Thailand: Visit to the Grand Palace - "Some practical tips"

Some tips on your visit to this Palace of complex buildings  with intricate architecture:

1.       Have greater appreciation on what you expect to see. Read up before going. There is a free tour guide brochure  available at the ticket entrance but usually, it may be too late to do your reading if already there.

2.       As Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand, expect this place to be very crowded with both local and foreign tourists. Come early to avoid the crowd and the heat.  Palace is open from 8:30am to 3:30 pm every day.

3.       The whole of the Palace is picturesque. Make sure you bring your camera and is fully charged.

4.       Come in proper attire (shoulders and knees must be covered). You will save time in lining up to borrow a sarong or polo shirt with a deposit of Baht 200 ($8).  There are also long lines when you return to get your deposit.

5.       As you will be moving around under the sun, bring your hat or umbrella plus drinking water.

6.       You will pay Baht 500 (approx. $15) per person as entrance free (Thais enter free). Better to bring cash but credit cards are accepted. This fee entitles you to access other facilities within the Grand Palace.  Use them if you have enough time.

7.       Be careful with your children and keep them on sight; beware of pickpockets

8.       Recommended duration of visit: 2-3 hours

9.       Be careful for over-charging and scams caused by taxi and tuk-tuk drivers

10.   Parking is whole area is a problem.  If you are driving you can use paid parking at Navy Club and take a short tuk-tuk ride to the Grand Palace.

(July 2016)

Thailand: Or Tor Ko (Otoko) Market, Bangkok - "The best fresh food market in Bangkok"

I always like going to this market because I believe this is the best fresh food market in Bangkok (Otoko is ranked the 4th best fresh marked in the world by a famous travel guide). It is said that all fresh food from Thailand is distributed through this market from vegetables, fresh and dried fruits, fresh meat and seafood to cooked Thai food and some regional products from Thailand. 

Where to find Otoko

Otoko Market is located very proximate to the famous Chatuchak weekend market of Bangkok. Get the BTS up the end-line Mo Chit BTS station.  From there, you can take a tuk-tuk to Otoko Market or take a 15-minute walk passing through the Chatuchak weekend market.  From Sukhumvit, the Center of Bangkok, BTS ride to Mo Chit Station is approximately 20-25 minutes only. 

What to expect

Market is a must see. It is amazingly clean and it will be a pleasant experience to walk around. The Market is open from 6am to 8pm each day. Paid parking is available.

Market offers nicely presented fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and seafood. Dried fruits and Thai confectionary/ sweets are also available. There is a section of cooked Thai food stalls with a small area with tables where you can eat and dine. The food stalls can cook fried oyster pancakes, pad thai and various soups for you as you order. There is also a dry good section that sells shirt and dresses normally coming from nearby provinces of Thailand.

Compared to other fresh markets in Bangkok or Thailand, Otoko prices are slightly higher but certainly worth the difference in terms of quality. 

Practical Tips

1. To avoid the crowd, especially if you are driving, go early.
2. There are abundant taxi just outside Otoko.  As in many places in Bangkok frequented by tourists, taxi drivers will also ask you for a flat rate and will disregard the use of meters.  Make sure you negotiate if this happens.
3. If you have time, try hopping into Chatuchak Weekend Market with is just a few minutes walk from Otoko.  This market is only open on weekends. However, JJMall, which is adjacent to Chatuchak is open 7 days a week (10am to 8pm)  and it has good eateries and restaurants in it.

Safari World Bangkok

SAFARI WORLD IN BANGKOK, THAILAND

Safari World is Thailand's greatest open zoo and leisure park that offers a great variety of entertainment to everyone - young and old.  It has two parks - the Safari Park  and the Marine Park.

•  Safari Park has the world's largest herd of Giraffe with a giraffe feeding terrace

• Safari World was open in 1988 with a total area of 480 acres (190 ha) for its open zoo and 180 acres (73 ha) for its Marine Park.

