The exotic Thai culture, hospitality and friendly nature of the people have made a big impression on Abdalla Al-Hamar, the Qatari ambassador to Thailand.

"I have travelled extensively for both business and leisure, and I can honestly say that I have never come across such delightful people. People around the world are stressed living in a cut throat and fiercely competitive society. Thais don't let stress get the better off them," he said.

Before taking up his post here a year ago, ambassador Al-Hamar first came here in 1999 as part of a Qatari delegation visiting Thailand and immediately fell in love with the Kingdom's charming people and culture. He fondly recalls how his delegation, impressed by what they saw and experienced here, decided to extend their stay in Thailand by two days in order to understand the country better.

Mr Al-Hamar says Thais have a remarkable way of helping foreigners blend into their society. Arabs love Thailand because they feel free to be themselves and nobody gives a fig.

Approximately 10,000 Qataris visit Thailand annually for shopping and medical reasons, whereas Thais travelling the opposite way mostly constitute manual workers, although Thai businessmen have lately started making more forays to the Middle East country.

The ambassador revealed that Thai architects were part of the team that built the Athletes' Village for the Asian Games later this year in Doha, the Qatari capital.

As a matter of fact, the torch for the quadrennial event is scheduled to pass through Thailand shortly. After the games the facility will be turned into a hospital.

How would you describe yourself as a traveller?

I am an active and curious person by nature, so when I'm on vacation I like to explore my new surroundings. And by that I mean everything. I am never truly relaxed because I find every living thing around me interesting. My mind keeps wandering as I travel about how people live in different habitats.

What do you usually do to get a better feel of a country you are visiting first time?

My normal practice is to sit in a coffee shop, enjoy the local brew or tea and watch people go about their daily chores. Chatting and exchanging ideas with locals is another way to learn about their culture and traditions.

How popular is Thailand among Qataris?

Qatar is a wealthy country so normally people travel to Europe on vacation. However, Thailand is becoming increasing popular for its great shopping malls, top hotels and medical services which are much cheaper than in Europe. Thai hospitality is also well-known at home. Middle Easterners feel comfortable in Thailand because they can wear their traditional attire, eat Arabic food and listen to Arabic music in restaurants they frequent.

Arab people tend to travel with their family. I have found that during high season there's not enough accommodation in Bangkok. So I would like to see more serviced apartments and hotels built to cater to these long-staying guests.

What type of tourism-related projects you have in mind to promote Qatar in Thailand?

Shortly, our embassy will organise a 'Qatar Week' to showcase the nation's culture and traditions and highlight it as a tourist destination using cutting-edge multimedia technology.

We will participate in the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006, an international horticultural exposition to be held in honour of His Majesty in Chiang Mai later this year. I believe that these events will not only improve relations between Qatar and Thailand, but also be instrumental in promoting tourism either way.

Meanwhile, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has been proactive in attracting Qatari travellers. Last year, it organised a series of roadshows in Doha. The response has been overwhelming. The number of Qatari travellers to Thailand has increased dramatically since.

I would like to invite Thai people to come to Doha during the Asian Games, not just to cheer their sportsmen, but also use the opportunity to visit some interesting historical sites.

What three attractions would you recommend Thais to visit in Qatar?

Qatar is a blessed country. Doha is a nice modern city by the Persian Gulf. We also have beautiful beaches and mystical sand dunes. I would recommend anybody visiting Qatar, even if it is for a short period of time, not to miss Al Corniche.

Al Corniche is the heart of Doha. It's a seven-kilometre stretch along the coast, a great place to feel the pulse of the nation because families go there to picnic. It is also a popular place to go for a stroll or jogging. Al Corniche also gives visitors a bird's eye view of Doha and the Gulf of Persia.

Souq Waqif is another must see attraction in Doha. 'Souq' in Arabic means market. Souq Waqif is the oldest and most popular market in Qatar. Apart from the fun and exotic atmosphere, you will find yourself lost in time shopping for a wide variety of goods that are on sale. You can also bargain the prices down.

Going on a desert safari is just as interesting as surfing and our beaches are breathtaking. Just imagine swimming or camping by the desert. It's a truly rare experience. Tour operators are selling packages which include a night spent in a traditional Arab tent sampling local cuisine and enjoying traditional Arab music and performances.

What have you to say about the cartoons of the Prophet that appeared in a Danish publication, the fallout and the issue of freedom of speech?

Qatar is home to the popular television network Al-Jazeera and Doha Debates which is aired on BBC. On this very sensitive issue I would like to say that we are all for press freedom, and don't mind anyone making fun of other aspects of the Arab world, but when it comes to disrespecting Prophet Mohammed or the Koran, we Muslims can't brush it (caricatures) under the carpet.

