In 1984, just outside the modern Chiang Mai metropolitan area, archaeologists uncovered the remains of an ancient city. Research concluded that this was the city of Wiang Kum Kam, one of many fortified cities built by King Mengrai as he consolidated his hold on the north. In fact, it appears that Mengrai may have lived at Wiang Kum Kam for a few years before Chiang Mai was constructed.
Nearly 20 temple sites have been uncovered in the area, which lies between the Ping river and the Lamphun highway. The buildings were buried underground by years of flooding, which apparently is the reason Mengrai eventually moved his capital to Chiang Mai. In fact, the Ping river originally flowed along the north side of the town, but at some point during the Burmese occupation from the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries, the river changed course and now flows along the west side of the site. The change of course was apparently the final straw which caused the city to be largely abandoned for 300 years. The site is too large to cover on foot. The best way to see it is to start at the still working temple of Wat Chedi Liam, and tour the site by bicycle, tram or pony carriage. The nine main sites taken in on a typical tour are not greatly interesting compared to many of Thailand's ancient sites. What does make the trip worthwhile is the gentle pace and scenery of the countryside viewed from the back of a carriage or on a bicycle.
Although most of the sites are not much more than platforms and ruined chedis, there are two working temples in the area that date from the city's heyday at the end of the thirteenth century. One is your logical starting point, Wat Chedi Liam. The other, more vibrant temple is Wat Khan Tom (also known as Wat Chang Kum), where in fact the spirit of King Mengrai is said to still reside.
Wiang Kum Kam is situated in Tha Wang Tan, Sarapee District, outside Chiang Mai city about the 3-4 km on Chiang Mai – Lamphun Rd.
Open everyday 08.00-17.00
For more information: 0 5332 1523 / 0 5328 3981
More Information In Changmai please visit to www.tatchiangmai.org
This is the oldest golf course in the Kingdom of Thailand. Construction began in 1992 during the reign of King Rama VI, and completed in 1928 during the reign of King Rama VII. Railroad engineer, Mr.A.O.Robin contributed to the design of this all natural course. 
The oldest Woldclass International Standard golf course. 18 Holes Par 72 course is 6,655 yards long. Its golfing challenges, highly varied mature flora and history make it a national treasure. 
One can picture is clearly : Gian-Maria Zanotti sitting together with friends over one last Limoncello, compiling ideas, experiences, dreaming up the perfect place. Not repeating the mistakes that others have made, but creating just what Bangkok needs. When the man behind one of the city’s finest Italian restaurants feels like expanding his little empire,only a wine bar like ‘Vino’ can be the result. 
Just across from his signature eatery Zanotti ,an intimate roofed wooden deck tempts to linger, but then the warm lights from the glass-encased room coax you inside. A quartet’s warm live jazz envelopes the whole place – most diners while away a soft evening here, chatting with friends at high tables on stools, munching on easy snacks and sipping on, well, what else? The cellar here houses around 500 selections – 90% Italian – an astonishing number for such a compact place. Alec, the stylish, Bond-esque manager, is always happy to discuss the right choice with inquisitive guests. 
The Imperial Samui Hotel is an unusual hybrid of Mediterranean style and Thai hospitality.It offers all the comforts and is known for being surrounded by agroup of coconut trees overlooking the see facing Chaweng Noi Beach and different rock formations secluding the hotel from the crowdDuring Thes season of love,the hotel offers a marriage package ideal for couples and loves in the old Thai way
Room 108 rooms 13 Junior Suites, 6 Lavanish Suites 11 Garden Terrace Rooms , 1 Duplex Rooms, 2 Grand Duplex Rooms
sitting snugly in the Gulf of Thailand ,Koh Samui is Thailand's third largest island at 247 sq.km.,and during the last decade it has become one of Southeast Asias premiem tourist destinations
In the past 10 years,Thailand has hosted "applied" wedding ceremonies,mostly in key provinces where their unique attractions become a part of the wedding and where the wedding ceremony is altered to fit the wedding couple's preference and tastes.
The word's first canoe wedding took place at Koh Phang Nga National Park,as an alternative to couples who dreamed of having romantic outdoor wedding . In this wedding, the bride is taken out to Koh Tapoo, waiting for the Khan Mhark Boat parade from the groom. Once the wedding terms are agreed,the couples board a canoe and row it towords Khoa Phing Kan for marriage registration. Following is the wedding party as Koh Panyee and wrapping it is the canoeing through Lod Cave.
