Top 20 Coutdown places in Thailand

Do you have any idea where to countdown in Thailand yet?

Let's celebrate the New Year!
Wherever you are in Thailand, there are always a place for you to celebrate New Year.

Tourism Authority of Thailand gives a guideline of Top 20 Countdown Destinations.

1. Doi Fah Hom Pok (or Mae Fang, Chiang Mai)
Doi Pha Hhom bhog, the second highest mountain in Thailand, is about 2,285 meters above sea level.

2. Siam Center , Bangkok
One of the busiest shopping area right at the centre of the town. You can spend the whole day there and it is surely the place where you shop til you drop.

3. The Emporium, Bangkok

4. Sai Yok National Park, Karnchanaburi

5. Jungcelon, Phuket

6. Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai

7. Phu Soi Dao, Uttraradit

8. Mae Moei National Park, Tak

9. Pa Hin Ngam National Park, Chaiyaphum

10. Around Bangkok. Bangkok has a mission to fulfill. It aspires to make its 2010 New Year Countdown a mega-celebration, on par with the biggest and brightest in Asia Pacific.
The spotlight is on the “Hands Bangkok Countdown”, where more than 200,000 New Year party goers will mingle in the downtown CentralWorld Square. Festivities begin 21 December and culminate in the countdown on New Year’s Eve extending through New Year’s Day.

11. Phra Nakorn Sri Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair, Ayutthaya

12. Central Chidlom , Bangkok

13. Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, Phitsanulok

14. Taweechai Elephant Camp, Karnchanaburi

15. Tung Salaeng Luang National Park (Khao Kho), Phisanulok and Phetchaboon

16. Central World Plaza, Bangkok

17. The Pae Walking street, Chiang Mai

18. Ubonratchathani countdown at Townhall , Ubonratchathani

19. Ko Lan (Lan Island), Located 7.5 kilometers off of Pattaya Beaches

20. Khao San Road, Located in Banglamphu neighborhood (Phra Nakhon) about 1 kilometer north from the Grand Palace, Bangkok

This is just a part of celebrations. Definitely the countdown places in Thailand are not only limited to the above 20 venues. There are so many Countdown places around the town where you can celebrate the step to new year. Enjoy and Have a Happy New Year.

Pattaya International Balloon Fiesta 2009 (PIBF 2009)

Pattaya International Balloon Fiesta 2009 (PIBF 2009) is back!

Day : 10th December - 13rd December 2009

Dazzled with all kinds of fancy balloon from around the world, the Pattaya International Ballon Fiesta is back.
Many participants from around the world including the USA, UK, Australia, Germany, France, Switzerland, Japan, UAE, Netherlands, Belgium, India and Malaysia will be showing off their breathe-taking fancy balloon.

The Pattaya International Balloon Fiesta, now in its third year, builds international awareness of Thailand, showcasing the wonderful weather conditions for balloon flying.

THE FIESTA

The Fiesta comprises a plethora of events providing spectators with a fun packed magical long weekend of entertainment including:
• Balloon Flights
• Exhibition
• Air Show From The Sports Flying Association (Thailand)
• International Kite Show From Sanook Sky Kite
• Fun Fair From Horseshoe Point
• Shaped Balloon Night Glow
• Model Balloon Music Light And Sound
• Kite Night Flight
• Fireworks Show

Reserve Pattaya hotels at http://www.bookthailandhotel.com/pattaya-hotels.html

Lopburi, Monkey town

Lopburi.

When talk about Thai cities, most tourists will be thinking of such popular cities as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket. Little tourists knows or ever heard about a province called "Lopburi".

Lopburi is located in Central part of Thailand. Its neighboring cities are Phetchabun, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Saraburi, Phra Nakorn Sri Ayutthaya (Ayutthaya), Ang Thong, Sing Buri and Nakhon Sawan.

Lopburi is a province that has very long time history, probably dates back to prehistoric times.
Lopburi province offers not only historical attraction, but also eco-tourism attraction.



