Discover Thailand’s Priceless Beauty

The Benjarong is Thailand’s priceless contribution to Asian pottery. Once the prized possession of royal palaces and upper-class Thais, it is today, the pride and perfection of ancient Thai craftsmanship.

But what exactly is the Benjarong and why does it possess such magical qualities with sheer beauty and serenity? Read on to unravel the history and making of this ancient masterpiece.

History of the Benjarong

During the early Ayutthaya period (1350 – 1767), Thai craftsmen made a somewhat crude multi-colored earthenware known today as the Benjarong – a term based on the Sanskrit words panch, meaning five, and rang, meaning colors, thus literally referring to the ‘five-colored.’ The style of painting multi-colored enamels on a white porcelain base was influenced by the Chinese Ming dynasty, and by the 17th century, the Benjarong became an exclusive household possession of rulers and high nobility – marking a period where high quality Benjarongs with unique Thai designs were produced. Colored enamels added over the glaze were fused to the surface in a descending scale of temperatures. The Benjarongs were also decorated with swirling flame-like motifs and Thai-style thepanoms, or celestial beings. These were made exclusively for the royal household as utilitarian items, such as rice bowls, stem plates and covered water jars. Shortly after, artisans applied 12 or 18 carat gold onto Benjarongs to enhance their appearance.



The Making of a Benjarong

The making of the Benjarong is a long and arduous process requiring great patience and complete dedication. A prolonged heat treatment is required after the object is made, and once again after the hand painting is done. The drying process of the hand painting cannot be accelerated by using a fan or blower, as this prevents the colors from fusing into the ceramics.

The process:

1.The ceramic ware is hand made into the specific size and shape desired.
2.The ceramic ware is heated at over 500 degrees for over 6-7 hours.
3.A few hours is spent on polishing the baked ceramic ware to smoothen the surface.
4.A thin layer of glaze is applied onto the smoothened ceramic ware.
5.The ceramic ware is heated once again to give it a glazed and polished surface.
6.A craftsman then hand paints some designs onto the polished ceramic ware.
7.Every color needs to be completely dried in order to apply a new color, taking from hours to days to complete.
8.The finished hand painting on the ceramic ware is left to dry for another 6 hours.
9.The painted ceramic ware is heated once again at over 500 degrees for 5-6 hours, as this ensures that the colors are fused into the Benjarong.

The Benjarong today is one of the most popular types of ceramics in Thailand. Known to be the most exquisite for its hand painted designs, it is of little wonder that these masterpieces are exclusively produced by only the most talented and highly skilled of Thai artisans.

By: Yanapat Jaenjira

Visiting Krabi Thailand – Top 10 Attractions

In the far south of Thailand, Krabi is the poster child for Thailand's natural coastal beauty. It’s also near Phuket. The scenery is overflowing with remarkable outcroppings of limestone that produce framing cliffs and peculiar formations. In the resort area, the pace is much slower than in other Thai hotspots, with a market that caters more for relaxed travellers and families who would prefer to stay away from the party scene of some of Thailand’s beaches.



Daytrip to Wat Tham Seua
If the heat and humidity aren't too overwhelming, a trip to Wat Tham Seua, or Tiger Cave Temple, is a must. In fact, in spite of the heat, you may want to venture out to see this site in order to explore the cool maze of caves in which Buddhist monks live and worship. A climb up this Ao Luk Thanu limestone mountain to the summit affords a look at the pagoda, 'Buddha's footprint' and spectacular vistas of the countryside.



Rock climbing
The rock climbing scene at Krabi is fit for all skill levels, with something for everyone. Climbers come from all over the world for the unique karst structures and limestone cliffs, many of which are well marked and bolted for climbers. One of the most popular sites is at Ton Sai Beach, but it’s possible to go climbing at any number of places around Krabi, especially when collaborating with a local rock climbing company. If you're not sure of your abilities, don’t be too shy to enrol in one of the instructional classes offered.


Koh Lanta Marine National Park
Pristine rainforests and more lovely Krabi beach options can be found on the island of Koh Lanta, which is also a marine national park. The most striking aspect of this island is that it's home to the nomadic tribe of Chae Leh, also called sea gypsies, who have practiced their own distinct religion and spoken their unique language for centuries. There are plenty of relaxed bungalow settings for those who want to stay a while. Visitors from as far away as Phuket come to visit.

Than Bok Khoranie National Park
Taking a day to check out Than Bok Khorani National Park is a worthwhile endeavour, especially if you're interested in the diversity of plant life here, from small gardenias to towering trees. The highlight of the park is the green-hued pond that is the namesake for the park. Beyond the pond is the area's standard fare of limestone formations, caves and mangrove trees. While the park does not offer accommodation, camping is permitted if you bring your own equipment. It’s also an easy drive to and from Phuket.

Shell Fossil Cemetery
A few miles out of Krabi Town, you'll find the archaeological site known as the Shell Fossil Cemetery. This marvel has been under construction for the past 35 million years and has grown into a huge slab of fossilised snail remains more than 15 inches thick. The site of this former swamp can be found at Ban Laem Pho Cape, which is located about 10 miles from Krabi Town.

Exploring the archipelago
An organised tour of the archipelago is a wonderful way to spend a day, and with your itinerary in the hands of a local tour guide, you can be sure to find wonderful scenery and some great secluded Krabi beach choices. Another way to explore the islands close to Ao Nang Beach is to hire a sea kayak and paddle out to them yourself. This is a good way to get away from the crowds in the resort area and catch some peace along with spectacular scenery.

Scuba diving
If you're a certified diver, you'll probably want to jump right in as soon as you arrive in Krabi. The reputation of the nearby Andaman Islands and the wealth of coral reefs fuel much enthusiasm in this area, and there's no shortage of diving companies to take divers on day and longer trips. Snorkelling is also worthwhile, and those wishing to pick up a diving certificate can enrol in a four-day course. Many of the Phuket dive trips end up here.

Railay Beach
Longtail boats can be hired to take passengers out to Railay Beach, which is barred from the mainland by massive cliffs that make it only accessible by sea. There are a few resorts set up along these beautiful beaches, and Phra Nang, a sacred cave, is one of the area's principle attractions.

Biking
Cycling is a wonderful way to open up the inland countryside, and a 15 or 20 mile loop out of Ao Nang will take you into coconut groves, past quiet villages and in and around the karst outcroppings of rock before bringing you back to the resort. Bicycles can be rented for the whole day at Ao Nang beach in Krabi.




Krabi nightlife
Visitors don't generally come to Krabi for the nightlife; instead they're either here for the stunning geological landscape or the chance to relax in a quieter environment that is more conducive to families. Krabi Town itself has very few tourist establishments, with most of the action confined to a mile-long stretch of beach at the Ao Nang resort area. While there aren't any discos or wild parties, there are plenty of nice restaurants with good seafood and a relaxed atmosphere. The bars in the busiest sector of this beach stay open past midnight.

By: Andy Burrows

Night In Saturn - Adventures In Southern Thailand

My Mercedes is waiting. The sun beams diffusely down through the moisture laden air causing beads of sweat to drip continuously on my already drenched t-shirt. I am going to Satun and the Mercedes is a classic well kept 1962 model. In fact there is a whole fleet of Mercedes waiting to take tourist to Satun from Hai Jai in Southern Thailand. They are all black with an exaggerated curved body indicative of automobiles of the late 50’s. And believe it or not, they still retain the comfort that Mercedes is famous for.



The year is 1998 and I am going to the Andaman Sea in the Straits of Malacca. There I will plant myself for two weeks on one of the many somewhat deserted islands that dot this reclusive part of the world. A world inhabited by pirates and honeymooners in the Koh Tarutao National Park system in the very south of Southern Thailand.

Which island I am going to, I don’t know, but I am not the only one. Sharing my taxi ride is a young couple in love from Germany and a family from Thailand, husband and wife with their 5 year old son.

It takes about twenty minutes for the taxi driver to stuff everyone’s belongings into the trunk. I have made substantial purchases of deliciously fresh dried fruits and filled my water container with pomegranate juice from one of the ‘made for tourist’ vendors surrounding the taxi. We squeeze into tightly together; the family and myself in the rear of the taxi and the couple from Germany in the front and prepare for a long and fascinating journey.

“Are you comfortable” the driver asks in broken English.
I answer like an excited kid, “Let’s get this rocket rolling.”
My feelings were of excitement and anticipation and I don’t know why I said such a strange thing. No one else said anything and I felt as if my words were still echoing in the silence minutes later. But no matter, here I am in the middle of the world, on an adventure that relatively few have gone before.

