็Hilltribes in Thailand

One fascinating aspect of Thai culture is its ethnic diversity, including a number of hill tribe communities that live in the mountains of the Northern provinces. Roughly 8% of Thailand’s population is made of hill tribes including, Akha, Lahu, Lisu, Meo, Yao, and Karen hill tribe populations.

Most popular in Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, and Tak, an overnight trek to a Thailand hill tribe village is often the highlight of many visitors’ trips. While some villages have now had more than a decade of contact with visitors, most remote hill tribes still maintain most of their traditional practices and values.

Whether you wish to do a village homestay with a remote hill tribe village or arrange accommodation from a boutique company that provides semi-authentic lodging with more agreeable facilities, time spent with one of Thailand’s unique hill tribe communities provides a fascinating insight into these ancient and mystical cultures.

5 things to do in Phuket; Thailand

Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Ayutthaya : Thailand

Wat Chaiwatthanaram is an imposing monastery located in the west of Ayutthaya on the Chao Phraya River. It was built by King Prasat Thong in 1630 and its architecture is similar to that of Angkor Wat in Cambodia and it may have been built to commemorate the King victory over Thailand neighbour. The temple comprises a main prang (or tower) which is 35 meters tall surrounded by a series of smaller prangs situated alongside a gallery containing over 100 Buddha images. The temple is spacious and its well-kept grounds are peaceful. Well worth a visit if history and culture are your interest.

Fee: Admission to the temple is 20 Baht and opening hours are 08:00 to 18:00.

How to go: You can reach the temples ruins by bicycle if you have hired one, and a Tuk-Tuk fare will be in the 30 Baht range from the town centre. Long-tail boat services are available from Chankasem Palace at around 350 Baht for the full one-hour round trip.

Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre at Bang Sai

Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre at Bang Sai Area 285 rai (or 14 acres), located in the district center bung some large districts sand. Farmers from Ayutthaya as from other provinces through training in folk arts and crafts here. At this center, you will have glimpes how farmers in four regions live and work; How products of arts and crafts production. Center under support of professional and technical support related (SUPPORT), which was established under the patronage of July 21, 1976. Products and activities that can be seen here as fern basketry Vien, weaving, basketry, artificial flowers, Hand -. woven silk and cotton, silk dyeing wood carving, model Hand - Modelled Thai dolls, furniture making, fabric - all other consumer products made available at all branches and the Chitralada Store.

Some Sand to go to a cruise or bus from the Northern Bus Terminal on Phaholyothin Road, or take some sand - Sam Khok Road, branches off about 24 kilometers Pa - To cut or Highway No. 306 (Nonthaburi. - Pathum Thani Road.) Turn right into some sandy districts.

Center open every day except Monday from 08.30 - 16.00 hrs. To value 20 baht per person. For more information please contact Tel. 0 3536 6092 or Tel. 0 2225 8165 - 8 ext. 460 (Bangkok).

Back to Ayutthaya information

Wat Borom Phuttharam : Ayutthaya, Thailand

Situated inside Rajabhat University Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, the north-facing temple was built some time during 1688–1703 during the reign of King Phetracha on his former residence area near the main gate of the southern city wall. Its location and area plan was confined to be in the north-south direction by ancient communication routes; namely, Khlong Cha Krai Noi in the east and a royal pathway known as Thanon Maha Ratthaya or Thanon Pa Tong in the west. Unlike other temples, the king had all buildings roofed with yellow glazed tiles and the temple became known as “Wat Krabueang Khlueap” or the “glazed tile temple”. The construction took 2 years and the temple underwent a major renovation in the reign of King Borommakot, who had 3 pairs of door panels decorated with fine mother-of-pearl inlays. One pair of them is currently at Ho Phra Monthian Tham inside the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the second is at Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple), and the third was turned into cabinets and is now exhibited at the Bangkok National Museum. one good destination in Ayutthaya.

