THE ROSE GARDEN IN NAKRONPHATHOM

The Rose Garden Country Resort, Hotel, Golf Course& Cultural Centre is a self-contained resort situated 32 kilometres west of Bangkok along the bank of the Ta Chine River. Set in 40 hectares of lush tropical gardens and immaculately manicured lawns, The Rose Garden boasts a deluxe family-style resort hotel, a lakeside motel and ancient teak Thai houses around a picturesque lake.

A Thai Village and Cultural Centre is located within the compound while the Golf Course is just five minutes away. Between the two hotel wings is the swimming pool, with a Jacuzzi pool and the latest in water treatment — using ozone instead of chlorine. There is a games room, a fitness centre, steam rooms for men and women, and conference and meeting facilities for up to 250 delegates.

The numerous F&B outlets include a karaoke lounge and piano bar. Thai, Japanese, Chinese and Western cuisines are served. Banquet facilities include the beautifully maintained lawns and the Ruen Kaew traditional Thai House which is opened exclusively in the evenings. Anything from a normal buffet to an elaborate international barbecue in the garden can be arranged, including theme parties featuring Thai festival themes.

The unique garden setting offers meeting facilities outdoors as well as indoors. Corporate clients wishing to promote better staff teamwork find the facilities ideal for team building with fun and games as well as with meetings. Walk rallies and Quest are a fixture of many corporate meetings at The Rose Garden. Exhibitors find the open spaces of the gardens ideal for outdoor exhibits. The Third World Orchid Conference set the ball rolling way back in 1978, and today The Rose Garden plays host to these unique exhibitions. Exceptional theme parties offer a taste of Thailand together with sights and sounds from the Thai Village. The production finishes on one of the lawns, culminating in a fireworks display.

The Rose Garden GolfCourse was founded in 1972 on 73 hectares of disused rice-fields. Opened in 1975 by Queen Rambhai Bharni, it is one of the oldest golf courses in Thailand. This 18-hole 6479-metre (7,085-yard) par-72 golf course is privately owned, but is open to the general public. Its Thai designer, builder and General Manager, Khun Visudh Junenanondh, was a far-sighted pioneer. By making use of natural waterways as well as some man-made ones, this flat, almost straight course designed with two greens for each hole has challenged weekend golfers as well as diehard golf fanatics to break par on this deceptively challenging course.

The Rose Garden Golf Course is undoubtedly one of Thailand's most popular holiday golf courses, the proud winner of a Silver Medal Award by Golf Magazine of the USA for being one of the World's top 24 golf resorts. For non-golfers there are two tennis courts at the hotel, and canoes and paddle boats are available in the lake. Children have their own playground and a natural bird park.
Xhe Cultural Centre attracts hundreds of visitors daily to its daily cultural show. Rural life is depicted in the Thai village along with demonstrations of the making of local handicrafts.

The show features folk dances and other rituals demonstrated by over 150 performers. Then there are the famed Rose Garden elephants who put on a show of their own as well as taking guests on a short ride in the centre. Excursions abound. From the ultramodern shopping malls only 20 minutes away, to the Bat Caves of Ratchaburi, the beach resorts of Hua Hin and Cha-Am, the famed bridge on the River Kwai, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Even afternoon cruises along the Ta Chine River can be arranged.

Long before ecotourism and conservation became catchwords in the tourism industry, The Rose Garden always maintained natural balance in the gardens. No chemical fertilizers are used and water treatment has always been a priority. The same goes for the Golf Course.
The most satisfying aspect of The Rose Garden is the people who work for us. Guests feel that not only is it family owned but family run; it is like a big family where everyone is a family member and treats guests as true guests of the family.

The Rose Garden Riverside
Km. 32, Petchkasem Road, Sampran,
Nakhonpathom 73110

blog: Thaifood, Series, Inter Music

The Mu Koh Phetra Satun

If you want to cut yourself off from the rest of the world and enjoy some peace and quiet, then Petra Island is the place for you. If you tire of relaxing, you can explore the nearby islands of Koh Buloan, Koh Lama, and Koh Phetra.
Location
The Mu Koh Phetra National Park is located in Amphoe Palian in the Trang Province and Amphoe La Ngu in the Satun Province. The National Park encompasses a total of twenty-two
islands in the Andaman Sea. The National Park Office is located at Ao Noon in Amphoe La Ngu in the province of Satun.

Highlights
Koh Buloan: Koh Buloan, located twenty-two kilometers from the Pakbara Pier, is actually two islands, Koh Buloan Le and Koh Buloan Don. The boat will drop you off at Koh Buloan Don. There are many places to walk on the Island. On the eastern side there are clean beaches with pine trees where you can watch the sunrise at dawn. The western side consists of stone beaches, which are beautiful, but not suited for lounging. From the west side, you can enjoy the colors of the sunset as you look out over the ocean. If you choose to leave the island, long-tail boats are available to take you to Koh Buloan Le.

Koh Li Di: Koh Li Di is located five kilometers from the National Park Office. Koh Li Di, like Koh Buloan, is actually two islands, Koh Li Di Yai and Koh Li Di Lek. Both of these islands have fine accommodations and offer swimming and ample campsites. A one hundred-meter sandbar connects the two islands.

Koh Phetra: Koh Phetra is located in Amphoe Palian in the Trang Province. Here, you will find white-sand beaches and beautiful place to swim, but no accommodations. From the Laem Ta Se Pier in the Trang Province, you can rent a boat to take you here.

