LOY KRATHONG FESTIVAL CHIANG MAI THAILAND

LOY KRATHONG FESTIVAL

CHIANG MAI

THAILAND

Loy Krathong Festival is spectacular and meaningful

in Thai  culture. Thais are sending gratitude to the 

Goddess of Water and  asking for blessings.

The festival occurs on full moon of the 12^th month 

of Thai lunar calendar.

Krathong is a bascet decorated with flowers and candles released into rivers

and lakes in a special ceremony. It is also a festival of lights and dancing.

In Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand Loy Krathong Festival is celebrated with Yi

Peng Festival, which involves releasing lanterns, khom loy, into the night sky.

Both festivals involve visitors not just enjoying dances, fire shows and

atmosphere of unity with Thais but taking active part in releasing krathong into

the river and khom loy into the sky. The Chiang Mai festival involved so many

visitors that the night sky sparkled with 4000 lanterns released in unison.

CHIANG MAI the CITY of a THOUSAND TEMPLES THAILAND

CHIANG MAI

the

CITY of a THOUSAND TEMPLES

THAILAND

Chiang Mai translates as New City. However, its history dates back to 1200s when

King Mengrai moved the capital of his Kingdom to Chiang Mai.

Occupied by Burma in 1500s, when King
Bayinnaung commenced a 220 years of

regency, it was not until 1930s that Chiang Mai
became part of united Kingdom

of Thailand.

The Three Kings Monument is the mark of Chiang Mai's history. Its walled Old

City is surrounded by a moat indicating city's turbulent past.

However, the main landmark of Chiang
Mai are its monasteries and temples

called Wats. And the most important Wat is
Doi Suthep overlooking the city

from 1000 meters tall mountain.

There are Wats at every corner and along every
street. They are old and new,

golden and wooden. It truly is a temple and
Buddha statues galore.

The city is also surrounded by temples.

Chiang Mai is a delightful city with waterfalls in the nearby mountains and

the highest, 2500 meters tall, mountain in Thailand. 

There are tribes living 

in the hills, the ex-opium growing
area is now growing coffee and 
producing

crafts.

Nearby Pai is a mountain village popular with visitors from all over the 
world.

A three hour drive of alpine road leads into the mountains offering spectacular

scenery.

Chiang Mai and its surrounds are one of the most popular destinations in Thailand

and both have a lot to offer to visitors. The Northern curry is one of the delicious

culinary delights, markets stock fabulous crafts of the region. The tranqulity of

Chiang Mai temples is a perfect place for meditation.

 

SONGKHLA THAILAND

SONGKHLA

THAILAND

Songkhla is one of less visited by tourists, which makes it so much more attractive, places in Thailand. One is more inclined to meet local people rather than fellow visitors from all over the world.

Still, as far as scenic beauty of the surrounds, history and tradition are concerned, Songkhla has so much to offer. Back in the 8^th century Songkhla, then Singora, was visited by traders and in the 17^th century was still an important commercial hub. Songkhla is a port of great importance and the entry to this port is guarded by 2 islands, Ko Noo – Rat Island and Ko Maew – Cat Island. There are sculptures of both on shore. 

Water in this part of the Gulf of Siam is crystal clear and a sandy beach protected from the heat of the day by palms and trees is an excellent location for picnics and meeting locals. Other sculptures along the waterfront, some modern some historical and the most popular one, the mermaid decorate the beach. There are a number of Buddhist Temples spread through Songkhla. 

There are also a few Chinese Temples. Songkhla architecture shows Chinese influence. 

Songkhla has a mixture of Thai, Chinese and Malay population. Their culture and cuisine are reflected in everyday life. It is an interesting place to visit, out of a tourist track. 

PULAU GUBANG DARAT LANGKAWI MALAYSIA

PULAU GUBANG DARAT

LANGKAWI

MALAYSIA

Pulau Gubang Darat is one of 99 islands surrounding Langkawi. It is uninhabited, except for wildlife. It also is a perfect anchorage in any weather.

Thus it is popular and often fills up with visiting yachts.

