Doi Mae Salong in Chiang Rai

Mae Salong in Chiang Rai is very reminiscent of parts of China and much of the area’s history has a strong Chinese connections. When the Communists took over mainland China in 1949, remnants of the Nationalist Chinese army fled to the Thai-Burmese border. In 1961 they were driven into Thailand and some settled own on Doi Mae Salong Mountain and formed a Yunnanese community right in the heart of the Thai kingdom. The Yunnese who settled here were involved in the opium trade until the Royal Thai Army resisted these activities. A road was built into the area in the 1980s and since then there has been a great effort to incorporate the Yunnanese into mainstream Thai society. Despite this effort, however, a strong Chinese heritage is still very much apparent - Chinese is still often spoken in Mae Salong, and it’s not unusual for people to have Chinese satellite TV.

Aside from Doi Mae Salong’s picturesque scenery, there is quite a bit to do here. If you wanted to you could quite easily stay two or three days. A tour of the Chokechamrern Tea plantation is worthwhile – the fact that this brand of tea originally came from Taiwan underscores the area’s Chinese connections. There is also a museum and the village market sells the fine teas produced around the village. There are also a number of Akha, Lisu, Mien and Hmong villages in the area, and the Hilltribe Development and Welfare Centre supports them with the sale of their handicrafts (mainly woven cloth and silverware).

Details: The museum opens daily from 08.30 to 16.30. The entrance fee is 30 Baht per person.

How to get there: Doi Mae Salong is located on Route 1089, 40 kilometres from Mae Chan. It is possible to get to the mountain by bus from Chiang Rai to Ban Basang (fare 15 Baht) where you can pick up a Songtaew to the mountain top (50 Baht).

credit:discoverythailand

The Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle was an expansive area taking in parts of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. The region was famed for providing an estimated 50% of the world’s illicit heroin and opium supply. Various US Agencies (including the CIA) were (supposedly) active in the region to counter opiate production and it is one of the few places on earth outside Vietnam where ‘Agent Orange’ was (supposedly) utilised to kill vegetation – in this case the opium poppies that flourished in the fertile land around the Mekong River. So rewarding was the region’s drug trade that various factions inside the three countries fought each other struggling over control of the lucrative crop. The Golden Triangle was a “no-go-zone” except for the fearless, the foolhardy, and the military. Nowhere else in Southeast Asia earned so much infamy … nowhere else conjured so many images of warlords and wickedness… For many then, a visit to the latter-day Golden Triangle must be a bit of a disappointment.

Opium production has been illegal in Thailand since 1959 and His Majesty King Bhumipol’s ‘Royal Projects Foundation’ initiated a ‘crop substitution program’ that has moved farmers away from cultivating deadly opium and successfully driven them towards more lucrative (if less immediate) produce. The success of the program has all but tamed the region’s drug trade, and today the Golden Triangle is simply a small area around where the three countries meet around a village called Sop Ruak.

In many respects there’s not a lot to a visit to the Golden Triangle except looking at the scenery and having your picture taken in front of a big “Golden Triangle” sign. There’s nothing extraordinary about the place – quite the contrary in fact (probably a testament to the success of King Bhumipol’s project). The water is slow moving and murky, and the river traffic little more than huge Chinese flat-bottomed boats carrying export goods to Thailand and Myanmar. Unless of course you can get to Myanmar side of the river where there is a Casio (there was a plan to make this an international haven for gambling, but nothing much materialised), there’s little to do save eat at a few decent restaurants and visit a few ancient temples. However, the Golden Triangle is one of those ‘been there; done that’ type of places. As such, it’s certainly worth the visit, so long as you don’t expect more than it offers.

How to get there: From Chiang Rai you can take a bus to Chiang Saen. From Chiang Saen take a Songtaew to Sop Ruak (fare 10 Baht). If you need to let people know where you are going simply say ‘Golden Triangle’ in English - they should have heard that before! credit:discoverythailand

Thai Tribal Crafts - A Beautiful Hand Made

"The Craftsman"

Welcome to Thai Tribal Crafts site, a beautiful hand made stylish. The products in this cataloque are produced by the hilltribe people of Northern Thailand. Most of the Karen, Lahu, Akha, Lisu, Meo, and Yao people are subsistence farmers, trying to carve a livelihood out of the marginal land available to them in the highlands. Others are displaced people who have fled from neighboring countries and are now living as refugees in Thailand. The selling of their handicrafts is virtualty their only means of gaining a cash income.

