WHITE WATER RAFTING

Rafting is fast gaining popularity among the young and young at heart. The mountainous regions of the North are the natural venue for whitewater rafting, especially after the rains from June to October when the rivers swell with floodwater. But first-class rafting is also to be found in the northern reaches of the central region.



TAKThis mountainous province south of Chiang Mai is an increasingly popular adventure destination. The hub of activities is Umphang District on the border with Myanmar which is now accessible via a winding mountain route from Mae Sot, the centre of border trade. The forests of Umphang are the source of many rivers, the most important being the Huai Mae Klong, a popular rafting route with its many rapids and scenic backdrops of jungle. There’s also a rafting route from the breathtaking Thi Lo Su Waterfall which takes three to four hours.

MAE HONG SONThere are five levels of expertise, and all require experienced guides to lead them. Mae Hong Song’sPai River is perhaps the most famous venue, as it smashes its angry path towards Myanmar. A raft trip starts at Ban Nam Kong, 65 km from Pai and continues through virgin forests, waterfalls and 15 sets of rapids, a journey time of about five hours.
CHIANG RAIOne of the oldest rafting destinations in the country, Chiang Rai continues to draw adventure seekers from all over the globe. In Chiang Rai, bamboo rafts and inflatable boats are available for the journey down the Mae Kok, the province’s major artery.

CHIANG MAIRafting down the Mae Chaem through Ob Luang George in inflatable boats is available through Mae Sot Travel. Another challenging route is the Mae Tuen in Omkoi District, where the river rushes through virgin forests to end at the Pha Dam Waterfall. No rubber raft is available at the site, so it’s best to book a trip with a tour agen in Chiang Mai.

NAN
Nam Wa stream in Nan is recognised as an ultimate rafting adventure. During rainy season the stream is swollen and rates 3 – 5 on the difficulty scale. Local rafting operators are offering soft adventure tour for rafting buffs wanting to test out their skills. The three – day tour features rafting through a series of rapids, such as Sop Huai Duea and Phi Pa, on specially – designed rubber rafts. Visitors can also use the opportunity to explore the cool jungle setting of Doi Phu Kha and Mae Charim mountains

PRACHINBURI
At Khao Yai National Park, the Kaeng Hin Phoeng in Nadi district of Prachin Buri is a stretch of river noted for its wild beauty. The water is very vigorous During the rainy months (June – October), and some stretches are designated Level 5 , the uppermost limit to whitewater rafting.

KANCHANABURI
On the western border, Kanchanaburi is a popular adventure destination thanks to its mountainous terrain, covered with forests and crisscrossed with a network of rivers. Jungle rafting can be arranged from a mountain pass to the stunning Lawa Cave, a two-hour journey. Bamboo and inflatable rafts are also available for a trip down the Songkalia in Sangkhlaburi.

PHETCHABURI
The headwater of Phetchaburi River, the province’s major artery, lies within Kaeng Krachan National Park. The river offers good rafting; a trip through its rapids and small tributaries takes about six hours.

NAKHON NAYOK
As a rule, canoeing and kayaking is available at the destinations that provide rafting. Nakhon Nayok, a small province to the north of Bangkok, is a new destination for adventure tourism. Its rivers originate in the Khao Yai range and flow down to meet the arterial Bang Pakong River, which empties into Gulf of Thailand.
Nakhon Nayok has several waterfalls, the most popular being Wang Takhrai. Canoeing here is relatively new. The best time to visit is June – October. Starting point for a canoe journey is the stretch of Wang Takhrai canal where it flows through a coffee plantation. The waterway is quite narrow and therefore unsuitable able for larger vessels. The route has on difficult rapids, but its many twists and turns more than make up for it.
Rafting trip on the NAM KEG River at Phitsanulok
The Khek river has its water source in the Phetchabun Mountain Range in Khao Kho county. It flows past Thung salaeng Luang National Park and forms the famous Sri Dit and Kaeng Sopha waterfalls of Phitsanulok. The water course passing Wang Thong county before joining the Nan river at Bang Krathum county is also called the Wang Thong river.
The level of difficulty of the current depends on the volume of water flow. In the rainy season, the river becomes swifter.
Keg River is the good place for rafting as it provides exciting routes for tourists for Ban PakYang, Sapraiwan sub-district, Wang Thong district to Kang Song waterfall which lasts 8 kms. Altogether. You can travel along this route within 3 hours, depending on the water level. You will experience the water speed at level 1-2 and gradually in crease the intensity to level 4-5 in the end. This allows you to practice your skill in rafting along the way.
Some cataracts last hundred meters. Travelling to Keg River is considered convenients as the river is near the road. After you get off a car you can get on a raft promptly, and when you get out of a raft you can get on a car or bus conveniently as well. No need to walk like going to other places.
Rafting on Kaeng Hin Phoeng
This is another stretch of river in Khao Yai National Park noted for its wild beauty. The water is especially challenging in the rainy season months of June to October, and it is a favourite place for whitewater rafting. The passage along this stretch of the river will take three hours or more.

