Tourism Phang-Nga..Similan island

Koh Similan is the main attraction of the Similan group of islands, all of which are in Similan Island National Marine Park. There are nine islands in the group, each having a name and a number (the first island in the group is called ‘Koh Bon but also goes under the name “Koh Nung” Most of the islands in the group are uninhabited, but all are accessible from Koh Similan. Like the rest of the park, Koh Similan is a major draw for people interested in diving. The waters around Similan offer up to 30 metres visibility, and there is a lot to see beneath the waves. Aside from a huge variety of coral, the underwater seascape offers large granite boulders with gaps in rock where more experienced divers can swim through. Hat Khao Lak beach offers the best diving in the Similan islands. Similan Island also boasts a long curving bay with white sand beaches and clear water - an ideal destination for snorkelling. Koh Similan is also an excellent location for hiking and offers treks to the tops of granite outcrops to take in the island’s superb views. There is also an extensive range of wildlife on the island including spiny lobsters, sea fans, plume worms and a large variety of species of birds

Tourism Phang-nga

Ko Tapoo is one of the most renowned islands in Thailand. It is located at Phang Nga Bay. Many people knew it as James Bond Island, though to be exact, that name belongs to another island, Koh Khao Phing Kan.

Southern of thailand..Phang-Nga province

Phang-nga is a province with two characters - land and sea - and packed with national parks that guard magnificent scenery with immensely different attractions. Phang-nga is located some 788 kilometres from Bangkok. It covers an area of 4,170 square kilometres Phang-nga's andaman coast offers parks of a different kind. The island groups of Surin and Similan are renowned for their beautiful unspoilt beaches and spectacular underwater scenery, attracting divers from around the world. Khao Lak is a coastal park full of birds, mammals and scenic waterfalls, with a number of hotel developments after Tsunami disaster in December 2004.

Transportation to Phang Nga

1.By Road From Bangkok travel via Highway No4 passing Prachuap Khirikhan-Chumporn-Ranong-Phangnga, a total distance of 788 kms which takes 12 hours.

2.By Bus The Transport Co., Ltd. operates a daily Bangkok-Phangnga bus service, Buses leave Bangkok at the Southern Bus Terminal Tel 02- 434557-8 for non air-conditioned buses and 02- 435-1199 for air-conditioned buses..

3.By Air There is no airport in Phang-Nga Province. The nearest airport is Phuket International Airport.

Tourism Ranong..Koh Payam

Koh payam , Payam island

Koh Payam is the 2nd largest island of Andaman sea in Ranong province, after Koh Chang. About 4 kms from Koh Chang. Koh Payam has no wide road for a car but for a motorbike. Tourists hire a motor bike at the pier and ride along the road to the resorts. There two majors beaches/bays e.g. Ao Yai and Ao Kao Kwai (Buffalo Bay). Ao Yai is the largest bay on the west-coast with a 2 miles of length and 300m of width, with grey beach In the north-west is the Kao Kwai Bay in a more quiet beach.

Koh Payam is still surrounded by basically natural environment, no lighting, colorful, and any comfortable things. You will touch the real sea gypsies and natural attractions on this island and nearby islands e.g. Bat Island (Koh Kangkao), Koh Kam Tok, Koh Kam Yai, Koh Kam Nui, etc.

 

Kim Chi at Korean Food Cooking Class

There is a saying : "to really understand one country's culture, you must try their food". So, what is the trademark food for Korea ? Yes, Kim Chi or Kim Cee is the most famous Korea food, not only for the local people but also at overseas.

Kimchi actually is a fermented vegetable dish highly seasoned with red pepper and garlic and is served at virtually all meals. Because for its popular, most of Korean Restaurants everywhere in the world are serving Kimchi soup for dessert or main menu.

For tourists who are visiting Korea, don't forget to take the Kimchi Making Lesson. There are many famous Korean cooking classes in Korea, include classes in royal palace cuisine at the National Palace Museum in Gyeongbokgung Palace, classes run by the Tteok Museum, and Yoo’s Family’s classes in Bukchon hanok village.


Kimchi Festival or Kimchi Contest is frequently hold by Korea governments now. Kimchi was again front and center on the Hansik (Korean food) tour arranged by the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery and the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Korea (EUCCK) that took place at the Hanok Village in Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do (North Jeolla Province)

There are 3 main site for visitors to take Korean Cooking Classes :

1. The National Palace Museum of Korea at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul.

The royal palace cuisine cooking classes at the National Palace Museum in Gyeongbokgung Palace have become particularly popular since the international success of the Korean TV drama, “Daejanggeum”, which was set in a Joseon era palace kitchen. This is a good course for people looking to learn Korean cooking over a longer period. Courses last three months, and participants learn a new royal meal every week. For those interested in partaking, be sure to make prior reservations through the homepage.

Location：
National Palace Museum of Korea Annex 1F

Program :
Learn 12 different Royal Court dishes over a 12-week period (accompanied by a guide)
Experience programs will vary according to the season, so please inquire by telephone or via the homepage.

Course Dates & Times： Fridays (3-month regular course) 6:30pm ~ 8:00pm
Irregular Course: to be scheduled on Saturdays.

Fees for Ingredients:
- Ingredient costs for regular courses will vary from 15,000 to 20,000won
per month. (around 50,000 won total for 3 months)
- Irregular Courses: 4,000 won ~ 10,000 won per class.



