Sir James Resort and Golf Club is at 195 Mu 9, Tambon Mittraphap, Amphoe Mueang, Saraburi Tel. 0 3634 1911 - 4 (18 holes).
Golf Courses in Bangkok
- Number One Driving Rent 19/7 Mu 13 Pracha Uthit Road, Wang Thonglang, Wang Thonglang, Bangkok 10310
Golf Courses in Nan
1. RTAF Pasingh Rungsaeng, Nan Golf Club Nan Airport is at Phra Sing Sub-district, Mueang Nan district, Tel. 0 5470 8837.
Golf Courses in Rayong
Rayong is one of Thailand favorite golf destination, where you can play golf all year round. The wonderful courses are invariably located close to Rayong’s major tourism destination, ensuring you can enjoy your golf and have a good holiday at the same time. So if you want to bring your family along, They are assured of lots of activities and interesting places to visit. There are several golf courses in Rayong.
Amphoe Banchang- Century Golf and Country Club Sukhumvit Road Tel: 0 3860 5054, 0 3863 5073 - Easter Star Country Rayong 214/5 Moo 3 Banchang–Had Pala Road Tel: 0 3863 0410-2 Fax: 0 3863 0418-9 - Rayong Green Valley Country Club 23 Moo 8 Ban Chang-Yaira Road Tel: 0 3889 3845 - St.Andrews 2000 Golf Country Club 9/36 Moo 7 Ban Chang-Yaira Road Tel: 0 3889 3838 Fax: 0 3889 3845
Amphoe Pluak Dang - Great Lake Golf and Country Club Tambon Mab yang pom Tel: 0 3862 2630
Golf is one of the most popular sports in Thailand. The game arrived in the county a century ago and was quickly taken up by the elite and the fashionable. Among the first sponsors of the game were the armed forces and government institutions, which built and continue to own some of the finest courses in the county. About 350,000 visitors are believed to have played golf in Thailand in 2002, generating an expenditure of nearly 6.2 billion baht. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is planning to raise these figures to one million golfers, generating an estimated 18.45 billion baht by 2007. In 2004 alone, the plan is to attract 400,000 golfers. Who will generate an estimated 7.1 billion baht, an increase of 14.29% over 2002. There are over 200 high standard golf courses nationwide, many of them championship standards. The world’s top designers have made a significant contribution. Jack Nicklaus, Roboert Trent Jones Jr, Pete De Gar Player and many others have perfected modern layouts, using the best grasses and latest techniques. The result is some of the most attractive courses in Asia, with excellent facilities, memorable signature holes and regular maintenance to keep them in top-class condition. Every course has its caddies; it's mandatory to empoly one caddie for your round. They are Thailand’s secret weapon in making golf such good fun. These brightly clad ladies, in smart uniforms and straw hats, know lots about the course, smile almost all the time, and very good at reading putts. There are at least a few courses in or within easy reach of all major cites. Most of the newer courses offer accommodation on site or nearby, plus recreational facilities for the whole family. For the more adventurous, there are older, natural courses in remote areas around the courses in remote areas around the country owned by the Royal Irrigation Department, the Electricity Generation Authority of Thailand, all offering good value. So for golfers who not only appreciate a challenging course, but an exotically different one too, there is an extraordinary choice. The best time to plan a golfing trip is the cool season, from November to March. From April to October it is hot and wet, but even in the rainy months the downfall usually comes in the afternoon, and for only a few minutes. Most courses have good drainage systems, and the rains should not interrupt your game for long. At some facilities you may need to book ahead, through your club or your hotel, and advance booking is recommended for weekends. Greens fees continue to be very reasonable, as are the fees for caddies. As most of the golf courses are located in the provinces, promoting golf also furthers the TAT policy of ensuring that throughout the provinces.
