Thai Horizons

Thailand's Krabi’s Tiger Cave Temple

2008-11-16T19:04:00.000-08:00

At the 300th step I’m panting. It doesn’t help that some of the steps are so high I have to raise my knees into the air like a polevaulter. The high temperature and humidity add to the fun on my slog to the top of Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Thumsua) in Krabi, Southern Thailand’s so-called ‘enchanted province’. I drink lots of water, grip the hand rail and, as gibbons weave past me, heave myself up the staircase built into a very steep wooded valley surrounded by cliffs. I’m beginning to have doubts about whether I will reach the top, take some pictures and make it back for my taxi pickup in 90 minutes.

The distance between the breaks I take narrows. Drenched in sweat, I’m feeling giddy. However, the end comes early because there are just 1,200 steps - not ‘more than 2,000′ as Frommer’s travel guide claims. Thanks be to Buddha - represented in gorgeous and almost garish splendour by one colossal figure and a golden team of clones gleaming in the twilight. The view is as striking as any I have seen. Picture mangrove forests offset by rubber and palm-oil plantations. On the horizon lie the inner Andaman islands. They are predominant in Theravada Buddhism, which is mainly practiced in SE Asia and which maybe contributes to the fact that Thai people, most of whom adhere to these beliefs, are amongst the most content in the world. The Tiger Cave Temple is considered by Krabi’s Buddhists to be one of the most sacred sites in the province. Even for those who are not religiously inclined there are some fascinating features here well worthy of a visit, which can include either a moderately strenuous or a very strenuous hike, depending on which of two staircases you choose. The view from the top, combined with the lovely Buddhist statuary, make the summit of the hill an unforgettably and serenely beautiful place. Sunset ascents are becoming increasingly popular, especially at a full moon, when it is possible to see the sun setting the islands in the Andaman Sea on fire in the west, while a golden moon rises over the Krabi lowlands in the east. The cave temple is aptly named because of the rock outgrowth nearby, which resembles a tiger’s claw.

Tiger Cave Temple is a center for meditation, its spectacular setting in the Ao Luk Thanu mountain ranges providing the tranquillity necessary for meditation. The main vihara or holy of holies is inside a small shallow limestone cave, of which both sides are lined by monastic cells, like caves, called kutis. The well-lit and well-maintained temple compound is currently home to some 250 monks and nuns. This little forest reserve was spared from logging by the monks ordaining the largest trees and thereby thwarting any attempts at cutting them down. So as well as the human monks and nuns there are also a number of monks going by the name of “Phra Ton” - “Tree Monk” in Thai.

For a naturalist, the site is a microcosm of Krabi’s former natural environment. “Wonderful Tree”, not far from the main shrine and adorned in sacred cloth, may well have the largest root base of any tree remaining in Thailand. The whole area is full of caves and limestone rock formations. Archeologists have found remnants of ancient habitations as old as from the Stone Age. Stone tools, shards of pottery and beads and idols of clay have all been unearthed. All these bear testimony to the cultural heritage of the area.

Whilst in Thailand, why not visit one of the country’s currently best three beach destinations:
Koh Lao Liang: http://www.andamanadventures.com/kohlaoliang.shtml
Ao Nang: http://www.andamanadventures.com/ao_nang.shtml
Railay/Tonsai: http://www.andamanadventures.com/railay-tonsai.shtml

Author: simon ramsden
About the Author:
Runs Andaman Sky Co., Ltd, specialising in climbing and diving trips to Thailand’s best beach destinations.

Single visa for Southeast Asia on the way

2008-11-11T22:16:00.001-08:00

A Single Visa Scheme was called for implementation during the 3rd Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Co-operation Strategy (ACMECS) Summit held in Hanoi, Viet Nam last week. Delegates attending the ACMECS Business Forum on Friday agreed to promote a single visa for tourists to facilitate entry into five countries of Mainland Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam, and to boost tourism in the area.

Ayeyawady, Chao Phraya and Mekong are three "mother rivers" that culturally and historically unify these five countries in the heart of Southeast Asia.

The Ayeyawady flows through the Union of Myanmar, starting north of Myitkyina in Kachin State, and on its way south passes Mandalay as well as building up a huge river delta near Yangon to reach the Bay of Bengal. The Menam Chao Phraya is the lifeline of the Kingdom of Thailand fed by the Ping, Wang, Yom and Nan Rivers, which combine their waters at Nakhon Sawan to flow south passing Bangkok towards the Gulf of Thailand. The mighty Mekong River flows south from the high Tibetan Plateau in China to pass Shan State in Myanmar, Lao PDR, Thailand, Cambodia and the southern part of Viet Nam to finally reach the South China Sea.

The five countries involved in this scheme are rich in tourism resources with well-known tourist spots in each country, like Ha Long Bay, Hue Imperial Town, and the Mekong Delta in Viet Nam, Luang Prabang and Wat Phu, Chamapasak in Laos, Siem Reap in Cambodia, Bagan in Myanmar, as well as Sukhothai and Ayutthaya in Thailand.

The Single Visa scheme will also allow a tourist with one visa to travel through five ACMECS countries and will finally help ACMECS countries to move towards the goal of "Five Countries, One Destination.”

As a pilot project for the ambitious ACMECS Single Visa Scheme, Cambodia and Thailand had already signed agreement on the implementation of ACMECS Single Visa for two countries last year. According to Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, Thailand is now amending laws and regulations in response to the agreement.

In addition to the single visa for ACMECS countries, delegates at the summit also proposed the issuance of an ACMECS Travel Card. Such an ACMECS card will be issued to people of ACMECS countries, first to business people for traveling within the five member countries, without applying for any visa, according to a proposal submitted by the ACMECS Business Council at the summit.

Friday's meeting aimed to enhance ties in telecommunication links, tourism, trade and investment, agriculture, industry and energy, human resource development and public health development.

Bangkok Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Sunday brunch

2008-11-11T18:46:00.000-08:00

By Chef Robert

A few friends and I decided to take brunch at the Sheraton one Sunday on the occasion of my leaving Bangkok for a while. In preparation I had starved myself for the previous 24 hours and I’m sure I wasn’t the only one.

With mounting anticipation we headed for the ‘Living Room’ a seating area located near to the jazz quartet that accompanies the brunch every Sunday. The interior décor is everything you would expect from one of the leading hotels in the city. Very comfortable and stylish.

The buffet tables seem to snake around and go on for ever. It’s a journey of discovery to follow them. From the pasta station through the vast seafood section which features an amazing array of marinated salmon. There are oysters, jumbo prawns, sushi and sashimi, all beautifully laid out and presented. This is where we started.

After indulging ourselves in several trips someone suggested we pause for breath, a great idea. It’s essential to pace yourself if you really want to sample as much as possible. So we sat and chatted for a while and listened to the jazz band.

A couple in our party ordered wine. Drinks are not included in the buffet price but there is an interesting assortment of exotic fruit juices and even fresh coconut milk served in its shell for those who wish to abstain from alcohol.

Wines come by-the-glass at 300 baht for a Chilean Chardonnay. For beer drinkers a full range are on offer starting at ?? a bottle. Tea and coffee are extra.

After our brief sojourn we decided to visit the sumptuous looking salad and cold meats section. The prosciutto was thinly sliced and melt in your mouth tender. I chose a Caesar salad to accompany it. The salad is constructed on the buffet table by the guests in a large silver platter from a wide selection of ingredients. I had extra shaved parmesan in mine. Delicious.

We moved on to the vast array of main courses. The star attraction was the rib eye of beef on the bone, roasted medium rare. All the condiments accompanied it, horseradish, mustards and a light red wine sauce. A selection of seafood, chicken, pork and lamb dishes were laid out in chaffing dishes, beautifully presented.

Someone commented on how tasty the loin of pork was. It had been roasted with apricots and pine nuts and covered with a cognac sauce. A real show stopper.

I tried the ostrich which had been pan fried and was accompanied by a green peppercorn sauce. It was extremely tender and succulent.

Other members of our party tried the fragrant and spicy Thai dishes which were served in the Basil restaurant to the side of the main buffet.

After several trips to top up on rib eye of beef and another brief respite, the party moved to the dessert station and what a sight it was. A real feast for the eyes. There was a stunning array including chocolate cheese cake, crème brulee, assorted gateaux and a delicious apple crumble with hot vanilla custard. It seemed to go on for ever and just when you think it all has to end you are confronted with a huge selection of ice creams and sauces to go with them.

I noticed a honey comb suspended above a shute down which the fresh honey was flowing. Everywhere the eye is treated to nice touches and innovative ideas and attention to detail.

We all passed on coffee and relaxed listening to the jazz band for while longer before making our way home.

We all agreed it was a delightful Sunday afternoon in a charming setting with great company, an enormous display of wonderfully cooked food, attentive service and serenaded with top rate music.

Robert Gollings

Consultant chef

Brunch time: 11.30-15.00

Cost: 1,600 bht. Per person + VAT and government taxes

Dress code: Smart, casual.

Hotel address: 250 Sukhumvit Road,

Bangkok 10110

Sky Train: Asoke Station

Subway: Sukhumvit Station

Tel: 02 649 8888

All major credit cards accepted

Reservations recommended

Chiang Rai Thailand - Short Description

2008-10-27T02:12:00.001-07:00

Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand is about 785 kilometers north of Bangkok. Situated on the Kok River basin, Chiang Rai covers an area of approximately 11,678 square meters with an average elevation of 580 meters above sea level. The province, which is located within the renowned Golden Triangle area where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand converge, is also known as the gateway to Myanmar, Laos and Southern China.

Chiang Rai, which was founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai, was the first capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom (Kingdom of a million rice fields), which was later conquered by Burma. It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai became a Thai territory and was proclaimed a province during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910.

Today, Chiang Rai is a travelers paradise endowed with abundant natural tourist attractions and antiquities; the province itself is evidence of past civilization. Attractions range from magnificent mountain scenery, ruins of ancient settlements, historic sites, Buddhist shrines and ethnic villages as the province is also home to several hill tribes who maintain fascinating lifestyles. For those interested in the natural side of Chiang Rai, jungle trekking is recommended along various trails.

Chiang Rai which tends to be a little more 'laid back' now competes with Chiang Mai as a tourist attraction and is fast becoming a popular escape for tourists wanting to get away from the troubles they left behind.

Local Chiang Rai Festivals

2008-10-27T02:11:00.000-07:00

King Mengrai Festival

This festival is held from January 26 - February 1 every year. The festival features parades, cultural performances and competitions celebrating the founder of Chiang Rai and the Lanna Thai Kingkom.

Lychee Fair

This is held annually in May. Celebrating the provinces tastiest fruit, this fair features agricultural displays and exhibitions, local handicrafts, folk entertainment and beauty contests.

Songkran Festival

Traditional Thai New year celebrations are best seen at Chiang Saen where 4 nations (Thailand, Laos, China and Myanmar) compete in boat races on the Mekong River. Beauty contests and cultural shows are added attractions. The festival is annually held from April 16-18.

Thailand Bangkok to Chiang Rai Travel Tips

2008-10-27T02:10:00.000-07:00

Bangkok - Chiang Rai

By Air

Thai Airways has daily flights connecting Bangkok with Chiang Rai. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000, the Chiang Rai Office tel. 0 5371 1179, 0 5371 5207, or view their website at www.thaiairways.com. One-Two-Go offers daily flights from Bangkok to Chiang Rai. Call 1126 or book online at www.fly12go.com

By Bus

The coach ride from Bangkok to Chiang Rai is probably best made overnight since passengers can avail themselves of sleep prior to an early morning arrival. There are both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned bus services from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) on Kamphaengphet 2 Road. The journey may take approximately 9-11 hours.

By Car

Take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road), turn to route No. 32 passing Ayutthaya, Angthong and Singburi Provinces and change to route No. 11 passing Phitsanulok, Uttaradit and Phrae Provinces then turn left to Highway No. 103, drive through to Ngao District and turn right onto Highway No. 1 which takes you to Phayao and Chiang Rai Provinces. The total distance is 785 km.

By Rail

There is no direct train to Chiang Rai. You have to take a train to Lampang (9 hrs. from Bangkok) or Chiang Mai (11 hrs.) and then take a bus to Chiang Rai. (2 hrs. from Lampang and 1.30 hrs. from Chiang Mai) For more details, call the State Railway of Thailand, 1690 (hotline), or 0 2223 7010 or 0 2223 7020.

By Boat

The capital may also be reached from Tha Thon in Chiang Mai province by a scenic 4-6 hour (depending on climatic conditions, such as rain, and other factors such as high waters and fast currents) long-tail boat ride along the Mae Kok River.

Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai

By Bus

Chiang Rai is 182 kilometers north of Chiang Mai. Air conditioned buses leave 12 times daily from Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal to Chiang Rai. Some buses continue to Mae Sai and Chiang Saen.

By Air

Airlines have numerous daily flights servicing the Bangkok-Chiang Mai route and the Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai route.

