While there are many provinces for you to explore the beauty of a suburban area in Thailand, there is one place that considered itself as an urban area which is quite close to the capital. The province I’m mentioning is Samutprakarn and it is truly a wonder to visit.

General information about Samutprakarn, Thailand

Samutprakarn is a province that is very close to the capital with 29 kilometers away from Bangkok. This province is separated into six districts and each with a charm of its own. Some districts may have traditional events, and some may have other exotic attractions for tourists to visit such as crocodile farms. Samutprakarn is also awarded with many awards for it preservation of nature in which very little city in Thailand received this kind of award.

To get to Samutprakarn, Thailand

Getting here is fairly easy as well. There are various routes and method you can choose to travel here. First and the most obvious choice is to travel by car. You can rent a car and drive yourself here. You can enjoy the path along side of the road to get the feel of what this province might portray.

It would take you less than 40 or 50 minutes to get here which mainly depends on the traffic and Samutprakarn can get pretty crowded at times. The next method is to use the bus as a mean of transportation. There are many bus lines you can choose from depending on which parts of the province that you want to go. Alternatively, you can ride a taxi here, but make sure you ask the driver to charge you by the meter.

Famous Tourist attractions in Samutprakarn, Thailand

Let us start off with a bang! There are famous attractions around the province that you can choose to go to. However, your time might not be sufficient enough to go through them all. So, I have made a list of places that you should really go to as it is very famous and pretty worth it.

The Ancient City or Mueang Boran

Mueang Boran (เมืองโบราณ)

The first place is the Ancient City or Mueang Boran in Thai. This place basically miniaturizes many important places that are iconic to Thailand only. Some people called this place as Ancient Siam as well. You will get to see many old buildings from the history books of Thailand and much more.

Mueang Boran (เมืองโบราณ)

As Thailand is famous for its temples, at Ancient City, you will see more than a hundred temples and other ancient buildings. You could literally come to the Ancient City to see all of Thailand’s architecture and important landmarks in one place.

You would not believe your own eyes how beautiful and realistic the miniatures are. This place has also been used to film famous ancient Thai’s dramas in which the place might be very crowded in the weekends.

Bang Krachao

Bang Krachao (บางกระเจ้า)

The next place is truly the highlight of this province in my opinion in which the place is called Bang Krachao. It is suitable for ones who love the nature and want to get some fresh air.

Bang Krachao (บางกระเจ้า)

This place has been awarded for being the Best Urban Oasis of Asia from Time Asia since 2006. It is a green zone in the middle of all the chaotic urban areas. You can rent a bicycle and travel around the area to see many species of trees and more. Also, to get more fresh air and see more things on the bicycle! You can even go to the nearby market called Bang Numpueng Floating Market for foods and more souvenirs on the weekends.

Baan Toob Hom

Baan Toob Hom (บ้านธูปหอม)

Another place is called Baan Toob Hom which is a place where you can learn and make incense that smells like local herbs such as lemon grass and kaffir lime. There are also many colors you can choose!

The Siamese Fighting Fish Gallery

If you want to learn more about Siamese fighting fish or betta, you can visit the Siamese Fighting Fish Gallery. This is the place where you can learn about the bettas and there are several species of the fish on display as well. There are other attractions around the place that you can explore by yourself which is what fun about the place!

Local Tells

Above places are all famous attractions, but there are more places recommended by the locals as well.

Erawan Museum

This place is basically an elephant museum with a statue in front of the place. The elephant statue is about 14 stories tall, including the museum building, which is made out of copper steel and weigh around 250 tons.

It is beautiful, and the museum is amazingly decorated. Inside of the museum, there are various ancient artifacts and several rare species of plants from every region of Thailand on display.

Wat Bang Phli Yai

Wat Bang Phli Yai Glang (วัดบางพลีใหญ่กลาง)

Next stop is Wat Bang Phli Yai which is the one of the most visited and the most famous temples for Thais as well as for tourists. The reason for this is the statue of Luang Pho To who is a famous Buddhist monk that has been worshipped and respect by many Thais around the country.

Lotus Receiving Tradition (ประเพณีรับบัว)

Lotus Receiving Tradition (ประเพณีรับบัว)

Another unique thing about this place is the tradition that this temple holds which is the lotus receiving tradition. This is the only place in the world that you will get to experience this tradition. Luang Pho To will be summoned by the river in a boat and people will try to throw the lotus into the boat.

People believe that if the lotus can get into the boat, their wishes will come true. This event happens every year around October and it is considered as a big tradition of the province.

If you want to explore further, you can go to Wat Bang Phli Yai Glang to see the sleeping Buddha with more than 50 meters in length. This is one of the longest sleeping Buddha in Thailand. And, the only one of Buddha in Thailand has heart inside.

Bangpoo Recreation Center

Bangpoo Recreation Center (สถานตากอากศบางปู)

The last place is Bangpoo Recreation Center or resort. This is a famous place near the Gulf of Thailand with accommodations, foods, and relaxation you need. It has a long reputation of being the famous recreation center. The highlight of this place is the seagulls that migrated from the cold of Siberia which usually steal food from the hands of tourists.

You can find a lot of them between November and May. Moreover, you could observe more than 200 species of birds here! You can also watch the sunset here to end your beautiful day if you would like to.

Other interesting information about Samutprakarn, Thailand

The motto for Samutprakarn is “Marine Battle Fortresses, Chedi in the Water, Crocodile Farm, Exquisite Ancient City, Phra Pradaeng Songkran Festival, Tasty Dried Snakeskin Gourami, Rap Bua Festival, and Industrial Estate”.

To get around the province,

the most you can do is to travel by the local motorcycle taxis available here. You could also rent a bike to ride around town yourself which is quite cheap, but you should bargain for the price a little.

For accommodation,

there are plenty of resorts in the province and homestays. Local hotels are pretty good as well if you want a place that is not that luxury. The price could vary from 300 baht to a couple thousand baht per night. Enjoy your stay at Samutprakarn!

Suggested Cities around Samutprakarn

Ratchaburi – Thailand’s Prosperous Civilization and Land of the King

Bangkok – The Capital City of Thailand

Saraburi – A Town with Significant Importance of Thailand in the Ancient Times

Phetchaburi – One of Thailand’s Best Agricultural Provinces

Samut Sakhon – A Small Historic City Near the Center of Thailand

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General information about Nonthaburi, Thailand

Nonthaburi is a province that is really close to Bangkok which covers more than 622 square kilometers of area. In fact, it is one of the five neighboring provinces of Bangkok and Thailand’s second largest city. This province has a long history that dated back more than 400 years during the era of Ayutthaya.

You will be able to see traces of history throughout the province with some exotic features that most provinces in Thailand does not have. As it used to be a part of Bangkok, some government bodies are also situated here or close to the province.

To get to Nonthaburi

There are number of ways you can get here. The first way is to drive yourself here or take a taxi. It could be quite cheap which depends on where you get on the ride. The second way is to take a bus and there are a lot of buses that pass through the province, so be sure to check the route at BMTA website.

If you want to get a little bit romantic, you may take a ferry here as well. There are daily express boats along the Chao Phraya River that you can get on. Again, be sure to check the schedule beforehand to plan your trip.

Famous Tourist attractions in Nonthaburi, Thailand

Many provinces in Thailand have a bunch of famous places in them, but you need to go around the province to reach them all. However, in Nonthaburi, you can go to just one place and you are covered. This one place contains all the attractions or places that are really famous in the province and you cannot miss them!

Ko Kret or Koh Kred

Wat Poramai Yikawat (วัดปรมัยยิกาวาส)

The first and only famous place is Ko Kret or Koh Kred which is basically an island with many attractions for you to visit! It is also considered to be the most famous attraction in all of Nonthaburi. The island is situated in the middle of Chao Phraya River and it has a great community of Mon people living here. The people here still have the same way of living and tradition that are well-preserved to this day.

When you are arrived at the island, you will first see the symbol of Koh Kred which is the slightly inclined Chedi that is pretty unique. The Chedi is from a temple named Wat Poramai Yikawat which is an ancient temple since Ayutthaya era.

