Phangnga : The house of the marvellous sea and islands

Phangnga is the best of the best in terms of the beauty of the sea. It has been a dream land for all tourists, with all its beauty and presered nature of the underwater world. Despite its long distance from Bangkok, it is 788 km from the capital, this province and its islands - Surin Islands, Similan islands and other islands in Phangnga Bay National Park - have been successfully drawing a large number of tourists for a very long time.

Tresure the natural beauty

Phangnga Bay National Park is situated in the districts of Muang and Takua Thung, famous for its glorious shore and sea views, mangrove forests as well as many interesting spots which take around three hours to complete in a single trip. Canoes are also available for tourists wishing to cherish the beauty of Phang-Nga Bay, in a bid to push eco-tourism. The national park also houses Ko Panyi, Ko Panak, ago-through cave and Khao Phing Kan (two moutains clinging to each other) and looking outwardly to the sea. Khao Tapu (James Bond Island) is also clearly visible.

Similan Islands National Park have been named the most beautiful islands in Thailand, Governed by Kuraburi district, this small colony of islands in the Andaman Sea comprises nine islands with Ko Similan being the largest. Under the water are the houses of rocks and coral reefs which are one of the most well-preserved reefs in Thailand.

Surin Islands National Park is a haven for divers, This national park houses North and South Islands and more than 10 days. Among the most famous bays are Mae Yai Bay, the largest and most quiet bay, and Luek Bay where the colour of the water is dark green due to its depth. The last group of Sea Gypsy or Le people live here, following their traditional way of life along the beaches of South Surin Islands. Opposite the National Park's office is a wooden effigy carved to look like a Red Indian, suggesting to the uninitiated that it is a sacred place for the Sea Gypsy.

Khao Lampi National Park Thai Muang Beach accommodates splendid waterfalls and beaches. The park nestles Lampi Waterfall and Ton Phrai Waterfall. Its 13-km white-sand Thai Muang Beach sand also runs along a highway.

- Thailand Travel Guide

Som Tam Thai ,Thai Green Papaya Salad

Som Tam Thai

(THAI GREEN PAPAYA SALAD)

Ingredients
Green papaya 350 grams
Carrot 50 grams
Unsalfted toasted peanuts 50 grams
Dried shrimp 50 grams
Fresh chilli peppers 3 grams

Dressing Lime juice 55 grams
Fish sauce 35 grams
Sugar (brown sugar preferable) 55 grams
Chopped garlic 10 grams

How to prepareWash and peel green papaya and carrots, grate them into long
thin strips.

Crush or grind unsalted toasted peanut.

Soak dried shrimp in water and drain well. Dry them on a baking
sheet in the oven, then grind in a food processor or grinder.

Wash whole fresh chilli peppers and crush them with the flat
part of a knifeblade.

For dressing, mix all the dressing ingredients together, stir until
sugar is completely dissolved.

Just before serving, toss the prepared shredded geeen papaya
and carrot with the dressing, add crushed fresh chilli peppers,
crushed peanuts and ground dried shrimp, Keep some crushed
peanuts and ground dried shrimp to garnish the salad.

Serve the salad on a lettuce leaf and top with the remaining
crushed peanuts and ground shrimp.

Note : For those who prefer a spicier taste, more chilli pepper
may be added.

credit : Chef's suggestion, Thai Airways

Wat Na Phra Meru, Ayutthaya

This temple was constructed during the reign of King Ramadhibodi II, the tenth king of the Ayutthya dynasty. It was the place used for signing a peace accord between Tabengchaveti, the King of Burma, and Somdet Phramahchakraphat, the fifteenth King of Ayutthaya.

In 2303 B.E., Alongphaya, a Burmese king, had invaded Ayutthaya and installed his canons in this temple to fire shells on the royal palace, which caused destruction to the palace. On the very same day, a canon burst and badly hurt the Burmese king ae king and resulis death later on.

In its chapel Wat Naphrameru houses a Buddha image in seated posture in royal dress depicting the Lord Buddha as a prince before he gained enlightenment. This type of Buddha image is seldom seen. This image is 6 meters high and 4.40 meters in width.

credit : the documents from the Department of Fine Arts

Wihan Noi or Wihan Kian, apart from its front and back porches, this Wihara is roofed with Thai tiles. The gable is carved into the imitations of flower and birds, ornamented with gold and stained glass. The timber door is carved in Kanok pattern. The mural inside depicting the story of Jatakas and argosy-trading. This Wihara houses a Dvaravadi Buddha Image in European Fashion gesture that is a green stone Buddha image.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Ayutthaya

Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a Buddhist temple in the city of Ayutthaya, Thailand. The temple is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, outside Ayutthaya island. It is one of Ayutthaya's most beautiful temples and a major tourist attraction.

Construction of the temple began in 1630 at the request of King Prasat Thong for the memorial of his mother's resident in that area. The temple's name literally means the Temple of long reign and glorious era. It was designed in Khmer style which was popular in that time.

Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, Lampang Province

Wat Phra That Lampang Luang

Lampang is approximately 600 km from Bangkok. The city is an important highway hub, with a 4 lane divided highways link to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, as well as major highway to Phrae and eastern Lanna provinces. Lampang is a major stop for the Chiang Mai bound train, approximately 10 hours from Bangkok. Lampang Airport is currently served by PB Air, which operate daily flights to Bangkok via Phitsanulok

Sights

Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, a paradigm of temple building of Lanna. The temple itself is prominently sited on a hillock surrounded by walls. The entrance arches, called Pratu Khong , is adorned with fine plaster designs. The wall less main Viharn houses a bronze Buddha statue called the Phra Chao Lan Thong.

Wat Phra That Chom Ping. The amazing aspect of the temple is the natural coloured reflection of the Phrathat passing through the hole of the window and appearing on the floor inside the Phra Ubosot all the time when there is light, both during the day and at night.

Kaeo Don Tao used to be the place where the Emerald Buddha was once enshrined (the same statue now installed in Bangkok). Interesting structures include the large Chedi containing the hair of the Lord Buddha, a Burmese-style Mondop, an ancient Viharn and a museum exhibiting ancient relics of the Lanna era.

Thai Elephants Conservation Centre. It is the only facility in the world devoted to the training of elephants for timber work using these pachyderms as laborers. There are performances and training demonstrations.

A major place for relaxation in Lampang is the Chae Son National Park which is located in Mueang Pan district area having a lush forested and mountainous region with a 73 Celsius hot spring over rocky terrain, providing a misty and picturesque scene particularly in the morning.

Local Products

Handmade Cotton comes in different patterns designed by different villages.

Wood carving is a major industry at Tambon Na Khrua of Mae Tha district which is about 25 kilometres from the provincial town. Most of the local people make their living by producing wooden figures of animals in various sizes. It has been a cottage industry in this locality for generations.

Terra-cotta or Ceramics produced in Lampang are of the best quality in Thailand. The indigenous clay, added by the local craftsmanship, has helped to make Lampang the centre of such products, with scores of factories and shops dealing in this beautiful craft.

Sa Paper is a fine product made from a type of soft wood. The process is purely traditional and the major producing center is the village of Ban Nam Thong. The Sa is mainly made into parasols, lampshades, decorative flowers and other souvenir items.

Festivals

Luang Wiang Lakhon Fair is held just prior to the annual Loi Krathong event around Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao and Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, featuring Lampang's own historical backgrounds and long-established customs and traditions. A Khrua Than procession is organized with local people dressed in native attires carrying various traditional household appliances, some of which are of ancient vintage.

Khantok Chang Fair is organised on the first Friday to Saturday period of February each year at the Thai Elephant conservation Centre. There is an elephant show and the pachyderms are feasted with their popular fruits and vegetables which are placed on the Tok, a traditional food tray of the Lanna people.

Lampang Trains and Horse Carriages Day is organized at the Nakhon Lampang Railway Station at the beginning of April to commemorate the first royal train that arrived to the station 1 April, 1916. In the event, there will be an exhibition and Kat Mua market, where the participants will dress up in the traditional style of costume of some 80 years ago, when the horse carriage was first used in Lampang. The carriage service is also provided in the event.

Salung Luang Procession and Songkran Festival is the unique Songkran festival of Lampang, organized during 12, 13, 14 April every year. On the 12 April, the Salung Luang procession will be beautifully decorated (Salung means a water bowl and Luang means large). The participants in the parade will dress up in the ancient Lanna style and carry a giant silver bowl around the city to receive lustral water soaked with turmeric and acacia from the people to be poured onto the Phra Kaeo Don Tao, the revered Buddha image of the town enshrined at Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang. Then, during 13 and 14 April every year, there will be a merit making ceremony at the temple, sand pagoda making, ceremony of pouring water onto the elderly, splashing of water, fairs and various forms of entertainment.

credit : en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lampang Province

Getting There, Chon Buri, Pattaya

By Car
There are many routes from Bangkok, the more convenient ones are :
1. BangNa-Trat Road (Hightway No. 34)or the parallel Bang Na-Trat Expressway.
2. Bangkok-Min Buri Road (Highway No. 304) passing through chachoengsao-Bang Pakong to Chon Buri)
3. Bangkok-Chon Buri Motorway (Highway No. 7)

By BusThere are daily first and second class air-conditioned bus services to chon Buri. the 1.30 - 2 hours first-class air-con bus service runds from 5.50 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. at 30 minute intervals and costs around 60 baht. Second class air-con and ordinary bus service runs from 5.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. at 20 minutes intervals. For more details, contact Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal Tel. 66 2391 8097, Cherd Chai Tour Tel. 66 2391 2804. Those who want to travel to Hat Bang Saen can take the air-conditioned of ordinary bus that passes through Pattaya or Sattahip towenships. Get off at the Bang Saen Intersection or Nong Mon Market and catch the local minibus to the beach.

By TrainThere is one daily train departing from Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong).
http://www.raiway.co.th/

-Tourism Thailand