Beside Phrapang Samyod (A Khmer temple) which is the symbol of Lopburi province, it cannot be refused that another symbol of Lopburi is "Monkey". An upcoming event in the end of November is "Monkey Banquet". The only place on earth that the party is held for monkeys.

The 21st Monkey Party, 29 November, at Phra Prang Sam Yod, Mueang district, Lopburi province.
This is perhaps the most comical event you could witness on holiday, a claim that can be attested by the video clips that have found a place to park even on You Tube. A local businessman started this bizarre grand bash in the small historical town of Lopburi that stands on the northern rail line, about 150 km from Bangkok.
He was concerned about the welfare of the town’s monkey population residing in one of town’s historical pagodas. But he was also wondering why this town that played a prominent role in the country’s history in the 17th century is largely ignored by international tourists.
So he set about organising a grand party for the monkeys that roam freely around the town’s historical centre near the railway station. Of course, the monkeys take the buffet spread in their stride feasting with great relish on the finest Chinese cuisine the town can provide, all under the spotlight of TV channel crews, who run in circles trying to gain the best angle possible.
They have to be quick. Monkeys are not well known for table etiquette and despite the fact that this annual party is now in its 10th year, they haven’t learned any manners at all.


It is all part of the local’s community scheme to get some attention for a “living museum” town centre, where visitors can visit former palaces and buildings that were once used by one of the country’s revered monarchs during the golden Ayutthaya period.
Although the city dates back 1,000 years or more, to when it was simply called Lavo, it is best known as Thailand’s second capital. In 1666, King Narai, the Great, built a summer palace and resided in the town for around eight months of the year. It was here that the King granted an audience to the French Ambassador as well as other foreign dignitaries who travelled by boat up the Lop Buri River from Ayutthaya, the formal seat of government. Including temples and government administration buildings, the palace was used until the King passed away in 1688. In the early 60s the complex and gardens was renovated and turned into an interesting museum.
Today, very few foreign tourists spare an overnight to explore the town’s historical assets. They usually visit on day trips, many of them arriving on the early morning train from Bangkok. They tour the sights and catch the train in the evening on an overnight trip that takes them to Chiang Mai.
Lopburi, from a historic perspective is worth more than an afternoon peep and that is apparently why the monkeys are treated to a party to give this largely forgotten destination a plug in the media.
At least that way we get to see what we have missed both in historical attractions and the Chinese delicacies that are served by the town’s best kitchens.

Information from TAT website
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MISS BELGIUM 2010 Pageant to visit Phuket

Phuket, 20 November 2009 — Twenty contestants in the Miss Belgium 2010 beauty contest are to visit Phuket during 16-23 November, 2009, as part of the efforts by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to generate publicity and attract more visitors from Belgium and other countries of the European Union.

The TAT Paris office together with BEST Tours, a major Belgian tour operator, won the support of the organizer of the beauty pageant to select Phuket as the backdrop destination for the various fashion and other film-shoots featured in the beauty pageant.
The contestants, along with organisers and accompanying media members, will travel to Phuket by XL Airways, a charter flight operating from Brussels to Phuket.

Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing said, “TAT will organise a welcome reception which will be based on the Loi Krathong theme. The beauty contestants will be provided with traditional Thai costumes which they can wear and join the Loi Krathong event, after which they can participate in activities like elephant riding, Thai cooking demonstration, spa treatment, etc”.

Belgium is one of the major sources of visitors from Europe. In 2008, arrivals from Belgium totalled 75,223 up 8.95% over 2007. In January – September 2009, Belgian visitor arrivals to Thailand at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport totalled 42,317, a decline of 5.95% over the same period of 2008.

Belgian visitors to Thailand can obtain a visa-free entry at all international airports and stay up to 30 days
On 19 October, 2009, Mr. Pisan Manawapat, Thai Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, together with Mrs Pataraporn Sithivanich, Director of TAT Paris, attended the press conference of Miss Belgium 2010, organized by Miss Belgique 2010 Company in Antwerp.

