Museums to Visit in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is world-renowned when it comes to the field of art and culture. Finding just how much it has to offer to its visitors from around the world is overwhelming. It is noted for its historical landmarks, attractions, art exhibitions, castles and museums found all over the provinces of the Netherlands. Because they are noted in the art and culture, they boast of some museums that are frequented by tourists from around the world.. Here is a range of the finest museums in the Netherlands.

Van Gogh Museum

This is regarded as one of the most beloved attractions in Amsterdam. It houses an fabulous range of Van Gogh's works. The diversity of the style of his paintings shows how talented this artist was. His works were very unique and at the same time varied that you can't believe all of them are done by only one artist.

This museum is usually full of visitors but don't worry for it has a huge exhibit rooms that can adapt a large number of people. It also has platform seating where one can rest and study his works.

Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum is a national museum located at Museumplein, Amsterdam. It's an assortment of paintings, pottery, crafts, and statues. It has also includes a vast range of works from the Dutch Golden Age and the Asian Art. But as of this moment, the museum is undergoing reparation and will reopen in one two years time.

Boymans van Beuningen Museum

This museum has a diverse range of arts from the early Middle Ages to the modern 21st century. It town more on the Dutch art though many other collections have been added straight through the years.

Singer Laren Museum

This is a museum dedicated particularly to works of American artist William Henry Singer and his wife who came to Laren, a province of North Holland. It also includes a range of paintings of visiting artists.

Open Air Museum (Openluchtmuseum)

The Netherlands Open Air Museum is located in Arnhem. The museum makes use of aged houses, farmhouses and factories to reenact the old way of life in the Netherlands.

Anne Frank House

It is a museum in Amsterdam dedicated to where Anne Frank, a Jewish immigrant, went into hiding with her house to fly persecution of the Nazis and wrote her noted diary. Her traditional diary and writings are exhibited in the museum.

There are many other beautiful places to visit while in the Netherlands. Insego is a good reserved supply for Finding a wide range of tourist spots in Netherlands.

Requirements For a Thailand Representative Office

Introduction: A Representative Office allows a foreign enterprise to develop a physical place of operations in Thailand. The enterprise is then allowed to use the Office to engage in minute non-trading activities inside of the country. These activities are minute to operations that non-revenue-earning activities in Thailand that are listed below. To be eligible for a Representative Office a enterprise needs to have exact operational purposes in Thailand and must complete the significant filing process. Once these two requirements have been met and the government has stylish the application the enterprise will be subject to a few legal requirements to sound the Representative Office, but will receive numerous benefits and the capability to operate inside of Thailand.

Purpose requirements: To originate a Representative Office in Thailand a foreign company's purpose must be one of the following:

· To search for a source of products or services in Thailand that will be used or sold by the enterprise overseas,

· To ensure the capability or quantity of the products made in Thailand,

· To provide the enterprise with guidance concerning which goods or services should be acquired,

· To provide information to individuals in Thailand concerning the company's products or services, or

· To forewarn the enterprise about Thai economic activities.

Notes: The Representative Office must complete at least one of the listed purposes to be operational. However, the Office may not achieve activities exterior of those listed purposes.

Filing Requirements: If a foreign enterprise is setting up a Representative Office for one of the above purposes application process may begin. First, the enterprise must have an Alien enterprise Permit in order to develop a Representative Office. Second, once an Alien enterprise Permit has been acquired the following is a list of documents that must be submitted to the market Registrar along with the significant application:

· Proof of an Alien enterprise Permit,

· An affidavit from the owner or corporate officer that states the company's name, its registration number, its date of registration, its address, and what jurisdiction the enterprise is registered under,

· A list of the company's directors with their names, addresses, nationalities, ages, races, amount of shares held, and information on which directors have the power to bind the company,

· A copy of the company's Articles of Incorporation or Memorandum of Association,

· A copy of the company's Articles of Association,

· An list of the company's capital, the amount of shares along with the par value of each, and the amount of capital stock that has been paid up (the amount of capital assigned to the Representative Office must be 5 million baht over a duration of five years with 2 million baht allocated for the first year),

· A list of the company's shareholders, their nationalities and amount of shares held by each,

· Any documents proving that the Representative Office's owner will have adequate power of attorney to run the enterprise (if the owner is a foreign citizen then a copy of the manager's passport must also be provided and if the owner is Thai then a copy of his or her national Id and household registration must be provided.)

The following is a list of documents that might be needed for the application to be fully processed:

· An literal, article of the company's purpose in Thailand

· An list of why the Office is necessary

· A projection of the impact the Office will have on the Thai economy and society

· A Thai translation of the company's financial article for the last three years

· A list of employees who will work at the Office including their names and salaries

· A prediction for the Office's expenses over the next three years

· An list of the machinery and office equipment to be used at the Office.

Notes: All documents must be notarized at the Notary social before being submitted to the market Registrar.

Benefits and Legal Requirements after Creation: Having a Representative Office in Thailand comes with numerous benefits, the important among which is that enterprise will be able to directly interact with the products, services and information in Thailand. Additionally, Representative Offices regularly are exempt from paying revenue taxes. Also, two work permits are automatically ready to foreign citizens if the office whether advises its enterprise about the Thai economy, advices its enterprise on products or services or provides information inside of Thailand. Five work permits are automatically ready to foreign citizens if the office searches for sources of products and services or ensures the capability and quantity of the products and services.

However, the Representative office must submit an yearly article to the Ministry of business about its activities. Additionally, the Representative Office will have to pay a minimum government fee of 20,000 baht and a maximum government fee of 250,000 baht. These fees are based on the amount capital held by the foreign enterprise with 5 baht expensed for every 1,000 baht of capital held.

