The Phuket King's Cup Regatta held in honour of His Majesty the King of Thailand to commemorate His Majesty's birthday on December 5th has become the biggest sailing event in Asia. With participants from all over the world converging on Phuket to race in Asia's most prestigious regatta, the event offers five days of great sailing off Phuket's West Coast.
The Phuket King's Cup Regatta, Asia's biggest and most popular regatta, is the jewel in the crown of the Asian Yachting Circuit, a circuit of the leading regattas in Asia including the Raja Muda International Regatta, the Singapore Straits Regatta and the China Sea Race. More than a regatta, the week long event consists of great parties, great sailing and lots of fun.
Inaugurated in 1987 to celebrate the sixtieth birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand, the event has been held during the first week of December every year since. With the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King, the Regatta is organized by the Phuket King's Cup Regatta Organizing Committee under the auspices of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, in conjunction with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Royal Thai Navy and the Province of Phuket.
The 2004 Phuket King's Cup Regatta attracted some 900 participants representing 96 teams. In 2006, the organizers are expecting the participation of representatives from at least 15 countries from around the world namely - from Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Russia as well as teams from Europe. Travel to Thailand is being sponsored by Thai Airways International, the national carrier. Approximately 1,000 visitors, including some highly experienced crews, are expected to travel to the tropical resort island of Phuket.
The Phuket King's Cup Regatta was inaugurated in 1987 to celebrate the 60th birthday of His Majesty the King and has been held annually every year since in honour of His Majesty who graciously agreed to be patron of the event.
The regatta has progressed from modest beginnings into an event that is now widely recognised as the largest regatta in Asia. The Phuket King's Cup Regatta has a unique combination of top standard racing, spectacular scenery and sailing conditions and outstanding social events. Each year, His Majesty the King sends a personal representative to present the King's Cup trophies on his behalf. This special Royal awards ceremony is the highlight of the event.
Racing takes place over a 6-day period in several classes of yacht, namely racing, cruising, ocean cruising, multi-hull, classic keel boats and Farr Platus. Competitors and their yachts come from all over the world, including strong contingents from Asia, Australia, New Zealand, America and Europe.
The 2000 event saw almost 100 boats entering over the 6 classes - a record. These ranged from some of the world's top racing yachts (with a fair number of world class sailors onboard) through to amateur racing, cruising and classic sailing yachts. Around 1,000 participants and partygoers enjoyed the splendid sailing and memorable social events. This year, the Phuket King's Cup Regatta will proceed as planned without changes to the programme or the level of participation. The island paradise is preparing to welcome a large fleet close to the 2000 record. The organizing committee expects that these figures will steadily increase as Phuket gains an ever-stronger reputation as a premier sailing destination in Asia.
Media interest in the event has grown alongside, and the 2000 event saw media representation, both print and broadcast, from Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan, as well as America, Belgium, Holland Italy, Germany and Britain. And, for the first time, a half-hour show was broadcast on television around the world, bringing the Phuket King's Cup Regatta into more than 250 million homes. This year, with a new involvement with CNN, the Phuket King's Cup Regatta will be seen in 450,000 million households.
Since its outset, the regatta has consisted of a number of organizations and people, public and private, commercial and volunteer. These include the organizing yacht clubs, the Royal Thai Navy, the Sports authority of Thailand, the Office of the Governor of Phuket, the Tourist Authority of Thailand, police, customs and immigration departments and sponsors, without whom the event would not be possible. This year, for added peace of mind, visible added security courtesy of the navy and police has been put into place for further reassurance.
For more information, please visit www.kingscup.com
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
21st PHUKET KING'S CUP REGATTA
Monday, December 3, 2007
RIVER KWAI BRIDGE WEEK
Each year in late November to early December, the world famous River Kwae Bridge built by Allied prisoners-of-war during World War II , becomes the focal point of celebrations. Event highlights include historical and archaeological exhibits, a carnival, folk and cultural performances, rides on World War II vintage trains, and a spectacular light and sound presentation re-enacting the bridge's World War II legacy.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Prachuap Khiri Khan : Hua Hin
beautiful curving bays and amongst steep mountain outcrops. About 100 kilometres to the north of Prachuap Khiri Khan is Hua Hin, Thailand's first beach resort which is renowned for golf and spa. Between Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan are Pran Buri with many boutique resorts and Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park with soaring peaks, numerous caves and exotic bird life. Hua Hin
281 kilometers south of Bangkok, Hua Hin, which literally means stone head in Thai, is the oldest beach resort of the country and is still very popular. Clean white sand, crystal clear water and a tranquil atmosphere has continued to attract tourists in search of peaceful and relaxing holidays.
