is cleaner and less crowded than the chaweng beach. This low budget town has charms of its own. Maenam has golden sands and offers spectacular views. Bophat refers to itself as fisherman’s village. It lies east of Maenam and has a more traditional lifestyle. Lipa Noi is the best swimming beach. This beach is also very quite and undisturbed. There are several other such beaches on the island each with a charm of its own.

The island of Samui offers many water sports for its tourists like scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, sailing, canoeing and much more. there are trainers and staff available on duty all the time.The island offers several other adventure sports like mountain climbing and trekking. You can also play golf and other leisurely sports. But beaches and water are the most enchanting things about Kho Samui. You can come here with family or friends or even on your own. The food is Thai and Chinese. You can get the kind of accommodation you want. From luxury villas to small hotels - all sorts of accommodations is available for all kinds of tourists.

Koh Samui one of the best known beach holiday spots in the world with a huge number of tourists flocking in every year. Due to the ever increasing number of tourist influx in the island, a number of hotels, restaurants and bars have sprung up there. Samui also has its own international airport that connects it to all the major cities of South East Asia. You can also get there by train, bus or boat. The island is so small that it can be explored on foot.

Whether you are looking for a gala time or a quite retreat, Samui is the place for you. It is an excellent place for beach lovers. You can lie down on the beach for several hours forgetting everything. You find nature in its finest guise here as you see the limestone mountains and lush green vegetation complementing the white beaches.

The information from (khun）: Thanakit K

Asia-Reservation.com - Hotels Booking with instant confirmation.

Phi Ta Khon, Mask Festival in North-East

2009-06-04T00:29:00.004+07:00

Phi Ta Khon Festival 2009 June 26-28, 2009 Dan Sai District, Loei District and Province

A HAPPY GATHERING OF FUN-LOVING SPIRITS The Phi Ta Khon festival is unique to the Dan Sai district in Loei Province and reflects the local Isan belief in ghosts and spirits. Held once a year, it is part of a grand merit-making festival known as the "Boon Luang" festival.

The origins of the Phi Ta Khon Festival can be found in the tale of Lord Buddha's last great incarnation before attaining Enlightenment. In Buddhist accounts, it is said that when Prince Vessandara, the Buddha's penultimate incarnation, returned to his city, it was such a joyous occasion that the village spirits came forth to join the welcoming parade. This very colourful and vibrant Phi Ta Khon procession is the central focus of the celebrations.

In a lively re-enactment of the tale, the young men of the community dress up as "spirits" wearing long trailing costumes made from colourful strips of cloth sewn together.

The hideous-looking Phi Ta Khon mask which is made of dried sticky rice husk is painted in bright red, green or other colours, and features the characteristic long pointed nose. This completes the transformation. The clanging sound of the square cowbells worn around the waist announces the presence of the spirits who wield phallic-shaped long-handled swords decorated with red paint. The good-natured, fun-loving spirits mingle among the crowd, teasing and amusing all who take part in the procession. Spectators and visitors are welcome to join in the fun.

There are two types of "spirits" featured in the Phi Ta Khon procession namely the "Phi Ta Khon Yai" — the supreme Phi Ta Khon, and the "Phi Ta Khon Lek", the ones that are commonly found. The making of the Phi Ta Khon Yai involves the performance of a sacred ritual to seek the blessings of the supreme powers before work on the Phi Ta Khon Yai masks can be initiated. It is also a task reserved exclusively for the descendants of families in which the tradition of making Phi Ta Khon masks has been practised for several generations. The Phi Ta Khon Yai is made of bamboo and is dressed in either male or female attire.

Loei is a border town adjacent to present-day Laos, formerly known as the Lan Xang Kingdom in the past. Many of the temples and archaeological sites in Loei thus reflect the influence of the Lan Xang artistic style, particularly the sloping roof covered with wooden tiles commonly found in Loei. Other distinctive features can be seen in the Ubosot or ordination hall and the Viharn, the assembly hall.

sorce : Tourism Authority of Thailand

Chiangmai baby panda joins celebrity list

2009-06-02T20:51:00.004+07:00

Baby panda joins celebrity list
Thailand animal lovers celebrate birth of a panda at Chiang Mai Zoo.
This has to be the Southeast Asia’s most famous zoo after global TV networks turned their lens on a remarkable new born baby; a female panda born at Chiang Mai Zoo, late May.
Mum and Dad, Lin Hui and Xuang Xuang, have lived at the northern Thailand zoo for the last six years, under a loan agreement with the Chinese Government that lasts just 10 years.
TV cameras from all major channels focused on the tiny tot made all the more famous because it was conceived by artificial insemination and marked a first for the Thai veterinarian team. Thailand joins the US and Japan as the only countries to breed pandas in captivity.Born 27 May, after six years of almost comical efforts to get the female panda pregnant, the birth surprised even zoo officials. It turned out to be the month’s good new story rising above the usual negative news that swamps TV viewers.

It was all the more fascinating in the context of past efforts by zoo officials to get the two Chinese pandas to mate naturally. Zoo keepers arranged a mock wedding and even showed them porn movies of other pandas mating. It was a dismal failure, until medical science came to the rescue.
Overnight, the baby was a world celebrity and the only sad note was news that within two years the baby panda would have to return to its homeland.
The panda family is the biggest draw at Chiang Mai Zoo, earning a treasure chest in gate fees that have reached an astronomical figure. You would have to be a football star to attract a fan club of the size the panda family has drawn to the zoo.
Tourists and residents flock to this northern zoo to watch these rare creatures in their posh quarters.

Leading the family’s admirers, Thailand’s Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjaijiva, says he will check out if China might be prepared to relax regulations and allow the baby to stay beyond the two years stated in the loan contract.If successful, the baby could possibly remain with mum and dad until their stay in Thailand concludes in another four years.While sensitive talks between PMs unfold the zoo is planning to celebrate the panda’s birth in style.Thousands of visitors are expected to visit the zoo just to see this tiny tot a rare site for travellers interested in these cute and iconic creatures. Since the grown-up pandas arrived, the zoo’s gate rose to around 3,000 visitors on a weekend. But there is a good deal more to see at this zoo. It is credited with being probably the best in the country and even has a night safari zoo.

There are various activities arranged by the zoo to attract visitors. This month, 12 to 21 June the zoo hosts the World Animal Art and Photo Gallery, that encourages visitors and residents to enter their favourite animal photos in a contest. They have to depict animals smiling, not an easy task if the subject is a crocodile. In addition, the zoo features a water colour painting workshop; rare animal photo auction, finger paint, photo fair and gallery.

www.tourismthailand.org

Phuket, The Andaman Pearl

2009-05-29T05:40:00.008+07:00

PHUKET

Phuket is Thailand's largest island. It is 48 km in length, 21 km at its widest, and is located in Southern Thailand, on the west-facing Andaman Sea coastline, suspended from the southern tip of Phang Nga Province by a pair of short but substantial road bridges.

Phuket is about 862 kilometres south of Bangkok.
Phuket formerly derives its wealth from tin and rubber, and enjoyed a rich and colourful history. The island was on one of the major trading routes between India and China, and was frequently mentioned in foreign trader’s ship logs.
In recent times, though, Phuket's top earner has been tourism, which has transformed the island into Thailand's wealthiest province. The west coast of Phuket was hit severely by the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004, but almost no evidence of the damage now remains.
Phuket enjoys great popularity as a travel destination. Most beaches are on the west coast, with Phuket Town to the south-east and the airport in the north.