About 100 years ago, King Rama V has ordered a renovation to keep this temple standing. There are also other interesting things inside of the temple, especially a Buddha statue that looks really lively like a person. If you want to see more temples, you can look for other several temples inside the island!

Kwan Aman

Kwan Aman (กวานอาม่าน)

The next place on the island that you should go to is Kwan Aman which is a village that produces potteries. Potteries here is considered as the oldest craftsmanship of this province. The pottery is filled with great details from the ancient Mon that presents a unique touch to the craft which made it pretty famous among many people in Nonthaburi.

Kwan Aman (กวานอาม่าน)

In fact, you could buy it as a souvenir too. Other than that, there is a museum in the village that acts as a center of tradition of Mon people with various displays of potteries and demonstrations.

Klong Kanom Whan

Another place on the island that you should not miss is Klong Kanom Whan which is where the locals live on both sides of the canal.

Klong Kanom Whan – Kanom Ja Mongkut (คลองขนมหวาน – ขนมจ่ามงกุฎ )

They usually make a lot of sweets or Thai desserts for you to buy such as thong yip, thong yot, and foi thong. There is also other ancient dessert like kanom ja mongkut which looks like a beautiful crown and really hard to find in Thailand. You can watch demonstrations on how they are making those desserts as well!

Local Tells

Apart from the famous Ko Kret, there are other unique places that many tourists do not know about which are recommended by the locals. These places are cultural and traditional places of this province which truly resemble Thailand at its best. Most of them are temples and if you already love temples, then you should definitely keep reading to see how awesome they are!

Wat Chalerm Phra Kiat

Wat Chalerm Phra Kiat (วัดเฉลิมพระเกียรติ)

The first recommended place is known as Wat Chalerm Phra Kiat which is a temple that grown with the province itself. It is actually more than 100 years old and situated beside the Chao Phraya River. Other than that, this temple has been selected as the role model of temples in Thailand with the renowned architectural style of Thai and Chinese culture.

Wat Chalerm Phra Kiat (วัดเฉลิมพระเกียรติ)

With its amazing beauty, this temple has been used as a filming set for many local Thai films. Inside of the temple, you can see a Buddha statue with an attitude of subduing Mara that was entirely made out of copper which produces a beautiful red color.

You must also visit the back of the temple as well! There is a white Chedi with more than 45 meters tall that stores Buddhist relics inside of it. This place is also considered to be one of the most beautiful temples in Nonthaburi province!

Wat Leng Noei Yi 2 or Wat Borom Raja Kanchanapisek Anusorn

Wat Leng Noei Yi 2 (วัดเล่งเน่ยยี่ 2)

The next place is also a temple called Wat Leng Noei Yi 2 or Wat Borom Raja Kanchanapisek Anusorn. It is a Mahayana Buddhist temple with Chinese monks of the Chinese Buddhist Sangha in Thailand. You can see many elegant Chinese architectures during Sing and Ming dynasties inside of the temple.

Wat Leng Noei Yi 2 (วัดเล่งเน่ยยี่ 2)

It is a temple that you should not miss at all costs if you have a chance to visit Nonthaburi. You can come here and pay respect to the Buddha or take some pictures while you are strolling at the temple.

Wat Chalor

Wat Chalor (วัดชลอ)

The last recommended place by the locals is another temple called Wat Chalor. An interesting thing of this temple is a structure that was built on the massive Suphannahong boat that is both charming and magnificent to the eyes. In front of the temple is where most people would come to pay respect and take a lot of pictures. Inside of the temple, you can observe the most beautiful wall arts that tell a beautiful story of Buddhism quite literally.

Other interesting information about Nonthaburi, Thailand

The motto for this province is “Grand Royal Mansion, Renowned Suan Somdet, Ko Kret’s Pottery, Famous Ancient Temples, Tasty Durians, and The Beautiful Government Office”.

To get around this city

You can get around the province by foot if you would like to. Otherwise, there is a local minibus you can get on as well.

Accommodation

Hotels are ranging from mid-range to luxury hotels, but they are very limited as the place is quite close to Bangkok. It could cost you around 800 to 1,200 baht per night for mid-range hotels and 2,800 to 5,200 baht per night for luxury hotels. I wish you good luck for your trip!

Suggested Cities around Nonthaburi

Ratchaburi – Thailand’s Prosperous Civilization and Land of the King

Bangkok – The Capital City of Thailand

Saraburi – A Town with Significant Importance of Thailand in the Ancient Times

Phetchaburi – One of Thailand’s Best Agricultural Provinces

Samut Sakhon – A Small Historic City Near the Center of Thailand

The post Nonthaburi – The Province of Exotic Destination in Thailand appeared first on Thailand Local Travel.

General information about Samut Sakhon, Thailand

Samut Sakhon is a shore city which means it is the location of a market for seafood shipments. This characteristic makes this province has a lot fresh seafood restaurant, especially Mahachai Market which is the biggest centre of seafood in Thailand!

The province itself is really close to Bangkok with only 36 kilometers in distance and it is situated near the mouth of Tha Chin River.

A little history of Tha Chin in this case is that it used to be called as the port where the Chinese used to come here and trade with Thais. The name changed when King Rama IV was in reign at the time. You can also find its history dated back to the Ayutthaya era which is roughly more than 300 years ago.

To get to Samut Sakhon

As the province is close to Bangkok, you can find yourself a hell lot of options to travel here. The first obvious choice is to travel by car. You can either rent a car and drive here yourself or take a taxi. Next it to travel by a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal in which you can check the schedule at their website.

If you want to take it slow, you can choose to travel by the train at Wongwien Yai Station. You can get to Wongwien Yai by taking the BTS and walk 300 meters toward the station. The signs around there should help you find your way. I hope you have a pleasant time in traveling!

Famous Tourist attractions in Samut Sakhon, Thailand

Famous attractions should be the first group of places that tourists must travel to as they can easily orient themselves after visiting these places. Most of Samut Sakhon’s famous attractions are temples, but you will also get to see a great village that produces something you might want to take home! If you are ready, then let us dive in!

Wat Suttiwat Wararam

Wat Chong Lom (วัดช่องลม)

The first famous place at Samut Sakhon is Wat Suttiwat Wararam and it is also known by the local as Wat Chong Lom. This temple has been around with this province since the beginning.

The decoration is beautifully done, and it is recognized as a role model for a modern temple. Its highlight is literally on the interior walls of the temple where there are wonderful arts that are painted there all over the inside of the temple, including doors and windows.
Other unique thing about this temple is that you can see more than a thousand of swallows or martins nested between the spaces on the ceiling and behind the ceiling. They are here for more than ten years without going anywhere and no one knows why.

In addition, you can see the views of Tha Chin River in front of the river which is very magnificent. As you are here in Thailand, you should check out the community too.

Benjarong Don Kai Dee Village

Don Kai Dee Village (ชุมชนดอนไก่ดี)

This place is a seller and producer of Benjarong with highly skilled craftsmanship that is famous here. To clarify, Benjarong is a pottery made out of clay with variety of colors as its detailing. It is an art that has been passed down from many previous generations and you can even buy it as a souvenir!

Don Kai Dee Village (ชุมชนดอนไก่ดี)

If you are curious to find out how they did it, you can observe the production line while you are here. However, if you want to really learn about the way they do arts, there is a homestay for you to rest overnight.

Wat Tha Mai

Wat Tha Mai (วัดท่าไม้)

Another temple that is really famous for many Thais is called Wat Tha Mai. You might see a sticker written in Thai that says Wat Tha Mai on the back of many cars’ windows on the road which truly represents the popularity of the temple. The highlight of this temple is the Maha Parinippan temple that is really beautiful.

Wat Tha Mai (วัดท่าไม้)

Inside of the structure, there are many holy things you can pay respect to such as Guan Yin, Rahu, Ganesha, and the famous Phra Geji in Thailand. It is also famous for its religion rituals and some say that the fortune telling service is also really accurate.

Local Tells

Unique attractions are places or activities that many tourists are craving for when they are visiting Thailand, especially cultural and traditional places and events. Samut Sakhon consists of many places that truly represents a great culture in a certain period that this province has. The traces grab the attention of the locals, but not to most tourists yet.

