Krabi

Krabi

The small town 814 kms. away from Bangkok is a pleasant place to spend a few days sight-seeing before heading out to one of the local beaches or islands. Surrounded by spectacular limestione karst scenery and mangrove and monsoon forest it offers the nature lover a huge choice of day trips.

Visit any of the forest parks or take a day trip out to the nearby Pha Nga bay to see strangely shaped mountains rising out of the sea above traditional Muslim fishing villages on stilts.

History seekers will not be disappointed either with a large number of old wats (temples) in the area including the famous Tiger cave Temple. See day trip links for further information Krabi Town itself offers the visitor a vast range of accommodation and eating options and shopping needs; from the colourful local markets to modern department stores like Vogue, plus everything in between. It is the best place to base yourself to visit this truly beautiful part of Thailand.

Krabi is a southern province on Thailand's Andaman seaboard with perhaps the country's oldest history of continued settlement. After dating stone tools, ancient colored pictures, beads, pottery and skeletal remains found in the province's many cliffs and caves, it is thought that Krabi has been home to homo sapiens since the period 25,000 - 35,000 B.C. In recorded times it was called the 'Ban Thai Samor', and was one of twelve towns that used, before people were widely literate, the monkey for their standard.

At that time, c. 1200 A.D., Krabi was tributary to the Kingdom of Ligor, a city on the Kra Peninsula's east coast better known today as Nakhon Si Thammarat.

So followers many emigrated in the steps of the Phra Palad that soon Krabi had a large community in three different boroughs : Pakasai, Khlong Pon, and Pak Lao. In 1872, King Chulalongkorn graciously elevated these to town status, called Krabi, a word that preserves in its meaning the monkey symbolism of the old standard. The town's first governor was Luang Thep Sena, though it continued a while as a dependency of Nakhon Si Thammarat. This was changed in 1875, when Krabi was raised to a fourth-level town in the old system of Thai government. Administrators then reported directly to the central government in Bangkok, and Krabi's history as a unique entity separated from the other provinces, had begun.

During the present reign, the corps of civil servants, the merchants, and the population generally of Krabi and nearby provinces have together organized construction of a royal residence at Laem Hang Nak Cape for presentation to His Majesty the King. This lies thirty kilometers to the west of Krabi Town on the Andaman coast.

Administration
Krabi is divided into eight districts : Amphoe Muang (Krabi Town), Khao Panom, Khlong Thom, Plai Phraya, Ko Lanta, Ao Luk, and Lam Thap and, Nhua Khlong.

Size, Location and Boundaries
Krabi is on the Andaman Sea coast of south-west Thailand, between 7' 30" and 8' 30" north latitude, and 98' 30" and 99' 30" west longitude. Total area is 4,709 square kilometers bounded thus :

North	Connects with Phang-nga and Sura Thani Provinces.
South	Connects with Trang Provinces and the Andaman Sea.
East	Connects with Trang and Nakhon Si Thammarat Provinces.
West	Connects with Phang-nga Provinces and the Andaman Sea.

From Krabi city to nearby provinces - Phang Nga 86 kms. - Phuket 176 kms. - Trang 131 kms. - Phattalung 193 kms. - Surat Thani 211 kms. - Nakhon Si Thammarat 233 kms. - Satun 276 kms.

From Krabi city to its districts - Ao Luk 43 kms. - Plai Phraya 66 kms. - Khao Panom 39 kms. - Khlong Thom 42 kms. - Ko Lanta 103 45 kms. - Lam Thap 67 kms. - Nua Khlong 17 kms.

Population
Krabi's estimated population, as of September 1999, is 344,610

Geography
Krabi's mountainous physical geography is broken by highlands and plains on the mainland. The provincial administration also covers more than 130 islands in the Andaman Sea. Natural forest cover is chiefly mangrove and Cassia trees. Krabi's sandy clay soil conditions are perfect for a variety of agricultural products, including rubber trees, palms, mangos, coconuts, and coffee. The Krabi River flows 5 kilometers through the city and falls into the Andaman at Tambon Pak Nam. There are other streams as well : the Khlong Pakasai, the Khlong Krabi Yai and the Khlong Krabi Noi in the province's highest range of mountains, the Khao Phanom Bencha.

