KRABI: general info

General Information

From archaeological evidence supposed that Krabi is an old community since prehistoric periods and continued to historical periods. This land was assumed to be Bun Thai Samor city, one of twelve zodiac cities using monkey as city seal, a colony of Nakhon Si Thammarat Kingdom. In other hand, some assumed that the name of the city may come from the legend; the sword was found in excavation before the establishment of the city in ancient time which the word ‘Krabi’ means sword.

Along the coast of the Andaman sea in Southern Thailand, Krabi is a top tourist place from its plentiful natural attractions including, white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, extensive coral reefs, numerous caves and waterfalls, and over 130 islands, including Ko Lanta and the jewels of the Andaman coast, the six islands of Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park and Railey Beach, one of the premier rock climbing destinations in the world.

Boundary

North: Surat Thani province

South: Trang province and Andaman Sea

East: Nakhon Si Thammarat province

West: Phang Nga province and Andaman Sea

Festivals and Events

• Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival (November, every year)
• Loi Ruea Chao Le Festival (Around May and October, every year)
• Laanta Lanta Festival (March, every year)
• International Rock Climbing Festival (April, every year)

Attractions

• Mu Ko Lanta National Park
• Noppharat Thara beach
• Ko Phi Phi Don (Phi Phi Don island)
• Ko Phi Phi Lay (Phi Phi Lay island)
• Ko Poda
• Ao Nang
• Ao Railey
• Emerald Pool
• Khao Khanap nam
• Khao Phanom Bencha National Park
• Than Bok Khorani National Park
• Susan Hoi (Shell Fossils beach)
• Thale Waek (Seperated Sea)
• Tham Phi Hua To (Phi Hua To Cave)
• Wat Khlong Thom Museum

Important Numbers

Tourist Police                                    1155

Tourism Information Center             1672

Thai Police Emergency Call            191

Krabi Bus Terminal                           075 663503

More Information

www.andamanparadise.net

SUKHOTHAI: general info

General Information

Founded in 13th century, Sukhothai was the first truly independent Thai Kingdom which enjoyed a golden age under King Ramkhamhaeng, who is created the Thai alphabet. The grand temples and monuments of this great city have been restored, and Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see for all travelers.

Sukhothai became an independent kingdom when two princes-Pho Khun Pha Muang and Pho Khun Bang Klang Hao united their forces and drove the Khmers out of Sukhothai, then a major frontier post of the Angkor Empire.

One of Thailand’s finest warriors, King Ramkhamhaeng, second son of Pho Khun Bang Klang Hao, made Sukhothai a strength kingdom that even established direct political relations with China. After returning from the funeral of Emperor Kublai Khan, King Ramkhamhaeng brought back Chinese artisans who taught the art of pottery to the Thais, Sangkhalok Pottery.

King Ramkhamhaeng also promoted religion and culture, brought Buddhism flourished among the population. This inspirational faith established classic forms of Thai religious arts; images of the Lord Buddha sculptured during the Sukhothai Era are cultural treasures that give a feeling of peace and calm.

A total of eight kings ruled Sukhothai but the gradual decline of Sukhothai occurred during the reigns of the last two kings. The end of this first Thai kingdom occurred in 1365 when it became a vassal state of Ayutthaya, a rising power to the south.

Boundary

North: Phrae province and Uttaradit province

South: Kamphaeng Phet province and Phitsanulok province

East: Phitsanulok province and Uttaradit province

West: Tak province and Lampang province

Festivals and Events

• King Ramkamhaeng the Great Day (17 January, every year)
• Loy Krathong and Candle Festival (November, every year)
• Dhevo Rohana Boat Racing Festival (October, every year)
• Song Nam Oy Than  Songkran Si Satchanalai Festival (April, every year)
• Buad Chang Had Sieu Festival (April, every year)
• Climbing Khao Luang Peaks Festival (December, every year)

Attractions

• Sukhothai Historical Park
• Si Satchanalai Historical Park
• Ramkhamhaeng National Park (Khao Luang)
• Si Satchanalai National Park
• Fish Museum
• Ramkhamhaeng Museum
• Sangkhalok Museum
• Wat Maha That
• Wat Si Chum
• Wat Chang Lom
• Wat Chana SongKhram
• Wat Si Sawai
• Wat Traphang Ngoen
• Wat Sa Si
• San Ta Pha daeng (Deity Shrine)
• King Ramkhamhaeng the Great Monument

