King Rama II Memorial Park

King Rama II Memorial Park is the riverside garden on 11-rai area, built to honor King Rama II (1809-1824) who was the ‘poet king’. The site is believed to be his royal birthplace. The main attraction is a traditional Thai-style teak mansion used as King Rama II Museum to house an exhibition of his works.

King Rama II Museum - 4 buildings built in traditional Thai architectural style. The museum displays many old artifacts that date back to early Rattanakosin era (18th century). The museum compound consists of several groups of traditional Thai houses that exhibit different pieces of arts. For example, Ho Klang (main hall) houses the statue of King Rama II. Ho Non Chai (men room) depicts the Thai man’s lifestyle. Ho Non Ying (women room) depicts the Thai woman’s lifestyle. Chan Ruean (corridor) depicts the traditional Thai style house. It also features an outdoor theatre, a lush botanical garden with various types of trees that are found in Thai literature, shops selling local goods and various kinds of fruits.

The park and museum are open daily from 09.00-18.00.

Saraburi

Saraburi has been an important town since ancient times. It is believed to have been constructed in the year 1548 during the reign of King Maha Chak-kaphat of Ayutthaya as a centre for recruiting troops.

The town, as a gateway to the northeastern region, is only 108 kms. from Bangkok. It occupies an area of 3,576.5 square kilometres.

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Wat Phra Phutthabat Located in Amphoe Phra Phutthabat; 28 kms. north of the town along Highway No.1; it is one of the most beautiful religious sites in Thailand. The temple houses the footprint of Lord Buddha found on a stone panel near Suwan Banpot Hill. The footprint was found in the reign of King Songtham of Ayutthaya. A cone-shaped structure or mondop was built to cover the footprint. The beautiful mondop; which is a square building has a seven-level castle roof. Each level is decorated with an arch supported by wood and decorated with gold and coloured glass. The external walls are also decorated with gold and coloured glass in the shapes of mythological gods and rice offering ceremonies. The pearl inlay artwork on the mondop doors is one of the best samples of this type of craftsmanship in the country. A five headed Naga, mythical serpent, cast in bronze flanks the stairs to the stairs to the mondop entrance. The mondop is surrounded by bells used by visitors to make merit for other people. A museum in the temple displays many ancient objects including King Songtham's attire, old weapons, bronzeware and ceramics. Annual fairs celebrating the footprint are held twice a year, in February and March. [ More >>> ] Wat Phra Phutthachai At Km. 102 or Km. 104 before arriving in the town, there is a 5 km access road leading to this temple which is situated on a hillside. The main attraction is a picture of Lord Buddha appearing on a cliff wall. A Wihara has been built to cover it. The surroundings are very pleasant and shady. Khao Sam Lan National Park This is the nearest national park where tourists can take a short journey form Bangkok. It is 4 kms. beyond Wat Phra Phutthachai. The park offers many small waterfalls, some of which can be reached by short hiking trails. The best time to visit the falls is the late rainy season when water is plentiful. Tham Krabok This place is known for its treatment provided against narcotics addiction. It is located at Tambon Khun Khlon, Amphoe Phra Phutthabat, 25 kms. north of the town along Highway No. 1. Muak Lek Food Market This is located on Mitraphap Road (Highway No. 2), halfway form Saraburi to Pak Chong. This place is a centre for various kinds of local food including curry puffs, sweet meat, fresh vegetables and fruits, and dairy and meat products. Muak Lek Arboretum This is an intermediate forested area between Muak Lek and Pak Chong Districts, 37 kms. from Saraburi on Highway No. 2. The entrance is near the Muak Lek Food Market. The area is shady and very pleasant with stream where visitors can enjoy swimming. Namtok Chet Sao Noi This waterfall is 9 kms. beyond the Muak Lek Arboretum. There are many resorts on the route to the waterfall. The waterfall has many levels and offers a spacious shady swimming area. Tham Phra Phothisat This cave houses a bas-relief Buddha image of the Dvaravati period as well as beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations. It is located at Tambon Thap Kwang, Amphoe Kaeng Khoi, 15 kms. from the town along Highway No. 2 and 11 kms. along an access road. Tham Phrathat Charoentham This is another beautiful cave, which is full of stalactites and stalagmites. It is located at Tambon Song Khon, Amphoe Kaeng Khoi 22 kms. from Saraburi along highway No. 2. Pa Sak River trip The Pa Sak River, which runs through the area of Amphoe Kaeng Khoi, offers beautiful scenery of forests and high cliffs along the riverside. Boat trip are operated by some riverside resorts such as the Supalai Pasak Resort, 13 kms. beyond Kaeng Khoi market.

