Interactive Museum Siam in Bangkok (Part 2)

For those who prefer listening to reading, a princess character recounts her own story in the “Introduction to Suvarnabhumi” room. And on weekends, a soldier character from Old Ayutthaya marches round greeting visitors.

In the “Maps: Drawing the Country” room, you will begin to understand why Thailand and Cambodia are disputing over Preah Vihar temple. The “Ayutthaya” room features a model of the Royal Barge Procession hanging from the ceiling. This high view of the nation’s high tradition was inspired by author Michael Wright, an expert on Thailand. The author was impressed by grand procession of more than 3,000 soldiers and 100 barges gliding along Chao Praya River past a huge crowd on the riverbank.

A few touches on the map in the “Bangkok, New Ayutthaya” room will reveal how the capitals old and new share a city plan inspired by Buddhist belief. Then step into “Thailand and the World” and sit down for American fried rice in a café inspired by the1960’s Bangkok haunts of American soldiers on leave from the war in Vietnam.

Finally there are the “Thailand Today” and “Thailand Tomorrow” rooms, where you get the chance to play prime minister and tell the world how you would change the country, before leaving the museum.

It takes at least 60 minutes for a brief tour of all 17 rooms, but a three-hour walk will give you time to appreciate the museum’s modern design and concise content. The Interactive Museum Siam is closed on Monday. Admission is free. You can find the museum near Wat Po at 4 Sanam Chai Road in Phra Nakorn district. For info, Tel: 02 622 2599

THE NATION
 

The Interactive Museum Siam (part 1)

Long lines of students can hardly wait to enter this unusual facility. Inside they are greeted by scenes rarely witnessed: Adults touching everything from the wooden toys to the artefacts; children running around and punching on the maps and screens. This is Museum Siam, the nation’s first interactive museum.

With its classical Italian architecture enveloping modern design touches, the former Commerce Ministry is a visual treat. Three bronze arches front the 80-year old building to welcome visitors into the exhibition. The arches take visitors right back to the beginning of our civilisation in the Bronze Age, explains Asst Prof Pajarie Chintamnit, deputy director.

The Interactive Museum Siam in Bangkok is a must visit for history and culture buffs.

Their arrangement guides visitors towards the entrance and into the exhibition rooms. Here questions pop up everywhere to get you thinking: Why did the kingdom’s name change from Siam to Thailand?; What is “Thai” anyway?; Where was Suvarnabhumi?(not the airport); What was sold at Ayutthaya’s fresh market.

Divided into 17 rooms, the museum combines an engaging style with fascinating content. After asking us what makes us Thai, the tour provides answers with a voyage back to the ancient land of Suvarnabhumi. From here we find out who we were in Siam and have become Thailand. Guide to Bangkok museums

No time traveller likes to be side-tracked, so the details in each room have either been kept short or rounded off with a question. The goal is to fire the visitors’ imagination and keep them thirsty for more knowledge.

Don’t expect long tedious explanations neatly placed in front of dusty exhibits in glass showcases. Here you bring the story alive, via toys, touch screens and your own curiosity…

Stay tuned for part 2!

Brief intro to Khon Kaen in North Eastern Thailand

Khon Kaen is mostly known for providing an important gateway to North Eastern Thailand’s rural Isaarn region but is also the political and commercial hub of this fascinating and culturally rich environment. The silk that is produced in Kon Kaen province is of the finest quality and most of the Thai people know this location because it is the home of the country’s most successful tennis star, Paradorn Srichaphan.

The Thai First Olympic Gold Medallist calls Khon Kaen home as well. It was Bantam weight Somluck Kamsing who won the prestigious price in 1996. Positioned in the core of the nation’s Isarn region, Kon Kaen was experiencing one of Thailand’s fastest growth rates until 1997, the year the national currency devaluated.

However, during the last five years, the city’s construction has restarted, including the expansion of the Mitaprap Road, which is located on the Khon Kaen’s western part (Bangkok-Nong Khai – Highway 2). The city’s actual population is about 150,000.

