- Wat Phra Kaew (Bangkok): With its flamboyant colors and rich details, this shrine is a magnificent setting for Thailand's most revered image, the Emerald Buddha. Inside the main temple building, a profusion of offerings surround the pedestal that supports the tiny image.
- Wat Arun (Bangkok): The golden Temple of Dawn shimmers in the sunrise across the Chao Phraya River from Bangkok, but viewing it at sunset is better still. As you climb its steep central Khmer-style prang (tower), you'll get a close view of the porcelain pieces that make up its floral design.
- The Erawan Shrine (Bangkok): Not a site notable for its size or super-structure, the Erawan Shrine is famed for the veracity of its devotees. Not long ago, a deranged Thai took an ax to the central figure; incensed by the desecration of the site, the crowds beat him to death. The statue has since been replaced. Located between Chit Lom and Ploen Chit BTS stations in the center of town, few Thai people pass without offering a bow, or wai, in reverence.
- Wat Yai (Phitsanulok): One of the holiest temples in Thailand, Wat Yai is home to the Phra Buddha Chinarat image, cast in bronze. One of the few remaining Sukhothai images, the Buddha here is the prototype for many replicas throughout the country. Outside, the temple complex hums with activity, since many Thais make the pilgrimage here.
- Wat Phra That Lampang Luang (Lampang): This city is the center of southern Buddhism in Thailand, the first Thai capital to convert to Theravada Buddhism and a major influence on the kingdoms to follow. The main chedi (stupa) contains a relic of the Buddha brought from Sri Lanka over a millennia ago and the Lanna styled architecture is evident all around town.
- Wat Phra Singh (Chiang Mai): While most Thais head here to see the revered Lion Buddha image, it's the delightful Lanna murals in the viharn next door that always amaze. Dating to around 1870, these faded illustrations include images of elephants, armies, and even fanciful impressions of early Western travelers.
Thailand Travel Experiences
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bats and sunflowers
Last Sunday Masako and Tong (who is from Lopburi) took us over to the neighboring town of Saraburi to see the massive fields of sunflower... Continue reading »
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Start of the journey
The TrainWe left Bangkok on Monday evening - the 9pm night train to Phitsanulok, to catch the 6am bus to Sukhothai (one of the old, destr... Continue reading »
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Mother Country
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Home Away From Home
We traveled to the province of Samut Songkhram to stay in one of the Department of Agricultural Extension's Agro-tourism project. &n... Continue reading »
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Kayaking Around Stunning Phang-Nga Bay And Visiti...
In our first four weeks in Phuket we have been to the spectacular Ao Phang-Nga National Park twice already. And I am sure we wi... Continue reading »
