Entries about peace

Wat Bang Riang is a Buddhist temple located in the southern province of Phang Nga in Thailand. The temple is known for its stunning chedi, which is a type of Buddhist stupa that is commonly found in Southeast Asia.

The chedi at Wat Bang Riang is one of the largest and most impressive in Thailand, standing at over 50 meters tall. The structure is made of white marble and features intricate carvings and gold leaf decorations. Visitors can climb to the top of the chedi for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

In addition to the chedi, Wat Bang Riang is home to several other important religious structures, including a large statue of the Buddha and several smaller chedis. The temple is also surrounded by beautiful gardens and a small lake.

We got here after stopping at the bottom of the hill and looking around the Ubosot in my previous post.

Wat Bang Riang
Quite often people overlook 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.
The Chedi at the top of the hill is the main draw, but I enjoyed this bit and was glad I visited it first!

What a truly beautiful situation for a Wat, by the beach! A totally wooden Wat made of Thai Teak, intricately carved window shutters, each panel carved with devotion and great skill.

Information translated from Thai;

Religious place outstanding with the Ubosot, golden teak wood carved with traditional Thai carving patterns, located close to the beach, next to the Andaman Sea.

The full name of this temple is Wat Tesk Thammanawa. It is located in the area under the supervision of the Royal Forest Department. Given permission to be established as Buddhism and Forest Demonstration Center under the supervision of Wat Prachathikaram In the past, the area around the temple was a forest area filled with pine forests and various tropical plants. They are therefore called "Pa Tha Sai" and this place. It used to be a “cemetery” before. due to the past This Tha Sai Forest Local residents and neighborhoods When someone dies, the body will be cremated or buried in this "Tha Sai forest". Which the villagers call it "Ao Rao" or a basin in the cemetery.

Later, Phra Ajarn Winai Rattanawanno, a student of Luang Pu Tesk Tesrangsi, renovated the area and built a teak church at Wat Tha Sai. It is constructed in a Thai style building modeled after Phra Aranyawasee Ubosot, Tha Bo District, Nong Khai Province, to be built with golden teak wood. The church's bouquet is carved by Chiang Mai craftsmen. The outstanding work of Buddhist art is the window panes that have been carved in the most beautiful traditional Thai patterns. When the window is opened, it opens up to the sea. inside teak church with a wall covering with the chairman's altar Enshrined a Buddha image in the posture of preaching, carved from white jade stone, Indian style. His face is full of mercy.

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Credit to: The Sleeping Prophet by Jesse Gallagher

I am incredibly fortunate to live on the beautiful Island of Phuket. I am aware that at this time of pandemic and restrictions and lock downs and hardship and much death, I can still for the moment walk fairly freely around my area.

Even so with that I am also aware that the future has changed for me and many of us, and this can become a little overwhelming from time to time, usually resulting in me choosing to stay at home and not venturing out much.
When I do, I try and go to places that I feel will help me feel a little better about my own future here in Phuket. Places where I can forget about the issues of the World and Life and try and breath openly and freely again.

I hope this video helps you too , even if only for a moment.

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Music Credit: Cold Blue by Astron

Coral Island is the most popular of the group of small islands just south of Phuket. As its name suggests, it is well known for its shallow coral reefs and excellent snorkeling.

During my recent Catamaran experience, along with visiting Racha Island, the afternoon was spent getting to and relaxing on Koh Hey. It was a welcome respite to sit under the shade of the trees and take a cool drink. With some energy to explore the crystal clear water of Long Beach. Where amongst other things I spotted a great hornbill flitting from tree to tree that lined the beach.

The island's Thai name is Koh Hay (sometimes written Koh He, Koh Hae, or other variations). This does not actually translate to Coral Island. It means crowded island and the name is not totally inaccurate. The island does receive plenty of day-trip visitors throughout the high season.

However, it is not always crowded and there are quieter spots.

Coral Island is a 2.5km long, jungle covered, granite island. There are two nice beaches on the north side of the island facing Phuket and there is also a small but pleasant little beach on the south side of the island. There is nothing inland where the vegetation is too dense and the gradients are too steep to be suited for development or agriculture.
Long Beach
This 800-meter beach is the most popular on the island. It is where the majority of day-trip boats arrive. There are plenty of deckchairs for rent on the beach. There is beach volleyball and through the high-season, there are often jet-skis and parasails. There are several restaurants and bars. The only overnight accommodation on the island is nestled into the palm trees at the east end of this beach. The Coral Island Resort has nice little bungalows close to the beach and its own swimming pool.

The snorkeling at this beach is not actually the best around the island. Most of the coral close to shore has been damaged by the constant activity. However, if you are happy to swim out around 100-meters then you will still see plenty of coral and colourful fish. As you will see from my pictures.

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Friendly Dance by Nico Staf