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CITY BREAK TO THE TROPICAL ANGKHANG
2007-07-29 16:51:00
DAY 1: CHIANG MAI - CHIANG DAO - ANGKHANG After a first stop in an orchid farm, drive north through the hilly, wooden area on the outskirts of Chaing Mai to the Chiang Dao Young Elephants Training Camp. Watch the elephants taking their morning bath in the running stream. After their bath, the trainers and elephants will demonstrate a number of their skills for you. Elephant riding and bamboo rafting are possible in supplement. Lunch at leisure before continuing further north towards the Burmese border, passing several Jin Haw and Shan villages. Arrival at the resort end of the afternoon and time at leisure to enjoy the cool climate. Overnight in Angkhang. DAY 2: ANGKHANG - KHOP DONG – NOR LAE - CHIANG MAI (B) Brea k fast at your hotel. Start with the visit of the Royal Angkhang Station. This research project provides agricultural support to neighboring hill tribes and develops non-indigenous crops for them to grow. Beautiful flower and bonsai gardens are tended alongside fruit, ...
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Hua Hin / Cha-am Golf Festival 2007
2007-07-28 05:23:00
August 2007: Hua Hin / Cha-amEvery day throughout August 2007, play a round of golf at participating courses for 800 baht per person per round*. Select from any one of seven magnificent courses in Hua Hin/Cha-am. - Springfield Village Golf & Spa - The Imperial Lake View Hotel & Golf Club- Palm Hills Golf Resort & Country Club- Kaeng Krachan Golf and Country Club - Sawang Resort & Golf Club - The Majestic Creek Golf & Resort - Royal Hua Hin Golf Course The above offer is available except for when organised events for the Hua Hin/Cha-am Golf Festival are in progress. Organised tournaments, being held every Sunday, are rotated around the seven courses. Apply to compete in these tournaments. Entry fees are only 1,200 baht and include caddy, souvenirs and dinner. Players achieving holes-in-one at designated holes are entitled to prizes ranging from 100,000 - 1,5000,000 baht in value. Or enter the longest drive contests for an entry fee of 100 baht; this entitles to a ...

The Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO) is organizingthe 3
2007-07-25 18:05:00
Date : 27/07/2007 To 31/07/2007Place : PhuketHalal Food Hilal Town? during July 27th ? 31st 2007 at Thalang Historical Memorial site (Ban Riang) in Thalang district, Phuket.Major activities include: -? Great varieties of food stalls, all prepared according to Halal requirements ? Local Muslim gourmet cooking contests? Youth contests on Holy Koran Reading ? Zebra Dove bird singing contests? Exhibition on self-sufficiency economy principle and 108 career training programs? Sales of products from 14 southern provinces? Spectacular light & sound show telling the tragic story of the legendary Princess Mahsuri at 8pm every evening.For more info visit http://www.phuketcity.org/ or Tel 076 354204 andhttp://www.tourismthailand.org/ or Tel 076 212213Package tour with transfers contact 076 377773
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Thammasat Rangsit Is Ready For the 24th Bangkok Universiade
2007-07-21 11:11:00
BANGKOK, Thailand (June 5) - Professor Dr. Surapol Nithikraipoj, the Rector of Thammasat Univers ity as Chairman of the Facilities and Athletes? Services Committee of the 24th Universiade Bangkok 2007, presided over the June 5 Committee meeting at the Administration Dome 2 Room on the third floor of the Administration Dome Building, Thammasat Rangsit to discus the construction and renovation task at the Athletes' Village and the improvement of landscape inside the competition venues and surrounding the varsity.According to the meeting, all phases of the renovation task of the competition sites inside Thammasat Rangsit were completed. The preparation test was also made at the sites during the National Games Region 1 during May 20 and 30, dubbed the Pathum Thani Games. After the preparation test at all sites, the Technical Committee members were satisfied with the conditions of the competition venues.Moreover, 98 percent of the decoration task at the Accreditation Centre and the Bus T...
