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Khao Tao, Hua Hin
A 20-minute drive to the south of Hua Hin sits Khao Tao, a name which translates as Turtle Hill. Khao Tao tends to be better-known amongst Thai tourists than foreign visitors and with two beaches close by, an inland lake, a small fishing village, some excellent local restaurants and great views over the coast, it's easy to see the allure for … [Read More...]
Red Shirts Mark 2010 Anniversary
Some streets and shops were temporally closed in areas of downtown Bangkok yesterday as thousands of red shirt supporters gathered in and around Ratchaprasong intersection. The rally was held to commemorate the third anniversary of the anti-government street protests which were finally ended when troops moved in on May 19, 2010. In those dark days … [Read More...]
The Three Jewels of Buddhism
If you visit a Buddhist temple in Thailand, you will notice that the people making a prayer inside the main hall of the wat will bow down three times in front of the principal Buddha image. In the temple grounds you may also see people walking around with offerings in their hand which consist of three different items: a candle, a lotus flower and … [Read More...]
Wat Phra Si Sanphet and the Royal Palace, Ayutthaya
The distinctive three pagodas of Wat Phra Si Sanphet are one of the most famous sights in Ayutthaya. Much like the iconic Buddha head in tree roots at nearby Wat Phra Mahathat, images of this historic temple adorn the front of many of the post-cards and travel books that are sold in Ayutthaya. In 1448, King Borommatrailokanat ordered a … [Read More...]
Thailand’s Million Dollar Panda
Following high-level discussions between Thai and Chinese authorities, Lin Ping the giant panda is being allowed to extend her stay at Chiang Mai zoo. The young panda seemed destined for a permanent move from Thailand to China soon after she reached her fourth birthday later this month, but a new deal agreed between the two countries will see … [Read More...]
Phra Sumen Fort and Park, Bangkok
It might need a stretch of the imagination for today's visitors to the Thai capital to picture it, but when Bangkok was founded in 1782 it was a compact walled city with fortifications to protect it from invaders. That original area of Bangkok, also known as Ratanakosin Island, now only has a few traces of those old city defences remaining. The … [Read More...]
Dates for the Sky Lantern Launch at Mae Jo (Chiang Mai) 2013
This information is specifically for those wishing to attend the mass sky lantern release which takes place at Mae Jo, just outside the city of Chiang Mai as part of the annual Loy Krathong and Yi Peng celebrations. It is also important to note that the Mae Jo sky lantern release is organized by a private Buddhist group, the Duangtawan Santiparp … [Read More...]