Open to the new shades

Song Kalia River, Sangkhla Buri, Kanchanaburi Sangkhla Buri offers a world- away experience to visitors, thanks to its natural richness and stark distinctions in local culture. Cruise along the Song Kalia River - the confluence of watersheds in the Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary and the nearby Bikli Creek - and observe the beautiful Mon culture and influences. Do not miss to wonder at the mystique Underwater City, notably the flooded ancient temple in the area of Khao Laem Reservoir. Sangkhla Buri District, Kanchanaburi Tourism Authority of Thailand, Kanchanaburi. +66 3451 1200, +66 3451 2500 www.tourismthailand.org/ kanchanaburi Red Lotus Lake, Udon Thani Nature Hop onto a pontoon boat and enjoy the otherworldly and spectacular sights of the ‘Red Lotus Sea’ or ‘Thale Bua Daeng’ in which millions of them will come into full bright pink blooms from December - March. The lake is called ‘Han Kumphawapi’ and it covers 600 square acres south of Udon Thani city. Other attractions worth stopping on this trip include hopping onto small islands that house Buddha statues, shrines and a pagoda. The best time to go is early morning until about noon when the lotuses are at their best. Kumphawapi District, Udon Thani Tourism Authority of Thailand, Udon Thani. +66 4232 5406-7 www.tourismthailand.org/udonthani 99

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Terraced Rice Fields, Nature Pa Bong Piang, Chiang Mai Perched on the highlands of Mae Chaem District of Chiang Mai, these terraced rice fields magnificently adorn the green sloped plains of overlapping mountaintops. Indigenously designed to make the best of highlands and enable irrigation of the crops, these rice fields have become a destination, albeit remote and a bit rough to get to. The best time to visit is just before the harvest months towards the end of the year when the rice fields are all shimmering with golden mature rice ears. 08.30 – 16.30 hrs. Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Tourism Authority of Thailand, Chiang Mai, +66 5324 8604-5 101

Nature Choui Fong Tea Boonrawd Farm Plantation, Chiang Rai and Tea Plantation, Chiang Rai One of the oldest tea plantations A mega themed park with an area over 3,000 in Thailand’s North, Choui Fong acres, Singha Park is divided into multiple zones; Tea Plantation opens its premises each dedicated for different activities. Visitors to visitors who want to see the can do a farm tour on an open bus, get impressed celebrated tea up close and with their Cosmos Field and Swan Lake, chill out personal. At an altitude of 1,200 at their Bhu Bhirom Restaurant or even get metres above sea level and an themselves exhilarated by ziplining across the tea area of almost 400 acres, the plantation that takes up over 200 acres of their tea plantation produces several land. Other highlights also include their panoramic types of tea. Among their zipline tower and animal farms. popular selections include Assam tea, green tea, Oolong and black 08.00 – 17.00 hrs. tea that visitors can try with an Mueang District, Chiang Rai, array of sweets and savouries at +66 5317 2870 the panoramic view cafeteria. www.boonrawdfarm.com 08.30 – 17.30 hrs. 102 Mae Fah Luang District and Mae Chan District, Chiang Rai. +66 5377 1563. www.chouifongtea.com

Mexican Sunflower Fields at Doi Mae U Kho, Mae Hong Son Mae Hong Son is known for its unique roller-coaster-like, up-and- down meandering routes. But every November of each year, when the hilly area of Doi Mae U Kho is filled endlessly with Mexican sunflowers (locally known as Dok Bua Tong), people drive here in droves to see the whole entire hill covered in bright yellow. A dreamy destination that is worth every turn in the winding loop. November of each year. Khun Yuam District, Mae Hong Son, +66 5361 2982-3. Sunflower Fields, Lop Buri Nature Another popular spot to gawk at the endless yellow fields of sunflowers, The Lop Buri Sunflower Fields is only a short trip from Bangkok and a lot of people opt to go there by train. This can easily be Thailand’s largest human-grown sunflower fields with an accumulated area covering over 80,000 - 120,000 acres. The best time to go there is from November to January. Be prepared for a long walk and bring an umbrella. 08.00 – 18.00 hrs. Mueang, Phatthana Nikhom, and Chaibadan Districts, Lop Buri. Tourism Authority of Thailand, Lop Buri, +66 3677 0096-7 www.tourismthailand.org/lopburi 103

