Bermuda Triangle of Thailand - Chiang Rai - สามเหลี่ยมทองคำ - เชียงราย

The Bermuda Triangle, also known as the Devil's Triangle, is a region in the western part of the North Atlantic Ocean in which a number of aircraft and surface vessels are alleged to have mysteriously disappeared and cannot be explained as human error, piracy, equipment failure, or natural disasters. Popular culture has attributed some of these disappearances to the paranormal, a suspension of the laws of physics, or activity by extraterrestrial beings.






substantial body of documentation reveals, however, that a significant portion of the allegedly mysterious incidents have been inaccurately reported or embellished by later authors, and numerous official agencies have stated that the number and nature of disappearances in the region is similar to any other area of ocean.

Bermuda-Triangle.Org is the web site of Gian J. Quasar. It originally began in 1999 as his massive database on the Bermuda Triangle until the publication of his book, Into the Bermuda Triangle. Now it is also the personal website of the author, not only containing the Bermuda Triangle database but keeping everyone updated on his several other books, events and projects. Gian’s work has been the basis of over a dozen major documentaries and has helped inspire a Congressional Resolution.






To follow countering the BBC’s “new solution” see the Message Board thread here and the complete report on Star Tiger (PDF) and the complete report on Star Ariel (PDF) or this website’s page on the Tudors here and the biography on Star Ariel’s pilot, JC McPhee here.

It is very disappointing to see the BBC trying this transparent spin. The type of information they’re touting as new and a revelation has been on this site for about 9 years. It doesn’t solve anything unfortunately.

The Bermuda Triangle (sometimes also referred to as the Devil's Triangle) is a stretch of the Atlantic Ocean bordered by a line from Florida to the islands of Bermuda, to Puerto Rico and then back to Florida. It is one of the biggest mysteries of our time - that perhaps isn't really a mystery.






The term "Bermuda Triangle" was first used in an article written by Vincent H. Gaddis for Argosy magazine in 1964. In the article, Gaddis claimed that in this strange sea a number of ships and planes had disappeared without explanation. Gaddis wasn't the first one to come to this conclusion, either. As early as 1952, George X. Sands, in a report in Fate magazine, noted what seemed like an unusually large number of strange accidents in that region.


In 1969 John Wallace Spencer wrote a book called Limbo of the Lost specifically about the Triangle and, two years later, a feature documentary on the subject, The Devil's Triangle, was released. These, along with the bestseller The Bermuda Triangle, published in 1974, permanently registered the legend of the "Hoodoo Sea" within popular culture.


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Why do ships and planes seem to go missing in the region? Some authors suggested it may be due to a strange magnetic anomaly that affects compass readings (in fact they claim Columbus noted this when he sailed through the area in 1492). Others theorize that methane eruptions from the ocean floor may suddenly be turning the sea into a froth that can't support a ship's weight so it sinks (though there is no evidence of this type of thing happening in the Triangle for the past 15,000 years). Several books have gone as far as conjecturing that the disappearances are due to an intelligent, technologically advanced race living in space or under the sea.

In 1975 Larry Kusche, a librarian at Arizona State University, reached a totally different conclusion. Kusche decided to investigate the claims made by these articles and books. What he found he published in his own book entitled The Bermuda Triangle Mystery-Solved. Kusche had carefully dug into records other writers had neglected. He found that many of the strange accidents were not so strange after all. Often a Triangle writer had noted a ship or plane had disappeared in "calms seas" when the record showed a raging storm had been in progress. Others said ships had "mysteriously vanished" when their remains had actually been found and the cause of their sinking explained. In one case a ship listed missing in the Triangle actually had disappeared in the Pacific Ocean some 3,000 miles away! The author had confused the name of the Pacific port the ship had left with a city of the same name on the Atlantic coast.






More significantly, a check of Lloyd's of London's accident records by the editor of Fate in 1975 showed that the Trianglewas no more dangerous than any other part of the ocean. U.S. Coast Guard records confirmed this and since that time no good arguments have ever been made to refute those statistics. So many argue that the Bermuda Triangle mystery has disappeared, in the same way many of its supposed victims vanished.


