Tourism

A DIFFERENT THAILAND

A quick search on Google will find thousands of pages about the usual tourist haunts in Thailand, so we decided to collect a few ideas with a difference for your visit to our fascinating country. We’ve listed some unusual places under the provinces they are in.

BANGKOK

Chao Mae Tuptim Shrine

One of Bangkok’s most unusual and unknown shrines began life as the usual Spirit House to honour the spirits of a Sai tree, but has evolved into something rather different.

Tucked away at the back of the Nai Lert Park Hotel in Wireless Road, under some trees by the tradesmans’ entrance many brightly coloured scarves and offerings beckon you in. In the middle there is a traditional Thai spirit house festooned with gifts and garlands.

On closer inspection the large black pillar beside the spirit house reveals a familiar but unusual shape – a giant phallus. All around everything that looks like little sticks of wood and statues are phallus of all shapes and sizes – fat ones, thin ones, tall ones, small ones, even some that even have legs and a tail.

To find the shrine, leave the hotel by the back door beside the swimming pool and head straight as much as you can towards the car park. When you exit to the car park turn right and walk straight ahead past the guard’s hut on your left. The shrine is tucked away in the corner under some trees. From the back entrance, go past the guard’s hut and turn left. It’s right in front of you.

Bangkokian Museum

The Bangkokian Museum (aka The Bangkok Folk Museum) is another quirky but fascinating spot in the heart of the city.
Formerly a private home, it has been converted into a museum depicting the life Waraporn Surawadee, who decided to showcase all the ancient items handed down to her from her mother, so people can get a sense of what a middle-class home in Bangkok was like around the time of World War Two.
The museum features three houses in a garden with a small pond. The two-storey house in front was formerly the residence of the Surawadee family, and was built in 1937. The various rooms in the house give an obvious sense of how much influence Western culture had on Thailand during that period, with wine and martini glasses in a display case in the dining room and an antique gramophone in the main hall. The house also features an old-fashioned Western-style toilet, a European-style dressing room, as well as a bedroom that features a wooden four-poster, canopy-draped bed.
On the second floor, there is an exhibition tracing the background of Bangrak district, which was once one of the most important ports, dating back to the Ayuddhya era. There are displays of notable areas in the vicinity, such as Soi Saladaeng, Silom and Sathon roads, and Charoenkrung Road, Bangkok’s oldest street and still known as “New Road”. Some of the most important figures that have shaped the history of Bangrak are also featured, including former harbour master Captain John Bush, who had a soi named after him, Soi Capt Bush, now renamed Charoen Krung Road Soi 30.
How To Get There: Charoenkrung Road, Soi 43. Nearest BTS station is Saphan Taksin, or take a taxi.

Corrections Museum

A gruesome museum for those that want a look at life in Thai prisons over a long period.
The museum takes a look at the way punishments were meted out to prisoners. Grisly corporal punishment tools and weapons show the severity of the old penal system, based on retribution through severe punishment and suffering. Life-sized wax figures act out with painful precision execution scenes. A grim highlight includes a man-sized rattan ball pierced with nails pointing inwards. Hapless prisoners were placed inside and an elephant kicked the ball around.

The museum is housed in a renovated disused prison which also has a pleasant park attached.
How To Get There: Take a taxi to 436 Mahachai Road, near Rommani Nart Park.

Forensic Science Museum

For those with a strong stomach and little sense of the macabre, the Forensic Science Museum at Siriraj Hospital is an interesting trip.
The Mahidol University Songkran Niyomsane Forensic Medicine Museum is one of the more unusual museums is Thailand, and contains, amongst other things, the preserved body of a serial killer, and those of young Siamese twins. There are also sections on traditional Thai medicine, parasites, as well as 1000 human anatomical specimens.
If you come out of the hospital buildings and face the river, on your right is a maze of alleyways with some fascinating shops, eateries, and temples,that are worth wandering around after visiting the museum.
How to Get There: Chao Phrya Express Boat to Siriraj Pier, walk directly ahead a short distance and Siriraj Hospital is on your right. Look for the signs.

Kukrit House

The antique Thai style former home of late Prime Minister and prolific writer Mom Rajawong Kukrit Pramoj has been preserved as a national heritage site.

Less well known than the Jim Thompson House, this two-acre site is a good manifestation of the owner’s background and complex personality. As it stands now, the living quarters compose of five separate small one-room teak houses on elevated poles, connected by an open veranda, with an open ground floor in the usual Thai style. There is also a large hall for public functions a little distance away from the living quarters with a walled-in garden to connect the two parts and create the impression of one whole house.

M.R. Kukrit’s residence has been registered by the Department of Fine Arts, Ministry of Education, as Home of Important Person. The most important point to note when visiting is that this a Thai house that was the home of a living person and not Thai house decorated for exhibition purpose.

