Travel in THAILAND : Amnat Charoen Province

Amnat Charoen is part of the lower Northeast region and its eastern boundary is formed by the Mekong River where it shares a border with neighboring Laos. Amnat Charoen was first established during the reign of King Rama III of Ratanakosin (Bangkok) some two centuries ago and was once a part of Ubon Ratchathani until it was upgraded to a province in 1993. 

Although it is a small and tranquil town, Amnat Charoen has various attractions and visitors can stroll around and see picturesque rice paddies and fruit orchards, the rocky rapids of Mekong River, and the production of various quality handicrafts. Further, Amnat Charoen is known as the Land of Dharma and it features a number of beautiful, old temples with exquisite sacred Buddha images set within peaceful, natural environments. 

Amnat Charoen is particularly well known for its silk products. The villages most famous for silk production include Baan Chan Lan, Baan Soi, Baan Pueai, Baan Hua Dong, and Baan Nam Thuam. Furthermore, most people in Amphoe Chanuman are descendant of the Phu Thai ethnic group that migrated from Lao. They specialize in weaving “Khit” cloth, which has unique patterns.

Every November, the people of Amnat Charoen hold boat races on the Mekong River, in front of Amphoe Chanuman’s office, during which visitors can enjoy the races by day and shopping and entertainment by night.

Amnat Charoen, located along the Mekong River in Northeastern Thailand, is an area of great natural beauty, featuring a reservoir, the Mekong River, and unspoiled forests and mountains. Amidst this setting are many old temples with exquisite Buddha images and a number of villages engaged in handicrafts production, including silk, for which the province is renowned.

Accommodation

Although not a major center for tourism, Amnat Charoen has a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, resorts, and home stays Transport As a province somewhat off the typical tourist route, Amnat Charoen is best reached via private car or public bus. However, it is possible to take a train or plane to nearby Ubon Ratchathani and then a short bus to Amnat Charoen. Once there, it may be easier to get around with your own car, but there are standard forms of local transport available for visitors: i.e. songtaew, motorbike taxi, and tuk tuk. Getting to and from Amnat Charoen  By Train: As there is no train service directly to Amnat Charoen, it is possible to take a train to Ubon Ratchathani first and then take bus from there to Amnat Charoen, 75 kilometers away. By Car: From Bangkok head north via Highway No.1 (Phahonyothin Road) then take Highway No.2 (Mittraphap Road) to Nakhon Ratchasima. Next, take Highway No.226 (Nakhon Ratchasima-Surin) and then Highway No.214 (Surin-Amphoe Suwannaphum) turning right into Highway No.202 via Yasothon and Amphoe Pa. This route is covers 585 kilometers.  Alternatively, take Highways 1, 2, and 226 to Highway No.212. This route is 704 kilometers long. By Bus: Scheduled busses and air-conditioned coaches leave Bangkok’s Northeastern Bus terminal (Mo Chit 2) on Kamphaeng Phet Road for Amnat Charoen daily. For more information, call 0-2936-2852-66 or visit www.transport.co.th By Air: As there is no regular commercial airline service to Amnat Charoen, it is possible to fly to Ubon Ratchathani first and then take bus from there to Amnat Charoen, 75 kilometers away. Getting Around Amnat Charoen As in most rural Thai provinces there are typically songtaews that follow established routes around the provincial capital and between towns within the province. Songtaews, motorbike taxis, and some form of tuk tuk are usually available for private charter as well. Activities As one of the less frequently visited tourist destinations in Thailand, Amnat Charoen has limited activities for visitors to participate in other than visiting the natural and cultural attractions around the province. Attractions As one of the quieter tourist destinations in Thailand, Amnat Charoen features mostly natural and cultural attractions,As one of the quieter tourist destinations in Thailand, Amnat Charoen features mostly natural and cultural attractions, including beautiful temples, and silk and handicraft villages. The following are some of the most popular attractions in Amnat Charoen Food & Drink Most restaurants on Amnat Charoen serve a variety of cuisines, including Thai and international foods. Most guesthouse and resorts have restaurants that serve both. The following are some of the restaurants on Amnat Charoen Shopping As in most provincial capitals, Amnat Charoen features a central market where locals can buy everything from groceries to household appliances and visitors can shop for clothing and other necessary supplies. In addition to the shopping venues listed below, there are often locally produced handicrafts available at central markets, the occasional night market, and from village workshops in smaller towns throughout the province. Tourist Information Centres Area of Responsibility: Ubon Ratchathani, Amnat Charoen, Yasothon  Language Support: English Opening Hours: 08:30-16:30 Services & Facilities: Support tourism for Thai and Foreign visitors by providing brochures on tourism and creating and producing tourism media. Information : http://www.tourismthailand.org

