PATTAYA COUNTDOWN

PATTAYA COUNTDOWN
December 25 – 31, 2008
19.00 – 01.00 hrs
Bali Hai Pier, Pattaya
Admission is free.

Highlights
Pattaya, Asia’s premier beach resort and one of Thailand's leading international seaside playgrounds, will be hosting a grand Pattaya Countdown and New Year extravaganza along Bali Hai beach. The festive celebrations kicks-off on Christmas evening (25 December) and continues right through to 1.00 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Admission is free.

The leading brands with retail outlets in Pattaya will be participating in the festive extravaganza. Temporary stalls will be located near Bali Hai Pier. Browse around looking for terrific offers and great buys and indulge in some last-minute festive shopping.

Participate in fun and games and win a few lucky prizes or have fun taking part in song and dance contests.

Enjoy the Thai cultural presentations and showreels showcasing the very best that Thailand offers or simply enjoy the concert performances by Thai artists under the Grammy label, such as So Cool, Paradox, Tik Shiro, Black Head, Slot Machine, Istinct, Boy Peace Maker, Buddha Bless, Playground and Pancake as well as artists from The Star … and move to the beat all night long.

Pattaya’s New Year Countdown will culminate in an awesome fireworks display that will light up the night sky for an impressive 15 minutes.

Contact information:
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Pattaya Office
Tel: +66 (0) 3842 3990 ,(0) 3842 7667, (0) 3842 8750
Fax: +66 (0) 3842 9113
E-mail: tatchon@tat.or.th

http://www.tatnews.org

CHIANG RAI TRAVEL SEASON

CHIANG RAI TRAVEL SEASON
Welcome to Chiang Rai

December 20, 2008 - January 5, 2009 (every year)
WHIRLIGIG NEW YEAR FESTIVAL

These annual New Year celebrations are staged by the Akha tribes in the districts of Mueang Chiang Rai, Chiang Sean, Mae Suai and Mae Fah Luang. Akha families perform religious ceremonies and Akha communities in Chiang Rai stage tribal shows, performances of native music and other tribal activities as part of the local festivities.

Contact information:
Akha associate
Tel: +66 (0) 5371 4250

Doi Tung Development Project
Tel: +66 (0) 5376 7015-7 #265

December 28, 2008 - January 2, 2009 (every year)
TEA, SAKURA, AND TRIBAL OF DOI MAE SALONG BAN SANTI KIRI
In the districts of Mae Salong Nok and Mae Fah Luang

Savour the taste of Doi Mae Salong tea. Admire the scenic landscape with Sakura flowers in bloom set against a mountainous backdrop. Enjoy a tribal culture show and shop for local products at the fair.

Contact information:
Mae Salong Nok Sub-District Administrative Organization
Tel: +66 (0) 5376 5129

December 2008 (every year)
TEA AND FRESH COFFEE-TASTING AND TRIBAL CULTURE PROMOTION
At Wawi Ban Wawi Moo 1 village, Wawi, Mae Suai District

Taste Doi Wawi tea and fresh coffee from Doi Chang. Enjoy a tribal culture show and watch tribal sports competitions.

Contact information:
Wawi Sub-District Administrative Organization
Tel: +66 (0) 5360 5950

Administrative Office Mae Suai District
Tel: +66 (0) 5378 6125

December 27, 2008 - January 5, 2009 (every year)
5TH CHIANG RAI FLOWER FESTIVAL
By Chiang Rai Beach

The highlights of the 5th Chiang Rai Flower Festival include a parade of floral floats, a Miss Thin Thai Ngam Beauty contest, an orchid contest, a flower and ornamental plant contest and an agricultural produce fair.

Contact information:
Chiang Rai Province Administrative Organization
Tel: +66 (0) 5360 1235

January 1-10, 2009
2ND YUNNAN CHINESE FOOD FESTIVAL AND BLOOMING SAKURA
At Doi Phatang
Parking Area of Military base Moo 14, Por, Wiang Kaen District

Have a taste of Yunnan food and enjoy the colourful cultural presentations of tribal life, including the Yunnan, Mong, Yao, Thai Lue tribal shows. Admire the breathtaking scenery of sakura flowers in bloom and winter flowers of Doi Phatang. Visitors will also have an opportunity to shop for local products at the fair. For a change of pace, festival highlights include a mountain-bike competition and a marathon over the Doi Phatang mountain range.

Contact information:
Por Sub-District Administrative Organization
Tel: +66 (0) 5391 8265

January 24-28, 2009 (every year)
BLOOMING FLOWER, SWEET STRAWBERRY AND PRODUCTS
Pong Pha Sub-District Administrative Organization Office

The fair presents an opportunity for visitors to view and shop for a variety of strawberry products and enjoy shows, floral booth decorations and flower contests.

Contact information:
Pong Pha Sub-District Administrative Organization
Tel: +66 (0) 5364 6627, (0) 5364 6085

January 26 - February 4, 2009 (every year)
KING MENGRAI FESTIVAL 2009
At the monument of the King Mengrai

The King Mengrai festival is staged annually to pay homage to the great king.
However there’s a fun-filled aspect to the festival with a local product fair, stage shows and a variety of entertainment to create a festive ambience. Exhibitions organized by state and private sector organizations reflect enthusiastic community participation in staging the event as an expression of gratitude and pride in local traditions.

Contact information: Chiang Rai Administrative Office
Tel: +66 (0) 5371 1612, 0 5374 4341

February 13-15, 2009 (every year)
BLOOMING SIEW FLOWER FESTIVAL
At Phu Chi Fah, Ban Rom Fah Thai, TabTao, Thoeng District

Phu Chi Fah is a popular destination for wishing to immerse themselves in Nature’s embrace. Noted for its ‘sea of mist’ that blankets the mountain peaks, nature-lover converge to enjoy the spectacular setting, peace and tranquillity.

The Siew Flower Festival provides added attractions. Admire Siew flowers in full bloom and enjoy the colourful tribal shows.

Contact information:
Thoeng District
Tel: +66 (0) 5364 6627, 05364 6085

TabTao Sub-District Administrative Organization
Tel: +66 (0) 5318 9111

February 14, 2009 (every year) start 06.00 pm.
22nd "AMAZING VALLEY OF LOVE" TRIBAL RELATION FESTIVAL
At Ban Huai Mae Sai village, Moo 11, Mae Yao, Muang District

The modern-day descendants of the tribal peoples of Chiang Rai move with the times. To celebrate St Valentine’s Day, the local tribal communities of Chiang Rai will be staging a light-and-sound presentation by the various tribes in Mae Yao Sub-District offering a glimpse of their way of life. Various aspects of the festival are designed to highlight native art, culture and folk wisdom. Visitors will be presented with an opportunity to enjoy a traditional tribal dinner and to view and purchase tribal products.

