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A warm welcome to a beautiful land of millions of smiles. THAILAND offers the traveler such rich diversity traditional Buddhist culture and exotic hill tribes, lively arts and exciting shopping, lonely islands and lush rainforests, one of the world's great cuisines and some of the kindest people you'll ever meet.
Geography : The Kingdom of Thailand, covering an area of 514,000 square kilometers, lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, roughly equidistant between India and China. It shares borders with Myanmar to the west and north, Lao P.D.R. to the north and northeast, Cambodia to the east and Malaysia to the south.
Topography : Thailand is divided into four distinct areas : the mountainous North, the fertile Central Plains, the semi-arid plateau of the Northeast, and the peninsula South, distinguished by its many beautiful tropical beaches and offshore islands.
Climate : Thailand lies within the humid tropics and remains hot throughout the year. Average temperatures are about 29oC, ranging in Bangkok from 35oC in April to 17oC in December. There are three seasons: the cool season (November to February), the hot season (April to May), and the rainy season (June to October), though downpours rarely last more than a couple of hours.
Population : Thailand has a population of about 60 million. Ethnic Thais form the majority, though the area has historically been a migratory crossroads, and thus strains of Mon, Khmer, Burmese, Lao, Malay, Indian and most strongly, Chinese stock produce a degree of ethnic diversity. Integration is such, however, that culturally and socially there is enormous unity.
Lanuage:For the many visitors who come to Thailand learning the language can prove to be quite a challenge. The Thai language is quite complex, for example one sound with five different tones to mean five different things. All Thai people appreciate the visitor who attempts to learn and try a few words so best be prepared:
Hello / Goodbye = Sawasdee + Khrap (male) Kha(female)
How are you? = Khun sabai dii, mai.
Well, thank you. = Sabai dii, Khapkhun.
Thank you. = Khapkhun.
Never mind = Mai pen rai.
I cannot speak Thai. = Phuut Thai mai dai.
MONEY: The local currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht. One Baht is divided into one hundred stang.
TRAVELLERS CHEQUES/CREDIT CARDS
US Dollar travellers cheques can be conveniently cashed at all provincial banks and authorized money changers. Travellers cheques in other currencies are best changed in Bangkok where better rates prevail. Rates of exchange can vary so it is wise to shop around. Credit cards are widely accepted in Thailand and you will find plenty of ATM’s (24 Hour cash dispensers) in large cities and resorts.
Banks 09.30 hr – 15.30 hr Monday – Friday closed on public holidays
Bank currency exchange centers 09.00 hr – 21.00 hr seven days a week including most public and bank holidays
Government Offices:- Generally open 08.30 – 16.30 hr Monday – Friday with a 12.00 hr – 13.00 hr lunch break, closed on public holidays.
Department Stores/Malls: Open various hours, many for 12 hours or more, seven days a week.
ELECTRICITY
Thailand operates on 220 volt, 50 cycle AC power. A travel plug adapter kit may be required as American & European style 2- pin plugs are in use.
Major Tourist Areas
Bangkok
With four hundred temples and seven million people jostling for space in it’s sprawling 600 square mile area, Bangkok is a bustling hive of activity and contrasts. Compare the snarling traffic with the boats plying the Chao Phaya River, the clever fakes in the night markets to the hand-crafted jewellery in the large air conditioned shopping mails or the ramshackle houses built up on stilts which lie alongside modern luxury hotels. No other city in the Far East manages to blend old and new to such dramatic affect. Bangkok is a fascinating, enchanting and exciting city.
Chiang Rai
Sited on the banks of the Mae Kok River. Chiang Rai is about 100 miles North of Chiang Mai and 40 miles Southwest of Chiang Saen where the Ruak flows into the Mekong to form the golden triangle where Thailand meets the borders of Laos and Burma. The hills and mountains are cloaked in thick green vegetation and have gorges with fast flowing rivers running through them.
Chiang Rai is just over one hour’s flight from Bangkok and longtail speedboats can be taken from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.
