KAMPHAENG PHET : North Thailand

Kamphaeng Phet is an ancient city of more than 700 years, situated on the left bank of Ping River and was formerly called "Cha Kang Rao" and "Nakhon Chum". It is an important archaeological site and its impressive ruins attest to the splendor of its early past.

Kamphaeng Phet occupies an area of 8,607.5 square kilometers and is located 358 kms. from Bangkok. To its East are riverine flatlands while the western areas are made up of high mountains lush with fertile forests where a number of national parks have been established.

Areas along the river bank at present-day Mueang district used to host several ancient towns which had played a major role as strategic front-line frontiers since Sukhothai was the kingdom's capital down through the times of Ayutthaya and early Rattanakosin (Bangkok) eras. In fact, the name Kamphaeng Phet actually means as strong as walls or forts make of diamonds.


Attractions:

City Walls and Old Fortifications


City Walls and Old Fortifications mark the boundary of the rectangular town area, measuring 300-700 metre wide and 2,200 metre long.

Kamphang Phet Historical Park
Major features in the Kamphang Phet Historical Park include archaeological remains of ancient sites such as Muang Chakangrao to the east of the Ping River, Mueang Nakhon Chum to the west and Muang Trai Trueng some 18 kilometres from the town to the southwest. Services from the Tourist Centre are available, the centre itself being located some 5 kilometres from town on the Kamphaeng Phet-Phran Kratai route.
Chakangrao, the ancient Kamphaeng Phet town, had the same town planning concept as the old Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai, with separate zones for religious sites both within and outside of town limits. Structures are usually large and made of laterite. Religious sites on the west bank of the Ping River at Nakhon Chum are built of bricks and of smaller size.

Muang Nakhon Chum
Muang Nakhon Chum is an ancient town on the west bank of the Ping River. Its 2-3 metre-high earthen walls run along the waterway. It is in this area that the famous religious tablets of Kamphaeng Phet have been discovered. Within the city walls are a couple of ancient sites such as the Kamphaeng Pom Thung Sethi located on Phahonyothin Road just before entering the town. It is part of the laterite fortifications 83 metres long and 6 metres tall.

Muang Trai Trueng
Another ancient town is Muang Trai Trueng. It was built by King Chaisiri of Chiang Rai who fled invading enemy in 1542 B.E. (circa 999). Today most of the structures are in disrepair with only ruins of Chedis and ramparts. The town is about 18 kilometres from Kamphaeng Phet on the Kamphaeng Phet-Khlong Lan road.

Sa Mon
Sa Mon is the site of the palace located to the north of Wat Phra Kaeo with a square earthen wall almost touching the northern city wall. Surrounded the walls on three sides are moats with a pond in the middle. There are no standing structures remaining today.

Talat Kluai Khai
Talat Kluai Khai is on the Kamphaeng Phet-Nakhon Sawan highway at Km.343. Scores of roadside stalls display and sell both raw and ripe Kluai Khai (a type of bananas).

The Kamphang Phet Chalermphrakiat Museum
The Kamphang Phet Chalermphrakiat Museum nearby is made up of groups of Central Region applied architectural style structures. There are exhibitions on the local history with replicas of the city, lifestyle and urban and hilltribal customs and traditions. It also displays the development of Kamphaeng Phet votive tablets and other resources. The museum is open daily. For more information, call 0-572-2341.

The Kamphang Phet National Museum
The Kamphang Phet National Museum , located on Pindamri Road in Mueang district, houses ancient objects and other antique arts articles from various eras found in the provincial town. These include sculptured and earthen designs, heads of Buddha statues, traditional celadon products, sculptures of demons and celestial and human beings used to decorate Chedi bases or Vihans. It is open Wednesday-Sunday from 9.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m. More information at Tel: 0-5571-1570.

Wat Chang Rop
Wat Chang Rop is a large temple situated on a high hill. Its main chedi of Ceylonese style is in the middle of the yard but its top part is broken down. The base is adorned with 68 half-elephants between which are Bhoti-shaped designs. There are also traces of demon and female dancers figures remaining.
Apart from these temples, there are also several ancient sites on the east bank of the Ping River, including Wat Arwat Yai, Wat Kalothai and Phra Ruang Road.

Wat Phra Borom That
Wat Phra Borom That is a temple situated in the centre of Mueang Nakhon Chum featuring a Burmese-style Chedi. To the south is an Ubosot housing several Sukhothai- and Ayutthaya-style bronze Buddha statues. The Chedi itself is believed to originally have been a Sukhothai-type structure, its style having been altered during a restoration work financed by a wealthy Burmese about a century ago.

Wat Phra Kaeo
Wat Phra Kaeo is a large royal temple in town centre near a site believed to have been a palace. The temple itself was used on important city events and had no monks in residence. Major features include the principal Chedi with lion-adorned base and a round Chedi with elephant-adorned base. There are also other Chedis of different bases and remains of several chapels. Its boundary is marked off by laterite walls.

Wat Phra Non
Wat Phra Non is fenced in by laterite walls on four sides. At the front of the temple are a square-shaped pond, bathrooms and an ancient floating pavilion which is supported by a large laterite column. The entire column was cut out in one single piece from its source and measures 1.1 meters on each side and 6.4 meters in height, the largest such stone in the country. A lion sculpture and Sema stones (boundary stones) can still be discerned. The large Vihan which once housed the Reclining Buddha has crumbled entirely.

Wat Phra Si Iriyabot
Wat Phra Si Iriyabot is located to the north of Wat Phra Non and have similar pond and bathroom facilities as its neighbour. Walls on the four sides are of laterite materials with an entrance also made of laterite. A Mondop structure houses Buddha statues in four postures-walking, sitting, standing and reclining in the Sukhothai artistic style. Today only the statue in the standing posture still remains.

Wat Phra Sing
Wat Phra Sing is believed to have been constructed during both the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods. With laterite walls, it has a square-shaped principal Chedi with arches on four sides. In front of the Ubosot are ornamental lion and Naga figurines.

Wat Phra That
Second in size to Wat Phra Kaeo is Wat Phra That . Here the principal Chedi is built of mixture of laterite and bricks with a 15-metre wide square base. The style is of Kamphaeng Phet architecture.

FESTIVALS AND FAIRS:

The Nop Phra Len Phleng Fair is held during the celebrations of Makha Bucha (around February). A tradition since the times of Sukhothai, it is described in the inscription stone found at Nakhon Chum of how processions were organised to pay homage to the town's major religious sites. The fair today consists of colorfully decorated parades of participants dressed in ancient attires crossing the Ping to pay homage to the Holy Relic on the Nakhon Chum side of the river.

The Kluai Khai Fair is held in September each year to promote the local banana for which the province is famous. There are banana contests and competitions on the making of Krayasat (a local sweet), as well as many entertainment performances.

NAKHON SAWAN : North Thailand

A province in the Lower North some 240 kilometres from Bangkok, Nakhon Sawan is also known as Pak Nam Pho, the merging point of the four rivers, Ping, Wang, Yom and Nan, forming Chao Phraya. Because of its strategic location, Nakhon Sawan has been a major inland port town and major trading centre for paddy of the country.



Geography:



The Ping and Yom rivers merge near the city of Nakhon Sawan to form the Chao Phraya River. The Mae Wong National Park on the border with Khamphaengphet province was created in 1987 to preserve the Mae Wong-Mae Pern jungle.



Attractions:



Wat Chom Khiri Nak Phrot



This monastery is located outside of the city just before Dejativong Bridge. It is situated on a low hillock on the left of Phahonyothin Road. From the heights, one can view the scenic Chao Phraya River as well as Dejativong Bridge, the first bridge to span the Chao Phraya River and another newly built bridge. This monastery houses the Buddha's footprints where annual celebrations takes place every 12th lunar month. In addition there is a pavilion named Sala "Thevada Sang" said to be built by angels for its seemingly unlimited capacity.



The Source of Maenam Chao Phraya



The Source of Maenam Chao Phraya is a junction of Maenam Ping and Maenam Nan at Tambon Pak Nam Pho. The waters of the Ping flow reddish while those of the Nan flow greenish, as visible from behind a market within the provincial city of Nakhon Sawan, and when met become the source of Chao Phraya, the most important river of Thailand.



