Sunday, December 23, 2007

WAT PHRA THAT DOI TUNG (Mae Fah Luang district)
The Phra That Doi Tung was constructed on a mountain peak called Doi Tung in 911 A.D (1454 B.E.) and is considered to be one of the oldest and most sacred of the Northern Thai kingdom.

The stupa enshrines the collar-bone of Lord Buddha and thus is a sacred religious monument deeply revered by Buddhist followers throughout Thailand, Myanmar and Laos.

It is believed that the existing route that leads to the stupas follows the same path taken by the Lord Buddha as he made his journey through the countryside to preach to his disciples and followers. The road passes by the Wat Noi Doi Tung temple and Tepparak Garden, believed to be the abode of angels and celestial beings that guard the holy shrine of Phra That Doi Tung. The Phra That Doi Tung is a distance of 7 kms from the Royal Villa on the old route and 12 km along the new route.

WAT RONG KHUN (City of Chiang Rai)
Wat Rong Khun is very different to any of temple you are likely to see in Thailand.This temple is about 10 km south of Chiangrai city and only slightly off the super highway. A lifetime project of the national artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, the temple has a fine blend of traditional Buddhist art with contemporary themes. The temple is almost entirely white – no other colours are used at all. It is though decorated with small pieces of mirrored glass which add substantially to the temple’s spacious and airy feel. Designed to be viewed in moonlight, if you can manage to get there when the moon is out it’s worth the effort – very nice indeed.

WAT PHRA KAEO (City of Chiang Rai)

Wat Phra Kaeo is located behind Wat Phra Sing, it is noted for its late Lanna Wihan and several fine bronze Buddha images.The temple is more famous,however,as the place where the statue of the Emerald Buddha,now enshrined in Bankkok, was originally discovered.

History of Wat Phra Keao
Formerly called Wat Pa Yia (bamboo forest), this is where the Emerald Buddha was found. Thus the name of the temple was derived.

On 21 October 1990 , Buddhist clerics and laity agreed to build the Jade Buddha (commonly called Phra Yok Chiang Rai) to celebrate the 90 th anniversary of the Princess Mother's birthday. The Buddha image was officially named Phra Phuttha Rattanakonnawuttiwatsanuson Mongkhon, which means the Buddha who is the source of gems.
In the main prayer hall stands a huge bronze Buddha image in the posture of “sub-duing mara, or demon.” This is commonly known as Phra Chao Lan Thong in Chiang Rai. It was transferred from Wat Phra Chao Lan Thong to this temple in 1961. The main hall itself was built in 1960 in the neo-Lanna style with double-tiered roofs decorated with colored glass along the eaves and the beams. The front portal posts and gable are decorated with intricate golden patterns. The doors are showpieces of northern woodcarving techniques.

WAT KLANG WIANG (City of Chiang Rai)

Wat Klang Wiang is a Lanna style temple that was built since 567 years ago. It was located in the middle of Chiang Rai city. Start at the Hall of Cultural, drive on Singhaklai road to Rattanakhet road. Wat Klang Wiang is next to Chiang Rai Police Station.

History of Wat Klang Wiang
Previously called Wat Chantalok after the huge red “chan” tree once grown here, this is where the founding city pillar is located. However, during the modern-day mapping process, it was revealed that this temple is situated at the exact center-point of the city. The city pillar was thus erected, and the temple was renamed “Wat Chan Lok Klang Wiang”. In 1903, a big gale destroyed the “chan” tree, main prayer hall (ubosot), and an assembly hall (wihan). The name of the temple was thus reduced to Wat Klang Wiang

In 1992, a new city pole was erected to replace the old one which had long collapsed. A mondop topped with a spire was built to protect the pillar from eroding elements, with a statue of the mythical Guardian Angle (called Thao Chatu Lokaban) to protect the city's birthplace according to Lanna beliefs. A chedi was built where the chan tree once stood. The statuettes of fully attired elephants stand around the base of the chedi. The main prayer hall was also rebuilt in neo-Lanna architectural style.

WAT PHRA THAT JOMSAK (Muang district)

Wat Phra That Jomsak is located at Baan Du village in Muang district of Chiangrai

It was formerly known as Prathat Baan Yang and was constructed at the time when Chiang Saen was a bustling town several centuries ago. The monk called Putthakosa who also visited Chiang Saen during the time of Phrachao Pangkharat, the 25th ruler of the city gave a relic some to Jomkitti, some to Phrathat Doi Baan Yang, The monk called khruba Khamla restored the pagoda in the year 1947 and renamed it as “Jomsak Pagoda“

WAT PHRA THAT JOMKITTI (Chiang Saen district)

Wat Phra That Jomkitti is located at Wiang sub-district of Chiang Saen.