Smokey Mountain Cabins - There Is Only One!

Did you know there are no Smokey Mountain cabins for vacation rentals inside the Great Smokey Mountains National Park -- except one! It's called Leconte Lodge. Even though the National Park Service's Leconte Lodge is called a lodge, it also includes rental log cabins. These are the only cabins for vacation rentals inside the national park.

To get there, do you just hop in your car and drive up to the front door? No way! There's no road to these Smokey Mountain rental cabins. If you want to stay there, the only way in is by hiking! Talk about Smokey Mountain secluded cabins -- it's a hike of over 5 miles if you're up to it. Lots of folks do just that, as this Smokey Mountain cabins factory fills up fast while the summer. Not only does it fill up fast, you may have to wait months to get a cabin reservation.

Located at more than 6,500 feet elevation, these Smokies rental cabins are very popular. put in order for a hanger-on bath. While there is running water for the toilets, there is no electricity. Kerosene lanterns will supply you with light. You won't be blow-drying your hair or watching reruns while here. It's life somewhat like it used to be many generations ago.

These Smokey Mountain cabins only have a capacity of up to fifty guests per night housed in whether handmade log cabins or group sleeping lodges. The cabins have upper and lower duplicate bunk beds, which are great for two couples or a house of four or five persons. Each of the larger cabin lodges can sleep from ten to thirteen persons.

For your Leconte stay, make sure you bring sturdy shoes that you have already broken in. include more than one turn of socks in case your feet get wet. Layered, lightweight clothing will give you the flexibility to add more or take it off as temperatures change. A warm sweater or jacket is advisable and a lightweight raincoat or poncho is nothing else but essential. Nature shows no mercy for those unprepared for the sudden changes in weather. Summer nights can dip into the 40's, while in spring and fall, night temperatures can drop into the teens with snowfall.

No need to bring suitcases and other cumbersome luggage. A light backpack should be what you use for your necessities since personal clothing and toiletries are all you nothing else but need. Remember, it's a 5-mile hike to enjoy these very special Smokey Mountain cabins.

The Great Smokey Mountain National Park is about half in North Carolina and half in Tennessee. Leconte Lodge is located on Leconte Mountain which is on the Tennessee side in the national park. But you won't know which state you're in. Does it nothing else but matter? You Will know that you are away from civilization in a gorgeous unspoiled mountain retreat. whether you stay in Leconte Lodge or other Smokey Mountain log cabins outside the park, once you've been there, it's easy to see why the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the #1 visited national park in the Usa.

Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing

Static Homes For Sale: A New Lifestyle

In the past static homes have unfairly been portrayed as a cheap and nasty option to financial misadventures. How times have changed. Today, due to the revision of their design, construction and the pressures of the remnants of the global financial crisis, they are now a great alternative to more precious forms of housing offered in highly affluent areas.

Static homes firstly save one money due to the reduced labour costs required in their construction. While normal houses need to have materials required in their construction to be delivered onsite and put together and complete off using numerous trades people; builders, plumbers, electricians, painters, tillers and landscapers, these homes are built in factories and then moved to their location via communal roads and tractor-trailers. The logistics required to achieve this task is quite the spectacle.
One advantage of construction them in factories is that the time required to organize them is quicker. This is because you are not faced with adverse weather conditions that may slow normal house construction such as rain and storms.

As weather patterns alter in response to atmosphere change, purchasing static homes for sale is one viable option to overcome natural disasters. If given enough warning of bushfires and floods, for example, one can naturally move their home to a safer ground, salvage it and their possessions. The cascading corollary of this means that the cost of guarnatee policies may be reduced and no claim bonuses can be kept, additional salvage you money.

Most people connect a static home as having to be located within a static home community such as a caravan park. They can however be located on most properties, although one should check council regulations. As the initial outlay of static homes for sale can be lower than their brick and mortar counterparts, one can place them in a higher capability suburb at a reduced cost. As land value increases in the area, your investment likewise will continue to increase. Money can also be saved as guarnatee and asset taxes are not as expensive in this form of housing.

In addition the normal day-to-day living expenses are somewhat lower in a static home than more customary dwellings. Being smaller in space means heating and cooling is more productive and cost effective. It also means that less paint and amount of cleaning products are needed for normal maintenance.

One should not be implicated about the facilities within the house itself. They come adequate with all the modern conveniences such as ovens; fridges, cook tops, microwaves, showers, baths, toilets, En Suites, televisions, cut off dining areas, double glazing and even gas fireplaces. Of course the more a static home has in it the more expensive it will be.

Buying a static home nowadays offers more than just a salvage to your bank account. It can allow you to live the lifestyle that you deserve without the price tag that goes with it.

3 Romantic Ideas for Vacation

There are assorted ways of manufacture a romantic vacation. It doesn't matter either it is on the sand, in the a forest or in a busy city you both can change and build your own romantic atmosphere. Here are some examples to give you ideas of romantic vacation that you can have.

1. Cruise ship. This is the classic romantic honeymoon way which many newlyweds often choose. There are many types of cruises that may suit your needs. Build the romantic feelings by isolating yourselves out at sea. You may have a former warm-water cruise or more active one, 'party-boats'. It very much depends on your budget. By the way, make sure it is within your budget. Run out of money will destroy the 'romantic' that you both want.

