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| BANGKOK : ANGEL IN DISGUISE
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| At first glance, this metropolis of over ten million people appears as a bewildering melding of new and of exotic and commonplace and indescribable, all tossed together into a gigantic urban fuss. If Bangkok seems to lack order, it is because it never has had order, save for the royal core of the city, Rattanakosin, where the kings built their palaces. Moving outwards from this artificial island, defined by the Chao Phraya River and canals, the city becomes increasingly less and less organized. Bangkok began as a city of canals and elephant paths ; when motor vehicles redefined urban transportation, the old paths were simply paved over for the new wheels. Chaos in construction began in earnest during the late 1950s, and a large part o what assaults the eye today started then – the lofty office buildings, the air-conditioned supermarkets and shopping centers, nearly all the broad streets and international hotels, the endless blocks of row shops following what one critic called the “egg-crate principle of desing.” Before this boom, the now-fashionable residential streets on either side of Sukhumvit Road and Phaholyothin Road were rice paddies. Yet despite the boom, large areas around the old Grand Palace, the Chinese district, and across the river in Thonburi (now included in the Greater Bangkok Metropolitan Area) were, for the time, hardly touched by the building fever. But the pause was momentary. New construction in Chinatown is replacing the squat buildings with towering glass ones. Today, about one out of every eight Thais live in Bangkok
and like many cities at a similar stage of development, it in no way
represents the country as a whole. It is a distinct entity unto itself. http://travelintotravel.blogspot.com/ Bangkok began its life on the banks of the Cho Phya River, the “River of Kings.” Though the city is some 400 years old, it became the nation’s capital only in 1782 when the royal dynasty which now rules Thailand
was established. The first king, Rama I (1782-1809) ordered a canal to
be dug across the neck of an oxbow in the river, thereby creating an
island which could be easily defended against attackers. Bangkok’s first major building was Wat Phra Kaeo, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the holiest Buddha image in the realm. Wat Phra Kaeo, which adjoins the Grand Palace, is a complex of sacred buildings erected over the course of Bangkok’s
first century in a seemingly random pattern and variety of styles.
Walking through it, one’s eyes are assaulted by twinkling pinpoints of
sunlight reflected in hundreds of thousands of tiny colored mirrors
that cover every jewel-like surface of the temple. At
the center of the com;lex is the bot or “ordination hall” that holds
the Emerald Buddha. Gilded garudas (mythical irds) line its ramparts
while singhas (mythical lions) protect the stairs and ferocious
guardians carved on the doors see to it that evil spirits do not enter.
The image they guard is rather small. Seated high on an 11-meter-tall
(36-ft) gilded alter, it is made of jasper and is clothed in the
raiment of the season. North of the bot are the Prasat Phra Thep Bidom
(or Royal Pantheon) holding the ashes of past kings and important royal
personages; the library (mondop), repository for the Buddhist
scriptures; and a tall golden mosaictied spire with a summit clad in
dazzling pure gold. Surrounding
the complex is a portico whose walls are covered with episodes from the
thai version of the Indian epic the Ramakien, the story of the god-king
Rama which is the principal work of Thai dance-drama, literature and
puppet theater, and whose name the present dynasty’s kings have
assumed. The murals were originally painted during the reign of Rama
III (1824-1850) and have been restored several times. The Grand Palace also evolved piecemeal, beginning in 1789 with the Dusit Maha Prasad, which sits on the west of the great courtyard. In front of it is perhaps the most charming structure, the jewel box0like Aphon Phimok pavilion where kings once dismounted from their royal elephants. The most impressive buiding, the Chakri Maha Prasad,
was in fact the last to be built. It sits at the center of the complex,
fronted by a garden of sculpted trees. Built as a royal residence and
audience hall in 1890, the lower part of it was designed by British
architect. The original blueprints called for a rather plain roofline
but, sensitive to Thai aesthetic sensibilities, King Chulalongkorn
ordered that three spires crown it. To the left of the Chakri Maha
Prasad, a door leads to the forbidden quarters, an area where the king’s many wives used to live. North of the women’s quarters lies Borom Phiman Hall, to the east of the doorway lies the Amarin Vinichai Hall a former harem and one of the palace’s few remaining original buildings. Today , the Grand Palace is only used for state banquets and other royal ceremonies. The