Khao Woranat Banphot (Khao Kop)



This mountain is located behind Paknam Pho City, with a wide courtyard and beautiful flower gardens. It is a popular afternoon rest spot for the city folks. Legend has it that the mountain-top monastery was built in the Reign of King Lithai of Sukhothai over 700 years ago. There is, in addition to a pagoda, a Vihara housing the Buddha Footprints. From the mountain-top, one can view the beautiful scenery of Paknam Pho City, "Bung Boraphet", swamp in the Northeast and a large jungle in the west where mountain ranges appear strung out along the horizon.



Khao No-Khao Kaeo



Khao No-Khao Kaeo is a limestone mountain that has Wat Khao Lo at its foot. A stairway leads to the cave at the peak where a large Buddha image sits in front. When King Rama V visited here via the Ping River, he stayed overnight on the mountain. The province later built a monument to commemorate the occasion. There are numerous monkeys at the foot of the mountain and you can see plenty of bats that live in the cave flying out to feed in the evening, making a long black line in the night sky. Khao Kaeo nearby also has a number of bats flying out at night.

Getting There : The mountain is beside the Asian Highway along the Nakhon Sawan-Kamphaeng Phet section in Tambon Ban Khaen. It is around 45 kilometers from the city and about 18 kilometers from the district center.



Khao Tham Phra



Khao Tham Phra is at Mu 8 in Tambon Noen Sala. Inside are stalactites, stalagmites and Buddha images. During Songkran Festival locals will take flowers, candles and incense sticks up the 100 steps from the foot of the hill to pay homage to the images. A great view of Amphoe Krok Phra can be seen from the peak.

Getting There:Take the Nakhon Sawan-Krok Phra road for about 16 kilometers, then turn right onto the Krok Phra-Thapthan road for about 10 kilometers and a left into the cave for about 4 kilometers. The road is a laterite road. The total distance from the city is approximately 30 kilometers.



Wat Bang Mafo



Wat Bang Mafo is an old temple built in the late Ayutthaya period. The most striking aspect is the main hall that has unique doors and windows designed by the monk Luang Pho Sun. Inside is an image of Rachathipok that was given by the king. The inner walls have murals of a Buddhist tale, while the hall directly opposite has murals of the life of Lord Buddha. They are the works of ancient artisans. The main Buddha image in the Man Wichai posture is strange in that it also holds a palm-leaf fan. Under the multi-tiered roof is a lovely replica of Lord Buddhas Footprint. An annual temple fair is held on the 9th and 10th crescent-moon nights of October.

Getting There: Use the Nakhon Sawan-Krok Phra route. It is about 3 kilometers from the district office. The route goes past Ban Hua Hat, which is a handicrafts village that makes basketry of Tambon Dong Chaphlu. Basketry items are made of bamboo because it is easy to find in the area.



Wat Bang Pramung Floating Market



Wat Bang Pramung Floating Market is on the bank of Bang Pramung Canal in front of Wat Bang Pramung, about 14 kilometers from the city on the Nakhon Sawan-Krok Phra road. Locals will paddle to the market to sell goods and agricultural produce every weekend during 07.00-16.00 hrs. In addition, there are other services like traditional Thai massage, boat tours of Bang Pramung Canal, tours of orchid farms, and boats and water bicycles for hire. For more information, please contact Krok Phra District Office at tel. 0-5629-1006.

Getting There: Take the Nakhon Sawan-Krok Phra road for around 9 kilometers, then turn right for about 7 kilometers into Wat Bang Pramung. The total distance from the city is around 16 kilometers.



Mae Wong National Park



Mae Wong National Park is on the Thanon Thong Chai Mountain Range. The area consists of winding mountains and is the source of several waterways, including the Mae Wong River and some parts of Khlung Canal. The waterways flow into the Ping River and the Chao Phraya River.
Mae Wong National Park is in Amphoe Pang Sila Thong in Kamphaeng Phet (446.4 square kilometers) and in Amphoe Mae Wong-Mae Poen in Nakhon Sawan (446.48 square kilometers), totaling 892.88 square kilometers. The north borders Khlong Lan National Park of Kamphaeng Phet, the south borders Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Reserve of Uthai Thani, the east borders villages in Kamphaeng Phet and Nakhon Sawan, and the west borders Um Phang Wildlife Reserve in Tak. The area was proclaimed a national park on 14 September 1987 and was the 55th national park of Thailand. The park headquarters are at No. 65, Khlong Lan-Um Phang Road, Amphoe Pang Sila Thong, Kamphaeng Phet.

Attractions in Mae Wong National Park :

Kaeng Pha Khoi Nang-Kaeng Nam Bon Kaeo Hin is on the Khlong Lan-Um Phang road and 1.4 kilometers from the park headquarters and another 400 meters on a secondary road. This is a large brook that Khlung Canal flows through. From here, you can walk around 350 meters to Pha Khoi Nang Waterfall that has 4 levels.

Viewpoint is on the Khlong Lan-Um Phang road at Km. 81, around 16 kilometers from the park headquarters. At Km. 93 about 28 kilometers from the headquarters is the area between mountains that is perpetually breezy with an average temperature below 20 degrees Celsius. It is 1.34 kilometers above sea level.

Nang Nuan Waterfall can be reached by getting to Km. 93 and going on foot for about 6.4 kilometers. The waterfall is located amidst the lush jungle. It has 4 levels. It takes about 1 day to make a return trip to the waterfall.

Mae Krasa Waterfall is a large 9-level waterfall about 900 meters high. The waterfall is formed by streams from high-altitude jungles on the Thanon Thong Chai Mountain Range. It is about 18 kilometers from the park headquarters. The trip on foot takes 3-4 days.

Mae Riwa Waterfall is around 21 kilometers from the headquarters. It is a large waterfall that has 5 levels and takes about 3 days for a return trip on foot.

Mokochu Peak is the highest peak in the park. It is 1.964 kilometers above sea level and is 50 kilometers from the headquarters. The return trip on foot takes 5-7 days.

Kaeng Lan Nok Yung is a brook with a wide rock plateau. Mae Wong River, which originates in Mae Wong Forest flows through it. It is about 800 meters from Mae Rewa Forest Protection Unit. The area is suitable for training programs and group camping. The distance from the unit to the brook is about 1.5 kilometers and it is accessible by car.

Moreover, there is accommodation in the park. For information, please contact Mae Wong National Park, Khlong Lan-Um Phang Road, Km. 65, Amphoe Khlong Lan, Kamphaeng Phet, tel. 0-5671-9010-1 or the National Parks Division, National Resources Conservation Office, Royal Forest Department, Bang Khen, Bangkok 10900, tel. 0-2579-0529, 0-2579-4843.

Getting There : There are 2 main routes:

1. Bangkok-Nakhon Sawan-Lat Yao-Khlong Lan route into the park on Highway No. 1117 (Khlong Lan-Um Phang) at Km. 65.

2. Bangkok-Nakhon Sawan-Khong Wilai-Khlong Lan route into the park on Highway No. 1117 (Khlong Lan-Um Phang). The total distance from Bangkok to the park is about 386 kilometers.



Bo Ya Cave



Bo Ya Cave is Hin Kon Village in Tambon Nong Krot, around 30 kilometers from the city on the San Nakhon Sawan-Lat Yao road. Another 6-kilometer road leads to Wat Tham Bo Ya (Wat Thep Nimit Song Tham). A stairway at the foot of the hill leads up to the cave. The cave itself has 3 sections. The first has a large main Buddha image, the second further in is a dead end with a pond called Bo Nam Thip that is believed by locals to be sacred and the third section is an exit out the other way. Apart from the sacred pond, the cave has beautiful stalagmites and stalactites.

Getting There :Use Highway No. 32 (Asian Highway) from Nakhon Sawan to Kamphaeng Phet for about 15 kilometers, then turn left at the intersection into Road No. 1072 (Nong Ben-Lat Yao) for about 1 kilometer. From there, take a left turn at the sign into Wat Si Uthumphon for about 6 kilometers and turn right at the sign into Wat Thep Nimit Song Tham (Wat Tham Bo Ya). The road is a laterite road. It is altogether about 22 kilometers from the city.



