2009 December — Thailand

Hua Hin

December 11, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Hua Hin is a famous beach resort town in Thailand, in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula, some 200 km south of Bangkok. It has a population of 84,883 in an area of 911 km², and is one of eight districts (Amphoe) of the Prachuap Khiri Khan province.

Hua Hin is closely associated with the Thai royalty. Merely 25 kilometers apart, Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan province enjoys a wealth of satellite attractions; prominent among them are national parks and historical cities.

Hua Hin Town

Hua Hin Town is on the coast of Hua Hin District. With an area around 86.36 km², the town has 50,169 inhabitants. It is a popular beach resort getaway for Bangkok residents. The Railway Hotel, now more generally known as The Sofitel Hotel, is a famous old building which was used as The Hotel Pnom Phen in the film “The Killing Fields”.

Attractions

Hat Hua Hin Beach extends some five kilometers southwards from a rocky headland until Kao Takiap, a southern headland where a Buddhist temple clings to the cliffs.

Hua Hin Railway Station This is Thailand’s most beautiful train station. The wooden building used to be a royal pavilion in Sanamchan Palace, Nakhon Pathom province. It was rebuilt at Hua Hin in 1968.

Nightly Street Market a popular shopping market allowing people the opportunity for shopping, native-style seafood cooked on the spot and to witness local people’s lifestyle.

Khao Takiap This hill, 4 kilometers from Hua Hin town, supports Buddhist temples and offers a commanding view of the resort, particularly early in the morning.

Khao Hin Lek Fai Situated 3 kilometers west of Hua Hin district, Khao Hin Lek Fai or Flint Mountain is 162 meters high. On the mountaintop, there is a public park and scenic spots from where the scenery of Hua Hin and its surrounding area is visible.

Khao Tao 13 kilometers south of Hua Hin, there is a 1- kilometer branch road on the left which leads to the spot with two beaches called Hat Sai Noi and Hat Sai Yai. Khao Tao is a trditional fishing village that also boasts spectacular temples.

Namtok Pa La-u This 11-tier scenic waterfall, some 60 kilometres west of Hua Hin, is located within a yearlong verdant forest where various kinds of birds and butterflies are found, especially in the morning.

Spirit Houses of Brassiere Beach were, according to legend, built to appease the spirit of a fisherman’s daughter who was once torn to pieces and her breasts fell into the sea. She was killed because she was desired by too many men. Until this day, the locals still hang brassieres to the spirit houses, but now they just pray for good luck.

Wat Huay Mongkol was home to the immensely popular monk Luang Pu Thuat was famed for his ‘miracles’. Commissioned by the Queen of Thailand, Wat Huay Mongkol houses the largest statue of Luang Phor Thuat in Thailand in a park-like setting. 10. Suan Son Pradiphat Beach, 8 km south of Hua Hin, is a peaceful location which is owned by the Army Welfare Office.

Hua Hin Hills Vineyard is the only vineyard in the area is located 45 minutes from downtown. It offers spectacular views, a restaurant and wine tasting of the local Monsoon Valley Wines.

Activities

Popular activities in Hua Hin include:fishing, eco-cruising, kite-boarding, fitness, martial arts, elephant camping, Thai massage, spa, cooking courses, trekking, walking, cycling, diving, snorkeling, creative arts, water sports, pony-riding and golf.

Golf in particular is becoming especially popular, with Hua Hin increasingly being recognized as one of Thailand’s premier golfing destinations. The town hosted its first Asian tour event in 2009 at the new Black Mountain course, while other first class courses in easy reach include Royal Hua Hin, Banyan, Palm Hills, Majestic Creek, Lake View and Springfield. There are several driving ranges.

Some foreign tourists go to Hua Hin and learn something like Thai cooking or Thai boxing.

Shopping

Hua Hin is a popular place for shopping including contemporary art handicrafts, hand-woven printed cotton, silk fabric silk weaving, embroidery, basket making, pottery, wood carving, gemstones and jewelry (including sapphires and rubies). There is also a large shopping mall called Market Village

Local Products

Hua Hin’s most famous local product is Khommaphat printed cotton which can be made into shirts, handkerchiefs, wraps, even elephants or fish, as well as decorative pieces such as pillows, bags and fans. Other local products include hand-woven cotton and a traditional Hua Hin-style duster.

Nightlife

Most foreign-oriented nightlife is centred on Soi Bintabaht and Soi Selakam, where many typical beer bars are found. There are also the usual discothèques, karaoke bars, live music venues, hotel bars and even a lady-boy cabaret, the Blue Angel. The pace of nightlife is much slower than in the larger western-oriented towns of Pattaya and Patong, while the proximity to the Royal Palace means that there are no go-go bars.

