Phitsanulok

Phitsanulok is best known for the Phra Buddha Chinnarat, one of the most beautiful and most revered Buddha images in Thailand, as well as for the national parks of Phu Hin Rong Kla, Thung Salaeng Luang, and Nam Tok Trakan. It is also famous for the popular dish of phak bung loi fa, 'flying water spinach', stir-fried in soya bean sauce and garlic.



Wooden Thai houses along the banks of the Nan and Yom rivers have a pleasing traditional ambience, and yet Phitsanulok is also increasingly a centre for economic and social development.



Visitors are recommended to try the province's famous noodles, locally known as Kuai Tieo Hoi Kha, literally legs-hanging rice noodles. The name comes from the way customers sit on a bench with their legs dangling under the table as they face the Nan River and enjoy the fine scenery and cooling breeze. Also, first-time visitors wishing to know more about the province should take in Sergeant Major Thawee's Folk Museum, well known for its collection of rural folk arts and crafts.
Phitsanulok is strategically located between the north, north­eastern, and central regions, and it was in recognition of the province's growth potential that THAI added Phitsanulok to its domestic route network.

Mae Hong Son

A small province in the far northwest corner of the country, Mae Hong. Son is cradled in forested mountains, the landscape made a riot of colour when the Golden Bua Tong, or Mexican Sunflower, which grows in abundance, is in bloom.



The provincial capital is small and laid-back, overlooked by the temple-topped peak of Doi Kong Mu, which affords stun­ning panoramas of the surrounding countryside. In town, two lakeside temples in Burmese provide an enchanting focal point.



North of the capital, the little town of Pai has in recent years become an extremely popular destination, renowned for its air of tranquility and the beauty of its natural surroundings. Rafting on the Pai River is also a big attraction.

Chiang Mai

Virtually everyone who visits Chiang Mai is charmed by this enchanting province. The natural scenery of high rolling hills, lush forests, and swift-flowing rivers is magnificent, while the local culture preserves the art and architecture of the ancient Lanna Kingdom of which the town of Chiang Mai was once the capital.



A host of traditional handicrafts, as well contemporary home decor items, make Chiang Mai city a veritable shoppers' paradise. The city also boasts many excellent hotels, quality restaurants and cafes that all help to make it a totally satisfy­ing vacation destination, its charm enhanced by its pleasant location on the banks of the Ping River.

Chiang Rai

Although Chiang Rai is not among the priority destinations that travellers usually dream of visiting, nonetheless the province is rewarding both for its magnificent highland scenery and its distinctive Lanna art and architecture.

The provincial capital is small and possessed of a relaxed easy-going charm, while a handful of historic temples, notably Wat Phra Kaeo and Wat Phra Singh, afford ample sightseeing. Beyond the town, the mountain peaks of Doi Tung and Doi Mae Salong are areas of great natural beauty where the villages of colourful hill tribe people add interest to the landscape. Doi Tung has the further attraction of the pal¬ace of the late HRH the Princess Mother built in an intriguing blend of Lanna and Swiss architectural styles.

Among other places of interest are the historic little town of Chiang Saen, and the famous Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand Myanmar and Laos meet.

Sanam Chan Palace

Aged 100 years old, Sanam Chan Palace still re¬tains the significant role that it had in the past, although its architecture and structure have been renovated several times. This indicates that this old palace deserves being preserved as part of the local and national heritage.

