Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Mini Bus Chiang Mai – Vientiane – Vang Vieng
January 24, 2012Baby Panda Born at Chiang Mai Zoo
June 9, 2009Visitor’s to Chiang Mai in Thailand’s north will soon have another attraction to add to their list of things to see when Chiang Mai zoo puts its latest addition, a baby giant panda, on display.
Chiang Mai zoo currently have two adult giant pandas on loan from China and yesterday, May 26, a third panda was added to the family when the female adult panda, Lin Hui, gave birth.
Photo Credit: AP
Zoo officials are yet to determine the sex and weight of the cub, which was conceived using artificial insemination and carried for the 93-day gestation period.
Zoo officials said artificial insemination was used to induce the pregnancy after all efforts failed to get Lin Hui’s partner, Xuang Xuang, to carry out his spousal duties.
Under the terms of the loan agreement with China the two pandas and their offspring will be returned to their native homeland in a little more than four years time.
In the meantime, visitors to the northern Thailand zoo will have the rare privilege of seeing a baby panda as part of their journey through the ancient Lanna kingdom.
By John Le Fevre, Thailand Travel News
Supported by Queen Bee Travel Service, www.queenbeetours.com
“Wanna Be XTReMe?”..We DaRe YoU!
May 15, 2009ATV ride in the jungle trails trails Time
Trip 1 : 08.00 – 14.30
Trip 2 : 10.30 – 18.30
A drive from your accommodation in Chiang Mai by air-conditioned van to
Mae Tamaan village where your adventure starts. Here you’ll learn to ride
the ATVs (All Terrain Vehicle or Quad bike).
Our guides will take you to one of the most beautiful trails, lined with sea
of hills and mountains of the Chiang Dao range and huge spread of timber
forest. To be admired are Akha and Lisu hilltribes villages along the 40 kms.
stretch of a jungle trail with off-road and makeshift condition. Lunch included.
Price Driver : 1,900 THB
Passenger : 1,400 THB
Included
– Transfer by air-conditioned van.
– Goggle, gloves and helmet for ATV’.
– Experienced guides and crew members.
– International food with fresh fruits and drinking water [Soft drink,
tea&coffee].
– Injury insurance.
Note : Tourists should have some knowledge and skills in driving cars or
motorbikes
For more information contact us: queenbeetours@gmail.com, adisai2009@gmail.com
Getting Around Chiang Mai (New Version)
May 15, 2009Planning a Trip
Arriving By Plane — When planning your trip, keep in mind that Chiang Mai has international links with major cities throughout the region. Lao Airlines (tel. 05322-3401; http://www.laoairlines.com) connects Chiang Mai to Vientiane and Luang Prabang in Laos four times each week. Air Mandalay (tel. 05381-8049; http://www.airmandalay.com) has limited flights to Yangon and Mandalay, in Myanmar (Burma). Silk Air (tel. 05390-4985; http://www.silkair.com), the regional arm of Singapore Airlines, connects Singapore with direct service three times a week. Budget option Tiger Airways (tel. 02351-8333; http://www.tigerairways.com) connects Chiang Mai to Singapore four times a week. Thai Airways has direct services from Kunming in Yunnan, Southern China. For international reservations in Chiang Mai, call tel. 05392-0999.
Domestically, Thai Airways (240 Phra Pokklao Rd.; tel. 05392-0999; http://www.thaiair.com) flies from Bangkok to Chiang Mai nine times daily (trip time: 1 hr. 10 min.). There’s a direct flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket daily (note the return sector is not direct). The daily 35-minute hop is also the fastest way to get out to Mae Hong Son. Bangkok Airways has an office at the airport in Chiang Mai (tel. 05328-1519, or 02229-3434 in Bangkok; http://www.bangkokair.com) and flies at least twice daily from Bangkok.
For rock-bottom prices, check with new budget carriers such as Air Asia (tel. 05392-2170; http://www.airasia.com); they fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai for as little as 800B (US$22/£12). Nok Air (tel. 05392-2183 or tel. 1318; http://www.nokair.com) offers similar deals (book well in advance via the Internet, or via ticketing agents listed on their sites), while SGA (tel. 02664-6099; http://www.sga.co.th) works in tandem with Nok Air to provide connections to Chiang Rai and Pai from Chiang Mai. One-Two-GO (tel. 05392-2159; http://www.fly12go.com) also has regular flights.
Chiang Mai International Airport (tel. 05327-0224; about 30 minutes from Old Town) has several banks for changing money, a post and overseas call office, and an information booth. Taxis from the airport are a flat 100B (US$2.85/£1.55) to town, a bit more for places outside of Chiang Mai proper. Buy a ticket from the taxi booth in the arrival hall, and then proceed to the taxi queue with your ticket.
