(including Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan and Ko Tao)(including Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan and Ko Tao)

(including Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan and Ko Tao)
The largest province of the South located 685 kilometers from Bangkok is Surat Thani the province with a name that literally means "City of the Good People". A former capital of the Srivijaya Empire, the province covers an area of approximately 12,891 square kilometers. Surat Thani Province borders the Gulf of Thailand to the north and east, Chumphon Province to the north, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Krabi Provinces to the south, Phang-Nga and Ranong Provinces to the west and Nakhon Si Thammarat Province to the east.


High plateaus and forested mountains are located to the west of the province, while there are low basins in the center and along the eastern coast. This topography has created 14 river basins including Tapee, Pum Duang, Tha Thong, Tha Krajai, Chaiya, Tha Chang which are the most important basins. All rivers in Surat Thani flow east of the province to the Gulf of Thailand.


The numerous islands along the coast makes Surat Thani (often known as Surat in short) a perfect hideaway for vacationers from around the world. The ideal destination for many is the Penang-sized Ko Samui, Thailand's third largest island, and its neighbour Ko Pha-ngan a celebrated island that hosts the biggest beach full moon party. North of Ko Pha-ngan is Ko Tao, renowned for its excellent coral reefs. To top it all is the dazzling 250-square-kilometer Ang Thong Marine National Park, where a stunning archipelago awaits to greet visitors with their charming palm-fringed beaches, crystal clear water and colorful coral reefs. The best time to enjoy one of these islands to the fullest is from April to November.


History of Surat Thani


Surat Thani is a city with a long history. Archeologists believe that it was once a community of prehistoric tribes of indigenous people including the Saemang and original Malays who built their communities on the Tapee River Basin and Ao Ban Don. Later on, the Indians migrated into the area and gradually spread out their culture, as evidenced in the discovery of ruins of ancient communities in Tha Chana and Chaiya Sub-districts.


In the 13th century, the city became a part of and, as some historians might claim, a center of the glorious Srivijaya Empire the kingdom that dominated the whole Malay Peninsula and much of Java. It was during this period that Mahayana Buddhist reached its height of influence. The empires grandeur can still be admired in many areas of Chaiya District.


When the empire hit the bottom, it was divided into 3 main cities namely Chaiya, Tha Thong and Khiri Rat. They were all under the jurisdiction of Nakhon Si Thammarat until King Rama IV decided to move Tha Thong City to Ban Don and required that it report directly to Bangkoks administration. The name Ban Don was, at the time, changed to Kanchanadit. It was with the establishment of the Monthon, a former administrative unit, that all three cities were merged into one under the name Chaiya. In 1915, King Rama VI changed the name Chaiya to Surat Thani.


The seal of Surat Thani says a lot about its history. Featuring the pagoda of Phra Boromathat Chaiya, the seal is proof of the influence of Mahayana Buddhist on Surat Thani. Phra Boromathat Chaiya is the most revered and important historical place in the province. It is believed that the pagoda contains Buddha relics.


Today, Surat Thani is an important commercial and shipping hub for rubber and coconut trading.

SHOPPING IN BANGKOK

SHOPPING AREA AND MARKETS
Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two major streets. There are many areas throughout Bangkok affording ample choices and easy access. The following is just a selection of some of the principal shopping areas.

Ploenchit-Ratchaprasong
Top department stores and luxury shopping malls are concentrated in the area, namely Central, Sogo, Gaysorn Plaza, Isetan, Zen, Amarin Plaza, Peninsula Plaza, all of which together make the largest shopping promenade in Bangkok. Furthermore, the World Trade Centre 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 Phloenchit-Sukhumvit, Siam Square-Mahboonkrong, Silom and Pratunam-Phetchaburi.

ChatuChak or 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 bargain-hunters alike. The market also offers items of furniture and home decor. It is also where professional and amateur art-lovers and artists meet.



Chatuchak Weekend Market
Chatuchak Weekend Market Chatuchak Weekend Market








ChatuChak or Chatuchak Weekend Market photo gallery



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 well-known retailers and several shopping plazas. Street stalls also abound, most notably at Patpong’s famous night market.

Silom-Mahesak-Charoenkrung Road Silom leads into Charoenkrung 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 (Ekkamai). Most shops and restaurants are concentrated between Soi 3 and Soi 21 (Asok) and along shortcuts between Asok and Ekkamai.

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

Baiyoke Tower Located next to Bangkok’s tallest hotel building, Baiyoke tower is one of the city’s renowned garment centres.

