Thailand Travel Guide

Pak Nam Tapi (ปากน้ำตาปี),Khao Tha Phet Wildlife and Nature Education Centre (สถานีศึกษาธรรมชาติและสัตว์ป่าเขาท่าเพชร),Phra Borommathat Chaiya (พระบรม

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-Pak Nam Tapi (ปากน้ำตาปี)
The Tapi River Mouthe is some 5 kms/ from Ban Don municipality. The area is particular rich in quality seafood restaurants

-Khao Tha Phet Wildlife and Nature Education Centre (สถานีศึกษาธรรมชาติและสัตว์ป่าเขาท่าเพชร)
This is some 6 kms. from town along the Surat Thani-Na San route (Route No.40009). It covers an area of 1,162 acres. and housesa number of caged wild animals near the

Centre. On Khao Tha Phet, at 210 metres above sea level, stands a stupa mamed Phra That Si Sutrat which houses Buddha relics donated by the Indian Government some

40 years ago. The hilltop offers a panoramic view of Surat Thani Town adn the Tapi River.

-Phra Borommathat Chaiya (พระบรมธาตุไชยา)
This ancient pagoda housing Lord Buddha relics is located in Amphoe Chaiya, 54 kms. north of the provincial capital, and dates back to the Srivijaya period over 1,200 years

ago. In the compound, there is the Chaiya National Museum consisting of two buildings, One exhibits stone and bronze sculptures discovered in the ancient city of Chaiya and

the other exhibits artefacts of prehistoric dwen to historic periods from Dvaravati, Sri Vijaya, Lopburi, Sukhothai to Ayutthaya. Art objects and several other crafts are also

displayed here, The museum is open daily between 9 a.m.-4p.m. except for Mondays and Tuesdays.

SURAT THANI

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The name literally means "City of the Good People" and is the former seat of the Srivijaya Empire. It is the largest province of the South, covering an area of 12,891 square kilometres and bordered by the Gulf of Thailand to the north and the east. Surat Thani is located 644 kms. from Bangkok. The topography includes a high plateau and forested mountains to the west, and low basins in the centre and along the coast.

Surat Thani is administratively divided into 18 districts and 1 sub-dustrict: Amphoe Muang Surat Thani, Amphoe Ban Na Doem, Amphoe Ban Na San, Amphoe Ban Ta Khun, Amphoe Chai Buri, Amphoe Chaiya, Amphoe Don Sak, Amphoe Kanchanadit, Amphoe Khian Sa, Amphoe Khiri Ratthanikhom, Amphoe Ko Phangan, Amphoe Ko Samui, Amphoe Phanom, Amphoe Phransaeng, Amphoe Phunphin, Amphoe Tha Chana, Amphoe Tha Chang, Amphoe Wiang Sa, and King Amphoe Wiphawadi.

Nakhon Nayok

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Nakhon Nayok is an ancient town over 900 years old. It was established in the Dvaravati period but the name Nakhon Nayok was just recently found in the records as an eastern fort town of Ayutthaya during the reign of King U Thong. Nakhon Nayok is 106 kilometers from Bangkok by the highway along Khong Rangsit. The distance is 137 kilometers by Highway No. 33 (Suwannason Road). It occupies 2,132 square kilometers and is administratively divided into four Amphoes: Muang, Ban Na, Ongkharak, and Pak Phli.

Nakhon Nayok Attractions:

Nam Tok Sarika
This falls is located in Tambon Sarika, Amphoe Muang, 15 kilometers east of the township along Suwannason Road. This road ends at the area of the waterfall which is very large in size. It was nine-leveled cliff, each level of which has a reservoir storing water large quantity during the rainy season but not water at all during the dry season.

Nam Tok Nang Rong
This waterfall is located in Tambon Hin Tang, Amphoe Muang,20 kms east of the township along Suwannason Road. Branch off on the right-hand side at Km.12 for another seven kilometers where the road ends. The fall consists of many levels each of which has a small reservoir suitable for swimming.

Wang Takhrai
This resort belongs to the Chumphot-Phanthip Foundation and is a botanical garden beautified with a tremendous number of decorative plants occupying an area of 1,400 rai. One can drive to view the area through the internal roads as well as obtain accommodation at different prices.

