Nong Khai
Around the provinceNong KhaiSri Chiang Mai
Look through any guesthouse ledger in Nong Khai and you'll see the same names repeated again and again as people find themselves drawn here repeatedly, often for a lot longer than they planned. With a collection of excellent places to stay, comprehensive and convenient transportation and some fascinating attractions Nong Khai is well worth considering losing some time in.Like the province, Nong Khai town is long and thin, with most of the guesthouses clustered around the western end of town and a selection of restaurants nearby. There are enough wats here to keep even the most avid wat-freak happy and there is also Wat Sala Kaew Ku -- one of the most peculiar temples in Thailand, if not Asia.Even if you're not planning on staying there, visit Mutmee Guesthouse to avail yourself to their massive supply of information on the region -- you'll find it invaluable in getting the most out of the province.
14.7.07
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai
Thailand's second-largest city and the gateway to the country's north was founded in 1296. You can still see the moat that encircled the original city, and there are 300 wats, including Wat Chiang Man (home of the 1800-year-old 10-cm-high Crystal Buddha), Wat Phra Singh (built in the classic northern-Thai style) and Wat Chedi Luang (partially ruined by earthquake, cannon fire and recent restoration efforts). Doi Suthep, topped by one of Thailand's holiest wats, rises 1676m to the west of the city providing a dramatic backdrop and, should you venture up, fine views of the city.
Modern Chiang Mai is easily managed and very traveller-friendly. It's well known for its restaurants and also has heaps of good guesthouses (although the hotel 'safes' are notoriously not). Compared to Bangkok, Chiang Mai's evenings are cool and conducive to moseying around the central Night Bazaar . To get value for money, bargain patiently but mercilessly; no less is expected of you. When you're sick of honing your free-market warrior attitude, Chiang Mai is a good base for mountain treks. Just about every guesthouse advertises treks to visit the hill tribes who live in the surrounding area. You may want to think twice about joining such an excursion if you have qualms about interrupting the traditional patterns of life in hill-tribe areas. This part of Thailand is considerably over-trekked and some hill-tribe villages have been turned into little more than human zoos.
There are air links to Chiang Mai from eight Thai cities plus a handful of Asian cities. Heaps of buses negotiate the 10 to 12-hour trip from Bangkok. Express trains to Chiang Mai from Bangkok take between 12 and 13 hours.
Thailand's second-largest city and the gateway to the country's north was founded in 1296. You can still see the moat that encircled the original city, and there are 300 wats, including Wat Chiang Man (home of the 1800-year-old 10-cm-high Crystal Buddha), Wat Phra Singh (built in the classic northern-Thai style) and Wat Chedi Luang (partially ruined by earthquake, cannon fire and recent restoration efforts). Doi Suthep, topped by one of Thailand's holiest wats, rises 1676m to the west of the city providing a dramatic backdrop and, should you venture up, fine views of the city.
Modern Chiang Mai is easily managed and very traveller-friendly. It's well known for its restaurants and also has heaps of good guesthouses (although the hotel 'safes' are notoriously not). Compared to Bangkok, Chiang Mai's evenings are cool and conducive to moseying around the central Night Bazaar . To get value for money, bargain patiently but mercilessly; no less is expected of you. When you're sick of honing your free-market warrior attitude, Chiang Mai is a good base for mountain treks. Just about every guesthouse advertises treks to visit the hill tribes who live in the surrounding area. You may want to think twice about joining such an excursion if you have qualms about interrupting the traditional patterns of life in hill-tribe areas. This part of Thailand is considerably over-trekked and some hill-tribe villages have been turned into little more than human zoos.
There are air links to Chiang Mai from eight Thai cities plus a handful of Asian cities. Heaps of buses negotiate the 10 to 12-hour trip from Bangkok. Express trains to Chiang Mai from Bangkok take between 12 and 13 hours.
Hua Hin
Hua Hin
Thailand's oldest beach resort, Hua Hin was established in 1920s and quickly became popular with the country's social cognoscenti. The construction of a single track railway line from Bangkok ensured its accessibility and popularity with a wider section of the population.
