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Northeast Rockets Festivals 2008

admin — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:35:22 +0000

Northeast Rockets Festivals 2008

Rockets soar to encourage rain in the Northeast, devout Buddhists climb a mountain in the North, kayaks race to qualify for the Olympics, just west of Bangkok, while country music lovers meet in the far western province of Kanchanaburi to fine tune their thoughts on the environment.
These are just a few of the highlights on offer around Thailand in May.
Residents of Thailand’s largest region, the Northeast or I-san, make merry in the month of May, demonstrating how the art of building homemade powerful missiles has passed down through the centuries.
If they need an excuse to organise a party and indulge in their favourite pastime of stage comedy and folk musicals, then the onset of the rainy season provides it.
Yasothon is home of the most famous rocket festival known as Bun Bang Fai early in the month, but for festival lovers who might have missed that opportunity to mingle and experience a distinctive I-san tradition, there is still time to catch the spectacle at Udon Thani and Khon Kaen, two well known town in upper I-san.
Following the popular format seen in most town that celebrate the start of the rice planting season by firing salvos of rockets, both towns will kick off their festivals with street parades that show off the rockets and the local beauty queens.
Udon Thani Rocket Festival runs from 17 to 21 May, in Baan That district, offering three days of merry making leading off with a beauty contest and parade, while rockets of various sizes, from super missiles capable of an amazing lift off to small baby versions, are ignited on 20 and 21 May.
In a similar fashion, the Khon Kaen Rocket Festival runs from 24 to 25 May, in Ka Nual district, with fun-filled hours of celebration and a rocket parade to show off the designs and technical prowess that can send these bamboo or plastic pipe rockets to heights of 1 kilometre or more. The actual rocket launches take place on the second day.

credit :: http://www.tourismthailand.org/interesting-article/content-260-1.html

Trace the Clue of Architecture on both banks of the Chao Phraya River

admin — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:33:53 +0000

Trace the Clue of Architecture on both banks of the Chao Phraya River

Trace the Clue of Architecture on both banks of the Chao Phraya River

Chao Phraya River is a significant river of Thailand. It has its origin from the north by the
tributaries namely Ping, Wang, Yom and Nan flowing together and meeting at Pak Nam Pho District, Nakhonsawan Province and transforming into a big river running southwards through the following province: Uthaithani, Chainat, Singburi, Angthong, Ayudhaya, Pathumthani, Bangkok before exiting to the sea via Paknam or mouth of the river at Samutprakarn. Paknam area used to be the location of Chao Phraya District before. Therefore, the name of this river has derived from the name of the district that is Chao Phraya River.

There have been many significant events in the Thai history occurring along both banks of the river where it has served as the location of already 3 capitals viz. Ayudhaya, Thonburi and Bangkok. Many events and stories had already faded and washed away with the water of this river. However, there has been a linkage to the stories in the past worthy of recall regarding the progress, belief, faith, love, distress which was transformed into story via architecture work in variety forms all along the both sides of this historic river.

credit :: http://www.tourismthailand.org/interesting-article/content-248-1.html

SEA of Mist : Amazing Wonders in Thailand

admin — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:31:01 +0000

If traveling to discover nature is like taking a journey to fulfill your life, then to witness a natural phenomenon such as the sea of mist would not be different from a reward for the travelers, who only wish to savor its spectacular sight. Seeing the sea of mist is considered a sort of luck, as the weather is unpredictable, there is no guarantee as to what you will get.

Waiting to see the sea of mist in the morning is like waiting for the stage curtain to unveil. As the pale sunlight reveals the vast mass of vapor over the forest, the sun appears over the horizon, then comes the moment you witness the sea of mist in its full splendor.

The sea of mist is extraordinarily beautiful in winter, especially in the North. However, it is also possible to see it in some parts of the North East and Central Thailand as well.

There are many places you can go to see the sea of mist.

The North

Popular spots to see the sea of mist in the North are:

Huai Nam Dang National Park, Chiang Mai
There is no need for trekking to see the sea of mist here. From December to February, you will also get to see blooming Sakura as a bonus.
Phu Chi Fa, Chiang Rai
This is the number one classic spot for sea of mist in Thailand. From the cliff, you can see the breathtaking view of the sea of mist spreading over Laos. In addition, Doi Pha, which is only 20 km. away is another well-known spot to see the sea of mist.
Mae Noei National Park, Tak
It is the perfect spot from October to February. Nearby tourist attractions are Mae Usu Cave and natural hot springs.
Mokoju Peak, Mae Wong National Park, Kamphaeng Phet
With some effort, you will get through a long and difficult trekking to see the picture perfect sea of mist. Peak season is from November to February.
Khao Kho, Phetchabun
The viewpoint is conveniently located in the resort among the mountains.
Doi Hua Mot, Amphoe Umphang, Tak
Namtok Thi Lo Cho (Falling Rain Waterfall) and rafting activities are also a must.
Phu Thap Boek, Phetchabun
Here, you can put up your tents and wait for the sea of mist in the morning and the “stars on earth” at night.
Other viewpoints in the North are:
Doi ,Si Nan National Park, Nan
Khun Chae National Park, Chiang Rai
Chae Son National Park, Lampang
Chiang Dao National Park, Chiang Mai
Doi Khun Than National, Lamphun
Doi Phu Kha National Park, Nan
Doi Luang National Park, Phayao
Taksin Maharat National Park, Tak

The North East

Pha Nok Aen Cliff, Phu Kradueng National Park, Loei. From October to January.
See pine woods, waterfalls, and maple leaves changing colors.
Phu Reua National Park, Loei. From December to January.
A natural rock garden and morning dew awaits you.
Pha Taem National Park, Ubon Ratchatani. From November to December.
The place where the sun rises before anywhere else in Thailand.

Also:

Na Heao National Park, Loei. From November to December.
Hin Chang Si Viewpoint, Nam Phong National Park, Khon Kaen. From October to December.
Phu Phan National Park, Sakon Nakorn. From November to February.

Central Thailand

Kaeng Krachan National Park, Phetchaburi. All year round.
Khao Laem National Park, Kanchanaburi. From November to January.
Srinagarindra Dam, Kanchanaburi. From September to February.
Pang Sida National Park, Sa Kaeo. From October to December.
Phu Toei National Park, Suphan Buri. From September to November.
Kui Buri National Park, Prachuap Khiri Khan. From October to February.

For more information on the sea of mist at the above national parks,
please visit www.dnp.go.th

credit :: http://www.tourismthailand.org/interesting-article/content-145-1.html

The Royal Initiative Discovery

admin — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:22:05 +0000

The Royal Initiative Discovery

The Royal Initiative Discovery

In 2007, Thailand celebrates the 80th birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Throughout the year, there are numerous events planned to celebrate the auspicious occasion. Among them is the “Royal Initiative Discovery” campaign being jointly arranged by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and Thai Airways International PCL.

Based on His Majesty the King’s sufficiency economy model, the new campaign favors a quality over quantity philosophy under which equal attention is paid to ensuring both sustainability and grassroots benefits from tourism. Under the Royal Initiative Discovery campaign, for the first time, a number of rural development and poverty-alleviation projects created by His Majesty, as well as Her Royal Highness the Princess Mother and other members of the Royal Family, are being opened to the public in the form of unique travel packages.

These projects, located in remote parts of the Kingdom, are in line with His Majesty’s philosophy that poverty can best be eradicated through improved health, steady income through honest work, and knowledge and understanding through education. They have not only changed the lives of those who were meant to be helped but also those who helped to make them possible.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see and learn about the many successful royal projects initiated by His Majesty the King of Thailand. These projects, covering a wide range of agricultural development activities from organic farming and sustainable fisheries to reforestation and income generation, have greatly contributed to Thailand’s sustainable economy and will no doubt continue to play a major role in implementing the sufficiency economy concept.

His Majesty the King of Thailand is known as the working Monarch of the world. During his long reign, the King has worked tirelessly to help his people achieve a better standard of living. Throughout the country, thousands of royally-initiated projects have been launched to improve the quality of life of the people of Thailand.

His Majesty’s wish to help the people in remote areas has also been taken to heart by Her Majesty the Queen who has accompanied the King on multiple royal visits to every region of the country. Through Her Majesty’s Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques (SUPPORT) established in 1976, family members of farmers and villagers have been trained in various handicraft arts which they then use to make articles that can be sold. Family income is thereby increased along with the individuals’ self-esteem. Today, handicrafts from the SUPPORT Foundation are not only widely consumed domestically but also provide welcome sources of export revenues for Thailand.

In recognition of His Majesty’s tireless work and the global relevance of his call for a sufficiency approach to development, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Friday, 26 May 2006, presented His Majesty the King with a Lifetime Achievement Award. It was the United Nations Development Programmer’s first ever Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award and it was presented by Mr Annan to His Majesty at Klai Kangwon Palace in Prachuap Khiri Khan.

Not only do these royally-initiated projects enable people in remote areas to stand on their own feet, they also give rise to new tourist attractions which in turn enable local people to raise their income levels. At these royally- initiated projects, visitors can appreciate and gain insights into local crafts while also enjoying beautiful scenery. They can also tour plantations and buy the fresh vegetables, fruits and flowers that are grown and cultivated there. A visit to the projects in the northern provinces of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai also present opportunities to understand the lifestyles of hilltribe minorities.