Ayutthaya, Thailand

Ayutthaya is 76 kilometres north of Bangkok and boasts numerous magnificent ruins. Such ruins indicate that Ayutthaya was one of Indo - China’s most prosperous cities. There is Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park which is a vast stretch of historical site in the heart of Ayutthaya city. There were three palaces in Ayutthaya: Grand Palace, Chantharakasem Palace or the Front Palace, and Wang Lang or the Rear Palace. In addition, there were many other palaces and buildings for royal visits located outside the city area of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, such as Bang Pa-In Palace at Amphoe Bang Pa-in and Nakhon Luang Building at Amphoe Nakhon Luang

Ayutthaya has most temples in thailand. If you want to see the old temples, directly book tour program to Ayutthaya province. In one day, you may see more 20 temples around here.

Wat Borom Phuttharam (วัดบรมพุทธาราม)
Royal Folk Arts and Craft Center at BangSai
Ayutthaya Historical Study Center
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
Chedi Sri Suriyothai
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Wat Phananchoeng
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Wat Mahathat
Ayutthaya Elephant's Show
Thailand International Balloon 2009 in Ayutthaya

Source=> Wikipedia

Nongnooch Tropical Garden : Pattaya, Thailand

"Heaven on Earth"

This piece of green land of about 652 hectares, is located in the extraordinary tropical gardens & Resort, where the large varieties of rare and exotic plants, palms, Cycads, trees, shrubs, vines collected from around the world, planted around our gardens. Everyone is just waiting for you to come and enjoy

"Thai cultural performances"
We present our Thai cultural show, where you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of our authentic performances of our artists show their elegance, costumes, music and dance movements.

"Elephant Show"
We are proud to show our smart and funny elephants. You will always enjoy the show they participate in sports, dance, painting, and its activities for their enjoyment.

"Garden Activities
In our garden we have organized a wide range of activities that are ready to serve our clients, such as elephant riding, bicycles, paddle boats, or walking through our skywalk, to see just how beautiful our gardens, it can be reviewed.

See more in http://www.nongnoochtropicalgarden.com

Tuxedo Magic Castle : Pattaya, Thailand

Tuxedo Magic Castle is the first Magic Theatre in Thailand. It was created by Mr. Tuxedo, a world class magician who has gained his international experiences in Japan, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, and USA. The theatre features a full range of magic performances ( world-standard magic shows ), the very same ones enjoyed by world-wide audience. The castle open Daily 6:00PM - 10:00PM with adult fee 450 baht and child 225 baht , see you at north Pattya.

Full Moon Party, Koh PaNgan

Worth looking out for is DJ A, who also holds residency at the Backyard, possibly the most famous after party venue in the world, starting at 11am as Haad Rin's beach shuts shop, licks its wounds and counts the casualties. The Backyard also puts on three cracking nights per week, each catering for the full spectrum of dance music heads in a totally refurbished, two-floor club with mind bending fluoro sculptures.

There are about 10,000 to 20,000 people attending every month at this Koh Phangan beach party. It is of course known as the Full Moon Party. International and Thai DJ's are entertaining the party until the crowd go wild. Paint yourself in UV colours and let your body lose control. The DJ's play all kinds of music; techno, trance, goa, drum n' bass, dub, reggae, commercial hits, house etc. on about 15 sound systems along Haad Rin beach. There are also many small tables on the beach where you can sit down with your friends or meet new friends from all corners of the globe. You can order drinks and food from the restaurants and bars next to the Haad Rin Nok beach.

More information to http://www.fullmoon-party.com/

The Khuean Srinagarindra National Park : Kanchanaburi, Thailand

The Khuean Srinagarindra National Park is located in Sri Sawat, Sai Yok and Amphur Thong Pha Phum, Kanchanaguri, it's so beautiful natural features with hot springs, waterfalls, caves and island. The park was designated in 1981, and has a total area of 1,532 km2 The mountains of the park are covered in evergreen and forests the origin of Kwae Yai River.

The area generally has high humidity in the air; more rain each year; and approximately temperature 28.8 degrees Celsius with the lowest temperature in December about 8 degrees Celsius.

There are nicely cold all the year round. Abundant wildlife includes leopard cat, slow loris, civets, squirrels and bats. Birds found in the Park include parakeets, kingfishers, beeaters, orioles and barbets. The north side of the reservoir is an important fishing area for locals.