Climate

Weather in Krabi is typically that of the tropical monsoon, providing the province with just two seasons, the hot season from January to April, and the rainy season from May to December. Monsoon winds, which change according to season, blow from the southeast, the southwest, and the northeast. Temperatures range between 16.9 and 37.3 degrees Celsius and the yearly rainfall averages 2,568.5 millimeters.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui, the beautiful island of the coconut trees, is the third largest Thai island. (Only Phuket and Koh Chang are larger by size) The area is about 250 km² and it is located 700 km South of Bangkok in the Surat Thani province..

Koh Samui is the largest of an archipelago of more than 80 islands, for the greater part uninhabited, the Angthong Marine National Park (The Golden Bowl).

The most close continental city is Suratthani at about 60 kilometres westwards.
Beautiful white sand beaches, clean, clear warm water; lush tropical gardens and gentle ocean breezes await you at this ideal holiday destination.

Discovered at the beginning of the 70s by backpackers when there were only huts without electricity and tap water, and a population which lived mainly on the fishing and coconut plantations. Presently, Koh Samui still sends more than 2 million of coconuts a month to Bangkok.

Tropical island lined with coconut palms and with white sandy beaches, Samui is connected several times a day by boats and planes. It is part of Suratthani's province.

Within two decades, Samui became a choice destination in Asia. Today, with its guests, Samui built up itself a robust reputation of small tropical paradise.


accommodation for every budget, a varied and delicious local food (sometimes a little bit too spicy for Westerners...), a lushy tropical vegetation, waterfalls, idyllic beaches, numerous Buddhist temples, strolling around with motorbike or car, trek inside the island, a nice population, a whole variegated colorful which makes a destination of it for all the tastes.

CLIMATE
The climate is very pleasant all year round, with temperatures varying between 25 and 34 degrees Celsius.

There are three seasons, warm and dry season from February till May, rainy season from the end of September till November and "cool" season which extends from October till January.

Rainy season often amounts in fact to some "refreshing"showers followed by the return of the sun.

The climate is tropical so very humid all year round, but Samui remains always refreshed by a pleasant sea breeze blowing from the Gulf.

In conclusion, if you love the sun and if you can withstand heights of summer, come from February till May! It is very rare that it rains...

POPULATION

Samui counts a population of about 40'000 Thais, mainly Buddhists with a minority of Moslems, especially concentrated in Hua Thanon village and in the neighborhood of Nathon town. There is also a small Chinese population.

How To Get There

Air
Bangkok Airways is the only airline that flies directly to Koh Samui. The Bangkok Airways counter at Don Muang Airport is on the arrivals level in the domestic terminal. For further information regarding flights to Koh Samui from Bangkok (and other locations)
You can also fly by Thai Airways to the Surat Thani airport and arrange for bus and ferry transportation to Koh Samui.
Train
There are many trains running throughout the day from Bangkok to Surat Thani and return. The Surat Thani train station is about an hour from the ferry pier where you catch the boat to Koh Samui. You will need transportation from the railway station to the pier. The most popular trains are the sleeper trains where you travel at night and arrive in either Bangkok or Surat Thani in the morning.

Any travel agent in Bangkok or Koh Samui can book a ticket for you that will include train, bus and boat, to or from Koh Samui. We recommend 2nd class air conditioned as the best value at approximately 700 baht for the train, bus and boat ticket combined.

Bus

All buses for Koh Samui leave from the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok. There are buses run by private companies and there are buses run by the government. If you are taking the bus from Bangkok to Koh Samui, we recommend any of the VIP bus as there are fewer seats on the bus, and the seats recline to somewhat of a sleeping position. These buses tend to leave late afternoon, early evening. A one way ticket including the ferry boat will cost you approximately 600 Baht. You can purchase a ticket that includes bus and ferry at the Southern Bus Terminal, or through any travel agent in Bangkok. The bus ride to Surat Thani is about 10 hours. Then you have another hour to the pier and then about a 90 ferry trip to Nathon.

