History of Thailand
A unified Thai kingdom was established in the mid-14th century. Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only South
-East Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power, and fiercely proud of the fact. A bloodless revolutionin 1932 led to a constitutional monarchy. In alliance with Japan during World War II, Thailand became a US ally following the conflict. After a string of military dictatorships and quickly toppled civilian presidents, Thailand finally stabilized into a fair approximation of a democracy and the economy, hobbled by the 1997 Asian economic crisis, is booming once again. Above it all presides the King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), the world's longest-reigning monarch and a deeply respected figure of near-mythic proportions.
In September 2006, a swift and bloodless military coup endorsed by the King overthrew the previous democratically elected but widely criticized government, promising elections in late 2007. Although martial law still applies and political gatherings are limited to five people, there has been no violence, no curfews are in effect, there is no longer any significant military presence in public places, and all services are functioning normally.
Thailand History
Pattaya City
Pattaya City Information
Pattaya is nestled along a picturesque bay on the East Coast of the Gulf of Thailand, roughly 170 kilometers southeast
of Bangkok. From a fishing village in the 1960's, Pattaya has emerged as the favorite Southeast Asian vacation center.
A fascinating escape where tourists, holiday makers and vacationers from around the world unfold an incomparable
array of possibilities to unwind during an exotic holiday beach vacation. Unlike other beach resorts, where natural
surroundings are used as magnets to attract tourists, Pattaya makes an all-out attempt to provide the best of
everything.Here, everything means everything a tourist can imagine while on holiday: recreation, entertainment,sports
sightseeing and fun. To put it simply, Pattaya is a paradise for everyone, as it has a variety of attractions suitable for
all types of visitors. This is the place where you can fill your day, from dusk to dawn, with endless activities, or you
may choose to do nothing at all and relax.
Pattaya in the Past
Pattaya's name was originated from the march of Phraya Tak (later known as King Taksin the Great) and his followers
from Ayutthaya to Chanthaburi just before the fall of the Ayutthaya Kingdom to the Burmese invaders in 1767.When
Phraya Tak's army arrived in the vicinity of what is Pattaya today, he encountered the troops of Nai Klom who tried to
intercept him. When the two leaders met face to face, Nai Klom was awed by Phraya Tak's dignified manner and his
army's strict discipline, thereby surrendering without a fight. The place where the two armies confronted each other
was later called Thap Phraya, which means the Army of the Phraya. This was later changed to Phatthaya, which
happens to mean the wind blowing from the southwest to the northeast at the beginning of the rainy season. Today
the spelling ofthe name has been simplified to Pattaya.
For centuries, Pattaya was a small fishing village almost cut off from the outside world. But a big change occurred on
29 April 1961 when the first group of about 100 American servicemen who would join the Vietnam War arrived in
Pattaya for relaxation. Soon, sleepy Pattaya became Thailand's premier and most successful beach resort, which
annually attracts hundreds of thousands of pleasure-seeking visitors. A full range of accommodations from super
deluxe hotels to bungalows and mini-pocket guesthouses replaced fishermens huts along the beach. Fishing vessels
were adapted to become tourist boats and swimmers and sunbathers from various parts of the world frequented the
quiet powdery golden beaches. Places of nighttime entertainment have also sprung up and are popular among
international tourists.
Pattaya at the Present
Pattaya currently integrates the delights of a 1st class beach resort, city-like dining, shopping and night entertainment
facilities with more than 300 assorted hotels, thousands of shops, restaurants and bars. In addition, there are an
array of sports and recreational activities including beaches, golf courses, tennis courts, go-kart, gyms for working
out, weight lifting and Thai-boxing gear. Pattaya offers a broad range of things to do. During the day, one may enjoy
riding elephants or driving humble automatic mini-bikes, monstrous motorcycles, or even monster multicolored
convertible Jeeps. Others go for shooting firearms, scuba diving and surfing, deep-sea fishing, speed boats,
scooters, water-skiing parasailing, or aerial sports such as gliding ultra-lights and flying motor-propelled gliders.
On the other hand, at night, there are restaurants, bars, theaters, cabaret shows, night clubs, bowling halls, billiard
& snooker clubs, discos, sauna & massage parlors, not to cite its absolutely incredible shopping which is available
non-stop both day-and-night.
What is Tuk Tuk ?
Tuk Tuk - Famous transportation in Bangkok
The name Tuk-tuk is used to describe a wide variety of small/lightweight vehicles. The vast majority have three
wheels; some are entirely purpose built (eg the ubiquitous Bangkok tuk-tuk), others are partially based on motorcycle
components (primarily engines, steering, front suspension, fuel tank, drivers seat). A relatively recent development is
the four wheeled tuk-tuk (basically a microvan-songthaew) as found in Phuket.
