Thailand is a southeast Asian, predominantly Buddhist kingdom almost equidistant between India and China. For centuries known by outsiders as Siam, Thailand has been something of a southeast Asian migratory, cultural and religious cross- roads. With an area of some 510,000 square kilometers and a population of some 57 million , Thailand is approximately the same size as France. Thailand shares borders with Myanmar to the west and north, Laos to the north-east, Kampuchea to the west, and Malaysia to the south. Geographically speaking , Thailand is divided into six major regions : the mountainous north where elephants work forests and winter temperatures are sufficiently cool to permit cultivation of temperate fruits such as strawberries and peaches; the sprawling north-east plateau, largely bordered by the Mekong River, where the world’s oldest Bronze Age civilization flourished some 5,000 years ago; the central plain , one of the world’s most fertile rice and fruit growing areas; the eastern coastal plain , where fine sandy beaches support the growth of summer resorts; western mountains and valleys, suitable for the development of hydro-electric power; and the peninsular south where arresting scenic beauty complements economically vital tin mining, rubber cultivation and fishing.
Climate
Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with 3 distinct seasons – summer from March through May, rainy with plenty of sunshine from June to September and cool from October through February. The average annual temperature is 28 iC (83 iF), ranging, in Bangkok, for example , from 30 iC in April to 25 iC in December.
Time
Time in Thailand is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+7).
Archaeological discoveries around the north-east hamlet of Ban chiang suggest that the world’s oldest Bronze Age civilization was flourishing in Thailand some 5600 years ago. Successive waves of immigrants, including Mons, Khmers and thais, gradually entered the land mass now known as Thailand, most slowly traveling along fertile river valleys from southern china. By the 11th and 12th centuries , Khmers ruled much of the area from Angkor. By the early 1200s, Thais had established small northern city states in Lanna, Phayao and Sukhothai. In 1238, two thai chieftains rebelled against Khmer suzerainty and established the first truly independent thai kingdom in Sukhothai(literally, ‘Dawn of Happiness’). Sukhothai saw the Thai’s gradual expansion throughout the entire Chao Phraya River Basin , the establishment of Theravada Budhism as the paramount Thai religion, the creation of the Thai alphabet and the first expression of nscent Thai art forms, including painting , sculpture, architecture and literature. Sukhothai declined during the 1300s and eventually became a vassal state of Ayutthaya, a dynamic young kingdom further south in the Chao Phraya River Valley. Founded in 1350, Ayuthaya remained the Thai Capital until 1767 when it was destroyed by Burmese invaders. During Ayutthaya’s 417 years as the capital , under the rule of 33 kings , the Thais brought their distinctive culture to full fruition, totally rid their lands of Khmer presence and fostered contact with Arabian , Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and European powers.
Ayutthaya’s destruction was as severe a blow to the Thai’s as the loss of Paris or London would have been to the French or English. However, a Thai revival occurred within a few months and the Burmese were expelled by King Taksin who later made Thon Buri his capital. In 1782, the first king of the present Chakri dynasty, Rama I , established his new capital on the site of a riverside hamlet called Bangkok (Village of Wild Plums). Two Chakri monarchs, Mongkut(Rama IV) who reigned between 1851 and 1868, and his son Chulalongkorn (Rama V, 1868-1910) saved Thailand from western colonization through adroit diplomacy and selective modernization. Today, Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, since 1932, Thai kings including the present monarch, H.M.King Bhumipol Adulyadej have exercised their legislative powers through a national assembly, their executive powers through a cabinet headed by a prime minister , and their judicial powers through the law courts.
Tipping is not a usual practice in Thailand although it is becoming more common. Most hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill. Taxi drivers do not require a tip, but the gesture is appreciated. It is customary to tip porters and hotel personnel who have given good personal service. A 10%-15% tip is appreciated in restaurants, particularly where service charge is waived.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand receives over 1,000 complaints a year about fake jewelry purchases. To avoid being a statistic , you must stay alert to the warning signs of a swindle at work. Heeding our warning could help you stave off unpleasant surprises and make your vacation what it should be – full of sparkle.
