Thailand Travel Guide

Chiang Mai Zoo was established by the The Zoological Park Organization, Thailand in 1974. Situated on 531 Rai of verdant forest land at the foothill of Doi Suthep mountain, the zoo is surrounded by hilly terrain which is home to thousands of species of wild plants and flowers adorning the natural landscape of valleys, streams and waterfalls.
Chiang Mai Zoo is the first and only zoo in Northern Thailand where visitors can experience the excitement and intimacy of various species of animals in their natural habitat.

Open daily 08.00 am. - 06.00 pm.

100 huaykaew road , T. suthep , A. muang chiangmai ,Tel (053)221179, 222283

Chiang Mai Night Safari (CnS) is a goverment nature theme park

which is built to promote Chiang Mai tourism regarding to the government ' s policy apart from arts, cultures, traditions, and the beauty of nature which are the main fascinating tourist attractions. The government also works for the promotion of Chiang Mai Airport in order to make it an international airport which will allow Chiang Mai to be the tourist center in Indo-China and Southeast Asia.

Therefore, if you are looking for a place to visit, a place to hang out at night amidst the real natural environment where you can relax and learn ecosystem, wildlife and natural resources not only in terms of quantity but also quality, Chiang Mai Night Safari is the best answer for you.

Chiang Mai Night Safari is located at Doi S uthep - Pui National Park which covers Tambon Nhong Kwa y , Hang Dong District , and Tambon Mae Hi a , Muang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai Province. It's about 324 acres consisted of Mixed Deciduous Forest and Dry Dipterocarp forest. Chiang Mai Night Safari is 12 km away from downtown Chiang Mai. By car, it takes only 15-20 minutes from the Chiang Mai Airport, the train station or the bus terminal to Chiang Mai Night Safari. Therefore, Chiang Mai Night Safari is the only nearest natural forest from downtown where the environment still perfectly stays in beauty and in peace of nature.

Daytime - Jaguar Trail only

Monday - Friday 1.00 pm - 10 . 3 0 pm
Saturday - Sunday and public holidays 10.00 am - 10 . 3 0 pm

Nighttime - Jaguar Trail, Predator Prowl,

Savanna Safari and Musical Fountain with water screen

Daily 6 .00 pm - 12 .00 pm
Tram Ride 7 .00 pm - 10 .30 pm (every 15 min.)

English Version : Predator Prowl at 7.45 pm and 9.30 pm
Savanna Safari at 8.30 pm and 10.15 pm

Musical Fountain Show : 8.00 pm and 9.10 pm

The island of Ko Chang is a tropical marine national park. Its hinterland consists of over 70% virgin rainforest and is the best preserved tourist holiday destination in Thailand. Situated to the east of the country in the province of Trat on the Cambodian border, it's Thailand's second largest island after Phuket.

Recently, with the surge of the island's development and popularity, it has been elevated to Thailand's new tourist haven. It has an airport near Trat, just 15 minutes from the ferry terminal. Bangkok Airways run twice-daily services from Bangkok, Phuket and Ko Samui. Also, the island offers fast internet access via many of the island's internet cafés.

With its chain of white sandy coves and beaches, pristine rain forests and abundance of wildlife and marine life, coral reefs, high mountain peaks, several scenic waterfalls, a rich variety of cuisine and great nightlife, Ko Chang is one of Thailand's most sought-after holiday destinations.

Accommodation on the island ranges from simple beach huts and bungalows to luxury villas, suites and apartments. If you drive, you can hire motorbikes, jeeps and cars to take you to any of the beaches along the coastal roads and, in the evening, there are plenty of restaurants, live music bars and nightclubs to choose from to spice up your holiday.

The busy bars scene is Pattaya is a colourful melting pot of tastes and styles, and with more than six hundred known establishments to choose from, you’re sure to find something to suit your mood. The open air, hostess filled ‘bar-beers’ make up the majority of drinking spots, and plenty of go-go bars have made a name for themselves also. Whatever your tastes and morals there is something for everyone here. There is also a thriving gay and lesbian scene boasting a large concentration of bars and clubs in Pattaya.

In most Pattaya bars girls just wanna have fun!

Pattaya bars are an ideal place to let your hair down and drink the night away. The main bar areas are all easily linked by songthaew routes, but most of the time your destination will be near enough to walk to. The neon illuminated Walking Street is as good a place as any to start the night off, with a host of bars offering reasonable happy hour prices throughout the day and until mid-evening.