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Samet Nang Chi Nature Viewpoint, Phang-nga This is the best spot to capture the entire awesomeness of the world renowned Phang-nga Bay with all of its breathtaking limestone karsts and islets. This picturesque location is about 45 minutes from Phuket town and requires about a 20-minute hike. Camping and lodging are also available. 08.30-16.30 hrs. Takua Pa District, Phang-nga. +66 7648 1900-2 www.tourismthailand.org/ phangnga 105

Nature Sam Phan Bok, Ubon Ratchathani Known as the Grand Canyon of Thailand, Sam Phan Bok or three thousand holes (shallow lakes) is the largest rock reef in the Mekong River basin. The best way to enjoy these stunning natural wonder is to walk along the trail, or drive to Hat Salueng and take a long walk. Sam Phan Bok is part of the Mekhong River, hence submerged all the time except during the dry months between November - June of each year. 08.30-16.30 hrs. Khong Chiam District, Ubon Ratchathani +66 4524 3770, +66 4525 0714 www.tourismthailand.org 106

Phu Huai Isan, Phu Sing, Bueng Kan Nature Nong Khai Bueng Kan has recently become a new The small and quiet district rage for adventurous tourism thanks called Sangkhom in Nong Khai to its unique prehistoric terrain with has the best, expansive views of sedimentary rocky formations scattered the Mekong River on top of Phu around its once arid land. Phu Sing Huai Isan. This is another Reserve Forest covers a vast area fantastic place to catch the of over 4,000 acres with magnificent sunrise with dreamy backdrops natural landmarks including the huge of the ephemeral clouds. The and stunning Three Whales Rocks with place is about a 2-hour drive archaeological evidence from the from Nong Khai town, and you Cretaceous Period or about 80 million will need to park your car and years ago. hire a local tuk-tuk to get to the top. The best time to catch the 08.30-16.30 hrs. signature views is in the early Si Wilai District, Bueng Kan morning from 05.00-07.00 hrs. +66 4232 5406-7 www.tourismthailand.org/udonthani 08.30-16.30 hrs. Sangkhom District, Nong Khai +66 4232 5406-7 www.tourismthailand.org/ udonthani 107

Nature Phu Chi Fa, Chiang Rai Rated as the best check-in with a stunning sunrise amidst the sea of clouds, Phu Chi Fa is perched at over 1,600 metres above sea level. The peak is about 100 kilometres or a 2-hour drive from Chiang Rai town with some climbing required to get to the top. The peak is open year-round with the highlight months include February- March when the indigenous purple orchids are in full bloom, and New Year when hill tribes celebrate the year end by adorning their colourful and exquisite costumes. 08.30-16.30 hrs. Thoeng District, Chiang Rai. +66 5371 7433, +66 5374 4764-5 www.tourismthailand.org Kio Mae Pan Nature Trail, Chiang Mai Explore the expansive views from the top of Doi Inthanon National Park by hiking along this ‘educative nature trail’ of Kio Mae Pan, which is a relatively short trek when compared to other trails the whole area has to offer. The trail runs along dense evergreen forest with moss and ferns covering large tree trunks. Highlights also include the wind-swept savannah-like landscape and meadow dotted with moss and lichen. 08.30-16.30 hrs. Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai. +66 5328 6729 (Doi Inthanon) and +66 5324 8604-5 (Tourism Authority of Thailand Chiang Mai) www.tourismthailand.org/chiangmai 108

White Elephant Nature Summit, Kanchanaburi This is the highest peak in Thong Pha Phum National Park and it is open to the public only for three months of the year (usually in late November-January) and only allows 60 people per day onto the trail. To hike here, one needs to be accompanied by a guide. The trail usually takes about four hours, and overnight camping can be arranged with the national park. 08.30-16.30 hrs. Thong Pha Phum National Park, Kanchanaburi +66 3453 2114, +66 9 8252 0359 www.tourismthailand.org/ kanchanaburi 109

