KOH SAMUI ( SAMUI ISLAND)

The largest province of the South located 685 kilometers from Bangkok is Surat Thani the province with a name that literally means “City of the Good People”. A former capital of the Srivijaya Empire, the province covers an area of approximately 12,891 square kilometers. Surat Thani Province borders the Gulf of Thailand to the north and east, Chumphon Province to the north, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Krabi Provinces to the south, Phang-Nga and Ranong Provinces to the west and Nakhon Si Thammarat Province to the east.

High plateaus and forested mountains are located to the west of the province, while there are low basins in the center and along the eastern coast. This topography has created 14 river basins including Tapee, Pum Duang, Tha Thong, Tha Krajai, Chaiya, Tha Chang which are the most important basins. All rivers in Surat Thani flow east of the province to the Gulf of Thailand.

The numerous islands along the coast makes Surat Thani (often known as Surat in short) a perfect hideaway for vacationers from around the world. The ideal destination for many is the Penang-sized Ko Samui, Thailand’s third largest island, and its neighbour Ko Pha-ngan a celebrated island that hosts the biggest beach full moon party. North of Ko Pha-ngan is Ko Tao, renowned for its excellent coral reefs.  To top it all is the dazzling 250-square-kilometer Ang Thong Marine National Park, where a stunning archipelago awaits to greet visitors with their charming palm-fringed beaches, crystal clear water and colorful coral reefs. The best time to enjoy one of these islands to the fullest is from April to November.

History of Surat Thani

Surat Thani is a city with a long history. Archeologists believe that it was once a community of prehistoric tribes of indigenous people including the Saemang and original Malays who built their communities on the Tapee River Basin and Ao Ban Don. Later on, the Indians migrated into the area and gradually spread out their culture, as evidenced in the discovery of ruins of ancient communities in Tha Chana and Chaiya Sub-districts.

In the 13th century, the city became a part of and, as some historians might claim, a center of the glorious Srivijaya Empire the kingdom that dominated the whole Malay Peninsula and much of Java. It was during this period that Mahayana Buddhist reached its height of influence. The empires grandeur can still be admired in many areas of Chaiya District.

When the empire hit the bottom, it was divided into 3 main cities namely Chaiya, Tha Thong and Khiri Rat. They were all under the jurisdiction of Nakhon Si Thammarat until King Rama IV decided to move Tha Thong City to Ban Don and required that it report directly to Bangkoks administration. The name Ban Don was, at the time, changed to Kanchanadit. It was with the establishment of the Monthon, a former administrative unit, that all three cities were merged into one under the name Chaiya. In 1915, King Rama VI changed the name Chaiya to Surat Thani.

The seal of Surat Thani says a lot about its history. Featuring the pagoda of Phra Boromathat Chaiya, the seal is proof of the influence of Mahayana Buddhist on Surat Thani. Phra Boromathat Chaiya is the most revered and important historical place in the province. It is believed that the pagoda contains Buddha relics.

Today, Surat Thani is an important commercial and shipping hub for rubber and coconut trading.

Distances From Amphoe Muang (Surat Thani Town) To Other Districts:

By Car

Surat Thani can be most conveniently reached by car from Bangkok by taking Highway No. 4 to Chumphon Province via Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan Provinces and then taking Highway No. 41 and Highway No. 401 directly to Surat Thani City.

By Bus

Air-conditioned buses depart from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal to Surat Thani Province everyday. Call the southern Bus Terminal tel: 0 2434 5557-8 or visit www.transport.co.th

By Train

Trains leave Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Railway Station 10 times daily from 12 p.m. until 10.50 p.m. The trip takes approximately 12-13 hours. Ask for the train from Bangkok to Phun Phin, the closest station to Surat Thani. For further details, please call 1690, 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020 or visit www.railway.co.th
Surat Thani Railway Station is 12 kilometers from town. A bus service between the station and the town is available.

By Air

Thai Airways International has 2 daily flights connecting Bangkok with Surat Thani. The flight time is approximately 70 minutes. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 1566, 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 or get your on-line e-ticket at www.thaiairways.com

One-two-Go also operates flights to Surat Thani. For more information please visit www.fly12go.com or contact call center 1126.

Air Asia offer flights Bangkok-Surat Thani. For more information please visit www.airasia.com or call  0 2515 9999

By Boat

Seatran (077 275060, 136 Na Meuang Road) operates a bus/boat combination to Ko Samui. The fee is 150 baht.

Phantip Travel (077 272230, 293/6-8 Talat Mai Road) offers tickets to Ko Tao (500 baht), Ko Pha-Nhan (250 baht), and Ko Samui (140 baht). The operator is Raja Ferry (07 314523, 077 371151 or 077 371206) who offers bus/boat combinations to the islands.

Getting around the city

Apart from the local orange bus (9 baht / trip / person),songthaews are another option to get around the city. It costs 10 baht / trip / person. Samlors will cost approximately 20-30 baht. The orange bus departs from the Phu Phin train station to the city every 10 minutes from 6.00 a.m. until 8.00 p.m. The same ride by taxi will cost approximately 100 baht.

Air-conditioned vans connecting the airport and town costs 70-80 baht / person / trip. Tickets can be purchased at travel agencies or THAI office (077 272610).

RECOMMENDED ATTRACTION

Ratchaprapha Dam or Chieo Lan Dam, Surat Thani The lake offers an incomparably breathtaking view of limestone mountains and over 200 small islands….

Khao Sok National Park, Surat Thani This virgin rainforest dotted by limestone mountain ranges and rugged high cliffs was established as…

Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park, Surat Thani This comprises some 40 islands about 20 kilometres or two hours by boat northwest of Ko Samui. The …

Ko Samui, Surat Thani Ko Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 84 kilometers east of Surat Thani Provinc…

Ko Pha-ngan, Surat Thani Another ideal destination for travelers who prefer less crowded, more private beaches set in a laid-…

Ko Tao, Surat Thani Ko Tao is known as the best diving site in the Gulf of Thailand. The turquoise water of Ko Tao is …

Ko Nang Yuan, Surat Thani The island is nothing but a group of three small islands located to the north of Ko Tao. Offering st…

Wat Suan Mokkhaphalaram, Surat Thani Commonly known as Suan Mokkh (Garden of Liberation), the modern forest monastery was founded in 1959…

Pak Nam Tapi (Tapi River Estuary), Surat Thani The Tapi River Mouth is located approximately 7 kilometers from Ban Don Municipality. The area is pa…

Monkey School, Surat Thani Mr. Somporn Saekow, a person who believes that monkeys can be trained in order to use their capaciti…

Wat Khao Suwan Pradit, Surat Thani Luang Pho Choi, one of southern Thailands’ most revered Buddhist monks, founded this monastery. The …

Namtok Vibhavadi, Surat Thani This medium-sized waterfall is the local residents socializing venue on weekends. With rustic surrou…