Filed Under: Hua Hin Tagged With: Attractions, Hua Hin, Hua Hin Railway Station, Hua Hin Town, Namtok Pa La-u, thailand in

Pattaya

December 11, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Pattaya is a city in Thailand, located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, about 165 km southeast of Bangkok located within but not part of Amphoe Bang Lamung (Banglamung) in the province of Chonburi.

The city of Pattaya is a self governing municipal area which covers the whole tambon Nong Prue (Nongprue) and Na Kluea (Naklua) and parts of Huai Yai and Nong Pla Lai. It is located in the heavily industrial Eastern Seaboard zone, along with Si Racha (Sri Racha), Laem Chabang, and Chon Buri (Chonburi).

Pattaya is also the center of the Pattaya-Chonburi Metropolitan Area, the conurbation in Chonburi Province.

Tourist destinations

Once a fishing town, Pattaya first boomed as an R&R destination during the Vietnam War and developed into a family-orientated seaside destination. The Tourist Authority of Thailand claims 5,338,000 visitors for 2005 (up 6.5% from 2004), of which two-thirds were from abroad. Foreign tourism to Thailand as a whole in 2005 amounted to 11.5 million visitors.

Activities include playing golf (21 golf courses within 1 hour of Pattaya,) go-kart racing, and visiting different theme parks and zoos such as the Elephant Village, where demonstrations of training methods and ancient ceremonial re-enactments are performed daily. The private Sri Racha Tiger Zoo features tigers, alligators, and other animals in daily shows. The Vimantaitalay tourist submarine offers underwater trips underwater to see corals and marine life just a few kilometers offshore. Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden about 15 kilometers south of Pattaya is a 500-acre (2.0 km²) site of botanical gardens and an orchid nursery where cultural shows with trained chimpanzees and elephants are presented.

Other attractions in Pattaya include The Million Years Stone Park, Pattaya Crocodile Farm, Pattaya Park Beach Resort Water Park, Funny Land Amusement Park, Siriporn Orchid Farm, Underwater World Pattaya (world class aquarium), the Thai Alangkarn Theater Pattaya (cultural show), Bottle Art Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, and Underwater World , an aquarium where there is a collection of marine species in the Gulf of Thailand including sharks and stingrays. Khao Phra Tam Nak or Khao Phra Bat is a small hill located between South Pattaya and Jomtien Beach that provides a panoramic view of the city of Pattaya and its crescent bay. The hill is topped by Wat Khao Phra Bat, a temple, and the monument of Kromluang Chomphonkhetudomsak, who is regared as the “founding father of the modern Thai navy.” The Sanctuary of Truth is a large wooden structure constructed in 1981 by the sea at Laem Ratchawet, that was conceived from the vision that human civilization has been achieved and nurtured by religious and philosophical truth.

Mini Siam is a miniature model village which celebrates the heritages of Thailand with replicas of the most famous monuments and historical sites including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Democracy Monument, Bridge over the River Kwai, and Prasat Hin Phimai. Models of the Tower Bridge of London,Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty and Trevi Fountain are also displayed in the section called “mini world.” Wat Yanasangwararam Woramahawihan is a temple constructed in 1976 for Somdet Phra Yanasangwon, the present Supreme Patriarch and later supported by His Majesty the King. Within the compound of the temple are a replica of the Buddha’s footprint, and a large Chedi containing the relics of the Lord Buddha.

Activities

Bungee jump

Bungee jumping is provided in Jomtien Beach.

Leisure flying

Sport and leisure flying and lessons are available.

Horse riding

There are several facilities that provide training in riding, cross-country jumping and polo.

Motor sports racing

There are facilities which provide a cart circuit with separate lanes for professionals and amateurs.

Fitness and sports

Artificial cliff climbing, boxing, yoga, squash, tennis court, etc., are offered at several locations.

Spa

Many kinds of massage are available including Thai massage, foot massage, oil massage and reflexology massage.

Diving

A popular destination in Pattaya for diving is the wreck of the Hardeep which was sunk by the allies in the Second World War. The wreck lies on its starboard side at a maximum depth of 26 meters. Other popular dive destinations near Pattaya include the islands of Ko Rin, Ko Lan, Ko Man Wichai, Ko Hu Chang, Ko Khrok, Ko Sak, and the wrecks of HTMS Khram and HTMS Kut.

Food specialities

Local culinary specialities include Chaeng Lon, a hand molded, charcoal-grilled small bun of coconut on a stick, Hoi Cho, a Chinese delicacy, is Chonburi’s famous dish that uses a special kind of sea crab as the main ingredient, and Khao Lam, a specialty is made with sticky rice, sugar and coconut cream cooked in specially-prepared bamboo tubes. Chonburi has an abundance of fresh seafood and dried fruits. Due to the large number of residents from (Isaan), north-eastern dishes such as Spicy Papaya Salad (Somtum) and Spicy Sour Chopped Pork Salad (Larb) are widely available.

