Wednesday, February 28, 2007

BANGKOK RAILWAY STATION(HUALAMPONG)





BANGKOK RAILWAY STATION(HUALAMPONG)

The coming of the Royal railway brought a great change to the Thai way of life at that time. Since then, trains have become an important form of transport and play a great role in trade across the country and beyond.

Bangkok's Hualampong station was built 14 years after railways were introduced to Thailand The seven-year construction period started in 1910and finished in 1916. The station was renovated and modernised in 1998, and this has made made a vast improvement in all its aspects.

The station provides 24-hour service. There are regular trains, rapid trains, express trains, and the Sprinter or special express train. Trains are divided into 3rd class, 2nd class sleeping car, 2nd class car and 1st class sleeping car with or without air-conditioning. There are 24 ticket windows and a computer system for passengers to buy tickets and ' making reservations.

The station is complete with a post office, money exchange service, shops, bookstores, restaurants and food and drink outlets. Services such as luggage deposit and hotel reservation are also available for travellers' convenience.

Address : Rama IV Road Rongmuang Sub-District Pathumwan District Bangkok 10300
Telephone: (662) 220-4334 (Reservation) 220-4268 (Public Relations)
Hot Line: 1690
Facimile: (662) 222-4211
E-mail, Web site: www.srt.motc.go.th
Bus: 4 7 21 25 29 34 40 53 73 109 113
Air-con Bus: 4 7 29 73 501 507 Mb 5 4
Pier: Passenger Boat: Hualampong Pier (Phadung KrungKasem Canal)
Opening Hours: Daily 24 hrs.
Parking : At the side of the Station
.
Nearby Attractions :
About Cafe
Boe-bae Market
Mahanak Market
Wat Kalawar
Wat Thepsirin
Wat Trimit Yaowarat

If you have any suggestions please let us know, by sending comments to info@bangkoktourist.com

Bo Sang & San Kamphaeng route






Bo Sang & San Kamphaeng route
Amphoe San Kamphaeng, Chiangmai province

This is the most famous route for those in search of excellent handicafts.On both sides of San Kamphaeng Road, are showrooms and factories where you can see how the products including silk, cotton, lacquer ware, ceramics, silverware, leather ware, umbrellas, woodcarvings and antiques are actually produced.

Dining in Chiang Mai





For those who are homesick in Chiang Mai, there are plenty of foreign but original restaurants serving Italian, German, French, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Indian, Pakistani and Arabic cuisine to meet certain cravings. In addition, vegetarian restaurants are also available. For Thai food lovers, there are also a variety of restaurants serving central, northeastern, and southern Thai cuisine.

Many tourists are also surprised to see street vendors selling a wide range of food, which are inexpensive. Popular items are barbecued chicken, pork and squid. To sample them without worries please make sure they are well cooked.

Northern Thai Food The people of Chiang Mai take pride in their distinctive cultural identity. The distinction of Lannas charming beauty is reflected in the lilting dialect, classic architecture, valued customs and traditions, expressive festivals, exotic handicrafts, and, of course, unique cuisine. It should be noted that the northern people traditionally sit on the floor eating food placed on a low table.

Northern people generally prefer steamed sticky rice to cooked rice. The rice is accompanied by Kaeng (curry) or Nam Phrik (chili paste) and vegetables (fresh or boiled). The two most popular local chili pastes are Nam Phrik Ong (chili paste with minced pork and tomatoes) and Nam Phrik Num (green chili paste).

Many tourists are also surprised to see street vendors selling a wide range of food, which are inexpensive. Popular items are barbecued chicken, pork and squid. To sample them without worries please make sure they are well cooked.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Chiangmai Night Bazaar




For those who enjoy honing their bargaining skills, this is the place to be. The Night Bazaar is probably the largest outlet of local handicrafts with hundreds of stalls and shops stretching along a long section of Chang Khlan Road. Interesting products are hill tribe crafts, hand-woven fabrics, clothes, silver jewelry, antiques, lacquer ware, woodcarvings, pottery, basketry, and other local items.

Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park


Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park
Amphoe Mueang, Chiangmai Province
Covering an area of 262 sq. km., this luxuriant park is home to more than 300 bird species and nearly 2,000 species of ferns and flowering plants. Some hiking trails in the park pass Hmong villages while others lead to a few small waterfalls where local people come to picnicking on weekends. Accommodations are available near the park headquarters. To get there, take Highway No. 1004, its only 16 kilometers drive northwest of Chiang Mai town. The Park has interesting attractions, which include:
.
Namtok Huai Kaew

This waterfall is located near the Chiang Mai Zoo and is a pleasant place for relaxation and picnics.
.
Doi Pui Tribal Village

This village is a Hmong village situated on an asphalt road approximately 3 kilometers from Phu Phing Palace and approximately one hour from Chiang Mai. The village presents the typical lifestyle of the Hmong as well as a scenic view of Doi Inthanon.
.
Phu Phing Palace (Royal Winter Palace)

The palace is located further up the mountain and approximately 6 kilometers from Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The royal winter palace was built in 1962. Its landscaped gardens are decorated with plenty of colorful, exotic flowers. It is open every day from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. except when the Royal family is in residence which is usually from mid December to early February.

Monday, February 26, 2007

Huai Nam Dang National Park


















Huai Nam Dang National Park
Amphoe Mae Taeng, Chiangmai Province

The park occupies an area of 180 square kilometers in Mae Taeng Sub-district, Chiang Mai and Pai Sub-district, Mae Hong Son Province. The mountain, which is mostly ranged highlands, has verdant forests that are the sources of tributaries and various streams. Notable attractions in the park include Huai Nam Dang Viewpoint and Doi Kiu Lom, which overlooks Doi Chiang Dao. To get there, drive along Mae Malai-Pai Road to between Km. 65-66, and then take a 6-kilometer access road to the park office.

Another attraction, Doi Chang Viewpoint, is located 20 kilometers beyond the Huai Nam Dang Viewpoint and is only accessible by four-wheel drive vehicle. The scenic views of natural mountain ranges and early morning sea of clouds can be seen from this view point. Camping is possible provided that visitors bring their own tents and food. Nearby attractions in Mae Hong Son Province worth visiting include Tha Pai hot spring (Pong Nam Ron Tha Pai) and Mae Yen waterfall.

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Op Luang National Park










Op Luang National Park
Amphoe Hot, Chiangmai province

Op Luang National Park is an amazing natural attraction comprising both splendid natural charms as well as mysterious scenery. A zigzagging river flows in front of a picturesque gorge. The area is a high, steep cliff with a narrow passage, creating strong currents and powerful echoes. An area in the north of this stream is teeming with various kinds of plants that provide a pleasant ambience all year round. Magnificent views of Op Luang National Park can be seen from the bridge that links with the gorge. An interesting prehistoric archaeological site is also located in the park.

How to get there:
The Op Luang National Park is located 105 kilometres from Chiang Mai town along Highway No. 108 (Chiang Mai-Hot-Mae Sariang). The road stretches alongside the Mae Chaem River and zigzags along mountain ranges. Blue buses originate from the Hot-Mae Sariang roundabout. There are 3 lines of buses: Hot-Mae Sariang, Hot-Mae Chaem, Hot-Om Koi. All of them stop at Op Luang National Park.

Doi Inthanon National Park
















Doi Inthanon National Park
Amphoe Mae Chaem , Chiangmai province

This national park which covers an area of 1,005 square kilometers is located on Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain which is 2,565 meters above sea level. Located between Mae Chaem and Chom Thong, the park is comprised of the largest tract of upper mountain forest which ranges across Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and ends in Northern Thailand. The mountain ranges gave birth to the main tributaries of the Ping river and formed the beautiful waterfalls, namely Siriphum, Wachirathan, Mae Pan, Mae Klang and Mae Ya. The moist and dense evergreen forest is abundant with lichens and wild orchids. The park is also a paradise for bird lovers. Visiting Doi Inthanon is possible throughout the year however, the best period for viewing the waterfalls is May through November while the best period for viewing wild flowers is December through February and for ornithologists is November through March.
.
How to Get There: Travel 58 kilometers west of Chiang Mai via Highway No. 107 to Chom Thong, then turn right into Highway No. 1009 and continue a further distance of 48 kilometers along Highway No. 1009 to the summit. A good but rather steep asphalt road takes visitors up, thus the vehicle must be in a good condition. Visitors could pay for the entrance fee at Km. 8.
.
Doi Inthanon Royal Project Research Station

