Travel in THAILAND : Sukhothai Province

Source of national heritage, the Thai alphabet, the best Loy Krathong celebration, firm foundation of Buddhism, fine Teen Jok cloth, ancient chinaware, holy Pho Khun (Ramkhamhaeng’s mother), dawn of happiness.

Founded in the 13th century, Sukhothai, which literally means “Dawn of Happiness”, was the first truly independent Thai Kingdom and enjoyed a golden age under King Ramkhamhaeng, who is credited with creating the Thai alphabet. The superb temples and monuments of this great city have been lovingly restored, and Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see for all travelers. 

Sukhothai became an independent kingdom when two princes-Pho Khun Pha Muang and Pho Khun Bang Klang Hao combined their forces and drove the Khmers out of Sukhothai, then a major frontier post of the Angkor Empire.

One of Thailand’s finest warriors, King Ramkhamhaeng, second son of Pho Khun Bang Klang Haok, made Sukhothai a powerful and extensive kingdom that even established direct political relations with China. Returning from the funeral of Emperor Kublai Khan, King Ramkhamhaeng brought back Chinese artisans who taught the art of pottery to the Thais. While visitors are eager to pick up today’s Sangkhalok Pottery, antique examples of such are eagerly sought by collectors.

King Ramkhamhaeng also promoted religion and culture, and through his efforts Buddhism flourished among the population. Inspirational faith gave birth to classic forms of Thai religious arts; images of the Lord Buddha sculptured during the Sukhothai Era are cultural treasures that impart a feeling of peace and serenity.

A total of eight kings ruled Sukhothai but the gradual decline of Sukhothai occurred during the reigns of the last two kings. The end of this first Thai kingdom occurred in 1365 when it became a vassal state of Ayutthaya, a rising power to the south.

Sukhothai, which literally means “Dawn of Happiness”, may be the most romantic of all former Thai capital cities. The superb temples and monuments of this great city have been lovingly restored, and Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see for all travelers, particularly in the evening when the graceful Buddha images are illuminated by lights, while exploring the grassy, tree lined park via bicycle, or most spectacularly, during the Loy Krathong festival, when hundreds of candle-powered, floating lanterns are released into the sky.

King Ramkhamhaeng, who reigned over Sukhothai’s golden age promoted religion and culture, and brought Chinese artisans back to the city to teach his people the art of pottery. Visitors can visit villages still engaged in the production of Sangkhalok Pottery as well as Hat Siao cloth, named for the village in Si Satchanalai district, just north of Sukhothai town. This famous hand-woven cloth is produced not far from Si Satchanalai Historical Park, where the ruins of another important historical city can be explored.

