Rocket Festival, Bun Bang Fai - Thailand

Traditionally, the rocket festival is the sixth Lunar month ceremony that Lao people have conducted for many generation(s). It is a very important event that we could not abandon since the early period of time. It is also the important symbol of unity and friendship used to fight against dry weather and to request rain.

Eventhough, belief in the rain god is less now than in former times, the Lao still respect this tradition and continue to prepare the rocket festival as one of the most significant activities that takes place before of the season of rice cultivation. In addition to the preparation of rockets, there are some Buddhist ceremonies such as waterblessing rituals that the senior monks perform at the same event.

The Rocket festival is the only annual chance the farmers have to request rain from the god called Phaya Thaen. Because of the strong belief held since ancient times, when the land was dry and farmers did not have enough water for rice production. So the rocket festival were instituted. It is the one means for human beings to communicate symbolically with the god to request rain.

The rocket launching itself is competitive, with prizes for the best explosion, greatest distance, etc. The secrets of rocket making have been passed down over the generations and refined into sophisticated, multi-chambered wonders of pre-scientific technology. Some of these things are four or five meters long, and fly a kilometer or more, or explode at their apogee into a spectacular and colorful fireball.

As if this wasn’t enough, there are countless other activities (as with any country fair) including live music, dancing and other contests.

Though countless villages observe the celebration, on various dates and the best organized is held in Yasothorn Province. This year the three-day blowout runs from May 10-12.

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by Jour ~ Tuesday, June 27, 2006 0 comments

Vimanmek Mansion - Bangkok - Thailand

Vimanmek Mansion is the largest residence in Dusit Garden. Its elaborate architectural style reflects a western influence. The building has two right-angled wings. Each wing is 60 metres long and 20 metres high. It is a three-storey building except for the part where the King resided, which is octagonal and has four-storeys. The ground floor is brick and cement while the upper floors are built of golden teakwood planks. There are altogether 31 exhibition rooms, some of which maintain the atmosphere of the past, especially the bedrooms, the Audience Chamber and the bathrooms. Some rooms house exhibitions of art works, for example, there is a silverware display room, a ceramic display room, a glassware display room and an ivory display room.

Besides Vimanmek Mansion and the Amporn Satarn Mansion in the compound of Dusit Garden or Dusit Palace (as it was later renamed by King Rama V), King Rama V allocated plots of land for the construction of residences for his Queens, consorts, sisters, daughters, and his other wives. He also named gardens, canals, gates and roads after the names of ancient Chinese porcelain commonly called “Khrueng Kim Tung”, which were very popular at the time. For example, the residence that belonged to Her Majesty Queen Srisawarindhira was named Suan Hong Residence (Swan Garden Residence). Now these residences, which are no longer used by the Royal Family and located north of Vimanmek Mansion, have been turned into museum buildings and a hall for royal coaches to be shown to the general public.

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Jim Thompson House, Thai Style - Bangkok - Thailand

Despite the name, Jim Thompson's House is one of the best-preserved examples of the traditional Thai house in the city. Once home to the American silk entrepreneur Jim Thompson, this remarkable house-cum-museum accommodates Thompson's vast collection of antiques and artworks from all over the Southeast Asian region. Notable items include priceless examples of blue and white Ming porcelain and 19th century jataka paintings, which cover the walls of the rooms. Don't miss the headless Buddha figure in the garden, which dates from the 6th century. This early Dvaravati image is one of the oldest surviving Buddha statues in the world.

Perhaps even more fascinating than the house itself is the tale of the mysterious owner, American Jim Thompson. A former member of the US Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the forerunner of the CIA, Thompson revived the flagging silk weaving industry at the end of the Second World War. His marketing skills helped turn the fortunes of the ailing Thai silk industry around, and Jim Thompson is to this day regarded as the very finest brand of Thai silk. As his business grew, Jim Thompson became a well-known Bangkok socialite, dedicated to reviving Thai crafts and arts. Much of his art collection is still on display at his Ayutthayan house in Bangkok's Rama I Road area.

