“Nice, new hotel” reviewed by our guest from United Kingdom

A new affordable hotel, handy for shopping close by and nightlife only minutes away. I had a studio with kitchenette, loads of space, big balcony with sun bed overlooking the pool. Lots of extras including 32 inch TV, DVD/CD, microwave, toaster, kettle and large fridge. No problems at check in/out, service staff all very nice. Will stay there again for sure.

Room Tip: Walk 100 meters to 2nd road, turn left towards Central Festival shopping mall 10 minutes away.

mottmanUk left us their review on Tripadvisor.com

“Good hotel with a kitchen"

Laisir from Hong Kong found At Mind Serviced Residence Pattaya to be “Good hotel with a kitchen”. They have left us their review on Tripadvisor.com dated Oct 1, 2011 after their enjoyable stay with us. They further quote –

“It is value for your baht. I like the new, model design and the rooms with a big balcony and the small kitchen inside. The hotel is in north Pattaya and inside a Soi with two minutes walking distance to shopping street…
This is what they found appealing about us. We would love you to share your review about your experience @ At Mind Serviced Residence too! Enjoy your luxurious stay! http://www.atmindgroup.com/

The Tiffany’s Transvestite Cabaret Show, Pattaya, Thailand – a must see!

Any visit to Pattaya is incomplete without admiring the enchanting ‘Lady Boys’. So amazingly glamorous that would put a lady’s beauty to shame!

TIFFANY’S SHOW is the First ever truly transvestite cabaret show in South East Asia. With over 28 years of stage experiences, the fame of TIFFANY’S SHOW is undeniable and become a recommended tourist destination of the successful growth of Thailand’s most popular resort city , Pattaya City.

Wat Yanasangwararam Woramahawihan

Situated approximately 15 kilometers south of Pattaya City, the temple, which covers a total area of 146 acres, can be reached by turning left from Sukhumvit Road at Km.160 marker. The temple was built in 1976 to pay respect Somdet Phra Yanasangwon, the present Supreme Patriarch and was later graciously admitted to be under the patronage of His Majesty the King. The temple grounds is comprised of: a mondop (pavilion with four gables) enshrining a replica of the Buddha’s footprints, a large stupa where the relics of the Lord Buddha and his disciples are enshrined, Phra Yanaret Vihan and an international pavilion representing the architecture of several countries.

Thailand’s Tourism on the recoup after the Flooding

The tourism situation in Thailand is likely to recover quickly after the flooding, which has eased significantly in many areas of the country, especially Bangkok.

At the Flood Relief Operations Center, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Suraphon Svetasreni, said that the period between October and November is considered the high season for Thailand’s tourism. Although the flooding was at its peak during this period, tourism growth for the whole year is expected to be positive.

Mr. Suraphon said that the Tourism Authority of Thailand in early 2011 had predicted that tourist arrivals this year would be 15-16 million. Later, in the middle of this year, it set a target for tourist arrivals at 19 million. Public relations campaigns were launched in all media channels to restore confidence in the country’s tourism after several countries had issued travel warnings to their people about visiting Thailand due to the flooding situation. Today, those countries are starting to ease the travel warnings, as life in many flooded areas in Thailand is returning to normal.


Although a number of provinces are still suffering from floods, tourism arrivals in such major destinations as Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Krabi continue as usual. According to statistics compiled by the Department of Tourism at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, from January to October 2011, Thailand welcomed almost 15.8 million international visitors, an increase of 25 percent over the same period last year.

A report from the Emergency Operation Center for Flood, Storms, and Landslide indicated that 17 provinces in Thailand are still suffering from floods, and 602 people have died. This flood has affected more than five million people.

Senior Executive Vice President of Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited and Acting General Manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport, Somchai Sawasdeepon, said that flight frequency at Suvarnabhumi Airport during this period was not on the decline, when compared with the same period last year. He explained the flood preventive system in place at Suvarnabhumi Airport, which includes 3.5-meter-high dykes capable of dealing with floods. A special team has also been formed to work with related agencies in monitoring the situation. Suvarnabhumi and other airports are operating normally.

Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, Professor Tongthong Chandransu, in his capacity as the Spokesperson for the Flood Relief Operations Center, said that images of aircraft stranded in deep floodwater at Don Mueang Airport had caused the misconception among travelers wishing to visit Thailand that the country was facing a problem with air traffic. Authorities concerned had clarified this issue to dispel the misconception. The aircraft had, in fact, been decommissioned prior to the flooding.

