The Grand Palace in Bangkok is undoubtedly a must see in a any travel guide. This marvelous palace was built in 1782 and since then, for more than a hundred years it became the official residence of Thai Kings. The Grand Palace is a marvelous structure that signifies the creativity as well as the craftsmanship of Thai artisans. Although the King has moved to another residence, the Palace serves as the heart of the Kingdom of Thailand.

What you can see inside the palace are numerous impressive structures which include the Wat Phra Kaew also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The Emerald Buddha has been world famous since the 14th century, when it was crafted. Another custom associated with the said Buddha is the ritual wherein the King of Thailand personally changes the robe of the Buddha every changing season. The temple dedicated to the Buddha was located on a corner in the outer part of the whole complex.

The general design and layout of the palace is closely similar to the palaces in the former capital Siam, the Ayutthaya. Its outer structures formerly serve as the government offices which include the army, treasury and civil administration. The Grand Palace also serves as an important landmark in ceremonies and special events of the country. In the central part lies the halls were the King used to entertain visitors and state businesses were conducted. Among the three throne halls, 2 are open to visitors for public viewing.

Another highlight of the palace is the inner court where the Royal consorts as well as the princesses lived. As of the moment, no royalty reside in the Palace and it is closed for public viewing. Other places worth visiting include the Boromabiman Hall, Amarinda Hall and the Justice Hall.

If you visit the Palace, you will be able to see the impressive design of the interior wherein the coronation takes place. You can also see the throne as well as the Chakri Maha Prasat, a European styled reception area. The Dusit Hall, a beautifully built building and a museum that showcases the history of the palace can also be visited.
Visitors of the palace must remember that the Palace being a sacred site follows a strict dress code. Men should be dressed in long pants and women are not allowed to wear revealing clothes. In case that you visit in an inappropriate outfit, you can borrow clothes provided for in the entrance with minimum fees.

Marvel at the Grand Palace in Bangkok and experience the greatness of Thai architecture!

There are many places worth visiting as you go to Thailand. Many popular places you probably see on postcards will motivate and excite you to tour these places. Among the popular landmarks is the Temple of Dawn. The world famous Temple of Dawn also known as the Wat Arun is one of the most photographed and marvelous landmarks that represent Bangkok. It is distinguished for its Khmer style tower, commonly known as prang. The Main tower is surrounded by smaller ones which are four in number. According to the tourism agency of Thailand, the main tower is 104 m in height. The building is adorned by porcelain, a marking of King Rama III’s reign.

The Temple of Dawn can be viewed from a distance across the river. The building also has murals and images of the Buddha. You can walk up the very steep stairs of the prang, and soak in the beauty of the river of Chao Phraya.

Named after the Indian god of dawn Aruna, the Temple of Dawn is best viewed during sun set. Establishments such as restaurants can be located nearby and staying in one of these establishments is enough for you to have a great view of the Wat Arun.

To reach the Wat Arun, you can use the river transportation. You can take the Tha Tien express boat near the Grand Palace. You can take a cab to reach the Tha Tien.

When you visit the Temple of Dawn, you can also schedule a side trip on other nearby visitor attractions such as the Wat Phra Kaew, the district of Banglamphu, the Wat Pho, Chinatown and the National Museum.

You will sure enjoy and love the old world atmosphere brought about by the massive architecture of the Temple of Dawn. It sure is a very memorable experience for you and your loved once to see the temple.

Sukhothai is the capital city of Northern Thailand. It has a population of about 35 thousand and the name literally means dawn of happiness. The place has been popular to visitors because the ruins of the ancient city built in the 13th century can still be seen.

The Sukhothai Muang Kao is only 12 kilometers west of the central city. The city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. By the 60’s, the place underwent a restoration and has been well maintained ever since.

To tour the city, bicycles are best and there are many places where you can rent one. The central part of the ruins contains 11 structures surrounded by moats, bridges and lakes. In the Mat Mahathat, a large Buddha can be located and a nice view of the nearby lake is available.