2. Tteok museum

The Tteok Museum offers classes in cooking traditional dishes like tteok (traditional rice cakes) and kimchi. During the classes, participants can wear a hanbok, and at the end of class you can eat the food you’ve made. The programs are only available for groups of at least 20 people.

The museum is a short walk from the front gate of Changdeokgung Palace in the direction of Jongno 3-ga Station, Exit 6. It is open Monday to Saturday, 10:00—5:00 and on Sunday, 12:00—5:00. It is closed on Seollal and Chuseok. Entrance is 3,000 won.


3. Yoo’s Family

At Yoo’s Family’s cooking classes, visitors can learn Korean dishes like kimchi, bulgogi, pajeon, and tteokbokki, which are popular among foreigners. Minimum of 2 people required per class. English and Japanese interpretation provided.


Some photos of Korean Cooking class like Kimchi and Tteok, and lesson at Korean Palace :


Kimchi, a pickled and fermented dish, is displayed in the Pulmuone Kimchi Museum in Seoul



The Hansik tour group is learning how to season kimchi



Cook Traditional Royal Court Delicacies at the National Palace Museum of Korea (Gyeongbokgung Palace)



The newly opened Gogung Tteurak Café, located inside the National Palace Museum of Korea, presents the ambiance of traditional Korea. The facility is divided into a souvenir shop and a café, serving traditional teas.



Tourist trying in making Utgitteok, an abundant pile of rice cakes topped with elegant decorations usually prepared for large events. We were also able to easily follow directions for Saektteok (colored rice cakes), which feature beautiful colors and shapes, often called Kkotsanjeok (meaning a mountain of flowers).



Famous Korean cooking classes, include classes in royal palace cuisine at the National Palace Museum in Gyeongbokgung Palace



Rice cake or TTeok. Tteok Museum teaches the history and tradition of Korae's Most Important treat



The group is listening how to make kimchi at Dongrakwon, Jeonju Hanok Village in Jeollabuk-do (North Jeolla Province)



For most of the participants it was their first time to make kimchi, and they were intent on following the given instructions as precisely as possible, slicing the radish and mixing it with other seasonings.

RORO TERMINAL SHOULD ALSO CATER FOR CRUISE SHIPS

25th. November 2009
It was recently reported that a Roll-on roll off terminal for the Melaka-Dumai Ferry Service will be built in Tanjung Bruas in Melaka. When it is ready by the end of next year, we can drive our cars over to Sumatra.

If we can have an additional deep water pier for cruise ships to embark and disembark at the same place, it will boost our tourists arrivals by cruise ships. As Tanjung Bruas is situated near to Klebang, it will be easy for tour buses to on stand-by to send the cruise passengers into Melaka Historical area.

Recently, Georgetown opened their cruise terminal near to the city. By doing so, Georgetown will reap the benefits of cruise passengers. A cruise ship can carry more than 2000 passengers, so it will be a great boost to tourism if 2 to 3 ships come into port.

The Melaka State Government should seriously consider building a deep water pier at Tanjung Bruas to compliment the RORO Terminal.

Webmaster
November 22, 2009 20:02 PM
Roro Ferry Terminal To Be Built In Tanjung Bruas
MELAKA, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- A "roll-on roll-off" (RoRo) terminal for the Melaka-Dumai ferry service will be built in Tanjung Bruas near here early next year, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said.

He said that the state government had previously planned the facility in Kuala Linggi, Alor Gajah but found the area to be unsuitable as the water was not deep enough for ferries to operate.

"I expect the construction of the RoRo terminal in Tanjung Bruas to be completed by the end of next year," he told reporters after attending an investiture ceremony in conjunction with the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Melaka Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob's 71st birthday at the Dewan Seri Negeri, Ayer Keroh here Sunday.

Among those who received awards today was Riau Governor Datuk Rosli Zainal, who was conferred the Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka which carries the title Datuk.

Mohd Ali said the terminal was a joint venture project between the state and federal governments under the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle and that the tender would close this month.

"Upon completion, tourists from Sumatra can take their vehicles onboard RoRo ferries when travelling to Malaysia and vice-versa," said Mohd Ali.

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters, Rosli said the Riau provincial government had prepared all the facilities for the service including three RoRo ferries, each capable of loading 40 to 60 vehicles.

-- BERNAMA

Tourism..Ranong

Hot Springs Ranong

Located about 2 kilometers east of the provincial office, the hot springs have been a popular tourist spot ever since King Rama V visited Ranong in 1890, and named the road to the hot springs ‘Chon Ra-u’, meaning ‘hot water’. There are three natural spring pools. The temperature of the water in the pools remains constant at about 65 C. The water is both potable and suitable for bathing. Doctors routinely prescribe bathing in the pools for both medical treatments and as a relaxing way to ease stress and tension. Surrounding the hot springs is a deep shaded forest called ‘Raksa Warin’, where resting pavilions and wash rooms have been provided for the visitor’s comfort. Nearby Wat Tapo Tharam also provides bathing rooms for visitors who want to enjoy the healthy mineral water from the thermal springs.

Phu Khao Ya (Grass Hill) or

Khao Hua Lan (Bald Hill)

Known to local residents by a variety of names and endearingly referred to as Thailand's version of a Swiss pasture, this hill, located in Tambon Ngao on Highway 4 (Ranong-Phang-nga) about twelve kilometers from downtown Ranong, is something of an anomaly as it is completely treeless, being covered instead by a thick blanket of grass. Numerous walking trails and good vantage points offering unbroken views of the countryside make this hill the most popular in Ranong.