Contact information:
Mae Yao Sub-District Administrative Organization
Tel: +66 (0) 5373 7359 ext. 16
Web site: www.maeyaomail.com

March 9-10, 2009
PHRA THAT DOI TUNG STUPA WORSHIPING CEREMONY AND BATHING RITUAL

Phra Thai Doi Tung, a historic landmark of Chiang Rai province, houses the relics of Lord Buddha and is considered to be a sacred stupa, highly revered by local residents. On certain dates as determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar, local residents and visitors from afar make a holy pilgrimage to Phra Thai Doi Tung to pay their respects at the sacred site.

14th –15th day of waxing moon in the fourth month
At Wat Phra Maha Chinna That Chao Doi Tung temple and at the Phra That Doi Tung sacred stupa in Mae Sai District

14th day of waxing moon
Dhamma practice
The preparation of consecrated water to bathe the Phra That Doi Tung stupa

15th day of waxing moon:
Buddhist merit-making offerings of dried food and other essential supplies are presented to monks. Pay respects at the Phra Thai Doi Tung stupa and conduct the ritual bathing of the stupa.

Contact information:
Chiang Rai Culture Office
Tel: +66 (0) 5371 7420

Mae Sai Education Office
Tel: +66 (0) 5373 1842

http://www.tatnews.org

Farm Chokchai

At kilometre 159 on the Friendship Highway, Farm Chokchai springs into view with huge signs, restaurants, ice-cream shops, and quite often large crowds of people. These are clues to its status as the largest and most advanced dairy farm in Asia. It is also one of Nakhon Ratchasima’s most dynamic tourist attractions.

Started in 1957 by Thailand’s first homegrown cowboy, Chokchai Bulakul, Farm Chokchai has evolved from raising beef cattle to breeding dairy herds. It welcomes visitors by the thousands, and is the only dairy farm in the kingdom to open its doors to an inquisitive public.

Farm Chokchai covers 20,000 rai, or 8,000 acres, in five locations around the Pakchong-Khao Yai area, and has 5,000 head of dairy cows, primarily Holstein-Friesian stock with their familiar black and white hides. These are bred for sale and for producing the raw milk that is pasteurized. Other products from the Chokchai Umm! Milk brand include yoghurt, ice cream and milk candy.

Agro tours began in 2000 after Chokchai’s son Choak took the innovative decision to try agro-tourism. He felt this was the best way to satisfy the many requests for farm visits from people who wanted to find out what makes the place tick. Since then, visitors have been enthusiastically riding around the farm in tractor-driven wagons on two-hour tours. Guides offer fascinating details of dairy farm life mixed with a bit of cowboy entertainment. There is also plenty of time to get up close and personal with some very friendly animals.

So what do you get to see and do? A video history of Farm Chokchai and a peek at the pioneering machinery used in the early days gets the tour under way, moving on to the more intimate details at the centre of every successful dairy farm, such as artificial insemination, calf rearing and milking. The need for hygiene is stressed at every stage. Children get the opportunity to try their hand at milking, and can ask questions about the bull’s activities and role in life.

Cows are milked three times a day, contributing to a daily production of over 36 tons. This is automatically moved into the next-door collection centre ready for pasteurization and turning into ice cream.

Next comes a tour around the farm to show cows being fed and grazed, water treatment, hay making and silage. Plenty of clean water, rich feed and waste treatment ensure the animals remain healthy and high producers of milk.

For entertainment, the farm’s cowboys put on a wild west show featuring horses, cattle, lariats and guns, coupled with opportunities to enjoy pony and buggy rides. Last but not least, the petting zoo allows visitors to touch and feed deer, goats, rabbits and calves. At the end is a comical animal show that makes everyone leave with a smile.

The agro knowledge tours have proved such a big hit that more than 400,000 visitors a year come to enjoy the feeling of life on a farm. From Tuesday to Friday, tours (maximum 80 people) are offered at 10.00 am and 2.00 pm, price 235 baht (half price for kids). At weekends and holidays, the fee is 250 baht with tours conducted throughout the day. Be warned that the weekends can get very crowded with as many as 18 tours a day. Advance booking is advised and essential for groups requiring English-speaking guides.

For visitors who want a more intimate look at farm life and a very relaxing back-to-nature experience, Farm Chokchai’s Boutique Camp opened in 2004 as a secluded place for city people to enjoy the great outdoors. The one-night two-day package includes a definitive farm tour, a workshop where you learn how to make your own ice cream, a BBQ dinner under the stars, sleeping in luxurious, air-conditioned tents in a very quiet, private forest, and a picnic breakfast before checking out with the ice cream that you made..

Rounding off any visit, at the farm entrance are outlets selling cowboy souvenirs, meals at the renowned Chokchai Steakhouse, steak and burger huts, plus lots of ice cream and Umm! Milk products.

Little wonder that Farm Chokchai is a multiple winner of the Thailand Tourism Awards for Agro-Tourism.

Web site:
www.farmchokchai.com/en/farmtour/farmtour.asp
www.farmchokchai.com/en/umm_milk/ummmilk_home.asp.

http://www.tatnews.org

6th Khon Kaen International Marathon

6th Khon Kaen International Marathon
Date : Sunday , January 25, 2009
Venue : Khon Kaen university


At the town’s university, runners can join the full 42-km marathon, a half marathon or a shorter 10- km race with staggered starts. Organised by the Khon Kaen University Alumni, the run follows a scenic course around the city and university campus taking advantage of the cooler temperatures that January brings to this region.

Khon Kaen 6th International Marathon
Free half day tour to the Dinosaur Exhibition in Kalasin Province
For race competitors and those accompanying them
24-25 January 2009, 13.00 to 16.30 hrs.

A bus will depart from the parking area at the Golden Jubilee Convention Hall (location of the marathon Expo) at 13.00 to travel 105 Km to the impressive and informative dinosaur museum and exhibition in Kalasin province, the site where many dinosaur skeletons and bones have been discovered. The bus will return to the Golden Jubilee Convention Hall at 16.30 hours.

If you are interested in joining this trip, you can sign up at the pre-race expo/registration on 23-24 January 2009.

