Travel in Thailand

Update "Swine Flu" news in Thailand

2009-05-21T03:06:00.000-07:00

The Thai government has assured foreign investors of their safety from the swine flu outbreak while visiting the country.Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva told a press conference earlier on Tuesday that his administration will try its best to make overseas tourists feel safe from the swine influenza which has killed more than 100 people in Mexico already.Abhisit also told the nation that there has not been any confirmed case of infection in Thailand yet.

However, local news have reported that a 42-year-old woman has just been admitted to Chulalongkorn Hospital today for suspected contraction of the deadly virus. Reports also stated that the country’s first flu suspect returned from Mexico earlier this month before falling sick. Meanwhile, the government has set up a special taskforce to monitor the situation in the kingdom. The team is chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kajornprasat.

In addition, Abhisit denied claims that the government has forbidden Thais from traveling to risk countries including Mexico and certain states in the U.S.However, he affirmed that strict measures are now in place to watch over the arrivals of suspected patients.At the same time, Public Health Minister, Witthaya Kaewparadai, has asked those with plans to visit the countries where the virus could be spreading to put off their plans for some time.

Moreover, Bangkok Governor, give 600,000 pcs of mask for people to prevent from the Swine Flu.

Government warns travellers to avoid Bangkok

2009-04-13T05:46:00.000-07:00

Australia, Russia and Hong Kong have joined governments around the world in urging their citizens to avoid or reconsider travelling to the protest-hit Bangkok.

The warnings were issued as troops fired warning shots and tear gas in clashes with petrol bomb-hurling protesters in Bangkok, leaving 70 injured, although there were no reports of tourists being involved or hurt.

Under-pressure prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Sunday issued a state of emergency in the capital, after a similar measure was imposed the day before in the popular resort city of Pattaya, 150 kilometres away.

"We urge Australians not in Bangkok to reconsider their need to travel to Bangkok,'' Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith told reporters in Canberra as the security situation in the "Land of Smiles'' deteriorated.

"Those Australians who are in Bangkok, we urge them to stay within their homes or their hotels, to certainly avoid demonstrations and to certainly avoid large gatherings of people,'' Smith added.

Smith's warning echoed an official travel advisory issued Monday, the fourth time in three days that the Australian government's advice on Thailand has been revised in the face of a rapidly evolving crisis.

In Tokyo, the Japanese foreign ministry warned travellers to be on high alert and to stay away from government buildings and street rallies.

The ministry also recommended that Japanese travellers and residents refrain from wearing red or yellow T-shirts to avoid being mistaken for either anti- or pro-government protesters.

A particular feature of the unrest in the past year has been the strong allegiance to colours, with the current anti-government demonstrators wearing red, while last year their opponents adopted yellow as their signature colour.

After an Asian summit in Pattaya was cancelled because of the protests on Saturday, Moscow quickly moved to advise its nationals against travel to Bangkok. Thailand has become increasingly popular with Russians in recent years.

"Russia's foreign ministry recommends that Russian tourists refrain from visiting Bangkok as long as protests continue, and those who stay in the town of Pattaya not to leave their hotels if possible,'' a ministry statement said.

The Philippines, Malaysia and South Korea on Monday also told travellers to stay away from Bangkok or exercise extreme caution there.

And Hong Kong stepped up its travel advisory.

"(The government) strongly urged Hong Kong residents to avoid travelling to Thailand, particularly Bangkok, unless they have an urgent need to do so,'' a spokesman said in a statement.

"Those who are already there should pay close attention to the situation there and stay away from large crowds or protesters.''

Hong Kong's Travel Industry Council estimated there were around 8,000 visitors from Hong Kong currently in Thailand, many who had jetted there over the long Easter weekend holiday.

Songkran is over

2009-04-13T02:42:00.000-07:00

The Bangkok governor has cancelled all Songkran activities hosted by city hall after the government declared a state of emergency yesterday.

ML Sukhumbhand Paribatra said the emergency decree would disrupt activities and spoil the atmosphere of the water festival, so he decided to scrap the ceremonies.

City hall had scheduled a range of activities across the city from April 11 to 15 to celebrate the festival.

Get free songkran graphics for decorate blog

Songkran celebrations at Khao San road - one of the most popular activities hosted by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration - were also cancelled as the political turmoil worsened.

But many tourists shrugged off the state of emergency declaration and embraced the water-splashing activities with gusto.

Dozens of revellers flocked to have their picture taken in front of a tank positioned at Khao San road after the emergency decree was declared.

Restaurant and tourism operators in the Khao San area said crowds were down 30% on last year's festival.

Thanathorn Madeesuthikul, a restaurant owner, blamed the shrinking tourist numbers and his falling revenue on the political turmoil. He urged the government to "quickly end the red shirt rally".

Tour agency manager Sirisak Surarattanawattana said 80% of Taiwanese tourists had cancelled their bookings since Saturday, when the red shirt protesters stormed the Asean summit venue in Pattaya.

Meanwhile, the death toll from Songkran-related road accidents has risen to 95 as of Saturday, with more than 900 accidents and almost 1,000 injuries reported.

Deputy permanent secretary for transport Tawanrat Ornsira said the number of road accidents and traffic-related injuries was down from the corresponding period last year, but the death toll was about the same.

How to get free travels in thailand

2009-03-01T07:21:00.000-08:00

1. Reset your expectations
If you think you are visiting a theme park, a luxury hotel or cruise ship and not pay a penny, you may be disappointed. As a result, many travelers have changed their expectations of holidays, says travel expert Pauline Frommer. "There appears to be a different mentality that govern the entire enterprise," he said. "People seem more interested in the destination - its cultural aspects, its attractions, its history - that obsessing over their hotel rooms, the hottest clubs or meal options." Of course, culture is relatively cheap compared with indulgences like visiting a spa or a gourmet meal. Some are even free.

2. Network with other freeloaders
The Internet is bustling with blogs and forums dedicated to freedom of travel opportunities. These include sites like Couchsurfing, which connects local people and travelers, and Global Freeloaders that helps you find free lodging. "People in these places open their homes to travelers who want not only free, but they also want to make the connections in the places they visit," says Susanna Zaraysky, author of the forthcoming book "Happy trip, Low Budget." "It a great way to meet new people. "Zaraysky said he" couchsurfed "in Los Angeles, Chicago, Berlin, Frankfurt and is about to stay on a farm in the area for nine days at zero cost.