Bicycles are a common form of transport and tracks link to the scattered hill tribe villages.
Chiang Mai
The gateway to Northern Thailand sited on the banks of the Ping River. Surrounded by hills in a valley 1,000 ft about sea level. Chiang Mai is 700 km. and one hour’s flight from Bangkok. Famous for its temples, including the Doi Suthep which is perched high above the city. Rice fields dot, the landscape and the jungle clad hills are the homeland of the various hill tribes.
Chiang Mai also offers golf courses, outstanding walking areas and great shopping opportunities. The infamous ‘Golden Triangle’, bordered by Laos and Burma, allows you to explore the 1,200 year old temple, the opium museum or just to enjoy the view.
Koh Samui
The third largest Island in Thailand, 15 miles by 12 miles. Koh Samui lies off Thailand's Eastern peninsular. Just over an hour flight from Bangkok.
The main activity is "beaching" on the magnificent beaches with clear blue water and golden sands. The most popular beaches are Lamai and Chaweng, where swimming, water sports and resting under the shade of palm trees is the way of life.
Hiring a car is one of the best ways to explore the scenic hinterland of lush forest, tumbling waterfalls and temples. Maenam beach situated on the northern shores of Koh Samui is ideally placed to follow the trail through the coconut and durian plantations to the highest point on the Island, where panoramic views can be enjoyed. Watch out for the ling kang monkeys specially trained to pick coconuts. The main nightlife center is around Chaweng.
Krabi
A 3 hour drive southeast of Phuket is a spectacularly beautiful province.
The coastline consists of stunning limestone cliffs and hidden caves which overlook many deserted off shore Islands. The clear waters and marine reefs are ideal for snorkeling, water sports and scuba diving while the sandy beaches offer peace and relaxation.
Phi Phi Island
Phi Phi Island is just 20 miles away from Phuket by boat. Ringed by clear warm waters with coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life making snorkeling and scuba diving popular pastimes. On the island, there are no roads and the white sandy beaches are studded with waving palm trees. An ideal location for relaxing and for water sports.
Phuket Island
Positioned to the West Coast of Thailand’s peninsula, 30 miles long and 13 miles wide. Phuket is it’s largest Island. Just one hour’s flight from Bangkok. Night lovers will enjoys lively Patong Beach with it’s colorful nightlife and street stalls. Phuket has more than a dozen white sandy beaches lapped by the clear waters of the Andaman Sea, broken up by coves and hills.
There is a superb range of water sports including scuba diving and a excellent choice of golf courses. Enchanting scenery, outstanding beaches, inexpensive restaurants, shopping bargains, good sports facilities and night entertainment means Phuket has something to offer everyone whether you want.
Khao Lak Beach
Khao Lak beach, one of the National Parks of Phang Nga Province. It's just 70 kilometers from Phuket International Airport. The best valued vacation in Phang Nga Province, Thailand To enjoy the most beautiful golden sand beach and nature of Phang Nga and the Andaman Sea. Khao Lak Beach will unquestionably be Thailand next emerging beach resort. In response to this potential demand worldwide. Khao Lak beach is most conveniently reached from Bangkok by flying Thai Airways to Phuket Airport and then continue by car or bus 45 mintues only
Similan Island
Located just north of Phuket " Similan Island " Nine densely wooded islands fringed with rocky outcrops and gorgeous beaches with fine talcum powder-like sand form the Similan Islands National Park.
The main attraction of these islands is the incredibly varied underwater landscape. Sloping hard coral reefs and shallow coral gardens lie on the eastern side of the islands, while totally different scenery - huge granite boulders, caverns and swim-through fringe the west side. It's a great place for both diving and snorkeling in a pristine aquatic environment
Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is a long thin island, situated in southeast of Krabi. Part of the island is Koh Lanta National Park which encompasses over 15 islands in the near vicinity. But many of Koh Lanta lovely bays and beaches are being developed to cater to the tourists dollar. Much of the land being developed is owned by Chao Nam (Sea Gypsies) but some development area seem to be creeping into the National Park. Koh Lanta has a number of villages lining both sides and the town of Ban Saladan to the north is the major arrival and departure point. The nice beaches line on the western coast and they also improve further to the south which is also the nice area you should visit. Koh Lanta is a popular place to visit for those with young families as the sea is relatively calm and he beaches area so long sunsets are stunning all the way down to the west coast.