Day 1: Depart Bangkok for a three-hour drive to Prachin Buri via Chachoengsao. After lunch, proceed to Kaeng Hin Phoeng River in Khao Yai National Park, swimming and relaxing at leisure. Then, on to an informal training session with an expert on local conditions to familiarise you with the contours of river, the safety equipment and procedures.

Day 2: After breakfast, a scenic drive into the National Park followed by walking tour through tour through the jungle. Arrive at the starting point of the rafling expedition: A wilder stretch of the river with spectacular rapids designated Level 5 throughout. Conditions for rafting here are not only scenically impressive, but also exciting. The passage along this stretch of the river will take three hours or more. Lunch, beside the river, then two more hours of rafting on fast-moving water before returning to base at the National Park. Drive back to Bangkok along the beautiful Khao Yai – Pack Chong – Muak Lek – Saraburi route.

ACCOMMODATION
• Close to Hin Phoeng rapids, check Kang Hin Poeng Camping Resort, Tel: 0 1842 0161 ; Eco Network, tel: 0 2261 9670 ; WangTa Phap Resort, tel: 0 1663 2656; Sak Supha Resort tel: 0 1454 0076, 0 2249 8093 : and Hin Phoeng Riverside, tel 0 1909 6896.

• At Pong Nam Ron in Chanthaburi, check Soi Dao Highland, tel: 0 3938 7123 – 4 and Ing Dao Resort, tel: 0 3936 0179, 0 3936 0258 – 60

River grading

LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY
Level 1 : Simple, easy rapids.
Level 2 : Simple rapids, but requiring some skill in manoeuvring the raft around obstacles and rocks.
Level 3 : Moderate rapids where rafting becomes exciting. It is necessary to hold on at times to stay in control of the raft.
Level 4 : Difficult rapids with continuous need to manoeuvre and control raft al all times. Very exciting rafting.
Level 5 : This level of whitewater is the uppermost limit to rafting. The river is wild, with a rapid current and difficult rapids, usually very steep.
Level 6 : Extremely difficult rapids, dangerous for rafting.

Preparation

Safety is paramount in whitewater rafting. Life jackets and helmets must be worm at all times. Your guide should explain to you all relevant safety procedures before you go, and check weather reports and the condition of the river. You should be able to swim if you wish to go whitewater rafting.

Age & health

It is important to ensure that you are in good health, and fit enough to enjoy this activity. Children over 12 but under 16 must be accompanied by responsible adults. For children under 12 years or for elderly people, only the Thi Lo Su Waterfall programme in May and June is recommended.

Top 5 Cities to see during a holiday in China

By: Stuart Cheese
In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, one of my jobs is to ensure every client has the best tour possible, so here are my top 5 suggestions for cities to visit in China during your holiday.1.Shanghai is a magnificent city whose culture changes almost before your very eyes. The City has reshaped itself since the market restrictions have been lifted and offers a new and inspirational atmosphere.The Bund (Zhongshan Road) has remained virtually unchanged and is instantly recognised as one of the famous landmark waterfronts in Shanghai for many, many years.There are various temples and gardens within Shanghai, some of them in the past were left unattended which enabled the forces of nature to reclaim them. These temples and gardens have since been restored and have now become tourist attractions from people all over the world.Like Any major city, Shanghai has a very impressive sky line. One of the buildings which is a must to see is the stunning Oriental Pearl TV Tower. If you have the chance it is worth visiting one of the upper observation platforms to capture a magnificent view over the whole of the city.In my opinion Shanghai should be totally avoided in the Chinese New Year; as the city comes to a full standstill and public transport becomes a complete nightmare. During the rest of winter there are fewer tourists and better deals in the hotels.Summer is obviously the peak season and it can become hot and humid. September to November is a good time to visit as there are many festivals and fairs of great interest to witness. 2. Beijing is the capital city of China. The city has fantastic historical places of interest which are embraced in beautiful surroundings. The Forbidden City is the largest and well looked after ancient structure. There is also the beautiful Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace where the Emperor would escape from the rest of the world. One pleasant surprise was a beautiful boat made completely of marble on which the Emperor indulged himself in the stunning surroundings. Another major attraction is the Ming tombs and of course the Badling Wall (Great Wall) which is worth climbing to see the beautiful views. 3. This ancient city Xian, is surrounded by the city wall in this area there are 4 main attractions. There is the Great Islamic Mosque, The Bell Tower, The Drum Tower and the Provincial Museum.Goose Pagoda, a fantastic example of stunning architecture and a definite must see.The temples in Xian are Buddhist and Taoism temples. If you are more of a scenic lover then the Huashan mountain is the place for you. It is one of 4 mountains in China.Of course you cannot go to China without visiting the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. The pure magnitude of the 3 separate viewing pits are well worth seeing.4. Guilin was a personal favourite for me, from the moment I stepped out of the airport, it was evening and everything was gloriously lit up with colourful neon lights.All of the traditional landscape Chinese paintings that I have seen must have been inspired by this idyllic place. My lasting memories are of the stunningly beautiful caves which all have secrets and which the guide was only too eager to share with me. The only more stunning thing than all of this was to be able to see it from above on a cable car.5 Hong Kong. Aberdeen, is one of Hong Kong Island's main attractions. It is interesting to see the junks in which people live and fish the clear blue water.Ocean Park is like an upgrade of many Sealife centres. There is plenty for the whole family to see and do including Atoll Reef, performing animals, a roller coaster, etc.Stanley is more a place for the woman with it’s bustling shops and markets, a perfect place for the shopaholic.By far the best beach in Hong Kong is at Repulse Bay but be warned it can get pretty hectic at weekends.

