Welcome to Thailand

Thailand, the only Southeast Asian nation never to have been colonized by European powers, is a constitutional monarchy whose current head of state is HM Bhumibol Adulyadej. A unified Thai kingdom has existed since the mid-14th century, and Thailand was known as Siam until 1939 when it officially became the Kingdom of Thailand. Captal is Bangkok,

Thailand is the 50th largest country in the world; most nearly equal in size to Spain.

Located just 15 degrees north of the equator, Thailand has a tropical climate and temperatures typically range from 19 to 38 degrees C (66-100 F). Thailand’s largest peak, Doi Inthanon, is 2,565 meters (8,415 ft) tall. Thailand covers 510,890 sq km of land and 2,230 sq km of water. The coastline of Thailand is 3,219 km long. Thailand’s longest shared border is with Myanmar (Burma), stretching 1,800 km.

Located just 15 degrees north of the equator, Thailand has a tropical climate and temperatures typically range from 19 to 38 degrees C (66-100 F).

The currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht. Baht come in both coin and banknote form. The size of Thai currency, both coins and bills increases with value and varies in color.

Below are the attractive cities of Thailand:

Introduction of Bangkok

As the political, economic, cultural, culinary, and spiritual capital of Thailand, Bangkok features both old-world charm and modern convenience, at times served up in an apparently chaotic manner, but always with a gracious smile.

Invariably, every Thailand holiday includes a visit to the kingdom’s capital city, Bangkok, or Krung Thep, “the city of angels” as it is known to its inhabitants. Many tourists who travel to Bangkok are immediately overwhelmed by the sheer size of the city and the vast number of attractions Bangkok has to offer. Indeed there are a wide variety of Bangkok sightseeing opportunities spanning more than two centuries of rapid development following the city’s founding in 1782 by King Rama I, the first king of the present Chakri dynasty; since that auspicious date, Bangkok has swelled to a cosmopolitan, 21st century city of more than ten million inhabitants.

While the immensity of the city and the chaos of its bustling streets can be intimidating at first, those who spend some time in Bangkok are quickly enamored by the variety of attractions Bangkok contains, from exotic temples, which epitomize Thailand’s strong Buddhist history, to modern shopping malls, which have make shopping an integral part of any Bangkok holiday. As the kingdom’s political, economic, cultural, culinary, and spiritual capital, Bangkok features attractions guaranteed to please visitors either simply passing through the city or spending their entire Thailand holiday in Bangkok.

Nearly every Bangkok holiday includes a visit to Thailand’s Grand Palace, arguably the premier Bangkok sightseeing attraction. Situated in the heart of Bangkok’s Rattakosin district, the gleaming spires of the Grand Palace are conveniently located nearby Bangkok’s most spectacular temples, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Keaw), the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), and Wat Po, which features an enormous reclining Buddha and was home of the first Thai massage school in the kingdom. These iconic destinations are top attractions to all visitors who travel to Bangkok looking to appreciate Thailand’s unique cultural traditions.

In fact, there are more than 400 functioning Buddhist temples throughout the city and it’s not uncommon when you travel in Bangkok to spot saffron robed monks collecting morning alms or traveling throughout out the city, including along the Chao Phraya, the “River of Kings”, which passes alongside Rattakosin and the Temple of the Dawn.

The winding Chao Phraya is connected by numerous canals from which Bangkok has earned its nickname the “Venice of the East”; when you travel around Bangkok, a cruise on the Chao Phraya, a visit to a floating market, or an exploration of the cities “back alley” canals (klongs) are themselves unique Bangkok attractions.

Other historical and cultural Bangkok sightseeing ‘must sees’ include the National Museum, Vimanmek Mansion, and Suan Pakkad Palace, all of which either house fine art or are national treasures in their own right.