Over 300 participants attended the press conference, including media, politicians, designers, movie stars, and executives from major sponsors of Miss Belgium 2010. A fashion show by Miss Belgium 2010 contestants saw them on the cat-walk carrying traditional North Thailand umbrellas, followed by a Thai cultural show which was widely covered by hundreds of media.
Thailand, particularly Phuket, will get widespread media coverage via the Miss Belgium 2010 pageant for at least 1-2 months before and after the finals. The pageant is expected to be promoted and broadcast by TV Channel Club RTL and RTL TVI in French and JIJF TV Station in Flemish. It will show the contestants visiting major Thai tourist attractions and otherwise having a nice time in Thailand.





The final round of the pageant will be held in Knokke town, a major beach attraction in Belgium (same as Saint Tropez in France). On 10 January, 2010, it will be broadcast on VIJF TV channel and RTL Channel during the prime time 20.10-23.30 hrs with a projected viewership of over 1 million in Belgium, Luxemburg, and surrounding countries.


Thailand has hosted several beauty pageants in the past and itself has two Miss Universe titles to its credit. Associating itself with beauty pageants generates widespread publicity, especially for the key target, women travellers.

Previously, TAT Paris office has supported the Miss France 2009 pageant, also using Phuket as a backdrop. In early 2008, the Miss Czech 2008 contest highlighted Thailand as the backdrop destination for the various fashion and other film-shoots featured in the TV campaign.

Miss Poland 2009 contestants also visited Thailand during the first two weeks of October 2009. The 24 beautiful ladies from different cities in Poland visited Pattaya and Phuket as a part of their “Polonia Preparation Camp”. They enjoyed seaside activities that were showed during the Miss Poland television pageant on 24 October, 2009.

Contact information:
International Public Relations Division
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419
E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.th
Web site: http://www.tatnews.org

Que Sera Sera , Whatever will be will be..

Que Sera Sera.. Whatever will be will be


You know the song well but you will know more about the meaning of this song by watching this commercial that I'd like to share it with you. A very touching and brilliant commercial, it is one of the best commercial I've ever seen.

The ad belongs to an insurance company in Thailand. Nothing much I should explain as the ad itself is self-explanatory.

In one life, things might not go as well as it is expected. I hope this ad lighten your spirit and cheer you up.

Que Sera Sera...Whatever will be will be...




...

Video : Introduction to Beautiful Thailand

Thailand is a beautiful country that posses not only a beautiful scenary but also a beautiful long-time traditions.
Thai food is also famous for its great spicy taste. Smiles are painted on the face of Thais.
Every touch of Thailand is sure to give a deep impression to visitors.
Welcome to Thailand, the land of Smile.

The biggest is the loser? Not for "Jumbo Queen"

While many people are following along on Shay’s journey in Biggest Loser season 8 , some girls are just happy to have the big size and are ready to show it off.

In Thailand, there is a beauty queen competition called "Elephant Princess" or "Jumbo Queen". The winner may not be the biggest of the row, but she must exhibit the virtue of grace , elegance like what Thailand Elephant is.

Check the video clip out.



Jumbo Queen

The Bridge of River Kwai (The Death Railway)

The Bridge of River Kwai (The Death Railway)

Located in Karnchaburi province, the bridge is a long time historical attraction that visitors should not miss out.

The bridge is called "The Death Railway" due to many lives has been sacrificed to build it.

During the World War II, the Japanese wanted to seek to shorten the supply lines between Japan and Burma in preparation for an eventual attact on British India. Over 250,000 Asian laborers and 61,000 Allied prisoners-of-war to construct 260 kms of rail on the Thai side. The construction of the railway went on with the tremendous torture to the laborers. The cruel of war never gave mercy. A great number of lives has been sacrified for the build of the bridge. That's the reason why it is also known as "The Death Railway".

Eventhough the original bridge is no longer exist, the "Light and Sound" performance on the bridge still performs to remember the history of the bridge.

