Thailand…

One of the world's most exotic locations…

Over the last couple of decades Thailand has become one of the most loved travel destinations in the world. Each year many thousands of people visit Muang Thai (as it is known locally) for a travel experience they do not easily forget. Why though is Thailand such a popular destination? Why do visitors love this country so much? Perhaps the main reason for Thailand's popularity is its diversity - it doesn't matter which aspect of Thailand you consider, you are confronted by extremes wherever you look. Although there's no snow (unless of course you count artificial snow!), Thailand has many types of landscape on offer. The mountainous
regions of the north with its valleys filled with swirling fogs and mists
create a stark contrast to the plains of central and northeastern Thailand. Eastern Thailand's plains and hills offer fertile land ripe for jungle and

agriculture, and as with southern Thailand, offers some of the most attractive beaches and islands on the planet. Of course, all this nature is set against Thailand's metropolitan areas; Thailand is home to some major cities, Bangkok, the country's capital, certainly the largest and the most formidable. Culturally, Thailand is equally diverse as its geography. Unlike other countries in the region, Thailand has never been colonized and its history and culture have remained intact to develop a natural course. A predominantly Buddhist country, Thailand is a place of ritual and practice that are unfamiliar to most visitors and enhance the country's exotic appeal. Influences throughout the country (Chinese influence in the north; Islamic influence in the south, etc.) add further to the intrigue Thailand generates. Many parts of country are home to hill tribes and traditional peoples whose traditional ways of life remain untouched and present a fascinating insight into the development of this country. Of course, Thailand's nightlife is legendary and a major attraction for visitors. The risqu? nightlife (go-go bars, etc.) on offer about the country has its place, but doesn't constitute even a fraction of what's on offer. Cabaret Shows and entertainment areas abound, even in the country's less touristy areas. Of course, Thailand's restaurants and bars help complete an irresistible package with some of the best cuisine and entertainment available. Another reason for Thailand's popularity as a travel destination is likely its accessibility. Although steeped in tradition, history and culture, Thailand's infrastructure is one of the most modern in the region. Transport, banking, and telecommunications are all world class and help make even Thailand's remotest of regions convenient and easy places to visit. This accessibility helps Thailand draw a very diverse group of visitors to Thailand - budget travelers, business people, people taking training courses… they are all here in their masses! By far one of the key reasons Thailand is such an attraction to visitors is the Thai people themselves. Thai people are blessed with a character and temperament that are often the exact opposite of those found in the 'west'. You see little in the way of confrontation between people here; the famous Thai smile replaces the temper and aggression that might be shown elsewhere. Despite the furry of modern life, Thais remain placid and calm amongst the turmoil creating a tranquility many visitors find infectious and an important part of their Thailand experience. Whatever your reason for visiting Thailand, DiscoveryThailand.com hopes to give you the information you need to get the very best out of your trip… Get the most out of your Thailand experience with DiscoveryThailand.com…