For more information
Khon Kaen University Alumni Association, Khon Kaen University,
Tel. 66 4320 2388-9, 66 4320 2750, 66 4320 2222-41 Ext. 1900, 1499
Website : www.khonkaenmarathon.com
Email: jackykkmarathon@hotmail.com , lekthip@hotmail.com

http://www.tourismthailand.org/festival-event/grand-content-5567.html

Pai Reggae Music Festival 2009

Pai Reggae Music Festival 2009
Date : 24 - 25 January, 2009
Venue : Pai Tree House Resort ,Pai, Mae Hong Sorn


An unusual music festival is scheduled in the far north western province of Mae Hong Son, 24 to 25 February. The tiny village of Pai, a favourite destination with travellers who are eager to exchange their worries and work stress for a peaceful laid-back vacation, is not your standard venue for a Reggae music festival. Surrounded misty mountains Pai is better known for its idyllic environment and natural beauty where you can enjoy a simple guesthouse scene, treks to hill tribe villages and white-water rafting.


Now Pai is also the venue for the annual Reggae Musical Festival hosted at the quaint Pai Tree House. Here Reggae musicians from Pai and neighbouring districts will entertain visitors and locals just for the fun of playing their favourite music for friends and visitors alike.

Welcome to Reggae Music Festival 2009
"GREEN WORLD PAI SEASON"
The concept and theme behind this year Pai Reggae Festival is Global Warming. We want to make everyone aware that it is a problem that won’t go away. Everybody needs to make some effort, never mind how big or small. We want to spread the word to the world that Pai is a place to put on your holiday agenda, visit us, visit a place some call heaven, any time of the year. We join together with tour companies and travel agents and welcome their support for the party of the year. Set on 24-25 January 2009 at Pai Tree House Resort (Public area, Nong Krating Domain, Vieng Nei , Pai Mae Hong Sorn)

Free!! Member card in which you in green season (June-Aug)
will get free Shuttle bus and 25-50 % discount on room and adventure.

Pai Maehongson Thailand Reggae Festival 24-25 Jan 2009 # 4
Ticket price 390 Baht/day and receive premium gift at the event.
• Receive 1 Drink Free!
• VCD Pai Maehongson Reggae Festival 2008
• CD’s UTOPAI
• Premium Postcard 2009
• Premium Handbill 2009
• Get discount 40 % for book shop at this event and BANANA WORLD FESTIVAL
• Special!!..2 in 1 of ticket (Pai Maehongson Thailand Reggae Festival &BANANA WORLD FESTIVAL)
- Ticket of Pai Maehongson Thailand Reggae Festival
- Get discount 20-50 % for booking at resort and adventure activity in “GREEN SEASON 90 DAYS” JUNE-JULY-AUGUST
- Ticket of GREEN WORLD SEASON & BANANA WORLD FESTIVAL Since 3-7 JUNE 2009

**
1. Green Season Card Credit able to use on Green season only.
2. Member settle from 1 June 2009 – 30 September 2009

Online Booking www.thaiticketmajor.com
Call Center 02-262-3456
Due to 17 Jan 09

For more information call
• Pai Arts Club : 081-4931246
• Tourism Pai 053 699 935
• Travel Police 115 ,1699 , 053 611 812
• Pai Police Station 053 699 218
http://paireggaefest.com

http://www.tourismthailand.org

Bangkok Jazz Festival 2008 (postponed)

Bangkok Jazz Festival 2008 (postponed)


Venue : Sanam Suea Pa, Dusit District, Bangkok
Relax in the chilled-out atmosphere inspired by jazz music from many international well-known artists.


Contact:
- Advertising and Public Relations Strategies Division, Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel : 66 (0) 2250 5500 Ext : 1511
- Telephone : 66 (0) 2203 1240-7 Fax : 66 (0) 2203 1248
Website : www.bangkokjazzfestival.com
www.tourismthailand.org
E-mail : info@bangkokjazzfestival.com, bangkokjazzman@yahoo.com
http://www.tourismthailand.org/festival-event/grand-content-2731.html

Bangkok 2009 Countdown Party

Bangkok 2009 Countdown Party
Date : 1st December 2008 - 15th January 2009
Venue : Bangkok

Activities
1. Lighting Decoration : 1st December 2008 – 15th January 2009
at Ploenchit – Ratchaprasong – Pratumwan area, Bangkok
2. Countdown from 31st December 2008 – 1st January 2009 at Ratchaprasong area, Bangkok
3. Live concert and various entertainment activities/ Light and Sound show/ Countdown to the year 2009
4. Worship for luck with 9 temples
- Wat Kanlayanamit Woramahawihan
- Wat Chanasongkhram Ratchaworamahawihan
- Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangkhalaram (Wat Pho)
- Wat Phrasirattanasatsadaram (Wat Phra Khao)
- Wat Rakhang Khositaramworamahawihan
- Wat Suthat Thepwararamworamahawihan
- Wat Arun Ratchawararamworamahawihan (Wat Chang)
- Wat Bawonniwetwihan
- Wat Saket Ratchaworamahawihan

Contact:
- Events Planning Division, Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel : 0 2250 5500 Ext : 3465-7
- TAT Call Centre 1672
Website : www.tourismthailand.org

Thailand International Balloon Festival 2008

Date : 3^rd – 7^th December 2008
Venue : Khao Yai (War Dog Battalion, Pak Chong), Nakhon Ratchasima

The event is expected to attract over 300,000 spectators to witness a colourful showcase of hot air balloons from all over the world, including the USA, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Japan and Malaysia.

The first Festival, held in 2007, attracted over 150,000 Thai and foreign spectators and received wide coverage in all media.

The Thailand International Balloon Festival builds international awareness of Thailand, showcasing the wonderful weather conditions for balloon flying and the country’s unique and beautiful hinterland, proving that Thailand is more than a sunny beach!

Live Concerts; Farmers Fair; Fun Games/ Races; Fireworks; Wine Tasting; Food Tasting; Horse Shows; Dog Shows; Cowboy Shows; Archery; Marching Bands; and the Musical Balloon Glow & Festival Of Light & Fire.

