Wat Bowon Niwet in Bangkok

Wat Bowon Niwet Bangkok

Wat Bowon Niwet is regarded as being one of Bangkok’s most important temples, not least because it was here a number of kings (including Thailand’s current king, King Bhumibol) served their time in the monkhood. The national headquarters of the Thammayut Buddhist sect, the temple was built in 1829 and houses a very ornate ‘shrine-hall’ and a Buddha image from the 14th century. The temple also houses Mahamakut Buddhist University. Its main gate is opened once a week on lunar observance days and special events. The gate is finished in gold-leaf and its extremely ornate design includes coloured glass. Wat Bowon Niwet is a good place to visit if you have the time, but is perhaps not as important as some of the main sites if you have limited time. Details: Admission to the temple is free and it is open daily from 08:00-17:00 How to get there: The temple is in the Banglamphu (Rattanakosin) area of Bangkok on Phra Sumen Road. If you would like to go by taxi, a fare from central Bangkok will be in the 80-90 Baht region. The following buses will get you there: Bus number: 15, 56, 68. Contact: Tel: 0-2281-2831-3  Website: http://www.watbowon.org/

Wat Benchamabophit in Bangkok

Wat Benchamabophit Bangkok

Noted for its construction in Carrana marble, Wat Benchamabophit was built during the reign of King Rama V. Its design is different from many temples in that it utilises stained glass and other aspects more common to western religious structures. The temple houses a number of bronze Buddha images and it is decorated with beams covered in gold leaf. Worth a visit if you have plenty of time, if not, probably best to concentrate on some of the main sites. Details: The temple is open from 08:00 to 17.30 and admission is 20 Baht. How to get there: Located on Si Ayutthaya Road, Wat Benjamabopit is tricky to get to by public transport. Possibly the fastest way to get there is Express Boat to Tewet pier and a taxi the rest of the way. If you want to go all the way by taxi the fare will be 80-90 Baht from central Bangkok depending on traffic. The following buses will get you there: Bus number: 70, 72. Air-conditioned bus number: 3, 70, 72 Contact: Tel: 0-2281-2501, 0-2628-7947

Wat Arun in Bangkok

Wat Arun Bangkok

Wat Arun (or the Temple of Dawn) is probably one of the most recognisable temples in Bangkok, not least because the image of the temple has been published so often. The temple comprises a central tower (of Khmer architectural design) surrounded by four smaller towers. The central tower is around 80 metres high and as night falls Wat Arun cuts a distinctive silhouette against the Bangkok skyline. Wat Arun’s striking design is probably its chief feature. Given this, compared to other temples, Wat Arun may not warrant a special visit if you are in Bangkok for a short time. The Wat is though historically important. It originally housed the Emerald Buddha after its return to Thailand and it features murals and a Buddha image designed by King Rama II. You can walk up steps which take you part way up the main tower and provide an excellent view of the city. The temple is situated on the Thonburi side of the Chapaya River and probably represents the main tourist attraction in that area. Details: Admission is 20 Baht and you will have to catch a ferry across the river to get to Wat Arun. Opening hours are 8.30 to 17.30. Probably the easiest way to get to Wat Arun is by Express Boat. Take a boat to Tha Tien pier and then take a ferry across the river. Getting to the Wat by taxi is a bit tricky, but if you must take a taxi, ask for ‘Wat Arun’. The following buses will get you there: Bus numbers: 1, 25, 44, 47, 62, 44, 47 and 91 Air-conditioned bus numbers: 7, 73 Contact:Tel: 0-2222-8181, 0-2222-6889, 0-2222-2208 Rama I and Rama II were responsible for the size of the current temple: the main prang is 79 m (260 ft) hight and the circumfrerence of its base is 234 m (768 ft). In the 19 th century King Mongkut (Rama IV) added the ornamentation created with broken pedces of porcelain. Ther monument's style, deriving mainly from Khmer architecture, is unique in Thailand.