The town was originally known as Ban Samoe Rieng, or Ban Laem Hin (Stony Point Village). The construction of a railway station in the city as part of the Southern Railroad in the reign of King Rama VI resulted in making Hua Hin stand out from many quite fishing villages. In addition, the construction of a Summer Palace of King Rama VII totally transformed the village into a high-society resort town for royalty. Even today, the Royal Family continues to reside at the Palace for part of the year.
Hua Hin's consequence came with the opening of the Railway Hotel (known today as the Sofitel Central Hotel), an elegant Victorian-style resort hotel, and also the countrys first standard golf course. A cluster of royal and high-society residences gradually became more visible resulting in the transformation of the whole village into the first seaside resort of the country, where visitors could enjoy swimming, fishing, and golfing in the country's first standard golf course.
Today, Hua Hin is a well-established beach destination with word-class facilities coupled with a true sense of Thai hospitality. Despite its expansive growth and development as a luxurious destination, the splendor of Hua Hin remains intact. Remaining content in itself, Thailand's oldest seaside resort has never sought international recognition. It has continued to provide a peaceful and relaxed sanctuary in a picturesque environment that comes with a true sense of historical identity.
Thank : Tourism Authority of Thailand
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Kanchanaburi Tiger Temple, Thailand
Wat Pa Luangta Bua Yannasampanno Forest Monastery was established by the Abbot-Phra Acharn Phusit (Chan) Kanthitharo in 1994.
Since its opening Wat Pa Luangta Bua gained a reputation as a wildlife sanctuary. It started with an injured wild fowl given to the monk by the villagers, then peacocks came attracted by the calls of by then rather large colony of wild fowl. An injured wild boar stumbled in to the monastery and the monks cared for him until he could be released back into the forest. The next day he came back followed by his family group of about 10 animals. By now a countless number of boar find shelter in the monastery. Villagers also started to bring in unwanted pets: four species of deer moved in, followed by buffalo, cow, horses, wild goat and gibbons. All these animals are roaming the grounds of the monastery freely.
The first tiger cub arrived to the monastery in February 1999. It was a female cub of Indochinese subspecies (Tigris corbetti) and her condition was very poor. When she was only a few months old her mother was killed by poachers near the Thai-Burma border. The cub was sold to and the new owner ordered her stuffed. A local was hired to do the job, which fortunately he did not finish. Although he injected her in the neck with the preservative formalin the cub survived. When she arrived to the to the monastery she was frail and terrified of a slightest sound. She still has stitches in the cuts on her head. Her vision was impaired and her teeth were already worn, particularly the fangs, which appeared as if they have been filed down to the gum, blood oozing from the roots. Eating was a difficult task for her - she could hardly move her tongue, chew and swallow her food. Inspite of her condition she has never once attacked anyone. Under loving care of the monks the cub recovered, but in July 1999 she fell seriously ill with heart palpitations and died.
People who knew about the incident did not want to see another cub mistreated again. However it was not to be. The monastery is situated in Kanchanaburi province - an area lying adjacent to Burma. Large protected areas and national parks along the Thai-Burma border are believed to contain the largest surviving populations of tigers in Thailand. Unfortunately, while these areas are protected poaching still occurs. A Thai poacher can get up to US $5,800 for killing a tiger, several years' salary to a farmer. The profit is well worth the risk. And when the mother tiger is killed the cubs are taken as a bonus, or left to fend for themselves in the jungle.
Just a few weeks after the first cub has died two healthy male cubs, intercepted from the poachers, were brought to the monastery. They were tiny - just a week old. A few months later the local villagers presented another two male cubs. And soon after the border police patrol intercepted cubs held by poachers and contributed four female cubs, achieving tiger harmony.
The Abbot, Phra Acharn Chan, kindly welcomed the animals. And so the monks ended up looking after the orphaned cubs. None of them had any training in how to handle tigers. They had to learn on the job.
The monastery did its duty. It became a sanctuary and it upholds the sanctity of compassion and kindness to all living creatures.
More info about how to go & Trip in Kanchanaburi :
Kanchanaburi Tiger Temple, Thailand
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Most Famous Festival : Songkran festival in Chiang Mai
April 13 or Wan Sangkan Long 
April 14 is called, Wan Nao or Wan Da (preparation day)Wan Nao or Wan Da is an auspicious day when everyone must be cheerful, and must not curse or behave badly. In the morning, food and offerings for the monks are prepared and distributed to friends and relatives in the following morning. In the afternoon, sand is brought to the monastery compounds and sand stupas are created as a form of worship to the Lord Buddha. Finally the time comes for gently splashing water at one another with a word of blessing.