For decades the Thai government has tried to develop Khon Kaen becoming a significant export hub for commercial business into the region of Indo-China, but unfortunately certain powers’ political point of views often played a slowing down role in establishing this goal. Vietnam and Laos and have opened consulates in Khon Kaen city to provide visa application procedures. The North Eastern region’s most significant university, the acclaimed Khon Kaen Universitity, can be found in the city as well. Khon Kaen travel guide

Most of the travellers will know Thailand’s tourist destinations, such as Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Phuket, Pattaya and Bangkok, but these crowded locations are largely over commercialised due to the demands of mass tourism. If an area where you still can experience and absorb some of the real Thailand is what you are looking for than Khon Kaen offers a highly interesting destination to visit. The city and province are blessed with a rich history and fascinating cultural customs and traditions. Isaan online travel resource

Experiencing the real Thailand in Khon Kaen…

The pure Thailand can only be experienced away from the popular holidaymakers’ destinations. The north eastern part of Thailand is usually neglected by the majority of the visiting tourists so what could be more fascinating for you than exploring this colourful region. In addition, Khon Kaen provides an ideal starting point for making excursions into Laotian territory and interesting border visits to Cambodian destinations.

Ubon Ratchathani

One of the main cities in Thailand’s northeastern Isaarn region, for centuries Ubon Ratchathani has been a significant and well-established community. The distance between Bangkok and Ubon is about 390 miles and the city is famous for hosting the annual Candle Procession. Mentioned below are some of Ubon Ratchathani’s finest attractions.

Pha Thaem and Pha Mon is positioned within less than two miles from Sao Chaliang. Pha Mon and Pha Taem are two steep impressing cliffs overlooking the mighty Mekong river offering an excellent view of Laos across the water. More than 4,000 years old can be spotted on the cliffs’ surface, depicting ancient traditions and ways of life of the population who once inhabited the region. Among these painting are figures of humans, hands, animals and geometric designs.

Pha Thaem National Park is situated about nine miles from Amphoe Khong Chiam and features a wide range of exciting outdoor pursuits.
Wat Maha Wanaram is Ubon’s most important and ancient Buddhist temple. The structure features the sacred image of Phra Chao Yai Indra Plang, highly respected by the people of Ubon Ratchathani as well as by the people in the neighbouring provinces.

The gigantic Sirindhorn Dam is one of the Northeast’s main multi-purpose dams and located about 43 miles from the city in Amphoe Phibun Mangsahan. This facility can produce 36,000 kilo watts or 13.5 million electricity units annually. Guide to Northeast Thailand

The Ban Kan Luang Archaeological Site is just three miles away from the city along Highway 2050 and 212. The Fine Arts Department excavated the site in 1992. Discoveries on display feature iron axes, pottery, beads, ornaments and implements. It is believed that this fascinating settlement dates back at least two millenniums.

The district of Khong Chiam overlooks the Mekhong River and is positioned about 50 miles from downtown Ubon Ratchathani. There are hire boats available here to make the trip to Khaeng Thana cataract and to go see the bicolour river where the Moon and Mekhong Rivers meet. Ubon Ratchathani travel guide
Ubon Ratchathani landmark

Spending your gap year in Thailand

Asia’s most popular gap year destination is without a doubt Thailand. The land of smiles boasts abundant recreational, historic and natural attractions and it is especially a highly interesting destination for the gap year traveller. Spending your gap year in Thailand might be truly rewarding!

During their gap year many foreign visitors will be doing volunteer jobs. Thailand offers a wide range of different volunteer options.

Thailand situated in South East Asia, ranks steadily among the world’s top three travel destinations. To its west located is Burma, to its south Malaysia and to its east Cambodia and Laos. The country is the globe’s 49th largest and has about the same size as France.

