Trat

Koh Chang, Trat, East Of Thailand

Trat is Thailand's eastern-most province, about 400 kilometers from Bangkok. Hemmed in by mountains, the Khao Banthat range serves as the natural boundary with Cambodia. There are many islands and islets with delightful natural sceneries.How to get there Both air and non-conditioned buses leaving from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) Non airconditioned buses leave many times daily.

Trat Attractions:Namtok Khao Salat Dai is about 32 kilometers from town on Chintakanon (Sean Tung-Bo Rai) road. It has dense wood and good place for relaxation.

Wat Buppharam (Wat Plai Khlong) is 2 kms. from town, noted from the late Ayutthaya Period. This temple is noted for relics of the Buddha, Buddha images as well as praying Hall, Wooden Vihara, Bell Tower and small typical monk's quarters (Kuthi).

Wat Muang Kao Saen Tum situated in Tambon Pranit about 38 kilometers from Amphoe Khao Saming. It is famed for its dark brown stones weighing 10-100 kilograms. They are varied in shape and size and produce deep resonant sounds when being knocked.

Gem Markets The districts of Bo Rai and Khao Saming have been developed as the region's major gem mining industry, specially Bo Rai is noted for being the site of the world-famous "Tab Tim Siam" or King Ruby. The gem market of Bo Rai at Hua Tung Market takes place between 7.00-10.00 A.M. Other markets such as Nong Bon Intersection, Ban Sa Yai Market, Ban Nonsi and Ban Ta Ngam open whole day long.

Hat Banchun is about 58 kms. before Khlong Yai, take a right turn and proceed for 5 kms. It has white sandy beach with clean water. Bunglaows are available at the beach.

Tak

Tak, North, Thailand

Tak is a northern province covering an area of 16,406 largely mountainous square kilometers. The provincial capital is 426 kilometers north of Bangkok, and is a gateway to Myanmar to the west, and the northern Thai cities of Lampang and Chiang Mai. Tak Attractions: In the City King Taksin the Great Shrine Located near the Tak TAT office, this statue of Tak's most famous native son (1734-1782) is the site of an annual fair from December 28 until January 3. King Taksin was the Thai monarch who expelled the Burmese from Thailand after the 1767 destruction of Ayutthaya as the Thai capital.

Mani Banphot Swamp This scenic, extensive area within the heart of Tak city is located near Wat Mani Banphot on Paholyothin Highway. Inside the temple, a Chiang Saen Buddha image dating from the late 1200s is enshrined.

Khao Tham Located in Tambon Mai Ngam, this 71-metre rocky hillock, near Paholyothin Highway, contains replicas of the Lord Buddha's Footprint on the summit. Tak residents pay homage throughout the year, most particularly during Songkran, which marks the traditional Thai New Year each April 13

Out of cityWat Phra Boromthat & Ancient Tak City This monastery, located 25 kilometers upstream, in Amphoe Ban Tak, in an area which used to be the former site of Tak city. There are several ruins in the area, including a hilltop pagoda which was constructed, according to legend, by King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai (reign: 1275-1317) to commemorate his victory in single combat on elephant back against King Khun Sam Chon, theruler of Muang Shot (currently Amphoe Mae Sot).

Bhumibol Dam Thailand's largest dam is located some .. kilometers north of Tak city in Amphoe Sam Ngao, and dams the Mae Ping River. The extensive reservoir forms a picturesque lake that extends northwards to Chiang Mai's Amphoe Hot. Accommodation is available at the dam. Contact the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand at (Bangkok 436-3179 or 424 - 0101 for further details.

Mae Ping Lake Cruises Popular cruises originate from the Bhumibol Dam to Chiang Mai's Doi Tao Self-Help Settlement edging the dam reservoir, a total distance of 140 kilometers. Full details may be obtained from the Educational Tour Centre, Tel: (Bangkok) 221-5183, or the Thongnatee Company Licited, Tel: 457-3428, 467-2557.

Lan Sang National Park Located on the Tak-Mae Sot Highway (Route 105), 17 kilometers from Tak city, and accessed by a 3-kilometre road, the park contains the scenic Lang Sang and Pha Phung Waterfalls. Accommodation is available. Contact the National Park Division of the Royal Forestry Department in Bangkok, Tel: 579-0529 or 579-4842 for further details.