Category: Latest Travel News

Udon Thani, the city of Mee Khit cloth and magnificent nature. Visit various attractions such as “Sam Tam Khao Reservoir”, “Ban Non Kok Community”, and pay respect to the Buddha image at “Wat Sa Manee”.

Sam Tam Khao Reservoir Project Under the Royal Initiative

Start the trip at Sam Tam Khao Reservoir, a small irrigation water source with beautiful nature and relaxing atmosphere. Even with the sweltering weather, this place is still worth a visit.

Sam Tam Khao Reservoir was built to help villagers in Huai Mak Lam village which is the driest and most rugged village. Because no groundwater in the area, only water source is a small pond at the end of the village. Villagers have to share water from this source among over 70 households, so they have no choice but to buy water for drinking and buy soil to grow vegetables by themselves.

With the help of Sam Tam Khao Reservoir Project, villagers more than 300 people had reliable water source to use because there is a water pipe system that sends water from the reservoir down to the village. Agricultural land up to 350 rai were benefited by the reservoir.

In addition to having enough drinking water, this reservoir has also become a breeding ground for freshwater fish for the villagers to make their income from fishery. A road was constructed to the village making travelling more convenient. In addition, Ban Huai Mak Lam School was built so that children can enroll to the school near their houses.

Another thing that is interesting and should not be missed is the rocky mountain path, the amazing natural wonders that everyone must experience once, which we can walk along the rocky mountain path to Ban Huai Mak Lam School.

Ban Non Kok

Next destination is Ban Non Kok’s ancient textile weaving group. Enjoy the atmosphere of the rice fields, appreciate the beauty of many types of textiles and participate in many local activities.

Red lotus juice – red lotus petal porridge

See the antique cloth storage room, try cool red lotus juice, and red lotus petal porridge.

Tie dye fabric from red lotus

Try making tie dye fabric from red lotus. Every part of a red lotus can be used to make natural dye. Gold dye comes from red lotus flower, silver dyr comes from red lotus stem and dark pink dye comes from red lotus petals.

Rice cracker pounding

Try an ancient way of rice cracker pounding. To make rice cracker, mix glutinous rice with Yayen herb so that the mixture will not stick to a mortar, form the mixture into a round ball, make it into sheet, dry it and cook it with fire.

Squeeze Khao Phun

Try making Khao Phun in an old style by using old style tools.

After that, join Baisi Sukwan ceremony and have dinner. The dinner are made of healthy menu using local vegetables and mushrooms grown from the village. Enjoy with a variety of menus such as Ban Non Kok chili paste, steamed fish, Ban Non Kok boiled eggs in sweet sauce and more.

Wat Sa Manee

End the trip to Udon by paying homage to the Buddha image, making a wish and enhancing good fortune at “Wat Sa Manee”, a beautiful and sacred temple.

Phra Ubosot

Upon entering the temple, you will find the uniqueness of the large and spectacular temple with 4 naga images at the stairway. Inside the Ubosot enshrines Phra Phuttha Phibun Thanaphirom, the sacred Buddha image respected by many people.

Sakaeo Manichot

A sacred pool that has existed since ancient time. On propitious day, the light of Kaew Manichot will rise from the pond emitting a beautiful light. It is believed to have nagas guarding this pond.

Hor Pu Kot

The villagers respect Hor Pu Kot being very sacred. Any wish will be fulfilled, but only 1 wish only 1 at a time.

Geneva, Switzerland, November 30, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced leadership changes approved by the 76th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM).