2. Beaches are always a good choice for honeymoon. By looking at the sunset, laying out on the beach covered by palm trees, It will give you more free time and sell out your stress. There are a lot of fun activities that you can take part like scuba diving, snorkeling. However if you want the simple one, means less cost you can play kites together on the beach. It is romantic although it sounds like childish. It's a good try.

3. Rent a cabin in the wilderness place surrounded by mountains near a lake. This is convenient for those couples who love the nature scenes. Colorado provides the best choices for you where the place is built special for couples who desire a romantic moments and scenes. Hiking and after that take a break by enjoy some food together, it is romantic. This is an affordable honeymoon that will not disenchant you at all, if you authentically like this type.

No matter where you determine to go, make sure that it fulfills both desires and needs. That is authentically matters. In expanding do not forget that you must make your budget so that you will not run out of money and destroy your time.

Should I Barter For all I Want in Thailand?

While it is common, and even expected, to negotiate prices for homes or cars, most of those in the Western world would never dream of doing so in a store or with a vendor. The price is marked on a price tag, so that is what we pay. It would be rude to haggle, not to mention futile. In Thailand, as in most of Asia, bartering is the norm, and in fact, it is rude not to barter. For those unfamiliar with this tradition, how do you know when to barter and when to pay the asking price? How do you ensure you are paying the allowable price that is fair to both you and the vendor?

Just as you can be view rude or uncouth for failing to barter with vendors, so too can you be view arrogant or cheap if you barter at the wrong time. Many in the Middle East and, to a lesser extent, Asia believe that there is nothing on Earth for which you cannot barter. In terms of cultural faux pas, though, you want to stay away from bartering in group stores, malls, grocery stores, or for scheduled buses or ferries. If you are dining at a bistro by yourself or with a small party, you will not want to barter.

There are a few exceptions, however. If you are eating with a large party, you may negotiate the rates before you eat. If you do it after, you will be looked upon as very cheap or unknowledgeable. You may sometimes barter the price for high mark items in a group store, such as jewelry, or when you are buying an item in bulk. You may also offer to pay cash for a discount. Some stores will take off five to ten percent if you use cash instead of a prestige card, but this is far from universal.

Before you hit the streets of Thailand, brush up on your bartering skills. While there are some intricacies you should know, in general, you want to be very pleasant. Never raise your voice, and treat bartering like a game. It can be intimidating for the uninitiated, but it helps to know that this is largely meant to be an enjoyable experience for seller and buyer. Start in Thai, saying, "Sawadee krap/ka, nee tao rai na krap/ka?" or "Hello. How much is this?"

Don't take it too seriously, play along, and above all, all the time pay a fair price for goods. Vendors will often take off ten to twenty-five percent of their asking price straight through the bargaining process; unless it is a very expensive item, don't haggle too much more than that. Remember that as a tourist, you have considerably more money than the vendor.

Setting Life Goals For singular Childless 40+ Women

An Old year gone a New Year begins setting life goals for the particular childless 40+woman, a time for much reflection. We look back not only on the past year, but the past years accomplishments or lack thereof. It is never too late to begin setting new goals. Many particular women look back and think their regrets of decisions made years earlier. Aging tends to bring on serious soul searching and contemplation of life. Entering a New Year once again brings reassessing and production new resolutions, or goals or plans for a fresh new start.

This is an awesome time for to set new goals and make changes, and/or alter in our mundane lives. We have become creatures of habit; what changes can we make that will make our lives more intriguing? Try new things. There must be a challenge that you have conspiratorially wanted to meet. What has held you back? Fear, imagining it's too late, imagining it ridiculous? Why not take the chance on a challenge this year. Challenge yourself to do something out of the ordinary, and make it work! Isn't it time you live your life with some adventure.

In setting life goals, this can all turn in 2010. You can be that risk taker, aim high and challenge yourself. Then immediately find an responsibility partner; person who will hold you to task to meeting that goal. There is an power that comes from meeting the challenge. An excitement to know that this 'mission' that you see as unimaginable will become your burning aspiration. Here are some ideas: Changing your job or career, going back to school, beginning your own business, selling some of your art, songs, crafts, writings, doing a demo Cd, writing (articles, blogs, a book), going sky diving, bungy jumping, take an art or photography class, become a volunteer at a nursing home, a mentor at a Boys and Girls Club, go to your local hospital volunteer to sit with cancer patients (adult or children), send letters and packages to soldiers in the service, become technology or public media savvy (get a Facebook/Twitter accounts) and associate with friends/family and other women who share your interests. Find a cause that you are passionate about and dedicate at least an hour a week to it.

Once you have set your goal/challenge journal your progress. If you compass your journey you will read back at year end and survey your accomplishments. This may take some reorganization of priorities. Spend more time focusing on your dream; this may mean less time watching Tv. Discipline yourself to on task and if you find you are veering off alter your methods and continue to press transmit towards setting your life goals.

One year ago I searched the web for information geared towards particular childless 40+ women and there was not a strong proximity representing us. I set out to speak to other particular childless women and started The Big Girl Talk weblog. My mission now is through The Bgt sisterhood/weblog to acquire other women who meet the prototype and become a reserved supply and networking community. In this sorority you will find your safe haven and platform where you the Sc40+ woman's voice will heard.

In setting life goals what challenges would you want to meet this advent year? And how would they improve your life?

Brides in Bikinis - The Bahamas

If you are seeing for the exquisite destination for your honeymoon, the Bahamas will not disappoint. With powdery white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters, you and your new spouse can celebrate your love in paradise. There are only a few things you need to do before you can enjoy the Bahamas. First, if you are a new wife, you will need to get a passport name turn and make sure your new husband can locate his passport and renew it if needed. Secondly, you will need to whether make plane or cruise arrangement. Next, grab your bikini, have an remarkable wedding, and get ready to soak up the sun.

