Phuket

Phuket View and Sightseeing

Laem Phrom Thep

Phrom Thep Cape

Situated between Rawai and
Nai Harn beaches, Phrom Thep Cape is a dramatic headland that stretches out to sea at the southwest end of Phuket Island. The cape has spectacular views of the small island of Koh Kaew Yai and the Andaman Sea, and is a particularly popular place to enjoy the sunset.

At the top is a shrine dedicated to Brahma, the Hindu god of creation, whom the cape is named after. (Phra Phrom is the Thai name for Brahma, laem means “cape”, while thep means “god”). To get an even better view, climb up a couple of flights of stairs to a raised platform in the Golden Jubilee Lighthouse. The lighthouse also contains a small nautical museum.

The viewpoint attracts a lot of tourists and locals at sunset, so if you want to avoid the crowds consider going earlier in the day. There is an open-air restaurant with fantastic views from the cape which can make for a memorable dining experience.

Laem Phrom Thep is located between Rawai and Nai Harn. Head south from Rawai for a couple of kilometres. There is a large car park and quite a few souvenir shops so you won't miss it. The road is steep and windy so take extra care, especially if its wet.

Kata Viewpoint

A large sala or pavillion by the side of the road between Kata and Nai Harn marks the spot for this viewpoint. On a clear day, the view of the bays of Kata Noi, Kata Yai, Karon and Pu Island all strung out before you is nothing short of magnificent.

The viewpoint is about five minutes drive south of Kata on the way to Laem Phrom Thep.

Rang Hill

Phuket View from Rang Hill

This hill is located at the northwest edge of Phuket City, providing lovely views across Phuket's capital. At the top is a fitness park as well as a statue of Phuket's most famous governor, Ratsada Korsimbi Na Ranong, who presided over the city's early development at the turn of the twentieth century.

The best reason to visit Rang Hill (Khao Rang in Thai), is to dine at one of the hill-top restaurants. The view, particularly at night, is a perfect accompaniment to a tasty meal.

Ubon Ratchathani

Ubon Ratchathani has been a well established community for hundreds of years. Relatively unknown to the most tourists, the province boasts a number of natural wonders, cultural and historical attractions, national parks, silk producing shops, etc.


The province is renowned for its strong Buddhist tradition, particularly the practice of forest-dwelling monks and the ancient Buddhist temples, which can still be seen throughout the province today.


A gateway to Laos, Ubon Ratchathani is bordered to the east by the Mekong River and Laos, to the south by Cambodia, to the west by Yasothon and Sisaket Provinces and to the north by Amnat Charoen Province. The provincial capital is approximately 630 kilometers northeast of Bangkok.


The province is unique in its folk culture, which is expressed in the indigenous cuisine, handicrafts, such as silk and cotton products, basketry, and bronze-ware, and traditional events such as the Candle festival held every July. There are natural beauties and historical sites including the 4,000 years old rock formation, prehistoric rock paintings, national parks, waterfalls, and the two-colored river, etc.

Phuket’s limestone cliffs

Patong Beach - Phuket, Thailand
Thailand - Phuket Map

Phuket’s limestone cliffs and palm-fringed tropical beaches are its biggest attractions. Sunseekers flock to its blue waters, with many enjoying the shopping and nightlife of vibrant Patong. A few quieter beach to investigate are Karon, Kata, Rawai and Surin.

Situated in the Andaman Sea, Phuket is a world-class dive destination with countless pristine sites and just as many operators, mostly around Patong. Experienced yachtsmen looking for all-inclusive charters will find fair-to-excellent craft with great facilities at the Phuket Boat Lagoon (Ao Sapam) and the Yacht Haven Phuket (Laem Phrao).


Beach in Samui

Lamai Beach: sand, sea, and the two phallic rocks
Most tourists visit Lamai Beach when it’s at its best, and most suitable for swimming, between December and May, July and August. The four-kilometer-beach has three distinct areas: Lamai Neu Beach (North Lamai), a fishing village, good for local scenery; Lamai Klang Beach (Middle Lamai), good for swimming and the liveliest spot of all, and Lamai Tai Beach (South Lamai) the rocky location of Hin Ta and Hin Yai (grandfather and grandmother), two phallic-like symbols carved by the forces of nature that have to be seen to be believed.