Photos like this one and from foreign agencies below show a Thai Airways International plane in a flood – but not a currently used Airbus, and not at the main Bangkok airport, which is dry and operating normally.

source: http://thailand.prd.go.th/view_inside.php?id=6000
http://bangkokscoop.com/2011/11/22/thailand%E2%80%99s-tourism-on-the-recoup-after-the-flooding/

Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, Pattaya

While your stay At Mind, don’t forget to visit Pattaya’s Tropical Paradise, the most beautiful BOTANICAL GARDENS in SE Asia! See the elephants playing football, basketball, bowling, dancing and even playing with tourists at Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden – rated amongst the Top 10 Attractions in Pattaya,
Thailand.

If you are looking for things to do in Pattaya, Nong Nooch Garden is a renowned adventure park. A Tropical Paradise! Nong Nooch garden is also dedicated to education, preservation and research as well as the conservation of the world’s LARGEST palm collection, the largest variety of Orchids in Thailand and other tropical flora and fauna.

About the Thai Festival ‘Loy Krathong’

Loi Krathong takes place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. In the western calendar this usually falls in November.

Loi literally means ‘to float,’ while krathong refers to the lotus-shaped receptacle which can float on the water. Originally, the krathong was made of banana leaves or the layers of the trunk of a banana tree or a spider lily plant. A krathong contains food, betel nuts, flowers, joss sticks, candle and coins. Modern krathongs are more often made of bread or styrofoam. A bread krathong will disintegrate in a few a days and be eaten by fish and other animals. The traditional banana stalk krathongs are also biodegradable, but styrofoam krathongs are frowned on, since they are polluting and may take years to disappear. Regardless of the composition, a krathong will be decorated with elaborately-folded banana leaves, flowers, candles and incense sticks. A low value coin is sometimes included as an offering to the river spirits. During the night of the full moon, Thais will float their krathong on a river, canal or a pond lake. The festival is believed to originate in an ancient practice of paying respect to the spirit of the waters. Today it is simply a time to have fun.



Governmental offices, corporations and other organizations usually create big decorated rafts. There are also local and officially organised raft competitions, regarding its beauty and craftsmanship. In addition, there are also fireworks and beauty contests during the celebration of the festival.



The origins of Loi Krathong are stated to be in Sukhothai, but recently scholars have argued that it is in fact an invention from the Bangkok period. According to the writings of H.M. King Rama IV in 1863, the originally Brahmanical festival was adapted by Buddhists in Thailand as a ceremony to honour the original Buddha, Siddhartha Guatama. Apart from venerating the Buddha with light (the candle on the raft), the act of floating away the candle raft is symbolic of letting go of all one’s grudges, anger and defilements, so that one can start life afresh on a better foot. People will also cut their fingernails and hair and add them to the raft as a symbol of letting go of the bad parts of oneself. Many Thai believe that floating a raft will bring good luck, and they do it to honor and thank the Goddess of Water, Phra Mae Khongkha (Thai: พระแม่คงคา).



The beauty contests that accompany the festival are known as “Nopphamat Queen Contests”. According to legend, Nang Nopphamat (Thai: นางนพมาศ; alternatively spelled as “Noppamas” or “Nopamas”) was a consort of the Sukothai king Loethai (14th century) and she had been the first to float a decorated raft. However, this is a new story which was invented during the first part of the 19th century. There is no evidence that a Nang Nopphamat ever existed. Instead it is a matter of fact that a woman of this name was instead the leading character of a novel released during the end of the reign of King Rama III – around 1850. Her character was written as guidance for all women who wished to become civil servants.

Kelantan in Malaysia also celebrates the same celebration, especially in the Tumpat area. The ministry in charge of tourism in Malaysia recognises it as an attraction for tourists. Many people visit the celebration each year.