Beyond Bangkok’s historical district, there are plenty of other attractions that make a Bangkok holiday both enjoyable and memorable. While modern “downtown” districts along Silom and Sukhumvit Roads were once nightmares of oppressive heat and unbearable traffic, a modern and convenient electric rail system, including an elevated sky-train and underground subway have made travel in Bangkok both easy and enjoyable. Connecting hotels directly to modern shopping malls and traditional markets, such as the Suan Lum Night Bazaar and Chatuchak (JJ) weekend market, the MRT and BTS electric rail systems have literally elevated Bangkok shopping to world class status.

Of course, no Thailand holiday is complete without experiencing Thailand’s vibrant nightlife, during which time you may even witness the occasional elephant wandering the Bangkok streets!

Whether, the purpose of your Thailand holiday is to immerse yourself in Thailand’s unique culture or simply to splurge in Bangkok shopping malls, when you travel to Bangkok you are guaranteed a fascinating experience of both old world charm and modern convenience and luxury.

Over the last few decades, Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city has changed into a modern, exciting, and sophisticated city. Bangkok offers visitors not only the modern amenities they would expect from other cosmopolitan cities, but also a unique treasure trove of cultural attractions. Thailand, in the heart of Southeast Asia, was never colonized and thus kept its unique culture and heritage intact. Bangkok offers visitors the opportunity to experience a fascinating glimpse of Thailand’s gentle culture amidst the bustle of a great and dynamic metropolis. Amazingly, this great city has had astounding success in combining the ancient and modern worlds.

For tourists, Bangkok has a feast of attractions to offer. The city is dotted with 400 glittering Buddhist temples of great beauty, magnificent palaces, classical dance performances, numerous shopping centers, and a still functioning traditional way of life, especially along the canals and the Chao Phraya River, the "River of Kings", which winds through the city; Bangkok truly is the "Venice of the East".

Below are the attractive places in Bangkok:

Grand Palace/ Phraborom Maha Ratchawang

 The spectacular Grand Palace is an example of great architecture. It is one of Bangkok's most impressive collections of temples and palaces. Although the Royal Family no longer resides here, the Palace is still used for ceremonial purposes, and most of it remains closed to the public; however, the four main buildings are incorporated in the grounds of the glittering Wat Phra Keo and must be visited to experience their brilliant, diverse styles. Appropriate dress code required.

The tour of Bangkok's Grand Palace and the sight of the Holy of Holies within - the Jade Buddha (also known as the Emerald Buddha) in Wat Phra Kaeo - are among the highlights of any visit to Thailand. Each of the buildings making up the 21.84-ha (54-acre) palace complex evinces not only the ethos of a period but, above all, the spirit of the monarch ruling at the time.

The whole of the holy precinct still preserves the pure undefiled style deriving from the time of its inception, notwithstanding many alterations and refurbishments - the last of these in 1984. When undertaking this restoration work, which has largely been carried out by students of the Bangkok Academy of Art, the utmost emphasis has been placed on being true to the original details, notably regarding the extensive murals which have been adversely affected over the passing of the years, not least by the high levels of air pollution to be found in Bangkok.

The palace is entered via the main or Wiseedtschairi Gate ("Gate of Wonderful Victory"), beyond which a wide roadway leads through the outer courtyard. On either side are modern buildings housing government offices. Anyone whose mode of dress is considered improper by the guards on duty will be asked to don a sarong, issued free of charge (although on production of some form of security, such as one's passport).

After obtaining an entrance ticket (the ticket office is at the start of the access roadway to the actual palace precinct), the visitor goes past a building standing slightly back, in which the Museum of Royal Regalia and Coins is housed. On display on the first floor are carved wooden furniture and interior furnishings of considerable interest (extra admission charge).

Operation:  8.30am-4.30pm, Daily except during special Royal Ceremonies

Address: Na Phra Lan Rd, Maharaj Pier | next to Wat Phra Kaeo Temple Complex, city center, Bangkok, Thailand

Wat Benchama-bo-bitr (Marble Temple)

This Wat is made of white Carrana marble, hence it is also called The Marble Temple. Constructed by King Rama V in 1901, it employs European ecclesiastic details, such as stained-glass windows and contains a superb cloister collection of bronze Buddha images. These images, which are 33 originals and 20 reproductions, represent famous idols and styles from all over Asia and other Buddhist countries. This is an excellent place to watch religious festivals and processions. Unlike most other temples, monks do not go out seeking alms but are instead visited by merit-makers from 6a-7a.

