Kamphaeng Phet

Geographically located in the Lower North on the bank of the Ping River, Kamphaeng Phet is approximately 358 kilometres from Bangkok. To its east are riverine flatlands while the western areas are made up of high mountains lush with fertile forests where a number of national parks have been established.

Areas along the river bank at present-day. Mueang district used to host several ancient towns which had played a major role as strategic front-line frontiers since Sukhothai was the kingdom's capital down through the times of Ayutthaya and early Rattanakosin (Bangkok) eras. The name Kamphaeng Phet literally means "Diamond Wall" a reference to the apparent strength of this formerly walled city's protective barrier. This level of security was necessary, as the city previously helped to protect the Sukhothai and later Ayutthaya kingdoms against attacks from Burma or Lanna.

Things to do in Khamphaeng Phet,

• Visit Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, north of city (walk north, hard to miss) 09.00 -16.00. In former times Kamphaeng Phet was part of the Sukhothai kingdom. Ruins from this time are found to the immediate north of the new city.These along with the two related historical cities, became a world heritage site. 
• Connect with locals in Kamphaeng Phet by Sightseeing the fruits farm, agricultural Tours, Services for Farm, Rural and agricultural tours.

 "sweet yellow Marian plums" 

• Visit Khlong Lan National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติคลองลาน) covers an area of some 300 km over mountain ranges to the west of the province. The highest peak is about 1,400 metres. Of mainly virgin jungles, it is the source of several streams which flow into the Ping River. The park headquarters is near the Khlong Lan waterfall, about 60 km from town. Attractions within the park include the 95-metre high Khlong Lan Fall with scenic surroundings, and the Khlong Nam Lai Fall (น้ำตกคลองน้ำไหล), a 9-level cascade and located off Highway no.1117 at Km. 35 and 10 km further on). The Kaeng Ko Roi (แก่งเกาะร้อย) (off Highway No.1117 at Pong Nam Ron intersection) is a group of rock formations jutting out of the stream looking somewhat like all islands.
• Mae Wong National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติแม่วงก์) forms the border between Kamphaeng Phet and Nakhon Sawan and covers an area of about 894 square km. Most of the land is rich in various types of plants. Along the Khlong Lan -Umphang route passing through the park's area, which leads up to the mountains, are several viewing points between km 81 to 115. At Km. 102 is a beautiful road-side waterfall. Other falls within the park include the Mae Krasa (น้ำตกแม่กระสา), Mae Liwa (น้ำตกแม่ลีวา) and others.
• Khlong Wang Chao National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติคลองวังเจ้า) is located in King Amphoe Kosamphi Nakhon, 43 km from Kamphaeng Phet. This is an abundant forest with a density of naturally growing teak and beautiful waterfalls. Nearby the park, there is a hill tribe village.
• The hot springs of Phra Ruang not so far from the main town. A precise route is to follow Highway 101 north (towards Sukhothai) out of Kamphaeng Phet town for 13 km and then a left and 12 km up this road you'll come upon the springs, can't be missed.
• Otherwise there are many great national parks where you can do some hiking.

Local Product
Kluai Khai ("egg banana") is a famous product of this province. Raw and ripe bananas as well as other local produces such as sticky paste (made of rice, bean, sesame and sugar)

Festivals

The Nop Phra Len Phleng Fair (งานนบพระเล่นเพลง) is held during the celebrations of Makha Bucha (full moon in February). A tradition since the times of Sukhothai, it is described in the inscription stone found at Nakhon Chum of how processions were organised to pay homage to the town's major religious sites. The fair today consists of colorfully decorated parades of participants dressed in ancient attires crossing the Ping to pay homage to the Holy Relic on the Nakhon Chum side of the river.

Kluai Khai Fair (งานสารทไทยกล้วยไข่เมืองกำแพง) is held in September each year to promote the local banana for which the province is famous. There are banana contests and competitions on the making of Krayasat (a local sweet), as well as many entertainment performances.

Get In

Kamphaeng Phet is located halfway between Bangkok and Chiand Mai. Air-conditioned buses run regularly from Bangkok Northern Terminal to Chiang Mai, stopping off at Kamphaeng Phet on the way. Non air-conditioned buses are for inter-provincial travel to the other districts. Or by Mini-van from Victory Monument to Nakorn sawan, it cost 130 Baht per person, driving about 2.5 hours to reach Nakorn sawan city. Then take a bus from Nakorn sawan to Kamphaeng Phet take you another hour to get to Kamphaeng Phet.

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Mae Wong National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติแม่วงก์)

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Chiang Mai? Thailand? Let's go

Kanchanaburi

One of the major tourist destinations in Thailand, city located at the confluence of the rivers Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai. It is about 3 hours by car from Bangkok. Once we get there, it's very easy to get around with our own car, but there are standard local transport available for visitors; such as tuk tuk (songtaew), motorbike taxi and public bus. The tourist attractions in Kanchanaburi including the well-known waterfall (Sai Yok Waterfall), River Khwae; which is suit for rafting and fishing.

For most visitors the main sight of interest is the Bridge over the River Kwai (pronounced khwaae as in air), as the start of the infamous World War II Death Railway to Burma (now Myanmar), as well as the many associated museums. There is an increasingly thriving backpacker scene taking advantage of the chilled-out riverside vibe for those that need to get away from Bangkok. Kanchanaburi is also the gateway to the surrounding province of the same name. More foreign visitors are discovering why Thais know it as one of the most beautiful provinces in the country with its easily accessible waterfalls and national parks.

