Let's Travel -Travel in Thailand Pattaya Huahin Koh Sichang

Shanghai - China

2007-09-04T09:50:00.000+07:00

Shanghai China

Shanghai, a vigorous and energetic international metro-polis, welcomes people from all over the world to enjoy its special atmosphere. This modern metropolis with its rich heritage of ancient Chinese culture has much to see and do.

The Oriental Pearl TV
Tower is the modern symbol of Shanghai City. Standing beside the Huangpu River with a height of 468 meters (1536 feet), it is the tallest TV tower in Asia and the third highest in the world. This unusual structure that dominates the skyline is a great attraction to tourists.

Nanjing Road is considered to be the "No. 1 commercial street in China". Here along its 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles), you will find over 600 shops that on average are visited by some 1.7 million people each day. If you like shopping, do not miss it!

Yuyuan Garden is the largest of Shanghai's ancient gardens with architectural styles of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The garden has six areas, each with its own style. The Grand Rockery, in the center of the Garden, is the most renowned sight here.

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, ancient Chinese art and houses 120,000 precious relics. Bronzes, pottery, paintings and calligraphies are distinctive features of the Museum'sShanghaiShanghai Museum is a veritable treasure house of collection. Seen from above, the Museum resembles a large bronze mirror of the Han Dynasty (206BC -220). From the distance, it looks like a bronze Ding, an ancient cooking vessel that contains so many mementos of the 5,000-year-old history of Chinese civilization.

The Bund : Another sight not be missed is The Bund. Situated on the east bank of the Huangpu River , here, one can enjoy the bracing air and fine sunshine as well as seeing something of the many activities along the river. The new finance and commercial houses cluster together along the south of the Bund while along the west there is a wealth of grand buildings in the European architectural styles of the nineteen-twenties, thirties and early forties. Marshal Chen Yi's statue looks down on the square where lively musicians gather to play and sing bringing pleasure to the many people who stop by to listen. At night bright lights add to the happy atmosphere as people stroll along the wide riverside promenade.

Shanghai Jade Buddha Temple - white jade BuddhaThe Jade Buddha Temple is one of the most famous Buddhist temples to be found in Shanghai. The White Jade Buddhas were brought here from Burma in the nineteenth century. One is seated while the other is in the recumbent position of Sakyamuni symbolizing the Buddha's attainment of enlightenment or nirvana. The temple also has some impressive images of the Heavenly Kings. Although many people come to worship each day and burn incense at this very holy and active shrine, visitors are welcome.

The Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China is a typical two-storey brick and timber building of the kind to be seen in Shanghai City. It was here that the founding of the Communist Party of China was announced in 1921. The Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen was once home to the famous Chinese democratic revolutionary and first president of Chinese Kuomintang, Sun Yat-sen and his wife, Song Qingling. The building contains exhibits furniture and personal effects once used by Dr. Sun Yat-sen.

The visitor to Shanghai having marveled at the city's modern architecture and historical sites will be further rewarded when going to see neighboring water towns like Zhujiajiao and Qibao Ancient Town . Here is another world where ancient houses huddle by the rivers running through the towns that with their flagstone-paved roads and typical local flavors will be sure to slow your pace as you savor their traditions.

When To Go

Above all, the rule for Shanghai is to lay low during, or altogether avoid the Chinese New Year; the city grinds to a halt and public transport is flooded. The rest of winter offers good hotel discounts and few tourists.
Summer is peak season and gets a bit muggy, while from September to November the temperate weather brings out several interesting arts festivals and fairs. These are probably the best months to visit but trade fairs and conventions do little to bring the prices down from peak season.

Xin Tian Ti : Night Life in Shanghai - Same as Kao Sarn Road in Thailand

'For the good memories of the long journey of my heart'

Singapore

2007-08-23T00:28:00.001+07:00

Singapore is the East's great melting pot, a cultural pot pourri that leaves the unsuspecting visitor dazzled. Sir Stamford Raffles, a British civil servant, brought the ‘Lion City’ to world prominence after searching for a trading station to counter the Dutch influence in the Straits of Malacca, and trade has remained the island’s mainstay.

Centuries before Sir Stamford Raffles acquired it from the Sultan of Johor in 1819, Singapore had been virtually abandoned. However, within decades Singapore had become the main commercial and strategic centre for the region. In 1867, it became a British Crown Colony and housed one of the UK’s most important naval bases. This status remained unchanged until 1942 when the Japanese army swept down through Malaya and occupied the colony. Three-and-a-half years later the Japanese surrendered in Singapore and the colony assumed its previous status. And with the dissolution of the British Empire came internal self-government (1959).

