The highest mountain, Doi Inthanon - Chiangmai - Thailand
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Amazing Thailand !! Welcome, Smile and get to know where and how to travel right in the Land of Smile - Thailand.
The so-called 'Bridge on the River Kwai' looks quite ordinary, but its dramatic story may be of interest. The bridge spans the Mae Nam Khwae Yai, a tributary of the Mae Nam Mae Klong, 3km from Kanjanaburi's lak meuang (town pillar/phallus). Khwae Yai literally translates as 'large tributary'.
It is a three-wheeled vehicle. Its name is derived from the sound of the 2-stroke engine, found in the traditional older tuk-tuks but no longer in use on modern tuk-tuks and certainly not on ours. The tuk-tuk is primarily used as a taxi in Thailand and is a speedy and efficient method of getting about in the traffic chaos of Bangkok. Doing a similar job to the taxi is Thailand's ubiquitous tuk-tuk . So named because of the sound of their engine, these are motorized rickshaws and are popular amongst tourists for their novelty value. They are occasionally faster than taxis in heavy traffic as weaving in and out is easier, but generally about the same or slower. Without any luggage, 3 people can fit into one fairly comfortably - it's possible to fit more in but it gets a bit cramped. Fares always have to be bargained for, and it is sometimes possible to bargain tuk-tuk drivers down to less than the taxi flagfall of 35B when they make good value. Most times, they offer no savings over a taxi, except perhaps if you're good at bargaining and can speak good Thai. The initial price they quote is likely to be well over the going rate, but it's easy to bargain it down to a more reasonable one if you know roughly the equivalent taxi fare. It's essential to bargain the price with tuk-tuks before getting in. If you only ask after the ride, it's likely to end in a request for an ridiculous fare which can obviously lead to an unpleasant situation. Just like taxi drivers, the tuk-tuk drivers mostly come from the rural northeast of Thailand and don't have to undergo any training (some will not even have passed a driving test), so don't be surprised if they sometimes have no idea where your destination is. A subtle point to remember when in one is not to rest your feet on the rail near the drivers head, as doing so is extremely disrespectful towards the driver. As tuk-tuks are open-ended, they expose passengers to the high pollution levels in the middle of Bangkok's roads and offer almost no protection in case of an accident. There is theoretically a ban on new tuk-tuks as they are so noisy and polluting, but it doesn't really seem to be being enforced at present. Nevertheless, many of the local residents are not too enamoured with tuk-tuks nowadays and, were it not for their popularity with tourists, the days of the tuk-tuk on the streets of Bangkok would surely be numbered.
Sukhothai which literally means "Dawn of Happiness" with an area of 6,596 sq.kms., is about 427 km (267 miles) north of Bangkok and was founded in 1238. Sukhothai was the capital of Thailand for approximately 120 years. Found in the 13th century, Sukhothai (literally means “Dawn of Happiness”) was the first truly independent Thai Kingdom, which enjoyed a golden age under King Ramkhamhaeng, credited with creating the Thai alphabet. The superb temples and monuments of this great city have been lovingly restored in Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for all travellers. Sukhothai is located on the lower edge of the northern region, 427 kilometres north of Bangkok or some 298 kilometres south of Chiang Mai. The province covers some 6,596 square kilometres and is divided into 9 Amphoes: Mueang Sukhothai, Ban Dan Lan Hoi, Khiri Mat, Kong Krailat, Sawankhalok, Si Nakhon, Si Samrong, Si Satchanalai and Thung Saliam. In its heyday Sukhothai was a thriving centre of trade, culture and religion. Today the ruined city is situated among rolling green hills and tranquil lotus ponds and offers a glimpse of the culture and architectural wonders of a bygone civilization.
The capital of Thailand from 1350 until it was sacked in 1767 by the Burmese, Ayutthaya is 76 kms. north of Bangkok. Magnificent ruins of the old city still remain, some having been restored. Archaeological excavations are still proceeding at many sites in the area. Attractions in Ayutthaya include: Chao Sam Phraya National Museum; the very large Buddha image called "Phra Mongkhon Bophit"; ruins of the former Royal palace which was a complex with many buildings. Ayutthaya can be reached by train from Bangkok or by bus from the Northem Bus Terminal. As for a river excursion, there are some cruisers running from Bangkok to Ayutthaya every day. Today, there are but groups of crumbling ruins and rows of headless Buddhas where once an empire thrived. The temple compounds are still awe-inspiring even in disrepair and a visit here is memorable and a good beginning for those drawn to the relics of history. The architecture of Ayutthaya is a fascinating mix of Khmer (ancient Cambodian style) and early Sukhothai style. Some cactus-shaped obelisks, called prangs, denote Khmer influence and look something like the famous towers of Angkor Wat. The more pointed stupas are ascribed to the Sukhothai influence. For new arrivals who had limited their visit to Bangkok, similarities may be noted with the riverside Wat Arun, an 18th-century structure that was built in the so-called Ayutthaya style, a melding of Sukhothai Buddhist influences and Hindu-inspired Khmer motifs. Ayutthaya is administratively divided into 16 districts: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ban Phraek, Bang Ban, Bang Pahan, Bang Pa-in, Amphoe Bang Sai, Bang Sai, Lat Bua Luang, Maha Rat, Nakhon Luang, Phachi, Phak-Hai, Sena, Tha Rua, Uthai and Wang Noi.
Massage - Wat Pho is also famous as Thailand's first university, and is center for traditional Thai masage - the rich, famous and powerful have all been known to come here. Inscribed on stone in the walls of Wat Pho are all that was known about Thai massage dating from the reign of King Rama III (most previous texts were lost when the Burmese destroyed Ayuthaya)
To get a traditional massage here costs 150B for 30 mins, 250B for an hour and herbal massages are available at 350B an hour. If you want to experience traditional Thai massage, this is probably the best place available and is highly recommended, though be aware that it's not exactly a gentle experience. A foot reflexology massage is also available at 250B for 45 minutes.
It is also possible to take courses to learn traditional Thai massage. These are for 30 hours and cost 4,500B. Courses can be spread over either 10 or 15 days. The massage center is situated at the back of the Wat, the opposite side from the entrance. To get a massage, simply turn up here and wait in line until a masseur is available - perhaps 10 or 20 minutes in the quieter periods in the early morning and late afternoon.
Siam Water Park is a huge entertainment complex northeast of the city, merely a 60-minute drive from the Lard Prao flyover, and is located in suburban Amphoe Minburi. The park features an extensive man-made sea with artificial surf, whirlpools, fountains and waterfalls, and towering water slides amid carefully landscaped gardens. Satellite attractions include children's playgrounds, aviaries, and open zoo and botanical gardens. About half of the complex is devoted for swimmers and the rest for a selection of rides and amusement games. Facilities include changing rooms, swimsuit rental, fast food and bus from entrance to water park. During holidays and festivals, the park hosts circus or similar entertainments.
The complex is open daily from 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. (weekdays) and 9:00 A.M. to 7:00P.M. (weekends). Admission fee is 200 Baht for adults and 100 Baht for children. Membership fee is 300 Baht per year. Bus service: No. 26 and 27 from Victory Monument. Telephone - 5170075-9.