Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Also called Boeung Tonle Sap, it has one of the world’s most vibrant ecosystems. There are different species of wildlife in and around the lake, which helped to sustain and grow the ancient Khmer civilization. It's also famous for its fascinating local communities and their floating villages.
Located in Siem Reap, the massive lake is 250 km in length and 100 km across at its widest point, making it seem like an inland ocean because it is impossible to see the opposite shore from ground level. It's fairly shallow, with a maximum depth of only 10 meters.
There are several floating villages in and around Tonle Sap Lake and they are all somewhat different. Naturally, many of these villages depend on the lake for the natural resources it provides.
The best time to visit Tonle Sap Lake is during the rainy season (June to October). Water in the Mekong causes the Tonlé Sap River to reverse its flow which, combined with with ...
Wat Traimit, formally known as Wat Traimit Withayaram Worawihan, is a prominent Buddhist temple located in Bangkok’s bustling Chinatown district.
Established in the early 19th century during the reign of King Rama III, the temple originally served as a modest community wat for Chinese immigrants and locals, reflecting a blend of Thai and Chinese architectural influences with its ornate roofs, intricate carvings, and guardian statues.
Over time, it evolved from a relatively obscure site into one of Bangkok’s major attractions, particularly after the discovery of its hidden treasure in the mid-20th century.
Today, the temple complex features a striking multi-tiered structure with white marble stairs leading to the main hall, golden spires piercing the sky, and additional facilities like the Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Center, which explores the history of the area’s Chinese community.
It draws millions of visitors annually, both pilgrims and tourists, who come to admire its cultural and spiritual ...
Wat Senasanarama Rajvaravihara was originally named 'Wat Sue', which was established during Ayutthaya period and restored during the King Rama IV reign. It's a prior royal Temple.
This ancient Temple, which is located behind Chankasem Palace houses two Buddha images that were transferred from Vientiane.
Highlights inside the temple are the ubosot in the Ayutthaya style, with a beautiful carved wood gable covered with gold and a signet of the King Rama IV. This indicates that the temple was restored by the former Thai king.
Inside the ubosot, there are paintings from King Rama V era, including the painting of the gathering of the angels, the painting of 12th month royal ceremony, and a photo of the king wearing the Phra Maha Pichai crown and sitting at the throne.
Inside the ubosot is an important Buddha image covered in gold, Phra Sumbhud Munee which is the attitude of subduing Mara. Decorated with an arch carved with Khmer writing.
There is also a reclining Buddha image next to the Chedi, ...
Wat Phleng, also known as Wat Phleng Ruang or the abandoned Wat Thong Phleng, stands quietly beside Khlong Sak Yai in Bang Kruai District, Nonthaburi Province. This historic site forms the third jewel in the peaceful cluster of old temples near Wat Sak Yai and Wat Sak Noi, just a short drive from Bangkok across the Chao Phraya River.
The temple dates to the mid-Ayutthaya period, likely constructed during the reign of King Narai the Great in the 17th century. Its original name may have been Wat Thong Phleng or Wat Phreng.
It fell into ruin after the Burmese invasion and the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, when monks and villagers fled, leaving the structures to the elements for nearly two centuries.
The Fine Arts Department now protects it as a national archaeological monument, and in the 1980s the meditation master Luang Por Khruba Sri Nuan helped draw attention back to the site.
What remains today is a large open-air ubosot built in classic rectangular Ayutthaya style with European-influenced Wilanda ...