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Bangkok International Film Festival
2007-07-16 17:28:00
Bangkok International Film Festival (19 - 29 July 2007: SF Cinema Complex at Central World) Note: Event dates and programme details may be subject to change. To ensure you have the most updated information, please reconfirm details prior to travel.The Bangkok International Film Festival is held annually since 2003 by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, a Royal Thai Government agency, in Bangkok, Thailand.Each year, the festival showcases more than a hundered of feature and short films, representing some of the best and the brightest in the current international cinema through its various programme sections. The festival focuses on the works by emerging filmmakers throughtout Asia, and in particular those of the Southeast Asian region. The Golden Kinnaree Awards are judged in the three competition categories by a panel of international jury. Running concurrently with the festival are also a number of sidebar events such as panel discussions, workshops, masterclasses, exhibitions as we...
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7 Wonders on your doorstep
2007-07-15 16:28:00
7 Wonders on your doorstepBy Roger Crutchleyoldcrutch@hotmail.com It's not called Amazing Thailand for nothing. Here are Crutch's seven nominations for places, people and things that deserve acknowledgement when conversation turns to the real wonders of the world.The announcement of the new Seven Wonders of the World earlier this week left me feeling somewhat culturally deprived, having only experienced one of the places listed - the Taj Mahal. It was a little disappointing that the Kingdom didn't feature on the list. After all, it's not called Amazing Thailand for nothing.THE SAMLOR: Truly the most remarkable vehicle in the world. This three-wheeled noise-maker (Samlorus clatterus) simply stuns anyone who comes into contact with it, including those unfortunate pedestrians it hits from time to time. Perhaps it's the way it cleverly stalls at intersections when the lights turn green. Or maybe it's all down to its uncanny ability to perform instant U-turns, sometimes with spect...
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visit Wat Pho (Wat Phrachetuphon )
2007-07-11 16:43:00
Wat Phrachetuphon Wimonmangkhalaram Rajaworamahavihara ( Wat Pho) is situated behind the Grand Palace, near the Tha Tien Pier. It is a large temple originally called Wat Photharam, that was built during the Ayutthaya Period. King Rama I ordered its complete restoration in 1789 and installed many Buddha images that were removed from abandoned temples in other parts of the country.King Rama III ordered another major renovation of the temple to make it a center of learning and art. This took 16 years to complete. Texts from treatises on various fields of knowledge were inscribed on marble slabs and placed in pavilions in the temple and stone statues. Wat Pho thus became a source of knowledge for people of all classes and has therefore been referred to as Thailand's first university.Important features of the temple include phra vihara, phra mondop or the tripitaka tower, and the palace of a royal poet, Phra Poramanuchit Chinorot.There are murals in the phra ubosot depicting scenes from...
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THE GRAND CANDLE FESTIVAL
2007-07-02 17:14:00
THE GRAND CANDLE FESTIVAL Date 1/07/2007 - 30/07/2007Province Ubon Ratchathani Activities Type Tradition & Religion The festival features a great candle procession which reflects the devout belief in Buddhism, time-honoured traditions and rituals associated with "Khao Phansa" or the Buddhist Lent, as well as the beauty and uniqueness of the art and culture of the Northeastern region.Ubon Ratchathani is home to a great number of craftsmen in several fields who continue to produce exceptional work in contemporary art, local handicrafts, Buddhist art and architecture, particularly the ornate work that adorns the temples of Ubon Ratchathani. The magnificent wax candles highlighted during the Candle Festival shows how local artists express their artistic talent and religious faith.During the festival, special displays, demonstrations and cultural presentations offer insight into local traditions, beliefs and way of life. For example, see how candles for religious worship are cast, learn ...
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A North to South Thailand Expedition
2007-07-01 09:30:00
A North to South Thailand Expedition Starting in the beginning of Thai culture at Sukhothai Kingdom and culminating in the tropical beaches of Phuket, the package has everything a traveler in Thailand could ever want - culture, adventure, relaxation and more.Day 1 - Bangkok ? Sukhothai (Lunch)Upon arrival at Sukhothai airport, you will be greeted by an English-speaking guide. Proceed to Sri Satchanalai Historical Park and Sukhothai Historical Park - stop to stop en route to the Celadon Kiln at Baan Koh Noi. Lunch is provided at a local restaurant.Overnight at Pailyn Sukhothai.Day 2 - Sukhothai ? Chiang Mai (Breakfast, Lunch)Breakfast at the hotel.Drive to Lampang, have a ride on a horse-drawn carriage and visit Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao. After that, drive to visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. Lunch at a local restaurant.In the afternoon, visit Wat Phra That Haripoonchai and Wat Charmmadhevi in Lampoon province. Drive back to Chiang Mai stop en route to Wiang Kum Kam, the ancient city bui...