Phra Klang Nam

Phra Klang Nam (พระกลางน้ำ)

The first recommended place by the local is Phra Klang Nam which basically translates to a monk in the middle of water. It is actually a kind of structure known as a Sala in Thai that you only have to take a boat there. Inside this Sala, there is a Buddha statue of the sea and it is really something that you should see. While you are on a boat, I recommend you to take a look at the fishermen that are farming mussels on the way to the Sala. If you are lucky, you might have a chance to meet Bryde’s whales between the period of May to October and some dolphins on December to March.

Wat Krok Krak

Wat Krok Krak (วัดโกรกกราก)

The next place of the list is called Wat Krok Krak. It is a temple and it is an ancient one from the early Rattanakosin era. If you are coming to Thailand to look at temples, this is one of them that you should check out. It has been here with the province for more than a hundred years and it is a very unique place. The really outstanding thing about this place is what it has inside of it. The Buddha statue inside of the temple is a Sila Lang Buddha image that wears a sunglass. If you want to know why this Buddha must wear a sunglass, you can come here and let the local tell the tale.

Phan Thai Norasing Floating Market

Phan Thai Norasing Floating Market (ตลาดน้ำพันท้ายนรสิงห์)

As Samut Sakhon is the centre of seafood in Thailand, the place that filled with seafood with variety of restaurants and a floating market that you should not miss is Phan Thai Norasing Floating Market. It is actually a market that replicates the ancient atmosphere on the side of a canal. The merchants here will dress up in some old and authentic clothes.

Phan Thai Norasing Floating Market (ตลาดน้ำพันท้ายนรสิงห์)

This place contains more than 170 shops you can explore which include restaurants and a variety of Thai snacks. It is a market that opens on the weekend.

Not so far from here is another market called Rim Klong Phan Tai Norasingh Market in which this market sells various food, including desserts! The price is also cheap, and the food is highly delicious! You can also buy souvenirs from here too.

Other interesting information about Samut Sakhon, Thailand

The motto for this province is “Fishing City, Factory Town, Agricultural Ground, and Historic Site”.

To get around the city, you can use any of these transportation for your convenience which includes tuktuks, motorcycle taxis, tricycle taxis, and metered taxis. If you want to cross the river, there is a ferry service for you to take, but be sure to check the schedule to plan your trip.

For accommodation, there are various hotels you can find here. However, most of them are mid-range hotels which costs around 500 to 1000 baht per night. I wish you have a great trip!

Suggested Cities around Samut Sakhon

Samut Songkhram – A Small Cultural Gem at the Center of Thailand

Ratchaburi – Thailand’s Prosperous Civilization and Land of the King

Bangkok – The Capital City of Thailand

Saraburi – A Town with Significant Importance of Thailand in the Ancient Times

Phetchaburi – One of Thailand’s Best Agricultural Provinces

The post Samut Sakhon – A Small Historic City Near the Center of Thailand appeared first on Thailand Local Travel.

General information about Pathum Thani, Thailand

Pathum Thani is one of the provinces that is a neighbor to Bangkok. While it is mostly consisting of residential areas, it contains a lot of attractions as well. If you are talking about the history of this province, you can trace it back more than 300 years ago. In that time, it was the period during the reign of King Narai the Great. The war was going on and there are a lot of people fleeing from it. The King gave them permission to stay at Sam Khok village and a great community developed from there. The province covers about 1,565 square kilometers of area with a distance of 46 kilometers from Bangkok. With that short distance, you can make a day trip to this province and go back to Bangkok in the evening if you want to.

As for the ways you can get here, there are three main options. First option is to drive a car here yourself or you can take a taxi as well. The next option is to travel by bus in which there are several lines that pass Pathum Thani. You can ask the driver for assurance to check whether the bus is going to Pathum Thani or not. The third option is to take a train from regional train station which is quite cheap. You need to get off at Rangsit station and then you can continue your journey to any part of the province from there. I hope you have a great trip coming here!

Famous Tourist attractions in Pathum Thani, Thailand

Pathum Thani may be a small province, but there are quite a few famous places here that you should visit! If you want to learn about science or culture, these places will give you a glimpse into each topic like a brief little tour. Just follow the path and you will soon know all about them!

The science museum

National Science Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์วิทยาศาสตร์)

The first group of famous places of this province are separated into three museums which starts from the science museum. The building has a shape of a cube with six levels you can explore. There are many science toys that give basic knowledge about science, including science-based local knowledges. The next museum is all about nature.

National Science Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์วิทยาศาสตร์)

This museum tells stories concerning abundance of nature. The stories go all the way back to the pre-historic era and the evolution of animals. There are showcases of animal bones which also includes animals inside various jars. You can say that this is the first most perfect biology museum of Thailand.

The last museum is communication technology museum which has communication technologies from the pre-historic era to the present day on display. If you want to see all of the museums, it would take you around two hours. These are the places that are suitable for children to come and learn many amazing stories and play some toys. For adults, you would probably feel like you are reminiscing the past when you are a kid which is still quite fun!

Wat Chedi Hoi

Wat Chedi Hoi (วัดเจดีย์หอย)

This place is a temple that was built in the year 1995 with amazing Chedi. The highlight of this temple is to collect oyster shells with more than 5,500 years old around the temple and use them to build a unique Chedi. It is the only place that you can find something like this in Thailand! Currently, there are three Chedis and the fourth one is being built which will have a height of 59 meters. It will be the highest oyster Chedi in all of Thailand!

Wat Chedi Hoi (วัดเจดีย์หอย)

Inside of the temple, there is a big golden Buddha statue that you can pay respect to or make a wish. There are also a wild herb forest and an herbal steam room that you can use to cure your body aches, including massages and ancient artifact museum.

Local Tells

Thailand is famous because of its tradition and history which are uniquely reflected on many provinces here, including Pathum Thani. You will not really get to know this province that much if you are not going to these unique places that are recommended by the locals! It is really something that you should check out to see what is going on here.

Ban Na Kru Thani

Ban Na Kru Thani (บ้านนาครูธานี)

The first place is all about tradition and the way of life of the people in this province. Ban Na Kru Thani is a place where you can learn about the way of life of Thai rice farmers. You will really get your hands dirty with rice farming! Kru Thani will provide you with knowledge about rice and how to produce it by using traditional tools.

Ban Na Kru Thani (บ้านนาครูธานี)

There are a bunch of activities you can participate such as buffalo riding and collecting eggs while holding a chicken. The highlight is all about getting your feet and hands in the mud for a real experience on rice farming. It is fun and everyone no matter the ages can join in and enjoy doing it all day long!

Rahaeng Market or Rahaeng the 100 Years old Market

Rahaeng the 100 Years old Market (ตลาดระแหงร้อยปี)

The second place that is recommended by the local is called Rahaeng Market or Rahaeng the 100 Years old Market. You might have guessed from the name that it is more than a hundred years old. Although it is a small community, it is still having that same tradition and culture since its older days that you might find charming.

Rahaeng the 100 Years old Market (ตลาดระแหงร้อยปี)

The two sides of the building were built with wood and it looks the same in the last 100 years. Inside of the market, you will see many old shops in which some of them may be more than 90 years old! If you want to eat something cheap and delicious, this is also the place for that! You can also find a museum that displays some ancient tools and other stuff which you can observe for free. If you have a chance to come here, do not forget to take some beautiful pictures!

Wat Pa Klong 11

Wat Pa Klong 11 (วัดป่าคลอง 11)

I am about to present you the last place on the list of places that are recommended by the locals and it is a temple called Wat Pa Klong 11 is a temple that has a magnificent structure in the middle of the water! This temple has a belief concerning a serpent in which they believe that a serpent is a protector. As for this reason, the temple has a giant crafted serpent with neat detailing inside the temple. You can consider it as a work of a master!

Other interesting information about Pathum Thani, Thailand

The motto for this province is “Hindu Lotus Area, Ear of Rice Town, Descendants of the Mons, Dharma City, Palace of Solidarity, the Clear Chao Phraya River, and Advanced Industrial”. To get around the province, you can use the taxis that are all over the province. You can only use the ferry to go across the Chao Phraya River. For accommodation, there are not so much hotel you can find here as the province is quite close to Bangkok. However, you can find some budget hotels to stay in around town. Have a nice trip!