For more bars in Pattaya the nearby Pattayaland ‘ups the ante’ somewhat with a choice of go-go bars (both straight and gay) filled usually with scantily-clad females dancing in lacklustre fashion to a pounding bass line that tends to be a conversation spoiler. Along the Beach Road there are lots of outdoor ‘bar-beers’ which offer cheap beer, similar chat, and not a great deal else, There are also wine bars, a German brew house playing nightly live music, and a selection of bars doubling up as restaurants.

At the north end of the Beach Road, sois 6, 7 and 8 are very popular ex-pat hangouts. More bar-girl laden open-air venues get boisterous in a friendly way as the night progresses, situated in the vicinity of some of the town’s best English and Irish Pubs. Pattaya 2 Road serves up more of the same as does the Jomtiem area a little up the coast.

Travellers footage: Thai bar girls go swimming

While government restrictions have made an impact on the former 24-hour drinking scene in Pattaya bars, the effect hasn’t be quite as severe from the new 1am closing time. A lot of bars in Pattaya either pay the police, or simply do what they please, so you can be guaranteed a late night drink somewhere. Nightclubs tend to stay open a bit later and there’s usually something going on which completely disregards the law and stays open all night.

Many of the bars in Pattaya are run by ex-pats, and offer a wide range of themes, bar food and facilities, including pool tables, sports TVs, music videos and live music.

Whether you fancy a bottle of champagne on the cliff overlooking the sea at Jomtiem, or a bottle of Chang beer in a go-go bar overlooking a pole-dancing routine in Pattayaland, there will always be someone on hand to fill your glass or replace your empty bottle.

Below is a list of recommended Pattaya bars:

The Thais are brilliant singers and like to enjoy themselves

The Chiang Mai nightlife is much tamer and quieter than Bangkok, but enjoyable all the same. People in this city like to enjoy themselves and are happy to party with the many foreigners visiting their town. In Chiang Mai there are plenty of relaxing bars, a couple of banging discos, one street full of go-go bars, and a smattering of karaoke lounges. Thailand is also very accepting of the gay and lesbian scene.

The city is a great place for a pub crawl because it's easy to walk (or stumble) from bar to bar (crossing the city centre on foot takes about 20 minutes). Many bars in Chiang Mai feature live music and the Thais are fabulous singers, with repertoires that include lovely Thai ballades, MOR, soul, blues and pop favourites. There are also a number of discos which have talented DJs spinning dance floor anthems, cutting edge trance and house, and retro classics. More details on Chiang Mai bars and nightlife scene.

The Chiang Mai nightlife is unfortunately quite restricted after midnight due to a current directive from the Governor to spoil the fun. There have been considerable complaints from all quarters, but only a selected number of places have so far been allowed to remain open until 2am.

Bars are found all over the city, but are mostly congregated on either side of the Moat's eastern flank (in the Tapae Gate area), along the Ping River near Nawarat Bridge or in the vicinity of the Night Bazaar. Some are lively, friendly affairs, others are quiet and more mature. The Night Bazaar keeps Chiang Mai's centre busy after hours, and there is plenty of late shopping and eating. At the Galare Centre adjacent, you can enjoy some quick food while watching a free display of Thai cultural dancing and music. There is also a cluster of bars, coffee houses and restaurants at the intersection of Chang Klan and Loi Kroh road. A little further down Chan Klan road (heading North) there is a small arcade, known for it's 'Peak Climbing wall' where you'll find several informal bars, some with plenty of 'company'.

Karaoke is a national obsession and these lounges can be found all over the city. Many of them attract a male clientele by including a bevy of young hostesses who will sit and sing with you for a small hourly fee. Many of these are found at Chiang Mai Land, a purpose-built street off Changklan rd, south of the city.

Travellers footage: Sexy nightclub dancers

Like the rest of Thailand, the nightlife in Chiang Mai is well known for its go-go bars. These are located mostly along the western end of Loi Kroh rd, including a walk-in arcade near the Imperial Mae Ping Hotel, and a stretch of Moon Muang rd south of Tapae Gate. Popular with some, these areas are well contained, more discreet than Bangkok and relatively tame. Read more about bar girls in Chiang Mai

There is also plenty of good clean fun to be had. Multiplex cinemas are found in the Kad Suan Kaew mall (also known as Central) and Airport Plaza, both showing movies with English soundtrack. An ice skating rink and bowling alley are also located in Central. There is also a karting track and mini golf, as well as a Thursday night quiz at the Irish Pub, while writers congregate at the Writers' Club and Wine Bar on Friday nights to spin a yarn over some tipple.

Ko Samui is a 247 km² large island located in the Gulf of Thailand, in the province of Surat Thani. It is, by many people, considered as one of the most beautiful islands in the South-East Asia region. Foreign tourists started to explore Samui in the 70s and today the island is a modern tourist destination with paradise like beaches.

