September 30, 2008

Chon Buri



A seaside province located on Thailand's east coast, Chon Buri provides visitors with scenic views of superb natural beauty and earns a reputation as one of the country's popular sanctuaries for holiday retreats. Locally referred to as "Mueang Chon", the province is not just a well-know seaside destination, but also a producer of major industrial and agricultural products.

Situated not far from the city of Chon Buri is Pattaya, a holiday pparadise for fun-lover. Thailand's premier beach resort that attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world, Pattaya is charmed by a tropical resort atmosphere suitable for total relaxation. Besides its blessed natural beauty, Pattaya also offers a wide range of water sports and other adventurous activities - something that visitors can enjoy from dusk to dawn. The must-not-miss activity on the list also extends to exploring Pattaya's vibrant nightlife, which is complimented by parades of restaurants, nightclubs, bars, discotheques and spectacular transvestite shows. Within an hour drive from Bangkok, Chon Buri is a dream destination tourists choose to take refuge from the chaotic city's life.

Chon Buri's TOP-10 Attractions

1. Pattaya : 52 km. from the city of Chon Buri
One of Asia's premier beach resorts, Pattaya styles itself as Thailand's Riviera for pleasure-seeking tourists form all walks of life. Pattaya, teh "blue diamond" of Chonburi, is divided into three main areas : Nothern, Central and Southern. For those looking for a secluded place to relax, unwind and enjoy water sports. Northern Pattaya is highly recommended. On the other hand, those who look forward to experiencing the vibe of the city must not miss an opportunity to explore Central and Southern Pattaya - places where most of the entertainment venues are located.
2. Hat Bangsaen and Khao Sammuk
13km. from the city of Chon Buri.
A well-know beach located just a short drive form Bangkok. Popular with local tourists, the beach is famed for its endless lists of such fun-filled activites as banana boats, scooters, jet skis and sailing. Nearby attractions worth are the Aquarium or the Marine Scientific Institute of Burapha University and Khao Sammuk, where you can peacefully appreciate the beauty of the sun setting on the horizon.
3. Ko Lan
7km. off South Pattaya Pier.
The largest island of Pattaya's scattered archipelago, Ko Lan welcomes both Thais and foreigners alike with its white sandy beach and crystal clear water. A great holiday escape for those looking for the right combination of relaxation and fun, the island offers nothing but unique choices of attractions. While Hat Ta Waen is suitable for those seeking to unwind or sunbathe, Hat Samae offers a superb opportunity to watch sunsets with a panoramic view. hat Thian is perfect for those who perfer low-profile holidays. Other water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, wind-surfing and parasailing available.
4. Ko Sichang
12km. off Si Racha Shore
The Island has long been a famous holiday escape since the reign of King Rama V. Its exquisite scenery and serene atmosphere makes the place special. It atmosphere makes the place special. It is advisable to hire a local tricycle, dubbed "Skylab", for an island tour.
5. Sattahip
46km. from the city of Chon Buri
The Royal Thai Naval Base, with some parts open to the public, Sattahip offers a tranquil atmosphere and picturesque beauty. Anchored nearby is HTMS Chakri Naruebet, the royal vessel and Thailand's first aircraft carrier equipped with state-of-the-art military gear. Other must-visit attractions include Hat Nang Ram and Hat Toei Ngam, where inexpensive accommodation is available.
6. Khao Kheow Open Zoo


19km. from Bang Phra Reservoir Intersection.
Covering a lush area of some 1,200 acres, the zoo is home to more than 300 species of wildlife from all over the world, The Day zoo (8.00 a.m - 6.00 p.m.) offers such entertainment as animal shows, ostrich rides and photo sessions with the animals. The Night zoo (6.00-9.00 p.m.) or night safari allows visitors a closer look at the animals' nocturnal activites. visitors are allowed to drive their own cars on the safari. The zoo's tram is also available.
7. Si Racha Tiger Zoo
Thailand's only Tiger Zoo, the place offers amusing and thrilling activities for both adults and children alike. A great place for family outings and group excursions, the zoo also features the rare Bengal tiger. It is only here that visitors can feed and take pictures with baby tigers, while experiencing the unique co-existence between tigers, pigs and dogs. Souvenir shops are famous for their signature products made from crocodile skins. The circuslike show is worth seeing, tickets are 90 baht for adults and 40 baht for children.

8. Wat Yanasangwararam - wiharnra Sian - Khao Chichan
A temple under the King's patronage and a place where tourists can find eclectic building sitting side by side. Attractions around the compound include the Chapel modified from Rangsisuthawat Temple ; the international pavilion which shows the integration of six national architectural characteristics; and the world-recordof 130-meter sitting Buddha Image cast on the cliffby laser beams.
9. Saithip Butterfly Garden
Asia's biggest butterfly garden in set against a backdrop of shady garden of plants and flowers . Besides observing different species of butterfiles, tourists can also learn more about their life cycle and complex evolution through an exhibition in the museum. don't miss a chance to take photos of Thailand's biggest butterfly, the Atlas Moth, and other colorful butterflies.
10. Bang Phra Reservoir
Located in the wildlife sanctuary of Bang Phra Reservoir is a 2,784-acre bird-watching site, wher you can find a combination of three ecosystems; marshland, grassland, and shrubbery. Bird lovers must not miss great chance to observe over 130 bird species of the indigenous, water and migratory birds.

