Thais do not traditionally shake hands, hug or kiss. The “wai” is the traditional form of greeting. Hands are placed together in a prayer-like manner while the head is slightly bowed. “Sawadee Ka” when a female offers a greeting and Sawadee Kap when a male does so, is the verbal Thai equivalent of hello, accompanying the gesture.
The height at which the hands are raised depend on the status of the person you are greeting.
In the case of equals, hands are only raised as high as the chest. In the case of Monks, dignitaries and old people, hands are raised to the nose. Young people and inferiors are not “wai’d” but simply greeted with a slight nod of the head.
2. Thai Smile
The Thai’s most common reaction to most daily social inter actions is to smile. They smile when they are happy, exited, impressed and amused, but also when they are offended, embarrassed, insulted and angry.
Visitors are not always able to interpret the smile they see and can mistake it all too often. Your actions preceding the smile will be a good indicator what the smile represents.
3. Sanuk means fun
One of the first things you will notice when you visit Thailand is the Thai people's inherent sense of playfulness and light heartedness. Sanuk is the Thai word for fun, and in Thailand anything worth doing, even work, should have some element of Sanuk. This doesn’t mean Thai people don’t want to work or strive. It is just that they live more in the moment, and do their best to enjoy it. The famous Thai smile stems partly from this desire to make Sanuk.
4.Hands and Feet
In Thai culture the head is regarded as the highest part of the body, literally and figuratively. Therefore, avoid touching people on the head especially if they are older than you as it is considered very rude.
The feet are regarded as the lowest part of the body and therefore unclean. Shoes should be removed when entering a private Thai home as a sign of respect. You should never point your feet at someone or an object as this is considered disrespectful.
5. The Monarchy
The king and royal family are deeply revered and respected in the Kingdom of Thailand and any visitor to Thailand should be careful to show respect for the King and his family. Any criticism of the monarchy is not acceptable to the Thai people.
6. Thao Suranaree Monument, Nakhonratchasima
The tradition of. Building monuments in Thailand tend to create a class to create a master king. But bravery in the history of the Thao Suranaree Monument or Yamo people Korat is a monument built to remember and honor the goodness. Heroine's first national human.
Thao Suranaree Monument or Yamo that people called Korat. Between a familiar object, you create a heroine in the history of your benefit. To the national government. Korat-party people are proud and worship. Hunter became a symbol of people Motionwear Korat province that even named "Muang Yamo" Korat is even expanse of the country. Separation of parents can be another one province. Korat, but most people do not agree because it means leaving their children Yamo.
Monument Yamo never lose steering wheel. People bring worship. Stranger passing through the Korat will visit the Hunter pay homage to the Motionwear fate. Korat people often ask what to pray from the Yamo. We like to work for the ball when equation will then make a votive offering to the items discussed. Especially with those on granny Motionwear favorite music is Korat Monument Yamo reason this area is the source of music. Korat's father, mother, music, music, many of Monument Yamo is strategically located in the center point of the tourist district of Korat Monument Yamo district has become. Dynamic business. Raa is the hotel food souvenir market, whether as a silk. Or consumption of the tagged call brands taste taste of professional players.
Thao Suranaree Monument or Yamo that people called Korat. Between a familiar object, you create a heroine in the history of your benefit. To the national government. Korat-party people are proud and worship. Hunter became a symbol of people Motionwear Korat province that even named "Muang Yamo" Korat is even expanse of the country. Separation of parents can be another one province. Korat, but most people do not agree because it means leaving their children Yamo.
Monument Yamo never lose steering wheel. People bring worship. Stranger passing through the Korat will visit the Hunter pay homage to the Motionwear fate. Korat people often ask what to pray from the Yamo. We like to work for the ball when equation will then make a votive offering to the items discussed. Especially with those on granny Motionwear favorite music is Korat Monument Yamo reason this area is the source of music. Korat's father, mother, music, music, many of Monument Yamo is strategically located in the center point of the tourist district of Korat Monument Yamo district has become. Dynamic business. Raa is the hotel food souvenir market, whether as a silk. Or consumption of the tagged call brands taste taste of professional players.
7. Muay Thai (Thai boxing)
Muay Thai was originally taught for self defense and has since developed into a major sport. It is popular with both sexes and most Thais practice Thai boxing during their teens. A high level of training is required to develop the skills necessary to become proficient in this sport.