Nam Tok Wang Muang
This is a small size waterfall having a stream passing through a low cliff. It is accessible by Highway No. 33 from where, at a distance of seven kilometers beyond the provincial township, one has to branch off to the left for a distance of 14 kilometers more to get to the falls.

Nam Tok Heo Narok
This large size waterfall located in the vicinity of Amphoe Pak Phli is under the responsibility of Khao Yai National Park Protection Center. It is accessible via Bangkok Don Muang-Hin Kong; then branch off to the right for 22 kilometers passing Nakhon Nayok township; then branch off again on the left through Highway No. 33 to Noen Hom Intersection. Or from Bangkok one can
go to Rangsit and go by an old road to the Nakhon Nayok-Noen Hom intersection. Then one enters Highway No. 3077 to Nam Tok Heo narok. The waterfall cascades from a 200 meters cliff.

Sida Resort
This resort is located next to Nam Tok Nang Rong on the right of the Nakhon Nayok-Nang Rong Road. There are two streams originating from the fall flowing through the area of the garden. One of the streams flows naturally while the other is blocked from place to place by dikes forming reservoirs at different levels along the way. Tourists are allowed to swim in these two streams but in the dry season there is no water.

Festival & Local Products :

Nakhon Nayok Canoe Races
Canoe races commence at the Wang Takhrai Canal Bridge in Thambon Sarika and end in the Nakhon Nayok River near the provincial capital, a distance of 5 kms. All tourists are welcome to participate.

Local Products
Major products of Nakhon Nayok which visitor like to buy as souvenirs include white-blue ceramics such as vases and teapots, and marble products such as lamp-stands, candle holders and figurines. A variety of tasty preserved fruit is also popular.

http://www.travelthailand.com/central/nakhonyok/nakyok.html

Thailand for health and spa facilities

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Think about it. You have been putting off that complete check-up for years. Or, you could use some dental work. Perhaps you even have, unfortunately, an existing ailment that needs treatment. Or you could be in need of some plastic surgery or indeed some urgently needed surgery that you have been unable to get for any number of reasons back home. OK, here's some food for thought. Why not combine your health and beauty treatment with some world class treatment? And, while you're at it, you probably could save the cost of your holiday in the sun. Sound tempting? Well Thailand has all of the above, and then some. State of the art equipment and personnel. World class hospitals and clinics and spas that will not just make you feel good, but will be good for you as well. All new Thai hotels of note are featuring a significant Spa centers now and many older but first class hotels are rapidly adding great Spa facilities to their range of products and services. The following screens will provide more information on Spa and Health Tourism in Thailand and our participating hotels, Spas, dental clinics and others will be glad to tell you more about the services they offer, so please contact them. Have a happy and healthy visit to Thailand.

http://www.travelthailand.com/spa/index.htm

Shopping in Bangkok. Unique, fun & cheap

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New York has Fifth Avenue. Paris has the Champs Elysees. London has Piccadilly. Ratchadamri represents Bangkok as a local version of the world's glitziest shopping streets. Lose yourself in the ease of air-conditioned department stores lining both sides of the road, and indulge your shopping fantasies with luxury goods from the four corners of the globe.

Over the fast few years, international designers have turned Bangkok's prominent shopping plazas, World Trade Centre, Gaysorn Plaza, Joyce, Amarin Plaza and Peninsula Plaza, into their new fashion runway. At the same time, local stylists proudly proclaim their own exclusive designs at the same venues.

Thailand Downtown Duty Free Shop:
Located on the 7th floor of World Trade Centre in the heart of Bangkok, the shop showcases branded clothes, leather goods, watches, cosmetics and other accessories. Across the street, a specialised department store - Narayana Phand Pavilion- rounds up an enormous and enticing range of fine handicrafts from all around the country, under one extensive roof. Ratchadamri and Ploenchit roads can give you a breathtaking abundance of choices. Open daily from 11 a.m. -8:30 p.m.

Silom Road: A main artery of Bangkok's commercial heart, Silom Road also presents great shopping opportunities. At its lower end, close to the Chao Phraya River, dozens of gem and jewellery stores line the footpaths while temporary stalls offer an array of souvenirs from T-shirts to handicrafts. Major department stores led by Central and Robinson dominate the upper section. The colourful night market of Patpong, which links Silom and Surawongse roads, is thronged with avid bargain-hunters until late into the night.