Kanchanaburi attractions;

Death railway: In the former time, Kanchanaburi was under Japanese control. It was here that Asian forced labourers and Allied POWs, building the infamous Burma Railway, constructed a bridge; an event immortalised in the film Bridge on the River Kwai. Almost half of the prisoners working on the project died from disease, maltreatment and accidents.

At Kanchanaburi, there is a memorial and two museums to commemorate the dead. In March 2003, the Thailand-Burma Railway Museum opened and the JEATH War Museum dedicated to the bridge and the Death Railway. The city is also home to the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. The Chong Kai Allies Cemetery is near Kanchanaburi, about 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) from Wat Tham Phu Wa.

Bridge over the River Kwai:

Located some 3 km north of Kanchanaburi (down New Zealand Road, off Saeng Chuto Road), this iron bridge (Saphan Mae Nam Kwae) across the Kwai Yai River is the main attraction for many visitors. Immortalized in the famous movie and novel, it was a part of the infamous Death Railway to Burma, constructed by POWs working for the Japanese in hellish conditions during World War II. Some 16,000 POWs and 90,000 Asian workers (most of them enslaved) died during the railway construction. The present iron bridge is the second wartime incarnation (a part of the original can be found in the War Museum), but two central 'boxy' spans were rebuilt after the war to replace three sections destroyed by Allied bombing.

You can cross the bridge on foot. While the centre of the track has been thoughtfully turned into a steel-plated walkway and there are little side platforms between the spans for sightseeing and avoiding trains. There are guardrails, but some areas of the bridge lack them, so be careful of small children! Off the end of the bridge, you can feed or ride an elephant bare-back at negotiated price of 600 baht per ride. At May 2010, the elephant was kept on a short chain, and had to stand in its own waste products.

As the bridge is still used locally, it is possible to take one of the trains that cross the bridge every day. The ride from Nam Tok (the train line's terminus) to River Kwai Bridge station takes a bit longer than 2 hours

Chongkai War Cemetery: (either bargain with a taxi or rent a bicycle to get there; it's at the west side of the river). A neatly maintained smaller cemetery 2 km out of town along the road that leads to Wat Thaopoom. This is the final resting place of Dutch and British forces. 

Thailand-Burma Railway Centre: 73 Jaokannun Rd (next to Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, near the south of Mae Nam Khae Road), ☎ +66 3 451 2721, 09:00-17:00 daily. Generally considered to be the best source of information regarding World War II in Thailand, railway construction and route, and the conditions endured by POWs and Asian labourers. Very moving exhibits, including video and interactive displays. A visit takes at least one hour, and probably longer if you want to read everything.Fee includes a free coffee or tea at upstairs cafe, where you can sit at the window bench overlooking the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. It is a good place to sit and reflect after your tour of the centre. 120 baht. 

World War II Museum and Art Gallery: Mae Nam Khwae Rd (about 50 m from the Bridge over the River Kwai). 08:30-17:30 daily. This well-signposted complex houses a bizarre collection of museums and exhibits, most of which are poorly maintained and labeled. To your left as you enter is the "War Museum", a 4 storey building encrusted with statues, which starts off with a little Burmese shrine but is mostly devoted to pre-WW2 Thai history through the ages and is filled with wall paintings of Kings and racks of rusty pistols. There are good views of the bridge from the roof of the riverside building. Above the WW2 museum is the most bizarre section, housing (among other things) dusty stamp collections and a gallery with wall paintings of all Miss Thailand winners. The World War II and (old) JEATH Museum is lurking in the basement. 40 baht. 

JEATH War Museum: Th Pak Phraek (Adjacent to the Wat Chaichumphon temple complex 1 km south of the town centre). 08:30-18:00. The free guide leaflet concludes with these salutary words - "May Peace Always Conquer Violence". Exhibits are housed in a palm hut, modelled on the kind of buildings that Death Railway POWs would have slept in. The exhibits themselves are timeworn and many have been attacked by insects and weather. It may seem a amateurish in it's style of curation. The temple complex next door is much more interesting. A cross-river boat service is available from the Jeath museum. This is the main drawcard of the World War II Museum and Art Gallery complex. It features a section of the first wooden bridge, recreations of the POW barracks and random military paraphernalia. Downstairs is an exhibit of prehistoric Thailand complete with semi-erotic murals. 40 baht.

Get In

By bus

BKS public buses (line 81) leave from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Taling Chan สายใต้ตลิ่งชัน), which is located far west in the suburb Thonburi. In Kanchanaburi, there are two separate but nearby bus terminals, with 1st class buses departing from an office off Thanon Saengchuto, and 2nd class buses from the larger terminal one block east.

1st class buses should leave Bangkok every 15 minutes from 05:00-22:30, take about 2 hours, and cost 110 baht, including a bottle of water.

2nd class buses (new route) leave Bangkok every 20 minutes from 03:30-19:00 and take about 2 hours.

2nd class buses (old route) leave Bangkok every 15-30 minutes from 04:00-18:00 and take about 3 hours.

There are also tourist minibuses directly to/from Khao San Road, departing Kanchanaburi at 13:30 and 18:30hrs.

There are also some buses leaving less frequently from Bangkok's Northern Mo Chit bus terminal (note: not the same as Mo Chit BTS station, and not within walking distance of it, although a standard 50 baht motorbike ride is available. It's often called "Mo Chit 2") 

Here are the times that you could find at the station:

First-class bus with toilet (3 hours, 122 baht): 06:00, 11:00, 14:30

Second class bus with no toilet inside: 05:00, 07:00, 09:30, 12:30, 17:00

Bus rides may be variable or cancelled (for example, with 14:30 being last of the day.) BUT there are vans available at the bus station leaving even when you're told there's no way to get there by bus! It may pay to talk to the information desk for this. 