Ferry Pier, Surat Thani The Pier is located at Kula Cape, approximately 6 kilometers from the District Administrative Office…

Phra Borom That Chaiya, Surat Thani Located approximately 4 kilometers northeast of Suan Mokkh, or approximately 54 kilometers north of …

Chaiya National Museum, Surat Thani Adjacent to Phra Borom That Chaiya is a charming petite museum. Consisting of two buildings, the mus…

Ban Phumriang, Surat Thani A small handicraft village located approximately 6 kilometers east of Chaiya, Ban Phumriang is notab…

Tai Rom Yen National Park, Surat Thani The park covers areas in Ban Na San, Kanchanadit and Wiang Sa Districts. With a total area of 265,62…

Oyster Farms, Surat Thani Surat Thani is famous for oyster cultivation and the sizes of the oysters farmed here are substantia…

more info at   http://www.tourismthailand.org

HUA HIN

The provincial capital is a fishing port with a superb location beside beautiful curving bays and amongst steep mountain outcrops.  About 100 kilometres to the north of Prachuap Khiri Khan is Hua Hin, Thailand’s first beach resort which is renowned for golf and spa.  Between Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan are Pran Buri with many boutique resorts and Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park with soaring peaks, numerous caves and exotic bird life.

Hua Hin

281 kilometers south of Bangkok, Hua Hin, which literally means stone head in Thai, is the oldest beach resort of the country and is still very popular. Clean white sand, crystal clear water and a tranquil atmosphere has continued to attract tourists in search of peaceful and relaxing holidays.

The town was originally known as Ban Samoe Rieng, or Ban Laem Hin (Stony Point Village). The construction of a railway station in the city as part of the Southern Railroad in the reign of King Rama VI resulted in making Hua Hin stand out from many quite fishing villages. In addition, the construction of a Summer Palace of King Rama VII totally transformed the village into a high-society resort town for royalty. Even today, the Royal Family continues to reside at the Palace for part of the year.

Hua Hin’s consequence came with the opening of the Railway Hotel (known today as the Sofitel Central Hotel), an elegant Victorian-style resort hotel, and also the countrys first standard golf course. A cluster of royal and high-society residences gradually became more visible resulting in the transformation of the whole village into the first seaside resort of the country, where visitors could enjoy swimming, fishing, and golfing in the country’s first standard golf course.
Today, Hua Hin is a well-established beach destination with word-class facilities coupled with a true sense of Thai hospitality. Despite its expansive growth and development as a luxurious destination, the splendor of Hua Hin remains intact. Remaining content in itself, Thailand’s oldest seaside resort has never sought international recognition. It has continued to provide a peaceful and relaxed sanctuary in a picturesque environment that comes with a true sense of historical identity.

By car

Drive along Highway No. 35 (Thon Buri-Pak Tho) passing Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram Provinces and then take Highway No. 4 to Hua Hin Total distance is 123 kilometers. Alternatively, it is possible to travel via Nakhon Pathom and Ratchaburi Provinces.

By BusBuses from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal cost 110 bahts for 1st class (air-conditioned), 85 bahts for 2nd class (air-conditioned) and 61 bahts (ordinary). The trip takes about 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Various agencies on Khao San Road in Bangkok operate minivans to Hua Hin for 150 baht per person. The bus leaves for Bangkok from a station next to Siripetchkasem Hotel. In addition, there are air-conditioned buses leaving for Chumpon Province (125 baht, 4 hours), Surat Thani Province (210 baht, 7hours), Phuket Province (305 baht, 10 hours) and Krabi Province (280 baht, 9 hours)

By Train

The trip takes about 3-3/4 hours from Bangkok; 1st class fare is 202 baht (rapid and express only), 2nd class is 102 baht (rapid and express only) and 3rd class is 44 baht. Call 1690 for more details.

Getting Around

Local buses/songthaews from Hua Hin to the Hat (beach) of Khao Takiap, Khao Tam and Suan Son cost 7-10 baht / person. These buses run from around 6 a.m. until 5.50 p.m.

Buses to Pranburi are 10 baht and leave from the same area of Chomsin Road.
Samlors may cost 40 baht / trip in to town.

Motorcycles and bicycles can be rented from a couple of places on Damnoen Kasem Road near the Jed Pee Nong Hotel. Motorcycle rates are from 150 baht to 200 baht per day for 100cc and 250 baht to 300 baht for 125cc. Occasionally larger bikes – 400 to 750cc – are available for 500 baht to 600 baht a day. Bicycles are 30 baht to 70 baht per day.

At the fishing pier visitors can charter boats to Ko Singtoh for 800 baht a day. On Hat Takiap it is possible to get cheaper fares for 700 baht.

RECOMMENDED ATTRACTION

Namtok Huai Yang National Park, Prachuap Khiri Khan This 16-square kilometre-park covers a forested area on the Tanao Si Mountain Range. A 5-layer water… Hat Wanakon National Park, Prachuap Khiri Khan 23 kilometres from Prachuap Khiri Khan, this 38-square kilometre park is centred on a fine 7 kilomet… Pran Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan Pran Buri is some 30 kilometres south of Hua Hin. There are several beach resorts in peaceful atmosp… King Mongkut Memorial Park of Science an…, Prachuap Khiri Khan This Science Park was established at Wa Ko in 1989 to commemorate King Monkut (King Rama IV), who is… Khao Chong Krachok, Prachuap Khiri Khan From the foot of the hill in the north of the town, up 395 steps, sits a much revered monastery. The… Ao Manao, Prachuap Khiri Khan Lying some 5 kilometres south of the town, this beautiful curved bay, once a battlefield between the… Sam Roi Yot National Park, Prachuap Khiri Khan Located 63 kilometres south of Hua Hin in the vicinity of Kui Buri district, this coastal national p… Suan Son Pradiphat, Prachuap Khiri Khan This beachside area belongs to the Army Welfare Office and is open to the public. It is at Kilometer… Namtok Pa La-u, Prachuap Khiri Khan This beautiful 11-tiered rock waterfall is located in the densely verdant forest in the area of Kaen… Khao Takiap Vantage Point, Prachuap Khiri Khan This hill is situated at the southern end of Hua Hin, only 4 kilometers from the town. It can be eas… Khao Hin Lek Fai, Prachuap Khiri Khan Definitely a vantage point to see the whole town of Hua Hin, the hill is located approximately 3 kil… Khao Tao, Prachuap Khiri Khan This small beach at the foot of Khao Tao Hill lies about 10 kilometers south of Hua Hin. It is locat… Hat Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan Hat Hua Hin is a 5-kilometer white sandy beach lined with a wide range of accommodations, from bunga… Hat Ban Krut, Prachuap Khiri Khan This quiet beach is situated mid-way between Amphoe Thap Sakae and Bang Saphan. A good view of the b… Ao Mae Ramphueng and Ao Bo Thonglang, Prachuap Khiri Khan Situated in the southern extremities of the province, both are scenic bays in the Bang Saphan distri… Ko Singto, Prachuap Khiri Khan Approximately 800 meters off the coast of Suan Son Beach is Ko Singto, a small island suitable for f…

more info at  http://www.tourismthailand.org

PATTAYA

Chonburi, Bangkoks nearest seaside town, is located on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand, only 80 kilometers from Bangkok. The area boasts abundant natural resources, which are highlighted by delightful beaches, local colors, traditions, delicacies and fresh seafood. This is a popular resort among Bangkokians who seek the nearest escape from hectic weekly schedules as Chon Buri has something for everyone. In addition, Chon Buri is the center of the Eastern Seaboard Development Project, with its industrial parks and fishing villages.