Boat trips to enjoy the beautiful scenery and Thai lifestyle along the Chao Phraya River, the Pa Sak River and around the town island of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya are available. A long-tailed boat can be chartered at the pier in front of Chanthara Kasem National Museum, Pom Phet Pier, and Wat Phananchoeng Pier. The fare depends on the route and duration. There are also boat tours provided by:
1. Ruean Raprong Restaurant Providing a river tour around Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Starting from the restaurant, there are 3 routes available: 1. Around the town of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya; 2. To Bang Pa-In Palace, and 3. To Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Centre. The boats are in service during 9.00 a.m. – 10.00 p.m. daily. Service charge inclusive of food and beverage for a tour around the town of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya is 320 Baht/person for a group of 10 – 30 persons and 300 Baht/person for a group of more than 30 persons. A boat of 8 seats may also be chartered at 1,200 Baht exclusive of food and beverage. For more details, please call Tel. 0 3521 1036, 08 1994 1565.
2. Nawa Nakhon Providing old style boats decorated to be harmonious with the ambience of the ancient capital for a one-hour tour around the town of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya via several places of interest such as Phra Tamnak Siriyalai, Wat Chai Watthanaram, and many other temples. The boats have two sizes: the small ones for 8 persons and the large ones for 10 persons. They are available at 800 Baht, during 8.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m. Contact Khun Chinnathon at Tel. 08 1928 2887 or Khun Wilai at Tel. 08 1658 9148.
3. Ayutthaya Boat & Travel Providing boat and bicycle tours around the province. There are 4 routes available: 1. Ayutthaya day tour by cycling, traditional Thai massage, cruising tour, and dinner; 2. Ayutthaya and Bang Pa-in tour by cycling, palace tour, long-tailed boat cruise; 3. cycling tour to visit Ayutthaya's highlights and Ban Lat Chado the country small peaceful village, cruising trip, overnight stay at homestay; 4. dinner cruise to discover some magnificent spots of the ancient city on the river banks, observing the timeless day-to-day activities of the people living along the river banks. For more details, please call Tel. 0 2746 1414, 08 1456 9862, 08 9456 3700, 08 1733 5687.
4. Pradit Boat Travel Providing a motor boat tour around the island town of Ayutthaya, starting from Wat Phananchoeng Pier. Tel. 08 6123 1669. There is also dinner on the boat provided by several other restaurants.
Bangkok’s 10th International festival of Dance & Music Date : September 15 - October 13, 2008 Venue : Thailand Cultural Centre, Bangkok
Ticket prices : from Bt 400 - Bt 4,000 Ticket reservation: • Thai Ticket Major Call Center Tel: +66 2262 3456 • Thai Ticket Major Booth at Central Ladpao, Chidlom, Bangna, Pin Klao, Ramkhamheng B2S Central World and Muangthai Rachadalai Theatre • Book online www.thaiticketmajor.com
For more information call : International Cultural Promotions + 662 204 2394 www.bangkokfestivals.com
FESTIVAL PROGRAMME
Monday, 15th September 2008 Requiem, specially composed in the memory of H.R.H Princess Galyani By Russian Symphony Orchestra, Russia
Tuesday,16th September & Thursday, 18th September 2008 Aida, four-act opera By Russian Bashkir State Opera Theatre
Friday, 19th September 2008 Raymonda, two-act ballet World Premiere on Rudolf Nureyev’s Anniversary By Russian Bashkir State Ballet Theatre
Saturday, 20th September & Sunday, 21st September 2008 Nutcracker, two-act ballet By Russian Bashkir State Ballet Theatre
Monday, 22nd September 2008 Symphony Concert By Russian Symphony Orchestra
Wednesday, 24th September & Thursday, 25th September 2008 Winds In The Void, a ballet By Zurich Ballet
Saturday, 27th September 2008 Introdans, The Netherlands Presented by The Netherlands Embassy and ING Life Limited
Wednesday, 1st October 2008 Korean Fantasy By National Theatre of Korea Presented by the Korean Embassy and Ministry of Culture, Sports & Tourism in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of diplomatic relations with Thailand.
Friday, 3rd October & Saturday, 4th October 2008 Paul Taylor Contemporary Dance Company from New York Presented by the Embassy of the United States of America in celebration of the 175th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Thailand
Monday, 6th October 2008 First Part: Lua Hadar and Twist Jazz Band from San Francisco Second Part: James Morrison and the Group from Australia
Wednesday, 8th October & Thursday, 9th October 2008 Ballet Flamenco Sara Baras from Spain Presented by the Embassy of Spain and Amadeus
Saturday,11th October 2008 ‘Sankriti’ Classical Dances of India Presented by the Embassy of India
Sunday, 12th October 2008 First Part: G-Strings from Germany Second Part: Bconnected Jazz Band from Switzerland Presented by the Goethe-Institut and Nivea
Monday, 13th October 2008 Inaki Urlezaga Group from Argentina Presented by the Embassy of Argentina
Thai food has become in recent years one of the world's favorite cuisines. When we speak of "Thai food", we are in fact talking of four very distinct regions in the country, each with their own culinary traditions. We are speaking too of the dishes created in the royal courts and palaces of Old Siam, that have been passed down through many generations of chefs, and finally into public domain.