Nai Lert Plaza Situated close to Pratunam Market, Nai Lert Market is one of many shopping areas in Bangkok where you can buy just about everything from clothing to handicrafts.

Bang Lamphu Situated close to the Grand Palace, 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 several nearby traditional shopping places such as Ban Mo Jewellery Street, Phahurat Cloth Market and the Old Siam Plaza.


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.


Pak Khlong Talat This is a wholesale market for all kinds of cut flowers and vegetables. It is located on Maharat Road near the Memorial Bridge. The market is crowded in the early morning and in the evening.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market This popular attraction is some 80 kilometres west of Bangkok, accessible by regular bus from the Southern Bus Terminal. Everyday, hundreds of vendor boats crowd the market area in the early morning till noon.

Bangkok Explosions

Tourism Authority of Thailand

Following six explosions in the evening of December 31, 2006, in Bangkok, there were two subsequent explosions in downtown Bangkok shortly before midnight. The explosions happened in the area of Central World Plaza. One bomb exploded in a telephone booth in front of Arnoma Hotel, near Gaysorn Plaza. Another exploded at a boat pier on Saen Saep Canal near Central World Plaza.
Latest reports by AFP news agency indicate that the seven foreign tourists injured were 2 Britons, 2 Serbians, 1 American, and 2 Hungarians. All the injured are now being hospitalized in hospitals around Bangkok. There are no confirmed foreign fatalities. A Thai man died of his injuries in the morning of January 1, bringing the total of Thai deaths to 3.
The Minister of Tourism and Sports visited the injured last night, and today flowers from TAT executives will be taken to hospitals to comfort injured tourists. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Ministry of Public Health have confirmed that every possible medical care will be provided to injured tourists and Thais.
TAT domestic offices all reported no effect from the Bangkok bombings and that celebrations continued as normal without incident. TAT Head Office has asked TAT domestic offices to provide updates and these will be relayed to TAT overseas offices soon.
In Bangkok, the military has bolstered security in the capital by adding more troops and the Tourist Police have now been deployed in force in all major tourist spots.
Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom have all issued warnings for their nationals to reconsider travel to Bangkok and to stay indoors in case the nationals were already there.
All countdown celebrations in Bangkok and Chiang Mai were cancelled following the six explosions earlier on the evening of December 31. All other provincial celebrations took place as scheduled.
TAT Seoul has reported no cancellations, no warnings of restrictions against traveling to Thailand and no immediate news on Koreans in Thailand being in danger. TAT Head Office is compiling reports from all TAT overseas offices.
BANGKOK EXPLOSION New Update as of 1 January 2007, 15.55 hrs Bangkok time
Prime Minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont said based on the government's information and intelligence agencies, it was the work of people who lost power, but he could not clearly say which group was behind it.
Dr. Suvit Yodmani, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, gave an interview to the media at Bumrungrad Hospital where he was visiting tourists injured in the blasts and said that there may be some short-term effects on the tourism industry but everything should return to normal quickly if there are no further incidents.
Reports from the following TAT domestic offices indicated no violence in regional areas and celebrations during the holidays continued on schedule:
- Nakhon Si Thammarat

- Ubon Ratchathani

- Pattaya

- Trang

- Surat Thani

- Mae Hong Son

- Krabi

- Lop Buri

- Nakhon Nayok
Hotel occupancy ranged from 60%-90%. Travel in the provinces continued unabated. Many hotels and resorts held countdown celebrations. Top tourist destinations experienced large numbers of Thais and foreign tourists celebrating the New Year.
There has been a noticeable increase in security at airports, bus terminals, train stations, and light rail stations in Bangkok. The government has augmented the existing security force with additional personnel and patrol dogs. In addition, the Ministry of Interior has set up a special communications centre for 7 days to coordinate security efforts nationwide.
Since the last two explosions in the Central World area, there have been no further bombings in Bangkok. An explosion occurred at a mosque in Chiang Mai and that is under investigation.

The Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Coming from a Southeast Asian country myself, I find it difficult to think of any destination in Asia as “exotic” or completely removed from what I know. The intermingling of cultures in our corner of the world is so beautifully prevalent that, standing on a busy sidewalk in the humid tropical weather of Bangkok, with car horns blaring and vendors displaying their wares, I almost fancied myself back home in my native Manila. The familiarity of Thailand and its warm, welcoming atmosphere was altogether comforting. Yet, the subtle differences that Bangkok offered me ensured that I always had something new to discover about Thai culture. Nowhere was this more apparent than in the practice of its ancient religion, Buddhism.