Pattaya A Travelers Paradise

Pattaya is nestled along a picturesque bay on the East Coast of the Gulf of Thailand, roughly 170 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. From a fishing village in the 1960’s, Pattaya has emerged as the favorite Southeast Asian vacation center. A fascinating escape where tourists, holiday makers and vacationers from around the world unfold an incomparable array of possibilities to unwind during an exotic holiday beach vacation.

Unlike other beach resorts, where natural surroundings are used as magnets to attract tourists, Pattaya makes an all-out attempt to provide the best of everything. Here, everything means everything a tourist can imagine while 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.

The Past

Pattaya’s name was originated from the march of Phraya Tak (later known as King Taksin the Great) and his followers from Ayutthaya to Chanthaburi just before the fall of the Ayutthaya Kingdom to the Burmese invaders in 1767.

When Phraya Tak’s army arrived in the vicinity of what is Pattaya today, he encountered the troops of Nai Klom who tried to intercept him. When the two leaders met face to face, Nai Klom was awed by Phraya Tak’s dignified manner and his army’s strict discipline, thereby surrendering without a fight. The place where the two armies confronted each other was later called Thap Phraya, which means the Army of the Phraya. This was later changed to Phatthaya, which happens to mean the wind blowing from the southwest to the northeast at the beginning of the rainy season. Today the spelling of the name has been simplified to Pattaya.

For centuries, Pattaya was a small fishing village almost cut off from the outside world. But a big change occurred on 29 April 1961 when the first group of about 100 American servicemen who would join the Vietnam War arrived in Pattaya for relaxation. Soon, sleepy Pattaya became Thailand’s premier and most successful beach resort, which annually attracts hundreds of thousands of pleasure-seeking visitors. A full range of accommodations from super deluxe hotels to bungalows and mini-pocket guesthouses replaced fishermens huts along the beach. Fishing vessels were adapted to become tourist boats and swimmers and sunbathers from various parts of the world frequented the quiet powdery golden beaches. Places of nighttime entertainment have also sprung up and are popular among international tourists.

The Present

Pattaya currently integrates the delights of a 1st class beach resort, city-like dining, shopping and night entertainment facilities with more than 300 assorted hotels, thousands of shops, restaurants and bars. In addition, there are an array of sports and recreational activities including beaches, golf courses, tennis courts, go-kart, gyms for working out, weight lifting and Thai-boxing gear. Pattaya offers a broad range of things to do. During the day, one may enjoy riding elephants or driving humble automatic mini-bikes, monstrous motorcycles, or even monster multicolored convertible Jeeps. Others go for shooting firearms, scuba diving and surfing, deep-sea fishing, speed boats, scooters, water-skiing, parasailing, or aerial sports such as gliding ultra-lights and flying motor-propelled gliders. On the other hand, at night, there are restaurants, bars, theaters, cabaret shows, night clubs, bowling halls, billiard & snooker clubs, discos, sauna & massage parlors, not to cite its absolutely incredible shopping which is available non-stop both day-and-night.

Pattaya Facts

This exotic beach resort welcomes approximately 5 million visitors a year. The friendly and hospitable Thai nature boosts its promotion, frequently bringing back the repeat visitors and constantly increasing the number of newcomers.

Pattaya city is located on the eastern coast of the country at latitude 13 N and longitude 101 E in the area of Chon Buri province. It is 147 kilometers from Bangkok and lies parallel to Sukhumvit Road on its east and the coastline on its west. Pattaya occupies an area of 208.1 sq. km. that is divided into 53.44 sq. kilometers of land and 154.66 sq. kilometers of islands and sea. Its coastline is 15 kilometers long.

Pattaya has a plain on the coast with some high mountains to the south. The area on the east slopes down towards the sea on the west.

Administration

Pattaya City has been administered under a special autonomous system since 1978. It has a status comparable to that of a municipality and is administered separately by the mayor of Pattaya City, who is responsible for making policies, organizing public services, and supervising all employees of Pattaya City Administration.

Travelling to Chon Buri

By Car

Chon Buri is a one-hour drive from Bangkok along Highway No. 34 (Bang Na-Trat). Alternatively, taking the Motor Way (new Bangkok-Chon Buri Route) will reduce travel time.

By Bus

The 1.5-hour journey from Bangkok can be made on regular buses originating from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai). Air-conditioned buses leave Ekkamai every 40 minutes from 5.30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tel: 0 2391 9829. Non air-conditioned buses leave Ekkamai every 30 minutes from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tel: 0 2391 2504.

There are also air-conditioned buses leaving the Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road from 6.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Call: 0 2936 2852-66 for more information. In addition, Si Racha Tour, Tel: 0 2936 4029 operates air-conditioned bus services to Chon Buri and Bang Saen.

Travelling to Pattaya

By car

Pattaya can be reached in a 2.5-hour drive along Bangna-Trat Highway via Bang Pakong, Chon Buri and Si Racha. However, visitors can avoid Chon Buri by opting for Highway 36, the new Chon Buri – Pattaya – Rayong route or taking the motorway from Rama 9 Road.

By bus

Air-conditioned and regular buses depart from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) and Bangkoks Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) on Kamphaengphet Road daily. Buses (air-con) depart the Eastern Bus Terminal every 30 minutes from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and from Mochit II (Northern Bus Terminal) from 5.00 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Departure times and fares may be obtained from the Eastern Bus Terminal, tel. 0 2391 2504, 0 2391 8097 or the Northern Bus Terminal, tel. 0 2936 2852-66.

There are also minibuses that travel directly from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya at 9.00 a.m., 12.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. daily. For more information, contact the Bangkok International Airport, tel. 0 2535 1111.

In addition, most hotels in Bangkok provide bus services to Pattaya. Contact the tour desk at your hotel for details.

By train

The State Railway of Thailand offers a daily train service departing Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station at 06.55 a.m., tel. 0 2621 8701. It takes about 5 hours to reach a station located near the Siam Country Club.

By Air

Bangkok Airways provides daily flights connecting Ko Samui and U-Taphao Airport. (Approximately 30 kilometers south of Pattaya).

Travelling in Pattaya

Pattaya City is divided into four major zones: North Pattaya, Central Pattaya, South Pattaya and Chomthian. It should be noted that there is a small mountain known as the Hill, located between South Pattaya and Chomthian. For a visual illustration take a look at the Map of Pattaya and Chomthian with the Hill.