THE SAFARI PARK (9am to 5pm, Daily)

• The Safari Par is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) long.  A drive through the park takes about 45 minutes or depending on how much time you want to spend with the animals.  You can drive in the comfort of your car through the African-designed landscapes to see hundred of animals from all over the world.  If you go without your car or your car is not air-conditioned, you can join the Safari Park Coaches provided by the Park.
• Your pets are not allowed inside the Safari Park but you can leave them with the Security at the entrance of the Park.  
• No feeding of animals

Tiger and lion feeding show comes on at 10:30 every morning

•  Your are not allowed to leave your vehicles while inside the Safari Park.  At certain areas (lions , bears), car doors must be locked and windows rolled up. In case your vehicle breaks down,  you should honk, turn on your hazard light and wait until assistance from the trained staff

THE MARINE PARK (9am to 6pm, Daily)

• At the Marine Park, you can take a jungle boat cruise, see the white tiger, visit adventure island or catch one of the many exiting shows.
• Show programs include Orang Utan Boxing show, dolphin show, elephant show, sea lion show, birds show, spy war show and cowboy stunt show.  Fees to all shows are part of your entrance ticket.
• Don't miss the giraffe feeding station inside the Marine Park (follow directional sign).  Buy bucket of banana to feed giraffe (Baht 100 or approx $3)
• Fast food lunch available beside the river.

How to go there

• Safari Park is just about 45 kilometers from Bangkok. It will take you one (1) to drive depending on the traffic.  If you drive, give allowance for the traffic as it tends to be heavy as you move nearer the Safari Park.
  
• If taking the public transpo: take the Sukhumvit Line and get off at Mo Chit Station (or N8 Station) and go out through Exit no. 1 or 3.   Take a metered taxi or bus no. 26 or 96, get off at Fashion Island Shopping Mall, and use the overpass to go to the other side of the road.  Take a taxi or minibus to the Safari World.
• GPS users can plot "Legacy Golf" in case Safari World does not show in your device. 

Where to eat

• Restaurants and toilets are all at the Marine Park (you are not allowed to leave your vehicle at the Safari Park).
• There are three huge big restaurants that offer buffet lunch to tour groups
• Best place to take lunch is the fast food place which offers freshly cooked noodles from the boat for $2.  They also offer good mango salad and roasted chicken.
• You can bring your own food, drinks and snack inside the Marine Park

Parking

•  Enough FREE  parking for everyone. Tour buses are parked in a separate location.

Tickets
     Safari Park : $24 for adults, $20 for children.
     Marine Park: $30 for adults, $24 for children.
     Package for two parks: $ 36 for adults, $27 for children
     Note: Residents are offered 50% discount upon presentation of visa or valid proof of residency
     Season tickets:: available for Baht 1200 (approx US$40) good for one-year with unlimited     entrance to Safari World and Marine Park. Purchase at the entrance of the Marine Park.

Address and contact information

SAFARI WORLD
99 Ramindra Road, Km. 9 Klongsamwa, Bangkok 10510 Thailand
Tel. +66 (2) 914 4100; 518-1000-19
www.safariworld.com
email: Info@safariworld.com

HUA HIN - Great Beaches in Thailand

HUA HIN is a beach resort town in Thailand, some 200 kilometers (or 4 hours drive)  south of Bangkok. It is a popular beach resort gateway for Bangkok residents. Thailand's royal family and especially former kings were the first to set this location on the map as the original seashore destination in Thailand. The 5 km long beach itself is pretty and the sea is relatively calm.  Besides just sunbathing, snorkeling and swimming it is the place supporting attractions and activities such as golf, spas, caves, peaks, waterfalls, shops, seafood and nearby national parks.

ATTRACTIONS

Hua Hin Beach extends to some five kilometers. You can best access the beaches through resort facilities such as:

      Let's SEA (Hua Hin Al Fresco Resort)  - we highly recommend this place.

•    A perfect place to laZzzz around or walk barefoot along the beach
•    Place has 5-star  accommodation or you can just go and visit its famous Let's Sea Lounge and Restaurant which offers authentic Thai family style cooking, served creatively.
• It has a dramatic 120-m swimming lagoon directly accessible from your room.

