The Magical Mysteries of Thailand

Thailand, 'the land of smiles', is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in Asia.Here are our suggestions of the best things to do on your luxury Thai holiday.Thailand draws more visitors than any other country in Southeast Asia with its irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, luscious local cuisine, inspiring temples and ruins of intriguing ancient kingdoms.Few countries are so well endowed with attractions and culture-rich experiences.It is also a land of incredibly diverse landscapes.The warm, tropical south is brimming with white sand beaches, aquamarine waters and towering jungles.Central Thailand is steeped in history, with the beautiful ancient ruins of Ayuthaya and Sukhothai.The mountainous northern regions are rich with cultural diversity and offer a unique insight into traditional Thai life.For a touch of relaxation, discover the ancient techniques available at Thailand's many luxury day spas.Western leisure concepts and traditional Asian well-being therapies combine to form harmonious relaxation experiences - the perfect way to unwind.Thailand is a true haven for those seeking a fascinating cultural escape.Similan Islands National Marine Park.Cruise the crystal clear waters, picnic on the white sand beaches or snorkel in the fish-filled waters.Wat Pho Massage.Learn the true ancient art of Thai massage at Wat Pho, or indulge in one yourself.Lampang Elephant Conservation Camp.Learn the ways of the elephant trainers, watch an elephant performance and ride your own.Longtail Boat Ride.Hire a longtail boat and driver for the day and enjoy island hopping in Krabi.Tiger Temple.Visit the Buddhist temple in Western Thailand with tame tigers that walk around freely once a day.

The Biggest Elephant Ear in the World - Colocasia Gigantea Thailand Giant Strain

When was Thailand Giant Strain discovered?Colocasia gigantea Thailand Giant Strain was discovered in 2003 by former Plant Delights research manager Dr.Petra Schmidt.Petra is an aroid expert who PDN owner Tony Avent sent over to southeast Asia on a plant collecting expedition (See a list of PDNs plant expeditions here).Petra toured Laos, and Thailand and kept her eyes peeled for anything new and awesome.And boy did she ever hit pay dirt! While in Kanchanaburi Province, a local guide took her to an absolutely huge Colocasia gigantea specimen growing in a national park.As you can see from the picture, the plant was larger than the minivan that Petra was traveling in!Petra collected seed off of the plant and the seedlings became the basis for the plant we have on the market today.The seedlings are all slightly different, but they are all much larger than average.That is why we call it ThailandGiant Strain instead of giving it some cultivar name.The plants are not clones.How big will it grow?Colocasia gigantea Thailand Giant Strain is marginally hardy in our Raleigh, NC garden.It goes dormant at the first sign of cold weather in the fall and it stays dormant until the following summer.The plant does not wake up until it is very very hot.Which is usually July for us.It grows quite quickly and by late September is approaching its maximum size in our garden.Ours tops out at about 6' tall, but the leaves are each gigantic and can easily be 3' wide and 4.5' long.Our short warm season greatly limits its ultimate size.This plant will grow much larger in the semi-tropical states of the US where it feels more like its homeland of Thailand.In its natural home, the parent of our seed strain grew well over 9' tall.Truly monstrous!How do we care for Thailand Giant.Colocasia gigantea Thailand Giant Strain is a solid zone 8 plant.Raleigh is in zone 7b and therefore we have to take steps to protect our plant during the winter.The following list is a highlight of our efforts..We plant our Thailand Giant in a spot that stays dry in the winter.A moist spot will promote winter rot.In the late summer or fall we dig up the plant and re-plant it deeper.We have recently learned that Colocasias tend to move up in the soil profile over time.We need to counter this so that the crown does not freeze.In the fall, we remove the dead foliage and pile a mound of shredded leaves on top of the bulb for insulation.In the late spring, we remove the shredded leaves so that the ground does not stay too moist.During the summer we keep the soil evenly moist but not soaking wet.Unlike C.Esculenta which likes wet feet, C.Gigantea does not.

Enjoy Thai's Elephant While Vacationing in Thailand

Thailand is famous for the country's elephant rides.One can enjoy elephant rides while trekking and strolling in the country's beautiful forests and mountain sites.Elephants have been closely connected to the Thai people for many generations now.It is to them a symbol of monarchy, and is a big part of the Buddhist art.The elephants are carefully taken care of by the Thais.Elephant riding has become an integral part of all Thailand's tourists' visits.Well-trained elephants can be ridden through local villages and surrounding forests and mountains.The time taken for each ride varies according to the place one chooses to ride.Some elephant rides can be included into a long trek together with mountain biking and rafting.Tourist attractions throughout Thailand often have a resident elephant, though serious trekkers and elephant riders need to go to the northern parts of Thailand for a more exciting experience.The Centre in Lampang Thailand offers visitors a chance to stay with real-life mahouts.The whole service lasts for three days and two nights.Thailand is a country full of amazing things to do.Elephant rides in Thailand are known around the world.All Thailand visitors take the chance to ride with the country's elephants.One can enjoy the fun ride on the top of the elephant while they stroll around the forests and view the amazing view of Thailand's nature.There are so many places in Thailand that offers elephant rides.With just a few baht, visitors can have an unusual ride they have never tried in their life.Visitors are accompanied by well trained elephant riders during their trip.Here, one can sit at the back of the elephant where a seat is placed.Some can even try riding alone with the young elephants.One can also feed the elephants with bananas which is really fun.A total of three people can ride on each elephant.The animals are quiet friendly and still during the rides, so one will always feel at ease.Riding on the elephants are very comfortable and fun at the same time.There are large choices of elephant riding trips visitors can choose from.Children can also enjoy riding on the elephants.This is really a one of a kind experience for a traveling family.Everyone will sure have the best animal ride ever.Thailand elephant rides are truly enjoyed by many, both Thais and foreign.