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EVASON PHUKET RACEWEEK 2007
2007-06-26 16:51:00
Asia?s fastest-growing regatta July 19th ? 22nd 2007The Evason Phuket Raceweek 2007, now in its fourth year, will take place on the beautiful waters off the Rawai Beach on the South Eastern side of Phuket Island.With the promise of international-standard yachting and five-star parties, the Regatta will play host to over 40 boats and 300 participants. Evason Phuket Raceweek is the fastest-growing regatta in Asia; the event creates the perfect opportunity to relax, network and entertain.This year?s Raceweek comprises a four-day regatta covering seven race classes. While the final composition will be determined shortly before the event, likely classes include Racing Sports Boat Class, IRC Class, Club Class, Multihull Racing Class, Multihull Performance Cruising Class, Firefly 850 One-design Class and Classic Class.The lower sea view terrace of the Evason Phuket Resort and Six Senses Spa will operate as the Phuket Raceweek HQ. The resort is the sponsoring host venue for the fourth year ...
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Thailand Among Top-5 in Asia 'Destination With Highest Client Satisfaction'
2007-06-24 16:59:00
Tourism Authority of Thailand TravelAge West, a leading trade publication covering the fourteen states on the west coast of the United States, is widely read by travel agents, recently organized the TravelAge West WAVE Awards, a travel award competition being held for the second consecutive time in 2007. The presentation ceremony was hosted at the Four Seasons, Beverly Hills, on 7 June.The Kingdom of Thailand was among five Asia n countries who won the 2007 TravelAge West WAVE Awards for the Editor?s Pick: ?Destination with Highest Client Satisfaction ? Asia?, one of 48 award categories in the competition.The top five destinations for Asia for 2007 are China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and Thailand, with Hong Kong voted the top ?Destination with Highest Client Satisfaction ? Asia? by TravelAge West readers.Thailand was also among the five Asian countries who won the 2006 TravelAge West WAVE Awards for the Editor?s Pick: Best Asian Country for a Cultural Travel Experience award categ...
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Ubon Ratchathani
2007-06-23 19:25:00
Ubon Ratchathani has been a well established community for hundreds of years. Relatively unknown to the most tourists, the province boasts a number of natural wonders, cultural and historical attractions, national parks, silk producing shops, etc.The province is renowned for its strong Buddhist tradition, particularly the practice of forest-dwelling monks and the ancient Buddhist temples, which can still be seen throughout the province today.A gateway to Laos, Ubon Ratchathani is bordered to the east by the Mekong River and Laos, to the south by Cambodia, to the west by Yasothon and Sisaket Provinces and to the north by Amnat Charoen Province. The provincial capital is approximately 630 kilometers northeast of Bangkok.The province is unique in its folk culture, which is expressed in the indigenous cuisine, handicrafts, such as silk and cotton products, basketry, and bronze-ware, and traditional events such as the Candle festival held every July. There are natural beauties and histor...
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Wat Traimit - Temple of the Golden Buddha
2007-06-23 04:41:00
At one end of Chinatown, in the otherwise unremarkable temple of Wat Traimit, is hidden the world's largest solid gold Buddha image. Weighing in at five and a half tons, the 15-foot tall seated image is worth in the neighborhood of US$14 Million. That's some neighborhood!The image has a colorful history, which is recounted in a free pamphlet distributed with your paid admission.The Golden Buddha was cast sometime in the 13th century and is an excellent example of the gracious Sukhothai style that is still very much in favor to this day. At some point, it was covered in plaster, most likely in an attempt to hide the valuable icon from thieves or looters.The disguise was so good that everyone apparently forgot about what was hidden beneath. King Rama III had the statue moved to Bangkok and installed in a temple near where the Oriental Hotel is today. That temple fell into disuse and was completely abandoned around 1931.The true nature of the Golden Buddha wasn't discovered until it...
