Thailand Health & Spa Sightseeing Service

Thailand's meteoric rise as a place to come for medical treatment is not only due to the conditions and cost of healthcare in the West, but also the result of a long-term government strategy to establish the country as the 'health tourism hub of Asia'. This five-year strategy aims also to make the Kingdom a world leader in the supply of healthcare services, including spas and traditional Thai massage, as well as therapeutic Thai herbal products.

Thailand Spa SensationsBy combining the Thai traditional art of healing with contemporary Western spa treatments, the Thai spa experience offers not only pampering "look good" beauty treatments and revitalising "feel good" treatments but also holistic healing to restore balance and rejuvenate mind, body and spirit.

The quality of the Thai spa product offered is unquestionably world-class and unsurpassed, particularly the level of service offered. Service and hospitality are vital assets and are key differentiating factors attributed to a centuries-old tradition of gracious hospitality and service. This is complemented by the friendly and caring nature and gentle ways of the Thai people. Thailand's winning spa formula goes beyond service excellence. A rich heritage that embodies a time-honoured healing tradition based on herbal and holistic remedies, generations of folk wisdom, and centuries-old healing techniques, some of which reflect deep-rooted Buddhist influences, embellishes the Thai spa experience.

Thai Spa TreatmentsMost reputable

Thai spas embrace the true spirit and tradition of "holistic healing" and offer a spa menu that features a comprehensive but balanced range of exotic, revitalising 'feel good' and 'look good' treatments that go beyond the superficial health and beauty services available in the average beauty salon. Holistic spa programmes are specially formulated to restore balance and rejuvenate mind, body and spirit.

Ayutthaya

On Holiday in Ayutthaya

The ancient city of Ayuttaya. The Thai capital for 417 years, it is one of Thailand's major tourist attraction. Many ancient ruins and art works can be seen in a city that was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong. During the period that Ayuttaya was the Thai capital, 33 kings of 5 dynasties ruled the kingdom until it was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767.
Ayuttaya is 76 kilometers north of Bangkok and boasts magnificent ruins. These numerous ruins indicate that Ayuttaya was one of Indo-China's most properous cities and larger than contemporary London.

During the school holidays in 2000, I went to Ayutthaya and took over 500 pictures. You can see the highlights of this trip on these pages. Please also visit the main page for Ayutthaya for more tourist information.

Ayutthaya Historical Study Center Located on Rochana Road, this is a national research institute devoted to the study of Ayutthaya, especially during the period when it was the capital of Thailand. The centre also exhibits reconstructions of Ayutthaya from the past with modern illustrating techniques, and supports an information service and a library. It is open daily from 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.

Chao Sam Phraya National Museum Located on Rochana Road, opposite the city wall, this museum houses various antique bronze Buddha images, famous carved panels and local artifacts. A receptacle at the Thai pavilion contains relics of Lord Buddha and objects of art more than 500 years old. It is open from Wednesdays to Sundays from 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m

Khun Phan House This Thai style house near Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit conforms to descriptions in a popular Thai literary work.

Ancient Forts and Fortresses There are many forts along the city wall and fortresses around the outer circle. As found in historical records, these include Pom Mahachai, Pom Phet Pom Ho Ratchakhru, Pom Chidkop, Pom Chompaphon and Pom Yai. Most of them are situated at waterway intersections.

Grand Palace Currently called "Ancient Palace", this residential palace of every Ayutthayan king is located close to the city wall. The palace was originally built by King U-Thong. During the reign of King Borom Trailokkanat and the later kings, several buildings were added. Most pavilions were completely destroyed in 1767, leaving only brick foundations, porticoes and walls. The Tri Muk Pavilion, a wooden structure with a brick foundation, was rebuilt in its original style at the command of King Rama V in 1907.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet This is the most important temple within the Royal Palace compound and the original from which the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok has been copied. Three outstanding Ceylonese style pagodas were built during the 15th century to enshrine the ashes of three Ayutthayan kings.

"Queen of Fruits

Mangosteen (Mangkhud): One of the tastiest tropical fruits, mangosteen has a sweet, sharp taste that appeals to local people and visitors alike. Known as the "Queen of Fruits", it is believed by many that the white juicy flesh can help revitalise and reduce the body temparature.

"King of Fruits"

Durian (Turian): Known as the "King of Fruits", durian is admired for its unique taste. The ripe flesh of the durian is truly delicious but can perhaps best be enjoyed when mixed with glutinous rice and coconut milk. Durian is grown in abundance in the East and South, and although there are many different varieties, Morn Thong, Kan Yao and Chanee are the most famous.