Good food also comes up from the street level, and many of Thailand's most popular dishes can be found at the smallest food stalls and restaurants. And there is the influence of China, India, Malaysia and other neighbouring countries. So all these different factors come together under the label "Thai food", and you will find them in varying degrees at any Thai restaurant you care to visit, anywhere in the world.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the cuisine is its use of herbs and spices. With regard to the spices, some Thai dishes are very hot, but by no means all of them. The herbs have another function, in addition to providing flavour, in that they all have to varying degrees various medical and therapeutic benefits.
Thailand has a long history, going back to ancient times, of the use of herbs for medical purpose, and this in turn has permeated the ways of cooking and preparing food. Coupled with its low-fat qualities and its essential freshness, this helps make thai food one of the healthiest anywhere. Another important aspect about Thai food is the hospitality and friendiness, the sheer enjoyment of good companionship and of eating that is such a powerful element of the Thai personality. Sharing a meal is an important part of the day for any Thai person, and meal are very seldom taken alone. That is why all the dishes are generally served at once during Thai meal, and why there is a communal spoon placed alongside each dish for people to help themselves and to serve others.
A Thai meal ideally is a communal affair, principally because the greater the number of dinners the greater the number of dishes that can be sampled. Diners choose what ever they require from share dishes and generally add it to their own plate of rice. All the dish are serve simultaneously, or nearly so. The object is to archive a harmonious blend of the spicy, the subtle, the sweet and sour, and a meal is meant to be equally satisfying to the eye, nose and palate.
Thailand is blessed with many varieties of plants, herbs and spices which ensure s balanced diet. Today, visitors can both relish classic Thai menus and the benefits of a natural diet, and study the art of Thai cooking at several specialist schools in Bangkok and major beach resorts. List of Thai Cooking Schools in Thailand Thai Cooking Schools
Finding a cooking school in Bangkok or the major provinces is increasingly easy. Most of the major hotels that have their own in-house Thai restaurant will offer cooking classes, either as intensive hands-on sessions or as watch-and-eat events. In addition there are cooking schools that provide basic skills sufficient to prepare a Thai meal in your own home, or even training to professional standards.
Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School
Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School is a remarkable new partnership between Le Cordon Bleu and Dusit International, developed in response to the rapidly increasing demand in Thailand for the finest quality culinary arts education and hospitality training.
Professionals, amateurs and gastronomic enthusiasts come to Le Cordon Bleu for a superior culinary education. All instruction is given by Master Chefs. Most of them have earned numerous awards and distinctions through out their careers and judge at international culinary competitions. At Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School, students at all levels learn from the Chef’s expertise, experience and personal interpretation of the culinary arts.
The unrivalled Le Cordon Bleu teaching methodology combines demonstrations followed by hands-on practical classes.
For more information, please contat Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School 946 The Dusit Thani Building,1st Floor, Rama IV Road, Bang Rak,Bangkok 10500 Tel: 0 2237 8877 Fax: 0 2237 8878 Email: thailand@cordonbleu.edu Website: www.cordonbleudusit.com
Silom Thai Cooking School 31/11 Silom Soi Bangrak , Bangkok 10500 Tel: (Domestic) 0-47265669 or ( Oversea) +6647265669 E-mail : silomthaicookingschool@yahoo.com Website : http://www.picturetrail.com/silomthaicookingschool
Silom Thai Cooking School offers its customers the opportunity to learn how to cook real Thai food in a traditional Thai setting, with skilled and friendly teachers who can impart the secrets of Thai cooking to customer in a fun atmosphere. Silom Thai Cooking School offers four separate courses Silom Thai Cooking School is located in the heart of Bangkok, Silom Road. We view Silom Thai Cooking School as more than just a school, but rather as an extension of our home, and an opportunity to share Thai cooking and culture with student.