It represented a way of life of a well-to-do class in Thai society which can hardly be seen nowadays. Each of the one room houses had its own function: the house on the left hand side as we go up the front staircase was a bedroom; on the right hand side are three separate houses – the largest one which is considered the centre of the whole group was used as the official reception room, the small house at the further end was the private sitting room, and another small house by the front staircase was the family shrine; a larger house opposite the bedroom was the library, and at the end of the veranda is a small bird pavilion overlooking a pond and the large garden behind. The open ground floor was used as the living area for dining, informal sitting room, with one area on the left converted into an air-conditioned meeting room, and on the right a pantry and comfort room for guests.

Apart from his long political career, M.R. Kukrit wrote many books, including “Four Reigns” and “Many Lives”, both of which are published in English, as well as Thai.

“Four Reigns” is written from personal experience and documents life in the Grand Palace during the period of absolute Monarchy.

The Kukrit House can be accessed at Soi Suan Plu, taking the first soi on the right coming from Sathorn Road.

The Loom House

Ever wanted to try your hand at silk weaving? Well now you can and without travelling very far.

At The Loom’s premises at the Lee House Building on Soi Thonglor 13, visitors will discover numerous colorful silk scarves and handbags in many shapes and sizes, which are sure to thrill many a shopper. The layout of The Loom doesn’t solely focus on sales, however, since the aim is to also generate an interest in the weaving experience among passers by.

According to Khun Wiwan, who is director of weaving, The Loom has created some special techniques and instruments that have been designed to assist participants who have no previous experience of weaving. The overall objective is to develop weaving as a form of hobby or interest that people can participate in as a leisure activity.

The first thing you’ll notice on entering The Loom is that the looms used are about half the size of regular looms. The most common form of loom is quite heavy and rather unwieldy for a beginner. The Loom’s equipment is half the width (50 cm instead of one meter), which is easier to handle and helps to build a beginner’s confidence. The idea is that the activity should be fun and, if it seems more like a game, participants are more likely to enjoy the experience.

On a practical level, the specially-adapted looms make it easier for an absolute beginner to master the important skill of controlling the shuttle when moving it from hand to hand.

A two-hour introductory course (1,600 baht [US$48]) introduces students to the basics of weaving, which focuses on the operation of the loom and shuttle. Beginners start with a single thread, before working their way up to four threads. This aspect of the lesson helps develop the students’ coordination between hands and feet. If you become reasonably adept, it’s possible that you may be able to create a simple pattern, such as a basic form of tartan. Once you get to this stage, you will be encouraged to try and create more patterns by combining various colors.
How to Get There: BTS skytrain to Thonglo Station, then a taxi to Thonglor Soi 13.

Mae Nak Shrine

The shrine is dedicated to the famous spirit of Mae Nak, a young house wife who died during childbirth while her husband was away on military service. Her spirit refused to leave the place as she was so in love with her husband and wanted to wait for his return.

When he did return he didn’t know that she was dead and they lived together for quite a while until he discovered the truth and fled in terror. Mae Nak was furious and began terrorizing the village. The whole community was terrified. The local ‘mor pii’ (ghost doctor) heard of Mae Nak’s rampage, so he came to the village and defeated her by cutting a piece of her forehead bone to make a buckle and captured her spirit in a bottle.

The shrine is a little like a house with all the things you expect, such as food and drink, Thai costumes, cosmetics, toys, diapers, and milk bottles offered by devotees as gifts for her child, and of course the TV.
People visit the shrine hoping Mae Nak will help them pick the winning lottery number, or avoid conscription.

Mae Nak is one of the most famous ghosts or spirits in Thailand, and has been the subject of several horror films.
How To Get There: BTS to Onuch station, then a walk or short taxi ride to the ancient Wat Maha But in nearby Sukhumvit Soi 77.

Phayathai Palace

Now the Phramongkutklao Hospital, the former Phayathai Palace is located in Rajathewi Road at the side of Klong Samsen.
The original palace of 1909, built as a country retreat for King Rama V, was demolished and rebuilt in 1920, although the original Devaraja Sabharamaya Hall and the Thewaratsaparom Throne Hall remain.
The palace is actually a series of buildings linked by covered corridors. Before becoming a hospital, the palace also served as a hotel and a radio station. Vistors can view the palace building Monday to Saturday but are asked to respect the fact that it is a working hospital.
How To Get There: BTS to Victory Monument Station then walk a short distance along Rajathewi Road until you see the King Mongkut Hospital (Phramongkutklao Hospital)

Royal Elephant Museum

Chang Ton Museum is dedicated to the Royal Elephant. Since ancient times the White Elephant has been a symbol of the monarch’s prestige, and when ever such an animal was presented to the King he would hold a special ceremony to welcome it. Under tradition, all white elephants must be presented to the King
Thai style stables were built to house the elephants, and have now been turned into the Royal Elephant Museum. Two buildings exhibit the Royal White Elephant ceremony,and the many elephant related artifacts and articles, including how elephants used to be caught.
How To Get There: The museum is in the grounds of the Dusit Palace, U-Thong Road. Best way is by taxi.

