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Chiang Rai (เชียงราย), some 785 kms away from Bangkok is the northernmost province of Thailand. Scenic dense mountains, river valleys, hot springs, waterfalls, ancient settlements and historical sites, hill tribe villages such as Karen, Akha, Lisu, Meo and Muser, all can be found in Chiang Rai. Once the province became famous because of the renowned "Golden Triangle" where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand converge at the banks of the Maekong River and thus the gateway to Myanmar, Laos and Southern China. The northernmost town of Thailand, Mae Sai on the Ruak River is the border to Myanmar. Rich in tourist attractions Chiang Rai remains until today a heaven for people looking for a rather laid back holiday, close to nature. Trekking is a highlight in any of the many National Park and roads are perfect for mountain bikes. The city of Chiang Rai was once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom and the city's most honored temple is Wat Phra Kaew.

Phuket is Thailand's largest island, approximately the size of Singapore. Phuket nestles in balmy Andaman Sea waters on Thailand's Indian Ocean coastline 862 kilometers south of Bangkok. Phuket is blessed with magnificent coves and bays, powdery, palm-fringed white beaches, sparkling island-dotted seas, sincerely hospitable people, superb accommodations and seafood, delightful turn-of-the-century Sino-Portuguese architecture; numerous sporting and leisure opportunities; a lush tropical landscape - all of which combine to create a delightful ambience for truly memorable holidays. The most famous beaches are Patong, Kata, Karon, Kamala and Nai Harn Beach. Phuket and its islands are ideal for sailing, diving & snorkeling, golfing and all kinds of sports & entertainment you can wish for; you even can take a trip with a submarine to discover the colorful marine live. There is plenty of accommodation available ranging from standard bungalow resorts to 5 star hotels.


== information provided by T.A.T (Tourism Autority of Thailand) & http://www.sawadee.com ==

Phang-nga, a seaside province by the Andaman Sea with scenic views of forests and islands. The province offers superb natural beauty both onshore and underwater. The province of Phang-nga is located some 788 kilometres from Bangkok. It covers an area of 4,170 square kilometres. It is administratively divided into 8 Amphoe (districts): Mueang, Khura Buri, Thap Put, Kapong, Takua Thung, Takua Pa, Thai Mueang, and Ko Yao.

How to get there
There are many ways to reach Phang-nga as follows:

Car
1) First route: From Bangkok, take Highway No. 4, passing the provinces of Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, and Ranong, then drive straight to Phang-nga town. It is 788 kilometres from Bangkok. The trip takes around 12 hours.

2) Second route: From Bangkok, take Highway No.4 to Chumphon, from there, take Higway No. 41 to Amphoe Tha Chang, then go straight to an intersection where a right turn is made to Highway No. 401, keep driving to Amphoe Ban Ta Khun for about 50 kilometres, and then take Highway No. 415 for 30 kilometres, take a right turn to Phang-nga town. Visitors travelling from Phuket should use Highway No. 402, passing Sarasin Bridge to Ban Khok Kloi, take a right turn to Amphoe Takua Thung. It is 87 kilometres from Phuket. The journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Bus
There are daily bus services from Bangkok to Phang-nga. Travelling time is 12 hours. For more information call the Southern Bus Terminal at tel. 0 2435 1199-200 or the Phang-nga Bus Terminal at tel: 0 7641 2300, 0 7641 2014 or visit www.transport.co.th.

Rail
There is no direct train to Phang-nga. The State Railways of Thailand operates daily train services between Bangkok and Surat Thani. A trip to Phang-nga can be made by getting off at the Surat Thani Railway Station and then ride a bus for another two hours. For more information call Bangkok's Hualamphong Railway Station at tel. 1690, 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020 or visit www.railway.co.th.

Air
Thai Airways International operates Bangkok-Phuket flights daily. From Phuket, take a bus or rent a car to Phang-nga for about 58 kilometres. For more information, call Thai Airways at tel: 1566 or 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 or visit www.thaiairways.com.