Koh Tapoo place in ceremony
picture form www.kradanisland.com
Thailand recently joined other major Asian aviation hubs in implementing security measures recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The following restrictions on liquids, aerosols and gels in hand-carried luggage are effective from 1 June 2007, and are applicable for all commercial flights departing from airports in Thailand. 
Liquids, aerosols, gels, drinks, creams, perfumes, sprays, toothpaste, lipstick, lip balm and all similar substances in containers exceeding 100 ml must be placed in checked-in luggage. 
Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Mrs Phornsiri Manoharn and Chief Executive Officer of low-cost airline Thai AirAsia, Mr Tassapon Bijleveld, recently participated in a ceremony to welcome the airline’s thirteenth Boeing 737-300 aircraft, the first to feature the “Amazing Thailand” campaign logo. 
Former Prime Minister Kukrit Pramoj's house reflects his long influential life. After Thailand became a constitutional monarchy in 1932, he formed the country's first political party and was prime minister in 1974 and 1975. (Perhaps he practiced for that role 12 years earlier when he appeared with Marlon Brando as a Southeast Asian prime minister in The Ugly American.) He died in 1995 and much of his living quarters -- five interconnected teak houses -- has been preserved as he left it. Throughout his life, Kukrit was dedicated to preserving Thai culture, and his house and grounds are a monument to a bygone era; the place is full of Thai and Khmer art and furniture from different periods. The landscaped garden with its Khmer stonework is also a highlight. It took Pramoj 30 years to build the house, so it's no wonder that you can spend the better part of a day wandering around here. COST: B50. OPEN: Weekends and official holidays 10-5:30. Skytrain: Chong Nonsi (10-min walk from station). 
Dateb 08/09/2007 - 09/09/2007 
Recognising the importance of preserving Thailand's river-based cultural 
Tournament returns to the hills in 2008. Event organiser Anantara Resorts announced that the 2008 tournament would take place from March 31 to April 6 in the northern-most region of the country known as the Golden Triangle. 
Through its own Elephant Camp located within the grounds of the Anantara Resort Golden Triangle, the property’s focus on the future of Thailand’s pachyderm population and forms an integral part of the resort’s operations. On an on-going basis, resident Director of Elephants, John Roberts, works closely with the Thai government’s Elephant Conservation Centre in Lampang to develop Anantara’s camp as an elephant sanctuary. The funds raised from the 2006 tournament are being used to custom-build an elephant-sized ambulance which will be donated to the National Elephant Institute. 
I love everything about living in Bangkok: the hustle and bustle, the strange sights, even the strong smells. However, there are times when city life becomes overwhelming and I need to find somewhere to retreat for a while to soothe my senses. Whenever I feel this way, my thoughts turn first to Wat Saket, known as the Golden Mount; a large temple with a towering gilded chedi atop a hill situated just a ten-minute walk from Khao San Road. 
At three points, the stairs are broken by a short platform, and I pause on one of these to ring the large prayer bells. Striking the bells produces a deep, majestic tone, which resonates and carries out into the distance. 
At the base of Wat Saket, I can see the center of the temple compound, where a giant golden Buddha statue is housed in a bot - an open house-like structure - that has been extensively restored. The Buddha statue is situated in the samaadhi (contemplation) attitude with a disciple seated either side. 
The wat is open daily 8 am- 5 pm and although entrance is free admission to the chedi costs 10B, have a coin ready.The best time to visit is early morning or near closing, when the time to the top is cooler. During late October to Mid November Wat Saket comes alive the celebrate Bangkok's temple fair. The festival lasts for nine days and features theatrical performances, circus shows, foods and souvenir stalls. 
Thousands of people have discovered just how fun and memorable going on a bike tour with the entire family can be. 
Bangkok, Thailand,— The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is challenging influential and passionate travel industry leaders to agree and sign on to a truly cross-sectoral industry response to climate change, one of the greatest global threats to travel and tourism. 
Date 05 August 2007
Living” — which refers to traditional Thai hospitality, lifestyle and friendliness of the people 