• Robin Hayes, CEO of JetBlue is now the Chair of the IATA Board of Governors (BoG), succeeding Carsten Spohr, Chair IATA BoG (2019-2020) and CEO of Lufthansa. Hayes will serve a term commencing immediately and ending at the conclusion of the Association’s 78th Annual General Meeting to be held in 2022.  Hayes will serve an extended term as Chair covering two AGMs due the disruption to governance cycles necessitated by the COVID-19 crisis.
• Rickard Gustafson, CEO of SAS Group will serve as Chairman of the BoG from the conclusion of the 78th IATA AGM in 2022 until the conclusion of the 79th AGM in 2023, following Hayes’ term.
• Willie Walsh, former CEO of International Airlines Group (IAG) will become IATA’s 8th Director General from 1 April 2021. He will succeed Alexandre de Juniac, who has led IATA since 2016 and who will step down from IATA at the end of March 2021.
• The Nominating Committee’s recommendations for appointments to the BoG were approved.

“I am pleased to be ending my term as Chair of the IATA BoG with strong leadership in place to see IATA through the crisis and lead the industry towards recovery. I thank all the members of the BoG and Alexandre for their support over the 18 months that I have served as BoG Chair—particularly during the crisis period. That support enabled extraordinary efforts by IATA during the crisis. Those efforts have made our association even more relevant. With today’s leadership announcements we can be assured that IATA remains in good hands. Robin will be a strong leader for the BoG. I am confident that Alexandre will continue to be an authoritative voice for the industry as he completes his term as Director General and CEO. And Willie will take up the mantle from April with the fierce leadership determination for which he is well-known,” said Spohr.

“The expectations for IATA’s leadership are high. Managing through the crisis is, of course, at the top of the agenda. We must safely re-open borders and build back the vital global connectivity that has been lost in this crisis. There is a great expectation for aviation’s role in the global distribution of a vaccines when they are ready.  Safely re-starting large parts of the industry after months of being grounded is a challenge that will require IATA to work with governments globally. And, in additional COVID-19 related work, we have a clear mandate to meet our 2050 goal to cut net aviation emissions to half 2005 levels; and to explore pathways to net zero globally. I look forward to driving these priorities forward with the support of Alexandre, Willie, the BoG and all our members,” said Hayes.

Hayes was named president of JetBlue in 2014 and appointed CEO in 2015, a position that also encompasses subsidiaries JetBlue Technology Ventures and JetBlue Travel Products. He joined JetBlue in 2008 as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer after a 19-year career with British Airways.

“These next months will be critical. There is much work to be done to re-open borders with testing. And we are making preparations for the eventual global distribution of vaccines. I look forward to working with Robin to move as far as we can on these and other critical IATA projects before handing over to Willie during March. In the meantime, I congratulate Willie on his appointment, and I thank Carsten and the other Board members for their support during my time at IATA,” said de Juniac.

“I am honored by the confidence placed in me to take on the responsibilities of IATA Director General. Associations play a critical role in our industry and none is more important than IATA. It must be a forceful advocate for the industry—moving forward crisis recovery priorities, ensuring sustainability and helping airlines to survive by lowering costs, reducing taxes and eliminating regulatory blockers to success. Many of IATA’s services are essential for airlines to do business, including the settlement systems which in normal times handle about half the industry’s revenue—over $400 billion a year. And IATA’s industry standards are essential for safe and efficient global operations. The job of IATA Director General comes with great responsibility for an industry that is critical to the economic and social wellbeing of the world. I look forward to continuing the transformation started by Alexandre, making IATA an even more effective association that meets the needs of its members and exceeds their expectations,” said Walsh.

Walsh is an airline industry veteran. He has served as CEO of International Airlines Group (IAG) from its creation under his leadership in 2011 until 2020, CEO of British Airways as CEO (2005-2011) and CEO of Aer Lingus (2001-2005) after a career at that airline and its associated companies which began as a pilot cadet in 1979. Walsh is very familiar with IATA having served on its Board of Governors for almost 13 years between 2005 to 2018, including as Chair (2016-2017).

Bangkok, Thailand, November 30, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel. Throughout December, Anantara Siam is hosting a wealth of festive events and culinary delights offering something to suit all the family.

Starting with the Gingerbread House Academy on Thai Father’s Day, kids are invited to get creative and bond with Dad. The iconic Afternoon Tea is given a festive spin worthy of Santerinas across the city.

