Floating Markets in Thailand

Hello Readers,

For the new blog here, I would like to give you some interesting activity that I believe you have never seen anywhere else such as "Floating Marget" in Thailand. There are many spot to visit and sightseeing another Thai lifestyle at Amphawa Floating Market, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Bang Khu Wiang Floating Market, Taling Chan Floating Market, Tha Kha Floating Market , ect.

              As many important rivers flow through the center of Thailand and to the sea, they have affected central Thai lifestyle since long before recorded history. Previously, many central-Thai people built their communities by the rivers because they needed to use water in their daily life. The rivers are also a means of transportation. The waterways systems, an interconnected series of inland rivers and canals, have been harnessed since the beginning of Thailand’s history by the use of boats as the primary mode of transportation.

     Nowadays, we can see and appreciate the remaining essence of old traditional Thai Lifestyle at the canal floating markets. The development of the country’s landscape was defined as olden villages sprung up along the banks of these rivers and canals and the practice of “bringing the market” to the villagers instead of the other way around was practiced. Boats, of many varied sizes and shapes, supplied vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, poultry, flowers and other household items to the water’s edge communities. Many depended on the inland waterways for their very existence. Progress brought about the paving of roads with it, an increased demand and supply of other land based transportation methods. The floating markets of Thailand never really “died” during this transformation period, but rather evolved into something that today is a mix of necessity for the few, but a tourist opportunity for the many experiences.

There are still communities who depend upon the tradition of buying and selling by boats. The boat trading might have changed in some ways but the intent is basically the same.

              Currently, the floating markets of Thailand are one of the more popular tourist attractions of the country. There are many floating market districts in central Thailand, with each district presented in its own quaint way. Visitors can also catch a boat and, just like in the past, visit a floating market place and experience the traditional Thai Lifestyle

If you are not in a boat, you can walk along the wooden bridge on the waterside and enjoy picking through many different goods.  There is luscious local food such as rice noodle with curry, Thai desserts and sweets, grilled fresh seafood, and many other delicacies. There are also a variety of hand-made souvenirs that are popular with the tourists who visit here. When the day is done and the night has fallen, one of the popular activities for tourists is firefly watching from a boat. The little lights twinkle in the cool clear night air especially during the time of the waning moon during the rainy season.

              Floating Market, giving you the sense of traditional Thai villagers living close to the rim of river.  It is a wonderful experience for anyone looking for a sense of traditional Thai lifestyle as well know.

The Grand Palace in Thailand is amazing!!!

Hello Readers,       

Today, I would like to show you more of historical significance and extremely beautiful place to see. The Grand Palace is the place you must visit while you are in Bangkok.

           King Rama I who established Bangkok as Thailand’s new capital built the Grand Palace in 1782. The palace was to be bigger and grander than palaces built in the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya eras to underscore the significance of the change of capital. The result was a palace of jewels, gold and splendors the like never seen before in Thailand. The Grand Palace remained the Royal Family’s official residence from 1782 to 1946. The last king to live there was King Chulalongkorn. The plan of the Grand Palace followed closely that of the old palace in Ayutthaya. The Palace is rectangular shaped, with the western side next to a river and the royal temple situated to the east side, with all structures facing north. The palace itself is divided into three quarters: the outer quarters, the middle quarters and the inner quarters.

          The palace became the center of the Rattanakosingovernment and royal court for most of the early ChakriDynastyuntil the reign of King Chulalongkorn(Rama V) who preferred to stay at the Dusit Palace, but still used the Grand Palace as an office and primary place of residence. The Palace is however still very much in use as the King performs many royal rituals here every year.

Notes: You must dress appropriately before guards will permit you to enter the Palace. If you do not have long sleeved shirts/blouses or long trousers or dresses/skirts with you, it is possible to hire cloth at the gates of the Palace. 

          Hopefully, you enjoyed all of information and photos image here for now.

Elephant: Symbol of Nation!!!

        Elephants in Thailand have always been at the center of Thai culture, history, and society. Elephants have been revered in Thailand for many centuries. The importance of the elephant even extended to that of being as a symbol of ultimate royal power in Thailand. Many a Thai king was judged by the amount of Royal White Elephants he owned, the more he owned, the more fearsome he was adjudged to be, as according to the nations Theravada Buddhismbeliefs they were seen as a sign of ultimate power, fertility, and success. Elephants are famous as the strongest beasts of burden, they were important in battle, with kings mounted on Elephants fighting the Burmese to defend Thailand on many occasions. They have also been noted for their intelligence, memory and pleasant nature. Especially, White elephants, in fact, are very rarely completely white. The skin has to be very pale in certain areas to qualify as a "white elephant".

