Wat Wang Wiwekaram

Wat Wang Wiwekaram
Amphoe Sangkhla Buri, Kanchanaburi

About 6 km. from Amphoe Sangkhla Buri, this temple is the residence of Luangpho Uttama, a respected monk of Thais and Mons including Karens and Burmese living in the area. On the riverside, an elegant marble Buddha image named “Luangpho Khao” is situated in the Wihan (Buddhist assembly hall). Besides, 1 km. from the temple, the Buddha Gaya Chedi with a square-formed base is situated containing relics of Lord Buddha’s right thumb. Near the pagoda, there are lots of shops selling products from Myanmar such as clothing, cosmetics, Burmese talcum powder and wooden furniture at low prices.
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Every year, in February, there is a festival to celebrate Luangpho Uttama’s birthday. Activities include religious rituals, Muai Khat Chueak boxing, performances from the Cultural Folk Club such as Mon classical dance, Karen’s Ram Tong, etc. In the festival, people will get dressed in Thai-Raman typical costumes and prepare sets of food offerings to carry on their heads and give to the monks.

Sangkhla Buri Jungle Trek

Sangkhla Buri Jungle Trek
Amphoe Sangkhla Buri, Kanchanaburi

This service is offered to tourists by hotels in Amphoe Sangkhla Buri. The programme starts with rowing boats along Huai Song Ka Lia, riding elephants and rafting. Please contact tour agencies in Kanchanaburi in advance or get more information at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Central Region Office, Region 1, or call Tel. 0 3462 3691 and 0 3451 2500.

Khao Laem National Park

Khao Laem National Park
Amphoe Sangkhla Buri, Kanchanaburi

About 190 km. from Kanchanaburi on Highway 323 (Thong Pha Phum-Sangkhla Buri), the national park is situated at Km. 40, about 30 km. to Amphoe Sangkhla Buri. With an area of 815 sq. km. covering Amphoe Thong Pha Phum and Amphoe Sangkhla Buri including forest, Khwae Noi River and Vajiralongkorn Dam (or Khao Laem Dam), it is a peaceful pleasant park with Huai Kateng Cheng flowing through it. Tourists can camp and start the journey there to learn about nature along the waterfall.

Namtok Kateng Cheng
This medium-sized waterfall has 23 levels, and each level has its own different unique form. The distance from the first level to the highest one is about 2 km.; therefore, it is suitable for visual studies of various kinds of forests; banana forest, bamboo forest, evergreen forest and mixed deciduous forest. Moreover, especially at the sixteenth level a large beautiful tree exists and another huge one requires at least 13 adults holding hands to encircle.
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To experience this waterfall, tourists have to go on foot from the national park office taking about 2-3 hours. After about 2 km., they will get to the first level of the waterfall. Climbing up to the higher levels, they will find a sight-seeing point at the top of the waterfall where they can see Khao Laem Dam at a bird’s eye view.
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After that, visitors can choose to return by foot and take a jungle trek through the fertile virgin forest instead of the one they depart from. During the journey, they will pass fascinating fern forest, Rakam (zalacca) forest, lichi and Mafai forest. Furthermore, it is pleasant to hear the echoing sound of water falling over the rocks all the time.
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However, the rainy season is not a good time to visit this waterfall. Tourists should ask for official guides of the park office. Accommodation service and camping is available. Admission is Bt400 for adults and Bt200 for children.
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For further information, please contact the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, Bangkhen, at Tel. 0-2562-0760 or at the website http://www.dnp.go.th/.

The Phuket International Marathon 2007

The Phuket International Marathon 2007

the largest destination marathon in South East Asia, will take place on Sunday 17th June 2007

Only in its sophomore year, the Phuket International Marathon 2007 looks set to build substantially upon the success of last year’s inaugural event.

Organisers Go Adventure Asia are expecting a 100 per cent increase in participants – including 1,500 international runners from 40 different countries – which will provide a global platform for the beautiful Thai region.

The date of the event was specifically chosen to maximise the benefits of the event for the island. Held during a traditional low-season the, Phuket International Marathon 2007 will encourage the tourist industry to thrive throughout a typically quiet period.

The focus of the event is not on breaking world records but in establishing a respected competition that exposes the true beauty of Phuket. Following the Tsunami disaster in 2004, the organisers set out to create an event that celebrated how the people, businesses, and landscape of Thailand had recovered and were moving forward.

