Travel Thailand

Thailand's King and Royal Family are probably more revered than monarchs in any country in the world. Their status is reflected in the grandeur of Thailand's royal palaces. These truly are spectacular places to visit and receive a glimpse of Thailand's regal past and an insight into the lives of Thai royalty. In many of the palaces there are museums reflecting aspects of Thailand's past, but museums are by no means restricted to royal palaces - there are scores around the country. Bangkok's National Museum does a thorough job of reflecting all aspects of this diverse country, but each Thai province has its own museum reflecting important aspects of the locality's past and present. Often directly alongside Thailand's museums there are a number of galleries reflecting the country's art though the work of past and present artists. Thailand also boasts numerous theatres and cultural centres which host traditional Thai theatre and dance and offer cultural shows and events. Of course, as with any country in the world, when you visit Thailand you should visit its monuments and shrines. Although you may not grasp their full significance, they still warrant visits; who would go to France without visiting the Arc de Triomphe? And what visit to Thailand would be complete without seeing a Thai boxing match or a trip to a floating market?

One of the key reasons people visit Thailand is the physical beauty of the place and for the adventurous there is plenty to see. Thailand abounds with waterfalls, hot springs and places of natural beauty. There are caves to see and mountains and hills to visit. But even in the cities and towns there flower gardens to escape to.

You will never want for a place to visit and something to see in Thailand. The wealth of attractions makes a trip easy and means you can plan what you want to see with relative ease. Make the most of what's on offer, and make the best of your time in the kingdom.

Northern of Thailand

Most areas in Northern of Thailand is surrounded by mountains or hills here is cooler than rest especially in December and January. The region border is next to Myanmar and Laos. Thus Cultural in Northern of Thailand is influenced from the neighboring cultures of Myanmar and Southern of China.
Besides of the beautiful mountains and waterfalls, hill tribes are one of the main attraction in these area. Their ethic are interesting. Tourists like to visit, walk through villages, elephant riding, trekking and rafting.

North-Eastern of Thailand

 The east part in North of Thailand is bordered to Laos and the south to Cambodia. There is Mekong River lieing between them. Agriculture is main activity. Because it is hot, dry climate and output lags, most people have low revenue and become the poorest region.
Most areas are plateau and temperature is 32 celcius degree (avg.) and 45 celciuse degree (max.). Rice is main crop besides sugarcane, cassava, tobacco and pineapple.
Northeastern (Isarn) food is sticky rice, som tam (papaya sald), larb (meat or pork salad), grilled chicken or pork. These have all spread and are favourites to other parts of Thailand in later. Some people eat a variety of fried insects such as grasshoppers, silkworms, dung beetle including frogs and lizards

Central of Thailand

This region is the third largest area in Thailand. Most area in Central of Thailand is plain because there are many river passing through this area. It cause this area is plentiful. Most people earn a living with agriculture and domestic animal such as cow farm, shrimp farm and fish farm. For some provinces where is connected to sea, they earn living with fishery and salt pan except for Bangkok Metropolis and neighbor.

Especially for Bangkok, it is Thailand 's capital and central of economic. These are many people living here including International Airport (Suvannaphoom airport) and Seaports.

Besides above, there are mountains, waterfalls and caves in these area. Because there are many rivers and canals, tourists like to travel with home-stayed style in order to see villager 's lifestyle along two sides of river or canal. Transporation to each place is comfortable on both car and boat. 

Eastern of Thailand

Most area in this region is plain and short hills and connected to sea (Gulf of Thailand) with a Phranom Dongrak mountain range bordered between Thailand and Cambodia. There are many beautiful beaches as Pattaya beach and islands as Koh Chang, Koh Samed, Koh Mandt and Koh Lan.

Main economic is agriculture (fruits) such as Durian, Rambutan and mangosteen including rubber tree and fishery . They sell fresh aquatic animals or foods or transform to products. Moreover, some area in each province are industrial estate and jewelry source as well.