In 1963, Singapore joined the Federation of Malaysia, but broke away in 1965 to become fully independent. The initial outlook was unpromising: Singapore is tiny and has no natural resources apart from a good harbour. However, Lee Kuan Yew (first elected prime minister in 1959 and re-elected eight times thereafter) managed to galvanise the population into building a strong, export-led manufacturing and service economy.

Tourism for Singapore has also proven to be of good economic benefit. Culture lovers thrive in this fusion of Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures - the main ethnic groups - with its assortment of mosques, temples and synagogues. Singapore presents a happy collision of opposites – grand and expensive at the famed Raffles Hotel, but low-key and cheap in the food markets of Bugis Junction and Clarke Quay.

But even in the low-key and cheap areas, Singapore remains an incredibly clean city where nothing is allowed to dull the shine – even down to the banning of chewing gum. In the last few years there has been some pressure to relax the numerous laws that have given Singapore a reputation as a prosperous but rather antiseptic and pettily repressive city-state. But Singapore City's exciting riverside parade of bars and restaurants reveals that Singaporeans actually do know how to have fun – and plenty of it.

The natural world is never far away in Singapore, either: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve has a significant area of primary rainforest within its boundaries, while, for the adventurous, Sungei Buluh Nature Park offers the chance for trekking. Check out Pulau Ubin’s mangrove forest, a bumboat’s ride from Changi jetty, or Kusu site of Taoists’ annual pilgrimage.

Koh Chang - Trat - Thailand

2007-08-11T10:44:00.001+07:00

Koh Chang has always been a favourite get-away for Thai people. Lush and mountainous, this quiet island, full of natural treasures is a jewel just waiting to be discovered.

Only 360 kilometres from Bangkok, Koh Chang is an island paradise with pristine forests and rich marine life. The largest of 47 islands off the coast of Trat province, its seeming inaccessibility means that the island has been largely overlooked by visitors, making it a true island get- away. However, an excellent road from Bangkok and a new flight to Trat airport, have meant that the destination is now starting to get the attention that it deserves.

Mountainous Koh Chang has an undisturbed interior of dense tropical rain forest, home to many species including macaque monkeys, barking deer and wild pig. Trekkers can also expect to see more than 70 species of bird. Koh Chang and the islands in this chain were awarded Marine National Park status in 1982 to ensure that this pristine environment is preserved.

Whilst exploring the jungle is a possibility, the less energetic who simply want to relax on the beach won't be disappointed! The whole of the western side of the island has white sand beaches, which stretch as far as the eye can see.

GETTING THERE
To reach the Koh Chang Marine National Park you need to travel eastbound to Trat, the easternmost province in the Gulf of Thailand that borders Kampuchea. This is the jumping-off point to the islands. Most visitors take the Bangna-Trat route. However, visitors who are already in Pattaya, Rayong or Koh Samet can conveniently link to Trat as well, either by road or by sea.

Trat is accessible by three main routes from Bangkok. Travelling time is about 4 hours. For convenience and better road surface use the elevated Bangkok-Chonburi Tollway until its final exit or the Bangkok-Chonburi Motorway and exit for Ban Bung-Klaeng-Chantaburi.

BY PRIVATE CAR

ROUTE 1 : Bangna-Chonburi-Ban Bung-Klaeng-Chantaburi-Trat

DISTANCE : 315 KILOMETERS
This is the more preferred route with the following details:

(a) Take highway No.3 (Bangna-Trat Road) until you reach the Chonburi by-pass. You can either take the normal road or the new elevated Bangkok-Chonburi Tollway which is right above it. Toll fee is 55 Baht.

(b) Exit from the main road,head to the left and follow the Chonburi by-pass that reads Pattaya-Rayong.

(c) Head for Rayong until you see the Ban Bung-Klaeng-Chanthabun and the Bang Saen-Pattaya Signboards.

(d) Take the Ban Bung-Klaeng-Chanthabun route on your left.You are now on highway no.344

(e) Turn right at the Ban Bung-Klaeng intersection and head for Kleang only until you reach the Chanthaburi-Rayong junction. Take the left route to Chanthaburi but do not enter the town which is on your right. This is again highway No.3. Instead go forward until you reach the Sa Kaew-Trat junction.