Soi Lalai Sup: Office chic on the chaotic Silom Road infused the boom of Soi Lalai Sup market years ago. Now it seems as if every Bangkok woman has set their shopping compasses to this famous alley, renowned for its comprehensive collections of ready-to-wear clothing. Other attributes of typical Thai markets- food stalls sweet sellers and cheerful congestion-add to the vitality of this emerging shopping street.

Chinatown and Ban Mor: All that glitters is real gold at Yaowarat, Bangkok's Chinatown, which accommodates the largest concentration of gold shops in Thailand. Traditional stores in the area will also excite the imagination of intrepid browsers. A few blocks away, you'll find the equally sparkling strip of Ban Mor, where quality jewellery stores teem on the footpaths.

Sukhumvit: Like Silom Road, Sukhumvit is one of Bangkok's major thoroughfares, with shops, boutiques, stalls and modern shopping plazas, not to mention hotels, bars and restaurants along both sides. Sukhumvit is known for its abundance of tailor-made garment shops, which offer custom-tailoring as affordable and as easy as buying off the peg. Antique cognoscenti flock to the section of Sukhumvit which houses a number of antique shops specialising in Thai period furniture's, genuinely old or reproduction, and exquisite wood-carvings.

Bang Lamphu: Bangkok's oldest one-stop shopping market, Bang Lamphu is like a huge single-storey department store. From basic necessities to exotic extravagance, you can find it all here. The nearby area of Khao Sarn Road is a gathering place of foreign backpackers. Stores and boutiques catering to budget-conscious shoppers are plentiful there.

Chatuchak Weekend Market: They say that if you can't find it at Chatuchak, you won't find it anywhere in Thailand. Nowhere else can portray the spirit of the informal market more vividly than the maze of Chatuchak. It's impossible to resist the urge to spend money, to try on the garment, to taste the food, to own the painting, to stroke this pet or talk to that plant. Bargainers can demonstrate their skill to the limit, no matter how low the price tag.

Above all, the bustling atmosphere in which the transaction is made is what makes the market a matchless shopping experience.

Khlong Thom Market: Always congested but ever popular, Khlong Thom's charm is unrefined, yet undeniably worthwhile. Second-hand goods are always valued at this old-fashioned flea market, regardless of their condition. Hardware and electrical appliances new or used, broken or functional, guaranteed or buy-at-your-own-risk are Khlong Thom's major commodities. It seems everything can be put on sale here. No need to spend your money, a stroll around Khlong Thom could be an experience in itself.

Doing business in Bangkok

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Starting up in Thailand is fraught with pitfalls. Here are a few suggestions on how to avoid the most obvious.

Doing business in Thailand, with the Thai, can be a rewarding and profitable experience. In fact, if you really know your business, have done your homework, and have "the readies", there is no earthly reason why your business project should not be successful. For the most part, you will find the Thai, regardless of origin, are honest and reliable. That at least has been my experience, and that

of many friends and associates. However, there are cultural and legal obstacles that may lead to frustration and failure. Contracts, whether written or verbal, do not have the same force that they have in the west. In fact, in some cases, they are not worth the proverbial "diddley squat". SO watch it, I suggest a lawer driven document for any worthy project.

More than one hot shot from Hanover, or whiz kid from Wisconsin has gone home with tail firmly implanted between legs, and pockets well and truly laundered. More often than not, even the most basic of understanding of the culture and way of business life could have paved the road to profits.

Alas, more often than not, those who fail have reached these shores with an "I'll teach these bumpkins how business is done" attitude that, through their own superior attitude, leaves them vulnerable to all and any cultural differences. And, as anywhere else in the world, an arrogant, smug bastard and his money are soon parted.

All too often, Hans returns to Hanover and Nigel to Newcastle, sadder, poorer and wiser men. What's more, your troubles and potential pitfalls do not begin or end with the Thai community, not by a long shot.

There are countless Farang, or foreign business people, who love to see "newbies" arriving with their smug attitudes and fat chequebooks. All kinds of deals and "investment" opportunities will be proffered, some viable, others laughable. Never more has the term "let the buyer beware" been more appropriate.

