text:
Poza Rica

Poza Rica de Hidalgo is a city of 200,000 (2015) people in Veracruz. Poza Rica is close to the Costa Esmeralda, the northern beaches of Veracruz, such as Tecolutla, Tuxpan, Cazones and Playa Esmeralda. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of El Tajin is 15 km (9.3 mi) away.

Understand
Poza Rica means "rich pool" because it is known for its abundance of fish. Poza Rica in modern times is known for being an oil town, like the equivalent of Odessa, Texas, although maybe not as ugly.

Unlike most Mexican cities, it does not have old buildings because it is a new city founded in 1951. For that reason it has contemporary architecture with well-lined and designed streets with a modern look.

Poza Rica is an important industrial and commercial center, and a central hub for several road transportation lines.

Get in
Mexico City is about 220 km (140 mi) from Poza Rica.

By plane
El Tajín National Airport in Tihuatlán serves Poza Rica.

By bus
Poza Rica has three bus terminals:
 * The North Central, where more than 30 lines come from across the country (Estrella Blanca, ADO, Axis Gulf, First Plus, Chihuahuan, AU, Platinum ADO, ADO GL, Premium Green, Futura, Omnibus de Mexico)
 * The second terminal has access only to passengers going to the neighboring city of Tuxpan. (ADO Bus)
 * The third terminal is in the Petromex (Alternate Petroleum), which exits south of the country (Xalapa, Veracruz, Coatzacoalcos, Villahermosa, Ciudad del Carmen, Chiapas, etc.)

See

 * The archaeological zone of El Tajín is about 15 km (9.3 mi) from Poza Rica.
 * The archaeological zone of El Tajín is about 15 km (9.3 mi) from Poza Rica.
 * The archaeological zone of El Tajín is about 15 km (9.3 mi) from Poza Rica.

Do

 * Petroleum festival (Desfile del 18 de Marzo) - it's a big deal for the local inhabitants.
 * The area is tropical, with two beaches within one hour, Tuxpan, and Tecolutla, and one within 40 minutes east, Cazones.

Eat
The local cuisine is distinguished by typical regional dishes Totonac and Huastec, of which the best known is the Zacahuil, plus a variety of typical Mexican snacks, among which are sopes, bocoles, molotes, tlacoyos, enchiladas, and blanditas.

title: Poza Rica


text:
Poznań

Poznań (German: Posen) is the largest city in Greater Poland, in the west of Poland, and one of the largest metropoles in the whole country. Situated roughly equidistantly between Warsaw and Berlin, it serves as a major economic hub, and a centre for industry and commerce. The Poznań International Trade Fair grounds host the most important trade fairs and exhibitions in Poland, making Poznań an important business destination, but the city has plenty of history and attractions to share besides that. Its relative compactness and easy access by road, rail and air make it a convenient tourist destination for visitors to Central Europe.

Understand
Poznań is a town steeped in history, as it was the first capital (with Gniezno) of Poland and seen by many as the birthplace of the Polish nation. Today it is a diverse and vibrant town, with many university students living here and much to divert the traveler. It has a stunningly rejuvenated central square, thriving night-life, fascinating museums and many attractions in the surrounding area. For train buffs, Poznań is the home of Europe's last surviving steam-hauled passenger service. With a strategic position on the Berlin – Moscow train line, Poznań will be for many their first experience of Poland.

Climate
Damp weather is usual in winter, though night-time temperatures are typically below zero, so expect some ice during cold waves. In summer, temperatures may often reach 30°C (86°F), but on average they stay around 22°C (72°F). City is quite dry with annual rainfall around 500 mm (20 in), among the lowest in Poland. The rainiest month is July, mainly due to short but intense cloudbursts and thunderstorms. Notably, Poznań microclimate seems to spare city from extreme weather events like hail, blizzard, heavy rainfall or intense winds (which tend to wreak havoc in nearby Gniezno and Kórnik), making it relatively safe weather-wise.

Tourist information

 * Poznań City Council website
 * Poznań City Council website
 * Poznań City Council website

By plane
Domestic flights to Warsaw are offered by Polish Airlines LOT. International flights are offered by LOT (Frankfurt, Munich), Lufthansa Regional (Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf), KLM (Amsterdam), Norwegian Air Shuttle (Oslo-Gardermoen), Ryanair (Barcelona, Bologna, Bristol, Dublin, Edinburgh, Liverpool, London-Stansted, Madrid, Milan-Orio al Serio, Rome-Ciampino, Palma de Mallorca), Scandinavian Airlines (Copenhagen), and Wizz Air (Barcelona, Paris-Beauvais, Cork, Dortmund, Eindhoven, London-Luton, Rome-Fiumicino, Stockholm-Skavsta, Oslo-Torp).

The airport is easily accessible by public buses 159 and 148. The 159 goes to the main train station while the 148 terminates at the Rondo Kaponiera intersection. For more details regarding public transport look into "Get Around" section below. Both buses leave about every quarter of an hour and the journey takes around 25 minutes. There is a ticket machine next to the bus stops, payment can be made by cash or card, screen works in different languages.

Another option is Berlin Brandenburg Airport

By train

Poznań is a crucial railway junction and all trains going between Moscow and Western Europe stop here. Trains to Berlin or Warsaw take approximately 3 hours in either direction and cost around €20 one-way. Trains to Kraków (approx. 8 daily) take around 6 hours and cost €15 one-way, Wrocław (more than 15 daily) will take around 2 hours and cost around €8. The journey to Gdańsk (6 trains daily) will take 5½ hours and cost €12 and to Toruń (6 trains per day): 2½ hours and €7.

Poznań is also served by long-distance trains leading to popular beach- and mountain resorts: Zakopane (2 night trains in winter and summer season), Szklarska Poręba/Kudowa-Zdrój (2 daily + 1 in season), Kołobrzeg (Kolberg), Hel and Świnoujście.

Besides, Poznań and Wielkopolska region has a vast network of local connections operated by Koleje Wielkopolskie and Polregio operators. From tourist standpoint important routes served include trains to: Gniezno, Kalisz, Wolsztyn, Wągrowiec and Konin (and by bus to Licheń Stary sanctuary). Trains frequency is usually about every 1-2 hours depending on time of day.

In some cases smaller rail stations may be closer than Poznań Główny, these are often served by public transit with stops including "PKM" in their name, meaning that these are used by local and metropolitan rail. For tourist the most useful will probably be Poznań Garbary located close to the Cathedral and Citadel Park.

By bus
The Poznań coach station (Poznań PKS) is situated under the train station to the east. Galeria Avenida has integrated the train and bus stations with a modern shopping mall. Near the coach station there are several city tram and bus lines.

Poznań is served by the Eurolines coach network. Count on fares of around €90 one-way to London or Amsterdam. Every day more than 200 local buses leave for town and even small villages everywhere in Wielkopolska region.

Flixbus, the biggest coach company operating in Poland, connects Poznan with Berlin, Prague, Łódź, Warsaw, Bydgoszcz, Wroclaw, Gdansk and Torun. Tickets are available from 20 zł. for a ride.

Poznan has many bus connections with cities and towns in West Poland (Gorzów Wielkopolski, Zielona Góra, sea resorts, mountain resorts in Sudety Mountains), and there are coaches heading to: Lublin, Łódź, and Warsaw. There is a vast network of local and regional buses, especially to towns with poor (or no) train connection.

By public transport
Poznań is a compact city and has a decent public transport system, consisting of trams and buses operated by the city's transportation authority (MPK).

If you decide to use public transportation, prices of tickets are following (Jun 2024):
 * 15-minute which costs 4 zł
 * 45-minute which costs 6 zł
 * 90-minute which costs 8 zl

There are also daily tickets and multi-day tickets available:
 * 24-hour ticket which costs 15 zł
 * 7-day ticket which costs 50 zł.

24-hour and 7-day tickets are valid for any public transport line without additional fare. Besides that a 24-hr ticket validated between 20:00 on Friday and 24:00 on Saturday is valid till 24:00 on Sunday, becoming a weekend-long ticket. Full price list is available here (scroll to bottom for one-time tickets).