People should not cross the line when it comes to issues that a certain group of people hold in high esteem. I would however like people to protest peacefully and rectify the issue through dialogue.

source: Bangkok Post

Read More...

The exotic Thai culture, hospitality and friendly nature of the people have made a big impression on Abdalla Al-Hamar, the Qatari ambassador to Thailand.

"I have travelled extensively for both business and leisure, and I can honestly say that I have never come across such delightful people. People around the world are stressed living in a cut throat and fiercely competitive society. Thais don't let stress get the better off them," he said.

Before taking up his post here a year ago, ambassador Al-Hamar first came here in 1999 as part of a Qatari delegation visiting Thailand and immediately fell in love with the Kingdom's charming people and culture. He fondly recalls how his delegation, impressed by what they saw and experienced here, decided to extend their stay in Thailand by two days in order to understand the country better.

Mr Al-Hamar says Thais have a remarkable way of helping foreigners blend into their society. Arabs love Thailand because they feel free to be themselves and nobody gives a fig.

Approximately 10,000 Qataris visit Thailand annually for shopping and medical reasons, whereas Thais travelling the opposite way mostly constitute manual workers, although Thai businessmen have lately started making more forays to the Middle East country.

The ambassador revealed that Thai architects were part of the team that built the Athletes' Village for the Asian Games later this year in Doha, the Qatari capital.

As a matter of fact, the torch for the quadrennial event is scheduled to pass through Thailand shortly. After the games the facility will be turned into a hospital.

How would you describe yourself as a traveller?

I am an active and curious person by nature, so when I'm on vacation I like to explore my new surroundings. And by that I mean everything. I am never truly relaxed because I find every living thing around me interesting. My mind keeps wandering as I travel about how people live in different habitats.

What do you usually do to get a better feel of a country you are visiting first time?

My normal practice is to sit in a coffee shop, enjoy the local brew or tea and watch people go about their daily chores. Chatting and exchanging ideas with locals is another way to learn about their culture and traditions.

How popular is Thailand among Qataris?

Qatar is a wealthy country so normally people travel to Europe on vacation. However, Thailand is becoming increasing popular for its great shopping malls, top hotels and medical services which are much cheaper than in Europe. Thai hospitality is also well-known at home. Middle Easterners feel comfortable in Thailand because they can wear their traditional attire, eat Arabic food and listen to Arabic music in restaurants they frequent.

Arab people tend to travel with their family. I have found that during high season there's not enough accommodation in Bangkok. So I would like to see more serviced apartments and hotels built to cater to these long-staying guests.

What type of tourism-related projects you have in mind to promote Qatar in Thailand?

Shortly, our embassy will organise a 'Qatar Week' to showcase the nation's culture and traditions and highlight it as a tourist destination using cutting-edge multimedia technology.

We will participate in the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006, an international horticultural exposition to be held in honour of His Majesty in Chiang Mai later this year. I believe that these events will not only improve relations between Qatar and Thailand, but also be instrumental in promoting tourism either way.

Meanwhile, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has been proactive in attracting Qatari travellers. Last year, it organised a series of roadshows in Doha. The response has been overwhelming. The number of Qatari travellers to Thailand has increased dramatically since.

I would like to invite Thai people to come to Doha during the Asian Games, not just to cheer their sportsmen, but also use the opportunity to visit some interesting historical sites.

What three attractions would you recommend Thais to visit in Qatar?

Qatar is a blessed country. Doha is a nice modern city by the Persian Gulf. We also have beautiful beaches and mystical sand dunes. I would recommend anybody visiting Qatar, even if it is for a short period of time, not to miss Al Corniche.

Al Corniche is the heart of Doha. It's a seven-kilometre stretch along the coast, a great place to feel the pulse of the nation because families go there to picnic. It is also a popular place to go for a stroll or jogging. Al Corniche also gives visitors a bird's eye view of Doha and the Gulf of Persia.

Souq Waqif is another must see attraction in Doha. 'Souq' in Arabic means market. Souq Waqif is the oldest and most popular market in Qatar. Apart from the fun and exotic atmosphere, you will find yourself lost in time shopping for a wide variety of goods that are on sale. You can also bargain the prices down.

Going on a desert safari is just as interesting as surfing and our beaches are breathtaking. Just imagine swimming or camping by the desert. It's a truly rare experience. Tour operators are selling packages which include a night spent in a traditional Arab tent sampling local cuisine and enjoying traditional Arab music and performances.

What have you to say about the cartoons of the Prophet that appeared in a Danish publication, the fallout and the issue of freedom of speech?

Qatar is home to the popular television network Al-Jazeera and Doha Debates which is aired on BBC. On this very sensitive issue I would like to say that we are all for press freedom, and don't mind anyone making fun of other aspects of the Arab world, but when it comes to disrespecting Prophet Mohammed or the Koran, we Muslims can't brush it (caricatures) under the carpet.

