Thailand's World

Thailand is a modern democratic Nation in Central South East Asia. '' Thai '' is the Tai word for '' free ''. The '' Thai '' identity was formed in the late 13 th C at Sukhothai and is not to be confused with '' Tai '' the name of the ethnic groups of people who migrated from Yunnan in the 12th & 13th Centuries. The character of the Thai Nation today and of its people can only be appreciated by exploring its 2000 years of recorded history and the cultures of the various peoples who live here. Thailand's natural landscape includes tropical wet evergreen forests in Southern Thailand to temperate deciduous forests in North Thailand and we explore these in the Thailand National Parks. Thailand art architecture and decorative objects need to be considered with regard to the influences of religion, mythological beliefs and regional artistic styles. Thailand is so large and diverse we detail all about Thailand in separate regions, North or Northern Thailand, South or Southern Thailand, Central Thailand and North East Thailand [ I 'san ].

North Thailand Travel & Places Of Interest

The Thailand Government defines North Thailand as consisting of both [ 1 ] the 84,000 square kilometres comprising 8 provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Lampang, Lamphun, Phrae and Mae Hong Son, which area originally comprised the Lan Na principalities detailed in the North Thailand History link [ the Upper North ], and [ 2 ] the 86,000 square kilometres of the Lower North, comprising the provinces of Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Uthai Thani, Nakhon Sawan, Phichit Phitsanulok and Phetchabun, which area originally comprised the Kingdoms of Sukhothai and later the northern parts of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, Thon Buri and Bangkok Kingdoms.

The Differences Between The Upper North Thailand And The Lower North Thailand

One discernable difference between the Upper and Lower North Thailand is topography. Upper North Thailand is characterised by long valleys generally running north south. The climate has three seasons, hot [ April to May ] cool and rain [ July to September ]. Approximately 72% of the area is mountainous, 21% upland and 8% lowland. The lowland is cultivated by the Tai people to produce wet rice.

Lower North Thailand has 45% of its total land mass less than 150 metres above sea level and is thus similar to Thailand's Central region. However the two mountain extensions of the Upper North, [ 1 ] Thanon Thang Chai Range to the west and, [ 2 ] Petchabun Range to the east attract an extension of swidden hill tribe communities as in the Upper North, all part of the exodus from China of these ethnic minorities over the past hundreds of years. The geographic differences in topography need to be appreciated as the ethnic, sociological and cultural differences are essentially between lowlanders and highlanders [ Hill tribes ]. These classifications and detailed explanations are discussed in North Thailand People .

About Central Thailand

Central Thailand is situated on the central plains of the Chao Phraya River and the Meklong River valley. The first substantial civilisation here was that of the Mon people and during the 6th - 9th C its Buddhist Kingdom was referred to in chinese records and on silver coins as '' Dvaravati ''. Influences from India when merged with Mon characteristics formed the basis of religion, art, architecture and public administration.

About South Thailand

South Thailand comprises the Southern Peninsula with the Andaman Sea to the West and the Gulf of Siam to the East. It is a mountainous region and the Phuket Mountain Range is the most important on the West from Chumphon to Krabi and to the East is the Nakhon Si Thammarat Mountain Range from Surat Thani to Satun. Between these ranges are the plains and limestone hills and to the South the Sannkalakhiri Mountains which divide Malaysia and Thailand.

Thailand has in excess of 138 wildlife sanctuaries and National Parks. The major locations are listed in the opposite links and we detail 20 National Parks and eco tourism locations. Thailand is home to over 15,000 species of vascular plants and 16,000 species of animals

Thailand travel and tourism to Thailand places of interest is not a matter of a few choices as is the case with many Asia destinations. Thailand is large and diverse with a large selection of travel and holiday options. In 2005 over 14 million tourists visited Thailand and their range of interests varied.

James Andrew is of the writers at Thailand's World. To know more about Thailand, you can check out http://www.thailandsworld.com for more info.

By James L Andrew

Ayuthaya Vs Sukothai

Many people ask me which I prefer, Ayuthaya or Sukothai. Both are former capital cities and contain many ruins of temples dating from hundreds of years ago when the cities were in their prime. But it's hard to directly compare the two.

A lot of people visiting Thailand are often looking for a day trip out of Bangkok and often don't have a lot of time to spend travelling. In this case Ayuthaya is the clear favourite because it's within easy reach of Bangkok, about 1-2 hours depending on traffic. If you have more time to spare then I would recommend Sukothai every time, not that I dislike Ayuthaya, but Sukothai is just...well...better!

