A new destination for eco-tourists

       Chiang Mai last month carved out a new district, its 25th, and then proceeded to unveil plans to develop and turn it into its latest nature and eco-tourist destination.
       Named after the late Princess Galyani Vadhana the new district,165 kilometres northwest of the provincial town, has a population of 16,000 spread over 21 villages occupying 700-square-kilometres in tambon Ban Chan, Chaem Luang and Mae Dad, said Chiang Mai Governor Amornphan Nimanan.
       The majority of its residents are ethnic Karen, Mong and Lisor hill tribe farmers in employ of royally initiated projects growing vegetable, fruit and other cash crops.
       With pleasant weather all year round,the district is also noted for its vast pine forest around Ban Wat Chan, a village perched at an elevation of 1,000 metres above sea level.
       An existing art and craft centre, now under renovation, will initially serve as the district office, but a new one will be built on an 80-rai plot in tambon Chaem Luang in due course.
       Additionally, there are plans to build a highland sports complex and a herbal study centre for which an allocation of 300 million baht will be sought from the government.
       To get to the new district, take Highway 1095(Mae Malai-Pai) from Chiang Mai town and turn left into ChomchaengBan Muang Rae Road. Alternatively, take a public bus plying the Chiang Mai-Wat Chan route. Tourism memo inked
       The tourism offices of Xishuangbanna in China's Yunnan Province and Chiang Rai have signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate the movement of tourists and logistics along the 1,800-km-long R3A highway linking Kunming with Bangkok.
       The memorandum signed recently in Chiang Khong district seeks to promote land travel and also calls for low-cost air links between Chiang Rai and Jinghong,the main city of Xishuangbanna, said Chiang Rai Governor Sumeth Saengnimnuan.
       Last year some 1.7 million tourists visited Chiang Rai of which 11 per cent were from China. Their number is expected to increase slightly this year. Bird sanctuary
       A newly-opened tourist centre at Talay Noi, a wetland home to some 43,000 birds representing 187 species, in Khuan Khanun district of Phattalung comes fully equipped with high-speed Internet as well as tourist information available to visitors both in Thai and English.
       October to March is high tourist season in this 285,625 rai wetland area during which migrating birds flee harsh winter in the northern hemisphere to seek refuge around this tropical lake, pulling in avid bird-watchers and nature lovers in droves.
       Apart from bird watching, visitors can observe the lifestyle of fishermen inhabiting the wetland and stop by Krajud Rong Fang to watch a group of housewives weaving lepironia mats, baskets and purses. Airport gets a facelift
       Some 5.3 million passengers transited through Phuket International Airport last year and their number is expected to increase to 6.5 million by the end of this year.
       Preparing for the upcoming high tourist season, the airport is planning to spend 30 million baht to polish up its image and present its best face to the arriving tourists.
       According to its Managing Director Pratheung Sornkum, the money will be used to improve road surface around the airport, car park, toilets, passenger terminals and buy two more X-ray security machines.
       The airport also plans to expand its passenger capacity to 12.5 million annually by 2013.NokAir tie-up
       Low-cost airline Nok Air has joined hands with SF Cinema City to sell air tickets via 13 of the latter's outlets in Bangkok and Phuket.
       Nok Air CEO Patee Sarasin said the arrangement would suit those whose lifestyle revolves around cinemas and shopping malls.
       The airline is offering 100 baht discount to those who purchase a roundtrip ticket with 5-kg extra baggage allowance on the Phuket route, and 50 per cent discount coupons redeemable at Budget Car Rental.
       If the tickets are bought at SF Jungceylon in Phuket or at Central Phuket, buyers get 200 baht discount for a BangkokPhuket round-trip.
       The offer is valid until Nov 30. Adventure race
       The 4th Yara Bangkok Challenge 2009,part of the Amazing Thailand Adventure Race Series already run in Kanchanaburi,Chiang Mai and Samui Island, kicks off Nov 14 in Nong Chok district of Bangkok.
       The event is a test of endurance involving trekking, mountain biking, swimming, and canoeing over a distance of 50 kilometres in which two-man teams compete in a gruelling race that lasts hours depending on physical fitness of the participants. More than 100 teams are expected for the race.
       Visit www.ama-events.com for more information. Big field for regatta
       The 23rd King's Cup Regatta scheduled Nov 28-Dec 5 off Kata Beach promises a big field with boats from Australia,Britain, China and Russia joining local teams vying for honours at an event that heralds the start of high tourist season in Phuket.
       Kevin Whitcraft, president of the organising committee, is hoping some 2,000 high spending international tourists to converge in Phuket for the event which is expected to pump some 40 million baht into the local economy.