On a narrow side street in Bangkok called Soi Ban Baat, just south of Wat Saket, the temple known as Golden Mountain, there is a small community of five families of artisans, popularly known as “Monk’s Alms Bowl Village.”
For centuries they have manufactured alms bowls used by monks to gather food offerings.
The families today say they have continued working “in the right place” and using almost the exact same methods as the previous generations, using only their hands and a hammer as tools.
The community gets to work as if it was an assembly line. Once a monk places an order there are eight different steps during the manufacturing process.
The process is not simple and it takes about five days to complete each alms bowl.
To manufacture the bowls, two strips of steel are welded in a cross representing the cardinal points. They are then attached to a ring to shape the structure. Gaps are filled with individual pieces of steel and hammered before applying the protective varnish ...
Wat Phra Khao (วัดพระขาว), located in Phra Khao Subdistrict, Bang Ban District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, is an ancient active Buddhist temple believed to have been established during the Ayutthaya period (likely around the mid-18th century AD, with some estimates placing it circa 1707 AD based on traditional accounts). The temple’s name derives from its principal Buddha image, Luang Pho Khao (หลวงพ่อขาว), a large stucco statue painted white that has been venerated since ancient times.
The temple received its official wisungkhamasima (consecrated ordination hall boundary) on September 27, 1927 AD. Unlike many temples in central Ayutthaya that were destroyed in the fall of the kingdom in 1767 AD, Wat Phra Khao survived largely intact, preserving rare Ayutthaya-era kasat lai rot nam (gold leaf stencil murals) inside the ubosot—considered some of the finest and most elaborate examples from that period. These intricate wall paintings, along with ...
The Chang FA Cup, officially the Thai FA Cup, is Thailand’s premier knockout football competition, organized by the Football Association of Thailand. First held in 1974, it ran intermittently until 1999 before being discontinued and relaunched in 2009 to revive national cup football. Sponsored by Chang Beer since 2015, it has become known as the Chang FA Cup. The tournament is open to clubs from all levels of Thai football, offering lower-division teams a chance to upset top-tier sides. The winner qualifies for the AFC Champions League Elite qualifying play-off and the Thailand Champions Cup, with the champion receiving a prize of 5 million baht.
Port FC, based in Bangkok, is a historic club founded in 1967, originally linked to the Port Authority of Thailand. They play their home games at PAT Stadium. Port has established itself as a consistent force in the Thai League 1 since returning to the top flight in 2017, with strong performances in recent seasons, including qualification for ...
Dragon Town Night Market
Dragon Town Night Market, also known as the vibrant Chula Night Market (or Sam Yan Market) near Chulalongkorn University, is a lively central spot that bursts into life after dark. This compact, student-favored area features rows of glowing stalls offering authentic Thai street food like spicy noodles, grilled meats, fresh seafood, and creamy desserts. The atmosphere blends traditional flavors with a youthful energy—think colorful lights, aromatic street eats, and a mix of locals and visitors. It’s a great showcase of Bangkok’s casual, university-driven food culture, with everything from classic som tam to innovative fusion bites.
Joy Fest Night Market
Joy Fest Night Market is a festive pop-up night market running through late December 2025, with stalls set up until December 30. This holiday-themed event focuses on joyful vibes with a wide array of street food vendors serving seasonal treats, international snacks, and classic Thai dishes. Expect a warm, celebratory ...