Let's SEA/Hua Hin Al Fresco Resort
83/188 Soi Talay 12
Khao Takieb Road, Hua Hin
Prachuap Khirikhan 77110
Thailand
T +66 (0) 32 536 888
F +66 (0) 32 536 887
E info.huahin@letussea.com
www.letussea.com

 Night Street Market - a popular shopping market, right at the downtown district,  allowing people to shop, eat native-style seafood cooked on the spot and to witness local people's lifestyle.  This night market opens daily from 6pm till midnight.

TIP: Hua Hin's most popular local product is Khommaphat printed cotton which can be made into shirts, handkerchiefs, wraps as well as decorative  pieces such as pillows, bags and fans.  Other local products include hand-woven cotton and a traditional Hua Hin-style duster. 

Wat Huay Mongkol - was home to the popular monk Luang Pu Thuat who is famous for his "miracles". Wat Huay Mongkol houses the largest statue of Luang Pu Thuat in Thailand in a park-like setting.  The statue is about 12 meters high and 10 meter wide. This place is very popular with Thai people who come to pay respect to the monk and to ask for things as favors, good luck, health, fortune and happiness.  On each side of the giant statue, there is a huge wooden three-headed elephant. Local people walk in circles three times under the belly of the elephants wishing for good luck. The place is where you can buy the Amulets of Luang Phor Thuad.  Thai people believe that amulets with the Luang's image hold great protective powers, especially from natural disasters and from accidents.

• Wat Huay Mongkol is 15 km from downtown Hua Hin.  The most comfortable way to get there is to drive or by taxi that most hotels will be able to book.
• TIP: when you climb up the stairways to the giant statue, bring water and sun cream since there is no shade and it gets hot so quickly.  The best to get there early in the morning and avoid the crowd.

GOOD EATS

Go to the Marina/Pier along Naresdamri Road where Hilton Hotel is located or access through Soi 57 from the main street of Hua Hin.  This is a long stretch of restaurants and local hotels. For real fresh seafood taken from aquarium tanks, go to:

1. Chao Lay Seafood - 15 Naresdamri Road, Hua-Hin, Prachuabkirikhan 77110 (tel. 0-3251-3436 or 0-3251-3437. Place is huge and crowded overlooking the sea. Prices are reasonable.

2. Sang Thai Seafood Restaurant - (Tel. 032-412 144)  Local people go to this place for fresh seafoods which they cook after you have chosen your live seafood from the display tanks.  This restaurant is very close to Chao Lay Seafood.

FOOT MASSAGE

Good SPAs for your body or foot massage are also found along  Naresdamri Road close to the Hilton Hotel. The following are recommended:

1. Baan Kwankamon Massage and SPA - (120/1 Naresdamri Road; Tel 032 533 733, 080-6585591)

• Place is very clean and spacious
• Highly trained attendants
• Tourists with young children go her for foot massage
• Foot massage is Baht 300 ($10) for one hour

2. Elephant Thai Massage and Beauty Salon - (162/9 Naresdamri Road; Tel. 032-532455; open from 9am to midnight)

• Traditional Thai massage - 2 hours (400 Baht/$13); 1 hour (300 Baht/$10)
• Food massage - 1 hour (300 Baht/$10)
• Hair cut - 200 Baht
• Shampoo and hair dry - 200 Baht
• manicure/pedicure - 150 Baht

3. Fish massage (found in several places in Naresdamri Road) Fish nibbling away your dried skin cells to leave feet soft. Rates: 150 Baht- 15 minutes; 200 Baht - 20 minutes; 250 Baht - 30 minutes.