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THE MOODS OF THE MEKONG
2007-06-20 16:33:00
THE MOODS OF THE MEKONGChiang Saen. Chiang Khong. Chiang Khan. Nong Khai. Nakhon Phanom. Mukdahan.By Steve Van BeekStand on the banks of the Mekong at Chiang Saen at the northern edge of Thailand. Compare this with the Mekong 1,300 kilometres downstream at Ubon Ratchathani. Same river, two different personalities, two different cultures, enough so as to be two different rivers entirely. It has been instrumental in shaping the lives of the people of both regions?North and Northeast?who hug its banks, fish its waters, and regard it as their lifeline and lifeblood.The Mekong rises 1,800 kilometres upstream of Thailand in China?s Qinghai province. Its ferocity as it spills off the Tibetan Plateau is legendary; only a few stalwarts have ventured to run it. By the time it passes Myanmar (Burma) to become the border dividing Thailand and Laos, it has been robbed of much of its feistiness by a quieter gradient. Yet its roiling waters, especially during the rainy season, betray the turbulenc...
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PHI TA KHON FESTIVAL 2007
2007-06-19 16:24:00
PHI TA KHON FESTIVAL 2007June 23 - 24, 2007Dan Sai District, Loei District and Province A HAPPY GATHERING OF FUN-LOVING SPIRITS The Phi Ta Khon festival is unique to the Dan Sai district in Loei Province and reflects the local Isan belief in ghosts and spirits. Held once a year, it is part of a grand merit-making festival known as the "Boon Luang" festival.The origins of the Phi Ta Khon Festival can be found in the tale of Lord Buddha's last great incarnation before attaining Enlightenment. In Buddhist accounts, it is said that when Prince Vessandara, the Buddha's penultimate incarnation, returned to his city, it was such a joyous occasion that the village spirits came forth to join the welcoming parade. This very colourful and vibrant Phi Ta Khon procession is the central focus of the celebrations.In a lively re-enactment of the tale, the young men of the community dress up as "spirits" wearing long trailing costumes made from colourful strips of cloth sewn together.The hideous-l...
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BLOOMING KRACHIAO FLOWER FESTIVAL/
2007-06-19 16:07:00
BLOOMING KRACHIAO FLOWER FESTIVAL/June 1 - July 31, 2007The Siam Tulip Festival of ChaiyaphumPa Hin Ngam National ParkBan Rai district and Thep Sathit sub-district, Chaiyaphum province The Siam Tulip Festival of ChaiyaphumThe unique geographical landscape of Chaiyaphum Province in the northeast of Thailand gives rise to a range of natural attractions of exceptional beauty. Of these, the fields of pinkish-purple Siam Tulip, or "Dok Krachiao", come in to full bloom in the early part of the rainy season from June to August.Also commonly called 'patumma', 'bua sawan' (heaven lotus), or 'bua bok' (the land lotus), the Siam Tulip is a member of the ginger genera - Curcuma or Zingiberaceae.The unusual form, bright colour and long-lasting quality of the Siam Tulip has made it an increasingly popular choice for floral decorations. It is in high demand and is currently being cultivated in the form of cuttings or ornamental plants for local consumption as well as for export overseas, pre...
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THE KTO JUNIOR CHALLENGE GOLF TOURNAMENT JUST GOT BETTER!-
2007-06-15 16:48:00
The KTO Junior Challenge Golf Tournament gets an upgrade to a 54-Hole Championship event, to be held on September 5-7, 2007 at Laguna Phuket Golf Club, in Phuket, Thailand.The international tournament has five age divisions, open to boys and girls 6 to17 years old from around the Asean region. The course will be shortened providing age-and gender-appropriate tees to maintain the pace of play and in doing so, younger players will have a better enjoyment of the game.Kids-Tee-Off, the event organizers, are the designers and wholesalers of the KTO premium brand of apparel and accessories for young golfers aged 5 to 14.Laguna Phuket Golf Club and the Tourism Authority of Thailand are the Official Partners and Asian Golf Monthly, the media partner.Laguna Phuket Golf Club, the 18-hole scenic resort course makes for a perfect host venue. It is part of the Laguna Phuket Resort group, featuring five deluxe hotels linked by lagoons and tree lined avenues. The golf course has easy access from e...
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Thai Food Streets
2007-06-13 17:20:00
Yaowarat: Bangkok's Chinatown houses some of the best and most expensive Chinese restaurants in the city, along with many of the best and cheapest food stalls, especially at night. Large restaurants line the bustling Yaowarat Road, but venturing into sois, or lanes, will lead you to less impressive yet equally enjoyable establishments. The restaurants mostly specialize in southern Chinese cooking, with noodles, seafood and, at lunchtime, dim sum dumplings dominating the menusPhahurat: Taking a short walk from Yaowarat's Chinatown to Phahurat's little India is like taking a transcendental journey between two different worlds. Inhabited by Thai people of Indian origin, the confined alleyways around the Phahurat area accommodate a number of authentic Indian restaurants, particularly those offering North Indian cuisine. Alternatively, other sub continental foods such as Punjabi and Pakistani are also plentifully available.Siam Square: This shopping area is crammed with medium to high...