Rama 9 Park

A huge and beautiful park in the suburbs dedicated to reigning monarch King Rama IX. There is a large lake, several different style gardens (Spanish, Italian etc) and a big variety of trees and shrubs. Its an incredibly peaceful place ideal for a picnic. In the center there is a space-age design pavilion with an exhibition of HM The King’s achievements. The park in is Sukhumvit Soi 103. Take the BTS to Onuch, then a taxi, but from August 2011 get off at Baring station which is at the mouth of Soi 103.

Ramkhamheng Market
Ramkhamheng is home to one of the city’s largest universities, and Ramkhamheng Road near The Mall department store turns into a huge street market after dark, that stretches several kilometers. Its a completely local market and the only foreigners you’ll see are those that live in the area, which means prices are low.
How To Get There: Local (non express) airport link train from Phayathai station, get off at Hua Mark station. Buses and vans also run from Victory Monument.

NONTHABURI

Nonthaburi is the province immediately north of Bangkok and a trip along the Chao Phrya river to Nonthaburi City is a fascinating journey at a tiny cost.

The Chao Phrya Express boats run every 20 minutes during the day and terminate at the provincial city of Nonthaburi, taking between 45-60 minutes for the ride and costs about 20 baht.

You’ll need a camera as the riverine life and sights are myriad and keep popping up as you move from pier to pier. Sights include some wonderful colonial style buildings, the Royal Thai Police ceremonial boats, the Singha brewery and its topiary garden, riverside markets, temples, churches, mosques, old wooden homes, and lots more interesting sights.

On arrival at Nonthaburi, visit the beautiful golden teak old Provincial Hall that stands by the promenade. It houses a small but interesting museum, and school.

The riverside promenade has unusual lights made in the shape of Durian, a fruit for which the province is famous, and a Durian festival is held here every year between April and June.

Walking out of the pier past the clock tower, look for the market further up on the right. Its not so obvious at first glance and it is much more than all the street stalls you first see. Any alleyway on your right will take you into the labyrinth that makes up this huge and very authentic provincial market,which sells both wet and dry products.

Walking back towards the pier, take the turning on the right (Nonthaburi Sai 1) just before the clock tower. Walk up about 200 meters and you will see the forbidding Klong Prem prison.

The prison is home to inmates (including foreigners) serving sentences ranging from thirty years to one hundred years. Others spend their time here waiting on death row as this is the main prison where the death sentence is carried out on rare occasions.

For those wanting to brighten an inmates otherwise fairly dull day, the embassies are a good place to start to get a list of those who would like to be visited, as the guards won’t let you in without names and proper visiting documents. Visiting times are from 9.30am to 11.30am and 1pm: to 2pm daily. Gifts are allowed to be given to the prisoners and are greatly appreciated.

If time allows, back at the pier hire a long tailed boat for a tour of the local canals, which are much more ‘authentic’ than those in central Bangkok.

Another very worthwhile short trip (again you’ll need to hire a boat) is to Wat Chalerm Prakiat, an important Royal Temple on the far bank a little up river. Apart from an interesting temple with murals, there are some surreal gardens and a pretty park along the riverside.

Koh Kred (Kred Island)

Nonthaburi Province’s Pakkred district is the home of the picturesque Koh Kred (Kred Island). Located less than an hour’s leisurely boat ride north of Bangkok along the Chao Phrya River, this small island in the river is home to an historic community of Mon people who tend fruit orchards and make much sort after pottery. The island has no roads, but has several historic temples and interesting working potteries to explore.

The island has a circular walkway of 7 kilometers, passing the many potteries and temples en route. There are scenic views across the Cho Phrya River, and lots of places to get local delicacies and cold drinks. As you walk around the island, on the far bank of the river in Bang Kruai you can see the huge sitting Buddha image.

You can get to Pakkred town by public van or air conditioned bus (166, 505)) from Victory Monument, then take a motorcycle taxi from outside Tesco Lotus under flyover for the one minute ride to the ferry. Its costs about 2 baht to cross to the island. You can also travel by Chao Phrya express boat to Nonthaburi, and take the public van from there to Pakkred.

Pakkred Town & Reclining Buddha

Among other attractions in Pakkred is Koh Kred, which is covered above.

Pakkred is home to the Phayathai Babies Home, the Pakkred Boys Home, Pakkred Blind Center and the Pakkred Disabled Center, most of which are located in Phumvej Road, which begins beside the small Major Pakkred mall right by the Pakkred 5-way intersection. All these centers welcome visitors and any appropriate donations. The road runs all the way to the river where there are views of Koh Kred.

In Pakkred town, under the overpass in Chaengwattana Road, on the right facing the river, is a maze of alleys which lead into the local wet market. The market sells fresh vegetables, fresh meat and fish, flowers, cheap clothes, and some other goods. It is especially busy during the early morning, but there is activity 24 hours a day.

Close by, look for Sukprachasan 2 Road, known locally to everyone as “Soi Wat Ku’. Take the songtaew, or one of the many motorcycle taxis, and go to Wat Ku (pronounced Wat Goo) which dates back to 1752, about 5 km inside this narrow but busy soi. You will know it by the large white walls and silver fences.