 

Southern of thailand..Ranong province

Ranong is located 586 kilometers south of bangkok and is the first southern province that is located on the andaman sea. It compasses an area of 3,298 square kilometers, from north to south 169 kilometers and the narrowest part of only 44 kilometers, hence the name "Isthmus of the malaysian peninsular"
ranong is thailand's least populous province and the land area is 80% forest and 67% mountain terrain.
ranong is renowned as the wettest province in thailand. this is the result of the 2 monsoons, one from the indian ocean and the other from the gulf of thailand. In a lot of the guide books they say it rains for 8 months, that is a bit of a over statement. the rainy season lasts for about 3 months.
so this makes ranong the place to visit, more traditional lifestyle etc...
more importantly not to many tourists.
so come and visit.

Transportation to ranong

1.By Car

From Bangkok, drive pass trough tonburi – parktor for 90 km. turn left to public road number 4 (Petkaseam rd.) pass though Petburi, Prachuankeereekan, until reach at intersection Pratomporn (Chumporn) turn right and drive until Ranong (Total destination 568 km.)

2.By Train

From Bangkok, it doesn’t have train that go directly to Ranong, but you can go to Chumporn train station first and then you have take a bus from Chumporn to Ranong which take 122 km.

3.By Bus

Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses depart from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal to Surat Thani everyday for the approximately 8-hour trip. For a current schedule and further information, please call the Southern Bus Terminal at tel:02-434-5557-8 or the Ranong Bus Station at tel: 07781 1548 or visit www.transport.co.th

Tourism chumphon

Thung Wua Laen Beach

A popular tourist attraction, Thung Wua Laen beach can become crowded with local people who go there at holiday times. A long, wide stretch of sand, the beach is ideal for swimming and water sports. Outside of holiday periods, the beach is generally quiet although it is visited more than neighboring beaches. At the southern end of the beach in front of Chumphon Cabana Resort, there is an underwater rocky area, which is a fertile spot for sponge seaweed, sea flowers and various species of fish – a popular place for diving

Koh Ngam Yai and Koh Ngam Noi

Koh Ngam Yai and Koh Ngam Noi

About 17 km offshore from Thung Wua Laen Beach, a visit to the islands of Koh Ngam Yai and Koh Ngam Noi, just 300m apart, is the highlight of Chumphon’s island tours. The topography of the islands is steep, rocky limestone cliffs encircled by a variety of fertile coral reefs with colorful fish, and spots suitable for snorkeling or scuba diving. The islands, deserted except for workers looking after the bird’s nest concessions, are among the most popular in the sea off Chumphon.
There aren’t any suitable, overnight facilities so the one-day tour is recommended. Boats can be rented from Chumphon estuary for individual use, or tourists can use the package tour of Chumphon Cabana Resort with diving facilities, buoy and lunch.

Southern of thailand... Chumphon province

Chumphon province is located in the most upper part of the Southern region. Following the Highway No.4, it is approximately 463 kilometers from Bangkok or about 476 kilometers by railroad. The total area of Chumphon is about 6,009 square kilometers,the fourth largest province of the South.The province is divided into 8 Districts, 70 Tambons, and 655 villages. Considering the administrative area, there are 2 municipal areas 12 sanitary areas and 66 Sub-district Administration Organization The boundary to the north is Prachuap Khiri Khan, to the south is Surat Thani. The Gulf of Thailand situates on the east, while the west are the Union of Myanmar and Ranong. The shape of the province is long and narrow, the west consisted of mountains which are also the natural international boundary. The plain area which is suitable for farming is in the central part. The east of Chumphon consist of 222 kilometers long coastal with beaches. Raining season in Chumphon is relatively long, last from May to November. The temperature is not too high in summer and not too low in winter as well. At June 1997 the population residing in Chumphon is 444,820,222,865 are male and 217,955 are female. The population density is 72 per square kilometer. The highest population was found in Chumphon district while the lowest are is in Patao district. About 15.47% of total population live in the urban areas 65.41% are over 13 years old with 52.78% of labour force and 2.13% of unemployed persons. The minimum wage in Chumphon is 130 baht daily. In 1996, it is found that 55.38% of total area is cultivated land, 19% are under forest and 41.68% are under residential land.

Transportation to Chumphon

1.By Car

From Bangkok, use highway no.4, or highway no.35 (Thon Buri - Pak Tho) and join highway no.4, pass Petchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, to Chumphon junction, then turn left along highway 4001 for 8 kilometres to town.

2.By Bus

BusThere are regular buses of Transport Co., Ltd. from the Southern Bus Terminal to Chumphon everyday. For more details, contact the Southern Bus Terminal at Tel: 0 2434 5557 - 8,or visit www.transport.co.th For the round-trip, buses leave from Chumphon Bus Terminal at Tel: 0 7750 2725

3.By Train

From Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamgphong): There are both rapid and express trains to Chumphon everyday. For more details, contact at Tel: 1690, or at Chumphon Station Tel: 0 7751 1103

4.By Air

Air Andaman flies from Bangkok to Chumphon. Call 02229 9555 or visit www.airandaman.com for more information.

