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Issue 20 / March 2013

CHUMPHON MARINE FESTIVAL 22-26

MARCH

off the Beaten Track

Surawi Mayazea Mr.

General Manager of Lomprayah

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Editor’s Talk Life is journey!!

Hello everyone, welcome to the 3rd month of the year. The time had passed too fast, so enjoy your life every day, make everything to be the best, and let yourself facing with the new world.

For this issue of Lomprayah Magazine, we’re proudly to present our main highlight topic “Chumphon Marine Festival 2013” the greatest festival of Chumphon, the beautiful province.

Do not miss this experience!

However, our magazine does not only talk about Chumphon Marine Festival, we also provide you another various topics, for example ‘Mu Kohh Chumphon National Park’ in the part of destination guide and ‘Onward to Railey’ in the column of Real Story. Furthermore, we also give you the tips about how should you do if you have to go to Koh Samui with kids, it’s on the ‘Tips to Trip’.

In addition, not only the entertainment content that we give you, but we also provide you a knowledge as you will see in the ‘Special’ column, and introduce you a new General Manager of Lomprayah High Speed Ferries Co., Ltd.,.

To sum up, I would like to thank you for interested in our Lomprayah magazine, see you again in the next issue. Take care.

Photjanard Kantiwong

Lomprayah Team Editor in Chief

Photjanard Kantiwong

Executive Editor

Wanitcha Sukchet Tinn Chacalanuwattanapong

Editorial Staff

Vorapong Vongvarothai Juntiya Laoniyomthai Areeya Pichittanabordeekul Jiraporn Boonta Muslin Chupradit Saksid Boonrawang

Art Director

Methakritsada Wanngoen

Graphic Designer Seattakit Meunnak

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Hilight

CHUMPHON the place where you can hide from the annoying world and take your time with the

wonderful nature

Here is the land of the southern gate, the route for traveling and visiting the beautiful marine. A most of beautiful islands along the coast, there are many white sandy beaches and the crystal clear water and many coral reefs under water, especially attractive islands with sandy beaches. Chumphon has the great area for both of snorkeling and scuba diving. Marine resources have plenty for tourists to visit.

Chumphon Marine Festival is the one of the greatest festival in Chumphon, which can make you to know many new sides of Chumphon from this festival. So, if you are the one who love to learn a new experience, here is the chance for you to seek for a breathtaking and a colorful scene under the sea.

Chumphon Marine Festival is arranged in March every year. For this year, the festival will be held on 22nd -26th March 2013. Chumphon Governor’s Office, Chumphon Estuary Sub district Municipality, Tourism Authority of Thailand: Chumphon office, Chumphon Tourism Association etc. cooperate to hold “Chumphon Marine Festival 2013” on March 22nd-26th, 2013 at Chumphon Estuary, Amphoe Muang, Chumphon.

Purpose of the Festival

This festival was arranged after the Taiphoon Gay made landfall in Chumphon in 1989. So, this is organized for promoting the tourism of Chumphon, for distributing incoming to local people, and for conserving the natural resources and rehabilitate the economy, since then until now.

Purpose of the Festival

Sand Sculpture: Show the sand sculpture with the theme about AEC, by imitating the important place of each country in AEC. Such as, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar and Merlion in Malaysia, but the sand sculpture of Thailand still be a secret!

• Sea sport competition: For example, sailboat, beach football and volleyball, beach boxing, and swimming.

• Demonstrate the sea rescue and return the sea turtle and the marine animals to their nature.

• Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre demonstrates the marine animals breeding

• Swallow’s nest Valley: Invite the entrepreneur to sell the swallow’ nest and display the procedure of it to the tourists.

• Coffee Valley: Because the Chumphon coffee is very popular and have a very high quality, making many coffee company order our coffee and make it to be an instant coffee. So, the organizer decided to invite the coffee entrepreneur to this festival.