Ranong diving places

Ranong and Koh Payam is a perfect starting point to the best diving places of Thailand. The Burma Banks, Mergui Archipelago, Surin Island, Koh Tachai, Koh Born as well Richelieu Rock. Only Richelieu Rock is attainable with us on a day trip with min 6 persons.

On our safari tours we also offer diving courses of open water diver up to the rescue diver. Getting the first a great chance to get experience in connection with the best diving places for the Andaman sea. For general diving course information
click here!

Ranong is located near the Burmese border, on the West Coast of Thailand. The Andaman Sea starts right here and goes all the way to India, offering one of the most beautiful displays of islands in South East Asia. The town connects to the North with Bangkok (about 600 km), to the East with Chumpon and Surat Thani, to the South with Phuket, a mere 3 hours by bus. Agriculture and fishing are the main activities of the province.

On the backside, mountains spread their jungle and offer waterfalls, hot springs and lovely paths to wander around. The coastal waters are fringed by mangrove alive with wild life, ideal for a kayak trip. You'll find in Ranong a typically local atmosphere, happily mixed with the Burmese influence : colorful markets, women in sarongs, golden make-up on their cheeks, food stalls all along the streets.

The town is busy with its own things, and encounters with other tourists are rare. There are good hotels and restaurants, banks, fitness and massages clubs, golf, casino, and Internet service. Visas can easily be renewed within a day, simply crossing the border by boat from Ranong.

Koh Payam
The authentic character of Koh Payam will hit you as soon as you set your feet on its soil. No cars here, only motorbikes, bicycles… and the roads that go with them, meaning narrow, always ending up in trails through the cashew nuts plantations.

Contrary to its neighbor islands, Koh Payam has white sand beaches : long ones that stretch between rocky heights, ideal for the jogger, and tiny ones hidden under lush vegetation, perfect for sunbathing. Swimming, snorkelling, trekking, biking, or hammock practicing : there is an activity for everyone !

The cashew nut is the queen of the island. Each year on the 16th of March, the "Cashew nut Festival" gathers Thai boxing, cock fighting, even a Miss Cashew competition ! Accomodations range from simple bamboo huts to more comfortable concrete bungalows. Food is cheap, varied, with an abundant choice of seafood. Isn't all this very tempting ?

Chiang Rai

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


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


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


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

Nakhon Ratchasima

Nakhon Ratchasima at a glance

Nakhon Ratchasima, generally known as "Khorat", is Thailand's largest province situated on sprawling northeast plateau. Located approximately 260 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, the city itself serves as the gateway to the lower I-San region.


Covering an area of 25,494 square kilometers that is mainly plateaus and mountainous terrain, Khorat has fascinating traditions, charming hospitality, splendid natural scenery and awesome historical sites.



Some of the main attractions in Khorat are Khmer ruins. Scattered around the province, these products of ancient wisdom shines through time. One of Thailand's finest Khmer ruins can be seen here next to Mon and Lao sites. In addition, Khorat has an abundance of natural attractions in its forests, hills, wildlife and waterfalls that are easily accessible in locations such as Khao Yai National Park.


Apart from the famous statue of Khun Ying Mo, Khorat is most well known for silk weaving (in Pak Thong Chai) and a variety of top-notch quality handicrafts such as clay pottery products of Dan Kwian.


Geographically, Nakhon Ratchasima borders on Chiyaphum and Khon Kaen Provinces in the north, Buriram Province in the east, Chiyaphum and Saraburi Provinces in the west and Nakhon Nayok and Prachin Buri Provinces in the south.


Khorat is also I-Sans largest province. Inhabitants of the province are mainly engaged in agricultural activities that include farming of rice and other crops such as sugar cane, tapioca, corn, jute, peanuts, sesame and fruits. There are more than 100 savings and agricultural cooperatives in the province, 35 irrigation projects and 7,122 industrial factories. Most of the factories are rice mills, tapioca product manufacturers, and industrial factories.