Phuket is hot and humid throughout the year. The high season is generally considered to be from November to May. During the summer monsoon season, mornings and afternoons are still sunny and clear, but it tends to rain in the evenings and water clarity goes down. Locals consider May to October the "cool" season, and the weather is quite tolerable, much more so than in the tourism centers around the Gulf coast. It's comparable to Florida's summer weather in temperature and intensity of rain storms: 25-33 deg C, flying clouds, short and thunderous rainfalls in the afternoons and evenings. Surfing is possible off the western beaches.

Phuket is a melting pot of Buddhists, Thai-Chinese, Muslims and even sea gypsies. The majority of the population in the rural areas is Muslim. Outside of the provincial town, the rural folk speak with a thick Southern dialect which is difficult for even other Thais to understand. The provincial town’s economy having boomed over the past decade has lead to a lot of the youngsters leading similar lives to those in Bangkok. Altogether, the lifestyle of the urban Thai-Chinese resembles that of Bangkokians.

Phuket is a large island and you need some form of transport to get around. Unfortunately, public transport is very limited and taxis and tuk-tuks are in the firm grip of a local mafia that inflated fares to ridiculous prices (by Thai standards), so the only practical — but quite dangerous — option is rent your own wheels.
Hotels generally offer shuttle bus services into Phuket Town, and also have taxi and car hire facilities. Jeeps and motorbikes can be hired from various shops in Phuket and at the main beaches. Taxis are plentiful in town.

sorch : wikipidia.org

Miss Tiffany 2009

2009-05-26T03:55:00.004+07:00

MissTiffany 2009

Contestants vie for the Miss Tiffany Universe crown and raise cash for charity.

Spotlights and TV cameras will focus on Pattaya, mid-May, as the resort’s most famous transvestite show hosts the annual Miss Tiffany Universe contest.

It started off as a local contest, a natural extension of the fantasia that acts out, nightly, on the stage of the Tiffany theatre. But largely due to the attention it gained from the likes of CNN and BBC it quickly grew into a well organised beauty contest.

TV channels love it for its obvious shock and entertainment value. It’s a reality show that takes our minds off an otherwise slate of bad news. Miss Tiffany Universe is on the map and it helps to provide Pattaya with miles of media promotion.

The five-day contest plays out with elements of grandeur that could justify comparisons with global mainstream contests such as Miss Universe or Miss World. Contestants spend nearly a week in the warm up stages struggling to be noticed and eventually it all narrows down to a single evening of entertainment and extravaganza on stage, 15 May, that continues well past midnight.

While its organisers claim the event champions the rights of people who have crossed the line to a transgender or transvestite lifestyle, visitors to Pattaya view it as superb entertainment and choreography, spiced with comedy that would be at home on the stages of Las Vegas.

Tiffany Show has been entertaining tourists in Pattaya for over 35 years with more than 1000 visitors a night enjoying the three nightly performances. Over 100 performers dance and lip-snyc their way through popular songs from musicals and international pop charts.

From this make-believe world a brainwave emerged to go a step further and organise a Miss Tiffany’s Universe contest. Now it is one of the highlights of Pattaya’s annual calendar with an estimated live audience of 15 million viewers glued to their televisions as the pageantry unfolds.

Miss Tiffany’s Universe winners have even visited the US to participate in the “Miss Queen of the Universe” contest and came home with the first prize. With such worldwide media coverage, Tiffany’s viewers and the live audience, attending the final rounds of the contest, marvel at the achievements of medical science and the cosmetic industry. Some will even be tempted to question their ability to discern between genders as the contestants strut their stuff on the runway.

This year’s event will again support the Royal Sponsored AIDS Foundation; a charity programme, which Tiffany’s Show has been part of for many years. Held at the Tiffany Show Theatre, Pattaya II Road, Pattaya City, the final round of the contest will run from 2030 to 0030.
Judges will first select Miss Congeniality, Miss Best Costume, Miss Photogenic and finally Miss Tiffany Universe 2009. In between the rounds, the Tiffany Shows will perform. Tickets are priced at Bt2,000 for VIP seats and Bt1,000 for Mezzanine seats.

For more details visit www.misstiffanyuniverse.com or www.tiffany-show.co.th

sorce : TAT : Tourism Authority of Thailand

THE PATTAYA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

2009-05-20T03:44:00.007+07:00

THE PATTAYA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL 2009 - PATTAYA’S MUSIC EXTRAVAGANZA Pattaya residents and visitors can look forward to a major music event taking place during 20th - 22nd March 2009 – The Pattaya International Music Festival 2009. The event is part of a wider nationwide TAT campaign, “Amazing Thailand Amazing Value”, whose aim is to provide value for money events to Thai and international visitors. The festival has also been enthusiastically endorsed by Gen. Veerasak Kosurut (the Minister of Tourism and Sport), Sonthaya Kunpluem (the President of Chonburi Sports Association) and Ittipol Kunpleum (the Pattaya City Mayor). Most musical tastes should be satisfied by the genres on offer which will include Pop, Rock, R & B, Jazz, Hip Hop and Country and Western.

International musicians will be flown in by the following production companies SM Entertainment (Korea), EEG (Hong Kong), Ocean Butterfly (China), House Of Indies (Vietnam), Halo Music (Malaysia), Amphead (Australia), Indee Records (Laos) and Avex (Taiwan).

The international line-up is impressive and includes Rynn Lim from Malaysia, Minh Thu from Vietnam, Cirque de Freak from Australia, Kym Jin Sha from China, and Shinee and Girls Generation from Korea. The following Thai artists will also be performing Golf & Mike, Pancake, Clash, ABNormal, Paradox, Bodyslam, Ebola, Zeal, Joey Boy and The Star.

Rattanakosin - the Growth of Old Bangkok

2009-05-18T03:43:00.004+07:00

Rattanakosin - the Growth of Old Bangkok and the Dawn of a Era
category : Arts-and-Entertainment:Humanities

Rattanakosin came into being when King Rama I ascended the throne in 1782. He decided to establish the new capital on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River for better security from Burma. King Rama I was determined to build a new capital to revive the glory and splendor of old Ayutthaya. The new capital was proclaimed

Krungthep Mahanakorn Amorn Rattanakosin Mahintra Yuttaya Mahadilokpop Noparat Burirom Udom Rachnivet Mahasathan Amornpimarn Avartarnsathit Sakkatiya Witsanukamprasit

and hence began the Rattanakosin era or Bangkok period under the glorious reign of the Chakri Kings.

King Rama I choose a site just north of Wat Po, an old temple from the 17th century. With the Chao Phraya on the west and the Lod Canal on the east, the new capital was far more defensible.

In accordance with Thai customs, the first task was laying the foundation pillar for the new city. The City Pillar Shrine or Sao Lak Muang was established on 21 April 1782. Later King Rama IV, an avid astrologer, felt that a more auspicious location was required. The shrine was moved to the present location on 5 December 1852.

Construction of the Grand Palace commenced on 6 May and King Rama I occupied the royal residence on 13 June. Hundreds of boatloads of rubble were shipped from the ruins of Ayutthaya to build the city walls and public buildings of Rattanakosin.

At the same time, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Kaeo was constructed and completed in 1784. The Emerald Buddha was brought across the river from Wat Arun and installed in the new temple in the same year.

King Rama I appointed his younger brother the Uparat or Prince of the Front Palace, the equivalent of a second or deputy king. Part of the Front Palace is now the National Museum and National Theater.