SUGGESTED PLACES TO STAY

1.  Let's SEA - (see contact information above) rate per night approx $190 with breakfast for two.

2. Hua Hin Mantra Resort - 4 star hotel located just beside Let's Sea

            Daily Rates:  Deluxe Room   - Baht 2,750/$91  (weekday); Baht 3050/$102 (weekend)

                          Hua Hin Mantra Resort
                          83/181 Soi Nongkae Village
                          Hua Hin, Prachuab-Khiri-Khan 77100, Thailand
                          Tel. 00 66 (0) 32 536 777
                          Fax 00 66 (0) 32 536 778
                          Email : rsvn@huahinmantra.com
                                       info@huahinmantra.com
                          www.huahinmantra.com

3.  Fresh Inn Hotel - just infront of Hilton Hotel (132 Naresdamri Road, Hua Hin, Prachuabkhirikan 77110 Thailand) ; Tel 66 32 511 389; www.freshinnhuahin.com

        Daily Rates (w/ breakfast)        1 Nov to 19 April       20 Apr-31 Oct    

                      Standard Room                 Baht 1700                Bhat 1500
                      Superior Room                  Baht 1800               Baht 1650
         Cash only; with 7 nights free one night

                         
4. Royal Pavilion - 4-star hotel; recommended if you prefer staying in the center of downtown Hua Hin; hotel is two blocks away from the Night Market and 10 minutes walk to the Marina/Pier area.

          Daily Rates (w/ breakfast for two) Baht 3300 ($110)

                       Royal Pavilion
                       40/88 Phetkasen Road, Hua Hin
                       Prochuabkhirikhan 77110, Thailand
                       Tel. +66 (0) 32 513 188
                       www.royalpavilionhuahin.com

5. Anantsila Khao Takiab Resort Hotel - (suggested by our friend, Thetis) 4-star beach front family-oriented hotel on a beautiful sandy tree-lined takiab beach with beach bar and sunbeds. A private beach front and 25 meter swimming pool provide for carefree relaxation in the sun. Beach bar and terrace offer soothing view of the sea.

          Daily Rates:
                  Standard Room (at Annex Bldg)         Baht 2880 to 3600
                  Junior Suites                                        Baht 5520 to 6900
                  Deluxe Poolside  Rooms                     Baht 4880 to 6100
                  One bedroom apartment                      Baht 4080 to 5100             
                  Pool villas                                            Baht 10500

                  Anantasila Villa by the Sea
                  33/17 Soi Moonban Huadon
                  Petchkasem Road
                  Hua Hin Prachuab Khirikhan 771100, Thailand
                  Tel. +66 (0) 32 536364 
                  www.anantasila.com 

6. Aleenta Hua Hin - Pranburi  Resort and SPA - (recommended by a friend, Anna Olsen) each suite is located within steps to the beach and offers a commanding views of the sunset.

            Daily Rates:


            Location (for GPS users) Latitude/Longitude - 12degrees 20'52'67"N,
                                                                                        99 degrees 59'51.21"E

           Reservations: rsvn.hhg@aleenta.com
                                  +66 2 514 8112

           Daily Rates:
                       Palm poolside suite         Baht 5800  
                       Ocean view suite             Baht 5700 - 6840
                       Beach house suite           Baht 6500

HOW TO GO TO HUA HIN

1. Private car - 3.50 hours
2, Public Transportation - there is a 12 seater mini- van that runs every 30 minutes to and from Victory Monument for a standard fee of Baht 180 ($6.00) on way.

                           June and Jams Transports Co. Ltd.
                           From  Bangkok, Victory Monument (in front of the hospital Ratchawithi)
                                 Ratchawithi Soi 13, Tel 086 307 0533, 08 633 0609 (open 5am to 2030pm)
          
                           Rama 2 set opposite Central Rama 2 next to the Chaba restaurant
                                  Tel. 086 307 0544

                          From Hua Hin right beside Royal Pavilion Hotel
                                  Tel. 086 992 7422 (open 4:00am to 20:30 pm)

WANT TO BRING HOME FRESH CRABS, SEAFOOD AND FRUITS?

Go to Cha-am public market (located 20 kilometers from Hua Hin) along your way home.  Fresh seafood, vegetables and fruits are abundant at very low prices (e.g. fresh big crabs at Baht 250 per kilo, shrimps at Baht 300 per kilo, fresh scallops at Baht 150 per kilo).  Sellers can cook your seafoods (at Baht 20 per kilo) in 17- 20 minutes. Thereafter, they can put them in  styrofoam buckets (Baht 60-120 for the bucket) , pack them on ice and seal them neat. Happy eating!

