Thailand FAQ

Spirit Houses Thai culture

2009-07-05T07:08:00.000-07:00

Spirit Houses can be found in nearly every home, school and business premises in Thailand. They look like minature tempes or elegant birdhouses as some people have described them. They come in different shapes and sizes though all of them are on a raised platform. The spirit house is for the chao tee or guardian spirit of the land. Thai people believe that by keeping the chao tee happy with a comfortable home and daily offerings of food and drink that their lives will be more safe and successful. As the teachers and students arrive early in the morning, you will see many of them raising their hands in a wai as a form of respect to the chao tee. Some of them might offer food or a flower garland if they are looking for luck to pass an exam or win an important football match. They usually promise a special gift if their wish is granted.

Safe Place in bangkok

2009-06-16T06:09:00.000-07:00

Is Bangkok a safe place ?

In comparison to other major cities around the world, Bangkok is very safe and, in all probability, you will have no problem even if walking alone at night. Nevertheless, it always pays to use common sense and it's worth remembering you are likely a lot richer than the average Thai - don't flaunt it.

A bigger problem are the various types of scams and stealth crime that you will likely encounter - watch out in particular for smooth talking con artists and talented pickpockets that operate in crowded conditions such as markets and the Bangkok buses. Keeping your your wallet or purse in a money belt can be helpful at preventing the the thieves.

Comments: Having spent 6 months in Bangkok in 1999, I am pleased to say that it is safer than most large cities. I felt safer there than anywhere I have visited and I have travelled to many world cities. As mentioned thievery is the only real concern which common sense precautions will alleviate.

Sandie Kerridge

Where's a good place to stay in Bangkok ?

It's worth planning what you want to spend most of your time seeing and doing in Bangkok and staying near there, as Bangkok's traffic makes getting about a struggle to say the least.

Backpackers tend to head for Khao San road in Banglamphu, which has dozens of cheap guesthouses, cafes, and basically everything that you could need to buy. It's in a great location too, near the river and the top sights such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and others in Banglamphu and Ko Rattanakosin. It's completely dominated by foreigners and so it's hardly the most authentic place to stay in Bangkok though. Decent mid-range places in this area are scarce, pretty much limited to the Royal hotel and the Vieng Tai.

A lot of mid range and upper mid range hotels are across the city on Siam Square and Sukhumvit road, which is a good place for shopping and nightlife but a long way from the traditional sights and the river. They do have the advantage of being on the skytrain route, which makes getting about a lot quicker.

Some of the top hotels in Bangkok(e.g. The Oriental, the Shangri-La) are located by the river, and in business district around Silom road.

Is it safe ? How about for women ?

While not unknown, incidences of violent crime and rape of tourists are very rare in Thailand. Occasional cases are reported, but are often where tourists went into remote areas against current travel advice and struggled against their attackers. Take care if you go to Ko Pha-Ngan's Full Moon Party, as rumors of rape and crime persist here. If you do happen to get caught up in a violent incident, you're well advised to not fight back. Also bear in mind that any passing Thais who don't know the situation may well side with the other Thai person / people out of a misplaced sense of loyalty.

If you use common sense and check the safety of any suspect places you're heading to, you're likely to be much safer in Thailand than you would be in your home country.

While violent crime is not really a problem, you should keep an eye out for pickpockets and be wary of Bangkok's skillful con-artists. Thailand has an efficient Tourist Police service, who you should contact if you run into any problems (Tel: 1155, 24 hour, freephone).

Bangkok Bars and Nightlife

2009-06-11T06:50:00.000-07:00

Since Bangkok is big you can't just go out the door and walk around to find a bar, you have to know where to go. The government puts heavy regulations on bars and nightlife though, therefore most bars close at 1 am, unless you know where to go of course. And if you're planning on going to a Thai bar you better make sure you like whiskey with soda and coke since this is their favorite drink.

Make sure you bring your passport ot at least a copy of it! If you cannot present your passport in case of a police raid you can spend the night in a "nice" Thai jail. Moreover: Don't do drugs as the police has a tendency to close of entire area's and check everyone by taking urine samples, I just managed to escape once in RCA when we got tipped by the barcrew. Also dress up a little bit decent, on Khao San you can get away with flip-flops and shorts but don't try this in most other places. Below are the party area's with some of their bars:

Click on one of the below areas for the bars around!

Khoa San Road : This is probably the most famous street in Bangkok, it's locate din the old city and renowned for backpackers.

Sukhumvit : Sukhumvit is one of the longest and biggest streets located in the Central Business District, a favourite hangout for expats.

Silom : Silom is one of the oldest party areas in Bangkok, bars are generally small here. Soi 2 and Soi 4 are (in)famous for being gay.

Ratchada : Want to go local, this is the place to be.

Thong Lor: Street connecting to Sukhumvit with some nice, mostly local bars.

Ekamai : Next street after Thong Lor with some decent clubs.

RCA : Little further from the city center but worth the journey, huge party area with upscale clubs.

Other bars : Outside of the above places there are more venues for nightly entertainment.

Afterparty places : Yes bars normally close at 1 or 2 but that does not mean we want to go home.

Hotel California(Ghost Hotel) Translate to Thai

2009-06-05T12:01:00.000-07:00

Warm smell of colitas, rising through the air
กลิ่นอบอวลของต้น COLITAS ลอยขึ้นสู่อากาศ
Up ahead in the distance, I saw a shimering light
ผมชูศรีษะขึ้นมากลางทาง(คล้ายๆชะเง้อมองละมั้ง) แลเห็นไฟสลัว
My head grew heavy and my sight grew dim,
ผมเริ่มรู้สึกมึนหัว และการมองเห็นก็เริ่มมัวลง
I had to stop for the night
ผมคงต้องหยุดพักสำหรับคืนนี้เสียแล้ว

There she stood in the doorway, I heard the mission bell
ที่นั่นมีหล่อนยืนอยู่ตรงทางเข้าา ฉันได้ยินเสียงกระดิ่งเรียก
And I was thinking to myself: this is could be heaven or this is could be hell
และผมก็พลันนึกขึ้นกับตัวเอง "มันอาจเป็นเสียงเรียกแห่งสวรรค์ หรืออาจจะเป็นเสียเรียกแห่งนรก"
Then she lit up a candle and she showed me the way
ทันใดนั้นเธอก็จุดเทียนไขขึ้นมา และบอกทางแก่ฉัน
There were voices down the corridor,
"เสียงของพวกเขาอยู่ทางใต้ระเบียงลงไป"
I thought I heard them say:
และผมก็คิดว่าผมได้ยินเสียงของพวกเขาว่า

Chorus :

Welcome to the Hotel California
"ยินดีต้องรับสู่โรงแรม Caliornia
Such a lovely place (such a lovely place), such a lovely face
ซึ่งเป็นดั่งสถานที่แสนรัก และรูปลักษณ์อันเป็นที่รัก
Plenty of room at the Hotel California
มีห้องมากมายที่โรงแรม California
Anytime of year (any time of year), you can find it here"
ทุกๆปี คุณสามารถพบมันได้ที่นี่"

Her mind is Tiffany twisted, she got the Mercedes Benz
ความสนใจของเธออยู่ที่ Tiffany twisted เธอขับรถ Mercedes Benz
She got a lot of pretty, pretty boys, that she calls friends
เธอมีผู้ชายหน้าตาดีมากมาย นั่นเธอกำลังโทรหาเพื่อนของเธอว่า
How they dance in the courtyard, sweet summer sweat
"จะเป็นอะไรไหม หากพวกเขาจะเต้นรำที่สนามหญ้า ท่ามกลางความหวานของฤดูร้อนและหยาดเหงื่อ
Some dance to remember, some dance to forget
สำหรับการเต้นบางครั้งเพื่อจดจำ และบางครั้งเพื่อที่จะลืม..."

So I called up the captain, "Please bring me my wine", He said
ดังนั้นผมจึงโทรไปหา กับตัน เขาพูดว่า
"We haven't had that spirit here since nineteen sixty-nine"
"เราไม่มีวิญญาณที่นี่ตั้งแต่ปี 1969 แล้ว
And still those voices are calling from far away
และเสียงร้องของพวกเขายังคง เรียกหาจากที่ๆแสนไกล
Wake you up in the middle of the night, just to hear them say:
เพื่อปลุกให้คุณตื่นตอนเที่ยงคืน แค่เพื่อฟังพวกเขากล่าวว่า..."

"Welcome to the Hotel California
"ยินดีต้อนรับสู่ โรงแรม California
Such a lovely place (such a lovely place), such a lovely face
ซึ่งเป็นดั่งสถานที่แสนรัก และดั่งโฉมหน้าอันเป็นที่รัก
They livin' it up at the Hotel California
พวกเขายังคงอยู่ที่นั่น ณ โรงแรม California
What a nice surprise (what a nice surprise), bring your alibis"
อะไรคือสิ่งยอดเยี่ยมที่น่าประทับใจ นำข้ออ้างคุณมา"

Mirrors on the ceiling, the pink champagne on ice, and she said
กระจกบนเพดานห้อง และแชมเปญสีชมพูบนน้ำแข็ง และเธอกล่าวว่า
"We are all just prisoners here, of our own device"
"พวกเราทั้งหมดเป็นเพียงนักโทษของที่นี่
And in the master's chambers, they gathered for the feast
และใน Master's Chamber พวกเขาต่างสะสมเพื่องานเลี้ยงอันใหญ่ยิ่ง
They stab it with their steely knives but they just can't kill the beast
พวกเขาแทงมันด้วยมีดเหล็กล้วของพวกเขาเอง แต่พวกเขากลับไม่สามารถฆ่าความชั่วร้ายได้.."

Last thing I remember, I was running for the door
สิ่งสุดท้ายที่ผมพอจำได้ คือฉันกำลังวิ่งไปยังประตู
I had to find the passage back to the place I was before
ผมต้องหากระเป๋าเดินทาง เพื่อกลับไปยังที่ที่เคยอยู่ก่อนหน้านี้
"Relax," said the night man, "We are programmed to receive
"สบายใจเถิด" พนักงานกะกลางคืนกล่าว "พวกเรามีกำหนดการรองรับไว้เป็นที่เรียบร้อย
You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave"
คุณสามารถ Check out ออกจากที่นี่ได้ทุกเวลาที่คุณต้องการ

...แต่คุณไม่มีวันได้จากไป!!!!...."

IF WHO DON'T COMMENT.
THEY WILL SLEEP BESIDE YOU TONIGHT
AND ASKING YOU TO
"WELCOME TO THE HOTEL CALIFORNIA"

Getting about Bangkok

2009-05-22T23:47:00.001-07:00

Getting about in Bangkok has traditionally been a bit of a challenge. Seemingly endless traffic jams, taxis with 'broken' meters, tuk-tuk drivers who take you to a clothes shop even though you asked to go to the Grand Palace and the ever present heat which makes walking any significant distance next to impossible. The fact that almost every guidebook on Thailand says they "drive on the left - most of the time" gives some idea of the general driving standard, too. It could never be said though, that Bangkok lacks options for getting around - with a range of taxis, tuk-tuks, canal boats, river boats, the skytrain and an extensive bus system. With a bit of knowledge about all of the choices, it is definitely possible to get around easily, cheaply and even quickly.

Is it safe ? How about for women ?

2009-04-18T23:43:00.000-07:00

If you use common sense and check the safety of any suspect places you're heading to, you're likely to be much safer in Thailand than you would be in your home country.

Where's a good place for left luggage

2009-04-14T08:13:00.000-07:00

Almost all hotels and guesthouses that you stay at will store luggage for you, either for free or cheaply (around 10B a day). If you don't trust your guesthouse/hotel, it might be worth spending one night at a better one so you can benefit from this facility. The main Hualamphong train station is also has left luggage facility, and it's good value at 7B a day.

There's a left luggage facility at Bangkok Airport, but it's expensive.

Thai Beer brands

2009-04-04T20:50:00.000-07:00

Thai Beer brands test

Nothing is more important than a good glass of beer especially when you're in Thailand relaxing on the beach. Basically every beer is available somewhere in a specialized bar but since you probably don't go to the same bar all the time lets discuss the most widely available beers in Thailand meaning you should be able to buy them at any 7-eleven.

There are two major Thai brewers; Singha and Chang, Singha also has a cheaper brand named Leo. Furthermore there are the international brands Heineken and Tiger brewed by Thai Asia Pacific Breweries. They recently introduced a new lower market beer named Cheers.

Singha Beer

Singha is the oldest Thai beer and used to have a 80 percent market share until Chang came along. The white and gold can looks nice with a sign of a lion, the color of the beer can be said to be medium yellow and there are sufficient bubbles in there. The taste is really "normal" meaning it could go for almost any other brand you know and there is no specific character for this beer.

Look: A golden lion, cool!	Price: Average
Taste: Beer taste	Status: Good
Alcohol: 6%	In Thai: Bia Sing
Overall: It's BEER!!

Chang Beer

Now this is what I call beer, weighing in at 6.4 percent alcohol it's nice and strong. The can shows 2 elephants but the colors look a little bit cheap. The color of the beer itself is a bit darker than usual what probably explains the bitterness and strong taste. The get drunk quick factor combined with their low prices has made Chang one of the most popular beers in Thailand. In high class bars people frown upon it though so it won't be sold in there but the criteria here was 7-Eleven availability.

Look: Elephants, fun!	Price: Cheap!
Taste: Strong and bitter	Status: Bad
Alcohol: 6.4%	In Thai: Bia Chaaang
Overall: We have a winner!

Leo Beer

Singha's second brand aimed at the lower end of the market and they made it taste like this! Adding as many bubbles as possible to hide the real taste (watery and chemical) does not fool us (I'm not that drunk yet)! Perfect however for getting those nasty stains out of your carpet and removing dirt from your windshield.

Look: A Panther?	Price: Cheap!
Taste: Soda water	Status: Bad
Alcohol: Is there any? 5.5%	In Thai : Bia Leeohh
Overall: Boooohhh

Heineken Beer

You probably all know the taste of this one, Heineken is promoted as a premium brand and became extremely popular mainly because of their excellent marketing. It is actually classified as a local beer since it's brewed locally under the name of Thai Asia Pacific Breweries.

Look: Green like grass	Price: Expensive
Taste: Good	Status: Excellent
Alcohol: 5%	In Thai: Bia Heineken
Overall: A fine beer

Cheers Beer

A newcomer on the Thai beer market brewed by Thai Asia Pacific Breweries meant to get a share of the lower end market. The taste is not bad at all although opinions differ, smooth, sweet or fruity are terms to describe it probably. It could remind you of white beer like the Belgium brand"Hoegaarden" The can looks simple, bright blue with Cheers on it. I agree, why all these difficult names? Cheers mate!

Look: Blue Blue Blue	Price: Cheap
Taste: Sweet, fruity	Status: Unknown yet
Alcohol: 5.6%	In Thai: Bia Cheers
Overall: You either like it or not

Tiger Beer

A couple of years ago Tiger was bought by Thai Asia Pacific breweries and now serves as their middle market beer. Another one with a predator on the can, it seems to go well with the Thai public. The beer itself is a little bit more bitter than Heineken but not as bitter as Chang. I find hangovers from this beer to be the worst so be careful.

Altogether Chang is the best choice if you want to try a Thai beer as it has a nice strong taste, is cheap and gets you drunk quickly due to the higher alcohol percentage. Cheers is a good runner up with it's distinct taste that will keep you puzzled for a minute before you decide if you like it or not.

Look: Tigerblue	Price: Average
Taste: Weird aftertaste	Status: Normal
Alcohol: 5%	In Thai: Bia Tigehhh
Overall: Not spectacular

Thai Whiskey

Besides getting drunk on beer you could also be brave an surrender yourself to a good bottle of Thai "whiskey" God knows why they call it whiskey as in fact it is just a cheap kind of rum. Most popular (and infamous) are Sangsom and Mekong, both available at any 7-11 in either a small bottle around 100 Baht or a larger one around 300 Baht. One of these bottles is all you need, make sure to mix it well with plenty of soda and coke as taste was not the brewers priority.

train in Thailand

2009-04-04T20:39:00.000-07:00

How do I catch a train in Thailand?

It might be only a slight exaggeration to say that no trip to Thailand is complete without spending time on the rails. Thailand's trains are an economical and comfortable means to get around, and a great way to see the countryside and rub elbows with your charming hosts. They are safer than the bus, cheaper than flying, and the most stylish way to get to where you want to be.
Destinations

A map of the Railway routes in Thailand -- click here to see a larger versionThe train doesn't go quite everywhere, but it can get you from Bangkok to, or close to, most major destinations in Thailand. This includes Chiang Mai in the north; Nong Khai in the northeast (for Vientiane, Laos); Ubon Ratchathani in the east; and Surat Thani (for Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Samui), Trang and elsewhere in the south, continuing to Malaysia and Singapore. The train does not go to Phuket, Krabi, Trat (for Ko Chang) nor Chiang Rai.

For longer routes, try the overnight sleeper train. This saves time by traveling as you sleep, and money by skipping a night's hotel fee. There are a few people who prefer the day trips, not wanting to miss a single km of countryside. But, a little scenery goes a long way, and those few hours gazing outside before and after the beds are made up are enough for all but the most hard-core window jockeys.

Shorter, 3rd-class-only routes include the special tourist train to Kanchanaburi along a section of the WWII Death Railway, Aranyaprathet (and onward to Cambodia), and the popular day trip to Ayutthaya, the latter accomplished as a round trip from Bangkok or as a fantastic stopover on the way to Chiang Mai.

For those insisting on taking a longer daytime trip, check out the Special Diesel Railcar options on the State Railway of Thailand webpage. These trains are faster and better designed for extended daytime travel.
Third Class Travel

If you are considering taking a 3rd class car for an overnight train trip, don't. While it's a great scenic adventure to Kanchanburi or Aranyaprathet, it is not appropriate for longer trips. These cars have thinly padded wooden or plastic seats that will reduce your bottom to tears. Worse, there is no guarantee of a seat in a 3rd class car, and they often become standing room only nightmares, particularly during peak periods. If 3rd class is all that is available for a long train journey, you are better off taking the bus instead.
Second Class Travel

The backpacker gold standard for train travel is the 2nd class Pullman car. These cars contain 40 seats facing each other in sets of two, which convert into reasonably comfy beds for the overnight trips. Each berth gets its own reading light, pillow, blanket, and a fresh set of sheets.

Your luggage travels with you on the train, stored in convenient racks next to your berth. Security on board is generally good, but it is still smart to place valuables like money, passport, and electronics in the bunk with you. Use a simple cable lock to secure your pack while you sleep.

When making reservations, keep in mind that the lower berths are the even numbers, while the cheaper upper berths are odd numbered. The best seats/beds are in the middle of the car, numbering from the mid-teens to the high 20's, where you'll be far from the constant foot traffic, the toilets and the noisy doors at either end of the car.

Many folks prefer to get an upper and a lower berth, meaning you'll be sitting across from your travel partner before and after the beds are made up. This is tops for talking, playing cards, sharing meals, or just putting up your feet.

The more expensive lower berths are larger and more comfortable. Both upper and lower have curtains for privacy, but the curtains on the lower berths do a much better job of screening out the lights, which stay on all night. An easy fix is earplugs and a sleep mask. Even so, don't plan on your best night's sleep ever.
To air-con or not to air-con

For most people, unless you are traveling during the heart of the hot season (mid-March to early-May), paying extra for the air-con cars is unnecessary, as the air-con cars quickly turn into chilly meat lockers. The fans in the non-air-con cars are normally enough to keep you cool while you sleep. As an added bonus, the windows in the lower berths on the fan cars open, which makes it easier to interact with vendors and the countryside as it stretches by. The air-con cars, on the other hand, tend to be a bit newer and therefore a bit nicer. If you travel 2nd class air-con, be sure to cover up with your warmest clothes and ask for an extra blanket.
First Class Travel -- A Special Treat

If your budget can absorb it, then 1st class is the way to go. First class compartments accommodate two people in equal-sized upper and lower berths, and boast a sink with running water, in-room luggage racks, and lots of space. Even better, you can adjust the flow of air-con in the room to the level you want, the door fastens shut for added security, and you can turn out the lights when you are ready to sleep.

Adjacent 1st class compartments have a pass-thru door, so you can party with your mates in comfort and style. For those traveling alone, an entire first class compartment is available for an added single supplement charge of about 300 baht -- less than the price of an additional first class ticket. Value for money, the first class berths are a world-class bargain.
Onboard Dining

There is food for purchase on board, served at your seat in 1st and 2nd class, but it is no great shakes and not cheap either. Plan ahead and bring a few snacks and munchies with you.

Breakfast on board starts at about 90B for an uninspired standard, while dinner runs 150B. Besides meals, stewards carrying buckets filled with ice cold soft drinks and beer will pass by endlessly. You'll also enjoy a never-ending parade of independent food vendors who board the train or approach your window at stations and other stops.

It is important to note that the food servers on the train work on commission, so if they seem to take it personally that you don't buy something, that's why. A small tip for the food servers and the people who make up your bed is well deserved and much appreciated.
Other Logistics

There are bathrooms on board, located on either end of the train car. Toilets are usually arranged in pairs, with one western and one Asian-style toilet. That's an important safety tip, since for the novice, a squat toilet is a challenge to master even when you aren't on a moving train. In first class, there are also cold-water shower sprayers if you wish to clean up. With all toilets, your waste pretty much falls directly on the tracks. Because of that, it is bad form to use the bathroom while the train is in a station.
Bangkok's Hualamphong Station

Most all trains depart or arrive at Bangkok's Hualamphong Station, with the exception of the train to Kanchanaburi, which departs from the Bangkok Noi station in Thonburi.

