Travel Variety

KEEPING AKHA TRADITIONS ALIVE

2010-08-04T04:01:00.000-07:00

High on some of the most pristine and remote mountains in Northern Thailand live the Akha, a little-known, self-sufficient and culturally unique people who prefer to avoid city life in favour of a distinctly ruralidyll.

The Akha are a relatively poor tribal people living on the very top of the most inaccessible peaks. Of Tibetan origin, they are the most recent hill people to have migrated to Thailand, and they are perhaps the least conversant with Thai as a language. They are immediately distinguishable by the elaborate and beautiful headgear of the women — perhaps the most remarkable single feature of Thai hill tribes.

Today there are more than 55,000 Akha living in Thailand, practising shifting cultivation of various crops including maize, dry rice and temperate vegetables. Until quite recently the Akha were often involved in opium cultivation, though today this has been replaced by lamyai (longan) fruit, coffee and tea as the crops of choice.

Akha women are most easily distinguished by their elaborate, helmet-like head-dress, made up of silver coins, beads, feathers and fur. Clothing — characteristically a long-sleeved jacket over short skirt ending just above the knees — is of indigo-dyed cloth, often made with home-grown cotton, decorated with embroidery, buttons, cowry shells and seeds. Pendant earrings and broad neck bands of silver are highly prized, the latter worn with multiple strings of brightly coloured beads.

Few outsiders visit them in their mountain fastnesses, and when Akha visit local towns on business, they generally hurry back to their hills just as soon as time allows. But in rustic Chiang Rai it is now possible for tourists to visit an Akha village, enjoy an authentic Akha homestay, learn first-hand about Akha culture and traditions, and experience the Akha’s unique relationship with nature and the environment.

BAAN HUAI KEE LEK AKHA VILLAGE

COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM

The small, community-based Akha village of Huai Kee Lek (also spelled Huay Kee Lek) nestles atop a forested peak high above the rushing Huai Masang river some 30 kilometres north of Mae Suai in Thailand’s northernmost province of Chiang Rai. The valley below is defined by verdant rice terraces and mixed Thai and Lahu villages, but Huai Kee Lek is richly and distinctively Akha in nature and appearance.

The village was established more than forty years ago in 1965, in an auspicious spot selected by the community elders. Today Huai Kee Lek tourism is managed by a village committee while profits are used to sponsor both Akha cultural activities and local forest conservation projects.

Akha Traditions at Baan Huai Kee Lek

Baan Huai Kee Lek is a rather forward-looking ‘traditional Akha village’. Some of the villagers observe the old Akha religious customs, while others are Buddhist, and still others Christian. But the village as a whole recognizes the importance of preserving Akha cultural traditions, and great care is taken to mark off and protect spiritual sites of importance, including the spirit gate and surrounding copse, the cultural grounds used for the annual swing festival, the sacred well and the dwelling places of local tutelary spirits.

The concept of community-based tourism has also certainly helped to foster and protect traditional Akha music and cultural performances. The villagers at Huai Kee Lek are encouraged to be proud of and preserve their cultural identity, while at the same time profiting materially from the additional funds such activities bring into the community coffers.

Akha also observe at least nine formal cultural festivals year-round, the most important of which are Chon Khai Daeng in April, the Lo Ching Cha or Akha Swing ceremony held in mid-August and September, and the Top-Spinning Festival in December. Visitors to Huai Kee Lek at these times are especially welcome.

KEEPING AKHA TRADITIONS ALIVE

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Chiang Mai Flower Festival (6)

2008-04-20T03:41:00.000-07:00

The 31st Chiang Mai Flower Festival
Date : 1-3 February 2008
Venue : Nong Buak Hat Park, Mueang District, Chiang Mai

If you are obsessed with beautiful flowers and decorative plants, this is the festival for you. Experience these beautiful flower-decorated floats and a magnificent tapestry of floral splendor that blankets the land. There are also agricultural exhibitions, floral contents, and product sales by local groups of housewives.

click thumbnail to view full size

source : cm108.com

Chiang Mai Flower Festival (5)

2008-04-20T03:29:00.000-07:00

Chiang Mai Flower Festival (4)

2008-04-20T03:15:00.000-07:00

Chiang Mai Flower Festival (3)

2008-04-20T03:03:00.000-07:00

Chiang Mai Flower Festival (2)

2008-04-20T00:32:00.000-07:00

Chiang Mai Flower Festival

2008-04-19T23:30:00.000-07:00

Nibhana Spa A touch of Royalty

2008-03-30T05:36:00.000-07:00

Nibhana Spa A touch of Royalty

What a better way to unleash the week-long exhaustion than to go for a spa treatment! Adorned in Classic Colonial and ‘Royal Thai’ style, Nibhana Spa hosts 10 treatment rooms, each flaunting its unique blend of Thai, Chinese and Indian decor. Also unique to the spa are massage techniques which put together the best of both the classic and the new methods. With the spa’s cherished recipes of treatment for the perfect skin, be it the body massage, facial treatment or special relaxing program such as ‘Maharajah’, ‘Empress’, and ‘Siamese Princess Treatment’, Nibhana Spa’s luxurious touches are sure to treat you likea royalty.

Nibhana Spa is located on
the 1st floor of The Natural Park building,
88 Sukhumwit Soi 49
Bangkok
Thailand

The spa is open from 1st of March.
Service hours : 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Tel. 0-2260-5112-3,

or visit : www.nibhanaspa.com.

The Sense of Spa Bangkok

2008-03-17T11:13:00.000-07:00

The Sense of Spa Bangkok
Address
2F, 323 United Center Bldg,Silom Road,Bangrak, Bangkok
Contact
Phone : +66-(0)2-635-5488 9
E-Mail : info@senseofspa.com
Web : http://www.senseofspa.com
Opening hours
Everyday 10:00 - 22:00

The Sense of Spa Bangkok, a day spa in Bangkok Thailand, is one of the most popular bangkok spa which is designed for everyone like you. For wealthy people they already have enough choices to enjoy. But for the rest of us, nice professional day spa experience is just beyond reach. That's why we made Sense Of Spa Bangkok. Yes, there are cheaper places in Bangkok. But are you satisfied with them? We at try harder for better services at more affordable price.

For example, The Sense of Spa use only the quality products for skin care progras even though it costs much more. We don't put excessive list price and give big commisions to tour agencies. We do have tour partners, but they only small comissions much lower than other big name spas in Bangkok. We sometimes get offers from some tour agencies who wants to charge big list price and share big commision. We simply say no.

When the customers are about to leave the spa, we don't ask them forced 10% service charge and 7% VAT extra. We have seen some customers are not comfortable with the added stuffs in the bills. Also we think service charges should be voluntarily tip by the customer depending on her/his satisfaction, not some fixed amount of price added on bill.

Elite Bar & Grill

2008-03-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

Address
Ozono Complex, 307 Sukhumvit Soi 39 (Phrompong), near BTS Phrom Phong and MRT Phetchaburi, Thailand

Contact
Phone: 02-259-5960, 02-259-7588

Opening hours
Mon-Fri 5:30pm-11:30pm, Sat-Sun 10am-2:30pm, 5pm-11:30am

This stylish, modest-sized “grill bar” has some unusual items like horse and whale on offer to please daring carnivorous diners. If you can’t afford the pricey imported Wagyu beef, local Thai-French tenderloin never fails to please. Two thumbs up for the quality of the food.

credit : lamb.exteen.com

Tapas Cafe

2008-03-12T11:06:00.000-07:00

Tapas Cafe
Sukhumvit 11, Bangkok, Thailand
Tel : 02-651-2947

Choices of Japanese and Italian cuisines are abundant in Bangkok, but Spanish? The right answer can be found at Tapas Cafe on Sukhumwit Soi 11. First and only authentic Spanish Tapas cuisine in Thailand, Tapas Cafe reflects the love of art of its owner. The gallery restaurant offers dishes prepared by the chef who came directly from Spain. It is a rare gem you know you don’t want to miss.

credit : 247freemag.com

Indus of North

2008-03-12T10:47:00.000-07:00

Indus of North India
Sukhumvit 26, Bangkok, Thailand
Tel : 02-258-4900

Experience the gentility of India with Indus, an Indian-contemporary restaurant where dinners can choose to enjoy their meals in the garden, in the house or at the bar. It is wonderful to sit en plein air during the breezy nights, or to feel like a maharaja and enjoy the inside ambiance. Lady chefs from India will serve you with Kebab E Malai or yogurt-marinated chicken grilled on slow heat, followed by Indus Rogah Josh (Goat curry) or Goan Fish Curry. Entrees are served with buttered toast. Vegetarian selections are also excellent.

Indus Signature :
1. Kebab E Ma lai
2. Indus Rogan Josh
3. Goan Fish Curry

credit : 247freemag.com

Dok Khun Siang Khaen Festival

2008-02-10T09:38:00.000-08:00

Dok Khun Siang Khaen Festival is held during April 13-15 every year at Bung Kaen Nakhon. The day starts with merit making, followed by pouring holy water on Buddha images, local dramatic arts, floral cart procession, northeastern food contest, boat race in Bung Kaen Nakhon, and shops selling a variety of products.

source : tourismthailand.org

Thailand Even Calendar 2008

2008-02-09T00:58:00.000-08:00

Many of the festivals and events listed on Thailand's official calendar of annual events are traditional Buddhist or folk festivals, the date of which is either determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and waxing and waning moon. These are not staged events. The festivals reflect the rhythm of life in rural Thai villages and local traditions as observed in times past. Event dates may be subject to change. To ensure you have the most updated information, please reconfirm details prior to travel.

JANUARY 2008

NOVEMBER 28, 2007 – MARCH 28, 2008
THE WORLD SAND SCULPTURE FESTIVAL
Srisothorn Road, Chachoengsao provincial center
Chachoengsao province, Thailand

“BRIDGES — DIALOGUES TOWARDS A CULTURE OF PEACE”
November 2007 to April 2008
http://www.peace-foundation.net

FEBRUARY 2008

FEBRUARY 1 - 3, 2008
The 31st CHIANG MAI FLOWER FESTIVAL
Nong Buak Hat Park, Mueang District, Chiang Mai
read article

FEBRUARY 7 - 9, 2008
CHINESE NEW YEAR 2008

FEBRUARY 20 - 22, 2008
THAILAND LADIES OPEN 2008
http://www.thailandladiesgolf.org

MARCH 2008

MARCH 2008 (date to be confirmed)
ASIAN BARRED GROUND DOVE COOING COMPETITION
Yala

MARCH 8, 2008
SUMMER SPLASH 2008
At Jomtien Beach, Pattaya Park
read article

MARCH 8 - 9, 2008
THAILAND INTERNATIONAL KITE FESTIVAL
At the Rama VI Camp
Cha-am, Phetchaburi, Thailand

MARCH 21 – 23, 2008
PATTAYA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL 2007

MARCH 28 - 30, 2008
2008 MEKONG RIVER ITU TRIATHLON ASIAN CUP
ITU Point Race
The International Triathlon Union (ITU) is the official international governing body for the Olympic sport of Triathlon

MARCH 31 - APRIL 6, 2008
2007 KING'S CUP ELEPHANT POLO TOURNAMENT
Chiang Saen Secondary School, Golden Triangle,
Chiang Rai, Thailand
Spectator entrance is free of charge.

APRIL 2008

APRIL 1 - 9, 2008
CHIANG MAI INTERNATIONAL ART AND CULTURE FESTIVAL
At the Three Kings Monument and venues around Chiang Mai

APRIL 13 - 15, 2008
SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
Bangkok. Chiang Mai. Khon Kaen. Nong Khai. Nakhon Phanom. Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Chon Buri. Samut Prakarn. Phuket. Nakhon Si Thammarat. Songkhla.
read article

APRIL 13 - 15, 2008
DOK KHUN SIANG KHEAN FESTIVAL
at Bung Kaen Nakhon, Khon Kaen

MAY 2008

MAY 9, 2008
THE ROYAL PLOUGHING CEREMONY
Sanam Luang, Rattanakosin Island Bangkok

MAY 2008
BUN BANG FAI ROCKET FESTIVAL
Yasothon Municipal Office on Chaeng Sanit Road and Yasothon Provincial Office

JUNE 2008

JUNE 1 - JULY 31, 2008
BLOOMING KRACHIAO FLOWER FESTIVAL
The Siam Tulip Festival of Chaiyaphum
Pa Hin Ngam National Park
Ban Rai district and Thep Sathit sub-district, Chaiyaphum province

JUNE 1 – AUGUST 31, 2008
AMAZING THAILAND GRAND SALE 2008
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket and Hat Yai

JUNE 2008
PHI TA KHON & BUN LUANG FESTIVAL
Dan Sai District, Loei District and Province

JULY 2008

JULY 1 - 9, 2008
GRAND CANDLE FESTIVAL
Ubon Ratchathani

JULY 2008
TAK BAT DOK MAI FESTIVAL
Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamahawihan, Amphoe Phra Phutthabat, Saraburi

JULY 13, 2008
PATTAYA INTERNATIONAL MARATHON

AUGUST 2008

AUGUST 30 – 31, 2008
BHUMIBOL DAM INVITATION INTERNATIONAL
MOUNTAIN BIKE CHAMPIONSHIP 2008
At Bhumibol Dam, Tak Province

SEPTEMBER 2008

SEPTEMBER 13 - 14, 2008
THAILAND INTERNATIONAL SWAN BOAT RACES
AND LONG BOAT RACE CHAMPIONSHIP THAILAND
On the Chao Phraya River
At the Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre,
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

SEPTEMBER 2008
INTERNATIONAL KO-LAE BOAT RACES
At the mouth of the Bang Nara River
in front of the Narathiwat City Hall

OCTOBER 2008

OCTOBER 2008
PHUKET VEGETARIAN FESTIVAL
www.phuketvegetarian.com

OCTOBER 2008
ILLUMINATED BOAT PROCESSION
The Mekong River, Nakhon Phanom

OCTOBER 2008
THE SAKHON NAKHON WAX CASTLE PROCESSION
& ROYAL TROPHY LONG-BOAT RACES
At Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Temple, Sakon Nakhon

OCTOBER 2008
RAP BUA CEREMONY
Samut Prakan

NOVEMBER 2008

NOVEMBER 2008
LOI KRATHONG – FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

NOVEMBER 2008
RIVER KWAI BRIDGE WEEK
Kanchanaburi

DECEMBER 2008

DECEMBER 2008
2008 PHUKET KING'S CUP REGATTA

DECEMBER 2008
AYUTTHAYA WORLD HERITAGE SITE CELEBRATIONS
Venue: The Ayutthaya Historical Park, Ayutthaya

Contact:
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Email: info@tat.or.th
Website: www.tat.or.th
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 (120 automatic lines)
Fax: +66 (0) 2250 5511 (two automatic lines)

FOR EVENT INFORMATION,
please call 1672.

Address:
1600 Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Rajatevee
Bangkok 10400
Thailand

New Coral Reef Found Off Thailand

2008-02-09T00:24:00.000-08:00

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has reported the finding of a new coral reef off the coast of Thailand . Reportedly in pristine condition, the reef is being hailed as a major find by environmentalists. Discovered by local fishermen in January of this year, the reef is located off Phang-Nga, a southern Thai province. full article

source : discoverythailand.com

Pattaya Park, Summer Splash 2008

2008-02-09T00:07:00.000-08:00

Summer Splash 2008
Catch the summer vibe at Summer Splash Jomtien Beach, Pattaya - March 8, 2008… The fun starts at 5pm sharp, goes on late...