As you enter the temple compound, on your left is a huge reclining Buddha, and behind it a small building almost hidden from view which contains the remains of a Royal Barge.

The barge sank in the river in 1880, and Queen Sunandha and her children drowned, because at that time touching a royal personage carried a death sentence, so the courtiers and locals were scared to rescue the royals.

The grieve-stricken King Chulalongkorn later erected a memorial to her in the grounds of Ayuddhya’s Bang Pa-In Palace.

Local people pay respect to the reclining Buddha, and then to the Royal Barge, after which they rub the remains in hope of gaining good luck.

Opposite the reclining Buddha is an old Mon-style ubosot which dates back around 300 years.

Next to it, the more modern Bot was badly damaged in the 2010 floods and has partially collapsed. A rebuilding fund has been opened and donations of any amount are welcome, both at the temple or by bank deposit to the following: Siam City Bank, account number 023-2-00144-4, Account Name: Wat Ku.

Behind the main temple buildings going towards the river is a large modern shrine to Queen Sunandha. At the rivers edge there used to be the original older shrine which was reputed to be haunted, but was destroyed in the devastating floods of 2010.

A new and very beautiful crematorium has been erected nearby.

There is a permanent market building next to the temple which has replaced the former poor facilities within the temple area.

Retracing your steps along Soi Wat Ku towards Pakkred, on the right you will see two signs in English at the entrance to a soi on the right. One says “Buddys”, the other “Suan Thip”.

Buddys (Song Fang Klong) is a large modern beer hall type restaurant with a riverside terrace with excellent seafood with no MSG. Open 11am to 1am.

Suan Thip is three things, a beautiful riverside garden (Suan means garden or park), a riverside condominium, and a wonderful restaurant, where you can choose between a garden/riverside sala, or an airconditioned restaurant. They maintain a 5 star hotel style service while serving excellent food at 2-3 star prices. Open 11am-11pm.

Sai Noi Floating Market

A hidden gem of a 100% authentic market, which is a lot closer to Bangkok than either the better known Amphawa or Damneon Saduak floating markets. It located at Sai Yai Temple in the very small country town of Sai Noi.

Its authentic, busy, noisy and fun with not a western face in sight.It open from early on Sundays, and half the adventure might be that its not a place tours or guides take you to. The market has floating pontoons, boats selling food and other products, and a huge market on the river bank inside the temple, selling cheap goods of every kind.

Sai Noi is a small town on the far reaches of Nonthaburi province (which adjoins Bangkok), accessible from the Outer Ring Road (Kanchanapisek Road) and the market is well worth the effort of visiting.

You’d need to arrange your own transport to get there but its well worth the small trouble. Travelling time from the center of Bangkok would be about 1 hour 20 minutes or less.

Wat Chalor

The original temple was constructed during the Sukhothai era, but a more modern temple building has been constructed in the shape of a huge traditional Thai Hong boat. The viharn sits on the curved body of the boat while the prow stands high above surround buildings and can be clearly seen as you approach the temple by road.
How To Get There: Located near Bang Si Thong in Nonthaburi province, you can take the Chao Phyra Express Boat to Phibul 2 pier, then take a taxi.

AYUDDHYA

Koh Koed Homestays
Koh Koed is a small riverside community in historic Ayuddhya’s Bang Pa-in district surrounded by ricefields which has opened its doors to tourists with a unique homestay program.

There are ten basic buildings used for guests, located in an orchard, by a river, in a rice field, and in the village.

The property in the orchard is in a tranquil spot. When night falls, all you are likely to hear is a gentle breeze and the quiet hum of insects. Although the building is not a traditional one, there are still some signs of traditional Thai life, such as earthenware jars at the foot of the steps to bathe your feet in after a long day. A column at the center of the building is wrapped in colored material as a form of respect to the spirits residing there. If you walk out into the orchard during the daytime, you will see the narrow canal and a hammock strung up between some trees. Swinging in the hammock with a good book is a great way to relax.

The houses by the river belong to members of the community, including Phuyai Lumpoon. These houses’ ground floors are known as Tai Thun (a high, open Thai-style floor). The community’s herbal supplement is produced in Phuyao Lumpoon’s house there.

The river houses are livelier and quite a bit noisier as you can often hear boats going by. On the upper floor is an open air living room, which was once a common feature of many traditional Thai homes. To the right is a small dock so you can easily tie up your craft if getting around the klongs (canals) by boat. Clearly the area’s waterways represent an integral part of everyday life in the community.

It costs 150 baht a night per person to stay in a regular house (with a fan) and 200 baht for an air-conditioned one. The house located in the orchard is the only one to have air-conditioning.

Koh Koed’s fisherfolk are busiest at night, rowing out into the dark with their nets in search of fish and shrimp. The boats used for fishing are quite small with a flat hull. They can only accommodate about four people, but if you’re interested in the experience or want to enjoy dining on some freshly caught fish, the locals will happily take you along on an expedition. They usually charge homestay guests just 100 baht per hour.