Yi Peng
Loi Krathong coincides with the Lanna (northern Thai) festival known as “Yi Peng” (Thai: ยี่เป็ง). Due to a difference between the old Lanna calendar and the Thai calendar, Yi Peng is held on a full moon of the 2nd month of the Lanna calendar (“Yi” meaning “2nd” and “Peng” meaning “month” in the Lanna language). A multitude of Lanna-style sky lanterns (khom loi (Thai: โคมลอย), literally: “floating lanterns”) are launched into the air where they resemble large flocks of giant fluorescent jellyfish gracefully floating by through the sky. The festival is meant as a time for tham bun (Thai: ทำบุญ), to make merit. People usually make khom loi from a thin fabric, such as rice paper, to which a candle or fuel cell is attached. When the fuel cell is lit, the resulting hot air which is trapped inside the lantern creates enough lift for the khom loi to float up in to the sky. In addition, people will also decorate their houses, gardens and temples with khom fai (Thai: โคมไฟ): intricately shaped paper lanterns which take on different forms. Khom thue (Thai: โคมถือ) are lanterns which are carried around hanging from a stick, khom khwaen (Thai: โคมแขวน) are the hanging lanterns, and khom pariwat (Thai: โคมปริวรรต) which are placed at temples and which revolve due to the heat of the candle inside. The most elaborate Yi Peng celebrations can be seen in Chiang Mai,[2] the ancient capital of the former Lanna kingdom, where now both Loi Krathong and Yi Peng are celebrated at the same time resulting in lights floating on the waters, lights hanging from trees/buildings or standing on walls, and lights floating by in the sky. The tradition of Yi Peng was also adopted by certain parts of Laos during the 16th century.

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loi_Krathong

Happy Home Thai Cooking School

“So much fun and sooo delicious! If you are a foodie you will love this ! ” as quoted by one of the tourist student attending these cooking classes.



Would you let go on the opportunity to learn some yummy mouth-watering Thai dishes before you headed back home ? No way! Thai cuisine is far too contagious and famous for its wide range of tantalizing dishes… a delicious treat to the tongue! It would definitely be an asset to know how to make some of the tried favorite ones to be able to prepare in your kitchen back home! This is why ‘Happy Home Thai Cooking School’ has become the Top 5^th Attraction in Pattaya! Sheri, the teacher, is very skilled in her art and fluent with English. May it be Pad Thai, Penang Curry, Tom Yum Kung, or stir fried Morning Glory… she is very good at teaching and explaining each dish thoroughly.



What a perfect and exceptional gift to take back to your loved ones ! Surprise friends and family by putting together an amazing Thai dish! You may want to take a few sauces back which are essential ingredients.

Sanctuary of Truth (Prasat Sut Ja-Tum)

Visit the largest teakwood construction in the world while you stay with us At Mind, rated as the 4th Top Attraction in Pattaya. A splendid Traditional Thai structure keeping alive ancient building technique and teaching young Thais the ancient arts. Fantastic symbolic woodcarvings! Not to be missed!

Also, don’t forget to get your magical kiss from the adorable dolphins at the daily dolphin shows(11.30am and 3.30pm) while you are there!
Rated as the Top 4th Attraction of Pattaya, Thailand.
The Dolphin Show is one of the highlights of the place, together with the fun-filled horse-cart ride, and Elephant Trekking.



Sanctuary of Truth (Prasat Sut Ja-Tum) is a beautiful compound located by the sea at Laem Ratchawet on Na Klua Road, North Pattaya. The well known compound of Sanctuary of Truth (Prasat Sut Ja-Tum) covers an area of more than two Rais, and is dramatically set on a rocky point of the coast. Within the compound of Sanctuary of Truth there lies an enormous temple-like structure that is entirely made of wood. This structure is about 105 metres high. It is believed that the gigantic structure was established to resist the incoming of the ghastly wind and sunshine on the seashore. This structure was believed to be the creation of an unconventional billionaire and is intended to exemplify the four major philosophical and artistic influences that can be seen in Thailand.

Sanctuary of Truth is a leading landmark in Thailand and is a major tourist attraction in Pattaya. With lovely architectural features, the sanctuary was envisaged out of the vision that human civilization has been achieving and nurtured by religious and philosophical truths. Sanctuary of Truth (Prasat Sut Ja-Tum) is open for sightseeing for the tourists and local travelers on all days in a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sanctuary of Truth (Prasat Sut Ja-Tum) stands out in its architectural pattern and has been successful in attracting huge flock of tourists every year.

Begun in 1981 and scheduled to be complete in 2025, the project was the brainchild of an eccentric Thai millionaire (known as Khun Lek ) and patron of culture responsible for the construction of Ancient City and Erawan Museum. A team of 250 woodcarvers are at work on the sanctuary at any given time.
It is in the style of the ancient Khmer architecture such as that at Angkor and entirely covered in hand-carved wooden sculpture. It has four gopura, respectively representing images from the Buddhist and Hindu religions and mythologies of Cambodia, China, India and Thailand. Its purpose is to use art and culture as “a reflection of the Ancient Vision of Earth, Ancient Knowledge, and Eastern Philosophy. Within this complex, visitors will understand Ancient Life, Human Responsibility, Basic Thought, Cycle of living, Life Relationship with Universe and Common Goal of Life toward Utopia”.