• Tourism Packages: Chumphon Marine Festival offers you with many tourism packages, e.g. marine tourism program, scuba diving and snorkeling package, discount for accommodation, and etc.

• Fresh seafood booth: There are fresh seafood booths along the beach, which are waiting for serving you fresh delicious seafood. Moreover, there have a special time that you can eat them for free.

How to get there‌ Airplane

This festival was arranged after the Taiphoon Gay made landfall in Chumphon in 1989. So, this is organized for promoting the tourism of Chumphon, for distributing incoming to local people, and for conserving the natural resources and rehabilitate the economy, since then until now.

Train

If you want to enjoy with the view while travelling, here is the good choice for you. More than ten trains that depart from Hualampong Train Station, Bangkok and come to Chumphon. All you need to do is only take the train that go to southern part of Thailand.

Car

Car is the way that you can specify the date, time, way, and etc. by yourself. If you want to take a rest for a while, you just do it! If you want to eat a delicious food during the voyage, you just do it too! Although you will feel tired, but this is the good experience.

More activities in Chumphon

Where to sleep

At present, Chumphon has more than 3,500 rooms for welcoming the tourists who travel in Chumphon. There are in the difference room rate, since very cheap until the high cost. But if you love to stay like a neighbor around there, live with a normally step, Chumphon also have a ‘Homestay’ for you. And most of them are located among the peaceful and beautiful surrounding.

Except the activities in the Chumphon Marine Festival, Chumphon also have many interesting activities for responding the various tourist requirements. The first activity that we proudly present is diving, both of snorkeling and scuba, because Chumphon has many fascinating coral reef and colorful sea view, so it will make you satisfy for sure. Or if you are not sure about your skill, Chumphon also has many good standard diving schools to provide you. Not only about the sea, beach or island, but chumphorn also have many interesting place on the land, for example Krom Luang Chumphon Shrine and Chumphon National Museum.

Do not hesitate, this is your best chance for touching the wonderful nature, which you had never imagined before.

Talked with

Mr.

Peerasak

Hinmuangkao Chumphon Governor

Could you recommend the highlight of the Chumphon Marine Festival 2013?

Do you have another plan to promote the tourism in Chumphon?

For the highlight of the festival, we think that it must be the impressive thing, so we hold a meeting to find the way for making the tourist feel impressed. Due to the AEC, which will begin in the future, we decided to do sand sculptures, following the theme of importance place of ASEAN countries. For example, Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar, especially in Thailand, it will be the greatest sculpture, but now it’s a secret.

Besides, there have a Swallow’s nest Valley, which is the first time in Thailand. In this part, we invite Swallow’s nest entrepreneurs for setting an exhibition, demonstrating the swallow’s nest procedures and selling their products.

Another well-known product of Chumphon is coffee, so we also have a Coffee Valley.

Moreover, we have many interesting activity which relate with the sea, because Chumphon has beautiful and plentifully coral reef. Furthermore, now the Chumphon’ sea is a habitat of Whale shark and Bryde’s whale. Except the diving, which is the famous activity, we also have a homestay on Ko Pitak, but for the tourist who want to stay in a peaceful place, I recommend Haad Thung Wua Laen. There is quiet and you can live as Chumphon people.

Chumphon is a province that has high latency, but many citizen look down on themselves, so we have to talk about it seriously.

Likewise, we have to prepare about the facilities and services, and make it to be a high standard. And now I am doing the project about improving the main street from the Chumphon Airport, for making it look better.

Do you have another plan to promote the tourism in Chumphon?

Chumphon is a province that has high latency, but many citizen look down on themselves, so we have to talk about it seriously.

Likewise, we have to prepare about the facilities and services, and make it to be a high standard. And now I am doing the project about improving the main street from the Chumphon Airport, for making it look better.

Uthai

Mr. Voramasakul Director Tourism Authority of Thailand, Chumphon office

What are the interesting things in the Chumphon Marine Festival 2013?