This history of Yonok mentioned that leader called Pangkarat ordered the construction of the Pagoda in the Year 940 A D, the same period Prathat Doi Jom Thong was constructed. A relic that was given by a Burmese monk is interned in the pagoda. At that time, the pagoda was made out of wood.The leader called Suwandhamlan restored this pagoda

WAT PHRA THAT JOMPHOR (Wiang Pa Pao district)

Wat Phra That Jomphor is located on a hill at Wiang sub -district of Wiang Pa Pao, Chiang Rai.


There is no record of when this site was constructed but it is estimated some in 1720 A D.

It was being restored in the year 1979, during the restoration process, they found a silver plate with some inscriptions.

WAT PHRA THAT DOI PHU KHAO (Chiang Saen district)

Wat Phra That Doi Pu Khao is located on the hill just before the Golden Triangle

It is believed to have been built by a king of Wiang Hirannakhon Ngoen Yang in mid-8th century. Remains of antiquities still visible today are only the Wihan and crumbled Chedis. It is a viewpoint of Golden Triangle.

Chiang Rai Province

Welcome to Chiang Rai ::
Chiang Rai is the northern most province of Thailand. It is located 829 km. from Bangkok. It consists of valleys, which are punctuated by hills and has a total area of 11,678 square kilometers. Many important rivers start flowing from here such as Mae Kok River, Mae Lao River, Mae Kham River, Mae Sai River, and Ing River. Moreover, the Golden Triangle of Chiangrai is the first entering point of Mekhong River to Thailand before making an exit point to Lao PDR.at Wiang Kaen District of Chiangrai.
Chiang Rai? Population consists of many groups of racial such as Tai Yai, Tai Lue, Tai Khern, Tai Yuan. In the early of 2000 A.D. many hill tribes moved from China and settled their village in many places of Chiangrai. The last group of racial that moved in Chiangrai is the 93rd Chinese Nationalist Battalion

Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand is about 785 kilometers north of Bangkok. Situated on the Kok River basin, Chiang Rai covers an area of approximately 11,678 square meters with an average elevation of 580 meters above sea level. The province, which is located within the renowned Golden Triangle area where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand converge, is also known as the gateway to Myanmar, Laos and Southern China.

Chiang Rai, which was founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai, was the first capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom (Kingdom of a million rice fields), which was later conquered by Burma. It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai became a Thai territory and was proclaimed a province during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910.

Today, Chiang Rai is a travelers paradise endowed with abundant natural tourist attractions and antiquities; the province itself is evidence of past civilization. Attractions range from magnificent mountain scenery, ruins of ancient settlements, historic sites, Buddhist shrines and ethnic villages as the province is also home to several hill tribes who maintain fascinating lifestyles. For those interested in the natural side of Chiang Rai, jungle trekking is recommended along various trails.

Chiang Rai which tends to be a little more 'laid back' now competes with Chiang Mai as a tourist attraction and is fast becoming a popular escape for tourists wanting to get away from the troubles they left behind.

Saturday, December 22, 2007

saraburi

Saraburi;
Land of living history,

gateway to excitememt



The lands of the Saraburi district
abound with natural and historical resources.

Rich in cultural heritage while embracing
new agriculture and innovation,
Saraburi helps propel Thailand into the 21st century.

With eco-friendly tourism and a clear focus
on the needs of visitors Saraburi offers a rewarding and
very stimulating destination only an hour from Bangkok.

Route: I

Saraburi Pilgrimage - Buddha's Left and Right Footprint

The Buddhist is required to "Make Merit" and one of the ways to achieve this is by Worshipping at the Buddha's image in nine temples within one day.

Saraburi provides an amazing opportunity for Travellers who wish to do the obligatory Buddhist pilgrimage in a wonderful and historic setting. You can Begin at Wat Phra Phuttha Bat, 20 km from Saraburi city to worship the respected "Buddha’s Left Footprint". Ring the hanging bells all around the Buddha before buying a "Teab", or have your existing one stamped at the chapel below.


Continue on to Wat Kao Wong "Narai Cave", a Buddhist Meditation School, then drive to revere the Life-size Solid Gold Buddha at Wat Phayao on the bank of the Pasak River. From there you may travel on to the Buddha’s Relics at Wat Khao Kaew Temple, decorated with a Lanna-Style Stupa, and to Wat Samuhapadisatharam to appreciate the inspiring Mural Paintings.

