Notwithstanding the abundance of what to see and do in Bangkok, there are ancient destinations too proximate and too grand to ignore, such as Nakhom Pathom, which is merely 56 kilometers west of Bangkok or an hour away by bus. A journey to this oldest city in Thailand is an opportunity to get amazed by the 127-meter Phra Pathom Chedi, the world’s tallest Buddhist monument.
Ayutthaya is another worthy catch.Only 80 kilometers north or two hours away by bus, a day stroll along the ruins of this golden city can give you glimpse of how illustrious this city once was. For over 400 years, it was once the country’s capital, starting in 1351 when King Ramathibodi I founded the kingdom of Ayutthaya in an island in the middle of Chao Phraya, and ending in 1767 when it was sacked by the Burmese.
At the zenith of its glory days, Ayutthaya was the most fabulous city in the orient. A series of magnificent palaces, gilded Buddhist temples and pagodas, and towering Buddha statues were placed all over the kingdom. Hundreds of thousands of people lived and worshipped within its protected sphere. After more than 200 years since it was abandoned, and after its structures were exposed to unforgiving elements of nature and endless pillaging of dastardly humans, the ruins of these great artistic and engineering feats are now the only mute witnesses to remind humanity that there once was, in the early dawn of civilization, a kingdom so strong and powerful, and a community of rulers and people so devoted to a faith.
In Ayutthaya, you must visit Wat Maha That (Temple of the Great Relic) built between 1374 and 1395. It has a sitting Buddha with his hands in the bhumisparsha, or “calling the earth to witness” position. Wat Thammikkarat (Temple of the Pious Monarch) and its stone lions; Wat Rarburana (Temple of the Royal Restoration); the huge reclining buddha of the Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon (Temple of the Great Victory); the three stupas of Wat Phra Si Sanphet, where remains of King Ramathibodhi II and some of his family members are interred; and the large Buddha statue of Wat Monkhon Bophit (Tempple of Auspicious Kings) are other must-visits.
Heading overland to the northernmost part of Thailand, where the ancient Thai kingdom first developed, the endless verdant and rugged expanse is broken occasionally by bucolic towns with traces and remnants of the ancient realms of Sukhothai and Lan Na, of which the gilded spires of their Theravada Buddhist temples never fail to fascinate. The window view from the 12-hour bus ride from Bangkok to Chiang Mai affords so much insight on how passionate rulers of these empires were, especially Ramkhamhaeng, in spreading their faith and expanding their cultures.
Getting across exhilarating valleys traversed by the broad Mae Ping River, the hiatuses present the passage through mountain ranges are sloping on a north-south direction. The ranges, though covered by thorn forests and woodlands, are essentially made of granite and limestone. Highlighting them are the high peaks of Doi Pha Muang, Doi Khuntan and Doi Inthanon-Thailand’s tallest mountain at 2595 meters. Then at last, right at the foot of another majestic mountain. The 1676-meter Doi Suthep-there looms Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai is one of the country’s oldest, largest and richest cities. It is the main transport hub and railroad terminus in the north. It is known for its traditional lacquer crafts, silverware, handicrafts and pottery. But what make it famous world-wide are the ruins of its glorious pasts. Founded by King Mengrai as capital and religious center of the Lan Na Thai kingdom in 1296, Chiang Mai has more than 300 temples closely scattered on the moat-protected old city and its periphery, on the western banks of the Mae Ping River, and on the mountain slopes. Adding some palaces, other antiquated structures, and a number of museums, the entire city is one huge heritage zone.
Among the numerous temples found inside the city’s walled section, wo temples are stand-outs in their own rights and are no to be missed by visitors: the Wat Chiang Man, a temple as old as the city itself and the possessor of two celebrated Buddha images- Buddha Sila and the crystal Buddha; and Wat Phra image of Phra Phutthasihing Buddha, a heart in the merry -making ceremony of Chnnag Mai’s Songkran Festival, is enshrined.