Contact :
Earth Wind and Fire Company Limited
158/60 Moo 6 Cheungdoi, Doi Saket Chiang Mai, Thailand 50220
Tel : +66 53 - 292 - 224
Fax : +66 53 - 292 - 226
Website : www.thailandballoonfestival.com
Email : info@wind-and-fire.com

The Lampang Pony Welfare Foundation (LPWF)

The Lampang Pony Welfare Foundation (LPWF) is founded to improve the health and welfare of ponies and horses in Thailand as our primary goal. Thus the statement that “Ponies come first” signifies our stand.The objectives to improve the welfare of Lampang ponies together with a concurrent phylogenetic study of the these native pony breedlines was undertaken. The Lampang Pony Clinic was set up to provide veterinary care and respond to immediate health issues or disease outbreaks.However, the objectives of LPWF is materialized through creating a sound knowledge based community in which pony owners learn and understand how to properly care for their animals. Therefore most activities of LPWF are seminars, workshops and group meetings to educate pony owners about proper nutrition, good farriery, disease prevention and responsible animal ownership. This is from the belief that strengthening the community through knowledge will improve animal welfare which impacts on human welfare and standard of living in general.


Lampang Pony’s Day: 6-7 December 2008
EVENT PROGRAM (2 Days): 6TH December 2008
-12.00Opening booth activities
-LPWF – Give information about foundation including the work in the past, and plan in the future
-Farrier work show – led by experienced farriers of LPWF
-Lampang Tourism Association – Give the advice on the tourist spots, hotel booking and travelling plan in the northern part of Thailand
-Horse Hospital – Give the information about horse hospital evolution
-Horse riding for kids – Give the opportunity for kids to ride the ponies with the close supervision from experienced coach
-Photo Booth – Taking pictures with horses by professional photographer
-Activity booth from the epic movie “Phra Na-Rae-Suan-Ma-Ha-Rach”

-19.00VDO & Presentation & Movies
-VDO & Presentation about LPWF
-Movie Time from Walt Disney

The second Day : 7TH December 2008
-12.00Opening booth activities
-16.30Guest Register
Horse carriages parade for Lampang governor and press teams to the venue.
-16.50Opening speech by Lampang Governor
-19.00VDO & Presentation & Movies
-VDO & Presentation about LPWF
-Movie Time from Walt Disney

For more information about LPWF : clickhere
The Lampang Pony Welfare Foundation (LPWF)
Lampang office: 2 Soi 2 Tha Nang Loy Road, Wiang Nua, Muang, Lampang 52000
Bangkok Office: 709/52-53 Sukhumvit 77, Bangkok 10250
Tel: 02-3318146-7 Facsimile: 02-7426621
http://www.lampangponywelfare.com email: info@lampangponywelfare.com


http://www.tourismthailand.org

DOK BUA TONG GIANT WILD MEXICAN SUNFLOWER BLOOMING SEASON

DOK BUA TONG GIANT WILD MEXICAN SUNFLOWER BLOOMING SEASON
November 1 - December 5, 2008
On Doi Mae U-kor, Mae Hong Son

The hills and valleys of Mae Hong Son, one of Thailand's most naturally scenic areas, turn to gold when the Dok Bua Tong Giant Wild Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia Diversifolia) comes into full bloom during this period.

When the flowers fade, the seeds are collected and made into insecticides.

Doi Mae U-kor mountain peak in Khun Yuam district of Mae Hong Son is considered to be the an excellent location to enjoy the splendour of the sunflowers in full bloom.

Contact information:
TAT Northern Office - Region 1
Tel : +66 (0) 5324 8604, (0) 5324 8607, (0) 5324 1466
Fax : +66 (0) 5324 8605
E-mail : tatchmai@tat.or.th

http://www.tatnews.org/

THE NINE WONDERS OF WAT PHO

THE NINE WONDERS OF WAT PHO
New Mini-Light-and-Sound Presentation
27 September 2008 – 6 April 2009
At Wat Pho – Temple of The Reclining Buddha
Koh Rattanakosin (Rattanakosin Island) Bangkok
English version at 18.30/19.30/20.30 and 21.00 daily

Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimonmangklaraam Rajwaramahaviharn, a first grade royal monastery which was regarded as being the most important one during the reign of King Rama I of the illustrious Chakri dynasty, is more widely known to visitors as “Wat Pho”.

The 9 Wonders of Wat Pho, a newly-launched mini-light-and-sound multimedia presentation, helps visitors gain a better understanding and deeper appreciation of the centuries-old cultural heritage, traditional Thai values and beliefs, folk knowledge and way of life encapsulated by this historic landmark.

Unlike other mini-light-and-sound shows, the version being presented at Wat Pho from 27 September 2008 through to 6 April 2009 is the first of its kind. The presentation consists of nine separate stage sets; each highlights one of the following nine wonders of Wat Pho.