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Shades of Local Communities Thai Way of Life • Ban Khiriwong, Nakhon Si Thammarat • Ban Na Ton Chan, Sukhothai • Ban Phamon, Chiang Mai • Ban Nam Chiao, Trat • Ban Nong Khao, Kanchanaburi • Ban Sanuan Nok, Buri Ram • Ko Koet Homestay, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Shades of Festivities • Loi Krathong • Songkran • Christmas Star Parade, Sakon Nakhon • Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Festival), Loei • Vegetarian Festival, Phuket • Lotus Throwing Festival, Samut Prakan • Poi Sang Long Festival (Festival of Crystal Sons), Mae Hong Son Shades of Markets • Talat Rot Fai, Ratchada, Bangkok • Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok • Amphawa Floating Market, Samut Songkhram • Tha Kha Floating Market, Samut Songkhram • Lao Tuk Luck Floating Market, Ratchaburi • Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market, Samut Prakan • Don Manora Floating Market, Samut Songkhram • Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Ratchaburi • Mallika City (1905 A.D.), Kanchanaburi • Kao Hong Market, Suphan Buri • Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market, Bangkok • Sookjai Farmer’s Market, Nakhon Pathom Shades of Health & Wellness • Traditional Thai Massage, Wat Pho, Bangkok • Phuklon Mud Spa, Mae Hong Son • Tok Sen, Chiang Mai • Yam Khang Fire Massage, Chiang Mai • Chicken Coop Sauna, Trat • Hot Sand Beach Spa, Krabi Shades of Spirituality • Rai Chern Tawan, Chiang Rai • Thai Dhamma (Goenka Meditation Centre), Nonthaburi • Ratchaprasong Intersection, Bangkok • Wat Suan Mokkh International Dharma Hermitage, Surat Thani • Buddhadasa Indapanno Archives, Suan Mokkh Bangkok 111

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Ban Khiriwong, Thai Way of Life Nakhon Si Thammarat The valley of Ban Khiriwong is known for its purest air and naturally ‘slow’ lifestyle. The area was dubbed the greenest lung of Thailand’s South and in 1998, the community was awarded a Thailand Tourism Award for being exemplar in community-based ecotourism and management. The village still retains its old charm with integrated indigenous fruit orchards, notably the famous Southern durian, homestay facilities, and various workshops in which visitors can learn from local wisdom and how-to-make crafts. Lan Saka District, Nakhon Si Thammarat. +66 7534 6515-6 www.tourismthailand.org 113

Thai Way of Life Ban Na Ton Chan, Sukhothai Named after the prosperity of rice fields and ‘chan’ trees (Millettia), this old farming community is another good place for visitors to experience local life. Ban Na Ton Chan is in Sukhothai’s north district of Si Satchanalai, hence heavily influenced by Northern Thailand. The small undisturbed community here still retains the original traditions with rice farming as the main occupation with sideline activities including native handicrafts, silk weaving and basketry. Homestay accommodation is available in the village. Si Satchanalai District, Sukhothai. +66 8 8495 7738 www.facebook.com/HomeStayBannaTonChan Ban Phamon, Chiang Mai A small and remote Karen tribe village that is now slowly accepting tourism, Ban Phamon is surrounded by lushness - green and undulating views of rice fields that have become its intrinsic signature. Their accommodation – the Bamboo Pink House - is a large homestay with shared facilities for small groups of visitors welcomed to observe and join the hill tribe’s still untarnished original way of life. Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai +66 8 1166 4344 www.facebook.com/baan.phamon 114

Ban Nam Chiao, Trat Thai Way of Life The homestay facility at Ban Nam Chiao community in the Laem Ngop area of Trat is another highlight in Thailand’s Eastern coastline. Here, Thai Muslims, Thai Chinese and Thai Buddhists live together in harmony and share the profession of fishing. A group of locals have now opened their homes to welcome visitors who, during their homestay programme, will experience life as it is for this charming community. Highlights include the high footbridge reckoned to be the highest of its type in the country. Laem Ngop District, Trat. +66 8 4892 5374 www.facebook.com/กลุ่มทอ่ งเท่ยี วบา้ นน�้ำเชย่ี ว 115

