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.

Underwater Wedding !!!!!

Trang Underwater Wedding

 

           The district of Trang is located on Thailand’s Andaman Coast in between Krabi and the Malaysian border. The Trang Underwater Wedding originally started as a one-off event in the mid 1990s with just one couple marrying underwater, but its popularity has increased and in 2000 it gained official recognition from the Guinness Book of Records as the largest underwater wedding in the world.

            The festivities take part every year from February 13th-15th with the actual wedding ceremony being performed on the 14th, Valentine’s Day. To take part in the underwater ceremony you and your partner need to be qualified divers. If you are not a qualified diver there is still the option of a beachside wedding that can be held at the same time as the other couples head underwater. The Trang wedding festival is clearly a great way to generate tourist revenue, but it does have a serious side too because it promotes eco-tourism and the location is specifically chosen not to cause damage to the delicate marine environment.

           On Valentine’s Day the wedding couples are taken by speedboat to the island of Ko Kradan. The speedboats themselves actually form the khan maak procession with musicians and dancers on board. On Ko Kradan a blessing ceremony is held by respected elders followed by the rod nam sang ceremony where water is poured from a conch shell over the hands of the bride and groom. The couples who are qualified divers are then taken offshore to complete the underwater ceremony whilst the others remain on the beach watching on. Some couples wear their wedding dress or tuxedo with their scuba gear but it isn’t compulsory. Under the water a representative of the district office witnesses and approves the ceremonial waterproof marriage certificate, but to make the wedding legal, couples will normally still need to go through the formalities listed on the legal section of this site.

Full Moon Party so much fun!!!

Party Time!!!

           In the early 90's the Full Moon Party still was somewhat a "secret" that the one of the hiding away from "Mainstream Tourism" for the party people and the backpackers. The numbers of participants were just a small fraction of the massive crowds you will find on Had Rin Nok at full moon nowadays. The atmosphere was naturally more intimate back then, but few remembered how it really started, a couple of friends playing guitar and dancing in front of a tape recorder on the beach, next to a beach fire. The party people on Samui and Phangan (most of them 20-30 years old) could sit for a week just playing guitar and cards, waiting for the next full moon. Then, most people arrived to Koh Phangan with the regular, rather slow ferry. The smaller and faster speedboats became popular later on.

          Koh Phangan is a very special place, there are few places in this world where you can live out your desert island dreams of palm trees and white sand beaches, and still have a blinding night out at a rocking party every month. With the global notoriety that the Full Moon Party has gained as being one of the biggest and best beach bashes in the world, we get more than our fair share of hedonists gracing our shores. Each year the scene here grows with the ever-increasing number of party faithful that return, bringing their mates and spreading the vibe.

           Haad Rin is home to the Full Moon Party and also houses about 3-5000 rather mad people; it is the island's nightlife capital and has Koh Phangan's biggest concentration of beach clubs that collectively put on the ultimate travelers get together. There are over 12 major sound systems running the length of Had Rin beach, catering for 8000 to 12,000 punters in low season, 15,000 to 20,000 in high season and up to 30,000 at New Year. Within this transient crowd of party animals some highly talented DJ's pass through, banging out their wares to the raging lunar explorers that have landed on planet party.

Amazing Waterfall!!!!!

 Amazing Waterfall!!!!!

              Erawan waterfalls in Kanchanaburi province is one of the most popular national parks in Thailand, a favourite with local people as well as visitors on their Death Railway tour. It was certainly the top destination on my itinerary, as I am an avid waterfall fan (coming from a country without real mountains or waterfalls). At the end of the day, Erawan was firmly number one on my “favourite waterfalls” list.

               Erawan is a mythical elephant with three heads, a frequently seen figure in shrines all around Thailand. Erawan Museum in Samut Prakan is probably the largest of the species. The top level of the falls is said to resemble this amazing creature.

               Erawan Waterfalls are the focal point of the Erawan National Park. This is an exquisite park, very pretty, and very popular with locals and foreigners alike. The waterfalls are equally exquisite. There are seven tiers of waterfalls, each feeding lovely, freshwater pools that you can swim in. A series of tracks lead you to the various falls across wooden footbridges - quite an experience in their own right! The waterfalls can get a bit crowded as they are so popular, so if you are looking for a more solitary experience, you should perhaps look elsewhere. A number of stalls provide staples like grilled chicken and rice along the way, and there is often very much of a carnival atmosphere about the place, especially in April during the Songkran Festival. A visit here will take the day – you should bear this in mind if you have limited time.

Tuk Tuk!!!!!

The history of  Tuk-Tuk in thailand.

          The vehicles known as Tuk-Tuk originated in Japan by Daihatsu, it was Thailand who subsequently went into production with these vehicles many years later.  The original Thai Tuk-Tuk is found in many places in Thailand, mostly operating as an open air taxi. Tuk-tuks are often found in tourist areas, around markets, or cruising the streets for fares.
           Visitors to Thailand are usually very interested and curious about the Tuk-Tuk, a locally made and designed three-wheeled vehicle. Tourists are often seen getting their picture taken with the open-air vehicle.  

           Tuk-Tuks were invented in Thailand over 50 years ago, evolving as a motorized relative of the rickshaw. The Tuk-Tuk was given its name from the rather rough sound of the early models when it was operating, and the "tuk-tuk-tuk-tuk-tuk" sound became a familiar sound to many in need of quick and convenient transportation in Bangkok. The Tuk-Tuk has improved itstechnology and quality over the years, while emerging as one of Thailand's most recognizable and identifiable symbols.

Tuk Tuk!!!!!

The history of  Tuk-Tuk in thailand.