The boxers wear gloves and headbands and the event is accompanied by a musical band which provides traditional martial music for the fight. During the fight the band will change the tempo of the music to suit the action of the fighting.
Muay Thai is practiced in every town and village and athletes competing at the top levels are extremely well paid and respected.
8. The Thai language
The Thai language, or Phasa Thai, basically consists of monosyllable words, whose meanings are complete by themselves. Its alphabet was created by King Ramkhamhaeng the Great in 1283 by modelling it on the ancient Indian alphabets of Sanskrit and Pali through the medium of the old Khmer characters.
After a history of over 700 years, the Thai alphabet today comprises 44 letters (including 2 obsolete ones), representing 20 consonant phonemes, and 15 vowel signs, denoting 22 vowels, diphthongs and triphthongs.
As Thai is a tonal language with five different tones, it often confuses foreigners who are unused to this kind of language. For example, they have difficulty in distinguishing these 3 words from each other : "suea" with a rising tone, "suea" low tone and "suea" falling tone which mean a tiger, a mat and clothes respectively.
Like most languages of the world, the Thai language is a complicated mixture of several sources. Many Thai words used today were derived from Pali, Sanskrit, Khmer, Malay, English and Chinese.
Wat Phrathat Hariphunchai was built in the reign of King Athittayarat of the Raman dynasty in 897. Later on in 1433 during the reign of King Tilokraj, the King of Chiang Mai, it was repaired and renewed ; five new pagodas in the Srilanka style were built and added. The pagodas enshrine the ashes of the Lord Buddha. Religious ceremonies of the province are performed here.
The Phrathat Hariphunchai Pagoda has a nine-tiered umbrella made of gold weighing about 6500 grams. The square-shaped base of the 46-meter-high gold-topped chedi in the center of the courtyard is the oldest structure in the temple. Ten centuries younger world. The sala was restored in 1915 after it was damaged by fire.
A uniquely designed and the most interesting temple in Nan is Wat Phumin, which has a 4 - portico single building housing both the Bot and Viharn. Four Buddha images with their backs against one another are installed in the main hall facing the four directions. The doors are delicately carved in splendid by Lanna craftsmen. Wat Phumin underwent a major restoration in 1867 since it was build some 270 years ago. It is believed that the wall murals were commissioned during this time.
The wall paintings, in Thai Lue style, are considered highly valuable and depict legends concerning the Lord Buddha, as well as local legends and the local way of life, which include native attires, weaving and commerce with foreign countries.
11. Buddhist Meditation
Until today, it is a social requirement for every Thai youngster and sometimes even grown men to undergo a sanctified religious training. They shave their heads, dress in saffron, white or orange robes (as monks in the picture above), and guided by monastic principles and rules practice the ethical Buddha philosophy of enlightenment in the Buddhist monasteries for a couple of weeks or months.
Meditation is one of the most essential aspects of Buddhism practiced regularly by many Thai Buddhists and even secular persons as means of promoting the inner peace and happiness.
Many travelers have been impressed by the relaxed and decorous environment in every Buddhist temple all over Thailand. The devotees are reclining with the happy, compassionate smiles. The priests are all dignity and kindness. No doubt, Buddhists believe a man by good works holds on his bunya (merits) to balance against his bapa (sins).
12. Marriage
Like in other countries, there are two forms of marriage, civil and religious. For the civil marriage (chot tabian), the spouses go to the amphoer (equivalent of the city hall) with two witnesses and fill in a few forms, then they are delivered a certificate of marriage. There is no special ceremony, it's only an administrative procedure. The real marriage, the actual wedding, is the religious ceremony. It usually lasts one day, beginning at the bride's house with a ceremony in the morning in presence of the monks, who will say prayers and receive offerings. Blessed water may be mixed with wax candle and other ungents and herbs and applied by to the foreheads of the bride and groom. Then friends and family members are invited to bless the couple, and pictures are taken.
In the afternoon, the bride will go and visit the groom's family members houses, to pay her respect. In the evening, everybody is invited to have dinner, and finally the newly-weds are led to their bedroom, where the parents express their best wishes.
Please note that we have tried to describe a classic marriage, but the ceremony can vary a lot, depending on the province where it takes place, or on the social status of the families.
