Travel in THAILAND : Lamphun Province

An ancient city with a hospitable population famed for its beautiful women, Lamphun retains its old-world charm and draws visitors to its natural beauty.
Lamphun, a small northern province sandwiched between Chiang Mai and Lampang has a long and storied history. Lamphun was founded as the city of Haripunjaya, a Mon kingdom-city, arguably part of the Dvaravati civilization, established in the ninth (perhaps seventh) century by former Buddhist monks from Lopburi. Haripunjaya was first ruled by Queen Camadevi, daughter of the king of Lopburi, who established a legacy for the province’s reputation for beautiful women. The kingdom she ruled over thrived for several centuries, exerting wide influence across the region, before King Meng Rai used subterfuge to conquer the town in late 12th century and integrate it into the Lan Na Kingdom based in nearby Chiang Mai.

Today, Lamphun still retains the enchanting ambience of a small but old community, where life moves at a leisurely pace and remnants of the city’s fortifications remind visitors of the city’s proud history. Lamphun is some 670 kilometers from Bangkok and only 26 kilometers from Chiang Mai. Located on the banks of the Kuang River, Lamphun features a skyline made of temple spires and attractions across the province include ancient sites as well as forests, mountains, and lakes.
Nearly a thousand years after subjugation by the Lanna Kingdom from Chiang Rai, Lamphun remains a fairly sleepy province, particularly in contrast to its more popular and populous neighbor, Chiang Mai. This is in fact Lamphun’s allure. The charming provincial capital retains its fortified, moat-enclosed old city where the local population lives a relatively slow-paced lifestyle. Visitors will enjoy visiting exquisite temples via bicycle or samlor, bicycle powered cabs, and exploring a lush countryside where various hill tribe communities live and a number of natural attractions, including as Doi Khun Than National Park, feature many exotic plants and wildlife.

Accommodation
Lamphun features a number of different accommodation options including charming guesthouses, Lanna style resorts, and rural home stays, where visitors can experience authentic Thai life.

Transport
Lamphun is a small province located between Lampang and Chiang Mai and is easily reached via car, bus or train. It is also possible to take a plane to Chiang Mai and then a short bus to Lamphun. 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, samlors, and tuk tuks.

Getting to and from Lamphun
By Train:
Trains leave Bangkok’s Hua Lumphong Railway Station every day for Chiang Mai, all of which make stops in Lamphun, 30 to 45 minutes away from Chiang Mai. Call 1690 for more information.
By Car:
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 to Nakhon Sawan via Sing Buri and Chai Nat, then turn into Highway No. 11 and proceed to Lamphun, a total distance of 670 kilometers.

From Chiang Mai simply drive south on either Highway No.11 or No.106 to Lamphun.
By Bus:
Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned busses depart daily from Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) to Lamphun. Traveling time is about 9 hours. Call 0 2936 0852-66 or visit www.transport.co.th for more information. Indra Tour, a private bus company, also operates air-conditioned busses to Lamphun. Call 0 2208 0840 for information.
By Air:
Visitors can fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and then take a Chiang Mai-Lamphun bus that leaves Chiang Mai’s Chang Phueak Bus Station every 15 minutes. Traveling time from Chiang Mai to Lamphun is 45 minutes.
Getting Around Lamphun
As in most rural Thai provinces there are typically songtaews that follow established routes around the provincial capital and local busses and songtaews for trips between towns within the province. Songtaews, motorbike taxis, and samlors (three wheeled pedal powered cabs) are usually available for private charter as well.
To Mae Ping National Park:

By Car:
From Lamphun take road number 1087 (Li-Ko) along which the park headquarters is located between kilometers 20 and 21.