The journey takes 3 hours of driving through exotic and undeveloped country side; incidentally through a warm and friendly Islamic side of Thailand. At one point we passed two foreigners on bicycles pedaling in racing uniforms. Later they caught up to us in some remote village on the way as we were stopping for refreshment. They came up next to our taxi and said with a heavy European accent “hello?” I answered, “Wow! I can’t believe this! What are you doing way out here in the middle of nowhere on bicycles?”

The young man in his twenties answered, “We are traveling around the world. We are on our way to Indonesia.” The other couple traveling in the taxi with me immediately took notice and a very long and interesting conversation ensues between all of us.

It turns out that the bicyclists are a married couple and the last county they pedaled through was Myanmar. After Indonesia, they planned to cycle the islands of Hawaii and then to Mainland USA.

To this day I still have dreams of that encounter and the miraculous and dangerous journey they were taking. I have never heard of them since and have no idea what became of them.

Before we know it, the taxi driver is honking his horn for us to return and we are saying our goodbyes to this marvelous couple. We pile into the taxi for the last leg of our journey. Looking out the window we pass fields of coconut palms, women balancing wood or foods in baskets on their heads wearing colorful loose clothing down to their feet. The homes we pass by are often made of palm frawns or a patchwork of wood and debris. And in the fields are men and women, young and old with their ox and children tilling vegetables in the same way at their ancestors have done for thousands of years.

Finally we reach Satun. I don’t know what to expect. The town is about two blocks long; a fishing village whose main street leads right to the ocean. There fishing boats made of old rotting lumber wait to take us to one of the many islands we will now select in the many makeshift tourist offices that line the street.

Each old rickety tourist office has pictures of the islands they offer and provide for a fee, the means to get their. And if you are uninformed, you will pay in advance for you accommodations. Something better to do when you arrive on the island. Occasionally an owner of one of these offices tries to get us inside by enticing us with words like ‘beautiful, exotic, cheap…’ We all walk down the main avenue looking and asking questions until each of us select our travel destination destiny.

I study all the pictures from all the offices of all the islands carefully and I choose Langkawi only 5 kilometers away from the southern tip of Tarutao Island. I pay the equivalent of approximately $7 for a round trip boat ticket and I am then led to one of the boats. The boat can fit about 4 people and sits low to the water. There is single engine propeller that is barely hangs attached to the rear of the craft. I wait about 15 minutes before we begin our three hour journey through rough and dangerous seas to the somewhat deserted and exotic island of Langkawi...

My days on the island with boa constrictors, pirates, a lost tribe of Islamic fishermen, my isolated beach cottage right on my own private beach, the couple isolated on the other side of the island studying esoteric Buddhism, the small exotic café serving daily fresh fish from the sea, the many tourist from Europe that came and went, lightening in the sky on a clear day and the marvelous skin diving in clear deep tropical sears are topics I will discuss in my next article. Stay turned.

By: Bryan Richards

Look Inside To Discover Pattaya Thailand

Our 26m boat is Pattaya's largest and most popular, with fresh hot meals, soft drinks, hotel pickup, showers, sun deck and more! At the Baiyoke Pattaya Hotel you are centrally convenient to the beach, to the largest shopping area and to the resorts exciting nightlife arena. Our hotel has all facilities that guarantee a quality accommodation while in Pattaya. Our hotel is a new quality 62 room budget Pattaya's hotel with tropical garden and swimming pool. We seldom ate in the hotel, preferring to dine at small resturants around the resort and in the center of Pattaya.



About 240 meters hight that you can see Pattaya view, hotel and bungalow accommodation are also available. Select a Pattaya hotel below to find usefull hotel information, check hotel rates and room availability. Travel Library always lists the real direct contact details for every Pattaya hotel including email, web site address, telephone and location address. This hotel has the best and most convenient location of all the luxury resorts in Pattaya. Book your Pattaya hotel stay safely, securely and without worries. Book your hotel in Pattaya before you leave home and save money! That Pattaya is not your average package destination was illustrated when I checked into the hotel.

The bar is located on Pattaya Beach Rd so it's the ideal location to call in for afternoon drink or to spend your evening. But whatever the seedy side of Pattaya's nightlife is like, the city is still one of Thailand's more popular beach resort communities. With such beginnings, its hardly surprising that Pattaya quickly gained an image as one of Thailand's seedier beach resorts. Today Pattaya is Thailand's premier beach resort and attracts annually more than a million tourists from all over the world. Even in the very heart of Pattaya you will be able to find long stretches of clean and sandy beach. Today, Pattaya is Thailand's premier beach resort and annually attracts hundreds of thousands of pleasure-seeking tourists from all over the world. The resort has its own private beach, the only one in Pattaya, where one can explore the Island situated around the resort. It is located at the heart of Pattaya near the beach and next to best shopping boutiques and restaurant. The over-abundance of jet-skis and speedboats has contributed towards the pollution of the water along Pattaya Beach. There's no doubt Pattaya Beach is a fun destination, but one that needs some consideration before a visit. We are situated within easy walking distance from the beach / seaes and the bustling shopping and nightlife in downtown Pattaya. For instance, as a beach wear some Russian women love those large adorned scarfs, sold all around Pattaya. People say that Pattaya Beach Road has a street life like no where else in the world, and it does.

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This is a personal site providing nightlife reviews and a snapshot of articles that illustrate life in Pattaya. More infornation about the nightlife in Pattaya, the best places to enjoy a party... Conveniently sited close to a great number of Pattaya shopping centers and tremendous nightlife entertainment complex. Nightlife Pattaya beer bars along the waterfront Pattaya is renowned for its nightlife, much of which revolves around its massive sex oriented industry. Although this is the part of Pattaya that has most accommodation available, the nature of the nightlife can put families off. Especially, Pattaya nightlife entertainment is the most favorite attraction one should not miss. When it comes to nightlife in Pattaya, the go-go bars and beer gardens dominate. Probably more has been written about Pattaya's nightlife than any other place on the planet. Night life and entertainment Pattaya is famous for its nightlife and the bay is lined with lanes full of fun bars and friendly people.

Non-stop excitement in the sun, shopping, entertainment, sports and excellent night life, Pattaya is a true world class destination. For shopping, fashionable boutiques and ready-made garments are flocked in the main street of central and South Pattaya. Les grands magasins et autres bazars de Central Pattaya offrent une autre vision du shopping. Shopping Pattaya has some surprisingly fashionable boutiques and shops selling clothes, silk, coral and shells, paintings, handicrafts, gemstones, jewellry and souvenirs.

Thus you have your car hire in Pattaya for sure and you avoid troubles on arrival by not finding the hire car that suits your needs. Don´t wait for the final call to book your car hire in Pattaya! car hire country guide Thailand lloguer de cotxes pattaya, autonoleggio pattaya, autoverhuur pattaya Beneluxcar wants your Pattaya car hire experience to be as enjoyable as possible. For cheap car hire Pattaya, find and compare prices from leading car hire companies. Find lowest car rental rates and best discount deals for car rental Pattaya. Just ninety minutes by car from Bangkok, Pattaya allows you to shed your suit or the city stress and let your hair down.

In Pattayaland you will find every service imaginable starting from the traditional karaoke bars to the impressive dance clubs and strip clubs. These are just some of the hundreds of so called beer bars that litter the streets of downtown Pattaya. Many ex-pats own bars in Pattaya, where the prostitutes work (you have to pay the bar a fee to take the girls home). Some end up staying in Pattaya for years and becoming mamasans, or recruiters for the bars.

The whole reason I went with them was because I thought that it would be exciting to get sex for free in Pattaya. Gerd Cornelius and his porn ring harem were arrested for producing live internet sex shows in Pattaya. However, Pattaya is still home to many international resorts and is crowded primarily with sex tourists. But even for those who have no interest in hired sex, Pattaya is still a fascinating place. There is no shame in Pattaya, sex is not a vice here, it's as normal as eating or sleeping. By night, Pattaya isn't short of entertainment and is well known for its sex scene.

Watersports, off-beat museums, wildlife and amusement parks and extensive sports facilities, including 10 superb golf courses, have added to Pattaya's fun and sun. There are several highly recommended golf courses to choose from in the Pattaya area. Then, indulge in breathtaking adventures on the water, below the waves, on the golf course, or among the exciting sites of Pattaya. Justly famous for its night-time party zone, Pattaya's also has first class golf courses and surprisingly, lots of family attractions. (coming) Golf around Pattaya is pretty close to golfers heaven for high and low handicappers alike. Twenty or more international standard golf courses are within an hours drive of Pattaya. http://www.rabbitresort.com

By: wirat

Phuket City Hotels On The Phuket Hotel Discount In Thailand

Do you feel that you will learn enough from this article to help you out with the subject matter at hand?