Suggested Cities around Pathum Thani

Ratchaburi – Thailand’s Prosperous Civilization and Land of the King

Bangkok – The Capital City of Thailand

Saraburi – A Town with Significant Importance of Thailand in the Ancient Times

Phetchaburi – One of Thailand’s Best Agricultural Provinces

Nakhon Pathom – The City of Magnificent Culture and Attractions in Thailand

The post Pathum Thani – The Province of Great History in Thailand appeared first on Thailand Local Travel.

General information about Nakhon Nayok, Thailand

Nakhon Nayok is considered to be one of the best destinations for waterfalls and fruits. It is very close to Bangkok as well which is great for one or two days trip. Apart from the tourist, many Thais usually travel to this province to enjoy their holidays without having to travel far from the capital city. In the past, Nakhon Nayok was named as “Ban Na” which means a village of the rice field as the province have many farm lands suitable for rice farming in the Ayutthaya era.

To get to Nakhon Nayok

To get here is fairly easy, you can comfortably drive here yourself if you have a car or rented one. As mentioned earlier, it would take you around two hours from Bangkok with approximately 110 to 140 kilometers away. If you want to sit back and enjoy the view instead, you can easily take a bus at the Northern Bus Terminal from Bangkok in which you can check the price from the official transport company’s website. It would take you a little bit longer, but not that much different from driving there yourself. In addition, you could find a minibus which is cheap and fast. Once you are here, you will not be able to forget your experience here!

Famous Tourist attractions in Nakhon Nayok, Thailand

Nakhon Nayok contains many attractions for your enjoyment and choosing one or three places to go may be difficult as there are so many of them. This is why I have selected the finest and the most famous places to go so you do not have to choose the attractions yourself. You could easily follow my recommendation!

Sarika Waterfall

Sarika Waterfall (น้ำตกสาริกา)

The first place that you really should visit is Sarika Waterfall. If you mentioned about Nakhon Nayok to some Thais, they would say that Nakhon Nayok is rich with waterfalls, abundant nature, and free from pollution. Waterfall is also included in the motto of the province, so Sarika Waterfall must be an attraction that you cannot miss by any means! Sarika Waterfall is a huge waterfall with nine levels that truly beg for your visit. You will see its real beauty in the rainy season in which the waterfall will have a tremendous amount of water flowing from the top with a height up to 200 meters. The water itself is transparent, beautiful, and awe-inspiring. You can easily enjoy the water without having to be worried about depth of the water at all.

Wang Takrai

Wang Takrai (วังตะไคร้)

If you want to experience more nature that includes water in it, then Wang Takrai is your next destination. This destination combines two rivers into one river where you can swim in the water at many different spots provided. You could do some kayaking, rafting, or float in your life jacket. Additionally, the nature surrounding this place is very amusing for your mind which is a great place for relaxing. It is also best if you come here in the rainy season for its prime condition.

Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam

Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam (เขื่อนขุนด่านปราการชล)

This is the dam you might want to see as it is the longest compressed concrete dam in Thailand. It has beautiful scenery which is suitable for your relaxation with the nature. You could also take a boat tour of the abundant nature or to see three more waterfalls deeper inside the place. Again, it is best to come with your friends or families in the rainy as there are more activities for you to enjoy.

Local Tells

Those places mentioned above are famous attractions in Nakhon Nayok, but there is more recommendation of places that are not quite famous for tourists yet.

Buddhism Memorial Park

Makabucha Buddhism Memorial Park (พุทธอุทยานมาฆบูชานุสรณ์)

This place is built to represent the special event of Makabucha Day that we recognized today. It is also built to celebrate the 2,600 years anniversary of the enlightenment of Buddha. The highlight of this place is the Buddha statue with more than 10 meters tall with other 1,250 gold statues that based on the history of Makabucha Day. There are also sand statues on display with more than 60 images of the Buddha which tell stories about the history of Buddhism, including heaven and hell.

Namtok Haew Narok

Namtok Haew Narok (น้ำตกเหวนรก)

One more waterfall that you should go to is Namtok Haew Narok or Chasm of Hell Waterfall which is the biggest waterfall in the central region of Thailand. It is a waterfall that naturally occur from the merge of many rivers. Another feature here is the 90 degrees cliff, it contains a large sum of water with heavy current that you can easily hear from a far. The first level is about 50 meters tall, but if you combine level two and three, it is about 150 meters tall.

Namtok Haew Narok (น้ำตกเหวนรก)

However, you need to contact the national park’s staff to see this waterfall as you need to go through a forest. The best period to see this waterfall is around September to October. If you come here around 10am, you might get to see the sunlight shining upon the water vapor which will produces a small beautiful rainbow.

Wat Chulabhorn Wanaram

Wat Chulabhorn Wanaram (วัดจุฬาภรณ์)

This place contains an amazing bamboo walkway in front of the temple with more than 500 meters in distance. This bamboo walkway is occurred naturally, and it is even better when the sunlight shines through which is very suitable for taking pictures.

Decorative Plants Village

Decorative Plants Village at Rangsit Klong 15 (หมู่บ้านไม้ดอกไม้ประดับคลอง ๑๕)

Next is Decorative Plants Village at Rangsit Klong 15. This place contains the longest and biggest flower path in Thailand with more than eight kilometers in distance.

It is also the largest plantation of ornamental plants in Thailand and a great place to see many beautiful ornamental plants! You can choose to buy trees and flowers from various species available here for souvenirs and enjoy a cup of coffee at nearby coffee shop.

souvenirs

Marian Plum (มะปรางหวาน มะยงชิด)

If you want to bring some souvenirs back with you, the sweet Marian Plum or Plum Mango and Plango are your best choices. It shapes like a mango and contains a sweet savory taste in your mouth.

Other interesting information about Nakhon Nayok, Thailand

The motto for Nakhon Nayok is “A Dream City near the Capital, Beautiful Mountains, Attractive Waterfalls, Abundant Nature, and Free from Pollution”.

To get around in the city

you can easily walk from place to place as the city is not that big. You can also use the motorcycle taxis around the city.

For accommodation

you can find various hotels and even resort near the famous attractions in which the price varies from 300 to a couple thousand baht per night, depending on where you are staying. Enjoy the trip!
 

Credit video : Amazing Thailand

Suggested Cities around Nakhon Nayok

Ratchaburi – Thailand’s Prosperous Civilization and Land of the King

Bangkok – The Capital City of Thailand

Saraburi – A Town with Significant Importance of Thailand in the Ancient Times

Phetchaburi – One of Thailand’s Best Agricultural Provinces

The post Nakhon Nayok – The Destination for Beautiful Waterfalls in Thailand appeared first on Thailand Local Travel.

General information about Nakhon Pathom, Thailand

Nakhon Pathom is a province that is really close to Bangkok with just 56 kilometers in distance. You may recognize this place from having the world’s tallest stupa! If not, you are about to find many structures that resemble the culture that this province has. As Buddhism is undeniable a part of Thailand’s culture, Nakhon Pathom has been influenced a lot by it.

You can see many structures such as temples, stupas, and much more here. In fact, according to Archaeologists, it might be the very first province that has been influenced by Buddhism from Indian civilization! You will most certainly find traces of history, culture, and tradition here for sure, so be sure to look around while you are here!

To get in here

There are several ways you can do that. The first way is by taking a bus from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal which might costs you around 40 baht and leaves every 10 minutes or so.

However, you might face a delay due to traffic jams at times. The second option is to take a daily train from Bangkok to Nakhon Pathom. If you prefer to drive there yourself, feel free to do so as it might be the most convenient way to travel. I hope you are ready for an adventure in the world of culture!

Famous Tourist attractions in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand

While there are lots of famous places around Thailand for you to visit, you must have Nakhon Pathom in your list! The reason is that Nakhon Pathom has something that others might not have, and tourists are crazy about this place for its temples and attractions. If you missed this place, I would feel really sorry for you that you missed out a lot in Thailand!

Wat Phra Pathom Chedi Ratcha Wora Wiharn

Wat Phra Pathom Chedi Ratcha Wora Wiharn (วัดพระปฐมเจดีย์ราชวรมหาวิหาร)

The first really famous place in Nakhon Pathom is Wat Phra Pathom Chedi Ratcha Wora Wiharn which has the significant Pathom Chedi of Thailand! It is actually the first Chedi that was built in Thailand. However, the Chedi that you can see today is built on top of the old one with a height of 120 meters that looks like an upside-down bell.