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Chinatown Walking Tour in Thailand
2007-06-10 13:44:00
The Lonely Planet guidebook for Thailand recommends two walking tours for Bangkok. This first route meanders through Bangkok's busy Chinese and Indian market districts and is best explored on foot since vehicular traffic in the area is in almost constant gridlock. Depending on your pace and shopping intentions, this lengthy route could take from one to three hours.Be forewarned that the journey should only be undertaken by those who can withstand extended crowd contact as well as the sometimes unpleasant sights and smells of a traditional fresh market. The reward for tolerating this attack on the sense consists of numerous glimpses into the 'real' day-to-day Bangkok, away from the glittering facade of department stores and office buildings along Bangkok's main avenues - not to mention the opportunity for fabulous bargains. (If you plan to buy anything, you'd better bring along either a phrasebook or an interpreter as very little English is spoken in these areas.)The walking tou...
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DUSIT ZOO (Khao Din)
2007-06-08 16:44:00
Dusit Zoo, which is the predecessor of the Zoological Park Organization under the Royal Patronage of H.M. the King was established in 1938 by the Municipality of BangkokFormerly, Dusit Zoo was a part of the Royal Dusit Garden Palace with the local name of "Khao Din Wana" which was set up by King Rama V as his private botanical garden. In 1938, the goverment of Field Marshal P. Pibunsongkram, the Prime Minister of Thailand at the time, asked the King for the land to set up the zoo for the public. King Rama VIII granted the land. Then the government asked the Bangkok Municipality to establish the zoo in March, 1938. Thereafter, the zoo was turned over to the Zoological Park Organization in February, 1954.The area is approximately 47.2 acres; broken down into 35.2 acres of land and 12 acres of water.The zoo opens daily from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. There are 288 mammals, 1018 birds and 292 reptiles.How to get there:The zoo is in the Dusit district between Chitlada Palace and the National Assemb...
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Banglamphu
2007-06-02 18:10:00
The Banglamphu district is located to the east of Ko Rattanakosin, and there are quite a few decent sights round here. It's not well defined where Banglamphu actually starts and finishes, and some sights included here such as Wat Saket and Wat Suthat are sometimes considered to be outside Banglamphu.About 10 minutes walk north of Sanam Luang is Khao San road (??????????). This is home to a very lively travelers scene, and a mass of budget accommodation is here. Some love it, some hate it but it's worth walking down even if you don't plan to stay here. A extensive market with a huge range of goods, from cheap clothes to Thai handicrafts, many inexpensive restaurants and all the different types of people that come here can make it a interesting experience. Somewhat surprisingly, the nearby backstreets retain a genuinely Thai feeling, much more so than Bangkok's other main tourist accommodation areas, Sukhumvit and Silom. The start of the film The Beach was also set in Khao San roa...
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Royal Grand Palace & Vimanmek Royal Mansion
2007-05-28 16:50:00
Billed as the world's largest teakwood building, Vimanmek Mansion was built as a royal residence in the first few years of the 20 th century. It was only used for a few years before it fell into disuse and was practically forgotten until the early eighties. It was rediscovered by Her Majesty the Queen and turned into museum reflecting the Thai heritage from the dramatic reign of King Rama V.From a single restored building in the 1980s, the Vimanmek Mansion Museum has grown to include more than 20 restored structures of the old Dusit Pala ce displaying everything from ancient artifacts of Thailand's pre-history to contemporary photographs donated by His Majesty the King. Its now become a large complex of museums where the buildings themselves form part of the "collection" on display. Vimanmek is now on many main tourist trails. Large tour buses can be seen in the parking lot throughout the day, especially in the high season. However, most of the big groups will only tour the royal m...