From Nakhon Pathom, there are direct buses (2nd class only) every 15 to 30 minutes between 04:00 and 18:00, which take two hours. Alternatively, you can hop off a 1st class bus when it passes by Nakhon Pathom, but double-check with staff to ensure the route allows this and they know your plans.

From Sangkhlaburi to Kanchanaburi, you're spoilt for choice:

Air-con VIP buses leave at 08:45, 10:45 and 14:30 and take 4 hours.

Air-con minibuses leave at 06:30, 07:30, 11:30, 13:00, 15:30 and take 3.5 hours.

Standard buses leave at 06:45, 08:15, 10:15, 13:15 and take 5 hours.

By train

Trains leave Bangkok's Thonburi Train Station at 07:50 and arrive at Kanchanaburi at 10:25, also at 13:55 and arriving at 16:24. You may be interested in buying a ticket all the way to the River Kwai Bridge, since these two trains are the only ones which cross the bridge each day. Since December 2005, the fare is 100 baht for foreigners.

Be warned that reaching Thonburi Station from Khao San Road is harder than it looks; tuk-tuk drivers will try to charge you outrageous rates, and walking involves crossing two bridges and looping back a ways. The best way is probably to take the passenger boat from Phra Arthit Pier and connect to a cross-river ferry that reaches the Thonburi Railway pier, then walk or take the open minibus from there. The other way to reach Thonburi (Bangkok Noi) Station is walk little bit south from Thammasat university, take river ferry from Wat Mahathat to Wanglong, on the other side of river walk west until you reach main north-south road, here walk north until you reach big bridge where you will go under it and then just walk west to train station, all this from Khao San Road to train station takes only about 35 minutes easy walk and river ferry. You can also walk a bit away from Khao San Road and find a metered taxi that will not rip you off. The fare should be about 70-80 baht from Khao San on the meter. 

Return trains leave from the main railway station; from the River Kwai Bridge they leave 6 minutes earlier. Riding 3rd class is an adventure in itself, and definitely recommended.

Both train services continue to/from Nam Tok, the current terminus of the Death Railway. The normal trains will charge "Farangs" (Westerners) 100 baht in each direction from Kanchanaburi to Wang Pho, the last station before Nam Tok. The 10:30 train has a special tourist section, where the low, low price of 300 baht gets you air-con, a soft drink and a certificate of having ridden the Death Railway. This service has occasionally been operated by a steam engine, but usually uses an ordinary diesel DMU, and rail fans will have to content themselves with the Japanese-era steamers plinthed at the main and bridge stations, also at the waterfall in Nam Tok Noi. The steam train rides no longer operate.

By minivan

Minivans depart to Kanchanaburi from BTS Victory Monument. The minivans leave when they are full or every 15 minutes. The price is 130 baht from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi and 120 baht from Kanchanaburi to Bangkok.

By car

Kanchanaburi is about 3 hours drive from Bangkok, along Hwy 4 (Phet Kasem) from Bangkok until it meets Hwy 323. This will take you all the way to Kanchanaburi.

You can catch a taxi to Kanchanaburi, return to Bangkok for the day for around 2,000 baht. This should include stopping at the Bridge over River Kwai and museum, Kanchanaburi township, the local dam and the cemetery for the prisoners of war. You may need to pay a bit extra to visit Erawan Falls which is about an hour out of the town centre and the Tiger Temple.

By limousine taxi

Bangkok (Airport) limousines are a comfortable and swift means of travel between Thailand's capitol and Kanchanaburi. Transfer rates by luxury Japanese sedan are typically from 3,000-3,500 baht.

By Minibus

For shorter travel, day trips from Bangkok are commonly sold at Bangkok travel agencies. Typically these include Toyota minibus transport from one's hotel to Kanchanaburi and back (visiting the famous bridge, Erawan National Park, etc., depending on the package), and perhaps lunch and entrance fees. 

Sukhothai The Dawn of Happiness

One of the northern provinces (Changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Phrae, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, and Lampang. Sukhothai can be translated as Dawn of Happiness. with the provincial's "Source of national heritage, the Thai alphabets, the best Loy Krathong celebrations, firm foundation of Buddhism, the fine Teen Jok cloth, ancient chinaware, holy Pho Khun Ramkhamhaeng’s mother, dawn of happiness"

Sukhothai located in the valley of the Yom River on the lower edge of the northern region, 427 kilometres north of Bangkok, and covers some 6,596 square kilometres.

The Khao Luang Mountain Range, with its four main peaks: Khao Phu Kha, Khao Phra Mae Ya, Khao Chedi, and Pha Narai, lies within the Ramkhamhaeng National Park in the south of the province. The Si Satchanalai National Park is located in the north-west, protecting the mountainous forest areas of the Phi Pan Nam Range at the northern end of the province.

History

Sukhothai, meaning the Dawn of Happiness, was a town founded in the 13th century on the fringe of the Khmer empire. The exact year is unknown, but according to the Fine Arts Office it was between 1238 and 1257. Founded by Phokhun Si Intharathit, it was the first truly independent Thai (Siamese) Kingdom after defeating the Khmers. Sukhothai enjoyed a golden age under their third king, King Ramkhamhaeng, who was credited with creating the Khmer-derived Thai alphabet which is essentially the same as that in use today. He also laid the foundation for politics, the monarchy and religion, as well as expanding its boundary of influence. Sukhothai was later ruled by many kings. The province is most famous for the historic city of Sukhothai, the capital of the Sukhothai kingdom. It is located about 12 km from the modern New Sukhothai city. Not far from Sukhothai are the Si Satchanalai historical park and the Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park. Both were cities within the former Sukhothai kingdom and of the same time period.