Thailand's Chiang Rai Restaurants

2008-10-27T01:49:00.001-07:00

Amphoe Mueang

C&C (Cabbages and Condoms)
620/25 Thanalai Road , Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
*International food
Tel :: 0 5371 9167

Chiang Rai Island
Dusit Island Resort, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
*International food
Tel :: 0 5371 5345

Ek Ocha
455 Mu 4 Mae Yang-Chiang Rai Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
*Thai Chinese food
Tel :: 0 5371 2543

Gara Garon
869/18 Phahonyothin Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
*Thai food
Tel :: 0 5371 4779

Haw Nariga 1
402/12 Banphaprakan Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
*Thai-Chinese food
Tel :: 0 5371 1062

Haw Nariga 2000
Phahonyothin Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
*Chinese food
Tel :: 0 5374 3084

Haw Narika
Saenphu Hotel Intersection, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
Tel :: 0 5371 3738

La Antina
528/20 Banphaprakan Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
*European food
Tel :: 0 5371 6808

Lotus Bakery House
In front of Wangcome Hotel, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
*European food
Tel :: 0 5371 4519

Saban Nga Khantoke
226/50 Sankhong Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
*Northern style food with dances
Tel :: 0 5371 2290

Slung Kham
834/3 Phahonyothin Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
*Thai and Local food
Tel :: 0 5371 7192

Yunan
211/9 Khwae Wai Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
*Chinese food
Tel :: 0 5371 3263

Yung Thong
Wang Come Hotel, Pemawiphak Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
*Thai-Chinese food
Tel :: 0 5371 1800

Thailand's Chiang Rai Arts and Crafts

2008-10-27T01:47:00.000-07:00

Hilltribe Handicrafts
620/25 Thanalai Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
*hilltribe handicrafts
Tel :: 0 5371 9167, 0 5371 1475

Lily Handicraft
869/84 Phisitsangwan Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
*Thai silk, cotton, local handicrafts
Tel :: 0 5371 7065

Silver Birch
891 Phahonyothin Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
*silverware, wooden handicrafts

Thailand's Chiang Rai Area Travel Tips

2008-10-27T01:45:00.001-07:00

Amphoe Muang

Hilltribe Museum

The Population and Community Development Association (PDA) is a non-government organization responsible for some of the most effective tribal development projects in the region. The popular "Cabbages & Condoms" restaurants, with branches here and in Bangkok (and now a resort in Pattaya), carry their important message of safe sex and family planning. On the top floor of this office is a small Hilltribe Museum that's heavy on "shop" and light on "museum," but the admission goes to a good cause. Open daily 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; admission fee is 50B ($1.20)/person. Address: 620/25 Thanalai Rd., east of Wisetwang Road (tel. 0 5371-9167)

Ho Watthanatham Nithat

Ho Watthanatham Nithat is a museum exhibiting ancient artifacts and written records on history, literature and indigenous knowledge as well as exhibits on royal activities by the late Princess Mother at Doi Tung. Located at the former town hall, it is open to the public on Wednesdays through Sundays from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

King Mengrai Stupa

The King Mengrai Stupa in front of Wat Ngam Muang atop Doi Ngam Muang in Muang District was built by King Chaisongkram to contain the remains of his father (King Mengrai).

King Mengrai the Great Memorial

The King Mengrai the Great Memorial is located in Muang District at the intersection leading to Mae Chan. King Mengrai was the ruler of Nakhon Hiran Ngoen Yang (now commonly known as Chiang Saen) before Chiang Rai was established as the administrative centre in 1262. He consolidated his power by merging the different city-states in the North and founded the Lanna Thai Kingdom in 1296 with Chiang Mai as the capital.

Kok River

The Kok River is one of the most scenic attractions in Chiang Rai. It runs from Thathon in northern Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai City and then flows on to meet the Maekhong River at Chiang Khong. From Baan Thathon boats, rafts and treks leave daily venturing into the surrounding mountains where the jungle dips into the river's cool waters. A long-tailed boat can be hired to ferry visitors up and down the river. Stops can be made at Akha or Iko, Lisu and Karen hill tribe villages. Alternatively stops can be made at the Buddha cave, a temple within a cavern; an elephant camp, for trekking; a hot spring; and a riverside Lahu village. Trips range from 300 bahts to 700 bahts ($7-$16), depending on the number of stops made. The ferry pier is beyond the bridge across from the Dusit Island Resort.

Ku Phra Chao Mengrai

Ku Phra Chao Mengrai This stupa is situated in Wat Ngam Muang on Doi Ngam Muang in the Chiang Rai township area. It is the place where the ashes and relics of King Mengrai are housed.

Nam Tok Khun Kon Forest Park

Nam Tok Khun Kon Forest Park can be reached by taking Highway No.1211 from Chiangrais town. After traveling 18 kilometers turn right and proceed for another 12 kilometers. Alternatively, you can drive along Highway No. 1 (Chiang Rai-Phayao) for about 15 kilometers, turn right and proceed for another 17 kilometers, then take a 30-minute walk to the waterfall. The 70-metre high Khun Kon or Tat Mok Waterfall is the highest and most beautiful in the province. Surrounded with dense woods, the area is also good for hiking.

Oub Kham Museum

Oub Kham Museum is located near Den Ha market, one kilometer from the town center. The collection includes objects from the areas once belonging to or affiliated with the Lanna kingdoms encompassing northern Thailand and some parts of northeast Myanmar, southwest China and Vietnam. Apart from objects used in rituals the collection mainly consists of objects used at the royal courts including lacquer ware, silver jewelry and clothing. Most notable is a golden bowl, a masterpiece, used by royals. It is open daily from 9 am. to 6 pm. Admission fee is 100 bahts per person. For more information call 0-5371-3349.

Rai Mae Fah Luang

Rai Mae Fah Luang is a cultural centre and centre of Lanna Studies dedicated to the conservation and promotion of Lanna heritage.There are 5 exhibit areas namely

a. The Botanical Gardens and Nature Park

b. The Haw Khumm(Golden Pavilion)

c. The Haw Khum Noi (Small Golden Pavilion)

d. Sala Kaew-A ceremonial space for riturals

e. Haw Kaew-Gallery of Lanna Cultureal Arts.

Rai Mae Fah Luang opens daily from 10.00-18.00 hrs. except Monday.

Entrance fee: Baht 200

Wat Doi Thong

Wat Doi Thong (Phra That Chomthong) sits atop a hill above the northwest side of town, up a steep staircase off Kaisornrasit Road. This location where King Mengrai is believed to have chosen the site for his new Lanna Capital offers an overview of the town and a panorama of the Mae Kok Valley. The chedi of Wat Doi Tong containing what is believed to be the oldest Holy Relic was probably renovated at the same time that the town as being built. The circle of columns at the top of the hill surrounds the city's new lak muang (city pillar), built to commemorate the 725th anniversary of the city and King Bhumibhol's 60th birthday.

Wat Phra Chao Lan Thong

Wat Phra Chao Lan Thong is located within the city walls. This temple was built by Prince Thong Ngua, a son of King Tilokkarat, the 12th Lanna ruler in 1489. A 1,200-kilogram Buddha statue with a lap width of 2 meters and height of over three meters was cast and named Phra Chao Lan Thong. Another statue called Phra Chao Thong Thip which is made of brass in the Sukhothai style was also cast.

Wat Phra Kaeo

Wat Phra Kaeo, which is located on Trairat Road on the northwest side of town, is the best known of the northern temples. It once housed the Emerald Buddha, Thailands most important Buddha statue which was discovered in 1444. The statue had been moved by various state rulers to be placed in their capitals including Lampang, Chiang Rai and Vientiane before finally being enshrined in Bangkok's royal Wat Phra Kaeo. There is now a green jade replica of the image on display. The temple also houses a 700-year bronze statue of Phra Chao Lan Thong, which is housed in the Chiang Saen style ubosot.

Wat Phra Sing

Wat Phra Sing is 2 blocks east of Wat Phra Kaeo, situated on Singha Klai Road. The restored temple is thought to date from the 15th century. Inside is a replica of the Phra Singh Buddha, a highly revered Theravada Buddhist image, as the original was removed to Chiang Mai's Wat Phra Singh. The original buildings are fine examples of classic religious Lanna architecture, with their low sweeping roofs.

Wat Rong Khun

Wat Rong Khun is also known as the White Temple. Whereas most temples visited by tourists have a history going back many centuries, this magnificent place of worship was built only recently. It is the realization of a dream for Thailands noted artist, Mr Chalermchai Kositpipat, who designed and is supervising the construction of this beautiful white temple and its many statues of figures based on religious beliefs. The construction started in 1998 and is expected to be completed in 2008. In addition, there is a gallery nearby exhibiting his paintings. To get there from the city of Chiang Rai, drive north along Asia Highway.

Amphoe Chiang Khong

Chiang Khong

Chiang Khong is a small, peaceful district on the bank of the Mekong River opposite Huaixai, Lao PDR. It is about 115 kilometers from the provincial seat, or approximately 55 kilometers to the east of Chiang Saen on Highway No. 1129. Chiang Khong is noted as the place where Pla Buk, giant catfish, is cultivated. The Chiang Khong Fishery Station is able to inseminate and breed Pla Buk, the largest fresh water fish in the world and fingerlings bred here have been released in several rivers. It should be noted that the fishing season is from mid-January to May.

Sightseeing trips by boat are available to view the scenery and life styles along the Mekong River. An additional attraction is a visit to Ban Hat Bai, a Thai Lu community noted for making beautiful local fabrics. To cross over to Huaixai town in Lao PDR, contact the immigration office or tour agencies at Chiang Khong.

Amphoe Chiang Saen

Chiang Saen

An ancient town located on the bank of the Mekong River, Chiang Saen was originally called Wiang Hiran Nakhon Ngoen Yang. It served as the capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom until King Mengrai established Chiang Rai as the capital in 1262. Ruins of the old double city walls and many other antiquities remain both inside and outside the district town. Most notable is the distinctive style of Buddhist sculpture which evolved in Chiang Saen during the late thirteenth century providing proof of the city's historical importance.

Rich cultural heritage, coupled with natural tourist attractions, has made Chiang Saen a unique tourist destination.

Travelling to Chiang Saen

By car: This riverside town facing the Mekong River is 30 kilometers from Mae Chan District via Highway No. 1016. Alternatively, it can be reached by taking Highway No. 110 from Chiang Rai (the city), then take a right turn into Highway No. 1016 and proceed for another thirty kilometers.

Rental car: It may probably be easier rent a car in Chiang Rai and then drive to Chiang Saen, but renting a motorbike may be a better bet as the roads one will probably explore in the area are easier to negotiate by two wheeled transport.

Buses: There are numerous buses traveling from Chiang Rai to Chiang Saen for around 20 baht one way. The trip can take from 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the traffic and the number of stops it makes en-route. If you travel from Chiang Mai, it is advisable to ask for the 'new route' (sai mai) as this only takes 4 to 5 hours and makes only a few stops en-route. The old route can take over 9 hours to complete with many stops along the way.

Chiang Saen Lake

Drive five kilometers south of Chiang Saen, along Highway No. 1016 (Chiang Saen-Mae Chan route), take a left turn and you will find Chiang Saen Lake: a large natural reservoir with scenic surroundings. The lake is home to large flocks of migratory waterfowls which are most plentiful and can be seen at their best from November through February. In addition to the scenery, accommodations and water sports facilities are available.

Chiang Saen National Museum

Located in old town Chiang Saen, this museum exhibits artifacts excavated locally including a well-known Chiang Saen-style bronze Buddha image and Lanna Thai artifacts. Inscription stones from Phayao and Chiang Saen itself can be found in the museum. In addition, there are exhibitions of indigenous art objects of the Thai Yai, Thai Lu and other hill tribes. These items include musical instruments, ornaments and opium-smoking accessories. The museum is open on Wednesdays through Sundays from 9.00a.m. to 4.00p.m., except on national holidays.

Hall of Opium, Golden Triangle Park

The Hall of Opium at the Golden Triangle Park houses several sections to be explored and various exhibitions to be contemplated. For example, the 5,600 square-meter Hall of Opium presents An Invitation to the Mysterious World of Opium from Darkness to Light, the history of opium as of 5,000 years ago from its natural properties to its uses. It traces opium's global journey through trade routes in the age of imperialism, culminating in the Opium Wars-an event that disgraced both winners and losers that led to the fall of the Manchu Dynasty. It also features Siamese wisdom in confronting the West and the eventual control of opium problems.

Other exhibits are presented in a manner that encourages visitors learn how drugs become a part of everyday life and understand the impact of opium on society in terms of crime, conflict and illegal drugs. Additionally, the Hall of Opium presents efforts to curb drugs through actual case studies that offer alternatives and opportunities in fighting against the temptation of drugs.

The Hall of Opium also displays paraphernalia associated with opium smoking and trading, along with many photographs, films, and videos about opium and other illegal drugs from countries around the world.

The Hall of Opium is situated in Chiang Saen District, opposite the Anatara Golden Triangle Resort and Spa:
Tel: 0 5378 4444 Fax: 0 5365 2133,
E-mail: hallofopium@doitung.org,
Website: www.goldentrianglepark.com

Phra That Doi Pu Khao

Just two kilometers away from Chiang Saen Lake is Phra That Doi Pu Khao which is believed to have been built by a king of Wiang Hirannakhon Ngoen Yang in the middle of the 8th century. This riverside temple near Sop Ruak Market is located on a hill just before the Golden Triangle and offers a spectacular view of the Golden Triangles riverine and mountain areas. The vihan and crumbled chedis are the only visible remains of antiquities today.