Meanwhile, from Madison, to Biscotti to AQUA Bar, joyful foodie events take centre stage this festive season. From Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day, Anantara Siam is the destination to celebrate and send off 2020 in style.

Anantara Siam is also supporting The Rajvithi Home for Girls with the festive ‘Make a Wish’ initiative. Guests visiting Anantara Siam over the festive period will be able to select a wish from the Christmas tree in the lobby made by one of the girls and make it come true by donating its value.

Berlin, Germany, November 27, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / From 9 to 12 March the who’s who of the global B2B travel industry will meet at ITB Berlin NOW – A new virtual platform featuring the main elements: networking, news, business and content – Early Bird rates are available for exhibitors until 15 January – Trade visitor tickets cost 99 euros – The parallel ITB Berlin Virtual Convention will discuss the latest industry challenges

An up-to-the-minute format where the global travel industry can exchange views: in these times of the Covid-19 pandemic ITB Berlin will hold the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show as an entirely virtual event in 2021 with the name ITB Berlin NOW – ’The Digital Meet-up for the Travel Industry’. ITB Berlin NOW will take place as an exclusively B2B event over four days from 9 to 12 March 2021, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. CET.

This global, virtual event format targets the B2B community, namely exhibitors, trade visitors and buyers from every segment of the global tourism value chain, as well as journalists and travel bloggers. ITB Berlin NOW will open its virtual doors in early February 2021. Travel professionals will then be able to set up their profile and get accustomed with the functionalities of ITB Berlin NOW. During the live event phase all participants will then be able to use the many services including contact matching, exhibitor profiles, conference content and industry news. After the event, registered users can continue to visit the platform until 31 May 2021. During this period the entire range of content will remain available on demand. As in previous years, the ITB Berlin Convention will take place as a parallel, virtual event, and bring invite high-profile experts on stage to discuss the latest tourism industry topics.

”The coronavirus pandemic has given digitalisation in the trade show industry a major boost“, said David Ruetz, Head of ITB Berlin. ”ITB Berlin NOW will be a highly fascinating, online hub for doing successful business, cultivating existing and new relations, and a place to interact and gain inspiration. In 2021, ITB Berlin will again show how important it is to have a platform, where the global travel industry can come together, even if it is an entirely virtual format. In the longer term the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show will assume a hybrid character, combining in-person and virtual formats. For 2021 we have decided to offer tourism professionals an outstanding, entirely virtual event. Many important exhibitors have already signalled keen interest in the options the format offers.“

Early Bird rates for exhibitors available until 15 January 2021 – trade visitor tickets for 99 euros

Exhibitors who want to book a presence at ITB Berlin NOW can choose from four different exhibitor packages: Starter, Plus, All-In and All-In for Destinations. Those who register by 15 January 2021 can take advantage of Early Bird discounts of up to 33 per cent. Trade visitors can purchase tickets costing 99 euros providing access to ITB Berlin NOW during all four days of the event. For students, reduced-rate tickets are available at 49 euros. An extra bonus for all exhibitors: when they sign up for ITB Berlin NOW they can also purchase packages of five trade visitor tickets at a costing of 300 euros.

About ITB Berlin and the ITB Berlin Convention
ITB Berlin 2021 will take place from Tuesday, 9 to Friday 12 March for trade visitors only and as an entirely virtual event. ITB Berlin is the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show. In 2019 a total of 10,000 exhibitors from 181 countries displayed their products and services to 160,000 visitors, including 113,500 trade visitors. As part of the virtual ITB Berlin the ITB Berlin Convention, the largest travel industry event of its kind, will also take place as a virtual event.