Khorat's most popular annual event is the Thao Suranari Festival, a celebration of Thao Suranari's victory over the Lao. It's held from late March to early April and features parades.

Looking back

Khorat used to be the site of several ancient prehistoric communities. Little is known about the early history of Khorat, except that it used to be part of a kingdom called Sri Janas (Si Janat) an empire that extended its power to the entire Khorat Plateau.

Initially the predominant cultural influence in the city was that of the Dvaravati culture, however, it was later replaced by the Khmer culture. The prehistoric site of Ban Prasat is evidence of this occurrence while traces of both the Dvaravati and Khmer cultures are scattered throughout the province, particularly at Amphoe Sung Noen and Amphoe Phimai.

Once an administrative and cultural center, Khorat's role today remains unchanged as it is currently the main transportation, industrial and economic hub of the Northeast.

Thai massage

Thai Massage
by: Sharon Hopkins

What is Thai Massage

Thai massage is a traditional form of massage therapy that has been used in Thailand for centuries. In Thailand, it is called “Nuad Phaen Boran” which means ‘ancient massage’. It is based on the Indian medical system of Ayurveda and incorporates many ancient Indian Yogic techniques.

How does Thai Massage work

Thai massage combines elements of Shiatsu, Yoga, and acupressure. It aims to clear blockages in the energy meridians of the body by applying a healing touch to the affected pressure points. Once these blockages are removed, energy flows freely throughout the body and this leads to relief from ailments and overall improved physical and mental health. The technique of soft touching and stretching also frees the tension in the limbs and muscles and brings about pain relief and improves flexibility.

A typical massage session lasts for about two hours. The massage is administered on mat or firm mattress kept on the floor. The patient changes into his or her pajamas and lies down on this mat. The practitioner will then follow a pre-determined sequence of massage steps that involve the use of hands, elbows and feet. The massage follows the flow of the energy meridians on the patient’s body. A number of techniques such as soft pressure, pulling fingers and toes, walking on the patient’s back and gentle stretching are used to free the blockages in these meridians. Oil is normally not applied during the therapy session. At the end of the massage session, both the receiver and the therapist feel relaxed and energized.

Benefits of Thai Massage

Thai massage is a holistic massage therapy that focuses on the body as a whole. By recognizing the inter-dependence of all the systems of the body, it aims to cure ailments by bringing all these various elements into harmony with each other. By removing blockages in the energy meridians, it promotes an increase in the energy levels of the patient. This soothing massage therapy also helps to calm the mind and remove stress from the body and mind of the patient. The soft physical pressure and stretching techniques bring about pain relief, relieve muscular tension, and increase the flexibility of the muscles and limbs. It also helps in harmonizing imbalances in the nervous system. Thai massage also improves blood and lymph circulation. The holistic approach used ensures that the patient enters a state of deep relaxation and refreshes the spirit.

About The Author
Sharon Hopkins features articles in http://www.massagehealththerapy.com, your online guide to rejuvenate the mind, body and eliminate stress scientifically by using artistic hand strokes. She also writes for other sites on Yoga, Hair-n-Skin-Care, Massage Therapy among others.

Travel to Thailand

Planning A Trip To Thailand?
by: Robert Michael

If you want an exotic trip, why not choose Thailand? Though it might be costlier than heading to southern California or Miami, you’ll have memories (and photographs!) that will wow your friends and family for years to come.

As you plan your priceless journey, just remember to keep a few factors in mind:

Thailand Visit Tip #1: Learn about Thai food

When you get to Thailand, you’ll no doubt be trying a great deal of Asian cuisine. Thus, it would behoove you to try some of the more common Thai dishes before you set off on your journey. If you live near a large city, you no doubt have access to any number of Thai restaurants. When you go, ask the servers or proprietor(s) about authentic Thai fare. That way, you’ll be able to prepare your palate for your visit.

If you’re not able to make it to a Thai eatery, you can always check out a book on Thai cooking from the local library (or purchase one in your Barnes and Noble or Borders bookseller.) This way, you can try your hand at creating some of the culinary delights you’ll be feasting on during your time in Thailand.