Ko Samui Beaches

Chaweng beach
Had (beach in Thai language) Chaweng is found on the island's East coast and it is the most popular beach on Ko Samui. Soft sand and shallow water makes Chaweng beach perfect for sunbathing and swimming. The 8 kilometer long beach road is pretty much covered with cozy restaurants, resorts, hotels and bars.

Lamai beach
Had Lamai is situated a few kilometers South of Chaweng and is the second most popular destination on Ko Samui. The 6 km long beach has a little grainy sand and the deep water is perfect for swimming, especially in the Southern and middle parts of this beach. Even if the Lamai area is growing, the relaxed atmosphere is still dominating.

Ao Thong Takian
A small almost idyllic beach North of Lamai with five small resorts. A lot of corals is found on the sea bed (mind cuts) and some days the water is very clear and turquoise and then suitable for snorkeling.

Maenam
Maenam beach is found on the Northern part of the island and one of Samui's calmer beaches. Many families chose to rent a bungalow along the 5 km long beautiful beach. At low season the beach can be almost "empty of people".

Bo Phut
A rather quiet and calm beach which earlier functioned as a fishing village for the local fishermen. The traditional house of teak tree can still be found in the small village. Even if there is no extensive nightlife found in Bo Phut, you will still find a number of cozy seafood and fish restaurants that work as natural meeting point.

Big Buddha beach
Also a rather quiet beach, next to the large Big Buddha monument/statue. The white sand and (often) calm water, makes the beach perfect for the visitor who are looking for a peaceful environment. Big Buddha is located not so far from Chaweng and the airport.

Choeng Mon
This beautiful but rather short beach is found in the North-East parts of the island. Here you will find mostly three, four and five star resorts. A perfect place for families and couples who are looking for a pleasant and convenient holiday. Choeng Mon beach is also located rather close to the airport and Chaweng.

Bang Por, Lipa Noi and Taling Ngam
Three quiet and long beaches on the North-West and West coast of Samui. For people who prefer a calm, very relaxed vacation. At low season, these beaches are often almost empty of people, but a some restaurants and resorts are to be found here.

Ko Samet (เกาะเสม็ด in Thai) is a rather small island where you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. The water is also normally very clear here. Relaxation is the main activity here, so spoil yourself a little and "refill your batteries". It is a perfect place for hiding away from daily life stress and work. Anyhow, you are still close to Bangkok and it's shopping, night life and attractions.

Reasons to go to Samet island
There are several reasons to choose Samet as your holiday destination. First of all; the island has some of the best beaches found in the whole country. Hat Sai Kaew (Diamond Beach), Ao Vong Duan and Ao Prao is three of them. Second, the short distance to Bangkok. Convenient! And third, the climate is very pleasant. Even though it is raining a little more in July-September, there is often just short and refreshing showers.

Wat Phra Borommathat Doi Suthep is on Doi Suthep, 3,520 feet above sea level, 15 kms. from town. Phra Borommathat Doi Suthep is a large golden pagoda in the center of the temple containing a part of the holy relics of the Lord Buddha. It is holy spot visited throughout the year by Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world. This temple was built by King Gue-Na in 1383 A.D.

The Chedi Thong, twenty-two metres (72 feet) high, sheathed in copper plate overlaid with gold and surrounded by gold railings with golden lace umbrellas as each corner

Wat Phra Borommathat Doi Suthep is one of the four rayal wats (Wats under royal patronage) in the province of Chiang Mai. It is perched on a hilltop called "Doi Suthep", (the word 'Doi' is a northern Thai word meaning 'mountain', the word Suthep is a Thai word derived from the Pali Sudeva which was the name of a hermit who according to tradition, had lived there before the shrine came into being.)

Visitors must walk up 300 steps, flanked on both sides by an elongated, wavy,
snake-like body of a seven-headed naga and beds of frangipanis and cassias

Wat Phra Borommathat Doi Suthep is one of the most sacred places in North Thailand since it is the place where a relic of the Buddha the sacred object of worship for Buddhist people everwhere, has been enshrined. The people of Chiang Mai, in particular, have regarded the temple as the tutelary shrine of Chiang Mai since ancient times. Perched on an imposing hill top and surrounded by picturesque scenery, the wat has become a must for the visitors from other provinces as well as from abroad. There is a popular saying that those who go to Chiang Mai without visiting Doi Suthep are no better than those who have never been to Chiang Mai at all.