Wat Phananchoeng in Ayutthaya

Wat Phananchoeng Ayutthaya

This monastery is located just south of Ayutthaya city on the east side of Chao Phraya River. Strangely, there is no record of when it was built or who built it; however, it is known that it was already built at the time Ayutthaya was established as capital. The principal feature of the temple is its Wihan called "Luang Phor Phanan Choeng" (or "Sam Pa Kong" by the area’s ethnic Chinese) It was built in A.D. 1325 and hosts a formidable, towering Buddha image (created in 1324) that peers down at people as they enter the temple. This is genuinely impressive; if not a bit startling… a real treat! According to legend the image wept when the Burmese invaded Ayutthaya. The temple is set in excellent rolling grounds with shaped bushes and hedges. The temple is highly revered by local ethnic Chinese and its design and decoration reflects this. How to get there: The temple is close to Riverview Hotel and easily accessible from the railway station by tuk-tuk or taxi.

Wat Pha That Doi Kong Moo in Mae Hong Son

Wat Pha That Doi Kong Moo Mae Hong Son

Burmese-style Wat Pha That Doi Kong Moo is located around 1,500 meters up Doi Kong Moo hill. The temple is famous for its view of the valley it overlooks. In the morning visitors can look out over mists and fog that accumulate in the valley below. This is one of the ‘iconic’ views of Thailand you often see on postcards and it is a genuine spectacle. If you visit the temple later in the day you will have a clear view of Mae Hong Son town, which does not quite have the same impact. The temple itself is quite impressive, its two ‘chedis’ containing the remains of monks from Myanmar. Behind the two chedis is a large ‘wiharn’ and further up the hill you can see a large standing Buddha attached to the temple. A trip to this temple is usually combined with trips to two other temples - Wat Phra Non and Wat Muo Taw – both in relatively close proximity. This is definitely somewhere to visit in the morning if you can. Details: Admission to the temple is free but donations are suggested. In late October see a local festival where people in the area visit the temple in order to make merit by bringing food for monks who are in retreat. How to get there: The journey to Wat Pha That Doi Kong Moo takes about 4 hours from Mae Hong Son and back. The tours available from the town are probably the best way to approach this hill trip. Otherwise Sangtaew will take you to the hill from the town and you have to walk up to the temple. You can rent motorcycles and cars to drive you to the top of the hill if you don’t want to walk.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Chiang Mai

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is probably Chiang Mai's most important site for visitors, and certainly its most visible. Wat Phra Borommathat Doi Suthep nestles into the side of Doi Suthep some 3,000 feet above sea level amongst some of the most picturesque scenery you are likely to encounter. Built by King Gue-Na in 1383, the temple houses a large copper-plate Chedi (twenty-two meters high) that is covered in gold and contains holy relics of the Lord Buddha. As well as being a key tourism destination, the temple has considerable importance and Buddhist pilgrims visit the site all year round. The temple has four chapels and an important golden Buddha image is found at the temple. To get to there you either walk up a staircase (around 300 steps) or use a cable car. Details: The cost of the cable car to the temple is 40 Baht. Admission is free but a donation of 20 Baht is suggested. The temple opens daily from 07:00 to 17:00 and it is a very popular destination so you can expect crowds during the day. How to get there: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is 15 kilometers from Chuang Mai. Probably the easiest way to get there is one of the numerous Songtaew buses that regularly leave the city for the temple from the market at the corner of Chotana Road and Manneenopparat Road (outside Changpuak Gate) at a cost of 60 Baht (35 Baht up to the temple and 25 Baht back. A number of tours also leave the city at a cost of around 600 Baht to 1,000 Baht.

