Thursday, October 28, 2010

San Phra Kan (Monkeys Temple) in Lopburi

   San Phra Kan another Brahmanical shrine lying opposite Phra Prang Sam Yod in Lopburi consists of two sections. The old section dates back to the Khmer period and appear in the form of a laterite mound. The new section consist of a building constructed in 1951 contains a four-armed deity figure fixed with a Buddha's head which is now the project of worship. One of the most attractive sights for the tourist visiting San Phra Kan is the great number of tamed monkeys which feed themselves on food offered to the deity by worshippers.

Wat Benjamabopit (Marble Temple)

   The Marble Temple or "Wat Benjamabopit," as it is known in Thai, was constructed in 1899 A.D., during the reign of King Rama the 5th as the source of religous heritage for the future generations of Thais. The main shrine was originally intended to house a highly sacred and revered Budddha image known as Phra Buddha Shinaraja, which at the time was located in the province of Phitsanulok (approximately 300 km north of Bangkok). But when construction of the Marble Temple was complete, a replicate of the Phra Buddha Shinaraja was created and enshrined in the temple instead, due to that the people of Phitsanulok and northern Thailand were unwilling to part with their Buddha image, the main source of their religious inspiration.
    The Marble Temple, built entirely out of white marble as its name suggests, manifests the devotion that Thai people have for Buddhism. The architectural and engineering detail put in to the construction of the Wat Benjamabopit is rare by modern standards. Once the visitor enters the temple grounds, he or she will experience a sensation of tranquility and peace.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Promthep Cape in Phuket

   ‘Prom’ is the Thai word for the Hindu God ‘Brahma’ signifying purity and ‘Thep’ is Thai for God. Promthep is a headland stretching into the sea and forming the extreme south-end of Phuket Island. It has traditionally been the prominent feature for mariners approaching the island.
   You can watch the famous sunset  which is the best time to visit Promthep Cape. No trip to Phuket would be complete without taking a few photos of the breathtaking panoramic vista overlooking the southern tip of the island. The view is practically irresistible for photography since the bay reflects images of coral reefs as the waves in changing hues break upon rock boulders.

Khao Wang, Hua Hin

   This 92-metre hillock on the northern approach to Phetchaburi provincial capital (some 36 kilometres north of Cha-am), supports the Phra Nakhon Khiri palace constructed in 1860 by King Rama IV (King Mongkut). Phetchaburi residents refer to it as Khao Wang, literally Palace Hill.
   The style is mainly European with some Thai and Chinese influences. Sitting on three peaks the temple of Wat Phra Khew is to the east; the main stupa of Phra That Chom Phet in the middle and the residential Grand Palace to the west.
   Both Kings Rama IV & V used the palace at their leisure and to entertain their visitors. After the death of King Rama V it was used less and less and sadly slipped into a state of decay. In 1935 it was registered as a national monument by the Fine Arts Department and was restored to be a National Museum and National Park. Open daily 9am-4pm it can be conveniently reached by funicular railway round-trip 40 Baht. Once at the top entrance to the Museum is 30 Baht for foreigners and 10 Baht for Thais. It is an excellent half-day excursion and takes a couple of hours to walk the path linking the three peaks. The views are spectacular.

Khao Luang Cave

   The cave is located on Khao Luang Hill which is only 92 metres high and five kilometers from Khao Wang. khao Luang Cave is regarded as the most important cave of Petchaburi because is houses a dressing Buddha image cast by the royal command of King Chulalongkon as the dedication to King Nang Klao and King Mongkut.
    On the right hand of Khao Luang Access Road at the foot hill there is a large monastery called "Wat Tham Kleap" or Wat Bunthawi having a very large multipurpose hall The Sala Kanparien and wooden door panels of the Ubosot are beautifully carved.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Kantoke Dinner

   Kantoke Dinners provide a good way to get to know both the Northern food and culture at the same time. The Khantoke is a circular wooden tray set on pedestal that serves as a table. It will carry one of the most delicious meals you have ever eaten. Visitors are seated in the floor around a tray with Northern dishes on it and eat while watching traditional Thai and Northern dances and hill tribe culture shows.
    There are in fact two types of Khantoke. The one is the Yuan Khantoke. It is made of teak and is widely used, even today, in Northern Thailand. The other is the Lao Khantoke, a much more spindly three-legged structure that is made from bamboo strips and woven rattan and used mainly in Northeastern Thailand, Laos and Yunnan.

San Kamphaeng Hot Springs

This is located 36 kilometres from town amid natural surroundings of trees and verdant hills. The water has a high sulphur content and possesses curative and restorative properties. Accommodation, a swimming pool, dining facilities and segregated mineral water bathing rooms are available. Nearby is Roong Arun Hot Spring Resort which offers bungalows, mineral baths and sumptuous park setting.

Wat Phra Kaeo

On the Grand Palace grounds, stands Wat Phra Kaeo, the royal chapel and Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The temple was made famous by the Emerald Buddha, one of Thailand's most revered and cherished Buddha images, which is housed in the temple's main chapel (Viharn Phra Kaeo). The image is a sitting posture of the Buddha, 75 centimeters (30 inches) in height and is carved entirely out of emerald. Buddhist pilgrams and tourists from all over the world come to visit and to pay homage to the Emerald Buddha.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Golden Triangle

   Located 9 km to the north of Chiang Saen is the world-famous place where the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos meet. On the right is Laos PDR, and the triangle landon the left is the Golden Triangle in Myanmar. You can stand at the very point where the Rauk River from Burma flows into the Mekong.
   The most beautiful and amazing view of the Golden Triangle can be seen from a small hill where visitors can go up to that point by car. Just enjoy the natural beauty and be proud that you have been to a widely-known locality. Accommodations are available for tourists who want to stay over night. Boats can be rented for trips along the Khong River.

Elephant Camp

The elephant camp just 60 kilometers north of Chiang Mai, is a training center for elephants to learn skills in forestry, survival and working in a rapidly modernizing world. Visitors will witness the large creatures at work in their natural setting, and taking bath at the beginning, middle and end of each day to keep them clean and healthy. Enjoy personal interaction with the animal and watch them perform intelligent tricks. You can also tour the wild forests that surround the camp on elephant back.

Doi Suthep Chiang Mai

Wat Phra Borommahathat Doi Suthep was built in 1383 by King Gue-Na on a plateau commanding an impressive view of the city of Chiang Mai, Thailand's northern capital. The temple contains a pogada that houses a part of the holy relics of the Lord Buddha. Bhuddists from around the world come here to pay worship to the holy temple.