How to Get There
From the town of Satun, take Highway 4067 to Ftattaphum. Drive for twenty kilometers to highway 416 to Amphoe La Ngu. Continue driving for thirty kilometers until you reach the Pakbara Pier. The total distance from Satun is fifty-eight kilometers.
To contact the Mu Koh Phetra Marine National Park call:0-7478-1572

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Hilton International Bangkok

Hilton International Bangkok is located on
Bangkok's Embassy Row, just minutes from the commercial and business districts, department stores and some of Asia's finest shopping plazas. With the hotel situated beside the on and off ramps to the expressway, the timing from the airport has been reduced to as little as 20 minutes. Ideal for business executives or holiday makers, the hotel spreads over 3.4 hectares of lovingly landscaped gardens created by Nai Lert, the founder of Nai Lert Park and further developed by his daughter Thanpuying Lursakdi Sampatisiri. Lawton & Umemura, the Hawaiian landscape architects, added the finishing touches of rare flora, soothing waterfalls and exotic lotus ponds. The magnificent gardens were guided by the

principles that it would not only be pleasing to the hotel guests and visitors, but also constitute a representative collection of tropical plants both foreign and indigenous to Thailand.
The hotel's low-rise
structure is almost totally hidden in the spacious park — strikingly different from other towering, impersonal hotels. The five-storey crescent-shaped building features three sky-lit atriums that provide a much higher proportion of public area than most hotels of this size. The extensive use of beige Italian marble, a wealth of indoor potted plants and cascading greenery from the atrium balconies exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere. Of particular note is an indoor garden complete with trees and a fish pond. The hotel has incorporated the artistic styles and traditions

of Thailand wherever possible in motifs, antiques and fabrics throughout the interiors and finishings.
All 342 guest rooms and suites have private bougainvillea-draped balconies and are decorated in original fabrics with soft pastel shades. Satellite television, executive writing desk, minibar, and a full compliment of toiletries including weighing scales and hairdryer in the bathroom are just some of the normal deluxe fixtures. An exclusive Executive Floor offers its own private lounge with butler service. A range of well-appointed suites is only topped by the Royal and Presidential Suites superbly decorated by Italian designer Valentino.
There are complete secretarial services and business telecommunications facilities for the business traveller, reference library and worldwide courier service, operated on a 24-hour basis. Amidst the flowering shrubs and trees, guests can relax by the pool or enjoy an invigorating run around the private jogging track. Two floodlit tennis courts with all-weather surfaces are available and the Clark Hatch Fitness Center offers state-of-the-art workout equipment, squash courts, steam and sauna rooms and massage services. Adjacent to the hotel is The Promenade shopping arcade offering a wide range of Thai handicrafts, jewellery, silks, a barber and beauty salon as well as some of the top designer names in the world. The Lert Wanalai Ballroom is ideal for grand launches, cocktail parties weddings and banquets. Six smaller rooms can host meetings, seminars

and smaller private functions while the Gallery is perfect for parties and fashion shows. All are fully equipped with sophisticated audio-visual systems. In the South Atrium the light is excellent for art exhibitions and the Chuan Chom Poolside and gardens offer many opportunities for more adventurous entertainment. The range of dining outlets never seems to end. Ma Maison is a speciality restaurant of unrivalled French cuisine with elegant facilities. The Suan Saranrom features authentic Thai and Western delicacies in stylish Thai decor. At the Chuan Chom Poolside, Thai favourites and Western meals can be enjoyed in the gardens. The Genji Japanese Restaurant attracts the cream of Bangkok's large Japanese business community. The Lounge is the perfect meeting place for morning coffee, afternoon tea and cocktails or after-dinner entertainment. Served at the Noble House is the finest Cantonese cuisine in the setting of an old China trading house (managed by Hilton Hotel). Guests can also enjoy Jigsaw, a contemporary bistro, offering a pasta bar, pizza with a difference, signature sandwiches and a take-away deli counter of tapas, antipastas and sweet creations.

blog: Thaifood, Series, Inter Music

GRAND HYATT ERAWAN IN BANGKOK

Since its December 1991 opening, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok has rapidly gained a very high reputation for its gracious hospitality and top-ranked business facilities. Right in the business and diplomatic districts surrounded by modern shopping areas, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok is located on the site of the legendary Erawan Hotel. During its construction, the Erawan Shrine was erected to honour the four-headed Brahma god, Tan Thao Mahaprom, and land spirits.

In honour of the revered shrine, two two-metre-high three-headed bronze elephants guard the Grand Hyatt Erawan s main entrance. The 400-room luxury hotel is comprehensively equipped with the latest business facilities and trained expertise. The Business Centre offers extended operating hours, 24-hour telecommunications worldwide, office equipment rental, and even business cards can be printed in two hours. A Non-Smoking Floor

and rooms for the handicapped are also available. Japanese guests can enjoy the traditional welcome of green tea, together with all the many amenities featured in their own language.
Guests can either jog on a roof-top garden track, swim in a lagoon pool, play several games of tennis or squash, or work out at the Club Erawan Fitness Spa. This facility is an integration of gymnasium, aerobic studio, squash and tennis courts, massage, Jacuzzi, steam and sauna rooms plus a health bar serving fresh juices and low-calorie snacks. For golf enthusiasts, privileges at ten clubs are organized through the concierge team.

The choice of restaurants and bars is beyond compare. Spasso, the trendy Italian restaurant is a focal point for the city's fashionable set, changing every evening to an entertainment centre with music by some of the world's best bands. Similarly, The Dining Room and The Garden Lounge are popular meeting places with the full buffet array of Thai and international cuisines or traditional afternoon tea. Sample spicy Thai cuisine at Ruen Thai Restaurant. For superb Chinese food, elegant and stylish The Chinese Restaurant features Cantonese and regional specialties, with seven rooms available for private parties. You & Mee serves a variety of popular noodle dishes perfect for snacks or a fast meal at any time.

The Grand Ballroom is decorated with silk wall panels edged with intricate hammered silver in traditional Thai designs and a spacious pre-function area. With capacity for 1,500 persons for receptions and 650 for a sit-down dinner, fully equipped with the latest audio-visual installations including directional lighting and projection rooms, it is the frequent venue for elegant social events and corporate seminars. Six other function rooms accommodate up to 300 persons.

The Regency Club comprises three floors of Deluxe rooms and suites with its own check-in counter, complimentary continental breakfast, cocktails and canapes, all-day coffee and tea, and around-the-clock assistance by the concierge team and butlers. Guests can hold a conference of up to 10 people. A reference library, foreign newspapers, portable cellular phones, pagers and in-room fax machines are among the many services which are available.

Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok has created perhaps the most comprehensive collection of works by Thai contemporary artists. Original artworks totalling 1,850 pieces have been placed throughout the hotel, acquired from all over Thailand for US$1 million by the property's architectural/interior design company. The results are stunning. Complementing that, Thailand's top fashion designer has especially created uniforms of Thai silk and cotton for the traditional Thai chong kra bane trousers worn by waiters, bell attendants and doormen.

This hotel also has a gift for the unusual. Take for example, the "Necktie Rejuvenating" process: gentlemen can continue to enjoy wearing their favourite ties, which have been dismantled, cleaned, then hand stitched back to their original shapes.
The hotel is under the capable management of Pierre A. Bonard, a graduate of the Ecole Hoteliere Lausanne, and a Hyatt veteran of over 20 years. Mr. Bonard was honoured as "One of the World's Best Hoteliers for 1990" by the US Travel Industry Monthly, a division of Travel Digest Publications. In 1995, he was acclaimed "Hyatt General Manager of the Year" the highest award given by Hyatt International.

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Khao Sai Dao Waterfall Chanthaburi

The Khao Sai Dao Waterfall is best know as a wildlife sanctuary,

but many people neglect the
actual falls themselves. Those who do take the time to see
them, leave with a feeling of awe for this spectacular natural area.
The waterfall, in addition to the paristine fotest, make this natural
park a have for the animals that call it home.

Location
The Khao Sai Dao Wildlife Sanctuary is
located near Amphoe Pong Nam Ron,
Amphoe Makham and Amphoe Kaeng
Hang Maeo. The two highest peaks in
the ares are Khao Soi Dao Nua at 1675 meters.
For tourist information, you should contact
the Wildlife Sanctuary Office in
Amphoe Pong Nam Ron

Highlights
Namtok Khao Soi Dao: is a fertile, sixteen-level waterfall that flows year round. From the
parking lot you can see the first level of the waterfall. However, if you want to see the
others, which is recommended, you will have to place up your shoes and walk.
The most notable levels are nine and ten. These are particularly stunning because
he water collects in pools at the base before falling to the levels below.
The best time to visit is during the rainy season, but beware of the leeches. That is one souvenir that is better left at the park.
While in Khao Soi Dao, you will have the opportunity to see many species of birds and butterflies. The best place to see the birds is in the area around the waterfall, while the butterflies prefer to settle in the many ponds scattered around the park.
On your trek, there is a two and a half-kilometer route where tourists can study the indigenous plants and animals by way of information markers. These signs serve not only to educate, but also to lead your way through the forest. As a result, guides are not need in this area of the forest.

How to Get there
From Chanthaburi take Highway 317. After passing Amphoe Pong Nam Ron, turn at Kilometer Marker number 22. lf you find yourself at the Patong Marker, you have passed your turn off. Turn left at the Kilometer Marker and drive for approximately four kilometers until you reach the Wildlife Sanctuary. The entire trip is about seventy kilometers.

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Koh Lanta Krabi

Koh Lanta is located in the south of the Krabi Province. This popular tourist destination can be reached by boat or you may have your car take there by fairy there. Despite all of the tourist traffic, the locals still retain the their traditional lifestyle.

Location
Koh Lanta is located in the province of Krabi. There are two main islands, Koh Lanta Noi and Koh Lanta Yai. However, there are also fifty-two other islands that rarely see visitors. The majority of the tourist attractions are on Koh Lanta Yai.

Highlights
The Saladan Pier: The Saladan Pier is the center of transport in Koh Lanta. This is where the Chao Fa is located. From here, you can arrange for trips to Koh Lanta Noi.


The Beaches: The beaches on Koh Lanta Yai are mostly on the western side. This makes watching the sunset convenient. Each beach offers accommodations of different styles and prices.


Mu Koh Lanta Marine National Park: Mu Koh Lanta Marine National Park is located in Koh Lanta Yai. It covers a cape and has a small hill at the end. There is a path to the lighthouse where you see spectacular sunsets.

How to Get There
From Krabi. take Highway 4 to Trang. After passing Amphoe Khlong Thorn, turn right on to Highway 4206 to the Ban Hua Hin Pier. The distance is twenty-nine kilometers. From here, you can take a fairy to Koh Lanta Noi. The fairy departs daily between 6:00 am and 8:00 pm. When you arrive at Koh Lanta Noi, you can take another fairy to Koh Lanta Yai. The total distance from Krabi is eighty kilometers.
From the Chao Fa Pier in Krabi, you can take the boat to Koh Lanta two times a day. The boat ride takes two hours.
From Krabi, there is a mini van that will take you to Koh Lanta. It takes two hours including the fairy ride.
The accommodations in Koh Lanta are:
Lanta Palace (Had Khlong Tob) call: 0-7568-4200-2
Andaman Lanta Resort (Long Beach) call: 0-7569-7123-4

blog: Thaifood, Series, Inter Music

Hilton International Bangkok

Hilton International Bangkok

Hilton International Bangkok is located on
Bangkok's Embassy Row, just minutes from the commercial and business districts, department stores and some of Asia's finest shopping plazas. With the hotel situated beside the on and off ramps to the expressway, the timing from the airport has been reduced to as little as 20 minutes. Ideal for business executives or holiday makers, the hotel spreads over 3.4 hectares of lovingly landscaped gardens created by Nai Lert, the founder of Nai Lert Park and further developed by his daughter Thanpuying Lursakdi Sampatisiri. Lawton & Umemura, the Hawaiian landscape architects, added the finishing touches of rare flora, soothing waterfalls and exotic lotus ponds. The magnificent gardens were guided by the

principles that it would not only be pleasing to the hotel guests and visitors, but also constitute a representative collection of tropical plants both foreign and indigenous to Thailand.