Transport

 Options in Sukhothai, Thailand

As Sukhothai is such a popular tourist destination and is located along the way from Bangkok to Chiang Mai it can be reached via car, bus, or airplane. It is also possible to take a train to nearby Phitsanulok and then travel via bus to Sukhothai. Once there, it may be easier to get around the province with a car, but there are standard forms of local transport available for visitors staying in town: i.e. local bus, songtaew, motorbike taxi, tuk tuk, and samlor. There are also motorbike rentals in Sukhothai town and bike rentals available just outside Sukhothai Historical Park. Getting to and from Sukhothai  By Train: There are no trains going directly to Sukhothai. One may travel by train to Phitsanulok and then take a local bus to Sukhothai, about 59 kilometers away. Contact Bangkok Railway Station Tel. 1690, 02223 7010, 0 2223 7020 or visit www.railway.co.th for more information. By Car: Those with cars will find it enjoyable to drive from Bangkok through rural Thailand, including the provinces of Ayutthaya, the capital of Thailand after Sukhotha; Saraburi, with its temple containing Lord Buddha's Footprint; Lopburi, which features ancient Khmer temples and a monkey festival; Chai Nat, which contains a huge irrigation dam; Nakhon Sawan, where major rivers converge to form Maenam Chao Phraya; Phitsanulok, with its various historical attractions; and even Kamphaeng Phet and Tak, which have beautiful hills and rivers. By Bus: Air-conditioned busses depart from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) to Sukhothai daily between 9.45 a.m. and 10.20 p.m, departing with greater frequency in the morning. The journey takes 7 hours. Call 0 2936 2852-66 or visit www.transport.co.th for more information. Private bus companies which operate daily bus services to Sukhothai include Win Tour (Tel: 0 2936 3753 or 0 5561 1039) and Phitsanulok Yan Yon (Tel: 0 2936 2924-5, 0 5525 8647). From Chiang Mai there are ordinary/2nd class and air-conditioned busses that travel through Tak, a 5 ½ our journey; busses depart frequently between 7pm and 2am. From Chiang Rai there are ordinary/2nd class and air-conditioned busses making the nine hour voyage throughout the day. Sukhothai is also easily reached from Phitsanulok, Tak, and Kamphaeng Phet. Buses to/from Phitsanulok (ordinary/2nd class air-con/1st class 30/42/54B, one hour) leave every half hour or so. Buses to/from Tak (ordinary/2nd class air-con/1st class 40/56/72B, 1½ hours) and Kamphaeng (ordinary/2nd class air-con/1st class 39/55/70B, 1½ hours) leave every 40 minutes. There are also busses from Khon Kaen (ordinary/2nd class air-con/1st class 179/251/322B, 6½ hours), Phrae (ordinary/2nd class air-con 83/116B, three hours, four times daily), Lampang (2nd class air-con 162B, four hours) and Nan (ordinary/2nd class air-con/1st class 132/185/238B, four hours). Finally, there are eight 12-seat minivans to/from Mae Sot (125B, three hours) that depart between 8.30am and 5.30 pm. By Air: Bangkok Airways flies from Bangkok to Sukhothai daily, a 1-hour journey. Sukhothai Airport is about 40 kilometers north of the town. For more information, call 0 2265 5678, 0 2265 5555 or 0 5564 7224-5 or visit www.bangkokair.com Getting Around Sukhothai By Songtaew:  Songtaews, pickup trucks with seats in the rear, are the most popular form of public transport for getting around town or between rural destinations. Larger sized songtaews travel to and from the city and the Sukhothai Historical Park between 6.30am and 6pm from Jarot Withithong Road near Mae Nam Yom. There is sign on the north side of the street, but the songtaews leave from the south side. By Bus: There are non air-conditioned busses for inter-provincial travel to and from other districts in Sukhothai province. Tuk Tuk and Motorbike Taxi: There are numerous tuk-tuks and motorbike-taxis available for short journeys around Sukhothai town. By Bike: There are bicycles for touring the Sukhothai Historical Park available from bike tour operators, many guesthouses, and vendors just outside the park itself. By Samlor: Samlors, three wheeled, pedal powered cabs, are available for short rides around Sukhothai town. Fares are negotiable. By Rental Motorbike: Motorbikes can be rented at many guesthouses in Sukhothai town, which will often 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. By Tram: Within the historical park there are small shuttle busses that take visitors around attractions within the park grounds. Attractions As one of the premier tourist destinations in Thailand, Sukhothai has innumerable attractions, ensuring that visitors with any interest will find something to keep them entertained on their Sukhothai holiday. The following are some of the most popular attractions in Sukhothai. Food & Drink Most restaurants on Sukhothai 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 Sukhothai Shopping Sukhothai is most renowned for its Sangkhalok pottery, which has been produced in Thailand since the Sukhothai Era. Pha Thong, indigo dyed cloth, originated from nearby Si Satchanalai, and is common Thai work-wear (an inexpensive denim if you will). Not only can visitors purchase such items in Sukhothai, it is also possible to visit the villages where such goods are produced as an interesting day trip. Area of Responsibility: Kamphaengphet, Sukhothai  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 : Yala Province