There is a huge expat, or foreign community living and working in The Kingdom. They mostly fall into two categories ( I am referring to the majority here, the honest ones) , those who fend for themselves with their own business ventures, and those who fend for themselves with the safety net on a multinational company.

Not surprisingly, it is our opinion that the latter has the smoother road. He, or she, will be sheltered from the cultural storm by a small army of Thai secretaries, advisors, workers, and others who can translate, understand, advise, and carry our orders.

Work permits and visas are most often prearranged, and the frustrations of dealing with a bureaucracy that seems to move the goal posts frequently are, for the most part, minimized.

They often carry with them a brand name, an established foothold in Thailand, that often includes a fat salary, and a "hardship" living allowance. If they are really lucky, they sport a family structure that gives them safe haven after the day is over and they return to their homeland. That's not to say that theirs is a care- free existence though.

They often represent bosses in some far off head office who have no idea of the cultural differences encountered here, how few actual sales calls can be made in a day, how different approaches must be when one does have a head-on meeting, how discounts are part of the culture, and how great an effect the culture shock really does have. And this is just scratching the surface. Still, they do have advantages.

The real high flyer though is the unsung hero of this little saga. This person, most often male, has been to Thailand before, usually on holiday, and has some cash to invest or develop. Or he has arrived on these shores as one of the executives mentioned in the previous chapter and, frustrated with trying to appease head office honchos, has decided to strike out on his own.

This is the guy that is either going to keep butting his head against brick walls until they fall. Or, until his head gets flat and so does his wallet. End of options. The person at the greatest risk here is the one who came opn holiday and falls in love with the place or the people, or one of the people anyway. Wow is he in for a rude awakening. Hell, being here on holiday gives an absolutely zero true picture of what it is like to do business in the Kingdom. Working and relaxing are different worlds, everywhere.

As we stated in our opening paragraph, it helps if you are good at something; it helps if you have a business plan; and it helps if you can afford to hire a Thai National immediately to at least cut down on the huge potential for misunderstanding.

It also helps if you have some idea of how expensive this town really is,
some idea of how hard it is to find qualified staff, and how much you should pay them.

You will also have an advantage if you get legal advice on visas, work permits, company formations, and the like. And a word to the wise. You will be treading on thin ice these days if you try to do business without the appropriate documents.

Not only are the authorities becoming ever more vigilant, many tax paying, paper carrying, legal and established business persons are getting tired of unencumbered carpetbaggers undercutting the prices of their goods and services too. They are not too bothered about making a discreet telephone call to immigration or the labor department. Trespassers beware.

You will get neither help, nor concessions nor even a thank you from any governmental department. You will get little of value from fellow expats either. You are on your own, bud.

That's the way it is, and it's not a pretty picture. But you know what? I think it is worth it. There are opportunities in Thailand for those who can operate without a safety net.

There are delights to living in this country, and it is a different way of life - many would say better - than what some of us have nudged to the back burner. The whole operation will take time, money and patience, so we sincerely hope you are long on all three.

http://www.bangkokthailand.com/html/busins.htm

The Grand Palace one of Bangkok's most important attractions

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Every visitor to Bangkok should see the magnificent buildings within the Grand Palace compound to get a feeling of the grandeur architectural style.
Since the founding of Bangkok as the Nations capital by King Rama I, The Grand Palace has been the major architectural symbol of The Thai Royal Family. In the present time, The Royal Family resides at Chitralada Palace while The Grand Palace is used for ceremonial purposes.
The main buildings within the Grand Palace compound were built for King Rama V, who was the first Thai King to travel to Europe.

http://www.bangkokthailand.com/html/grand.htm

How to get to the Grand Palace:The most enjoyable route is to take the BTS Skytrain to Taksin Station. From here take a Chao Phraya River Express boat to Tha Chang Wang Luang Pier. It is a short walk from the pier to the entrance to
The Grand Palace public entrance.

Opening Hours: Open to the public everyday, except during special Royal Ceremonies, from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

Admission Fee: Baht 250. This also includes admission to Wat Phra Kaeo, The Royal Thai Decorations & Coins Pavilion in the same compound and to Vimanmek Mansion Museum on Ratchawithi Road. Baht 100. for rental personal audio guide in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese or Mandarin.