Erawan National Park : Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Erawan National Park was designated in June 1975, Thailand''s 12th National Park in Kanchanaburi. This is an area of 550 Km.2 of high mountains and beautiful valleys. The mountain in eastern 996M. To cut limestone cliffs.

Topography
Erawan National Park was designated in June 1975, Thailand's 12th National Park. This is an area of 550 km2 of high mountains and beautiful valleys. The eastern mountains of 996m. To cut limestone cliffs. The mountains protect the park from east monsoon resulting in low average rainfall.

Climate
The mountains protect the park from east monsoon resulting in low average rainfall. During the sweltering summer, but it is great between the cool from November to February.

Flora and fauna
The main features of the park is the beautiful Erawan waterfalls created an abundance of small channels unite for the fall of steep cliffs. Deciduous forests covered about 78% of the park with Pterocorpus macrocarpus, Hopea adorata, Afzelia xylocarpa Spondias pinnata and some of the dominant tree species. There is also dipterocarp, dry and Evergreen bamboo forests. Wildlife survey of mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians were conducted. It you are lucky you can catch a glimpse of the elephants, Gibbons, Siamese catch the feet, flying squirrels, Eagles, White-eye, king cobra and pythons. Fish, crabs and insects are abundant in many mediums.

This is the one destination you don't miss to go to kanchanburi to see the real deep jungle in Thailand forest.

Sai Yok National Park : Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Sai Yok National Park is not as well developed as the other national parks, but it is Kanchanaburi's most accessible wilderness areas. Inside the main entrance of the park you can find limestone caves, the remains of a bridge on the Death Railway and Japanese ranges (actually little more than piles of bricks). There is also a network of clear streams that bubble up from sources in the park, and a cave where people want to see clouds of bats stream out at dusk. Unfortunately the park is not a detailed hiking maps or much in the way of visitor information to English speakers.

Near the Visitors Center is misleading Nam Tok Sai Yok Yai (Sai Yok Yai waterfall), which is better described as a small stream cascading over a waterfall. It flows into the Mae Nam Noi Khwae near the suspension bridge. It was in this park, the famous Russian roulette scenes in the 1978 film The Deer Hunter was filmed.

Noteworthy fauna in the park, the Kitti's Hog-nosed bats (smallest mammal), the world's regal crabs, barking deer, blue Pittas, crowned hornbills, gibbons, Malayan porcupine, Slow Loris and Serowe. There is also wild elephants which occasionally cross from Myanmar.

Forestry Department bungalows (0 2562 0760; bungalows 800-2100B) available at Sai Yok National Park, drag them to six. Incredibly beautiful is the number of houses near the suspension bridge, which was completely deserted on weekdays during the rainy season - just you and the River. One of the best is Saiyok See Raft (0 3451 4194, s 700B) who rooms with private bathroom, which looks at the stream has. Ask when booking to arrange meals and food options are limited. There are a number of fast food stalls near the Visitors Center.

The entrance of the park is approximately 100 miles northwest of Kanchanaburi and 5 km from Hwy 323rd You can Sangkhlaburi Kanchanaburi-Bus (50B, two hours, frequencies) to turn off and hire a motorbike taxi from the main road to the entrance. Tell the driver you want 'name Tok Sai Yok Yai. The last bus back to Kanchanaburi crossing at about 3:30.

From raft houses near the bridge, you can rent long tail, both for sightseeing along the river and caves or Daowadung Tham Tham Lawa. Rent a long tail costs about 400B per hour, but rates are negotiable.

Hell Fire Pass Memorial Museum : Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Hellfire Pass is 500 meters long and 26 meters deep of rocks that were dug by prisoners of war designed to rail death to continue his journey from Bangkok to Rangoon. Soldiers were forced to remove the stone using nothing more than picks, hammers and bare hands. At the 1000 Australian and British soldiers, who have 12 weeks clear-cut Mountain, died 700th Hellfire Pass Memorial and Memorial Museum was established to commemorate the fallen. The monument consists of a route where visitors to the old railway line into the jungle and the museum. Museum contains pictures and tools, along with the video shows the exhibition documents the event. Like other places on this track, a monument and a museum of very mobile locations. If you are connected over the connection to events that were imprisoned here, or in any other way can be very painful experience. This site has special significance for Australians. Australia-Thai Chamber of Commerce (http://www.dva.gov.au/commem/oawg/thailand.htm) supports the museum. Four hundred Australian prisoners began working in the Hellfire Pass on Anzac Day in 1943 and instead plays an important role in the annual Anzac event in Thailand.