Considered one of the most beautiful cities in Thailand, Yala hosts an annual Dove Festival that draws thousands of visitors each year. The landlocked province of Yala is the administrative center for southern Thailand and features a pretty and well organized town that contains a number of parks and ponds. Otherwise, there are few attractions within the town that are geared towards visitors, though local seafood restaurants are held in high regard by Thai and Malaysian visitors. However, once outside of Yala town, there are numerous waterfalls, caves, and other natural attractions for visitors to explore. If there is one defining attraction in Yala, it is the annual ASEAN Barred Ground Dove Festival, which is held each March for doves from Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia; the main event is a cooing contest that draws nearly 1,500 participants each March. The landlocked province of Yala, the administrative center for southern Thailand, features a pretty and well organized town with a number of parks and ponds, as well as some fine seafood restaurants.  Yala is also the host of the annual ASEAN Barred Ground Dove Festival, an event which draws upwards of 1,500 doves from Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia that compete in various events. Transport Options in Yala, Thailand As it is a landlocked province that is not a major commercial hub, Yala is often best reached via connection with Hat Yai. However, it is possible to travel directly to Yala via train, bus, or car, and by air through Hat Yai. Once there, it may be easier to get around the province with a rental car, but there are standard forms of local transport available for visitors: i.e. songtaew, motorbike taxi, and tuk tuk. Getting to and from Yala By Train: Yala is 1,055 kilometers from Bangkok by rail. The State Railway Authority of Thailand operates daily rapid and express trains from Bangkok to Yala. Trains leave the Bangkok Railway Station several times daily and complete the more than 1000 kilometer trip in roughly 20 hours. For more information please call the Traveling Service Unit of the Bangkok Railway Station at tel: 1690, 0 2223 7010 and 0 2223 7020 or visit www.railway.co.th By Car: Visitors with cars can drive south from Bangkok to Yala on Highway No.4 through Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon, then onto Highway No.41 through Thung Song, Phatthalung, Hat Yai, and Pattani before arriving at Yala 1,084 kilometers later. From Songkhla, take Highway No. 408 to Nathawi, then Highways No.42 and No.409 to Yala, a distance of 128 kilometers. From Pattani, Highway No. 410 leads directly to Yala, 43 kilometers away. By Bus: Air-conditioned bus service runs daily between Bangkok and Yala from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal, a voyage that takes 14 hours to complete including a connection in Hat Yai. For further information please call the Southern Bus Terminal at tel: 0 2435 1119-200 or visit www.transport.co.th By Air: There are no direct flights to Yala, but both Thai AirAsia and Thai Airways International offer flights from Bangkok to Hat Yai. From Hat Yai one can either take a train, bus, taxi, or air-conditioned van to Yala. Getting Around Yala The easiest way to travel around Yala is by local transport, either tuk tuk or songtaew (a truck with two rows of benches at the back). However, the best way to have freedom to explore at will is by renting a vehicle from Hat Yai if you would like to explore attractions in the rural areas. Accommodation The accommodation options in Yala are fairly limited, though there are a decent variety of rooms available for visitors looking for budget and mid-range hotels with modern amenities. Food & Drink Most restaurants on Yala serve a variety of cuisines, including Thai and international foods and southern Thai cuisine. In general, Southern Thai food is renowned for its spiciness and has its origins in Malay, Indonesian and Indian cuisines. Popular southern dishes include Massaman, an Indian-style Muslim curry, Khanom Jeen, rice noodles in fish curry sauce, and chicken birayani. Activities As one of the quieter tourist destinations in Thailand, Yala has few specifically designed tourist activities, though there are still enough activities that visitors with many interests will find something to keep them entertained on their Yala holiday. The following are some of the most popular activities on Yala. information : http://www.tourismthailand.org

