| | Siam Cultural Park | When people think about tourism, most of the time they usually think of beaches, waterfalls, and mountains which are natural tourism. However other than those natural ones, Thailand also house many interest human-made tourist attractions. Like recently in Ratchaburi province, a newly built attraction opened for the public renowned Siam Cultural Park. Siam Cultural Park situates in Wangyen sub - district the district of Bangpae close to the famous Dumnurnsaduak Floating Market just a kilometer from Bangpae intersection on Petkasem road.
The park was originated with the aim to conserve Thai traditions, cultures, and arts along with the shady natural park . The Park is divided into six zones covering area more than 42-rai. The fist zone is housed to the Hall of Fame building which exhibits well-know important persons both Thai and foreign for example, M.L. Pin Malakul, H.E. Professor Dr. Sanya Dhammasak, President Ho Chi Minh, and Mother Terasa. Just a few steps from the Hall of Fame building and right before entering into the second zone, there are amazing and difficult-to-find-one trees in which a sugar palm tree surrounded by a bo tree, the tree the lord Buddha enlightened.
The second zone is called the Terrace of Buddha Image of Three Periods. The Buddha images reproduced from historical parks from three different periods, Ayutthaya , Sukhothai and Chiang Saen also known as Lanna. This zone gives an opportunity to explore three historical park in three different provinces in one place. The third zone is housed to a Jutaka Light and Sound Cave where the story of the Buddhist Saga Vessantara Jutaka is told with the aim to show the result the endless greed of human beings. Next to the cave lies a Herbal Drink house where a tradition refreshment drinks like Chrysanthemum, Rosella, Bael fruit, Lemon Grass, and Longan and Thai tradition sweets are served. The forth zone is exhibited Buddhist Monastic Cells which divided into regional styles where each cell housed two famous monks from the region. Crossing the bridge to the other side of the canal would bring visitors back to the past with the Thai traditional houses style in the fifth zone. This zone is also divided into regional styles where each styles has its uniqueness of architecture and design. Inside each house are artifacts to tell about the way of life of the people in the region. Crossing the second bridge would take visitors to the water-fall front for taking photos and enjoy coffee, tea, Thai sweets, ice-cream, and herbal drinks served by the Coffee House. After enjoy taking photos and the refreshments, walking along the footpath would finally take visitors to the footpath would finally take visitors to the last zone the Terrace of Avalokitasvara where the area is beautifully decorated with trees and flowers for the last shot before leaving the Park.
Siam Cultural Park is a very interesting tourist destination which shouldn’t miss in Ratchaburi province
Operating Hours
Monday -Friday : 9.00-16.30
Saturday -Sunday : 8.30-17.00
Annual holiday : 8.30-17.00
Ticket
Adult : 50 B
Child : 20 B | |
|
| | | Bannaree Spa at Banburee Resort & Spa Ar... | Banburee Resort and Spa nestles in the folds of a picturesque hillside in the south of the island, offering some of the best get-away-from-it-all locations. It’s an idyllic spot with brilliant sea views and a lush backdrop. It contains all the ingredients necessary for wonderful holidays. But even if you’re not staying in the resort itself, it’s thoroughly worthwhile taking time out to visit the resort’s Bannaree Spa. Community Magazine went along to take a look and received some amazing treatments.
The spa here is a key part of the Banburee Resort’s dedication to helping its guests relax and soak up the easeful lifestyle for which Samui is so justly known. On entering you’re given a welcome drink and can take your time ordering from the spa menu. The list of treatments is select. This isn’t one of those places that tries to offer infi nite variations on what are basic themes. Bannaree Spa offers straightforward choices and professional treatments using very experienced masseuses and natural ingredients. I had arrived tired and jaded after one of those drab, work-fi lled days that can pull you under, and welcomed the spa manager’s choice of lemongrass cream scrub followed by an aromatherapy massage. For the massage there are 4 essential oils to choose from: spirit, romance, cellulite and detox. They were presented in little pots and the purpose of each is evident in its name. I chose detox. I guessed that was what I needed. The masseuse took me into a private room and treated me to the lush decadence of a scrub.