Blue Elephant Bangkok Cooking School & Restaurant, Bangkok
Blue Elephant Bangkok Cooking School & Restaurant 233 South Sathon Road, Yan Nawa, Bangkok 10120 Tel : 0 2673 9353 Fax : 0 2673 9355 Email : cooking.school@BlueElephant.com
Located in the heart of Bangkok opposite the Surasak sky train station, the school offers hand-on classes commencing with a visit to the morning market. Accompanied by the instructor, you will learn to select and buyThai ingredients for your personal cooking lesson. The class will be followed by a meal to sampling your own cooking as well as additional Thai dishes. Every participant, whether expert or novice, is able to graduate with a Blue Elephant Cooking Class Certificate and will receive a basket consisting of Thai herbal tea and packets of curry paste and apron. Private cooking classes can be organized for professional chefs.
UFM Baking & Cooking School, Bangkok
UFM Baking & Cooking School Sukhumvit 33 Road, Bangkok 10110 Tel : 0 2259 0620-3
UFM offers 10-day Thai cooking courses every other month. Classes take place from 8.30-noon daily, and recipes are mix of the simple and the sophisticated, regional specialties and national favourites. Students will receive a companion book in English. Five-day vegetable carving courses are available on alternate months.
Modern Women Cooking School, Bangkok
Modern Women Cooking School 45/6 Setsiri Rod, Opposite Samsen train station, Bangkok 10300 Tel & Fax : 0 2279 2831, 0 2279 2834, 0 2279 3524, 0 26196428 E-mail : master@mwthaicook.com Website : http://www.mwthaicook.com
The Modern Woman Cooking School was established since 4th July 1979. The school has been instructed by Mr. Polsri Kachacheewa who is the professional of radio and TV programs concerning the house cooking and food preparing. He is the professional of food magazine and the expert of nutrition. The school offers 1- day course or half-day course for foreigner from Monday to Sunday. Please make booking one or two days in advance.
Thai Cooking Classes at Hotels in Bangkok
Cooking Classes at Hotels in Bangkok
The Thai Cooking School at The Oriental Hotel c/o The Oriental Bangkok, Charoen Krung Road, Bangkok 10600 Tel : 0 2437 6211, 0 2437 2918
This legendary hotel on the bank of the Chao Phraya opened its own Thai cooking school on the other side of the river a few years back. The four-day cooking course, conducted in English, is mainly a “ watch and learn” experience, with emphasis on demonstration by the chef-lecturers followed by some hand-on participation by students. Classes start off with some background on Thai cooking, followed by different cooking techniques and fruit and vegetable carving. Recipes are a blend of the traditional and the imaginative. Menu preparation and selection is included in the course, as well as how to order at Thai restaurants. Classes take place from 9 in the morning to noon, followed by lunch. Tuition is charged per class.
Benjarong Cooking Class at the Dusit Thani At the corner of Silom and Rama IV, Bangkok 10500 Tel : 0 2236 6400, 0 2236 7238
The Dusit Thani’s Benjarong Royal Thai Cuisine is one of the most sophisticated Thai restaurant in Bangkok. Its head chef runs the Benjarong cooking class every Saturday morning, from 9.30-12.30. Recipes are drawn from the restaurant’s menu and include snacks and appetisers, soup and salad, main dishes and desserts. Benjarong Cooking Class offers a very hand-on experience, and the instruction emphasizes practicality and inventiveness. The complete course comprises 12 classes, and graduates will receive a certificate as well as recipe book in English.
Nipa Restaurant at The Landmark Hotel Between Sois 4&6, Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110 Tel : 0 2254 0404
The restaurant offers a 7-day course designed to teach beginners all the basics of Thai cooking and enable them to prepare curries, soups, salads and other dishes that make up a Thai meal. The restaurant’s chefs lecture on ingredients and recipes, and then let students participate in the cooking and tasting. Nipa is famous for its authentic food, which has not been toned down to suit milder palates, and the course offers plenty of hand-on experience. Students will receive a recipe book in English or Japanese. Fruit and vegetable carving sessions can be arranged separately.
