Thailand

DVD. Globe Trekker Video. Located in the heart of South East Asia, Thailand's bustling cities and heavenly beaches continue to attract more and more visitors every year. This progressive, fiercely independent, country provides a stark contrast to neighboring Laos. Also Buddhist, it has been under communist rule for the last 30 years and continues to offer a unique glimpse of an old South East Asia. Traveller Ian Wright begins his journey in the chaos of Thailand's capital Bangkok. Traveling north through Surin he makes his way to Chiang Mai from where here embarks on a three day trek. He then takes a boat along the Mekhong River to Lauang Prabang, the capital of Laos. He ends his journey celebrating the full moon festival in Vientiane. Along the way... Learn the popular art of Thai boxing Sample the local cuisine and haggle with the women at the Damnoen Saduak floating market Take part in a tug of war between 1 elephant and 100 men Celebrate the annual monkey festival in Lopburi Witness the legacy of American Bombing in Laos during the Vietnam war In the heart of South East Asia, modern Malaysia is a vibrant mix of different cultures - Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous people. It has some of the oldest rainforests on the planet, bordered by the beautiful beaches of Southern Thailand. Traveller Justine Shapiro starts her journey in Kuala Lumpur, travels up to the jungles of the Temenggor, heads East to Kota Bharu, before flying back to Kuala Lumpur for Malaysia's biggest Hindu festival. Finally she takes the train to the island of Phuket in southern Thailand. Along the way? Visit the bursting and modern Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur Follow the procession at the Hindu festival of Tapusan Go trekking in the jungle with traditional hunters from the remote Temenggor region Watch the stylised and refined Sila art, a mix of martial art and dance Visit the Tong red light district in Phuket

DVD. Cities of the World. 60 Minutes. Thailand is a famous tourist destination due to its colorful landscape and nice people. Formerly Siam, its happy world awaits tourists: colorful temples, monsateries, giant Buddha statues. Bangkok itself, a giant metropolis, is worth a travel, but there is a lot more this country has to offer: the forests of the Northern hills, the tribes living in the Golden Triangle, the elephant farms, the rice fields, the famous bridge on the river Kwai, the world of canals, romantic fishing villages, the monumental national park of Phang Nga, tropical islands, and the beaches shaded by palm trees bathing in the eternal sunshine.

DVD. Exploring "Exploring Thailand's Andaman Sea" takes us to the Andaman Sea which is located in the eastern Indian Ocean off the western coast of Thailand and Myanmar. A number of exciting and exotic creatures are encountered. We visit the Burma Banks, a sea mount, to see the Silver Tipped Sharks. Eels and fish in feeding frenzies, graceful Manta Rays, turtles, sea snakes, many fish and beautiful landscapes are seen. Unusual creatures, such as Harlequin Shrimp, Ornate Ghost Pipefish, Limpids, and Leopard Blennies are encountered. Night dives us the opportunity to see marine life which is not present during the day. Join us in this adventure to the Andaman Sea.

DVD. 52 Minutes. The magnificent history of Siam began in1253 when several small kingdoms in the north of the country united and thus laid the foundation for the first true kingdom of the Thai people. Bangkok, the present metropolis and capital of Thailand, first attained importance at the end of the 18th century under the newly developed Chakri Dynasty when it became their seat of government. The epoch of the Chakri kings still exists today and although the great palace district no longer serves as the king's residence it is still one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bangkok. Wat Suthat is located in the eastern district of old Angkok and is one of the city's oldest temples. Construction of the temple began shortly after the coronation of the first Chakri monarch, King Rama The First. Prior to its completion during the reign of King Rama The Third, three other kings were responsible for the creation of the Buddhist sanctuary that covers an area of more than forty thousand square metres. For more than four centuries Ayutthaya was one of the most prosperous royal cities in Indo China prior to the time when the internal power struggles of various rival members of the country's royal family led to the city's decline. Wat Mahathat, one of the oldest sanctuaries of the ancient capital, has one of the tallest and most impressive towers in Ayutthaya. King Boromaja The Second had the temple built in honor of his two brothers who had killed each other in a bitter and bloody struggle for the royal throne. Buddhism has always played a vital role in Thailand's history. It continues to be highly influential to the present day. The remains of the `Temple Of The Seven Rows Of Chedis', the Wat Chedi Ched Thaeo, is the greatest Buddhist monastery in Si Satchanalai. Within its thirty-two stupas are the cremated remains of various members of the kings who ruled over the northern region of Siam. Even now the legendary kingdom of Siam, along with its fascinating cultural heritage, age old traditions and outstanding historic monuments, has a substantial influence in the modern Thailand of today.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Eighty kilometres north of Bangkok is Thailand's former capital city of Ayutthaya, a famous historical site that is both exotic and atmospheric. For more than four hundred years Ayutthaya, Siam's former glorious capital city, was the residence of no less than thirty three kings and five dynasties. The royal temple of Wat Phra Sri Samphet that is dominated by three Chedis is one of the most famous ruins in Ayutthaya. Within the Chedis, that are of typical Ceylonese bell-shaped design, are the ashes of three prominent Thai kings. The ruins of Ayutthaya still provide an insight into its original size and ancient splendour. Indeed, it is an historic metropolis whose dimensions once even surpassed today's modern cities of both Paris and London.