Navigating Hualamphong is easy, with arrival and departure boards inside the terminal in both English and Thai. There are also English-speaking staff at information booths at both entrances and inside the terminal if you need guidance.

Trains board via announcement, just like at any airport. Train personnel check to make sure you have a ticket before you enter the boarding area, but there is otherwise no security check or x-ray scan. The conductor will come to your seat on board to punch your tickets after the train has left the station.

Hualamphong has many amenities too, including newstands, mini-marts, an internet cafe, food court, and even western favorites like Dunkin' Donuts and KFC. There is also luggage storage, so you can explore the area if you have a few hours to spend before your train departs. Chinatown and Wat Traimit, the Temple of the Golden Buddha, are nearby.

With Bangkok's infamous traffic, be sure to leave yourself extra time to get to the station. If possible, take the new subway to Hualamphong station.
Buying Tickets

As train travel becomes more popular with tourists and Thais alike, the era of buying your ticket the day you travel is over. This is particularly true on the more popular Chiang Mai and Surat Thani routes, and any time during Thai holiday periods, where the trains will be sold out well in advance.

A good rule of thumb is to make your reservations once your travel plans are certain, although some of the lesser-traveled routes, such at Nong Khai or Ubon often have seats available at the last minute. It is possible to make reservations before you arrive in country.

State Railway of Thailand website at http://www.railway.co.th/english/index.asp has information on routes, timetables, fares, and availability. Request reservations by email at info@railway.co.th.
Arriving at Your Destination and Other Tips

The trains depart on time, but the overworked single track in most areas means that you'll more than likely arrive an hour or two later than scheduled. This is important to know if you have follow-on flights or other arrangements planned at your destination.

A final word. When boarding the train in Nong Khai, do not repeat not order the cheese sandwich from the cafe' across from the station. It makes for a long trip, even with toilets on board. You've been warned!

Boats and Ferries in Bangkok

2009-03-21T04:10:00.000-07:00

Information On Boats And River Cruises Iin Bangkok and Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand could be considered the Venice of the Orient. Some may argue that that is what it is called, but I don't think Venice would like the comparison. Bangkok also sits on the Chao Praya river which means The River of Kings. Both offer a means of getting around Bangkok and can lead to some very interesting places

Klongs / Canals

Bangkok has a maze of canals that allows travel around the city to be fairly possible. In fact, it's how I used to get to work but now that there is the skytrain and the underground I can see no reason for taking the canal.

Canals in Bangkok and Thailand are called Klongs and there are many of them but they are now so dirty and polluted that you really want to stay away from them unless they are slightly out of the city and take you to the snake farm, royal barges and the floating market.


Klongs / Canals are not very clean	Some are cleaner than others

It is quite often that you can see dead animals floating in the canals and so you really don't want to have that kind of water splashing over you. However, there are still some canals that splinter off from the Chao Praya river and these canals are "cleaner" and not bad to travel on.

The main and best known Klong is Klong San Sap and it's possible to travel all the way from Bangkapi to Banglampoo which is fairly close to the grand palace and only a few meters away from the Golden Mount temple.

To take one of the canal boat services that run through the center of Bangkok, you need to find a pier stop and wait for one of the boats to pull up to the pier going in your direction. When it stops you let everyone get off first and then VERY carefully get into the boat and pay the ticket collector the small fee for the journey.

You might need to change boats at Pratunam but you'll need to ask someone about this when you get on the boat. However, unless you have a real burning desire to travel on the world's largest toilet / sewer I recommend that you chose other modes of transport for getting around the city.

River Cruises & Ferries in Bangkok

Other boat rides can be had on the Chao Praya river. The Chao Praya or "River of Kings" is Bangkok's main river and is still a hub of life and it can be very interesting to grab a table at The Oriental, Shangri La and other river side hotels and just watch life on the river go by.


The river cruise that costs 18 Baht	General ferry boats

One trip I highly recommend is the boat trip from Taksin bridge and then go up the river to the Grand Palace, passing Wat Arun ( Temple of Dawn ), Oriental Hotel and some other temples and places of interest. This river cruise is a simple boat bus that you get on and get off at the various stops.

Catch the boat at Taksin Bridge, pay 18 Baht per person ( assuming you get off at The Grand Palace ) and enjoy a cool ride up the river.

There are other river cruises that offer a similar ride but they charge 100 Baht per person, so avoid paying too much and take the same boat that the Thais use.

Hotel Ferries in Bangkok

A number of the hotels that line the river operate free faerry services that will pick you up and take you to their hotel or their restaurants. The Oriental Hotel, the world famous Thailand hotel, for instance has a restaurant on the opposite side of the river from the actual hotel. To catch this ferry, you need to go to The Oriental and make your way to the river side restaurant of the hotel. The Oriental has a nightly buffet and so you'll need to walk past all the mouth watering food on display and wait at the very small pier and a splendid looking Thai style boat will pick you up and take you to the other side of the river and to the other restaurant.

The Penninsula Hotel in Bangkok also offers this service as do some others, but my favourite is to take the Marriott Hotel and Spa's ferry that will pick you up from Taksin Bridge and take you for a 15 minute ride, down the Chao Praya to the splendid Marriott hotel which is home to a number of restaurants.


One of the temples along the river	Take the boat on a sunny days is you can.

TukTuk

2009-03-21T04:03:00.000-07:00

Pros	Cheap, fun and nippy in traffic

Cons	Loud, not easy to see the sights, pollution

Tuk Tuks

The Bangkok Tuk Tuk ( pronounced took-took ) is probably every visitor's favourite means of transport. They have an undeniable appeal and quality to them that makes them irresistible to all that come to Bangkok or Thailand.

The Tuk Tuk is a three wheeled, motorised rickshaw and can seat, comfortably, two adults but it is not uncommon to see 6 or 7 students crammed in, all sharing the fare; and the drivers don't seem to mind.

Bangkok Tuk Tuks are a great way of traveling short distances and as long as you are not expecting to do any sight seeing along the way. We say this because the canopy that covers the Tuk Tuk slants downwards towards the front slightly as well as curving round the sides at exactly eye level and so the journey is void of any ability to see what is going on around you unless you travel in a doubled up position.

Tuk Tuks can be found almost anywhere. You can either hail them as they come towards you or walk up to the driver if one is waiting on the side of the street. A lot of the time, if they see you walking down the street, they will drive up to you and drive at your walking speed in the hopes you decide to ask for a ride. Either that or you'll hear " hey you..you". THis sounds rude to us but it's a direct translation of what they would say in Thai and in Thai, it's normal, formal, and polite.

In the rainy season, most tuk tuks have polythene sides that drop down and provide some sort of protection against the heavy Thailand rains, but you'll almost certainly get wet.

The cost of a tuk tuk all depends on whether you know where you are going and how much that journey might cost in a taxi. If you'd normally pay 50 Baht in a taxi, ask for 30 or 40 Baht and this is based on the fact that a taxi is more comfortable, has air conditioning etc.

Rather than take the very first Tuk Tuk that come along, ask a low price and wave them on if they refuse. It doesn't mean you've got the price wrong, it could mean they aren't willing to go for that amount, so try again with the next one. You'll eventually get it right.

One note of warning Tuk Tuk drivers, and others too, make extra money by taking tourists to certain shops. The shop owner will give the Tuk Tuk driver money for bringing in new customers and so you could find yourself being taken somewhere whether you like it or not.
Also, Tuk Tuk drivers can almost always be found outside large hotels waiting for tourists. They do this because they know they will make more from tourists who don't know how much they should be paying. Avoid these drivers if ou can and walk on down the road and stop one that's passing. You'll get a better deal and won't have as much "trouble".

The famous three-wheeled taxi of Bangkok.

Thai Classical Dance

2009-03-15T10:15:00.000-07:00

The diverse arts and culture of Thailand have a fascination of their very own, and one of the most fascinating is Thai classical dance and its rituals and traditions. Visitors don't really feel they have seen Thailand until they've witnessed at least one performance of Thai classical dancing--but many understand very little of what they see. It's beautiful and it's different, but its background escapes them.

In "A Descriptive Catalogue of the Siamese Section at the International Exhibition of Industry and Labour" held at Turin, Italy in 1911, H.M. King Vajiravudh wrote the commentary on the theatre of Siam. He classified contemporary entertainment into five types:

The Likay

The Hun

The Nang

The Lakor (Lakon)

The Khon

The Hun has survived in a different form as the Hun Krabock or marionettes; and the Nang as Nang Talung, or Shadow Play. According to the late Highness Prince Dhani Nivat, however, this Nang Talung bears no resemblance to its classical prototype except that both are exhibited on screens which are lit in such a way so as to cast the shadows. Today very few troupes of these performers remain active and the art is dying. The Lik ay is most often seen in travelling shows at temple fairs, or in rural Thailand where it is popular entertainme

King Vajiravudh classified legitimate theatre as being two distinct types--the Khon and the Lakon. His Majesty wrote:--"The theatre where the Khon and Lakon are performed ... possesses the beautiful simplicity of an ancient Greek theatre ... neither stage nor scenery is required ... Costumes and properties however, are very elaborate, and are made as accurately as possible. The costumes are made to resemble those worn in Siam in olden times, and have not changed during successive generations, because they have been found most picturesque and suitable. Queens or royal personages wear crowns or coronets; others have various kinds of headdresses suitable to their rank and station. Character parts, such as demons, monkeys, or yogis we ar distinctive masks of different colours and designs. Each mask is a good example of Siamese decorative art, and is distinctive and characteristic, so that each character may at once be recognized by the mask worn by the actor."

In earlier times there were no theatres for public entertainment in Siam. Kings, princes, noblemen and high-ranking officials maintained their own troupes of classical dancers and musicians--many of them trained at the palace. Performances were given for occasions such as birthday, important visitors, cremations, or simply the wish of the patron. Theatre programmes weren't necessary because almost all those who were invited to attend already knew the story--always portions of the Ramakian. Ordinary people found their entertainment at temples, cremations or other special celebrations. As recently as 1935 there were troupes of court dancers.

Many of the costumes, although very beautiful, are heavy and uncomfortable--especially the female headdresses and the masks of the male characters.

Since many roles of the khon demand extremely boisterous performances, the costumes are often fitted and sewn on the dancer prior to the performance. The different positions demanded of each character must be posed while the fitting and sewing are bein g done. This not only assures the proper drapes and folds, but helps to avoid an embarrassing rip of a seam during the action.

The most popular characters of males are Totsakan (the Demon King), Rama (the Righteous King), the Hanuman (the Monkey Warrior). Students are often selected to train for specific roles because of their size or build. The formalized movements of khon perfo rmances make the acting and dancing inseparable. Each step has a meaning, emphasized by the appropriate music, narration and song. Each is practised over and over again until it is mastered. Mom Rajawongse Kukrit Pramoj once called the khon training "inhu man". In many of the dances, the head cover identifies the character being performed. The jewelled crown headdresses (chada) that are worn are all much the same, but for the khon, the mask is the character.

Masks were not worn by khon performers before the Ayutthaya period (1350-1767). Instead the faces of the characters were painted on the dancers. Mask making evolved from the wish to have a more permanent means of identifying the characters; one which would retain the basic characteristics and features, and be easily recognized.

During the Ayutthaya period, khon performances were held in palace halls or courtyards lighted by torches. Complete performances of the Ramakian could continue for days. Often those who watched would leave for a while and then return to pick up the sto ry, since it was already familiar to them.

While each part of a khon costume has its own significance, the mask is the single most important piece. Contrary to popular belief, masks for each character can vary from troupe to troupe yet all maintain the necessary identifying characteristics. Eac h mask maker has a certain artistic leeway in his interpretation, however there are certain fundamentals of the character masks which remain constant. Blunt, curved tusks on a demon mask signify old age; straight, blunt tusks that point upward indicate th at even though he is a demon, he has mellowed and become kind-hearted in old age; curved, sharp tusks are those of a middle-aged demon and sharp pointed tusks which point downward are those of a youthful demon.

There are other decorative details which are used in differentiating between the masks. Eyes of the demons are not the same as the eyes of other characters. Demon eyes are of two type--"crocodile eyes" with half eyelids, and bulging "fish eyes". Tusks were formerly made of ivory, but today it's both scarce and expensive so other materials are used in most cases.

The major distinguishing characteristics of khon masks are the bald head and the crowned head. Monkey characters and soldiers of the demon army belong to the "bald head group". Whatever other differences may appear however, Hanuman is always white. The characters of Rama, his brothers, gods, rishis (wise hermits), Totsakan, his relatives and allies, and some of the generals of the monkey army wear crowned masks. An obvious difference between the demon and monkey masks is the long tusks of the de mons and the canine teeth of the monkeys. Some khon mask artisans believe the demon masks must also have the three characteristics: round chin, a glaring expression and eyebrow and moustache tips "in harmony."

More than 10 styles of crowns are to be found on khon masks. Some characters, such as Rama and his brother Lakshman use more than one type for their roles as the scenes change. (In modern versions of the khon, Rama and Lakshman may be without masks, we aring chadas instead.) As the mask of Hanuman is always white, the crown of Totsakan always has three tiers.

There are altogether more than 100 different demon masks used in the khon--these are divided into 14 groups to avoid confusion. To avoid further confusion, eyes and mouths are different for each character and facial colouring is also different. If the colours are too similar, other means of identification are used; for instance, masks with purple faces are worn by both Phya Thut and Khun Prachat, so to help in identifying them properly, Phya Thut carries a lance and Khun Prahat, a club.

Those who watch khon performances often wonder how those wearing the masks can breathe. Admittedly, it isn't easy. The masks have little ventilation and they're hot. Some of the actors--particularly those in the monkey roles--must perform acrobatics an d somersaults and to prevent their masks from falling off, cords are sewn inside the masks at the mouth. These cords are then held in the teeth of the performers to keep the mask firmly in place.

Since the people wearing the masks cannot speak, there is a narrator or khon phak who has not only to know his subject, but also the rhythm of the dancers' movements. A khon performance has to rely on the proper coordination of dancers, narrator and orchestra. (The clowns are the only characters who speak for themselves; even those who wear chadas do not speak.)

An artisan who makes the khon masks must fully understand the character and personality of the mythological being the mask will portray. It is said that a good mask maker requires three basic qualifications--he must be able to draw, to sculpture or mou ld well enough to prepare a model of the character, and to be able to engrave the delicate ornamentations. A sure and steady hand is a decided asset.

Originally models were made of wood or clay, but some mask makers today use more modern materials for making their models.

Before an artisan begins working on a new mask, he performs a ritual ceremony to invite the spirits of his old teachers, the gods, and the angels, to help him succeed at his work. The model is then covered with several layers of sa paper or papi er mache. Then it is thoroughly dried. Depending on their personal preference or method, mask makers do only a couple of layers before drying, and then add more material to the mould. Other prefer to do several layers at one time, and then add more mater ial to the mould. Others prefer to do several layers at one time, and then allow them to dry. Some of the artists also advise sticking the last couple of layers with a glue made of flour, to which they add a locally made insecticide. This helps to preven t the finished masks being damaged by insects and weevils.

Quite a large number and assortment of models are necessary--not only for the different facial expressions added, but in addition to humans, demons, and hermits, there is also a need sometimes for masks of elephants, horses, and mythological animals.

After being completely dried, the mask is cut from the mould and stitched together. The "scar" is covered with thin paper. The mask next receives a coating of rak samuk--a semi-hard lacquer, to sharpen and bring out the facial lines. Making a ma sk takes about seven days with most of the time taken up by the drying stages. Most mask makers work on more than one mask at a time, each one in a different stage of completion.

The art of mask making--and it is an art--is usually passed down from one generation to another; or a respected craftsman (chang sip mu) may accept apprentices who come to study and learn from a master and who show artistic talent. Today the num ber of old masters has dwindled and relatively few young artists aspire to the craft, for the financial reward is small compared to the time and experience necessary. The old-fashioned way of making khon masks has joined the growing list of endangered cra fts.

After a khon mask has been completed it must be initiated in the time-tested rites before it can be worn by a performer or a dancer. Gods are believed to give their protection to each mask and, without the propitiative ceremonies, all sorts of disastro us catastrophies may assail the one who dares to wear the mask.

The completed masks must also undergo a rite to "open their eyes"--the "Beuk Phra Netra" ceremony. Following this ritual, the masks are always kept in a high place as is proper for any object of reverence.

Before the first performance of a mask it is customary for the master, or head teacher, to personally place the new mask over the head of the performer. It is also customary before the debut performance of a khon dancer for an elder or respected teache r to place his mask on the dancer for a moment. The senior, standing before the novice, repeats sacred words and presses gold leaf onto the centre of the mask's forehead.

Since performers treat their masks with such reverence, periodic rites are held to pay homage to the spirits of the masks. Both craftsmen and performers look on the masks as "teachers", and therefore worthy of respect. Khon masks are always preserved a nd some that still exist are well over 100 years old. There are in fact, masks made by King Rama II which can be seen in the National Museum in Bangkok.

All teachers in Thailand are highly respected persons; and teachers of the classical drama and arts enjoy a special status--not only during their period of teaching, but for their entire lifetime. Khon performers show their est eem not only to their own teachers but to all the elderly masters as well. Thai arts and craftsmanship have a long and traditional history, and while all teachers in Thailand are honoured each year by a Wai Kru ceremony, the rites of honour for tea chers of the classical drama, music and arts are very elaborate.

The annual Rite of Homage (Wai Kru) for teachers of the arts includes a religious ceremony which is followed by an invocation inviting the divinities (Thevadas) to partake of the feast which gas been provided for then. An elder, usually the senior teac her or principal of the school, presides over the ceremony. On the auspicious day the elder is dressed entirely in white (or at least, wears a white coat).

A Buddha image is placed on the altar tables along with the traditional flowers, candles and incense sticks. Another table holds the food offerings which include a pig's head, duck and other fowl, both cooked and popped rice, beverages, folded leaf arr angements and flowers.

A Piphat orchestra plays specific musical scores as each divinity is invited to attend the ceremony. Following the departure of the divine spirits, another ceremony is held to include all those who are in attendance. All come together to form a cir cle and a lighted taper is passed form person to person. From the president, who begins the ritual, the candle is passed from one to another until it has completed three circuits. The rites are concluded by the president marking the forehead of each stude nt with a specially prepared white paste and sprinkling each one with lustral (holy) water.

Novice students are not accepted for initiation until after they have mastered both the fast and slow tempos of the dance well enough to appear on stage in minor roles. Some steps and postures are not taught until after the student has been formally i nitiated.

Another important rite for students comes after they are well advanced in their training, when they are elevated to the status of teacher. From that time, a student who continues to study and acquires greater expertise and ability, becomes eligible for higher rank, respect and honour.

It's not too surprising to learn that the presiding teacher or president of the Wai Kru and initiation rites must be a man; a female in this position is believed to bring about grave misfortune. All male teachers, however, are not eligible to perform i nitiation rites--only those who have been appointed by former senior teachers are allowed this honour.

Most old masters were always very careful in choosing 'worthy' pupils, and they jealously guarded their manuscripts of the rituals. The homage and initiation rites are always performed on a Thursday, for in Thailand Thursday is accepted as " Teachers D ay."

The performing artists and teachers believe that the Wai Kru Day is their special day and its observance is ethically and disciplinarily binding. Those who consciously stay away from this rite are sinning and drawing upon their heads the curses of thei r teachers. They also go to hell after death.

The great importance of the ritual and rites which are a part of the classical theatre in Thailand was given added significance in October 1984, when King Bhumibol Adulyadej presided over the presentation of khon masks and head gear to five newly appointed presidents of the "Traditional Paying Homage Ceremony" for khon and dance drama.

The five senior artists ranged from 37 to 50 years of age. They were appointed by His Majesty following the unexpected death of Kru (teacher) Arkom Sayakom who had died without preparing anyone for his position. Anyone who achieves this prestigious p osition must not only have great expertise in his field, but must also be of the highest moral character, merit the respect of society and have been ordained as a Buddhist monk. (Ordinarily he should also be selected by the pa st president and presented with the Prayer Book.)

As already mentioned, all khon masks are revered and considered sacred. This is even more stringent for the khon masks made especially for the Wai Kru ceremony. Their facial expressions are different from others, and some of these masks are entirely gilded.

Many years ago, an artisan who was commissioned to make a Master mask was required to be dressed all in white on the day he began work, and the work was usually begun on a Thursday. When a Master mask was completed the mask maker prayed to the sacred spirits to enter the mask.

As one can easily see, there is a lot more to the Thai Classical Dance than meets the eye of a casual viewer. And however an 'outsider' might view all the rituals and regulations, they do have significance to the teachers and performers. The traditions have evolved over many decades and while some may have been altered in some of their small details, they have certainly helped in the preservation of the classical theatre in this country.

Krabi Rock Climbing

2009-03-08T00:17:00.000-08:00

Krabi Rock Climbing

Rai Leh (also known as Rai Lay) is the major rock climbing site in Thailand and Malaysia and probably also in the whole of South East Asia.

It offers a unique combination of breathtaking scenery, beautiful beaches with soft sand, an excellent tourist infrastructure, many climbing shops and schools and an overwhelming number of routes suitable for both absolute beginners and experienced climbers.