Trang
Trang
or Taptiang is another big town in the South which is the
first to grow rubber trees of which the saplings were
brought in from Malaysia by Phraya Rasssadanupradit
Mahissarapakdi.
Trang
is a seaport on the Thai west coast 1,124 kms. from Bangkok
on Phetchakasem Road. At present, there is a new route, from
Suratthani to Trang, which makes the total distance from
Bangkok 864 kms. Its area is 5,216 square kms. or about
3,095,000 Rai. The northern boundary is next to Thung Song
District, Nakhorn Si Thammarat Province; the southern by
Thung Wah District, Satun Province, the Indian Ocean. The
Administration of the province is divided into 9 districts
and 1 sub-district; Muang (Trang Town), Kantang, Huay Yod,
Sikao, Yan Takhao, Palian, Wang Wiset, Nayong Districts, and
Ratsada Had Samran sub-districts.
Koh
Samet
Koh
Samet island is a very convenient place to visit if you have
a few days get away from Bangkok here is really right place
to be. Koh Samet is part of the larger 131 sq. km Khao Laem
Ya - Koh Samet National Park encompassing Khao Laem Ya on
the mainland as well as various island throughout the
region. Although marine life has suffered over the recent
years due to the waste from development on the mainland,
reasonable snorkeling can still be had off Ko Samet's
southern tip and off Thalu Island.
The island itself is within a National Park, but very built
up with bungalows which line the popular beaches, although
in line with National Park guidelines, the guesthouses
remain behind the tree line. The abundance of accommodation
is well. However there are some beautiful areas left on the
island as holiday makers very rarely visit the southern
coastline which, even in the high season, remains unscathed
by tourists. The eastern coast is the most beautiful, dotted
with sandy beaches, coves and accommodation, but all parts
are easy to visit as the island is only 6 km long and 3 km
wide. Most of the accommodation is on the eastern side, but
it is well worth a visit to Aow Phrao to watch the sunset.
Koh
Chang
Koh
Chang Marine National Park is new and virtually unknown to
the outside world. Few people know of its secret wonders.
Some even boldly call it “the last paradise islands in
South-East Asia”. A paradise it is, Koh Chang Marine
National Park has been a heaven to the locals who need to
replenish their mind and energy, to recharge
Koh Chang is the largest of the 52-island Marine National
Park, all of which are untouched by modernization with their
natural resources kept intact. Thus, qualifying the park as
a dream escape, a true hideaway, far from the bustling
city-life. But in fact, Koh Chang is only 330 kilometers
east of Bangkok or approximately 4 hours by road plus
another 30 to 45 minutes by boat or ferry.
It is surprising even to the Thais that Koh Chang is
actually the second largest island in the whole of Thailand,
behind Phuket. Despite its size and close proximity to the
capital, Koh Chang is least known, undeveloped, untouched,
forgotten, and left idle for decades. No doubt, all these
are a blessing in disguise.
Koh Chang Marine National Park is a secret retreat yet to be
explored. Nearly 75% of the Marine Park is protected by law,
under the jurisdiction of the Forestry Department of
Thailand. This explains how it remains a virtual virgin
wonderland shielded from devastating and vigorous
developments. Hence, the lack of infrastructure and
population. There are few thoughts of modernization.
The locals as well as their regular patrons are pleased the
way it is. So, slow and gentle, tranquil and romantic, Koh
Chang Marine National Park continues at its own pace, and
still, a paradise for those who appreciate nature at its
basics more than the sophisticated luxury of modernity.