The north part of the ruins called the Wat Phra Phai Luang contains many buildings with fantastic reliefs. There is also a stairway which leads to the Buddha image.

Here are some activities you can enjoy while visiting Sukhothai
• Use a bike to explore the city and the ruins
• Tour Si Satchanalai
• Explore the fresh fish market and indulge yourself in the local cuisine

Aside from these activities, there are many bars where you can visit. The Poo and King serves varied Western as well as Thai cuisine. The Chopper Bar is a roof-top restaurant serving the best in gastronomical delights. Sukhothai Night Market is another destination worth the visit where you can indulge yourself with authentic Thai cuisine. The night market has many food stalls to choose from.

The Wat Pho or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is located in the district of Phra Nakhon in Bangkok. It is also called the Wat Phra Chetuphon. It is near the Grand Palace of Thailand. The temple has made a great contribution by introducing the traditional and famous Thai massage.

Before the temple was made, the place was basically an area where the traditional medicine of Thailand was practiced and studied. This is evident in the many statues on the area that depict varying positions in yoga.

The Temple of the Reclining Buddha is of the oldest and biggest temples in the Bangkok area. It is eighty thousand square meters that house approximately a thousand of images of Buddha as well as the ever famous Phra Buddhasaiyas or the reclining Buddha. It is forty six meters wide and fifteen meters tall. The Buddha has gold plating as its decorations and eyes made of mother of pearl (the soles of the feet has mother if pearl as well). This statue represents the passing of Buddha to Nirvana.

The whole temple or Wat Pho has 2 compounds. The north wall houses the Buddha and the place where massage is studied. The south part contains the Tukgawee which is the monastery of Buddhist monks and serves as the school as well.

The temple is known for being the first university of Thailand were Thai massage has been born. Many famous personalities frequent the place for a relaxing massage. On the walls of temple, text depicting the knowledge behind Thai massage has been inscribed.

You can get a Thai massage which costs reasonably when you visit the place. A more expensive herbal type of massage is also available. If you are interested, the place also offers lessons and courses on the art of traditional massage. You can go to the back of the temple to get these massages.

Phuket is Thailand’s biggest island which is located in the Andaman Sea, south of the country. Famous because of its world class beaches and modern facilities which are at par as the most popular beaches of the world, Phuket has been the ideal paradise getaway for people who would like to relax and unwind.

Despite the devastating tsunami in 2004, the island has fully recovered and is back to catering to more visitors than ever before. Tsunami detection buoys have been put up to serve as warning devices and to reassure the general populace as well as visitors of their safety.

The island is world famous for its hospitable people and the friendly environment. It is perfect for releasing stress and enjoying the natural beauty of nature. With the diverse selections of places to visit which range from beaches to natural rainforests, you are assured of a visit to an island paradise.

Here are some of the many fascinating places to visit in Phuket:
Hat Patong. It is an area which is known for the beautiful beaches where you and companions can enjoy different leisure activities, sport, as well as shopping and recreational activities. The area is a 3 kilometer stretch of crescent bay. The area is complete with amenities for wind surfing, diving or you can choose to lounge around and enjoy the fine weather by sun bathing. Hat Patong also has a very vibrant night scene wherein you can find world class restaurants that offer famous Thai cuisine.

Hat Karon. This is the second largest among Phuket’s beaches famous for the white sand and coral reefs.

View Point. An elevated area where you can enjoy sight seeing and a great view of the surrounding islands

The Wildlife Conservation Development and Extension Center in Khao Phra Thaeo. This is a reserved park where the virgin forests and wildlife animals including endangered species are protected. This institution also hosts a center for research where studies on wildlife conservation are conducted.

Wat Chalong Area. This is the place where the local hero Luang Pho Cham’s statue stands.

So what are you waiting for? Get on board and discover the treasures of Phuket Island!