Festivals
Free The Turtles Fair
Free The Turtles Fair is annually held in March at Thai Mueang Beach. A celebration takes place for 7 days. During the festival baby turtles raised by the Fisheries Department are released into the sea at Thai Mueang Beach.

information provided by T.A.T (Tourism Autority of Thailand)

Nakhon Ratchasima at a glance

Nakhon Ratchasima, generally known as "Khorat", is Thailand's largest province situated on sprawling northeast plateau. Located approximately 260 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, the city itself serves as the gateway to the lower I-San region.

Covering an area of 25,494 square kilometers that is mainly plateaus and mountainous terrain, Khorat has fascinating traditions, charming hospitality, splendid natural scenery and awesome historical sites.

Some of the main attractions in Khorat are Khmer ruins. Scattered around the province, these products of ancient wisdom shines through time. One of Thailand's finest Khmer ruins can be seen here next to Mon and Lao sites. In addition, Khorat has an abundance of natural attractions in its forests, hills, wildlife and waterfalls that are easily accessible in locations such as Khao Yai National Park.

Apart from the famous statue of Khun Ying Mo, Khorat is most well known for silk weaving (in Pak Thong Chai) and a variety of top-notch quality handicrafts such as clay pottery products of Dan Kwian.

Geographically, Nakhon Ratchasima borders on Chiyaphum and Khon Kaen Provinces in the north, Buriram Province in the east, Chiyaphum and Saraburi Provinces in the west and Nakhon Nayok and Prachin Buri Provinces in the south.

Khorat is also I-San's largest province. Inhabitants of the province are mainly engaged in agricultural activities that include farming of rice and other crops such as sugar cane, tapioca, corn, jute, peanuts, sesame and fruits. There are more than 100 savings and agricultural cooperatives in the province, 35 irrigation projects and 7,122 industrial factories. Most of the factories are rice mills, tapioca product manufacturers, and industrial factories.

Khorat's most popular annual event is the Thao Suranari Festival, a celebration of Thao Suranari's victory over the Lao. It's held from late March to early April and features parades.

Looking back

Khorat used to be the site of several ancient prehistoric communities. Little is known about the early history of Khorat, except that it used to be part of a kingdom called Sri Janas (Si Janat) - an empire that extended its power to the entire Khorat Plateau.

Initially the predominant cultural influence in the city was that of the Dvaravati culture, however, it was later replaced by the Khmer culture. The prehistoric site of Ban Prasat is evidence of this occurrence while traces of both the Dvaravati and Khmer cultures are scattered throughout the province, particularly at Amphoe Sung Noen and Amphoe Phimai.

Once an administrative and cultural center, Khorat's role today remains unchanged as it is currently the main transportation, industrial and economic hub of the Northeast.

How to get there
By Car
Route 1: Take Highway No. 1 (Phahon Yothin) from Bangkok to Saraburi and then take Highway No. 2 (Mitraparp Highway) from Saraburi to Nakhon Ratchasima. The total distance is 259 kilometers.

Route 2: Take Highway No. 304 from Bangkok and proceed past Min Buri, Chachoengsao, Phanom Sarakham, Kabin Buri, Pak Thong Chai, to Nakhon Ratchasima. The total distance is 273 kilometers.

Route 3: Take the Bangkok-Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok route then take Highway No. 33 to Kabin Buri and Highway No. 304 past Wang Nam Khiao, Pak Thong Chai to Nakhon Ratchasima.

By Air
Thai Airways International (THAI) flies to Khorat from Bangkok twice a day. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 or visit www.thaiairways.com. The THAI office (Tel: 044-257211/5) is at 14 Manat Rd., off of Mahat Thai Rd. inside the city moat.

Air Andaman provides two daily flight services from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 0 2996 9119 or visit www.airandaman.com.

By Bus
Ordinary buses leave the Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) in Bangkok every 15 or 20 minutes from 5 a.m. to 10.15 p.m. Air-conditioned buses leaving for Bangkok arrive and depart from the Korat's air-conditioned bus terminal on Mitraparp Highway.