Taling Ngam Beach: best beach in the west
The private beach of Taling Ngam Beach, with its fine, white sand and safe swimming, is considered by many to be the premier beach on Samui’s western coast. Situated 10 km south of Na Thon, this is the location of Le Royal Meridien Baan Taling Ngam a five-star resort that enjoys world acclaim. The beach overlooks the nearby island of Koh Ha and is a great place to watch sunsets.

A tranquil and peaceful location, with added color from local folk’s cottages dotted along the beach, it is quite easy to access other parts of Samui from Taling Ngam Beach via the coast road.

Chaweng beach


Chaweng Beach; the longest and most beautiful beach
Of all of Koh Samui’s beaches, Chaweng Beach gets top votes among tourists for its length and beauty, with many places to swim, sunbathe and enjoy various water sports, or stop by the shopping markets, bars and restaurants.

Situated on the island’s east coast, Chaweng Beach divides into several beachfront areas such as Chaweng Neu Beach (North Chaweng), Chaweng Klang Beach (Middle Chaweng), Chaweng Noi Beach (Little Chaweng), and Chaweng Tai Beach (South Chaweng). The first two are good for swimming, diving, and nighttime action; the others are quieter and more peaceful. Visitors need to take note that skin-diving in this area is best between May and October.

As the sun slowly ducks under the horizon of the Gulf of Thailand, daytime fun gives way to nighttime pursuits along this two-kilometer beach helped by light and sound from nearby pubs, bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops that stay open till late

Mae Hong Son


Temple Architecture
Although tourism is increasing in Mae Hong Son, the town remains reasonably serene. The townspeople are mostly Shan, and local temple architecture shows their influence: one exquisite example is the picture-perfect Wat Jong Kham, set beside a large pond. Another is Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, which offers charming views from its hilltop location.

Hill Tribes
Various ethnic groups are scattered throughout the province, including Karen, Lisu and Lahu, and guided treks from Mae Hong Son pass through their villages. Some are near the town and easy enough to reach by yourself. Of all the hill tribes, the long-necked women of the Padaung from Myanmar are probably the most photographed: they wear brass coils that make their necks and limbs appear unusually long. Nai Soi, Hawy Sen Thao and Huay Ma Khen Som are well-frequented Padaung villages.

Festivals
In March, the colorful Poi Sang Long festival celebrates the ordination of Shan boys into the monkhood. The elaborately dressed boys are carried around the temple, usually Wat Jong Kham or nearby Wat Jong Klang. Folk dancing and drama are a major part of the Buddhist Jong Para festival in October, and local people release small decorated floats onto ponds and rivers during Loi Krathong in November.

Soft Adventure
A quaint place to visit in Mae Hong Son province is the small, endearing town of Pai. The surrounding area offers trekking, bamboo rafting and elephant riding. After a trek, you could try the services of Pai Traditional Massage, close to the Pai River.

PATTAYA TRAVEL GUIDES

Pattaya, Thailand
Thailand - Pattaya Map

Only two hours from Bangkok, this resort city caters to every whim. Lazy afternoons on the beach, go-karting, paintballing, golf, and full-steam-ahead nightlife are just a few of the entertainments on offer.

Pattaya is purpose-made for holiday fun and provides it with the utmost in convenience. A tiny fishing village only twenty-something years ago, it has swiftly developed into an extraordinary vacation spot catering to the holiday maker’s every whim. Pattaya has it all: tranquil beaches, lavish resorts, luscious seafood and a gamut of sporting and leisure activities – all less than two hours from Bangkok’s concrete jungle


Discover the real lanta


When people think of Koh Lanta they envisage sandy beaches, a turquoise sea and soft sand. But Lanta is not only that. We chartered a tour with the Swedish tour operator, on a full day ‘Unknown Lanta’ trip by minivan. I was contemplating the long Klong Dao stretch of beach, as a glorious sun was rising from behind Lanta’s backbone mountains striking joggers and roaming dogs, when Man, our guide for the day, appeared at the reception of the resort I was staying at. Man is a nice guy from Koh Lanta who loves smiling and has 7 years experience in the tourist sector. Along with the young driver called Sayyan, he was to make sure my day was full of discoveries.