Although economically poor, these people have a rich heritage of artistic skill which has come down to the present generation in the form of their ctafts. It has been only in recent years that these crafts with their many artistic forms have come to be appreciated by people atside of their own tribes.

Some of the world's most exquisite hand-woven fabrics, needlework, and baskettry are produced by these six tribes, who traditionally live in Southern China, Eastern Burma, Northern Laos, and Northern Thailand.

credit:en.nomao

Wat Phra Non (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

Wat Phra Non (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) is so called because the temple houses the largest reclining Buddha statue in Maehongson. The statue is housed in the sermon hall. Wat Phra Non lies in the west of town, next to the stairways to Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu. It is an important temple because it was built by order of Phraya Singha-nat Racha, the first ruler of Maehongson, in 1874 AD to commemorate his coronation. Another reason for its presitigious status is that the royal ashes of all the past rulers are enshrined here. The temple's land was officially granted to the temple as a consecrated ground by a royal charter in 1925. The incumbent abbot is Phra Bai Dika Sat Satsano.



credit:en.nomao

Chiang Mai Night Safari

Chiang Mai Night Safari (เชียงใหม่ ไนท์ซาฟารี) The Safari offers a series of trails over three main zones. The Jaguar Trail offers visitors a walk of around 1,200 meters and is open during the day and at night. The Savanna Safari and Predator Prowl areas use rail cars to move visitors around. This is the ideal opportunity to observe wildlife at night.







credit:en.nomao

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (วัดพระธาตุดอยสุเทพ)

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (วัดพระธาตุดอยสุเทพ) Locals would say, You haven't really gone to Chiang Mai unless you're been to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Truly, the places is the most important and famous Chiang Mai landmark. Built in 1383, this mountaintop temple has a chedi that houses holy Buddha relics. The gold-plated chedi lies in the middle of a square marble-tiled court yard. It is the perfect place to get a bird eye view of the city. The temple can be reached via a steep Naga staircase comprised of 290 steps or railcares.







credit:en.nomao

Phi Phi Island

Tonsai Village is the bustling heart of Phi Phi. Here, there are no cars or roads, only footpaths. It's located on the isthmus, for which Phi Phi is famous, with Tonsai Bay on the south side and Loh Dalum on the north.

Before 2.30pm, when the last ferry leaves, the streets are busy with daytrippers and people arriving/departing. After that the island is more relaxed and the difference is tangible.

In the evening the streets fill again with diners looking for a place to eat, additionally as most business is done at night, the tour shops, dive shops and every other kind of shop come to life. Later on some isolated nightlife areas heat up.

Phi Phi is a very bohemian place; after all, bicycle and longtail are the only modes of transport apart from by foot.

Jim Thomson's House At Rama 1st Road

James Harrison Wilson or Jim Thomson, was born Greenville, Delaware, in 1906. He was decided to settle down in Thailand permanently. He chooses Architecture career because of his art-loving. When European war becomes more violent, he turned to be a soldier in US army. It is his turning point. He was a member of the US Office of Strategic Services (OSS), during WWII. He had a chance roaming around in Asia, America, Europe and Africa. Thompson revived silk weaving industry in Thailand at the end of the Second World War. He makes Thai silk to be well known in worldwide and he was named as King of Thai silk.
Because his love of Thai arts, he bought five Thai houses from Ayutthaya and one from Bankruanua then combined them to 6 twin Thai houses. They were decorated with value antiques and artifacts among perennial plants near Klong Sansap.

In1967 Jim Thomson and his friends had vacation at Cameron High land in Malaysia. He mysterious disappeared while he was trekking, left only legends and heritages for the people behind.

Jim Thomson Thai house situated on soi Kasemsun, Rama 1st road, Opposite of National stadium.

Credit:at-bangkok

Siam Ocean World - Another choice in Bangkok

Address: B1 floor, Siam Paragon 991 Rama 1 road Bangkok 10330 Thailand Phone: 02 687-2000 Admission fee: adults 450 baht, children: 280 baht One of the largest aquariums in south East Asia will be opening to the public on the December 9, 2005 with the awaited grand opening of the Siam Paragon shopping complex. We bring you the exclusive preview of what’s inside.

credit:at-bangkok

The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is a truly amazing architectural construction. It is a large complex covering an area of 218,000 square meters which was built in the early years of Chakkri dynasty. The complex consists of four large groups of building serving different royal functions. The first one is the Wat Pra Keaw a royal religious temple. The second is the royal ceremonial complex containing the Chakri Maha Prasat Hall. The third is the royal residence and guest residence, the Borom Phiman Mansion. This is a private zone not a tourist area. The forth is the staff and governmental offices.There are plenty of tour guides to give visitors historical aspects of this beautiful palace. It is certainly a must see for all visitors.