The province was at first known as Sawankhalok; it then was renamed to Sukhothai.

Sukhothai Historical Park    Photo courtesy of 123rf.com

Sights / Attractions:

Sukhothai Historical Park (อุทยานประวัติศาสตร์สุโขทัย) is registered by the UNESCO as the world’s heritage like Sukhothai historical park.The capital of the Sukhothai kingdom in the 13th and 14th centuries,in what is now the north of Thailand. It is located near the modern city of Sukhothai, capital of the province with the same name. The city walls form a rectangle about 2 km east-west by 1.6 km north-south. There are 193 ruins on 70 square kilometers of land. There is a gate in the centre of each wall. Inside are the remains of the royal palace and twenty-six temples, the largest being Wat Mahathat. The park is maintained by the Fine Arts Department of Thailand with help from UNESCO which has declared it a World Heritage Site. The park sees thousands of visitors each year, who marvel at the ancient Buddha figures, palace buildings and ruined temples. The park is easily toured by bicycle or even on foot.

The protection of the area was first announced in the Royal Gazette on June 6, 1962. In 1976 the restoration project was approved, and in July 1988 the park was officially opened. On December 12, 1991, it was declared a World Heritage Site as part of the Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns together with the associated historic parks in Kamphaeng Phet and Si Satchanalai.

Ramkhamhaeng National Park

Widely known as Pa Kho Luang. It covers an area of about 341 square kilometers, or 213,125 rai. It is blessed with wildlife, birds, and natural beauties, including fertile tropical jungles and mountain. Ramkhamhaeng National Park, within the province of Sukhothai, is surrounded by the districts of Kirimas, Ban Dan Lan Hoi, and the provincial capital of Sukhothai.

Khao Luang

An important source of water for its surrounding areas. This exquisite national park, with a combined natural and historical background, covers an area of 341 square kilometres, and was declared to be a national park in year 1980. High hills and steep cliffs, some over 1,200 metres above sea level, together with fascinating falls and different species of plants and wildlife, are some of the major attractions available in this park offered to nature-loving tourists or visitors. Furthermore, the archaeological and historical sites with ancient remains and relics make the park even more attractive, especially for critics and theologians. The park also contains a lot of natural beauties, such as the Khao Luang mountain range, Sai Rung Waterfall, an herbal garden, and the Savannah located in the high country of the Khao Luang range. High country of the Khao Luang mountain range: The four main peaks of the park are within the high country. These peaks offer beautiful views. Khao Phu Ka and Khao Phra Mae Ya at 1,200 meters above sea level are the park's highest summits. Looking up from the park's headquarters, one can see the outline of a woman, in what some people would say is a very suggestive position, on one of the ridge lines.

Si Sachanalai National Park

Was proclaimed a national park on 8 May 1981. With a total area of 213 square kilometres in Amphoe Si Satchanalai and Amphoe Thung Saliam of Sukhothai Province, Si Satchanalai National Park offers trekking routes through waterfalls and caves. There is Tad Dao Waterfall, originated from the Tha Pae stream. The 30 meter high fall is wonderful, ideal for rest and relaxation. Thara Wasan Cave, blessed with fantastic stalactites and stalagmites, is located about 1.5 km away from the park's office. Wildlife is found here, including hundreds of thousands of bats. Tad Duan Waterfall, situated about 500 meters away form the office of the park, is ideal for swimming. Conveniently accessible. Everyone can enjoy.

Sangkhalok Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์สังคโลกสุโขทัย) 

Located within Mueang Ake Plaza, Thanon By-pass, just 12 kilometres off the old city. The museum displays more than 2,000 pieces of Sangkhalok ceramic wares collected from various sources both locally and internationally.

The Fish Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์ปลาในวรรณคดีเฉลิมพระเกียรติ)

Located in the Rama IX Park, along Highway 12. It displays a variety of fresh water fish mentioned in Thai literature, such as the travel poems titled Kap Ho Khlong Nirat Phra Bat and Kap Ho Khlong Praphat Than Thongdaeng, and the Kap He Ruea boat song by Chaofa Thammathibet (Chaofa Kung).

The Ramkhamhaeng National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติรามคำแหง) 

Houses many artifacts found from archaeological excavations in Sukhothai, as well as those donated by the locals. The museum is divided into three premises: the Lai Sue Thai Chet Roi Pi Memorial Building, Museum Building, and Outdoor Museum.

The Sawankhaworanayok National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติสวรรควรนายก) 

Houses exhibits in a two-storey building. Upstairs houses sculptural collections from various periods, mostly those formerly collected within the compound of Wat Sawankharam and offered by Phra Sawankhaworanayok. In addition, there are Buddha images, relocated from the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum, from the pre-Sukhothai to the early Ayutthaya period.

The Centre for Study and Preservation of Sangkhalok Kilns (ศูนย์ศึกษาและอนุรักษ์เตาสังคโลก -เตาทุเรียง) 

Considered the industrial area of Si Satchanalai. Numerous celadon wares in broken, as well as perfect, condition have been discovered. The kiln is oval in shape with a curved roof like that of a ferryboat and is 7–8 metres long. The centre consists of two buildings situated on the kiln site area with two kilns Nos. 42 (ground level) and 61 (underground) exhibited in situ. There are also exhibitions on artifacts, academic documents, and on the evolution of ancient ceramic wares.

Local Products:

Khanom Kliao (ขนมเกลียว) 

Famous snacks of Sukhothai made from wheat flour and egg, seasoned with salt and pepper, and made it into a twist shaped-dough. Fried until crispy and further glacé. It has a sweet taste and is available everywhere.

