Chinese Chive Flowers with Shrimp - Pud Dok Gui Chai

1	teaspoon	sugar
1	lb	shrimp
1	clove	garlic, chopped
1 1/2	tablespoons	fish sauce
3/4	lb	Chinese chive flowers, cut

Chop garlic. Cut the Chinese chive flowers into 1 1/2 inch long. Peel and devain shrimp. For a presentation, you can use whole shrimp (with head) and peel.
Heat a wok or a pan on high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and chopped garlic and stir. Add shrimp when the garlic starts to brown. Stir to get the shrimp somewhat cooked. The shrimp shoud start to get pinky but not all pink or cooked. Add the chive flowers and stir to cook them. Add fish sauce and sugar. The flowers shouldn't take long to cook. You want the flowers to just cook, but not overcook and still retain their crunchiness. When the color turns bright green, it indicates that they are cooked. Turn off the heat and pour on a plate immediately.
Serve with hot with rice.

Introducing Thai Food

Thai food is widely known for being hot and spicy since almost all Thai food is cooked with basic ingredients such as garlic, chillies, limejuice, lemon grass and fresh coriander leaf and fermented fish sauce (nam pia) or shrimp paste (kapi) to make it salty.
Since rice is the staple food in Thailand, it is usually eaten at every meal with soups, curries, fried vegetables and nam phrik. Nam phrik is a hot sauce, prepared in a variety of ways and differs from region t oregion: nam phrik pla pon is a ground dried fish and chilli sauce, nam phrik pla raa is a fermented fish and chilli sauce, nam phrik kapi is a shrimp paste and chilli sauce, nam phrik oong is a minced pork, tomato and chilli sauce. In general, the basic ingredients of nam phrik include shrimp paste, garlic, chilli, fermented fish sauce and iemon juice.
Other common seasoning in Thai food include galingale (khaa), blackpapper, ground peanut, tamarind juice, ginger and coconut milk. As a result, it takes hours to prepare a proper Thai meal in the traditional way as it involves so much peeling and chopping and pounding so it needs time to prepare in advance.
In fact, Thai food varies from region to region, for example, glutinous or sticky rice is more popular in the North and Northeast than steamed rice. Moreover, in some rural areas, certain insects are also eaten e.g. crickets, silk worm larvae, red ant larvae. At the same time, Thai desserts are often made from sticky rice or coconut milk, flour, egg and coconut sugar while a variety of fruit is available all the year round.
Meanwhile, the basic characteristic taste of Thai food in different parts of the country can be described in different ways: in the central region, food is hot, salty, sweet and sour. Rice is served with different types of nam phrik and soups e.g. tom yam kung (prawn soup with lemon grass. Dishes usually contain a lot of condiments and spices. In the North, food is mild or hot, salty and sour, but never sweet. Sticky rice is served with boiled vegetables, nam phrik oong and soups or curries. The North is also well-known for its sausage called "naem" which consists of fermented minced pork. It has a sour flavour and is sold wrapped in cellophane and banana leaf.
Food in the Northeast is hot, salty and sour. Their favourite foods include papaya salad (som tam), sour chopped meat salad "koi", sour minced meat salad (lard) . People use a lot of condiments but not many spices. Their meals generally consists of sticky rice and nam phrik pla raa accompanid by a lot of vegetableas including those found growing wild. On the other hand, food in the South is renowned for being very hot, salty and sour-tasting. Curries are popular and made with a lot of spices and condiments. Khao yam (a mixture of rice) raw vegetables and fermented fish sauce or boo doo is also a common dish. Generally southern people eat little meat and other varieties of nam phrik are not so popular, the most common one is nam phrik kapi.
Though the major portion of Thai food is described as being spiced and chilli hot, it currently enjoys worldwide popularity especially the exotic Tom Yam Kung, a uniquely piquant prawn soup that is renowned for it simplicity, creativity, artistic flair and delicious taste. Above all, the tastes of Thai cuisines can be amended to suit individual desire, for example, by reducing the amount of chillies in certain dishes to lower the heat or increasing amount of lime juice to increase sourness. Visitors who have tried the exotic Thai food will never forget to order them again whenever their favourite dishes are available.
This story comes from "Essays on Thailand" by Thanapol Chadchaidee. It is used here with his permission. The book contains 60 essays about Thailand written in Thai and English.