Bung Boraphet



Bung Boraphet is the largest freshwater swamp in Thailand. It has an area of around 212 square kilometers. It covers parts of Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Tha Tako and Amphoe Chum Saeng. In the past Bung Boraphet was called the northern sea or Chom Bung as there was an abundance of aquatic animals and plants. According to surveys, there are still some 148 species of animals and 44 species of plants here. Rare animals include white-eyed river-martin and tiger perch.

During November to March a large number of waterfowls migrate here. Some parts of the swamp have been declared the Bung Boraphet Non-Hunting Area under the care of the Wildlife Conservation Division. Bung Boraphet is also a fish breeding ground where the Department of Fisheries has set up the Bung Boraphet Fishery Development Station.

Getting There: Bung Boraphet can be reached by many ways.

By Boat From the Nakhon Sawan Municipal Pier Market, go north along Nan River for about 6 kilometers to the mouth of Bung Boraphet that is called Khlong Nong Duk. Go under the train bridge into the swamp.

By Car

Bung Boraphet Fishery Development Station Take the Nakhon Sawan-Chum Saeng route (Highway No. 225) for about 9 kilometers, then turn right for 2 kilometers to Bung Boraphet Fishery Development Station. Inside is a crocodile breeding pond and a freshwater aquarium. There are boats that you can charter on tours in the area at 400 baht per hour. The capacity is 15 persons per boat

Bung Boraphet Non-Hunting Area or Waterfowls Park Take the Nakhon Sawan-Tha Tako route (Highway No. 3001) for about 20 kilometers and turn left for 4 kilometers to the park. The park has an exhibition in the form of a nature study center, a garden and accommodation. For more details, please contact the Bung Boraphet Non-Hunting Area or the Bung Boraphet Wildlife Conservation Promotion and Development Station, tel. (056) 227874. In addition, there are long-tail boats to take visitors around Bung Boraphet at 200 per boat.



Chao Pho Thepharak-Chao Mae Thapthim Shrine



Chao Pho Thepharak-Chao Mae Thapthim Shrine is in the area of Pak Nam Pho Community on the right bank of the Chao Phraya River. The shrine is revered by locals and is the spiritual magnet of the people in the area as well as passersby using the river. The shrine also offers the best view of the beginning of the river.

Getting There :Take the Nakhon Sawan-Chum Saeng road (No. 225). It is about 3 kilometers from the city on the left.



Nakhon Sawan Provincial Cultural Building



Nakhon Sawan Provincial Cultural Building is in the Nakhon Sawan Rajabhat Institute. This two-story building is in the contemporary Thai style and has a beautiful front porch. It is the center of historical, archaeological and cultural information of the province. The building has an exhibition room displaying cultural development and various archaeological sites. It was completed in June 1992 and was opened by H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on 17 August 1992.



Sawan Park



Sawan Park is in Nakhon Sawan Municipality beside the Asian Highway. It was originally a large swamp with an area of 502,400 square meters called Nong Som Bun. It was later made into a sizable public park with 2 ring roads encircling it. The middle of the park is an island with an area of 6,400 square meters. The park has a garden, lawn, fountain, outdoor stage, waterfall, and rose garden.



The Origin of the Chao Phraya River



The Origin of the Chao Phraya River is the point where the Ping and Nan rivers converge at Tambon Pak Nam Pho in front of the dam in the city. Here, one can clearly distinguish the difference between the two rivers. The Nan River is reddish in color while the Ping River is somewhat green. They flow to form the Chao Phraya River, the most important waterway of the country. The Chao Phraya flows past several provinces before going through Bangkok and ending into the Gulf of Thailand in Samut Prakan. It is about 370 kilometers long. The best place to view its origin is at the Chao Pho Thepharak-Chao Mae Thapthim Shrine.

Tourists can take boat rides to view the scenery on both banks and pay homage to Luang Pho To Buddha image at Wat Pak Nam Pho (Wat Thong Thammachat Nua). Boats can be hired from Chao Phraya Pier.



Wat Chom Khiri Nat Phrot



Wat Chom Khiri Nat Phrot is on the peak of Khao Buat Nak between the foot of Dechatiwong Bridge and Chiraprawat Fort. Legend says that when Burmese troops sacked Ayutthaya for the second time, they built this temple to show that they also hold the Buddhism faith. The most interesting objects here are the replica of Lord Buddhas Footprint and a convocation hall that locals call Bot Thewada Sang. There is a fair to pay homage and attach gold leaves to the footprint in November. Boat races are held in conjunction with the fair.

Getting There :Take Highway No. 32 (Asian Highway) to before the foot of Dechatiwong Bridge and turn left into the temple. It is about 1 kilometer from the city.



Wat Krieng Krai Klang



Wat Krieng Krai Klang is at Mu 5, Tambon Kriang Krai, on the bank of Nan River. Inside is a Sukhothai-style bronze Buddha image in the Man Wichai posture and an old hall over a hundred years old. There is also a replica of Lord Buddhas Footprint and a mural of Lord Buddhas life. The area in front of the temple is inhabited by many monkeys and it is where a crocodile farm can be found.

Getting There :Take the Nakhon Sawan-Chum Saeng road (Highway No. 225) for around 10 kilometers. Then turn left at the direction sign for about 2 kilometers into the temple. It is approximately 12 kilometers from the city. Alternatively, you can charter a boat from Chao Phraya Pier along the Nan River and disembark at Wat Kriang Krai Klang Pier.



Wat Si Sawan Sangkharam



Wat Si Sawan Sangkharam (Wat Thu Nam) is at Tambon Nakhon Sawan. It is an old temple that was used as the site for government officials to pledge allegiance to the king. Evidence from the period remains in the form of spear blades, oars, knives and swords, a gold Buddha image in the Pathom Thetsana posture, and a silver Buddha image. The main image in the old convocation hall is over 100 years old. In 1976, His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen and their 2 princesses came here to open the new hall. Now there is also the pagoda built to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of His Majesty. Wat Si Sawan Sangkharam is regarded as an old temple with immense historical value.

Getting There :Take Highway No. 32 (Asian Highway) then turn left towards Chiraprawat Fort (Highway No. 3001) for around 2 kilometers. Signs along the way point to Wat Thu Nam. The total distance from the city is about 3 kilometers.



Wat Woranat Banphot



Wat Woranat Banphot (Khao Kop) is an old temple of the province on the peak of Khao Kop 185.5 meters above sea level. There are 2 ways up; a stairway of 439 steps and an asphalt road 3 meters wide. The peak has a replica of Lord Buddhas Footprint and a pagoda encasing the relic of Lord Buddha built when Sukhothai was the countrys capital. The temple was praised by the Department of Religious Affairs as the best development temple of 1966. A nearby hill is the site of some television relay stations.

Getting There : Use Highway No. 32 (Asian Highway) and turn right onto Highway No. 117, then another right onto Highway No. 1 (old highway) into Nakhon Sawan Municipality. Turn left before reaching the municipality up Khao Kop. It is about 1 kilometer from the city.



Khok Mai Den Ancient City



Khok Mai Den Ancient City is in Tambon Tha Nam Oi. The city is quite expansive. Traces of the old city wall remain and an artifact in the form of a sculpture of the elephant Phaya Chatthan was discovered here. It is over 1,000 years old. The word Khok Mai Den refers to a kind of tree. People in the old days called Ban Khok Mai Den Muang Bon. The city was founded in the Thawarawadi period around 11th-16th Buddhist centuries (457-957 AD). The city is similar to Nakhon Pathom and is around 250 meters long and 600 meters wide. It is very much alike the city wall of Nakhon Pathom, Muang Sema of Nakhon Ratchasima and Muang Phaya Rae of Chon Buri.
Getting There : The city is 32 kilometers from the city on the Nakhon Sawan-Bangkok route (Asian Highway), then turn left into Khok Mai Den for 3 kilometers.



Chan Sen Ancient City and Chan Sen Museum



Chan Sen Ancient City and Chan Sen Museum is in Mu 2 in Tambon Chan Sen. It is believed that in the Thawarawadi period, the city was surrounded by a moat with an earth mound. The city had a square shape but with rounded corners almost like a circle. The moat was about 20 meters wide. The area is now a waterlogged valley but traces of the moat can still be seen. The city is about 800 meters long and 700 meters wide with an area of about 480,000 square meters. As the part within the moat is higher than that outside, locals call it Khok Chan Sen.