Activities:

Agrotourism

Cycling Route along the Orchards - Some visitors enjoy cycling around the orchards and tasting a variety of fruits like pomelo, santol, sapodilla, coconut, star fruit, various kinds of bananas, as well as the tasty and fleshy plum mango (Bouae Macrophylla) with its chicken-egged size.

Tambon Ban Tuek Community of Amphoe Si Satchanalai. This is a small and peaceful community filled with trees, paddy fields, and scenic mountain ranges, while tourists can enjoy the traditional life of fruit growers. Different types of fruits grown along the hilly terrain include longkong, langsat, mangosteen, durian, banana, pomelo, rambeh, and rambutan.

Eco and Soft Adventure Tourism

Cycling Route: The Old Town of Sukhothai Trips within the Sukhothai Historical Park are also made by personal or rental bikes.

Local Products:
Khanom Kliao (ขนมเกลียว) 
Famous snacks of Sukhothai made from wheat flour and egg, seasoned with salt and pepper, and made it into a twist shaped-dough. Fried until crispy and further glacé. It has a sweet taste and is available everywhere.
Sangkhalok ceramics (เครื่องสังคโลก) These replicas arguably look as good as the originals.

Thung Luang terra cotta (เครื่องปั้นดินเผา) of Khiri Mat district come in unique patterns. The products include flower pots, vases, basin, water jar, lamps, with perforated decorations of animal fiqures like frogs, bullfrogs, and dogs.

Butter-baked Banana (กล้วยอบเนย) A well-known snack of Amphoe Khiri Mat, it resembles another local sweet called Khanom Rang Nok made from sweet potato. This butter-baked banana snack is made from slicing raw banana horizontally, left to dry for half a day, seasoned with salt, deep fried, adding sugar, and giving it a good stir. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and add butter. This product is available everywhere.

Transportations:

By Roads There are 5 highways connecting Sukhothai:

Highway 12 connects the eastern districts starting at Ban Dan Lan Hoi and passing Muang and Kong Krailat districts to Phitsanulok province.

Highway 101, starting at Si Satchanalai district, connects the northern districts to the southern districts and passing Sawankhalok, Si Samrong, Muang and Khiri Mat districts to Kamphaeng Phet province.

Highway 102 connects Si Satchanalai district to Uttaradit province.

Highway 1180 connects Sawankhalok district to Si Nakhon district and Uttaradit province.

Highway 1048 connects Sawankhalok district to Thung Saliam district and Lampang province.

By Air

The airport is located in Amphur Sawankhalok and is about 30 km away from downtown. Flights operate daily between Sukhothai – Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

By Rail

Rail system in Sukhothai is one part of northern route from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong central station. Sukhothai is located on the main Chiang Mai – Bangkok line.

Songthaew (public passenger pick-up vehicles) 
Songthaews are the most popular form of public transport in the new city and the rural areas. Larger sized Songthaews travel to and from the old and new cities.

By Bus

Air-conditioned buses run regularly from Sukhothai Bus Terminal to Bangkok and Chiang Mai, stopping off at other major towns on the way. Non air-conditioned buses are for inter-provincial travel to the other districts.

Others

Tuk-tuks and motorbike-taxis are popular for short journeys within the new town.

Where To Stay at Nakorn Si Thammarat

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The below lists are accommodations by down town area;

Grand Park (แกรนด์ปาร์ค) 1204/79 Pak Nakhon Road (Tel: 0 75 317666–73), 80 rooms: 600-900 baht

The Twin Lotus (เดอะ ทวิน โลตัส) 97/8 Phatthanakan Khu Khwang Road (Tel: 0 75 323777 Fax: 0 75323821 ฺBangkok Tel: 0 2711–0357-9 Fax: 0 2381–0390), 10 rooms: 950-2,500 baht

Thai Fa (ไทยฟ้า) 1751/5 Chamroen Withi Road (Tel: 0 75 356727) , 13 rooms: 120–180 baht

Thai Hotel (ไทยโฮเต็ล) 1373 Ratchadamnoen Road (Tel: 0 75 341509, 0 75341512 Fax: 0 75344858), 215 rooms: 200-1,310 baht

Thai Li (ไทยหลี) 1130 Ratchadamanoen Road (Tel: 0 75 356948, 356319), 20 rooms: 120–140 baht
Thaksin (ทักษิณ) 1548/23 Si Prat Road (Tel: 0 75342790-4 Fax: 0 75342790), 120 rooms: 490-1,900 baht

Nakhon Hotel (นครโฮเต็ล) 1477/5 Yommarat (Tel: 0 75 356318), 42 rooms: 140–350 baht
Nakhon Garden (นครการ์เด้น) ¼ Pak Nakhon Road, Tambon Tha Wang (Tel: 0 75 313333), 50 rooms: 455 baht

Bua Luang (บัวหลวง) 1487/19 Soi Luang Mueang, Chamroen Withi Road (Tel: 0 75 341518, 341570 Fax: 343418), 84 rooms: 320 baht

Phet Pailin (เพชรไพลิน) 1835/38–39 Yommarat Road (Tel: 0 75 341896-7 Fax: 343943), 80 rooms: 200–640 baht
Montien (มณเฑียร) 1509/40–41 Yommarat Road (Tel: 0 75 341908–10 Fax: 345561), 100 rooms: 220–500 baht

V.P. Guesthouse (วีพีเกสท์เฮ้าท์) 1209/30 Yommarat Road (Tel: 0 75 314777–81 Fax: 314782), 47 rooms: 300–540 baht

Sakon (สากล) 1414/1 Buranaram Road (Tel: 0 75 356080), 23 rooms: 220–300 baht

Siam (สยาม) 1403/17 Chamroen Withi Road (Tel: 0 75 356090), 50 rooms: 100–300 baht

Udom Hotel (อุดมโฮเต็ล) 1461/8-9 Yommarat Road (Tel: 0 75 356310, 075356645), 105 rooms: 130–250 baht

North-Eastern

Surin 

A town in Isaan, Thailand.The land of big elephants, prestigious silk, beautiful rosary, many Khmer ruins, sweet radish, fragrant rice, and rich culture. It's a large province in the Northeastern Isaan region. The people of the region have always been highly regarded for a particular skill capturing and taming elephants.