The minivan passed the car ferry and cruised to the east, while Man gave us the program of the tour in perfect English. On the sides of the uneven tarmac road, small dusty shops sold fruit, vegetables and other commodities to local villagers. It was Friday; a young boy strolled leisurely to the local mosque. Soon after, the tarmac subsided: earthy mud was the terrain being negotiated by our driver. It became clear that speed was not the theme of a minivan trip in Koh Lanta, where even the buffaloes seemed to go slower than usual.

The first stop of the day was in a local cock fighting compound where local villagers train “champion-to-be” chicken fighters. Apparently, locally organized fights are a small thing in Koh Lanta; the big events are held in the city of Trang, on the mainland. We visited the inside of a barrack where cocks are kept in round wicker cages, and then assisted to a gruesome training session. In a roofed terrace, one nervous-looking cock jumped freely on the dusty ground while the trainer held the contender in his hands, releasing him when he felt it necessary. Local villagers sat on benches around the area watching approvingly, praising their favourite fighter. The soundtrack was a constant cock-a-doodle-doo. When the session was over, the trainer posed for some pictures, before walking inside the barrack where he began to groom his trainee cock.

Angkor: A Quest for The Lost Cities


Ruins fascinate a great many people. We stump up hefty sums to fly halfway around the world and marvel at the achievements and mysteries of defunct civilizations, snapping photos and saying "Gosh, isn't that something?", as we shake our heads in disbelief that there were people before us who were capable of producing structures that would present a serious and even insurmountable challenge to modern architects and engineers. We stand humbled.

Though it may seem strange that anyone would wish to spend a vacation steeped in a feeling of profound humility, the booming popularity of the ruins of Angkor in Cambodia are testament to that fact.

Amphawa

Amphawa District is located in Samut Songkram province. It is an important place with the Thai historical background from the Ayutthaya period to the early Rattanakosin period. In the past, it was called “Kwaeng Bang Chang”, a small community that prospered in both agriculture and commerce. There are evidences that suggest King Rama I, the founder of the present Chakri Dynasty, is married to a daughter of the rich ‘Bang Chang’ family from Kwaeng Bang Chang town. This family was said to settle behind Wat Chulamani before relocating to a new residence behind Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram. There are also evidences that King Rama II, the fourth son of King Rama I, was born in this town. Hence, the present King Rama II Memorial Park is dedicated as his royal birthplace.

Samut Songkhram


Samut Songkhram is an old city established even before King Narai. It was originally part of Ratchaburi province called ‘Suan Nok’. Later, toward the end of Ayutthaya era to the beginning of Thonburi period, the town was segregated into a new city called ‘Mueang Mae Klong’. Also back in 180 years ago, it was the birthplace of the world-renowned Siamese twins, In and Chan.

Samut Songkhram is a small province of 416 square km and located just only 72 km south of Bangkok. Although it has only three districts, Muang, Amphawa and Bang Khonthi, it is the haven of agro-tourism as the local communities in this province are intensely agriculture-based. With more than 300 natural and dug-out canals within the town, it is very pleasant and mind-retreating to paddle along to see coconut, palm and lychee farms and way of fishermen’s life.

Major agricultural products from this province are palm sugar, palm juice, orchids and craved coconut shells for ‘Soe’, a Thai musical string instrument.