Validate your tickets as soon as you enter into vehicle. Look for yellow machines that have small thin hole in centre. If your ticket expires you will need to validate another ticket. If you don't have a ticket and are caught, you will be fined between 120-240 zł and will have to go through hassle of paying fine.

You may transfer as many times as you wish and are only limited by time on your ticket. Night buses use the same tickets and fares. Ten minutes on a tram is usually enough to ride a few stops in the city out of the peak hours. For more than 5-6 stops, use a 45-minute ticket.

The Poznań Card is a combination of ticket and discount card. Prices: 30 zł one-day, 40 zł two-day and 45 zł three-day.

The PEKA card is the electronic fare card for the city, with lower fares than paper tickets based on the number of stops taken (1 stop 0.6 zł, 2 stops 1.1 zł, etc.) You must tap the card on entry and exit for buses and trams, after selecting the number of normal/reduced fares you need. Bearer PEKA cards can be purchased from City Information Centres (CIM) (see the webpage for other locations) for 27 zł, of which 12 zł is a deposit. You may have to ask about buying a bearer card.

If you study in Poland and are under 26, or you bear an ISIC, you are eligible for a 50% discount on every public transport ticket. Public transport is free for people over age of 70.

Luggage smaller than "90 x 75 x 40 cm", wheelchairs and pushchairs can be carried free of charge. Bicycles can also be taken free of charge, but only in vehicles labeled with bike pictogram on entrance, however they must give way before both wheelchairs and pushchairs and also will be refused in packed vehicles.

An internet service Jak dojadę (Polish for: How will I get to...) helps you to find a connection and the proper timetable even without a good knowledge about the topography of the city. It's enough to write the place (street, famous building) where you plan to start and finish your trip and the system will find you the quickest way.

By bicycle
There are only a few bike rentals in Poznań. Expect to pay at least 100 zł per day for basic mountain bike. If you can bring your own bicycle, Poznań is an okayish place to cycle.

A bicycle will make it much easier for you to visit greener parts of the city, including all the large lakes and forests. Paths in leisure areas are usually of good quality and will enable you to ride fast. In urban areas, cycling is more of a hit or miss affair, with bike paths suddenly pushing you into roads or sidewalks. Importantly, it is usually easy to travel west-east, but it can be quite challenging to travel north-south. The best districts for cycling are in western parts of the city which have a coherent path network with good signage; the worst places for cycling are unfortunately those most important for tourists: the Old Town and other inner city districts (Jeżyce, St. Lazarus, Wilda), where cycling is mostly limited to painted bike lanes often alongside heavy traffic. Beware of Głogowska Street near Poznań Main Station, as Municipal Guards (pol. Straż Miejska) will look for cyclists riding on sidewalks (which is illegal here), because they know it is unsafe to ride on bicycle on this street.

Going outside the city is hard, as there are no good connections between Poznań and suburbs. You will be forced to ride alongside cars in heavy traffic or on muddy footpaths. Yet, this way you can reach Wielkopolski National Park, which has really scenic trails and is one of the best places for leisure cycling in the region.

Talk
In the city centre, you will have no problem getting by with English, but outside of it English is quite limited. Even at the train station, you might find that you need to communicate with store vendors using body language (the international train office employees do all speak fluent English). If you need directions, try to ask young people who look like they might attend university. If you speak Russian, you can try to look out for migrants as most of them come from Ukraine or Belarus. They usually know Russian natively or at least very well, some old people may have basic Russian knowledge. Despite Poznan's proximity to Germany, very few people speak any German, and if they do, it is often nothing more than a few words.

Old Town

 * The system of forts surrounding Poznań in 19th century, all located nearby former round-road, just few km from the nowadays centre. Most of them are in poor technical state and are used for many (not really historical) purposes. Anyway it is worth going to Fort VII (Polska str., accessible from the centre by trams #2, #17 and #18 to the final Ogrody stop, from the a short walk), where the Museum of Martyrology is located. The sightseeing of some forts on your own can be simply dangerous!
 * The system of forts surrounding Poznań in 19th century, all located nearby former round-road, just few km from the nowadays centre. Most of them are in poor technical state and are used for many (not really historical) purposes. Anyway it is worth going to Fort VII (Polska str., accessible from the centre by trams #2, #17 and #18 to the final Ogrody stop, from the a short walk), where the Museum of Martyrology is located. The sightseeing of some forts on your own can be simply dangerous!
 * The system of forts surrounding Poznań in 19th century, all located nearby former round-road, just few km from the nowadays centre. Most of them are in poor technical state and are used for many (not really historical) purposes. Anyway it is worth going to Fort VII (Polska str., accessible from the centre by trams #2, #17 and #18 to the final Ogrody stop, from the a short walk), where the Museum of Martyrology is located. The sightseeing of some forts on your own can be simply dangerous!
 * The system of forts surrounding Poznań in 19th century, all located nearby former round-road, just few km from the nowadays centre. Most of them are in poor technical state and are used for many (not really historical) purposes. Anyway it is worth going to Fort VII (Polska str., accessible from the centre by trams #2, #17 and #18 to the final Ogrody stop, from the a short walk), where the Museum of Martyrology is located. The sightseeing of some forts on your own can be simply dangerous!
 * The system of forts surrounding Poznań in 19th century, all located nearby former round-road, just few km from the nowadays centre. Most of them are in poor technical state and are used for many (not really historical) purposes. Anyway it is worth going to Fort VII (Polska str., accessible from the centre by trams #2, #17 and #18 to the final Ogrody stop, from the a short walk), where the Museum of Martyrology is located. The sightseeing of some forts on your own can be simply dangerous!
 * The system of forts surrounding Poznań in 19th century, all located nearby former round-road, just few km from the nowadays centre. Most of them are in poor technical state and are used for many (not really historical) purposes. Anyway it is worth going to Fort VII (Polska str., accessible from the centre by trams #2, #17 and #18 to the final Ogrody stop, from the a short walk), where the Museum of Martyrology is located. The sightseeing of some forts on your own can be simply dangerous!
 * The system of forts surrounding Poznań in 19th century, all located nearby former round-road, just few km from the nowadays centre. Most of them are in poor technical state and are used for many (not really historical) purposes. Anyway it is worth going to Fort VII (Polska str., accessible from the centre by trams #2, #17 and #18 to the final Ogrody stop, from the a short walk), where the Museum of Martyrology is located. The sightseeing of some forts on your own can be simply dangerous!
 * The system of forts surrounding Poznań in 19th century, all located nearby former round-road, just few km from the nowadays centre. Most of them are in poor technical state and are used for many (not really historical) purposes. Anyway it is worth going to Fort VII (Polska str., accessible from the centre by trams #2, #17 and #18 to the final Ogrody stop, from the a short walk), where the Museum of Martyrology is located. The sightseeing of some forts on your own can be simply dangerous!
 * The system of forts surrounding Poznań in 19th century, all located nearby former round-road, just few km from the nowadays centre. Most of them are in poor technical state and are used for many (not really historical) purposes. Anyway it is worth going to Fort VII (Polska str., accessible from the centre by trams #2, #17 and #18 to the final Ogrody stop, from the a short walk), where the Museum of Martyrology is located. The sightseeing of some forts on your own can be simply dangerous!
 * The system of forts surrounding Poznań in 19th century, all located nearby former round-road, just few km from the nowadays centre. Most of them are in poor technical state and are used for many (not really historical) purposes. Anyway it is worth going to Fort VII (Polska str., accessible from the centre by trams #2, #17 and #18 to the final Ogrody stop, from the a short walk), where the Museum of Martyrology is located. The sightseeing of some forts on your own can be simply dangerous!
 * The system of forts surrounding Poznań in 19th century, all located nearby former round-road, just few km from the nowadays centre. Most of them are in poor technical state and are used for many (not really historical) purposes. Anyway it is worth going to Fort VII (Polska str., accessible from the centre by trams #2, #17 and #18 to the final Ogrody stop, from the a short walk), where the Museum of Martyrology is located. The sightseeing of some forts on your own can be simply dangerous!