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. Chiang Mail is the most important city in northern Thailand and is located within a fertile river valley three hundred metres above sea level. The City Of Temples was founded in 1296 and was once the capital of Lanna Thai, the `Kingdom Of A Million Rice Fields' and the centre of the first independent kingdom in Thailand, situated within the famous Golden Triangle. Two hundred and ninety steps lead up to the city's main landmark, the mountain temple of Wat Doi Suthep on the northern edge of the city. Chiang Mai Zoo was inaugurated in 1957 and today it is the largest and finest zoo in Thailand and contains hundreds of varieties of animals. The world famous village of Bo Sang is located nine kilometres from the city and is where a fascinating range of parasols are manufactured according to age old tradition, with silk, cotton and paper parasols made by hand and decorated with various animal and floral motifs. A visit to a training centre for elephants is a fascinating experience. The elephants perform what they have learned in the school and diligently carry out each of their trainer's commands. Chiang Mai's evening market is well worth a visit. Although it has changed with the times, haggling is still the norm. Mysterious and exotic, colourful and friendly, such is Thailand's `Rose Of The North', Chiang Mai.

DVD. Alternate Routes. 30 Minutes. A young British couple enjoy this fabulous backpacker destination in Northern Thailand.A day trip into seclusion is a highlight while they also find that elephants are a good method of transportation, almost as good as the common method: the scooter.Rafting and camping in the wilderness is followed by a return to the city for some bar hopping. Experience the rush of traveling the world for the first time with a crew of international back-packers, ages 16 - 22 on their quest for adventure, romance and the perfect moment.A variety of hosts from around the globe and the young people they hook up with on location are relentless in their pursuit of fun (and don't forget that culture, mate!)American girls explore Rome, Brits take on Thailand and things get wild when the Aussie's arrive in Copenhagen.Five continents, Unlimited Adventure.Take the alternate route, dude.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. A mighty wall and a wide moat still surround large areas of the old town of Chiang Mai. Today, the moat that was once used to defend the city adds to the wonderful atmosphere of this historic town and it is believed that around ninety thousand men worked on the city's massive wall at the end of the 13th century. The beauty of Chiang Mai can be seen in numerous of its temple sites such as the Wat Doi Suthep Temple, the most important sanctuary in northern Thailand. Just a few steps from the famous tourist shopping mile of San Khampaeng Road is one of the most beautiful temples in Chiang Mai. The true gem of the Wat Buakkhrok Luang is the magnificently furnished Viharn, the temple's assembly room that is constructed of teak. The city's centuries old sanctuaries testify to the impressive cultural wealth of Chiang Mai and highlight the unique artistic value of this beautiful and charming city that is quite rightly also known as `The Pearl of the North'.

DVD. Passport to Adventure Thailand's cultural and geographic diversity has drawn adventure travelers for decades and the country's tourism infrastructure makes it an ideal "intro to Asia" destination. In the hills of Northern Thailand, hosts Mark Jennings &Julie Conover trek through the jungles on foot and on elephant back to meet the colorful ethnic tribes. After spending the night as house guests of the village "headman" they set out on bamboo rafts for a true river adventure. In Chiang Mai, Julie gets a lesson in Thai cooking, and Mark comes upon locals playing a bizarre ball game!

DVD. Passport to Adventure The limestone cliffs of southern Thailand make this a paradise for kayakers. Hosts Mark Jennings &Julie Conover team up with one of the first eco-tourism companies in Asia to explore the aquamarine waters of Phang Na Bay on kayaks. It's dazzling caves, coves and inland lagoons are home to many colorful bird species, monkeys and exotic sea life. In the island's towering hongs, or caves, Mark &Julie meet the local "hunters" who search for highly prized nests that are sold to make the notorious Chinese aphrodisiac "birds nest soup". Camping on pristine, deserted beaches and enjoying tropical sunsets with a diverse group of adventurers caps off this tropical adventure.

