THAILAND (CHIANG MAI), LAOS AND MYANMAR

Hj Zulheimy Maamor 

12 March 2024 

Chiang Mai (sometimes spelled Chieng Mai) in Thai means "New City." Located on the border with Myanmar (Burma), it is the second largest city in Thailand. The history of Chiang Mai is said to begin in 1296 and was established by King Mengrai as the capital of the Lannathai Kingdom.

In December 2007, my colleagues and I from The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia had the opportunity to visit Chiang Mai, which is located in Northern Thailand.

The distance traveled by air from Kuala Lumpur to Chiang Mai is 2,148 km

CHIANG MAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Located in Suthep district, Mueang Chiang Mai District,Chiang Mai province in northern Thailand. Chiang Mai airport provides both domestic and international terminals. These terminals coexist in the same building. 

ELEPHANT TREK AND BAMBOO RAFTING

Explore the beauty of Chiang Mai with a watefall trekking experience and an elephant sanctuary in one day and enjoy bamboo rafting in the jungle. 

The package often included elephant trekking through the surrounding forests and then a relaxing float down the Mae Taeng River on a bamboo raft.

CHIANG MAI TO CHIANG RAI

On December 9, 2007, we continued our journey to Chiang Rai, which is approximately 186 km away, with a travel time of 3 hours and 7 minutes.

Chiang Rai is a city in northern Thailand, in the mountainous province of the same name. The city is near the border of Laos and Myanmar (formerly Burma). Chiang Rai is surrounded by lush nature and small hilltribe villages, which are often unexplored by tourists.

This unique , large, reddish-brown structure nearby resembles an abandoned hot spring resort that was designed to replicate a Khmer-style temple or and Angkorian temple.  This unique, ancient-looking building makes Mae Kachan Hot Spring instantly recognizable from photos taken inthat area. 

On the way from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, which took 3 hours, we stopped at several places to take memorable photos, such as a temple and a hot spring. The Mae Kachan Hot Spring is a famous rest stop located on the mainhighway (Route 118) between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. 

Tke image of the boiling water and steam are characteristic of the main geyser area at Mae Kachan. This is a traditional stop where visitors relax, dip their feet in the warm water, and commonly buy eggs to boils in the thermal pools. 

GOLDEN TRIANGLE AND MEKONG RIVER

The Golden Triangle locally know as Sop Ruak is a region in Southeast Asia where the borders Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong Rivers. It is located in the Chiang Saen District of Chiang Rai Province, which is a popular day trip destination from Chiang Mai. This is the most popular spot to view the Mekong River in Northern Thailand, as the Ruak River converges with the larger Mekong here, offering a panoramic view of three countries at once. 

The region is known for its high production of opium, which is used to make heroin. Those days are gone. Now, the area is peaceful and tranquil dotted with hill tribes villages, ancient temples and markets. 

Golden Triangle is rich in history, the place you can go to see no mans island. 

Here, you can do a ferry on the Mekong River where you can see Laos, Thailand and Myanmar. The Mekong River winding almost 3,000 miles from the Tibetan Plateau down to the South China Sea,flows through six countries: China, Myanmar, Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia and Vietnam. The Mekong River boasts the world's largest inland fishery. 

A fun way to explore the is to take a long tail boat trip on the Mekong river. Boats can be chartered for trips along the shore of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand lasting about 20 to 30 minutes. 

Moei River is a natural borderline between Thailand and Myanmar. It is a river of 327 km long, and unlike other river, it flows northward. Its watersource is in Baan Makoe, Tambom Phob Phra. This river is the borderline between Myanmar and Thailand. 

Kings Romans Casino and hotel Complex, is part of the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which is located across the Mekong River in Bokeo Province, Laos. 

A massive, majestic golden Buddha statue sits serenely along the banks of the Mekong River at Sop Ruak. This iconic statue is one of the most popular attractions and is frequently photographed with the three countries in the background. 

DON SAO, LAOS

A short boat ride away is Don Sao, a Laos Island in the river where tourists can visit a local market. A visit to the island does not require a visa to Laos. 

Don Sao is on the Mekong River, in the Bokeo Province of Laos,  directly across the river from the Thai Village of Sop Ruak in Chiang Rai province. The main attraction on Don Sao was a small tourist market, sold things like Lao textiles, souvenir, Lao banknotes etc. 

AMPHOE MAE SAI - THE NORTHERN MOST OF THAILAND

The northern most point is Amphoe Mae Sai, Chiang Rai Province, with tourists attractions like Mae Sai Market, Golden Triangle, Wat Phar That Doi Wao and Wat Thampla (locally known as Money Temple). This town is located on the Sai River, which forms the international boundary. 

Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are both worth visiting, depends on what you're looking for in the trip. If you are interested in culture, history and street food, Chiang Mai is the best choice. If you're looking for natural beauty and more relaxed atmosphere, Chiang Rai is the better option. 

Here they also sell Roti Canai Susu

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, KL

13 March 2024 > 2 Ramadan 1445H: 11.50 am

THAILAND - BANGKOK & PATTAYA

Hj Zulheimy Maamor : 12 March 2024

Memories in Bangkok and Pattaya

Bangkok officially known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhnon is the capital city of Thailand. It is located on the delta of the Chao Phraya River.

Bangkok is renowned for its vibrant street life, rich cultural heritage and majestic temples like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun. 

I have been to Bangkok twice, the first time in 2000 and the second time in 2006. Both of my visits to Bangkok were when I was working with The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia. 

The distance between KL and Bangkok by air is 1,237.98 km

The photos of my arrival in Bangkok in 2000 and 2006

2000 - Don Muang International Airport is considered one of the world's oldest operating airport as it was officially opened as a Royal Air Force base on 27 March 1914. The Commercial flight began in 1924, making it one of the oldest Commercial Airport. However, in September 2006, Don Muang Airport was closed and replaced by the newly opened Suvarnabhumi Airport. 

