Walking tour in bangkok

Map of Rattanakosin Walking Tour

Wang Na Theatre

Next to the National Theatre is Wang Na Theatre. The area is used as the Learning Centre for Arts and Crafts. An art gallery is located beside the Wang Na Theatre.

Memorial of the Expeditionary Force

This memorial was built in King Rama VI’s reign in 1919 to keep the ashes of Thai soldiers who died in the First World War. Thailand sent the expeditionary force of 1,200 volunteers to support the Allies in Europe in 1918 and 19 soldiers died. The names of the 19 soldiers are engraved on the four panels of the memorial.

National Theatre

Located in an area of the Palace of the Second Sovereign, the National Theatre was built in 1960 and completed in 1965. The T-shaped building has a combination of Thai and international styles. The Thai feature seems to dominate the overall appearance of the theatre since it is expressed by the roofing, high relief of the God of Arts, and sculptures of characters of Thai classical plays.

Doi Phu Kha

Doi Phu Kha

Botanist’s paradise

NAN PROVINCE. Doi Phu Kha National Park is a great

destination for those wanting to combine laid-back relaxation

with moderate exploration of nature. Visitors will notice that the

landscape has been groomed and altered to receive guests. That

said, it does not mean they will not get a high dose of nature within

the Park.

Beginning with the journey up the mountain from Pua district,

visitors will see that large patches of forest on the slope of the hills

have been turned into fruit orchards, namely for lychee. The sight

may not be the best introduction, but on arrival in the Park area, it is

a relief to find that most of its forest remains intact.

Take time to view the exhibition in the Visitor Centre. Here, guests

will learn that besides the star attraction, Chomphu Phu Kha

flowers, there is also a chance to see a living fossil, Caryota gigas.

Also known as Hahn ex Hodel, or Tao Rang Yak in Thai, this giant

palm has a height of 40 m and is endemic to the area. The Park also

offers the possibility of spotting a myriad of wild animals, ranging from

rare birds (the most remarkable one being Sitta formosa) deer, and

gibbons to bears, wild elephants, or even tigers.

Something for EveryoneFor those content with lovely strolls through the woods, there are two nature trails near the Park headquarters to enjoy. The small trail is 2 km long; the longer one is 4 km, both winding through a forest of Kesiya, or three-needled, pine, whose fallen needles provide a soft brown carpet over the paths as they lead to Chomphu Phu Kha and Tao Rang Yak groves. The trails are sufficiently well-defined, but the Park recommends visitors be accompanied by a ranger. Trekking should be avoided during the rainy season, as leeches are quite brutal.

Doi Phu Kha offers other activities the whole year round. From August

to December, the river Nam Wa, with its 20 rapids, provides good

rafting (contact the Visitor Centre to arrange a trip). Bird and butterfly

lovers should visit between November and June. During February and

March, the forest will be tinted with the pink blossoms of Chomphu

Phu Kha. There are also a number of caves and waterfalls that can be

explored from October to May.

For more sedentary travellers, the Park provides comfortable and

aesthetically pleasing accommodation. The smallest options are

made from old carts and bamboo, with thatched roofs. Bigger

bungalows perch on a small hill to enjoy a panoramic view of

the mountain range. Alternatively, a tent can be pitched in the

campground to enjoy stargazing. To wrap up the day, the Park also

provides a pavilion to observe the sunset over the hill-lined horizon.

Doi Pha Klong

Doi Pha Klong

A geological feast

PHRAE PROVINCE. Doi Pha Klong National Park may not be the greenest place to visit. Those that do will not be protected from the sun by a lush canopy, and their skin will become sticky from humidity. The geography here is comprised mostly of limestone and dry evergreen forests of thorny trees with small leaves. They combine to create a curiously beautiful landscape, the charm of Doi Pha Klong.

On arrival at the park headquarters, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, visitors will be greeted by a cacophony of bird calls. There is a 1.2-km nature trail along which to explore the flora and fauna of the dry evergreen forest. The beginning of the trail, paved with concrete blocks, boasts oddly, but naturally, sculpted trees with entangling vines. Along the trail as a whole, the most predominant plant species is the firework-shaped Dracaena sp.

Although the trail is short, trekkers are mercilessly exposed to the sun. The

informative and friendly rangers therefore warn visitors to take lots of water

before setting out on the trek. The climb can be tough at some points, with

sharp-edged rocks, but the path is well-defined, including intervals of wooden steps. After a good measure of sweating, one finally arrives at Hin Pakarang, a large, wondrously-shaped limestone hill peppered with bright green shrubs.

