วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 29 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2553

Thailand Travel The Little Tour Guide of Doi Pui




Today we will take you to Doi Pui in Chiang Mai province, only a couple of kilometres from Doi Suthep, which is considered landmark of Chiang Mai. Doi Pui might not be as famous as Doi Suthep, but their beauty and wonder are hidden in this village, waiting for you to discover.

In this small village, there are a lot of wonderful things to do, such as sightseeing the beautiful pristine scenery, impressed with the hill tribe’s culture or listen to interesting stories from old people of the village. Since Doi Pui is located in the northern part of Thailand, where the weather is always cool, the agricultural products are their main income. In the past, most of the area was used to grow opium, but by the royal support of King Rama IX (- the present king -), the villagers were educated on how to earn a living according to the theory of sufficient economy (- a theory introduced by HRM King Rama IX, saying that a family should produce products at a certain amount that is sufficient to earn a living of his/her family and leave only a small amount to sell. By this way, people will be able to stand on their legs and depend less on the outsiders. -) by doing agriculture or making handicrafts to replace opium growing.



Despite being a key tourist attraction in Chiang Mai, Doi Pui offers an insight into how the hill tribes live in Thailand. The villagers wear traditional Hmong clothes, sell traditional Hmong handicrafts, and live in traditional Hmong-style homes. With the unique tradition of the hill tribe villagers and the preserved way of life, the tourists who visit Doi Suthep often visit Doi Pui as well. It’s only 10 kilometers far from Doi Suthep. Upon our arrival at Doi Pui, one of the very first impressive things that catch our eyes is “The Little Guides of Doi Pui”



As we enter the Hmong village, we see these little guides running to greet us and two of them offer to be our guides. We ask about the price, and they say “Up to you, sir” That’s how we meet our tour guides.



The little guides are children in the local village; they volunteered to be members of “Doi Pui Little Guide Club”. As the number of tourists has been increasing recently, the local school created this club for their students to earn extra money. Their job is leading the tourists in a sightseeing trip throughout the village, to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and their charming culture.



Our journey starts at a shopping area. Many shops sell local products or hill crafts, such as tea, silver accessories, crossbow, etc. Suddenly catch our eyes is a shoe shop, selling colourful handmade shoes in Chinese style, only at 350 baht. Now I’ve got a souvenir for my girl. After that, we have a chance to chat with a hundred-year-old man, the oldest man in the village. Another must-see in this village is the garden that exhibits models of the hill tribe’s daily life in the old time, including the collection of wooden tools and the opium.



I’m sure you don’t want to miss this. We rent a native costume to wear as our tour guide’s recommendation. There are many type of costumes for you to choose including ornaments that match the costumes. Here, the silver ornaments infer to status of the wearer. We choose their formal costume to try on. Since the climate in Doi Pui is quite cool, all the native costumes are made from thick material to protect the cold breeze and to keep them warm.



As we experience the beauty of this village, we find some children interrupt the charming atmosphere by keep asking money from the tourists. However, it’s only a small detect comparing to the spectacular mountain views and breathtaking scenery as well as being able to experience the fascinating lifestyles of the Hmong hill tribe.

Finally, we hope that you have fun reading our story. Don’t forget to visit our website, to see where our next trip will be. See you soon!!

วันอังคารที่ 20 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2553

Thailand Travel Songkran (Thai New Year)

This national celebration of the tradition Thai New Year captures the imagination of travellers for both its cultural and fun attributes; the latter being enthusiastic bouts of water splashing between friends and relatives.