Those interested in spending some time in this fascinating community can call the district’s community development department at: +66 (0) 3526 2815.

Ayuddhya Floating Market

The Ayuddhya Floating Market, opened in 2010 and is aimed squarely at tourists but despite that its a very enjoyable experience which has proved popular with Thais.

From the entrance, framed by a brick wall built to resemble the old city wall, you cross a wooden bridge and go directly to the floating market or take a shuttle boat (20 baht per trip) to tour the pond and get an overview before exploring on foot.

There are about 300 shops in all, built on stilts in the water and those run by vendors plying their goods on paddle boats and sellers in a flea-market zone. Here goods are put on tables or on the floor in imitation of an up-country market. The products are mainly food, snacks and clothes. There are also services including traditional Thai massage and spa and a fish spa. Vendors sell food and drinks from wooden boats. They offer various local delicacies such as som tam, pad thai, moo sarong and khanom bueng. The dining area in this zone is a big floating platform where you sit on a mat and put your plates on a small table.

The food zone is connected to other shopping areas via wooden bridges and also linked to a bigger performance area where classical Thai dances are performed regularly, including likae (musical folk drama), khon (masked drama) and the Klong Yao Drum dance.

How To Get There: Take Highway 32 from Bangkok and turn left into Ayutthaya town. Turn right at the first intersection marked by an old pagoda (Jedi Wat Sam Pleum) and keep driving on route 3058 for a short while. The floating market is on your right. Passenger vans operate a regular service form Victory Monument to Ayuddhya van center, from where take a songtaew. Buses run hourly from Morchit Mai bus station in northern Bangkok to Ayuddhya bus terminal, from where take a tuktuk or songtaew.

CHAINAT

Chainat Bird Park

In Chainat province about 4km from Chainat City is Asia’s largest aviary covering 26 rai, inside a park of 375 rai.

Besides providing a natural environment for the birds to flourish, the park also has around 63 cages of different sizes to house a wide variety of birds. There is also a man-made waterfall, a beautiful garden, snake park, wild animal park and a rabbit park. The wild animals in the park are chital, deer, hog deer, mountain goat and Eld’s deer.

The park also has a pond with a pavilion which can be visited. Of course, the visit to the park will be incomplete without visiting the souvenir shops where you can buy local products like wickerwork, pomelos and bird models.

The aquarium is famous for it’s Siamese tiger fish, Blanc’s striped feather back, Sumatran tiger barb and Siamese rock catfish. The aquarium is open from 8am to 5pm. while the bird park is open from 8am until 6pm.

Chainat also host an annual Straw Bird Festival every February.

Chainat is about 3-4 hours north of Bangkok and regular buses run from Morchit Mai bus station in Kamphenphet Road in the north of Bangkok.

CHIANG RAI

Doi Tung Project

In the far north of Chiangrai province is the Thai/Swiss style Royal Villa of HM the King’s late mother perches on the top of Doi Tung mountain in Chiang Rai province near the Burmese border, set in stunning flower gardens that lay on the hillside. The gardens and villa are open to the public.

It is also the site of the Doi Tung Project that the late Princess Mother established to help local people earn a better income. They produce delicious coffee, tea, local delicacies, silk and cotton clothes, and other fine goods.

The Gardens are located on land that was originally the Akha village of Pa Kluay. This village used to be an important route for opium caravans and those involved in heroin-related trafficking and weapons. Situated in a deep gorge where the Akha lived in a dense settlement without the possibility of expansion, there was little space for hygiene, trash or wastewater management. At the request of the Doi Tung Development Project, the villagers agreed to be relocated to a new site 500 meters away. This site sits on a hill with expansive land. It has running water, electricity, and a paved road into the village.

Back in their former settlement, a garden of temperate flowers was built over 10 acres of land in accordance with the Princess Mother’s wish, to give Thai people who have never travelled overseas an opportunity to enjoy a temperate flower garden.

In the middle of this garden stands “Continuity”, a sculpture by the late Misiem Yip-In-Soi. The Princess Mother gave this name to the sculpture to draw attention to the fact that continuity ensures the success of any endeavour.

The decorative flowers in Mae Fah Luang Garden are grown and nurtured by local villagers. The Garden brings substantial income to the area, directly as job opportunities for the locals, and indirectly as a tourist destination.

CHAIYAPHUM

Phu Hin Rong Khla National Park

Phu Hin Rong Khla National Park, on the borders of Loei, Chaiyaphum, Phitsanoluk and Petchabun, provinces in the north, is one of the more unusual attractions worth the effort to visit.

A long drive along deserted forest roads brings you to this remote hilltop park, once the headquarters of the Communist Party of Thailand during the insurgency period many years ago.

This area of outstanding natural beauty and protected rain forest, often shrouded by mist, was from From 1968 to 1972 the center of communist guerilla activity, and the CPT parade ground, made of natural rock formation, air raid shelters in the caves, school, training, and living areas are open to visitors. On a clear day, the views across the surrounding countryside are stunning. The park covers a total of 307 sq km.

