Taiwan exceeded my expectations in every way. I planned a trip to see the highlights of the city but was surprised at how much the city has to offer. Every area that I went to I discovered countless things to see and do that were not part of the plan.
I started out with a short train ride to Keelung to see the ocean and the sights there. After spending a day exploring old fortifications, the harbor area, Buddhist temples and eating wonderful food in the night market I returned back to the city.
Days 2-5 was a blur of activity seeing things like the Taipei 101, tea plantations, temples, night markets and so much more. I even found myself at the Museum of Drinking Water and was pleasantly surprised. I saw the sign at the airport and said to myself that it’s off the normal tourist trail so it’s my kind of place.
5 days in the city is not even close to enough time. I came to see and learn about the area and now I can’t wait to return. The people are amazing, the city is clean and ...
Tawean Beach Koh Larn
Tawean Beach, located on Koh Larn Island near Pattaya City, is the largest and most visited beach on the island. It is known for its white sand, clear turquoise water, and vibrant atmosphere, attracting up to 5000 visitors a day, especially on weekends.
The ferry to Tawean Beach departs from Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya and takes approximately 45 minutes to reach the beach. Upon arrival, visitors can engage in various water sports such as jet skiing, banana boat rides, and snorkeling. The beach also offers numerous restaurants and shops, serving a wide range of cuisines.
Accommodation options are available for those wishing to stay overnight, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury resorts. The beach is particularly popular among tourists and locals alike due to its accessibility and array of activities.
For those interested in exploring further, Tawean Beach serves as a convenient starting point to reach other beaches on Koh Larn using shared songtaews, motorbike taxis, or by ...
Wat Kalayanamit Woramahawiharn วัดกัลยาณมิตรวรมหาวิหาร Thonburi is a second class royal temple under the Woramahawihan class. It is considered a priceless temple of Thon Buri and was constructed during the reign of King Rama III on the bank of the Chao Phraya River at the mouth of Khlong Bangkok Yai.
Initially, Chao Phraya Nikhon Bodin (To Kalayanamit) donated his house and land to King Rama III and bought additional land nearby to build a temple in 1825. The King bestowed the name Wat Kalayanamit. Later, the King built and bestowed both the royal Wihan and the principal image for the royal Wihan, which is Phra Phuttha Trai Rattananayok (Luangpho To) that is highly evered, especially among the Chinese called Sam Po Hut Kong or Sam Pho Kong.
It is a stucco Buddha image in the subduing Mara posture, which the lap width is 10 meters and a height of 14 meters. It is located in the large wihan in the center of the temple. In the middle between the small ...
Wat Chana Songkhram
Wat Chanasongkhram Ratchaworamahawiharn วัดชนะสงครามราชวรมหาวิหาร usually shortened to Wat Chana Songkhram วัดชนะสงคราม is a second-class royal monastery in Chana Songkram Sub-district, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok Thailand.
It has a rich history dating back to the Ayutthaya period.
Originally named "Wat Klang Na," it was renamed to "Wat Chana Songkhram" to honor the Siamese soldiers who fought in the Burmese-Siamese War in 1767.
The temple's architecture is a blend of traditional Thai and Chinese styles, featuring a three-tiered roof and intricate gold and red decorations. The main hall, or ubosot, is where monks perform religious ceremonies and visitors pay their respects to Buddha, with walls adorned with murals depicting the life of Buddha. The temple's most impressive feature is its tall and ornate chedi, or stupa.
Wat Chana Songkhram is an important royal temple and is an old second-class royal...