A number of artifacts have been discovered in the ancient city; earthenware items like amulets, dolls, lamps; stone items like pedestals, Buddhism wheels,
and axes; metal objects like earrings made of lead or tin, spearheads, and iron; and bronze objects like Buddha images in the Man Wichai posture. All of the objects are now kept at Chan Sen Museum in Chan Sen Temple. It is open on weekends. Those wishing to visit the site on weekdays can request permission from the temple. Youth volunteers from Chan Sen School can guide you around the city and take you on a tour of the museum. For more details, please contact tel. 66 5633 9116.

Getting There : There are several routes, as follows:

From Bangkok, use the Asian Highway and turn left into In Buri (Highway No. 11), then turn right into Road No. 3196. From there, turn left at the Wat Chan Sen sign for about 1 kilometer, go across the railroad and turn left into Wat Chan Sen. Chan Sen Museum can be seen inside the temple compound.

From Nakhon Sawan, take Highway No. 32 (Asian Highway) to Chai Nat for about 52 kilometers and turn left onto Highway No. 1 to Amphoe Takhli for 7 more kilometers. Then turn right into Road No. 3196 for about 28 kilometers and turn right at the Wat Chan Sen sign for about 1 kilometer and go across the railroad into Wat Chan Sen.



Wat Tham Phon Sawan



Wat Tham Phon Sawan is in Tambon Lamphayon. An asphalt road of 105 kilometers from the city leads to the temple. It is around 10 kilometers from Tak Fa District Office on the Tak Fa-Khok Samrong road. The temple has a modern three-story pavilion. At the rear of the temple is Phon Sawan Cave that is divided into 2 sections. The first section is a small room while the second section is a larger room with Buddha images and various structures like a replica waterfall with a stream in the caves center. The cave is cool and cozy and has electricity and waterworks.

Getting There: From Nakhon Sawan, take the Asian Highway to Chai Nat for about 52 kilometers and turn left into Highway No. 1 past Amphoe Tak Fa for about 46 kilometers. Then turn left into Wat Tham Phon Sawan. It is around 98 kilometers from.



Local Products:



Khanom Moji, a type of Chinese sweetmeats, is popular for taking some home to friends and relatives. It is made of ground peanuts with salted egg yolks wrapped into small rounded pieces, and is quite delicious.



FESTIVALS:

The Chao Pho Chao Mae Traditional Procession is an old, established fair of local people of Chinese descent in Nakhon Sawan. Held during the Chinese New Year celebrations, around January or February, its most spectacular feature is the Dragon Dance accompanied by exciting lights, colour and sounds. It is intended to pay homage to the Golden Dragon which, according to Chinese beliefs, is a god who is most benevolent to mankind. Each year thousands of visitors come to see the celebration which include parades and traditional rituals at the various Chinese shrines.

Nakhon Sawan is the home of numerous Chinese-descended Thais whose forebears emigrated from China over a century ago. The first Chinese settlers in Nakhon Sawan took up trade and commerce. Because of their industrious and hard-working nature, and due to the central location of the town midway between the North and the Central Region, their businesses prospered. As a result, Nakhon Sawan has become an important trading centre, a position it still retains today.

Thailand map

Thailand map

Thai Song [Hit 10/102007]

Karaoke VCD : Bodyslam - Save My Life

Detail

Karaoke VCD : Bodyslam - Save My Life
คาราโอเกะ VCD : บอดี้แสลม ชุด Save My Life

Release date : 13 October 2007



Track List

1. Yar pid : ยาพิษ
2. Aok huk : อกหัก
3. Tarn poo chom : ท่านผู้ชม
4. Ying roo ying mai kao jai : ยิ่งรู้ยิ่งไม่เข้าใจ
5. Kae lhub tar : แค่หลับตา
6. Siew winartee : เสี้ยววินาที
7. Kon mee tung : คนมีตังค์
8. Saeng raek : แสงแรก
9. Naliga tai : นาฬิกาตาย
10. Korb kun narm tar : ขอบคุณน้ำตา

Publisher: Grammy

Link --> http://www.ethaicd.com/show.php?pid=34421

Germany promotes Thai longan exports

Cologne, Germany (dpa) - European cooks are being encouraged at the Anuga food fair in Cologne, Germany to buy pesticide-free longan fruit, which are widely utilized in East and South-East Asian sweet and sour dishes.


The Chinese name of the fruit literally means "dragon eyes" because of the shelled fruit's resemblance to an eyeball. When plucked from the tree they resemble lychees.


GTZ, the German government aid agency, is sponsoring a project in cooperation with the Thai ministry of commerce to boost Thai exports of organic longan.


The fruit are cultivated by small plantation companies without using pesticides or fertilizers.


Thailand is the partner nation at the current Anuga trade fair, which is continuing in Cologne until Wednesday. Organic foods are winning a growing proportion of the market in the West after past food scares.


At Anuga, held every two years, 6,600 exhibitors from 95 nations are showing beverages and food ranging from cheese to canned goods.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=122668

'War room' set up ahead of grilling

Directors allegedly profited from deal

KOMSAN TORTERMVASANA


Former directors of TOT boards have unofficially set up a "war room" to prepare for questioning by investigators looking into the affairs of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, his family and the telecom business he founded.


The executives want to defend themselves in the event the Assets Scrutiny Committee (ASC) links previous TOT boards to deals that benefited the Shin Corp empire at the expense of the state telecom enterprise.


One strategy the directors have in mind is to highlight the introduction of prepaid mobile-phone service in 2001, with TOT's blessing. They point out that the service helped create a mobile-phone boom and enrich TOT through higher revenue-sharing payments.


A former TOT director confirmed that the ASC was focusing on the Thaksin government's conversion of part of the concession fees paid by mobile operators to an excise tax, which allegedly enriched Shin's cellular flagship, Advanced Info Service.


The ASC sees the move as an abuse of authority and a violation of the law and therefore wants the directors' testimony to indict the former prime minister.


The committee has also highlighted the reduction in the revenue-sharing payment from prepaid service to 20% from 25%, and a roaming agreement between Advanced Info Service and Thai Mobile, the stillborn cellular joint venture of TOT and CAT Telecom.


The former director said that TOT's own investigations had calculated the financial damage inflicted on TOT from agreements with Shin companies at almost 100 billion baht, and forwarded its findings to the ASC. The damages include:


- 42 billion baht from excise tax collection;


- 32.3 billion from amendments of concession agreements with AIS;


- 7.6 billion from the Yellow Pages concession with TeleInfo Media, another Shin subsidiary;


- 210 million from the iPSTAR satellite concession.


The source said that several former directors and ministers had already testified before the ASC, raising concern that some testimony might contradict other versions.


As a result, they talked and agreed to set up a "war room" to gather evidence and review facts and testimony to ensure everyone was speaking the same language.


For example, he said, the ASC claims changes in prepaid revenue sharing caused TOT's revenues in the 11th year of the AIS concession to drop by 32.33 billion baht.


He said that the war room has prepared documents to counter this claim, highlighting how the huge jump in prepaid users had helped TOT, which earned more than 20 billion baht from prepaid revenue sharing last year _ four times as much as in 2001.


In addition, he questioned an ASC claim that AIS gained an advantage from airtime fee reductions since the lower costs were passed on to customers and that all operators benefited, not just AIS.


Former TOT union president Mitr Charoenwal said he was also invited to testify four times, focusing on project approvals by former TOT boards, amendments of the AIS-TOT concession, roaming agreements and third-generation service.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/Business/15Oct2007_biz23.php

Defection shows rift in Matchimathipatai

PRADIT RUANGDIT SURASAK GLAHAN

Sophon Phetsawang, a key member of the Matchimathipatai party, defected to the newly-established Puea Pandin party amid signs of growing rifts in Matchimathipatai.

Mr Sophon, former deputy leader of the Matchimathipatai, cited yesterday ideological differences as the reason for quitting the party led by industrial tycoon Prachai Leophairatana.


He said Somsak Thepsuthin, founder of the Matchima group, which was later changed to Matchimathipatai party, wanted to carry out political work under the Buddhist philosophy of the middle path. However, things had changed after Mr Prachai was elected party leader.


http://www.bangkokpost.net/topstories/topstories.php?id=122803

With Mr Prachai as leader, the party's ideology had changed from the middle path to the polarisation of power, said Mr Sophon.


