TANINTHAYI DIVISION:
Adjacent to Mon State to the north and Thailand to the east. Taninthayi Division occupies a long narrow coastal plain bounded by the Andaman Sea in the east, which runs to Kawthaung, the most southerly point of Myanmar and which then continues to the Malaya Peninsula.
How to get there:
Air Bagan is flying three times a week from Yangon to Dawei, Myeik and Kawtaung and there is a daily regular express coastal boat service between Myeik, Dawei and Kawthaung.
What to see:
Dawei:
The capital of Taninthayi (Tenasserim) division, is a port of medium importance and tropical seaside town. 384 miles from Yangon, it is on the eastern bank, at the mouth of a creek of same name, 30 miles from the sea in a narrow gulf.
As Dawei is in the coastal region, fisheries become the mainstay of the economy there. Sea-fish and prawn are sufficient enough not only for local consumption but also for the international market. Most local people make their living by trading in regional goods. Some have rubber, oil palm, cashew and mango plantations and they also cultivate paddy. This is a wrap-up of the simple Dawei people’s life and breath-taking beauty spots of Dawei which today boosts modern characteristics of developed cities. The well-known Maung Ma Gan Beach, which is now being developed and upgraded is just 8 miles north-west and is famous for delicious sea food.
Myeik:
According to the characteristics of port cities, Myeik is busy with small and large boats in the morning. Beside, you can pay homage the Reclining Buddha Image, the grace and glory of Myeik on Pahtet isle. At the harbors of Myeik, ships, speed boats and fishing vessels are closely quad in a long line. Relying on the sea, cold storage factories for packaging fish and prawn, ice factories and warehouses are built along the bank. The house of bird-nests is a rare and unique thing to see in Myeik. The local people are very much devoted to religion. The Lay Gyun Se Mee Pagoda in Myeik is very sublime. Its festival is thronged with visitors. During your stay in Myeik you should not miss the Beik evening Bazaar. The reclining Buddha Image in Pa Htaw Pa Htat island, which is on the other bank of Myeik, is also very sublime.
Kawthaung:
Formerly called Victoria Point, is the southern-most town of Myanmar and the starting point to explore the Mergui Archipelago. Half of the town is going up along the slope. The town is an important border point with products such as seafood, palm oil and rubber. You can observe the states of King Bayintnaung in Kawthaung which is a symbol of Myanmar Patriotism. The world's largest pearl was discovered in the Makha lauk pearl oyster exploration area in the north west of Zardatgyi Island in Kawthaung Township.
Ranong is the border town in Thailand. Visitors can take 20 minutes boat trips to Kawthaung for sightseeing and shopping. Andaman Club on the Thahtaykyun island is located west of Kawthaung. There are regular flights from Yangon to Kawthaung and Five Star shipping line operates Cruise vessel to Kawthaung.
Mergui Archipelago:
Among the geographical beauties of the Union of Myanmar, many treasures are in the depths existing beneath the archipelago waters to this day. Myeik Archipelago comprises over 800 islands covering an area of 10,000 sq. miles. Several expeditions have been undertaken to survey the undersea ecosystems and biodiversity.
Lumpi island can be reached from Myeik, about 90 nautical miles southwest, 30 miles west from Bokpyin and 60 miles northwest from Kawthaung. This beautiful island of Lumpi is totally untouched; with a rich history of maritime trade and mysticism. The modern day, Mergui Archipelago, is as it was days gone by. The archipelago is virtually isolated but you will find the islands and surrounding seas alive with amazing diversity of wildlife, flora and fauna. Parrots, hornbills, sea eagles Brahming kites and herons fill the skies. On land, the animal population includes monkeys, wild cattle, elephants, deer, wild pigs, crocodiles, tigers and rhinoceros.
Crab eating maquekes the monkeys can be seen here on the shoreline. The only human inhabitants in this beautiful area are the sea gypsies, a nomadic seafaring race. The Moken-sea gypsy-village, their life style is very simple. Their life style has changed very little over the years.