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The Grand Palace
2007-05-25 19:13:00
The Grand Pala ce (???????????????) adjoins Wat Phra Kaew in a common compound, and is where you will end up after exiting Wat Phra Kaew. Despite the proximity of the two, there's a distinct contrast in style between the very Thai Wat Phra Kaew and the more European inspired designs of the Grand Palace (the roof being the exception). The Grand Palace is nowadays used only for occasional ceremonial purposes and is no longer the royal residence. The present King Bhumibol (Rama IX) lives in Chitralada Palace (also closed to tourists), which is located not too far away in Bangkok's Dusit district. Though the interior of most of the buildings remain closed to the publicHighlights of it are:- Boromabiman Hall, built by King Rama VI and every king since has lived here at some time.- Amarinda Hall, the original residence of King Rama I and the Hall of Justice. Nowadays it's impressive interior is used for ceremonial occasions and coronations. It contains the antique throne, used before th...
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Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha
2007-05-20 12:52:00
Wat Pho (????????), or Wat Phra Chetuphon (????????????) as it is generally known to the Thais, is mainly famous for the huge Reclining Buddha statue it houses. At 20 acres large, it is the largest Wat in Bangkok, and is technically the oldest too, as it was built around 200 years before Bangkok became Thailand's capital. However, today the Wat today bears virtually no resemblance to that originally constructed, as it was almost entirely rebuilt by Rama I when the capital was moved to Bangkok. It holds the dual honors of having both Thailand's largest reclining Buddha image and the most number of Buddha images in Thailand.The highly impressive gold plated reclining Buddha is 46 meters long and 15 meters high, and is designed to illustrate the passing of the Buddha into nirvana. The feet and the eyes are engraved with mother-of-pearl decoration, and the feet also show the 108 auspicious characteristics of the true Buddha.The large grounds of Wat Pho contain more than 1000 Buddha im...
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Wat Phra Kaew
2007-05-16 17:17:00
Wat Phra Kaew (??????????), the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the adjoining Grand Palace together form perhaps the greatest spectacle for the visitor to Bangkok. Despite the fact that the whole compound is so full of tourists you spend half the time trying to avoid getting in people's photos, it's still a pretty amazing place to visit.It consists of over 100 brightly colored buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics, and dates back to 1782, when Bangkok was founded. When you enter the compound, you first of all see Wat Phra Kaew and the nearby attractions, and then move on to the Grand Palace afterwards.Wat Phra Kaew itself, generally known to the Thais as Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, is perhaps the main attraction. This is Thailand's most important and sacred temple, so you're expected to act with due respect inside it. It houses the tiny (between 60 and 75 cm) Emerald Buddha, which is located high above the heads of the worshippers and tourists. Not much is known ...
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Ko Rattanakosin / Phra Nakhon
2007-05-14 16:43:00
The Ko Rattanakosin (????????????????) area is the oldest part of Bangkok. Located by the river, this is where most of Bangkok's main historical attractions are, for example Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho. These impressive sights aren't the only things to do in Ko Rattanakosin however, and many of the other sights are within easy walking distance.'Ko' is the Thai word for 'island', but this is no longer really an accurate term for this area. It was so named due to Bangkok's extensive canals in the late 18th century which surrounded the area but nowadays most are filled in and you'd be hard pressed to realize what there used to be while walking or driving around it.Just to the north of Wat Phra Kaew is the large park known as Sanam Luang (????????). For most of the year it's nothing special and barely worth a visit, though the spires of Wat Phra Kaew certainly provide it with an impressive backdrop. It's a somewhat more colorful place during February to April when it's a popula...
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A glimmer in Rangoon
2007-05-13 15:48:00
The feelings that Burma shares with visitors run unusually deepThe old, brown-robed monk in a conical peaked cap gently nudged me to the left, two steps, and there it was, in a brilliant white flash: the 4,351 diamonds at the topmost orb of the Shwedagon stupa.Only a few tourist and locals were at the temple this late. Some places diminish in stature when you take away the crowds, but this site, one of Burma's holiest, becomes even more impressive.On a prominent hill overlooking Rangoon , the temple complex dominates the city. In the 1400s Queen Shinsawbu donated her weight in gold to the temple. It was beaten into leaf to gild the first stupa, and the layering of gilt continues today - there are now 53 tonnes of gold covering the structure.At mid-afternoon the spiritual reverence had been palpable. Streams of pilgrims wearing the traditional longyi (sarong) supplicated themselves before the main stupa and the smaller temples and shrines, some of which are said to house symbolic nat...