Each year in late November to early December, the world famous River Kwai Bridge built by Allied prisoners-of-war during World War II, becomes the focal point of celebrations. Event highlights include historical and archaeological exhibits, a carnival, folk and cultural performances, rides on World War II vintage trains, and a spectacular light and sound presentation re-enacting the bridge’s World War II legacy.

This year (2009) schedule for the light and sound presentation is set to be

Date : 27 November - 8 December 2009
Venue : River Kwai Bridge, Mueang District, Kanchanaburi

Amphawa Floating Market

Amphawa Floating Market

Located in Samut Songkram province, the Amphawa floating market is busy with visitors who enjoy eating and shopping from the boats along the canal. The Amphawa floating market is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Start in the afternoon around 3 pm., the market is closed in late night around 9 pm.

You will find many food selling on boats and there are also many gift shops on land too.
During the day, visitors may buy a boat tour to visit temples and tourist attractions around the area. In the evening, boat tours are available for visitors to watch firefly. The spectacular scene of fireflies at night is one of the top highlight of the Amphawa. The firefly-watching tour starts at 6.30 pm. and usually lasts around one hour.

Just one or two hours away from Bangkok, the Amphawa floating market is sure to be a destination that one should visit. Other than Damnoensaduak floating market, the Amphawa floating market should definitely be included in your lovely listing travel plan

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Thailand accommodations

Dazzling Loy Krathong Festival is coming

Loy Krathong Festival

Loy Krathong Festival is one of the most dazzling festival in Thailand.
"Loy" means "to float", Krathong is a circular floating objects decorated with beautiful flowers and a candle and incense sticks.
Each year the Loy Krathong festival does not run on the same date, but the date is determined by the Lunar Calendar. Loy Krathong festival is celebrated on full moon night of the twelfth lunar month. This year, 2009, the date falls upon Monday 2 November.

Couples are looking forward to launching the "Krathong" together to predict the romance future by the direction the Krathongs float.

There are many places in Bangkok that will be holding the celebration.
Popular places for Loy Krathong evening include Chao Phraya River, Rama IIX Bridge, Santichaiprakan Park on Phra Artit Road, Benjasiri Park or Queen's Park on Sukhumvit Road, Benjakiti Park on Ratchada Pisek Road and other waterways and universities.

If you are in Thailand during the festival, make sure you do not miss a shot!

Reserve Thailand Hotels

Loy Krathong Song

Famous Loy Krathong song that can be sung by every Thais.

Bathing Buddha Ceremony

Start time : Thursday, 17 September 2009
End Time : Monday, 21 September 2009
Location : Phetchaboon City Hall, in front of Traipoom Temple and Botchanamarn Temple
City : Phetchaboon

Bathing Buddha Ceremony or "Um Phra Dam Nam" is a religious tradition that have been practiced for long time. The ceremony is held annually during September each year in Phetchaboon province.

At the start of the ceremony, the Buddha Statue is carried around town and put under a tent for buddhists to pay respect and to stick gold leaf on the body of Buddha Statue.
In the evening, people come to give a prayer. At night, there are various kinds of entertainment.

The most spectacular moment is to "Bath the Buddha". The Buddha statue is taken to immersed in the Pasak river by the local governor of Phetchaboon. It is the sacred belief that such act will brings happiness and fertility to the province.

Wang Nam Keaw. Let's breathe in the ozone!

Tired of shopping all days? Got enough of busy night life?
It's time to get some fresh air and take a real relax for youself.

Just 2-3 hours away from Bangkok, Wang Nam Keaw (Wang Nam Keao) is an ideal destination where you can get fresh air as much as you need.

WANG NAM KEAW

Wang Nam Keaw, located in Nakorn Ratchasrima province, has become a famous tourist destination with its urban charms.
The weather is cool all year round. Being claimed as the 7th Ozone concentration resource in the world, Wang Nam Keaw is an ideal destination for nature lovers. If you love Natures, Plants, and Greens, you has come to the right place as these are the heart and souls of Wang Nam Keaw.