Śródka

 * Just behind Środka a recreational area at the banks of Malta Lake start. They are 3 km away from the centre and include: an artificial skiing slope, an all-year-round toboggan slide, bike rental, zoo (the biggest one in Poland), walking and jogging areas, a rollerskating track (5½ km). The zoo is linked with the Środka district by narrow-gauge line, working from spring till autumn on workdays every hour, on weekends - every 30 minutes. Details: Polish only. Tickets ~€1.5, for kids €1, family tickets €4.
 * Just behind Środka a recreational area at the banks of Malta Lake start. They are 3 km away from the centre and include: an artificial skiing slope, an all-year-round toboggan slide, bike rental, zoo (the biggest one in Poland), walking and jogging areas, a rollerskating track (5½ km). The zoo is linked with the Środka district by narrow-gauge line, working from spring till autumn on workdays every hour, on weekends - every 30 minutes. Details: Polish only. Tickets ~€1.5, for kids €1, family tickets €4.

Museums

Itineraries

 * Most of these attractions can be found on The Royal-Imperial Route in Poznań. This is a tour for tourist who would like to get to know better the history and culture of Poznań.

Annual festivals and events

 * The Anniversary of Poznań Uprising on 28 June 1956 – every year on the Mickiewicz Square (nearby the Castle and railway station) on 28 June.
 * The Bible Marathon – always in February in many churches (including monumental ones in the centre). Have a look how hundreds of people (mostly young ones) read whole Bible during few days.
 * The Contemporary Music Festival - "The Poznań Music Spring” – in the first half of April.
 * The Days of French Culture – March/April (depending on the Easter time) in "Dom Bretanii" (The House of Bretagne) on the Old Market Square.
 * The Fair of St. John – takes place always on the Main Square and surrounding streets in the second half of June.
 * The Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul – the patrons of the city, on 29 June.
 * The Horse Cavalry Day – usually the third weekend of April – events in the horse centre ‘Wola’ in the suburbs and in the Old Town, especially on the Old Market Square and nearby the 15th Poznań Cavalry Unit Memorial in Ludgardy street.
 * The International Theatre Festival "Malta" – dozens of plays (both street ones and in theatres, museum, other closed space), on the turn of June and July
 * Judaic Days  – events (exhibitions, Torah reading, etc.) about Jewish culture, every year in mid-January.
 * Kaziuki – an event celebrating St. Casimir, the patron of Lithuania – a good moment to buy a Vilnius palm or to eat a cepelin – yearly in the first weekend of March.
 * The Passion of Christ – the biggest show in Poland presenting events from 2000 years ago, gathering every year in the Citadel Park about 120,000 people. Always 8 days before Easter, on Saturday on the meadow next the Bell of Peace, around 19:00.

During summer holidays:
 * The Bread Festival – organized by bakers from Poznań and Greater Poland, associated by bakery-goods tasting – second weekend of September, the Old Market Square.
 * The Christmas Market "The Poznań Bethleyem” – stalls with souvenirs, with Christmas decorations, hot wine, on the Old Market Square and nearby the west entrance to the Stary Browar Mall. Always three weeks before Christmas.
 * The commemorations of the Greater Poland Uprising (from 1918-1919) – always on 27 Dec.
 * The Contemporary Dance Workshops – workshops of more than 50 dance techniques, inspired by the famous Poznań Dance Theatre and its conductor Ewa Wycichowska, yearly in the second half of August.
 * The Feast of Poznań Bambers – always on 2 August, in the anniversary day of the arrival of the first settlers’ group from Bamberg (Germany) to Poznań in 18th century.
 * The Festival of Good Taste – the feast of Greater-Poland cooking traditions, in mid-August on the Old market Square.
 * The Gypsies’ Culture Meetings – last two weekends of August, on the Plac Wolności Square, Old Market Square and on the courtyards of the Emperor's Castle.
 * The International Animated Films Festival – in mid-July.
 * The Kid Films Festival 'Ale Kino' (‘What a Cinema’) – a festival of films produced for young watchers, yearly from 1983 in December.
 * The Lviv Days in Poznań (Lviv – a city in western Ukraine, which used to belong to Poland, deeply rooted in Polish culture) – a series of meetings, lectures and workshops – mid-September.
 * The National Feast of France in Poznań – always on 14 July.
 * The Old-Town Jazz Concerts (Saturdays) and Cameral Concerts (Sundays) on the Town Hall stairs.
 * The Old-Town Organ Concerts – Thursday evenings in the Parish Church.
 * The Parish Church Festival "Madlaine’s Tress” - in most cases the only opportunity to visit (usually closed) parts of the post-Jesuits’ complex: the Chapter Chamber, organs, the garret. Always during the weekend about July 22.
 * The Promenade Concerts – every summer Sunday in Wilson's Park (from the centre trams: #5, #8 i #14 to the stop Park Wilsona).
 * The days of Pyra-Land (pyra in local Poznań dialect means potato – the feast of potato cooking – try it made in more than 100 ways! – the first weekend of September in Łęgi Dębińskie Park (accessible from the centre by trams #2, #9, #10 and bus #76)
 * The Solacz District Concerts – every Sunday in Solacz Park (accessible from the centre by trams #9 and #11 and buses #60 and #78).
 * Summer Cinema on the Malta Lake shore – from Wednesday to Saturday just next to the Malta skiing slope.
 * Summer Town-Hall Concerts – every Wednesday evening in the Renaissance Hall inside the Town Hall (2nd floor).
 * The Tzadik Poznań Festival – the feast of Jewish culture in the former synagogue, turned during World War II into a swimming pool – mid-August

Other

 * Football: the city has two pro soccer teams. Lech Poznań play in Ekstraklasa, the top tier, at Stadion Miejski (INEA Stadium, capacity 43,000) 3 km west of city centre.
 * Warta Poznań were relegated in 2024 so they play in 1 Liga the second tier. Their Stadion Warty Poznań (capacity 4700) is one km south of the centre.
 * Football: the city has two pro soccer teams. Lech Poznań play in Ekstraklasa, the top tier, at Stadion Miejski (INEA Stadium, capacity 43,000) 3 km west of city centre.
 * Warta Poznań were relegated in 2024 so they play in 1 Liga the second tier. Their Stadion Warty Poznań (capacity 4700) is one km south of the centre.

 * Fans of steam trains will be in their element in Poznań. A fun day trip is to take a steam train to the Wielkopolska National Park. Take the 08:15 train from Poznań Główny station to Stęszew, a 35-minute journey. Walk to the road crossing, turn left and continue until you enter the park near Lake Witobelskie. Follow the blue path to Mosina where you can catch the train back to Poznań. You can book a seat next to the driver for €4.50 by calling 068 348 2008, ext. 368.

Buy
The Stary Rynek is full of stalls where you can buy handicrafts and toys. Good souvenir shops selling folk handicraft are situated in Woźna street (one of the streets from the Square eastwards).

Comic books

 * Św. Marcin street 29, in an inside square, there is a little nice manga shop. You can easily find it as there is a big poster about it on the wall in near the street.

Shopping streets

 * Półwiejska is main shopping street in Poznań. All kind of stuff useful and not can be found here including: specialist bookstores, orientalising trinkets, console game exchange, arcades, phone repairs
 * Głogowska was formerly important, now it is more let down. Known mostly for wedding dresses. There are also many second hand fashion stores.
 * Św. Marcin (and streets nearby: Gwarna, Taczaka, Ratajczaka) second hand bookstores, antiquaries, music and movies.

Open-air markets
There are many in Poznań, most are open all year round – maybe during the most severe frosts some stalls are closed and vendors are at home.

Budget
If you are looking for budget options then search for places named "Bistro", "Kebab" or the critically endangered "Bar mleczny". These places will allow you to eat well at low, usually 30 zł price.

Drink
Most night clubs in Poznań are to be found on and around the Stary Rynek.

