Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom
Phra Pathom Chedi is one of largest chedis or pagodas in the world at 114 meters (380 feet) tall. The chedi grounds consists of four 'viharns' or shrines, of which (the north viharn) houses a standing image of Buddha at the base of which contains the ashes of the King Vajiravudh (Rama the Sixth).
Monday, November 1, 2010
Phanom Rung Historical Park in Buriram
Located between Amphoe Nang Rong and Amphoe Prakhon Chai in Buriram at the right-turn on Km. 83-84 of Highway No. 24 and twelve kilometers further on. The well-known Prasat Hin Phanom Rung is on the top of the Phanom Rung Mountain. It is a walled-in enclosure, with both the door framed and walls carved in beautiful design of Lopburi Period style with Khmer influence. It is thought that it was originally built as an idol temple according to Brahminic belief.
Within the Prasat or castle, is the vibrant stone hall built in the 12th century A.D. The beauty of the main prang of Phanom rung lied not only in its plan, but in the vibrant stone cravings which cover large parts of the temple. Many lintels and pediments depict episodes from Indian texts such as the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Puranas.
One of the lintels, the well-known "Narai Bantomsin", which depicts a reclining Vishnu, was recently returned from a museum in the United States. This 12th century temple complex has recently been restored and preserved in an attractive historic park. Enhancing the imposing architecture is the hill-top location which commands panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Within the Prasat or castle, is the vibrant stone hall built in the 12th century A.D. The beauty of the main prang of Phanom rung lied not only in its plan, but in the vibrant stone cravings which cover large parts of the temple. Many lintels and pediments depict episodes from Indian texts such as the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Puranas.
One of the lintels, the well-known "Narai Bantomsin", which depicts a reclining Vishnu, was recently returned from a museum in the United States. This 12th century temple complex has recently been restored and preserved in an attractive historic park. Enhancing the imposing architecture is the hill-top location which commands panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Patong Beach in Phuket
Patong Beach, located on the West Coast of Phuket, is the most famous of Phuket's beaches and it has the largest concentration of tourists. While just 15 years ago there was nothing, just a small fishing village and extensive coconut plantations, today it is the most built-up of the beached.
The bungalow complexes, restaurants, shops and nightspots appealing to all tastes are lined up to the seafront. Patong is not for those who want isolation - that's found in abundance elsewhere around Phuket - but it's ideal for those who want watersports on their tropical beach, backed-up by an active and exotic nightlife nearby and unlimited good eating set back off a stunningly beautiful beach. With plenty of action and friends to be found, Patong is a popular spot for those seeking fun in the sun.
The bungalow complexes, restaurants, shops and nightspots appealing to all tastes are lined up to the seafront. Patong is not for those who want isolation - that's found in abundance elsewhere around Phuket - but it's ideal for those who want watersports on their tropical beach, backed-up by an active and exotic nightlife nearby and unlimited good eating set back off a stunningly beautiful beach. With plenty of action and friends to be found, Patong is a popular spot for those seeking fun in the sun.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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