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

The Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya or Ayutthaya in short, is one of Thailand's historical and majestic highlights. Serving as the Thai capital for 417 years (1350 1767: Kingdom of Ayutthaya), it was once glorified as one of the biggest cities in Southeast Asia. During the 17th century, most foreign visitors to Ayutthaya, traders or diplomats alike, claimed Ayutthaya to be the most illustrious and glittering city that they had ever visited. The map of Ayutthaya published in 1691 by Simon de la Loubere in Du Royaume De Siam is proof of such recognition.
The Kingdom of Ayutthaya reached its apex in terms of sovereignty, military might, wealth, culture, and international commerce in the 16th century when the Kingdoms territory was extended far beyond present-day Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Ayutthaya even had diplomatic relations with Louis XIV of France and was courted by Dutch, Portuguese, English, Chinese and Japanese merchants.Visitors can explore and appreciate Thai history in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, which is situated only 86 kilometers north of Bangkok. Visitors to Ayutthaya can marvel at its grandeur reflected through numerous magnificent structures and ruins concentrated in and around the city island surrounded by Maenam Chao Phraya, Maenam Pa Sak and Maenam Lopburi. More importantly,Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, an extensive historical site in the heart of Ayutthaya city, has been included in UNESCO's World Heritage list since 13 December, 1991.

The Past
The Kingdom of Ayutthaya was built and developed in leaps and bounds. The ruins in Ayutthaya that survived the test of time embody both the glorious and ignominious stories of the Kingdom.
This ancient capital of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, had thirty three kings of different dynasties and reached its peak in the middle of the18th century. A magnificent city with three palaces and over 400 magnificent temples on an island threaded by canals Ayutthaya was truly an impressive city that attracted both Europeans and Asians. After a 15-month siege the Kingdom of Ayutthaya was conquered and completely destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. When King Taksin the Great finally liberated the Kingdom, a new dynasty was established and the capital was moved to Thonburi. The seal of Ayutthaya depicts a conch on a pedestal tray placed in a small castle under a Mun tree. According to legend, King U-Thong, founder of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, discovered a beautiful conch buried in the ground being prepared for the establishment of the seat of his Kingdom. Consequently, he had a tiny castle built to house the shell. Hence, the provincial seal.

The Present
Today, there are but groups of crumbling ruins and rows of headless Buddhas where once an empire thrived. The temple compounds are still awe-inspiring even in disrepair and a visit here is memorable and a good beginning for those drawn to the relics of history.
The architecture of Ayutthaya is a fascinating mix of Khmer (ancient Cambodian style) and early Sukhothai style. Some cactus-shaped obelisks, called prangs, denote Khmer influence and look something like the famous towers of Angkor Wat. The more pointed stupas are ascribed to the Sukhothai influence. For new arrivals who had limited their visit to Bangkok, similarities may be noted with the riverside Wat Arun, an 18th-century structure that was built in the so-called Ayutthaya style, a melding of Sukhothai Buddhist influences and Hindu-inspired Khmer motifs.
Ayutthaya is administratively divided into 16 districts: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ban Phraek, Bang Ban, Bang Pahan, Bang Pa-in, Amphoe Bang Sai, Bang Sai, Lat Bua Luang, Maha Rat, Nakhon Luang, Phachi, Phak-Hai, Sena, Tha Rua, Uthai and Wang Noi.