In this festival, the package tours are very interesting. I’ve been talked with Chunphon Tourist Business Association, Lomprayah, Siam Catamaran and Chumphon Diving to have a special discount. Not only travel around islands or beach, we also have another interesting activity. That is Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center. They will demonstrate the aquatic animals fertilize method, coordinating with staff of Ko Talu.

Do you prepare something for ASEAN?

Thai people should learn more English.

In Chumphon, there are many people from ASEAN countries, divided into two groups; doing a business and traveling.

TAT has any plans to support the private company?

We support them about marketing and tourism principles. TAT coordinate with the private companies for making confidence to the tourists. I used to backpacking aboard, so I know that what are the tourists want, and when do they will be deceived.

What’s the next planning which coordinating with Chumphon?

We will gather the activities in Chumphon and push forward about the travel agent in Chumphon, because there are not much.

What about the tendency in Chumphon?

It will be better, because most of the hotels and the flights to Chumphon are fully booked, and the accommodations are increasing.

Destination Guide

Mu Koh CHUMPHON National Park

The Mu Koh Chumphon National Park is about 300 square kilometers in size, encompasses more than 70 miles of coastline, has more than 40 limestone islands and several waterfalls, caves and mangrove forests. The National Marine Park is also home to many animals, and the underwater world is home to many colorful fishes and a large number of hard corals.

The beautiful beaches in the park include Hat Thung Makham and Hat Sai Ri in Amphoe Mueang, Hat Arunothai in Amphoe Thung Tako, Hat Tong Khrok in Amphoe Lang Suan. In the sea are more than 40 islands such as Koh Chorakhe, Koh Ngam, Koh Samet, Koh Maphrao, Koh Mattra, Koh Thong Lang, Koh Langka Chio and few islands in Amphoe Thung Tako. On some islands, there are diving sites, fine white sand beaches and corals; such as Chorakhe Island in the northern part of the park. Ngam and Lanka Chio Islands have many sea sparrow’s nests.

Around Ngam Island, there are perfect coral reefs which are the interesting sites for diving. Thong Lang Island has white and beautiful beach. Tourists can hire boats to travel along these islands at the appropriate price.

The Tourist Information Center is connected with the wooden-bridge walkways for nature study of plant and animals. Visitors can travel by boat or can stay overnight in their tents near the office.

Chai BatiPhukket

Place Guide

Chai Batik, located on Chao Fa Ok (east) Road is an amazing place. It may have an unassuming façade with a medium-sized car park and modest Thailanguage signage outside but inside is a riot of creativity, astounding paintings and one of Phuket’s most iconic yet approachable artists, Chai Changsongsan.

The products for sale here include sarongs, shirts, bags and – more spectacularly – paintings. The shirts are made from Thai cotton and are made to last so you’re guaranteed quality. You can buy off the peg here and also place a personal order and come to think of it, what could be a better souvenir of your stay in Phuket? Prices of shirts and sarongs are reasonable considering the skills involved and the whole experience is a real eye-opener. Large canvas-based batik works go for up to five million baht.

Restaurant Guide

Lui Restaurant

Lui Restaurant is the tradition restaurant in Chumphon, which has been opening for 20. Here is the place where you can enjoy an original southern food. Lui restaurant offer you a delicious food with a cheap cost, and a very good service.

Address: 32/6 Moo 4 T.Parknum, Muang ChumPhon, Thailand 86120

Tel.: 077-521-135

Real Story

Railey Onward to By

sshaunaa

To get to Railey it took three boats and a taxi but we arrived before lunch. Our resort’s boat brought us out to the ferry, which brought us back to Krabi. We weren’t sure how to get to Railey, but I’ve soon discovered that everything is pretty easy in Thailand. A man was on the boat asking everyone where they were going and when we told him Railey, he said “taxi then boat 250 baht each”. We told him we’d think about it. After consulting the Lonely Planet guide, it looked like the boat was 150 baht and we could get a taxi for about 50 baht. After not responding to him for 10 minutes or so, he came back and said 200 baht. Sold.

