Hua Hin

Hua Hin is a famous beach resort town in Thailand, in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula, some 200 km south of Bangkok. It has a population of 84,883 in an area of 911 km², and is one of eight districts (Amphoe) of the Prachuap Khiri Khan province.

Hua Hin is closely associated with the Thai royalty. Merely 25 kilometers apart, Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan province enjoys a wealth of satellite attractions; prominent among them are national parks and historical cities.

History

In 1834, before the name Hua Hin was coined, some agricultural areas of Phetchaburi Province were hit by severe drought. A group of farmers moved southward until they found a small village that had bright white sands and a row of rocks along the beach. They settled here and gave it the name Samore Riang , which mean rows of rock.

In 1921 the director of the state railway, Prince Purachatra, built the Railway Hotel close to the beach. King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) liked the place so much that he built a summer palace there. The palace was named Wang Klai Kang Won ('Far from Worries'). It is now the full-time residence of His Majesty the King of Thailand. His Royal Highness Prince Krom Phra Naresworarit was the first member of the royal family to build a group of palaces at Ban Laem Hin, called Sukaves, and he give the name Hua Hin to the beach next to his palace.

In 1932 Hua Hin was part of Pran Buri district. In 1949 Hua Hin was promoted to be a district of Prachuap Khiri Khan province. After the building of southern railway, Hua Hin became the first and most popular beach resort of Thailand.

Laung Poo Tuad

His Reverend Luang Poh Tuad is one of the kingdom’s famous and highly revered Buddhist monks. Many people recognize and remember Luang Poh Tuad for the miraculous act of having turned seawater into fresh water in one incident and, therefore, it was believed that he had supernatural powers. He had gained many followers since then.

Nowadays, people from different places don’t hesitate to travel to Wat Huay Mongkhon, however long the journey may be, to pay respect to the large sculpture situated in this temple, because their faith in Luang Poo Tuad is such. Those who have faith in Luang Poo Tuad firmly believe that his sacredness provides protection against accidents, fire and various types of disasters.

The most prominent feature of this temple is the 9.9m wide and 11.5m high sculpture of Somdet Luang Poo Tuad Yieb Nam Thale Jued with the Royal symbol of Her Majesty the Queen Sirikit at the base. The sculpture depicts the revered Buddhist monk seated in the ‘lotus’ pose. The sculpture was built on the occasion of HMQ Sirikit’s Birthday Celebration (August 12th, 2004).

The famous talismanic objects

In Thailand, people are always on the lookout for something that will appease their mind. The belief in talismans, objects that are believed to have magical powers that shield against bad luck, bring about good luck and help people become wealthy reinforces the above statement. Wat Huay Mongkhon has also been famous for various kinds of amulets or talismans for a long time. Chatukam Ramathep which deniably is the most popular talisman in Thailand at the moment is also available at this temple. Furthermore, you can worship the big Chatukam deity here.

The natural environment

The whole area of more than 100 Rais of Wat Huay Mongkhon is very well maintained since this place has become a recreational area for visitors. They aim to preserve the natural environment as much as possible so that the place can truly serve as a relaxing atmosphere for all the visitors. There are pavilions with comfortable benches at almost every corner of the whole area. There are three main spots where you can pay respects to the Buddha’s idols, Luang Poo Tuad sculptures and other deities with flowers along with a candle and incense that will be provided. In addition, Wat Huay Mongkhon also houses a well decorated pavilion which contains Relic of the Buddha, open for the people to come and worship. After worshipping the Buddha idols, you may pay a visit to the almshouse that serves free meals throughout the day.

The Real meaning of Merit

Wat Huay Mongkhon has always been a generous institution that promotes and encourages people and other organizations to also make merit outside temple. They have many different projects such as helping small schools, hospitals, border police, etc. by providing them necessary facilities. This is possible because of the contribution people come and make at this holy temple.

The real developer

Phrakru Papatsorn Worrapinit, also known as Phra Archarn Pirot Papatsaro, the present abbot of Wat Huay Mongkhon is the real developer and the person behind all the development of this renowned temple. Phrakru Papatsorn Worrapinit himself is well known country wide as the monk who serves people and the country by all his good deeds.