- Tourism Thailand

September 23, 2008

Wat Pho (Wat Po)



Wat Pho 'Wat Po'
This is possibly the most interesting temple in Thailand as it combines history, medical science and is a center for meditaion and traditional massage training. Its official name is Wat Phrachetuphon Vimon Mangkararam Ratchaworamahawihan, although it is commonly called Wat Po.

Founded during the 16th century, Wat Pho is most famous for the golden reclining Buddha that measues 46 metres and has feet inlaid with mother-of pearl. This is the main attraction that draws visitors to the temple. In more modern times, Wat Pho has gained international recognition as a meditation centre and for the traditional Thai massage that is both practiced and taught here.

Traditionally, temples were the schools as there was no formal education system, with monks providing basic lesson in both spiritual and secular subjects. King Rama III turned Wat Po into a major centre for learning in botany, geography and history.
Bas reliefs around one of the main buildings depict the story of the Ramakian which is the Thai adaption of the Indian Ramayana.

For those interested in traditional Thai medicine, there is a pavilion that serves to both impart knowledge and provide treatment. The walls have marble tablets describing basic anatomy and treatments. In the late afternoon, traditional medicine practitioners are there to dispense herbal mixtures. Nearby, there is a cloister where you can have a traditional Thai massage for a very small payment. In 2008, the historic marble inscriptions in Wat Pho have been registered with UNESCO’s Memory of the World (MOW) as MOW documentary heritage for Asia and Pacific Region

- Tourism Thailand.org

September 21, 2008

Wat Phra That Chae Haeng, Nan


Wat Phrathat Chae Haeng is a sacred place of worship, situated on a mound on the eastern side of the Nan River, at the former centre of the Nan town after moving from Pua town. Wat Phra Borommathat Chae Haeng was constructed during the rule of Chao Phraya Kanmueang (the Feudal Lord of Nan during 1326 – 1359) as an enshrining venue of 7 Buddha relics, silver and golden votive tablets presented by King Maha Thammaracha Lithai on the occasion that Chao Phraya Kanmueang assisted in the construction of Wat Luang Aphai (Wat Pa Mamuang in Sukhothai Province at present) in 1354.

It features a chedi in a bell shape. The pattern of Phrathat Chae Haeng is assumed to have been influenced by the chedi of Phrathat Hariphunchai.

It is plated with Thong Changko or Thong Dok Buap – a combination of brass and copper. The staircase up to the Phrathat is in a Naga shape, while the gable above the entrance gate to the wihan is the stucco relief depicting intertwined Nagas, the unique characteristic of Nan fine art.

Phra Borommathat Chae Haeng represents the Year of the Rabbit. Lanna people believe that travelling to pay respect to the Phrathat of their Year of Birth or “Chu That” would reap them great results.
Tourists can visit the temple everyday from 6.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m.

To get there: Wat Phrathat Chae Haeng is located in Muang Tuet sub-district, King Amphoe Phu Phiang. From the centre of Mueang district, cross the Nan River Bridge and go along the Nan – Mae Charim route or on Highway No. 1168 for 3 kilometres. Contact the temple at Tel. 0 5475 1846.
- Tourism Thailand

September 16, 2008

Wat Phumin, Nan

A quiet and tranquil province, Nan nestles in a verdant valley in northern Thailand. About 668 kilometres from Bangkok, it covers an area of 11,472 square kilometres

Wat Phumin
A uniquely designed and the most interesting temple in Nan is Wat Phumin, which has a 4-portico, single building housing both the Ubosot and Vihan. Four Buddha statues with their backs
against one another are installed in the main hall facing the four directions. The doors are delicately carved in splendid designs by Lanna craftsmen.
Wat Phumin underwent a major restoration in 1867 since it was built some 27 years ago. It is believed that the wall murals were commissioned during this time. The wall paintings, in Thai Lu style are considered highly valuable and depict legends concerning the Lord Buddha as well as local legends and the local way of life, which include native attires, weaving and commerce with foreign countries.
- tourism Thailand

September 15, 2008

Lady's Slipper (Paphiopedilum Callosum)


Lady's Slipper at Doi Tung, Chaing Rai
Lady's Slipper / Paphiopedilum Callosum (Rehb. f.) Stein
Subfamily : Paphiopedilum
Genus : Barbata
Number Chromosome : 2n = 32
Blooms : July - August
Lady's Slipper was propagated Lao, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thai and North East of Malaysia.
It has high from sea 700-950 metre.
Lady's Slipper was grown on ground. It has bush's size 18-20 cms.