Angkhang Royal Agricultural Station, Chiang Mai
Located in the Doi Ang Khang valley, the station is designated for experimenting with temperate plants that might be grown in Thailand. The experiments are aimed at promoting cultivation of cash crops to replace opium cultivation. The station features beautifully landscaped flower gardens, a restaurant and plantations. A visit to Angkhang can also include stops at some of the many hilltribe villages as well as trekking, mountain biking, mule riding and bird watching. Day trips can be arranged to the viewing point which overlooks the mountain range dividing Thailand and Myanmar. Doi Angkhang is a comfortable three-hour drive north of Chiang Mai and just five kilometres from the Thai-Myanmar border. The journey itself is quite breathtaking with the road winding through some of Thailand’s most stunning natural scenery.
Tel: 0 5345 0107-9. Fax: 0 5345 0106.

Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park, Chiang Rai
The Mae Fah Luang Foundation has developed this important art and cultural park as a centre of education and youth development which extends scholarships to disadvantaged students from impoverished communities in remote areas of the country. The foundation has developed the Art and Cultural Park as a site for the royal collection of Lanna art which includes some of the finest examples of religious and secular art and artefacts gathered from all over northern Thailand. There are many lovely buildings within the park, including Hor Kaew Museum and Hor Kham, a golden teak pavilion where sacred artefacts, including an ancient wooden Buddha image, palanquins, candelabra and many other items, are displayed.
Tel: 0 5376 7015-17, 0 2252 7114 ext 234, 217
www.maefahluang.org.

Hall of Opium, Chiang Rai
The Hall of Opium is a multimedia museum that traces the history of opium, its relationship to the Golden Triangle, and efforts to combat the spread of drug addiction. Located just a short distance from the Golden Triangle, the Hall of Opium tells its story through a series of imaginatively designed, modern, interactive rooms that educate visitors in a lively and attractive manner. From the 130-metre darkened tunnel that forms the entrance and calls to mind the horrors and fears of drug addiction, visitors move from room to room learning about the 5,000-year history of opium production, its medical benefits and its addiction problems and association with modern-day crime. Along the way are beautiful recreations of historic settings, besides opium memorabilia, multimedia shows, interactive video clips, and even the sad voices of addicts which can be heard in the Gallery of Excuses.
Tel: 0 5378 4444 , 0 5376 7015-7 or 02252 7114
www.goldentrianglepark.com

Doi Tung Development Project, Chiang Rai
This project was established under the royal patronage of Her Royal Highness the late Princess Mother. Its main objective is to encourage hilltribes to grow fruit trees and other cash crops as substitutes for poppies and slash and burn cultivation. The project not only achieved its goal, but also succeeded in teaching hilltribes to conserve the environment and continue to fashion their traditional handicrafts. Tourist highlights of Doi Tung include Doi Tung Royal Villa, Mae Fah Luang Garden, The Princess Mother Commemorative Hall, Mae Fah Luang Arboretum, Phra That Doi Tung, ethnic and hilltribe communities, the Wildlife Conservation Centre and Open Zoo, and on-site accommodation at Doi Tung Lodge 31.
Tel: 0 2252 7114 ext 217 or 234
www.doitung.org

credit :: http://www.tourismthailand.org/interesting-article/content-134-1.html

OLD PHUKET - THE TIN LEGACY

admin — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:20:05 +0000

OLD PHUKET - THE TIN LEGACY

All images © TAT

Old Phuket Town dates back to the tin mining days of a century ago, when Chinese immigrants sought to make their fortunes from this precious ore.

For millions of international visitors, Phuket is an island paradise, wrapping sun, sand and sea into a glamorous package that attracts them back again and again. However, 150 or so years ago, the island attracted visitors of a different sort – Chinese migrants seeking to make their fortunes from Phuket’s lucrative tin mining industry.

Many were from the Fujian area of China, bringing with them their Hokkien culture and language; others were from nearby Penang, as well as traders from Malaysia, India and the Straits Settlements. Together they forged Phuket Town, channelling tin, goods and money through the port in Tongkah Bay in ever growing amounts.

Some gained mine concessions, making fortunes and establishing family dynasties on the island. They built huge mansions, similar to the colonial properties in Penang, and wore European clothes. Others set up trading companies and shops-cum-homes along Thalang Road, Old Phuket’s main commercial centre, and adjacent streets.