April 15 is called, Wan Phaya Wan
Wan Phaya Wan, which is the most important day of the New Year celebration or the Wan Taleung Sok of the central region. There may be also 4 additional days of celebration: April 15th (Wan Paak Pee), April 16th (Wan Paak Deuan), April 17th (Wan Paak Wan), April 18 (Wan Paak Yam)Wan Songkran involves merit making, offering food to monks, listening to sermons, paying respect to elders, and having fun.
Recommended Guest house in Chiang Mai :
T-Room Guest House
Banilah Guest House
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Loi Krathong Festival In Thailand
In a revival of long lost customs of the ancient capital, the Bangkok Loi Krathong Festival sets out to promote and preserve the royal rituals of the early Rattanakosin period (19th century) in which several types of lanterns were set afloat in the Chao Phraya River and its waterways. The practice was subsequently adopted and adapted by common folk and has evolved into the "Loi Krathong" tradition we know of today. Krathongs are made from basic materials easily found around the village and typically take the shape of lotus in full bloom, swans, chedis (stupas), and Mount Meru from Buddhist mythology.
The lighting of fireworks is undertaken in the same spirit as when lighting candles in an act of worship. Therefore, fireworks displays become an integral element of the secular and religious rituals performed.
Thank : Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Nong Khai : long thin province running along
Nong Khai is a long thin province running along
the Mekong River, providing the main access to 
Laos. Originally people went by boat from Tha Sadet, but the building of the Friendship Bridge across the Mekong has made Nong Khai a major centre for transport and trade with Laos.
Attractions include Wat Pho Chai, renowned for its large seated Buddha believed to have been cast in Lan Chang, and Phra That Nong Khai, an old chedi that slipped into the river and can now only be seen completely in the dry season.
Sala Kaeo Ku is a bizarre sculpture garden packed with statres of Shiva, Vishnu and Buddha as well as many other figures from Hindu and Thai culture. Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary near the Mekong River contains a number of beautiful waterfalls.
Nong Khai is 615 kilometres from Bangkok and has an area of 7,739 square kilometres. It consists of the following districts: Mueang Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Phon Phisai, Tha Bo, Sangkhom, Seka, So Phisai, Si Chiang Mai, Phon Charoen, Pak Khat, Bueng Khong Long, Si Wilai, Bung Khla, Sa Khrai, Rattana Wapi, Fao Rai and Pho Tak.
| :: How To Get There |  |
Car
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 to Saraburi which connects with Highway No. 2 to Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani and Nong Khai. A total distance from Bangkok to Nong Khai is 615 kilometres.
Bus
The Transport Company Limited has a regular bus service both ordinary and air-conditioned to Nong Khai every day. For further information, contact the Mo Chit 2 (Chatuchak) Bus Terminal, Tel. 0 2936 2852-66, or visit the website www.transport.co.th . In ddition, there is a private bus service: 407 Phatthana, Tel. 0 2992 3475-8, 0 4241 1261; Chan Tour Limited, Tel. 0 2618 7418, 0 4241 2195; Barami Tour, Tel. 0 2537 8249, 0 4246 0345; and Cherdchai Tour, Tel. 0 2936 0253, 0 4246 1067.
Rail
Trains depart from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong and Bang Sue Railway Stations to Nong Khai every day. Call 1690, 0 2223 7010-20 or visit www.railway.co.th for more information.
Air
Visitors can fly from Bangkok to Udon Thani and continue the journey by car to Nong Khai, some 50 kilometres from Udon Thani. Call 1566, 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 or visit www.thaiairways.com for more information.
Intra-provincial Transport
Visitors can use car rental services operated by many tour companies in town. They may choose a tricycle service called “Skylab” for visiting tourist spots in town and nearby areas, such as Tha Sadet Market, Wat Pho Chai, Sala Kaeo Ku, and Thai – Lao Friendship Bridge.
From the Nong Khai Bus Terminal, there is a bus service from Nong Khai to Loei, past Amphoe Tha Bo, Amphoe Si Chiang Mai and Amphoe Sangkhom in Nong Khai, and Amphoe Chiang Khan in Loei. The route runs along the Mekong River. In these districts, there are guesthouses available for visitors.