Once we were off the boat we drove to An nong’s “ferry terminal”. It was basically a small covering where you wait for other passengers to arrive and then a rocky / sandy path to where the boats were.

There’s no jetty, so we had to wade out into knee deep water. From An nong the long tail boat ride’s about 15 minutes.

Entering into the bay on the east side of Railey, the town is circled by giant limestone cliffs, which make for a very lovely entrance to the city. We didn’t have accommodation and we assumed there would be people trying to get you to stay at their resort. That wasn’t the case, but we walked along Railey East and came upon Diamond Cave resort. After seeing the pool (with limestone rock face directly behind it), and the room (A/C what a treat after 3 days without it!) and a shower that was more powerful than a mild trickle, we took the room for 1,200 baht. Quite a step up from the 500 baht we paid for the wooden bungalow the night before!

Railey is known for it’s rock climbing and it’s gorgeous beach on the west side. After strolling the soft, white sandy west side beach, we went in search of the lookout point. Finding what seemed to be somewhat of a path, we started the vertical trek. We kept coming across rock climbers so at least it would be tough to get lost.

After getting pretty high up and not seeing any obvious way to continue upward, and having no water in the 30+ and very humid weather, after checking out the view, we decided to go back down. We took a different way down but magically came across where we had been earlier and made it out of the jungle injury free and covered from head to toe in sweat.

After a food and drink break, we decided to tackle the other view point and lagoon, accessed from the east side of Railey. Talking to a few people at the bottom, they said it was steep, but manageable but the lagoon portion was a vertical drop that was challenging. Meh, it couldn’t be THAT bad.

The climb to the lagoon turnoff, which made me feel like a very amateur rock climber, was a lot of fun. We started for the lagoon but then came across the “drop”. It was a 10ish foot drop that you needed to use a rope to lower yourself down and of course pull yourself back up with on the way back up. Seeing as the mud was slippery and there was another bit like it to get down to the lagoon, and not wanting to break my neck, I opted not to go on. Two French girls decided to try it, wearing flip flops. I’m assuming they were ok, we didn’t stay to find out (there were a few others still there when we left).

Therese of the way to the lookout was refreshingly easy and the view was amazing. You stand on the edge of the cliff and see the town with the bays on each side surrounded by limestone cliffs and amazingly turquoise water. It was well worth the climb and the resulting profuse sweating.

After the climb, we had a well-deserved break in the pool and then a swim on the west side beach and another beautiful sunset. (They don’t get old).

Seeing as it was Anton’s last night in Thailand, we thought we’d make the most of it. At the beginning of the night I had the grand plan to wake up at 6am for the sunrise. Well after a couple Changs, some hot dog pizza (surprisingly not too bad) and a few cocktails, the early morning wake up was called off.

A couple drinks in, we were in a bar which starred the Thai version of Bob Dylan (he sounded soooo much like him), doing an acoustic show. He mentioned singing “The Summer of 69” by Bryan Adams and asked if anyone wanted to get up and sing with him. I offered, of course, but then found out he didn’t know the words so I’d be singing it by myself. Slightly embarrassing in front of about 25 people, but rather fun, it made for a good laugh and a funny video.

Anton came up with the idea that he wanted to go swimming because he’d never drank then hopped in the ocean. Being the seasoned veteran that I am, I said “why not” and off we went, along with a couple more bottles of Chang.

I woke up this morning with a bunch of wet clothes and a vague recollection of someone walking by, complementing our fabulous swimming. It was definitely a fine send off, and I have the hangover to prove it!

Special

World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

An international day to celebrate freshwater was recommended at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The United Nations General Assembly responded by designating 22 March 1993 as the first World Water Day.

Each year, World Water Day highlights a specific aspect of freshwater. Here are examples.

2013: International Year of Water Cooperation

2012: Water and Food Security: The World is Thirsty Because We are Hungry.

