Southern Thailand: the Andaman Coast
Author: Moonoi
As Highway 4 switches from the east flank of the Thailand peninsula to the Andaman coast it enters a markedly different country : nourished by rain nearly all the year round, the vegetation down here is lushly tropical, with forests replacing up to 80m in height, and massive rubber and coconut plantations replacing the rice and sugar-cane fields of central Thailand. In this region’s heartland the drama of the landscape is enhanced by sheer limestone crags, topographical hallmarks that spike every horizon and make for stunning views from the road. Even more spectacular and the main crowd-puller – is the Andaman Sea itself : translucent turquoise and so clear in some places that you can see to a depth of 30m, it harbors the country’s largest coral reefs and is far and away the top diving area in Thailand.
Unlike the Gulf coast, the Andaman coast is hit by the southwest monsoon form May to October, when the rain and high seas render some of the outer islands inaccessible. However, conditions aren’t generally severe enough to ruin a holiday on the other islands, while the occasional mainland cloudburst is offset by the advantage of notably less expensive and crowded accommodation. Although some bungalows at the smaller resorts shut down entirely during low season.
Eager to hit the high-profile beaches of Phuket and Krabi, most people either fly over the first three-hundred-kilometer stretch of the west coast or ass through it on an overnight bus, thereby missing out on the lushly forested hills of Ranong province and bypassing several gems: the tiny and still idyllic island of Ko Chang (not to be confused with its larger, more famous namesake off the east coast); the Ko Surin and Ko Similan island chains, whose reefs rate alongside the Maldives and the Great Barrier Reef; the enjoyable Khao Sok National Park, where you can stay in a tree-house beneath the shadows of looming limestone outcrops; and the mid-market resort of Khao Lak, which hugs the rugged mainland coast on the edge of Khao Lak National Park. Tourism begins in earnest on Phuket, Thailand’s largest island and the best place to learn to dive. The high-rises and consumerist gloss that characterize much of Phuket don’t appeal to everyone, however, and many travelers opt instead for the slightly less mainstream but very popular beaches around the former fishing village of Krabi. Nearby the stunningly beautiful Ko Phi Phi attracts a lot of attention considering its size, and is beginning to crack under the strain, so many travelers have moved on again, searching out hideaways on Ko Lanta and bringing custom to the tiny retreats of Ko Jum and Ko Bubu.
Getting to Andaman coast destinations is made easy by Highway 4, also known as the Phetkasem Highway - and usually called Thanon Phetkasem when it passes through towns. The road runs from Bangkok to the Malaysian border, and frequent air-con and ordinary busses ply this route, connecting all major – and most minor – mainland tourist destinations. There is no rail line down the Andaman coast by bus before preceding southwards. Ferries to the most popular islands usually leave several times a day (with reduced services during the monsoon season), but for more remote destinations you may have to charter your own or wait for islanders’ trading boats to pick you up. Alternatively, you fly direct to the Andaman coast: there’s a busy international airport on Phuket, plus useful local ones in Krabi and Ranong.
Highlights
Khao Sok National Park – Sleep in a tree-house and wake to the sound of hooting gibbons. more ...
Ko Similan – Remote chain of islands with some of the best diving in the word. more ...
Reefs and wreaks – Dive Thailand’s finest underwater sights from Phuket, Ko Nang or Ko Phi Phi. more...
Phuket – Thailand’s largest island and p province in its own right. There are many activities of watersport, diving more...
Sea-canoeing along the Krabi coastline – The perfect way to explore the region’s myriad mangrove swamps and secret lagoons. more...
Rock climbing on Leam Phra Nang – Get a bird’s eye view of fabulous coastlal scenery. more ...
Ko Lanta – The loveliest white sand beach. more ...
Ko Jum – Tiny island where there’s nothing to do but chill out. more ...
reference info. by The Rough Guide
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/southern-thailand-the-andaman-coast-398958.html
วันอังคารที่ 29 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2551
วันพุธที่ 23 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2551
London for Young Travelers
London for Young Travelers
Author: Lisa Guster
London is considered to be one of the most marvelous cities on the planet. It is an extraordinary spot for kids. Small travelers are fond of automobiles so the trip itself can be amusing. Traveling by a coach, bus or black cab, using the underground or simply observing the traffic is sure to amuse practically all small children.