Thailand National Park - South

Detail Nation Park
1	Than Bokkharani National Park	Krabi
2	Khao Phanom Bencha National Park	Krabi
19	Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park	Krabi
3	Khao Luang National Park	Nakhonsithammarat
21	Hat Khanom Mu Ko Thale Tai N.P.	Nakhonsithammarat
22	Khao Nan National Park	Nakhonsithammarat
20	Nam Tok Yong National Park	Nakhonsithammarat
4	Sai Khao Waterfall National Park	Songkhla
5	Khao Lak-Lamru National Park	Phang Nga
6	ao Phang Nga National Park	Phang Nga
16	Khao Lamphi National Park	Phang Nga
25	Mu Ko Similan National Park	Phang Nga
24	Mu Ko Surin National Park	Phang Nga
23	Sri Phang-Nga National Park	Phang Nga
7	Khao Pu Khao Ya National Park	Phatthalung
8	Sirinat National Park	Phuket
9	Laem Son National Park	Ranong
10	Phe Tra Islands National Park	Satun / Trang
11	Tarutao National Park	Satun
12	Thale Ban National Park	Satun
13	Khao Sok National Park	Suratthani
14	Tai Rom Yen National Park	Suratthani
15	ang Thong National Marine Park	Suratthani
17	Tarnto Waterfall Natural Park	Yala
18	Hat Chao Mai National Park	Trang
28	Southern Thailand Botanical Garden	Trang
26	Khao Chong Nature & Wild Life Center	Trang
27	Rajamangkala aquarium	Trang
4	Sai Khao Waterfall National Park	Pattani
29	Kapoh Waterfall Park	Chumphon

Thailand National Park - North East

Detail Nation Park
1	Phu Kao-Phu Phan Kham National Park	Nongbualamphu
2	Phu Wiang National Park	Khon Kaen
3	Phu Pha Man National Park	Khon Kaen
4	Tat Ton National Park	Chaiyaphum
5	Pa Hin Ngam National Park	Chaiyaphum
6	Khao Yai National Park	Nakhon Ratchasima
24	Phimai Historical Park	Nakhon Ratchasima
7	Phu Mu Reserved Forest	Mukdahan
8	Phu Sra Dok Bua National Park	amnat Charoen
9	Phu Rua National Park	Loei
10	Phu Kradung National Park	Loei
11	Phu Luang National Park	Loei
12	Phu Phan National Park	Sakhon Nakhon
13	H uai Huat National Park	Sakhon Nakhon
14	Phu Pra Bath National Park	Udon Thani
15	That Ngam National Park	Udon Thani
30	Na Yoong Nam Som Forest Park	Udon Thani
16	Phataem National Park	Ubon Ratchathani
17	Kaeng Tana National Park	Ubon Ratchathani
18	Phu Chong National Park	Ubon Ratchathani
19	Khao Kradong National Park	Buriram
20	Huai Talat Reservoir and Birds Park	Buriram
21	Phanom Rung Historical Park	Buriram
22	Phu Phra Forest Park	Kalasin
23	Lam Pao Wild Life Park	Kalasin
25	Phu Wua Wild Life Reserve area	Nong Khai
26	Pha Nam Yoi aboretum	Roi-Et
27	Literature Botanical Garden	Roi-Et
28	Somdet Phra Si Nakarin Park	Si Sa Ket
29	Phanom Sawai Forest Park	Surin