Inter-provincial Transport
Apart from a Nong Khai – Bangkok bus service, the Nong Khai Bus Terminal also provides its service on other routes: Nong Khai – Rayong (both ordinary and air-conditioned), and ordinary buses on the Nong Khai – Loei, Nong Khai – Nakhon Phanom, and Nong Khai – Udon Thani routes. Contact the Nong Khai Bus Terminal, Tel. 0 4241 1612.
Trains are available from Nong Khai to Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, and Bangkok three times a day. Contact the Nong Khai Railway Station,
Tel. 0 4241 1582.
Distances from Amphoe Mueang to Other Districts
| Tha Bo Phon Phisai Si Chiang Mai | 42 45 57 90 90 95 136 182 228 238 163 181 24 | kms. kms. kms. kms. kms. kms. kms. kms. kms. kms. kms. kms. kms. |
Distances from Nong Khai to Neighbouring Provinces
| Udon Thani | 51 202 210 303 | kms. kms. kms. kms. |
Thank : Tourism Authority of Thailand.
MAE HONG SON is nestled in a deep valley hemmed in by high mountain ranges
| 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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Travel from Bangkok
Travel from Chiang Mai
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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.
As a result, their architectural style has developed into something different from other Lanna communities.Monday, November 27, 2006
Bangkok : City of Angel
Bangkok was founded in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty. It is now the country's spiritual, cultural, diplomatic, commercial and educational hub. It covers an area of more than 1,500 square kilometres, and it is home to approximatlely ten million people or more than 10% of the country's population.
:: Festivals
Bangkok Songkran Festival April 12-14
The traditional Thai New Year is an occasion for merriment all over the city, but most notably at Sanam Luang, near the Grand Palace, where the revered Phra Phuttha Sihing image is displayed and bathed by devotees. In the Wisutkasat area, a Miss Songkran beauty contest is held and accompanied by merit-making and entertainment. Khao San Road, Bang Lamphu area is also one of the high-spots in the city to experience the water-throwing activities between locals and tourists. Bangkok Songkran Festival
 |
H.M. The Kings Birthday Celebrations December 5
H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest reigning monarch is well beloved and deeply respected by all Thais old and young. The occasion of his royal birthday provides his loyal subjects the opportunity to express their reverence for him. All over the country, buildings and homes are elaborated and the area around the Grand Palace is spectacularly illuminated.
|
H.M. The Queens Birthday Celebration August 12
To display their loyalty and to honour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on the occasion of her royal birthday, the Thai people decorate their houses and public buildings. Around Bangkok, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the area around the Grand Palace and other well-known locations are bedecked with coloured lights and magnificent adornments.
|
Royal Ploughing Ceremony May
An ancient Brahman ritual, conducted at Sanam Luang, in which farmers is believe to be able to forecast the abundance of the next rice crop. The event is a result of a series of ceremonies that are conducted by Phraya Raek Na, portrayed by a high-ranking official from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives who wears colourful traditional costumes. This ceremony was re-introduced in 1960 by H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej and is considered the official commencement of the rice-growing season.
|
Trooping of the Colours December
Their majesties the King and Queen preside over this impressive annual event, held in the Royal Plaza near the equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn. Dressed in colourful uniforms, amid much pomp and ceremony, members of the elite Royal Guards swear allegiance to the King and march past members of the Royal Family.
|
Khon Masked Dance at Sala Chalermkrung Theatre
Khon is Thailand's classical masked dance that is regarded as one of the most refined of performing arts. It was originally limited to the royal court. Performances are extremely expensive to produce, requiring lavish costumes, elaborate masks and headgear, and stage accessories that require highly skilled craftsmen to create. The scenes performed in the traditional Khon are taken from the Ramakien, a series of significant episodes in Thai literature based on the Indian epic of classical mythology the Ramayana that greatly influenced the literature of almost all nations in Southeast Asia.Khon at Sala Chalermkrung is performed every Thuesday, Friday and Saturday at 8.30 pm. Tickets cost 1,000 baht and 1,200 baht. Call Sala Chalermkrung at Tel: 0 2224 4499 or visit or Thaiticketmaster at Tel: 0 2262 3456 or visit http://www.thaiticketmaster.com/ for reservation. For more information about the performance and Sala Challermkrung visit http://www.salachalermkrung.com/
Khao San Road
Where the worlds young travellers meet.
Khao San Road is a favourite crossroads for the young travellers on a budget. It has evolved over the last two decades from just one small hostel providing low-budget accommodation become one of the worlds most well-known destinations. It has been featured in many movies and television documentaries.