Inside of the Chedi, there is a relic of the Buddha as well. The Chedi is really magnificent and you can actually see it from a far. I would be lying if I tell you it is not worth it to come here! Other than that, you can find more things to observe inside of the temple. In the evening of every day, you can find a big night market with more than 50 years in history that you can buy some food and souvenirs.

Sanam Chandra Palace

Sanam Chandra Palace (พระราชวังสนามจันทร์)

This is our next famous place. This palace was built in the year 1907 which is known as archaeological site that has wide spaces, pleasant, and contains many beautiful structures. You will be able to observe eight Thai houses from the central region of Thailand and many more beautiful palaces for you to see.

The highlight of this place is Charlie Mongkol Asana in which the architecture resembles a castle with a combination of Renaissance arts and half-timbered house of England. This structure is altered to suit the weather in Thailand and the exterior is decorated with egg-shell color to make the structure stands out more to the visitors.

Air Orchids

Rare Orchid’s Name Pink Nagarindra (กล้วยไม้พันธุ์หายากชื่อ ชมพูนครินทร์)

Another cool place you should visit is Air Orchids which is a lab and a supermarket specially for orchids. It is also the first place of its kind here in Thailand! This place is basically a one-stop service for orchids.

From growing to wholesale in both domestically and internationally, they have it covered. You can also directly buy from them here in quite a reasonable price. Inside of the place, you will find yourself in a comfortable and vast spaces where you can take a stroll to see the beautiful orchids and find out more about them at the same time.

Local Tells

There are too many places to look around in this province that you could not even imagine! Some of them involves fascinating craftsmanship and some culture characteristics which you may expect to find in Thailand. However, these places are recommended by the locals and it is not yet touched by many tourists.

Wat Sam Pran

Wat Sam Pran (วัดสามพราน)

The first recommended place by the locals is Wat Sam Pran which is very unique with its structure that has a dragon spinning around it and the height is beyond the clouds as it is more than 60 meters tall! It is truly magnificent, huge, and really highlighted. This building is actually a place with 16 stories where the monks sleep, and it has a temple on the fourth floor.

Wat Sam Pran (วัดสามพราน)

You can see more than 1,250 little Buddha statue that is considered to be the tiniest ones in Thailand all beautifully lined up next to each other.

Woodland

Woodland (วู้ดแลนด์เมืองไม้)

In Thailand, you may expect to see some rare things and you are absolutely correct. At Woodland, there is a display of wood craftsmanship in both domestically and internationally that are pretty rare to observe in person. Each of the pieces is highly detailed and the wood details are also added significant beauty to the work which are unique and awesome.

Woodland (วู้ดแลนด์เมืองไม้)

Some of them are crafted from tree roots in which some of them may come from a hundred years old tree roots. Inside of this place, there are more than 10,000 pieces you can find, and the room is separated into ten rooms you can fully enjoy. Each room is also decorated using different colors just to fascinate its visitors such as you.

Tabebuia rosea

Rosy trumpet tree (ชมพูพันธุ์ทิพย์)

One last feature that this province has that you may not expect to find is flowers. Not just any flower, it is tabebuia rosea or you may know it as pink poui or rosy trumpet tree. This province has roads with more than 200 of them growing here! At one point when all of them has fully bloomed, it produces a pink tunnel that is very charming and begged for you to take a picture. Especially on Wattana Satien Sawat Road, this road is considered to be the most beautiful flower path road in Thailand!

The time when the flowers are in their prime time is forecast to be approximately on the middle of February to the end of March. However, it depends on the weather as well, so the time may be shifted.

Souvenir

Pomelo (ส้มโอ)

For the famous souvenir at this province, it has to be pomelo! There are many species of pomelo you can find here which are extremely delicious. You can taste a little bit of sweet and some sour tastes once you have a bite on them.

Other interesting information about Nakhon Pathom, Thailand

The motto for this province is “Luscious Pomelo, White Rice, Charming Daughters, Sweet Roasted Glutinous Rice in Bamboo Joints, Ravishing Sanam-Chan, Buddhamonton Pairing Our Earth, and Pra Prathom Chedi Soaring The Sky”.

To get around the province

You can take motorcycle taxis or tuktuks which are located around the town. However, you can walk around if you would like to as well.

For accommodation

The hotels here are quite bad since they are pretty old. You can find some mid-range hotels here if you really want to stay. Some of them can go as low as 200 baht per night, but some are 2,000 baht per night or more. Enjoy your stay!

Suggested Cities around Nakhon Pathom,

Ratchaburi – Thailand’s Prosperous Civilization and Land of the King

Bangkok – The Capital City of Thailand

Saraburi – A Town with Significant Importance of Thailand in the Ancient Times

Kanchanaburi – The Best Place to Experience the History of War in Thailan

The post Nakhon Pathom – The City of Magnificent Culture and Attractions in Thailand appeared first on Thailand Local Travel.

General information about Samut Songkhram, Thailand

Samut Songkhram is located almost exactly in the middle of Thailand. It is also quite small with only 416.7 square kilometers in total area and the second smallest population in the entire country. The province is like a hidden gem from most tourists. In reality, the province has a lot of natural resources with a mountain to see.

The culture is phenomenal, and the community is really great! Fun fact about this province is that it used to be a part of Ratchaburi province, specifically Mae Klong or Suan Nok. The separation happens during the transition of an era from Ayutthaya to Thonburi.

To get to Samut Songkhram Thailand

As the place is not so far from Bangkok, you could easily travel here by any mean of transportation. You can grab a taxi or drive a car here yourself. You could also take a bus from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal.

However, there are minibuses there as well. The last option you may choose to take is by taking a train. There are quite a few departure schedules from Bangkok, so you might want to check the schedule first to plan your trip. I hope you have a great time exploring all the attractions here!

Famous Tourist attractions in Samut Songkhram, Thailand

This province has quite a few famous places that you might want to check them out. Some of them you might already heard about as it is quite popular, but some you may not heard of it at all. I suggest you read through what I am going to say to find out more about them. In the end, you might find something that you would like to see personally by yourself! The first attraction of this province is the floating market. In Samut Songkhram, you can find a bunch of floating market around the province.

Amphawa Floating Market

Amphawa Floating Market (ตลาดน้ำอัมพวา) 1

However, there is only one that considered to be the most famous which is called Amphawa Floating Market. The market is open from the afternoon until night time only on the weekends. This place is filled with shops and there are merchants sitting on various boats trying to sell you food like grilled seafood, ancient Thai desserts, and a lot more.

Amphawa Floating Market (ตลาดน้ำอัมพวา) 2

So, you can buy some food and eat them while you are observing the beauty of old houses here. You can also buy some souvenirs and see the way of life of the people on both sides of the market.

Wat Petch Samut Wora Wiharn

Wat Petch Samut Wora Wiharn (วัดเพชรสมุทรวรวิหาร)

Next, Wat Petch Samut Wora Wiharn is a temple that belongs to Samut Songkharm since forever. It is an old temple that was built during the period of Ayutthaya in the year 1764. There is a Buddha statue with alms collecting pose called Luang Pho Ban Lham that is well respected by all Thais. You can see people from all around the country come here to pay respect to the statue almost every day. It is a place that you must see if you are here at Samut Songkhram.

King Rama II Memorial Park

King Rama II Memorial Park (อุทยาน ร.2)

Lastly, King Rama II Memorial Park not so far from Amphawa Floating Market which has an area of 17600 square meters with a design that resembles the atmosphere when the King was alive. To clarify, King Rama II is the second King of Thailand and as of the time in this writing, Thailand has its 10^th King in reign. There are five Thai houses that shows the arts of living, eating, and the culture of people during Rattanakosin era (more than 100 years), including Thai musical instruments, Hua Khon, and etc.

Local Tells

Samut Songkhram is a province with a hell lot of unique places that are highly recommended by the locals! These places would include the key features that Thailand is famous for. Whether it is a community or temple, this province got you covered! If you are ready to know these places, read on!