But it was the resort's royal connection which has given Hua Hin a special character of its very own.
In the early 20th century, King Rama VII built a summer place at the resort, and shortly after, in 1928, King Rama VII built his Klai Kangwon (Far From Worries) Palace which remains until this today as an official royal residence.
Hua Hin continued to develop in its own leisurely way, both as a genteel resort with the added attraction of an 18-hole golf course, and as a fishing port, built essentially on wooden piers. The colonial style Railway Hotel, built by the State Railways of Thailand in 1923, set the mode and unique atmosphere which was to characterize Hua Hin for the next several decades.
Many regular visitors built their own beachfront summer homes to the south along the curving sandy bay, enjoying leisurely family weekends in a resort which had maintained its unique identity.
ATTRACTION
Ideal as a family resort and a haven of gentled relaxation for the traveler who enjoys a more traditional holidaying style, Hua Hin and its environs offer all the expected seaside activities and lots more besides.
On the western side of the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin is a comfortable 3 hour journey by road from Bangkok. The resort can of course, also be reached by leisurely rail trip or by an even short shorter flight to Hua Hin airport.
Once there by whatever means, -the visitor is ready to make the best of high days and holidays with a difference. First opened in 1924, the 18-hole Royal Hua Hin Golf Course is the oldest public course in the country, and today still provides a challenging and entertainment test for local and visiting players.
Out of town, a short distance of Pran Buri is Khao Sam Roi Yot (mountain of 300 Peaks) National Park. Covering an area of over 90 square kilometers, the park provides a sanctuary for numerous species of birds and a variety of animals. Among them are mountain goats known as serow, porcupines and monkeys.
Kaeng Krachan Dam and National Park which extends to the Burmese border some 40 kilometers west of Petchburi, is Thailand's largest national park, covering an area of almost 3000 sq km. The reservoir of the dam is dotted with wooded islands with caves, rivers, grasslands, forest, mountains and waterfalls, all to be found in the park itself.
A waterfall not to be missed is Pa La-u, a spectacular series of cascading falls in a truly jungle setting. Trekking to the top of these beautiful falls is possible but demands careful planning, an experienced guide, a few days to spare, and not least, a great deal of energy. Karen villages are also to be seen nearby.
Visitors to any of the national parks areas should be aware of the presence of large numbers of mosquitoes and are well advised to take the necessary precautions.
Thailand's oldest beach resort, Hua Hin was established in 1920s and quickly became popular with the country's social cognoscenti. The construction of a single track railway line from Bangkok ensured its accessibility and popularity with a wider section of the population.
But it was the resort's royal connection which has given Hua Hin a special character of its very own.
In the early 20th century, King Rama VII built a summer place at the resort, and shortly after, in 1928, King Rama VII built his Klai Kangwon (Far From Worries) Palace which remains until this today as an official royal residence.
Hua Hin continued to develop in its own leisurely way, both as a genteel resort with the added attraction of an 18-hole golf course, and as a fishing port, built essentially on wooden piers. The colonial style Railway Hotel, built by the State Railways of Thailand in 1923, set the mode and unique atmosphere which was to characterize Hua Hin for the next several decades.
Many regular visitors built their own beachfront summer homes to the south along the curving sandy bay, enjoying leisurely family weekends in a resort which had maintained its unique identity.
ATTRACTION
Ideal as a family resort and a haven of gentled relaxation for the traveler who enjoys a more traditional holidaying style, Hua Hin and its environs offer all the expected seaside activities and lots more besides.
On the western side of the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin is a comfortable 3 hour journey by road from Bangkok. The resort can of course, also be reached by leisurely rail trip or by an even short shorter flight to Hua Hin airport.
Once there by whatever means, -the visitor is ready to make the best of high days and holidays with a difference. First opened in 1924, the 18-hole Royal Hua Hin Golf Course is the oldest public course in the country, and today still provides a challenging and entertainment test for local and visiting players.