Rock Climbing

The limestone cliffs that dot the entire area surrounding Krabi are heaven for rock-climbing enthusiasts, who come from all over the world to take up the challenge of climbing.
Over 150 odd routes have developed since the late 1980's when Krabi first witnessed the sight of people scaling it's craggy mountains. Routes include high quality limestone, steep, pocketed walls, overhangs and hanging stalactites, with some accessed by boat belay, others involving jungle walk approaches or abseils into the sea.

The headland between Tham Phra Nang and Rai Leh Beaches harbours some particularly popular spots, with good climbing for beginners and more experienced climbers alike. Guided climbs and instruction are available in most of the more populated tourist areas, particularly in the resorts and bungalows of Ao Nang and Rai Leh Beach. Climbing gear is readily available for hire as is information on routes and bolting. Extreme care must be taken however, to ensure that your guides and equipment are reliable.

Hiking

The interior of Krabi's mainland is covered with richly forested lands much of which is designated national park area and ideal for avid hikers. A favoured area for hiking is Khao Phanom Bencha National Park, featuring caves, waterfalls, streams and rock pools. Easily reached by Songteaw, motorbike or mountain bike, the park has several trails leading to it's scenic spots and provides ample opportunity to observe abundant plant and animal life along the way.

Another good hiking spot is at Khao Pra-Bang Khram next to the Bang Teao Village. A 2.7 km forest trail - the Thung Teao Trail - begins and ends at the Khao Nor Chuchi Sanctuary Headquarters. Information can be obtained from the no-hunting zone office at Ban Bang Teao.

How to Sleep On a Plane

2009-03-07T20:53:00.000-08:00

Step 1: Book the right seat

A window seat gives you a wall to lean on. (Creative Commons photo by Stereogab)

Certain seats on airplanes are more conducive to sleep. These simple tips will help you book a seat where you are most likely to sleep.

If you sit next to a window, you will have a wall to lean on as you sleep.
You also will not have to move if someone else needs to use the restroom.
Don't sit in the last row; these seats often do not recline.
Seats in front of the exit row also often do not recline.
The further forward you sit, the further away from engine noise you will be.
Exit rows will give you more legroom, but you will not be able to put the seat arms up if the seat next to you is empty. Also, you will have to be alert if there is an air incident.
The website Seatguru.com can help you select the best seat.

Step 2: Prepare before your flight

Avoid alcohol before flight. (Photo by Christy Thompson)

Good preparation is one key to solid in-flight sleep.

Wear loose clothing so you will not feel constricted.
Wear layers; you can add or remove them depending on the temperature on the plane.
Don't consume caffeine in the four hours before your flight. According to Canada's Centre for Addiction and Mental health, it takes four and a half hours for your body to metabolize caffeine.
Don't consume alcohol in the four hours before flight. The National Sleep Foundation says it prevents sleep.

Step 3: Use accessories to increase your comfort

Sleep masks block light.

Medscape recommends blocking out external stimulation to aid sleep. Here's some ways you can increase comfort and decrease noise and light.

A sleep mask will block out light.
Earplugs will block out a great deal of the noise from the plane.
A neck pillow may also be helpful.

Step 4: Warn people you plan to sleep

Tell your neighbor you plan to sleep. (Photo by J.W.M. Pap)

Flight attendants often offer food and beverages during flight. Your neighbor may be bored and looking for conversation. Here are a few ways to avoid those interruptions.

Politely inform your seat mate that you plan to sleep during the flight.
Tell the flight attendant not to wake you for meals or beverage service.
Ask the flight attendant if he or she can hold your meal for you until you awaken.

Step 5: Use sleep medications

Some doctors recommend the use of prescription sleep medications in-flight to aid sleep. These should only be used on flights that are significantly longer than the duration of the medication's effects!

If you are having trouble sleeping, sleeping pills can encourage you to sleep on the plane during your destination's night-time hours.
Dr. Richard Dawood recommends the prescription drug Sonata, which puts users to sleep for only four hours.
Dr. Dawood also says Restoril and Lunesta should only be used on flights that allow eight hours of sleep.
Ambien users are warned by the manufacturer not to take it on a flight of less than 8 hours.
None of these drugs should be combined with alcohol. There are several documented cases of bizarre behavior on airplanes after users combined Ambien and alcohol.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends against taking over-the-counter sleep medications, as they can have a severe "hangover" effect.
According to the CDC, prescription sleeping pills can cause nausea, dizziness, vomiting, confusion, headache, and dry mouth.

Step 6: If money is no object, fly business or first class

First and business class seats offer more comfort than coach seats. However, not all seats are created equal. "Recliner" seats tilt back further than coach seats, but do not allow the traveler to lie down. "Lie-flat" seats allow the traveler to stretch out; however, they are still at a slight angle toward the floor, so you'll always slide a little toward your feet. Only "flat-bed" seats are completely horizontal.

If flying internationally, refer to charts on Seatguru.com and Skytrax to learn which airline going to your destination has the most comfortable seats.
Figure 1: Seatguru.com International First Class Comparison Chart
Domestic flights currently offer only recliner seats. This chart on Seatguru.com will tell you which seats lean back the furthest. The larger the number in the "Seat Pitch" column, the further it tilts back.
Figure 2: Seatguru.com Domestic First Class Comparison Chart

Resources for How to Sleep On a Plane

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health: Do You Know... Caffeine
National Sleep Foundation: Sleep and The Traveler
The Independent Traveler: Sleeping on Planes
Newsweek: Get Some Sleep (2005)
Condé Nast Traveler: E-zzz to Swallow (2005)
WebMD: Drugs and Treatments - Ambien Oral
The New York Times: Some Sleeping Pill Users Range Far Beyond Bed (2006)
Mary Dan Eades, M.D.: Caveat, snoozor! Ambien and the Space Cadet (2007)
CDC Travelers' Health: Chapter 6 - Jet Lag
SeatGuru: Domestic First Class Comparison Chart and International First Class Comparison Chart
Skytrax: Airline First Class cabins with lie-flat seats

The Advantages of Chanting Buddhaguna

2009-03-07T09:50:00.000-08:00

The Advantages of Chanting Buddhaguna

by Phra Dhebsinghaburajarn and English version by Dr. Suchitra Ronruen

Buddhaguna ( worshipping the Enlightened one ), I have discovered that when some people are foretold by a fortune-teller that they have bad luck and something should be done to eradicate that bad luck. Which the help of mindfulness, a thought arises in my mind that it's much better to chant Buddhaguna than to get advice from a fortune-letter .I then tell my disciples to follow this idea and it works well.

The chanting begins with Namo tassa bhagavato ...., Refuges, Buddhaguna, Dhammaguna, Sanghaguna, Bahum and Mahakaruniko. After that ,chant only Buddhaguna as many times as your age plus one. Suppose you are 40, then chant Buddhaguna 41 times and if you are 35, then chant Buddhaguna 36 times.

There was a fifty-one-year-old Christian widow who was a millionairess and had only one son. This widow possessed lots of lands in Lad Prao and Klong San-sab. Her son was not keen in learning and she sent him to study in U.S.A. The son was not interested in his studies.He spent three years there as a playboy and often wrote to his mother to send him money, lying to her that he nearly finished his studies. From time to time,the son deceived his mother to send him one hundred thousand,then five hundred thousand and so on.

The mother did not know what to do ,she then went to a fortune-teller to have him ridden her of her bad luck. She paid lots of money to the fortune-teller ,hoping that he would help her son to finish his studies.She also went to other fortune-tellers but none of them could solve her problem though she had paid them a lot. She was very nervous and could neither eat nor sleep

Fortunately, a man from Singburi who was one of her employees knew and asked for my help. At that time I didn't know that she was a Christian and when I saw her face I knew that her son would finish his M.A. and would continue a Ph.D. But why couldn't he finish his B.A. I wondered.

I suggested to her to chant Buddhaguna 52 times every night but she said she couldn't because she was a christian.That day she left the monastery hopeless.

She came back again after four or five months had passed. This time she came alone and confessed that " Luang Poh, I will follow your advice ". I then told her to buy a chant book but she refused. Her reason was that any Christian could not keep the chant book in the house. She requested me to write the words of chant for her. I had to write the chant words of Buddhaguna, Dhammaguna, Sanghaguna, Bahum and Mahaka for her. She still said, " I can't chant in the chanting hall because I am not a Buddhist." I suggested that she could chant in her bed by counting pieces of matches for the 52 times of chanting. Having finished chanting she should transfer merit to her son. I forbade her to scold him and suggested that she must wish him happiness and successs in his studies.

For three months she had followed my suggestion. She could remember all the words she chanted and there were two advantages she got .

First, her nervousness had gone. She became mindful and could eat and sleep. When she was happy , she began to transfer merit to her son in U.S.A. After six months of chanting, the son got that merit. The day he got it he had a serious accident. The car he was driving crashed on the electric distribution pole. His friends who sat in the back seat were thrown out of the car but none of them got hert. Only he who was in the car, was hurt. The electric distribution pole had fallen down (and he had to pay lots of money for this accident ).

The driver was unconscious and was sent to the ICU room. Fortunately, one of his cousins was a doctor in U.S.A. He came to see him at the hospital. The doctors reportd to the cousin that the patient should be dead.

On the following day he became conscious and felt seriously hurt. Tears filled his eyes when he thought of his mother. I notice that when someone is in trouble, he usually thinks of his mother but when h is happy with his friends ,the mother is absolutely forgotten.

Secoundly, the son missed his mother a lot .He was sorry that how unhappy would she be if she had known that her son did not finish his studies. He then determined that he would try to finish his studies as soon as he recovered.

Finally, he came back to Thailand and his mother brought him to meet me. He revealed what happened to him. After he had got well, he chanted every day and also went to practise vipassana meditation at Thai Temple in U.S.A. He could finish his B.A. as well as an M.A. and I knew that he would finish his Ph.D. in the future.

I then conclude that whenever someone is in trouble, he will think of his mother and perceive the Dhamma. That widow's son said to me " Venerable sir, I never missed my mother during three or four years while I was in U.S.A But when I was in hospital, I missed her so much." The mother told her son that it was I who helped him. He then had faith in me and I told him if he believed me , he should have his hair cut I then postulate that when someone is in bad luck, he should chant Buddhaguna.

..........................

source http://www.geocities.com/thaisamati

Chanting

2009-03-07T09:48:00.000-08:00

Chanting

An Approval

Chanting the holy stanzas is the way of life. A person who chants every day will be good and prosperous. He will be able to share this merit to his friends and to all beings.

May you and your family members chant every day for your well - being,rich of fortune,happiness and wisdom.

You should advise your children to chant every night before they go to bed. If they do this with firm faith, these benefits should be expected. They are :

1. They will have good discipline.

2. They won't argue with their parents but will be obedient and respectful.

3. When they are grown up,they will be good members of society as well as good citizens of the nation.

4. He who chants every day will lead a good, prosperous,rich,smart and intellectual life.He will get all good things he wishs.

Congratulation Phra Dhebsinghaburajarn

How to Chant ( Method of Chanting )

Begin with " Vandana" ( Namo tassa Bhagavato......that ends with sada sotti bhavantu te) ............ ( " green letters" ) only one chant.Then chant Itipiso ( " Red letters" ) as many times as your age plus one . After that, chant the aspiration, then follow by the transference of merit . When you finish this, you can make whatever wish you want.

Buddha Vacana.......................... Buddha s Words

Sabbapapassa akaranam .............. To avoid all evil,

Kusalassupasampada ......................To cultivate good,

Sacittapariyodapanam...................... To purify one's mind,

Etam Buddhana sasanam................. This is the teaching of the Buddhas.

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Vandana.

Namo tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma-sambuddhassa. (Repeat Thrice)

Homage( Translation )

Honour to Him,the Blessed One,the Worthy One,the fully Enlightened One. (Repeat Thrice)

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Ti-Sarana.

Buddham saranam gacchami

Dhammam saranam gacchami

Sangham saranam gacchami

Dutiyampi Buddham saranam gacchami

Dutiyampi Dhammam saranam gacchami

Dutiyampi Sangham saranam gacchami

Tatiyampi Buddham saranam gacchami

Tatiyampi Dhammam saranam gacchami

Tatiyampi Sangham saranam gacchami

Iti'pi so Bhagava Araham Sammasambuddho vijjacarana-sampanno Sugato Lokavidu Anuttaro purisadamma-sarati sattha Devamanussanam Buddho Bhagavati

Svakkhato Bhagavata Dhammo Sanditthiko Akaliko Ehipassiko Opanayiko Paccattam veditabbo vinnuhi'ti

Supatipanno Bhagavato savakasangho Ujupatipanno Bhagavato savakasangho Nayapatipanno Bhagavato savakasangho Samicipatipanno Bhagavato savakasangho

Yadidam cattari purisayugani Atthapurisapuggala Esa Bhagavato savakasangho Ahuneyyo Pahuneyyo Dakkhineyyo Anjalikaraniyo Anuttaram Punnakkhettam lokassati

The Three Refuges( Translation )

I go to the Buddha as my refuge.

I go to the Dhamma as my refuge.

I go to the Sangha as my refuge.

For the second time I go to the Buddha as my refuge.

For the second time I go to the Dhamma as my refuge.

For the second time I go to Sangha as my refuge.

For the third time I go to the Buddha as my refuge.

For the third time I go to the Dhamma as my refuge.

For the third time I go to Sangha as my refuge.

Salutation To The Buddha

Such indeed is that Blessed One,Exalted, Omniscient, endowed with knowledge and virtue, Well-gone, knower of the worlds, a Guide incomparable for the training of individuals, Teacher of gods and men, Enlightend and Holy.

Saution To The Dhamma

Well-expounded is the Dhamma by the Blessed One to be self-realized; with immediate fruit; inviting to come and see; capable of being enterd upon; to be attained by the wise,each for himself.

Salution To The Sangha

Of good conduct is the Order of the Disciples of the Blessed One. Of upright conduct is the Order of the Blessed One. Of wise conduct is the Order of the Blessed One. Of dutiful conduct is the Order of the Blessed One.

This Order of the Disciples of the Blessed One namely , these Four Pairs of Persons,the eight types of individuals, is worthy of gifts is worthy of hospitality, is worthy of offerings, is worthy of reverential salutation, is an incomparable field of merit for the World.

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Jaya-Mangala-Gatha.

Bahum sahassa' mabhinimmita savudhantam Girimekhalam udita ghora sasena maram Danadi dhamma vidhina jitava Munindo Tam tejasa bhavatu me jayamangalani

Marati reka'mabhiyujjhita sabbarattim Ghorampanalavaka makkhamathaddha yakkham Khanti sudanta vidhina jitava Munindo Tam tejasa bhavatu me jayamangalani

Nalagirim gajavaram atimatta bhutam Davaggi cakka'masaniva sudarunantam Mettambuseka vidhina jitava Munindo Tam tejasa bhavatu me jayamangalani

Ukkhitta-khagga matihattha sudarunantam Dhavam tiyojanapatham'Gulimala vantam Iddhibhi sankhata mano jitava Munindo Tam tejasa bhavatu me jayamangalani

Katvana kattha'mudaram iva gabbhi niya Cincaya duttha vacanam janakaya majjhe Santena somavidhina jitava Munindo Tam tejasa bhavatu me jayamangalani

Saccam vihaya matisaccaka vadaketum Vadabhiropitamanam atiandhabhutam Pannapadipa jalito jitava munindo Tam tejasa bhavatu me jayamangalani

Nandopananda bhujagam vibudham mahiddhim Puttena thera bhujagena damapayanto Iddhupadesa vidhina jitava Munindo Tam tejasa bhavatu me jayamangalani

Duggahaditthi bhujagena sudattha hattham Brahmam visuddhi jutim'iddhi bakabhidhanam Nanagadena vidhina jitava Munindo Tam tejasa bhavatu me jayamangalani

Eta pi Buddha jayamangala atthagatha Yo vacako dinadine sarate matandi Hitvana nekavividhani c'upaddavani Mokkham sukham adhigameyya naro sapanno

N.B. The last line "me" is changed to "te" if repeated for others.

Stanzas of Victory( Translation )

Creating thousand hands with weapons armed, was Mara seated on the trumpeting,ferocious elephant Girimekhala. Him, together with his army, did the Lord of Sages subdue by means of generosity and other virtues. By the grace of which may joyous victory be mine.

More violent than Mara was the indocile obstinate demon Alavaka, who battled with the the Buddha throughout the whole night. Him, did the Lord of Sages subdue by means of His patience and self-control, By the grace of which may joyous victory be mine.

Nalagiri, the king elephant, highly intoxicated, was raging like a forest fire and was terrible as a thunder-bolt. Sprinkling the waters of loving-kindness, this ferocious beast,did the Lord of Sages subdue. By the grace of which may joyous victory be mine.

With lifted sword,for a distanced of three leagues, did wicked Angulimala run. Him,did the Lord of Sages subdue by His psychic powers. By the grace of which may joyous victory be mine.

Her belly bound with faggots, to simulate the biness of pregnancy Cinca, with harsh words made foul accusation in the midst of an assemblage. Her, did the Lord of Sages subdue by His serene by His serene and peaceful bearing. By the grace of which may joyous victory be mine.

Haughty Saccaka, who ignored truth, was like a banner controversy, and his vision was blinded by his own disputations. Lighting the lamp of wisdom, him, did the Lord of Sages subdue. By the grace of which may joyous victory be mine.

The wise and powerful serpent Nandopananda, the Noble Sage got subdued by psychic powers through his disciple con-Thera Moggallana. By the grace of which may joyous victory be mine.

The pure, radiant, majestic Brahma, named Baka, whose hand was grievously held by the snake of tenacious heresies, did the Lord of Sages cured with His medicine of wisdom. By the grace of which may joyous victory be mine.

The wise one, who daily recites and earnestly remembers these eight verses of joyous of the Buddha, will get rid of various misfortunes and gain the bliss of Nibbana.

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JAYAPARITTAM

Mahakaruniko natho hitaya sabbapaninam Puretva parami sabba patto sambodhimuttamam Etena saccavajjena hotu te jayamangalam, Jayanto bodhiya mule sakyanam nandivaddhano Evam tvam vijayo hohi jayassu jayamangale Aparajitapallanke sise pathavipokkhare Abhiseke sabbabuddhanam aggappatto pamodati Sunakkhattam sumangalam supabhatam suhutthitam Sukhano sumuhutto ca suyittham brahmmacarisu. Padakkhinam kayakammam vacakammam padakkhinam Padakkhinam manokammam panidhi te padakkhina Padakkhinani katvana labhantatthe padakhine.

Bhavatu sabba mangalam-rakkhantu sabba devata sabba Buddhanu bhavena-sada sotthi bhavantu te.

Bhavatu sabba mangalam-rakkhantu sabba devata sabba dhammanu bhavena-sada sotthi bhavantu te.

Bhavatu sabba mangalam-rakkhantu sabba devata sabba Sanghanu bhavena-sada sotthi bhavatu te.

IIti'pi so Bhagava Araham Sammasambuddho vijjacarana-sampanno Sugato Lokavidu Anuttaro purisadamma-sarati sattha Devamanussanam Buddho Bhagavati

(Repeat this chant as many times as your age plus one.)

The victory protection ( translation )

The Lord greatly compassionate for the welfare of all living beings Having fulfilled all the perfections attained by himself the highest Bodhi: by the speaking of this truth, may you be blessed with victory. Victorious at the Bodhi-tree' root

He who increased delight for the Sakyans, thus may victory be yours May you win the blessing of victory. In the undefeated posture upon The exalted holy place having the consecration of all the Buddhas He rejoices in the best attainment. A good time ,an auspicious time, a good dawn, a good morning, a good instant, a good moment( when ) well-given( are things ) to brahmacaris, (when) bodily kamma is righteous, and righteousness is verbal kamma, ( when ) mantal kamma is righteous, righteousness are their aspirations. These righteousness having been done one gains the gosl by righteousness.

May all blessings accrue. May all devas protect you. By the glory of all Buddhas may security ever be yours!

May all blessings accrue. May all devas protect you. By the glory of all Truth's Laws may security ever be yours!

May all blessings accrue. May all devas protect you. By the glory of all Saintly Disciples may security ever be yours!

Salutation To The Buddha

Such indeed is that Blessed One,Exalted, Omniscient, endowed with knowledge and virtue, Well-gone, knower of the worlds, a Guide incomparable for the training of individuals, Teacher of gods and men, Enlightend and Holy.

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Pattidana

Idam me matapitunam hotu Sukhita hontu matapitaro

Idam me natinam hotu Sukhita hontu natayo

Idam me gurupajjhayacariya nam hotu Sukhita hontu gurupajjhayacariya

Idam sabba devanam hotu Sukhita hontu sabbe deva

Idam sabba petanam hotu Sukhita hontu sabbe peta

Idam sabba verinam hotu Sukhita hontu sabbe veri

Idam sabba sattanam hotu Sukhita hontu sabbe satti

Transference of Merit( translation)

May this merit accrue to my mother and my father, May they be happy.

May this merit accrue to all my relatives; may they be happy.

May this merit accrue to my teachers and my preceptor; may they be happy.

May this merit accrue to all gods; may they be happy.

May this merit accrue to all hungry ghosts; they be happy.

May this merit accrue to all enemies; may they be happy.

May this merit accrue to all beings; may they be happy.

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Buddha Vacana ......................Buddha words

Attanava katam papam .................By oneself is evil done,

attana sankilissati,.......................... By oneself is one difiled.

attana akatam papam ...................By oneself is evil left undone,

attanava visujjhati,........................... By oneself is one purified.

Suddhi asuddhi paccattam .........Purity and impurity depend on oneself

nanno annam visodhaye ...............No one can purify another.