Today, tin mining has virtually ceased due to low tin prices and high extraction costs. In its place, the descendents of the tin pioneers have, like alchemists of old, transmuted cheap metal into gold – tourism gold. Degraded tin mines have been turned into lucrative attractions – the luxury resorts of Phuket Laguna, Blue Canyon Golf Club, Phuket Country Club and Phuket Boat Lagoon have all been built on top of mined-out land.

And the shophouses and mansions that line the roads of Old Phuket Town have become a fascinating tableau of discovery for travellers wanting to learn more about the heritage and culture of the early tin pioneers.

Preservation Push
Local interest in the heritage of the old town came to a head in 1992, when the government passed the new Environment Act that designated Old Phuket as a conservation area, covering 8 roads – Dibuk, Thalang, Phangnga, Phuket, Rasada, Ranong, Yaowarat, and Krabi – and two lanes – Soi Romanee and Soi Soon Uthit. The act set limits on building work, and encouraged restoration and local participation in promoting this heritage area.

Good cooperation between the local government and residents helped launch the Old Phuket Town Festival in 1998, highlighting the renaissance of Thalang Road and showcasing the baba lifestyle (see: Who are the Babasω), costume, food and architecture. The growth of this annual festival plus the recent move of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Region 4 into brand new offices on Thalang Road, inspiringly designed as a Sino-Colonial mansion in a bright orange coat, gives the TAT new ammunition to encourage tourists to discover the cultural allure of Old Phuket.

Old Town Preservation
Please click to view

Image © Serendipity Designs Co., Ltd.

The Old Town Trail
Surprisingly, no travel agency yet offers walking tours of the Old Town, particularly as there are so many interesting places to admire, shop and eat.

Don’t be discouraged! Art & Culture magazine’s Phuket Town Treasure Map provides a walking trail of the Old Town, identifying historic buildings, shops, restaurants and other interesting places for a do-it-yourself tour of discovery. It’s just a two-kilometre walk to cover all the roads of the Old Town, according to the map, which offers snippets of insightful information about what makes Old Phuket such a fascinating place to visit. Get a copy at the TAT Phuket Office and ask for directions.

Where to Beginω

Old Chartered Bank building
Image© TAT

The map’s walking trail begins at the corner of Phangnga and Phuket Roads in front of the police station with its clock tower. Opposite is the old Chartered Bank building, the first foreign bank to open in Phuket in the early 1900s. With the tin industry in its heyday, the bank expected to handle large amounts of international currency and insisted on having a police station nearby for security. As the bank building is no longer used, the Thai Treasury Department has donated it to the Phuket Municipality for the creation of a museum celebrating the culture of old Phuket.

Thavorn Hotel
Images © TAT

Follow the trail round into Rasada Road, and before going any further, make a detour into the old Thavorn Hotel. It was built in the early 1960s by tin magnate Tilok Thavornwongwongse, who was encouraged by the then prime minister, Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat, to diversify from tin into tourism. Unfortunately for Tilok, his timing was off. It was so difficult to get to the island in those days that tourists were few and far between. According to a note Tilok framed in the lobby, the hotel suffered severe losses for more than ten years. The only bright spot was the elevator, the first of its kind in Phuket, attracting visitors from around the island for their first ever ride up and down the floors. The elevator is still in service, as well as a magnificent staircase. There are also loads of old photographs and memorabilia of bygone ages in a wonderful small museum in the lobby (entrance 30 baht).

Thalang Road
If you have time to see everything, follow the map route, stopping to enjoy the distinctive architecture, sample some tasty food, make merit at a Chinese shrine or whatever else takes your fancy. Alternatively, decide what you would like to see and go straight there.

Whatever your choice, make sure you walk along Thalang Road, the centerpiece of the Old Town with its Sino-European facades and arched walkway along both sides of the vibrant thoroughfare.

Three types of shophouse have been identified – Chinese, neo classic and art deco, all in various stages of aging (occasionally, read delapidation). Admire those that have been lovingly renovated, such as the House of Beautiful Images on the corner of Soi Romanee or the China Inn Cafe.

On your journey, sample sticky pancakes at Aroon’s or sweetmeats at Wilai’s. Check out the richly coloured batiks of the Indian merchants. Breathe in the heady aromatic aroma of Chinese herbs at Nguan Choon Tong, the city’s oldest herbal shop. Outside an official sign classifies a neo classic arch with doric columns. Enquire about prices at the friendly Thalang Guesthouse, or browse around Sin & Lee, the first supermarket in Phuket opened over 50 years ago for wealthy miners to buy imported food and other products. If you have money to spend, visit Sin Yoo Chang, one of the best names in Phuket for old jewellery.

Nguan Choon Tong	Sin & Lee	Sin Yoo Chang
Images © TAT

Browse and learn, stop and buy; you are guaranteed an interesting walk along Thalang Road.