Stay ‘At Mind’ and get into a state of ‘no mind’ by indulging in the night life of Pattaya. Take a stroll along the famous ‘Walking Street’ of Pattaya, and experience ‘The Night Life’ of Thailand!

Walking Street Pattaya

Walking Street in Pattaya, Thailand is probably the hottest street in the world.

Here you will find all kinds of entertainment, from bars, discos, gogo-bars, cabaret shows and much more.

Walking Street Pattaya is probably the most exciting street in the world if you like to have fun. Walking down Walking Street from Beach Road to Bali Hai Pier is an experience you will never forget. The Walking Street is closed for traffic from 19:00 until 03:00. You can chose from a wide variety of sea-food restaurants to Indian, Italian, European, Thai or many other countries. You will also find many discos and the largest ones are Candy Shop, Lucifer, Marine Disco, Insomnia, Tony’s and Mixx.

Khao Kheow Open Zoo chonburi pattaya

At Mind Serviced Residence is the right place to be and to have your every need met perfectly - comfort with creativity and services with a Thai touch! Dwell with us and visit this amazing open safari of Pattaya.



Khao Kheow Open Zoo – one of the Top rated “must-see” Attractions, and an excellent place to visit in Pattaya!

Khao Kheow Open Zoo, located in Chonburi Province has been a cherished resource for over 60 years. It is the first zoo in Thailand to become a member of WAZA .

The annual ‘Chonburi Buffalo Race’ Festival and ‘Miss Buffalo’ contest is here! October 7- 11, 2011

CHON BURI BUFFALO RACES
October 7- 11, 2011
At the City Hall, Chon Buri, Pattaya, Thailand


Chonburi province invites all interested Thais and foreigners to experience this unique Thai festival.
The annual, “wing khwai” or Buffalo Races will be taking place in Chonburi City on Tuesday 11th October 2011. This festival takes place every year to celebrate the rice harvest and mark the end of the Buddhist Lent. It is now apparently the 140th year.

There will also be a fair on the grounds in front of City Hall from 7th-11th October 2011 with the racing taking place on the last day.


Exciting and delectable activities like Thai sports and sales of OTOP products, including food items from each district, each “amphur” in Chonburi.

Tower Pattaya Park - The first highest seaside tower and revolving restaurant of Thailand

Tower Pattaya Park - The first highest seaside tower and revolving restaurant of Thailand. Some fine views of Pattaya and Jomtien can be enjoyed as the tower-top restaurant revolves through 360 degrees. Located on The East Coast of Thailand, 240 metres high, you can stand and gaze at the beauty of the coastline and Pattaya City.

Now Pattaya Park Tower is the landmark of Pattaya city. If you plan to visit Pattaya, don't forget to spare some time for it on your agenda.

Are you an adventure lover and not afraid of heights ?

Are you an adventure lover and not afraid of heights ?

Then, this one is for you !
Flight of the Gibbon (Pattaya,Thailand) is rated as the Top #1 Attraction in Pattaya!
It is a “must do” for Adventure Lovers while in Pattaya. Flight of the Gibbon allows visitors to “fly” through the rainforest canopy on a state-of-the-art, ultra-safe zip-line course. It is the longest in Thailand stretched over 3 kms with 26 platforms! It is a fun-filled environment-friendly activity, and lies in the heart of Thailand’s best natural settings. This canopy tour is nestled between the ‘Chompoo Wildlife Sanctuary’ and the ‘Khao Kheo Open Safari’. It’s rated as VERY SAFE with well trained staff, high quality and well maintained equipment.

‘Thesakan‘ meaning ‘Festival’ and ‘Kin che’ means ‘eating vegetarian’ !

The vegetarian festival is an annual event, held in the ninth lunar month, according to the Chinese calendar. It starts on the first day of the waxing moon and lasts for 9 days. The festival usually falls in the month of October. The dates are different each year as they are set by the phases of the moon.
 
This year, the festival will last from 27 Sep - 5 Oct 2011.

Don’t miss out on the huge variety of delicious Chinese vegetarian foods if you’ll be in Thailand during the vegetarian festival! An exceptional treat for vegans, since the food imitates all the delicious non-veg. dishes using strictly nothing but vegetarian stuff! The taste, feel and appearance imitates meat so well that one could also call it ‘vegetarian meat’! So, do not miss on this once a year opportunity of relishing the most delicious vegetarian meat !


‘Vegans’ – relish it risk free since it’s bound to be 100% vegetarian in order not to violate the festivals’ religious ties and beliefs. So, need not worry about any non-veg. contamination. Wherever you see the ‘yellow triangular flags’ saying ‘che’ during the festival, it is 100% vegetarian – just go for it and enjoy it carefree!

