Outside the southern gate, of historic Sukhothai, are several less visited temples.  Wat Chetuphon is located 2 kilometers beyond the south wall of the city.  The temple was built in 1412 and restored between 1970-1972. I have read several explanations for the stone stacking that you see at many temples.  Regardless of the reason, I… Read More Wat Chetuphon

Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) The Grand Palace was the official residence of the Kings of Siam and Thailand from 1782 to 1925.  Several royal ceremonies and state functions are still held at the palace even though it is no longer the royal residence. With in the palace walls, you can also… Read More The Grand Palace and the Royal Chapel

Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn Bangkok, Thailand  December 30, 2017 This temple complex contains the largest collection of Buddhas in Thailand including a 150 foot long reclining Buddha.  Wat Pho is the earliest site of public education in Thailand as well as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.  It also has a school of traditional… Read More Wat Pho – Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Temple of Dawn Bangkok, Thailand This Buddhist temple is on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River.  Wat Arun gets its name from the Hindu god Aruna.  While the temple has been here since the 17th century, the prang or spires were added in the early 19th century.  

Built in 1837, Wat Chalong is the most important of the 29 Buddhist temples on Phuket Island.      

Phuket’s Big Buddha is located at the peak of Mount Nakkerd in the Karon District but can be seen from many points around the island. Construction began in 2007 and is not yet completed. It stands 45 meters (about 148 feet) tall.  From the top of the mountain you also get beautiful views of the island.… Read More Really Big Buddha

Thailand- December 21, 2017 Hong Island or Room Island is one of the many islands in Phang Nga Bay.  The island is special because of a series of collapsed cave systems inside the island which have created ‘rooms’.  These rooms are only accessible by boat during low tide and involve rowing through low tunnels. Some… Read More Hong Island, Phang Nga Bay

December 21, 2017 There is only one word.  STUNNING. Located in southern Thailand, in the Straits of Malacca, between Phuket and the Malay peninsula there are 42 islands with limestone cliffs, caves, mangrove forests, and coral reefs. Cave Paintings Ko Tapu  (James Bond Island) Anyone seen a dude with a golden gun? Koh Panak Photo… Read More Ao Phangnga, Thailand

Ko Panyi is a fishing village in Phang Nga built by Indonesian fisherman.  When it began in the late 18th century, land ownership was limited to Thai nationals.  The settlement was therefore built on stilts in the bay.  Since then, laws have changed the village has acquired land, on the island itself, where the mosque… Read More Ko Panyi, Phang Nga, Thailand

Sukhothai, Thailand  December 18, 2017 Wat Mae Chon Wat Phra Phai Luang This is the largest temple complex outside of the city walls and dates to the late 12th century when it was built during the reign of the great Khmer king, Jayavarman VII. Wat Si Chum The mandapa located in the center of the… Read More North of the Wall