People should not cross the line when it comes to issues that a certain group of people hold in high esteem. I would however like people to protest peacefully and rectify the issue through dialogue.

source: Bangkok Post

Read More...

Tom Yam Goong (2005) is the 2^nd action movie from one of Thailand’s biggest stars after the Ong Bak movie (2003). Starring Tony Jaa, who could be called Thailand’s Jackie Chan, it garnered great attention not only in Thailand. Ong Bak was one of the few Thai movies which made it internationally. As people got bored with every single fighting movie playing in China, a Thai movie with Bangkok as its back setting was received very well by Thais and Western people alike.

When you are in Thailand, it is always worth a trip to “Mangpoong” or “Scorpion”. This is a big DVD chain selling DVDs all over Thailand. If you see a big red sign of a scorpion on the outside its what I’m talking about. They will sell Hollywood as well as Thai movies. Now Thai movies, even when they are new, can sell for as low as 5 US$. So it is definitely a good present for when you go back again. Some movies, like Ong Bak, are very entertaining. Just be careful to buy the version which has English subtitles.

So the story of Tom Yaam Goong (which by the way is the name of a famous Thai dish, a spicy shrimp soup). Tony Jaa here plays another story close to his heart. Coming from a mahout family, his childhood was closely involved with elephants. In Tom Yam Goong, Tony Jaa plays a young mahout, Kham who is also trained in the Jaturongkabat martial art, Koshasarn. Jaturongkabat soldiers were trained to protect Thai war elephants in battle, parallel to the armoured infantry squads that assist tanks units. When the elephants in his family’s care are stolen and taken to Australia (Sydney), Kham goes to their rescue.

The first chase sequence in the streets of Bangkok suffers an event flow break. When the container truck carrying both elephants finally manages to break free from traffic, the next shot shows Kham giving up the chase though it wasn’t possible for him to know this. This flaw heralds a series of other event flow and logic flaws in the movie. Now how does Kham locate the elephants, he seeks out an old woman who performs an oracle ritual. This oracle ritual is interesting; the oracle woman is seen dowsing using a pendulum while doing a dance to locate the elephants.

Once in Sydney, it become all about fighting. These action sequences still retain certain superb characteristics of Tony Jaa's pugilistic skills and choreography. Form (kata) or stances are visible. This is a mark of skill contrary to what many have been told. While Jaa is a fan of Bruce Lee (who advocated a free style form of fighting with his Jeet Kune Do), fortunately he has not abandoned his training and “fight like children”. The term “fight like children” is used by Shaolin Wahnam founder Wong Kiew Kit to describe the free sparring seen in martial art tournaments where little form can be seen.

I think Tony Jaa with his “no sling, no stunt” motto is set to replace Jackie Chan as the Asian action movie star for the next decade or two. But Tom Yam Goong looks and hopefully is more of a learning experiment. Story is still important to an action movie else it becomes like a porn movie, people just wait around for the “banging” sequences. Jackie Chan’s story driven New Police Story (2004) with less action and more story did better at the box office than The Myth (2005). Jaa also seems to be finding his style for his action sequences. His present attempt to incorporate Jackie Chan type of acrobatics does not blend into his main style, a modern day Mas Oyama. To take up the vacuum of Jackie Chan does not mean one has to be like Jackie Chan. Jackie Chan after all, did not appear as the best of the numerous Bruce Lee clones, he came across as Jackie Chan. And Tony Jaa needs to do just that, to come across as Tony Jaa. We saw that in Ong Bak and this got adulterated in Tom Yam Goong.

source: The 10 of Clubs MovieWatch

Read More...

Tom Yam Goong (2005) is the 2^nd action movie from one of Thailand’s biggest stars after the Ong Bak movie (2003). Starring Tony Jaa, who could be called Thailand’s Jackie Chan, it garnered great attention not only in Thailand. Ong Bak was one of the few Thai movies which made it internationally. As people got bored with every single fighting movie playing in China, a Thai movie with Bangkok as its back setting was received very well by Thais and Western people alike.

When you are in Thailand, it is always worth a trip to “Mangpoong” or “Scorpion”. This is a big DVD chain selling DVDs all over Thailand. If you see a big red sign of a scorpion on the outside its what I’m talking about. They will sell Hollywood as well as Thai movies. Now Thai movies, even when they are new, can sell for as low as 5 US$. So it is definitely a good present for when you go back again. Some movies, like Ong Bak, are very entertaining. Just be careful to buy the version which has English subtitles.