At the west side is the Buddhist holyday (one of four chapels)

The door of west side the Buddhist holyday

At the southern side of Chedi is the Viharn in which a really handsome golden Buddha image

The Wat has six doorways, but visitors usually pass through on of the south entrances,
next to the Viharn and Chedi

If you are travelling to Chiang Mai and have the urge to get in touch with the pristine unspoiled nature, take a visit to Doi Inthanon National Park, only about an hour west of Chiang Mai. Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain, 2,599 metres above sea level, is a part of the Himalayas, which ranges across Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and ends at Northern Thailand. There you will find clean air, cool weather, beautiful waterfalls. And the highlight is, of course, the amazing view on top of Thailand’s highest peak.
Getting There: Travel 58 kilometres west of Chiang Mai via Highway No. 107 to Chom Thong, then turn right into Highway No. 1009 and continue a further distance of 48 kilometres along Highway No. 1009 to the summit. A good asphalt road takes visitors up but is rather steep, thus the vehicle must be in a good condition.
Accommodation, restaurants, and camping sites are available at the park headquarters at Km. 31. Tel: 0 5335 5728, Bangkok Tel: 0 2562 0760 or www.dnp.go.th

Attractions in Doi Inthanon National Park
Namtok Mae Ya is one of the most beautiful cascades in Chiang Mai. Water flows from a 280-metre steep cliff onto different rock formations in a lower basin like drapes. The well-managed waterfall is teeming with verdant forests and is best for recreation. It is located 1 kilometre from Highway No. 1009 junction.
Tham Bori Chinda is a large cave located near Namtok Mae Klang at Km. 8.5 of Highway No. 1009. The road sign to Tham Bori Chinda will be seen at the junction on the right. The deep cave has stalactite and stalagmite formations, Buddha images and a rocky stream. The surface of the water glitters like diamonds flake when light reflects the stream. Sunlight in the cave allows visitors to see the entire cave.
Namtok Wachirathan is a large waterfall which plummets over the edge of a high cliff into a deep pool below. When there is a large amount of water, there are large splashes in the basin, creating a cool and refreshing environment. The delightful ambience can be felt by walking on a slippery bridge that leads to the waterfall. To get there, turn right off Highway No.1009 at Km. 21.
Namtok Siriphum is a splendid waterfall that falls from a steep cliff in two lines and can be seen en route to Doi Inthanon. The attractive waterfall is located at Km. 31 of Highway No. 1009, take a right turn for 2 kilometres and is approachable only on foot from the base of the waterfall.
Doi Inthanon Royal Project is in Khun Klang village close to the park headquarters. The project was initiated in 1979 to help the hill tribes to cultivate cash crops other than opium and train them on modern agricultural practices. Flower plantations, a plant breeding research lab and flower plantations of hill tribes (Hmong) are open to visitors.
Phra Mahathat Napha Methanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphaphon Phumisiri , twin pagodas located at Km. 41.5, were built to commemorate the fifth cycle birthdays of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. The pagodas enshrine Lord Buddha’s ashes and Buddha images, and overlook the magnificent scenery of Doi Inthanon.
Doi Inthanon Peak (ยอดดอยอินทนนท์) has a cool climate all year round. The Air Force Radar Station and King Inthawichayanon’s stupa located on the mountaintop. King Inthawichayanon, the last king of Chiang Mai, was concerned about the importance of forests and wanted to preserve the forests for future generations. He was so familia with Doi Inthanon that he asked that part of his ashes be kept here.
Namtok Mae Pan (น้ำตกแม่ปาน) is the longest waterfall in Chiang Mai, which flows from a 100-metre cliff. Its charm can be enjoyed by standing some distance from the falls. From afar, the white water and the green forests around the falls make a beautiful picture.

Natural Study trek on Doi Inthanon
Kiu Mae Pan starts from Km. 42. This short trail, winding through pristine forest for about 2.5 kilometres, a 3-hour walk, allows the hiker to experience the natural beauty of the forest at first hand. The Rhododendrons, commonly found in the Himalayas, are found along the trail and they are in full bloom during December-February.
Trekkers on this route should seek permission from the park headquarters at Km. 31 for safety reasons. A group of not more than 15 people is recommended. Food consumption is not allowed while trekking. This nature trail is closed for reforestation from June 1 to October 30 annually.
Birdwatching on Doi Inthanon
Inthanon Birdwatching Information Centre (Uncle Daeng’s Shop) is located at Km. 31. This is a bird information exchange centre among birdwatchers, nature students and the general public. It also provides the Doi Inthanon Birdwatching Diary, bird sketches by various bird watching experts, birdwatching trails, bird pictures, and slides.
Winter is the best time for birdwatching when indigenous and migrant birds are found including Eurasian Woodcock, White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Citrine Wagtail, Forest Wagtail, Chestnut Thrush, Scarlet Finch, Little Bunting, and Crested Bunting.