The Transport Co., Ltd. (known as Bo Kho So) has both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses departing from the Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal) daily. Air-conditioned buses depart from Bangkok every 10 minutes all day, traveling time is 3.20 hours and the fare is 157 bahts. Non air-conditioned buses depart from Bangkok every hour from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., traveling time is 4.30 hours and the fare is 87 bahts. For information, call 0 2936 2852-66 or get more updated information at www.traco.motc.go.th.

Private companies that offer bus services are Ratchasima Tour Co., tel. 0 4424 5443, Bangkok tel. 0 2936 1615 and Air Khorat Co., tel. 0 4425 2999, Bangkok tel. 0 2936 2252.

Buses running to other provinces leave from Bus Terminal 2 in Khorat. There are services to the northeastern provinces of Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Kalasin, Ubon Ratchathani, Buri Ram (the old route goes past Nang Rong and the new one past Huai Thalaeng), and Surin (past Nang Rong-Ban Tako). In addition, there are buses to Bangkok, Chon Buri, Pattaya, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Lop Buri, Sing Buri, Nakhon Sawan, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai (up to Mae Sai). All depart from the Bus Terminal 2 in Khorat.

Getting around Korat
Traveling within the province is easy, with many mini-bus and bus routes operating in the city and nearby areas. The fare on each route is 3 bahts. Comfortable air-conditioned bus services are also provided for route No. 2 at the rate of 5 bahts.

A more convenient way to get around is to take the Tuk-Tuk or Samlor in the city. Samlors around the city costs 20 bahts; while tuk-tuks cost 40 bahts to most places around town (30 bahts for a short hop) and 50 to 60 bahts for longer trips. The rate for motorbike taxis is within the same range. Please note that the price must be agreed upon before a trip.

If traveling to another district, it is possible to take either a bus or mini-bus at Bus Terminal 1 on Burin Road. At Bus Terminal 2, only provides bus services to Amphoe Phimai and Dan Kwian-Chok Chai.

For information, call Bus Terminal 1 on Burin Road, tel. 0 4424 2899 and 0 4426 8899 and Bus Terminal 2 on the Mitraparp-Khon Kaen Road, tel. 0 4425 6006-9 ext. 175, 176 (air-conditioned), 178 (regular).

By Train

An express train bound for Ubon Ratchathani departs Bangkok's Hualamphong Station at 9 p.m. and arrives in Khorat at 2.03 a.m.

Rapid trains on the Ubon railway depart at 6.50 a.m., 6.45 p.m. and 10.45 p.m., arriving in Khorat at 11.48 a.m. and 11.51 p.m. and 4.07 a.m. respectively. especially the morning arrival, which leaves plenty of daylight time to explore the city.

There are also two ordinary trains (3rd class only) that depart Bangkok at 3.25 and 11.25 p.m., arriving in Khorat about 5 1/2 to 6 hours after departure.

The 1st class fare (express train only) is 230 bahts, while the 2nd class and 3rd class fares are 115 bahts and 50 bahts respectively. An additional fee of 40 bahts is charged for rapid trains, 60 bahts for the express and 80 bahts for the special express train. The train passes through some great scenery on the Khorat Plateau, including a view of the enormous white Buddha figure at Wat Theppitak on a thickly forested hillside. Visit www.railway.co.th or call 1690 for more up-to-date schedules and fares.

Attraction
Prasat Hin Phimai
Lam Takhong Dam
Khao Yai National Park


Festivals
Phimai Boat Races
Phimai Boat Races is held yearly by the people of Amphoe Phimai on the second weekend of November. Apart from the races of boats in Phimai and nearby districts, this interesting event has boat decorations for royal ceremonies and boat chants.

Phimai Festival
Phimai Festival is organised to promote tourism activities in the province's main tourist destination of Phimai Historical Park that is held in conjunction with Phimai Boat Races. Activities include long boat racing, cultural performances, religious processions, and a light-and-sound show.

