Amazing Thailand

Doi Angkhang

2008-12-22T15:07:00.001+07:00

Doi Angkhang
Not many tourists make their way to this rugged mountainous area bulging out of the Northern Thailand border. But those who do are rewarded with breathtaking views of a wild frontier, as uninhabited hills stretch as far as the eye can see into Myanmar's remote Shan states. In the bowl-shaped valley nestled in the centre of this massif, you will find a comfortable resort, some guesthouses, a productive agricultural centre with colourful gardens, and a scattering of hill tribe villages.
Located about 100kms north of Chiang Mai, the area of Doi Angkhang offers a remote experience that has yet to be overrun with tour buses and camera-toting visitors. The highest peak is 1300m and is accessible by car. With cool year round temperatures, it's not surprising that Doi Angkhang is referred to as the 'Little Switzerland' of Thailand. It's possible to drive right up to the border post and gaze across a small saddle at the ramshackle Burmese army camp and sweeping landscape beyond.
The road descends into a small village located in the bowl-shaped valley from which the area takes its name and here you'll find the plush Amari Angkhang resort - promoted as an eco-friendly lodge. Indeed they have made particular effort to incorporate local resources, including people, into their day-to-day running and have minimised their effect on the environment. The resort abuts a hillside forest reserve full of nature trails, and there are also bird-watching activities, as well as horseback riding and even mountain biking trails for the brave.
In the nearby Doi Angkhang village, you will encounter a market where hill tribe folk sell their woven and handicraft products, and a few modest guesthouses can be found. The road continues along the valley for a further three kilometres before terminating in a forestry centre. Here you can witness first-hand the successes of the King's Project to wean the local people off opium production and into more savoury agriculture.
Evidence of wide-scale poppy harvesting in the past is still seen in the swathes of cleared mountainside. But today, this national Royal project, which was piloted in this area 20 years ago, has left the area covered in greenhouses. You may visit these, and purchase organic vegetables and fruit as well as potted plants, and visit the excellent flower gardens here which include a large English rose garden and rows of Rhododendrons.

The atmosphere is quiet and peaceful with a wall of mountains in all directions. You also have the opportunity to visit some of the villages of the several different hill tribes who live here, including the Lahu, Lisu and Hmong, as well as the rare Palong. There is a settlement, Baan Nong Mai Bua, populated by the Chinese KMT who escaped to the region fifty years ago after Mao defeated Chiang Kai Shek. Even today it remains very Yunnanese in character.
Renting a car and finding your own way here is about the only realistic means of getting to Doi Anghkhang, other than private tour, and this adds to the appeal as your snake your way up impossibly steep hairpin turns. If you approach from Wiang Haeng in the west on route 1178 or 1340, you get the more spectacular views and have a chance to stop off at Sri Sang Wang waterfall, one of the North's prettiest but oft overlooked.

Phra Nakhorn Si Ayutthaya

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Picture : Bangprain Palace (Very beautiful Palace in Phra Nakhorn Si Ayutthaya)

Phra Nakhorn Si Ayutthaya is the capital of Old Siam. Located about 85km (55 miles) north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya served as capital for 417 years. Ayutthaya's long history covers 5 dynasties and 33 kings. Built on an artificial island, Ayutthaya derived its name comes from the Sanskrit word Ayodhya, name of Rama's legendary city in India which means "undefeatable".

I spent some time in Ayutthaya exploring and documenting all the major ruins for AsiaExplorers, so that you will have the necessary information when you visit them. Ayutthaya is quite compact, so you can explore most of the ruins within the historical core by foot. For the outlying ruins, I would advise that you hire a tuk tuk to take you around.

When King Ramathibodi moved his capital to Ayutthaya (which was already a town then), he dug a canal that connected a loop of the Chao Phraya river with the Pasak and Lopburi rivers, forming an artificial island on which Ayutthaya is situated. Ayutthaya was inscribed into Unesco's World Heritage List in 1991, along with Sukhothai.

If you love ancient ruins and Buddhist wats, you would love Ayutthaya. If you don't, then Ayutthaya looks like a abandoned construction site. Ruins stand side by side across Ayutthaya. As mentioned, the city was built on an island surrounded by four rivers, and on this area, you can find ancient ruins scattered all over the place, especially on the western half of the island.

Some of the temples are located outside the island city of Ayutthaya, but not seldom too far away from the river banks bordering it. Ayutthaya is very flat. If you have the stamina, you can explore all the ruins on foot. Among the ruins at the centre of Ayutthaya are Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Phra Ram, the Viharn Phra Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Phra Si Sanphet and the old Grand Palace of Ayutthaya.

Wat Phra Ram is located is a park, which is quite lovely (although during the dry season, the grass tend to brown up), with a lake in front of it. In fact, the lake was a swamp that has today become a lotus pond. Thai tourism is in full force here, and it's not uncommon to find fully decked elephants taking visitors for joy rides around the park.

There used to be a fortress around the island city of Ayutthaya. Much of it was destroyed when the Burmese invaded Ayutthaya in 1767, and burned most of the buildings. Today, only a small portion of Phom Phet fortress remains, on the southeast tip of the island. U-Thong Road is a ring road that encircles the island, skirting along the riverbanks, and following pretty much the route where the original fortress once stood.

There are a few temples just outside the island city of Ayutthaya that are worth visiting, among them the part at Wat Phu Khao Thong, Wat Chai Wattanaram and Wat Phutthaisawan. You would need transport to take you to these outlying temples.

When planning a trip to Ayutthaya, you should spare at least two full days, to fully cover all the major and minor sights. Hiring a tuk-tuk to take you around is also a good idea.

The following are temple attractions in Ayutthaya not shown on its own pages:
Wat Som
Wat Som is a lovely temple with prangs that are reminiscent of Angkor architecture. The prang's stucco showcase intricate workmanship of the ancient craftsmen. There is no record of when this temple was constructed. Speculations has it that it was built during the early Ayutthaya period, as evidence from its prangs, which are not streamlined.

Wat Phanam Choeng
This temple is older than Ayutthaya itself. According to Ayutthaya chronicles, its creation follows a sad tale: it was built on the cremation site of the bride-to-be of King Sai Namphueng. The Chinese bride, Princess Soi Dok Mak, committed suicide over alleged "indifference" of the king's reception towards her. For that reason, the shrine of Chao Mae Soi Dok Mak is greatly revered by the Chinese community. Within the temple is a massive sitting Buddha statue in meditating posture, Luang Phra Phanam Cheong. It was built 26 years before the founding of Ayutthaya. The temple is open daily from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm.

Wat Thammikarat
According to ancient chronicle, this temple was built by Phra Mukharat, son of King Sai nam Phueang. The chedi is surrounded by beautiful stucco lions, suggesting an early Ayutthaya period. A large Buddha head, now kept at the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum, was discovered here. Its style is indicative of the second generation of the Kingdom of U-Thong, which pre-dates Ayutthaya. Studies carried out on the ruins bore evidence that it was restored once during the late Ayutthaya period, before being seriously damaged by fire when Ayutthaya fell to the Burmese.

Wat Maheyong
Just as Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Maheyong was also built during the reign of King Borom Ratchathirat II. Its main attraction is the main bell-shaped chedi, which bear resemblence to the chedi style of the Sukhothai period. A major restoration was undertaken during King Taisra's reign, in 1709. The king took a fond interest to this temple, often coming to inspect the restoration work. A ruined two-storey structure in the temple compound is presumed to be where he spent his time whenever he visited the restoration site.

Wat Khun Saen
According to ancient chronicles, this temple could have been constructed by two Mon (of a region in Myanmar) aristocrats who followed King Naresuan and settled at the Wat Khun Saen area with their families. It was restored by King Rama IV who also enlarged the chedi.

Wat Khun Muang Chai
This temple is badly in ruins. Only the square base of the main chedi remains. The low walls above the base were designed to resemble balustrade, a style which belongs to early Ayutthaya period, and embodies traces of Khmer style. One unique feature of the temple's main chedi is its base, which consists of several layers supporting the bell-shaped body.

Wat Samana Kotharam
The design of the bell-shaped chedi points to this temple being constructed in the early Ayutthaya period. According to ancient chronicles, the temple was restored during King Narai's reign.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
This is one of the earliest wats in Ayutthaya. It was built by King Ramathibodi I (aka King U-Thong) in 1357 and named Wat Pa Kaeo, for members of the Pa Kaeo sect from Sri Lanka. It was later assigned to be the residence of the Supreme Patriarch of the Meditation Order, Somdej Phra Wanarat. At that time, it was known as Wat Chao Thai, which means monastry of the supreme patriarch. This temple was repeatedly involved in Ayutthaya history. It was where the conspirators assembled to overthrow Khun Waroniongsu and the Queen Tao Si Sudachan, which resulted in Prince Tienraja becoming king, crowned with the title King Maha Chakrapat.

Later, in 1592, after King Naresuan's victory over Phra Maha Uparaj, Viceroy of Burma, the king restored the principal chedi of the wat, so that it rivals the height of Burmese-built Chedi Phukhao Thong, and renamed the temple Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon.

Hat Yai

2008-02-22T09:18:00.002+07:00

Hat Yai (also Haad Yai / Had Yai) is a city in southern Thailand near the boundary to Malaysia. Geographical location 7°1′N, 100°28′E. With a population of 155,585 (2005) in the core city and about 300,000 in the Greater Hat Yai, Hat Yai is the biggest city of the Songkhla Province and the largest metropolitan area in Southern Thailand, and is thus often mistaken as being the capital of the province. However Songkhla is the capital, unlike the other provinces where the capital is the biggest city of the province. The city covers the whole tambon Hat Yai of Hat Yai district. Both cities are a part of Greater Hatyai-Songkhla Metropolitan Area.

The name "Hat Yai" is a short version of "Ma Hat Yai", meaning giant Ma Hat tree.

The Prince of Songkla University has its biggest campus in Hat Yai.

Transportation

The city is served by the Hat Yai International Airport.

Hat Yai Railway Station, the largest station is an international railway station in Southern Thailand. It handles 28 passenger trains per day (26 trains served by State Railway of Thailand and 2 trains (Ekspres Langkawi) are served by KTMB of Malaysia. It is also the hub of local trains in Southern Thailand.

Also parallel to the railway is the Asian highway 2. Asian highway 18 begins in Hat Yai and runs south along the eastern coast of the Malay peninsula.

Demographics

Demographically, Hat Yai is notable for a higher proportion of Islamic and ethnic Chinese citizens than other cities of comparable size in the northern regions of Thailand.

History

Originally named Khok Sa-Met Choon, Hat Yai was a small village until the southern railway was built there. The junction which connected the town of Songkhla with the main route was originally located in the Utapao area, but was moved to Khok Su-Met Choon in 1922 when the Utapao area turned out to be flood prone. Khok Su-Met Choon had only four residences at that time, but due to the investments of Khun Niphatchinnkhon ( Jia Gi Si, 1886-1972, Hakkian Chinese), the railway contractor for the railway connection from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Pattani, it quickly grew into a small town.

In 1928 Hat Yai was made a Chumchon, which was upgraded to a sanitary district (sukhaphiban) on December 11 1935. It covered an area of 4.4 km², and was administrated by the first mayor Udom Bunlong. In 1938 the municipal administration building was completed. On March 16 1949 it was granted town status (thesaban mueang); on May 10 1961 the area covered by the municipality was increased to 8 km². Due to the continuing growth, on August 13 1968 a new larger municipal administration building was opened. On April 24 1977 the area of the municipality was enlarged a second time to 21 km². Finally in 1995 it was upgraded to city status (thesaban nakhon).

Hua Hin

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Hua Hin is unlike any other beach resort in Thailand. If you're looking for bright lights and the frantic all-night action of cabarets and discos, you may be disappointed here. However, if you enjoy walks through the quiet winding streets of a friendly coastal village, sampling delicious seafood in restaurants overlooking the brightly lit fishing boats on the Gulf of Thailand or a round of golf on one of the several international standard links, Hua Hin could very well be what you're looking for; Hua Hin has a special character all its own.

