By this Author: TheJohnsons

Following on from my slideshow of Wat Bang Riang, this is of the second structure in the complex at the top of the hill.

Wat Bang Riang is a temple where Buddhist monks reside. The overall atmosphere is very peaceful but once in a while, buses with local visitors stop by to make merit and pay respect to a bell-shaped pagoda. Called Chedi Phutthathambanlue, this 109-metre-tall holy structure is said to house relics of the Buddha.

The 2 enormous, mystical 5-headed Nagas (serpents) standing on each side of the staircase make quite an impressive entrance. Within the temple complex are the gigantic golden Buddha and the tallest statue of Kwam Im in South of Thailand (as well as many of her mini versions in the basement).

You'll also get to see Buddha images of all sizes, in different postures and styles, throughout the premise. There are also Thai guardian figures such as lions, elephants and holy birds, as well as Chinese-style dragons.

There are panoramic views of the district from the top of the hill, with vistas out over the hilly countryside of rubber plantations. On a clear day, you often have small villages and the Andaman Sea, as well as the famous Phang Nga Bay.

Visitors to Wat Bang Riang can explore the temple grounds, which also include other structures, statues, and beautiful gardens. The Chedi Phutthathambanlue is a popular pilgrimage site and a place for devotees to pay their respects and offer prayers.

It's quite beautifully adorned with reliefs and galleries of painting of the Buddha. When I was there, there was some restoration work going on with the paintings.

On my way to Wat Bang Riang's beautiful Chedi and Temple up on the hill, in Thap Put, Muang, Phang Nga, Thailand. I decided to visit this part of the complex first.

Set at the base of the hill, and quite often overlooked for the Wat that has the quite spectacular chedi on the hill further up from it. I decided to stop and take in the unusual and novel design of the Ubosot, set on a concrete boat, with a magnificent Naga head as the Bow. Surrounded by a small pond, making it appear to be floating on water! The walk round it was perfect. The Bow of the Boat so to speak is a stunning and strikingly large Naga Head piece. and the details all around the Wat are beautiful as well as colourful.

The Chedi at the top of the hill is the main draw, but I enjoyed this bit and was glad I visited it first!

From my road trip in February 2023

Set up in 1992 by a fisherman, this museum houses stone carvings and sculptures of marine life found in Thailand. It is a must see for zoologists and marine life enthusiasts.

Stone Fish museum is the creation by Mr. Kitti Sinudom. It was inspired by his past career as a boat captain. He carved stone into different kinds of fish and categorized them in accordance with their habitat in the sea. Inside the Museum

The rock museum is located in Donsak subdistrict, Surat Thani province. Founded in 1990 by Mr Kitti Si-Udom. His hometown is Park Aow Village, Bang Tapoon. After he and his family moved to Surat Thani, he began carving stones in 1943 with the purpose of conservation of all species existing in the Gulf of Thailand; therefore, the future generations would have a chance to know these species.

These carved stones are supposed to be permanent artifacts for future generations and property of the country. Rock fish museum has been raised with skills and perseverance by carving stones into realistic fish, including many species in single and large group compositions.

Most of the carved stones are marble, limestone, feldspar, sandstone, any gypsum. Currently, there are approximately 3,00 pieces of carved fish and growing!

As promised, the second in two of my flowers in Phuket Garden centers Photographic journey.

In this slideshow you will see a more commercial Garden center, but still on the road, just both sides of the traffic lights. Majoring in plants, aggregate, sculptures, and all manner of pots!
I only touched on a fraction of the plants on this visit. I may return later to see what else I can find.

I hope you enjoy the show!

So, Garden centers in Thailand tend to be roadside affairs. Usually, a small holding with various plants and assortment of soils and trees for sale.

I have been driving about in my usual day seeing the astounding colours of these smaller roadside garden centers and decided to capture them in full bloom, here in Phuket.

In this slideshow you will see a gardener who has majored in Bougainvillaea's, carefully grafting some to create stunning bushes/trees of multi colour blooms. I hope you enjoy the show!