The main religion is Theravada Buddhism while Islam is the second largest religion in the nation. The Buddhist teachings are central to modern Thai belief and identity. In practice, Buddhism in Thailand has expanded over time to include numerous regional religious beliefs originating from ancestor worship as well as animism.

In the deep south of Thailand, Islam is the main religion. A number of different ethnic peoples, many of which are marginalised, inhabit the country. Several of these ethnic groups overlap into Burma (Myanmar), Malaysia, Laos and Cambodia and have retained their distinctly way-of-life and traditional culture despite severe Thai cultural influences. A significant part of Thai society is formed by overseas Chinese, especially in and around the capital of Bangkok.

The greatest way to realise a rewarding vacation in Thailand is to participate in one of the many volunteering programs. This way it is possible to experience the real Thailand and its population. Thailand travel tips

Volunteering in Thailand can be truly rewarding!

Volunteering jobs are available in almost every region of Thailand. Conservation and teaching English are the two principal volunteer activities. Conservation work usually involves animals such as helping to protect endangered species. Teaching English mostly takes place in orphanages and (hill tribe) schools.

Volunteers for Thailand

Thailand domestic air travel

Especially in the peak season it is wise to book domestic flight services in advance, though tickets can be purchased at the air hubs if available; the tax for domestic flight services is included in the ticket’s price.

The majority of the domestic flights are operated by Thai Airways, the country’s main airline, and travels to more than 20 main cities and towns; today Bangkok Airways covers only a few destinations from the capital city, including the seaside resorts of Hua Hin, Rayong and Koh Samui. Domestic flight services depart from the new Suvarnabhumi air hub as well as limited services from Don Muang airport. Other carriers running domestic services include Nok Air and Air Asia.

The quickest, most convenient but also most pricy way of reaching the new airport is by metered taxi, which rate depends on the traffic conditions and where you are. If you leave downtown Bangkok before 6:30am you usually can get to the airport within 45 minutes, but after this time you should depart at least 90 minutes prior to your check in time. Most of the better hotels and guesthouses as well as the travel agencies in the downtown area can arrange a private minibus or cab to the airport.

Full guide on transportation to Thailand

Euro 2008 not as popular as the previous editions

The Euro 2008 football tournament just kicked off but you’d hardly know in many less touristy destinations across Thailand. The troubled economy and increasing inflation are keeping the popularity level at an uncommon low. Usually the significant football tournaments always excited huge interest and the advertisers flocked using these major sports events as sales springboards.

However, it seems that Thailand’s unstable political and economic situation is the reason for entrepreneurs being cautious and not willing to spend a lot of money on advertising. Due to the increasing living costs the Thais have to tighten their belt and therefore many people decide not to go out. Obviously the entertainment venues in the less-touristy destinations will feel the pinch.

Guide to Thai culture

The venues in Pattaya and Phuket will probably be as crowded as always during the Euro 2008 tournament but I’m not sure if they will sell as much beer as usual. After all, the English won’t be very interested watching the games as their mega-expensive team failed to earn sufficient points during their Euro qualification games and won’t be playing.

Playing Tarzan in the jungle of Koh Chang

Travellers wishing to escape from the Chang Island clichés of elephant trekking and the beach should definitely check out the Treetop Adventure Park. With pulleys, carabiners and body harnesses connecting the high trees, its provided entertainment is immediately understood to first-time visiting tourists.

Treetop Adventure Park offers nature-lovers and thrill-seekers an adventurous trip through the lush jungle by swinging from one treetop to another. Nantapol, the adrenaline-junkie who operates the park says that many people getting away from the beach scene truly enjoy the blissful break. “For some enthralling action, our business lets you swing like a Tarzan through the trees, which is an unforgettable experience and a huge adrenaline rush.” Koh Chang travel guide

The Treetop Adventure Park is positioned on Koh Chang’s southern tip. A bamboo hut overlooking the gorgeous Bai Lan Beach serves as the park’s base camp. A hectare of rainforest provides the playground where the exciting jungle adventure takes place. Dear devils swing enthusiastically through the air making use of high ropes, zip slides and Tyrolean crossings. Interested? Obviously you first must attend a quick training session.