Bangkok Palace Tel : 0 2253 0510 Best Western Jade Pavilion Tel : 0 2269 4676
Century Park Hotel Tel : 0 2246 7800-9 Embassy Suites Windsor Palace Tel : 0 2258 0160
Grand Hyatt Erawan Tel : 0 2254 1234 Holiday Inn Silom Tel : 0 2238 4300
Imperial Impala Tel : 0 2258 8612 Imperial Queen’s Park Tel : 0 2261 9000
Indra Regent Tel : 0 2208 0033 Montien Reverside Tel : 0 2292 2999
Prince Palace Tel : 0 2628 1111 Rama Gardens Tel : 0 2561 1022
Rembrandt Tel : 0 2261 7100 Royal City Tel : 0 2435 8888
Royal Princess Tel : 0 2281 3088 Shangri-la Bangkok Tel : 0 2236 7777
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Tel : 0 2653 0033
Sofitel Central Grand Plaza Bangkok Tel : 0 2541 1234 Twin Towers Tel : 0 2216 9555
Tai-Pan Tel : 0 2260 9888 Tawana Ramada Tel : 0 2236 0361
Westin Grand Sukhumvit Tel : 0 2255 2440
Chiang Mai Cooking Classes
Cooking classes in Chiang Mai
Thai cooking classes are a delight and great fun. An increasing number of foreign tourists join Thai cooking classes to learn new skills that can be used at home.
Chiang Mai Cookery School Mun Mueang Road, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Mai 50180 Tel. 0 5320 6388 Fax: 0 5320 6387. The school offers one-two- or three-day cooking classes in English. Recipes include northern specialties, and students will get hands-on experience with kitchen tools. Classes include northern-style lunch, where students will learn the etiquette of eating at the unique khan toke table.
Air’s Thai Culinary Kitchen was established in 2004 by Mr. Chanrat ‘Air’ Karatna. Air was inspired to help visitors learn Thai cooking so that tourists could learn how to cook their favorite delicious Thai foods when they returned to their own countries. The kitchen classroom of Air’s Thai Culinary Kitchen is surrounded by herb and spice gardens that you will pick and use in the course making the learning of Thai cooking a truly unique experience.
Cooking Classes at Hotels in Chiang Mai
Amari Rincome Tel : 0 5322 1044 Chiang Mai Hills Tel : 0 5321 0030
Chiang Mai Plaza Tel : 0 5327 0036 Empress Chiang Mai Tel : 0 5327 2467
City Inn Tel : 0 5327 0710 Holiday Inn Chiang Mai Tel : 0 5322 0100
Imperial Mae Ping Tel : 0 5327 0160 Lotus Pang Suan Kaew Tel : 0 5322 4333
Novotel Chiang Mai Tel : 0 5322 5500 Suriwong Zenith Tel : 0 5327 0051 Westin Chiang Mai Tel : 0 5327 5300 Chiang Rai Golden Triangle Tel : 0 5377 7001
Baan Boran Tel : 0 5378 4084 Wangcome Tel : 0 5371 1811
Cooking Classes in Pattaya
The following hotels in Pattaya offer Thai cooking classes for their guests.
Best Western Baiyoke Tel : 0 3842 3300 Grand Jomtien Palace Tel : 0 3823 1405
Montien Pattay Tel : 0 3842 8155 Pattaya Park Beach Resort Tel : 0 3842 3000
Royal Cliff Beach Resort Tel : 0 3825 0421 Royal Garden Resort Tel : 0 3842 8126
Town in Town Tel : 0 3842 0281 Weekender Tel : 0 3842 8720
Welcome Jomtien Beach Tel : 0 3823 2701 Woodlands Resort Tel : 0 3842 1707
Cooking Classes in Krabi The following hotels in Krabi offer Thai cooking classes for their guests.
Phra Nang Inn Tel / Fax : 0 7561 2173 Rayavadee Resort Tel : 0 7562 0740-3
Cooking Classes at Ban Ing Nam Health Resort & Spa, Nonthaburi
Cooking Classes at BAN ING NAM Health Resort & Spa, Nonthaburi 14 Mu 3 Khlong Phra Udom, Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, 11120 Tel: (66) 2 9627750-2 Fax: (66) 2 9627753 Email: sales@baningnam.com or info@baningnam.com Website : http://www.baningnam.com
Ban Ing Nam Health Resort and Spa offers Special Cooking classes for people who are ready for a little more of a challenge there are specialty classes which deal with just about every topic under the sun: vegetarian cooking, diabetic cooking, and almost any other style of cooking a person can think of. Besides, food tastes better when you make it yourself…what a great sense of accomplishment to take various ingredients and fashion them into something delectable.
