Kanchanaburi : The famous Bridge on the River Kwai is located in Kanchanaburi province, not for
from the city center. In 1942, the Japanese started work on a railway from thailand to Burma through the river valley for a distance of about 400 kilometers.For the difficult work, the Japanes
eforced roughly 250,000 Asian laborers and 61,000 Allied prisoners-of-war to construct 260 kilometers of rail on the Thai side. 100,000 Asian laborors and 16,000 Allied prisoners lost their lives during that period. The original bridge is no longer exist, and the
present one is for railway use and allow people and motorcycle to cross. You can visit there the JEATH War Museum and the War Cemetery.
In Kanchanaburi province EGAT (The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand) has three hydroelectric dams in operation : Srinagarind Dam is a multi-purpose project located at
Amphoe Srisawat and releases water for downstream dam at Tha Tung Na. Tha Tung Na Dam is a regulating dam and also produce electric power. The Khao Laem Dam is
another multi-purpose hydro-electric project at Amphoe Thong Pha Pum. EGAT has guest houses at Srinagarind and Khao Laem Dams including golf courses.
|
|
 |
Ayutthaya Province, the ancient old capital of Thailand, is only about 71 kilometers from Bangkok.
The main Buddha icon at Wat Phra Mongkol Bophit , the first temple on the way, is one of Thailand's largest bronze statues.
Wat Panan Choeng, located on the riverside, houses a very large Buddha image "Luang Po To", which is the main attraction of this temple.
Wat Maheyong is a very interesting temple with many ruins all over the place. It is under restoration.
Phra Chedi Sisuriyothai is the memorial to Sondet Phra Srisuriyothai, the Thai heroine in the Atytthaya period. She was the Queen of Somdet Phra Mahajakrapat, the king of
Ayutthaya.
Monument of King Naresuan the Great is newly constructed and completed by the end of 1999. Nearby is Wat Phu Khao Thong or the Golden Mount.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the royal palace was located here from the establishment
of Ayutthaya in the reign of King Rama- thibodi 1(1350 A.D.). Later on a Wat was built in 1448 A.D. as a monastic area.
|
Wat Mahathat was a royal monastery and has been the seat of the Sangaraja, the head of the Buddhist monks of the Kamavasi sect, since the time of the Mahathera
Thammakanlayan, who was a contemporary of King Borommarachathirat 1, who built the wat. The temple was restored once again during the reign of King Borommakot when four porticos of the main prang
were added. In 1767 when Ayutthaya was sacked the wat was burnt and has since then been in ruins.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet is the most important temple within the Royal Palace compound and would be the equivalent to the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok's Grand Palace. The royal palace was
located here from the establishment of Ayutthaya. |
|
 |
Phitsanulok : Located in the northern part of Thailand, Phitsanulok is famous for many things such as the ancient places as
Shrine of King Naresuan the Great and its beautiful scenery. There are many temples,natural park with waterfalls that you 'll surely enjoy to visit.
Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat , usually called "Wat Yai",is the most important monastery of Phitsanulok. The monastery was built in 1357 . It houses the Phra buddha Chinnarat relics,
and one of the most beautiful Buddha Image in Thailand.
Wat Ratcha Bhurana and Wat Nang Phaya ares located on the East Nan river side near Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat. Thet were built by the King Borom Tri Lokganard when Phitsanulok was the capital for
25 years in Ayuthya Era. Wat Nang Phaya is famous for its small images of Buddha that were found in 1901 and 1954.
Wat Chedi Yod Thong is only one temple remaining outside Phitsanulok walls. This temple was built during Sukothai Era.
Wat Chula Manee is the most important temple in Phitsanulok. Located on the East Nan river side, south of Phitsanulok about 5 kilometers, this Khmer pagoda was built before Sukothai
Era. |
House boat is a typical way of life in Phitsanulok, people gather together to stay on house boats and house rafts along both sides of the Nan river. Hundred of houses
lay afloat in river. Klong life in Bangkok is different from what you will see there.
Bung Rachanok Swamp is an old swamp lying on 4000 rais. Bung Rachanok was renovated in 1994 and has become a popular tourist attraction in Phitsanulok.
Namtok Chatrakan is a huge seven-level waterfall with sandstone cliffs into a pool surrounded by sandy beaches. Namtok Chatrakan National Park is in the north east of Phitsanulok
province and covers some 545 sq km of hills leading at 2,102m at the Thai-Lao border.
Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park covers 310 sq km of rugged mountains up to 1,700 m. With sheer cliffs at the south east of Namtok Chatrakan and straddles on the other side. The park
was the scene of bloody battles against Communist insurgents and the scars of the fighting can still be seen in places.
There are beautiful waterfalls at Rom Klao Pradan and Man Daeng. Park and accommodations and tents for rent are available in the sites. |
|
 |
Sukhothai was the first Kingdom of the Thais in this peninsula, founded in 1238, and was the capital of Thailand for 120 years.
Ramkhamhaeng National Park (Khao Luang), located at Khirimat District, approximately 36 kms from Sukhothai city, consists in high hills and steep cliffs, some 1,200 meters above sea
level. Waterfalls, different species of plants and wildlife are some of the major attractions for tourists. There are also the archaeological and historical sites with ancient remains.