Thai Way of Life Ban Nong Khao, Kanchanaburi Ban Sanuan Nok, Buri Ram An old community at the border of Thailand and Myanmar, Ban Nong Khao is now a place The Ban Sanuan Nok community, with a real traditional and unchanged lifestyle. named after the abundant native Colourful Pa Khao Ma (loincloth) is their flagship Sanuan trees (rosewood), is known crafted product thanks to the village’s strong for its intricate ‘hang krarok’ silk traits and skills producing handwoven textiles. weaving and Khmer influences that While the cloth is still made in the traditional are still present. Visitors to this ‘Lai Ta Chak’ pattern, it has also been small farming village can learn the adapted to make fashionable clothing, process of silk production - from souvenirs and trinkets. Visitors can visit as mulberry planting and silkworm a day-trip, observe the production of breeding to extracting the silk Pa Khao Ma and take a tuk-tuk ride to see threads all the way to the silk the entire community. weaving process. Khmer influences can also be found in the local Tha Muang District, Kanchanaburi. performances. Local ‘space rocket’ +66 3458 6060 or Skylab tuk-tuk is the signature www.facebook.com/nongkhao36 ride to visit the local market and old town packed with century-old 116 houses. Huai Rat District, Buri Ram. +66 8 5411 4435, +66 8 0472 4435 www.facebook.com/pg/ BanSanuanNokVillage

Ko Koet Homestay, Thai Way of Life Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Ko Koet homestay is a collective effort of the local villagers on the riverside of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya who have opened up their own homes to welcome visitors. The traditional Thai lifestyle, ubiquitous along the river, as well as traditional Thai medicines and remedies are emphasised here. The highlighted activities include a visit to a herbal garden, organic kitchen garden attending, and workshops on various topics; such as, making herbal insect repellents and Thai sweets. Bang Pa-in District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. +66 3524 6076-7 www.tourismthailand.org 117

Thai Way of Life Festivities 118

Loi Krathong Thai Way of Life A significant Siamese festival that is celebrated throughout the country, Loi Krathong marks the full moon night on the twelfth lunar month (November) of each year. The day changes year by year according to the lunar calendar. Legend has it that the first Loi Krathong took place in Siam as a Brahmanical belief back in the 1800s. Now the festival has become a full-blown celebration of lights usually with stunning performances in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Sukhothai. Throughout Thailand. www.tourismthailand.org 119

Thai Way of Life Songkran Naturally the biggest and most important festival of the year for Thailand, Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year that is celebrated in mid-April and always with the largest crowds. Families - no matter whether they are from the North to the South, East to the West - travel home to be together during the event. Bangkok is usually very empty, hence very charming during this long holiday. Throughout Thailand www.tourismthailand.org 120

Christmas Star Parade, Phi Ta Khon Thai Way of Life Sakon Nakhon (Ghost Festival), Loei Tha Rae District in Sakon Nakhon province has The fancy, one-of-a-kind Ghost Festival in the largest Roman Catholic community in the agricultural village of Dan Sai has a Thailand, and they have a real glittering way to strong religious origin. The three-day event celebrate Christmas. A spectacular Christmas is the largest merit-making event in town, Star Procession that takes place at Christmas and the dates (sometime between time featuring hundreds of floats brightly March-July) are normally selected by adorned with twinkling stars, plus traditional the town’s mediums. Processions of Christmas figures; such as, Santa Claus and residents in ‘ghost’ costumes with their angels. The community-wide festivity also colourful ‘ghost’ masks usually made includes a mass at the community’s from rice husks and rice steamers are St Michael’s Cathedral with the surrounding key elements throughout the event colonial-style houses draped with star-shaped with merit making and sermons - all for lamps and glittering Christmas trees. the protection from evil and a good productive farming year ahead. Tha Rae District, Sakon Nakhon Tourism Authority of Thailand, Dan Sai District, Loei. Nakhon Phanom. Tourism Authority of Thailand, +66 4251 3490-1 Loei. +66 4281 2812, +66 4281 1405 www.tourismthailand.org /nakhonphanom www.tourismthailand.org/loei 121

Thai Way of Life Vegetarian Festival, Phuket Hokkien Chinese descendants in Phuket take the Vegetarian Festival very seriously. Apart from cleansing their body with strictly vegan foods for nine days and nights, participants are also urged to observe and maintain ten strict religious precepts for a thorough clean mind, too. Held in October, the beginning of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival is known for the colourful religious devotion with an array of self- inflicting stunts - skewering their tongues and cheeks with spears, impaling themselves with swords, climbing knife-blade ladders and walking through exploding firecrackers. Phuket Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phuket. +66 7621 1036, +66 7621 2213 www.tourismthailand.org 122