The visitors will not only enjoy the mountain scenery, they will enjoy various kind of agricultrual products from the local orchards , vineyards, muchroom and vegetable farms as well as flower gardens .




There are 4 traveling styles that best describe Wang Nam Keaw.

1. Health Tourism

2. Ecotourism

3. Agrotourism

4. Traditional and Cultural Tourism

If any one of the above matches your travel preference, why not give Wang Nam Keaw a go , and you will experience the natural beauty is not too far to reach.


Find a hotel to stay in Thailand
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Renewable Energy World Asia

Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo - Asia

During the visit to Power-Gen Asia exhibition , the visitors will also find an exciting experience with the exhibition of "Renewable Energy"

The Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo - Asia is inspired from the successful Renewable Energy World events in Europe and North America.

‘Strengthening energy security for sustained economic growth’ is the theme of the show.

Visitors may register their visit on-line at Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo - Asia website

Visitors may reserve their accommodation during the visit of the show in advance.
Recommended Hotel near to the fairground is

EASTIN LAKESIDE HOTEL

or

Other Bangkok Hotels

Power-Gen Asia in Bangkok, Thailand

Power-Gen Asia in Bangkok, Thailand

Not yet to mention the Industrial demands, it is unavoidable to admit that we have consumed a lot of energy and power in our daily life. The Energy and Power is one of the hottest topic that the world is watching at.

Power-Gen Asia is an upcoming event that will response to the issues.

A remarkable exhibition and conference for power and energy to be held in Bangkok,Thailand that you can miss out is "Power-Gen Asia".
It is the premier exhibition and conference in South East Asia for the power generation and transmission and distribution industries.

Power-Gen Asia
Date : 7-9 October 2009
Venue : IMPACT Exhibition and Cenvention Centre, Bangkok, Thailand

Recommended Hotels near the IMPACT Exhibition and Cenvention Centre

EASTIN LAKESIDE HOTEL

or

Other Bangkok Hotels

Miss Photogenic 2009, Chutima Durongdej

Miss Universe 2009

Miss Photogenic 2009
Name : Chutima Durongdej Age: 23

Chutima Durongdej, 23, is a contestants from Thailand for Miss Universe 2009.
Even though the beauty crown goes to Miss Venezuela again, Chutima has done her best to win "Miss Photogenic".

Miss Universe 2009 result

Miss Venezuela
Stefanía Fernández, 18

First Runner-Up: Miss Domincan Republic, Ada Aimee De La Cruz; will assume the duties of MISS UNIVERSE 2009 if the titleholder for some reason cannot fulfill her responsibilities.

Second Runner-Up: Miss Kosovo, Gona Dragusha.

Rest of Top Five: Miss Australia, Rachael Finch; Miss Puerto Rico, Mayra Matos Perez.

Rest of Top Ten: Miss South Africa, Tatum Keshwar; Miss Czech Republic, Iveta Lutovska; Miss Switzerland, Whitney Toyloy; Miss USA, Kristen Dalton; and Miss France, Chloe Mortaud.

Rest of Top Fifteen: Miss Albania, Hasna Xhukici; Miss Belgium, Zeynep Sever; Miss Croatia, Sarah Cosic; Miss Iceland, Ingibjorg Egilsdottir; and Miss Sweden, Renate Cerljen.

Miss Photogenic Universe™ Award: Miss Thailand, Chutima Durongdej. The general public voted on www.nbc.com for the delegate who exemplifies beauty through the lens of a camera. She was awarded a $1,000 cash prize and a gift from pageant sponsor Diamond Nexus Labs.

Miss Congeniality Universe™ Award: Miss China, Wang Jingyao. This award reflects the respect and admiration of the delegate’s peers, who voted for her as the most congenial, charismatic and inspirational participant. She was awarded a $1,000 cash prize and a gift from Diamond Nexus Labs.

Koh Hin Ngam - Tarutao National Park

Koh Hin Ngam - Tarutao National Park

Tarutao National Park, consisting of 51 islands, is located in the Andaman Sea. It can be divided into two island groups : Tarutao and Adang-Rawi, which are scattered from 20 to 70 Kilometers distance from the southwestern most point of mainland Thailand.