You perhaps won’t consider it to be quite as attractive. In case your small kid is truly crazy about autos, the best option for you is the modernized London Transport Museum. It is located in Covent Garden. In fact, there is a connection between traffic and the development of contemporary London
There are lots of usual sites in the capital that may amaze children, like famous characters, and extraordinary activities in the period of school breaks, for instance building a bus. Young travelers are sure to admire the Museum Depot which contains models of steam and electric coach sets on a tiny railway. The London Aquarium contains about four hundreds species. In this place your children will no doubt take pleasure in observing various living things from sharks to piranhas.
The excursion to this attraction also comprises a swimming pool for small visitors to feed the fish. More over, there are regular shows of Captain Pugwash and his crew.
In case you are hanging about on the South Bank in search for attractions, then it is highly advised to visit the Tate Modern Museum. This place provides a great number of interesting things for families with kids. The construction itself is a radiant spot for teens to investigate.
Every Saturday and Sunday the Start group is ready to organize thrilling games to play there. In case you want to break away from the hurly-burly of the South Bank, take your kids for half an hour trip to another London’s attraction - the London Eye.
This amazing structure is located opposite the Houses of Parliament. You will never forget this thrilling practice and are sure to enjoy it whatever your age. The observations are marvelous and on a fine weather you can perceive almost forty kilometers from the peak.
Author: Lisa Guster
London is considered to be one of the most marvelous cities on the planet. It is an extraordinary spot for kids. Small travelers are fond of automobiles so the trip itself can be amusing. Traveling by a coach, bus or black cab, using the underground or simply observing the traffic is sure to amuse practically all small children.
You perhaps won’t consider it to be quite as attractive. In case your small kid is truly crazy about autos, the best option for you is the modernized London Transport Museum. It is located in Covent Garden. In fact, there is a connection between traffic and the development of contemporary London
There are lots of usual sites in the capital that may amaze children, like famous characters, and extraordinary activities in the period of school breaks, for instance building a bus. Young travelers are sure to admire the Museum Depot which contains models of steam and electric coach sets on a tiny railway. The London Aquarium contains about four hundreds species. In this place your children will no doubt take pleasure in observing various living things from sharks to piranhas.
The excursion to this attraction also comprises a swimming pool for small visitors to feed the fish. More over, there are regular shows of Captain Pugwash and his crew.
In case you are hanging about on the South Bank in search for attractions, then it is highly advised to visit the Tate Modern Museum. This place provides a great number of interesting things for families with kids. The construction itself is a radiant spot for teens to investigate.
Every Saturday and Sunday the Start group is ready to organize thrilling games to play there. In case you want to break away from the hurly-burly of the South Bank, take your kids for half an hour trip to another London’s attraction - the London Eye.
This amazing structure is located opposite the Houses of Parliament. You will never forget this thrilling practice and are sure to enjoy it whatever your age. The observations are marvelous and on a fine weather you can perceive almost forty kilometers from the peak.
วันศุกร์ที่ 18 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2551
Where to Stay in Bangkok?
Where to Stay in Bangkok?
Author: Gregory Smyth
Bangkok offers a diverse choice in accommodations to match every taste and budget. A visitor can afford to stay royally in an elegant hotel or live peacefully in a guest house on a moderate budget.
Since lot of hotels are often completely booked during the peak season from November to March, it is advisable that visitors go for advance reservations if they are contemplating to visit during this period. Accommodations cost lesser compared to Hong Kong and Singapore and inexpensive by Western standards, specifically because of the degradation of the Thai currency due to the Asian economic crisis of 1997.
The major hotel districts are based around Siam Square and Ploenchit Road; close to the Chao Phraya River, along Silom Road, Suriwong Road and Sukhumvit Road. There are other places such as Banglampoo for modest guesthouses accessed by backpackers, along the river where some modern high-rise hotels are expected to come up; and Chinatown, which is among the most energetic and typically Asian parts of Bangkok.