3. Get a work trip
There are plenty of jobs that allow you to travel without paying. You can join the legions of whiny business travelers, who have managed to suck almost all the fun of travel. Or you could become a travel writer like me whiny. My colleagues and I successfully complete the work begun by warriors of the road, and yes, some of them often do not pay a penny. You can become a courier, a travel agency or a flight attendant, too. If none of the attractions of sound - and I do not blame if you say no to the above - then you might just organize a large group of people who want to travel. All you need is 30 people on a cruise or trip, and travel free according to Sharon Emerson, who through full disclosure is a travel agency, but it seems like.

4. Go to the park
What they expect any story about the "free" travel to include at least a mention of a national or state park. I do not want to disappoint you. While it is a fact that some parks are free, most are not. For example, last weekend visited Canaveral National Seashore, one of the most pristine beaches on the east coast of Florida, and we paid $ 6 to drive in. It costs nothing to walk. But it is well worth the money, especially when compared to a theme park or a hotel complex. Also, some great snapshots of children. If you live in a state with many parks, you might consider investing in an annual pass. For only $ 43, I can buy a year of unlimited access to all the Florida State Park, which is considerably less than what a lot of theme parks charge a day's income.

5. Get a smart phone
One of the major control travel costs, especially for someone like me who obsessively checks his Facebook, Twitter and email account, is the mobile phone. Add roaming charges abroad, and you are looking at taking a second mortgage when you come home. It is difficult to turn off your phone in a place of world, but to the wireless companies are being forced to stop charging usurious roaming charges, it is better to turn off their beloved handset. There are better ways to stay in touch. For example, Truphone is an application that allows you to make calls to other fixed wireless phones and sending text messages to other phones using a Wi-Fi. (There is a charge for calls, but phone calls with Truphone accounts are free.) Or you can use a service like Skype to make free Internet phone calls based on your computer.

6. Be creative
Francesca McLin cruise of Puget Sound to the Chesapeake Bay to Bermuda, have been in the house - or in this case, the boat. How so? She signed as a crew member. "In terms of travel costs, rental of a sailboat in most parts of the world costs more than $ 3,000 per week and $ 6000 if you hire a captain," said McLin, who runs a blog about travel free. "My trip took me from the crew of less than $ 200 each, which was shared to the food on board, while the cost of passage and back home." Now, this kind of adventure is not for someone like me who gets a green rocker. McLin, but the experience makes an important point for negotiation between us seekers. If you want something free, we must look beyond the ads in the Sunday travel section.

14th Asian Summit activity in Thaland

2009-02-17T21:18:00.000-08:00

between 27 Feb – 1 March 2009

Following a series of projects and activities launched in 2008, in 2009 Thailand is still proceeding on initiating as well as continuing activities which increase public awareness and understanding of ASEAN among people at all levels of societies. Under the current chairmanship of ASEAN, this year Thailand will be hosting 14th and 15th ASEAN summit meetings. It is hoped that these activities contribute in raising people’s awareness of ASEAN and build up sense of belonging of ASEAN among all the people through out the region.

Some of major activities are listed below.

- ASEAN Association-Thailand
- ASEAN Awareness and Thai Young Ambassador of Virtue Schools Project
- The 4th and 5th ASEAN Civil Society Conference
- ASEAN University Youth Summit 2009
- ASEAN Awareness with MK
- ASEAN Documentary
- ASEAN Anthem
- ASEAN Publications

The top must-miss places in the world

2009-01-25T21:10:00.000-08:00

Some cities have poor quality water that is not even necessary to warn passengers, "not drink the water." (Mexico City comes to mind.) However, Galway, Ireland? Who would think to drink only boiled or bottled water in Ireland? The rapid expansion and lax supervision have led to massive pollution of sewage from the River Corrib, which has contaminated the city drinking water.

Even what seems a perfectly safe place to visit a destination can be fatal - on the road. Highway 16 in Canada is the nickname of "Road of Tears" in 30 years, there have been at least 43 unsolved murders of women along this road alone.

Naples, Italy: A traveler's dream ... or your worst nightmare? Depends on when you go there. During the reorganization frequent strikes in the past 15 years, garbage piles were found in mass across the city. When these attacks are being carried out, the whole city is a health hazard, with rats, cockroaches and a smell that does not go away - even worse (and more dangerous) the burning of garbage by locals lots of sheer desperation .

NATURAL DISASTERS: The indigenous people of Shishmaref, Alaska, can not even go to your own place, we are on the way out. This 400 years old Alaska village was built on the permafrost, the melting of sea ice is making the area more vulnerable to storms and erosion. A big storm could wipe out the entire community of 600 people, making this small town a story warning of global warming and its devastating effects.

For a list of places that would not be caught dead in, check what you have just emerged from the University of South Carolina in Colombia: a map of death. The researchers analyzed mortality data of the last 40 years and found that in the country who were more likely to die from extreme heat, cold, hurricanes, storms and other natural phenomena. Skip the Northern Great Plains in the summer because it is particularly prone to drought and heat then, and be sure to avoid the Rocky Mountains in winter are no-go any location due to the freezing weather and flooding.

The Traveler’s Diet 3

2009-01-17T05:28:00.000-08:00

Cruising toward health

This equipment can help you work out even on one of the most challenging trips for those trying to stay healthy. Did you know that, on average, people gain 8 pounds on a seven-day cruise? The culprit is the all-you-can-eat buffets and the eat-any-time-you-want philosophy.

Your best antidote to bulging up here is to be smart and rely on the buddy system. If your significant other or travel companion is interested in staying fit, that built-in support system can help tremendously. After all, along with those buffets, cruise ships also offer swimming pools, exercise classes and even rock-climbing walls. (Have you noticed that onboard gyms on most cruise ships are full for the first two days, and then virtually empty for the rest of the week? People just give up. For you, that means never having to wait to work out.)

Sleep right

Scientists believe that the less sleep you get, the hungrier you are. But it’s not real hunger that you’re feeling in those conditions. When sleep is restricted in healthy, lean adults, leptin, a hormone that regulates appetite and promotes the feeling of fullness, actually decreases. When you’re sleep-deprived, false signals are sent to the brain that say you’re starving. And that’s when midnight minibar madness takes over. (Hint: Call up the hotel and have them empty out the minibar before you arrive. Temptation eliminated.)

The best way to counteract jet-lag-induced hunger is simple: Sleep well and drink lots of water. OK, that first one is easier said than done, but here are some tips on reducing post-flight fatigue and jet lag:

Try to arrange to arrive in the early evening so you can sleep the night in your hotel.

Set your watch to the destination time zone as soon as you get on the plane.

Flying west to east is harder on your body clock, so prepare yourself by waking up and going to bed earlier for a few days before your trip.

If it’s still light out when you arrive at your destination, take a walk to suppress your body’s natural melatonin production and reset your body clock.