Cooking Classes in Phuket
Culinary Workshops at The Boathouse Patak Road, Kata Beach, Phuket 83100 Tel : 0 7633 0015-7 Fax : 0 7633 0561 Bangkok office : 0 2439 2312, 0 2439 4740-4
The Boathouse’s Thai cooking classes, led by the resort’s executive chef, take place every Saturday and Sunday morning. Classes are very hands-on, with attendance limited to 10 persons to ensure participation by all. Recipes have been chosen for adaptability to Western kitchens. Classes are conducted in fluent English.
Cooking Classes at Other Hotels in Phuket
Dusit Laguna Tel : 0 7632 4320 Holiday Inn Resort Tel : 0 7634 0608
Kamala Bay Terrace Tel : 0 7627 0801 Karon Villa Tel : 0 7638 1139
Laguna Beach Club Tel : 0 7632 4352 Le Meridien Phuket Tel : 0 7634 0480
Pearl Village Tel : 0 7631 1379 Phuket Island Resort Tel : 0 7638 1010
Sheraton Grand Laguna Tel : 0 7632 4101 Thavorn Beach Village Tel : 0 7634 0486
Thavorn Palm Beach Tel : 0 7639 6090
Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Art 46/6 M00 3, Chaweng Beach, Ko Samui, Surat Thani 84320 Tel : 0 7741 3172 Fax : 0 7741 3434 Email : info@sitca.net
The Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts (SITCA) offers Thai cooking classes taught in modern air-conditioned facility. Everyone is equipped with an apron, their own burner at the stove, and everything needed for a complete hands-on experience. There are lunchtime and dinnertime classes. Students who participate in three or more of the evening classes receive a certificate of achievement and free souvenir apron. Training for professionals programmes began in January 2004.
Cooking Classes at Hotels on Ko Samui
Central Samui Tel : 0 2230 5000 Imperial Samui Tel : 0 7742 2020-36
Poppies Samui Tel : 0 7742 2389 Santiburi Dusit Resort Tel : 0 7742 5031
The Thai spa experience brings together a range of indigenous resources, folk wisdom and traditions that have been handed down through the centuries. It captures the very essence of traditional Thai living. Spa operators delve into this ancient treasure trove to create exceptional spa products so that alluring dimensions of this tropical paradise enrich the spa experience. Gracious hospitality and service is complemented by the friendly and caring nature and gentle ways of the Thai people, adding a uniquely Thai touch to world-class service and hospitality. Kindness, compassion and the act of comforting and caring for others, as advocated by the Theravada Buddhist tradition, is very much part of everyday life. The gesture is instinctive and genuine.
Many of the healing techniques and well-being therapies featured on the contemporary spa menu have been adopted and adapted from such practices. These include natural healing a tradition based on the healing power of indigenous herbs and plants, holistic remedies specially formulated to restore balance and rejuvenate mind, body and spirit and a variety of other healing techniques, including meditative practices, which reflect deep-rooted Buddhist influences. For example, the act of performing traditional Thai Massage is considered to be an act of compassion in which the healer (or therapist) practices the physical application of metta (loving kindness) and bestows a healing touch in the spirit of giving. The Thai spa experience thus enables guests to experience various aspects of Thai-ness.
Thailand excels in the quality and diversity of its spa offerings. Thai spas really do have it all variety and value framed in a perfect blend of Western leisure concepts and traditional Asian wellbeing therapies. Value for money is an added plus. A harmonious blend of cultural heritage and destination diversity makes Thailand an infinitely attractive spa destination.
Thailand’s cultural heritage was influenced by ancient India when the Indian merchants and scholars set foot and gradually settled in Southeast Asia some 2,300 years ago. It continued for several centuries. Buddhist religion and popular myth are the most obvious examples. Much of Thailand’s royal tradition is also rooted in Indian culture.