Phra Buddhasaiyas (Viharn Phranorn) The Viharn of the Reclining Buddha The Vihara (pronounced Viharn) of the Reclining Buddha houses the Reclining Buddha of the reign of King Rama III. This is the largest and one of the finest Buddha images to be found in the kingdom. The mother-of-pearl inlay at the feet of the image is of the Thai-Chinese style, as indicated by 108 auspicious signs portraying natural scenes of both Indian and Chinese influences. Sala Rai or Satellite Pavilions The North Pavilion is a library of inscriptions on Thai traditional massage. Thirty-two drawings of massage techniques are depicted on the ceiling of the veranda. There are also inscriptions of the first Thai proverbs known as Supasit Phra Ruang, Thai literary works called Kritsana Sorn Nong, and a portrait of the Royal Kathin Procession. Phra Maha Chedi Si Rajakarn This consists of a group of four huge pagodas surrounded by a white wall with sheltered gates built in the Thai-Chinese style and decorated with colour-glazed tiles and Chinese rockery guardians. The pagodas consist of Phra Maha Chedi Sri Sanpetdayarn, Phra Maha Chedi Dilok Dhammakaroknitarn, Phra Maha Chedi Muni Batborikharn, and Phra Maha Chedi Song Phra Srisuriyothai. The Legend of Songkran The Nang Songkran legend involves King Kabilaprom and Prince Thammaban. These characters are depicted on the inner walls of the porticos constructed during the reign of King Rama III. The World Heritage Inscriptions Wat Pho and the Fine Arts Department have worked in cooperation to establish a museum of Buddha images in the different art styles. The images are classified into three major categories including Buddhist Art, the Buddha's Marks and the Buddha's Attitudes. Wat Pho has been included in the UNESCO Memory of the World (MOW) Programme for 2009. The temple was recognized for the historic inscriptions and hermit statues teaching traditional Thai yoga housed inside it. Wat Pho Giants The outer walls of the Phra Mondob feature a collection of famous Thai proverbs called Kloang Lokaniti and scenes from the legend about the fight between the giants of Wat Pho Giants and Wat Jaeng that resulted in the emergence of Tha Tien pier. Sala Karn Parien The Sala Karn Parien pavilion was built in the Ayutthaya period as the main chapel of Wat Phodharam and was later restored during the reign of King Rama III. The principal Buddha image of Wat Phodharam named "Phra Buddha Sassada" was once enshrined here. Phra Buddha Deva Patimakorn The main chapel was constructed during the reign of King Rama I in the Ayutthaya style. The principal Buddha image is Phra Buddha Deva Patimakorn in the gesture of a seated Buddha on a three-tiered pedestal called Phra Pang Smardhi. Contorted Hermit Mount The Contorted Hermit Mount was built during the reign of King Rama I. It was the centre of medical science and knowledge from the Ayutthaya period, reflected by statues of hermits or Rishi practicing physical exercises. Wat Pho is also winner of the Award of Outstanding Performance in the 7th Thailand Tourism Awards 2008 in the Cultural Tourist Site – Central Region award category. TICKETS Free admission throughout October 2008 1 November 2008 – 6 April 2009 Ticket price: 200 baht per person Purchase 10 tickets and receive one free ticket Contact information: Tel: +66 (0) 2226 0335, +66 (0) 2226 0339 Please call between 09.00 – 16.00 In ancient times, not only did Wat Pho serve as a centre of religious instruction, the royal monastery also served a centre of history, literature, art and culture, as well as medical science, physical therapy and other forms of traditional Thai healing. Considered to be the first open university providing education in traditional Thai medicine and traditional Thai massage, the temple is home to the Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage and Medical School, which offers traditional Thai massage. The service is available from 08.00 – 22.00 daily. Pricing: Traditional Thai Massage: 220 baht for 30 minutes or 360 baht per hour Foot Massage: 360 baht for 45 minutes Traditional Thai massage using steamed herbal poultices: 480 baht per hour To book a session, or for further details, please call: Tel: +66 (0) 2221 2974 (press O), +66 (0) 2225 4771 Cellphone: 084 206 3580 Web site: www.watpho.com/en/home/index.php Contact: Tourism Authority of Thailand Email: info@tat.or.th Website: www.tat.or.th Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 (120 automatic lines) Fax: +66 (0) 2250 5511 (two automatic lines) FOR EVENT INFORMATION, please call 1672. Address: 1600 Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Rajatevee Bangkok 10400 Thailand http://www.tatnews.org/

2008 Phuket King's Cup Regatta

Date : 29th November - 6th December 2008
Venue : Phuket, Thailand

The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is Asia’s biggest and most popular regatta. More than a regatta, the week long event consists of great parties, great sailing and lots of fun.

Inaugurated in 1987 to celebrate the 60th birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand, the event has been held every year since during the first week of December. In 2006, the event was voted as Yatching Event of the Year at the Christofle Asia Boating Awards. This honour follows a record year in December 2006 with over 100 boats entering the event and with a record media turnout. It is the second consecutive year the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta won this prestigious award.

With the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King, the Regatta is organised by the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Organizing Committee under the auspices of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, in conjunction with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Royal Thai Navy and the Province of Phuket.

For more information contact :
Regatta Office, Tel. +66 (0) 7627 3380
e-mail : info@kingscup.com
website : www.kingscup.com

Thailand : Loi Krathong Sai Festival

Loi Krathong Sai Festival Date : 8 - 12 November 2008 Venue : Banks of Ping River,Tak Highlights : An exceptional opportunity for you to experience the atmosphere of joining the Krathong Sai (floating coconut-shell krathong in line) contest, in order to win His Majesty the King’s trophy. Other remarkable activities will include the floating lanterns of the Royal Family, the procession of the Royal Krathong and lantern, the illumination of Krathong Sai, light and sound presentation, fireworks, water curtain presentation in “The Legend of Krathong Sai”, the longest Krathong Sai, local cultural shows, food and OTOP products. On Saturday 8th November 2008 at 18.00 hr. The Parades of invitation His Majesty the Royal lamps, Royal Krathong, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Cup, and 15 teams of Krathong Sai parades. Opening ceremony of competition on Floating Krathong Sai with A Thousand lights at Mae Ping River Centre Stage. On Sunday 9 - Wednesday 12 November 2008 Compitition on floating Krathong Sai with a thousand lights to be awarded His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Cup 4 teams each night. Contact: TAT Tak, Tel : 66 (0) 5551 4341-3 Website : www.loikrathong.net , www.krathongsaitak.net www.tourismthailand.org E-mail : tattak@tat.or.th

Tags : Loi Krathong Sai Festival, TakLoi Krathong Sai Festival, TakLoi Krathong Sai Festival, TakLoi Krathong Sai Festival, Tak

Any Tourist's Dream - Karon Resort in Phuket, Thailand!

Each day, millions of prospective tourists enter online in search of the perfect holiday destination. Many of them prefer places with luxuriant nature, a genuine relaxation oasis but also comfortable accommodations at affordable prices. The various beautiful resorts in Karon, located in Phuket, Thailand are one of the few places to meet all these criteria. The very best of Thailand can be found here, from beautiful sandy beaches to rich vegetation and great views. If you are looking for peace and relaxation while enjoying an amazing panorama, this is the place where you want to be.

In many ways, Karon beach can be considered as a private paradise. It offers the much-needed intimacy and short distance from shops and local restaurants. Compared to Patong beach, this is the preferred choice by honeymooners, couples and families.

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and idyllic scenery. If you decide to visit Karon beach, this is what you will see right in front of your eyes. You can always take a stroll down the beach, jet skiing, para-sailing and many other fun activities. Many tourists also prefer to visit Kata beach, which is the neighboring beach and they also take advantage of the complimentary schedule transport to Patong beach if you stay at a resort in Karon.

Set a short distance back from the beach, Horizon Karon Beach Resort & Spa is surrounded by lush vegetation, raised slightly on the hillside. Its elevated position ensures great views and its tranquil setting is peaceful and private. All rooms contain pool view and some are sea facing. This resort is about 45 minutes away from the airport and it takes about 25 minutes to Phuket Town. The hotel rooms are decorated in a modern style, each having individual balconies and the following facilities included: bathtub, color TV, cable, in-house movies and air conditioning. There is also the possibility to play some golf, at one of the many golf clubs around.