grounds of the palace, open to visitors who are dressed properly,
occupy part of a larger compound that also includes the royal chapel,
the Royal Collection of Weapons, the Coin Pavilion and a small museum
containing artifacts from the Grand Palace. A stroll south of the Grand Palace leads to Wat Phra Chettupon (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) or, as it is popularly known, Wat Po. This is the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok
and is divided into two sections by the narrow Chettuphon Rosd, one
containing the living quarters of 300 resident monks and the other, a
variety of religious buildings. Few statues in Bangkok are more impressive than Wat Po’s mammoth Reclining Buddha
which occupies the entirety of a long building in the northwestern
corner. Regarded less for its artistic merit than its awesome size, the
soles of the enormous image’s feet are covered in 108 intricate
mother-of-pearl signs by which a living Buddha can be recognized. Wat
Po is also a center of herbal and traditional medicine. Cross the street northeast of Wat Phra Kaew to Lak Muang
which houses a tal lingam dedicated to Shiva and demarcates the
official center of the city Here, devotees come th make wishes or to
repay the spirits for wishes granted by hiring the resident lakhon
dance-drama troupe to perform a small piece. http://travelintotravel.blogspot.com/
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Supanee |
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Thu Sep 04th,2008 |
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| Increasing Popularity as a Preferred Travel Destination
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| Germany’s increasing popularity as a preferred travel destination –
Cause for new requests of business travelers
Ratings of Germany as a preferred travel destination have gone up according to recently released statistics for 2007. Despite the stronger euro, the German tourism industry has strengthened its business from overseas, boosted by increasing numbers of visitors from India and the Gulf states. Germany is also now the leader in business tourism, and is ranked second after USA as the best event destination. However business travelers define new requests due to faster pace of trips.
UA Flight 916 Washington- Frankfurt/Germany. 289 passengers on board. 189 business motivated 100 are tourists.
The flight is on time, the weather will be fine. This means after a flight time of 7 hours and 10 minutes all these passengers will land in Frankfurt.
From Dulles to Frankfurt there are 5 daily flights from Lufthansa and United. And from Dulles to Munich there are 2 daily flights from the same carriers.
On average between 2000 and 2007, Dulles International has experienced a 4.81% increase of international passengers
International flights up 13.6% in 2007 from 2006, with over 5 million passengers flying internationally.
They keep on moving, not being bothered by the fact that the airlines have drastically changed since 9/11/01 including carry-on and check-in contraband, security checkpoints, shoe removal and much more.
Germany with 19,000,000 annual numbers of arrivals belongs to the ten most visited countries worldwide after France, USA, Spain, Italy, China, UK, Russia, Mexico, and Canada.
With overall growth of three per cent in 2007, the German tourism industry has managed to exceed even the levels seen during the soccer World Cup year of 2006, according to statistics published by the German Federal Statistical Office. The strongest growth, of 3.5 per cent, was in the incoming sector. According to the trend of visitors from abroad, there is increasing popularity of city destinations in Germany. Berlin leads with 6.6 million overnight stays, followed by Munich with 4.5 million.
In 2007, despite the euro gaining strongly against the US dollar, overnight stays from the US still managed an increase. The front-runner in the Asian growth markets was India, up by 33 per cent, followed by the Arab Gulf States (up 9 per cent), which have grown steadily for several years now. There were over 110,000 visitor arrivals and more than 377,000 overnight stays from India in 2007.
Once arrived the tourists will go their way exploring Germany including the Black Forest, the Oktoberfest in Munich, the Frisian Islands, the City of Berlin, the Neuschwanstein Castle, and Lake Constance. These are the most visited attractions for a short trip. They have time and money to spend because they waited for their vacation even nowadays when it is very expensive to go over there. The Euro is strong. Today’s exchange rate (please add)
New business habits
What about the business people? They have to go regardless if they wish or not. They most likely don’t spend their own money but company dollars. However saving these is an issue nowadays.