2006 - Suvarnabhumi International Airport located mostly in Racha Thewa subdistrict, Samut Prakan Province, is one of the biggest International Airport in Southeast Asia and a regional hub for aviation. It was officially opened on 28 September 2006, taking over all flights from the Don Muang Airport. 

2000 - PRINCE PALACE HOTEL, BANGKOK

Prince Palace Hotel, located on Damrongrak Road, is named after Field Marshal Putera Kromaluang Nakhon Chaisri Suradej, who is the son of King Rama V.

2006 - EMERALD HOTEL, BANGKOK

Emerald Hotel Bangkok is located at Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khwaeng Din Daeng, Din Daeng, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand.It is very close (about 2-minute walk) to the Huai Khwang MRT (subway) station. It opened in 1992, s 5-star hotel featuring multiple restaurants (Chinese, Japanese and International), an outdoor swimming pool, a full-service spa, a gym and various other facilities. 

CHAO PHRAYA RIVER

The Chao Phraya River, or "Menam Chao Phraya," is the longest and most important river in Thailand. It is 372 kilometers long and flows from the north of Thailand to the Gulf of Thailand (Gulf of Siam) in the south. This river forms the Chao Phraya Valley or 'Chao Phraya Basin.' Bangkok is rapidly developing as it is now because of this river. Bangkok's population of 8.1 million people depends heavily on this river.

A cruise on Chao Phraya River, often called the "River of Kings" is an essential Bangkok experience. We will past many historical landmarks including The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, Wah Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), contrast of traditional wooden houses and temples against the rapidly modenizing Bangkok Skyline. 

The famous Wan Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, known more commonly as the Temple of Dawn.Located on the west bank of Chao Phraya River, in the Thonburi area of Bangkok. 

WAT ARUN

A Buddhist temple situated on Thonburi on the west bank of the Chao Phraya river.The temple derives its name from the Hindu god Aruna. Wat Arun , also known as The Temple of Dawn, is among the best known of Thailand's landmarks. 

Wat Arun can be accessed through the Chao Phraya River, and ferries travel across the river towards the Maharaj pier. 

SAFARI WORLD & MARINE PARKS

A popular tourists attraction covering an area of about 200 acres, it is one of the largest open-air Zoo in Asia and is home of a wide variety of animal species from around the world. The park is divided into two main sections, Safari Park and Marine Park  and is an expansive wildlife sanctuary that can be explored by car or on foot. Visitors can get up close and personal with wild animals such as tigers, lions, bears and zebras wandering freely in their natural habitats. Besides, Marine World houses a number of themed attractions and shows featuring various animals such as dolphins, elephants, birds, sea lions, and orangutans.

Safari Park (Lion) - a lion resting on a rock , it is an open, drive-through zoo section where animals like lions, tigers and giraffes roam freely in large naturalistic habitats. 

The iconic Western Cowboy Stunt Show area, which is a major feature of the park's Marine Park section. The photo show the elaborate Wild West movie built for the show, complete with wooden saloons, a general store, and the "Ashline Company" building. 

This is the Marine Park section of the Safari World,Bangkok. Among it was the Dolphin Show, one of the Safari World's most popular attractions and the Spy War Show, the area was built to look like a harbor or waterway , features a narrative of espionage, often involving a daring protagonist infiltrating a villain's lair. 

FLOATING MARKET

There are many floating markets in Bangkok, one of the county's biggest attractions. The best known floating market in Bangkok is Damnoen Saduak as its use as a setting in the 1974 James Bond movie, The Man with the Golden Gun. Located about 100 km southwest of the city in Ratchaburi province. 

TIGER AND CROCODILE FARM

Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm and Zoo, which is the largest and most famous of its kind near Bangkok.The farm was established in 1950 and became the world's largest crocodile farm by 1970.

That's part of my experience in Bangkok. If you're considering a trip to Southeast Asia, your journey will likely begin in Bangkok, as it is the primary entry point for travellers visiting Thailand. Bangkok is considered  on or the best places to visit in the world.

The Mak Yah Muslim Restaurant located at Phetchaburi Road in the Thung Phaya Thai neighborhood of Ratchathewi, Bangkok.It is a known and popular Thai Muslim restaurant in the area, specifically being run by Thai Muslims, whom also speak Malay. 

In year 2006, the only operational MRT line was the Blue Line (Officially the Chaloem Ratchamongkhon Line). It was officially opened on 3 July 2004 by HM King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit.

PATTAYA, THAILAND

This coastal city is mostly famous for its beaches, water sports, and outdoor activities. Pattaya is just 150 km southeast of Bangkok, a mere 2-hours drive.

RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT, PATTAYA

Is a world-famous-family-oriented walk through tourists attraction that originated in the U.S.A. The Museum houses more thatn 300 unique collections of oddities and it presents a careful balance between the strange, the shocking, and the beautiful. 

Located inside the Royal Garden Plaza, this attraction offered museums, waxworks (Louis Tussaud;s) and haunted adventures. 

TOWN IN TOWN HOTEL, PATTAYA

This relaxed, modern hotel is 2 km from Pattaya Beach and 7 km from the 20-storey Sanctuary of Truth. 

There are more than 30 ethnic groups in in Thailand. The term 'Thai' is both a national and ethnic term for the dominant population of Thailand. Approximately 95 % of the total population of Thailand identifies ethnically as Thai. 

For many, Thailand is worth visiting because it is an affordable destination where your money can go further. 

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, KL

12 March 2024 > 1 Ramadan 1445H: 5.18 p.m