Sleep
Poznań is well known for its trade fairs, when thousands of business types descend en masse to the city. Accommodation can be quite difficult to find in this period, and prices tend to go up. If you are stuck, the Glob-Tour office in the main train station hall (Tel: +48 61 866 0667) will generally find a private room for you for around €8 per person.

Consulates

 * 🇦🇱 Albania
 * 🇧🇪 Belgium
 * 🇧🇷 Brazil
 * the Czech Republic
 * 🇪🇪 Estonia
 * 🇩🇪 Germany
 * 🇫🇷 France
 * 🇭🇺 Hungary
 * 🇮🇪 Ireland
 * 🇩🇰 Denmark
 * 🇳🇱 Netherlands
 * 🇱🇹 Lithuania
 * 🇲🇽 Mexico
 * 🇷🇴 Romania
 * 🇷🇺 Russia
 * 🇸🇰 Slovakia
 * 🇹🇷 Turkey
 * 🇺🇸 USA
 * UK
 * 🇺🇦 Ukraine

Connect
As of Aug 2022, city centre has 5G from all Polish carriers, while outlying districts and the approach highways have 4G. Wifi is widely available in public places.

Stay safe
In general you should feel safe in Poznań, crime (including petty crime) is low. City is not very popular among tourists, so prevalence of pick-pocketing and various common tourist scams is very low. Walking alone at night should not be a problem in most of the city. However you need to expect some weird looks if you are openly homosexual or are not white, especially in suburbs.

Do not trust strangers on Stary Rynek or Wrocławska street who want you to visit a club/bar with them. They are going to scam you, possibly steal your credit card data or at best bring you to a very overpriced place.

On Friday and Saturday evenings in summer a lot of youth go to west bank of Warta river close to city centre. It is one of the few places in the city where you can legally drink alcohol outdoors, resulting in a large number of drunken people and troublemakers gathering there. Do not venture to west bank especially late at night, you may be insulted at best or beaten and robbed at worst. Instead go to the much calmer east bank of the river.

When looking for acommodation or food avoid places close to rail, rail stations (e.g. Poznań Wschód, Poznań Dębiec) and final bus/tram stations (e.g. Rondo Rataje, Górczyn PKM). These places may feel unsafe as they tend to attract homeless and beggars.

Go next
For those arriving by train from Berlin, it would make sense to travel south to the cities of Wrocław and Kraków, or on to Warsaw. Another opportunity is to travel to the north - Gdańsk.

Day-trips: Further afield:
 * Dziekanowice (35 km northeast) — accessible only by car, village in Greater Poland containing ethnographic museum with traditional houses and Dutch windmills. Further behind museum there are ruins of palace on island of Ostrów Lednicki one of contenders for title of first capital of Poland
 * Gniezno (50 km northeast) — first capital of Poland and a minor city, easily accessible via Intercity and commuter rail. The city has one of oldest cathedrals in Poland used for coronation by Polish kings and containing relics of Adalbert of Prague. Behind cathedral there is old town with variety of architecture and food. There is also Museum of the Beginnings of the Polish State.
 * Kórnik (18 km southeast) — Poznań suburb accesible by suburban bus with a beautiful old town containing gothic church and numerous lakes. There is also a neogothic castle complete with original furniture and surrounded by a dendrological park with well kept bushes and trees, best visited in May/June during flowering period.
 * Licheń (100 km east) — two large basilicas and important Virgin Mary pilgrimage site in Poland. Worth a visit if you are a devout catholic, or if you enjoy absurd architecture.
 * Owińska (17 km north) — village suburb with baroque Cistercian Nuns Monastery and dilapidated von Treskow family palace with park. Good starting point to visit Puszcza Zielonka or forests north of Poznań via pedestrian/cycling bridge with observation tower.
 * Puszcza Zielonka (10–15 km northeast) — large forest complex to the northeast of the city. Many walking and cycling trails, lakes with fishing spots. On the forest boundaries there are numerous wooden churches. Contains free observatory on top of Dziewicza Góra open during daytime except for Mondays providing great view of Poznań and its suburbs.
 * Puszczykowo (15 km south) — easily accessible by commuter train, interwar era suburb with many villas, contains travel museum of a Polish traveler Arkady Fiedler including gifts from many tropical tribes. Good starting point for wandering or cycling in Wielkopolski National Park that preserves post-glacial landscape of Greater Poland. Numerous hills and scenic lakes.
 * Rogalin (16 km south)— accessible only with car or bike, baroque-classicist palace of Raczyński family with their famous painting collection and horse cabs. Surrounded by oak trees (in total: more than 500), including three natural monument oaks over 800 years old: Lech, Czech and Rus;
 * Szreniawa (15 km southwest) — village, easily accesible by train. Huge Agriculture Museum built on site of former folwark showcasing history of agriculture, crop cultivation, animal husbandry, vehicles (including aircraft and infamous Polish Tarpan trucks). You can also try beer from local brewery, pet sheep and goats or take part in one of numerous events in museum. Museum is free on Saturday. You can also go to the Bierbaums watch tower.
 * Wolsztyn (70 km southwest) — a town with operating steam-locos depot, which is the only one in Europe. There is annual steam locomotives parade which happens in May and brings large crowds. Choo! choo!

All cities are accessible at around the same time with train or car (bus is going to take a bit longer)

 * Bydgoszcz — 2 hr to garden city focused around river with lots of greenery
 * Gdańsk — 3 hr 30 min. to merchant city with beautiful gothic old town and granaries
 * Kalisz — 2 hr 30 min to supposedly oldest city in Poland, which traded amber with Romans
 * Kraków — 6 hr to the capital of Polish Kings, tourists favourite
 * Warsaw — 3 hr to the capital of Poland, rebuilt after war, dynamic metropolis with lots of commerce and night life
 * Wrocław — 2 hr to twin of Poznań though with much more German character, larger river and more bridges.
 * Zielona Góra — 2 hr to small city on top of a hill known for its wine and cute old town.
 * Zielona Góra — 2 hr to small city on top of a hill known for its wine and cute old town.

Abroad:

 * Berlin — about 3 hr on train, closer than to Warsaw
 * London — easily accesible via plane, very cheap connections available

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Poznań


text:
Pozzallo

Pozzallo is a city near the southern tip of Sicily in Italy. It's the port for ferries to Malta. Pozzallo is a major summer tourist destination, with two beaches holding a Blue Flag award, as of Apr 2023, for water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and other services.

Understand
Very few beaches in Sicily have won the Blue Flag.

Get in

 * The closest local airport is located in Comiso, near Ragusa. Catania-Fontanarossa is further but with better choice of flights across Europe, and good public transport to Syracuse.
 * The fast-cat ferry to Valletta in Malta runs twice day, taking 1 hr 30. Day-trips from Pozzallo port to Malta are possible on Wednesday and Friday. The service is run by Virtu Ferries, return fare €80 low season rising to €160 mid-summer. The ferry terminal is 3 km west of town centre. The catamaran is quite stable and enjoyable during a calm summer day, but on the event of bad weather might be delayed or cancelled.
 * AST bus routes are #50 Syracuse - Noto - Pozzallo - Ragusa - Gela; #56 Pozzallo - Ragusa - Palermo; #57 Pozzallo - Modica - Ragusa; and #59 to Modica. They run all week but are infrequent on Sunday. The bus stop is on Piazza della Rimenbranza along Corso Vittorio Vento, buy tickets on board.
 * There are six regional trains a day M-Sa: north-west via Ragusa (1 hour) to Gela, with connections to Palermo, and north-east to Syracuse (1 hour), with connections to Palermo, Messina and mainland Italy. No trains on Sunday. The station is on the north edge of town, at the end of Via Giuseppe Mazzini about 10 min from Piazza della Rimenbranza. The station is just a platform halt and has no amenities, not even a ticket machine: buy tickets from shops, e.g. the tobacconist at foot of V Mazzini, or supermarket next to the station.
 * Taxi might be your only choice on Sunday. Price from Ragusa is about €50, from Catania €160, and from Milazzo €240. Book with "Excursions in Sicily" email: info@chauffeurs-italy.com

Get around
There is a taxi rank by the bus stop on Piazza della Rimembranza. Taxis also meet the ferries from Malta and trains from Syracuse.