What is Songthaew?
Songthaew
A songthaew is a truck-based vehicle with a pair of bench seats in the back, one on either side. By far the most
common type is based on a pick-up truck and has a roof and open sides. Larger types start life as small lorries, and
may have windows, and an additional central bench; smaller types are converted micro-vans, with a front bench
facing backwards and a rear bench facing forwards.
Songthaews are operated extensively as local buses (generally the most economical way to travel shorter distances)
and also as taxis; sometimes the same vehicle will be used for both. Be careful if asking a songthaew to take you to
someplace if there is nobody in the back, the driver might charge you the taxi price. In this case, check the price of
the ride before embarking.
Thailand Overview
Thailand Information
Thailand is a country in South-East Asia with coasts
on the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. It
borders Myanmar (Burma) to the north-west, Laosto
the north-east, Cambodia to the south-east and
Malaysia to the south. With great food, a tropical
climate, fascinating culture and, hey, great beaches
Thailand is a magnet for travellers the world over
Thailand's 76 provinces can be conveniently divided
into five geographic and cultural regions.
North - Chiang Mai, hill tribes, and the Golden Triangle
Isaan - the great undeveloped north-east - get off the
beaten track and discover backcountry Thailand and
some magnificent Khmer ruins
Central - Bangkok, lowlands and historic Thailand
East - beaches and islands within easy reach of
Bangkok, and, oh yes, Pattaya
South - hundreds of kilometers of coastline and
countless islands on both the Andaman Sea and the
Gulf of Thailand, plus Phuket, Krabi, and many more
ofThailand's famous beach spots
Cities
Bangkok - Thailand's bustling, frenetic capital
Ayutthaya - a historical city, world heritage site and
the old capital city of Thailand
Chiang Mai - the capital of the North and the heart of
Lanna culture
Chiang Rai - gateway to the Golden Triangle
Hat Yai - largest city in the Southern region
Kanchanaburi - home of the Bridge over the River
Kwai
Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) - main city in the Isaan region
Pattaya - one of the main tourist destinations
Sukhothai - Thailand's first capital
Thailand Facts
Capital: Bangkok
Currency: Thail baht
Goverment: Constitutional monarchy
Area: 514,000 km2
Population: 62,354,402 (July 2002 est.)
Language: Thai (official), ethnic and regional dialects
Religion: Buddhist 95%, Muslim 3.8%, Christian 0.5%, Hindu 0.1%, other 0.6%
Koh Hea - Phuket
Koh Hea - Phuket
Located southwest of Cape Panwa, the island is famous for its white powdery beach and rich coral reefs which
are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and other water sports. As the island is not affected very
much by the monsoon, would be visitors can enjoy traveling to the place year round. Koh Hea has become a popular
one-day tour from Phuket as it is only half an hour from the Chalong Pier. It is also dubbed the Coral Island by tourists.
Accommodations and basic tourist facilities are available, contact the TAT Phuket Office for more up-to-date
information.
Koh Lanta Yai - Krabi
Koh Lanta Yai - Krabi
Koh Lanta Yai is located in the Andaman Sea off the west coast of Thailand, between the Phi Phi Islands islands and
the mainland. They are politically part of Krabi Province, most of which is on the mainland.
Measuring 30km long and 6km wide, the island forms part of the Ko Lanta archipelago, which covers an area of 180
km². The area was designated as Park No.62 of Thailand in 1990.
Less well known than the neighbouring Phi Phi and Phuket islands, Lanta is relatively less developed with most of the
accommodation available being basic bamboo huts. There are very few paved roads on the island, mostly to the north
and they deteriorate gradually towards the southern end.
Ban Saladan, the main town and port, is located at the northern tip of the island and is served by ferries from Krabi,
Phuket and Phi Phi. The main beaches are located on the west of the island, the largest being Klong Dao, Pra-Ae
(Long Beach) and Klong Khong Beach. There are other, much less accessible, beaches at the southern end.
Lanta escaped the worst of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. Although there was widespread devastation along
the west coast, significantly fewer injuries and fatalities were reported in comparison to the Phi Phi Islands. It is
thought 11 people lost their lives. Assisted by tourists, most businesses were up and running within a few days.