Unlike the Philippines, which is the only predominantly Catholic country in Asia, Thailand’s population is almost entirely Buddhist. Places of worship are as numerous in Bangkok as 92.5% silver stores or hot pink taxis. These temples, architectural marvels in themselves, also serve as must-see tourist destinations for anyone interested in Thai Buddhist culture. The Grand Palace is a favorite, as is the Emerald Buddha near the banks of the Chao Praya River. When I visited the city at the end of 2006, I was fortunate enough to see one of its most famous landmarks, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

Situated just a few blocks from the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is actually a collection of smaller structures surrounding the main temple in an enclosed complex. The buildings are decorated in the traditional Thai style, with carved marble, jade, and colored enamel spires so tall they almost disappear into the sky. No detail is spared in the decoration of the temples, which boast golden arches over narrow doorways leading into cavernous, incense-filled rooms. These lesser temples are worth seeing, though better left undisturbed during times of common worship. The Reclining Buddha itself, however, is a sight not to be missed.

The statue is housed in a huge temple, but it eclipses so much of the space that there is hardly room for more than a narrow pathway encircling the Buddha where tourists and worshippers can walk. The Reclining Buddha is nearly twenty stories in length when measured vertically and completely covered in gold, with black marble soles inlaid with mother-of-pearl. As the name implies, it lies on its side, its right arm curved to allow its head to rest in the palm of one hand. Simultaneously massive and elegant, the awe that this statue inspires is undoubtedly one of the main reasons for its popularity.

I visited the temple on New Year’s Day, considered a holiday in Thailand, as it is in Western countries, but with a much more spiritual slant.

Before entering the main temple, I was asked to remove my shoes along with the rest of the people in line. I will never forget the moment I stepped into the presence of the Buddha. From outside, the chants of the monks and worshippers were muffled at best, but once inside, they filled the awesome space with a deep, resonating vibration. It was like being drawn into a state of absolute meditation and calm. People knelt in front of the barrier separating them from the statue, holding incense and touching their foreheads to the cool marble floor. I could do nothing but stare at the Buddha, entranced.

As I circled past the intricately decorated soles of his feet, I caught a glimpse of a long line curving back to where I’d come from and snaking around in a sort of half-figure eight. The people in line were holding bowls of coins and, as they passed along the wall of the temple, would drop one coin into each silver receptacle attached to the wall at waist level. There seemed to be at least a hundred of these receptacles and even more people. Curious, I questioned a tour guide and was told that this was a New Year’s tradition in Thailand. The coins were meant to represent prosperity and good luck for the coming year and everyone in Thailand went to temple to perform this duty on the first day of January. I was moved and fascinated by the idea.
What struck me most was the solemnity of the people holding the coins; some of them had their heads bowed in prayer, others pressed their palms together with their fingertips touching their foreheads. This, coupled with the resonating chants of worship, made the experience at once spiritually uplifting and deeply humanizing. Though not Buddhist myself, I certainly felt the Thai’s devotion to their religion and their culture. I believe no one present in the temple that day could have failed to do so.

Many tourists go to Thailand to enjoy the incredible shopping in its capital city or the beautiful beaches in its southern towns, but there is another equally fascinating side of the country that exists. This quiet devotion and steady spiritualism in their places of worship are as much a reflection of the Thai people as their city streets filled with life. When visiting the country, it is always worthwhile to see as many sides of it as possible in order to experience the fullness of this amazing culture.

Opening the ओउत्दूर Vermont making trails wheelchair-accessibleDuxbury, Vt. - Like many Vermonters, Deborah Lisi-Baker enjoys the outdoors. "I've alwa

Duxbury, Vt. - Like many Vermonters, Deborah Lisi-Baker enjoys the outdoors. "I've always loved the wilderness and the woods. It's very serene. It clears your head just to get to appreciate all the sounds and colors and shapes."

Lisi-Baker, 55, uses a wheelchair, meaning that the trails that lace up and down Vermont's Green Mountains are largely inaccessible to her.

But that may be changing, at least in a small way.

A new trail that opened earlier this summer here is the state's third wheelchair-accessible trail, and similar efforts are under way elsewhere - including a new online resource that's being created by the National Park Service to list trails, activities and other experiences that are accessible.

The National Park Service program will be launched this month, according to Gerry Gaumer, spokesman for the agency. The objective, he said, "is to put all the information on one Web site, where people can access not only trails but also other programs that are accessible," such as museum exhibits, camp sites and visitors centers

Gaumer said most national parks have some accessible facilities, but the information has never been compiled in one place before. (The Web link for the program will be made public later this month.)