Out of town, a short distance of Pran Buri is Khao Sam Roi Yot (mountain of 300 Peaks) National Park. Covering an area of over 90 square kilometers, the park provides a sanctuary for numerous species of birds and a variety of animals. Among them are mountain goats known as serow, porcupines and monkeys.
Kaeng Krachan Dam and National Park which extends to the Burmese border some 40 kilometers west of Petchburi, is Thailand's largest national park, covering an area of almost 3000 sq km. The reservoir of the dam is dotted with wooded islands with caves, rivers, grasslands, forest, mountains and waterfalls, all to be found in the park itself.
A waterfall not to be missed is Pa La-u, a spectacular series of cascading falls in a truly jungle setting. Trekking to the top of these beautiful falls is possible but demands careful planning, an experienced guide, a few days to spare, and not least, a great deal of energy. Karen villages are also to be seen nearby.
Visitors to any of the national parks areas should be aware of the presence of large numbers of mosquitoes and are well advised to take the necessary precautions.
13.7.07
Pattaya
Pattaya
Pattaya is 147 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, a comfortable 2-hour drive along Highway No. 3 via Bang Na, Bang Pakong, Chon Buri and Siracha. Airconditioned and non-airconditioned coaches regularly leave Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal, at the mouth of Soi Ekkamai (Soi 63) on Sukhumvit Road, throughout the day.
Pattaya is one of Asia's premier beach resorts and annually attracts millions of pleasure-seekers from all over the world. Pattaya's sunny world is synonymous with pleasant beaches, every conceivable water sport from windsurfing to scuba diving, alluring offshore coral islands, excellent accommodation lining the resort's palm-fringed, crescent bay, superb seafood, a colourful, relaxing tropical ambiance and, after sunset, all the magic and enchantment of an almost legendary nightlife.
For families, sportsmen and independent travelers, Pattaya offers all the ingredients for a truly memorable holiday.
LAND SPORT
Golf: Bangphra, a 4-kilometre drive from Km. 112 on Highway No. 3, and the Siam Country Club both offer challenging 18-hole courses within 30 minutes of Pattaya.
Horseback Riding: The Reo Park Ranch, 5 kilometers from Highway No. 3 along the Siam Country Club road, offers daytime and enchanting moonlight trail rides on thoroughbreds imported from Australia.
Motor / Motorcycle Racing: The 2.4 kilometer Pattaya Circuit, at Km. 14 on Route 36 to Rayong, regularly features exciting local and international races. Tennis: Major hotels open their courts to non-guests. Some have resident local professional who offer hourly instruction.
Pattaya Park: a water amusement park beside Chomthian Beach which features colourful water slides and whirlpools, and where accommodation is available.
Pattaya Elephant Kraal: a daily afternoon show with broad popular appeal features elephants bathing and exhibitions of obedience, strength and forestry skills.
Nong Nooch Village: a 600-acre, artfully landscaped country features orchid nurseries, an arts & crafts centre and a popular cultural show of folk dances, traditional ceremonies and martial arts displays.
Pattaya is 147 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, a comfortable 2-hour drive along Highway No. 3 via Bang Na, Bang Pakong, Chon Buri and Siracha. Airconditioned and non-airconditioned coaches regularly leave Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal, at the mouth of Soi Ekkamai (Soi 63) on Sukhumvit Road, throughout the day.
Pattaya is one of Asia's premier beach resorts and annually attracts millions of pleasure-seekers from all over the world. Pattaya's sunny world is synonymous with pleasant beaches, every conceivable water sport from windsurfing to scuba diving, alluring offshore coral islands, excellent accommodation lining the resort's palm-fringed, crescent bay, superb seafood, a colourful, relaxing tropical ambiance and, after sunset, all the magic and enchantment of an almost legendary nightlife.
For families, sportsmen and independent travelers, Pattaya offers all the ingredients for a truly memorable holiday.
LAND SPORT
Golf: Bangphra, a 4-kilometre drive from Km. 112 on Highway No. 3, and the Siam Country Club both offer challenging 18-hole courses within 30 minutes of Pattaya.
