Damnoen Saduak Floating Market , Thailand is home to many floating markets, that also function as hang-out spots for locals over the weekend. However, when it comes to Damnoen Saduak – the famous floating market, which is located 100 km from Bangkok – it’s artificial and designed for tourists only. It may look great in photos
Two hours’ drive south of Hua Hin, in an area call Baan Krut (in Prachuap Khirikhan), stands the temples Wat Thang Sai – Temple. Wat Thang Sai in Baan Krut (Prachuap Khirikhan province) is probably one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. The temple located on a mountain near the beach with a fantastic
Sangkhlaburi (สังขละบุรี) is a sub-county of Kanchanaburi, near the border with Burma. The area is covered with green and wildlife, but it is an Unseen area like many other areas of Kanchanaburi. The town of Sangkhlaburi resembles the village of Pai in north Thailand, back when it was calmer and quieter many years ago. There are
Wat Huay Mongkol temple is actually a complex of temples which is the home of the biggest monk statue in the world – the statue of the famous monk, Luang Phor Tuad.
Samut Prakan is a province to the south east of Bangkok, which extends its branches to the center of the city. Apart from Bangkok airport which is located in the province, it has various attractions for all age groups including: the 3-headed elephant temple (Erawan Museum), the old town (Muang Boran), the crocodile farm and zoo, the floating market (Bang Nampeung), the seagulls beach (Bang Poo), Bangkok’s green lung (Bang Krajao) and many more places to visit.
On the main road to Kanchanaburi, at Nakhon Pathom district, lies a unique and unusual looking temple. A round and pink colored structure, 16 stories high. The entire structure is wrapped in a fierce dragon figure that rises from the ground to the top.
Ayutthaya, or in its full name – Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, was established back in 1350 by king U-Thong, and served as the capital of Thailand (then known as Siam) for 417 years (1350-1767). During this time, which was known as “the Ayutthaya period”, 33 kings have ruled, from 5 different dynasties. Ayutthaya was the second capital of Siam kingdom, after its first one – Sukhothai.
The city of Ayutthaya abounds with historical places of interest and various temples. I must say that rushing from one location to another and trying to squeeze in multiple temples into your schedule – can be exhausting and boring. To avoid that, I will bring you a brief review that summarizes the main attractions in Ayyuthaia, with my personal recommendations where to visit to get the best of the local culture and history.
Ayutthaya’s real gem is Bang Pa-In – the summer palace of Thai kings for generations. It is a spectacular, pastoral palace, which is located on the banks of Chao Phraya river.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram is definitely one of the most beautiful and impressive historical sites in Ayutthaya. The temple ‘sits’ on Chao Phraya riverbanks, outside of the island created by 3 rivers.
Wat Phra Sri Sanphet means “Temple of the Holy, Splendid Omniscient”. It was the richest, most impressive and sacred temple in Ayutthaya; a part of the king’s palace which served Thai kings only and did not accommodate monks.
One of the main attractions in the temple is the Bunyan tree, as between its roots you can see the head of Buddha sticking out, and most visitors enjoy taking their pictures there. This is also one of the famous pictures you’ll find in the different brochures and materials advertising Thailand.
Lokaya Sutha temple has been massively destroyed and the only attraction there is a giant, reclining Buddha statue, called Phra Buddha Sai Yat. The statue is about 40 meters long and 8 meters tall
Wat Yai Chai Mongkol can be also written as Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, which means the Great Temple of the Auspicious Victory. The temple is located outside of the island created by the 3 rivers, on the south-east side of Ayutthaya, not far from Wat Phanan Choeng. It’s a very active, beautiful temple.
Wat Mongkhon Bophit can be also written as Wat Mongkol Bophit; it is one of the most active temples in Ayutthaya.
Wat Phana Choeng is a historic site, yet one of the most active temples in Ayutthaya. The temple is sacred for both Thai and Chinese people, and features the largest, most impressive and adored sitting Buddha statue in Ayutthaya.
Pak Chong area offers plenty of family activities. There are farms where you can ride horses, ATV’s, zip-lines, carting and even a big water park. There is a great maze made of vegetation with little surprises hidden in every corner – which is a great family adventure.
Nakhon Nayok is a wonderful province with plenty of wild nature, rivers and lakes, any many tourist attractions. Despite its relatively short distance from Bangkok, the province is not very well known to tourists, however, it is very popular with the local Thai people.
Not so long ago (at the end of 2014) a new Water Park, and the most elaborate one to date, has opened at the Royal Summer resort town of Hua Hin. The park joins 2 other new Water Parks located in the area, The Black Mountain Water Park and the Santorini Water Fantasy Park and an abundance of other attractions for youngsters and families in the Hua Hin Area.
The new park – “Vana Nava Jungle Water Park” is located at the heart of Hua Hin, only a few minutes’ drive from the Khao Takiab area, at the south side of the Hua Hin Resort Town.
The resort town of Hua Hin is rightly considered by many (including myself) as the best resort town in Thailand. Excellent beaches, clean sea water, an abundance of water-sport activities and even horseback riding on the beach, a few of the best waterparks in Thailand, two nature reserves, excellent restaurants, lots of markets and attractions and in the last few years, even diverse and fulfilling night life all make Hua Hin the ultimate vacation resort for many tourists and of course Thai people. The fact that the summer weather here is the best in Thailand, makes the resort even better!