An introduction to Buddhist iconography
You just can't miss it: Everywhere in Thailand you are confronted with images of Buddha. From the heavily gold-painted Phra Buddha Maha Nawamin in the Wat Muang Monastery in Changwat Ang Thong, which is just under a hundred meters high, to the much more modest examples in the house temples, they bear witness to spirituality, tradition and an ancient culture.
Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkhon in Roi-Et
Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkhon in Roi Et province is an architecturally impressive structure. Buddha relics are kept in the middle pagoda. An amount of three billion Baht has been raised for the construction of this immense structure. It is located in a wooded area, where pheasants, peacocks, deer, tigers and elephants live in the wild.
Wat Benchamabophit – the marble temple
For most tourists who visit Bangkok, a visit to Wat Pho or Wat Phra Kaeo is a regular part of the program. Understandable, because both temple complexes are crown jewels of the cultural-historical heritage of the Thai capital and, by extension, the Thai nation. Lesser known, but highly recommended, is Wat Benchamabopit or the Marble Temple which is located on Nakhon Pathom Road by the Prem Prachakorn Canal in the heart of the Dusit district, known as the government quarter.
Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai (video)
Thailand's roof houses the highest mountain in the kingdom. The mountain Doi Inthanon is no less than 2565 meters above sea level. If you are staying in Chiang Mai, a visit to the national park of the same name is definitely recommended.
Ban Dam Museum in Chiang Rai
In 2014, the well-known Thai artist Thawan Duchanee passed away at the age of 74. Maybe that doesn't mean anything to you, but as the photo of a striking old man with a large white beard, you may look familiar. Thawan came from Chiang Rai and it is therefore not surprising that there is a museum in Chiang Rai dedicated to this Thai artist, who is also famous beyond the country's borders.
Day trip by train from Bangkok to Phetchaburi
Traveling by train is a relaxing activity, it may take a little longer than, for example, by car, but the train in Thailand offers beautiful views of lush fields, forests and local life. This includes the 911 special train, with which you can take a day trip from Bangkok to the coastal town of Phetchaburi this summer.
The Thai Labor Museum
There is a unique museum in Bangkok that is definitely worth a visit: the Thai Labor Museum. Unlike many other museums, this museum is about the life of the ordinary Thai, showing the struggle for a just existence from the slavery era to the present.
Wat Phra Doi Suthep Thart – Chiang Mai
No trip to Chiang Mai is complete without a visit to Wat Phra Doi Suthep Thart. A spectacular Buddhist temple on a mountain with a beautiful view of Chiang Mai.
At the Crossroads of Cultures: Phu Phra Bat Historical Park
The Phu Phra Bat Historical Park in Isan is one of the least known historical parks in Thailand. And that is a bit of a shame because, in addition to a lot of interesting and untouched flora and fauna, it also offers an eclectic mix of relics, from different historical cultures, ranging from prehistory to Dvaravati sculptures to Khmer art.
Discover Thailand (13): National Parks
Thailand is rich in beautiful nature and has some of the most impressive national parks in Southeast Asia. These parks are an important part of the Thai landscape and offer a unique opportunity to admire the country's fauna and flora.
Wat Hong Thong, temple in the sea
You sometimes hear people say that all those temples are the same. That may apply to the home-garden-and-kitchen temples, but fortunately there are many special buildings that are worth a visit. The Wat Hong Thong is certainly one of them.
Wat Phra Singh in Chiang Mai – the finest example of a classic Lanna temple complex
I've never made a secret of my affinity for Chiang Mai. One of the many – for me already attractive – advantages of the 'Rose of the North' is the large concentration of interesting temple complexes within the old city walls. Wat Phra Sing or the Temple of the Lion Buddha is one of my absolute favourites.
The ancient city wall of Sukhothai and Wat Chetuphon
The central part of Sukhothai Historical Park, which is very interesting from a cultural and historical point of view, is surrounded by the remains of the original city wall. When you rent a bike in the Park, I think you should make the small effort to ride around this city wall because that's the only way you really get an idea of the size and scale of the old Siamese capital.
Wat Chet Yot is well worth a visit
Wat Chet Yot, on the northwestern outskirts of Chiang Mai, is much less known than the temples located in the city center such as Wat Phra Singh or Wat Chedi Luang, and I personally think that is a bit of a shame because this temple complex with an intriguing, architecturally very different central wihan or prayer hall is, in my opinion, one of the most special temples in northern Thailand.
Discover Thailand (2): The Temples
Thai temples, also called Wats, are an important part of Thai culture and play a central role in the daily life of the Thai people. The temples are not only places of worship, but also places of meeting and gathering, and they are often surrounded by beautiful gardens and architecture.
Celebrating Christmas in Thailand
In Belgium and the Netherlands people are already busy decorating the Christmas tree and installing Christmas decorations. The weather is also cooperating, it's cold and it's going to freeze. The first snow is even predicted in the Netherlands later in the week. How different is it in Thailand….
Agenda: Night at the Museum event in Bangkok from December 16-18
The popular Night at the Museum event in Bangkok is back and will take place December 16-18. A number of museums in Bangkok are freely accessible (without paying) from 16:00 PM to 22:00 PM. These are Museum Siam and the National Museum of Bangkok. A full list is yet to come.