In 2007, Go Adventure Asia is encouraging runners to raise money for a charity of their choice. This is a new concept in Thailand, but the organisers hope to emulate the success of the London Marathon, whose 9500 participants raised in excess of £12 million in 2006. The Phuket International Marathon 2007 has nominated HOPE worldwide (Thailand) as its official charity. HOPE worldwide (Thailand) is dedicated to helping needy children and underprivileged girls in Thailand.

The race course navigates around the picturesque Northern part of the island, allowing people of all abilities to participate whilst still enjoying the stunning scenery of the island. A Half Marathon and a 10km Fun Run have been organised in addition to the Marathon – making this incredible sporting experience available to people of all ages and athleticism.

RUN PARADISE!

The Phuket International Marathon, 2007

June 15th – 17th 2007

PHUKET INTERNATIONAL MARATHON 2007 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

• Friday June 15th

– Expo

– Participants pick up Race-Kit’s @Laguna Beach Resort

• Saturday June 16th

– Expo

– Participants pick up Race-Kit’s @Laguna Beach Resort

• Saturday June 16th

– Pasta Party @ Similian Ball Room, Laguna Beach Resort

• Sunday June 17th

– 2nd Phuket International Marathon

• 05.00hrs - Start of Marathon

• 06.00hrs - Start of Half Marathon

• 06.30hrs - Start of 10k Fun Run

• 08.00hrs - Start 5k walk

• 09.00hrs - Start 1k Kids Run

• 09.30hrs - Winner’s Presentation

• 10.00hrs - Cultural Performances on stage

• Sunday June 17th

– Farewell Party @ Columbian Garden, Dusit Laguna Resort Marketing Support by Paul Poole (So uth East Asia) Company Limited

A ‘Pasta Party’ on the evening of the 16th and a Farewell Party on the 17th provide an excellent opportunity to meet fellow runners, organisers, and taste some of the delicious seafood from the Andaman region. Entertainment will be provided by traditional musicians so participants can taste both the delicacies and culture of the island – before exploring the geography during the race. Tickets can be bought online or at the event Expo on the 15th and 16th June.

“2007 will be an excellent year for the Marathon” commented Raimund Wellenhofer – Phuket International Marathon 2007 race director - “The professional organisation of the inaugural event was commended – but for 2007 the race has grown significantly in size, and as such, we hope to offer sporting excellence while providing even greater exposure for the region’s beauty and abilities.”

More Information:

http://www.phuketmarathon.com/

www.purpletangerine.com/phuketmarathon

http://www.goadventureasia.com/

http://www.thailandmarathon.org/

http://www.hopeww.org/

Mon Bridge

Mon Bridge
Amphoe Sangkhla Buri, Kanchanaburi

Sangkhla Buri is a district bounded by Myanmar, approximately 215 km. from the city of Kanchanaburi. By travelling along Highway 323, passing mountains near Vajiralongkorn Dam, an attractive reservoir with beautiful scenery. Furthermore, Amphoe Sangkhla Buri is situated in the place where three rivers: Huai Song Ka Lia, Huai Bi Khli and Huai Ran Ti, join and lead to the Khwae Noi River. That’s why we call the point “Sam Prasop” (the confluence of three rivers). In addition, Mons have settled in this district so visitors can learn about the typical Mon ancient culture and traditions here.

Mon Bridge

Also known locally as Uttamanuson Bridge, the bridge links Sangkhla Buri and Mon villages. It is Thailand's longest wooden bridge which is 850 meters long and crosses Songkaria river. In addition, it is a famous viewpoint from which to admire the merging point of three rivers, Songkaria, Bikhli and Ranti.

Sai Yok National Park

Sai Yok National Park

Amphoe Sai Yok, Kanchanaburi

The park covers approximately 300-square-kilometers and contains several interesting caves and the nations famous Sai Yok Yai waterfall. The park has dense forests, including majestic teak trees and an abundance of small mammals such as squirrels, bats and deer, as well as numerous bird species. IN addition, the park is home to what is probably the smallest mammal in the world, the two-grammed Kittis Hog-nosed Bat, which was first discovered in 1973 by a Thai naturalist. The park is 104 kilometers from Kanchanaburi via Highway No. 323 and can also be reached by chartered boat from the Pak Saeng Pier. The park is very popular during the weekends. Bungalow accommodations, river rafts, camping facilities, and a daytime food market are available.