The coastlines of the Koh Chang Marine National Park is a
spectacular work of nature’s art and there are beautiful
beaches, coves and bays around the islands. Koh Chang Marine
National Park is indeed a wonderland of fertile virgin
rainforests, untracked jungles, high peaks, breathtaking
waterfalls, beautiful beaches, spectacular coastlines,
colorful coral reefs, clear blue sea of warm waters, idyllic
islands, fascinating wildlife and an abundance of healthy
marine life. All waiting to be discovered
Koh
Tao.
Koh
Tao, little more than 21 km², is located about 70 km east
of the coastline between Suratthani and Chumphon, in the
Gulf of Thailand.
Koh Tao means Turtle Island, because in the past the waters
in the area had been rich with sea turtles, nowadays they
have mostly moved on to other breeding grounds.
Initially the island was not inhabited, there was only the
occasional fisherman from the neighbouring islands, looking
for shelter in a storm or just taking a break before
continuing his tiresome journey.
On June 18, 1899, His Majesty the King Chulalongkorn (Rama V
1868-1910) visited Koh Tao and left as evidence his monogram
on a huge boulder at Jor Por Ror Bay next to Sairee Beach.
This place is worshipped even today and should be treated
with respect
From
1933 on the island was used as a political prison. In 1947,
Khun A-Paiwong, prime minister at the time, pleaded and
received a royal pardon for all prisoners on the island.
Everybody was taken to the Suratthani shore and the
"Turtle" was abandoned again. But not for long. In
the same year Khun Ueam and his twin brother Khun Oh reached
Koh Tao from the neighbouring Koh Phangan by trying out
their traditional sail boat, for that time a quite long and
dangerous journey. Even though the island was still under
royal patronage, it didn’t stop these pioneers claiming
themselves a good piece of land on today's Sairee Beach.
Having brought their families over, they began to cultivate
and harvest the excellent soil. The first generation of
today's community had settled!
They
lived a very simple and tough life harvesting coconuts,
fishing and growing vegetables, which were also traded with
Koh Phangan. Despite the difficulties in reaching the
island, the population then grew steadily.
In
the eighties the first travelers discovered the island
paradise and their special "backpacker-network"
quickly made it widely known and a popular destination. As a
consequence, bigger, faster and safer boats were used to
allow easier access to Koh Tao.
Pattaya
Pattaya
and the Near East contain the beach resorts most easily
accessible from Bangkok, of which Pattaya and its
neighbouring bays are by far the most important. Pattaya is
Thailand's most famous resort, perhaps with at least a touch
of extra spice for its rather wild nightlife. But there is
much more to Pattaya than the night life - take or leave as
much of the night life as you want and enjoy superb
accommodation, food and the facilities of a truly
international resort.
Huhhin
Hua
Hin is unlike any other beach resort in Thailand. If you're
looking for bright lights and the frantic all-night action
of cabarets and discos, you may be disappointed here.
However, if you enjoy walks through the quiet winding
streets of a friendly coastal village, sampling delicious
seafood in restaurants overlooking the brightly lit fishing
boats on the Gulf of Thailand or a round of golf on one of
the several international standard links, Hua Hin could very
well be what you're looking for; Hua Hin has a special
character all its own.
Hua
Hin became popular as a rainy season retreat in the 1920's
with the construction of the railway line from Bangkok. The
beautiful, colonial style Railway Hotel was built near Hua
Hin's famous rocks in 1923 by the State Railway Authority,
which also built Thailand's first public golf course in Hua
Hin in 1924. In 1926, King Rama VII built the Klai Kangwon
(Far From Worries) Palace on the beach a few km north of the
Railway Hotel and this palace is still frequently used by
the Royal Family. This set the stage for Hua Hin's
popularity and unique ambiance which remains to this day
Cha
Am
Cha
- Am this is a real friendly unspoiled Thai village offering
8km of very clean sandy beaches, along which are protected
by tall trees that help keep the hot midday sun off you.
During the week it is nice and quite but at the weekends and
public holidays it come alive as the Thai people come to the
beach for there picnics, swimming and just relaxing. The
Thai people know how to enjoy themselves, as you will see
them dancing and singing on the beach
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