Travel in THAILAND : Kanchanaburi Province

Because of its magnificent landscape and charming beauty, Kanchanaburi has become a major tourist destination, with attractions including several well-known waterfalls, caves that were once inhabited by Neolithic man, pristine national parks, tranquil rivers, virgin forests, and several large reservoirs. Together, these attractions offer an intriguing experience for both first-time and repeat visitors. Whether it’s fishing, rafting, canoeing, mountain biking, bird-watching, star-gazing, golfing, elephant and jungle trekking, or even living in a bamboo raft, Kanchanaburi takes pride in offering them all. In north and west Kanchanaburi, the terrain is comprised mainly of mountains and high plains, with the Thanon Thongchai Range acts as a natural border between Thailand and Myanmar. The range is the source of Kanchanaburi’s two most important rivers Maenam Khwae Noi (Little Kwai River) and Maenam Khwae Yai (Big Kwai River), which form the famous Maenam Mae Klong. As a result of these major rivers and three of Thailand’s largest reservoirs, Kanchanaburi features several of Thailand’s largest Namtok (waterfalls) as well as a number of wildlife sanctuaries. The most defining natural attractions in Kanchanaburi is arguably the Three Pagodas Pass, a break in the Thanon Thongchai Mountain Range that divides Thailand and Myanmar. Along an overland trade route from India, it is through this pass that Buddhism was thought to first to arrive in Thailand around the 3rd century. The province and its pass were later controlled by the Khmer of Angkor in the 13th century, who built a fort there ( a Khmer temple from the time has been restored as a tourist attraction). The kingdom of Ayutthaya also built a military garrison in the area, though it was through the pass that the Burmese frequently swept into Siam and eventually razed the capital of Ayutthaya. In World War II, the Japanese built a railway through the pass using forced labor, including western POWs. Later known as the Death Railway, the line included an infamous bridge crossing the Kwai River that was the subject of a historically inaccurate academy award winning film. The Three Pagodas Pass area is also home to numerous hill tribes and other minority groups who reside in the area as nation-less refugees without citizenship in either land. For visitors, it is possible to get temporary one-day visas to cross the border for a sneak peak at Myanmar and do some shopping for exotic souvenirs. The city of Kanchanaburi is located at the point where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai Rivers meet and form the Maenam Mae Klong. The notorious Death Railway passed through the town, near which stands the site of the Bridge on the River Kwai. Nearby the reconstructed bridge are monuments including an Allied War Cemetery and a war museum. In economic terms, Kanchanaburi has been prospering for a number of years. Important industries include sugar, agricultural products, and jewelry. Tourism is also a main source of income for the locals, though most are engaged in agricultural activities. The province’s population is made up of Thai, Mon, and Karen peoples, most of whom are rural dwellers who enjoy living simply and respecting nature. Moreover, folk music and dances dating back at least 500 years are still performed to this day. Only two hours from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is accessible by road or rail, the latter of which includes sightseeing day trips that run on weekends and public holidays; these weekend special trains are reasonably priced and make hassle free and enjoyable adventures. Even the climate of Kanchanaburi, cooled by the altitude, forests, and rivers, is a welcome respite from the heat and congestion of the nearby capital city. Kanchanaburi city, the capital of Kanchanaburi Province, is a popular resort town; picturesque and worthy of a visit in its own right, it is frequently visited as base of operations for exploring the many cultural, natural, and historical attractions in the surrounding countryside. Located at the confluence of the Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai Rivers, Kanchanaburi lies at the source of the Mae Klong River, and these majestic bodies of water are defining characteristics of the town. The original town of Kanchanaburi was established by King Rama I as a first line of defense against the Burmese, whom he believed might use the old invasion route through the Three Pagodas Pass at the Siam-Myanmar border. According to most historians, the old town of Kanchanaburi was located near Ban Lat Ya, a small village situated approximately 16 kilometers north of the present town. The present provincial capital is a relatively newer town built by King Rama III in 1833. The town itself is a place to relax, watching the water from the banks of the river, inside a raft house, or from a riverside restaurant. Many visitors like to rest along the river with a cold drink and a good book. Many of them come here just for a couple days but stay for weeks in order to explore all of the attractions in the surrounding countryside. Along with visiting spectacular waterfalls, lush forests, and three of Thailand’s largest reservoirs, white water rafting, elephant trekking, and golfing are popular activities for visitors. Kanchanaburi is an excellent tourist destination for nature lovers. Transport Options in Kanchanaburi, Thailand  Kanchanaburi and its surrounding attractions can be reached via private car, public bus, or train from Bangkok. 