Wat Pho - The Temple of the Reclining Buddha in Bangkok

Wat Pho - The Temple of the Reclining Buddha Bangkok

Wat Pho (or Wat Phra Chetuphon as it is known locally) is famed for the massive ‘Reclining Buddha’ it houses.  At 46 meters long and 15 meters high, this gold-plated Buddha image depicts the Buddha’s passing into Nirvana. It’s highly ornate and a genuine spectacle – genuinely worth seeing. The Buddha image’s eyes and feet are decorated with mother-of-pearl and carvings in the feet depict the ‘108’ characteristics of Buddha. Wat Pho has considerable historical significance. Covering an area of around 20 acres, it is the largest Wat in Bangkok, and built two centuries before Bangkok became the capital, it is also the oldest. The Wat was rebuilt by King Rama I when Bangkok became the country’s capital. The temple is also regarded as being Thailand’s first university, being the first institution to provide education to the public. One of the biggest attractions of Wat Pho is the fact it is a centre of Thai traditional medicine, particularly, traditional Thai massage. It is possible to receive a rejuvenating massage here – a regular massage costs 250 Baht an hour, and a massage where herbal medicines and hot compresses are applied to the body costs 350 Baht an hour. However, with the current interest in ‘holistic’ medicines and practice, many people study Thai traditional massage at Wat Pho. A 30-hour course over a 10 to 15-day period costs in the region of 4,500 Baht. Details: Admission is 20 Baht and the temple is open from 08:00 to 17:00 (but closed for one hour from 12.00 to 13.00). For history buffs, it is possible to hire the services of a certified guide for 150 Baht per person (discounts are available for groups) which can be booked at the temple entrance. How to get there: Wat Pho is in the Rattanakosin area of Bangkok – the ‘Old City’. The main Wat Pho entrance is on Chetuphon Road and you can walk there from Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace. You can also take a taxi, which from the centre of Bangkok will cost about 80 Baht. The following buses will get you there: Bus Number: 1, 25, 44, 47, 62, 44, 47, 91 (all stop close to the temple) Air-conditioned Bus Number: 6, 8 and 12 It is also possible to get to the temple by boat; you need to stop at Tha Tien Express Boat pier. Contact: Tel: Temple information: 0-2222-0933; Massage Centre: 0-2221 2974 or 0-2225 4771 Fax: 0-2225 4771 E-mail: watpottm@netscape.net The temple also has a Thai language website: www.watpho.com. Click here if you are interested in learning Thai massage: http://www.watpho.com/mas_study_e.html

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew Bangkok

The Grand Palace and Wat Pra Kaew really are places you must visit while you are in Bangkok. Both have considerable historical significance and are extremely beautiful places to see. The Grand Palace was built in 1782 by King Rama I who established Bangkok as Thailand’s new capital. The palace was to be bigger and grander than palaces built in the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya eras to underscore the significance of the change of capital. The result was a palace of jewels and gold and splendour the like never seen before in Thailand. The Grand Palace remained the Royal Family’s official residence from 1782 to 1946. The last king to live there was King Chulalongkorn. Wat Pra Kaew was built to house the Emerald Buddha which was returned to Thailand after Thailand’s the capture of Vientiane in 1778. The Emerald Buddha is the most important representation of the Buddha in Thai Buddhism. To pray before the Emerald Buddha is to make merit, and although this is an important place on any visitor’s itinerary, it is important to recognise that this is a place of worship and should be respected as such. Notes: You must dress appropriately before guards will permit you to enter the Palace. If you do not have long sleeved shirts/blouses or long trousers or dresses/skirts with you, it is possible to hire cloth at the gates of the Palace. This cloth can be wrapped around you and worn as a 'Sarong' or across your shoulders. Under no circumstances must you point your feet at the Emerald Buddha – to do so is sacrilege. If you can not cross you legs, avoid sitting down. If you do point your feet at the Buddha image, you could be ejected. Photography inside the Emerald Buddha Chapel is strictly forbidden. This is not just a requirement of the chapel; taking pictures of Buddha images is against the law. Details: Admission fee is 200 Baht for foreigners, but Thais are admitted free (remember – to Thais this is a place of worship, not a tourist attraction!). The fee also includes tickets to the Coin Pavillion, Vimanmek Mansion and Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall, all of which are worth seeing in their own right. The site is open 8:30-12:00 and 13:00-15:30. How to get there: The Grand Palace and Wat Pra Kaew are in the Banglamphu area of Bangkok – the ‘Old City’. To get there you can take a taxi, which from the centre of Bangkok will cost about 80 Baht. The following buses will get you there: Bus Number: 1, 35, 44,47, 123, 201 Air-conditioned Bus Number: 2, 3, 7, 8, 12, 25, 39, 44,  Contact: Tel: 0-2224-3328, 0-2226-0255 Fax: 0-2225-9158