Maeklong Railway Market

Talad Rom Hoop (ตลาดร่มหุบ)

The first place that is recommended by the local is Maeklong Railway Market or as known as Talad Rom Hoop. This is a one-of-a-kind market that you cannot find anywhere in Thailand!

The market itself is situated beside the railway in which all of the merchants will open their shop alongside the track. The unique feature of this place is that the umbrella or fabric that goes beyond the track which means that when the train comes, these things will be retracted to avoid the train.

So, when the signal is sound, the merchant there will gather everything off the train track with haste! When the train has passed, everything will return back to normal as before. This kind of thing produces a charm that you should come to visit! Also, do not forget to check the schedule for enter and exit times or else you might miss this unique opportunity.

Klong Khon

ที่พักโฮมสเตย์คลองโคน (Homestay at Klong Khon)

If you want to know more about the community that exists in Thailand, Klong Khon is a good place to start. It is a small community with local homestays that you can stay in or you can also choose to come here and go back within one day. There are also many types of homestays such as a homestay in the middle of the sea and a homestay surrounded by tropical forests.

ที่พักโฮมสเตย์คลองโคน (Homestay at Klong Khon)

You will be able to enjoy fresh seafood from the sea and many other activities such as planting a mangrove forest, observe a ton of long-tail macaque in the mangrove forest and more that this place is offering.

The highlight of this place is an activity in which you collect cockles by using a sliding wooden plank on mud that is also a little thing that represents the way of life of the locals here. One more thing that you cannot miss by any chance is mud skiing. Yes, you read that correctly. The locals will use a boat to drag a wooden plank for you to stand and after that, they will drag you across the mud which is kind of fun!

Wat Bang Koong

Wat Bang Koong (วัดบางกุ้ง)

This is an ancient temple which was built during the period of Ayutthaya around 250 years ago. The special thing about this temple is an old building that is covered entirely with enormous tree roots from Bodhi trees and banyan trees.

These tree roots help keeping the structure of the building in shape throughout these years. Inside of the temple, there is a big holy Buddha statue from the late Ayutthaya period. With the holiness of this place, there are lots of people from many parts of the country that come to pay respect, including the locals.

Souvenir

Mae Klong’s Mackerel (ปลาทูแม่กลอง)

For souvenir, Mae Klong’s mackerel is very delicious and even more so in the winter. It has a lot of meat and tastes great!

Lychee Pun Kom (ลิ้นจี่ พันธุ์ค่อม)

Linchi Kom or Lychee Pun Kom is another great souvenir as it has sweet and little astringent tastes with ridiculously good smell! The texture is also thick, dried, and crunchy! If you have a chance to visit Samut Songkhram, then you must not miss your chance to eat these two things!

Other interesting information about Samut Songkhram, Thailand

The motto for this province is “The City of Hoi Lot, Great Lychee, King Rama II Memorial Park, the Mae Klong River, and Luang Pho Ban Lham”.

To get around the province

There are a bunch of tuktuks and motorcycle taxis you can utilize. Occasionally, you might find pedal tricycles as well. You could also hire or take the two bench pickup truck for easy access of most attractions.

For accommodation

Samut Songkhram consists of mostly budget hotels which may start from 500 baht per night. However, you could also find some mid-range hotels, but there are not that many of them here. I hope you have a great trip!

Suggested Cities around Samut Songkhram,

Ratchaburi – Thailand’s Prosperous Civilization and Land of the King

Bangkok – The Capital City of Thailand

Saraburi – A Town with Significant Importance of Thailand in the Ancient Times

Phetchaburi – One of Thailand’s Best Agricultural Provinces

The post Samut Songkhram – A Small Cultural Gem at the Center of Thailand appeared first on Thailand Local Travel.

General information about Ratchaburi Thailand

Ratchaburi is a home to the past civilization of Suvarnabhumi in which the kingdom is situated along the Mae Klong Basin. The name of the province “Ratchaburi” literally means the land of the King. You can find many historical ruins and traces that show the way of life of the people who have lived here. If you want to find some peace and to escape with the nature, there are mountains and beautiful environment for you to enjoy yourself here. The area of the province is approximately 5,196 square kilometers and it is divided into 10 districts. If there is one thing that stands out the most in the province, is the dragon water jar. There are quite a few traditional jar maker shops around the province you can take a look at and buy one if you fancy the designs. This is why most Thais called Ratchaburi as a city of jars.

To get to Ratchaburi

There are various ways you can choose to travel here. The first obvious choice is to drive here by yourself which would take you roughly around two hours or two hours and 30 minutes, depending on where your destination is. The second option is to travel by bus. You can take the bus at the Southern Bus Terminal and it would take around two hours to get here. The third option is to take a train at Hua Lamphong Railway Station or Thonburi Railway Station which takes around the same time as other options. However, traveling by train might take you more than two hours, so prepare for the possible delays. Once you are here, prepare to be amazed!

Famous Tourist attractions in Ratchaburi, Thailand

Most famous attractions in this province are focus on tradition and history of the province. There are also various activities you can enjoy that will probably suit you and your family.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (ตลาดน้ำดำเนินสะดวก)

The market itself has been around for more than a hundred years and it is pretty much the same as it was in the old days. People come here to look for something vintage and to take pictures. There are also many merchants floating around in their boats trying to sell you some of their goods and local food. Most of the food here is very traditional and surprisingly delicious. If you are not yet satisfied with the scenery, you can take a boat tour around the market for some atmospheric feels and see the culture of the people living there.

Nang Yai Wat Khanon National Museum

Nang Yai Wat Khanon National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์หนังใหญ่วัดขนอน) 1

The second attraction that is highly recommended is Nang Yai Wat Khanon National Museum is the place to see advanced pieces of art. The place has been here since Ayutthaya era and it also received a prize from UNESCO. On top of that, the museum is recognized as one of the six best community of the world with the conservation and restoration of physical historical heritage. The museum contains 313 shadow plays in perfect condition in which most of them are characters of Ramakien.

Nang Yai Wat Khanon National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์หนังใหญ่วัดขนอน)

You can also watch the play every Saturday at 10 to 11 am. If you never see the Nang Yai performance before, it makes great uses of the light and shadow which reflect on the screen with the complement of Thai instruments and a narrator. The performance is a perfect blend of various Thai arts, but most of the story come from Ramakien.

Suan Phueng district

Suan Phueng – Khao Krajom (สวนผึ้ง – เขากระโจม)

If you are looking for a district where it contains every activity in one place, Suan Phueng district is a place to go. In this district, there are many activities you can get yourself into and it will be a long article to describe every highlight here as there are so many of them. Agricultural farm, water park and shopping spots are some of the places that you can go to. Other than that, there are a lot of accommodations you can choose from and they are varied in styles.

Khao Krajom

However, there is one attraction that is needed to be pointed out which is Khao Krajom. This is the highest mountain in all of Tanaosri Mountain range where you can go up and see the mist, sunrise, and beautiful sunset. You can even see Myanmar from here! It is definitely the place for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Local Tells

There are more recommendations for places you can go which is not really tourist attractions, but they are still very worth to go check it out.

Khao Ngu Stone Park

Khao Ngoo Nation Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติเขางู)

The first place is called Khao Ngu Stone Park which is both a park and a place for archaeological tourism. The place contains a giant stone Buddha statue on the stone cliff that is clearly highlighted by the place.

Khao Ngoo Nation Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติเขางู)

There is also a bridge beside the river that you can take a stroll and take pictures. Talking about archaeological sites here, there are four caves which are pretty old. The inside of the caves also contains many Buddha statues in different poses.

Wat Phra Sri Arn

Wat Pra Sri Arn (วัดพระศรีอารย์)

This is a golden temple that is worth about 100 million baht and it took more than 37 years to build. The interior is filled with amazing beautiful details and there is also an emerald Buddha statue inside in Burmese style.

Wat Tham Sathi (วัดถ้ำสติ)

Wat Tum Sati

Another temple is called Wat Tum Sati. The special thing about this place is the Buddha statue on the stone wall which is also the first Buddha statue in Thailand that is on a granite wall. The stone itself is completely natural with more than a thousand years of age. It took more than six years to carve with a height of about three meters.