Chauffeurs-italy.com offer car rental with driver and taxi services. Based in Ragusa and Pozzallo port, they also run transfers and excursions in Syracuse, Noto, Modica, Ragusa, Taormina and Mount Etna. E mail: info@chauffeurs-italy.com

See
The town's main street is Corso Veneto.
 * Roadside Shrine located in Piazza Senia
 * Villa comunale public's gardens
 * Lungomare Raganzino, promenade
 * Lungomare Pietre Nere, promenade
 * Museo del Cinema
 * Castello Di Martino, ruins
 * Villa Tedeschi, public library
 * Lungomare Pietre Nere, promenade
 * Museo del Cinema
 * Castello Di Martino, ruins
 * Villa Tedeschi, public library

Do

 * Pietre Nere Beach is a sandy but scrappy thing, stretching east for some 400 m from the Tower to the crumbling cliffs. (The banner photo is fish-eyed, elongating it into a spit.)
 * The Raganzino Beach is another small beach between the west edge of town and the port, overlooked by the masonry scraps of Castello di Martino. In between is the wave-dashed promenade, with a boat slipway.
 * The Festival of Saint John the Baptist is held on the Sunday before 24 June. The week before a boat flotilla lays a wreath upon the sea. Celebrations always ends with a nice fireworks show.
 * The Fish Festival takes place in the city center generally held in the month of August
 * Festival of Madonna del Rosario

Buy
Local products, extremely fresh fish, local cheese and fresh ricotta.

Eat
Restaurants and cafes are grouped around the Tower and east end of Via Veneto, with another group near the beach at the western edge of town.

The most popular plate is the "Ghiotta" an amazing fish soup with the local catches.

Drink

 * Historical city center is full of nice places where to delight a drink enjoying some nice live music at the beautiful seafront

Go next

 * The Baroque Towns are a series of UNESCO-listed small towns, perched on hilltops above rocky gorges. They're in much demand as period film and TV locations, and M-Sa they can easily be done as day-trips from Pozzallo by public transport. Biggest and best are Modica and Ragusa. They also include Noto, Ispica and Scicli.
 * You'll need your own car to reach the nature reserves of Macchia Forest on River Irminio near Modica, or of Vendicari on the coast south of Noto.
 * Malta is usually the reason people travel to Pozzallo. The capital Valletta is a possible day-trip, with lots to see and do. A longer stay should take in Mdina, the limestone coastline, and the island of Gozo.

title: Pozzallo


text:
Pozzuoli

Pozzuoli is a city in the Campania region of Italy.

Get in
From the Montesanto train station in Naples, take the Cumana line to either the Arco Felice stop or the Lucrino stop.

From Naples Central Station, take the Circumflegrea line to Pozzuoli. The station is just down the street from the Solfatara volcano entrance and the Flavian Amphitheater.

See
There are several ancient Roman ruins in Pozzuoli, including the macellum (market building), an amphitheatre and a bath.

title: Pozzuoli


text:
Prachinburi

Prachinburi (ปราจีนบุรี) is a sleepy town, usually used as the southern gateway to Khao Yai National Park.

Understand
About 135 km northeast of Bangkok, Prachinburi, a province next to the border, covers a total area of approximately 4,762 km2. It was a particularly prosperous town from the Dvaravati to the Lop Buri period, dating back 800 years.

By car
From Bangkok:

 * Take Phahonyothin Rd to Rangsit, and keep left to use the overpass. Exit to Hwy 305. Drive along Khlong Rangsit through Ongkharak, Nakhon Nayok. Change to Hwy 33 (Nakhon Nayok - Prachin Buri route), and turn right at Nong Cha-om T-junction at km155. Then, change to Hwy 319 before reaching Prachinburi. The total distance is about 132 km. Or use Hwy 33 and turn right at the roundabout near the King Naresuan the Great Shrine. The total distance is 136 km.
 * Travel along Hwy 1, pass Wang Noi, Ayutthaya. Turn right at km90, and change to Hwy 33. Travel through Wihan Daeng, Saraburi, and Nakhon Nayok. Turn right at Nong Cha-om T-junction at km155. Then, change to Hwy 319 before reaching Prachinburi. The total distance is 164 km.
 * Take Hwy 304 through Chachoengsao, and Phanom Sarakham. Then, change to Hwy 319 and go through Si Mahosot before reaching Prachinburi. The total distance is 158 km.
 * Travel along Hwy 3481 to Khet Nong Chok and pass through Bang Nam Priao, Chachoengsao, and Ban Sang, Prachinburi. The total distance is 70 km.

By bus
The Transport Company Limited provides buses from Bangkok's Northeastern Bus Terminal on Kamphaeng Phet Rd (Mo Chit 2) to Prachinburi many times daily, taking about 2 hours to get to the province. For further information, contact the Transport Company Limited, Tel. 0 2936 2852–66, 0 2936 3670, 0 2936 2816 (reservation). The Prachin Buri Provincial Bus Terminal, Tel. 0 3721 1292

Buses travel via these two main routes:

 * Bangkok - Hin Kong - Nakhon Nayok - Prachinburi route: The first-class and second-class air-conditioned Buses 58 and 59, cost 110 baht and 85 baht, respectively. The first bus from Bangkok leaves at 04:50 and the last bus leaves at 21:00. Buses depart every 30 minutes.
 * Bangkok - Ongkharak - Nakhon Nayok - Prachinburi route: The first-class and second-class air conditioned Buses 920 cost 92 baht and 71 baht, respectively. The first bus from Bangkok leaves at 05:25 and the last bus leaves at 18:25.

By train
Trains between Bangkok and Prachinburi are available 4 times daily: 05:55 (arrives 08:55), 08:00 (arrives 10:41), 09:40, and 15:25. For further details, contact a travel agent or the Thai State Railway.

See
Amphoe Mueang (อำเภอเมือง) King Naresuan the Great Shrine (ศาลสมเด็จพระนเรศวรมหาราช) The shrine houses a standing statue of King Naresuan the Great to commemorate his camping at Prachin Buri on the way from Ayutthaya to Cambodia in 1589. People in Prachin Buri and nearby provinces normally come to pay respect.

Phrakhru Uthai Thammathari (Seng Sukhito) Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์พระครูอุทัยธรรมธารี (เส็ง สุขิโต) This museum houses prehistoric archaeological finds, various artefacts and art objects from neighbouring countries, as well as reproduction of antiquities. There are about 900 pieces of these archaeological objects such as bronze bangles, pottery, ceramics, Buddha images in various positions, Thai coins, ancient coins from the neighbouring countries, spur disc supports, etc.

2nd Infantry Division, Queen's Guard (กองพลทหารราบที่ 2 รักษาพระองค์ฯ) This Queen's Guard Unit offers many activities such as golfing, horse riding, and shooting.

Yusuksuwan Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์อยู่สุขสุวรรณ์) This museum houses everyday objects from the past. Many collector's items feature various pressure lanterns, coins, bank-notes, different types of cabinets like teak cabinets, dressing tables, and fans using kerosene. Another interesting item is the 70-year-old lottery (Thailand's first issue).

Wat Kaeo Phichit (วัดแก้วพิจิตร) Being the very first Dhammayutika Buddhist temple in Prachin Buri, it was built in 1879 by a Prachin Buri millionaire who was a wife of Khun Pramunphakdi. In 1918, Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr (Chum Aphaiwong) constructed a new ordination hall (Phra Ubosot) to replace the old dilapidated one. The unique characteristic of this hall is the combination between the Thai, Chinese, European, and Cambodian art.

Prachin Buri Cultural Centre (ศูนย์วัฒนธรรมจังหวัดปราจีนบุรี) This centre was built by Phra Prichakonlakan (Sam-ang Amattayakun) in the reign of King Rama V. Its architecture is a mixture of the Thai and western style. After having undergone renovation and been registered as an ancient monument by the Department of Fine Arts, it is now the Prachin Buri Cultural and Red Cross Offices.