Phra That Pha Ngao

Located about 4 kilometres along the Chiang Saen - Chiang Khong Road is Phra That Pha Ngao which has a bell-shaped chedi situated on large boulders. Nearby is a vihan where several old Chiang Saen-style Buddha statues are enshrined. This hilltop temple offers a unique and spectacular view of the Mekong River, Laos and of Chiang Saen itself.

The Golden Triangle

A trip to Chiang Rai province would not be complete without seeing the notorious Golden Triangle first hand! This famed border location where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet on the Mekong River was once supposed to be the center of all the poppy cultivation in Thailand.

Travel approximately 9 kilometers north of old town Chiang Saen, along the road parallel to the Mekong River to the area where the borders of Thailand, Myammar and Laos converge. This area where the Mekong River meets the Ruak River is locally referred to as "Sop Ruak". Within this area are remains of many ancient places and structures attesting to the fact that the area had been settled by people in the past. It is also the area where various legends concerning the Lanna ancestors originate.

Boats can be hired in order to view the upstream scenery of the Golden Triangle and to travel downstream to Chiang Khong. The trip to the Golden Triangle and Chiang Khong would take approximately 40 minutes and 1 hour respectively, depending on river currents and water levels.

Wat Pa Sak

Located outside the city walls, approximately one kilometer to the west of Chiang Saen in Tambon Wiang is Wat Pa Sak, which used to be the resedence of the patriarch. When King Saen Phu built the temple in 1295, three hundred teak trees were planted hence the name Pa Sak (Teak Forest). With ornamental stucco motifs, the temples chedi, which is 12.5 meters tall with a base of 8 meters wide, is regarded as being one of the most beautiful examples of Lanna architecture in northern Thailand.

Wat Phra That Chedi Luang

Next to Chiang Saen National museum is an ancient 88-meter high, bell-shaped, Lanna style principal chedi which has a 24 meter circumference base. Constructed in 1290 by King Saen Phu, the 3rd ruler of the Lanna kingdom, it is the tallest religious Lanna monument in Chiang Rai. In addition, there are also remains of ancient vihans and chedis.

Wat Phra That Chom Kitti

Located approximately 1.7 kilometres from town, this hilltop temple has a pagoda containing a Buddha relic.

Wat Sangkha Kaeo Don Han

Situated not far away from Wat Phra That Chom Kitti is Wat Sangkha Kaeo Don Han where sketches on brick slabs tell stories about the various reincarnations of the Lord Buddha.

Amphoe Mae Chan

Mae Chan

Mae Chan, which is about 29 kilometers to the north of Chiang Rai, serves as a trading post where the Akha and Yao hill people sell their goods and buy manufactured items. Silver and other tribal handicrafts are available at local shops.

Amphoe Mae Fa Luang

Doi Mae Salong

Doi Mae Salong is the site of Santi Khiri village, a community settled by the former Chinese 93rd Division who moved from Myanmar to reside on Thai territory in 1961. The village became well known for its enchanting scenery and tranquil atmosphere. Today it is a major tourist attraction with its small-town ambience, delicious native Chinese dishes, small hotels and guesthouses catering to visitors and tea, coffee and fruit tree plantations. The scenery is especially picturesque in December and January when sakuras are in full bloom. Scattered with many hill tribe villages, Doi Mae Salong is ideal for trekking.

To reach Doi Mae Salong, take the Chiang Rai-Mae Chan route for 29 kilometers, then turn left and proceed for another 41 kilometers (passing a hot spring). The return trip can be taken on routes nos. 1234 and 1130 which wind through Yao and Akha hill tribe villages. From Doi Mae Salong a road leads to Tha Thon, the starting point for the Kok River cruise, a distance of 45 kilometers. There are hotels and guesthouses to accommodate tourists and a paved road leading to the village.

Doi Pha Tang

Doi Pha Tang is located 32 kilometers from Wiang Kaen District and 160 kilometers from the provincial town. The scenic mountain is the home to the Chinese Haw, the Hmong and Yao minorities. The Haws are the former 93rd Chinese Division who moved to settle on Doi Pha Tang. From the hilltop, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Thai and Lao rural areas. The mountain is more popular during winter when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and a sea of mist covers the whole area.

Doi Tung

Doi Tung is located in Mae Fa Luang District and can be reached by taking Highway No.110 for about 48 kilometers and turning left onto Highway No. 1149, an asphalt road leading directly to Doi Tung. The route winds through beautiful scenery with many interesting sites including the Doi Tung Palace (Pra Tamnak Doi tung), the Mae Fa Luang Garden and Akha and Muser tribal villages. IN addition to scenic lookouts, the most notable attraction is the Phra That Doi Tung Holy Relic, an old religious site atop the mountain.

Also located on Doi Tung Mountain is a beautiful royal residence known as Phra Tamnak Doi Tung. The royal villa, situated on the slopes of the adjacent Pa Kluay Reservoir, was to serve as a royal winter retreat for the Princess Mother, who passed away in 1995 and was originally built on the theory that the local hill tribes would be honored by the royal presence and thereby cease their opium cultivation.

The main attraction for visitors to Phra Tamnak Doi Tung is 'Suan Mae Fa Luang', the beautiful landscaped gardens filled with hundreds of different kinds of plants and flowers, named in honor of the Princess Mother and the Doi Tung Development Project established by the late Princess Mother in 1987.

Wat Phra That Doi Tung

Wat Phra That Doi Tung is situated on top of Doi Tung Mountain, the highest mountain in Chiang Rai Province with an elevation of approximately 2,000 meters, about 50 kilometers south of Mae Sai town which is near the Myanmar border. The temple can be reached via a 40-kilometer mountain road which meanders along the mountainside. The journey is worthwhile as the panoramic views into Laos and Myanmar at the peak are spectacular.

Wat Phra That Doi Tung was constructed in the 10th century and was renovated by Chiang Rai's most famous ruler King Mengrai during the 13th century and by the famous Chiang Mai monk, Khru Ba Siwichai, at the turn of the 20th century.

The temple complex is comprised of twin Lanna style chedis, one of which is said to contain the left collarbone of the Lord Buddha. Throughout the year, the holy relic draws devout Buddhists from all over Thailand, Laos and Myanmar.

Amphoe Mae Sai

Doi Hua Mae Kham

Doi Hua Mae Kham is the domicile of the hill tribes near the Thai-Burmese border, about three hours by road along the Mae Chan-Ban Thoet Thai-Ban Huai In route which winds along the steep mountain edges. The inhabitants are predominantly of the Lisu tribe, with a smattering of the Akha, Hmong and Muser tribes. Doi Hua Mae Kham is most spectacular in November when the yellow wild sunflowers are in full bloom.

Mae Sai

Mae Sai which is about 62 kilometers from the provincial seat on Highway No. 110 is Thailand's northern-most district. Mae Sai borders on Myanmar's Tha Khi Lek marked by the Mae Sai River with a bridge spanning both sides. Foreign visitors are allowed to cross over to Tha Khi Lek market by presenting their passports and paying a fee at the Mae Sai immigration checkpoint. In addition, there are tour services to Chiang Tung in Myanmar, which is approximately 160 kilometers north by road.

Amphoe Phan

Doi Luang National Park

Doi Luang National Park is 65 kilometers south of Chiang Rai town and covers an area of 1,170 square kilometers in Phan District. Apart from hiking trails, the forested park features a few waterfalls of which the largest is Pu Kaeng Waterfall. This impressive fall has nine leaps and flows all year round. To reach Pu Kaeng Waterfall drive along the Chiang Rai-Phayao route for 58 kilometers to arrive at Ban Pu Kaeng. At kilometer 77, take a right turn and proceed on for another 9 kilometers. It is a large waterfall amid virgin jungle with water cascading down limestone brooks. Camping areas and jungle trekking services are available.

Amphoe Thoeng

Doi Pha Mon Agricultural Center

Doi Pha Mon is located at Amphoe Thoeng. During the winter months visitors are treated to splendid flower bed s of tulips, lilies, red salvia, poinsettias, etc. To get to Doi Pha Mon from the city, go along Highway No. 1020, then take Highway No. 1155. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours.

Phu Chi Fa

Phu Chi Fa is approximately 25 kilometers to the south of Doi Pha Tang in Thoeng District. The cool climate produces colorful flowering shrubs and the large meadow on the top provides breathtaking views of Laos. In addition, spectacular scenery can be seen from the sheer cliff of Phu Chi Fa, especially the sea of mist at sunrise. Visitors can stay overnight at Ban Rom Fa Thong and Ban Rom Fa Thai.

Amphoe Wiang Pa Pao

Khun Chae National Park

Khun Chae National Park is located at Tambon Mae Chedi Mai of Wiang Pa Pao District. It can be reached by taking the Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai Route (Highway No. 118). The park headquarters is right next to the highway at kilometers 55-56. Visitors wishing to take a jungle trek and camp within the park need to procure the services of a guide and prepare their own camping equipment. The trek through the Khun Chae jungle is for adventure travel enthusiasts as the route passes through steep terrain and several hilltops and cliffs over 1,400 meters high. There are good scenic lookout points and trekkers can enjoy waterfalls, flowing streams and virgin jungle areas covered with various plants.

Wiang Kalong

Wiang Kalong, a newly-developed tourist attraction, is a community about 16 kilometers from the district office of Wiang Pa Pao. Ancient furnaces which were used to make terra cotta utensils called Kalong have been found in this area. The furnaces are shaped like turtle shells of various sizes with a width of 2 to 5 meters. To get there from the city, drive south along the Divided Highway No. 1 for 8 kilometers then take a right turn onto Highway No. 118 to Wiang Pa Pao (approximately 75-80 kilometers). For those wishing to travel from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai via the Doi Saket Highway No. 1014, it is highly recommended to stop over at Wiang Kalong as it is on the way to Chiang Mai.

Travel tips to Phuket Thailand

2008-10-27T01:35:00.000-07:00

This is perhaps the easiest way to get to Phuket. Domestic airlines operate several flights daily between Bangkok and Phuket. Some flights go to Phuket via Samui Island with a 40-minute stopover. List of operators are as follows:

Phuket Air offers daily flights to Phuket and the journey takes only 1.20 hours. Call 02 6798999 or visit www.phuketairlines.com for more details on flights.

Bangkok Airways has daily flights connecting Phuket with Pattaya and Samui. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 66 2265 5678. Reservations can be made at tel. 66 2265 5555.

Alternatively, browse its website at www.bangkokair.com for more flight details.

Thai Airways International has numerous daily flights servicing the Bangkok-Phuket route. In addition, they have regular flights connecting Phuket with Hat Yai, Surat Thani, and Narathiwat Provinces. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 02 628 2000 or book your seat online at www.thaiairways.com

One-to-Go by Orient Thai operates a daily flight between Bangkok and Phuket. The flight time is 1.20 hours. Call 1126 or visitwww.onetwo-go.com for more information.

Air Asia also offers several daily flights connecting Bangkok and Phuket. The flight time is 1.20 hours. Visit www.airasia.com or call 02 5159999 for reservations.

Nok Air has several daily flights between Bangkok and Phuket with a flight time of 1.20 hours. Visit www.nokair.com or call 1318 to make your reservation.

Getting to Phuket from abroad

There are several direct flights between Phuket and international destinations, e.g. Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Penang, Singapore, and Sydney.

Dragon Air, Malaysia Airlines, Silk Airand Singapore Airlines also operate international flights connecting Phuket with other destinations. Please call airline offices for more details.

Transportation to and from the airport

Phuket International Airport is located approximately 30 kilometers north of the city, tel. 076 327230. Taxis between Phuket City and the airport costs approximately 400 baht but the fare to the beach ranges between 500 baht and 600 baht (The rate may decline now). Minivans charge approximately 80 baht /person to town, but 120 baht/person to Patong, Kata and Karon Beaches. Phuket Limousine (tel. 076 248596), located approximately 1 kilometer west of the city, operates hourly shuttles to the airport from 6.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.

By bus

Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses leave Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal for Phuket several times daily. Trips by air-conditioned bus, which normally leaves in the evening, take about 13 hours. Call 0 2434 7192, 0 2435 1199 or visitwww.transport.co.th for more information.

By car

From Bangkok, take Highway No.4 (Phetchakasem Road) through Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani and Phang-nga Provinces, then cross the Thep Krasattri Bridge or Sarasin Bridge to Phuket Island. The total distance is 862 kilometers and the travel time is approximately 12 hours.

By rail

There is no direct train service to Phuket. Travelers arriving by train must get off at Phun Phin Railway Station in Surat Thani Province and continue by regular bus to Phuket. For more information, call the State Railway of Thailand, 1690, 0 2223 7010, or 0 2223 7020.

By Ferry

During the high season, travelers may opt to get to Phuket from Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta (both are in Krabi Province). Few ports in Phuket provide this service with fares ranging between 300 bahts and 500 baht. The trip may take 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on weather conditions.