Hua Hin became popular as a rainy season retreat in the 1920's with the construction of the railway line from Bangkok. The beautiful, colonial style Railway Hotel was built near Hua Hin's famous rocks in 1923 by the State Railway Authority, which also built Thailand's first public golf course in Hua Hin in 1924. In 1926, King Rama VII built the Klai Kangwon (Far From Worries) Palace on the beach a few km north of the Railway Hotel and this palace is still frequently used by the Royal Family. This set the stage for Hua Hin's popularity and unique ambiance which remains to this day.

Attractions

Hua Hin Railway Station Built in the reign of King Rama VI, this is one of Thailand's most beautiful train stations of which the local people are very proud.

Hua Hin Arts and Crafts Centre This is situated in an old typical house on Naepkhehat Road. It has a collection and exhibition of many contemporary works of Thai artists, as well as old furniture and many pictures about Hua Hin in the past

Klai Kangwon Palace King Rama VII commanded this summer palace to be built in the year 1926 to the north of Hua Hin. The palace consists of 3 spanish style mansions facing the sea. It is open to the public daily from 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. Call 0-3251-1115 for more information

Khao Takiap This hill is only 4 kilometres south of Hua Hin and may be reached by local minibus. There is a road leading to the top where a temple is situated. The nearby Khao Takiap beach offers mostly bungalow accommodation.

Ko Singto Fishing lovers can enjoy a day’s outing to this island, just a few kilometres from Hua Hin or Khao Takiap where some boats for hire are available.

Suan Son Pradiphat or Sea Pine Tree Garden This beachside area belongs to the Army Welfare Office and is open to the public. It is at Km. 241, some 8 kilometres south of Hua Hin. Accommodation is available.

Khao Chong Krachok or Mirror Mount From the foot of the hill in the north of the town, up 395 steps, sits a much revered monastery. There is a small pagoda and a troop of playful monkeys. The hill also offers a spelendid panorama of the coastline and seascape.

Ao Manao This beautiful curved bay is under the care of the Royal Thai Airforce. It is some 5 kilometres south of the town. This area used to be a battlefield between the Thai and Japanese armies during Second World War. Accommodation should be reserved in advanced at the 53rd Squadron

DAMNOEN SADUAK FLOATING MARKET

2008-02-11T13:56:00.000+07:00

Well on the tourist trail after the Bond films, the trip to the famous floating market at Damnoen Saduak is still worth doing. Totally chaotic, small 'klongs' or canals are filled with small flat boats jockeying for position, expertly paddled by mature ladies ready to stop and bargain at a moment's notice. It's colourful, noisy, totally touristy but great fun.

How to get there

By Car: From Bangkok you can take Highway No. 4 (Phetchakasem Rd.) and turn left at Km. 80 for another 25 kms. along Bangpae-Damnoen Saduak Rd.

By Bus: There are public buses both air and non air-conditioned leaving from the Southern Bus Terminal. Pinklao-Nakhonchaisi Rd. for Damnoen Saduak every 40 minutes from 06.00 hrs. onwards. Fare is around Baht 49 (one way) for air-conditioned (tel . 435-5031) and Baht 30 for normal buses (tel. 434-5558). The most suitable time to be at the market is from 08.00-10.00 hrs.

Arriving at Damnoen Saduak, you can either walk on the passage along the canal on the right hand side or take a both at the pier nearby to Floating Market area at the price of Baht 10 per person. Those who want to see all the three of the Floating Markets, Ton Khem, Hia Kui, Khun Phithak may hire a boat at the price of Baht 300 per hour. It is recommended that the fare should be settled before starting off.

Items at market: Fresh fruits, vegetables, ready-to-drink / eat juices & foods
Open: 07:00 - 11:00 (every day)

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

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The Grand Palace and Wat Pra Kaew really are places you must visit while you are in Bangkok. Both have considerable historical significance and are extremely beautiful places to see.

The Grand Palace was built in 1782 by King Rama I who established Bangkok as Thailand’s new capital. The palace was to be bigger and grander than palaces built in the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya eras to underscore the significance of the change of capital. The result was a palace of jewels and gold and splendour the like never seen before in Thailand. The Grand Palace remained the Royal Family’s official residence from 1782 to 1946. The last king to live there was King Chulalongkorn.

Wat Pra Kaew was built to house the Emerald Buddha which was returned to Thailand after Thailand’s the capture of Vientiane in 1778. The Emerald Buddha is the most important representation of the Buddha in Thai Buddhism. To pray before the Emerald Buddha is to make merit, and although this is an important place on any visitor’s itinerary, it is important to recognise that this is a place of worship and should be respected as such.

Notes: You must dress appropriately before guards will permit you to enter the Palace. If you do not have long sleeved shirts/blouses or long trousers or dresses/skirts with you, it is possible to hire cloth at the gates of the Palace. This cloth can be wrapped around you and worn as a 'Sarong' or across your shoulders.

Under no circumstances must you point your feet at the Emerald Buddha – to do so is sacrilege. If you can not cross you legs, avoid sitting down. If you do point your feet at the Buddha image, you could be ejected.

Photography inside the Emerald Buddha Chapel is strictly forbidden. This is not just a requirement of the chapel; taking pictures of Buddha images is against the law.

Details: Admission fee is 200 Baht for foreigners, but Thais are admitted free (remember – to Thais this is a place of worship, not a tourist attraction!). The fee also includes tickets to the Coin Pavillion, Vimanmek Mansion and Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall, all of which are worth seeing in their own right. The site is open 8:30-12:00 and 13:00-15:30.

How to get there: The Grand Palace and Wat Pra Kaew are in the Banglamphu area of Bangkok – the ‘Old City’. To get there you can take a taxi, which from the centre of Bangkok will cost about 80 Baht.

The following buses will get you there:

Bus Number: 1, 35, 44,47, 123, 201

Air-conditioned Bus Number: 2, 3, 7, 8, 12, 25, 39, 44, 82

Khao Lak

2008-02-10T09:40:00.000+07:00

Khao Lak lies in the Takua-Pa district of Phang-Nga province, in the south of Thailand. Phang-Nga is situated on the West Coast facing the Andaman Sea, and lies within one to two hours driving distance of popular tourist destinations such as Krabi in the east, and Phuket in the south.

A primarily agricultural province, Phang-Nga produces rubber and food crops such as rice, vegetables and fruit. A large proportion of the province is still comprised of forest, much of which is designated national park area.

Khao Lak itself is a national park area, resplendent with rich natural attractions, and a convenient departure point to other of Phang-Nga's many points of interest, including the famous Similan Islands, and Surin Islands in neighbouring Ranong Province.

Khao Lak's strong attraction is the beauty of its natural surroundings -bordering the Andaman Sea on one side, and surrounded by natural forest on other sides. Offering peace and tranquility, the area is reminiscent of Phuket in bygone days, and is the perfect spot to get away from the razzle and dazzle of more populated areas nearby.

Tarutao National Marine Park

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consists of 51 islands located in the Andaman Sea, off the coast of Satun Province of Southern Thailand. The Tarutao National Marine Park consists of two island groups: Tarutao ( and Adang-Rawi , which are scattered from 20 to 70 kilometers distance from the southwestern most point of mainland Thailand. The park covers an area of 1,490 square kilometers (1,260 ocean, 230 island). The southern most end of the Park lies on the border with Malaysia. Tarutao became Thailand's second marine national park on April 19, 1974. The coastal Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park had been designated in 1966.

Main (larger) islands

There are essentially 7 islands of note in the Tarutao/Adang-Rawi archipelagoes:

* Tarutao Archipelago (located approximately 30 km off the Thai coast)
o Ko Tarutao - The largest of the islands, Ko Tarutao is 26.5 km long, and 11 km wide. The highest point is over 2,000 feet. Forest covers over 60% of the island.
o Ko Klang , Ko Lek
* Adang Archipelago (located approximately 45 km west of Tarutao)
o Ko Adang (Thai: เกาะอาดัง), Ko Rawi , Ko Lipe , Ko Dong
o In the Adang Archipelago, the small (4 km²) island of Lipe is the most important. With water available year-round, it is the home of the largest permanent settlement, of approximately 800, and the gateway for boat transportation in and out of the Adang group.

History

The park was established in 1974. In 1982, it was listed as one of the original ASEAN Heritage Parks. It was also submitted to UNESCO for inclusion to the World Heritage in 1990, but its listing was deferred in the fifteenth session of the World Heritage Committee in 1991. The UNESCO requested a stronger management of the area.

The island had been used in the late 1930s as a penal colony for Thai political prisoners. During World War II, when support from the mainland was cut off, the guards and prisoners banded together and formed raiding parties on ships sailing through the waters near the island. After the pirates of Tarutao were eradicated by British forces at the end of the war, fishermen and farmers took up residence on the island.

Climate
Tarutao and the west coast of peninsular Thailand are subject to a monsoon climate. In the summer months high temperatures in central China cause the air to rise, thus creating a massive low pressure area. This draws wind from the cooler area over the Indian Ocean. The winds coming off the Indian Ocean pick up moisture and dump heavy rains on the west coast of peninsular Thailand from May through October. Normally 250-400 mm. of rain falls in each of these months. The other six months of the year receive little or no rain. Total yearly rainfall averages about 2500 mm. The monsoon winds make boat travel dangerous from May through October; that is why visitors are encouraged to come to the park from November through April.

The mean yearly temperature is between 27 and 28 degrees C. The warmest month of the year is April, with the April mean about 29 degrees C. High temperatures in April may be 35 degrees C. or more. November and December are the coolest months of the year with mean temperatures of about 15 degrees C.

The mean yearly humidity is about 80%. It is highest in September, October and November and averages about 85%. Humidity is lowest in February and March, varying from 70-72%. The climatic data recorded here was not taken on Tarutao. It is based on data actually collected at Phuket and Trang, and is thus not completely accurate. But it is unlikely that the actual values for Tarutao would be much different.

In rainy season, the national park will be closed (Adang - Rawi Islands) during 16 May - 15 November every year for visitors safety.