Firstly, Sukothai is a lot further north from Bangkok. It's around about a 6-8 hour drive, depending on your form of transportation and the traffic. Thus it will take a few days out of your schedule, but can be done as a stop off on the way to Chiang Mai. But because of it's slightly more remote location, it receives far less visitors than Ayuthaya, which is a very popular day trip location for tourists and locals. On any given day you're likely to find coach loads of the local school children milling around the temples of Ayuthaya.

This makes Sukothai a far more peaceful place to visit, and so it's easier to get clear photos. On my visit here, over half a day I guess I probably only encountered a hundred or so other visitors. The temples are set in a historical park in well kept and fairly expansive grounds. It is completely separate from the main modern-day town. Although you can drive in the park, because it's off the main roads there is no traffic noise or the associated dust and pollution. Sukothai has plenty of trees and so plenty of chances to get in the shade.

As I said earlier, a lot is going to depend on your circumstances and how much time you have to spare. Ayuthaya is great if you can only spare a day or two and are based out of Bangkok. It's easy to get to and there are numerous tours. If you can spare the time, or are en-route to Chiang Mai then go for Sukothai.

Check out my website, linked below for some photos.

Matthew's Travel Website, http://www.matthewt.co.uk
My blog, http://matthewted.blogspot.com

By Matthew Tedstone

The Splash of Songkran

The Songkran festival has been known to be one of the most important and grandest events of Thailand. It is a time of Buddhist rituals, of family gatherings to pay gratitude to elders and of course of water splashing. Deriving from the Sanskrit word, "Songkran" means to pass or to move into. In this case, the meaning implies the movement of the sun, the moon and other planets into one of the zodiacal orbits. And the Grand Songkran Festival which falls on the Aries indicates the novel era of the traditional Thai New Year. In order to welcome the New Year, the celebration will comprise the fun-filled local entertainments which combine the mutual relationship between members of the family, the society and the surrounding.

Having the influence from India, the Songkran festival mirrors the traditional mode of life of the Thais which involves the cultural and agricultural aspects. Free from their regular routine task, the Thai citizens will find time to perform their yearly rites of showing respect to their elder relatives and departed ancestors. Moreover, there is a deep spiritual aspect to this grand festival nationwide. Even though Thailand has adhered to the international calendar since 1941, celebrations of the Songkran festival, presently set on April 13 and extending over the following two days, remain a more auspicious chance than January.

Historically speaking, the Songkran festival has its origin during the Sukhothai period. It was practiced both in the royal court palace and among the ordinary citizens. However, the dimension of the celebration had not been as boisterous as of today. In the old days, civil servants and other government officials would pay homage to the king and would drink the oath of allegiance to the government, while the king would bestow annual salary to all officials. Later on in the Ayutthaya period, the festival had been expanded by including the bathing of the Buddha images. Also, the celebration would comprise the forming of sand pagodas and colorful activities. In the Rattanakosin period, the festival had been performed in the same way as those during the Ayutthaya period.

The Songkran festival extends three important ritual days, from April 13-15. These days are called respectively: Wan Sangkan Long, Wan Nao and Wan Taleung Sok. It is customary that during the Songkran festival there is an announcement of the name of Nang Songkran of the year, her vehicle, her food preference and much more. To forecast the affluence of that year, it is worth knowing the amount of rainfalls and the number of Naga or legendary serpent which is responsible for the provision of water. The prediction for the New Year will be done in relation to that particular day of the Nang Songkran. This year, the Songkran's Day falls on April 14. This means that Nang Songkran for 2007 is "Kimitatevee", dressed in white with topaz ornament, preferred banana, dagger in the right hand, Indian vina in the left hand and buffalo as her vehicle.

Songkran is a festival that serves a multitude of social and religious functions. It typically involves merit making, releasing birds and fish into rivers, presenting food and other offerings to monks, listening to sermons, building sand pagodas, paying respect to elders and splashing of water. Traditionally, houses have been meticulously cleaned the day before to ensure no bad luck is brought into the New Year. Later on the day in private ceremonies away from the temple, parents, grandparents, older relatives and teachers are honored by younger generations in a sacred ritual. Young people will pour fragrant water onto the palms of the older persons and also give them new clothes to show their respect and gratitude. It is believed that this watering ceremony would bring the young excellent health, longevity and prosperity.