Getting around Phuket

Car Rental Service

Avis Car Rent Airport Tel: 0-7635-1243, Kata Beach Resort Tel : 0-7638-1530-3
- Boomerang Travel & Tour 71/13 Patak Road, Chalong Bay Tel: 0-7638-1690
- Dusit Laguna Hotel Bang Thao Beach Tel: 0-7632-4322-9
- Hertz Car Rent Thawon Palm Beach Hotel, Karon Beach Tel: 0- 7638-1034-7
- Holiday Inn Patong Beach Tel: 0-7634-0608
- K.M. Travel Phangnga Road Tel: 0-7621-0893
- Le Meridian Karon Noi Beach Tel: 0-7634-0480-5
- The Metropol Hotel Montri Road Tel: 0-7621-5050
- Pansea Surin Beach Tel: 0-7632-4017-20
- Patong Merlin Patong Beach Tel: 0-7634-0037-41
- Pearl Village Nai Yang Beach Tel: 0-7632-7006
- Phuket Arcadia Karon Beach Tel: 0-7638-1038-40
- Phuket Airport Tel: 0-7632-7258
- Phuket Cabana Patong Beach Tel: 0-7634-0138-4
- Phuket Car Center Takua Pa Road Tel: 0-7621-2671-3
- Phuket Island Tel: 0-7638-1010
- Phuket Yacht Charter 5/3 Chao Fa Road Tel: 0-7621-6556
- Phuket Horizon Car Rent 235/4 Yaowarat Road, Tambon Talat Nua, Muang

District Tel: 0-7621-5200
- Pure Car Rent Opposite Thavorn Hotel, Ratsada Road, Tel: 0- 7621-1002
- Via Rent A Car 70/85 Rat U-Thit, Patong Beach Tel: 0-7634-0160

Motorcycle taxis It costs approximately 20 baht / person / trip to travel around Phuket City. Alternatively, motorcycles can be rented from rental agencies located on Rasada Road or from several operators along beaches. The cost may vary from 150 baht 300 baht / day, depending on the number of cylinders.

Songthaeo and Tuk-Tuk Songthaeos are operated along Ranong Road to several destinations on the beaches. The cost varies from approximately 20 baht to 25 baht / person / trip. Normally the service is provided from 7.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m.

Tuk-Tuks can be chartered to the beach however, the rates which can be negotiated are higher at 200 baht to Patong Beach, 230 baht to Karon and Kata Beaches and 300 baht to Nai Han and Kamala Beaches. However, Tuk-Tuks drive around the town at the rate of 20 baht.

Taxi Meter Visitors can call 076 232157-8 to get a metered taxi that will take them anywhere in Phuket. The metered fare will include a 20 baht surcharge.

Getting to nearby provinces

By bus

There are regular bus services (VIP, air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned) to neighboring provinces such as Krabi, Phang-nga, Chumphon, Ko Samui (bus/boat), Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ranong, Surat Thani, Satun, Hat Yai, Takua-Pa and Trang. Departures are from the Phuket Bus Terminal off Phang-nga Road. For more up-to-date schedules and fares, call Phuket Air-conditioned Bus Station, tel. 0 7621 1977.

Taxis & Vans

There are shared taxi and van services between Phuket and other nearby provinces. Fares of both are generally around double the fare of an ordinary bus. The stations of both taxis and minivans are also on Phang-nga Road.

By air

Some domestic airlines operate flights from Phuket to Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Hat Yai and Samui. For more details, check with your travel agent or the TAT office.

Getting to nearby islands from Phuket
Boats to nearby islands can be found at the following ports:

Rawai Beach An old local port, it is from here that long-tail boats depart for nearby islands such as Ko He, Ko Racha Yai, Ko Mai Thon, Ko Lon, etc. The chartered price depends on the distance.

Ao Chalong The largest port of Phuket that has all kinds of boats, including cruisers of tour companies which organize package tours to other islands.

Ao Makham Located near Phanwa Cape, the port is only for cruisers and container ships. Boat Lagoon Port (Ao Sapam) The port is for traveling boats of tour companies.

How to Buy Gadgets in China And Not Get Cheated

2008-10-06T19:37:00.000-07:00

Wallet full of cash and bags at ready, I stood, mouth agape, in front of the five-story electronics bazaar in front of me. It was one of several dozen in Shanghai, magical places where floor after floor are filled to bursting with gadget vendors begging you to stop by and see their wares. Like Circuit Cities on crack, everyone inside is desperate to make a sale and every price is negotiable. Welcome to the way the Chinese—or at least the majority who live in megacities like this one—buy their electronics.

Just minutes earlier, I had directed a taxi driver to take me to one of the bigger tech marts, the Shanghai PC Mall, located in the Pudong area of Shanghai.

“Are you sure you don't want to go to a Best Buy? We have those here now,” he said.

It's true—Best Buy opened its largest store ever in Shanghai in 2006. Since then, it's cut the red ribbon on a second outlet and recently received permission from the government to start building four more. But what would be the point of me going there?

One of the more ironic qualities of buying electronics in China is that, despite all components being made here, foreign company goods still count as imports. Suggested retail prices are pumped even higher than they would be in the U.S.... unless you know how to negotiate for a better deal. But Best Buy frowns on bargaining, even in China.

“You aren't a local. The shopkeepers will tear you apart,” the taxi driver warned, laughing, as we approached the Shanghai PC Mall.

Well, we'd see about that. I marched resolutely in, and was automatically bombarded by three sales clerks from three different booths, all hawking the latest notebooks from some of the best known corporations—Sony, Toshiba, Dell.

“Come and browse for a minute, maybe you'll see something you like,” said one.

“Go this way, we have a special today that you might be interested in,” warbled another.

“What do you need? What do you want? Tell me, I'll find you a good deal,” the third trilled.

In every cubicle-like row is a representative who'll help fix your PC problems and, if you're not careful, sell you something you don't need.

I have to admit, the intensity startled me. Coming from New York, I was used to aisles of disaffected or otherwise nonexistent employees. The last time I'd seen such fervor was when a kid in an oversized blue shirt confirmed that I was buying something expensive and insisted I needed a longer warranty. I scuttled off quickly and the three salespeople automatically turned around to beset the next person to enter.

This time around, I wasn't hunting big game. Televisions, netbooks and DSLR cameras would have to wait until I'd become more confident in my chaffering... and had more cash.

Debit cards are still pretty rare in this country, and credit cards even more so. Most transactions still rely, ridiculously, on cold hard bills. To buy a decent laptop, I'd have to stuff my pockets with over a thousand 100-yuan notes—Chinese currency's largest denomination.

Every booth sells its own unique mishmash of gadgetry, impervious to categorization or order.

On this trip, my list was more mundane, consisting mostly of accessories and doodads. I stopped at a booth with at least thirteen brands of webcams crowded around an LCD screen. Some were from established names like Logitech, others were made by local companies I'd never heard of. After waffling a bit over the specifications of each option the shopkeeper presented me, I asked how much for a simple Chinese-branded 3-megapixel number.

“180 yuan,” she said. I paused then responded that I'd actually take it for 100 yuan.

“Done!” She packed it up quickly, grinned and stretched out her hand to take my bill.Damn it. I'd done enough bargaining in my life to know that when a deal is resolved this quickly, I'd probably been suckered. Sure $15 U.S. isn't a horrible price to pay for a webcam, but who knows how cheap I could of gotten it for if I'd been a little more ambitious.

I vowed to stick to brand name goods from then on, where at least the obsessive hours I'd spent browsing Consumer Reports and Newegg.com would give me some indication of their true value.

Floor upon glorious shiny floor of stuff!

With that in mind, I next tried my hand at nabbing a wireless router. This time around I went for something I recognized: an 802.11b/g Netgear that would run about $40 in the US. The starting price this time around was 300 yuan (or about $45). I countered with 150 and was scoffed at. Employing my best “Well, if you really aren't going to sell it to me for that much, I guess I'll just be on my way” look, I got the clerk to sigh and give it to me for 200 yuan. $10 off the US price and no sales tax added on at the end of the deal. Not too shabby.

In the next hours, I haggled over everything from speakers to hard drives to extra RAM for my laptop (installed for free, with an extra discount thrown in if I left my old memory sticks with them). I came home that day, arms loaded with new stuff, satisfied with having saved a good 20 to 25% off of US street prices.

Yes, those are iPhones (and real ones, too). No, they're not supported in China yet. Don't tell anyone, okay?

And yet, I had also figured out why Best Buy, despite its inherent inability to evercompete on cost, was doing so well over here.

Negotiating for what you want is a pain. Being accosted by vendors trying to convince you that they're the ones you should buy from is a mess of stress. Worrying about whether everything will work as promised at home is downright draining. And the funny thing was, I approached the experience as an informed consumer. It must be a thousand times more frustrating for someone with less experience, who would undoubtedly realize too late that they paid way more than they should have.

What Best Buy offers in China is a haven for the emotionally fatigued. Their stock comes at a hefty premium, but with none of the uncertainties of the tech bazaars. You'll never turn around and find the next vendor selling what you just bought for 10% less. There is no “if only I were savvier” moment. Oh—and if something is wrong with your purchase, Best Buy won't yell at you for being a doofus when you return it (well, at least not over here. The Consumerist says things might be different States-side).

That kind of psychological assurance has put the company in a peculiarly powerful position. Despite initially dire predictions, Best Buy's Shanghai outlet is now one of the company's top-10 revenue generators worldwide. This is probably why three of its four new China stores will be located in this city.

But would I head there the next time I need a quick gadget fix? Heck no. Somewhere back at the Shanghai PC Mall, there's a netbook with my name on it. And it's waiting for me to win it in a bargaining battle for the ages. Paying retail? That's for sissies.

Who doesn't love bargains (and Jackie Chan)?

Beautiful flowers of Thailand's Kamphaeng Phet

2008-10-02T20:25:00.000-07:00

Touring Kamphaeng Phet's ancient ruins and an orchard was no piece of cake

Contrary to the popular Thai saying "khong kluay kluay" that roughly translates into "peeling banana" - an analogy used for things simple or easily done - my trip that began with a 5am wake up call to the "land of bananas" in Kamphaeng Phet was anything but a piece of cake.

The call was followed by a five-hour adventure through flashes of lightning and non-stop rain that refused to relent. Soon after the car carrying us entered the vast Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, we got off our vehicle, boarded a shuttle tram and rode past numerous ancient laterite ruins.

Declared by Unesco a World Heritage site in 1991, together with two other sites - Sukhothai Historical Park and Si Satchanalai - in Sukhothai province, Kamphaeng Phet and its ancient archaeological remains scattered across a lush forest-covered landscape are evidence that the civilisation that once thrived in its embrace was on par with what existed in Sukhothai around the same time.

History has it that Kamphaeng Phet's strategic location made it a major buffer against the Burmese during the Sukhothai period. This historical fact is clearly evident through structures in the old city compound which was protected by a three-tiered moat that still stands, and reinforced by strong laterite walls and fortifications.

Even though this ancient heritage offers a glimpse into the glorious history of the province, Kamphaeng Phet's origin still remains a mystery. Unlike its northern neighbours, the story of its birth has been pieced largely from popular legend and common perception.

By now the sky had begun to clear and the sun emerged from the clouds. We decided to move to another prominent symbol of the province, the banana fruit.

Nestled in an area of Kamphaeng Phet Chalermphrakiat Museum inside the old city wall is a banana orchard set in the backyard of a group of traditional wooden Thai-style buildings.

At the orchard that is huge, there are not only the typical Thai varieties like kluay khai, kluay hom or fragrant banana and kluay nam wa , but almost 200 other species of various shape, size and colour making it a tropical banana treasury.

There were quaint-looking bananas, some ripe some raw bearing names weird and comical as their form, hard to pronounce and harder to remember. It wasn't so much as "peeling banana," after all.

Strikingly colourful flowering bananas in shades of brilliant red, pink, orange and yellow thrived on the front side of the garden. Among them were the ornamental pink variety whose bright sheath resembled a lotus bud. Grown for decorative purposes, these bananas are sought after because they add a lush tropical feel to your garden.

Next were the edible varieties. The highlights included the Theppanom species, which caught everyone's eyes with its peculiar cluster that resembled a big bunch of Siamese banana. You couldn't peel them off one at a time because the skin at every tier was inseparably fused to the one next to it.

Next up was kluay klai shaped like elephant tusk. Its distinctive characteristic has to do with its reddish blossom or hua plee that wouldn't be found on the tree like your regular banana. Interestingly, the history of this variety is believed to date back to the reign of King Narai the Great of Ayutthaya.

Then we spotted kluay nak , that irresistible ink red species that turns golden brown when fully ripe, and then wrapped up our orchard tour after a look at the Black Tanee species, or kluay tanee dum in Thai. Its eye-catching black leaves emit a delectable aroma when put to steam or a flame.

Black Tanee leaves are durable. They can be folded into whatever shape desired without risking tear, making them ideal for artistic works such as ornament made from its elaborately-folded leaves used in traditional "Bai Sri" religious rites or for wrapping savoury food or sweets.

It takes most seedless banana species grown at the orchard seven to eight months to bear fruit, while for ornamental banana you need to wait longer - two or three years.

The tour and the day proved a nice learning curve, but around dusk I was forced to flee the banana treasury after being attacked by armies of red ants. It seemed they had taken offence of my trespassing their territory.

Thailand announces tourism awards

2008-10-02T20:23:00.000-07:00

A list of 98 winners have been announced for the Thailand Tourism Awards 2008.

The awards instituted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand in 1996 are accorded every two years in the fields of nature, culture, edutainment, ecotourism, agrotourism, health tourism, accommodation and resorts, tour programmes, media and to organisations that promote tourism. In every field there is one "best" and many "outstanding" winners picked on regional basis.