Travel in THAILAND : Surin Province

The land of big elephants, prestigious silk, beautiful rosary, many Khmer ruins, sweet radish, fragrant rice, and rich culture.

Surin is a large province in the Mun River Basin of Thailand’s Northeastern Isan region. Although the exact history of the town itself is not well known, the people of the region have always been highly regarded for a particular skill: capturing and taming elephants. The Suay or Kuay (meaning simply “people”) migrated to the area perhaps thousands of years ago and established a reputation for their elephant handling prowess that is still celebrated to this day. Since 1960, around the time that elephants were being replaced by machines for most of their laboring jobs, the Surin Elephant Round-Up has been an annual event known both locally and internationally. During this celebration of both the elephants and the training skills of the Surin people, the gigantic pachyderms impress everyone with their cleverness and charm, an event that is the embodiment of the unique character of the province.

In addition to elephants, Surin features many ruins from the era when the Khmer of Angkor controlled the region, and Surin is also known for producing beautiful silk and growing Thailand’s famous jasmine rice.

For most of the year Surin province is a sleepy agricultural province, quietly growing jasmine rice and weaving beautiful silk. Come November however, the spotlight shines on Surin province as Thais and foreign visitors congregate in the province to witness one of Thailand’s most iconic celebrations: the Surin Elephant Round-Up. As much a celebration of the mighty elephants as the local people who are so skilled in training them, the Elephant Round up features hundreds of elephants showcasing their skills, including a man vs elephant tug-of-war and full fledged battle re-enactments. 

Those visiting other times of the year or just before, after the big event will enjoy the bucolic environment that surrounds a number of charming handicraft villages and a handful of Khmer ruins, abandoned for half a millennia following the fall of the Khmer Empire at Angkor.

Accommodation

As Surin hosts so many visitors during the November elephant round up there is a large selection of accommodation options so visitors the rest of the year have a wide selection to choose from.

Transport

Surin is easily reached via private car, public bus, or train. Once there, it may be easier to get around with your own car, but there are standard forms of local transport available for visitors: i.e. songtaew, motorbike taxi, tuk tuk, and if you are lucky: elephant!

Getting to and from Surin

By Train:
Regular trains depart from Bangkok's Hua Lumphong Railway Station for Surin every day. Call 1690, 0 2223 7010-20or visit www.railway.co.th for more information.

By Car:
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road) to Saraburi and then Highway No. 2 (Mittraphap Road) to Nakhon Ratchasima; finally, use Highway No.226 to Surin via Buri Ram, a total distance of 457 kilometers.

By Bus:
Buses depart from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) to Surin every day. Contact Transport Co.Ltd at Tel: 0 2936 2852-66 or visit www.transport.co.th for more information

Getting Around Surin

Surin is a very convenient city for travelers to explore: most sights and lodging are within a few blocks of the bus and train stations. If you don’t want to walk, Samlor (three wheeled, pedal powered cabs) charge 20B to 30B for a trip around the city center.

It is also possible for visitors to rent cars and motorbikes while in Surin. Be aware that only Commercial First Class Insurance provides full coverage on rental cars (as opposed to limited personal or third party only insurance). You may wish to request a copy of an insurance policy and ensure that it states "For Commercial Use". Regardless, inspect rental vehicles prior to rental and drive with caution, particularly as traffic in Thailand can be quite confusing.

For around 150 to 300 baht per day you can hire your own motorbike, which will typically require you to leave your passport as a deposit. Be sure to inspect bikes prior to rental and drive with extreme caution as rental motorbikes are not normally insured and accidents are frequent. Helmets are required by Thai law.