Lotus Throwing Festival, Poi Sang Long Thai Way of Life Samut Prakan Festival (Festival of Crystal Sons), Lotus Throwing Festival is another colourful Mae Hong Son festivity that harks back hundreds of years in Thailand. The annual festival marks the end of An ancient rite of passage Buddhist Lent in October with revellers festival for boys (aged from 7-14) throwing lotuses onto the replica of Luangpho who voluntarily enter monastic life, To - a sacred Buddha image said to have Poi Sang Long is an annual miraculously floated down the Chao Phraya River festival usually taking place after centuries ago - cruising on heavily adorned floats the school year ends between along Samrong Canal. The event usually takes March and May just before the place early in the morning and features intricately Buddhist Lent (Buddhist Rain’s decorated wooden boats rowed by locals in Retreat period). The three-day traditional Thai costumes. event - part of the Thai Yai culture in Mae Hong Son - involves a Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan procession of colourful dressed www.tourismthailand.org and elaborately beaded boys setting out onto the religious 123 path and carried around on the shoulders of older male relatives. The ceremony is usually followed by lunch and an evening festival with traditional Thai Yai music and dance. Khun Yuam District, Mae Hong Son. www.tourismthailand.org

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Talat Rot Fai, Thai Way of Life Ratchada, Bangkok Talat Rot Fai is a night market in the heart of Bangkok known for good collections of antiques and collectibles - large and small, trinkets and treasures. This spacious market is just behind the Esplanade Mall on Ratchadaphisek Road and is open from Thursdays to Sundays with weekends, as expected, bursting with the largest selections. A haven for browsing and munching, the market caters to those into the latest street fashions and tasty street food. Thursday - Sunday: 17.00-01.00 hrs. Din Daeng District, Bangkok. +66 2123 4567, +66 9 2713 5599 www.facebook.com/ taradrodfi.Ratchada 125

Thai Way of Life Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok Chatuchak Market in Bangkok is the largest open weekend market in Bangkok. Founded in 1948 by the then government to promote the existence of local markets in every city around the Kingdom, Chatuchak Market is expansive with labyrinthine alleys endlessly connecting over 8,000 stores together. While weekends are big on everything because the entire market is open, weekdays also see cliques of tree lovers, gardeners, and furniture collectors coming for their specifically-preferred selections. plant section: Wednesday-Thursday: 05.00-18.00 hrs.; wholesale: Friday: 08.00-21.00 hrs.; the whole market: weekend: 08.00-21.00 hrs. Kamphaeng Phet Road, Bangkok +66 2272 4813-4 or Call Centre: 1690 www.chatuchakmarket.org 126

Amphawa Floating Tha Kha Floating Market, Market, Samut Songkhram Samut Songkhram Small, cosy and authentic, the Tha Kha Floating Market A famous floating day-till-night is an organic effort of the locals coming together market, Amphawa Market revives the to sustain the local charms of canal life in bustling trading scenes of the district Samut Songkhram. Tha Kha means ‘unfinished’ canal, back in the day when the canals were as this canal has in fact been unfinished since the still the main commuting routes. The reign of King Rama V the Great. Enjoy the serenity Market is packed with ready-to-eat observing the real local life in this fruit orchard food, notably barbecued seafood on province of Thailand. See small wooden boats loaded skewers, Thai-style pork noodles, with all things edible and delicious. Boat tours and Thai sweets, fresh fruits, and so on. homestays in the area are also available. Those interested in local culture can take a stroll along the two sides of weekend and public holiday: 06.00-14.00 hrs. the canals and observe the Tha Kha Sub-district, Amphawa District, reawakened scenes of Samut Samut Songkhram Songkhram’s specialties in workshops +66 3476 6123 that also welcome visitors. 127 Friday, 15.00 - 19.00 hrs Saturday, Sunday and public holiday: 08.00-21.00 hrs. Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram +66 8 3433 5613 Thai Way of Life