More significantly, a check of Lloyd's of London's accident records by the editor of Fate in 1975 showed that the Trianglewas no more dangerous than any other part of the ocean. U.S. Coast Guard records confirmed this and since that time no good arguments have ever been made to refute those statistics. So many argue that the Bermuda Triangle mystery has disappeared, in the same way many of its supposed victims vanished.

One of the first stories connected to the Triangle legend and the most famous ship lost in the region was the USS Cyclops which disappeared in 1918. The 542 foot long Cyclops was launched in 1910 and served as a collier ( a ship that carries coal) for the U.S. Navy during World War I. The vessel was on its way from Bahia, Salvador, to Baltimore, Maryland, but never arrived. After it had made an unscheduled stop at Barbados on March 3rd and 4th to take on additional supplies, it disappeared without a trace. No wreckage from the ship was ever found and no distress signal was received. The deaths of the 306 crew and passengers of the USS Cyclops remains the single largest loss of life in U.S. Naval history not directly involving combat.

While the sinking of the Cyclops remains a mystery, the incident could have happened anywhere between Barbados and Baltimore, not necessarily in the Bermuda Triangle. Proponents of the Bermuda Triangle theory point to the lack of a distress call as evidence of a paranormal end for the vessel, but the truth is that wireless communications in 1918 were unreliable and it would not have been unusual for a rapidly-sinking vessel to not have had a chance to send a successful distress call before going under.

The SS Marine Sulphur Queen, a tanker ship carrying molten sulphur, disappeared off the southern coast of Florida in 1963. The crew of 39 was all lost and no wreckage from the tanker was ever found. While the disappearance of the ship is mentioned in several books about the Triangle, authors don't always include that the Coast Guard concluded that the vessel was in deplorable shape and should have never gone to sea at all. Fires erupted with regularity on the ship. Also, this class of vessel was known to have a "weak back", which means the keel would split when weakened by corrosion causing the ship to break in two. The ship's structure had been further compromised by a conversion from its original mission as an oil tanker to carrying molten sulphur. The conversion had left the vessel with an extremely high center of gravity, increasing the chance that it would capsize. The SS Marine Sulphur Queen was all-in-all a disaster waiting to happen and it seems unfair to blame its demise on the Bermuda Triangle.

Missing Avengers become the Triangle's "Lost Squadron"

So how did this tragedy turn into a Bermuda Triangle mystery? The Navy's original investigation concluded the accident had been caused by Taylor's navigational confusion. According to those that knew him he was a good pilot, but often navigated "flying by the seat of his pants" and had gotten lost in the past. Taylor's mother refused to accept that and finally got the Navy to change the report to read that the disaster was for "causes or reasons unknown." This may have spared the woman's feelings, but blurred the actual facts.

The saga of Flight 19 is probably the most repeated story about the Bermuda Triangle. Vincent Gaddis put the tale into the same Argosy magazine article where he coined the term "Bermuda Triangle" in 1964 and thetwo have been connected ever since. The planes and their pilots even found their way into the science fiction film classic, Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Where is Flight 19 now? Well, in 1991 five Avengers were found in 750 feet of water off the coast of Florida by the salvage ship Deep Sea. Examination of the plane's ID numbers, however, showed that they were not from Flight 19 (as many as 139 Avengers were thought to have gone into the water off the coast of Florida during the war). It seems the final resting place of the lost squadron and their crews is still a real Bermuda Triangle mystery.

Bueng Si Fai-Phichit / บึงสีไฟ-พิจิตร

Phichit (Thai: พิจิตร) is one of the provinces (changwat) of Thailand, located in the north of the country. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan and Kamphaeng Phet.





Bueng Si Fai is a large fresh-water lake to the south of town. It is a Fishery Department’s facility to breed fresh-water. Along the banks is a delightfully landscaped park suitable for rest and recreation. The scenery is at its most scenic in the early morning and late afternoon. On the other side of the park is an aquarium exhibiting species of native fish and local fishing equipment. An eye-catching sight is a gigantic, crocodile-shaped structure within which is a space which could be used for meetings.