Sea gypsies have been the sole inhabitants of the Mergui Archipelago over the years and they still use the same fishing and boat building techniques which they have been using for many generations. Lumpi offers a great variety of breathtaking scenery and wildlife, with more luxuriant ever green forests, beach and dune forests, tidal mangroves, magnificent beaches and spectacular coral formation.
Forests that grow on the island have a variety of both terrestrial and marine ecosystems and inhabitants. The surrounding waters are rich in bird life, fish marine, mammals (dolphins) and marine turtles.
Salone, a group living part of the time on a few littoral area on the fringes of the Andaman sea and part of the time on their boats, wondering about among the Islands of the Myeik Archipelago in a nomadic existence that has caused them to become known as the sea gypsies. There are no more then five thousand Salons left in the world today scattered over the Myeik Achipelago as well as some parts at the Andaman Sea.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Travel-Myanmar :TANINTHAYI DIVISION:Mergui Archipelago
Mergui Archipelago
The Mergui Archipelago (also Myeik Archipelago) is an archipelago in far southern Myanmar (Burma). It consists of more than 800 islands, varying in size from very small to hundreds of square kilometres, all lying in the Andaman Sea off the western shore of the Malay Peninsula near its landward (northern) end where it joins the rest of Indochina. Occasionally the islands are referred to as the Pashu Islands because the Malay inhabitants are locally called Pashu. A five-star casino and golf resort, the Andaman Club now operates on Thahtay Kyun Island.
Environment
Geologically, the islands are characterized mainly by limestone and granite. They are as a general rule covered with thick tropical growth, including rainforest, and their shorelines are punctuated by beaches, rocky headlands, and in some places, mangrove swamps. Offshore are extensive coral reefs.
The archipelago's virtual isolation from most of mankind's unwholesome influence on the natural environment has given the islands and the surrounding waters of the Andaman Sea a great diversity of flora and fauna, contributing to the region's growing popularity as a diving destination.
On the islands themselves, various animals thrive, including deer, elephants, monkeys, tigers and wild swine. There are even unconfirmed reports of Sumatran rhinoceros on Lampi, one of the bigger islands.
Environmental threats to the region include overfishing and also blast fishing. Burma's current military government, the "State Peace and Development Council", has not done much to deal with these problems
Population
The local people are an ethnic minority called the Moken, sometimes known as sea Gypsies, although this term actually covers several groups in Southeast Asia. They are a sea-dwelling people and they follow a traditional way of life, doing things such as fishing and building boats very much the way they have been done for centuries. They can be found living on their traditional boats during the dry season, but usually keep to land in the rainy season.
Tourism
The area was only opened up to foreign tourism in 1997 after negotiations between Burma and dive operators from Phuket in Thailand. The archipelago's isolation is such that much of it has not even yet been thoroughly explored.
Owing to the archipelago's remoteness, a liveaboard cruise is the only way for visitors to go diving in areas with names such as Big Bank, Rainbow Reef or Silvertip Bank. Some islands have huge boulders, soft corals and sea fans. Others offer wall diving, caverns, tunnels and drop-offs.
Dive sites such as Shark Cave feature grey reef, bull, nurse and whale sharks. Black Rock has manta rays and schools of mobula (devil) rays. Photographers are attracted by frogfish, ghost pipefish, ribbon eels and cowries as well as many crustaceans such as lobsters, crabs, and shrimps.
The best diving conditions exist from December to April, with whale sharks and manta rays visiting from February to May.
Mergui Archipelago
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Adventure Expedition in Mergui Archipelago
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 4 day(s)
Group Size: 2 - 10 people
Destination(s): Myanmar
Specialty Categories: Scuba Diving Fishing
Season: October - April
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: Yes
Mergui Archipelago, located in southernmost part of Myanmar (Burma), comprises over 800 beautiful islands. Due to its virtual isolation, the islands and surrounding seas are alive with an amazing diversity of flora & fauna and very beautiful underwater scenes and marine life.