Dress Code: Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Thus the following dress - code (applicable to both ladies and gentlemen) is requested:
1. Shorts, mini-skirts, short skirts, tight fitting trousers, as well as tights can not be worn as outer garments.
2. See-through shirts and blouses, as well as culottes or quarter length trousers can not be worn.
3. Sleeveless shirts or vests can not be worn as outer garments.
4. Sandals (without ankle or heel straps) can not be worn.
5. All shirt sleeves, whether long or short, can not be rolled up.
6. Sweat shirts and sweat pants, wind-cheaters, pajamas and fisherman trousers can not be worn.

Bangkok Thailand for visitors

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For occasional travelers, Bangkok has a feast of attractions to offer. The city known as Krung Thep or Bangkok is dotted with 400 glittering Buddhist temples of great beauty and fascination. The city of Angels also features magnificent palaces, classical dance extravaganzas, numerous shopping centres and traditional ways of life. This is true especially along the "Venice of the East" timeless canals and the Chao Phraya River of the "River of Kings" winding through the city. It is worth taking a trip along its waters before exploring further into different canals to take a glimpse of old Bangkok.

Call it what you will, this is a city for participants Bangkok, Krung Thep (Thai name) is a city where, once you step outside of you hotel you are a participant. You cannot possibly be anything else.
Out the door, and wham! The pollution hits you, the traffic hits you, the noise hits you, the smell of the city hits you. God. It's awful. Maybe. But you're here, you're alive, you're bitchin' and complainin' but you are in the most full of life city on the face of the earth.

Call it what you will, this is a city for participants
Bangkok, Krung Thep (Thai name) is a city where, once you step outside of you hotel you are a participant. You cannot possibly be anything else.

Out the door, and wham! The pollution hits you, the traffic hits you, the noise hits you, the smell of the city hits you. God. It's awful. Maybe. But you're here, you're alive, you're bitchin' and complainin' but you are in the most full of life city on the face of the earth.

Forget what you've heard. Forget what you expect. Forget what it. This Bangkok, expect the unexpected. Bangkok is action. Every-where you go, 24 hours a day there is something going on. Bangkok is safe, no matter what TV stations say to the contrary. One can venture almost anywhere, anytime with-out apprehension. Get out. Get involved. Bangkok is sightseeing, and you know what brother? You are one of the sights.

Bangkok is eating (not dining, bloody eating, the Thai's never stop). Bangkok is party city, big time. It is many things to many people more than we can cover here, of course, but read on and get your appetite whetted.

If you have a bit of time, and some dollars in the pocket, the entertainment world, to coin a cliche, is your oyster in Bangkok. Of course, fun can be had at any roadside stall selling cheap food and blasting out Thai pop songs, but if the mood calls for a wee bit more sophistication, venture out, and sample some delights.

This is assuming that one has already exhausted the in-house entertainment provided by any five-star hotel worth its spurs.

Not too far from Patpong, the raunchy collection of girlie bars for which Bangkok is unjustifiably infamous, and the leading riverside hotels, is Soi Sarasin, a genteel, tree-lined avenue sided by the expanses of Lumpini Park. It boasts a cluster of bar and restaurants catering to Bangkok's fast lane set. Most serve food, some have live music and on Friday and Saturday nights it's standing room only, probably on the pavement outside.

Mid-week, though, it's well worth a visit for a tipple in a less crowded environment. In this neck of the woods, Brown Sugar has staked its claim as the place to be seen sipping a Corona or Chivas-Coke. Live jazz is provided by the best resident jazz bands in the region, with patrons occasionally jamming along. The suds are not cheap at 180 baht a beer-street price 22 baht-but the atmosphere is good, and the music always excellent. Dress is consciously underdressed.

Moving on a bit, Soi Lang Suan is home to several bars, and clubs. The Dom Perignon is a first- class French restaurant. Moscva is the only Russian restaurant in town and theme pubs abound. Dux, on Soi Lang Suan 5 is a nifty, but understated little place to see and be seen in, with the theme of.. yep you guessed it.

Around midnight has long been popular spot. the live music is jazz/pop. Most of the restaurants and clubs are within 100 yards of Soi Sarasin, so take a stroll. You may even end up at an authentic sidewalk Thai restaurant: sip a cold beer or whisky beneath the trees while you ponder your next move. The prices may amaze you - they are a wad cheaper than hotel bills with their plus totals at the end of the night.