The lemongrass she used was in a small bowl and felt half way between powder and grit. Lying on the bed it was easy to drift off as I felt the mixture cleansing my pores and bringing them back to life. The treatment ended with a shower, and I emerged feeling a lot cleaner. Now came the massage. The aromatherapy oil is smoothed into the skin and the techniques used date back hundreds of years, and stimulate the energy lines and points along the body. Thai, Japanese and Chinese medicine, all share the common medical ancestry with energy fl ow crucial to one’s health and well-being. Having a professional massage of this order is an experience to savour, and my only regret was that I knew it had to come to an end, eventually. But it was an enjoyably lengthy, blissful time, and leaving Bannaree Spa meant the return to the (un) civilized world was a slow one. I retraced my steps back through the atrium and into the green views of hill slopes, and then began the drive back through all that lush scenery. Choose from massages, Thai herbal scrubs and wraps, facials. If you’ve had too much sun, Bannaree Spa has a special sun-lover wrap to soothe skin. There’s also a rejuvenating salt scrub, which is particularly recommended to soften the skin. Bannaree Spa also has a Jacuzzi and steam room. Whatever you decide on, the experience will have you wanting to come back here again. ES Bannaree Spa at Banburee Resort is open every day from 10 am until 9 pm. To reach the spa, head through Hua Thanon and at the large T-junction on the edge of town, turn left. Follow the road (Highway 4170) for a couple of kilometres until you see the sign for Banburee.
For further information, please telephone 0 7742 9600. | |
|
| | | “O Bangkok Magic name, blessed name” | | -Joseph Conrad- Excerpt from Bangkok. A Cultural and Literary History by Maryvelma Smith O’Neil Published by Signal Books: www.signalbooks.co.uk Available in Thailand from Asia books. | |
|
| | | Northeast Rockets Festivals 2008 | Rockets soar to encourage rain in the Northeast, devout Buddhists climb a mountain in the North, kayaks race to qualify for the Olympics, just west of Bangkok, while country music lovers meet in the far western province of Kanchanaburi to fine tune their thoughts on the environment.
These are just a few of the highlights on offer around Thailand in May.
Residents of Thailand’s largest region, the Northeast or I-san, make merry in the month of May, demonstrating how the art of building homemade powerful missiles has passed down through the centuries.
If they need an excuse to organise a party and indulge in their favourite pastime of stage comedy and folk musicals, then the onset of the rainy season provides it.
Yasothon is home of the most famous rocket festival known as Bun Bang Fai early in the month, but for festival lovers who might have missed that opportunity to mingle and experience a distinctive I-san tradition, there is still time to catch the spectacle at Udon Thani and Khon Kaen, two well known town in upper I-san.
Following the popular format seen in most town that celebrate the start of the rice planting season by firing salvos of rockets, both towns will kick off their festivals with street parades that show off the rockets and the local beauty queens.
Udon Thani Rocket Festival runs from 17 to 21 May, in Baan That district, offering three days of merry making leading off with a beauty contest and parade, while rockets of various sizes, from super missiles capable of an amazing lift off to small baby versions, are ignited on 20 and 21 May.
In a similar fashion, the Khon Kaen Rocket Festival runs from 24 to 25 May, in Ka Nual district, with fun-filled hours of celebration and a rocket parade to show off the designs and technical prowess that can send these bamboo or plastic pipe rockets to heights of 1 kilometre or more. The actual rocket launches take place on the second day. | |
| | | Trace the Clue of Architecture on both b... | Trace the Clue of Architecture on both banks of the Chao Phraya River
Chao Phraya River is a significant river of Thailand. It has its origin from the north by the
tributaries namely Ping, Wang, Yom and Nan flowing together and meeting at Pak Nam Pho District, Nakhonsawan Province and transforming into a big river running southwards through the following province: Uthaithani, Chainat, Singburi, Angthong, Ayudhaya, Pathumthani, Bangkok before exiting to the sea via Paknam or mouth of the river at Samutprakarn. Paknam area used to be the location of Chao Phraya District before. Therefore, the name of this river has derived from the name of the district that is Chao Phraya River.