Wat Phra That Lampang Luang is a famous temple located at the province of Lampang in Thailand. It is 18 kilometers southwest of the central Lampang. The ornaments in the structure date back to the time of the Princess Chama Devi (650 to 700 A.D.). The temple is significant to the Thai people because it is a place of refuge during the invasion of the Burmese. The fortress and thick walls served as their protection. In the temple are steps and stairs which will lead the visitor to entrances located in the north and east part. The balustrade at the entrance is the serpent Naga. This reflects the influences of Burmese art.

On the top of the hill is the center of the temple. It is surrounded by thick trees surrounded by a wall made of bronze with canopies made of copper. There is a hole in the barrier which, according to legend, is the evidence of a cannon ball that killed the Burmese general that led to their defeat. The Thais used this to navigate through the temple using the hidden drainage.

There is a chedi with shrines decorated with flower images. These flower images are visible on the facades and pillars of the structure.

Two Buddha’s depicted in the style of Chiang Mai is on the temple. These Buddha images serve as support to the roof. The altar is designed with emblems that hang on different poles. A small Buddha is rumored to have been carved from the same emerald piece as the popular Emerald Buddha in another attraction of the Wat Phra That Lampang Luang.

There is a museum in the area which protects artifacts and Buddha images made of gemstones. This museum also holds several treasures. When you visit Thailand, don’t forget to tour Lampang province to see the Wat Phra That Lampang Luang.

Ayutthaya, a magnificent city which used to be the capital of Thailand and which evolved into an important trading center in Asia during the 16th and 17th centuries, is where awesome temple ruins can be found. During its glory days, there were palaces, pagodas, and temples set upon an island cut across with canals and waterways.

The picture-perfect river island city actually fell into the hands of Burmese invaders back in 1767. The kingdom was transferred to the present Bangkok location in 1782. Many years later, more people would feel enthralled by Ayutthaya. After all, it has been declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as one of the World Heritage sites. When it comes to architectural design, Ayutthaya offers an intriguing showcase. Soaring, opulent spires called prangs reminiscent of ancient Cambodia may be likened to the stunning architecture of Angkor Wat. The pointed stupas carry a Sukhothai style.

The Buddha idols at the temples of Ayutthaya have a faint smile and an unyielding stance. The temples continually attract a throng of people wanting to see the Buddha housed within. The temples of Ayutthaya have actually lured merchants, adventurers, mercenaries, missionaries and leisure travelers.

Scores of people attest to the fact that the temples in Ayutthaya are certainly worth visiting. Guests of the ancient attractions usually are thrilled when they set foot on the temple grounds and take in sights. One of them, the Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, signified immense good tidings or blessings and forgiveness as well as triumphing over enemies. The Phra Phuttha Chaiya Mongkhon is one of Ayutthaya’s most sacred Buddha images. Another temple, the Wat Phanan Choeng, signifies job prosperity and a well-oiled business. It is one of the most revered temples in Bangkok. Wat Thammikkarat on the eastern side of the ancient royal palace features a stupa surrounded by lion figures. These are some examples of great must-see attractions.

Thailand on your mind? Where do you start a trip to a land as vast and as enchanting as Thailand? If you desire sun, sand and solitude in the beautiful, unspoiled islands and beaches, Thailand will not disappoint. On the other hand, if you happen to be a visitor who desires to experience something mystical, then Chiang Mai’s temples that seem to be frozen in time with an old-world feel are a must-see.

Chiang Mai excites the senses with its spectacular scenery and centuries of history. That Chiang Mai is picturesque and exotic – with rolling hills, serene lakes and cascading waterfalls, and majestic mountains — is just the tip of the iceberg. The city also basks in the golden glow of temples. Add to these the savory cuisine, the amiable people, the relaxing boat villages (or pulsating nightlife), and you have all the ingredients for a pleasurable stay.