Things to do
When it gets too hot out on the beach just find a hammock in the shade of a seaside grove of coconut palms and watch the fishing boats float by. Or rent a bicycle or motorcycle for touring (a paved road circles the island). Or follow one of the hiking paths that lead inland to waterfalls.
Look for the handsome Buddha attached to a temple at one end of the island. You can also dive among reefs off neighboring islands. If you visit on the weekend take the daylong cruise from the Na Thon pier to the Ang Thong National Marine Park. The park is a series of beautiful tropical isles with interesting rock formations and coral reefs.

Festivals

Koh Samui is a party island and celebrates everything!!
Look at the signs and advertisements. We celebrate the Full Moon, the dark moon, Mondays!, Buddhist holidays, Christian holidays, Party Days from St. Patrick's Day to Halloween! AND New Years!!

Koh Phangan Full Moon Party

Full Moon Party is an all-night beach party that takes place in Haad Rin Beach on Koh Phangan.

Next Full Moon Party date is Saturday 24 November, 2007
Monday 25 December, 2007 (Christmas Party)
Monday 31 December, 2007 (New Year Party)
Tuesday 22 January, 2008
Friday 22 February, 2008
Friday 21 March, 2008
Sunday 20 April, 2008
Tuesday 20 May, 2008
Thursday 19 June, 2008
Saturday 19 July, 2008
Saturday 16 August, 2008
Sunday 14 September, 2008
Tuesday 14 October, 2008
Wednesday 12 November, 2008
Friday 12 December, 2008

How to get to Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan
Boat Services from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
There are approximately 10 daily transfers to Koh Phangan. Boats depart between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The trip takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the weather conditions. Boats leave from Thong Sala Pier and Haad Rin on Koh Phangan to Koh Samui Pier including Na Thon Pier, Mae Nam and the Big Buddha.

Chiag Rai

CHIANG RAI
Chiangrai is the most northern province of Thailand. Chiangrai is about 839 km from Bangkok and 200 km from Chiangmai.
Chiang Rai province covers some 11,678 square kilometers with a population of 1.23 million. The average elevation is 580 meters above sea level, Myanmar borders on the north, and Laos on the north and northeast.
Geography
Geographical location 19°56′N, 99°51′E. Muang Chiang Rai is 200 km northeast of Chiang Mai Province; 62 km south of Mae Sai and the Myanmar border; 60 km southwest of Chiang Saen on the Mae Khong across from the People's Democratic Republic of Laos; and 90 km north of Nakhon Phayao, Phayao Province.
The Mae Kok River runs along its north side, flowing from west to east and eventually merging with the Mekong River.
Demographics
Population1.23 million
12.5% of the population belong to the hill tribes, a collective term for the minority ethnic groups in the North of Thailand such as the Karen, Akha, Lisu, Meo and Muser. Many Chinese, particularly from Yunnan Province, have migrated to the area and assimilated with the Thai population to such extent that well over half of the large businesses in northern Thailand are owned by people of Chinese heritage.
Government
Amphur Muang Chiang Rai is the capital of Chiang Rai Province.(Changwat Chiangrai)
The Salaklang Changwat holds the Provincial Offices.
History
The city was founded by King Mengrai in 1262 and became the first capital of the Lannathai kingdom. However, it lost this status soon after to a new city built by Mengrai at Chiang Mai. Subsequently, Chiang Rai was conquered by Burma and remained under Burmese rule for several hundred years. It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai became Thai territory. It was proclaimed a province during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910.
In 1432 the Phra Kaeo, or Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most revered Buddha figure, was discovered in Chiang Rai when an earthquake split the Chedi at Wat Phra Kaeo. The beautiful jade figure was then seen concealed within.
In 1992 (B.E. 2535) the City Pillar was moved from Wat Klang Wiang to Doi Chom Thong, where it is known as Sadu Meuang the Navel or Omphalos of the City.