PATTAYA

2007-11-19T20:18:00.000+07:00

Wherever you may travel in the world, there is nowhere like Pattaya.
Pattaya is 160 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, and faces the Thai Gulf. It is Asia's premier beach resort, and caters with equal appeal to families, couples and single visitors. Situated in the province of Chonburi, it is only a two-hour drive along the expressway and motorway from Bangkok’s Don Muang airport. It will be a mere ninety-minute drive from the new international Suvarnabhumi airport south of Bangkok.
It may be located in Thailand, but it is not typical of Thailand. Outwardly, it may have the appearance of being European or American, but it is not. Pattaya is a confluence of cultures, both East and West, Thai and non-Thai. It would be a mistake for visitors to judge the place by its appearance and an even greater error to judge the Thai people by what they see and hear during a short holiday in the resort.
According to the latest available statistics, Pattaya/Banglamung is home to some 117,000 permanent Thai residents, probably the same number of unregistered residents and, at any one time, up to 20,000 foreign tourists. It is also home to 100,000 motor vehicles and about 300,000 motorcycles, all of which seem to be on the road at the same time.
Promoted as a world-class resort destination, the physical appearance of Pattaya is constantly changing. Over the last few years, new luxury hotels, apartment blocks and businesses have been springing up at a remarkable pace. The city’s income is derived almost exclusively from tourism and, according to Tourism Authority of Thailand figures, in 2001 the resort city received a total of 3.86 million visitors staying an average of 4.33 days and spending an average of 3,016 baht (about US$75) per person per day. This contributed a total of about 32.72 billion baht (US$815 million) to the vibrant Thai economy. In terms of the nationalities of tourist arrivals in Thailand (no figures available specifically for Pattaya), Asians from Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, China, Singapore, Hong Kong and South Korea take the top spots. From the West, visitors from the United Kingdom and the United States of America arrive in almost equal numbers while those from Germany and Scandinavia are the next most populous groups.
Included among these visitors are millions of ‘high-class’ tourists arriving with their friends or families for a wholesome vacation. Improving Pattaya’s international image by promoting the resort as a family destination and a ‘complete’ holiday for all has not been a waste of time. Families, couples and unattached foreign women do come here and the majority have a very enjoyable time. Many opt for accommodation in the quieter areas of Jomtien or Naklua but even those who stay in the centre of Pattaya could spend a week or more without exposure to the type of activities for which Pattaya is more famous. Even if they do interact with the bars, unlike the bar scene in other parts of the world, the meritorious Hostesses of Pattaya’s adult entertainment areas treat foreign women incredibly well and, as for children, Thai girls are crazy about them. The Hostesses will play with them, keep them amused, dote over them and generally take better care of them than professional baby-sitters. The kids have a great time.
There are also visitors, not exclusively male, who come to partake in the style of entertainment and partying at which Pattaya excels. Those who come here specifically for the nightlife find themselves with plenty to occupy their time. Once the sun sets, a full spectrum of delights awaits them, adapted to suit everyone from the shy first-timer to the guy who knows ‘Sleazy’ was not just the name of the eighth dwarf. To anyone who has never been here and seen the place for themselves, it is almost impossible to describe. With truth and logic the early casualties, the reality is that here, single foreign men are no longer the predator but the quarry, no longer the hunter but the hunted. Recounting Pattaya exploits to the uninitiated back home loses its thrill when continually met with looks of disbelief.
The weather is always perfect in Thailand. Visitors used to colder climates may be forgiven for assuming that between May and November it is very hot and wet. The truth is the warm glow covering the perfect landscape is occasionally broken by gentle raindrops falling to earth like petals to enrich the fertile soil. This is called the ‘low season’ because there are fewer tourists about and business is not as active. Airfares to Thailand are usually lower, the already very affordable accommodation is plentiful, and room rates are cheaper.
From December to April, called the ‘high season’, it is pleasantly hot and dry although December can be refreshingly cool, especially around Christmas. There are many more tourist arrivals, escaping the cold in their home countries, and hotels are often heavily booked. If you plan to be here during this period, ensure that you book a room well in advance and reconfirm your booking before leaving home. Veteran travellers are aware that in every country in the world, some hotel managers have the annoying habit of double-booking or forgetting.
For most single men, especially those whose passions extend no further than nocturnal activities, any time is a good time to come to Pattaya. The population of charming hostesses expands and contracts in proportion to the number of tourists so many men prefer to be in Pattaya during the low season when it is not so crowded. Bars and places of entertainment often heavily discount their prices to attract the fewer customers and even the breathtaking hostesses are vulnerable to a bit of bargaining.
For the foreigner (normally written as ‘farang’), Pattaya can be a cheap holiday or an expensive one. With a limited budget, you can still enjoy yourself if you know what you are doing. With $s to throw around, you will have the time of your life. Some people come here for a ten-day vacation carrying a seemingly endless supply of cash and harboring a pressing desire to throw it all away as quickly as possible. There is no shortage of people eager to accept their money but when you ask these people later what they thought of the free-spending foreigner, some politely suggest he should have been a little more careful with his disbursements. Actually, the term used is “stupid farang!”
And Pattaya is such a fun and exciting town it can be addictive - more addictive than nicotine or alcohol. A sentiment shared by thousands of foreign visitors is that the departure lounge at Bangkok airport is one of the most depressing places in the world. One guy actually confessed he was in tears as he boarded the plane home. Sitting in that departure lounge, the withdrawal symptoms can be acute once you realize there is no turning back - you must get on the plane. But ‘reality’ and the ‘real world’ will never be the same again. Suddenly, the weather back home seems exceptionally cold, wet and miserable. Suddenly, the girl in the office or the local pub, the one you have been trying to chat up for the last six months, is not as pretty as you previously thought.
on holiday: recreation, entertainment, sports, sightseeing and fun. To put it simply, Pattaya is a paradise for everyone, as it has a variety of attractions suitable for all types of visitors. This is the place where you can fill your day, from dusk to dawn, with endless activities, or you may choose to do nothing at all and relax.

Krabi

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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

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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

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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.

Chiang Mai

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General Chiang mai Information

Experience the merging of the past into the present in Chiang Mai where locals are proud of the city’s 700-year history. Its rich traditional heritage and unique culture is a perfect foundation for the development of the city. Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to find in the heart of the city centuries-old chedis and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels. The original city layout still exists as a neat square surrounded by a moat with vestiges of the fortified wall and its four main gates offering prime access to the old town.

For years, tourists have mistaken Chiang Mai as the northern junction and the base from which they can explore other provinces. The phrase “a day in Chiang Mai is enough to see things around” was common. Today, tourists are surprised by the fact that there is always something new to discover Chiang Mai. Intriguing diversity among ethnic tribes coupled with breathtaking scenery makes Chiang Mai one of Asia's most attractive tourist destinations. Two weeks in Chiang Mai may not be long enough for serious travelers.

The old city of Chiang Mai with its fascinating indigenous cultural identity such as diverse dialects, cuisine, architecture, traditional values, festivals, handicrafts and classical dances is a prime location in its own right. In addition, the presence of hill tribes and their wealth of unique cultures enhance Chiang Mai’s distinctive diversity.

Chiang Mai is also blessed with pristine natural resources of mountains (dois), waterfalls, and other nature-based tourist attractions. At the same time, Chiang Mai residents are warm, gracious and congenial providing authentic hospitality making visits memorable and meaningful. Moreover, visitors from all walks of life can collect handicrafts of silk, silver and wood produced locally as timeless souvenirs. Chiang Mai is a place where both backpackers and luxury tourists can enjoy themselves to the fullest.

The Past

Chiang Mai literally means new city and has retained the name despite having celebrated its 700th anniversary in 1996. King Meng Rai founded the city as the capital of the Lanna (A Million Rice Fields) Kingdom on Thursday, 12th April 1296 during the same period of time as the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom. King Meng Rai the Great conferred with his friends, King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Phayao before choosing the site where the capital of the Lanna Kingdom was to be founded.
From then, Chiang Mai not only became the capital and cultural core of the Lanna Kingdom, it was also the centre of Buddhism in northern Thailand. King Meng Rai himself was very religious and founded many of the city’s temples, which are still important today.
At the height of its power, the Lanna Kingdom extended its territory far into Burma and Laos, and southwards to Kamphaeng Phet – a province above Sukhothai.
The Burmese conquered the Lanna Kingdom in 1556 ending the dynasty founded by King Meng Rai that lasted over 250 years. As Burma had occupied Chiang Mai for nearly 200 years, Burmese architectural influences are visible in many temples. At the end of the 18th century, King Taksin the Great regrouped the Thais in the south and finally drove the Burmese out with the help of King Kawila of Lampang thereby regaining Thai independence from Burma. Chiang Mai was then governed by a succession of princes who ruled the north as a Siamese protectorate under the Chakri dynasty. In the late 19th century, King Rama V appointed a high commissioner in Chiang Mai and it was only in 1939 that Chiang Mai finally came under the direct control of the central government in Bangkok – the same time the country was renamed Thailand.
In the past, Chiang Mai was only accessible by river and elephants. More convenient access was achieved only when the railway line was completed in the late 1920's. Moreover, the first motor vehicle driven directly from Bangkok arrived in Chiang Mai in 1932. Such isolation was more favorable to Chiang Mai as it helped to nurture and preserve the unique Lanna culture.
When we look at Chiang Mai today, it is the economic, cultural and communications hub of northern Thailand complete with excellent infrastructure, good roads, by passes and road tunnels, and reliable communications infrastructure.
The Setting
Chiang Mai, with an altitude of approximately 310 meters above sea level, is situated approximately 700 kilometers from Bangkok on the Mae Ping River basin. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, the city covers an area of approximately 20,107 square kilometers and is the country’s second largest province. Chiang Mai borders Myanmar on the north, Lamphun and Tak Provinces on the south, Chiang Rai, Lampang and Lamphun Provinces on the east and Mae Hong Son Province on the west. The terrain is mainly comprised of jungles and mountains, which are home to the hill tribes. In addition, wildlife and exotic flora may be found in the national parks.
Most of Chiang Mai’s mountains are oriented from north to south. Together they create a multitude of streams and tributaries including Mae Chaem, Mae Ngat and Mae Klang. One of Chiang Mai’s distinctive features is Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest peak, which is 2,575 meters above sea level. In addition, the province boasts flat, fertile valleys, which spread along the banks of the largest and most important river in Chiang Mai – Maenam Ping (Ping River) which originates from the Chiang Dao mountain range.

How To Get to Chiang mai

By Car from Bangkok (approximately 8 hours)
Route 1: Drive on Highway No.1 (Phahonyothin) and turn left to Highway No.32 (Asian Highway) which passes Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, and Nakhon Sawan, then take Highway No. 117 to Phitsanulok and Highway No. 11 to Lampang, Lamphun and Chiang Mai. The total distance is 695 kilometers.
Route 2: From Nakhon Sawan, take Highway No. 1 passing Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, Lampang, and Chiang Mai. Total distance is 696 kilometers.

By Bus
From Bangkok
There are ordinary, 2nd –class and 1st – class air-conditioned buses leaving for Chiang Mai daily (8.00 a.m. to 09.00 p.m.) from the Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal). Call 02 936 3600, 02 936 2852, and 02 937 8055 for a more updated bus timetable. Private buses, which can be conveniently booked in tourist-oriented places in Bangkok, are also available. However, the public buses from the Northern Bus Terminal are generally more reliable. The journey takes approximately 10-12 hours, depending on traffic.
From Chiang Mai
If you travel to any districts in Chiang Mai, use Chang Phuak Bus Terminal located on Chotana Road, tel. 053 211 586. Destinations include those located along the northern route (Highway No. 107) which passes through Mae Rim, Mae Taeng, Chiang Dao, Chaiprakan, Fang and Mae Ai. Some buses continue to Tha Ton, the northernmost province of Chiang Mai.
If you wish to travel outside the province, use Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Station. Contact tel: 0 5324 2664 for a more updated bus timetable. Destinations include Golden Triangle, Mae Sai, Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai, Nan, Phayao, Phrae, Lampang, Lamphun, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Mae Hong Son (both old and new routes), Mae Sot, Mae Sariang, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat), and Udon Thani.

Train
Express and rapid trains operated by the State Railways of Thailand leave for Chiang Mai from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station 6 times a day from 8.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m. The trip takes about 11-12 hours for express trains. For more information, contact tel. 1690, or 02 223 7010, 02 223 7020. Chiang Mai Railway Station, tel. (053) 24 2094, 244 795, .247 462 245 363-4

By Air
Domestic airlines including Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Air Asia, Nok Air, Orient Thai Airlines, Air Andaman and Phuket Air operate several flights daily between Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Thai Airways also operates domestic flights from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai and Phuket. International flights to and from Chitakong, Luang Phrabang, Khunming, Yangon and Japan (Narita) are also provided. Call 02 628 2000 (Bangkok), 053 211 044-7 (Chiang Mai), or visit www.thaiairways.com for more information.
Bangkok Airways also offers several flights daily on the Bangkok - Chiang Mai route, some with a stopover at Sukhothai. International routes to and from Jinghong and Xi’An are also available. Call 02 265 5555, 265 5678 (Bangkok Office) or 053 27 6176 (Chiang Mai Office) or visit www.bangkokair.com for more information.
Phuket Air offers 2 daily shuttle service flights from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai with YS-11 aircraft. The journey takes only 40 minutes and the flight times are at 07.30 a.m. and 6.00 p. m. For more information, call Bangkok Office 66 2679-8999 or Chiang Mai Office 66 5392 2118-9 or visit www.phuketairlines.com

www.nokair.co.th
Foreign Airlines operating flights from Chiang Mai to several destinations are:
Air Mandalay operates flights between Chiang Mai and Yangon on Sundays and Thursdays. Contact 053 818 049 (Chiang Mai office), visit www.myanmars.net/airmandalay or write to cnxrr6t@sita.gmsmail.com for more information.
Mandarin Airlines operates flights between Chiang Mai and Taipei three times a week on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. For more information call, 053 201 268-9 (Chiang Mai office) or visit www.mandarinair.com
Lao Airlines operates flights on the Chiang Mai – Luang Phrabang route three times a week on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. Call 053 223 401 (Chiang Mai office), visit www.laoairlines.com or write to qvcnx@loxinfo.co.th for more information.
Silk Air operates flights between Chiang Mai – Singapore three times a week on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. Call 053 276 459 053 276 495 (Chiang Mai office) or visit www.silkair.com for reservations.
Travelling within Chiang Mai
From Airport, Train and Bus Terminal to town
There is a licensed airport taxi service available at the taxi kiosk outside the baggage-claim area. Purchase a ticket and present it to the drivers waiting by the arrivals exit area. The trip will cost approximately 100 bahts for a sedan car that seats 4-5 people (with luggage).
From the airport, train station and bus terminal, you can easily get a song taew (red mini-bus). To charter a minibus or car, please check the correct fare at the TAT counter first.
Normally, first-class hotels provide complimentary transportation between the airport, railway station or bus terminals and the hotel for guests who have made advance reservations.