Motorbikes are the most popular mode of transport in Pattaya. However, transportation in the city is facilitated through the use of special cars (song taew), customized pickup trucks with passenger seats in a covered overhead back cabin. These pickups, known as Bahts-Bus, can easily carry 8-10 passengers in the back, plus 1 or 2 passengers in front. They circle around the city and are allowed to stop anywhere. In addition to motorbike-taxis, the Bahts-Buses are the only form of public transport permitted in Pattaya. If not occupied, they also can be hired as private taxis. In fact, they are private vehicles in most cases belonging to the drivers. There are so many of them that they end up looking for passengers.

This compact city consists of 3 major roads that parallel each other. Right along the beach is Beach Rd., which is a one-way road from the north to south that is a few kilometers long. Second Rd. is a hundred or so meters away and carries city transport mainly from the south to north, although it is partly a two-way road. The last road is Sukhumvit Rd, a continuation of the highway leading to Bangkok. Many small streets called Soi(s) cross the roads. And it’s advisable to walk some of the small streets, which are enumerated from north to south, although some have names. Second Rd. continues on to South Pattaya and turns to Chomthian reaching Chomthian beach within 5 minutes, and continues alongside Chomthian beach, which is approximately 20 kilometers long with some secluded escapes.

Chomthian Beach Rd., which is a two-way road, also parallels Sukhumvit Rd and is the only road in the Chomthian area, except for some connecting streets. On the other side of Sukhumvit road are several country clubs, golf courses and typical Thai rural villages, providing charming escapes on the banks of sweet-water lakes and small streams in the leisurely and relaxing countryside.

Many kinds of motorbikes, convertible monster Jeeps, sport and passenger cars are offered for rent. A driver’s license is not required for driving around Pattaya and vicinity, so many tourists are tempted get behind the wheel. It should be noted that in Thailand drivers drive on the left lane, as in England and Japan.

RECOMMENDED ATTRACTION

Romance of the Three Kingdoms Park, Chon Buri Situated close to the Horseshoe Point, the park contains several beautiful Chinese-style buildings a… Ko Lan, Chon Buri Lying about 7.5 kilometers off of Pattaya by a 45-minute ferry or 15 minutes by speed boat ride, the… The Million-Year Stone Park and Crocodil…, Chon Buri The Million-Year Stone Park and Crocodile Farm, which is located approximately 9 kilometers from Pat… The Bottle Museum, Chon Buri As the name implies, this is the place where you can find elaborate bottle creations, including the … Sanctuary of Truth (Prasat Satchatham), Chon Buri The compound, which covers an area of more than two rais, is situated by the sea at Laem Ratchawet o… Pattaya Elephant Village, Chon Buri Located on Phonpraphanimit Road, which is off of Highway No.3 at Km. 145, the Pattaya Elephant Villa… Hat Pattaya, Chon Buri The half-moon-shaped Pattaya Beach is 4 kilometers long with a road running parallel to the beach. F… Khao Chi Chan, Chon Buri Khao Chi Chan features a sculptural image erected to honor His Majesty King erected to honor is Maje… The Institute of Marine Science of the B…, Chon Buri The University operates a modern aquarium with real underwater environment and a marine science muse… Pattaya Floating Market, Chon Buri Come and experience with surprise and delight the atmosphere created by the merging of local thai cu… Wat Yansangwararam, Chon Buri Situated approximately 15 kilometers south of Pattaya City, the temple, which covers a total area of… Underwater World Pattaya, Chon Buri A new tourist attraction in town is the largest and most modern ocean aquarium in Asia, boasting a 1…

more info at http://www.tourismthailand.org

CHIANG MAI

Experiencing 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.

The Past

The Setting

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, Thailands 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 Mae Nam Ping (Ping River) which originates from the Chiang Dao mountain range.

RECOMMENDED ATTRACTION

Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai This national park which covers an area of 1,005 square kilometers is located on Doi Inthanon, Thail…

Phra That Si Chom Thong Temple, Chiang Mai This temple is situated approximately 58 kilometers from the town in Chom Thong District.

Phra That Doi Noi Temple, Chiang Mai Situated in Doi Lo, Chom Thong District along Highway No.108 between Km.

Chiang Dao Cave, Chiang Mai Tham Chiang Dao is a charming cave located in Amphoe Chiang Dao. It is situated 72 kilometres from C…

King Naresuan Stupa, Chiang Mai Located at Mueang Ngai Village. The locals built the stupa to mark the stay of King Naresuan the Gre…

Huai Luek Royal Project Development Cent…, Chiang Mai The center serves as a demonstrative development model for the hill tribe people based on the philos…

Tham Tap Tao Temple, Chiang Mai This temple is situated in Chai Prakan Sub-district along the Chiang Mai-Fang route between Km.120 a…

Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Study …, Chiang Mai It was established on His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s initiation in order to conduct studies a…

Wat Suan Dok, Chiang Mai Another temple located on Suthep Road, Wat Suan Dok was built in the 14th century and houses the 500…

Mountain Orchid, Chiang Mai This plantation has been established for over 20 years and is famous for breeding a variety of speci…

San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai The village is located 13 kilometers the east of Chiang Mai town in a district that is famous for si…

The Thriving Sunday Market, Chiang Mai Located on the Ratchadamneon Rd. inside the old city of Chiang Mai the market seems to be ever expan…

Mok Fa Waterfall, Chiang Mai This one-level waterfall is located on the Mae Malai-Pai road.

Tribal Museum, Chiang Mai Tribal Museum is in King Rama IX Lanna Garden on Chotana Road.

Ban Hmong Mae Sa Mai, Chiang Mai This Hmong village has preserved their simple but splendid traditions and lifestyles.

Huai Phak Phai Royal, Chiang Mai This is at Ban Mae Ha, tambon Ban Pong along the Samoeng-Hang Dong route.