Bung Si Fai This 4,800 acre swamp locate 1 km. West of Phichit Market is a fish breeding source surrounded by lotur,grown by locals for the use of its flower and leaves. In the area there is a parked called "Suan Somdet Phra Si Nakharin". It is a nice place for relaxation and picnic dining. The place is also decorated with "Phichit Crocodile Auditorium", an auditorium constructed in the shape of a huge crocodile, since Phichit was once full of crocodiles. The main functional part is the 'stomach' which is an air-conditioned meeting room and can accommodate about 3 persons. Its other dimensions are as follow: 38 meters long, 3 meters high and 4.5 meters long for the part of the mouth. There is also a fish aquarium which is open daily from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m..

Phu Chee Fah-Chiang Rai / ภูชี้ฟ้า-เชียงราย

Phu Chee Fah, Chiang Rai, is one of the popular places to see Sunrise. A chilly night, a 700-meter walk at 4.30am, a sitting against the wind, all just for the morning sunrise at Phu Chee Fah.







The stunning viewpoint of Phu Chee Fah has been long popular with Thai tourists, but remains little known amongst western travellers. On a clear morning, the views out and over a vast stretch of mist swathed Laos, are absolutely breathtaking.

Set in a remote part of the Thai-Lao border in eastern Chiang Rai province, the view from the summit of 1,628m stretches over a vast stretch of Sainyabuli province in Laos. The view is best at dawn on a clear day, when the valley below fills with mist -- November to February is considered the best time of the year to visit.






There are a bunch of guesthouses and camping is also available, but the difficult part is getting here -- you really need your own transport -- either motorbike or car -- to reach Phu Chee Fah.

Phu Chee Fah can be approached from Wiang Kaen in the north or Thoeng in the south, with the latter being the more popular route taken.








If you choose to approach from Wiang Kaen, expect some stunning mountain scenery and some moderately challenging road conditions. Also, if you choose this route, the more northern viewpoint of Doi Patang is also worth visiting.





If travelling by motorcycle, you're best to do this route with others as if you have a problem with your bike you could be stranded for a long time -- very little traffic uses this road -- though it is about 95% sealed.


There are three areas around Phu Chee Fah with guesthouses, one about 2km north of the final turnoff to the summit a second solitary guesthouse about 1.5km north of the turnoff and the other about 500m south of the final turnoff.







On weekends most places are open, but midweek, many are closed and food opportunities may be limited. From the turn-off it is another km to the parking area, then a 700m hike to the summit.





You can reach Phu Chee Fah by motorbike from either Chiang Rai or Chiang Khong, with both trips taking around 3-4 hours. For those with their own transport, an overnight visit to Phu Chee Fah is highly recommended.

Bueng Boraphet - Nakhon Sawan / บึงบอระเพ็ด - นครสวรรค์

Bueng Boraphet (Thai: บึงบอระเพ็ด) is the largest freshwater swamp and lake in central Thailand. It covers an area of 224 km² east of Nakhon Sawan, south of the Nan River close to its confluence with the Ping River.

Originally the area was covered by a large swamp, which was flooded in 1930 with the building of a dam to improve fishing.

This is the only known site for the White-eyed River Martin which used to winter there, but has not been seen since 1980, and may be extinct.





106 km² of lake have been declared as a non-hunting area in 1975. In 2000 it was also declared as a wetland of international importance by the Thai government.



Bueng Boraphet is a semi-natural lake which fluctuates in its water level throughout the seasons. Unfortunately the status of non-hunting area affords it little protection and the reedbeds are greatly reduced due to human disturbance.







This is one of the largest single wetland sites in Thailand and perhaps one of the most famous due to the few sightings of the almost mythical White-eyed River Martin all occurring here. Although it is unlikely that this bird will be seen again, a combination of reedbeds, lotus swamps, open water, grassland and fringing woodland makes for a great birding spectacle at any time of the year although winter will provide the most species.





Boat trips for birdwatching or sightseeing here are a pleasant option for birders and non-birders alike and the crocodile breeding centre offers a chance to see these creatures at close quarters.