Khao Bin Cave

Khao Bin Cave (ถ้ำเขาบิน)

Another place that you might be interested to see is Khao Bin Cave. This is the place where you can see beautiful natural stones inside of the cave. There are eight unique rooms and every room has its own name that derived from the natural stones inside of the room.

Souvenir

The dragon water jar

Ceramic Dragon Jar (โอ่งมังกรเซรามิค)

If you want to take something back with you as a souvenir, the most famous thing you can buy is the dragon water jar. There are two types of jar nowadays. The original one is made out of clay and another is made out of ceramics. The product is improved to be more modern with various colors and shapes in which you can take a look at the oldest water jar factory called Tao Hong Tai.

Other interesting information about Ratchaburi, Thailand

The motto for this province is “Beautiful Women of Photharam and Baan Pong, the City of Earthen Jars, Shadow Plays at Wat Khanon, Magnificent Caves, Floating Market at Damnoen, Hundred Million Bats, and Delicious Yii Sok fish”.

To get around Ratchaburi

You can get around the province by using tuktuks and motorcycle taxis. Be sure to agree on the price before you get in. You can also use the local buses available around the province.

Accommodation

As mentioned earlier, there are plenty of accommodations at Suan Phueng district in which they are not expensive at all. You can also stay at the hotels in the inner city as they are affordable and very modern. Enjoy your stay here and explore as much as possible!
 

Credit video : Amazing Thailand

Suggested Cities around Ratchaburi

Bangkok – The Capital City of Thailand

Saraburi – A Town with Significant Importance of Thailand in the Ancient Times

Lopburi – One of the Oldest Capitals of Thailand

The post Ratchaburi – Thailand’s Prosperous Civilization and Land of the King appeared first on Thailand Local Travel.

General information about Chumphon Thailand

Chumphon is the very first province that you will need to pass through when you are going to the southern region of Thailand. It is located at the Central Gulf Coast or the Royal Coast with an airport of its own. While the province also has a bunch of islands on its own, you can go beyond the province from here and explore other islands such as Ko Tao, Ko Phangan, and Ko Samui. As the province is not known for tourism that much, the nature is well-preserved and mostly untouched by any disturbance. The respect for nature by the people here is remarkable and I really hope it stays that way. Other than that, you will be able to enjoy many opportunities and activities here that are mostly focus on culture and other natural features.

To get to Chumphon

If anything attracts you and you are now dying to come here, you are in luck as there are so many ways you can go about this. Firstly, air traveling seems to be the best option to get here and it is also the fastest way! All you need to do is to take a flight from Bangkok to Chumphon which might take you around an hour. Another way is to drive here yourself which is very convenient indeed. The distance from Bangkok to Chumphon is about 460 kilometers which might take you around six hours to get here. Another convenient choice is the bus. You can get a ride from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal to get inside the city of Chumphon fairly quickly. As it will take you seven hours to reach here, you need to plan your trip carefully as well. There is also a daily train to Chumphon and it is also closer to the city center than the airport which might prove to be another viable choice if you do not mind the time it takes.

Famous Tourist attractions in Chumphon, Thailand

There are a few famous places around Chumphon and you cannot miss any of them! As Chumphon is known for great natural characteristics, it is best to see them all if you can. However, the places might be too much for you, so I reduce it down to only a famous few that you should see. If you are ready to know what they are, keep reading!

Mu Ko Chumphon National Park

Mu Ko Ngam – Ko Talu (หมู่เกาะง่าม – เขาทะลุ)

The first famous place here at Chumphon is Mu Ko Chumphon National Park which is considered to be the gateway to all of the southern region of Thailand! These islands have white sand, emerald green water, and preserved coral reefs that you can dive to see them under the shallow and deep waters. Some people say that it is another great spot for tourism if you love the sea!

The first to be mentioned in this national park is Mu Ko Ngam which has one of the most beautiful sea on the side of Thai Gulf. It is also renown for the coral reef diving spots at Chumphon with many spots for diving such as Ko Talu. Ko Talu is a small island with natural stone bridge that consists of giant and hard coral reefs, sea flowers, and clownfish.

Whale Sharks at Ko Ngam Yai and Ko Ngam Noi (ฉลามวาฬที่เกาะง่ามใหญ่และเกาะง่ามน้อย)

Ko Ngam Yai and Ko Ngam Noi are also islands that have tons of sea flowers and many stunning fishes. In addition, you might have a chance to see whale sharks when you are diving at the islands of Chumphon.

Thung Wua Lan Beach

Thung Wua Lan Beach (หาดทุ่งวัวแล่น)

If you are talking about the most beautiful beach in Chumphon, that beach would be Thung Wua Lan Beach. It is a beach with soft and white sand that filled the beach across the distance of around three kilometers. It is highly suitable for relaxation and sunbath on the beach while watching the beautiful clear water. You could also dive in the shallow water to see the coral reefs. This beach will surely satisfy you in many different ways!

Khao Matsi Sightseeing Spot

Khao Matsi Sightseeing Spot (จุดชมวิวเขามัทรี)

This is a spot where you can see the views in a 360 degrees angle. You will get to see both the delta of Chumphon and the sea at one place! Above all, this place is a great spot to see the magnificent sunset and sunrise. Other than that, Guan Yin and Bodhisattva is up here for you to pay respect if you would like to, including a really famous coffee shop. You can sip a coffee and watch the beautiful views of Chumphon while you are up here!

Local Tells

Recommended places around Chumphon are really famous for their locals and not many people know about these places or activities! As the nature and the way of life for the people of Chumphon is very significant, the recommended places here represent those features to their maximum. Once you have covered all of these places, you will know what Chumphon is about.

Pato Rafting

Pato Rafting (ล่อแพพะโต๊ะ)

The first activity on the list of recommended things by the locals is Pato Rafting. It is a popular activity for many years in the district of Pato. This kind of activity will require you to go on a raft that will give you a nice little tour of the nature on both sides of the river. You will see the abundant nature and many wild animals here, including fruit farms and coffee farms. However, if you do not feel enough of this place just yet, there is a homestay you can rest in and learn more about the culture of the people living in this place.

Pato Local Food (อาหารพื้นบ้านพะโต๊ะ)

You will also get to eat some local food, stroll through fruit farms, take a walk in the forest and study it, and visit a waterfall. In regards of these attractions and characteristics, this place has received countless awards in the area of tourism from various organizations.

Ao Kram or Kram Bay

Ao Kram (อ่าวคราม)

The next place is Ao Kram or Kram Bay which is a homestay beside the sea with constant cold wind throughout the entire day. In this place, you can learn about the way of life of the fishermen here that still has the same tradition since the older days. You will also get to eat some fresh and delicious seafood!

Squid at Ao Kram (ปลาหมึกที่อ่าวคราม)

The highlight of this place is in its night time when it is time for you to watch some squid catching action! The locals called this activity as “Balm Muek” which is pretty unique, and you cannot find this kind of thing elsewhere. It is a local knowledge that has been passed down from elder generations from one to another. Once you caught the squid, you can eat it straight away! The taste of the squid is really fresh and sweet!

Khao Din Sor

Khao Din Sor (เขาดินสอ)

The last place to be recommended is known as Khao Din Sor. Between October and December of every year, this is a spot where you can watch the migration of eagles from the northern hemisphere which come from countries like China, Siberia, and Mongolia with astounding amount. From a survey, there was a study that confirms there are up to 26 species of eagles that pass through this point. However, there are only six species that regularly comes here; the Oriental Honey-Buzzard, Chinese Sparrowhawk, Japanese Sparrowhawk, Shikra, Grey-faced Buzzard, and Black Baza. This place will have both foreigners and Thais coming here to take pictures all day! This is also the place to see the amazing and wide landscape views.

For souvenir,

Lebmuenang Banana

Lebmuenang Banana (กล้วยเล็บมือนาง)

This is a great choice for you. It has a great smell with a sweet taste. Other processed banana like honey-baked and dried bananas are also famous here!

Other interesting information about Chumphon, Thailand

The motto for this province is “The Gateway to the South, Pay Respect to the Royals, Visit Coffee Farms, Watch a Beautiful Beach, Good Lebmuenang Banana, and The Famous Bird Nest”.