“The short training provides necessary info on the safety system and used tools”, explains Nantapol. “Once the session is finished, we take the fearless tourists up to the tops of tall trees for some true action.” The jungle swing trails offer two levels: smooth and hardcore.

Get your kicks while swinging through the jungle on Koh Chang

After donning the protecting body gear, a 30-metre high tree must be climbed before braving a “flying skateboard” throughout the valley to another tree’s platform. Its great fun and less difficult than you might think. Then, there are the swaying wooden bridge and tricky rope bridges to tackle. The soft core trip’s final station is a flight across the green jungle landscape suspended beneath a solid cable. By using your own weight correctly and pulleys you glide gently through the air like an experienced martial arts master.

The hardcore adventure includes taller trees to climb along with longer cables resulting in higher flights. “The climax is the immense Zip Line where tourists rapidly swing through the treetops for 150 metres,” says Nantapol with a big smile on his face.

Located on Bai Lan Beach, you can call Treetop Adventure Park for more info by dialling (084) 310 7600 or visit their website

Pran Buri, a tranquil travel destination nearby Hua Hin

The serene destination of Pran Buri mainly draws travellers due to its lively fishing villages, the three-lined road running along the shore, sun-dried as well as freshly caught seafood and a great selection of nearly empty beach areas. Pran Buri can be reached within less than a 30-minute drive from the popular seaside resort of Hua Hin. The distance between Pran Buri and Bangkok is about 175 miles.

Today, hotel developers have discovered this once peaceful backwater and real estate construction has taken root. However, this wonderful area still boasts plenty of tranquil locations but this may rapidly change in the near future. Most visitors arriving here find it quite hard to leave again. Aside from the ocean and sun, visitors will be impressed by the superb white sandy beach areas, ubiquitous waving coconut trees and lush forests.

Pran Buri Beaches usually are nearly empty

Among members of Bangkok’s jet-set as well as the Thai royalty, this seaside resort town was never popular. A satellite beach of Hua Hin was the reputation that Pran Buri always seemed to have. The locality also provides a principal military base, with Burmese territory just over the border.

Driving from Hua Hin to Pran Buri is a rewarding experience and you will reachyou’re your digital camera endlessly, as the route offers jaw-dropping views. A popular en-route stop is provided by Khao Kaloke, a hill positioned in the heart of Pran Buri Beach. Here travellers might enjoy one of the snacks available at the food stalls or have a more substantial meal, served by the several restaurants.

Sawadikarn Restaurant on the hill’s other side is a favourite stop as well. This venue offers seats on bamboo tables, while guests can enjoy the magnificent view of the bay brimming with numerous fishing boats. The quaint villages of Ban Rua Yai and Ban Nong Ban Kao are situated south of Pran Buri. Visitors here can explore the nearly empty, wide and long beach.

For many years this has been one of Southern Thailand’s most stunning beachside routes. The road is beautifully flanked by the sparkling blue ocean on one side and green countryside on the other. Today, the panorama is often interrupted by hotel ads and land sales announcements.

The southern part of Pran Buri has a real rustic charming atmosphere, representing a few budget-friendly bungalows and laid-back fishing villages. Spending one night here is recommendable as you definitely will appreciate the solitary beach stroll as the sun starts to rise. In Northern Pran Buri visitors will find plenty of things to do as well. Here you can enjoy a river trip by boat navigating inland, while passing by mangrove, ancient shrines and idyllic fishing villages. On the return trip, explore the tiny villages situated at the river’s mouth and you shouldn’t forget to buy an amount of reasonably priced, outstanding dried shrimp and squid.

Travel guide to Isaarn, another unique region in Thailand which is not yet invaded by buses loaded with huge crowds of tourists.