Nightlife

The city and its suburbs have a very large number of bars and night clubs, and some discotheques. Many major hotels also operate restaurants, cocktail lounges, nightclubs and supper clubs which offer food, drinks, music and international entertainment. The Walking Street is a pedestrian area south of the beach and a center for nightlife. Boyztown and Sunee Plaza provide locations for the gay community. Muay Thai (Thai boxing) matches aimed at tourists can be seen at several open-air beer bar complexes.

Events & festivals

The Pattaya Songkran festival that takes place each year on mid April differs from the rest of Thailand in several aspects. The event includes beauty pageants, musical performances, cultural shows, fireworks, and water sports competition.
Pattaya International Music Festival is held annually in the month of March. On different stages, a bandwagon presents several styles of music performed by Thai and international artists.

Creative arts

Western creative arts increase concomitant with the rise the number of expat residents. There are several art galleries, and the Pattaya Players, a troupe of amateur thespians established in January 2008 provides a variety of theatrical productions .

Filed Under: Pattaya Tagged With: Pattaya, Thailand in pattaya

Phi Phi

December 11, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Thailand in phi phi

The Phi Phi Islands are located in Thailand, between the large island of Phuket and the western Andaman Sea coast of the mainland. Phi Phi Don, the larger and principal of the two Phi Phi islands, is located at Both Phi Phi Don, and Phi Phi Leh, the smaller, are administratively part of Krabi province, most of which is on the mainland, and is located at

Ko Phi Phi Don meaning “island” in the Thai language) is the largest island of the group, and is the only island with permanent inhabitants, although the beaches of the second largest island, Ko Phi Phi Lee (or “Ko Phi Phi Leh”), are visited by many people as well. There are no accommodation facilities on this island, but it is just a short boat ride from Ko Phi Phi Don. The rest of the islands in the group, including Bida Nok, Bida Noi, and Bamboo Island, are not much more than large limestone rocks jutting out of the sea.

Phi Phi Don was initially populated by Muslim fishermen during the late 1940s, and later became a coconut plantation. The Thai population of Phi Phi Don remains more than 80% Muslim. The actual population however, if counting laborers, especially from the north-east, from the mainland is much more Buddhist these days.

Ko Phi Phi Leh was the backdrop for the 2000 movie The Beach. Phi Phi Leh also houses the ‘Viking Cave’, from which there is a thriving bird’s nest soup industry. There was criticism during filming of ‘The Beach’ that the permission granted to the film company to physically alter the environment inside Phi Phi Islands National Park was illegal. The controversy cooled down however, when it was discovered that the producers had done such a decent job of restoring the place that it finally looked better than it had done before.

The Phi Phi Islands were also the setting for the hide-out of Scaramanga in the James Bond Film “The Man with the Golden Gun.”

Following the release of The Beach, tourism on Phi Phi Don increased dramatically, and with it the population of the island. Many buildings were constructed without planning permission.

Culture & Life-style

Krabi province the home of Ko Phi Phi is a melting pot of Buddhists, Thai-Chinese, Muslims and even sea gypsies. The majority of the population in the rural areas is Muslim. The province however, does not suffer from any religious tension and the folk live in peace and harmony. Outside of the provincial town, the rural folk speak with a thick Southern dialect which is difficult for even other Thais to understand. With this kind of mixture, the province is often celebrating something be it part of Thai Buddhist, Thai-Chinese or Thai-Islamic tradition. Visitors can also enjoy the annual boat-launching ceremonies of the sea gypsies and various long-tail boat races.

Events and Festivals

Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival This is annually held in November to inaugurate the province’s tourist season. Water sports competitions, cultural shows, and good-natured fun are the schedule.

Laanta Lanta Festival The festival is usually held in March every year at the Old Community in Ko Lanta called Ban Sanga-Au, which has a very old history of more than 100 years. Ancient Chinese style houses can still be seen here. In this festival, tourists can see the traditional culture, previously unseen ceremonial demonstrations, Southern local performances, folk games, water sports competitions and enjoy the tastes from various kinds of food booths which are provided by prestigious hotels on the island.

Sat Duean Sip Festival or Festival of the Tenth Lunar Month This is the southern traditional merit making occasion to honour one’s ancestors. Food offerings such as Khanom La, Khanom Chohu, Khanom Phong, Khanom Ba, and Khanom Kong or Khai Pla, are made offer to Buddhist monks.

Chak Phra Festival The original waterborne procession, where Buddha images are put on elaborately decorated pulpits on boats are pulled along on the river, has been replaced by a land procession. The festival was formerly accompanied with a performance of traditional boat songs. However, the traditional waterborne songs have since disappeared.