The Ramkhamhaeng National Museum is located in the Sukhothai Historical Park area and opened on 25 January, 1964. The museum collection includes gifts from the ex-abbot of Wat
Ratchathani and art objects unearthed in Sukhothai and nearby provinces. The Sukhothai
Historical Park is located 12 km from town on Sukhothai-Tak Highway. The Ruins of the royal
palaces, Buddhist temples, the city gates, walls moats, dams, ditches, ponds, canals are now preserved and restored by the Fine Arts Department with the cooperation of UNESCO.
Phra Mae Ya Shrine is located in front of the City Hall and is highly respected by Sukhothai residents. It houses an Idol of Phra Mae Ya, a stone figure with a white face and long
hair, and dressed as an ancient Queen. The Idol is about 1 meter high and supposed to have been built during King Ramkhamhaeng's reign as a dedication to his late mother Nang Suang. Phra Mae Ya
festival is held in February. Along with shops selling local products, exhibitions and shows.
The Wall of The Old City: is in the center of the historical park in Tambon Muang Kao and surrounded by earthen ramparts. The walls contain four main gates. A stone inscription
mentions that Kings Ramkhamhaeng set up a bell at one of the gates. If his subjects needed help they would ring the bell and the king Would come out to settle in disputes and dispense
justice.
|
The Royal Palace, in the center of the town, is surrounded by a moat and contains two main compounds; the royal building and the sanctuary in the palace.
Wat Chana-Songkhram is located at the north of Wat Mahathat Its main sanctuary is round Singhalese-style chedi.
Wat Sa-Si is located near Wat Chanasongkhram. Built in Singhalese-style chedi, there i is the main sanctuary in the middle of Trakuan Pond. A large viharn contains a Buddha
image.
Si Satchanalai Historical Park is located in Muang kao, 52 kms from Sukhothai City. It is registered by UNESCO in the World Heritage List.
San-Ta-Pha-Daeng or Deity Shrine is situated at the north of Wat Mahathat. This Monument consists in one prang with a staircase in the front. Sandstone Hindu divines were discovered
there.
King Ramkhamhaeng Monument homes the bronze statue of King Ramkhamhaeng sitting on a throne with a base relief recording his life.
Wat Mai, this temple, built in Ayutthaya style, has a brick viharn as the main sanctuary. The columns are made of laterite and a bronze image of the Buddha under a Naga was found
there, it is now preserved in the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum.
Wat Traphang-Thong ,which houses the Lord Buddha?s Footprint is located at the east of Wat Mahathat The monastery is located on an island in the middle of a large pond. A ruined
laterite Singhalese-style chedi is on the island. |
|
 |
Mae Hong Son, Thailand’s second northern capital is surrounded by several high mountains and enjoys a cool climate almost
all year . Until a few years ago, the town was pretty isolated but now, the town is much visited by tourists. Mae Hong Son Province is bordered by Burma at the north and west and you can feel the
Burmese influence in the temples and other buildings.
Wat Phrathat Doi Kong Mu is on top of Doi Kong Mu mountain, dominating the city. Built by the first King of Mae Hong Son, the hilltop temple affords a wonderful view of the town and
surrounding mountains and valleys. It is one of the many Burmese-style temples around Mae Hong Son,
Wat Hua Wiang contains the image of Phra Chao Pha Ra La Kheng, a replica of a famous Buddha image in Burma.
Wat Chong Khum houses paintings and wood carvings which were brought from Burma almost 100 years ago.
Wat Phra Non houses a huge 12m (39ft) long Burmese-style Reclining Buddha statue. Two massive stone lions guard the temple staircase.The temple also houses ashes of Mae Hong Son
kings.
Wat Kitti Wong along the Highway 108, at the south of the city, houses Buddha relics brought from Chiang Mai, as well as manuscripts about relations between Burma and the Lannatai
kingdom. The ancient records were discovered into the Phra Daeng Cave.
Wat Moi To , in Ban Khun Yuam, south of the city on Highway 108, has a huge and beautiful northern-style pagoda. |
Pha Bong Dam, at about 12km south of the town of Mae Hong Son, on the shores of Mae Ra Mat River.
Pha Bong and Nam Hu Hai Chai waterfalls are near the dam along Highway 108, at the south of the city
Mae Hu and Mae La Ka Hot Waterfalls, near Highway 108, at the south of the town , have water hot enough to boil eggs. In the vicinity are several caves.
Pha Sua Waterfall is a picturesque 7-level cataract at Pha Sua Forest Park, about 30 km at the north of the city, on the Highway 1095, To be visited between August and September.
At Tham Pla Forest Park, 17 km north of the city on Highway 1095, numerous fish can be seen in streams inside the cave.
Lot Cave Forest Park is about 70km north of the city, 8km after the Highway 1095, antiques and pre-historic remains have been found. Beautiful stalagmites and stalactites can be
seen.