So the story of Tom Yaam Goong (which by the way is the name of a famous Thai dish, a spicy shrimp soup). Tony Jaa here plays another story close to his heart. Coming from a mahout family, his childhood was closely involved with elephants. In Tom Yam Goong, Tony Jaa plays a young mahout, Kham who is also trained in the Jaturongkabat martial art, Koshasarn. Jaturongkabat soldiers were trained to protect Thai war elephants in battle, parallel to the armoured infantry squads that assist tanks units. When the elephants in his family’s care are stolen and taken to Australia (Sydney), Kham goes to their rescue.

The first chase sequence in the streets of Bangkok suffers an event flow break. When the container truck carrying both elephants finally manages to break free from traffic, the next shot shows Kham giving up the chase though it wasn’t possible for him to know this. This flaw heralds a series of other event flow and logic flaws in the movie. Now how does Kham locate the elephants, he seeks out an old woman who performs an oracle ritual. This oracle ritual is interesting; the oracle woman is seen dowsing using a pendulum while doing a dance to locate the elephants.

Once in Sydney, it become all about fighting. These action sequences still retain certain superb characteristics of Tony Jaa's pugilistic skills and choreography. Form (kata) or stances are visible. This is a mark of skill contrary to what many have been told. While Jaa is a fan of Bruce Lee (who advocated a free style form of fighting with his Jeet Kune Do), fortunately he has not abandoned his training and “fight like children”. The term “fight like children” is used by Shaolin Wahnam founder Wong Kiew Kit to describe the free sparring seen in martial art tournaments where little form can be seen.

I think Tony Jaa with his “no sling, no stunt” motto is set to replace Jackie Chan as the Asian action movie star for the next decade or two. But Tom Yam Goong looks and hopefully is more of a learning experiment. Story is still important to an action movie else it becomes like a porn movie, people just wait around for the “banging” sequences. Jackie Chan’s story driven New Police Story (2004) with less action and more story did better at the box office than The Myth (2005). Jaa also seems to be finding his style for his action sequences. His present attempt to incorporate Jackie Chan type of acrobatics does not blend into his main style, a modern day Mas Oyama. To take up the vacuum of Jackie Chan does not mean one has to be like Jackie Chan. Jackie Chan after all, did not appear as the best of the numerous Bruce Lee clones, he came across as Jackie Chan. And Tony Jaa needs to do just that, to come across as Tony Jaa. We saw that in Ong Bak and this got adulterated in Tom Yam Goong.

source: The 10 of Clubs MovieWatch

Read More...

Let's start with some good news from Chet Khot-Pong Kon Sao Nature Study and Eco-tourism Centre in Saraburi Province, Thailand. Yes, that "Chet Khot Forest Park" as most people call it.

From now on, cross-country mountainbikers camping at Chet Khot no longer have to venture outside its boundary - a new biking trail has been created through the reforested area around the park's reservoir.

The loop is less than two kilometres long but, of course, you're free to do as many rounds as you wish.

Literally, that means you can bike for 40 kilometres straight or more without having to worry whether you're going to make it on the way back.

In other words, no matter how many hours you've been riding, your tent (or bungalow, in case you manage to book one) is always just a few minutes away. And that's great for both newbies and training racers.

By the way, Chet Khot also has a well-maintained downhill trail for bikers seeking the thrill of gravity. And this weekend there'll be a big gathering of downhillers at the park.

If you need more information, call the centre at 09-237-8659 or 036-227-156.

source: The Bangkok Post

Read More...

Let's start with some good news from Chet Khot-Pong Kon Sao Nature Study and Eco-tourism Centre in Saraburi Province, Thailand. Yes, that "Chet Khot Forest Park" as most people call it.

From now on, cross-country mountainbikers camping at Chet Khot no longer have to venture outside its boundary - a new biking trail has been created through the reforested area around the park's reservoir.

The loop is less than two kilometres long but, of course, you're free to do as many rounds as you wish.

Literally, that means you can bike for 40 kilometres straight or more without having to worry whether you're going to make it on the way back.

In other words, no matter how many hours you've been riding, your tent (or bungalow, in case you manage to book one) is always just a few minutes away. And that's great for both newbies and training racers.

By the way, Chet Khot also has a well-maintained downhill trail for bikers seeking the thrill of gravity. And this weekend there'll be a big gathering of downhillers at the park.

If you need more information, call the centre at 09-237-8659 or 036-227-156.

source: The Bangkok Post

Read More...

Shopping

Chiang Mai is, quite simply, Thailand's major centre for quality handicrafts. The visitor need merely visit the nearest city emporium or night market to purchase an extraordinary variety of antiques, silver jewellery, hilltribe opium pipes and embroidery, Thai silks and cottons, basketry, celadon, silverware, furniture, lacquerware, woodcarvings and parasols.

A major advantage of shopping in Chiang Mai is that the visitor may watch artisans working within the city and in several outlying villages, particularly along the Bor Sang San Kamphaeng road where, in genuine cottage industries, parasols, silk and cotton weaving, jewellery, woodcarving, silverware, celadon and lacquerware are manufactured, and number among popular purchases.