Thao Suranari Memorial Fair
Thao Suranari Memorial Fair is an annual provincial event that is held during 23 March-3 April, the period Khunying Mo was victorious over her enemy. The fair features arts and culture, shops and exhibitions of public and private offices.

Have a great fun at “Chockchai Farm”

information provided by T.A.T (Tourism Autority of Thailand)

The Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya or "Ayutthaya" in short, is one of Thailand's historical and majestic highlights. Serving as the Thai capital for 417 years (1350 - 1767: Kingdom of Ayutthaya), it was once glorified as one of the biggest cities in the world - a Southeast Asia center for civilizations. During the 17th century, most foreign visitors to Ayutthaya, traders or diplomats alike, claimed Ayutthaya to be the most illustrious and glittering city that they had ever visited. The map of Ayutthaya published in 1691 by Simon de la Loub?re in Du Royaume De Siam is proof of such recognition.

The Kingdom of Ayutthaya reached its apex in terms of sovereignty, military might, wealth, culture, and international commerce in the 16th century when the Kingdom's territory was extended far beyond present-day Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Ayutthaya even had diplomatic relations with Louis XIV of France and was courted by Dutch, Portuguese, English, Chinese and Japanese merchants. Visitors can explore and appreciate Thai history in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, which is situated only 86 kilometers north of Bangkok. Visitors to Ayutthaya can marvel at its grandeur reflected through numerous magnificent structures and ruins concentrated in and around the city island surrounded by

Maenam Chao Phraya, Maenam Pa Sak and Maenam Lopburi.

More importantly, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, an extensive historical site in the heart of Ayutthaya city, has been included in UNESCO's World Heritage list since 13 December, 1991.

The Past
The Kingdom of Ayutthaya was built and developed in leaps and bounds. The ruins in Ayutthaya that survived the test of time embody both the glorious and ignominious stories of the Kingdom.

This ancient capital of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, had thirty three kings of different dynasties and reached its peak in the middle of the18th century. A magnificent city with three palaces and over 400 magnificent temples on an island threaded by canals Ayutthaya was truly an impressive city that attracted both Europeans and Asians. After a 15-month siege the Kingdom of Ayutthaya was conquered and completely destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. When King Taksin the Great finally liberated the Kingdom, a new dynasty was established and the capital was moved to Thonburi.

The seal of Ayutthaya depicts a conch on a pedestal tray placed in a small castle under a Mun tree. According to legend, King U-Thong, founder of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, discovered a beautiful conch buried in the ground being prepared for the establishment of the seat of his Kingdom. Consequently, he had a tiny castle built to house the shell. Hence, the provincial seal.

The Present
Today, there are but groups of crumbling ruins and rows of headless Buddhas where once an empire thrived. The temple compounds are still awe-inspiring even in disrepair and a visit here is memorable and a good beginning for those drawn to the relics of history.

The architecture of Ayutthaya is a fascinating mix of Khmer (ancient Cambodian style) and early Sukhothai style. Some cactus-shaped obelisks, called prangs, denote Khmer influence and look something like the famous towers of Angkor Wat. The more pointed stupas are ascribed to the Sukhothai influence. For new arrivals who had limited their visit to Bangkok, similarities may be noted with the riverside Wat Arun, an 18th-century structure that was built in the so-called Ayutthaya style, a melding of Sukhothai Buddhist influences and Hindu-inspired Khmer motifs.

Ayutthaya is administratively divided into 16 districts: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ban Phraek, Bang Ban, Bang Pahan, Bang Pa-in, Amphoe Bang Sai, Bang Sai, Lat Bua Luang, Maha Rat, Nakhon Luang, Phachi, Phak-Hai, Sena, Tha Rua, Uthai and Wang Noi.