Besides attractive natural places, each provinces in Eastern of Thailand are center of industrial economic (Chonburi and Rayong province) or gem source (Chanthaburi province). There are many factories and industrial sea ports. All provinces in this region are travel sources attractive to both Thai and Foreign tourists.

Western of Thailand

Most area in Western of Thailand is surrounded with mountains or hills and shares borders with Myanmar. Thus there are Burmese, Karen and Mon living around there.

Main occupation is agriculture that plants sugarcane for making white sugar and pineapple for being diversified to canned pineapple or juice. Main source of sugarcane and pineapple is Karnchanaburi and Prachub-Khirikhan province respectively.

There are few large dams in this side such as Phumiphol dam, Srinakarin dam and Khoa-Laem dam. They can generate electric power more than one-third of all generated one. They are places suitable for sight seeing and spending a night as well.

In Phetchaburi and Phachub-Khirikhan provinces, there are famous seasides or beaches such as Cha-am beach, Chao-Samran beach and Hua-hin beach. 

Southern of Thailand

Both eastern and western part in Southern of Thailand is dominated with Andaman sea and Gulf of Thailand but the southern part is next to Malaysia. There is the narrowest part of Thailand called "Kho Khort Kra" or Kra Isthmus. Because the southern part shares border to Malaysia, most pepole around there are muslim especially for Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat.

The western coast is steep coast but there are many beatiful islands on the western part (Andaman sea) such as Koh Tao, Koh Nang-Nguan, Koh Surin, Koh Phi-Phi, Koh Similan, etc. Koh is pronounced in Thai language and means "island". 

Credit : http://www.discoverythailand.com
            http://www.guidetothai.com

Travelling Thailand 5 Top Destinations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Credit :
Author: Robert Thatcher


Publication: Travel, recreation and leisure community
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Travelling+Thailand+5+Top+Destinations-a01073765359

Visit Phang Nga

Phang Nga  is one of the southern provinces of Thailand, on the shore to the Andaman Sea. Neighboring provinces are Ranong, Surat Thani and Krabi. To the south is the Phuket province, but without land boundary to Phang Nga.

History


Phang-nga was originally inhabited by small communities and named Kraphu-nga. During the reign of King Rama II, nearby areas were occupied by the Burmese and so many people fled to Kraphu-nga. In 1824, Siamese troops defeated the Burmese and the invaders were expelled. King Rama III renamed the area Phang-nga and in 1933 the town was expanded to be a province.
On the fateful morning of December 26, 2004 Phang-nga Bay was devastated by a Tsunami disaster and thousands of people lost their lives.

Tourism
Situated on the Andaman Sea, Phang-nga province is famed for the natural beauty of its water, beaches, islands, mountains and forests.

Phang-nga was damaged in the 2004 Tsunami, although tourism has largely recovered.

Phang-nga Bay or Ao Phang-nga National Park was declared a national park in 1981. It has scenic views and features mass limestone formations scattered around in the sea near the shore. The same factors contribute to the density of caves in the area. The park is fertile with mangroves and there are a number of islands in the vicinity.

ko Panyi a Muslim Fishing Village on stilts.

Mu Ko Similan National Park  was declared a national park in 1982. Similan is a small group of islands comprising nine islands stretching from north to south and is highly praised for its beautiful scenery, both onshore and underwater.

Mu Ko Surin National Park is an archipelago of 5 islands: Ko Surin Nuea, Ko Surin Tai, Ko Ri, Ko Khai, and Ko Klang. It was declared a national park on July 9, 1981. The archipelago is located in the Andaman Sea, near the Thai-Burmese oceanic border, to the west of Thailand. There are coral reefs and the area is suitable for snorkeling.

Ko Phra Thong located in Tambon Phra Thong. It is a large island northwest of Phang-nga. The island has many beaches. There is a large fresh water reservoir on the island.

Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park was declared a national park in August 1991. The park occupies a vast area of 150 square kilometers and covers Amphoe Thai Mueang, Amphoe Kapong, Amphoe Takua Pa, and Amphoe Mueang. The interesting attractions are: Khao Lak (เขาหลัก), which has the Chao Pho Khao Lak Shrine, Laem Pakarang  which has groves of pine, making it good for camping and relaxation and Namtok Ton Chong Fa  or Ton Chong Fa Waterfall.

Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park The park occupies an area of 18,000 acres (Template:Convert/rais). It was declared a national park on April 14, 1988. Interesting attractions in the park include: Namtok Lampi is a 6-tiered waterfall that runs all year round, Namtok Ton Phrai  is a huge waterfall that runs all year round and Hat Thai Mueang  being a long beach where the Sea Turtle Festival is held annually.

Wat Suwannakhuha , located in Tambon Krasom, is a temple in Phang-nga. It is of historical and archaeological importance. Within the boundary of the temple is a mountain with numerous caves out of which one is also used as a temple and houses various manners of Buddha images. There are also Royal Monograms inscriptions on the walls of the cave.

Ko Yao covers an area of 137 square kilometres (34,000 acres). The majority of the population are Muslim. The island is made up of 2 large islands: Ko Yao Noi and Ko Yao Yai.

Hat Khao Lak located 32 kilometres (20 mi) from Takua Pa, is a long scenic beach along the Andaman Sea set beneath the green mountain of Khao Lak-Lamru National Park, parallel to the coast. The accommodation of Takua Pa along Khao Lak and Bang Sak Beach is built in the original southern architecture style.

Wat Rat Uppatham or Wat Bang Riang , located in Tambon Bang Riang, the temple, situated on Khao Lan hill, contains several structures including an elaborate bell-shaped pagoda called Chedi Phutthathambanlue. The hilltop pagoda overlooks surrounding undulating mountains and hills as well as a huge Buddha image and a Guan-yin Chinese Goddess statue.
 
Traveling

Distance

Bangkok-Phang-Nga 788 kilometers
Phang-Nga Krabi 96 kilometers
Phang-Nga Phuket 87 kilometers
Phang-Nga Surat Thani 196 kilometers
Amphoe Muang Takua Thung 12 kilometers
Amphoe Muang Tapphud 26 kilometers
Amphoe Muang Kapong 47 kilometers
Amphoe Muang Tai Muang 57 kilometers
Amphoe Muang Takua Pa 65 kilometers
Amphoe Muang Kuraburi 125 kilometers
Amphoe Muang Ko Yao 138 kilometers

Traveling from Bangkok

By Car: There are 2 main routes, first route take Highway No.4 through Prachuap Kirikhan, Chumphon, and Ranong. The second route take Highway No.4 to Chumphon then take Highway No.41 via Amphoe Tha Shang, Surat Thani Province then turn right to take Highway No. 401 until reaching Amphoe Baan Ta Khuon, Surat Thani Province. From here take Highway No. 415 via Amphoe Tapphud to enter Phang-Nga.
By Train: There is a train from Bangkok en route at Punpin station, Surat Thani Province where there are buses to Phang-Nga, a journey of about 2 hours.
By Bus: Transportation Co. Ltd. has air conditioned buses and a regular bus services. There are daily departures from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal, Borom Rajchonnee Rd.
By Air: Travelers can take flights to Phuket or to Krabi Airports and then take buses to Phang-Nga.