The hotel's low-rise
structure is almost totally hidden in the spacious park — strikingly different from other towering, impersonal hotels. The five-storey crescent-shaped building features three sky-lit atriums that provide a much higher proportion of public area than most hotels of this size. The extensive use of beige Italian marble, a wealth of indoor potted plants and cascading greenery from the atrium balconies exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere. Of particular note is an indoor garden complete with trees and a fish pond. The hotel has incorporated the artistic styles and traditions

of Thailand wherever possible in motifs, antiques and fabrics throughout the interiors and finishings.
All 342 guest rooms and suites have private bougainvillea-draped balconies and are decorated in original fabrics with soft pastel shades. Satellite television, executive writing desk, minibar, and a full compliment of toiletries including weighing scales and hairdryer in the bathroom are just some of the normal deluxe fixtures. An exclusive Executive Floor offers its own private lounge with butler service. A range of well-appointed suites is only topped by the Royal and Presidential Suites superbly decorated by Italian designer Valentino.
There are complete secretarial services and business telecommunications facilities for the business traveller, reference library and worldwide courier service, operated on a 24-hour basis. Amidst the flowering shrubs and trees, guests can relax by the pool or enjoy an invigorating run around the private jogging track. Two floodlit tennis courts with all-weather surfaces are available and the Clark Hatch Fitness Center offers state-of-the-art workout equipment, squash courts, steam and sauna rooms and massage services. Adjacent to the hotel is The Promenade shopping arcade offering a wide range of Thai handicrafts, jewellery, silks, a barber and beauty salon as well as some of the top designer names in the world. The Lert Wanalai Ballroom is ideal for grand launches, cocktail parties weddings and banquets. Six smaller rooms can host meetings, seminars

and smaller private functions while the Gallery is perfect for parties and fashion shows. All are fully equipped with sophisticated audio-visual systems. In the South Atrium the light is excellent for art exhibitions and the Chuan Chom Poolside and gardens offer many opportunities for more adventurous entertainment. The range of dining outlets never seems to end. Ma Maison is a speciality restaurant of unrivalled French cuisine with elegant facilities. The Suan Saranrom features authentic Thai and Western delicacies in stylish Thai decor. At the Chuan Chom Poolside, Thai favourites and Western meals can be enjoyed in the gardens. The Genji Japanese Restaurant attracts the cream of Bangkok's large Japanese business community. The Lounge is the perfect meeting place for morning coffee, afternoon tea and cocktails or after-dinner entertainment. Served at the Noble House is the finest Cantonese cuisine in the setting of an old China trading house (managed by Hilton Hotel). Guests can also enjoy Jigsaw, a contemporary bistro, offering a pasta bar, pizza with a difference, signature sandwiches and a take-away deli counter of tapas, antipastas and sweet creations.

blog: Thaifood, Series, Inter Music

Walking Through History

One of the best ways to appreciate the grandeur and significance of Thailand’s history is to absorb the atmosphere of the ruins and monuments of past Thai civilisations.

Central Plains
Visitors can stroll into a thousand years of history at the historical parks of Sukhothai, Lop Buri, Si Satchanalai and Ayutthaya. Out of the historical parks, Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom is an awe-inspiring sight : The tallest Buddhist monument in the world, and also where Buddhism was first taught in this Buddhist country.

The North
One can enjoy the culture just by walking down the street of Chiang Mai. Here at Wat Pa Pao in Chang Phuak (White Elephant) District, for example, are gorgeous examples of Burmese and Shan temple architecture. A short walk southest of the old town are the weather – worn earthen ramparts erected by Chao Kavila, the warrior who in 1776 drove the Burmese out and restored the city to its former glory. Westward is Doi Suthep, a mountain named after the hermit whose modest cave is just above Wat Phar That Doi Suthep. There are many temples in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Mae Hong Son and Nan where visitors can enjoy the lean about the northern history and architecture.

The Northeast
History lovers may prefer to wander among the ruins of the mighty Khmer empire of the 11th-12th centuries. The best known is Prasat Hin PhiMai, just outside Nakhon Ratchasima, the largest sandstone sanctuary in Thailand of classic Khmer design. The most spectacular monument is Prasat Phanom Rung in Buri Ram, a towering structure seated on top of an extinct volcano, which took over 17 years to restore. Southern Isan is dotted with khmer shrines in various states of repair.

The South
A must – visit is Phar Borom That Chaiya in which authentic Srivijaya architecture is preserved in perfect condition, or Wat Phra Kaeo ans Wat Hua Wiang also in Surat Thani Province Srivijaya was a group of small communities scattered along the Malay Peninsula from Sumatra in Malaysia to the southern part of Thailand from the 7th to the 13th century. These communities shared common cultural ground in terms of Buddhism, trading, governance, and architecture. Some archaeologists believe that a nerve centre of Srivijaya could be Chaiya in Surat Thani Province, since a number of Srivijaya artifacts and architecture have been unearthed there.

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Baan Saen Doi Resort & Spa (Chiang Mai, Thailand)

This luxury resort and spa, which offers both short and long stay accommodation, is a creative combination of Northern Thai (Lanna) architecture as well as hill tribe and other Southeast Asia art. Baan Saen Doi has superb amenities. Enjoy individually designed, spacious accomdation with king-size or twin beds, walk in closets, beautifully decorated bathrooms, private balcony and pantry. Butler service is available by advance booking. Each room has access to wireless high-speed internet.

A cozy lounge in each section of the resort offers and comfortable atmosphere; an ideal location to read a book or just enjoy your evening drink. The upstairs terrace with a traditional sala, features a panoramic view of Doi Suthep Mountain.

Location
Baan Saen Doi is located
in Baan Nai Fun 2 residential
area, at the foot of the sacred
Doisuthep Mountain, near the
Royal Flora Exposition grounds
and Chiang Mai Night Safari.
It is a quick 10 minutes drive
south-west of Chiang Mai
International Airport and 20
minutes from the center of
Chiang Mai city.
Baan Saen Doi Resort and Spa
199/135 (Baan Nai Fun 2) M. 3,
T. Mae Hia, A. Muang,
ChiangMai 50100, Thailand
Tel. +66 (53) 839 260 / 261 / 262
Fax. +66 (53) 839 263

saen kham terrace Restaurant

This popular place is located in the
adjacent club house and it provides an
exquisite variety of the Thai and
Northern Thai cuisine in an atmosphere
of authentic Lanna art and culture.
Enjoy your meal in the air conditioned
interior or on the terrace while looking
over the nearly hills and rice paddies.
blog: Thaifood, Series, Inter Music

Koh Si Chang Si Racha City

Koh Si Chang is home to a mansion and other constructions from the time of King Rama V. Its close proximity to Bangkok has made this island popular with the Thai people for many years.
Location
By boat, Koh Si Chang is twelve kilometers from Si Racha. The island is eighteen square kilometers in size and is in its own Amphoe in Chonburi. It is said that the islanders live longer lives because of the lovely environment and weather.
Highlights

The Koh Si Chang Road:

This road leads to the top of the hill. Rickshaws are available here for all of your sightseeing needs.