Season 2007-2008 : Ko Payam island ( Ranong ), Thailand – Burma, Mergui Archipelago
safari N / Date / Place / Duration
1 28.10.07 - 01.11.07 Burma 5 days /4 nights
2 09.12.07 - 13.12.07 Burma 5 days /4 nights
3 30.12.07 - 03.01.08 Burma 5 days /4 nights
4 20.01.08 - 24.01.08 Burma 5 days /4 nights
5 08.02.08 - 16.02.08 Burma 5 days /4 nights
6 02.03.08 - 06.03.08 Burma Fully booked
7 13.04.08 - 17.04.08 Burma 5 days /4 nights
8 04.05.08 - 08.05.08 Burma 5 days /4 nights
Day 1: Departure from resort, board to ship in the resort bay and transfer to Victoria Point, Burma, pass emigration
Day 2: Unlimited diving in Mergui Archipelago – Black Rock
Day 3: Unlimited diving in Mergui Archipelago – Western Rock
Day 4: Unlimited diving in Mergui Archipelago – Tower Rock
Day 5: Cruising to border of Thailand - transfer to resort
Included: full board accommodation, all meals served onboard including snacks, drinking water, tea, fresh coffee and soft drinks, towels, dinghy for onshore exploration and pick ups, tanks, weights and weight belts, unlimited diving within the safety limits, professional Tour leader, Divemaster and Instructor, guest’s insurance, basic fishing equipment.
Not included: Myanmar National park Fees, Visa’s and immigration fees (currently 180- 230 USD), rental diving equipment, (include in price 1700 USD ) Nitrox tanks, PADI / SSI Diving courses, alcoholic beverages, Souvenirs, Tip, DAN or similar Insurance, Deep Sea fishing equipment.
This trip can be in combination with stay (dive and/or fishing) in Buffalo Bay Vacation Club , Dive and Adventures resort in Ko Payam island, Thailand as boat departure and come to Resort bay. Additional night stay – 60 USD full board per person.
The Bangkok Attractions - Places And Activities You Musn't Miss
Going to Bangkok for your holidays? Here are 10 must see Bangkok attractions and must do activities in the city of of angels.
1. Get on a river taxi and see the beauty of the Chao Praya River.
A very different view of Bangkok I’ve got to say. If you’re the adventurer, you can just jump on one at any of its terminals. Just be fast enough as the boats ( water taxis ) hardly stop. Otherwise, book a tour from one of the hotels by the river such as The Royal Orchid Sheraton, Shangri la or The Peninsula.
2. Rub elbows with the locals and tourists at the Weekend market, Chatuchak/Jatujak
It can get very hot in here but it’s an excellent place to see the wares of Thailand. You might even find a good buy along the way. Thai ( and not so Thai ) goods available from antique furniture to fake jeans.
3.See the wonders of the Grand Palace
All hail the Queen of England, but her Buckingham Palace is nothing compared to this glorious work of art in the middle of Bangkok.
4.Have a Thai massage in Wat Po and if you have the time, take the 10-day Thai Massage course
If you don’t get a Thai massage in Thailand then you haven’t been to Thailand at all. Experience this somewhat bone breaking yet de-stressing technique right from where it originated. Or if that’s a bit too much, go for the foot massage instead.
5.Have A Relaxing Spa At The Banyan
A relaxing spa retreat right in the middle of the city. You can choose from a 1 hour facial treatment or if you have time to spare, have a 7 hour Banyan package and spoil yourself mad.
6.Visit the Floating Market
It may just be another commercial avenue for tourists to spend their dollars, but if you go to the floating market early in the morning when the “river-folk” are actually buying and selling goods mindless of the tourists, then it’s a very good cultural experience.