Around Siam Square, you will discover some very admirable places to live in. You can also find variety of shops, restaurants and nightspots. The less costly places are centered on Soi Kasemann 1 and near Jim Thompson's House and Museum. These places, such as Bed and Breakfast, provide a guesthouse atmosphere coupled with hotel comfort.
The areas of Chao Phraya River, Silom Road and Suriwong Road enclose some of the older sections of Bangkok. The area around Silom Road and Suriwong Road is recognized as the financial district, and has numerous hotels and restaurants. You can find enough entertainment and shopping options in the Patpong Night Market. You can also find centrally placed top-class hotels suitable for both business and leisure. The luxury establishments, characterizes a distinctly Thai character and boasts an elegant design.
If you travel further towards the west, you will arrive at the riverbank, where some of the outstanding hotels in Bangkok are to be discovered. Hotels here deliver riverfront luxury biased toward tour groups. Most hotels here offer you world-class facilities along with exceptional views from its rooms. There is a handful of other hotels overlooking the Chao Praya River.
Sukhumvit Road is another area popular for shops and nightspots. The area also boasts of some extremely attractive bars. There is good enough presence of mid-range hotels and inns here. But the better four-star and five-star hotels cater more for business travelers than tourists. Even if they lack in character, they more than compensate for that in the facilities they provide.
There are some brand-new hotels oriented toward the business traveler and also possesses most modern fitness centers. There is no shortage for luxurious hotels either on Sukhumvit, while there are also old hotels having their own tradition to show for. People who love modern-sized, unpretentious topnotch accommodation are not disappointed either. Some of the hotels also have rooms affording you nice views of the Bangkok skyline.
No matter wherever you decide to stay in Bangkok, the hospitable people here in the "Land of Smiles" will provide you everything needed to relax and enjoy your time in this fantastic city.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/where-to-stay-in-bangkok-389779.html
Author: Gregory Smyth
Bangkok offers a diverse choice in accommodations to match every taste and budget. A visitor can afford to stay royally in an elegant hotel or live peacefully in a guest house on a moderate budget.
Since lot of hotels are often completely booked during the peak season from November to March, it is advisable that visitors go for advance reservations if they are contemplating to visit during this period. Accommodations cost lesser compared to Hong Kong and Singapore and inexpensive by Western standards, specifically because of the degradation of the Thai currency due to the Asian economic crisis of 1997.
The major hotel districts are based around Siam Square and Ploenchit Road; close to the Chao Phraya River, along Silom Road, Suriwong Road and Sukhumvit Road. There are other places such as Banglampoo for modest guesthouses accessed by backpackers, along the river where some modern high-rise hotels are expected to come up; and Chinatown, which is among the most energetic and typically Asian parts of Bangkok.
Around Siam Square, you will discover some very admirable places to live in. You can also find variety of shops, restaurants and nightspots. The less costly places are centered on Soi Kasemann 1 and near Jim Thompson's House and Museum. These places, such as Bed and Breakfast, provide a guesthouse atmosphere coupled with hotel comfort.
The areas of Chao Phraya River, Silom Road and Suriwong Road enclose some of the older sections of Bangkok. The area around Silom Road and Suriwong Road is recognized as the financial district, and has numerous hotels and restaurants. You can find enough entertainment and shopping options in the Patpong Night Market. You can also find centrally placed top-class hotels suitable for both business and leisure. The luxury establishments, characterizes a distinctly Thai character and boasts an elegant design.
If you travel further towards the west, you will arrive at the riverbank, where some of the outstanding hotels in Bangkok are to be discovered. Hotels here deliver riverfront luxury biased toward tour groups. Most hotels here offer you world-class facilities along with exceptional views from its rooms. There is a handful of other hotels overlooking the Chao Praya River.
Sukhumvit Road is another area popular for shops and nightspots. The area also boasts of some extremely attractive bars. There is good enough presence of mid-range hotels and inns here. But the better four-star and five-star hotels cater more for business travelers than tourists. Even if they lack in character, they more than compensate for that in the facilities they provide.