Prachin Buri National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ ปราจีนบุรี) This archaeological museum displays artefacts discovered within the eastern region and neighbouring provinces like Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Nakhon Nayok, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Chanthaburi, Trat, and Rayong. The museum mostly displays important artefacts discovered from the ancient city of Mueang Si Mahosot.

Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr Building (ตึกเจ้าพระยาอภัยภูเบศร) It was constructed by the personal budget of Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr in 1909 as a residence for King Rama V on his next royal visit to Prachin Buri. He died in 1910. King Rama VI and his family stayed here instead during his royal visit in 1912. It can be seen that the owner never did stay in this building at all. The building used to serve as the administrative office of the hospital. Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital, a pilot hospital on Thai medicine, won the 4th Thailand Tourism Award (2003) in the category of tourism promotion and development project.

Wat Sa-nga Ngam (วัดสง่างาม) Wat Sa-nga Ngam was granted consecrated boundaries on 10 April 1917, and the Ubosot, where devoted Buddhists duck under and pass through it for good luck and pray to recover from their illnesses, was constructed in 1971. The whole Ubosot was lifted and underwent major renovation in 2002. This was when the ducking ritual and gilding the statue of Luangpu Phio, a former abbot (Phrakhru Silawisutthachan), began.

Wat Bot (วัดโบสถ์) Located in Tambon Wat Bot, the temple is on the west of town. It was built in 1278 on the bank of the Prachin Buri or Bang Pakong River and covers an area of 45 rai (7.2 ha). There are 3 Buddha images along the bank; namely, Phra Siri Mongkhon Nimit (the walking Buddha), Phra Sapphasitthi Nawa (the Buddha sitting in the European style), and Phra Maha Chinasaiyat (the reclining Buddha). The temple is peaceful and shady.

Bamboo Garden (สวนพันธุ์ไผ่) Supervised by the Department of Corrections, the garden is located in Tambon Noen Hom with an area of about 300 rai (48 ha). It has a wide collection of bamboo species for research and breeding. One area is allocated as a training centre – cut bamboo, growing vegetables, building furniture - for good behaviour inmates.

Namtok Heo Narok (น้ำตกเหวนรก) Located on the Prachin Buri - Khao Yai route, Namtok Heo Narok is part of Khao Yai National Park, which covers the area of Prachin Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Saraburi provinces. It is a gigantic and beautiful waterfall 60 m in height and a steep cliff. The water, running to the valley down below, is very vigorous during the rainy months.

Chakkraphong Dam (อ่างเก็บน้ำจักรพงษ์) The reservoir is an earth dam of 16.50 m high and 740 m long. From the entrance to the dam on the left, there is an 11-km road up to the top of the mountain for viewing the scenic atmosphere. At km 7–8, there is a 150-m long wonder hill. It is believed that if you stop your car and leave it in neutral gear, the car seems to run up hill because of illusions affected by the surroundings.

Namtok Khao Ito (น้ำตกเขาอีโต้) This not-so-high waterfall in Tambon Ban Phra is a popular tourist attraction, which runs through rocks at different levels. Surroundings are full of timber forests. There is plenty of water only in the rainy season.

Amphoe Ban Sang (อำเภอบ้านสร้าง)

Bats at Wat Bang Krabao (ค้างคาวแม่ไก่วัดบางกระเบา) The highlight of this temple is the spectacular sight of thousands of bats living on the trees.

Amphoe Si Mahosot (อำเภอศรีมโหสถ)

Ton Pho Si Maha Pho (The Great Bodhi Tree) (ต้นโพธิ์ศรีมหาโพธิ) The country's oldest and largest bodhi tree, it was recorded that 2000 years ago, the seedling stock of this bodhi tree was brought from Buddhgaya, India. The tree is about 20 m in circumference, 30 m in height, and 25 m in diameter. Legend has it that Phrachao Thawanampayadit, the ruler of Mueang Si Mahosot during the Khmer empire sent his representatives to Nakhon Patuliputra in India for a branch of the Pho tree, under which the Lord Buddha had sat during his enlightenment. This Pho tree has been the symbol of Prachin Buri.

Luangpho Thawarawadi (หลวงพ่อทวารวดี) It is in the Wihan in front of the Si Mahosot District office, this 1.63-m greenish sandstone Buddha image in a standing posture and giving the sermon, believed to be from the 7th -9th century or Dvaravati Period, was discovered at the leprosy settlement, Camilo Hospital, to the south of Mueang Si Mahosot.

Sa Morakot Archaeological Site (กลุ่มโบราณสถาน สระมรกต) This gigantic complex of Buddhist ancient monuments, lying on top of one another since the 9th – 13th century, comprises laterite and brick architectures – with only the bases left. The most fascinating attraction is Thailand's largest and oldest Lord Buddha's Footprints (รอยพระพุทธบาทคู่) - - like a human's - - carved on the natural laterite floor. More attractions are holy well (บ่อน้ำศักดิ์สิทธิ์) and a rectangular pond called Sa Morakot (สระมรกต).

Si Mahosot Ancient Town (โบราณสถานเมืองศรีมโหสถ) This oval or rectangular shape with round edge ancient town dates back to the Dvaravati period, covering an area of about 700 rai (112 ha). Remains of the moat, mound, and more than 100 interesting ancient monuments such as various architecture, knolls, ponds, and wells are found scattered in the area. Most of the archaeological finds are related to Hinduism such as shrines, graven images, and Shiva Linga. The most important venue is the complex in the centre of town (กลุ่มโบราณสถานกลางเมือง).

Amphoe Si Maha Phot (อำเภอศรีมหาโพธิ)

Royal Handwriting Monument (อนุสาวรีย์ลายพระหัตถ์) This inscription of the royal initials was made during the visit of King Rama V to Prachin Buri in 1908. The inscription was made on a laterite artefact from the Lop Buri Period, dating back to the 7th - 8th century.

Lum Mueang (หลุมเมือง) This is a place with about 48 holes or "Lum" of different sizes dug deep on laterite ground. The date of the digging is unknown. During his royal visit on 18 December 1908, King Rama V assumed that the holes were mortars for mixing cement for architectural decoration. But some elderly believed that these holes were meant for a local game known as "Lum Mueang".

Phan Hin Ancient Monument (โบราณสถานพานหิน) This large square Phan Hin ancient monument is made solely of laterite. It is 15.50 m wide on each side, and 3.5 m high, with 4 porches. It is assumed that the building was a shrine for the Hindu God, Vishnu, built during the 7th - 9th century in the reign of King Jayavarman I of Chenla. The shape of a sculptural pedestal found in the centre of the ancient remains is similar to a tray or "Phan" in Thai. Therefore, the place has been called "Phan Hin" or stone tray since.

Amphoe Prachantakham (อำเภอประจันตคาม)

Namtok Than Thip (น้ำตกธารทิพย์) The waterfall runs through different rocky levels. At some point, it passes a wide rock terrace, and some points are a deep pool. People can swim here. There is a rock terrace for recreation.

Namtok Som Poi (น้ำตกส้มป่อย) This not-so-high waterfall runs through cataracts at different levels. The stream stretches some 400 m and there are pools suitable for swimming.

Namtok Takhro and Namtok Salat Dai (น้ำตกตะคร้อและน้ำตกสลัดได) This waterfall has wide rapids and there is a suspension bridge spanning across it. The left side features a hill while the right hand side features a timber forest –a relaxing stop.

Amphoe Kabin Buri (อำเภอกบินทร์บุรี)

Kabin Chaloem Rat Park (อุทยานกบินทร์เฉลิมราชย์) This large park/swamp occupies an area of approximately 900 rai (144 ha). During October - May, thousand of grebes migrate from Siberia.

Mueang Thong Kham Ban Bo Thong Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์เหมืองทองคำบ้านบ่อทอง) Intended as a knowledge and cultural hub, this museum features history of gold mining, archives, as well as, mine-related objects such as artefacts, or local tools. Exhibitions inside displays the history of the gold mine such as underground mining, and separating the ores.