The Park encompasses an area of 125 km2, covering a diverse range of

geography and activities. About 60 km from the headquarters lies Kaeng

Luang, a series of rapids in the Yom River. These provide a 10-km

rafting route, though the river is best experienced in November or December.

Visitors can also stop over at Erawan Cave to enjoy the stalagmites and

stalactites, including those resembling a mythical three-headed elephant,

from which the cave takes its name. Opportunities also exist to rappel down

a 70-m cliff. To arrange an adventure trip, contact the Park headquarters

Thi Lo Su Waterfall

Thi Lo Su Waterfall

The hidden giant

TAK PROVINCE. A weekend at Thi Lo Su may make you come

home drained of energy, but with piles of spectacular photos and

fun memories.

Visitors must steel themselves right from the start. The ‘Sky Highway

1090’ winds from Mae Sot to Umphang through a mountainous region

inhabited by hill tribes. Its 1,219 sharp curves, zigzagging through

lush, forested landscapes, have churned many stomachs. After four

hours, visitors arrive in Umphang, the biggest district in Thailand,

sharing a 180 km border with Myanmar. It used to be inhabited solely

by the Karen people, prior to Thais moving in from the North. Now, it

is a hub of accommodation and tour operators organizing trips to the

majestic Thi Lo Su Waterfall.

Thi Lo Su is beautiful in her many guises. During the rainy season,

visitors will be awed by the sight of an endless line of mighty water

crashing down 300 m onto the rocks below. In the dry season, the

gigantic waterfall spanning 500 m turns into numerous small cascades

separated by mossed rocks and trees, making it appear as a

patchwork of verdant gardens.

Thi Lo Su is the star of the Wildlife Sanctuary, but its sister waterfall,

Thi Lo Cho, should not be missed. To fully explore the area, a three-day

tour is recommended. A typical programme will combine rafting on the

Mae Klong River; visits to Thi Lo Su and Thi Lo Cho Falls; some trekking;

and, upon request, stays in Karen villages, and total forest immersion

via elephant back. However, it should be noted that the likelihood of

seeing large animals during any of these activities is low. Also, trekkers

should bring mosquito repellant and antimalarial medication

Amazing Thai Food

Kaeng Khiao Wan Kai (Green Curry with Chicken)

MethodStir-fry chicken thigh fillets in a pot until fragrant. Add 1 cup of coconut milk, chicken broth to mix over low heat. Use low heat to warm the oil in a saucepan or wok, and then add the green curry paste and saute until fragrant. Pour cup of coconut milk and continue to stir gently until well mixed. Transfer the curry paste mixture to a chicken broth pot. Add boiled potatoes, egg plant, small round green eggplant, and leave to cooked, then add the remaining coconut milk. Adjust the seasonings as desired using the fish sauce, sugar, kaffir lime  leaves, spur chillies, sweet basil leaves. Leave until boiling.

 Ingredients

• 1 lb.(450 g.) beef, cut into ½ in. x 2 in.(1cm. x 2.5 cm.) pieces
• 3 cups coconut milk
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ½ cups green curry paste
• ½ egg plant, chunks
• 1 potato, boiled, peeled, diced
• ½ cup small round green eggplant
• 4 leaves kaffir lime leaf, torn
• 5 green-red spur chillies, iagonally sliced
• 1 cup sweet basil leaf
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar
• 1 ½ cups beef broth

Phat Thai (Stir-Fried Thai Noodles)

MethodFry the chopped garlic and onion until turned yellow. Add the chicken and fry until well cooked. Add the shrimp, pickled white radish and soya bean curd, then add the eggs and scramble, Put in sugar, fish sauce, vinegar, tamarind juice and stir-fry until mixed well, then add the spring onion and half a cup of bean sprouts (the rest is for garnishing) and stir-fry until cooked. Garnish with ground roasted peanuts, ground dry red chili, bean sprouts, a lime wedge and the remainder of the spring onion.

 Ingredients

• 3 cups narrow rice noodles (Sen Lek) soaked in warm water till flexible
• Cup sliced chicken meat, small trips
• 4 shrimps
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup cooking oil
• 1/3 cup soya bean curd, cut into small silvers
• 1 tablespoon pickled white radish (Chai-Po), chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon shallots or onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground dry red chili or paprika
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 4 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons tamarind juice (substituted by vinegar)
• 1/3 cup spring onions, chopped to 1 ½ in. lengths
• 1 lime. For garnishing, 2 tablespoons ground roasted peanuts.