However, do keep an eye on your weight since there are lots of yummy deep-fried foods As we all know it’s easy to get out of shape, but needs immense effort to shed those extra pounds – whew !

In Thailand this festival is called ‘Thesakan Kin Che’(เทศกาลกินเจ spelled in Thai), the Vegetarian Festival. It is celebrated throughout the entire country, but the festivities are at their height in Phuket, where about 35% of the population is Chinese. A colourful event held over a nine day period in late September/early October, this celebrates the Chinese community’s belief that abstinence from meat and various stimulants during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar will help them obtain good health and peace of mind. Most of the attention is on the events happening in Phuket, but really you will find that Chinese communities all around Thailand will be celebrating the Vegetarian Festival at this time. The main venue in Samut Prakan city is at Rongjae Thongsiang near Taiban Circle.

Though the origins of the festival are unclear, it is thought that perhaps the festival was bought to Phuket by a wandering Chinese opera group who fell ill with malaria while performing on the island.

They decided to adhere to a strict vegetarian diet and pray to the Nine Emperor Gods who would ensure purification of the mind and body. On recovery, the people celebrated by holding a festival that was meant to honour the gods as well as express the people’s happiness at surviving what was, in the nineteenth century, a fatal illness.

This is the reason it is more prominently celebrated in Phuket, and is also known as ‘The Phuket Vegetarian Festival’.

Main purposes of the Vegetarian Festival
To cut down on the number of animal lives that otherwise would be killed for food.
To plant the seeds of kindness in one’s heart in order to cleanse the mind.
And, to have good health and longevity.

Main Food Sources Of Chinese Vegetarian Food
Chinese vegetarians get their proteins and nutrients from soy beans, tofu, soy products, imitation meats, other beans and vegetables.

The main source of calcium is roasted black sesame seeds.
Fish sauce that is a popular seasoning in Thai dishes is replaced with soy sauce and mushroom sauce.

‘Che’ Practitioners
Most people associate che food with not eating any meat, but the true meaning of che is observing the 8 precepts. One of which is not eating after midday.

When the Chinese character (in the word che) is studied in detail, we learn that every brush stroke carries a deeper meaning and outline how we should live our lives.

Not only do true che practitioners eat Chinese vegetarian food, they also give attention to what they say, do and think. One could say that che is a combination of vegetarianism and mindfulness practice.

Self-Mutilation Practices during the Festival
The vegetarian festival is the most colorful event in Phuket and Trang, where a number of participants called mah song do self-mutilation practices; such as sticking swords through their cheeks and walking bare feet on hot charcoal.
Each ‘mah’ song invites a God to possess his body. Then, he performs the self-mutilation without feeling any pain.

The spectators pay homage to the gods, that possess the bodies of the mah song, by lighting firecrackers when the mah song walk past.

Strict devotees wear white and spend the whole period eating jay food and practicing in the temple.
Definition of Chinese Vegetarian(che) Food

Chinese vegetarian food or ‘che’ is any food without meat, poultry, seafood, eggs and animal products.
Furthermore, ‘che’ food excludes 4 kinds of pungent vegetables; including garlic, onion, Chinese single-bulbed garlic and Chinese chive.

During the festival the participants also refrain from smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol.
The strong qualities of these vegetables are believed to stimulate sexual desire, which makes it more difficult to be mindful. In addition, these vegetables destroy the 5 elements in the body, which in turn has negative effects on five main inner organs – heart, kidneys, spleen, liver and lungs.

There are two groups of Thai vegetarians in Thailand -

The first group is strictly vegan, and does not accept dairy products and eggs – which is comparable to being a vegan in the West. This kind of strictly veg. food is called ‘che’ in Thai.

The second group eats dairy products and egg. The latter group is comparable to being a lacto-ovo vegetarian. This category of veg. food is called ‘mungsawirat’ in Thai.
So, beware of what you say depending on the category you fall into.

The Festival Origin
The vegetarian festival was brought to Phuket and Trang, in the south of Thailand, by Chinese boatmen in the 19th century.

Taoists worship nine Gods. These Gods are believed to take the form of planets and have direct influence on the 5 elements (earth, water, wind, fire and gold), that make up the physical body.

In the beginning, only the Chinese-Thai partook in the vegetarian festivals, but over time it’s grown into a nationwide practice.

There are many devoted Chinese-Thai who eat ‘che’ food all year round. These Buddhists practice at the temple regularly.