Wonderful National Park!!

Phu Kradung National Park!!!

              Located in the north eastern province of Loei , the park is one of Thailand's most romantic spots. The 1360 meters high mountain might have received its name Phu Kradung from its bell like shape (kradung means bell in Thai).
             The park is largely covered with seasonal tropical rain forest and ever green forests. The 60 square kilometers (mountain top) plateau is a savanna of pines, oak, beech, etc. There are some mammals including elephant and barking deer, and many bird species in the park.
The region receives heaviest rain in October and there is almost no rain during December to February. The park is closed from June to August because of intense pressure on the environment by the visitors. Most popular months are October to January when the park can be crowded on weekends. Tents and porters can be arranged at the park offices located at the foot of the mountain and at the top.
             It is a 9 km distance from the base of the mountain (park's headquarters) to the camp ground and office at the top of the mountain. The final 4 km is a walk on the plateau to reach to the park headquarters and the camping ground. Villagers have set up food and drink stalls along the climb. The trek takes 3 to 6 hrs. On the plateau visitors have 50 km of marked trails to cliffs, waterfalls and meadows. Expedition into the deep forest where large animals exist should be accompanied by a guide provided by the park office.

Amazing Thai temple!!!

The White Temple in Thailand!!! temple in Thailand!!!

          The city of Chiang Rai in northernmost Thailand is one of the remaining areas where traditional Thai art and culture flourish.  Located near the city of Chiang Rai, about 5 kilometers to the south, is the beautiful Wat Rong Khun or White Temple.  The White Temple of Northern Thailand has become a national landmark and, as one of the most recognizable temples in the country, attracts an increasingly large number of visitors every year.

         Wat Rong Khun is unique from other temples in that it has been constructed entirely in a radiant white color with sparking reflections from mirrored glass mosaics embedded in the white plaster. The temple is the idea of Mr. Chalermchai Kositpipat, one of Thailand’s most renowned artists, who wanted to build a temple all in white to signify the purity of Lord Buddha. The artist continues to puts his religious belief and desire to enrich Buddhism in Thailand into his contemporary art design. The construction of the White Temple is Khun Chalemchai’s master work, which he refers to as an offering to Lord Buddha and his beloved country.

         Wat Rong Khun is different from any other temple in Thailand, as its ubosot (Pali: uposatha; consecrated assembly hall) is designed in white color with some use of white glass. The white color stands for Lord Buddha’s purity; the white glass stands for Lord Buddha’s wisdom that "shines brightly all over the Earth and the Universe."

         The bridge leading to the temple represents the crossing over from the cycle of rebirth to the Abode of Buddha. The small semicircle before the bridge stands for the human world. The big circle with fangs is the mouth of Rahu, meaning impurities in the mind, a representation of hell or suffering.

        All the paintings inside the ubosot (assembly hall) have golden tones. The four walls, ceiling and floor contain paintings showing an escape from the defilements of temptation to reach a supramundane state. On the roof, there are four kinds of animals representing earth, water, wind and fire. The elephant stands for the earth; the naga stands for water; the swan's wings represent wind; and the lion’s mane represents fire.

        In 1997, Chalermchai Kositpipat volunteered his service to carry out the construction of the ubosot at his own expense as an offering to Lord Buddha, but he later altered the plan as he saw fit in such a way that Wat Rong Khun developed into a prominent site attracting both Thai and foreign visitors.

China Town, Bangkok, Thailand!!

Chinatown Bangkok!!!

            Chinatown district is one of the oldest areas in Bangkok and one of the most exciting places to amble around, while in the city. An impressive and colossal Chinese gate marks the entrance to China Town area, at Odeon Circle, and the place stretches until the Ong Ang Canal, which marks the outer boundaries of the royal district. The history of China Town dates back to 1782, when the Chinese immigrants came to settle in the place under the imperial regime of King Rama I. Thus, one can witness a huge population of Chinese here, who have been residing in Thailand from ages.