Credit:at-bangkok

Loy Krathong on Nov 12, 2008

In November some may wonder what is going on in Thailand when seeing travel magazine ads, posters at your hotel of Thai girls dressing in traditional Thai clothing with a beautiful floating object. That's a sign indicating that Loy Krathong is on its way. In Thai Loy means to float and Krathong means a circular floating object with decoration of banana leaves, flowers, a candle and incense sticks. All these are related to Loy Krathong, an event which does not occur on the same date every year; instead it counts on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month. In this year 2008 it will be held on November 12, a romantic night. People look forward to going out and launching Krathongs together to predict the romance future by the direction the Krathongs float. However, this season is also good for strengthening relationship in family.

The history of Loy Krathong is rather obscure. Some believe that Krathong was first created by Tao Sri Chulalak or Nang Noppamas in Sukothai.

Others overlook its origin yet focus on the purposes of the ritual: to pay respect to the Goddess of the Water showing their gratitude on their plentiful use of water and ask for forgiveness in the ensuing pollution. Floating the beautiful Krathong away, which is the key activity in Loy Krathong,

also refers to flying away misfortune and bad things in the past and asking for good luck in the future. Although it is not a national holiday, many activities other than floating Krathong, are conducted in this festival, such as, contests of Krathong-making and Noppamas beauty pageants, local games and performances and fireworks.

If you are in the North of Thailand, you can join this spectacular occasion at Chiang Mai where it is specifically called Yee Peng -floating of lanterns into the sky. Or you can go to Tak where a line of thousand glittering lights are seen on the Ping River . When looking closer, you see that Krathongs here are made of coconut shells, threaded together to make chain and that's the story of Loy Krathong Sai. Moreover, this year you can see Loy Krathong Sai made from banana trunk in Samut Songkram too. For sure, the festival in old cities is so famous and attracts a herd of visitors. Glory and ancientness of the kingdom is utterly alive in Phao Thian Len Fai in Sukhothai. In Bangsai District, Ayutthaya, you can feel the grandeur of Loy Krathong Tam Pratip and long boat race at Bangsai Arts and Crafts Centre of H.M. queen Sirikit of Thailand.

Staying at Bangkok you never miss a shot as well. Popular places for Loy Krathong evening include Chao Phraya River, Rama IIX Bridge, Santichaiprakan Park on Phra Artit Road, Benjasiri Park or Queen's Park on Sukhumvit Road, Benjakiti Park on Ratchada Pisek Road and other waterways and universities. These venues tend to have a lot of people and it could be very crowded. credit:at-bangkok

Loy Krathong the most beautiful festival

One of the most beautiful festivals that takes place in Thailand is the one for Loy Krathong. This is celebrated on the full moon in November. The word loy means to float, and a krathong is a banana leaf cup. People place a candle and incense sticks in their krathongs and then float them on a local river or pond. As they push away their krathong, they ask for forgiveness in polluting the waterways and also for good luck in the coming months. A class of 12 year old students from Sriwittayapaknam School in Samut Prakan, wrote some stories in Thai and English detailing what they did on Loy Krathong Day.

Visit Charming Koh Lanta at Krabi & Phi Phi Island

Koh Lanta lies on the west coast of Andaman Sea in between Krabi and Phi Phi Island. Large Size Island with 6 km wide and over 30 kms long, 9 beaches lie from north to south along the sunset coast. Stunning scenery, fantastic white sandy beaches, coastlines have more than 70 small islands and plenty with forest, coral reefs and under water life. The geography of the islan d is typically mangroves; coral rimmed beaches; and rugged tree covered hills.







credit:lantalanta

Amazing 3 Transporation in Thailand

- A three wheeled bicycle ideal for short trips around town. We call "Samlor"

- A River Taxy - A very famous mode of transportation along the Chao Phraya River and inner canals, the long-tailed boat traveled on established routes along the river or in the intricate canal system within the city. Charge fare depending on distance. There are boat piers that stop near major commercial districts such as Sukhumvit and all the way to the World Trade Center. Long-tailed boats could be hired for special river tours.

- Train


Thailand has a very effective rail system linking Bangkok to provinces around the country. The main train station is the Hua Lampong station on Rama IV Road. Fares depend on ticker class, which comprises of first, second and third class carriages.

credit:sawadee

What's you want to buy in Thailand?