Horseback Riding: The Reo Park Ranch, 5 kilometers from Highway No. 3 along the Siam Country Club road, offers daytime and enchanting moonlight trail rides on thoroughbreds imported from Australia.
Motor / Motorcycle Racing: The 2.4 kilometer Pattaya Circuit, at Km. 14 on Route 36 to Rayong, regularly features exciting local and international races. Tennis: Major hotels open their courts to non-guests. Some have resident local professional who offer hourly instruction.
Pattaya Park: a water amusement park beside Chomthian Beach which features colourful water slides and whirlpools, and where accommodation is available.
Pattaya Elephant Kraal: a daily afternoon show with broad popular appeal features elephants bathing and exhibitions of obedience, strength and forestry skills.
Nong Nooch Village: a 600-acre, artfully landscaped country features orchid nurseries, an arts & crafts centre and a popular cultural show of folk dances, traditional ceremonies and martial arts displays.
Ko Samui
Ko Samui
This beautiful island off south-eastern Thailand is covered with coconut plantations and circled by (call us clichéd but it's true) palm-fringed beaches. It was once an 'untouched' backpackers' mecca, but is now well on its way to becoming a fully-fledged tourist resort. Coconuts are still the mainstay of the local economy, however, and up to two million of them are shipped to Bangkok each month.
This beautiful island off south-eastern Thailand is covered with coconut plantations and circled by (call us clichéd but it's true) palm-fringed beaches. It was once an 'untouched' backpackers' mecca, but is now well on its way to becoming a fully-fledged tourist resort. Coconuts are still the mainstay of the local economy, however, and up to two million of them are shipped to Bangkok each month.
The most popular beaches are Hat Chaweng and Hat Lamai: both have good swimming and snorkeling but are getting a little crowded. For more peace and quiet, try Mae Nam, Bo Phut and Big Buddha on the northern coast. The main town on the island is Na Thon.
Most of the beaches have plenty of rustic, thatched-roofed bungalows but accommodation can still be hard to secure in the high seasons between December and February and July and August. The best time to visit is during the hot and dry season between February and June. There are flights from Bangkok to the island's Don Sak Airport. Several ferry and jetboat companies operate from Surat Thani: express boats take two and a half hours and jet boats take one and a half hours. Local transport comprises songthaews (trucks with two rows of seats in the back), though several places hire motorcycles.
Attaction
Either on your outward or return journey, it is worthwhile to spend a little time in Surat Thani, the mainland hopping-off point for Ko Samui. this bustling fishing and shipbuilding centre is picturesquely located and has a distinct charm. A casual stroll around town or a canal tour on the Tapi river are rewarding for the glimpses they give of southern culture. Surat Thani is also a famous for its oyster farms, harvesting a giant species of the mollusk.
More specifically for the serious sightseer, Chaiya , about a 45-minutes drive north of the town, is a major historical site. Its importance stems from the fact that some scholars contend that it was here that the ancient Srivijayakingdom had its capital.
Whatever the merits of the claim and despite the fact that little remains to attest to the glories of Srivijaya, Chaiya does boast some ancient temples of note. Wat Phra Boromathat Chaiya, a highly revered temple, has a Chedi believed to be more than 1,300 years old, while Wat Wiang, Wat Long and Wat Kaeo are also worth visiting.
A few kilometers west of Chaiya is Wat Suan Mok, "Monastery of Flowing Water" which is a tranquil meditation centre for both Thais and foreigners set amid a peaceful natural park.
The picturesque Khao Sok National Park , about 100 kilometers west of Surat Thani, is another notable attraction. The are is rich in flora and fauna and basic bungalow accommodation is available. Alternatively, there is a "tree-top" guesthouse near by.
Ko Samui's northern neighbour, Ko Pha-Ngan , is more tranquil, and has equally good beaches and fine snorkelling. Its renowned beach parties at Hat Rin are popular with backpackers, though not with the local police. The island is a half-hour boat ride from Ko Samui.
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