Pattaya Beaches and Islands

Greater Pattaya's beaches are alive with activity. Relax on a recliner under an umbrella and the world will soon come to you. If you want a drink, your recliner/umbrella vendor will have a supply of whatever you need at a reasonable price, and if he doesn't have it, will get it for you. A never ending parade of hawkers patrols the strand selling an incredible array of services and merchandise. Services commonly offered include massages, manicures, pedicures, henna tattoos and hair-braiding. Anything portable and likely to be purchased will offered for sale. Sunglasses, lighters, bogus watches, copy CD's, T-shirts, handicrafts and more are yours for the asking. Popular food items include fruit, seafood, BBQ chicken and ice cream. The hawkers can be pests, but most will move on if you simply shake your head.
Climb off your recliner and go to water and another world will open up. You can ride a banana boat, jet-ski, windsurf, water-ski, parasail, or simply swim and splash in the water. The water is an active place so keep your eyes open, particularly if you are swimming. No one likes getting run over by a banana boat and getting hit with a jet-ski can have tragic consequences.Greater Pattaya comprises three main beaches. In the middle is Pattaya Beach; to the south (actually east), past the Buddha Hill promontory, is Jomtien; and to the north (actually west) is Naklua. The people using the beaches usually come from hotels that are within walking of the sand. There are several islands off the coast of Pattaya and a couple of them are popular destinations for those seeking more space and tranquility

Pattaya Beach

Facing Pattaya Bay, this 4 km crescent-shaped stretch is the most happening part of Pattaya, lined with hotels, shopping malls, bars, restaurants and discotheques on the other side of the popular promenade and Pattaya Beach Road. The northern part is more sedate, while the central and southern parts are more lively, day or night - especially the southern part, which is Pattaya's most popular nightlife area.
Over the past few years this area has undergone a major clean-up, and even the ocean water here is the clearest it's been in years. From here boats take visitors to offshore islands or on fishing excursions, and a host of watersport activities are offered. The best way to enjoy this beach is to get comfortable in a beach chair under the shade of an umbrella (all for hire), and wait for the food vendors to come around with freshly steamed shrimp or crispy, deep-fried crabs. Or, even better, spoil yourself with a traditional Thai massage - right there on the beach. Life is sweet...

Jomtien Beach


Located about 2 km from South Pattaya, Jomtien with its long straight coastline and white sand has become increasingly popular with watersport enthusiasts, mostly because it is quieter than Pattaya Beach and because there are less commercial boats and fishing trailers anchored here.
Typical activities to enjoy are swimming, windsurfing (one of Thailand's favorite spots!), parasailing, banana boats, speedboating, jet ski and water ski. Many fine hotels and resorts have mushroomed in the area over the past few years, together with shops and restaurants. Beach chairs and umbrellas can also be hired, and vendors roam the beach with drinks, food and snacks. Lining the road on the opposite side of the beach area are many shops and good Thai and seafood restaurants.

Suratthani

This comprises some 40 islands about two hours by boat northwest of Ko Samui. The park covers 250 square kilometres, of which approximately one fifth is land mass. The most attractive islands include Ko Wua Ta Lap (Sleeping Cow island), Ko Mae Ko, Ko prayat, Ko Sam Sao , Ko Nai Put and Ko Wua Te. Most islands comprise limestone masses reaching heights of ut to 400 metres, and fringed by beaches and rain forest.

An emerald saltwater lake known as Tha-le Nai (Inland Sea) on Ko Mae Ko is the park’s major scenic attractin, and entails a mildly strenuous climb. The resultant views are well worth the effort. Another popular venue is Ko Sam Sao where an extensive span of coral reef and a huge rock arch offer scenic fascination.


A one –day tour package to Mu Ko Ang Thong is organised by travel agents on Ko Samui.

The park office is on Ko Wua Ta Lap where bungalow-style accommodation is available. Visitors wishing to stay overnight should make advance bookings and specify whether meal services are required, either through the Ang Thong Marine National Park office, 145/1 Talatlang Road, Surat thani, Tel: (077) 286025, or the National Parks Division in Bangkok, Tel: 5612918-21.

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Phumriang Village

Located some 6 kilometres east of Chaiya, this settlement is an arts and crafts centre well known for its silver brocaded silk cloth and jute headwear.



Thai prison life.