Jim Thompson disappeared under mysterious circumstances whilst on a walk in the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia in 1967. Many theories have been put forward to explain his disappearance but the truth remains a mystery. Suggestions of a conspiracy involving his CIA connections have been proposed in explanation, but so too have jungle tigers, heart attacks and Communist insurgents.












LOCATION: 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama I Road, Bangkok. Tel: 216-7368, 215-0122
GETTING THERE: Jim Thompson's House is at the end of a small lane opposite the National Stadium. You can either get off the sky train at the stadium or nearby Siam Square.
OPENING HOURS: Open every day at 9 a.m. The last tour begins at 4.30 p.m.
ADMISSION: 100 baht

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Old City - Sukhothai - Thailand

Sukhothai which literally means "Dawn of Happiness" with an area of 6,596 sq.kms., is about 427 km (267 miles) north of Bangkok and was founded in 1238. Sukhothai was the capital of Thailand for approximately 120 years.

Found in the 13th century, Sukhothai (literally means “Dawn of Happiness”) was the first truly independent Thai Kingdom, which enjoyed a golden age under King Ramkhamhaeng, credited with creating the Thai alphabet. The superb temples and monuments of this great city have been lovingly restored in Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for all travellers.
Sukhothai is located on the lower edge of the northern region, 427 kilometres north of Bangkok or some 298 kilometres south of Chiang Mai. The province covers some 6,596 square kilometres and is divided into 9 Amphoes: Mueang Sukhothai, Ban Dan Lan Hoi, Khiri Mat, Kong Krailat, Sawankhalok, Si Nakhon, Si Samrong, Si Satchanalai and Thung Saliam.

In its heyday Sukhothai was a thriving centre of trade, culture and religion. Today the ruined city is situated among rolling green hills and tranquil lotus ponds and offers a glimpse of the culture and architectural wonders of a bygone civilization.

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by Jour ~ Monday, June 26, 2006 0 comments

Old City - Ayutthaya - Thailand

The capital of Thailand from 1350 until it was sacked in 1767 by the Burmese, Ayutthaya is 76 kms. north of Bangkok. Magnificent ruins of the old city still remain, some having been restored. Archaeological excavations are still proceeding at many sites in the area. Attractions in Ayutthaya include: Chao Sam Phraya National Museum; the very large Buddha image called "Phra Mongkhon Bophit"; ruins of the former Royal palace which was a complex with many buildings. Ayutthaya can be reached by train from Bangkok or by bus from the Northem Bus Terminal. As for a river excursion, there are some cruisers running from Bangkok to Ayutthaya every day.

Today, there are but groups of crumbling ruins and rows of headless Buddhas where once an empire thrived. The temple compounds are still awe-inspiring even in disrepair and a visit here is memorable and a good beginning for those drawn to the relics of history.
The architecture of Ayutthaya is a fascinating mix of Khmer (ancient Cambodian style) and early Sukhothai style. Some cactus-shaped obelisks, called prangs, denote Khmer influence and look something like the famous towers of Angkor Wat. The more pointed stupas are ascribed to the Sukhothai influence. For new arrivals who had limited their visit to Bangkok, similarities may be noted with the riverside Wat Arun, an 18th-century structure that was built in the so-called Ayutthaya style, a melding of Sukhothai Buddhist influences and Hindu-inspired Khmer motifs.

Ayutthaya is administratively divided into 16 districts: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ban Phraek, Bang Ban, Bang Pahan, Bang Pa-in, Amphoe Bang Sai, Bang Sai, Lat Bua Luang, Maha Rat, Nakhon Luang, Phachi, Phak-Hai, Sena, Tha Rua, Uthai and Wang Noi.

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Chaopraya River - Bangkok - Thailand

The Chao Phraya river is Bangkok’s lifeline: it was our preferred mode of transportation, especially in hot and humid weather. It is a long ribbon of brown/grayish water, with Bangkok on one side and Thonburi on the other. Most important historical sites are built on its banks. We were at Station 16, a 5 minute walk from our hotel. Piles of sandbags are always around the stations; frequently, you will find wooden planks positioned above ground so as to offer dry paths to pedestrians. Alas, on most, only one person can really fit and it becomes a game of wills when 2 or more people are trying to get through.