Interesting Public Buildings
Phuket’s provincial and municipal authorities are playing their parts in the Old Town conservation efforts by renovating and utilizing old public buildings.

	Phuket Philatelic Museum Phuket’s first post office on the corner of Montri and Thalang Roads has been renovated and turned into the Phuket Philatelic Museum, providing interesting displays of old Thai stamps, old postal equipment, including phones, and even old letter sorting boxes. Open 9.30 am to 5.30 pm, Tuesdays to Saturdays, closed on holidays.
Image © TAT
Thai Hua Museum The oldest Chinese school in Phuket, Thai Hua School was built in 1911 on Thalang Road and has now become the Thai Hua Museum, serving as a community and exhibition centre for baba arts and culture.

	Phuket Provincial Hall The Phuket Provincial Hall dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, and its remarkable architecture earned it a preservation order from the Fine Arts Department. This beautiful building on Narisorn Road served as the American Embassy in the Oscar-winning movie The Killing Fields, which was filmed almost entirely in Thailand in the early 1980s.

	The Chartered Bank building The old Chartered Bank building on the corner of Phangnga and Phuket Roads has been donated to Phuket Municipality by the Thai Treasury Department for future conversion into a museum highlighting the Old Phuket heritage
Images © TAT
No. 63 Thalang Road Phuket Municipality has acquired shophouse No. 63 Thalang Road, which will be completely restored along old architectural guidelines and décor from Dr Yongtanit Pimonsathean, a lecturer in urban planning at Thammasat University. It will become a showcase of how people lived a century ago, and be open to visitors as a living museum.

Mansion Houses

Images © TAT

Chinpracha House on Krabi Road
Of the grand mansions that once graced Phuket, only Chinpracha House on Krabi Road is open to the public. Built in 1903 by Tan Ma Siang, also known as Prapitak Chinpracha, it was modeled on the Sino-Portuguese style homes of Penang, where he had business connections. Most of the furniture came from his ancestors in Fujian, while the floor tiles were imported from Italy, and other items from Europe. His descendent Pracha Tandavanitj loved to collect old things and tell visitors about the house, which he ran like a private museum until his death in 2006.

His wife Jaroonrat (Khun Daeng) continues to show visitors around, pointing out the beautiful mother of pearl inlaid furniture, old photographs and memorabilia, a delightful fishpond near the entrance and the huge kitchen with its stone cooking area. (Call in advance to ensure Khun Daeng is available.)

Chinpracha House
Tel: 076 211167, 211281

Images © TAT

Phra Pitak Chinpracha Mansion
Phra Pitak Chinpracha Mansion, another fine mansion right next door to Chinpracha House, was built by the same person during the Second World War. Unfortunately, it is not open to the public, although the grounds are occasionally used for functions and the front-on view is quite stunning.

Images © TAT

Baan Klung Jinda on Yaowarat Road
The mansion known as Baan Klung Jinda on Yaowarat Road was built approximately 100 years ago by the son of a Chinese military man who came to Phuket to help solve a mining crisis. Eventually it became the property of the local government in payment of tax debts, and was turned into the residence of the provincial treasurer. More recently it was leased to businessman Kitti Phatanachinda, who spent millions converting the house into a fine dining restaurant serving Old Siam Cuisine. Today it looks stunning, much of it decorated in old Chinese style complete with antiques, with a beautiful lobby and exclusive wine cellar. Those who stop by for lunch or dinner can also enjoy a brief tour of this superb property.

Baan Klung Jinda
Tel: 076 221777

Chinese Shrines
Thanks to its strong Chinese heritage, Phuket has a number of Chinese shrines dedicated to various gods. Three interesting ones can be found in the Old Town.

They all get a great deal of attention when the renowned vegetarian festival takes place during October, none more so than the Jui Tui Shrine.

Images © TAT

Jui Tui Shrine
Dedicated to vegetarian god Kiew Ong and home of the hiew hoey (holy fire), Jui Tui Shrine at the corner of Ranong Road and Soi Phutorn, hosts the blessings and ceremonies to initiate the vegetarian festival. In the courtyard are the sedan chair and chariots to convey the deity during the procession through the streets of Old Phuket and then down to the shrine at Saphan Hin.

Images © TAT

Phud Jaw Shrine, adjacent to Jui Tui Shrine
Phud Jaw Shrine is dedicated to Kuan In, Goddess of Mercy. The oldest shrine in Phuket, Phud Jaw was built over 200 years ago, housing numerous images of the goddess and her followers.