In the past few years, Bangkok has positively bloomed in terms of one-stop entertainment night spots. These usually feature a restaurant, a disco, pub, karaoke bar and night club under one roof, Their inspiration lies in New York, but practically, they have caught on with the in crowd in a major way because of Bangkok's appalling traffic, where a visit to more than two destinations in one night is a major undertaking.

Among the hotels, Spasso at the basement level of The Grand Hyatt Erawan in Rajadamri Road, near Ploenchit, and Cheers Pub in the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza, on Silom Road have caught on as the place to be. Catching on quick with the local expat scene is Sharon Woods at the Pan Pacific on Rama 4 Rd. World class is how I could best describe this lady, she is well worth a visit.

The list goes on, but by now one should be exhausted. If not, invest a few baht in a local newspaper, and explore some more.

http://www.bangkokthailand.com/html/krungt.htm

Attractions : Kra Isthmus (คอคอดกระ) & Namtok Bokkrai (น้ำตกบกกราย)

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Attractions : Kra Isthmus (คอคอดกระ)

The narrowest part of the Malay Peninsula is located approximately at Km. 545 of Highway No.4 in Amphoe Kra Buri. There is a viewpoint overlooking the scenic landscape around the Kra Buri River, which forms the border between Thailand and Myanmar.

Attractions : Namtok Bokkrai (น้ำตกบกกราย)

This the waterfall with many levels and pleasant surroudings is 2 kms. from the Kra Buri Market and another 13 kms. on an access road.

Attractions : Tham Phra Khayang (ถ้ำพระขยางค์)

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This beautiful cave adorned with plenty of stalactites and stalagmites is located at Km. 564 on High way No. 4, some 12 kms. north of the town. An old legend links it to the establishment of Kra Buri town. It is said that Lek Lai, a special iron element believed to be elastic and flexible like wax, has been found in this cave.

Attractions : Namtok Chum Saeng or Namtok Sai Rung (น้ำตกชุมแสง หรือน้ำตกสายรุ้ง)

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This is located in Ban Pak Chan, 80 kms. north of Ranong or 16 kms. from Amphoe Kra Buri. It can be accessible by Highway No. 4 and the turn left at Km. 529-530 onto the laterite road for another 3 kms. The waterfall looks most beautiful when a colourful rainbow someties appears on the spray of the waterfall on a sunny day.

Attractions : Ko Phayam (เกาะพยาม)

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This island largely covered by cashew nut plantations can be reached by boat from the Ranong Landing. On the island, there is also a pearl farm and fishing villages.

Other offshore islands where visitors can enjoy fishing and diving are Ko Sin Hai and Ko Chang. A boat can be hired from the Ranong Landing.

Attractions : Ko Song or Victoria Point (เกาะสอง หรือ วิคตอเรียพอยท์)

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A small town of Myanmar that is accessible by boat from the Ranong Landing at the mouth of the Kra Buri River. The boat trip takes only half an hour. Customs and Immigration formalities must processed first.

Attractions : Hat Chan Damri (หาดชาญดำริ)

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Situated near Km. 8 on Route No. 4004 (Ranong-Pak Nam route), is small beach stretches to the mouth of the Kra Buri River where visitors may take a boat to travel up the river to Amphoe Kra Buri. Accommodation on the beach is avilable.

Attractions : Phu Khao Ya (ภูเขาหญ้า)

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A vast hilly grassland, which offers refreshing scenery during the rainy season, is located 12 kms. south of Ranong town. This naturally bald area is distinct to the surroundings which are covered by thick forest.

Attractions : Nam Tok Ngao (น้ำตกหงาว)

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This pristine waterfall in the Khlong Phrao National Park is located 12 kms. south of the town. The whole stream cascades from a high mountain top and can be seen from a distance. The jungle area around the falls is home to Pu Chao Fa, a rare species of freshwater crab.

Attractions : Nam Tok Punyaban (น้ำตกบุญบาล)

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This roadside waterfall is some 15 kms. before Ranong township on the Kra Buri-Ranong route. The water cascades from a high cliff and makes a refreshing rest stop for motorists touring in the South.