There is a huge range of hotels and resorts that offer super affordable hotel packages available just for honeymooners. If you go online and do a tiny research, there are tons of packages that comprise beautiful rooms, breakfasts in bed, candlelight dinners, scuba excursions, and free gifts available at many resorts and hotels. Resorts on many of the islands offer these packages that are exclusive to newlyweds, giving you the chance to have an remarkable honeymoon for a much more affordable price.

During your honeymoon, you and your new partner have so many ways you can spend your time as a newly married couple. The Bahamas is a natural splendor, and there is as much to peruse on shore as their is in the ocean. Share a hammock under some shady palm trees along the beach, or watch the sun go down into the water with a chilly tropical drink in your hand. peruse some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, and swim with some dolphins and sea lions. Take a canoe and see the parts of the Bahamas off the beaten path, or go horseback riding along the beach.

The Bahamas is celebrated for its duty-free shopping and remarkable food. Eat at a chic epicurean seafood bistro one night and hit a local hotspot the next. Buy handcrafted clothing, accessories, jewelry, and much more from the shops and vendors that populate the streets of the Bahamas. At night, the real fun begins. whether you want to relax to the sounds of local musicians or dance all night at a flashy nightclub to the sound of a Dj, the Bahamas has something separate for every night of your honeymoon. Visit the world celebrated Crystal Palace Resort or the Atlantis Resort, settled on Paradise Island.

Enjoy your newlywed status relaxing on the pure white sands of the Bahamas. Order a drink in a pineapple and sit in the shallow sandbars. Spend a day exploring the celebrated streets of the Bahamas and hit a local bar for a night of dancing with your new spouse. Sit together and watch the radiant sun sink below the horizon in a display of pink, red, and orange. whether you want to have a honeymoon that is free-style, or packed to the rim with separate adventures, the Bahamas promises to make anyone you choose surreal.

The Abc's of Financial Budgeting

When one speaks of budgeting, it is normally connected with the word management. In that same vein, the word financial is synonymous with money. Therefore by "financial budgeting" what we indeed mean is: money management. And Ladies and gentlemen, it is an art form.

From the largest corporations to the forex traders to itsybitsy Johnny Joseph who wants to buy his own I-Phone, permissible financial budgeting is vital. For the most part it is all about planning and forecasting. No one can predict the time to come but forecasting helps to create a few scenarios of what lies ahead while planning makes the most of it. What I mean by that is that if you anticipate loss in one area, you can compensate by earning more or cutting costs to meet the challenge.

Of course at the corporate levels, there are obviously a handful of professionals whose job it is to do the financial budgeting. It does not mean that an private cannot do an perfect job for him or herself on a smaller scale with a itsybitsy bit of guidance and studying Before anything else you must have a deal with on two things: the plus and the minus. That is what is advent into your accounts and what is going out. That is the first part of financial budgeting.

You can do this one of two ways: You can whether start tracking your expenses and your income over the period of a month, or you can make an estimate based on your experience. Of course, the old is a more accurate way to collate your situation, but if time is of the essence, the latter is Ok as long as you can be accurate. The goal here is to end up in the "green" so to speak. Sadly, this is not the case for most people. The majority of habitancy in the western world spend more than they earn, living off prestige and never becoming debt free. This does not have to be you. With permissible financial budgeting and some logical steps you can turn your situation.

This is why I propose writing all things down to start off with, so that you have a optical of your situation, your expenses etc. You would be amazed at the estimate of areas where you could be recovery money and applying it to something distinct like a withdrawal fund or getting rid of those prestige card debts.

It is important to understand that financial budgeting is a work in progress. The nature of your allocation changes as the factors that make up the equilibrium sheet change. This could be due to changes in the economy, to your job and household income; it could even be the effect of lower heating bills due to climate change. You have to be wise about this and learn to forecast to the best of your ability. The most important thing any way is this: No matter what, always pay yourself a itsybitsy something as well. Put something aside for the time to come because you never know when that rainy day will come.

Christian Women stepping back Preparations - A formula For Success

When Christian women recession for a weekend of renewal, they hope to come back refreshed and rejuvenated. Unfortunately, many problems can arise before and while the retreat, which can negatively affect the impact of the retreat. However, many of these problems can be avoided and prevented. With a minuscule forethought, the Christian women recession can be a very unavoidable experience. The following are 5 preparation tips to ensure a very rewarding Christian women retreat.

1. If you have small children, dispose for childcare well in advance. Sometimes a household funds does not take into account a large sum for an extended babysitter fee. If this is the case, reconsider bartering with someone else mother. You can swap childcare for a aid such as housecleaning. Or, maybe you can swap a few homemade casseroles in replacement for babysitting.

2. get ready some meals that your house can reheat for themselves while you are at your Christian women retreat. A few great suggestions are meatloaf, mashed potatoes, spaghetti, tuna noodle casserole, a large tossed salad, and of course, cookies in the cookie jar. Be sure to also stock the refrigerator with some fresh fruit. Prepackaged snacks are a beloved for the minuscule ones. Be sure to take a few of those snacks and some fruit, and pack them into your own suitcase, too.

3. When packing, bring along a small whole of varied over-the-counter medicines. Necessary medicines include pain reliever, cough medicine, cough drops, allergy medicine, antacids, and anti-diarrhea medicine. Also bring a few band aids and tissues, and don't forget the earplugs to insure your comfort.