How to get there: There are indeed many orgainsed trips to the Hell Fire memorial and museum are available from Kanchanaburi. For those who want to get there alone, the museum is located on land owned by the Thai army. To get a bus running from Kanchanaburi to Thong Pha Phum pass instead.

The Hell Fire memorial museum is open every day, and there is no entry fee (though donations are suggested).

History of Death Railway : Kanchanaburi, Thailand

The Death Railway stretched to 415 km from Thanbyuzayat in Burma to Nong Pladuk in Bang Pong district of Ratchaburi province in Thailand. 304 km from the railway station in Thailand, and the remaining 111 km in Burma.

More than 16,000 prisoners died during the construction of the railway undertaking or thirty-eight of prisoners for every km of railway built. The prisoners died from disease, malnutrition and exhaustion. There was little or no medical care available, and many prisoners suffer terribly before they died.

Prisoner diet consists of rice and salted vegetables served twice a day. Sometimes they were forced to work up to sixteen hours a day in appalling conditions. Many detainees were tortured for the smallest offenses. The Japanese commander had the motto "if you work hard you will be treated, but if you do not work hard punished."

Penalties included brutal mistreatment, references to kneel on sharp sticks while holding a rock of one to three hours at a time and tied to a tree with barbed wire and left for two to three days without food or water.

Boule's book probably best describes the attitude of the Japanese officers. "From the very beginning, they acted like wild chain-gang guards, and parking was responsible for a time when the notice of sadistic torturers."

Japan signed the 1929 Geneva Convention on treatment of POW's, but not ratified. Many people do not understand how the Japanese could have been treated their prisoners so badly, and many survivors of the Death Railway applications still can not forgive their Japanese Captor this day.

It is ironic that after the war many of the Japanese soldiers who were interviewed said that although she could not understand how easily the Allies returned to the first, they were surprised by the tenacity and determination they showed in the construction of bridge and the Death Railway. "I was overwhelmed by their tenacious spirit," says Takashi Nagase, an English interpreter for the Japanese military police.

Part of the reason for the Japanese behavior may, in their attitude to surrender. Most of them prefer to die or commit suicide than surrender. Their perception of the Allied soldiers was very low because they could not understand how the Allies could so easily and not consumed by guilt because he is.

The Japanese were determined to build a railway to a new route from Rangoon and the Bay of Bengal via Bangkok to Singapore. They believed that by relying on sea routes only, they will be vulnerable to allied attack, so they need other means of transport. They also had their sights on the British Empire in India.

The Japanese had an agreement with Thai PM Field Marshal P Pibulsongkram 21 December 1941 to fill in Thailand until they meddle in internal affairs.

On 8 August 1942, Prime Minister signed an agreement with the Japanese representative Sheji General Poriya construction of the railway. The Japanese hope that the few meters railway material could carry 3,000 tons of supplies and strategic materials per day.

The Death Railway branched off from the southern railway and headed to Kanchanaburi. The first fifty-five kilometers from Nong Pladuk to Kanchanaburi was easy to build because of the flat terrain. The rest of the way was hell and that is how he earned his nickname.

The first study on the railway was completed, it was estimated that it would be five years to build. The main architect was S.O. No construction began in October 1942 and was completed in August 1943. Rail operators was inaugurated on 25 October 1943. The two tracks, one from Thanbyuzayat in Burma and the other from Nong Pladuk met Niek just south of the three pagodas Pass.

After the railway was completed, 30,000 prisoners were held in six camps along the railway line to maintain. These camps were near the bridge and other strategic positions so vulnerable to allied attacks, and many prisoners were killed in bombings.

The Dead Railway : Kanchanaburi, Thailand

When people come to Thailand, one of the first things they want to visit the Bridge on the River Kwai. Famous by the 1957 film starring Alec Guinness, William Holden and Jack Hawkins, the bridge is one of the largest tourist attractions in Thailand today.

