Sam Roi Yot National Park

Sam Roi Yot National Park

Located 63 kilometres south of Hua Hin in the vicinity of Kui Buri district, this coastal national park covers an area of 98 square kilometres with limestone mountains, mangrove swamps, and beaches. It is also home to various kinds of local and migrating birds, which are plentiful from November to February. With a large number of ridges, Khao Sam Roi Yot (or the mountain of 300 peaks) stands as a landmark for seamen and also provides a good shelter for ships during a storm. To get to the park, follow the direction signs marking the remaining distances of 38 and 15 kilometres at Km. 256 and Km.286.5, respectively. Admission is 200 baht per person.

Attractions within the park area include:

Hat Sam Phraya, located 3.5 kilometres north of the park office, is a beautiful beach lined with pine trees. Accommodation is available.

Tham Kaeo is situated some 23 kilometres from Pran Buri or 15 kilometres north of the park office. This cave is full of stalactites and stalagmites. Oil lamps can be rented at a nearby village for exploring the cave.

Tham Sai, is 9 kilometres north of the park office. Exploration inside the cave takes about half an hour. Oil lamps can be rented at nearby Khung Tanot Village.

Hat Laem Sala is located 16 kilometres north of the park office. It can be reached by boat or walking across a hill from Bang Pu Village. Walking up a beachside mountain for a while, visitors will arrive at a famous cave called "Tham Phraya Nakhon". The cave has a big hole through which a shaft of light reaches and permits the growth of various kinds of plants. Phra Thi Nang Khuha Kharuhat, a Thai style pavilion, lends the most attractive sight to the cave and has become the symbol of Prachuap Khiri Khan. It is a four-porched building first constructed in Bangkok in 1890 during the reign of King Rama V, then dismantled and moved to the cave where it was reconstructed. Its gable tops were raised by the King himself.

In addition, there is a viewpoint on Khao Daeng, 400 metres from the park office and Ban Khao Daeng, a canalside village, which is the starting point for a 1 hour boat trip to watch wild birds.

Loi Krathong Festival

Loi Krathong Festival: the Delightful Color of Streams Dates: 9-12 November, 2008Venue: Banks of the Chao Phraya River (Krung Thep Bridge – Krung Thon Bridge), Bangkok
Highlights: Enjoy viewing the illuminated float procession to win the prize more than 1,500,000 Baht during 8-12 November, 2008, 19.30-22.00 hrs. along the banks of Chao Phraya River: Krung Thep Bridge – Krung Thon BridgeExperience an amazing atmosphere of the Loi Krathong Festival of the Rattanakosin style during 18:30 – 21:30 hrs. at Santi Chaiphrakan Fort, Bangkok. The illuminated float procession will be best viewed from this area. Also, you will be entertained by the country’s most unique cultural performances apart from experiencing the old market atmosphere, mouth watering array of food as well as participating in the event of the 9 Sacred Places.
For more informations, please visit: http://www.loikrathong.net/ , call 1672 or Events Planning Division, TAT Tel. 66 (0) 2250 5500 ext 3470-3474

Loi Krathong Sai Festival

Loi Krathong Sai FestivalDate : 8 - 12 November 2008Venue : Banks of Ping River,Tak
Highlights :An exceptional opportunity for you to experience the atmosphere of joining the Krathong Sai (floating coconut-shell krathong in line) contest, in order to win His Majesty the King’s trophy. Other remarkable activities will include the floating lanterns of the Royal Family, the procession of the Royal Krathong and lantern, the illumination of Krathong Sai, light and sound presentation, fireworks, water curtain presentation in “The Legend of Krathong Sai”, the longest Krathong Sai, local cultural shows, food and OTOP products.On Saturday 8th November 2008 at 18.00 hr.The Parades of invitation His Majesty the Royal lamps, Royal Krathong, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Cup, and 15 teams of Krathong Sai parades. Opening ceremony of competition on Floating Krathong Sai with A Thousand lights at Mae Ping River Centre Stage.On Sunday 9 - Wednesday 12 November 2008Compitition on floating Krathong Sai with a thousand lights to be awarded His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Cup 4 teams each night.
Contact: TAT Tak, Tel : 66 (0) 5551 4341-3Website : http://www.loikrathong.net/ , http://www.krathongsaitak.net/ http://www.tourismthailand.org/

Namtok Si Dit

Namtok Si Dit
Namtok Si Dit is a large single-tiered waterfall with water running throughout the year. It was once a stronghold of the Communist Party of Thailand. An interesting thing at this place is a rice mortar whose power came from the waterfall constructed by the communist groups. To get there: Take Highway 2196 to Km. 17 and turn right into Highway 2325 for 10 kilometres then turn right into the waterfall.