Images © TAT

Shrine of the Serene Light
One of the more delightful – and quieter – places to visit is the Shrine of the Serene Light, located in a sheltered courtyard behind Phangnga Road, accessed via a tiny passage way next to the On On Hotel. Dedicated to the spirit of Ong Soun Tai Sai, renowned as a Chinese Hercules for his strength and fighting skills, the shrine’s walls are covered with murals depicting Ong Soun Tai Sai’s exploits. Dedicated renovation work means this 110 year old shrine is most picturesque. Fortune seekers can use the numbered sticks to discover what the future holds — as long as they can read Chinese or Thai!

Old Town Cuisine
Babas love to eat, says Prof Pranee, and there are plenty of restaurants and eateries in Old Phuket offering the unique baba mix of Hokkien and spicy Thai dishes.

Phuketians starts each day with a bowl of Chinese noodles (kanom jeen) or baskets of steamed Chinese delicacies (kanom jeeb). The most popular restaurants are usually simple yet packed. Wait a moment, a table will quickly become free.

Ba Mai
Try Ba Mai, a tiny shop next to Chin Pracha House on Krabi Road for tasty kanom jeen topped with nam ya or a spicy Phuket curry, served with loads of vegetables.

Image © TAT

Images © TAT

Boonyarat
Boonyarat, behind the Royal Phuket City Hotel on Phangnga Road, makes some of the freshest kanom jeeb delicacies – steamed buns with pork, siu mai, har kao, and many other favourites.

Boonyarat
Tel: 076 210897

Images © TAT

Raya
For lunch, Khun Rose’s Raya restaurant is located in an antique house (80 years old) full of memorabilia and sepia photos of Old Phuket. The house used to be at the quiet end of Dibuk Road, next to Bang Yai canal, until the municipality extended the road, opening it up to traffic. Enjoy some excellent Old Phuket food, such as the spicy shrimp dip (nam prik koong siap), eaten with fresh vegetables including cashew leaves, yellow curry (kaeng lueang), crispy fried fish in garlic (pla khow tort gratiem), crab meat curry with white Phuket noodles (kaeng neua poo kab mee khao) and the icy oh-aew dessert made from banana flour and soft jelly.

Raya
Tel: 076 218155, 232236

Images © TAT

Aroon
Underlining the cultural mix on Thalang Road, Aroon restaurant has been serving tasty halal food for the past 10 years as well as some mouth-watering pancakes (roti) – don’t miss the banana roti! High on the popularity list is khao yam pattani, served with a giant bowl of fresh vegetables.

Aroon
Tel 076 212187

Images © TAT

China Inn Café & Restaurant
Take a look at the marvel that is China Inn Café & Restaurant on Thalang Road. Owner Supat (Noi) Promchan and her husband spent over two years renovating a run-down shophouse into a captivating example of Sino-Portuguese architecture, complete with gilded front door and pedestrian archway. At front is a Burmese antique shop, while the restaurant at the back next to a small garden serves a mix of southern and Phuket food geared to western tastes. Supat admits not many people can afford to spend so much time and money on renovating their properties, but the superb results of her endeavours attracts many foreign visitors. Even the King of Sweden, on a private visit to Phuket, stopped at China Inn to enjoy the atmosphere.

China Inn Café
Tel: 076 356239

Images © TAT

Kra Jok See on Takuapa Road
For dinner, it can only be Kra Jok See on Takuapa Road, even though there is no sign outside announcing this small yet fabled restaurant. Serving Thai cuisine suited for western palates on tables covered with newspapers, the restaurant sheds its inhibitions at 10pm when the tables are pushed back and hostesses pull guests onto the floor for dancing. Guaranteed for heaps of fun. Tables are booked in advance as Kra Jok See doesn’t normally accept walk-in guests.

Kra Jok See
Tel: 076 217903

Images © TAT

Anna’s Cafés
The first Phuket branch of the Bangkok restaurant consortium, Anna’s Café has created a stylish upmarket restaurant occupying two floors on Rasada Road, just opposite The Taste guesthouse. It offers Thai and international favourites, plus delicious slices of its famous cakes. Another popular restaurant serving twin cuisines is the Dibuk Restaurant on Dibuk Road, with its two menus – one for Thai and one for French dishes.