Traditionally, the groom will be expected to pay a dowry to the family, to compensate them and to show that the groom is financially capable of taking care of their daughter. Sometimes this sum is purely symbolic and will be returned to the bride and groom after the wedding has taken place.
Of course, if you have read the section about supersititions, you already know that a monk needs to be consulted for choosing an auspicious date for the wedding
13. Thai food
Thai food is spicy, sour and sweet. Rice is a basic component of Thai cuisine, as it is of most Asian cuisines. Steamed rice is accompanied by highly aromatic curries, stir-frys and other dishes, incorporating sometimes large quantities of chillies, lime juice and lemon grass. Noodles, known throughout parts of Southeast Asia by the Chinese name kwaytiow, are popular as well but usually come as a single dish, like the stir-fried Pad Thai or noodle soups.
The ingredient found in almost all Thai dishes and every region of the country is nam pla, a very aromatic and strong tasting fish sauce. Shrimp paste, a combination of ground shrimp and salt, is also extensively used. There is a uniquely Thai dish called nam prik which refers to a chile sauce or paste. It is prepared by crushing together chillies with various ingredients such as garlic and shrimp paste using a mortar and pestle. It is then often served with vegetables such as cucumbers, cabbage and yard-long beans, either raw or blanched. The vegetables are dipped into the sauce and eaten with rice.
Coconut is a main ingredient in desserts, in particular the milk and the shredded coconut pieces.
Because Thai food can take a long time to prepare, Thai people are used to eat outside, at food stalls. At lunchtime you can see office staff and executives in suits, sitting on plastic chairs on the pavement. The food is very cheap and sometimes surprisingly good. Most food stalls are clean, so it is usually safe to eat that way.Thai food is generally eaten with a fork and a spoon, not with chopsticks (except for noodle soups).
14. Arts and crafts
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Thai visual art was traditionally primarily Buddhist. Thai Buddha images from different periods have a number of distinctive styles. In architecture, the first form of art, various styles can be found: Siamese, but also Khmer, Mon and Lao. Thailand is also famous for sculpture, the reclining Buddha of the Wat Po in Bangkok being one of the most massive bronze statue in the world. Contemporary Thai art often combines traditional Thai elements with modern techniques.
15. Dance and music
Thai dance
Thai dance is the main dramatic art form of Thailand. Thai classical dance drama include Khon, Lakhon, and Fawn Thai. Folk dance forms include dance theatre forms like Likay, numerous regional dances (Ram), the ritual danceRam Muay, and homage to the teacher, Wai Khru. Both Ram Muay and Wai Khru take place before all traditional Thai boxing matches.
Khon is the most stylised form of Thai dance. It is performed by troupes of non-speaking dancers, the story being told by a chorus at the side of the stage. Choreography and costumes are dictated by tradition, with demons wearing coloured masks.
Lakhon features a wider range of stories than khon. Dancers are usually female and perform as a group rather than representing individual characters.
Fawn is another form of "folk-dance" accompanied by folk music of the region, such as the Fawn-Lep finger-nail dance from Chiang Mai.
Likay is much more varied than lakhon or khon. Stories may be original, and include singing, comedy and ham acting. Costumes may be traditional, modern or a combination of the two. Likay is often performed at village festivals.
Thai music
The two most popular styles of traditional Thai music are luk thung and mor lam.
Luk thung, or Thai country music, developed in the mid-20th century. Many of the most popular artists have come from the central city of Suphanburi, including megastar Pumpuang Duangjan, who pioneered electronic luk thung.
Mor lam is the dominant folk music of Thailand's north-eastern Isan region, which has a mainly Lao population. It has much in common with luk thung, such as its focus on the life of the rural poor. It is characterized by rapid-fire, rhythmic vocals and a funk feel to the percussion. The lead singer, also called amor lam, is most often accompanied by the khene.
The '70s saw the rise of protest songs called pleng phua cheewit(songs for life). The earliest pleng phua cheewit band was called Caravan, and they were at the forefront of a movement for democracy. In 1976, police and right wing activists attacked students at Thammasat University; Caravan, along with other bands and activists, fled for the rural hills where they continued playing music for local farmers. In the 1980s, pleng phua cheewit re-entered the mainstream with a grant of amnesty to dissidents. Bands like Carabao became best-sellers and incorporated sternly nationalistic elements in their lyrics.