PHETCHABUN

346 kilometres from Bangkok, Phetchabun borders on three regions, the North, the Central and the Northeast. The central part of the province is on the Pa Sak river basin with mountain ranges running along both the western and eastern sectors. Because of the fertility of the land, Phetchabun has always been an agriculturally productive area. The very name of the province actually means the land of crops and foods.
Today, Phetchabun is a province with rich tourism potential. Its climate is pleasant due to the mountainous and forested areas and it has a history of richness and prosperity for more than 1,400 years. As and Sukhothai styles have been discovered.
Phetchabun is administratively divided into the following districts: Muang, Lom Sak, Lom Kao, Chon Daen, Nong Phai, Wichian Buri, Si Thep, Bueng Sam Phan, Wang Pong, Nam Nao and Khao Kho.

Phra That Phanom

Phra That Phanom
Phra That Phanom is located 50 kilometers from Nakhon Phanom town on Highway No. 212. It is the most important Buddhist site in the province. A 53-meters tall square-shaped pagoda, it was believed to have been built before the 12th century. The pagoda, which is believed to have originally been of Khmer design, was renovated through the years to its present Laotian design. The pagoda enshrines the holy relics of the Lord Buddha. On August 11, 1975 at 7 p.m., the entire pagoda collapsed after many days of rainstorm. The Thai public subsequently made considerable donations to rebuild the pagoda to its original splendor. People placed many valuables inside and placed a 110-kilogram solid gold spire on top of the pagoda.

Phra That Maha Chai

Phra That Maha Chai
Phra That Maha Chai is located at Wat Khosadaram, Tambon Maha Chai, some 40 kilometers from Nakhon Phanom town on the Nakhon Phanom-Sakon Nakhon (Highway No. 22). The monastery is easily accessible via a 2-kilometer road that leads directly to the temple. The chedi enshrines the holy relics of Lord Buddha. Inside the convocation hall is Thailand's largest wooden Buddha image. The hall also features exquisite murals depicting the life of Lord Buddha that are regarded as one of the finest and rarest murals of the Northeast.

NAKHONPHANOM

NAKHONPHANOM Located on the right bank of the majestic Mekong River is Nakhon Phanom an ancient city with a name that literally means of City of Hills . The lovely setting of the provincial capital is enhanced by the rugged beauty of jungle covered mountains which lie beyond the Laotian town of Tha Khaek , located on the opposite bank of the river. Nakhon Phanom is renowned as a great place with beautiful scenery and relaxing ambiance by the Mekong River .
With a history that dates back many thousands of years, the province is a melting pot of diverse ethnic cultures and traditions. However, the culture with the strongest influence on the architecture, customs and cuisine of the province is the Lao culture.
Encompassing a total area of 5,512 square kilometers, most of which are high hills and plains covered with lush and virgin forests, Nakhon Phanom is where Phra That Phanom, the most sacred and ancient religious monument of the Northeast, is located. Both Thais and Laotians usually make their pilgrimage to this highly venerated site to ask for blessings. In addition, visitors can experience the unique fusion of Thai and Lao arts and culture through customs such as the Bai-Sri-Su-Kwan ceremony (the extension of a generous welcome to guests when a potent brew of home-made liquor is usually served).
History of Nakhon Phanom
One of the important cities of upper I-San, Nakhon Phanom was once known as " Sri Kotrabun Kingdom ". Most historians believe that when King Rama I ruled Vientiane , the area was named "Maruka Nakhon". It was later renamed "Nakhon Phanom", because of its outstanding geographical feature its location among many hills and mountains.
Throughout history, Laotians and people from other ethnic groups had migrated across the Mekong River . This recurring pattern of migration left its mark on the local dialects, customs and cuisine of Nakhon Phanom. Some historic treasures include folk dances such as the Sri Kotrabun dance, which is regarded as the symbolic dance of Nakhon Phanom's, the Fon Phu Thai, Sek-Ten-Sak and So Tung Bung that are performed on special occasions.
Todays Nakhon Phanom
Nakhon Phanom, which is 740 kilometers from Bangkok , covers an area of 5,512 square kilometers and is comprised of the following districts: Mueang Nakhon Phanom, Pla Bak, Tha Uthen, Phon Sawan, Ban Phaeng, That Phanom, Renu Nakhon, Na Kae, Si Songkhram, Na Wa , Na Thom and Wang Yang

Ao Chalong

Ao ChalongThis bay, which has the islands largest and most visited pier, is located 11 kilometers south of town. From this pier, holidaymakers can get chartered boats to some nearby islands south of Phuket. The bay area is dotted with dive shops, a few travel agencies and superb seafood restaurants. Although the bay has a stunning setting and relaxing ambience, swimming is not recommended here. Accommodations are available at the Phuket Youth Hostel.
Ao Sen This is a small bay located next to Hat Nai Han, near the Phuket Yacht Club, which has a peaceful and scenic beach with white powdery sand