Surin, a quiet town, its one claim to fame is its annual Elephant Roundup, which takes place in November (book a room in advance). Surin is well-known for its elephants. Surin's people have a long relationship with elephants and they have become the provincial icon. Throw in plenty of Khmer ruins, beautiful silk, and aromatic jasmine rice and they all make Surin an interesting destination.

A few attractions to explore in Surin;

• Surin National Museum - has exhibits relating to the geography, history and ethnic groups of Surin. The museum is located about four km south of the city along Route 214. There is nothing to see along the road, and given the speed of cars and the lack of a side walk, walking is not recommended. The pink songthaew from the city will take you to the museum for 10 Baht, or use a tuk-tuk/samlor.
• Silk Village - Statue of the founder of Surin
• Wats - Surin has several.
• Elephant training village - at Tha Tum, about 60 km away.

Festivals:

The Elephant Roundup is a three-day long event where elephants roam the streets of Surin and perform in various activities; soccer and beauty contests.

Khmer-era temples: These stretch from the border westwards to Buriram Province. There are few organised tours (tourism is not overly big in Isaan). You can always find an (expensive) rental car, with driver, at your hotel, or it is possible to visit the major temples by using the local public transport system (this is very cheap). Ask you hotel or guest house for instructions. (Most signs at the bus and train station are in Thai, but the staff are very helpful).

• Prasat Ta Meuan - a complex of three structures built in the 12th–13th centuries around the time of the Cambodian king Jayavarman VII. The largest building is Prasat Ta Meuan Thom. It is surrounded by an outer wall, and contains a large central, rectangular building on a north-south axis. To the south is Prasat Ta Meuan Toht, a smaller structure, with an outer wall. The last and smallest of three is Prasat Ta Meuan, a small building with no wall, approx 15m x 5m in size. All of these buildings show signs of disrepair and looting. A return journey by taxi to the complex will cost you 2000 baht (April 2007). There are occasional excursion buses, when there is sufficient interest. Check with your hotel or travel agent. There is no on-site English language assistance, nor much information about the complex. There may still be unexploded land mines from the days of the Khmer Rouge. Stay on the paths and do not wander into the surrounding jungle. Entry is free.
• Prasat Sikhoraphum - a set of temple ruins in a quiet surroundings, can be reached by bus or train (30 km, 1 hour plus)
• Prasat Hin Phluang - a collection of several minor ruins near the Cambodian border; private transport (watch out for landmines!)
• Prasat Phumpon - a small and jumbled collection of ruins (60 km)

Get There: 

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By Car

From Bangkok, head north via Hwy 1 (Pahonyothin Rd) and merge onto Hwy 2 (Mittraphap Rd) at Saraburi. Use Hwy 24 (Chok Chai-Det Udom) via Nang Rong, Prasat, then turn left onto Hwy 214 to Surin. This route is 457 km long. From Nakhon Ratchasima, motorists can use Hwy 226, en route via Chakkrarat, Huai Thalaeng, Lam Plai Mat, and Buri Ram to Surin. This route is 434 km long.

By Bus

Bangkok's northern bus terminal (Mo Chit 2) on Kamphaeng Phet II Rd has daily service to Surin. 

Minibuses (60 baht) connect the town with Chong Chom, which hosts a border crossing with O'Smach in Cambodia.

A bus from Si Saket will cost 92 baht.

Bus and train terminals are within easy walking distance, about 300 m apart.

By train

Trains regularly leave Bangkok's Hualamphong and Bang Sue stations for Surin. For more information, call 1690, 0-2220-4334, 0-2220-444 - or visit here

Tiger Temple - Wat Pa Luang Ta Bua

Wat Pa Luang Ta Bua, 

popularly known as the Tiger Temple, is the biggest tourist trap of the region. Admission starts at 600 baht per person, but depending on the 'experience' you'd like, goes as high as 5,000 baht. The temple is nowhere to be seen, but the tigers are lounging in a dusty canyon, surrounded by minders in yellow shirts and overseen by a monk off in the corner. When they are not sitting unnaturally still, the tigers are kept in barren concrete cells. You can watch the tigers from a distance, and when your time comes, the minders will take your camera and snap a few photos of you crouching behind the comatose tiger, as well as a few close-ups of the tigers themselves.

You can also pay a 1,000 baht extra for a "special" photo with a tiger, where you can have the head of a semi-unconscious one put in your lap. It's all kind of odd, but the pictures will certainly wow your friends, unless they value animal welfare over souvenirs in which case you might seriously disappoint them. Unverified reports of a tourist being seriously mauled by the tigers abound, regardless of which it is only common sense to not annoy tigers. A few years of domestication will not erase centuries of innate wildness.

Also, you are NOT allowed to wear bright yellow, pink or orange tee-shirts, or they will not allow you inside. You must also sign a release form, just in case you're harmed by the many animals at the temple (there are also water buffalo and deer roaming the parkland). You MUST bring your own camera, because the trainers do not have any.