Phuket Located approximately 862 kilometers south of Bangkok is Phuket, Thailand's largest island, which is often dubbed as the pearl of the Andaman, or the pearl of the south. Its natural resources- rocky peninsular, limestone cliffs, white powdery beaches, tranquil broad bays and tropical in-land forests contribute to making it the South's wealthiest, busiest, most visited and most popular island and province.

Located approximately 814 kilometers from Bangkok is Krabi Province, one of most attractive destinations in southern Thailand. Encompassing an area of 4,708 square kilometers, the western border of Krabi is the Andaman Sea, the northern borders are Surat Thani and Phang-nga Provinces, the southern borders are Trang Province and the Andaman Sea and the eastern borders are Nakhon Si Thammarat and Trang Provinces. Krabi is an ideal getaway destination teeming with natural attractions including white sandy beaches, fascinating coral reefs, numerous large and small islands and verdant forests with caves and waterfalls. Krabi's topography is mostly mountains and highlands separated by plains in some parts. Flowing through Krabi City to the Andaman Sea at Pak Nam Sub-district is Maenam Krabi which is 5 kilometers in length. In addition, there are several canals originating from the province's highest mountain range, Khao Phanom Bencha including Khlong Pakasai, Khlong Krabi Yai and Khlong Krabi Noi.

Chonburi, Bangkoks nearest seaside town, is located on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand, only 80 kilometers from Bangkok. The area boasts abundant natural resources, which are highlighted by delightful beaches, local colors, traditions, delicacies and fresh seafood. This is a popular resort among Bangkokians who seek the nearest escape from hectic weekly schedules as Chon Buri has something for everyone. In addition, Chon Buri is the center of the Eastern Seaboard Development Project, with its industrial parks and fishing villages.

Pattaya is nestled along a picturesque bay on the East Coast of the Gulf of Thailand, roughly 170 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. From a fishing village in the 1960's, Pattaya has emerged as the favorite Southeast Asian vacation center. A fascinating escape where tourists, holiday makers and vacationers from around the world unfold an incomparable array of possibilities to unwind during an exotic holiday beach vacation.

Unlike other beach resorts, where natural surroundings are used as magnets to attract tourists, Pattaya makes an all-out attempt to provide the best of everything. Here, everything means everything a tourist can imagine while on holiday: recreation, entertainment, sports, sightseeing and fun. To put it simply, Pattaya is a paradise for everyone, as it has a variety of attractions suitable for all types of visitors. This is the place where you can fill your day, from dusk to dawn, with endless activities, or you may choose to do nothing at all and relax.

Buffalo Racing

You could be forgiven for thinking that a domesticated buffalo is not built for sprinting, but in Chonburi town, the gateway to resorts along the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, farmers have managed to tweak a turn of speed from these working animals that is nothing short of amazing.

The annual Buffalo races, 28 September - 4 October 2009, are a hotly contested series of sprints across on an open space in front of the town’s municipal offices.
Tourists and the town’s residents turn out for these amazing races that have been featured in the past on CNN and the BBC as a must-see event.


The races are taken very seriously by the owners of the buffaloes. Prizes for the first nose past the finishing line guarantee owners go to considerable lengths to ensure their buffaloes are in tip-top condition.
Clouds of dust rise as these hefty animals pound down the short course at an alarming speed, reminiscent of a stampede. The crowd roars in support of the favourites and the atmosphere is as an enthralling as watching thoroughbred race horses.
Admittedly, mites slower than a race horse, but the buffaloes are no slouches when it comes to making a short dash for glory.

Although this day of fun and competition would succeed with just the buffaloes as the celebrities, there are other activities to make it a worthwhile outing for families.
A fair with food stalls and handicrafts appeals to visitors who love authentic Thai food, snacks and sweets. Then there are the rides for children, concerts of folk music and, of course, a beauty contest where the prize is the honour of being declared Miss Buffalo.
Not exactly the most adhering of titles for an aspiring beauty queen, but it does not seem to deter contestants from seeking the limelight of the catwalk.
Here is a festival that provides photo opportunities to capture an unusual adaptation of the 100-metre dash. Well worth seeing, is always the conclusion of those who make the effort to travel to Chonburi.

