Artistic Performances in 3 Cities of Thailand

• 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

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

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

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

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

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

Kew Mae Pan , Peak refuge

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

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.

Thai Massage for Health

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

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 0„ac. And in summer, despite hot weather in central Chiang Mai and nearby districts, it is still freezing on the top of Doi Inthanon and tourists should be prepared with thick clothes.

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

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

Thi Lo Cho and Umphang Back to nature , Thailand

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

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

Six Most Popular National Parks of Thailand

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

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

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

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.

Read more : Erawan National Park

source : tatnews.org

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

Thailand Travel. Ancient Town of Kanchanaburi

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

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