Waterbirds are obviously the main reason for a visit to Bueng Boraphet, but many other open-country species can easily be seen here. For me one of the most memorable species is the Pied Kingfisher which can be viewed whilst hovering before it dives to catch its prey. However, for many people the large and colourful waterbirds such as Purple Swamphen, Asian Openbill Stork, Glossy Ibis, Spot-billed Pelican, Oriental Darter, Indian Cormorant, Pheasant-tailed Jacana and Bronze-winged Jacana are the main attraction and Bueng Boraphet has been the site where the populations of many of these scarce species are beginning to make a comeback in Thailand.





Despite declines in recent years, large numbers of waterfowl still use Bueng Boraphet in the winter. The resident Cotton Pygmy Goose and Lesser Whistling Ducks are very common but Garganey are also very numerous in the dry season. Other species regularly found include Ferruginous Duck and Tufted Duck although a pair of Baer's Pochard in 2009 were the first record for more than 10 years.

Apart from large waterbirds, Bueng Boraphet is an excellent site for passerines too. Asian Golden Weaver, Streaked Weaver and Baya Weaver can all be found and this is perhaps one of the easiest places to see Siberian Rubythroat. Oriental and Black-browed Reed Warblers are common in the dry season and in 2008 Thailand's first Blyth's Reed Warbler was trapped and ringed here.





Sightings of Quail are always exciting and many species occur here including Rain Quail, Blue-breasted Quail and Small Buttonquail, although none are easy to see; the grassy areas grazed by cattle would be the best places to look for these species.

This is, of course, the only place that White-eyed River-Martin has ever been found, with the last confirmed sighting in 1978. Read Doug Judell's article about investigating a possible sighting in Cambodia here: White-eyed River Martin

Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park - อุทยานแห่งชาติภูหินร่องกล้า

Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park has an area of 307 square kilometers. It lies in Dansai disteict of Loei province and Nakhon Thai district of Phitsanulok province. Phu Hin Rong Kla is blessed with natural beauty and historical significance. Unfortunately, the fighting there during communist years did priceless damage to the forest. The geologied features landscape and natural beauty in the area have been restored and protected after the communist insurgents loss.







From 1968 to 1972, the mountains of Phu Hin Rong Kla were the major strongholds for the communists, who were threatening the political stability of the nation. In 1982, government forces began the battle in Phu Khang, and attempt to drive out the insurgents. Forces from the First, Second and Third Army of the Regional Army Commend joined together with the Aviation Divison, Special Force center, the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force, and Civilian Thai Forces in trying vanquish the communists. The government forces were unsuccessful, primarily because of the unforgiving terrain, set high up in the mountains in mostly dense forest.






The Army changed its battle plan after initial setbacks and eventually rousted the communests. The Third Army and various military forces, the police and Civilian Forces and the Civilian-Police Military 33, (P.T.T.33) led by Major Pairot Chanurai defeated the communists wihtout bloodshed. Villagers in the area. Mostly Hmong, who had initially sided with the communists, eventually decided to abandon their allies. The communists were forced to give up their territory. After that, the P.T.T.33 began to develop the area by building a road. The paperwork was also begun to establish a national park. The Third Army and the Royal Forest Department begun the discussion about turning the area to be park.






In February 1983, the National Park Division sent officials to survey the area and concluded that it had fantastic natural beauty, served as an important watershed, and had many historical points such as Lan Hin Taek and Lan Hin Pum. It was deemed on agreement that Phu Hin Rong Kla had ability to be national park. The Royal Forest Department proposed the park and the assembly on March 15, 1983. A decree made areas of Nakhon Thai district in Phitsanulok as well as Dansai district of Loei into national park in 1984. Phu Hin Rong Kla officially became Thailand’s 48th national park.


The general topography of the park is steeply mountainous. The northern part of the park in Chaiburi Dstrict borders Laos. The Southern part of the park runs into Phetchabun Province. The mountain range includes the peaks of Phu Phangma, Phu Lomlo, Phu Hin Rong Kla and Phu Man Khao, the tallest in the park at 1,820 meters above sea level. The second tallest is Phu Lomlo at 1,664 meters. The park is the headwaters of many streams, including Huai Mueat Don, and Huai Luang Yai.