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Meditation Meaning

2009-03-07T09:41:00.000-08:00

MEDITATION

NB. Remember that the following simple illustrations are not meant for self teachings Beginners have to be guided by the instructor. The guidelines here are for your easy references.Always do your acknowledgement mentally, this is the bringing of awareness.

- any encounterment, please do not hesitate to talk to your instructor for further guidance after the session.

- if doing at home and happen to encounter any difficulty-please remain clam, take a deep breath slowly and mindfully acknowledge "KNOWING...NOR...R..R..R.. " ,mind focusing at your solar-plexus, (knowing - that you know and note , at that particular time and point it happens.)

STANDING POSITION MEDITATION

1. Stand at ease with hands behind ( right grasping the left )

2. Take a deep breath and relax…….

3. CLOSE your eyes gently

4. Using your inner eyes, "look" at yourself from head to toes slowly, Acknowledge mentally , " STAND …….NOR…R…R…R…" And vice versa altogether for 5 times count. I.e.,

( I ) 1st count ; starting from Head, acknowledge mentally , "STAND..D..D..D..D" till you reach bellybutton " NOR..R..R..R…" till to toes.

( II ) 2nd count ; starting from Toes,acknowledge "STAND..D..D..D.." till bellybutton, pause and relax, then continue from bellybutton,acknowledge "NOR..R..R..R..R..R.. " till to the head.

( III ) 3rd count ; from Head STAND..D..D..D.." till to the bellybutton "NOR..R..R..R.." to the toes.

( Iv ) 4th count ; from Toes 'STAND..D..D..D..' till to the bellybutton, 'NOR..R..R..R..R..' to the head.

( V ) 5th count; from Head 'STAND..D..D..D..' till to the bellybutton, 'to the toes.

WALKING MEDITATION

After completion of your standing meditation,OPEN your eyes slowly and look down at your feet.

1. Concentrate on your right foot first , as you raised your heel slightly 2 inches above the ground, acknowledge 'RIGHT' and then pause for while.

2. Now, move your right foot out very slowly ( slow motion) and acknowledge at the same time " GO...O...O...O" and pause for a while.

3. And as you placed your foot down lightly on to the ground acknowledge "NOR...R...R...R..."

CAUTION Not to raise your left heel till you are ready to concentrate and mindful on the left.

4. Repeat the same process for the left foot, ie ., 'LEFT....GO...O...O...O...O...NOR...R...R...R...' Continue the walking meditation process till you reach the distance and stop,approximately 6 metres (not too far or near.) Whilst stopping ,both feet have to be together and stand straight at ease. Take a deep breath and relax. Close your eyes gently and do the standing meditation for 5 counts.

TURNING STEPS

Once you have completed the standing meditation ,OPEN your eyes and look down at your feet ,preparing to turn clockwise movement.

1. Concentrate on your RIGHT foot; heel pivot to the ground and turn to about 45 degrees - as you turn acknowledge " TURN...N...N...N .. " and acknowledge "NOR...R...R...R... " as you placed your right foot down.

2. Repeat the same for left foot - ( considered 1 st turn ), note that the left heel need not be pivoted to the ground, just turn at ease (normally)

Once you've reached at the 4th turn - prepare to stand straight at ease,

CLOSE your eyes gently and repeat the standing meditation process for 5 counts.

OPEN your eyes now and continue to do the walking meditation. Do these repeating process ( to and fro ) for about half and hour and then return to sitting meditation for half and hour

PLS Time your walking and sitting meditation equally.

EG. half and hour of walking meditation DO half and hour of sitting meditation.

TOTAL ; one hour of meditation.

SITTING MEDITATION

SITTING MEDITATION

Do your standing meditation for 5 counts before you sit.

1. Sit comfortably, with right leg crossing over the left leg ( half lotus sitting position) and right hand over the left hand (as shown in the picture .)

2. Sit upright at ease , take a deep breath and relax.

3. CLOSE your eyes gently. Mind focusing on the lower abdomen, (about 2 fingers spacing below your bellybutton).

4. Breathe normally and as you progress , deeper breath is needed. Concentrate at the 'X' point ,and as you breath in,watch your abdomen 'X' rises, acknowledge 'RISE...NOR...R...R...R...'

5. As you breath out , the abdomen 'X' contracts / falls acknowledge 'FALL...NOR...R...R...R '

6. Concentrate doing these 'RISE...NOR...R...R...R..' , 'FALL...NOR...R...R...R...R...' for about half an hour. This is the only the base point for sitting concentration.

NB. 'X' point - The base point where is 2 fingers spacing below the bellybutton. If any distractions occur, eg.. thoughts, noise,smeels,pain etc

... pay attention to the ear for noise,acknowledge 'HEAR...NOR...R...R...'

Nose for smeel, 'SMELL...NOR...R...R...R...'

Third eye (slightly above in between 2 eyebrows) for sight 'SEE...NOR...R...R...R...'

Pain on the pain itself 'PAIN...NOR...R...R...R..."

Itch on the itch itself 'ITCH....NOR...R...R..R...R' etc...

NB. CITTA - mind

SATTI - mindfulness

SAMATHI - concentration

KAMMATTHAN - meditation

SAMPACHANYA - clear comprehension

Both citta and satti have to be together. This is the cause of awareness.

POINTS FOR MIND TO FOCUS ON SOLAR PLEXUS.

think nor, know nor, frustration nor, irritating nor , angry nor,sad nor ,happy nor ,moody nor , bored nor, imagination not, etc.

Remember to take a deep breath slowly and acknowledge. As you progress , all these acknowledgements will also apply to standing,walking ,lying and anywhere ,anytime.It also applies to our daily lives for guidance of mindfulness.

LYING MEDITATION

Do this while you are lying on the bed; (bedtime). Place one hand or both hands over your abdomen 'X' point and breathe normally. Acknowledge '' RISE...NOR...R...R...R... "

'' FALL...NOR...R...R...R..." continously till you fall asleep.

MAY THE TRIPLE GEMS BLESS YOU.

hand crafted umbrella

2009-03-04T06:26:00.000-08:00

.... and an umbrella from Bosang village will definitely come handy!

This small community 10 kilometres east of downtown Chiang Mai, in
Sankamphaeng district, is widely known for its umbrellas and painted
silk fans. The art of umbrella-making is at least 200 years old in
this area.

Each tiny little detail is hand-crafted. The frames are made from
bamboo, the covers are cotton or mulberry paper. Intricate designs of
birds, flowers, dragons are painted for decoration. Umbrellas and
parasols come in a dozen or so sizes, from tiny little key-chains to
huge waterproof umbrellas that can protect an entire family from a
downpour or strong sunshine.

Every year, in January, Bosang craftspeople organise Bosang Umbrella
Festival, one of many small, colourful village handifcrafts fairs in
the region during the cool season. They showcase the very best of
their work, decorate shopfronts and streets, have special deals for
the visitors.

You can admire the dexterity and artwork of the elderly craftspeople
as they demonstrate each step of the process.

It is unheard of to have a local festival without a beauty pageant!
The girls were riding their bicycles along the village holding
umbrellas, of course.

As usual, the local children are invited to dance and play music on stage.

You can ride a horse cart along the main road of Bosang, a nice little
trip to take in the relaxed, colourful atmosphere.

Recently, the local media reported an alarming drop in the number of
umbrellas sold on the overseas markets. Global recession and
competition from other craftspeople in the region have hit Bosang
hard.

It is always sad and somewhat ironic that it is demand from ten
thousand miles away that helps preserve traditions in a small village
over here. If nobody buys the umbrellas, will those old wrinkled hands
show all the tricks to the young ones? Will the young ones care? After
all, you can buy a cheap factory-made umbrella at BigC. After all, it
is not a very glamorous career to craft bamboo umbrella frames for a
one-baht profit per piece for the next twenty years.

Come rain, come shine.... what does the future gold for Bosang and its
craftspeople?

What role do you think traditional arts and crafts can play in a
rapidly modernising society such as Thailand?

The handicrafts fairs will keep them going. Lanna culture classes at
schools will definitely help. Overseas consumers are likely to come
back. But will it still be real and alive?

Jungle Flight - the best adventure in Chiang Mai

2009-03-03T08:47:00.000-08:00

I enjoy getting lost. Taking a map, my camera, some water, and follow some deserted mountain road, looking down on valleys, looking over mountain ranges. This is how I found the beautiful little village of Baan Namkhong just a few weeks ago at the end of a winding road, in an area where my maps show absolutely nothing. They couldn't be more wrong. At the altitude of 1050 metres, this little community is surrounded by ancient lush jungle, huge timeless rubber trees, amazing green scenery, and deep silence and serenity.

That is, until an adrenalin-fuelled scream breaks the silence.

This is the home of Jungle Flight, Chiang Mai's ultimate jungle adventure: sliding from giant tree to giant tree on cables for over two kilometres, sometimes as high as 40 metres above ground. It is difficult to let go, to jump into thin air at first, but then, the flow carries you away quickly. If you are longing for some thrill, but bungee jumping is a bit steep for you, I think Jungle Flight is just what you have been looking for. However, you will find yourself at the end of a rope all the same, and I tell you that tree is coming real fast as well!

tree up close!

Take a deep breath. Just let it happen to you. Once the first adrenaline rush is over, and those shaking legs support you firmly again, you will find yourself looking at the jungle from a completely different angle, surrounded by treetops, wild orchids - and the word "depth" gets a whole new meaning. There is something timeless and ancient about Jungle Flight, which in a way reminds me of snorkelling.

silent giants

Our guides Pang and Yud are great with people, they know how to make people relaxed, how and when to tease or encourage. We all received lots of personal attention. The guides showed us coffee beans, flowers, a bees' nest, gave us plenty of time to stop and admire the view, there was time for joking and fun.

When I asked what happens if someone doesn't have enough momentum and stops in the middle of the cable, they showed me - they left me hanging there in the air, like a giant bird stuck in the canopy. That was the most carefree moment of my past couple of months, in the middle of nowhere. It is amazing too how quickly strangers bond on top of a tree.

It is a crazy idea to slide between trees when you first look at it, but at second glance, it looks perfectly safe. The longest and highest ziplines have two cables running parallel, and you get secured to both during your flight. The three abseil sections also have double safety lines. You are always attached to a wire while standing on any of the 22 platforms or walking the two wobbly skybridges. The guides hook you to the right places all the time, you cannot make a mistake. All equipment was imported, complies with international safety standards, and so does the safety training received by all the guides.

down here?! - no way!

At the very end, to descend from the last platform, you have no choice but to leap into the abyss - an eight-storey gap in the middle of a platform. You can ask to be lowered slowly or to have it with more of a free-fall twist. All I can say about this bit is that screaming actually does help.

There is a little bit of steep jungle walk back to the village, where a tasty lunch awaits the returning members of the expedition. You may also buy locally made herbal tea, honey, herbal pillows, or a Jungle Flight t-shirt. The restaurant overlooks the jungle and more giant trees, where you may wind down and share your favourite moments.

my favourite trees

The tour price is 2,200 baht for the entire 7-hour adventure, and includes round trip transfer, water, insurance, and a short stop at the local hot springs on the way back. You need to pay extra for lunch. If you choose an early pick-up time (6 to 6:30 a.m.) or a late afternoon adventure (leaving at 1-1:30 p.m.), the discounted price is 1,980 baht. You need to be taller than 120 centimetres and weigh less than 150 kilos to sign up.

that's me at the end of my rope

Seven additional platforms will be completed by the end of April, including the longest zipwire in Thailand - 260 metres. There are plans for a daily ticket with unlimited number of rides. Personally, I can hardly wait for that one!

the longest cable at the moment - 130 metres

I think it is great value for money. First, it may sound too much for a daytrip, but just compare it to what the normal price of a bungee jump is. Jungle Flight takes three hours, you get to ride the longest zipline in Thailand, marvel at the jungle up close and from a bird's eye view, and actually feel like a bird. It is as close as you can get to flying, something we all dream about. It is an adventure of a lifetime. The only problem is, you may get addicted!

jungle staircase

Your money also helps the local community. This little Khamu hilltribe village of 30 families is too high in the mountains for rice farming, so, the coffee plantations provide the main income. Jungle Flight brings in much needed income and jobs to the village while respecting the community. Part of the profits go towards funding a school van and school lunches to all children in the village, as well as towards maintaining the narrow winding road and providing clean water. Socially responsible businesses like Jungle Flight benefit local people, give them alternatives to cutting down the precious jungle, and are worthy of your support.

Baan Namkhong village

Also, a homestay scheme will be up and running in the near future, which should attract people looking for peace and quiet away from the city, overlooking the mountain ranges. The climate is noticeably more pleasant at this altitude, the trees are still green, an ideal place to escape to in the upcoming hot season.

The price includes transfer but if you would like to "get lost" on your own, head out of Chiang Mai on the Chiang Rai highway for 27 kilometres. At the sign to the Sankamphaeng hot springs, turn right and go a further 4 kilometres. Then follow the Jungle Flight signs for another 13 kilometres up the hills. It takes one hour to get there. A 105 cc motorcycle can just about make it, but that is not something I would like to try again.

Jungle Flight has an office opposite Thapae Gate (47/2 Moon Muang Road). You can also book your flight online at www.jungle-flight.com . The website has some stunning photos and videos of the trip - check it out.

Thai Traditional Clothes

2009-02-21T20:16:00.000-08:00

Lots of people have been asking me about what kind of clothes Thai people wear. We have our traditional clothes but we do not really wear them often. We only wear them for special days like Songkran, Father's day, Mother's day, Loy Krathong etc. For normal days, Thai men wear suits to work. Thai children wear uniform to school. At the weekend we wear normal clothes like other countries. For example jeans and T-shirt. I think most Thai traditional clothes are made from silk. The pictures below are of teachers and students at my old school.

Thai Silk Weaving

2009-02-21T20:10:00.000-08:00

Thailand's shimmering hand - woven silk is among its most famous products.

Silk manufacture is an ancient craft but until recently it was never a major item of trade for production was too limited in older times. This was always the labour of village women who spun, dyed and wove the fabrics only when their work in field and home allowed time. Nor was silk for everyday wear being reserved for such festive occasions as marriages and other important ceremonies.

Nowadays there are factories making Thai silk on a larger scale, but the finest qualities are still produced on hand looms in villages where old skill are lovingly passed from one generation to the next. Most regions of Thailand have their own typical silks which are especially prized. Of all these the "Mud - Mee" tie - dyed design and "Phumriang" brocades are considered outstanding.

Phumriang is a village in Surat Thani province where an old lady named Mrs. Riam Wanmukda was renowned for exquisite weaving. Originally only plant dyes were used, distilled from roots, bark and leaves, but today chemical dyes are preferred for their brighter colours. Modern designs have also joined the traditional pattern. Particular to Phumriang is the use of gold threads in the complex designs. The result is a rich brocade that is more than a handicraft, it is truly a treasure.

Besides plain and printed silks, a number of special weaves have become celebrated. One of these is called "mudmee", a specialty of the northeast. Mudmee is produced by a tie - dye process: the silk thread is wound around two poles whose length equals the width of the cloth, after which it is tied (mud) at various places according to the design. The thread is then dyed and spun on a shuttle. Other kind of Northeastern textiles include tin chok and Phrae Wa cloth.

Did you know?

2009-02-18T09:09:00.000-08:00

Full Country Name: Thailand (Prathet Thai, meaning "land of the free")
Capital: Bangkok (Krung Thep, meaning "city of angels")
Geography:
The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions : the mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South.

The country comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Thailand's revered Royal Family, with His Majesty the King recognised as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions.

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, the present king. The King has reigned for more than half a century, making him the longest reigning Thai monarch. Thailand embraces a rich diversity of cultures and traditions. With its proud history, tropical climate and renowned hospitality, the Kingdom is a never-ending source of fascination and pleasure for international visitors.

The official name of Bangkok in Thai is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.

This ceremonial name is composed in combination of two ancient Indian languages, Pāli and Sanskrit. Translated it means "The city of angels, the great city, the eternal jewel city, the impregnable city of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukam". The full name of the city is listed by Guinness Book of Records as the world's longest place name.

AREA

513,115 sq. km.

Neighbours

Myanmar - west and north,
Lao P.D.R. - north and northeast,
Cambodia - southeast and
Malaysia - south.

CLIMATE
Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons:

Hot Season: March - May
Rainy Season: June - October
Cool Season: November - February

The average annual temperature is about 28° C. The northern region can be a bit cold during the cool season. Be sure to bring along a sweater or a light jacket if you intend to visit this region around that time of the year. During the rainy season, downpours hardly last more than a couple of hours.

Gems and Jewelry

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Gemstones

Gemstones are Thailand’s second biggest export line, after garments and before rice. In 1990, the country exported gemstones for approximately 1.5 billion US Dollars. More than half of the worlds quality rubies come from Thailand, mainly from the region bordering Cambodia (rubies from Cambodia also find in substantial numbers their way to Thailand). In the Thai provinces of Chanthaburi, Kanchanaburi and Phrae, blue sapphires are mined. Zircon and garnet are other gemstones found in Thailand.

Thailand is a good place to buy gemstones - principally for those who are big timers in the gemstone trade. Whether it’s a good place to buy gemstones retail is debatable. As a matter of fact, a large number of unsuspecting tourists get burned when buying gemstones in Thailand.

First, there are the clear frauds in which the 'stupid' tourist is just sold some glass beads.

Second, there are the incidents when the tourist just gets low quality stones while having paid for top quality stones.

Third, when tourists actually get good quality stones, they often do so at best for prices which are not lower than those paid anywhere else in the world, or worse, for prices considerably higher.

Gemstone sales of the first and second case are usually conducted by con artists. They make friends with foreign visitors and after a while come up with a story that they have some relative in the gems trade, and accidentally, an "extremely good chance" is just existing to make a small fortune. As the con artists word it, it always seems to be a chance tailored for foreign visitors - but of course the only one who will finally make a small fortune is the con artist and his cohorts.

A story presented by a con artist could sound like this: "Because the Thai government has put under state control the export of gems, ordinary Thais cannot export stones by themselves. However, foreign visitors can buy gems and take them home. Because the gem trade is under state control and the government fixes the price for exports through the normal commercial channels, prices for gemstones are much higher abroad than in Thailand. A tourist who buys a few gemstones directly from a good source (the con artist may even indicate that his relative’s gems are black market stones) can easily finance his Thailand trip just by taking a few stones out of the country, walking into any jewelry store back at home and sell the stones for triple the price." There are endless varieties of con artists’ stories. For example, a con artist may claim that his brother has to sell some stones which are old family inheritance because his baby will need a heart operation, and the brother therefore is allegedly willing to sell the stones for far beneath their value. It is reported that some extra stupid tourists have then offered to pay the "real", of course higher price for the stones - and others have, because of the alleged serenity of the circumstances, at least refrained from haggling over the price.

One just has to read the letters to the editors of the English newspapers in Bangkok to find regularly some more varieties of the same old theme.

Of course, all curious claims of con artists are just nonsense. The Thai government doesn’t control the gems trade and imposes inflated prices for stones to be exported. And gemstones are not some exotic novelty or fashion item for which a price is set quite arbitrarily but rather an international commodity for which prices at any time do not differ much from one country to another (though retail shoppers probably pay at home a few percent duty and most probably the full Value Added Tax of maybe 10 to 20 percent - plus the mark up of the retailer).

This is no longer the age of spice traders who made a few thousand percent profit on a sack of pepper brought from the Far East to Europe. Price fluctuations of just some 10 percent between Asia and Europe are a difference on which commodity traders can easily live - in the case of rubbers just as in the case of rubies.

Therefore, all talk of Thailand in general or Bangkok in particular being a great place to shop for gemstones is a myth as far as the ordinary visitor or tourist is concerned. Gemstones are not a bargain here - not for those who buy them retail. Gemstone retailers in Bangkok often operate on mark-ups which are not necessarily smaller than the mark-ups of jewelers in the West.

In contrary, even basically honest gemstone retailers may be tempted to make an unethical profit by setting a mark-up even beyond what the mark-up would be at a tourist’s home country. Definitely the foreign visitor who is on an unknown turf in Bangkok is at a considerable disadvantage when buying in Thailand compared to buying at home. In Thailand, he doesn’t have much time to shop around. He has communication problems. And because of too many new impressions taking his attention he is probably not as alert as he would be in comparative situations at home. This is known also among the jewelry and gemstone retailers in Bangkok, and accordingly when confronted with foreigners who have obviously decided already to buy gemstones in Thailand because they believe that they must be cheaper than at home, they might feel tempted to go for the quick kill, taking the chance to request inflated prices even at the risk that a potential client might not buy from them because there is still another trader who offered a better deal (maybe it may just be a lower quality of stones.)

Foreign retail buyers often don’t fare well when purchasing gemstones in Thailand - not only in cases where they are outright cheated but even when indeed getting what they paid for, though far too much.

Additional reasons contributing to this situation is the wide employment of a commission system. Any foreign visitor who enters any jewelry selling establishment accompanied by a local acquaintance, or who enters a jewelry selling establishment during on a organized tour must be prepared to pay substantial hidden commissions.

Nevertheless, there may be occasional cases when a foreigner buys gemstones at a retail outlet in Bangkok at lower prices than he would at a jewelry shop back home. But even then, the price difference will certainly not make it worthwhile to buy a few gems in Bangkok and to try to sell them back home. The price difference, if any, certainly is not due to a very substantial difference in wholesale prices but to different retailer mark-ups. In the case of a knowledgeable retail shopper, a gems retailer in Bangkok may actually settle for a mark-up smaller than his counterpart in a Western country. But bluffs will not work. The retail shopper has indeed to be knowledgeable.