Some 16 kilometers west of the city porper is Doi Suthep. Ensconced atop one of its hills is Wat Phra Dhat Doi Suthep temple complex, believed to have relics of Buddha. From the parking lot, a wind-swept, drawn-out flight of stairway embellished with fully-detailed naga (dragons) ascends to the temple, and once up there, the tiresome effort is compensated well by the stateliness of the complex and the thrilling views of Chiang Mai from its precipices. Shopping for souvenirs in Chiang Mai is easy due to its prominence of its local products, but is made difficult because the presence of so many choices. For silver ware, shops along Wua Lai Road offer the finest of silver products. The night bazaar and Warorot Market ( Chiang Mai’s oldest market) both on Chang Khlan Street, and the stores of San Kamphaeng, some 14 kilometers east of the city, are good places to hunt for Thai fabrics. For wood products, Ban Thawai is the center of wood -carving and furniture making in the city. For the nocturnal, the riverside street of Charoenrat and Tha Phae Gate area are teeming with bars, pubs and restaurants where “diverse” evening activities are served. For the more discerning night owls, outfits along Huay Kaew Road, such as The Pub (named one of the best bars in the world by Newsweek) and Darling, offer stylish setups to chill and have a night cap.
As the key government organization overseeing all aspects of tourism in Thailand, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MOTS) works in cooperation with various state agencies, including the Thai Tourist Police, to ensure the safety and well-being of all visitors to Thailand.
With the steady increase in international visitor arrivals, the Ministry has set out to integrate these various functions through the creation of a dedicated one-stop service centre to serve the needs of international tourists and visitors to Thailand.
This has resulted in the recent official opening of a dedicated Tourist Service Centre (TSC) at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
The new TSC at Suvarnabhumi Airport is located near Gate 3 on the 1st floor and provides a one-stop service in ten languages: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, English, Italian, French, Spain, German and Thai.
In addition to providing general assistance, visitors to Thailand and tourists will also be able to lodge various complaints with the TSC or report unfair or unethical tourism practices related to tourist business operators, tourist retail outlets or tour guides.
The Center is open daily and operates 24/7. It is staffed by 14 officers and has been in operation since 19 August 2011.
Tourist Service Centre at Suvarnabhumi Airport (1st Floor, near Gate 3)
Open 24-hours, daily
Tel/Fax: +66 (0) 2134 4077
E-mail: tsc@mots.go.th, touristcenter13@gmail.com
Tourist Service Centre at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports at
Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue
Open Monday – Friday, 09.00 – 17.00 hrs
Tel: +66 (0) 2356 0650
Fax: +66 (0) 2356 0655
E-mail: tsc.mots.go.th
Agoda.com, Asia’s global hotel booking site and part of Nasdaq-listed Priceline Group (Nasdaq: PCLN), has secured some hard-to-find rates for the Hua Hin Jazz Festival 2011.
Each year, Thailand’s coolest jazz bands join some choice international acts on the Thai Gulf shorefront for the Hua Hin Jazz Festival. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the festival will kick off on the evening of Friday August 26 in the picturesque gardens of the Sofitel Centara.
The grand opening of the festival will take place at 6pm on Friday, with live music until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Highlights include performances by Thai favorites Ganesha and Koh Mr. Saxman, plus Japan’s bossa-styled Orange Pekoe and the Grammy-nominated contemporary band Fourplay. The USA’s Grammy Award-winning Norman Brown will also headline the event.
Most attendees of the Hua Hin Jazz Festival are visitors from Bangkok taking the opportunity to escape to the beach for the weekend. Hotels in Hua Hin usually book out well in advance, but agoda.com has secured the following specials rates at select properties in Hua Hin. Concert goers should book early to avoid missing out!
Agoda’s booking deals for the Hua Hin Jazz Festival 2011
The Putahracsa is a beachfront boutique resort situated in the heart of Hua Hin town. The colorful night market, with its amazing selection of shops and restaurants, is a…More Info
Rates from USD 84 per night. Minimum stay 2 nights. Save 25%.