Located in Kanchanaburi, this is 120 km west and about two hours drive from Bangkok. The city was founded by King Rama I against a possible invasion by the Burmese military through three pagodas Pass.

Kanchanaburi is a beautiful city with beautiful nature, nice people and many picturesque Buddhist temples. Many people staying in guest houses, situated on the River. It is a great place to escape from the pulsating life of the busy Bangkok life.

Of rich tourists travel expensive package backpackers traveling through the cheapest form of public transport, hundreds of people towards Kanchanaburi daily to catch a glimpse of the famous bridge.

The film won three Guinness won the Oscar for best actor, David Lean for best director and the film for best picture. The scenario was adapted from a novel by Pierre Boule and ironic, like so many films about Vietnam was made in Thailand, the film was shot in Sri Lanka and England.

The film itself was a work of fiction, but over time people have come to believe that the story was based on real characters. The conditions Boule sets were very real, but that he was a prisoner of war itself.

See history of death railway here

Kanchanaburi War Cemetery : Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Kanchanaburi is 129 kilometers west-northwest of Bangkok. Kanchanaburi War Cemetery is located in the northwestern part of the town along Saeng Chuto Road. A Commission signpost faces the cemetery on the opposite side of the road.

The notorious Burma-Siam railway, built by Commonwealth, Dutch and American prisoners of war, was a Japanese project driven by the need for improved communications to support the large Japanese army in Burma. During its construction, approximately 13,000 prisoners of war died and were buried along the railway. An estimated 80,000 to 100,000 civilians also died during the project, chiefly forced from Peninsular Malaysia and the Dutch East Indies, or conscripted in Siam (Thailand) and Burma (Myanmar). Two workers, one in Siam and the other in Burma worked from opposite ends of the line to the center.

The Japanese aimed at completing the railway station in the 14 months and work began in October 1942. The line 424 kilometers long, was completed in December 1943. Graves of those who died during the construction and maintenance of the Burma-Siam railway (except for Americans who were repatriated) were transferred from camp burial grounds and isolated sites along the railway into three cemeteries in Chungkai and Kanchanaburi in Thailand and Thanbyuzayat in Myanmar. Kanchanaburi War Cemetery is only a short distance from the place of the former "Kanburi ', the prisoner of war base camp through which most of the prisoners through on their way to other camps. It was created by the Army Graves Service that all excavated along the Southern railway, from Bangkok to Niek. Around 300 men who died during the epidemic on basic camp were cremated and their ashes now lie in two graves in the churchyard.

The names of these men are shown on panels in the shelter pavilion. There are now 5084 Commonwealth victims of the Second World War buried or commemorated in this cemetery. There are also 1,896 Dutch war graves. In the entrance building of the cemetery are Kanchanaburi Memorial recording the names of 11 men of the army of undivided India buried in Muslim cemeteries in Thailand, where their graves are not could be maintained. churchyard was designed by Colin St Clair Oakes.

Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Located just 129km from Bangkok, Kanchanburi is also a favourite holiday destination for Bangkokians and other Thais residing in the central region.

Most foreigners when they think of Kanchanaburi they think of the River Kwai Bridge and the history of the Second World War. Kanchanaburi however, has so much more in the way of waterfalls, mountains, dams, fishing, boating, trekking and cave exploration. Sai Yok National Park is very popular.

The province is most famous for The Bridge Over the River Kwai, which was built next to the town of Kanchanaburi crossing the Mae Klong river. The Death Railway ran all the way from the Kwae river valley up to the Three Pagodas Pass. Today only the lowest part of the railway to Nam Tok is still in use. In Kanchanaburi city, there is a war museum and a large cemetery of prisoners of war who died during construction of the Death Railway.

Nine Army War History national park (Uttayan Haeng Chart Songkram Kao Tab) located at Ladya field, Tambon Chongsadao. It’s around 40 kilometers from Kanchanaburi downtown. This place has provided historical evidence of the nine army war. The nine army war was the war between King Rama I of Thailand and King Padung of Burma. The war ended as a victorious one for Thailand.

