Rigging the changes by example
Bungkaennakhon, Khon Kaen
Nevertheless, this “green” call to arms demands more than words and fashion to be sustainable, especially for business owners or CEOs whose investment strategies need certainty for the future, and clearer political visibility.
That is why I am a firm believer in “green standards” adapted to the Thai reality, and to the society’s appropriate level of acceptance and resilience. Our tour of the country’s 50 great greenescapes, initiated by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) wants precisely to play such a pioneer role. The promotion of Green Tourism shall be an “inclusive” process, where everybody is invited to come aboard if promising to respect and uphold previously agreed upon standards, whose implementation shall definitely be verified and followed up closely.
Following the UNEP initiative on sustainable tourism, a lot of windows are opening up. Courageously, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has grabbed some of those opportunities, setting up the “Green Leaf Foundation" to check on hotels and accommodation. But let us be optimistic: why not, tomorrow, form an advisory body on sustainable tourism made of Thai academics, environmental activists, non governmental organizations delegates and business operators? This panel would issue periodic recommendations or warnings, upon learning of natural destruction damages in some part of the country. Because Green Tourism, after all, is judged by the visitors themselves.
So be our guests. And be our judges. Be part, with us all, of this badly needed “Thailand Tourism Green Turn”.
Temperature increases from climate change are generally estimated at 1.4-5.8°C by 2100 if further action is not taken. The EU intends to limit its greenhouse gases on par with a global rise of 2°C in 2020, but some studies indicate this still might not avoid catastrophe.
Sources: NASA, UNFCCC, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; J. Houghton, Global
Warming: Complete Briefing; C. Gauthier, Oil, Water and Climate; Kump, Kasting, Crane, The Earth
System; J. Lovelock, The Vanishing Face of Gaia; The Royal Society of London
Atmospheric Greenhouse Gases (GHG), most notably CO2, methane, and NO2, are the most threatening and avoidable agents of climate change. In 2008, CO2 levels hit 336 ppm, the highest in at least 650,000 - and possibly 20 million - years.
Ocean Life and Acidity will result from the increased CO2 emissions, threatening all hubs of marine biodiversity. Ocean warming is adverse to growth of sea algae, the source of half of all photosynthesized oxygen and the basis of the marine food chain.
Atmospheric Greenhouse Gases (GHG), most notably CO2, methane, and NO2, are the most threatening and avoidable agents of climate change. In 2008, CO2 levels hit 336 ppm, the highest in at least 650,000 - and possibly 20 million - years.
Greater Climate Extremes through drought, floods, and extreme weather will affect global circulations of air and water. The result will be crippling to farmland, habitable land and water infrastructure, while increasing the spread of deadly diseases.
Biodiversity Loss has already been seen. Climate change increases the risk of extinction for about 20-30% of all species and puts immense stress on ecological systems, particularly threatening those in tropical forest, alpine, and Arctic regions.
Understanding Climate Change and Responding to Ecological Challenges
Future Generations are at stake. The needs of the present generation must not compromise the needs of future ones. Agricultural, economic, energy, and social practices that maximize energy efficiency, and organic replacement rates are therefore a priority.
Managing the Cost of this climate change is crucial. It is estimated that the cost of keeping global warming below 2°C and reducing GHG emissions by 70% by 2020, could be as little as €530 billion, or 1% of the global GDP. Action shall be taken swiftly.
The UN Copenhagen Conference has failed to decide on a post-2012 framework for climate change. Alas, the 25%-40% reduction in GHGs from 1990 levels by 2020 as urged by the scientific community is still far from being met.
Lack of knowledge is Thailand’s main challenge.
According to a study by the University of Adelaide’s Environmental Institute in Australia, the country ranks among the world’s worst ten countries in terms of environmental degradation vs its total resource availability. Fortunately, environmental literacy is therefore a prime goal.
Protecting the sea.
Marine ecosystems are unprecedentedly threatened by rising water temperatures. March 2010 saw the most widespread coral bleaching in almost two decades in both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea when the sea temperatures hit 30˚C. Recovery could take years.
Rethinking waste management.
Each day, Bangkok alone produces about 8,500 tons of solid waste, of which 1,800 tons are plastic bags. The Thai authorities came up with a campaign to create public awareness which, if successful, could save 650 million Baht in waste collection costs and cut about 1 million tons of CO2 in one year’s time.
Defending wildlife.
Air pollution is a concern.
In April 2010, the northernmost district, Mae Sai, experienced the worst air pollution in recent years with 281.1 micrograms of dust per cubic meter. Urban areas also do not fare too well. Bangkok’s air standard exceeds WHO savety standards by 2.5 times, with traffic congestion as the main culprit.
Thailand: Admitting Inconvenient Truths
Reviving Agriculture.
It is predicted that in 2010, the loss in the agricultural sector could amount to 6 billion Baht. Compared to 2009, the numbers of villages affected by drought has increased by 48 percent. In March 2010, the Mekong River reached its lowest level in 30 years and the water volume in several major dams in Thailand is hitting their record low.
North Nature
Doi Inthanon : The rooftop of Thailand
CHIANG MAI PROVINCE. Here are a few of the many reasons why one should visit Doi Inthanon National Park: the eponymous peak is the highest in Thailand; the Park includes 1,274 plant species, 90 of which are orchids (31 of which are found uniquely there); and the area is home to 466 animal species, 385 of those being birds (including the Green-tailed Sunbird).
Besides being rich in floral and faunal life, the Park is dotted with a number of waterfalls of various sizes. Doi Inthanon has something for everyone, whether day-trippers or those planning to thoroughly explore the Park. The day might be filled with a visit to the highest point in Thailand, which can be reached by car, and is clouded with mist all year round, the temperature never exceeding 17º C. This may be followed with a 30-minute walk along the nearby Ang Ka nature trail. The neat, elevated wooden platform with railings leads through the moss covered forest, where mixed plant-societies on single trees can be observed.
Toward the end of the trail, there is a path leading to the shrine of Chao Krom Kiat. The small spirit pavilion is built on a piece of helicopter wreckage as a memorial to Air Chief Marshal Kiat Mangkhlapruek and the late national park director who died on duty in a crash at that spot in May 1971. The rest of the day might be spent touring the waterfalls. The most enchanting are Wachirathan, Mae Klang, and Mae Ya. These falls are easy to access by car, with trails leading up to different levels. Picnic areas and restaurants are available. The first two falls are on the same road after the first checkpoint; only Mae Ya stands alone south of the main national park area, on the 14 km road that branches off Highway 1009 and meanders through a residential area.
A Whole Day Trekking
Doi Inthanon also offers an array of treks. Most treks run all year round, and only a few routes require a ranger or local guide (contact National Park Headquarters at Km. 31 for information and arrangements). One of the most interesting routes is the Kio Mae Pan trail, which is open only from 1 June to 31 October, as its fragile ecosystem needs more time to recover than most. The distance of this circular trek is only 3 km, but discerning trekkers may take a whole day to complete it.
Bird lovers should not forget to pack binoculars, and should try to visit between October and March. If an English speaking guide is required, just cross the street from the Park Headquarters to the Inthanon Bird Centre. The Centre has been there since 1962; its customer service attested to by walls lined with name cards from satisfied clients.
How T o Get There
From Chiang Mai, take a local taxi from the bus pool at Chiang Mai Gate to Chom Thong. From Chom Thong, take the local taxi going to Doi Inthanon or to Mae Chaem, and ask to be dropped at the Headquarters. The best way to get around within the Park is to either charter a local taxi in Chom Thong or at the Park entrance, or hire a car from Chiang Mai. Make sure the car is in good condition and has
a skilled driver behind the wheel.
Contact
Doi Inthanon National Park Headquarters )0 5326 8550 or 0 5328 6728
inthanon_np@hotmail.com )0 5393 9478 or 0 5326 8547
daengdoiinthanon@yahoo.com
Discover
Doi Inthanon is the highest peak in Thailand and marks the end of the superb Himalaya Range. It is home to a number of endemic plants and animals not found elsewhere.
Feel
It is unbelievably refreshing and worthwhile to escape the heat of Chiang Mai just for a lungful of cool air on top of Doi Inthanon. Similarly, sipping coffee while enjoying the greenery covered with lingering fog is not to be missed. To prolong the cool retreat, park accommodations can be found within walking-distance of the Head-quarters.
North Trekking
Doi Chiang Dao: The guardian spirits of Chiang
Doi Chiang Dao (under the Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary’s care) is the third highest peak, and the only place where a sub-alpine ecosystem can be found in Thailand. Its height is 2,225 m above sea level, making a dramatic rise on the horizon when viewed on entering the district by Highway 107. The horseshoe-shaped mountain range of which it forms a part is home to more than 340 species of wildlife, of which some 206 are birds, including the near-extinct Hume’s Pheasant (Symaticus humiae, found only here and in Pai). It is also the only home in the world to the newly discovered orchid Sirindhornia pulchella, as well as approximately 110 other orchid species.
Doi Chiang Dao also holds spiritual significance for the people of Chiang Mai. The mountain is believed to be the abode of Chao Luang Kham Daeng, the spirit revered by all spirits and ghosts. There are two routes to get to the peak of Doi Luang Chiang Dao - the Pang Wua trail and the Den Ya Khat trail.
The Mountain of the Gods
The starting points of the two trails are about 30 minutes and 1 hour away from the headquarters, respectively. There are camping sites on both trails, but the second one is longer, steeper, and thus more adventurous. The two trails converge mid-hill, and four more hours of walking will lead to Mae Salung, the last camping site before the top. From the Mae Salung camping site, a final 45-minute climb (225 m of rocky, limestone trail) is required to get to the windy top, where there is no water source but plenty of wildflowers. Trekkers normally spend two nights before following the downward trail back to the headquarters, and must provide their own tents, food, and water for the whole trip.
It must be emphasised that Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary is devoted strictly to conservation; tourism is second on the agenda. That is why the Sanctuary is open for trekking only from 1st November to 31st March, and is suitable only for highly-devoted nature enthusiasts. For others still wanting to get a glimpse of its glory, there is a 2-km nature trail, at the foot of the mountain, accessible all year round. No guide is needed, but during the rainy season, the path is often concealed by tall grass.
How To Get There
There are daily buses from Bangkok direct to Chiang Dao. If departing from Chiang Mai, take a "Tha Ton" bus and inform the driver of your destination. You will get off in front of Chiang Dao Inn and continue by motorbike taxi. The headquarters of the Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary is about 2 km along the main road from Chiang Dao Cave.
Contact
Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary )0 5345 5802
(Staff do not speak English and bookings must be made 15 days in advance)
Discover
Ueang Si Chiang Dao (Sirindhornia pulchella) is a terrestrial orchid endemic to this limestone terrain and can be found only here. It blooms and flaunts its exquisite pinkish-white flower from April to June.
Feel
For those not planning to trek to the peak and are content with admiring the majestic mountain from below, there are several accommodation options in the area. Our favourite is ‘Malee’s Nature Lover Bungalow’, where one can talk to owner Khun Malee about the cable car controversy while munching on fresh, homemade whole wheat toast.
The Park is located in Pua district, 60 km from Nan on Highway 1080. On arrival in Pua, continue along Highway 1256 for another 25 km to reach the park headquarters. Visitors can either wait for a Song Thaeo (‘Bo Kluea’ route, the last one leaves around 2 p.m.) or charter one.
Contact
Doi Phu Kha National Park )0 5470 1000
North Nature
Doi Phu Kha: Botanist’s paradise
Beginning with the journey up the mountain from Pua district, visitors will see that large patches of forest on the slope of the hills have been turned into fruit orchards, namely for lychee. The sight may not be the best introduction, but on arrival in the Park area, it is a relief to find that most of its forest remains intact. Take time to view the exhibition in the Visitor Centre. Here, guests will learn that besides the star attraction, Chomphu Phu Kha flowers, there is also a chance to see a living fossil, Caryota gigas.
Also known as Hahn ex Hodel, or Tao Rang Yak in Thai, this giant palm has a height of 40 m and is endemic to the area. The Park also offers the possibility of spotting a myriad of wild animals, ranging from rare birds (the most remarkable one being Sitta formosa) deer, and gibbons to bears, wild elephants, or even tigers.
Something for Everyone
For those content with lovely strolls through the woods, there are two nature trails near
the Park headquarters to enjoy. The small trail is 2 km long; the longer one is 4 km, both winding through a forest of Kesiya, or three-needled, pine, whose fallen needles
provide a soft brown carpet over the paths as they lead to Chomphu Phu Kha and Tao Rang Yak groves. The trails are sufficiently well-defined, but the Park recommends visitors be accompanied by a ranger. Trekking should be avoided during the rainy season, as leeches are quite brutal.
Doi Phu Kha offers other activities the whole year round. From August to December, the river Nam Wa, with its 20 rapids, provides good rafting (contact the Visitor Centre to arrange a trip). Bird and butterfly lovers should visit between November and June. During February and March, the forest will be tinted with the pink blossoms of Chomphu Phu Kha. There are also a number of caves and waterfalls that can be explored from October to May.
For more sedentary travellers, the Park provides comfortable and aesthetically pleasing accommodation. The smallest options are made from old carts and bamboo, with thatched roofs. Bigger bungalows perch on a small hill to enjoy a panoramic view of the mountain range. Alternatively, a tent can be pitched in the campground to enjoy stargazing. To wrap up the day, the Park also provides a pavilion to observe the sunset over the hill-lined horizon.
How To Get There
The Park is located in Pua district, 60 km from Nan on Highway 1080. On arrival in Pua, continue along Highway 1256 for another 25 km to reach the park headquarters. Visitors can either wait for a Song Thaeo (‘Bo Kluea’ route, the last one leaves around
2 p.m.) or charter one.
Contact
Doi Phu Kha National Park )0 5470 1000
Discover
The botanical highlight of this 1,300 m high mountain is Bretschneidera sinesis Hemsl, more commonly known as Chomphu Phu Kha. It is a rare species, so rare that the Park
is the only place in the world it can be found.
The only time to relish its bunches of sweet, pink blossoms is during February and March.
Feel
This is one of the most pristine national parks in Thailand and fully deserved winning the Best National Park Award of 2008. We were very impressed with the Park authority’s creativity and attention to detail; such as, in utilising dead tree trunks by carving them into wash basins.
North trekking/rafting
Doi Pha Klong: A geological feast
PHRAE PROVINCE. Doi Pha Klong National Park may not be the greenest place to visit. Those that do will not be protected from the sun by a lush canopy, and their skin will become sticky from humidity. The geography here is comprised mostly of limestone and dry evergreen forests of thorny trees with small leaves. They combine to create a curiously beautiful landscape, the charm of Doi Pha Klong.
On arrival at the park headquarters, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, visitors will be greeted by a cacophony of bird calls. There is a 1.2-km nature trail along which to explore the flora and fauna of the dry evergreen forest. The beginning of the trail, paved with concrete blocks, boasts oddly, but naturally, sculpted trees with entangling vines. Along the trail as a whole, the most predominant plant species is the firework-shaped Dracaena sp.
Although the trail is short, trekkers are mercilessly exposed to the sun. The informative and friendly rangers therefore warn visitors to take lots of water before setting out on the trek. The climb can be tough at some points, with sharp-edged rocks, but the path is well-defined, including intervals of wooden steps. After a good measure of sweating, one finally arrives at Hin Pakarang, a large, wondrously-shaped limestone hill peppered with bright green shrubs. The Park encompasses an area of 125 km2, covering a diverse range of geography and activities. About 60 km from the headquarters lies Kaeng Luang, a series of rapids in the Yom River.
These provide a 10-km rafting route, though the river is best experienced in November or December. Visitors can also stop over at Erawan Cave to enjoy the stalagmites and stalactites, including those resembling a mythical three-headed elephant, from which the cave takes its name. Opportunities also exist to rappel down a 70-m cliff. To arrange an adventure trip, contact the Park headquarters.
How To Get There
Doi Pha Klong National Park Headquarters is on Highway 1023, about 20 km from Phrae.
There are taxis (Phrae-Long route) leaving from Chomphu Ming Market (N18º 08.184′ E100º 08.860).
On the way back to town, you will need to wait on the roadside and flag a local taxi down.
Contact
Doi Pha Klong National Park )0 5450 1701
Discover N
Our favourite attraction in Doi Pha Klong National Park is Hin Pakarang, literally translated as “coral stone”. The name is misleading since it is actually a huge formation
of limestone which forms a peculiar, wonderful landscape.
Feel Y
The facilities, such as park accommodation and canteen, may not be very attractive, but a day-trip is sufficient for a visit. We were very impressed with the hospitality of the rangers, who take good care of visitors.
North Nature
Thi Lo Su Waterfall: The hidden giant
TAK PROVINCE. A weekend at Thi Lo Su may make you come home drained of energy, but with piles of spectacular photos and fun memories. Visitors must steel themselves right from the start. The ‘Sky Highway 1090’ winds from Mae Sot to Umphang through a mountainous region inhabited by hill tribes. Its 1,219 sharp curves, zigzagging through lush, forested landscapes, have churned many stomachs. After four
hours, visitors arrive in Umphang, the biggest district in Thailand, sharing a 180 km border with Myanmar. It used to be inhabited solely by the Karen people, prior to Thais moving in from the North. Now, it is a hub of accommodation and tour operators organizing trips to the majestic Thi Lo Su Waterfall.
Thi Lo Su is beautiful in her many guises. During the rainy season, visitors will be awed by the sight of an endless line of mighty water crashing down 300 m onto the rocks below. In the dry season, the gigantic waterfall spanning 500 m turns into numerous small cascades separated by mossed rocks and trees, making it appear as a patchwork of verdant gardens.
Thi Lo Su is the star of the Wildlife Sanctuary, but its sister waterfall, Thi Lo Cho, should not be missed. To fully explore the area, a three-day tour is recommended. A typical program will combine rafting on the Mae Klong River; visits to Thi Lo Su and Thi Lo Cho Falls; some trekking; and, upon request, stays in Karen villages, and total forest immersion via elephant back. However, it should be noted that the likelihood of seeing large animals during any of these activities is low. Also, trekkers should bring mosquito repellant and anti-malarial medication
How To Get There
There is no direct bus or plane service from Bangkok to Umphang. You need to travel to the border town of Mae Sot first (by daily bus from Bangkok), then take a Mae Sot-Umphang Song Thaeo from the bus terminal. It is a tough 169 km, 4-hour ride almost
guaranteed to cause motion sickness, so be prepared.
Contact
TAT Tak Office )0 5551 4341-3
Discover
Thi Lo Su is the biggest waterfall in Thailand, hidden in the lush forest bordering Myanmar. During the rainy season, the Mae Klong River is a good location for white water rafting.
Feel
Umphang town is the transit lounge for Thi Lo Su visitors. Here you will find various types of accommodation, from camping sites to bungalows. Although most of them are simple, reflecting the adventurous spirit of the area, you will find all the basic facilities.
The town is pleasant to explore on foot.
North Adventure
Flight of the Gibbon: Swaying over the treetops
CHIANG MAI PROVINCE. Despite the name, visitors do not exactly brachiate from tree to tree like real gibbons. Nonetheless, gliding down 2-km long zip lines hanging some 30-m over the canopy of a tropical forest must produce a similar feeling to that enjoyed by a swinging primate.
The trip begins with a 50-minute ride from Chiang Mai, with the last leg up the serpentine road of the Mae Kampong hills. There is a choice between going early in the morning, at noon, or during the late afternoon. The whole excursion takes about three hours. The temperature suddenly drops on entering the densely vegetated area, and the fun begins there.
After gearing up with straps and helmet, visitors are taken to the first of 15 stations--wooden platforms built on the tree top, and briefed on safety procedures. A sample first flight follows, on a short zip line, to acquaint customers with the equipment and motion. Of course, an adrenaline surge is the main aim of zip-lining, but equally wonderful is the sight of the diverse shades of green and mountain-lined horizon seen while waiting to whizz from station to station. The deeper one goes inside the forest, the more impressive the size and formation of the trees. The flight concludes with a drop from a gigantic tree, in which one can choose to fall head or feet first.
Fun with Benefits
What is greatly appreciated about this adventure is how the company is conscious about community and environmental issues. Before signing the disclaimer form, the staff make sure that visitors go through the recommendations for good environmental practices. In the area around the office, signs give information about the vital roles of the tropical rainforest ecosystem.
The company also claims that 10% of its profits go to conservation projects. Before being driven back to the city, visitors are served lunch, with a stroll at the Mae Kampong Waterfall as dessert. The Waterfall is medium-sized with seven tiers, and it takes about 15 minutes to climb to the top. At the entrance to the waterfall, a number of trees with saffron-colored strips of cloth tied around the trunks may be seen. These trees are ‘ordained’ and become sacred, so that no poacher would have the heart or dare to cut them down - a perfect example of utilizing folk wisdom as a conservation strategy.
How To Get Th e r e
The site is in Ban Mae Kampong, Mae On district, about 50 minutes east of Chiang Mai by car. However, the package includes a free pickup service from your accommodation in a communal van, which is more convenient and wastes less fuel.
Contact
www.treetopasia.com )08 9970 5511
info@treetopasia.com
Discover
The zipline of the Flight of the Gibbon hovers over the rainforest of the Mae Kampong area, allowing one to observe the vegetation from a bird’s-eye view, accompanied by thrilled screams from fellow visitors.
Feel
The Flight of the Gibbon Centre is located high in a lush, mountainous area which provides a lovely setting for the activity. The staff is hospitable, although their command of English may be a little shaky.
Share
The company collaborates with FORRU (Forest Restoration and Research Unit) at Chiang Mai University in reforestation projects and has organized activities for volunteers in 2008 and 2009.
North Health
Phuklon Country Club: Pamper yourself with mud
MAE HONG SON PROVINCE. After a grueling ride from Pai, with thousands of curves along Highway 1095, what could be a better way to relax than to treat yourself to a spa experience before arriving in Mae Hong Son.
Phuklon is not an ordinary spa. It offers up to visitors subterranean wealth of a very special kind—a variety of mineral mud with only three known sources worldwide. The boiling mud, with a temperature ranging from 60º -140º C, emerges from the underground mineral water well visible upon entering the spa area. Signs will inform the visitor that the mud here is rich in calcium, bromine, magnesium, and many more elements.
.jpg "Phuklon Country Club: Pamper yourself with mud")
The dark oozing liquid is purified and then mixed with Thai herbs such as lemon grass and curcumin. Once cooled, it is ready to be applied. Treatments vary from a facial mud mask to full-body scrub, at surprisingly affordable prices. Those considering the full-body scrub and treatment should be warned they may feel a little over-indulgent, since staff will assist in every step, even with rinsing off the mud and bathing.
How To Get There
From Mae Hong Son, take Highway 1095. After 10 km, look for a diverging road to Ban Kung Mai Sak and a sign saying ‘Mud Spa’ on the left. Follow that road for 7 km. The entrance to the spa is on the right.
Contact
www.phuklon.co.th )0 5328 2579
Discover
The boiling mud at Phuklon has been certified by a French laboratory as containing minerals suitable for cosmetic use. The quality of the mud here is claimed to rival that of the Dead Sea.
Feel
This is not a typical glittering luxury spa. Instead, the establishment is located in the middle of a field, with many of the facilities in the open air. The no-frills décor, combined with friendly local staff, creates a very laid-back atmosphere.
The greenery surrounding the spa is also quite soothing. The field, dotted with farmers’ sheds, stretches from the wooden platform next to the body treatment rooms and makes a great waiting spot while the mud paste applied to the skin dries (the process takes about 20 minutes). The open-air mineral swimming pool and Jacuzzi is shaded with abundant trees and colored with flowers. The buildings are camouflaged well in the garden, with their thatched roofs and partial wooden structures. Phuklon is the place where nature pampers both body and spirit.
Fun with Benefits
No health and beauty refuge is complete without a traditional Thai massage. Professional, therapeutic touch on a back stiff after four hours in a bus seat is nothing short of bliss. Foot massage is also popular among clients who want to pass the time while waiting for their facial mud mask to dry. After this reinvigoration of skin and muscle, mud-based cosmetic products, such as mud cleansing bars and mud mask powder, can be purchased for further pampering at home.
Phuklon Country Club also provides a golf driving range nearby. There is no accommodation in Phuklon, but fortunately it is less than half an hour from Mae Hong Son. On the way back to town, one may want to stop for a cup of freshly brewed coffee and shop for OTOP products at the newly-opened Mae Hong Son Rajabhat University OTOP Centre (N19º 20.132′, E97º 57.965, look for the sign on the left if coming from Phuklon). Here will be found goods produced by villages of the region; such as, snacks made from sesame and local herbs and nuts, wine distilled from local fruits, and intricate and colourful accessories made from hand-woven tribal fabric.
North Biking
Huai Tueng Thao: Riding around mountains
Chiang mai Province. Navigating the city’s morass of gentle lanes on cool summer nights can make this one of urban Thailand’s most enjoyable riding experiences. The route has been chosen from an interminable range of others for its flexibility to both novices and experts and its extremely convenient location just outside of Chiang Mai, at the crack between Huai Tueng Thao and Doi Suthep National Park. The route itself makes for a gloriously amiable shotgun-wedding between the area’s mountainous forests and lychee fields, and a number of more urbane amenities and activities with which to fill itinerary and stomach.
A bit further down the road
Starting from one of the bike rental shops on Sam Lan Road which runs past Wat Phra Sing, leave the city walls from the west, following the northbound quadrant of the moat up until the intersection at its corner before turning left down Huai Kaeo Road Pass Chiang Mai’s oldest shopping mall and keep going until the second large intersection, there, take a northward righturn. 1 km in, you can get off the main road and follow the dirt path running along the parallel canal, following the signs for the 700-Year Stadium, where you turn left at after 5 km. Huai Tueng Thao, actually a reservoir, is just a bit further down the road.
But instead of heading straight there, make for the trails and go behind the Stadium, crossing the dam wall into the forest. Follow the lovely, blue and red-marked mixed terrain routes that leave you at Huai Tueng Thao after 10 km. Otherwise, circling the lake is fulfilling in itself and either way you can reward yourself at one of the many cheap and breezy lakeside restaurants before returning to Chiang Mai.
How To Get There
Getting there is very easy from Chiang Mai city center. Just drive up Canal Road, past the 700-Year Stadium, drive another 2 km. and follow the signs. The lake is in a lovely area with mountain views.
Discover
Sometimes it’s nice to get a little break from our busy lives and take a little breather to recharge our batteries. Here is Chiang Mai local’s getaway favorite spot.
Feel
For the romantics, Huai Tueng Thao Lake is an ideal place where you can enjoy stunning sunsets over Chiang Mai’s mountains. On a weekday evening, the place is almost deserted.
Share
There are a range of inoffensive activities here, from fishing to windsurfing and rafting. A nearby military training camp offers a perfect setting for fitness exercise.
North Rafting
Khek River Rafting: Get carried away
PHITSANULOK PROVINCE. At first glance, the Khek River appears like an ordinary river. It is of a modest width, snaking peacefully from its origin on a mountaintop in Phetchabun Province. Then, without warning, the smooth surface of the river becomes agitated like a boiling cauldron. That is when the fun begins.
Khek River is one of the best sites for rafting in Thailand. The waterway is blessed with a number of rapids ranging from levels 1 to 5. A typical rafting trip will take you through 8 km of river peppered with 13 rapids. Before you board the rubber dinghy, which can carry about 10 passengers, the crew will brief you on the technique of rowing and what to do when you fall off the craft. Most of the crew members do not speak English, but the tutorial is easily understood through body language.
The first hundred meters are for getting familiar with your oars. You will then start from a very mild rapid to warm up both your rowing and vocal cords. The following six rapids range between level 2 and 3. Between each rapid you will have time to savor the beautiful scenery. The banks are lined with hog plum trees and bamboos and lushly vegetated mountains. Normally the water is green and clear, but in the rainy season it turns brown due to the sediment and mud that comes with strong currents.
The texture of the water at each rapid is also something to behold. The rock formation at some rapids makes the water appear like a giant fluttering piece of cloth glinting with sunlight. At others, the water bubbles fiercely and, despite its boiling look, are refreshingly cool. The real adventure lies in the last five rapids. The highlight is “Kaeng Yao” (“long rapid”), 100 meters of bumpy level 5 rapids that will keep you clinging to your dinghy rope. People do fall off sometimes so you should be extra careful here (the crew told us that some people find falling overboard great fun but not at this particular spot.)
Different resorts and rafting operators might offer slightly different routes or include a different number of rapids, but the experience should be similarly thrilling. The best season for the adventure starts from June and ends in October (this year, we are told, it started late due to the drought.) Children should be older than 12 years old to participate, though some operators might overlook this rule.
How To Get There
The best rafting spot on the Khek River is in Wang Thong district, about 40 km from Phitsanulok city. There are frequent buses (Phitsanulok-Nakhon Thai) leaving from the bus terminal in the city centre.
Contact
Most resorts in Wang Thong offer rafting and accommodation packages. Otherwise, look for operators along Highway 12 (from Km 33 on).
Discover
Enjoy one of the best rafting sites in Thailand. This is an almost zero-carbon activity that allows you to enjoy both an adrenalin rush and the beautiful landscape of Wang Thong district.
Feel
A lot of the accommodation (some regrettably sitting right above the river) in the area combine this adventurous outdoor activity with spa and massage. Get yourself pampered while listening to the constant murmur of the river.
Share
Rafting is a sport and adventure that cannot go without solidarity and team spirit. Bring your friends along, but also be open to new encounters and mutual challenges. Once on this very unpredictable river, we are all in the same boat.
North Community
Doi Tung: From opium to coffee
These days, you don’t have to come up to northernmost Chiang Rai province to run into the Doi Tung Foundation. Launched in 1969 under the auspices of the late Princess Mother, this recognizable Royal Project’s logo is very visible nowadays in most of the country’s cities, thanks to the well-established reputation of its coffee brand.
Doi Tung coffee shops can be seen in Bangkok’s busy Silom Road. Handicrafts and clothes bearing this very name are also increasingly popular among the crowd of international visitors, as they symbolize both quality and a sustainable mode of production. With the help of the United Nations, Doi Tung’s agricultural project for introducing crop substitution to curb the cultivation of opium is now being exported to neighboring Myanmar, as well as Afghanistan.
Nevertheless, don’t miss the opportunity to spend one or two days walking on these northernmost hills of Thailand, where hill tribes have been taught to grow nuts or coffee trees rather than poppies. Like many other Royal projects, the Doi Tung - Mae Fah Luang complex encompasses all fields of rural development, including legal, medical, and educational access, agricultural research, forest management, and a sustainable chain of production for coffee. Its giant arboretum makes a perfect day-walk.
Accommodation is available in a nice guesthouse located below the Swiss style Royal Villa, with an adjacent badminton court for those who want to get some exercise. Thai employees enjoy playing there after 6 p.m. and will be delighted to share their racquets and shuttlecocks.
On a more serious note, Doi Tung is a unique mix of an agricultural, political, and human experience. Although some villagers sometimes miss their ancient way of life within hill tribe communities accustomed to crossing borders to smuggle goods or dope, the Foundation has brought education, expertise, and real development to this impoverished area. It is for this reason that Doi Tung gained the recognition of the UN Drug Control Programme, based in Vienna, and several tourism awards including one from the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).
As for the mythology of the Golden Triangle, formerly the leading worldwide source of heroin, a visit to the “Hall of Opium”, 10 km north to the border town of Chiang Saen is highly recommended. Focused on history, the museum houses a collection of documents, photos, and drug related memorabilia, making it a necessary stop-in for those seeking to understand the troublesome period this region came across after World War II.
How To Get There
From Chiang Rai, head to Mae Sai on Route 110. Numerous buses or vans are available. After Mae Chan, take the west turn-off for Doi Tung. Then, follow Route 1149 to reach the park and the Royal villa.
Contact http://www.doitung.org
Discover
Become a coffee expert while listening to the plantation’s learned staff. Learn all about aroma, body and flavor. Produced on these northernmost hills, Doi Tung coffee is on its way to becoming an international trademark.
Feel
The whole place bears the mark of the late Princess Mother, Somdet Phra Srinagarindra, whose Royal villa replicates an alpine chalet from her beloved Switzerland. To know more about her, log on http://www.thailink.com/mom.htm
Share
Doi Tung and Mae Fah Luang being royal projects, donations are accepted. Volunteering is also possible, like teaching English to the local staff.
North Community /Culture
Huai Khi Lek: The strength of the forest
CHIANG RAI PROVINCE. Here is a village with a tale, so be prepared: enjoying the Akha hilltribe’s lifestyle in Huai Khi Lek means being able to listen, and keeping a close eye on religious beliefs and practices, as explained by our guide Somsak Malee. “In a way, he told Travel Green Thailand’s reporter Simon Bowring, protecting the environment comes here from a long history of living directly off it. Our people are at the forefront of climate change because they live with first-hand experience of nature and have begun to notice extremes in weather and water availability”.
Without a doubt, the village of Huai Khi Lek and its surroundings offer much more than conversation and study of local customs. The villagers of Huai Khi Lek are themselves involved in the management of tourism, thus preserving their cultural identity while at the same time profiting from the additional funds such activities bring into the community coffers. A very positive point: both the Community- based tourism network (CBT) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) have praised the work of this small village, distinctively Akha in nature and appearance, nestled above a valley defined by verdant rice terraces and mixed Thai and Lahu villages.
The history of Huai Khi Lek also bears testimony to the recent destiny of Thailand’s hill tribes. The Thai authorities established the village in 1965, in a spot selected by community elders. Somsak Malee says, "The government has moved many of the hill tribes, around 80% of them, down to the lowlands in what they thought was an effort to draw them into Thai society and give them access to healthcare and basic education, while stemming the supposed cause of much mountain deforestation. This was a well-meaning but misguided move, as people entered into illicit and menial labor to supplement their income".
Rooted Animism and Rich Mythology
As would be expected, traditions here are thriving, and today a visit to Huai Khi Lek is a perfect opportunity to discover the numerous agents of environmental protection invoked by this Akha community. “Spirit eyes forbidding tree cutting, sacred rivers and spirits where all human activity is banned by a deeply rooted animism, and rich mythology; huge areas of community-owned forest....”, details Travel Green Thailand (Asieinfo publishing, 2010). We must also remember the other side of recent Akha history in Thailand and the Golden Triangle, where this community has been equally associated with another activity: the most lucrative drug trade across the Chinese and Burmese borders. A must-read on this story is Alfred W. Mc Coy’s “Politics of Heroin in Southeast Asia” (Lawrence Hill Books).
How To Get There
Huai Khi Lek stands on a peak above the Huai Masang River, some 30 km north of Mae Suai (not to be confused with Mae Sai) in Thailand’s Chiang Rai province. Bus and vans
are available also from Chiang Mai.
Contact www.hilltribeguide.com and Somsak Malee on 08 1765 5352
Discover
Tourism here is a community managed project and profits are used to sponsor both Akha cultural activities and local forest conservation.
Feel
Spirituality is at the heart of the Akha lifestyle in Huai Khi Lek, where villagers of
different beliefs coexist. Old religious customs are vibrant here, along the lines of both Buddhism and Christianity.
Share
All year round, various festivals draw crowds of visitors. Among them: the Chon Khai Daeng (April) and the Lo Chingcha or Akha Swing ceremony (mid-August-September) when women are treated to a fun time as a reward for rice planting.
North Nature /Relaxation
Doi Mae Salong: Sipping tea in Santikhiri
CHIANG RAI PROVINCE. Santikhiri Village on top of Doi Mae Salong has come a long way: the mountainous terrain used to be heavily deforested and a highly militarized zone. When Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek fled to Taiwan from China in 1949 along with his Guomintang armies, two regiments of Division 93 refused defeat, kept on fighting, and eventually settled in the north of Thailand. Then in 1961, 4,000 soldiers led by General Tuan Shi-Wen arrived in Mae Salong and were allowed to stay by the Thai government on the condition that they help the Thai army fight minority and communist insurgents. Bloody episodes involving battles and opium trade ensued here and in the nearby area.
Today, what used to be a restricted area has become a lovely holiday hideout, especially for tea aficionados. Opium plantations were substituted with tea, which is the trademark of this area. Here you will find an array of teashops, from which aroma fuses with cool fresh air. Almost all teashops will happily let you sample their tea. To maximize the fun, you can also visit a tea plantation on horseback.
Food Here is a Remnant of History
When Division 93 settled here, they brought with them not only ammunition but also the cuisine from their former base in Yunnan, the southwest region of China. Yunannese food is rather spicy and especially greasy compared to other strands of Chinese food and the star ingredient is mushroom. Restaurants in Santikhiri invariably serve Yunnanese dishes, the notable ones being “Khamoo Man Tow” (marinated pig leg served with bun) and steamed shitake mushroom. The abundant tea is also featured in the kitchen: try “Yum Bai Cha” (spicy tea leaf salad).
One relic of the war-ridden past remains. The tomb of General Tuan was built in 1980 on a hilltop (about 300 metres high) that overlooks the village he helped establish. The whole structure was built with white marble, and is a great spot to enjoy panoramic views of the landscape. Four km from the village, at the end of a serpentine climb to the highest point of the hill, you will find a temple dedicated to H.M. the King's Mother, Princess Srinagarindra. From there you can see the Burmese border, another excellent viewpoint, especially at sunset.
The best time to visit Santhikhiri Village is between December and February, when the road up hill is dazzlingly lined with Himalayan Wild Cherry trees (Prunus cerasoides D. Don) and the weather is especially cool.
How To Get There
Chiang Rai city is accessible by buses. From there, take Highway 10 to Mae Chan District. Turn left at Km stone 856. Follow Highway 1089 until you reach Km stone 55, and turn right. Santikhriri Village is 15 Km away.
Contact TAT Chiang Rai office 0 5371 7433, 0 5374 4674-5
Discover
Santikhiri Village holds a place in Thai military history as a buffer zone to fight communist insurgents. The village was thus christened “Mountain of Peace” to remind and at the same time mitigate the memory of violence.
Feel
The village is compact but well structured for visitors and you will find accommodations on most main streets. At the same time, nature is still within arm’s reach and thanks
to the altitude, the place still retains its tranquility.
Share
Volunteer opportunities such as teaching English or building schools in the mountains of Chiang Rai are available. Check out www.mirrorartgroup.org
North Biking / Culture
Biking through Si Satchanalai
Sukhothai Province. The well-known Sukhothai Historical Park is an ideal starting point for the 60 km (1 hr) northward bus ride to Si Satchanalai, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, although often neglected by visitors for its paucity of nearby air or rail connections.
After mounting a bike (which can be rented at the Park entrance), the best thing to do is to wind through the imposing 13th century ruins that are scattered willy-nilly, keeping one eye or ear out for the cacophony of birds that inhabit the forested surroundings. Although the constant tree-borne warbling is impressive, it is best to leave your bike and stroll up towards Wat Chedi Chet Yot and Wat Suwan Khiri, where, if you take a seat, you become audience to the flailing circus of birds and monkeys above as they juggle for space on and between the tree branches.
How To Get There
From Sukhothai, Road 1201 takes you up to the Koh Noi Kilns on Yom River. Through the ruins is Route 1113, where you’ll come across some scenic rice fields.
Contact Sukhothai Historical Park Tel: 0 5567 9211
Discover
Natural beauty here interacts with the finest cultural heritage. Si Satchanalai has been registered by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1981.
Feel
Ignore the tour operators who will suggest a fast-track itinerary here. Si Satchanalai deserves much more than a few hours spent behind van windows.
Share
UNESCO needs your help to continue preserving World Heritage Sites, where mass tourism can have a negative impact. Log on to: http://whc.unesco.org/en/67
South Sightseeing/Relaxation
Emerald Pool: Immerse yourself in the green
KRABI PROVINCE. Very often, natural attractions are named in a hyperbolic way. Words such as golden, heaven, or an array of precious stones are there to pepper the imagination. However, in the case of the Emerald Pool, it is as descriptive as you can get. The water you will find inside the naturally sunken pools varies from sapphirine blue to emerald green, due to its chemical compositions.
When you arrive at the parking lot at the entrance, don’t get discouraged by the amount of food stalls and people, especially on weekends and festivals. Once you pay the entrance fee (200 Baht for an adult, half price for a child), the 800 m path through the forest will lead you to the first and the most popular pool--the eponymous Emerald Pool. Please note that food and tissue paper are not allowed inside the compound. A wise management decision, since this attraction is relatively clean and well-kept compared to most.
After working up a sweat from the 800 m walk, dipping into the Emerald Pool (25 m in diameter and 2 m deep) suddenly seems like a good idea. Since the water in this terrain comes seeping from under the ground and is heated by magma, the temperature of the water is about 30-50˚C. You can follow the 500 m elevated wooden trail cutting through the tropical rain forest and primary forest to the Blue Pool, the spot where the crystal clear water originates from.
Birdwatchers’ Dream
The Emerald Pool compound is under the supervision of the Khao Pra-Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary. What is extremely special about this Sanctuary is that it is the only area in Thailand that you might be able to spot, if you are phenomenally lucky, Gurney’s Pitta (Pitta gurneyi). This species of bird is endemic to Thailand and Myanmar and was thought to be extinct until its rediscovery in 1986. One of the rarest birds on the planet, it is estimated that only 10-12 pairs exist in Thailand. Keep your eyes open for other species as well, since there are a number of bird spots scattered on the nature trails. You can get a copy of the map at the Information Centre at the entrance.
To exit the compound, we recommend that you embark on another longer trail which passes through Sa Kaeo, another pool withteal-coloured water. After the mild hustle and bustle at the Emerald Pool, a walk on the trail is a lovely antidote where you can bask in a meditative atmosphere before leaving the compound.
How To Get There
From Krabi town, take Highway 4 southeast toward Khlong Thom District. Turn left onto Highway 4038. Turn right at the junction and follow the signs to the Emerald Pool.
Contact
TAT Krabi Office )0 7621 1036, 0 7621 2213
Discover
The small natural sunken basins filled with emerald green water are the main attraction. There are also short, easy nature trails cutting through the tropical rain forest. Here is the only place in Thailand the near-extinct birds Gurney’s Pitta are found.
Feel
The calm after getting out of busy Krabi. Since you disengage yourself from the crowd
and follow the nature trails, the experience can be peaceful and even meditative.
South NATURE
Koh Yao Noi: A bastion of preservation
Phang-nga Province. Tired of Phuket’s crowded beaches? Eager to refresh yourself and relax in a jungle environment? Koh Yao Noi, the smaller of a pair of islands in Phang-nga province, a twenty-minute boat ride from Phuket’s Bang Rong Pier, is one of the best options in that part of Southern Thailand to get yourself reconciled with nature, wildlife, and the charm of a pretty unspoiled island community. Not surprisingly, Koh Yao Noi holds the reputation for being a fierce bastion of environmentalism in the Phuket gulf. Though numerous of its youths, men, and women alike, migrate to work in hotels and resorts located in surrounding islets or coastlines, this green island has kept the charm of a Muslim fishermen community, held together by a strong will to remain different and, nevertheless, open to foreign visitors.
Our two-day stay there started with a long ride on Khun Praparn's motorcycle, starting from Tha Len Pier. Like many of his relatives, as most of the island’s families are connected, Khun Praparn owns a jungle lodge located right by the beach, hidden in flush green trees, and he happens to be the chief of Ban Tha Khao village. Sure, his understanding of English is limited, and one cannot expect to have a long conversation with him or his wife, whose delicious cooking by their beach canteen will fill your stomach with a smile, as you dip your feet in the sand or seawater, But be patient: long-term foreign friends residing in Koh Yao Noi are always waiting to be found.
Venturing in the Island’s Forests and Rubber Plantations.
There are two options when deciding to board a fishing boat for Koh Yao Noi: the relaxing one, or the adventurous one. For those eager to relax, I would suggest choosing one of the many forest bungalows, where monkeys will watch you eating, laughing, chatting, or sharing more intimacy. There, you’ll be watching the emerald sea and the constant moves of local boats heading day and night for Koh Phi Phi or Krabi. Swimming will make your day, though Koh Yao Noi does not offer stunning beaches able to compete with those of the most luxury resorts nearby.
Your life in Koh Yao Noi will be very different if you choose the more adventurous option, consisting of hiring either a mountainbike or a motorcycle to venture in the island’s forests and rubber plantations. A good idea would be to venture around with Khun Thanapat and convince him to lend you binoculars, spending the day to observe birds and local wildlife. Thanks to the local community efforts, nature has been well preserved on the island. So don’t hesitate to bring one or two good books on the country’s Southern history, as people here are Muslim of Malay descent. Koh Yao Noi, wild and quiet in the meantime, is simply an ideal retreat.
How To Get There
Just after entering Phuket, head for Bang Rong Pier, not far from the international airport. Lots of local buses and taxis can take you there. Then get into a boat for Tha Len, Koh Yao Noi’s harbour. The boat ride will take about 20 minutes. From there, you can also head for the bigger sister island: Koh Yao Yai.
Contact
Khun Praparn. Tha Kao Bay View. )08 3395 5885
Discover
Close to Phuket, a Robinson Crusoe experience! No wonder Scandinavian tourists, used to nature in their own countries, have made Koh Yao Noi a favorite destination. Clearly, a wonderful hideaway.
Feel
The local community, unspoiled by mass tourism, is very welcoming and eager to take you on fishing trips or birdwatching. You’ll feel at home in Koh Yao Noi.
Share
Sit and share a drink with Khun Thanaphat (photo above), one of Thailand’s most experienced birdwatchers, who has gone from Chiang Mai to Satun to make foreigners' experience his passion. Thailand Tourism Awards.
South Relaxation
Koh Phayam : The rough diamond of the Andaman
RANONG PROVINCE. The sight of this great bird never fails to make us overjoyed. While we were going about sightseeing (done only on bike or motorbike as the roads on this island were not built for anything bigger than those), a pair of Hornbills nonchalantly glided by in front of us. You cannot get any closer to nature than that.
Koh Phayam is the second largest island of Ranong, inhabited by approximately 160 families of fishermen and farmers. The latter have put Phayam on the Thai agricultural map, producing arguably the best cashew nuts in the country. The sight of red and yellow cashew fruits hanging heavy on the trees all over the island is best witnessed during January and February, when their fruity aroma intersperses among the air.
There are no electrical grids on this island and almost every house is powered by generator and solar panel. Most resorts will have electricity available only at certain hours, but we sheepishly admit that the absence of the electric posts somehow enhances the landscape of the island. We recommend that you rent a bicycle (available at shops by the main pier or at resorts) and pedal your way around the island. The orchards are to be relished at a slow pace, and you might be able to stop by and talk to the villagers who are cracking cashew nuts. The better part of the roads are cemented and lined with cashew and rubber trees.
Biking to the Most Beautiful Beach
If your stamina allows, we suggest you ride up to Ao Kwang-Pip at the northern tip of the island. The route is still made up of dirt roads, but cuts into a less-trodden area. Once arriving, you will find the most beautiful and least visited beach on island. The beach is spotless, with soft white sand, and the tide is pretty stable so you can swim all day long. Unfortunately, this haven is inaccessible by road during the rainy season.
Another two beaches that visitors love are Ao Khao Khwai (Buffalo Beach) and Ao Yai. These two stretches of fine beach are perfect for relaxation, with an array of accommodation so well-hidden among the trees that you have to look hard to spot them from the beach. Another asset Koh Phayam is blessed with is its coral reef. It may be overshadowed by the wealth of the nearby Surin Archipelago, but Koh Phayam has something to offer, too. There are many spots on the island where you can snorkel and see a myriad of hard corals. Surprisingly, there is a considerable amount of sea anemones as well. The best time to snorkel is in November when the visibility is the highest. If you want to explore further, there are boat trips to nearby islets and you will find dive shops here offering day-trips to Mu Koh Surin National Park.
How To Get There
From Ranong town, follow the signs “Koh Phayam Pier” on Highway 4080.
The Pier is located about 9 km from the town centre in a small alley so keep your eye on the signs. There are daily buses leaving from Bangkok to Ranong. The closest airport and train station is in Surat Thani, about 2 hours drive from Ranong Province.
Discover
Koh Phayam used to be renowned for the finest cashew nuts it produced. Today it is known as one of few islands that still remain unswept-over by mass tourism on the Andaman Sea. Some hidden corners welcome those seeking ultimate hideaways.
Feel
The sense of adventure and remoteness when opting for thatched-roof, bamboo bungalows in the middle of nowhere.
South Diving
Similan and Surin Archipelagos: A wealth of marine life
PHANG-NGA PROVINCE. One of the most entertaining activities after you finish your sessions of diving in these archipelagos is when you open your tropical reef and fish guides. Chances are, you will have seen at least a fish on any given page. Sometimes you have seen so many that recording them in your log book becomes an effort. And not just the tiny ones swimming in a dazzling huge school, those solitary giants also grace the Archipelagos with their frequent presence. Dive masters can almost guarantee that, if you come in the right season, you will see Manta Rays flying by in Koh Bon (Surin); or at Richelieu Rock, the Whale Shark will glide feeding itself with plankton. Here you will see quite a number of sea turtles because Huyong Beach in Similan (conserved area, not open to diving) is where the shelled creatures lay their eggs, or look on the sandy bottom here if you want to see leopard sharks.
You will find a lot of fellow divers who will tell you this is not their first dive here. Similan and Surin are capable of surprising the most experienced divers and their wealth of marine life is almost inexhaustible (that is, if properly taken care of). The diversity of creatures are world-renowned and more than 75% of the coral reefs of Thai seas can be found here. This is why we recommend a ‘live-aboard’ trip where you will stay on a boat for three or more days and do nothing but dive instead of a day trip. It is less tiring, wastes less fuel, and you will get to experience the marine treasure to the
fullest. It is true that all the dive shops in Khao Lak can put you on a boat, but we recommend you support the ones that adhere strictly to good environmental policy. You can look them up at the Green Fins Thailand website: www.greenfins-thailand.org.
Beautiful at All Levels
Non-divers can also relish these underwater treasure troves. The large shallow water area combined with crystalline water at Mu Koh Surin National Park makes it the best spot in Thailand to snorkel. There are dive shops in Khao Lak and Khura Buri that organise a day-trip snorkel tour. But you can also spend a night in Mu Koh Surin National Park accommodation and use the daily snorkel trip service offered by the Park.
Most trips around Similan will stop on Koh Miang (The eighth island of the archipelago) where the Park headquarters is located. Here you will see the Sail Rock, the logo of the Archipelago. It is a small climb to get to the base of this fantastically shaped boulder where you can enjoy an unhindered panoramic view of sunset. A nice spot to recollect what wonderful sights, you have seen under the ocean lying in front of you.
Please note that the Archipelagos are closed yearly from mid-May to mid-November due to the monsoon and to allow the marine ecosystem to rejuvenate itself.
How To Get There
The most convenient base for exploring Mu Koh Similan and Mu Koh Surin National Parks is Khao Lak, the hub of dive centers which also offers a wide range of accommodation. There are buses leaving from Bangkok for Khao Lak daily. The journey takes about 12 hours. The nearest airport is in Phuket, about 2 hours bus ride away.
Discover
Whenever you look at the list of the world’s best dive sites, Similan and Surin Archipelagos invariably appear among the top ten. Here you have a very fat chance of spotting creatures dreamt of by every diver, the majestic Manta Ray, the gentle giant Whale Shark, and the curious sea turtles.
Feel
Both Marine National Parks are well managed in terms of visitor reception, with reasonably comfortable accommodation and well-stocked canteens. Mu Koh Surin NP is well-known for its environmental practices.
Share
Many dive centres in Khao Lak organise volunteer reef check or garbage picking dives. Ask around for more information.
South Nature/History
Tarutao Island: A perfect combination of sea and forest
SATUN PROVINCE. There is something ironic about Koh Tarutao. This insular refuge where people want to escape to was once the place people wanted to escape from. Tarutao is the fifth largest island of Thailand and was chosen as a penal colony because of the raging storms during the monsoon season, and its saltwater crocodiles, and shark-infested sea. Nowadays, the fearsome creatures have dwindled and the only part of the crocodile you will see is its skull in the Information Centre. However, the monsoon still operates and that is why the Tarutao National Park is closed during 15 May to 15 November annually.
The island is a perfect combination of sea and forest. Once you set foot inside the Park area, on your right is the long stretch of fine, white sandy Phante Malaka Beach and on your left is the lush forested hills. The hill behind the Park Headquarters, To Bu Cliff, is
the best spot to watch the sunset. The trail to the box seat takes about 20 minutes with well-made steps and chances to spot Dusky Langurs.
Phante Malaka is just one among many beaches the island has to offer. The sand is so fine and densely packed that you hardly leave footprints on it. Most of the accommodation are here, so if you wish for a more secluded spot, try staying at Molae Gulf.
Tarutao may not rival other islands in the Park in terms of snorkeling and diving since it is closer to the mainland and the sea is not as clear. However, there are other diverse activities that more than make up for the lack.
Never a Minute of Dullness
There are a number of nature trails and waterfalls you can visit. You can also rent a mountain bike from the Visitor Centre and pedal your way to the Talo Wao Gulf on the other side of the island where the remnants of buildings from the penitentiary days still stand testimonial on the 500 m historical trail. The biking route can be quite demanding at some points with a steep climb. The distance is 12 km from the Park Headquarters, and along the way you will see mostly local vegetation and a lot of monkeys. This might sound monotonous but the scenery makes you forget that you are on an island, so when you see the sea again, it is really a pleasant surprise.
You can also kayak and explore the Crocodile Cave on Ruesi Gulf. You need to charter a boat to the cave's entrance and the ride itself is already worth it. The waterway is lined with abundant mangroves, their bright green leaves reflecting on the water. The Cave itself is not very impressive, with its modest 200 m passage covered in complete darkness. Inside the cave you will see bats and some stalactites and stalagmites. The mildly claustrophobic atmosphere only makes it difficult to shake off the story that this is where the last crocodiles of Tarutao were found.
How To Get There
Boats to Tarutao leave from Pak Bara Pier. Take Highway 4052 from La-ngu, the nearest town to the Pier. You can also take local orange taxis (Song Thaeo) which leave from the town centre frequently.
Contact
Tarutao National Park )0 7478 3485, 0 7478 3597
Discover
Tarutao has an interesting history. It was a penal colony both for common and political prisoners during the 30’s and 40’s. It was also the den of pirates who once plagued the
Malacca Strait.
Feel
The island is a rustic but pleasant destination. It is reasonably comfortable, with electricity available from 6 pm. to midnight. But who needs a fan when you can get a constant sea breeze.
Share
Spend some moments with the Park Rangers. They are doing a good job on keeping the accommodation clean and love to tell of their latest adventures with poachers.
South Nature/Culture
Koh Libong: Swimming with the Dugongs
TRANG PROVINCE. Everywhere you cast your glance in Trang town, you are likely to see a depiction of a dugong. This gentle marine mammal, also known endearingly as a seacow and mistaken as a mermaid, is the symbol of the province. To spot a living one, you need to cross to Koh Libong, one of the very few islands still endowed with sea grass, the staple diet of dugongs. Not that there are a lot left. The latest survey gave a 129 head count. Dugong flesh is considered a delicacy to many seamen, its teeth are believed to bring good luck, and its ‘tear’ is sought after as a love potion. Sightings depend much on luck, but fortunately for dugong enthusiasts and researchers, the animals tend to cluster around the area, between Ao Pan Yang and Na Ban, where sea grass is most abundant. Every resort on Libong offers a dugong spotting boat rides. The vessel stops the engine, anchors in the aforementioned area, and hopeful passengers sweep their glance over the water for the creatures to surface for air.
Sometimes sea turtles and dolphins make surprise appearances, too. Another more environmentally-friendly way to observe dugongs is by climbing the 150 m Batu Pute Hill. Koh Libong is also renowned as a hub for migratory birds from Siberia. The non-hunting area of Laem Chuhoi is where the birds socialize. A boat trip there often makes a short stopover at Hin Tok, a small compound of half-submerged trees where you may see branches covered with perching birds.
A Glimpse of Local Color
The island is home to a vibrant Muslim community, which makes Libong a special holiday destination. While you are on your 9 km ride from the main pier to the resorts on the west side of the island, you will see a lively community centred around mosques and a school alternating with orderly rows of rubber trees. The best way to explore the community and also get deep into the nature is by bike. Libong Nature Beach Resort offers a variety of eco-friendly activities and is the only place where a biking tour is organized. You can also mingle with the locals and see where that marvelously fresh squid you had for lunch came from at Libong Homestay.
If you are not content with just sunbathing peacefully on the beach (the only shortcoming is that you might have seen cleaner beaches), you can always join a snorkeling trip to nearby Koh Lao Liang, and Koh Takiang, islands where swallow nests are unfortunately collected in their caves and hard coral reefs are found underwater. Scuba diving trips can also be arranged at Libong Beach Resort. The resorts are closed during the monsoon season starting mid-May.
How To Get There
Take a van to Hat Yao Pier from Tha Klang Road in Trang Town (N07º 33.536’, E099º 36.174’), leaving from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Inform the ticket seller of your destination. The boats at the pier run until about 4 p.m.
Discover
This is the only place in Thailand where you will have a chance to spot the endangered dugong (Dugong dugon), the mammal that has become the mascot of Trang Province.
Here is also a good spot to observe migratory birds from Siberia.
Feel
What is refreshing about Koh Libong is that its dwellers do not live on tourism. There is a big Muslim community whose main revenue comes from fishery and rubber plantations. Don’t hesitate to opt for a local homestay.
South Nature/Relaxation
Koh Ngai: Like a natural bathtub
TRANG PROVINCE. The island is more easily accessible from Trang and perfect for island-hoppers who enjoy taking things at leisurely pace and for those who enjoy lazing on the white powdery sand. The sea of this archipelago contains various shades of blue and dipping in its clear, calm water feels like being in a giant bathtub.
Timing is the key, though. The depiction above is only available when you plan your holiday correctly. The lure of these islands is so great that it draws tourists by the thousands on a bad day. Avoid weekends and Thai public holidays at all costs, and we strongly recommend against buying a hectic one-day trip tour. Koh Ngai (sometimes pronounced Koh Hai), is the best base for island hopping due to its greater number of accommodation. On its pristine beach, you will face Koh Chueak and Koh Ma, the nearest snorkelling sites. And on a clear day, the sharp contrast between the immaculately white sand and the blue ocean is simply breathtaking.
Every resort here offers snorkelling trips to the two aforementioned islands. However, the underwater landscape might not be as impressive as the view above the water. You will see extensive patches of Staghorn coral and a bit of soft corals at Koh Ma. Fish are aplenty although with little diversity. The boat trip will invariably take you to Emerald Cave which gains its name from the emerald green water at the entrance (look beneath the surface and you might spot a large school of fish swimming by). After swimming through a 80 m dark passage, you will find yourself on a tiny beach enclosed in a forested limestone cliff and an open sky overhead.
You May Kiss the Bride Underwater.
You can also choose to go an extra mile to Koh Kradan, arguably the most beautiful island of the Trang sea. It is the site where underwater weddings organized by TAT take place on Valentine’s Day every year. The island is blessed with a stretch of fine white sand on the east side and coral reef in the northeastern waters. If suddenly you miss your share of green while on Koh Ngai, there is a 30-minute trail cutting through rubber tree and coconut groves. The entrance of the trail is hidden behind Thanya Resort. The trail will take you to the west of the island which is quite isolated with only one resort. Be warned that the trail can be steep at some points and it is advisable to bring along mosquito repellant. Our final recommendation: during sunset when there is still light, bring your beach book and lay down next to the trees on the beach. Chances are you will see hornbills flying by and perching in pairs. A blissful way to end the day.n
How To Get There
From Trang town, take Highway 4046 and then 4162 for 38 km. At the beachfront junction, turn right. The pier is about 1 km away. You can also take a van from Tha Klang Road in Trang town (N07º 33.536’, E099º 36.174’). It leaves from 7 a.m. Early ride advised as boats usually stop running around 10 a.m.
Discover
Koh Ngai is a great base for hopping among the islets of Trang Sea. Enjoy swimming and sunbathing. You may also have a very good chance of spotting hornbills.
Feel
Invest and choose a relatively ‘fancier’ accommodation, since it can alter your experience considerably. Some resorts are very aesthetically pleasing and wisely adopt local resources as building materials.
South Adventure
Raksawarin Hot Springs: Bathing in healthful minerals
RANONG PROVINCE. On a rainy day in Ranong town, the mountaintops disappear into clouds of ethereal mist. It may seem like your typical rural Thai town, but just 2 km to the east is a natural haven. Here, in Raksarawin Park, hot springs gush 65˚C mineral water to the surface year round.
There are three separate pools in which to enjoy the healthful minerals contained in the spring water- the Mother Pool, the Father Pool, and the Child Pool. As you submerge yourself, note the lusciousness of the emerald green mountains, which is greatly amplified by the cool misty rains that are present 8 months of the year. Wat Tapo tharam, a small temple dedicated to the spirit of the hot spring, also offers hot and cold mineral showers for a small donation. For those in search of a spa experience, visit the Raksawarin Park Arboretum, a private health club that offers a variety of treatments.
When you’ve had enough of the heat, cross the wooden bridge to the edge of the forest, where you can cool off in a crystal clear mineral pool while taking in the vibrant surroundings. Here, under the canopy of colossal trees, you can enjoy the shade as you marvel at the flowers, mosses and mushrooms that thrive in the damp environment. The rich greens and browns of the trees also provide a perfect backdrop for viewing the fluttering birds and butterflies that call these branches home. Or, veer to the right and climb the stairs to a huge golden Buddha statue that contrasts spectacularly with the velvety green background. From this vantage point, you have a perfect view of the hot springs and the gushing milky stream below.
Those more curious and discerning are advised to board a local bus and to make the most of pristine pools hidden in the nearby rainforests. Bathing there, like in
Bo Nam Ron of Pak Phu village - 12 km from Khao Sok National Park - takes place often after 5p.m., in the company of locals who have, craftily, arranged sandbags to filter out scum from the water flowing in. Back in Ranong, if all that relaxation has whetted your appetite, stop into one of the area’s restaurants to enjoy the local specialties - soft shell and blue crab fresh from the Andaman Sea.
How To Get There
From Ranong town, take a taxi or motorbike 2 kilometres east to Raksawarin Park.
Contact www.tourismthailand.org or dial 1672
Discover
Tucked away in lush green mountains, Ranong’s mineral-rich hot springs offer relaxation and health benefits. But frequent rains here also mean that the surrounding
forests are bursting with life and color.
Feel
Relaxation is only the first step. Then come the rejuvenation and the pleasure of Thai
Wellness. Remember that Earth, Water, Wind and Fire are the four basic elements of our body...And that for the Thais, the soul and spirits reside within us.
Share
Ranong’s Hot Springs are not a destination to visit solo. Bathing here is far more fun with friends or family. And whether you’re a hiker, biker or spa enthusiast, you’ll find without difficulty a green way to spend your days.
South Wildlife
Thale Noi: Bird watcher’s paradise
PHATTHALUNG PROVINCE: The Waterfowl Reserve at Thale Noi is the largest of its kind in Thailand, covering 450 km² of wetland territory in southern Phatthalung province. The Reserve is a designated IUCN Ramsar wetland site and has become an important national wildlife study centre, where more than 187 species of birds can be found. Some live here throughout the year and some migrate only in winter from October to March when the population density is at its highest.
The low season is June-September, which is the nesting period. Species that are prevalent here are those of the heron and stork family, rails, such as, white-browed crake, white-breasted waterhen or the bronze-winged jacana. Guide services by the forestry rangers or volunteers from the Thale Noi community are available (200 Baht per person). Kayaking through the water lily covered lagoon in long tail boats, you would be signing up for a truly unique "green" experience.
After having been named one of the best-preserved wetland sites prone to ecotourism development, the lagoon is slowly coming into the loop as a secondary excursion for visitors to Khao Sok National Park or Phang-nga Bay. Thale Noi belongs to the four freshwater to brackish lakes - "Thale Sap" in Thai – located along the coast of the southeastern part of the peninsula, north of Songkhla city.
Another bird refuge is the Khu Khut Sanctuary located 35 km northwest of the Prince of Songkhla University, whose department for the study of forestry and wildlife is quite active and vibrant. All the inner lakes of Thailand’s deep South are also high on the list for fishing amateurs, the advantage being the availability of rather cheap and comfortable accommodation in the form of nearby bungalows or guesthouses.
How To Get There
It’s best to catch a train or bus from Bangkok (Southbound) or Hat Yai (Northbound) and stop at Phattalung. From there, hop in a local bus or a collective taxi to Khuan Khanun district and Thale Noi lagoon. Distance from Phatthalung is 32 km.
Contact
Royal Forestry Department 0 7468 5230 (in Thai)
Discover
Bird watching could not take place here if nature had not been so generous. This area of the sea looks like a giant pond, covered with assorted flora such as, water lily. A delight for nature photographers.
Feel
The joy of kayaking on the lagoon may be short-lived if you experience - like we did - painful sunstroke. So be careful.
Share
Experience the pleasure of mixing with local nature lovers, most of them being avid readers of wildlife magazines such as "Sarakadee". An occasion to befriend local activists.
South Community
Ban Li Let: An ecotourism model
Surat Thani PROVINCE. Ban Li Let is now much more than a village name, on the outskirts of Surat Thani. Thanks to the efforts of the locals, the CBT network, and Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA), has become a model for ecotourism development and homestay management in southern Thailand.
One of the most well known “green destinations” in this part of the country, alongside Koh Yao Noi or Ban Khiriwong, Ban Li Let has won several awards and a recognition as a “nature learning centre” from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Their website offers a thorough story on this community at: www.tatnews.org/emagazine/4671.asp.
We reached Ban Li Let in the evening, close to sunset, and were welcomed by several young villagers volunteering to guide tourists around. They spoke reasonably good English, which made a great difference.
Stay at one of the homestays along the river where, for around 100 Baht, you’ll be given a room and most probably accommodated for dinner. The real experience will start early the next day when, after boarding a boat, you’ll be taken inside the mangrove forest where plants and aquatic life seem undisturbed. Villagers here are involved in clearing areas and re-planting, and while on the boat, you’ll see groves of trees that have grown to several meters in only four years. The current state of the mangrove forest stands in stark contrast with year 2000 when, realizing that “the water had turned black and we had no place to bathe”, Khun Prasert led a successful community rebellion against pollution and the destructive path of local enterprises, like industrially managed shrimp farms.
How To Get There
Ban Li Let is close to Surat Thani. Liaison by bus, plane and train available from Bangkok. Once in Surat, head for Phunphin district. The community is now quite well known, although a bit difficult to find if you drive on your own.
Contact
Community leader is Prasert Chunjukorn. He can be contacted through www.teata.or.th.Khun Ae: 08 5880 9912
Discover
Spending a day or two in Ban Li Let means you will learn a lot about Thailand’s mangrove forests. Classes are also available in kapi (shrimp paste) production, tree planting, crafting nipa roofing, or working on a fishing boat, day or night.
Feel
Sit down for a while and listen to Khun Prasert, Ban Li Let’s community leader. If you are lucky enough to meet him, remember what he told us: “As more foreign visitors come to enjoy homestays in our mangrove forest, our villagers will better understand the need to clean and protect this crucial natural resource”.
South Community / Traditions
Koh Phra Thong: Surviving the giant wave
PHANG NGA PROVINCE. "On the horizon we see them, their flotilla of small hand-built boats, called kabang, like a mirage beneath the setting sun”, started the article published in National Geographic in April 2005. “They are wary of strangers: At our approach they split up and scatter. We close in on one boat, and I call out reassuring words in their language. The boat slows and finally stops, rolling on the swell in heavy silence. I jump aboard, a privileged trespasser and rare witness to another world.”
That world belongs to the Moken, a nomadic sea culture of Austronesian people who likely migrated from southern China some 4,000 years ago, and, moving through Malaysia, eventually split off from other migrant groups in the late 17th century. Their home is the Mergui Archipelago, some 800 islands scattered along 250 miles (400 km) of the Andaman Sea, off Myanmar (formerly Burma).
“The Moken are born, live, and die on their boats, and the umbilical cords of their children plunge into the sea”, goes an epic of the Moken. Indeed: As divers and beachcombers the Moken take what they need each day fish, mollusks, and sandworms
to eat; shells, sea snails, and oysters for barter with the mostly Malay and Chinese traders they encounter. They accumulate little and live on land only during the monsoons.
Much more could be written about the Mokens who inhabit Koh Phra Thong But the best option, before boarding a long tail boat in Khura Buri, is to open one of Jacques Ivanoff’s books on those nomadic people often called Sea Gypsies. Now based in Bangkok, Ivanoff is one of the foremost experts on the Mokens and after the 2004 tsunami he was hired by the Swiss development aid agency to advise them on rehabilitating the devastated island. The results can be seen there, and are told in a book written afterwards.
How To Get There
Best way to embark for a day or two in Koh Phrathong is to ask the locals at Kuraburi or Takua Pa main pier, about 100 km from Phuket along national road 4. The boat ride will take around one hour and will end on a pristine beach, where you'll have the chance to feel like a modern Robinson.
Contact
For diving amateurs: www.kohphrathong.com
Discover
A very good example of a community that was rebuilt after the Tsunami, notably thanks to Swiss assistance and the involvement of French ethnologist Jacques Ivanoff, one of the foremost specialists of the Mokens.
Feel
As symbols of Southern Thailand’s biological human diversity, the Moken’s culture is a legacy of their old survivalist wisdom that foreign tourists can support. Don’t go there if you are not ready to listen, watch, and be patient. Just try to make yourself as discreet as possible.
South Meditation
Wat Suan Mokkh: Make an Inner Journey
SURAT THANI PROVINCE. For Thais, the late Buddhadasa Bikkhu is an icon of spiritual enlightenment. He is revered not only by devout Buddhists, but also by secularists and skeptics since his approach to Buddhism is purged of (regrettably rife) superstition, and is a rediscovery of the original essence of Buddhism.
He left behind a large body of Buddhist literature as a legacy, which is widely read and has been translated into many foreign languages. Ajarn Buddhadasa founded the Suan Mokkh temple and retreat in 1932 to share his insight with people regardless of their cultural or religious backgrounds. His teaching focuses on detachment from self and mindfulness as a means of peaceful living, and the temple was designed to reflect these ideas. Once you leave the noisy highway behind and step inside the temple area, you will feel the abrupt change as you are transported into a serene, peaceful world. The area is densely vegetated, almost like a forest, and the architecture is modest. Show respect by dressing politely and refrain from making noises (i.e. talking on your mobile phone).
Ten Days of Practice and Meditation
If you’re seriously interested in making a deeper exploration into meditation, we suggest you enroll in the 10-day silence retreat at the International Dhamma Hermitage. The Hermitage was founded in 1989 as an extension of Suan Mokkh Temple. During the ten days, English-speaking instructors will teach you the theory and practice of meditation. You will also be taught basic yoga to help relieve the physical tension caused by sitting in a meditation position the whole day.
Registration takes place on the last day of each month (before 3 p.m.) and the course starts the next day. You have to be there in person to enroll, and it is not possible to book in advance.
The retreat aims to strip you of unnecessary frills; therefore, you will live in the simplest conditions possible so you can concentrate on what is essential to life. Vegetarian meals are served twice a day and only before noon; reading and talking is
prohibited; you will sleep on a straw mat without any mattress.
The course costs 2,000 Baht, all included. It is important to check on the website given above for packing and code of conduct guidelines so you can decide whether you are ready for this eye-opening experience.
How To Get There
Wat Suan Mokkh is about 53 km north of Surat Thani city on Highway 41 linking the province to Bangkok. It is a 30 minute ride from Surat Thani airport. You can either travel by bus from Bangkok (bound for Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, or Hat Yai) and ask to be dropped in front of the temple, or you can take the train to Chaiya Station and catch a local taxi for the last 6 km of your journey. The Hermitage is 1.5 km away from Suan Mokkh and on the opposite side of the road.
Contact )0 7743 1597 www.suanmokkh-idh.org Khun.Reinhard@gmail.com
Discover
The personality and teachings of Ajarn Buddhadasa Bikkhu, one of Thailand’s most revered monks and spiritual leaders, who passed away in 1993. His writings have been widely translated and can be found at Suan Mokkh L0ibrary, as well as on the Internet.
Feel
The Hermitage takes the retreat very seriously and expects the participants to do the same. Check with the website under the topic “Preparation”, and be prepared to live
and meditate for a few days in the forest, cutting yourself off from the noise and pressures of the outside world.
Share
Buddhadasa Bikkhu’s teachings emphasized very much the necessity of bringing people out of misery and social poverty. His “Handbook for Mankind” is available on www.buddhanet.net/budasa.htm.
South Culture/ Nature
Ban Khiri Wong: A community against deforestation
NAKHON SI THAMMARAT PROVINCE. On 22 November, 1988, the area around Khao Luang National Park was devastated by one of the worst natural disasters in recent Thai history. After weeks of torrential rains, mudslides claimed 700 lives and wiped out villages. This catastrophe prompted the logging ban act in the following year.
In Ban Khiri Wong, evidence of the disaster reminds us of what deforestation could bring. The damaged Khiri Wong Temple stands as a local memorial, and is one of the highlights of your visit to the village. Today, Ban Khiri Wong is better known for its exemplary, award-winning management of community-based tourism. The secret of their success lies in the serene atmosphere amid the backdrop of the majestic Khao Luang (1,835 m), as well as the variety of activities that allow you to understand the local way of life.
Here, villagers make a living selling produce from their fruit orchards. Khiri Wong people have passed on from generation to generation the technique of ‘Suan Somrom’--the practice of organically growing several kinds of fruits in the same plot: durian, mangosteen, coconut or banana trees. As a part of the programme, guests can take a stroll among the aromatic fruit trees, swim in the cooling stream and waterfall, and will be taken to see demonstrations at several handicraft cooperatives. You will get see the making of batik and tie-dye cloths, herbal cosmetic products, and the weaving of jewellery from cords and natural materials; such as, dried fruit shells and river stones. For the travellers interested in a botanical quest, try climbing to the top of Khao Luang mount, the highest peak of the South of Thailand. The trek to the top will take you three days. Contact the Homestay group for guide services.
How To Get There
First reach Nakhon Si Thammarat town, then take Highway 4016. Turn left into Highway 4015. At the Km 9, turn right and Ban Khiri Wong will be about 9 km away.
There are daily local taxis leaving from town centre from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact
Ban Khiri Wong Homestay 0 7530 9010 Khun Keeta 08 6788 8718 www.kiriwonggroup.com
Discover
The village is hailed as one of the pilots of community-based tourism and is committed
to providing a culturally enriching experience for guests. The location at the base of Mount Khao Luang is also ideal for nature lovers.
Feel
Ban Khiri Wong’s recent history as a community devastated by floods that managed
to rise again from the ashes. Their commitment to the protection of the natural environment is telling of Thailand’s turn towards green tourism.
Share
If you plan to go with their homestay package, call in advance to check availability
(you may have to join other guests). There is accommodation in the village, as well as around and inside Khao Luang National Park.
Northeast Historical Site
Pha Taem: Thailand’s ancient footprints
Ubon Ratchathani province. This historical site in the easternmost part of the country is both a cultural attraction and a pleasant escape, especially for those enjoying a breathtaking views over the Mekong River’s banks. The three kilometers hike following the sandstone path that crisscross Pha Taem Mountain is fairly exhaustive in its odyssey of Thai cultural heritage. From the marked trail beneath the cliff, you’ll have to get used to the tropical humidity, which will inevitably take its toll on your ascent. But don’t give up when encountering the first group of foreign visitors sweating and taking a break: look at the Thai students ahead, who often visit the site in group tours. You’ll find their smile and good humour revitalizing.
Up the trail, the focus of attention is rightly on the cliff face, whose ancient soil pigment paintings vividly depict the life led by the Mekong Basin’s inhabitants some 3,000-4,000 years ago. These are divided into four categories: man and hands, objects, geometric patterns, and animals, the latter of which features looming representations of the behemoth Pla Buek, or Mekong giant catfish, as well as elephants, dogs, and deer.
Pha Taem National Park can also be a good starting point for a bicycle ride around the area. Located along Route 2112, you may experience wild adventures cycling up to Dong Na Tham and from there to Ban Pak La in the North.
How To Get There
Head east from Ubon Ratchathani along Route 217 and 2222 to Khong Chiam district. Pha Taem National Park is located 80 kilometres from the provincial town. Then continue on the Route 2134 and turn right to 2112, for about 15 km.
Discover
A glimpse of Southeast Asia’s prehistoric past. Look above when hiking along Pha Taem cliff, and imagine being part of those ancient tribes living in caverns.
Feel
On the opposite side of the Mekong River lie the mountains of Lao PDR. Below lie the forest and the riverbanks, flushed with vegetation. Experience remoteness in your heart and soul.
Share
Hopefully, you may be touring Pha Taem along with a group of tourists accommodated by an experienced guide. Catch the opportunity to follow them closely and listen to his presentation. Local volunteers will also be eager to help, but their English is pretty bad, unfortunately.
Northeast Nature
Mo Hin Khao: A garden of rocks
CHAIYAPHUM PROVINCE. High in the mountains, looking down upon Chaiyaphum’s sprawling farmlands and scattered towns, sits Mo Hin Khao, hidden away inside Phu Laen Kha National Park.
Once you begin your descent up the mountainside, the road becomes a treacherous one, made of red dirt and deeply riveted by heavy rains. On the way you’ll pass through several small farming communities. These villages have been around since long before the area was declared a national park. If you want to try out the local products, stop at one of the many roadside stands.
As the trees become sparse, the first rocks begin to jut awkwardly from the ground. The first site at Mo Hin Khao is the five Standing Pillar Stones. These naturally formed megaliths rise nearly 10 m tall, and sit neatly in a semi-circle. According to local legend, paying respect to the stones will help you attain your life goals. Those stones represent greatness, honour, professional success, victory, and health. Just past the Standing Pillar Stones sits the Mo Hin Khao campground, nestled between two rock sites. Those wishing to camp here are advised to bring their own tent and equipment. The campground is located just next to a ranger’s station where you can view topographic maps of the national park.
Higher up the mountain are the Khlong Chang rocks, many of which feature interesting textures. While these formations may not be as tall as the Standing Pillars, their size is just as baffling. Continuing on, you’ll see the Lan Hin Ton Sai formations, where giant trees have miraculously grown up through the rock, their roots winding intricately through tiny cracks. The road continues on towards the highest point of Mo Hin Khao, the perfect place to sit and take in the staggering views of the land below.
How To Get There
Mo Hin Kao stands in Chaiyaphum province, 360 km Northeast of Bangkok. Buses leave daily from Mo Chit terminal. From Chaiyaphum town, take Route 2051 Northeast approximately 6 km. Turn left at Route 2159 and continue on for 30 km to reach the Phu Laen Kha National Park entrance. From here, follow the signs to Mor Hin Khao, another 21 km.
Discover
The “Stonehenge of Thailand”, a garden of rocks that rise inexplicably from the ground, is a natural wonder said to be over 175 million years old.
Feel
A great place to get lost in Mo Hin Khao’s giant rock formations and the panoramic views of Chaiyaphum province. In this remote location, no sounds can be heard but the chirping of birds and the gentle rustling of grass in the breeze.
Northeast Nature
Khao Phaeng Ma: Into the world of the wild Gaur
NAKHON RATCHASIMA PROVINCE. Wang Nam Khiao district is blessed with two major national parks and consequently a wonderfully fresh and cool climate. It is also home to the majestic bovine, the gaur.
The beast is on the list of the largest mammals in the world and is marked as “vulnerable” by wildlife preservation organizations. In Thailand, it is estimated that about 950 gaurs exist in the wild, about 90 of which roam here in the reforestation area of Khao Phaeng Ma. With luck, you can spot a herd nibbling the salted soil at the salt licks to replenish their needed minerals.
The best time to spot gaurs is either in the morning or around 4-6 in the afternoon. The way up to the observation post is a 4-km dirt road. You can risk driving your sedan up there but we recommend you contact the Khao Phaeng Ma Conservation Group who will take you up with a guide and binoculars on a 4WD. You can also ask your resort to contact them for you. That way, you can enjoy the scenery while contributing to the conservation project. The trip costs 900 Baht and the car can carry about 10 passengers.
Be Equipped with Your Binoculars
On top of the hill a life-size statue of a gaur stands in front of the Visitor Centre to welcome you. A 300-metre passage will then lead you to the observation post, where you will see two salt licks in the valley far below. Binoculars are a must, so make sure your guide brings some. Patience is the key. You may have to wait for a couple of hours to get a glimpse of the beasts, but it is undeniably worth the wait.
Elephants can be spotted as well, if luck favors you. Another way of getting closer to the animals is through trekking. You can combine that with the volunteer trip to add salt to the salt licks, which is organized every 3 months by the aforementioned Conservation Group. They also offer other volunteer activities; such as, building weirs and tree-planting trips. However, youneed to bring your own guide since they do not speak English. Drop by their office at the entrance to Khao Phaeng Ma to shop for T-shirts or hand-woven cotton clothes from local people to support the project.
Wang Nam Khiao district is also well known for its fresh agricultural produce. Along the Thai Samakkhi Road you will also find ‘farmstay’ accommodation where you can visit or stay amidst flower gardens and fruit plantations.
How To Get There
Nakhon Ratchasima province is located in the Northeast of Thailand. From Bangkok, buses are available from Mo Chit Bus Terminal. Trains leave from Hua Lamphong. Khao Phaeng Ma is 200 km from Bangkok off Highway 304. At the intersection between Prachin Buri and Korat, turn left at the shrine (before the market which will be on your right). Follow the road for another 6 km.
Contact Khun Nok 08 7870 7788 (No English spoken)
Discover
This is the spot where gaurs are most abundant in Thailand. “Those bulls are often solitary. They stay during the day in open forests and venture into open grasslands areas during the night” (cf: Thailand Traveller’s Wildlife Guide)
Feel
Fresh and clean air is the selling point of this attraction, which is why it is getting more popular among city dwellers. In addition, you can join the Khao Phaeng Ma Conservation Group for their volunteer activities.
Northeast Meditation
Suan Pa Himawan: Finding peace of mind
LOEI PROVINCE. Far off the beaten path and away from the sound of cars, down a narrow dirt road and through a small village close to the Phu Ruea mountain range in Loei, lies the Suan Pa Himawan Retreat Center.
An oasis, tailor-made for those in need of a break from the everyday perils of our modern existence, the centre offers Dhammakaya meditation courses in Thai, English, Japanese, and Chinese. The Dhammakaya headquarters are in Bangkok, near the old Don Mueang Airport. The temple draws tens of thousands of visitors. The sect, led by Phadet Dattajeevo, has been put in the spotlight from time to time, and criticized by Buddhist academics for its huge budget and taste for modern architecture in constructing its temples. Nevertheless, the worldwide success of its meditation courses deserves a place in this book.
What truly makes Suan Pa Himawan unique is that it has been created to accommodate people from a large range of backgrounds, and its relaxed atmosphere is comfortable even for those who have never set foot inside a Buddhist temple. Set in a remote location, it is open only to registered guests, ensuring that retreat participants get the peace and quiet they need to calm the waters of the mind.
The Middle Way, based in Pathum Thani, is responsible for organizing the English-speaking retreats held nearly every month at Suan Pa Himawan. Before the retreat, participants meet at the Middle Way and travel together to the centre in Loei. Courses are offered at both beginner and intermediate levels, so whether you have years of meditation experience or are just curious about this ancient Buddhist practice, you have a place at Suan Pa Himawan.
To reserve a spot in a retreat, visit www.meditationthai.org.
How To Get There
Since only registered guests are allowed on the Suan Pa Himawan premises, participants will meet at the Middle Way Bangkok office. From Bangkok’s Mo Chit BTS
Station, take Phahonyothin Rd approximately 30 km to Khlong Luang Rd, or tell a cab driver to go to “Wat Phra Dhammakaya”.
Discover
The Middle Way practiced here is a form of Buddhism known as Dhammakaya. The main temple of that Buddhist sect is in Bangkok, drawing crowds of faithfuls. Dhammakaya is a Pali word meaning Enlightenment, coming from Dhamma ( truth) and Kaya (body).
Share
Taking "time-out" from your daily life to focus inward can be done in many temples offering meditation courses in Thailand. Specific to Dhammakaya is a "seven-day spiritual rehab" course, tailor-made for foreigners.
Northeast Walking / Culture
Chiang Khan: Pearl of the Mekong
LOEI PROVINCE. Willing to escape the Bangkok heat in December or January to experience the pleasure of wearing a jacket while walking by the Mekong River? Chiang Khan, on the Northern tip of Loei province, is one of the few regions in Thailand to experience near-freezing temperatures at night during winter. However, it’s just as beautiful year-round, surrounded by luscious vermillion rice paddies and rolling tree-covered hills.
The town centre is abundant with guesthouses and homestays rather than large brand-name hotels, which is part of what gives the area its charm. Visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture by staying in one of these accommodations, where they can taste homemade Thai food and experience life in a wooden home. Many of the guesthouses are located right on the Mekong, allowing you to take full advantage of the scenery.
Early risers can help support the local economy by visiting the daily morning market, featuring fresh farm-grown produce, local specialty snacks, and crafts made by Chiang Khan artisans. For the best goodies, locals advise arriving before 7 a.m. Or get up even earlier to view the sun rising over the Mekong, well worth missing a couple hours of sleep.
To get up close and personal with the river, visit Kaeng Khutkhu, a site at the northeast corner of town. Here, you can take advantage of one of the best viewpoints in town, or take a ferry tour to see Chiang Khan from a new perspective. The sunset tour is highly recommended, as it allows you to see the brilliant colors cast over the water as the sun sinks behind the mountains.
How To Get There
Daily buses to Loei run from the Mo Chit Bus Terminal in Bangkok and the Arcade Station in Chiang Mai. Once you arrive in Loei Town, head north on Route 201 for approximately 50 kilometers.
Discover
The flavor of neighboring Lao PDR is all over Chiang Khan. Standing on the bank, you’ll have the perfect vantage point to view the quite empty rural villages on the other side of the river.
Feel
The charm of Chiang Khan’s homestays or guesthouses. Popular with urban Thais in search of peace and green, this river town offers an occasion to sip on your drink while listening to local songs.
Share
Stunning sunrise and sunset views make Chiang Khan a typical romantic getaway. Watch lovers walking by the river when the afternoon comes to an end.
Northeast Historical Site
On the Khmer temple trail
Buri Ram Province. The Northeastern area of Thailand is probably its most conducive for Green travelling opportunities, cultural discovery, and historical excursions. Still very much a backwater for foreign visitors, this impoverished part of the Kingdom retains the influence of the once great Angkor Empire, with trails of hospitals, temples, and fortresses made of stone in the midst of those vast rural rice plains.
For those familiar with Khmer and Thai history, the utter warmth of the Northeastern villages will add to the pleasure of a ride among localities, linked by excellent roads, but unfortunately not that easy to reach by bus. The best option, definitely, is to rent a car for your group, starting from Buri Ram or Surin, two Southern Isan cities. A good idea is to visit the Surin Provincial Museum, completely reconstructed, which offers nice exhibitions in a modern architectural building. With the well-known Phanom Rung temple, it will serve as an introduction to a foray of smaller locations in more remote villages.
Spreads of prasat (Thai for castle) are littered along the roadside, and locals will be more than willing to guide you to temples built here by the Khmer for their divine monarchy in the 6th-14th century, at the time of Angkor greatness.
Another wonder of Isan, though very remote and at the time of this writing difficult to reach is the Unesco World Heritage Site of Khao Phra Wihan. Located in Cambodia, it is surrounded by a national park and can be reached only through Thailand as it is overlooking a cliff. Let us try here to defend the visitor’s point of view over the controversy opposing Thailand and Cambodia about this magnificent complex of carved stones and sanctuaries. A cliff-top splendor, surrounded by mountains covered with forests, it deserves a tour and our prayers for a common understanding between the two neighboring countries.
How To Get There
Several itineraries will bring you to Isan’s hidden Khmer sanctuaries. A good starting point is the well-known Prasat Phanom Rung in Buri Ram province. Other localities are Ku Santarat in Maha Sarakham Ku Ka Sing in southern Roi Et province, or Prasat Ban
Phluang, in southern Surin.
Contact Khun Pong at Ku Ka Sing: 087 237 22 98
Discover
Equally a cultural trail and a green excursion, crossing into villages and rural communities. Some excursions to typical spots along the Thai-Cambodian border can be provided by local Khmer speaking farmers.
Feel
The finest Thai archaeologists have been working hard to help preserve this historical heritage. In Ku Santarat and Ku Ka Sing, the location of Khmer temples in nice gardened sanctuaries also offer nice places to sit and relax.
Share
Bring along with you a copy of French writer Andre Malraux’s "La Voie Royale" and experience the feeling of being a very special visitor, torn between history and nature.
Northeast Culture / Tradition
GranMonte Vineyard: An array of white and red
NAKHON RATCHASIMA PROVINCE. GranMonte Vineyard first opened its doors in 2000, just 6 years after the release of the first-ever grape wine produced in Thailand. Owners Visooth and Sakuna Lohitnavy officially founded GranMonte in 1999 with a vision for a small, boutique family vineyard in the mountains of Khao Yai. Now, the winery produces an both white and red wines, and the establishment also features a guesthouse, European-style restaurant, and a large shop filled with an array of delicacies. Nevertheless, they have done a splendid job of maintaining a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. In the wine shop, guests are welcome to sample each of GranMonte’s signature wines.
Part of this welcoming atmosphere is a result of efforts deployed by the winery founders’ daughter Nikki (or Visootha), managing director. As the first female wine-maker in Thailand, she is often described by wine specialists as "a young vintner on a mission". GranMonte’s knowledgeable staff is also on hand to detail the steps of the winemaking process and to highlight each wine’s other intricacies.
Vineyard tours are available, as well as tours of the actual winery building, where you can learn even more about the delicate process by which GranMonte’s homegrown Shiraz grapes are transformed into the holiest of spirits. This Khao Yai valley vineyard replicates, with more success, what was done previously in Loei province’s "Château de Loei", where the founder of Italthai group went on with growing red Syrah and white Chenin, helped by French oenologists. Unfortunately, production there has gone down and it is no more a tourist attraction.
For a truly unique experience, visit GranMonte in February or March, when guests can take part in the harvesting of the grapes, which are all painstakingly handpicked to reduce the risk of damaging the precious fruit. After enjoying a hearty meal at VinCotto restaurant, you can leisurely stroll through the grounds, all the while taking in views of the surrounding mountains. Colorful flower gardens house throngs of butterflies, and bird-watchers can get their fix at the specially designated bird-watching pavilion located behind the guesthouse.
While wine may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Thailand, GranMonte is worth visiting. Those ready for more physical exercise should venture further into Khao Yai National Park for hiking or biking. But a good part of the crowd will surely stay here and spend the day. Life is sweet when you’re relaxing on the bank of GranMonte’s lotus pond with a glass of wine in your hand.
How To Get There
The GranMonte Vineyard is situated in the Asoke Valley, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), approximately 155 kilometres from Bangkok. Buses from Mo Chit Bus Terminal are available. But renting a car/van if you travel with your family or within a group is a suitable alternative.
Contact
http://www.granmonte.com 0 2653 1522 (Bangkok Head Office) or 08 1923 2007 (Winery)
Discover
The taste of "2009 Chenin Blanc", which won a silver medal at the Vienna Wine Challenge 2009. A very fresh wine with a beautiful bouquet and a clean finish. Thai food tasting with Thai wines is a must-do here.
Feel
Visiting a vineyard in Thailand is not as wine-oriented as in Europe. Locals come for the view and spend a good moment, not only to buy some fine bottles. Do it alike: Thai wine is also part of a new kind of "Thainess".
Share
The best time to visit is the annual grape harvest in January-February when GranMonte organizes special harvest packages for wine enthusiasts, including an early morning
grape-picking contest!
Northeast Culture
Ban Tha Sawang: Isan’s finest silk brocade
Surin Province. This Northeastern village became famous for its silk and for the quality of its weaving when it was commissionned to produce the silk outfits worn by APEC leaders for the final day of their Bangkok summit in 2003. Inspired by the Thai national dress, these Tha Sawng made silk brocades were produced by four workers in unison producing barely an inch of cloth each day, as explained by Australian expert Morrison Polkinghome.
Touring the village is a pleasant thing to do alone, or with a companion. Don’t hesitate then to ask to visit the weavers' open-air workshop, by the road side, before heading for the beautiful Thai style house owned by Achan (professor) Wiratham. There, under a canopy of bamboo and tropical trees, you will be able to view ancient fabrics collected by this renowned silk specialist. He will most probably explain to you that, although Surin is known for Khmer-style fabric designs (typically stripes, checks, and small patterned mudmee in uniquely dark hues), the locals here use a technique similar to weaving damasks from a French-style jacquard loom. This is done manually with a process that requires not just four people to operate, but a three-meter high loom. Each loom fits for one design only.
Take time, if you have brought a Thai interpreter along, to talk with the local women, especially the eldest one, who spent their live producing Phrae Wa silk. Traditional Isan textiles are still woven by villagers. Weaving fills the spare time between rice plantings and harvests, providing both supplementary income and a pastime. Ask them to bring you to their neighbors raising yellow silk cocoons. It takes 28 days for a cocoon to develop.
Enjoying a night at Thasawang homestay
Then, you may watch in a nearby house the extraction of the silk fibre from those mature cocoons, boiled in hot water. With a bit of luck and time, enjoying a night at Tha Sawang homestay, you’ll learn enough to entertain a conversation when you return in Bangkok on these Thai traditional treasures named mudmee, Phrae Wa and khit silk.
Don’t hesitate, when you return to Surin town, to complete your Ban Tha Sawang experience with a stop at Surin Museum. Located in a brand new building, its collections of traditional handicrafts tell it all of the Northeastern lifestyle. Luckily, a museum booklet in English is available, therefore, making it possible to wander around without a translator. Another interesting spot, in the outskirts of Surin city, is the Queen Sirikit Sericulture center (Surin). The centre is situated at 380 Mu 4, Ban Saeng Tawan, and covers around 20 hectares. And the whole chain of silk production is explained there by local experts.
How To Get There
Tha Sawang Village is approximately 8 km from Surin. Buses are available from Bangkok. Tourists can go there by crossing the railway, opposite to Surin Plaza, then turn left at the intersection along Ko Loi Mueang Ling Road.
Contact
For accomodation, ask for Khun Wen or Khun Niramon at Ban Tha Sawang Homestay. Per the silk production, ask Prof. Wiratham. Tel: 08 1726 0397
Discover
Isan women still weave fine silk fabrics to be worn at the temple or for formal and festive ceremonies, such as, weddings. Explanations are available on www.tatnews.org/ given by Australian textile expert Morrison Polkinghome.
Feel
Each fabric is set for a specific occasion. By talking with the weavers, you’ll learn a lot about the Thai traditional way of life. Ask first about the "pha khao ma", the traditional long cloth featuring a chequered pattern inspired by rice fields.
Share
Along with Ban Chonnabot in Khon Kaen and Pak Thong Chai in Korat, Ban Tha Sawang
is an award winning village where you can see looms operated by the locals. Ask to buy the fabrics there. You’ll contribute to the village’s income.
Northeast Culture
Ban Dan Kwian: The pottery getaway
NAKHON RATCHASIMA PROVINCE. Leaving the bustling town of Korat and its newly opened shopping malls, you will soon find yourself in the middle of Thailand's northeast countryside, where farmers moonlight as pottery makers off rice planting season. Ban Tha Sawang provides this rural atmosphere where "Thainess" is not only a marketing word but a realistic description of local communities' unique lifestyle and agricultural related traditions.
The main obstacle to travelling in Isan (and surely a primary cause of its touristic dearth), nevertheless, is the relatively minimal possibility of any foreign language use. In some words: despite the utter warmth of the Northeastern villages, access to them can be particularly difficult.
Having said that, Ban Dan Kwian pottery villages offer a good introduction to the Northeastern lifestyle, roving around the cultivation and harvesting of rice. Located about 10 km south of Nakhon Ratchasima on Route 24, this series of villages is particularly interesting for two reasons: its unique pottery heritage, formed of the clay found at the nearby Mun River, and its historic role as a transit point along the trade route between the Isan plateau and Cambodia, where Ayutthaya merchants would rest and load up on ceramics for sale at ancient Khmer cities.
Potteries Trading Dates Back to the Angkor Period
Dan Kwian potteries, very tough and dark brown, were during those ancient times produced on the very same type of wooden potter's wheel you can see still standing in the backyard of local houses. Exchanged against other goods, notably the excellent fish from the Tonle Sap Lake in today’s Cambodia, those potteries, mostly jars to preserve dry fish, were sent down to the magnificent Angkor complex, then capital of the Khmer Empire which, from the 8th to the 12th centuries, included the Thai sanctuaries of Phanom Rung (Buri Ram) and Phimai (near Korat).
Visiting Ban Dan Kwian requires a taste for rustic lifestyle. Old oxcarts greet you at the village entrance. There, locals - very often women, as their husbands, fathers, brothers and sons look after the cattle or sit at a nearby table playing cards - will be pleased to show you their expertise. First, the clay extracted from the riverbanks is kept wet at least for a night under some cover. The next day, the clay mixture is kneaded for 2 hours until it develops a good texture. The well-mixed clay then is formed manually on potter's wheels.
The product is later left to dry under a plastic cover. After that, it is baked in an earthen oven. You may see piles of pottery (as pictured here), in a field outside the village, mixing bowls, and jars for preserved fish (Plara), grinding bowls for local salad (Somtam), and containers for local fermented liquor.
How To Get There
You must first reach Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), either by train or bus from Bangkok
(4 hours bus ride from Mo Chit bus terminal). Then, Dan Kwian designates a series of pottery villages, starting 14 km south, on route 24 to Chok Chai. Head preferably for the smaller “muban”
Discover
Pottery is an art and a lifestyle in the Northeast. Farmers here are working with clay off their rice-planting season. Don’t hesitate to wander around the village and look into houses’ backyards. Nice photographs to be taken.
Feel
Step outside the village along the Mun River, and experience the Isan farming lifestyle when men, at sunset, bring the cows and buffaloes back to their compounds.
Share
Not that easy to share views here, due to the lack of locals being able to speak English.
If possible, bring along a Thai friend or a good dictionary.
Northeast Culture
Walai Rukhavej: Discover the pulse of Isan
MAHA SARAKHAM PROVINCE. Not many places in the Northeast of Thailand offer such a variety of attractions. One of the defaults here is that bikes are not available for rent, but with a bit of luck – and some basic knowledge of Thai – you may manage to convince the local workers at Walai Rukhavej homestay, or at the adjacent Phrathat Na Dun Sanctuary, to lend you their bikes so you can tour the area at sunset. Otherwise, jogging is a good experience in this natural, unspoiled environment.
Officially, Walai Rukhavej Botanical Research Institute is engaged in doing fundamental and applied research in science and technology “in integration with the local wisdom with the ultimate goals of conserving biological resources and improving the quality of life of rural communities”. Main responsibilities of the institute, according to their researchers, include conserving, promoting, and documenting natural ecosystems and biodiversity within the Greater Mekong Sub-region. The general public will surely prefer to take a stroll around Phrathat Na Dun and pay a visit to the small but interesting Buddhism museum located nearby. The big advantage of this place is that everything is available on foot, even with kids. Still, the best option is to come here with a car, so you can connect later to other touristic spots like the Khmer sanctuaries of Ku Santarat.
We strongly recommend spending a night at the local guesthouse. For 200 Baht a night, you’ll have the choice between small modern pavilions, equipped with running water and mosquito-protected windows. But our heart goes out to the traditional Isan houses where - we have learned - H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn came and slept once. Located in the middle of a green oasis, among flowers and tropical plants, those houses are rural palaces, both romantic and historical.
How To Get There
Maha Sarakham is 470 kilometres Northeast from Bangkok, connected by bus. To reach Walai Rukhavej, take Highway No. 2040 and drive about 56 kilometeres.
Contact
Walai Rukhavej Botanical Research Institute Tel/Fax: (+66) 4375 4340 Information can also be obtained at Maha Sarakham University's Faculty of Science.
Discover
A peaceful retreat in the middle of rural Northeastern Thailand. In the very same compound, you’ll find a botanical research station, a Buddhism museum, a huge temple (Phrathat Na Dun), and an original Isan house museum.
Feel
For once, the local museum on Isan lifestyle deserves a visit. Old oxcarts and photographs of farming life bring you into a different world. Per the accommodation, nothing can be more rewarding than spending the night in an open, traditional Thai house under a mosquito net.
Central Plains Culture
Buddhamonthon: A park for good deeds
NAKHON PATHOM PROVINCE. Built in 1957 to commemorate 2,500 years since the birth of Buddhism, Buddhamonthon Park is a quiet, peaceful place where one can enjoy a meditative walk through lush green trees. Its grounds house the residence of the Supreme Patriarch, a large standing Buddha statue, meditation halls, gardens, and temples. But this park does more than just commemorate- it has given a home to a large community of stray dogs. Since the spirit of helping others is so central to the Buddhist faith, it’s no big surprise to see such compassion towards animals that are unable to advocate for themselves. Located at the back of the park, the Dog Island shelter, or Ko Ma, is easily accessible on foot, by bicycle, or by car. Just follow the park signs that read “Dog Care”.
Operating almost entirely on cash and food donations, the shelter provides these lucky canines with a dry place to sleep, regular meals, and a caretaker with a true passion for animals. “I do this because I love the dogs and I worry for them”, says Auntie Ruen as she bathes one of the puppies at the shelter in a large metal bowl. Ruen has been here since the shelter was constructed after a park patron suffered a dog bite that called attention to the large community of strays in the area. Many of the dogs at Buddhamonthon were simply abandoned by their owners.
Luckily, the shelter receives just enough donations to make sure every mouth is fed. And recently, they were able to build a roof to keep the animals dry during the rainy season. Still, with a growing population on the island and an ambition to ensure that each dog is sterilized and receives its shots, donations are much needed. Let the touching work of the shelter’s dedicated volunteers inspire you as you make your way back to the front of the park. You’ll surely notice that the dogs aren’t the only animals that call Buddhamonthon home. Monitor lizards, squirrels, fish, and a variety of beautiful birds are just some of the critters that can be spotted here.
How To Get There
From Bangkok, take the BTS Silom line to Wongwian Yai station. Catch a taxi to Buddhamonthon Sai 4. Once inside the park, follow the signs to “Dog Care”.
Discover
One of the closest places from central Bangkok where you can truly enjoy calm and find inspiration in the good deeds of others. More than a park, Buddhamonthon is a personal – family pilgrimage.
Feel
Buddhism is at the heart of this huge park. The modern architecture of the temple gives a special flavour in this religious green setting. Check out the meditation hall for a
glimpse of serenity.
Share
The dog’s island is one of the many good deeds you can perform in Buddhamonthon. You can also feed the fish, or help the local gardeners by doing a bit of park cleaning after the weekend. A truly green, animal friendly experience.
Central Plains Nature
Bo Rai: When mining belongs to the past
TRAt PROVINCE. This region, backed by the Soi Dao Mountains, is perhaps best known for its role in the Thai ruby-mining boom that lasted from the early 1960’s well into the late 1980’s. When the area was declared devoid of gemstones in the early 1990’s, Bo Rai was faced with the loss of an economic identity their town had relied on for decades. This news, coming on the back of political tumult of the Khmer Rouge crisis in the late 1970’s that forced many Cambodian refugees into the area, left Bo Rai in a state of near ruin. Even now, the streets of the town are lined with dozens of abandoned gem trading posts and jewelry shops.
While Amphoe Bo Rai holds much significance by the way of natural and political history, tourists rarely visit the area. As such, you won’t get very far here without the help of a Thai-speaking guide. When we visited, our hope was to track down an abandoned mining site by venturing into the history-laden mountains. When we met with a local farmer who was willing to help, he said that most of the mining sites had already been filled in and were now being used to grow crops - bad news for those searching for relics of the past, but good news for the future of this community. Plans are underway to repurpose the minefields in the hopes of revitalizing both the local economy and the environment.
And so, there is hope for Bo Rai as they work towards building a new identity as a green destination where history meets the wild beauty of the Soi Dao Mountains. At the time we visited, locals strongly advised against hiking deeper into this region. The relatively uncharted area bleeds over into Cambodia’s Cardamom Rainforest, and is largely considered to be the last true wilderness of Southeast Asia.
Rediscovering the wilderness of the Soi Dao Mountains
It is home to a rich variety of plant and animal life, including endangered species like the pileated gibbon, tiger, and Asian elephant, as well as over 450 species of birds. In addition to the risk of disrupting animal and plant life, undetonated landmines left behind by Thai-Cambodian border conflicts are still present higher in the hills. Therefore, we do not advocate amateur hiking here.
However, visitors can still explore a bit at the Nam Tok Khlong Kaeo National Park, about 7 km west of town. For now, the park is the most accessible place in Trat to get a feel for the rainforest. Unfortunately, the concrete paths, numerous picnic areas, and brightly colored trash bins detract slightly from the natural beauty of the place. Still, the waterfalls are worth seeing, and the 800 meters trek up through the rocky streams to the fourth tier is good fun. The park is open daily until 4:30 PM.
How To Get There
Due to the lack of accommodation options in Amphoe Bo Rai, we recommend travelling
first to Trat Town. Buses leave daily from Bangkok’s Ekamai Bus Terminal (250 Bahts each way). From Trat’s main square, you can take a “song thaeo”, or converted pickup truck, to Bo Rai, a 50 km commute.
Discover
The history of Bo Rai, both as a former ruby mining hub and an entry point for Cambodian refugees that escaped the Khmer Rouge through the Soi Dao Mountains (known as the Cardamom Mountains on the Cambodian side).
Feel
A new hope
for the area, which is currently undergoing a rehabilitation project to turn old mining lands into crop fields. The town has been economically troubled since the ruby mines dried up in the early 1990’s.
Share
Bo Rai’s gemstone museum, due to open in late 2010, will provide plenty of information about the history of gemstone mining in Trat province.
Central Plains Health
Chaophraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital: Heal yourself the Thai way
PRACHIN BURI PROVINCE. You might wonder why we recommend a hospital as a holiday destination. To be honest, Chaophraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital looks like any other hospital from the outside, if not a bit unsightly. But once you are inside the gate, you will notice a stately bright yellow Baroque manor fronted by a statue among well-groomed shrubs.
The manor was built by Chaophraya Abhaibhubejhr, a courtier during the reign of King Rama V and Rama VI to receive royal visits. In the 1930’s, his heir decided to donate this building for public use. Prachin Buri Province Hospital was established and the building was converted into the unit for admitted patients. Today, it is the Museum of Traditional Thai Medicines where you can see the antique equipment and ingredients used to concoct medicinal potions (some of them are rather disturbing, we have to admit.) Unfortunately, the information is only in Thai but the interior of the building is beguiling, especially the exquisitely patterned floor tiles.
The highlight of the visit is to actually experience traditional therapeutic methods. It is true that you can get a massage basically anywhere in Thailand, but the traditional healing unit here enhances the wisdom of old with systematic scientific methodology. The masseurs are graduates from the College of Thai Traditional Medicines (who worked with major hospitals of Thailand) and you will need to undergo some checkup from the resident doctor before actually getting kneaded.
Treatment is the Priority, not Relaxation
The programmes offered include traditional massage, herbal massage and sauna, reflexology and acupuncture which promises to cure you from aches, insomnia, allergy and many more (these require revisits.) You will not get a spa-like atmosphere but rather a serious, professional treatment since they are more therapy-oriented than for relaxation. The clinic is next to the Museum building, and opened daily from 8:30 AM-3:45 PM (until 7:00 PM on Tuesday and Thursday). The acupuncture clinic is in the same complex and opened only on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 -11:00 AM Massage is an international language but it is better if you go with someone who can speak Thai so you can get your symptoms clearly explained.
After the rejuvenation, you can visit Abhaibhubejhr shop (in the main hospital building, opposite the 7-11 outlet) where you can buy herbal cosmetic and medicinal products such as chili balm, lotion made from curcumin extract, and cucumber soap which make great souvenirs.
How To Get There
The Hospital is 2.5 km east from Prachin Buri city center and is located on Highway 3069 by the river.
Contact
0 3721 1088 ext 3166 (No English spoken) www.abhaibhubejhr.org, www.abhaiherb.com
Discover
The Traditional Thai medicine department of this hospital is one of the best known institutes dedicated to alternative healing in the country. They are also famous for their herbal cosmetic products.
Feel
While waiting for your turn at the clinic, you can pass the time in the front lawn where you can get close to a throng of living and sculpted roosters, the founder's favorite animal.
Central Plains Culture
Sangkhlaburi: A bridge between cultures
KANCHANABURI PROVINCE. Sangkhlaburi is a little town that has much to offer in terms of culture, landscape, and activity. It is located less than 20 km away from the Thai-Burmese border and many of its local attractions result from the Vajiralongkorn Dam’s construction in 1979. Its reservoir submerged the whole Mon village and, ironically, created the famous "sunken temple" that has become a renowned attraction. Most of the accommodation stand by the reservoir. There are a couple of hip, bohemian cafes, which makes it comparable to Pai but in a more measured manner. All in all, the town is a perfect place to relax on a misty day.
The Thai and Mon sides of the village are joined by the celebrated "Uttamanusorn" Bridge. This is the longest wooden bridge of Thailand, an assemblage of unpolished wooden boards and planks spanning over 800 metres. The rickety feel and rawness of the material somehow makes it beautiful and picture perfect. Cross it and reach Wang Wiwekaram Temple of "Luangpho Uttama", a famous and highly revered monk who fled from the 1990’s civil war in Myanmar and became the spiritual leader of the community.
At 6:30 a.m. every morning, monks make their daily procession. You can participate in this rite at the entrance of the bridge on the Mon side. It is a good way to get a glimpse of the local culture. A visit to the sunken temple is almost compulsory. Depending on the season, you might see only the top of its bell tower. The relics of Buddha heads, the artfully eroded edifice with green hills and water as a background can be quite inspiring. You can either visit this holy place on a kayak by yourself or join an organized tour package with elephant riding and bamboo rafting (which can turn adventurous during the rainy season).
How To Get There
There are buses leaving from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Bus Terminal to Sangkhlaburi daily. You can also take a van from the Victory Monument to Kanchanaburi and then catch another van to Sangkhlaburi. The ride takes about 6-7 hours.
Contact
TAT Kanchanaburi office 0 3451 1200, 0 3462 3 691
Discover
Get a glimpse of the culture of the Mon people – an ethnic group originally from Myanmar. Three wonderfullandmarks here bear their footprint: the longest wooden bridge in Thailand, the submerged Wang Wiwekaram temple, and the Bodh Gaya pagoda.
Feel
Popular among travellers, this town still maintains its pleasant simplicity and tranquility.
A great place for outdoor adventurers.
Share
Many humanitarian workers are based in the surrounding Burmese refugees camps. Shops sell products (mostly handwoven Karen fabric) whose profit helps support the volunteer work. Look for Ban Unruk shop. For more info www.baanunrak.org.
Central Plains Nature
Khao Chamao: Kingdom of the carps
RAYONG PROVINCE. Although Khao Chamao can be roughly translated as “the Get-drunk mountain”, it is not about any drunkard who fell into the waterfall. That name actually derives from the second of the seven tiers of this waterfall known as “Wang Matcha”, or the Palace of the Fish.
Reach it, and you will see a huge patch of black in the clear green water: they are a big school of Soro Brook Carp swimming and nuzzling each other. These fish diet on the fallen fruits from the trees by the pool, which is toxic to humans but seems to be fine for the fish. The toxin stays in the fish’s system and once you eat them, you get a light-headed sensation akin to being drunk.
The trail up the seven tiers of the waterfall cuts through a tropical broad-leaved evergreen forest and mixes exercise with relaxation. The total distance is about 1.6 km, which is moderately physically demanding. The initial part is paved with concrete but the rest you will need to follow a sufficiently well-defined trail and hop from rock to rock (especially in the rainy season.) Along the way you will see colourful butterflies and big dipterocarp trees more than a hundred years old. The name of each tier is descriptive to its characteristic. For example, the third tier is called “Wang Morakot”, or emerald palace, where you can swim in the deep green pool.
Khao Chamao Waterfall belongs to the national park of the same name and it also includes other attractions. Situated about 40 km to the east of Khao Chamao Waterfall is a complex of 80 limestone caves in the mountain of Khao Wong (only 16 caves are open to visitors). There you can explore the stalactites and stalagmites and small streams inside the caves.
How To Get There
From Bangkok, take the Motorway (Highway 7) and continue on Highway 344 until you reach Klaeng district, Rayong province. Then take Highway 3 at the junction called “Talat Khao Din”. Continue for 16 km, you will see the sign pointing to the national park
on your right.
Contact person: Khao Chamao National Park 0 3802 0510, 0 3889 4378
Discover
Don’t miss the second tier of Khao Chamao Waterfall, a medium-sized basin, densely inhabited with an impressive school of Soro Brook Carp (Neolissochilus soroides).
Feel
Popular among locals, this destination is a must if you manage to get there during weekdays. It is much less crowded and the trek can be quite a meditative experience.
Share
In increasingly popular fish spas, Soro carp babies are put in a tank, where clients dip their feet in and let the tiny nibblers eat away the dead skin and make your feet softer.
Central Plains Culture and Traditions
Ban Huai Raeng: Life along the canal
TRAT PROVINCE. It all began when the members of Huai Raeng community went on a trip to Kanchanaburi. There they saw a community by a canal and, with a sense of pride, decided that their hometown was way more impressive. Then a researcher from the neighbouring village came by and planted the seeds of an idea: to flaunt their treasure to visitors in the form of organized tourism. The researcher got a PhD using this project as a case study, and the community gained both renown and extra income.
In Huai Raeng, visitors will experience the serenity of local life by the water, reminiscent of traditional Thai lifestyles in the era of Ayutthaya. There are nine homestays available, two of which are traditional elevated wooden houses. They are surrounded by orchards where fruit trees growing mangosteens, rambutans, and durians stand mingling. At the edge of the orchards sits the wide canal, lined at its banks by Nipa Palms.
A Cruise for All Tastes
Typically, tourists arrive at the community around noon and are welcomed with lunch. If you are here during summer, you will then be taken for a seven-kilometre cruise to a group of small rapids where you can take a swim and defy the warm temperatures while enjoying the gentle current. If you visit in March, you can also enjoy blooming "Dok Khut" (Elaeocarpus grandiflorus Sm.), the rare signature flower of this community.
Not to be missed are the treasures of art, handicrafts, and delicacies made by the locals from the Nipa Palm harvested here. The famous woven hats are the most common sights. At night, upon request, your host can take you on the evening cruise to enjoy the fireflies spectacle - a lovely way to wrap up the night before you crawl onto your mattress under the mosquito net.
(Be warned, mosquitos can be vicious, be equipped with repellant.) There is also a small workshop where the villagers produce cosmetic products (e.g. soap, shampoo, lotion, etc) from mangosteen peel. You can watch the manufacturing process and also shop for mangosteen soap fresh out of their bamboo molds. At the moment, Huai Raeng is popular predominately among Thai visitors and although the community is very happy to welcome foreigners, they cannot communicate in English. So don’t hesitate, if time permits, to teach them some casual expressions and vocabulary, or immerse yourself in the local language, not forgetting to end your sentences with the ritual "khrup" for men and "kha" for women. It is best, though, if you bring your own Thai-speaking guide for better appreciation of the local culture and nature.
How To Get There
The community centre is located inside Khlong Khut Temple on Sub-highway 4001 (branching out from 3157), about 10 km northeast from the city centre. There are only a couple of local taxis going that direction daily. The best way is to go by your own transportation.
Contact
Khun Noi (Secretary of Ban Huai Raeng Homestay Community) Mobile: 08 9247 9648
Discover
Don’t miss the bell-shaped flower “Dok Khut”. The best time to witness it is during March. This kind of flower can be found in many provinces, but is known in different names.
Feel
The pristinely kept wooden houses, the gleaming green of the fruit orchards, the quiet canal around which Ban Huai Raeng is centred will bring you into the past peaceful rural life, similar to the one described in the country’s school textbooks. Some advice:
bring a good book on Thai rural history like Pira Sudham’s "Monsoon Country" (Shire Publishing).
Central Plains Biking
Bang Krachao: Exploring Bangkok’s “Green Lung”
Samut Prakan province. Stepping off the boat into Bang Krachao, the luscious green surroundings, faint rustling of leaves and chirping birds stand in stark contrast to the whir of traffic and clouds of exhaust that hang in the air just across the river. To get around the area’s 11.810 rai of protected mangroves and orchards, rent a bike from
the rental shop located right at the pier. The cost is about 100 Baht an hour. The route is marked by a series of arrows and bicycle icons painted on the raised concrete pathways and narrow roads that take you through the area. The pathways sit about 2 metres. above the mangrove swamp, and there’s no guardrail, so be prepared to take your time on the turns.
Rent a Paddleboat to Get a Closer Look
The first stop on the route is Wat Bang Nam Phueng Nai. Weekends from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. visitors can peruse the temple’s floating market, with its locally grown produce and homemade products. Next, the trail leads you to Wat Bang Nam Phueng Nok, a 19th century temple that boasts its original ordination hall. Not to be missed is the third stop on the trail, the Si Nakhon Khuean Khan Park. Known as Bang Krachao’s Central Park, this final stop is the perfect place to rest on neatly manicured lawns under the shade of coconut trees. The large pond at the centre of the park is home to an array of fish, which you can view (and feed) from the shore. Or, rent a paddleboat to get a closer look.
For those wishing to stray from the beaten path, be warned: the narrow raised pathways comprise a labyrinth of tight turns, making it easy to get disoriented beneath the heavy tree cover. Even if you get lost, you’ll probably run into a helpful local along the way. Bang Krachao’s less than 40,000 residents live life at a slower pace, leisurely strolling the swampy corridors of the village, stopping occasionally to chat with neighbors.
How To Get There
Catch a long-tail or shuttle boat to Samut Prakan from the Wat Khlong Toei Nok pier in central Bangkok. A short ride takes you across the Chao Phraya River.
Discover
This green oasis is just perfect to get out of Bangkok’s bustle. Refresh your mind and body in a natural setting while exploring a little-known community.
Feel
Since car traffic is virtually nonexistent on the island, it is an ideal place to enjoy a relaxing bike ride. A family walk in its park is a perfect Sunday outing.
Share
Don’t miss the temples and the local markets. Bang Krachao, so close to the capital’s business district, gives you a glimpse of the countryside.
Central Plains Sightseeing / Nature
Phraya Nakhon Cave: A buried treasure with a noble past
PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN PROVINCE. A cave of not-so-humble beginnings, Phraya Nakhon was first discovered in 1800 when a ship carrying the ruler of Nakhon Si Thammarat province was forced ashore by a storm on the beaches of what we now call
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. Seeking shelter from the deluge, Phraya Nakhon (the cave’s namesake) moved further inland, and happened upon this massive underground room. News of the natural wonder spread throughout the Kingdom, and in 1890, construction of a royal pavilion inside the cave’s walls began in anticipation of King Rama V’s 1896 visit to the site. The pavilion still stands, marked by signatures of the kings and statesmen who have visited here.