To get around town

you could use the local public bus, motorcycle taxis, and taxis which are available at the bus terminal of Chumphon. You could also use the local songthaews if you have a bit of knowledge about the route or you could rent a motorcycle to go anywhere you want!

For accommodation

there are two places that have a lot of hotels for tourists. First is the Chumphon city itself and Pathio Coast and Beaches. The hotels are quite cheap, but some resorts may charge a hefty price per night. You can expect a normal hotel to cost around 500 baht per night and a resort to go up as high as 4000 baht per night. Enjoy your stay at Chumphon!
 

Credit video : Amazing Thailand

Suggested Cities around Chumphon

Phang Nga – The Center for Islands in Thailand

Prachuapkirikhan – One of the Finest Places to Rest in Thailand

Krabi – The Gateway to Beautiful Islands and Beaches in Thailand

Trang – The Land of Untouched Beauty in Thailand

The post Chumphon – The Gateway to the South of Thailand appeared first on Thailand Local Travel.

General Information about Krabi

Krabi itself is a very popular destination for beaches and islands by many tourists around the world, even for Thais. It is the most perfect getaway for anyone who is looking for a perfect place to relax. There are various natural attractions that will surely make your jaw drops such as sandy beaches, crystal clear water, amazing coral reefs, and caves. According to archaeological discoveries in the past years, Krabi is one of the oldest provinces in Thailand and it might be dated back to the prehistoric period. The name of the province itself is believed to name after a word “Sword” which may be from a legend that an ancient sword was unearthed here when the city was founded.

To get to Krabi

There are several ways for you to get in the province. The first option is to travel by plane to the Krabi International Airport which is about 15 kilometers from the city. Another option is to use a car which is roughly about 946 kilometers from Bangkok, so it might take you quite a long time to reach the province. You can also use a bus and it will take you around 10 hours to reach here. Once you are here, sit back and let Tony be the guide!

Krabi’s Popular Toursit Attractions

This province is all about beaches and islands, like an all-you-can-eat buffet that you can just go anywhere, and everything is tremendously beautiful for the eyes! Tony will guide you through the famous beaches of Krabi, including the sights that are highly precious for you and your family which you cannot miss at all costs!

Phi Phi Islands

Bay at Phi Phi Islands

The first place to be recommended is called the Phi Phi Islands. This is the world’s famous destination for white beaches, crystal clear water, and beautiful coral reefs which consists of two big islands known as Phi Phi Le Island and Phi Phi Don Island. Phi Phi Le Island has the amazing limestone mountain with a steep and high cliff edge.

Phi Phi Islands – Maya Bay (หมู่เกาะพีพี – อ่าวมาหยา)

This place also contains a point where you can do some shallow dives to see some beautiful views under the sea. Maya Bay at Phi Phi Le Island has a mountain that hugs the beach like a crescent moon, including white sand and clear emerald-like water. This is why it is considered as the most beautiful bay in Phi Phi Islands. There are also other beautiful small islands and bays at Phi Phi Islands that you need to see.

Railay Bay

Railay Bay (อ่าวไร่เล)

Another beach that needs recognition which is called Railay Bay. It is a bay with white sand and crystal-clear water with an angle to see one of the most beautiful sunsets in all of Krabi. There is one thing that Tony need to point out is that this place contains one of the most awesome rock climbing places in the world! There are many paths that both amateurs and professionals can have a challenge. The top also rewards rock climbers with magnificent views.

The separated sea

Separated Sea at Ko Kai, Ko Moh, and Ko Tub (ทะเลแหวกที่ เกาะไก่, เกาะหม้อ, เกาะทับ )

One natural phenomenon that Krabi has is the separated sea. You will see hills that are naturally made from white fine sand that will only happen when the water is lowered. These hills are like bridges that connect the three islands which are Ko Kai, Ko Moh, and Ko Tub. You can easily walk in between them to relax yourself.

Moreover, Krabi also contains many more beautiful islands that you can choose to travel to and relax such as Ko Hong, Ko Lunta, Ko Rok, and etc.

Tha Lane Bay

Tha Lane Bay (อ่าวท่าเลน)

To finish off, Tha Lane Bay which has a mangrove that you can take a kayak inside to experience beautiful nature.

Tha Pom Klong Song Nam

Tha Pom Klong Song Nam (ท่าปอมคลองสองน้ำ)

Not so far from Tha Lane Bay, there is a place called Tha Pom Klong Song Nam and it is a natural phenomenon when the sea water rises which cause the canal to turn blue. When the water is lowered, the body of water will turn green instead.

Local Tells

Krabi holds some of the most precious attractions that tourists may not even know about, but the locals know them very well. The province offers more than just beautiful islands and beaches, there are countless traces of cultural and natural gems that anyone should come and see!

Wat Maha That Wachira Mongkol

Wat Maha That Wachira Mongkol (วัดมหาธาตุวชิรมงคล)

One of the first recommended places by the local is Wat Maha That Wachira Mongkol which has a Maha Chedi with a height of 45 meters. In fact, this is the highest Chedi in all of the southern region of Thailand! The design of the Maha Chedi is similar to the place called Bodh Gaya or Mahabodhi Temple which is the place that the Buddha is enlightened in India. It is both massive and contains beautiful details that you must see to believe. Inside of the Chedi also have some wall arts in which they are magnificent as the ones on its exterior.

Wat Tham Suea

Wat Tham Suea (วัดถ้ำเสือ)

Another temple that you should visit is called Wat Tham Suea or the Tiger’s Cave Temple. It is a temple that is located up in the mountain. There are Phra That Chedi Yod Khao Kaew and a giant Buddha statue inside of the temple. As stated earlier, the temple is located 600 meters above ground in the mountain and you have to walk on a stair with 1,237 steps. Once you get up there, you will be able to see beautiful views of the Krabi city in every direction. You can even watch some white and silky mists up there as well.

The Emerald Pool or Sa Morakot

Emerald Pool (สระมรกต)

Krabi also has the amazing nature gem inside of the province and that is known as the Emerald Pool or Sa Morakot. It is a warm natural pool in the middle of a forest with crystal clear water and an ocean green color. However, the color of the water will be changed throughout the day, including the factor of weather and time. The water temperature is also quite nice too. It is about 30 to 50 degrees Celsius. There are many species of plants and forests you can observe while you are in the pool. Do not think that it will be too crowded for you to get into the water as there are three pools you can get into, so enjoy the warm water!

Klang Cave

Klang Cave (ถ้ำคลัง)

Once you get enough of the pool, you can move on to the next place called Klang Cave. The cave is quite long in length with about 1,200 meters in distance. There are many rock formations that undergone through extensive weathering which produces a beautiful sight for you to see in the present days. Inside the cave, there are 13 rooms in which some of them you need to climb or walk through water, depending on the route. Currently, there are five discovered entrances and exits. The highlight of this place is the rock straw or Lhod Hin Yoi which is basically a combination of a coffee straw and calcite prism that caused from sedimentary limestones that builds up into shape.

Other interesting information about Krabi, Thailand

The motto for this province is “The Province of Coal Mines, Fossil Shell Beach, Towering Mountains, Beautiful Streams, An Abundance of Islands, Palm Plantations, Sandy Beaches, Wonderful Sea World, The Emerald of Andaman, and Heavenly Phi Phi Islands”. To get around the province, you can use the local Songthaew located at many tourist attractions around the province. As Krabi is composed of mostly coasts and islands, the long-tail boat is your best bet in traveling between them. Lastly, you can use a car to travel around which you can either rent one yourself or take a taxi. For accommodation, there are plenty of accommodations around Krabi no matter where you are at. It can be a normal budget hotel to some of the most luxurious resorts on the islands. Enjoy your trip at the beach!
 

Credit video : Amazing Thailand

Suggested Cities around Krabi

Phang Nga – The Center for Islands in Thailand

Prachuapkirikhan – One of the Finest Places to Rest in Thailand

Phuket – The World’s Famous Destination for Beaches, Sea, and Islands in Thailand

Satun – A Gateway to Thailand’s Southern Islands

The post Krabi – The Gateway to Beautiful Islands and Beaches in Thailand appeared first on Thailand Local Travel.