Fang Hot Springs, Chiang Mai These hot springs are situated at Ban Pin, which is located approximately 8 kilometers northwest of …

Ang Khang Royal Project, Chiang Mai Located in the valley of Doi Ang Khang, the station is designated for conducting experiments on poss…

Doi Tao Lake, Chiang Mai The lake is located approximately 133 kilometers from Chiang Mai town along the Chiang Mai-Hot-Doi T…

Doi Luang Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai Doi Luang Chiang Dao is a limestone mountain in the Chiang Dao Wildlife Reserve area, Amphoe Chiang …

Kat Dara Market, Chiang Mai The bazaar is a part of the Oriental Dara Tewi Hotel. Many shops along the roads are built in the ch…

Pha Daeng National Park, Chiang Mai The park’s 1,155 square kilometres encompasses high mountains and deep valleys of verdant forest. I…

Bhubing Palace, Chiang Mai The royal winter palace was built in 1961. The palace is also the royal guesthouse for prominent Sta…

Daraphirom Palace, Chiang Mai The museum was originally the residence of Chao Dara Rasmi — one of the favorite consorts of King C…

Op Khan National Park, Chiang Mai -

Wat Phra That Doi Kham, Chiang Mai Temple of the Golden Mountain, this temple is situated in Tambon Mae Hia, Amphoe Mueang. It is a bea…

Ban Kham Un Museum, Chiang Mai Situated on the right side of km. 4, opposite Mae Sa Snake Farm in Amphoe Mae Rim, this private muse…

Ratchaphruek Garden, Chiang Mai Ratchaphruek Garden is situated 10km southwest of Chiang Mai, in Mae Hia sub-district. Nestled in a…

Tweechol Botanical Garden, Chiang Mai The place to visit rejuvenate, relax, and experience the beauty of nature.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai Locals would say, You havent really gone to Chiang Mai unless youve been to Wat Phratat Doi Suthep.

Wat Phra Sing, Chiang Mai Built in 1345, the temple is located on Sam Lan Road. It houses the North s most revered Buddha stat…

Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park, Chiang Mai Covering an area of 262 sq. km., this luxuriant park is home to more than 300 bird species and nearl…

Huai Nam Dang National Park, Chiang Mai The park occupies an area of 180 square kilometers in Mae Taeng Sub-district, Chiang Mai and Pai Sub…

Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden, Chiang Mai This botanical garden, which covers a mountainous area of 560 acres, is located around Km. 12 along …

Doi Ang Khang National Park, Chiang Mai Famous for its cool climate all year round, visitors can explore the Royal Angkhang Station Project …

Wat Saen Fang, Chiang Mai Located on Tha Phae Road, Wat Saen Fang is an old Burmese-style temple. Wat Prasat, Chiang Mai Located on Inthawarorot Road, near Wat Phra Sing, is Wat Prasat where a rare Lanna style Buddha imag… Wat Phan Tao, Chiang Mai The temple that was a throne hall for King Mahotara Prateth whose symbol is the peacock is located o… Wat Ku Tao, Chiang Mai Formerly known as Wat Veru Vanaram, the temple is located in Sri Phum Sub-district, near the Chiang … Wat Gate Museum, Chiang Mai The temple museum, Wat Gate Museum features an eclectic collection of artifacts discovered from the … Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai The oldest temple in Chiang Mai town, Wat Chiang Man was built in 1296 by King Mengrai, the founder … Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai This 14th century temple, where the City Pillar Shrine is located, is famous for its enormous chedi,… for more info at   http://www.tourismthailand.org/destination-guide/chiangmai-50-5087-1.html .

Bangkok

Bangkok was founded in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty.  It is now the country’s spiritual, cultural, diplomatic, commercial and educational hub.  It covers an area of more than 1,500 square kilometres, and it is home to approximatlely ten million people or more than 10% of the country’s population.

Over the last few decades, Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok, has changed into a modern, exciting and sophisticated city.  It offers to visitors not only the cosmopolitan amenities they would expect from other big cities, but also a unique treasure trove of cultural attractions.  Thailand, in the heart of Southeast Asia, was never colonised and thus kept its unique culture and heritage intact. Bangkok offers visitors the opportunity to experience fascinating glimpse of Thailand’s gentle culture amidst the bustle of a great and dynamic metropolis.  This great city has had astounding success in combining the ancient and modern world.

For tourists, Bangkok has a feast of attractions to offer.  The city is dotted with 400 glittering Buddhist temples of great beauty and fascination, magnificent palaces, classical dance extravaganzas, numerous shopping centres and traditional ways of life, especially along the “Venice of the East” timeless canals and the Chao Phraya River of the “River of Kings” winding through the city.  It is worth taking a trip along its waters before exploring further into different canals to take a glimpse of old Bangkok.

Useful tourist information on Bangkok can be obtained from the official website of the Bangkok Tourism Division : www.bangkoktourist.com

RECOMMENDED ATTRACTION

Aksra Hun Lakon Lek at Aksra Theatre อัก…, Bangkok The various performances of the Thai Puppets together with Thai Orchestra Band

Gemopolis, Bangkok the first and only industrial estate for Gems and Jewelry in Thailand, occupying 800 rai of land (ap…

Museum Siam Discovery Museum (มิวเซียมสย…, Bangkok a learning centre on ethnology, anthropology, and other fields related to Thai society and Southeast…

Joe Louis, Traditional Thai Puppet Thea…, Bangkok Joe Louis Puppet Theatre, the last of the kingdom’s traditional Thai small puppets troupe, was award…

Queen Sirikit Park, Bangkok Located near Chatuchak Weekend Market, between Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road and Kamphaeng Phet 3 Road

The Grand Palace, Bangkok Every visitor to Bangkok should see the magnificent buildings within the Grand Palace compound to ge…

Wat Arun, Bangkok Make sure you set aside one late afternoon to see and photograph this imposing sight at sunset with …

Wat Pho, Bangkok This is possibly the most interesting temple in Thailand as it combines history, medical science and…

The National Museum, Bangkok A visit to the National Museum reveals the history of Thailand And how people lived during the diffe…

The City Pillar Shrine, Bangkok According to an old Thai tradition, a city pillar had to be built upon the establishment of a new ci…

Vimanmek Palace, Bangkok An outstanding example of 19th century architecture. While admiring the craftsmanship of the carpent…

Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing, Bangkok A visit to Wat Suthat Thep Wararam, situated almost in the center of old Bangkok, gives you an oppor…

Giant Swing, Bangkok With 21-metre height, painted in red color and the unique structure of wooden pillars it has become …

Wat Sa Ket and The Golden Mount, Bangkok This landmark, on the only hill in Bangkok, is of great significance for all followers of The Lord B…

Wat Ratchanatdaram, Bangkok Located on Mahachai Road, the temple was built in the reign of King Rama III in 1846. Loha Prasat, …

Wat Thepthidaram, Bangkok Located on Mahachai Road, the temple was built in the reign of King Rama III with a mixture of Chine…

Royal Barge National Museum, Bangkok The Royal Barge Procession is one of the most spectacular events in the world. It is performed occas…