This is located at Ban Luang, Chom Thong District, on the way to the Doi Inthanon peak. The research station is operated under the Royal Project. The facilities are for research and development of pilot projects for cash crops, which include coffee, cold-climate fruits, and cut flowers. The research station also provides services and information regarding the application of advanced technology to help alleviate poverty, natural resource conservation etc. In addition, information on production and marketing of the products is also available. Tourists can visit the stations charming garden of temperate-climate flowers and a cut-flower nursery. The research station is located approximately 90 kilometers from the city and near Inthanon peak. The research station is ideal for flower lovers and is a recommended stopover for travelers heading up or down Doi Inthanon. Advanced contact for a group visit is recommended. Tour guide services are also available. For more information call 0 5335 5196.

Friday, February 23, 2007

The Grand Palace










Chakri Maha Prasat Hall was built by king Chulalongkorn (RAMA V). It is used for the reception of foreign ambassadors. It is a beautiful blend of European and Thai architecture.

ROYAL GRAND PALACE

When King Rama I took the throne as the first monarch of the Chakri Dynasty in 1781, he moved his capital from Thonburi to the other bank. He then ordered the construction of the Royal Grand Palace as the centre of the new city.
Inside the Royal Grand Palace are the Maha Monthien group of buildings, the Throne Halls, and other palaces and buildings. These have been renovated, refurbished, repaired, extended and added to continually as appropriate to every reign since then.

Chakri Throne Hall: Hybrid Thai-European architecture built in the reign of King Rama V with the throne hall itself in European style and the roof in a Thai throne hall style.

Chakrapatpiman Throne Hall: The chief throne hall of the Monthien group, and the early Chakri kings mostly stayed in this throne hall.

Dusit Throne Hall: Cruciform style built in the reign of King Rama I. Inside is a Throne decorated in pearl and Phratanratchabanjathorn, a couch of King Rama I.

Royal Decorations & Coins Division: Ranks and coinage has 13 exhibition rooms: Rooms 1-3, royal ranks; Room 6, the apparel of the Emerald Buddha which is changed according to season; Room 7, royal regalia and Room 12, historical money etc.

Ang Khang Royal Agricultural Station








Location: Ban Khum, Mae Ngon sub-district, Fang District, Chiang Mai. Tel. 0 5345 0107-9; Fax. 0 5345 0106

Located in the valley of Doi Ang Khang, the station is designated for conducting experiments on possible temperate plants to be grown in Thailand. The experiment is aimed at promoting the cultivation of cash crops to replace hill tribes' opium plantations. Inside the station, there are beautiful landscaped flower gardens, a restaurant and plantations. Advanced contact is recommended for a group visit with lecturers available upon request. Facilities include guesthouses (inside the station), food and beverage, parking space, toilets, etc.

In addition, there are many guesthouses and a hotel located around the station. The entrance fee is 50 bahts per vehicle (including driver) and admission fee of 30 bahts per person. The morning market in front of the station, which is the hill tribes market, is stunning and charming.

Doi Ang Khang National Park

Famous for its cool climate all year round, visitors can explore the Royal Angkhang Station Project and visit hill tribe villages to learn more about their daily life. To get there, take Highway No. 107 (Chiang Mai-Fang), turn left at an intersection around Km. 137 (Mae Kha Market) and proceed for another 25 kilometers to Doi Ang Khang. As the route is filled with steep s-curves, an experienced driver and vehicles in good condition is required. The local truck (song taew) from Mae Kha Market offers chartered service to the mountain.