Songkran Festival

Songkran Festival
(Thai New Year)

Thailand's most celebrated festival is the Songkran Festival. It starts April 13 and lasts between 3 and 10 days, depending on where you are in Thailand. The word Songkran is from the Sanskrit meaning the beginning of a new Solar Year, but nowadays Thailand celebrates the New Year on 31 December.

The Thai people celebrate this festival with water. Everyone gets soaking wet and since it is the hottest season of the year, the custom is quite refreshing. Songkran is a Public Spring Cleaning Day, supported by the religious belief that anything old and useless must be thrown away or it will bring bad luck to the owner.

During the afternoon of the 13th, Buddha images are bathed as part of the ceremony. Young people pour scented water into the hands of elders and parents as a mark of respect while seeking the blessing of the older people. In ancient days, old people were actually given a bath and clothed in new apparel presented by the young folks as a token of respect for the New Year.

Until recently Thailand was almost entirely an agricultural society and this has been a perfect time to take break from the business of earning a living. The rice harvest is in, and replanting has to await the coming of the rains.

It is an old belief that the Nagas or mythical serpents brought on rain by spouting water from the seas. The more they spouted, the more rain there would be. So, one might believe that the Songkran customs of throwing water is actually a rain-making idea, but it seems that the Thais don't really bother about way they celebrate Songkran - they just do it for having a great time!

We hope you enjoy the pictures we have taken.

JOIN IN THE FUN AND BE PREPARED TO GET WET? VERY WET!

River cruise in Bangkok

A river cruise in Bangkok gives an insight to the communitylife on the Chao Phraya River and the legacies on this river of kings, a picture of stark contrasts.It needn't have to be an elaborate affair; you can cut the frills and expenses. Plan the river cruise yourself for a more meaningful Bangkok sightseeing tour from the Chao Phraya

River. The Chao Phraya River is the longest river in Thailand stretching 370 km from Nakhon Sawan, more than 200 km
north of Bangkok. The river continues past Bangkok to flow into the Gulf of Thailand in Samut Prakan to the south.

Chao Phraya is also the highest title in ancient Thai nobility,
similar to the Duke in British nobility. The title is no longer in
use.
Attractions, landmarks and views in a river cruise in
Bangkok
Start the river cruise from the Sathorn Pier near the Taksin
Bridge; five minutes walk from the Taksin Bridge skytrain
station, the terminal station for trains from the city center.
Proceed northwards passing the scenic water front hotels like
the old Oriental Bangkok where famous writers like Joseph
Conrad and Somerset Maugham left their mark.
The first recommended stopover, in a river cruise in Bangkok,
is the Ratchawong Pier which leads to Yaowarat Chinatown,
Soi Sampheng where Chinatown started and Soi Sun Yat Sen
named after the father of the Chinese Revolution.
The Memorial Bridge, the next stop, is dedicated to King Rama
I, the founder of Bangkok. His monument, near the bridge,
depicts King Rama I on a throne gazing at the bustling city he
founded more than 220 years ago. Pahurat, the Indian
community in Bangkok is further inland.
Historical aspects of the Chao Phraya
Further upriver on the Thonburi bank, near the mouth of the
Bangkok Yai Canal, the white ramparts of Fort Vichai Prasit
come into view. This was an old Ayutthaya fort built in 1688.
King Taksin's Palace is here in the complex that's now the
Royal Thai Navy HQ.
Next to this old citadel, stands the glittering Wat Arun, Temple
of Dawn, a temple built in the Ayutthaya era.
The Bangkok Yai Canal and the Bangkok Noi Canal, further
upriver, used to be the original course of the Chao Phraya
River.
This long meander was straightened out by a canal in 1542 to
shorten sailing time to Ayutthaya. The new canal subsequently
became the present course of the Chao Phraya River.
The river cruise in Bangkok will now pass the most majestic
sight along the Chao Phraya River, the Grand Palace and the
Temple of the Emerald Buddha in old Rattanakosin, the
historical center, which is the origin of modern Bangkok.
The Thonburi bank, across from the Grand Palace, is where
old communities have lived long before Bangkok was
established as the capital. The Bangkok Noi Museum, further
inland, preserves the history of these communities.
The Royal Barge Museum is located in the Bangkok Noi Canal
near the Phra Pin Klao Bridge.
The river cruise in Bangkok next passes Fort Phra Sumen,
built in 1783 to fortify the old city. Located near the mouth of
the Banglampoo Canal, the second protective canal ring, it's
one of the two remaining forts left from the Bangkok era.
River life and scenes on the Chao Phraya
On the banks, rickety old wooden houses on stilts can be seen
in stark contrast to the spanking new houses and
condominiums. The noodle vendor in a boat sells her food from
house to house as restaurants provide riverside dining near the
some of the piers.
The most spectacular bridge across the Chao Phraya River
encountered in a river cruise in Bangkok is the King Rama
VIII Bridge, a suspension bridge that stands out like a giant
harp over the water. Bang Khun Phrom Palace, which houses
the Bank of Thailand Museum, is nearby.
Bridges across the Chao Phraya River serve as useful
landmarks in a river cruise in Bangkok. Some piers, located
near these bridges, are named after them. You'll pass under
eight bridges in the entire river cruise.
Further upriver life gets less touristy and more rustic,
particularly on the Thonburi bank. Many piers are named
after wats (temples) located nearby, around which community
life is built. Some of these temples, though less well known, are
equally beautiful as their city counterparts.
Chao Phraya boat services for a river cruise of
Bangkok
Chao Phraya river boats ply along the river during the
day stopping at regular piers. These boats are an inexpensive
and convenient way for a Bangkok sightseeing tour of the river.
A Chao Phraya River tourist boat service is also available for a day
tour of selected areas and piers. Boat rental services are also
available for groups of 20 or more.
A total of 34 Chao Phraya river piers located along this 25 km
winding stretch of river. You don't have to go all the way
though, just take your pick and get on and off where you wish.
A river cruise in Bangkok provides a very different perspective
of life in the city on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, an
aspect you can't get from the usual Bangkok city tour.