Major Chiang Mai products include:

Cottons and Silks

First-class Chiang Mai cottons and silks are of incomparable quality. Cottons and silkshave innumerable fashion and furnishing applications. The largest possible selection is available in San Kamphaneg.

Umbrellas/Parasols

These are inextricably associated with Bor Sang where villagers have been engaged in their manufacture for at least 200 years. All materials, silks, cottons, sa paper (manufactured from the bark
of the mulberry tree), and bamboo are produced or found locally. Visitors to Bor Sang will see literally hundreds of designs and sizes ranging from the miniature to the gigantic.

Silverware

The finest Thai silverware is exquisite, and is made in Chiang Mai, where certain families have prectised their art for several generations. Traditional skills and a guaranted content of at least 92.5% pure silver invest bowls, receptacles and decorative items with authentic value. Silver shops are concentrated on Wualu Road, where silverware artisans and their families live.

Lacquerware

Striking black and gold designs give lacquerware its visual appeal and sheen. This decorative art enhances items made of wood, bamboo, metal, paper and baked clay, in the form of receptacles, ornaments and various souvenirs.

Furniture/Woodcarving

Chiang Mai is a major centre of furniture making. Major woods and materials include teak, rosewood and rattan. Items may be unadorned or, especially with teak and rosewood, artfully carved in traditional or modern designs. Woodcarving is a traditional northern Thai art featured in numerous temples. In recent years, wood carving has increasingly embellished furniture, gracing screens, chairs, tables, beds, indeed anything bearing a wooden surface large enough to be carved. Carved elephants, figurines and tableware number among other popular purchases.

Hilltribe Products

These include silver ornaments, such as bracelets, necklaces, pendants, hairpins and pipes of intricate design, and embroidered items including tunics, jackets,bags, purses, caps and dress lengths.

Gold Plated Orchids and Butterflies

Orchids and butterflies are preserved and plated with 24carat gold to create unusual gift items such as necklace pendants, hairpins and earrings.

Pottery

Chiang Mai is the major centre of Thailand's pottery industry. Prized items include high-fired celadon which is produced in many forms, including dinner sets, lamp bases and decorative items

Source: http://sunsite.au.ac.th

Read More...

Shopping

Chiang Mai is, quite simply, Thailand's major centre for quality handicrafts. The visitor need merely visit the nearest city emporium or night market to purchase an extraordinary variety of antiques, silver jewellery, hilltribe opium pipes and embroidery, Thai silks and cottons, basketry, celadon, silverware, furniture, lacquerware, woodcarvings and parasols.

A major advantage of shopping in Chiang Mai is that the visitor may watch artisans working within the city and in several outlying villages, particularly along the Bor Sang San Kamphaeng road where, in genuine cottage industries, parasols, silk and cotton weaving, jewellery, woodcarving, silverware, celadon and lacquerware are manufactured, and number among popular purchases.

Major Chiang Mai products include:

Cottons and Silks

First-class Chiang Mai cottons and silks are of incomparable quality. Cottons and silkshave innumerable fashion and furnishing applications. The largest possible selection is available in San Kamphaneg.

Umbrellas/Parasols

These are inextricably associated with Bor Sang where villagers have been engaged in their manufacture for at least 200 years. All materials, silks, cottons, sa paper (manufactured from the bark
of the mulberry tree), and bamboo are produced or found locally. Visitors to Bor Sang will see literally hundreds of designs and sizes ranging from the miniature to the gigantic.

Silverware

The finest Thai silverware is exquisite, and is made in Chiang Mai, where certain families have prectised their art for several generations. Traditional skills and a guaranted content of at least 92.5% pure silver invest bowls, receptacles and decorative items with authentic value. Silver shops are concentrated on Wualu Road, where silverware artisans and their families live.

Lacquerware

Striking black and gold designs give lacquerware its visual appeal and sheen. This decorative art enhances items made of wood, bamboo, metal, paper and baked clay, in the form of receptacles, ornaments and various souvenirs.

Furniture/Woodcarving

Chiang Mai is a major centre of furniture making. Major woods and materials include teak, rosewood and rattan. Items may be unadorned or, especially with teak and rosewood, artfully carved in traditional or modern designs. Woodcarving is a traditional northern Thai art featured in numerous temples. In recent years, wood carving has increasingly embellished furniture, gracing screens, chairs, tables, beds, indeed anything bearing a wooden surface large enough to be carved. Carved elephants, figurines and tableware number among other popular purchases.

Hilltribe Products

These include silver ornaments, such as bracelets, necklaces, pendants, hairpins and pipes of intricate design, and embroidered items including tunics, jackets,bags, purses, caps and dress lengths.