Thai silks , Cottons, nylon ware, silverware, bronzeware, pottery and celadon, pewter ware, precious stones and finished jewelry, and a dazzling range of folk handicrafts make memorable gifts and souvenirs; international standard readymade sports and leisurewear is inexpensive; and quality tailors and dressmakers offer reliable 24-hour services in Bangkok and major tourism destinations.
Thailand and Bangkok have developed into one of the best and most popular shopping locations in Asia , and with good reason. Prices are low, quality generally high and the range and variety is pretty amazing – silks, gemstones, tailor-made clothes and traditional handicrafts are all highlights of Bangkok shopping. Most shops seem to be open 10.00 am to 10.00 pm everyday of the week, and night markets carry on even after this time – all very convenient in being able to go shopping at basically any time you want. Buying a shopping map is very useful in order to get the most out of shopping in Bangkok.
Patpong night marketis very popular with tourists, but there’s no real good reason why. It’s got the same combination of souvenirs, fake brand name items and cheap clothes as in any tourist area in the city, but prices are way over the going rate. Bargaining very hard is essential to get a good deal and the touts for the go-go bars that Patpong is most famous for are persistent, annoying and can be aggressive. Patpong is between Silom and Surawong roads, and any taxi driver will know it.
Pratunam marketis situated by the intersection of Ratchaprarop and Phetburi (Phetchaburi) roads, very near to the Amari Watergate hotel. This is notable as perhaps the best place in Bangkok to buy cheap clothes, fabrics and textiles – wholesalers and exporters buy here, as well as individual consumers. The market is not on the main road, look for the entrances that lead to it behind the shops.
Banglamphu marketextends over Phra Surnen road, Chakrapong road and others nearby. Despite it’s proximity to tourist Khao San road, this is still mainly a market frequented by locals to buy clothes. house- hold accessories etc...There’s a separate market on Khao San road itself, which sells anything the foreign backpacker could need including backpacks, stereos, pirate CD’s, books, clothes, traveling accessories etc...
Narrow Sampeng Lane (also known as Soi Wanit) in Chinatown is an interesting place to wander down, and has a colorful history of murders, drugs gang wars and prostitution. Nowadays, it’s rather less dangerous as a primarily wholesale market, though you’re not likely to find much that you want to buy - on sale are fabrics, textiles, preserved food, household and kitchen accessories, spices, cheap toys etc...
Pahurat cloth market, in ‘Little India’ next to Chinatown. It’s basically yet another wholesale market for textiles, and there’s a wide selection of all sorts of fabrics, sarongs, textiles and clothes available. The market has mainly clothes, among them a wide selection of from all over Asia.
Chatuchak Weekend Market Though there are many markets throughout Bangkok, Chatuchak Weekend Market is still pretty much the undisputed king of them all. The scale ofit is pretty unbelievable - it covers an area of 70 rai (35 I acres), contains more than 15 000 shops and stalls, has over 200 000 visitors each day, and they spend an estimated total of3O million baht (approx US$750 000). The range of products on sale is extensive, and includes household accessories, handicrafts, religious artifacts, art, antiques, live animals (which unfortunately are frequently caged in cruel conditions), books, music, clothes, food, plants and flowers etc... The Nopponte Japanese Restaurant offers Japanese food on the 2nd floor of Terminal 2. News, books and speciality shopping are available in the airport. A range of shops are located in the 3rd floor Departure Hall. Souvenirs, books and electrical appliances are available from King Power Tax Free, Bangkokgreen is a florist and International Products sells fruit and fruit products. Shanghai Goldsmith is a clothing store. Perfume, cigarettes and alcohol are available from the two Duty Free shops, Airport Duty Free and King Power Duty Free. The Terminal 2 parking building offers convenient shopping opportunities for everyday necessities: it houses a drug store, a convenience store and a supermarket.