Had Tham Phang: Had Tham Phang is a crescent-shaped
beach with a wavy coastline and spots for camping. It is widely considered to be the most picturesque beach on the island.


Chong Khao Khad: Chong Khao Khad is located on the backside of the island. The hills behind the sand are covered in bright green grass. During the summer, the color transforms into a brilliant gold. At dusk, this is a wonderful place to watch the sun disappear over the horizon.


The Historical Sites: There are many historical places of interest on this island including mansions, Wats, Chedis, and stone tablets outlying the island's history.


Buddha's Footprints: On top of the hill in the front of the island are replicas of the footsteps taken by the Lord Buddha. To see them, you will have to walk past San Chao Pho Khao Yai on your way up the hill. From this perch you will be able to see Koh Si Chang in its entirety as well as the island of Koh Kham. Since the viewpoint faces east, it is a perfect place to watch the rising sun.

How to Get There
From Bangkok, take Highway 3 past Si Racha City Hall to the Wang Hin Intersection. Turn right here and proceed to Soi
Fourteen. At the end you will find the Koh Si Chang Pier where you can take a ferry to the island. The boats leave every hour from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. You can return between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm. The ride takes about thirty minutes.
Si Chang Palace Hotel call: 0-3821-6276

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Ko Phi Phi Don :: Phi Phi Island spa&resort

KO Phi-Phi(Island Phi-Phi)

KO Phi-Phi-Don
Covers a total ares of 28 square kilometers: 8 kilometers in length and 3.5 at its broadest point.Covers a total ares of 28 square kilometers: 8 kilometers in length and 3.5 at its broadest point. At the north end is Cape Laem Tohng where there is a Chao Ley, or sea gypsy village. There sea gypsies emigrated from Koh Lipeh in Tarutao National Park, near the border with Malaysia. Diving at Laem Tohng is excellent, as it is also at Hua Rah Ket to the extreme south. There are long beaches with rocks scattered about Two curving bays are especially beautiful : Ton Sai and Loh Dalam. This is also where accommodations and tourist services are found.

KO Phi- Phi -Lay is smaller, 6.6 sq. kms. and promises a variety of different cultural experiences. Apart from the amazingly beautiful Maya Bay, where they filmed the movie 'The Beach' starring Leonardo Di Caprio. Colourful sea gypsies also live here and the cliffs are the home of the swallows who's nests are collected for the famous bird's nest soup. The many caves are full of historic and pre-historic relics and painting. Both these islands will provide a good opportunity to relax and explore.

A picture-postcard tropical island paradise, this resort offers 100 luxurious bungalows with Thai-style decor, tropical furniture, thatched roof and private verandah. Each sits in the shade of swaying palm trees on grassy grounds, and ceramic frangipani mosaics brighten the pathways between.

This is resort-style accommodation at its best. The Island Village is just that, a sort of village of its own, set apart in a secluded bay and accessible only by boat or a long hike over the hills. Facilities vary from the family-friendly and casual - there are lots of daily activities on offer - to romantic dining experiences and pampering spa treatments. The infinity pool blends seamlessly into the ocean, and the daily fresh flowers from the expansive gardens are artfully arranged throughout the resort. Polished wood, cool tile, crisp linen and all mod-cons in the rooms invite relaxing afternoon naps to escape the heat.

Hostelworld Description
Welcome to Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort & Spa, a 4.5 star tropical resort nestled amidst an atmosphere of natural tranquility surrounded by lush vegetation. Overlooking the spectacular scenery of the Andaman Sea lay the world renowned Phi Phi Islands. Soak up the ambient atmosphere of sea, sand and sunshine at the haven of serenity. Our world class hospitality and friendly staff assure your every need is catered for.

Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort & Spa offers a vast array of dining options with many other Resort facilities available for the comfort and convenience of our guests.

Dolphin Restaurant
Serving full American Buffet Breakfast daily on the terraced Restaurant that overlooks the serenity of Loh Ba Gao Bay.

Centre Bar
A quaint bar that is open all day until late evening for a place come to enjoy snacks & light refreshments on the open terrace.

Starfish Internet Cafe
A boutique coffee shop serving a variety of light refreshments and snacks as well as providing internet services in the comfort of an air-conditioned lounge

Facilities
Air conditioning
Wi-fi available
Breakfast included
24 hour reception
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Airport transportation
Fitness facility
Laundry facilities
In-House bar
Spa
Breakfast
Babysitting Service
Bureau de Change
Concierge
Luggage Storage
Travel Desk/Travel Info

Top hotel at the Hua Hin beach

Location:

Right at the long sandy beach. A perfect place for extended beach walks. A hotel shuttle is available to Hua Hin Town (5 km) and the sister resort "Anantara Resort & Spa" (for ea fee). During high tide the sea water sometimes reaches the embankment wall.

Facilities:
4 a-la-carte-restaurants are available as well as a bar- and snack-bar and a beauty saloon.
A generous pool area with children's pool and pool bar is situated in the well maintained tropical garden.

Accommodation:
All rooms got 1 king size bed or 2 queen size beds, bath/WC, A/C, Sat.-TV, hair dryer, phone, safe, mini-bar and balcony.
Available are Deluxe Garden View,
Deluxe Garden Terrace or Deluxe Sea View.

Sports & Recreation:
Fitness room (free). For a fee: 2 tennis hard courts. At the beach local providers offer water ski, banana boat and jet ski.
A very sophisticated designed "Madara Spa" offers massage packages and therapies.

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Bangkok Go-Go Bars

Bangkok Hot Spots

Bikini-clad dancing girls, over-the-top ladyboys and lewd, eye-popping shows... Yes, the Go-Go bars that earned Bangkok its worldwide notoriety are still alive and letting it all hang out. For better or worse, Bangkok's illustrious 'After Dark' reputation owes much to these spots.