The river boats that are the workhorses of the Chao Praya are categorized as Yellow or Orange express lines, and White for local. Our fare was Bs. 10 apiece, the highest fare for going from Zone 2 to Zone 1. There are 3 zones in all, and they’ll be denoted on any river map.

You can hire a private boat that will take you for an hour’s ride, which we did, for Bs. 600 (US$14) and make stops at designated tourist spots. We did not want to make any stops, but we sat side by side toward the front of the vessel, and as we turned into one of the khlongs (canals), we caught glimpses of everyday life. Most remarkable to me was that regardless of how seedy the housing, every one had an abundance of potted flowers and plants. We went through a small floating market, and had a few vendors trying to interest us in knick knacks. A bit further, we stopped and bought bread to feed fish that magically surfaced in hundreds. It reminded me very much of Lake Mead, where we had a similar experience, feeding the fish popcorn.
As I suggested earlier, just get on one of these boats and take it as far as you can go. For 25 cents, you’ll get an overview of Bangkok and then you can decide where you’d like to further your explorations.

The best seat in the house is on your feet, posted at one of the openings toward the back, but take care not to stand where they reserve the area for monks. If it’s very crowded, you’ll be constantly elbowed by new passengers making their way to the front of the boat, and by the conductor/tress, who will tear your ticket in half with this circular metal coin holder which she seems to enjoy shaking to no end. If there is any irritant at all, it is the sound of the strident whistle you cannot escape, which is heard as a signal to the captain that he can proceed to the next stop. At times, two boats will get very close to each other, and their insurance against collision comes in the forms of used tires which they hang on the sides of the barges. Very clever indeed.

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Crocodile Farm - Samutprakarn - Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand's vibrant capital is one of the world's most exotic and colorful cities a unique blend of the traditional and ultra modern.
This is one of the world’s largest crocodile farms located in Samut Prakan. Here there are over 15,000 crocodiles enclosed in natural habitat at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River.

The Crocodile Farm is located 10 kms from Bangkok. It is the world's Largest Crocodile Farm founded in 1950 by the famous Crocodile King, Mr. Utai Youngprapakorn. They not only look after endangered species, but also to provide a continuing flow of crocodile skins and other products to the world market. Here at Samutprakarn Crocodile Farm and Zoo, they are dedicated to the education, preservation, research and the conservation of wildlife.


The main reason for a visit to the Crocodile Farm is though to see the shows they put on! It is possible to witness ‘Crocodile Wrestling’ and keepers putting their heads into crocodile’s mouths quite amazing spectacles. In addition, there are a number of other activities for visitors. Acrobatic elephant shows, elephant and camel rides, paddle boats on the lake and a visit to the Monkey Playground all serve to keep children thoroughly entertained. Given its location and the amount to be seen and done, a visit to the Crocodile Farm is an all day affair. If you have plenty of time in Bangkok, it is certainly worth a visit.


The Crocodile Farm is open daily from 07:00 to 18:00. Admission is 300 Baht for adults and 200 Baht for children.

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Wat Pho, Bangkok - Thailand

The Oldest temple.
The Biggest temple with largest number of pagoda.
The Largest collection of Buddha image.

Wat Pho, or Wat Phra Chetuphon as it is generally known to the Thais, is mainly famous for the huge Reclining Buddha statue it houses. At 20 acres large, it is the largest Wat in Bangkok, and is technically the oldest too, as it was built around 200 years before Bangkok became Thailand's capital. However, today the Wat today bears virtually no resemblance to that originally constructed, as it was almost entirely rebuilt by Rama I when the capital was moved to Bangkok. It holds the dual honors of having both Thailand's largest reclining Buddha image and the most number of Buddha images in Thailand.

Massage - Wat Pho is also famous as Thailand's first university, and is center for traditional Thai masage - the rich, famous and powerful have all been known to come here. Inscribed on stone in the walls of Wat Pho are all that was known about Thai massage dating from the reign of King Rama III (most previous texts were lost when the Burmese destroyed Ayuthaya)
To get a traditional massage here costs 150B for 30 mins, 250B for an hour and herbal massages are available at 350B an hour. If you want to experience traditional Thai massage, this is probably the best place available and is highly recommended, though be aware that it's not exactly a gentle experience. A foot reflexology massage is also available at 250B for 45 minutes.
It is also possible to take courses to learn traditional Thai massage. These are for 30 hours and cost 4,500B. Courses can be spread over either 10 or 15 days. The massage center is situated at the back of the Wat, the opposite side from the entrance. To get a massage, simply turn up here and wait in line until a masseur is available - perhaps 10 or 20 minutes in the quieter periods in the early morning and late afternoon.