Mr Prachai favoured opinions of the faction belonging to the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), an anti-Thaksin Shinawatra group. This was giving way to divisiveness and voters did not want to see the party split, he said.


Several Matchimathipatai members were uncomfortable with the direction the party was taking, he added.


Sakhorn Prompakdi said he and seven other members would leave the party on Oct 24 to join the Ruamjaithai Chartpattana party. His group could not stand working with Matchimathipatai since the party was now dominated by Mr Prachai and the PAD faction.


Santi Tansuhat, another party member, said he had told Mr Somsak about his plan to leave the party to join the Puea Pandin party.


A source said several party members were not happy with the role of some PAD figures in the party, particularly Karun Sai-ngarm, a former Buri Ram senator, who was close to Mr Prachai.


Mr Prachai indicated he could not care less about Mr Sophon's departure from his party. Mr Karun yesterday denied the PAD has wielded much influence over the party's affairs.


The Pracharaj party, meanwhile, elected a new executive board with Chianchuang Kalayanamitr, a cousin of deputy permanent secretary for defence Gen Saprang Kalayanamitr, as the party secretary-general.


Sanoh Thienthong was again elected party leader, said a source.


The new board was needed after Mr Prachai and some party members left Pracharaj to join Matchimathipatai.


Meanwhile, the People Power party (PPP) yesterday unveiled potential candidates for Bangkok in the Dec 23 general election.


Among them are children and relatives of political figures including Natipoom Navaratna, the 27-year-old son of National Legislative Assembly member Nitipoom Navaratna, said deputy party spokesman Danuphorn Punnakanta.


Mr Nitipum played a part in the People's Alliance for Democracy campaign to oust then prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, prior to the Sept 19 coup last year which toppled Mr Thaksin.

Singaporean demoted in UN graft case

Singapore (dpa) - Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is mystified by by a United Nations decision to demote Assistant Secretary General Andrew Toh and fine him two months' salary, a spokesman said on Saturday.

The 60-year-old UN career office from Singapore, who was once the UN's chief of procurement except for peacekeeping missions, learned of the demotion on Tuesday.

In January last year, the UN put Toh on fully-paid leave after the UN's Procurement Task Force alleged that he had mismanaged the leasing of two Peruvian helicopters.

The UN's Joint Disciplinary Committee exonerated Toh of the lesser charge of misleading the UN on the lease of the two helicopters.

Toh "is like a pedestrian deliberately hit by a speeding car as he crosses the street, only to be cited for jaywalking as he lies injured, while the culprit goes unpunished," the spokesman said, adding that the decision is "unjust and unfair."

"In more than 21 months of investigations, the UN was unable to find any evidence to substantiate spurious allegations of corruption or fraud against" Toh, the spokesman said.

Separately, the Panel on Discrimination and Other Grievances ruled that Toh had been subject to "harassment, discrimination, and intimidation and that he should receive an apology, reinstatement, and restitution," the spokesman said.

Both tribunals concluded that Toh had been denied due process and that his human rights had been violated.

The disciplinary committee concluded that Toh failed to properly declare his financial assets in 2004 and 2005, and that he had refused to comply fully with the secretary general's directive to disclose all his financial information to the procurement task force.

The committee recognized that Toh was reacting against harassment, discrimination and intimidation by the task force and recommended a supervisory reprimand for the non-disclosure of financial information and a sanction which would not go beyond censure.

"For unknown reasons, the recommendations from the UN's own tribunals" were rejected, the spokesman said.

Toh, who lives in the US state of Connecticut, has requested that the UN lift immunity on his accuser so that he can take legal action against him, but so far has been unsuccessful, the spokesman noted.

Toh is waiting to hear when and where he should begin his new duties as director.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breaking_previous.php

MEDIA & TELECOMMUNICATIONS / ADVERTISING

Mobile ads: The next big ring
It's only a matter of time before the new medium catches on in Asia, predicts a research company

UMESH PANDEY

The media industry in Asia, which is already encountering heavy turbulence from the shift of adverting revenues to new media, is set to face a new challenge in the near future as advertising on mobile phones becomes more of a trend in the region, a leading research house predicts.


''Mobile advertising has the potential to become more successful than internet advertising as the delivery medium is more immediate and personal,'' Jeff Teh, a senior research analyst at Frost & Sullivan, said in a recently issued report.


''The mobile audience in Asia is indeed larger and more immediately reachable than the online users, and with the increasing ubiquity of internet access over mobile handsets, the web browsing experience is available to a large new audience.''


Mobile advertising, something that is gradually picking up in more technologically developed countries such as Germany, South Korea, Italy and the United Kingdom, is emerging as the medium in which global giants such as Google, Yahoo and MSN are all taking a keen interest and are looking to tap into to expand their reach and profitability.


The big UK mobile company Vodafone, according to Mr Teh, has already carried out trials with both Yahoo and Google in various markets of a new ad-based model. Nokia, the world's largest mobile handset manufacturer, has already launched Nokia Ad Service and Nokia Advertising Connector in order to position itself as managed mobile ad service provider and to act as the intermediary in bringing participants in the value chain together.


As Asia is witnessing a boom in the mobile-phone industry, and the region is skipping a generation in certain countries such as China and India, the hotbed for future growth of this industry is likely to be this part of the region, Mr Teh says.


Japan, he says, is the market leader in Asia for such services. Mobile-phone operators in Japan are required by regulations to provide subscribers with an option to enable reception of mobile ads or to turn it off if they wish not to receive commercial messages.


Mr Teh says that operators in India and some Southeast Asian countries are also developing platforms for delivery of such services in the near future, although technological advancement of the network is crucial to the delivery.


He says that in Asia Pacific, the initial introduction of mobile advertising is expected to focus on mobile search services and WAP-based advertising. Initially, mobile operators' approach to advertising is expected to be driven largely by partnerships with big brands that are keen to explore new media alternatives, since television advertising is increasingly failing to capture an audience's attention.


He added that big brands could now enjoy the opportunity to reach consumers through mobile advertising although many are hesitant to take the plunge. Traditionally, media buyers need case studies and research to back up a proposition to a client. Therefore, the brands are seeking proof that an investment in leveraging the mobile advertising medium would be justified.


He says that as mobile operators have a direct relationship with their subscribers, this results in very valuable raw data that can be used to provide targeted ad campaigns. Further, the operator also has a strong influence as it acts as the gateway to the subscribers. To this end, operators must realise their significance and position in this industry, and should act quickly not to let this alternative revenue stream merely contribute via traffic charges and minimal revenue shares.


But he says the anticipation is that mobile operators will only start to become more involved in advertising when the industry develops further in the areas of consumer acceptance and the willingness to receive ads over the mobile phones.


Despite the potential the new medium carries, it is still in its infancy and key challenges remain that needs to be sorted out before the industry can move forward.


Mr Teh says that several factors are expected to drive the proliferation of mobile as an advertising medium, which includes improvement of mobile data delivery, 3G services, which would enable the delivery of richer media services, and consumer awareness in mobile data services.


Despite the notion that the emerging markets were keen adopters of mobile advertising, Frost & Sullivan believes that the continued improvement of mobile penetration rates and increasing mobility trends are expected to drive the growth of this segment across the Asia Pacific markets.


Among the other challenges is the fact that there is no clearly defined successful business model to convince companies to advertise and to allocate budgets to the mobile medium.


But Mr Teh said that a change in the content provided in the model was likely to be the key driver for the growth of the industry in the near future as having web access through the handheld devices starts to catch on among consumers in the region.


He says that one business model that has shown the most positive indications of success is the ad-funded or sponsored-content model, where subscribers get to download or access content for free in exchange for receiving selected ads either as a precursor to the ad or embedded within a downloadable application. Incentive-based ads such as offering cash, free minutes, downloads and discount coupons are also an attractive way of pushing content.


He added that despite offering free downloads the key here would be how much advertising a user was willing to accept in exchange for a free service.


''Ultimately, Frost & Sullivan believes that mobile advertising will be successful with hybrid combinations of targeted mobile advertising campaigns coupled with traditional print ads,'' he said.


