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