Tourists arriving to Horizon Karon Beach Resort & Spa are impressed with the hospitality of the resort and the comfort provided. Other resort facilities include cleaning service, laundry, hair dryer and international direct dialing. In the room, one can find a safe, mini bar and there is also top quality wifi connection. By checking into the resort, you can also benefit from access to a fitness room plus rejuvenate with the aid of spa treatments. There are also nearby restaurants and bars. Many of them provide Thai cuisine but also plenty of international dishes and seafood menus. You can always find a place to enjoy a good steak, a slice of pizza or Mexican spicy cuisine.

After a long day at the beach, many tourists prefer to go out for snacks and drinks at one of the local bars. They play pool, enjoy the big screen TV offered and relax while listening to good music. For Internet enthusiasts, there is constant access and plenty of games to be played as well. Reading area is also provided for avid book readers. There is also the pool bar where one can savor delicious and multi-colored tropical cocktails. As you can see, luxury can be found both outdoors and indoors.

If you decide to spend your vacation at a Karon resort, you can consider our website as a valuable resource. Finding a Karon hotel or resort can sometimes be difficult during the high season so make sure to book as early as possible.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Johan_Hedin

Muay Thai-thai Kickboxing

Muay Thai, or Thai Boxing has been described as the world's toughest ring sport and is one the most lethal forms of martial art. Also known as "The Science of Eight Limbs", it's a hard-style of martial art that also employs the use of the head, elbows, knees and shins as weapons. Although most of the world knows it to be exclusively from Thailand, it comes from the term Muay Boran and is also practiced in other countries in the region of South East Asia and has different names depending on the country. Malaysians call it Tomoi, Muay Lao in Laos, Lethwei to Burmese and Pradal Serey in Cambodia.


Muay Thai has its roots in the Siamese Army in ancient times and bouts during those times had no time limit and few rules. Only in the late part of the 20th century were gloves, ring times and a clear set of rules were adopted.


Target points for Muay Thai punches include the area above the ear, the jaw, the area covered by the upper lip (philtrum), the clavicle, floating ribs and the solar plexus. Punching techniques or Chok are similar to Western boxing: the straight punch (Mud Trong), Mud Wiang San or hook, the swing- Mud Wiang Yao, the uppercut Mud Seuy, Cobra Punch or Kra-dod Chok, and the undercut or Mud Hook. One Muay Thai punching technique absent in Western boxing is the spinning backfist or Mud Wiang Glub and can be a very effective surprise attack.


Teh, or kicking techniques are an essential part of Muay Thai combat. It consists of the straight kick Teh Trong, the roundhouse Teh Tud, diagonal kick Teh Chiang, the shin-knee kick Teh Krueng Kheng Krueng Kao, the down roundhouse kick Teh Kod, the axe heel kick Teh Kao, jump kick Gra-dodeh Teh, step-up kick Kha Yiep The, and the spectacular spinning heel kick Teh Glub Lang. The dangerous Neb or pecking kick is an often executed Muay Thai kick and is very similar to the straight kick. The tip of the foot or ball is used to dig into the target area which can include the outer part of the thigh, the shins and the knee. It's mostly used to stop and opponent's forward moves.


Clinching in Muay Thai involves putting one's hands behind the head of the opponent and pulling it downwards. It is during these clinches that Tee Kao or knee techniques are used to strike the torso or more devastatingly, the jaw. The different knee strikes are the Kao Trong or straight knee strike, the Kao Chiang or diagonal knee strike, Kao Kong curving knee strike, Kao Tud horizontal knee strike, Kao Tod knee slap, Kao Youwn knee bomb, Kao Yiep step-up knee strike and the Kao Loi or flying knee strike.


Traditional Muay Thai training methods were grueling and literally took blood,sweat and tears to endure. It involved extreme conditioning of the legs by with repeated kicks against a banana tree. This toughens the shin area making it invulnerable to abuse in the ring.

By: Allen Owen

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How To Live Longer And Stay Healthier Thanks To An Asian Spa

The word ‘spa’ comes from the name of a small town in Belgium, and the ‘spa’ industry has been a phenomenon that has grown at ever increasing speed over the last decade. Now every major hotel worth its salt has a spa and leisure complex in place and operating as part of the facilities on offer in order to tempt a discriminating guest to cross the threshold. Many of these spas are truly luxurious pampering palaces offering myriad means of massage, beauty treatments, steam rooms, luxurious baths and much more.

Asia has taken to the spa concept and plays host to some of the finest and most sumptuous in the world. These can be found in India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Thailand, the Philippines, China and Japan. The Banyan Tree in Phuket is listed by Britain’s Guardian Newspaper as being amongst the best fifty on the entire planet.

In Thailand the notion of spa is a blend of ancient tradition comprising massage and meditation and herbal baths and steam rooms. Before the arrival of allopathic medicine from the West the Temple was the centre of learning. The monks fulfilled the dual role of doctors and apothecaries. Wat Pho in Bangkok retains the distinction of being the leading centre for massage in the Thai Kingdom. The therapists trained by this temple are experts in their field and quite rightly enjoy the honorary title of doctor.

There is however, in Thailand a different type of spa that came into existence in the early 1990s. Destinations such as Koh Samui attracted a younger and more health conscious tourist. To cater for the backpackers a couple of spas have come into existence that have focussed on detoxification and fasting programmes. These are not luxurious resorts attached to branded hotel chains but offer comfortable beachside bungalow type accommodation and embrace a philosophy that advocates good health and longevity. Today people flock from all over the globe to stunning locations such as the Health Oasis Resort in Koh Samui in order to be part of this remarkable health conscious philosophy. What’s more the same visitors return year after year to clean up and recharge batteries in order to better face the stressful lifestyle imposed by work and career in the big cities of Europe, America, Australia and Asia.

What then is this secret that lures the visitor to stunning tropical location? It is a five point programme that embraces firstly cleansing. This means getting rid of all those toxins accumulated by a western lifestyle and is achieved by cleaning the colon by means of enemas or colonics. Secondly we cleanse the body by breathing properly. That means it is necessary to inhale deeply, hold the breath and then release it for a specific number of times during the day. Where better to do this than in the clean air of Koh Samui? Thirdly comes a diet formulated according to blood group. This concept is based on the findings of Dr. Peter D’Adamo who is the author of the book “ Eat Right for your Type”. Fourthly comes the importance of exercise. A gentle regime of walking or more strenuous yoga is a must on a daily basis and the fifth and final step in this journey is meditation. All spiritual disciplines advocate spending a certain amount of time in quiet contemplation.

