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.