Devan Dara, which translated means “beautiful star of the angel” attempts to bring Maldivian style villas to Hua Hin. Located in peaceful area on the outskirts of this popular…More Info
The Lapa Hotel****
Rates from USD 101 per night. Minimum stay 2 nights. Save 25%.
The newest addition in Hua-Hin is funky to say the least. Attractions include jet skiing, banana boat, paintball, snorkeling, go-karting and so much more. Lapa is accessible to…More Info
Relax and enjoy the service and accommodation at this 71 roomed hotel in Hua Hin city, rooms feature modern conveniences and views of the city. Rooms can be rented for long…More Info
Featured in each room, among other amenities, are air conditioning, hair dryer, non smoking rooms. Featuring 24hr room service, laundry service/dry cleaning, bar/pub, this Hua…More Info
Hilton Hua Hin*****
Rates from USD 139 per night. Must book at least 3 days in advance. Save 10%.
Literally steps from the beach, shops and restaurants, this luxury resort boasts an excellent location. The entire town can easily be navigated on foot from the Night Market to… More Info
Whether on business or holiday, each of the 42 rooms at this 4-star property are designed help guests relax in comfort and style. Included in all rooms are internet access –…More Info
The Napalai Resort and Spa is located in the Khao Takiap beach area in Hua-Hin, is in walking distance to the beach and is a 10 minute drive to the city center and a 20 minute…More Info
Smart Holiday Resort***
Rates from USD 43 per night. Minimum stay 2 nights. Save 25%.
Some of the features you’ll enjoy are microwave, air conditioning, shower. This excellent hotel in Hua Hin / Cha-am also has concierge, Wi-Fi in public areas, car park. Guests… More Info
A rare example of a golden teak Thai style bungalow, the four star Baan Bay’an Hotel offers guests the opportunity to experience days gone by, with all the modern comforts of…More Info
If you have traveled the world extensively, but you believed that there is still a fascinating place in the world waiting for you to discover and that’s Thailand, no amount of pictures, books and glossy magazines that could surpass the real experience to behold when you step on the amazing kingdom of Thailand-Siam in the old days.
Thailand, known as The Land of Smile, is one of the most accessible and well-known countries in Southeast Asia. Its diverse attractions make it popular with tourists and travelers of all types and ages, from idyllic, unspoiled beaches with turquoise seas and pure white sands to bustling cities sporting exotic markets and a vibrant, colorful nightlife, it is easy to see why Thailand has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world for the adventurous and young at heart.
Thailand and its capital Bangkok – the city that never sleeps, is a synthesis between antiquity and modernity, lights are everywhere just like the traffic, glittering temples are feast to the eyes, sights with beauty that doesn’t exist anywhere else.
It will be heartwarming to visit and revisit some of Thailand’s ancient cities. A journey to this country’s gloried past never misses to spell out the height of one human idiosyncrasy- the passion to leave a legacy.
It’s worthwhile to visit Thailand and wallow in its ancient excuse for sanuk (to have a good time). After all the sybaritic feasts and bacchanalia, the heady route back home is often filled with great memories and awesome souvenirs, don’t forget to get Khao San Road Syndrome T-shirt and a four-headed, golden-hued Buddha.
When to Visit
Thailand’s rainy season, monsoons, arrive around July and last into November. This is followed by a dry, cool period from November to mid-February, followed by much higher relative temperatures from March to June.
By far the best time to visit is from February to March when the weather is kind and the beaches are at their finest.
The peak seasons are August, November, December, February and March, with secondary peak months in January and July. If your main objective is to avoid crowds and to take advantage of discounted rooms and low-season rates, you should consider travelling during the least crowded months (April, May, June, September and October). On the other hand it’s not difficult to leave the crowds behind, even during peak months, if you simply avoid some of the most popular destinations (eg, Chiang Mai and all islands and beaches).