Short-distance travel
1. For relative short distances you can take a sam lor or tuk-tuk (a tricycle). Fares must be bargained in advance. Short rides within the city costs between 20 and 30 bahts. Longer rides may cost as much as 50 bahts.
2. Just new in town is the taxi-metre, the same as those running around Bangkok. The minimum (starting) fare is 35 bahts.
3. Song taew (red mini-bus) is the most common means of transportation in town. Passengers can hop in and out as they wish. Simply tell the driver the destination and negotiate the price before boarding. Fares range from 10-20 bahts depending on the distance.
4. Bicycles
Some travelers prefer to ride a bicycle around the city as most of the roads and alleys are accessible by bicycle. Bicycles can be rented from bicycle shops and certain guesthouses.
5. Rental cars
All major car rental companies such as AVIS, Budget, and Hertz, as well as Thai car rental companies are ready to provide suggestions on travel itineraries. The easiest way to locate a car rental company is to ask at the airport or the hotel, as those are the places where most companies are located

Festival

Yi Peng Festival
Yi Peng Festival is held annually on Loi Krathong day. It is a very interesting event of Chiang Mai. The festival features the release of lanterns into the sky to worship the gods. There are also fireworks, lantern contests, and beauty pageants.

Bo Sang Umbrella Festival
Bo Sang Umbrella Festival is held in January in Bo Sang Handicraft Centre. The festival features paper products, paper parasols in particular, cultural shows, a parade showing traditional ways of life, and several contests.

City Pillar Inthakin Festival
City Pillar Inthakin Festival is held to invoke blessings of peace, happiness and prosperity for the city and its residents. Buddha images are paraded around the city. It is held at Wat Chedi Luang for 7 auspicious days and nights in the 7th lunar month.

Doi Suthep Pilgrimage
Doi Suthep Pilgrimage On the night of Visakha Bucha Day, worshippers gather to light candles and make the 7-kilometre pilgrimage up to the temple on Doi Suthep.

Flower Festival
Flower Festival is held in February. The festival includes ornamental garden flower contests, floral floats parade in the morning and beauty pageants. The parade begins at Chiang Mai Railway Station and passes Nawarat Bridge and ends at Nong Buak Hat Park.

Songkran Festival
Songkran Festival is held annually from 13 to 15 April. The 13th of April is the Great Songkran day featuring the revered Phra Phutthasihing Buddha image parade around Chiang Mai town for bathing, sand pagoda making, blessing of elders, and water splashing.

Local product

Furniture/ Woodcarving
Woodcarving is a traditional northern Thai art featured in numerous temples. This tradition has been passed on for generations so it can be preserved in different ways. Furniture carving is considered one way of preservation. Teak, rosewood and rattan are being crafted both in traditional and modern designs. Woodcarving products range from gracing screens, chairs, tables, beds, to carved elephants, figurines and tableware. You can easily find them in shops located in San Kamphaeng and Ban Tawai (apparently Thailand’s woodcarving capital).

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Gold Plated Orchids & Butterflies
Orchids and butterflies are preserved and plated in 24 carat gold to create unusual gift items such as necklace pendants, hairpins and earrings.

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Hill tribe Products
Exotic, traditional and unique, products are sold by hill tribe people dressed in traditional costumes. It is not possible to resist buying one of the hand-made silver ornaments, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, hairpins, pipes, and embroidered items that are available. In addition, there are tunics, jackets, bags, purses, caps and dress lengths, colorful embroidery, hand-woven textiles and other handicrafts made of bamboo and other natural materials to be chosen from.

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Lacquer ware
Products are interestingly made by decorating wooden, bamboo, metal, paper and baked clay items with layers of black lacquer and then finishing with golden designs. The classic texture has made them a perfect gift, souvenir or ornament for visitors. Factories and shops can be found along San Kamphaeng and Chang Khlan Roads.

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Local Food Product

Nam Phrik Ong
Chile paste made from minced pork and tomatoes. Normally it is eaten with soft-boiled vegetables, crispy pork rinds (Khaep Mu) or deep-fried crunchy rice cakes. It can also be served with plain white rice as a meat dish.

Nam Phrik Num
This green chili paste is very common cuisine for the locals. The chili paste is usually accompanied by boiled locally grown vegetables. The best condiment for the dish is Khaep Mu. Sai ua is normally eaten with Nam Phrik Num.

Sai Ua
A local Chiang Mai sausage that is very aromatic and spicy and usually is eaten with steamed glutinous rice.

Kaeng (curry) - A special feature of the northern-style curry is that it is coconut-free.
Kaeng Hang-Le - Northern—style pork curry.
Kaeng Om – spicy curry of entrails.
Kaeng Khae – spicy curry of vegetables.

Khanom Chin Nam Ngiao is a very traditional noodle dish of the North. It is Thai rice vermicelli with spiced chicken curry accompanied with vegetables.
Khao Soi is also a well known, not to be missed local dish. You can choose from chicken/ pork /beef in curry soup with noodles. It is different from other Kaeng dishes in that Khao Soi is a noodle dish mixed with meat and coconut cream and garnished with garlic and crunchy noodles. It has a sweet, but spicy taste.
If you are under time constraints, the Khantok Dinner is one way to sample most of the Northern dishes all at once.

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Pottery/Celadon (Ceramics)
Celadon, the unique Thai ceramic in soft green and blue tones, is produced locally in many forms. They include dinner sets, vases, tea sets, burners, lamp bases and other decorative home items. Recommended places to visit are Hang Dong sub-district where a large number of factories are located. For art lovers, a visit to Nimmanhemin Road is worth it, as there are many interesting art galleries offering intriguing celadon products.

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Sa (Mulberry) Paper Products
Chiang Mai is also famous for its Sa paper products – a handmade, multi-purpose natural fiber. Sa products that come in different, distinctive designs include cards, notebooks, stationery, boxes, bags, photo frames, lanterns, gift wrapping paper, etc.

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Silk, Cotton & Textiles
First-class Chiang Mai silk, cotton and other hand-woven fabrics (hill tribe products) are famous for its uniqueness and classic quality that shines over time. The largest possible selection is available in San Kamphaneg.

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Silverware
Visitors can stroll along Wua Lai Road to discover exquisite silverware made with traditional skills, which have been passed on from generation to generation. A guaranteed content of at least 92.5 % pure silver is a mark of their quality. Recommended items include investiture bowls, receptacles and decorative items.

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Umbrellas/ Parasols
Located on San Kamphaeng Road, Bor Sang is dubbed as the umbrella village. It is the place where villagers have been engaged in umbrella making based on their local wisdom for over 200 years. All materials, including silk, bamboo, sa paper (mulberry paper), are found locally.
Be amazed at hundreds of hand-painted umbrellas in different designs and sizes, from miniature ones to the super big. Apart from the umbrella, fans and other handmade products of Sa paper are also available in both classic and modern designs.
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Attractions

Activities in Chiang Mai
Trekking
A center for treks into the mountainous northern areas, especially home of hill tribes, Chiang Mai offers unique opportunities for the adventures. Lush hills and virgin forests are scenic backdrops that will make your trekking by foot or on elephant back truly memorable. The most popular trails are in Doi Inthanon National Park where over 300 bird species and a wide variety of orchids and other flowers can be seen.
Elephant Safari
See elephants at work and ride them into the forest, where you can enjoy being closer to nature. Maetaman Valley, just 50 kilometers north of Chiang Mai, provides an excellent base for this activity. The whole trekking package may include trekking on foot, bamboo rafting, whitewater rafting or kayaking, an ox- cart ride, and an overnight stay at a hill tribe village.
Bird watching
Endowed with rich natural deposits, Chiang Mai has a lot to offer to bird lovers. Its forests, perfect wildlife sanctuaries, are good observation spots for bird watching activities. Among several popular places are Doi Inthanon and Doi Suthep. Contact your local agents for more information.
Cycling tours/ Mountain biking
Chiang Mai’s mountainous terrain and scenic destinations make the province perfect for both cycling and mountain biking. Many tour companies offer biking tour programs that include guides, food and overnight equipment. There are also an increasing number of travel agents providing full-day cycling tours to several interesting destinations.
The tours usually head north from the Asian Games Stadium through the Mae Sa Valley. Alternatively, it is possible to experience the scenery along Maenam Ping, which flows peacefully through villages, old temples, farms, etc. For those who are serious about cycling, a longer route to Chiang Rai is available which includes visits to small villages of Lahu, Lisu and Akha hilltribes.
Rafting
Chiang Mai also provides good opportunities for rafting using bamboo or rubber rafts, as there are lots of rivers and streams flowing throughout the province. Popular routes include Mae Kok, Mae Chaem, and Mae Teang rivers. All rives flow through lush forests and hill tribe settlements. Contact us for more information.
Boat trip
To see most of Chiang Mai from a different perspective, take a leisurely boat trip from the Nawarat Bridge. The trip operates five times daily, 10 a.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m., and 5.30 p.m.
Go-kart
Enjoy the speedy go-kart at 254 Mu 8, Hang Dong District. There are 4 types of rides available, ranging from beginners to competition models. Call 053 430059 for more information.
Cooking classes
Thai cooking classes are fun and delightful. An increasing number of foreign tourists join Thai cooking classes to learn new skills that can be used at home. offers mostly vegetarian cooking lessons, conducted in an old-Lanna style house.
Holistic healing… for your wellness and well-being
There are plenty of stress relief services such as traditional Thai massage, Swedish, Shiatsu and Aromatherapy massages available in spas in the city and in resorts. A highly recommended place, which offers a renewed sense of wellness, is the Tao Garden located on Doi Saket. The Tao Garden offers appropriate therapy to balance the body and mind, thus enhancing a peaceful inner self. The spa offers five unique therapies including aromatherapy, Chi Nei Tsang massage, Ayurvedic oil, and acupuncture as well as body wrapping. Tai Chi Chuan offers an intensive 10-day course three sessions daily, 7.00 to 9.30 am, 1.00 to 2.00 pm & 4.00 to 6.30 p.m.
Yoga and meditation class
After a long adventurous day, one may choose to be pampered in one of the spas in the area. Alternatively, it is possible to achieve freedom from the routine and mundane life by finding your inner path through either yoga or meditation lessons. Take time to heal the body, mind, soul and spirit and let time stand still. Many tourists and locals have found the practice extremely beneficial and awakening. Contact Mahachulalongkorn Rajavidialai (053 278967) for more information on a 2-day program on meditation for foreign visitors. It is offered at Wat Suan Dok and Wat Phalad. Yoga enthusiasts can call 053 271555, Hatha Yoga Center, www.hathayogachiangmai.com, for more information.
Bungy jumping
For an adrenaline rush, Bungy Jumping in Chiang Mai operates in accordance with New Zealand Standards. It is a fully licensed and insured company, which operates from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Call 053 298442 or 01 885 1912 for more information. The site is located at 229 Mo 1, Mae Rim District. A lakeside bar and restaurant are also available.

