Beautiful Colored Candles (Part 1)..

"Chulalongkorn Day" or "Piyamaharaj Day" (วันปิยะมหาราช) on 23 October..

"Chulalongkorn Day" or "Piyamaharaj Day", which we say in Thai, is celebrated on 23rd October of every year. It is the day that our King Chulalongkorn, or King Rama V, died. He is one of our most important kings in the past. The most important thing he did is abolish slavery but he also did many other reforms in order to modernize the country.

King Chulalongkorn (Phra Chulachom Klao Chaoyuhua or Rama V) succeeded to the throne at the death of his father, King Mongkut (or Phra Chom Klao). He was born on September 20, 1853 the first son of Queen Ramphai Pamarapirom (Thepsirindra) and the 9th surviving son of King Mongkut. King Rama V ascended the Throne in 1868 at the age of 15, with Chao Phraya Sri Suriyawongse as Regent.

King Rama V’s long reign of 42-years was a busy era of full-scale reform and the emergence of Thailand into the modern age. He learned the systems of Western Governments, made friends with major powers such as Britain, France, America and Russia and sent the royal children to be educated in the West. It seems he was prepared to learn from the West while at the same time, resisting domination by the major powers. Above all, he was the first Thai monarch who traveled widely: to neighboring countries in Asia and to Europe twice. Wherever he went, he was impressed by the hospitality and respect shown to him by the Royalty of the various countries.

The King’s reforms, which involved almost every aspect of Thai life, included the abolition of slavery, the expansion of the communication system through the construction of railways, the establishment of post and telegraph services and the creation of a ministerial system in 1892. In addition, the King also established a variety of public utilities, particularly in the fields of health and education. Unfortunately, world events at that time did not allow him to proceed smoothly with his administrative reform as it coincided with the age of colonialism. The King, therefore, had to adapt his foreign policy to maintain a balance between the contending powers. He fostered friendly relations with all powers and avoided confrontation. In the last period of his reign, the country lost a lot of land to France. Thus, at the time of crisis, even though Thailand had to sacrifice some of her territories, she was able to keep her independence.

King Chulalongkorn wanted to make the people less subservient, thus, in 1873 after the coronation, he proclaimed that prostration in front of the king was to be abolished. Later, in 1905 he abolished slavery. This slave abolition was the most important royal contribution. The Slave Act was passed by King Rama V in 1905 to prohibit slave-trade. The King traveled extensively throughout the kingdom to personally investigate and share his subjects’ conditions and aspirations, often known in Thai as “Prapasstion”. It is very difficult to mention all of his numerous reforms. All the present-day ministries and departments owe their origin of his far-sighted concepts.

His death on October 23, 1910 was a great loss to the entire nation as he was one of the most honored and beloved kings who was often called “Somdej Phra Piyamaharaj”. Moreover, Thai people also believed in the King’s miraculous power of bringing good luck and prosperity to the person who pays respect to him. Thus, the King’s picture is found in almost every house. Thai people from all walks of life lay wreaths at his equestrian statue at the Royal Plaza in Bangkok and his statues in the provinces.

Beautiful Scenery of The Sunset..

Beautiful Sunset at Playa Carrillo, Costa Rica..

Map of Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan

Koh Nang Yuan (เกาะนางยวน), Suratthani, Thailand

Koh Nang Yuan is not one, but 3 beautiful islands connected together by a sand bar of about 50 m. They are called North, Middle and South Island respectively. Nang Yuan is actually a separate island located to the northeast of Koh Tao, the privately developed Koh Nang Yuan offers some of the best dive and snorkeling sites in the Gulf of Thailand.

The water off Koh Nang Yuan is crystal clear, so clear that you can see schools of fish directly under the pier. There is only one resort on Koh Nang Yuan, and it's the Koh Nang Yuan Resort. The resort operator envisioned a tropical paradise when they created this resort, and they were serious to ensure the islands remain pristine. The architects designed the resort to have minimal impact on the environment. They leave the beaches untouched, building on the boulders.

A place where we can lie back and take the world in at our own place. It is a favorite choice for honeymooners and travelers who really want to get away from it all.
It is place of tranquility and serenity and is a perfect place to unwind from the rigors of travel, or for the more adventurous a chance to dive into an exciting new experience.

:: Getting There ::

If you are traveling from Koh Samui, we recommend you to go by a catamaran or a ferry, via Koh Tao. There are ferry piers located in Bo Phut, Maenam and Bang Rak.
If you are coming from the main land by train, bus or plane, it is easiest to go to Chumpon to Koh Tao. The Lomprayah High Speed Catamaran has several departures every day.

:: What to do..? ::

Sometimes it can be rather windy and rainy in October, November and December to the tropical monsoon season so the visibility is not always as good for diving then. The best time to travel here is normally from late January until September, if sunshine and good visibility in the water is important factors for you.

Koh Tao (เกาะเต่า), Suratthani, Thailand

Koh is "island" in Thai language. Tao means "turtle"

Koh Tao is a very beautiful island. The first travelers came here in the early 80's, and soon the diving enthusiasts found the island as well. The rates for diving are still comparatively low on Koh Tao, but the shopping facilities are not as extensive as in Samui and the prices are normally a little higher. The best shopping destination in Thailand is definitely Bangkok.

If you are going to dive on the island, you will find many certified PADI schools in the diving section. It might be economically wise to compare prices before you join a course and we also recommend you to compare the services and skills of the schools and the instructors. Make sure that your instructor is certified by a diver training organization such as PADI, BSAC, NAUI, PDIC, SSI, SDI etc.

:: Getting There ::

From Bangkok
Koh Tao is situated about 700 kilometers south of the capital city. There are several options to get to Koh Tao from Bangkok. The cheapest one is by bus or train to Chumpon and then ferry to Koh Tao. The most convenient and fastest way is a flight to Koh Samui, and then a ferry from there to Koh Tao. (See the Samui section for further information).

From Koh Samui
There are several transportation alternatives from the piers on northern Samui. You might take an express boat or a catamaran from there. Tickets can be bought at the pier or in any travel agency on the island. You'll arrive in Mae Haad, which nowadays has grown into a small town.

:: When to go..? ::

Sometimes it can be rather windy and rainy in October, November and December so the visibility is not always as good for diving then. The best time to travel here is normally from late January until September, if sunshine and good visibility in the water is important factors for you.

:: What to do..? ::

Diving, snorkeling and swimming! Or maybe just relax with a good book in a hammock. You can also rent a canoe or a kayak for a day trip around the island or go for a day or two to the beautiful island of Koh Nang Yuan.

If you are not interested in diving, snorkeling or other water sports, our suggestion would probably be to go to either Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan instead.

Nang Yuan Island (Koh Nang Yuan or เกาะนางยวน), Thailand