The tiger temple is off the road heading to Sai Yok. you can take a bus heading towards Sai Yok or Sangkhlaburi. There is a sign about 1 km before the Tiger Temple. Once you see the sign make a big fuss and run up to the front of the bus and motion that you want to get off. The temple itself is about 1-2 km down the side road. To get back to kanchanburi, you can either try to flag down a bus on the main road going towards Kanchanaburi or you might be able to buy a ride with one of the minibus tour groups. You could also rent a motorbike and ride there yourself.

In the past, reports from Tiger Temple volunteer workers and staff revealed that the tigers were maltreated and abused by the abbot of the temple and his staff. A 2008 report from the British conservation group Care for the Wild International (CWI) reveals disturbing evidence of animal abuse and illegal tiger trafficking at the temple. It has since been revealed that the animals are drugged on a daily basis, although there are some travellers reporting otherwise. There are numerous conservation and animal welfare groups campaigning against the controversial Tiger Temple, which has a track record of ill-treatment of the animals, including tigers disappearing in trucks during the night.

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If you'd like to ignore the warnings of many travellers before you, as well as the reports of conservation experts, then to get to the temple, you can approach a Song thaew (Tuk Tuk) driver at the bus terminal and ask to hire him for an afternoon as you should best visit the temple then and not in the morning. He should charge about 700 baht for a hire from 13:00-18:00hrs.

Snoop Lion - Torn Apart ft. Rita Ora Phuket Bounce!

Rita Ora and Snoop Lion (formerly known as Snoop Dogg) have finally released the video to track Torn Apart which features on Snoop's most recent album Reincarnated. Torn Apart is #1 on the Billboard reggae charts! The Video, which begins with the pair in a bar, evolves to become a reminiscence of the party scene that we all love and expect from Snoop Lion, featuring the legendary rapper and UK RIP sensation Rita Ora partying on a tropical beach. The single features British singer Rita Ora has a feel good reggae melody that matches the videos exotic backdrop. The music video is shot on the sandy beaches of Phuket, Thailand, the perfect getaway! Enjoy watching....

Chiang Mai

The largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand. It is the capital of Chiang Mai Province, a former capital of the Kingdom of Lanna, and was the tributary Kingdom of Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai located approximately 700 km (435 mi) north of Bangkok, among the highest mountains in the country. The city is along the Ping River, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya River. Chiang Mai means "new city" and was so-named because it was the new capital

In recent years, Chiang Mai has become an increasingly modern city and has been attracting over 5 million visitors each year, of which between 1.4 million and 2 million are foreign tourists.

It has also recently positioned itself to become a Creative City, and is considering applying for Creative City Status with UNESCO. Chiang Mai is one of two tourist destinations in Thailand on TripAdvisor's list of "25 Best Destinations in the World", where it stands in place 24.

Chiang Mai's historic importance is derived from its close proximity to the Ping River and major trading routes.

While officially the city (thesaban nakhon) of Chiang Mai only covers most parts of the Mueang Chiang Mai district with a population of 160,000, the urban sprawl of the city now extends into several neighboring districts. This Chiang Mai Metropolitan Area has a population of nearly one million people, more than half the total of Chiang Mai Province. The city is subdivided into four wards (khwaeng): Nakhon Ping, Srivijaya, Mengrai, and Kawila. The first three are on the west bank of the Ping River, and Kawila is located on the east bank. Nakhon Ping district comprises the north side of the city. Srivijaya, Mengrai, and Kawila consist of the west, south, and east respectively. The city center—within the city walls—is mostly within Srivijaya ward.

With the significant city in northern Thailand; Chiang Mai has a tropical wet and dry climate tempered by the low latitude and moderate elevation, with warm to hot weather year-round, though night time conditions during the dry season can be cool and are much lower than daytime highs. The maximum temperature ever recorded is 42.4°C in May 2 

Chiang Mai has over 300 Buddhist temples (called "wat" in Thai).These include:

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, the city's most famous temple, stands on Doi Suthep, a hill to the northwest of the city.

Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, dates from the 13th century. King Mengrai lived here during the construction of the city. This temple houses two important and venerated Buddha figures, the marble Phra Sila and the crystal Phra Satang Man.

Wat Phra Singh is located within the city walls, dates from 1345 and offers an example of classic northern Thai style architecture. It houses the Phra Singh Buddha, a highly venerated figure brought here many years ago from Chiang Rai.

Wat Chedi Luang was founded in 1401 and is dominated by a large Lanna style chedi which took many years to finish. An earthquake damaged the chedi in the 16th century and only two-thirds of it remains.

Festivals

Thousands of Khom Fai in Mae Jo during Loi Kratong

A truckload of people after getting hit by water during Songkran in Chiang Mai

A street in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai hosts many Thai festivals, including:

Loi Krathong (known locally as Yi Peng): Held on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar, being the full moon of the 2nd month of the old Lanna calendar. In the western calendar this usually falls in November. Every year thousands of people assemble floating banana-leaf containers (krathong) decorated with flowers and candles onto the waterways of the city to worship the Goddess of Water. 

Lanna-style sky lanterns (khom fai or kom loi), which are hot-air balloons made of paper, are launched into the air. The sky lanterns are believed to help rid the locals of troubles and are also taken to decorate houses and streets.

Songkran: Held in mid-April to celebrate the traditional Thai new year. Chiang Mai has become one of the most popular locations to visit for this festival. A variety of religious and fun-related activities (notably the good-natured city-wide water-fight) take place each year, along with parades and a Miss Songkran beauty competition.

Chiang Mai Flower Festival: A three-day festival held during the first weekend in February each year, this event occurs when Chiang Mai's temperate and tropical flowers are in full bloom. Tam Bun Khan Dok, the Inthakin (City Pillar) Festival, starts on the day of the waning moon of the six lunar month and lasts 6–8 days.