String pop took over mainstream listeners in Thailand in the 90s, and pop stars like Tata Young and Bird became best-sellers. Simultaneously, Britpop influenced alternative rock artists like Modern Dog, Loso, Crub and Proud became popular in late 1990s. In 2006, famous Thai rock bands include Clash, Big Ass, Bodyslam and Silly Fools.
It is to be noted that HM King Bhumibol is an accomplished jazz musician and composer. He played with jazz legends like Benny Goodman, Stan Getz, Lionel Hampton and Benny Carter.
16.The monks
Don't touch the monks, don't give them anything directly especially if you are a girl, and try to show them some respect the way the Thais do. If you are in a crowd and stand close to a monk, avoid rubbing shoulders, for instance.
17. Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok
According to popular belief, the Emerald Buddha is ancient and came from Sri Lanka. Art historians, however, generally believe that it was crafted in 14th-century Thailand.
The much-revered Buddha image has traveled extensively over the centuries. The story goes that the Emerald Buddha was once kept covered in plaster in a monument in Chiang Rai, but a damaging lightning storm in 1434 uncovered the treasure.
The king of Chiang Mai tried very hard to procure the statute, but three times the elephant transporting the statute stopped at a crossroads in Lampang. Taking it as a sign from the Buddha, the statue was placed in a specially-built monumental temple in Lampang, where it stayed for 32 years.
The next king of Chiang Mai was more determined, succeeding in bringing the Emerald Buddha to his city. It was housed in a temple there until 1552, when Laotian invaders took it. The statue stayed in Laos for 214 years, until General Chakri (later King Rama I) brought it back to the Thai capital at Thonburi after his successful campaign in Laos.
In 1784, when he moved the capital across the river to Bangkok, King Rama I installed the precious figure in its present shrine, where it has remained as a tangible symbol of the Thai nation. It is feared that removal of the image from Bangkok will signify the end of the Chakri dynasty.
18. Wat Arunrajawararam Rajaworamahavihara
Wat Arunrajawararam Rajaworamahavihara ( Wat Chaeng ) is situated on the west, or Thonburi bank of the Chao Phraya River opposite Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangkhalaram (Wat Pho). Originally it was named Wat Makok, and later, Wat Makok Nok, as it was paired with Wat Makok Nai (Wat Nuan Noradis). It is said that after fighting his way out Ayutthaya, which was besigned by a Burmese army, King Taksin arrived at this temple just as down was breaking. He later had the temple renovated and renamed it Wat Chaeng, the Temple of the Dawn. During his reign, which is called the Thonburi Period, WatChaeng was the chief temple, and for time, there were enshrined the Emerald Buddha and another important Buddha image, the Phra Bang, both of which had been removed from Vientiane.
During the Bangkok Period, the temple has been renovated and extended, and it was given its present name by King Rama IV.
The most prominent structure, which stands in the front, is the phra prang. This is a Khmer-style chedi which is 81 meters high. Adjacent to this at each of four cardinal derection are smaller prang and mondop. All of these structures are decorated with brightly colored pieces of porcelain. Tourist often climb the stairs of the prang to gain a panoramic view of the city and the river. In days gone by when visitors from other lands arrived by sailing up the river, the prang was the landmark telling them they had at last arrived in Bangkok.
There is a great deal of interesting art in the temple. The murals in the phra ubosot were executed by artists during the reign of King Rama V. Around the phra ubosot are many Chinese statues as well as statues of elephant, and near its entrance are the statues of Nai Nok and Nai Reuang, two men who immolated themselves to attain anlightenment.
19. Sukhothai Historical Park, Sukhothai
Founded in 1238, Sukhothai was the first unified Kingdom of Siam. Prior to this, modern-day Thailand was governed by local rulers loyal to the Khmer empire of Angkor. As the power of the Khmers began to wane, two Thai generals banded together to expel the Khmers from the central plains, founding the new kingdom of Sukhothai ("Dawn of Happiness" in Pali) with one of the generals, Intradit, as the first ruler.
The kingdom flourished for 200 years, during which its capital at Old Sukothai was a highly influential political and religious center. Eight kings would rule from the royal capital, the most important of whom was King Ramkhamhaeng (c.1278–99), the youngest son of the founding king. Among other accomplishments, he established Theraveda Buddhism as the national religion (replacing Khmer Hinduism) and introduced an early form of the Thai alphabet.
