The fortifications of Bangkok consist of several series of defensive structures built to protect the city during the late Ayutthaya to early Rattanakosin periods. The earliest structures were built when Bangkok was an outpost of Ayutthaya guarding entry to the Chao Phraya River during the 15th–16th centuries.
Modern day Bangkok was established in 1782 in an area now known as Rattanakosin Island. This was centered around the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The western and southern sides were already protected by the Chao Phraya River. So, a moat was dug along the northern and eastern sides in 1785 by prisoners of war. This created an artificial island. This moat is now known as Banglampu Canal in the north and Ong-Ang Canal in the east.
A city wall, measuring 7.2 kilometers long was then built along the moat together with 14 forts and 16 tower gates. Only two of these forts and a section of wall survive today. In 1852, the population of the city had grown so much that ...
The Phimai Festival, also known as the Phimai Boat Race Festival, is an annual cultural extravaganza held in Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima Province (Isaan region, Thailand). It celebrates the area’s Khmer heritage, centered around the 1,000-year-old Phimai Historical Park (Prasat Hin Phimai).
The 2025 edition is expected to occur during the first weekend of November, 5-9th 2025. Key highlights include long-boat races on the Chakrat River, light-and-sound shows depicting Khmer history, traditional performances, and cultural markets. The festival draws thousands of visitors, transforming the quiet town into a vibrant hub of Isaan traditions.
The night market, often styled as an “ancient market” during the festival, is one of the event’s most enchanting features. It turns the streets surrounding Phimai Historical Park into a lively, bamboo-constructed bazaar evoking ancient Khmer trading hubs, blending historical reenactment with modern street vibes.
Centered near the Clock Tower and the ...
The Khmer Empire was a powerful Kingdom in South-East Asia. Its major architectural works (temples and sculptures) are located in present day Cambodia, where the capital of the empire was located. However, during long periods of time the Khmer ruled over parts of present day Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.
Like other major ethnic groups in the history of South-East Asia (the Thais, the Mons, The Chams) the Khmer are thought to have descended in the prehistoric period from the river valleys in Eastern Tibet and Southwest China. The Khmer appear first on the scene (in Chinese records) in the second half of the 6th century A.D. with the Kingdom known as Chenla.
Since the Khmer reigned for long periods over extended areas of present day Thailand, Thailand has a substantial number of important Khmer monuments on its territory, mainly in its Northeastern Region (such as Phonom Rung and Muang Tam in Buriram Province, Phimai in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Muang Singh in Kanchanaburi province). Any look around the...
One of the many Thai traditions that have survived from the Ayutthaya era, dating back about 600 years. The boat races started as a means to prepare and boost the morale of the kingdom’s soldiers, as a way to develop their courage and strength by rowing. In the days of the Ayutthaya kingdom every Thai man was considered vital to the country’s defense. At that stage of history aggressive neighbors could start a war at any time.
Boats used during the festival are carefully chosen and made from trees that reflect the beliefs of a particular area. The boats are also rowed by the best trained and most fit of rowing crews.
During the months where water levels are at their highest points many areas in Thailand will host long boat racing festivals. They can be found in all regions of Thailand from August through November.
In this video we get a chance to see the races in Phimai. Events like this are a great way to experience Thai culture.
Traditional Long Boat Racing in Thailand - Phimai ...