7.Haggle at the night markets
Sure many goods are over-priced but if you know how to haggle and how much you’re willing to pay for what you’re buying, this can be very fun. If you go very early, just when the shops are opening, you might even get the prices real low ( first buyers luck!)
8.Shop Till You Drop
Shopping is the Thai’s national past time and wherever you are in Bangkok, you will never run out of shops to explore. You’ll find practically everything in this City Of Angels and at very reasonable prices to boot. For reasonable priced clothes, go to Pratunum Market; for little trinkets, go to Yaowarat in Chinatown; for bargain software, go to Panthip plaza, and for designer clothes, try Central Plaza or The Emporium Shopping Center.
9.Try Thai cuisine
You’ve had Thai food in your country and I’m sure it’s good; but Thai food cooked in Thailand, is in my opinion, just heavenly! Just be sure to know the words, Mai Pet ( My Pet ). This means not spicy in Thai, but you’ll probably be wondering how hot the spicy dishes are after you’ve bit into your first chilli!
10.See An Elephant Show
I know they should be in the wild and all that…but if I were an elephant, this humiliation of dancing in front of amused humans is much better than the alternative which is walking on the hot streets of Bangkok waiting for tourists to buy me a piece of sugar cane for food. And I have to say, this is one show I enjoy. Watch out for the baby elephants! They’re a real treat!
by: Aimee C. Barnard
Monday, May 26, 2008
History Of Ramkhamhaeng University
History
King Ramkhamhaeng the Great, the third king of the Sukhothai period, is renowned for his invention of the Thai alphabet. He was called Poh Khun, meaning “Father lord” , for his benevolence, leniency, and thoughtfulness toward his people. When people ran into any difficulty or conflict which they could not solve among themselves, they could ring the bell which was hanged in front of the King’s palace, the King would then personally hear the cases and judge the case himself.
Before the establishment of Ramkhamhaeng University in 1971, Thailand has long suffered what might be called “ a crisis in the quest for higher education “ because the number of high school graduates seeking seats to the universities outnumbered the admission capacity of all universities combined. The problem finally prompted the parliament to pass a law authorizing the establishment of Ramkhamhaeng University or R.U.
The University has provide four study programs in 1971 :
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Business Administration
Faculty of Humanities
Faculty of Education
In 1974, three more faculties were operated:
Faculty of Science
Faculty of Political Science
Faculty of Economics
Ever since, Ramkhamhaeng University has been progressively developed and served the publics as one of Thailand’s foremost institutions for higher education.
In the academic year 1996, the university has provided three graduate study programs:
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
Master of Education
Master of Arts ( Political Science)
Based on the principle of “equality of opportunity” to all regarding higher education, RU provides teaching and learning systems both on-campus and via distance learning. The university teaches a wide number of subjects in the social sciences and humanities, and also offers courses in all the major branches of science as well, including engineering and health science, and provides international programs, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. This is a goal that Ramkhamhaeng University is continually striving to achieve without compromising academic excellence in any way.
At present, Ramkhamhaeng University offers Bachelor’s Degree Programs, Master’s Degree Programs, Ph. D. Programs, International Programs and Pre-degree Programs in 10 Faculties and the Graduate School. In addition, the university also provides a wide range of excellent academic and administrative support facilities, total of 18 Institutes/Offices /Centers. The total number of students enrolled at Ramkhamhaeng University is approximately 430,000 each year, consisting of nearly 400,000 undergraduate and 35,000 graduate students.
Given its long–standing commitment to providing equal opportunity in the field of education for all Thais throughout the nation, since 1995, guided by the vision of the Former President Rangsan Saengsook, Ramkhamhaeng University, in cooperation with government agencies and members of the private sector in the region, has established 22 RU Regional Campuses, in Honor of His Majesty the King, covering all regions of Thailand, as well as 36 regional examination centers. The university provides various Special Programs at the Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree levels, as well as short-courses, in 47 provinces, as well as in Bangkok; RU’s Special Programs are well-known and constitute a role model for supporting lifelong learning for all. The overall aim is to make a wide variety of academic services available to the community and to society at large, and to foster the development of human resources, both in the public and private sectors.