According to most historians, the ancient town of Kanchanaburi was located near Ban Lat Ya, a small village situated approximately 16 kilometers north of the present town. The site was repeatedly recorded in Thai history as an invasion route which the Burmese used to enter Thai Kingdoms. Kanchanaburi, which has mostly mountainous terrain, covers an area of approximately 19,473 square kilometers and is the third largest province in Thailand after Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima.

Experiencing the merging of the past into the present in Chiang Mai where locals are proud of the city's 700-year history. Its rich traditional heritage and unique culture is a perfect foundation for the development of the city. Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to find in the heart of the city centuries-old chedis and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels. The original city layout still exists as a neat square surrounded by a moat with vestiges of the fortified wall and its four main gates offering prime access to the old town.

For years, tourists have mistaken Chiang Mai as the northern junction and the base from which they can explore other provinces. The phrase "a day in Chiang Mai is enough to see things around" was common. Today, tourists are surprised by the fact that there is always something new to discover Chiang Mai. Intriguing diversity among ethnic tribes coupled with breathtaking scenery makes Chiang Mai one of Asia's most attractive tourist destinations. Two weeks in Chiang Mai may not be long enough for serious travelers.

The old city of Chiang Mai with its fascinating indigenous cultural identity such as diverse dialects, cuisine, architecture, traditional values, festivals, handicrafts and classical dances is a prime location in its own right. In addition, the presence of hill tribes and their wealth of unique cultures enhance Chiang Mai's distinctive diversity.

Chiang Mai is also blessed with pristine natural resources of mountains (dois), waterfalls, and other nature-based tourist attractions. At the same time, Chiang Mai residents are warm, gracious and congenial providing authentic hospitality making visits memorable and meaningful. Moreover, visitors from all walks of life can collect handicrafts of silk, silver and wood produced locally as timeless souvenirs. Chiang Mai is a place where both backpackers and luxury tourists can enjoy themselves to the fullest. Khum Rak Kaew - An Antique Hotel in Chiang Mai The limitless imagination mixed with the charm of the city of mist. The embrace of a fresh stream and the fragrance of wild flowers come together to create a place of beauty. By the No.23 kilometer marker on Mae Rim Samoeng Road passing Doi Inthanon. Khum Ruk Kaew lies on tour rai of beautiful hillside surrounded by a big wooden fence that attracts the eye at first glance. Roses of all sizes and numerous flowers blossom together and the moss covered roof set the atmosphere for this place. All eight barns and 300 ox-carts are transformed into Northern-style residences including Ruan Somporn-Uthai, the main house. And Ruan Pum, Ruan Pap, Ruan Por and Ruan Rarin. The smaller houses. When my mind down and my eyes see the details, the amazing scene unfolds in front of me. Every corner and every nook and cranny is tastefully decorated with valuable ancient pieces and every single one reflects the charm and enchantment of the people’s way of life, thoughts and local culture. Khum Ruk Kaew is like a paradise for those who love antiques. The only question is how mush time will be necessary to experience and appreciate all the art at Khum Ruk Kaew. Dr. Somporn Ragrachagarn, the creator of this resort tells us how she began collecting antiques. She came across a small house owned by a merchant and was so impressed by it that she asked the merchant to build another like it. Although the merchant had no experience in architecture, she trusted him and ended up with this beautiful place. After that, she fell in love with antiques because of it’s limitless imagination and principles. Therefore it is not surprising that Khum Ruk Kaew has become as unique and special as it has. Not only is the location interesting. But the food is also. From the look in Dr. Somporn’s eyes, filled with passion for ancient art, and smiles from the cook, as everyone enjoyed their meal, made me realize that “Only passion is enough to create wonderful things Khum Ruk Kaew Resort is full of passion, happiness, and beauty. Maybe because of its charm and enchanting atmosphere, time cannot ruin or reduce the value this place.”

information provided by T.A.T (Tourism Autority of Thailand)