Gold Plated Orchids and Butterflies

Orchids and butterflies are preserved and plated with 24carat gold to create unusual gift items such as necklace pendants, hairpins and earrings.

Pottery

Chiang Mai is the major centre of Thailand's pottery industry. Prized items include high-fired celadon which is produced in many forms, including dinner sets, lamp bases and decorative items

Source: http://sunsite.au.ac.th

Read More...

Chiang Mai is Thailand's principal northern city. Chiang Mai is the pro-vincial capital of a largely mountainous province, also called Chiang Mai, which is some 20,000 square kilometres in area.

Chiang Mai city is 700 kilometres north of Bangkok, was founded in 1296, and is located in a fertile valley some 300 matres above sea level.

Chiang Mai was the capital of Lanna Thai (Kingdom of One Million Ricefields), the first independent Thai kingdom within the fabled Golden Triangle. Chiang Mai flourished as a major religious, cultural and trading centre until 1556 when a Burmese invasion reduced it to a vassal state. The Burmese were expelled in 1785, whereupon Lanna Thai once again became part of northern Thailand.

Many lowland Thais regard Chiang Mai city and province as being something of a national Shangri-la, thanks to its beautiful women, distinctive festivals, historic temples dating from the 1300s, arresting scenic beauty, temperate fruits such as apples peaches and strawberries, and a crisp, invigorating cool season climate

Places that you should visit:

Wat Phra Singh
Sam Lan Road
This lovely temple dates from 1345 and is one of the focal points of Songkran festivities each April 13-15 when people bathe the revered Phra Buddha Sihing image. The temple compound includes the lovely Lai Kham chapel with its exquisite woodcarvings and northern-style murals, and a magnificent scriptural repository with striking teas relief.

Wat Suan Dok
Suthep Road
This temple was built in a 14th century Lanna Thai
monarch's pleasure gardens and is a favourite spot for photographers, particularly for striking sunsets. Several of the white chedis contain ashes of Chiang Mai's former royal family. The 500-year-old bronze Buddha image in a secondary chapel is one of Thailand's largest metal images.

Wat Chiang Man
Ratchaphakkinai Road
This is Chiang Mai's oldest temple and probably dates from 1296. The temple was the residence of King Mengrai, who founded Chiang Mai, and is noteworthy for a chedi supported by rows of elephantine buttresses, and a small ancient Buddha image, Phra Kaeow Khaow.

Wat Ku Tao
near Chiang Mai Stadium
This temple is noteworthy for an unusual bulbous pagoda. The structure is decorated with colourful porcelain chips and is believed to represent five Buddhist monks' alms bowls which symbolise five Lord Buddhas.

Wat Chedi Luang
Phrapokklao Road
This temple is the site of an enormous pagoda, originally 280 feet high, and which was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1545. At one time, Wat Chedi Luang housed the revered Emerald Buddha image now enshrined in Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaeo. A magnificent Naga staircase adorns the chapel's front porch.

Wat Chet Yot
Super Highway, north of the Huai
Kaew Nimmanhemin Roads intersection

This temple dates from 1458. The seven-spired square chedi was inspired by designs at Bodhagaya, the site of the Buddha's Enlightenment in north India over 2,500 years ago, and was built by Lanna Thai architects after visiting the holy site.

Wat U-Mong
Suthep Road
This delightful meditation temple is completely different from Chiang Mai's other major temples and enjoys a bucolic forest setting. The ancient chedi is of particular interest.

Source: http://sunsite.au.ac.th

Read More...

Chiang Mai is Thailand's principal northern city. Chiang Mai is the pro-vincial capital of a largely mountainous province, also called Chiang Mai, which is some 20,000 square kilometres in area.

Chiang Mai city is 700 kilometres north of Bangkok, was founded in 1296, and is located in a fertile valley some 300 matres above sea level.

Chiang Mai was the capital of Lanna Thai (Kingdom of One Million Ricefields), the first independent Thai kingdom within the fabled Golden Triangle. Chiang Mai flourished as a major religious, cultural and trading centre until 1556 when a Burmese invasion reduced it to a vassal state. The Burmese were expelled in 1785, whereupon Lanna Thai once again became part of northern Thailand.

Many lowland Thais regard Chiang Mai city and province as being something of a national Shangri-la, thanks to its beautiful women, distinctive festivals, historic temples dating from the 1300s, arresting scenic beauty, temperate fruits such as apples peaches and strawberries, and a crisp, invigorating cool season climate

Places that you should visit:

Wat Phra Singh
Sam Lan Road
This lovely temple dates from 1345 and is one of the focal points of Songkran festivities each April 13-15 when people bathe the revered Phra Buddha Sihing image. The temple compound includes the lovely Lai Kham chapel with its exquisite woodcarvings and northern-style murals, and a magnificent scriptural repository with striking teas relief.