Based on the global vision of the Former President Rangsan Saengsook, the University has expanded in terms of providing equality of opportunity in higher education, not only throughout the country, but worldwide as well. The university also provides opportunities for Thais residing overseas, having been in the process of expanding Ramkhamhaeng University worldwide since 2003; as a result, the university provides undergraduate and graduate programs of study for Thais in 27 countries worldwide, having 36 examination centers in those countries. In this regard, the university has received generous support and assistance from Royal Thai Embassies and General Consulates in these countries, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Also, in honour of His Majesty the King, Ramkhamhaeng University has also established an Overseas Academic Services Center to oversee this venture
University staff development
The university’s staff is roughly grouped into two parts: the academic staff and the supporting staff. The academic staff itself is divided into lecturers and non-lecturers. There are 767 lecturers, 584 non-lecturers and 2,467 supporting staff. R.U. provides programs through co-operation and assistance of foreign universities for short-term training, Master’s and Doctor’s degree programs to increase faculty member’s skill, partially with R.U. financial support. They are encouraged to advance themselves and keep abreast of new academic developments through research, taking part in conferences, seminars and workshops both locally and internationally.
Bangkok Holidays
angkok Holidays - East blends with West
A holiday in Thailand would not be complete without stay in Bangkok. Visiting Bangkok is exciting and often exhausting experience, as there is so much to see and do. The exotic East blends with the modern West - a mix of magnificent Thai culture. Bangkok is a vast metropolis, with futuristic skyscrapers, exotic temples and old narrow streets with wooden dwellings. Bangkok is home to many temples, the world's most vibrant nightlife, a exciting Chinatown, countless shopping malls, and many museums and galleries, centred around the famous Chao Phraya River. You will have no trouble finding accommodation while on holiday in Bangkok as the city has hundreds of hotels offering great value to western visitors. Bangkok is served by Bangkok Suwarbumi Airport, located a half-hour car journey from the centre.
Bangkok Holidays - discover encient Rattanakosin Island and futureristic Siam Square
You may spend much of your holiday in Bangkok on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River. Here in the district of Rattanakosin Island you will find the exquisite Royal Grand Palace with its Temple of the Emerald Buddha known as Wat Phra Kaew. Also here is Wat Pho - the largest temple in Bangkok with a 46-meter long, gold Reclining Buddha - and the fascinating National Museum and National Gallery. Many Bangkok hotels are situation in this part of the city. In the neighbouring Sukhumvit Road and Siam Square areas you will be spoilt for choice if your Bangkok holiday includes shopping as there are many big shopping malls like Siam Paragon, siam Centre, Siam Discovery and MBK, as well as the popular Jim Thompson Thai House Museums, Suan Pakkard Palace Museum and Siam Society Kamthieng House. Travelling to other parts of the city is easy using the sky train, metro, river boats and tuk-tuks.
Bangkok Holidays - gateway to paradise
For many taking a holiday in Bangkok, the city serves merely as a transit to many Thailand's paradise beaches in Krabi, Phuket, Hua Hin and Koh Samui. If your preffer more active holidays, Thailand's national parks offer jungle trekking, rock climbing, kayaking, canoing, windsurfing, rafting, mountain biking and much more.
Well, this might be what you looking for, discover Bangkok, City of Angels.
The Bangkok Banks
Bangkok Banks Business Hours:
Most commercial concerns in Bangkok operate on a five-day week, usually from 8 am to 5 pm. Many stores open seven days a week from 10 am to 10 pm. Government offices are generally open between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm with a noon to 1 pm lunch break, Monday to Friday except on public holidays. Banks are open Mondays to Fridays from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm except on public holidays.
List of main Bangkok Banks
1. Bangkok Bank Public Company Ltd.
2.The Bangkok Bank of Commerce, Ltd. Public Company ltd.