April 13, 2013



 
                                  

Amphawa Floating Market

AMPHAWA is the place Thai tourists come to experience a floating market.  Just less than 2 hours drive from downtown Bangkok, Aphawa floating market is an experience and different from the equally famous and picturesque Damneon Saduak which is nearby.  Unlike the latter, this floating market doesn't start to get going until the late afternoon and last till late evening.

Amphawan: early morning alms giving and evening fireflies cruise

 Touring the market is better done by foot than riding the boat.  Walking through its canal, you will experience a number of vendors with their food stalls along the river. Real good food indeed --- grilled fresh seafood, noodles, etc.  Grab your seats facing the river and you will see the food vendors down the river in their boats preparing food. They cook or grill your food as you order.  People cooking in the boats have a pully system hooked up or a server with a basket or tray attached to a long pole where they put the cook food to delivery your food to a central server up your platform waiting to deliver your food to your table.They are not pricy. For instance a plateful of grilled fresh scallops (of about 6 pieces) is sold at Bhat 40 (or US$1.20) and it comes with a sweet but spicy sauce. We had grilled squid and fish too.  We were five in the group and spent only Baht 750 (US25) for our meal less the cold beer and drinks which we paid separately to another vendor nearby.  There are other bigger (and more comfortable) restaurants in the canal that offer real kitchen-cooked food and cuisine.

There are many stores along the canal which double up as either hotels or private residences of local people. The place is generally crowded but peaceful. The trick is to come early and save yourself from the heat of the day.

In the early morning, starting at 5am, monks row up and down the canal collecting food during their alms round.  You ought to be there early in the morning to witness this tradition. You can do your own offerings and buy your goods already packed in small plastic bag for Baht 40 (US$1.20), The vendors will just be too willing to teach you how the offering is made ---  go on barefoot and kneel, raise your offering to the level of your head, hand your offering to the monk by putting it their metal container, do the "WAI" (putting your hands together as in praying)  with your head slightly bowing. . . monk will recite his prayers and moves on.  You can also make your offering with cash.  Some monks acknowledge your offering with a small souvenir given you in return.

Alms to Monks

Monks come walking or by boat for early morning alms

All monks go out for alms everyday around 5am to 6am. They carry their bowl with both hands and close to the belly. In practice, the monks walk in straight line one by one.  The oldest one or the temple "abbot" leads the monks.   The other one follow (all in barefoot)  by seniority age spent in Buddhist community. Thai women, kneeling, or Thai men, standing, put food inside the monk's bowl. The women cannot touch the monk or his belongings.  The monks do not thank for the food as they give opportunity for the laypeople to do good deeds and earn merits.  Giving out for alms is called "Bin Tha Bat".

Boat ride and Rates
Boats for hire are readily available in the board walk. Normal commercial boat fare is Baht 60 per person for an evening firefly cruise which starts at 7:30 pm right at the board walk of the Floating Market.  Private boat for an hour to see the fireflies costs Bhat 600 (US$20) for the whole boat which can seat 12 persons. Boat hire prices vary depending on where you want to go and for how long.  Here are the published prices ($1=Baht 30):
                 (1) Evening firefly cruising     - Baht 60 per person or Baht 600 for the whole boat
                 (2)  4 hour cruise on the Maeklong River including up to 9 temple stops - private charter
                           Baht  900
                 (3) 2 hour cruise on the Meeklong River with up to 5 temple stops - Baht 50 per person or
                           Bhat 400 Baht privater; Baht 900 charter
                 (4) Tour Temple Wat Chulamani and Nature Cruise - Baht 50 per person or Baht 500 for
                             private charter
You can also do your advance reservation through Tel 086-7622775
       
Hotels
The are plenty of hotels lined up in the Amphawa floating market itself.  It is best to reserve ahead through the internet especially during peak season.  