THAILAND’S INTERESTING PLACES
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BANGKOK – Thailand’s most iconic travel destinations  and the cultural heart of the kingdom the city keeps many traditions still visibly intact, home to an amazing array of sights, activities and events. Even first time visitors to Bangkok will quickly be enthralled by how fun and fascinating Bangkok really can be. For those looking a glimpse of the real Thailand, or just a fun night out, Bangkok mixes old world charm with a modern and vibrant night life…More Info
CHIANG MAI -Â The second-largest city in Thailand and has many fascinating views to offer in the form of antique and gorgeous temples, teak forests, elephants, caves, waterfalls and a visit to the hill tribes. Doi Suthep temple and elephant trekking are very popular with tourists staying here. Doi Suthep other paramount temple in Thailand that is settled on a hilltop. Elephant trekking allows the tourists to get a closer look at the natural splendor and wonderful places of the city...More Info
SUKHOTHAI – This was the earliest capital of a Thai kingdom that flourished from the early thirteenth century, an era whose religious art and architecture is considered the most classic of Thailand’s cultural influences. In lush parkland settings are countless carved Buddhas, elegant lotus-bud spires and calm reflective lily ponds dating back to the golden age of ancient Siam…..More Info
PHUKET ISLAND – One of the largest island of Thailand, mixed with golden beaches, aqua oceans, and rain forest. Phuket dwells in the Andaman ocean encircled by aesthetical islands and to the northeastern, the beautiful limestone outcroppings of Phang Nga Bay.Phuket has got amicable populate, different cuisine, tropic climate and array of amenities…More Info
AYUTTHAYA HISTORICAL PARK - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ayuthaya’s historic temples are scattered throughout this once magnificent city and along the encircling rivers. Several of the more central ruins – Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Na Phra Meru, Wat Thammikarat, Wat Ratburana and Wat Phra Mahathat – can be visited on foot…More Info
KANCHANABURI – This province is filled with jungle clad hills and waterways. The town is the traditional site of the popular and historically paramount Bridge over the River Kwai where allied prisoners of war and Thai laborers were killed by the Japanese. Train trips are arranged for a visit across the post war bridge and this is a very fascinating and emotional experience…More Info
KOH SAMUI – The third largest island in the Kingdom of Thailand. It is located in the Surat Thani province and lies more than 500 km south of Bangkok. The tropical island, roughly circular in shape, is situated in the Gulf of Thailand…More Info
CHIANG RAI- Situated 180 kilometers north of Chiang Mai and is known as the gateway to the Golden Triangle. Famous for being the original home of the emerald Buddha (now found in Bangkok), Wat Phra Kaew is the city’s most revered temple. There are many other temples in the town that are worth exploring…More Info
PATTAYA – Delivers “Fun and Sun” like no other place. This is truly the entertainment beach capital of Thailand, with hotels for all budgets, more watersports than one can practice in a month, more restaurants than one can eat in a year and more sights to see than anywhere else in the entire kingdom…More Info
KOH PHANGAN- North of Koh Samui, the small island of Koh Phangan was discovered by backpackers seeking inexpensive beachfront accommodation and a lively party scene.The backpackers were drawn to the Full Moon Parties that still take place around the over-populated hub of Haad Rin…More Info
KRABI - Is typified by a tropical climate which stays warm all year round. A charming town situated at the border of the Krabi River is the capital of the Krabi Province. Boasts of some beautiful mainland beaches and seaside cliffs. A natural scenic beauty, Krabi has one of the best beaches and bays in Southeast Asia…More Info
NAKHOM PATHOM– West of Bangkok, is regarded as the oldest city in Thailand and is host to the 127m (417ft), orange-tiled Phra Pathom Chedi, the tallest Buddhist monument in the world. The original monument, buried within the massive dome, was erected in the 6th century by Theravada Buddhists.