Nakhonsithammarat

Nakhon Si Thammarat The second largest city with a great history before becoming a province, this first grade city controlled various subjected cities and towns. There is a place that houses Lord Buddha's relics which is a most important statutory place of the South, being the center of Buddhism during Sivichaya period. It is located some 861 kms. by railroad and 780 kms. by highway from Bangkok. With an area of 9,942.5 square kilometers, it is a high plateau with mountains and jungles in the west then slopes down in the east, becoming a basin along the coastline of the Gulf of Thailand. It borders on Surat Thani to the north; Trang, Phattalung and Songkhla to the south; the Gulf of Thailand to the east and Krabi to the west.
It is administratively divided into 18 Amphoes and 2 King Amphoes: Muang, Cha-uat, Chawang, Chian Yai, Hua Sai, Khanom, Lan Saka, PakPhanang, Phipun, Ron Phibun, Sichon, Tha Sala, Thung Song, Thung Yai, Na Bon, Phrommakhiri, Bang Khan, Chulaphon, King Amphoe Tham Phannara and King Amphoe Phra Phrom. There are four important rivers: Tapi, Pak Phanang, Pak Phun and Nakhon Si Thammarat
What to see and what to do in Nakhon Si Thammarat?
Wat Phra Mahathat was originally an old monastery of Nakhon Si Thammarat situated in the heart of the city. It is believed to have been constructed during Sivichaya period. An extensive complex is centered on the 77-metre pagoda which houses Buddha relics brought from Sri Lanka some 1,700 years ago. There are other important archaeological sites, such as, Vihara Luang, Vihara Khien, Vihara Khot, Vihara Pho Lanka and museum.
Old City Wall was first constructed during the period of Phraya Si Thamma Sokarat and later rebuilt twice during the periods of King Ramesuan and King Narai the Great of Ayutthaya. The total width is 460 meters and length is 2,230 meters.
Chedi Yak is a giant pagoda located near the Municipality Office. Its size is second to the one at Wat Phra Mahathat. The pagoda is assumed to have been built in 1003 by a Mon millionnaire and his followers who lived there.
Ho Phra Buddha Sihing houses Phra Buddha Sihing Image located near the Provincial Hall (Sala Klang).
Giant Swing and Brahman Temple is in the heart of the city on the side of Ratchadamnoen Road. The current structures are replicas of the ones in Bangkok but smaller in size. They are important places of Brahman Religion which was first introduced to Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Hat Khanom is located 1.5 kilometers from Amphoe Khanom, approximately 100 kilometers north of the provincial capital. It is comprised of 3 sandy beaches: Nai Praet, Nai Phlao and Pak Nam. Accommodation is available.
Tham Khao Wang Thong is one of the most beautiful caves in Thailand. The cave is located in Amphoe Khanom. It can be reached by a 90 kilometer journey from the provincial capital along Highway 4014, then on Highway 4142 for 5 kilometers and a left turn for a another 6 kilometers.
Hat Hin Ngam is a rocky beach located 4.5 kilometers from Amphoe Sichon, 66 kilometres north of the provincial capital. Accommodation is a available.
Khao Kha Archaeological Site is on a mountain in Tambon Sao Phao, Amphoe Sichon. It can be accessed by traveling along the Highway No. 401 and turning to Chinda Prachasan Road at km.99, then driving on for another 5 kms. There is an ancient city over 1,500 years old with architectural ruins scattered in the area. The remains of a laterite shrine are found on top of the mountain.
Laem Ta Lum Phuk, located in Amphoe Pak Phanang, is 40 kms. from Amphoe Muang. It is a long sandy cape jutting out into the Gulf of Thailand. The fishing village was settled on its western beach. On the eastern beach where there are pine trees along the coast line. A lot of different seashells can be found on the white clean sand.
Hat Pak Phanang is a long white beach located 28 kms. from Pak Phanang township.
Hat Pak Pha-ying is located in Amphoe Tha Sala, 20 kms.from the towns. There is a fishing village with beautiful beach there.
Khao Luang National Park covers an area of 570 sq.kms. in Amphoe Lan Saka, Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Phrommakhiri, Amphoe Chawang and Amphoe Phipun. Main attractions in the national park area are waterfalls as follows:
Karom Waterfall is about 1,300-1,400 height with 19 levels. It is located in Amphoe Lan Saka, by highway, 4016,9 kms. from the city,( turn left to highway 6015 for 15 kms. then turn right for another 3 kms).
Phrommalok Waterfall is a large and high falls with 3 levels. It can be reached by highway 4016 and turn left at km. 21 to highway 4132 for another 5 kms.
Ai Khieo (or Nai Khieo) Waterfall is located in Tambon Thonhong, Amphoe Phrommakhiri, 29 kms. pasted Phrommalok Waterfall.
Krung Ching Waterfall is very big and has many levels. The most beautiful level is called "Nan Fon Saen Ha" (which means plenty drops of rain) because it looks like rain drops falling down from the cliff. It is located about 70 kms. from Provincial City on the highway no.4016, then walk for another 3.8 kms. Accommodations and food are available. Contact the National Park Division, Royal Forestry Department, Tel: 5790529, 5794842. Other attractions in the national park are: Tha Pae Waterfall, Tambon Chang Klang, Amphoe Chawang; Khlong Tha Ngiu Waterfall, Tambon Khlong Tha Ngiu, Tambon Nop Phi Tam, Amphoe Tha Sala and a cave, (called Tham Kaeo Surakan), on km. 12 highway no.4015.
Yong National Park Waterfall is accessible by traveling on the Highway no. 403 (Nakhon Si Tham-marat-Thung Song route). With its area being a virgin forest, there are beautiful waterfalls such as Yong (Lao), Nam Pliu, and Khlong Kui. Traveling to Yong Waterfall can be don by car but the rest only accessable on foot. Accommodation is not available. Tourists have to bring their own tents for an overnight stay.
Hae Pha Khun That (Homage-Paying Fair) This festival falls in February every yearDuring the event, the people of Nakhon Si Thammarat pay homage to locally enshrined relics of the Buddha. There are a number of religious ceremonies, among them a traditional merit-making procession. This parade brings a Phra Bot-a cloth painting of the Buddha's life story-to be placed over the relics.
Festival of the tenth Lunar Month The festival falls in September - October every year. This ceremony is celebrated locally during the fifteen nights of the waning moon period in the tenth lunar month. To bring merit to the souls of ancestors, Buddhists offer a variety of foods and other gifts to monks. There are also numerous cultural performances, exhibitions, contests and other entertainments