Thailand National Park - Central

Detail Nation Park
1	Saiyok National Park	Kanchanaburi
6	Somdet Phra Sri Nakarin Park	Kanchanaburi
5	Prasat Muang Sing Historical Park	Kanchanaburi
7	Sri Nakharin National Park	Kanchanaburi
8	Erawan National Park	Kanchanaburi
9	Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park	Kanchanaburi
2	Khao Yai National Park	Prachinburi
3	Thap Lan National Park	Prachinburi
10	Morakot Historical Park	Prachinburi
4	Pang Sida National Park	Sakaeo
11	ayutthaya Historical Park	ayutthaya
12	Chainat Bird Park	Chainat
13	Khao Khitchakut National Park	Chantaburi
14	The Million Years Stone Park	Chonburi  (Pattaya)
15	Sam Roi Yot National Park	Hua Hin
20	Phra Nakhon Kriri Historical Park	Phetchaburi
19	Kaeng Krachan National Park	Phetchaburi
17	Namtok Huai Yang National Park	Prachuap Kiri Khan
16	Khao Hin Thoen Stone Park	Prachuap Kiri Khan
18	Hat Wanakon National Park	Prachuap Kiri Khan
21	Samet International Park	Rayong
22	Chamao and Vong International Park	Rayong
23	Khao Samlan National Park	Saraburi
24	Phu - Khae Botanical Park	Saraburi
25	Phu Muang National Park	Suphanburi
26	Koh Chang National Park	Trat
27	Wang Kan Luang Waterfall Park	Lopburi

Thailand National Park - North

1	Doi Inthanon National Park	Chiang Mai
2	Doi Suthep National Park	Chiang Mai
3	Doi Luang National Park	Phayao
4	Doi Khun Tan National Park	Lamphun
5	Mae Ping National Park	Lamphun
6	Salawan National Park	Mae Hong Son
7	Doi Phu Ka National Park	Nan
8	Wiang Kosai National Park	Phrae
9	Taksin Maharat National Park	Tak
10	Lan Song National Park	Tak
11	Namtok Chattrakan National Park	Phitsanulok
12	Tung Salaengluang National Park	Phitsanulok
13	Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park	Phitsanulok
14	Khlong Lan National Park	Kamphangphet
15	Mae Wong National Park	Kamphangphet
29	Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park	Kamphangphet
30	Khlong Wang Chao National Park	Kamphangphet
17	Nam Nao National Park	Phetchabun
18	Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Preserve area	Uthai Thani
19	Sukhothai Historical Park	Sukhothai
20	Ramkhamhaeng National Park	Sukhothai
21	Si Satchanalai Historical Park	Sukhothai
22	Phu Hin Rongkla National Park	Phetchabun
23	Si Thep Historical Park	Phetchabun
24	Mae Yom National Park	Phrae
25	Doi Phaklong National Park	Phrae
26	Mae Wong National Park	Nakhon Sawan
27	Nam Tok Surin National Park	Mae Hong Son
28	Huai Nam Dang National Park	Mae Hong Son
31	Chae Son National Park	Lampang
32	Doi Luang National Park	Chiang Rai

Festivals in Thailand - August

:: HM The Queen’s Birthday (Mother’s Day)

When:	12 August 2011
Where:	Throughout Thailand

A national holiday to celebrate the birthday of Thailand’s beloved Queen, and a day to pay respects to all mothers. Public buildings are decorated, and children offer gifts to mothers and grandmothers.

:: Bhumibol Dam International Mountain Bike Championship

When:	August 2011
Where:	Tak

Surrounded by the mountainous landscape, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand and Tourism Authority of Thailand holds a mountain bike competition in Bhumibol Dam area. The competition ranges from 10 – 60 km. Amateur and professional mountain bikers enjoy the scenery of Thailand’s largest dam.
Created to promote an interest in outdoor sports and ecotourism at both national and international levels, the event also include mountain bike tour around the dam, mountain bike shops, local products, ecotourism and global warming reduction activities by students and folk music performance by student in the evening.

:: Chainat Pomelo Fair

When:	August 2011
Where:	Chainat

At the end of August to the beginning of September every year, luscious pomelos of Chainat come to display. Chainat grows different types of pomela and the best type of all is Khao Taeng Gwa. There is also pomelo competition, exhibition as well as pomelo growers’ shops selling the fruits and the plants. The fair is held in front of the City Hall of the province.

:: Surat Thani Rambutan Fair (Rong Rean Rambutan)

When:	August 2011
Where:	Surat Thani

Rong Rean rambutan which is indigenous in this province has made this province proud of its delicious taste. It is dubbed the best type of rambutan. Within the fair, there are rambutan competition, rambutan eating competition, agricultural exhibition, beauty pageant, local product (OTOP) stalls, mountain bike competition and fruit orchard tour. The fair is held annually at the bank of Chawang Canal, Na Sarn, Surat Thani to welcome the fruit harvesting season and tourism season.