There have been many significant events in the Thai history occurring along both banks of the river where it has served as the location of already 3 capitals viz. Ayudhaya, Thonburi and Bangkok. Many events and stories had already faded and washed away with the water of this river. However, there has been a linkage to the stories in the past worthy of recall regarding the progress, belief, faith, love, distress which was transformed into story via architecture work in variety forms all along the both sides of this historic river.
| |
| | | THAILAND – LADIES’ CHOICE | | In her ten visits to Thailand, Yvonne Strömberg once came specifically to purchase eye glasses. Another time she had a facelift. Typically though, she comes to relax in the northern hills around ... | |
| | | GREEN FINS: Eco-friendly Diving in Thail... | An interview with Niphon Phongsuwan,
Project Leader, Green Fins Project
Phuket Marine Biological Center, Phuket, Thailand
Thailand welcomes over 550,0001 dive tourists each year and is home to over 80,000 certified divers of its own. Dive tourism in Thailand has increased by more than twenty-fold from 25,000 divers2 in 1985.
Please click to view the full story with images
GREEN FINS
Eco-friendly Diving in Thailand
| |
| | | Royal Beauty At Doi Angkhang | | One of the coldest places in Thailand, Doi Angkhang in Chiang Mai, is renowned as a scenic wonderland of orchards, flowers and forests. The area attracts tourists to enjoy the chilly beauty of this pi... | |
| | | Long Live the King | 5 December: In every city and village across the country, citizens gather to celebrate the birthday of HM the King Bhumibol Adulaydej. Born 5 December, 1927, HM the King is the longest reigning Thai monarch and the longest serving head of state in the world. Millions of candles raised above a sea of yellow shirts will flicker across the evening sky, 5 December, as people from all walks of life sing the Royal Anthem in heartfelt gratitude, while proclaiming with pride and sincerity “Long Live the King.” Having reigned for more than 60 years, the 80-year monarch is the soul of the nation, loved and respected by 63 million people who are inspired by decades of selfless service. The meaning of HM the King’s name, Bhumibol Adulyadej, is translated as “strength of the land, incomparable power”, but often Thais will say he is the “moving force of the country.” Demonstrating untarnished integrity of character, the King is seen as a shining beacon of wisdom; the father of the nation the protector of the weak. Often his observations alone have sufficed to turn the nation from the gates of crisis. His reign has been marked by milestones when he pointed the way to future prosperity and responsibilities. In 1974, he initiated projects to protect the environment and encourage re-forestation, decades before it became fashionable to be green, while his personal intervention and technical knowledge saved the capital from annual flooding. HM the King has initiated over 2000 projects to address social, medical and economy issues at village level throughout the nation. A gifted musician and artist, the King graduated in law and political science, enabling him, after he ascended the throne in 1946, to work tirelessly to improve the life of his subjects through a vast spectrum of activities. Earlier this year, nine specific royal projects were identified for their role in developing a sustainable economy in village communities and for their intrinsic appeal to international tourists. They are now promoted overseas through the national airline and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. In the book “In His Majesty’s Footsteps, former chief of the Royal Court Police, Vasit Dejkunjorn, writes of his early encounters with HM the King as a young police officer. "From listening to the royal couple’s conversation I learned for the first time how concerned they were about the well-being of the Thai people." Caring for his people is the hallmark of his reign. While history will record his reign as the longest, the hearts of Thai people have accorded him their trust, an unpareled respect and abiding love, never before seen in the Kingdom. On the night of 5 December Bangkok’s Sanam Luang and Ratchdamnoen Avenue will be illuminated with lights, the streets closed to traffic as a mighty throng gathers to demonstrate their gratitude for their King. Visitors will join them sensing the honour of sharing this moment with the Thai people. Long Live the King. | |