Doi Phuka National Park of Nan Province is one of this year’s winners. ARTHUR JONES DIONIO.

The best in nature category are Doi Phuka National Park in Nan (North), Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi (Central) and Phu Phan National Park in Sakon Nakhon (Northeast). Outstanding winners in the same category are Phuhin Rongkla in Phitsanulok (North), Pha Taem National Park in Ubon Ratchathani (Northeast) and Ko Hong of Than Bok Khorani National Park in Krabi (South).

The best in cultural tourism is Sirindhorn Museum in Kalasin (Northeast), while there are 18 outstanding winners in the category, among them Ramkhamhaeng National Museum in Sukhothai (North), Wat Pho in Bangkok (Central), and Phu Thai Khok-Kong Cultural Village in Kalasin (Northeast).

The best in edutainment is Rose Garden Riverside in Nakhon Pathom, while the outstanding winners are Phuket Fantasea, Siam Niramit and Siam Ocean World in Bangkok, Ripley's World Pattaya and Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden & Resort in Chon Buri, and Cha-Am ATV Park in Phetchaburi.

Li Let community in Surat Thani was best in the field of ecotourism, while the outstanding winners are Ta Pa Pao village in Lamphun, Ban Taelae Nok in Ranong and Phaoto Watershed Conservation & Management Centre in Chumphon.

In agrotourism, Chokchai Farm in Nakhon Ratchsima came best, while the outstanding winners are Mae Chan Winery in Chiang Rai, Somdej Phra Srinakarindra Park in Phetchaburi, Suphattra Land in Rayong, GranMonte Smart Vineyard and PB Valley Khao Yai Winery in Nakhon Ratchasima.

The best in health tourism were Lanna Oasis Spa in Chiang Mai, Paradee Spa in Rayong and Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok. Outstanding winners in category were Sukho Spa in Phuket, Tamarind Springs Spa in Surat Thani, Tao Garden Health Spa & Resort and Rarin Jinda Wellness Spa Resort in Chiang Mai, Krung Siam St.Carlos Medical Center in Pathum Thani, Khai Bangrachan Hospital in Sing Buri, Chao Phya Abhaibhubej Hospital in Pranchin Buri, BDC skin centre operated by Dr Orawan Kitchawengkul, and S Medical Spa in Bangkok. For more in formation, visit http://www.tourismthailand.org.

Wild Thailand: Elephants, Cobras and Tigers

2008-10-02T20:05:00.000-07:00

By David Rich

After a half dozen trips to Thailand it can get boring, except for a single friend of mine who travels yearly for the adventure of serial Thai ladies. For him it seems to never get boring.

But for someone who goes to Thailand every year for a combination medical check up, Bangkok's annual film festival and Asia's air hub (this year I'm catching the next flight to Kazakhstan), the uniformly saliva-inducing food and happy kind people can become old Thai hat.

This year I found the solution to boredom by walking on the wild Thai side, checking out spitting cobras, huggy boas, curious elephants and cuddly tigers.

Elephant Artists

I'd become up-close and intimate with Thai elephants before, on several occasions, including a three-day course to become a mahout, a certified elephant trainer that looks super on my resume. Check out the details with a myriad of fab elephant photos.

These super-sized gray barns are playful infants and budding artists on the inside, anxious to pick the odd banana from a pocket and heft a paintbrush to pen a picture of their mahout riding topside.

My fellow students declared it the happiest three days of their obviously sheltered lives though we admittedly looked goofy in bright blue overalls, drenched when our elephants played submarine, dusty when brooming them off in the morning and slightly aghast when washing and straining elephant dung to make fibrous designer papers.

It all culminated in a graduation ceremony for newly minted mahouts, some who may have thought their elephant was actually paying attention to commands in Thai, made unintelligible to any reasonable elephant by heavy accents of English, German and Japanese.

An Amazing Array

Harboring a fascination with dangerous reptiles I trek yearly to the snake farm run by the Thai Red Cross, maintained to harvest venom for antidotes because Thais are snack food for cobras that infest the jungle, more per capita than sheep to Kiwis in New Zealand.

For less than three bucks, tourists are admitted to an almost terminally exciting reptile show at the corner of Henri Dunant Road and Rama IV Road, a few blocks from the subway and the sky train in the center of old Bangkok.

Herpetologists put an amazing array of snakes through their paces, plucking swimming cobras from the farms' canals, uncoiling ten-foot (three-meter) long king cobras, milking mambas for venom and generally scaring the up-close audience half to death, which I always love a lot.

Afterwards those with the gumption are invited to model a massive boa constrictor that looks like a giant yellow diamondback, darting tongue seeking the closest ear.

Go and revel like me because it's cheaper and more exciting than an ear candle.

Giant Ronalds

Of course Thailand is renowned for the gaudiest temples on the planet. Thousands of glittering temples seem to litter every block in every city, portals guarded by giant Ronald McDonalds in spectacular primary colors relieved by strings of embedded mirrors and surrounded by startling gargoyles of pointy demeanor.

After the initial shock during a first visit to old Siam these rapidly become old hat, similar to the cathedrals in Europe.

But a wild Thai, who's also a professor of art at a Bangkok University, is going the genre one better, building the jazziest temple of them all way up north near the Myanmar border in Chang Rai. This White Temple looks like the Titanic covered with icicles, encircled by moats chock full of koi and surrounded by lesser frosty-looking and garish golden gothic glam.

Naturally I had to make the trip to be dazzled in person. And bedazzled I was, including by the vivid anti-war murals inside the White Temple that included a depiction of bombs raining on twin towers.

The various temples looked like an ice festival extravaganza in a remote locale like Minnesota or the flash-frozen Arctic, raring edifices of chilling whiteness. Perhaps the impetus was a psychological means of escaping Thailand's pernicious muggy heat.

The White Temple, admission free though small donations are solicited, is being created by a wild Thai indeed, and when finished in a few years will remain Thailand's new top tourist attraction. Check out this two-minute video.

The Tiger Kingddom

But for me the top Thai temptress is toying with tigers. The famous tiger temple is off in a remote province seldom frequented by tourists, but tigers can be easily be played with near Chiang Mai at the Tiger Kingdom.

The Kingdom is admittedly commercial, raising tigers for Thai zoos, better than for rich Chinese gourmets. Tourists pay a mere $9 to pet and cuddle baby tigers, playful critters that like to jump all over and smack each other about.

Just don't pat their heads or teeth will sink into human paws like icicles into hot butter. Otherwise the fab furry ones act like raucous kittens, as indeed they are, fat broad paws already packing a punch as they chase about, seemingly impervious to melting in the Thai heat like the tigers in a black fairy tale.

The big chartreuse eyes flash like beacons, blabbing of sheer roguery and incipient powers soon to detonate. Whiskers twitch as they nip each others' baby butts, almost playfully.

Adult tigers can be mingled with for the same $9 though the psychological cost and intimidation means few tourists dare.

Newborn tigers may be cuddled in their nursery for $15, wee things that belie the ferocity that will explode in a few short weeks.

And most remarkably the gorgeous tiger coat is always magnificently brilliant, never tacky like the pattern stolen for some women's apparel. From temples to tigers a plethora of wild Thai beckons.

Thailand introduces frequent traveller immigration card

2008-10-02T20:01:00.000-07:00

Thailand is to introduce a new immigration card later this year, for frequent travellers that will allow them to bypass normal screening procedures at airports.

Those eligible for the Immigration Card are nationals and foreigners who travel in and out of the country three to five times in a year.

The Bangkok Post newpaper reports the move is designed to promote tourism and investment in the country.

It says mmigration Police will also open a call centre early next year to provide tourism-related information in eight languages.

Thailand's Padaung Women are Discarding their Neck Rings

2008-10-02T19:32:00.000-07:00

Increasing numbers of Padaung “longneck” women are removing the neck rings that make them a tourist draw in northern Thailand, hoping they’ll improve their chances of being resettled abroad.

Mu Hwit, a 21-year-old Padaung woman living in a Karenni refugee camp in Mae Hong Son province, near northern Thailand’s border with Burma, said she and six friends had removed their neck rings. She knew of several other women who had also discarded them.

A group of “longneck” women pose for the camera after a graduation ceremony in a Karenni refugee camp school in northern Thailand. The young woman graduate on the right has removed her neck rings. (Photo: The Irrawaddy)

Mu Hwit said she had discarded her neck rings not only because they would hinder her chances of studying abroad but also because she was “unhappy” at being a low-paid tourist attraction.

Northern Thailand has three Padaung villages where women wearing neck rings are paid 1,500 baht (US $38) a month by a Thai community, the “Union of Hill Tribe Villages,” to act as a tourist attraction, selling handicrafts and souvenirs to visitors. Their men folk have difficulty in finding employment, however.

The Thai authorities keep a close watch on the movements of the 500 inhabitants of the three villages. Last year, the authorities denied a group of Padaung people who had already been accepted for resettlement by Canada, New Zealand and Finland permission to leave Thailand.

“The Thai authorities just want us to stay and preserve our culture as a tourism attraction; they don’t want us to leave and study abroad,” said Mu Hwit. “But our culture brings us no benefits, only others. I feel unhappy about it—this is why I took off my neck rings.”

Mu Hwit completed high school at the Karenni refugee camp, but was then prevented by the authorities from leaving her village.

The Kayan Culture Administration Committee, based in Mae Hong Song, said Padaung women were discarding their neck rings because they felt themselves under observation by Thai authorities.

A member of the committee, Dhaw Reh, said that instead of being paid a suitable wage for their contribution to Thailand’s tourist industry, Padaung women were being condemned to poverty in the villages. Many saw resettlement as their only hope.

Padaung ‘long-neck’ girls traditionally begin to wear neck rings from the age of six, and by the time they reach adulthood the number of rings can be as many as 26.

Shopping For Bargains - Chiang Mai's Night Bazaar

2008-09-26T04:42:00.000-07:00

The Night Bazaar has been a part of the Chiang Mai tourist scene for many years now. My first visit to the strip was over ten years ago. Back then, McDonald's fast food restaurant was the main attraction for tourists seeking a taste of something familiar to their palate. Today much has changed along the strip known as the Chiang Mai night bazaar. After some significant flooding in 2005, some much needed renovations have been done on several shopping plazas along Chang Klan Road.

The renovations have brought in more western restaurants and other chain stores. These include Subway, Starbucks and a new three storey Burger King. For the tourist that has not had her fill of Thai food, the Galare food court has been upgraded and has a variety of Thai dishes which are favorites among foreigners.

The most recent addition to the night bazaar area is a brand new five star Le Meridian hotel. This is the latest in a long line of five star hotels which have become part of the new upscale Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is now suited for the luxury tourists as well as the familiar back packing travelers.

During the past ten years, the night bazaar strip has continued to lengthen and it now stretches the whole way from Thapae Road down just past Sridonchai Road. A new trendy mall is near completion on the south side of Sridonchai Road and it may not be long until this classic shopping strip reaches south to the newly built Shangri-La hotel.

All of these new features just add to the allure of the Chiang Mai night bazaar. This shopping paradise still draws thousands of tourists to its crowded stalls every night. First time visitors may be overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of this ever changing strip, but most will feel the need to return to this bizarre bazaar again and again during their stay in Chiang Mai.

This is one Chiang Mai attraction which requires no entrance fee. Just bring your comfortable walking shoes and spirit for adventure as you browse through the array of trinkets and souvenirs. Many tourists will prefer to sit at one of the local pubs while their friends and partners peruse the shelves full of memorabilia. Others may spend hours bargaining with the sellers in hopes of making that special purchase to complement their adventures in Chiang Mai.

No matter what you think of the Chiang Mai night bazaar, you will probably not leave the strip empty handed. Gifts for friends back home and for your own memories of your trip to Thailand are a must for every traveler. Don't be too quick to make up your mind about the Chiang Mai night bazaar. Plan to spend several hours on the strip during your Chiang Mai holiday. You may realize bargain shopping is not for you, or you may start something that urges you to join the crowds and confusion every night during your stay in Thailand's "Rose of the North."

D. L. Zimmerman

http://www.chiangmai.ourthailandholidays.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=D._L._Zimmerman

Sunrise on the Mekong River

2008-09-25T22:30:00.000-07:00

Mekong River Nong Khai Thailand

2008-09-25T22:19:00.001-07:00

Lady Boy show in Bangkok

2008-09-25T21:56:00.000-07:00

Twice a night, 30 gorgeous "lady-boys" packs them into a 400-seat theatre in Bangkok's Asia Hotel. More free vids: www.answers4dancers.com

Thailand Scenes thru bloodshot eyes

2008-09-25T21:45:00.001-07:00

Thai scenes and nightlife done to popular music. Scenes of Bangkoks' Sukhumvit Rd, Soi Cowboy, Patong Beach, Sukhothai and Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai Impressions

2008-09-25T21:23:00.001-07:00

Amazing Thailand - Sri Racha Tiger Zoo

2008-09-25T20:26:00.000-07:00

Amazing Thailand - The Tigers & The Priest

2008-09-25T20:20:00.000-07:00

Great video about Monks and their tigers!

This is Thailand to rap!

