ดอยสุเทพเป็นศรี ประเพณีเป็นสง่า บุปผาชาติล้วนงามตา นามล้ำค่านครพิงค์


นพบุรีศรีนครพิงค์เชียงใหม่ หรือเวียงพิงค์ ก่อตั้งโดยพญามังรายมหาราชปฐมกษัตริย์แห่งราชวงศ์มังรายเมื่อพ.ศ. 1839 ราชวงศ์นี้ได้ปกครองต่อมาอีก 200 ปี เมืองนี้จึงตกเป็นเมืองขึ้นของพม่าในปีพ.ศ. 2101 ต่อมาในปีพ.ศ. 2317 พระเจ้าตากสินมหาราชมาขับไล่พม่าจนพ่ายแพ้ไป เชียงใหม่จึงรวมเข้าในอาณาจักรสยามนับแต่นั้นมา ต่อมาในสมัยพระพุทธยอดฟ้าจุฬาโลกเชียงใหม่มีฐานะเป็นเมืองประเทศราช และเมื่อมีการปรับปรุงการปกครองส่วนภูมิภาคในสมัยพระบาทสมเด็จพระจุลจอมเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัวเชียงใหม่เปลี่ยนฐานะเป็นมณฑลพายัพ และเป็นจังหวัดในสมัยพระบาทสมเด็จพระปกเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว ปัจจุบันเชียงใหม่นับเป็นเมืองใหญ่และสำคัญที่สุดของภาคเหนือ และในขณะเดียวกันก็ยังเป็นเมืองที่รวบรวมศิลปกรรม โบราณวัตถุ ตลอดจนวัฒนธรรมดั้งเดิมของล้านนาไทยเอาไว้ โดยทั่วไปแล้วพื้นที่จังหวัดเชียงใหม่ส่วนใหญ่เป็นป่าละเมาะและภูเขา มีที่ราบอยู่ตอนกลางตามสองฟากฝั่งแม่น้ำปิง
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ข้อมูลการเดินทางของ จ. เชียงใหม่

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จากกรุงเทพฯ ใช้ทางหลวงหมายเลข 1 (พหลโยธิน) แยกเข้าทางหลวงหมายเลข 32 (สายเอเซีย) ผ่านอยุธยา อ่างทอง นครสวรรค์ หลังจากนั้นใช้ทางหลวงหมายเลข 117 ไปยังพิษณุโลก ต่อด้วยทางหลวงหมายเลข 11 ผ่านลำปาง ลำพูน ถึงเชียงใหม่ ระยะทางประมาณ 695 กิโลเมตร อีกทางหนึ่งคือจากนครสวรรค์ ไปตามทางหลวงหมายเลข 1 ผ่านกำแพงเพชร ตาก และลำปาง ถึงเชียงใหม่ ระยะทางประมาณ 696 กิโลเมตร
รถไฟ
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วันเสาร์ที่ 5 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2551

Exotic birds and serene backwaters of Kottayam

Kotttayam a beautiful place at the heart of Kerala is attractive by its serene water bodies and rolling hills and mountains. Kottayam is bordered with Western Ghats in the East and Kuttanad and Vembanad Lake in the West. Kottayam is surrounded by Ernakulam in the North, Pathanamthitta in the South, Alappuzha in the West and Idukki in the East. Kottayam is one of the Christian dominated centers of Kerala.
Kottayam is heard for its extensive rubber plantation. Kottayam holds an enviable position in attaining hundred percent literacy. Kottayam offers a magnificent sight of excellent palm fringed water bodies, wide range of hills and hillocks, etc. Many renowned papers and publishers of Kerala are the products of Kottayam.
Kumarakom backwaters of Kottayam are the prime attraction. Paradise of the Bird Watchers- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is another gift of Kottayam. On your trip through the backwaters, you can enjoy the lush green paddy fields, coconut groves, mangroves etc. Pathiramanal, an island in the banks of Vembanad Lake is a wonderful place of tourist attraction. At the festival of Onam, Kottayam is filled with festive mood. Through the backwaters of Kottayam, you can enjoy the thrilling snake boat race.
Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary of Thekkedy is 104km from this center. Kottayam homes a number of pilgrim centers like Sabarimala, Mannanam, Thirunakkara, Ettumanoor, Erumeli, Vaikom, Manarcad and Bhrananganam. Peeremedu, Thekkady, Idukki, Ernakulam and Munnar are some of the nearby attractions of Kottayam.
The hotels and resorts that Kottayam homes will help you to make a better accommodation possible. In addition, Kottayan offers numerous Ayurvedic resorts, fitness centers, health services, shopping centers, tourist information centers and more.
To get there By Air: Kochi International airport (76km), Thiruvananthapuram international airport (160km) BY Rail: Kottayam railway station By Road: Kottayam is connected to all major cities and towns in South India