By Train — Of the seven daily trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, the 8:30am Sprinter (11 hrs.; 611B/US$17.45/£9.40, second-class air-conditioned seat) is the quickest, but you sacrifice a whole day to travel and spend the entire trip in a seat. The other trains take between 13 and 15 hours, but for overnight trips, second-class sleeper berths are a good choice (881B/US$25/£14 upper berth, air-conditioned; 791B/US$23/£12 lower berth, air-conditioned). Private sleeper cabins are also available, but at 1,353B (US$39/£21), the cost is the same as flying.
Purchase tickets at Bangkok’s Hua Lampong Railway Station (tel. 02223-7010 or 1690) up to 90 days in advance. For local train information in Chiang Mai, call tel. 05324-5363; for advance booking, call tel. 05324-2094. Reservations cannot be made over the phone, but you can call and check to see if space is available.
By Bus — Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai are many and varied: from rattle-trap, non-air-con numbers to fully reclining VIP buses. The trip takes about 10 hours. From Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal close to the Mo Chit BTS (tel. 02936-2841), six daily, 24-seater VIP buses provide the most comfort, with larger seats that recline (755B/US$22/£12). There is also a frequent service between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son, Phitsanulok, and Chiang Rai.
Most buses arrive at the Arcade Bus Station (tel. 05324-2664) on Kaeo Nawarat Road, 3km (2 miles) northeast of the Thapae Gate; a few arrive at the Chang Puak station (tel. 05321-1586), north of the Chang Puak Gate on Chotana Road. Expect to pay 60B to 150B (US$1.70-US$4.30/95p-£2.30) for a tuk-tuk, and just 30B (85¢/45p) for a red pickup, songtaew, to the town center and your hotel.
Visitor Information
The TAT office is at 105/1 Chiang Mai-Lamphun Rd., 400m (1,312 ft.) south of the Nawarat Bridge on the east side of the Ping River (tel. 05324-8604). There are a couple of free magazines available at hotels and businesses — Guidelines Chiang Mai, Welcome to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and What’s on Chiang Mai — which contain maps and useful information. You can also find any of a number of detailed maps distributed free, chock-full of adverts for local shopping, dining, and events.
City Layout
The heart of Chiang Mai is the Old City, completely surrounded by a moat (restored in the 19th century) and scattered remains of the massive wall, laid out in a square aligned on the cardinal directions. Several of the original gates have been restored and serve as handy reference points, particularly Thapae Gate to the east. The most important temples are within the walls of the Old City.
All major streets radiate from the Old City. The main business and shopping area is the 1km (2/3-mile) stretch between the east side of the Old City and the Ping River. Here you will find the Night Bazaar, many shops, trekking agents, hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants — and some of the most picturesque backstreets in the area.
To the west of town and visible from anywhere in the city is the imposing wall of Doi Suthep Mountain, where, at its crest, you’ll find the most regal of all Chiang Mai Buddhist compounds, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, standing stalwart as if to give its blessing to the city below. The road leading to the temple takes you past a big mall, a strip of modern hotels, the zoo, and the university.
The superhighway circles the outskirts of the city and is connected by traffic-choked arteries emanating from the city center. If driving or riding a motorbike in Chiang Mai, the many one-way streets in and around town are confounding. The moat that surrounds the city has concentric circles of traffic: The outer ring runs clockwise, and the inner ring counterclockwise, with U-turn bridges between. The streets in and around the Night Bazaar are all one-way as well. This means that even if you know where you’re going, you’ll have to pull your share of U-turns.
Getting Around
By Bus — There are five routes in and around the city, each charging a fixed 10B (30¢/15p) fare. Services start at 6am, finish close to 10pm, and run approximately every 15 minutes. From Chang Puak Bus Station, there is frequent, inexpensive bus service to the nearby craft villages of Sankampaeng and Bo Sang, and to Lamphun.
By Songtaew — Songtaews (red pickup trucks) cover all routes. Fitted with two long bench seats, they are also known locally as seelor (four-wheels). They follow no specific route and have no fixed stopping points. Hail one going in your general direction and tell the driver your destination. If it fits in with the destinations of other passengers, you’ll get a ride to your door for only 15B to 30B (43¢-86¢/20p-45p). Some drivers will ask exorbitant fees as if they are a taxi (especially when they’re empty); let these guys just drive on. If you can deal with a bit of uncertainty along the confusing twist of roads, a songtaew is a great way to explore the city.
Songtaews can also take you up to the top of Doi Suthep Mountain for 40B (US$1.15/60p) and only 30B (85¢/45p) for the easier downhill return trip.