The first area that springs to mind is Patpong. Nowadays, having become part of a wider entertainment scene that includes the popular Patpong Night Market, bars, nightclubs and a gay back street, it isn't the aggressive red-light district it once was.

Open-minded visitors, lured in by hard-selling touts and their curiosity, treat the infamous upstairs shows like a circus show, coming in for a quick look at the inventive performances, a giggle and a couple of overpriced drinks before heading off to continue their shopping or hit a nearby club (these performances are also dubbed 'ping-pong shows', and a lot of imagination isn't needed to guess the origins of this phrase.)

These are found predominantly at Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy, red light districts both situated on lower Sukhumvit Road. Depending on the current level of police interference, both offer explicit shows featuring girls in various stages of undress; usually uniforms, bikinis or pretty much nothing bar a coy smile and a dash of Burberry Weekend. Nana even has its own on-site 'guesthouse' for clients.

blog: Thaifood, Series, Inter Music

Koh Surin Island in Thailand

Mu Koh Surin National Park is paradise - fine white sandy beaches, thick jungle, crystal-clear waters, and the most extensive coral reef in Thailand. It is also home of the Moken Sea Gypsies. The park is the ideal place to go for people wanting to connect with nature in its most beautiful and pristine form, escaping traditional touristy beaches with their bars, noise, and crowds.

Many adventurous visitors to Thailand who has ever strapped on an aqualung knows that the islands of the Andaman Sea, near Phuket, exert a magnetic pull on diving enthusiasts and that the diving sites of the Similan National Park offer some of the best and colorful dives in Asia.

But there are many lesser-known, yet very spectacular diving areas along Thailand's stretching coastline of the Andaman Sea. To find a real jewel for divers, you have to go 100 kilometers north of the Similan Islands to find Mu Koh Surin National Park, close to the Burmese border on the southern coast of Phang-nga's Kuraburi district in Thailand.

The Mu Koh Surin islands resembles 5 dots of tropical rain forest in the middle of the ocean, each with an intoxicating "Paradise Fund" quality. Mu Koh Surin has been a National Marine Park since the year 1981, ensuring that the wonderful underwater life and corals are protected by the Thai government.

Mu Ko Surin National Park
Situated in Tambon Ko Phra Thong and covering an area of 84,375 rais (33,750 acres), Mu Ko Surin is an archipelago of 5 islands: Ko Surin Nuea, Ko Surin Tai, Ko Ri, Ko Khai, and Ko Klang. It was declared a national park on July 9, 1981. The archipelago is located in the Andaman Sea, near the Thai-Burmese sea border, to the west coast of Thailand. There are beautiful and unspoilt coral reefs; the area is suitable for snorkelling. The best time to visit is from November to April.

Ko Surin Nuea has several bays. The most well-known bay is Ao Mae Yai, the largest bay that offers calm waters. To the southeast of Ko Surin Nuea lies Ao Luek, which is so deep that the sea appears dark green, offering splendid shallow corals as well as sea weeds, sea flowers, coral lines, and various species of fish. Sea Gypsy Village, a Singha, or Morgan, Sea Gypsy tribe resides on the shore of Hat Sai En, Ko Surin Nuea. There are 130-150 sea gypsies who still hold on to their traditional ways of life and still live in their boats. On shore, there is a wooden sculpture resembling the Indian Totem Pole and is considered a sacred area. Every year, on the 15th day of the waxing moon in April, the sea gypsies in this village would worship their respected spirits. The event lasts for 3 days. Ao Mai Ngam, situated to the west of Ko Surin Nuea with the National Parks office nearby. There is a 2-kilometre walking path that you can take to enjoy the natural features of Hat Mai Ngam or you can take a longboat ride. The lovely bay provides fresh water and a long beach that is best for snorkelling and swimming. Ao Chak, situated to the north of Ko Surin Nuea. The bay possesses unspoilt coral reefs.

Interesting attractions on Ko Surin Tai include Ao Tao, situated to the east of the island. The bay is home to numerous sea turtles and magnificent coral reefs. Ao Phakkat, situated to the south of Ko Surin Tai. It is where unspoilt coral reefs can be seen.

Ko Klang or Ko Pachumba has a scenic bay called Ao Mangkon. The bay is teeming with splendid coral reefs and many schools of various kinds of fish.

Ko Khai or Ko Torilla, situated to the south of Ko Surin Tai. On the eastern side of the island there is a long stretch of unspoilt and picturesque coral reef. Snorkelling is the most recommended activity here.

blog: Thaifood, Series, Inter Music

Introduction to Cha-Am Phetchaburi

Thailand's longest white sand beach is the main feature of this lesser-known resort town only two hours outside of Bangkok.

Longest Beach
As most foreign beachgoers choose to stay at nearby Hua Hin, Cha-am is very much a Thai resort. 178 km from Bangkok, it is quiet on weekdays, busier on weekends and bustling on holidays. With no real center, the town stretches along the length of the white-sand beach, said to be Thailand's longest. However, the post office and market are near the train station, and these three landmarks constitute the old center.

Beachside Accommodation
The beach has plenty of deckchairs and umbrellas for rent, and beer, soft drinks and tasty seafood are available all day long from local vendors. After swimming in the sea, you can wash off with fresh water at one of the public bathhouses for a nominal charge. There is a good selection of accommodation set back from the beach, with small hotels for budget travelers and more luxurious big-name chains for those looking for something a bit more comfortable.

Summer Palace
Nine km south of Cha-am, the summer palace (Phra Ratchaniwet Marukhathayawan) of King Rama VI is open to the public through the gates of Rama VI Military Camp during government office hours (9.00 a.m. ' 4.30 p.m.). The palace consists of a series of one-and-two-floor units on stilts, linked by covered walkways. The whole structure is made of teak, with shuttered windows and tiled roofs similar to those of Vimanmek Mansion in Bangkok.