2008-09-25T19:59:00.001-07:00

Thailand - "I don't believe in fear"-

2008-09-25T19:38:00.001-07:00

Thai Government Tourism Video to music

2008-09-25T19:28:00.000-07:00

Thai Travel Guide Praew: The Marble Temple

2008-09-25T19:19:00.001-07:00

Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram called Wat Benchamabophit or "The Marble Temple" as known to foreigners located in Bangkok Thailand. Here Thai Travel Guide Praew brings you to the 'Marble Temple' at dusk for some remarkable images of the temple.

Phuket Thailand - Travel Guide: A Paradise On Earth / Part 3

2008-09-25T18:43:00.000-07:00

Phuket Thailand - Travel Guide: A Paradise On Earth / Part 2

2008-09-25T18:34:00.000-07:00

Phuket Thailand - Travel Guide: A Paradise On Earth / Part 1

2008-09-25T18:29:00.000-07:00

Phuket, Thailand - A Paradise On Earth - A Guide for those visiting Phuket Island
www.phuketdvd.com Phuket, Phang Nga Bay, Phi Phi Islands, Bangla Road and much more!

Phuket: 5 Things to do

2008-09-25T18:26:00.000-07:00

Thailand's Phuket town

2008-09-23T21:07:00.000-07:00

by Saigon Charlie

Although we have lived off and on in Phuket since 1997, it never ceases to amaze me when we return to the largest island in Thailand just how special and unique it is. For me the province's capital harbors warm charm and magical experiences around every bend.

Yes, Phuket is famous for Patong Beach and umbrella'd cocktails but you really must slip away from the cluttered coastline and the tourist traps and head for Phuket town where you can let the nostalgia sink in. Here however you won't find lines of money-hungry touts and vendors; just culture and old-world charm.

Once you set foot in the old commercial centre and begin wandering along Thalang Road or Soi Romanee, the stars of the show quickly hove into sight: The century-old Sino-Portuguese houses, with their distinctive pastel hues, which line the streets around here, functioning as shophouses, offices for small businesses, cafe's and people's homes. The stunning colours of this neighbourhood have attracted film crews from all over the region, with shots of it even popping up in Bollywood productions. The first sign that you've been transported back to the late 18th century are the covered footpaths, forming an arcade which offers shade and shelter from the elements. The ambience begins to feel distinctly European, but on closer inspection a very different cultural influence emerges. Above the entrances to many of the two-storey shophouses are signs in Chinese characters.

Many shrines were erected in this area, but one of particular interest is Saan Jao Sang Tum - the Shrine of Serene Light. One of the oldest in town, it is also considered one of the holiest, but perhaps the most curious thing about it is that it can now only be reached by walking through a small teashop called Wilai which, incidentally, is a great place to sample some of the local Hokkien/Malay-influenced cuisine; stop for a snack or even a full meal.

If you have your own transport, take a drive up Khao Rang and have lunch on this hillside with its panoramic views of the town. Many locals stroll up here as part of their daily exercise regime and there's a park where you can admire the statue of Khaw Sim Bee, an ethnic-Chinese businessman who was appointed governor of Phuket by King Rama V in 1902.

For more insights into local history, drop by the Thai Hua Museum on Krabi Road to see exhibits on the cuisine, culture, architecture and people of old Phuket plus works executed by local artists in the aftermath of the tsunami. A splendid blend of European and Sino-Thai architecture, the building was erected in 1934 to house the Thai Hua School; founded in 1911, this claims to be the oldest Chinese institute of education in the country.

Every year in late September/early October, this neighbourhood plays host to the infamous Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Aside from a 10-day celebration of meatless cuisine, highlights include parades and processions with island-shaking fireworks and shocking displays of self-mutilation by people ostensibly possessed by various gods. While the devotees show no signs of pain, and apparently suffer no long-term ill-effects after emerging from their self-induced trances, this is one spectacle that is definitely not for the faint-hearted!

Thailand's Ko Samui Shasa Hotel

2008-09-23T21:05:00.000-07:00

HOTEL CASAVELA KO SAMUI

Nestled on the southern end of Ko Samui, this new five-star hotel is pushing the standards of comfort. From the breezy lobby to the humongous suites, you'll find it very hard not to have a relaxing experience here! The so-called "seaview chic" design concept makes for a very hip and trendy experience from the giant rattan ball on the pool deck, to the hand-made customised furniture and modern decor.

The hotel offers only suites - 32 of them in all - featuring one to three bedrooms and ranging in size from 120 to 257m2. There's also a single, spectacular, beachfront villa (with its own pool) that's larger than the average house. All units have a sea view and some of the bathrooms even have a direct line-of-sight to the ocean. There are also "exclusive" suites with 24-hour butler service. I got the chance to stay in one of the two-bedroom suites which features a spacious living/dining area, a fully stocked kitchen, a washing machine/dryer, minibar (the contents are complimentary!) and a bathtub that might possibly be a tad too big (I ran the taps for 20 minutes and it still wasn't even half full).

Contact Information:

116/1 Moo 2, Tambon Mared, Laem Set, Ko Samui, Surat Thani 84310 Tel: 077-913-888; fax: 077-913-899; email: info@shasahotels.com; web site: http://www.shasahotels.com

USS Abraham Lincoln's Pattaya Thailand Liberty Call

2008-09-20T01:46:00.000-07:00

By MC3 Geoffrey Lewis
USS Abraham Lincoln

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Although many Sailors aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) spent their liberty time in the local area of Pattaya Beach during the aircraft carrier’s port visit to Thailand, Sept. 12-16, lots of Sailors took the opportunity to tour a 200-acre replica of the country’s ancient cities.

As with many tours offered, the Sailors took a scenic drive through the countryside to their destination. The trip was lengthy, at almost two hours, and their tour guide gave the Sailors a brief description of Thai culture and history along the way. The tour guide even translated a few useful terms to use among the locals, such as “hello” and “thank you.”

It was a great opportunity for Sailors to see just how different the way of life was for ancient Thailand with scale models of the country’s most important landmarks, said Aviation Structural Mechanic Equipment 2nd Class (AW) Chris Bailey, of Boise, Idaho.

“I really liked getting to see all the temples and learning about their culture,” said Bailey, who is assigned to the “Lancers” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 131. “Being able to take pictures of these places was the best. I thought it was a great way to relax and enjoy our last foreign port [before heading home].”

Interacting with the people working at the park, or even exchanging a few words with other visitors, was a great experience for Lincoln Sailors said Storekeeper Seaman Kerri Kienzle of Dallas. She added that one of the highlights of the tour was the opportunity to try local Thai cuisine.

“The people here are really friendly,” Kienzle said. “I really liked seeing all their temples and enjoyed trying their food, too.”

The variety of tours was vast, but they all had one stop in common. At the gems galleries, Sailors had the chance to learn about how Thailand’s gem industry began and were offered the chance to see first-hand how precious stones are set into jewelry. At the Laem Chabang gallery, Sailors got to enjoy a small roller coaster.

The Loi Krathong Festival in Chiang Mai Thailand.

2007-11-13T04:39:00.000-08:00

November 13, 2007

Launching a Krathong in the Mae Ping river in Chiang Mai Thailand

If you like candles placed in colorful paper lanterns, fireworks, beautiful girls in traditional dress, parade floats, lots of food, and parties, do not miss the Loi Krathong festival. Of course, it is much more than this to the Thai people. Read on to learn more.

Here in North Thailand the Loi Krathong Festival is much different than anywhere in the Kingdom. In the small town of Mae Jo north of Chiang Mai they started the festival on Saturday night by launching hot air balloons called "Khom Loy". I went with my wife and friends and took this short video. We are not talking about a few Khom Loy but thousands upon thousands all at the same time. You got to see this.

Launching a Khome Loy in Chiang Mai Thailand

This festival is held on the night of the 12th full moon of the year in most of the countries where it is celebrated, except in Laos, where it coincides with the 11th full moon at the end of the rains retreat, the Buddhist Lent. In many of the Thai provinces facing Laos across the Mekong River, there may also be a major festival of floating lights at that time, such as Nakhon Phanom's spectacular Lai Rua Fai (many illuminated boats). Loy Krathong may have originally been timed to coincide with the end of the life-giving rains, as a kind of harvest festival giving thanks for the abundance of the crop now filling the granaries and wishing for further bounty in the year to come. There is also a great deal of symbolism involved in the floating away of the Krathong, representing a cleansing of sins.

Lighting candles during Loi Krathong Festival in Chiang Mai Thailand.

Loy Krathong has an unequalled charm and mystique, whether it is celebrated on a grand scale in a major city or quietly in a small village of just a few rude huts, but for a truly breathtaking experience, the north of Thailand is the place to go. Even from the end of Lent, the build-up starts with firecrackers banging and booming in the night and, gradually, there appear what seem to be moving orange stars in the sky. As Loy Krathong itself nears, coconut frond archways spring up at the gates of houses, earthen lamps glow in the night, and paper streamers and lanterns appear everywhere.

With the rainy season gone, the night sky is clear and coolness fills the air. On the night of Loy Krathong itself, the full moon sails over the horizon into a sky filled with light and sound, for the Lanna folk celebrate Loy Krathong in three dimensions.

Giant hot air balloons, called Kome Loy, rise into the sky, their fires visible, like some galaxy of orange stars, into the far distance. Traditional rockets known as Bok Fai outdo the myriad of other fireworks crackling and popping everywhere in the crisp night air. And beneath this frenzy of noise and light, the gentle, quiet, and touching act of floating (loy) one's Krathong.

The traditional months of Lanna are different from the rest in Thailand, and Loy Krathong is always celebrated in Duan Yee - the second month - and the period of the festival is called Yee Peng. It is an important time with Krathong and a different Buddhist ceremony, called Tang Tham Luang, falling within this month. The decorations around houses and temples come alive during Yee Peng with the Kome paper lanterns glowing a host of bright colours. Walls surrounding compounds are decorated with the earthen lamps called Phang Patit. The number of these lamps must correspond with the total age of all family members combined, and their flickering yellow flames give warmth to the cool evening.

The Krathong are traditionally made from cut sections of bamboo, with neatly folded pieces of banana leaf around the edge, giving the appearance of a lotus leaf. Each must be decorated with a candle, an incense stick, and some flowers, though many are more elaborate. Often some grains of sand and good luck charms are placed on the Krathong, and a few coins are often added; though these usually end up as some young boy's extra pocket money. At home in the water, they swim from Krathong to Krathong and a little brown hand gropes around for what it may contain. These days the convenience and buoyancy of Styrofoam have largely and, unfortunately, replaced traditional materials, as they litter bank and shoreline for weeks after the event.

This year, 2008, the Loy Krathong festival is from November 8 to 11. In Chiangmai, there are raft races on the river on the first day, and boat races for the next two days. The Yee Peng opening ceremony takes place at Tha Pae Gate early on the first evening, followed by a lantern parade and contest at the Night Bazaar. Beauty contests will be held at Tha Pae Gate on the second and last evenings, and parades of individual Krathongs and giant Krathongs start from there on the second and third evenings. Every night, there will be fireworks, Kome Loy launchings, Lanna cultural performances at the Municipal Offices near the river, and, of course, there is nowhere better to loy your own Krathong. Here is a video taken along the Ping River and in our neighborhood of the festival.

Tradition has it that the very first Krathong was made by a beautiful young lady at the royal court of the ancient Kingdom of Sukhothai some 700 years ago. Her name was Naang Noppamart, and she was blessed with great artistic skills. Others imitated her and there was a competition on the night of the 11th full moon of the year. The king judged the competition. Naang Noppamart's talents were repaid as her Krathong was declared the clear winner. The king decreed that henceforth this one night of the year should become a festival of thanks and should be celebrated by the floating of boats in the shape and form of lotus leaves. The legend lives on and the beauty queen selected at each of the Loy Krathong celebrations around Thailand is, to this day, the winner of the Naang Noppamart parade.

Dating back to ancient days, the decorative ceremony of lanterns was based on Brahmin beliefs, or Brahmanism. At this ceremony, the people of long ago paid respect by worshipping three different gods. These gods were Pra I-Suan, Pra Narai, and Pra Prom. For this reverent ceremony, the candles used to light up the lantern were made from cow's fat or a wax that came from within the royal gates of the reigning monarch. Usually these candles were made by a Brahmin priest, and of course, the process of making the candles strictly followed the requirements of a Brahmin ceremony.

Formerly, lantern decorations were commonly seen hanging on all mansions in the grand palace. The great numbers and the beauty of the lanterns reflected the status of the royal family members. (Next to the king, the titles of royalty were Jow Fah, Pra Ong Jow, Mom Jow, Mom Rajawong, and Mom Luang). There were also three classifications of lanterns, which were the Kome Chai, the Kome Pra-Tiab, and the Kome Boriwan.

Up until the present time, a tradition developed wherein people sacrifice their time to design and assemble various kinds of strong, beautiful, and creative lanterns. The worshippers donated the lanterns to the temples, asking their wishes to be fulfilled. Usually the person would say a prayer requesting his desire to be a sharp, brighter, and more clever person in the future. This belief is based on the comparison that a bright light would lead a person out of his present darkness into a lustrous future.

As mentioned earlier, these lanterns were devoted to the three different gods. The lanterns were also presented to high ranking officials and wealthy people. It is then interesting to understand why Komes were so presentable and how these lanterns are made. The main structure of these lanterns are usually made with bamboo and covered with a coarse palm paper or cloth. Inside, a bamboo cylinder was necessary to protect the possible burning of the paper, since, altogether, 24 candles were required to light up the lantern. This large number of candles made illumination possible for about three hours. Candles were not always used to light these lanterns. Oils, such as sesame seed, castor, or coconut oils, were also used. The creation of these lanterns is open for the public to see and study during this festival.