What's you want to buy in Thailand? I recommend for the following :

:: Clothing
We're one of the world's leading manufacturers of ready-to-wear clothing. Fashion boutiques are found in every shopping mall, while cheaper clothing such as T-shirts and jeans are available at bargain prices from street vendors. Custom tailoring is also very affordable and tailors can produce or copy most styles in just a few days.

:: Silk
Probably the most famous of all our kingdom's handicrafts, silk is available in a range of colours, patterns and plys, and is sold by the yard, or as ready-made clothing and souvenir items. A unique style of Thai silk is Mat Mee, a tie-dye silk traditional to the North-east. The best known outlet for Thai silk is undoubtedly Jim Thompson's shop at the top of Surawong Road in Bangkok.

:: Cotton & Batik
Our Thai cottons have become increasingly popular and are a good deal. Particularly notable are the hilltribe cottons woven by the tribal people of the North, typically displaying bold designs and often lavish embroidery. Equally distinctive are original batiks crafted at several studios in Bangkok.

:: Pewterware
Pewter is fashioned with great skill by Thai craftsmen, and the smooth, silky finish of this attractive alloy is enhanced by delicate relief decoration. Pewter ware items include plates, boxes, vases and pocket flasks.

:: Gems
Bangkok is the coloured gemstone capital of the world. Rubies and sapphires are indigenous stones, but virtually all coloured gems, as well as diamonds, are available. Shoppers should exercise caution and buy from reputable dealers only.

:: Antiques
Thai, Chinese, Burmese and Khmer antiques are excellent buys. There is an export ban on certain pieces, particularly Buddha images. Other pieces may require an export license, but any reputable dealer will be able to advise on restrictions and any necessary documentation.

:: Ceramics
Both traditional and contemporary styles of pottery are available throughout our kingdom. Best known are the distinctive sea-green celadons from the Sukothai area, and the central provinces' colourful Benjarong (five color) porcelain, which are unique to our country.

:: Nielloware
Practiced in the South for hundreds of years, nielloware is the craft of decorating gold and silver objects with delicate etched designs filled with a metal ware. Nielloware trays, boxes, vases and other items are some of our best buys.

:: Lacquer ware
A specialty of Chiang-Mai and the north, this craft involves coating split bamboo or wood with lacquer, then adding intricate hand-painted designs typically gold-on-black lacquer or yellow and green on a red brown background. Look out for lacquer ware bowls, boxes, trays and other items for decoration or for souvenirs.

:: Thai Orchids
We're famous for our huge variety of orchids and their magnificent colours and durable beauty make them a popular purchase. Specially packaged flowers, complete with water supply, are easily transported and can be conveniently purchased at Bangkok International Airport.

:: Furniture
Rattan and rosewood furniture items are available in many designs and styles and can also be made to order. Shops in Bangkok and Chiang Mai have a wide selection and can arrange shipment overseas.

:: Hilltribe Crafts
The tribal groups who live in the hills of the north make a variety of beautifully embroidered textiles and silver jewelry. Chiang Mai is the centre for such goods.

credit:sawadee

Bridge on the River Kwai & Spectacular Waterfalls at Kanchanaburi

The Bridge on the River Kwai" put Kanchanaburi, a hitherto sleepy town 150 km west of Bangkok, on the world map.The bridge was publicized worldwide in the film starring moviedom's great names, ironically from the nationalities involved in the saga: American William Holden, British Sir Alec Guinness and Japanese Sessue Hayakawa. After the film hit the screens around the world, tourists started their exodus to Kanchanaburi to see the bridge.


Kanchanaburi is a prosperous province with endless sugar cane plantations covering her vast plain and rich mines in the bills. The rugged countryside, the wild jungles and mountain rivers are still there. However, a road system has succeeded in making most areas accessible, which gives rise to a growing number of jungle resorts for nature-lovers.

15o Km. far from Bangkok on an excellent, scenic highway. The way to Kanchanaburi also leads pass the historic town of Nakorn Pathom with the world's highest Buddhist monument. Kanchanaburi city, itself a popular resort town, is on the bank of the picturesque Mae Klong River at the meeting point of its two tributaries - Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai rivers. The city also serves, as overnight base for tourists to visit the province's many attractions, beside that bridge on the River Kwai.

There are spectacular waterfalls, river cruises and jungle tours for the nature lovers. For the foot-loose travelers, there is the thrilling 200 km drive through newly opened jungle areas to the Thai Myanmar border to visit ethnic Mon and Karen settlements. For the sporting types, Kanchanaburi provides the best freshwater fishing grounds in remote jungle backwater and streams. For the outdoor type, rafting in the wild river. And, for the golfers, more than a score of 18-hole world standard courses in pastoral countryside.