Benchama-bo-bitr, popularly called the Marble Temple, is one of the loveliest wats in Bangkok. It was erected in about 1899 by King Rama V (Chulalongkorn), the snow-white marble being shipped to Thailand from Tuscany in Italy. Thais also refer to the wat as "The Wat of the Fifth King", Rama V, crowned soon after his 20th birthday, having spent part of 1873 as a "bikkhu" (monk) in the old monastery south of the temple.

Most unusually the compound is entered neither through a gate in a wall nor a wiharn, being separated from the street only by ornamental railings and an expanse of lawn. The boundary on the south side, between the temple and the monks' quarters, is also unusual, taking the form of a moat.

The temple has a triple-tiered roof of Chinese glazed tiles. The little pavilions, matching the temple in color and style, the red and gold curved bridges, and the green of the many trees, all play their part in creating a modern building perfectly in keeping with Thai tradition and style. King Chulalongkorn took a personal interest in many of the details while his half-brother Prince Naris, the accomplished architect, was on site for almost the entire period of construction.

Operation: 8.30am-5.30pm, Daily

Address: 69 Rama V Road, Dusit 10300

Klong Bangkoknoi

The Thai capital Bangkok was crisscrossed by khlong and so gained the name Venice of the East. The khlongs were used for transportation and forfloating markets, but also for sewage. Today, most of the khlongs of Bangkok have been filled in and converted into streets, although the Thonburi side of Bangkok (covering areas west of Chao Phraya River) still retains several of its larger khlongs.

Bangkok no longer has an authentic floating market. Most of the canals (klongs) cutting through the city were either drained and filled because of the risk of cholera they posed, or converted into badly needed roads. Only in Thonburi do one or two vendors still set up shop on the klongs in the early mornings. Even so, a boat trip along the waterways remains an absorbing experience, best embarked upon from the landing-stage near the Oriental Hotel. Here, especially in the morning, a multitude of craft wait to ferry sightseers across the Menam Chao Phraya and through the tangled web of little and not so little canals. The time to go if at all possible is in the morning or the late afternoon when life along the klongs is at its most colorful and varied.

In order to see the kind of floating market which still existed in Bangkok up to a few years ago, it is now necessary to make the journey to Damnoen Saduak.

Wat Arun

     This light-and-sound presentation focuses on the history of one of Bangkok's most famous landmarks, Wat Arun, which was named after the Indian God of Dawn, Aruna. The temple features a porcelain-encrusted, 79-meter central pagoda, Phra Prang, that sparkles in the sun. It has four towers symbolizing Mount Meru, the terrestrial representation of the 33 heavens. King Taksin selected it as a royal temple in 1767 as it was the first place in Thonburi to catch the early morning light. It housed the Emerald Buddha after it was recaptured from Laos and before it was moved to Wat Phra Kaeo in 1875.

   Admission fee: 20 bath

   Operation: 8.30am-5.30pm, Daily

   Address: Address: 34 Arun Ammarin Road | Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600, Thailand

   

    

    

Jim Thompson Museum

The extraordinarily beautiful old Thai houses that Thompson found near Ayutthaya and brought by river to Bangkok have not vanished however. Now owned by a charitable trust, they are used to display the splendid art collection the American had built up. All the proceeds of admission go to various charitable institutions in Thailand.

The seven wooden houses - which every visitor should try to see - are now almost unique in the country and contain treasures representing every period of Thai art. They are picturesquely situated in Soi Kasem San, in a pretty garden by the side of a klong on the opposite bank of which the silk weavers once worked.

Once inside, the cultured taste of the former owner is everywhere apparent. As well as old pictures in Thai silk, and Buddha figures from nearly every major epoch, there are numerous everyday items and many other works of art. Note in particular the sideboard, once part of a Chinese altar, and the miniature palace which children of some rich family would have used for keeping pets. A Buddhist by conviction, Jim Thompson moved into his house only when temple astrologers deemed the moment auspicious. Even so, he was granted but a short time in it. Just seven years later he left Bangkok never to return.