In 1934, the palace grounds south of the National Museum was taken over by the government to start Thammasat University, one of the leading universities in Thailand. The remaining Front Palace wall line the southern edge of the university along Phra Chan Road.

Across Phra Chan Road is Wat Mahathat, another old temple since the pre-Rattanakosin era. The statue at the entrance to the temple is in honor of the Uparat or Prince of the Front Palace, who played a pivotal role in establishing the new capital. Also located here is the Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University.

The Silapakorn University of Fine Arts and the Fine Arts Department were built on the site of three former palaces in the first reign.

Northeast of the Grand Palace is the Royal Field or Sanam Luang where royal cremations were held in the past. Today it's a location for local fairs and festivities. An important annual event that takes place here is the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in May to mark the start of the agricultural year.

The first canal, Lod Canal, was dug during the reign of King Taksin. In 1785, the second canal ring called Rob Krung (literally around the city) turned the city into an island and so gave rise to the name Rattanakosin Island.

Forts were built along the Chao Phraya River and the Rob Krung Canal for the defense of Rattanakosin. The third canal ring, Padung Krung Kasem Canal, was added in 1851-54.

Opposite the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is the Ministry of Defense with old cannon displayed on the front lawn. This was built in 1882, during the reign of King Rama V, on the grounds of three old palaces from the reign of King Rama I.

The Saranrom Palace, opposite the Grand Palace, was built in 1866 during the reign of King IV. In 1960, part of the palace grounds became a public park, the Saranrom Park.

It's a pity that modern buildings have replaced some of the old palaces. The old walls and forts protecting the city have been demolished; only two forts and part of the old city walls remain. But the remaining buildings in Rattanakosin give a glimpse of old Bangkok and recapture the glory of that era.

This article first appeared in Tour Bangkok Legacies a historical travel site on people, places and events that shaped the landscape of Bangkok. The author Eric Lim, a free-lance writer, lives in Bangkok Thailand.

By : Eric Lim

4 Most Beautiful Thailand Beaches

2009-05-18T03:26:00.007+07:00

Thailand has one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. For those that have traveled there they know that the beauty of this untouched place makes for some of the best vacations in the world. This is coupled with the vast amount of historical culture that abounds the countryside and there is never a shortage of things to do in this country. Because much of this land is untouched by development you will find that relaxation and peaceful living is more than possible. The reaches of the mighty have not gotten this far and that means that you will get the very best in the vacation arena, especially when it comes to the Thailand beach areas.

Khao Lak is a wonderful Thailand beach. Just a short drive from the airport, this paradise offers a remote vacation area like no other. Thanks to the area being largely uninhabited, there is lush rain forest nearby along with a whole host of wildlife to be viewed. The water remains warm in the November through December months and the fishing and scuba diving is out of this world.

Phuket Thailand Beach is another great spot. Enjoy this resort November through March. There is more than enough to do. It is a bit more crowded than other beaches as this area thrives on the tourism dollars that it brings in. The scuba diving is top notch in this area and you will also find some of the warmest most clear water in the world. There are several nearby attractions to keep one busy for quite a few days.

Phi Phi Don Thailand beach is quite the turn around. Once a remote and nearly unknown place, this Thailand beach came to life when Hollywood came in and filmed a movie here. It is now considered to be one of the most popular beaches in the entire country and is frequented by many big names. This is a site that you will not want to miss, as the views are breathtaking and the water warm and inviting.

West Railiy Thailand beach is one of the undiscovered diamonds in the rough. There is very little that is expensive here and one can stay at the ??resort?? for over a week and barely tap the budget. The sands are milky white and the water clear. Scuba diving is very popular here as well as the fishing. This location is only accessible by long tail boat so plan for a bit of a long ride.

By : Monice Dulcinea

Basic infomation of Bangkok

2009-05-18T01:54:00.010+07:00

Bangkok is the capital city of The Kingdom of Thailand and the largest city with an estimated population of over 11 million. Bangkok is one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities.

Bangkok is the Orient's most cosmopolitan city and has attractions to stimulate even the most jaded travellers. Created as the Thai capital in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty, Bangkok is a national treasure house and Thailand's spiritual, cultural, political, commercial, educational and diplomatic centre.

In Thais it is Krung Thep, that mean "City of Angels", It full name is listed as the world's longest location name by the Guinness Book of Records, Translate in to English as :

"The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city of Ayutthaya 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".

Just under 14 degrees north of the Equator, Bangkok is a tropical metropolis that is also one of the most traveller-friendly cities in Asia. A furious assault on the senses, visitors are immediately confronted by the heat, the pollution and the irrepressible smile that accompanies all Thais. Despite the sensationalized international news reports and first impressions, the city is surprisingly safe (except from some petty crimes) and more organized than it initially appears, and full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. The high relative humidity and warm temperature favor the growth of tropical plants — you'll find exotic orchids and delicious fruit everywhere. Bougainvillea and frangipani bloom practically everywhere. Thai cuisine is justifiably famous, varied, and affordable. Bangkok for many, represents the quintessential Asian capital. Saffron-robed monks, garish neon signs, graceful Thai architecture, spicy dishes, colourful markets, traffic jams, and the tropical climate come together in a happy coincidence. It is difficult to leave with lukewarm impressions of the city.

Transportations

"Most major roads, trains and planes in Thailand lead to Bangkok."

Air plane

Suvarnabhumi Airport is now Bangkok's main international airport as well as the busiest airport in Southeast Asia, used by all domestic and international flights.

Don Muang Airport was Bangkok's main airport until 2006. The airport currently handles domestic flights, but the former international terminal is now limited to charters and general aviation.

bus

Eastern Bus Terminal - also known as Ekamai, this relatively compact terminal is located right next to Ekamai BTS station on Sukhumvit

North & North Eastern Bus Terminal - also known as Moh Chit, this is the largest, busiest, and most modern terminal. The upper floor serves the North-East; the ground floor serves the North, as well as sharing some destinations with Ekamai (including Pattaya).

Southern Bus Terminal - also known as Sai Tai Taling Chan, this terminal serves all points west and south located at Phutthamonthon

Train.

Hualamphong station.

The main station and the terminus of the Bangkok Metro line. Located right in the middle of downtown Bangkok, it is a huge and surprisingly nice station, built during the reign of King Rama VI and spared bombing in World War II at the request of the Free Thai underground.

Bang Sue Train Station
If coming from the north or north-east, connecting to the Metro here can shave the last half-hour off your train trip.

Thonburi Train Station
Also known as Bangkok Noi, this station is located on another side of Chaophraya river and is the starting point for services to Kanchanaburi home toThe bridg of the River Kwae.

ship

Cruise ships visiting Bangkok arrive can dock at either of two ports. Large ships must use Laem Chabang, about 90 minutes south-east of Bangkok and about 30 minutes north of Pattaya.

Modest sized ships may dock farther up-river at Khlong Thoey, much closer to the city center. A modest terminal provides processing for passengers

Getting around.
Bangkok is infamous for its congestion, but these days there are ways around it: hop on the Skytrain (BTS) and metro in the city center, or use boats to navigate rivers and canals.

Taxis are a quick and comfortable way to get around town, at least if the traffic is flowing your way. All taxis are now metered and air-conditioned: the hailing fee is 35 baht There are no surcharges (except from the airport), even at night A red lit sign on the front window means that the taxi is available.