Lao Tuk Luck Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market, Ratchaburi Floating Market, Samut Prakan An old Chinese community and the original location for the now famous Damnoen Located on Bang Krachao or Saduak Floating Market, Lao Tuk Luck which Bangkok’s green lung, Bang Nam means ‘old market’ is a real charm that draws Phueng provides a much-needed people who want their experience cosy and one-day escapade for Bangkokians intimate. Chinese migrants were the strong who want to slow down from force in making the expansive canal in the the city’s frantic pace. The Market area during the reign of King Rama V the has a floating part where various Great, and many settled here for good. Now, kinds of food are sold directly from visitors can still enjoy the authentic feel of the boats. But then, there are also the floating market with an opportunity to sip thatch-roofed stalls on solid ground on kopi or milk tea in the Chinese-style tea selling everything from potted room or try the signature ‘dry rice soup’ and plants to fresh produce and from ‘Tom Yam noodle.’ Only five minutes’ walk from cosmetics to lingerie. Best to have Damnoen Saduak. lunch and stroll around for good digestion. Weekend: 07.00-13.00 hrs. Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi Weekend: 08.00-16.00 hrs. +66 3451 1200 Phra Pradaeng District, www.facebook.com/laotukluck/ Samut Prakan. +66 8 1171 4930 128 Thai Way of Life

Don Manora Damnoen Saduak Thai Way of Life Floating Market, Floating Market, Ratchaburi Samut Songkhram One of the oldest floating markets in Thailand, Don Manora is only a 20-minute rowing Damnoen Saduak is in fact the name of the trip from the more established and 32-kilometre canal dug out by order of King larger Tha Kha Floating Market and is Rama IV to connect two very important rivers much preferred by those who like their - Mae Klong and Tha Chin - together to make market experience essentially native and waterway connections between Bangkok, small. The Market is organically run by Samut Songkhram and Ratchaburi. local fruit orchardists who have come The floating market was built as a tourist together with a boatload of their fresh attraction and has been very popular the produce. They have even arranged the world over since then. This is the most ancient meeting times according to the photographed floating market in Thailand lunar calendar. And now, the market days with signature wooden boats packed fall onto the 2nd, 7th and 12th mornings beautifully to the brim with their fresh produce. after the new and full moon. 07.00-14.00 hrs. Dawn (about 06.00-09.00 hrs.) Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi of the 2nd, 7th and 12th mornings of after +66 8 7969 3428 new and full moon (consult the locals). 129 Bang Khon Thi District, Samut Songkhram +66 3476 9406

Mallika City (1905 A.D.), Kao Hong Market, Kanchanaburi Suphan Buri A themed market and city set during the reign of Another ancient Chinese establishment, King Rama V the Great, Mallika City transports the Kao Hong Market is named after visitors back to the past. With ancient Ayutthaya the area’s landmark of the traditional hole coins and traditional Thai costumes, visitors nine-room wooden shophouses. Suphan will feel like they are in a real ancient town of the Buri used to be a vibrant trading town past centuries. The city wants you to spend a thanks to its location next to the whole day with various sections depicting the Tha Chin River - the main watercourse traditional Thai lifestyle from a Ruean Phae that runs north to south of Thailand; floating house and communal kitchen to a hence, a major waterway of goods traditional Thai wooden house and the ancient transportation prior to highways. market that offers old-school Thai food, snacks, Now, visitors can visit the traditional workshops and souvenirs. Entrance ticket comes market still lived and restored by the with a choice to include dinner and show. locals; most are descendants of the Chinese settlers who have still 09.00-20.00 hrs.; preserved the family’s professional dinner: 18.00-20.00 hrs. (closed Tuesdays); practices and recipes. Historical advanced reservation is required for dinner highlights include a local museum and and show. Saiyok District, Kanchanaburi. thief lookout tower. +66 3454 0884 - 86 www.mallika124.com 08.00-17.00 hrs. Bang Pla Ma District, Suphan Buri 130 +66 355 87 427 www.bangplama-sp.go.th Thai Way of Life

