Wat Rong Khun Chiang Rai in Thailand

Wat Rong Khun is very different to any of temple you are likely to see in Thailand. A lifetime project of artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, the temple has a fine blend of traditional Buddhist art with contemporary themes.

The temple is almost entirely white

no other colours are used at all. It is though decorated with small pieces of mirrored glass which add substantially to the temple’s spacious and airy feel. Designed to be viewed in moonlight, if you can manage to get there when the moon is out it’s worth the effort – very nice indeed. This temple is certainly worth a visit unless you have limited time.

Wat Rong Khun was a local

selection of places to visit during our stay in Chiang Rai. We did not know this temple until our Thai friend told us about it as it was not covered in any of our English tour books, but we found it in our Thai guide book.

It is a very different temple

very artistic and it doesn't really compare with any temple we had seen so far. The temple is the works of the Thai artist artist Chalermchai Kositpipat and it is well visited on the weekends by Thai people.

Wat Rong Khun Chiang Rai in Thailand

There were busloads of people on the temple grounds and in the nearby gallery. It was still being constructed, or shall I say created, when we visited in December of 2004. The artist sees it as a "creation of the Buddhist Artwork for the Motherland...for the Auspicious Offering to the Lord Buddha". Different but impressive

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by Jour ~ Thursday, September 28, 2006 0 comments

Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, Thailand

Khao Kheow is a magnificent blend of forests, wild animals, bird aviary and responsible animal management. Sponsored by HM Queen Sirikit, the zoo has grown in size, scope and importance.

Internationally recognized for its animal management and operations, the zoo has features that make it a great day trip for the entire family.More than 300 species and 8,000 animals populate the 5,000 rai sanctuary. Six of the newer residents of the zoo are rare white tigers exchanged by the Memphis Zoo in the USA. ... white tigers.

Khao Kheow

Khao Kheow is described as a "wildlife bank" as many animals are on the endangered species list. The zoo is know for success in breeding some of these endangered animals. One such project is breeding the rare Clouded Leopard. Other endangered mammals at the zoo include the Asian Wild Dog, Malayan Tapir and tiger.

Rare Asian bird species draw bird watchers from around the world. A walk-though aviary has been built on a mountain slope and presents an appealing environment.

The aviary is Asia's second largest. Endangered bird species at the zoo include the Black Necked Stork and White Crested Laughing Thrush as two examples.

A Unique Look and Feel of Nature

Children's Zoo

has small animals and ecological systems mixed into a playground, The environment is designed to stimulate learning. Children can feel comfortable and appreciate nature plus interact with animals.

Night Safari

actually, the night safari starts with a dinner buffet of Thai cuisine. The safari continues with a guided 45 minute tram ride along a 3.5 km route through natural habitats.

See animals

such as the tapir, elephant, giraffe, llama, emu and numerous bird species. The tour includes a half-hour Animal Presentation, or talent show.

Wild Cats Park

was originally initiated by the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (CBSG) under the International Union of Conservation for Nature (IUCN). The area of 40 acres has 48 species of wild cats in 8 enclosures.

The habitats are desert, grasslands, woodlands, wetlands, rocks and mountain plus Thailand. Each area has species natural to the habitat.

Elephant Trekking

take a ride on this symbol of Thailand. The experience is unique.

Animal Shows

Weekdays 11:00 am, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm; Weekends 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 4:00 pm

Early arrivers can participate in feeding the animals at 9:00 am

Fees Adult Bt 30, Children Bt 5, Vehicle Bt 30, Bicycle Bt 10

Also Available Souvenirs, film, food, auto tram, bicycle rental.

Location

A 45 minute drive from Pattaya, the zoo is located at 235 Moo 7, Tumbom Bang Phra, Umphur Sri Racha in Chon Buri Province; and open every day.

Source : guidetothailand.co

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by Jour ~ Tuesday, September 26, 2006 0 comments

Bangkok Airways E-Ticket Sales Soars

Paperless tickets account for 80 Percent of sales and should top Bt1 billion on the year, with the UK as its top market.


Bangkok Airways expects its revenue from internet bookings to reach Bt1.2 billion by the end of this year.

Bangkok Airways

Bangkok Airways vice president, accounting, Viroj Satitharopagorn said the company has been implementing transactions over its website since September 2000, when the carrier brought in around Bt500,000 in revenue from its Internet bookings.