Sukhothai began to decline in the 14th century, as Ayutthaya's power was on the rise. By the late 1300s Sukothai had beomce a vassal state of Ayutthaya; in 1438 it relinquished all independence.
20. Thai national costume
Thai Ruean Ton
Thai Ruean Ton is the most casual of all styles. It comprises a horizontally or vertically striped silk or plain-coloured pha sin with a patterned band at the hem, sometimes folded to one side, The collarless blouse that goes with it is separated from the ankle-length skirt. The sleeves are elbow length, and the blouse has a front opening. It is suitable for casual and non-official functions such as Kathin Ton, the religious ceremony of the conferring of royal offerings to monks.
Thai Chakkri
Thai Chakkri is a formal and elegant wear, normally produced using "Yok" weaving technique (Yok creates additional thickness within the fabric without adding supplementary threads. Often a touch of gold or silver-colored threads are added, making the fabric produced this way particularly more expensive) The costume is finished with "pha sin", a full length wrap-around skirt with two pleated folds in the front called "na nang".
21. Thai House
Thailand is a country which located in Southeast Asia. For thousands of years, Thai people have their own culture. The exotic land is including unique culture, costume, tradition, architecture, structure, and arts. The country is developing, but still kiips its own special things, especially Thai style houses.
With the differences of landscape, weather, life style, occupation, and beliefs, Thai people built various-style houses. The house style can be divided into four parts:north, northeast, central, and south. People have mixed their own spirits in their living places. These make Thai style houses differ from other countries' house in the world. The special style that defines a culture is born of many elements. Thai style, so vividly revealed in its art and architecture, is the product of its distinctive landscape, its skillful use of varies influences, and a history unique among the nations of Southeast Asia.
Thaditional Thai house is wooden house which the structures are elevated whit high poles, high roof, long eaves, wide veranda which can be extended. The climate of tropital country such as Thailand and the house construction should be related. The wisdoms of thai people for living were revealed in their houses. Their houses were comfortablee and cool with air circulation. The design of the house is not only for living but also for relaxing. It is the real art of life spending. The characteristics of Thai house have been influenced from many factors for example:
- location in monsoon zone with humidity, rainy, and sunny all year
- occupation of most people related with agriculture
- beliefs in religion, culture, and holy spirit
- way of life as easy, simply, and being a part of nature
- Material from nature such as wood, bamboo, etc.
22. Phra Buddha Chinnaraj , Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat
Phra Buddha Chinnaraj , Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat
This monastery,commonly,called by the inhabitants as "Wat Yai",is the most important monastery of Phitsanulok. The home of Famous Phra Buddha Chinnaraj.lt is located the foot of Naresuan Bridge on the city side of the river.
The temple was built in the time of Phra Maha Dhamma Raja (King Li Thai) alias Phra Chao Sri Dhamma Tri Pidok when the town of Songkwai(Phitsanulok) was built in 1357 (B.E.1900).
Wat Phra Sri or Wat Yai situates on the east bank of Nan River opposite the Phitsanulok City Hall.
There are many antiques and valuable of unestimated value in the temple.
23. Superstitions
Most Thai people are very superstitious. The first contact with Thailand for a foreign traveller is often the taxi ride from the airport, and everybody immediately notices all the amulets hanging from the rearview window and the small images of Buddha stuck down the dashboard.
Thai people like to go and see fortune tellers, but they also go to the temple to ask the monks for advice. They strongly believe that there is a good day for everything: a good day to buy a car, a good day to build a house, or a good day to give birth. So the monks will tell them what day is the best day to buy a car, and they may also advise on the color of the car. When building a house, the monks will be able to tell what is the more auspicious day to start the construction. Some women even go the temple to know what will be the best day to give birth, and they make an appointment on the given day to undergo a caesarean section.
Numbers are also very important, for example Thai people like to choose their car's number plate (if they can afford the price, as it is a pay service).
The day of the week on which a person is born also matters a lot. If you are born on a Monday, yellow will be your colour, and maybe you won't get along well with someone who was born on a Wednesday, and you can't be incinerated on a Monday when you die, etc.