Festival, Tradition, Sport, Tourist Calendar


TFree Sea Turtles Tradition
There is a tradition in March of each year to help the newly hatched baby sea turtles crawl to the sea. It is is organized locally and is celebrated for 7 days. The most important activity of the tradition is to free (release) Sea Turtle’s Babies to the sea in the Haad Tai Muang area of Khao Lamphi Haad, Tai Muang National Park. This authority supervises the Sea Turtles and Seaweed Turtles that come to lay their eggs from November to March in order to protect the species and their environment.
he Tenth Month Day Tradition
It is o­n the eighth day of the tenth waning moon and the fifteenth day of the tenth waning moon that Wan Sart Duen Sip (The Tenth Month Festival) makes merit a tradition of doing merit for the spirits of our past ancestors. It is a Buddhist belief that o­n the festive day of the tenth month, Yommaban (the being who deals out punishment to the wicked in the nether world) will release all spirits that have suffered their fate in the hell called “Prate” (demons) come up to receive gifts of merit which the living relatives dedicate to them. The tenth month tradition in Phang-Nga has two festivals, the eighth day of the tenth waning moon, and the fifteenth day of the tenth waning moon. They beginning by leaving offerings for the monks in the morning and in the afternoon making the ritual of bringing a variety of sweets such as Khanom La, Khanom Pong, Khanom Tian, Khanom Hoh, Khanom Bua Jaok, Khanom Wongwan, Khanom Khai Pla and Krayasart being the most important (rice, bean, sesame, and sugar cooked info a sticky paste, usually eaten during the Sart (festival)). The Krayasart in Krathongs (a vessel made of banana leaves) are laid in a shrine which is built with great ritual care by the temple Buddhist monks. After this rite, “Chao Le” Sea Farer it is the custom for people come to collect the offerings and sweets by snatching them away with joyful shouts of “Ching Prate” which means “Snatching from Demons”. Beside this, there is also an important favorite activity that is the appropriately named The Oily Pole Climbing Competition.
Chao Le Day (Sea Farer Day)
Is a festival which is organized to preserve the good tradition of Chao Le or New Thai Lander during the full moon day of the fifth month. This is to placate the spirits of ancestry by sacrifice and offerings of food, native shows and Chao Le Sport Competitions.
Vegetarian Festival
This festival is held in the Province’s Shrine during October of every year for 9 days and nights.
Phra Narai Appropriation Festival
The festival is held during April of each year at the Amphoe Takua Pa and is for 3 days and 3 nights.
Watching Full moon Festival at Ko Panyi
It is scheduled for the full moon night of the fifth month at Ko Panyi.
Phang-Nga Fishing Festival (Fishing Competition)
Organized at Baan Nam Kem, Amphoe Takua Pa, and Moo Ko Surin (the Surin Islands)

Credit :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phang_Nga_Province
http://www.phangngacity.org/index.php?name=Reviews

Travel Phuket Thailand

Phuket is one of the southern provinces of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island there are no land boundaries.

Phuket is known as the largest island located in Thailand. It’s the place that comprises of many wonderful beaches. Here you can look for some of the verdant coconut trees and some sparkling lagoons that are creating a verdant background. This is the exact reason why so many people across the globe preferring Phuket tour.

People coming here want to spend a good time with their family or friends on the sea beach or at the lagoon. However, Phuket is also having some other good option for you that can add more values for your Phuket tour. Here you find that every beach is unique and every creek can bring you different type of charm. If you are on to your Phuket tour, then don’t forget to look for the sunset here. This is simply marvelous. Watching the sun going below the horizon and having some fun at the wonderful beaches of Phuket can offer you more pleasure.

 
Cities

Only a few of Phuket's cities are not on the beach.
Phuket Town
  - The administrative center of the province, and the island's main population center. Has the cheapest accommodation, but no beaches.

Chalong Bay
   - On the east coast, home to Phuket's most popular yacht anchorage and the primary gateway to the islands off Phuket

Phuket, which is approximately the size of Singapore, is Thailand’s largest island. The island is connected to mainland Thailand by two bridges. It is situated off the west coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. Phuket formerly derived its wealth from tin and rubber, and enjoyed a rich and colorful history. The island was on one of the major trading routes between India and China, and was frequently mentioned in foreign ship logs of Portuguese, French, Dutch and English traders. The region now derives much of its income from tourism.

Credit :
http://wikitravel.org/en/Phuket
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phuket_Province
http://www.travelarticlelibrary.com/Article/Phuket-Tour---Going-to-be-Simply-Stupendous-for-You/86316