This is the story of one prisoner at Klong Dan Prison in Samut Prakan, Thailand. His name is Panrit Daoruang (previously Nattawud) and he is known by thousands of people around the world as Gor. This prisoner is no ordinary Thai person. Ever since the age of 12, he has been documenting his life on the Internet on his internationally acclaimed website thailandlife.com. Over the years he became Thailand's most recognized teenager. Newspapers hailed him as Thailand's youngest ambassador. Others said he had done more to promote Thailand than the government run Tourism Authority of Thailand. Indeed, his other website at learningthai.com receives over 6,000 unique visitors every day. That is a lot of people he was helping to learn Thai for free.
When he was only 16, Gor became the youngest columnist at the Bangkok Post (GorsWorld.com). Over a period of two years he wrote honestly about the ups and downs of his life. He wrote about his teenage marriage, the birth of his daughter and his most darkest secret. He told them that when he was 15 he became addicted to drugs. This drug is known locally as "yaa baa" or "crazy drug". Unknown to his readers at that time, he was still struggling to quit. The drugs had affected him more than we first thought. Shortly after his 20th birthday, he was arrested by the police for drug possession. His parents put their house up for the bail and a year passed before he had to go to court. In that time he managed to stay clean and concentrated on raising his family and his Internet work. On the 7th September 2006, the criminal court in Samut Prakan sentenced Gor to six years in prison. However, this was then commuted to three years because he had pleaded guilty. At 4.45 p.m. that afternoon, a new chapter opened in the life of Gor.
BOOKS FOR PRISONERS IN THAILAND: Do you have any unwanted books in Thai or English? We have started a collection of books for the prisoners at Klong Dan Prison. We want to help both the Thai and foreign prisoners. If you have any old books then please send them to the Paknam Web office and we will pass them on to the prison. Thank you.
The menu on the left takes you through the courtcase and then his life in the prison. The menu on the right gives you some background information about how Gor first became addicted to drugs and how it changed his life. Gor has always been honest about his addiction. He has always said that he wanted to send a loud and clear message out to the teenagers of the world. "Don't do drugs. Not even one time. It will change your life forever." Judging by the hundreds of letters that Gor has received over the years, his "drug interviews" have helped many people. Not only drug addicts but also their parents.
Gor at work
Message from the editor: These blogs about life in a Thai prison will be updated at regular intervals over the coming months. There have been many books written by foreigners serving in Thai prisons. They talk about sadistic guards, daily beatings and rampant drug use. Some people claim that many of these accounts have been exaggerated in order to sell more books. Although this might be partly true, we still wouldn't want anyone to go through this experience. The blogs on this website are a true and unbiased account of life in a Thai prison. Nothing has been exaggerated. No stories have been made up in order to dramatize the experience. These blogs are also the only account in English from the viewpoint of a Thai prisoner.


From : www.thaiprisonlife.com/

Mu Ko Similan National Park


Mu Ko Similan National Park has been rated first by the U.S. publication Skin Diving of the top ten dive sites in the world. Also, it is appraised by the Skin-Diving Magazine of USA as one of the top ten islands having both surface and under water beautiful scenery.
The Similan Island in the heart of the Andaman Sea are indeed unparelled in their exotic beauty. If planning a visit, keep in mind that anytime between December to April is recommended, with the best month being March, because the monsoons are over an the water is clear.
This park occupies an area of 80,000 rai and was announced as the national park area on September 1, 1982. There are two ways to access the Similan, i.e. taking a boat trip from the pier in Ban Thap Lamu, Amphoe Thai Muang, through a distance of 40 kms which takes about three hours or taking a boat trip from a pier in Amphoe Khura Buri through an approximate distance of 40 kms and it also takes about three hours. Similan, a small archipelago in the Andaman Sea comprises nine islands.
Some attractive islands of the national park include:

Similan Island

Similan Islands is a group of islands in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Phang Nga Province, southern Thailand. It is a national park which was established in 1982 after the one-year exploration by the Foresty department. The park is the archipelago consisting of nine islands which are Ko Bon, Ko Bayu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Miang (two adjoining islands), Ko Payan, KoPayang, and Ko Huyong. Recently, the park was expanded to included two remoted islands which are Ko Bon and Ko Tachai. It is situated 70 kilometres from Phang Nga town. Similan is a Malay or Yawi word which means nine. Similan is one of the most famous diving sites in Thailand.

Ba Ngu or Hua Ka Lok Island

Ko Hua Ka Lok or Skull Island is the seventh island in the Similan group. A rocky island of peculiar shape, it looks like a skull when viewed from one certain point. Ko Hua Ka Lok is renowned for its breathtaking underwater beauty on a many-tiered seabed.