Wat Mahathat This old temple was built in the reign of King Rama I. Located on Na Phrathat Road near Thammasat Un… Wat Ratchabophit The temple is located on Fuang Nakhon Road near Wat Pho. Built by King Rama V in 1869, it was in ke… Wat Ratchaburana This temple is located at the foot of the Rama I Memorial Bridge on the Bangkok side. Built in the l… Wat Ratchapradit Sathitmahasimaram Situated to the north of Saran Rom Park, the temple is relatively small and covers a total area of a… Wat Trai Mit Have you ever seen five and a half tons of gold? Wat Trai Mit, near the Bangkok Railway Station at H… Wat Bowon Niwet This temple is located on Phra Sumen Road in the Bang Lamphu area. Built in 1829, it is the shrine-… Wat Intharawihan It is an awesome feeling to stand before this Buddha image that reaches to the sky at 32 metres tall… Jim Thompson’s Museum This exquisite collection of traditional Thai house stands as a museum to the man who revived the Th… Khon Masked Dance at Sala Chalermkrung T… Khon is Thailand’s classical masked dance that is regarded as one of the most refined of performing … Siam Niramit Situated on Thiam Ruammit Road off Ratchadaphisek Road, about 100 metres from the Thailand Culutral … Wat Benchamabophit To stand at the main gateway and look upon the Monastery of Five Kings is a sight to behold. The per… Suan Lum Night Bazaar The Suan Lum Night Bazaar is a great place for an inexpensive night out that offers fabulous shoppin… Chatuchak Park This is located at the junction of Phahonyothin and Vibhavadi Rungsit roads. There are nine pieces o… China Town The largest outside of China Chinatown is a bustling, crowded area where you can buy just about any… Victory Monument The monument is situated on Phahonyothin Road. It was constructed in 1941 under the premiership of F… The Museum of Thai Red Cross Society The source of knowledge which can easily be accessed, the museum of Thai Red Cross Society is the pl… Nang Loeng Market an old market by Krung Kasem canal, just 10 mininutes walk from Ratchadamnoen boxing Stadium. J Siriraj Museum The museum is situated in Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok Noi Distirict. King Rama V founded Siriraj Hosp… for more info at http://www.tourismthailand.org/attraction/bangkok-10-1.html Canal Tours, Bangkok Avoyage through time Bangkoks history is so closely connected to the waterways. It used to have so…

TRADITION & CULTURE

Thailand is a country of scenic diversity and ancient traditions, of tranquil temples and modern urban excitement. With and independent history going back more than seven centuries, it has managed to absorb a variety of cultural influences and blend them into something uniquely and memorably Thai.

Each of its four major region offers a distinctive experience for the traveler in search of discovery. Misty mountains in the north shelter verdant valleys and exotic hill tribes, while in centers like Chiang Mai traditional customs and crafts have been preserved over generations. Along the picturesque coastlines of the east and south lie some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and off-shore islands, each with its own beauty. Scattered over the northeastern plateau are superb khamer monuments from the time of Angkor Wat and natural parks teeming with wild life. In the Central Region can be found the evocative ruins of ancient Thai capitals and bustling Bangkok with its dynamic and countless pleasures.

CENTRAL REGION

The fertile Central Plains region, watered by the winding Chao Phraya River, has long been Thailand’s cultural and economic heart. “Kin khao”, the Thai expression for “to eat”, translates literally as “to eat rice” ; and the vast checkerboard of paddy fields on either side of the river has traditionally provided the kingdom with its staple grain. When the annual monsoon rains sweep across the plains, the fields are transformed into a sea of vivid green dotted here and there with farming villages and the occasional gleaming spire of a Buddhist temple.

In the early 13th century, the first independent Thai capital was born at Sukhothai, thus ushering in a Golden Age of Buddhist art and architecture, The impressive remains of Sukhothai have been preserved as part of a historical park, a major attraction for visitors to the region.
When Sukhothai’s power waned, a new capital rose further south on the banks of the Chao Phraya. Known as Ayutthaya, it ruled the kingdom for more than four centuries and became one of the largest, most cosmopolitan cities in Southeast Asia. Traders came not only from China, Japan and other Asian countries but also from distant Europe, bringing with them a wide range of new cultural influences. Ayutthaya was destroyed by an invading enemy in 1767 and today its extensive remains also attract numerous sightseers, many of whom come up from Bangkok by the traditional river route.

Bangkok became the capital in 1782 with the founding of the Chakri Dynasty that still occupies the Thai throne. Its early rulers sought to recreate the glories of Ayutthaya and many of the city’s landmarks date from this period, among them the magnificent Grand Palace and its adjacent Wat Phra Keo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha),Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), and Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha). The flavor of the capital’s past can be captured by a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River that flows through its traditional heart or an exploration of the picturesque klongs, or canals of Thonburi.

The city quickly outgrew its original walled center and is today a huge metropolis of high-rise buildings, air-conditioned shopping centers, and world-class luxury hotels. Despite its Western facade, however, Bangkok remains distinctively Thai, a fusion of modern and traditional, full of fascinating things to discover. All of Thailand’s legendary bargains lustrous silks, bronze ware, antiques, gemstones, and jewelry, to mention only a few are available here, along with countless fine restaurants and other places dedicated to the pursuit of what Thais call sanuk, or pleasure.

Easily accessible to Bangkok are other attractions, among them the world’s largest Buddhist monument at Nakhon Pathom, the famous Bridge over the River Kwai built during World War II, and, on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, the lively seaside resort of Pattaya

Much of what we now know as Thai cuisine also evolved in the Central Region. Rice, fish, and vegetables, flavored with garlic, black pepper, and nam pla, or fish sauce, along with an abundance of fresh fruits, comprised the basic diet of Sukhothai. With the rise of Ayutthaya, other elements were added to the increasingly complex Thai blend. That now essential ingredient, the fiery-hot chili pepper, was introduced at this time, along with the equally popular coriander, lime, and tomato. These may have been brought from their native South America by the Portuguese, who opened relations with Ayutthaya in 1511 and also left a lasting imprint in the form of popular Thai sweets based on egg yolks and sugar. Other influences came from India, Japan, Persia, and especially, China, though in almost every case their contributions were subtly altered and transformed to suite Thai tastes.

Unlike the north and northeast, where glutinous rice is popular, Central Thais like the fragrant plain variety, most commonly steamed but sometimes fried or boiled. In addition to fresh-water fish, there is seafood from the nearby gulf as well as a wide range of fresh vegetables and such fruits as mangos, durians, custard apples, guavas, and pomeloes. Sino-Thai food is popular in cities like Bangkok, particularly in the form of numerous noodle dishes.

THE NORTH

Until the early years of the present century, northern Thailand was effectively isolated from the rest of the country, a region of wild, densely forested mountains where elephants worked in the teak industry along the Burmese and Laotian borders and old temple-filled town like Chiang Mai, founded in 1297, that were part of the ancient Lanna Thai Kingdom. The first railway linking Chiang Mai with Bangkok only opened in 1921, and good roads did not come until several decades later.

This long isolation helps explain many of the characteristics that make the north so appealing to visitors today : a sense of traditions not merely preserved but vitally alive, gentle customs that reveal themselves in countless ways, distinctive differences of scenery, architecture, language and food.

Tourists can explore the charms of Chiang Mai, where life moves at a different pace from Bangkok, ornate temples rise on almost every street, and the shops are filled with handicrafts native to the region and still made by traditional methods handed down over generations. There are woodcarvers who produce and endless variety of decorative figures, panels, and furniture, as well as other artisans who create fine lacquer bowls, silverware, homespun cotton and silk, delicate embroidery, and hand-painted umbrellas. All these crafts, along with many others, can be found at the famous Night Bazaar in the center of town.