Loi Ruea Chao Le Festival This old ritualistic tradition takes place on Ko Lanta during the full moon of the sixth and eleventh month in the lunar calendar. This is a religious rite performed by the sea gypsies of Ko Lanta, as well as, from other neighbouring areas, who gather on the beach near Sala Dan Village. They dance their famous “rong ngeng” round the boats of misfortune to be set adrift. Ceremonies feature singing and dancing. This festival is expected to bring prosperity and happiness to the participants.

Filed Under: Phi Phi Tagged With: hotel, Phi Phi, thailand in phi phi

Bangkok

December 11, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Bangkok is the capital, largest urban area and primary city of Thailand. Known in Thai as Krung Thep Mahanakhon , pronounced or Krung Thep for short, it was a small trading post at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River during the Ayutthaya Kingdom. It came to the forefront of Siam when it was given the status as the capital city in 1768 after the burning of Ayutthaya. However, the current Rattanakosin Kingdom did not begin until 1782 when the capital was moved across the river by Rama I after the death of King Taksin. The Rattanakosin capital is now more formally called “Phra Nakhon” pertaining to the ancient boundaries in the metropolis’ core and the name Bangkok now incorporates the urban build-up since the 18th century which has its own public administration and governor.

Since its inception as the capital of Siam, it was at the center of European Colonial plans, but due to its strategic location in Indochina, it acted as a buffer-zone and brokered power between the European forces. Through this, it gained notoriety in the world as an independent, dynamic, and influential city. And in the span of over two hundred years, Bangkok has grown to become the political, social and economic center of Thailand, Indochina and Southeast Asia.

As a direct result of the 1980s and 1990s Asian investment boom, numerous multinational corporations base their regional headquarters in Bangkok and the city has become a regional force in finance and business. Its increasing influence on global politics, culture, fashion, and entertainment underlines its status as a global city. In 2009, it was the second most expensive city in South-East Asia behind Singapore.

The city’s wealth of cultural landmarks and attractions in addition to its notorious entertainment venues has made it synonymous with exoticism. Its historic wealth coincides with its rapid modernization, reflected in the cityscape and the urban society. The Grand Palace, Vimanmek Palace Complex, its thousands of temples, and the city’s notorious red-light districts combine draw in 11 million international visitors each year, trailing just Paris and London.

Bangkok has a population of approximately 6,355,144 residents while the greater Bangkok area has a population of 11,971,000 (January 2008) The capital is part of the heavily urbanized triangle of central and eastern Thailand which stretches from Nakhon Ratchasima along Bangkok to the heavily Industrialized Eastern Seaboard. Bangkok borders six other provinces: Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon and Nakhon Pathom, and all five provinces are joined in the conurbation of the Bangkok Metropolitan Area. It is served by two international airports, Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Muang, four rapid transit lines operated by the BTS, MRT, and the SRT, with plans to add eight more by 2020.

Geography

Topography and climateThe Bangkok special administrative area covers 1,568.7 km² (606 sq mi), making it the 68th largest province in Thailand. Much of the area is considered the city of Bangkok, therefore making it one of the largest cities in the world.The Chao Phraya River, which stretches 372 km (231 mi), is Bangkok’s main geographical feature. The Chao Phraya River basin, the area surrounding Bangkok, and the nearby provinces comprise a series of plains and river deltas that lead into the Bay of Bangkok about 30 km (19 mi) south of the city center. This gave rise to Bangkok’s appellation as the “Venice of the East” due to the number of canals and passages that divide the area into separate patches of land. The city once used these canals, which were plentiful within Bangkok itself, as divisions for city districts. However, as the city grew in the second half of the 20th century, the plan was abandoned and a different system of division was adopted.

Bangkok lies about two meters (6.5 ft) above sea level, which causes problems for the protection of the city against floods during the monsoon season. Often after a downpour, water in canals and the river overflows the banks, resulting in massive floods. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has recently installed higher banks alongside some canals to keep water levels from reaching street level. There are however some downsides for Bangkok’s extensive canal routes, as the city is rumored to be sinking an average of two inches a year as it lies entirely on a swamp.

Bangkok has a tropical wet and dry climate under the climate classification system. Average temperatures in the city are about 2 °C (3.6 °F) higher than the ones shown for the Don Mueang Airport during the 1960-1990 period. The highest recorded maximum temperature is 40.8 °C (105.4 °F) in May 1983 and the lowest recorded minimum temperature is 9.9 °C (49.8 °F) in January 1955. The coldest temperatures were recorded in January 1924, January 1955, January 1974 and December 1999. The hottest year on record was 1997 (average yearly at Don Muang 30.0C) and the coldest was 1975 (average yearly at Don Muang 26.3C). The coldest daytime maximum temperature was 19.9 °C (68 °F), recorded in December 1992. Hailstorms are virtually unheard of in the city, with only one having been recorded in the past fifty years

Filed Under: Bangkok Tagged With: Bangkok, thailand in bangkok

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