About the Author

This article, by Eric Lim

Chaing Mai

An overview of Chaing Mai, written as an introduction for people wishing to learn more about this rich and vibrant capital of the North of Thailand.

When thinking of Thailand, many of us immediately think of its hectic capital city, Bangkok. A city overflowing with so many people, traffic, fumes, sights and sounds, that all to often it can be an incredible assault on the unsuspecting tourist's senses. Yet Thailand is a country of overwhelming diversity, and thankfully located in its far north is a capital city that is light years away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.I am of course referring to the delightful Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai is the capital of Northern Thailand, and it boasts a pace far more relaxed and tourist friendly than its Southern counterpart. You'll find the traffic and city pace far less frantic, and the streets a lot less confusing than Bangkok. In fact, one of the best ways for a tourist to find their way around Chiang Mai and get to know this delightful city is to hire a bicycle for the day. A most enjoyable way to see the city first hand, since everything is located in such close proximity.

There are many ways to spend your days (and indeed your foreign currency) in Chiang Mai. The city boasts a large number of glorious temples, over three hundred (or 'Wats' as they are known as in Thailand). These exquisite buildings intricately decorated with semi-precoius stones, glass and other finery are a strong attraction for many visitors to Chiang Mai. Whilse admiring these temples and their extrodinary beauty, you will also gain a richer understanding of just how firmly religion and Buddism are rooted in Thai culture and people's every day lives.

The other main attraction to Chiang Mai, and one which draws so many tourists to this Northern Thai capital is the vast array of trekking tours on offer. Chiang Mai is the starting point for many travellers of all descriptions wishing to go trekking through Thailand's luscious rain forests. Visitors have the chance to wander into the unknown and try riding upon an elephant for the first time, while also living and staying overnight with one of the many Hill Tribe communities that still live just beyond Chiang Mai. Many of these Hill Tribe people still live in the same traditional manner as they have done for centuries, and enjoying a trek can be a great way to experience first hand how these proud and fascinating people live their lives.

A word of warning though: be extremely careful when selecting your guide or company with whom to Trek with. Since so many tourists arrive in Chiang Mai with the specific intention of trekking, many companies are often "fly-by-night" operations, with their trekking packages consisting of very badly organised affairs, with tourists only seeing other tourists, while the itinary they were promised in the civilaisation of Chiang Mai not materialising in reality. Also be prepared for the fact that tourism has taken its toll on these tribes, and trekking near Chiang Mai has become a much more commercial affair in recent years. If you wish to go trekking where you will come across less tourists travelling much further north is strongly advised. Above all, if trekking, be sure to book with a reputable agent, so as to avoid later dissapointment.

Back in Chiang Mai there is so much to see and do, and shopping in one of its many markets is a fantastic way to find those unusual, yet beautiful souvenirs. The best market by far is the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar; the mother of all Chiang Mai markets. It boasts a huge range of clothing, jewelry, Thai arts and crafts - literally anything you could possibly imagine.

The Night Bazaar is also a great way to experience Thai culture in a friendly way. The stall holders all expect to barter with you for the price of an item. It can be a great way for the foreign tourist to make contact with Thai people and enjoy a friendly exchange, when often it is hard to do so with difficult language barriers.

Everything in Chiang Mai from food to accommodation is far cheaper than in its big brother Bangkok and so you will find you get far better value for money. I would also highly reccommend trying a Thai massage, which is a wonderful way to relax - especially after the rigours of an exerting Hill-trek (or a tough day sight-seeing).

As one last word of warning, do bear in mind that the climate in Chiang Mai is often far cooler than many other destinations in Thailand, so be sure to pack a sweater, or light jacket, for often you will be glad you did, but then again you could always purchase a new one at a bargain price! Whatever time of year you visit Chiang Mai be safe, be careful, but most of all have fun in this truly spectacular city, Chiang Mai - the gateway of the North!

Pattaya

Pattaya

Pattaya Thailand travel information and tips.