KOH LANTA – One of southern Thailand’s new destinations away from the main tourist areas. Lanta island offers mangroves, spectacular coral rimmed beaches and coves surrounded by rugged mountains. Located in the Andaman sea between Krabi and Phuket,and reached via Phi Phi island, means it’s not as easily accessible as some of the more well-known islands – but this is part of the attraction…. Apart from peace and quiet, Lanta offers snorkeling, scuba diving, jungle walks, elephant trekking, horse riding or kayaking – all the facilities without the crowds…More Info
PHANG NGA BAY – Located just north west of Phuket island, Phang Nga makes a great day trip. The strange and beautiful limestone scenery consists of many uninhabited islands which contain hidden caves, tunnels and interior lagoons – known locally as “hongs.” Many of these can only be accessed via natural tunnels when the tide is just right, revealing a hidden and unique natural environment. This fascinating world of caves, tunnels and “hongs” can be explored with minimum disturbance to the natural habitat by canoe.
KO PHI PHI ISLANDS - These idyllic twin islands lie an easy boat trip away from either Phuket or the mainland at Krabi. The largest, Ko Phi Phi Don, is a dumbbell shaped slice of paradise, its coastline fringed with white beaches all around, and its interior clad with tropical rainforest.
Passengers of low-cost airlines operating in Thailand must receive compensation and be provided meals if flights are delayed more than two hours but not exceeding three hours, or provided refunds if passengers do not wish to wait.
Thailand’s permanent secretary for transport, Supoj Saplom, said the Transport Ministry had recently instructed all budget airlines flying Thailand domestic routes to inform passengers about their rights in the event of flight delays.
Mr. Supoj said Ministry regulations require low-cost airlines to provide meals, drinks, and communication services for passengers of flights delayed for more than two hours but not exceeding three hours, and to provide a replacement flight or one to the nearest destination at no additional cost for flights delayed up to five hours.
If the low-cost airline purchases a ticket for a passenger on an alternate carrier and the new ticket costs less than the original, the original carrier must refund the difference.
In addition, for flights delayed of five hours or more each passenger is entitled to compensation of Bt600 (about $US19.76), but he said delays caused by a political situation, weather conditions, or work stoppages are not included.
Further, if a low-cost airline wants to issue refunds in the form of vouchers or other goods, it can only do so if the affected passenger agrees and all Thailand- low-cost airlines must provide disabled passengers with wheelchairs free of charge.
Mr. Supoj also said the regulation follows complaints from passengers about frequent flight delays, unfair ticket prices and extra fees charged by low-cost airlines in Thailand.
According to Mr. Supoj the Civil Aviation Department has been instructed to strictly enforce the regulation tot ensure the rights of passengers are protected.
Mr. Supoj said over the past years some low-cost airlines have collected a lot in additional fees resulting in low-cost airline passengers often paying fares higher than those charged by the national carrier, Thai Airways International.
Mr. Supoj also said that since that Thai AirAsia and Nok Air had increased the size of the fleets the problem of delayed flights has improved, though the ministry wanted to see it improve even more.
The regulations require low-cost airlines in Thailand to provide consumer protection agencies with details of their minimum and maximum fares and display the details on their websites, said Mr Supoj added.
THAILAND – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has invited about 300 overseas travel agents andmedia to join in the fun and frolic of Songkran, the kingdom’s most joyous annual festival which celebrates the start of the Thai (lunar) New Year.
This year, the Thai people will mark Songkran between 13-15 April 2011, a fun-filled national holiday to highlight the role of water in Thai social, cultural, economic, and spiritual life. Marked during the peak of the summer heat wave, it includes the annual bathing of Buddha images carried out at temples and homes across the country.
The word “Songkran” means a passage or course and refers to the position of the sun within the solar system. As the sun enters each of the houses of the zodiac constellation, a Songkran cycle is completed.
This year, TAT has decided to broaden the festivities with the “Songkran Grand Invitation 2011” to underscore the importance of this traditional festival in Thai culture and tradition and reinforce the long-standing reputation of the Thais as a fun-loving, easy-going people who are more than happy to involve foreigners in their local festivities.