The Songkran festival is essentially related to water as Thai people believe that water splashing will bring abundant rainfalls in the incoming year. Water is also a symbol of fertility and is employed to clean up bad things. It is thus used widely in different ceremonies and rites of passage. Not surprisingly, one of the most vital parts of Songkran is the bathing of Buddha images. People will sprinkle water onto the images as a gesture of respect. A procession of Buddha images will be made prior to the bathing. After that people will also bathe the senior Buddhist monks by pouring water over them. The chief monk or abbot will then give a sermon and bless people who participate in these bathing rituals. And finally, people will enjoy splashing water at one another.

Like many other festivals in Thailand, Songkran is celebrated with a zest and passion for having a great time that is uniquely Thai. In Bangkok, some famous venues for the Songkran festival include Khao Sarn Road, Bang Lamphoo District, Sanarm Luang and Phra Arthit Road in the Rattanakosin Island. Other sites of interest and events are Krung Kao Ayutthaya Songkran Festival (Old Capital of Songkran), well-known Thai-Mon Songkran Festival in Samut Prakan, Nong Khai, Chiang Mai and Phuket. In addition, the neighboring countries such as Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos have organized this type of festival with high-spirited celebrations.

Highlights of the Songkran festival in these major cities include making merit to the monks, Buddha image procession, bathing Buddha images, setting free of birds and fish, erecting sand pagodas, blessing and being blessed by elders and senior government officers as well as enjoying water splashing. Additionally, tourists can watch traditional Thai performances as well as modern films and music, competition in the topic of the history of Songkran. There are also parades, carnivals, beauty contests (Miss Songkran and Miss Ladyboy Songkran) as well as the light and sound presentation relating to the legend of Songkran. The consumption of much local food, Thai dessert cooking, local sports and art exhibitions complete the festival.

Across the country, most young Thai people celebrate the New Year by gently throwing water over one and all with a word of blessing. Scoops from a silver bowl are traditional, but these days more effective soakings come from plastic buckets, pump-action water guns and even oil drums with stirrup pumps mounted on trucks. It is, however, all good-natured with the Thai's communicable sense of fun. While the more traditional rites are best observed today in the villages and although Bangkok, Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai are known for the most exuberant celebrations, you will get wet and encounter Songkran wherever you are. It is the festival to give a lot of fun for all of us and welcome the traditional Thai New Year with a cool soaking of water in the most sweltering time of the year.

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By Nattapol Bumsuntiea

Visiting Thailand's North Provinces

First

Although Thailand is an ideal place to visit if companies are from outside the major cities and tourist areas are often in a situation where the circumstances of the world. Although it is not in itself is a bit worrying that all passengers must be kept in mind.

Theft and poor food hygiene and preparation skills are something that can be seen in some areas, it is important to take out travel insurance. It is not only to cover the treatment of patients something simple, such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease (although reading this disease can be expensive), but if something is stolen, it can also change depending on the policy.

Discover Thailand

Some of bustling tourists in Thailand, Bangkok, Phuket, Phi Phi and Koh Samui Iceland. However, there are many other places that should be taken into account the real believers:

• Chiang Mai - full of traditional heritage
• Chiang Rai - situated 785 kilometres north of Bangkok
• Kamphaengphet - the name means "strong as walls" or "forts made of diamonds"
• Lampang - famous for their horse-drawn carriages
• Lamphun - located on the bank of the Kuang River
• Mae Hong Son - this town has been isolated from the western world
• Nakhon Sawan - where the rivers of Ping, Wang, Yom and Nam all meet to form the Chao Phraya River
• Nan - a province rich in rock salt deposits
• Phayao - intriguing religious sites
• Phetchabun - the name means "land of crops and food"
• Phichit - several crocodile farms can be found in this province
• Phitsanulok - a great base for those wishing to adventure throughout the north and western northeast
• Phrae - one of the largest reserves of teak forests
• Sukhothai - the first truly independent Thai kingdom
• Tak - known for the area's beautiful mountains and forests
• Uthai Thani - rich with native wildlife
• Uttaradit - a well known port for goods transportation

Well, if that sounds like a lot of places to visit, there's more! These provinces are in the North. Central, eastern, northeastern and southern parts of joy!

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) has over 25 years experience as a travel insurance specialist and has a comprehensive portfolio of insurance packages for Australians travelling overseas.