About Tourismus Marketing Gesellschaft Sachsen mbH
Tourismus Marketing Gesellschaft Sachsen mbH has been promoting the Free State of Saxony as an attractive travel destination on the German and international market since the year 2000. Under the brand slogan ’SACHSEN. LAND VON WELT’, it has positioned Saxony as a quality cultural destination featuring art, culture and city tourism as well as holidays for families, health and fitness enthusiasts. Saxony’s largest markets are Germany itself, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, the USA, UK, Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic, Russia and Asia. Buchungsservice Sachsen has information and advice on Saxony as a travel destination and provides a booking service

Geneva, Switzerland, November 27, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that it is in the final development phase of the IATA Travel Pass, a digital health pass that will support the safe reopening of borders.

Governments are beginning to use testing as a means of limiting the risks of COVID-19 importation when re-opening their borders to travelers without quarantine measures. IATA Travel Pass will manage and verify the secure flow of necessary testing or vaccine information among governments, airlines, laboratories and travelers.

IATA is calling for systematic COVID-19 testing of all international travelers and the information flow infrastructure needed to enable this must support:

• Governments with the means to verify the authenticity of tests and the identity of those presenting the test certificates.
• Airlines with the ability to provide accurate information to their passengers on test requirements and verify that a passenger meets the requirements for travel.
• Laboratories with the means to issue digital certificates to passengers that will be recognized by governments, and;
• Travelers with accurate information on test requirements, where they can get tested or vaccinated, and the means to securely convey test information to airlines and border authorities.

“Today borders are double locked. Testing is the first key to enable international travel without quarantine measures. The second key is the global information infrastructure needed to securely manage, share and verify test data matched with traveler identities in compliance with border control requirements. That’s the job of IATA Travel Pass. We are bringing this to market in the coming months to also meet the needs of the various travel bubbles and public health corridors that are starting operation,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

IATA Travel Pass incorporates four open sourced and interoperable modules which can be combined for an end-to-end solution:

• Global registry of health requirements – enables passengers to find accurate information on travel, testing and eventually vaccine requirements for their journey.
• Global registry of testing / vaccination centers – enables passengers to find testing centers and labs at their departure location which meet the standards for testing and vaccination requirements of their destination.
• Lab App – enables authorized labs and test centers to securely share test and vaccination certificates with passengers.
• Contactless Travel App – enables passengers to (1) create a ‘digital passport’, (2) receive test and vaccination certificates and verify that they are sufficient for their itinerary, and (3) share testing or vaccination certificates with airlines and authorities to facilitate travel. This app can also be used by travelers to manage travel documentation digitally and seamlessly throughout their journey, improving travel experience.

IATA and International Airlines Group (IAG) have been working together in the development of this solution and will undertake a trial to demonstrate that this platform combined with COVID-19 testing can reopen international travel and replace quarantine.

The airline industry demands a cost effective, global, and modular solution to safely restart travel. IATA Travel Pass is based on industry standards and IATA’s proven experience in managing information flows around complex travel requirements.

• IATA’s Timatic is used by most airlines to manage compliance with passport and visa regulations and will be the base for the global registry and verification of health requirements.
• IATA’s One ID initiative was endorsed by a resolution at its 75th Annual General Meeting in 2019 to securely facilitate travel processes with a single identity token. It is the base for the IATA Contactless Travel App for identity verification that will also manage the test and vaccination certificates.

“Our main priority is to get people traveling again safely. In the immediate term that means giving governments confidence that systematic COVID-19 testing can work as a replacement for quarantine requirements. And that will eventually develop into a vaccine program. The IATA Travel Pass is a solution for both. And we have built it using a modular approach based on open source standards to facilitate interoperability. It can be used in combination with other providers or as a standalone end-to-end solution. The most important thing is that it is responsive to industry’s needs while enabling a competitive market,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President, Airport, Passenger, Cargo and Security.

The first cross-border IATA Travel Pass pilot is scheduled for later this year and the launch slated for quarter one 2021.

Montevideo, Uruguay, November 26, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / The Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has concluded his official visit to the Americas with a series of high-level meetings in Uruguay. Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili met with President Luis Lacalle Pou to learn more about his government’s work to support tourism businesses and workers, and to agree on deepening UNWTOs collaboration on the ground. This was followed up with meetings with key private sector leaders.