Activities

Elephant Camp: Chiang Mai Visit an Elephant Camp where you can enjoy an Elephant Show, Elephant Ride, River Rafting and Ox Cart Ride when you visit Chiang Mai, Thailand

Shopping: Chiang Mai has a large and famous night bazaar for local arts and handicrafts. The night bazaar sprawls across several city blocks along footpaths, inside buildings and temple grounds, and in open squares. A handicraft and food market opens every Sunday afternoon till late on Rachadamnoen Road, the main street in the historical centre, which is then closed to motorised traffic. Every Saturday evening a handicraft market is held along Wua Lai road, Chiang Mai's silver street on the south-side of the city beyond Chiang Mai gate, which is then also closed to motorized traffic.

Thai massage: The back streets and main thoroughfares of Chiang Mai have an abundance and variety of massage parlours which offer anything from quick, simple, face and foot massages, to month-long courses in the art of Thai massage.

Thai cookery: A number of Thai cooking schools have their home in Chiang Mai (see also Thai food).

For IT shopping, there's Pantip Plaza just south of Night Bazaar, as well as Computer Plaza, Computer City, and Icon Square near the northern moat and IT City department store in Kad Suan Kaew mall.

Dining

Khantoke dinner is an old Lanna Thai tradition in Chiang Mai. It is an elaborate dinner or lunch which is offered by a host to guests at various ceremonies or parties, e.g., at weddings, housewarmings, celebrations, novice ordinations, or funerals. It can also be held for temple celebrations such as celebrations for specific buildings in a Thai temple and at Buddhist festivals such as Khao Pansa, Og Pansa, Loi Krathong, and Thai New Year (Songkran).

Transportations

Bus,train and air connections serve Chiang Mai well. A number of bus stations link the city to central and northern Thailand.

The Central Chang Pheuak terminal (north of Chiang Puak Gate) provides local services within Chiang Mai province and the Chiang Mai Arcade bus terminal north-east of the city (requires Songthaew or tuk-tuk ride, see below) provides services to over 20 other destinations in Thailand including Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and Phitsanulok. There are several services a day from Chiang Mai Arcade terminal to Bangkok (a 10–12 hour journey).

Train

The state railway operates 14 trains a day to Chiang Mai Station from Bangkok. Most journeys run overnight and take approximately 12–15 hours. Most trains offer first-class (private cabins) and a second-class (seats fold out to make sleeping berths) service..

Air 

Chiang Mai International Airport receives up to 28 flights a day from Bangkok (flight time about 1 hour 10 minutes) and also serves as a local hub for services to other northern cities such as Chiang Rai, Phrae and Mae Hong Son...

Shopping at Nakorn Si Thammarat; The Local Touch

Shopping at Nakorn Si Thammarat, as its province well known of the Nielloware, Brassware, Necklaces, Shadow play making and Yan Liphao basketry, which the amazing style, beautiful patterns, these stuff are always amazed tourist or visitor who came to Nakorn Si Thammarat.

Nielloware (เครื่องถมนคร) is a famous craft of the province and is well known since the old days. There are two types; black surface with white designs and black surface with gold designs. The Nakhon Si Thammarat College of Arts and Handicrafts teaches this craft. Nielloware of this province is popular for its durability and intricate designs by hand. The finished product is a bright, shiny black object with beautiful patterns. Items include rings, necklaces, bracelets, bowls, pedestals, and trays. The best shopping area is Tha Chang Road, behind Sanam Na Mueang in the area of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, Nakhon Si Thammarat Municipality, and the Tha Wang market area.

Brassware (เครื่องทองเหลือง) can be found at the Suan Maphrao Thai-Muslim village behind Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan. The only brassware product now available is a cylinder for making noodles.

Necklaces (สร้อยนะโม สร้อยเงิน สร้อยสามกษัตริย์) have long been the work of local silversmiths who can create gold, silver and mixed (gold, silver and an alloy) necklaces. The centre is at Tha Chang Road behind Sanam Na Mueang.

Shadow play making (การแกะหนังตลุง) is an art that goes with the popular southern entertainment of shadow play. Thai shadow play figures have been transformed from those found in Java so that they are now very Thai. The hands and feet of the figures are fully movable during performances. The hide used can be either raw cow or goat hide. Designs are made by using chisels of various sizes to make small holes along drawn patterns. The price of each figure varies according to the delicateness and size of each one. Shadow play figures are now important products of Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phatthalung. Nakhon Si Thammarat city, in particular, has plenty of shops selling this unique product.

Yan Liphao basketry (จักสานย่านลิเภา) is another famous product of the South, particularly in Nakhon Si Thammarat where people have been making it for over 100 years. Yan Liphao is a climbing plant that grows in damp places. It likes to exist among other plants. The trunk is very tough and durable, so locals found a way to make good use of it by making household goods such as handbags, tobacco boxes, tea utensils, etc. Some pieces are encased in silver alloy, gold alloy or gold. It takes around 10 days to a month to make one item, depending on the details of the design. The major Yan Liphao production spots are Ban Mon, Tambon Tha Rua and Ban Na Khian, Tambon Na Khian, both in Amphoe Mueang, and families in Fort Vajiravudh.

Kapho fans (พัดใบกระพ้อ) are made from a kind of palm called Ton Pho by locals. The villagers of Ban Khok Yang in Ron Phibun use their spare time to make the fans. The leaves are dried and then woven into fans. Some are dyed into bright colors and sold at reasonable prices. Kapho fans are well known and sold throughout the country. Fans in Nakhon Si Thammarat can be bought at stores at Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, souvenir shops on Tha Chang Road and in Bowon Bazaar in the Tha Wang market area.