Damnoen Saduak

It is best either to drive to Damnoen Saduak floating market, about 5 km (3 mi.) from Ratchaburi, or to travel by local bus from Bangkok (Southern Bus Terminal). There are taxi boats and public transport boats which depart from Damnoen Saduak's landing stage.

Travel offices in Bangkok offer tours here. To experience the market at its best visit it as early as possible in the morning - this will necessitate leaving Bangkok at about 5am. Use a rented car (preferably with a driver) or a

Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao

It was at Chiang Rai that the famous Emerald Buddha (now in Wat Phra Kaeo in the Grand Palace in Bangkok) first came to light, having remained hidden away for many years in Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao. In 1434 lightning struck a chedi in the wat, investigation of which uncovered a small, rather undistinguished stucco figure. Concealed beneath the plaster was the 75 cm (30 in) green jade or nephrite Buddha. The discovery quickly drew the attention of the king of Lan Na, who resolved that the Emerald Buddha should grace his capital Chiang

Wat Mahathat

Immediately across the road from Wat Ratchaburana stands Wat Mahathat which tradition claims was erected in 1384 by King Ramesuen. He is also said to have built the central prang to house a relic of the Buddha. This however is considered doubtful; according to a more reliable source the first buildings on the site, including the above-mentioned prang, were actually constructed by King Boromaraja I (1370-88). The prang, 46 m (150 ft) high, is one of the old city's most impressive edifices. In about 1625 the top portion broke off, being rebuilt in 1633 some 4 m (13 ft) higher than before. Later it collapsed again and only the corners survived. In 1956 a secret chamber was uncovered in the ruins; among the treasures found inside were gold jewelry, a gold casket containing a relic of the Buddha, and fine tableware. Scattered around the temple are some important remains of variously shaped prangs and chedis, in particular an octagonal chedi with a truncated spire in the Ceylonese style. Near by, the head of a still much revered statue of the Buddha lies on the ground.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkol

On the eastern outskirts of Ayutthaya (cross the Pasak River and take the Bangkok road, turning right about 300 m (990 ft) beyond the railway) stands the exceptionally interesting Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, its massive chedi rising from a square base surrounded by four smaller chedis. The wat, built in 1357 under King U Thong, was assigned to monks of a particularly strict order trained in Ceylon, members of which still live there. In front of the chedi are the stumps of columns which once supported the roof of the temple.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Wat Phra Si Sanphet is the loveliest, and historically most important, temple in old Ayutthaya. Its three large chedis and numerous smaller ones on a long terrace make this wat - also known as the King's Temple - one of the most impressive sights in the ruined city.

Two of the large chedis, the eastern and central ones, were built in 1492 by King Rama Thibodi II to house the ashes of his father and elder brother. His own ashes are interred in the third chedi, built in

Sawasdee Smile Inn

Sawasdee Smile Inn Bangkok Overview :

Sawasdee Smile Inn invites you to the land of smiles! The Thai nature shines through in our way of expressing welcome to our guests from near and far. Your budget may be small but here you will find warmth and hospitality at a price you can afford. Remember that a 'smile' costs nothing but brings much to those who receive it.

Sawasdee Smile Inn Bangkok Location :

Nong Nooch Village

Nong Nooch (pronounced "nung nut") Village, approximately 15 km (9 mi.) south-east of Pattaya, can be compared to the Rose Garden at Nakhon Pathom. The life of the agricultural population is portrayed in this 400-ha (988-acre) park, with Thai boxing, cockfights and an elephant show. The magnificent orchid garden is not just for flower lovers to savor, and the zoo, housing animals typically found in the region, is not aimed solely at children. Outings to Nong Nooch depart from the office in Pattaya (opposite Nipa Lodge Hotel). Guests can also be collected from their hotels.