The Asian Institute of Gemological Science (Tel 513-2112, 513-7044 to 5) offers a one week course on gemstone identification at a price of 4,850 Baht (no gems included, but a text book). The course does not turn a amateur into a specialist and gems trader.

Those contemplating converting money into gemstones should be aware that gemstones are particularly unsuited as commodity investment. Unlike in the case of gold and silver, the value of a gemstone cannot simply be determined by weighting it. To many other factors play a role, size, shape and even how healthy Western economies are at a given time. For gemstones except diamonds are marketed almost exclusively as jewelry.

Even the Asian Institute for Gemological Science from which certificates attesting to the genuineness and quality of any particular gemstone are available at 599 Baht if one can wait a week for the report or at 999 Baht if one wants it faster, refrains from putting a value tag on stones. They are worth just the amount one gets for them when reselling - making the sales skill of the vendor an intricate part of the value of any gemstone.

The ordinary visitor should buy gemstones only if he or she fancies them for his or her own adornment or as a gift. He or she should certainly not buy them with the intention to resell them at a profit because that profit will not materialize. And he or she shouldn’t even buy them as an investment.

Gold
Contrary to what is the case in gems, there is much less danger of getting burned with gold. Actually, the buyer of gold has a far better control over the pricing of gold jewelry in Thailand than in the West. This is because the price of a piece of gold jewelry in Thailand clearly is made up of two components: the price of the metal and the charge for the workmanship that went into a piece.
Gold jewelry, therefore, in general is a sound investment, and actually, many Thais and Chinese invest their savings in gold. Thailand has it’s own unit of measurement for gold, called Baht like the currency.
One Baht of gold is 15.16 grams. A troy ounce, internationally used to weigh gold, has 31.103 grams. A Baht weight therefore is equivalent to .487 troy ounces.
Many of the gold ornaments sold in Thailand contain exactly one, or exactly one half Baht of gold. As prices at jewelers are often per weight unit of one Baht, it is easy to assess on a daily basis the value of any gold ornament one possesses.
Gold dealers in Bangkok buy back at any time gold ornaments bought from them or other stores at rates just minimally lower than their retail prices.
On December 2, 1991, gold shops in Bangkok sold one Baht weight of gold for around 4650 Baht (currency), while their repurchase prices were around 4550 Baht. A typical price for the craftsmanship for a gold chain was just around 150 Baht.
The international gold price (mid-rate) for December 2, 1991 was given by the Bangkok Post of December 3, 1991 as 368.25 US dollars. The average Baht / Dollar rate was 25.43. This translates into 9346.59 Baht per troy ounce of gold, or 4551.78 Baht (currency ) per Baht (weight) of gold. The example shows on what minimal profit margin gold shops operate in Thailand. While the international mid-rate for gold was just 4551.78 Baht (currency) per Baht (weight), Bangkok gold shops at that day bought gold ornaments at 4550 Baht (currency) per Baht (weight) and sold gold ornaments at just 4650 Baht (currency) per Baht (weight), at a profit gain of just 100 Baht, or just around 2 percent (plus a fixed charge of just 150 Baht for the workmanship in a gold chain).
But in most Western countries, there is not only a much higher profit margin of the retailer and a much higher charge for the workmanship (not separately indicated) but on top of that often a heavy value added tax of up to 30 percent of the price of an ornament.
Thailand introduced a value added tax effective January 1, 1992. At the time this text was written, it hasn’t been clear in how far the value added tax would influence the gold trade.

Silver
Of silver jewelry there are two kinds in Thailand - those done by regular jewelry workshops which also make gold jewelry, and minority or hill tribe items. A common silver content of items bought in jewelry shops is 92%, indicated by a stamp saying 92. The silver content of silver hill tribe jewelry is often not specified and not known as any melted silver is used in making the items.
Silver jewelry can be bought in Bangkok in jewelry stores and at Chatuchak Weekend Market. A better selection, however, is available in Chiang Mai at and around the Night Bazaar. A favorite item are silver belts.

visit thailand guide

Shopping advice

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Shopping Tips

Fixed prices are the norm in department stores and a number of shops in Bangkok, but at most other places bargaining is acceptable and expected. Generally, shopping in Thailand is easy, fun and very rewarding, but the following advice is useful especially when making gem and jewellery purchases :

- Shop around to compare prices - this is especially important with gems and jewellery.
- Obtain a receipt for goods bought and check if is correct before leaving the shop
- Never let a tout or new found friend take you shopping. Stores give commission to these people, and the cost is reflected in the price you pay.

- In general, jewellery items cannot be returned. If refunds are allowed, then often 25-30% of the selling price will be deducted as “costs of damages”. More reputable companies may offer a full refund although usually only within a certain time limit, such as 30 days. Do not believe any claims by shop owners that purchases can be refunded at Thai embassies, consulates or other government offices overseas.

- Reputable shops will give a written agreement to a full refund on any goods returned within 90 days. If a shop refuses to do this, go eslewhere.

- Shops in hotel arcades pay high rents and accordingly prices tend to be higher than at street shops. On the other hand, hotel arcades are very convenient if you have little time for shopping.

Packing and Shipping Services

Thanks to the ever-increasing number of tourists coming to Thailand, most shops are experienced at shipping abroad and will attend to all the documents such as insurance, customs and necessary permits. The Central Post Office also offers a parcel-wrapping service for those who want to make small shipments themselves. For larger items or bulk shipments, there are several Bangkok companies who specialise in such matters.

VAT Refund

Visitors entering the Kingdom on tourist visas are entitled to refunds of the 7% value added tax (VAT) paid on goods purchased at shops, department stores and other retail outlets displaying " VAT Refund for Tourists " signs, where tax refund application forms are available. Prior to airport departure, visitors must present a completed VAT refund form, plus passport information and purchase receipts, to a customs officer. Certain luxury goods must be shown to an excise official. Refunds may be in bank draft form or credited to a credit card. For more information, please contact the VAT Refunds for Tourists Office, Tel: 0 2272 9388 or VAT Refund Office at Bangkok International Airport Tel : 02535 6577-8

Where to shop in Bangkok

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Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two major streets, but offers many areas throughout the city affording ample choice and easy access. The following is just a selection of some of the principal shopping districts.

PLOENCHIT-RATCHAPRASONG:
Top department stores and luxury shopping malls are concentrated in the area, namely Central, Sogo, Gaysom Plaza, Isetan, Zen, Amarin Plaza, Peninsula Plaza, all of which together make the largest shopping promenade in Bangkok. Furthermore, the World Trade Center and Narayana Phand Pavilion, host the official handicraft centre selling items from all parts of the country. Ratchaprasong intersection is the gateway to several shopping areas such as Ploenchit-Sukhumvit, Siam SquareMah Boon Krong, Silom and PratunamPhetchaburi.

SILOM- SURAWONG - PATPONG:
Silom Road is the main artery of Bangkok's commercial heart and is paralleled by Surawong Road, while Patpong runs crosswise between the two. In addition to housing dozens of specialist shops and boutiques representing all the major buys, this area also boasts many branches of wellknown retailers and several shopping plazas. Street stalls also abound, most notably at Patpong's famous night market.

SILOM-MAHESAK-NEW ROAD:

Silom leads into New Road which parallels the Chao Phraya River, and notable shopping opportunities include gems and jewellery stores (Mahesak Road is a gem trading centre), Oriental Plaza and River City shopping complex.

SUKHUMVIT:

Like Silom, Sukhumvit is one of Bangkok's main thoroughfares, and the long road is lined with shops, boutiques and modern shopping plazas ranging from Soi 3 (Nana Nua) up to Soi 63 (Ekamai). Most shops and restaurants are concentrated between Soi 3 and Soi 21 (Asoke) and along shortcuts between Asoke and Ekamai.

PRATUNAM-PHETCHABURI:

A highlight in the district is Pratunam market, one of Bangkok's biggest centres for ready-to-wear clothing.

BANG LAMPHU:
Situated close to the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bang Lamphu has a lively market where clothing is a popular buy.

CHINATOWN:
Centre on Yaowarat Road and Sampheng Lane, Bangkok's Chinatown offers a profusion of gold shops as well as two nearby traditional shopping places, "Ban Mo Jewellery Street" and "Phahurat Cloth Marker'.

CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET:

Located adjacent to Chatuchak Park, the weekend market, open on Saturday and Sunday, is a Bangkok landmark where you can buy just about everything from clothing to potted plants and everything in between - a paradise for browsers and bargainhunters alike. Chatuchak Weekend Market also offers items of furniture and home decor. It is also where professional and amateur art-lovers and artists meet.

BAIYOKE TOWER:
Located next to Bangkok's tallest hotel building, Baiyoke Tower is one of the city's renowned garment centres.

NAI LERT MARKET:
Situated close to Pratunam Market, Nai Lert Market is one of many shopping areas in Bangkokwhere you can buy just about everything from clothing to handicrafts.

BO-BE MARKET:
Situated close to Bangkok Railway Station, Bo-be is one of the city's renowned ready-to-wear clothing centres, both wholesale and retail.

BANGKOK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT:
Centre for an extensive range of shops offering a full selection of Thailand's top buys.

Beyond Bangkok
The main city for shopping outside the capital is Chiang Mai, which ranks as one of the world's largest centres for handicrafts and cottage industries. The extensive range of local products includes cotton and silk, hilltribe clothing, Burmese tapestries, handpainted umbrellas and lacquerware, and many such items can be found at its fascinating Night Bazaar. Pattaya also offers plentiful shopping for Thai goods while virtually all other cities and resorts provide ample opportunity for buying gifts and souvenirs, as well as local special ties.

chatuchak-market

THAI PRODUCTS-WHAT TO BUY

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THAI PRODUCTS-WHAT TO BUY

A wealth of shopping opportunities await visitors, and bargains abound throughout the country in traditional handicrafts, textiles, gems, jewellery and antiques, as well as more contemporary items. But it isn't only the variety of creatively designed and meticulously crafted products that so captivates the traveller.

The shopping experience itself is a pleasure in its own right as one explores from upscale shopping malls and department stores to high streets and back streets and bustling markets. What's more, frequent promotions involving definitively Thai variations on myriad product themes hold out the prospect of acquiring a better selection for a lower outlay. And to top it all, foreign visitors to Thailand can often look forward to receiving a further price reduction in the form of a healthy tax refund on departure; the perfect way to round off a memorable stay.

Shopping street
As part of the year-end shopping celebrations, TAT, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and members of the private sector representing hotels, department stores, shopping malls and other business interests around Bangkok’s famous Ratchaprasong Intersection have joined hands to make the area a colourful shopping street with bright, fresh and fun look decorations.
The harsh lines of the buildings are softened with trees, plants, landscaping, and a touch of Thai to make the area aesthetically appealing. All electrical wiring is buried underground. Street furniture and new lighting are installed and sidewalks smoothly paved with all the shopping malls in and around the intersection linked by covered elevated walkways.There are shopping discounts, special offers and festive celebrations as well as leisure and entertainment extravaganza held throughout the period. The highlight is the “Bangkok Countdown” held in front of the Central World Plaza on New Year’s Eve in which Thai and foreign visitors gather and join the rest of the world in welcoming the New Year.

SILK & COTTON

The gorgeous Thai silk favoured by many Thai and international designers originates from northeastern Thailand where cloth-weaving is a traditional folk craft. Northeastern silk is renowned for mudmee and khit silk varieties, usually made into tubular skirts or phasin. Phu Thai folk employ an elaborate weaving style called chok to create unique phrae wa and phrae mon silks. Hang kra yok silk is the speciality of Thais of Khmer origin, in which complicated weaving patterns create a harmonious, multi-coloured combination of threads.
Northern hand-woven fabrics include cottons with distinctive patterns, such as nam lai and tin chok. The North's most famous rustic cloth is the traditional dark blue mo hom denimlike cloth favoured by Thai farmers.
In southern Thailand, Phum Riang silk is produced by Thai-Muslim villagers who apply traditional weaving patterns to Japanese silk. The Yok Nakhon cotton of Nakhon Si Thammarat is equally distinctive, while batiks and patae skirts glow with the brilliant colours of Malay-influenced designs.

GEMS & JEWELLERY

Thailand is rich in precious stones, with a natural abundance of rubies, sapphires, zircon, onyx, jade and opal. Local cutting, design and manufacturing skills ensure a fine range of quality items with a wide choice of prices. Thailand also has a long tradition of fine jewellery cutting and making. Design and cutting skills ensure a fine range of quality items, with a wide choice of prices.
Kanchanaburi and Chanthaburi are both well-known gemstone mining areas, while Bangkok is the major manufacturing centre, the venue where experts converge to judge, grade, buy and sell.

SHADOW PLAY PUPPETS
The hand-made nang talung shadow play in southern Thailand features distinctive puppets with moving parts, while the classic nang yai shadow play associated with the royal courts of Ayutthaya and Bangkok features larger pieces which have no moving either principal characters or scenes from the Thai version of the classic Ramayana.
Shadow play puppets make unusual souvenirs and are manufactured principally in the south of Thailand.

LEATHER GOODS
A variety of leather goods are available with a wide range of designs meticulously. made with Thai craftsmanship. Thai leather goods are created in many beautiful designs with durable genuine leathers.

CLOTHES & ACCES SORIES
Clothing presents many excellent buys, both men and women's fashions off-the-peg and tailor made.
A whole range of accessories are also to be found, especially le.ather goods which offer particularly good value for money.

WICKERWORK
Folk wisdom and the countrywide distribution of bamboo combine to make basketweaving an important folk craft.
Rattan, sedge, kok, bullrush. or kra chud are also used to produce beautifullydesigned furniture and attractive souvenirs. These natural materials are widely used for woven mats and other woven handicrafts, while the popular and delicate li pao vine ladies' handbags were introduced by Her Majesty the Queen.

SHADOW PLAY PUPPETS
The hand-made nang talung shadow play in southern Thailand features distinctive puppets with moving parts, while the classic nang yai shadow play associated with the royal courts of Ayutthaya and Bangkok features larger pieces which have no moving parts and are vignettes depicting either principal characters or scenes from the Thai version of the classic Rarnayana. Shadow play puppets make unusual souvenirs and are manufactured principally in the south of Thailand.

WOOD CRAFTS
Chiang Mai has been the commercial centre of wood crafting in northern Thailand for decades.
Wooden elephants were popular souvenir items at first, while today craftsmen have enhanced wood carving by featuring mythical angels, dancing figures, animals and the reproduction of ornamental fragments from old palaces and temples.

CERAMICS & POTTERY
Thai kilns have a long, primarily Chinese-influenced tradition of pottery making. Of the various styles, handpainted 14th century Sangkhalok, produced in Sukhothai, and 19th century Bencharong with decorative porcelain bowls, jars and spittoons are the most popular. Bencharong has proved the most desirable among Thai and foreign collectors due to the rarity and rich surface decorations. The northeastern community of Dan Kwian produces a distinctive range of rust-red objects including vases, flower pots and tiny ornamental accessories. In northern Thailand, high-fired seagreen celadon produces an effect similar to venerable Sangkhalok ceramics.

PEARLS
Cultured pearl production mimics the natural process to produce pearls of guaranteed quality.
Cultured pearl farms are found principally in southern Thailand, particularly in Ranong, Phang-nga and Phuket provinces.

GOLD
Gold has been used primarily in temples and palaces, as golden Buddha images, jewellery and royal insignia and decorations.
Buddha images are decorated with gold leaf and gold is used to enhance modern jewellery.

LACQUERWARE, SILVERWARE, NIELLOWARE, PEWTERWARE
Lacquerware is an ancient oriental craft, and entails a repeated process of coating structural bamboo or wood with lacquer before hand-painting it with elaborate designs. Generally, objects are produced either in gold and black, or yellow and green on a red-brown background. Chiang Mai is the major centre of lacquerware. Products include boxes, trays and dolls.
Silver beating is another traditional northern craft. Bowls, boxes, cigarette cases, vases are fashioned in a craft which has been practised in southern Thailand for hundreds of years.
Nielloware, or khrueang thorn, is the craft of decorating objects with delicately etched designs which are filled with a metal alloy to produce a smooth patterned surface in black and gold. The art is widely practised in Nakhon Si Tharnmarat.
Pewterware, essentially an alloy of lead and tin which produces a metal with a smooth and silky feel, comes mainly in the form of beakers, goblets, tankards and decorative figurines

READY- TO-WEAR
Thailand is known as Southeast Asia and the world's leading manufacturer of ready-to-wear clothing, producing a wide range of garments for the local market and export. Upmarket fashion boutiques are located in modern shopping malls, while bargain clothing is to be found at bazaar stalls or make-shift stalls on the streets.

CUSTOM TAILORING
There are literally hundreds of establishments small and large producing all kinds of clothing orders in a variety of styles in just a few days. You may choose a style from recent fashion magazines and select the cloth from a wide display of materials, both locally made and imported.

Tailors and Dressmakers, Fashion Designers and Fashion Shops in Thailand

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T-ra Design
T-ra Design has fashion outlets at Zen CentralWorld, All Seasons Place and Central Chitlom. T-ra represents one of the most promising talents of the young generation of Thai fashion designers, who will shape tomorrow’s fashion scene.

Boudoir by Disaya
Boudoir by Disaya conveys an attitude of being playful yet sophisticated. Boudoir's womenswear range is subtly luxurious with hints of boldness and buoyancy. The wide range of products offered by Boudoir will suit many women, from young teens to professional and mature ladies. Boudoir by Disaya is available in U.S.A., Australia, Spain, U.K., department stores in Bangkok. Lingerie, ready to wear and fashion jewelry.

Gulatino, Exclusive Custom Tailor, Phuket
Welcome to Gulatino Exclusive Custom Tailor individual bespoke tailoring in Phuket.We offer an excellent range of superior quality made to measure ladies and gentlemen's suits using fine fabrics at competitive prices.

The Truth about Tailors, Pattaya
Tailoring business in Pattaya - Guaranteed best tailoring both in terms of quality and prices (or your money back). You can be my next customer.

Senada Theory
Senada incorporates a range of ethnic influences in its designs. Indian embroidery, Chinese silks, and Thai patterns transform into contemporary urban looks. Located at Gaysorn Plaza. Senada is available in the United States and around Europe.

Tube Gallery
Tube Gallery offers fashion collections for men and women. Outlets at Siam Centre, Zen CentralWorld, Siam Paragon and Playground, Bangkok.

ExecShirts.com
Custom quality dress shirts for men, shipped free within one week, for only $59

New Bangkok International Tailor
Bangkok tailor, located Sukhumvit Soi 7.

Narry Co. Ltd.
Narry’s Boutique and Inn, Patong, Phuket : suits, dresses, trousers, shirts etc.

Lords Tailor, Pattaya
Lords Tailor has a long experience in the tailor business and it shows in the clothes we make. The quality and value we give tourists and locals are such that our repeat customers continue to rise.

Dapper General Apparel Co. Ltd.
Men’s apparel : shirts, trousers and suits, casual and fashion wear. Footwear for men and women.

Body Glove Thailand Co. Ltd.
Manufacturer of trendy fashion : Body Glove Thailand.

Top High Class Fashion
Based in Thailand, we specialize in making high quality women's dresses. Our products : party dresses, evening dresses, prom dresses, cocktail dresses, summer dresses, short dresses, long dresses, skirt set, pant set, cat suits. All made with the best fabrics.

Crown Tailor, Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok
Established in the late eighties, Crown Tailor has over 15 years of professional tailoring experience. All our suits are exclusively handmade with meticulous attention to detail, quality craftsmanship and with only the finest materials and threads. Our website gives the low down on how you can order a suit right from where you are. Located Sukhumvit road.

Accadamia Italiana Thailand
If you are looking for a fashion and design institute in Thailand now in Bangkok , you can attend courses at one of the best among Fashion design schools, Design Schools and Art Schools in the world. You can specialize in fashion design , interior and product design , graphic design and visual communications, costume design (for cinema, theater and televistion).

Top High Class Fashion
Based in Thailand, we specialize in making high quality women’s dresses. Our products : party dresses, evening dresses, prom dresses, cocktail dresses, summer dresses, short dresses, long dresses, skirt set, pant set, cat suits. All made with the best fabrics.

Thailand411
Wholesale fashion handbags, fashion shoes company based in Pratunam, Thailand, providing good quality wholesale handbags, shoes at very attractive prices.

Come Prima Fashion Garments
Come Prima Fashion Garments is one of Thailand’s longest established garment producers with a wide range of ladies, men’s, children’s and sports fashion wear and jeans.

Niche Nation Eyewear (Thonglor)
Niche Nation is the boutique in Bangkok for designer eyewear, stylish optical eye glasses and unique sunglasses. The shop stocks the worlds most rewarded brands of the industry including those from Alain Mikli, Theo, Lindberg, Freudenhaus, Funk, Vinylize, Spec Espace, H Fusion, Ic Berlin, Mykita, Sfm Dream, Oliver Peoples and Paul Smith.

Thai J. Press Co. Ltd.
Thai J. Press specializes in all kinds of men’s and boys’ underwear from briefs and boxers to various kinds of undershirts such as tanktops, sleeveless t–shirts, t–shirts, etc.

King's Fashion Phuket
Fine Ladies and Gents fashion in modern and classic designs. Our 22 years of experience and expertise make King’s Fashion one of, if not, the premier Custom Tailor in Phuket.

Jack's International, Pattaya
Jack’s International, bespoke tailor in Pattaya, in business since about 30 years.