City area 1,568.737 km² (605.7 sq mi)

Introduction to Pattaya

2009-05-17T23:56:00.005+07:00

Pattaya is the sea side city on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand approximately 145 km south of the city of Bangkok.

The city of Pattaya is a self governing municipal area.
Pattaya is most famous for its go-go and beer bars but besides the men and women on offer, the place has recently upgraded itself to be one of the best family locations in Thailand. Even though Pattaya hasn’t completely lost its ‘seedy’ side, it now attracts a huge amount of local Thai, North Asian and South Asian tourists who are just there with their families for a fun time. The local authorities-in-charge have, over the past few years, certainly improved the quality of the beaches but some of them are still lackluster (by Thailand's high standards) and rampant over-development has long since destroyed some of the natural charms it once had, but its plethora of hotels and guest houses and convenient location with quick and easy access from the capital make it a popular weekend getaway. Catering for over 5 million tourists yearly, Pattaya is also able to offer an excellent range of eating choices and a wide variety of things to do and see. and its population is a colorful potpourri of mixed nationalities from near and far.

Pattaya has several foreign language newspapers; most come out weekly. The English newspapers include Pattaya Times, Pattaya Today, and Pattaya Mail. Additionally, there are French, Norwegian, German, Russian and Japanese publications. There are several English-language cable television programs with news and video reports from Pattaya. There are also several tourist magazines and nightlife, most of them coming out monthly. Landline telephones, satellite phones, all mobile phone systems, high-speed internet (ADSL), post offices and parcel services are available in province.

History

Pattaya's name was originally "Thap Phraya", meaning Army of the Phraya - commemorating the surrender of Nai Klom's army to that of Phraya Tak (later King Taksin the Great), without a fight. Thap Phraya became Phatthaya (the name of the north-easterly wind at the beginning of the rainy season), and then Phatthaya (the true phonetic spelling).

The Vietnam War and its warriors made Pattaya a well-known recreational centre, especially among American GI’s. From its beginning in 1959 with a small private bungalow where American officers on leave took turn to come and rest, this sleepy village by the sea has grown and changed dramatically into one of the world’s tourism hot spots. The opening of the new Suvarnabhumi Airport (located to the east of Bangkok, alongside the expressway to Pattaya) has made visiting easier than ever.

Pattaya is popular not only as a beach resort and for its entertainment, nightlife and shopping, but also for the broad selection of pastimes it caters for, from golf and horseback riding to bungee jumping, karting and shooting - not to mention a wide variety of watersports such as scuba diving, jet-skiing, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, and a whole lot more. Pattaya is also very popular as a conference, convention and seminar venue, and the grapevine hosts rumours of future developments of varying degrees of plausibility, such as a horse racing track, casinos, and a tram system.

Doi Suthep Temple The Legend of White Elephant

2009-05-17T19:02:00.011+07:00

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep
is a splendid temple situated on a summit of Suthep Mount 15 km. frome the city of Chiangmai.
The temple is a most sacred site to Chiangmaai people and many other from every part of the world.
The temple is build in Lannathai architecture with a main golden chedi (Thai buddhist pagoda) that contain a relic of Buddha.

Sumanathera a monk from Sukhothai anothe kingdom 250km. south of Chiangmai found the relic and took it to king Dharmmaraja who ruled the Sukhothai but the king doubtful of the relic's authenticity, told Sumanathera to keep it.
However, King Ku Na of the Lanna Kingdom (Chiangmai ancient) heard of the relic and offered the monk to take it to him instead.

The relic travel to the northern part of Thailand to king Ku Na then . king Ku Na was supposed to build a temple to entomb the relic. But then the relic apparently split in two.
The smaller piece of the relic was enshrined at a temple in Suandok and anothe one he didn't know where to build it so he placed the other piece of the relic on the back of a white elephant which was released in the jungle, allowed to roam where-ever it wanted .

After the long journey the elephant eventually climbed to the top of Suthep Mountain, when reach the summit it turned around,trumpeted three times, knelt down and died. It was interpreted as a sign and King Ku Na ordered the construction of a temple at the site. The legend said the relic was place inside the pagoda and the elephant was entomb some ware by the pagoda side.

The temple is devidee in to the outer and inner quarter. The golden pagoda is in the inner quarter, and you must wear not too short of skirt or trousers that long enough to cover your legs and remove your shoes to entering.

The outer quarter was a the surounding building, a large plaza and a lookout point where visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Chiang Mai far below.

There are two way to reach the temple after your transportation drive you to the foothill.
One is to climb up the 306 steps of naga staircase and other way is to get a tram for 20 baht fee of two way ticket.

10 Fun Things to do in Chiang Mai in Thailand

2009-05-17T18:49:00.002+07:00

10 Fun Things to do in Chiang Mai in Thailand

Chiang Mai in Thailand is a wonderful location visit, be it for the beaches, the delicious foods or to enjoy the local culture. Below we look at ten interesting things to do in Chiang Mai.

1. Visit the walled city - This is a beautiful ancient place that is home to about thirty temples which boast Burmese, Sri Lankan and Lanna Thai influences. Here you can see beautiful carvings, intricately built staircases and golden pagodas.

2. Visit Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep - This is a splendid temple situated on a hillside. It has an intriguing history: The temple site was chosen by an elephant, which was allowed to roam at will. When it reached a particular site, the elephant trumpeted loudly, circled around several times and finally knelt down – an auspicious sign.

3. Take a trip to Maesa Elephant Camp - This is an elephant camp located on the hillside. Here you will be treated to a fascinating elephant show and even have the option to go on elephant rides.

4. Take a stroll around Bhuping Palace - This is a royal winter palace located on a hill. It has wide beautiful gardens and splendid architecture. It is open to the public whenever the royal family is not in residence. You will have to pay a small fee and abide by the dress code.
5. Interact with the animals at Chiangmai Zoo - The zoo is home to more than five thousands animals. These animals are housed in a cheerful open environment which gives you the illusion of actually being in a forest. Definitely a place the kids will enjoy.

6. Relax and go for a Thai Massage - If you want to relax, a Thai massage will definitely help you out in that department. Some massage parlours may be sleazy and dubious, so pay a little more for the legitimate ones that will have clean environment with relaxing music and scents in the background.

7. See Muay Thai fights at Kawila Boxing Stadium - Muay Thai is Thai boxing, and is the national sport of Thailand. The fights feature young amateurs, seasoned fighters as well as matches pitting local boxers against foreign ones.

8. Head for the Royal Floral Exposition - This is an exhibition which features more tens of thousands of species of orchid plants, and will be sure to interest even those who are not orchid lovers.

9. Shop at the Night Bazaar - This is a night market which goes on for miles and miles on Chiang Khlan Road. It is a must for shopping fanatics, who will be delighted with the low prices.

10. Head to Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center - This is a modern multimedia centre which will educate you on the different aspects of Chiang Mai’s history and culture.

About the Author:

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Chiang Mai accommodation and World vacation Rentals.

Thailand Vacation Series - Chiang Mai

2009-05-17T17:49:00.010+07:00

Chiangmai Rose of The North.

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.

Chiang Mai literally means new city and has retained the name despite having celebrated its 700th anniversary in 1996. King Meng Rai founded the city as the capital of the Lanna (A Million Rice Fields) Kingdom on Thursday, 12th April 1296 during the same period of time as the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom. King Meng Rai the Great conferred with his friends, King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Phayao before choosing the site where the capital of the Lanna Kingdom was to be founded.