Admission Fee: Adult 100 baht; Students 50 baht

Operation: 9am-5pm, Daily

Access: Located in the center of Bangkok, it is conveniently reached by car, taxi, Tuk tuk, or the Sky Train (Bangkok Transit System).

·       - Compulsory guided tours around the house.

  

Introduction of Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai literally means “new city” and has retained the name despite celebrating its 700th anniversary in 1996. King Meng Rai the Great founded the city as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom on Thursday, April 12 1296 around the same time as the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom. King Meng Rai even conferred with his friends, King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Phayao before choosing the site where the capital of the Lanna Kingdom was to be founded. Henceforth, Chiang Mai not only became the capital and cultural core of the Lanna Kingdom, it was also to be the center of Buddhism in northern Thailand, King Meng Rai himself a very religious leader who even founded many of the city’s temples that remain important to this day.

Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to experience both historical and modern Thai culture coexisting side by side: the city features centuries-old chedis and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels. This dichotomy is best appreciated within the moat-encircled old city, which retains much of the fortified wall that once protected the city center as well as the four main gates that provided access to the former Lanna capital city.

Strangely, for many years tourists had mistaken Chiang Mai simply as the base from which they could plan trekking and rafting trips to hill tribe villages and explore other provinces. Once in Chiang Mai however, tourists are surprised by the fact that there are so many things to discover other than its beautiful and historic temples.

Intriguing diversity among ethnic tribes, a number of elephant camps, many cooking & massage schools, numerous outdoor activities, a variety of handicrafts workshops, various cultural performances, and breathtaking scenery make Chiang Mai one of Asia’s most attractive tourist destinations. The phrase "a day in Chiang Mai is enough to see things around town" was once a common expression. Today, two weeks in Chiang Mai may not be long enough for travelers to experience all that Chiang Mai has to offer.

The old city of Chiang Mai is a showcase of the north’s fascinating indigenous cultural identity that includes diverse dialects, a delectable cuisine, distinctive architecture, traditional values, lively festivals, numerous handicrafts workshops, northern style massage, and classical dances. Chiang Mai city features old-world beauty and charm as well as modern luxury and convenience.

In addition to centuries old temples and some outstanding shopping opportunities, Chiang Mai is also blessed with pristine natural resources including mountains, waterfalls, and rivers. The presence of numerous hill tribes that feature a wealth of unique cultures enhances Chiang Mai’s distinctive diversity. Hill tribe trekking, often combined with river rafting and elephant riding has always been one of Chiang Mai’s greatest tourist attractions. Nowadays there are innumerable activities and attractions both in the city and the surrounding province, including massage instruction and golf.

Moreover, visitors can visit workshops where they can learn about the production of silk or silver, and purchase memorable, hand crafted souvenirs. With such a diverse range of attractions and an equally grand selection of dining and accommodation options, Chiang Mai is a place where both backpackers and luxury tourists can enjoy the ultimate Thailand holiday.

Below are the attractive places in Chiang Mai:

National Museum

Located on the Chiang Mai-Lampang Super Highway near Wat Chet Yot, the museum has been designated by the Fine Arts Department as a regional center for education and preservation of the art and culture of Chiang Mai and upper northern Thailand the Lanna Kingdom. Their Majesties the King and Queen graciously presided over the opening of the museum on 6 February 1973. The museum was built according to traditional northern architecture, with a Lanna Thai rooftop. Interesting exhibitions include:

The Chiang Mai National Museum offers a peak into the area's native Lanna culture in the form of artifacts and artist exhibits. Ancient jewelry and pottery are showcased and each exhibit is written in both English and Thai.

Opened in 1972, Chiang Mai National Museum (a little further north along the Super Highway has many fine sculptures in the Chiang Mai, Dvaravati, Lopburi, U Thong and Sukhothai styles (mainly the former), also terracottas from Haripunchai. The footprint of Buddha with mother-of-pearl intarsia also deserves mention. The upper floor houses a collection of tools and other artifacts used by the hill tribes.