Concerning the house, the Thais respect a kind of "Fengshui", which means that the rooms and other elements of the house can't be placed randomly. The entrance of the house must face the east, the bathrooms must be at the west or south, two doors can't face each other, a staircase must have an even number of stairs, etc.
Lastly, we can also mention that the Thais like to interpret their dreams. I remember reading a funny story of a farang guy who was complaining because her Thai girlfriend had dreamed of him being with another girl, and she was furious against him when she woke up!
24. Funerals
Funerals can last seven days or less, depending on the day when it is appropriate for the cremation to take place. The body of the deceased is kept outside the house, in an air-conditioned coffin, surrounded by flowers and wreaths. Everyone burns an incense stick and prays. Monks usually come every day, in the morning and at night, to chant prayers and receive offerings. Close family members will stay at the house and help prepare the meals for all the guests who will come everyday, for lunch or dinner. At night men stay awake to keep the deceased company, they drink alcohol and play cards. Playing cards is forbidden by the law in Thailand, but it is exceptionally authorized during funerals. The atmosphere during a funeral can seem surprisingly happy and relaxed, because the Thais believe that the decease needs happiness more than sadness.
On the last day, after a prayer with all close family members, pictures are taken in front of the coffin. Then the coffin is taken to the temple, where it is cremated. Back to the house, after a final prayer, a monk blesses family members, the house, and even the vehicles. The ash is either kept in a chedi in the local temple, or in an urn at home.
Like the description we gave of a marriage, please note that the ceremony can vary depending on local customs and habits.
25. Laundry and bathing
Most Thai people bathe in cold water. This is not a problem, as it is almost always hot enough for you to feel the need to cool down. Most Thais shower and put on fresh clothes at least twice a day. You will be more comfortable and sleep more soundly in the hot and humid climate if you do likewise. Many washrooms in Thailand do not have showerheads fitted to the wall. There is a cement trough or other kind of water reservoir provided for use. A plastic or metal bowl is used to sluice water over the body. This water is meant for cleaning and should remain clean for other people’s use. Do not contaminate this water. And do not climb into the reservoir in order to bathe! In rural areas many Thai people still use rivers and streams, or will bathe from an outdoor reservoir at home. When bathing in view of others men wear underpants. Women should wear a Pha Sing (cotton wraparound). Nude bathing in public view is not acceptable.
26. Thai's and Confrontation
Thais are an extremely non-confrontational people and will avoid it at all cost. When you visit this beautiful land, it is important to be patient, respectful and to keep your temper in check.
Thais will experience any indication of anger and aggression as embarrassing and an insult. Getting upset, raising your voice, shouting, swearing and pointing a finger will get you nowhere.
When experiencing this attitude, Thais will simply ignore you, turn their backs and walk away with a smile not intended to indicate they are in a good mood. These proud and friendly people see millions of tourists from all walks of life traveling their country every year. Many of these people are not familiar with Thai custom and tradition of non aggression, non confrontational and politeness, and show total disregard for this beautiful attitude toward life.
Needless to say to what extend Thais have been exposed to behaviour deemed by them as anti-social (as would probably the case anywhere else in the world). One can often not blame them not offering the wide smile they are known for at first contact. Be mindful of their customs and culture and you will experience the most generous reaction in return. Be jai yen (cool hearted) and bring out the best in any Thai.
27. Wat Mahathat, Ayutthaya
According to tradition, Wat Mahathat was built in 1384 by King Rachatirat to house a relic of the Buddha, but it is more likely it was built during the reign of King Boromaraja I (1370-88).
In about 1625 the top portion of the prang broke off; it was rebuilt in 1633 some 4 m (13 ft) higher than before. Later it collapsed again, and only the corners survived.
In 1956 a secret chamber was uncovered in the ruins; among the treasures found inside were gold jewelry, a gold casket containing a relic of the Buddha, and fine tableware.
28. Wat Lokaya Suttha in Ayutthaya
Its architecture and plan suggest that it was probably built in the early Ayutthaya period The main restoration work carried out in King Narai's reign. Besides edifices, there is still an important figure located here; a Reclining Buddha Image made of brick and covered with mortar. After excavations, it ws presumed that the original image was without decoration. During restoration work in 1956, mortar was made for the whole image and the statue's head was decorated.
29. Wat Ratchaburana
Opposite Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya stands Wat Ratchaburana, built in 1424 and splendidly restored. The towers (both rounded Khmer-style prangs and Sukhothai-style pointed chedis) have even retained some of their original stucco.