Anna’s Café
Tel: 076 210535-6

Dibuk
Tel: 076 258148

Images © TAT

Kopi de Phuket on Phuket Road
Starting life as a coffee shop, Kopi de Phuket on Phuket Road has graduated into delicious baba cuisine, courtesy of young owners Jakkapan Jitsomboon (Noom) and Nannapas Nimpitakpong (Ji). Actually Noom’s mother home-cooks many of the dishes for authenticity, ensuring everything has a mild Hokkien taste. Best suggestions are Phuket noodles with fish tofu & black sesame (mee sua tauhupla ngadam), deep-fried pork in crispy flour (kian tort), and sticky rice stuffed with chestnuts, pork sausage and salted egg (sa sien bajang). Finish off with toasted bread dipped in sweet bean curd (kanom pang sankaya) with strong sweet old style coffee (gafae boran) or baba tea (a home-made mix of Indian, Chinese and Malay teas). Need more, then grab some traditional baba sweets nestling in giant glass jars on the counter. Upstairs there are Hokkien lessons for babas who want to stay in touch with their heritage. In addition to its Phuket Road restaurant, Kopi de Phuket has a coffee corner at the On-On Hotel, doubling as an internet café and information centre.Kopi de Phuket
Tel: 076 212225

Accommodation
There is plenty of good hotel accommodation in Phuket City for those who intend to spend more time shopping and exploring the Old Town Trail. To experience living in the Old Town, the following are interesting suggestions:

	Images © TAT

	On-On Hotel, Phangnga Road, Tel: 076 211154 The oldest hotel in town, opened in 1929, has grown into a rambling maze of inexpensive rooms (170-400 baht a night, no service charge). Still a popular meeting place for budget travellers. In 2000, it featured in the movie The Beach, purportedly as a guesthouse in Bangkok’s Khao San Road.

	Thalang Guesthouse, Thalang Road Friendly, family-run guesthouse with 13 rooms in an old shophouse along Thalang Road. More rooms are available in a nearby house. Prices range from 350-450 baht for rooms, inclusive of breakfast. Air-conditioning is available for an additional 100 baht. Web site: www.thalangguesthouse.com

	Phuket Backpacker Hostel, Ranong Road Inexpensive, fairly new hostel located directly opposite the Thai Airways offices and next to the Old Town’s fresh market. It is clean, comfortable and friendly with 12 small rooms plus dormitory beds. Prices range from 180 baht to 800 baht for a single room with air-conditioning, inclusive of tea and toast in the morning. A communal lounge offers free television, videos and internet, with a small garden at back to relax. Web site: www.phuketbackpacker.com

	Images © TAT

	Sino House Hotel, Montri Road Charming Chinese-style hotel with an attractive lobby and large spacious rooms, for travellers and long-stay guests. Located across from Seng Ho, the oldest bookstore in Phuket. Prices begin at 1,500 baht per room, inclusive of breakfast delivered in-room. The hotel also operates a small coffee house and the Raintree Spa. Web site: www.sinohousephuket.com

	Images © TAT

	The Taste, Rasada Road Formerly known as the XVI, The Taste turned two adjoining shophouses into an unusual guesthouse with a trendy reputation. There are 12 rooms, of three types, in an open plan design that makes generous use of curtains and indirect lighting. Prices start at 1,500 baht plus breakfast in the green season, rising to 1,700 baht during the high season. There is a cocktail bar on the ground floor. Web site: www.thetastephuket.com

Thalang Road Accommodation and Entertainment Places
Please click to view

OLD PHUKET TOWN FESTIVAL 2008
Phuket’s tribute to its baba heritage will take centre stage with the holding of the 10th Old Phuket Town Festival, to be organized by the Phuket Municipality in conjunction with the TAT, the Old Phuket Foundation, and the baba community.

Who Are the Babasω
Nyonya (female) and baba (male) are the terms used for the descendants of mixed marriages between Chinese immigrants and locals. Malaysians use the Malay word peranakan.

According to renowned Phuket historian Assistant Professor Pranee Sakulpipatana, nyonya is difficult for Thai people to pronounce. “So we began using the word yaya instead. Then we got lazy, and started calling everyone ‘Phuket baba’.”

A Phuket baba herself, Mayor Somjai Suwansuppana is an ardent supporter of the baba heritage, wearing the baba costume of batik sarong and brocaded blouse at work and encouraging female colleagues at the municipal offices to show off the local style every Friday.

Although dates and programme have yet to be finalized, Deputy Mayor Kawee Tansukatanum said the festival will be organized over three days in conjunction with Chinese New Year, which in 2008 falls on 7 February. Its programme will be similar to the successful event in 2007, with Thalang Road and Soi Romanee turned into walking streets for visitors to learn more about the baba culture and cuisine. There will be exhibitions about Old Phuket, products for sale, jazz in Soi Romanee, boat rides along Bang Yai canal, light and sound shows in the grounds of Chinpracha House, and most certainly a procession of residents in Phuket baba dress culminating at the giant dragon in Queen Sirikit Park at the beginning of Thalang Road.

credit :: http://www.tourismthailand.org/interesting-article/content-133-1.html

NAKHONSAWAN

admin — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:58:32 +0000

Nakhon Sawan Province, also known as Pak Nam Pho is where the rivers of Ping, Wang, Yom, and Nan converge and form the Chao Phraya River, the most important waterway of Thailand.

