THERE ARE LOADS OF PLACES FOR THE TOURIST IN THAILAND TO VISIT, FROM SEDATE STROLLS AROUND THAI NATIONAL TREASURES TO MORE ADVENTUROUS TREKS & RIDES FOR FITTER FOLK. WHATEVER YOUR TASTE THAILAND TOURISM HAS SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR YOU TO SPEND YOUR FREE TIME DURING THE DAY BEFORE THE NIGHT TIME FUN BEGINS.

Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destination in Asia, acclaimed for its idyllic beaches, exotic food and fun-filled shopping. Get informed about all that you need to know before visiting Thailand. Know about various aspects of Thai society like influence of monarchy, culture, language and climate. Acquaint yourself with the information which would be highly helpful when you are in the land of smiles.  Touring a country without prior knowledge of money transaction there is like going for a battle without weapons. Get all that you need regarding transaction of money in Thailand. It would come very useful when you are on tour of the country.   GRAND PALACE - BANGKOK The palace complex, like the rest of Ratanakosin Island, is laid out following the general outline of Ayutthaya palaces. The Outer Court, near where you enter the complex today, housed the government departments in which the Thai king was directly involved, such as civil administration, including the army, and the treasury. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha takes up one corner of the complex next to the outer court. In the middle is the Central Court, where the residence of the king and the halls for conducting state business were located. You are allowed to look at the fronts of the buildings in the central court, but only two of the throne halls are open to the public, and only on weekdays. Behind the central court was the inner court. This was where the king's royal consorts and daughters lived. The inner court was like a small city entirely populated by thai women and boys under the age of puberty. Even though no royalty currently reside in the inner court, it is still completely closed off to the public. Admission to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Central Court of the Grand Palace is 250 Baht (6.68 USD). Note that the admission fee also includes an admission ticket to Vimanmek Mansion that can be used within seven days of your Grand Palace visit. The Thai Grand Palace is open every day from 8:30 to 3:30, unless its being used for a state function

THE SANCTUARY OF TRUTH The Sanctuary of Truth is a gigantic wooden construction which covers the area of more than two rais. The top point of the building is about 105 meters high. It was constructed to withstand the wind and sunshine on the seashore at Rachvate Cape, Tumbon Naklea, Amphur Banglamung, Chon Buri Province. The building was constructed according to ancient Thai ingenuity and every square inch of the building is covered with wooden carve sculpture. The purposes of decoration with wooden carve sculptures are to use art and culture as the reflection of Ancient Vision of Earth, Ancient Knowledge, and Eastern Philosophy. With in this complex, visitors will understand Ancient Life, Human Responsibility, Basic Thought, Cycle of living, Life Relationship with Universe and Common Goal of Life toward Utopia The Ancient City Co.,Ltd. ( Pattaya office ) Address : 206/2 Moo5 Naklua 12 Naklua Rd.,Banglamung Chonburi 20150 Thailand Telephone . +660-3836-7229, +660-3836-7230, +660-3836-7815 Facsimile : +660-3836-7845 E-mail : info@sanctuaryoftruth.com A good day out!

SAFARI WORLD - BANGKOK Safari World Public Company Limited 99 Panyaintra Road Samwatawantok, Klongsamwa, Bangkok , 10510 THAILAND Tel : ( 662 ) 9144100-19, 5181000-19 Fax : ( 662 ) 5181022, 5181033, 9142959 E-mail : info@safariworld.com Spend a full day at Safari World in Bangkok, Thailand’s greatest and most popular open zoo and show park, which covers over 200 acres. Safari World comprises of Safari Park and Marine Park and offers a variety of fun and entertainment for visitors of all ages and nationalities. Partake in an exciting safari drive through a picturesque African wilderness setting and an intimate encounter with dolphin and lot lots more! Your Thai friends will love it.

SRI RACHA TIGER ZOO - NEAR PATTAYA Sriracha Tiger Zoo is opened for tourists on April 23, 1997. It is situated at no. 341 Moo 3, Nongkham Sub-district, Sriracha District, Chonburi Province, with the area of more than 100 acres. The zoo consists of more than 200 Bengal tigers and 100,000 crocodiles. In addition to various kinds of animals, it also provides many activities for tourists to enjoy. Visitors can experience natural touch and enjoy the company of tamed animals closely. Thai guys love a day out here. 341 Moo3, Nongkham. Sriracha, Chonburi 20110 THAILAND Tel : 6638- 296556-8 Fax : 6638-296559

BUDDHA HILL - PATTAYA The Big Buddha Image: A major image of the Buddha, plus a Hindu Buddha, and seven smaller Buddha images representing each day of the week, are featured in a park like setting near the Royal Cliff Hotel and Beach Resort and other tourist facilities just south of the downtown area of Pattaya. In an area called "Buddha Hill", a high knoll where a large Buddha image is displayed, and which also is home to the Pattaya Fitness Park, visitors will find a memorable tourism site in which to stop and spend some time, and get a taste of Thai culture and some remarkable views of the Pattaya area.