Transportations in thailand

Transport in Thailand is extremely well-organized and makes the whole stay in Thailand comfortable and easy. The air, rail, bus, road and water transport is very competent. The different islands and cities are connected to each other and the tourists can easily move about the country. Bookings and reservations should be done preferably in advance to avoid the rush at the last minute. The transport in Thailand is broadly divided into four categories.

1. By Air

Major international airports of thailand

Suvarnabhumi International Airport (New)
Don Mueang International Airport (Old )
Chiang Mai International Airport
Hat Yai International Airport
Phuket International Airport

Airlines of Thailand

Thai Airways International

Thai AirAsia
Bangkok Airways
Nok Air
One-Two-GO Airlines
PBair
Phuket Air

2.By Rail

A regular rail service links Singapore and Bangkok. Intermediary stops include Kuala Lumpur(Malaysia), Butterworth/Penang and major southern Thai towns.

3.By Road

Overland entrance to Thailand can be made via three road crossings on the Thai-Malaysian border in Songkhla, Yala and Narathiwat.Thailand is also a gateway to the countries of Indo- China. There are several border crossings that lead to these neighboring countries.
A road from Chiang Rai, northern Thailand leads to Kentung in Myanmar. Lao P.D.R. and Yunnan province in the PR of China;
A road from Nakhon Phanom links northeastern Thailand with Lao P.D.R. and Vietnam;
A road from Mukdaharn links northeastern Thailand with Lao P.D.R. and Vietnam;
A road from Aranyaprathet links Thailand with Cambodia

4.By Sea

There are no regular steamship connections with Thailand. Cargo ships calling at Bangkok's Klong Toey port sometimes have passenger cabin facilities. Cruise ships, such as Cunard's Queen Elizabeth II, Royal Viking, or Pearl of Scandinavia periodically visit Pattaya

Thai holidays...2

Chakri Day - On 6 April the founding of the Chakri Dynasty is remembered. King Rama I came to the throne on 6 April 1782. The best known past members of the Chakri dynasty are King Rama IV (King Mongkut), who hired Anna Leonowens to educate his children, and his son King Rama V (King Chualalongkorn), who opened the doors of Siam further to the West. King Rama IX, the present King, is the longest ever reigning monarch in the World. He ascended the throne of Thailand in 1946. On Chakri Day HM the King presides over a Religious Ceremony, in order to pay respect to his predecessors. A ceremony will also take place near Memorial Bridge (close to the flower and vegetable market "Pak Klong Talat"), where a statue of King Rama I has been built.

The highlight has to be ‘Songkran’ – the Thai New Year, from 13th – 15th April. Colourful parades, traditional ceremonies, lots of water and lots of fun. A time for everyone to celebrate a new year and new life. National Labour Day is on 1st May. His Majesty’s Coronation in 1946 is celebrated on 5 May. Royal Ploughing Day. King Bhumibol oversees the ancient Ploughing Ceremony to mark the beginning of the rice-planting season. The ceremony is very important for Thai farmers, because it predicts how much rain will fall and how well the crops will grow. Thousands of farmers come to the Grand Palace to watch.This Ceremony takes place every year in May, on Sanam Luang, the large grass area near the Grand Palace in Bangkok. It marks the beginning of the planting season. It is believed that the amount of rain in the coming season can be predicted from it. Their Majesties the King and Queen are normally present. A "Ploughing Lord" is offered three pieces of cloth of different length. If he chooses the shortest one, rain will be plentiful. The longest one will give very little rain and the intermediate one an intermediate amount of rain. Then the "Ploughing Lord" will plough Sanam Luang with a sacred plough, drawn by white bulls. The bulls are then presented with different kinds of food and drink and whatever they choose to eat or drink is believed to be plentiful that year. Wisaka Boocha, usually in May, is the holiest Buddhist day, marking the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. All over the country, people go to temples to listen to sermons by revered monks and make merit. Shortly after sunset, candlelit circumambulations take place around major temples.In July or August, the Asan Boocha observance, honors the Buddha’s first sermon over 2,500 years ago. The full-moon day of the eighth lunar month marks the preaching of Lord Buddha's first sermon to his first five disciples after attaining Enlightenment. In the evening, candlelit processions take place in Buddhist temples around the country.Around this time is Khao Phansa, which is the beginning of the Buddhist Rains Retreat (sometimes called Buddhist Lent), during which monks must remain in their temple-monasteries for the three-month period. H.M. Queen Sirikit’s Birthday Celebration (Mother's Day), To display their loyalty and to honour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on the occasion of her royal birthday, the Thai people decorate their houses and public buildings. Around Bangkok, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the area around the Grand Palace and other well-known locations are bedecked with coloured lights and magnificent adornments.s on 12 August. It is bank holiday in Thailand. Many celebrations in temples. Main celebrations in Bangkok in front of the palace. Chulalongkorn Day, 23 October, honors one of Thailand’s most revered kings, Rama V. The end of the Rains Retreat, Ok Phansa in October, is not an official holiday, though there are observances held nationwide. Loy Krathong (full moon festival) is a very special Thai celebration in early November. Everybody float (lawy) banana-leaf (grà'tong') boats bearing flowers, incense, a candle, and a coin, on lakes and rivers throughout the nation. This results in probably the most beautiful sight you can ever see in Asia or maybe in the World! Many believe their “sins” of the past are floated away. This lovely traditional festival is not an official holiday. You can make your own Krathong, and float it on the pool or the sea so as not to miss out on any luck! The 5th of December is the King’s Birthday Celebrations (Father's Day). King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest reigning monarch, is well beloved and deeply respected by all Thais old and young. The occasion of his royal birthday provides his loyal subjects the opportunity to express their reverence for him. All over the country. buildings and homes are elaborately decorated and the area around the Grand Palace is spectacularly illuminated. On 10 December Constitution Day marks the foundation of the Constitutional Monarchy in Thailand. This event took place during the reign of King Rama VII (King Prajadhipok) in 1932. Before that Thailand was an Absolute Monarchy, with all power belonging to the King. Constitution Day is a day on which the Thai people express their gratitude to the King. There are also the traditional Western celebrations for Christmas, closely followed by New Year’s Eve and our Gala Dinner, conducted outside under the stars.