Phuket City Hotels, pearl of the Andaman Sea, captures the imagination of visitors from all over the world for its natural

The world-famous option island, with its unmixed blue waters and gold-sand beaches has long been required as a lull from the jostle and activity of city life. Phuket City hotels are a present hotel with breath-taking views.

Phuket City hotels are situated in the delightful wealth of the sunny island of Phuket. We know a lot about phuket city hotels in Thailand. Phuket city hotels is one of our big interests, and we know that the sites.

Phuket City Hotels, a present Phuket City Hotels on the pleasing island of Phuket, where nothing has been spared to cause you the finest in accommodation, facilities, dining and relaxation.

Going through the final part of this article, we will see just how important the subject can be to many people.

Phuket City Hotels offers guests a great experience and great leisure opportunities which combines the feature of international values with leniency and cozy hospitality from Phuket City Hotels.

This is complemented by the beauty of the natural surroundings and the charming air of done ease and relaxation. It's not surprising that many of Phuket City Hotels guests are recur visitors. This is not just any destination but a destination for a very exclusive holiday.

Hotel awaits you with cozy wanted and of course we will make you feel the exclusive of Phuket City Hotels. entertain contagious us and prefer your beloved Phuket City Hotels extent for your lovely holidays at here.

Having this information handy will help you a great deal the next time you find yourself in need of it.

By: Suwat Muenpan

What Makes Thailand The Most Visited Tourist Destination Of Southeast Asia?

Apart from its overwhelming attractions in the form of breathtaking beauty of the nature, awe-inspiring stupas and temples, generous hospitality and ancient kingdoms, there is one more thing that makes Thailand the most visited tourist destinations of Southeast Asia.



Well, Thai Massage is one special attraction for the tourists. Having a Thai massage is a total invigorating experience that has indeed record boosted the medical tourism in the country. So you can say this for sure that the rise in the medical tourism to Thailand is mainly due to its scenic beauty and extraordinary ancient medical systems available to rejuvenate your skin and body.


In this system of massage, structural pressure, motion or vibration and tension are applied either manually or with mechanical aids. The soft tissues of the body, muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints and lymphatic vessels get the beneficial response.

If you believe that stress is one of the reasons for acne, here you are promised immediate stress relief after going through the elaborate process of this massage. The massage is good to heal injury, relieves psychological as well as physiological stress, body pain and improves blood circulation. This is also known as therapeutic massage thus.

This is also a very soothing way to treat acne. Outer expression of the inner impurities is believed to be the main cause of acne. Treating acne with superficial external medications, may suppress acne. It can not help to remove it from the roots. Thailand offers one of the best acne treatments. Their flagship acne product is the ' body massage! The principal involved is simple. Can any disease thrive on a strong and healthy body?

So, the therapeutic healing by massage is almost a guarantee in Thailand, and your best chance to get rid of the acne problem once for all.

This system, though vastly prevalent in Thailand, now, its origin is credited to Jhibala Kumarabhacca, a man of Indian origin who was a doctor friend and contemporary of Lord Buddha.

The fundamental of Thai massage is that there exist some 72000 energy lines running through the body. When all of them are collectively treated, you become a rejuvenated man. Thus, your medical tour to Thailand to cure acne is a success. Your body equipment is completely recharged now.

By: Javier Fuller

Thai Travel

What To See And Do In Phuket, Thailand – Top 10

Phuket's natural beauty, thriving international community and pristine beaches set it apart fro Thailand’s other resorts. Even after the tsunami of 2004, the communities consolidated efforts have succeeded in holding on to almost all of the former clout as a tourist hub. The tourist industry here is second to none, and visitors are always well catered for, no matter their preferences or background.



Adventure sports
Adventure sports are top-notch in Phuket, and due to the island's status as one of Asia's top tourist destinations, the offerings and equipment are first rate as well. The adrenaline sports of Phuket are all about getting a new perspective on things. Nothing affords this better than perching on the back of an elephant and traipsing through the jungle or taking a plunge under the care of Thailand's only licensed bungee jump operator. There's also a shooting range on the island and it's possible to join guided ATV tours headed to remote beaches and into the hills on the island's interior. Less jostling go-kart rides can be taken in most of the major towns.


Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre
The Gibbon Fund is found on the Royal Reserve on the same land as the Bang Pae Waterfall. This project takes domesticated gibbons and makes every effort to reintroduce them into the wild. To date, three families have been successfully grafted back into their natural environment, and lucky visitors can catch sight of these primates among the trees.

Water sports
The beaches at Phuket are world-renown for their clear and calm Andaman waters. Visitors arriving on the island have the opportunity to enjoy water-related sports and activity which are central to a stay in Phuket. Diving and snorkelling present a wonderful vantage point on the underwater environment. To take in the vistas directly above sea level, there are mooring areas all over the island with the possibilities of sailing lessons, dinner cruises, fishing expeditions and kayaking. Those who wish to raise themselves high above the water can gain a new perspective on the island while parasailing.

Island hopping
The Thai islands of the Andaman Sea are known around the world for their beauty and glamour. A couple of them have been featured in James Bond films, with another having appeared in the Hollywood film, The Beach. Boats can be chartered to every one of the islands in the archipelago, and some of them offer modern amenities and accommodation, while others remain remote and relatively untouched. Some of the most staggering views can be found around these more primitive islands and can be comfortably enjoyed from the boat, some of which are sleeper-equipped. Islands like Phi Phi have plenty of accommodation to offer guests.

Waterfalls
The three major waterfalls of Phuket are all worthy of their own daytrip. Ton Sai is a picturesque waterfall surrounded by palm trees. Kathu Waterfall is located farther inland and many visitors choose to stop here and enjoy a picnic or a swim in its cool pools. Bang Pae Waterfall sits on the land of the Gibbon Fund and visitors to this stretch of land can enjoy the scenic waterfall along with the added possibility of catching sight of a gibbon in its natural surroundings.

Eating out
What better reason to travel to Thailand than to enjoy the endless supply of Thai food? The abundance of fresh seafood only enhances this draw in Phuket, where the tourist scene rolls out a full menu of possibilities ranging from Thai favourites to international specialties. Quality dishes can be found at the food stalls and small restaurants as well as at the resorts and five-star hotels. The most authentic food is found away from the beaches.

Shopping
While Phuket's shopping scene is as exhaustive as the markets in Bangkok, there are still plenty of opportunities for bargain shoppers, antique hunters and more mainstream shoppers seeking souvenirs. Leather goods, ceramics, jewellery and clothing are in steady supply. It's even possible to get fitted by a tailor and have some clothes custom-made during your stay.

Thai kick boxing
Muay Thai is Thailand's contribution to the martial arts scene. This form of kick boxing has been developed and honed in Thailand for centuries, recognised today for its highly effective moves. Exhibitions take place in Phuket Town every Friday night. Meanwhile, those who wish to study Muay Thai will find training gyms located in Phuket as well as at Rawai and Chalong.

Temples
There are a few Buddhist temples, or wats, on the island. Most of them are easily accessed from the main roads, and local taxi drivers will readily know them all. Shoes should be removed and shoulders and knees covered before entering a Thai temple. Some of the well-reputed temples include Pra Nahng Sahng, Pra Tong, Put Jaw, Jui Tui and Sanjao Sam San. Wat Chalong is probably the most popular with tourists, with its many murals, unusual design and modern pagodas.

Promthep Cape
Promthep Cape has been widely photographed over the years, mostly for its spectacular scenery and beautiful sunsets. It's also worth a visit to take a look at the peculiar shrine which locals adorn with miniature elephants as a means of making merit. There's also a statue that was built in honour of the Thai prince who modernised the country's navigational methods and founded a maritime school in the 19th century.

By: Andrew Bond

Thailand Rock Climbing

Mention Thailand and images of beaches, elephants and Bangkok come to mind. Less known is the fact Thailand rock climbing is some of the best in the world.


Thailand Rock Climbing

Located in Southeast Asia, Thailand is bordered by Cambodia, Burma and Laos in the north and Malaysia in the south. The shape of the country is somewhat similar to Italy, and you’ll find similar differences between northern and southern Thailand that you do in Italy. For rock climbing enthusiasts, the south of Thailand is where the action is.

The rock formations in Thailand are almost universally limestone. The level of climbing can be as simple as bouldering or as challenging as tackling over vertical cliffs. This makes Thailand a popular rock climbing destination since it has a little something for everyone.