Avoid alcohol: It may induce drowsiness, but usually results in fragmented sleep.

Avoid caffeine: It takes a few days to clear caffeine from your body, but definitely avoid it for at least six hours before your bedtime.

Eat high-protein breakfasts and lunches, and high-carbohydrate dinners to increase your levels of sleep-inducing serotonin.

This last one may be tough, but whenever possible, don’t eat your main meal after 8 p.m. That will help not only your sleep habits, but also your waistline.

If you're concerned about jet lag, do what I do: No matter what time you arrive, stay up until midnight local time. If you succumb to the temptation of a 3 p.m. nap, you won’t feel like yourself for three days. So stay awake. Take a walk. Shoot hoops. Do anything you can not to sleep until midnight. By the second night, your body will be back on its regular cycles. Then, repeat the same process before your flight home so you can adjust back to your normal routines of working out and eating right. Do that and you won’t gain back any weight you’ve lost by following healthy habits on the road.

The Traveler’s Diet 2

2009-01-14T07:58:00.000-08:00

Power walk

Here’s another airport tip: Keep moving. So many of us get lazy when we travel and sit around when we could be exercising. So get to the airport early and start walking. Its inexplicable layout is one of the reasons I dislike Miami International Airport so much, but at the same time, getting from Terminal C to Terminal D is a great mile-long walk. Or, at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, skip the skylink train and you can pack in as much as 2.5 miles of walking.

Even better, try to find a gym near (or in) the airport: The Hilton Hotel is located inside O’Hare, and you can get a day pass to its fitness center for $10. At Las Vegas’ McCarran International, a 24-Hour Fitness gym is located just above the south baggage claim. It’s free for members and $10 for everyone else. Want to find out if there’s a gym in your city’s airport? Check out http://www.airportgyms.com.

On the plane

Just because you’re in a confined space doesn’t mean you should stop moving. Not only will that help you stay fit, but it can also help prevent a serious medical condition. Deep vein thrombosis is sometimes called “economy-class syndrome” due to its association with a lack of legroom for long-haul coach passengers. (It can also arise even on shorter flights — anything longer than two hours and you should start moving.)

DVT occurs when blood clots form in the leg, usually from poor circulation; if it isn’t treated, it can be fatal.

The most common symptoms of DVT include:

Cramping or aching in the legs, particularly when moved
Elevated skin temperature in the area
Surface veins that become particularly noticeable
Swelling of the feet and legs

The more mobility you have on your flight, the better your circulation. So, try getting up and walking up and down the aisle, flexing and pointing your feet and rotating your ankles. Another technique is to sit straight up and take deep breaths; focus on a muscle group (such as abs, glutes or calves), and as you exhale, tighten those muscles for a count of 20. Release and repeat 10 times, in between drinking those bottles of water you brought along with you.

Exercising on the road

It’s not easy to stick to a workout routine when you’re away from home, especially in a hotel gym that boasts nothing more than a broken treadmill and a set of dumbbells. In fact, in a survey of 300 business travelers for Westin Hotels and Resorts, 64 percent said that hotel fitness rooms “seem like an afterthought,” and 55 percent said they avoided hotel gyms altogether because of their bad condition.

It wasn’t an easy adjustment for me, but I’ve learned over the years to rely on some easy-to-use, portable equipment that allows me to exercise in my hotel room on my own time. Here are the three essentials:

Inflatable weights: AquaBells (http://www.aquabells.com) are made of heavy-duty vinyl and weigh only 24 ounces when deflated. When you’re ready to work out, fill them with water to make them as heavy as 32 pounds per pair. You can also get lighter ankle weights, which make for a great workout when you’re walking through the airport or around town. A set of two dumbbells costs about $60, and smaller ankle weights cost about $30.

The Stick: This device (http://www.thestick.com) is less about burning calories and more about staying pain-free. It’s made of flexible pieces that help massage sore muscles and knots. Simply roll the stick along your muscles, and if you feel tender spots, keep rolling for 20-30 seconds. If you feel any knots, hold the stick at that spot for 20 seconds or until you feel the knot release.

A jump rope: Take a trip back in time and get yourself this gym-class essential. It gives you an all-over workout, working muscles throughout your body and getting your heart rate up. If you’re not the coordinated type, try something called a ropeless jump rope (http://www.jumpsnap.com) . Its battery-powered handles have balls at the end that spin around, creating the illusion that you’re jumping with a real rope — without getting tangled up in your hotel room.

The Traveler’s Diet 1

2009-01-12T02:56:00.000-08:00

The new year is always a good time to start a new routine, particularly if you’re concerned with losing weight, like so many Americans.

Despite your best intentions, however, travel is the great enemy — no matter what shape you’re in or whatever your exercise program. The minute you leave home, your routine takes an immediate vacation. That’s because when we travel, many of us give ourselves permission to go off the wagon when it comes to diet and exercise. It’s understandable: Long wait times at airports, unexpected delays, hotel minibars stocked with nothing but junk food, and out-of-whack sleeping and eating schedules stack the odds against us.

No one knows how difficult it is to keep healthy habits while traveling more than I do. I fly 400,000 miles a year, which means I've had a rather intimate relationship with airport food, airline food and hotel minibars. I used to snack on the run and became almost addicted to Diet Pepsi (up to 20 cans a day), peanut M&M's, Snickers and Pringles. And does the word Cinnabon ring a bell for anyone?

I soon reached a point where I needed to make a radical change in my eating habits — and my travel habits as well. The two were too closely intertwined.

Here’s what I learned along the way that helps me — even to this day — stay healthy on the road.

Brown-bag it

Carrying your own food is the best way to control your eating, no matter how, where or when you’re traveling. If you’re driving or taking a train, do what I do and lug along a six-pack of 8-ounce water bottles. Then bring your choice of apples, baby carrots, sliced peppers or a bag of dried fruit. If you’re flying, buy as much water as you can carry from the airport newsstand, along with easy-to-transport items like pretzels, trail mix or raisins. Or try one of the most overlooked snacks, beef jerky — low in fat, high in protein and tasty, too.

Terminal addiction

The one place where it’s really difficult to be a healthy traveler is the airport. Most airports offer either fast food or shockingly calorie-laden meals at sit-down restaurants. And when it comes to the food you can buy on the plane, why bother paying $8 for a soggy sandwich that isn’t good for you anyway?

So your first move should be a defensive one: Don’t leave home with an empty stomach. That especially applies to business travelers who seem never to have enough time to eat a decent meal, which often results in unhealthy snacking on the road.