Bangkok Airways

According to Mr Viroj, the ongoing growth for e-booking is soaring, with online sales currently accounting for 80% of total passenger sales.

Last year, average monthly revenue stood at around Bt80 million, with total e-booking revenue from January until now reaching Bt788 million.

“IATA expects all air tickets to be paperless by 2008

which will be one of the key elements in raising the growth of Internet bookings. Further, passengers tend to book directly with the airline over the Internet,”

Mr Viroj

He added that the carrier’s biggest online booking market is the UK , with the US second and Thailand third. However, at the beginning of the year or during peak season, turnover from Internet bookings from the Thai market jumps into the top two.

Bangkok Airways

On 29 August, the airline signed an agreement with its new partner, Kasikorn Bank, to us its K-Payment Gateway to support the airline’s Internet booking transactions.

According to Mr Viroj, Bangkok Air has been testing the system since

Bangkok Airways

May, and sales turnover increased 42 percent in June and 32 percenti n July compared with the same months last year.

Mr Viroj said

that since the beginning of the year, the airline has detected less ticket fraud, which is estimated at only Bt2 million.

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by Jour ~ Monday, September 25, 2006 0 comments

Patpong a Red-Light District in Bangkok Thailand

At night, the streets of Patpong, a red-light district in Bangkok Thailand, teemed with Thai men attempting to hustle customers into bars. As I turned the corner on to

Patpong 2

one fell into step beside me. My being a female did not discourage him. He noted only the blond hair and blue eyes, which marked me a foreigner and therefore a potential source of revenue. Or, he may have just wanted to meet me, or if not, then to annoy me. Western women were still rare on Patpong at that time.

"Want see Pussy Show Pussy Smoke Cigarette. Pussy Open Bottle. Pussy Ping Pong Ball Show."

"Mai ow (Don't want)," I said without looking at him. I hoped speaking Thai would impress him into not thinking of me as a tourist. Maybe he'd go away. He didn't. He continued to walk with me and held a plastic card in front of my face. In English, German, and Japanese, it listed the sex shows performed in his bar. In case I didn't want to read, he cited them for me aloud. "Pussy Write Letter. Snake Show. Eggplant Show. Banana, you see already"

Patpong

was a tourist strip with bars next to, and on top of, one another. The women working in the bars were prostitutes. Bar work was only half the job. The real money came from selling sex. Polygamy and prostitution have long been a privilege of Thai men, but during the Vietnam war Thailand became proficient in serving up its women to foreigners. American military personnel flocked to the country for R and R, rest and recreation, which they called I and I, intoxication and intercourse.

Patpong

The name Patpong came from the Patpong family, which owned a strip of the land that lay between the roads Silom and Surawong. Those roads made up the heart of Bangkok's business district. Contrasting the tall modern buildings surrounding it, the Patpong streets held dumpy two-story structures.

Patpong

Though the Vietnam war may have boosted Patpong into the entertainmentindustry, Thailand's reputation as a sex paradise took off on its own at the war's end. Germany arranged cheap charter flights. Holland organized sextours. As Taiwan and Japan grew prosperous, their males flew in too. ManyAmericans from the war chose not to go home. The saying was that there were no MIAs in Vietnam; in reality they were all MIBs--Mischiefing In Bangkok.

(Source : desires.com)

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by Jour ~ Friday, September 22, 2006 0 comments

A walk along the Thames Path

September 18th was our second wedding anniversary! How time flies. A few days before that was our one-year anniversary of living in the UK, which is also hard to believe. We celebrated both occasions on Sunday the 17th, with a three-hour afternoon walk along the Thames Path followed by an excellent pub dinner in Oxford. It was so much fun and we got to see a new side of the city. It was the

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by Jour ~ Thursday, September 21, 2006 0 comments

Thi Lo Su Waterfall Travel in Thailand

If you have ever dreamed about taking an elephant safari with all the luxuries of the great hunters in Africa, then you'll have an experience of a lifetime on this adventure. Umphang, a region of outstanding and largely unspoiled natural beauty in northwestern Thailand, contains one of the largest, intact forests within Southeast Asia.

Thi Lo Su waterfall is described as Thailand's Niagra

a large and breathtaking waterfall with its 3 levels , falling over 300 m through densely forested hillside. All Thailand Experiences offers the luxuries that ensure full nights's sleep along with the most adventure.