KANCHANABURI

Hindad Hot Springs

Set within the Tanaosri Mountain Range amid swathes of dense jungle in Kanchanaburi’s Thong Pha Phum district, the Hindad Hot Springs provide visitors to the northern part of the province with the opportunity to sample an authentic Thai-style ‘Bor Nam Rorn’ (hot spring).

The springs, located to the south of Thong Pha Phum municipality, feature two geothermal baths for regular visitors, adjacent to another that’s specifically for use by members of the Buddhist clergy. Each is about 150 centimeters deep. It should be noted that of the two hot baths, the one located near a small generator is slightly hotter than the other.

Parallel to the baths is a fast-running stream, which allows bathers to cool down in between spells in the hot baths. This is said to promote good circulation. The temperature of the water in the hot baths reaches between 40 and 50C.

There is also an open-air massage pavilion nearby.

About 5 kilometers further along the same road that leads to Hindad Hot Springs, brings you to Nam Tok Pha That.

The cost of entry is 10 baht for locals and 40 baht for foreigners.

How To Get There:
Car: Take the westward branch of Highway 4 (Phetkasem Road) from Bangkok in the direction of Nakhon Pathom province. Once you’re in Nakhon Pathom province, look out for signs for Highway 323 and follow them. Highway 323 will take you through Ratchaburi province and past Tha Maka district in Kanchanaburi province. You’ll then need to drive through the city of Kanchanaburi before reaching Highway 323 again. Follow this road (Sangkhlaburi-Kanchanaburi), which will lead you towards the Hindad Hot Springs. The springs are located about 135 kilometers from Kanchanaburi and 30 km from Nam Tok Sai Yok Yai.

Bus: Air-conditioned and regular buses leave Bangkok’s Southern Bus terminal (Sai Tai Mai) about every 15 minutes. The journey takes between two to three hours and a single (one-way) fare is 150 baht. You then take a local songtaew from Kanchaburi to Thong Pha Phum.

Alternatively, you can take a minivan from Victory Monument. The fare is 150 baht, but the journey is quicker (about two hours). Local buses run hourly from Kanchanaburi to Thong Pha Phum.

Train: Trains to Kanchanaburi depart Thon Buri’s Bangkok Noi Railway Station twice a day (at 7.45 am and 1.35 pm). A single (one-way) fare costs 100 baht and the journey takes between three and three-and-a-half hours.

KRABI

Phra Nang Cave

A rather remote spot, this cave on Railay is small but has some wonderful stalactites and stalagmites. But it is the shrine to a Sea Princess that attracts local fishermen, and some visitors. Its believed the cave is the seas princess’s home and local fishermen will come to make offerings in the hope of being granted a good catch, and protect them while they are at sea.
The most remarkable part of the cave is the number of carved phallus, and other fertility objects, to be found inside.
How To Get There: Take a long-tailed boat from Ao Nang Beach to Railay Beach, it takes about 15 minutes and costs 100 baht each way. It is then a 10 minute walk to Railay Beach East where the shrine is.

NAKHON NAYOK

Sarika Waterfalls

Vitually unknown to foreign tourists is the delightful Sarika waterfall, only about 2 hours drive from central Bangkok and on the fringes of Khao Yai National Park.

The nine-tiered waterfall cascading down the cliff to a forested hillside has a large natural pool on each level which is sometimes is perfect for swimming, and falls a total of 200 meters. Accommodation, restaurants and souvenir shops are available. Local products including brooms and artificial flowers made from wild pine are sold in shops around the waterfall.

How To Get There: Bus from Morchit Mai bus station in northern Bangkok to Nakorn Nayok City, then take a local songtaew. The falls are in Suwannson Road (highway 3050), Sarika sub-district of Nakorn Nayok City.

NAKHON PATHOM

Antique Boat House Hotel

An unusual hotel that uses antique boats for its accommodation on the rural Tha Cheen river, with outings to make merit with monks, visiting the almost unknown Lam Phya Floating market, local bike or boat tours etc. The hotel is part of the Mom Chalai group which has a private museum, and number of other unique hotels, including the Thai House Hotel which consists of traditional Thai wooden buildings.

The hotel is about an hour from Bangkok, and directions are on their website.

NAKHON PHANOM

Wat That Phanom

About as far from Bangkok as you can get, Wat That Phanom is one of the oldest and most beautiful temples in Thailand, dating back almost 2500 years, and has a long and interesting history. The original temple collapsed early in the 20th century and has now been completely rebuilt into a stunningly beautiful complex in the center of That Phanom town. If you visit Isaan (northeast region), you should not miss this temple.

How to Get There: On a tour or by car. Its located in Nakhon Phanom province alongside the Kong River (Mekong), about 57km south of the provincial capital in That Phanom town. It is well signposted.

NAKHON RATCHISIMA (KORAT)

Pakchong Weaving Village

The Pakchongchai village in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) is one of the few remaining centers producing silk in a traditional and local setting.