Important Numbers

Tourist Police                                    1155

Tourism Information Center             1672

Thai Police Emergency Call            191

Sukhothai Bus Terminal                   055 613296

More Information

www.sukhothaionline.com

AYUTTHAYA: general info

General Information

Ayutthaya (full name: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya) is only about 90 kilometers from Bangkok and easily accessible from Bangkok by car, train, or boat as either a daytrip or overnight trip. Ayutthaya is one of Thailand’s historical and majestic highlights. Once the capital of the Thai Empire, Ayutthaya was a really impressive city; with three palaces and over 400 temples, located on an island threaded by canals, it attracted traders and diplomats from both Europe and Asia. In 1767, 417 years after it was founded and 15 months after the siege began, the Kingdom of Ayutthaya was conquered and the city’s splendid structures were almost completely destroyed by Burmese invaders. When King Taksin the Great finally liberated the Kingdom, a new dynasty was established and the capital was moved to Thonburi, across the river from modern-day Bangkok. The ruins that now remain, many of which have been restored, have been granted World Heritage status by UNESCO. The architecture of Ayutthaya is an enchanting mix of Khmer and early Sukhothai styles. 

The Kingdom of Ayutthaya reached its apex in terms of sovereignty, military might, wealth, culture, and international commerce in the 16th century, when the Kingdom’s territory extended into and beyond present-day Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Ayutthaya had diplomatic relations with Louis XIV of France and was courted by Dutch, Portuguese, English, Chinese and Japanese merchants. During the 17th century, most foreign visitors to Ayutthaya, traders and diplomats alike, claimed Ayutthaya to be the most illustrious and glittering city that they had ever visited. The map of Ayutthaya published in 1691 by Simon de la Loubere in Du Royaume De Siam is proof of such recognition. 

Boundary

North: Lopburi province, Ang Thong province and Saraburi province

South: Pathum Thani province and Nonthaburi province

East: Saraburi province

West: Suphanburi province

Festivals and Events

• Ayutthaya World Heritage Site Celebration (December, every year)
• Loi Krathong (Festival of Lights) and Traditional Boat Racing (at the Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre, November, every year)
• Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Center at Bang Sai (August, every year)
• Ceremony for teachers and ovens (during April – May, every year)
• Songkran Festival (April, every year)

Attractions

• Ayutthaya Historical Park
• Wat Phra Mahathat
• Wat Phra Si Sanphet
• Wat Ratchaburana
• Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit
• Wat Phra Ram
• Wat Phu Khao Thong
• Phra Chedi Sisuriyothai
• Khun Phaen Residence
• Thai Boat Museum
• Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre
• Wat Na Phramen
• Ancient Forts and Fortresses
• Phom Phet
• Wat Kudidao
• Wat Sena Sanaram
• Prasat Nakhon Luang
• Protuguese Village
• Japanese Village
• Bang Pa-in Palace
• Royal Palace
• Elephant Kraal Pavilion
• Wat Yai Chaimongkon
• Wat Suwan Dararam Ratchaworawihan
• Wat Lokkayasutha
• Wat Kasattrathirat Worawihan
• Wat Phananchoeng
• Wat Chaiwattanaram
• Wat Phutthaisawan
• Wat Samanakottharam
• Wat Tum
• Wat Niwet Thamprawat
• Wat Suan Luang Sopsawan
• Gong Khong Market
• Klong Sa Bua Floating Market & Water Theatre
• Ayothaya Floating Market
• Million Toy Museum

Important Numbers

Tourist Police                                    1155

Tourism Information Center             1672

Thai Police Emergency Call            191

Ayutthaya Train station                     035 241521

More Information

www.ayutthaya.go.th

www.bangkoksite.com/AyutthayaPage/index.htm

UDON THANI: general info

General Information

Udon Thani, located in Thailand’s northeastern region (Isan) is a prime business center, particularly as a result of its proximity to Vientiane; the capital of Lao P.D.R. 

Udon Thani is best known for archaeological wonders, Ban Chiang, where the world's first Bronze Age civilization is believed to have embellished more than 5,000 years ago.