| | | The Joyous Time in Thailand | It’s New Year again, the last and perhaps the most joyous time of the year. For many people, December seems to be the month you are most often preoccupied with something else but work. When the date on calendar changes to the first of December, that’s the day you start thinking about your holidays. In this land of smiles, folks are getting ready to enjoy this year-end long holiday. Like the other two New Year occasions in Thailand – that is, Songkran, the Thai traditional New Year in mid April when people get splashed of water, and the Chinese New Year approximately in early February for Chinese descendants, -- Thai people will take this opportunity to return to their hometowns, spending the valuable time with their loved ones. It is the same tradition many westerners do during Christmas. However, in this part of the world, it is done in the oriental manner. In a rural area, locals gather together to celebrate by feasting on food, drinking and enjoying folk plays and other fun activities. Some folks might hang out drinking homemade whisky from dusk to dawn. In the mean time, in a more traditional way, elder people will prepare themselves to wake up early to welcome the first day of the brand new year, hoping that it will make a smooth run for the whole year. So they, along with their descendants, will rise before the crack of dawn to prepare tasty foods, which will be offered to monks to mark the auspicious year. After that, they will head to temples near their houses to attend the morning service of monks preaching the sermon and giving blessing. Back into some crowded cosmopolitans, count down celebrators are predictably going to have fun to their fullest! Certainly, in a never sleeping metropolis like Bangkok, people both Thais and foreigners will flock at landmarks of the city on New Year eve. The Tourism Authority of Thailand organizes the walking streets in front of Central World Plaza all the way through Silom Road and up to Siam Square – another event will be held the platform at Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace. Besides the regular countdown festivities in major attraction sites like Chiang Mai, Phuket or Samui, the Sunrise Delight Festival at the Mekong River’s border provinces is no less interesting! The aforementioned event will be held in the northeastern provinces of Ubon Ratchathani, Amnajcharoen and other provinces along Mekong River. After all, watching the golden glimmer of the bronze sunlight coming up from the horizon of the ancient river might simply be the most joyous activity. | |
| | | SEA of Mist : Amazing Wonders in Thailan... |
If traveling to discover nature is like taking a journey to fulfill your life, then to witness a natural phenomenon such as the sea of mist would not be different from a reward for the travelers, who only wish to savor its spectacular sight. Seeing the sea of mist is considered a sort of luck, as the weather is unpredictable, there is no guarantee as to what you will get.
Waiting to see the sea of mist in the morning is like waiting for the stage curtain to unveil. As the pale sunlight reveals the vast mass of vapor over the forest, the sun appears over the horizon, then comes the moment you witness the sea of mist in its full splendor. The sea of mist is extraordinarily beautiful in winter, especially in the North. However, it is also possible to see it in some parts of the North East and Central Thailand as well. There are many places you can go to see the sea of mist.
The North Popular spots to see the sea of mist in the North are: - Huai Nam Dang National Park, Chiang Mai
There is no need for trekking to see the sea of mist here. From December to February, you will also get to see blooming Sakura as a bonus.
- Phu Chi Fa, Chiang Rai
This is the number one classic spot for sea of mist in Thailand. From the cliff, you can see the breathtaking view of the sea of mist spreading over Laos. In addition, Doi Pha, which is only 20 km. away is another well-known spot to see the sea of mist.
- Mae Noei National Park, Tak
It is the perfect spot from October to February. Nearby tourist attractions are Mae Usu Cave and natural hot springs.
- Mokoju Peak, Mae Wong National Park, Kamphaeng Phet
With some effort, you will get through a long and difficult trekking to see the picture perfect sea of mist. Peak season is from November to February.
- Khao Kho, Phetchabun
The viewpoint is conveniently located in the resort among the mountains.
- Doi Hua Mot, Amphoe Umphang, Tak
Namtok Thi Lo Cho (Falling Rain Waterfall) and rafting activities are also a must.
- Phu Thap Boek, Phetchabun
Here, you can put up your tents and wait for the sea of mist in the morning and the “stars on earth” at night.