Thi Lo Su Waterfall Located in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, is the most beautiful in Thailand

Originating from Huai Klotho, it flows down a mountain valley at a height of 200-300 metres. The fall flow down in tiers surrounded by virgin forest. There is a trail to the waterfall from the wildlife sanctuary office. It takes approximately 15 minutes to walk, and there are places to stop and admire the impressive views from the top. To get there, follow a small road off the main road from Umphang for 27 kilometres. Visitors must follow the set route, or raft and walk through the forest. Vehicles can enter between November to April only.

Source : discoverythailand.com

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by Jour ~ Wednesday, September 20, 2006 0 comments

AOT Temporarily Freezes Fees at Suvarnabhumi in Thailand

Airports of Thailand uses fee exemptions to lure airlines into early landing at the new airport early, while not giving the date for increasing rates.

Airports of Thailand has officially announced Suvarnabhumi Airport’s charges for landing, take off, aircraft parking and passenger fees will remain at the same rate as at Don Muang Airport, beginning on 28 September. The exact date for increasing the fees has not yet been given, but it could be around March or April 2007.

The announcement was made by AOT president

Chotisak Asapaviriya, who added that to persuade airlines to operate commercial flights to and from Suvarnabhumi before 28 September, AOT will exempt them from landing, takeoff, parking, check-in counter, ramp and flight announcement fees for all flights operating at the new airport from 1 to 27 September.

AOT

will also provide two fee exemptions for every flight an airline operates to the new airport during 1 to 27 September. These can be used after Suvarnabhumi officially opens on 28 September, but the flight must be in the same category as those used to acquire the exemption, and be of the same maximum takeoff weight as mentioned in the airport’s guidelines.

AOT

The passenger service charge will also remain unchanged at Bt500 increasing to Bt700, February 2007, when the charge will be included in the ticket. Domestic passenger service charge will increase at the same time from Bt50 to Bt100 at the same time.

Source : ettrdaily.com

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by Jour ~ Tuesday, September 19, 2006 0 comments

Phu Soi Dao National Park Uttaradit in Thailand

General Information

Phu Soi-dao National Park Thailand is situated in an approximately area of 78.34 square kilometers or 48,962.5 rai, covering the areas of Pa Nam-pad National Conserved Forest, Tambol Muang-jedton, Tambol Na-khum, Tambol Ban Koak, Ban Koak District, Huai Moon District, Nam-pad District of Uttaradit Province, and Tambol Bor-pak, Chattrakarn District of Pittsanulok Province. The topography of the National Park consist of beautiful virgin forests, which are the sources of streams and rivers. Major sightseeing spots include Phu Soi-dao Waterfall, a beautiful 5-step waterfall situated in an approximate area of 1,000 rai, which can be accessed by an asphaltic road to facilitate the travelling for recreational purpose.

Topography

The geographical features of the National Park consist of high mountains (500-1,800 meters above the sea level), extending northwards and being used as the boundary between Thailand and Laos. The areas of mountains and forests are approximately 85 percent of the total area of the National Park, meanwhile, the areas of flatlands are approximately 15 percent thereof.

Climate

The weather here is very comfortable all year round. Its average highest temperature is about 35.0 degrees celsius and the lowest is about 13.0 degrees celsius or the mid-average is 27.0 degrees celsius. The average rainfall is 1,334.4 milimeters/year. Its raining season starts from May to October while the winter starts from November till February and summer starts from April to June.

Flora and Fauna

The weather at the National Park is cool and breezy throughout the year and can be divided into 3 seasons including the rainy season (May-October), winter (November-February), and summer (April-June). The average highest temperature is 35.0 C and the lowest temperature is 13.0 C, meanwhile, the average temperature is 27.0 C; and the average rainfall is 1,344.4 mm/year.

Phu Soi Dao National Park Huai Moui Sub-district, Amphur Nam Pad Uttaradit Thailand 53110

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by Jour ~ Sunday, September 17, 2006 0 comments

TAT Joins Hotel Website Booking Market

Juthamas: "27 countries that lead the global ranks in online travel booking will be exclusively targeted"

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT launched its new e-marketing campaign which includes phase two of Thailand's biggest online travel portal, www.ThailandHotDeal.com that has cost more than Bt60 million to develop.

TAT Joins Hotel Website Booking Business

The campaign is driven by TAT’s strategic partnership with Born Distinction founded in 2004 by the former CEO of PassionAsia.com, Nuengnimmarn Nanakorn. She is involved in various TAT and government projects requiring website development.

