Monday, September 28, 2009

Thailand 2006 : Visit Thailand Railpass

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My journey with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT or Rot Fai Thai) started at Hatyai Junction after i purchased my 20-day Visit Thailand Railpass. I chose the all-inclusive Railpass which cost 3000B because i will travel extensively by train and save on the extra charges (eg. aircon, berth, rapid, express or special express surchange). The other option is the 1500B railpass, but you will have to pay the surchage according to the types of train you will be taking

The Railpass allows the holder to travel on 2nd and 3rd class on all SRT trains (local, rapid, express and special express) with or without air-conditioned, day time seat or overnight berth. This is the new 2nd class air-con sleeper, i took the upper bunk from Hatyai to Bangkok, 945km in 17 hours... I'm loving it ! Did you see my towel hanging there? i even took a shower in the toilet too. Once in a life time experience !


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This is the non air-conditioned (but with fans) 2nd class sleeper, what a huge difference from the new A/C sleeper above, but the difference in ticket price is just minimal. you wont feel hot even if this coach is not air-conditioned, because there will be breeze from outside when the train is in motion, but it is definitely noisier

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Thailand 2006 : Nonthaburi & Chao Phraya River

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Temples and houses on the bank of Chao Phraya river



Wimansarannawamin pavillion is the most remarkable building in Chaloem Kanchanaphisek Park, built in 1996 to commemorates King Bhumibhol's (Rama IX) golden jubilee >>>
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Me inside the Ubosot of Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Worawiharn with a large bronze Buddha image.


This temple built during the reign of King Rama III completely reflected His Majesty's favorite style that combines Chinese architectural in constructing Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat.









The Chao Phraya Express Boat that ply 21km through the "Mother of Water" from Sathorn Central pier (connects with BTS Skytrain) and Nonthaburi province up north is a must for any tourist, it's cheap, fun and frequent. Cargo and rice are also being transported along this river in long barge from Ayutthaya to Bangkok.

The Riverside shopping arcade on the left and Sheraton Hotel in the centre.
Chao Phraya Express Boat is a good alternative to road transportation in Bangkok, especially during rush hours if you don't wish to be stucked for 1 hours in the traffic jam. Ticket cost 9B - 30B depends on the distance travelled

Thailand 2006 : Phetchaburi

Phra Ram Ratchaniwet (พระรามราชนิเวศน์)
This palace of European architectural style is originally called "Wang Ban Puen". King Rama V commanded it built as a rainy season palace in 1916. It was used to welcome and accommodate state visitors during the reign of King Rama VI.



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My all-time favourite drama series "Leurd Khattiya" (The Princess) which was on-air in Malaysia TV2 back in 2005 was mostly filmed in this palace in 2003


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Now the palace is a royal museum within the ground of a Army Camp, around 10 minutes drive from Phetchaburi town centre, i was the first to arrive, even before the gorgeous musuem even before the National Anthem was played at 8 in the morning !



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King Mongkut (Rama IV) built Phra Nakhin Khiri Palace or Khao Wang on a hill top overlooking Phetchaburi town in 1860, a tower for his astronomical observations is located here



<<< Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park (อุทยานประวัติศาสตร์พระนครคีรี) is a complex of old palace and historical temples constructed in harmonious Thai, Western Neoclassic and Chinese architectural styles. The entrance fee is 40B and u can take a cable car ride or walk up the hill, beware of the monkeys ! don't feed them as they can turn aggressive



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The royal temple Wat Phra Kaeo on Khao Wang





Saturday, September 26, 2009

Thailand 2006 : Hua Hin the Royal Beach


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Hua Hin railway station is one of the oldest and certainly prettiest in Thailand, with its teak "Royal Waiting Room" that served the visiting Royal Family in the past still standing beside the main station building

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Located 200km south from Bangkok, Hua Hin became the first and most popular beach resort in Thailand (even with the Royal Family) after the Southern Railway was opened in 1920s, linking Hua Hin to Bangkok in 3 hours.



I was here ! my foot steps on Hua Hin beach on 2 May 2549 (2006) >>>



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What are these Royal Thai Navy ships doing here at the Royal Beach ? They are so beautifully illuminated !



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The Sofitel Hotel, formerly the Railway Hotel was built by the director of the state railway, Prince Purachatra in 1921. The nearby Wang Klai Kang Won (Far from Worries Palace) is now the full-time residence of His Majesty King Bhumipol (King Rama IX)


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My dinner at Hua Hin,
Pineapple Fried Rice with cashew nuts
Aroi maak !! (very delicious) for just 50B


One of the south-bound overnight express train departed from Hua Hin station
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Thailand 2006 : Ayutthaya UNESCO World Heritage Site

พระนครศรีอยุธยา Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
was founded by King Ramathibodi I of the U-Thong Dynasty in 1350 and remained as the capital of Siam until 1767 when the Burmese invaded Ayutthaya and burned it to the ground. The capital was then moved 90km south to Thonburi (later Bangkok) on the bank of Chao Phraya river. The Ayutthaya Historical Park is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1991

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The Sun was burning hot, even the Buddha needs an umbrella.
Temperature can easily reach 38 degree Celcius during the hot season from March to May




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The important ruins includes Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Na Phra Meru, Wat Thammikarat, Wat Ratburana and Wat Phra Mahathat

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This historical park is surrounded by a mout dating from the 14th century and the best way to explore the site is on a bike which can be rented for 30B per day.