Thai holidays...1

1st January: New Year’s Day .To greet the New Year, a range of uniquely Thai traditional and cultural festivities are held in various parts of the country. As day breaks on the first day of the new year the “welcome the dawn” takes place, the Buddhist merit-making ritual, which is followed by giving alms to the Monks.

12th January: Children's Day

16th January: Teacher's Day

14th February - Valentine’s Day.

Chinese New Year. This is a big event for Thai people, as they have many strong ties to Chinese bloodlines.

The Loy Krathong festival

The Loy Krathong festival is held every full moon night of November in the cool season with cloudless sky, when the full moon is supposed to be the most beautiful in the whole year. The festival is held nationwide to honour the goddess of the river, to thank and apologise to her for the uses and abuses of the waterways by human. A symbolic boat , the krathong in the form of small bowl made of leaves or wax paper containing lighted candles, joss stick, flowers, and some coins, is set afloat in a body of water, preferrably a river. The token boat is mean to be the carrier of offerings to the river goddess. Th the same time, the boat is also supposed to bear away the owner's bad luck and misfortunes

Besides the well-known Loi Krathong Festival, there is another tradition that is based on a similar belief but is celebrated on the full moon night of the eleventh lunar month. Known as the Illuminated Boat Procession , the celebration takes place in the Northeastern provinces of Thailand that is located on the Mekong River. Illuminated boats of approximately 10 - 12 metres long are made from banana stalks or bamboo by villagers. The boats contain sweets, the so-called Khao Tom Mat - stuffed fried sticky rice - and objects to be donated inside, while decorated with flowers, incense sticks, candles, lamps and tinder outside. At present, the boats are created into various shapes such as important places or mythical creatures, which lend a bright and breathtaking sight when the boats illuminated by thousands of lamps are floated onto the river.

Songkran

Among the many Thai festivals of the kingdom, the Songkran Festival or the Thai New Year has been regarded as the most important festival in Thailand . Due to its seemingly interminable traditional practice by all Thai people, the government has recognized its importance and has consistently promoted this festival by announcing the Songkran Festival, a three-day period. as a national public holiday. and as the Family Day. Thus, enabling Thai citizens to reunite with their families and have an opportunity to perform "merit making" at their respective temples. Moreover, those from different parts of the kingdom are motivated to retum home to celebrate this festival by performing ritual ceremonies with their families. Meaning and History

Deriving from the Sanskrit language, the word "Songkran" means to pass or to move into. In this context, the meaning implies to the passing and the moving of the sun, the moon and other planets into one of the zodiacal orbits. And the Grand Songkran Festival which falls in Aries indicates the new era of the Thai New Year. Owing to the ancient Indian belief, the Grand Songkran Festival is most appropriate to be the Thai New Year due to the timing of the best season which is known as the spring of India that comes right after the cold season of winter. Also, there are other aspects

supporting this belief such as the blooming of flowers, the fresh atmosphere of the nature and the livelihood of all living creatures. With the great influence from the Indians, the Songkran Festival portrays the typical ways of life of the Thais which involve agriculture. Free from their regular routine work, the Thai citizens will find time to perform their annual rites of showing respect to their ancestors. The highlight of the festival will include younger Thais paying respect to their elders by pouring scented water onto their hands. And in order to welcome the New Year, the celebration will include colourful local entertainment which, in fact, suitably unites the mutual relationship between members of the family, society, nature and the surroundings. Therefore, this Songkran Festival has proved to be the most important and grandest festival of the year. Moreover, the neighbouring countries such as Myanmar , Cambodia and Laos have also organised this type of festival. Since the old days during the Sukhothai period, the Songkran Festival was practised both in the royal court and among the ordinary citizens. However, the size of the celebration was not as elaborate as of today. Back in those days, civil servants and other government officials would pay homage to the king, and would drink the oath of allegiance to the king or the govemment, while the king would provide an annual salary to all officials. Later on, in the Ayutthaya period, the festival was expanded by including the bathing of the Buddha image. Also, the festivities wquld include the forming of sand pagodas and entertaining celebrations. In the Rattanakosin period, the rituals were conducted in a similar pattem as those during the Ayutthaya period.