3. Krung Thai Bank Public Company Ltd.
4. Bank of Ayudhya Public Company Ltd.
5.Thai Farmers Bank Public Company Ltd.
6.The Thai Military Bank Public Company Ltd.
7.The Thai Danu Bank Public Company Ltd.
8.The Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Ltd.
9. Siam City Bank Public Company Ltd.
10.First Bangkok City Bank Public Company Ltd.
11.Bangkok Metropolitan Bank Public Company Ltd.
12.The Union Bank of Bangkok Public Company Ltd.
13. Nakornthon Bank Public Company Ltd.
14.The Laem Thong Bank Public Company Ltd.
15. Bank of Asia Public Company Ltd.
Currency and Currency exchange :
The thai unit of currency is the baht 1 baht is divided into 100 satang. Note are in denominations of 1,000 (brown), 500 (purple), 100 (red), 50 (blue), 20 (green) and 10 (brown) baht. Coins consist of 25 satang, 50 satang, 1 baht, 5 baht and 10 baht.
Major currency bills and travellers cheques are cashed easily at hotels, tourist shops, all provincial banks, shopping centres and money changers.Travellers cheques are best changed in banks (you will need your passport). Rates of exchange at banks or authorised money changers are better than those at hotels and department stores.
Any amount of foreign currency may be brought into the country. Visitors may take foreign currency out of Thailand, but no more than the amount stated in the customs declaration made on arrival. Travellers leaving Thailand may take out no more than 50,000 baht per person in Thai currency.
The Bangkok Sports A to Z
Aerobics: Free aerobics lessons are available in most public parks. . The most notable is at Lumpini Park where yoga, aerobics and tai chi lessons can be had. Classes are available early in the morning and around 18:00 onwards. No registration nor membership is required, just a lot of energy to join in the fun!
Badminton: If you feel intimidated by a fast-travelling tennis ball, why not opt for the softer version badminton? There are countless badminton courts in Bangkok. Most of which usually have racquets available for rent. It's also advisable to check with a court before you go since some places are reserved exclusively for their members.
Biking: A great way to see Bangkok - and you won't be stuck in traffic. Cycle the back roads at the right time of day and you'll see another facet of this great city.
Bowling: Throw a strike or two at Bangkok's modern bowling alleys. Usually located on the top floor of shopping malls.
Cycling: A great and unique way to see Bangkok and beyond without getting stuck in traffic. Bangkok has a second-level bicycle track. However, you will not be able to avoid the less enjoyable, larger ground-level roads, where you fight heavy traffic. Luckily, you don't spend much time on these: With the right route, you reach your destination faster than other vehicles.
Fitness centres: Shed some sweat and those excessive pounds at the city's swanky fitness clubs.
Horse-racing: Horse-racing takes place every Sunday in the sweltering heat at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club. There's no betting, but it's great fun!
Ice Skating: Glide and twirl on the city's Olympic-size rink - a fun way to cool off from the city's harsh heat. Located on the top floor of Imperial World Samrong, just 20 minutes outside Bangkok, Imperial World Ice Skating is an Olympic-size rink complete with skating facilities like training room and Pro Shop. Lessons (about 30 minutes) are available at reasonable cost
Jogging: Ready, set, go! Jogging is a perfect way to get your heart pumping. And Bangkok has plentiful parks to do that at. There are quite a few parks scattered around the city, providing Bangkok residents with uncontaminated air and lots of healthy outdoor activities in lush, landscaped areas.
Martial Arts: Be it for keeping fit and healthy, self-defense, concentration or other reasons, martial arts have several beneficial aspects. Muay Thai is by no means the only martial art practised in Thailand. Tae Kwan Do is popular, especially among children, and Chinese martial arts such as Kung Fu and Tai Chi Chuan are just as common.