Nakhon Sawan is in the lower northern part of the country between the North and the Central Region. It is regarded as the doorway to the North and it is the hub of transportation in the Lower North.

credit : http://www.tourismthailand.org/destination-guide/nakhonsawan-60-1-1.html

MAEHONGSON

admin — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:56:58 +0000

MAE HONG SON is nestled in a deep valley hemmed in by high mountain ranges, Mae Hong Son has long been isolated from the outside world. Virtually covered with mist throughout the year, the name refers to the fact that is terrain is highly suitable for the training of elephants.

Former governors of Chiang Mai used to organise the rounding up of wild elephants which were then trained before being sent to the capital for work. Today, Mae Hong Son is one of the dream destinations for visitors. Daily flights into its small airport bring growing numbers of tourists, attracted by the spectacular scenery, numerous hilltribe communities and soft adventure opportunities.

THAI YAI CULTURE

The Thai Yai can be seen along the northern border with Myanmar. They may at one time have been the most numerous of the ethnic Thai tribes that stretch across Southeast Asia. A large group settled in Mae Hong Son.

The Thai Yai culture has had a strong influence on the province, as can be seen in its architecture. Although a part of the Lanna region, the indigenous Thai Yai people living in Mae Hong Son are faced with very cold weather during winter and extremely hot weather in the summer, with mist or fog practically throughout the whole year. Not surprisingly they have had to adapt to the environment.

As a result, their architectural style has developed into something different from other Lanna communities. Their living quarters are usually built with tall floors and low roofs, the sizes differing according to ones social status and position. Homes of the ordinary folks are usually with one single level of roof, while those of the local aristocrats have two or more levels forming a castle-like shape. The space thus provided is believed to help air circulation. An interesting feature of the Thai Yai style is the perforated designs along the eaves which are an architectural identity of the area.

credit : http://www.tourismthailand.org/destination-guide/maehongson-58-1-1.html

LAMPHUN

admin — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:55:11 +0000

Legend handed down for more than 1,400 years refer to this ancient town as Hariphunchai. Its first ruler was Queen Chamthewi who was of Mon extraction. In late 12th century, King Mengrai overran the town and subsequently integrated it into the Lanna Kingdom.

Today, Lamphun still retain its enchanting ambience of a small but old community. It is some 670 kilometres from Bangkok and only 26 kilometres from Chiang Mai. Located on the bank of the Kuang River, its attractions include ancient sites and relics as well as forests and mountains and delightful lakes. Lamphun is the most famous producer of longans.

LAMPANG : General Information

admin — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:33:14 +0000

Famous for its horse-drawn carriages and with a rooster as its provincial emblem, Lampang boasts a long history of human settlements on the Wang River basin, some of which dating back to more than 1,000 years. It is rich in archaeological evidence reflecting ancient civilisations of Hariphunchai, Lanna and Burma.

Lampang is administratively divided into the following districts: Muang, Thoen, Mae Phrik, Ngao, Ko Kha, Wang Nuea, Mae Tha, Chae Hom, Sop Prap, Seom Ngam, Hang Chat, Mae Mo and Mueang Pan

credit : http://www.tourismthailand.org/destination-guide/lampang-52-1-1.html

KAMPHAENGPHET : General Information

admin — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:31:53 +0000

Geographically located in the Lower North on the bank of the Ping River, Kamphaeng Phet is 358 kilometres from Bangkok. To its East are riverine flatlands while the western areas are made up of high mountains lush with fertile forests where a number of national parks have been established.

Areas along the river bank at present-day Mueang district used to host several ancient towns which had played a major role as strategic front-line frontiers since Sukhothai was the kingdom’s capital down through the times of Ayutthaya and early Rattanakosin (Bangkok) eras. In fact, the name Kamphaeng Phet actually means as strong as walls or forts make of diamonds.

Kamphaeng Phet covers an area of 8,607 square kilometres. It is divided administratively into 9 districts, namely, Mueang Kampheang Phet, Phran Kratai, Khlong Khlung, Khanu Woralaksauri, Sai Ngam, Lan Krabue, Khlong Lan, Sai Thong Watthana and Pang Sila Thong and 2 sub-districts, Bueng Samakkhi and Kosamphi Nakhon.

The Website of Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai, and Kamphaeng Phet

credit : http://www.tourismthailand.org/destination-guide/kamphaengphet-62-1-1.html