Mountain Climbing in Thailand

What is it about a mountain that make a person want to endeavor to get to the top? Is it the likelihood of an awe-inspiring view that awaits? Is it the feeling of accomplishment at doing something that not just anyone can do? Perhaps it’s a combination of the two, along with a realization that few, if any, have treaded this route before.

Mountains harbor the last bastion of old-growth and primary jungle in tropical Thailand and across the globe. Almost everything in nature that is beyond easy reach is still there in its pristine state. That is the bottom line. Unfortunately, humans across the world have altered nearly everything that was alterable. Nonetheless, pure nature can be yours. You can see the unaltered realm. In tropical Southern Thailand, the ground is supposed to be covered with greenery, big trees, water and rocks. Much of it still is.

Limestone preserves hidden valleys and lagoons. It is within this territory that pristine life exists. No one sees it; no one hears about it, until now.

The Top

There’s a feeling of tremendous excitement as you approach a summit. It doesn’t really matter whether you’ve climbed for two hours or eight; that feeling is there. Of course, if you’ve achieved a summit that you knew would push your personal envelope of physical fitness, there is a pride that also accompanies you to the top.

Each of us has goals in our lives. For some, a laid-back approach to life is fine; we can cruise by without ever really pushing the fragile wrapper at all. For the rest of us, there is that burning desire to do something that make us feel satisfied, feel satisfied that we have done something that few, if anyone, has done before. This is what PaddleAsia is offering you.

Difficulty Levels

PaddleAsia offers tropical mountain climbing trips of varying degrees of difficulty. For those who are fit and wish to accomplish a great feat of endurance and strength, we offer lengthy climbs with a lot of elevation change. You tell us what you are capable of and we’ll design a trip with that in mind. Like-minded and fit group trips are also available.

For those who want an easy climb up a gentle slope, we have plenty of trials that qualify. It’s not always about the push.

Destination

Khao Sok National Park has been our long-time favorite travel destination in Southern Thailand. Khao Sok covers an area of 740 square kilometers. The vast park shares borders with other smaller national parks like Sri Phang Nga National Park. Klong Saeng, Kaeng Krung and Klong Kakha wildlife sanctuaries share borders as well. The result is the largest area of protected land in Southern Thailand. Consequence, this is a vast enough area to give refuge to large mammals such as wild elephants, gaur (a wild cow), tapirs, bears, tigers and other cats.

Just imagine a land where the Great Hornbill is one of the most common birds seen. This massive tropical airborne beauty hosts a two-meter wingspan. Seeing it fly overhead is a treat; seeing it from above is magical! Envision a land where gibbons, a small ape with a cuddly nature, swing freely in towering trees. Their acrobatic skills exceed those of the best Olympic athletes by leaps and bounds. Gibbons also have this misfortune, they are cute when young. The result is the babies are often captured for the illegal animal trade. That aside, very large numbers of White-handed Gibbons survive in the wilds of Southern Thailand. Orchids are abundant in remote parts of Thailand. They are poached relentlessly across the globe. The only places where you’ll find them in the proper abundance is in areas that are hard to reach, i.e., at elevated heights. In other words, if you want to see nature in her purest state, you’ve got to earn it. The degree to which you ‘earn’ it, is up to you. PaddleAsia offers all levels.

Tropical Mountain Climbing

Mountain climbing is often associated with cold weather, frostbite and breathing difficulties. Tropical mountain climbing is very rewarding and there is very little suffering. Of course, hardships are a bit of what genuine mountain climbing is about. If it was dead easy, everyone would do it.

The mountain climbing gear needed to climb tropical mountains is much less bulky. The limestone karst formations that make up the majority of mountains in Thailand are often sharp and brittle. Most of the technical rock climbing tour operators in Southern Thailand choose to bolt climbing routes as a result. There are ethics involved in this as some climbers feel that bolting a route alters the natural look of the rock. That aside, our goal is to reach the summits. The method is not as much a concern as the end result. We often utilize trees for both holds and in the case of vertical sections on more strenuous mountain climbing routes we offer, we use trees for roped protection.

Safety Issues

Safety is of course paramount as injury and evacuation is a serious issue due to the remote nature of the areas where we operate. We have radio contact with the necessary rescue organizations. All PaddleAsia staff are CPR and first aid trained by local hospitals.

The time of year can change the difficulty level of some climbs. For example, a dry route on a certain mountain might be easy. But when wet, this same route could prove to be rather difficult.

At all times, caution must be taken. Three points of contact is a general rule in climbing. In other words, only one limb, be it foot or hand, should be moving at one time. That way, if you slip, the three other holds would be enough to support your weight.



blog: Thaifood, Series, Inter Music

BAAN TALING NGAM, MANDARIN ORIENTAL IN CHIANG MAI

You know that you have reached LJj paradise when your plane touches (LS down on one of the world's most charming airports. A colourful buggy takes you from the airstrip past blooming bougainvillaea to a group of thatched huts, your luggage arrives seconds after: this is Samui Airport, on the tropical island paradise of Koh Samui.

You are greeted with a refreshing cold towel graciously presented to you by your limousine driver, who then takes you on a scenic coastal route to the island's finest hotel.
As you approach the tiny fishing village of Taling Ngam on the south-western coast of the island, two mighty stone elephants appear amidst the never ending coconut groves. Perched high on top of a cliff, like an eagle's nest overlooking the Gulf of Thailand — Baan Taling Ngam, your home on the beautiful cliff.

The resort cascades down the cliff to the beach below and comprises various styles of accommodation. Deluxe Rooms and Deluxe Salas are located in the main building and command towering views over the azure waters and the 50 islands of Ang Thong Marine Park on the horizon. All rooms are furnished in contemporary Thai style and feature large, private balconies and sensuous bathrooms. A few steps from the beach are seven Beach Suites, two-bedroom bungalows with adjacent living rooms and wooden verandas, ideal for young families.

Behind the main hotel, nestled between slender coconut trees and landscaped gardens, are the luxurious and individually appointed Cliff Villas, located high above the sea and boasting 240 square metres of space, each with two bedrooms and large balconies. Clustered in villages around series of smaller,private pools, each Cliff Villa is a sanctuary.

