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Tuesday
PHAYAO : Attraction Mae Puem National Park
PHAYAO : Attraction Phu Sang National Park
Phu Sang National Park
Phu Sang National Park
Phu Sang National Park is a part of Doi Pha Mon Mountain Range in King Amphoe Phu Sang, Chiang Kham District, Phayao, and Theong District, Chiang Rai, with a 30-kilometre boundary, connecting to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, covering a total area of 178,049 rai. Within the area are hill evergreen forest, dry evergreen forest and mixed deciduous forest. The precious plants include Yang – Dipterocarpus alatus, Takhian - Hopea odorata, Champi Pha – Michelia floribunda, cigar-box cedar, Burma Padauk, teak, Rang - Shorea siamensis, etc. This area comprises high and undulating mountain ranges where the summit of Doi Pha Mon, an original source of the Lao, Pueai, Bong, and Yuan Rivers, nurturing the agricultural sites of Chiang Kham District, Phu Sang Minor District in Phayao Province, and Thoeng District in Chiang Rai Province, is located. Apart from the perfect natural condition, the national park is also a habitat of Pu Lu or Siamese big-headed turtles, a rare and endangered species of turtle. This kind of turtle is small, short, has a long tail and big head. As their head is large, their 4-legs and tail cannot be drawn back into their shell. When their enemies or danger approach, especially forest fire, the turtles are usually killed by the fire. Therefore, Pu Lu turtles have become a symbol of the prevention of forest fire in Thailand. The Pu Lu turtles stay in the abundant forests on the high mountains, near the waterfalls or creeks with clean and clear water flowing throughout the year. The turtles can be observed during the nighttime, while they are searching for food.
Interesting attractions within the national park are as follows:
Namtok Phu Sang is a 25-metre-high limestone waterfall with a stream throughout the year. The water in this waterfall is 33ºC warm and clear without the smell of sulphate. Its basin is suitable for bathing. The waterfall is located by the road, 300 metres from the Office of the National Park. On its opposite side is located a welfare shop where visitors can take a rest and have a meal.
Phu Sang Warm Spring is a seepage whose water is a headspring of the Phu Sang Waterfall with a temperature of 35ºC. It is situated upstream of the Phu Sang Waterfall. The surroundings are abundant evergreen forest and freshwater swamp forest.
Tham Pha Daeng is a large-size limestone cave with a depth of approximately 450 metres. Within the cave are beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. It is located 48 kilometres from the Office of the National Park. A ranger leading a visit to the cave is a must. Please inform the national park in advance for a visit.
Tham Nam Lot is a small stone cave located at the foot of Doi Pha Daeng, approximately 10 metres from Tham Pha Daeng. The cave is 250 metres deep with a stream flowing through the cave. The level of the water is 50-100 centimetres deep. Visitors have to wade through the water during their cave visit and a ranger leading the visit is necessary.
Doi Pha Dam is a limestone mountain where stands a large cliff, a beautiful sculptural art of the nature. It is 1,096 metres above sea level. Doi Pha Dam overlooks the Phu Sang National Park’s Ranger Station 1 (Pha Daeng) within the compound of Rom Yen Sub-district, Chiang Kham District, Phayao Province. It is 47 kilometres from the Office of the National Park. It takes 3-4 hours for a walking tour and a ranger leading the tour is necessary.
Tham Luang is a large limestone cave. It is quite wide but not deep, with a width of approximately 200 metres. It is a location of the Ranger Station 2, Huai Sa. Tham Luang is 500 metres from the station and 32 kilometres from the Office of the National Park. Visitors have to slightly climb up the mountains to the cave and a ranger leading the trip is obligatory.
Tham Nam Dang is a large cave where there is a waterfall and beautiful stalagtites and stalagmites located inside. It was once a secret refuge of the Pho Ko Kho – the Communist Insurgents.
The Nature Study Route There are overall 3 routes in the national park with a distance of 1,400 metres (Huai Miang Route), 1,700 metres (Phu Sang Waterfall Route), and 2,400 metres (Huai Sa Route). Each of them takes approximately 2 hours for a trekking tour. There are also interpretation signs along the route; therefore, visitors can take a walk by themselves.
Pu Lu or Siamese Big-headed Turtles are a rare and endangered species of turtle whose origin is in the Upper North and along the frontier connecting to Myanmar, and the southern part of China. Their unique characteristics are shortness, with dark green to black shell, with a length of approximately 15-20 centimetres. The distinctive point is that their tail is lined up in segments and longer than their shell. Therefore, they are not able to draw their head, legs, and tail into their shell. They are very good at climbing by using their nails and tail. Pu Lu turtles search for food during the night. They eat shrimp, shells, crabs, and fish, but not vegetables. During daytime, they usually hide in between the gaps of cold stones. Moreover, in winter, they will hibernate.