4. Check the weather forecast for the area in which you will be staying at your singular Christian women retreat. You will want to be sure to include a jacket, a warm hat, a scarf and a pair of gloves. Sunglasses and sunscreen should also go into your bags.

5. Leave emergency phone numbers at home for your family's use. While you are at your Christian women retreat, you will want to feel at rest that preparations are in place for minor incidences that occur at home. You may want to bring a cell phone, but turn it off for portions of your weekend, checking- in only now and then.

Away From Home on the Holidays - 5 Ways to increase Bookings at Your Rental This Holiday Season

Marketing your vacation property? Start the holiday press now.

Each special promotion, activity, or ornamentation is like a gift for your renters - a minute holiday home adventure. Elucidate the special flair that each home reflects when it is all decked out for the holiday season. The internet is a great place for holiday advertising because it's so instant; swiftly switch in the middle of fall foliage to Christmas & Hanukkah and then transition to New Years Eve. Remember that article is king on the internet so your want to be sure to include all things that keeps your article relevant and fresh.

Here are four simple tips to make your rental stand out in the holiday season.

1) Make sure your site has a holiday look and feel - easier if you have a Cms or dynamic site. There are so many ways to showcase your home, especially on those special occasions, like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa or even New Years Eve. Picture the holiday at a new destination that celebrates another notion of holiday living, of sharing family or friends in a separate perspective. Think of an old New England hamlet or the gentile south, a Western ranch or a beach on a coast

2) Remember to post visitors about any local holiday events or specials you are running at your properties

Be sure to include local events colse to town in sightseeing or dining, or nightlife, or society fun, from town hayrides or clam bakes to holiday parades or the Christmas specials or to the ballet. The anticipated weather, throngs of citizen anticipated this holiday season, or even the privacy that they can have if they 'd rather. This could be a time of establishing a new holiday tradition.

3) If you've got it, flaunt it!

Make sure your advertising reflects any special promotions you are running, this will let it stand out from other listings. Tis the season of giving...remember that electronic gift certificates are even best than regular guests. Not only do you get the sale, but also a new guest! Use your marketing and website to remind customers of holiday specials, any discounts or deals, gift certificates or holiday pricing.

4) Don't forget to open your presents!

Utilize easy to post and free ads such as Craigslist.org and BackPage.com because citizen look there to see whats happening now, not just to plan for the future.

Craigslist is a must, but eBay Classifieds and BackPage.com are similar platforms. Craigslist has been ranked as the 10th most beloved website in the U.S., according to Alexa.com; and this makes it a ready platform to originate responses. Posting Craigslist ads repeatedly can get tiring, but the return on investment (they are free!) is unbeatable. This makes Craigslist advertising an productive but simple tool that makes increased revenues and bookings... And that's a special gift for you!

5) Make sure to let everybody know!

Your vacation rental website is the 'home-base' for your enterprise online. Make sure to keep your website updated with your specials, promotions and holiday theme! If your website isn't easy to update, and you can't swiftly change prices and promotions, it may be time for an upgrade!

Chennai - The South Indian Tradition

Chennai (formerly known as Madras) the capital of Tamil Nadu, lies along the coast of the Bay of Bengal, developed after 1639 when the British East India enterprise established a fort and trading post at the small fishing settlement of Chennai. Over the past three and a half centuries, the small fishing settlement has grown into a bustling metropolis which is especially known for its spaciousness which is lacking in other Indian cities. This characteristic is exemplified by the long esplanade called the Marina and which is lined by impressive structure which remind the casual visitor of the long and inseparable association the city has had with the British. Even elsewhere in the city, one cannot fail to consideration the dominant British influences in the form of old cathedrals, structure in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, wide tree lined avenues.

As a city it continues to speak the best of South Indian traditions. This is not surprising because the region was an foremost centre of Pallavan culture long before the British came here and the traces of which are to be found in the numerous old temples. Thus, the unwary visitor will find Madras more than just a gateway of South India. He shall find it a favorable base to peep into the varied aspects of customary south Indian culture and life styles which intermingle with the contemporary city unblemished with its plush hotels and restaurants - contribution a range of continental and typical south Indian cuisine, long and uncrowded stretches of beaches, contemporary shopping centres which offer customary handicrafts, textiles and much more peculiar to this part of India.

Besides the contemporary city itself, there are some absorbing towns like Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram, each with a rich range of aged temples and an array of customary handicrafts which are very much their own.

Mahabalipuram: renowned for monolithic sculptures on the seashore. These sculptures belong to the period of Pallava Kings who ruled this part of South India many centuries ago. Chariot, Elephant and other huge sculptures out of singular stone is worth seeing.

Kanchipuram: A renowned place for temples and silk sarees. Also one of the place where the Hindu mutt called the Shankaracharya Mutt is situated. Varadaraja Perumal Temple and Kanchi Kamakshi temples are very famous. There are many colonies who involve in weaving pure silk sarees worth finding and purchasing too as it ranges from a simple Rs.2000/- to Rs. 1 Lakh also.

Sriperambudur: On the way to Kanchipuram is other place called the Sriperumbudur, came to light from a sleeping settlement after the assassination of Shri Rajiv Gandhi, India's youngest elected Prime clergyman on May 21, 1991, who in a short span of his politics, brought in a rapid turn information Technolocy, Communications Systems in India.

Dakshinchitra: Situated on the Ecr High way at about 25 Kms. From the centre of Chennai. It is worth spending atleast a day here to see the aged type of common houses of the South India as it depicts the range of houses built in those days to suit their needs. For e.g the fishermens' house in Kerala, Weavers house in Tamilnadu (Kanchipuram), Karnataka, and Andhra. One can also find the handicrafts of these states and many families unmistakably live here and show you how they work on a potters' wheel, weave silk sarees, make glass idols and the same items are sold here. Many volunteers work here to promote the work of these artisans.