As a long-standing UNWTO member and as one of the co-hosts of World Tourism Day 2020, Uruguay has long shown its commitment to harnessing the power of tourism for growth and opportunity. Secretary-General Pololikashvili thanked President Lacalle Pou for his strong support for the sector during the pandemic and his efforts to restart tourism safely and responsibly. This includes a focus on growing domestic tourism and, in line with the theme of World Tourism Day, using this to provide opportunities for rural communities across Uruguay.

UNWTO cites example of Uruguay

Uruguay showcases just how resilient tourism is and how it can bounce back and drive recovery when given the right support, benefitting both the overall economy and local communities

Over the past decade, Uruguay has emerged as one of the strongest destinations in the Americas region. In the wake of the 2009 Global Financial Crisis, UNWTO singled the country out as an example of the sector’s unique resilience. Now, on this latest official visit to the country, the UNWTO leadership recognized the ongoing commitment to tourism, with the sector remaining a priority throughout changes in government.

Mr Pololikashvili said: “Uruguay showcases just how resilient tourism is and how it can bounce back and drive recovery when given the right support, benefitting both the overall economy and local communities. I thank President Lacalle Pou and his government for their unwavering support for UNWTO and for our sector, and I look forward to continuing working together to strengthen cooperation over the challenging months ahead.”

Collaboration key to recovery

The UNWTO delegation also met with Minister of Tourism Germán Cardoso to hear his plans to support and restart tourism with a focus on sustainability and inclusivity. This also presented UNWTO with the opportunity to share the outputs of the most recent meetings of the Global Tourism Crisis Committee, including plans to bring governments and private sector leaders together to boost confidence in international travel, most notably through the creation of a first International Code for the Protection of Tourists.

Further highlighting UNWTO’s determination to foster high-level collaboration in order to accelerate the restart of tourism and ensure that innovation and sustainability are at the heart of future recovery, Secretary-General Pololikashvili brought together the Tourism Ministers of both Brazil and Uruguay for a special meeting with President Lacalle Pou. The two Ministers signalled their commitment to working together towards shared goals, including not just greater sustainability but also promoting investment in tourism so as to drive economic growth and job creation.

Somdej Phra Suriyothai Monument. Makhamyong Monkey Cheeks Project under the Royal Initiative of King Rama IX. The trip begins at Somdej Phra Suriyothai Monument in the area of Makhamyong Monkey Cheek Project Under the Royal Initiative of King Rama IX.

In the reign of King Rama IX, Thung Makham Yong was used in the monkey cheeks project to prevent flood from the north in the flood season and to store water for farmers in the area to use during the dry season, improving the way of life and well-being. In 2011, worst flooding in decades swamps the area. The monkey cheeks has played an important role to alleviate the flood that occurred.

Thung Makham Yong – Historic leisure spot

It is a good fortune for Thai people to receive royal grace from King Rama IX. Apart from Thung Makham Yong being monkey cheeks area due to the royal initiative, this area is also comprised of the monarchy of Somdej Phra Suriyothai, one and a half times the size of the real one sitting on the back of the royal elephant.

In addition, there are simulations of enemy camps and four enemy armies, consistent with the original historic conditions that enemy armies in this area had to retreat in the flood season. There are multi-purpose buildings and a park beside the reservoir that visitors can relax and enjoy with the beauty of nature and a breath of fresh air.

Wat Niwet Thammaprawat

The only temple in Thailand built in a European style

Get on cable car and ride across the Chao Phraya River and visit the Gothic architecture temple built during the reign of King Rama 5

Ride the cable car across the Chao Phraya River. See a European-style Thai temple on an island in the middle of the Chao Phraya River opposite to Bang Pa-In Palace.