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. songtaews, motorbike taxis, tuk tuks, and public busses. Getting to and from Kanchanaburi  By Train: Ordinary trains leave Bangkok’s Thonburi Railway Station (Bangkok Noi Station) daily. Only 3rd class seats are available. The journey takes approximately 3 hours. For more information, call Thon Buri Railway Station at tel. 02 411 3102 or Kanchanaburi Railway Station at tel. 034 511285. The weekend special train leaves Bangkok’s Hua Lumphong Railway Station (MRT Hua Lamphong) at 6.30 a.m., returning at 7.55 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. The trip usually includes several stop-overs at Phra Pathom Chedi (Nakhon Pathom), the Death Railway Bridge, and a transfer (by minibus) to Prasat Muang Singh Historical Park, among other points of interest. There are also special steam trains operating between Kanchanaburi and Wang Pho. For more information, call the State Railway of Thailand at tel. 1690, or 02 223 7010, 02 223 7020 or visit http://www.railway.co.th/English/Travel.asp By Car: Route 1: A two hour drive along Highway No. 4 (Petchakasem Rd.) via Nakhon Chaisi Province, Nakhon Pathom Province, Ban Pong, Tha Maka and Tha Muang (of Ratchaburi Province) to Kanchanaburi. Route 2: Drive along Highway No. 338 from Bangkok to Nakhon Chaisi Province then switch to Highway No. 4 to Kanchanaburi. By Bus: Non air-conditioned daily busses leave Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal every 15 minutes from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. The trip takes about 3 hours. Call 02 434 5557-8 for more information. First-class air-conditioned busses (blue color) leave Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal depart every 25 minutes daily. Call 02 435 5012, 0 2435 1199 or 02 884 6249 or visit www.transport.co.th for more information. There are also busses leaving frequently daily for Kanchanaburi from Nakhon Pathom. The journey takes up to 1.5 hours. From Ratchaburi and Suphan Buri Bus Stations there are several busses leaving directly to Kanchanaburi. The trip takes some 2.5 - 3 hours. Getting Around Kanchanaburi Traveling around Kanchanaburi Although the city of Kanchanaburi is accessible on foot, the town is quite spread out and thus requires strenuous effort. Normally, bicycles, motorcycles and cars are common means of transportation. Bicycles and motorcycles can be rented from shops, guesthouses and hotels located along Maenam Khwae Road. Visitors can capture the city’s atmosphere along their way to see the Bridge over the River Khwae, the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, the Song Khwae Road waterfront, and the JEATH War Museum. For visitors who enjoy driving themselves, cars can be rented on a daily or weekly basis at several outlets on Saeng Chuto Road and around the Song Khwae Road area. The two major routes used to explore Kanchanaburi’s attractions are Highway No. 323 and Highway No. 3199. Highway No. 323 runs parallel to Maenam Khwae Noi to Sangkhla Buri District (approximately 230 kilometers from the city) via Sai Yok, Thong Pha Phum, and Vajiralongkorn Dam, while Highway No. 3199 follows the Khwae Yai River to Sri Nakharin Dam (69 kilometers away from the city). Food & Drink Most restaurants on Kanchanaburi serve a variety of cuisines, including Thai and international foods, particularly in the center of Kanchanaburi town. Accommodation Because of Kanchanaburi’s popularity and stunning beauty there are a wide range of accommodation options, with the finer establishments making ample use of the province’s expansive natural beauty and the more economical ones situated in the center of town. There are a number of guesthouses, both budget and boutique, on the banks of the river along River Khwae Road, where most of the town’s nightlife is located, and others along the quieter Soi Rong Heep Oi nearer to the Kanchanaburi Allied War Cemetery. Soi Rong Heep Oi is also a fine place to try staying in a distinctive Thai raft house. Kanchanaburi’s finer hotels and resorts (including those with golf courses) tend to be located farther from the town, towards the national parks, though there are several fine resorts and boutique hotels located a short drive from the center of Kanchanaburi town. Attractions As region of great historical importance, Kanchanaburi features temples and restored fortresses from the kingdoms of Angkor and Ayutthaya as well as monuments associated with the World War II "Death Railway". In addition to its great historical attractions, Kanchanaburi boasts spectacular natural attractions, including national parks with verdant jungles, multi-tiered waterfalls, and exotic wildlife. Cultural attractions include tribal minorities and the Three Pagodas border crossing with Myanmar. information : http://www.tourismthailand.org