By Ship:
As the Ping River flows through the park, visitors can take a boat from Doi Tao Reservoir, Chiang Mai province to Bhumipol Dam in Tak Province and then onto Doi Tao Reservoir

Attractions
A charming and historic northern city, Lamphun features many natural and cultural attractions, including beautiful temples, hill tribe villages, and two national parks. The following are some of the most popular attractions in Lamphun:

Tours & Packages
As Lamphun is a somewhat popular tourist destination there are numerous tour packages available from tour providers throughout Thailand.

Food & Drink
Options in Lamphun, Thailand
Most restaurants on Lamphun 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 Lamphun

Shopping
Options in Lamphun, Thailand
As in most provincial capitals, Lamphun 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: Chiang Mai, Lampang, Lamphun

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 : Loei Province

City of the Sea of Mountains, Coldest Place in Siam, and Beautiful Flowers of Three Seasons.

Sharing a Mekong River border with Laos, Loei province is in many ways more similar to the north of Thailand than to the rest of Isan, even earning the nickname “the Mae Hong Son of the northeast.” Loei is an up-and-coming ecotourism region surrounded by undulating mountain ranges, abundant with various kinds of flora and capped with fog enshrouded summits. The most majestic mountains are Phu Kradueng, Phu Luang and Phu Ruea. However, while Loei features numerous outdoor activities and fascinating cultural attractions, tourism is relatively new to the province and the area is greatly unspoiled.

The temperature in Loei is generally cool thanks to the mountains and rivers it contains, but can get surprisingly cold in the winter and unbearably hot in the summer. Loei has unique cultures and traditions in addition to beautiful geographical surroundings, such as the colorful Phi Ta Khon Festival. There are many spectacular sights and exiting activities awaiting travelers to come and experience the miracle of this land.

Agriculture drives Loei’s economy, with villages primarily engaged in crops ranging from macadamia nuts, passion fruit, and Arabica coffee in the highlands to bananas, sesame, and rubber in the plains; however, thanks to its spectacular natural attractions, including several national parks and the Mekong River, Loei is an up and coming ecotourism destination. As a result of its natural beauty and unique mixture of northern and northeastern cultures, Loei is creating much the same buzz Mae Hong Song once did and tourists are taking note.

Accommodation

As one of the newest areas to develop ecotourism in Thailand, Loei has a wide array of accommodation options, including rural home-stays and charming guesthouses as well as more upscale resorts that are sure to please even the most refined global travelers. 

Transport

As a province somewhat off the typical tourist route, Loei is best reached via private car or public bus. However, it is possible to take a train or plane to nearby Udon Thani and then a bus to Loei. 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 Loei 

By Train:
There is no railway station in Loei. However, visitors can take a train from Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lumphong) to Udon Thani and then take a bus to Loei. For further information, please contact the State Railway of Thailand at Tel. 1690, 0 2233 7010, 0 2223 7020 or www.railway.co.th or the Udon Thani Railway Station at Tel. 0 4222 2061.

By Car:
From Bangkok take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road), passing through Amphoe Mueang of Saraburi. Turn onto Highway No. 21 past Phetchabun, and then take Highway No. 203 through Amphoe Lom Sak and Lom Kao into Loei province. The trip takes approximately 7 to 8 hours.

Otherwise, from Saraburi, take Highway No. 2 (Mittraphap Road) past Nakhon Ratchasima to Khon Kaen and turn left onto Highway No. 12 through Amphoe Chum Phae. Finally take Highway No. 201 into Loei province, a total distance of 540 kilometers.

By Bus:
The Transport Co., Ltd. provides daily busses between Bangkok and Loei including both normal busses and air-conditioned coaches. The trip takes approximately 10 hours. For further information, please contact the Bangkok Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2), Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Tel. 0 2936 2841-8, 0 2936 2852-66 or visit www.transport.co.th.

Private bus companies servicing Loei include the following:
Chumpae Tour Ltd. Contact their Bangkok office at Tel. 0 2936 3842 or Loei office at Tel. 0 4283 2285
Phet Prasoet Co., Ltd.’s Contact their Bangkok office at Tel. 0 2936 3230, Amphoe Phu Ruea Office at Tel. 0 4289 9386, Amphoe Dan Sai office at Tel. 0 4289 1908.