Hu Yong Island

Ko Hu Yong is well-known for its longest strethch of white sandy beach where sea turtles lay their eggs.

Miang Island

With sufficient supply of fresh water, Ko Miang is the second largest island where the office and guesthouses of the Similand Marine National Park is located. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches and colourful coral reefs.

Ob Luang



The Mae Chan river was originally called the "Salak hin". The river created a big but narrow canyon, which is called Ob Luang. Strong river current transformed rocks and cliffs into canyons and strangely shaped rock formations. The water force it's way past rocks and boulders and thus creating a magnificent sight.

From 1966 to 1991 the park was administered as a forest part. After more surveys by the Royal Forestry Department it was gazetted, in 1991, as the 68th national park of Thailand. The area consists of a wide variety of natural attractions such as waterfalls, caves, hot springs; and historical sites. At present the total park area is 553 square kilometers and is located in Chomthong, Hod and Mae Chaem districts of Chiang Mai province.
The extensive north-south running mountain range of the park is the same range which contains Doi Inthanon (the highest mountain of Thailand). The park receives monsoon climate.
Highlights and tourist attractions
Ob Luang gorge or canyon: It is a steep sided canyon with high cliffs. The height of the canyon walls measured from the bridge to the average waterlevel is about 32 meters. The narrowest point of the canyon is not more than 2 meters wide while the whole canyon is about 300 meters in length.

Mae Bau Kham waterfall: It originates from the Mae Bua Kham stream and is located 2 km south of Ob Luang Canyon. The water thunders down 50 meters over the rockwall.

Mae Chon waterfall: The fall originates from Mae Chon stream. It is a 80 meters wide fall with a fascinating sight. The cliffs and rocks of the fall, composed of granite and grey-white colored metamorphic rock, make it a popular spot for picnic goers.

Mae Teeya waterfall: It originates from the Mae Teeya stream. It takes an 8 km (from the nearest highway) walk to this beautiful, 80 meters high waterfall.

Prehistorical community area: It is located near Ob Luang Canyon. Since 1984 Archeology division of Fine Art Department with France cooperation have been doing a research on Chronology and Evolution of Prehistoric Cultures of Northern Central Thailand and their Anthropological Characteristics.

Doi Pha Chang: It resembles a lying elephant. Doi Pha Chang viewpoint gives you a view of Mae Bua Kham waterfall below. On the cilff there are rock painting representing an elephant (Chang) in different colors.

Paintings of hunting parties and agricultural activities: These paintings indicate that in the area of Ob Luang, people have lived since the stone age. Carbon test shows that the findings are about 7,500 - 8,500 years old.

Thep Phanom hot spring: The water in the earthcrust is heated by the thermal energy of the earth, and is released at the surface. The average temperature of the water is 99ÂșC.

Tong cave: It is found in Doi Pha Liab granite and limestone mountain. The Mae Pae stream acts as a dividing line between these two long tunnels. It is said that these tunnels are leading to Doi Chiang Dao mountain in the north of Chiang Mai province. The tunnel entrance is small but entering it is possible.

How to get there
Traveling from Chiang Mai, take the road number 108 to the town of Hod. At Hod take the Hod - Mae Sariang road. After 17 km you will reach the park's headquarters. Total distance from Chiang Mai is 105 km.

Phanom Rung Historical Park

Phanom Rung Historical Park is a grand and majestic Khmer site over a thousand years old. Built on an extinct volcano, it was originally a Hindu religious site but was later transformed into a Buddhist one. During the 10th-13th century, several additions were made.