Chiang Mai is also noted for its frequent festivals such as the Winter Fair at the end of December, the Flower Festival in February, Songkran (the old Thai New Year) in April, and Loy Krathong in November. Most regular activities cease during these gala events, which attract people from all over Thailand as well as from abroad.

Other notable northern towns include Lamphun, once known as Haripunchai and founded by Mons in the 7th century; Lampang, where picturesque horse-drawn carriages still ply the streets; Mae Hong Sorn, nestled in a secret valley of exceptional beauty; Chiang Rai, a popular base for treks into the hills; and Chiang Saen, at the tip of the so-called “Golden Triangle” where Thailand’s borders meet those of Laos and Myanmar.

Lovers of adventure can take an elephant ride through the jungle or watch the great animals being trained at one of several camps, go for a boat ride along the scenic Kok River from Chiang Rai, climb Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand which is now surrounded by a national park, or go on treks to remote hill tribe villages. There are seven principal tribal groups and they are among the most exotic attractions of the far north, each with its own special culture and spectacular costumes that include a profusion of silver jewelry and magnificent embroidery.

The food of the north is as distinctive as its culture. Instead of the soft rice of the central region, a steamed glutinous variety is preferred, traditionally kneaded into small balls with the fingers and used to scoop up more liquid dishes. Northern curries are generally milder than those of central and northeastern Thailand. The influence of neighboring Myanmar is evident in such popular dishes as gaeng hang lay,a pork curry that relies on ginger, tamarind, and turmeric for its flavor, and khao soil, a curry broth with egg noodles and meat, topped with spring onions, pickled onions, and slices of lime. A favorite regional specialty is a spicy pork sausage called naem, eaten in a variety of ways and probably the delicacy northerners miss most when the move to another part of the country.

The traditional form of meal in the north, especially when guests are being entertained, is called a khantoke dinner khan meaning bowl and toke a low round table. Diners sit on the floor around the table and help themselves to assorted dishes which, besides glutinous rice, may include one or two local curries, a minced-meat dish seasoned with chillies, a salad, fried pork rind, and various sauces and condiments. If it is in season, dessert is likely to be lamyai, or longan, a delicious Iycheelike fruit for which the north is famous.

THE NORTH EAST

Of all the region of Thailand, the northeast is perhaps the least known among foreign visitors, in spite of the fact that it covers almost a third of the country’s total area and includes the second largest Thai city, Khon Kaen. This neglect is changing, however, more and more tourists are beginning to discover the northeast’s many unique attractions, both natural and historical.

In the 1960s, near the small village of Ban Chiang in Udon Thani province, one of the most exciting chapters in modern archeology began with the accidental discovery of a prehistoric burial site. Subsequent exploration revealed a culture going back to nearly 4,000 B.C. and numbering among its achievements the use of sophisticated bronze metallurgy as well as rice cultivation and beautiful painted pottery. Some of the remarkable Ban Chiang finds are displayed in a museum near the site, and one of the excavations has been preserved to show its different levels.

In historical times, between the 9th and 14th centuries A.D., the northeast was part of the great Khmer empire ruled from Angkor, and as a result it contains some of the finest classical Khmer ruins to be seen outside of Cambodia itself. Among the most beautiful are Prasat Hin Phimai, near the provincial capital of Nakhon Ratchasima, which was once linked by a direct road to Angkor, and Phanom Ruang in Buriram province, recently restored by the Fine Arts Department. In all, there are more than 30 Khmer ruins scattered about the region, all of unusual architectural interest.

Besides such archaeological sites, the northeast also has a number of spacious national parks and wildlife preserves sure to be on interest to any nature lover. The best known, because of its easy accessibility to Bangkok, is Khao Yai, which covers more than 2,000 square kilometers of forest, grassland, and rolling hills in four provinces and provides shelter for some 200 species of I wildlife, including elephants, tigers, deer, and a wide selection of birds. Phu Kadung, in Loei province, is centered on a mountain topped by a 60_square-kilometer plateau of exceptional natural beauty, while the Phu Khieo Wildlife Preservation Zone in Chaiyaphum province is a royally-initiated sanctuary for a variety of endangered I species. The great Mekong River that forms the border between Thailand and Laos is another notable scenic attraction.

One of the northeast’s greatest assets is its hospitable people, who make visitors feel welcome at several memorable festivals during the year. The Elephant Roundup, held every November in Surin province, brings together nearly two hundred of the animals to take part in a display of their skills, with special trains bringing guests from Bangkok for the events. Rocket Festivals, or Boon Bang Fais, are held in a number of provinces, the most famous being in Yasothon in May; enormous home-made rockets are fired at the peak of the lively celebration in the hope of ensuring a plentiful supply of rain for the coming crop. The beautiful Candle Festival, which marks the start of Buddhist Lent in July, attracts people from all over the country to Ubon Ratchathani, where huge, imaginative candles are paraded through the streets of the provincial capital.

Northeastern food reflects the influence of neighboring Laos in a number of dishes. As in Laos (and also northern Thailand) glutinous rice is the staple, eaten both as a base for other dishes or as a sweet when steamed in a piece of bamboo with coconut milk and black beans; and such Laotian herbs as dill (called pak chee Lao, or Lao coriander in Thai) turn up as seasoning. A popular regional dish of Lao origin is khanom buang, a thin crispy egg crepe stuffed with shrimp, bean sprouts, and other ingredients.

Northeasterners like their food highly seasoned, and regional specialties like laab, made with spicy minced meat or chicken, som tam (green papaya salad), and gal yang. (bar B-Q Chicken) Meat is often scarce in villages and freshwater fish and shrimp are the principal source of protein, sometimes cooked with herbs and spices and sometimes fermented. Thanks to the large numbers of north-eastern who have come to work in Bangkok, food of the region is widely available in the capital.

THE SOUTH

Southern Thailand consists of a long peninsula, reaching all the way down to Malaysia. Rugged limestone mountains, covered with lush jungle, rise along its spine, while its two coastlines– 1,875 kilometers long on the Gulf of Thailand and 740 kilometers on the Indian Ocean shelter countless beaches of exceptional pristine beauty along with prosperous fishing ports. Besides its rare natural beauty, the south also has vast plantations of rubber, coconut, and pineapple and near the Malaysian border, a distinctive cultural difference thanks to a largely Muslim population.

Hua Hin, on the western coast of the gulf, became Thailand’s first popular seaside resort in the 1920s when the southern railway line made it easily accessible to Bangkok. King Rama VII built a summer palace there, called Klai Kangwon, “Far From Worries”, and other aristocratic families acquired property along the scenic beach. Now the resort can boast a number of modern hotels and has spread to include nearby Cha-am, but it still has a quieter, more restful ambiance than vibrant Pattaya across the gulf.