Krabi

Located on the southern section of the “tail” of Thailand, Krabi has a wide variety of rock climbing challenges. Most of the climbs in this area are of the pre-bolted sport route variety. There are literally hundreds upon hundreds of climbs with difficulty levels from beginner to multi-pitch knuckle crushers.

The beauty of climbing in Krabi is…well, the beauty. While you might have visions of jungles and mosquitoes when thinking of Thailand, Krabi is an area of a different sort. Most of the climbs have been set up on cliff faces on the beach. Being natural capitalists, the Thai’s have built hotels, bars and so on at these locations. As a result, you can literally climb a multi-pitch route for five hours, cool off with a swim and then have a beer. If there is such a thing as a rock climbing heaven, many feel Krabi is it.

Before you cash in your savings, keep in mind that Thailand is a seasonal vacation spot. If you go during the wet season, there is a good chance you’ll just end up sitting around drinking beer. While that isn’t too bad, you’ll go crazy looking at the climbs that are so close, but oh so far away.

Generally, you want to head to Thailand from late November through maybe April. The summer months tend to be both incredibly hot and wet. Make sure you pull up forecasts for the area before booking a trip.

Flying to Thailand is inexpensive, but flights are incredibly long with stopovers. Still, it is all worth it once you experience Thailand rock climbing.

By: Nomad Rick

Discover The Hidden Thailand

Thailand is more than Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and Chiang Mai. In fact, there are a great many fascinating out-of-the-way places that regular visitors know and love, which you might like to consider adding to your itinerary when you’re planning your next trip to Thailand.



About 260 km outside Bangkok, the ancient city of Nakhon Ratchasima, also known by its historical name of Khorat, is famous for its several heritage sites that reveal the roots of traditional Thai culture. Once the gateway to the country’s northeast, the city was a major centre of the vast and influential Khmer kingdom, which stretched across much of Southeast Asia, between the 9th and 15th centuries. Life moves at a relaxed pace here, compared to the main tourist centres. Just south of Nakhon Ratchasima, in a lush river valley, is the delightful market village of Dan Kwain, well known for the fine quality of its ceramics and distinguished by the individuality of its products.



Near Nakhon Ratchasima, there are dense forests, mountains, and rivers with spectacular waterfalls. Khao Yai National Park, listed as a World Heritage site in 2005, undulates over magnificent mountain ranges blanketed by thick forests, and plunges down deep valleys with wild river courses. Wildlife is abundant and accessible and you can see elephants, tigers, monkeys, black bears, deer, butterflies, insects, and birds. This is an ideal place to spot a Hornbill, which is common in the park from August to September. You can even join tiger-spotting trips accompanied by park rangers.



The quiet riverside town of Kanchanaburi, about 130 km west of Bangkok, is another place where you can explore more of Thailand’s natural and historic treasures. Kanchanaburi lies next to the Kwai River, where the famous World War II bridge still stands (the subject of an Oscar-winning movie, The Bridge Over the River Kwai). It’s a poignant reminder of the hardship endured by those who were forced to work on the infamous Thai-Burma Railway. Natural attractions here include numerous lovely waterfalls and caves. The trek through the steamy undergrowth, to the stunning seven-tiered Erewan Waterfalls, is well worth the effort. Your reward is a plunge into the cool, clear water beneath the falls, where curious fish nibble at your toes.



North of Chiang Mai, in the jungle wilderness, is Thailand’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon. The national park, also of that name, presents some of the regions most exciting trekking opportunities. Best accessed by motorbike, due to the rough and narrow roads, Doi Inthanon is a mountainous expanse with deep valleys that contain a rich diversity of distinctive flora and fauna. Be warned that temperatures on the mountain top can drop to –8 C and the peak is often swathed in mist. Here you’ll find the prized red and white varieties of rhododendron, as well as more than 350 bird species, more than in any other location in Thailand.

Sukhothai, Thailand’s first administrative and cultural capital, established in 1257, is today a group of well-preserved ruins. During its 120-year golden period, the old city was known for its stunning temples, statues and gardens, and is now a significant historical focal point. The site is well worth the short drive out of the current city of Sukhothai, about 400 km north of Bangkok.

By: R. Ritchie

Erawan Museum

Have you ever caught the eyes? When headed to Samut Prakarn on Sukhumwit Road. What is the most noticeable landmark in that area? Yes! THE THREE-HEADED ELEPHANT. The size and the structure attract tons of people to worship it. In fact, it is a museum.


Inside the huge three-headed elephant and its round base is a museum, Erawan Museum. The three storeys inside the elephant contain antiquities and priceless collection of ancient religious objects of Kun Lek Viriyapant who is the museum owner. He is also the owner of the Ancient City and The Sanctuary of truth. It started from his friend’s idea of apple-shaped construction, symbol of western religion, inspired him to build this building in the form of Erawan elephant, symbol of eastern religion.


Its body made from bronze with pink pedestal rounded base decorated with millions of little tiles. The body is about 29 meters height. The whole height is about 44 meters. The design of all three floors represents three worlds. The lower floor is the underwater world. The upper floor is the earth, Kao Prasumain. The top is the second heaven.

Each floor illustrates different kind of objects as follow:
- Lower one demonstrates various antiques and exhibits the aim of the construction and Kun Lek and Kun Pakpein Viriyapant’s biography.
- Upper floor illustrates many elaborate antique arts and objects. This floor’s design was mixed divisibly between western and eastern art’s style. The ceiling was decorated by stained glass by German artist.


- The top one is the body of elephant placed the Buddha’s relics and Buddha images. The wall was ornamented with the exquisite painting of cosmos.

Kun Lek Viriyapant wishes this museum which keeps various priceless ancient objects became worth cultural heritage and it seems that his wish is coming true. Now many people, both Thais and foreigners, are astonished with his idea and attempt. We can say that his last masterpiece isn’t less superior than his Ancient City and Sanctuary of truth.

Erawan museum is open everyday from 9.00 till 18.00. Admission fee is 150 baht for adults and 50 baht for children.

By www.at-bangkok.com

The world's Largest Crocodile Farm

Samutprakarn Crocodile Farm and zoo... The world's Largest Crocodile Farm

Located 10 km from Bangkok is the World's Largest Crocodile Farm founded in 1950 by the famous Crocodile King, Mr. Utai Youngprapakorn. Mr. Utai has been the pioneer not only to preserve the endangered species form extinction, but also to provide a continuing flow of crocodile skins and related products to the world market. Here at Samutprakarn Crocodile Farm and zoo, they are dedicated to the education, preservation, research and the conservation of wildlife, while reminding all--extinction lasts forever.


* Experience their thrilling world famous "Crocodile Wrestling" and "Acrobatic Elephant" Stage Shows, where the audience is invited to participate.

* Discover a photographer's paradise along the zoo's shady walkways while coming face-to-face with their exotic animals.

* Relive the past at their newest attraction--The Dinosaur Museum... where the past comes to life.

* Ride an elephant or a camel; relax on their lake on a pedal boat; monkey around on their playground; test your skills at their shooting range or come aboard their zoo's mini-train for a sighting seeing trip you'll never forget!

* Join them on weekends for their Sunday Concerts.

* Savor a taste of Thailand at any of their many dining arcades.

* Picture yourself with a crocodile, an elephant or a tiger and wear home the photo on a t-shirt as your souvenir.

* Shop for memories. Or even for crocodile leather or fish skin handbags, belts, shoes, and more... (cites certificates available with purchase). The Croc shop means you can take it with you.

* So come visit. Satisfy your curiosity. Explore. Where else can you be entertained by so many animals? It can only happen at the Samutprakarn Crocodile Farm and Zoo. A definite "must" when visiting Thailand.

Samutprakan Crocodile Farm and Zoo

Samutprakan crocodile farm and zoo is the biggest farm in the world. There are over 60,000 crocodiles. Samutprakan crocodiles farm and zoo is the most famous and interesting place of Thailand.


Conservation and Development

Action for crocodilian conservation and development are:

* Conservation of Crocodylus siamersis, Crocodylus porosus and Tomistoma schlegelii.

* Economic utilization of the captive breeding of hybrid crocodile between the Crocodylus porosus and Crocodylus siamensis.

* Research of artificial insemination in crocodile.



Reproduction

Crocodile breeding season is during January to May. Male courtship behavior are slap the water by jaws, produce suitable vibrations using the muscles of the trunk and lift the snout and vocalization. Female lays eggs after mating 40-50 days. She carries the hatchling to the water and guard them against predators.


Embryo

Female lays 20-40 eggs a clutch, once a year. The incubation temperature of crocodile egg is 28-32 Celsius, relative humidity is 95-100 percent, incubation period is 70-80 days.

The opaque spot usually develops on the upper surface of fertilized egg within 24 hours. The enlargement of the opaque spot depends on the age of the embryo.