Phu Hin Rong Kla’s climate is similar to that of Phu Kra Dueng National Park and Phu Luang National Park. Because of its high altitude, the park is cool all year round, especially, of course, in the cool season, when temperature can occasionally drop to freezing point. Mist can cool and pleasant; the temperature does not rise much above 25 oC






The park has mixed deciduous, dry dipterocarp, dry evergreen, and hill evergreen forests.
Mixed Deciduous Forest tends to be spacious and open. The soil quality and moisture is low. Tree species commonly found include Dipterocarpus obtusifolius, Shorea obtusa, Shorea siamensis and Dipterocarpus tuberculatus.






Dry Evergreen Forest has better and moister soil, particularly in higher elevations and along streams. Species include Dipterocarpus alatus, Hopea ferrea, Hopea oborata, Anisoptera cochinchinensis, Dalbergia oliveri, Chukrasia venlatina, bamboo, and Brahm among others.

Hill Evergreen Forest is occurs in cool higher elevations of 1,000 meters and up. Species tend to be soft woods. Important species include Dacrydium elatum, Betula alnoides, Eugenia cumini, Anneslea fragrans Podocarpus imbricatus and Pinus merksii P. kasiya.







The flat areas on ridge tops are sandy and support Sphagnum recuryum, algae and perennial plants such as Burmannia disticha and Osbeckia chinensis. In addition, may orchid species can be found in rocky areas, including Lycopodium phlegmaria and rhododendron. These flowers bloom between the rainy and cool seasons.






In the past, Phu Hin Rong Kla was evergreen forest and had big diversity of wildlife. But later, when the communists and government began fighting, the area turned into a battlefield. Much of the forest was damaged and much of the wildlife was killed or fled to safer areas. Remaining wildlife includes tigers, leopards, Asiatic Black Bears, wild boar, fox, monkeys, leopard cats, wild hare and many bird species, such as boves barbets, common Flameback, Asian Barred Owlet, Brown Hawk-Owl, jungle fowl, bulbuls, and swallows.

Laplae - Uttaradit / อำเภอลับแล - อุตรดิตถ์

Laplae (Thai: ลับแล) is a district (Amphoe) in the western part of Uttaradit Province, northern Thailand.





In the past, the district office of Laplae was located in Mueang Thung Yang. Later it was moved to Mon Cham Sin, about 1 km north of the present location. As the location of the office was inconvenient to reach, Luang Si Phanon Mat ordered to move the district office to Mon Sayammin. At the same time, King Chulalongkorn visited Laplae and chose to reserve Mon Cham Sin for position the Buddha statue named Phra Lua. This statue was built from the gold left when building Phra Phuttha Chinnarat, Phitsanulok Province.





Neighboring districts are (from the east clockwise) Mueang Uttaradit, Tron of Uttaradit Province, Si Satchanalai of Sukhothai Province and Den Chai of Phrae Province

Laplae district can be reached from the provincial town by taking Highway No. 102, taking a right turn after about 3 kilometres onto Highway No. 1041 and continue on for a further 6 kilometres. The site was originally an ancient community during the Ayutthaya Period. It served as a secret hide-out for people in Phrae and Nan who fled from enemy or calamity as its location was sandwiched in between mountains. Today Laplae is an attractive place to visit with interesting ancient sites and hand-crafted, materials. It is also a major producer of Langsat, the province's famous fruit.






Wat Phra Yuen Buddhabahtyukol Is about 200 meters away from Wat Phrataen Sila-at. This is an ancient temple which has been in existence along with Wat Phrataen Sila-at and is located on the same hill but on different doi. As legends tell, that that Lord Buddha has traveled here and stood on top of this hill so the footprints of his left and right feet have appeared on the same laterite base. These Buddha footprints are 1.50 meters high above ground and have lotus base supporting and there is a Mondhop covering the Buddha footprint. At the side of mondhop there is remnant of laterite stone, which is the base of old, chedi having the shape like Khaobin shape of Sukhothai period. In the area of this Wat Phrayuen Buddhabahtyukol still there is a small vihara where Maravichai posture bronze casted Buddha image is situated. It is Sukhothai art Buddha image called ?Luang Phor Buddharangsi ?Related Tags: Wat Phra Yuen Buddhabahtyukol

Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat - Phitsanulok / วัดพระศรีรัตนมหาธาตุวรมหาวิหาร - พิษณุโลก

Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat Woramahawihan (Thai: วัดพระศรีรัตนมหาธาตุ, also commonly referred to as Wat Yai) is a Buddhist temple (Wat) in Phitsanulok, Thailand, where it is located on the bank of the Nan River near the Naresuan Bridge.





Wat Yai is famous throughout Thailand for its golden sculpture of the Buddha called the Phra Buddha Chinnarat (Thai: พระพุทธชินราช). Many Thai people consider the Phra Buddha Chinnarat to be the most beautiful Buddha portrait in Thailand. It depicts Buddha in the posture of overcoming Mara (Thai: ปางมารวิชัย), also called Mara submission. A stone inscription indicated that he was molded over 700 years ago by a King Mahathamaracha Lithai of Sukhothai dynasty. Several faithful copies of the Phra Buddha Chinnarat are displayed in other temples, including Wat Benchamabophit in Bangkok and Wat Saranat Thammaram in Rayong. Also, the Phra Buddha Chinnarat is depicted on the official seal of the Phitsanulok Province.

For today's visitor, the principal attraction is Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, which occupies a large compound facing the river, close to the bridge leading into the town centre. Fortunately was spared the fire that wiped out most of the town's architectural heritage and survives as a superb monument, its central gild prang in the Khmer style dominating the skyline as an unmistakable landmark.





Giving rise to the temple's fame is it s presiding Buddha image of Phra Buddha Chinnarat, which is enshrined in the main chapel and daily attracts hundreds of devotees. Such veneration of the highly revered image has had the side-effect of prompting a lively trade in religious objects and devotional souvenirs, although even this bustle cannot detract from the stunning beauty of the statue.

The brilliance of the Phra Buddha Chinnarat is paralleled by the superb interior architecture and decoration of the chapel that enshrines it. Of particular note are the main doors, which are stunningly inlaid with mother-of pearl, the amazingly detailed work making them masterpieces of this traditional form of Thai decorative art. Somewhat eclipsed by the beauty of the doors but worthy of attention are the restored mural paintings of the interior walls flanking the entrance. Depicted on the left-hand wall is the Jataka tale of Phra Vessandon Chadok, while on the right are scenes from the life of the Buddha.





Typical of northern temple architecture, the chapel is low-ceilinged -- necessitated by the deep sweep of the roof -- and the interior, painted mostly in dark red and black, is dimly lit by narrow slits along the upper walls. Everything is designed to focus attention on the presiding Buddha image, its proportions enhanced by its setting, and the pervading atmosphere evokes a feeling of profound serenity.

Packed in the extensive complex of cloisters and halls that surround the main chapel are collections of Buddha images, ceramics and other artifacts, many of which possess considerable aesthetic value but are so cluttered as to inhibit full appreciation. But this is a living temple, not a museum, and the galleries of Buddha, along with the courtyard crammed with amulet stalls, souvenir vendors and lottery sellers serving the daily throng of devotees, adds rather than detracts from a very real sense of religious practice.

To the rear of the temple compound is an open area which offers the best view of the central prang, adding during the Ayutthaya period. Also to be seen here are the remains of laterite columns, all that survives of an earlier chapel, and a tall statue of the standing Buddha, restored and rather over-enthusiastically painted.

Sukhothai Historical Park - Sukhothai / อุทยานประวัติศาสตร์สุโขทัย - สุโขทัย

The Sukhothai Historical Park covers the ruins of Sukhothai, capital of the Sukhothai kingdom in the 13th and 14th centuries,[1] in what is now the north of Thailand. It is located near the modern city of Sukhothai, capital of the province with the same name.