In the village you can see each step of the silk production from the silk worms right through to the finished products, and many fine items are on sale in the village shops. Its noteworthy that each silkworm cocoon can product up to 700 meters of silk thread!

How To Get There: Best by car or tour, the village is located 32km south of Korat City. Buses and trains stop at Korat, from where it is possible to take a Songtaew to the village.

NAKHON SI THAMMARAT

Khanom

60 minutes from Nakhon Si Thammarat airport, which has several flights from Bangkok every day, you will find the pristine beaches of the Greater Khanom Area.

Pink dolphins, hidden caves and beautiful waterfalls line this coast making it truly unique to Thailand. This area is remote and untouched, perfect for those who are looking for the Thailand of 30 years ago.

Famous for its Southern Thai cuisine, which is unlike any other, the bays in Greater Khanom Area are a fantastic place to try new and delicious dishes.

Tong Ching and Sichon Bay are two of the beautiful beaches that can be found along this coast. Tong Ching Bay is a true hideaway, featuring only one quiet resort, a large white sand beach and beautiful oversized rock formations, while Sichon Bay is a beautiful step into a Thai fishing village, filled with culture and tranquility.

PATTAYA

Sanctuary of Truth

The Sanctuary of Truth is described as “The Magnificence of Heaven Recreated on Earth”, and is set beside the ocean.

The Sanctuary of Truth is a gigantic wooden construction covering an area of more than two rai, and is about 105 meters high.

The building was constructed according to ancient Thai ingenuity and every square inch of the building is covered with wooden carved
sculptures. The purpose is to to use art and culture as a reflection of Ancient Vision of Earth, Ancient Knowledge, and Eastern Philosophy.

Within this complex, visitors will understand Ancient Life, Human Responsibility, Basic Thought, Cycle of living, Life Relationship with Universe, and Common Goal of Life toward Utopia.

The Sanctuary of Truth is at 206/2 Moo 5, Naklua Soi 12, Naklua Road, Banglamung, which is in north Pattaya.

PATHUM THANI

Wat Chedi Hoi

Wat Chedi Hoi is famed for two unusual features. A local monk excavating for a pond discovered a large number of huge, ancient oyster shells, which geologists say may date back several million years to when the area was located below sea level.

Some of the larger shells, or hoi, as they are known locally, were used to create two chedi (stupa), one, in a traditional Thai form, which is located at the front of the temple, and another, located within the main temple building, which is a larger, Burmese-style chedi.

This explains the temple’s name in Thai – Wat Chedi Hoi – which literally means ‘chedi made of shells temple’.

In addition to these incredible structures, the temple also has a large collection of Buddha images, along with other religious artifacts and daily utensils. These can be found in a museum located right next to the chedi. There are also examples of other huge shells discovered at the site, some large enough to accommodate a small child.

Another major attraction at Wat Chedi Hoi is the turtle pond and a man-made lake, where visitors can feed hundreds of turtles and fish. The abbot is personally responsible for having developed a collection of various historical boats at one side of the lake.
How To Get There: Wat Chedi Hoi is in Bo Ngern subdistrict, in Pathum Thani province’s Lat Lum Kaew district, just to the north of Bangkok. Best by car – From Bangkok, take Highway 9 (Kanchanaphisek Road) to Pathum Thani province and turn left when the road links with Highway 346. Drive to kilometer marker 21 and make a U-turn. You’ll then find a small road that leads to the temple on your left between kilometer markers 21 and 22. The temple is about 10 km along this road and well signposted.

PETCHABURI

Khao Wang

Phra Nakhon Kriri Historical Park (Khao Wang) is located on Khao Khiri, a 92 meter high hill over looking Petchaburi city, about halfway between Bangkok and Hua Hin.

King Mongkut (Rama IV) loved the area so much he constructed a palace where he could stay during his numerous trips to the area. The palace was constructed in 1860 and the hill became know locally as Khao Wang (Palace Hill).

Built in a mainly European style with Thai and Chinese influence, the palace dominates the three peaks of the hill. On the east peak sits Wat Phra Khew; on the middle peak sits the stupa of Phra That Chom Phet (which contains relics of the Lord Buddha) and on the west peak the residential Grand Palace.

The Grand Palace comprises a myriad of temples, rooms and buildings designed to cater for the various royal staff (royal page hall, bodyguard rooms, etc.). The site contains a museum where some of the more precious royal artifacts are kept, examples being bronze sculptures and European, Chinese and Japanese ceramics.

The peaks offer excellent views and are well worth wandering around. The park is well kept and the exhibits quite fascinating.

Access is by a funicular cable car, Open daily 8.30 to 4.30
Ratchaniwet Marukhathaiyawan Palace

Ratchaniwet Marukhathaiyawan Palace midway between Hua Hin and Cha Am, was built by King Rama VI as a rainy season retreat in 1923. Known as “the palace of love and hope,” the palace has recently been renovated. The elevated golden teak walkways and airy rooms provide a beautiful view of the beach and Gulf of Thailand. Admission is free and it’s a quiet place to spend a few hours. Occasionally concerts and theatrical events are staged in the Samoson Sewakamat Hall of the palace as was done in June 1996 in honor of the 50th anniversary of the King’s accession to the throne.