Modern travelers further south, where they have discovered other exciting destinations. The most celebrated is Phuket, a large island in the Andaman Sea, was widely known among ancient traders for such natural wealth as tin ore and edible birds nests harvested from limestone caves and cliff sides. Phuket today, just an hour’s flight from Bangkok, is famous for a string of picture – postcard beaches on its western coast, each with its own particular charms and a wide range of accommodations

Not far from Phuket is Phang Nga Bay, a marine national park, where hundreds of limestone islands rise dramatically from the sea to form a breath taking scenic spectacle, along with the equally beautiful Phi Phi islands, where turquoise waters lap the white sands of a dozen secret coves and daring sea gypsies scale the walls of a vast, cathedral-like cave to collect the birds’ nests so prized by Chinese gourmets throughout the world.

More adventurous travelers in search of unspoiled natural beauty and diving thrills can explore the Similan Islands in the Andaman Sea, a group of nine small islands off which lie countless dazzling coral reefs, or, southward near Malaysia, the huge Tarutao National Park, where 51 islands cover an area of nearly 1,500 square kilometers.

Across the peninsula, off the southeast coast, lies the island of Koh Samui, a more recent tourist discovery that also offers memorable beaches fringed by graceful coconut palms and a number of smaller off-shore islands.

Several southern cities such as Nakhon Si Thammarat, Chaiya, and Songkhla can look back on an ancient history, reflected in deep-seated traditions, the remains of splendid temples, and elegant old houses. Others like Hat Yai, Thailand’s third largest provincial capital, have a booming modern energy fueled by the region’s prosperity, attracting large numbers of Malaysian tourists with shops and entertainment facilities. In the southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, and Satun, the domed mosque is as much a part of the landscape as the spires of a Buddhist temple, and Malay is the second language of most people.

Southern food is as distinctive as its scenery. Not surprisingly, the coconut, which grows so widely throughout the region, plays a prominent role in many dishes; its milk tempers the heat of chill-laced soups and curries, its oil is often used for flying, and its grated meat serves as a condiment. Also only to be expected is the abundance of fresh seafood from the surrounding waters: marine fish, some of huge size, prawns, rock lobsters, crab, squid, scallops, clams, and mussels. Cashew nuts from local plantations are eaten as appetizers or stir-fried with chicken and dried chillies, while a pungent flat bean called sataw adds an exotic, somewhat bitter flavor much admired by southern diners. Regional fruits include finger-sized bananas, mango-steens, durians, and small, sweet pineapples.

Sino-Thai food is popular in most large cities; every year the large Chinese community of Phuket stages a ten-day Vegetarian Festival during October, with colorful parades as well as exotic culinary treats. Other foreign influences can be found in such dishes as gaeng massaman, a mild Indian-style curry seasoned with cardamon, cloves, and cinnamon, several Malayan fish curries, and Satan skewered meat with a spicy peanut sauce that originally came from Indonesia.

THAI SOCIAL STRUCTURE

In the Thai social system, the village is the unit. It was in former days, a self-contained one in its economy and needs. The people’s habits and customs were based mainly o n agriculture and religion. Most villages had a Buddhist monastery and a shrine for a village deity. The monastery served their spiritual as well as the people’s education. All arts, crafts and learning emanated from the monastery. From birth till death it centred round it. Its precincts were the meeting place for social g atherings on festive occasions. As to the village shrine it was used only occasionally in times of distress or on New Year’s day when offerings were made. It had nothing to do with Buddhism.

No doubt Buddhism softened and tamed animism in many of its cults. The above is only a fundamental and comparative statement which a student has to bear in mind when dealing with mod ern cultural problems. The social system, habits and customs as seen in modern times are superficial modifications of the fundamentals and in a comparative degree only.

In some outlying districts where there are retarded developments of culture due to lack of intercommunication and new ideas, the people are still in their primitive state, quite in contrast to the progress in the capital, towns and cities.

In these progressive parts “old times are changed, old manners gone” and a new type of cultures fills its place. This is a sign of progress but it must come gratdually. Adapt the old to the new but not in a revolutionary way. The new cultures have also their dangers with problems to be solved, because people take too much interest in politics. To adopt new cultures wholly unsuited to the needs which are peculiar to, and characteristic of each particular place is a danger. Culture ought to be varied with characteristics of its own in each locality and area, harmonizing, however, with the whole-a unity in diversity.

THAI

The earliest mention of the Thai, as a nation in south China call NAN-JOA, comes from Chinese records dating back to the sixth century BCE. These early Thai emanated out of the Yunnan region and dispersed into the general area of what is today Thailand. These Thai peoples arrived in various waves and displaced the earlier native Mon and Khmer populations as they settled the region with a large group settling in Thailand during the Sung period of China roughly around 960 CE. The related Lao people split off from the early Tai-Kadai peoples and moved into Southeast Asia, mainly Laos, while another kindred people, the Shan, made their way into Myanmar. The founding of the Sukhothai kingdom culminated in the emergence of the first Thai nation-state founded in 1238. Various conflicts in the Chinese-dominated region of Nanchao facilitated increased migration of the Thai, especially mercenaries fleeing from the Mongol conquest of China, and helped establish the Thai as a regional power. Successful wars with the Mon helped to establish the kingdom of Lan Na as the Thai increased their hold in Southeast Asia. The early Thai brought their Buddhist and Chinese traditions, but also assimilated much of the native Khmer and Mon culture of Southeast Asia. (See Thai Chinese for more details) A new city-state known as Ayutthaya, named after the Indian city of Ayodhya, was founded by Ramathibodi (a descendant of Chiang Mai) and emerged as the center of the growing Thai Empire starting in 1350. Inspired by the then Hindu-based Khmer Empire (Cambodia), the Ayutthaya Empire’s continued conquests led to more Thai settlements as the Khmer Empire weakened after their defeat at Angkor in 1444. During this period, the Thai developed a feudal system as various vassal states paid homage to the Thai kings. Even as Thai power expanded at the expense of the Mon and Khmer, the Thai Ayutthaya faced setbacks at the hands of the Malay at Malacca and were checked by the Toungoo of Burma. Though sporadic wars continued with the Burmese and other neighbors, Chinese wars with Burma and European intervention elsewhere in Southeast Asia allowed the Thai to develop an independent course by trading with the Europeans as well as playing the major powers against each other in order to remain independent. The Chakkri dynasty under Rama I held the Burmese at bay, while Rama II and Rama III helped to shape much of Thai society, but also led to Thai setbacks as the Europeans moved into areas surrounding modern Thailand and curtailed any claims the Thai had over Cambodia, in dispute with Burma and Vietnam. The Thai learned from European traders and diplomats, while maintaining an independent course. Chinese, Malay, and British influences helped to further shape the Thai people who often assimilated foreign ideas, but managed to preserve much of their culture and resisted the European colonization that engulfed their neighbors.Thailand is also the only country that was not colonized in Southeastern Asia area in the early history