THE BIGGEST CROCODILE IN THE WORLD.


" Yai "


guarantee by


" Guinnees Book of Record "


" Yai " is Hybrid Crocodile


.Body's lenght 6 metres Weight 1114.27 kilos.


Birth date is June,10 1972. Age 26 years old.






By Paknam.com

Sun, Sea, Sand, Jomtien Beach – Thailand

For the ultimate beach vacation there is no better location than that of “Jomtien Beach” in Thailand. Which is just a two hours ride in a taxi from Bangkok Airport.The Jomtien Beach is located about two kilometers from its busy counterpart resort of South Pattaya.

Jomtien Beach and the area along its beach road have now become more and more popular for swimming, water sports and activities because it has a long straight coastline and they’re being less boats anchored in its waters. There are very many good quality hotels, bungalows and guesthouses. A wide range of small and large condominiums is also available for short or long term rental and many good restaurants serving a wide variety of fresh seafood with a full range of Thai cuisine and International dishes.


Many tourists come to this area to just enjoy the scenery and the beach. Chairs are available to sit with a table to have food and drink served directly to you as you soak up the sun or simply lay back and listen to the waters lapping on the sand. Go swimming or enjoy water sports such as wind surfing, ride a water scooter, parasail or take a speed boat ride, even water skiing is possible.

The Jomtien Beach has good quality white sand and a very long coastline to enjoy. The beach is much more peaceful here than its counterpart of Pattaya further up the coast. The beaches are always kept in a pristine condition by the many vendors who are there to look after all your needs.

Along the early part of the straight beach road you will find many souvenir shops, international restaurants, food stalls. But at the far end of the beach road there are very good seafood restaurants and it is where you can find yourself at times the only person soaking up the sun.

You can also swim late into the night along a large part of the beach as the sands are floodlit which makes for a very safe environment to swim after the sun has gone down. May be you only want to simply find a quiet bar for any drink of your choosing. Many are available and the prices have to be seen to be believed.


Jomtien beach simply has it all without having to travel long distances. But if you fancy a more adventurous evening and want to enjoy a full range of nightlife activities Pattaya is just a few minutes down the coast. Transportation around the Pattaya and Jomtien area is simple. The open pick up cars (Baht buses as they are locally called) are running all the time. Just hail one down and climb aboard.

Jomtien is one place in the world where a good quality beach vacation is simplicity itself.
How do I know these things – I live there.

Author – Barry Hooper – can be contacted at – basthehoop@hotmail.co

By: Barry Hooper

Guide to Bangkok Nightlife

First time in Bangkok? Fret not. Here's a guide on how to spend the most of your night in this glittering city. Nightlife in Bangkok is so electrifying you will want to come back again for more.

Finding a trendy place to dine and wine in style is a great way to start your evening. Bangkok is home to a couple of rooftop venues where you can enjoy sweeping views of the city and the exquisite Chao Phraya River. The most famous, open-air spots include the Sky Bar (Sirocco) on Silom road (tel: +66 2 624 9999) on the 64th floor of State Tower and Moon Bar (Vertigo) (tel: +66 2 679 1200) on the 61st floor of Banyan Tree Hotel, on Sathorn road.

But if it starts pouring down, stay safe and dry at Three Sixty at Millennium Hilton Hotel (tel: +66 2 442 2000), the newest rooftop venue in Bangkok offering breathtaking 360° views. Three Sixty is roofed so you don't need good weather to have a good time.


Get yourself a map of Bangkok before planning the rest of your evening. Famous among party-goers of all ages and tastes, Sukhumvit is the longest and perhaps the hippest road in Bangkok, boasting a variety of nightlife venues. It is on this happening road where you can find Nana Plaza on Sukhumvit soi 4 and soi Cowboy, off Sukhumvit soi 23, the notorious zones of dodgy go-go bars.

Hanky-panky business aside, Sukhumvit is also home to many hip clubs, pubs and bars including the white and stylish Bed Supperclub on Sukhumvit soi 11 (tel: +66 2 651 3557) and Q Bar (+66 2 252-3274), also on the same soi, well-known among tourists, expats and locals, offering a full range of Cuba cigars.


While most of you might only want to mingle with the same crowds you have back home, but some want to try something different. Visiting local venues is an eye-opening experience. You can see for yourself what locals do when they go out. Try Escudo on Sukhumvit soi 55 (tel: +66 2 381 0866) and Escobar on Sukhumvit s63 (tel: +66 2 711 6565) and observe the world of Ferrari boys and daddy's little girls flashing platinum cards.

At the centre of any Bangkok map, and another area worth exploring is the heart of Bangkok, home to two popular areas, Siam and Silom. Check out CM2 (tel: +66 2 209 8888) at Novotel Siam Square where live band plays on the main area and hip-hop tunes buzz out from the Boom Room. This place is usually secretly swarmed by 'business' girls and their customers. If you don't plan to have anything to do with them, it's still fun to watch them working their magic.

More discreet is Silom soi 2 (Patpong) where various go-go bars dot the area. Watch out for the guys who usually shove a menu of shows at you in an aggressive manner.


Located in the old town, Khao San road always makes it to the top of the list of tourist-friendly favourites, and it's the centre of the Bangkok map for all backpackers. This area is packed with a dizzying array of clubs, pubs and bars. Grab a can of Singha beer and watch the world you are familiar with go by at one of many bars including Buddy Beer (tel: +66 2 629 4477) equipped with pool tables, Brick Bar (tel: +66 2 629 4477), or Silk Bar (tel: +66 2 281 9981).

If you aren't exactly into crazy clubbing and drinking until dawn, try Bangkok's many cultural treats that take place in the evening. Siam Niramit is unarguably the most famous among tourists, featuring a refined 80-miniute show about Thailand (or Siam). The awesome performance combines fascinating stories of Siam in the past, Thai spiritual beliefs and some practical Buddhist lessons with splendid visual and sound effects as well as spectacular costumes. The show is on everyday at 20:00 at the Ratchadda Grand Theatre (tel: +66 2 649 9222).

No matter what you are looking for to have a good time in Bangkok when the sun goes down, you will find it. If one night in Bangkok doesn't make the world your oyster, nothing else probably would. Remember, you can easily get lost and Bangkok is a big place so study your map carefully before an evening out.

by Andy Burrows
www.articledashboard.com

Early Retirement In Thailand

Early Retirement In Thailand - Brilliant Move Or A Blunder?

Well aged 54 and separated from my wife and seeing my friends gain weight and have health problems made me think. I was gaining weight also, I was not happy with the direction my life was headed, so what can I do? I starting thinking of the alternatives.

Retirement? No one wants to talk about it or even think about. Perhaps it makes us feel older if we do that. So years go by and things do not change. We do the same things, eat the same foods until the doctor tells us to make some changes, and we carry on like we will live forever. Unfortunately we won’t live forever and we should be thinking of retirement before we kick the bucket. After all what did you work all those years for anyways?


Well to cut to the chase I was thinking of going to the Dominican Republic to live. But after going there twice I found that the power was unreliable, there were safety concerns, doctors and dentists were not easily accessible and it was pricey.

With time on my hands I sat in front of my computer and did some research. and discovered that Thailand was a popular retirement destination. In fact I read that Chiang Mai was the most popular retirement destination in all of South East Asia.

Hundreds of hours of research later by methodical, planner George and he has come up with the best retirement country and also the best retirement city in all of South East Asia and perhaps the world. Chiang Mai, a city of several hundred thousand inhabitants. Located about 420 miles north of Bangkok and less polluted, less expensive, and with less traffic than Bangkok and also cooler than Bangkok. Chiang Mai, unknown to most of North Americans yet visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists yearly, and home to thousands of foreigners who have visited there, found it to their liking and decided to make this their new home.

I arrived in Bangkok on Nov. 23, 2004 and that is where we will start our real life experiences, adventures and misadventures.

After the tiring trip I decided to stay over a few nights in Bangkok. Then well rested I was ready to continue onwards to Chiang Mai.

A quick one hour plane flight or a relaxing 13 hours train ride which one was it to be? With the extra luggage I was bringing including computer and golf clubs I decided on the train. The bumpy ride in a very comfortable reclining seat (2nd class A/C) set me back all of $15 dollar U.S. and this included two meals, a refreshment and a pastry. It was a bumpy ride with little to see but the forest. But I had all my luggage aboard, no extra charge, and the bumpy ride was just what my legs needed for their circulation.

My research enabled me to be well prepared for my journey and I am not one to leave things to chance. Things went as planned and I arrived at Chiang Mai train station and had reserved a room for 21 days at the Bossotel Inn which was directly across the road from the train station.