Attractions

Other than Surin’s iconic elephants, there are a number of natural and cultural attractions, including beautiful temples and handicraft villages. The following are some of the most popular attractions in Surin

Shopping

As in most provincial capitals, Surin features a central market where locals can buy everything from groceries to household appliances and visitors can shop for clothing and other necessary supplies. In addition to the shopping venues listed below, there are often locally produced handicrafts available at central markets, the occasional night market, and from village workshops in smaller towns throughout the province.

Tourist Information Centres

Area of Responsibility: Surin, Buri Ram, Si Sa Ket 

Language Support: English

Opening Hours: 08:30-16:30

Services & Facilities:
Support tourism for Thai and Foreign visitors by providing brochures on tourism and creating and producing tourism media.

Information : http://www.tourismthailand.org

Travel in THAILAND : Udon Thani Province

Waterfalls of Phu Phan, Dharma Park, Five Thousand-year Civilization, Land of Mi-khit Cloth, Wonderful Nong Prachak Place, and Scented Udorn Sunshine Orchids

Udon Thani, located in Thailand’s northeastern Isan region is a prime business center, particularly as a result of its proximity to Vientiane, the capital of Lao P.D.R. 

Udon Thani is probably best known for its archaeological wonders, paramount among them the hamlet of Ban Chiang where the world's first Bronze Age civilization is believed to have flourished more than 5,000 years ago.

Udon Thani borders Nong Khai to the north, Khon Kaen to the south, Sakon Nakhon to the east and Nong Bua Lam Phu and Loei to the west. Consequently, Udon Thani is a major transportation hub for Northeastern Thailand. 

Geographically, the province is located on a plateau which is approximately 187 meters above sea level. Most of the area is covered with rice fields, forests, and hills; the Phu Pan mountain range and the Songkhram River are the provinces two primary natural attractions.

The inhabitants of Udon Thani are mainly engaged in agricultural activities, and the capital city is a major agricultural market center for its neighboring provinces.

Udon Thani is a large province that serves as a center of transportation, trade, and tourism in the Northeast of Thailand. The province is a land of forest temples and a gateway to Laos. Udon Thani also possesses an archaeological site that is evidence of one of the world’s most ancient bronze-age civilizations. It is a province blessed with natural tourist attractions and is well known for its Khit-style textiles.

Accommodation

Although not a major center for tourism, there are variety of accommodation options for visitors to choose from because Udon Thani is a major regional hub for transport and commerce. 

Transport

As a major transportation center, Udon Thani can be reached a number of ways directly from cities around northeastern and central Thailand, including via private car, bus, train, or airplane. Once there, it may be easier to get around with your own car, but there are standard forms of local transport available for visitors: i.e. local busses, songtaews, motorbike taxis, and samlors (three wheeled bicycle or moped powered cabs).

Getting to and from Udon Thani 

By Train:

Train service between Bangkok and Udon Thani is available every day. For more details, contact the Travel Service Unit, State Railway of Thailand (SRT), Tel. 1690; 0 2220 4334; and 0 2220 4444, or visit www.railway.co.th.

By Car:
From Bangkok, travel along Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road), switching to Highway No. 2 (Mittraphap Road) at Km 107 in Saraburi, and then drive through Nakhon Ratchasima and Khon Kaen to Udon Thani. The total distance is around 564 km.

By Bus:
There are ordinary and air-conditioned busses servicing the route between Bangkok and Udon Thani every day. The busses leave from Bangkok’s Northeastern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) on Kamphaengphet Road. For further information, contact the Transport Company Limited, Tel. 0 2936 2852-66, the Udon Thani Provincial Bus Terminal, Tel. 0 4222 1489, or visit www.transport.co.th

By Air:
Daily flights between Bangkok and Udon Thani are offered by the Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, and Nok Air. For detailed information, contact www.thaiairways.com, www.airasia.com, or www.nokair.com.

Getting around Udon Thani is both easy and inexpensive; visitors can opt for public busses, songtaews (pickup trucks with benches in the back), motorbike taxis, or samlors (three wheeled pedal powered cabs). 

Songtaews are the most common form of transportation in Udon Thani and follow different routes, designated by their number and color. There are no fixed “bus stops” per se; passengers simply hail them as they pass. Be sure to tell them where you are headed so as to get on the right songtaew. Fares should be fixed at around 6 baht for trips within and along the city ring-road and 10 baht for longer journeys. The price goes up to 15 baht after 7.00pm and songtaews are generally off duty by 8pm.