This is going to be a brilliant! Sponsored by the likes of MTV, The British Council and Maxim, it’s going to be this summer’s ultimate pool and beach event. The party takes place at Pattaya Park and features DJs, a summer barbeque, a swimwear fashion show, waterslides and splash pool, big inflatables, wow dancers, live percussionist, VDO jockey, fire jugglers and much, much more.The music will be an exceptional mix of brand new banging beats and quality tunes from the dance decade 1994 to 2004. full article

source : discoverythailand.com

The 31st Chiang Mai Flower Festival

2008-02-01T08:01:00.000-08:00

The 31st Chiang Mai Flower Festival
Date : 1-3 February 2008
Venue : Nong Buak Hat Park, Mueang District, Chiang Mai

If you are obsessed with beautiful flowers and decorative plants, this is the festival for you. Experience these beautiful flower-decorated floats and a magnificent tapestry of floral splendor that blankets the land. There are also agricultural exhibitions, floral contents, and product sales by local groups of housewives.

Contact : TAT Northern Office : Region 1
Tel : 0 5324 8604, 0 5324 8607, 0 5324 1466
Chiang Mai Municipality Office
Tel : 0 5666 8048
Website : www.tourismthailand.org, www.tatchiangmai.org

NAKHON SAWAN CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL 2007

2007-02-20T10:06:00.000-08:00

NAKHON SAWAN CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL 2007
THE FASCINATING REALM OF THE GOLDEN DRAGON
FEBRUARY 11 – 12, 2007

Chinese New Year festivities will be held along the banks of the Chao Phraya River at Sawan Nongsomboon Park and Kosi Road in the city centre.

The Chao Por-Chao Mae Pak Nam Pho fair and procession, organised by Thais of Chinese ancestry in Nakhon Sawan Province during the Chinese New Year, is held in honour of Chao Poh Pak Nam Pho, a highly revered deity, hence the origins of its name. The event has been held annually.

This famous festival and grand celebration with the procession of a statue of Chao Por Pak Nam Pho, impressive displays of dragon and lion dances, cultural performances such as the Chinese opera and acrobatics, offers a colourful spectacle and is a popular attraction among Thais and foreigners.

The dragon and the lion, both considered to be symbols of good luck and good fortune and prominently featured as the royal regalia in the imperial courts of ancient China, are deemed to be central elements of auspicious rituals and events. The practice vividly demonstrates the faith and unity of local people and long-established cultural ties.

In addition to providing an opportunity for shopping, the Chao Por Pak Nam Po Fair offers insight into the local way of life.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

Festivities held in honour of His Majesty the King to mark the auspicious occasion of the Diamond Jubilee or the Sixtieth Anniversary Celebration of His Majesty the King of Thailand's Accession to the Throne
Live demonstration of Tai khek

12 nightly Chinese operatic performances in Chinese and Thai presented by three opera houses

Journey Back In Time
An exhibition on the Nakhon Sawan Chinese New Year Tradition

Demonstration of Chinese customs, traditions and way of life including the presentation of ritual offerings at the family altar

Cultural presentations highlighting the folk tales of Chao Phor and Chao Mae Pak Nam – the guardian spirits of the Pak Nam estuary

Lion Dance, Dragon Procession, Procession of the Chinese Deities consisting of the Por-Chao Mae Pak Nam Pho Procession, Procession of Goddess Kuan Im, other colourful festive processions and parades and traditional Chinese New Year festive celebrations

Presentations of Chinese art and culture

Exhibitions highlighting the origins and legacy of Chinese family names

source : tatnews.org

Artistic Performances in 3 Cities of Thailand

2007-02-17T08:12:00.000-08:00

• The Fine Arts Department arranges artistic performances in 3 cities
During the year 2007
Venue: the National Theatres in Bangkok, Suphan Buri, and Nakhon Ratchasima

Thailand is not only recognized by people around the world as a beautiful country, but also well known for its abundance of exquisite arts. This is because by nature the Thais love and appreciate the beauty of things, which has resulted in the creation of a large number of valuable art forms, including performing arts.

In order to revitalise, conserve, and promote the knowledge of all such arts, the Fine Arts Department has collected all kinds of artists and materials needed in performing these arts and arranged a series of performances all year round. Apart from conserving Thai Arts, the shows are valuable sources of knowledge for those who want to study Thai Arts and Culture.

Theatrical and music performances are being held in the afternoon and the evening of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of each week consecutively in the year 2007 at the National Theatres in Bangkok, Suphan Buri and Nakhon Ratchasima. Examples of interesting performances are khon, jataka plays, Thai historical plays, Thai musicals, and traditional dances.

For more information about the performance schedules and tickets, please contact the Office of Performing Arts, The Fine Arts Department Tel. +66 (0) 2224-1342, +66 (0) 2222-1092 or visit website – finearts.go.th/~opa

TIPS AND ADVICE ON SHOPPING IN THAILAND

2007-02-15T20:08:00.000-08:00

TIPS AND ADVICE ON SHOPPING IN THAILAND

Enter a shopper's paradise. Avid shopaholics agree that the vast range of products available in Thailand is overwhelming and the prices, in most cases, quite competitive. If you can’t find it – have it made. This in itself presents an endless spectrum of possibilities.
Even with China gaining strength in the export/wholesale markets, it is generally recognised that Thailand’s excellence in quality of materials and craftsmanship far surpasses its rivals.

While some Asian countries concentrate on mass-producing souvenirs, Thailand is rapidly becoming known worldwide for its strength in well-designed, distinctive products made with traditional techniques. Choose not only fine traditional handicrafts, but also an expanding variety of beautifully styled and crafted contemporary items including furniture, soft furnishings, textiles, clothing, jewellery, fashion accessories, ceramics, basketry, metal-ware and paper products.

As experienced shoppers know – shop around, compare prices. Many smaller shops are as reputable as the larger, established department stores. In any case, be sure to obtain receipts for your purchases. If jewellery is your passion, you should receive a certificate of guarantee of its content. For example 95 per cent silver is common for hilltribe silverware pieces.

Many antiques and Buddha images of Thai origin fall under the watchful eye of the Fine Arts Department. Prior to your departure from Thailand, check with the department, not just the seller, on what other paperwork, in addition to an authenticity certificate from the vendor, may be required to avoid disappointment at customs.

With your chosen treasures, a richer understanding of Thai culture and fond memories will linger with you long after your stay in Thailand. It is a world constantly awakening to finely designed, ever-changing works of art.

Awaken your world by enhancing it with Thai treasures.

Ferry Service Between Trang and Langkawi

2007-02-15T20:03:00.000-08:00

South Thailand: New Ferry Service Between Trang and Langkawi

A ferry service has been launched between the southern Thai province of Trang and the Malaysian resort island of Langkawi, opening up access to some of the region's best beaches and diving spots. Presently, the service is open only to Thais and Malaysians but ferry operators are hopeful of international traffic being allowed if the route proves successful.

The Thai-Langkawi Ferryline Ltd. inaugurated the route on 7 December, 2003. The ferry, which has a seating capacity of 150+, operates one round-trip per day only on weekends. The two-hour trip departs from Ta-se Pier in Trang at 08.00 hrs. and returns from Langkawi Island at 15.30 hrs.

Round trip tickets are 660 baht for adults and 460 baht for children aged 3 - 12 years old. One-way tickets are half those prices. All fares exclude a 100 baht border-crossing levy. Travellers have to send a copy of their national ID cards to the company two days in advance of the trip.

The company also offers two tour packages include a return one-day trip for 1,900 baht per person and a two-day one-night trip for 2,300 baht per person.

Langkawi and Trang are two of the most beautiful coastal areas in the Andaman Sea. With a well-developed tourist infrastructure, Langkawi is a popular holiday resort for domestic Malaysian travellers, who can now cross over into Thailand as a result of the new ferry service.

In turn, Trang is rapidly emerging as a popular Thai resort, especially the 50 or so small islands off its western coast, known for their pristine coral reefs, and rich bird and mammal wildlife. The best time for sea travel is during October to May. Thai Airways International serves Trang with daily flights, and three extra flights on weekends.

In 2002, domestic Thai visitor arrivals to Trang rose by 8.48% to 440,798 person-trips with an average length of stay (ALS) of 2.78 days and an average expenditure of 1,621 baht per person per day. International visitor arrivals to Trang in 2002 were up by 26.68% to 49,505 person-trips with an ALS of 3.65 days and an average expenditure of 1,932 baht per person per day.

Langkawi is also accessible by boat from Satun province in Thailand, a shorter trip of only 45 minutes.

Bangkok - Hua Hin Air shuttle

2007-02-15T18:31:00.000-08:00

A newly-launched Bangkok-Hua Hin air shuttle service offers travellers the option of flying between Bangkok and Hua Hin in only 40 minutes. The air shuttle service, operated by SGA Airlines/ Siam General Aviation, reduces the travel time between Bangkok and Hua Hin by more than two hours.

With a steady increase in the number of luxury resorts and spas and prime properties opening in the ‘royal paradise’ of Hua Hin, Thailand’s first seaside resort is attracting an ever-increasing numbers of affluent international travellers. This, according to SGA, has led to a demand for an air shuttle service that provides a convenient and welcome alternative to the three-hour drive from Bangkok to Hua Hin.

The Bangkok-Hua Hin air-shuttle service essentially provides an express transfer service for hotel guests, particularly for travellers arriving on long-haul flights from Europe. In operating its air-shuttle service, SGA works in close cooperation with several leading hotels in Hua Hin.
Siam General Aviation received ISO 9001:2000 certification in September 2004 and has been operating four daily flights between Bangkok and Hua Hin since November 1, 2004.

The route is serviced by a Cessna 208B Caravan aircraft, with a seating capacity for 12 passengers. The aircraft has been fitted out with plush leather seating. The Cessna is a light aircraft well-suited to low-altitude flights. This offers passengers an opportunity to enjoy an aerial view of the landscape along the route which passes over Bangkok, Samut Prakarn, the Gulf of Thailand, the Chao Phraya River and Petchburi province before touching down in Hua Hin.

With such a short flight, there is no inflight service. However the airline has its own lounge in Bangkok and Hua Hin, where passengers are able to relax and enjoy light snacks and beverages.

Destination Air Shuttle in Phuket, Thailand

2007-02-15T18:17:00.000-08:00

Destination Air Shuttle in Phuket, Thailand

Destination Air Shuttle, Thailand’s only seaplane shuttle service officially launched services from Phuket International Airport on February 1, 2007. Offering 12 flights per day, leaving every 2 hours from Phuket International Airport, Destination Air Shuttle will serve Phi Phi Island, Krabi and Koh Lanta. Further landing locations are planned for Similans, Koh Racha, and Khao Lak.

Destination Air Shuttle provides reliable, safe and regular air shuttle services that will connect with international airlines by providing door to door service to most major hotels and resorts in the various islands when guests arrive to Phuket. This significantly reduces the travel time to these resort destinations from the usual half day overland trip to less than 13 minutes to Koh Phi Phi, 20 minutes to Krabi, and 30 minutes to Koh Lanta giving better accessibility in the region. Destination Air Shuttle departs from Phuket International Airport and lands directly in the waterfront of most major hotel resorts.

As the only seaplane shuttle service in Thailand, guests can expect Service Reliability by reserving their flights on Destination Air through travel agents or directly through the Destination Air Shuttle website (destinationair.com). Upon arrival, Destination Air Shuttle staff will take transfers from international and domestic baggage claim area to the Destination Air Shuttle terminal, a short 200 metres, adjoining the main terminal.

Passengers will board one of Destination Air Shuttle’s passenger amphibian aircraft that take off from the runway and land in front of their Island resort. Destination Air’s fleet includes Cessna 208 and 206 aircraft, which are rated as the safest aircraft in the world. Aircraft are flown by experienced international pilots individually selected for their many years of safe flight experience and friendly customer service capabilities.

Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) President and CEO Mr. Peter de Jong said: “Accessibilty is a key success factor for any destination. The Thai Andaman region already enjoys international and domestic accessibility via Phuket International Airport, however, Destination Air Shuttle's local service will distribute the benefits of international and domestic travel much more broadly. Destination Air Shuttle will open up new markets and opportunities for local people and the travel and tourism industry across a much wider geographic area. That's great news for Thailand. We're proud to have Destination Air Shuttle on board as a PATA member, and wish it and the region it serves a most prosperous 2007.”

Capt. Nithit Kesangam, CEO of Destination Air Shuttle says “This is an outstanding service to hotels and tour operators in the Phuket area. This is a fantastic shot in the arm for hotels and tourists going to Phi Phi, Krabi, and Koh Lanta.”

About Destination Air Co., Ltd.
Destination Air Co., Ltd. is the owner and sole operator of Destination Air Shuttle – Thailand’s only seaplane shuttle service based at Phuket International Airport that flies to various destinations in the Andaman Sea. It is a member of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). More details can be found at www.destinationair.com

KOH TAO Scuba Dive Season 2007

2007-02-12T10:18:00.000-08:00

KOH TAO DIVE SEASON KICKS-OFF WITH UNDERWATER WORLD 2007

The island of Koh Tao, Thailand’s most popular diving destination for dive beginners, accounts for approximately 30 per cent of all dive certificates issued around the world. Koh Tao also ranks among the world’s top 10 dive sites.
Known for its picturesque tropical coastal landscape and spectacular underwater world with coral reefs teeming with a tremendous variety of colourful marine life, the island attracts more than 300,000 visitors each year.

The opening of Koh Tao Underwater World 2007 during February 10-11 marks the beginning of the island’s travel and dive season. Following a short break during the November-December monsoon season, Koh Tao and its neighbouring island of Koh Nang Yuan offer year-round diving opportunities.

Some of the key activities being organized such as the Underwater World 2007 ‘save the seas’ and ‘clean beaches’ campaigns, tree-planting, the installation of mooring buoys for vessels to protect shallow-water reefs and other environmental protection initiatives, are designed to encourage local residents, as well as visitors, to take part in community efforts to protect the island’s delicate coastal and marine environment and rich eco-systems. It is hoped that participation in these environmentally-friendly activities will foster increased environmental awareness and promote responsible tourism.

These environmental protection and marine conservation efforts are being jointly spearheaded by the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Southern Region 5 office which oversees the provinces of Surat Thani, Chumphon and Ranong; the Surat Thani Provincial Administration Office (Or Bor Jor), the Koh Tao Sub-District Administration Office (Or Bor Tor), Koh Tao dive clubs and societies, the Royal Thai Navy Region 1, Koh Tao community and PADI.

Designed to be a fun weekend with family and friends, Koh Tao Underwater World 2007 also features a light-and-sound presentation and contests such as the Miss Dive Shop beauty contest and the Creative Costume contest. Winners will be judged for their creativity in designing extra-ordinary costumes made from re-cycled items salvaged from the OTOP and Food Festival.

KOH TAO (Turtle Island) AND KOH NANG YUAN

The islands of Koh Tao - Turtle Island, and Koh Nang Yuan offer experienced divers virtually year-round diving opportunities with the exception of the November-December monsoon season.

Koh Tao, a bean-shaped island, has 11 bays, beautiful beaches and crystal clear seas with an 8-km. long coral reef teeming with marine life. At dive sites just 1 km. from the island, you'll be swimming in the midst of pelagics, barracudas, big-eyed jacks, tuna, giant travellys and the colourful clown fish. This proximity to the "underwater classrooms" for diving courses makes Koh Tao ideal for beginners.

The renowned diving site at Kong Hin Wong is adorned with huge sea fans, Cetmocella, sea whips and other soft corals.

Whale sharks are often spotted off Ko Hong Sai Daeng.

Hin Tung Ku and Kong Hin Khao are also interesting deep-sea diving sites, thanks to a myriad of marine animals and rare black coral.

HOW TO GET THERE
A 2.5 hours boat trip from Ko Pa-ngan to Koh Tao operates daily. The daily trip from Chumphon to Koh Tao takes 6 hours by ordinary boat and 2 hours by express boat.

Scenic Ko Nang Yuan is 15-minutes from Koh Tao.

ACCOMMODATION
Houses and resorts for tourists are available in every bay area, fully equipped with boats, cars and diving gear for rent.