Attractions : Wat Hat Som Paen (วัดหาดส้มแป้น)

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7 kms. along Route No.4005, the temple is located by the Hat Som Paen Canal, which is full of fish.

Attractions : Hot Springs (บ่อน้ำร้อน)

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The most popular attraction of Ranong is 2 kms. east of town, situated among shady surroundings which has a maintained aboretum called the Raksawarin Park. The temperature of the springs is about 65 degrees Celsius.

Ranong Province

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Ranong is the first southern province on the western coast, located 568 kms. from Bangkok. It is also known for the long rainy period, which lasts for 8 months each year. Ranong occupies an area of 3,298 square kilometres and is bordered by Myanmar and the Indian Ocean to the west. Within its compact area, Ranong contains various natural attractions and is blessed with unspoilt mangrove forests.

Ranong is administratively divided into 4 districts and 1 subdistrict: Amphoe Muang Ranong, Amphoe Kapoe, Amphoe Kra Buri, Amphoe La-un and King Amphoe Suk Samran.

Major Events : Lang Suan Fruit Festival (เทศกาลผลไม้หลังสวน)

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This is held aroud August. Its main objective is to promote the agricultural produce of Amphoe Lang Suan especially a variety of fruits including durian, mangosteen and rambutan. Major activities are processions of floats decorated with local fruits and flowers, fruit contests and an agricultural exhibition.

Major Events : Chumphon's Marine Festival (เทศกาลโลกทะเลชุมพร)

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The festival takes place in the middle of March or April every year to promote tourism in Chumphon. Activities include an angling competition, photo contest, tourism exhibition and mini-marathon.

Attractions : Namtok Heo Lom (น้ำตกเหวโหลม)

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This huge waterfall in the area of Amphoe Pha To is situated 16 kms. from the district aling the Pha To-Ratchakrut route (Route No. 4006), then turn left and continue for another 6 kms. The waterfall consists of two levels. The stream flows into a rocky pool before winding through Amphoe Pha To to the Lang Suan River. Rafting along the stream to Kaeng Bok Fai (rapids) is possible only from November to February. The raft trip takes about 2 hours.

Attractions : Hat Arunothai (หาดอรุโณทัย)

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This 6 km. long, palm-fringed beach in Amphoe Thung Tako is situated 60 kms. from Chumphon aling Highway No. 4. On the beach, there is the Shrine of H.R.H Prince Chumphon, the Father of the Royal Thai Navy and a resort where visitors can hire a boat to explore some islands such as Ko Khram and Ko Raobanthat.

Attractions : Tham Khao Kriap (ถ้ำเขาเกรียบ)

2008-02-18T22:19:00.004+07:00

One of the most beautiful caves, located 85 kms. south fo Chumphon along Highway No. 4 and 6 kms. along an access road. The cave is full of stalactites and stalagmites. A temple is situated at the foot of the Khao Kriap Hill from which 375 steps lead to the mouth of the cave.

Attractions : Tham Khao Ngoen (ถ้ำเขาเงิน)

2008-02-18T19:17:00.002+07:00

This cave is located by a stream in the same area as Somdet Phra Srinakarin Park, 7 kms. west of Amphoe Lang Suan. The inside of the cave looks like a large hall and houses the inscription of King Rama V's initials.

Attractions : Tham Khao Khun Krathing (ถ้ำเขาขุนกระทิง)

2008-02-18T19:06:00.003+07:00

This cave is located 12 kms. south of Chumphon along the road to Amphoe Lang Suan (Highway No.41). Prehistoric paintings of geometrical signs are found on the cliff near the mouth of the cave, 25 metres above the ground.

Attractions : Ko Ngam Nou and Ko Ngam Yai (เกาะง่ามน้อย-ง่ามใหญ่)

2008-02-18T19:00:00.003+07:00

The surrounding areas of these two adjacent stone islands are suitable for diving. These are also the islands of swallows' nests, situated 17 kms. from the shore.

Attractions : Ko Chorakhe (เกาะจระเ้ข้)

2008-02-18T17:42:00.003+07:00

This is small island with a stony beach and a coral reef is located 11 kms. from Ao Thung Wua Lan.