Address:

Chiang Mai National Museum, Chiang Mai-Lampang Super Highway, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand

Operate:

9am-4pm; Closed: Mon, Tue

Chiang Mai Zoo

Chiang Mai Zoo is located next to Huai Kaeo Arboretum.  It is a well-managed large zoo, which occupies the lower forested slopes of Doi Suthep Mountain. The zoo contains more than 200 types of Asian and African mammals and birds. The most popular star here is a couple of panda, the friendship Chinese ambassador. The zoo provides mono-rail service within the area of 2 kms. Additional, the twilight zoo is open 6.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. The newly aquarium on its area 10 rais, which housed the longest underwater automatic tunnel of Asia with 133 meters, and will accommodate both sea and river fish and animal from various areas; such as the upper mountain ranges of Northern Region, Khong River Basin, Amazon River Basin, the plain land of mangrove and from the underwater world. Moreover, the Nakhon Ping Bird Aviary, a large bird aviary with an area of 6 rai that is also the largest one of its kind in Thailand. This offers an opportunity to see and study about the nature of more than 132 local and international species of bird in the midst of a natural environment with a waterfall.

Admission Fee: Adults 100 baht; Children 20 baht.

Operating: 8am-9pm; Daily

Address: 100 Huai Kaeo, Tambon Suthep, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Night Safari

 Chiang Mai Night Safari is located in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Tambon Mae Hia and Tambon Suthep, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai and Tambon Nong Khwai, Amphoe Hang Dong, covering an overall area of approximately 819 rai. This is an abundant night safari. Visitors can see various kinds of animals such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, Asiatic black bears, tigers, hyenas, crocodiles, etc. by open-air tram. There is also a trekking route to see the wild animals surrounded by a beautiful atmosphere on the lake’s bank that is full of various trees.

To get there: It is 10 kilometres from Chiang Mai. Go along Huai Kaeo Road, turn left into Highway No. 121 toward Amphoe Hang Dong for around 10 kilometres, then turn right and continue for 2 kilometres.

Admission Fee: Adults 500 baht; Children 300 baht

Operation: 1pm-4pm, Mon-Fri; 6pm-11.30pm, Daily

Adreess: Chiang Mai Night Safari, Tambon Mae Hia and Tambon Suthep, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Mai Chiang Mai Night Safari

Wiang Kum Kam

Wiang Kum Kam is an ancient city that was built in the reign of King Mengrai in 1286.  The city was surrounded by ditches in every corner and they were used as reservoirs. From the discoveries, there are 20 ancient remains in and around Wiang Kum Kam include buildings and temples of Wat Chedi Liam, Wat Chang Kham, Wat Noi, Wat Pu Pia, Wat Ku Khao, Wat E Kang, Wat Hua Nong, and Wat Pu Song. The remains are dating from 21st –22nd Buddhist centuries.

Wiang Kum Kam is located in the southeast of Chiang Mai, between Km.3-4 along Chiang Mai-Lamphun route, Tambon Wang Tan, Saraphi district. Take the road at Nong Hoi Polce box to the Ko Klang Pa Kluai intersection and en route to Chedi Liam Police box.

Wat Chedi Liam or Chedi Ku Kham was built in 1288 in the reign of King Mengrai after he had authorised an administrative responsibility of Lamphun town to his minister, Aey Fah. King Mengrai established a town in the northeast of Chiang Mai for 5 years and then resettled a town near the Mae Ping River in 1277 and renamed it “Wiang Kum Kam”. In 1287, the stupa of Wat Jamthewi, Lamphun was rebuilt in Wiang Kum Kam for the locals to worship.

After that for hundreds years, the temple was left abandoned. In 1908, a Burmese tycoon renovated it, thus the temple has influences of Burmese architecture instead of its former Khmer style.  Only some parts were rebuilt in Khmer architecture.