Chiang Mai’s temple attractions may best be described in one word: amazing. With its glorious sunset to the intriguing site where ashes of a previous royal family remain, to centuries-old Buddha metal images, Wat Suan Dok beckons. There’s also the ancient Wat Chuang Man that’s known to date back to 1296, where Chiang Mai’s sovereign founder resided. Another temple visitors shouldn’t miss is the Wat Phra Singh, which lies on a compound with a beautiful chapel with remarkable murals and woodcarvings. If you’re interested in authentic Thai history & culture, the Chiang Mai National Museum — with its ancient artifacts, art works, Buddha images and combat weaponry – will be worth visiting. Meantime, shopaholics will most likely be delighted with the quality handicrafts at the bustling city emporium or night market.

Indeed, Chiang Mai is a jewel waiting to be discovered by first-time visitors, or those who did not have the time to get past other popular destinations like Phuket and Koh Samui during their first sojourn.

When setting out to enjoy a unique and rejuvenating Thai vacation with young family members in tow, there are plenty of things to do from exploring hip young haunts to water sports fun.

If you’ve decided to go on a backpacking adventure to Phi Phi Islands, you and your kid can relish the havens of luxury with only a few of your worldly possessions on your backs. You can begin a fun journey by checking in a villa or a bungalow in a hillside resort that offers panoramic views of the bay and islands.

Koh Phi Phi actually has two islands, the larger Phi Phi Don where beautiful beaches galore; and Phi Phi Leh which is noted for its cliffs, natural caves and water-filled canyon. Both islands are located in Krabi province, around 42 kilometers or about a 45-minute jaunt from the south of Phuket.

Phi Phi Islands (coined from the original Malay term Pulao Pi ah Pi) has an allure all its own. The tiny island oasis beckons not only as a snorkeling destination but as a day tripper’s trekking delight. From amazing coral reefs and limestone lookouts to the idyllic beaches to the immense Viking Cave (so named because it resembles ancient Viking ships but was later on renamed by an explorer who thought it looked more like a great serpent) which consists of a cave and sea lake formed by a clef between the two cliffs, Phi Phi Island is a revelation.

Check out the curving bay of Ton Sai in Phi Phi Don, where you may join other tourists (mostly nature lovers and environmentalists) in feeding the shoal of fish before heading off to other scenic spots.

In the northern end of Phi Phi Island, discover Chao Ley, a sea gypsy village whose dwellers emigrated from Koh Lipeh in Tarutao National Park. Whether you and your companion are keen on diving or swimming in the long beaches, or spelunking, you are in for a wonderful time at Phi Phi Island.

During the rise of the Khemr rule, the capital was named Angkor Wat and much of Thailand is part of this vast empire. Great structures and temples are scattered around northeastern Thailand im a place called Isan today. This is the modern town of Korat.

The Prasat Hin Phimai is a striking structure built with magnificence and old world elegance. The temple somewhat resembles the ever famous Angkor Wat. The main difference between the two is that the central part of Angkor is an enormous mountain artificially made whereas the Phimai’s is a flat and smaller version of the sanctuary. The Phimai is also easier to explore compared to the huge Angkor.
The similarity of the floor plan and outward appearance of the two are remarkable. The interesting part is that while the Angkor Wat is dedicated to the Hindu deities, the Phimai is somewhat a Buddhist temple. The Phimai has 3 concentric enclosures which are rectangular in shape. The temple’s outer walls serve as the protection of the city and it measures 500 meters by one kilometer. In the temple, another middle rectangle shaped wall lies within an enclosure. Inside is a vast open space which will lead visitors to an inner sanctuary.

The Phimai is another man made wonder. The pieces of lintel are carefully made and comparable to those in Angkor Wat. The main sanctuary has also been restored to capture the former glory when it was newly made.

People who are interested in history and old world adventures will surely love this man made marvel. The Buddha which is protected with a naga can also be found inside. The towers of the temple is presumed to be the pattern and model used in building the Angkor Wat towers built years after the Phimai is erected.

No matter how many good praises and description is supplied, nothing beats it when you personally visit the place. The Phimai is a great visitor destination which you certainly have to visit when you go to Thailand.