Participants of Thai Sky Festival '08 will enter Thailand through it's capital of Bangkok - the city that sets the pulse for southeast Asia.  The real name of Bangkok in Thai is "“Krungthepmahanakorn Amornrattanakosin Mahintrayuthaya Mahadilokpob Noparat Rajataniburirom Udomrajanivej Mahasatharn Amornpimarn Awatarnsatis Sakatadtiya Wisanukamprasit” but, fortunately, it is abbreviated for daily use to Krung Thep, which means "City of Angels."

Bangkok has something for everyone - Royal Palaces, magnificent temples, street vendors, excellent shopping for every budget, exotic night life, and world-renowned cuisine.  Bangkok has tackled the problem of public transportation with a multitude of creative ways to get from point A to point B: in addition to standard taxis and busses, Bangkok has motorcycle taxis, river taxis, open-air tuk-tuks, and the overhead Sky Train (BTS) system. 

Bangkok's new Suvarnabhumi (pronounced Su-wan-na-pboom) International Airport, is located 35 km east of the city.  Many airlines provide international service to Bangkok from major cities around the world.  Since February and March fall within Thailand's high tourist season, please book your flight soon for the best prices.

Those who feel the need to stay in touch with the hectic outside world, however, needn't fear.  The Hadthong management installs an internet cafe on the premises just for Thai Sky Festival participants; it comes complete with computers and DSL lines for rent at very reasonable rates.  And, for those who wish to bring their own computers, the entire hotel should be set up for wireless internet service by the time we arrive! 

On Sunday, March 16, we will travel 100 km north of Prachaup to Hua Hin, the summer residence of Their Majesties, the King and Queen of Thailand.  While Phuket and Samui were discovered fairly recently, Hua Hin has been the favorite Royal resort town since the 1920's, when a railway line was built between Bangkok and Hua Hin  We will stay at the lovely, romantic Sofitel and the party-party Hilton Hotel, which is right next door.  Both hotels are beautiful, and are rated the best in Hua Hin!