A white elephant also appear on the flag of the Royal Thai navy.

In the past, wild elephants were caught and trained. The city of Mae Hong Sornwas founded as a stockade for newly caught elephants, since that region had a high elephant population. This century, the number of elephants has declined so rapidly that the entire domesticated stocks are one or more generations from their wild forebears. There are still a few thousand wild elephant in northern Thailand, in remote jungle south west of Chiangmai. In more recent times during the last century, elephants were engaged in the extraction of heavy teak logs from the forests. These were working elephants and they were sent into forest areas where machines would cause too much devastation. To have an elephant work in a disciplined fashion requires years of training. This begins when a baby elephant is 3 years old and sent to school.

          Nowadays, with the Thai timber industry in decline, the friendly elephant is seeing more and more of the millions of visitors who visit Thailand each year. They have adjusted well to being the center of tourist admiration they are happy to take the visitor for a ride a top that massive back or further field on a trekking expedition. The elephant is happy to entertain by demonstrating how it used to work by hauling and stacking logs Elephants are "team" player in such operation. It is also a team player when a friendly game of soccer. Just to show how unabashed they are in public, the elephant is happy to entertain by taking a bath in the nude. Likely as any creature, which gives its loyalty and devotion to humankind, the elephant loves affection and attention and gives the same in return to those who care for it. There are several sites, which have daily elephant shows. The closest is at Mae Sa, Chiangmai. Further field is Chiang Dao, Chiangmai; elephant camp.  Lampang is the Thai Elephant conservation Center. There is an excellent show tree times a day. At all the camps, after the show those interested can enjoy a ride by elephants as well. 

"Thai Garland"

Hello Readers,

It was just pasted Valentine’s day, so it makes me think of the flower garland from Thailand, which is very beautiful and creative as well.

           This has unique ways of arranging flowers and using them in decorations, which are different from other places. Thai garlands called "Phuang Malai". Flower arranging became increasing popular during the reign of King Rama V. The ladies of the Court spent many hours in arranging flowers.

            Flower garlands are a common sight in India and Southeast Asia. These 
perishable pieces of art are traditionally given as gifts or used during religious ceremonies and weddings. The garlands take on different shapes and come in a myriad of colors. Thai garlands have very intricate designs that can be circular or resemble necklaces or have two tail ends with ribbons. Thai garlands are known as Phuang Malai because Jasmine flowers often hold it together.

            The type of garland 
most commonly given to greet arrivals, or to farewell friends and relatives, are those with two strands of flowers connected by a length of ribbon with bows or rosettes attaching the ribbon to the flowers. The most common way of making "Phuang Malai" is by threading the variety of petals and flowers on a cord with the use of a huge needle. Garlands can vary widely in design as the whims of the "manufactures" cause them to mix and match colors and flowers. A garland can take on different shapes. It can either be circular to resemble a necklace or bracelet ending with two or more details of flower ribbons, or long with two strands of flowers separated by a ribbon.

            The most common type of Phuang Malai is held together by a string of tiny white malik blossoms. Yet another type of jasmine, this one without smell, is strung onto the garland. There is something particular about this flower called Dok Ruk, the flower of love. The resilient Dok Ruk is what keeps the garland from withering away all too soon, helping it last for a maximum of five days. Yellow marigold or red roses add the final touches and the garland is ready.

             This beautiful bud of divinity has a lovely fragrant scent and 
sweet aroma. Lotus, Tuberose, carnations, and orchids also make very beautiful garlands. The more popularly known leis are modern interpretations of the traditional garlands but are still quite lovely.

Amazing with Fruits and Vegetable Carving in Thailand!!!

Hello Readers,

Again today!!! I would like to present another Thai Culture that will make all of you amazed and stunted as well.  

      Thai cuisine involves the balancing of contrasting flavors, spicy and subtle, sweet and sharp. It is also concerned with aesthetic value, for the Thais believe that food should please the eye as well as the palate.     