Long time ago business trips like this were fun. The executives had to be joining a meeting and flew over there, spend a week there, having some free time like a tourist and then go back. Today the picture has changed. Time is money and that is all that counts.
The flight UA 916 leaves at 5.23 pm and then in the next morning after the “lost night” there is only short time for getting refreshed since the meeting might start at 11 am. There are only two days of business, then the business travelers will return or go to another place depending on their business.
All this leads to a change of the businessmen’s requests.
First of all the flight should be comfortable. First class tickets are available and affordable if you book them long in advance. 60 days upfront might save you 5000 bucks for a first class trip. If you are a gold or platinum member you are lucky. You might get an upgrade from coach to first with 500$ two days before. But it leaves a risk, since the flight might be full. Complimentary upgrades are rather rare. Nobody has something to give away. Not even airlines.
But a first class seat is worth its money. After a good meal you are able to fall asleep in a lying position in order to get some rest for the business day. Hot towels and a nice breakfast wake everybody up shortly before touch down. Even if you prefer working on your lap with your notebook you feel more comfortable in the upper class due to space and equipment.
Arriving in Frankfurt or Munich the business travelers mostly look for a hotel nearby. They don’t have time for sightseeing and the time they are not busy they need to sleep, because a lack of sleep from business travel affects work. 23% of business travelers said they fell asleep in a meeting, 18% said a presentation went badly, and 14% missed a meeting or flight. And that means they look for a hotel preferably at the airport to avoid rental car expenses or travel time since the GPS is not working overseas and a local GPS is only available for extra fee.
In Munich the new Kempinski Hotel fulfills all expectations. It is located on the airport, provides conference facilities, Spa facilities, restaurants. The second option is the Moevenpick Airport Hotel 5 kilometers from the airport but a shuttle bus takes you there. It is smaller, not so luxurious but near the airport and business oriented. In order to go to the city you have to take the metro or a cab, that will cost you about 60 EURO. 40 kilometers that is quite a ride and mostly there is no time for this adventure.
When it comes to accommodation in Frankfurt you have the choice between two real airport hotels and some so called hotels about 10 kilometers from the airport. The Sheraton Hotel with huge conference facilities is accessible directly from the departure hall.
Or taking the hotel owned shuttle bus for a 2 minutes ride in order to reach the Steigenberger Airport Hotel. Here one really can combine business and recreation. “The hotel was renovated in the last years and completed in 2007. The new executive tower gives answers to all business requests with an executive lounge, 24 hrs room service, high tech conferencing,” says the General Manager Alfred Küpper.
The American business travelers differ from other travelers when it comes to accommodation and food availability.
“They need 24 hrs room service, everything should be just fast but they also show the most patience when it comes to line up at the reception due to a layover, when 200 passengers at the same time come to check in for the night”, tells Michelle Stoll, Guest Relation Manager of the Steigenberger Hotel. ‘We fulfill their requirements, offer different categories of rooms and offer recreation in the 600 m2 wellness area with 15 m heated pool on the top of the hotel”. The beautiful view invites you to let relax your sole. And if you are in the mood for more: tight you sneakers and go for a run in the Stadtwald down below. “The executives need to combine all their daily habits without spending time for traveling in order to do so. They accept our new concept and appreciate the fast pace facilities”, explains Michelle Stoll.
Business has changed and so have their executives. In the United States travelling to Germany has increased since Germany is number 5 for US Exports and Imports. It is number 4 in contributing to U.S. Trade Deficit. The areas are automotive industry, Aerospace & Defense, and Pharmaceutical industry.
On average a business trip costs (can you find something)………
Companies have to keep in mind that travel expenses are part of their budget. (Numbers???)……
Although high tech tools like video conferences, web cams and electronic communication has increased, the business travels are increasing. And transportation tool number one is the aircraft.