Travel in THAILAND : Nakhon Pathom Province

Nakhon Pathom is a small province located just 56 km west of Bangkok. The province features an ancient religious structure called Phra Pathom Chedi, the first religious landmark that signified the introduction of Buddhism into Thailand. Nakhon Pathom is also renowned for its abundant fruit varieties and famous regional cuisine. 

Formerly situated by the sea, the city prospered during the Dvaravati civilization, which existed between the 6th and 11th centuries C.E. According to archaeological findings, Nakhon Pathom was the first city to be exposed to the influence of Buddhism. From the Phra Pathom Chedi and other remains discovered in the city area, it is believed that the city was a center of civilization in that era and that people of different races settled in Nakhon Pathom. However, a change in the course of the river caused a draught that forced the people to migrate, leaving Nakhon Pathom deserted for hundreds of years until the reign of King Rama IV. While His Majesty was in monk-hood, he traveled to Nakhon Pathom and discovered the Phra Pathom Chedi. When King Rama IV ascended to the throne, he commanded that a bell shaped Chedi be built to cover the old Chedi. The surrounding area was also renovated and improved. 

During the reign of King Rama V, the construction of railways to the south began; King Rama V also commanded that the town be relocated from Tambon Thana, Amphoe Nakhon Chaisi, to the Phra Pathom Chedi area as it used to be. Nakhon Pathom has been there ever since.

An area of great historical importance that features both archaeological and religious treasures, not least of which is Phra Pathom Chedi, the first religious landmark that signified the introduction of Buddhism to Thailand, Nakhon Pathom has a number of attractions that make it a fine day trip or stopping point on the way to or from Kanchanaburi.

Most of Nakhon Pathom consists of plains with no mountainous land, though a plateau rises up in the west. The plains along the Tha Cheen River (Nakhon Chaisi River) are the location of Amphoe Nakhon Chaisi, Amphoe Sam Phran, and Amphoe Bang Len. These fertile lands provide agricultural opportunities for the people, thus most of the residents earn their living from agriculture, plantations and farms growing food crops as well as fruit orchards. In fact, Nakhon Pathom is well known for pomelo, a fruit much like a grapefruit, and some Thais call Nakhon Pathom the sweet pomelo town.

Only 100 kilometers from Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom can be reached easily for either a day trip or weekend getaway. Either by car, bus, or train, it’s only around 1 ½ hours from Bangkok to Nakhon Pathom, where local transportation is available to take you around the sights.

Options in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
Getting to and from Nakhon Pathom 

By Train:
The State Railway of Thailand operates daily trains from Bangkok to Nakhon Pathom. There are regular trains departing throughout the day for the two hour ride from Bangkok’s Hua Lumphong Station to Nakhon Pathom. For more information contact Bangkok’s Hua Lumphong Railway Grand Station tel: 1690, 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020 

From Thonburi’s Bangkok Noi station to Kanchanaburi’s Nam Tok station it is possible to get off at Nakhon Pathom. Until recently, this twice daily service was a provided for the benefit of commuters, but because a portion of the line is part of the historic ‘Death Railway’, built by WWII prisoners of war during Japanese occupation, rates for foreigners have been set higher than for ordinary commuters, though its still an enjoyable way to make the day trip to Nakhon Pathom. For more information contact the Thonburi Railway Station tel: 0 2411 3102.

By Car:
From Bangkok, drive along the old route of Petchakasem Road (Highway No.4) through Aom Noi, Aom Yai, and Sam Phran to Nakhon Pathom, or drive on the new route from Bangkok through Buddhamonthon and Nakhon Chaisi to Nakhon Pathom.

By Bus:
From Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal on Boromrajajonnani Road there are two bus services.
Old Route (Bangkok-Aom Yai-Sam Phran-Nakhon Pathom): 
There are several lines of 2nd class air-conditioned buses: Bangkok-Nakhon Pathom, Bangkok-Ratchaburi, and Bangkok-Bangli. There are also 2 lines of non air-conditioned buses: Bangkok-Nakhon Pathom, Bangkok-Ratchaburi, and Bangkok-Suphanburi.
New Route (Bangkok-Buddhamonthon-Nakhon Chaisi-Nakhon Pathom):
There are 2 lines of 1st class air-conditioned buses: Bangkok-Nakhon Pathom and Bangkok-Dan Chang (blue bus).