Thai fruits...Get the Real taste

Thailand is home to a large variety of delicious fruits, both seasonal, such as durian, rambutan, mangosteen, longan, lychee etc. and all-year-round, such as papaya, guava, coconut, orange, banana, pineapple, rose apple etc., all of which are as nutritious as they are delicious.

The huge variety of local produce, combined with the culinary art of the Thai people, has resulted in a wealth of ways that Thai fruits can be enjoyed all-year-round.
Get the real taste of Thai fruits ... Just one bite, that's all it takes.

Thai Fruit...Orange

THAI ORANGE or "Som" Peak season: September to February for the tangerine or "Som Keow Wan" September to November for the Sweet Orange

Fresh Thai tangerines have a highly aromatic thin greenish-yellow peel and are refreshingly sweet when ripe, perfect when served as fresh fruit or as a juice or cocktail mixer. To make the most of its delicate refreshing taste, oranges are served in a very light syrup on crushed ice.
POMELO or "Som O"Peak season: August to November
Native to Thailand and Southeast Asia, pomelo is the Asian equivalent of grapefruit, but significantly larger in size. The green peel is aromatic.

The sweet and juicy champagne pink flesh of Som O Thong Dee or Brilliant Gold Pomelo and the virtually translucent and crisper flesh of Som O Khao Hom or Fragrant Rice Pomelo are considered to be the best of Thai pomelo.

Because of its light tangy flavour, Som O Khao Hom adds a delicate harmonious flavour to Thai salads or yam.

Pomelo is grown in the orchards of the lower North and Central region, particularly in Nakhon Pathom province, and in the provinces of Surat Thani and Trang in Southern Thailand.

Thai Fruit...Rambutan

How To Eat...Rambutan

The rambutan is one of my favurite fruit that can be bought in Thailand. It is actually grown all over South-East Asia but here it grows in places like Chantaburi, Rayong and Trad in the East. It is a very distinctive looking fruit with its hairy outer skin. There are two varieties you can buy here: Rong Rien and Si Chompoo. The latter one is in the bottom right of this picture with the pink hairs. The taste is sweet and very succulent. It has a high sugar content as well as Vitamin C. It is also quite cheap. I bought these for 20 baht a kilogram. Or it is 45 baht for a can which also has syrup.

To prepare rambutan for eating is very easy. If I am outside, I might use my fingernail to make a small cut in the skin. Then holding each end, slightly squeeze and twist. At home you should probably use a sharp knife to make the cut. You don’t need to cut all around as the skin comes off easily. For presentation, it is best to only take off one half like in this picture. However, don’t cut the fruit in half like I did in the top right of this picture. I just did that to show you the seed. This is not edible and some people say it can be poisonous. Though you can apparently eat if it is roasted. It is a narcotic though. Often when I eat rambutan the seed will stick to the flesh. So I have to eat around it. However, when I buy rambutan when I go down to Rayong for a beach holiday, the seed comes out easily. This is because it is freshly picked from the tree. The ones we get in Bangkok are beginning to be too ripe. If the hairs change to black then it is starting to go off. Once it is cut open, I keep it in a container in the fridge for 3 or 4 days.

Thai Foods

Thai food has become in recent years one of the world's favorite cuisines. When we speak of "Thai food", we are in fact talking of four very distinct regions in the country, each with their own culinary traditions. We are speaking too of the dishes created in the royal courts and palaces of Old Siam, that have been passed down through many generations of chefs, and finally into public domain.

Good food also comes up from the street level, and many of Thailand's most popular dishes can be found at the smallest food stalls and restaurants. And there is the influence of China, India, Malaysia and other neighbouring countries. So all these different factors come together under the label "Thai food", and you will find them in varying degrees at any Thai restaurant you care to visit, anywhere in the world.

One of the most distinctive aspects of the cuisine is its use of herbs and spices. With regard to the spices, some Thai dishes are very hot, but by no means all of them. The herbs have another function, in addition to providing flavour, in that they all have to varying degrees various medical and therapeutic benefits.

Thailand has a long history, going back to ancient times, of the use of herbs for medical purpose, and this in turn has permeated the ways of cooking and preparing food. Coupled with its low-fat qualities and its essential freshness, this helps make thai food one of the healthiest anywhere. Another important aspect about Thai food is the hospitality and friendiness, the sheer enjoyment of good companionship and of eating that is such a powerful element of the Thai personality. Sharing a meal is an important part of the day for any Thai person, and meal are very seldom taken alone. That is why all the dishes are generally served at once during Thai meal, and why there is a communal spoon placed alongside each dish for people to help themselves and to serve others.