TAT governor

During last night’s launch party, TAT governor, Juthamas Siriwan, said that the campaign targets Bt 200 million in transactions from a potential 20,000 online bookings on ThailandHotDeal.com between now and the end of August 2007.

ThailandHotDeal.com

The first phase of ThailandHotDeal.com created Bt 80 million in transaction revenue for the six Andaman provinces of Thailand in the seven months to April this year. Phase two features "hot" deals from hotels and tour operators throughout Thailand . All of Thailand 's travel industry is now being encouraged to place "hot" travel products on the portal.

TAT intends

TAT intends to buy online advertising and search engine positions on global consumer websites such as Google and Yahoo. Twenty e-mail campaigns derived from internet-based customer relationship management expertise (CRM) will be used. The TAT will also launch a weblog award for consumers in October.

Ms Juthamas

Ms Juthamas who is due to retire 11 September said: "The TAT has always considered the online tourist market as a strategic segment. The TAT is outsourcing its e-marketing campaign in order to meet the needs of that unique market segment. The 27 countries that lead the global ranks in online travel booking will be exclusively targeted.

ThailandHotDeal.com

has been designed to promote a wide variety of general and niche products at 'hot' prices. It is an on-going initiative that will continue to grow. ThailandHotDeal.com will come close to reflecting the full diversity of travel experiences that Thailand has to offer."

Ms Juthamas invited the travel industry to submit "hot" deals to ThailandHotDeal.com. She said: "By 'hot deals' I don't mean those that will burn a hole in visitors' pockets, but deals that will burn a favourable impression in their hearts - so that they go home and spread the good word about Thailand to their friends, neighbours and work colleagues."

Over 100 hotel properties have already created special prices and packages for ThailandHotDeal.com which, as an online gateway, has been designed to drive bookings to hotels' and tour operators' existing online booking engines.

source : ettrdaily.com

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by Jour ~ Friday, September 15, 2006 0 comments

Phi Phi Le Island in Thailand

The Phi Phi Islands are located in Thailand, between the larger island of Phuket and the mainland. They are politically part of Krabi province, most of which is on the mainland.

Phi Phi Don

Ko Phi Phi Don ("ko" meaning "island" in the Thai language) is the largest island of the group, and is the only island with permanent inhabitants, although the beaches of the second largest island, Ko Phi Phi Lee (or "Ko Phi Phi Leh"), are visited by many people as well. There are no accommodation facilities on this island, but it is just a short boat ride from Ko Phi Phi Don. The rest of the islands in the group, including Bida Nok, Bida Noi, and Bamboo Island, are not much more than large limestone rocks jutting out of the sea.

Phi Phi Don

Phi Phi Don was initially populated by Muslim fishermen during the late 1940s, and later became a coconut plantation. The Thai population of Phi Phi Don remains more than 80 present Muslim.

Phi Phi History

"The cliffs are the reason we chose Phi Phi Le because in the story, the beach that the characters are living on is surrounded by the high sea cliffs from the sea. So, it's a secret. It's like a big secret, swimming pool and beach in private and this is the attraction for the characters. That's why we have to use Phi Phi Le." - Andrew Macdonald, producer of "The Beach"

Phi Phi is situated in Krabi Province in southern Thailand

The two islands that make up this group (Phi Phi Don aPhi Phi Donnd Phi Phi Le) are about 40 kilometres south-west of Krabi City. The islands are about equidistant from Krabi and Phuket (to the north-west). The islands are famed for their spectacular landscapes. Rock climbers are attracted by the breathtaking cliffs, with tall sheer walls of limestone. Nature lovers, meanwhile, find a haven in the islands' transparent seas and corel beds, which are home to a wide range of sea life.

The two sections of Phi Phi Don

the larger of the two islands, are linked by a 1 k.m. isthmus of sand. Here stands the island's original Muslim fishing village, Ban Ton Sai, now enveloped by an ever-expanding belt of bungalows, cafes and hotels. A pEntrance to Viking Caveleasant one-hour coastal walk from Ban Ton Sai leads to Hat Yao (long beach), with tantalising white sands, vibrant offshore marine life and unhindered views to the soaring flanks of Phi Phi Le, 4 kilometres away. It is also worth climbing the steep trails on Phi Phi Don's two massifs, which afford wonderful vistas over the island. Superb coral beds at Hin Pae off Hat Yao provide some of the best snorkelling in Thailand. To the north is Ban Laem Tong. This village's sea gypsy population still survives on fish caught in the isolated coves of nearby Laem Tong.