Other viewpoints in the North are:
- Doi ,Si Nan National Park, Nan
- Khun Chae National Park, Chiang Rai
- Chae Son National Park, Lampang
- Chiang Dao National Park, Chiang Mai
- Doi Khun Than National, Lamphun
- Doi Phu Kha National Park, Nan
- Doi Luang National Park, Phayao
- Taksin Maharat National Park, Tak
The North East - Pha Nok Aen Cliff, Phu Kradueng National Park, Loei. From October to January.
See pine woods, waterfalls, and maple leaves changing colors.
- Phu Reua National Park, Loei. From December to January.
A natural rock garden and morning dew awaits you.
- Pha Taem National Park, Ubon Ratchatani. From November to December.
The place where the sun rises before anywhere else in Thailand.
Also: - Na Heao National Park, Loei. From November to December.
- Hin Chang Si Viewpoint, Nam Phong National Park, Khon Kaen. From October to December.
- Phu Phan National Park, Sakon Nakorn. From November to February.
Central Thailand - Kaeng Krachan National Park, Phetchaburi. All year round.
- Khao Laem National Park, Kanchanaburi. From November to January.
- Srinagarindra Dam, Kanchanaburi. From September to February.
- Pang Sida National Park, Sa Kaeo. From October to December.
- Phu Toei National Park, Suphan Buri. From September to November.
- Kui Buri National Park, Prachuap Khiri Khan. From October to February.
For more information on the sea of mist at the above national parks,
please visit www.dnp.go.th | |
| | | Shopping in Thailand | | All the Stuff That's Fit to Sell Among its countless other joys and wonders, Thailand is a great place to shop -- particularly in Bangkok where the variety of retail outlets and goods is staggering. O... | |
| | | Education with Enjoyment | | With the worldwide boom in spas and wellness centres, the demand for therapists able to offer Thai massage is increasing, and with it the number of visitors studying massage in Thailand also grows. | |
| | | The Royal Initiative Discovery | 
The Royal Initiative Discovery
In 2007, Thailand celebrates the 80th birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Throughout the year, there are numerous events planned to celebrate the auspicious occasion. Among them is the “Royal Initiative Discovery” campaign being jointly arranged by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and Thai Airways International PCL. Based on His Majesty the King’s sufficiency economy model, the new campaign favors a quality over quantity philosophy under which equal attention is paid to ensuring both sustainability and grassroots benefits from tourism. Under the Royal Initiative Discovery campaign, for the first time, a number of rural development and poverty-alleviation projects created by His Majesty, as well as Her Royal Highness the Princess Mother and other members of the Royal Family, are being opened to the public in the form of unique travel packages. These projects, located in remote parts of the Kingdom, are in line with His Majesty’s philosophy that poverty can best be eradicated through improved health, steady income through honest work, and knowledge and understanding through education. They have not only changed the lives of those who were meant to be helped but also those who helped to make them possible. Visitors will have the opportunity to see and learn about the many successful royal projects initiated by His Majesty the King of Thailand. These projects, covering a wide range of agricultural development activities from organic farming and sustainable fisheries to reforestation and income generation, have greatly contributed to Thailand’s sustainable economy and will no doubt continue to play a major role in implementing the sufficiency economy concept. His Majesty the King of Thailand is known as the working Monarch of the world. During his long reign, the King has worked tirelessly to help his people achieve a better standard of living. Throughout the country, thousands of royally-initiated projects have been launched to improve the quality of life of the people of Thailand. His Majesty’s wish to help the people in remote areas has also been taken to heart by Her Majesty the Queen who has accompanied the King on multiple royal visits to every region of the country. Through Her Majesty’s Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques (SUPPORT) established in 1976, family members of farmers and villagers have been trained in various handicraft arts which they then use to make articles that can be sold. Family income is thereby increased along with the individuals’ self-esteem. Today, handicrafts from the SUPPORT Foundation are not only widely consumed domestically but also provide welcome sources of export revenues for Thailand. In recognition of His Majesty’s tireless work and the global relevance of his call for a sufficiency approach to development, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Friday, 26 May 2006, presented His Majesty the King with a Lifetime Achievement Award. It was the United Nations Development Programmer’s first ever Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award and it was presented by Mr Annan to His Majesty at Klai Kangwon Palace in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Not only do these royally-initiated projects enable people in remote areas to stand on their own feet, they also give rise to new tourist attractions which in turn enable local people to raise their income levels. At these royally- initiated projects, visitors can appreciate and gain insights into local crafts while also enjoying beautiful scenery. They can also tour plantations and buy the fresh vegetables, fruits and flowers that are grown and cultivated there. A visit to the projects in the northern provinces of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai also present opportunities to understand the lifestyles of hilltribe minorities.