Amphoe Na Di (อำเภอนาดี)

Thap Lan National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติทับลาน) occupies an approximate area of or 1,400,000 rai. It was established in 1981. Usually there is no accommodation available in the park. Tourists must bring their own tents.

Kaeng Hin Phoeng (แก่งหินเพิง) These beautiful and large rapids are in the Sai Yai River. It is most popular for the challenging and enjoyable whitewater rafting during the rainy season (July–November) -- the water is very vigorous and flows through different cataracts. After the rainy months, Kaeng Hin Phoeng becomes a large rock terrace.

Suan Nongnuch Camping Resort (สวนนงนุช แคมป์ปิ้ง รีสอร์ท) Occupying an area of approximately 2,000 rai (320 ha), Suan Nongnuch Camping Resort, filled with a variety of flowering plants and exotic gardens, is adjacent to Khao Yai National Park.

Do
Trekking: Many trekking routes are available as follows:

 * Trekking in Thap Lan National Park (เดินป่าในอุทยานแห่งชาติทับลาน)
 * Khao Samo Pun Route (เส้นทางเขาสมอปูน)
 * Namtok Som Poi -Tat Hin Yao - Thung Ngu Lueam Route (เส้นทางน้ำตกส้มป่อย ตาดหินยาว ทุ่งงูเหลือม)
 * Namtok Takhro - Namtok Heo Chakkachan Route (เส้นทางน้ำตกตะคร้อ-น้ำตกเหวจั๊กจั่น)
 * Khao Yai National Park Safeguard Unit 10 Route (Prachantakham - Namtok Fong Sabu) (เส้นทางจากหน่วยพิทักษ์อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาใหญ่ หน่วยความรับผิดชอบที่ 10 (ขญ.10 ประจันตคาม-น้ำตกฟองสบู่)
 * Namtok Takhro - Namtok Wang Heo - Sai Yai Route (เส้นทางน้ำตกตะคร้อ-น้ำตกวังเหว-ใสใหญ่)

Whitewater Rafting at Kaeng Hin Phoeng

Bicycling Those who bring their own bicycle can tour along the routes as follows:
 * Khao Yai Grand View Thani Resort to Namtok Khao
 * Sa Morakot Archaeological Site Route starts from the Buddha's Footprints.

Golf Prachinburi has two major golf courses, being:
 * Hillside Country Home Golf and Resort (ฮิลล์ไซด์ คันทรี โฮม กอล์ฟ แอนด์   รีสอร์ท)
 * Phrom Yothi Camp Golf Course (สนามกอล์ฟค่ายพรหมโยธี)

Ban Dong Bang Agro-tourism Attractions
 * Ban Nong Chuang – Ban Nong Kankrao Fruit Streets, filled with different types of orchards such as:
 * Santol Orchards
 * Durian Orchards
 * Pomelo Orchards
 * Mangosteen and Marian Plum Orchards
 * Mangosteen and Durian Orchards

Events and festivals
Makha Purami Si Prachin Festival (งานมาฆปูรมีศรีปราจีน) takes place yearly on Makha Puja Day at Wat Sa Morakot, Amphoe Si Mahosot. In the event, both monks and the public will practice meditation, as well as, pay respect and participate in the candlelight ceremony around the biggest and the most ancient Buddha's Footprints in Thailand with lighted candles, incense and flowers.

The Bang Fai Sky Rocket Festival (งานแห่บั้งไฟ) is organized annually on Visakha Puja Day at Wat Ton Pho Si Maha Pho, Amphoe Si Mahosot. There is the lighting of the Bang Fai sky rocket, the competition of Soeng Traditional Dance in the Sky Rocket Procession, as well as, performances celebrating the event.

Agriculture and Well-known Products of Prachin Buri Fair (งานวันเกษตร และของดีเมืองปราจีน) happens approximately during May–June every year in front of the city hall. In the fair, there are fruits and agricultural product market, fruits and vegetable contests, agricultural competition and demonstration, exhibitions by various authorities, as well as, competition of agricultural vehicles and entertainment celebrating the event.

Whitewater Rafting at Kaeng Hin Phoeng Week (งานสัปดาห์ล่องแก่งหินเพิง) is organized annually around August–September at the 9th Safeguard Unit, Khao Yai National Park, Amphoe Na Di. In the event, there is a rafting competition and an economical whitewater rafting at Kaeng Hin Phoeng.

Traditional Long Boat Races (งานแข่งเรือยาวประเพณี) takes place during the second week of September every year on the Bang Pakong River, in front of the Mueang District Administration Office. There are both traditional long and local boats competing to win Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's Cup.

Loi Krathong Festival (งานลอยกระทง) is organized on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month at the edge of the dam next to the conference hall of the Mueang District Administration Office. There is the Nang Nopphamat Beauty Contest, Krathong procession contest, students' performances, as well as, performances celebrating the festival.

Buy

 * Fruits and Agricultural Produce of the province are well known because they are generally recognized of high quality such as durians, rambutans, pomelos, santols, mangosteens, marian plums, Ma Fai, Long Kong and Phai Tong bamboo shoot.
 * Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr Herbal Products (ผลิตภัณฑ์สมุนไพรเจ้าพระยาอภัยภูเบศร) are produced from Thai herbs with various qualities. They are in easy-to-use forms such as curcuma and mangosteen soap, tamarind facial foam, shampoo, toothpaste, skin lotion, lemongrass mosquito repellent, Salet Phangphon balm, herbal tea and juice and various kinds of medicine from herbs. The products are available in the Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital.
 * Bamboo Furniture is produced in Ban Ngong and Ban Pho, Amphoe Prachantakham into tables, chairs, garden furniture, shelves, etc. These products are sold along the route through the production area (the way to Amphoe Phanom Sarakham).
 * Grass Brooms' production areas are Tambon Prachantakham and Tambon Pho Ngam in Amphoe Prachantakham.
 * Reed Mat is generally produced in Amphoe Ban Sang, especially widely throughout Tambon Bang Plara. It is made of reed plants including Krajut, Kok Sam Liam and Kok Langka. Most of them are woven into large mats for lying on, folding mats and bags. There are both in natural colour and in dyed ones.

title: Prachinburi


text:
Prachov Rocks

The Prachov Rocks are in Czech Republic.

Understand
Prachov Rocks are not very large, but full of beautiful views on the shire, full of ravines, chines, lonely sandstone towers, pins, gullets and many other shapes of rocks which you can imagine. Mainly it is a great place for climbers and tourists. There is also a pond. Prachov Rocks are a national natural reservation and they have been protected since 1933.

Get in
Prachov Rocks are the most visited area of north–east Bohemia. It is a sandstone–rock "city" of the southern edge of Český Ráj in a forested landscape. The nearest town is Jičín, which is also full of sights.

Fees and permits
The entrance fee is 60 Kč, or 30 Kč reduced. Parking costs 200 Kč/day.

Do
Inside this territory you can only walk. Footpaths are not available for bikes or roller skates. There are two circuits for tourists. The first is easier and also shorter. The other is and longer and the footpaths are sometimes quite dangerous especially for older tourists, but there are more view points and it is more exciting. The best solution is to try both. In the pond you can swim or sunbathe on the shore. Rock climbers can climb in fact each of 239 rock objects. To go through all the places in the territory of Prachov Rocks you need only one afternoon.

Sleep
You can stay in Jičín and travel there by bus, in private accommodation or in a hotel, which is few meters from the entrance and from a pond.

title: Prachov Rocks


text:
Prachuap Khiri Khan

Prachuap Khiri Khan (ประจวบคีรีขันธ) is a coastal town of roughly 27,000 inhabitants (2012) in western Thailand, roughly 100 km south of Hua Hin and 200 km north of Chumphon. Culturally it could be considered part of the central plains, but is geographically connected to southern Thailand as it is a part of the Malay Peninsula. It possesses various interesting tourism attractions such as beaches, islands, forests, and mountains.

Understand
Thailand's royal family were the first to set this location on the map as the original beach resort in Thailand. The long white sandy beaches themselves are clean, spotless, and pretty, much more so than Pattaya's, and the sea is relatively clean. Besides just sunbathing snorkelling and swimming, visitors can also enjoy golf, spas, caves, peaks, waterfalls, shops, seafood and nearby national parks. The town is warm and laid-back making it ideal for families and couples.

