THE SECRET WONDERS OF THE KOH CHANG

      Koh Chang Marine National Park is new and virtually unknown to the outside world. Few people know of its secret wonders. Some even boldly call it “the last paradise islands in South-East Asia”. A paradise it is, Koh Chang Marine National Park has been a heaven to the locals who need to replenish their mind and energy, to recharge.

    Koh Chang is the largest of the 52-island Marine National Park, all of which are untouched by modernization with their natural resources kept intact. Thus, qualifying the park as a dream escape, a true hideaway, far from the bustling city-life. But in fact, Koh Chang is only 330 kilometers east of Bangkok or approximately 4 hours by road plus another 30 to 45 minutes by boat or ferry.

      It is surprising even to the Thais that Koh Chang is actually the second largest island in the whole of Thailand, behind Phuket. Despite its size and close proximity to the capital, Koh Chang is least known, undeveloped, untouched, forgotten, and left idle for decades. No doubt, all these are a blessing in disguise.

        Koh Chang Marine National Park is a secret retreat yet to be explored. Nearly 75% of the Marine Park is protected by law, under the jurisdiction of the Forestry Department of Thailand. This explains how it remains a virtual virgin wonderland shielded from devastating and vigorous developments. Hence, the lack of infrastructure and population.There are few thoughts of modernization.

       The locals as well as their regular patrons are pleased the way it is. So, slow and gentle, tranquil and romantic, Koh Chang Marine National Park continues at its own pace, and still, a paradise for those who appreciate nature at its basics more than the sophisticated luxury of modernity.

 

        The coastlines of the Koh Chang Marine National Park is a spectacular work of nature’s art and there are beautiful beaches, coves and bays around the islands. Koh Chang Marine National Park is indeed a wonderland of fertile virgin rainforests, untrekked jungles, high peaks, breathtaking waterfalls, beautiful beaches, spectacular coastlines, colourful coral reefs, clear blue sea of warm waters, idyllic islands, fascinating wildlife and an abundance of healthy marine life. All waiting to be discovered.

        Realising the rich tourism resources and the economic potential of the Koh Chang Marine National Park, plans are being carefully mapped out to open up more doors and windows to welcome environmentally-conscious visitors who can appreciate this forgotten paradise of leisure islands. Koh Chang Marine National Park is set to be the new holiday destination within an old natural Marine National Park. Soon it will be a secret no more.

Be the first to discover the secret wonders of Koh Chang Marine National Park.

koh-chang.com

Wat Phra That Lampang Luang

        

       About 20 kilometers from Lampang is the old temple of Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. On first glance, this walled citadel sited on a man-made mound of earth has a very fortress-like look to it. That's because the temple was built on the site of an eighth century fortification, called a wiang, that guarded the routes to Lampang.

       The temple buildings seen today were built in the fifteenth century, and one of the reasons for the temple's popularity is the relatively pure state of all the temple buildings. Unlike most of the temples in Chiang Mai, Wat Phra That Lampang Luang hasn't been 'improved' to conform to modern Thai ideas about temples. The courtyard is still filled with sand, and the huge main wiharn (prayer hall) is still open on all sides.

  
        To enter the temple, you must pass a pair of guardian lions and climb the naga stairway up to the massive main gate. The main prayer hall, the Wiharn Luang, stands close inside the main entrance. The wiharn is open on all four sides, forming a huge covered hall. Sturdy columns support the roof. The columns are finished in black lacquer and stenciled with gold leaf designs.

      At the back of the Wiharn Luang sits a massive gilded ku, a sort of Laotian prang sheltering the main Buddha image. The Buddha image is the Phra Chao Lang Thong, cast in 1563. On either side of the Ku are throne-like pulpits, sometimes used by monks but more often used to house other Buddha images on important ceremonial days.

       Behind the main prayer hall stands the 45 meter tall chedi. The chedi was faced with copper and bronze sheets, which over the centuries have oxidized into a variety of green and blue shades. The chedi has somehow escaped the gilding which is now universally applied to chedis, even if they weren't originally built that way.