          The vehicles known as Tuk-Tuk originated in Japan by Daihatsu, it was Thailand who subsequently went into production with these vehicles many years later.  The original Thai Tuk-Tuk is found in many places in Thailand, mostly operating as an open air taxi. Tuk-tuks are often found in tourist areas, around markets, or cruising the streets for fares.
           Visitors to Thailand are usually very interested and curious about the Tuk-Tuk, a locally made and designed three-wheeled vehicle. Tourists are often seen getting their picture taken with the open-air vehicle.  

           Tuk-Tuks were invented in Thailand over 50 years ago, evolving as a motorized relative of the rickshaw. The Tuk-Tuk was given its name from the rather rough sound of the early models when it was operating, and the "tuk-tuk-tuk-tuk-tuk" sound became a familiar sound to many in need of quick and convenient transportation in Bangkok. The Tuk-Tuk has improved itstechnology and quality over the years, while emerging as one of Thailand's most recognizable and identifiable symbols.

Songkran Festival or Thai New year is so much fun!!!

Hello Readers,

         Do you know how fun of the water festival in Thailand? Also, it used to be a Thai New’s Year from 13 th- 16 th April. Songkran falls in the hottest time of the year in Thailand. The traditional Thai New Year has been a national holiday since then. We call  “Songkran Day”. Thai has traditionally been celebrated as the New Year for many centuries, and is believed to have been adapted from an Indian festival. It is now observed nationwide, even in the far south. However, the most famous Songkran celebrations are still in the northern city of Chiang Mai, where it continues for six days and even longer. It has also become a party for foreigners and an additional reason for many to visit Thailand for immersion in another culture.

         The most obvious celebration of Songkran is the throwing of water. Thais roam the streets with containers of water or water guns, or post themselves at the side of roads with a garden hose and drench each other and passersby. This, however, was not always the main activity of this festival. Songkran was traditionally a time to visit and pay respects to elders, including family members, friends and neighbors.

         Besides the throwing of water, people celebrating Songkran may also go to a temple(Buddhist monastery) to pray and give food to monks. They may also cleanse Buddha images from household shrines as well as Buddha images at monasteries by gently pouring water mixed with a Thai fragrance over them. It is believed that doing this will bring good luck and prosperity for the New Year.

         Nowadays, the emphasis is on fun and water throwing rather than on the festival's spiritual and religious aspects

Songkran still continue to be a famous festival in Thailand. 

Phanom Rung Stone Castle is amazing!!!

Hello Readers,

    Today, I would like to present another hot spot to sightseeing in Thailand.  Prasaat Phanom Rung and Muang Tam are located in Buriram that has a wonderful architecture.
    Prasat Hin Phanom Rung (Phanom Rung Stone Castle) is a Khmer temple complex set on the rim of an extinct volcano at 1,320 feet above sea level. Prasaat Phanom Rung is one of the most significant Khmer monuments in Thailand. It was built in the 10th-13th century A.D. Phanom Rung was a Hindu Saivite (Shiva) monastery. Sculptures also present images of Vishnu. A processional way leads through Naga bridges to the main sanctuary. Lintels, pediments depict the Hindu Gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, with also scenes of the Ramayana. The most famous lintel (Vishnu Anantasayin) depicts Vishnu reclining on the back of the Naga King Ananta. This lintel disappeared for many years outside the country, but was recently returned.
The setting of Phanom Rung is quite scenic, with views of the countryside all around. The site is probably the most visited Khmer monument in Thailand.

Thailand'sDepartment of Fine Arts spent 17 years restoringthe complex to its original state from 1971until 1988. The park was opened by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. In 2005, the  temple was submitted to UNESCOfor consideration as a future  world heritage site.

"Joe Louis Puppet" is the best traditional performance from Thailand!!

Hello Readers,

          I would like to introduce the best traditional performance in Thailand. We call “ Joe Louis Puppet”. 

Thai Puppetry has been apart of Thai culture and tradition for hundreds of years. The first puppet performance was called "Hun Luang" otherwise known as Royal Puppet.  It first started during the Ayutthaya period, but only during royal functions or within the royal palace were these puppets performed. Later, during the reign of King Rama 4, "Hun Lek", or Small Puppets performed Niew Jeen (Chinese Opera) and the Ramayana along with "Hun Kabok" or Stick Puppet and Hun Lakorn Lek otherwise known as Traditional Thai Small Puppets became open to the public and performed widely all around the country.  

         Hun Lakorn Lek is unique because of its special lifelike characteristics combining many different kinds of traditional art forms. Currently, there is only one Puppet Theater left in existence called Sakornnadtasin. The founder is Mr. Sakorn Yangkeawsot awarded National Artist of the Year for Puppetry in the year of 1996. He is directly responsible for maintaining and preserving Thai Puppetry today.
         Hun Lakorn Lek is continuing its tradition by passing down its knowledge to the next generation by opening a small children puppet theater, preparing them for performance as well as to love and appreciate this old traditional art form.
         Sakornnadtasin Puppet Troupe has constantly improved its performance through out the years by not limiting its act to just standard stages and backdrops allowing it to be performed in any sized area, incorporated today's social issues as well modern speech and jargon, but taking into great account not to diminish its original form. These improvements and changes has made the audience enjoy and feel apart of each performance, and helped to preserve and ensure this art form never to be lost.
         Sakornnadtasin Puppet Troupe is one of Thailand's oldest traditional art forms reflecting the imagination, knowledge, and creativity of the minds and spirit of Thai people and culture for future generations to come.

         The performance of traditional Thai puppetry from the Joe Louis Puppet Theatre in Bangkok has won the highest accolade in the World Festival of Puppet Art held recently in Prague. The bi-annual competition attracts the best puppeteers in the world and this year’s success by the Joe Louis troupe emulates their achievement in 2006 when they won the award for Best Traditional Performance.