Economic significance of business travel
In addition to a strong increase in holiday travel in 2007 – eight per cent from other European countries – the image of and demand for Germany as a business travel destination picked up and has improved constantly. In 2007 Germany became the market leader in business tourism, with an 11 percent market share of all international business trips worldwide, according to statistics released by the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) / IPK International. A total of roughly 625 million business trips resulted in a turnover of 66.7 billion euros, a 5.4 percent increase over 2006. “With a market share of 29 percent of all incoming trips to Germany, the business travel segment is a decisive locational advantage for global marketing of Germany as a travel destination”, remarked Petra Hedorfer, the CEO of the GNTB. Throughout Europe, Germany is regarded as the best event destination; worldwide it is ranked in second place behind the USA.
According to the results of the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report (TTCR) – the first international study done on the travel and tourism industry as a locational factor by the World Economic Forum, Switzerland 2008 – out of 130 countries, Germany ranked third after Switzerland and Austria as having the most conducive environments for developing the travel and tourism industry. The report placed Germany as the market leader in infrastructure, especially road and rail transport as well as air travel. It ranks second for the spectrum of international trade fairs and exhibitions offered. The study examined a total of 71 variables that were crucial for the ranking. Germany achieved top-flight results in the categories of political legislation / rules, sustainable environmental regulations, health and hygiene, and overall with regard to the general conditions affecting travel and tourism.
Projections for 2008
The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) expects the total volume of tourism in Germany to grow by two per cent in 2008 to over 365 million overnight stays. In 2008, the GNTB expects the largest increase to be in incoming travel from western and eastern Europe. Among the main growth drivers identified by market researchers are the ever-increasing amount of business travel, the excellent value for money offered by Germany and the growth in low-cost travel, which is driving demand in the city breaks and health & fitness segments.
Together, European countries account for more than 50 per cent of all worldwide travel. This is why Germany projects the largest number of overnight stays for 2015 – 51.3 million – from Europe. The GNTB's projections, based on figures from the German Federal Statistical Office, put the number of overnight stays by visitors from Asia, Australia and Africa at 6.5 million. China is also expected to overtake Japan as the most important source market in Asia with around two million overnight stays. Strong growth is also predicted in India, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates. The GNTB anticipates some eight million overnight stays by visitors from the Americas and Israel in 2015, of which around six million are expected from the US alone.
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| Author |
Karina Rodegra |
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Mon Aug 25th,2008 |
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| Phuket in Thailand
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On
ancient charts, Phuket is referred to as Jang Si Lang, appearing on
later maps, not too appealingly perhaps, as Junk Ceylon . Some maintain
the current name derives from the Malay word 'Bukit' meaning hill,
which seems the most likely, particularly since the transliteration
from Thai was spelled Bhuket for many years. Others say it has origins
in the Tamil word, 'Manikram' or Crystal Mountain, although any
phonetical association here is unclear. Until it became recognised
internationally, Phuket (correctly pronounced Poo-Ged) was mistakenly
and mischievously included on the lists of the world's
"naughtiest-sounding" destinations. Located
just under 900 kilometres Southwest of Bangkok, it is similar in area
to Singapore, measuring 54 kilometers north to south, and 21 kilometers
east to west at its most distant points. About 70 percent of the land
area is mountainous, with the highest elevation at 529 meters. The
terrain is richly varied, with rocky headlands, numerous beaches of
differing sizes and character, limestone cliffs, jungle-clad hills,
small estuaries, lagoons, and tropical vegetation of all kinds. It is
surrounded by over thirty smaller islands of similar topography, many
of them prime tourist attractions in their own right. The permanent
population is estimated at roughly a quarter of a million, and Phuket
is the only island in Thailand to have full provincial status. The