Essential Thailand travel and tourist information

The enchanting “Land of Smiles” is nestled between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, bordering Cambodia, Laos and Burma. The kingdom is exotic yet very accessible, offering something suitable for every kind of visitor. Unwind on white sandy, sun-soaked beaches, trek through lush forested jungles, or live it up in Bangkok, the country’s humming capital.

Thailand has plenty on offer for tourists to discover. This South East Asian nation boasts an extensive selection of new travel experiences in cuisine, sounds, sights, culture, religion, and outlook. However, Thailand might be totally different compared with your country, it is most likely the most convenient exotic destination for visiting tourists. The locals are kind and helpful, recreational activities are excellently organised, the national cuisine is yummy and in general tourists receive good value for money.

Thailand, truly amazing!

The variety of numerous to visit interesting destinations throughout the country is one of Thailand’s great benefits. This friendly country has something on offer for each type of traveller including: tropic beach areas, lush jungles, cool mountains, ancient temples, great outdoor adventures, beautiful orchids, tasty cuisine, booming nightlife, amusement parks, bird watching spots and much more…

The huge and well-facilitated Bangkok Suvarnabumi International Airport is where the majority of the visiting tourists arrive. Despite the crowds, pollution, hectic traffic and the heat, the Thai capital is filled with many must-see tourist sights.

Known for being Thailand’s cultural centre, located around the gorgeous Royal Palace visitors can’t miss the old town. This pleasurable part of Bangkok is brimming with lively markets, Buddhist temples, shops and traditional houses of architectural interest.

Bangkok’s downtown area boasts modern, huge skyscrapers, first-class hotels, and glitzy shopping malls. The city centre features both, the city’s business district and main entertainment area.

Historic and picturesque cities and towns filled with ancient temples and surrounded by an environment boasting unbeatable natural beauty is what travellers will find in the northern part of Thailand. The various colourful hill tribes, living mainly in the mountainous regions, have become one of Thailand’s star tourist attractions.

The two most significant cities in the north are Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, both boasting an international airport and providing a great base, from which where to start exploring Northern Thailand.

Some of the globe’s finest beaches can be found along southern Thailand’s gorgeous coastline, representing options for all budgets and tastes. Some of the offered activities here include: fishing, sunbathing, sailing, swimming, golfing, diving and snorkelling.

Whether you’re looking for tranquillity, activities or a pulsating and naughty nightlife scene, popular travel destinations such as Phuket and Krabi have it all. Especially Krabi, boasting stunning limestone panoramas and gorgeous white sands, is a popular destination for enjoying the best family vacations. Full Krabi tourist & travel guide

Samui Island is beautifully positioned in the sparkling Gulf of Thailand’s waters. Koh Samui as well ranks among the absolute top of Thailand’s most beloved holiday destinations. Situated within a short distance from Koh Phangan, Samui still offers budget-friendly accommodation as well as a wide range of luxury first-class hotels and resorts.

Located farther away, nearby the Cambodian border you can find the serene and awesome Koh Chang Island. Those looking for Thailand’s naughtiest nightlife should head to the seaside resort town of Pattaya!

Thailand is an outstanding holiday destination for history buffs. Kanchanaburi is located west of Bangkok and is most famous for housing the “Bridge over the River Kwai”, built under miserable conditions by thousands of forced labourers during the Japanese occupation in World War II. The surrounding area boasts breathtakingly beautiful rural landscapes along with several magnificent waterfalls.

The ancient capital cities of Ayutthaya and Sukothai feature plentiful historic treasures dating back to the glorious past. The north eastern part of Thailand is known as the “Isaarn region” featuring numerous ancient Khmer constructions. The Khmer empire of Angkor’s best architectural examples can be found in Korat as well as in Buriram.

Whether visiting tourists are history enthusiasts, water sports fanatics, gastronomists, party animals, backpackers, outdoor lovers, or sun worshippers, Thailand won’t disappoint them!