Thailand Travel Health, Thailand Hotels

Archive for March, 2009

Koh Kood-Trat

Koh Kood Island, Trat

The island is rather flat compared to Ko Chang with the highest mountain on the island, Khao Phaenth, measuring 315 metres. It has a good number of wonderful beaches with crystal clear water (Ta Pho Beach, Khlong Chao Beach, Thakian Beach, Phrao Beach etc.). Inland, the island is very wild with a lot of coconut and rubber tree plantations located in the plains.Most of the island inhabitants live off of the cultivation of coconut, rubber production or fishing. But meanwhile the expanding tourism industry gives more and more work to the less than 2,000 residents.

The best time for a visit to Koh Kood is between beginning of November and the end of February. At this time it is relatively cool, dry and mostly sunny. But until the end of May, when it is hotter than the cool season, a visit is still convenient. Even during monsoon season, Koh Kood is worth visiting for it doesnt rain every day and all day long. Activities on Koh Kood – Besides lazing on the beach, snorkeling at the beautiful coral reefs or just watching stars at night; visitors can also visit nearby islands for snorkeling and other activities.

The original inhabitants of Koh Kood were Thais and Cambodians who fled to the Thai territory when the French took over the city of Padjantakiri in 1904. The oldest community is Klong Mad Village whose residents still make a living out of planting rubber trees, cultivation of coconuts and basic fisheries. But the biggest community on Koh Kood is Ao Yai Village, a harbor where many fishing boats seek refuge during rough weather. Koh Kood (Koh Kud) has an essential infrastructure which includes a hospital, couple of schools, a police station, electricity (mainly for state-run facilities), water and telephone system. Fuel and solar energy are the main source of power on the island.

Ridged plains have given rise to many inland brooks, streams and waterfalls. The Klong Chao Waterfall is probably the most impressive with it’s height and spread. With three tiers it allows visitors to swim and bathe in the waters all year around. It was visited by King Rama VI in 1911 and was given the royal name ‘Anamkok Waterfall’ in commemoration to Ong Chiang Lue, a Vietnamese king taking refuge in the Kingdom of Thailand during the reign of King Rama I in the late 18th century.

By Air Plane
Operated by Bangkok Airways There are three daily flights to Trat from Bangkok leaving at 08.30am.,14.30pm and at 17.30 pm. The flight takes about 1 hour.

There are also three daily flights to Bangkok from Trat leaving at 10.00 am., 16.00 pm. ,and 19.00 pm. The flights takes about 55 minutes
Trat Airport is located far from Laem Ngob Pier and Dan Khao Pier about 30 kilometers, and about 60 kilometers Laem Sork Pier.

By Car
Taking the Motorway (Highway 7) that is a continuation of Rama IX. This road goes onwards and meets highway 344.Follow this road pass Banbung and when you reach The Klaeng Crossroads turn left onto highway 3 and continue on toward Trat.

By Bus
Public buses leave for Trat from Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) and Northern Bus Terminal (Mor Chit), taking 5-6 hours.

  Koh Kood Map

Koh Kood Resort

Ana Lay Resort Koh Kood

Hotels nearby

Erawan Elephant Museum

Erawan Elephant Museum

www.erawan-museum.com

LOCATION: Sukhumwit Road as you enter Samut Prakan
OPENING HOURS: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

As you drive into Samut Prakan Province from Bangkok, you can’t help but notice the giant three-headed elephant alongside Sukhumwit Road. This is the Erawan Museum contained within the world’s largest elephant. The height is about 50 metres or 15 storeys high. The five storey museum inside the elephant will contain antiquities. The Erawan Museum is being built by the owners of Ancient City.

Erawan Museum is unique for it is housed in the body of the world’s largest bronze elephant. Even if you put the priceless heritage of the museum aside, the gigantic majestic structure is enough in itself to demand a visit.

The Museum is in shape of a huge bronze elephant with three heads. Inside the colossal elephant sculpture are many sections. Each section, adorned with stained glass, takes the ancient Thai bas-relief sculpture. You can take staircases or lift to reach various sections of the museum.

The five-storey museum showcases the late Khun Lek’s priceless collection of ancient religious items. The lower pedestal houses the oldest artefacts, while the upper level has ancient Buddha statues and other antique objects. From the lower level in the elephant’s belly, you can watch picturesque gardens below. Second level is the sort of celestial chapel presenting more Buddha idols. Blue and gold decorated walls give you distinct environment.

The hollow elephant idol stands on a base pedestal bedecked with tiny tiles enameled in the style of Thai Benjarong ceramics. The elephant represents mythological pachyderm Airavata, who is known as Erawan in Thai language. Airawata is considered the vehicle of God Indra in Hindu mythology. It’s height is about 50 meters.

Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park

Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park

Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park has an area of 307 square kilometers. It lies in Dansai disteict of Loei province and Nakhon Thai district of Phitsanulok province. Phu Hin Rong Kla is blessed with natural beauty and historical significance. Unfortunately, the fighting there during communist years did priceless damage to the forest. The geologied features landscape and natural beauty in the area have been restored and protected after the communist insurgents loss.

From 1968 to 1972, the mountains of Phu Hin Rong Kla were the major strongholds for the communists, who were threatening the political stability of the nation. In 1982, government forces began the battle in Phu Khang, and attempt to drive out the insurgents. Forces from the First, Second and Third Army of the Regional Army Commend joined together with the Aviation Divison, Special Force center, the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force, and Civilian Thai Forces in trying vanquish the communists. The government forces were unsuccessful, primarily because of the unforgiving terrain, set high up in the mountains in mostly dense forest.