วันศุกร์ที่ 4 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2551

Travel to Asia: 5 Essential Preparations

Whether you are planning to go to Asia for business or pleasure, chances are you'll find the whole experience a little daunting. It can be a long way to travel, and if you have never been to a place where English is not spoken, it can be a little unnerving. However, traveling to Asia can be quite straightforward when you make sure that you are prepared.
1. Check the weather.
In many Asian countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, and some parts of China, you will see a wet season and a dry season. While light clothes might be appropriate in any case, sometimes remembering to pack rain gear can save your trip! This is especially true if you intend to visit different parts of a country.
For example, the west coast of Thailand may experience a different season from the eastern side at any one time. So if you find resplendent sunshine in Phuket, it might possibly be raining in Koh Samui. Don't be caught out.
2. Use plastic.
When you are planning your trip, think about putting the majority of your expenses onto a credit card. This way, not only will you be able to have a paper trail of the money you have spent, you'll also find that you can stop payment if your card gets skimmed. It is also a very portable way to pay for things.
3. Learn a bit of the language.
Even if you are only visiting for a short while, it will help you to learn some basic phrases.
When you try to use the language native to an area, you'll find that the people are much more likely to look on you kindly. So try to learn the basics like “please” and “thank you”. You'll also want to learn directional words like “left” and “right”, which can be quite handy for obvious reasons. The local words for numbers will also be useful if you are going to be shopping. Pick up especially phrases for bargaining and practice them at the mom-and-pop shops or night bazaars.
You'll be surprised how knowing a few local words may make your Asian vacation so much more enjoyable.
4. Think about your e-mail.
If you are going to a metropolitan center, you'll probably never need to worry about finding a wireless connection. But remember that some parts of Asia still do not give you immediate access to your email. Ask your internet service provider about roaming service, where you will be able to use the local telephone lines to dial up. This is a great way to make sure you can get to what you need.
5. Think about your luggage.
Remember that you'll be dragging your luggage behind you for the entire trip, so make sure that it will last! There are other ways to save money but invest in durable luggage. To make sure that no mistakes are made, think about personalizing your suitcase with stickers or labels. This will help ensure that no one walks off with it by mistake.
Remember also that you will need to change the number setting if you are using combination locks. Far too many people leave the combinations set to the default 000 or change it to 123, which are not too difficult for a crook to guess. Take your time and come up with a good combination.

Enjoy a Smoky Mountains Mother's Day

She's the hardest working woman in the world. Part psychologist and part chef, moms fulfill dozens of vital roles in the family including chauffeur, nurse, friend, playmate, wife, disciplinarian, teacher, personal shopper and so many others. In fact, according to Salary.com, if moms were paid, they'd earn almost $150,000 per year. Money well deserved.
But with all that responsibility comes tremendous stress. Wouldn't it be fabulous to give Mom a gift this year that's truly unique and memorable? Talk with some other families then send Mom and a couple of her friends to the Smoky Mountains for a fun-filled mom's weekend getaway!
Planning a Mom's Weekend
Start with reserving a gorgeous log cabin or mountain chalet. Certainly not the rustic cabins Grizzly Adams lived in. These are luxurious, well-appointed cabins with exceptional amenities including Jacuzzis, large garden tubs, big porches and amazing scenery. Comfortable and cozy, these are a great place to stay when you want some peace and quiet.
De-Stress & Unwind
Once Mom has checked in, she and her friends can head out for one of their favorite pastimes: Shopping! The Village is a premier setting with 27 unique shops. Step through the archway and into a simpler time with a slower pace and plenty of nostalgic charm. From crystals to coffee and desserts to décor, Mom and her friends will delight at the variety. They can even have lunch at their choice of on-site restaurants or cafes.
Once finished, she and her group can venture off to a winery tour and tasting. Seeing how grapes and other fruits are transformed into a delicious array of wines is only part of the fun. The tasting is almost everyone's favorite event.
After returning to the chalet, Mom and her friends can be greeted with an in-cabin massage. Professional masseurs will set the atmosphere with relaxing candles, music and comfortable massage tables as each one in the group is treated to the massage of their choosing. Select from facials, neck and arm massages, hot stone or full body treatments that will melt away every ounce of tension in Mom's body.
When the afternoon of fun and relaxation is over, Mom and her gang can head off to an exciting night at one of the local dinner theaters. Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede is an exhilarating adventure filled with live horses and other animals all performing right before your eyes. Guests are treated to a country cookin' menu that's simply mouthwatering. If hilarity and Italian food are more her style, Mom can take in Hoot N' Holler inside WonderWorks for a dinner theater experience that will have her in stitches.
So what are the girls supposed to do on day two? Ice skating at Ober Gatlinburg, bargain shopping at several outlet malls, ooh and ahh at nimble Chinese acrobats or see the life of Christ played out in full display through an incredible drama. Hiking, swimming, horseback riding and so much more are available for Mom on her long-awaited - and greatly deserved! - getaway to the Smokies. Start planning Mom's surprise today!