2011: Water for cities: responding to the urban challenge.

2010: Clean Water for a Healthy World

Horoscope Predictions for the month of

March 2013

By Mr.

Aries: There will be many expenses during the month though mid-month will also be good income. Please avoid risky situations. A fair amount of travel is indicated. There will also be the tendency in you this month to reach out to those less fortunate than you.

Gemini: A time when you need to focus on the larger picture.

You rise above the small minded both at home and professionally and it is necessary to do so.

Travel is likely. At work you will take initiatives.

Leo: Family and property matters will be on the fore.

Not everything that happens, suits you, but much of it does. Make a financial move towards the end of the month, especially if you are not expecting instant results.

Libra: Emotional stars rise over your personal horizon.

Do not allow your feelings to cloud your judgement.

There will be hectic activity. You may help someone for whom you have sympathy.

Sagittarius: Your partner will be in a jovial mood. Too many expenses may cause financial strain. Children may need attention. You will purchase nice dresses for yourself or maybe even a nice car.

Aquarius: An almost global reaching out will be experienced.

Collaborations, links with distant or overseas places, some travel are all indicated. Think twice before you abandon a personal commitment in which you have invested a lot.

Rup Krishen Baqaya

Taurus: You are in a turbulent mood. Feelings will be high and there may be this keenness to take calculated risks in an attempt to brighten future prospects. Use prudence in all your endeavors. In romance you would do well only if you try to see the world through other people’s eyes.

Cancer: This month it is your turn to sparkle. A financial opportunity is well within your grasp. Romance will improve, lifting your morale. Bonding with old friends will be very fulfilling. There will be recognition and popularity for you.

Virgo: Although the general tide of events will be in your favour in the month, a special opportunity may evade you. If so, don’t worry about it. After mid-month you will see the way forward as far as spending plans are concerned.

Scorpio: This is the perfect time for you to make decisive moves. In love you will begin to make amends for the mistakes done in the past. There will be hectic interaction with friends and family.

Capricorn: Take care of your digestive system. Earnings during the month will be good. You will feel respected by the society. Children may need attention.

Pisces: A month of success. Finances look up and you gain power and prestige. Your ideas lead you towards the top. You get satisfaction from your work. Some long cherished dream may come true.

Trend

HOW TO

WEARBEACH MAKEUP

credit : www.elle.com http://www.elle.com/beauty/health-fitness/Bikini-Body-Challenge-2 Photo by :

1

Protect your skin.

Before you apply any makeup, slather on a generous coat of sunscreen. Give it at least 20 minutes to soak in—it needs to dry for full effectiveness and so that anything you put on top won’t smear. When you need to reapply, try a powder sunblock, such as Colorescience Sunforgettable SPF 30 Brush, which won’t disturb your makeup.

Forget flawless.

In humid weather, anything that is creamy or greasy—like foundation or concealer—is going to smudge almost instantly. If you absolutely can’t imagine going without coverage, try mixing a bit of foundation into your sunscreen and applying it that way. I prefer powder-based products, like a light dusting of translucent powder to combat shine. If you need to cover a blemish, use a stiff concealer brush or a Q-tip to dab a little pressed powder onto the area.

2

3

Bronze yourself.

Any makeup you do wear should enhance your skin’s natural color. Choose a bronzer in a shade that looks like a natural tan, and make sure it doesn’t have any shimmer, which won’t look right in the bright sun. Dust the bronzer on your eyelids, just above your cheekbones, and on the apples of your cheeks, plus a little on your forehead, temples, and chin. Follow with a tiny bit of pink powder blush on your cheeks.

4

Make it last.

Most waterproof makeup sits there like glue and looks pasty. Waterproof mascara is the exception.

Try a lengthening formula (the thickening and volumizing ones tend to clump). Consider a lip stain or a matte lipstick, since gloss will slide right off in the heat. I like bright colors, such as cherry red or vibrant fuchsia, which flatter tan and pink cheeks. Dab just a bit in the center of the mouth.