Wihan Phramongkhon Bophit in Ayutthaya

Wihan Phramongkhon Bophit Ayutthaya

Wihan Phramongkhon Bophit contains one of the largest bronze Buddha images found in Thailand and also houses numerous smaller images. Destroyed by the Burmese in 1767, the temple was returned to its former glory through renovation in 1956. The temple has a lot of historical significance and was the original site for Royal cremations; a practice that now takes place at Sanam Luang in Bangkok. Details: The site is 08:30 to 16:00 and admission is 30 Baht. How to get there: Wihan Phramongkhon Bophit is easily accessible by bicycle. A Tuk-Tuk fare from the centre of the town is around 30 Baht.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkol in Ayutthaya

Wat Yai Chai Mongkol Ayutthaya

Wat Yai Chai Mongkol is located near the main Ayutthaya ruins and a short distance from the walls of Ayutthaya. It is famed for an impressively large statue of the Reclining Buddha inside the temple compound. Built by King U Thong (Ayutthaya’s first ruler) in 1357, the temple is also known as "Chao Phaya Thai Temple" and has a large Chedi that dominates the skyline. The Chedi was built in 1592 to celebrate King Naresuan’s single-handed defeat of the then Burmese Crown Prince after an elephant back duel. The size of the Chedi was intended to match that of Phu Khao Thong – a Pagoda purportedly built by the Burmese which is visible in the distance from the temple. This is a great site to visit and wander around so give yourself plenty of time for a visit. Details: Admission is 20 Baht and the temple opens daily between 08:30 and 16:30. How to get there: Wat Yai Chai Mongkol is in the Southeast of the town and easily accessible by Tuk-Tuk or rickshaw for around 30 Baht.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya

Wat Chaiwatthanaram Ayutthaya

Wat Chaiwatthanaram is an imposing monastery located in the west of Ayutthaya on the Chao Phraya River. It was built by King Prasat Thong in 1630 and its architecture is similar to that of Angkor Wat in Cambodia and it may have been built to commemorate the King’s victory over Thailand’s neighbour. The temple comprises a main ‘prang’ (or tower) which is 35 meters tall surrounded by a series of smaller prangs situated alongside a gallery containing over 100 Buddha images. The temple is spacious and its well-kept grounds are peaceful. Well worth a visit if history and culture are your interest. Details: Admission to the temple is 20 Baht and opening hours are 08:00 to 18:00. How to get there: You can reach the temple’s ruins by bicycle if you have hired one, and a Tuk-Tuk fare will be in the 30 Baht range from the town centre. Long-tail boat services are available from Chankasem Palace at around 350 Baht for the full one-hour round trip.