Angkhang Royal Agricultural Station, Chiang Mai
Located in the Doi Ang Khang valley, the station is designated for experimenting with temperate plants that might be grown in Thailand. The experiments are aimed at promoting cultivation of cash crops to replace opium cultivation. The station features beautifully landscaped flower gardens, a restaurant and plantations. A visit to Angkhang can also include stops at some of the many hilltribe villages as well as trekking, mountain biking, mule riding and bird watching. Day trips can be arranged to the viewing point which overlooks the mountain range dividing Thailand and Myanmar. Doi Angkhang is a comfortable three-hour drive north of Chiang Mai and just five kilometres from the Thai-Myanmar border. The journey itself is quite breathtaking with the road winding through some of Thailand’s most stunning natural scenery.
Tel: 0 5345 0107-9. Fax: 0 5345 0106. Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park, Chiang Rai
The Mae Fah Luang Foundation has developed this important art and cultural park as a centre of education and youth development which extends scholarships to disadvantaged students from impoverished communities in remote areas of the country. The foundation has developed the Art and Cultural Park as a site for the royal collection of Lanna art which includes some of the finest examples of religious and secular art and artefacts gathered from all over northern Thailand. There are many lovely buildings within the park, including Hor Kaew Museum and Hor Kham, a golden teak pavilion where sacred artefacts, including an ancient wooden Buddha image, palanquins, candelabra and many other items, are displayed.
Tel: 0 5376 7015-17, 0 2252 7114 ext 234, 217
www.maefahluang.org. Hall of Opium, Chiang Rai
The Hall of Opium is a multimedia museum that traces the history of opium, its relationship to the Golden Triangle, and efforts to combat the spread of drug addiction. Located just a short distance from the Golden Triangle, the Hall of Opium tells its story through a series of imaginatively designed, modern, interactive rooms that educate visitors in a lively and attractive manner. From the 130-metre darkened tunnel that forms the entrance and calls to mind the horrors and fears of drug addiction, visitors move from room to room learning about the 5,000-year history of opium production, its medical benefits and its addiction problems and association with modern-day crime. Along the way are beautiful recreations of historic settings, besides opium memorabilia, multimedia shows, interactive video clips, and even the sad voices of addicts which can be heard in the Gallery of Excuses.
Tel: 0 5378 4444 , 0 5376 7015-7 or 02252 7114
www.goldentrianglepark.com
Doi Tung Development Project, Chiang Rai
This project was established under the royal patronage of Her Royal Highness the late Princess Mother. Its main objective is to encourage hilltribes to grow fruit trees and other cash crops as substitutes for poppies and slash and burn cultivation. The project not only achieved its goal, but also succeeded in teaching hilltribes to conserve the environment and continue to fashion their traditional handicrafts. Tourist highlights of Doi Tung include Doi Tung Royal Villa, Mae Fah Luang Garden, The Princess Mother Commemorative Hall, Mae Fah Luang Arboretum, Phra That Doi Tung, ethnic and hilltribe communities, the Wildlife Conservation Centre and Open Zoo, and on-site accommodation at Doi Tung Lodge 31.
Tel: 0 2252 7114 ext 217 or 234
www.doitung.org | |
| | |
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment