Ko Sichang

Ko Sichang is a small tropical island (7.9 Sq Km) located in the Gulf of Thailand, 12Km from Siracha, Chonburi Province on Thailand’s eastern coastline. Ko Sichang is one of a group of nine islands in this area. It has a population of 4681 people consisting of people of Thai and Chinese descent. The majority of the islanders are Buddhist with a small Muslim population. Most of the people live in the local town, which is situated close to the pier.

The island is one of Thailand’s most historical and interesting. The royal Family built a holiday residence here some 150 years ago. There are stunning views of the surrounding sea, cliff-walks, limestone caves and shafts to be explored, temples, a meditation centre, swimming, snorkeling, fishing and the friendliest people you will ever have the pleasure of meeting.

Ko Sichang has been a traditional Thai holiday destination with very few westerners coming here and therefore it offers a unique opportunity to meet Thai people, experience the joys of their culinary magic or to simply smile until your jaws ache ?

Some of the nearby islands include Ko Yai Taow (Grandmother “Taow’s” Island), Ko Khaangkhao (Bat Island) where, as the name suggests, giant bats are to be found in abundance, Ko Tai Ta Muaen (Grandfather Muaen’s Last Island) on which is based an important coral reef and marine research centre. The snorkeling here is truly excellent.

Ko Sichang is superbly equipped with all modern facilities including schools, a hospital, a branch of the Thai Farmer’s Bank with Foreign Exchange facilities, a harbour, an Immigration Office, mains electricity, Internet access, concrete roads and places of worship.

How to get to Ko Sichang

Train:

There is only 09.00 am. train daily from Hualompong Train Station in Bangkok to Siracha town, a journey of 117 Km. Upon arrival in Siracha take a “tuk-tuk” to Ko Loy Pier.

Bus:

Air-conditioned buses leave Ekamai Bus Station(East) and Morchid Bus Station(North) in Bangkok to Siracha town, every hour starting at 06.50 am.Upon arrival in Siracha take a “tuk-tuk” to Ko Loy Pier. From Suvarnabhumi Airport, every half-hour starting at 07.00 am.

From Sriracha (Ko Loy Pier) to Ko Sichang

Ferries leave every hour to Ko Sichang. The first ferry is at 07.00 and the last is at 20.00 pm. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes and costs 45 Baht per person. When arriving at Ko Loy, please contact us. We will help you with the trasportation.

Credit : http://www.maleeblue.com/

Phuket : The biggest island in Thailand

Phuket is the biggest island in Thailand, located in the Andaman Sea off southernThailand.

One of the most popular tourist areas on Phuket is Patong Beach on the centralwestern coast, perhaps owing to the easy access to its wide and long beach.Most of Phuket’s night-life and its cheap shopping are located in Patong, andthe area has become increasingly developed. Patong means “the forest filledwith banana leaves” in Thai.

Patong Beach, Phuket this is Phuket’s central tourist and night time entertainmentdistrict.

Over the year, Patong has turned from a fishing village into one of the island’stwo cities. The famous bay and 4 km. beach remain as they were, with developmentlimited to the area back of the beach road.

There, however, virtually every kind of entertainment imaginable awaits visitors,with bars catering to every nationality. Live music can be found in many places,and there are also discotheques.

Accommodations range from budget to five-star. Shopping opportunities appearto be endless. Whatever one’s culinary disposition, a restaurant catering toit will be found. In addition, there are many tour companies waiting to helpvisitors plan their vacations.

These are reasons why we chose Phuket (Patong) for our holiday. Let’s go!!!!
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Starting from Suwannabumi Airport Bangkok and flying with Thai Air Asia ittook around 90 minutes to reach Phuket Airport, after the smooth flight it tookaround 30 minutes from Phuket Airport to our hotel, which was Club Andaman Resorton Patong Beach. The Hotel is quite nice consisting of a variety of rooms fromStandard, Deluxe Balcony to Junior Suite. It also boasts 2 Swimming pools, agymnasium with a Table Tennis table and a Pool table.

We had a Balcony Deluxe and the room was impressive. Another great bonus wasthe free WIFI in the room!

After we had settled in our rooms, we decided to go for some lunch aroundthe Hotel pool which serves a variety of snacks and meals.

Around 19.00 pm., we walked along Patong beach road to the night market andbars. While I was walking, I saw souvenir shops, clothes shops, restaurants.Now I understand why many tourists come to Phuket and especially Patong. Youcan see from the picture below.

The next morning I had a lie in, then spent the whole day at the beach, Ihad so much fun swimming and watching people.

I am quite sure that beaches in Thailand are more beautiful than beaches.(Chair rental on the beach is 80 Baht/chair per day. If you bring your own mator sit on the sand it’s FREE)

If you love to do activities, I recommend Parachuting, Banana Boat or Jet Skiall reasonably charged.

Early start today as we are going on a boat trip, I’m so excited!

We opted for the 3 Island Trip which takes us to Phi Phi Don, Khai Island (EggIsland) and Phi Phi Lay. I bought the tickets for the trip close to the Hotel.Along the Beach road, there are lots of counters selling trips to the Islandsaround Phuket. This trip cost me only 1000 Baht net including transfer.

The driver collected us at 8.30 am from the Hotel, and then we made the tripacross Phuket Island to the Ferry Terminal. Our speedboat had 6 engines andseated around 70 passengers.

No, this was not our boat, and I’m glad it wasn’t.

The first Island we stopped at was Khai Island. In just 3 minutes you can walkacross the entire island, it’s so small but very beautiful.

We spent around 30 minutes on the Island, then our next port of call was MonkeyBeach. Oh My Monkey!!!!!! There are lots monkeys on the beach, waiting to befed, and if you don’t feed them, they’ll steal your food.

The monkeys are quite friendly, but remember they are wild animals so don’tget too close.

If you don’t like monkeys you can go swimming or snorkeling. I recommend yougo snorkeling because the water is so clear. We took some bread to feed thefish so we had a good view.

The Tour Guide told us we would now go to Phi Phi for lunch, off we go, I’mstarving after all that swimming

As the boat stopped I looked around the Island. Some Hotels are still beingrenovated, and some signs of the Tsunami are still visible.But, the tourists are still coming to Phi Phi, and from the views I know why.

After the buffet lunch, we went to the last Island of the 3, the one I havebeen waiting for all day, Maya Bay. If you have ever seen the Hollywood blockbusterThe Beach, starring Leo Decaprio this is where it was shot. Oh I do hope he’sstill there!

I am sure that the reason they chose Maya Bay is because of the natural beauty.

Essential things to take on the trip

- Swimming suit
- Towel
- Sun Block
- Cap
- Sun Glasses
- Money
- Snorkeling masks are provided, however Fins can be rented for 100 Baht.

Important, there is a charge of 200 baht to enter Maya Beach, as it is aprotected National Park of Thailand.

All in all I had a great time in Phuket, the weather was good (although wewent during rainy season) and only had 1 day of rain.
These pictures show a wonderful Patong Sunset.

Mun Nork Island - Your Privacy in Rayong

....If you are looking for a place …
.......a place ... that give you privacy
...........a place that allow you to just laid back …
............... Doing nothing ... and
......................nothing disturbing you.

This is this resort slogan. That’s explain everthing. “Mun Nork Island Resort”

S o P r i v a t e and S o P e a c e f u l.

This island is located in Klaeng Bay in Rayong Province. 2 and a half hours by car from Bangkok to the pier and another 1 hour by boat to the island. This island is situated about 35 kms. away from “Samet Island” but use different pier.

You can either drive and park at the pier or take a public coach to Samyarn - Klaeng from Eakamai bus terminal in Bangkok then hire a small pick up car to send you to the pier which is about 15 minuites away from the coach station. There you are, the boat normally leave at 13:00 but you need to have confirmed reservation before going.

This place has many types of room for you too choose such as …

- A/C 1 bedroom with outdoor shower and terrace for 2 people.

- A/C 1 bedorrm with 2 big beds for 4 persons, 2 shower and terrace

- A/C 2 sperated bed rooms, outdoor shower and terrace for 4 persons.

- A/C 1 bedroom with 2 bunk beds, 2 outdoor shower and terrace for 6-8 persons

The price is also included full board meals on the island, retruned as scheduled boat transfer to & from island and accident insurance. Nothing to pay more when you stay in this island.


Is had 1 food house serving setted menu and also sell drinks and icecream. You can have Bar B Q seafood after your dinner but you have to arrange at extra and make your order in advance.

It has many activities to enjoy in this island such as skin diving, walk around the island in the morning, kayak boat and bananaboat at extra or just laid by the beach quietly spending time with someone or yourself.

Pack along books and personal necessities. This place is a place for sea lovers who seeks for peaceful vacation. Do not expect night life or five stars faculities there but spending time here is truly comfortalbe and difference.

… Mun Nork Island Resort …

Songkran Music Festival

Songkran Music Festival

Date : 14th April 09

Venue : Lake View Dance Arena, Koh Samui, Surat Thani

14th April 09. Lake View Dance Arena, Koh Samui. The very 1st Songkran International Dance Music Festival ever. Be there!!!

This Songkran, come and Join 5,000 ravers at the largest outdoor venue in South East Asia.

Featuring DJ Judge Jules, other DJs’ on the night will include Graham Gold, Gary Gecko, Asambai, Simon Solo, Adam Matson, David Sambor and DJ A.

Alongside inflatable water pools, foam machines and a waterproof VIP area, Revellers can also enjoy traditional Thai and European food, plus a fun cabaret and casino.

Kicking off at 6pm and ending at 6am the following day, guests are guaranteed 12 hours of the finest non-stop music and entertainment. And with tickets at just 400 Baht in advance, the best money you could spend this Songkran. See you there!!!

Ticket, Travel and Hotel Package is also available.

See http://www.totalreservation.com/ for more information.

Or call (66)2- 833- 5555 / (66)86 - 046- 0240

Songkran Festival in Bangkok

Songkran Festival in BangkokDate : 10 - 15 April, 2009Venue : At The 9 Sacred Places and Rattanakosin Square, Bangkok

Experience the demonstration of the Songkran Festival in 4 regions at Wat Pho as well as enjoy demonstrstions of Thai food and local desserts, feast your eyes on cultural performances.

Moreover, in the Songkran Festival, TAT would like to invite you to dress Thai attire, visit and participate in the event of "the 9 Sacred Places ". the 9 royal temples in the Rattanakosin Square. To experience the wonderful treasure and enjoy the Songkran Festival in authentic Thai syle.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TXd3u3eEOA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYgsl0_xkfE

Wat Phra Kaeo
Motto : Endless Wealth and ProsperityVisit Wat Phra Kaeo and pay homage to the Emerald Buddha as well as experience the wonderful Royal Palace.

Wat Pho
Motto : Calmness is HappinessExperince the demonstration of Songkran Festival in 4 regions, enjoy folk plays Thai food and local dessert. Pour some Thai scented water on a Buddha image.

Wat Bowonniwet
Motto : Receive the Good Things in LifeFeaturing Songkran Festival in Central Region, pour some Thai scented water on Buddha image and monks, splash cooling water with elephants and experience ancient Thai bazaar.

Wat Saket
Motto : Create Auspicious VisionPour some Thai scented water on Buddha relics, Buddha image and monks. Create a sand pagoda and splash!

Wat Suthat

Motto : Enlarge Your Visions and Charm the PeopleExperience Songkran Festival in Southern style, and its rituals, pour some Thai scented water on a Buddha image and monks as well as enjoy cultural performances.

Wat Chanasongkram

Motto : Conquer All ObstaclesFeaturing Songkran Festival in the Raman style, feast your eyes on the demonstation of Raman culture and hoe to play Songkran in its way. Pour some Thai scented water on a Buddha image, and monks as well.

Wat Kanlayanamit

Motto : Bon Voyage and Have Good CompanyLet's enjoy Songkran along the river, pour some Thai scented water on Buddha image and monks, and experience cultural performances.

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

Motto : Have a Prosperous LifeFeaturing Songkran at Bangkok, pour some Thai scented water on Buddha image and monks, and enjoy various forms of entertainment.

Wat Rakhang

Motto : To Be Admired and LovedOffering alms to monks, pour some Thai scented water on a Buddha image and monks and experience cultural performances.

...Songkran at Sanam Luang, Suan Santi Chai Prakhan (Phra Sumeru Fortress) Bang Lumphu Square and Khaosan Road.
Date : 11 - 15 April 2009 Featuring the Light and Sound Presentation at Sanum Luang, the Beauty Pageant, Miss Songkran Wisut Krasat and Miss Songkran International on Khaosan Road.
11 April, 2009 08.30 hrs. - Featuring the Buddha image procession from Wisut Krasat Junction to Suan Santi Chai Prakhan. (Phra Sumeru Fortress)
12 April, 2009 07.00 hrs. - Experience the procession of Phra Phuttha Sihing from National Museum to Sanam Luang.10.00 hrs. - Featuring the Buddha image Procession from Wat Bawonniwet to Suan Santi Chai Prakhan (Phra Sueru Fortress) and pour some Thai scented water on a Buddha image.
13 April, 2009 07.00 hrs. - Experience the wonderful procession of Buddha image and beautiful float in Bang Lamphu Square.


For more information :
Bangkokn Tourist Division, Tel. 0 2225 7612-4
TAT CAll Center 1672
http://www.songkran.net/