Contact information:
TAT Southern Office – Region 5 (Surat Thani)
Tel: +66 (0) 7728 8817-9
Fax: +66 (0) 7728 2828
E-mail: tatsurat@tat.or.th

The Baan Thai Wellness Retreat

2007-02-12T10:08:00.000-08:00

The Baan Thai Wellness Retreat
Hidden away down a quiet side street off Sukhumvit Road and isolated from the hustles and bustles of city life, the Baan Thai Wellness Retreat is an oasis of peace and calm.
A stay at the peaceful wellness retreat, even if only brief, enables you to experience the very finest that Thailand has to offer. Gain insights into this amazing kingdom, its mystical culture and time-honoured customs and traditions. Delightful Thai hospitality; exotic spa therapies, revitalizing holistic health therapies and treatments; Thai culinary art; ornate Thai teak architecture — each is part of the kingdom’s enchanting artistic and cultural heritage.

‘Baan Thai’ literally means Thai house. The Baan Thai Wellness Retreat consists of five authentic stand-alone Thai teak homes, some dating back over three quarters of a century. These have been lovingly restored and refurbished to showcase a way of life that few have been able to experience.

The original traditional Thai teak house was designed in a luxurious style and built by M.R. Bongsebrahama (one of King Rama IV’s grandsons) for his family well over 60 years ago. The teak house has remained in the family ever since. Through the years, each generation of the family has restored and added to the original house. In 1965 Baan Thai opened as a restaurant serving fine cuisine and entertainment in the form of traditional Thai dance performances. In the latest chapter of this evolving story, Baan Thai, the house and restaurant, has been transformed into a luxurious cultural and wellness retreat — The Baan Thai Wellness Retreat. All of the original houses have been renovated and several teak wood houses from Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam, have been added to the complex.

The traditional Thai teak houses form the basis of this luxurious wellness retreat developed by renowned cultural interior design expert M.L. Sudavadee Kriangkrai, one of M.R. Bongsebrahama’s two daughters. Two of the traditional teak homes have been redesigned to accommodate the spa. Each of the guests’ rooms and suites affords its own unique qualities and charm while retaining the cultural integrity of the property. Some of the decorative features date back over 200 years. While most are more recent, all are genuine.

The Baan Thai Wellness Retreat offers an extensive range of anti-aging, therapeutic or detoxifying treatments, pampering and beauty therapies delivered in the comfort and privacy of spa therapy rooms and suites. These include a range of authentic Thai treatments, such as Scrubs & Wraps, Baths, Massage, ‘Just for woman’, holistic health treatments, hand and foot care, facials, salon, haircare, as well as Ayurvedic, Asian and Tibetan therapies. Guests can also enjoy the unisex wet area available with hydrotherapy, infrared sauna and steam facilities.

Spa services are provided with the careful supervision of Horwath Spa Consulting, a specialist spa company whose directors have been involved in the development of Destination Spas in Thailand. A team of holistic health practitioners provides professional consultation in Diagnostic Reflexology, Homeopathic Consultations, Acupuncture, Chi Nei Tsang, Rebirthing Sessions and Deep Tissue Massage, while total detoxification programmes are supervised by the retreat’s own resident medical professionals.

Designed to accommodate the latest spa therapies while maintaining the nuances of cultural integration as dictated by the architectural style of the property, the warm, soothing and inviting environment promotes total relaxation and is conducive to process of change and development, and rejuvenation.

THE BAAN THAI RETREAT MENU
Dine in air-conditioned comfort, on the terrace of your room, or in the privacy of your suite. The team of dedicated Thai culinary professionals at the wellness retreat have prepared an ever changing range of menu offerings, specially designed to promote total wellness.

Great care is taken in the preparation of some of the most vivid tasting and intense culinary delights featured on the Baan Thai Retreat menu. This begins with the careful selection of the base ingredients (of which many are from certified organic farms in Thailand) through to the preparation and cooking process. The team is committed to the creation of flavourful cuisine while retaining the integrity of Thai culinary traditions. Other less traditional menu offerings and dishes from other nations also grace the menu, but the majority are native Thai.

The retreat offers a full range of other fresh fruit and vegetable juices, herbal tisanes, tonics and elixirs throughout the day. A wide range of wines and champagnes are served with dinner.

The Baan Thai restaurant has welcome guests such as royalty from Sweden, Denmark and Japan as well as Jackie Kennedy, Tiger Woods and many other celebrities.

TEAK SPLENDOUR
A Journey Back into Time
As you enter the retreat, stop and pause a while. Take in the magnificence that surrounds you — the amazing traditional artwork is very much part of the Baan Thai experience. From the intricately carved doors at the entrance of the retreat to the beautifully carved wood panels and artifacts found throughout the property, the fine collection of genuine traditional art reflects the era in which they were created — a time when skilled craftsmen carved history into wood, passing on to their children and grandchildren, great stories of a magnificent kingdom and the rich cultural heritage they have come to inherit. Even artefacts made in relatively modern times all retain their cultural integrity. None are modern reproductions.

FACILITIES
The Baan Thai Wellness Retreat offers an extensive range of facilities that have been carefully designed to meet the needs of guests so that they can maximize the benefits of their stay.

- 21 guest rooms
- 7 with their own private spa therapy area, 9 with kitchenette facilities
- 5 x single and 3 x double spa therapy rooms — 2 with private steam rooms, 2 with Jacuzzi
- Beauty salon
- 2 x Consultation rooms
- Colonic hydrotherapy room
- Infra-red sauna
- Herbal steam room
- Garden rain shower
- 2 Private swimming pools
- Free form swimming pool
- Modern gymnasium staffed with personal trainers and Stretch, Fit Ball, Yoga and Tai Chi classes
- Aerobics studio
- Meditation pavilion
- Thai spa cuisine restaurant
- Juice & elixir bar
- Open air lounge
- Library
- Mini Bar
- IDD direct dial telephone
- Cable Television
- Wireless internet connection
- Limousine transfers
- Off-street parking

This peaceful wellness retreat located right in the heart of cosmopolitan Bangkok enables you to enjoy a change of pace at your convenience. Within the resort itself, tranquility prevails. Step beyond and a short stroll away, you’ll find easy access to mass transit systems, shopping malls and other modern infrastructure.
Feel Bangkok’s pulse — the city that never sleeps.

Location
The Baan Thai Wellness Retreat is situated between the Thonglor and Phromphong BTS Skytrain station, which is also adjacent to the Emporium shopping complex and the Benjasiri Park.

The Baan Thai Wellness Retreat
7 Soi Sukhumvit 32 Sukhumvit Road
Bangkok 10110
Thailand
Tel : + 66 (0) 2258 5403, 2661 4051-3
Fax: + 66 (0) 2258 9517
Email: contact@thebaanthai.com
Website: www.thebaanthai.com

Saranrom Cultural Park Exhibition

2007-02-12T09:48:00.000-08:00

SARANROM CULTURAL PARK
An Exhibition in Honour of His Majesty the King, Cultural Shows and
Light-and-Sound performances
Cultural Park for Tourism Project
1 January – 14 April 2007
13.00 – 21.00 hrs, daily
At Saranrom Park
Free Admission

An Exhibition in Honour of His Majesty the King
The exhibition showcases thousands of projects initiated by His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand for the benefit of the Thai people throughout his 60 years on the throne.

Cultural Shows from Five Regions
Cultural shows from the five regions include Thai traditional folk dances, Manorah performances, shadow puppet plays, northeastern-style basket dances, performances of Thai traditional masked dances or khon, and plays by artists from around the country.
Performances are staged simultaneously twice a day.
15.00 – 15.30 hrs and 18.00 – 20.30 hrs

Merry Folk Music
Enjoy a vast selection of colourful folk music bands such as the northeastern-style Sing Saderd folk singers, the Mongserng rock group, the southern band Pran Preu and alto xylophonist Narongrit Tosa-nga. Many national artists and famous stars from each province will take to the stage, presenting impressive performances daily.
Performances are staged simultaneously twice a day.
15.00 – 15.30 hrs and 18.00 – 20.30 hrs

Grand Light-and-Sound performances
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday/ 19.00 – 20.00 hrs
These combine the performing arts with multimedia effects, musical fountains, flying angels and laser displays. With the support of more than 50 performers, the show is intended to express national loyalty for His Majesty the King through five stories about five special occasions.

Learn about Thai Folk Wisdom
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will stage demonstrations on how to create products based on Thai folk wisdom. Visitors are welcome to observe the demonstrations and learn about useful techniques free of charge.

Demonstrations are held twice a day.
15.00 – 17.30 hrs
18.00 – 20.30 hrs

Contact information:
Cultural Park for Tourism Project
Bangkok Tourism Division, Culture, Sports and Tourism Department
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration
Tel: 0 2225 7612-4
Fax: 0 2225 7615-6

Kew Mae Pan , Peak refuge

2007-02-09T07:03:00.000-08:00

Not far from Doi Inthanon summit is the Kew Mae Pan trail that is sprayed with red rhododendrons, pristine nature and breathtaking scenery

Tourists visiting Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai generally head for the famous summit of this mountain resort. To them, the long trek to the summit is a sense of accomplishment. However, little do they know that halfway to the top is a three-kilometre-long trail called Kew Mae Pan boasting pristine nature and breathtaking scenery.

Doi Inthanon is Thailand's highest peak, standing 2,500 metres above sea level. In winter the breeze is cool and refreshing, even cold by standards of city folks more used to the tropical climate of Bangkok. If you are travelling there, don't forget to carry a light jacket with you.

Kew Mae Pan is famous for its red rhododendrons, a rare sight elsewhere in the country, various species of birds, the goral and nature in its purest form.
The air was chilly when we visited there recently, ideal for a trek that wasn't supposed to be that taxing, but one which still left us city slickers panting for breath as we climbed one slope after another on the circuitous trail.

Led by a Hmong guide, we hit the trail early afternoon and not long after we arrived at a spot with a sign reading "Cloud Forest". My friend checked his watch calibrated for altimeter reading: it said 2,179 metres. A thick curtain of rain clouds enveloped the forest. Everywhere there were towering trees from whose trunks hung green fern, moss and lichen. The damp air pregnant with rain felt refreshingly cool.

Our guide pointed to a tree called Ko in Thai that belongs to the same family as oaks, Fagaceae. There are four varieties of Ko trees in Thailand and all of them are found here.
"Ko is a kind of chestnut with hard-shell. Its seed is food for birds and wildlife," explained our guide.

Read more bangkokpost.com for full article

Fun - Filled Activities , Pak Chong , Thailand

2007-02-05T22:50:00.000-08:00

Pak Chong: The Land of Fun-Filled Activities

Pak Chong, apart from being famous for Khao Yai National Park, has become a popular weekend destination near Bangkok. It is where various activities are provided for the best of your enjoyable experience.

Only a two-hour drive or 165 km from Bangkok, Pak Chong county of Nakhon Ratchasima province has become an increasingly popular and sophisticated weekend destination for city slickers. Thaiways would like to take you to this county where various activities are provided for the best of your enjoyable experience.

Accommodations with a golf course
For golf lovers, all you need to do on your relaxing holiday is to take time out of your busy schedule and spend the time teeing off on the golf course.

Accommodations with agro-tourism activities
With the dotted vineyards and farms in Pak Chong, not-to-be-missed item is a visit to one of those places where agro-tourism activities are arranged.

To read more thaiwaysmagazine for full article.

The 2nd Annual Phuket International Blues Festival

2007-01-31T05:29:00.000-08:00

The 2nd Annual Phuket International Blues Festival
Date 16 Feb 2007 - 17 Feb 2007

Following the success of the 1st Phuket International Blue Festival, Phuket Music Production Company, Ltd. announces The 2nd Annual Phuket International Blues Festival. The 2nd Annual Phuket International Blues Festival will be held the third weekend in February; February 16-17, 2007, at the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa in Karon Beach.

Activities
The 2nd Annual Phuket International Blues Festival; February 16-17, 2007

The schedule is now confirmed. The highly acclaimed Rich Harper Blues Band (U.S.A.) will once again headline the event and close the show Saturday night. The phenomenal voice of British blues legend Victor Brox will again fill the air as Friday night draws to a close. If you did not see these magnificent performers last time, here’s your second chance!

Confirmed are also The Groove Doctors, Blue On Blue, Cannonball, The Blues Machine and Soi Dog Blues Band, as well as Victor Brox’s daughter, Kyla Brox. Don’t miss this young lady, destined to be Britain’s #1 female singer!

Schedule:

Friday February 16, 2007
8:30-19:40: Blue On Blue, Bangkok
20:00-21:10: The Blues Machine, Pattaya
21:30-22:40: Soi Dog Blues Band, Bangkok
23:00-00:10: Victor Brox, U.K.

Saturday February 17, 2007
18:30 - 19:40: Cannonball, Bangkok
20:00 - 21:10: Groove Doctors, Phuket
21:30 - 22:40: Kyla Brox, U.K.
23:00 - 00:10: The Rich Harper Band, U.S.A.

Sunday Februry 18, 2007
21:00: All-star Jam Session (Location TBA)

souece : phuketbluesfestival.com

2007 Chinese New Year, Bangkok Thailand

2007-01-29T00:34:00.000-08:00

Thailand's largest Chinese community, in the Yaowarat area, organises an annual fair to bring in the New Year. Expect international and Chinese music, lion dancing, local Chinese cultural performances, Chinese opera and fireworks, as well as plenty of stores selling products and food like grilled pork, Peking duck, Chinese desserts and noodles.

Thailand's Chinese population is so large that the entire city seems to shut down during Chinese New Year. During this holiday, Chinatown's streets are filled with an international crowd eating their way along Yaowarat and Charon Krung Rds while watching spectacular lion dancing and colourful dragon processions.

When you're there, don't miss Wat Traimit (Tri Mit Rd), which houses the world's largest solid gold Buddha, the crocodiles of Wat Chakrawat (Chakrawatm off Anawong Rd) - its first guest is still there, stuffed in a glass case - and Nakhon Kasem (Thieves' Market), where you can buy everything from phallus keychains to hubcaps.

Thailand Kite Flying Festival

2007-01-27T09:57:00.000-08:00

from all works of life especially young children in the countryside. The Kite-flying season usually take place between February and April when the south -west monsoon blows from the Gulf of Thailand and the rice harvesting season is over.

Kite-flying was said to have its origins in China at least 3,000 years ago during the Hun Dynasty .The Chinese armies made kites attached with bamboo piper to fly over the enemy When the wind passed through the pipes to fly over the enemy When the wind passed through the pipers ,it made an errie whistling sound causing the enemy to panic and ran for their lives.

In the early Siamese kingdom of Ayutthaya, kite - flying was so popular that it was prohibited to fly kites over the royal palace as they might damage the architectural spires. Meanwhile , kite -flying gained its highest popularity in the reign of King Rama IV when a royal decree allowed citizen to fly kites as Sanam Luang , opposite the Grand Palace.

To Preserve the Summer tradition and promote the tourism industry of the country, kite-flying has now received a greater attention from the authorities. Kite enthusiasts from several countries have been invited to display their craft and skills in the kite-flying contest held in the country Several. Thai teams also took part in the contest. Spectators were able to see Thai kite fighting contests held in the country Several Thai teams also took part in the contest . Spectator Were able to see Thai kite fighting contests between the traditional Chula and Pakpao kitws as wel

l Above all. They are able to discover hundreds of different kinds of kites of kites in a myriad of sizes, colours, shapes and styles flying in the clear Summer sky above the Sanam Luang ground.