There are some brand-new hotels oriented toward the business traveler and also possesses most modern fitness centers. There is no shortage for luxurious hotels either on Sukhumvit, while there are also old hotels having their own tradition to show for. People who love modern-sized, unpretentious topnotch accommodation are not disappointed either. Some of the hotels also have rooms affording you nice views of the Bangkok skyline.
No matter wherever you decide to stay in Bangkok, the hospitable people here in the "Land of Smiles" will provide you everything needed to relax and enjoy your time in this fantastic city.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/where-to-stay-in-bangkok-389779.html
6 Places to Visit in Rome
6 Places to Visit in Rome
Author: Vasilisa
They say there are as many attractions in Rome as there are people. That is even more amazing taking into account the fact that the historical center of Rome is comparatively small: it occupies the space between the Tiber in the East and Termini railway station in the West. Here one can see the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi fountain, the Spanish Steps, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican.
What should one visit in Rome? That’s quite a question! But one thing is for sure: the following six attractions are an absolute must!
Begin with the Roman Forum, which used to be the political and religious center of the ancient Rome. The Forum is crossed by the sacred road (via Sakra), going up the Capitoline Hill. This is the breathtaking group of buildings including the ruins of the Vespasian Temple, the Agreement Temple, St Joseph Church, the Temple Of Saturn, columns of the Castor and Pollux Temple, etc. Via Sakra ends in Arch Of Titus, which was erected to commemorate the Emperor’s victory over rebellious Jerusalem.
The Pantheon is worth visiting too. Built by Mark Agrippa in 27 BC, this is one of the most famous monuments of Ancient Rome. The name “Pantheon” means “devoted to all gods”. In the Christian epoch it was turned into a church. The bodies of many prominent people lie here.
Another attraction of the Eternal city, the Coloisseum, is the symbol of Rome. Designed for 50, 000 spectators, the Coloisseum is the biggest amphitheatre in the world. Here took place bloody shows with wild animals and gladiators, to perform sea battles the arena was filled with water. To emphasize the grandeur of the happening, during the fights Emperor Commodus was wearing a lion skin.
In its original look the Colosseum existed up to VIII century when Pope Pavel III allowed his nephew to take the Colosseum stones for the building of his own palace. According to the permission, the Cardinal could take as many stones as he could but only within 12 hours. That helped to save the building for the future generations.
All the tourists certainly visit the Trevi Fountain. Perhaps, it is not the most beautiful, but for certain it is the most famous. It is the masterpiece by Nicola Salvi who had been working over it for 19 years. The small Trevi Square reminds of an ancient amphitheatre and the fountain itself is like a magnificent stage, in the center of which resides Neptune, god of the sea.
He is riding a shell-shaped chariot, pulled by two sea-horses. Tritons on each side show the way between the rocks. One of the sea-horses is calm while the other is unruly. They symbolize the changeable moods of the sea. Two statues in the background represent Abundance and Salubrity. Above the sculptures are graceful bas-reliefs.
Probably the most romantic place in Rome is the Spanish Steps. It was built to connect Via del Babuino to Via Felice in 1721-1725. It acquired its name due to the embassy situated nearby. Here one can always meet couples strolling hand in hand and kissing every here and there.
These are only some of the Rome attractions. In fact, one can hardly visit all the sights of the miraculous Italian capital.
Author: Vasilisa
They say there are as many attractions in Rome as there are people. That is even more amazing taking into account the fact that the historical center of Rome is comparatively small: it occupies the space between the Tiber in the East and Termini railway station in the West. Here one can see the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi fountain, the Spanish Steps, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican.
What should one visit in Rome? That’s quite a question! But one thing is for sure: the following six attractions are an absolute must!