Operating: 8am-5pm, Daily

Address: Lamphun route, Tambon Wang Tan, Amphoe Saraphi, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon National Park is Thailand’s highest mountain, 2,599 metres above sea level.  Doi Inthanon is a part of the Himalayas, which ranges across Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and ends at Northern Thailand. Complex mountain ranges and a mild climate characterise an area with a moist and dense summit forest. Doi Inthanon is very intersting for ornithologists.  Summit forest is the source of important tributaries of the Mae Ping River.  Meo and Karen hilltribes inhabit the park.

Visiting Doi Inthanon is possible throughout the year. The best period for viewing waterfalls is May through November.  The best period for viewing wild flowers is December through February.  The best period for ornithologists is November through March.

Operate: 6am-6pm, Daily

Access:

Travel 58 kilometres west of Chiang Mai via Highway No. 108 to Chom Thong, then turn right into Highway No. 1009 and continue a further distance of 48 kilometres along Highway No. 1009 to the summit.  A good asphalt road takes visitors up but is rather steep, thus the vehicle must be in a good condition.  Visitors could pay for the entrance fee at Km. 8.

Introduction of Phuket

What comes into the mind of travellers when we talk about sea, sun and sand? Phuket must definitely be one of the answers. Especially when we think about the island in which there is plenty of accommodation and all kinds of facilities. In addition, a number of various activities can also be found on this island.

In the early Christian Era, the cape of Phuket was locally referred to as Jung Ceylon, while locals called it Thalang, which evolved to Thanlng the name of the main town to the north of the island. As the perfect stopover sheltering traders from monsoons, Jung Ceylon welcomed merchants from India, Persia, Arabia, Burma, China and aslo Siam. During the 16th century, the island was also a popular trading port for tin. In 1785, Thaland town was surrounded by Burmese troops who invaded the coastal area. It was under the leadership of Chan, the widow of the governor, and her sister, Muk, who united the local resedents and successfully fought and drove the invaders out of Phuket. It took over 30 days for the defending troops of Phuket, under the command of Chan and Muk, to claim their victory. As a result of such heroic deeds, noble titles were granted to Chan and Muk as 'Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Sri Soonthorn, repectively. There are still hightly respected by Phuket residents even today.

When the city was in a peaceful state, the development of mining was so unprecedented. Chinese businessmen and miners later migrated to Phuket and soon enjoy thriving weath. The island's long history has shaped the distintive Phuket of the present with its diverse ethnic groups, culture, architectural influence, and fine cuisine. Phuket has a lot more to offer its visitors than its natural heritage of sea, sand, sky beach, forest, and world renowned diving sites. Sino-Portuguese architecture casts its spell delighting travellers to the city, while Phuket style of hospitality has never failed to impress visitors from all walks of life.

Below are the attractive places in Phuket:

Phuket Aquarium

Phuket Aquarium is part of the internationally renowned Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC), located on the southernmost tip of Cape Panwa on Phuket Island. It is surrounded by breathtaking scenic bays and islands and is the perfect destination for a family excursion.

Enter the aquarium and find yourself in an amazing underwater world with over 150 different species from freshwater and marine habitats, most of them local species from the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The aquarium`s interactive displays take you on an environmental journey through rivers, lakes and precious, endangered coral reefs, mangroves and estuaries. All information is provided in Thai and English and includes both common names and interesting facts about the animals.

 The Aquarium makes education fun with its many different displays of marine life, habitats as well as  environmental and conservation issues: Learn about the relationships between the animals, encounter our big guys like electric eels, octopuses, sea turtles and sharks and admire the babies from our ocean nursery like the famous “Nemo” or the cute cuttlefish!

 Another highlight is a walk through our large tunnel tank: Immerse yourself in the ocean being surrounded by huge sting rays, groupers, wrasses, sharks and swarms of snappers. Reach the end of the tunnel and you are greeted by eight massive man-sized Giant Groupers in their 110-ton tank that have been living in the Aquarium for over 20 years!

 Phuket Aquarium was established in 1983 as unit of the PMBC, a research and monitoring center under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The Aquarium has developed into a major destination on Phuket Island and attracts about 300.000 visitors per year, including 40.000 tourists.