Out of the contest, at this time of the year kites,large and small,of every colour ,shape and dimension always fill the sky all over the country, They are spinning. Floating, soaring ,swooping and even crashing to the ground.Grown-ups and children alike enjor watching the clear sky decorated with extraordinary kites throughout the Summer vacation .

source : sunsite.au.ac.th

Bangkok Yoga & Pilates

2007-01-27T03:11:00.000-08:00

Yoga is an ancient form of Hindu philosophy and spiritual practice. In broad terms, it aims at deliverance from suffering and pain through meditation to effect a reunion with the Universal Spirit. In more specific terms, it includes the practice of various postures - static and moving, breathing exercises, a disciplined diet, and meditation - which tone the body, mind, and spirit. Yoga is, therefore, not a system of medicine; it is more a discipline.

Yoga is really about creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility. This is done through the performance of poses, each of which has specific physical benefits. The poses can be done quickly in succession, creating heat in the body through movement or more slowly to increase stamina and perfect the alignment of the pose. There is an ideal way that each pose should be done in order to achieve satisfactory results.

Hot yoga is a series of yoga poses done in a heated room. The room is usually maintained at a temperature of 95 - 100 degrees Fahrenheit. As you can imagine, a vigorous yoga session at this temperature promotes profuse sweating which rids the body of toxins. It also makes the body very warm, and therefore more flexible.

Pilates is a physical fitness system that was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. Pilates exercises teach awareness of breath and alignment of the spine, and strengthen the deep torso muscles, which are important to help alleviate and prevent back pain. It also helps build your body's core strength and posture through a series of stretching and conditioning exercises.

Plenty of fitness centres in Bangkok offer yoga and Pilates classes, including the hot yoga.

Yoga Elements Studio
Location: 29 Vanissa Building 23rd Floor, Soi Chitlom
Contact: +66 (0)2 655 5671

Absolute Yoga
Location: 4th Floor, Amarin Plaza, Ploenchit
Contact: +66 (0)2 252 4400

The Pilatestudio Bangkok
Location: 888/58-9 Mahatun Plaza, Ploenchit
Contact: +66 (0)2 650 7797

Iyengar Yoga Studio
Location: 3rd Floor, Fiftyfifth Plaza, Sukhumvit 55 (Soi Thonglor).
Contact: +66 (0)2 714 9924

Prana Yoga Bangkok
Sareerarom Studio
Location: 117 Sukhumvit 63, Wattana
Contact: +66 (0)2 391 6487

All Seasons Studio
Location: Unit 801, 8th Floor, CRC Tower-All Seasons Place, 87 Wireless Road
Contact: +66 (0)2 685 3775

source : bangkok.com

Kaeng Krachan The Winner of the 2006

2007-01-25T00:40:00.000-08:00

KAENG KRACHAN NATIONAL PARK
Winner of the 2006 Thailand Tourism Award of Outstanding Performance for Natural Site - Central Region

Nestled on the western brink of the country four-hours drive from Bangkok is a wilderness unparalleled for its rich diversity of birds, large mammals and flora. Kaeng Krachan is Thailand's largest national park (2,914 sq km) and part of a continuous forest complex covering 30,000 sq km of land spanning the border with Myanmar. The park lies at the junction of biogeographic zones so biodiversity in the area is a mix of Indo-Burmese and Malaysian forms.

At middle and higher elevations in the forest, two major watersheds fed by the Phetchaburi and Pranburi Rivers support wildlife. In the lowlands beyond the forest, they sustain agricultural activities. The waterways turn from trickles at their sources to raging water columns in mid-course, to gentle meandering wide streams in the lowlands. Along these waterways lie mineral licks and wallows fed by smaller forest streams where a plethora of fauna including Fea's barking deer, Tapir, Asian elephant come to feed. Tiger, Asiatic leopard, and wild dog lurk along trails leading to the mineral licks waiting for these prey species to emerge in the dead of night. Endangered Siamese crocodile nest along the banks of the Phetchaburi River. The Banded leaf monkey is also commonly seen.

Spanning altitudes ranging from 300 to 1,513m, Kaeng Krachan hosts a diversity of vegetation and is home to a rich bird fauna. Over 400 species are recorded, including the rare Ratchet-tailed treepie, found nowhere else in Thailand. Yellow-vented and White-bellied Pigeons, Grey Peacock Pheasant, six species of hornbill and seven kinds of broadbill are also present.

FLORA
Forest covers 80% of the park and comprises dry dipterocarp, mixed deciduous, and evergreen types.

source : tatnews.org

Thai Massage for Health

2007-01-25T00:12:00.000-08:00

Once enjoyed only by Thais but now gaining a worldwide following thanks in part to its popularity in the ever-increasing number of Thai spas, legions of visitors to Thailand are discovering the holistic benefits of traditional Thai massages.

First time recipients are often amazed at its rejuvenating abilities, especially after a cramped, long-haul plane ride or a tense day hunched over their computers at work. Many people may think of massages as self-indulgent pampering, but Thai massage’s surprising rejuvenating abilities come from the fact that it is actually a holistic therapy with ancient roots in traditional medicine and has been practiced over the centuries as a form of healing.

Like many aspects of Thai culture, traditional Thai massage derives its origins from ancient India, and arrived in Thailand through Buddhist missionary monks who were also trained as healers. Along with the spread of Buddhist faith, the traditional massage techniques gained popularity for their abilities to relieve ailments like backaches, headaches, tension, and fevers.

Thai massage technique is based on the concept of invisible energy lines running along our bodies. It is linked to the ancient Indian yoga philosophy that our life energy is supplied to our bodies along 72,000 lines that run along our bodies. That’s why some of the stretching poses of Thai massage resemble the stretching poses of yoga – to give the body the same holistic benefits. Thai massage focuses on ten key energy lines along our bodies and uses pressure techniques to release the blocked energy along those lines.

Statues at Wat Phra Chetuphon (or Wat Pho) temple illustrate various postures featuring methods of self-massage known as 'Hermit's Self-massage' techniques evolving from yoga poses.

Along with releasing blocked energy, there’s a spiritual element to Thai massage as well. It’s believed that the masseuse is healing the recipient by giving love to the patient through his or her hands. Back in ancient times, the masseuse would say a prayer to centre the mind in a meditative mood before performing a healing massage. This meditative awareness gives the masseuse the power to sense the energy flow and blockages in the recipient’s body so that the ailing parts can be healed. When done properly, the masseuse should feel as relaxed as the recipient, because Thai massage is supposed to be a spiritual act that nourishes both the giver and the recipient.

source : tatnews.org

Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand

2007-01-23T20:53:00.000-08:00

General Information

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.

Topography

The geographical features of the National Park consists of high mountains, including Doi Inthanon, which is the highest mountaintop in Thailand (2,565 meters above the sea level), followed by Doi Huamodluang (2,330 meters above the sea level). Doi Inthanon is the source of many rivers including Mae Klang, Mae Pakong, Mae Pon, Mae Hoi, Mae Ya, Mae Chaem, Mae Khan, and being part of Ping River, where the Bhumipol Dam is situated and generating the electrical power.

Climate

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 0ac. 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.

Flora and Fauna

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.

source : dnp.go.th

Gem & Jewelry Museum

2007-01-23T06:04:00.000-08:00

The establishment of Gem and Jewelry Museum constitutes the institute's plan with expectation to promote the knowledge and understanding, and encourage the youth and people in general to realize the value of Thai gem and jewelry. The museum also serves as the place for preserving samples of gem and jewelry for next generations onwards.

For the abovementioned reasons, in 2001 the institute established the Committee on Implementation of Gem and Jewelry Museum Establishment Project, co-chaired by Professor Sakda Siripant, the former director, and Dr. Sunee Sriorathaikul, the then president of the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association. The committee lent cooperation in procurement of gem, jewelry and precious metals, as well as production equipment, sufficient to an extent for exhibition at the museum. Subsequently on February 22, 2002, the institute held the preliminary exhibition for the museum. The exhibition was presided over by Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Commerce. The preliminary exhibition was purported to enable the public relations on the museum establishment project to wider public. From that period onwards, Gem and Jewelry Museum has welcomed the continual visits by students, course participants, as well as general public.

Bearing the determination to develop the museum into the preservation site for samples of gem and jewelry for the purpose of continual education for next generations, which will lead to the development of personnel in the Thai gem and jewelry industry, during 2003-2004, the institute improved and adjusted the exhibitions for further progress through adding in the permanent exhibitions of Gem and Jewelry Museum. The permanent exhibition comprises the demonstrations of gem mining and production process, exhibition of pre- and post-cutting gems, categorization of gems by varieties and properties and designs and manufacturing of jewelry, as well as the video presentation on the gem and jewelry industry and the gem and jewelry trade statistics. In addition, the computer aided instruction has been installed in the exhibition room for self-study.

Gem and Jewelry Museum was officially opened on Thursday 26 August, 2004. Its grand opening was presided over by Her Royal Highness Galayani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra to celebrate the 80th Birthday Anniversary of Her Royal Highness Galayani Vadhana and for the lasting propitiousness of the museum, officers and its co-founders.

source : git.or.th

King Naresuan Movie

2007-01-23T04:13:00.000-08:00

Biography

Phitsanulok was the birthplace of one of the greatest heroes in Thai history - King Naresuan who was born in 1555. His father, King Mahathammaracha was a descendant of the Phra Ruang dynasty of Sukhothai, and his mother was Queen Phra Wisut Kasattri of the Suwannaphum dynasty of Ayutthaya.

At the age of nine, he had been taken as hostage to Burma for 6 years. King Naresuan was a great warrior king. He liberated Ayutthaya from Burma while he was the Crown Prince. He led the soldiers into battles to defend the country against Burmese invasions many times. He is also widely known among the Thais nowadays for his heroic efforts. He led the assault of a Burmese camp by climbing the wooden stockade with the blunt side of a saber in his mouth. He had a duel on elephants with the Burmese Crown Prince and slew him. He took the offensive against Burma and also dealt with the Cambodians who made a series of raids. King Naresuan extended Ayutthaya's territory to include Lanna, Lanchang, Cambodia and some parts of Burma. He enforced strict discipline on his soldiers and the people. During his reign, Ayutthaya was a very secure and powerful state.

Apart from being a great warrior, King Naresuan also played a significant role in foreign relations and trade. Realizing the importance of foreign trade, he sent envoys to China and Spain, and cultivated friendly relations with the Europeans. Ayutthaya concluded a treaty of friendship and commerce with Spain, which was the second treaty that Siam made with a European Power. (The first European power with which Siam had a treaty was Portugal.) Under this treaty, Spaniards had the right to reside, to trade and to practice their religion in Siam. At the end of his reign, he exposed Ayutthaya to another western nation - the Dutch.

King Naresuan deserved the honor of being "the Great". He not only restored the national independence but also made Siam such a powerful country that no enemy threatened the walls of Ayutthaya again for a period of one hundred seventy three years.

Three of King Naresuan's weapons and belongings have constituted a part of the Royal Regalia down to the present. The first is the musket with which he shot the Burmese leader in one of the battles to defend Ayutthaya against Burma. Second is the saber that he carried in his mouth during his assault on the Burmese camp at Ayutthaya. The last is the leather hat with a brim cut-off in the shape of a crescent moon, which he was wearing when he engaged in a duel on elephants with the Crown Prince of Burma.

source : kingnaresuanmovie.com

Hotels Booking

2007-01-22T18:39:00.000-08:00

You can find any type of Hotels and Resorts , from cheap to luxury star. Many of these hotels and Resorts can be booked through online. Since you are reading my blog I assume that you are interested in Thailand and might visit Thailand some day soon. Or you might be in Thailand already and you are looking for good Hotels and Resorts. Here is the list of Hotels and Resorts at other major tourist spots in Thailand.

Bangkok Hotels

Pattaya Hotels

Phuket Hotels

Krabi & Phi Phi Island Hotels

Koh Samui Hotels

Koh Chang Hotels

Koh Phangan Hotels

Hau Hin & Cha-am Hotels

Chiang Mai Hotels

Hope you will find a good quality hotel from the list of Thailand hotels and Resorts above for your dream holidays. Wishing you a great time in Thailand.

Sitemap

2007-01-22T10:14:00.000-08:00

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Hotels Booking

Ruen Come In Thai Restraurant , Chiang Mai

2007-01-20T09:59:00.001-08:00

Ruen Come In is one of Chiang Mai's finest Thai and northern Thai restaurants, combining traditional and classical Thai dishes with a beautiful contemporary Lanna Thai environment.

Set in a majestic Northern Thai Style Teak Wood House, Ruen-Come-In Restaurant Chiang Mai serves your appetite with Thai and Northern Thai food along with local fruit juices. Enjoy yourself in Chiang Mai-Lanna Contemporary Thai House and indulge the Taste of our recommended dishes.

There are many restaurants that offer Thai food in Chiang Mai and when you take a tour in the city, you can find many eating venues in Chiang Mai. However, if you try to taste our delicious Thai-Northern Thai Cuisine offerings that have been passed along as family recipes, you will be pleased with your experience and yourself. The followings are what recommended by us and other food critiques.

source : ruencomein.com

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La Gondola , Chiang Mai Restaurant

2007-01-20T09:19:00.000-08:00

The restaurant offers a choice of dining areas, including the comfortable and atmospheric Atrium, two riverside terraces, and al fresco garden, and an attractive corner adjoining the condominium's reception area. The latter is home to an art collection, the Venezia, our convenient air-conditioned room suitable for private dining or meetings.
We opened here in 2002. Our cuisine is inimitably Italian, supervised under the watchful and expert eye of Chef Stefano Roncoroni, who hails from Lake Como. Our hand-built oven is fired with longan wood, and bakes some of the nicest pizzas you will ever taste between here and Napoli.
Only the finest and freshest ingredients are allowed into our kitchen, and whenever available, we buy compost-grown, pesticide-free products in preference to all other sources. Our heart is in this not only for environmental reasons and good health, but also to support the small organic farmers, from whom we buy direct. By creating constant demand, we hope to stimulate this sector, and have secured both the co-operation and encouragement from several local bodies, including the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) the Restaurant Club of Chiang Mai, the Department of Public Health, and the Department of Agriculture. Our objective is to encourage other caterers in Chiang Mai to do the same, including schools, hospitals, etc., and see this trend expand to the benefit of everybody.

source : lagondolathailand.com

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Thi Lo Cho and Umphang Back to nature , Thailand

2007-01-16T08:16:00.000-08:00

Thi Lo Cho and Umphang Back to nature in the western forests of Thailand

Introduction to Umphang
Umphang has a mountainous topography. It is the largest among the eight counties of Tak Province. A large number of Karens have been inhabiting here for ages.

In the old days, Umphang was a west garrison town under Uthai Thani Province's jurisdiction. It served as a passport checkpoint where Burmese merchants entered Thailand. These merchants kept their travel documents in a bamboo section with a lid. These documents were called "umpha" in Karen, which later was changed to Umphang.

Thi Lo Su Waterfall

Part of Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, Thi Lo Su is a limestone waterfall with a height of 900 m above sea level and a width of 500 m. Thi Lo Su in Karen means a waterfall with a loud noise. Its water source comes from Klo Tho Stream supplying water for the waterfall all year round but the water will be more plentiful in the rainy season. Situated in the embrace of charming luxuriant vegetation, Thi Lo Su is the most beautiful waterfall in Thailand and is ranked among the six most beautiful waterfalls in the world.
Here, white foaming water jumps down the sheer cliff. And since Thi Lo Su faces east, rainbows will appear when water spray reflects the sunlight at a perfect angle. The air is real refreshing. You can swim to your hearts' content in its large pond with pleasant cool water. Camping is allowed in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary.

To get to Thi Lo Su, you can sail along the Mae Klong River and disembark at Tha Sai point. Then, continue travelling on a pickup for about 45 minutes to arrive at Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary. After that you are required to walk to Thi Lo Su Waterfall for about 45 minutes. However, automobiles cannot access the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary in the rainy season (June-October). During this period, you have to walk right from Tha Sai to the waterfall which takes about 3 hours.