I.  My friends suggested this hotel right at the Amphawa floating market:
                       Thanijha Healthy Resort
                        261 Anphawa Samutsongkhram Thailand 75110
                        Tel.+66  034-725511; +66 089-1045444
                         www.thanicha.com

This hotel has ample parking space for its clients. It has a restaurant fronting the river where breakfast of hotel guests is served daily. Non-holiday published room rates are as follows (all in Baht with exchange rate of US$1 = Bhat 30):

                                     Friday                 Saturday               Sunday & Weekday
Standard                       1,590                  1,690                          1,390
Deluxe                          1,890                  1,900                          1,690
Family Room                3, 190                 3,390                          2,490
Family Suite                 3,590                  3,790                          3,190
Mini                              1,500                  1,000                          800
Extra Bed                         500 for all rooms; 250 for child (6-12 years old)
(above rates include breakfast, tax and service charge)                 

II. Our group stayed at Yao In Chan Hotel, located approximately 4 km away from the floating market.  We are happy with its facilities (free WIFI) and service. Hotel is very clean and relaxing.  Hotel opened 6 months ago and has only 11 rooms --- 6 rooms beside its lagoon, 3 rooms on the second floor and two-rooms (which can room 6 persons) adjacent to each other in a cottage-type unit near the pool.  All rooms, except the cottage,  have spacious balcony. Most rooms come with two twin-sized beds. Hotel is very exclusive and family-run. Son, PUN is the front office manager.  He is speaks English well and is very amiable. The mother has a small art gallery behind and all rooms are fitted with her paintings.  The Father served our welcome drink in our room and gets up early morning to attend to guests going to the floating market to see the monks. Rooms are equipped with huge flat TV with cable and English channels, ice bucket,  coffee maker with coffee and tea bags and a small refrigerator with complimentary water, soft drinks, snacks (Kitkat, chips, etc). Hotel has spacious parking across the street. Hotel has very good review and is highly recommended. Weekend Rate per night: Baht 2500 ($83)with breakfast (american or thai). Rate is lower on weekdays. Note: Hotel does not have a regular restaurant for lunch or dinner. No room service either. Only cash payments.  You can reserve through internet or call Pun:
                          Yao In Chan Hotel
                           95 Moo7, Ban Prok
                           Amper Muang Somutsongkorn
                           Amphawa 75000, Thailand
                           Tel. +66 34-712-175; mobile (Pun) +66 82-363-2880
                             www.facebook.com/yaoinchan

Yao In Chan Hotel - good for a relaxing weekend

                             

III,  The Grace Amphawa Resort - located also near Yao in Chan Hotel or roughly 6 kilometers to the Amphawa Floating Market.   This luxury resort is clean and facing the Mae Krong River.  Rooms are equipped with jacuzzi, television, refrigerator, hot water shower and western style toilets.  The resort offer free wifi internet access. It has a restaurant, swimming pool, club house and Thai massage.  Published room rates are as follows (all in Thai Baht - US$1 = Baht 30):

                                           Sunday to Friday              Saturday and Long Weekend
 Deluxe River Wing               2,500                                         3,500
River Wing                            2,000                                          2,500
Deluxe Canel                         2,000                                          2,400
Superior                                 1,500                                          1,600
(2 person occupancy; extra bed Baht 500 per person; rates include breakfast)

To book or make reservations (look for Ms. Pen)

                               The Grace Amphawa
                               26 M. 8 T. Banprok Samutsongkhram
                               Samutsongkhram, Thailand 75000
                               Tel. 086-365-9522; 086-365-9511
                                www.thegraceamphawa.com

Parking in Amphawa Floating Market:
Use the parking area of Thanijha Hotel. Its free but closes at 10pm.  Area has other paid-parking facilities.

Options on how to go to Amphawa:
1.  Driving will take approximately 2 hours. Good highway. You can stop at road side for sea salt, dried fish and other local products.
2.  Day trip is possible. Take a taxi from Bangkok. You can contract them at the rate of Baht 1500 to 2000 ($50 to $67) inclusive of toll fees. You can leave Bangkok early in the morning and return the same day.
3.  Use passengers vans from Victory Monument.  Inquire on schedule and rates.