Many of us know about these techniques but need a gentle shove in order to incorporate them into daily life. Thus a nine-day de-tox at a Spa like the Health Oasis Resort will teach you how to achieve healthy living and lifestyle; afterwards all you have to do is to take the new knowledge back home and incorporate it into your daily life.

Alister Bredee is a freelance author specializing in articles on health related topics. He is also a health care practitioner and trainer.

He currently lives in Thailand and can be contacted via his website: http://www.healthambit.com

He publishes a daily blog http://www.healthambit.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alister_Bredee

Bang Fai Phaya Nak (Naga Fireball)

Bang Fai Phaya Nak (Naga Fireball)

This extraordinary miracle always occurs at the beginning of the full moon night in the eleventh lunar month (End of Buddhist Lent). It can be seen along the Mekong River in the districts of Mueang, Phon Phisai, Pak Khat, Bung Kan, Tha Bo, Si Chiang Mai and Sangkhom. Bang Fai Phaya Nak is a term used for red and pinkish fire balls, which according to belief, belong to Phaya Nak or the great serpent of the underwater world. On the day marking the End of Buddhist Lent, a great number of people come to witness this phenomenon.


Naga Fireball Festival in Nong Khai

It remains a mystery that never ceases to puzzle both visitors and locals alike. Just what is the origin and nature of the fireballs that fly from the surface of the Mekong River high into the night sky for all to see? Locals swear there is absolutely no doubt at all about the origin of the fireballs. Naga, the serpent reportedly dwelling in the murky currents of this mighty river, propels fireballs skyward, probably to remind villagers to treat this life-giving river with respect. Of course, there are detractors, researchers who have spent years of study attempting to explain away the fireball phenomenon, all to no avail.

Some say it is an elaborate hoax, but the only way to find out is to travel to Nong Khai and check out river scene and the carnivals that villagers organise to celebrate the now famous legendary serpent. Festivities run from 10 to 16 October, along the Mekong River bank, in Phon Pisai district in Nong Khai province. There are also corresponding celebrations on the Lao side of the river and no shortage of theories on whether Thailand’s neighbours, on the opposite bank, may know more than they are admitting on what causes the spectacle.

But there is no denying the fact that there is something almost mystical that causes the fireballs to erupt from the surface of the river, and villagers are taking no chances, hence the religious activities at various temples in the district to appease the Naga.Visitors can participate in a traditional "Tak Bat Thevo" ceremony, or the early morning alms giving to monks. It involves offering sticky rice wrapped in coconut leaves, presented on the important final days of the three-month Buddhist Lent.
In the evenings, during the festival week, people gather at the river bank for the Naga procession and cultural performance that reflect the rural village traditions of the northeast region.

If all goes to plan the highlight of the trip will be the amazing sight of the Naga fireballs erupting into the sky, a phenomenon that is very likely to prompt some light hearted banter and arguments at riverside food stalls over glasses of ale or the local rice whisky on their origin.

The most convenient way to reach Nong Khai is to take one of the many daily flights offered from Bangkok to Udon Thani, either on the national airline Thai Airways International, or one of the low-cost airlines. The flight takes 50 minutes and from Udon Thani, mini buses offer a 40 minute transfer to Nong Khai. An alternative is to take the rail service that runs every evening from Bangkok to Nong Khai.

Contact :

TAT Udon Thani, Tel. : 66 (0) 4232 5406-7
Nong Khai Provincial Administration Office, Tel. : 66 (0) 4242 0323
Website : www.tourismthailand.org
E-mail : tatudon@tat.or.th

http://www.tourismthailand.org/festival-event/grand-content-5399.html

Scuba Dive The Similans, Andaman Sea, Thailand

The Similan Islands in Thailand are commonly rated as one of the top 10 dive destinations in the world. Comprising of nine granite islands covered in a tropical jungle, washed by a clear blue tropical ocean the Similan Islands (also referred to simply as the Similans) provide some of the most beautiful and diverse dive destinations in Thailand. The Similans lie in a 25 km long north-south chain of islands, 65 km offshore from Phang Nga Province in the Andaman Sea, about 100km from Thailand's main tourist city, Phuket.

The eastern fringes of the Similans feature pretty hard coral gardens in the shallows and sloping reef banks down to thirty metres. At some dive sites such as East of Eden, large bommies (coral heads) rise from the sea bed and are blanketed with soft corals, fan corals, and swarms of smaller tropical fish. East coast Similan Islands diving is relatively easy-going, allowing you plenty of time to explore the sites at your own leisurely pace.

The western side of the Similans along with the north and south points can offer more exciting diving as currents swirl around huge sunken granite boulders, which form a series of arches, tunnels and swim-throughs at sites such as Christmas Point and Elephant Head Rock. Growing on, and between, these enormous rocks you find a tapestry of colourful soft corals. In the channels between the boulders, sea fans can grow to some three metres across, and in such numbers that you cannot possibly swim through. The contrast between the east and west coasts and the variety of underwater topography is one of the reasons the Similan Islands are so popular - every dive offers you something different.

For underwater photographers and lovers of marine life, then diving in the Similan Islands is difficult to surpass for variety and abundance of tropical fish. Leopard sharks make appearances on a regular basis and you'll also see white-tip reef sharks. It's not a 'big fish' paradise, but it's consistently great for sheer diversity of marine life. You may find anything from tiny ghost pipefish to turtles and giant bumphead parrotfish.

Although the tsunami of 2004 did affect a few of the reefs here, most are in excellent condition and many divers in the last seasons have commented to us that they could not see any reef damage.

Liveaboards leaving from Phuket are typically 4 day tours, and visit both the Similans and Surin Islands including Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock. Some shorter tours (2 or 3 day) visit the Similan Islands only. Day trips for diving and snorkeling are now becoming more common from Phuket.

For more of the world's greatest diving destinations including The Great Barrier Reef, Grand Cayman, the Red Sea, Micronesia, Thailand etc visit Great Dive Destinations Of the World

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Colin_Lim

The Dusit Thani Hotel – the City in the Fourth Heaven

The Dusit Thani Hotel Bangkok, at the junction of Rama IV and Silom Roads, overlooks the busy Saladaeng junction and Lumphini Park beyond, its lighted obelisk at the pinnacle glowing like a magic wand in the night.

There's a celestial allure to the name Dusit Thani. In astrology, the Sun, Moon and the five planets visible to the naked eye, Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter and Saturn are referred to as heavenly bodies. "Dusit" in Thai is the fourth heaven and "thani" a city.