The city walls form a rectangle about 2 km east-west by 1.6 km north-south. There are 193 ruins on 70 square kilometers of land.[1] There is a gate in the centre of each wall. Inside are the remains of the royal palace and twenty-six temples, the largest being Wat Mahathat. The park is maintained by the Fine Arts Department of Thailand with help from UNESCO, which has declared it a World Heritage Site. The park sees thousands of visitors each year, who marvel at the ancient Buddha figures, palace buildings and ruined temples. The park is easily toured by bicycle or even on foot.

The protection of the area was first announced in the Royal Gazette on June 6, 1962.[2] In 1976 the restoration project was approved, and in July 1988 the park was officially opened. On December 12, 1991, it was declared a World Heritage Site, together with the associated historic parks in Kamphaeng Phet and Si Satchanalai.

Sukhothai Historical Park is a World Heritage Site. Important ancient monuments are contained within the old city walls and outside the city walls.
A characteristic feature of Sukhothai temple architecture is the lotus-bud chedi. It features a conical spire finial on a square-sided structure on top of a three-tiered base. However at Sukhothai also Sri Lankan and Srivijaya type monuments are present. Most of the temple structures in Sukhothai Historical Park were of course constructed during the Kingdom of Sukhothai era (from around 1235-1438 A.D.)





Inside the old city walls, Wat Mahathat occupies the largest section. It is a monastery about 200 meters square in size. Many original Buddha images are still present among the ruins. The compound contains no less than 198 chedis. The temple structures are described on the famous Sukhothai Stone Inscriptions.





Wat Si Sawai is located about 350 meters south of Wat Mahathat. Its three prangs were built in Lopburi style. Lintels, fragments of Hindu images and a linga indicate that the temple was initially a Hindu sanctuary. It was later transformed into a Buddhist temple.

Wat Sa Si is northwest of Wat Mahathat. Its round stupa serves as historical evidence of the influence of Sri Lankan (Sinhalese) Buddhism in old Sukhothai.

Outside the old city walls, Wat Phra Phai Luang is located close to the northern gate. It contains a group of ancient monuments of great significance. Among its many structures, it originally contained three buildings in prasat style. One of them is remaining and is adorned with stuccoed reliefs depicting the life of the Buddha. Its art details indicate that Sukhothai had cultural contact with the Khmer empire in the reign of Jayavarman VII and was also associated with Lavo (Lopburi), then a Khmer town of great importance in the central plain of Thailand.





Northwest of the city wall, Wat Si Chum is much visited with a well known large sitting Buddha image. The image is also mentioned in the Sukhothai Stone Inscription No.1, and Phra Atchana (Ajana) is the name of the Buddha image. There are ancient drawings on the ceiling of the mandapa surrounding the Buddha, telling the stories of the former incarnations of the Buddha (Jatakas).

Wat Chang Lom is located east of the City. Similar temple compounds are present at Si Satchanalai and Kamphaeng Phet. The temple consists of a main bell-shaped chedi with 32 elephant statues around its base.

Besides the temples described there are many other temple structures scattered around old Sukhothai. It is best to hire a bicycle (easily available) to spend time visiting the sites.

The Ramkhamhaeng National Museum is located within walking distance of Wat Mahathat. It is a good starting point for an exploration of the ruins. A replica of the famous Ramkhamhaeng inscription is kept here among a good collection of Sukhothai artifacts. You can see different Buddha images with different styles and origins. For linguists, there is a very nice section showing the evolution in time of Thai, Khmer, Mon scripts. King Ramkhamhaeng is credited with originating the original Thai written language.





The importance of Sukhothai in Thai history can not be understated. While the kingdom did not last that long in time, at the height of its power, its influence covered an area actually larger than present day Thailand. To the west its influence reached Pegu and Martaban. To the south, to present day Nakhon Si Thammarat. To the north, to Luang Prabang (present day Laos). This influence was not only gained by battle field conquests, but in large part by diplomacy, intermarriage in a pattern of political relationships based on vassals and overlords. Sukhothai however was not a state in the present day meaning of the word. Many parts of the kingdom retained important local power, while submitting themselves to Sukhothai.