           The most prominent tourist attraction of Chinatown is the Wat Traimit, located near the intersection of Charoen Krung and Yaowarat Road. It enshrines a 3m Buddha image, made of 5.5 tonnes of gold, which is also the largest solid gold image of Buddha in the whole world. Another tourist hotspot is the Yaowarat Road. It is Chinatown's main street and stands hemmed with innumerable shops that sell gold at very reasonable prices. Apart from that, the eateries here are renowned for their authentic Chinese cuisines, ranging from dripping bird-nests soup and shark fin soup to piping hot dim sums and Szechwan noodles.

           Sampeng Lane is another busy street of Chinatown. Even though the place does not provide any great shopping delights, just walking down its narrow street proves to be a very good experience. Especially, the Tang To Gung gold shop and an old Chinese pharmacy located here are worth a visit. To the north of the western end of Sampeng Lane is the Nakhon Kasem or the 'Thieves Market', lined with shops selling antique Thai and Chinese items. There are also many shops here that sell second-hand items at unbelievingly low prices, which make it very popular amongst both locals and tourists.

           However, the original main street of Chinatown is the small narrow alley that runs from the Phahurat Market to Songsawat Road. The place sells only cheap household items and is no match to the actual Chinatown of today. Phahurat market is located on the fringe of Chinatown and is an interesting area to explore Indian fabrics and Indian cuisines. In fact, the whole of Chinatown offers tourists many pleasant alternatives amidst its bustling markets and inviting ambience. A trip to Bangkok, especially during the event of Chinese New Year, calls everyone for a quick visit to this colorful district of Chinatown.

Phuket is the biggest island!!!

The Biggest Island in Thailand!!!

              Phuket is the largest island in Thailand. At 540 square kilometers, it's about the same size as Singapore. Just over an hour by jet from Bangkok or Singapore, and with daily connections to most major Asian airports, Phuket is ideally situated for a short break or a relaxing vacation.

              Phuket nestles in balmy Andaman Sea waters on Thailand's Indian Ocean coastline 862 kilometers south of Bangkok. Phuket formerly derived its wealth from tin and rubber, and enjoyed a rich and colorful history. The island was on one of the major trading routes between India and China, and was frequently mentioned in foreign trader’s ship logs. In recent times, though, Phuket's top earner has been tourism, which has transformed the island into Thailand's wealthiest province. The west coast of Phuket was hit severely by the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004, but almost no evidence of the damage now remains.

               Phuket is a melting pot of Buddhists, Thai-Chinese, Muslims and even sea gypsies. The majority of the population in the rural areas is Muslim. Outside of the provincial town, the rural folk speak with a thick Southern dialect which is difficult for even other Thais to understand. The provincial town’s economy having boomed over the past decade has led to a lot of the youngsters leading similar lives to those in Bangkok. Altogether, the lifestyle of the urban Thai-Chinese resembles that of Bangkokians.

               The beaches on Phuket and the superb water sports on Phuket have long been two of the island's most popular tourist attractions and the reason that so many tourists visit the island each year. However, visitors to Phuket can also expect many traditional family orientated attractions, including the Fanta Sea amusement park, large zoo, butterfly garden, and aquarium, complete with touch pool filled with starfish and sea cucumbers. Phuket enjoys great popularity as a travel destination. Most beaches are on the west coast, with Phuket Town to the south-east and the airport in the north. Phuket has views that would make a landscape painter rush out and buy an easel and brushes and the great thing is that you don't have to trek halfway across the country to appreciate them. Whether, it's a sunset-watching spot, a 360-degree panorama of the south of the island.

Candle Festival!!

         Candle Festival parade is so cool !!!!

          Candle Festival in Thailand associates with Buddhist agenda called Buddhist Lent or Khao Phan-sa in Thai language. In Buddhism, during rainy season, monks will keep the Buddhist precepts in a monastery without going away for about 3 months. As the old time there was no electricity only candle that used around the temple, then, on the entry of this season Thai people, with respect to the religious, has made the enormous scale of candle and offer this up to facilitate Buddhist monks for using throughout the season. Some believes that through this philanthropy, they will be sharper, brighter, and smarter the same as candlelight characteristic. This tradition passes on from generation to generation up until now.