Legend of the Grand Songkran Festival and Songkran Angels
During the Songkran Festival, there is normally an announcement of the name of the Angel for the festival of the year, her vehicle, her food preference, etc. And in order to forecast the prosperity of that year, it is worth knowing the quantity of rainfall and the number of Naga who is responsible for the provision of water. According to legend, the story involved King Kabilaprom and Prince Thammaban. Born to a wealthy family, Prince Thammaban was very intelligent since he was only seven years old. King Kabilaprom asked him three questions with conditions that if his answers were correct, King Kabilaprom was willing to sacrifice his head but if they were wrong, the Prince must do likewise. And the questions focused on the good signs of a person at each period of the day from moming to noon until the evening.
To the surprise of the king, the Prince answered the questions correctly. The good sign of a person in the moming is at the face, at the chest in the noon time, and at the foot in the evening. The King then had to cut off his head as promised. However, the King's head was so powerful that the whole world would be on fire if the head touched the earth, that a serious drought would occur and that all ocean water would dry up should it be thrown up in the sky or down in the ocean, respectively. Therefore, the King assigned his seven angel daughters to take tums carrying his head clockwise around Phra Sumeru Mountain . And if Songkran Day (April 13 ) falls on any day of the following, that year would be honoured by that Songkran Angel.
Sunday: "Tungsatevee" , red dress, preferred wild fruit, discus in the right hand, shell in the left hand, garuda as a vehicle.
Monday: "Korakatevee", yellow dress with pearl ornament, preferred butter oil, dagger in the right hand, walking cane in the left hand, tiger as a vehicle.
Tuesday: "Ragsotevee", light red dress with agate ornament, preferred blood, trident in the right hand, arrow in the left hand, pig as a vehicle. Wednesday: "Montatevee", emerald green dress with cals eye ornament, preferred milk and butter, sharp iron in the right hand and walking cane in the left hand, donkey as a vehicle. Thursday: "Kirineetevee", greenish yellow dress with emerald omament, preferred nuts and sesame seeds, elephant hook in the right hand, gun in the left hand, elephant as a vehicle. Friday: " Kimitatevee" , white dress with topaz omament, preferred banana, dagger in the right hand, Indian vina in the left hand, buffalo as a vehicle.
Saturday: " Mahotorntevee ", black dress with onyx omament, preferred hog deer, discus in the right hand, trident in the left hand, peacock as a vehicle. The prediction for the New Year would be made accordiflg to that particular day of the Songkran Angel. For example, if the preferred food of the Songkran Angel are nuts and sesame seeds, it is predicted that the year would be productive, prosperous and healthy. And if the preferred food is bJood, the prediction would go for a bloody year with quarrels. And if the Songkran Angel preferred to carry a gun, it is predicted that the weather would be full of thunderstorms, etc. Also, at the venue where the grand Songkran Festival is organised, a procession of the festival chosen represented the Songkran Angel is indispensable for the people to appreciate.
Merit Making on Songkran Day
Upon the arrival of Songkran Day, merit making rituals are similarly organised in every part of the kingdom. To begin with, in the morning there will be the offering of food to monks, later in the day is the time for bathing over the Buddha image and releasing birds and fish. Along the way, there will be delightful entertaining festivities. In the evening, the younger people will perform a special respect to the elders by pouring water onto the hands of their parents and grandparents. The elders in return, bless the youngsters for good luck and prosperity. The festival covers a total of three days. The first day being April 13 or the Grand Songkran Day, the day to mark the end of the old year. The second day being April 14 or Wan Nao, the middle day of fun and entertainment. And the last day being April 15 or Wan Thaloeng Sok, the beginning of the New Year.
Before the actual Songkran Day, purchases of relevant items will be made for the merit making on the next day. Besides, various desserts such as red glutinuous rice and sticky sweets will be made for the same purpose of merit making and for further distribution to all neighbours. On the Grand Songkran Day, prepared food and desserts will be offered to monks according to the tradition.
Also, the most revered Buddha image, "Phra Phutthasihing", will be brought out from the National Museum and placed on a throne. After being part of the procession around this area, "Phra Phutthasihing" will be located at Sanam Luang, opposite the Grand Palace, whereby the people will have a chance of paying respect by sprinkling lustral water over the image.
Moreover, another ritual is to bathe respected monks and pour scented water onto the hands of the respected elders. For the deceased, there will be a religious ceremony to offer merit to the ancestors. In the aftemoon, people will enjoy forming sand pagodas in the temple compound, releasing birds and fish, splashing water on eaCh other and participating in joyful local entertainment.
The Royal Songkran Ceremony
Back in the old days, the Royal Songkran Ceremony in the Grand Palace was organised to expel all evil incidences of the country on the last day of the old year. The main activities would involve a chanting of Buddhist sermons for three evenings and tonsorial ceremony for royal children. Thereafter, the New Year would begin with various prosperous events such as offering food to monks, meditating ceremony, merit making for the ashes of the late kings and royal dignitaries. In the evening, there would be a royal dinner, hosted by the royal family.
At the present time, there is only the Royal Songkran Festival by means ot a Buddhist ceremony. In the moming, the king would offer alms to the invited monks at the Grand Palace, bathe the important Buddha image at Suralaipiman Building, worship Phrasiamthevatirat, bathe the royal ashes and ashes of the highly revered monks, recite sacred Buddhist prayers and offer food to the monks. In the evening, the king would further bathe the Emerald Buddha, and other items worthy of worship in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and perform other relevant rituals before the end of the ceremony.
Major Songkran Festivals
Chiang Mai Songkran Festival Being well known as the most favourable festivals of the country, Chiang Mai has organised this festival by dividing the event into three days by naming April 13 as the day marking the end of the old year. The activities involved on this day are to clean up oneself as well as the house and utensils, including bathing the Buddha images at home and at the temple.
April 14 is called Wan Nao, meaning the first day of the new year, whereby preparations for food and desserts will be made for the merit making on the following day .In the evening, there will be a tradition of transporting sand into the temple and later on the formation of sand pagoda will be completed.
On April 15, Wan Thaloeng Sok, or the day marking the new era, the beginning of the New Year starts with early merit making at the temple, offering bowls of rice, flags, and poles and dedication for the soul of the ancestors which in turn will provide blessings and goodness for those undertaking these rituals. In the afternoon, a most traditional ceremony of water bathing over the elders will be conducted.
Moreover, the Chiang Mai local authorities will organise a procession of Phra Phutthasihing a revered Buddha image and of Nang Songkran. Other interesting activities to complete this festival! will include merit making and Buddha image bathing at Wat Phra Singha, local handicraft fair at Tha Phae Gate, worship of King Mahaprom, forming of sand pagodas at Wat Chedi Luang, local typical performances at religious sites and splashing of water on each other allover the city especially at the edge of the Ping River.
Phra Pradaeng Songkran Festival ( Samut Prakan Province ) One of the most reputed festivals of the Thai-Man community, the Phra Pradaeng Songkran Festival normally takes place on Saturday and Sunday after the regular Songkran Festival. Besides the normal rituals of merit f!1aking, Buddha image bathing, and releasing of birds and fish, the Nang Songkran float procession is one of the most spectacular events of this festival. Also, visitors will have the opportunity of experiencing a very unique local game of " Saba ", whereby the participants, both male and female, will dress up in their Thai-Mon costumes. The location of this game is preferable at the ground floor of each home in the area. And for those who are looking for the fun of water splashing, this festival is a must as this actMty is widely practised in almost every comer of the streets in Phra Pradaeng.
Wisut Kasat Road Songkran Festival ( Bangkok ) Being held for over sixty consecutive years, the Wisut Kasat Road Songkran Festival has been organised by the community of Wisut Kasat Road . The celebration of the festival will be conducted for only two days which are April 12 and April 13. Starting frbm April 12, a revered Buddha image will be brought from Wat Trithotsathep by a procession to the festival ground whereby the people will be able to bathe the image for their prosperitY. In the evening, entertainment performances will be organized to commemorate the event. On April 13, monks from various temples will be Invited to receive food offenngs. Also, the highlight of the festival will be the competitions of ladies beautifully dressed at the merit making ceremonies and of Nang Songkran.
Khao San Road Songkran Festival (Bangkok) Recently organised by the community of Khao San Road, this joyful festival has attracted tremendous amounts of intemational tourists mainly staying on and around the Khao San Road area. The major activities of the festival include merit making, food offering to the monks, Buddha image bathing, local entertainment, traditional performances and the most attracting water splashing tradition which has been freely practised here at this site.
Eastern Region Songkran Festival The difference of this festivai from the others IS the duration of this festival Which falls around April 16 or Aprit 17-19, and it is known as Wan Lai. One of the most popular welt-known Wan Lai festivals in the eastem region is held at Pattaya, Chon Buri province and Isnormalty organised on April 19 of each year. The major activities wilt include the traditional ceremony of pouring scented water onto the hands of the elders, a Wan Lai procession, and the most entertaining of alt is the water splashing among the Thais, foreign tourists, and the focal people. Moreover, another nearby area is at Bang Saen, Chon Buri. There is another long herd tradition of forming sand pagodas on the Wan Lai, a tradition of the Saen Suk community, foltowed by the regular ritual of inviting monks from every temple in the Saen Suk area for various religious ceremonies such as merit making, Buddha image bathing and later on enjoying focal entertainment.