How to get there

Bangkok-Chiang Rai

By Air
There are a number of domestic airlines operating daily flights from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.

By Car
Take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road), turn to route No. 32 passing Ayutthaya, Angthong and Singburi Provinces and change to route No. 11 passing Phitsanulok, Uttaradit and Phrae Provinces then turn left to Highway No. 103, drive through to Ngao District and turn right onto Highway No. 1 which takes you to Phayao and Chiang Rai Provinces. The total distance is 785 km.

By Bus
The coach ride from Bangkok to Chiang Rai is probably best made overnight since passengers can avail themselves of sleep prior to an early morning arrival. There are both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned bus services from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) on Kamphaengphet 2 Road. The journey may take approximately 9-11 hours.


By Rail
There is no direct train to Chiang Rai. You have to take a train to Lampang

(9 hrs. from Bangkok) or Chiang Mai (11 hrs.) and then take a bus to Chiang Rai. (2 hrs. from Lampang and 1.30 hrs. from Chiang Mai) For more details, call the State Railway of Thailand, 1690 (hotline), or 0 2223 7010 or 0 2223 7020.

By Boat
The capital may also be reached from Tha Thon in Chiang Mai province by a scenic 4-6 hour (depending on climatic conditions, such as rain, and other factors such as high waters and fast currents) long-tail boat ride along the Mae Kok River.

Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai
By Air
Airlines have numerous daily flights servicing the Bangkok-Chiang Mai route and the Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai route.

By Bus
Chiang Rai is 182 kilometers north of Chiang Mai. Air conditioned buses leave 12 times daily from Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal to Chiang Rai. Some buses continue to Mae Sai and Chiang Saen.



Tourist attractions

• Doi Tung Royal Villa is the final residence of the mother of the King of Thailand, known as the Princess Mother. It is located at kilometre 12 on highway 1149, to the west of highway 1. This magnificent villa was built on the mountain overlooking the surrounding hills and valleys in a unique mix of Swiss and Lanna architectural styles. Adjacent to the villa is a large flower-filled garden, and a memorial hall commemorating the Princess Mother.
• Doi Tung Zoo
• Phucheefah
• Princess Mother Hall and Doi Mae Salong Located about 70 km northwest of Chiang Rai accessed by a scenic, and sometimes quite steep, road from Mae Chan. In Mae Salong there is a museum of the Kuo Min Tang and their plight after exiled from China by Mao Tse Tung, and subsequently forced to leave Burma from where they entered Thailand, helping at times to fight the Communists.
The Gate of Siam is a location on the border with Laos where one can stand high up on a mountain with Laos directly in front and the mighty Mekong River flowing beneath.

Buddhist temples


• Wat Rong Khun a modern temple built since 1998 by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat
• Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong
• Wat Phra Sing, Chiang Rai
• Wat Doi Khao Khwai




Festivals
King Mengrai Festival
King Mengrai Festival This festival is held from January 26 - February 1 every year. The festival features parades, cultural performances and competitions celebrating the founder of Chiang Rai and the Lanna Thai Kingkom.

Songkran Festival
Songkran Festival Traditional Thai New year celebrations are best seen at Chiang Saen where 4 nations (Thailand, Laos, China and Myanmar) compete in boat races on the Mekong River. Beauty contests and cultural shows are added attractions. The festival is annually held from April 16-18

Lychee Fair
Lychee Fair This is held annually in May. Celebrating the province’s tastiest fruit, this fair features agricultural displays and exhibitions, local handicrafts, folk entertainment and beauty contests.

Convenient
Big C, the big department srote on the super-highway
ATM's, banks, exchange booths, travel and tour agencies, camera shops, book shops, copy shops, drug stores, tire repair, e-mail shops, appliance repair shops, dentists, gift shops and video-rental stores are abundant and accessible. There are few taxis, per se, but inexpensive, shared song taew (double bench people carriers) are common, as are song-lors (bicycle taxis) and tuk-tuks.


Important Telephone Number
police 191
medical emergency. 1669
Tourist Police 1155.
Directory Assistance 13.