Thi Lo Re, part of the East Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary, means rainbow waterfall as in the morning, rainbows appear in the area. The water jumps down the 80 m high cliff amidst the greenery. It can be reached by dinghy sailing along the Mae Klong River. You are recommended to be there not later than 10:00 a.m. to be able to see the rainbows.

It is not far from Thi Lo Re. The name means the rain drop waterfall. It comprises two levels. The upper level gushes from the sheer cliff while the lower one flows down to the Mae Klong River. The water bursts into drops looking like those of rain. You can go there by trekking or dinghy sailing.

source : thaiwaysmagazine.com

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Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony 2007

2007-01-11T21:15:00.000-08:00

Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony
The Trang Chamber of Commerce – in association with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai Airways International as well as other participating local authorities and private sector organisations – have cooperatively launched the 11st Anniversary of “Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony 2007” event to promote tourism opportunities in the province. The event will be held during 13-15 February 2007 at Pak Meng Beach – one of the best known sand beaches with the peaceful atmosphere and the aligned Koh Meng as its background. The project is aimed to further promote the truly spectacular natural seaside and marine resources - with the warm atmosphere of love giving to each other under the concept of “Romantic Destination”, as well as the beauty of a symbolic flower of the province named “Sri-Trang”, whose pale violet blossoms in season are pleasantly ubiquitous everywhere.

Trang is the province endowed with charming tourism treasures combining several chests of jewels given by the nature – numerous tropical rain forest valleys, distinctive and endorsing-imagination limestone stalactites and stalagmites, and spectacular waterfalls with purely natural water rushed from limestone caves. Being located along the coast of the Andaman Sea, Trang is an origin of an amazingly well-endowed coral reef, where is the habitat of aquatic plants and marine creatures. During the Trang Underwater Wedding event, when no disturbing monsoon emerges, the province’s splendidly scenic resources simultaneously show their natural beauty, especially the sweet blossoms of “Sri-Trang” flowers, to warmly welcome tourists worldwide.

Application and Registration

For Diver Couples:
Please fill in the Application Form and Diver Registration Form enclosed herewith and submit to:

For Non-Diver Couples:
Please fill in the Application Form enclosed herewith and submit to:

Trang Underwater Wedding 2007
43 Tanasan Building, Chiangmai Road, Klongsan, Bangkok 10600
Tel: +662 863 3288 (automatic) ext. 246, 304 Fax: +662 437 8123 Or

Trang Chamber of Commerce (Trang Underwater Wedding 2007)
188 Kantang Road, Aumphur Muang, Trang, Thailand 92000
Tel: +667 522 5353, +667 521 0238 Fax: +667 521 1380

Email address: info@underwaterwedding.com
Please visit our website at www.underwaterwedding.com

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Bangkok International Boat Show - Boat Thai 2007

2007-01-11T20:10:00.000-08:00

Bangkok International Boat Show - Boat Thai 2007

Boat Thai 2007 Cruises Forward with Firm Support from the Industry Bangkok, 9 January 2007 – The first international boat show to be held in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand, has the boating industry in Thailand abuzz with excitement. Boat Thai is on track for a successful first show, having already garnered many firm reservations despite being more than three months away. Support from leading marine companies located in Thailand includes Lee Marine, Blue Wave Watersports, Simpson Marine, Kingfisher Marine, Go Boating and many more, making this an event not to be missed.

Suntec Integrated Media, organiser of Boat Thai 2007, scheduled for 27 to 29 April 2007 at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC), is targeting a strong showing of well-heeled visitors from Bangkok and around the region. As boating becomes increasingly linked to affluence and grows in popularity as a leisure pursuit, the organisers are confident that Boat Thai will satisfy exhibitor and consumer demands for an international boating platform in the heart of Thailand

For further information please contact:
Tom Van Blarcom / Kitti Tharmapornpilas
TQPR Thailand
Tel: 0 2260 5820 ext. 161
Fax: 0 2260 5847-8
E-mail: tqprthai@tqpr.com

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NAKHON PATHOM FOOD, FRUIT AND BEST PRODUCTS FAIR 2007

2007-01-08T08:55:00.000-08:00

NAKHON PATHOM FOOD, FRUIT
AND BEST PRODUCTS FAIR 2007
January – February 2007
Phra Pathom Chedi pagoda temple grounds,
Nakhon Pathom city centre

Situated in the fertile agricultural heartlands of the Central Plains, the rural landscape of Nakhon Pathom province is a mosaic of lush fields, orchards and plantations and farmland nurtured by a network of rivers, waterways and irrigation canals.
Blessed with ideal conditions for crop cultivation, farming and fisheries, Nakhon Pathom is the country’s ‘food basket’ and its traditional weekend markets and fairs are very popular destination for food lovers.
The province is famous for its pomelo, guava and fresh young coconuts; five-spiced braised ducks (ped pa-lo), braised duck noodles (koey teow ped), aromatic grilled pork satay, Chinese banquets, khao laam – a sticky rice dessert with either a fragrant coconut custard topping or a savoury topping cooked in a bamboo tube, and a host of other delicious local fare.
The annual Nakhon Pathom Food, Fruit and Best Products Fair offers an ideal opportunity to enjoy many of the province’s famous products and shop for the finest quality products at truly irresistible prices.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

Thai Fruits – All You Can Eat for 29 Baht

Enjoy the rich flavour of Nakhon Pathom’s tasty fruits, freshly-picked from the orchards. All you can eat servings of pomelo, guava, mango, papaya, melon and grape – yours to enjoy for a mere 29 baht.

Sips of fragrant fresh young coconut juice or delicately-flavoured guava juice throughout the day will keep you refreshed as you make the tour of the fair grounds. Freshly-picked products from the orchards and plantations will be offered at wholesale prices, so don’t miss the opportunity to shop for fresh fruits to take home with you.

'A Taste of Delicious Local Fare’

The Nakhon Pathom Food, Fruit and Best Products Fair is a food-lover’s dream.

In a single stop, visitors will be able to conveniently ‘sample’, or indulge in a vast selection of delicious dishes prepared by 50 of the province’s famous restaurants and food stalls. The all-time-favourites include roasted pork rice, braised pork shank rice, Hainan chicken rice, noodles, rice vermicelli served with a selection of curries, meatballs, aromatic grilled pork, Pa-lo five-spice braised duck, agar, coconut agar, ‘chilled bread’, chilli dips, flossed pan-fried pork, and ‘moo paen’ – paper-thin, crispy over-roasted pork slices and Chinese-style kun chiang sausages. The finest in Chinese cuisine will be presented at the Chinese Banquet Centre.
Shop for Five-Star OTOP Products

Each of the tambon or sub-districts of Nakhon Pathom will be offering a selection of their very best five-star products for sale at the fair. Shopping in Nakhon Pathom offers excellent value-for-money. Products at the fair will be freshly-picked from the orchards and plantations, fresh from the farms, or home-made, and offered at wholesale prices.

Contact information:TAT Central Region Office – Region 1
Areas of responsibility: Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram
Tel: +66 (0) 3457 7200, (0) 3451 2500, (0) 3462 3691
Fax: +66 (0) 3451 1200
E-mail: Tatkan@tat.or.th

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BO SANG UMBRELLA & SANKAMPHAENG HANDICRAFTS FESTIVAL , CHIANG MAI

2007-01-08T08:33:00.000-08:00

BO SANG UMBRELLA & SANKAMPHAENG HANDICRAFTS FESTIVAL
January 2007
Chiang Mai

Bo Sang near Chiang Mai is renowned for its exquisitely hand-painted parasols made from mulberry paper and silk. The dainty parasols are decorated with beautiful floral motifs painted in dazzling colours. The designs are very distinctive and are instantly recognizable.

During the festival, brightly decorated craft shops and stores line both sides of the 'high street' transforming Ban Bo Sang into a picturesque village decorated in the Lanna Thai style. Colourful umbrellas and traditional lanterns liven up the handicraft fair.

In addition, there are contests, exhibitions, cultural performances, local entertainment, and a variety of shows by day and night. There is a grand procession of parasols and local products, a variety of handicrafts for sale, northern-style "Khan Toke" meals, and the Miss Bo Sang pageant.

Bo Sang parasols are popular decorative and gift items sought after by visitors from all over the world. Its international appeal is confirmed by the fact that the Bo Sang parasol won the "Best Souvenir" prize at the International Tourism Seminar held in Los Angeles, USA.

For more information, please contact:
TAT Northern Region Office: Area 3 (Chiang Mai)
Tel: +66 (0) 5324 8604, (0) 5324 8607, (0) 5324 1466
Fax: +66 (0) 5324 8605
E-mail: tatchmai@tat.or.th

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Six Most Popular National Parks of Thailand

2007-01-07T18:39:00.000-08:00

Six Most Popular National Parks of Thailand

Following the campaign "Thailand Grand Invitation 2006", Thaiways would like to invite you to visit the six most popular national parks with foreigners. The statistics (from 1Oct 05 to 30 Sep 05) shown here are provided by the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department. The parks are presented according to their order of popularity in the statistics.

Doi Suthep - Doi Pui National Park, Chiang Mai Province 799,224 foreign visitors.
Phang-nga Bay Marine National Park, Phang-nga Province 120,227 foreign visitors.
Lamnam Kok National Park, Chiang Rai Province 116,734 foreign visitors.

Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet Marine National Park, Rayong Province 67,800 foreign visitors.
Mu Ko Chang Marine National Park, Trat Province 66,011 foreign visitors.
Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park, Surat Thani Province 62,949 foreign visitors

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Erawan National Park, The Winer of 2006 Thailand Tourism Awards in the Natural Site - Central Region

2007-01-05T08:47:00.000-08:00

Thailand’s national parks are now gaining recognition in national travel awards. Designed to honour those who promote the conservation of nature and culture and contribute to sustainable tourism development, tourism awards are beginning to give recognition to national parks which are demonstrating their capacity to foster eco-tourist activities.

Erawan National Park, located northwest of Bangkok in the Tenasserim Mountain Range, Kanchanaburi province, has been recognised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand in the 2006 Thailand Tourism Awards in the Natural Site - Central region category.

Considered one of the country’s finest natural attractions, Erawan National Park is best known for its seven-tiered waterfall topped by a rock formation shaped like a three-headed elephant. From its crest, clear water tumbles in a series of cascades to rock pools shaded by dense foliage.

Marriott Resort. Suite in the city

2007-01-03T09:14:00.000-08:00

Relax in lush tropical gardens and enchanting, uniquely Thai hospitality at Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa known as The Only City Resort in Bangkok. The resort introduces the new “Suite in the City” package enabling you to enjoy five star facilities, services and cool river breeze.

The 413-room Bangkok Marriott sits on the banks of the Chaopraya River, and is the only in-city riverside resort. Spread over 11 acres of tropical gardens, the resort boasts outstanding facilities including newly renovated Club Lounge, lobbies and meeting rooms. It also encompasses a variety of dining options and other facilities such as five restaurants, five bars & lounges, a Kid’s Club, and the Mandara Spa. Its rice barge river cruises set the benchmark for the popular dinner cruises along the Chaopraya River. The resort recently received the TUI Holly Award, voted as one of the Best 100 Hotels in the World and first hotel in Asia.

Suite in the City package includes 2 nights stay in a Junior Suite with private balcony, executive club benefits, breakfast, evening cocktails, round trip airport transfer service, one set dinner for two on the luxury Manohra Cruise and one hour spa treatment for two persons.

*The package rates are US$ 660 ++ from now until March 31, 2007 and US$ 630++ from April 1-October 31, 2007*

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ALLAMANDA LAGUNA PHUKET

2007-01-01T08:32:00.000-08:00

ALLAMANDA LAGUNA PHUKET offers a comprehensive selection of services that will make your holiday so easy to enjoy. Dining is a pleasure at the resort's Lagoon Grill, where you can dig into scrumptious barbequed meats under the stars; and of course there is the Courtyard Café, an informal restaurant that serves all-time favorites from around the world. If you are itching for a shopping spree, spend some time at the Canal Village with some lovely designer boutiques and handicrafts shops.For a selection of books, magazines and play stations, visit the Library. Craving for a swim? With three swimming pools in the resort, there is a pool close to you wherever you are. Yet if you prefer a stroll along the beach or trying out the facilities of the other resorts at Laguna Phuket, regular pontoon* and shuttle bus services will take you there in no time. Read more

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Kate Moss to be marrying in Thailand

2007-01-01T08:20:00.000-08:00

Kate Moss is staying at the luxury Amanpuri resort in Phuket, Thailand and newspaper reports say that Pete Doherty joined her there to see in the New Year – and get married today.
'Senior management at the hotel have been told that the couple are having a romantic, bohemian-style beach wedding,' an insider at the Amanpuri tells The Daily Mail. 'Family and friends have been invited.'
The ceremony may have no legal significance in the UK and could simply be a romantic ritual to endorse the couple's long-standing relationship.

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Thailand Travel -Favourite Swedish tourist destination

2006-12-30T10:46:00.000-08:00

Thailand named favourite Swedish tourist destination

BANGKOK, Dec 30 (TNA) - Thailand ranks first among Swedish travellers, as the Scabndinavian's country's favourite tourist destination, according to a recent survey by a Swedish tourism magazine, a senior Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) official reports.

Suvalai Pinpradab, director of TAT's Southern Office Region 4, responsible for tourism activities in Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi provinces, said that RES monthly magazine recently conducted a survey among its readers in which Thailand was chosen as their most popular tourist destination, followed by Australia.

Thailand was also voted by the magazine's readers with having the best food and shopping, Mrs. Suvalai said.

The southern resort of Phuket remains the most popular tourist destination by chartered flight passengers, while Lanta Island in Krabi province, near Phuket, came second in the same category.

Tourism activities in Krabi and Phang Nga are now peaking as tourists, mostly Westerners, visiting the areas have led to nearly full occupancy hotel bookings, "as high as 95 per cent," she said.

The TAT is cooperating with Phuket organisations in sponsoring a gala New Year's celebration December 31-January 1 at Pa Tong Beach and many tourists are expected to participate in the party.

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source : etna.mcot.net

Thailand Travel. Marina Phuket Resort

2006-12-29T02:12:00.000-08:00

Marina Phuket Resort...Where nature and artistic culture harmonize for your pleasure...

Marina Phuket Resort is perched on a headland at southern end of Karon, among the finest of Phuket's famous west-coast beaches. The deluxe villas overlook the beach and the Andaman Sea. All guests have direct access to Karon Beach and can enjoy snorkeling right out front of the resort. Read more

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Thailand Flower. Miss Udon Sunshine

2006-12-27T12:06:00.000-08:00

Thailand Flower. Miss Udon Sunshine

The ”Udon Sunshine” orchid is a hybrid orchid which is crossbred between the foreign Vanda Josephine van Brero and the Thai Vanda denisoniana that was created in the blossoms of northern part of Thailand by a renowned Thai orchid expert, Dr. Pradit Khampermpoon.

The unique blossoms of Udon Sunshine have three remarkable qualities. First is their longlasting quality. If left on the plant, flowers can stay up to 60 days. Those that are cut from the plant can last 15 days at room temperature, but in cool temperatures, the cut flowers can last up to 25 days.

Another remarkable quality of this unique orchid is that it is a scented orchid and can be extracted and blended with citrus and kefir lime leaf to make the first orchid perfume, named “Miss Udon Sunshine.”

Besides being long-lasting and sweetsmelling, the color of the orchid varies according to the temperature. In the temperature range of 10-15° Celsius, the orchids become bright red, while at the higher temperature of 15-20° Celsius, the flowers change to golden yellow. However, if the temperature is higher than 20° Celsius, the color then changes to deep yellow.

Miss Udon Sunshine has already been patented with the World Orchid Association in England.

source : thailand.prd.go.th

Thailand Travel. Special Package by Amari Coral Beach & Spa

2006-12-27T11:20:00.000-08:00

One of Thailand's most popular islands, Phuket is often called the Pearl of the Andaman Sea. On a secluded headland on Patong Bay, Amari Coral Beach Resort & Spa offers first-class accommodation, two swimming pools, diving and sports facilities and a range of fine restaurants. The hotel has been completely renovated in a contemporary modern design.