In this peaceful seclusion, time becomes unimportant. You are soon enveloped by the harmony and tranquillity of island life, the only audible sounds are those of swaying coconut trees and the tinkle of temple bells carried by the breeze. At sunset, one of nature's most wonderful spectacles unfolds.
Mandarin Oriental's legendary touches of luxury are everywhere; from the crisp linen sheets and fluffy towels, to the impressive array of amenities in the bathroom. Each accommodation is equipped with a state-of-the-art audio and video system, complemented by a video and CD library.

Gracious and welcoming staff are eager to pamper and please you, proud to live up to the heralded traditions of their sister hotel, The Oriental in Bangkok Facilities at Baan Taling Ngam range from the sublime to the sporting. Sipping cocktails around one of seven pools or in the Jacuzzi is wonderfully relaxing. A therapeutic massage is the ultimate way to rejuvenate body and soul.
The more energetic can jog along the mile-long private and palm-fringed beach or enjoy a game of tennis on one of the hotel's private courts, beautifully located in a peaceful coconut grove.

Every morning the local staff escort their guests on an early morning biking trip to the nearby fishing villages. What a delightful way to start the day! Scuba divers find their base at the in-house PADI licensed diving school, which is fully equipped with its own luxury 18-metre dive boat. TJne less daring will enjoy a snorkelling trip by speedboat to the Ang Thong Marine Park, to see of Thailand's colourful marine life; or they may take "long-tail" boat outings along the coast or the magical sunset cruise to the Birds' Nest islands of Koh Si and Koh Ha.

Dining at Baan Taling Ngam is an experience on its own. Seafood lovers will delight in the array of the island's choice of fresh seafood, ranging from lobsters, rock lobsters, prawns, squids and crabs to Koh Samui's famous spotted Garoupas. These magnificent fish grace the noble tables of places as far away as Hong Kong. Lorn Talay, which translates as "Sea Breeze", serves Royal Thai cuisine and Western grill fare in a delightful alfresco setting. Close to the beach is the Promenade, a seafood restaurant for more casual and romantic evenings. You can meet for aperitifs or adjourn there for after-dinner drinks and a stunning view of the setting sun.

From the balcony of your room you see fishing boats disappear into the horizon. The sound of temple bells are carried by the evening breeze. You feel at peace and in harmony with life.
Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi
51/4 Chiang Mai-Sankampaeng Road,
Moo 1, T. Tasala, A. Muang, Chiang Mai 50000

blog: Thaifood, Series, Inter Music

Khaosan road in Bangkok

The word Khaosan in Thai means rice, this use to be a place where rice are sold (uncooked) that's where the name came from. Now it is the gate way for economy class tourist where cheap accommodations and active night life is offered.

The night life in Kaosan is very lively from cheap street side restaurants to large establishments. The ambiance is quite unique a mixture of foreign tourist and young locals in a present day street side Bangkok setting with international music.
Many services are offered here from hair beads services to 10 baht Padthai (Thai stir fried noodles).
It is a nice place for people watching. It is a gathering place of people from all over the world. People from each country with different culture and background are unique. If you are an observer you will see a behavior pattern which will identify the origin of people from each country. Just sit have a beer and relax enjoy watching the world go by.

Address:
Kaosan Road. Phranakorn,
bangkok 10200

Important numbers
Police emergency: 191
Tourist Police: 0 7742 1281
Tourist Police - Emergency: 1155
Fire Department: 106
Bangkok Hospital: 0 7742 9500
Samui Hospital: 0 7742 1232
Immigration: 0 7742 1069

blog: Thaifood, Series, Inter Music

The Salawin River Mae Hong Son

The Salawin River originates in Tibet. During the winter, you can feel the peace and serenity flowing as the water meanders its way south.

Location The Salawin River creates the border between Thailand and Myanmar. This river flow through Amphoe Mae Sariang, and Amphoe Mae La Noi in the Mae Hong Son Province, before crossing the border into Myanmar. The total distance the river covers from Tibet to Myanmar is 3,151 kilometers. The length passing through Thailand is 120 kilometers.

Highlights

Traveling Down the River: Traveling down the river is perhaps the best way to see the area. During its 120 kilometers path, the river goes through Amphoe Mae La Noi, in the Salawin Wildlife Sanctuary and through the Salawin National Park. From here, a boat trip down the Moei River to the Tha Tafang Ranger Unit takes about one hour.
This Unit has the best accommodations for tourists in the area. However, you need to keep in mind that the Moei River is the border between Thailand and Myanmar, so at night, it is best to stay on the Thai side.

How to Get There
From the town of Mae Sariang, take Highway 1194 to Ban Mae Sam Laeb for fifty kilometers. The pier for the Salawin River is in Ban Sob Moei. Ban Sob Moei is also the location of the National Park Office.
To contact the Salawin National Park call: 0-1341-4145

blog: Thaifood, Series, Inter Music

Pha Taem Ubon Ratchathani

When in Ubon Ratchathani, it is essential to visit Pha Taem. Here you will be able to see spectacular waterfalls and visit the Thai/Laos border.
Location
Pha Taem is located in Amphoe Khong Chiam, Amphoe Si Muang Mai and Amphoe Pho Sai in the Ubon Ratchathani Province. The National Park Office is in Amphoe Khong Chiam.

Highlights
Pha Taem: Pha Taem is a majestic cliff, housing paintings that date 3,000-4,000 years old.
Pha Chek and Pha Moei: Pha Chek and Pha Moei also have paintings, but fewer than Pha Taem.


The SoiSawan andSaeng Chan WaterfallsiThe Soi Sawan and Saeng Chan waterfalls are both beautiful and famous in the province of Ubon Ratchathani.
The Pha Chanadai: This cliff, in addition to its beauty is a perfect place to watch the sunrise. Since it faces the east, this is the first spot where the sun shines on Thailand.

How to Get There
From Ubon Ratchatani, take Highway 217 to Khong Chiam. Drive for sixty kilometers until you reach the Khong Chiam-Khemmarat Road. Turn here and continue on for fifteen kilometers until you reach the National Park Office. The total distance from Ubon Rachatani is eighty kilometers.
To contact the Pha Taem National Park call: 0-4524-9780

blog: Thaifood, Series, Inter Music