By Tuk-Tuk — The ubiquitous tuk-tuk (motorized three-wheeler) is the next best option to the songtaew for getting around Chiang Mai. Fares are negotiable — and you will have to bargain hard to get a good rate — but expect to pay at least 40B (US$1.15/60p) for any ride.
When talking prices, it is good to write it down on a scrap of paper, so there is no argument when you get there and the driver asks for 200B (US$5.70/£3.10) instead of the 20B (60¢/30p) you agreed on.
By Car — Avis has an office conveniently located at the airport (tel. 05320-1798; http://www.avisthailand.com). Avis self-drive rental rates for Chiang Mai are the same as they are elsewhere in Thailand, from 2,500B and up (US$71/£38) for a compact sedan. Budget has an office at the airport and offers comparable rates and services; contact them at tel. 05320-2871 (www.budget.co.th). Both companies offer comprehensive insurance and provide good maps — even a mini guidebook.
There are dozens of local car-rental companies with sedans for 1,200B to 1,800B (US$34-US$51/£18-£28) per day, and Suzuki Caribbeans (oft-derided as a death trap) for as low as 1,000B (US$28/£15) per day. Most travel agents will arrange a car and driver for about 1,600B (US$45/£25) per day.
By Motorcycle — Many guesthouses along the Ping River and shops around Chaiyaphum Road (north of Thapae Gate in the Old City) rent 100cc to 150cc motorcycles for about 200B (US$5.70/£3.10) per day (discounts for longer durations). Larger 250cc Hondas (as well as others) with good suspension are commonly available and are the best choice for any trips up-country because of their added power and large fuel tanks; they rent for about 700B (US$20/£11). Helmets are mandatory — even if locals tend to ignore this law, they may be able to wriggle out of arrest, but as a foreigner, you won’t be let off lightly. Expect to leave your passport as security (don’t leave any credit cards). Traffic congestion and confusing one-way streets make riding within the city dangerous, so if you are tempted, employ defensive driving techniques and take it slow.
By Bicycle — Cycling in the city is fun and practical, especially for getting around to the temples within the Old City. Avoid rush hour and take great care on the busy roads outside of the ancient walls. Bikes are available at any of the many guesthouses in or around the old city and go for about 30B (85¢/45p) per day.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
Read more: http://www.frommers.com
supported by www.queenbeetours.com
Chiangmai Zoo Aquarium
March 6, 2009
The Chiang Mai Aquarium is where fresh water currents meet the ocean tides, where rivers meets the sea, where East meets West and where your dreams of natural harmony are manifest in a real-life symphony of color, texture and marine life majesty.
What could be more thrilling than to look directly into the cold ancient eyes of a killer shark? The Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium is certain to become a landmark destination in Thailand — an international attraction to be proud of, certain to capture the hearts and minds of tourists from far and wide. In essence, it’s a living museum that boasts South East Asia’s longest and most spacious underwater pathways — crystal clear “SeaTube” tunnels that place the observer directly in the center of enormous 360-degree aquatic habitats. Each of seven individual exhibits showcase a distinct environment, completely self-contained, and carefully populated with an authentic cross-section of native species. This exclusive arrangement allows fresh water and salt water creatures to coexist under one roof, alongside representative territories from other significant ecosystems. The inspiration for this astonishing concept comes from the great Mekong River – itself an exhibit at the aquarium – as it represent the major waterway that feeds and quenches the thirst of millions of people across the six neighboring countries that its waters sustain. As one of the planet’s great ecosystems with nearly 2,000 species of marine creatures, the Mekong serves as symbol of the diversity that the Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium seeks to replicate. Thus, it brings together thousands of examples of exotic marine life from around the world to their new home, living together in a haven thousands of miles from their native environment, and cared for by their attentive human custodians. Aside from its appeal as an exciting natural attraction.
The Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium also serves as an important learning center for the study of marine life and biology throughout the South East Asian region and the rest of the world. In pursuit of this goal, the Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium is destined to draw visitors from around the world to experience what must certainly represent a proud achievement for the wonderful people of Chiang Mai and the gracious citizens of Thailand.
Facts about the Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium
•Total project cost of 600 million baht •Total project area covers 10 rai, housing the 13,985 square meter aquarium
•The aquarium features the world’s only underwater exhibit that joins both freshwater and saltwater environments, linked together with a 230 meter walkway
•The tunnel is the longest in the world at 133 meters that divides into a saltwater underwater tunnel covering 68.6 meters and a fresh water underwater tunnel that covers 66.5 meters which is the world’s longest underwater fresh water tunnel.