Muay Thai: Bangkok is not just a big city full of fumes, skyscrapers, malls, traffic and pollution. There are quite a few parks scattered around the city, providing Bangkok residents with uncontaminated air and lots of healthy outdoor activities in lush, landscaped areas. Most parks come with sport facilities such as a tennis court, swimming pool, football pitch and other amenities you can take advantage of for a very small fee.
Parks: Fresh air and healthy activities are yours for the taking at Bangkok's lush public parks. Bangkok is not just a big city full of fumes, skyscrapers, malls, traffic and pollution. There are quite a few parks scattered around the city, providing Bangkok residents with uncontaminated air and lots of healthy outdoor activities in lush, landscaped areas. Most parks come with sport facilities such as a tennis court, swimming pool, football pitch and other amenities you can take advantage of for a very small fee.
Pilates: Named after its inventor, Pilates helps build your body's core strength and posture through a series of stretching and conditioning exercises. Plenty of fitness centres in Bangkok offer yoga and Pilates classes, including the hot yoga.
Sepak Takraw: Essentially a net game played with feet, 'sepak takraw' is a hybrid of football (soccer) and volleyball with a bit of gymnastics and kung fu thrown in for kicks. Recreational sepak takraw can be seen played in the city's public parks , fairgrounds, city streets, courtyards of 'wats' (temples).
Squash: They say you can burn up to 1,000 calories per hour with a game of squash. All the major hotels usually have their own tennis court available for guests. However, if there isn't one where you're staying, there are plenty of public tennis and squash courts throughout the city.
Swimming: Whether you want to relax at a pool or aim for a serious calorie-burning session, swimming provides enjoyment and a total body work-out. Most mid-range and top-end hotels have swimming pools, as do many serviced apartments and fitness centres. If you can't find one where you're staying, quite a few public pools can be found around Bangkok
Tai Chi: Join city dwellers at Tai Chi sessions available at most public parks in the mornings.
Tennis: Hone your backhand and forehand skills at Bangkok's many tennis courts. All the major hotels usually have their own tennis court available for guests. However, if there isn't one where you're staying, there are plenty of public tennis and squash courts throughout the city.
Thai Boxing: Almost as ancient as the country itself, the art of Thai boxing is deeply ingrained in the history of Thailand. There are quite a few boxing stadiums in Bangkok. The biggest and most popular ones are Lumpini Boxing Stadium and Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium.
Yoga: Through breathing techniques and specific positions, yoga practitioners can enhance and induce meditative states. Many of the five-star hotels offer drop-in yoga classes, but plenty of yoga studios seem to be popping up around town, most of which offer attractive promotions to long- and short-term yoga enthusiasts all year round.
At Bangkok Tennis & Squash
After the huge success Thailand's tennis sensation Paradorn Srichaphan achieved at international matches and tournaments, more and more people in Thailand seems to be picking up a racquet in hopes to become the next champion. If you feel like honing your backhand and forehand skills yourself, many major hotels usually have their own tennis court available for guests. However, if there isn't one where you're staying, there are plenty of public tennis and squash courts throughout the city; in public parks, at universities or fitness centres. Note that some places do require membership, so make sure you check with the venue first.