Citing the example of Blyk, a European mobile operator, he says that this first pan-European ad-funded mobile network, which offers customers free mobile phone calls and texts in return for receiving ads on their mobile handsets, could be a recipe that Asian operators could look into.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/Asiafocus/06Oct2007_biz40.php

Philippines mobilises after mall terrorism

Manila (dpa) -Police chemists found traces of C-4 explosive component in the rubble of an upscale shopping mall in the Philippine capital on Saturday that was bombed a day earlier.

The chemists presented their findings to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and top security officials in a briefing on the deadly attack at Glorietta shopping centre in the financial district of Makati that killed nine people and injured 113 on Friday.

The chemists identified the C-4 component found in the rubble as RDX, or royal demolition explosive, which is the main explosive material in C-4.

C-4 is a common variety of military plastic explosive, which can easily be molded into any desired shape. It is well known for its durability, reliability and safety.

No group has claimed responsibility for Friday's attack.

National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales sought people's full cooperation in stricter measures the police will be implementing to prevent a repeat of the incident.

Arroyo has cancelled her scheduled trip to the central Philippine cities of Ormoc and Tacloban in the aftermath of the bombing.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breaking_previous.php

Nurturing the next generation

Thai filmmakers received plenty of encouragement at the recent International Film Festival in Pusan, long regarded as the region's foremost cinema event

Story by KONG RITHDEE


Earlier this month an October monsoon swept in and threatened to dampen the spirits of Pusan, the scene of Asia's foremost film festival, known for its long days of freshly-picked Asian films and longer nights of parties and soju-fuelled partying. Despite the weather, from Oct 4-12 the 12th Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) drew a huge gathering of international media and guests to its Haeundae beach venue.


As rain lashed the streets and threatened to flood the festival pavilion, and as question marks loomed over whether Pusan could hold on to its decade-long rule as Asia's number-one film festival, Thai participants felt anything but disheartened. This year a stream of talent from Thailand left a firm impression at the prestigious cinefest. Most significant was Aditya Assarat, a Thai filmmaker whose debut feature-length movie Wonderful Town was one of three films to win the New Currents Award, one of the most illustrious prizes for emerging talent in Asia. This is the first time that a Thai movie has received an award from PIFF.


But Pusan did more than just show the movie and give it a cash prize. As part of it commitment to supporting independent filmmakers the festival, through its Asian Cinema Fund project, granted Aditya post-production money that allowed him to transfer the movie from HD-video to 35mm film print, a process that costs around 3 million baht. They also flew him and his assistant to Seoul and put them up for two weeks as the filmmakers completed the sound mixing in a lab. Evidence, if it were needed, that the PIFF sees itself as more than just a festival that screens films, but as an essential component in promoting and looking after new talent.


"The grant was crucial in getting us to complete the film in the format in which the public saw it," says Aditya. "We shot on high-definition video, but it was still video. This is okay for watching on TV, but when it gets screened in a cinemas, the difference in quality becomes apparent.
Aditya Assarat's "Wonderful Town" was one of three films to win the New Currents Award.


"The fund allowed us to blow-up the HD to 35mm film and this means we were suddenly on the same playing field as the so-called 'real' movies in terms of technical quality. I think the mainstream audience is wary of indie films because they feel they're not 'real' films, because of the quality. But when the quality is okay, it allows the film to be judged on its own merits and allows your work to reach a wider audience."


Another Thai who has enjoyed the benefits of the PIFF's Asian Cinema Fund is documentary filmmaker Panu Aree, whose new project, called The Convert, was awarded US$5,000. Panu's project, which follows the life of a Buddhist Thai woman who marries a Muslim man from the South, was among the 13 (and the only one from Thailand) handpicked by the committee in Pusan to receive an Asian Network of Documentary grant. The Convert is now in the process of final editing. The filmmaker himself was invited to participate in a three-day workshop with leading Asian documentary filmmakers.


"The grant gave me a lot of breathing room," says Panu. "It's a great morale boost too, since there's not much support I could find in Thailand, and usually I've had to scrape through to finish each project.


"I believe that the Asian Cinema Fund will earn Pusan a lot of credit among independent filmmakers, whose lives are a constant struggle."


It has become a familiar story that when it comes to making movies that do not correspond to the market demand our local directors need to seek funding abroad. Grant-hunters usually set their sights on funding from governments in Europe, whereas in Asia, Korea is a principal benefactor.
As question marks loomed over whether Pusan could hold on to its decade-long rule as Asia's number-one film festival, Thai participants felt anything but disheartened


Besides actually awarding money to projects, the PIFF also features a film financing forum known as the Pusan Promotion Plan, or PPP. Filmmakers from around the world submit their scripts to a PPP selection committee that picks about 20 titles each year. The selected scripts, along with their directors, are then flown to Pusan where they have meetings with possible investors. The PPP doesn't hand out money to projects itself, but instead provides a matchmaking platform where people with money _ studios or investors _ meet people with ideas. This year, the PPP picked one Thai project, The Island Funeral by director Pimpaka Towira.


"We met with various investors, film distributors as well as government funding bodies in Pusan," says Pimpaka. "Though no deal was made on the spot _ nobody actually gave us any money to make the film _ it was a good opportunity to see what others think of our script. The kind of movie I want to make can hardly attract any money from Thai investors, so we need to go out to look elsewhere. At least the Ministry of Culture supported our travel costs."


Another two Thai talents have also made their presence felt in rainy Pusan this year. At the more glamorous end of things, Thai-born Australian-Laotian actor Anada Everingham represented Thailand in a campaign called "Star Summit", a congregation of rising actors from East Asia. The Star Summit was in part aimed at adding gloss to the film festival, but it was also an attempt by the PIFF to endorse the idea of acting as a serious profession that plays a crucial part in the development of the film industry.


On the academic front, Thai director Pen-ek Ratanaruang was invited to be one of the three instructors at this year's Asian Film Academy, yet another project attached to the PIFF. Pen-ek was in Pusan for nearly three weeks, when he oversaw a group of 24 students, plucked from a few hundred applicants across Asia, write, shoot, direct and edit two short movies. Again, this shows how the PIFF _ and Korea in general _ sees the paramount importance of grooming newcomers and ensures that they have the opportunity to grow. Indeed Korea is now exporting movies and TV series with the same industriousness that they export mobile phones, cars and computers.


"It was unprecedented for a film festival to set up a film academy for students," says Pen-ek. "For me, it shows that this is a film festival that really cares about cinema. Of course, they want the glitz and the red-carpet glamour, but I believe that Pusan puts cinema above everything else. That's why it has become the top festival of Asia. Surely we can learn a lot from them."

http://www.bangkokpost.com/191007_Realtime/19Oct2007_real01.php

Best Selling in Grammy Karaoke [Thai Karaoke]

Karaoke VCD : Various Artists - The Album Karaoke VCD : Bodyslam - Save My Life Karaoke VCD : Bie - Love Scenes Karaoke VCD : OST : Krungthep Ratree - Vol.2 Karaoke VCD : Marsha - Let's have fun...Tonight Karaoke VCD : OST : Grammy GTH - Feel Good Karaoke VCD : Kat English - Sassy Kat Karaoke VCD : OST : Krungthep Ratree - Vol.1 Karaoke VCDs : Grammy - Seven Rock Karaoke VCD : X Track 6

Thai song hit

Got Jukkrapun : Khor Tode Tee Kid Tueng
Got Jukkrapun : Khor Tode Tee Kid Tueng. New album (5th). 10 tracks.

Detail

CD : Got Jukkrapun - Khor Tode Tee Kid Tueng
CD : ก๊อต จักรพรรณ์ ชุด ขอโทษที่คิดถึง

Released on 24 October 2007

Track List

1. Kun dai tae dai mar : คุณได้แต่ใดมา
2. Khor tode tee kid tueng : ขอโทษที่คิดถึง
3. Glua ngao mai tao gun : กลัวเหงาไม่เท่ากัน
4. Sabai dee rue plao : สบายดีหรือเปล่า
5. Aow narm tar mar nee : เอาน้ำตามานี่
6. Tida pah mhai : ธิดาผ้าไทย
7. Ruk gun nah kon dee : รักกันนะคนดี
8. Doo lae tua aeng duay nah : ดูแลตัวเองด้วยนะ
9. Puer ter doey chapoh : เพื่อเธอโดยเฉพาะ
10. Dork mai hai kun : ดอกไม้ให้คุณ
Publisher: Grammy

About Thailand

Thailand is a country in South-East Asia with coasts on the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. It borders Myanmar (Burma) to the north-west, Laos to the north-east, Cambodia to the south-east and Malaysia to the south.