5

Avoid touch-ups.

My general rule is that you apply makeup before you leave the house, and whatever fades, fades.

The beach is not the place to reapply. If you get sweaty or your makeup feels clumpy, just dab your face with blotting paper.

HOW TO

WEARBEACH MAKEUP

Agency PR

Surawi Mayazea Mr.

General Manager of Lomprayah

For this issue, we are proudly to introduce you a new General Manager of Lomprayah High Speed Ferries Co., Ltd., the person who make an effort and try to do everything not only for pushing his company forward, but also for his hometown.

What was your duty before you’ve promoted to be a General Manager?

I worked as a manager of Chumphon branch for about 11 years.

Do you think about the challenging that you have to face in this position?

Nowadays, our company is growing very well, so I think it might make some problems about the organizing. Then I have to try to solve and organize it.

Do you feel oppress about it or not?

No, I don’t. It’s like I have to supervise more work. In past, I must take care of my branch only, but now I must take care of Lomprayah, every branch and every side of work, and make it better.

Do you plan or think about the way to push the company forward?

ASEAN community will start in 2015, and the number of the tourist who travels in our country will be increasing, so we have to develop our company. Because Thailand is the centre of tourism, then we must have a better service standard, and improve many things to support the tourist’s requirement.

You have more work responsibilities, then how about your family?

I have two daughters, the older study at ABAC, and another one study in grade 11, now they are grow enough and have a responsibilities to take care of themselves, so I am not worried too much as before, and have more time I’ve heard that you are a family man, how do you think about it?

Family is the primary and important society, so I must take care of them as well as I can while keeping balance with work too. I’m lucky that my home is near with the Lomprayah, so I quite have a time more than another who has the house far from the company.

What is the place that you went with your family and it’s still impressed you?

We traveled in the near provinces or Amphawa, which is my wife’s hometown. My family understands that I have to work and have a lot of responsibilities, so I cannot travel with them too much. I love working, and I’m glad that they understand me, because it makes me can utterly work. I can fully attend to my work, because my family supports me very well.

Could you tell us about the prominent point of Chumphon?

Chumphon just began to promote about tourism, so we have to improve a little bit. I believe that Chumphon will be an interesting province in a short time, because our province has many tourism resources, but lack in good organization. It may because the government does not understand, so Lomprayah have to organize in the way that we are expert. We try to open new transportation. I think now it’s quite perfect, especially there are three flights per day which land on Chumphon airport.

And more than 50% of the tourists are Lomprayah customer. It’s pleasure that our new ferry which will be used in May can support the tourists.

What is the place that you went with your family and it’s still impressed you?

The popular place in here is Chumphon Marine National Park. It’s a very beautiful and difference from another place. Chumphon has many and various attraction, but don’t have a good organization from government. I requested to the province senior officer about the guidepost which show that Chumphon has the ways to go

to Paghan Island, Tao Island or Samui Island, by don’t have to go to Suratthani before for saving the time. Another thing is it should have the main road from the airport to Chumphon directly for making the tourists feel comfortable. I want to make another people know that come to travel in Chumphon is easy. There have many thing that Lomprayah want to do for Chumphon, but we cannot do it because of the government system, however, we try to do many thing as much as I can, for example many guideposts in chumphon were sponsored

by Lomprayah.

Finally, Could you add something or talk about the Chumphon Marine Festival?

I would like to thank you the government that they understand, promote and have a good viewpoint with Chumphon. For the Chumphon Marine Festival, this is the great festival in this year. I would like to invite you to join our festival on 22nd -26th March. We also set a booth to introduce our service. The governor of Chumphon, Peerasak Hinmuangkao, is also interested. The viewpoint of him is very important, if he has a good attitude, we will be growing for sure.

“

Family is the primary and important society

“

Surawi Mayazea Mr.