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Japanese tourists taking a ride on the trained elephants. Upon seeing these elephants, i felt that i gad travelled back in time, to the hey days of the Ayutthaya Kingdom where it is a prosperous city with trader ships from all over the world sailing up the Chao Phraya river from the Gulf of Thailand


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One of the advantage of backpacking trip is that i can decide on how much time i wish to spend in one location, and takes in the scenery and sight at my own pace, that's why i don't see the point of paying more money and having to rush up and down the tour bus following other's schedule ?

Thailand 2006 : Nong Khai

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the Mekong river, longest in Southeast Asia is the natural border between Thailand and the Democratic Republic of Laos




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A floating restaurant on the bank of Mekong river

<<< The 1.2km long Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge opened in 1994 was funded by the Australian government as development aid for Laos. In 2009, a 3.5km railway link between Nong Khai and Tha Nalaeng on the Laos side run through this bridge.


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Delicious Pad Thai (stir-fried rice noodle)is a popular local dish in Thailand
this plate cost 25B


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the Nong Khai railway station


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It's time to have a good night rest on the overnight train from Nong Khai back to Hualamphong station Bangkok

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Thailand 2006 : Bangkok @ Krung-thep - The City of Angels

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These people have been waiting patiently by the street opposite the Grand Palace while Their Majesty King Bhumipol, Queen Sirikit and the Royal Family were inside for the annually Constitutional Day ceremony, i was waiting together with them for around 1 hour, i saw the whole Royal Family of Thailand in their Gold colour Mercedes Benz coming out from the Grand Palace escorted by Police motorbikes and dozen red colour Royal Household Bureau BMW ! and the Queen waved back to the crowd. This was my biggest suprise during my to visit Bangkok !


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One of the Royal Household Bureau escort car and Army truck patrolling the street around the Grand Palace

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The then Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawat and Khun Ying (her wife) came out from the Royal Temple inside Grand Palace after the Constitutional Day ceremony

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พระบรมมหาราชวัง
Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang (The Grand Palace) is constructed in 1782 by King Rama I, when the capital was moved across the Chao Phraya river from Thonburi to Bangkok. All the previous King of Chakri dynasty resided in this Grand Palace, but the present King Bhumipol resides in Chitralada Palace not far away


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The Emerald Buddha inside Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). Although small in size, this is Thailand most sacred Buddha image and the King will change the clothing for Emerald Buddha 3 times a year according to the season

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Intricate carving and golden garuda circleling the perimeter of Wat Phra Kaew, the marble floor is as clean as a mirror !

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The murals along the 1,900m palace wall is being painstakingly touch up for the celebration of the 60th anniversary of King Bhumipol accession to the Throne in June 2006, where 25 Monarchs for around the World had joined the celebration in Bangkok

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The Grand Palace as seen from outside






Beautiful Chedi within the compound of the Grand Palace >>>

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My Thai penpal P'Sand and me inside Wat Pho where the 46m high, 15m tall golden reclining buddha is housed.




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the World reknown Tuk-Tuk of Thailand, make sure u ask the exact fare before u jump on, the driver tend to collect more from tourist !

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อนุสาวรีย์ชัยสมรภูมิ Anusawari Chai Samorophum
The Victory Monument was built in 1941 to commemorate the vistory of Thailand over France during a small military conflict in Indochina, where Japan had intervene and settled the conflict. Now it is Bangkok's main landmark and major transportation hub served by a BTS Skytrain station, many local bus stops and terminus for private van for intercity journeys.



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The BTS Skytrain (Rot Fai Fah in Thai) circling the Victory Monument. Skytrain is still the best public transport for tourist since it connects most major shopping malls and have 2 interchange station with the MRT (subway). 1-day pass cost Bt120, single ticket from Bt15 - Bt40


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Completed in 1997, the 304m Baiyoke Tower II is Thailand tallest building which houses the Baiyoke Sky Hotel. It also has a public observatory on the 77th floor, restaurants on 76th, 78th and 79th floor, a bar on the 83rd floor, and Thailand first and only open-air 360-degree revolving roof deck on the 84th floor


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Siam Paragon and Siam Discovery Centre viewed from Siam BTS Skytrain Interchange station, Opened in 2005 and cost US$450 million, Siam Paragon is Bangkok's Top Shopping Mall with an IMAX cinema, a cineplex, an exibition centre, a opera concert hall and Southeast Asia largest aquarium. You can even buy a Ferrari or a Porche here !

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The BTS Skytrain "Siam" station.
The MTV Asia Award 2006 was held in Siam Paragon concert hall, the giant poster with Wang Leehom and Vanness Wu as the MC can been seen from the station platform


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The Bangkok Mass Rapid Transport (BMRT, or Rot Fai Fah Maha Nakhon) "Huai Khwang" Station.
The BMRT or Blue Line was opened by HM King Bhumipol and Queen Sirikit in 2004 and serve 18 stations along 21km