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

CHIANG MAI: general info

General Information

Chiang Mai is a cultural, natural land with ethnic diversity and a lot of attractions. Chiang Mai literally means “new city” but able to maintain the city’s name until celebrating its 710th anniversary in 2006. King Meng Rai founded the city as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom on Thursday, April 12 1296 around the same time as the foundation of the Sukhothai Kingdom. King Meng Rai even consulted with King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Phayao before choosing the location where the capital of the Lanna Kingdom was to be founded. So Chiang Mai not only became the capital and cultural core of the Lanna Kingdom, it was also to be the center of Buddhism in northern Thailand which many of the city’s temples remain important to this day. 

Boundary

North: near Myanmar

South: near Lamphun province and Tak province

East: near Lampang province, Chiang Rai province and Lamphun province

West: near Mae Hong Son province

Festivals and Events

Borsang Umbrella and Sankampaeng Handicraft Festival (at Borsang Handicraft Village, during January, every year)

Songkran Festival (April, every year)

Yi Peng Festival and Loy Krathong Festival (November, every year)

Royal Flora Ratchaphruek (December to January, every year)

Attractions

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Bhubing Palace

Wat Chiang Man 

Wat Phra Sing

Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Prasat

Wat Chedi Chet Yot or Wat Photaram Mahaviharn

Wiang Kum Kam

Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Ang Khang National Park

Huai Nam Dang National Park

Ob Luang National Park

Doi Fa Hom Pok Mountain National Park

San Kamphaeng Hot Springs

Fang Hot Springs

Chiang Dao Cave

Mae Sa Waterfall

Mae Sa Elephant Camp

San Kamphaeng

Hmong village (Ban Hmong Mae Sa Mai)

Ban Rai Phai Ngam

Chiang Mai Zoo

Ratchaphruek Garden 

Important Numbers

Tourist Police                                     1155

Tourism Information Center              1672

Thai Police Emergency Call             191

Chiang Mai Airport                             053 270222

More Information

www.chiangmai-guideline.com

BANGKOK: general info

General Information

Bangkok (or Krung Thep) is the capital city of Thailand. The city features both old-world attractiveness and modern convenience.  It is founded in 1782 by King Rama I, the first king of the present Chakri dynasty. Nowadays, Bangkok has expanded to a cosmopolitan with more than ten million inhabitants. Signature tree of Bangkok is weeping fig. The full name of a city is “Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphiman-Awatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit.” 

Boundary

North: near Nonthaburi province

South: near Samut Prakan province

East: near Chachoengsao province

West: near Nakhon Pathom province

Festivals and Events

• Red Cross Fair (Amporn Garden, during end of March to early April, every year)
• Wisutkasat Songkran Festival (Wisutkasat intersection, April, every year)
• Royal Ploughing Ceremony (Sanam Luang, normally in May, every year)
• The Golden Mount Worship Ceremony (Wat Saket, during November, every year)
• King Rama IX Park Flower Festival (King Rama IX Park, December, every year)

Attractions

• The Grand Palace
• Wat Pho and Thai Traditional Massage
• Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
• Wat Saket and the Golden Mount
• Wat Benchamabophit
• Wat Ratchanaddaram
• National Museum
• Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall
• Vimanmek Mansion Museum (Teakwood Palace)
• Jim Thompson Museum
• Suan Pakkad Palace
• Museum Siam Discovery Museum
• Siam Niramit
• Khon Masked Dance at Sala Chalearmkrung Theatre
• Aksra Hun Lakon Lek at Aksra Theatre
• Dusit Zoo
• Chaopraya River
• Chatuchak Market
• Pratu Nam
• Siam Square (Sukhumvit Road)
• Silom Road
• Khaosan Road
• China Town
• Ta Ling Chan Floating Market

Important Numbers

Tourist Police                                     1155

Tourism Information Center              1672

Bus Routes Information                     184

Thai Police Emergency Call             191

More Information

www.bangkok.go.th