Arriving Bangkok

The Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple

The outstanding Grand Palace is an architectural marvel and the gem of Bangkok's impressive collection of temples and palaces. However, the four main buildings are incorporated in the grounds of the glittering Wat Phra Keo. This is the must to visit the experience of its diverse styles that no one should miss.

The entrance fee is THB 250 which includes the allowance entrance to Vimanmek Palace and Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall. The opening hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from Monday to Sunday.

It is situated at Na Phralan Road, Bangkok 10200 Thailand. For more details, you can contact at Tel: +66 2 222 0094 / +66 2 222 6889 / +66 2 222 2208 or visit the website at www.palaces.thai.net or email at webmaster@palaces.thai.net

Wat Pho

Wat Pho also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon situated just behind the extravagance of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Most western tourists never miss to visit the temple's huge reclining Buddha and other attractions of the temple.

The most attractive point other than the Buddha's face are the soles of the Buddha's feet, 45 meters (150 feet) away from the head, which have been inlaid with mother-of-pearl to display the 108 auspicious signs which distinguish a true Buddha.

Moreover, Wat Pho is also Thailand's oldest learning center and a respected Thai massage school that operates teaching techniques to the eager and providing massages to the weary.

The entrance fee is worth only THB20. However, the contact details are: 2 Sanamchai Road, Bangkok 10200 Thailand. Tel: +66 2 222 5910, +66 2 226 2942, +66 2 226 1743, +66 2 225 9595

Erawan Shrine

Erawan Shrine is built incongruously in one of Bangkok's hubs of consumerism. This very popular shrine is devoted to Brahma and Erawan, his elephant. It is located next to the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel. The shrine was beset by a series of accidents during its construction in the 1950s. You can often get to see traditional Thai dancing over here. It is a public place and is free to visit 24 hours a day from Monday to Sunday.

It is situated at 494 Ratchawithi Road (corner of Ploenchit and Ratchiwithi), Bangkok 10330.

Lumpini Boxing Stadium

Thai boxing (muay Thai) is one of the most famous and most identified sports of Thailand. As it is an effortful sport that needs a lot of strength, flexibility and endurance from its combatants, it has a spiritual dimension that isn't usually associated with sports.

In addition Thai boxing being the fascinating fights, the matches attract great people-watching opportunities as well. The fighter's corners are always filled with interesting people that intensely watching cannot bear to miss even a single second of every round.

The most famous Thai boxing stadium in the world hosts fights on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evenings. There are usually 10 bouts in an evening, each comprising five three-minute rounds. Ritualistic music and a slow dance precede the fights as the boxers honor their teachers and the spirit of the ring.

The Lumpini Boxing Stadium is situated at Rama IV Road, Bangkok 10500. It opens on Tuesday to Friday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., whereas on Saturdays Sundays it opens from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to midnight. The contact number is +66 2 251 4303.

Arriving Phuket

Phang Nga Bay National Park

Surveys in 1991 report states that the Phang Nga Bay National Park has more than 206 species of animals.

There are over 40 islands situated about 300 meters or more out of the milky brown grey water of the bay, creating one of the most photogenic scenes in the world. Many tourists usually visit the place for canoeing, kayaking, boating, caving, rock climbing, trekking, camping, or just to relax and reload.

In order to get there, from Phang Nga city drive to the sea on highway no. 4 (toward Khok Kloi district) for about 8 km to an intersection with route no. 4144. Continue on the route 4144 for 2 km to the headquarters. The boat pier (with an information center) is further down 2 km.

Usually, there are long tail boats available for rent.


Patong Beach

Patong Beach is a very popular spot for those seeking an active, fun filled holiday. You are at ease for water activities, and excellent dishes of every cuisine at restaurants next to the beach.

There are accommodations available in a variety of range from simple guest houses to luxurious hotels, whereas shops and support services are varied and plentiful.

Patong's long curving beach is backed by the island's main tourist center, in order to serve you an ease of nightlife on the island.

Phuket Fantasea

Phuket FantaSea is a unique cultural complex. It showcases the charm and beauty of Thailand, while enriching ancient Thai traditions with the wonder of cutting-edge technology and special effects.

Highlights include the festival village, the Golden Kinnaree Buffet Restaurant (a 5,000-seat restaurant offering a grand buffet of Thai and international cuisines) and a breathtaking Las Vegas-style show, which starts at 9 p.m.

The cost of show and buffet is THB 1,500 per person. The opening hours are 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. from Monday to Sunday and buffet starts at 6 p.m. 8:30 p.m. from Monday to Sunday.

It is located at 99 Moo 3 Kamala Beach, Phuket 83150 Thailand. For more information, please visit http://www.phuket-fantasea.com or Tel: +66 76 38 5000

Eco Tourism Training Center (ETC) in Khao Lak

The ETC, a non-profit training program for Thai nationals, was formed in response to the 2004 Tsunami Disaster and is now located in the worst hit area of Thailand i.e. in Khao Lak.

The long-term tsunami recovery project provides immediate employment and vocational career training to young adults of affected Thai communities. It is a program designed to truly empower and change lives forever.

Ko Phi Phi

Regarded by travelers from all walks of life as being among the most beautiful tropical islands of the world, Phi Phi Islands have become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand. In addition, the islands are famous as the location where the movie "The Beach" featuring Leonardo Di Caprio was shot. The islands, together with the nearby Noppharat Thara Beach, a total area of 390 square kilometers, were recently established as a national park.

Phi Phi Islands are located just 40 kilometers away from both Krabi and Phuket. Thus, despite the fact that both Noppharat Thara Beach and Phi Phi administratively are a part of Krabi Province, most tourists think that Ko Phi Phi is part of Phuket Province.

The islands and the coastal hills are composed mainly of limestone and are an extension of the limestone mountain range in Phang-Nga Province. The main characteristics of these mountains and islands are their steep cliffs, large caves and dwarf trees growing out of the rock crevices, like those in Phang-Nga Bay

Phuket Town

Phuket town being the provincial capital of Phuket can be best explored on foot. The town offers many tourist facilities including accommodation, restaurants and some of the best shopping on the island.

You will find Government Offices, the Tourist Authority of Thailand, Thai Airways, and the main Post Office here as well.

Travel agents

www.phuket.com
www.phuketseatour.com
www.seacanoe.net

Kata Beach

Kata Beach is located 17 kilometers south of the town. The bay at Kata is made up of two smaller bays, Kata Yai and Kata Noi. Both are blessed with impressively long, relatively peaceful, sandy beaches.

You are free to swim, sail, windsurf, sunbathe and even scuba dive over here, as there is an extensive coral reef off Pu Isle, just in front of the beach. Kata itself offers all tourist related amenities such as accommodation, tour agents, shops and restaurants.

Coral Island

Coral Island is a half hour by boat from Chalong Pier and is one of Phuket Island's most popular one-day, offshore destinations. The weather is always good, even during the monsoon season from May to October.

The colorful reefs that surround the island and lovely beach areas are ideal for snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing and scuba diving. Moreover, you will be pleased with the ample restaurants facilities by indulging in the delicious seafood.