In Vermont, the Baldwin Trail on Mount Independence was dedicated July 1, opening for the public parts of an important Revolutionary War historic site, including archaeological sites and vistas of the Lake Champlain Valley, for the first time. The 1.6-mile trail has gentle grades and packed surfaces, making it accessible for wheelchairs.

In Killington, the Green Mountain Club has been working this summer to finish a project relocating part of the Appalachian Trail to get it away from roads. The project has grown to include a new wheelchair-accessible boardwalk.

When it opens this fall, it will be the first section of the Appalachian Trail in northern New England to be designed as wheelchair-accessible.

Nearly 1,000 feet long, it passes a spectacular view of the Thundering Brook falls and through the Ottauquechee River flood plain.

The Camel's Hump View Trail was built in the early 1990s, shortly after passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the federal law designed to reduce or eliminate barriers to people with disabilities.

The gently sloped loop trail, not quite a mile long, provides close-up views of Camel's Hump, Vermont's most iconic mountain.

The trail was built with tightly packed gravel, which holds up well under a wheelchair. And it's part of a nationwide push in the past 20 years to make more of the great outdoors accessible to people with disabilities.

"This is just gorgeous," Lisi-Baker said on her first trip to Camel's Hump View earlier this summer.

She was born with cerebral palsy and now works as executive director of the Vermont Center for Independent Living.

Gaumer said park officials and the public are "all becoming more and more aware of the need to make the parks accessible. The handicapped population is saying, 'Hey, work with us, we have the right to visit the area, too.' You shouldn't have to rely on a law to make you do something."
By DAVID GRAM
Associated Press

Siamese Heritage & Beach Vacation

Stay overnight in Bangkok and visit Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha Temple. Travelling with your private guide in a private car, you will trace the glory of Thailand's ancient capitals from Bangkok up to Chiang Mai. The trip beg ins from the glorious former capital of Ayuthaya all the way up to Thailand's first capital city 'Sukhothai', Lampang and Chiang Mai. Tour historical parks while observing the simple way of life of locals along the way. Also admire different ethnic cultures of hill tribe villagers of Lisu and Akha in their mountainous residence. Afterwards, flying to Krabi, southern Thailand to relax on a private beach at Lanta Island.

Program Overview:
Stay overnight in Bangkok and visit Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha Temple. Travelling with your private guide in a private car, you will trace the glory of Thailand's ancient capitals from Bangkok up to Chiang Mai. The trip beg ins from the glorious former capital of Ayuthaya all the way up to Thailand's first capital city 'Sukhothai', Lampang and Chiang Mai. Tour historical parks while observing the simple way of life of locals along the way. Also admire different ethnic cultures of hill tribe villagers of Lisu and Akha in their mountainous residence. Afterwards, flying to Krabi, southern Thailand to relax on a private beach at Lanta Island.

Itinerary:
Day One - Arrival Bangkok
Upon arrival at Bangkok's Suvarnnabhumi Airport, meet by our representative and transfer to your hotel for check in and overnight.

Overnight in Bangkok at the Lebua at State Tower

Day Two - Bangkok
Meal: Breakfast

Take a private tour to visit Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple in the morning. Tour conducts in private air-conditioned vehicle with local English speaking guide. Return to the hotel and rest of the day free at own leisure. Overnight in Bangkok at the lebua at State Tower

Day Three - Bangkok / Ayuthaya
Meal: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Depart early morning from your hotel for a boat ride on Thonburi Klongs for a scenic view of Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. Continue by road to the former capital of Ayuthaya. Lunch at a local restaurant. Proceed to the King's Summer Palace at Bang Pa-In and visit the ruins of Ayuthaya. Dinner and overnight in Ayuthaya at Krungsri River hotel.

Day Four - Ayuthaya / Lupburi / Phitsanuloke / Sukhothai
Meal: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, short transfer to Ayuthaya Railway station for a rail journey to Lopburi Upon arrival in Lopburi, visit to the main attractions; Wat Phra Sri Rattana Maha Thad, national museum, the Monkey Temple and Prang Sam Yod. Lunch will be served at local restaurant.

After lunch, proceeding to Phitsanuloke via Nakorn Sawan. Upon arrival visit the most sacred temple in town Wat Phra Buddha Chinnaraj or Wat Phra Sri Rattana Maha Thad. Visit Ethnic & Folklore Museum of Mr. Thavee Buranakhet. Check in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel The Ananda Gallery Hotel.