In addition, the Sivara Spa makes sure that you can really relax and spoil yourself.

Planning a trip to Thailand for business or pleasure - why not select one of our extremely popular packages, including accommodation, daily breakfast and many other options depending on the package of your choice.

We can also assist to arrange golf, diving, or spa activities during your stay - and for those special occasions, why not arrange for champagne and roses in the room for you and your loved one?

Ultimate Relaxation Spa Package Why not escape from the daily stress for a few days of total relaxation. This 3 night package allows time to unwind and chill out. The included spa treatment package at Amari’s signature Sivara Spa will ensure that you are revitalized and refreshed.

Amari Getaway Planning a short vacation in Thailand – then book an Amari Getaway Package. Everything is taken care of from transfers to the airport, a welcome dinner and 3 night’s accommodation with daily American buffet breakfast. Some properties offer unique sightseeing options from jungle adventures in Chiang Mai to family fun in Samui.

Celebration Package A package designed to help you celebrate the special things in life – from a wedding anniversary to a birthday. Sometimes you don’t need a reason – just treat yourself. This 3 night package includes deluxe accommodation, a three-course candlelit dinner and a champagne breakfast.

Honeymoon Package Celebrate your honeymoon in style with a romantically inspired package at Amari Hotels and Resorts. From the heart of rose petals on the bed – or a romantic candlelit dinner let us spoil you in style with this special 2 nights package.

Suite Package Looking for the ultimate in luxury – then the Suite package is for you. Whether you choose the 2 night suite package in Bangkok and Chiang Mai or the 3 night resort suite package - you are assured of luxury all the way. From a romantic dinner with wine, to return airport transfers, this is the perfect way to indulge yourself.

more info : http://www.amari.com/coralbeach/

Thailand Travel. Ancient Town of Kanchanaburi

2006-12-25T02:35:00.000-08:00

Ancient Town of Kanchanaburi

Located in Tambon Lat Ya between Km. 2 – 3 on Highway 3199 off Highway 323. It used to be a border outpost confronting Burmese armies arriving through the Three Pagodas Pass since the Ayutthaya through Rattanakosin Periods (ca. 1548 – 1784). Mounds of the rectangular earthen wall measuring 167 x 355 sq.m. and four corner fortresses still remain to be seen. Ancient monuments within its vicinity include:

Wat Pa Lelai, known locally as Wat Pha Ok and built in the Ayutthaya Period. The Mondop – a square building – once enshrined a seated Buddha image in the gesture of subduing Mara, which was drilled through the chest – ‘Pha Ok’ in Thai. An image of the Buddha receiving offerings from a monkey and an elephant known as ‘Palilayaka’ - Pa Lelai - was later constructed to replace the former one. Remains of architecture within the temple include Mondop, Wihan and round brick Chedi with clay mortar and cement coating.

Wat Khun Phaen, from the side entrance of Wat Pa Lelai toward the training camp of the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, this is an abandoned temple built in the Ayutthaya Period. The complex included Phra Prang, which was the principal building of the temple, remains of which are still to be seen, Phra Ubosot, directional and satellite Chedis, and Wihan.

Wat Mae Mai, built in the Ayutthaya Period and located some 300 metres to the east of Wat Khun Phaen. There are 2 groups of architectural remains. The remains in the north include a large round Chedi situated on a plinth and rectangular west-facing Wihan. The remains in the south include a medium-scale east-facing Wihan, satellite Chedis and rectangular boundary wall, with a so-called ‘Sa Lang Kraduk’ or ‘bone-washing’ pond in between.Ruins of Wat Nang Phim or Wat Kanchanaburi Kao are located nearby.

source : tourismthailand.org

Thailand Travel - Destination Spotlight at Krabi

2006-12-23T06:41:00.001-08:00

Krabi is a nature-lovers playground. Less touristy and more traditional, Krabi promises gorgeous scenery, quaint Thai-style resorts and a wonderful array of outdoor activities.

Beaches – Krabi is lined with magnificent white sandy beaches (especially between November and April). Hire a moped or commandeer a long-tail boat for the day (around Baht 200 an hour – A$7.50) and find your own private beach.

Island Hopping – jump in a long-tail boat and choose your deserted island. There are 52 islands just off the coast of Krabi to discover, so take a picnic lunch and stay all day! Expect to pay around $30 - $50 per day for your driver and boat.

Rock- climbing – Krabi has the best rock-climbing in all of Thailand because of the same striking limestone cliffs that are prevalent on the islands dotting the sea. Over 450 routes have been identified and bolted by previous climbers, with many bearing names such as The King and I and Lord of the Thais. There is a range of beginners cliffs through to extremely difficult climbs.

Equipment (including insurance) and instructors can be hired from the many rock-climbing schools and some hotels in Krabi.

Diving, snorkelling, kayaking – take the opportunity to really see this part of Thailand at its best and view it underwater or on the water. This area (strictly speaking, the Similan Islands, which are about 30 mins boat ride from Krabi) have been named in the top 10 dive spots in the world. Even if you only snorkel, you will be amazed and delighted by the marine life – there are so many colourful fish. Kayaking is another great way to see the limestone formations and enjoy the aqua waters.

Visit Phi Phi Island - the striking set for the famous movie The Beach, has one of the most beautiful bays in all of Asia. Snorkelling and diving are very popular in this area and can be done off the shores of the island.

Travel time from Krabi is around 45 minutes in a speed boat or a local ferry can be taken for around 90 minutes.

Day tours can be booked from Krabi.

source : thailand.net.au

KOREAN SUPERSTAR FILMS ON LOCATION IN PHUKET

2006-12-23T05:42:00.000-08:00

Phuket's scenic tropical landscape, and a sophisticated service infrastructure, makes the resort island a popular film location.

TAT Seoul has been actively promoting destinations around Thailand as film locations and recently partly sponsored Korean superstar Hyun Young in Diet VDO in Phuket — a video production to promote health and well-being.

Hyun Young and crew were filming on location in Phuket from September 8 – 13, 2006. The video which has the island’s beautiful scenery as the backdrop will be publicized to Korean audiences via high impact PR channels such as MBC TV: TV Entertainment Section, SBS TV: Entertainment Express, M Net Music channel: Entertainment Wide, ETM cable channel: Entertainment Section, television programmes such as KBS Six Women, Good Morning SBS with Kim, Seung-Hyun & Jung, Eun-A, Yashimmanman and MBC Nolowa.

The 300,000 volumes of "Diet VDO in Phuket" are expected to be available in the market from early October. The high profile PR campaign will significantly raise the visibility and consumer awareness and strengthen Phuket’s positioning as both a tropical holiday destination as well as well-being oriented travel destination among Korean audiences

Hyun Young
ProfileDate of Birth: September 6, 1976
Debut: SBS Super ModelAt
Present: Super model, singer, actressFilmography Art of Seduction and others
TV programme: MC of MBC Section TV, KBS 6 Womens and others
Award won: 2006 Baeksang Best Actress

source : tatnews.org

The Johnnie Walker Classic in Thailand

2006-12-22T01:00:00.000-08:00

The Johnnie Walker Classic will go ahead in Thailand in March after a planned ban on alcohol advertising was lifted, organisers have confirmed.
The new Thai government planned to introduce the ban this month, with organisers threatening to move the event either to China or South Korea.
Top-10 players Adam Scott, Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, and England's Paul Casey are among the field.

Organisers of next year’s Johnnie Walker Classic have confirmed that the tournament will be played at the Blue Canyon Country Club in Phuket Thailand between March 1 and 4.

Golfers from Kenya will have an opportunity to play in the Pro-Am in late February. The local participants will be picked at the end of the on-going Johnnie Walker Classic series.

The local tournament resumes early next month. There are only two rounds of the tournament remaining before the finals, which will be staged at Royal Nairobi Club.

Heading the customary star-studded field in the main event of the classic will be three of the world’s top ten players: Adam Scott of Australia and South Africans Ernie Els and Retief Goosen currently ranked fourth, fifth and sixth in the world, plus English Ryder Cup star, Paul Casey.

Scott, although relatively young, has already established himself as a truly international player with wins in major competitions across the world.

In 2004 he became the youngest winner of The Players’ Championship on the US PGA Tour, considered by many to be the games fifth ‘major.’

Adam climbed to number four in the world this year after victories in the Barclays Singapore Open and The Tour Championship, his second place finish behind Tiger Woods at the American Express Championship and his nine top 10 finishes on the US PGA Tour.

Ernie Els, is a two-time winner of both the US Open, in 1994 and 1997, and the Johnnie Walker Classic, first in 1997 in Queensland, Australia and in Perth, Western Australia in 2003.

Locally, there will be low-key action at Kiambu, Thika and Nakuru Golf Clubs this weekend.

Meanwhile,Ian Woosnam has revealed he was on the verge of quitting as European Ryder Cup skipper after Thomas Bjorn criticised his wildcard picks and captaincy style.

The 48-year-old Welshman upset Bjorn by opting for Lee Westwood instead of him.

The Dane launched a withering attack on Woosnam but later apologised and was fined £10,000 for the outburst.

In an interview with the Independent, Woosnam, however, said the row was the "lowest point" of his career and he was "prepared to resign" over it.

Woosnam was furious about Bjorn’s reaction to being left out but was deeply concerned that his feelings were shared by others in the European team.

As well as criticising Woosnam’s decision to choose Westwood over him, Bjorn criticised the captain for a "lack of communication" during the qualifying period and poor man-management. He also suggested that others were "uneasy about this man’s captaincy".

"That’s the bit that worried me most," Woosnam told the newspaper. "Not all the personal stuff, although that obviously hurt, but that members of my team might be uneasy with me."

The 1991 Masters champion and former world number one brought the issue up with half of his team on a pre-Ryder Cup reconnaissance trip to the K Club.

Woosnam took the six players that were not either competing in the European Masters or taking a break — Paul Casey, Darren Clarke, Luke Donald, Padraig Harrington, David Howell and Jose Maria Olazabal — to the County Kildare course for a low-key practice and bonding session.

The first item on the agenda was Bjorn.

"I sat them down and said, ‘If anyone’s got a problem with me being captain and agrees with Thomas in any way, then speak now’," he said.

"Fortunately, there was a silence and to a man they backed me, as did the other boys I spoke to on the phone.

That was the vote of confidence I needed.

"I could move on and concentrate on the match. Thomas Bjorn was forgotten then."

Forgotten, perhaps, but not entirely forgiven.

"Some of what he said about me was actionable and I did consider suing. But in the end I didn’t want to put a shadow over the competition," Woosnam continued.

"A few weeks later, I did bump into him at the Dunhill (Links Championship at St Andrews).

"He apologised, we shook hands and I said, ‘Don’t worry, it’s all water under the bridge’.

"But when people ask me if I’m OK with him now, I always refer to something he said in his rant against me, ‘Things will never be the same between us again’. He’s right. They won’t be."

Woosnam’s wildcard selections were vindicated, of course, when Westwood, and Darren Clarke, made significant contributions to Europe’s crushing 181⁄2-91⁄2 victory over the Americans.

The European Tour veteran has since spoken of his desire to qualify for the 2008 team that will travel to Louisville to defend the Ryder Cup and to captain the team again in 2010 when the event comes to Wales for the first time.

source : pga.info , eastandard.net

Travel to Chiang Mai by Rail special offers - Ratchaphruek Express

2006-12-20T07:42:00.000-08:00

Travel to Chiang Mai by Rail special offers from the State Railway of Thailand
Mr. Jirakorn Kosaisaywee, Deputy Director General of Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the organizer of the expo, revealed that “From November 1, 2006, the number of visitors, both domestic and overseas, has been continually increasing. And it is very likely that the number will continuously increase. The current average number during the weekdays is over 30,000 per day while the average number during the weekends is over 40,000 per day. And the advanced ticket selling has soared and surpassed two million already.”

Ratchaphruek Express
The Ratchaphruek Express is a special Bangkok-Chiang Mai-Bangkok rail service that serves the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 international horticultural exposition exclusively. Meals and refreshments are available on board during the trip. Tickets are available from the State Railway Of Thailand Ticketing Offices nationwide.
Regular carriage: 900 baht for ticket only
Sleeper carriage: 1,300 baht for ticket only

3-day/2-night Super Package Includes accommodation and a ticket for admission to the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 international horticultural exposition
Regular carriage: 2,800 baht for ticket only
Sleeper carriage: 3,600 baht for ticket only

4-day/3-night Super Package Includes accommodation, a ticket for admission to the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 international horticultural exposition and other attractions
Regular carriage: 4,350 baht for ticket only
Sleeper carriage: 5,150 baht for ticket only

Early Bird Rates A special discount offer of 10% per package purchased during August-September 2006 and 5% savings if purchased in October 2006

Tickets for the Super Package are on sale at Bangkok, Samsen, Bang Sue and Don Muang railway stations.

Note: Normal fares apply during the period December 28, 2006 – January 4, 2007 Contact information: Tel: +66 (0) 2220 4273, 1690

source : pattayadailynews.com

Sober and sensible in a Thai spa

2006-12-20T01:18:00.000-08:00

They used to call them ‘health farms’ — but these days great food and full-on pampering are on offer, finds Cath Urquhart at the ubiquitous Chiva-Som

PUTTING on weight during a stay at Chiva-Som isn’t quite the outcome most visitors are looking for, but after a week there I can understand how it might happen. I expected a health resort to serve unappetising meals in small portions, but the food at this chic, 57-room retreat in Hua Hin, on Thailand’s Gulf coast, is quite sensational. Disastrously, you can eat as much as you like. You can even drink wine, though few do.

During a cookery class to teach us his healthy recipes, head chef Paisarn Cheewinsiriwat told me: “People think if they come here they may have to eat hospital food, but it’s not true.” Too right. The buffet tables for breakfast and lunch groaned with tropical fruits, freshly baked breads (some wheat-free), dozens of exotic salad ingredients, many from the resort’s own organic garden, fish dishes and tasty clear soups flavoured with coriander and lemongrass.

In the evening, à la carte dinners included a spicy and sour kingfish soup with green papaya and a wonderful chicken and potato curry. Astonishingly, the nutritional information told me that this generous, filling dish had just 292 calories and 10g of fat. Fellow guest Sarah, a stockbroker from Singapore, confessed that on one of her previous visits she had even put on weight.

Before you form the impression that Chiva-Som is all about eating (and with the option of joining a communal table, meals are definitely a sociable high point), there is also the teensy matter of spa treatments and exercise classes.

It was tempting to spend hours in the enormous spa, one of the best organised I have visited. A series of freeform spaces lead you from changing area to the steamroom, sauna and rose-petal- covered plunge pool, eight powerful showers, and a relaxation area with daybeds.
Although the resort was full, at no point did I see more than one or two others in the spa, though with more than 40 treatment rooms and dozens of blue-uniformed Thai staff no one has to wait long for their massage. Chiva-Som’s masseuses were terrific, with a strength that belied their delicate build, and I was glad that my treatments were at the end of the afternoon so I could collapse in a heap for an hour before supper.

But taking exercise is essential if you’re to really benefit from the retreat, and so focused is everyone on getting fit that a sort of collective brainwashing came over us. I rarely find myself in a gym, yet by 7.30am I’d be pounding the treadmill for 20 minutes, running a little farther each morning. I’d also join in the daily classes, such as t’ai chi or aqua-aerobics; my favourite was a stretch class, held in a pavilion where we could survey the resort’s lush grounds to take our minds off the harder positions.