       One particularly delightful aspect of Thai cuisine is the art of carving fruit and vegetables. There is an old tradition of fruit and vegetable carving in Thailand that started 640 years ago, especially in the preparation of meals for the royal family. At that time, during the Royal Festival, a floating lamp formed from carved fruits and vegetables caught the eye of the emperor. He was impressed with the work and decreed that the method will become a Thai art.  

          Thai art of fruit carving is a valuable heritage of Thailand.  Fruit carving in Thailand has been around for centuries and was originally exclusive to meals prepared for the Royal Family. This knowledge has been passed on through generations only in person and to love ones, especially in the Royal Palace.

          Decorating fresh, well-formed, and colorful fruits through artistic carving make food more attractive and more appetizing.  Many fruits are artistically carved into a seemingly endless variety of shapes and forms, in addition to flowers, such as leaves, wheels, stars and the like. Pumpkin, carrot, watermelon and pineapple are often used.  

          To perform this art, as with the other  arts, one must show patience, eye concentration, steady hands and possess a perspective of the desired art form while the sharp cut of each line is made. The fruit that you work with has a gentle feel to your hands as you create your design. Many fruits even have a light pleasant aroma as you work with the carving blank. The most important feature of this art form is that you will never run out of ideas as to what to carve next. There is no limit as to what to do with you carving once it is complete.

         



       

"Thai Sweets" Wow!! Delicious!!

Hello Readers,

       Today, I enjoy introducing to all of you to know about Thai cuisine. Thailand is a paradise for food:  The ultimate destination for enthusiast of fine cuisine.  Thai people center much of their social activities on eating places and the enjoyment of eating; over centuries this social behavior has resulted in the evolution of Thai cuisineand elevated Thai culinary status to worldwide renown. Thai desserts are well known for their taste sensations that are as impressive as our appearance, and unique. The art of Thai desserts have been passed down through the generations.  Some of today’s Thai desserts are on record as far back as the Sukhothai period, almost 800 years ago.

       Their appealing looks reflect the nature of the Thais who are neat and meticulous. Desserts have been among the favorites of the Thais for hundreds of years. Several kinds of them were mentioned in valuable works of Thai literature. Thai desserts are also delicious, colorful and multifarious. They are pleasing to the eye as well as the palate. Most Thai sweets are made from five simple ingredients such as coconut cream, coconut flesh, rice flour, palm sugar and eggs. Thai desserts may also contain any number of other fresh ingredients including palm sugar, rice flours, lotus seeds, cassava roots, various fresh fruits, and other ingredients.

        Coloring for Thai sweets can be wistfully obtained from flowers, plants and other ingredients: red from rose, purple/blue from Blue Pea blossoms, yellow/orange from yolk and green from Pandanus leaves. Not only do Thai desserts have vibrant variety of colors but also do they have sweet fragrances, which are acquired from aromatic flowers.

        Despite these simple components, Thai desserts can require sophisticated skills, requiring time and care in their preparation. These three ingredients are carefully mixed and prepared using time honored methods to create tantalizing treats.

        Finally, I would like to show you. There are three very popular Thai sweets. Also, I really love them. Hopefully, all of you will try them soon!!!

      Kao Niaw Ma-Muang (Sweet Sticky Rice with Ripe Mango and Coconut Cream). This tantalizing dessert deserves the king of Thai sweets – Sweet Sticky Rice with Mango never fails to delight the taste buds. Kao Niaw Ma-Muang is prepared by steaming Thai glutinous rice in rich coconut milk and syrup. The resulting sweet and creamy sticky rice is eaten with two certain types of tropical fruits; mango and durian. Since durian flavor is often not appreciated by many foreigners.  Mango with its exotic sweet and slightly sour flavor makes an excellent compliment to the creamy and rich sweet rice. To top it off, a thick and rich coconut cream sauce with mildly salty flavor is poured on the rice and mango to add more complexity to the flavor. Sometimes it is eaten with crispy cereal or sesame seeds as toppings.

        

   Look Choob (Green Bean Miniature Fruit).  Look Choob looks just like marzipan but it is made of steamed green beans, coconut milk and sugar – instead of almond flour and sugar. The green bean paste is molded into a shape of a variety of tropical fruits and then is dip-coated in jelly that gives it a shiny look. These Look Choob mini-fruits have very tantalizing colors and sugary flavor.