Koh Hin Ngam is located in the southwest of Koh Adang. The whole island is amazingly covered with shiny black pebbles.

Swine Flu , H1N1(2009) in Thailand

As of date (19 August 09), The Swine flu or H1N1 (2009) is still a topic in Thailand but with less degree. The pandemic H1N1 (2009) is spreading rapidly while the severity of the disease is moderate. At first, Thai people were so panic with the widely spread of the disease. They were even more panic every time the death cases were announced.

The Ministry of Public Health runs campaigns to prevent people from the virus.
Below is part of a helpful Public Health Advice dated 9 July 2009.

Advice for the general public

The public are advised not to get into a panic about the disease. Meanwhile, they are recommended to acquire knowledge about it in order to seek ways to protect themselves against the virus by means of monitoring the Ministry of Public Health’s advice; maintaining good health; regularly exercising; eating nutritious food like vegetables, fruit, eggs, milk, etc.; having enough sleep; often washing their hands; avoiding closely mixing with patients with influenza-like symptoms; and fostering a habit of not using their fingers or hands to pick their nose, rub their eyes, or even touch their face. To be safe from the viral infection, tissue paper should be used, if necessary. Moreover, people are able to look after themselves or their family members as well as prevent the viral transmission by suspending studying or working, covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, wearing surgical masks while socializing with other people, and often washing their hands. This will help keep the epidemic under control as well as reduce other impacts as much as possible.

Before the Swine flu, it was not common and was rare to find one wearing a surgical mask on street.

Unlike other countries such as Japan, it was not common for Thais to put on the mask when they got a cold or flu.

Now the situation has changed, Thai people are too scared of getting infected and the government is also campaigning people to wear the mask in public, especially in busy area.

Travelers may prepare themselves with a surgical mask while traveling in a crowded area. A surgical mask is available in Pharmacy.


Translate to French by google translate

Grippe porcine, H1N1 (2009) en Thaïlande
À la date (19 août 09), la grippe porcine ou H1N1 (2009) est encore un sujet en Thaïlande, mais avec moins de degré. Le H1N1 pandémique (2009) se répand rapidement, tandis que la sévérité de la maladie est modérée. Au début, les Thaïlandais ont été ainsi de la panique très répandue de la maladie. Ils étaient encore plus de panique chaque fois que le cas de décès ont été annoncés.

Le ministère de la Santé publique organise des campagnes pour empêcher les gens contre le virus.
Ci-dessous fait partie d'un intéressant la santé publique Conseils en date du 9 Juillet 2009.

Conseils pour le grand public

Le public est avisé de ne pas monter dans une peur panique de la maladie. Entre-temps, il leur est recommandé d'acquérir des connaissances à ce sujet afin de rechercher les moyens de se protéger contre le virus par le biais de la surveillance du ministère de conseils Santé publique, le maintien d'une bonne santé; de l'exercice régulièrement, manger des aliments nutritifs comme des légumes, des fruits, des œufs, du lait , etc, ayant suffisamment de sommeil, laver souvent les mains, en évitant de mélanger étroitement avec les patients avec des symptômes pseudo-grippaux, ainsi qu'à promouvoir une habitude de ne pas utiliser leurs doigts ou les mains pour prendre leur nez, se frottent les yeux, ni même de toucher son visage. Pour être à l'abri de l'infection virale, de papiers tissu doit être utilisé, si nécessaire. En outre, les gens sont capables de s'occuper d'eux-mêmes ou les membres de leur famille ainsi que de prévenir la transmission virale par la suspension des études ou de travail, couvrant le nez et la bouche avec un mouchoir lorsque vous toussez ou éternuez, portant des masques chirurgicaux tout en socialisant avec d'autres personnes, et souvent se laver les mains. Cela permettra de garder l'épidémie sous contrôle ainsi que de réduire les autres impacts, autant que possible.