But there are some diet-friendly choices out there. In the atrium of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, you’ll find Atlanta Bread Company (known as Panera in other locations), which sells items like a veggie sandwich (just hold the cheese and mayo), fruit salad and garden vegetable soup. At Chicago’s O’Hare, Burrito Beach offers a healthy black-bean-and-rice burrito — but, again, be proactive and ask to hold the cheese.

Even the big chains have smarter options. At TGI Friday’s, stick with the grilled shrimp skewers and salad and get your dressing on the side. Or try the spaghetti with marinara sauce at Sbarro or the black-bean burger at Chili’s.

And here's a big surprise: Remember that dreaded Cinnabon? A lot of us, myself included, are initially seduced by its fabulous smell. And if we have the discipline as we approach the counter, we might decide to pass it up for a turkey wrap sandwich from the kiosk next door. We might think we’re making a healthier choice. But guess what? In order to keep that sandwich moist, which may sit in a refrigerator display case for eight hours or more, the bread is coated with so much high-cholesterol/high-calorie sauce that it might actually be worse than the Cinnabon. My advice: Skip them both!

By Peter Greenberg

Free Thailand Maps 100+

2008-12-13T19:27:00.000-08:00

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Ko Samui, Ko PhaNgan, Ko Surin, Ko Similan, Ko Chang, Ko Samet, Ko PhiPhi, Snorkelling, Scuba Diving etc

More Maps available on : http://www.athailand.com/

Thailand Suwannabhumi airport is now open

2008-12-02T22:50:00.000-08:00

Bangkok - Anti-government demonstrators agreed on Tuesday to allow flights to resume from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi international airport after a week-long blockade, a protest leader said.

"As of this moment the PAD (People's Alliance for Democracy) has allowed flights to take off and land immediately, both passenger and cargo flights," senior alliance member Somkiat Pongpaiboon said.

The PAD occupied Suvarnabhumi and the smaller Don Mueang domestic airport last week, stranding 350 000 passengers and causing massive damage to the Thai economy. - Sapa-AFP

PHRA THAT DOI TUNG

2008-07-07T04:30:00.000-07:00

Today you will see the popular travel destination in thailand.

The Phra That Doi Tung stupa was constructed on a mountain peak called Doi Tung in 911 A.D (1454 B.E.) and is considered to be one of the oldest and most sacred of the Northern Thai kingdom known as Lanna.
The stupa enshrines the collar-bone of Lord Buddha, known as Phra That in Thai, and thus is a sacred religious monument deeply revered by Buddhist followers throughout Thailand, Myanmar and Laos.
The word ‘tung’ refers to a vertical flag or banner used to mark the boundary of sacred sites and religious structures such as temples and shrines. Hence the origins of its name, Phra That Doi Tung – the stupa on flag mountain.
It is believed that the existing route that leads to the stupa follows the same path taken by the Lord Buddha as he made his journey through the countryside to preach to his disciples and followers. The road passes by the Wat Noi Doi Tung temple and Tepparak Garden, believed to be the abode of angels and celestial beings that guard the holy shrine of Phra That Doi Tung. The Phra That Doi Tung is a distance of 7 km from the Royal Villa on the old route and 12 km along the new route.

About Korat

2008-06-06T04:40:00.000-07:00

Korat
Though in modern times it is a developed industrial town, there is much to see of historical interest nearby.

Twin Towns

During Ayutthaya’s prominence, two towns united to form Nakorn Ratchasima, commonly known as Korat. Now a busy industrial city, it shares many of Bangkok’s features, both good (nightlife and bazaars) and bad (pollution). If you are coming from Bangkok and desire peace and quiet, nearby Phimai is a good base from which to visit Korat during the day.

US Vets Cafeteria

There was an American air base near Korat during the Vietnam War, and you can still visit the Veterans of Foreign wars Cafeteria on Phoklang Road. Some ex-GIs have since settled here.

Historical Monuments

Appealing temples include Wat Sala Loi, with its junk-shaped chapel, and Wat Phra Narai Maharat, which houses Korat’s city pillar and a Khmer statue of Vishnu. Mahawirawong National Museum houses more Khmer stonework and other artifacts. Also interesting is the Thao Suranani Memorial, which honors a Thai woman who, with her citizens’ army, expelled Lao aggressors in the early 1800s. Locals make offerings to her spirit for protection, and traditional Korat folk singing (financed by grateful worshippers) is a nightly event opposite the memorial. Thao Suranani also has her own festival; Korat’s biggest, from late March to early April. This involves folk singing, drama (Li-Kay), parades and beauty pageants.

Doi Suthep

2008-05-21T01:55:00.000-07:00

I found this article and want you read it

When you reach this Holy Buddhist place, the first thing you will notice is business (left hand side picture), as usual everywhere in Thailand. To reach the Temple of Doi Suthep, climb the stairs (see the right hand side picture) for the best experience.
There has been a kind of rail-elevator, that has been closed down after an accident. It was not in operation in 2004. I do not know if this elevator has been re-opened ever since. There are about 300 steps to climb. The reward is more than worth the effort. You will see a beautiful Buddhist Temple and you will experience a beautiful view. While climbing the stairs, you should pay attention to the giant dragons on the sides of the stairs (they appear already downstairs; see the right hand side picture).
How was the spot for this Temple chosen? When the Temple was being planned, about 600 years ago, the Buddha relics, to put inside the Chedi of the Temple, were put on the back of an elephant. At the spot where this elephant would stop, the Temple was going to be built. The elephant stopped at the spot where the Temple has been built, which is not the top of the mountain, but roughly just halfway the mountain.

When arriving at the top of the stairs, you will see the outer buildings first. The Temple is walled. There will still be some business in this area outside the wall (food and souvenir sellers). The left hand side picture shows one of the entrances top the walled Temple. One of the things you will notice, still in the outside area, are the many Temple bells (rakhang in Thai). Ring them if you like.

Then you should prepare to enter the Holy area trough one of the entrances, shown higher on this page. As usual, you will have to take off your shoes. The giant Chedi, covered with gold, is the dominant sight inside. It contains the Buddha relics. Wat Prathat Doi Suthep dates back from the fourteenth century. It is one of the most important remains of the Lanna culture in Thailand.
The Lanna Kingdom was a Kingdom in the North of Thailand, at about the same time as the Kingdom of Ayutthaya was in charge of Central Thailand.
The chedi is surrounded by four golden "umbrella's", one of which can be seen on the picture. They seem to have a function, similar to the "corner stones" that you find around ever Buddhist Temple (Wat) in Thailand.