People thought that lanterns could only be lit during Buddhist holidays or ceremonies, but, actually, lanterns can be lit every evening or night. These lanterns can be hung on gates, fences, doors, windows, or the roof, or any place an individual wants to adorn with these delightful creations. There have been four different purposes for the northern Thais to hang lanterns. They are for beauty, to pay respect to Buddha images, to make one's home or mansion brighter, and for propitious purposes.

Nowadays, there are four traditional Komes in the north that attract visitors every year. They are 1) Kome Thuea (carrying lantern) or Kome Gratai (a rabbit's ear), 2) Kome Kwaen (hanging lantern), 3) Kome Paad (revolving lantern), and 4) Kome Loy (hot air floating lantern).

A Kome Thuea or Kome Gratai has a lighted candle inside. A Buddhist believer will carry it along during the Yee Peng Parade. When the parade is over, the worshippers will take the lanterns and decorate the temples, vihara, and other buildings. If there are other celebrations other than the Yee Peng Festival, beautifully made lanterns are used to decorate a stage. Usually, a lantern shaped as a lotus is used to pay respect and the citizens will pray to the Buddha images and make offerings to the monks.

Kome Kwaen are also offered to pay respect, and prayers to Buddha images are made. There are several shapes of this certain lantern. They are the Baat Pra (Alms bowl), Dow (Star), Ta Gra (Basket), and Tammajak (the wheel of law, which means to have a thorough knowledge about religious discourses). The Buddhists will hang these lanterns around a temple, vihara, alms-house, sala, or house.

The Kome Paad is an interesting lantern since it revolves on an axis. This is done with the aide of the heat from the candle's smoke. In order to make it revolve, the candle is placed inside the lantern where little gadgets take the energy from the smoke and then revolves. The lantern is shaped like a circle, almost like the earth. Usually there are pictures glued on, such as the 12 characters of the horoscope. This revolving lantern will give the effect of shadow puppets. Kome Paad can only be seen during the Yee Peng Festival. It is placed in the temple gates and is not allowed to be moved from one place to another.

The Kome Loy is a lantern that is similar to a hot-air-balloon. It is also quite similar to that of a normal lantern except it does not require 24 candles for illumination. Because the air lantern must rise up to float in the air, it must be lightweight; therefore, it does not have a bamboo cylinder inside. In order to send the lantern into the air, it requires a method to heat the air. This is done by tying a small bowl underneath the open section of the lantern. Oil is then placed into the bowl along with a cotton cloth. As the oil catches fire and commences burning, the hot air quickly travels into the lantern and it soon rises into the air. Click here To see a video of thousands of Kome Loy being launched at the same time.

It is believed that by sending off these lanterns an individual can send one's sins and bad luck into the air. Usually before the lantern soars into the sky, an individual will pray that one's sin or bad luck will be transported on the lantern and floated away high into the sky. Sometimes an address is left inside. The purpose of this is when the lantern come back down to the ground, and individual can follow an address and seek for money from whoever wrote the address. Or even sometimes, the maker will put some money inside the lantern. The purpose of the hot air lantern is to worship and pay respect to the Phra Ged Kaew Ju La Manee. An old legend tells that during war, these lanterns were sent into enemy territory and exploded.

In Chiangmai, visitors will be treated to an air of festivity in the weeks leading up to Loy Krathong. People begin constructing their Krathong, a small raft to float down the river as an offering. They are traditionally cut in a circular slice from the trunk of a banana tree and decorated with intricate leaf-patterns and flowers. A candle, incense sticks and a few small coins are typically placed as offerings. Archways of banana stems suddenly appear outside homes and businesses, and hanging lanterns, or Kome, are hung anywhere possible. With their beautiful colors and delicate paper streamers, these lanterns glow with a warm charm in the night, along with yellow flames of thousands of miniature terra-cotta nightlights flickering on walls and gateposts in the city.

While Kome are put up all over the city, hot-air balloons, or Kome Loy, are set off into the sky during the festivities. Be careful: there are also fireworks, and the locals often set off their own with no rhyme or reason. And there's a lot of drinking.

If you would like to join in the fun of the Loi Krathong Festival visit the All Thailand Experiencesweb site.

Loi Krathong Festival in Chiang Mai Thailand Video Part 1 on YOUTUBE

Loi Krathong Festival in Chiang Mai ThailandI just had to post this as it was one of the most spectacular things I have every seen at the festival. Here in North Thailand the Loi Krathong Festival is much different than anywhere in the Kingdom. In the small town of Mae Jo north of Chiang Mai they started the festival on Saturday night by launching hot air balloons calld "Khom Loy". I went with my wife and friends and took this short video. We are not talking about a few Khom Loy but thousands upon thousands all at the same time. You got to see this.

Loi Krathong Festival in Chiang Mai Thailand Video Part 2 on YOUTUBE

We went down to the Ping River in Chiang Mai Thailand for the Loi Krathong Festival around dusk. We purchased food from vendors a waited for it to get dark. More and more people arrived to float krathongs and shoot fireworks. We left around 9 PM as it was getting too crazy with people and fireworks. The water parade starts around 10PM, The Land parade starts around 6:30 on the road next to the river. Next year we will video the land parade. We went home and toured our neighborhood, lit candles, launched Khome Loi ate and drank with our Thai neighbors.

Christmas in Pattaya

2006-12-25T23:36:00.000-08:00

25 December - Christmas Day - 2006

by Saigon Charlie

In is the last remaining minutes of Christmas Day and as I start to write my thoughts from the past 2 days, fireworks are exploding outside my balcony over the beaches of Pattaya, Thailand. Knowing Pattaya as I do, including each New Year's extravagance, this is only a mild warm-up for things to come.

Today however was spent mostly on the road, starting the early morning after breakfast heading south along the coast eventually making my way to the the small village of 'Bang Chang' (Elephant Village), somewhat renowned by expats here for its rather decent selection of golf courses and seafood restaurants along the coast.

Although Bang Chang isn't exactly on the coast, it is positioned on the main highway heading south where roads bisect it to the beaches only minutes away. It is also an industrial town of sorts as it is the nearest village with shopping and the all important row of restaurants and drinking holes for which in is also equally famous as its golf courses.

I most frequently make the 40 minute or so trip south from Pattaya by motorbike taking a shortcut that winds me through amazingly beautiful back roads that include such famous places as 'Buddha Mountain' and 'Silver Lake'. For me the ride is less stressful than the ride down Sukhumvit to the huge airbase/airport of Au Tapao (one spelling) and the Thai Navy headquarters and commercial port of Sattahip.

On the way home, I took the back way into JomTiem (one spelling) and stopped at one of my favorite Thai seafood restaurants where I treated myself to a Christmas dinner of crabs. Shocking the waitress with 2 orders for me alone (I guess also a place setting for someone who wasn't here), it wasn't long before I was intensely engaged in dismembering the delicacies although, as always, I was distressed that every single crab was female.

After many years of living around the Chesapeake Bay of the United States and knowing the laws about only catching male crabs so there would always be a supply, I knew that the Thai's were slowing eliminating one very precious resource from their waters. Other than not eating any however, what was I to do as a guest in their country? They were however delicious and sweet and as the photo above shows, a nice change from the Christmas dinner of rat that I had in Chai Nat only a few years ago or the peanut butter and pancakes in Cambodia even before that. Who knows what next year will bring?

One of the reasons for these daily excursions by motorbike around this part of Thailand was to test my new Nikon camera that I had just bought 2 days before. To put it quite frankly, I was disgusted with my new Fuji camera that I had bought several months earlier in Germany and decided while headed here that these times and photos were just too important so I went back to what I consider to be one of the best cameras made, Nikon.

Having started with digital cameras at the very beginning with a Kodak that cost me over a $1,000USD for less than one mega pixel, I have been through various brands now including Olympus, Sony, Nikon and Fuji. Consistently I have found the Nikons to be far superior to the other brands and as I use to take over 6,000 photos a month when I was in Cambodia and in Thailand over the years, I think I have a pretty good idea about what the output quality of the cameras should be.

I was a fan of the Olympus brand for quite awhile, upgrading the models as they came out but just didn't like and could never get use to the sliding door concept. In Germany some years ago before another trip to the far east, I opted for a decently priced Sony and tried it for awhile. No match for the Olympus models as well. In Cambodia I dipped my toe into the water with my first Nikon which at that time was a 2 mega pixel model. I beat the hell out of it under the roughest conditions imaginable and it has survived to this day and other than having to use tape to keep the battery door shut, it never skipped a beat.

While in Germany however I was convinced by some of my colleagues after their extensive reviews and analysis that the new Fujis were the way to go. Although Germany doesn't have the bright light of Asia, I consistently was plagued with photos that were under or over exposed and far too many blurred photos no matter who or what or where I was shooting.

Now I have a new Nikon Coolpix S7 and after 3 days and nearly 1,000 photos, it has performed extraordinarily well, ranging from taking video while on my motorbike, to very low light conditions on walking Street in Pattaya to extremely bright ocean and beach shots. All photos for the Christmas and New Year's journal entries are shot with the new Nikon. Anybody want to buy a cheap Fuji?

...more to come...

Christmas in Pattaya 2006

"The Hogs Breath Saloon - Where Drinking Men Meet"

2003-09-22T21:24:00.000-07:00

"Round up the usual suspects!" - by Saigon Charlie

Like in the movie Casablanca and its infamous bar "Ricks"; in Bangkok there is the "The Hogs Breath Saloon". It could however just as easily be called "Bobs" as it is Bob McIndoe (an ex-pat Canadian construction hand) who is the cohesive force behind what makes the Hogs Breath what it is; a true ex-pat hangout.

The Breath isn't for everyone. It isn't a glitzy club like the G-Spot, nor does it have 100´s of scantily clad girls that some advertise (it has a few nice ones however in the evening) or have anything else that, from just a glance, makes it special. But that first glance can never tell you the true story, unless you are a very trained observer of people or have some inside knowledge.

If you walked up to the second level of Nana and strolled around the narrow walkway of bars, you would notice the sign and maybe a few guys either inside the darkened interior or maybe outside setting on one of the old, rickety stools outside sipping on a Heineken with a chilled, wash cloth around their necks.

There might also be a Thai lady or two outside, most probably nibbling on some form of local Thai food. There might even be one setting in front of the entrance making a very subtle effort to entice you inside.

There is no real pressure or hustle here that is common in the numerous beer bars around town or in places like Patpong or Soi Cowboy (another infamous entertainment area left over from the Vietnam War).

If you have a sense that maybe something is different about the place by either a quick glance inside or a glance at those sipping on their beers, you would be most definitely right!

As you pull apart the heavy brown curtains to peer inside and see what there is to see, most probably you won't see much. Some can't close the curtain quick enough and continue their search, but these are the stupid ones.

The smart ones sense there is something different about the place. Maybe it is the caring smile of one of the day girls or maybe it is seeing Bob propped up on a bar stool reading his email on his notebook. It might also be a couple of guys talking loudly about the coming war in Iraq or maybe it is the tennis match on the satellite TV system mounted high up in the back of the bar; whatever it is that draws you in, you have chosen wisely!

Each and every day, almost from the opening hour around 11 AM or so, there is a constant flow of men dropping in to say hello to Bob or renew old friendships and tell more lies. You could be setting next to a guy who is passing through Bangkok on his way home back to Korea from Afghanistan. You might strike up a conversation with a guy headed for some oil rig in Indonesia or maybe be entertained by one of the "local talents" who just loves to tell everyone about the antics of their personal love lives.

On a typical day you will find retired and active duty US State Department personnel, men somehow associated with intelligence functions of the US Department of Defense, men passing through having just served tours in Afghanistan with special warfare units, pilots and mechanics of all shapes and sizes, a heavy concentration of construction and oil rig personnel, a musician or two, a wanabe actor, an occasional artist, a couple of computer and software types, airline crews, men who swing both ways and men who are on the run, either from themselves or their ex-wives.

The group is as eclectic as it gets. There are the existentialist, the jaded ones, the quiet ones, the loud ones, the animated ones, the bullshitters, the good , the bad and the ugly.

">The collective knowledge of this group of men on a normal afternoon or at the world famous Sunday afternoon Texas chili event would most probably exceed that of any corporate board room in the world!

The entire bar, almost every square inch of wall space is filled with many decades of memorabilia about both construction and military organizations. You will see pictures of many people, including President Bush (Sr.) as well as stickers from military teams that travel the world. Take a few moments to read everyone and you start to gain an appreciation for the eclectic nature of those that have passed through those curtains before you.

The "permanent" ex-pats have a heavy concentration of Canadians with a slight fewer Americans. There is however a distinct difference between the two groups but other than an occasional heated debate, the late night swing or two; it is all good fun and actually, if you listen to the conversations, is quite fascinating.

The Canadians and their experience seem to be concentrated in the construction trades. The Americans seem to be concentrated in US government related activities and aviation.

I know from many years of coming to Bobs and having spent numerous days (weeks!) listening and participating in these exchanges, that it just doesn't get any better or more interesting than this!