Sai Yok Yai Waterfall (Namtok Sai Yok Yai), which is located 104 kilometers from the town, flows directly into Khwae Noi River. Its idyllic beauty has been repeatedly celebrated in Thai poetry and songs. A rope bridge enables people to cross the river to view the waterfall. Rafts are available for a river trip along the riverbank but advance booking is recommended.

Lawa Cave and Daowadung Cave are two caves, which house numerous stalactites and stalagmites. Of the two caves, the Daowadueng Cave, which entails a river trip and 1-kilometer walk, is the more popular cave.

Tham Wang Badan or Tham Sawan Wang Badan, located within the area of Erawan National Park at Tambon Tha Sao, Amphoe Sai Yok, some 63 km. from the province. It is accessible from behind Namtok Sai Yok Noi where there is a direction sign of 3 km. to the national park’s safeguard unit, a location of the upstream of Namtok Sai Yok. Another 1,500–metre walk from the safeguard unit will lead to the cave with nature interpretation signs along the way. Tham Wang Badan is a small but deep cave of 500 metres long. It is a 2-storeyed limestone cave with a small hole at the mouth to be entered one by one. Its upper storey houses various chambers of beautiful stalagmites and stalactites of different shapes. The lower storey contains a stream to look like a tunnel of water under a large boulder.

Sai Yok Noi Waterfall (Namtok Sai Yok Noi) is also dubbed as Khao Phang Waterfall. It is situated 60 kilometers from town via Highway No. 323. The place is best visited between July and September.

To get to Sai Yok Noi Waterfall:non air-conditioned buses leave Kanchanaburi Bus Station every 30 minutes from 6 a.m. until 6.30 p.m. The journey takes 2 hours and costs 25 baht.
Alternatively, visitors can take a train from Kanchanaburi to Namtok Station and continue on foot or by local transport to the waterfall, which is 2 kilometers away. Trains depart from Kanchanaburi at 6.11 a.m., 11 a.m. and 4.37 p.m. and return from Namtok Station at 5.25 a.m. 1 p.m. and 3.15 p.m. The one-way rail trip takes about 2 hours and costs 17 baht. (Please check the current schedule from TAT Kanchanaburi or the railway station before departure.)

Kanchanaburi War Cemetery (Don Rak)

Kanchanaburi War Cemetery (Don Rak)

This is the place where the remains of 6,982 POWs died during the construction of the Death Railway are buried. The cemetery, which is located on Saengchuto Road, opposite the Railway Station, just 1.5 kilometres from the TAT office, It is open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Prasat Muang Sing Historical Park

Prasat Muang Sing Historical Park

Muang Singh town was built between 857 and 1157 when the Khmer Kingdom was still prosperous. It was later abandoned until the reign of King Rama I when Muang Singh was rebuilt as a Kanchanaburi border town.

The only archeological site with a religious structure built in the middle of the city is the Khmer Prasat Mueang Sing (Tower of the City of Lions) where the heavy influence of the late Lop Buri arts is clearly visible. The ancient site is located on a steep bank of Khwae Noi River where the waterway narrows and becomes fast flowing. The city walls, which were made of rectangular laterite, are approximately 800 meters in width, 1,500 meters in length and 5 meters in height. The compound is believed to have been the westernmost outpost of the Angkor-centered Khmer empire. Remains dating back some 2,000 years have been discovered, and artifacts, including temple carvings, religious statuary and pottery shards indicate that the city must have been inhabited from approximately the 12th to 14th centuries.

The historical park is open daily from 9 a.m.-4.30 p.m. Admission fee is 40 baht. Call 0 3459 1122 or 0 3459 1334 for additional information.

Visitors can take a train from Kanchanaburi to Tha Kilen Railway Station and continue on foot or by local transport to Prasat Muang Sing, which is just 1.5 kilometers away. Trains depart from Kanchanaburi Railway Station every day at 6.11 a.m. (arriving at Tha Kilen at 7.28 a.m.), 11 p.m. (arriving at 11.59 a.m.) and 4.37 p.m. (arriving at 5.42 p.m.). To return to Kanchanaburi, trains depart from Tha Kilen Station at 6.22 a.m., 1.51 p.m. and 4.31 p.m.

The Bridge on the River Khwae (the Death Railway Bridge)

The Bridge on the River Khwae (the Death Railway Bridge)

Thanks to several films and books, the Bridge on the River Khwae has become notoriously famous and attracted both Thais and foreigners to the site. If an ordinary black iron bridge can tell a story, you can be sure it's a dramatic one.