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by Jour ~ Saturday, June 24, 2006 0 comments

Siam Park - Bangkok - Thailand

In the south of Tenerife, in the busier tourist region, you will find the area of the future Aquatic Park “SIAM PARK” This new project, being constructed by the Loro Park, S.A. group, will greatly increase the attraction of tourism and leisure to Tenerife. SIAM PARK will extend over an area of 185.000 square meters. Earth moving a planting work began at the beginning of 2004 creating an oasis to transport you through monuments, buildings, architecture and culture of the old kingdom of Siam(Bangkok), now known as Thailand. The attraction SIAM PARK will offer, have never before been in any other aquatic park in the world.

Siam Water Park is a huge entertainment complex northeast of the city, merely a 60-minute drive from the Lard Prao flyover, and is located in suburban Amphoe Minburi. The park features an extensive man-made sea with artificial surf, whirlpools, fountains and waterfalls, and towering water slides amid carefully landscaped gardens. Satellite attractions include children's playgrounds, aviaries, and open zoo and botanical gardens. About half of the complex is devoted for swimmers and the rest for a selection of rides and amusement games. Facilities include changing rooms, swimsuit rental, fast food and bus from entrance to water park. During holidays and festivals, the park hosts circus or similar entertainments.

The complex is open daily from 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. (weekdays) and 9:00 A.M. to 7:00P.M. (weekends). Admission fee is 200 Baht for adults and 100 Baht for children. Membership fee is 300 Baht per year. Bus service: No. 26 and 27 from Victory Monument. Telephone - 5170075-9.

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by Jour ~ Friday, June 23, 2006 0 comments

Suvarnabhumi Airport - Thailand

Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand’s premier international air transportation gateway and regional center for aviation, will provide a vital link to all types of airline-related activities, actively supporting the country’s travel and tourism development as befits

His Majesty King Bhumibol Aduladej on 29 September 2000 bestowed the name of the new airport, “Suvarnabhumi,” meaning “the golden land.” Suvarnabhumi denotes a fertile land and business center where people live happily.

Suvarnabhumi the New International Airport of Thailand which has a capacity of 76 flights per hour and 45 million passengers per year and can transport goods via air mail up to 3 million tons per annum, is looked upon as a construction also an architecture which all of Thai people would be proud of.

The new airport is equipped with modern facilities to prevent dangers from terrorist attacks and fire accidents. Special facilities, such as ramps, lifts, accessible toilets, and moving walkways are provided. As an “e-airport,” Suvarnabhumi is operated by electronic systems, such as e-information, and e-navigation.

Recognized as a “guest room” of Thailand, Suvarnabhumi offers many interesting services, such as Thai food, products under the “One Tambon, One Product” program, and spa and traditional Thai massage. Covering an area of 8,000 acres, the airport is set to become “Aerotropolis,” to develop the quality of life and environment in the surrounding areas. It is also promoted as a green international airport, with the us of clean energy and the maintenance of environmental quality. The gas district cooling and cogeneration system will be applied as well, to save energy.

More than 155 billion baht has been invested in Suvarnabhumi Airport, which will serve as a gateway to various countries in Asia.

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Khao Phansa - Candle Festival - Ubon Ratchathani - Thailand

At City Hall Stadium, Ubon Ratchathani
The commencement of Phansa, or the Buddhist Rains Retreat, (known in Thai as Khao Phansa). With the arrival of the eighth lunar month in July, Thai Buddhists all over the kingdom celebrate Khao Phansa. Celebrations (Candle Festival) are held in Buddhist temples all over Thailand, but the most colorful can be found in Ubon Ratchathani that displays artistic skills as well as piety, Beautifully carved beeswax candles, some of them several meters tall, are exhibited in colorful parades before being presented to local temples.