From then, Chiang Mai not only became the capital and cultural core of the Lanna Kingdom, it was also the centre of Buddhism in northern Thailand. King Meng Rai himself was very religious and founded many of the city's temples, which are still important today.
At the height of its power, the Lanna Kingdom extended its territory far into Burma and Laos, and southwards to Kamphaeng Phet a province above Sukhothai.

The Burmese conquered the Lanna Kingdom in 1556 ending the dynasty founded by King Meng Rai that lasted over 250 years. As Burma had occupied Chiang Mai for nearly 200 years, Burmese architectural influences are visible in many temples. At the end of the 18th century, King Taksin the Great regrouped the Thais in the
south and finally drove the Burmese out with the help of King Kawila of Lampang thereby regaining Thai independence from Burma.

Chiang Mai was then governed by a succession of princes who ruled the north as a Siamese protectorate under the Chakri dynasty. In the late 19th century, King Rama V appointed a high commissioner in Chiang Mai and it was only in 1939 that Chiang Mai finally came under the direct control of the central government in Bangkok the same time the country was renamed Thailand.

In the past, Chiang Mai was only accessible by river and elephants. More convenient access was achieved only when the railway line was completed in the late 1920's. Moreover, the first motor vehicle driven directly from Bangkok arrived in Chiang Mai in 1932. Such isolation was more favorable to Chiang Mai as it helped to nurture and preserve the unique Lanna culture.
When we look at Chiang Mai today, it is the economic, cultural and communications hub of northern Thailand complete with excellent infrastructure, good roads, by passes and road tunnels, and reliable communications infrastructure.

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 meters 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 Mai Mae Nam Ping (Ping River) which originates from the Chiang Dao mountain range.

For more information about Chiang Mai, or Thailand tourist spots. See http://thailand -vacation-info.blogspot.com.

Author: Kai Otoko

The Temple of The Emerald Buddha

2009-05-17T16:31:00.006+07:00

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha
The Wat Phra Kaew also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and officially known as the Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram, is one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in Thailand.
The building that houses the Emerald Buddha.
The Emerald Buddha is the most precious icon for the Thai people.
The Emerald Buddha is not know for sure when it was carved however judging from the appearance one could conclude it was carved in Northern Thailand not much earlier than the fifteenth century but the style looks much like some of the Buddha images of Southern India and Sri Lanka.

According to reliable chronicles, lightning struck a Chedi in Chiangrai province of Northern most of Thailand in 1434 A.D. and a Buddha statue made of stucco was found inside. The abbot of the temple noticed that the stucco on the nose had flaked off and the image inside was a green color and found the Emerald Buddha.
The Emerald Buddha is not made of emerald but rather of jade or jasper.

At that time the town of Chiangrai was under the rule of the King of Chiangmai, King Samfangkaen, as people flocked to view and worship this beautiful Buddha image. The King then decided to move the image to Chiangmai. He sent out an elephant three times to bring the Emerald Buddha to Chiangmai but each time the elephant ran to the city of Lampang instead of returning to Chiangmai. The King thought that the spirits guarding the Emerald Buddha wanted to stay in Lampang so it was allowed to remain there until 1468. Then the new King, King Tiloka, had the Emerald Buddha brought to Chiangmai. According to Chronicles the image was installed in the eastern niche of a large stupa at Wat Chedi Luang.

The King of Chiangmai in the mid 16th century had no sons. His daughter was married to the King of Laos and born one son named prince Chaichettha. After the King died in 1551 the prince, at the age of fifteen, was invited to become the King of Chiangmai. However when his father died, the King of Laos, King Chaichettha wanted to return to his own country. In 1552 he returned to Luang Prabang, then the capital of Laos, and took the Emerald Buddha with him. He promised the ministers he would return to Chiangmai but he never did nor did he send back the Emerald Buddha. In 1564 King Chaichettha was chased out of Luang Prabang by the Burmese army of King Bayinnaung and took the Emerald Buddha with him to his new capital of Vientiane. The Emerald Buddha remained there for 214 years.

When King Rama I was still a general during the Thonburi period in 1778 he captured the town of Vientiane and brought the Emerald Buddha back to Thailand. With the establishment of Bangkok as the capital, beginning the Rattanakosin period and the Chakri Dynasty, the Emerald Buddha became the palladium of Thailand and has been here ever since. On the 22nd of March 1784 the image was moved from Thonburi to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in the Grand palace.

The temple encompasses over 100 colorful buildings that have golden spires and colorful motifs.
The walls that surround the temple are painted on the interior side with depictions from the story of the Ramakian, the Thai version of the Ramayana the great Indian epic.

The temple is situated at the historic centre of Bangkok in the Phra Nakhon district within the Grand Palace area.

10 Things you must see in Thailand

2009-05-17T15:57:00.003+07:00

10 Things You Must See In Thailand

You just can’t escape the appeals of delicious food, tropical climate, fantastic culture, and gorgeous beaches of Thailand. Certainly, Thailand is one of the most appealing countries in Southeast Asia. Surely, one of the most exotic places, Thailand is a real magnet for the globetrotters from all over the globe.

Offering a number of vacation paradises on its wonderful arenas, Thailand is one of the most coveted vacation destinations in the world. It’s a fantastic destination for beach vacations. Thailand really has numerous tourist attractions, yet here are 10 things that you must see while in Thailand.

Grand Palace – the royal palace and the official residence of the king of Thailand, located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. The Grand Palace is best known for Wat Phra Kaew, the temple featuring Emerald Buddha, Mythological Giant (Yak), Kinaree - Mythological Creature, Half Bird & Half Woman, Bell Tower, and Chakri Mahaprasad Hall.

Wat Arun – the “temple of the dawn” – a surreal Buddhist temple (Wat) located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. The remarkable temple, featuring the central prang – Khmer-style tower, is one of the popular tourist attractions in Thailand.

Wat Pho – the temple of the reclining Buddha – a famous Buddhist temple in Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok. It’s also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon. The temple is known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. It’s one of the major tourist attractions.

Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center – an ultra modern multimedia historic and cultural education centre, located in the very heart of the old city of Chiang Mai. The center documents the history & culture of the region from the pre-Muang period (7,000-12,000 years ago) to the early river civilizations.

Chaweng Beach – the largest & the most famous of Ko Samui’s beaches. The beach is beautiful and attracts youngsters and families alike. It has many restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, and fast food eateries. It’s a nice place for scuba diving, with many dive shops on the beach.

Lamai Beach – a fantastic beach located on the east coast of Ko Samui, Thailand. The beach is a nice place for swimming and other water & beach sports. It’s a wonderful place for eating, drinking, and shopping. It’s a very popular beach vacation destination.

Hin Ta & Hin Yai – the “grandfather” and “grandmother” stones that look like human genitals, located south-west of the Lamai Beach in Ko Samui. The grandfather stone looks like an erect penis, and grandmother stone looks like a vagina. It’s a popular tourist attraction.

Ban Chiang – a famous archeological site located in Nong Han district of the Udon Thani Province of Thailand. The site is famous for the attractive red painted pottery discovered in 1957. The site has been listed in the UNESCO world heritage list.

Khao Yai National Park – one of the first and the most famous national parks located in the Dong Phaya Yen Mountains in Thailand. The national park covering an area of 2,168 square kilometers has been listed in the UNESCO world heritage list.

Thungyai – Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries – the two famous wild life sanctuaries located in the provinces of Kanchanaburi, Tak and Uthai Thani in Thailand. The two adjoining sanctuaries have been listed in the UNESCO world heritage list.