Thailand, The Breathtaking Country

The Kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, spread across 513,115 square kilometers. It is equal to the size of France and a little smaller than Texas. The capital of Thailand is Bangkok. Other cities of Thailand are Nakhon Ratchasima, Chiang Mai and Muang.
To make a very interesting trip to an unforgettable place, Thailand is a nice option to think over. You can see the famous ruins of kingdoms. The culture in Thailand is highly influenced by two countries, India and China. English is commonly spoken here so you will not find a communication problem there.
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Udon and Ubon are the main cities of Thailand. Patong, Karon beach in Phuket, Pattaya, Khao Lak, chiang mai and Sukhothai Historical Park are famous places to visit. In the heartland of Thailand you'll have the opportunity to trek, explore lost kingdoms, ride elephants, walk with tigers, raft and visit, and even stay with, hill tribe people!
Thailand has a tropical climate. It is usually sunny from February to May, with an average temperature of 34 degree Celsius. This period is the hottest time of the year in Thailand. Monsoon arrives around the month of June. Plenty of rainfall coupled with sunshine is the typical climate in Thailand from June to October.
The temperature is moderate and usually hovers around 29 degree Celsius. November to January is the best time of the year with a temperature of 28 degree Celsius. Compared to other parts, the northern and northeastern part of the county experiences cooler temperatures during evening and nighttime.
All of that make Thailand is great value; an outstandingly beautiful country; the people are warm and welcoming; it offers a multitude of outdoor activities; it's home to wonderful ruins of ancient kingdoms as well as present day temples; the food is out of this world and the country has some of the finest beaches on the planet.

M.Awarahttp://www.onlineweblibrary.com You can read more articles about Thailand and many other Travel & Leisure different topics provided with featured videos on http://www.mytopclip.comVisit: http://www.onlineweblibrary.com

By Mahmoud Awara

Knowing Thailand

Bordered by Laos and Cambodia in the east, the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia in the South, and Andaman Sea and Myanmar to the west, lies the beautiful and scenic place, Thailand.
Originally, the country was known as Siam. If you have seen the famous movie, King and I, starring Yul Bryner as the king of Siam, you will be certainly having some idea about this beautiful place.
Thai means freedom and hence the name, Thailand. Thai also symbolizes the name of the city’s ethnic group. Thailand is well known for having the perfect blend of cultures of India and China. This influence has been possible due to its geographic location. The country is also proud of various indigenous cultures since the time of Ban Chiang culture.
Thailand has a rich historical background. Sukhothai, a buddhist kingdom was the first Thai state. It was established in 1238, after the fall of the Khmer empire. However, Sukhotai was soon overpowered by Ayutthaya, which was more powerful and larger than Sukhotai. It was founded in 1431. The next kingdom that rose to power after Ayutthaya was Thonburi, the capital of Thailand. It was the capital for only a short period of time.
Then came the era of Ratthanakosin leading later to the establishment of Bangkok as the capital of Thailand. Despite so many transitions, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian culture that was never affected or empowered by the European power. This was because Thailand had a series of efficient rulers during the period, 1800 who amply took advantage of the undercurrent or tension between British and the French.

Check Out More Articles:
Thailand Travel Information, Fun Things To Do For Your Boyfriend & Girlfriend , 10 Top Tourist Attractions

By Pauline Go

Thailand - The Land Of Smiles

Have you ever wondered what makes Thailand one of the top travel destinations in the world? This could be because Thailand, the Land of Smiles, has something to offer each person visiting this beautiful and exotic country. Whether you are looking for scenic serene beaches or a rural setup, Thailand has it.
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a wonderful blend of Asian and Western cultures. You will find huge shopping centers rubbing shoulders with streetside vendors. If that is not enough, you can imbibe the Thai culture by visiting an amazing array of temples or just hanging out at the Chatuchak market. Although Bangkok is like any other metropolis, busy and polluted, do not get taken in by this. It has a lot to offer to any traveler visiting this thriving city.
Any visit to Thailand is incomplete without a visit to the ancient cities of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. You will learn a lot about Thai history and culture by just wandering about the spectacular ruins and ancient temples.
Northern Thailand has always been a popular destination with foreign tourists, especially Chiang Mai. Many tourists camp out at Chiang Mai when they go check out the hill tribes living here. For those of you who may not know it, the long-neck hill tribes can be found here and if you are luck you might even end up in their village. Chiang Mai has a lot to offer besides the hill tribes. You can visit temples, museums and many other sites of interest. It is definitely a relaxing change from Bangkok's hustle and bustle.
Thailand, the Land of Smiles, has many experiences and sights to offer you. The Thai people are genuinely friendly and will always greet a tourist with a wide smile. Thailand has a lot to offer to any visitor besides the proverbial beaches and resorts. All you need to do is take time out to discover the real Thailand.

About Author:
Pauline Go is a professional writer for many website like Thailandbuddy.com. She also writes other great articles like Thailand Travel Information, Thailand Real Estate Industry Analysis, Facts on the Stonehenge

By Pauline Go