In Bangkok, the Songkran Grand Celebration will be held between 10 and 15 April around the Rattanakosin Island district, sometimes called “Old Bangkok.”
The main celebrations, in the capital, focus on bathing rites of replicas of revered Buddha images originating from various provinces in the North, South, East and central regions, interspersed with traditional food and dessert-making demonstrations and cultural performances. The opening ceremony will take place, 10 April, at Phra Chetupon Wimol Manklaram or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

There are also important celebrations through the country at various tourist destinations:
• Old City Songkran Festival, Ayutthaya
• Songkran Festival, Chon Buri
• Amazing Songkran, Suphan Buri
• Phra Pradaeng Songkran Festival, Samut Prakarn
• Songkran Festival, Chiang Mai
• Songkran Festival, Sukhothai
• Fantastic Northeast Songkran, Golden Shower Tree and ‘Kan’ Festival and Sticky Rice Road in Khon Kaen
• Grand Northeast Songkran Festival, Nong Khai
• Songkran Nakhon Phnom and Thai-Lao New Year Celebration
• Hat Yai Midnight Songkran, Songkhla
• Grand Songkran Festival and ‘Nang Dan’ Parade, Nakhon Si Thammarat
• Songkran on the Beach and Phuket Bike Week 2010

Contact:
TAT Call Centre 1672
Events Planning Division, Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: 0 2250 5500 ext. 3470-3

วันจันทร์ที่ 5 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2553

Thailand Travel Guide



Long tail boat, Leonardo Bay © 123rf.com/Ingus Rukis
Click here for more images
Each year Thailand is discovered by millions of visitors, drawn to its pristine beaches and aquamarine seas, as well as its rich culture, glitzy shopping malls, chic boutiques and colourful markets crammed with bargains.

With its enticing mixture of established destinations such as Phuket and Hua Hin, and out-of-the-way palm-fringed islands, Thailand appeals to the most varied of travellers, whether they are craving barefoot luxury or hippy chic. From staying on a converted rice barge, clambering into a jungle tree house or bedding down in a hill tribe village, Thailand offers a wealth of choice for every taste and budget.

Pampering is an art form in Thailand, and throughout the country spas offer authentic treatments whether it's in a 5-star luxury resort or a beach-side hut. If it's pulse-raising excitement you are after, head to the hectic sprawl of Bangkok's futuristic high-rise buildings.

Early morning is when the saffron-robed monks leave the sanctuary of their wats (temples) to receive alms from the people, be it in a dusty village or on crowded city streets. Buddhism is a way of life here and the Thai's are also strong supporters of their monarchy. In fact, His Majesty King Bhumibol is the longest reigning monarch in the world, since coming to power in 1946.

Following the end of absolute monarchy, Thailand moved towards democracy, but this was thwarted by the military, which has often staged coups in protest at government policies. The most recent was in September 2006 when a bloodless coup overthrew Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and replaced him with an interim prime minister until elections at the end of 2007.

For all this, Thailand has risen above the economic collapse of 1997, SARS and avian influenza as well as the devastating tsunami in December 2004, to become a hugely popular destination on the long-haul tourist trail.

วันอาทิตย์ที่ 4 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2553

Travel thailand in Chiang Mai

Travel thailand in Chiang Mai

DESCRIPTION :
Chiang Mai Treasures or Treasures of Chiang Mai is a 3 day cycling adventure

through Doi Saket San Kamphaeng Bo Sang Chiang Mai.

The excursion is a well planned route, on peaceful roads and through

beautiful parks. Participants are taken to areas where it looks like time has

stood still. Chiang Mai Treasures gives you an absolute unforgettable

experience, to remember and look back on with pleasure for a lifetime.

For more information visit our website or mail to egmond@bangkokbiking.com






INCLUSIONS :
A unique and unrivalled Chiang Mai cycling experience
3 delicious Thai lunches
2 fantastic dinners
2 breakfasts
Delicious snacks along the way
Bicycle rent
Bicycle bags for luggage
Accommodation for 2 nights (twin share)
Guide (English speaking)
Water or soft drinks during the excursion

TERMS AND CONDITIONS :
Excursion starts daily 8:00 AM

Maximum 8 people per group

Starting from THB 7000.- per person

วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 1 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2553

TRAVEL INFORMATION : PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Health & Vaccinations Embassies Transportation Public Holidays
Shopping Advice Visa & Customs Weather Currency Exchange
Do's and Don't in Thailand Money Matter Flights from oversea to Thailand Transfer Passenger

The Thai Calendar

Thailand has adopted the western calendar to divide the year into days, weeks and months, using Thai names for these units. Years are numbered according to the Buddhist era (BE) which commenced 543 years before the Christian era. Therefore 2007 AD is BE 2550 and 2008 is BE 2551.