Prachuap Khiri Khan is in fact more of a holiday destination for Thais than foreigners. Many Bangkokians purchase condominiums here. This guarantees a bit of a quiet atmosphere if you are fed up with noisy foreign tourists at their favourite locations, such as Pattaya or Ko Samui.

Geography
Prachuap Khiri Khan Province covers an area of 6,368 km2. It is a long and narrow coast stretching to the south. At the Singkhon Pass in the Mueang district, there is a border crossing into Burma. Near there, the distance from the Burmese border to the Gulf of Thailand is only 13 km. The length of the province from the north to the south is approximately 212 km.

History
Once known as Muang Bang Nong Rom, Prachuap Khiri Khan was left to decay after the sacking of Ayutthaya at the end of the 18th century. The town was rebuilt at the mouth of the Ron River during the 19th century and renamed Prachuap Khiri Khan.

It was an old seaside resort during the reign of King Rama V. From historical evidence, Prachuap Khiri Khan was a location of Mueang Na Rang during the Ayutthaya period. In the reign of King Rama II of Rattanakosin, a new city was established at the mouth of the I Rom Canal and was named Mueang Bang Nang Rom. During the reign of King Rama IV, Mueang Bang Nang Rom, Mueang Kui, and Mueang Khlong Wan were combined into Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan which means "city of mountains". The city hall was at Mueang Kui until 1898, when it was moved to Ao Ko Lak or Ao Prachuap, the site of Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan today.

By car
From Bangkok, there are two routes as follows:

First Route Take the Thonburi–Pak Tho Rd (Hwy 35), passing Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, and turn left into Phetchakasem Rd (Hwy 4), passing Phetchaburi into Prachuap Khiri Khan. The total distance is about 280 km or 3.5 hr.

Second Route Take Phetchakasem Rd or Hwy 4, passing Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, and Phetchaburi into Prachuap Khiri Khan. The total distance is approximately 320 km or 4 hours.

By bus
From the Southern Bus Terminal on Borommaratchachonnani Rd, the Transport Company Ltd offers various daily bus services: Bangkok–Prachuap Khiri Khan; Bangkok–Hua Hin; Bangkok–Pran Buri; and Bangkok–Bang Saphan. Companies providing bus services on the Bangkok–Prachuap Khiri Khan route are the Hua Hin–Pran Tour Co., Ltd.,  (04:00-22:20), the Phuttan Tour Co., Ltd.,,  or Prachuap Khiri Khan Office,  (06:00–01:00), the Bang Saphan Tour Co., Ltd., {{phone|+66 2 4355105, {{phone|+66 2 8848895}} or Bang Saphan Office, {{phone|+66 32 691267}} or Ban Krut Office, {{phone|+66 32 695074}} (bus leaves at 07:30 and from Ban Krut at 12:30 There is also a 07:30 bus provided on Saturdays.) For further information, contact the Southern Bus Terminal {{phone|+66 2 4351199}}, {{phone|+66 2 4347192}}, {{phone|+66 2 4355605}}.

For an inexpensive and fast way to go from Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), book the daily express bus from Bangkok airport (BKK) to Hua Hin, then hop on a taxi or mini-bus for a ride to the city of Prachuap. The bus fare is 325 baht (Nov 2022).

By train

From Hualamphong railway station in Bangkok, there are many southbound trains daily passing through Prachuap Khiri Khan. A typical one is the second-class Train 43 to Hua Hin, Pranburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan, departing Bangkok at 08:05 and arriving at Hua Hin at 11:26, then Prachuap Khiri Khan at 12:28. Fare is 455 baht. For further information, contact the State Railway of Thailand at.

By plane
Nok Air operates a daily flight between Bangkok (Don Mueang, DMK) and Chumphon airport (CJM), the closest airport. Hua Hin has no scheduled domestic air services.

Get around
The town itself is small enough to get around on foot. For access to the beaches you can easily catch a tuk-tuk. Tuk-tuks are popular for short and quick journeys. Fares must be agreed in advance.

Pedal-powered rickshaws ("samlor") are for relatively short distances. Short rides within the town cost between 20 and 30 baht. Longer rides may cost as much as 50 baht.

Songthaews travel fixed routes when on-duty and pick up as many passengers as they can and drop them off as they reach their destinations. Off-duty songthaews can be hired just as if they were taxis.

Motorbikes can be hired but it is advised to be extremely careful when hiring a motorbike. Use only a reputable agency.

For those travelling only short distances, bicycles can be rented downtown.

You can rent a car at Sombat Car Rent & Taxi Service, 204/3 Thanon Sukjai. English- and German-speaking. Prices start from 1,500 baht per day

Motorbike taxis are the most popular form of public transportation in town and the prices are low (some bargaining is advised before getting on). Trips cost about 10-40 baht depending on the distance. Make sure the driver has a helmet of good quality for you.

Boats can be hired at the pier for travel to nearby islands.

See

Buy
There is a little breakfast joint/ice cream parlour near the night market where you can buy organic coconut-shaped soaps, massage oils, and body scrubs. Great quality for a more than reasonable price. They make great gifts.

Budget

 * Baan Aomjai Address: Soi Ko Lak 2/2, Amphoe Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chang Wat Prachuap Khiri Khan 77000, Thailand. Available as a nightly rental or long term vacation rental; great for all travelers and writers and as a retreat getaway from the busy city life in Bangkok. They have studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments all with private bathrooms. Prices starting at US$18 (about 640 baht) per night. Great vacation rental for couples, solo adventurers, business travelers, and families with or without kids. This air-conditioned apartment features free WiFi, a mini-fridge, towels, bed linen, terrace, free parking, washing machine and flat-screen TVs. Enjoy their relaxing patio aka sala equipped with an opened kitchen and dining area. It is a very relaxing location surrounded by towering palm trees. There's also a swimming pool, gym and restaurant within 5 mins walk of the guesthouse apartment and the scenic Ao Manao beach is within a 20 minutes bike ride. There are many Thai and western food options such as pizza, pasta (Italian), German and French food available in town. The owners are very helpful in getting you acquainted with Prachuap and can help you pick daily activities to enjoy your vacation or relax at scenic palm trees swaying beach near by and go for a swim, get a tan and kick your feet up and relax up under a palm tree reading your favorite book. Highly recommended for those seeking an alternative vacation spot to noisy city life in Bangkok.

Connect
There is an Internet cafe down Salacheep Rd near the school.

Go next

 * Hua Hin
 * Chumphon

title: Prachuap Khiri Khan


text:
Praga

There is more than one place called Praga or something similar:

Czech Republic

 * Prague - the capital of Czech Republic; called "Praha" in Czech and Praga in some Romance languages

Poland

 * Praga - a district of Warsaw.

title: Praga


text:
Pragpur

Pragpur is a small heritage village situated in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.

Understand
Prag in Sanskrit translates to pollen. In a way it aptly describes the area of Pragpur which in spring is afire with blossoms.Lying in the shadows of Dhauladhar range, and developed about 3 centuries ago the village of Pragpur along with the nearby village of Garli, is notified as a "Heritage Village" by a State Government notification dated 9th December 1997.

Pragpur takes you to the earlier days of cobbled streets, ornamental village tank, mud plastered and slate roofed houses.

The area of Pragpur was part of the Principality of Jaswan whose chief, in the late 16th or early 17th Century charged a band of learned men, led by a Kuthiala Sood, to find a suitable place to commemorate Princess 'Prag' of his royal lineage.

Get in
Pragpur is well connected by air, rail or road. Gaggal is the nearest airport around 30 km away. Pathankot being another airport some 100 km away.

By train, it is connected by the narrow gauge Kangra Railway, that starts at Pathankot. Nearest rail hubs are Guler or Jwalamukhi both some 20 km away.

By Bus, it is 6 km from Kalhoa on National Highway 70, connecting Amb to Hamirpur.

title: Pragpur