(f) Take the right turn and go all the way to the town of Trat.

(g) Altematively,you can head directly to the three piers without passing through Trat town.Look for the signboard Laem Ngop at the Laem Ngop-Trat junction.Notice there is a PTT petrol station to your left before the junction.Tum right to Laem Ngop.This is Highway no. 3156 (Laem Ngop-Sahn Tung Road).You will reach Ao Thammachat followed by Centre Point and Kromalung Chumpom Piers.

ROUTE 2 : The Motorway is another altemative. Starting from Rama IX Road and onto Srinakarin Road exit after paying the second toll that leads to Ban Bung, Klaeng, Chantaburi and finally Trat. The total toll fee is 60 Baht.

ROUTE 3 : Bangna-Chonburi-Rayong-Chanthaburi-Trat

DISTANCE : 385 KILOMETERS
This is the other route using the same highway no.3 but can take longer as you need to pass through the province of Chonburi.

By Air - Conditioned Bus

1. The Ekamai Bus Terminal is the main terminal for the eastern provinces. It is located at Ekamai section of the Sukhumvit Road which is also easily accessible by the BTS Skytrain. Air-conditioned and ordinary buses depart almost every hour . The trip is about 5 hours.

2. The Northern Bus Terminal (New Morchid) is the other route. lt is located at New Morchid of the Kampaeng Petch Road. The trip is also about 5 hours.

Koh Si Chang - Thailand

2007-08-07T20:27:00.001+07:00

Koh Si Chang - Si Chang Island Chonburi

Located some hundreds kilometre east of Bangkok, Koh Si Chang is the most well known and biggest island in Chonburi Province. The island has been in a tourist map since the early 20th century. Covering an area of 18 square kilometers, it is surrounded by small islets; namely Koh Kham Yai, Koh Kham Noi, Koh Prong, Koh Ran Dokmai, Koh Sampan Yeu, Koh Kang Kao, Koh Yai Tao, and Koh Tai Ta Meun.

Koh Sichang was once the summer residence of H.M. King Chulalongkorn, Rama V during the nineteenth century. His House, Gardens and Shrine are well maintained to this day, and are certainly worth a visit.

Koh Sichang is refreshingly low on tourists and offers a tranquil atmosphere to relax you after the rigours of Bangkok. However, the Island does attract many Chinese, for Chinese New Year especially, who come to the Island especially to visit the temple SAKW CHAO PAW KHAO YAI (shrine of the Father Spirit of the Great Hill). Caves to the rear of the Temple are full of religious statues and artifacts.

The Island has an area of 18 square kilometres and has an annual rain fall of 12mm falling mainly between May and November. The temperature ranges between 26°C and 40°C with up to 80% humidity.

Getting to Koh Si Chang
Koh Sichang is reached by ferry from Siracha. The ferry leaves promptly on the hour and costs 30 baht one way. Alternatively you can hire a boat for about 800 baht. Siracha is reached from Bangkok most easily by taxi, about 1,000 - 1,500 baht (from the airport), or much more cheaply by bus. Take the Pattaya bus which leaves the Eastern Bus Terminal 3 times an hour and costs about 70 baht.

There are many buses linking the airport and the Eastern Bus Terminal.

Dinner with sunrise...

Activities ... Fishing .... Ride the canu

Souvenir

Koh Samed - Rayong - Thailand

2007-08-05T10:06:00.000+07:00

Koh Samet ( or Koh Samed ) Rayong

Rayong located at Eastern board of Thailand, 179km by car from Bangkok. It consists of 3,552 square km area and

100 km of beach connect to the gulf of Thailand. The 10 islands group is abundant with marine resources. It

contains many oddly shaped islands and rocks. The largest island is Koh Samet which is well known in South East Asia.

Koh Samet has superb beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Less than seven kms off the coast of Rayong Province in the eastern Gulf of Thailand, it combines the allure of a tropical paradise with reasonable proximity to Bangkok.

Koh Samet has been known as a safe anchorage for sailors since at least the 13th century and in the 19th century its sheer beauty was the inspiration for the literary masterpiece of Thailand's most famous romantic poet, Sunthorn Phu. In the 1970's it was 'discovered' by Thai teenagers and young couples seeking a weekend retreat from life in Bangkok. In spite of its protected status as part of the Khao Laem Ya - Samet National Marine Park the island has developed into a resort destination much loved by both Thais and foreigners. Episodic attempts by the authorities to evict the developers have not yet dislodged them, and bungalow accommodations are available all over the island.