post by Thailand Festivals and Events

Thailand festivals and events

Thailand has many festivals, and civil and religious celebrations, that are beautiful symbolically and fascinating to witness and participate in. We recommend that you includeThai festivals or holiday in your travel plans. There are many local celebrations upcountry that are well worth attending. Thai festivals are rarely solemn occasions, and few countries celebrate them with so much fun and color. Annual rites and festivities, marking religious devotion or the passage of seasons, have long been an integral part of Thai life.
The main festivals are celebrated nationwide, with the most exuberant activities taking place in Bangkok and other major cities. Each region has its own unique festivals, too. Festival dates can change from year to year as they follow the lunar calendar.
Central ThailandEvery year in March the Temple of the Holy Footprint near Saraburi is flooded with pilgrims for the Phra Phutthabat Fair. The Loy Krathong festival is celebrated magically in the Old Sukhothai where it has originated. The festival is celebrated in honor of the goddess of waterways Mae Kongkha. Late November and early December marks the building of the River Kwai Bridge in Kanchanaburi.
Northern ThailandEvery January Bo Sang holds an Umbrella Fair. Miss Bo Sang is elected during a beauty contest. Chiang Mai Floral Festival is inspired by the blooms of flowers in February. Mae Hong Son comes alive in March during Poi Sang Long Festival with the ceremony of mass ordination for Shan boys.
North-East ThailandIn May the town of Yasothon hosts the Rocket Festival (Bun Bang Fai). The festival is staged to ensure plentiful rains during the rice planting season. In June, the Phi Ta Khon Festival is held in Dan Sai and Loei. Ubon Ratchathani has a Candle festival in July. The national holiday of Ok Phansa (end of rainy season) is celebrated in style at Nakhon Phanom in October with the Illuminated Boat Procession.
Southern ThailandPhuket Vegetarian Festivale in September is a great spectacle for nine days. The festival marks the start of Taoist Lent celebrated by Chinese people. Week-long Narathiwat Fair features races between fishing boats.
BangkokThe main celebrations for the nationwide festivals and events take place in the capital. Festivities for Songkran, Visakha Bucha, The Royal Plowing Ceremony, The Golden Mount Fair and King's birthday are staged in there.
Thailand Festivals and Events