'Khao Phansa', in Thai, refers to the beginning of the Buddhist Lent. During this time, Buddhist monks are restricted to their temples for a period of three months. Young men over 20 years, who have not yet ordained as monks, may take this opportunity to enter the monkhood to observe Buddhist teachings.

The devout Buddhist of Ubon Ratchathani has long been known for their devotion to their religion especially by the procession Buddhist Lental Candle at the advent of Buddhist Lent. The occasion also represents and effort to support local tradition.
To start with, the lead candle graciously granted by His Majesty the KING to Ubon Ratchathani will lead the procession to the temple under royal patronage. However a host of other festive activities are in the waiting.
Candles will be entered into contests for the most beautifully decorated and best crafted candles. Maidens accompanying the candles and the procession themselves will also be judged for their beauty in other contests. In addition, there will be ample entertainment and musical performances at Thung Sri Muang every night throughout the festival.
The beautiful and unique festival of Ubon Ratchathani succeeds in attracting a great number of both local and foreign tourists to this province every year. However, more than just an occasion to preserve tradition and local culture, it also helps boost Ubon Ratchathani's economy in terms of income generated from the sale of local merchandise, hospitality sector, restaurants, shops and independent cab drivers.

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Tiffany - Alcazar - Pattaya - Thailand

Tiffany Show

TIFFANY'S SHOW is a palace of decadence, spectacular elegance, and enjoyment not to be missed if you come to Pattaya City. We are recognized as the biggest Original Transvestite Cabaret Show in Asia. Come and experience the world-standard spectacular show by yourself!
Tiffany's Show is one of the world's most famous Transvestite Cabaret Show, with 2,000 people every night of the year enjoying our spectacular performances. Tiffany's artists's talent is undeniable.
The show was originated 20 years ago in South Pattaya where the performing talents were discovered. Since then the group has gradually built up its reputation and attracted more dancers. The cabaret then established their own domain in Pattaya with a unique style to become the most original transvestite cabaret in Thailand.
Experience over 15 sets in one show. The amazing...the spectacular...the original transvestite live Cabaret. Starring the world's most glamorous transvestites in an all-new performance created by award-winning producer Jim McDonald. A star-studded music and dance extravaganza you must see to belive. Don't miss it!
Come with complete light and sound systems in a luxury theatre seating 550 people, the Tiffany's show performs more than 15 sets in 1 show starring more than transvestites each night. The performances and costumes are continuously improved to be regarded as "amazing, spectacular, and exhilarating...To see when your favorite show comes up, please check it out and you will never miss it. Enjoy the shows.
Pattaya has gained an unwholesome reputation over the years, but remains a busy beach resort area despite the night time transformation!
The performers in this cabaret show are beautiful, feminine, sexy and all male (or originally male...)! The garments and presentation are luscious and the showstopping antics and tearful renditions both heartfelt and satirical. The performers are generally not averse to a chat at the end of the night and the way that they maintain their stage personas is quite fascinating.

Alcazar Show

One shall not miss a chance to see the world-famous Alcazar or Tiffany show. You will be entertained with music, lip-sings, dances and various shows played by many perfectly beautiful female actresses. If you are unaware of, you cannot imagine that these female actresses were actually male from origin! The Alcazar Show has been delighting audiences from around the world of almost 20 years. Thrilling 1,000,000 with laughter & impressions. You'll experience the magic of Alcazars state of the art computerized lighting system and be dazzled by the effects of its Circle surrounding sound DTS system, but that's only the beginning. Prepared to be entertained in grand style by its 400 staff wonderfully talented artists and entertainers. The Phettrakul Family is the Founder & Owner of the Alcazar Cabaret, which is located on Pattaya 2nd Road. Originally, it was a small theatre of 350 seats with 40 employees on almost 20 years ago. The floor, stage & technical equipment were rudimentary and in fact the business was not so successful in that early day, however, the family never gave up and continued to improve and upgrade its facilities until Alcazar Cabaret Show became "World Famous"! Today's Alcazar features a Grand Beautiful Theatre with a capacity of 1,200 seats & 440 employees. With state of art light & sound system featuring the ultra high tech "Circle surround sound DTS system" & the most modern computer technology. Today, the Alcazar Cabaret is "World Class"!. Alcazar Cabaret of Pattaya is now well known throughout most of the "INTERNATIONAL" in equivalence to both Lido & Moulin Rouge of Paris. But Alcazar is different that Lady-man stages it. Alcazar can successfully blend the art of acting, stage design, costumes & the sequence of the shows so well to be impressed by every one of all ages. So Alcazar is a must to visit for both Local & Foreign Visitors don't miss it ever.