Motorized samlors (a type of tuk tuk) charge a negotiated fare based on the distance, while pedal powered samlors cost less and are more pleasurable, if slower modes of transport; always agree on a price before boarding. Samlors are the only way to get around after dark, as busses and songtaews stop shortly after sunset.

There are two city buses: white and yellow. Trips around town cost between 5 and 15 baht depending on distance.

It is possible to hire a car from one of the many rental companies in Udon Thani, either with or without a driver. Daily rental fees vary between 1,000 and 1,500 baht, more if you wish to have someone drive you. Be aware that only Commercial First Class Insurance provides full coverage on rental cars that you operate (as opposed to limited personal third party only insurance or having a Thai driver). Most international car rental agencies will offer this insurance (some only for those with a valid international driver’s license) while local companies may or may not. You may wish to request a copy of their insurance policy and ensure that it states "For Commercial Use". Regardless, inspect rental vehicles prior to rental and drive with caution, particularly as traffic in Thailand can be quite confusing, especially the habit of Thai motorcycles drivers to drive on the wrong side of the road.

Most car rental companies in Udon Thani also offer motorbike rental too; for around 150 baht per day you can hire your own motorbike, which will typically require you to leave your passport as a deposit. Be sure to inspect bikes prior to rental and drive with extreme caution as rental motorbikes are not normally insured and accidents are frequent. Helmets are required by Thai law.

Activities

Udon Thani has a few tourist activities for visitors to participate in, particularly visiting the natural and cultural attractions around the province.

Attractions

As one of the premier tourist destinations in Thailand, Udon Thani has a wide variety of attractions, ensuring that visitors with nearly any interest will find something to keep them entertained on their Udon Thani holiday. The following are some of the most popular attractions on Udon Thani

Tours & Packages

As Udon Thani is a somewhat popular tourist destination, there are numerous tour packages available from tour providers throughout Thailand.

Food & Drink

Most restaurants on Udon Thani serve a variety of cuisines, including Thai and international foods. Most guesthouse and resorts have restaurants that serve both. The following are some of the restaurants on Udon Thani 

Tourist Information Centres

Area of Responsibility: Udon Thani, Nong Khai 

Language Support: English

Opening Hours: 08:30-16:30

Services & Facilities:
Support tourism for Thai and Foreign visitors by providing brochures on tourism and creating and producing tourism media.