Chiang Mai Cultural Centre
The Centre is situated at the beginning of Chiang Mai-Hang Dong road. The center has an exceptional collection of Lanna art, and intriguing displays of traditional northern culture. A spectacular folk dance and tribal shows are performed while the typical northern dinner “Khan Tok” is served. For more information, contact tel. 0-5327-4 540, 0-5327-5097.

Chiang Mai National Museum
Located on the Chiang Mai-Lampang Super Highway near Wat Chet Yot, the museum has been designated by the Fine Arts Department as a regional center for education and preservation of the art and culture of Chiang Mai and upper northern Thailand – the Lanna Kingdom. Their Majesties the King and Queen graciously presided over the opening of the museum on 6 February 1973. The museum was built according to traditional northern architecture, with a Lanna Thai rooftop. Interesting exhibitions include:
Topic 1: The natural and cultural background of the Lan Na Kingdom including the geology, ecology, geography and prehistoric settlement of the north.
Topic 2: The history of the Lan Na Kingdom from the establishment of Chiang Mai city to its peak and decline under Burmese control from 1558 to 1769.
Topic 3: The city of Chiang Mai under the Kingdom of Siam, from the time Chiang Mai regained its freedom from Burma, to the reestablishment of Chiang Mai city in 1782.
Topic 4: Trade and economy of the Lan Na Kingdom from 1782 to 1939.
Topic 5: The modern way of life and social development: agriculture and industry, banking, international relations, education and public health.
Topic 6: The development of the Lan Na Art Style, and the history of art in Thailand from the Dvaravati period to the present day.
Not far away from the Chiang Mai National Museum is the Tribal Museum, which displays information on the history and culture of each hill tribe as well as their traditional handicrafts. The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. (closed on National Holidays) Contact tel. 053 221328 for more information. Admission fee is 30 bahts.

Chiang Mai Zoo
Situated next to Huai Kaew Arboretum at the foot of the mountain where Phra That Doi Suthep is located, the zoo houses a pair of cuddly Pandas on loan from China. Inside the zoo, there are over 200 types of Asian and African mammals and birds for visitors to observe. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., the admission fee for an adult is 100 bahts and a child is 20 bahts. There are excellent facilities for tourists with restaurants and a camping site. Advance booking is required for large groups. Contact: tel. 0-5322-1179, 0-5322-2283.

CMU Art Museum (Chiang Mai University Art Museum)
The Art Museum is situated on Nimmanhemin Road opposite the Chiang Mai University Auditorium. There are a lot of interesting exhibitions on display in the museum art gallery, check the schedule at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Chiang Mai University 239 Huey Kaew Road Chiang Mai 50200. Or Tel/Fax: 66-53-211724, e-mail: pongdej@chiangmai.ac.th

Doi Suthep & Doi Pui National Park
Covering an area of 262 sq. km., this luxuriant park is home to more than 300 bird species and nearly 2,000 species of ferns and flowering plants. Some hiking trails in the park pass Hmong villages while others lead to a few small waterfalls where local people come to picnicking on weekends. Accommodations are available near the park headquarters. To get there, take Highway No. 1004, it’s only 16 kilometers drive northwest of Chiang Mai town. The Park has interesting attractions, which include

Namtok Huai Kaew
This waterfall is located near the Chiang Mai Zoo and is a pleasant place for relaxation and picnics.
Doi Pui Tribal Village
This village is a Hmong village situated on an asphalt road approximately 3 kilometers from Phu Phing Palace and approximately one hour from Chiang Mai. The village presents the typical lifestyle of the Hmong as well as a scenic view of Doi Inthanon.
Phu Phing Palace (Royal Winter Palace)
The palace is located further up the mountain and approximately 6 kilometers from Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The royal winter palace was built in 1962. Its landscaped gardens are decorated with plenty of colorful, exotic flowers. It is open every day from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. except when the Royal family is in residence which is usually from mid December to early February.

Huai Kaeo Arboretum
Situated next to the famous Chiang Mai University and the Chiang Mai Zoo, Huai Kaeo Arboretum, is a mixed blessing of landscaped gardens with many kinds of tropical trees and exquisite flowers. Locals love to relax and do morning and evening exercise in the compound.

Insect and Natural Wonders Museum
Exhibiting an awesome collection of domestic and foreign insects including animal fossils, the museum is located at 72 Nimmanhemin, Soi 12 (Sirimangkhlalachan Soi 3), Huai Kaew, Muang District. For more information contact tel 053 211891 or email to insects_museum@hotmail.com

Kad Suan Kaeo Art & Cultural Centre
This newly developed centre is located in Kad Suan Kaeo Shopping Mall. It is a centre where traditional arts and cultural performances are performed using state-of-the art stage technology. For more information contact tel 053 224333 ext. Kad Silpa.

Khantoke Dinner
Most of the northern dishes can be sampled at a "Khantoke Dinner" in Chiang Mai. It is a perfect event where you can learn more about traditional northern cuisine while enjoying traditional music and dance. Khantok in the Northern dialect means a wooden tray used for carrying dishes. Round in shape, it is made of wood, varnished or lacquered with 5 or 6 short supporting legs.
Guests are invited to sit on the floor around a Khantok, a circular tray with Northern dishes on it. They can enjoy watching traditional northern dances as well as hilltribe culture shows while their meal is being served.
The main dishes on the Khantok usually are steamed sticky rice, kaeng hang-le (northern-style pork curry), kaeng ho (spicy curry of bean vermicelli), kaeng om (spicy curry of entrails), sai ua (Chiang Mai sausage), lap (minced meat, half cooked and highly seasoned), nam phrik ong (chili paste with minced pork and tomatoes), which usually goes with khaep mu (crispy pork rinds) and khao soi (chicken/ pork /beef curry soup with noodles. Guests are encouraged to eat with their hands, as the locals do. The eating procedure is easy: take a handful of steamed sticky rice from the bamboo basket, roll, and dip it into the curry or chili paste and then taste it.
After the meal, a dessert called khao taen – fried sticky rice covered with caramel – is served. Also served are khiyo cigars and fermented tea, which is chewed to help digestion. The khiyo cigar is made of shredded tobacco and ground tamarind bark (khiyo), which can reduce the strong odor of tobacco.
During the Khantok Dinner, several dances and shows are performed. The most popular Northern dance is fon lep or fingernail dance. This show is impressive as female dancers are dressed in Northern Thai style, and wear long pointed brass fingernails.

Khruba Siwichai Monument
Located at the foot of Doi Suthep, the monument was built in 1935 to honor Khruba Siwichai – a famous Lanna monk who initiated construction of the road leading up to Phra That Doi Suthep. Throughout his life, Khruba Siwichai organized many temple related renovation activities.

Lanna Woodcarving Art Museum
Ban Roi An Phan Yang Museum is the exhibition center of antiques and woodcarving masterpieces located at Chiangmai-Sanpatong Road, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai 50230.

Night Bazaar
The Night Bazaar is a shopping haven where one can find handmade products and souvenirs from many Chiang Mai villages and hill tribes. Local cloths and fabrics are reasonably priced for purchasing. The shopping street opens around 6:00 p.m.

Sao Inthakil or Sao Lak Muang
The city pillar was built when the founder of Chiang Mai, King Meng Rai, ruled the city in 1296. Located in front of Wat Chedi Luang and enshrined in a small Thai chapel, the pillar is made of log and kept underground. The Khao Inthakil or city pillar celebration is held annually in May.

Sbun-Nga Textile Musuem
Address: 185/20 Wua Lai Road, Muang, Chiang Mai. Tel: 053 200655 or 01 8836713
This is the largest textile museum in Thailand which is situated at Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center. See over a thousand ancient and rare textiles revealing the elaborate weaving skills of both royal and local ancestors in Southeast Asia. Open daily (except Wednesdays) from 10.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m..

Wat Buppharam
The temple is located on Tha Phae Road, Muang District. Interesting attractions include the chedi constructed in the Burmese architectural style, the carved wooden main chapel roof and the small wood chapel constructed in the local style.

Wat Chedi Chet Yot
Located on the Super Highway Road (Chiang Mai-Lampang) only 4 kilometers from the town, the temple is one of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai. One of the main attractions is a seven-spired square chedi, which was inspired by the design of the Phuttakaya stupa in India. More importantly, the stupa contains the ashes of King Tilokkarat, a king of the Meng Rai Dynasty who built this temple.

Wat Chedi Liam or Chedi Ku Kham
The temple, situated in newly developed tourist destination, Wiang Kum Kam, was built in 1288 during the reign of King Meng Rai. Hundreds of years later, the temple was left abandoned until a Burmese tycoon renovated the temple in 1908. As a result, the temple has some Burmese influences in addition to its former Khmer style of which only some parts were rebuilt.

Wat Chedi Luang
This 14th century temple, where the City Pillar Shrine is located, is famous for its enormous chedi, which is measured at 282 feet high and 144 feet wide (at the base). Located right in the middle of the city, it is considered to be the largest chedi in Chiang Mai. Its spire collapsed in 1545 due to an earthquake. A pair of magnificent Naga staircases at the front porch of the chapel is among the most beautiful manmade serpents in the North. Chao Khun Uba Lee Poramacharn (Sirichantathera) and Chao Kaeo Navarat built the front chapel in 1928.

Wat Chiang Man
The oldest temple in Chiang Mai town, Wat Chiang Man was built in 1296 by King Mengrai, the founder of Chiang Mai. The temple is famous for its Lanna-style chedi supported by rows of elephant-shaped buttresses and an ancient and invaluable Buddha image named Phra Kaeo Khao. Wat Chiang Man is situated off of Ratchapakhinai Road in the northeast corner of the old city.

Wat Gate Museum
The temple museum, Wat Gate Museum features an eclectic collection of artifacts discovered from the attics and storerooms of the temple. One of the most interesting art objects is an old Siamese 'White Elephant' flag and a collection of old phonographs going back more than 100 years to the western trading era in Chiang Mai. There are pictures of scenes from daily life in Chiang Mai including old riverboats, markets and even examples of criminal prosecution. It is possible to see what many of the town's temples looked like after the Burmese occupation, when they were mostly abandoned, and before the modern influx of tourists resulted in their restoration. There are also displays of records and record players. The museum opens daily from 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Wat Ku Tao
Formerly known as Wat Veru Vanaram, the temple is located in Sri Phum Sub-district, near the Chiang Mai Stadium. Wat Ku Tao, ku tao being the local term for watermelon, is famous for its unusual watermelon-shaped pagoda. According to the legend, Ku Tao chedi contains the ashes of Prince Saravadee, the son of King Bureng Nong who ruled Chiang Mai from1579 to 1607.

Wat Phan Tao
The temple that was a throne hall for King Mahotara Prateth whose symbol is the peacock is located on Phra Pok Klao Road, next to Wat Chedi Luang. The peacock- shaped doors were thus built to represent the King.

Wat Phra Sing
Built in 1345, the temple is located on Sam Lan Road. It houses the North's most revered Buddha statue, Phra Phuttha Sihing which is enshrined in Vihan Lai Kham, a chapel that features exquisite woodcarvings and northern style murals. Every year on April 13, Songkran Day, the image is paraded through the streets of Chiang Mai for local people to sprinkle scented water on. This area was formerly Wat Li Chiang Market until 1345, when King Pa Yu, the fifth king of the Meng Rai Dynasty commanded the construction of this temple and a 24-feet chedi to contain his father’s ashes

Wat Phratat Doi Suthep
Locals would say, “You haven’t really gone to Chiang Mai unless you’ve been to Wat Phratat Doi Suthep”. Truly, the place is the most important and famous Chiang Mai landmark. Built in 1383, this mountaintop temple has a chedi (pagoda) that houses holy Buddha relics. The gold-plated chedi lies in the middle of a square marble-tiled courtyard. The four corners of the chedi are adorned with parasols which represent royal regalia. The temple’s courtyard is lined by a cloister, which contains images and murals depicting Buddha’s life. There are also two viharns situated in the middle of the east and west sides of the cloister.
This temple is 15 kilometers from town and is 3,520 feet above sea level. It is the perfect place to get a bird’s eye view of the city. The temple can be reached via a steep Naga staircase comprised of 290 steps or railcars. The temple is open daily from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m
To get there, drive along Huay Kaew Road up the mountain. Alternatively, there are song thaew services available at the foot of the mountain. It costs 30 baht/head to go up to Doi Suthep and approximately 50 baht/head to go further to Doi Pui and Phu Phing Palace. Note that these are one-way fares. (This is the added text)

Wat Prasat
Located on Inthawarorot Road, near Wat Phra Sing, is Wat Prasat where a rare Lanna style Buddha image is enshrined. The temple is composed of a traditional Lanna style chapel, with its roof is decorated in colorful glasses and carved wooden lions.