The bridge spans across Maenam Khwae Yai which is a branch of Maenam Mae Klong. During the Japanese occupation of Thailand in World War II, the Japanese Imperial Army brought the iron bridge from Java. It was then resembled by Allied Prisoners of War (POW) under Japanese supervision. The bridge was part of a strategic railway route to Myanmar in which the Japanese aimed to secure supplies with which to conquer other western Asian countries. It was 415 kilometers long (about 303 kilometers in Thailand and about 112 kilometers in Burma) and passed through the Three Pagoda Pass in Sangkhlaburi District, the northern most part of Kanchanaburi province.

Construction started on September 16, 1942 at Nong Pladuk, and was completed on 25 December 1943. It is estimated that over 16,000 POWs from England, Australia, Holland and America died while building the bridge which was a target of bombing raids in 1945. In addition to this, approximate 90,000 laborers from Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia and Indonesia died during its construction.

Rebuilt after WWII, the bridge is still in use today with the curved portions of the bridge being that of the original. An attraction of note is the annual light and sound event at the bridge to commemorate the Allied attack in 1945.

The railway currently ends at Ban Tha Sao or Namtok Station, a distance of some 77 km. from Kanchanaburi Station. A special train running from Bangkok to Namtok Station is available on weekends and national holidays. For further details, please contact the State Railway of Thailand, Tel. 0 1690, 0 2220 4334 or http://www.railway.co.th/.

泰国泼水节

日期：2007年4月6-22日地点：曼谷,Ratchadamnoen大街，皇家田广场(Sanam Luang)，曼谷市政厅前，Santichai Prakarn公园，Plupla Jetsadabordin公园，Rattanakosin岛的众多寺庙（Phra Kaeo寺, Pho寺, Suthat寺, Arun寺, Boworn寺, Saket寺, Chanasongkra寺, Rakhang寺, Kanlayanamit寺），Khao San路，Phra Athit路，Banglampoo。

来参加泼水节的开幕仪式，加入Phra Phuttasihing的游行队伍浩浩荡荡进入皇家田广场吧。该仪式将在泰国全境现场直播，并通过http://www.songkran.net/向全世界播出。参拜9座皇室寺庙后会得到佛祖的庇护，接着去Khao San路观看国际宋干小姐选美大赛，还有在Santi Chaiprakarn公园举行的泰国古典宋干小姐选美比赛。

泼水节，4月13-15日，是泰国传统新年。每当新年到来的时候，整个国家都充满笑声和欢乐，举行各种宗教庆典和布施活动，更是亲朋好友相聚的时刻。

当然，泼水是绝对不能缺少的节目！

泼水节完美体现了泰国社会的互助和团结，这种久胜不衰的品质才是泰国真正的迷人之处。

泼水节(Songkran Festival)的由来

"Songkran"，来源于梵语，是“移动进入”的意思，表示太阳这时候移入了白羊座。这标志着一个周期为十二月的循环结束，新的一年开始了，因此，Songkran成为泰国的新年。

泼水节是泰国的传统风俗，也是泰国全境一年一度最有趣的节日，庆祝场面盛大和热烈。在泰国大部分地区，泼水节会持续三天。

众所周知，泼水是这个节日的核心传统，并以此传播喜庆的气氛。有些人礼貌文雅的互相溅洒，还有的用水枪，更有甚者用浇花的水管、水桶或者高压水枪直接给别人“淋浴”。毋庸置疑，泼水节是在一年中最热的季节中对付炎热天气，带来凉爽感觉的一个十分有效的方法。另外，泼水节还有一个更深层的意义。

泼水节除了标志着新年的开始，它还是感恩的时刻。每个人都在这个时候回忆自己经历过的善意、体贴的行为，并且铭记这些带来和平、快乐和安宁的慷慨、仁慈的举动。泼水节还是家人团聚，促进家族情感的好时机。

泰国的每个习俗和传统都有其存在的合理原因，使众多元素相结合的产物，其中包括：庆典中的喜庆因素、文化价值观、社会行为准则以及个人信仰和习惯做法。泼水节则体现了传统泰国式的文化价值观。

泼水节的根本意义在于其清理和净化的过程--清除所有的邪恶、不幸和罪恶，并怀着一切美好和纯净开始新的一年。水在这个节日中代表了纯洁和清理的过程。

The 2nd Phuket International Marathon

The 2nd Phuket International Marathon
Date 17 Apr 2007
Place The Laguna Resort, Hat Bangthao, Amphoe Thalang, Phuket