Royal Scandic Collection, Phuket
Royal Scandic welcomes you to Kata Beach, Phuket, Thailand. We have the finest tailors and have customers around the world. We give you the best quality and prices and perform excellent customer service.

RamThai.com
Ram Thai offers you a big variety of exquisitely tailored Thai–style dresses, suits and Thai silk shirts as well as traditional dancing costumes and accessories, all reflecting the splendour and spirit of our fascinating country.

R & D Shop - TooTone Shop
www.RDfashion.com: We invite you to shop our world–famous collection online. R&D Fashion and Tootone are wholesalers and retailers of sexy, sophisticated, fashionable evening dresses, women’s clothing in City Complex, Pratunam, Bangkok.

Embassy Fashion House
Welcome to Embassy Fashion House, Bangkok’s Only British Tailor. We Custom Tailor Clothes For Both Men And Women. Your Satisfaction Is Guaranteed

Vision Manufacturing Co.Ltd.
Vision Manufacturing Company Limited is one of the most productive garment factories in Laos.

Fashion portal & directory of Thai fashion pro's
Fashion website, online showroom of Thai designers and their latest designs, complete site with all organizations and professionals in Thailand included. B2B, OEM, Sourcing, foreign brand name shops

Picaso Fashions
At Picaso Fashions, you will find a range of literally hundreds of the finest materials to choose from. Imported wools, cashmere, silks and polyesters. Beautiful hand made Thai silks.

Inders Fashion - House of Style
World Class Custom Tailors. Located conveniently in the heart of Sukhumvit, Bangkok’s busiest street.

MyCustomTailor.com
custom tailors for mens and women with a wide range of fabrics and the latest designer styles, world wide delivery, no extra charge for big and tall

New International Boutique House
We have been in this custom tailoring business for 3 generations servicing clients from around the world. We strive to provide clothing of top notch quality at very reasonable prices.

Julie Thai Cotton & Silk
Dress maker in Bangkok provides dress making service(made to order and ready made) for lady clothes such as wedding dress, Chinese dress, jacket, blouse, skirt, pants, evening dress, coat, scarfs.

A. Prime, Custom Tailor
Our clients are those who want world class quality for their clothing with superior fabrics, cutting, sewing, tailoring, and services at attractive rates. (Shangri–La Hotel & Oriental Place)

Dave's Collection, Four Wings Hotel, Bangkok
Tailoring is on top of recommendations for visitors to Bangkok. At Dave’s Collection we keep a complete stock of the finest fabrics available ranging from English Wool, Italian Wool, Australian Wool, Egyptian Cotton, Oxford Pinpoint, Poly/Cotton and 100% Thai Silk. We also stock a very wide variety of Wool Blend fabric at resonable price.

FUNK sunglasses Thailand
FUNK sunglasses from Germany are made for funky, trendy party people and music freaks.

Thailand online fashion handbags wholesaler
Save up to 50% on wholesale fashion handbags. Thailand wholesale fashion handbags manufacturer/purses wholesaler offers high quality wholesale fashion handbags, wholesale purses at attractive prices

Monet il Sarto (House of Fashion)
Finest ladies and gents custom tailors located near Marriott Resort and Spa.(Bangkok)

A. M. Production Co. Ltd., Phuket
Inexpensive T–Shirts, Polo Shirts. Looking for a fast and dependable supplier of custom–made silk screened promotional T–shirts and Polo Shirts?

De Moda Bangkok
De Moda Bangkok is a custom apparel and tailor shop with an emphasis on hand beading and embroidery. We create unique beaded purses, Thai silk scarves and silk flowers for wholesale or retail sale.

Boutique Newcity Public Co. Ltd.
Summary information about Boutique Newcity Public Co. Ltd.

Der Herr
Our concern for customers satisfaction, attention to detail, quality control and most importantly, quality apparel, has ensured that our clients have returned to us years after years.

Siam-Fashion.com
We are a group of manufacturers and suppliers of Thai original apparel products. Our products are Thai silk gown and wedding dresses, Thai silk traditional costumes, jewelry and ladies shoes.

Ravi Seghal Custom Tailors, Sukhumvit Road
Ravi Seghal offers a collection of exclusive fabrics from the world’s best fabric houses including Vitale Barberis, Loro Piana, Holland and Sherry. Choose from the finest Super 100's, Merino wools, silks, cashmeres, English and Italian fabrics, superfine wool worsteds, flannels, Scottish tweeds and cashmere, French Gabardines, Italian pure silk and silk Mohair's. Fine custom tailoring for men and women. Located Sukhumvit Road.

Raffles LaSalle International Design School
Raffles LaSalle International Design School is the first international design school in Bangkok, that covers all the major aspects of design. The school is located at Silom Center, Silom Road.

Piklik - Cotton Nightwear Specialists
Piklik’s ladies’ nightwear, pyjamas, women’s blouses, men’s shirts, children’s clothing, bed curtains and bedroom accessories. Found at European department stores, retail in Bangkok and Chiangmai.

Rather than Barneys, perhaps Bangkok

2009-02-04T10:06:00.000-08:00

It started years ago on the sultry Indonesian island of Java when I arrived without enough cool clothing. Out of desperation, I approached street-side mom-and-pop tailors in the city of Yogyakarta. They spoke no English, so I relied on rough sketches and pantomime to communicate that I wanted to turn a $2 batik sarong into a pair of loose-fitting trousers. They could copy the waistband from my Banana Republic shorts.

My goal was to get through the rest of my trip without sweltering, although at the time I felt a little like Scarlett O’Hara in “Gone With the Wind,” designing an outfit from the green velvet parlor drapes that once hung at Tara. But I was so pleased with the results that I had those $10 pants copied five more times on subsequent trips to the region.

That experience, born of necessity, was my introduction to the affordable luxury of custom-made clothing from Southeast Asia, an interest I have pursued with a passion on seven trips to that part of the world during the last 14 years. Each time, I have looked forward to visiting tailors who seem to magically stitch beautiful garments in a matter of days or even hours – often for less than it would cost to buy the same things off the rack back home.

In the process, I have built a wardrobe sewn for me in Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Laos. Some pieces, such as my Javanese trousers, have been Western designs cut from traditional local fabrics such as silk or batik. Many more have been made of wool, cotton or linen that was available there or that I brought with me from the United States.

Cost saving is one attraction of buying clothes this way, but an even stronger motivation is being able to get exactly what I want. Because Southeast Asian tailors tend to be skilled at copying, I have learned to take prototypes from my own closet that I want replicated or updated, although it’s also possible to have things made based on a photograph or on samples displayed in the store.

Two of the places I visited on a December trip to the area are known for their tailors: Bangkok, Thailand, has had a busy garment trade for years; Hoi An, Vietnam, is developing one. Intending to have clothes made in both places, I left home with half a duffel bag of prototypes, fabrics and even buttons. I returned with six linen blouses – four of them copied from a Perry Ellis original, a three-piece (skirt, pants, jacket) wool crepe suit, cashmere hip-hugger dress pants, two pairs of silk pajamas and corduroy jeans. The tab was $402, not counting the fabric I took with me, but including some that the tailors supplied. That’s less than it would have cost to buy just one designer blazer in the United States.

Not surprisingly, the success of such endeavors depends on the quality of the tailor, and choosing one can be a bit tricky. Many of the shops in Bangkok, for example, look indistinguishable – cramped, unassuming places that are either clustered together or sandwiched between other stores.

One possibility is to rely on leads from locals. Although hotel concierges can also make suggestions (they got me to the mom-and-pop operation in Yogyakarta), I take them with a grain of salt. Sometimes their rave reviews are inspired by what the locals call “tea money” that has passed under the table.

I’ve had the best luck with recommendations from ex-pats, who tend to appreciate the tailoring more than label-conscious residents who generally prefer ready-made Western designs. In Singapore I have been a repeat customer for more than 10 years at Carvette Fashion, the shop of Alice Pwa Ah Lan. Carvette was a favorite of an American friend who once lived in Singapore.

Anticipating my visit to Bangkok and not fully trusting what I read on various travelers’ websites, I contacted Julie Dolan, whose commentary on her travels in Bangkok I had heard many times on the National Public Radio show “Satellite Sisters.” Dolan, who has since moved to Moscow, recommended a dressmaker for me and a shirt maker for my husband, Ken Stern.

My husband and I contacted the shops by e-mail before we left home, because we wanted to be sure they would be open around New Year’s weekend, when we planned to conclude our vacation with a stop in Bangkok. Lucky we did; they replied that they would be closed for all or part of the time. With that in mind, we scheduled a five-hour layover in Bangkok earlier in our trip, on the way from southern Thailand to Laos, and hopped a taxi to both stores.

Bangkok

Our first stop was Cotton House – actually a thumbnail-sized room – in the mini-shopping plaza called Oriental Place opposite the Oriental Hotel. (If I hadn’t been looking for it, I might have walked right by.) There, precisely 65 minutes after our flight landed, Khun Reed greeted us with her measuring tape around her neck. She was expecting us. The walls of her tiny shop were lined with colored silks and cottons, and bolts of wool and linen. All the women who worked there wore intricately detailed white cotton blouses that I later learned were the store’s hallmark. Because I had brought most of the fabric I wanted with me, along with samples to be copied, it took Reed just 30 minutes to take my measurements and write the order. When we returned one week later, she had eight “pieces,” as they are called, ready for fitting.

Getting things just right required two more days and two more fittings; fortunately we were staying at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel, which was just a 10-minute walk away.

But I had ordered difficult items, including a wool suit that needed several adjustments because the fabric stretches as you work with it. Reed kept the shop open the afternoon of New Year’s Eve to complete the order before the holiday. And the final products were exquisite. Because these were business clothes, I had requested finishing details that are rare, or at least extremely expensive, on off-the-rack clothing back home, such as bound buttonholes on the suit jacket and French seams on the linen blouses. If your taste runs to self-covered buttons – made out of the same fabric as the garment – these are readily available in Asia. Had I had not brought my own buttons, I would have asked to see the ones the shop planned to use. We had an equally positive experience with the shirt shop, Rajawongse, run by an Indian father and son, Jesse and Victor Gulatis, in the heart of Bangkok’s garment district near the Landmark Hotel on Sukhumvit Road. “Chalk the cloth you want,” said Victor, handing us a piece of yellow tailor’s chalk and motioning to the nearly 100 bolts of cotton that lined one wall, arranged first by pattern, stripes, solids and tattersalls, and then by color.

Victor, who is nearly 6 feet tall and a man of some heft, looked dashing in his blue and white striped dress shirt with gold cufflinks, silk tie and black turban. My husband, whose own taste runs to Indian-style banded-collar shirts, produced a sample.

“We can improve upon that,” Victor said with an air of authority. And he did. By the time we returned to Bangkok a week later the store was closed for vacation. But there was a shopping bag from Rajawongse waiting for us at our hotel. It contained seven perfectly tailored shirts in fine Egyptian cotton. They cost us $25 apiece.

Hoi An, Vietnam

In contrast with the impeccable quality and service we got in Bangkok, having clothes made in Hoi An was more a chore than a pleasure. We had been to Hoi An briefly nine years earlier and remembered it as a tranquil little town where we wanted to come back and linger.

A 16th century Japanese covered bridge and historic Chinese shop houses, with stores in the front and merchants’ living quarters in the back or upstairs, have since earned Hoi An designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But the sleepy village we remembered had been taken over by the rag trade. Everywhere we turned there were tailor shops and touts beckoning.

Unlike Bangkok and Singapore, where tailors depend on repeat business from tourists using their city as a transportation hub, the tailors in Hoi An treat their customers like one-timers. We suspected as much after noticing many tourists walking about town with what looked like ill-fitting new clothes.

Prices for most things were nearly as high as in large cities, no matter how hard people bargained (customary in Southeast Asia). The going rate for a wool or silk suit was about $85 ($125 for cashmere), pants were $25, and a silk blouse cost $35. Unless you insisted on natural fibers and seemed to know the difference, much of the fabric offered was blended with rayon. And the quality of the workmanship was inconsistent.

This was painfully apparent at Yaly Couture, the most upscale of the handful of tailor shops we visited in Hoi An, which had an extensive selection of gorgeous fabrics. Customers can hear the din of sewing machines upstairs where 45 tailors labor. At another location nearby, our saleswoman told us, an additional 30 tailors just do jackets. Sample items on display in the store suggested that the owners pride themselves on meticulous workmanship. But our experience there indicates that the quality of the garment you get will be as good as the tailor assigned to your project.

Four sewers worked on our small order, which took just 12 hours from conception until the first fitting. The consequence was that each of the three cotton dress shirts Ken ordered ($11 each), all based on the same sample he supplied, looked different and one was significantly better than the others.

A single round of alterations corrected the problems – sleeves too wide, cuffs too tight and a missing button – but it took time out of our vacation, and the shirts don’t look good enough to wear for anything but travel or a beach cover-up. I’ve enjoyed two pairs of silk pajamas I had made there ($20 apiece), copied from a camisole top and drawstring pants I brought from home, but the workmanship was sloppy. Had it been better, I planned to order other items. Based on this dry run, I wasn’t even tempted.

A very hip looking mother and son from Los Angeles whom we met in Hoi An came away from Yaly much more satisfied. The son had ordered a silk suit copied from a picture in a magazine, which fit perfectly on the first try and, according to his mother, stopped traffic in the store when he tried it on. But a friend of theirs who placed an order at the same time was apparently so dissatisfied with the fit, even after alterations, she refused to take the outfit.

We were happier with the final product at Thu Thuy, another shop, where I had a favorite pair of jeans copied ($28). The pants, which I ordered in the morning, were ready seven hours later and fit without alteration. But I found the sales staff surly and the shopping experience unpleasant. Among other things, the saleswoman initially objected when I asked her to put a tiny snippet of the corduroy I chose from their stock on the receipt she gave me when she took my $10 deposit. This is standard practice in Asia to avoid mix-ups, and I wanted to be sure that the pants were made of the high-quality fabric I had selected, rather than from an inferior substitute.

Louangphrabang, Laos

I contrast our struggles in Hoi An with all the fun I’ve had ordering clothes elsewhere in Asia. For example, last year in Louangphrabang, a charming city in northern Laos, I had an outfit made of hand-woven Lao textiles from the OckPopTok textile shop. Joanna Smith, a former fashion photographer from London who is one of the owners, designed a tight sleeveless top made of a silk pa bieng, a long narrow piece of cloth that resembles a large scarf and is worn for Lao ceremonies. To go with it, Smith suggested hip-hugger silk pants trimmed in the black and white pattern from the pa bieng. The whole ensemble, expertly tailored off the premises in the space of 48 hours, cost $125.

For me, custom-made clothes are the ultimate Southeast Asian souvenirs. The experience and memories of acquiring them add to the enjoyment each time I put them on.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)

Sampling of tailors

WHERE TO SHOP:

Carvette Fashion, 19 Tanglin Road, 03-49 Tanglin Shopping Centre, Singapore 247909; 011-65-673-46-229

Cotton House, Oriental Place Shopping Arcade, 30/1 Charoen Krung Road, 38 Bangkok, Thailand; 011-662-266-0186, Ext. 1021, e-mail: cottonhouse100 @hotmail.com.

Rajawongse, 130 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok, Thailand; 011-662-255-3714,

Thu Thuy, 60 Le Loi St., Hoi An, Vietnam; 011-84-510-861-699

Yaly Couture, 47 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hoi An, Vietnam; 011-84-510-910-474, e-mail: yalyshop@dng.vnn.vn.

OckPopTok, 73-5 Ban Vat Nong, Louangphrabang, Laos; 011-856-71-253-219

Deborah Jacobs

Speek Thai

2009-01-31T09:54:00.000-08:00

Hello

Sawasdee Kap - Say 'kap' if you are a man

Sawasdee Kah - and 'kah' if you are a woman

You will hear 'kap' and 'kah' used very often and in almost every sentence when Thai people speak.... it makes words and sentences sound less harsh and abrupt to Thai people, and as a result failure to use them can sound bad and even cause offence... especially to people older than you. You can get away with leaving them out sometimes when you speak to Thai friends you have known for a while, but generally it's best to be polite.

Goodbye

Lar gorn and sometimes you can say sawasdee kap/kah for goodbye too...

.......

How are you?

Sabaidee Mai - (no question marks used in Thai, obviously)

Answer:

Sabai Sabai - I'm good!
Mai Sabai - Not good

.......

Thankyou

Khob kun kap/kah

.......

Excuse me

Used pretty much exactly as we do in english... it can mean excuse me when you want to get past someone, or excuse me can I ask you something, or excuse me as in sorry for knocking you on the way past:

Khor toat kap/kah

See More SpeekThai

Thai Massage Traditional

2009-01-30T23:05:00.000-08:00

Massage has a long history of therapeutic healing in Thailand. It has been practiced for centuries as it sill is to day. The roots of Thai Massage arnder of the practice was Jivaka Komarabhacca, a doctor friend, and contemporary of Buddha, some time about 2,500 years ago. Much of what is know in Thailand about massage and traditional Massage and Traditional Massage was handed down e traced back to India. The foorally and thought from one generation to the next, and teacher to student and often, parent to child. Most of the ancient medical texts were destroyed in 1776, with the destruction of Ayutthaya by the Burmese. What was left was literally carved in stone in 1832, when king Rama 3, in hopes of preserving the tradition of massage, had stone inscription set into the walls at the temple in Bangkok, called Wat Poh. Therapeutic massage for treatment of specific conditions and diseases is also practiced , by only a small number of very skilled people. It takes several years of study and a good working knowledge of the language. The Chinese and Indians are thought to have had an influence in the therapies and treatments developed in Thailand. The theoretical basis of Thai Massage lies in the theory of energy lines running through the body. Out of the 72,000 energy
See Thai Massage

Tattoo: An Ancient Art

2009-01-20T09:12:00.000-08:00

Tattoo: An Ancient Art

Tattooing is gaining popularity these days. Though the word tattoo is of Polynesian origin, the art was common to many ancient civilizations. Some Egyptian mummies (2000 BC) carry tattoo marks. In India, a stone sculpture of 200 C.E. of Sunga period has tattoo marks on cheeks and chins. Decorating the body with mehandi or mixture of fragrant musk, saffron and sandal paste was very popular in ancient India, but it was temporary. Tattooing was permanent which one carried to graveyard with them.

In India, the tattoos have religious and superstitious significance as well. Women preferred tattooing for the welfare of husband, children etc. Some got to fulfill a vow or against dreaded diseases. But by and large it was to ensure non-widowhood. Cheeks, brows, neck, arms, shoulders, and wrists are the favored parts. Men get tattoos on arms, shoulders and wrists to ensure virility. Among tribals it is a practice to get their entire body tattooed which enabled their bodies to camouflage with forest surroundings: The color of tattoo in India is green or dark green.

Pricking the earmarked place with needles and then filling the pricks in holes with indelible ink (mainly prepared from herbs and carbon) forms the main process. Many castes in India do the job for petty payment. Songs are sung, jokes are told while the pricking agony is born by the person for an hour or more depending on the intricacy of design. The designs could be of snakes, birds (peacock, Garuda, etc.), chariot, sun, moon, trees, flowers, and grains. Tattooing is believed to protect persons against attack of wild beasts and snake bite--hence the use of respective designs.

After continuous pricking and inking, the tattooed part is washed, and turmeric considered antiseptic is applied to wounds. Nowadays, more sophisticated equipment is used for tattooing.

Japanese Tattoo Designs

Tattoos are individual expressions for a lifetime. They can be an affirmation, a bold statement of love, a memorial, a motivational reminder - a personal statement of what truly matters. And this is why it is so important that the design be just right for you.

If you are thinking about a Japanese tattoo then a great place to start is with a reputable catalog that has a wide variety of styles and options. By knowing what is possible, you can get a much better feel for what appeals to you personally and perhaps even find a design that says exactly what you want to say with a look that fits your style.

At StockKanji - Japanese Tattoo Designs we have over 5000 Japanese Tattoo Designs and more are being added everyday. Each Japanese Tattoo is personally hand-lettered by Master Japanese Calligrapher Eri Takase and can be immediately purchased and downloaded when you find the design that is just right for you. And with your purchase you get everything you need, including the line art, to take to your tattoo artist to have the tattoo properly inked.

This catalog of Japanese tattoo designs offers hundreds of options for names, words and phrases. Each coming in several different fonts and styles - this way you can get the meaning you want with a look that fits your style. As an example, below we show three of the seventeen designs for the maxim True Victory is Victory Over Oneself.

The Block (kaisho) Script is what one most commonly sees for Japanese Kanji Tattoos. Though other fonts are popular once people see the range of what is possible with Japanese. Dave Beckham's Tattoo on his ribs uses a cursive font and while difficult for people to read this is an elegant and flowing script. Japanese has many different fonts and, at the hand of a master, the possibilities are infinite.

The Tao of the Tattoo

Let me introduce you to Peter McBride.

He’s an idiot.

You know Polo shirts have that Polo pony logo on the chest, right? Well, McBride got that logo tattooed — on his chest.

That’s alright McBride, you’re dumb, you can’t help it. At 22, I was pretty fucking stupid, too. Actually, I’m still not very bright, but even at your age I wouldn’t do some stupid, regrettable-in-a-few-years shit like that.

In fact, I absolutely didn’t.

See, I think tattoos are cool. Did then, do now.

I mean they were once something only convicts or bikers or enlisted men got. Then they got a broader following with regular blue collar guys getting them, then white collar weekend warrior types started getting inked.

