Entries about bangkok

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.

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.

Wat Donsak is a Buddhist temple located in the Donsak district of Surat Thani province in southern Thailand. The temple is known for its impressive architecture, beautiful gardens, and serene atmosphere.

The temple complex is home to several buildings, including a large main hall or ubosot, several chedis or stupas, and a meditation hall. The main hall is adorned with intricate carvings and gold leaf decorations and houses a statue of the Buddha.

The temple grounds are also home to a large garden, filled with lush greenery, colorful flowers, and serene ponds. The garden is a peaceful oasis, and visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll or find a quiet spot to meditate or reflect.

One of the unique features of Wat Donsak is its stunning view of the surrounding countryside and nearby islands. Visitors can climb to the top of the chedi for a panoramic view of the area, including the Gulf of Thailand and the nearby islands of Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan.

During my visit to Surat Thani recently I stopped by one of the most stunning City Pillar shrines I have ever seen.
It is located near the Tapee River which runs alongside the road that separates it from the busy road, and you can get a good look at the suspension bridge from by the gates.

This city pillar is made from wood of the Golden Shower Tree (CasiaFitsula). (it actually looks like white marble). The top of the pillar is carved into a 4-faced Avalo kite. Vara Bodhisattva looking in the 4 directions.

This is a common style of the city pillars around Thailand. On the large hair curls, there is a Buddha image in the attitude of meditation, which is considered as the guardian of the direction, according to Srivijaya’s belief. Moreover, wood carving of this pillar shows delicate floral motifs in Srivijaya style.

A well-kept shrine which is considered by many to be the symbol of the city, the City Pillar Shrine or San Lak Muang is located in the heart of the city. Standing near the Tapee River, this shrine is lit up colourfully at night and is a great spot to spend some time in the city.

The dazzling, spectacular Grand Palace is undoubtedly the most famous landmark in Bangkok. It’s one must-see sight that no visit to the city would be complete without. It was built in 1782 and for 150 years was the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government.

The Grand Palace of Bangkok is a grand old dame indeed, that continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail, all of which is a proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of the Thai people. Within its walls were also the Thai war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom.

Within the palace complex are several impressive buildings including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which contains the small but famous and greatly revered Emerald Buddha that dates back to the 14th century.
The robes on the Buddha are changed with the seasons by HM The King of Thailand – an important ritual in the Buddhist calendar. Thai Kings stopped living in the palace around the turn of the 20th century, but the palace complex is still used to mark all kinds of other ceremonial and auspicious happenings.
The palace complex, like the rest of Ratanakosin Island, is laid out very similar to the palaces of Ayutthaya, the glorious former capital of Siam which was raided by the Burmese. The Outer Court, near the entrance, used to house government departments in which the King was directly involved, such as civil administration, the army and the treasury. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is located in one corner of this outer court.

The Central Court is where the residence of the King and halls used for conducting state business were located. Only 2 of the throne halls are open to the public, but you'll be able to marvel at the exquisite detail on the facades of these impressive structures.
The Inner Court is where the King's royal consorts and daughters lived. The Inner Court was like a small city entirely populated by women and boys under the age of puberty. Even though no royalty currently resides in the inner court, it is still completely closed off to the public.

Then there's the impressive Dusit Hall, rated as perhaps the finest architectural building in this style, and a museum that has information on the restoration of the Grand Palace, scale models and numerous Buddha images.

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