Author :Orson Johnson
Author writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing listings for Hotels, Villas, Villas Koh Samui, and Beach Villa rental in Thailand

Bangkok Grand Palace

2009-05-17T15:35:00.007+07:00

The Royal Grand Palace and The Temple of Emeral Buddha is The one of must see-sight that tourism must go when visit Bangkok.
The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings served as the official residence of the Kings of Thailand , located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River.

The plan of the Grand Palace followed closely that of the old palace in Ayutthaya. The Palace is rectangular shaped, with the western side next to a river and the royal temple situated to the east side. The palace itself is divided into three quarters, the outer quarters, the middle quarters and the inner quarters.

King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (The king Rama 1 ) wanted to construct a wonderful palace that would be his residence as well as the centre of government. Initially the palace was constructed of wood, with numerous wooden buildings enclosed with a 1,900 meter high defensive wall. The iconic Temple of the Emerald Buddha was soon ordered to be constructed after the establishment of the palace.

For much of the early Chakri Dynasty the palace was the centre government, until King Rama V decided to reside at the Dusit Palace. This practise was pursued later by his sons King Rama VI and King Rama VII. But Rama VIIII moved to the palace in 1945. But subsequent to the mysterious death of King Rama VIII, a year later inside the palace, his brother, present king and successor King Rama IX moved permanently to Chitralada Palace.

The Palace is however still very much in use; as many royal rituals are performed here by the King every year. Other royal ceremonies celebrated here are coronations; royal funerals, marriages and state banquets. The Palace grounds also contain the offices and buildings of the Bureau of the Royal Household, the Office of the Private Secretary to the King and Royal Institute of Thailand.

Presently the palace is only used for official occasions and events. The palace is a popular tourist destination by a record of 8,995,000 visitors arriving in 2006, making it the 16th most visited tourist destination in the world.

Wat Pho the temple of Reclining Buddha

2009-05-17T02:42:00.004+07:00

wat PHO : Bangkok
Ancient and Sacred
Wat Pho or Wat Phra Cetuphon, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is situated near the Grand Palace and is officially know as the Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. Built 200 years before Bangkok became the capital city of Thailand, the temple is the oldest in Bangkok. Covering an area of 80,000 square meters the temple is the largest in Bangkok. The temple is home to the largest collection of Buddha images in the entire country and also the largest Buddha statute in Thailand, its famous Reclining Buddha statue. The temple is considered to be the birthplace of Thai massage.Even before the temple was established the place was a centre for education and Thai medicine, statues had been created portraying the various yoga positions. Together with renovation work being done on the Wat Phodharam in 1788, which was located on the same site, the Wat Pho was created. During the reign of King Rama III, the temple was placed with medicinal texts and was renovated again in 1982. The school for ancient medicine and massage was founded at the site in 1962.The temple contains more than one thousand Buddha images mostly from the ancient capitals of Ayuthaya and Sukhothai. The Reclining Buddha runs 46 meters long and 15 meters high. The statue is gold plated, while the feet and eyes are decorated with the mother-of-pearl. The feet depict the 108 auspicious traits of the true Buddha and the statue is to represent the Buddha passing into nirvana.The temple is cut in half by the Soi Chetuphon road into two walled compounds, which runs from east to west. The two are called the northern and southern compounds. The temple is located in the Maharat Road, 1 km south of the grand palace, and near and across the river from the Wat Arun. For stay Bangkok serviced apartments are available and Bangkok Royal President is one such place which is widely popular among tourists.

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

Loy Krathong Festival

2009-05-17T02:00:00.001+07:00

Thailand Grand Festival - Loy Krathong Festival
Loy Krathong Festival is on the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, around November. This festival is for apologizing to the queen of the river. Some believed that to homage to the Buddha’s footprint which located near the great Namtha river. On Loy Krathong Day at night ,Thai people will go to the river to celebrate this festival by floating Krathong into the river in their ways.Thai people and foreigners like to go Sukhothai provice which in the North of Thailand, to celebrate this festival because Sukhothai is an old city with ancient history and can reserve the right way of this old tradition from the past until now. For this year, Loy Krathong Day is on November 5, 2006. Who like to go to celebrate this festival in Sukhothai should book for the accommodation as soon as possible because some of hotels in Sukhothai almost full booked. The celebrating area is in Sukhothai Historical park, located in Muang Khao, A.Muang from 1 to 5 of November.

Author:
For more information of Thailand and finding hotels please visit http://www.hotelatthai.com/

A history of Thailand

2009-05-17T00:40:00.011+07:00

The history of Thailand begins with the migration of the Thais from their ancestral home in southern China into mainland southeast Asia around the 10th century AD. Prior to this, Mon, Khmer and Malay kingdoms ruled the region. T
he Thais established their own states starting with Sukhothai and then Ayutthaya kingdom. These states fought each other and were under constant threat from the Khmers, Burma and Vietnam. Much later, the European colonial powers threatened in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but Thailand survived as the only Southeast Asian state to avoid colonial rule. After the end of the absolute monarchy in 1932, Thailand endured sixty years of almost permanent military rule before the establishment of a democratic system.

Sukhothai and Lannathai kingdom

According to tradition, Thai chieftains gained independence from the Khmer Empire at Sukhothai, which was established as a sovereign Kingdom by Pho Khun Si Indrathit in 1238. A political feature called, in Thai, 'father governs children' existed at this time. Everybody could bring their problems to the king directly; there was a bell in front of the palace for this purpose. The city briefly dominated the area under King Ramkhamhaeng, who established the Thai alphabet, but after his death in 1365 it fell into decline and became subject to another emerging Thai state known as the Ayutthaya kingdom, which dominated southern and central Thailand until the 1700s.
Another Thai state that coexisted with Sukhothai was the northern state of Lanna. This state emerged in the same period as Sukhothai, but survived longer. Its independent history ended in 1558, when it fell to the Burmese; thereafter it was dominated by Burma and Ayutthaya in turn before falling to the army of the Siamese the ancient Thai in 1775.

Ayutthaya kingdom

The kingdom of Ayutthaya was existed from 1351 to 1767 until it was invaded by the Burmese. Ayutthaya was friendly towards foreign traders, including the Chinese, Vietnamese (Annam), Indians, Japanese and Persians, and later the Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and French, permitting them to set up villages outside the city walls. In the sixteenth century, it was described by foreign traders as one of the biggest and wealthiest cities in the East. The court of King Narai (1656-1688) had strong links with that of King Louis XIV of France, whose ambassadors compared the city in size and wealth to Paris.
After a bloody period of dynastic struggle, Ayutthaya entered into what has been called its golden age, a relatively peaceful episode in the second quarter of the eighteenth century when art, literature, and learning flourished. There were foreign wars.
In 1765 Thai territory was invaded by two Burmese armies that converged on Ayutthaya. the city capitulated and was burned in 1767. Ayutthaya's art treasures, the libraries containing its literature, and the archives housing its historic records were almost totally destroyed, and Burmese brought the Ayutthaya Kingdom to ruin.

Thonburi and Bangkok period

After more than 400 years of power, in 1767, the Kingdom of Ayutthaya was brought down by invading Burmese armies, its capital burned, and the territory split. General Taksin managed to reunite the Thai kingdom from his new capital of Thonburi and declared himself king in 1769. However, Taksin allegedly became mad, and he was deposed, taken prisoner, and executed in 1782. General Chakri succeeded him in 1782 as Rama I, the first king of the Chakri dynasty. In the same year he founded the new capital city at Bangkok, across the Chao Phraya river until this day.