Guide To Geocaching Niagara Falls

The Niagara Region is known for its breathtaking scenery, award winning wineries and world class Shaw Festival Theatre in Niagara on the Lake. But now it has even more excitement to offer tourists - a diverse array of challenging geocaches.
Today, the entire Niagara Region is absolutely filled with outdoor adventure - all you need is a consumer brand GPS device, keen eyesight, and a decent pair of hiking boots.
What is Geocaching?
Geocaching is a fun 21st century treasure hunt where Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates are targeted to find buried caches of collectible goodies. The caches are hidden in Tupperware containers, empty peanut butter jars, or steel ammunition boxes.
Each geocache is an accumulation of rare and valuable geocoins, local pins, buttons and other traceable artifacts. It's thrilling, especially if you set up an 'amazing race' with friends and family members to see who can find the booty first.
One international geocaching website binds the entire community together with remarkable unity. On this one site, ALL geocaches in ALL countries are listed, along with their coordinates and any hints you may need to find the booty. Best of all, membership is free. Register to follow the links below.
The Niagara Falls Urban Oasis geocache was created to accommodate the newbie to the sport; it requires an easy walk through a woodland park within a residential subdivision. The trail is well maintained, although the park itself is relatively small. This cache is easy find, hidden in a very traditional geocaching spot.
The Fort George Cache is more interesting, and it's also easy to find. If you visit the website and read about this adventure you'll find a strange history lesson. This cache's progenitor, a user named Lakeport, has penned an entire history of Fort George, right off the top of his head. Such is the passion of geocachers for geocaching in this culturally rich region.
One of the most spectacular targets in the area is of course the infamous Niagara Virtual geocache, which combines with two other waterfall caches, Victoria Falls, Zambia and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe in another related online attraction. Geocachers are citizens of the world.
A word to the wise, you should bring a rain jacket if you plan to visit this cache.
There is also a website disclaimer here to inform readers that in the winter months it may not be safe as "the logical access point to this cache may be chained off (final steps to the cache may be slippery). Some cache seekers duck under the chain to find the cache, but do your own assessment of this and if you feel that it is unsafe then I will accept a photo of the chain with the approximate cache location in the background."
Down the Canadian Gorge can be found somewhere on the trail leading down to the Niagara River. This cache is located on the Canadian side of the Niagara Gorge at the bottom near the whirlpool. Again there is a warning here that the terrain can be very slippery, muddy, and dangerous at times... but it's worth it; the container full of great geocache items.
Finally the Toiypygmcela Tevral Bug Htoel is probably the most challenging geocache in the entire Niagara Region. Take note it contains a Bee-ware geocoin which I suspect might also be a warning to watch for live bees.
Typoglycemia is the informal name given to a purported recent discovery of the cognitive processes behind reading written text. Years ago, researchers at Cambridge University discovered that the human brain can comprehend words in context when only the first and the last letters are correct.
The clever geocacher that created this cache has challenged the membership to follow this logic and interpret the co-ordinates N40 59.398 W70 91.952 where only the first and last numbers are accurate.
Ontario Geocoins
As geocaching grows more popular, geocoins grow more valuable. Limited issue, traceable, geocoins in particular are attracting the attention of online collectors, and tourism promoters. First understand that a 'geocoin' is a special coin created by individuals or groups of geocachers as a kind of signature item or calling card. The pictures that accompany this article are images of the 2005, 2006 and 2007 official Ontario Geocoins, the first to be issued by the Province of Ontario. Each geocoin is assigned a unique tracking ID which allows them to travel from geocache to geocache or to be passed amongst friends, picking up stories along the way. There are no collectible Niagara Falls Canada geocoins yet, but rumors of immanent issue persist, as the Niagara Falls NY geocoins are already hot property.

Romantic Getaway vacation ideas

If you are planning an anniversary trip and need ideas where and what to do for this special occasion, then look no further!
Decide the two of you where and what type of vacation you want to do. Is it a romantic getaway trip to the Caribbean or a romantic trip to Europe ?
Planning and researching are the most important part on choosing the right destination.
A couple of ideas for you: Choose a small hotel or resort that offers romantic getaway packages. Look for a spa on location, spas are a great way for the two of you to relax together. Most spa offers couple massages.
Start your day with a one-hour yoga class on the beach (optional), then hit the spa and choose the full body refinement package; this is a 55 minute relaxing couple massage. Next they will wrap your body with clay or volcano mud for approximately 40 minutes. Benefits of wraps are that it softens the skin, increases hydration, removes toxins from your body and ofcourse it gives you a very relaxing sensation. After the mud bath, its manicure and pedicure treatment. After you had you finger and toes done, it's time to hit the Jacuzzi for a couple of minutes for an even more relaxation, next is the steamroom or sauna, where you will be relaxed even more... how does that feel so far?
After the completion of the treatments the two of you will relax on a lazy chair and have some fresh fruits while enjoying the view of the turquiose blue ocean. I am sure that after this treatment you will feel totally rejuvenated and relaxed to enjoy the rest of your days left.
For a great Romantic Getaway vacation try the Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa, a 71 rooms small resort located on 14 acres of white sandy beach. The Resort offers different types of massages on the beach in casita style setting, while viewing the ocean for a total relaxation and rejuvenation session.