The National Park provides accommodation, camping areas, as well as, a welfare shop for tourists. For further information, please contact the Phu Sang National Park, Mu 10, Phu Sang Sub-district, Phu Sang Minor District, Phayao Province 56110, Tel. 0 5440 1099.
To get there: The National Park is located 90 kilometres from Phayao Province. Take the Phayao – Dok Khamtai – Chun – Chiang Kham – Thoeng Route, 6 kilometres from Chiang Kham District. Turn right into Highway No. 1093 for 17 kilometres from Chiang Kham. Prior to Phu Sang Witthayakhom School, turn right and pass the Phu Sang Minor District Office. Otherwise, travel from Chiang Rai Province – Thoeng – Chiang Kham route. The total distance is 100 kilometres along Highway No. 1021.
By bus: Take the Phayao – Chiang Kham District Bus or Chiang Rai – Chiang Kham District Bus and continue by mini bus, routing Chiang Kham – Ban Huak. The bus will pass the Office of the National Park along Highway No. 1093, a distance of 20 kilometres.
PHAYAO : General Information
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Virtually enveloped by mountains and valleys, Phayao is a peaceful province. Though with only modest facilities and conveniences, it is an enchanting community with delightful natural beauty and fascinating religious sites. Dating back to more than 900 years, it used to be an independent state with its own rulers before it became a part of the Lanna Thai kingdom in mid-14th century.
By Car
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 32 and Highway No. 1 to Phayao via Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Nakhon Sawan, Tak and Lampang, a total distance of 966 kilometres. For an alternative route, take Highway No. 1 to Amphoe Tak Fa via Saraburi, Lop Buri before turning into Highway No. 11 to Phrae via Phichit, Phitsanulok, Uttaradit, and then proceed to Phayao along Highways No. 101, No. 103 and No. 1.
By Bus
Bus companies which operate daily bus services from Bangkok's Mochit 2 Bus Terminal to Phayao are such as Transport Co. Ltd Tel: 0 2936 2852-66, website: www.transport.co.th; Siam First Tour, Tel: 0 2954 3601, Sombat Tour, Tel: 0 2936 2495.
By Rail
Visitors can take a regular train from Bangkok to Lampang or Chiang Mai, then connect a bus to Phayao. Call 1690 for more information.
By Air
Visitors can fly from Bangkok to Chiang Rai and then connect a bus to Phayao. Contact Thai Airways at Tel: 1566 for more information.
AricleSource:www.tourismthailand.org
The Royal Trophy – Europe vs Asia Golf Championship
The Royal Trophy – Europe vs Asia Golf Championship
Date : 8 -10 January 2010
Venue : Amata Spring Country Club, Chonburi
The Royal Trophy – Europe vs Asia Golf Championship is a unique, emotionally-charged and passionate competition played between the continents of Europe and Asia in a team match-play format.
The best players from Europe compete against the golfing elite of Asia in a spectacular series of matches for stewardship over the perpetual 16-kilogram Royal Trophy, graciously donated by His Majesty the King of Thailand.
The event is expected to produce record-breaking galleries, hightly competitive golf and great atmosphere all around.
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Saturday
Lampang Tourist Information
Lampang is situated on the right bank of Mae Nam Wang and lies 599 kilometers north of Bangkok at the junction of highways of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, with an area of 12,543 sq.kms.
It is administratively divided into 13 Amphoes : Muang, Chae Hom, Hang Chat, Ko Kha, Mae Mo, Mae Phrik, Mae Tha, Ngao, Soem Ngam, Sop Prap, Thoen, Wang Nua, and Muang Pan.
Lampang lays claim to two unique features : it is the sole Thai town still using colourful horse drawn carriages as a means of everyday urban transport, and it claims to have the world's only training school for baby elephants.
Both attractions account for the bulk of Lampang's Thai and foreign visitors.
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LAMPANG's ATTRACTIONS
Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao On the right bank of Mae Nam Wang is an old building which consists of an impressive chedi on a rectangular base with a round spire topped with gilded bronze plaques. A Burmese - style chapel topped by tiered roofs stands against it. The chapel contains a Burmese style Buddha image with particularly interesting decorations. The chapel probably dated from the late 18th century. Beautiful colours and elaborate harmony make Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao one of Thailand's best examples of Burmese - style temples.