Muttukadu: This place is a picnic spot where you can go for boat ride, or row your boat along the backwaters and enjoy the cool zephyr of the sea after 3.00 Pm.

Full Moon Party - Koh Phangan

The full moon party upon Koh Phangan is a very special event. There are few places in this world where you can live out your desert island dreams of palm trees and white sand beaches and still have a blinding night out at a rocking party every month, Koh Phangan is one of them. The town of Had Rin is a vibrant mix of friendly Southern Thai hospitality and the island's unique party culture, creating a place and vibe that could only be found at the origin of this world famous party.

The Full Moon Party is held at Haad Rin Nok, so the many restaurants, pubs and bars in Haad Rin are decorated to attract tourists.At the party, top-name DJs provide many genre of music, like Hip Hop, Dance, R&B, Reggae and lots more. In addition, any number of other performers may join the Party throughout the evening; fire blowers and dancers, face painters and impromptu firework displays among them.

In high season, there are over ten thousand people joining this party, but there are rooms to accommodate them scattered all over Koh Phangan, if you want to stay in Haad Rin you should book a room at least one week before the party. It is possible to stay on Koh Samui and get the ferry over for the party and back again early the next morning.

Police are cracking down on the drug scene at full moon parties, undercover police attend the party to try to catch people dealing or taking drugs. Large fines are the consequence faced by anyone caught. This is a significant change from the early days of the Full Moon Party when drug taking was actively encouraged upon Koh Phangan.

With the global notoriety that the Full moon party has gained as being one of the biggest and best beach bashes in the world, Koh Phangan gets more than its fair share of hedonists gracing its shores. Few know that the first Full Moon Party actually started as a going away bash for a friend of the owner of Paradise Bungalows on Haad Rin beach, which just happened to be at full moon.Each year the scene on Koh Phangan grows with the ever-increasing number of party faithful that return, bringing their friends and spreading the vibe.

koh chang White Sand beach

The Koh Chang largest island around Marine Park archipelago. Best visited outside of the monsoon season -- which runs from about June to September -- the sea is warm and clear, the beaches for the most part white and sandy Most of the beaches are on the western coast, and each has built up with a distinctive atmosphere based on shopping, activities, partying or chilling out. Accommodation offers a style to suit every type of traveller, from independent low budget backpackers to those wanting a touch of luxury.

West coast areas white Sand beach, Kai Bae/Khlong Prao and Lonely/Bailan. White Sands is more modern than the others, reminiscent of koh chang, or indeed its aspired cousin strip is gorgeous on the eye with its quaint village appearance, plenty of quirky shops and bars -- certainly more of a vibe tropical island

Koh Cnang History

Battle of Koh Chang. (Thai : Yutthanavy Koh Chang.)


When King Rama V was in power on the throne played an important role during negotiations with France, Thai government inevitably made a treaty with France granting the area of current Trat Province to the western country in order that France would withdraw its force from Chanthaburi Province. Later, on March 23, 1906, the King had to grant areas, namely Pratabong, Siem Reap and Sri Sophon to France in exchange with Trat, islands and towns on the right bank of Mekong River. Hailed as a triumph for Thailand, the people of Trat erected the Rama V Monument which today can be seen at the City Hall and to this very day they celebrate 23 March as their ‘Independence Day’ and the ‘Trat Recalling Day’ is held every year to commemorate these events and the King who freed Trat from foreign rule.

While nationalistic demonstrations and anti-French rallies were held in Bangkok, border skirmishes erupted along the Mekong frontier. The superior Royal Thai Air Force conducted daytime bombing runs over Vientiane, Sisophon, and Battambang with impunity. The French retaliated with their own planes, but the damage caused was less than equal. The activities of the Thai air force, particularly in the field of dive-bombing,was such that Admiral Jean Decoux, the governor of French Indochina, grudgingly remarked that the Thai planes seemed to have been flown by men with plenty of war experience.



In early January 1941, the Thai Burapha and Isan Armies launched their offensive on Laos and Cambodia. French resistance was instantaneous, but many units were simply swept along by the better-equipped Thai forces. The Thais swiftly took Laos, but Cambodia was more difficult to take.

At dawn on January 16, 1941 the French launched a large counterattack on the Thai-held villages of Yang Dang Khum and Phum Preav, initiating the fiercest battle of the war. Because of over-complicated orders and nonexistent intelligence, the French counterattacks were stopped and fighting ended with a French withdrawal from the area. The Thais were unable to pursue the retreating French, as their forward tanks were kept in check by the gunnery of French Foreign Legion artillerists.

As the situation on land was exacerbating for the French, Admiral Decoux ordered the available French naval forces into action in the Gulf of Thailand. In the early morning of January 17, the French navy caught a Thai naval detachment at anchor off the island of Koh Chang. The subsequent Battle of Koh Chang proved a victory for the French and resulted in the sinking of two Thai torpedo boats and a coastal defence ship.

January 17, 1941 Royal Thai Navy engaged the French in a major naval battle in the waters to the South East of Koh Chang, during the French-Thai War and resulted in a decisive victory by the French over the Thai Navy. Despite the fall of France in 1940 the Vichy government still held sway over France's colonial territories abroad. One of these territories was French Indochina, what we know today as Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. With the defeat of mainland France, obvious doubt was thrown over her ability to defend the far-flung outposts of the empire. French Indochina held a particular attraction to her neighbour to the west, Thailand.