The Snake Farm or Queen Saowapha Memorial Institute, Bangkok   formerly the Pasteur Institute, is set up to produce anti-venom serum for snake-bite victims nationwide. Venomous snakes including the king cobra, Siamese cobra, Russell's viper, banded krait, Malayan pit viper, green pit viper and Pope's pit viper are milked daily for their venom to make snake-bite antidote. Venom-milking and snake-handling shows are held daily at 10.30 am and 2.00 pm on weekdays, and 10.30 am on public holidays. Lots of information on herpetology and toxicology is available at the institute. Thai guys are scared of snakes just like most people. The Snake Farm is located on Rama IV Road, near Henri Dunant Avenue, within the Thai Red Cross Institute. If you happen to get bitten by a snake or any other kind of animal then this is a good place to come for treatment. Vaccinations are available for cholera, smallpox, typhoid, hepatitis and rabies as well as snake bite. The Snake Farm is open to the public every day from 8.30 am to 4.00 pm on weekdays, and 8.30 am to 12.00 am on weekends and public holidays. Admission costs 70 baht. For further information, call +66 2 252-0161-4. Address: 1871 Rama IV Street, Lumpini sub-district, Bangkok, 10330 Phone: +66 2 252 0161-4; 252 0166-7 Fax: +66 2 254 0212 Nearest Station: Sala Daeng Neighbourhood: Pathumwan

RECLINING BUDDHA - WAT PHO Wat Pho (วัดโพธิ์), or Wat Phra Chetuphon (วัดพระเชตุพน) as it is generally known to the Thais, is mainly famous for the huge Reclining Buddha statue it houses. At 20 acres large, it is the largest Wat in Bangkok, and is technically the oldest too, as it was built around 200 years before Bangkok became Thailand's capital. The highly impressive gold plated reclining Buddha is 46 meters long and 15 meters high, and is designed to illustrate the passing of the Buddha into nirvana. The feet and the eyes are engraved with mother-of-pearl decoration, and the feet also show the 108 auspicious characteristics of the true Buddha. The large grounds of Wat Pho contain more than 1000 Buddha images in total, most from the ruins of the former capitals Ayuthaya and Sukhothai. A Thai guide can be hired cheaply for a day.

ROYAL BARGE MUSEUM Opening Time : The Royal Thai Barges National Museum is open everyday from 8.30 a.m.- 4.30 p.m. How to get there : The Royal Barges National Museum is located on Klong Bangkok Noi off the Chao Phraya River, and not far from Phra Pin Klao Bridge. It is opposite to Thonburi Railway Station. Most of the tourists go by boat with the conducted tour or by special escorted tour. However, it is possible to go by car, and park the car under the Arun Amarin Bridge before crossing Klong Bangkok Noi. Then follow the sign, walking through narrow lane of the housing community of Wat Dusita Ram till the Royal Barges National Museum

ELEPHANT NATURE PARK Elephant Nature Park is a unique project set in Northern Thailand. Established in the 1990's our aim has always been to provide a sanctuary and rescue center for elephants. The park is set in Chiang Mai province, some 60km from the city, and has provided a sanctuary for over 30 distressed elephants from all over Thailand. Set in a natural valley, bordered by a river, and surrounded by forested mountains the area offers a timeless glimpse of rural life.

AYUTTHYA The former capital of the Thai Kingdom, Ayutthaya endows a large array of heritages from ancient time which represent the splendor of its 417 years of its history. Although only ruins are left, they is fascinating enough to make you immersed in the exuberant past of the city. Nowadays, thai people's daily life continues to go as simply as so in the old days. Apart from its go charming ancient temples and palaces, Ayutthaya is also well-known for its exquisite handicrafts and artifacts Travelling from Bangkok to Ayutthaya will take not more than one hour

NATIONAL MUSEUM http://www.bangkoksite.com/NationalMuseum/index.htm Location : The National Museum Bangkok is located on Naphra That road between Thammasart University and the National Theatre, and opposite to Phra Main Ground (Sanam Luang). The Thai National Museum Bangkok is open from 9.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m. every day except Monday, Tuesday and National holidays. The admission fee is 40 baht. Tel. (+662)224-1404,224-1333 Fax.(+662)224-1404,224-9911