For more information, contact the Southern Bus Terminal on Boromrajajonnani Road. Non air-conditioned buses - tel: 0 2434 5557-8 and Air-conditioned buses - tel: 0 2435 1199.

Getting Around Nakhon Pathom

There are Tuk-Tuks (motor tricycles) available for chartering around Nakhon Pathom town.

Food & Drink

Most restaurants on Nakhon Pathom 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 Nakhon Pathom Shopping As in most provincial capitals, Nakhon Pathom 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. Accommodation Despite a number of excellent attractions, as Nakhon Pathom is so close to Bangkok, there are limited accommodation options, though there are a few golf resorts and budget bungalows for those looking to extend their stay in Nakhon Pathom. information : http://www.tourismthailand.org

Travel in THAILAND : Lampang Province



The charming city of horse drawn carriages and province with the king’s stable of white elephants at the Thailand Elephant Conservation Center.

Most visitors simply visit Lampang to see the Thailand Elephant Conservation Center, bypassing Lampang town on their way to Chiang Mai and provinces farther north. However, while the elephant center is certainly a must-see attraction, those willing to spend some time in the provincial capital are generally surprised by the charming and somewhat unusual town and province of Lampang.

Famous for its horse-drawn carriages and sporting a rooster on its provincial emblem (the bird also honored with a large statue in the center of town), Lampang boasts a long history of human settlements within the Wang River basin, some of which date back more than 1,000 years. Lampang is rich in archaeological evidence from the kingdoms of Hariphunchai, Lanna, and Burma.

The horse and carriage, a mode of local transportation that has survived the introduction of automobiles to Lampang, is a fun way to explore the surprisingly large town, which features a number of beautiful old temples. The rooster statue, which you are likely to pass along the way, is a much older symbol of Lampang, dating back to the city’s former name, Kukutthanakorn, or City of Roosters, a name that was derived from a local legend about a white rooster that was sent by the Brahmin God Indra to wake the local inhabitants so they could give alms to the Lord Buddha, who was purportedly visiting the town.

On the road from Lampang to Chiang Mai is the Thailand Elephant Conservation Center, the oldest and only government sponsored elephant center in Thailand, where the King’s white elephants are housed, visitors can learn about elephants, and elephant demonstrations are regularly performed.

Lampang city is the capital of the province of the same name, a city that features horse drawn carriages, relaxing riverside bars and restaurants, a number of spectacular Buddhist temples, and a friendly, laid-back local population. Just outside of the city, on the road to Chiang Mai, the Thailand Elephant Conservation Center is one of the premier venues for visitors to learn about elephants and watch elephant demonstrations.



If you wish to participate in the mahout training course at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center (typically only run during the high season) you must book well in advance.

Transport 

By Car: From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 and Highway No. 32 to Nakhon Sawan via Sing Buri and Chai Nat, and then turn into Highway No. 1 again to go to Lampang via Kamphaeng Phet and Tak, a total distance of 599 kilometers. From Chiang Mai, Lampang is a short drive, about 1 ½ hours southeast along Highway No. 11. By Bus: The Transport Co. Ltd. operates both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned busses to Lampang. Buses leave Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) daily. Several private busses also provide bus service, including Wiriya Tour, Tel: 0 2936 2827 and New Wiriya Tour Tel: 0 2936 2205-6. By Air: - Bangkok Airway has flights from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to Lampang. For schedule or bookings contact 0 2270 6699 www.bangkokair.com - Solar Air contact 02-535-2455-6 www.solarair.co.th Food & Drink   Options in Lampang, Thailand  Most restaurants on Lampang 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 Lampang Tours & Packages Options in Lampang, Thailand As Lampang is a somewhat popular tourist destination there are numerous tour packges available from tour providers throughout  Thailand. information : http://www.tourismthailand.org