The concept of Dusit Thani, the city in the fourth heaven, was propounded by King Rama VI in 1918 as an ideal state of human well being, a model city of freedom and happiness.

The history of the hotel dates back to 1949 when Thanpuying Chainut Piyaoui started the first hotel in Charoen Krung Road called the Princess Hotel with a loan from her parents.

From this humble origin, she set her sights to develop the five-star Dusit Thani Hotel in Rama IV Road in the 1960s. Her vision was realized with the grand opening of the hotel in 1970. Back then, it was the only skyscraper in the neighborhood. This move was to lay the foundations for expansion of the list of Dusit hotels in the next four decades.

The Dusit Thani Hotel is located in an area that's rich in history and regal tradition that's also linked to King Rama VI. At the turn of the 20th century, the surrounding area was royal land called Saladaeng.

The land got its name from the red roofed pavilion (sala daeng) of the train station. The station was part of the Parknam Line, a Belgian-Danish joint venture, which operated Thailand's first railway from 1893 – 1959 linking Bangkok to the river mouth (park nam) where the ships were anchored.

When King Rama V died in 1910, his son King Rama VI set up Chulalongkorn University, the oldest and leading university in Thailand, in memory of his father. Part of Saladaeng was allocated for the campus.

In 1925, King Rama VI made a further donation of Saladaeng to be a public park. This park is the vast Lumphini Park, named after the birth place of Buddha, Lumbini in Nepal. The King Rama VI Monument stands at the gate to Lumphini Park just across the road from the Dusit Thani Hotel.

The land on which the Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok stands was once the site of a nobleman's mansion.

In 1987 the Dusit group expanded beyond Bangkok to other parts of Thailand by establishing Dusit hotels in Chiang Mai (1991) Chiang Rai (1991), Hua Hin (1989), Pattaya (1987) and Phuket (1987).

The group has also ventured into boutique hotels with the D2hotel in Chiang Mai.

In keeping with its origins, the Princess brand was revived in 1989 with the launching of the Royal Princess Hotels, five of which are in Bangkok:

Bel-Aire Princess Sukhumvit

Grand China Princess

Pathumwan Princess

Royal Princess Larn Luang

Royal Princess Srinakarin

The other Princess hotels in the list are in Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Korat, Ranong and Koh Chang (to be completed in 2007)

Frequent visitors familiar with Bangkok will remember the Pathumwan Princess in Mah Boon Krong Centre and the Grand China Princess in Chinatown.

By 1991, the Dusit group went beyond Thailand into the international hotel scene with Dusit hotels in Balikpapan Indonesia (1994), Dusit Mangga Dua Jakarta (1994), Dusit Hotel Nikko Manila (1995), Dusit Inya Lake Resort Yanggon and Dusit Dubai (2001).

For her contributions to tourism, Chainut Piyaoui was awarded the aristocratic title Thanpuying, the highest royal decoration awarded to women. Officially called Knight Grand Commander (Second class, higher grade) of the Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao, this title was bestowed upon her by His Majesty the King on the 53rd anniversary of Coronation Day on 5 May 2000.

Over five decades with Thanpuying Chainut Piyaoui as Chairperson and Managing Director, the Princess has grown into the flagship Dusit Thani Hotel Bangkok which in turned has sprouted 20 hotels in Thailand and the region - a feat in individual enterprise.

The Dusit Thani Hotel Bangkok turned 36 in 2006. Despite new skyscrapers around, the city in the fourth heaven remains the dominant landmark in the Saladaeng junction.

Down below the subway rumbles into the Silom station just by the side entrance to the hotel. High above Silom Road, the skytrain glides into the station aptly named Saladaeng. The legacy of the red roofed pavilion lives on.

The Dusit Thani Hotel heads the list of hotels in Silom an old district remembered for its canals, windmills and connections to nobility.

Tour Bangkok Legacies is a historical travel site on people, places and events that left their mark in the landscape of Bangkok.

The author, Eric Lim, is a free-lance writer who lives in Bangkok Thailand.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Lim

Fabulous Koh Samui Hotels

Travel to Thailand and include Koh Samui Island to your plan. The moment one arrives here, the place casts a spell on you, with its beautiful palm fringed beaches in the traditional villages and the relaxed atmosphere. Koh Samui is the third largest Thai Island, home to some of the well-known beaches like Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, Big Buddha, Choeng Mon, Hua Thanon and Maenam. This island is famous for its natural beauty and charm, and importantly a place where one can enjoy their holiday their way, from a relaxed one, to a laid back or an active and fast paced.

This place is for the beach lovers with the beautiful white sand beaches, clean, clear water, thriving tropical gardens and gentle ocean breezes. Koi Samui Island today is a familiar name in Europe, Australia to the USA. The first tourist arrival started in 1971 and since then the place is charming its visitors, though the current pace of development has made it a more commercial but the sleepy magic still exits and it is certainly a paradise out here. Visitor's to Samui are rewarded with an ideal tropical retreat away from the traffic and hustle bustle of city life, alluring white-sand beaches, a sapphire-blue sea, with loads of tempting Thai cuisine. To add the people are unusually warm and friendly. The best and most developed beaches are at Chaweng and Lamai, which offer a wide range of Koh Samui hotels, restaurants and nightspots to suit every taste and budget.

Make the most of your holiday as Samui offers a number of places to see and things to do. Kick-start by visiting the island's natural attractions the coral beds at Laem Sed and Tong Takien, the Hin Lat and Na Muang waterfalls and the phallic rock formations at the southern end of Lamai bay, which are just a few to name. If one has time on hand, beyond the main island there are other places worth exploring. Koh Phangan is world famous for its monthly Full Moon Parties, then Koh Tao offers with one of the best diving locations in Thailand and the Ang Thong National Marine Park is worth visiting.

Of the many things, the accommodation facilities at the Island are tempting. Koh Samui has a wide range of hotels in Koh Samui. There are five-star resorts available to bungalows on the beach. Moreover, this place is just perfect, if one is looking for a place without really big hotels, resorts and discotheques, but great beaches, places to eat, bars and even a couple of fine nightclubs. For no reason who come here once, want to come back again.

Nancy Eben is an associate editor of http://www.stayresthailand.com/. The website offers exclusive information of thailand and hotels in Koh Samui. We also provide online hotel reservation of koh samui hotels. We appreciate your feedback and queries at info@stayresthailand.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nancy_Eben