Phi Phi Islands in Krabi

Phi Phi Islands Krabi

Hadnopparattara-Koh Phi Phi National Park is almost entirely dominated by the two Islands collectively known as ‘Koh Phi Phi’ - Koh Phi Phi Don (the larger of the two islands) and Koh Phi Phi Leh. Situated about 50 kilometres southeast of Phuket the islands are regarded by many as being the most attractive in the kingdom, if not the world. The islands feature beaches and clear water that have had their natural beauty protected by National Park status. Once only a destination of day trippers, the islands are now some of the most popular destinations along Thailand’s Andaman coast, and during the tourism high season of December to March they can become extremely crowded. Because of its clear waters the area has become a destination of choice for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts keen to experience the areas splendid corals and marine life that includes sharks. Koh Phi Phi DonKoh Phi Phi Don features two bays – Ao Ton Sai and Ao Lo Dalam - both with long attractive beaches. Ao Ton Sai is where most accommodation can be found and the area offers a wide selection of bars and restaurants. This is probably the most developed part of the island. Hat Yao is likely the island’s best beach and the waters contain the island’s best coral. Hat Ranti beach and Ao Lo Bakao bay are also areas worthy of note, the latter offering a number of upscale resorts. Electricity and water supplies on the island don’t properly meet demand, so bear this in mind when planning a trip – on certain days you might not have a regular supply of either! Tonsai - the island’s main town – is like the main towns of many other islands. A myriad of travel agencies, internet establishments, restaurants and shops, it is here you can book various tours to sites in the vicinity and also arrange your hiking and diving. There are over 20 ‘dive shops’ on Koh Phi Phi Don and they arrange some of the best diving in the world. Popular destinations are some of the smaller uninhabited islands around Koh Phi Phi such as Koh Ha, Koh Yung and Koh Mai Phai. For around 2,000 Baht it is possible to arrange a boat trip with two dives. Other activities on the island include rock climbing, canoeing and fishing. Rock climbing courses are available for around 5,000 Baht for a three day course. Canoes are available at many places on the island and a single canoe costs around 800 Baht a day to rent. For 2,000 Baht you can arrange boats to take you out to some of the best fishing areas, tackle included. Koh Phi Phi LehKoh Phi Phi Leh features spectacular cliffs faces, some caves and a lake. The island is a major source for the ingredients of ‘bird’s next soup’. The bird’s nests are nestled high in the islands caves and due to their popularity (especially in Chinese cuisine) they can reach good prices and offer locals a reasonable income. However, getting the nests requires shimmying up bamboo poles and frames often to absurd heights. Collectors are rarely killed or hurt in falls and the activity is about as enthralling and exotic as they come! Although not as attractive as key areas on the island’s big brother, Ao Maya Bay and Lo Sama are its most attractive destinations, especially for snorkeling. These days Ao Maya Bay is of course a major draw. The spot where the movie 'The Beach' was filmed is now a ‘must do’ item in it’s own right. There is no accommodation on Koh Phi Phi Leh and you cannot stay overnight. Details: Although officially part of a National Park, there is no admission charge to either island. How to get there: From Krabi boats leave for Koh Phi Phi 10:30 and 14:30. From Phuket boats leave 08:30, 13:30 and 14:30. Boats leave Koh Lanta 08:00 and 13:00 for Kho Phi Phi and leave Ao Nang 09:00.

Koh Samui in Surat Thani

Koh Samui Surat Thani

Koh Samui The 247-square-kilometre Samui island is Surat Thani's major tourist attraction. Located 258 nautical miles south of BangKohk, and some 84 kilometres east of the provincial capital, Koh Samui measures some 21 kilometres at its widest point, and 25 kilometres at its longest. A 51-kilometre ring and largely coastal road encircles the island, which has numerous lovely beaches and bays, and is almost literally an island of coconuts and forested hills. Samui's best beaches line the northern and eastern coasts, the most popular being Hat Chaweng and Hat Lamai, where generally attractive accommodation can be found. Other beaches include Hat Choeng Mon, Hat Mae Nam in the north and Hat Na Thon, the island's major seafront settlement where shops, restaurants and tour agencies are concentrated. At the southern end of Lamai Bay are phallic rock formations called Hin Ta Hin Yai. A path connects the three waterfalls, called Namtok Hin Lat, Namtok Lat Wanon, and Namtok Na Muang, from west to south. The waterfalls are best visited during rainy season. Elephant riding is an interesting activity at the Na Muang waterfall. There are some Buddhist monuments and temples on the island: Phra Yai is a massive seated Buddha image at Fan isle; Phrathat Hin Ngu is a stupa containing the Buddha’s relics and Chedi Laem So, a golden stupa on the western coast; and Wat Khunaram houses the dead body of Luang Pho Daeng which does not decay.