World's Most Dangerous Airports

7.Lukla Airport (Nepal)

A huge mountain on one end, a thousand meter drop on the other. And it's at 2900 meters elevation, so you don't exactly have full power. Lukla Airport is a small airport in the Town of Lukla in eastern Nepal. In January 2008, the government of Nepal announced that the airport would be renamed in honor of Sir Edmund Hillary[1], the first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest, who passed away on January 11, 2008. The airport is quite popular as Lukla is the place where most people start their trek to climb Mount Everest.

6.Madeira Airport (Madeira)

Madeira Airport also known as Funchal Airport and Santa Catarina Airport, is an international airport located near Funchal, Madeira. The airport controls national and international air traffic of the island of Madeira. The airport was once infamous for its short runway which, surrounded by high mountains and the ocean, made it a tricky landing for even the most experienced of pilots. The original runway was only 1,400 metres in length, but was extended by 400 metres after the TAP Air Portugal Flight 425 incident of 1977 and subsequently rebuilt in 2003, almost doubling the size of the runway, building it out over the ocean. Instead of using landfill, the extension was built on a series of 180 columns, each being about 70m tall. For the enlargement of the new runway the Funchal Airport has won the Outstanding Structures Award, given by International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE). The Outstanding Structures Award is considered to be the "Oscar" for engineering structures in Portugal.

5.Barra International Airport (Barra)

Barra Airport is the only airport in the world where planes land on the beach. BRR is situated in on the wide beach of Traigh Mhor, on Barra island, in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. If you want to fly here commercially you will want to book with British Airways, which flies to Barra from Glasgow and Benbecula. The airport is literally washed away by the tide once a day, and if you arrive on a late afternoon flight, you may notice a couple of cars in the parking lot with their lights on, which provides pilots some added visibility, since the airport is naturally lit. Needless to say you probably don't want to hang out at Barra Airport beach, unless you are a aviation junkie, in which case Barra Airport has a fool proof system, as sign that reads: "Keep off the beach. When the windsock is flying and the airport is active."

4.Gustaf III Airport (St. Bart)

Gustaf III airport located in the village of St. Jean on the Caribbean island of Saint Barthélemy. Both the airport and the island's main town of Gustavia are named for King Gustav III of Sweden, under whom Sweden obtained the island from France in 1785 (it was sold back to France in 1878). The airport is served by small regional commercial aircraft and charters. Most visiting aircraft carry fewer than twenty passengers, such as the Twin Otter, a common sight around Saint Barth and throughout the northern West Indies. The short airstrip is at the base of a gentle slope ending directly on the beach. The arrival descent is extremely steep over the hilltop traffic circle and departing planes fly right over the heads of sunbathers (although small signs advise sunbathers not to lie directly at the end of the runway).

3.Courchevel (France)

Courchevel is the name of a ski area located in the French Alps, the largest linked ski area in the world. It's airport has a certain degree of infamy in the aviation industry as home to a relatively short runway, with a length of 525 m (1,722 ft) and a gradient of 18.5%. It's so short that you have to land on an inclined strip to slow down and take off on a decline to pick up enough speed. Who gets to land here? Well, Pierce Brosnan made the short list. This was the airport used in the opening seen of Tomorrow Never Dies. For the rest of us, private plane, helicopter, or charter are the only ways to go, and your pilot is going to need some serious training before he or she is allowed to land at CVF.

2.Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport (Saba)

Saba, in the Netherlands Antilles. It is well known among experienced fliers for the way in which airplanes must approach or take off from the airport. Yrausquin Airport covers a relatively large portion of the small island of Saba. Some aviation experts are of the general opinion that the airport is one of the most dangerous in the world, despite the fact that no major tragedies have happened at the facility. The airport's sole runway is marked with an X at each end, to indicate to commercial pilots that the airport is closed for commercial aviation. The danger arises from the airport's physical position. It is flanked on one side by high hills, and on the other side and at both ends of the runway by cliffs dropping into the sea. This creates the possibility that an airplane might overshoot the runway during landing or takeoff and end up in the sea or on the cliffs.


1.Princess Juliana International Airport

(Saint Martin)Princess Juliana

International Airport serves Saint Maarten, the Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin. It is the second busiest airport in the Eastern Caribbean. The airport is famous for its short landing strip — only 2,180 metres/7,152 ft, which is barely enough for heavy jets. Because of this, the planes approach the island flying extremely low, right over Maho Beach. Countless photos of large jets flying at 10--20 m/30-60 ft over relaxing tourists at the beach have been dismissed as fakes many times, but are nevertheless real. For this reason as well it has become a favourite for planespotters. Despite the difficulties in approach, there has been no records of major aviation incidents at the airport.