Later I’d swim in the huge outdoor pool or go for a power walk along the beach. Hua Hin is not Thailand’s prettiest resort, and when Chiva-Som’s general manager, Paul Linder, told me that it was “the Hamptons” of Thailand, he was referring to the property prices (boosted by the fact that the popular monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, spends most of his time here), not the rather grubby beach, ugly skyscraper apartment blocks and girlie bars in the town centre.
So it is to Chiva-Som’s credit that its peaceful gardens and landscaping make it easy to ignore the resort on its doorstep.

I did have a few gripes. While the rooms are comfortable, some of the cheaper ones are too close to the restaurant for real privacy. The more expensive Thai pavilions are bigger and set around a private courtyard, but the bathrooms are tired and a much-needed refurbishment is promised. Mineral water is handed out in waste-creating small bottles, instead of being provided by water coolers. Paul Linder said he was looking into changing this system: and as water is served from communal jugs in the restaurant, I don’t think guests would object.

Many of the guests come alone, though they may have partners at home, as the resort has a reputation for being welcoming to single travellers. There are slightly more women than men, but the gap is narrowing. Most come with a specific goal: over dinner one night I discovered that Mark from London had come to stop smoking, Henry from Frankfurt had been sent by his wife to lose weight, while Dawn Dixon, 41, from Cumbria, said it was to save her health and sanity.
She was here for 18 days, taking a break from bringing up four boys, one disabled, and running a property company with her husband. “I felt that my brain was a hamster wheel that would not stop whizzing round, and that was very exhausting,” she said. “But now I’ve got a peaceful mind.”

London couple Oona Van Den Berg and Adrian Heath-Saunders, both 42, were equally enthusiastic. They were at the end of their second stay, and Oona said: “I feel fantastic now — relaxed, nourished, stretched and very balanced. You take away little nuggets of information — for example, drinking hot water and lemon in the morning.”

So did it work for me? Definitely. I lost about four pounds, and have taken some good habits away with me. I regularly go running, I often start my day with hot water and lemon, I drink less coffee and alcohol than before, and I feel much better for it. Since visiting Chiva-Som I’ve been to a travel industry conference, notorious for late, boozy nights, and while I could hardly be described as teetotal, I escaped without a hangover. And as the party season approaches, that’s something of a victory.

source : travel.timesonline.co.uk

Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge opens

2006-12-20T01:12:00.000-08:00

2nd Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge officially opens

BANGKOK, Dec 20 (TNA) - The second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge -- this one linking the Lao province of Savannakhet and northeastern Thailand's Mukdahan province -- officially opened Wednesday.
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand and Lao Vice President Bounnhang Vorachit jointly presided over the opening ceremony on Wednesday morning which was witnessed by the Prime Ministers of the two countries and diplomatic corps.
The 2nd Friendship Bridge is aimed at facilitating transportation, trade, investment and tourism activities for countries in the Mekong Sub-region.
Bridge construction began on March 21, 2004. The two governments raised a loan of Bt2.588 billion from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation to finance the construction. Funds spent on building the bridge alone amounted to Bt1.585 billion.
The bridge has two traffic lanes 12 metres in width and 1,600 metres long. It is part of the land transport development plan of the East-West economic corridor running through Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar.
Previously, the first Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge over the Mekong linking the Thai province of Nong Khai and Lao capital Vientiane was opened in 1994. (TNA)-E004

source : atna.mcot.net

Thai Beach full after tsunami

2006-12-19T16:40:00.000-08:00

Thai beaches full two years after tsunami, as tourists try to forget

Bangkok.– Tourists are finally returning to Thailand's Andaman coast two years after the devastating tsunami, but any attempts to commercialize the tragedy are being snubbed by holidaymakers.

The "tsunami-survivor" T-shirts go unworn, and even the tasteful memorials are apparently being ignored by visitors who want to forget about the waves which claimed 5,400 lives in Thailand, roughly half of whom were tourists.

"They are either respectful, they don't care, or they just want to get on that beach and get into that pina colada," says Gregory Anderson, general manager of Le Meridien's resort in Khao Lak.
Tourist arrivals are now almost back to pre-tsunami levels after a dismal couple of years following the 26 December 2004 disaster, which ravaged the idyllic beaches and resorts in Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga provinces.

At Le Meridien, where the waves killed seven guests and inflicted 18 million dollars worth of damage, sales have exceeded expectations.

"Profitability is up by 22 percent on what it was before the tsunami," Anderson told the press.
But while some large hotels have made a spectacular recovery, buoyed by sophisticated marketing campaigns and discounted rooms, smaller business owners – many of whom lost more than just money – are struggling.

Prateep Potsakul, 32, and his sister Paongping Pengtny, 36, run clothing stalls on Phuket's busy Patong beach. On the day of the tsunami, Prateep recalls running into the hills and leaving everything behind.

"The stall, everything was gone," he says, looking out at the beach where jet skis now zip past and rows of deckchairs accommodate tanning tourists.

Prateep says he had to borrow money from the bank to try and rebuild his business. But he tries not to dwell on the money because his sister Paongping's six-year-old son was killed in the tsunami.

"I just lost my shop," he says. "She lost her shop, her boy, her house. Sometimes she is crazy and she cries."

But prospects may be looking up for Prateep and Paongping. Think-tank Kasikorn Research estimates that tourism arrivals in Phuket will rise 87 percent to 4.7 million this year, and predicts they will rise again to 5.2 million in 2007.

Some tourists like Ellis Henriksen, a 61-year-old retiree from Denmark, come to Phuket because they want to help the community.

source : dominicantoday.com

Thailand the magic continues

2006-12-18T19:46:00.000-08:00

Thailand… the magic continues…

Khao Soke National Park is one of South East Asia's best preserved habitats for tropical flora and fauna. The park covers an area of about 645 km, with evergreen virgin jungle, waterfalls, massive limestone cliffs and crystal clear rivers and streams. Many species of protected wildlife live in the park including elephants, gibbons, monkeys, tapir, birds of prey and wild gaur. Strikingly beautiful Chio Larn Lake features spectacular limestone karst rising out of the sparkling waters…

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Thailand Travel - Dive & Relax

2006-12-18T18:35:00.000-08:00

Dive & Relax welcomes you to Ko Lanta. We invite you to live your dream on the island with its White sandy beaches, Turquoise Ocean, Cocktails under the palm trees and some of the best diving in the world.

The Dive & Relax PADI Dive Resort is based on one of the most breathtaking beaches in Koh Lanta. Our friendly highly skilled staff will give you a warm welcome and it would be our pleasure to show you the magic underwater world of the Andaman Sea. We offer Scuba diving courses in several languages in a class room with views over the tropical ocean, new top of the range equipment and the latest PADI teaching material. We believe that it is our job to ensure a safe and unforgettable dive experience. Our group sizes will not exceed four divers with one guide and we offer a personal high quality service only a small dive center can offer.

You are not a number … you are our guest !

With our comfortable speed boat we will pick you up at 9.00 o clock from the beach and bring you in no time to the islands of Ko Haa, Koh Phi Phi or Hin Daeng and Hin Muang. We arrive first on the dive sites, but without an early pick up or a long boat ride ! Around 14.00 we will bring you back to the beach where you have enough time to join your family in an excursion or to prepare for a nice sunset in your hammock.

We will make sure you are very happy to have chosen Dive & Relax !

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Thailand Travel - Phuket Nalina Resort and Spa

2006-12-18T07:32:00.000-08:00

29 Nov 2006: Nalina to be present at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (T.A.T) event. Nalina will be present at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (T.A.T) event to be held from the 7th to the 11th of March 2007 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok.

Hidden off the West Coast of Thailand, the tropical island of Phuket is famous for its glorious beaches, lush verdant forests and legendary welcome.

Perched on a hill near Kata Beach, Phuket Nalina Resort & Spa enjoys the best of both worlds - a hillside location which creates a secluded and tranquil atmosphere; and a piece of tropical paradise - a 200 meter long stretch of white sand on Kata Beach itself with 66 sun beds and 33 umbrellas exclusively reserved for our hotel guests. Free shuttle service between the beach and the resort is provided.

source: phuketnalina.com

Read more: Thailand Destinations
Travel Variety , Hotels and Resorts , Thailand Beach ,
Thailand Place , City of Three Mists , Thailand Festival ,

Thailand Scuba Diving

2006-12-17T19:25:00.000-08:00

Scuba diving is a sport in which you swim underwater for extended periods using special equipment. The word Scuba is actually an acronym for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. Scuba diving is an excellent way to see some very beautiful sites: coral diving sites with their colourful sea life are the most famous but other scuba diving attractions include shipwrecks and caverns.

Scuba diving can also be a very relaxing sport and in many places it's very beginner friendly. Many dive sites are accessible (under the care of an instructor) after a short briefing and training dive. You can learn to dive far more quickly than you can learn snow sports, for example. It's also suitable for people with a number of physical disabilities. As long as you can use the breathing equipment and are able to successfully propel yourself underwater you may be able to dive.

Diving is a major travel activity: dedicated divers plan entire dive holidays, and others may want to include dive sites in their itineraries. Major dive destinations are Africa, Asia, Australia and Oceania, North America, South America, Central America and Caribbean, Europe and Middle East.

Some of the most famous dive locations in Asia. For Thailand as

· The Similan Islands in south western Thailand — 70 km due west of Phang Nga. Widely regarded as Thailand's best diving. Best accessed via liveaboard or a lengthy boat ride from Khao Lak
· The Krabi region of south western Thailand — (Ko Lanta, Phi Phi, etc) — less than 10 dive sites but most are certainly worth a visit with several sites rivaling the Similan Islands. All diving is located well off the coast, requiring a boat.
· Ko Tao in south eastern Thailand — great for beginners and almost certainly Asia's most popular place to get certified

Source : wikitravel.org

Read more: Thailand Destinations
Travel Variety , Hotels and Resorts , Thailand Beach ,
Thailand Place , City of Three Mists , Thailand Festival ,

Bangkok and Chiang Mai the best tourist cities in Asia

2006-12-15T08:26:00.000-08:00

Bangkok and Chiang Mai ranked best tourist cities in Asia

Bangkok has been voted the Best City in Asia in 2006 (as the fifth consecutive year) according to an Internet survey conducted by Travel+ Leisure Magazine. At a global level, Bangkok is the third Best City in the World with 86.11% votes, after Florence (87.09%) and Rome (86.15%).
What's more, Chiang Mai, known as the Rose of the North of Thailand came in as the second Best City in Asia and the fifth at a global level.

On 6 October, 2006, Mr. Apirak Kosayodhin, Bangkok Governor, received the prestigious award from Ms. Nancy Novogrod, Senior Vice President & Editorial Director of Travel+Leisure Magazine.

Regarding the criteria for "best cities", Mrs. Juthamas Siriwan, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor, mentioned that they included sights, culture&arts, restaurants/food, people, shopping and value for money. Mr. Isara Sunthonwat, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Spokesman also added that the fact that Bangkok ranked best city in Asia for the fifth time is a guarantee that Bangkok is a beautiful metropolis with unique and charming arts and culture, high-quality delicious food and attractive shopping opportunities.

source : thaiwaysmagazine.com

Thailand the country of the best value for travelling

2006-12-15T08:11:00.000-08:00

Tourists vote Thailand the country of the best value for travelling

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reported that according to Country Brand Index Award 2006 (CBI), Thailand has been voted to be the Best Country Brand for Value for Money. This research has been done through online questionnaires and phone interviews with over 1500 people, combining with asking some travelling experts from all over the world.

With 11.52 million visitors in 2005, Thailand had 367,380.36 million baht income from all tourism related businesses. The average staying was 8.20 days per person and the average spending per person/day was 3,890.13 baht.

source : thaiwaysmagazine.com

Read more: Thailand Destinations
Travel Variety , Hotels and Resorts , Thailand Beach ,
Thailand Place , City of Three Mists , Thailand Festival ,

BALLOON ADVENTURE THAILAND

2006-12-13T00:10:00.000-08:00

You don't feel the wind, you are a part of it, almost not even realizing you are moving. Hot air balloons are something special in comparison to other forms of flight. Hot air balloons drift gracefully above the ground at heights of up to 10,000 feet. Typically, though, most Hot air balloon flights are 500 to 2,000 feet above ground where peace and tranquility reign as you float over the tree tops above the beautiful countryside. As the balloon rises, your panoramic view is a perspective that you won’t soon forget.

Enjoy your Breath taking hot air balloon ride with Thai Balloon Adventure Company. Nobody forgets their first balloon flight. It is truly an experience that cannot compare to anything else. The sensation of flying over trees, lakes and streams, spotting wildlife is unique and inspiring. If you really want to make a lasting impression, a hot air balloon ride is the ultimate "unforgettable" gift

source : balloonadventurethailand.com

Read more: Thailand Destinations
Travel Variety , Hotels and Resorts , Thailand Beach ,
Thailand Place , City of Three Mists , Thailand Festival ,

WHAT’S NEW FOR THAILAND IN 2007

2006-12-11T06:06:00.000-08:00

CHIC IS THE WORD FOR THAILAND IN 2007
– This year Thailand saw a surge in new boutique offerings to lesser-known resorts such as Ko Yao, Trang, Ko Chang, Racha and Khao Lak. The trend for boutique hotels continues into 2007 with the following new openings and offerings confirmed:

NEW HOTELS
The new Princess Resort, Ko Chang (part of the Dusit Hotels & Resorts Group) set to open in January 2007 including 96 rooms, private beach and sumptuous spa facilities. 80 per cent of the island of Ko Chang is registered as national parkland, with landscapes ranging from towering cliffs to lush rainforest. For divers and snorkellers, marine life is abundant, and visibility excellent. www.royalprincess.com

The new Evason Hideaway & Six Senses Spa at Yao Noi is the fourth Evason boutique-branded Hideaway, and sets even higher benchmarks for excellence in Asia. Accommodation will provide generous personal space and present an uncompromised standard of luxury. There will be 56 uniquely designed villas, all with open-style bathrooms, creating an atmosphere of space and light within and offering magnificent views of the bay and surrounding forestation. Each villa also features its own infinity-edged pool with sundeck, creating an illusion of infinity between pool and bay, and reinforcing a feeling of seclusion. Dining and refreshment services cover international and locally inspired cuisine and a large selection of vintages from around the world. http://www.sixsenses.com/hideaway-yaonoi/index.php - opens April 2007.

Six Senses Resorts & Spas are currently working on the new Soneva Kiri resort situated on Koh Kut/Kood. Set on 150 acres and 100 nautical miles from the new Bangkok airport and 20 minutes by speedboat to Cambodia, this project will have its own 12-seater Cessna aircraft with 8 luxury leather seats to make access even easier, using an airstrip on a nearby island with final transfer by boat. In total there will be 42 units – 63 bedrooms. Soneva Kiri is due to open in mid 2007 – around June. Soneva Koh Chang is another future development planned by Six Senses Resorts & Spas – 2007 completion date still to be confirmed.

A second Cape Panwa property is due to open in Chiang Mai in October 2007, following in the footsteps of the well-established Phuket resort. www.capepanwa.com

Sala Phuket will be the newest addition to the SALA Resorts and Spas portfolio. Inspired by the success of its sister property, SALA Samui, SALA Phuket promises to take the new SALA Resorts and Spas brand to even greater heights! Located on Mai Khao Beach in the north of Phuket Island there will be 79 rooms. The resort is due to open in late 2007. www.salaresorts.com

The stylish Krabi Pavilions resort is due to open in late 2007, following successful ventures in Phuket and Bali. Set within the Nopparat Thara National Park, a five minute longtail boat ride from Ao Nang, the resort will offer pristine secluded beach frontage and views of the Phang Nga Bay and the Phi Phi islands. www.pavilions-resorts.com

Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts will open another property in Chiang Mai in 2007 – dates to be confirmed. http://www.shangri-la.com/

FESTIVALS
Bangkok International Film Festival:
26th January – 5th February 2007Thailand has, over the years, acted as backdrop for some of cinema’s most powerful films, from The Killing Fields and The Man with the Golden Gun to The Beach and Good Morning Vietnam, and is regarded as the home of Asian film. The fifth annual Bangkok International Film Festival takes place in Thailand’s capital this January, and whether you’re a movie director seeking critical acclaim for your latest offering, or simply a film buff, there’s something for everyone!