Article from : http://www.huahintoday.net/articles/wat-huay-mong-khon-monk-statue.htm

Chaingmai

Million of people travel to Thailand every year. Many of them do not know what to expect, and they know very little about Thailand. However once they have been to Thailand, they will be sure to return. Thailand is an amazing country with marvelous excitement in every corner.
There are four natural regions in Thailand. The northern region is full of mountains and forests. Chaing Mai is a very popular tourist destination of this region. The central plain is very fertile. It is very suitable for agriculture. Many farmers produce rice in this area. Thailand has often been named,

"Rice Bowl of Asia". Bangkok is the center of this region. It is also the capital of Thailand. The southern region is full of beautiful beaches and landscape. There are many minerals and ores to be found in this area.

Thailand is a humid and hot tropical country. Many Thai people like to joke that it has three seasons, hot, hotter, and hottest. The average temperature is about 23 to 35 Celsius.
Thai people have great love and respect for the king and the royal family. If you have a chance to visit Thailand, it is not wise t to disrespect the loyalty. Do no say anything bad about the monarchy. It is illegal, and you can be arrested.

Thailand is great place for vacation. Some of the very popular tourist cities are Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Samui, and Pattaya.

It is a good idea to learn a little Thai, before you visit Thailand. Thai people admire people who can speak some Thai.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pauline_Go

History

King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning "new city") in 1296, and it succeeded Chaing Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. The ruler was known as the Chao. The city was surrounded by a moat and a defensive wall, since nearby Burma was a constant threat. With the decline of the Lannathai kingdom, the city lost importance and was often occupied either by the Burmese or Thais from Ayutttaya. Because of the Burmese wars that culminated in the fall of Ayutthaya in April 1767, Chiang Mai was abandoned between 1776 and 1791. Lampang then serveed as the capital of what remained of Lannathai. Chiang Mai formally became part of Siam in 1774 by an agreement with Chao Kavila, after the Thai King Taksin helped drive out the Burmese. Chiang Mai then slowly grew in cultural, trading and economic importance to its current status as the unofficial capital of northern Thailand, second in importance only to Bangkok.

The inhabitants speak Kham Muang (also known as Northern Thai or Lanna) among themselves, though Central Thai is used in education and is understood by everyone. English is used in hotels and travel-related businesses and many educated people speak English. The Kham Muang alphabet is now studied only by scholars, and Northern Thai is commonly written with the standard Thai alphabet.

The modern municipal dates to a sanitary district that was created in 1915. This was upgraded to a municipality on March 29 1935, as published in the Royal Gazette, Book No. 52 section 80. First covering just 17.5 km² (7 sq mi), the city was enlarged to 40.216 km² (16 sq mi) on April 5, 1983.

Culture

Thousands of Khom Fai in Mae Jo during Loi Kratong

A truckload of people after getting hit by water during Songkran in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai hosts many Thai festivals, including:

• Loi Kratong (known locally as Yi Peng): Held on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. In the western calendar this usually falls in November. Every year thousands of people assemble floating banana-leaf containers (krathong) decorated with flowers and candles onto the waterways of the city to worship the Goddess of Water. Lanna-style sky lanterns (khom fai) are launched into the air. These are believed to help rid the locals of troubles and are also taken to decorate houses and streets.
• Songkran: Held in mid-April to celebrate the traditional Thai new year. Chiang Mai has become one of the most popular locations to visit for this festival. A variety of religious and fun-related activities (notably the good-natured city-wide water-fight) take place each year, along with parades and a Miss Songkran beauty competition.
• Flower Festival: A three-day festival held during the first weekend in February each year, this event occurs when Chiang Mai's temperate and tropical flowers are in full bloom. The festivities include floral floats, parades, traditional dancing shows, and a beauty contest.
• Tam Boon Khan Dok, the Inthakin (City Pillar) Festival, starts on the day of the waning moon of the six lunar month and lasts 6–8 days. In 2009, this is May 20-27. Centered around Wat Chedi Luang where the city pillar is housed, this is a celebration of brahmic origin. Offerings are made to the city pillar as well as the many other Buddhist and Lanna-era icons. Dancing, musical performances, carnival games, and the ubiquitous Thai vendor food is present. This is a very large celebration in which the Chiang Mai citizenry participate.

Article Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiang_Mai