A Thai meal ideally is a communal affair, principally because the greater the number of dinners the greater the number of dishes that can be sampled. Diners choose what ever they require from share dishes and generally add it to their own plate of rice. All the dish are serve simultaneously, or nearly so. The object is to archive a harmonious blend of the spicy, the subtle, the sweet and sour, and a meal is meant to be equally satisfying to the eye, nose and palate.

Thailand is blessed with many varieties of plants, herbs and spices which ensure s balanced diet. Today, visitors can both relish classic Thai menus and the benefits of a natural diet, and study the art of Thai cooking at several specialist schools in Bangkok and major beach resorts.

Type of Activities in Thailand

Culture :

Thailand’s cultural heritage was influenced by ancient India when the Indian merchants and scholars set foot and gradually settled in Southeast Asia some 2,300 years ago. It continued for several centuries. Buddhist religion and popular myth are the most obvious examples. Much of Thailand’s royal tradition is also rooted in Indian culture.

Buddhism is thought to have first come to Thailand at Nakhon Pathom, While Indian concepts of divine kingship first took root in the Khmer empire. By the 6th century AD, many independent states were flourishing in the region we now know as Thailand. One of these was the Mon’s Dvaravati kingdom. Mon dominance over central Thailand has been diminished by the power of an expanding Khmer empire. Eventually, The Khmer became so powerful that they ruled the entire area. Only the southern isthmus where the Srivijaya civilization had taken root was unaffected.

Towards the end of the 13th century, Khmer power in this area waned and new kingdoms dominated by the Thai race developed, including the northern Lanna kingdom. Beginning by nibbling away at the perimeter of the Khmer empire at Sukhothai and in Lanna some 700 years ago, the Thai race later established the glorious court at Ayutthaya, and eventually Bangkok. Over the past centuries, many peoples, among them the Chinese, Arabs, Malays and Westerners, have contributed to Thailand’s cultural heritage.

Thailand’s majestic cultural heritage inherited over the past centuries was dominated or influenced by many kingdoms encompassing the area including the powerful Khmer. The remains of their cultural heritage can still be seen in many places through out the kingdom.

TRANSPORTATIONS

Transport in Thailand is extremely well-organized and makes the whole stay in Thailand comfortable and easy. The air, rail, bus, road and water transport is very competent. The different islands and cities are connected to each other and the tourists can easily move about the country. Bookings and reservations should be done preferably in advance to avoid the rush at the last minute. The transport in Thailand is broadly divided into five categories.

They are, International Airport Air, Rail, Bus, Road, Marine, Air, Rail, Bus , Road , Marine

Map Guide

HISTORY OF THAILAND

The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions : the mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South.

The country comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Thailand's revered Royal Family, with His Majesty the King recognised as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions.

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, the present king. The King has reigned for more than half a century, making him the longest reigning Thai monarch. Thailand embraces a rich diversity of cultures and traditions. With its proud history, tropical climate and renowned hospitality, the Kingdom is a never-ending source of fascination and pleasure for international visitors.
Neighboring countries: 1) Myanmar - west and north, 2) Lao P.D.R. - north and northeast, 3) Cambodia - southeast and 4) Malaysia - south.

Area: 513,115 sq. km.

Topography: Thailand is divided into 4 natural regions:

The mountainous North, with its profusion of multi-coloured orchids, fascinating native handicrafts and winter temperatures are sufficiently cool to permit cultivation of temperate fruits such as strawberries and peaches;
The high Northeast Plateau, which still jealously guards its many archaeological and anthropological mysteries;
The Central Plain, one of the world's most fertile rice and fruit-growing areas with colourful traditional culture and way of life as well as the sandy beaches of the East Coast and vibrant cosmopolitan Bangkok;
The peninsular South where the unspoiled beaches and idyllic islands complement economically vital tin mining, rubber cultivation and fishing.

Population: Thais are well-known for their friendliness and hospitality. A large majority of over 62 million citizens of Thailand are ethic Thai, along with strong communities whose ethnic origins lie in China, India and elsewhere. About 7 million people reside in the capital city of Bangkok.

People: Thai (80%), Chinese (10%), Malay (3%), and the rest are minorities (Mons, Khmers, hill tribes) Ethnic Thais form the majority, though the area has historically been a migratory crossroads, and has thus produced a degree of ethnic diversity. Integration is such, however, that culturally and socially there is enormous unity.

Language: Spoken and written Thai is largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor. However, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major commercial language. English and some European Languages are spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants in major tourist destinations, and Thai-English road and street signs are found nationwide.

FROM :
www.tourismthailand.org