The Capitol Club
Location: 99/397 Sukhumvit 24, Klongton, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Thailand
Contact: +66 (0)2 661 1210-26
Tennis court at Lumpini Park (Youth Center)
Location: Lumpini Park (Youth Center), Rama IV
Soi Klang Racquet Club
Location: 6, 8 Amara 3, Sukhumvit Soi 49-9, Soi Klang
Contact: +66 (0)2 714 7200
Chulalongkorn University Sports Center
Location: Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok
Contact: +66 (0)2 218 2874-76
Thammasat University Sport Center
Location: Gymnasium 7, 99 Moo 18 Paholyothin Road, Long Luang, Pathumthani
Contact: +66 (0)2 564 4425
Sports Authority of Thailand
Location: 286, Ramkhamhaeng Road, Hua Mark, Bangkapi
Contact: +66 (0)2 319 1116 ext 1502
Bangkok Naval Base
Location: Soi Isaraphap 44, Banchanglaw, Bangkoknoi
Contact: +66 (0)2 866 8807
Bangkok Metropolitan Youth Centre (Thai-Japan)
Location: Mitmaitri Road, Dindaeng
Contact: +66 (0)2 245 3360
The National Stadium (Supacharasai)
Location: Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan (BTS the National Stadium station)
Contact: +66 (0)2 216 7390
Indoor Stadium Huamark & Rajamangala National Stadium
Location: 2088 Ramkamheang Road, Huamark, Bangkapi
Contact: +66 (0)2 318 0940-4
WAT MAHATHAT YUWARATRANGSARIT RATCHAWORAMAHAWIHAN
Built in the Ayutthaya period, this temple was originally named Wat Salak. During restoration in the
reigns of King Rama I-King Rama V, it was known by several different names. Eventually it was named Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit, but it is always known as Wat Mahathat.
Mondop: Inside is a chedi in the style of King Rama I's reign containing Buddha relics. It is the precursor of early Rattanakosin chedis, and completely covered in lacquered gold leaf.
Ubosot: In contrast to most others, this has no front or rear portico. There are entrances on both sides and is large enough for 1,000 monks to gather at one time. The principal Buddha image is covered in gold leaf, and is the work of Phraya Devarangsan, a notable craftsman of the Front Palace (Wang Na).
Maha Chulalongkorn Rajavidyalaya: This university was founded by King Rama V as an educational institution for Mahanikai monks.
Wihan Photilangka: The prayer hall was built in the reign of King Rama IV. The principal Buddha image, named Phra Nak, is in the Sukhothai period style and cast in bronze.
Monument to Somdet Chao Phraya Maha Surasinghanat: In front of Photilanga Wihan, the monument is to King Rama I's younger brother, an important army commander when Rattanakosin was found.
Address:
3 Maharat Road Phraborommaharatchawang Sub-District
Phra Nakhon District
Bangkok 10200
Phone: (662) 221-5999
222-7984 222-1415
Fax:(662) 623-6284
Bus :1 3 7 9 15 25 30 32 33 39 43 44 47 53 59 60 64 65 70 80 82 91 203
Air-con Bus: 1 8 25 39 44 70 82 203 506 507 512
Pier:
1. Chao Phraya Express Boat: Tha Chang Pier
2. Ferry: Phrachan Nua Pier
Opening Hours:
Temple: Daily 8 am-5 pm Ubosot: Mon-Sat 8-9 am
5-6 pm
Sun 7 am-4 pm
Buddhist Sermon Day:
7 am-5 pm
Admission Fee:
Free Admission
Activity&Festival:
Buddhism Course:
7:30-8::30 pm
Sun 7 am-3 pm (Children)
Listed by Fine Arts Dept.:1949
Royal Temple: First Class
School, University:
Mahachulalongkorn U.
Phone: (662) 623-6322-4
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat 1-4 pm
Closed:
Sun
Buddhist Sermon Day
Parking:
In the Temple compound
Nearby Attractions:
City Pillar Clock Tower
College of Dramatic Arts Expeditionary Force Memorial Grand Palace National Museum National Theatre
Old Cannon Museum Phratamnak Suan Kularb School
Sanam Luang Saranrom Park Silpa Bhirasri Memorial Silpakorn U. Thommasat U. Thawornwatthu Bldg.
Wat Pho Wat Phra Kaeo
Wat Ratchapradit
More Infomatin
• Web Board & Gallery Bangkok
• Google Earth Thailand Map Bangkok
Important numbers
Police emergency: 191
Tourist Police: 0 7742 1281
Tourist Police - Emergency: 1155
Fire Department: 106
Bangkok Hospital: 0 7742 9500
Samui Hospital: 0 7742 1232
Immigration: 0 7742 1069