Phi Phi Don

In contrast to phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Le remains uninhabited and unspoilt. Boats from Phi Phi Don bring visitors on day trips to see the paintings in Viking Cave (see picture). Another feature of the cave are the nests of edible swiftlet nests which are used in bird nest soup. Agile collectors climb rickety bamboo scaffolding to reach the nests, which are so valuable that the caves are protected by armed guards. In a bid to halt the illegal trade of the nests, staying overnight on the island is prohibited. There is excellent snorkelling at the coral reefs of ao Maya, a bay in the southwest corner of the island.

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by Jour ~ Wednesday, September 13, 2006 0 comments

Tourists Enjoy Koh Tao's Beaches Instead

Koh Tao, little more than 21 km, is located about 70 km east of the coastline between Suratthani and Chumphon, in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Tao translates as Turtle Island, because in the past the waters teemed with sea turtles. Nowadays they have moved on to new breeding grounds since travelers and tourists enjoy Koh Tao's beaches instead.

Koh Tao In the beginning, Thailand the island was uninhabited, and only the occasional fisherman from the neighbouring islands came by to seek shelter from a storm. On June 18, 1899, His Majesty the King Chulalongkorn (Rama V , 1868-1910) visited Koh Tao and left as evidence his monogram on a huge boulder at Jor Por Ror Bay next to Sairee Beach. This place is still worshipped today and should be treated with respect.


Koh Tao of Thailand From 1933 on the island was used as a political prison because of it's far distance from the mainland. In 1947, Khun A -Paiwong, Prime Minister at that time, pleaded and received a royal pardon for all prisoners on the island. Everybody was taken back to the mainland and the "Turtle" was abandoned once again. Not for long.

In the same year Khun Ueam and his twin brother Khun Oh reached Koh Tao from the neighbouring island Koh Phangan, At that time, crossing over with a traditional sailboat was long and dangerous.

Koh Tao Beach It took more than 12 hours crossing over from Koh Phangan, which is just 45km away. Even though the island was still under royal patronage, it didn't keep these pioneers from claiming a good piece of land= on sairee beach for themselves together with them came their families they began to cultivate and harvest the fertile soil.

Koh Tao History

Koh Tao About 15 years ago, the first backpackers arrived from Koh Phangan of Thailand. Rumours spread quickly about the islands unspoiled beauty, especially it's marine life and coral reefs . Since then, the number of visitors has increased rapidly, from fewer than 50 a day a decade ago to more than 200 a day (2002). Koh Tao soon became one of the major dive sites in Thailand and SE-Asia, attracting beginners and professionals alike. Koh Tao of Thailand The local businesses expanded immediately in order to catch up with the needs of the new clientele. The island today, though still remaining an absolute paradise, caters to all tastes and budgets.

Source : Koh Tao.com

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by Jour ~ 0 comments

Hin Ta - Hin Yai in Koh Samui

Hin Ta - Hin Yai koh samui Thailand These unusual formations are known as the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks. The site is a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike because of their close resemblance to male and female genitals.

Their formation and shape have been personified into a local tale describing their existence on the island.

The story goes that an old couple's boat wrecked and sunk in the bay, where their bodies washed ashore and created these strange rocks. Whatever their origin though, your pictures will no doubt make for some interesting conversation when shown to friends back home.

Hin Yai

Viewing these astonishing creations, even scientific purists would be tempted to believe that nature too, can be as whimsical as the most eccentric artist.

Also known as "Grandfather and Grandmother rocks" entirely formed by the elements, two extraordinarily accurate male and female genitalia-shaped rock formations share a perch overlooking the sea.

Strangely shaped rocks south of Lamai Beach are locally dubbed Hin Ta – Hin Yai. According to legend, an old couple were shipwrecked in the bay and died and their bodies washed ashore creating the rocks.

The rocks are at the south side of Lamai beach. Entrance is free & you get to them via the main road.

There are a lot of stalls on the short walk down to the rocks and amp many of them sell what looks like a toffee sweet ask to try some as they are quite happy to give you a sample.

The rocks are a popular

The rocks are a popular tourist attraction and resemble male and female rude bits There's a whole story behind them which is explained as you go in: "A folklore of Samui island tells the story of an old couple by the name of Ta Kreng (Grandpa Kreng) and Yai Riem (Grandma Riem) who lived with their son in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat. Since their son had come of age, they felt that it was time he got married.