Nong Nooch Gardens Pattaya - Prehistoric Plants and Elephants

For aficionados of flowers, plants and all things horticultural no visit to the Thailand eastern seaboard city of Pattaya is complete without a trip a little further south to the internationally renowned Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens.Situated about 30km (18.6 miles) from Pattaya, Nong Nooch is widely regarded as the largest and most beautiful gardens in Southeast Asia, encompassing more than 500-acres (202ha) of privately owned land and lakes.When the land where Nong Nooch now stands was first purchased in 1954 the intention was to establish a fruit orchid, however, the owners changed their minds and in 1980 Nong Nooch opened as a tropical garden and wildlife conservation project.Spread over the sprawling grounds visitors will find large sections dedicated to cacti & succulent plants, a European-themed garden, a French-style garden, a "Stonehenge" replica, gardens featuring variegated plants and what is said to be the widest range of orchids in Thailand.Amongst the extensive range of plant species on show are those from New Caledonia, Bougainvillea, Bromeliads, Plumeria, Blue Agave, Pachypodium, Rhapis Palms, and Zingiberales to name just a few.Nong Nooch Tropical Garden Pattaya also features a butterfly hill, an ant tower, an elephant corral, rides and show, in addition to a Thai cultural show and mini zoo.The garden's large workforce mean the planted areas are constantly undergoing change and enhancement, with the sheer size of exhibits meaning there is always a huge number of flowers in bloom throughout the year.Amongst the conservation work undertaken at the garden is the intensive, ongoing study of Central African, Tropical American and Southeast Asia Cycads, which date back to the Jurassic period between 145.5 and 199.6 millions years ago, with research increasing the world wide knowledge about these plant groups.For visitors to Thailand who wish to stay in lush green surroundings away from the gaudy nightlife of central Pattaya, the gardens also house a range of accommodation from a hotel, through to standard, suite and deluxe bungalows.A visit to thee flower gardens in Pattaya is a great day out for the whole family.For visitors to Thailand Nong Nooch offers a twice daily pick-up service (8.30am and 2.30pm) from Pattaya hotels, while Sawngteows and taxi services are also readily available, though at considerably higher prices.Nong Nooch is open from 8am to 6pm, 7-days a week, with restaurants open until 10pm, including public holidays.

Enjoy Thai's Elephant While Vacationing in Thailand

Thailand is famous for the country's elephant rides.One can enjoy elephant rides while trekking and strolling in the country's beautiful forests and mountain sites.Elephants have been closely connected to the Thai people for many generations now.It is to them a symbol of monarchy, and is a big part of the Buddhist art.The elephants are carefully taken care of by the Thais.Elephant riding has become an integral part of all Thailand's tourists' visits.Well-trained elephants can be ridden through local villages and surrounding forests and mountains.The time taken for each ride varies according to the place one chooses to ride.Some elephant rides can be included into a long trek together with mountain biking and rafting.Tourist attractions throughout Thailand often have a resident elephant, though serious trekkers and elephant riders need to go to the northern parts of Thailand for a more exciting experience.The Centre in Lampang Thailand offers visitors a chance to stay with real-life mahouts.The whole service lasts for three days and two nights.Thailand is a country full of amazing things to do.Elephant rides in Thailand are known around the world.All Thailand visitors take the chance to ride with the country's elephants.One can enjoy the fun ride on the top of the elephant while they stroll around the forests and view the amazing view of Thailand's nature.There are so many places in Thailand that offers elephant rides.With just a few baht, visitors can have an unusual ride they have never tried in their life.Visitors are accompanied by well trained elephant riders during their trip.Here, one can sit at the back of the elephant where a seat is placed.Some can even try riding alone with the young elephants.One can also feed the elephants with bananas which is really fun.A total of three people can ride on each elephant.The animals are quiet friendly and still during the rides, so one will always feel at ease.Riding on the elephants are very comfortable and fun at the same time.There are large choices of elephant riding trips visitors can choose from.Children can also enjoy riding on the elephants.This is really a one of a kind experience for a traveling family.Everyone will sure have the best animal ride ever.Thailand elephant rides are truly enjoyed by many, both Thais and foreign.