DVD. On Tour. 26 Minutes. Our journey through Lan Na, the `Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields', begins in the historically rich city of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. Built in the 14th century, Wat Phra Singh is situated in the historic centre of the city and is one of Chiang Mai's most important religious sanctuaries. Apart from its wealth of historic architecture the city is also well known for its popular arts and crafts, especially its colourful cotton and silk umbrellas. The cultivation of rice has been known in Eastern Asia since 3,500 B.C. Even though the majority of Thai rice farmers are poor, their work is much respected. Work in the paddy fields is hard and the daily life of the rice farmers is influenced by the seasons and particularly the weather. Even today, water buffalo are frequently seen pulling the traditional water wheels that assist in the irrigation of the land. Mae Hong Son is a notorious town as it is situated close to the infamous Golden Triangle, one of the largest opium producing areas in the world. On the shores of the town's small lake are several beautiful sanctuaries such as the Mon temple of Wat Chong Klang built according to traditional Burmese design. Those who venture out onto the dark streets of Mae Hong Son early in the morning can witness the daily life of this colourful community. The large amount of local produce and specialties is not only fascinating but also quite tempting and a feast for the eye as well as the soul! The impressive cultural diversity of the mountain people and the beauty of nature make a journey through the former kingdom of Lan Na a truly unforgettable experience.

DVD. Cities of the World. 60 Minutes. Thailand - the former Siam - is an ideal place for tourism because of its natural beauty, climate, exotic culture and its hospitable people. Our film introduces one of the two tourist capitals, Phuket. The island is visited by millions of tourists for its sandy beaches shaded by coconut palms, sea water of 26-28 degrees, many athletic activities and its nightlife. On the emerald green Andaman Sea we can travel to a Malay fishing village built on poles, to the tropical island of Phi Phi and to one of the world's most exotic national parks, Phang-Nga, which served as a background for several movies.

DVD. On Tour. 26 Minutes. For many years the infamous Bridge On The River Kwai has attracted a great deal of tourists to the city of Kanchanaburi. The bridge owes its worldwide fame to a novel by French author Pierre Boulle and a distinguished film by David Lean. However, due to its natural beauty, the province, which is located around 130 kilometres west of Bangkok, is also a popular holiday area. With the creation of the Death Railway in the Second World War the Japanese planned to establish an alternative supply route across South East Asia built by POW's and forced laborers from all over Asia. The bridge has been moved from its original location as originally the railway viaduct was situated four kilometres further north. Despite this the historic bridge on the River Kwai has lost nothing of its fascination and historic significance and its somewhat plain and unspectacular construction of steel and concrete is in stark contrast to its moving and dramatic history. The longer the construction work continued, the worse the situation grew for the totally exhausted POW's. The back-breaking work, continuous under nourishment, the outbreak of cholera and the daily torture by the Japanese, took its toll and thousands of men died. In 1945 the Japanese destroyed all the documents that related to the death of the POW's and forced laborers. However, it is estimated that around 16,000 allied soldiers and up to 100,000 forced laborers from each corner of Asia perished. The 7,000 gravestones of the POW's that lie within Kanchanaburi Cemetery and the legendary River Kwai are a tragic reminder of one of the saddest chapters in the history of Thailand.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Around four hundred and twenty kilometres from the Thai metropolis of Bangkok in the far north of the central plains, is the legendary city of Si Satchanalai. Today only sad ruins testify to the splendour of the former twin city and ancient capital of Sukhothai. However, after Si Satchanalai had lain in ruins for many centuries some areas of the city were restored by teams of dedicated archaeologists. The city dates back to the 13th century and at that time Si Satchanalai was the official residence of the viceroy of Thailand's first important kingdom during the Sukhothai Period. The Wat Chang Lom Temple is one of the most remarkable sanctuaries in the heart of the old city. The builder of this temple site was one of the most famous rulers of Sukhothai, King Ramkhamhaeng. Close to the river banks of the Menam Yom is the great Laterite Prang that was originally built in early Khmer design and was later embellished with stucco work. This cult building is the most important attraction of the Wat Chao Chan. Later, Si Satchanlai lost its political influence. Shortly after this the people began to vacate their city leaving not only their fine statues but also the place that they loved.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Sukhothai, `Dawn Of Happiness', this, the name of the first capital of Thailand, once marked the beginning of a new epoch. During the course of its one hundred and twenty year flowering period several of the city's impressive buildings were created such as the magnificent Wat Mahathat Temple. Beyond the old city walls is the fascinating Wat Si Chum Temple which owes its national fame to the huge seated Buddha sculpture of Phra Atchana that is more than eleven metres high and is one of the largest and most imposing Buddha statues in Thailand. Picturesque yet almost sad the century old ruins seem to be reflected within the water of the nearby moats, canals and ponds yearning for a bygone time when the area was full of buildings that in turn were full of life. But despite its continuing decay Sukhothai is still a truly magical experience.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Most sightseers travel by boat to see the fascinating Wat Arun Temple that is located close to the shore of the Chao Phraya in the historic heart of Bangkok. According to legend, Wat Arun, The Temple Of The Dawn, existed long before the founding of Bangkok. King Taksin who reigned in the 17th century A.D. chose this sanctuary as his royal temple and also gave it its present name. The journey up to the higher sections of the sanctuary travels past several splendid images including various mythological and religious figures such as the Moon God, Soma. Over the years the temple was further extended and decorated and the central `prang' of the building complex grew taller and taller. It symbolizes Meru, the Holy Mountain, upon which the Earth rests. The Hindu god Indra that rides on the three-headed elephant, Erawan, was also included in the impressive temple complex of Wat Arun. The main tower and magnificent d?cor of the buildings are one of the most famous sights inThonburi, the historical area of Bangkok.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Wat Pho or, The Temple Of The Prone Buddha, is a famous religious landmark is the largest and oldest monastery complex in Bangkok. Almost two hundred years before Bangkok became the country's official capital city under the rule of King Rama The First, a smaller temple complex already existed. The stylishly decorated buildings of Wat Pho developed in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today some of the buildings have a religious function whereas others form sections of an impressive museum. More than a thousand Buddha statues, some of them having originated from the early capital cities of Ayuthaya and Sukhothai, highlight the religious significance of Wat Pho. Thus those who come here are not only keen to inspect its treasures but they are also fascinated by the thousands of years old religious faith of the temple's former inhabitants. Covering almost eight hectares the temples of Wat Pho provide a remarkable variety of interest and several opportunities for meditation and relaxation.