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by Jour ~ Monday, September 11, 2006 0 comments

Phitsanulok Boat Races

Venue: Nan River in front of Phra Si Mahathat Woramahawihan Temple, Phitsanulok Thailand Province (377 km north of Bangkok)
When: 16 - 17 Sep 2006 (annual)
Where: Nan River
Opening Hours: Races 10am


Phitsanulok Boat Races are held on the Nan River Thailand following an important religious ceremony of the province, the annual offering of saffron robes to the highly revered Buddha image Phra Phuttha Chinnarat. This tradition has been carried through to the present day since ancient times. It is the biggest and most beautiful event of its kinds that attracts people from all over the country.

This annual event features long-boat races on the Nan River, after a big religious offering is made. Other celebrations include richly decorated boats and cheer squad competitions.

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by Jour ~ Sunday, September 10, 2006 0 comments

Full Moon Party in Thailand at Koh Phangan Suratthani

Full Moon Party in Thailand: 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 Had Rin Nok beach.

Full Moon Party Koh Phangan Location

Fullmoon party is at the south-eastern part of the island at Had Rin Beach, Koh Phangan, Suratthani, Thailand. Getting There The regular boats are running 4 times per night from Bophut and Big Buddha Beach, Koh Samui (70 Baht). Speedboats are operating all night long. They can be booked at nearly every travel agency for 300-400 Baht per roundtrip.

Full Moon Party Schedule 2006 - 2007

IMPORTANT! We are not the organizers of the event.Full moon party dates Some of the dates below might be incorrect. Dates might change if there is a Buddhist holiday at Full Moon Parties. Party dates. Thursday 7 September - 2006, Saturday 7 October - 2006, Sunday 5 November - 2006, Wednesday 6 December - 2006, Wednesday 3 January - 2007, Saturday 3 February - 2007, Saturday 3 March - 2007, Monday 2 April - 2007, Wednesday 2 May - 2007, Thursday 31 May - 2007, Friday 29 June - 2007, Tuesday 31 July - 2007, Tuesday 28 August - 2007, Wednesday 26 September - 2007, Friday 26 October - 2007, Saturday 24 November - 2007, Monday December - 2007

[Source: fullmoon-party.com]

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by Jour ~ Thursday, September 7, 2006 0 comments

A Travel guide to Koh Samet, Rayong Province of Thailand

Location Koh Samet, located in the Phe District of Rayong, is known as an Island Paradise of Thailand. The island offers a tranquil atmosphere combining with the white sandy beaches and crystalline clear sea-water.

History of Koh Samet

Sundhorn Phu, Thailand's Shakespeare, described Koh Kaew Pitsadan (the magical crystal island), which is believed to be the present Koh Samet, in his famous Thai literature ‘Phra Aphaimanee’ as a beautiful island that shelters his main character from a lovelorn giant - she is broken-hearted and dies on the crystal sandy beach of the island.

Even though you won't see her remains anywhere on Koh Samet, you're sure to see its crystal white sandy beaches, especially on the Had Sai Kaew or Sai Kaew Beach.

Route to Koh Samet Rayong - Thailand

Traveling to Koh Samet is easy. It takes about 2 hours and a half to drive from Bangkok (about 175 kilometers) and only 1 hour from the popular beach resort of Pattaya.

The travelers have to travel to Ban Phe, a port near Rayong Town, in order to catch the boat or ferry. The boat rides takes about 30 minutes.

[Source: circleofasia.com]

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by Jour ~ Wednesday, September 6, 2006 0 comments

Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok - Thailand

Though there are many markets throughout Bangkok, Chatuchak Weekend Market is still pretty much the undisputed king of them all. The scale of it is pretty unbelievable - it covers an area of 70 rai (35 acres), contains more than 15 000 shops and stalls, has over 200 000 visitors each day, and they spend an estimated total of 30 million baht (approx US$750 000). The range of products on sale is extensive, and includes household accessories, handicrafts, religious artifacts, art, antiques, live animals (which unfortunately are frequently caged in cruel conditions), books, music, clothes, food, plants and flowers etc...

Opening hours for the Chatuchak Weekend Market

The published opening hours for the Chatuchak market are from 9.00am to 6.00pm on Saturday and Sunday, though many of the stalls actually open sometime between 9.00am and 10.00am and close around sunset.