The Canadians are a bit more reserved, except Tequila Jim, than their American counterparts. Americans being Americans can be real loud at times and sometimes you think the present and ex-military guys are still out in the field barking out their orders!

The Canadians are also more reserved in both their perspective of life and living. They also seem to take a more conservative view of the world's events and their own family and financial lives. Americans always seem to project an attitude that seems to say, "Let's live for today!" and are often far more entrepreneurial and risk takers. Of course with the building hatred about American intervention around the world in its grab for resources, just walking in and people knowing your an American, can lead to an interesting exchange of viewpoints

The Sunday afternoon chili is a social event. Locals sometimes bring both their Thai wives and on occasion, a child or two. The air conditioning is always on and since Bangkok is usually hot, bright and draining, a bit of air-conditioning, an ice-cold cloth to wipe the sweat off, an ice cold Singha to quench a nasty thirst followed by a spicy bowl of Texas chili with cheese is pure nirvana! Of course here is where you will once again gain an opportunity to solve all the world's problems, hopefully before your third Singha.

Nana, as most call it, is almost a living, breathing entity. It never seems to sleep and goes through daily cycles and moods, just like a woman! In the late morning there is the "re-stocking" period where the beer trucks arrive and make their daily deliveries. There is of course the woman trying to be a man, the "beer lady". It is funny to listen to her and Bob get into it.

As the restocking happens, there will be the ex-pat or two that drifts in who are most probably in Bangkok for their holiday and are at the Breath to drink some beer and tell some lies. You usually get a good pulse about what is going on in the world as these people have been watching and listening to the news from where they just came from.

As the afternoon drifts on, the retired ex-pat locals will drift in. They are an interesting group as well and here you find camaraderie and if you gently probe and listen, and ask the right questions, can learn one hell of a lot.

Towards mid-afternoon, another group starts to come in. Most probably those that have partied hard the previous night and/or had a lady friend for the evening and have just sent her home. This is also the time the local ex-pats with jobs start to drift in and plop themselves down on their stools in their corners. Others gather outside on their barstools to watch the "show" at five in which the girls and those pretending desperately to be girls, start to arrive. Although the bar under Bobs has built a new roof that blocks the "show" entrance a bit, find a place where you can watch them come up the steps and pass by your stool. If it is your first time in Bangkok, you might be quite shocked at what you will see!

Most of these people are creatures of habit and I sometimes find it all quite amusing. Bob is no exception and if you look down on the floor, you will notice a well worn path on the old tile that starts at the curtains and goes about half the way back down the bar. You might think this is from numerous friend's of Bob releasing their rented beer in the head, but you would be wrong! It is actually from Bob walking off his hypertension, which if you calculated that Bob has called Thailand home for 35 years and has "managed" (Farangs can't own things, their wives do) the Hogs Breath more years than I can remember, has probably walked around the earth at least twice already on these tiles.

2003 Hogs Breath Thailand Invitational Golf Classic

2003-05-19T23:31:00.000-07:00

Story by John Heron - Photos by Saigon Charlie

May 19th, 2003 - Muang Kaew Bangkok Thailand Golf Course

Hi Sam

Well for once we have had a day which will go down in the history books of Thailand as unique and it sure beats searching for Mad Crab and Mud Crab girls on the banks of the Mekong or trying to avoid the SARS in Singapore and Taiwan. It also topped the Saturday afternoon recently when you , Harold and Terry Lee Lewis decided to have an impromptu jam session on the floor of the Hogs Breath singing Blue Suede Shoes with Scott providing the melody ( in exchange for a free beer) and Ken tap dancing on the stage in his blue suede shoes to the music until he fell off and broke Harolds knee cap and damaged the mike . Actually Harold tells us that it was him who fell off but actually this happened months ago when Harold was doing his Elvis and Credence impersonation ,and Harold has now broken it twice - it is therefore amazing he made it to the course on Saturday.

Well for once we have had a day which will go down in the history books of Thailand as unique and it sure beats searching for Mud Crab girls on the banks of the Mekong .

Our illustrious hosts Harold and Bob certainly put the Hogs Breath Masters onto the cover of Sports Illustrated with some stunning performances all round the course and off it as well . So much so that it was unanimously decided to hold another expanded version on the 7-11-2002 so please mark this date in your calendar

I know the pressure of work dictated why you could not make it Sam but with six months warning notice this time there will no excuses. Even the threat of never having played before will not be accepted because after Saturdays Masters we have 4 new converts and everyone cracked 70 ( for the nine holes) except for Kiwi which I will come to later . The whole key to the day was the organization and the Caesars drinks on the bus going to the course . Those who had had a big night before of course fell by the wayside but those who had doubles performed miracles . Now you are probably wondering what is a Caesars - well you have to come to the next one to find out but I give you a bit of a hint that it is mixture between a bloody-mary without the tomato juice , soy sauce and rocket fuel and nothing like the fullerton oyster shooters that we get in Singapore . As a result of this fantastic concoction everyone was very relaxed and eager to get off the bus and onto the course to see what effect it had After a very pleasant bus ride we arrived on Schedule as Programmed at 11.00 thanks to Harold's meticulous planning . Those who had forgotten their clubs ( like me) were quickly shown to the clubhouse where we were enticed to renting these super Callaway golf clubs (for 500 Baht) - we also had to purchase a few balls because with the big night before all the Hogs Breath caddies (bar two) did not make it and as they still had their balls with them presumably, so we had to get new ones .

Then it was into bar to improve our handicap . This was necessary as our erstwhile host Harold had laid out the ground rules on the bus on the way to the course . These rules included reducing your score by one point for each beer you drank ( he did not mention it had to be on the course!) , everyone had to play 9 holes only and not with the caddies , there was to be no mulligans ( heaven help the non golfers ) and those who did not reach the ladies tee had to ring the bell and wear a ladies dress in the bar afterwards. So after three quick beers to reduce our handicap ( and wash away the Caesars) we were called to the tee off knowing that each of our group was 3 under before we even picked up a club

After some expert marshalling by Bob we somehow found the first hole through the guidance also of the caddies as we were well away .Some of the other lads held up the proceedings a bit when they decided to hire a cart when they saw first hand what a golf course is really like. This messed up the order somewhat but the club allowed us to run around with our carts all over the green so this solved the problem . We thought Simon had was going to play dodge-ems instead of golf but actual after all the beer he had drunk the night before and the Caesars definitely meant he would have failed the drink driving test ( now we realized why he slept the whole night in his car in the Nana car park with the engine running and we thought it was because he wanted to be the first into the bus) However we are digressing Then when the club ran out of carts as nobody wanted to walk so some of us had to take the caddies round the course sitting on their knees - heaven had started

Harold had expertly arranged the groupings on the bus so that the good golfers teed of first and the newcomers teed off last . We were surprised to hear that several people did not turn up or missed the bus - we thought it must have because of the Caesars but later we found out it was because of the SARS and they had to report to the hospital first to do a SARS and aids test as they were coming from overseas including Dennis who turned up 6 hours late

However the best tee off came from Anne who took four goes to hit the ball and Kiwi who did not make the ladies tee - as he actually did it twice around the course so the floor show at the next Masters will be Kiwi wearing a double cup around the course . We were astounded therefore to hear that Anne actually came in with a 49 for the 9 holes but this is perhaps explained by Harolds rule that your score could be reduced by the number of beers you drank around the course . We are sure that Simon took the prize for this as he consumed 18 around the course with our group excluding the 3 he downed in the clubhouse before we started , 3 in the bar before we started and the 22 he had the night before . Actually Sam it did not matter anyway because he ended with the lowest net score without this benefit - when Harold saw what was happening around the course on the 5 th hole he changed the rules because he never drinks and drives . However then when Anne announced on the bus going home that it was her wedding anniversary then we really knew that her caddie had taken the rule seriously and she must have gone close to Simon .She was telling her beau Greg that she really loved him and that this was going to be one of those days to remember but the silence from Greg was deafening

There was a lot of water on the course and much reconstruction going on as well ( maybe this is why we got to played only 9 holes) Some of us ran out of balls after about 4 holes and we had to send the caddies away to get some new ones ( from the clubhouse!) This held up proceedings a bit but it did not worry the troops who just proceeded to reduce their score further . When play eventually got underway again the caddies howed into the drinks and it was pretty obvious that Simons score was going down faster than everyone else's . Kiwi was continuing to hit and miss and ignoring Harolds rule that there were no mulligans as he just about had one on every hole

Rod continued to show us why they had a Kiwi as Tiger Wood's caddy but after a few holes he suddenly found his line and length and decided that giving his caddy a crack at a few balls might be of benefit especially as she was a handicap 12 golfer .

By the time we got to the 9th hole all the caddies were into it , phone numbers were being exchanged and nobody knew whether they were Arthur or Martha .We then knew that Simon was well away because his caddie was straight as a dye and definitely had never had hormone treatment . After a quick show, we were entertained by the thought of who were going to win the major prizes - Harold kept us guessing by putting on a sumptuous buffet and then came the awards - longest drive (we were sure our group had won it but it went to Johnny Mathis who we thought had never held a club in his life ). Then closest to the pin on the 5th hole was not awarded because no one was closest to the pin - actually Sam between you and me we believe it was because the bar fine had not turned up and there was no prize so maybe next time there will be two ! The lowest net score was won by Simon and not because of the 21beers he consumed around the course but because of merit . Unbelievably our group then won another prize for the second lowest net score and this time it went to Rod ( his caddie had done well !) We should have another prize as well for the highest score for Kiwi on 80 but Harold after all his Caesars could not read straight and gave it instead to Johnny Mathis again who had tallied 69 . Anne won a prize as well - a bar fine from her own place and I suppose she gave it to Greg as he did not seem too interested in the alternative nights entertainment when it was spelled out for him on the bus . The prize for the lowest gross score ( do not understand what the difference between this and a net score is ) went to a young kid named Tom who unbelievably shot par and looked about 12 years old . His trophy fell apart in the bus going home and had to re-welded back in the bar afterwards

Once back in the bus for the return journey we were hit with another Caesars and Bob announcing that the first round was on him . One of the lads complained that he was missing his glass but those of us in the front knew better - the bus driver had knicked it was enjoying his "rocket fuel " Half way home Ann wanted to use the loo but the door was locked - maybe this was where the missing golfers were ! However despite the efforts of the driver to open the door ( his wife was now driving the bus) it was to no avail and so we adjourned to the nearest petrol station . However by this stage Ann had passed out and because Harold had made such a good profit he decided to start the evenings festivities by buying the first round . So we washed down the Caesars and headed for a bit of aircon and to watch Kiwi perform miracles.

Immediately we arrived we were met by GOD - Good Old Dennis who proceeded to tell us all about his fight with SARS and why he could not make it to the inaugural event - however we have a trick up our sleeve for the next one to ensure that Dennis turns up on time - a topless nurse to take his temperature as his caddy should do the trick together with Ott to serve the beer and that should fill up his passport nicely . Shortly afterwards Simon bar-fined the knockers to look after his trophy for him ( presumably because he wanted to take it to work on the Monday to show the Japanese why he had skived off on the Saturday ) So we proceeded to hoe into it again and swap stories about the wonderful rounds we had all had .The bells started ringing and the beer was flying everywhere and the place became a little crowded . so several of adjourned to another quieter place to watch the dancing girls . There we were amazed to see young Tom disappearing at a great rate of knots with the knockers and Simons trophy in tow - a new experience (. Simon spent the rest of his night trying to find his trophy all over Nana and ended sleeping in the car again as a result with the engine running . The next morning when he awoke there it was - sitting on top of the car with bar fine intact and nobody had removed it ! )

Five minutes later down came the boss trying to find his car - poor old Bob made it for 5 steps along Soi 4 and down he went like a sack of spuds - we last saw him being carried to the car by the only ones who could carry him - from Casanova !

Kiwi disappeared before he had a chance to wear his ladies clothes (twice) so next year as punishment he has to become a dancing girl for the night - Rod had to go for a dinner with one of the Ambassadors and promised to spread the word about what a great golf tournament it was and Johnny Mathis decided to go to the driving range to start practicing

A day to be remembered and to be repeated at very regular intervals . It is surprising to learn after all these years how many reasonable golfers there are around your place of worship . If I had not have taken 6 shots to get out of one sand trap I would had equalled Simons score and then that meant a play off - I have never been in as play off in my life !

So Sam the days of wigs in courts will have be to be forsaken in November when the second Hogs Breath Masters gets underway .This time you could even donate the pre-game drinks - fullerton oyster shooters together with Mekong mud crabs , Afterwards we will treat the lads to a Slow Comfortable Screw Against the Wall and this is guaranteed to set the scene for the evenings entertainment to continue , after all it is Hogs Breath tradition that has been going on now for 12 years . Bob might even have to expand the bar and put in a new air conditioner if this keeps up and buy the bar next door to house all the trophies . He now has a new cordless mike so Sam you will be in your element again and will not have to move off your seat this time . Michael Hiller has informed me that he will be here for the next one as it is his birthday and Rob and Matt see this as a great opportunity to learn how to play golf with a caddie sitting on your knee . Even Babboo is going to donate some car number plates as prizes next time so you can see where it is heading - we just need you, Kiwi and Dennis to do the Hakka at the first hole and the floor show will be complete !

See you next week

John