Where they made the movie - THE BEACH Phi Phi is situated in Krabi Province in southern Thailand. The two islands that make up this group (Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le) are about 40 kilometres south-west of Krabi City. The islands are about equidistant from Krabi and Phuket (to the north-west). The islands are famed for their spectacular landscapes. Rock climbers are attracted by the breathtaking cliffs, with tall sheer walls of limestone. Nature lovers, meanwhile, find a haven in the islands' transparent seas and corel beds, which are home to a wide range of sea life. The two sections of Phi Phi Don, the larger of the two islands, are linked by a 1 k.m. isthmus of sand. Here stands the island's original Muslim fishing village, Ban Ton Sai, now enveloped by an ever-expanding belt of bungalows, cafes and hotels. A pleasant one-hour coastal walk from Ban Ton Sai leads to Hat Yao (long beach), with tantalising white sands, vibrant offshore marine life and unhindered views to the soaring flanks of Phi Phi Le, 4 kilometres away. It is also worth climbing the steep trails on Phi Phi Don's two massifs, which afford wonderful vistas over the island . Superb coral beds at Hin Pae off Hat Yao provide some of the best snorkelling in Thailand. To the north is Ban Laem Tong. This village's sea gypsy population still survives on fish caught in the isolated coves of nearby Laem Tong. In contrast to phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Le remains uninhabited and unspoilt. Boats from Phi Phi Don bring visitors on day trips to see the paintings in Viking Cave (see picture). Another feature of the cave are the nests of edible swiftlet nests which are used in bird nest soup. Agile collectors climb rickety bamboo scaffolding to reach the nests, which are so valuable that the caves are protected by armed guards. In a bid to halt the illegal trade of the nests, staying overnight on the island is prohibited. There is excellent snorkelling at the coral reefs of ao Maya, a bay in the southwest corner of the island. Thai scuba schools are many and cheap.

FLOATING MARKET BANGKOK Transactions are more concerned with tourists rather than locals these days but the boats are still piled high with with tropical fruit and vegetables, fresh, ready-to-drink coconut juice and local food cooked from floating kitchens located right on the boat. Missed your breakfast or fancy an early lunch? Just call over a floating noodle seller for a bowl of steaming soup heated by a stove improbably and precariously balanced in the stern of the boat - complete with condiments of course! While it's possible to catch a bus out of Bangkok and find your own way to the market, most people take an organized tour, ultimately saving on time and effort. If you want to go at your own pace, a private tour will provide a comfortable car for the one hour journey from Bangkok and your own personal boat, (ideal for taking pictures) There's a time window when the market opens from around 6:30am until 10:00am so the early birds will invariably catch the best photo shots. After 8:30am, it's mayhem! A must do day out on your Thailand trip! A local boat ride along the canal which is both exhilarating and fascinating takes you to the market. The traditional long-tailed boat, powered by a huge diesel engine allows an interesting glimpse into local life. Orchards, traditional teak houses, floating water hyacinths - snapshots of local people by the river. A scene which suddenly changes as you arrive at the market with the shouts of the Thai vendors replacing the roar of the engine. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is located at Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi Province, about 85 kms from Bangkok.