Like a normal tourist eh? Yes, I am Canadian how did you know?

I think in total I spent something in the neighborhood of 600 hours of research on the internet and I learned what I could but there was more, much more to learn.

I lived like a tourist at first living in a hotel, eating my meals there. I played pool before breakfast at a snooker establishment behind the hotel. After breakfast TV was the norm and then later in the day I would walk to the Night Bazaar shopping and tourist district about 30 minutes away. The walk there was good exercise, it gave me a chance to see the people and businesses along the way and get familiar with the city. Walk, look around, pop into O’Malley’s pub for a cool drink and to meet Scot, a fellow Canadian, and the owner.

The hotel rate was $16U.S. a night with taxes and breakfast included. I wanted to stay in a serviced apartment later but did not want to book it until I had seen it first. I was favorably impressed when I visited the apartment and proceeded to book it. So three weeks at the hotel and then on to the serviced apartment which would run about $250 a month with utilities and water included, and breakfast extra. The apartment had internet available in the rooms at an extra fee, or internet on site, massage spa on site, rooftop pool, motorcycle rental, beauty salon and restaurant which had entertainment in the evenings. The TV has a large selection of channels by way of satellite, there was free parking on site, and a great location near the Central Mall. So it had it all

Other retirees recommend staying in a condo or serviced apartment for 6 months or more to get familiar with the city before proceeding with any sort of long term rental arrangements.

I met a lovely lady name Nichaya. She was a hairdresser during the day and my tour guide, companion, means of transportation during the evenings. Although I weigh more than twice her weight we rode around town on her motorbike. Her driving the motorbike and me on back. This may seem odd but it is not uncommon. Unless you know the city and really know how to drive a motorcycle you shouldn’t. These motorcycles are 100 and 110 cc engines which means they are not powerful but they are very economical in terms of fuel. We could drive around all week all over town for only $2 U.S. in diesel fuel.

To learn more about living in Chiang Mai one has to live with the people. Find out what they eat, where they shop, what they do daily.

By this time Nichaya or Wan her nickname which everyone has here and I were becoming very close and fond of each other. I invited here to Patong a beach resort for a weeks holiday. She refused but each day I would ask again. Finally she relented and agreed. Have any of you heard of the December, 2004 tsuanmi? Well guess where I was at the time? Right. Right there.

The tsunami hit a few days before we were scheduled to return to Chiang Mai. We lost a camera, some clothing, some pictures but found each other. She handled the situation calmly and we were unharmed. In case you are interested this is what happened.

Tremor about 3 a.m. Woke me up and I wondered whether it was an earthquake. Around 4:30 a.m. another tremor. Awakened me again. At around 7 a.m. a large boom sounded like a shotgun blast and then a minute later another such loud boom.

I thought it may be terrorists out by the pool area and I recommended staying in the room. Nichaya told me to get out of the room. We grabbed a few valuables, passport and ran out of the hotel. Our hotel room was on the lower level facing the pool area which is about 6 feet lower than the lobby area of the hotel. We ran by the pool, up the stairs to the lobby and out the front entrance. Just as we crossed the road water gushed out from the hotel and on to the street. So the water level needed to be at least 6 feet high just to reach the lobby area. Motorcycles, vehicles were being carried down the streets in all directions by the sudden gush of water. We were on higher ground across the street and took off our shoes and I rolled up my pants.

After an hour or so the water level began to recede. It was about this time when a motorcycle policeman drove by and alerted everyone that there would be another wave coming shortly. He was right. Another similar wave went through the lobby and on to the streets again. Now the water level was back to where it was before and we could do nothing but wait.

The day before the tsunami hit we were on a boat cruise to Phi Phi Islands. Two days before the tsunami hit we rented motor boats at the beach. If this had happened a day earlier or at a different time then you would not be reading this article.

When the water level receded and it deemed safe we re-entered our hotel lobby to find a young boy who was in the pool when the tsunami hit lying of the floor with someone trying to resuscitate him. Unfortunately the boy did not make it. The hotel staff were totally unprepared. Nice people as they are they did not have a clue what to do. Guests were yelling out, Call a Doctor, Have you called a Doctor? The hotel staff smiled politely but either did not understand or were unable to reach anyone.

When we approached our room we found it was devastated. The outside window smashed by the water, the door broken, mattress and furniture upside down and the room inaccessible.

Hotel guests were taken to higher ground by buses and trucks. We sat by the roadside on higher ground waiting. The hotels found alternate accommodations in nearby Phuket which was about one half drive away from Patong. We left the others who sat by the roadside and went to some hillside shacks where Wan was able to greet the people, speak their language and explain the situation. They offered us refreshments and a place to lay down and wait.

Only when we reached the airport a day later did we realize the true extent of the devastation. There were tourists at the airport with cuts, bandages, broken bones but worse yet there were many people unaccounted for.

Wan and I were unhurt but learned something about each other through the experience. We showed how we react in emergencies and also we learned something about hotels and Thai people. After writing to hotel management at the Patong Merlin hotel on at least 6 occasions to that location and to their sister Phuket hotel which was undamaged by the tsunami we received one reply after 5 weeks. They did not try to clean any of the clothes left behind, did not try to return any of the contents, did not even try to contact us with a letter or e-mail saying sorry about this experience. We stayed there for a week at $100 U.S. a night and will never stay in a Merlin hotel again.

Would it have been handled differently or better in North America?

Well a one hour flight back to Bangkok for some shopping and then the short one hour flight back to Chiang Mai, my new home.

Now life is different. Wan and I live in her townhouse with her daughter and mother. Her husband passed away and she has been the one they rely on. Wan has a beauty salon downstairs in her townhouse.

What is different now?

Well I have learned how to live here on less. There are accommodations to be had here from $80 a MONTH and excellent accommodations can be had for $200 U.S. a month. By excellent I mean similar to a hotel room, TV with cable or satellite, pool, restaurant on site and in a good location with twice weekly or weekly cleaning.

I eat Thai food now with chicken wings, French fries, and some homemade potato soap several times a week. I read that Thai’s can make anything taste delicious. That is TRUE.

They use fresh ingredients in their cooking. There are many farms nearby and the produce from fruits, to vegetables is abundant year around and very cheap. There is also a fantastic selection of seafood’s to pick from. You can buy the seafood from the market or from a large grocery store where the selection is varied and fresh. If you want you can pick out a live fish, continue with your shopping and when you are checking out pick up your cooked fish to take home for dinner or lunch.

I recently bought pineapples at the large grocery store. Large, fresh, mouth watering pineapples. Ten baht each or .25 cents U.S. each. They will cut if for you and put it on styrofoam with cellophane wrapping for free.

Back to the cooking. The reason Thai food is so delicious is partly the freshness of the ingredients but mainly the sauces. Simple cooked rice with fried vegetables becomes a delicious meal with the right sauce added. Something to watch out for if you do visit here. Two small bowls are presented with many of the meals. One has a green paste/sauce and the other a red colored paste/sauce. These are added to fish or meat by way of dipping or by placing a small amount on a tablespoon from the bowl and then on to your food. WATCH OUT!!!! The red is spicy hot and should be added in measured quantities. The green should not be added at all unless you are Thai or Mexican in my opinion. The green one is the hottest of the two and can make you perspire, reach quickly for a glass of water and visit the washroom in the middle of the night and not to brush your teeth.

Fantastic food and bargain prices.

Great accommodations and bargain prices.

Friendly people who go out of their way to make you feel at home.

So many things to do that I can not even list them all.

Cable TV with 54 channels for $8.25 U.S. a month. Installation cost of cable was around $7 U.S. and $2.50 extra for the second TV. Internet and telephone for about $20 U.S. a month total .

People work hard. Many have their own businesses and work 16 hour days 7 days a week.
The business may consist of setting up a table and a few chairs and selling noodles, cooked meat, fruits or a small convenience store with home cooked foods on the side.

I see the parents take their children to school which is expensive here. About 80,000 baht or $2,000 U.S. per year for schooling, clothing and textbooks for a 7 year old. They teach the children English even at this age. The parents have to work damm hard to pay for the schooling but they are doing this in hopes of their children obtaining good jobs and having a better life with more to look forward to.

Cats and dogs here are numerous. Just about everyone in our neighborhood has either a cat or dog or both. Our neighbor has 6 cats plus 2 kittens and he does not have a fulltime job. It is difficult for him but I know he loves the cats. He has offered to give us a few but we do not have the space.

So to sum things up. It isn’t perfect here. You can find something to complain about if you look hard enough but for me it is as close to perfection as I will find.