National public holidays Thailand's national public holidays are linked to religious or agricultural traditions and follow the lunar calendar, therefore the dates for some of the holidays change each year. For the precise dates of the lunar holidays and festival locations, check www.tourismthailand.org

The following are national public holidays in Thailand :

24 November 2007
(Saturday) Loy Kratong
Not a national holiday, but an evening when Thais pay respect to the goddess of the waters by floating candlelit offerings on any and all waterways around the kingdom.
5 December 2007
(Wednesday) King's Birthday
His Majesty the King's birthday is celebrated throughout the country and also serves as the nation's Fathers Day.
National Holiday
10 December 2007
(Monday) Constitution Day
December 10th celebrates the date in 1932 when the country was granted its first constitution.
National Holiday
31 December 2007
(Monday) New Years Eve
The day before the western new year day is always a national holiday.
National Holiday
1 January 2008
(Tuesday) New Year's Day
The beginning of the western new year is a national holiday in Thaland, one of three "new year" holidays celebrated every year.
National Holiday
8 February 2008
(Friday) Chinese New Year
The beginning of the Chinese lunar year is celebrated in the Chinatowns of every city throughout Thailand. Some businesses close for the day, but it is not a national holiday.
21 February 2008
(Thursday) Makha Bucha
Makha Bucha celebrates the Buddha's first sermon in to his disciples.
National Holiday
6 April 2008
(Sunday) Chakri Day
Chakri Day commeorates the founding of the current dynasty, Rama I.
National Holiday
7 April 2008
(Monday) Chakri Day (Substitution)
Some businesses may be closed.
13 April 2008
(Sunday) Songkran
Songkran is the traditional Thai new year, generally celebrated as a water festival.
National Holiday
14 April 2008
(Monday) Songkran
Second day of this three-day holiday.
National Holiday
15 April 2008
(Tuesday) Songkran
Third of the three days of Songkran.
National Holiday
1 May 2008
(Thursday) Labor Day
International labor day is celebrated as a national holiday, even though there isn't much ado about it
National Holiday
5 May 2008
(Monday) Coronation Day
Celebrates the day in 1949 when the current king was crowned.
National Holiday
19 May 2008
(Monday) Visakha Bucha
The holiest Buddhist holiday celebrates the birth, enlightenment and entry into nirvana of the Buddha.
National Holiday
12 August 2008
(Tuesday) Queen's Birthday
Her Majesty the Queen's birthday is a national holiday, also serving as the country's Mothers Day as well.
National Holiday
16 August 2008
(Saturday) Buddhist Lent
This day marks the beginning of the Buddhist 'lent' period, a time when monks are supposed to retreat to their temples while new life springs forth.
National Holiday
18 August 2008
(Monday) Buddhist Lent (Substitution)
Some businesses may be closed.
23 October 2008
(Thursday) Chulalongkorn Day
Celebrates the birthday of one of Thailand's most revered kings.
National Holiday

24 November 2008
(Monday)


Loy Kratong
Not a national holiday, but an evening when Thais pay respect to the goddess of the waters by floating candlelit offerings on any and all waterways around the kingdom.

5 December 2008
(Friday)


King's Birthday
His Majesty the King's birthday is celebrated throughout the country and also serves as the nation's Fathers Day.
National Holiday

10 December 2008
(Wednesday)


Constitution Day
December 10th celebrates the date in 1932 when the country was granted its first constitution.
National Holiday

31 December 2008
(Wednesday)


New Years Eve
The day before the western new year day is always a national holiday.
National Holiday