Udon Thani is a large province that serves as a center of transportation, trade, and tourism in the Northeast of Thailand. The province is a land of forest temples and a gateway to Laos. It is a province blessed with natural tourist attractions and is well known for Khit-style textiles.

Boundary

North: Nong Khai province

South: Khon Kaen province

East: Sakon Nakhon province

West: Nong Bua Lam Phu province and Loei province

Festivals and Events

Thung Sri Muang, Khit textiles Festival (at Thung Sri Muang, December, every year)

Ban Chiang World Heritage Festival (At Ban Chiang National Museum, February, every year)

Boon Bung Fi Lan, Rocket Festival (at Amphoe Phen, May, every year)

Khom Lom Phibun Rak, Balloon Festival (At Amphoe Phibun Rak, November, every year)

Chinese New Year Festival (Amphoe Muang, February, every year)

Attractions

Ban Chiang National Museum

Phu Phra Bat Historical Park

Wat Pho Si Nai

Wat Matchimawat

Wat Phothisomphon

Wat Pa Baan Taad

Wat Pa Baan Kho

Wat Thipphayaratnimit

Yung Thong Waterfall

Nang Khoi Waterfall

Than Ngam Park

Na Yung – Nam Som National Park

Wat Phra Put Tha Bat Bua Bok

Important Numbers

Tourist Police                                    1155

Tourism Information Center             1672

Thai Police Emergency Call            191

Udon Thani Airport                           042 246804

Udon Thani Bus Terminal                042 221489

Udon Thani Train Station                 042 222061

More Information

www.udonthani.com

KANCHANABURI: general info

General Information

The original town of Kanchanaburi was found by King Rama I as a first line of defense against the Burmese, whom he believed might use the old invasion route through the Three Pagodas Pass at the Siam-Myanmar border. According to most historians, the old town of Kanchanaburi was located near Ban Lat Ya, a small village situated approximately 16 kilometers north of the present town. The present provincial capital is a relatively newer town built by King Rama III in 1833.

The town itself is a place to relax, watching the water from the banks of the river, inside a raft house, or from a riverside restaurant. Many visitors like to rest along the river with a cold drink and a good book. Many of them come here just for a couple days but stay for weeks in order to explore all of the attractions in the surrounding countryside. Along with visiting spectacular waterfalls, lush forests, white water rafting, elephant trekking, and golfing are popular activities for visitors. It is possible to get temporary one-day visas to cross the border for a sneak peak at Myanmar and do some shopping for exotic souvenirs. Kanchanaburi is an excellent tourist destination for nature lovers.

Boundary

North: Tak province and Uthai Thani province

South: Ratchaburi province

East: Suphanburi province and Nakhon Pathom province

West: Myanmar

Festivals and Events

Thai – Mon Songkran Festival (During Songkran period, every year)

River Kwai Bridge Festival (November to December, every year)

Attractions

River Kwai Bridge

Three Pagodas Pass

Erawan National Park

Thailand – Burma Railway Centre

Kanchanaburi City gate

Srinagarindra Dam

Vajiralongkorn Dam (Khao Laem Dam)