:: Songkhla International Glorify Marathon

When:	August 2011
Where:	Songkhla

Stay healthy while enjoying fresh air and oceanic view from both side of the running route. The marathon is divided into a full marathon (42 km), half marathon (21 km), mini-half marathon (10 km), wheelchair marathon. Fill the fun to the run with Fun Run (4 km) and Family Run. The marathon route starts from Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda Historical Park towards Tinsulanonda Bridge which is the longest bridge in Thailand.

Festivals in Thailand - June

:: Flower Alms and Buddhist Lent Candle Offering Festival

When:	July 2011
Where:	Saraburi

Traditionally, after the food giving activity, Buddhists will go to pick up the local yellow flower, Mauve Dancing Lady which grow on the mountain ridge and bloom only in rainy season. On the Buddhist Lent day, the residents will give the flowers to the monks who will bring them to pay respect to the Buddha’s footprint situated in the temple. As a part of the festival, there are booths of local products, agricultural product, cultural parades, cultural performances and exhibition.

:: Buddhist Lent Candle Procession

When:	July 2011
Where:	Suphanburi

The residents offer the candles to the monk to use during Buddhist Lent. The highlight is the procession of the candles that have been finely carved by 10 districts in the province. They are displayed at Wat Pha Lay Lai Temple. There are also cultural performances.

:: Ongkarak Flower Fair

When:	July 2011
Where:	Nakhon Nayok

The fair is held at Santi Thammarat Temple, Klong 15, Mai Dak Mai Pradab Village, Ongkarak, Nakhon Nayok. There are plant and flower competitions such as plant, flower, vine plant and rare plants exhibition.

:: Gaeng Hin Pheung Rafting Festival

When:	July 2011
Where:	Khao Yai National Park, Nadee, Prachinburi

Rafting on Gaeng Hin Pheung can be done as far as 2.5 km at 6 rapids. There are rafting competition, Pétanque competition, traditional dance performances, OTOP products booths, religious ceremony and candle wax parade, singing and musical performances.

:: Buddhist Lent’s Candle Procession International Wax Sculpture

When:	July 2011
Where:	Thung Si Mueng, Mueang, Ubon Ratchathani

As a part of Asalha Puja and the Buddhist Lent ceremony, the festival features more than 60 pieces of candle work, His Majesty the King’s royal candle and the international candle-carving competition from various countries, performance from grand symphonic band, grand Thai classic theatrical Khon (play) performance as well as beauty pageant.

:: Buddhist Lent’s Candle Procession

When:	July 2011
Where:	City Hall, Nakhon Ratchasima

Following the religious tradition of Buddhist Lent, the candle festival is held every year. Candle carving competition, candle procession, light & sound presentation, local product stalls, local food fair take place at the City Hall on Thao Suranari Rd.

:: Pattaya International Marathon

When:	July 2011
Where:	Pattaya, Chonburi

Pattaya in coordination with TAT and Athletic Association of Thailand organise this international event annually. It has received increasing response from public. More than 1,500 international participants and more than 8,000 Thai were expected to join the marathon. The event features a full marathon (42 km), a half-marathon (21 km), a quarter marathon (10 km) and a wheel chair marathon (42 km).

Festivals in Thailand - June

:: Hua Hin Jazz Festival

When:	17-19 June 2011
Where:	Hua Hin Beach, Prajuabkirikhan

A true celebration of international jazz, traditional and modern, mostly presented on the resort’s superb beach. Located on the western coast of the Gulf of Thailand and only 220 km from Bangkok, Hua Hin, can be accessed by car and by train, a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

:: Phi Ta Khon

When:	June 2011
Where:	Loei

A unique festival of Dan Sai in Loei province, Phi Ta Khon or ghost festival is believed to be a celebration of the return of the Buddha-to-be, Prince Vessandorn after leaving the village on a very long journey. People in the village were celebrating so loud that awoke the dead to join the celebration.
On the first and second day of this 3-day festival, people in the village are dressed in ghostly attire with ragged and colourful clothes and colourfully painted masks made from local bamboo rice cooker. The full version of the procession is on the second day which the residents sing and dance throughout the village. The last day is Buddhist ceremony in the temple.