         Flanking the chedi on the south side is another prayer hall, the Wiharn Phra Phut, a small chapel built in 1802 with a beautifully carved fascade. Behind the Wiharn Phar Phut is a tiny tower-like structure, the Ho Phra Phuttabat. It houses a Buddha footprint sculpture. The building is generally only open on important festival dates, and may never be entered by women.

         On the other side of the chedi and the main wiharn are two other small open chapels. Although very weathered, both have some rather interesting details and murals.

         A doorway on the south side of the gallery leads you to several other buildings, as well as the temple's museum. On the way, you'll pass an ancient bodhi tree whose branches are supported by a forest of crutches.

        The two museums are not very interesting, even though one houses the Phra Kaeo Don Tao, a supposed 'copy' of the Emerald Buddha and made at the same time. But it lack most of the subtlety of the Emerald Budda, and the setting doesn't do it justice. For a close-up look at the Emerald Buddha, you're better advised to visit Wat Phra Kaeo in Chiang Rai, where they have a recently made copy in a beautiful setting. However, there is a beautiful 400 year old scripture library in amongst the museums that is worth a look.

Knowledge : http://www.tlcthai.com/webboard/view_topic.phptable_id=1&cate_id=66&post_id=70913

http://thailandforvisitors.com/north/lampang/luang/index.html

Phukradung National Park in Thailand

      

        Accommodation on Phukradung National Park located at Wang Kwang Visitor Centers; far from Mountain top about 3 kilometers. Tourist can choose which style do you want; tent or house but tourist has to contact the official in advance.

        At Phukradung National Park visitor center, it has guesthouse about 10 houses which can stay 8 persons per house and big guesthouse which can stay 30-40 persons per house moreover it has many permanent tents which can stay 2 persons per tent.

        If you bring your tent you can set your tent at wide grassland and it has blanket and pillow for hire also. You have to pay for set up tent fee on grassland about 30 THB per night per person and blanket 10 THB per one per night.

        Accommodation list on Phukradung National Park

1. Nagaratch, Son Sai and Sampao Ngern (นาคราช, สนทราย, สำเภาเงิน)Each house has 3 rooms, 2 toilets, stay 12 persons and pay 3600 THB per night per house.

2. Salium Dong, Ampawa, Suphannika, Song Badan, Sai Nampheung and Lamduan Dong (เสลี่ยมดง, อัมพวา, สุพรรณิการ์, ทรงบาดาล, สายน้ำผึ้ง, ลำดวนดง)Each house has 2 rooms, 1 toilet, stay 8 persons and pay 2400 THB per night per house.

3. Yad Namkhang (หยาดน้ำค้าง)It’s like a townhouse has 4 rooms and each room has 1 toilet, stay 10 persons and pay 2000 THB per night per room or 8000 THB per house.

4. Kularb Khao (กุหลาบขาว)It has 3 rooms, 1 toilet, stay 6 persons and pay 1800 THB per night per house.

5. April (เอพริล)It has 2 houses and each house has 2 rooms, 2 toilets, stay 4 persons and pay 1600 THB per night per house.

6. Phaka Krong (ผกากรอง)This is accommodation located at foothill of Phukradung. It has 3 houses and each house has 1 room, 1 toilet, stay 4 persons and pay 1200 THB per night per room or 3600 THB per house.

7. Tien Nam (เทียนน้ำ)This is also like town house has 5 rooms; each room can stay 6 persons and pay 900 THB per night per room but have no toilet.

8. Permanent tent (Already set up)It has 200 tents for stay 2 persons per tent, pay 200 THB, for 3 persons per tent, pay 250 THB and for 4 persons per tent, pay 300 THB.

9. Tent for hire (You have to set up by yourself)It has 400 tents, stay 2 persons per tent and pay 100 THB per tent.

Knowledge : http://phukradung-national-park.blogspot.com/