The first thing that stands out is that the church is very different from the Buddhist church. Because in the reign of King Rama 5, King Rama X ordered to build an imitation of Christ Church in the Gothic Style. The church has pointed tower like a cathedral in western architecture. At the top of the church there is a clock tower and a bell set. In addition, there is the Buddha’s relics enshrined at the top.

Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, a royal temple of Ratchaworawihan type under Dhammyuttika Sect.

Pay respect to the Buddha image “Phra Buddha Narumol Thammopas”
Buddha image in the church Western blended traditional art

Pay homage to the Narumol Thammopas Buddha Image that enshrined in the Ubosot.
The Narumol Thammopas Buddha Image is a pure, golden-plated appearance with a width of 22.5 inches and a height of 36.5 inches which has been created by a master craftsman named Phraworawongthae Phraongchao Praditaworakarn since the reign of King Rama IV by combining traditional style and western style together.

Chukchi base area is where the main Buddha image enshrined. The base resembles a cross holder in a church. The windows are cut into arched shapes. And when looking at the wall at the front of the Buddha image, you will see the portrait of King Rama V, adorned with stained glass imported from Italy.

Phra Nirantri and Phra Buddha Narumol Thanmo-Phad were enshrined by King Rama V for people to pay respect and commemorate to King Rama IV who set up a Dhammyuttika sect.

In the front, there is the Khan Than Rat Buddha image enshrined in front of the Ubosot. There is a stone inscription for the incantation and a prayer for rain begging ceremony at the base of the Buddha image.

Phra Sri Mahapho at the glass wall corner in front of the Ubosot on the west side is the tree in which King Rama V brought from Bodhgaya city in the reign of King Rama IV.

Royal Palace Krom Phraya Damrongrachanupab is the palace that King Rama V ordered to build for Somdej Krom Phraya Damrong Rajanupab when he entered the monkhood in this temple. And during the monkhood at Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, Somdej Krom Phraya Damrong Rajanupab worked on Thai language textbook called “Fast learning textbook” and made a new curriculum for the first time.

An unusual and beautiful rock garden is the Disakunanusorn Stone Garden Cemetery which is containing the Phra Auti of Somdej Krom Phraya Damrong Rajanupab and Achi Ratchasakuldisakun.

Travel to Wat Niwet Thammaprawat

How to travel to Wat Niwet Thammaprawat:
Ride cable car across the Chao Phraya River to Wat Niwet Thammaprawat.
Open from 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM every day.
• Address: Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, Bang Len Subdistrict, Bang Pa-in District Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.
• Open for visits: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday – Friday) and 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Saturday – Sunday).

Ko Gerd Community

Thai wisdom Learning Center – Simple community along the Chao Phraya River

End the trip to the old city of Ayutthaya at a simple community along the Chao Phraya River which is Ko Gerd Community. The community has a peaceful and simple way of life, most of the villagers are farmers who live according to the philosophy of Sufficiency Economy of King Rama IX.

Thai Wisdom – Ko Gerd Community Products Learning Center

Ko Gerd community is not only peaceful and simple, but also full of smiles and warm hospitality. There is a learning center that is ready to pass on wisdom and skills to visitors. Experience the way of life of the people in the community and join in activities. Feel the charm of the community especially the demonstration of making rare Thai desserts such as Khao Ya Koo, Thai dessert which is said to have existed since the Buddha’s lifetime era. Therefore, the identity of the community that has been highly mentioned.

Ya Koo snack and rice milk – Rare Thai Dessert Learning Center
Unique dessert of Ko Gerd community

Ya Koo Rice Milk made from soft grain rice which offers a light aroma, fullness and light for stomach. It completes with beneficial nutrients, increases the immune system, drives out gas, helps digestion, contains low fat and cholesterol-free.