There are 3 bank branches in the airport. The Thai Military Bank is located on the ground floor of Central Block; the Bangkok Bank is located on the 2nd floor of Terminal 2 and the Krung Thai Bank is located on the 2nd floor of Terminal 1. Banks Offer ATMs (Automatic Telling Machines) and currency exchange counters in the Arrival and Departure Halls of Terminal 1 , Terminal 2 and the Domestic Passenger Terminal. There are also Currency Exchange bureaus and currency vending machines in the same areas.
Goods purchased in Thailand are VAT inclusive but you can receive your VAT refund if only you purchase goods from shops that show VAT Refund For Tourists sign. For Further information can be obtained from the participating stores or at the Revenue Department. E-mail Address : vrefund@pasi.rd.go.th Website : www.rd.go.th/vrt
Ayutthaya is 76 kilometers north of Bangkok and boasts numerous magnificent ruins. Such ruins indicate that Ayutthaya was one of Indo - China's most prosperous cities. Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya a Historical Park, a vast stretch of historical site in the heart of Ayutthaya city, has been included in UNESCO's list of world heritage since 13 December ,1991. Ayutthaya covers 2,556 square kilometers, and is administratively divided into 16 districts (Amphoes). It is conveniently accessible due to good roads and a short distance from Bangkok.
Bang Pa-In Palace
This palace is located in Tambon Bang Len, Amphoe Bang Pa - In, 18 kilometers south of Ayutthaya. It lies 58 kilometers north of Bangkok by rail, 61 kilometers by road. To access to Bang Pa-In from Ayutthaya, one can go by Phahonyothin Road and make a right turn at Km.35 for another distance of 7 kilometers to Bang Pa-In Palace. Originally, Bang Pa-In was a riverine island. When Prasat Thong became the Ayutthaya king (1630 - 1655), he had the Chumphon Nikayaram Temple built on his family estate. Later, he had a palace built on a lake in the middle of the island where he could periodically reside. The palace, surrounded by a lake 400 meters long and 40 meters wide, and the Chumphon Kikarayam temple, are all that remain of King Prasat Thong's construction work at Bang Pa-In.Bang Pa-In was used as a country residence by every Ayutthaya monarch after King Prasat Thong. But when the new capital was established in Bangkok. Bang Pa-In ceased to be used and was left unoccupied for 80 years. It was only during King Mongkut’s reign (1851-1868) that Bang Pa-In was again visited by kings. King Mongkut stayed there and had a house built in the old palace’s compound. His son, King Chulalongkorn (1868-1910) liked the place, stayed there every year and constructed the royal palace as it is now seen today.
Wat Phra Sri Sanphet
Wat Phra Mahathat
Wat Ratchaburana
Wihan Phramongkhon Bophit
Elephant Lae Pavilion
The pavilion, utilized as the royal seat to witness the elephant round up, is located 4 kilometres from the city along Highway No. 309. The outlook is a big cage surrounded with logs having, from the front centre, fencing lines of 45 degrees spread out to both sides far away into the jungle area. Around the kraal itself, is an earthen wall with bricks to the height of the pillars’top. Behind the kraal currently seen was renovated in the year 1957.
Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
This is on Rochana Road, opposite the city wall. It houses various antique bronze Buddha images and famous carved panels. a receptacle at the Thai pavilion contains relics of lord Buddha and objects of art more that 500 years old. The museum also has a substantial collection of local artifacts.
Ayutthaya Sightseeing Tour
Tour Name: Ayutthaya-Acient Capital of Thailand by road (Full day)
Pick up Time : 08.00 a.m. at hotel Duration of Tour : 08.00 a.m. – 04.30 p.m. Depart for Ayutthaya, Visit Bang-Pa-In Summer Palace : Summer Palace of Thai Kings since the 17 th century with its wealthy of collection of Thai, Chinese, and European artifacts and varied architectural styles. Then, proceed to Wat Phananchoeng, Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, you can see its large pagodas, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, outstanding monastery in grand palace.
Note : Please do not wear shorts, sandals or no-sleeves.