Begin with the Roman Forum, which used to be the political and religious center of the ancient Rome. The Forum is crossed by the sacred road (via Sakra), going up the Capitoline Hill. This is the breathtaking group of buildings including the ruins of the Vespasian Temple, the Agreement Temple, St Joseph Church, the Temple Of Saturn, columns of the Castor and Pollux Temple, etc. Via Sakra ends in Arch Of Titus, which was erected to commemorate the Emperor’s victory over rebellious Jerusalem.
The Pantheon is worth visiting too. Built by Mark Agrippa in 27 BC, this is one of the most famous monuments of Ancient Rome. The name “Pantheon” means “devoted to all gods”. In the Christian epoch it was turned into a church. The bodies of many prominent people lie here.
Another attraction of the Eternal city, the Coloisseum, is the symbol of Rome. Designed for 50, 000 spectators, the Coloisseum is the biggest amphitheatre in the world. Here took place bloody shows with wild animals and gladiators, to perform sea battles the arena was filled with water. To emphasize the grandeur of the happening, during the fights Emperor Commodus was wearing a lion skin.
In its original look the Colosseum existed up to VIII century when Pope Pavel III allowed his nephew to take the Colosseum stones for the building of his own palace. According to the permission, the Cardinal could take as many stones as he could but only within 12 hours. That helped to save the building for the future generations.
All the tourists certainly visit the Trevi Fountain. Perhaps, it is not the most beautiful, but for certain it is the most famous. It is the masterpiece by Nicola Salvi who had been working over it for 19 years. The small Trevi Square reminds of an ancient amphitheatre and the fountain itself is like a magnificent stage, in the center of which resides Neptune, god of the sea.
He is riding a shell-shaped chariot, pulled by two sea-horses. Tritons on each side show the way between the rocks. One of the sea-horses is calm while the other is unruly. They symbolize the changeable moods of the sea. Two statues in the background represent Abundance and Salubrity. Above the sculptures are graceful bas-reliefs.
Probably the most romantic place in Rome is the Spanish Steps. It was built to connect Via del Babuino to Via Felice in 1721-1725. It acquired its name due to the embassy situated nearby. Here one can always meet couples strolling hand in hand and kissing every here and there.
These are only some of the Rome attractions. In fact, one can hardly visit all the sights of the miraculous Italian capital.
วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 3 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2551
Let’s have dinner at Amphawa floating market (Talat Nam Yam Yen Amphawa)
Let’s have dinner at Amphawa floating market (Talat Nam Yam Yen Amphawa)
The floating market at Amphawa has become popular place for Thai and foreign tourists. It is an afternoon floating market on Amphaawa canel at Samut Songkhram province, near Amphawan Chetiyaram temple and King Rama 2 Memorial Park. You get there by car take highway 35 (Thonburi-Pak Tho) drive through the town of Samut Songkhram and turn left to King Rama 2 Memorial Park, or by bus you take Bangkok-Ratchaburi-Damnoen Saduak bus to get off at Amphawa market.It take 1.5 hour from Bangkok to Amphawa.
Amphawa floating market open on Friday. Saturday and Sunday from 4.00 pm-8.00 pm. There will be villagers bringing their produces to sell by boat. Come and experience local touch in the past where the timeless lifestyle of Thai can be observed along the canals.
At night, Threre is a boat trip to see the area’s famous fireflies is very popular activity at night. Some people referred to this memorable screen as ‘Asian Christmas Tree’.
One famous temple in Bang Khonthi district is Bang Kung Temple. Bang Kung Camp is located at Mu 4, Tambon Bang Kung. When arriving at the camp site, visitors will firstly see an imitation wall built in memory of the battle. Here is a historic navy camp site. Following the second defeat of the Ayutthaya kingdom in 1767, King Taksin the Great moved the naval force to set up camp in the district of Bang Kung since Mueang Mae Klong (the city of Mae Klong) was in the way used by the Burmese army.
A wall was built to make Wat Bang Kung be in the middle of the camp as a spirit centre for soldiers. King Taksin the Great later commanded the Chinese from Rayong, Chon Buri, Ratchaburi, and Kanchanaburi to form a guard unit for the camp. The camp was, therefore, called the ‘Bang Kung Chinese Camp.’ The king named the guards ‘Thahan Phakdi Asa’ or the ‘voluntary loyal soldiers.’ In 1768, the Burmese king of Angwa led an army via Kanchanaburi to surround the camp. King Taksin the Great and Phra Maha Montri (Bunma) jointly fought and defeated the Burmese.