          The most famous of Candle Festival locates at Ubon Ratchathani in Northeastern of Thailand. Traditionally (two day event) held annually around the mid of July (as it Buddhist calendar, the exactly date is vary each year; please reconfirm the information prior to the travel). The festival appear throughout the province, however, the major activities occur at Thung Sri Mueng temple. As this province is the home for excellent number of artists whether in modern arts, handicraft, Buddhist arts and architecture, in this period, it is a time for them to express their artistic talents and techniques through crafting and placing Thai pattern with the candle. The magnificent candles also demonstrate the link of local custom and religious belief.

         From 1927 onward, the competition of the most beautiful candle has been introduced and become the highlight program of the festival. All exquisite candles are displayed through the parade accompanied with Northeastern traditional dance and music, which provide lively and joyful background for the festival. This hallmark event is the time that locals are looking forward to since it is an opportunity for them to sustain the culture by volunteering themselves assisting to create the elegant candles as well as all generation has a chance to exchange their experience together. If you have a chance to go to Thailand Candle Festival, it is recommended to visit the community 2 or 3 day before the event to learn about the methods and designs that applied to the candles.

Loy Kratong Festival!!!

Amazing Loy Kratong Festival!!!

              Loy Kratong is one of the most popular and romantic of Thailand's traditional festivals. The festival is held on the night of the 12th full moon, which lands sometime in November. The festival is held to pay homage to the goddess of rivers and waterways.
              Loy literally translates to "float", while Kratong is the Thai word for a sort of tray made out of banana leaves. Loy Kratong is celebrated by floating elaborate kratongs decorated with flowers, candles and incense on just about any waterway in the kingdom.

             The romance is provided by a legend about the origins of the festival in 13th century Sukhothai. According to the story, Nang Nopamas, a royal consort of King Ramkhamhaeng (the founder of Sukhothai), made the first kratong as an offering to Mae Nam. She set it afloat on one of the canals of the palace so that it would drift past her lover the king. The king was delighted with the creation, and thus was the origins of the saying that if two lovers set a kratong adrift and it stays afloat until out of sight, their love will last forever.

             The Loy Kratong ritual is a simple one. One needs only to light the candles and the joss sticks, make one's wishes and let it float away with the current of a river or a canal. On that day, thousands of people will gather beside the canals and rivers. With kratong in hands, they light the candle, put some coins in the kratong and silently make a wish, and carefully place their kratongs in the water and release them to the current. They watch intently as the float drifts silently downstream, hoping that the candle will not go out. Its flame is said to signify longevity, fulfillment of wishes and release from sins. Altogether it is considered a romantic night for couples or lovers. Couples who make a wish together on Loy Kratong are thought to stay together in the future.

Muay Thai So Cool!!!

Thai Boxing is The Best !!!

             Various forms of kickboxing have long been practiced throughout mainland Southeast Asia. In Thailand, Muay Thai evolved from muay boran (ancient boxing), an unarmed combat method that would probably have been used by Siamese soldiers after losing their weapons in battle. Some believe that the ancient Siamese military created Muay Boran from the weapon-based art of krabi krabong but others contend that the two were merely developed alongside each other. Krabi krabong nevertheless was an important influence on Muay Boran and so Muay Thai can be seen in several kicks, holds and the movements in the wai khru, which have their origins in, armed combat. Muay Thai specialetst were ordered to protect the ancient elephants during wars. They used nothing but the ancient art that was taught to them from early childhood.

             Muay Boran, and therefore Muay Thai, was originally called toi muay or simply muay. As well as being a practical fighting technique for use in actual warfare, muay became a sport in which the opponents fought in front of spectators who went to watch for entertainment. These muay contests gradually became an integral part of local festivals and celebrations, especially those held at temples. It was even used as entertainment for kings. Eventually, the previously bare-fisted fighters started wearing lengths of hemp rope around their hands and forearms. This type of match was called “Muay Khat Chueak”.

             Muay gradually became a possible means of personal advancement as the nobility increasingly esteemed skillful practitioners of the art and invited selected fighters to come to live in the royal palace to teach muay to the staff of the royal household, soldiers, princes or the king's personal guards. This "royal muay" was called "Muay Luang". Some time during the Ayutthaya period, a platoon of royal guards was established, whose duty was to protect king and the country.