Sarasin Bridge connecting it to the mainland was constructed in the
mid-1970's, and a second one parallel to it, the 660-metre Thao Thep
Krasatri Bridge, opened more recently. Phuket airport saw its first
aircraft land in 1976. http://travelintotravel.blogspot.com/Unlike
tucked-away Samui off the opposing Southeast coast of Thailand,
Phuket's strategic position as a trading post on coastal sea routes
gives it a recorded history going back a millennium or more. This has
nurtured an interesting blend of cultures and influences, including
Burmese, Malay, Chinese, Indian, Portuguese and Dutch, mixed with the
indigenous 'Chao Ley' or sea gypsies, dark-skinned peoples thought to
have originated in India's Nicobar Islands. Although predominantly
Buddhist, Muslims make up more than one third of the population. As a
result, Phuket is a pleasantly strange mix of ancestry and ambience, a
kaleidoscope of stunning tropical seascapes and forested hills, and a
fascinating combination of tin mining, rubber, and tourism. One
event in its history might have dramatically changed the island's
future. In the late 1700's the British seriously considered
establishing Phuket as a strategic base for their imperialistic
presence in the Far East. As it happened, they finally opted for the
island of Penang further south, a decision they doubtless regretted
when large deposits of tin were discovered on Phuket, an asset which
led to a huge presence of immigrant Chinese. These industrious people
dominated the tin industry, and their subsequent generations still form
much of the island's population today. If
Phuket's history provides the traveller with a rich choice of
pleasurable discoveries in edifices and customs, its size and varying
altitudes endows it with a variety of meteorological variations.
Weather conditions can thus change unexpectedly, often refreshingly, as
you travel from one part of the island to another, particularly during
the monsoon. Nearly a third of the flora consists of rubber
plantations, which were first introduced in 1903, but the remainder of
the vegetation is richly varied, and home to interesting wildlife,
which in the past included tigers, rhino and wild elephants; reported
by travellers as little as a century ago. Tourism
awareness remained at almost zero until the mid 1980's when the
combined presence of the newly opened Amari Coral Beach Resort and Club
Med gave Phuket sudden and significant international exposure.
Delighted holidaymakers from Japan, Australia and Europe spread the
word, and the emerging regional "Tiger" economies saw newly-affluent
Asians begin to experience Phuket's delights. The so-called 'rainy
season' from May to October proved to be no obstacle to enjoyment, and
by 1987 - "Visit Thailand Year" Phuket was on everybody's lips. More
top class hotels followed, and the airport was expanded to take
wide-bodied jets. Direct scheduled and chartered flights began to
arrive from Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, and Europe, and tourism soon
became the main source of income, eclipsing the coconuts, cashews,
pineapples, fishing, prawn farming and pearl cultivation which had been
the island's economical mainstays in the past. Most land-based tin
mines have closed down due to the fall in global prices. Marine mining
still continues on a small scale. If Phuket is
many people's dream of paradise, increasing numbers of foreigners are
turning dreams into reality by settling here permanently, either for
business or retirement, and enjoying the unbeatable blend of exotic
tropical ingredients, excellent infrastructure, good educational
facilities, and the reasonable cost of living. Phuket indeed, has
always enjoyed high standards; by 1910, it already had paved roads and
motorcars, long before other provinces in the Kingdom. http://travelintotravel.blogspot.com/
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Supanee |
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Wed Aug 06th,2008 |
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| Pattaya in Thailand
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Meaning
the 'south-west monsoon wind" and correctly pronounced "Patti-yah" not
"Patt-eye-yah" this lively destination located roughly 150 kilometres
from Bangkok ranks as one of the most successful beach resorts in the
world. Each year a million and a half visitors enjoy its myriad
attractions, and the number keeps growing. Although frequently
criticised for its spicy nightlife, it satisfies the needs of leisure
travellers in a way that few other destinations can match, anywhere.
Pattaya's tree-lined main beach
extends for roughly 4 kms, commencing at the Amari Orchid Resort (the
'quiet end') and terminating at South Pattaya "strip" in a crowded shopping area which is also home to most of the of the discos, and nightlife. A short taxi ride further south brings you to Jomtien beach, which is longer, less crowded, and a base for many water sports.