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by Jour ~ Thursday, June 22, 2006 0 comments

Sunflower Field - Saraburi - Thailand

If you pass through Saraburi province at this time of year (around December), you will notice something beautifully unusual in the scenery. Blurs of yellow and orange, bright colours popping out of the green farming countryside, will entice the curious traveller to stop and take a closer look - and believe me, this rural attraction is well worth stopping for.
Starting in November of each year, the province of Saraburi, as well as surrounding central provinces, hit a sunflower high season. The rural landscape fills with vibrant yellow flowers, 72 square kilometres of them, to be exact. As the fields blossom, the province takes measures to ensure that tourists who come to experience this sight will be pleased. In addition to the flowers, there are markets and activities set up on the roadside to offer more entertainment after the fields have been explored. This makes Saraburi a popular destination for Thais on car trips, and a fantastic surprise for the traveller who stumbles upon it.
Being a city girl by nature, the last sunflowers I saw were in a Van Gogh print in a guesthouse bathroom. And so, the sight of man-sized sunflowers, big and blossoming and tall enough to make me feel comparatively short for the first time since arriving in Asia, was surreal; stunning in a giddy, "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" kind of way.
The sunflowers are more than picturesque, though you will easily fill rolls of film while walking through the fields. The scene of vibrant yellow blossoms, with lush palm trees and cool granite mountains in the backdrop, is downright beautiful. Also, the fields are large and uncrowded enough to explore in peace, with the opportunity to study the flowers up-close.
The busier fields offer booths of local wares at the entrance, perfect for souvenir-hunters. I would recommend bypassing the sunflower-print blouses and umbrellas and going straight to the roasting sunflower seeds. Here you can sample the freshest of sweet and salted varieties, still warm from the cooking pan (20 baht per bag).

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Safari World, The world of Animals - BKK

Stretching 8 KM and lasting 45 Minutes, a drive through the scenic Safari Park presents a unique opportunity for the closest encounter possible with rare and endangered species of the animal kingdom. Explore Nature’s numerous wonders in their original splendor and respond to the call of the wild, while remaining in the comfort of your car or coach. Witness the truly breathtaking Tiger & Lion Feeding Show, the only one of its kind anywhere in the world. And exciting and fulfilling adventure awaits you at Safari Park.

Dolphin Show

The most intelligent of marine creatures will captivate you with their effortless mastery of the most difficult tricks!
Get them to kiss you or shake hands with you! Marvel at dolphins somersaulting in mid-air, tossing balls with their fins and singing in a chorus, or performing dives unrivaled in their gracefulness and witness.

Stunt Show

Let Safari World in Bangkok Thailand bring you straight into the lawless territory of the wild west, where combos and bandits jostle for power with the intricate knock-downs, gunfights, bullwhips, fistfights and horseplay.
Run for your life as explosives are hailed in you direction. Gasp and then heave a sigh of relief as stunts right before your very eyes.
Participate in the funniest goose-chase peppered with the least expected of dramatic twists and turns!!!

Jungle Cruise

Somewhere deep inside the tropical jungle lurk hungry crocodiles, primitive headhunters and ferocious gorillas. Gather your courage. Take a fun-filled water flume ride through uncharted territory and maneuver through thick reeds for the most exciting adventure you’ll ever have!!!

Sea lion show

“Lighthouse Cove” will never be the same again with its new occupants. This quiet town along the pacific coast will be turned upside down when our Sea Lion friends wreak havoc as they pull one trick after another. Chiefs of Mischief take control!!!