The first thing visitors see when they arrive at the site is the grand stairway from the foot of the hill up to the top. Most of the buildings of the sanctuary were made of laterite and sandstone, all with elaborate designs. The buildings are lined all the way to the main pagoda. This layout is according to Hindu belief of the layout of the heaven of the god Shiva.The main pagoda is a large one with a square base and facing east. The designs on the pagoda, columns, doorway, and lintels are exquisite, most telling a story of gods in Hinduism. From these designs and the architecture, it was surmised that the pagoda, the stairway and the Naga bridge were built during the 12th century. Each building has descriptive designs telling people the purpose for its construction, its usefulness and the beliefs of ancient people.
Phanom Rung is open daily from 06.00-18.00 hrs.
Getting to Phanom Rung by car is easy. The sanctuary is 64 kilometres to the south of Buri Ram town. There are 2 ways to get there. Visitors can proceed from Nang Rong to Prakhon Chai (Highway No. 24) and upon reaching Ban Tako, there is a 12-kilometer road to Phanom Rung. Alternatively, if visitors proceed from Prakhon Chai, there is a road from there to the sanctuary with a distance of 21 kilometres. This route passes a branch road into Muang Tam sanctuary. Visitors can rent air-conditioned vans in town.
Visitors traveling by bus from Nakhon Ratchasima can take the Nakhon Ratchasima-Surin bus and get off at Ban Tako (124 kilometres from Nakhon Ratchasima). From Ban Tako, a motorcycle service is available to take visitors to the site (fare according to agreement). There is 1 accommodation near the site.

Tom Yam Kung

If you ask any foreigners who have ever visited Thailand about their favourite Thai food, their answers, almost without exception, will be tom yam kung.
Tom yam kung, or spicy shrimp soup, is the number one of the top ten Thai dishes loved by foreigners, according to a recent investigation. And in fact, it is one of the most favourite dishes for Thai people as well. It is simply because it is so delicious for its unique sour and spicy taste that you will certainly need it more and more if you try it just once.

Thai food generally not only provides a wonderful taste but also includes medicinal To enhance the flavour, sometimes nam phrik phao or roast chilli paste is added to the soup before it is removed from the heat. For foreigners who are not accustomed with its original taste, just add some milk to the soup to make its taste milder and blended well.

Tips: Best served hot with a plate of steamed rice and a dish of omelette.

For the medicinal properties of tom yam kung, different herbs offer different functions. Their properties are described below:

Lemon grass
Lemon grass can help relieve excessive gas in the stomach or intestine, increase the secretion of urine, reduce heat in the body and prevent the spread of some kinds of bacteria.

Chilli
Chilli is used as cough medicine. It is useful for the respiratory system, blood circulation and heart as well.

Lime
Lime helps to prevent coughing, flu and scurvy.

Kaffir-lime
Kaffir-lime is used to deodorize the strong smell of some food. Its juice can cure cough, dandruff and some types of stomach ache.

Those are just some of the medicinal properties in tom yam kung. Besides, it is full of nutrients from shrimps and vegetables. You will see that the food not only makes you full, but makes you healthy. That is an important reason why tom yam kung is noted as the number one of Thai dishes.

Thi Lo Su Waterfall

Thi Lo Su Waterfall is located in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which links with the Thung Yai Naresuan and Huay Kha Kaeng Reserves, as well as Khlong Lan and Mae Wong National Parks. Together, they form Thailand's largest wildlife haven and Southeast Asia's top virgin forest.

Thi Lo in the local language means waterfall and Su means loud, thus, Thi Lo Su means waterfall that makes a loud noise. This is due to its size and the intense flow of the stream. In Karen, "Thi Lo Su" means Black Waterfall.

The biggest and the most beautiful waterfall in Thailand, Namtok Thi Lo Su is also considered the sixth biggest waterfall in the world. The waterfall itself originates from Huai Klotho, streaming along limestone cliffs at the height of 200-300 meters down to cascading tiers which are surrounded by intact natural forests. There is a cave behind the waterfall worth exploring and several levels of pools for swimming.

To get there, visitors can either raft or drive. For those deciding to drive a 4WD vehicle, the distance is 47 kilometers from Umphang to the wildlife sanctuary office. From there, visitors have to walk along the 1.5 kilometers self-guided forest trail which provides unrivalled natural forest scenery. Please note that vehicles can possibly reach the office only during November to April. In the rainy season, Thi Lo Su is accessible only by rafting along Maenam Mae Klong. From the drop-off point, visitors have to continue on foot for approximately 4-5 hours.

Camping at the Wildlife Sanctuary Headquarters is allowed near the falls, especially during November December, when the waterfall is at its most beautiful.