Constructed in 1907 near the end of the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), Sanam Chan Palace in Nakhon Pathom province is recognized as a sacred structure that has seen many events of historical significance. The name `Sanam Chan Palace' was granted by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI); it was formerly called 'Noen Prasat', as this area is believed to have been the location of an ancient palace. A large pond, which was called 'Sa Nam Chan', presently 'Sa Bua' (lotus pond), is found nearby. The name 'Sanam Chand Palace' is derived from Sa Nam Chan.
When he was the Crown Prince, King Vajiravudh intended to
build Sanam Chan Palace as his residence during his trip to Nakhon Pathom to pay homage to Phra Pathom Chedi (the Great Pagoda) and to spend time there. He also wanted to construct this palace as a stronghold to fight national crises, as Sanam Chan compound was considered a strategic site.
For this reason, King Vajiravudh bought a plot of about 888 rai (355 acres) from a local villager, and he assigned Luang Phithakmanop to design and construct the palace. Sanam Chan still retains the significant role that it had in the past, although its architecture and structures have been renovated several times. This indicates that this old palace deserves being preserved as part of the local and national heritage.
The Sanam Chan compound consists of both Thai and Western-style buildings blended harmoniously. King Vajiravudh ordered the construction of halls, residences, and a monument. These buildings include Phra Thi Nang Phiman Pathom, Phra Thi Nang Aphirom Ruedi, Phra Thinang Watchari Rommaya, Phra Thi Nang Samakkhi Mukkhamat, Prasat Si Wichai, Thewalai Khanet, Sala Thammathet Olan, Phra Thinang Patihan Thatsanai, Phra Thi Nang Chali Mongkhon At, Phra Thinang Mari Ratcharat Banlang, Phra Tam Nak Thap Kaeo, and Phra Tamnak Thap Khwan.
Built in 1907, Phra Thi Nang Phiman Pathom was built as the first hall to be the royal residence of King Vajiravudh, who also used it for his study and as an audience hall and a reception hall to welcome royal guests. This two-story concrete building is in the Western style with intricately carved designs. Next to this hall to the south is Phra Thi Nang Aphirom Ruedi, also in the Western style, which served as the residence of Queen Intharasaksachi, the consort of King Vajiravudh.
Phra Thinang Watchari Rommaya, a Thai-style house with a roof decorated with chofa (hornlike finial), bai raka (toothlike ridges on the sloping edges of a gable), nak sadung (figure of the carved Naga), and hang hong (small finials jutting out of the two corners of the gable), was used occasionally as a royal study room. It is connected with Phra Thinang Samakkhi Mukkhamat, large audience hall. King Vajiravudh used it as the meeting place for scouts and the rehearsal venue for khon (masked dance) and other performances. This building can accommodate a large number of people, and it is often called Tong Khon', or a theater for khon. Today, a classical dance is performed only on weekends.
Phra Thi Nang Patihan Thatsanai is a small hall built as a place where the King viewed Phra Pathom Chedi. Among the royal residences is Phra Tamnak Thap Khwan, which features a group of eight one-story houses, consisting of four main houses and four small ones. They are all made of teak, and a veranda connects them all. Not one single nail was used in putting each part of the houses together. Fine and dedicate craftsmanship in woodcarving is evident in many parts of the complex.
According to historical records, King Vajirvudh wanted to build this residence in order to preserve traditional Thai houses. He presided over the opening ceremony and stayed overnight at the residence on January 25, 1912.
Phra Tamnak Chali Mongkhon At and Phra Thi Nang Mari Ratcharat Banlang, both in the Western style, stand prominently in the Sanam Chan compound. The names of these two buildings were derived from the play 'My Friend Jarlet', inspired by King Vajiravudh, who translated it into Thai as `Mit Thae'.
Phra Tamnak Chali Mongkhon At was built in 1908 and it is in the mixture of French Renaissance and the half timber architecture of England. The two-story building has a red roof. The upper floor includes a study room, a bedroom, and the bathroom. The lower floor to the west is a waiting room for an audience. During the Sixth
Reign, it was used as the King's residence, in his capacity as commander of scouts, and as a scout training center. The King frequently stayed at this building late in his reign.
In front of Phra Tamnak Chali Mongkhon At is a monument to Ya-Le, a favorite dog of King Vajiravudh. It is made of copper, with a statement written by the King in memory of the dog, which had been shot dead. On the upper floor of this hall is a bridge with a tile roof, linking to Phra Tamnak Mani Ratcharat Banlang, a red two-story teak house in the neo-classical style.
In the middle of Sanam Chan is Thewalai Khanet, a shrine of Ganesha, the elephant-headed Hindu god of arts. From Phra Thi Nang Phiman Pathom, we can view clearly Phra Pathom Chedi, Thewalai Khanet, and Phra Thinang Phiman Pathom, located on the same line.
At present, Sanam Chan Palace is under the supervision of the Bureau of the Royal Household. It is open to visitors every day, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., except on public holidays.
On the occasion of the celebrations of His Majesty the King's 80th birthday, December 5, 2007, coinciding with the centenary of Sanam Chan Palace in Nakhon Pathom province, the Bureau of the Royal Household, Nakhon Pathom province, and Silpakorn University have agreed to join hands in organizing the centennial celebrations of Sanam Chan Palace from November 23 to December 2, 2007, between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. This event is also meant to honor King Bhumibol Adulyadej and King Vajiravudh. The general public is invited to participate in various activities as part of the celebrations and appreciate the delightful atmosphere of Sanam Chan Palace at night time. For more information, please call the Office of the Sanam Chan Palace, tel. 0-3424-4236-7, or fax. 0-3424-4235.

Takiang

Takiang, a typical Thai lamp, is a device that has a wick to produce light fuelled by oil. There are many types of takiang, such as the ones made of bottles or milk cans and using rolled zinc to hold the wick, made of unbleached cotton thread or a piece of cloth. The wick is put into the bottle or milk can, which is full of kerosene. As the wick soaks up kerosene, it can burn to produce light.
From the most common plate-like ceramics for placing candles or burning gum benjamin, Takiang have been developed into several shapes. Animal wax has been used to replace kerosene.A lamp with a glass cover to protect the flame from the wind is called takiang po; and the one with a handle is called takiang rua (barn lantern). Takiang Ian has a fan blade propelled by a coil spring to drive away smoke, and takiang chao phayu is a pressure lantern, in which air is, compressed and oil is sprayed onto the wick. Today, however, local people have turned to use gas lamps, as they are more convenient.

the Kinnaree

According to Indian legend, the Kinnaree is a human being from the "Himmawatpradhes" known in Thai as the "Himmaphan Forest". Kinnaree is the name given to female figures, while the male figures are called "Kinnon". The Kinnaree in Thai literature originates from India, but was modified to fit in with the Thai way of thinking. The Thai Kinnaree is therefore depicted as a young woman of sublime beauty wearing an angel-like costume. The lower part of the body is similar to a bird, enabling her to fly wherever she wants, and to travel back and forth between the human and the mythical worlds. When swimming, she shed her wings and tail, and she then possesses a figure of an ordinary beautiful young woman. The Kinnaree is renowned for her speed of flight, which enables her to reach to many mysterious destinations where ordinary human beings can't go.
The most famous Kinnaree in Thailand is the figure known as "Menorah" in a Thai tone entitled "Panyasachadok". The dance called "Manorah-Buchayan", featured as an integral part of this literature is one of the most esoteric among the high classical dances of Thailand.