Wat Suan Dok
Suthep Road
This temple was built in a 14th century Lanna Thai
monarch's pleasure gardens and is a favourite spot for photographers, particularly for striking sunsets. Several of the white chedis contain ashes of Chiang Mai's former royal family. The 500-year-old bronze Buddha image in a secondary chapel is one of Thailand's largest metal images.

Wat Chiang Man
Ratchaphakkinai Road
This is Chiang Mai's oldest temple and probably dates from 1296. The temple was the residence of King Mengrai, who founded Chiang Mai, and is noteworthy for a chedi supported by rows of elephantine buttresses, and a small ancient Buddha image, Phra Kaeow Khaow.

Wat Ku Tao
near Chiang Mai Stadium
This temple is noteworthy for an unusual bulbous pagoda. The structure is decorated with colourful porcelain chips and is believed to represent five Buddhist monks' alms bowls which symbolise five Lord Buddhas.

Wat Chedi Luang
Phrapokklao Road
This temple is the site of an enormous pagoda, originally 280 feet high, and which was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1545. At one time, Wat Chedi Luang housed the revered Emerald Buddha image now enshrined in Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaeo. A magnificent Naga staircase adorns the chapel's front porch.

Wat Chet Yot
Super Highway, north of the Huai
Kaew Nimmanhemin Roads intersection

This temple dates from 1458. The seven-spired square chedi was inspired by designs at Bodhagaya, the site of the Buddha's Enlightenment in north India over 2,500 years ago, and was built by Lanna Thai architects after visiting the holy site.

Wat U-Mong
Suthep Road
This delightful meditation temple is completely different from Chiang Mai's other major temples and enjoys a bucolic forest setting. The ancient chedi is of particular interest.

Source: http://sunsite.au.ac.th

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During the holiday between sowing and harvesting the rice, thousands flock to the famous Ngan Phra That Phanom temple to celebrate the Buddhist festival of Magha Puja.

The wat (temple) faces both the Mekong river and the rising sun, so the best approach to it is by water. It is thought to have been founded in 535 BC, eight years after the Buddha's death, when five local princes built a simple rick chedi (temple) to house bits of the Buddha's breastbone.

The temple rests on a gleaming white marble platform, where pilgrims leave their offerings under an umbrella made of 16kg of gold. This arch is inlaid with precious gems and gold rings embedded in each tier. Around this magnificent edifice music, delicious food and drink stalls, theatre performances and traditional Isaan-style dancing take place.

Pilgrims and lay people gather to give prayers to the Buddha and to meditate, with the culmination of the festival on the full moon evening when monks hold a candlelit procession around the temple. We have given you the date of the full moon alone, but be aware that celebrations begin a few days before, and may last a few days beyond.

One of the special things about this particular temple festival is that Lao people from the other side of the Mekong are allowed to come over in their boats (under the beady eyes of the customs and immigration officials) to pay homage to what was once their shared inheritance with the Thais.

The festival is in March 2006 and you can take aplane from Bangkok to Nakkon Phanom which is about 50 km away from That Phanom.

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During the holiday between sowing and harvesting the rice, thousands flock to the famous Ngan Phra That Phanom temple to celebrate the Buddhist festival of Magha Puja.

The wat (temple) faces both the Mekong river and the rising sun, so the best approach to it is by water. It is thought to have been founded in 535 BC, eight years after the Buddha's death, when five local princes built a simple rick chedi (temple) to house bits of the Buddha's breastbone.

The temple rests on a gleaming white marble platform, where pilgrims leave their offerings under an umbrella made of 16kg of gold. This arch is inlaid with precious gems and gold rings embedded in each tier. Around this magnificent edifice music, delicious food and drink stalls, theatre performances and traditional Isaan-style dancing take place.

Pilgrims and lay people gather to give prayers to the Buddha and to meditate, with the culmination of the festival on the full moon evening when monks hold a candlelit procession around the temple. We have given you the date of the full moon alone, but be aware that celebrations begin a few days before, and may last a few days beyond.

One of the special things about this particular temple festival is that Lao people from the other side of the Mekong are allowed to come over in their boats (under the beady eyes of the customs and immigration officials) to pay homage to what was once their shared inheritance with the Thais.

The festival is in March 2006 and you can take aplane from Bangkok to Nakkon Phanom which is about 50 km away from That Phanom.

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It has long been believed in Thailand that doves bring good luck to those who raise them. Some are even believed to endow great wealth and honour upon the owner. Every year, Khwan Muang Park in Amphoe Muang celebrates the voice of the treasured bird with this cooing competition.

Years ago it was popular for Thai people to raise zebra doves - especially in the lower southern provinces. A local dove-cooing contest was organised in time, and has since grown into the international event that it is today. The event includes cooing competitions in the small, medium, large and combined voices categories.