Ayutthaya Province

2008-04-25T07:30:00.000-07:00

Ayutthaya is one of the most popular province near Bangkok. I recommend you to go to...
Monuments in the area of Historical Park

The Royal Palace
when King Boroma-Tri-Loka-Nat ascended the throne in 1448, he built Wat Phra Sri Sanphet on the site of the old building, and erected a new residence nearer the river.
* Suriyat Amarindra Buliding was built by King Narai the Great on the site of the Bencharatana Building of King Borom-tri-loka-nat, near the compound wall by the river side.
* Sanphet-Prasat Building was built by King Boroma-Tri-Loka-Nat used for the reception in of guests of State.
* Wihara Somdet Building was constructed by the command of King Prasat Thong in 1643 to replace the Mangkalaphisek Building, which built by King Boroma-Tri-Loka-Nat. It was used for such State ceremonies as coronations.
* Chakrwat-Phaichayon Building was used by the kings for reviewing processions and military exerecises. King Prasat Thong founded this building in 1632 and called it Siriyasothorn Mahaphimanbanyoug which was afterwards changed in to Chakrawat Phaichayon.
* The Banyong-Ratanat Builiding (Thai Sra Building) was built on an islet in a lake in 1688 by the commeand of King Phetha Racha.
* The Banyong-Ratanat Building (Thai Sra Building) was built on an islet in a lake in 1688 by the command of King Phetha Racha.
* The Tri Muk Building is mentioned for the first time in the chronircle of the reign of King Boroma-racha ll where it states that this building was destroyed by fire in 1427. In 1908 King Chulalongkorn had the fortieth anniversary of his reign, he commanded Phay Boranrachathanindra to construct a three-portico pavilico on the foundation of what is understood to be the original Tri Muk Building.
* The Song Puen Building was used as the hall of audience since it was situated near his residence. The officials who had audience with the king had access to this building through the Maha phoka rat gate which was the nearest one.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Wat Phra Si Sanphet was situated on the premises of the royal palace which had been established in the reign of King Ramathibodi I (King U-Thong). In 1448 King Boroma-Tri-Loka-Nat dedicated the site of the palace to the construction of the temple. The important edifices in this temple are the three main stupas containing the ashes of King Boroma-Tri-Loka-Nat, King Boroma-Rachathirat lll and King Ramathibodi ll . It was a royal temple of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, used for such important royal ceremonies as swearing allegiance l and it also served as the royal family's private chapel and the place where the royal family's ashes were preserved. No monks resided here though they were occasionally invited for particular rites.
Wat Mahathat
Wat Mahathat was a grand temple, like wat Ratchaburana. The royal chronicle says that it was built in the reign of King Boroma-Rachathirat l in 1374 and completed in the reign of King Ramesuan. The main prang where the relic of the Lord Buddha was kept and found is originally 50 metres high. At present only the base can he seen as the top was broken down in 1911 in the reign of King Rama Vl.
Wat Ratchaburana
Wat Ratchaburana was built in the reign of King Boromrachthirat ll (Chao Sam Phya) in 1424 on the cremation site of his brothers, Prince Ai and Yi. They died of fighting for the throne on elephant's backs. Two chedi for the ashes of the two princes were built on the combat spot, which was between Wat Mahathat and Wat Ratchaburanan. At present only the bases can be seen. In the main prang, two crypts filled with golden royal treasure, such as Buddha images, and votive tablets, were foud. The finds are exhibited in the Chao Sam Phya National Museum, Ayutthaya.
Wat Phra Ram
King Ramesuan established Wat Phra Ram in 1369 on the cremation site of King Ramathibodi l, his father. At present, the temple is situated near Phra Ram pond which has originally called "Nong Sano". In the temple there remains a main prang surrounded by a cloister containing deteriorated stone Buddha images. The ubosot (ordination hall) is in north of the site.
Wihara Phra Mongkhon Bophit
Wihra Mongkhon Bophit is one of the largest Buddha lmage in the attitude of subduing. The image was probably built in the reign of King Chairacha in 1538 for Wat Chi Chieng. During the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767 Wihara Phra Mongkhon Bophit was fired. The right arm and the knot of the Buddha image were broken.
In the reign of king Rama V (1992), Phraya Boranratchathanin restored the broken parts of the image with mortar and the wihara was built to cover the image in 1956.
Phra Chedi Si Suriyothai
Phra Chedi Si Suriyothai is situated in Wat Suan Luang Sopsawan, the place where Queen Suriyothai, king Mahachakraphat's wife, was cremated. She died on an elephant's back, having saved her husband from danger in the war with Burma. The chedi and the temple were established in 1548 in memorial of the Queen's heroic deed.

Join Songkran festival in Thailand

2008-03-26T01:20:00.000-07:00

Why you like it?

Songkran is a Thai traditional New Year which starts on April 13 every year and lasts for 3 days. Songkran festival on April 13 is Maha Songkran Day or the day to mark the end of the old year, April 14 is Wan Nao which is the day after and April 15 is Wan Thaloeng Sok which the New Year begins. At this time, people from the rural areas who are working in the city usually return home to celebrate the festival. Thus, when the time come, Bangkok temporarily turns into a deserted city.

Songkran is a Thai word which means "move" or "change place" as it is the day when the sun changes its position in the zodiac. It is also known as the "Water Festival" as people believe that water will wash away bad luck.
The Songkran tradition is recognized as a valuable custom for the Thai community, society and religions. The value for family is to provide the opportunity for family members to gather in order to express their respects to the elders by pouring scented water onto the hands of their parents and grandparents and to present them gifts including making merits to dedicate the result to their ancestors. The elders in return wish the youngsters good luck and prosperity.
The values for community is to provide the opportunity to create unity in the community such as to jointly acquire merits, to meet each other and to enjoy the entertaining events. And for the society value is to create concern upon environment with cooperation such as to clean houses, temples, public places and official buildings. Thais value the religion bye means of merits acquisition, offerings alms to monks, Dhamma Practice, listening to sermon and monks-bathing.
In the afternoon, after performing a bathing rite for Buddha images and the monks, the celebrants both young and old, joyfully splash water oon each other. The most-talked about celebration takes place in the northern province of Chiang Mai where Songkran is celebrated from April 13 to 15. During this period, people from all parts of the country flock there to enjoy the water festival, to watch the Miss Songkran Contest and the beautiful parades.

Travel along Khonkaen province

2008-03-12T08:29:00.000-07:00

Attractions

Bung Kaen Nakhon - Located in the southern region of the city, this lake is a popular entertainment area with numerous restaraunts and other entertainment.

Chonnabot Silk District - 60 km southwest from Khon Kaen, an area famous for its silk, it also hosts a Thai Silk Exhibition Hall.

Khon Kaen Horse Racing Track - Located on Mittraphrap Road between Lotus and Makro, there is horse racing almost every weekend.