From there travel to Luang Po Dam at Wat Soong where you can meditate on "Sao Ronghai", The Crying Pillar’s story, from which the district was named. After that drive back to Saraburi city to revere Phra Nirokhantarai, "Guardian of the East", at Wat Sala Daeng and then on to Wat Tam Phra Photisat in Kaengkoy District to see the Carved Bas-Relief from the fifth Century.

Finish the day worshipping the Buddha’s "Right Footprint" at Wat Phra Phuttachai before returning to Bangkok, if you must, with the blissfulness of "Newly Gained Merit".

Route: II

Thai Yuan Life - The charm and heritage of the Pasak River

Pasak River, the river of life for Saraburi’s people, flows through Thai History. In late September the local people stage the annual Long-Boat Racing festival on the river to celebrate its heritage.

You may also like to travel the Cultural Route along the Pasak River either by boat or by land and enjoy an overnight home-stay with Thai Yuan people in the Sao Hai District. The morning market is a perfect place to start the day, get some fresh food and offer merit-making to the local monks.

Later meet village Philosopher Mr. Songchai Wannakul, an original Lanna descendent, at the Thai Yuan Cultural Study Centre and be treated to an amazing history of a region and its people.

At the end of the route, visit the Ton Tan Weaving Center to learn how to weave in the traditional Lanna style and get beautiful ready-to-use native textiles. From there you can travel on to Ban Yang Village to learn the cooking technique of the famous Krayasart or "Sticky Sweet", a delicious Thai dessert enriched with grains.

Enjoy Dinner at Sunset and relax with Thai Yuan traditional performances at the cultural centre and later return to Bangkok, if you must.

Route: III

Farm Tour and Farm Stay - Thailand’s Cowboy Charm


With mountains in the background, the rich and fertile plains of the Muak Lek district present an inspiring vista to the traveller. Here the Thai dairy industry was personally started by the King after a visit to Denmark in the 1960's. Vineyards and ostrich farms jostle for space with dairy cows and horses, grazing blissfully beside fields of sunflowers and travellers are welcomed with a warm smile and generous laughter.

To really appreciate the Thai agricultural way of life farm stays, camping and agro-tourism are recommend and available throughout the year.

The simple agrarian life is fundamental to Thai traditional life and is a great retreat for those wishing to get away from it all. Muak lek is also Cowboy Central in Thailand so you can see horse riding, whipping, and gun spinning, or relax around the campfire at night with the western cowboy style dining.

For locally grown Honey visit the Honey Hut or continue to Yana Farm where visitors can get fresh organically grown vegetables and fruit.

Stop over at Kyusei Agricultural Centre for an information session on toxic-free agriculture then drop by Saraburi Zoo and Crocodile Farm in the Phra Phuttachai where you can buy some of the popular multi purpose crocodile oil before leaving Saraburi with great memories and maybe some souvenirs.

Route: IV

Adventure trips with Jungle, Caves and Waterfalls


Saraburi city is close to the mountain range from Kaeng Koy to Muak Lek and offers an exciting range of activities for families,eco-tourists and adventurers alike. For a unique experience climb to the top of the limestone "Khao phra Phuttha Bat Noi" in Bann Tung Sang Park and trek through the jungle on top of a mountain.

There are excellent opportunities for abseiling and cliff climbing and native herbs and rare plants prosper here. Limestone is the symbol of Saraburi and streams of pure mineral water seep from the porous rock. Here and there wild goats inhabit the caves and native wildlife can be found in its natural environment.

Krok I Dok Waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in the central region and is suitable for adventurous climbers. But for a relaxed family trip visit the famous waterfalls like Muak Lek Waterfall or Chet Sao Noi, there there are lots of fun activities like kayaking, bamboo rafting or even driving ATVs in the jungle.

For a more relaxed style of adventure trek down to the valley and visit the splendid and glittering stalactite cave. Saraburi in summer is such a great option for an adventurous or eco-friendly trip and with less than one hour drive from Bangkok It's one of the must-visit regions in Thailand.

