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

Pattaya's TOP 10 Attractions

1. Pattaya BeachPattaya's 3 kilometer crescent-shape beach, fringed by shady evergreens, makes it one of Thailand's by shady evergreens, makes it one of Thailand's most popular destinations for visitors. The beach faces Ao Pattaya, a major venue where tourists can enjoy taking part in water sports such as jet-skis, parasails, banana boats and dive boats. For those craving a lazy day on the beach, renting a beach chair (20baht/day), sipping your favourite drinks and tasting fresh seafood provided by roaming vendors is highly recommended. Its' sea, sand, sun and fun that makes Pattaya such a memorable holiday.

2. Underwater WorldThe newest ocean aquarium in town is the Underwater World a perfect living museum for both leisure visitors and nature enthusiasts. Plunge into the deep sea and enjoy wonders of the underwater wolrld just by walking along a 100 meter acrylic tunnel filled with marine species. the highlight of the show is when divers enter the tank to feed the sharks. No admission fee for children under 90 cm.

3. Mini Siam
A miniature town display aspecs of Thai culture, and other ethnic heritage from all over the world in 1:25 scale.

4. The Million Years Stone Park & Pattaya Crocodile Farm
Located approximately 9 kilometers from the town of Pattaya, the park is covered with a variety of exotic plants and is well known for its Bonsai garden decorated with strange rock formations. The fact that some Bonsai date back over 200 years makes it even more appealing to both local and foreign visitors. The park is also home to Chao phraya Giant Catfish, Thailand's most beautiful and nearly extinct freshwater fish. And the Crocodile Farm, comprised of over 1,000 crocodiles, is worth visiting. Also worth seeing are the thrilling crocodile shows.

5. Alangkan
Pattaya's newest enterainment Kingdom Situated on Sukhumvit Road (km.155), Alangkarn offers a new take on Thai culture in a 2,000 seat theater, lavishly decorated in traditional Thai style. What makes the theater even more extravagant is a 70 meter state equipped with giant movie screens and water trade employing state-of-the-art pyrotechnic to present multi dimensional Thai cultural events and shows on a water screen. Before the show starts, enjoy your dinner in the superb restaurant and go shopping for quality OTOP products!

6.Cabaret ShowsPattaya's magnificent transvestite shows receive overwhelming attention from both domestic and international from both domestic and international visitors. Renowned for their extraordinary fprductions and extravagant costumes, the shows are a highlight, a must-see attraction in any tour program. Tiffany's Show : standard 500 baht/ person, special 600 baht/ person. Alcazar's Show : standard 400 baht/ person, special 500 baht/ person.

7. Walking Street
A fascinating street located at the end of Hat Pattaya Klang road - a place that only come to life at night. With colorful nightclubs, karaoke, and go-go bars on its sidewalks. Walking Street also offers a large collection of reasonably prices Made-in-Thailand products.

8. Nong Nooch Tropical Garden & Resort
A500 - acre recreation park in the style of a Thai village offers a splendit collection of Thai flora that includes orchids, ferns and flowering plants. Set amidst a beautifully arranged lanscape use botanical gardens and an exotic palm garden. Another attraction is cultural and traditional shows performed daily. Admission is 500 baht, which includes the cultural shows.

9. Sanctuary Truth
As the name implies, the 108-meter-high wooden shrine exemplifies religious faiths and oriental philosophy - a quest to the truth of our lives. Located against a stunning backdrop of the sea and Na Khluea village, the temple's exterior is delicately crafted and decorated. Enshrined inside are numberous carved figures of Asian gods. A nearby attraction is a pool featuring dolphin shows for tourists.

10. Khao Phra Tamnak Scenic Point
The hill simply offers the most spectacular, breathtaking and panoramic view of Hat Pattaya, which is most vividly seen at night. It is here that most vividly seen at night. It is here that the locals normally come to pay respect and ask for blessings from the figure of Krommaluang Chumphon (Sadet Tia) - one of King Rama V's sons and the founder of Thailand' modern Navy. On the other hill is where a large Buddha image of the much revered Luang Pho Yim and a reproduction of the Buddha's footprint are enshrined.

- Tourism Thailand

TOP 10 Must-not-miss Pattaya's activities

1. Banana Boating
Ranked among the top-five popular activities in Pattaya, Banana boating is an inexpensive group activity guaranteed to give you a wet and wild thrill! Great fun comes when you are on board, trying to avoid being thrown into the sea during the speedy ride. Services are available almost anywhere on the beach.

2. Jet-Skiing
One of the greatest ways to enjoy your day in the sea with the sun and add a little more fun to your life is to go jet-skiing. It doesn't look as tough as it appers. Beginners may start practicing by zigzagging between the buoys in the Blue Lagoon and Lake Land Pattaya's freshwater recreation sites. For those looking for extreme fun in the open sea, jet-skis are available for rent on the main beaches of Pattaya, Nakluea, Chomthian and Ko Lan.

3. GolfingPattaya, one of Thailand's leading popular beach resorts, also boasts excellent golf courses which are reasonably priced and world-class standards. While several golf courses offer hillside locations and spectacular views, some have been specialy designed by such famed golfers as Jack Nicklaus (Laem Chabang International Golf Club), Dennis Griffith (Phoenix Golf Club) and David and Garry (Boorapha Golf). A fair test for all classes of player is the Phlu Ta Luang of the Royal Navy Club.

4. Diving
At the top of the must-not-miss activity in Pattaya list is diving. It's always fun, challenging and exciting to explore the underwater world to discover what lies beneath is spectacular. You can choose to start with scuba diving or go deep-water diving. Courses are available for beginners at Aquanote, one of many certified diving schools. Trainees gets certification from PADI of NAUI after completion fo the course.

5. ParasailingOne of the world's greatest outdoor sports, parasailing has gradully gained popularity among Thais and foreigners alike, thanks to its challenging nature. Services are available on bothe Hat Chomthian and Ko Lan. Equipment can also be rented from shops on Hat Pattay.

6. Bungy Jumping
The ultimate adrenaline rush is only available at Pattaya Kart Speedway.

7. Painball
Pattaya's great outdoor adventure playground, the Paintball Park is located at Pattaya Kart Speedway. An exciting game in its own right, painbal offers thrilling experiences for those seeking a cool form combat. The game requires players to eliminate their opponents by using air guns fully loaded with non-toxic dye shots.

8. Go-Kart
Attention speed lovers! A perfect place to test your racing spirit, the Go-Kart track is located at Pattaya Kart Speedway, approximately 5 km. from South Pattaya. Separate tracks for professionals and amateurs available. The rates vary : 100 baht/ 10 minutes for children's miniature track, 250-400 baht/ 10 minutes for a regular racetrack and 250-500 baht/ 10 minutes for an off-road track.

9. Kite-SurfingDaring outdoor activity new to the town of Pattaya, but not to those with adventurous spirits, kite-surfing requires only two pieces f equipment to play with - kite and surfboard. Skillful players may opt to use any techinque to help with the take off from the water's surface. For beginners, a visit to the kite surfing school located at Blue Lagoon Water Sport Club, 10km. off Southern Pattaya may be helpfull.

10. Horse RidingGetting on a horse's back and galloping along trails may prove to be quite a memorable experience for travelers to Pattaya. Try the Hourse Shoe Point Resort & Country Club. the fee is 900 baht for adult and 600 baht for children.

- Tourism Thailand