Khon Kaen National Museum - Located on the northside of the city, open daily, this regional museum contains artifacts from the Ban Chiang and Fa Daet Song Yang (Kalasin) excavation sites.

Khon Kaen University- Located just outside the northern part of the city, this is the largest university in northeast Thailand. To go to the Computer Engineering Department just click the link.

Pha Nok Khao - 125 km west of Khon Kaen, this unique mountain extends into Loei Province and provides a scenic view of the surrounding country side.

Phra That Kham Kaen - 30 km northeast of Khon Kaen, this pagoda was built as the legend goes after two revered monks spent the night there and noticed a dead tree, upon there return later the tamarind tree had flowered. The pagoda was built over this hardwood log (kham kaen) and the city's (Khon Kaen) name evolved from this.

Phu Kao - Phu Phan Kham National Park - 56 km northwest of Khon Kaen, this national park offers guesthouses, trekking, and camping.

Phu Wiang National Park - 90 km northwest of Khon Kaen, the park has a scenic view of the surrounding mountains, the valley, caves, and waterfalls. The park contains several archaeological sites and dinosaur fossils.

Tortoise Village - 50 km south of Khon Kaen in Mancha Khiri District, approximately 2,000 tortoises reside in the main 4 rai Shrine and the surrounding area. Most villagers do not have walls or fences to impede the touroises daily ritual of scavenging for food.

Ubolrat Dam - 50 km northwest of Khon Kaen, this is the largest dam in the northeast. The east side has the golf course and the west side has a swimming area.

Wat Jien Bung Kaen Nakhon - is located on the east side of Bung Kaen Nakhon Lake. This temple is very popular on Chinese holidays.

Wat Nongwang - is located south of the city on Klangmuang Road. A good view of Khon Kaen city and Bung Kaen Nakhon Lake can be seen from the balconies surrounding the outside of the Temple.

Wat Wutharam - is located on Darun Samran Road just south of the train station. Many people as part of there merit making buy fish at the local market and set them free in the small lake.

Cool!!! Hat-Yai of Songkla

2008-03-04T03:45:00.000-08:00

I like hatyai very much and recommend you to ...

See
Chinese Temples - notably the Kuan Im temple up on the hill behind Hat Yai Municipal Park.
The reclining Buddha at Wat Hat Yai Nai.
Tone Nga Chang Waterfall.
Songkhla Zoo
Ko Yo

Do
Visa Run - If you need to extend your stay in Thailand another 30 days, you can cross the border at Dannok, near Sadao. Getting there from the airport is easy and takes about 2 hours. From the airport walk straight out into the parking lot to the parking lot ring road. You can wait here for a light blue songthaew to take you into town and get dropped off at The Plaza for 13 baht. The ride takes about 20-30 minutes. You can also take an airport taxi into town. At The Plaza, you can find a van waiting just across from the TOT office, which makes regular trips to Dannok. If you can't find it, just say "Sadao" or "Dannok" to people till they point you the right way. The trip is 50 baht, and vans leave once they are full. The trip should take about 1 hour 30 minutes. It will drop you off near the border at Dannok and you can just walk to exit Thailand. You will be approached by motorcycle drivers who will offer to take you to the Malaysian side. Walking takes about 10 minutes, so it could be worth it to pay 20 baht each way if you are in a hurry. If you have time, a stop at the duty free shop is worthwhile. Minivans returning to Hat Yai depart from outside the 7-Eleven store in Dannok.
Thai Massage - No trip to Thailand would be complete without a Thai massage and Hat Yai is one of the places to get them. One good place would be Hai Yai Central Hotel. The rooms are nicely decorated and provide a soothing environment to go with a good massage.

Buy
Lee Garden Plaza - The most popular mall for Thai teenagers. Restaurants include Sizzler, Swensens, McDonalds and Fuji among others. Shops inside sell books, clothes, mobile phones and souvenirs. There is a multiplex cinema and a games complex which also includes Karaoke booths.
Odean Shopping Mall - Mostly clothes.
Diana Shopping Mall - Clothes, mobile phones, restaurants and a bowling alley.
Tesco Lotus - Located near the Prince of Songkhla University, a large supermarket that sells food, clothes, household items and lots more. There are also a number of restaurants and smaller shops just outside the main supermarket.
Carrefour - Very similar to Tesco Lotus.
Central Department Store - Probably Hat Yai's most upmarket store. Clothes, cosmetics, books, household goods and there is a TOPS food supermarket in the basement.

Eat
Although not in the same league as Bangkok, there are a lot of different food options on offer in Hat Yai. Typical Thai street food is abundant almost everywhere. Big, international chain restaurants have branches in town offering Japanese and Western food. Ethnic Chinese from Malaysia and Singapore make up the bulk of Hat Yai's tourists so many restaurants and hotels cater primarily for them. Just opposite Lee Gardens (next to the Regency Hotel) you will see a restaurant which spit-roasts suckling pigs every day. Large, open-air seafood restaurants are also popular with Chinese visitors and the quality of seafood available in Hat Yai is good. Behind Regency Hotel and Lee Garden Hotel is a Vermicillin Store with a Teochew speaking lady boss. The store opens from 10pm-6am. Its beside the street Thanon Duangchan. For those who likes to eat pork ribs soup or "Bak Kut Tea", you can find this place called "YA LUN ROU KU CHA" with telephone no. 01-6082829 There is also a large resident Muslim population and some visitors from Malaysia are also Muslim so finding Halal food isn't a problem. Across the street from Lee Garden hotel there are a couple of Muslim restaurants, Hamid restaurant is not too bad. Nice clean and good food. There are several small ones nearby. Certain Chinese are vegetarian and the town has a good selection of small vegetarian restaurants that offer tofu and soy meat substitutes.

Krabi, Life of nature

2008-02-23T03:10:00.000-08:00

This is information of Krabi, a famous province in Thailand

Attractions
The popular Phi Phi Islands consists of 2 separate islands famed for their spectacular landscapes, beautiful beaches and spectacular island reefs teeming with variety of coral fishes. Ideal place to enjoy scuba diving. Its paradise-like appearance can best be seen in the movie, The Beach, where most of the filming occurred. Koh Lanta Yai is a predominantly Muslim fishing island where many resorts have recently sprouted up. The island is covered with forested hills sweeping down to numerous sandy bays on the western side. A good alternative for those seeking peace and quiet.

On a smaller scale, an island worth visiting, but with fewer tourists, is Koh Hong (Room Island), an island encircled on 3 sides by towering limestone formations. The cove inside, with its crystal clear waters and pristine beach, inspires images of a deserted island. Closer to the mainland are Koh Poda and Koh Hua Khwan (Chicken Island), ideal spots for snorkeling and playing in the waters and beaches.