More than a dozen coves and beaches provide visitors a range of choices from campsites on secluded, deserted beaches to bungalows with all the modern conveniences in more settled and gregarious communities.

Samet Beach
Hat Sai Kaew
Hat Sai Kaew or Diamond beach is the longest and one of the most popular beaches on Ko Samet. It is located in the North-East and it is about 780 meters long. This is the beach You should choose if you like to have a little people and activities around you, but at the same time live next to a almost paradise-like beach. The sand is almost snow-white and the water is invitingly green-blue.

Ao Vong Duan - Ao Vong Duan is a 500 meter long half moon shaped beach with the most fantastic sunrise on this island. The sand is as inviting as on Hat Sai Kaew and the atmosphere here is really pleasant.

Ao Lung Dam ( Recommend ) N ext to Ao SangThian, a good atmosphere with some sandy and some rocky beach ,perfectly for fishing.At Lung Dam Beach,you can see both sunrise and sunset,this is very romactic place for you.

Ao Cho/Ao Tan Tawan : these two beach are on the same bend of watercourse. Ao Cho Beach is a quiet and peaceful beach, perfect for your holiday with the white sandy beach.

Ao Prao : The only beach on the West coast of Samet is a real beauty and a few elegant hotels are located here. The beach is about 200 meters long and very pleasant. The sunset from Ao Prao is on a clear night a memory that will probably last a lifetime.

Ao Noi Na : Ao Noi Na is suitable for those who looking for a truly relaxing experience on the white & clean sandy beach. You can find only a few resorts at this beach. There is a sleepy fishing village feel to this area and the ambiance is quite peaceful and tranquil yet not too far from the excitement in Sai Kaew Beach .

Ao Thian : Ao Thian's topography is painted by rocky beach in which some nice spots for skin diving are available. This beach is very quiet and free from group tours with bungalows and resorts available around the beach area.

Ao Pakarang : The best place to experience the traditional lifestyle of the residents of Koh Samet is at Ao Karang where there also are a number of seafood restaurants providing fresh seafood dishes at reasonable prices. Right now there's only 1 small lovely resort at this beach, you'll see the sunrise at the front door and found that sunset is behind at the back door !

Ao Kui : This bay is a perfect secluded den for those planning to keep their distance from the busy, crowded beaches and vibrant nightlife. From Aow Kiu Nok, visitors can actually walk to Aow Kiew Nai which is the ideal spot to see the spectacular sun rise and sun set.

Ao Wai : Ao Wai is located within a short walking distance of Candlelight and Lung Dam Beach . Shaded by coconut trees, the beach is a quite, scenic and serene spot for sea lovers. There's only 1 resort here, so sure that the most privacy will be yours

Ao Lungwang : Ao Lungwang is next to Ao Cho.At Ao Lungwang,there is a bridge down to the sea,suitable for fishing and swimming.The convenience way to get to Ao Lungwang is just take the boat to Ao Vongduern and walk about 100 metres further.

Getting There

Take Bus from Bangkok :
Rayong is the gateway from the east to the north and northeast. Take a bus to Ban Phe - Rayong province.

After that take Ferry to Koh Samet , Fare / trip around 60-150 Baht depense on the beach.

Koh Larn - Chonburi - Thailand

2007-08-03T22:21:00.000+07:00

Koh Larn : Pattaya : Chonburi

Koh Larn Popularly known as Coral Island, Koh Larn – appoximately 7 km from the Pattaya shoreline and covering an area of about 4 sq km – offers the visitor a mixed bag of pastimes. The island is blessed with beautiful sandy white beaches, clear water, and an abundance of coral – the coral reefs can be viewed either from a glass-bottom boat or by snorkeling and scuba-diving. Other popular activities on Koh Larn include: swimming, diving, para-sailing, water-skiing & jet-skiing. If scuba-diving and snorkeing around Koh Larn, look out for sea turtles, juvenile bamboo & nurse sharks, spotted rays, cuttlefish & clown fish...

Koh Larn Beaches

Ta Waen Beach in the northern part of the island offers a 750 metre stretch of white sand with many stalls and shops. On the south-western side of the island, Laem Thian has a beach spanning 700 metres, whilst Samae Beach stretches for 100 metres. Ta Pan Beach on the western part of the island is 500 metres in length with make-shift lodging available. On the southern part is Nuan Beach 450 meters in length – on this beach is a hotel which accommodates a large number of tourists.