 Its mission is to increase the public awareness and understanding about marine and coastal environments and to promote the sustainable management of our coasts and oceans.

Operating: 8am-4.30pm, Daily

Address: 51 Moo, 8 Sakdidet Rd.A. Muang, Phuket, Thailand

Thalang National Museum

The museum was formed by Phuket People with the cooperation of the Fine Arts Department as a place to honor the Thalang's Two Heroines, and a repository of historical.

Archaeological and cultural heritage of Phuket and its surrounding area along the Andaman Sea. It was inaugurated on March 14, 1989 by HRH Princess Sirindhorn and continues its role in preserving the Andaman's cultural heritage, providing education program for local and foreign visistors since then. Today Thalang National Musem is also one of the cultural attractions of Phuket..Musuem divided into 5 rooms as below:

Main Hall: Thailand :an Introduction

Gallery 1: Phuket Island and Early inhabitant of the Andaman

Gallery 2: The Battle at Thalang

Gallery 3: The Chinese and Development of Phuket

Gallery 4: Phuket People

Gallery 5: Changing Gallery.

Otherwise, visitors can see outdoor exhibition of Sea Gypsy's Village which present their living style such as houses, boat, fishing tools.

Operating: 9am-4.30pm, Daily

Address: Srisoonthorn, Thalang district, Phuket 83110

Koh He 'Coral Island'

Located southwest of Cape Panwa, the island is famous for its white powdery beach and rich coral reefs which are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and other water sports. As the island is not affected very much by the monsoon, would be visitors can enjoy traveling to the place year round. Koh He has become a popular one-day tour from Phuket as it is only half an hour from the Chalong Pier. It is also dubbed the Coral Island by tourists. Accommodations and basic tourist facilities are available.

Operating: 7am-5pm, Daily

Address: Koh He 'Coral Island', Tambon Chalong, Amphoe mueang, Phuket

Hat Nai Han

Located a few kilometers from Kata Beach, next to Phromthep Cape, approximately 18 kilometers from town is Hat Nai Han, an extra-ordinary beach that has white powdery sand and crystal clear water. The beach borders on two charming landscaped lagoons surrounded by rubber trees and other tropical plants. As the beach has not yet been fully developed to its full potential, it is less crowded, more peaceful, thus is ideal for people seeking solitude. Holidaymakers are not recommended to swim during the monsoon season from May to October. Watch out for the red flag! Despite having a rather limited selection of accommodations, they range from budget bungalows to the top-class Yacht Club. Check with the TAT Phuket Office for more up-to-date information and room rates. This beach can be reached by songthaeos, which leaves from the intersection of Ranong Road and the fountain circle. The fare is 25 baht / person / trip. In addition, visitors can also charter tuk-tuks which costs a lot more at 150 baht to 200 baht / trip.

Operating: 6am-6pm, Daily

Phuket Thaihua Museum

The Thai Hua School at Krabi Road, Phuket, is the oldest Chinese school in Thailand, founded in 1911. Built in 1934, it is a splendid example of European-Sino-Thai architecture of the 1930s, when Phuket architecture began to depart from the Straits Settlements style.

Reinforced concrete is used for canopies, brackets and a hanging staircase, while the decorative forms of the earlier period are also incorporated. The front gate is made of cast iron imported from Yates, Haywood & Co, Upper Thames, London.

When the school moved out to new, larger premises in the late 1990s, the Alumni Association initiated a project to conserve the old school building. Public archaeology in and around the building revealed the foundations of old classrooms, built in 1926.

The old Thai Hua school was used as a venue for community consultations in the planning process. It was used as an exhibition space during the annual Old Phuket Festival. In 2002, the Alumni Association resolved to turn the Thai Hua School building into a community museum. In mid-2005, The Office of Contemporary Art and Culture, of Thailand’s Cultural Ministry, decided to refurbish the Thai Hua School into an art gallery and musuem.

The purposes were to promote Phuket’s artists and learning center for next generation.

Operating: 9am-7pm, Daily(except Wednesday)

Address: 28 Krabi Rd., Thaladnue, A.Muang, Phuket 83000