Other places of interest in Amphawa: (located about  2 minutes before the Amphawa Floating Market)

           Bencharong Wares 
           Ban Pinsuwan Benjarong
           32/1 Moo 7, Bangchang, Amphawa
           Samutsongkram 75110
           Tel. 034-751322
           Email: sun_ya_sweet@hotmail.com

Bencharong wares are ceramic enameld with 5 colors.

Place is famous for the Benjarong porcelain which has unique design and patterns, a combination of Chinese and Thai artistry.  The manufacturing shop is open each day, except Sunday, until 5pm.  Store however is open 7 days a week and up to 6pm.


February 2013
Updated on 8 March 2013

Rose Garden Riverside (SAMPRAN RIVERSIDE)

SAMPRAN RIVERSIDE
an eco-cultural destination since 1962

SAMPRAN is a wholesome resort for the young and old

Sampran Riverside (formerly known as Rose Garden Riverside) is a family-run resort an hour away from Bangkok, where visitors can experience authentic Thai way of life. Considered as one of Bangkok's "must see" attractions, SAMPRAN is located in a 70-acre riverside property that offers its visitors unique facilities that include a 4-star riverside hotel with 160 rooms, 6 antique Thai houses, an authentic Thai SPA, 4 restaurants, an organic farm, a weekend farmers' market and a uniquely-designed Thai Village Cultural Center.  Back in 1962, the business started as a supplier of roses to the Bangkok flower markets.

1. How to go to SAMPRAN.
              SAMPRAN is located by the Ta-Chine River in Bangkok's neighboring province of Nakhon Pathom.  It is approximately 30 kilometers from Bangkok City and takes about 1 hour drive through a nicely-paved highway.  Driving your own vehicle is advantageous as you can stop along the way for some fresh fruits and produce.  Local tour operators also offer half day trip to SAMPRAN or a taxi can be rented from Bangkok.

Floating market

2.  What to see.

Thai Village - this unique village is where most daily activities take place.  In the mornings, villages teach Thai arts and crafts at different workshops around the village.  In the a afternoon, the villages all join to perform the THAI VILLAGE SHOW, a 40-minute cultural show.

Antique Thai Houses and restaurants

Four-star hotel

Four-star family hotel - located beside the river, the hotel has complete facilities --- meeting rooms, restaurants, swimming pool.   


Restaurants - Four restaurants operate inside the resort. (1) Vanda Pavillion beside the lake; (2) Inn Chan Restaurant located beside the river with one of its part "floating" on the river; (3) Rim Nam Restaurant located inside the hotel; and (4) Kao Gaeng Cafeteria located along the souvenir shops.

Six antique Thai houses, Chinese Mansion, Organic farm field, Rim Klong Market, small floating market, souvenir shops.

3. What to do.

a. Morning activities - "Living the Thai Culture" (Arts and craft workshops) - daily from 10am to 12noon - Thai music and dance, garland making and fruit carving, traditional pottery, Thai martial arts, silk processing, traditional weaving, umbrella painting, bamboo dancing, Thai herbal pavillion and rice farming.

b. Afternoon activities - Thai Cultural Show - daily 13:30 and 14:45;  elephant demonstration - daily at 14:30 and 15:30.

Elephant demonstration and rides

Cultural show including Thai boxing demo

c. Additional activities - organic farm tour, thai cooking class, river cruise, herbal product workshop, elephant ride for children and adults, snake petting,






4. Fees

a. Entrance and Parking - FREE
b. Elephant ride - Baht 120 (approx. US$4.00) for adults and 50% off for children
c. Cultural show in an air-conditioned native pavillion - Baht 550 per person (approx. US$18)
d. Baby elephant photo op - Bhat 40 per person ($1.35)

5. Contact information

SAMPRAN RIVERSIDE
Km. 32 Pet Kasem Road, Sampran
Nakorn Pathom 73110
Tel. (034) 322 544, 225, 205
www.sampranriverside.com