The invited media and travel agents will in turn generate significant amounts of business and positive publicity for Thailand.
TAT Governor Suraphon Svetasreni said, “We selected Songkran for this Mega Fam Trip because there is no better time for visitors to see Thailand at its happiest. No matter what else is going on, everything gets set aside for these few days as everyone takes a five-day time-out to cool off and have fun. The festivities involve all Thais nationwide, including foreign residents. And we know from experience that visitors have a lot of fun too, especially young people.”
A total of 292 representatives of international travel agents and journalists have been invited to join this Mega Fam Trip, with the breakdown being ASEAN (103), Europe (51), America (45), and East Asia region (93).
On 11 April 2011, the group will be formally welcomed by TAT, followed by a presentation on the Thai tourism industry. Their visit will include stops at an ecotourism conference, the famed temple of Wat Pho, and a river cruise. They will also enjoy a cocktail party at Nagaraphirom Park (near Wat Pho). This will be a great chance for both parties to witness first-hand the splendors of Thailand.
At the same time, TAT is cooperating with public sector agencies and private sector partners to organise a number of activities for Thai and foreign visitors to celebrate Songkran in Bangkok and 12 major provinces most popular with foreign and domestic tourists.
These days you can get to Suvarnabhumi Airport from downtown Bangkok in quick time thanks to the Airport Rail Link (ARL), a rapid train ride on elevated tracks 28 kilometres long inaugurated last week.
The recently-launched Airport Rail Link, your ticket to Suvarnabhumi Airport from Bangkok.
It can deliver you there in 30 minutes, or even half that time. For commuters, here are some vital tips.
The ART comprises of a City Line and Express Line.
The City Line spans Phaya Thai district in the heart of Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi. With stops on the route, it connects the two points in 30 minutes, while the Express Line operates non-stop between neighbouring Makkasan to the airport, covering the distance in only 15 minutes. Both the lines operate 6am to midnight.
Makkasan is the ARL terminus on Asok-Din Daeng Road. Those arriving there by taxi or private car should proceed to the third floor from where it is convenient to haul luggage to the ticket counter and move on to the platform.
But if you are taking the MRT subway, Exit 3 of its Phetchaburi stop is the nearest access point to Makkasan. But then you need to cross a road and railway line, after which walk some 200 metres to get to the Express Line’s platform.
The Makkasan station will soon have an airline check-in facility where passengers can leave their baggage, which will be delivered to them at the airport.
The Express Line, operating at 30-minute intervals, is offering a promotional fare of 100 baht for a round-trip between the city and airport, but it is only good for the same day.
As for the City Line, trains depart every 15 minutes. The net result: the City Line, with stops along the route, seems busier than Express Line.
To facilitate passenger inter-change between the BTS Skytain and the ARL a bridge has been built at Phaya Thai station connecting the two services.
The ARL station at Phaya Thai has public toilets and a place for changing diapers for babies. Another station in the network equipped with such a facility is the one at Makkasan.
The station at Ratchaprarop is handy for commuters in the shopping hubs of Ratchaprasong and Pratunam. It has stairways on both sides connecting passengers to the road below, and an elevator and escalator to its west facing Indra Regent and Baiyoke hotels.
On the western side of Ramkamhaeng Road, a stone’s throw from Khlong Tan intersection, is the next ARL station, close to the road, hence very convenient for commuters, as opposed to Hua Mak station, where they need to walk around 200 metres from Srinakarintara Road to access the station.
Parking space is available at all ARL stations but inadequate, except for the Makkasan station where there is a parking facility which can accommodate 300 cars once it is completed. Until then, you can park there at random. However, over-night parking is not allowed.
All stations are well-equipped with escalators and elevators, handy for passengers with luggage in tow.
Riding the City Line, passengers high on luggage should go for the head or tail car where there is plenty of space. Also available is a lost-and-found service, which I found handy.