Mountaineers and rock climbing fanatics will love the climbing trails at Railei Bay. With a cliff wall dotted with deep niches and stalactite hauls, the runs offer various levels of difficulty satisfying to challenge novice to experts. But the main attractions are the sun, scenery and the ambience. Nowhere else can you start climbing straight from the beach, with the promise of a cooling dip into the shimmering turquoise water after mastering a difficult route.

Slightly north of town is Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Temple) named after a rock formation resembling a tiger paw. Regarded as one of the most renowned forest temples in the south, the main hall was built inside the cave, providing a peaceful environment for practicing meditation. A circular path in the nearby forest offers a pleasant walk and a 300-meters high staircase leads to a large Buddha image and Buddha footprint perched atop the cliff. Great view of the province.
Regarded as the symbol of Krabi, the Khao Khanap Nam (Hill Beside the Water) rises high above the waters before the city. A long tail boat will quickly transport you to the site, where one has to climb a staircase to see caves with stalactites and stalagmites. Highly interesting archaeological remains were discovered here, along with some human remains believed to be earlier immigrants.

Aside from frolicking in the sun and playing in the waters, most sport enthusiasts enjoy the diverse marine surroundings by partaking in sea kayaking. The most beautiful bay of mangrove forests in Thailand is at Ao Thalan (Thalan Bay). Towering karst formations and lovely offshore islands surrounding the bay creates complex channels for maneuvering your kayaks.
Not far from town is the Noppharat Thara Beach, a scenic, tranquil beach lined with soft pine trees and extending for several kilometers. The beach has a relatively flat slope, being safe enough for children to play in. At low tide, you can walk to the rocky island located one kilometer away from the beach.

Long ago, a fresh water marsh was densely populated mainly by pond snails, which multiplied at such great rates that the dead formed a floor for the living. Over eons, the repeated process created a layer of fossils about 40 cm thick. Scientific tests have proven that the fossils at the Fossil Shell Beach are about 40 million years old.

A 12-km bumpy ride from Khlong Thom District leads to a hot spring in the forest. Walk further and discover the rewarding Tung Tieo Forest Trails. Posted signs guide you through the protected woodlands with ample opportunities for dips in the emerald pools along the trails.

Samui Island

2008-02-13T23:12:00.000-08:00

Now I want to tell you a famous island.

Koh Samui is an island of natural beauty and charm, a place where you can have a wonderful holiday. Blue-sky days and a nice ocean breeze are the norm. Today tourist from the whole world go to this paradise. It´s located in the Gulf of Siam and surrounded by over sixty other Islands.
Sunbath or swim all day is great; however, when you get bored there is hundreds of great to do and good places to go around. There are several restaurants and bars or choose to spend your time in couple of gyms. You´ll find a great Thaiboxing camp also. The nearby islands Koh Phangan (Fullmoon Party), Koh Tao Koh Nangyuan, Koh Tan (Diving) and Koh Matsum (Pearl Farm) offer more local attractions worthwhile investigating if you feel a little adventurous.
It is Surat Thani's major tourist attraction. The island has numerous lovely beaches and bays. It is almost literally an island of coconuts and forested hills, and is fast be coming a resort of international stature. Samui's best beaches line the northern and eastern coasts, the most popular being Chaweng and Lamai where, generally, the most attractive accommodation is found. Besides beaches, other island attractions include the Hin Lat and Na Muang waterfalls the phallic rock formations at the southern end of Lamai Bay; a massive seated Buddha inage of Fan isle and Na Thon, the island's major seafront settlement where shops, restaurants, tour agencies and hotels are located.

Pictures and locations of waterfalls, famous rock formations and other points of interest. Small maps highlight locations on the island so that you may plan an individual island tour. Some of the attractions are commercial but have become so popular that we must include them. The places of interest section also includes links to other pages.
Temple Samui not only offers beaches and coconuts, but is also rich in traditions and cultures. There are several temples, or wat, in Samui. Some of these vary in style and size. The most famous in Samui is the Big Buddha.
Waterfalls There are several waterfalls you can discover on the island. There are 3 major waterfalls which can be easily accessed and others which are more difficult to find.
National Park Ang Tong is a fascinating group of islands in the north of Samui rising from the sea as dramatic walls of rock. Besides small caves and beaches you will find some strange formations nature has formed. One island has a mysterious sink hole, completely enclosed by walls of rock, in its center.
Animals Discover the world of exotic wildlife. See how animals signal each other... and how intelligent they are. The animal show gives audiences a rare opportunity to witness animal behavior in their habitat.
Viewpoints & others Fascinating and breath-taking views over Samui and the surroundings.

Chiangmai Info

2008-02-04T07:56:00.000-08:00

Thailand, Chiang Mai Guide
Chiang Mai ,the old capital city of Lan Na Kingdom.
One of the most beautiful scenery city :hills,moutains stream ,
lakes ,fields and waterfalls.Mysteries are in the valleys and
moutains waiting for your discovery.Shopping is a fun experience.
All of these make ChiangMai popular with visitors.

Festivals in Chiang Mai

The Chiang Mai flower festival Flowers in Chiang Mai are at their best before the end of the cool season when this festival is held. This falls on the first weekend of February. The center of the festival is the parade held in the morning of Saturday. Floats decorated with flowers illustrate the theme chosen for the year. The beauty queens surrounded by flowers make a magical sight. The flower beds of the public gardens are bathed in colour and special displays are maintained till the end of Sunday. Besides the flowers beauty contests are held and the Thai beauty participants will sit atop of the floats as they pass by. It is also usual to have a beauty contest for the visiting tourists as well.

2008 flower festival dates – Chiang Mai: 1st, 2nd & 3rd Feb 2008
Songkran – Chiang Mai Without a doubt Chiang Mai is the place to be during the Thai Songkran celebrations. Songkran in Chiang Mai is celebrated with so much more gusto here then in other locations around Thailand. The streets especially around the old moat area turn into a gridlocked water throwing frenzy which lasts many days. The festival marks the start of the Thai new (lunar) new year. There is a songkran procession through the streets starting from Narawat Bridge to Pra Singh temple in the old city. Apart from the water throwing this is a time for Thai merit making at the temples and house cleaning in preparation for the new year.
2008 Songkran Dates – Chiang Mai: For 2008 Songkran will fall on the 13-15 April. In Chiang Mai the water throwing festivities will last many days over this period probably from the 11th to 16th. (Dates to be confirmed)

Loi Krathong – Chiang MaiLoi Krathong is the most colourful festival of the year. It takes place over three days of the full moon of the twelfth lunar month which usually falls in November. People generally believe that by releasing floats and balloons they get rid of bad luck and give thanks to the water and heavenly elements. For the three nights of the festival people release small floats known as Krathongs with offerings that include incense, candles, flowers and money into the rivers and lakes.. The River Ping becomes a stream of lights floating gently with the current. Small paper hot air balloons rise like lanterns high into the sky complementing the floats drifting o¬n the waters. Fireworks are let off everywhere particularly on the banks of the Ping River and there is a parade each night in Chiang Mai.