During the war years, one of the aims of the Siamese (Thai) military government was to promote patriotism among Thai people. The sentiment of the day was to reclaim Siam’s former conquered lands in Indochina. These lands had been lost through a series of treaties and forced annexations by colonial France during the period of 1867-1906, under the reign of King Chulalongkorn. The defeat of France by the Nazi military stimulated the Thai military government to think about regaining the lost territories.



In late 1940 the Thais began a series of raids by troops and aircraft against the French possessions, aimed at annexing those parts of French Indochina which the French were unable to hold on to. These attacks tended to concentrate in the coastal regions of Cambodia, to the west of Saigon. The Thais naturally saw themselves as filling a vacuum which had been created by the deflation of French colonial power. The French, however, had other ideas and a state of war was assumed between Vichy France and Thailand (then still often referred to as Siam). Since the main thrust of the Thai assaults had been along the coast, the French considered a naval operation against the invaders, although there was grave concern over strengths of the Thai armed forces which would oppose such a mission.

The Royal Thai Navy had been modernized with the recent acquisition of vessels from Japan and Italy. The major units of the fleet included two Japanese-built armoured coast defence vessels which displaced 2,500 tons and carried 8" guns, two older British built armoured gunboats with 6" guns, twelve torpedo boats and four submarines. In addition the Royal Thai Air Force had in its inventory over 140 aircraft, including relatively modern Mitsubishi Ki-30 light bombers, which saw extensive service against the French. These aircraft in themselves were quite capable of causing severe damage to any French naval mission which may be mounted. Other less capable aircraft in the Thai inventory included P-36 Hawk fighters, 70 Chance-Vought O2U-2 Corsair biplanes, 6 Martin B-10 bombers and several Avro 504 trainers.



Despite the strengths of the Thai forces the French Governor General of Indochina and Commander-in-Chief Naval Forces, Admiral Jean Decoux, decided that the naval mission should go ahead. A small squadron, the Groupe Occasionnel, was formed on 9th December 1940 at Cam Ranh Bay, near Saigon, under the command of Capitaine de Vaisseau Régis Bérenger. The squadron consisted of the light cruiser Lamotte-Piquet, the colonial sloops Dumont d'Urville and Amiral Charner, and the older sloops Tahure and Marne. There was no air cover to speak of, apart from eight Loire 130 seaplanes based at Ream which provided reconnaissance. Additional scouting was provided by three coastal survey craft, and intelligence gleaned from the local fishermen.



Bérenger's squadron began training manoeuvres in Cam Ranh Bay shortly after coming together. Early in the new year, on January 13, 1941, Admiral Decoux formally requested Bérenger to send the squadron against the Thais to act in support of a land offensive planned for January 16. This operation was intended to throw back Thai forces which had been advancing along the coast. Because of the disparate speeds of the French ships Bérenger sent the slower sloops on ahead, whilst he remained in Saigon to complete the final elements of the plan. Several options were currently being prepared, the Admiralty in Paris having recently given its formal blessing to the use of naval forces in support of the army. The final planning meeting of the 13th saw an immediate delay in the execution of the operation for 24 hours. With the plans finalised, Bérenger sailed in Lamotte-Picquet, the delay in the start of the operation allowing him to refuel at Cap St. Jacques before the rendezvous with the slower ships at 16:00 on the 15th, 20 miles North of Poulo Condore.



The orders from Admiral Decoux were clear and simple, "Attack the Siamese coastal city from Rayong to the Cambodian frontier to force Siamese government to retreat the arms force form Cambodian frontier". On the evening of the 15th, following a final conference on board the flagship, the squadron weighed anchor at 21 15 and closed the Thai coast at 14 knots, the best speed of the sloops. The French ships remained undetected as they entered the Gulf of Siam, but their quarry was not so lucky. The Loire 130s from Ream had completed a sweep of the coast from Trat to Satahib (Sattahip). They had located one coast defence ship and two torpedo boats at Koh Chang, and one gunboat, four torpedo boats and two submarines at Satahib. Their report was sent to Marine Headquarters in Saigon, who retransmitted the report to the Lamotte-Picquet. Bérenger considered his options in the light of this intelligence and opted for a dawn attack on Koh Chang. He discounted an attack on Sattahib because it was not possible for the sloops to reach the port until later in the day, by which time the Thai force was likely to have been alerted to the French presence and the element of surprise would be lost. In addition there was doubt as to the contribution which the harbour defences at Satahib could make. Finally the force at Koh Chang, although formidable, was the weaker of the two and was thought to offer the best chance for victory.

Bérenger's plan of attack was as follows. The squadron would approach at dawn from the South West. Because the anchorage at Koh Chang was surrounded by islands and islets, many of which were over 200 metres high, the squadron would break up and use the cover of the islands to concentrate fire on portions of the Thai squadron whilst covering all the avenues of escape. The easternmost channel was regarded as the most likely route by which a breakout would be made - this was the most suitable route and was also the area in which the recce report had placed the largest Thai ships. The Lamotte-Picquet would head to the eastern side of the anchorage to block this route whilst the colonial sloops blocked the centre and pounded the Thai ships there. The smaller French ships would concentrate to the West.