Unlike
Bangkok, Pattaya has no magical mystery hidden in aesthetic corners,
and it makes no pretence of being anything more than what it is: - an
unbeatable combination of essential, thoroughly satisfying holiday
ingredients. To illustrate this, some years ago
a leading travel trade magazine conducted a poll of several hundred
clients of different nationalities staying at a first class hotel,
where the guests were predominantly couples or families. The results
showed just how extraordinarily successful Pattaya is. Over 97% of
respondents said they were "very satisfied", would return again, and
would recommend Pattaya to friends. Probably more
has been written about Pattaya's nightlife than any other place on the
planet. For years, television crews and eager journalists have scoured
the back streets in search of sensational, often exaggerated stories.
Not surprisingly, the destination has acquired a mixed image of both
bouquets and brickbats, a fact that may indeed discourage prospective
visitors, who, uncertain of Pattaya's merits, may choose to go
elsewhere. What hoteliers know and most others
don't realise, is that Pattaya receives a large number of repeat
visitors - professional people, families, and retired couples - many of
whom have made it their preferred choice after spending holidays in
various other resorts around the globe. If you ask them why Pattaya
wins over other more exotic or fashionable places, they point to its
long list of assets: climate, accessibility, location, affordability,
top class accommodation, fine restaurants, plus the huge choice of
sporting, leisure and entertainment choices - arguably far and away the
best in any Asian beach destination. They will
also tell you that Pattaya's main night spots are contained within a
downtown area, which like London's Soho, you can either choose to visit
or ignore. Those who choose the former out of curiosity will inevitably
confirm with a smile that most of the girls are charming and polite, a
far cry from the dubious personalities of their counterparts in the
West, and a just being a spectator in one of the downtown bars can be a
lot of fun.
http://travelintotravel.blogspot.com/
Before
even dipping a toe in the briny, there a number of interesting and
worthwhile places to visit, many of which feature on organised tours. Some of the most popular choices include Suan Nong Nooch,
a Thai village style theme park with superb gardens, an orchid nursery,
and entertaining cultural performances including an elephant show.
Pattaya's most important temple is Wat Yansangwararam,
a modern building under His Majesty the King's patronage. It
incorporates buildings of different architectural styles, including
Japanese, Chinese, and Indian influences, and is a centre for
meditation. Wat Khao Cheejan is located nearby Wat Yansangwararam where the biggest Buddha is carved with gold on a stone mountain. Khao Kheaw Open Zoo
with 1,200 acres of forest and natural beauty is one of the largest
zoos in Asia, offers the basic open zoo excursion and night safari and Asia's Largest Butterfly Garden
- Saithip Butterfly Garden which occupies 15.22 acres of beautiful
landscape in Khao Kheaw area, experience floral garden with over one
hundred species of thousand of butterflies. Sriracha Tiger Farm , is a mini-zoo with crocodiles, tigers, camels and many birds, and although hardly Thai in content. The Million Years Stone Park & Crocodile Farm,
houses over 1,000 crocodiles, plus a zoo and a bonsai garden set
amongst some interesting rock formations and fossils. Pattaya Elephant
Village, features well performed demonstrations of elephantine skills
such as logging, and re-enactment of their role in historic battles,
plus the enduring favourite, the elephant football match. The Siriporn Orchid Farm
has some splendid displays of orchids including catteleyas, daedrovium,
pompadours and vandas. Cut flowers and plants are on sale here. The Bottle Art Museum
comprises a collection of more than 300 glass bottles containing
miniature replicas of churches, temples, palaces, and much more, the
clever handiwork of a resident Dutch sculptor. Mini Siam & Mini Europe,
puts on a daily cultural show, and features an interesting selection of
beautifully crafted scale models of major buildings both in Thailand
and elsewhere, on a scale of 1:25 and Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum , is an entertaining retreat on the odd rainy day. Pattaya Park Tower rises some 240 metres and provides a revolving restaurant as well as spectacular views and Pattaya Water Park , which provides thrilling water slides, whirlpools, and swimming pools for family fun. Source: http://travelintotravel.blogspot.com/
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Supanee |
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Wed Aug 06th,2008 |
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| Chiang Mai in Thailand
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"A day in Chiang Mai is long enough" affirms the travel agent, and the client nods, alas, knowing no better. "Enough
to see the main sights, and do the Night Bazaar" he adds confidently,
as the computer screen confirms a one night hotel booking in Thailand's
oldest continually inhabited city, thus depriving the tourist of some
of the most interesting travelling experiences in Asia. For
years, the travel industry has mistakenly considered Thailand's
northern capital to be a side excursion, or an overnight stop on a
seven day "See All Of Thailand" coach trip. The truth is that like
Venice or Vienna, this centuries-old city is a prime destination in its
own right. If Bangkok is to Thailand as London
is to England, then Chiang Mai is to Northern Thailand as Edinburgh is
to Scotland. Indeed, it is almost similar in size and population to the
Scottish capital, and with a past equally as turbulent, and customs as
distinctively different, a week here might not be long enough for the
serious traveller. Without delving into
linguistics or history, it is interesting to know that the Thai word
for twelve is Sib-song. A thousand is Pan and a million is Lan. A paddy
field translates as Na, and by joining these words, we form two names
that are fundamental to understanding Northern Thai history, ie.