Pick up Time : 08.00 a.m. at hotel Duration of Tour : 08.00 a.m. – 12.00 a.m. Learning about rural life in the tropics is easy at the Bang Sai Royal Folks Arts and Crafts Centre.Watch demonstrations of how silk is woven and wood carved. Join in the fun as couples shed light on traditional wedding ceremonies and other customs. The centre was set up by Her Majesty the Queen's Support Foundation.
Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
Wat Pho
Dusit Zoo
Wat Arun
The Golden Mount
Jim Thompson Thai House
Safari World
Pasteur Institute or Snake Farm
Siam Ocean World
Siam Nirimit
Dream World & Snow Town
Nearby Attractions
Samphran Elephant Ground & Zoo
Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm and Zoo
The Rose Garden
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Koh Kred
Bangkok Sightseeing Tour
Tour Name: Royal Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha (Half day)
Note : Please do not wear shorts, sandals or no-sleeves, camera may not used inside the buildings.
Tour Name: Temples and Bangkok City Tour (Half day)
Tour Name: Bangkok Canal Tour (Half day)
Tour Name: Ancient City (Half day)
Tour Name: The Landmark of Bangkok Tour (Full day)
Tour Name: Safari Open Zoo & Marine World & Animal Show (Full day)
Tour Name: Dream World (Full day)
Tour Name: Siam Niramit World Class Spectacular (By night)
Tour Name: Sampran Elephant & Crocodile Show (Half day)
Tour Name: Damnern Saduak Floating Market (Half day)
Tour Name: Koh Kred Tour (Full day)
Tour Name:Rose Garden & Thai Cultural Dancing Show (Half day)
Hua Hin Railway Station
Khao Takiap
Namtok Pa La-u
Ko Singo
Hua Hin Arts and Crafts Centre
Phra Ratchaniwet Maruekkhathaiyawan Palace
Suan Son Pradipaht or Sea Pine Tree Garden
Hat Khao Tao
Sam Roi Yot national Park
Wat Phra Sing
Wat Chiang Man
Wat Ku Tao
Wat Chedi Luang
Chiangmai City Arts and Cultural Center
Huai Kaeo Arboretum
Wat Suan Dok
Wat Ched Yod
Wat U-mong
Chiangmai National Museum
Namtok Huay Kaew
Doi Pui Trible Village
Phuphing Palace
Insect and Natural Wonders Museum
Kad Suan Kaew Art & Cultural Centre
Night Bazaar
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Doi Inthanon National Park
Ban Hmong Mae Sa Mai
Mae Sa Waterfall
Lanna Wood carving Art Museum
Doi Ang Khang
Fang Hot Springs
Chiangmai Night Safari
Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden
Supha Bee Farm
Tribal Museum
King Meng Rai the Great Monument
Ku Phra Chao Meng Rai
Wat Phra That Doi Thong
Wat Phra Singha
Mae Kok River
Wat Phra Kaew
The Golden Triangle
Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall
Chiang Saen National Museum
Doi Mae Salong
Mekong River Trips
Hot Spring
Hilltribe Development & Welfare Centre
Khao Khanap Nam
Tham Sue or "Tiger Cave"
Tham Sadet
Sa Kaeo
Composed of eight small natural swamps in a vast valley of Tambon Khao Thong. This forms part of a park which is being turned into recreational area. Sa Kaeo is accessible by the Krabi-Nai Sa route (Highway No.4034), a distance of 28 kms.
Hat Noppharat Thara
Fossil Shell Beach
Ao Nang
Koh Lanta
Note : This program can be change without prior notice due to sea and water
Note : Each boat has toilet, radio, snorkelling equipment (life jacket, mask and snorkel) and fresh water shower.
Note : This program can be change without prior notice due to sea and water condition.
Ko Lan
Elephant Village
Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum
The Million Years Stone Park and Pattaya Crocodile Farm
Lakeland Water Cable Ski
Mini Siam
Nongnooch Tropical Garden
Bamrung Sailing and Paramotor Centre
Alangkarn The Extravaganza Show
Pattaya Water Park
Cabarets Show
Pattaya