Travel Tips : Asanha Bucha day and the beginning of Buddhist Lent

Today 11 July 2014 it was/is Asanha Bucha which will be followed by Khao Phansa (start of Buddhist lent) tomorrow. For the most western people in Thailand it will be noticed as 2 days of not selling alcohol and that many (if not all) bars will be closed. But for most Thai it is the beginning of the time that Buddhist monks remain within the temple grounds and do not venture out for a period of three months starting from the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month (in July) to the fifteenth day of the waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month (in October). In former times, this is done to prevent monks from trampling upon rice paddies when they venture out to receive offerings from the villagers. This period is translated as "Lent" because many lay people choose to be strict about keeping the precepts and even refrain from eating meat. Thanks for reminding me Tony.

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Travel Tips : Suggested motorbike routes in Nan province

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About accommodation in Nan town

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Although Nan province is (luckily) not as much visited by tourists as example  Chiang Mai , there is a good  variety of accommodation all over Nan province. Currently there are quite a few new Guesthouses, Homestay's and Hotels being openend in  Nan town  and  Pua . As said Nan province is not busy tourists like Chiang Mai but during Public Holidays / Long Weekends (especially during the cool season) many Thai people will find their way to Nan province. During those days it might be a good idea to make a reservation in advance. Be aware that when using booking websites like   Booking, Agoda or Airbnb.  t hat the term "Nan suburbs" could mean the hotel is in Pua, what is 60 km north of Nan town. Not really a suburb!  As Nan province is not (yet) a tourist destination for foreigners you might experience that staff at your accommodation is not or limited able to speak English. Not all accommodation in Nan province can be booked via Agoda or Booking. Some accommodation do not
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Destination Travel Guide Nan in North Thailand

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On the motorbike along the famous 1148 from Nan to Chiang Kham

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Stone carved lintel at Prasat Phanom Rung in Buriram

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Travel Tips : Loei province Tourist Attractions map

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