Thailand tips, advice & information | Thailand Travel Guide
There are various forms of Buddhism followed throughout the world, but in Thailand 95% of people are Theravada Buddhists. Theravada Buddhism Theravada (“the Teaching of the Elders”) is a school of Buddhism that believes it has remained closest to the original teachings of the Buddha. As well as Thailand, Theravada Buddhism is particularly strong in [...]
Today is a public holiday in Thailand to mark Visakha Puja Day*, the most important Buddhist holiday. It marks the three most significant dates in the life of the Lord Buddha commemorating the day on which he was born, achieved enlightenment and passed into Nirvana. All three events occurred on the full moon of the [...]
There is some debate about the exact date of birth of Gautama Buddha, but general consensus seems to put it at around 500 to 400 B.C. He was born as Prince Gautama Siddharta into a royal warrior family in what was northern India (now Nepal). At the time of his birth, astrologers predicted he would [...]
I’m not sure what it is about Thailand that tempts so many people to get tattoos done during their stay here. It’s probably cheaper than having it done back home and then there’s the mystical, spiritual element that clearly tempts people to get Buddhist-inspired designs. However, it isn’t just farangs undergoing the needle. Sak Yant [...]
If you only visit one temple in Chiang Mai, then this should be the one you visit. The mountain wat that overlooks the city of Chiang Mai is the holiest temple in the north of Thailand. History of the Temple According to legend, in the late 14th Century holy relics were placed on the back [...]
Visitors to Thai temples (wats) may find the atmosphere surprisingly relaxed as they often serve as local community centres. Within the temple grounds children can sometimes be seen playing games of football or basketball and monks may engage you in conversation. However, there are some important things to note before visiting any wat and particularly [...]
Thailand is pre-dominantly Buddhist (over 90% of the population are Buddhists). I am far from being an expert on Buddhism, but living in Thailand it is impossible not to realize the impact it has on everyday life and the value placed on merit-making. There is a Thai saying which says that “if you do good [...]