Accommodations:
Pattaya has many types of accommodations available at many different prices. Hotels, condos, guest houses and rental homes are available by the day, the week, the month or the year.

Hotels / Guest Houses:

The best way to find clean cheap hotels in Pattaya is to stay of the beaten path. Anything on Beach road will be both expensive and dirty, the same goes for 2nd road. Amazingly enough, in Pattaya, a more expensive hotel doesn't necessarily guarantee you a higher quality room. The right hotels have nice rooms for the same price. You can expect to pay about 500 baht per night for a nice room. Hot water, daily change of sheets, safe, and 24 hours security are included. The deposit is usually about 1000 baht. Cheaper rooms can be had for 250 baht with no air conditioning, I would not recommend these hotels unless you are a budget traveler, they are usually decrepit with no windows.
If money isn't a big issue you can also stay in posh western hotels They will cost you over 1000 baht per night but will be of world class standard.

Condos:

Condos are basically studio apartments. They are furnished and cost on average about 12 000-16 000 baht per month. Electricity and water are not included but you can expect to pay an extra 1000 - 2000 baht per month extra. Condos are fully furnished and include cable TV.


Cell phones:

If you plan to stay here for more than 2 weeks, getting a cell phone is recommended (unless you are traveling with your family), you will meet many new friends in Pattaya and cell phones can help you get in touch with them. A used cell phone will cost you about 1000 baht, a good one as high as 15 000 baht. In Thailand electronics carry the same price tag as in the West since the products are imported from Japan.

Motorcycle rentals:

Pattaya has numerous motorcycle rental outfits. You can rent anything from a 125 cc moped to a 1300 cc sport bike. The cost is 150 baht per day for the 125 and 500-1000 baht per day for the big sport bikes. Insurance is sometimes included but not always...you have to ask individual shops about it. You don't need an international driver's license although it is recommended.

Food:

Thai food is very cheap but also very spicy although not all of it. Price varies from 10 - 50 baht with an average of 20 baht a meal. The best way to order is to go to a restaurant that has pictures on the menu. Western fair meals will run you about 150 baht on average, there are plenty of them in Pattaya. Tap water is unsafe to drink but bottled water can be bought at only 5 baht a bottle.

Health:

No vaccination is required but Hepatitis A shots are recommended since the sanitation in small establishments isn't always the best. You should purchase some extra insurance just in case something happens, although a hospital visit is only 30 baht for Thai people, it could be very expensive for foreigners.

Weather:

Perfect, perfect and perfect. Pretty much always sunny, when it does rain it's only for about an hour or so. You won't need to bring your umbrella! The temperature varies from about 25-25 degrees on average. You never get cold in Pattaya.

Things to do:

High speed go Karts 500 baht / 10 minutes
Jet skiing 600 baht / 30 minutes
Tiger Zoo 400 baht
Chinese museum 70 baht
Pattaya Park waterslides 100 baht
Movies 100 baht

Bruno Vincent
info@novatranz.com

Source: www.isnare.com

Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is the one province that has varieties of natural resources in Thailand. Kanchanaburi is Thailand ’s third largest province,covers an area approximately 19,473 square kilometers and it far from Bangkok about 129 kilometers. Kanchanaburi has many tourist attractions including the word-famous bridge over The river kwae and several well known waterfalls, caves, forests, rivers and dam. Therefore, tourist can have many kind of activity at Kanchanaburi such as mountain biking, rafting, fishing, play golf, junkle trekking and living in bamboo raft. Moreover, you will visit the notorious Dead Railway and the Bridge on the River Khwae, one of the famous World War II.

Kanchanaburi consist of 13 districts(Amphoe) which Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Bophloi, Amphoe Lao Khwan, Amphoe Phanom Thuan, Amphoe Sai Yok, Amphoe Sangkhla Buri,, Amphoe Si Sawat, Amphoe Tha Maka, Amphoe Tha Muang, Amphoe Thong Pha Phum, Amphoe Dan Makham Tia, Amphoe Nong Pru, Amphoe Huai Kra Chao.

Many kind of transports that you can use to go there one of the most convenience is by car in case of you have a car or hire cars. So start with buy a map from book shop or traveler information at the airport. However, I think most of tourist like to travel by bus. If you prefer t o use bus you can go to Kanchanaburi by take a bus at Southern Bus Terminal, it take you around one and a half hour to arrive there. Air-conditioned buses to Kanchanaburi leave the Southern Bus Terminal twice per hour all day until 9 p.m. return buses run on the same schedule. Sometimes if you would like to learn way of Thais’ life and you have a lot of times you can go to Kanchanaburi by trains. Trains to Kanchanaburi leave Thon Buri Station at 7:50 a.m.and 1:40 p.m. daily. Return trains leave Kanchanaburi Station at 7:30 a.m. and 3:20 p.m. It take about four and a half hour to be there. You can get more information about Trains schedule at www.railway.co.th. There are also tourist minibuses directly to/from Khao San Road, departing Kanchanaburi at 13:30 and 18:30. At Kanchanaburi you can use songthaews (converted pickups) for transportation also taxi, motorbike and tuk-tuks are available.