Activities
Due to the successful of the first event in 2006, the 2,000 runners from more than 40 countries around the World have joined in this competition and this excited moment would back once in the second of the Phuket Marathon which will be held on 17 June 2007.For any further informations, please visit www. Phuketmarathon.com

Contact Information
Go Adventure Asia, 5th Floor CCT Building 109 Surawong Road., Bangkrak, Bangkok 10500 Contact Persons: Roman Floesser / Pornthip Ratphon Tel.: 0 2236 2931 Fax: 0 2237 3221

Chiang Mai International Art and Culture Festival 2007

Chiang Mai International Art and Culture Festival 2007

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to invite you to the 10th Chiang Mai International Art and Culture Festival to be held at the Three Kings Monument and the Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre between 1-9 April 2007.

Various stage performances will be seen throughout the nine days. There will be music by the Royal Thai Navy’s Band and Rudklao Amratisha. Dance performances will come from different regions with cultural shows from Japan and Lao PDR. Lanna’s puppet shows will be presented. There will also be music by the ETC Band, together with invited artists: Wiyada Komarakun na Nakhon, Jennifer Kim, Koh Mr. Saxman, and Ford Sopchai Kraiyoonsen. You will enjoy dancesport with the Suntaraporn Band, as well as visit art pavilions and the art market around the Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre.

During the Festival, Lanna traditions which have long been passed down will also be held in Chiang Mai, such as Poi Sang Long (ordination of novices) at Wat Pa Pao, Thai Lanna royal drum competition at the ground of the Three Kings Monument, Lap Mueang (spicy meat salad) Fair, and Pi Mai Mueang (New Year Festival) at Lanna Wisdom School.

Activities including art pavilions, an art market, workshops, Lanna’s puppet making, and graphic arts from the Mekong Arts and Cultural Project, will be held around the Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre from 16.00 – 22.00 hrs.

The stage performances at the ground of the Three Kings Monument are scheduled from 18.00 – 22.00 hrs. as follows:-

1 April 2007 - Opening Ceremony.
- The Royal Thai Navy’s Band and Rudklao Amratisha.
2 April 2007 - Northern-styled dance from the Chiang Mai Dramatic Arts College.
3 April 2007 - Traditional Thai dance from the Suphan Buri Dramatic Arts College.
4 April 2007 - Isan-styled dance from the Roi Et Dramatic Arts College.
5 April 2007 - Southern-styled dance from the Phatthalung Dramatic Arts College.
6 April 2007 - Cultural performance by the ‘Meinichi Academic’ from Japan.
- Cultural performance from Luang Prabang, Lao PDR.
- Cultural performance from China, Myanmar, and Vietnam, and northern
folk songsby a group of international students from Chiang Mai University.
7 April 2007 - Lanna’s puppet show by Hobby Hut Puppet Troupe , and Krabong Lao puppet show from Vientiane, Lao PDR.
- The ETC Band and invited artists: Wiyada Komarakun na Nakhon, Jennifer
Kim, Koh Mr. Saxman, and Ford Sopchai Kraiyoonsen.
8 April 2007 - Lanna’s puppet show by Hobby Hut Puppet Troupe , and Krabong Lao puppet
show from Vientiane, Lao PDR.
- Entertainment performances by Lanna folk artists such as Khru Aet Phanuthat
Aphichanathong and the comic group of Chai Chuanchim, Kao Tuam and Withun
Chaiphrom.
9 April 2007 - Music by the Suntaraporn Band.
- The Suntaraporn Band.
- The Chiang Mai Ballroom Dance Club.

For more information, contact
the Events Promotion Division,
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
at Tel. 0 2250 5500 ext. 3475-8, or TAT Call Centre 1672.
www.chiangmaiart2007.com

Ao Bang Thao

Ao Bang Thao

Amphoe Thalang, Phuket

A large open bay that is the location of one of Phuket's longest beaches, Ao Bang Thao has a long history related to the economy of the island. Previously a tin mining area the location has been transformed into an area where Phuket's luxurious resorts and golf courses, especially Laguna complex, are located. Additional accommodations outside Laguna at the bays south end are also available.

Ko Bon

Ko Bon
Amphoe Mueang, Phuket

A small island located south of Phuket that is well known for its long- stretch of white sandy beach set in a secluded tropical ambience. Ideal for swimming, the island is accessible by chartering a boat from Rawai Beach or Laem Ka.