Spy War

Our secret agent Sean Sacco has a mission to fulfil: to get Doomsday Trigger before Mako gets us. Join Sean as he combats difficult terrain and heavy enymy gunfire to stop Mako in his tracks. Hold on to your seats as the action unfolds amidst a sea of rapid crossfire, thunderous explosions and breathtaking paratrooping stunts in a state-of-the-art amphitheater. A truly earth-shattering experience not to be missed!!!

Boxing show

Your closest cousions will tickle you with their keen sense of humor and and dazzle you with their mathematical gifts. It is non-stop entertainment at its best as orang utans dish out trick after trick, from engaging the swing-bars to engaging a coconut!
An who could miss the world’s first and only orang utan boxing show, starring the funniest and hairiest champions of the Olympics? Whether hanging upside-down or rightside up, be sure to hang out with the orangutans at Safari World!!!

Bird show

Stand by for a stunning show as our colorful performers take a plunge from the arena to the stage. Watch with amazement and bewilderment the acrobatic and atheletic skills of these intelligent creatures and share in the intimate secrets of a pair of lovebirds. See how our feathered friends fly their way to your heart!!!

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by Jour ~ Wednesday, June 21, 2006 0 comments

The Human Imagery Museum, Wax Museum - Thailand

Located at Km.31, Pinklao-Nakhon Chaisi Road, the museum houses life-like sculptures created bye group of Thai artists, after 10 years of intensive study and hard work. These breathtaking figures are displayed in four sections: ''The Great Buddhist Monks", ''Former Kings of the Chakri Dynasty, One Side of Thai Life" and "Playing Chess."
The Thai Human Imagery Museum contains the wonderfully painstaking work of a group of Thai artists, who decided to depict in life-like wax figures various sides of Thai life.

The display is divided into sections such as the Great Buddhist Monks, the Chakri Dynasty and Thai Life in General.

To give an idea of the work that went into making these figures, each individual hair was inserted into its own aperture on the head. No wigs; that would have been cheating! The figures are stunningly lifelike and well worth seeing.

The museum is open to public from 9.00 am-5.30 pm on weekdays and 8.30 am-6.00 pm on Saturday and Sunday and the admission fee is 200 baht.

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by Jour ~ Tuesday, June 20, 2006 0 comments

Chilling, Suan Lum Night Bazaar - BKK

The first official night bazaar ever available in Thailand, right in the heart of The Big Mango itself. Located at the south-eastern corner of Lumpini Park, “Suan” is the Thai word for park and “Lum” is the abbreviated version of the proper name. Open 7 days a week from 3:00 PM to midnight – some spots until 2:00AM – it is so convenient and easy to find. To get to Suan Lum Night Bazzar take the Skytrain to S2 Sala Daeng ,Station (Silom Line). Walk about 100m and you will see Si Lom MRT station. Take the train to Lumpini and you will see Suan Lum Night Bazzar. Or just take a 15mins walk from Sala Daeng to Suan Lum Night Bazzar.

The Suan Lum Night Bazaar is a great place for an inexpensive night out that offers fabulous shopping, restaurant or food court dinning, live entertainment and a superb choice of beers.
The shopping area is well laid out with neat streets lined on both sides with shops selling clothes, handicrafts, souvenirs, and a myriad of other items. There are alleyways between the main streets, which are crammed with smaller stalls offering great bargains. You will be surprised at what you may find here.

Spread throughout the complex, are many restaurants and bars. The range of cuisine is quite extensive including Thai and Chinese seafood, Indian, Japanese, German, etc.
As you wander along the main street, you’ll see The Joe Louis Puppet Theatre. This is truly unique. This is a puppet theatre presenting performances of the Ramakien. They are in full view of the audience and even come off the stage.

The main attraction at Suan Lum Night Bazaar is the huge beer garden and food court covering an area about the size of two football fields. On three sides there are stall selling a delicious variety of food cooked before your eyes. There are also beer stalls on the right hand side offering all the local beers, many imported brands and some local brews from micro breweries in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

The center piece is a large stage where the latest local and foreign hit songs are performed by a variety of singers with their back up dancers. Great entertainment for free. All the fod and drink stalls operate on a coupon system so it is easy to keep track of your spending.

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by Jour ~ Monday, June 19, 2006 0 comments