Other animals are involved in various fighting competitions - animal rights fans may want to avoid the whole show.

source: World Event Guide

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It has long been believed in Thailand that doves bring good luck to those who raise them. Some are even believed to endow great wealth and honour upon the owner. Every year, Khwan Muang Park in Amphoe Muang celebrates the voice of the treasured bird with this cooing competition.

Years ago it was popular for Thai people to raise zebra doves - especially in the lower southern provinces. A local dove-cooing contest was organised in time, and has since grown into the international event that it is today. The event includes cooing competitions in the small, medium, large and combined voices categories.

Other animals are involved in various fighting competitions - animal rights fans may want to avoid the whole show.

source: World Event Guide

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As part of the Thailand Grand Invitation celebrations in 2006, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Federation of Thai Spa and Visa International (Thailand) Co., Ltd., (VISA), will jointly launch ‘Thai Spa Invitation’ in conjunction with the annual Chiang Mai Flower Festival being held at Suan Buak Haat Park in the northern city of Chiang Mai during February 3-5, 2006.

The kingdom’s spa sector has experienced phenomenal growth in recent years. Designed to promote Thai spa products and services to local residents as well as international visitors and encourage increased patronage of Thai spa services, the Thai Spa Invitation 2006 theme highlights the tremendous range and diversity in spa products and services available in Thailand.

Many of these — including ‘Thai Royal Spa Package’, a special spa package created for the Thailand Grand Invitation celebrations — will be presented during the Thai Spa Invitation launch event in Chiang Mai. The annual Chiang Mai Flower Festival attracts a large number of visitors from around the world and provides an ideal platform for showcasing the full range of Thai spa products and services, and particularly the Lanna Thai spas of Northern Thailand.

he ‘Thai Royal Spa Package’ offers Royal Thai massage and a traditional Thai massage applied with heated herbal compresses or poultices (luuk prakob) and will be offered in spas throughout Thailand.

Simply look out for the "Thai Spa Invitation" signage on display at participating spas.

VISA card holders enjoy a 25 per cent savings on the ‘Thai Royal Spa Package’ and discounts of 20 to 50 per cent on other spa packages.

Thai Spa Invitation 2006 is part of the Thailand Grand Invitation celebrations and encompasses the key themes: Grand Destinations, Grand Events, Grand Festivals, Grand Service and Grand Openings.

The Thai Spa Invitation Grand Opening will be launched in Bangkok in March 2006 and in other key tourist destinations around Thailand throughout 2006 with Samui, Surat Thani province in May, in the beach destinations of Hua Hin, Cha-am and the provinces of Petchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan in July, in Phuket during November 17-19, Krabi in December and Pattaya in January 2007.

source: Tourism Authority Thailand

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As part of the Thailand Grand Invitation celebrations in 2006, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Federation of Thai Spa and Visa International (Thailand) Co., Ltd., (VISA), will jointly launch ‘Thai Spa Invitation’ in conjunction with the annual Chiang Mai Flower Festival being held at Suan Buak Haat Park in the northern city of Chiang Mai during February 3-5, 2006.

The kingdom’s spa sector has experienced phenomenal growth in recent years. Designed to promote Thai spa products and services to local residents as well as international visitors and encourage increased patronage of Thai spa services, the Thai Spa Invitation 2006 theme highlights the tremendous range and diversity in spa products and services available in Thailand.

Many of these — including ‘Thai Royal Spa Package’, a special spa package created for the Thailand Grand Invitation celebrations — will be presented during the Thai Spa Invitation launch event in Chiang Mai. The annual Chiang Mai Flower Festival attracts a large number of visitors from around the world and provides an ideal platform for showcasing the full range of Thai spa products and services, and particularly the Lanna Thai spas of Northern Thailand.

he ‘Thai Royal Spa Package’ offers Royal Thai massage and a traditional Thai massage applied with heated herbal compresses or poultices (luuk prakob) and will be offered in spas throughout Thailand.

Simply look out for the "Thai Spa Invitation" signage on display at participating spas.

VISA card holders enjoy a 25 per cent savings on the ‘Thai Royal Spa Package’ and discounts of 20 to 50 per cent on other spa packages.

Thai Spa Invitation 2006 is part of the Thailand Grand Invitation celebrations and encompasses the key themes: Grand Destinations, Grand Events, Grand Festivals, Grand Service and Grand Openings.

The Thai Spa Invitation Grand Opening will be launched in Bangkok in March 2006 and in other key tourist destinations around Thailand throughout 2006 with Samui, Surat Thani province in May, in the beach destinations of Hua Hin, Cha-am and the provinces of Petchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan in July, in Phuket during November 17-19, Krabi in December and Pattaya in January 2007.

source: Tourism Authority Thailand

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