• Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall: A brand new attraction on the Rattanakosin Island to be open in March

On 9 March 2010, Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall, a brand new tourist attraction on the Rattanakosin Island, will be officially open to the public. The Hall is situated on Ratchadamnoen Klang Road, near Wat Ratchanadda. It is an interactive self learning centre with state-of-the-art multimedia technologies giving information on history, arts and culture of the Rattanakosin era (since 1782). In a renovated building, there are altogether 7 exhibition rooms each representing a part of the grandeur of Rattanakosin, the capital of Thailand.

Visitors can view 4D multimedia spectacles presenting the beginning of the Rattanakosin, see the most perfect model of the Grand Palace and the animation illustrating the legend of the Emerald Buddha, or enjoy the 360° multimedia demonstrating various forms of entertainment in the Rattanakosin period. Another fun part of the trip to this exhibition hall is to find yourselves actually participate in the animation tour around the Rattanakosin island. And on the fourth floor of the building, visitors can admire the magnificent view of the Ratchadamnoen Road as well as a closer look of the Loha Prasat (Metal Castle) and the Golden Mount.

Open: Tue.-Fri. 11.00-20.00 hrs
Sat.-Sun. and Public holidays 10.00-20.00 hrs
(Closed on Mondays)
Admission: Adults 200 baht, Children 50 baht

For more details, please call +66 (0) 2621 0044 or visit nitasrattanakosin.com

• Pattaya: The City Full of Diversions
In the past decade, many people viewed Pattaya as a place for exotic nightlife. That might be true. But now a general public perception of Pattaya has been changing as what the city really offers is far beyond beaches and entertainment.  Pattaya has adapted to suit the present situation by offering a great diversity of tourist attractions and launching appealing discount promotions, for example, Pattaya Be Our Guest! “Whole Day Tour in Pattaya, Discount Everywhere” to promote travelling in the city.

Many people would now agree that Pattaya is “best value for money”. Why? Because Pattaya has everything to offer at excellent value, no matter what you are opt for--beaches, accommodations, international cuisines, shopping malls or a water park, Pattaya has them all. Moreover, there are a few brand new tourist places like Pattaya Floating Market, Ang Sila Old Style Market and Pattaya Old Town in Na Klua County which will open around the end of August 2009, presenting traditional ways of life of the local folks. This is no less interesting than other already popular sites.

One day excursion in Pattaya is very convenient (just 90 minutes’ drive from Bangkok) and cheap (only one full gas tank). The overnight stay is such an attractive option too because most hotels and resorts in the city are currently offering special discount prices, even for walk-in guests. So, packing your suitcase for Pattaya now is an excellent idea.

Detailed maps of Pattaya
Accommodations in Pattaya
More about Pattaya

• I-San : The Cradle of Learning and Civilization
Uncovering the Region Identity

The Northeastern Region of Thailand, known locally as I-San boasts distinctive culture and civilization many tourists have never seen. The Northeast’s unique landscapes and attractions are no less interesting than those of the other parts of the country. Its local people are famous for their super friendliness. During a trip to the region, tourists will be introduced to another Thailand, quite different from a seaside destination. And only at their first visit to I-San many foreigners fell in love with this region and you will surely feel the same way.

Cave Painting at Phataem National Park (Photo by courtesy of TAT)

Ban Chiang Archaeological Site in Udon Thani

Attractions in the Northeast

Starting from tracing the dinosaurs, the region’s prehistoric rulers, you will discover the beginning of the earth, universe and the theory of where life begins. Recommended places are Phu Kum Khao Dinosaur Excavation Site Museum at Sirindhorn Museum in Kalasin Province and Phu Faek Forestry at the Dinosaur Museum in Khon Kaen Province.

Things you can do in the northeast of Thailand includes visiting many archaeological sites such as prehistoric cave paintings at Phataem National Park in Ubon Ratchathani Province and Ban Chiang world’s heritage site in Udon Thani Province. What shouldn’t be missed on the trip are groups of ancient Khmer style castles like Sikhoraphum Castle and Ta Muean Thom Castle in Surin Province and Muang Tam and Phanom Rung Castles in Buriram Province.

Muang Tam Castle in Buriram (Photo by courtesy of TAT)

Ban Song Yae Church in Yasothon

In this region, there are plenty of religious attractions too. Not only Buddhist but Christianity is deeply ingrained in the areas along the bank of the Mekong River. The architectural style of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Nakhon Phanom is strikingly beautiful. In addition, you can visit Ban Song Yae Church in Yasothon Province, the country’s largest wooden church comprising 336 posts and Wat Song Khon in Nakhon Phanom Province, the Southeast Asia’s largest Roman Catholic Church -- both places are among Thailand’s unseen attractions.

In order to promote I-San Travel Years 2008-2010, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has arranged various campaigns including tour packages throughout the period. To learn more about the packages or make a reservation please contact:

The Association of Domestic Travel: Tel. +66 (0) 2270 1505-8
The Ecotourism & Adventure Travel Association: Tel. +66 (0) 2393 5855
The Tourism Promotion Association: Tel. +66 (0) 2961 2204-5
The Association of Thai Tour Operators: Tel. +66 (0) 2998 0744