In the two crypts, excavators in 1958 found bronze Buddha images and votive tablets, as well as golden objects and jewelry, many of which are displayed in the Chao Sam Phraya Museum.
There are also murals, rows of seated Buddhas, standing disciples, and Jataka (tales from the Buddha's former lives) scenes in the four niches, as well as a frieze of heavenly beings and some Chinese scenes.
You can climb inside the prang for nice views and a little exhibit. The mysterious staircase down, leads to two unrestored rooms with original paintings still visible on the walls.
30. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai
Construction on Wat Doi Suthep began in 1386 under King Kuena (r.1367-88) and was completed within a few years. The temple complex was periodically expanded and embellished over the following centuries.
Construction would have been an arduous task, with workers having to carry supplies through thick jungle: the road leading to the temple was only installed in 1935. The modern paved road was a joint effort of communities throughout the Chiang Mai region, each of whom contributed 1,300-foot sections.
31. Wat Phra Singh,Chiang Mai
Wat Phra Singh was built in 1345 by King Pha Yu for the ashes of his faher, King Kham Fu. It may have been the first monastery to house the Emerald Buddha, which later resided in Wat Chedi Luang and is now enshrined in Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok. The temple is named for the Buddha image it housed in 1367, the Phra Singh (Lion Buddha).
The temple-monastery fell into disrepair as Chiang Mai's population declined in the 18th century, but restoration began in the early 19th century under Chao Kawila. The work continued under his successor, Chao Thammalangka, who commissioned the murals in Viharn Lai Kham.
31. Wat Phra That Doi Tung
Wat Phra That Doi Tung is popularly thought to be the site of the first chedi constructed in the Lanna Kingdom. According to legend, King Achutarat of Chiang Saen established it in the year 911 to enshrine a collar-bone relic of the Buddha brought from India. He demarcated the site by having numerous long flags (known as 'tung') raised atop the mountain (doi), which is why the site is known as 'Doi Tung' (Flag Peak).
Access to the mountain is possible via a long and winding road that runs 18 kilometers along the mountainside. The road is kept in good repair since it was also used by the Princess Mother, who died in 1995, to access a palace that is also built on the mountainside. The chief objects of interest at the temple are a pair of chedis that are thought to date to the original construction, though they were renovated in the 1960s. However, at the time of the author's visit in March 2008, the chedis appear to have been moved and replaced with new chedis that do not maintain the appearance of the originals.
32. Phra That Phanom
Phra That Phanom is located 50 kilometers from Nakhon Phanom town on Highway No. 212. It is the most important Buddhist site in the province. A 53-meters tall square-shaped pagoda, it was believed to have been built before the 12th century. The pagoda, which is believed to have originally been of Khmer design, was renovated through the years to its present Laotian design.
The pagoda enshrines the holy relics of the Lord Buddha. On August 11, 1975 at 7 p.m., the entire pagoda collapsed after many days of rainstorm. The Thai public subsequently made considerable donations to rebuild the pagoda to its original splendor. People placed many valuables inside and placed a 110-kilogram solid gold spire on top of the pagoda.
The pagoda enshrines the holy relics of the Lord Buddha. On August 11, 1975 at 7 p.m., the entire pagoda collapsed after many days of rainstorm. The Thai public subsequently made considerable donations to rebuild the pagoda to its original splendor. People placed many valuables inside and placed a 110-kilogram solid gold spire on top of the pagoda.
33. Wat Si Khun Mueang
This unique temple on Chai Khong Road north of Chiang Khan market has a chapel similar to that found in northern Thai temples with a mural of a Buddhist tale covering the entire front part.
34. Phu Rua National Park
Phu Rua National Park is on a plateau with an area of 75,525 square kilometers, 38 kilometers from Dansai district on Highway No.203. Phu Rua's summit is a large plain at 1,365 meters above sea level. Part of the park is a natural pine forest. There are plenty of view points, waterfalls, rock gardens, and caves.
35. Phu Luang National Park
a plain, a pine forest, and assorted flowers and exotic plants. Points of interest are
Pha Taloen observation point, Khok Phrommachan, Lan Suriyan, Pha Nok Kraba,
Paek Dam, and maple groves.
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