:: Siam Tulip Festival

When:	June 2011
Where:	Chaiyaphum

June, as a part of the early rainy season, is the only time in a year that Siam Tulip is in bloom. The field of Pa Hin Ngam National Park and surroundings are stunningly covered with pinkish-purple flowers. As a part of the festival, there are mountain bike competition, exhibition, rock climbing and visit the viewpoint at Sai Thong National Park in the same province.

:: Petchabun Bun Bangfai Rocket Festival

When:	June 2011
Where:	Petchabun

The festival is celebrated in order to appease the God of rain for the rainfall and it is also a way to preserve the local tradition of the northeastern region. Rocket competition, rocket parade and rocket firing competition are also a part of the festival.

:: Sisaket Rambutan – Durian Festival

When:	June 2011
Where:	Sisaket

At Sisaket City Hall and Samtarom Agricultural Garden, the festival calls all fruit lovers to experience the delectable tastes of the fruits grown in the province. The festival include fruit fair, fruit eating competition, papaya salad competition, animal competitions, silk reeling competition, music and singing competition.

:: Soonthorn Phu Fair

Soonthorn Phu fair is held to commemorate one of the greatest poets of Siam, Soonthorn Phu. The fair exhibits his life and his work. Poetry competition, competition of decorated car illustrating his literature, school academic competitions and other entertainment.

Festivals in Thailand - May

:: Coronation Day

When:	5 May 2011
Where:	Throughout Thailand

A public holiday marking the coronation of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

:: Royal Ploughing Ceremony

When:	11 May 2011
Where:	Throughout Thailand

Observing the official beginning of the rice planting season, this traditional ceremony takes place in front of Bangkok’s Grand Palace, under royal patronage. A team of oxen draw a plough with symbolic rituals performed to bless the new crop.

:: Visaka Bucha Day

When:	17 May 2011
Where:	Throughout Thailand

An important religious festival, recalling the birth, enlightenment and passing of Lord Buddha. Around every temple and monastery worshippers form candle-lit processions after sunset.

:: Lychee Fair

When:	May 2011
Where:	Chiang Rai

The festival is dedicated to the province’s tasty lychees. The fair offers a great opportunity to taste and buy this fruit at reasonable price. Adding the colours to the festival, there are beauty contest, agricultural exhibition as well as lychee competition.

:: Prachin Buri Agricultural Fair

When:	May – June 2011
Where:	Prachin Buri

Held at King Rama V statue in front of Prachin Buri City Hall, the fair features fruit and plant market as well as agricultural organisation’ products, agricultural processed products, agricultural product competition including bamboo shoot, giant fruits and vegetables. Boiling-vegetable dance competition adds fun to the fair.

:: Yasothon Bun Bangfai Rocket Festival

When:	May 2011
Where:	Yasothon

The purpose of the festival is to fire the rocket into the sky in order to worship the god of rain and appease for the rains for the coming cropping season. The residents will build and decorate rockets containing gun powder. There are competitions for the most beautiful rocket and for the rocket that stays longest in the sky after the launch. Traditionally, the builders of the rocket that fail in launching are thrown in the mud. The festival is held at Phaya Tan Park.

:: Funky Fruit Festival

When:	May 2011
Where:	Rayong

Rayong is known as a fruit paradise due to a variety of fruits grown in the province. The festival, held during the harvesting season, offers an array of fruits on sales at reasonable prices, a fruit car parade, beauty pageant, cultural performance, fun competitions such as fruit eating competition.

:: Salak Festival

When:	May 2011
Where:	Trat

Trat is also a province that grows a variety of fruits. The highlight of this fruit festival is salak but it is not the only fruit to be representing in this fair. Other fruits such as rambutan, durian, mangosteen and pineapple also take part. Activities within the fair include fruit parade, exhibition from state and private organisations, beauty pageant, fruit orchard tour and fruit market. Irrelevant to the fruit but indigenous to the region, there is Thai Ridgeback dog competition and fighting cock competition.

:: Chantaburi Fruit Festival

One of the fruit heavens, Chantaburi holds the fruit festival to share the sumptuous array of fruits it has to the world. The festival, held at Sam Liam Thung Na Choei field, features fruit decorated car competition, beauty pageant, various fruit competitions such as rambutan, durian, mangosteen, salak and santol. There are also gemstone booths as well as stalls from other agricultural groups. Thai Ridgeback dog competition is also a part of the festival.