Attractions : Ao Thung Wua Laen (อ่าวทุ่งวัวแล่น)

2008-02-18T17:25:00.002+07:00

Know as the most beautiful beach Chumphon, Hat Thung Wua Lan is a long and sandy beach with a slight slope ideal for swimming. It is stiuated 16 kms. north of the town. A comfortable hotel and bungalows, as well as diving facilities, are available. Visitors may take a boat from the beach to explore some offshore island including:

Attractions : Ko Thalu (เกาะทะลุ)

2008-02-18T13:24:00.003+07:00

A picturesque stone island measuring 100 metres long has two large holes through which one can swim from one side to the other. Nearby areas are full of coral and varieties of marine flowers.

Other coral islands include Ko Rat (เกาะแรด), Located to the south of Chumphon, and Ko Thonglang (เกาะทองหลาง)

Attractions : Ko Mattra (เกาะมัตตรา)

2008-02-18T13:03:00.002+07:00

This is a large island with a sandy beach. Spectacular rocks are seen in the west and south of the island. There is a coral reef on the west coast, and rare crabs called Pu Kai, which can climb up trees and cry like a chick, can be seen here. Small bungalows are available.

Attractions : Ko Samet (เกาะเสม็ด)

2008-02-18T12:59:00.003+07:00

This has the same name as the famous island in Rayong. It is a small island which can be reached within 30 minutes from the Chumphon Estury.

Attractions : Pak Nam Chumphon (ปากน้ำชุมพร)

2008-02-18T12:40:00.002+07:00

It is the mouth of the Tha Taphao River where a large fishing village is situated. The estuary is located 13 kms. from town and can be reached via Route Nos. 4001 and 4119. On the bank of the Tha Taphao River. there are a few landings where boats depart regularly to Ko Tao (เำกาะเ่ต่า). Ko Tao is a remote island famous for beautiful scenery and coral reefs, and can be reached from Chumphon within 6 hours by narmal boat or 2 and a half hours by speed-boat.

In addition, there are some offshore islands, which can be visited by fishing boat. These include:

Attractions : Ao Thung Makham (อ่าวทุ่งมะขาม)

2008-02-18T12:33:00.002+07:00

This scenic bay looks like a line of 2 semi-circles and is full of coconut plantations. It is located 6 kms. beyond Hat Sai Ri.

Attractions : Ko Maphrao (เกาะมะพร้าว)

2008-02-18T07:59:00.002+07:00

This is a smal island full of swallow's nesls located 1 km. from Hat Sai Ri and can be clearly seen from the shore.

Attractions : Hat Sai Ri (หาดทรายรี)

2008-02-18T00:19:00.003+07:00

This famous and scenic beach of Chumphon. located 15 kms. southeast of the township. can be reached via Route Nos. 4119 and 4089. To the north of the beach, there is the memorial site of H.R.H. Price Chumphon, Father of teh Royal Thai Navy, extremely revered by all seamen. The componud houses a shrine, a huge torgedo boat named the Royal Chumphon and a herbal garden

En route to Hat Sai Ri. there is a small road parallel to some palm-fringed beaches as Hat Pharadonphap (หาดภราดรภาพ) and Hat Pla Daeng (หาดผาแดง) where some seafood restaurants are situated.

Attractions : Namtok Kapo Forest Park (วนอุทยานน้ำตกกะเปาะ)

2008-02-18T00:11:00.003+07:00

The park is located in the area of Amphoe Tha Sae, 30 kms. north of Chumphon town along Highway No.4. It has a pleasant atmosphere of cool forest suitable for relaxtion with a small waterfall.

Chumphon Province

2008-02-17T23:55:00.005+07:00

The port city of Chumphon, considered the gateway to the south, is located 463 kms. from Bangkok and covers an area of 6,009 square kilometres. Along its 222-km. coastline, there are many beautiful beaches and bays as well as some offshore islands where visitors may enjoy diving and fishing. Chumphon also abounds in fruit plantation and thick forest where a number of waterfalls and caves are hidden.

Chumphon is adminstratively divided into 8 districts: Amphoe Muang Chumphon, Amphoe Lamae, Amphoe Lang Suan, Amphoae Pathiu, Amphoe Phato, Amphoe Sawi, Amphoe Tha Sae, and Amphoe Thung Tako.