It was the first battle against the Burmese after the Kingdom of Thon Buri had been established by King Taksin the Great. The victory was hailed as moral support to the Thai people while it created a sense of fear among the Burmese army. The camp site was left deserted for almost 200 years. In 1967, the Ministry of Education established a boy scout camp on the site to celebrate King Taksin the Great, and also built a shrine as a memorial to the king.
The ceremony to raise the shrine was held on 20 June 1968. Within the camp compound, there is the Ubosot (ordination hall) commonly called as ‘Bot Luangpho Dam,’ which was built in the Ayutthaya period. The hall is wholly covered by four species of ficus plants: Pho (Bodhi), Sai, Krai, and Krang. Therefore, it is also called ‘Bot Prok Pho’ (ordination hall covered by Bodhi trees). The monument of King Taksin the Great is in the nearby area.
Special thanks for information www.tat.or.th
The floating market at Amphawa has become popular place for Thai and foreign tourists. It is an afternoon floating market on Amphaawa canel at Samut Songkhram province, near Amphawan Chetiyaram temple and King Rama 2 Memorial Park. You get there by car take highway 35 (Thonburi-Pak Tho) drive through the town of Samut Songkhram and turn left to King Rama 2 Memorial Park, or by bus you take Bangkok-Ratchaburi-Damnoen Saduak bus to get off at Amphawa market.It take 1.5 hour from Bangkok to Amphawa.
Amphawa floating market open on Friday. Saturday and Sunday from 4.00 pm-8.00 pm. There will be villagers bringing their produces to sell by boat. Come and experience local touch in the past where the timeless lifestyle of Thai can be observed along the canals.
At night, Threre is a boat trip to see the area’s famous fireflies is very popular activity at night. Some people referred to this memorable screen as ‘Asian Christmas Tree’.
One famous temple in Bang Khonthi district is Bang Kung Temple. Bang Kung Camp is located at Mu 4, Tambon Bang Kung. When arriving at the camp site, visitors will firstly see an imitation wall built in memory of the battle. Here is a historic navy camp site. Following the second defeat of the Ayutthaya kingdom in 1767, King Taksin the Great moved the naval force to set up camp in the district of Bang Kung since Mueang Mae Klong (the city of Mae Klong) was in the way used by the Burmese army.
A wall was built to make Wat Bang Kung be in the middle of the camp as a spirit centre for soldiers. King Taksin the Great later commanded the Chinese from Rayong, Chon Buri, Ratchaburi, and Kanchanaburi to form a guard unit for the camp. The camp was, therefore, called the ‘Bang Kung Chinese Camp.’ The king named the guards ‘Thahan Phakdi Asa’ or the ‘voluntary loyal soldiers.’ In 1768, the Burmese king of Angwa led an army via Kanchanaburi to surround the camp. King Taksin the Great and Phra Maha Montri (Bunma) jointly fought and defeated the Burmese.
It was the first battle against the Burmese after the Kingdom of Thon Buri had been established by King Taksin the Great. The victory was hailed as moral support to the Thai people while it created a sense of fear among the Burmese army. The camp site was left deserted for almost 200 years. In 1967, the Ministry of Education established a boy scout camp on the site to celebrate King Taksin the Great, and also built a shrine as a memorial to the king.
The ceremony to raise the shrine was held on 20 June 1968. Within the camp compound, there is the Ubosot (ordination hall) commonly called as ‘Bot Luangpho Dam,’ which was built in the Ayutthaya period. The hall is wholly covered by four species of ficus plants: Pho (Bodhi), Sai, Krai, and Krang. Therefore, it is also called ‘Bot Prok Pho’ (ordination hall covered by Bodhi trees). The monument of King Taksin the Great is in the nearby area.
Special thanks for information www.tat.or.th
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