Nowadays, the soccer mom next door has a three-inch wide butterfly tat just above the crack of her ass at the thongline and it ain’t no thang. Well, it probably adds to the fantasies of the local adolescencia or the puberati but that’s besides the point.

But here’s my thing. I can’t abide dumb tattoos. Just can’t. That includes tattoos that are dumb in size (a quarter inch square is not a tattoo, but an elective birthmark), dumb in placement (the underside of your second toe on your right foot is just genius) and especially dumb in content.

If you’ve never gotten a tat, then lemme tell you. Depending on location, size and complexity, a tattoo can hurt like hell and it puts a goodly amount of stress on the body. It’s also as permanent as any markings on your skin that occur naturally or more so. It’s easy for Dr. Scalpy McGoodskin to lop off that hairy mole on your ass — but a 5″ x 9″ Woody Woodpecker in Technicolor? Not so easy to erase.

So just like that old knight dude said in the last Indiana Jones movie: “Choose wisely.”

When I got my first tattoo, I thought about it. And dwelled upon it. Then researched it. Then I went to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Twice. And looked at an exhibit of it. And I sketched it. Then I altered the image. Personalized it. Then I took my sketches back to my dorm. And drew and redrew, made it even more my own and gave it to the tattoo artist. He made suggestions, traced the 90% from my sketch I liked and added his 10% in his improvements and then and only then did we apply ink to needle and needle to skin.

Here it is:

Mind you this tat has never been touched up, the pic is a little blurry and the tat itself is — holy hell, I’m freakin old — 14 years old. But what’s most important, it tells a story:

Anubis is the Egyptian god of judgment of the dead. A mouthful but check out what that means. In Egyptian spirituality/religion when you die, you go before all the gods. Osiris, Set, Isis, Hathor — man, every deity that’s any deity is there. Very formal — very exclusive.

A-list all the way.

And they’re there to hear you confess. Now it ain’t like Catholic confession where you say all the foul shit you’re sorry for and beg forgiveness. Hell no, here you tell all the gods all the bad shit you didn’t do! You never stole, you never murdered, all that stuff that makes you look good.

But they didn’t just take your word for it. No, sir. When you were done reverse-confessing, Anubis took your heart and put it on a scale. On the other side would be The Feather of Truth.

If you neglected to tell the gods some evil you did — what happens in Cairo doesn’t stay in Cairo, my friend — then by not mentioning it, your heart would literally be laden with guilt. And that guilt would make your heart heavier than the feather. If Anubis reported that that was the case, they took your heart and fed it to an ugly part crocodile, part lion, and part hippopotamus mofo named Ammit (Eater of Hearts) who grubbed down on it like a BK Stacker. If he did, welcome to Oblivion — we don’t got fun and games. In fact, all we got is nothingness.

Now if your heart weighed as much as or less than the feather, then you’re ushered behind the velvet ropes where you’re treated to the ancient Egyptian equivalent of free bottle service, lap dances and an anything goes champagne room forever and ever.

My tattoo is all about that — and all about me. Like a dream, everything about my tattoo is, appropriately, about me. So I’m Anubis, and I am my own judge. See my heart there? Note how it isn’t touching the hand. It’s floating, which means its lighter than air. Doesn’t mean I’m an angel, but it does mean I have no guilt. See The Feather of Truth and how it’s held aloft? That’s a goal, an aspiration, a commitment to in all things be truthful. Not nice, not civil, not hateful — just truthful. The rest will follow.

See. That’s a freakin tattoo. That tells a story. Getting a corporate logo permanently etched on your skin with your big motivation and thought process being that you saw it on the dude’s shirt in front of you… moronic.

A tattoo of a barcode. Cool.

The chinese symbol for crisis which is “danger” and “opportunity” adjacent to some lovely cleavage — excellent.

A tattoo of the words “The plane! The plane!” — awesome.

I appreciate art, social and political statements, poetry, sarcasm, wit and irony.

McBride’s tattoo represents none of these. The Polo pony is just a marketing tool.

But I guess one good tool deserves another.

Angel Tattoo

Angel tattoos are probably one of the most requested tattoo designs today. From a simple design to complex wings and hands, angels come in all shapes, forms and sizes. People generally request an angel tattoo due to their deep and spiritual meaning. Angels can be seen as a connection between life and death, the struggle between good and evil and a messenger and guardian of God.

Angel tattoos are often seen upon people who are religious believers, particularly Christianity, however Islam and Judaism also have angels, amongst other religions. Angels may also be seen on people who have lost a loved one and believe this person is now an angel.

Finally, due to their protective characteristics, many opt to get an angel tattoo as a form of protection for themselves, as a guardian to look over them.

Angel tattoos are certainly not a fad and will definately be a tattoo design that is around for a long time to come.

Dragon Tattoos

Peek at the Story behind the story of Dragon Tattoos

Greetings young grasshopper! Today’s lesson will deal with the mystical world of the Dragon tattoo. The myth of the dragon originated hundreds of years ago in the Orient—in China. The dragon is an all-powerful, indomitable, mysterious and magical entity that pervades Chinese culture, tradition and folklore. However, in comparison the western world sees the dragon as a destructive, menace to mankind. Fear and dread are often associated with the dragon as a result and there have also been heretic cults who actually worshipped the dragon. We should honestly watch less tv!

Nothing could be further from the truth for the Chinese. The Asiatic dragon is seen to be the messenger of peace, good will, intelligence, generosity and compassion. There is none of that fire-breathing, man-eating, blood fest that sprang from European cultural beliefs. So you don’t need to worry about tattooing a dragon slayer along with your Oriental dragon!

Now you’d probably want to know the predominant types of Chinese dragon tattoos and the ideals they each symbolize. The Celestial Dragon is an awe-inspiring creature that bestows the armor of God upon the individual. He is the ruler of the dragons but is humble enough to transports you personally to the Heavens in the afterlife. Now take a moment to picture the guy you would dread to meet in a dark alleyway. Yeah, you wouldn’t want to mess with him after seeing his Horned Dragon Tattoo. The Horned variant is widely known to be the most powerful and fierce dragon known to mankind!

You could also go with the Earth dragon that nestles in Heaven during spring and slips into the seas during Autumn. The Earth dragon tattoo reinforces your control over the element of water across the globe. If bling is your thing then you gotta go for the Treasure Dragon tattoo. This dragon is the preserver of all precious metals and jewels.

However, if none of them fit the bill then you’re probably the wild child that runs like the wind. You could opt for the volatile, uncontrollable Spiritual Dragon that reigns over the air currents and rainfall. On the other hand, you could choose the Coiling dragon that lies silently beneath the waves of the sea. They say that knowledge is power. Frankly speaking, our lives would remain incomplete without the wisdom that has gradually filtered down through the ages. The wisest of the dragon tattoos is that of the Yellow dragon that represents scholarly knowledge. Last but not least, we have the Winged dragon that breaks the mortal confines of the Earth and soars into the skies. Set yourself free!

In the case of men, the dragon tattoo stands for a subconscious strength, wisdom, beauty and knowledge. It also announces his presence while underlining varied attributes like style, courage, warrior ability, unpredictability or even his control over water. Most of all, the dragon tattoo doesn’t recognize fear, purports the killer instinct and is the mark of a survivor.

Alternatively, the dragon propagates a different set of ideals in women. A female dragon is a hothead, a spitfire and yet she is self-sufficient, cunning, sly or even down right dirty. She is skilled, experienced and knowledgeable. Noble ideals of fidelity, confidence, strength and an all-encompassing protective aura surround all her relationships building an unshakable sense of security.

You have learnt well young grasshopper, you are now ready to unleash the dragon within.

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is the first volume of the Millennium Trilogy, the novels that a journalist called Stieg Larsson delivered to a Swedish publisher only a short time before he died. When Ali Karim rang to tell me about it, saying that he read it over two days and it has left an impression on him, I thought to find out more, not just about the book but also on the author.

These novels have become a phenomenon in Scandinavia and are one by one soaring into the bestseller lists in Europe. Larsson, renowned in Sweden as a campaigning journalist, sent his first novel to Norstedts only after several of his friends who had read them urged him to do so. He arrived with three, each one of them a substantial typescript. He died of a massive heart attack before the first one was published.

He was a political journalist and graphics specialist for 20 years at a Swedish news agency and he worked tirelessly, long hours into every night, for an organisation called Expo, fighting fascism and racism in Sweden and Europe. He lectured at inter-government seminars in Brussels, he contributed over many years to the campaigning British magazine Searchlight. He answered every call from victims of racism and anti-Semitic harassment and violence. He went to schools to help children who were being racially bullied, talked to the headmistress, talked to classes, told the victims that he was available at any time to come back, if need be.

In the 1990s he and his partner of many years were targeted by neo-fascists. They were for a long time forced to live a life of acute anxiety. Their names were published and their address. Another man, similarly targeted, was murdered -- under the noses of a police surveillance team. And yet Larsson never stopped making his encyclopaedic knowledge of the Swedish and international far right available to everyone who needed to learn from it.

It is no wonder that it was an amazement even to his friends that he had had time to write novels -- where was his spare time? But Stieg Larsson himself was a phenomenon. He had seriously contemplated writing crime stories in English, he knew the genre backwards, was in correspondence with some of its best authors. He would have rejoiced that The Girl Who Played With Fire, the second volume of the trilogy, was awarded the "Glass Key", the prize given to the best crime novel published in Scandinavia.

The only fragment of his huge success that the author knew was the deal his publisher made with Heyne in Germany, for a huge advance. He was 50. It gave him, he decided, the opportunity to change his punishing way of life, and also the chance to put money into Expo.

The original title of the first volume of the trilogy was (and in Sweden is) Men Who Hated Women. Larsson fought discrimination on many fronts in his life and the abuse of women he especially loathed. It is at the heart of two of the novels, and it is the inspiration of the heroine of the trilogy, a magnificent fictional creation, Lisbeth Salander. Salander is the driving force of a narrative that is brilliant, gripping, and utterly original. It is appallingly violent without once, it seems to me, being gratuitous. My guess is that many more women than men have bought the books. Salander in The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is in her early twenties, delinquent, a ward of court, freelancing for a security company. She is a computer wizard (self-taught), a kick-boxer, fearless, dysfunctional, bisexual, mortally thin and terrifying if roused.

Who has bought them?

2.1 million copies sold in Sweden* (the paperback of Volume III is not yet released). 50,000 copies were subscribed of the audiobook of Volume III a month before the book publication -- a remarkable symptom of the impatience of Swedish readers of the trilogy. 121,200 audiobooks have been sold in total of the three volumes.

Denmark*: 500,000 copies sold. The hardback of Volume III has only just been published in an initial print-run of 110,000 copies which sold out in two days. The publisher, Modtryk, says that only the Bible has sold more copies than Larsson's books in Denmark .

Norway*: 333,600 copies sold so far of Volume I (h/b and pb) and volume II (h/b only to date). Volume III is to be published in November. It was due to be published in March '08 and brought forward to November ‘07 due to pressure from readers and because of the dramatic level of sales of the Swedish edition in Norway .

Germany : 150,000 copies sold so far of Volume I (h/b and pb) and the h/b of Volume II.

France: 207,000 copies have been sold of all three books. Actes Sud now selling approx 3,000 and 4,000 copies of Larsson books every day.

Not forgetting Sonny Mehta of Knopf in the US, who beat off five other publishers for this extraordinary trilogy with a high six figure offer.

* Sweden population 9 million, Denmark 5.5, Norway 4.6.

“Over time I have published David Morrell's FIRST BLOOD (which became "Rambo"), Martin Cruz Smith's GORKY PARK and his unforgettable Arkady Renko, Peter Høeg's MISS SMILLA'S FEELING FOR SNOW, and the Gold Dagger-winning crime novels of Henning Mankell, Arnaldur Indridason and Fred Vargas. The sales of the Millennium Trilogy in Sweden far exceed the fabulous successes of these wonderful storytellers and their central characters and in part this has to be due to what is going in the English-speaking world too to become the Lisbeth Salander cult. She is one of two central characters in the trilogy. The other is the journalist Mikael Blomkvist of the magazine Millennium, a crusading publication that surely has echoes from Larsson's own working life. One Swedish publisher told me that he believed that everything in the trilogy, the sex trafficking investigations, the murder investigations, the financial chicanery had a root in fact. Every Swedish publisher I have met in the last months has been -- and this is as interesting as it is unusual in the jealous world that is publishing -- unstinting in their praise for the novels. Every one of them has read them or listened to the tapes. There is perhaps no more reliable recommendation.”

Christopher MacLehose

The Swedish film production company Yellowbird, will be producing the film version of the Millennium Trilogy. Shooting will begin in March 2008 and they hope to finish by December 2008, with the aim of having them ready for release in all Scandinavian countries in the beginning of 2009. They will then run on Swedish television by Nov/Dec 2009. The DVD version will have multiple language sub-titles (mainly Scandinavian languages and possibly another featuring English sub-titles). The main cast features Noomi Rapace as Lisbeth Salander and Michael Nyqvist as Mikael Blomkvist. There is also interest from different producers in France and the US for the English production rights, but these have not been sold yet.

Tattoo Removal

Once upon a time I drank so much tequila that I lost track of ... what's that called ... consciousness. Next morning, I couldn't remember a thing.

Fortunately, the tattoo would jar my memory.

The "tribal band" circled my left bicep like a serial bee sting, the om symbol thirteen times. Om is supposed to reveal the fleeting nature of reality. I had decided to honor it with a PERMANENT MARK.

Every tattoo should say the same thing -- "I'm an idiot." That way, when you wake up ten years later and wonder what you were thinking, the answer is right there.

So, yes, all these years after The Tequila Incident, I decided to zap the tattoo.

Dr. Seuss warned me about this way back in kindergarten. The Sneetches, you see, wanted stars on their bellies until everyone else got stars on their bellies and then they all just wanted to be the way they were. That's when Sylvester McMonkey McBean stepped in with his star-off machine.

"I'll make you again the best Sneetches on beaches, and all it will cost you is ten dollars eaches."

These days tattoo removal costs more than ten dollars eaches. Let's just say that you could see a sizable chunk of this world and, depending on the ruble, possibly others.

ref www.flixya.com/post/tattoosofgirls

Phuket Fantasia

2009-01-20T08:07:00.000-08:00

Last Sat. night my friend flaked on me from partying out in Phuket town, so I decided to do a little exploring in Phuket Town Krub. Going alone, there is only a few places in mind na krub, Phuket Fantasia Pink Lady, Grand and Rome Place. I really want to try discovery and Kor Tor Mor to pick up girls, but going alone was not realy a good idea I think If I hit on a cute girl with out knowing her B boy friend is beside her Having read recent posting, Phuket Fantasia seems like a good place to have fun. Hopeing to see many cute ladies . Arrived at Fantasia around 10, it's a really big place. Im sure that it used to be a big theater, the girls were filled with girls at the reception, at side stands (box) and on stage. Although I saw 4-5 ok. girls, they were all have been reserved to be eaten at 10. I think the quality is much lower than what I'm used to in Bangkok and at the same price or less. "Took kra pong" from bangkok to Phuket. Anyways, decided to sit and drink a couple of beer and decided to pick a girl from the box to have a little chat. Bad idea krub, she was not a friendly type, she was the type that fu.k and leave. Thought may be we could talk about Phuket, she has a very pretty and sexy face,but want to kick it when she opens her mouth . For people who have never been to Fantasia na krub. The place looks like a big cinema. It has continues show through out the night, on the left there are about 20-30 girls sitting in a big open box that looks like sideline of a soccer field. They are drink girls that you can OFF. It's very open to OFF these girls, the sales are very candid and will push you to OFF these girls. The cost of the girls is 150/hr to sit and have a little chat + 150/drink that she orders. For OFF i believe it is 2000 bath/ room included. 2800 for all night. There are also receptions girls who prettier that you can have a chat for I think 150/20 mins (but cannot OFF) There are lounge sits and 10 table in the middle of the theater. "If you go there pass 10 on a Saturday night, you will have very low luck." The member is 15000 for either 4 bottles of JW black and 4 OFF girls or 8 bottles and free mixer. The Beer is 150 a bottle.

Over all, compare to Bangkok, middle to low quality girls, expensive for what you get, good size building and lots of girls. May be a better luck if you decide to go at around 9.
Also, the sales would not take care of you well if you look young like me..... but they would suck up to you when you mention about Membership!!
Find friends and go hunting at Kor Tor Mo- would be much easier and safe cost.

Damaged: 300 bath for a chat, 300 for 2 beers, and 100 tip.

Koh Payam Island

2009-01-10T06:13:00.000-08:00

Koh Payam Island is only about 10 by 7 kilometres. There are no discos, no beach vendors, and very few people making their living on rubber plantations. At the far end of Kao Kwai Bay is a small sea gypsy settlement.

Ko Phayam Island has numerous shady paths inviting for a hike to another remote bay. It takes about half an hour to walk to the little village on the east coast, and just over an hour down to Aow Yai Bay in the southern part of Ko Payam island.

Koh Phayam Island has a few shops and bars in the village, and also e-mail facilities. The village is small and the neighbouring temple has his own jetty.

Koh Chang Island

2009-01-10T05:11:00.001-08:00

Koh Chang Island is only 1½ hours away from Ranong in the Andaman Sea close to the border to neighbouring Myanmar (Burma). This Andaman Sea Island is Koh Chang Ranong on the west coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. It’s shape resembles a relaxing elephant.

Koh Chang Island is one of the least developed Andaman Islands Thailand and those, who want to stay away from any traffic on wheels will find Koh Chang Thailand the perfect hide away. There are several nice beaches with different kinds of Koh Chang resorts, but most of them are still quite basic.

Koh Chang Island's Aow Yai Bay, translated as "Big Bay" is the longest beach of Kho Chang Ranong Island and stretching for over 3 kilometres. It is the home to about 15 Kho Chang bungalows of different style.

At Aow Siad Bay and Aow Tadaeng Bay of Koh Chang Island you can choose between bungalows directly at the beach front or on the cliff side, while the beaches at the northern tip of Koh Chang Ranong Thailand are perfectly secluded. All beaches are interconnected by foot paths.

Ranong

2009-01-10T05:09:00.000-08:00

Ranong is Thailand’s least populated and greenest province. More than 80% of the province are covered by rain forest and the nature is spectacular with breathtaking scenery: evergreen vegetation, jungles with impressive waterfalls, birds, monkeys and other rare wildlife, mangrove forests, hot springs and an array of Andaman Sea Islands Thailand with sandy beaches.

Ranong is a small town and you can easily get around Ranong city and discover the local markets or taste the famous and delicious food of Southern Thailand. Various local restaurants and some Ranong accommodation in Ranong hotels is available.

Ranong town is separated from Myanmar by the Pakchan River, which can be crossed by local boat in 30 minutes. If you want to make a visit to Victoria's Point (Kauthong), the Burmese border town, make sure to have your passport with you and get it stamped, as you are leaving Thailand.

Phuket

2009-01-10T04:55:00.000-08:00

PHUKET

a large island in the Indian Ocean, is 867 kms. from Bangkok. It is the only island having provincial status, and was a regional headquarters as well, with a rich and colorful.Known as the Pearl of the Andaman, it derived much of its former glory and its enormous wealth from tin production, which in Phuket dates back over 500 year. Today, Phuket is the major tourist attraction of Thailand with hotels of all price ranges.

The surrounding waters contain much varied marine life, and the town is notable for its Sino-Portuguese architecture. It is a very attractive island for sightseeing, with lovely seashores and forested hillsides. Its population of 1.6 million people ranks sixth among all provinces. Approximately 1.75 million Rai of the area is forest land. The main occupation here is rice farming. The average per capita income is 14,343 Baht.

Geography
About 70 percent of Phuket is mountainous; a western range runs from north to south from which smaller branches derive. The highest peak is Mai Tha Sip Song, or Twelve Canes, at 529 meters, which lies within the boundaries of Tambon Patong, Kathu District. The remaining 30 percent of the island, mainly in the center and south, is formed by low plains. Streams include the Khlong Bang Yai, Tha Jin, Khlong Tha Rua, and Khlong Bang Rong, none of which is large.

Attraction

Chalong Temple

Is about 8 kms. outside town. Take Vichit Songkram Rd., to the Bypass Rd., and turn left, and drive for about 10 mins. Wat Chalong will be on your left. This is where stands the cast statue of Luang Por Cham, who helped the people of Phuket put down the Angyee, or Chinese Coolie, Rebellion in 1876 during the reign of Rama V. There are also statues of Luang Por Chaung, and Luang Por Gluam. Other monks, who were abbots of the temple during later times, and who are the objects of respect and recipients of the offerings by Phuket people generally.

Phuket Aquarium

More than one hundred species of sea life are on display at the aquarium, many of them taken from the water around Phuket. The aquarium is located at Cape Panwa, on the island's extreme southeast; admission is 5 Baht for children and 20 Baht for adults. A Songtaew (local bus) can be taken from the Talad Sot, or Fresh Market. Tel. (076) 391126.
Open daily, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. read more

Khao Rang

A great view of Phuket Town, the southern part of the island, and some of the offshore islands, can be obtained by going to the top of Khao Rang Hill, on the city's northwest. There are also several restaurants featuring spectacular views of the city, a health park for exercise enthusiasts, and a comfortable, expanse of grass for picnickers at the top with a bronze statue of Phraya Ratsada Nupradit the model Governor of Phuket during King Rama V's reign.