With great food, a tropical climate, fascinating culture and, hey, great beaches, Thailand is a magnet for travellers the world over

Thailand's 76 provinces can be conveniently divided into five geographic and cultural regions.
North - Chiang Mai, hill tribes, and the Golden Triangle
Isaan - the great undeveloped north-east - get off the beaten track and discover backcountry Thailand and some magnificent Khmer ruins
Central - Bangkok, lowlands and historic Thailand
East - beaches and islands within easy reach of Bangkok, and, oh yes, Pattaya
South - hundreds of kilometers of coastline and countless islands on both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, plus Phuket, Krabi, Ko Samui, Ko Tao and many more of Thailand's famous beach spots
[edit] Cities
Bangkok - Thailand's bustling, frenetic capital
Ayutthaya - a historical city, world heritage site and the old capital city of Thailand
Chiang Mai - the capital of the North and the heart of Lanna culture
Chiang Rai - gateway to the Golden Triangle
Hat Yai - largest city in the Southern region
Kanchanaburi - home of the Bridge over the River Kwai
Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) - main city in the Isaan region
Pattaya - one of the main tourist destinations
Sukhothai - Thailand's first capital
[edit] Other destinations
Islands & beaches:
Ko Chang - once quiet island undergoing major tourism development
Ko Lanta - sleepy island near Krabi
Ko Pha Ngan - site of the famous Full Moon Party
Ko Phi Phi - backpacker favorite where The Beach was filmed
Ko Samet - the nearest island beach escape from Bangkok
Ko Samui - hippie mecca gone upmarket
Ko Tao - where the world learns to scuba dive
Phuket - the original Thai paradise island
Rai Leh - stunning beach by the limestone cliffs of Krabi
National Parks:
Ang Thong National Marine Park - in Surat Thani Province
Khao Yai National Park - in Isaan
Ko Chang National Park - in Trat Province
Similan Islands - in Phang Nga province
Tarutao National Park - in Satun Province

CHIANG MAI : North Thailand

CHIANG MAI is very popular of the North like a keystone of any journey to Thailand. Along with Sukhothai farther south, it was the first South-East Asian polity to make the historic transition from domination by Mon and Khmer cultures to new era ruled by Thais. About 700 kilometers from Bangkok, Chiang Mai is situated on the Mae Ping River basin some 310 meters above sea level. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, it covers an area of approximately 20,107 square kilometers.


Geography

About 700 kilometres from Bangkok, Chiang Mai is situated on the Mae Ping River basin some 310 metres above sea level. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, it covers an area of approximately 20,107 square kilometres. The terrain is mainly jungles and mountains, parts of which are within national parks which are still fertile and verdant with plentiful flora and fauna. There are many sites and locations where tourists prefer to visit to study the lifestyle of the tribal people who live on high hills.

History

King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning "new city") in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lannathai kingdom. Mengrai constructed a moat and a wall around the city to protect it against raids from Burma. With the decline of the Lannathai kingdom, the city lost importance and often was occupied by either the Burmese or by the Thais from Ayutthaya. As a result of the Burmese wars that culminated in the fall of Ayutthaya in April 1767, Chiang Mai itself was so depopulated that the remaining inhabitants abandoned the city for fifteen years (1776 - 1791). Lampang functioned as the capital of what remained of Lannathai during that time.

Chiang Mai formally became part of Siam in 1774, when the Thai King Taksin captured the city from the Burmese. Chiang Mai rose in both cultural, trading and economic terms to gradually adopt its current status as the unofficial capital of the north of Thailand, second only in national importance to Bangkok.

The people generally speak Kham Muang (also known as Northern Thai) amongst themselves, but the Central Thai of Bangkok is used in education and is understood by everyone. The old Kham Muang alphabet is now only studied by scholars and Northern Thai is commonly written using the standard Thai alphabet.

Attractions

Wat Phra Sing Located on Sam Lan Road, this lovely temple dates from 1345 and is one of the focal points of Songkran festivities each April 13-15 when people bathe the revered Phra Phutthasihing Buddha image. The temple compound includes the lovely Lai Kham chapel with its exquisite woodcarvings and northern-style murals, and a magnificent scriptural repository with striking bas relief.

Wat Suan Dok Located on Suthep Road, this temple was built in a 14th century Lanna Thai monarch's pleasure gardens and is a favourite spot for photographers particularly for striking sunsets. Several of the white Chedis (pagodas) contain ashes of Chiang Mai's former royal family The 500-year-old bronze Buddha image in a secondary chapel is one of Thailand's largest metal images.

Wat Chiang Man Located on Ratchapkkhinai Road, this is Chiang Mai's oldest temple and probably dates from 1296. The temple was the residence of King Mengrai, who founded Chiang Mai, and is noteworthy for a Chedi supported by rows of elephantine buttresses and small ancient Buddha image, Phra Kaeo Khao.

Wat Ku Tao This temple is near the Chiang Mai Stadium. It is note worthy for an unusual bulbous pagoda. The structure is decorated with colourful porcelain chips and is believed to represent five Buddhist monks' alms bowls which symbolise five Lord Buddhas.

Wat Chedi Luang Located on Phra Pokklao Road, this temple is the site of an enormous pagoda, originally 280 feet high, and which was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1545. At one time, Wat Chedi Luang housed the revered Emerald Buddha image now enshrined in Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaeo. One of the temple's most striking architectural feature is a magnificent Naga (mythical serpent) staircase which adorns the chapel's front porch.

Wat Chet Yot Located on Super Highway, north of the Huai Kaeo Nimmanhemin Roads intersection. This temple dates from 1458. The seven spired square Chedi was inspired by designs at Bodhagaya, the site of the Buddha's Enlightenment in north India over 2,500 years ago, and was built by Lanna Thai architects after visiting the holy site.

Wat U-Mong Located on Suthep Road in a bucolic forest setting, this delightful meditation temple is completely different from Chiang Mai's other major temples. It was built in 1296. The ancient Chedi is of particular interest.

Chiang Mai National Museum This is located beside Wat Chet Yot. The museum houses a collection of Lanna Thai works of art, ancient Buddha images, and war weapons. It is open daily, except Mondays, Tuesdays and official holidays, from 9.00 a.m. until noon, and 1.00 until 4.00 p.m.

Wiang Kum Kam An ancient town founded by King Mengrai is located 4 kilometres on Chiang Mai-Lamphun route area of Amphoe Saraphi. The main historical remains are found in Wat Chedi Liam, Wat Chang Kham, Wat Noi and Wat Kum kam.

Chiang Mai Arboretum This is next to Chiang Mai University.The attractively landscaped garden contains many kinds of tropical trees and lovely flowers

Chiang Mai Zoo Next to the Chiang Mai Arboretum, this artfully landscaped complex occupies the lower forested slopes of Doi Suthep mountain, and contains a fascinating collection of Asian and African mammals and birds.

Huai Kaeo Falls Located near the Chiang Mai Zoo, the cascade provides a delightful ambiance for relaxation and picnics.

Khruba Siwichai Monument This is situated at the foot of Doi Suthep Mountain. The monument honours the man whose followers built the first motor road to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in 1935.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep This temple is Chiang Mai's most important and visible landmark, and overlooks the city from its forested mountain backdrop. It is 15 kilometres from town, 3,520 feet above sea level, and dates from 1383. The temple is approached on foot by climbing a steep staircase comprising 290 steps. The less energetic may ascend by funicular rail cars. The temple's golden pagoda contains holy Buddha relics, and attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world throughout the year

Phu Phing Palace This is located on the same road, beyond Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, 22 kilometres from town. The royal winter palace was built in 1962. The lavishly landscaped gardens and grounds are open to the general public on Friday, Saturdays and Sundays and official holidays, when the Thai royal family is not in residence.

Doi Pui Tribal Village This Meo tribal village is some 4 kilometres from the Phu Phing Palace, and offers vignettes of modern tribal life.

Old Chiang Mai Cultural Centre Located on the road to Chom Thong, the centre stages Lanna Thai cultural Performances with a Khan Tok Dinner. Objects d'art are displayed.