The palace is located within the grounds of a Border Patrol Police camp. Just tell the guard at the gate that you’re going to the palace and you’ll be admitted. Transportation is recommended as it’s a few kilometers from the main gate on Petchkasem Road.

PHATTALUNG

Talay Noi Wetlands

A little known area of southern Thailand is the Talay Noi wetlands located in the quiet province of Phattalung.

Talay Noi is a vast wetland and lake spanning 457 square kilometres and providing sanctuary to some 187 species of birds. The huge lake can be explored by longtail boat, and is absolutely breathtaking in its scale.

Visitors can see hundreds of buffalo wading through the wetlands, while local fishermen work the waters, or explore the incredible flora and fauna. The village of Talay Noi is a quaint, old-style Thai town, largely untouched by tourism, and has a wide range of handmade woven products on offer, which are made by the local people.

PHUKET

A part of old Phuket city much neglected bytourists is the delightful tree lined government quarter which includes some elegant old buildings such as Sala Klang (Provincial Hall), the Governor’s House, old Law Courts, Red Cross building etc. The area has some lovely old buildings and is worth a strolls through the tree-lined streets for a couple of hours or more.

These government building were financed by the tin mining industry that originally made Phuket and the surrounding area wealthy; an industry that lasted well into the 20th century and is now hidden under modern hotels and resorts. Some might be surprised to know that large areas of Phuket had deep tin mines, and more than one large and well known resort is built over the remains of mines.

Koh Rang Yai

Koh Rang Yai has some lovely beaches and an forested interior with trails easy to explore by bike or motorbike.
While its not exactly unknown, it manages to retain its almost idyllic feel despite daytrippers, putting course and airgun range.
How To Get There: From Phuket’s Lam Hin Pier a round trip by speedboat costs 1,200 baht per person, while a round trip by longtail boat costs 600 baht per person.

RATCHABURI

Suan Phueng district is home to an abundance of natural attractions, including caves and forests, while featuring plenty of nicely designed resorts, which make for the perfect escape from city living.

One of these resorts hosts a natural hot spring, which attracts thousands of Thai vacationers to the district every year.

Discovered by Prayoon Monyakul in 1925, the hot spring is located about 15 km from Suan Phueng’s main municipal area. While involved in irrigation at a professional level, Prayoon visited the forested areas of Suan Phueng as part of an effort to find new water sources. After spotting what appeared to be hot mist rising from the ground, he ordered workers to clear the piles of leaves, soil and granite nearby. This led to the discovery of the mineral spring, which now flows year-round.

Later, several weirs were constructed downstream in an effort to cool the spring water and make the temperature a rather more comfortable one for bathers. The temperature of the water currently ranges from 48ºC to 56ºC.

The latest generation of the Monyakul family to operate the resort is marketing it as a Thai-style Onsen (Japanese style spring baths and bathing facilities). The resort’s hot spring facilities provide guests with several wellness-related opportunities in several locations, including a large outdoor pool (called the natural pool), an indoor pool (referred to as the tiled pool) and practical facilities, such as changing rooms and showers.

Visitors who opt to check in at the resort and enjoy an overnight stay can make use of a large pool that’s specially reserved for guests. The resort includes suites and villas that can accommodate between two and 15 guests. Each accommodation option includes its very own spring bath.

The hot spring benefits from a rich mixture of oxygen and minerals, including calcium, carbonate, fluoride, potassium and sodium, among others. Hot springs are renowned for the health benefits they provide, particularly those that benefit to skin. A visit is also sure to help busy people looking to de-stress.

JW Boe Klueng Hot Spring opens Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm and on weekends from 8 am to 6 pm. The entrance fee to the spring is just five baht, while the bathing fee ranges from 10 baht to 80 baht, depending on the types of pools you access and your age.

How To Get There: By car is the only practical way – From Bangkok its about 155km. Take Highway 4 (Phetkasem Road) to Ratchaburi province. Once you reach the Chedi Hak intersection, turn right on to Route 3087. Make sure you follow the signs to Kao Chon Waterfall, which is located very close to the spring. JW Boe Klueng Hot Spring is located about 38-km away and you will see it on the left-hand side of the road.

RANONG

Koh Phayam

This sleepy little island located off the coast of Ranong is a retreat for many people who enjoy its broad white beaches, shady trails, and funky bungalow operations. There are no cars or proper roads, transport is strictly limited to mopeds, and it can only be reached by old style fishing boats. The island’s jump off point is close to Ranong city and it has views of the beautiful Burmese archipelago which lies directly to the north.

RAYONG

Koh Munnork

Located in Klaeng Bay about 1 hour by boat off the coast of Rayong province, and 25 km from Koh Samed, lies the little known Koh Munnork. The island is small has no roads, and only one resort (not cheap) plus a number of beach bungalows set on pristine golden beaches. The water is crystal clear, and ideal for swimming and snorkeling. There is little to do but relax….