The General information of Thailand

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- Thailand is an independent country lies in the heart of southeast asia bordered to the north by Laos and Myanmar, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the west by the Andaman Sea.

- Thailand is the world's 51st-largest country in terms of total area and the world's 20th largest country in terms of population.

- Thailand is one of the most devoutly Buddhist countries in the world. The national religion is Theravada Buddhism which is practiced by more than 95% of all Thais.[4] The cultures and traditions in Thailand are significantly influenced by those of India, China and many western countries.

- Thailand is home to several distinct geographic regions, partly corresponding to the provincial groups. The north of the country is mountainous, with the highest point being Doi Inthanon at 2,565 metres above sea level (8,415 ft).

- The northeast, consists of the Khorat Plateau, bordered to the east by the Mekong river.

- The centre of the country is dominated by the predominantly flat Chao Phraya river valley, which runs into the Gulf of Thailand.

- The south consists of the narrow Kra Isthmus that widens into the Malay Peninsula.

- The local climate is tropical and characterized by monsoons. There is a rainy, warm, and cloudy southwest monsoon from mid-May to September, as well as a dry, cool northeast monsoon from November to mid-March. The southern isthmus is always hot and humid.

- The country's official name was Siam until it was changed to Thailand.

- Thai is mean Free or Freedom in Thai language and Thai people are proud of the fact that Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia never colonized by a European power.

- The official language of Thailand is the Thai language and English is a mandatory school subject.

- Thailand is an emerging economy and considered as a Newly Industrialized Country.

- Total area : 513,115 sq km. (198,115 sq mi)
- Populations : 63,038,247 (December,2007)
- Religion : Buddhism (95% by populations)
- Cappital city : Bangkok
- Currency : Bath
- Time zone : UTC+7
- Country code : 66

Travelling Thailand: 5 Top Destinations

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Travelling Thailand: 5 Top Destinations
by: Robert Thatcher

With several sights to see and surprises to offer, Thailand could be one of the best locations you should not miss to visit. Culture, beaches, people, and heritage sites are some of the things you can expect when you travel to Thailand.

Bangkok – Traveling Thailand wound not be complete without visiting Bangkok. As the nation’s capital with an estimated population of over 10 million (including the neighboring provinces), this city is by far the largest in the country. The city is divided into 50 districts or khet but for tourists and those who are new in the place, 6 divisions would be more useful. These are Ratchadaphisek in the northeast section of the city, Sukhamvit in the southeast, Silom in the south, Thonburi in the west, Rattanakosin in the central north, and Phahanyothin in the north. The whole Bangkok district would give you a diverse taste of culture, history, religion, modernity, and fast-phase life. You can actually witness how all these blend together to comprise the whole Bangkok package. Buddhist temples, historical museums, towering buildings, contemporary restaurants and hotels, shopping centers, canals and rivers, and food make Bangkok a one of a kind city in Southeast Asia.

Phuket – Down south, Phuket features magnificent beaches, tropical sunsets, white sands, blue seas, and breathtaking sceneries. No wonder it is the most popular vacation destination in Asia beating every beaches of the neighboring countries. It has several beaches like Kata Beach, Karon Beach, Patong Beach, Kamala Beach, and Surin Beach. The island showcases several water sports and activities including parasailing, jet-skiing, and scuba diving. By day, Phuket is alive with beachgoers and shoppers and by night, lights, sounds, and party people dominate the whole island.

Chiang Mai – The second largest city in Thailand with an estimated population of more than 200,000. This city located in the northern part of the country offers greener and quieter city. Chiang Mai’s tourism is becoming more and more popular and permanently settling at this city is very common. When you travel Thailand and visit Chiang Mai, you surely would want to see museums such as Hilltribe Research Institute Museum and the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center. With religion and history enriching the city, you can see several Buddhist temples such as Wat Chiang Mun, Wat Chiang Mun, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Oo-Mong, Wat Phra Jao Mengrai, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, and Wat Chedi Luang. The oldest temple dates back in the 11th century. Chiang Mai features attractions such as Chiang Mai Flower Festival in February, Bo Sang Umbrella & Sankampang Handicrafts Festival in January, The 2nd Orchid Fair also in January, and the Loi Krathong Festival usually falls in November.

Pattaya – Located 150 km. north of Bangkok, Pattaya is one of the most popular tourist destinations, which offers great beaches, beer and go-go bars, and a wide array of sport activities. Visit Pattaya when you travel Thailand is a must. Although it is the most overdeveloped part of the country in terms of tourism, prices in Pattaya still remains with reach. In fact, prices of foods, accommodation, and transportations are very affordable.

Krabi – In a small province of Krabi lies a small town with the same name. Paying a visit Krabi town when you travel Thailand is worth the time. Located south of Bangkok near Phuket and Phi Phi island, the town features great beaches along with high end hotels and not so expensive hotel that cater tourists of different classes.

Author :
Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides thailand travel resources on http://www.your-thailand-travel.info/.

Thai cuisine

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Thai cuisine
most Thai people are used to eating rice with their meal.

a Thai full meal typically consists of either a single dish of rice with many complementary dishes served concurrently and shared by all.

it is usually eaten at every meal with soups, curries, fried vegetables and chilly paste (naam prik) hot and spicy souce.

Thai Cuisine is well-known for being hot and spicy and for its balance of five fundamental flavors in each dish or the overall meal - hot (spicy), sour, sweet, salty, and bitter Although popularly considered as a single cuisine, Thai food would be more accurately described as four regional cuisines corresponding to the four main regions of the country: Northern, Northeastern (or Isan), Central, and Southern, each cuisine sharing similar foods or derived from those of neighboring countries.

Thai food is known for its enthusiastic use of fresh (rather than dried) herbs and spices as well as fish sauce. Thai food is popular in many Western countries especially in Australia, New Zealand, some countries in Europe such as the United Kingdom, as well as the United States, and Canada.

Thai food is generally eaten with a fork and a spoon. Chopsticks are used rarely, primarily for the consumption of noodle soups. However, it is common practice for Thais and hill tribe peoples in the North and Northeast to eat sticky rice with their right hands by making it into balls that are dipped into side dishes and eaten. Thai-Muslims also frequently eat meals with only their right hands.

Throughout the country there are many interpretations and variations on these common dishes. Other dishes from the the Northeast and the northern part of Thailand include unique sauces and exotic foods, such as raw beef, fermented fish paste, and deep fried insect larvae.

How to get around Bangkok, Thailand

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How to get around Bangkok, Thailand
by: Jonathan Semenick

To start off it is good to understand what kind of transport you can get in Bangkok.
There are numerous different types of public transport, but the usual visitor or resident uses only 7 of these: Meter Taxis, Tuk Tuks, buses, canal boats, river taxis, motorbikes, and Taxis (with no meter).
Lets begin with Tuk Tuks. Aren't they cute, those little three wheeled taxis, colorfully painted and featured so much on anything to do with Thailand.
They are very cute until you get stuck in the traffic, behind the number 36 bus at about 2 in the afternoon and suck down a multitude of fumes in 10 minutes than the average smoker does in a life time... you'll say to the kids, isn't this fun....while your kids bury their heads in their Dad's armpit because it smells fresh compared to the air around them.
Okay Try a Tuku Tuk once, don't go too far and then give them up as a bad idea. Out of Bangkok they're much more fun. Tuk Tuk drivers should be haggled with, the price fixed in advance and generally you'll always get ripped off, take a taxi.