Tom Yam Kung (Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup)

Method

Use the medium heat to bring the stock to boil. Add lime leaves, galangal, fish sauce, lemon grass and shallots, then the mushrooms and chili peppers (if used). Let the stock simmer for at least 2 minutes or until fragrant. Add the shrimps and cook until the shrimps, and cook until the shrimps turn pink, opaque and firm. The should be done within a minute. Set aside. Put 1-2 teaspoons of lime bowl. Pour the soup into the bowl, stir and garnish with cilantro leaves.

 Ingredients

• 3 cups (24 fl.oz./750 ml.) water or light chicken stock
• 8 oz. (250 g.) shrimps/prawns, shelled and deveined
• 5 kaffir lime leaves (Bai Makrut)
• 3 thin slices fresh or dried galangal (Kha)
• cup fish sauce (Nam Pla)
• 2 stalks of lemon glass/citronella (Takhrai)
  lower 1/3 portion only, cut into 1 in (2.5 cm.) lengths, coarsely pounded
• 2 shallots, coarsely pounded
• (optional) 5 hot green Thai chilli peppers (Phrik Khi Nu)
• 1/2 cup sliced straw mushrooms
• 1/4 cup (2 fl.oz./60 ml.) lime juice
• 1 teaspoon roasted chilli paste (Nam Phrik Pao)
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro/coriander leaves (Bai Phak Chi)

Miracle Krabi

Miracle Krabi

Musang Reef

The Rendez-vous for Leopard Shark and Wonderful Corals under the Sea

Musang Reef or better known as Shark Point or Anemone Reef and King Cruiser Wreck make up another underwater empire which is the best dive site of theAndamanSea, located between Phuket andPhiPhiIsland, with the character of underwater coral groves and dunes covered by colorful sea anemone, as well as the new home for marine life from the King Cruiser Wreck. More importantly, Musang Rock is the rendez-vous for Leopard Shark

Best time to visit : December to April, with February to March as the best period

 Best period of the day : 10.00 to 13.00 hrs.

 How to get there : From Phi Phi Don, board the boat atTonSaiBay for a distance of 20 kms, lasting 45 minutes, or from Krabi, at Ao Nang, a distance of 35 kms. lasting 1 hour 45 minutes

Tanod Cave

The Lasting Memory of the Setting Sun and the Impressive Lighthouse

The far end of Ko Lanta Yai, along the beach to the West of the island is the location ofLantaIslandsNational Park. At this point, between the point jutting to the sea are the twin bays curving beautifully into each other, topped by an old lighthouse which in the evening glow as the sun is setting in the sea, makes a lasting memory in your mind, as another page in the travel journal.

 Best time to view : Late November to April

 Best period of the day : 18.00 to 19.00 hrs.

 How to get there: FromKrabiTown, use Highway No.4 past Khlong Thom District up to the intersection to Ko Lanta Pier on Highway No.4206 and take the ferry to Lanta Yai lsland with the beach road on the West up to the end at the tip of Laem Tanod.

Ngai Island

The Dream lsland for Sea – Lovers

The island in theAndamanSeasurrounded by deep green water, contrasting with long white sand beach and coconut grove. The island is fronted by the beach, opening out to the sea on the East. Interestingly, the island is in the jurisdiction ofKrabiProvince, but it is most accessible from Pak Meng Beach of Trang Province.

Best time to visit : Late November to April

 Best period of the day : 10.00 to 15.00 hrs.

 How to get there : From Lanta laland ,a passenger boat to Ngai lsland is available, costing 450-500 baht each or an speed boat at 650 baht each, Provided only during the high season from November to May. And fromPakMengBeach, Sikao District, boat can be hired to Ko Ngai at 1,200-1,500 baht per trip.

Hin Muang , Hin Daeng

One in the Ten Best Dive Sites of the World

The beauty of the underwater world made up of plenty of red soft coral and red sea fan coral on underwater rock cliff about 60 meters high. Not far away is Hin Muang, the Purple Rock, with underwater cliff of 200 meters long, where numerous purple soft coral can be found. It is also an assembling point for large fish, especially the Manta Ray, and the whale shark. It is ranked as one in the ten best dive sites of the world.

 Best time to visit : December to April, with February to march as the prime period

Best period of the day : 10.00 to 13.00 hrs.

 How to get there : The most convenient point is Sala Dan Boat Landing, Lanta Yai lsland, a distance of about 75 kilometers, for a boat trip of about 3-4 hours.

Ba Kan Tiang Beach

The Superb Beauty of the Ko Lanta Beaches

Ko Lanta Yai is known as anislandofKrabiwith several beautiful beaches along the western side of the island, all open out to theAndamanSea. All these beaches are perfect for relaxing and swimming. But the most beautiful beach is Ba Kan Tiang Beach, over 1 kilometer long as the apex of Ko Lanta beach beauty.