The French squadron closed on the anchorage at 05:30 on January 17. At 05:45 they split into the three groups as planned, the Lamotte-Picquet heading for the Eastern part of the anchorage, Dumont d'Urville and Amiral Charner continuing to the central position and the Tahure and Marne heading for the Western side. Conditions were perfect — the weather was fine, the seas calm and almost flat. Sunrise was due at 06:30, and the scene was lit only by the first rays of light on the horizon and by the dim moonlight. A final aerial reconnaissance of the target area had been arranged using one of the Ream-based Loire 130s (Lamotte-Picquet carried two such aircraft, but these could not be launched due to catapult problems). At 06:05 the Loire 130 overflew the anchorage and reported two torpedo ships. This came as a nasty surprise to the French — previous reports led them to believe that only one of the torpedo boat was present, but during the night the HTMS Chonburi had arrived to relieve the HTMS Chantaburi, which was to return to Satahib later that day for repairing. Once their presence had been passed to the Lamotte-Picquet the aircraft attempted an attack of its own using bombs, but was forced off by a heavy barrage of fire. The effect of this mission was double edged — the French were now aware that they faced both the Thai units, but the element of surprise had been wasted and there was still thirty minutes to go until sunrise. Caught napping by the oncoming French the Thais desperately began to raise steam and make preparations for slipping their anchors. but the torpedo boats were sunk by gunfire from the Lamotte-Picquet.

At 06:38 the lookouts on the Lamotte-Picquet spotted the coastal defence ship, the HTMS Thonburi, at a range of 10,000 metres heading to the northwest. A running battle ensued with the fire of both ships frequently blocked by the towering islets. The fire from the Thai ship was heavy, but inaccurate. By 07:15 fires could be seen on the HTMS Thonburi, which then found herself engaged not only by the cruiser but also by the sloops. In the beginning of the engagement, a lucky shot from the Lamotte-Picquet killed the captain of the HTMS Thonburi, Commander Luang Phrom Viraphan, and disrupted her operations. Believing they had a better chance of hurting the smaller French ships the Thais shifted their fire onto the Amiral Charner, which soon found 8" salvoes falling around her. The HTMS Thonburi shifted fire back to Lamotte-Picquet after a salvo from the French cruiser put her after turret out of action. Soon she reached the safety of shallow water which the French ships could not enter for fear of grounding, but it all came too late for the hapless Thais as the HTMS Thonburi was burning fiercely and listing heavily to starboard. Her remaining turret was manned and hand and could not fire unless the manoeuvers of the ship put it in appropriate position. At 07:50 the Lamotte-Picquet fired a final salvo of torpedoes at a range of 15,000 metres but lost sight of the HTMS Thonburi behind an island from which she was not seen to emerge.



For the next hour the French ships patrolled the area, picking up survivors and ensuring their victory was total. At 08:40 Bérenger ordered the squadron to head for home, but this coincided with the start of the expected Thai air attacks. Several bombs were dropped close to the Lamotte-Picquet and one hit was scored, although the bomb failed to explode. A vigorous barrage was put up by the ship's AA guns and further attacks were not pressed home. The final raid departed at 09:40, following which the victorious French squadron returned to Saigon.

The French left behind them a scene of total devastation. The HTMS Thonburi was heavily damaged and hard aground on a sand bar in the mouth of the Chantaboun river. She was later raised and repaired by the Japanese, survived the war and was used as a training ship until she was retired. The Thai transport HTMS Chang arrived at Koh Chang shortly after the French departed and took the HTMS Thonburi in tow . The torpedo boats HTMS Chonburi and HTMS Songhkla

had both been sunk. The only survivors were rescued by the torpedo boat HTMS Rayong, the minelayer HTMS Nhong Sarhai and the fishery protection vessel Thiew Uthok. These three ships, which had been sheltering to the north of Koh Chang, wisely chose not to break cover and thus were not observed by the French. At a stroke the cream of the Royal Thai Navy (except the four submarines) had been wiped out. The French were elated, for they had inflicted a defeat as decisive in its way as the Japanese at Tsushima. Their success is all the more notable when the difficulties of navigating and fighting in such confined waters are considered, and given the courage and tenacity which the Thai sailors exhibited during the action (a fact which the French were gracious to accept). In the end though it was all for nought — five days later the Japanese government offered to arbitrate in the search for a peaceful settlement, and soon confirmed the Thai annexations. Even this state of affairs did not last for long, as Thailand was invaded later that year during the attacks on Malaya, and was forced to return her short-lived gains to France at the end of WW2.



HTMS Thonburi was later raised by Royal Thai Navy. She was repaired in Japan and was used as a Training ship until she was decommissioned. Her gun and deck are placed as a memorial in the Royal Thai Naval Academy, Samut Prakan.


During the post-action investigations it was claimed, on the evidence of sailors and the fisherman around Koh Chang, that heavy damage was seen to have been caused to Lamotte-Picquet and her fleet. The report claims that the crew of Lamotte-Picquet spent all of the following night
repairing the damage

The Royal Thai Air Force launched an air strike on the French battle group after the battle. Corpral Chamraj Moungpaseart (who ended his career as a Wing Commander) flew Corsair V 93 S and dropped one 50kg. bomb on Lamotte-Picquet but the bomb failed to explode.

The Indochina war under siege from the French on January 17, 1941 the French Navy crossed into Thai waters and a fierce battle with Thai ships ensued. Whilst the Thais won and were successful in driving away the French, the war which has since been called the ‘Koh Chang Naval Battle ( Thai : Yuttanavy Koh Chang )’ laid claim to numerous Thai lives as well as the three Thai battleships ‘Songkhla’, ‘Chonburi’ and the ‘Thonburi’. As a mark of respect for those who lost there lives fighting for their country the Thai Navy holds a merit. and organise the Recalling Day every year making ceremony each year on January 17.