Chatuchak is also open on Friday as a market for wholesalers, but there is no problem doing normal shopping on this day either (same opening times). The Garden Plants section is also open on Wednesdays and Thursday from 7.00am to 6.00pm. Watch out for pickpockets, as even though they're not a particularly big problem the crowded conditions make it easy for them to operate successfully.

How to get there? Chatuchak Weekend Market Bnagkok

The best way to get here is on the Skytrain, Mo Chit station is only about five minutes walk away from the market. Finding your way from the station is easy - just follow the large crowd of people that will also be heading to/from there (right).

Alternatively, many buses go past here: Ordinary buses 3, 8, 26, 27, 28, 34, 38, 39, 44, 52, 59, 74, 77, 96, 97, 104, 108, 112, 134, 136, 138, 145 and air-con buses 2, 3, 9, 10, 12, 13, 29, 38, 39, 44, 136 and 138. To get a taxi ask for suan jatujak (Chatuchak park, where the market is held), or print out the instructions below and give them to the driver.

[Source: www.into-asia.com]

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by Jour ~ Tuesday, September 5, 2006 0 comments

Huai Nam Dang National Park - Chiang Mai

It was formerly know as an area of Doi Sam Muen highland development project which was initited by His Majesty the King to solve the problem of forest encroachment and poaching, as well as to enhance the lives of the local hilltribe people.

As this area is filled with attractive natural condition and virginal forests provided vital watersheds, Huai Nam Dang was declared the 81st national park of Thailand by the Royal Forest Department on 14 August 1995.

Huai Nam Dang National Park Area

Huai Nam Dang National Park covers four districts : Mae Taeng, Chiang Dao, and Wiang Haeng in Chiang Mai province including Pai district in Mae Hong Son province, covering an area of approximately 1,247 square kilometres.

Later on it was designated as the National Park for commemorating 100th year establishment of the Royal Forest Department and also for the celebration of His Majesty the King’s 50th year on the throne.

Route to Huai Nam Dang National Park, Chiang Mai - Thailand

The Huai Nam Dang National Park is located in Amphoe Mae Taeng, Amphoe Chiang Dao, and Amphoe Wiang Haeng in the Chiang Mai province and in Amphoe Pai in the Mae Hong Son Province.

Most of the landscape is mountainous. The highest hill is Doi Chang, standing 1,926 meters above sea level. The National Park Office is in Amphoe Pai, in Mae Hong Son.

Huai Nam Dang National Park: Mu 5, Kit Chang Sub-district, Amphur Mae Taeng Chiang Mai Thailand 50150

[Source: www.dnp.go.th]

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by Jour ~ Monday, September 4, 2006 0 comments

The Bridge over the River Kwai, Kanchanaburi - Thailand

Internationally famous, thanks the several motion pictures and books, the black iron bridge was brought from Java by the Japanese supervision by Allied prisoner-of-war labour as part of the Death Railway linking Thailand with Burma.

Still in use today, the bridge was the target of frequent Allied bombing raids during World War II and was rebuild after war ended. The curved spans of the bridge are the original sections. A daily train is still following the historical route from Kanchanaburi to Nam Tok Railway Station

Historical background: 'Death Railway'- Kanchanaburi

In 1943 thousands of Allied Prisoners of War (PoW) and Asian labourers worked on the Death Railway under the imperial Japanese army in order to construct part of the 415 km long Burma-Thailand railway. Most of these men were Australians, Dutch and British and they had been working steadily southwards from Thanbyuzayat (Burma) to link with other PoW on the Thai side of the railway.



This railway was intended to move men and supplies to the Burmese front where the Japanese were fighting the British. Japanese army engineers selected the route which traversed deep valleys and hills. All the heavy work was done manually either by hand or by elephant as earth moving equipment was not available. The railway line originally ran within 50 meters of the Three Pagodas Pass which marks nowadays the border to Burma.

However after the war the entire railway was removed and sold as it was deemed unsafe and politically undesirable. The prisoners lived in squalor with a near starvation diet. They were subjected to captor brutality and thus thousands perished. The men worked from dawn until after dark and often had to trudge many kilometres through the jungle to return to base camp where Allied doctors tended the injured and diseased by many died. After the war the dead were collectively reburied in the War Cemeteries and will remain forever witness to a brutal and tragic ordeal.

[Source: www.kanchanaburi-info.com]

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by Jour ~ Friday, September 1, 2006 0 comments