Pak Khlong Talat Sookjai Farmer’s Market Thai Way of Life Flower Market, Bangkok In an effort to connect and support organic farmers Bangkok’s main wholesale market that and producers in the Sam Phran and Nakhon Pathom has been around for over a hundred areas, Sampran Riverside has opened its front yard years, Pak Khlong Talat is still bustling every weekend to be the place for thasefarmers to with fresh produce from around the sell and promote their products. Since 2010, this market country. Apart from flowers of all kinds, has gradually gained solid traction among health- you can find everything and anything conscious consumers who appreciate the Market’s here. Each night around three in the careful merchant-screening processes. Highlighted morning, producers deliver their goods products include tropical fruits, free-range eggs, to this location, where products are Thai desserts and savouries. categorized into sections ready for shoppers. The whole area is now a Weekend: 09.00 - 16.00 hrs. collection of markets: flowers, fresh Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom. produce, meat, poultry, and so on. +66 3422 5203 Walk through the vibrant original flower www.sampranriverside.com market that has now been ‘zoned’ for easier browsing and better hygiene. 131 The market is open 24 hours. 24 hours. Pak Khlong Talat, Bangkok. +66 2623 6851

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Traditional Thai Thai Way of Life Massage, Wat Pho, Bangkok The oldest remedies recorded in Thai history, traditional Thai massage is an ancient technique for total physical relaxation. Wat Pho - Siam’s first public university - is the place where one can still find the traditional practices passed down through generations. Enjoy the stone inscriptions of traditional Thai medicine lessons through the length of the temple’s corridors and experience for yourself a session of traditional massage conducted by a masseur inside the temple’s pavilions. 08.00-17.00 hrs. Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Bangkok +66 2622 3533, +66 2622 3551 www.watpho.com 133

Thai Way of Life Phuklon Mud Spa, Mae Hong Son Back in the 1990s, a natural mud hot spring was discovered in the middle of a rice field in the Phuklon area of Mae Hong Son as one of the three available natural mud hot springs on Earth. After a series of analyses, the mud and hot spring water from the area was found to contain beneficial minerals on par with those from the Dead Sea and an ancient Romanian dormant volcano. Now, visitors can enjoy lounging in a world-class spa located at the spot that uses Phuklon mud in various spa treatments - from masking to cleansing and skin scrubbing. 08.00-16.30 hrs. Mueang District, Mae Hong Son. +66 5328 2579 www.phuklon.co.th 134

Tok Sen, Yam Khang Fire Massage, Chiang Mai Chiang Mai Considered to be a radical yet Yam Khang is a special ancient Lanna effective treatment for those with therapeutic massage that requires precise chronic muscle aches and pains, skills and special ethics of the masseur. Tok Sen is a traditional Northern Thai The masseur will bathe his foot in oil (mostly therapeutic massage that applies sesame oil or the very soothing Cassumunar a hammer and wedge to carefully ginger or plai), slipping it on a hot iron plate prod along the meridien lines of the resting above the coals and then apply body. The vibrations of the gentle the feet to press down onto the body. hammering are supposed to relax The combination of heated oil and precise and unwind the knotted muscles pressing is known to be very soothing and while encouraging energy and blood relaxing. Ban Rai Kong King in Chiang Mai circulation. is the community where this original Yam Khang massage was originated and is www.tourismthailand.or.th still practiced. Hotline: 1672 Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai +66 9 2515 5652 Thai Way of Life www.banraikongking.com 135

Thai Way of Life Chicken Coop Sauna, Trat Chicken coop sauna is a very unique spa element at Ban Chang Tune Eco Museum. Borrowing from ‘Yu Fai’, an ancient post-natal massage and spa treatment, chicken coop sauna is a body steam with 32 kinds of healing herbs that help with skin detoxification and general relaxation. 09.00-16.00 hrs. Ban Chang Tune, Bo Rai District, Trat Tourism Authority of Thailand, Trat. +66 3959 7255 www.facebook.com/changthun.ecomuseum.th 136

Hot Sand Beach Spa, Krabi Thai Way of Life To be out in the open on the beach shrouded with clouds of vapour is a fantastic experience. Hot Sand Beach or ‘Hat Sai Ron’ is an extraordinary place to be, but first consult your lunar calendar. The mud beach is known for its health benefits, but the natural vapour - the sign that the mud is actually heated - only happens six days a month (from around the 3rd to 5th day after the full moon and from the 3rd to 5th day after the new moon) from dawn until early morning. You will need to be there at least one day before and pre-arrange the spa package to be able to catch the moment. 08.30-16.30 hrs. Ao Luek District, Krabi. +66 7562 2163, +66 7561 2811-2 www.tourismthailand.org/krabi 137