Wat Chedi Sao (Temple of Twenty Chedis) is also on the right bank of Mae Nam Wang, north of town. The temple is attractively set in an open ricefield. The complex is impressive with its Burmese - style bell - like spires.
Wat Phrathat Lampang Lunag Lies some 20 kilometers south of Lampang and is one of the North's finest temples. To the left of the chedi is a viharn with a carved wood facade and double - level roofs. Harmonious proportions and exquisite interior decoration make Wat, Phrathat Lampang Luang one of the best examples of Northern - style religious architecture.
Wat Phrathat Chom Ping Wat Phrathat Chom Ping is situated at Mu 5, Ban Chom Ping, Tambon Na Kaeo, Amphoe Ko Kha about 26 kms. south - west of Lampang provincial city. The unnatural happening of this temple is the shade of the pagoda reflexed on the floor of the convocation hall through the hole of its window, this similar event also happened at Wat Akkho Chai Khfri, Amphoe Chae Hom in Lampang.
The Elephant Conservation Centre is attached to the Veterinary Section of the Northern Timber Work Division of the Forestry Industry Organization and is the first centre in Thailand to train elephants for forest work. The Centre is located in Ban Tung Kiewn, Amphoe Hang Chat, on Lampang-Chiang Mai Highway 32 kms. from Lampang. At the center, the elephants' activities such as bathing, working, log pushing, etc. are held for show. In addition, the center has provided elephant riding tourist route.
Doi Khuntan National Park is located within Lampang and Lamphun. It has an area of 225 square kilometers and an altitude of 1,272 meters. Access to the park is possible by taking Lampang - Lamphun highway and branching off at Km. 47 for 18 kms., but the easiest way is by train to Khuntan station. The Doi Khuntan area was first explored early this century when German engineers were excavating Thailand's longest tunnel (some 1.3 kilometers) on the Bangkok - Chiang Mai railway line. The main trail climbs from Khuntan station to park headquarters and bungalows belonging to the State Railways, a missionary part and the Royal Forestry Department.
Camping sites are also available; campers must bring their own tents and the camping equipment.
Wat Sichum This monastery is situated on Lampang - Ngao Highway just passing the main entrance of Lampang Teacher's Training College and branching off at km. 601 on the left to this monastery. Its architecture is of Burmese arts having very sophisticated and beautiful wood carvings on the structure of the Vihara while gold gilded works are found on the walls, ceiling and big pillars in the Vihara, regarded as another exquisite graceful beauty of Burmese arts. It is regrettable that the vihara's upper part which was made of wood was mostly damaged by fire.
Kin Lom Dam and Reservoir It is located about 37 kms. from the township area on Lampang - Ngao Highway where a left turn is to be made at Km. 623-624 through another 14 kms. to the dam site. The dam is under the administration of the Royal Irrigation Department, open to the public everyday from 06.00-18.00 hrs. but no accommodation is provided. Another mean is from the private sector whose bungalows and pleasant rafts tour are available for visitors who wish to explore natural surrounding.
Chao Pho Pratu Pha Shrine This shrine is located 50 kms. from Lampang township area on the right hand side of Lampang - Ngao Highway. It is a big spirit shrine housing the statue of Chao Pho Pratu Pha (The spirit ruling the area of Pratu Pha) highly revered by Lampang inhabitants. The shrine was constructed in commemoration of a brave soldier who was the right hand man of a king of Lampang who was killed in a battle by the Burmese enemies at this Pratu Pha Pass.
Tham Pha Thai Forest Park Lies at kilometer 665 on the Lampang - Ngao Road and hosts a big Buddha image and colourful stalagmites.
Chae Son National Park covers areas in Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Chae Son, Amphoe Muang Phan. Travel along Lampang - Wag Nua Road, turn left at km. 58-59 and take another 17 kms. Attractive spots are Hot Water Well, Namtok Chae Son, and Namtok Mae Mon. For detailed information, please contact the National Park Division, Royal Forest Department, Tel. 579-0529, 579-4842.
Doi Luang National Park covers areas of Lampang, Phayao and Chiang Rai. The main attraction in Lampang area is Namtok Wang Kaeo, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Lampang, with water cascading down 110 tiers from a top of a mountain which can be seen up to four kilometers away. Hilltribe villages are located on top of the mountain. Namtok Wang Kaeo is located in Amphoe Wang Nua,130 kms. from Lampang on Lampang Chae Hom Road.
Salung Luang Procession and Lampang Songkran Festival It is held during April 12-14 each year. There is a traditional procession, merit-making, paying respects to elders and traditional performances, etc.
Article Source:http://www.hotelthailand.com/travelinfo/north/lampang.html
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