The screening list for the festival is yet to be confirmed, but past festivals have featured award-winning films such as Lost in Translation and The Motorcycle Diaries, as well as special guests including Michael Douglas, Oliver Stone and Michelle Yeoh. Tickets are always available for the public to participate and range between 80 and 100 Thai baht (approx. £ XX) for entry to screenings. Links will be available from the festival website, http://www.bangkokfilm.org/ to allow tickets to be purchased online for the first time this year.

Bangkok Fashion Week:
March 2007 Over 30 Thai designers and a select number of international fashion gurus send their latest designs down the catwalk at Bangkok's Fashion Week. Shows take place in The Fashion Dome - a large dome tent set up in the middle of the lake at Benjakitti Park, beside the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

The event is scheduled to take place twice a year to coincide with the traditional launch of the spring and autumn collections. Everything from high fashion to textiles, jewellery and accessories are showcased at the accompanying trade fair and designer's showcase held in the convention centre.

Thai designers have come out in force in support of the event, including Nagara, Metta, Issue, Tube Gallery, Fly Now and others.

NEW ATTRACTIONS
Thailand’s Royal Projects In 2007,
Thailand will celebrate the 80th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and numerous events are planned throughout the year. One such celebration involves the unveiling of a number of special Royal tourism projects that have been spearheaded by the Royal family and involve local people in the remotest parts of Thailand working together. These include a reforestation project to eradicate opium supply at Doi Tung, in Chiang Rai’s Golden Triangle, the restoration of the Mrigadayavan Palace, Phetburi, built by King Rama VI as his summer palace by the seaside resort of Cha-Am, and the Elephant Conservatory at Lampang. This latter is situated an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai and has the only elephant hospital in the world, caring for sick and maimed elephants. The 500-hectare sanctuary also rehabilitates rogue elephants, cares for captured wild and domesticated out-of-work elephants and allows visitors to live with and learn about elephants in a dedicated Mahout training programme which lasts for three days. In 2007, the first-ever artificially inseminated baby elephant in the world will be born at the Conservatory, potentially marking a change of fate for the entire species. More information on all these projects is available at: www.thairoyalprojects.com

In addition, a number of new visitor attractions have opened recently, including wine tasting tours at the floating vineyards in Bangkok, sightseeing by bicycle through the streets of Bangkok, Hot-air balloon trips and Chiang Mai Night Safaris. More information at:

Read more: Thailand Destinations
Travel Variety , Hotels and Resorts , Thailand Beach ,
Thailand Place , City of Three Mists , Thailand Festival ,

Chiang Rai Festival

2006-12-10T21:05:00.000-08:00

January
1. King Mengrai Annual Festival. King Mengrai Annual Festival features a variety of products for sale including many local handicrafts.
2. Mekong Friendship Festival. It features a variety of entertainment with performances from the four different nations of the Mekong region as well as having a feast of international food on offer.
3. Sakura Flowers Blooming Fair. This beautiful colorful festival is held at the end of January at Doi Mae Salong, Mae Fah Luang.
4. Wild Flowers Blooming Fair. The fair features several hilltribe performances and various sports events.

February
1. Hilltribe Friendship Festival. The festival features lively hilltribe performances and a special 'Khantoke' dinner.
2. Strawberries and Flowers Blooming Fair. Held every year in early February, the unusual but colorful Strawberry and Flower Fair takes place in the village of Mae Sai.

April
1. Chiang Saen Songkran Festival and Boat Racing. The nationwide Songkran festival is best celebrated at the village of Chiang Saen.
2. Lanna Thai Heritage Fair. This cultural festival features colorful performances and a local music show.

May
1. Lychee Fair and Festival. The colorful festival features several beauty contests as well as the event's famous 'Lychee Procession'.
2. 'Pla Buek' Catfish Breeding and Conservation Fair. The annual event is a great opportunity to learn all about the various catfish that can be found in Mekong River.

November
1. Loy Kratong Festival. This well known nationwide festival is held in Chiang Rai from 22nd to 23rd November.
2. Mexican Sunflowers Blooming Fair. The festival features delightful hilltribe performances and local produce sold at bargain prices.

December
1. Chiang Rai Food Fair. Good foods are sold at cheap prices and Lanna cultural performances and demonstrations of fruit carving and Thai desserts can be observed and enjoyed.

source : thailand.com

Read more: Thailand Destinations
Travel Variety , Hotels and Resorts , Thailand Beach ,
Thailand Place , City of Three Mists , Thailand Festival ,

MEKONG SUNRISE, & CRUISING ALONG THE MEKONG RIVER

2006-12-10T10:09:00.000-08:00

MEKONG SUNRISE The First Sunrise of The Land.
& CRUISING ALONG THE MEKONG RIVER
Adventure Travel
December 1, 2006 - January 31, 2007

Ubon Ratchathani, furthest east of the country, is the first province in the kingdom to greet the sunrise. This third largest province in Thailand, 620 kms from Bangkok, is part of the Korat Basin situated in the southern-half of northeastern Thailand.

Its rugged but extraordinary landscape is punctuated by craggy cliff-faces, rocky terrain dotted with towering columns, odd-shaped rock formations, and torrential cataracts along the stretch of the Mekong River. It is home to two national parks - The Pha Taem National Park and Kaeng Tana National Park. Both offer excellent vantage points for viewing a spectacular sunrise or sunset against a magnificent backdrop that extends for miles.

Fields of colourful wild flowers add a curious contrast to the province's awe-inspiring geographical landscape and diversity. A true miracle of nature.

Home to one of the world's oldest agrarian communities, Ubon Ratchathani is also the 'cradle of northeastern civilisation'. Recently-discovered archaeological evidence suggests that humans settled in the region between 14,000 to 6,000 years ago. Cave drawings and paintings have been found at Ban Sai Ngam, Amphoe Khemarat district and near the Mekong, with the most extensive site being at Pha Taem. Numerous prehistorical cave paintings offer insight into the way of life that existed during the pre-historic days. The paintings which feature a vast range of subjects such as people, human hands, creatures such as elephants, fish, the Pla Buek or Mekong giant catfish, dogs, bantengs, buffaloes, fishing utensils and geometric patterns have a reddish tinge to them from the hematite and take the form of outlines filled with solid colour.

It is also a centre of Buddhism and the regional administrative centre for northeastern Thailand, Ubon is a melting pot of multi-cultural and multi-ethnic groups.

CRUISING ALONG THE MEKONG RIVER
The best time of the year to embark on a river-cruise on the Mekong is between November to April. (Note: The water-level is too high in the rainy season and is not a good time for cruises.)

MEKONG CRUISING ROUTES

The Pha Taem Route This cruise sets out from the Khong Chiam district office to Hat Wichittra. The cruise ends at Pha Taem, the stop-off point to view the prehistoric cave paintings.

The Khong Chiam Temple - Mun Route

The Two-Coloured River Kaeng Tana - Ban Woen Buek Route This is a hour trip that offers a glimpse of the way of life along the rivers.

Ban Pak La - Ban Khan Tha Kwian Route A 30-minute cruise.

FOREST TREKKING

Misty Dong Na Tham Forest Greeting the first sunrise of the land.

Dong Na Tham Forest to the north of Pha Taem National Park is the easternmost point of the country along the Mekong River and the first place in the kingdom to be bathed by the first rays of sunrise. At dawn, a sea of mists floats over the riparian side of the Mekong River.

It covers an area of 88 sq. kilometres. Typographically Pa Dong Na Tham is a plateau with alternating sandstone hills with the highest peak at 510 metres above sea-level. Towering cliffs rise above the Mekong.

Deciduous Dipterocarp forests blend with timber and dry evergreen forests. Wild flowers bloom in the rainy season and in winter, breaking the monotonous rocky terrain. In the summer, larger plants emerge.

Recommended Nature Study Trails 2-Days/1-Night

Route 1 The route starts from Wat Tham Patihan Temple to Huai Phok Waterfall - Mekong River covering a distance of 16.4 kms including a 30-minute barge ride.

Route 2 The route from Ban Thung Na Mueang to Huai Phok-Huai Phok Waterfall and onto the Mekong River covers a distance of 18.6 kms plus a 30-minute barge ride.

For information, please contact the "Or Bor Tor" (the Office of the Village Administration Organisation) of the Ban Na Pho Klang, Khong Chiam District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. Phone (045) 249-002.

CULTURAL EXPLORATION Follow the trail of pre-historic man. There are a total of 32 pre-historic sites along the route.

Read more: Thailand Destinations
Travel Variety , Hotels and Resorts , Thailand Beach ,
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Thailand, Mae Hong Son

2006-12-07T00:20:00.000-08:00

MAE HONG SON is nestled in a deep valley hemmed in by high mountain ranges, Mae Hong Son has long been isolated from the outside world. Virtually covered with mist throughout the year, the name refers to the fact that is terrain is highly suitable for the training of elephants.

Former governors of Chiang Mai used to organise the rounding up of wild elephants which were then trained before being sent to the capital for work. Today, Mae Hong Son is one of the dream destinations for visitors. Daily flights into its small airport bring growing numbers of tourists, attracted by the spectacular scenery, numerous hilltribe communities and soft adventure opportunities.

THAI YAI CULTURE The Thai Yai can be seen along the northern border with Myanmar. They may at one time have been the most numerous of the ethnic Thai tribes that stretch across Southeast Asia. A large group settled in Mae Hong Son.

The Thai Yai culture has had a strong influence on the province, as can be seen in its architecture. Although a part of the Lanna region, the indigenous Thai Yai people living in Mae Hong Son are faced with very cold weather during winter and extremely hot weather in the summer, with mist or fog practically throughout the whole year. Not surprisingly they have had to adapt to the environment.

As a result, their architectural style has developed into something different from other Lanna communities. Their living quarters are usually built with tall floors and low roofs, the sizes differing according to ones social status and position. Homes of the ordinary folks are usually with one single level of roof, while those of the local aristocrats have two or more levels forming a castle-like shape. The space thus provided is believed to help air circulation. An interesting feature of the Thai Yai style is the perforated designs along the eaves which are an architectural identity of the area.

Source : tourismthailand.org

Thailand - JAZZ ROYALE FESTIVAL

2006-12-06T11:18:00.000-08:00

TAT TO HOLD THE "JAZZ ROYALE FESTIVAL"
OF THE YEAR TO HONOUR OUR BELOVED KING

Date : Alway
Place : Bangkok

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is to hold the inaugural greatest jazz festival of the year, "Jazz Royale Festival", in order to honour His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, as the world s royal musician, on the occasion of his 80th birthday celebration in 2007.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is to hold the inaugural greatest jazz festival of the year, "Jazz Royale Festival", in order to honour His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, as the world's royal musician, on the occasion of his 80th birthday celebration in 2007. The event will be held during December 9-17, 2006, with more than 100 world-class artists and staff taking part. Led by Kenny G, McCoy Tyner, Nancy Wilson, Chris Botti, Regina Carter, and Dizzy Gillespie All Stars, the event will take place in four main cities of Thailand, comprising Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Part of the proceeds will go to H.M. the King's royal patronage projects.

Tourism and Sports Minister, H.E. Dr. Suvit Yodmani said that the purpose of holding the "Jazz Royale Festival" is to celebrate H.M. the King's 80th birthday on December 5, 2007. The event is aimed at attracting foreigners from both Asian and Western countries, including those who live in the Kingdom and locals. It is also in line with TAT's plan to boost the Thai tourism industry and encourage international visitors to travel to Thailand. The Minister is also considering including the jazz festival in the calendar and encouraging tour agents to promote this event as one of the country's attractions.

The festival will be held on four stages. It will take place in four cities. The first stage will start in Bangkok at Sanam Suea Pa during December 9-10. The second stage will follow at the Horseshoe Point in Pattaya during December 11-12. The third stage will be held at Sanam Hor Silp in Chiang Mai University during December 14-15, and the curtain will close at Karon Beach in Phuket during December 16-17.

On this occasion, all the artists will play H.M. the King’s musical works. This unprecedented event will be accounted as the biggest jazz festival in the country's history.

The artists that have confirmed to participate are all well-known worldwide including:

Kenny GKenneth
Gorelick, better known by his stage name Kenny G, is an American saxophonist whose fourth album ‘Duotones’ brought him to fame in 1986. Kenny's main instrument is the soprano saxophone, but he also plays the alto and tenor sax on occasions.

McCoy Tyner
Alfred McCoy Tyner is Tyner's full name. He is a jazz pianist from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, best known for his work with the John Coltrane Quartet. He once joined with John Coltrane, the world’s top five famous artist.

James Moody
James Moody is one of the outstanding jazz saxophonists and flutists. A column in one leading newspaper once claimed that jazz can be divided into two categories - James Moody's type of jazz and the other.

Dizzy Gillespie
All StarsDizzy Gillespie All Stars is another jazz phenomena that has inspired new jazz faces to the industry.

Paquito D'Rivera
Paquito D'Rivera is a Cuban-born, Grammy-winning jazz and classical saxophonist and clarinetist.

Chris Botti
Chris Botti is an American trumpeter and composer; born in Portland, Oregon. The jazz heart-throb has a number of fans worldwide.

Other artists include Marta Topferova, Ahmad Jamal, Cherryl Hayes, Claudio Roditi, Nancy Wilson, Regina Carter, and Georgie Fame.

Tickets are 2,000 Baht for Bangkok and 1,500 Baht for provincial venues. The tickets are available at Thai Ticket Master (Tel. 0-2262-3456 http://www.thaiticketmaster.com/) and TAT Head Office. For provincial venues, tickets are also available at TAT offices in Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Phuket.

PROGRAMME
December 9, 2006: Suepa, Bangkok
No. Band
1. Oriental Jazz Quartet feat. Cherryl Hayes
2. Regina Carter
3. McCoy Tyner Trio
4. Dizzy Big Band
5. Kenny G

December 10, 2006: Suepa, Bangkok
No. Band
1. Oriental Jazz Quartet feat. Cherryl Hayes
2. Ahmad Jamal
3. Chris Botti
4. Nancy Wilson
5. Kenny G

December 11, 2006: Horseshose Point, Pattaya
No. Band
1. Marta Topferova
2. Regina Carter
3. Chris Botti
4. Dizzy Big Band
5. Nancy Wilson

December 12, 2006: Horseshose Point, Pattaya
No. Band
1. Regina Carter
2. Georgie Fame
3. McCoy Tyner Trio
4. Chris Botti
5. Kenny G

December 14, 2006: Chiang Mai
No. Band
1. Marta Topferova
2. Ahmad Jamal
3. Georgie Fame
4. Dizzy Big Band
5. Kenny G

December 15, 2006: Chiang Mai
No. Band
1. Regina Carter
2. McCoy Tyner Trio
3. Nancy Wilson
4. Marta Topferova
5. Dizzy Big Band

December 16, 2006: Karon Beach, Phuket
No. Band
1. James Moody/Roberta Gambarini Quintet
2. Georgie Fame
3. Paqito D’Rivera/Claudio Roditi Cubop
4. Ahmad Jamal
5. Kenny G

December 17, 2006: Karon Beach, Phuket
No. Band
1. Marta Topferova
2. Regina Carter
3. McCoy Tyner Trio
4. Dizzy Big Band (James Moody Roberta Gambarini)

For more information, please contact TAT Call Center 1672. Or
Ms. Tippawan Nuntachaiyod
Ms. Nam Kang Mee-Nguen
Creative Juice\G1
Tel: 08 1621 8666, 08 1988 5208, 08 9810 6566, or 08 1997 3560.
E-mail: jazzroyale@creativejuiceg1.com

source : tourismthailand.org