Sib-Song Pan-Na and Lan-Na. Respectively, they mean twelve thousand,
and one million rice fields. For those who have thrilled to the
irreproducible iridescent green of ripening paddy, this is a wonderful
image to consider before we even start. http://travelintotravel.blogspot.com/Much
like Australia or America, modern-day Thailand is composed mainly of
migrant races. Various ethnic peoples of the Mon-Khmer group, such as
the Lawa tribe, which is still in evidence today, originally inhabited
Northern Thailand. The majority of today's northern "Thais" are in fact
are descended from "Tai" or "Dai" immigrants, mainly from Northern
Burma, China and Laos, who displaced the indigenous races, and over
centuries were eventually, and very often painfully, united. Evidence
of this clearly exists in archaeological and linguistic studies, but
nothing is more compelling than a visit to Sib Song Panna
(Xishuangbanna) in China's Yunnan province. This might be called
China's Mini-Thailand, for it is indeed more Thai than Chinese, with
the Buddhist "Dai" people in the majority, said to number over 800,000.
They celebrate distinctly Thai customs, and worship in Thai-style
temples. Familiar sights such as saffron-robbed monks are also common,
and although it is clear that there are Tai origins elsewhere in Asia,
many older Thai people look on Sib Song Panna as their ancestral home.
Exploring
the forests and tribal settlements on foot with a local guide has
become immensely popular over the last decade, particularly with Chiang
Mai's influx of young travellers. Travel shops advertise a range of
trekking options, from a basic overnight hike to arduous week-long
safaris. The recipe is usually the same - basic accommodation in
consenting hill tribe villages, mixed with varying degrees of soft
adventure such as sectors on elephant back or exciting stretches of
white water rafting. These itineraries vary from the memorable to the
mundane, and some routes have suffered from tourism overkill, with a
foreseeable negative effect on both authenticity and hospitality. There
are still however a number of dedicated and eco-friendly operators who
operate less-frequented routes, and a well-chosen trek can be a hugely
rewarding experience. Chiang Mai's tribal
settlements are a separate fascinating study, with their origins in
different parts of Asia, and correspondingly very different beliefs,
languages, customs, laws, dress and traditions. Individual descriptions
are well beyond the scope of this web site, but Chiang Mai's larger
bookshops stock some excellent coffee-table publications with stunning
photography enhancing the thoroughly absorbing text. A convenient starting point is at Tha Phae Gate
on the east flank of the moat, closest to the Ping River. The margins
on both sides of the gate contain a host of tourism-friendly outlets,
including restaurants, bakeries, pubs, entertainment places, vehicle
hire (including bicycles) and the small market of Sompet. Tha Phae is
also a focal point for performances and processions during major Thai
festivals.
Source:http://travelintotravel.blogspot.com/
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Supanee |
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Wed Aug 06th,2008 |
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