Avant que la grippe porcine, il n'était pas courante et était rare de trouver un port d'un masque chirurgical sur la rue.

Contrairement aux autres pays comme le Japon, il n'était pas courant pour les Thaïlandais à mettre sur le masque quand ils ont eu un rhume ou une grippe.

Maintenant, la situation a changé, les Thaïlandais ont trop peur d'être infecté et le gouvernement se bat également les gens à porter le masque en public, en particulier en zone occupée.

Travelers mai se préparer avec un masque chirurgical lors d'un déplacement dans une zone très peuplée. Un masque chirurgical est disponible en pharmacie.

Chiang Mai Zoo Snow Dome now opens

Chiang Mai Zoo

Not too long after Thai people are so excited and happy with the new born baby panda in Chiang Mai Zoo.

The baby panda is named “Lin Ping”.
“Lin” is after the first word of its mother, “Lin Hui”.
“Ping” means "Ice:" in Chinese but for Thai people, it also means “Ping River” , which is one of the major rivers in Northern Thailand.

Chiang Mai Zoo has built a 580-square-metre Snow Dome being as the latest attraction in Chiang Mai. Soon to be the new home and play pen for the panda family. Other than an observation area for visitors to enjoy viewing the panda family, the Snow Dome also features a separate area where visitors can enjoy themselves with the Icy touch & feel of snow.

Visitors will be provided with a coat and shoes to keep warm while inside the dome. This newly-opened Snow Dome is sure to be popular with children and families. It will soon become one of the top travel destinations that not to be missed out.

The admission fee is 150 baht each for adults and 100 baht for children less than 135 cm in height. Visits are limited to 20-minutes. The zoo runs a total of 12 Snow Dome sessions per day with the first session beginning at 9.00 a.m

Chiang Mai Hotel

Shopping guide - Where to shop in Bangkok

Where to shop in Bangkok

If you love shopping, you have come to the right place. Bangkok is a paradise of shopping with many shopping area ranging from bargain stores on the streets to luxurious stores for world class branded items.

Shopping is not only limited to one or two major streets, but there are so many shopping areas throughout Bangkok.

Here is just a selection of some of the main shopping districts.

• Ploenchit-Ratchaprasong
  This area highlights top department stores and luxury shopping malls. Just to name a few, Central World Plaza, Sogo, Gaysorn Plaza, Isetan, Zen, Peninsula Plaza.
  All of which together make the largest shopping promenade in Bangkok.
  Ratchaprasong intersection is the gateway to several shopping areas such as Ploenchit-Sukhumvit, Siam Square-Mah Boon Krong (MBK centre), Siam Paragon, Silom and Pratunam-Phetchaburi.
  The top places for tourist to do their shopping are MBK centre and Siam (next to MBK centre)
  
  Find Hotels
  
  
• Silom-Surawong-Patpong
  Silom Road is the main artery of Bangkok’s commercial heart and is paralleled by Surawong road, while Patpong runs crosswise between the two. In addition to housing dozens of specialist shops and boutiques representing all the major buys, this area also boasts many branches of well-known retailers and several shopping plazas. Street stalls also abound, most notably at Patpong’s famous night market
  
  Find Hotels in Silom
  
  
• Silom-Mahesak-New road
  Silom leads into New Road which parallel the Chao Phraya River, and notable shopping opportunities include gems and jewellery stores (Mahesak road is a gem trading centre), Oriental Plaza and River City shopping complex.
  
  Find Hotels in Silom
  
  
• Sukhumvit
  Like Silom, Sukhumvit is one of Bangkok’s main thoroughfares, and the long road is lined with shops, boutiques and modern shopping plazas ranging from Soi 3 (Nana Nua) up to Soi 63 (Ekamai). Most shops and restaurants are concentrated between Soi 3 and Soi 21 (Asoke) and along shortcuts between Asoke and Ekamai.
  
  Find Hotels in Sukhumvit
  
  
• Chinatown
  Chinatown is situated on Yaowaraj Road.
  Along Bangkok’s Chinatown, there are plenty of gold shops as well as two nearby traditional shopping places, Ban Mo Jewellery Street and Phahurat ClothMarket.
  