Camping In The Great Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts ten large developed campgrounds with more than a thousand campsites for RVs, trailers, or tent camping, and 100 undeveloped sites.. Roanoke Mountain Campground is one of these quaint, quiet little campgrounds located at Milepost 120.4. There are no showers, no hookups, just beautiful little campsites on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Most of the developed campgrounds are open from April to October. The two campgrounds at Cades Cove and Smokemont are open year round.
Permits are required for overnight traveling within the park and can be picked up at one of the many campgrounds, ranger stations, or visitor centers.
Camping reservations are also needed for the Elkmont, Smokemont, and Cades Cove campgrounds for overnight camping from May 15th thru October 31st.
Most of the commercial campgrounds that encircle The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer RV, trailer, and tent campsites. Amenities such as swimming pools, hot showers, and clean bathrooms are advantages you'll find when staying at one of the many reasonably priced locations. Some are open year round, some are open from April thru October.
Camping in Majestic Appalachians Great Smoky Mountains , especially those hidden sites around Wautauga Lake is a wonderful family fun filled experience that you don't want to miss while you are visiting the Appalachian Mountains!
Please do remember wild animal are not to be fed or petted. If you leave them alone they will leave you alone.
If you love nature then I'm sure you will love camping in the Great Smoky Mountains. ~Anthony Benjamin~

Are You Tired Of Those Vacations? Why Not Try Caribbean.

As the summer holidays are approaching, more and more parents are already planning their family vacations. One of the destinations is the Caribbean.
I believe they are attracted by the beautiful scenic views on the movie, "Pirates Of The Caribbean". Most parents like to save the trouble and go for an all-inclusive package that offer many advantages.
It may be little expensive, but it is worth the effort as it includes almost everything you need for a fantastic vacation. Most packages will include: air tickets, hotel accommodation, meals, transportation to places of interest and other extensive services.
Once you made your advance payment, you do not have to worry a single thing for any extra costs. By choosing Caribbean, you are bound to see a wonderful place with your family. There will be plenty of beautiful attractions for the whole family. I offered some of the most popular spots for the whole family to enjoy in the Caribbean.
You can take a look at Beaches Boscobel, located in Jamaica. They have lots of facilities for the entire family. With large pools for the kids, water sports , scuba diving and snorkeling facilities for teens and adults. The objective is to keep them occupied and entertained all the time.
At Sandals Golf & Country Club, you are entitled to play beach volleyball, play tennis or even a complimentary golf session. They even have kids program called Kids Kamp that includes lots of entertaining activities, an XBOX gaming center with the latest games, and they have the chance to organize their own vacation.
Beaches Negril Resort and Spa. Also in Jamaica, Beaches Negril would make a perfect destination for an all inclusive family vacation to the Caribbean. The moment you step foot on these beaches, you will be conquered by the amazing landscape, the scent of jasmine and the tropical flora.
The interior decoration of the Beaches Negril Resort & Spa is simply covered with polished marble, fine wood that are hand-painted. The staff at this resort will treat you with care and attention. This is indeed perfect for the family vacation.
Another hot spot is the Beaches Sandy Bay. They are widely loved by many families going to the Caribbean for vacation. They will welcome you with a warm and inviting ambiance. This resort is able to provide both an exciting adventure or a rest and relax vacation.
They also provide special service for the entire family whereby the kids are able to be entertained by various kids activities. While they are having fun, you and your spouse can have some quiet moments. This resort is truly an escape for the ordinary adults and also a perfect family getaway.
If you like crystal-clear waters and white sand, then I bet you will like Beaches Turks & Caicos. They are an ideal place for an exotic place to spend your holiday with the family. The above beaches are the perfect destination for an all inclusive family vacation to the Caribbean.
You will surprised by the tons variety of tropical fish and happy with all the wonderful experiences you can share with your family.
Not matter which Caribbean holiday destination you have chosen, you can be sure your dreams will come true. With tons of entertaining activities for the whole family, these islands are simply great for the whole family to be together.
By starting your search early, you are able to find some great deals and thus having a perfect vacation at a much lower price.