Entries about architecture

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.

Wat Liap Korat is a lesser-known temple located in the Nakhon Ratchasima Province of Thailand, which is also known as Korat. The temple is located in the Non Sung district, which is about 20 kilometers from the city of Korat.

Wat Liap Korat is a small temple that is not as well known as some of the other temples in Thailand, but it is still worth a visit for those interested in Buddhist temples and culture. The temple is known for its peaceful and serene atmosphere, as well as its beautiful gardens and traditional Thai architecture.

One of the highlights of Wat Liap Korat is its large reclining Buddha statue, which measures about 15 meters long and is located in a peaceful outdoor area surrounded by trees and flowers. The temple also has several other Buddha images, as well as a small museum that houses ancient artifacts and religious objects.

In addition to its religious significance, Wat Liap Korat is also an important cultural site in the Nakhon Ratchasima Province.

Wongburi (or Vongburi) House is a beautiful two-storey teak mansion built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and now open to the public as museum. Phrae royal genealogy has us somewhat confused but, if we’ve understood correctly, the mansion was the home of Luang Phongphibun and his wife Chao Nantha. Nantha was a princess of the Phrae royal family and Phongphibun was a noble who’d made a lot of dosh out of the profitable teak trade.

The spectacular and beautifully preserved residence, set in manicured gardens, is a classic example of turn-of-the-century Northern Thai style. The architecture isn’t classically Thai but shows European influences, as the French, British, Dutch and others were heavily involved in the teak business in northern Thailand during this period. The two-storey, tile-roofed, high-ceiling and wide-balcony style is somewhat reminiscent of colonial buildings you may see, for example, in Burmese hill stations but the intricate wood carving on gables and balustrades harks back to traditional Lanna style. It’s a Thai take on the ‘gingerbread’ form, a late 19th century colonial invention thought to have originated from French mansions in Haiti. Its elaborate, flamboyant features and use of bright colours is said to resemble model houses formerly built by children out of gingerbread dough.

The same goes for the interiors, which are a fusion of Thai and European, since clearly at the time if you wanted to display your wealth and sophistication you integrated the latest foreign elements while demonstrating the obligatory Thainess. These mansions actually can be seen across North Thailand: Chiang Mai, Lampang and Phayao for instance, where European traders and wealthy locals displayed the profits of the lucrative teak trade. Phrae however probably boasts the best stock of all of these colonial fusion buildings.

One special Thai addition to the style are the dungeon-esque basements frequently found in these buildings but these are generally off limits to the public. The ground and first floors are open and display the furniture and contents of the house as it would have been a century ago as well as plenty of photos and family heirlooms. Explanations in English are in short supply but exhibits largely speak for themselves and demonstrate the luxury and wealth of these noble families.

Certain parts of the house — the kitchen and living room for example — show more recent fittings (the residence remains in the family’s hands and was lived in until recently), including an old black and white TV set, which adds to the effect. The interior is fascinating and make sure you do a circuit of the outside of the building, too.

The Coral Pagoda, also known as Wat Tham Khao Plueng, is a Buddhist temple located in Khanom district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, southern Thailand.

What makes the Coral Pagoda unique is that it is built entirely from coral reef, giving it a distinct texture and appearance compared to other temples in the area. The temple is situated on a hilltop, providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Gulf of Thailand.

Visitors can explore the temple grounds, which include several halls, pagodas, and shrines. One of the most striking features of the temple is the main prayer hall, which is adorned with intricate carvings and houses a large Buddha statue.

The Coral Pagoda is also a popular site for meditation and spiritual retreats, with several quiet areas for reflection and contemplation. Visitors can also participate in traditional Buddhist ceremonies and offerings, such as lighting incense and offering flowers.

Overall, the Coral Pagoda is a unique and beautiful temple that offers visitors a glimpse into Thailand’s rich Buddhist culture and the natural beauty of the southern region.

The City Pillar Shrine in Surat Thani, Thailand is a sacred shrine that houses the city’s revered city pillar, which is believed to be the protector of the city and its people. The shrine is located in the heart of the city, near the Tapi River, and is considered an important spiritual and cultural landmark in Surat Thani.

The City Pillar Shrine consists of a central structure, which houses the city pillar, as well as several smaller shrines and prayer halls. Visitors can enter the central shrine to pay their respects to the city pillar and offer prayers and offerings.

The city pillar itself is a wooden post that is believed to embody the spirit of the city and its people. It is decorated with intricate carvings and engravings, and is considered a symbol of the city’s history, culture, and identity.

Throughout the year, the City Pillar Shrine hosts various festivals and ceremonies, including the annual City Pillar Festival, which celebrates the city’s founding and heritage. During these events, the shrine is adorned with colorful decorations and offerings, and visitors can participate in traditional Thai cultural activities, such as music and dance performances, parades, and food fairs.

Overall, the City Pillar Shrine is an important and sacred site in Surat Thani that offers visitors a unique insight into the spiritual and cultural traditions of the city and its people.