Day Five - Sukhothai / Lampang / Chiang Mai
Meal: Breakfast / Lunch
After breakfast at the hotel, visit Sukhothai Historical Park and Sri Satchanalai Historical Park. Lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to Lampang City to visit Wat Phra Thad dLampang Luang where is renowned for its impressive murals painting, graceful architecture and richly colored interiors. Followed by a visit at Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao, one of Thailand's most beautiful Burmese-style temples. Continue the journey and arrive by late afternoon in Chiang Mai and drop-off at The Empress Hotel. Evening is free at leisure. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Day Six - Chiang Mai
Meal: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Full day city and temple tour around city temples: Wat Chiang Man, the first temple built in Chiang Mai around 1300; Wat Phrasingh in classic northern Thai or Lanna style; Wat Chedi Luang, Monastery of the Great Stupa; and Wat Suan Dok with a 500 year old bronze Buddha image. After lunch, continue to visit Handicraft Village and Factories; also called the Umbrella Village where the craft shops are full of painted umbrellas, fans, silverware, straw handwork bamboo and teak goods, statues, celadon and lacquerware. In the evening enjoy a traditional northern Thai dinner with cultural performance. Overnight in Chiang Mai

Day Seven - Chiang Mai / Lisu Lodge
Meal: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Pick up from your hotel in Chiang Mai and drive to the mountain temple of Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, the most famous landmark of Chiang Mai. Continue up the mountain, passing the King's Winter Palace of Phuping to turn onto a rough dirt road to visit the Chang Khien Coffee Research Project and the white Hmong village of Chan Khien. Here, enjoy a quick cup of steaming mountain tea with a village family and then take a one-hour drive along a mountain ride down to Huay Tung Tao lake.

Enjoy lunch at Lisu Lodge. After that, embark on the "Lisu Lodge Experience" starting from Ton Lung Temple, a tour guided by a monk to visit the herbal garden and learn about the monk's daily life, for example, see how a monk wears the robe, etc. Then, visit Akha and Lisu families, together with a Lisu guide, stop for a cup of original hill tribe tea at the shaman's house - our guide will be a translator and accompany the guests throughout all activities. Return to Lisu lodge. Dinner and overnight at Lisu Lodge

Day Eight - Lisu Lodge / Mae Hong Sorn
Meal: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
After breakfast, drive 45 minutes south to Mork Fah Waterfall. Enjoy a short walk through the jungle-covered valley to the falls and paddle or swim in a large natural pool and pause for soft drinks near the waterfall. Then, drive west through a glorious switchback road with views of high mountain ranges and forests.

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Sobpong and Tham Lod (1 hour) for a bamboo rafting along a peaceful river through. Twenty minute walk back to the village and drive from the caves back to the village. Continue to Mae La Na via Red Lahu village of Ya Pa Nae. Drive along spectacular dirt roads along a high mountain ridge to visit the village temple. From Ya Pa Nae, continue to the Shan Village of Mae La Na and onto Mae Hong Son Province before arriving at Fern Resort. Dinner and overnight at Fern Resort or similar.

Day Nine - Mae Hong Sorn
Meal: Breakfast / Lunch
After an early breakfast and an elephant ride, transfer to the pier near Mae Hong Son Resort. Enjoy a round trip long-tail boat along the pretty Pai River to visit the Longneck (Karen) village close to the Myanmar border. Continue to Mae Hong Son for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, visit this charming city and its Burmese style temples (Wat Doi Kong Mu). Return to your hotel Dinner on your own arrangement. Overnight at Fern Resort or similar

Day Ten - Mae Hong Sorn / Bangkok (via Chiang Mai)
Meal: Breakfast
Day free at leisure until departure flight to Bangkok via Chiang Mai. Upon arrival in Bangkok, check in at Novotel Suvarnnabhumi Airport Hotel for overnight. Hotel will provide complimentary shuttle bus service between the airport and hotel.

Day Eleven - Bangkok / Krabi
Meal: NIL
Check out and take hotel's shuttle bus service to domestic airport (program might be changed if the domestic terminal has changed to use Don Muang Airport) for departure flight to Krabi.

Upon arrival in Krabi, meet by hotel representative for a transfer to Lanta Island which will take about 1.5 hours from Krabi Airport. Check in at Pimalai Resort & Spa and rest of the day free at own leisure.

Day Twelve to Day Fourteen - Krabi
Meal: Breakfast daily
All day free at own leisure for relaxation on the beach or enjoy the spa treatment in the resort (at your own cost)
Overnight at Pimalai Resort & Spa

Day Fifteen - Krabi / Bangkok
Meal: Breakfast
All day free at leisure until departure time to Krabi Airport to catch with your departure flight from Krabi to Bangkok.

** End of the trip **

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