The Army changed its battle plan after initial setbacks and eventually rousted the communests. The Third Army and various military forces, the police and Civilian Forces and the Civilian-Police Military 33, (P.T.T.33) led by Major Pairot Chanurai defeated the communists wihtout bloodshed. Villagers in the area. Mostly Hmong, who had initially sided with the communists, eventually decided to abandon their allies. The communists were forced to give up their territory. After that, the P.T.T.33 began to develop the area by building a road. The paperwork was also begun to establish a national park. The Third Army and the Royal Forest Department begun the discussion about turning the area to be park.

In February 1983, the National Park Division sent officials to survey the area and concluded that it had fantastic natural beauty, served as an important watershed, and had many historical points such as Lan Hin Taek and Lan Hin Pum. It was deemed on agreement that Phu Hin Rong Kla had ability to be national park. The Royal Forest Department proposed the park and the assembly on March 15, 1983. A decree made areas of Nakhon Thai district in Phitsanulok as well as Dansai district of Loei into national park in 1984. Phu Hin Rong Kla officially became Thailand’s 48th national park.

Online accommodation booking

Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park
P.O. Box 3 Amphur Nakhon Thai Phitsanulok Thailand 65120
Tel. 0 5523 3527 Fax 0 5523 3527 E-mail rongkla-00@thaimail.com

Ao Phang-nga National Park

Believe It or Not Tabu Island was created because of anger. There is a local story that said : once upon a time, there was a fisherman who normally caught a lot of fish everyday for selling at the market. One day, as usual, he went to net, but it was not his day. He threw his net many, many times but got nothing. With great patience he tried again and again, but still got nothing.

Consequently, he stared at the water looking for a waving pattern, he then threw his net again with a lot of hope. He kept his eyes fixed on the net when pulling it up, hoping some fish would be caught. Unfortunately he caught nothing but a nail. He became angry and threw the nail into the sea.

Again with great concentration, he kept his eyes on the sea surface and tried his net once more. This time he threw his net as wide as he could with great hope of getting some fish. Then he pulled it up slowly as it was very heavy. He pulled it up with great care. At the end of the net he found the only thing caught was the same nail.

He was so angry, he grasped his long knife and cut the nail with all his strength. The nail was cut in half. The nail was catapulted away and driven into the buttom of the sea standing up as you see it today.

The area around Phangnga bay has a long history and is famed for its nature and beauty, especially Ko Tabu, Ko Panyi, Tham Lot and Khao Phing Kan. The rock art in this area has always been an important attraction

The popularity of the Phang Nga bay area led to the designation of the current area as a forest park in 1974, this was named Sri Phang Nga Forest Park. The Royal Forest Department then began to survey the area and realised it’s heritage should be further protected by increasing the areas status to a national park.

Ao Phangnga was created by Royal decree and gazetted under proclaimation number 98 section 64 of 29th April 1981. The park created covers an area of 400 sq.km, protects the largest area of this original primary mangrove forest remaining in Thailand. The park stretches from Muang Phangnga District to the coast at Takua Tung District. Over 80 % of the park is covered by the Andaman sea, with over 42 large and small islands, including such as Phra At Tao Island, Maprow Island, Boi Noi Island, Boi Yai Island, Rayaring Island, Phanak Island, Hong Island, Panyi Island, Phing Kan Island etc.

Hotels in Phang-nga

Ao Phang-nga National Park  Accommodations

Phuphan National Park

Phuphan National Park

Topography and climate
There are 3 forest types within 665 square kilometers Phu Phan. Dry Dipterocarp is the most common covering 42% of the park. Dry everygreen is the second most common and is found mostly in the southern part of the park. Mixed Deciduous is a transitional forest type found between the Dry Dipterocarp uplands and the Dry Everygreen areas located next to water.

There are at least 162 species of animals in the park, most of which are birds. There is one herd of wild elephants, but they are in an area with few trails and thus rarely seen. There are also monkeys, barking deer and wild pigs.

Hot season runs from late January until May, with temperatures sometimes reaching 40ºC. Rainy season begins around June and goes on till late October. Cool season lasts from November until January with temperatures in the evening down to about 17ºC.

Tourist attractions

Khom Hom waterfall A small three layered waterfall with water in the rainy season and for a couple of months into the cold season. Popular with locals at weekends.

Phra Tha Phu Phek The ruins of a building built to hold the breast bone of Buddha. Located on top of Phu Phan mountain. People climb the 500 steps to get the good views.

Seri Thai cave

Accommodations and facilities
The park has a visitor center with information on tourist attractions and forest types. Some of the information are in English language. A basic store selling soft drinks and snacks, and a food vendor selling Thai food are available.

There is a bungalow which has 2 rooms (6 people per room). Camping area is at Nang Meurn cliff. More facilities are being built.

How to get there
From Sakon Nakhon take a local bus or truck to Ban Comb Lie which is located on the route no. 213 at 24 km from the city.

Contact address
Phu Phan National Park
Tombol Huay-yang, Amphur Mueang
Sakon Nakron 47260
Tel: 042-715 180

    Sakhon Nakhorn Map

Phu Phan National Park
Huai Yang Sub-district, Amphur Muang Sakon Nakhorn Sakhon Nakhorn Thailand 47000
Tel. 0 4272 6616 (VoIP), 0 4270 3044 Fax 0 4270 3044
http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style1/default.asp
phuphannt_2006@yahoo.com