  Find Hotels in China Town
  
  
• Bang Lamphu
  Situated close to the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bang Lamphu has a lively market where clothing is a popular buy.
  
  
• Pratunam-Phetchaburi
  A highlight in the distinct is Pratunam market, one of Bangkok’s biggest centres for ready-to-wear clothing. You will find a big wholesale place for clothing and accessories. “The Platinum” is the busiest place where both local people and foreigners love to do their shopping either for own use or for trading.
  
  Find Hotels in Pratunam
  
  
• Baiyoke Tower
  Located next to Bangkok’s tallest hotel building, Baiyoke Tower is one of the city’s renowned garment centres.
  
  
  
• Bo-Be Market
  Situated close to Bangkok Railway Station, Bo-be is one of the city’s renowned ready-to-wear clothing centres, both wholesale and retail.
  
  
• Chatuchak Weekend Market
  Spend your weekends on Chatuchak Weekend Market , or in the other name, JJ Market. The market is open on Saturday and Sunday.
  Basically you will find almost everything on JJ market , from clothing to potted plants and everything in between. It is truly a paradise for browsers and bargain-hunters alike.
  JJ Market also offers a wide range of furniture and home decor. It is also where professional and amateur art-lovers and artists meet.
  You can accessed JJ market easily by public transportation such as Bus, BTS, MRT.
  
  Find Hotels in Chatuchak area
  
  

Enjoy Shopping!

VAT Refund

VAT Refund

Visitors entering the Kingdom on tourist visas are entitled to refunds of the 7% value-added tax (VAT) paid on goods purchased at shops and department stores displaying “VAT Refund for Tourists” signs. The refund may be claimed if the claimed amounts in all P.P.10’s have been totaled 5,000 baht or over. Tourist is eligible to receive P.P.10 form when the total purchase of 2,000 baht or over is made from the same store on the same date. Before checking in at the international airport (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Phuket, Utapao), tourist must show your purchases, completed P.P.10 form and tax invoices to the Customs Officer for inspection. Certain luxury goods must be shown to an excise official. Refunds may be in bank draft form or credited to a credit card. For more information, please contact the VAT Refund for Tourists Office, Tel: 0 2272 9388, 0 2272 8195-8 or www.rd.go.th/vrt/engindex.html

Procedure on VAT Refund for Tourists
At the store
1. Shop at stores displaying "VAT Refund for Tourists" sign.
2. Spend at least 2,000 baht per store per day.
3. Present your passport and ask for a P.P.10 form (VAT Refund Application Form) immediately on the purchase date.
4. The total value of purchases (per person) as combined from all P.P.10's shall be at least 5,000 baht before you are eligible to claim a VAT refund.
At the airport
5. Let the Custom Officers check the purchased goods before you check in and have them sign all P.P.10's on the departure date.
6. Bring all P.P.10's and original tax invoices to claim your VAT refund at the VAT Refund Office after the Immigration Checkpoint.
7. Jewelry, gold ornaments, watches, glasses and pens, of which the value is 10,000 baht or over, shall be re-inspected at the VAT Refund Office again.
8. The purchased goods are required to be taken out of the country within 60 days since the purchase date through the International Airports.

Source : TAT website : www.tourismthailand.org

Shopping Tips

Shopping Tips

Department stores and a number of shops in Bangkok have fixed prices, but at most of others bargaining is acceptable and expected; some department stores will even offer a discount on expensive items like jewellery and fine furniture. No fixed rules can be given on the process depending as it does on the bargainer’s skill and the shopkeeper’s mood, but the final price may be reduced as much as 30% to that first quoted. An important point to keep in mind is that Thais admire good manners and a sense of humour and tend to be put off by a loss of temper. Providing you have the time, a good general rule is to make a survey of several shops selling the sort of items you want before coming to a final decision.

Source : TAT website : www.tourismthailand.org

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