Mae Hong Son Hotels and Guesthouses

Mae Hong Son Hotels and Guesthouses
Sawasdee Place Muang Baht 400 - 900
Baan Pai Village Pai Baht 500 - 1,200
Baiyoke Chalet Khumlumprapas Rd., Muang Baht 850 - 1,400
Mountain Inn Hotel & Resort Khunlumprapas Rd., Muang Baht 850 - 4,300
Pai Hotsprings Spa Resort Pai Baht 1,050 - 2,900
Golden Pai & Suite Resort Pang Moo, Muang Baht 1,100 - 3,000
Muang Pai Resort Pai Baht 1,150
Riverhouse Resort Mae Sariang Baht 1,150 - 2,550
Rooks Holiday Hotel & Resort Khumlumprapas Rd., Muang Baht 1,300 - 2,900
Fern Resort Khunlumprapas Rd., Muang Baht 1,350 - 2,100
Baan Krating Pai Resort Pai Baht 1,400 - 2,800
Bulun Buri Resort Pai, Mae Hong Son Pai Baht 1,700 - 3,300
Belle Villa Resort, Pai Pai Baht 2,000 - 2,200
Imperial Tara Mae Hong Son Hotel Pang Moo, Muang Baht 2,000 - 2,800

Place of interesting in Pai

Place of interesting in Pai


Mae Yen Waterfall

At the source of the Mae Yen River, Mae Yen Waterfall is about 12 kms from the town, located deep in the forest along a trail where there are no villages. The walk is beautiful and the waterfall is impressive. As the trail is so small, you cannot take any vehicles up to the falls. It’s best to ask for directions from local people before you set off and to make sure you take plenty of water and some food as this trek will take you the whole day.

Tha Pai Hot Springs

Tha Pai Hot Springs are part of a national park just 8 kms south of Pai. There is a stream running through the hot springs and you can choose either to bath in the river or in bathtubs that have been built on the site. You can get to the springs by foot, bicycle, motorbike or car.



Muang Pang Hot Spring

It is a large natural hot spring with a temperature of 95 degree celcius and still instantly dashing.



Nam Hu Temple

About 3 kilometers from Pia Market contain a sacred Chaing Saen Budddha image, 24 inches wide at the base and 30 inches inches high. The image’s topknot can be opened and contained holy water, revered by local folk.



Mae Yen Temple

Mae Yen temple is located halfway up a mountain and once you have climbed the 350 steps to get there the views over the valley are tremendous, covering a radius of around 10kms. There is an interesting old chedi at the temple and also murals that were painted by a local artist about the previous lives of the Buddha.



Mo Paeng Waterfall

From the town center you can walk up to Mo Paeng Waterfall, passing through two Shan, one Lesu, one Haw Chinese and one Lahu village. The walk is 8 kms long and takes about 2 hours each way. You can also go either by bicycle, motorbike or car. Once at the falls, you can swim in one of the three pools.



Mae Ping Karen Village

It is located in Mu 4, Tambon Mae Hi. The Karens here have their own alphabets and are highly civized.

Place of interesting in Pang Ma Pha

Place of interesting in Pang Ma Pha

Lod Cave

Lod Forest Park or Lod Cave some 60 kilometers from Mae Hong Son town, a road to the left runs further 8 kilometers. It is place where antiques and prehistoric remains were foung. This huge cave is beauitflly decorated with colourful stalagmites and stalactites.The tourist visiting hours is from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily .It took about 1-2 hours to cover the cave.



Mae La Na Cave

It is situated at Ban Mae la na ,83 kilomerters from Maehongson.It have the archway water It's the longest cave of Thailand ,12 kilomerters.It takes 15 hours up to get to this cave on foot with out rest.In this cave it have waterfall ,pearl cave and a lot of beautiful sprout.stones.



Zu Za Cave

Located in Ban nam kad ,43 kilomerters from Maehongson. The entrance of this cave have Zu Za waterfall and the hightest cliff behind it.



Tham nam lang

Can only travel on the dry season and so hard to walk along this cave.There are a stone pillar that hight as 10 floors buiding .You will discover Wang Mek Ka Lha cave ,it have a lot of water in Flow Stone style ,1 kilometers from entrance.Some journey must take rubber rafe and clamber tools.



Tham Bor Phi

Tham Bor Phi is another interesting cave for tourists to stop-by it takes 40 miniutes to the Luke Khoa Lamm hill.

Place of interesting in southern way

Place of interesting in southern way

Ban Nam Phiang Din

Ban Nam Phiang Din is in Tambon Pha Bong of 1 hour long motorboat trip along Pai River Ban Huai Dua, a scenic route with marvellous terraced cataracts.



Phabong Hot Spring

Phabong Hot Spring is in Phabong village not far from town, on the way to the South about 10 kilometers. This way leads to Khunyuam on the route No. 108. Phabong Hot Spring is on the right, the area is about 6,000 square meters. It is the hot spring with sulphate, the temperature isn't to high just only for boiling egg. Tourists can take a shower. The single room rate is 40 Baht/an hour, united room is 20 Baht/an hour.