Buddhism is thought to have first come to Thailand at Nakhon Pathom, While Indian concepts of divine kingship first took root in the Khmer empire. By the 6th century AD, many independent states were flourishing in the region we now know as Thailand. One of these was the Mon’s Dvaravati kingdom. Mon dominance over central Thailand has been diminished by the power of an expanding Khmer empire. Eventually, The Khmer became so powerful that they ruled the entire area. Only the southern isthmus where the Srivijaya civilization had taken root was unaffected.
Towards the end of the 13th century, Khmer power in this area waned and new kingdoms dominated by the Thai race developed, including the northern Lanna kingdom. Beginning by nibbling away at the perimeter of the Khmer empire at Sukhothai and in Lanna some 700 years ago, the Thai race later established the glorious court at Ayutthaya, and eventually Bangkok. Over the past centuries, many peoples, among them the Chinese, Arabs, Malays and Westerners, have contributed to Thailand’s cultural heritage.
Thailand’s majestic cultural heritage inherited over the past centuries was dominated or influenced by many kingdoms encompassing the area including the powerful Khmer. The remains of their cultural heritage can still be seen in many places through out the kingdom.
Thailand has long been known for the rich diversity of its attractions, but the continuing development of the Kingdom’s tourism product means that there are still more waiting discovery. A land of golden temples, tropical beaches and forested hills, Thailand is truly a veritable oasis in an increasingly hectic world. Secure in its devotion to the Buddhist faith and to its beloved King, it merges a centuries-old culture with way of life that preserves its identity and gracious natural hospitality. For sightseeing and travel, Thailand has few equals. From dazzling temples and palaces to awe-inspiring World Heritage Sites; from timeless rural settlements to vibrant resort towns; from idyllic beaches to national parks where wild nature rules, the choice of where to go and what to see is limitless.
Soft adventure options blend with eco-tourism in mountainous jungle terrain, with trekking on foot or elephant back, 4-wheel drive safaris, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and meeting with remote highland communities. Away from the upland forests, the blue watersof Thailand’s extensive coastline beckon, offering the relaxing joys of beach life as well as diving, sailing, windsurfing, and sea canoeing, all with expert tuition provided.
Golfers love Thailand and the feeling is mutual. The Kingdom has more than 100 golf courses, most to international standard and located close to major tourism destinations with first-class facilities and friendly fees. The Thai secret of relaxation is a secret that can be shared by learning and practicing meditation in Buddhist retreats or training centres. The revitalising Thai massage is an ancient tradition that is another part of the secret visitors like to share, while at the many luxury spas, they can experience the most modern, sensual techniques at the firm but caressing hands of a trained therapist. Thailand’s cuisine is recognised as one of the world’s healthiest. A profusion of fresh produce, fresh-caught fish and seafood with a balanced complement of aromatic herbs and spices, wok-fried or grilled for a dish that is light, nutritious and bursting with flavour. Dishes from all of Thailand’s regions can be found in Bangkok, as well as fine dining at sophisticated restaurants of world-class quality. The city is one of Asia’s great shopping experiences, too, with gleaming modern malls and department stores with top international brand and specifically Thai names along with smart boutiques and busy street stalls.
Giant markets like Chatuchak and Suan Lum Night Bazaar also sell international brand names, but their fame rests on their diversity. From local fashions and handicrafts at giveaway prices, the range of discoveries to be made there is quite astounding. Everywhere in Thailand traditional products are hand made by local artisans: weavers of cotton and silk, wood carvers, potters working in the local clay, silversmiths, basket makers, and cooks making local gourmet specialities. Even in the remotest villages, these cottage industries are being supported by the government’s One Tambon One Product (OTOP) project, and OTOP products from communities all over the Kingdom are now sold in many stores. At the same time, OTOP villages are being developed so that visitors can go to the source and stay overnight in the artisan villages. From this profusion of location and activity, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is identifying new attractions and promoting niche markets, special programmes with appeal to special interests and needs: to younger travellers, to families, to honeymoon couples, to cultural travellers, to voyagers seeking health and wellbeing holidays. And the best part of it is Thailand offers this wealth of diversity with the legendary Thai smile — which is not a legend at all, but one of the genuinev delights of discovering Thailand.
Oasis Sea World
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In addition to the eight precepts the following guidelines should be
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