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Rai Chern Tawan, Chiang Rai Thai Way of Life Run by Phra Maha Vuddhichai Vajiramedhi, one of Thailand’s leading monks and authors, Rai Chern Tawan is a meditation centre where anyone who would like to cleanse their mind can take a break from it all and be at peace with themselves. Surrounded by the lush forests of Chiang Rai’s highlands, Rai Chern Tawan, which means ‘enlighten your life,’ offers various meditation classes - from a one-day executive drill to a seven-day meditation week for foreign visitors. 08.00-17.00 hrs. Mueang District, Chiang Rai +66 8 4915 6146, +66 8 7080 7779 www.raicherntawan.com www.facebook.com/v.vajiramedhi 139

Thai Way of Life Thai Dhamma (Goenka Meditation Centre), Nonthaburi One of the most regimented Vipassana meditation courses available in Thailand, Thai Dhamma is a centre that adopts the practices originally taught by the late Satya Narayan Goenka or S.N. Goenka, a Burmese-Indian teacher of Vipassana meditation. During the 10-day practice, participants will be entirely excluded from everyday elements, and that means a strict inner- inspection to the mind. The courses are available in various locations in Thailand. Check their website for schedules. Monday-Friday Bang Bua Thong District, Nonthaburi +66 8 6970 7412, +66 2039 0788 (09.00-17.00 hrs.) www.thaidhamma.net 140

Ratchaprasong Thai Way of Life Intersection, Bangkok Whilst being Bangkok’s hub for businesses and shopping, Ratchaprasong Intersection is also the place where one can find as much as eight most revered gods and goddesses. In front of CentralWorld are two deities: Ganesha - the remover of obstacles and Trimurti - the trinity of supreme divinity in Hinduism. In front of Big C supermarket on the opposite side of the road is Parvati - Hindu goddess of fertility, love and strength. In front of Gaysorn are two deities: Lakshmi - the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune and prosperity and the Four Kings of the Zatumharit Heaven that protect the human world from harm. The supreme deity Narayana at the Intercontinental Hotel is believed to sustain and preserve the universe while bestowing happiness and success. Indra, located in front of Amarin Plaza Building has the power to shield all evils. Shrine of Lord Brahma the Great (Thao Maha Phrom) or the four-faced deity is the god of creations and is revered for his endless compassion. Ratchaprasong Intersection, Bangkok. Tourism Authority of Thailand, Head Office, +66 2250 5500 www.tourismthailand.org 141

Thai Way of Life Wat Suan Mokkh International Dharma Hermitage, Surat Thani For the no-frills meditation that penetrates deep into the core of your mind, join Wat Suan Mokkh’s monthly 10-day meditation practice that welcomes everyone who shows up in person and registers (2,000 Baht fee). Founded by the revered Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, who first founded the temple back in 1932, the International Dharma Hermitage is a natural retreat for souls that seek the true meaning of life through solemn contemplation. 08.00-17.00 hrs. Chaiya District, Surat Thani +66 8 6090 3296 www.suanmokkh-idh.org 142

Buddhadasa Thai Way of Life Indapanno Archives, Suan Mokkh Bangkok This modern religious archive has collected over 27,347 dossiers authored by the revered Buddhadasa Bhikku throughout his 87 years of life, hence, an invaluable treasure for anyone interested in Buddhism’s truth of life and magic-free teachings. Materials (books, teachings, and audio preaching) are also available online. Check the website for regular meet-ups and lecturing activities. Monday-Friday: 09.00-18.00 hrs.; weekend: 08.00-17.00 hrs. Vachirabenjatas Park (Suan Rotfai), Chatuchak District, Bangkok +66 2936 2800 www.bia.or.th 143

Thai Way of Life Printed in Thailand by Promotional Material Production Division Marketing Services Department Tourism Authority of Thailand for free distribution. www.tourismthailand.org March 2018 The contents of this publication are subject to change without notice. 144