In the Sai Yok district, there is a Buddhist Tiger Temple where tame tigers roam freely once a day. Also in Sai Yok is the Mueang Sing historical park, ruins of a Khmer town and temple, as well as the Sai Yok National Park with the two Sai Yok waterfalls.

The attractions in Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi War Cemetery (Don Rak)

Death Railway and History of Death Railway

Mueang Sing Historical Park

Hell Fire Pass Memorial Museum

Sai Yok National Park

Wat Pa Luangta Bua Yanasampanno

Erawan National Park

Khuean Srinagarindra National Park

Source : Wikipedia.com

Big Buddha of Phuket, Thailand

The big buddha of Phuket is located Nakkerd Hill (Khao Nakkerd) tower high above Karon and located between Karon and Chalong on the west side on the east side of the mountain to the Big Buddha statue called "Phraputthamingmongkol Eaknakakeeree" the most amazing views over the bay and the southern Chalong Phuket.

The enormous statue itself is 45 m high and has a base diameter of 25 m

The little path up the hill can only be opened in Phuket the eastern side of the road connecting Phuket town and Chalong.

The giant Buddha construction history
Group of friends about 10 years, walked through the forest Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata, where they stumble on the place, with stunning vistas on both sides of the Iceland - Chalong Bay, put in the same direction and on the other hand, seemed to be less than over the Andaman Sea and Kata. They thought it would be, is an ideal place for the purpose - something that would become known as the favorite in Phuket Sunset View calved Phromthep.

Since time was, and discussed it with your friends over and over again, the idea of change. Place in the mountains, they quickly agreed, it would be perfect, not only as a point of view, but as something much more ambitious, and the spot that the Buddha, at least much more: a large picture of Lord Buddha.

The project has been hiccups, at least that was the fight over the mountains of red tape required to get permission to build a jungle which is the normal height limit construction. But at the end of the paperwork completed and construction began in February last year.

Funds come from donations to the massive structure. "This project is large and requires a lot of money. But so far we are managing fine. I am surprised at the amount of assistance which we have received from all who knows about this project. It seems they all want to be part of it," explained Suporn Wanichkul President Mingmongkol Faith 45 Fund, which was formed to build a Giant Buddha.

Ton Sai waterfall : Phuket, Thailand

Ton Sai waterfall is Tepkrasattree District, Talang Division. There is a relatively small waterfall and cool refuge with different types of trees. Pour a large quantity of water during the raining season and located in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. The jungle, many species of wild animals around the waterfall. The waterfall is designed for relaxation. There is a lot more trees 100 years old. Specifically, a rare species of palm called the governor of the Palm or White Back Palm found on Ton Sai Waterfall Phuket. The waterfall is also different types of birds.

Wat Phra Nang Sang : Phuket, Thailand

Phra Nang Sang Temple is located just before the intersection near Thalang Baan Ta-Kien. It is opposite the entrance to Khao Pra Taew Wildlife Conservation Center. It is said that this old temple was built just after the War of Nine troops during the period of the two heroines of Phuket (Tao-Tao-Tepkasadtree and Srisunthorn). Although others say it was built in the period Pranang-Leud-Khaow (white blood princess).

For me it is the temple that my family is most familiar to us at every special occasion like New Years Day, Songkran, etc. This year, my family has also come here for the anniversary of the death of my grandfather . So I have a chance to take a walk around the temple again. Somewhere, the circumstances of the temple has changed too.

Many new buildings replace a pleasant space to the exclusion of trees from the church that the Department of Fine Arts serves. There is also a new church, it is very elegant and enormous. Historical murals, including the drafting of beauty queens from each day of the week are listed in.

Hmm ... Have you ever heard stories about this temple? As Pranang-Leud-Khaow history or the Thalang treasure map? Let me tell you briefly. Pranang-Leud-Khaow princess was a city on the continent. It was framed and found guilty of serious and sentenced to execution. Before his execution, she asked permission for the pilgrimage time. When she went to Phuket, it decided to build Pranang Blood temple to promote and allow for Buddhism. Once it was executed, his blood has become a white purity and innocence.