Ancient City  Location: Near Bangkok Billed as the largest outdoor museum in the world, the Ancient City reproduces important buildings from all over Thailand. It represents even those buildings which were in completely dilapidated state after centuries of wear and tear.  Bangkok National Museum  Location: Bangkok  Originally founded by King Rama V around the private collection of antiquities of his father King Rama IV, the museum today in it's modern incarnation displays objects of historical value. Gallery of Thai History, Private Chapel and Throne Hall are some more popular sections of the museum.  Bang Sai Royal Arts & Crafts Centre  Location: In Ayutthaya Province  The brainchild of the Thai Queen is designed to keep the traditional crafts alive. The foremost attraction is the 'museum shop' housed in modern version of a traditional Thai style pavilion. Behind the workshop are an aquarium and two aviaries. There is also a cluster of traditionally styled wooden houses, designed to represent the local architecture. Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre  Location: Center of the Old City Recommended to history lovers, particularly those who are interested in the history and culture of Chiang Mai as well asNorthern Thailand. Housed in a large elegant white building, this is a fully modernised multimedia cultural centre. You are shown an English-subtitled orientation video about Chiang Mai and the North in an air-conditioned room.  Chiang Saen National Museum  Location: In Chiang Rai Province A charming branch of the National Museum of Thailand, it displays excavated artefacts dating back to the earliest appearance of man in the area.  Erawan Museum  Location: In Samut Prakan Province  Contained within a large three-headed elephant sculpture, the museum houses late Khun Lek's priceless collection of ancient religious objects. The huge bronze sculpture stands on a base bedecked with millions of tiny tiles enameled in the fashion of Benjarong ceramics.  King Prajadhipok Museum  Location: In Lampang Province King Prajadhipok or Rama VII's reign marks the end of the absolute majority. This event makes his rule important and the museum is wholly devoted to him.  Nakorn See Thamarat National Museum  Location: In South Thailand This branch of the National Museum is full of artefacts of long history of southern Thailand. Some objects of particular interest are seventh century Mon inscriptions, golden niello fittings from King Rama V's royal barge and ceramics from the Chinese Tang (518 - 907 AD) and Song (960 - 1274 AD) dynasties found in the province.  Songkhla National Museum  Location: Songkhla Province The lovely complex built in southern Thai Chinese architectural style houses objects from prehistoric to modern times, and several archaeological artefacts discovered locally. A nice visit to someone interested in architecture.  Suan Pakkad Palace Museum  Location: Bangkok This assortment of conventional Thai houses was brought together by Prince and Princess Chumbhot in 1952. The combination of traditional architecture, vast array of collections and elegant gardens make the museum worth a visit. Wat Gate Museum  Location: Chiang Mai The museum is an eclectic collection of artefacts culled from the Wat Gate Temple. Most enthralling exhibition is a collection of hundreds of old photographs dating back more than 100 years. It also houses old phonograph records and players as well as old Siamese 'white elephant flags'   Bangkok is full of temples. Three stand out: Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) on the grounds of the Grand Palace; iconic Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn) on the banks of the Chao Phraya River; and Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha). But dozens more deserve a look from tourists. Here's some help in deciding which ones to take in first. Wat Phra KaewThe Temple of the Emerald Buddha is without question the most important temple in Thailand. There are a number of reasons. The temple's connection to the king, Thailand's spiritual leader, is one reason; Wat Phra Kaew is on the grounds of the Grand Palace. The extensive collection of Buddhist manuscripts in the Wat's two libraries plays a part. But the Emerald Buddha itself is much of what makes the temple so important. The Emerald Buddha has long been venerated in Southeast Asia. Cambodia and Laos both claim it as theirs. And it is a symbol of victory in Thailand over neighboring enemies in Thailand... Wat Arun The Temple of Dawn is probably Bangkok's most visited attraction. The 260-foot prang is easily recognizable across the Chao Phraya River from the Grand Palace. It is one of Bangkok's few temples that pre-date the move of Thai power from the capital in Ayutthaya down to Bangkok. Wat Pho Temple of the Reclining Buddha is actually home to over 1,000 Buddhas. Most were brought to the temple from the old Thai capitals of Sukothai and Ayuthaya. The temple is an active place. You can see Thai dance and music classes in session, get a traditional Thai massage (or learn to give one), and talk with monks who want to practice their English on you. But the main attraction is the 150 foot long, gold plated Reclining Buddha. Wat Mahathat The Temple of the Great Relic, Wat Mahathat is another temple that dates back to before Bangkok was the nation's capital. Many source date the temple back to the 1300's. The temple was built to house Buddha relics. King Rama IV (Mongkut) was a monk here. The temple is the main institution of the Mahanikai monastic order, Thailand's largest order of monks. The Center for Vipassana Meditation is housed on the temple's grounds. Wat Saket Sometimes called the Golden Mount, it was founded by King Rama III in the 1800's, Wat Saket was originally built to mark the entrance to the old city of Bangkok. The original temple collapsed because it was built on wet ground. King Rama IV built the current structure on top of the old collapsed temple to house a Buddha relic. The climb to the top of the temple is not hard, but it is about 300 steps in all. It provides a good view of the city. Wat Suthat This temple seems fraught with contradiction - at least to the Western mind. On the one hand it is a Buddhist temple. On the other hand it is the home of the Brahmin priest that directs the royal rituals each year. And as if to add just a touch more confusion, there is a huge red Chinese-style swing frame on the property. The Wat dates to the 1800's and houses the 25-foot tall Phra Sri Sakyamuni Buddha. The monks' residences are lined with 150 more golden Buddhas. Murals at the temple portray the various lives of Buddha. The temple is not much of a tourist draw, but it is an important temple to the Thais. Wat Traimit This is home to the world's largest solid gold Buddha - The Golden Buddha. The statue stands 15 feet tall and weighs in at about eleven thousand pounds. The Buddha dates back to the 1400's - the Sukothai era. At some point the Buddha was covered in plaster to hide its value and, over time, people forgot that it was gold underneath the plaster. The Buddha was being moved to its new home, Wat Traimit, in 1955 and the plaster was chipped; thus the value of the item was rediscovered. Wat Traimit is in Bangkok's Chinatown. Wat Benchamabophit Sometimes called the Marble Temple, the name "Wat Benchamabophit" translates as "Temple of the Fifth King." King Rama V (Chulalongkorn) restored the temple in the late 1800's. The temple is among the more unique and beautiful pieces of construction in the city. It is in Dusit. Wat Rakhang A small temple near the Grand Palace, Wat Rakhang Kositharam existed well before Bangkok became the Thai capital. It was extensively renovated in the late 1700's by King Rama I. Rama I lived on the property before he became king. Wat Ratchabophit Not far from the Grand Palace, this somewhat modern temple was built by Rama V in the late 1800's. The temple is interesting because of the mix of Thai and Western architectural ideas.