2007 Loi Kratong dates – Chiang Mai: 23 Nov 2007 - 24 Nov 2007
Bo Sang Umbrella FestivalBo Sang Umbrella & Sankampang Handicrafts Festival take place 20th-22nd January at Ban Bo Sang, Sankampang. The festival is in the form of a "street fair" in which the central road of the village is used, with stores on both sides. Stores are decorated in Lanna style, most with the well-known umbrellas, as well as with traditional lanterns. In addition there are contests, exhibitions, cultural performances, local entertainment, and assorted shows day and night. There is a grand procession decorated with umbrellas and local products, a variety of handicrafts for sale, northern-style kantoke meals, and the Miss Bo Sang pageant.

Want you to see

2008-02-02T07:15:00.000-08:00

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About Pattaya

2008-01-31T01:17:00.000-08:00

Let's go to Pattaya

Pattaya is a popular resort on the North Gulf Coast of Eastern Thailand, 150 km south-east of Bangkok. Most famous for its go-go and beer bars, it's also one of Thailand's best locations for all manner of sports and activities. Some of the beaches are lacklustre (by Thailand's high standards) and rampant over-development has long since destroyed any natural charms it once had, but its plethora of hotels and guest houses and convenient location with quick and easy access from the capital make it a popular weekend getaway. Catering for over 5 million tourists yearly, Pattaya is also able to offer an excellent range of eating choices and a wide variety of things to do and see.

Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical GardenNong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden represents a concerted effort to manage plant species in cultivation. The garden and other participating institutions work together to preserve long-term genetic diversity in cultivated populations as well as propagate highly endangered species. Moreover, the Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical garden supports the long-term field efforts and comprehensive ex situ conservation programs world wide.

Underwater World Pattaya At Underwater World Pattaya, visitors are taken on a ‘voyage to the bottom of the sea' , which begins at the sandy beaches and shallow rock pools at the water's edge. From here, they start their descent, passing brightly colored corals and all kinds of exotic ocean-dwellers along the way. Finally they come to a spectacular 100 meter-long tunnel with acrylic windows, home to great shoals of fish, prowling predators and a host of other creatures that inhabit the ocean depths.

Travel around Phuket

2008-01-26T22:33:00.000-08:00

Information for people who would like come to Phuket
I like and love world class diving in the Andaman Sea, golf at world-standard championship courses or exciting eco-adventures in tropical forests, Phuket is a place to extend your horizons. Take an exhilarating speedboat trip to the surrounding islands, or enjoy a serene cruise around mystical Phang Nga Bay.

Parents and children, beach bums and barflies, newlyweds and 90-year-olds: Phuket has everything you’re looking for. It caters to all tastes, every budget, and promises to deliver a smile-filled holiday in the exotic surrounds of one of the planet’s most exciting island getaways.

Having shed its seedy image of old, Patong Beach is a fully fledged bustling holiday resort. Every year it gets more and more popular with hordes coming to soak up the sun, scenery and often beer. Let us tell you all you need to know and much much more.

For many the sun, the beach and partying goes hand in hand. Phuket's reputation as a partying hotspot is well deserved with an international crowd of revelers but it's not all loud music and dancing - bars, live bands and jazz features . I tell you don't miss the Phuket Fantasea show.

National parks with hidden lagoons, beautiful tropical islands and elephant safaris are a few examples.

Now I think you can plan and book your tours before you leave home.

Bangkok; City of life.

2008-01-26T22:22:00.000-08:00

about Bangkok city
Bangkok just gets better and better, and certainly lives up to its reputation as a hot spot in Southeast Asia. Say goodbye to traffic jams - thanks to the city's modern skytrain and underground systems that cover a large area.

And I will tell you Bangkok basic information now!

There are no major health risks in Thailand that you wouldn't be able to prevent. Bangkok is a tropical city, so it's pretty warm and humid throughout the year. In fact, people often jokingly say Thailand has only three seasons: hot, hotter and hottest! The hottest season is in April and May, when temperatures soar deep into the 30's.

Tour with thai people in Bangkok

A day or two is not enough to sample the best of what Bangkok has to offer. Thailand's capital now for nearly 300 years, Bangkok has many sights and attractions that represent the country's rich historical and cultural heritage.

You should discover the secrets of Thai cuisine. And learn the Thai word for delicious: 'Aroi!'

Visiting Thailand's temples and palaces is an awe-inspiring experience.

One Day in Bangkok with Amazing Thailand slogan
Wake up in Bangkok and know that anything is possible. My perfect day would begin with a walk down the busy streets to select the best egg noodle soup with wontons and red pork, a delicious, ubiquitous dish and an excellent hangover cure. A trip down the river is next on the cards, a wonderful breezy way to see the city and its monuments without choking to death. A stop at a riverside restaurant is always scenic and delicious - I'd probably seek out some soft-shelled crab with glass noodles at In Love restaurant at Thewet pier. Jumping off the ferry at Saphan Taksin, I would skytrain it up to Siam for some shopping, making sure there's time at the end of the day for a calming swim, a Thai massage and a bag of mangosteens. Bangkok is all about alternating the pampering with the hard yards, the chic heights with the seething streets. An ideal evening, therefore, involves somewhere very fancy for drinks, like sunset at Vertigo (the rooftop bar at the Banyan Tree Hotel) and then local street food - say spicy salad and sticky rice, red curry squid and morning glory - on plastic chairs in the warping heat. The car park on the corner of Ratchadamri Road and Soi Sarasin, near Lumphini park, is great, as are many places in the Samsen sois in Banglamphu. Alternatively, I'd go for cold beer and salty beans at the little makeshift bars that line the Chatuchak weekend market (wonderful post-shopping ambience as the market is closing) followed by an inner-city restaurant. Dinner cruises run by the fancy hotels are super-touristy but a great treat for visitors. If there's a night out on the cards I would begin it with G&T's at Cheap Charlie's bar on Sukhumvit Soi 11 or Admakers (great live music) on Soi Lang Suan, and let the random and glorious energy of the city decide the rest. A midnight snack and a walk down the human zoo of Khao San Road is always entertaining, especially when the bars close and the messy hordes spill into the street.