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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.

St. Raphael Cathedral, also known as Surat Thani Cathedral, is a Catholic church located in Surat Thani province, southern Thailand. The cathedral was established in 1932 and is named after St. Raphael the Archangel, who is considered the patron saint of travelers.

The cathedral is known for its distinctive architecture, which features a mix of European and Thai styles. The interior of the church is adorned with colorful stained glass windows and intricate carvings, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

St. Raphael Cathedral is an important religious and cultural landmark in Surat Thani province. The cathedral serves as the seat of the bishop of the Surat Thani diocese and is a popular destination for both tourists and locals.

Visitors to St. Raphael Cathedral can attend Catholic mass, participate in religious ceremonies and events, and explore the history and architecture of the church. The cathedral is also surrounded by a beautiful garden, which is a peaceful and tranquil place to relax and reflect.

Overall, St. Raphael Cathedral is a unique and important religious site in Surat Thani province.

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.

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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