 Best time to visit : Late November to May

 Best period of the day : Morning 8.00 to 12.00 hrs.and at sunset about 18.30 hrs.

 How to get there : From Krabi, use Highway No. 4 past Khlong Thom District up to the intersection to the pier, into Lanta lsland, use Highway No. 4206, and cross by ferry twice from Lanta Noi to Lanta yai lsland, with beachfront road on the West throughout the entire island.

Top 10 Thailand Beach Destinations

Thailand has some of the best beaches in the world, but with so many to choose from, it can be difficult to pick the perfect one. The best Thailand beach spots are listed below. Each has its own distinct personality, so you’re sure to find the right beach for you.

 

1. Patong Beach, Phuket

 Pretty and popular

The largest beach on the island of Phuket is also the country’s most popular beach. With a wide coastline, soft white sand, warm water and plenty of hotels, restaurants and shopping within walking distance it’s impossible to get bored here. The vibrant nightlife attracts a partying crowd and the jet skis keep the volume cranked to high during the day, so those looking for peace and quiet might want to head elsewhere.

2. Railey Beach, Krabi

Quiet and sporty

Though it’s technically on the mainland, Railey Beach is only accessible by boat and has a desert island feeling you won’t find on most of the country’s popular beach destinations. Clear blue waters, small islands on the horizon and majestic cliffs surround the small beach, which is generally not crowded except during peak season.
Aside from rock climbing, swimming and snorkeling, there’s not much else to do here but admire the gorgeous scenery, so bring a book and prepare to relax.

3. Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Ley

Just gorgeous

This small stretch of sand is the quintessential Thailand beach and might just have the best scenery of any in the country. Part of a little island adjacent to Ko Phi Phi, the beach is nestled in a small bay and surrounded by tall limestone cliffs. Maya Bay can only be visited on day trips by boat, since there are no accommodations here. Hordes of people visit during high season, but the beauty makes dealing with the crowds worth it.

4. Hua Hin Beach, Hua Hin

 Convenient and family-friendly

This beach on the Gulf of Siam is immensely popular for locals and international visitors, thanks to the flat stretches of beach, plenty of things to do and the ease of travel from Bangkok. The beach slopes very gently into the gulf, so while it’s not the best beach for real swimming, it’s a great place for families with small children.

5. Kata Beach, Phuket

 Relaxed

Just a couple of miles away from the hustle and bustle of Patong Beach is this quieter, relaxed beach in Southern Phuket. Kata has everything that makes Phuket so popular – palm trees, warm water and nice scenery, but there are no high rise hotels or shopping malls in sight. During low season, waves at this beach can be intense, making it a great place to do some surfing but not the perfect spot for those with young children.

6. Lamai Beach, Samui

 The perfect balance

Though Samui’s beaches can be packed, especially during high season, this beach strikes the perfect balance for visitors looking for pretty scenery, good swimming and plenty of other things to do when you’re not in the water. At night, the scores of bars and restaurants turn Lamai Beach into a party scene.

7. Sairee Beach, Koh Tao

 Chilled out

Once almost exclusively a base for divers, visitors are slowly realizing that Ko Tao has more to offer than just a place to eat and sleep between dives. This one mile stretch of white sandy beach with a beautiful view of small islands in the horizon is Ko Tao’s most popular, with plenty of inexpensive accommodations and restaurants. The closest airport is in Samui, so getting there involves a ferry trip and keeps the beach relatively uncrowded.

8. White Sand Beach, Koh Chang

 No longer just for backpackers

This beautiful stretch of beach on the west side of the island is fringed with palm and coconut trees against a backdrop of gentle sloping hills. Though Ko Chang is still considered more of a backpacker island than a luxury destination, there’s a wide selection of accommodations to choose from.

9. Haad Rin, Koh Pha Ngan

 Party beach

As beautiful as it is, Haad Rin is really known for just one thing – Full Moon Party! Once a month the beach goes on an all-night bender with plenty of drinking, dancing and music. At other times of the month, the party atmosphere still pervades so those looking for a quieter beach experience might want to steer clear. During the day the soft, gold sand and gently sloping coast make Haad Rin ideal for swimming and enjoying the surrounding scenery, though many visitors are too bleary-eyed to appreciate it. The beach is on a small peninsula jutting out from the island so while there are places to sleep and eat, it’s still relatively undeveloped.

10. Koh Mun Nork

 Desert island

This small, private island in the northern part of the Gulf of Siam is paradise found for anyone looking for a true desert island experience. The white sandy beach is surrounded by palm trees and not much else – there’s only one resort on the island. That and the 45 minute ferry from the mainland guarantee the beach will never be crowded.