Snorkeling Koh Talu Photo Gallery

Hua Hin Tourist Information

 

 

Hua Hin (HuaHin), the in-beach town for Bangkok's elite is on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand, 170km south of Bangkok, lying astride the southern Highway 4 from km 224 to km 245. Following the international trend for recuperative spa resorts in1920's, Hua Hin became a popular retreat for Thai Royal Family, Bangkok's high society, and affluent foreigners. Although Hua Hin's fortunes declined after WW II, its historical connections have helped it become popular again with a new generation of Bangkokians. The town has two main streets. For those who arrive on the train, the main street, Damnern Kasem boulevard leads from the stately Hua Hin railway station straight to the main Hua Hin beachm a distance of of 1km, passing various goverment offices and ending on the beach front by the side of the former Royal Railway Hotel, now the five-star Sofitel Central Hotel.

Another main street is the southern Petchkasem Highway, which passes through the town, on both sides of which are the markets, main shops and restaurants. However, the deluxe hotels and condos are out on the beach front.

On weekdays, Hua Hin leads a normal life as an ordinary upcountry town. Come weekends, the curbs outside restaurants on the main streets are lined with thoroughbred machines, the like of Mercedes, BMW, Jaguars as the villa and condo dwelllers come out for their meals. After meal time, the town is back to normal again.

By and large, Hua Hin does not have brassy beer bars and racy nightlife as on the other side of the Gulf. The superior beaches, wide open endless stretches of fine powdery white sand, are relatively uncrowded and clean, the pace of life calm and relaxing, an ideal place to bring the family for their annual holiday.

Hua Hin is, actually, the genesis of beach holidays for Thailand. The town used to be the summer capital of Thailand in the days of the monarchy.

It all started with a hunting trip arranged for the visiting Grand Duke of Russia, a royal visitor to King RamaV's court back at the turn of the century. The hunting party was led by Prince Chakrabhongse, himself a royal student graduated in Imperial Russia. The prince came upon a strech of fabulous beach in Hua Hin, a fishing vilage of Prachuab Khirikhan province, and fell in love with the site. He later returned to build there the first beach villa of Thailand in Hua Hin, short distance from the site discovered during the hunt.

King Rama VI then build the first royal summer palace outside Hua Hin, at the site where the deer hunting party saw the beach. His successor, King Rama VII built another one in Hua Hin, naming it Klai Kangwon Palace, which is still in use by the Royal Family.

Thereafter, the royalties and the cream of Bangkok society followed suite, building stately beach villas in a row down the shoreline. The Southern railway was extended to Hua Hin in 1922. A stately Railway Hotel was built in the style of the grand hotels of Europe, serving afternoon tea, champagne dinner, with regular garden party and ballroom dancing. Then, the Royal State Railway Golf Course, the first and some say the most beautiful in Thailand, was built on a wooded hill estate across the track from Hua Hin Station. The uphill-downhill fairways lead through thickets of 100-year old trees. Glimpses of the blue sea can be seen from several tee offs. After the transition to democratic system in 1932, Hua Hin faided into near oblivion.

In the post World War II era, after the economy picked up, the beaches on the eastern coast were discovered, first Bang Saen and then Pattaya which attracted Thai and foreing visitors en mass, more for the promises of having the good times on the beach than peaceful relaxation, which started the Pattaya real estate boom up to now.

That was a boon for Hua Hin, which in the mean time, discerning investors had quietly developed choice beach properties for upmarket clientele. Luxury condos and five-star hotels have gone up along the beach line. Scenic, new 18-hole golf courses made their appearances in the vicinity. All these developments were the start to the continious expansion of Hua Hin to present day.

Now Hua Hin is more popular as ever with Thais and foreign families. Hua Hin has eight 5 star hotels and more 5 star hotels are settling in Royal Hua Hin. Hua Hin has many attractions for the tourists. Among others there are many yearly festivals held here like: Chinese new year, Songkran Festival, Loy Kratong, Hua Hin Jazz Festival, Hua Hin & Cha-am Golf Festival and the world famous Hua Hin Kings Cup Elephant Polo Tournament.