Pulau Gabang Darat offers dramatic scenery of colorful cliffs and rocks among rain forest greenery and peaceful seas. Emerald color prevails in water and land.

There are many small islands scattered nearby. All of them are a natural habitat of birds, sea eagles, horn-bills, kingfishers and many more, all colorful and joining in a bird song. There is also a variety of monkeys, some not at all shy and inquisitive monitor lizards.

Pulau Gubang Darat is a definitive paradise to a botanist and wildlife lover.

Mere mortals simply enjoy a kaleidoscope of colors during the day and at sunset.

LAEM PHROM THEP & AO NAI HARN PHUKET THAILAND

LAEM PHROM THEP & AO NAI HARN

PHUKET

THAILAND

Laem Phrom Thep is famous for its Lighthouse and museum with information on the beginnings of The Royal Thai Navy. Scenic during the day, the turquoise waters doted with islands, it is also a view point for watching spectacular sunsets.

The statue of Admiral his Royal Highness Prince Abhakara Klartivanges, located by the Lighthouse, is impressive. He established and advanced Royal Thai Navy.

Nai Harn Beach is just one of many beaches surrounding the island of Phuket. The bay, Ao Nai Harn is also a comfortable anchorage for many yachts visiting Thailand. It is a starting point for cruising Surin and Similian islands as well as Andaman Islands and passages across the Indian Ocean.

Both, Laem Phra Themp and Nai Harn Beach are relaxing locations to enjoy the beauty of nature and its impressive performance of painting the sky at sunset.

KO TARUTAO the KINGDOM of THAILAND

KO TARUTAO

the

KINGDOM of THAILAND

Ko Tarutao, just four nautical miles from Langkawi, Malaysia, is the most southern island of Thailand's west coast. Its scenic coastline and dense jungle with tall peaks add to the mystery of the island.

Ko Tarutao has a sad history of being a penal colony for political prisoners back in the late 1930s, its isolation and wild terrain preventing escapes. In mid 1940s it ceased being a prison but not until 1970s it became a National Park and its wilderness a treasure. Now, a tourist eco destination it is considered one of the environment friendly islands.

Over the years a perception of many islands that served as no escape prisons change to places must-visit to experience the beauty of nature. Ko Tarutao offers walking trails to lookouts, waterfalls and caves. It also offers secure anchorages for sailing yachts, its western side in North Eastern monsoon and its eastern side in South Western monsoon.

Many anchorages offer sandy beaches and crystal clear waters to swim in. The crocodile stories are old, guess all crocodiles were eaten by the prisoners many years ago. 

Deserted beaches can easily be found although Ko Tarutao invites quite a number of visitors. Even on a cloudy day the island has its special charm, warm waters to swim in and nature at its best.

DARWIN the TOP END of AUSTRALIA

DARWIN

the TOP END

of AUSTRALIA

Darwin, the remote, most northern city of Australia is rightly called the capital of the Top End. The biggest city in the Northern Territory it has tropical hot climate and abundant wildlife. Kakadu National Park is located on Darwin's doorstep. Well, Kakadu existed long before Darwin was built and is an impressive nature heritage.

Fannie Bay is one of the must see places with miles of golden sand beach, just beware of crocodiles and restrain from swimming in warm waters of Arafura Sea. Visit Mindil Beach Markets and enjoy spectacular sunset. Sunsets in Fannie Bay last for hours, sky changing color from golden to deep purple in quite slow motion. Mindil Beach Market is a perfect spot to enjoy a sunset, delicious finger foods from Asia as well as Darwin itself and shop for usual market knick-knacks, exotic clothing and pieces of art. There is also Mindil Beach Casino for those that want to try their luck.

The Esplanade, Darwin Waterfront, is a border between the Centre of Darwin and the Arafura Sea. Just the place to stroll along in the cool of night, the city offering many bars, restaurants and entertainment.

Darwin has hot, tropical climate and many choose to escape the heat of the day at the air conditioned Casuarina Shopping Centre. Whatever your fancy, enjoying nature and wilderness or a thriving modern city, Darwin offers a fulfilling holiday.