Making Ya Koo snack – Unique dessert of the community

1. Use soft rice soaked in water (Hom Matoom rice). Pound the whole ear of rice mixed with pandan leaves cut into small pieces until the grain is broken. Then filter rice water mixed with white thin cloth.
2. Filter rice flour with white thin cloth.
3. When filtered, pour the mixture into the pan on low heat. Add coconut sugar (Or refined sugar) and stir until the sugar dissolves. Then use medium heat and stir the mixture (stir in the same way and be careful not to let the mixture sticked to the pan).
4. Stir for about 20 minutes or until sticky. Scoop the mixture into the banana leaf or the prepared container then topped with fresh coconut milk. If serving hot, it will be very delicious, sweet and mellow.

In addition, Aunt Lamphun’s home also offers Thai wisdom physical therapy services.

Pay respect to the monks and see the old temples from the Ayutthaya period. Center of Buddhist Faith – Ko Gerd Community

Visitors can take a tram or ride a bicycle to pay homage to the Buddha image, “Luang Pho Dam”, Wat Phaya, the sacred Buddha image from the Ayutthaya period.

Wat Phayayat known as Wat Nok, was the first temple built in the community since the Ayutthaya period around 2100 BE, located on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. Inside the viharn, there is Luang Pho Dam (Pak Daeng), an ancient Buddha image from the Ayutthaya period.

Wat Choeng Tha, an ancient temple in the Ayutthaya period located next to the Chao Phraya River. Inside the temple, there is an over 100 years old old Buddha image found in the Chao Phraya River in front of the temple in 2014.
In front of the waterfront temple there are many large Bodhi and Takhian trees, Chao Mae Takian Shrine and the monument of King Taksin the Great.

Ko Gerd Homestay Ayutthaya – Clean accommodation, relaxing atmosphere. Warm and simple community lifestyle

Ecotourism, Experience the community way of life – Learn about traditions and cultures
Ko Gerd, Ayutthaya Province

Enjoy slow life lifestyle with various activities such as:

• Give alms to the monks in the morning.
• Day trip around the village.
• Joining activities in the community.
• Learn local wisdom such as Thai herbal medicine making, making local Thai desserts such as Khao Ya Koo, Khanom Kong, Samklaw, Kalamee and traditional crispy noodles.
• Cycling activities, pay homage to the Buddha statue, visit the temples from Ayutthaya period “Wat Phayayat” and “Wat Choeng Tha”.
• Nature study activities such as watching rice farming.
• Take a boat trip and see the lifestyle of the Chao Phraya River Community.
• Join traditional dance with the youth.
• Various knowledge that is transmitted to people in the community including people who come to study.

Water activities

• Take a boat ride to see the way of life of the community of the Chao Phraya River Basin.
• Take a boat ride to see local fishermen way of life (River prawn fishing).
• There are both small boats, large boats and also a tram service provided for tourists.

Other activities to do:

• Cruise on the Chao Phraya River to Wat Niwet Thammaprawat or take a tram to Ko Gerd Arts and Crafts Center.

OTOP Products

Local souvenirs and food – Ko Gerd community

• Khao Ya Koo
• Herbal bolus
• Miniatures products
• Khanom Kong
• Kalamae

Kaem Ling Nong Yai – Generosity of King Rama IX – The first Kaem Ling project in Thailand. The first check-in point of this trip, we will take you to Kaem Ling Nong Yai, Chumphon Province, the area that has been blessed by the generosity from King Rama IX that helped people who live in the area survive the great flood. Kaem Ling Nong Yai nowadays is a remarkable tourist attractions with beautiful scenery and famous landmarks. Enjoy the view and take beautiful pictures on the S-shaped wooden bridge that stretches into the middle of the reservoir. It is an outstanding viewing point, especially in the morning and in the evening when the sunlight shines against the water surface. And enjoy watching a herd of deer on the banks of the river in the learning center.

The King’s Philosophy Learning Center –
Based on the philosophy of sufficiency economy

Nong Yai Area Development Project under the Royal Initiative – Chumphon Province

The project area is divided into 3 areas: forest area; agricultural area, the area where farmers and students come to study or have lecture about agriculture; and the number 9 island where Phato Conservation And Watershed Management Unit building is located and homestay services are provided.