I can tell you about one or two things that I do not like and I could tell you about the hundred things I like. I am a picky person so if I like it here and have very little or nothing to complain about then I am sure others will love it here also.

If you want you can retire here on less than that, but to live a comfortable life here that is all that it takes.

Visit our website for Thai foods and recipes, to learn more about living here, and to see pictures of Chiang Mai.

So from a healthier, happier George who is living here on less and enjoying it
Khop Khun Khrap or thank you in Thai for reading the article. If you come here on vacation or to stay long term give me a call and we can go to a buffet and watch them make sushi, where you can select the ingredients of a soup they call Suki, where you can eat an unlimited amount of fresh salad with a choice of dressings and shredded chicken on the side, pick from an assortment of cooked meats, noodles, or fish, and then top it off with a variety of desserts and the best cup of coffee I have had in years for $2.50 U.S. after taxes and tip. The best selection of freshly prepared food and lowest priced all you can eat buffet restaurant in Chiang Mai in my opinion.

By: retirementgeorge

ENTER THE REALM OF THE DRAGON

China Town has always been synonymous with commerce. At almost any hour, someone is selling something somewhere in China Town. Even before the first Bangkok department stores opened on Yawarat in the 1930s, the China Town markets sold goods found nowhere else in the city. The locals believe that they owe this good fortune, wealth and prosperity to the mythical Golden Dragon, the guardian spirit that has watched over the community for centuries.


However, to experience China Town in all its bustling commercial glory, the Chinese New Year from February 1, 2003, is perhaps not the best time for this as it is the sole annual holiday celebrated by Bangkok's huge--and industrious--Thai-Chinese population.

The Chinese have been part of Thai history since the 18th century. Invited by King Taksin to augment the local Siamese workforce, they arrived from southern China and settled opposite the then capital at Thonburi. In 1782 when Rama I, first king of the new Chakri dynasty, moved the capital to Bangkok and began building the Grand Palace, the traders were relocated to a small alley called Sampeng Lane, the nexus of today's China Town. (Today, the narrow pedestrian lane teems with wholesale stores selling paper, fabric and unclassifiable bric-a-brac, as well as haphazardly roving snack merchants and careering motorbikes overloaded with wide bolts of fabric.)

To first-time visitors, China Town can seem like a daunting maze of traffic- and -people-choked lanes and alleys. Yet to fully appreciate the panoply of sights, sounds and smells that give China Town its unique character, it's essential to wander off the beaten track where such hidden delights as 100 year-old shrines, tiny neighbourhoods and countless other treasures await. (A major thoroughfare is rarely more than a block away so getting lost isn't really a problem.)

It's easy to spend an entire morning--or afternoon--to visiting temples (Buddhist, Taoist, Chinese, Sikh and Chinese shrines). Others might choose to focus on China Town's many markets (food, clothing, electrical goods, hardware, audio) or wander along streets devoted to a single product. The area teems with restaurants (from fancy indoor eateries to open-air stalls) and unusual juxtapositions: a modern fast-food restaurant next to a vendor roasting chestnuts in a streetside wok; Chinese herbs adjacent to Buddhist temple supplies.

This ad-hoc method of seeing the sights isn't nearly as intimidating as it sounds. Almost every square block of China Town boasts temples shrines, markets, restaurants, and unusual juxtapositions. Thoroughly covering one area can be as much fun as rushing here and there to take in the "important" sights. Oh, and don't forget to look up. With so much attention-grabbing activity at street level, visitors can easily overlook the ornate neo-colonial columns, delicately carved shutters and second-floor balconies (often half-hidden behind electrical transformers, and telephone cables.)


Any list of quintessential China Town sights will include a visit to a gold shop on Yawarat. With their deco-style arches and rolled steel ornamentation, these red and gold palaces resemble old-fashioned cinemas. (Though cinemas don't hire armed guards to protect the merchandise!) The most opulent shops display their wares in massive curving counters overhung with awnings decorated with dragons.

Among the must-see temples on most tourist itineraries is Wat Traimit (near Odeon Circle and Hualamphong train station) which houses the world's biggest solid-gold Buddha statue. Another favorite with locals as well as foreigners is Wat Leng Noi Yee, China Town's biggest temple, which lies behind a grandiose entranceway on Charoen Krung.

Two unusual religious edifices in the area are Wat Chakrawat, a peaceful temple whose two ponds are home to several large and languid crocodiles and the European-style Wat Kalawar (Holy Rosary Church). Built in 1787, the church is located near the southern end of China Town, on riverside land given to the Portuguese by King Rama I.

China segues into India at Sri Gurunsingh Sabha Sikh temple, a spacious four-storey structure near Pahurat market. The nearby environs feel more Mumbai than Bangkok, especially on ATM alley (named after an adjacent department store). This funky pedestrian passageway is crowded with rows of open-air shops selling incense, Indian CDs and DVDs, Ganesh statues, saris, bangles and authentic chai tea.

ATM alley leads to the mazy Pahurat cloth market, an indoor version of Sampeng. Once across Pahurat road, you're back in Thailand at the multi-block Old Siam shopping mall, which offers many China Town items in comfortable, airconditioned surroundings. On the ground floor, women in traditional garb practice the rapidly disappearing art of Thai snack preparation, recreating popular standards like 'khanom krob' (coconut milk batter poured into tiny cast iron molds and steamed).

Other clearly delimited China Town markets include the network of streets around Nakhon Kasem (still called Thieves Market even though stolen goods are no longer on offer); Khlong Ong Ang market (for second-hand stereos, cameras and other audio items); and Talat Fai Chai--the so-called Flashlight Market--which runs 24-hours from Saturday afternoon until Sunday in the area around Worachak. (Its name derives from the nighttime buyers who bring torches to separate junk from treasures.)

Until western food emporia opened elsewhere in Bangkok, China Town's food markets supplied Bangkok with delicacies found nowhere else. Back then Soi Issaranhuphap was once the place for imported fruit. Famous China Town wet markets (so-called because the concrete floors are constantly washed down) include Talat Kao (a 200+-year "old" food market) and Talat Mai, (a "new" market which is only around 100 years old)

Whichever aspects of China Town you decide to explore, the most important accoutrements are light clothing, comfortable shoes, plenty of fluids, and above all, a spirit of adventure. A good map is also helpful (Nancy Chandler's Map of Bangkok highlights scores of sightseeing and shopping tips in an easy-to-read graphical format). Don't forget, however, that China Town's vibrancy is an essentially intangible quality that transcends the confines of cartography.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JENNIFER GAMPELL
Bangkok-based freelance writer Jennifer Gampell began a literary career in Thailand in 1993 after failing abysmally at selling Balinese jewellery in Paris and teaching English to recalcitrant Japanese schoolchildren in Bangkok. Why Thailand? That's where she crashed a motorcycle and spent an epiphanous month in the orthopaedic ward of a small Chiang Rai hospital in early 1991. The enthusiastic response to her travel diaries about this and other wacky adventures catalysed her creative energies. After honing her new-found literary skills on local Thai publications, Jennifer started writing internationally. Her quirky features, profiles, snippets and first-person expositions cover a broad range of cultural and social topics. They’ve appeared in international publications such as the Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, Asian Wall Street Journal, TIME (Asia), Marie Claire, Globe & Mail, U.S. News & World Report, Far Eastern Economic Review and International Herald Tribune. She also writes for in-flight magazines (Scanorama and Sawasdee) and highlights new trends in Thailand and the region for Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler.

By tatnews.org

GRAND CANDLE FESTIVAL

The International Wax Sculpture on the Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary Ubon Ratchathani July 1 - 30, 2007




FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

The following activities will be held during the month-long festival from 1-30 July. Ubon Ratchathani Art and Culture Festival
Visits to the candle-crafting communities of Ubon Ratchathani
An exhibition of wax sculptures by nine international artists representing Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Portugal, the Ukraine, and Thailand
Light-and-Sound presentation
Traditional I-San style palaeng set dinner
Beauty contest
A grand procession of 80 Lenten candles
Presentations of I-San folk culture by 80 traditional Northeastern folk dance troupes

Weekly activities
July 1-8
Ubon Art and Culture Festival

July 9 – 22
Forging International Relations
A Celebration of Thai-Japanese Culture
Thai-Chinese Cultural Showcase and Cultural Exchange
International Wax Sculpture Exhibition
At the plaza in front of the Ubon Ratchathani National Museum

July 23 – 30
Keeping Buddhist Traditions and Buddhist Art Alive
At Thung Si Muang field

As the seasonal monsoon rains descend over the kingdom, it marks the beginning of the Buddhist "rain retreat" and the Buddhist Lent, or "Phansa", during which all Buddhist monks retreat to the temples. This is also an auspicious time for Buddhist ordinations as it marks a period of spiritual renewal.