Getting there from Pattaya
Ferry

Koh Lan is 45 minutes by ferry from Pattaya. A ferry leaves South Pattaya pier daily from 10 a.m. until 6.30 p.m. One-way fare is 20 baht. On return, the ferry leaves Ko Lan's Na Ban Beach at 12 noon and 2 p.m.

Speedboat
Speed boat operators can be found the length of Beach Road. Negotiate and settle on a price before boarding the boat. The journey from Pattaya to Koh Lan by speedboat takes about 15 minutes. A good price to charter a speedboat is about 1200 -- 1400 Baht.

Hua Hin - Prachuap Khiri Khan - Thailand

2007-07-31T23:39:00.000+07:00

Hua Hin - Prachuap Khiri Khan - Thailand

The provincial capital is a fishing port with a superb location beside beautiful curving bays and amongst steep mountain outcrops. About 100 kilometres to the north of Prachuap Khiri Khan is Hua Hin, Thailand's first beach resort which is renowned for golf and spa. Between Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan are Pran Buri with many boutique resorts and Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park with soaring peaks, numerous caves and exotic bird life.

Hua Hin 281 kilometers south of Bangkok, Hua Hin, which literally means stone head in Thai, is the oldest beach resort of the country and is still very popular. Clean white sand, crystal clear water and a tranquil atmosphere has continued to attract tourists in search of peaceful and relaxing holidays.

The town was originally known as Ban Samoe Rieng, or Ban Laem Hin (Stony Point Village). The construction of a railway station in the city as part of the Southern Railroad in the reign of King Rama VI resulted in making Hua Hin stand out from many quite fishing villages. In addition, the construction of a Summer Palace of King Rama VII totally transformed the village into a high-society resort town for royalty. Even today, the Royal Family continues to reside at the Palace for part of the year.

Hua Hin's consequence came with the opening of the Railway Hotel (known today as the Sofitel Central Hotel), an elegant Victorian-style resort hotel, and also the countrys first standard golf course. A cluster of royal and high-society residences gradually became more visible resulting in the transformation of the whole village into the first seaside resort of the country, where visitors could enjoy swimming, fishing, and golfing in the country's first standard golf course.

Today, Hua Hin is a well-established beach destination with word-class facilities coupled with a true sense of Thai hospitality. Despite its expansive growth and development as a luxurious destination, the splendor of Hua Hin remains intact. Remaining content in itself, Thailand's oldest seaside resort has never sought international recognition. It has continued to provide a peaceful and relaxed sanctuary in a picturesque environment that comes with a true sense of historical identity.

Veeranda Resort

Veeranda Resort

Dusit Resort Hua Hin
Can see this from my boss condo.

Hua Hin Night Market

Ro ti - Yummy Yummy
Eat and go to bed

Twilight Beach

Hua Hin Jazz Festival 2007
Yearly Special Even on Hua Hin Beach

My Models :P

Getting to Hua Hin Prachuap Khiri Khan : from Bangkok

By air
SGA Airlines operates daily flights between Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi Airport) and Hua Hin. The flights take about 1 hour.

Schedules are subject to change without prior notice. Please contact SGA for more flight details Tel. +66 (0) 2664 6099

By road
From Bangkok, drive for about 3 hours along Highway 35 (Thon Buri - Pak Tho route) via Samut Songkhram. Then turn left to Highway 4 (Phetkasem Road) via Phetchaburi and Hua Hin to Prachuap Khiri Khan. The total distance is 281 kilometres.

Another route is Highway 4 by driving via Buddha Monthon, Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi and Phetchaburi, a total distance of 320 km. or about 4 hours' drive.

By bus
Air-conditioned and non air-con buses leave Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal for Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan many times daily.
For further details,
call the Southern Bus Terminal, 0 2435 1199, 0 2435 1200 (air-con bus)
or 0 2434 5557 to 8 (non air-con bus).

By rail
Trains leave Hua Lamphong (Bangkok Railway Station) for Hua Hin 12 times daily and Prachuap Khiri Khan 9 times daily. Please check the timetable before traveling at the Bangkok Railway Station.

For details, call
the State Railway of Thailand, 1690, 0 2223 7010, 0 2220 4444 (RSVN),
0 2220 4334, 0 2621 8701.
For taxi : Hualamphong Station