•The all-acrylic tunnel is 5.5 cm thick and able to accommodate water pressure to a depth of 4 meters with complete safety.
•The aquarium offers over 3,600 examples of fresh water and salt water life forms, with more than 250 different species.
•80% of the varied species are native to Thailand. •Showcases feature freshwater species found in the tropical rain forests of Asia and the Amazon.
quoted Chiangmai Zoo Aquarium
supported by www.queenbeetours.com
History of Valentine’s Day!
February 12, 2009LoVe The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.
Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine’s Day — and its patron saint — is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.
One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men — his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.
According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first ‘valentine’ greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl — who may have been his jailor’s daughter — who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed ‘From your Valentine,’ an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It’s no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.
While some believe that Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine’s death or burial — which probably occurred around 270 A.D — others claim that the Christian church may have decided to celebrate Valentine’s feast day in the middle of February in an effort to ‘christianize’ celebrations of the pagan Lupercalia festival. In ancient Rome, February was the official beginning of spring and was considered a time for purification. Houses were ritually cleansed by sweeping them out and then sprinkling salt and a type of wheat called spelt throughout their interiors. Lupercalia, which began at the ides of February, February 15, was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.
http://www.history.com/content/valentine/history-of-valentine-s-day
“…SaVe OuR PLaNeT…”
January 5, 2009
Queen Bee is deeply committed to protecting the environment.
We’d like to partner with you to help preserve our Earth for future generations.
Chiangmai Sunday Walking Street
January 4, 2009
Chiangmai Car Motorbike Rental
November 21, 2008
if you like to be free to go where you want, when you want, at your own pace, driving is a good solution. It is not as difficult as it seems to some people and it is not as easy as it seems to others. You must be an experienced and confident driver because in Thailand it is tricky and not only because they drive on the wrong side of the road. If you’re from the UK , you’ll be ready!
Fact is, Thais don’t learn how to drive before using a car, it will come as no surprise that they have a very high rate of road casualties. A liking for heavy drinking (beware at night) and the widespread use of mobile phones don’t help. But if your careful for two you should manage.
To visit the city and its close surroundings, like the Doi Suthep, the Sankampaeng road (factories, hot springs, Borsang village) or the Mae Rim area (elephant camp, orchid and snake farms, waterfalls) a motorcycle is more than enough.
You can choose a full automatic scooter or a semi automatic one (auto clutch) better suited if you go in the mountain. Prices should vary from 100 baht to 300 baht a day (gas not included).
Note that there is no full coverage insurance, in fact if you’re the culprit, you’ll pay for any damage you cause. Nobody in the rental shop will ask you for a driving licence, but you better have an international driving licence ready if you ever need your own insurance to work. You will be asked to leave your passeport or a photocopy + 2,000 baht in deposit.
The police will not stop foreigners if they wear the customary helmet, most rental shops will propose some filthy plastic bowls for free… they are helmets. You may prefer to spend 300 baht to get a brand new one, especially if you’re to spend a few days riding the countryside. 300 baht is also the price for the ticket if your caught not wearing a helmet. Past the 15 of the month, chances are greater to see policemen on the hunt (nothing to do with the lunar calendar, it is just that their meagre income doesn’t last that far).
If you want to go farther away from Chiang Mai, like the Golden Triangle, the Mae Hong Son loop, or the Doi Inthanon Park, you’ll need a car. You’ll find local rental shops or international names in the city. The cheapest car you can rent is a Suzuki Carribean, 4WD, the closest thing you’ll find to a tin can. But at 800 baht a day it’s a good deal. Otherwise a good full automatic sedan is enough to deal with the roads as long as you don’t venture into side tracks.
Gas stations are plentiful, only a few accept credit cards, so be sure to have some cash with you.
On the mountain roads, trucks and buses can be agonisingly slow. Overtaking is an art you have to master if you don’t want to be stuck in dense black fumes for 10 minutes. There are no rules, Thais can overtake in curves, or just 200 meters from you. There is only one thing to do, stay on the left side as much you can and stop if necessary because the incoming car won’t.
Expect to be stopped by the police along the way (at least 3 times if you go to Chiang Rai). They may or may not check your papers, your car, yourself… just smile and hope they like the football team of your home country.
A number to remember : 1155, that’s the Tourist Police. In case of problems, they’re the ones you need to contact. Don’t let the local police handle your case.
For more information please contace us:
Queen Bee Travel Service the best! car & motorbike rental in Chiangmai
recommended by Lonely Planet!
email: queenbeetours@gmail.com
Toyota Sport Rider 3.0 4WD Air Con.
Excursion: 1 Day Trekking Chiangmai Whitewater Rafting 