Known as "Khao Phansa", the Buddhist Lent is a time devoted to study and meditation. Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month (in July) to the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October).

As Ubon Ratchathani province prepares for the Buddhist Lent, men folk, ordained as well as laymen, with artistic skills set about the task of moulding and sculpting Lenten candles. As these works of art are to be presented as Buddhist merit-making offerings, the artisans pour their heart and soul into their craft. Many of these are fine examples of Buddhist art and sculpture. The candle festival is unique to Ubon Ratchathani province and the customs and traditions related to this Buddhist festival have been diligently preserved by local communities.

Making Merit
Thai Buddhists engage in merit-making as an expression of respect and gratitude by making offerings to Lord Buddha, venerable monks, past and present kings, and to parents, grandparents and their ancestors.

Making merit relates strongly to the concept of rebirth. The accumulation of merit, or bun, is believed to exert a powerful influence on one's future life and, indeed, rebirths.

According to Buddhist teachings, all actions performed in our daily lives affect our field of merit, but none more so than the support of Buddhism itself. When one offers material support to a Buddhist monk — be it alms in the form of food or donations, or voluntary work — one is helping to assure that Buddhist teachings live on. This accumulates merit not only for the giver by helping sustain Buddhism. It also provides the opportunity for future generations to make and accumulate merit. In addition to the monk's morning alms round, the presentation of the Lenten candles is also a merit-making act.



Visits to Candle-Crafting Communities of Ubon Ratchathani
July 1 – 28, 2007
Visit the following candle-crafting communities and watch artisans at work making ornately sculpted Lenten candles. Wat Thung Sri Muang community
Wat Bupharam community
Wat Sri Pra Ku community
Wat Phra That Nong Bua community
Wat Nong Pla Paak community
Prathum Vittayakarn School (Nong Katok)
Baan Kum Pun Weaving Village

Ubon Ratchathani Art and Culture Festival
July 1 – 31, 2007
Monday-Thursday: 10.00 – 19.00
Friday, weekends and public holidays: 10.00 – 22.00
This colourful showcase highlights various fascinating aspects of traditional and contemporary Isan art and culture. This includes exhibitions covering a range of themes and topics such as the lotus - for which the city of 'Ubon' (which means lotus in Thai) was named, Isan style ceremonial flags called tungs, an exhibition of Lenten Candles, floral craft made from banana leaves, traditional and ethnic textiles, pottery and earthenware products native to Ubon Ratchathani province, souvenirs and memorabilia moulded from candle wax.
Each of the sub-districts or tambon of Ubon Ratchathani province are famous for locally grown or hand-crafted products considered to be unique to the area. These are brought together at the fair, offering a convenient opportunity for one-stop shopping for a vast range of souvenirs and local products. As in other regions of the kingdom, food is an integral part of the local fabric of life and a vital element of every Isan celebration. Enjoy live demonstrations of local cuisine and savour the full range of delicious Isan delicacies.

CANDLE EXHIBITION
An exhibition of Lenten Candles at Thung Sri Muang Park featuring crafted candles, moulded candles and ancient candles.

Mandapa-shaped Candles (Mondop)
A mondop or mandapa is a structural form with a square base and a spired or pyramidal roof. Mondop candles are used as a receptacle to hold sacred offerings which are brought to temples during the ‘kathin’ season when monk robes are presented as offerings. Mandapa-shaped candles are used only for worship; they are not lit.

Beeswax Candle Castle (Prasat Pueng)
The beeswax candle castle is one of the elements of Buddhist merit-making rituals. These are also used in ancestor worship rituals to dedicate merit to ancestors. The beeswax ‘castle’ is also sometimes featured in propitiation rituals. However the use of the trunk of a banana tree, parts of which are folded into triangular-shapes, is preferred. Taro, turnip or sweet potato are sometimes carved into the floral shapes and dipped into heated beeswax, left to dry and used to decorate the banana tree.

Cone-Shaped (Poom)
Smaller candles are bonded together to form a cone-shaped structure. They serve a decorative purpose and are used to adorn the main candle. These are then presented as merit-making offerings.

Candles that are tied together (Mat Ruam)
Smaller candles are simply tied together into a bunch before they are presented as merit-making offerings. The cone-shaped poom and mat ruam candles are similar. Both reflect the ingenuity of villagers in creating a variety of ways to adorn their candle offerings.

International Wax Sculpture Exhibition on the Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary
July 14 – 31, 2007
10.00 – 22.00 at the Ubon Ratchathani National Museum
In recent years, the growing popularity of the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival has attracted international interest and international participation in the Ubon Ratchathani wax sculpture contest. This year, nine international artists, representing Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Portugal, the Ukraine, and Thailand, will dedicate their sculpted masterpieces as a tribute to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej to mark the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary on 5 December 2007.

Light-and-Sound Presentation
July 24, 27, 29, 30
At the Kanchanapisek Cultural Centre Auditorium, Rajabhat College, Ubon Ratchathani

The Grand Candle Procession
July 30
The magnificent Grand Candle Procession will comprise various candle processions, led by the Procession of the Royal Candle. A processions of 80 Lenten candles follow. In addition to the crafted or moulded candles and ancient candles crafted by the various communities of Ubon Ratchathani province, nine will be masterpieces created by candle artisans for the 2007 International Wax Sculpture Exhibition to mark the Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary. Presentations of I-San folk culture by some 80 dance troupes will add a colourful aspect to the festival.

PROGRAMME

24 – 30 JULY 09.00 – 19.00 The performance of Buddhist ceremonies
At Sala Chaturamuk Pavilion, Thung Si Muang field
10.00 – 19.00 Exhibition in Honour of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand to mark the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary on 5 December 2007
At Sala Chaturamuk Pavilion, Thung Si Muang field
10.00 – 22.00 Sales of local products from the various communities of Ubon Ratchathani province in front of the Ubon Ratchathani provincial centre pavilion
15.00 – 17.00 Dhamma practice
At Sala Chaturamuk Pavilion, Thung Si Muang field
16.30 – 17.30 Royal Candle invocation ritual and procession
The procession of the Royal Candle departs from the Ubon Ratchathani provincial centre pavilion to the Chalermphrakiat Candle Plaza, Thung Si Muang field
18.30 – 20.00 A grand traditional Thai musical ensemble with an orchestra of 200 musicians
At the Royal Candle Plaza, Thung Si Muang field

26 JULY
A Brahmin merit-making ritual is performed to mark the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary
At the Chalermphrakiat Candle Plaza, Thung Si Muang field

28 JULY 09.00 – 16.00 Buddhist Chanting Competition
At Sala Chaturamuk Pavilion, Thung Si Muang field
17.30 – 23.00 Traditional I-San style Palaeng set dinner and Candle Festival Beauty Contest
At Praipayom Hall, Rajabhat College, Ubon Ratchathani

29 JULY/ 18.00 – 24.00 hrs
Grand Sculpted Wax Candle Exhibition
At Thung Si Muang field

Evening
Asalaha Bucha Buddhist rituals
At temples in the Ubon Ratchathani provincial centre

Asalaha Bucha Day marks the anniversary of the day Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his first five disciples at the Deer Park in Benares more than 2500 years ago. It also marks the coming into existence of the Triple Gems, namely Lord Buddha, His Teachings, and His Disciples, and is therefore considered to be a sacred day in Buddhism. Asalaha Bucha Day falls on the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eighth lunar month (July), and precedes the Buddhist Lent, which starts on the first day of the waning moon. To observe this auspicious day, Buddhists perform merit-making tasks such as visiting temples to make offerings to the monks and to listen to sermons to purify their minds. The Buddhist precepts, or sila, are observed.

30 July 2, 2007 08.30 Opening ceremony
The 2007 International Wax Sculpture on the Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary
At Wat Si Ubon Rattannaram temple
09.30 – 12.00 Grand Candle Procession
The procession departs from Ubon Ratchathani National Museum and proceeds along Uparaj Road to the intersection where Suriyart Road intersects with the Esso petrol station
11.00 – 12.00 Buddhist rituals are performed as the Royal Candle is presented as a Buddhist merit-making offering.
At Wat Si Ubon Rattannaram temple
12.00 – 22.00 Candle Exhibition
Wax sculptures by winners and runners-up are placed on display at Thung Si Muang field.
19.00 – 21.00 Award presentation ceremony
At the Kanchanapisek Cultural Centre Auditorium, Rajabhat College, Ubon Ratchathani

By : Tourism Authority of Thailand News Room
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