By Air:
At present, there are no regular commercial flights to Loei. The nearest airport with regularly scheduled flights is Udon Thani, which is serviced by a number of domestic air carriers. From Udon Thani it is possible to get a bus or rent a car in order to travel to Loei.

Getting Around Loei

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 depart from the Bus Terminal on Maliwan Road.

Traveling from the center of the province to other districts and nearby provinces can be done by busses that depart from the Bus Terminal on Maliwan Road.

Getting to Phu Kradueng National Park:

By car:
From the center of Loei town, take Highway No. 201, the Loei – Phu Kradueng route, 75 kilometers from the province and turn right into Highway No. 2019 for 8 kilometers to the park office.

By bus:
Tourists can travel on the Bangkok - Loei bus and get off at Pha Nok Khao, which is a connecting point between Chum Phae and Phu Kradueng. From this point, there is a mini bus to Phu Kradueng National Park. Otherwise, tourists can take the

Bangkok – Chum Phae bus, get off at Chum Phae Market and continue with the

Chum Phae - Pha Nok Khao bus to Pha Nok Khao. There will be a minibus (Songtaew) there that provides shuttle service into the national park.

Activities

Loei has an abundance of natural resources including misty mountains, cool forests, and the mighty Mekong River. Loei also features a unique blend of northern and northeastern cultures which can be appreciated by visits to charming villages where handicrafts, such as silk, are produced and crops are raised. There are also a number of unique cultural celebrations that visitors can participate in, making Loei an area with a great diversity of activities for visitors to partake in.

Food & Drink

Most restaurants on Loei 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 Loei

Shopping

As in most provincial capitals, Loei 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 Centers

Area of Responsibility: Loei, Nong Bua Lam Phu 

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 : Sing Buri Province

Sing Buri lies along the Chao Phraya River 142 km north of Bangkok. Established in 1895 during the reign of King Rama V through a consolidation of three small riverside towns, Sara Buri province currently occupies an area of 822 square kilometers and is divided into six districts (Amphoes): Muang Sing Buri, In Buri, Bang Rachan, Khai Bang Rachan, Phrom Buri and Tha Chang.
Sing Buri is well known for abundant river fish, particularly the Mae La catfish, and for the lively annual boat races during which competitors from the province and beyond vie for the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Trophy. Attractions in the province are few, but are interesting, including a hero’s monument, a museum, and Wat Phra Non Chaksi, a temple that houses a 46 meter-long Buddha image.

Sing Buri is well known for abundant river fish, particularly the Mae La catfish, and for the lively annual boat races during which competitors from the province and beyond vie for the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Trophy. Attractions in the province are few, but are interesting, including a hero’s monument, a museum, and Wat Phra Non Chaksi, a temple that houses a 46 meter-long Buddha image.

Transport

Options in Singburi, Thailand

Sing Buri can be reached via private car or public bus. 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 Singburi 

By Car:
Route 1: From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road) and Highway No. 32 to Sing Buri via Ayutthaya and Ang Thong.
Route 2: From Bangkok, travel to Ayutthaya via Highway No. 32, then proceed along Highway No. 309 to Sing Buri via Ang Thong.

By Bus:
Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned busses depart from Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) to Sing Buri every day. Call 0 2936 2852-66 for more information.

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. If you want to travel further afield ask your hotel if they can arrange a car and driver for the day or direct you to the local bus services.

Activities

As one of the quieter tourist destinations in Thailand, Sing Buri has fewer activities to participate in than more popular areas of Thailand, though there are still enough activities that visitors with many interests will find something to keep them entertained on their Sing Buri holiday.

Food & Drink

Most restaurants on Sing Buri 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 Sing Buri Tourist Information Centers Area of Responsibility: Lop Buri, Sing Buri, Saraburi  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 : 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