Crab’s Bank

Crab eggs will be deposited and raised by Macha Street Community Enterprise before released into the sea

Crab’s Bank is one of the famous tourist attractions in Chumphon. Crab’s Bank accepts crabs with eggs from local fishermen. Crabs with eggs will be deposited to the bank until baby crabs are born and raised to a certain size. After that the crabs will be released back to the sea.

Thung Maha Bay, Pathio District, Chumphon Province
Dive in to see a field of sea anemones and whale sharks

Ko Ran Pet Ko Ran Kai

Visit Ko Ran Pet Ko Ran Kai, Chumphon’s popular diving site, the island that is said to be a paradise for divers. Ko Ran Pet Ko Ran Kai is a small uninhabited island with spots for snorkeling, scuba diving and free diving. In addition to the beautiful scenery of the sea, we may be fortunate enough to see a whale shark, a new endangered animal of Thailand.

 

 

Macao, Macao SAR, November 25, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / The Macao Special Administrative Region Government launched the “Tour Macao Carnival” early this month to spotlight Macao as a safe destination, weaving together the Macau Grand Prix, Macau Food Festival and other activities for tourism promotion. The Macau Grand Prix kicked off yesterday. On the race practice day (20 November), Macao registered over 28,000 visitor arrivals, the highest daily record over the past nine months.

An array of motor races will fill the Guia Circuit with exciting moments throughout the three-day Macau Grand Prix. Various pertinent community activities will also be held in Macao’s different districts and Coloane this weekend, in addition to Macau Food Festival among the series of events, set to create a multiplying effect and enliven the city with carnival vibes. Macao Government Tourism Office has been making strenuous efforts to further promote the destination in a diversity of ways and strive for more visitations from the Mainland to Macao during festivals and holidays. Special endeavors are made to showcase Macau as a safe and fascinating destination, to bolster travelers’ confidence and revive Macao’s tourism industry.

Geneva, Switzerland, November 24, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / The COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated vulnerabilities in food systems – highlighting the insecurity of rural livelihoods, the tragedy of food waste, and stark inequities in access to healthy food. As the global population races to 10 billion, more needs to be done to feed the planet while tackling the environmental impact of agriculture and addressing lack of biodiversity.

To mobilize the coordinated and large-scale action needed to support our future, the World Economic Forum and13 organizations from the public and private sectors have partnered on the Bold Actions for Food as a Force for Good event from 23-24 November 2020.

Next week’s meeting brings together a global network of leaders who can drive transformational change in the food industry; identify potential ‘game changer’ initiatives and necessary action plans for a more sustainable food system; and bring onboard different perspectives from all over the world. The virtual event has been independently organised in support of the United Nation’s 2021 Food Systems Summit.

Key sessions will be livestreamed on the Forum’s website. To participate in the meeting, ask questions and share ideas, please register for the Forum’s TopLink platform.

The event will cover five key themes, aligned with the five Action Tracks of the UN Summit, including:

• Safe and Nutritious Food for All
• Sustainable Consumption Patterns
• Nature-Positive Production
• Equitable Livelihoods
• Resilience

Key sessions to watch:

• A Vision for Food Systems of the Future: What do we need to know and what can be done to tackle the urgent food crisis from the perspectives of ministers, farmers, young entrepreneurs, influencers and others.
• Building a Stronger Food System: Game-changing initiatives and solutions that could make the food system more sustainable and equitable.
• Innovation Challenges: Wageningen University and One Young World will host sessions featuring new innovations from young students and entrepreneurs.
• Closing Plenary: This session will provide an overview of the priorities and commitments from multiple stakeholders across the two-day event.

This joint-partner organized event is co-led by the World Economic Forum, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), World Farmers Organization, World Business Council for Sustainable Development, Unilever, PepsiCo, Royal DSM, Rabobank, One Young World, Tufts University’s Friedman School of Nutrition Science & Policy, Wageningen University & Research, and the Government of The Netherlands.