Wat Saen Fang
Located on Tha Phae Road, Wat Saen Fang is an old Burmese-style temple. According to history, King Intavitchayanontha, the seventh king who governed Chiang Mai commanded that the residence of Phra Chao Gavirorossurivongs (Chao Chevit Ao), the sixth ruler of Chiang Mai be destroyed. Later, his former residence was rebuilt in this temple.

Wat Suan Dok
Another temple located on Suthep Road, Wat Suan Dok was built in the 14th century and houses the 500-year old bronze Buddha image which is one of Thailand’s largest metal images. Several of the white chedis around the temple contain ashes of Chiang Mai’s former royal family.

Wat U Mong
Built in 1296 by King Meng Rai, it is situated in a rustic forest setting on Suthep Road and was renovated during the reign of King Keu Na. This famous meditation temple is unique in its large tunnel-like construction.

Wiang Kum Kam
A recently discovered ancient city believed to have been built during the reign of King Meng Rai in 1286, the city was once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom until the Maenam Ping flooded and wiped out the whole city. To visit Wiang Kum Kam today, drive south east of Chiang Mai, between Km. 3-4, on the Chiang Mai-Lamphun route in Saraphi District. Just drive along the road at Nong Hoi Police box to the Ko Klang Pa Kluai intersection and proceed to Chedi Liam Police box. There are more than 20 ancient ruins inside and around Wiang Kum Kam including Wat Chedi Liam, Wat Chang Kham, Wat Noi, Wat Pu Pia, Wat Ku Koa, Wat E Kang, Wat Hua Nong, and Wat Pu Song which are dated from the 21st – 22nd Buddhist centuries.

Phuket

2007-09-23T21:14:00.000+07:00

Welcome to Phuket Thailand. this tropical paradise island is renowned for its beautiful beaches and clear waters. It provides easy access to other islands providing great sites for water activities or simply soaking up the magnificent scenery. Phuket also provides plently of quality accommodation and you'll find everything you will need right here.
Phuket, a large island in the Indian Ocean, is 867 kms. from Bangkok. It is the only island having provincial status, and was a regional headquarters as well, with a rich and colorful

History.
Known as the Pearl of the Andaman, it derived much of its former glory and its enormous wealth from tin production, which in Phuket dates back over 500 year. Today, Phuket is the major tourist attraction of Thailand. The surrounding waters contain much varied marine life, and the town is notable for its Sino-Portuguese architecture. It is a very attractive island
for sightseeing, with lovely seashores and forested hillsides. Its population of 1.6 million people ranks sixth among all provinces. Approximately 1.75 million Rai of the area is forest land. The main occupation here is rice farming. The average per capita income is 14,343 baht.

Location and Boundaries
Phuket is an island connected by bridges to southern Thailand's Andaman Sea coast, in the Indian Ocean, lying between 7'45" and 8'15" north latitude, and from 98'15" to 98'40" west longitude on the map. Phuket, Thailand's largest islands, is surrounded by 32 smaller islands that form part of the same administration, with a total area of 570 square kilometers. Measured at its widest point, Phuket is 21.3 kilometers; at its longest, 48.7 kilometers. it is bounded thus :
North Lies The Pak Prah strait, spanned by two bridges running side-by-side,
the older Sarasin Bridge, and the newer Thao Thep Krasatri Bridge.
South Is the Andaman Sea.
East Is Phang-nga Bay (In the jurisdiction mainly of Phang-nga Province).
West Is The Andaman Sea.

Geography
About 70 percent of Phuket is mountainous; a western range runs from north to south from which smaller branches derive. The highest peak is Mai Tha Sip Song, or Twelve Canes, at 529 meters, which lies within the boundaries of Tambon Patong, Kathu District. The remaining 30 percent of the island, mainly in the center and south, is formed by low plains. Streams include the Khlong Bang Yai, Tha Jin, Khlong Tha Rua, and Khlong Bang Rong, none of which is large.

Climate
Phuket's weather conditions are dominated by monsoon winds that blow year round. It is therefore always warm and humid. There are two distinct seasons, rainy and dry. The rainy season begins in May and lasts till October, during which the monsoon blows from the southwest.
The dry season is from November through April, when the monsoon comes from the northeast. Highest average temperatures, at 33.4 degree Celsius, prevail during March. Lowest averages occur in January, when nightly lows dip to 22 degree Celsius.

Economy
Since the early 1980's the tourist business has been Phuket's chief source of income. Hotels, restaurants, tour companies, and souvenir shops are much in evidence on the west coast. However, while once all-importance tin mining has ceased, tourism is by no means the island's only activity. Agriculture remains important to a large number of people, and covers by far the most part of the island. Principal crops are rubber, coconuts, cashews, and pineapples. Prawn farming has largly taken over the east and south coasts. Pearl farming is also important. Phuket's fishing port is at all time filled, and processing of marine products, mainly fish, makes a significant contribution to the economy. With so many healthy industries supplying income, construction has become a major factor in employment. This range from massive public works projects, large office buildings and hotels, and housing estates with hundreds of units, down to single family homes, apartments and additions.

Population
Official population as of December, 1998, was 231,206. This figure numbers those who are registered as living in Phuket. Phuket' s attraction as a center of economic activity has resulted in many living on the island whose registration is elsewhere. The total population of Phuket varies considerably depending on the time of year, through it is never less than the figure given above.

Government
The island is divided into three districts, Thalang in the north, Kathu in the west, and Muang in the south. Thailand's system of government relies upon a strong central authority, thus the Provincial Governor is a civil servant appointed by the Interior Ministry in Bangkok, as are the Nai Amphoe, or District Chief. The cities of Phuket and Patong have their own city governments, with elected city councils, the leading members of which serve as mayor. There are also elected provincial, district, and sub-district, or Tambon councils. The local constabulary is part of the Interior Ministry.

Phuket History
Phuket Island has a long recorderd history, and remains dating back to A.D. 1025 indicate that the island's present day name derives in meaning from the Tamil manikram, or crystal mountain.
For most of history, however, it was known as Junk Ceylon, which, with variations, is the name found on old maps. The name is thought to have its roots in Ptolemy's Geographia, written by the Alexandrian geographer in the Third Century A.D. He mentioned that in making a trip from Souwannapum to the Malay Peninsula it was neccesary to pass the cape of Jang Si Lang
Phuket was a way station on the route between India and China where seafarers stopped to shelter. The island appears to have been part of the Shivite empire (called in Thai the Tam Porn Ling) that established itself on the Malay Peninsula during the first Millenium A.D. Later, as Muang Takua-Talang, it was part of the Srivichai and Siri Tahm empires. Governed as the eleventh in a constellation of twelve cities, Phuket's emblem, by which it was known to others in those largely pre-literate times, was the dog.
During the Sukothai Period Phuket was associated with Takua Pa in what is now Phang-nga Province, another area with vast tin reserves. The Dutch established a trading post during the Ayuthaya Period in the 16th Cent. The island's northern and central regions then were governed by the Thais, and the southern and western parts were given over to the tin trade,aconcession in the hands of foreigners.
After Ayuthaya was sacked by the Burmese in 1767 there was a short interregnum in Thailand, ended by King Taksin, who drove out the Burmese and re-unified the country. The Burmese, however, were anxious to return to the offensive. They outfitted a fleet to raid the southern provinces, and carry off the populations to slavery in Burma.
This led to Phuket's most memorable hitoric event. A passing sea captain, Francis Light, sent word that the Burmese were en route to attack. Forces in Phuket were assembled led by the two heroines, Kunying Jan, wife of Phuket's recently deceased governer, and her sister Mook, After a month's siege the Burmese were forced to depart on 13 March, 1785. Kunying Jan and her sister were credited with the successful defense.
In recognition King Rama I bestowed upon Kunying Jan the honorific Thao Thep Kasatri, a title of nobility usually reserved for royalty, by which she is known today. Her sister became Thao Sri Sunthon.
During the Nineteenth Century Chinese immigrants arrived in such numbers to work for the tin mines that the ethnic character of the island's interior became predominantly Chinese, while the coastal settlements remained populated chiefly by Muslim fishermen.
In Rama V's reign, Phuket became the administrative center of a group of tin mining provinces called Monton Phuket, and in 1933, with the change in government from absolute monarchy to a parliamentary system, the island was established as a province by itself.

Heroines Monument
The Heroines Monument was erected in the middle of the city opposite Thalang National Museum on Highway 402.
After the Burmese sacked Ayutthaya, then the capital of Siam, in 1767, King Taksin drove out the Burmese and re-unified the country. The Burmese were bad losers, and outfitted a fleet to attack the southern provinces and carry off the populations to slavery in Burma. The Monument honors Kunying Jan and her sister Mook who were credited with the organizing the successful defense of Phuket Island against the Burmese invaders. This became Phuket's most unforgettable historic event.
To acknowledge their bravery and leadership, King Rama I conferred on Kunying Jan the honorific apellation Thao Thep Kasatri - a title of nobility usually reserved for royalty, and her sister became Thao Sri Suntorn.

Travel There & Moving Around

By Air
Visitors to Thailand who hold valid passports or travelling documents issued by any country included in an officially issued list of eligible countries, are permitted one-month visa-free visits. If planning a longer stay, a Tourist Visa valid for 60 days must be obtained from a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate abroad. Visa extensions can be applied for at the Immigration Department in Bangkok or in Phuket.
Several carriers now fly directly to Phuket's International Airport from locations abroad, making a stopover in Bangkok unnecessary. Particularly in the high tourist season, flights come directly from all over Asia, Australia and Europe. It is still the trend for many tourists to come through Bangkok however, catching domestic flights via Thai Airways, which run regularly through the day, 7 days a week. Flight schedules can be found on the Thai Airways web page or by Tel: (02) 628 2000 (Bangkok office); or (076) 211 195 (Phuket office).
Bangkok Airways offers a daily 25-minute flight to and from Koh Samui on the other side of the peninsula. This is a popular option for those wanting to take in all of Thailand's beautiful beaches.
If travelling from (or to) Krabi, Air Andaman has recently begun operating daily flights between Phuket and Krabi, with schedules dependent on the season and weather conditions. They also operate a Phuket-Surat Thani flight daily - handy for those who want to take the train from Bangkok and complete the last leg by air (See Train Info below). Call the Air Andaman Phuket Office: 076-351374, 351375; or Krabi Office: 075-691495 for details.
From the airport, travel to locations around the island can be undertaken by taxi or hired minivan, unless your hotel has arranged transfer for you. For a rough guide: a trip to Patong in a shared minivan will cost approximately 100 Baht. If hiring a taxi, expect to pay up to 600Baht. The trip to Patong takes approximately 40 minutes.
If travelling from (or to) Krabi, Air Andaman has recently begun operating daily flights between Phuket and Krabi, with schedules dependent on the season and weather conditions. They also operate a Phuket-Surat Thani flight daily - handy for those who want to take the train from Bangkok and complete the last leg by air (See Train Info below). As of March 25th, 2001, there will also be flights from Bangkok to Phuket via Chumporn and return. Call the Air Andaman Phuket Office: 076-351374, 351375; or Krabi Office: 075-691495 for details.