Hill Tribes. Tribal Development and Assistance Center near Doi Mae Ho, south of the city, on the Highway 108, is a scenic area with colorful flower plantations. Most of the
hill-tribe people who live here are of Karen ancestry. you can also find a peaceful Meo tribal village near the Thai-Burmese border, 60 km north of the city. |
|
|
Koh Chang is the largest of the well preserved 52 islands of the Marine National Park and is actually the second largest island
in the whole of Thailand behind Phuket, and this wild paradise is only about 330 kilometers east of Bangkok. Despite this, the archipel still remains untouched and wild. Nearly 75% of the Marine Park
is now protected by law. Koh Chang Offers many beaches:
As the thai name Had Sai Khao means, White Sand Beach is a long beach of powdery white sand. Located at the northern west end of Koh Chang, it leans on about 2.5 kilometres
long, lined by rocks, palms and broad-leaved trees. The southern 1.5 kilometre long area, located at the road, is during the season the busiest part of the island, especially in the evening, when it
transforms into a playground. There are many restaurants, bars, supermarkets, small shops and massage-shops and a small clinic.Bang Bao Bay (Aow Bang Bao) is a nice1km long bay,
located at the southwest end of Koh Chang. The beach has clear waters with rocks and corals .
A good place to snorkel, swim and fish. The fishing village, built on stakes far out into the bay is now
a popular place. You will find many seafood restaurants and small shops selling souvenirs or refreshments and also a clinic and a temple.
Located on the southern end of the west coas, Lonely Beach (Haad Thanam) is about a 1 kilometre-long. It is one of the most beautiful beaches on Koh Chang. The beach is between Kai
Bae Beach in the north and a large wooded hill, The northern part is a white sandy beach while the southern part is stony. Klong Prao Beach is another long sandy beach. At the
northern part of the beach is the rocky Laem Chaiyachet which is an ideal point of view to watch the sunset or the sunrise above the southern hills of Bang Bao. Laem Chaiyachet is also a popular
on-shore fishing place. Kai Bae Beach is a beach of scenic beauty where you can see the sunset. During the low tide, Koh Man Nai reveals it picturesque beach and you can walk to the
island at chest-deep water level. You can rent boats, canoes, sea-kayaks in the dive shops.
Locate at the northwest of Koh Chang, Klong Son Beach is the first beach is a wide beach
with plenty of coconut trees, a pier suitable for fishing and a powdery beach safe for wimming. |
Koh Chang Marine National Park offers also a range of activities:
Located at Klong Son, Ban Kwan Chang and the Klong Son Elephant Camp provide a natural environment for elephants and their mahouts . Opens dayly from 8.30 a.m. to
11.30 a.m for half-day tour including elephant bathing, feeding, performances and a 1.30 hour elephant trek into the forest. A smaller tour at 1:00 p.m. include a 35-minute trek and a 15-minute
performance.
Snorkeling, Scuba Diving and Fishing Trips can be arranged everywhere at most resorts, beaches, fishing villages. Speedboats are available at higher
prices. You can also enjoy the sea-canoe which can be found along all the beaches and many resorts.
Hiking from Kai Bae to Bang Bao, passing through some coconut groves and rubber is an amazing challengeing experience but shorter hikes, following the footpaths to the waterfalls
from the main entrances are easier and also popular.
In the central region of Koh Chang, abrupt mountains and rainforest have made some of the Most Spectacular Waterfalls in Thailand. On the east of the island, the most famous
waterfall in Koh Chang is Than Mayom Waterfall. It is situated near the Than Mayom Pier. A 400 m paved footpath, passing through a durian plantation will lead you to this four-level
waterfall located in virgin rainforest. It flows all the year, forming a large round pool at its front. It is a source of pure fresh drinking water. Their Majesties King Rama V and King Rama VII
visited respectively in 1876 and 1927 and had their initials inscribed at the waterfall . Swimming is allowed and camping is possible in the National Park
Located at the northwest of Koh Chang, Koh Chang Noi is an island mainly covered with rocks and forest . You will find splendid unspoilt virgin coral reefs.
On the west coast of Koh Chang are a small group of islands visible from Klong Prao. These include Koh Man Nai, Koh Man Nok and Koh Yuak which has a
small sandy beach at its front .
The water is clear and it is a good snorkeling spot. Next to Koh Yuak is Koh Plee and Koh Suwan, both of which have rocky shores. Around the area of Koh
Suwan is an island called Koh Rom (umbrella island) by the locals with colorfull corals about 6 meters deep and an outstanding beautiful huge tree.Koh Man Nai measures only
300 m by 100 m and can be reached by foot at low tide. There is no accommodations on Koh Man Nai. Koh Phrao Nok is located in the bay of Salak Phet .
The island is about 600 m long
and 200 m wide. It has a small sandy beach at the north. Koh Phrao Nok can only be reached by chartered boats. At the south-eastern end of Koh Chang, Koh Lao Ya lies about 3
kilometres.
With Koh Lao Klang and Koh Lao Ya Nok, they form their own archipel.Koh Lao Ya is less than 1 kilometre long, and has a long and very beautiful sand
beach.It is connected to Koh Lao Ya Klang by a wooden bridge, where you can find wonderful coral banks.The island can only be reached by chartered boats |
|
|