From Laem Sala Beach, you can reach Phraya Nakhon Cave by walking directly back into the forest to the rocky trail up the mountainside. It’s quite a treacherous hike, so come prepared with appropriate shoes. The way up is lined with interesting sights, including small streams, beautiful plants, birds, and steep bluff faces. If you’re lucky, you might even run into a Dusky Langur, a rare species of monkey that inhabits Khao Sam Roi Yot’s forests. As you begin your descent into Phraya Nakhon’s first chamber, a welcoming drop in temperature draws you in.
Walls Adorned by Stalactites and Stalagmites
While we call Phraya Nakhon a cave, strictly speaking it isn’t. The collapse of a sinkhole just above the hollow ground has left a large hole in the cavern ceiling. In technical terms, Phraya Nakhon is known as a doline. The naturally formed skylight lets in fresh air, rainwater, and sunlight, allowing for the thriving plant life inside.
Perhaps one of the most striking features of the cave is the presence of gargantuan trees that have taken root in its floor. Some of their branches just barely graze the ceiling – very impressive at a height of nearly 65 meters. Nearly as wide as it is tall, the interior chamber of Phraya Nakhon is simply massive. Its limestone walls are adorned with stalactites and stalagmites that range in size from miniscule to gargantuan.
You’ll also note a great stone resembling a certain toothy, scaled amphibian, aptly named “Crocodile Rock”. Don’t forget also that the cave lies in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, one of the country’s prime bird-watching locales. The Park’s amazingly diversified vegetation and relatively inaccessible terrain make it home to more than 300 bird species. It is also the dwelling place of some peculiar creatures; such as the Mainland Serow and Irrawaddy Dolphin. A fine spot to enjoy the seashore is Laem Sala Beach, blanketed with soft white sand and surrounded by limestone bluffs.
How To Get There
The cave is located in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, 63 km south of Hua Hin, along the Southbound railway line from Bangkok. Buses and vans leave from Sai Tai Terminal. When driving from Bangkok, move on Highway No. 4 to Pran Buri, and then, further 37 km to the headquarters.
Contact Call 1672 (8 a.m.-8 p.m.) and visit http://www.tourismthailand.org
Discover
A glimpse of Thai Royal history : since its discovery over two centuries ago, this enormous cave has merited visits from several Kings. From King Chulalongkorn in 1890, to King Vajiravudh and, more recently, H.M King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Feel
Not your typical dark dingy cave, Phraya Nakhon’s collapsed ceiling lets in streams of sunlight, lending to the mystical ambiance of the place.
Central Plains Nature
ABAC Campus: Green oasis of studies
SAMUT PRAKAN PROVINCE. Inviting foreign visitors and tourists to stop by the Assumption University's modern campus near Bangkok may seem pretty audacious. But we think it can offer Bangkok's residents and travellers a very fine one-day escape from the capital city’s urban nightmare.
Our experience of this university campus, located 26 km South of Bangkok, alongside the Bang Na-Trat Highway, is admittedly very personal. Our editor, Richard Werly, discovered the place while visiting his son who studied business administration there for a year as an international exchange student.
It Matches the Serenity of Buddhamonthon
Where, so close to Bangkok, can you find such an oasis of peace where young people are mostly preoccupied with reading or completing their student homework? Where, so close to Bangkok, can you enjoy a lake surrounded by flushing green, without stumbling into a golf cart? ABAC Campus is, simply, a perfect Sunday hideaway for those in search of calm and green. The only place that matches its serenity is Buddhamonthon Park, widely described in this book.
Moreover, walking or biking in the campus is only the tip of a green day there. Those armed with a bit of courage can ask (as we did) the permission to enjoy the Olympic size swimming pool, or the often-deserted tennis court. Though ABAC normally reserves those facilities for its students, guests are sometime welcome and we would advise you to take your chance, even for a small fee. Or if you prefer, read a good book while sipping a cold beverage bought in the only convenience store open 24 hours in this huge international campus
How To Get There
Located alongside the Bang Na-Trat highway, the ABAC Campus is an easy ride from Bangkok, or from Suvarnabhumi Airport. When heading South from Bangkok, keep left and look for Caterpillar. Then look for the signboard and turn left soon after.
Address: 88 Mu 8 Bang Na-Trat Km. 26 Bang Sao Thong, Samut Prakan.
Discover
Campus life is quite a new thing in Thailand. Bangkok’s best universities - Chulalongkorn, Thammasat - are still headquartered in the capital city centre. The Catholic Assumption University was one of the first to opt for a huge green campus in rice fields, 30 minutes from Bangkok by road. Stop in while heading for the Eastern provinces.
Feel
Assumption University campus does not need more publicity. In addition to the numerous students, from Thailand and overseas, their modern and green campus is well known among TV crews and newlyweds. A perfect setting for glamorous video clips or honeymoon style photographs.
Central Plains Community / Culture
Ayutthaya's Elephant Kraal: A sacred pilgrimage
Phra Nakhon Si AYUTTHAYA PROVINCE. A little further North in Ayutthaya, take in an “elephant park” whose historical weight is nationally unsurpassed. This is the Kraal at Suan Phrik’s Elephant Palace and Royal Kraal where in times past, elephants captured from the forests were brought before and selected by the King: partly in the hope of seeking out a sacred white elephant, partly to beef up the military arsenal.
Although highly tourist-oriented, the Kraal is more than a Kodak-moment destination. Mistreated animals are rehabilitated at the “elephant homestay” opened here a few years ago by Australian Michelle Reedy (see portrait). Natalie, an elephant infamous for killing six people during logging operations in the southern province of Trang, had found shelter here when we paid a visit. Natalie, cared for by the Phra Kochaban Foundation, could be seen in the Kraal looking after others’ offspring. Don’t miss stopping by the Kraal and, if you’re willing to volunteer a bit or learn more about the Asian elephants, don’t hesitate to ask questions to our friend Michelle and her partner, or exchange with the locals employed by the Phra Kochaban Foundation.
Their “Mahout”, often coming from the northeastern villages of the country, ride elephants during the day along the Phar Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park for the joy of the tourists. But for once, let us point this out, those animals are neither exploited nor taken against their will. Many were found wandering among cars and pollution to beg for food or money, as is too often the case in Bangkok’s central districts.
Elephants in the Wild
Talking about the Elephant Kraal is a good opportunity to learn more about the largest terrestrial mammal in Thailand. Asian elephants seen here were once a diverse group that roamed much of the world. Herds can still be seen in the Western jungle of the Kingdom, led by an old female who knows all the best sites to find food, water and salt. Though it is not the case in touristic Ayutthaya, elephants usually avoid open sunny areas and spend much of the day in cool shady areas sleeping while standing up, explained in the excellent “Thailand Traveller's Wildlife Guide” (www.arrisbooks.com).
The animals, revered in all of Southeast Asia, feed on leaves, bamboo, and other vegetation, and each adult needs 200 kg of food each day. Their legendary strength, not as visible in Ayutthaya, is attested in Thailand’s deep forest where they are still used for clearing logging areas,taking huge stocks of tropical timber out of the jungle to the adjacent rivers.
How To Get There
Ayutthaya is an easy bus or van ride from Bangkok. Once there, bikes are easy to rent. The Kraal is about 2 km north from Ayutthaya. Just follow the signs or ask the mahout on their elephants in the historical park.
Contact mailto:info@elephantstay.com. Ask for Michelle at 08 0668 7727 or 08 7116 3307
Discover
Elephants occupy a major place in Thailand’s history. In the past, white Elephants (actually those with light skin) were considered sacred. The Kraal was the place for the King to select the best animals.
Share
Elephantstay and the Phra Kochaban Foundation rely on volunteers. Don’t hesitate to ask for more information. You can help out by feeding, caring for, and riding the King of Thai wildlife.
Central Plains Culture/Cuisine
Sam Chuk Market: Shopping into the past
SUPHAN BURI PROVINCE. Sam Chuk Market has become popular among Thais in recent years. Families drive from Bangkok to enjoy a small trip back in time. However, the history of the market dates back over a hundred years. The area was once a junction where people of Thai, Chinese, and Mon descent gathered to barter and sell goods. Then, in 1894, a group of travelling merchants that frequented the region settled down and a community was born. Forty-four years later, that same community moved to its present location and became a vibrant commercial hub near the Tha Chin River.
Sam Chuk Market is comprised of old wooden row houses, most of which are well preserved and look as they did a century ago. For those who have an eye for detail, the intricate wooden openwork decorating the facades is not to be missed. On weekends, groups of students perform Thai classical music to enliven the place. The community knows its charm lies in its nostalgia-inducing atmosphere and thus makes the best use out of it (unfortunately the result can appear artificial in some cases). You can purchase long lost toys from decades ago, antique clocks, furniture, kitchen utensils, and even lovably obsolete technology like cassette tapes.
It’s Best to Come with an Empty Stomach.
A visit to Sam Chuk is indeed a gastronomic spree. You can find regular dishes that you
would find anywhere; such as, rice with roasted duck, noodles with marinated pork, and so on. But what is special about this place, besides its overwhelming choices, is the availability of various traditional Thai sweets and snacks, rich with coconut milk and chewy toddy palm fruit. If the heat is getting unbearable, along the way you will find fresh coconut ice cream to cool you down. One of the most popular restaurants is a noodle shop that claims to serve the world’s biggest pork balls the size of a fist. This is one of the many tasty quirks you can find at the market. In order to make the most of your visit, it’s best to come here with an empty stomach. Foreign visitors will not have any problem enjoying the food, but a Thai companion will help in understanding the interesting cultural tidbits better.
How To Get There
From Bangkok, head north toward Highway 340. You will arrive at Suphan Buri city centre after a 107 km ride. Then continue on the same highway (toward Chai Nat province). After about 30 km, you will arrive at the junction with a Tesco Lotus outlet. Turn left to enter the market parking area.
Discover
Also known as the ‘100-year-old market’, Sam Chuk has tried its best to conserve the old architecture, and some shops still sell products that were popular decades ago. This is a paradise for retro lovers.
Feel
The market is liveliest on weekends where all the shop fronts flaunt their colourful wares. A plethora of delicious foods are at the ready for those interested in a Thai culinary adventure. However, that also means that the place can be overcrowded. Visit early to avoid the heat.
Central Plains Biking / Nature
Amphawa: Canals, orchards and farms
Accessible from Highway 4, Amphawa has of late become a favourite for Bangkokians, who flock here on weekends to enjoy the authentic charm of its beautiful, huddled floating markets and abundant seafood. Despite this, the town remains relatively unknown to foreigners and is a welcome backtrack to the canal-eddied life of early 20th century Bangkok. Luckily, it is not yet as crowded as the nearby floating market of Damnoen Saduak in Ratchaburi province.
While strolling in the city along the Mae Klong River, stop first at King Rama II Memorial Park, notable for the number of Phaya So coconut palms whose moniker - “King’s Fiddle” - derives from its use in the crafting of classical instruments. A cluster of traditional wooden houses serves as home to the King Rama II Museum. From here, it’s an easy walk to the adjacent Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram, whose walls are wreathed with murals depicting everyday life on the waterways.
From the park, you can embark on a boat trip to explore the numerous canals and observe the traditional way of life along Thailand’s waterways. Stops will be made to visit Wat Bang Kung, built during the Ayutthaya period and completely intertwined with a huge Banyan Tree. Another stop will be made at Wat Phumarin, which exhibits a beautifully painted wooden Kudi.
Back on the surface, Route 3088 will delight those fond of biking due to the paucity of traffic running its surface, allowing you to halt at whim’s leisure at the charming temples, coconut plantations, and crisscross of bridges that line the Mae Klong River. Then there is Wat Phleng (or Wat Phra Haruethai - the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church), the Catholic Church built here by French missionarie.
How To Get There
Opt for the minivan service leaving from Victory Monument in Bangkok. They are stationed by the department store linked to the BTS station. It will take you straight to Samut Songkhram Market bus station, where you should change for the short ride to Amphawa (1 ½ hrs, 100 Bahts).
Contact www.amphawafloatingmarket.com
Discover
The local history of Ratchaburi province crosses paths with Thai national history at Wat Phleng Catholic Church, built by French missionaries. It is now one of the most sacred sites for Thailand’s Christian faithfuls.
Feel
Many places in Thailand’s Central region still offer vibrant scenes of life along the canals. But Amphawa, despite becoming increasingly popular with Bangkokians, retains
a special flavour.
Share
Bike rental is available in all tourist resorts or guesthouses. Roads are quite empty, and protected from the sun by the shade of coconut trees. A perfect setting for a weekend on two wheels.
Central Plains Adventure
Tree Top Park: Aerial adventure in Koh Chang
TRAT PROVINCE. Koh Chang is no more a green traveler’s paradise. Upon your arrival, you’ll notice the maelstrom of signs and billboards advertising resorts and fast - food chains. Still, it maintains its lush mountainous landscape and it seems that a desire to protect the area’s culture and environment is making progress after years of developments. If you need a break from the resort-peppered beaches, Tree Top Adventure Park can be a good refuge. In this patch of the forest, 30 tree-top platforms make it possible for you to be airborne among the trees in a variety of ways.
Hidden from the main road, the Park blends so well with the forests you can barely see it from afar. When you arrive, you’ll climb some stairs as an overture to your adventure. The reception lounge is an elevated wooden platform with a thatched roof. There you will sign a disclaimer, which asks you to be mindful with the trees and offers
insurance. The staff will then get you geared up and take you on a short trial run to familiarize you with the equipment.
The games awaiting you include rope bridges, zip lines, Tarzan swings, the ‘flying skateboard’ and many more, which can be quite physically demanding at some stages--at one station, you need to climb up a narrow ladder that is almost perpendicular to the tree. This rejuvenating activity will leave you with a bit of muscle ache as a souvenir. To participate, you must be taller than 140 cm and fit enough to enjoy up to 2 hours of constant movement among the treetops. And be warned: people with vertigo should not take part.
How To Get There
The park is located on Ao Bailan beach, next to Dusit Princess Hotel. You can take a local taxi or pay an extra price for the pickup service (within White Sand beach) .
Contact 08 4310 7600 www.treetopadventurepark.com
Discover
The location of this zero-carbon activity gratifies both sea—and forest--lovers. It allows you to observe the tropical vegetation and the sea from an unusual vantage point.
Feel
The park’s attempt to minimize their impact on the landscape is impressive. And the recreation activity itself made us feel like we were kids again.
Share
Very often, local and international companies based in Bangkok bring their employees here for team building activities. An idea to have in mind if you are a human resources manager or a community leader.
Central Plains Nature / Wildlife
Kaeng Krachan: The backbone of biodiversity
Phetchaburi Province. As per Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary in Kanchanaburi and Northern Tak Provinces, visiting Kaeng Krachan National Park brings you to discover the trials and tribulations of the environmental conservation movement in Thailand, which is in many ways best summed up by the life story of Seub Nakhasathien.A green activist and academic, he dedicated his life to the protection of natural habitats in this region.
Kaeng Krachan, Thailand’s largest national park, is therefore essential for any traveller half-serious about taking in the region’s immense diversity of wild fauna which here include elephants, deer, bears, tigers, and leopards, as well as an equally impressive troupe of birdlife. Knowledgeable and friendly local guides or park rangers are, a requisite accompaniment in the park and will navigate you through the 45 square kilometers of vine-tendriled labyrinth bursting with hanging liana and orchid, in the hope of tracking and spotting species unique to the region, particularly the elusive Indo-Chinese tiger.
Rustic bungalows and camping areas are available within the Park, and more luxurious accommodation can be found in the vicinity. Best to discover the Park is a day or two of hiking, eventually walking up to the top of Kaeng Krachan peak, at an altitude of 1200 m, where you’ll have a superb view of Kaeng Krachan that is located on the eastern slope of the Tenasserim Mountain Range constituting the border with Myanmar.
As the Park is composed of two major watersheds and a large evergreen forest, humidity remains high throughout the year, with heavy rain during the rainy season and cool weather. We recommend visiting during the dry season Bird-watching, rafting, hiking and camping are a must-do in this well preserved natural environment.
How To Get There
Kaeng Krachan National Park is located in Phetchaburi province, 115 kilometres from Bangkok. For those who will drive down south, or want to catch a bus, follow on the highway no.4. There is a turn-off road to the right at 6 km north of Phetchaburi. Follow this route till it meets the route no. 3499. Turn right (to the west) into the route no. 3499 to get to the park headquarters. Numerous hotels and accommodations
Discover
Many large mammals, rumored to include surviving specimen of the Sumatran Rhino, can be found in the Park. Adjacent to the wild forests of Myanmar, Kaeng Krachan is one of Thailand’s best preserved natural sanctuaries.
Feel
Thai ecologists' struggle to protect and preserve the wildlife. If Kaeng Krachan is as it is today, the late Seub Nakhasathien and his fellow activists played a tremendous role.
Share
Seub Nakhasathien Foundation, created after his death is, obviously a right choice to give a donation. Otherwise, log on to the website of Freeland Foundation (www.freeland.org).