Antique Buildings

The beginning of the tin boom during the Nineteenth Century led to construction of many fine old mansions and shops still well preserved. The architectural style, typical of the region, is described as Sino-Portuguese and has a strongly Mediterranean character. Shops present a very narrow face on the street but stretch back a long way. Many, especially on Dibuk Rd., have old wooden doors with Chinese fretwork carving. Other streets, forming what might be called "Old Phuket", with similar structures are Phang-nga, Yaowarat, Thalang, and Krabi, and a walking tour of the area is easy and delightful. Some other old European-style buildings of note are the Provincial Hall (Sala Klang), the Phuket Courthouse (San Changwat), and Nakhon Luang Thai Bank.

Orchid Farm and Thai Village

Located on Thepkasattri Road, approximately 3 kilometers from Phuket City is an extraordinary place for culture lovers. The village provides stunning classical Thai dance performances, sword-fighting, Thai boxing, southern customs and elephant shows. Handicrafts and traditional mining techniques are also featured. The orchid farm outside is worth exploring. The performances are at 11.00 a.m., 2.00 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. The fees are 400 baht for adults and 200 baht for children. Call 076 214860 for more information.

Saphan Hin

A land reclamation project provided abundant new land now used for p arks and public facilities at Sapan Hin, located where Phuket Rd., meets the sea in Phuket Town. In the circle is the Tin Mining Monument, shaped like a large drill bit, dedicated to the memory of Captain Edward Thomas Miles, the Australian who brought the first tin dredge to Phuket in 1909. The monument was built in 1969 on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of tin dredging in Phuket. A Sport Center is located in the park.

Phuket Sea Shell Museum

Perhaps the world's most valuable collection of seashells has been put on display at Phuket Seashell near Rawai Beach on the island's southwestern shores. The emphasis is on shells from Phuket and Thai waters, which are among the most sought-after by collectors, however shells from every part of the world are featured. Wherever they originate, each shell in the Shell Museum is the best of its type--very often the only of its type. Displays have been created in a logical order, and visitors can see at once differing characteristics among related species. There are numerous rarities and freaks including the world's largest golden pearl (140 karats), large sections of sedimentary rock containing shell fossils that represent the earth's earliest life-forms, and a shell that weighs 250 kilograms. One of the world's great private museums, the Shell Museum is open daily from 8:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m. For details call 381266, or 381274.

Chalong Bay

Phuket's principal boat anchorage and the island's largest bay. Ao Chalong has a long flat, shallow, muddy bottom; at ebb tide, waters recede as much as one kilometer. It is very picturesque but not for swimming. Most visitors to the islands south of Phuket depart from Chalong pier, and the bay's restaurants are well known for their seafood. Charters to various places can be arranged from there, and it is the center of the island's yachting

businesses. To get there take Jao Fah Tawan Tok Rd., or Jao Fah Tawan Okk Rd., to Chalong Circle. The pier and a number of restaurants are located on the short road leading to the beach from the circle.

Sehn Bay
A small bay with many rocks and corals. Snorkeling and diving are possible. For sunbathers, this secluded, curving strand north of Nai Harn offers some privacy. A small open air restaurant supplies food and drink. To get there go through the parking lot of the Phuket Yacht Club hotel and follow the road to Ao Sehn, about 1/2 km.

Phrom Thep Cape
"Phrom" is Thai for Hindu "Brahma" signifying purity, and "Thep" means 'God'. Phromthep is a headland stretching into the sea and forming the extreme south-end of Phuket. It has been prominent feature for mariners since of early seafarers from the sub-continent, remains of whose journey's have been found all along the Malay-peninsula's west coast. From Rawai Beach turn right and go for 2 kms. The cape has tall cliffs on the south, and was formerly called by local villagers "Leam Jao" (The Gods' Cape). From the cliffs running down to the boulders at the sea is a line of palm trees. Emerald green currents swirl in the deep water and breakers hurl themselves in vain against the rocky point : it is one of Phuket 's most inspiring vistas. From Promthep Cape, which is the most beautiful place to catch Phuket's famous sunset, a road leads northwest to Nai Harn Beach.

Ka cape

Ka cape is a popular stop for Thai visitors to the island. Located at the extreme southwest of Chalong Bay. South of the point is Leam Ka Beach, a sandy strip dotted with rocks and boulders. The extensive coral reefs offshore make for interesting snorkeling mornings. Bungalows, Thai food, and boat charters to the islands are available. Ka Cape is 7 kms. west of Chalong Circle.

Patong Beach

Patong is the most famous - some would say infamous - beach resort on Phuket. With its wide variety of activities and nightlife, Patong is an ideal place to party and play.
By night the town has a bustling nightlife which includes literally hundreds of restaurants, chic lounge bars, beer bars and of course discos. The nightlife is centred around Soi Bangla (Bangla Road) however there are quiet parts of town.

Rawai Beach

Site of the Chao Ley or Sea Gipsy village, many restaurants and bungalows, shell handicraft shops, and both fishing and charter boats to the nearby islands. The beach itself is suitable for swimming. Rawai is 7 kms. west of Chalong Circle.

Kata Beach

The smallest of Phuket's three main tourist beaches, Kata is different in appearance and style from Karon or Patong. The beach itself is broad and curving, and structures bordering it are low–rise. The waters are perfect for swimming, and at the north end is a coral reef with many varied corals and fishes which stretches out toward Poo Island., about 1/2 km off shore. Facilities for every price range include hotels, bungalows, tour companies, restaurants, bars and clubs. There is regular bus service to and from Phuket town during daytime.

Kata Noi Beach

South of Kata is Kata Noi, a smaller beach with only a few hotels and little other development. The beach is superb. Many fish inhabit the rocks and corals along the beachless shoreline stretching south. To get there take the narrow beach road up over the hill from Kata

Karon Beach

The second largest of Phuket's principal tourist beaches. Large resort complexes line the road back of the beach, but the strand itself, long and broad, has no development. The sand is very white, and squeaks audibly when walked on. The southern point has a fine coral reef stretching toward Kata and Poo Island. Restaurants, bars, tour companies and other non-hotel businesses are at the north end, near the traffic circle, and at the south, on the little road connecting the back road with the beach road. The narrow road between Kata and Karon has a number of small businesses as well as the Dino Park Mini Golf facility. Karon is the most up-scale of Phuket's beaches. Regular daytime bus service to and from Phuket Town.

Kamala Beach

Kamala provides a haven for those who prefer the quieter life. Although the southern end of the beach can get busy in the high season, the northern end is peaceful all year round. "Rim Haad" (Beach Road), at the southern end, has a number of small 20-30 room hotels for the low/medium budget traveller. Friendly service and village feel and a diversity of restaurants and small bars can be found on this small road. Cheaper food options/market stalls can be found on the main Kamala Road.

Nai Harn Beach

A popular swimming beach and yacht anchorage during the dry season. The beach is fine, but big waves strike it during the wet season, making swimming dangerous. Regular bus service to and from Phuket town during daytime. Nai Harn is just north of Phrom Thep Cape.

Keaw Island

A fine beach, natural surroundings, and coral are on this little island 3 kms. from Rawai, south of Phrom Thep. There is also a giant Buddha Statue. The island is 15 minutes by chartered boat from Rawai.

Viewpoint
From this point can be seen the bays of Kata Noi, Kata and Karon, and also Poo Island. It is one of the island's best views. A large public sala, or shelter is there for visitors, and several vendors sell food, drinks, and souvenirs in the area when the weather is nice. The viewpoint is between Kata and Nai Harn Beach.

Lon Island

This large, mountainous island is only 20 minutes by regular passenger boat from Chalong Bay, in the south of Phuket. The mainly Muslim inhabitants engage in fishing, rubber and coconut planting. There is a long stretch of beach on the northeast coast. Boats to Ko Lon leave daily in the early morning from Chalong Pier. Accommodation on the island: Baan Mai Cottages & Restaurant

Coral Island or Hey Island

This island off Phuket's south coast is so well known for its coral reef that it is often referred to simply as Coral Island. In addition to the splendid reefs there are two fine beaches on the north and west. Koh Hey is part of a marine preserve, but accommodations, restaurants, various water sports and diving are all available. Boats leave from Rawai andChalong. Package tours are also available.

Mai Ton Island

This tiny island off Phuket's southeast coast is highly prized for its still perfect natural environment, including fine white beaches and crystal waters; ideal for swimming, diving, or fishing. The only business of any kind is the plush Maiton Island Resort. Those not wishing to stay overnight may take a daytime excursion leaving from Ao Makham Deep Sea Port. For details contact (076) 214954-7.

Taphao Yai Island
10 minutes from Phuket by ferry from Ao Makam on Phuket's southeast coast. The island is home to the Bucerotes hornbill. To get there from Phuket Town take Chao Fa Rd., to the Sakdidet Rd., intersection, turn left on Sakdidet and follow it 8 kms. to Ao Makham. The road splits in the vicinity of oil storage facilities; take the left fork about 200 meters to the Ko Taphao ferry pier. Dining and accommodations are available on the island. For details call Phuket Paradise, (076) 214917.

Raya (or Racha ) Islands
Two islands running roughly northeast to southwest off Phuket's southern coast.

- Raya Yai Island On the west coast is a fine beach closed in by the hill that stretch away from it like to arms of a horseshoe called alternately Ao Tawan Tok or Ao Bungalow. Clean sandy beach and crystal clear waters of Raya Yai attract day trippers from Phuket. From the top of the hill to the south of the bay is the viewpoint from which the whole island can be seen. On the east, at Ao Kon Kae Bay, is an excellent site for diving.

- Raya Noi Island This island, 10 kms. from Raya Yai, is the result of coral reef build up, and there are more rocks than beaches. In a small bay on the west is a boat anchorage. The waters at Raya Noi are emerald green, and fishing is famous, but swimming is not recommendable.

To get there contact a charter boat at Ao Chalong or Rawai, or go to travel agent for details on package tours to the islands. By long-tailed boat the travel time is about two hours. Larger boats operated by tour companies will make the trip in about one hour. Travel to Raya Islands is restricted to dry season and periods when the monsoon is not blowing.

Rang Yai Island

Lying off Phuket's east coat, this small island has been developed for out-of-doors minded tourist. Among the many activities are snorkeling on the coral reefs. sea kayaking, mountain-biking, playing miniature golf, and visiting the island's pearl farm. To travel to Rang Yai Island, boats may be hired from Laem Hin Pier from Phuket Boat Lagoon. Package tours are provided by Richy Island Tour, Tel. 238163, and other tour agencies.

Sire Island

Separated from the mainland of Phuket by the Khlong Tha Chin, a shallow mangrove swamp, this twenty square kilometer island is connected by a causeway to the city. Wat Ko Sire, on the hill, has a large Reclining Buddha and provides fine views of the surroundings. Phuket's largest settlement of Sea Gypsies, or Chao Ley, are on Ko Sire at Leam Tuk-kae. Swimming is not present because of the muddy bottom. There are some popular seafood restaurants on the eastern shore.

Shopping

There are stalls all the way along the beach road (Thaweewong road). Stalls operate during the day but it is in the evening that it really gets going. You can buy all kinds of clothes, souvenirs, sunglasses, CDs and much more. Always haggle at the roadside stalls. As a very rough guide, try and get the price down to about 50% of the quoted price.

Situated on Rat-U-Thit road nearly opposite Bangla road is the newly opened Jungceylon. Officially opened on 20th Dec 2006, this large complex houses a hotel, Robinsons department store, Carrefour, a SFX cinema, bowling alley and a wide variety of shops and restaurants. At the time of opening, not all shops and facilities were open but quite a few such as Carrefour and a number of dining outlets had opened for business.

Patong also has two Ocean department stores, one towards the Rat-U-Thit road end of Bangla road, Ocean Bangla and the other along the beach road, just past the Holiday Inn. Although quite small, they have a good selection of clothes.

Nightlife

Patong Nightlife
If you are looking for nightlife in Phuket then Patong is the number one choice. Patong has a lot of bars, discos, karaokes massages and a gogo bars with beautiful thai girls (bar girls).

Although there is a heavy nightlife in Patong, I think it suitable for families with kids anyway because the nightlife is centralised to just a small part of Patong; Bangla Road and Soi Sunset and if you avoid these streets on evenings and nights you will never noticed it.

Karon nightlife - Phuket
Karon has enough beer bars to satisfy you and recently a new disco/live music place opened in Karon, so you can have fun here too.

Phuket Town nightlife - Phuket
In Phuket Town you can also find some nightlife, most thai people at these places and good choice if you are tired of tourists :)
I have visited Climax and The Spark Club (Nightclub, Live music) located on Ratsada Rd. and Pink Lady Cafe (Café, Karaoke).

Thai Law regarding nightlife - Phuket
According to the thai law discos and nightclubs have to close at 2:00 am and normal pubs/beer bars at 01:00 am. But as you already might know this is not true for phuket or many other places. Many get around the law by bribing the local police and as someone told me, patong is a freezone with many exceptions from the thai law.

Some advices regarding nightlife in Phuket
Don't make serious promises you can't keep. Believe it, your life may not be so valueable if you make false promises to lure girls to your intensions. Don't say 'I like/love you' if you don't mean it and be careful if you have many girls, the girls may end up fighting with eachother or with you.

Always practice safe sex and use condom. Be mindful of AIDS! You don't want it. Altought, I have been told that many men don't want to use condom, and I can't believe it! Either they are very stupid or they already have AIDS? Bad enough, some girls actually do it without condom.

You have to understand that all sexy girls are not females. There are many beautiful 'ladies' that actually are men; transvetites or transsexuals (katoeys). These groups can be extremely rude, dangerous and revengeful if a promise is broken. Be careful.

You fall in love with a girl? Don't give her too much money, use common sense. I have heard many stories about girls getting huge amounts of money from men who love them. The girl may or may not like you. But many girls are actually looking for relationsships with a good man and there are happy stories too.

Cheap Flights to Phuket

Connectiong flights to phuket?

I'm looking to book a flights from London to phuket, but im seeing the connecting flights have arround a 1-2 hours gap after landing, is this adqute time, and what happens if my flight bankock is dealyed are they good about putting you on the next connectiong flight to phuket? or could I be paying again?

I agree with most of the other above answers, I would give yourself at least three hours between landing and your next flight. I live in Bangkok and fly into Thailand and pick a lot of people up at the airport, just to clear immigration and retreive your luggage can easily take an hour sometimes. If you're not on the same airline to Phuket from Bangkok (Thai), don't expect any sympathy from the airline if you or your flight is late, although I'm sure they can put you on a later flight, if there is one. Also, be aware that many domestic flights leave from the old Don Muaeng Airport, which is at least 45-60 minutes away from Suvarnabhumi, so be sure that your flight to Phuket leaves from Suvarnabhumi or leave another hour or more to transfer to Don Muaeng. One other thing you should check carefully is the baggage weight limits on many of the domestic airline flights, airlines like Air Asia have a 15 kg, limit and strictly enforce it, it can easily cost as much or more than your flight if you are significantly over the limit. Aside from all the above, have fun.

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Ayutthaya

2009-01-10T04:54:00.000-08:00

Ayutthaya full name Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya is an ancient capital and modern city in the Central Plains of Thailand, 85 km to the north of Bangkok. Ayutthaya was originally known as "Ayothaya" which refers to the capital of King Rama (see Ramayana). When King Naresuan the Great defeated the Burmese, he changed the name of the city to "Aytthaya" meaning "the undefeatable city".. Among Thai cities, Ayutthaya's English name is probably the least standardized - it is also known as Ayotaya, Ayothaya, Ayudhya, Ayutaya, Ayuthaya and Ayuttaya.

Attractions

Most of Ayutthaya's sites are on the protected western half of the island, while the modern city sprawls to the east. There are additional sites off the main island.

Temples

The temples with entry charges are usually in ruins, so there is no dress code, although visitors are still requested to refrain from blatant stupidity like clambering up the Buddha statues. Working temples tend to charge no fees and there are often no officials to check that dress is appropriate.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet (Sri Sanphet Rd) is the largest temple in Ayutthaya, known for its row of chedis (Thai-style stupas). Housed within the grounds of the former royal palace, the wat was used only for royal religious ceremonies. It once housed a 16-meter Buddha covered with 340 kg of gold, but the Burmese set fire to the statue to melt the gold and destroyed the temple in the process. Entrance fee of 30 baht.

Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopitah (Sri Sanphet Rd) is next to Wat Phra Si Sanphet and houses a large bronze cast Buddha image. No entry charge.

Ancient Palace (access through Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, no additional entry charge) is mostly low-lying ruins set in large grounds, with only a few free standing buildings remaining.

Wat Thammikarat (U-Thong Rd) is a working wat, but also contains the ruins of a large chedi and a huge wiharn which has a large tree growing picturesquely out of the side of one wall. No entry charge.

Wat Ratchaburana (Naresuan Rd) stands out for having a large prang recently restored to its original condition, clearly visible if you come in from the east. A major find of golden statues and other paraphernalia was made here in 1958, although much was subsequently stolen by robbers — the remnants are now in the Chao Sam Phraya Museum. You can climb inside the prang for nice views and a little exhibit. The mysterious staircase down, leads to two unrestored rooms with original paintings still visible on the walls. Entrance fee of 30 baht.

Wat Phra Mahathat (Naresuan Rd), across the road from Wat Ratburana, is a large temple that was quite thoroughly ransacked by the Burmese. Several Leaning Prangs of Ayutthaya are still feebly defying gravity though, and the rows of headless Buddhas are atmospheric. This is also where you can spot the famous tree that has grown around a Buddha head. Entrance fee of 30 baht.

Wat Phra Ram (Sri Sanphet Road) consists of one huge prang and some smaller chedi and outbuildings, all in disrepair though the top of the prang is complete. Staircases to the side of the prang give views of Ayutthaya. Entry charge of 30 baht.

Phra Chedi Sisuriyothai (U-Thong Rd) is a white and gold coloured chedi built as a memorial to a previous queen. Set in a small, well-kept gardens. No entry charge.

Wat Phu Khao Thong (about 3km out of town, west off the Ang Thong Rd) is a huge white, and slightly wonky, chedi set in a big field. The actual nearby wat is still working and has small grounds with a smiling fat buddha image set in the ruins of a small viharn. You will see the Monument of King Naresuan the Great on the way. No entry charge.

Wat Cheung Tha (about 1km out of town, east off the Ang Thong Rd) is a small working wat with small grounds with chedi and viharn ruins and some buddha images. No entry charge.

Wat Nah Phra Meru (about 1km out of town, east from Wat Cheung Tha) has a large viharn containing the biggest bronze buddha image in Ayutthaya, cast dressed in full royal regalia. The viharn is set in well maintained grounds with buddha images, a small koi carp pond, and three ruined chedis, one of which has a large bodhi tree growing out of the top of it. No entry charge.

Wat Phanancherng (on the Bang Pa-in Rd, about 1.5km out of town) is a working wat which contains the oldest large cast bronze Buddha image in Ayutthaya, though it was covered in scaffold in June 2006 for refurbishment. There is a small room to the right of the main hall which contains a nice collection of Buddha images and the room is painted with many individual unique pictures, in bright colours offset with gold. Entry charge of 20 baht.

Wat Yai Chaimongkon (on the Bang Pa-in Rd, 1km east of Wat Phanancherng) is a large working wat, with ruins that appear on some of the well known photos of temples in Thailand. It features a large reclining Buddha in saffron robes in its own ruined wiharn, and, most spectacularly, a huge chedi swathed in golden cloth set in a courtyard which is lined by Buddha images all wearing saffron robes. Very photogenic. Entry charge of 20 baht.

Museums

Chao Sam Phraya Museum (Rojana Rd) is where you can find some of the Buddha heads that are so conspicuously missing at the sites themselves. Opened in 1961 and looks the part. Perhaps the most interesting displays are the golden regalia from Wat Ratchaburana, on the 2nd floor of Hall 1. Open Wed-Sun from 9 AM to 4 PM, entrance 30 baht.

Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre (Rojana Rd), across the road and to the east of the Chao Sam Phraya museum, is a more modern museum that tries to depict life in Ayutthaya with models. A good place to start or end your tour, but a little pricy (by Thai standards) at 100 baht.

Chankasem National Museum(U-Thing Rd.) northeast corner of island

Parks/Other

Khun Phaen Residence (Sri Sanphet Rd) is a renovated traditional teak house set in a good-sized park with water and various seating areas. The elephants doing the tourist circuit stop here for photos, with Wat Phra Ram in the background. No entry charge.

Monument of King Naresuan the Great (in front of Wat Phu Khao Thong), is a large bronze statue of King Naresuan on a horse. Situated on the entrance road to Wat Phu Khao Thong.

Get around

It is advised to rent a bicycle. You should get a copy of a map for free at the shop that rents you the bicycle. If you are physically larger than most Thais, be warned that the larger bicycles are not necessarily well maintained, so be sure that they work properly (seats well attached, handlebars don't slip in relation to front wheel direction) before you leave.

Alternatively, you can hop around town by tuk-tuk or motorbike for 20-30 baht a pop. Ayutthaya's tuk-tuks are larger than the Bangkok variety and you can easily squeeze in four or more on the two songthaew-style facing benches. Only "official" tuk-tuk drivers can pick up passengers from the train station (their photos are displayed on a board at the southern end of the platform) and they are required to work to a fixed scale of charges. Ayutthaya "Tuk-Tuks" are very small and are only to be seen in this town...very friendly drivers...2 hours = 150 baht...can 'squeeze" people in but hard to see out...most destinations are very close

TOT runs "trams" around the main tourist attractions for 20 baht/day...can 'hop-on hop-off'

The local bus to Lopburi leave the main bus station every 20 minutes and pass Wat Nah Phra Meru.