The jungle, the rugged terrain, and wild rivers now combine to make Kanchanaburi the most rewarding tourist destination for nature lovers and sportsmen. A large jungle area of the province has been declared national wildlife sanctuary, called Thungyai National Park, which remains the most pristine area in the whole country. The sanctuary was recently listed as a world natural heritage by the United Nations.
If one chooses to stay overnight out in the wild, there are the float bungalows on rafts moored off the River Kwai bank in remote jungle areas. A night on a float hotel is an unforgettable experience. By nightfall, hushed stillness settles over the jungle, with only occasional night bird calls.

Credit:Sawadee

Rule of Thai Boxing or Muay Thai

A 'Muay Thai' match formally have no more than 5 rounds, each round take 3 minutes to last, with a two-minute rest period in between. No additional rounds is allowed.
Boxers must regularly wear gloves, each weighing not less than 6 ounces (172 gramm).
The gloves must not be squeezed, kneaded or crushed to change its original shape.



Rules on contestants' boxing costumes.

₪ Contestants must wear only trunks (red or blue according to their corners) appropriately fit
their bodies.
₪ Contestants must wear standard supporters or sturdy athletic cups to protect their groin,
Gum shield may be used.
₪ Wear no shirts nor shoes, but ankle cap is permitted.
₪ A sacred cord known as Mongkol can be worn around the head only during the pre-fight
ritual of paying homage to ancestral teachers of Muay Thai, to be removed before the start
of the fight.
₪ Metal or other equipments that will be harmful to the opponent is prohibited.

credit:sawadee

Rule of Thai Boxing or Muay Thai

A 'Muay Thai' match formally have no more than 5 rounds, each round take 3 minutes to last, with a two-minute rest period in between. No additional rounds is allowed.
Boxers must regularly wear gloves, each weighing not less than 6 ounces (172 gramm).
The gloves must not be squeezed, kneaded or crushed to change its original shape.



Rules on contestants' boxing costumes.

₪ Contestants must wear only trunks (red or blue according to their corners) appropriately fit
their bodies.
₪ Contestants must wear standard supporters or sturdy athletic cups to protect their groin,
Gum shield may be used.
₪ Wear no shirts nor shoes, but ankle cap is permitted.
₪ A sacred cord known as Mongkol can be worn around the head only during the pre-fight
ritual of paying homage to ancestral teachers of Muay Thai, to be removed before the start
of the fight.
₪ Metal or other equipments that will be harmful to the opponent is prohibited.

credit:sawadee

Phanom Rung Historical Park at A. Chalerm Prakiat

was a very important place of worship in the Lop Buri period. About 1,000 years old, it is situated atop a mountain 1,320 feet above sea level. The sanctuary is in Tambon Ta Pek. To get to the sanctuary, go along Highway No.24 and turn right at Ban Tako and continue on for 12 km. (There are motor-cycle taxi from Ban Toko to Prasat Phanom Rung, the Fare is about 170 Bath for return) on an asphalt road which can be driven on in any weather.
Phanom Rung Historical Park is on the rim of an extinct volcano; lava is still scattered around the top. On the opposite side of the crater is an air force Radar Station. In former times the crater was a natural Baray or reservoir. Phanom Rung is a Hindu Shrine of the Sivaite sect with Shiva as the ruling god; the monument has been in continuous use from the 9th to the 12th C.A.D.

The first thing the visitor will see is a fabulous staircase which has three platforms leading to the first pavilion and then there is a stone path which has small posts along its sides leading to the Naga bridge with late rite pavilions. At the end of the Naga bridge there are five platforms to the Temple. There is another terrace at the end of Naga bridge which leads to the inner space of the monument and there is another Naga bridge between the monument and the principal Prang. The principal Prang has the same kind of Mandapa as Prasat Phimai. Entering the Prang one will see the great Shiva god in nataraja (dancing) style. The top of the fronton and the lower part of the lintel consist of the well-known reclining Vishnu relief.

credit:sawadee

Pha Koeng in in Wat Chaiyaphum Phithak

is a mountain that has a rock jutting out to the road and an awesome scenery. It is one popular viewing spot of Chaiyaphum. The 14-foot : high Chaiyaphum Phithak Buddha image stands atop the mountain. It is part of Phu Lankha and has a considerably wide area. Pha Koeng is in Wat Chaiyaphum Phithak. It is 36 km. from Amphoe Muang on Highway No. 2159 (Chaiyaphum : Nong Bua Daeng).

credit:sawadee