Earthenware & Lacquerware Shops These are clustered together, some 4 kilometres from town, on the Chiang Mai - Hang Dong Road.

Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong This temple is 58 kilometres from Chiang Mai and dates from the mid-1400s. The temple houses a collection of bronze Buddha images, and the secondary chapel contains a holy Buddha relic.

Doi Inthanon National Park Doi Inthanon is Thailand's highest mountain and towers 2,565 metres above sea level. Travel 58 kilometres west of Chiang Mai via Highway 107, by regular coach to Amphoe Chom Thong and thence by minibus to the peak for a further distance of 48 kilometres.

Complex mountain ranges and a mild climate characterise an area with moist and dense summit forest which is the source of important tributaries of the Mae Ping River, one of northern Thailand' s major waterways. Various streams descend, forming beautiful waterfalls throughout the park. These include the Siriphum, Vachirathan, Mae Pen, Mae Klang, and, the largest of all, Mae Ya waterfalls. Meo and Karen hilltribes inhabit the park.

Visiting the Doi Inthanon National Park is possible throughout the year. The best period for viewing waterfalls is May through November. The best period for viewing wild flowers is December through February. The best period for ornithologists is November through March.

For accommodation, contact the national park office at Km. 31. Food is available at local shops at km. 31.

Ban Rai Phai Ngam This is a village where famous cotton cloth woven in the old style has been long produced. At present the weavers central gathering is the home of the late National Artist, Pa (Aunt ) Sangda Bansit , who had transferred her knowledge on the weaving process to other villagers. The village is located on the left of Chiang Mai-Hot between Km. 68 - 69 , about 4 kilometres off the main road.

Op Luang Gorge This picturesque gorge is 105 kilometres from Chiang Mai provincial capital, and is framed by teak forests and mountains.

Hilltribe Museum Located on Chotana Road, this contains a permanent exhibition of northern hilltribes. The museum is open daily from 9.00 a.m.- 4.00 p.m.

Orchid & Butterfly Farms Major nurseries are located along Mae Rim - Samoeng route (Road No. 1096). These farms include Sia Nam Phung, Mountain Orchid, and Mae Ram Orchid. Each provides opportunities for visitors to admire these exotic year-round blooms. Certain orchid farms also have special butterfly enclosures where exotic species can be seen in their natural environment.

Mae Sa Waterfall This 8-tiered waterfall is 26 kilometres from town and occupies a natural setting among gigantic towering trees.

Elephant Camps There are riverside enclaves north of Chiang Mai which feature a daily show of elephants at work every morning. These include Mae Taman, Mae Taeng and Chiang Dao Elephant Camps on Route No. 107, and Pong Yang and Mae Sa Elephant Camps on Route No. 1096 (Mae Rim - Samoeng).

Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden This national botanic garden is located at Km.12 of Mae Rim-Samoeng route and covers an area of 560 acres. It was established in April 1992 in order to gather, to conserve, as well as to strengthen studies and research on Thai plants. More than 700 species of plants with the emphasis on Thai Flora have been collected.

Resorts Several picturesque resorts, with accommodation and dinning facilities, offer bucolic rural living on the Mae Rim - Samoeng route and include Mae Sa Valley Resort and Erawan Resort, and the Samoeng - Hang Dong route which includes Lanna Resort, Krisadadoi Resort and Suan Bua Resort. Some occupy hillsides, others secluded valleys.

Chiang Dao Caves Sacred Buddha images occupy the caves of Wat Tham Chiang Dao at KM. 72 on Highway 107. Caves are illuminated by electric lights. Deepest recesses can be explored with local guides.

Doi Ang Khang This royal agricultural station situated among beautiful mountainous scenery, provincial capital, 163 kilometres north of Chiang Mai, is a demonstration site for planting and researching flowering plants, temperate fruit trees, vegetable and other crops under the patronage of his Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Fang Hot Springs Located at Ban Pin, also 163 kilometres north of Chiang Mai provincial capital, 50 hot springs occupy a 10-acre forest setting. Three of the springs boil continuously with a strong smell of sulphur. Water temperatures at the springs range from 90 to 100 degrees Celsius .

Bo Sang Umbrella / Parasol Village The world - famous village is 9 kilometres from town, along a road lined with handicraft-producing factories. In genuine cottage industries, young women manufacture silk and cotton umbrellas and paper parasols which are subsequently hand painted in various animal and floral designs. Generations of Bo Sang families have been engaged in umbrella and parasol making for more than 200 years .

San Kamphaeng Cotton & Silk Weaving Village This equally famous village is located 13 kilometres from town. The village is the major source of all Thai silk and cotton produced in Chiang Mai. The fabrics are woven by local folk on traditional wooden looms, and are sold in a wide variety of plain lengths, plaids, brocades, stripes, prints and checks.

San Kamphaeng Hot Springs This is located 36 kilometres from town amid natural surroundings of trees and verdant hills. The water has a high sulphur content and possesses curative and restorative properties. Accommodation, a swimming pool, dining facilities and segregated mineral bathing rooms are available. Nearby is Rung Arun Hot Spring Resort, which offers bungalows, mineral baths and a sumptuous park setting.

Major Events:

Chiang Mai celebrates many annual festivals. Three are particularly lively and lovely. They are the Flower Festival, the first Friday and weekend of every February. Songkran, 13-15 April each year and Loi Krathong on the full-moon night of the twelfth lunar month generally in November.

Flower Festival - the 3-day event occurs during the period when Chiang Mai's temperate and tropical flowers are in full bloom and at their colourful best. Festivities include colourful floral floats parades music and dancing and beauty pageants.

Songkran -This festival celebrates the traditional Thai New Year with religious merit-making pilgrimages beauty parades dancing merriment and uninhibited good-natured water-throwing.

Loi Krathong - People float away banana-leaf boats bearing a lighted candle incense flower and a small coin to honour the water spirits and wash away the previous year's misfortunes.

Trekking Tours:

Hmong, Lisu, Yao akha, Lawa and Karen hilltribes live throughout northern Thailand's mountains. They share animist beliefs and honour numerous forest and guardian spirits. Each tribe has distinctive ceremonial attire, courtship rituals, games, dances, agricultural customs, puberty rites, languages or dialects, aesthetic values and hygienic habits.

Popular "Jungle Treks", lasting from 2 to 7 days, take visitors through forested mountains and high valleys and meadows, and include visits to remote high altitude hilltribe settlements for overnight stays. The best guides are hilltribe youths who customarily speak English, Thai and at least three tribal dialects.

Treks commonly feature travel by foot, sometimes by boat, elephant-back, horse-black or jeep, frequently a combination of two or three modes of transportation.

Prospective trekkers are advised to shop around companies offering such tours for the best conditions. All treks must be registered with the Tourist Police. This is done for trekkers' protection. Avoid companies that do not abide by this law. Visitors are welcome to enquire from the Tourist Police to confirm which tour companies have negative or bad reputations, or visit the TAT Chiang Mai office to obtain registered travel agents.

Also, avoid narcotics, essentially everything from soft drugs such as marijuana to hard drugs such as opium and heroin both during travel and at hilltribe villages. There are severe penalties for such usage.

Wear sensible clothing to protect your limbs and sleep under a mosquito net at night. Malaria is a real threat, and sensible precautions should be taken to avoid it.

Visitors should remember to:

a) Respect hilltribe and religious symbols and structures.

b) Dress modestly. Hilltribe people are generally modest. Inappropriate attire may offend them.

c) Ask permission before photographing someone. Some villages do not permit photography.

d) Avoid trading western medicines and articles of clothing. Contributions to their welfare, items such as pens, paper, needles, thread, cloth and material used for embroidery are perfectly acceptable.

Trek prices are determined by the duration of the trip, transportation modes, meals available and the size of the trekking party. Check directly with the Chiang Mai TAT office for current information.

SHOPPING:

Chiang Mai is, quite simply, Thailand's major centre for quality handicrafts. The visitor need merely visit the nearest city emporium or night market to purchase handicrafts. A major advantage of shopping in Chiang Mai is that the visitor may watch artisans working within the city and in several outlying villages, particularly along the Bo Sang-San Kamphaaeng Road where, in genuine cottage industries, parasols, silk and cotton weaving, jewelry, woodcarving, silverware, celadon, and lacquerware are manufactured, and number among popular purchases.