Mu Koh Similan (Similan Island)
Mu Koh Similan (Similan Island)
Similan is a Yawi or Malay word, which means nine or a group of nine islands. This is located in Tambon Koh Phra Thong, Amphoe Khura Buri, occupying an area of 32,000 acres. It was declared a national park on 1st September 1982. Similan is a small group of islands comprising nine islands stretching from north to south, respectively, namely: Koh Bon, Koh Bayu, Koh Similan, Koh Payu, Koh Miang (two adjoining islands), Koh Payan, Koh Payang, and Koh Huyong. The National Parks office is located on Koh Miang. Similan is highly praised for its beautiful scenery, both onshore and underwater. It is situated 70 kilometres from Phang-nga town. Best time to visit is between November
and April.
Interesting attractions in the National Park include:
Koh Similan or Koh Paet is the largest island in this group of islands. It has a distinctive horseshoe-shaped bay. The average depth of the water is 60 feet. Underwater is full of rock formations and coral reefs in several shapes and forms such as deer, leaf, brain, and mushroom. The latter one is the most unspoiled coral found in the country. Its soft sandy beach is very beautiful and diving around here will let you see a lot of fishes and coral. To the north, lies a striking large rock formation with astonishing shapes such as boot and Donald Ducks head. The upper part of the beach is an ideal lookout point with a rock of a sailing boat shape.
Koh Ba-ngu is the ninth island of the Similan group of islands. It has a strange feature. Looking from one point, the shape of a skull can be seen. Underwater is as beautiful as a valley full of coral reefs, deep gorge, and various sizes of fish.
Koh Huyong, the island offers the whitest and longest beach of all the nine islands. During turtles' egg laying season, from November to February, there would be tracks on the beach from turtles that come onshore to lay eggs, resembling centipede tracks.
Koh Miang is the second largest island among 9 islands after Similan Island. It is where the office of the National Park is located. The island offers a scenic beach which is suitable for camping.
Diving Spots
There are several diving spots that suit both snorkelling and scuba diving. The famous scuba diving spots including rock formations that lie to the west of Ko Tachai where whale sharks can be seen, Koh Bon, Christmas Point rock formation, Fantasy rock formation, and Ao Kwang En (to the east of Koh Paet), etc.
Snorkelling spots are scattered around these nine islands. The interesting points are by the sailing boat rock, Ao Kwang En, and behind Miang Island.
Koh Pha Ngan - Surat Thain
Koh Pha Ngan - Surat Thain
Koh Pha Ngan (or Koh Phangan) is an island in the Gulf of Thailand in South East Thailand. It is famous for its full
moon party at Haad Rin Beach and as a backpackers destination. Koh Pha Ngan has two sister islands: Koh Samui in
the South and Koh Tao in the North.
Short Story about Koh Pha Ngan
The Bronze Drum of Dongson Culture (500BC - 100BC) that was found on Ko Samui in 1977 is evidence that there
were settlements of people on Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, and their islets from more than two thousand years ago.
Some historians and archaeologists believe that the first group who migrated to Koh Pha Ngan were the Muslim sea
gypsies (Pigmy, Semung, and Proto-Malay) who travelled by boat from the Malay Peninsula. However, nowadays
there are few Muslims who live on the island. The name of Koh Pha Ngan comes from the word 'Ngan', the southern
dialect meaning 'sand bar', for there are many sand bars offshore around the island.
As a natural paradise island in the Southern Gulf of Thailand, Koh Pha Ngan serves as the perfect getaway retreat,
where one may go relaxing on quiet deserted beaches, snorkelling and learning to dive at the distinctive island of Koh
Ma, trekking in the footsteps of Thai Royalty at Than Sadet National Park steeped in history and culture, or seeking
adventure in the nearby Ang Thong archipelago composed of over 40 islands endowed with pristine beaches, natural
caves and the tranquil Tha Laem Nai. Koh Pha Ngan has over 250 resorts to choose from, ranging from the budget 80
Baht a night beach hut without private toilet to luxury air-conditioned accommodation with private swimming pool.
It's the simple beach life which continues to attract visitors each year along with the island's reputation for full moon
parties and a hedonistic approach to life. The backpackers, budget tourists and aging hippies are beginning to give
way to families and more mainstream tourists but the beaches are still beautiful and undeveloped. The full moon party
scene still runs with a cast of thousands in high season - all on the beach. Hedonists everywhere still flock to the
world's biggest beach party every month. The music from the multiple sound systems is mostly ear-splittingly loud
trance and house, and a predominantly youthful crowd dance 'til dawn on party nights. This may not be to everyone's
taste, certainly, but it's definitely a unique cultural experience. Other events such as the Half Moon Party and Black
Moon Party also attract large crowds. However, it is still possible to visit the island and avoid the full moon party
altogether, with dozens of quiet, secluded resorts and beach huts dotted all over the island for a variety of prices.
Many of the more costly resorts offer such facilities as daily yoga, yoga teachers' training, meditation, a variety of
healing, healthy & natural therapies, spa massage & pampering services and herbal steam rooms.
Other activities available on the island include scuba diving with a number of companies offering very reasonably
priced training courses and excursions, snorkelling, especially off the Mae Haad sandbar in the north west,
wakeboarding, archery, fishing, walks in the national park or simply relaxing in the company of other farangs or the
friendly locals.
Koh Surin- Phang Nga
Koh Surin- Phang Nga
Situated in Tambon Koh Phra Thong and covering an area of 84,375 rais (33,750 acres), Mu Koh Surin is an archipelago of 5 islands: Koh Surin Nuea, Koh Surin Tai, Ko Ri, Koh Khai, and Ko Klang. It was declared a national
park on July 9, 1981. The archipelago is located in the Andaman Sea, near the Thai-Burmese sea border, to the west coast of Thailand. There are beautiful and unspoilt coral reefs; the area is suitable for snorkelling. The best time to
visit is from November to April.
Koh Surin Nuea has several bays. The most well-known bay is Ao Mae Yai, the largest bay that offers calm waters. To the southeast of Koh Surin Nuea lies Ao Luek, which is so deep that the sea appears dark green, offering splendid shallow corals as well as sea weeds, sea flowers, coral lines, and various species of fish. Sea Gypsy Village, a Singha, or Morgan, Sea Gypsy tribe resides on the shore of Hat Sai En, Koh Surin Nuea. There are 130-150 sea gypsies who still hold on to their traditional ways of life and still live in their boats. On shore, there is a wooden sculpture resembling the Indian Totem Pole and is considered a sacred area. Every year, on the 15th day of the
waxing moon in April, the sea gypsies in this village would worship their respected spirits. The event lasts for 3 days. Ao Mai Ngam, situated to the west of Koh Surin Nuea with the National Parks office nearby. There is a 2-kilometre walking path that you can take to enjoy the natural features of Hat Mai Ngam or you can take a longboat ride. The
lovely bay provides fresh water and a long beach that is best for snorkelling and swimming. Ao Chak, situated to the north of Koh Surin Nuea. The bay possesses unspoilt coral reefs.
Interesting attractions on Ko Surin Tai include Ao Tao, situated to the east of the island. The bay is home to numerous sea turtles and magnificent coral reefs. Ao Phakkat, situated to the south of Koh Surin Tai. It is where unspoilt coral reefs can be seen.
Koh Klang or Koh Pachumba has a scenic bay called Ao Mangkon. The bay is teeming with splendid coral reefs and many schools of various kinds of fish.Koh Khai or Koh Torilla, situated to the south of Koh Surin Tai. On the eastern side of the island there is a long stretch of unspoilt and picturesque coral reef. Snorkelling is the most recommended activity here.
Koh Naka Noi - Phuket
Koh Naka Noi - Phuket
Located near Po Bay, approximately 25 kilometers north of Phuket City, the island offers unspoiled natural beauty that
is second to none. Ko Nakha Noi is approximately 6 kilometers off of Po Bay and is home to the Naga Pearl Farm the
only South Sea Pearl Farm which is open to the public all year round. Visitors will be able to learn more on techniques
of pearl cultivation at the farm. Souvenir shops are available.
Koh Mai Thon- Phuket
Koh Mai Thon- Phuket
A small peaceful island located southeast of Phuket, Ko Mai Thon is famous for its unique corals, crystal clear water
and relaxing ambience. The island is ideal for diving, swimming or even fishing. Accommodations are available for
those wishing to stay in this enchanting, secluded den. A one-day trip is also provided by travel agencies. There are
boats to Ko Mai Thon from Rawai Beach.
Koh Sire - Phuket
Koh Sire - Phuket
An interesting site to visit where visitors can explore the daily life of Chao Le as it is the oldest and biggest community of Phukets sea gypsies. With an area of approximately 20 square kilometers, the island is located approximately 4 kilometers southeast of Phuket and is separated from the main island only by the small Thachin Canal. The mountain-top temple on the island houses a big Buddha image in the reclining position. The island is not an ideal place for swimming, but is perfect for discovering the sea gypsies' way of life, especially at Laem Tukkae.
Koh Racha - Phuket
Koh Racha - Phuket