Taxis (with 4 wheels) come in two flavours, metered and no meter, although a few non meters actually have a meter concealed behind a panel in the dash board below the radio.... Taxis are great, sit back in air conditioned luxury and watch the Smiths die of carbon monoxide poisoning in a Tuk Tuk. If the driver of a Taxi objects to use his meter then tell him to take a hike, get out, do not be suckered.
Check where you are standing, if it's outside a nice big hotel , then walk up the road a bit and wave down a taxi. Unlike the US or Europe taxi drivers have to pass NO TESTS to become a taxi driver, within a few days of being inb Bangkok you will know Bangkok better than many Taxi drivers.... again if the driver seems to not know where it is you are going, get out....one other thing, make sure you know where you are going and have a rough idea of the route, else a less honest cabby will take you o a tour of the backroads "the short cuts". If you're going a long way, take the toll way, it costs between 20 and 40 Baht, (you pay) and will save you hours of travel time.
Calling a taxi by phone costs ab extra 20 Baht, Taxis at the airport cost an extra 50 Baht. And yes there is a REGULATED taxi stand at the airport outside the main meeting zone. Don't be suckered by taxi and limo touts.
Oh yes then there are the taxis with no meter.... well if you want to use one feel free....it'll cost about the same as a Tuk Tuk but at least you'll get Air Con....possibly.
Buses, once upon a time there were red buses, blue buses, green buses and Air Con buses, then came micro buses and then came deregulation and now there are so many buses that I really don't know what they all are...anyway if you are going to use a bus GET A BUS MAP. Then always use Air Con buses unless where you are going is not on one of their routes or your on such a tight budget that 8 to 15 Baht per person may cause you to have to go without food. Other buses vary from 3 Baht up to 20 Baht. Don't bother asking the conductor about where you want to get off, to them you are a lower lifeform (all passengers are) ask another passenger. A word about getting on and off buses. Do it FAST, buses on occasions don't stop at the bus stop they "slow" in the middle of the road and let off a stream of potential roadkill in the middle of the traffic, okay I exagerate a little but when you get your stop make sure you are already near the door and can sprint for it. Don't expect the people getting on to make way, that kind of common sense tends to fail people using the buses, their objective is to get on fast and get a seat before anyone else...which brings up seats.... don't be fooled into thinking that being a "gentleman" will get you thanks...oh no, you'll see pregnant ladies standing up while young school brats take up the seats, you'll see old ladies burdened by shopping standing while teen sweathearts hog the seats...it's a first come dog eat dog world on the buses and if you take one of the non air con buses you'll eventually see some poor person pass out....then they get a seat.
Motobikes. Yeah.... want to get somewhere fast, take a motorbike taxi, married with kids...get life insurance and a damn good helmet.
The majority of MB taxi drivers will make it their sole intent to scare you to death, to see if they can squeeze their bike through a gap that is obviously closing up faster than they are moving and to see how fast they can go on an open stretch of road...they have no fear (or sanity).... your life is in their hands and you'll soon wish it wasn't.
It is the law in Thailand that all bike riders MUST wear a crash helmet.... some of the helmets you see wouldn't project a toddler falling off a 3 wheeler.
Thai law says you have to wear a helmet, but as far as the law is concerned...it can be made out of paper.
if you intend to use MB Taxis a lot then get a helmet...I did, it saved my face when the inevitable eventually happened and I slide across the road after beeing side swipped by a pick up truck.
If you can avoid MB taxis, then do. If you are in Bangkok for long enough you may eventually get to learn which MB Taxi Teams (yes they work in teams) are safer than others (or luckier than others).
Check out the bikes they are driving, a scratched up wreck will be a good hint that the driver has kissed the tarmac a few times, a brand new bike , a green horn still waiting for his first brush with death.... if you're on a bike and the driver is driving like a nut, tell him to stop and get off.
I have to admit I have very little experience with boat transport in Bangkok, but from what I am told, if you can take a canal or river taxi, then do, they are fast, generally clean, less polution and of course there are less vehicles to hit. Prices vary depending on how far you are going.
In summary I would suggest that if you plan to travel in Bangkok that you :- get a map, take meter

Author :
Jonathan Semenick maintains and manages the Thailand-X website at http://www.thailand-x.com/

Thailand, The Land of Smile

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Thailand, Theland of smile

The Kingdom of Thailand , the land of old culture with a beatiful nature for relaxing, traveling , and your vacation.
Thailand, or Siam , or The Land of Smile which is located in Southeast Asia , the capital's name "Bangkok", the population amount 60 millions and most of people are Buddhist, has well known in beautiful traveling places. Every year there are many foreigners come and visit our country. The popular places are the beach and sea, island, waterfall , forest and mountain, and cultural

There are two side of the sea here ; 1. Andaman sea side and 2. Gulf of Thailand sae side

Andaman sea is full of under water world marine life such as corel, fishes, sea flower, etc. So Andaman sea is the paradise of scuba diving and snorkeling. The beach is very clean and has white sand which attract the tourist for sun bathing. Phuket Island is one of the province of Thailand which located at the Andaman sea side. This island is the most popular in Thailand. Every year many tourist come and visit Phuket expecialy the Europain and American because it has beautiful sea and beach. Around Phuket Area, there are many places which very popular for scuba diving and snorkeling. At Phuket you can choose to stay with economic hotel to 5 stars hotel because there are many hotels here.
At night Phuket changes to the civilize town for tourist who want to eat and drink, lot of bars, pubs and restaurants are open for service you. That why the foreigner who love to come and visit Thailand never forget to go to Phuket also.
The islands which are located in Andaman sea side such as Koh (meaning island in Thai) Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Koh Similan, Koh Tarutao , etc. are very popular and beatiful not less than each others. Oh!! more than word to say and explain with them.
Gulf of Thailand sea side is beatiful not less than Andaman sea side. The most popular island is Koh Samui wich located in Suratthani province. Europian and American likes to visit here. Near Koh Samui, there are Koh Pha-Ngan , Koh Tao, and Angtong islands which have nice sea and nature.
In The East of Thailand, the popular island are Koh Chang, Koh Samed, Koh Mhak, Koh Man-Nork, Koh Man-Nai. The Asian likes to visit them.
Contined to talk about the the waterfall, forest, and mountain. Kanchanaburi is the large province located in The West of Thailand. Here is full of the perfect forest. The popular waterfall here is Erawan waterfall which has 7 tires. The City is old with the history of The World War II. War Cemetery and The Bridge over The Kwai River are located here.
Furthermore, the perfect and large forest in The Northeast of Thailand is Khao Yai has beatiful nature, waterfalls, you will enjoy adventure in the forest.
Chiang Mai is the largest province of Thailand which has beatiful nature , forest and mountain. There are many cultural places here for cultural traveling. The tourist loves to go to Chiang Mai during Songrand Festival which call Thai New Year, in the middle of April to join with this tradition.
From the above details is talk about the beach and sea, waterfall , forest and mountain in Thailand but if you are the one who love cultural traveling you should go to Ayutthaya and Sukhothai. They will attract and impress you with the old cultural places.
All of Thailand information that I describe for you is just a little part of us. Come to visit and touch us by yourself, you will love us never forget Thailand.

About the Author: All information of Thailand and find hotels in Thailand please visit http://www.hotelatthai.com/