Giant Rain Tree

Pilok Mine

Hell Fire Pass Memorial Museum 

Prasat Mueang Sing Historical Park

Wat Wang Wiwekaram

Wat Pa Luangta Bua Yanasampanno

Wat Tham Mangkon Thong

Khao Laem National Park

Thong Pha Phum National Park

Sri Nakarin National Park

Krasae Cave

Huai Mae Khamin Waterfall

Prommitr Film Studio

Sangkhla Buri Jungle Trek

Important Numbers

Tourist Police                                    1155

Tourism Information Center             1672

Thai Police Emergency Call            191

Kanchanaburi Train Station             034 511285

Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal            034 511387

More Information

www.kanchanaburi-info.com

www.visitkanchanaburi.com

PATTAYA: general info

General Information

One of the hottest beach-resort destinations in Thailand, Pattaya may not be idyllic but it certainly makes up for it with a wide variety of activities, accommodation, and nightlife venues for just 150 km from Bangkok to Eastern region or two hours drive. Praya Kamphaeng Phet (who is later King Taksin of Thonburi Dynasty) once after fighting with Burmese troops decided to retreat Thai troops back to Ayutthaya. He leaded his troops passed this town and stayed the nights here before moving to other town. Then the villagers called this town “Tap Praya” (Lord’s troop) which changed to “Pattaya” later. Hundreds of thousands of visitors came each year to Pattaya to windsurf, water ski, swim, sunbathe, snorkel, sail, or take trips to nearby islands. Other activities include Bungee jumping, cycling, skydiving, go-Karting, Muay Thai (Thai boxing), and Paintball (to name only a few!) Pattaya also boasts an amazing choice of accommodation. Those on a tight budget and those with money to burn are able to find rooms to suit their needs. Even those who are turned off by the widespread development along Pattaya’s main beach can find some peaceful beach time at nearby Jomtien beach, just 3 kilometers south, which is a far quieter choice. Pattaya is a self governing municipal area, locates in Chonburi province.

Boundary

North: Amphoe Sriracha, Chonburi province

South: Amphoe Sattahip, Chonburi province

East: Amphoe Banglamung, Chonburi province

West: Gulf of Thailand

Festivals and Events

• Wan Lai Festival (During Songkran festival 16-19 April, every year)
• Pattaya Music Festival (March, every year)

Attractions

• Pattaya Beach
• Jomtien Beach
• Sai Keao beach
• Ko Lan
• Ko Sak
• Thai Sky Adventures – Skydiving
• Mini Siam
• Sanctuary of Truth
• Pattaya Floating Market
• Underwater World Pattaya
• Pattaya Elephant Village
• Tiffany Show
• Alcazar Cabaret
• Thai Alangkarn Theater

Important Numbers

Tourist Police                                    1155

Tourism Information Center             1672

Thai Police Emergency Call            191

Pattaya City Call Center                  1337

More Information

www.pattayaholiday.biz

PHUKET: general info

General Information

In early Christian era, the cape of Phuket locally alluded as Jung Ceylon, while locals called it Thalang. As the perfect stopover protecting traders from monsoons, Jung Ceylon welcomed merchants from India, Persia, Arabia, Burma, China and also Siam. During the 16th century, the island was also a popular trading port for tin. In 1785, Thalang town was surrounded by Burmese troops who invaded the coastal area. Chan, the widow of the governor, and her sister, Muk, united local residents to fight and drove the invaders out of Phuket.  As a result of such heroic deeds, noble titles were granted to Chan and Muk as 'Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sri Soonthorn. They are still highly respected by Phuket residents even today.

When the city was in a peaceful state, the development of mining was so fast. Chinese businessmen and miners later migrated to Phuket and soon enjoy prospering wealth. The island's long history has formed the distinctive Phuket of the present with its diverse ethnic groups, culture, architectural influence, and fine cuisine. Phuket has a lot more to offer visitors than natural heritage of sea, sand, sky, beach, forest, and world renowned diving sites. 

Boundary (biggest island of Thailand surrounded by Andaman Sea)

North: Andaman Sea (nearest land is Phang Nga province)

South: Andaman Sea

East: Andaman Sea (nearest land is Phang Nga province and Krabi province)

West: Andaman Sea

Festivals and Events

• Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sri Soonthorn Festival (at Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sri Soonthorn Monument, 13th March, every year)
• Laguna Phuket Triathlon (November to December, every year)
• Phuket Vegetarian Festival (September to October, every year)
• Phuket King's Cup Regatta (December, every year)   

Attractions

• Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sri Soonthorn Monument
• Sino-Portuguese architecture (Phuket city and old buildings)
• Ko He (Coral Island)
• Ko Racha
• Ko Mai Thon
• Sirinat National Park
• Laem Phromthep (Phromthep Cape)
• Laem Sing
• Patong Beach
• Kamala Beach
• Surin Beach
• Kata Beach
• Karon Beach
• Nai Han beach
• Ra Wai Beach
• Bang Thao Bay
• Chalong bay
• Phuket View Point
• Khao Rang
• Phuket Fantasea
• Wat Phra Thong
• Wat Chalong
• Thalang National Museum
• Phuket Seashell Museum
• Phuket Aquarium

Important Numbers

Tourist Police                                     1155

Tourism Information Center               1672

Thai Police Emergency Call              191

Phuket Airport                                    076 327230

Phuket Bus Terminal                         076 211480

More Information

www.phuketemagazine.com