Thailand Visit Tip #2: Dress for the temperature and weather conditions

Because the Internet affords you the opportunity to find out about weather anywhere in the world, make sure you jump online during the days before you leave for your visit to Thailand. That way, you’ll know exactly what to pack (and what not to wear). Nothing is worse than being in a country where you don’t know the language and are feeling physically uncomfortable because you’re dressed inappropriately.

Thailand Visit Tip #3: Go to your doctor

Before traveling overseas, it’s best for you to get a full physical at your doctor. Why? First of all, you really should have an annual appointment, anyway. But secondly, you don’t want to have a health emergency when you’re overseas.

Your physician may also prescribe a variety of shots or suggestions for healthy eating regimens while you’re in Thailand. Make sure you bring a notepad and jot down all his or her comments.

Thailand Visit Tip #4: Get your passport in advance

Many people traveling to countries such as Thailand forget to order their passports until too late. In all the excitement, this important “to do” is entirely forgotten.

Rather than waiting until the last minute, make sure that you get your passport immediately, because it can take some time to receive in the mail. In fact, you might even want to get your passport before you book your flights to and from Thailand, just to be on the safe side. (And your passport will last many years, so even if you have to put off your Thailand trip for a year or two, your passport will still be good.)

By taking a few precautions, you can ensure that your time in Thailand will be well-spent and will result in a meaningful vacation that you’ll recall with fondness for the rest of your life.

About The Author
Robert Michael is a writer for MT Thailand which is an excellent place to find thailand links, resources and articles. For more information go to: http://www.mtthailand.com

Koh Tao

Diving On Koh Tao In Thailand
by: Andy Perrin

Scuba diving is by far the biggest attraction on Ko Tao, and it is easy, fun, and you will see a lot of fish, perhaps even turtles, stingrays, barracuda, reef sharks, and even a whale shark if you get lucky

You will get good diving weather on Koh Tao apart from November, when the sea is choppy, and visibility is poorer than normal. The visibility can be over 40 metres during the rest of the year.

You will find a lot of dive operators on the island, and some of them offer accommodation. Just beware that when you read the accommodation is free, it’s not really, because they will offer discounts if you stay somewhere else.

In 2006 you will pay in the region of 10,000 bht for a PADI open water certificate, and this should include the new PADI training manual, proper professional instruction, rental equipment, boat dives etc. This may include insurance and basic accommodation, but shop around, and remember the methods of instruction may differ enormously.

A few hints include avoiding shops that use swimming pools to teach you in. You’ll find it cold, boring, and unhygienic, bearing in mind this is a very popular diving island, and they will have literally hundreds of students .

Choose one that will take you to a private beach so you will see fish and coral right away, it is a lot more interesting, and you will probably get more dives!!

It’s also a good idea to find a dive shop that has its own private pier, so you won’t have to climb over other boats at the pier, although you won’t be carrying your dive gear, that should be carried by a Dive Master Trainee. In addition you ought to ask how many students there will be in your group, because there should not be more than a small handful, if they tell you there will be more than ten then look elsewhere. You want personal tuition for something as important as this, and you want your course to be really enjoyable.

If you are looking for specific dive shops, this list whilst by no means exhaustive, is at least a starting point.

1. Coral Grand . Located in a much quieter area than the other dive shops, at the far end of the beach, the hotel is more upmarket than most on the island although the 'free' rooms are still basic. Operates 2 dive boats plus a speed boat.

2. Divepoint . Located in Mae Haad on the waterfront. Divepoint has probably the nicest dive boat on the island, big enough that you won't have to carry your gear to and from it. PADI and SSI.

3. Easy Divers. Fantastic Dive Shop with really experienced instructors. Professional and fun with great accommodation. Based right in the heart of Ko Tao.

4. IDC Ko Tao. Instructor development courses (IDC's) run every month by English PADI Course Director Matt Bolton.

5. Phoenix Divers. Right on Sairee Beach, has good boats, new gear and multilingual often western staff.

6. Stingray Divers. Very modern dive resort overlooking Chalok Ban Khao Bay.

Hope this information helps you to have great diving experience on Koh Tao.

About The Author
Andy Perrin feels you don't need five star to have a great vacation, and if you want to check out what he means try http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/categories/Far-East-Hotels/Thailand/Koh-Tao/.