By Train
Train lovers can travel from Hualomphong Station in Bangkok to Surathani Province, and catch a bus from there to Phuket. Travel to Surathani by train takes approximately 12 hours, with various classes of seating available ranging in price from 187 Baht to 1040 Baht. Train schedules for the State Railway of Thailand can be found by contacting Tel: (02) 220 4334. Advance tickets are available at all principal stations or the Bangkok Advance Booking Office. Tel. (02) 225-0300 ext 5200-3. For bus timetable and information contact the Surathani Bus Terminal on 077-200031-3

Overland by Road
From Bangkok the journey to Phuket can be undertaken by bus - a trip that takes about 14 hours. Daily services leave from the Southern Bus Terminal in Thonburi, and there are many private services available from almost any travel agent and hotel tour desk in the city. For information on bus timetables contact the Southern Bus Terminal on Boromratchchonnani Rd, Bangkok, Tel: (662) 435-1200, 434-7192. Most services will bring you directly to the Phuket Bus Terminal in Phuket Town, from where you can take a local bus to most beaches on the island, or a taxi truck or Tuk Tuk.
If you want to go your own way, drive down to Phuket in a hire car - the road system is good and well sign-posted. Travel on Route 4 from Bangkok to the south, passing through Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi and Prachuap-Khirikan, At Chumphon go right to Ranong where you must head south through Kraburi and Kapoe Districts to Phang-nga Province. In Phang-nga the road passes through Kuraburi, Takuapa, and Thai Muang Districts before reaching the town of Kok Kloy. From here cross the Sarasin Bridge to Phuket Island. Head down the main highway and follow the signs to your destination beach.
There are many car hire firms in Bangkok, including international rental companies such as Hertz, Budget and Avis, which offer full insurance. An international driving license is required.

By Sea
Cruise and cargo ships come to Phuket from abroad. Contact your travel agent for information about the many different ships that stop at Phuket. For private vessels entering Phuket waters, there are regulations that should be observed which include that all vessels must report upon entry to:
Phuket Port Control Center
2nd Floor Phuket Fishing Lodge Hotel
52/2 Moo 9 Tambon (Sub District) Chalong
Amphoe Muang, Phuket,
Latitude 7o 49' 0" N, Longitude 98o 22' 0" E,
Tel. and Fax. 66 76 381614.

Moving Around
Once here, getting around Phuket is case of either doing it the easy way, or doing it the adventurous way. If staying in one of the island's epicenters like Patong or Kata, getting around is a breeze. Most hotels are within close proximity to the beach, entertainment, restaurants, shopping and activity centres, which makes getting round on foot the best option. In less populated spots, or if you want to explore locations around the island, you have the choice of having your hotel arrange transport in the form of a taxi, hirecar or tuk-tuk, or taking the local transportation.

Tuk Tuk
For trips of any duration at any time of day, a tuk tuk or small taxi truck is often the most efficient. State your destination and agree on the price before setting off! A trip within a beach area or town shouldn't cost more than 50 Baht, but for trips further afield, anything up to 400 Baht can be expected - depending on the distance, the weather and your bargaining skills!

Song Taew
If heading off to other beaches and sites during the day, you also have the option of a local songthaew or bus.
The local buses (painted bright blue for easy recognition) will have their destination written in English on the outside of the bus and run regularly between the hours of 7.00 am and 6.00pm. There are no designated bus stops, which means you have to flag them down in the middle of the street.
In most populated areas, your best chance of catching a bus are to go to the main thoroughfare - sooner or later one will come along. In Patong, your best spot for flagging one down is along Phra Baramee Road outside the tourist police box. In Phuket town, head for the fresh markets on Ranong Road (opposite Thai airways office) where you will find Songtaews waiting to go to destinations all around the island. Standard cost for trips to/from Phuket Town to/from locations such as Patong, Surin and Kamala are approximately 15-20 Baht, and you shouldn't take one if you are in a hurry to get where you want to go.

Hire Cars and Motorbikes
Private cars, jeeps and small motorbikes can be hired from most major hotels, and from private dealers off the street. If you really want to explore, having your own vehicle is the best way to go. It's important to check that full insurance coverage is included and that you have the appropriate licenses at hand in case of accident. Note that motorcycle hire is extremely risky as insurance is usually not included - regardless of what you are told. You don't want to find yourself liable for damages and medical bills or worse. A Thai or an international car license is mandatory for the purposes of claiming successfully for insurance in case of accident with a vehicle.
For serious bike enthusiasts, the area around Patong offers lots to enjoy. Cruise out of the town on smooth roads that bank and curve around lush green mountains looking out over the Andaman Sea and visit some of the smaller areas outside the main tourist strip. There are bike shops in Patong that specialise in road cruisers and dirt bikes for those who want something more challenging than the traditional Honda Dream favoured by most tourists and locals alike. Check out the shops along Rat-U-Thit Road at Patong Beach. A word of warning - needless to say those who ride motorcycles should take extreme care when riding the roads in Thailand. Not only is there an extreme disregard for traffic regulations which leads to unexpected and dangerous behaviour on the roads, but during the rainy season, bike riders often come to grief when damp roads become slippery to ride on due to oil spill build-ups. It is therefore recommended that the inexperienced rider elect the safety of a standard vehicle as the means for enjoying touring around Kata, Patong and elsewhere on the island or just making confirmation booking at online booking (by budget)

Motorcycle Taxis
During the day and night, groups of motorcyclists can be seen lurking on street corners or cruising the streets wearing coloured vests and trying to get your attention. These are the motorcycle taxi drivers who will take you anywhere around town for a fee. Again the price can vary depending on the distance you want to travel and your bargaining skills. Not the safest mode of transport but can be convenient.

Beaches

Nai Yang Beach:
Located 30 km from Phuekt Town and reachable in a 5 Minutes car-ride from the Airport, Nai Yang Beach is still known as a quite sandy beach with excellent swimming conditions. Plenty of Casuarinas trees guaranty for a lot of shelter. The bay was declared as National Park, due to turtles digging their eggs during dry-season.

Bangtao Beach:
Located 24 km from Phuket Town or about 30 minutes car-ride from Patong Beach, you can find the oblong shaped and eight kilometers long Bangtao Beach. The Beach is well-known due to the Laguna Phuket Hotels and Resorts, five high class beach resorts. There is a golf course and a horse stable, as well as good shopping opportunities at the Laguna Phuket Complex.
Especially during December, this beach is famous for the best windsurf conditions around the whole island, several international windsurf and catamaran competitions where held at this resort. Excellent relaxation and sun-bathing at the beautiful white sand beach.

Surin Beach & Pansea Beach:
Both beaches are about 24 km distance from Phuket town or 30 minutes by cab from Patong Beach on the west coast of the island. A big car park and a lot of snack and souvenir shops shows you, that the beach is frequently visited by Thai-tourists.
Casuarinas trees giving shelter to those, wanting a change from the Palm-beaches found all over the island - from end of December until and of April excellent swimming conditions during good weather days.
Be aware: During the monsoon season or Thaiphoon storms, rip current may be present creating undertow conditions to the swimmer.

Kamala Beach:
About 26 km from Phuket town or 20 minutes ride from Patong Beach. Kamala Beach is about 2 km in length and consists out of sand. At the southern end of the beach, there is a small Muslim village and at the northern side there are good picnic conditions. Phuket Fantasea, Phuket adventure theme park grant opening was in January 1999. It is worth a visit. Tickets can be booked in any travel agency on the Island. Phuket Fantasea provides Pick up service to make your evening most enjoyable.
The crystal clear waters of Kamala bay invites you for a good and safe swim or snorkeling, at a very colorful coral reef just a few meters away from the shore

Patong Beach:
Patong Beach is located 15 km from Phuket town on the west coast of Phuket Island. About 30 years ago, there wasn't much to do at Patong Beach. The villagers lived from fishing and were working on coconut plantations. The first backpackers came and discovered this remote paradise. Landlords built up, out of natural materials, the first bungalows-not much more than roofs out of palm-tree leaves and hang mocks or simple sleeping compartments. Nowadays Patong is one of Southeast Asia's most developed beach resorts, with enormous entertainment and hotel capacities. There is still the beautiful white sandy beach, where shelter is found under palm trees, but today with plenty of water sport activities and a bit more organized than it used to be in previous times.
Patong beach has a length of 3 kilometers and consists of white powdery sand. Patong is set in a oval bay, surrounded by lush green mountains.
Behind the beach promenade, hundreds of hotels and guesthouses, bars and restaurants, banks, shops and department stores will guarantee the tourist a pleasant stay.
Patong Beach is a public beach and umbrellas and beach chairs might be rented from private vendors for about 200 THB per day for a two persons set.
At the southern end of the beach closed to a small reef, there are Long Tail boats for rent, the captain will show you around the coastline for about 400 THB an hour or you even might hire it out for the whole day. Transfers to the next idyllic and much quieter Freedom Beach are also available here.

Freedom Beach and Emerald Bay:
This two pretty bays south-west of Patong, can be reached by Longtail boat from leaving in the south end of Patong Beach. The people like it for snorkeling and swimming in a more private atmosphere than at the larger beaches. This two bays may also be reached over a precipitous hill road. By feet you just need to cross the property of the Coral Beach Hotel and follow a small path down to the see.

Relax Bay:
is the synonym of the little beach, where the well-known Le Meridien Resort Phuket is located ( 10 minutes by car from Patong Beach). You can reach this beach by Long tail boat or taxi. The guards at the entrance won't let someone's not in the hotel living car in. You got to park and do the remaining way by foot. It is well worth to visit. Very nice sandy, powdery beach, relax under lovely umbrellas or stroll around at the shore of the crystal clear blue waters of the Andaman Sea.

Karon Beach:
karon beach is located 20 km south-west direction from Phuket town at the west-coast of Phuket. The 3 kilometer long, wide sandy Palm beach is scenic not very attractive. In the North the beach features a small very beautiful lagoon and abut on rock-formations.
There is also the beginning of the road leading over the hills to Relax Bay and to Patong Beach. On the other hand the wave surfers really gathering there together to get a ride on the up to 4 meter high waves, breaking over a shallow sand bar in front of the beach. Karon reef is approximately 18 meters deep and about 5 minutes snorkel swim away from the southern part of the beach - good for a afternoon dive. Catamarans and surfboards are there for rent and all year around there is a light breeze, making a ride on a surfboard quite enjoyable. Water-ski, Jet skis and Long tail boats are there for hire, too.
Karon Center is right behind the beach road after Karon Circle. There are a lot of guest houses and Hotels. Restaurants and Bars, Thai Massages and a small night market, makes the visitors stay in Karon most enjoyable. Most of the Hotels and Bungalow resorts are located at the beach road and spread out over this 4 km long beach resort. Karon Beach is a stay worth, for tourists who don't like the crowds of Patong Beach.
Be aware: During the monsoon season there are rip-currents present and special caution has to be taken regarding swimming.

Kata Beach:
approximately 17 kilometers away from Phuket Town, below Karon beach at the west-coast of Phuket Island. Kata beach is a beautiful sandy beach, much more quite than Patong or Karon. The ideal Beach for families, there are plenty of water sport activities, like sailing, swimming, water-skiing. Famous is the beach for its beautiful, snorkel and dive-able reef - the Kata reef. The reef is enclosed in small marker-buoys, so that your diving activity will not be disturbed by any boat traffic. Most of the dive shops are located in Kata beach and offering boat-trips to the major dive sites of Phuket. In Kata center is the night life and the most accommodations are located there. A lot of guesthouses, resorts and a small amount of shops are in Kata Beach. Also you might visit the Dino Park Mini Golf Course, located at Kata Hill, a creative Mini Golf Course in Dino Style, even with a volcano rising above the palm trees.

Kata Noi Beach:
The approximately 1 kilometer long sandy beach, Located immediately south of Kata Beach around a rocky headland and a little cove is Kata Noi Beach. A few Hotels, the well-known Katathani Hotel, some restaurants, shops are there, to offer the client some resort atmosphere. Kata Noi Beach is surrounded by lush, tropical vegetation and ultra-green mountains. A fantastic place to step back from daily routine and city-life's stress.