KANCHANABURI

According to most historians, the ancient town of Kanchanaburi was located near Ban Lat Ya, a small village situated approximately 16 kilometers north of the present town. The site was repeatedly recorded in Thai history as an invasion route which the Burmese used to enter Thai Kingdoms.

Kanchanaburi, which has mostly mountainous terrain, covers an area of approximately 19,473 square kilometers and is the third largest province in Thailand after Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima. Situated approximately 129 kilometres west of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi shares a border with Myanmar to the west, Tak and Uthai Thani Provinces to the north, Suphan Buri and Nakhon Pathom Provinces to the east, and Ratchaburi Province to the south.

In north and west Kanchanaburi, the terrain is comprised mainly of mountains and high plains, with the Thanon Thongchai Range acting as a natural border between Thailand and Myanmar. The range is the source of Kanchanaburi’s two most important rivers Maenam Khwae Noi and Maenam Khwae Yai, which form the famous Maenam Mae Klong. As a result, several of Thailand’s largest Namtok (waterfalls) and most extensive wildlife sanctuaries are found in this area.

The magnificent landscape and charming beauty of Kanchanaburi have resulted in major tourist attractions including several well-known waterfalls, caves which were once inhabited by Neolithic man, pristine national parks, tranquil rivers, virgin forests, and reservoir. Together, they offer an intriguing experience for first-time or repeat visitors. Whether its fishing, rafting, canoeing, mountain biking, bird-watching, star-gazing, golfing, elephant and jungle trekking, or even living in bamboo rafts, Kanchanaburi takes pride in offering them all.

The city of Kanchanaburi is located at the point where two tributaries, the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai meet and form the Maenam Mae Klong. This is the location of the notorious Death Railway and the Bridge on the River Khwae one of the worlds famous World War II sites which have been immortalized in print and film.

In economic terms, Kanchanaburi has been doing well on a national scale, with over 10 per cent growth annually. Important industries include sugar, agricultural products and jewelry. Tourism is also a main source of income for the locals as the provinces high tourism potential has made Kanchanaburi number one among the west provinces in having the highest number of visitors each year.

Residents of Kanchanaburi are engaged in agricultural activities. Most of the locals are of Thai ancestry with notable Mon and Karen minorities. Rural dwellers enjoy living simply and respecting nature. Moreover folk music and dances dating back at least 500 years are still performed today.

Distances from Amphoe Muang (Town) to Neighboring Districts :

Tha Muang 12 kms.
Phanom Thuan 24 kms.
Tha Maka 30 kms.
Dan Makham Tia 30 kms.
Sai Yok 50 kms.
Thong Pha Phum 145 kms.
Sangkhla Buri 230 kms.
Si Sawat 102 kms.
Bo Phloi 40 kms.
Nong Prue 75 kms.
Huai Krachao 60 kms.
Lao Khwan 97 kms.