During the day, Khao San Road is the scene for back-packers looking for a cheap room while others are arranging transport to their next destination in Thailand or overseas. Some will be just chatting with friends over a cup of coffee or a bowl of noodles.
At night, it turns into a lively thoroughfare lined with street stalls selling cheap clothes, handicrafts, souvenirs and thousands of other items. The lights are on at the many bars where the travellers tell tales of the days adventures and discoveries and the plans for tomorrow. Khao San Road is not just for foreign travellers, many young Thai people like to hang out there, including members of the TV and film production industries.
The location is very convenient for visiting the many tourist attractions on Rattanakosin Island. It is just a 10-minute walk to Sanam Luang and The Grand Palace.
During April when Thais celebrate the Songkran Festival, Khao San Road becomes a fun-filled battleground as everyone, Thais and foreigners indulge in splashing each other with water.
The area is also well-known for the wide variety of inexpensive food. This ranges from spicy Thai Tom Yum Gung soup to the ever-popular banana pancake.
How to get there:
Bus routes 3,9,32,64,39,44,53,59,503,509,511
Maenam Chao Phraya
The Chao Phraya River is the most important waterway in Thailand. Boats of all sizes ply this river ranging from huge container ships that berth at Klong Toey Port to small dugouts. Its most recognized water transporters are the rice barges and the long-tail boats. Then there are cross river ferries and the river express boats serving as water-born buses bringing commuters to the city from as far up-river as Nonthaburi.
A cruise on the Chao Phraya River gives you a new perspective on Bangkok as you pass by the imposing Prangs of Wat Arun, the majestic Grand Palace and the Temple of The Emerald Buddha.
You'll see a different side of commerce as huge lines of rice barges are towed by a small tugboat and other barges carrying cargo as diverse as sand and gravel, even soft drinks and beer.
There are a number of ways you can experience life on the river. You can take a voyage on a luxuriously converted rice barge leaving from Bangkok on a leisurely journey all the way up to the ancient capital at Ayutthaya. There are also purpose-built luxury cruisers making the same trip. Or you can see the river life the same way the locals do by catching a river express boat.
There are converted rice barges and Chinese junks that offer lunch and dinner cruises. The evening dinner cruise can be particularly romantic, sipping fine wine at a candle-lit table.
For those who want a more budget-priced journey, there are small river boats that are available for hire by the hour
Wat Bowon Niwet
This temple is located on Phra Sumen Road in the Bang Lamphu area. Built in 1829, it is the shrine-hall of Phra Phutthachinnasi, a very beautiful Buddha image which was molded in about 1357. This is one of the most important temples of Bangkok, whose one-time chief abbot was King Rama IV before he ascended the throne. King Rama IV and King Rama VII, as well as His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej had resided here during their monkshood.
Open : Daily from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Admission : Free
Tel : 022812831-3
Wat Pho
This is possibly the most interesting temple in Thailand as it combines history, medical science and is a center for meditaion and traditional massage training. Its official name is Wat Phrachetuphon Vimon Mangkararam Ratchaworamahawihan, although it is commonly called Wat Po.
Founded during the 16th century, Wat Pho is most famous for the golden reclining Buddha that measues 46 metres and has feet inlaid with mother-of pearl. This is the main attraction that draws visitors to the temple. In more modern times, Wat Pho has gained international recognition as a meditation centre and for the traditional Thai massage that is both practiced and taught here.
Traditionally, temples were the schools as there was no formal education system, with monks providing basic lesson in both spiritual and secular subjects. King Rama III turned Wat Po into a major centre for learning in botany, geography and history.
Bas reliefs around one of the main buildings depict the story of the Ramakian which is the Thai adaption of the Indian Ramayana.
For those interested in traditional Thai medicine, there is a pavilion that serves to both impart knowledge and provide treatment. The walls have marble tablets describing basic anatomy and treatments. In the late afternoon, traditional medicine practitioners are there to dispense herbal mixtures. Nearby, there is a cloister where you can have a traditional Thai massage for a very small payment.
How to get there: Bus routes 1,3,12,25,47,53,60,82,91,501,508
Open daily : 8.30 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Admission : 20baht
Tel : 022221969 ; Thai Massage School : 022213686 http://www.watpho.com/
Thank you for Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Ticket & Hotel Online Booking for Everyone :
Call from US & Anywhere to Thailand & worldwide with cheapest rate :
Call from Thailand to Worldwide with cheapest rate :