         

  Tub Tim Grob (Crunchy Mock Pomegranate in Iced Coconut Syrup or Red Rubies). Though these pinkish-red seeds look like those of pomegranate (Tub Tim has two meanings in Thai; pomegranate and ruby), they are actually made of water chestnut chopped into cubes and glazed with flour. The way jasmine-scented syrup blends with mildly sweet and salty coconut milk gives this dish a delicious taste that will linger on your taste buds. Some people also add jack fruit to give Tub Tim Grob a wider mix of colors and fragrances. ‘Red Rubies’ is always served cold and topped with crushed ice. 

"King of Fruits"

Hello Readers,

         Today, I would like to talk about “ The King of Fruit”. We call “ Durain”.

I don’t thing most of people know about this tropical fruit. It has been famous fruit in Thailand for a long time. Most of Asian tourists love it. Durian has a very distinguished smell and its skin is thorny and hard. Its shape ranges from oblong to round, the color of its husk green to brown, and its flesh pale yellow to red, depending on the species. It teases widely sweet. Durian is rich in sugar. It is also rich in vitamin C, potassium, carbohydrates, fats as well as proteins. Health professionals frequently recommend it as an effective source for taking in raw fats. 

                   

“King of Fruits”; durian is highly valued in Southeast Asian countries such as Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, and Thailand.  Thailand is one of the main countries that export durian to the international market; Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, West Indies, India, Hawaii, Polynesian Islands, Madagascar, China, Singapore, Northern Australia, and Malaysia as well as some parts of America are also well known as habitats for the durian tree. I think it is an interesting fruit that looks terrified to people. On the other hand, most people still love it! Also, I’m the one who love to tease this “King of Fruits” as well. 

Hello Bangkok!!

Hello Readers,

Bangkok is my hometown in Thailand. Also, it is a capital of Thailand as well known. It is the cultural, educational, political and economic center of Thailand, as well as being the only metropolis. "Bangkok" originally was a small village on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. After the fall of Ayutthayain the late 18th century, King Taksin the Great turned that village into Siam's new capital and renamed it Thonburi. In 1782, King Rama I moved the capital to the eastern bank of the river at Rattanakosin; originally the site of a Chinese community, who were moved outside of the new city walls to Yaowarat. King Rama I named the city Krung Thep, as Thais now know it and which in English is translates as the "City of Angels". The amazing full name of Bangkok is not much tourists well known. It created by King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, and later edited by King Mongkut :     “Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Phiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit”

In Bangkok, numerous beautiful temples can be found featuring traditional Thai architecture. The old sections of Bangkok are immensely popular tourist spots, particularly with the royal Grand Palace.  Bangkok is an interesting blend of traditional buildings and modern skyscrapers. Bangkok is considered to be one of the world's tourist hotspots. Most of tourist attractions are cultural & historical heritage such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, the Democracy Monument, the Giant Swing, Sanam Luang , and other venues.  Beside of history and culture, the most interesting geography in Bangkok that is about the network of canalsknown as khlongsgave Bangkok the nickname "Venice of the East". Bangkok runs the Khlong Saen Saeb, which has a canal boat service. You can sightsee the city in many choices such as by bus, boat, taxi, sky train, subway, motorbike taxi, and tuk tuk. It is very convenience city to visit. We all welcome you anytime!!!!

The Surin Island National Park, Thailand

Hello Readers,

        I would like to present about my country that has a lots of wonderful places to visit as well. All of you will fall in love " Thailand". 

       First of all, I would like to give a little information about "Thailand" officially "The Kingdom of Thailand" is a country in Southeast Asia with coasts on the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. It borders Myanmar (Burma) to the north-west, Laos to the north-east, Cambodia to the south-east and Malaysia to the south. We get a great food, a tropical climate, fantastic culture and wonderful beaches.

       Especially, beaches. "Surin Island National Park" is known for the pristine reefs, lush jungles, marine lives, and remote location on the edge of the Andaman Sea. 

There are five Islands of the Andaman Sea, located 55 km from the Thai mainland. The Surin Island National Park covers the area of the islands and surrounding waters. There are in the Phang Nga Province of Thailand. The park is the one that the most famous diving and snorkeling in the world. You will find the very best snorkeling in Thailand. Dozens of reefs, big and small litter the coastline of the Surin Islands. The largest marine life species in Thailand are whale shark, manta ray, and sharks. 

       Sound interesting!! Isn’t it? Please feel free to send me comments or questions.

I would love to reply back as well.