General Manager of Lomprayah

Lompraya News Group of Revenue Department Sector 4

The program to development the quality of life by Revenue Department Bangkok Sector 4 at Koh Tao Hillside Resort on 8 - 10 March 2013

Date : 8 - 10 March 2013 Location : Koh Tao Hillside Resort Group of Revenue Department Bangkok Area 21

The project to build a relationship and harmonious development by Revenue Department Bangkok Area 21 at Koh Tao Hillside Resort on 15 - 18 March 2013

Date : 15 - 18 March 2013 Location : Koh Tao Hillside Resort Provincial Chief Public Prosecutor of Koh Samui and Suratthani spread their law knowledge.

This morning, Provincial Chief Public Prosecutor of Koh Samui and Provincial Chief Public Prosecutor of Suratthani with their 12 officers went to Ko Tao to follow the project about spread the knowledge of law to the people, and they will go back on 15th March in the afternoon.

Krabi organized the celebration about one decade of “Laanta Lanta Festival”

This festival was on 7th -9th March at old district office, to promote the tourism. There had many performances from schools and villages in Lanta Island, that are Ko Lanta Noi, Ko Lanta Yai, SalaDaan, Ko Klang and Klong Yang.

It’s still being a high season until April, and after that the number of tourists will be decreasing, because of the weather. However, the people in Lanta Island is trying to promote that the tourists can travel there all the year.

Global News

Dongyue Temple Fair

Celebrated : Mar. 31, 2013 to May. 07, 2013 Location : Shandong

During Dongyue Temple Fair, travelers are able to enjoy different performances, like folk customs show, the peach festival, peach blossom tourism festival, Fengshan ceremony performances (Fengshan is a grand ceremony of the worship of heaven on the top of Tai mountain to pray and say thanks for peace and prosperity) and so on.

Cherry Blossom Season Officially Begins in Tokyo Published: 16 Mar 2013 at 19.49 Online news: Asia

Japan’s weather agency announced the official beginning of cherry blossom season in Tokyo on Saturday, equalling the record for the earliest ever start.

The national weather service used the capital’s central Yasukuni Shrine as a barometer to judge the start of the season, which sees an explosion of colors that last only about a week.

Kwiothh Samui

Tip to Trip

S D I K

credit : http://www.hotphuketvillas.com/phuket/tips-to-spend-luxurious-vacation-in-phuket.html

The beach is always great for children but Thailand doubles the fun. Thais love kids (especially babies) and will shower them with attention. Even grumpy taxi drivers enjoy playing (peekaboo) with little ones.

Of the Thai islands, Koh Samui is the most relaxed and family friendly. Keep our tips in mind and your family holiday will be all smiles.

Only in the best hotels will you find high chairs, and strollers are rarely seen outside top resort areas. Most Thais just carry their children in their arms and hold them at the dinner table.

While strollers might be convenient, most Thai pavements will feel more like off-roading then strolling.

If you’re using a baby backpack, make sure the child’s head doesn’t sit higher than yours: there are lots of hanging obstacles poised at forehead level

Disposable nappies in big sizes are available at Samui’s Tesco Lotus and Tops Market

International-style beach resorts and upmarket hotels usually provide childcare facilities and crèches

Thai food is often a little too spicy for young palates, but fried rice, roti, pasta and fried noodles are widely available

The best beaches for families with young children are Bo Phut and Mae Nam. The waves are gentle, the footpaths wide enough to push a stroller (if you bring one), and there are other families to provide international playmates.

For families with older children, especially teenagers, Chaweng will provide the most entertainment. The waves are powerful, there’s plenty of shopping and eating, and most hotels have pools if you get tired of sand.

There are lots of kid-oriented animal shows, such as monkey theatres and tiger zoos, that rarely live up to Western standards of animal welfare. Instead, head to the south coast where kids can ride elephants to the two jungle waterfalls or wonder at the Samui Butterfly Garden.

There is some snorkeling off Koh Samui , but to really explore the underwater landscape take a trip to Ko Tao.