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. Bangkok is synonymous with lively chaos but Thailand's great metropolis is also a compelling experience for the senses and a fascinating city full of contrast. We begin our sightseeing tour early in the morning about a hundred kilometres south west of the city centre at the floating market of Damnoen Saduak. Here, men and women travel on the canals by sampan amid a fertile landscape. Fruit, vegetables, flowers and all manner of goods are available and many of the boats have a kitchen in which fresh food is prepared to satisfy hearty appetites. Back in the city we visit some of its most important sights such as the Wat Phra Kaeo, The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the most important place of worship for the Thai people. Bangkok's most important landmark is also its most beautiful temple complex, a wonderful work of art comprising numerous splendid buildings. Today the Royal Grand Palace is used for national ceremonies and coronations. During the city's early years it was originally built as a residence for King Rama. The magnificent residence of the former god king shines out in all the typical splendour and elegance of the Far East, a Siamese heaven on Earth! In the 19th century Bangkok contained several canals known as `Klongs' and most of them have subsequently been replaced with streets but a few have survived. Travelling on the canals is a wonderful way to take in the sights and for centuries life on the city's waterways has changed very little. Bangkok is a typical Asian city with much exotic hustle, bustle and excitement. It is truly a city that never sleeps!

DVD. Cities of the World. 60 Minutes. Houses standing on piles in the water of the canals, the floating market and temples with their glistening mosaics are all living memories from the past, but the skyscrapers standing on the bank of Cho Praya and the luxury cars speeding on the highway are all forerunners of the new century. Old and new, rich and poor, backwards and ultra modern;Bangkok is a place of controversies. In the buzzing of the 8 million person metropolis, the Royal Palace and the buddhist monasteries are islands of peace and silence. One can see a 5 ton Buddha statue, temples covered with marble, mirrors and gold, and relics each more beautiful than the previous one. We can take a trip from Bangkok to the ruins of the ancient capital of Ayutthaya walk across the famous bridge of the River Kwai, or explore the beaches of Pattaya.

DVD. Alternate Routes. 30 Minutes. A guest house on Bangkok's Khoasan Road, gathering place for backpackers from around the globe, is home base for two traveling Swedish girls as they set out to discover the exotic charms of Thai capital. Experience the rush of traveling the world for the first time with a crew of international back-packers, ages 16 - 22 on their quest for adventure, romance and the perfect moment. A variety of hosts from around the globe and the young people they hook up with on location are relentless in their pursuit of fun (and don't forget that culture, mate! American girls explore Rome, Brits take on Thailand and things get wild when the Aussie's arrive in Copenhagen. Five continents, Unlimited Adventure. Take the alternate route, dude.