Umphang Thee Lor Sue Waterfall - Tak / น้ำตกทีลอซู - ตาก

Top 6 fo the world


Thee Lor Sue Waterfall locateed in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, is the most beautiful and biggest in Thailand. Original from Huai Klotho, it flows down a mountain valley at high of 200-300 metres and a width of almost 400-500 metres. The falls flow down in tiers surrounded by virgin forest. There is a trail to the waterfall from the wildlife sanctuary office. It take approximately 30 minutes to walk, and there are place to stop and admire the impressive views from the top. In the wet season, Thee Lor Sue waterfall will be at it most beautiful. To get there, follow a small road off the main road from Umphang 27 Kms.Visitor must follow the set route, ro raft and walk through the forest. Vehicles can enter between December-April only.





Thee Lor Jor or Falling Rain Waterfall is approximately 3 kms. from Umphang. The waterfall is divided into 2 tiers. The upper falls are located on a high cliff and the tier is narrow whereas the lower falls are part of the stream of the Mae Klong river, falling like rain fall. It is possible to travel all year-round.





Thee Lor Lay waterfall is approximately 23 kms. from Ban Palata. The waterfall is upper falls are located on a high cliff and the tier is narrow whereas the lower falls are part of the stream of the Mae Klong river, falling like rain fall. It is possible to travel all year-round.





This route begins from Ban Palata, Follow the smooth flowing stream for approximately an hour. The first point is where the upper stream meets, Huai Klotho that come from Tee Lor Sue waterfall, that pass Ban Klotho. The banks of the river are full of green mountain forest. In some place, there are high mountain ranges stretching from Phawatu Mountain Range. The first rapid to be seen are Kaeng Lekati that are divided into 3 parts and extend for many kilometres. There are large rocks obstructing small river basin. The rapid that are the most difficult are Lekati 2. Below the rapid, there is a narrow sandt bank where it is possible to rest. From there, follow the river past a small waterfall on the right handside surrounded by high cliff. Continuting on, there is an overhang that looks like a person's face. The top is know as Phakhonmong. Onthe lower side is a stream that become a large set of rapids that is full of meanders. There are also large rocks know as Kaeng Khonmong that are divide into 3 parts. There will be a wide river basin that has a large sandy bank. Continuting on, there are know large rapids and the river flows continuously onto the month of Huai Kachochita also know as Elephant Running Creek. There is an island in front of this area, which is suitable for camping overnight. After this is Kaeng Kachochile. Passing this, there is a large open space where the water flow toward a cliff resembling a cave on the edge of the river. A large waterfall tumbles down and there are vines and other plants hanging onto the cliff side. Ferns adorn the top of the limestone cliff. This is Thee Lor Lay waterfall, the final destination on the rafting route

Taksin Maharat National Park - Tak / อุทยานตากสินมหาราช - ตาก

Taksin Maharat National Park is in the Mae Sot District of Tak Province. The park is close to Lan Sang National Park and covers an area of 149 Km2. Taksin Maharat was officially designated a National Park on the 23rd December 1981, becoming Thailand’s 40th National Park. The park was originally named “Ton Krabak Yai National Park” because of the enormous Krabak Tree (Anisoptera Spp.) which grows there. Later on the Royal Forest Department changed the name to Taksin Maharat National Park to honor King Taksin the Great. The Park also has amazing geological phenomenon - a natural stone bridge. It is also believed that King Alongphaya of Burma used to march his army through this area.





Taksin Maharat is a rugged mountainous Park, often swathed in cooling mists. Thanon Thongchai Mountain is a major watershed and creates the boundary line between Mae Sot and Tak Districts.





Visitors can enjoy the cool fresh air of Taksin Maharat all year round, but bring a jumper in the cold season (Nov-Feb) as it can get chilly at night.





Evergreen forest and pine forest cover the upper slopes, with deciduous and dipterocarp forest lower down. Plentiful wildlife includes serow, sambar deer, barking deer, golden cat, wild pig, and bear.






From Tak (provincial capital) take the highway no. 105 to the west. At the km. 26 marker, turn right (to the north) into the route heading to the park's headquarters. It is only 1.5 km to the headqurters from the turn-off point.