Rawai Beach:
is located 17 km from Phuket Town on the south-tip of Phuket Island. Especially frequently visited by Thai-Tourist. Rawai Beach offers a lot of small restaurants at the beachfront, shops and souvenir stores. There are Long tail and speed boats for hire, bringing you out to the offshore islands of Phuket like Raya Yai or Coral Island. Just a few Kilometer further up the mountain, you'll find this spectacular sunset - Viewpoint

Nai Harn Beach:
famous because of the annual Phuket King Cup. Fine clean sand and clear water make this one of Phuket's nicest beaches. Several little restaurants on the beach offer delicious Thai food.

Chalong Bay:
Approximately 14 km away from Phuket Town. This bay is the major peer for the daytrip boats like dive-boats, deep-sea fishing, etc. There are no swimming possibilities, but nice and romantic seafood restaurants with excellent money/value relationships.

Thing To See & Do
Phuket's flourishing tourist industry has provided visitors to the island with much more than the enjoyment of some of the most beautiful beaches in Southern Thailand, green tropical jungles, delicious local food and a fascinating local culture to become acquainted with.

Phuket's flourishing tourist industry has provided visitors to the island with much more than the enjoyment of some of the most beautiful beaches in Southern Thailand, green tropical jungles, delicious local food and a fascinating local culture to become acquainted with. Nowadays it offers its visitors an extensive range of things to see and do to suit all ages, no matter your interest, mood or prevailing weather conditions.

Phuket Night Life
Patong Beach is the center of all tourist oriented nightlife on Phuket, Thailand. There, located within a radius of half a kilometer around Soi Bangla, are over 150 bars, pubs, discos and ago go bars. The pubs, bars and ago go bars of Patong Beach are the most popular nighttime destinations on the island. They give the town its unique flavor of a lively, fun place until long after the sun goes down.
Patong Beach features some great discos too. Two of them, the Banana Disco and the Shark Club, are also located at Soi Bangla. Another one, the Safari Pub, is on the hill towards Kata Beach.
Another option are the Thai-style "coffee shops" - nightclubs where ladies in fancy dresses take turns getting up to sing Thai songs while customers eat and drink and, occasionally, entice singers to join them at their tables. Later at night there are sometimes farcical skits on stage and other types of entertainment.
If you want to know more about the nightlife in Patong Beach, read more in the sections marked on the navigation bar to the left of the page.

Bars and Pubs
Lined up next to each other in long rows around Soi Bangla, the bars and pubs of Patong Beach are probably the most popular nighttime destination for most visitors.
Most of the bars are small and simple with stools or benches and some kind of roof. The music can be loud and often very mixed as each bar has its own stereo system. The volume of music can make conversation difficult but a fun time is to be had by all.
The atmosphere is easy and relaxed as it is very easy to take a seat in one of the many bars or pubs and enjoy people-watching as there is always a sea of human beings moving around you. In season Phuket is awash with people from many different countries and Patong Beach in particular becomes a very cosmopolitan place. People who finish a days diving, sunbathing or sightseeing enjoy congregating in these places to meet and party on into the night.
There is a wide variety of bar sports to play with any of your new found friends. Games such as banging a nail into a tree stump with a special hammer are quite popular and can get quite funny after a couple of beers. Connect Four, Backgammon or the Thai version of Ka Plunk are also in vogue. Some of the slightly larger bars have pool tables (for as cheap as THB 10) and dart boards, giving the opportunity do do something more than just drink.
A visit to the bars and pubs of Patong is for many the ritual by which they begin the nightly party.

A Go Go Bars
In Patong Beach, the heart of Phuket Night Life and Entertainment, there are many A Go Go Bars, most of them located around Soi Bangla.
If you are not familiar with A Go Go Bars from TV documentaries or Hollywood movies, here you find a short introduction into what a go gos are all about.
An ago go bar is a place, where you can watch Thai girls dancing to energetic music clothed in nothing more than a string bikini. These girls are not totally nude, as this is officially prohibited by Thai law.
The girls may interact with the customers during the time they are not dancing. They are not owned in any way by the bar and if they want to share their time with the guest, it is their decision to make. If you enjoy the company of a particular lady and would like her to accompany you perhaps to dinner or a disco, it is customary to pay the bar a small fee, since if she accompanies you, she is no longer assisting the bar by providing entertainment.
Anyway, if you have an open mind, visiting an ago go bar will surely give you a unique insight into this aspect of tourist entertainment.

Thai Massage
After having had a fascinating dive in the Andaman Sea or after a night dancing in one of Patong's discos, a relaxing massage done by the soft hands of Thai girls will help to refresh and revive you. Thai traditional massage is one of the most famous recreational activities in Thailand (this should not be confused with Full Body Massage, offered in specialized massage parlors like Christins in Patong Beach).
Practiced for centuries and passed down verbally from one generation to the next, from teacher to student or from parent to child, traditional Thai massage has a long history.
The roots of this way of therapeutically healing and recreation go back to India. Jivaka Komabhacca, a doctor friend and contemporary of Buddha, is believed to be the founder of this practice over 2.500 years ago. The heavy Indian influence on the southeast Asian cultures including Thailand and the Malay peninsula, helped spread the knowledge about massage rapidly throughout the region. Ancient Chinese medical techniques, brought in by a large number of immigrants, had further influence on Thai massage.
At the time that Thai culture came to full flower under the kings of Ayutthaya, a large collection of medical texts about Thai massage and its techniques existed. But with the Burmese invasion of 1776, leading to the destruction of the capital, most of these scriptures were lost forever. What was left was carved in the Wat Poh in Bangkok in 1832 by order of King Rama III, who wanted to preserve this great tradition.
According to these inscriptions, the theoretical basis of Thai massage are energy lines, of which the major ten are called "Sen". Important acupressure points are located on these lines which run through the body and working on them will help to remove blockages of energy flow.
Therapeutic massage for treatment of specific conditions and diseases is also practiced in Thailand, but only by a small number of skilled practitioners. For a good experience of popular Thai massage, a massage girl from one of the many massage parlors all over Phuket or even one of the beach girls offering a massage for a few Baht will suffice.
Simon Cabaret and Transvestite Shows
Going to the cabaret on Phuket has a different meaning than almost anywhere else in the world. The island boasts extravagant cabaret shows with stunning costumes, bright lights, expensive sets and a unique feature, most of the performers are men dressed as women.
Transvestites and transgendered people are much more accepted in Thailand than in Western countries, perhaps because the Buddhist religion practiced in the region does not have texts or doctrines that are judgmental of different lifestyles. Whatever the reason, they can be often be seen on the streets and in everyday jobs where they are employed without persecution.
At the Simon Cabaret, famous well beyond Phuket, an all-male revue with the the utmost extravaganza can be experienced. Performers recreate a traditional Thai dance or lip-synch songs popular in countries around the world.
Besides the Simon Cabaret, the popularity of transvestite and transsexual cabaret performers has spread to most parts of Phuket. Many of Phuket's five star resorts featuring transvestite cabaret performers for special occasions and numerous other venues can be visited. Most well-known are the Andaman Queen Cabaret and shows at the Royal Paradise Complex.

Phuket Shopping
Large department stores are located in Phuket Town and Patong, and a smaller one is in Thalang Town; they have a broad range of what is available in Thailand, both imported and domestic. Tailors' shops are everywhere ; labour costs are inexpensive so a handmade suit is an attractive purchase. Tailors supply the cloth, or you can select your own from one of the many cloth merchants on Thalang Rd., in Phuket Town.

Silk and Silk products
Thai silk, which found its way into world markets after World War II, is hand-reeled, hand-woven and hand-printed and thus has a natural uneven look and coarser texture giving it is uniqueness which has made it well-known all over Thailand. Today colorfast dyes and improved looms have been introduced for higher standards of production, but traditional hand-weaving techniques still preserve the unique luster that makes Thai silk different from any other.
For centuries the northeast has been the traditional home of silk weaving, and craftsmen in provinces like Khorat, Surin, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen continue to produce some of the finest examples.
Northern Thailand, particularly in the Chiang Mai area, is also an old weaving center. Among the silk products for which it is noted is 'Pha Yok', or brocade, richly patterned with designs in gold or silver thread. Besides being used for men and women's clothing, curtains, and upholstery. Thai silk in both solid colors and prints is employed for a wide range or souvenir items like cushions, jewel-boxes, evening bags and notebook covers.

Gems and Jewelry
Precious stones have been mined in Thailand for centuries. They are in great variety, namely rubies, sapphires, topazes, zircons, jades, etc. Among these are the 'Siamese rubies' which have world reputation for their beauty.
Chanthaburi, Trat and Kanchanaburi provinces are the important homes for coloured stones. As Thai cutters have now become highly skilled and have great reputation for quality workmanship, together with the abundance of locally mined gems, Bangkok is then made one of the world leading gem markets at the present time.

Wood Carving
5Thai woodcarft, especially wood carving, is world famous for its craftsmanship together with is intricate and elaborate designs.
In the Chiang Mai area, hundreds of artisans produce carved figures of all kinds and in all sizes, ornate picture and mirror frames, intricately designed boxes, salad bowls, trays, wall plaques and numerous other creations. Some pieces are gilded and decorated with glass-mosaics to enhance their appeal. Wood carving skills are also used in the making of fine furniture both traditional and contemporary.

Pearl
From the oyster comes the pearl, one of nature's most prized gifts. In the Andaman Sea, thriving oyster beds give birth to a wide variety of these beautiful gems.
Around Naka Noi Island, just off the east coast of Phuket, rare South Sea pearls are cultured.
Visit one of the most famous pearl cultivation farms in the world and find out the secrets of oysters and how they create pearls. Take one of the Pearl Island Tours' day trips by comfortable cruiser, and you may find you go home with a little something extra.

Telecommunications / Internet
Most hotels can provide telephone and fax services. Public phones are not the greatest choice for making long distance or overseas calls - easier to make your calls from one of the many business centres that offer this service or do it from your hotel.
Most overseas mobile phones can be used here by purchasing a local SIM card, which costs less than 900 Baht. Otherwise, check with the service provider in your home country about international roaming before you leave. It's also possible to buy a mobile phone in Phuket for as little as 2,000 Baht and use a pay-as-you-go service such as One-2-Call or DPrompt.
Mobile phone stands - Long distance or overseas calls can also be made for a fixed price per 5 minutes from roadside stands often set up outside convenience stores. Local calls can easily be made from public phones but you will need to check whether it's a card or coin phone. Telephone cards are available from various places such as 7-Eleven, some stationery stores, the Post Office and telephone authority offices.
Internet cafes are located in all the main tourist areas and offer reasonable rates. You can also check your email in the telecommunications office in Phuket town. Many hotels have an Internet service, but it can be expensive. There are a few wi-fi hotspots on the island, including Starbucks in Patong and The Books in Phuket town.

Phuket Postal Services
Post Office locations:
Phuket Town, main Post Office on Montri Road, just north of Phang Nga Rd.
Patong - Rat-U-Thit Road, next to the Patong Palace Hotel at the northern end of Patong. Smaller branches also along the main roads in Karon, Chalong and Kamala.
Opening hours: 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday-Friday. 9am-noon Saturday.

Urgent or important items can be sent by EMS services. Private couriers like DHL are also available. You can send postcards and regular size letters from the reception at most major hotels around the island.

Important Phone Numbers

Police
191
Tourist Police
1699 or 076 214 368
Ambulance
076 254 425 /210 935
Bangkok-Phuket Hospital
076 254 421
Patong/Kathu Hospital
076 340 444, 342 633
Phuket International Hospital
076 249 400
Hyperbaric Services Thailand
076 342 518/9; 09 871 2335
Customs
076 211 105
Harbour Master
076 391 174
Tours & Travel
Reservations Centre
081 737 0860
Immigration Authority
076 212 108