Information : http://www.tourismthailand.org

Travel in THAILAND : Khon Kaen Province



Khon Kaen is the commercial, administrative, and educational center of the Northeast that is often used by travelers as a base for visiting many parts of upper Isan. Khon Kaen is the commercial and political center of Northeastern Thailand and is well known for the high quality silk that is produced in the province. Located in the heart of Isan, Thailand’s northeast region, Khon Kaen has been one of the fastest growing areas in Thailand. The Thai government nominated Khon Kaen as the export center for trade throughout the Indo-China Region and both Laos and Vietnam have consulates in Khon Kaen to process visa applications. Khon Kaen also contains the largest university in the northeast, Khon Kaen University, a major center of education and technology. Historically, Khon Kaen is quite a new town, established a little over two centuries ago during the reign of King Rama I. But prehistorically, this town on the plateau has been home to various cultures as well as other fascinating creatures, heretofore unknown to the modern world. Artifacts have proven that millions of years ago the area was occupied by gigantic dinosaurs, several of which were endemic to the region. People in various cultures later occupied the plateau for thousands of years until the Ancient Khmer Empire expanded its presence into the area in the 12th century and ruled it for some time. The ancient cultures, traditions, and historical sites in this area have all contributed to shaping the people and culture of Khon Kaen. A major source of local wisdom regarding the production of silk is in Amphoe Chonnabot, where excellent Mudmee Silk is delicately woven by hand using a special tie-dye technique, and Khon Kaen features both creature comfort, in the form of fine eateries and swanky hotels, and beautiful nature, including a variety of animal parks and a number of spectacular national parks. Khon Kaen is the commercial and political center of Northeastern Thailand, featuring a number of upscale restaurants and hotels, the largest university in the North East, and a busy airport. In addition to containing some fascinating historical and archaeological sites, Khon Kaen is also an excellent place to watch the production of Mudmee Silk or participate in outdoor activities within one of its several animal reserves or national parks. Accommodation As a popular tourist destination, Khon Kaen has a large variety of accommodation options including quality hotels and resorts as well as lodging in the national parks and with local villagers at various home stays. Transport As the commercial and political center of Northeastern Thailand, Khon Kaen can be reached via private car, public bus, train, or airplane. In Khon Kaen town there are standard forms of local transport available for visitors: i.e. songtaew, motorbike taxi, and tuk tuk for local and regional transportation. Getting to and from Khon Kaen  By Train: Trains from Bangkok’s Hua Lumphong Railway Station bound for Udon Thani and Nong Khai travel via Khon Kaen. Leaving Bangkok daily, there are various kinds of trains available such as rapid, express, and air-conditioned diesel locomotive. For more information, call Tel. 1690, 0 2220-4334, 0 2220 4444. Khon Kaen Railway Station can be contacted at Tel.0 4322 1112 or www.railway.co.th. By Car: Khon Kaen province is 449 kilometers from Bangkok. Motorists should take Highway No.1 (Phahonyothin Rd.) north and turn right onto Highway No.2 (Mittraphap Rd.) at kilometer 107 in Saraburi province. Finally, follow Highway No.2 through Nakhon Ratchasima to Khon Kaen.  As Khon Kaen is a transportation hub of the Northeast region, motorists can also travel via the Saraburi-Lam Narai Road then turn right, through Mueang Khom-Dan Khun Thot-Chaiyaphum, to Khon Kaen. Or from Saraburi, motorists can travel via Lam Narai-Thepsathit-Chaiyaphum-Mancha Khiri-Phra Yuen to Khon Kaen. By Bus: A journey by bus from Bangkok to Khon Kaen takes 7 hours. Several ordinary busses, air-conditioned coaches, and 24-seat VIP coaches leave Bangkok’s Northeastern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) daily. For more information, call Tel. 0 2936 2852 to 66. Bus schedules from Khon Kaen can be checked at the Khon Kaen Bus Terminal (Tel.0 4323 7472, 0 4323 7300) and the Air-conditioned Bus Terminal (Tel.0 4323 9910) By Air: Thai Airways International operates daily flights on the Bangkok-Khon Kaen route. For more information, call Tel.1566, 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 or Khon Kaen office at Tel. 0 4322 7701 to 5 or visit the website www.thaiairways.com. Thai Air Asia also operates flights on this route. Call for more information at Tel. 0 2515 9999 or visit the website www.airasia.com. Getting Around Khon Kaen Getting around the province is quite convenient as various kinds of vehicle are available. Regular busses, fanned and air-conditioned, operate in the city and there are busses leaving the capital for other districts all day long. Visitors can also use car rental services operated by many tour companies in town.  As in most rural Thai provinces there are typically also songtaews that follow established routes around the provincial capital and between towns within the province. Songtaews, motorbike taxis, samlors (pedal powered tricycle taxis) and tuk tuks are usually available for private charter as well. Activities As an up and coming province, Khon Kaen has a number of activities other, particularly in its spectacular natural parks, including jungle trekking. Attractions Once one of the fastest growing regions in Thailand, Khon Kaen has numerous attractions, ensuring that visitors with any interest, particularly in culture, history, or nature will find something to keep them entertained on their Khon Kaen holiday. The following are some of the most popular attractions in Khon Kaen Food & Drink Most restaurants in Khon Kaen serve a variety of cuisines, including Thai and international foods. Shopping As in most provincial capitals, Khon Kaen features a central market where locals can buy everything from groceries to household appliances and visitors can shop for clothing and other necessary supplies. In addition to the shopping venues listed below, there are often locally produced handicrafts available at central markets, the occasional night market, and from village workshops in smaller towns throughout the province. Tourist Information Centres Area of Responsibility: Khon Kaen, Roi Et, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham  Language Support: English Opening Hours: 08:30-16:30 Services & Facilities: Support tourism for Thai and Foreign visitors by providing brochures on tourism and creating and producing tourism media. Information : http://www.tourismthailand.org/