Wat Thammachak Semaram, locally known as Wat Phra Norn ('Temple of the Reclining Buddha'), this temple is significant for housing a 1,300 year old, 13.3m long reclining Buddha carved from sandstone blocks by the Dvaravati. It's the oldest reclining Buddha sculpture in Thailand.
The face is worn considerably and the blocks that make it are askew, but because it's not covered with a layer of stucco it actually looks as old as it is, which makes for a fairly impressive sight.
On display nearby is a stone Buddhist Wheel of Law that is thought to predate the Buddha image.
There is also a small museum with a display of artifacts that were uncovered at this site.
The highlight of the temple is the old reclining Buddha. It is worth a special trip to see if you enjoy ancient artifacts like this. There are also a few other sites in the area that you could combine into an all day trip.
1,300 Year Old Sandstone Reclining Buddha - Oldest in Thailand - Wat Thammachak Semaram
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Bangka Night Market Taipei
Bangka Night Market, also known as Guangzhou Street Night Market (廣州街夜市), is located in the Wanhua District of Taipei, Taiwan. It is situated just west of Longshan Temple (龍山寺) and just south of Huaxi Street Night Market.
The market is a traditional and authentic one, offering a wide range of street eats, shops, and games. While it is not as large as some other night markets in Taipei, it provides a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of food options and entertainment.
To reach the market, you can take the Blue Line 5 of the MRT to Longshan Temple (龍山寺) station, exiting at Exit 1. From there, you can walk to the market, which is close by. Bangka Qingshan Temple (艋舺青山宮) is also located nearby, adding to the cultural and historical significance of the area.
Bangka Night Market is frequented more by locals than tourists, making it a great place to experience authentic Taiwanese culture and cuisine.
Some recommended foods to try ...
Zhengbin Fishing Harbor Colorful Houses
Zhengbin Port Color Houses, also known as Zhengbin Fishing Harbor, is a popular tourist attraction in Keelung, Taiwan.
The port was built by the Japanese in 1934 and used to be the largest fishing port in Taiwan during the Japanese colonial period.
Today, it is known for its 16 multi-colored houses situated along the bank, which have become a popular Instagram check-in spot. The houses are painted in various colors, reminiscent of the colorful houses in Burano, Italy, and attract many visitors who come to take pictures and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
The port is located in Zhongzheng District and is easily accessible via public transport, such as bus 101 from Keelung train station.
It is a great place for photography and offers a peaceful atmosphere, especially during the evenings.
Zhengbin Fishing Harbor Colorful Houses - Keelung City Taiwan 2025
The National Palace Museum was originally established as the Palace Museum in the Forbidden City on 10 October 1925, shortly after the expulsion of Puyi, the last emperor of China, from the Forbidden City by warlord Feng Yuxiang.
The articles in the museum consisted of the valuables of the former imperial family.
In 1931, shortly after the Mukden Incident, the Nationalist Government ordered the museum to make preparations to evacuate its most valuable pieces out of the city to prevent them from falling into the hands of the Imperial Japanese Army.
As a result, from 6 February to 15 May 1933, the Palace Museum's 13,491 crates and 6,066 crates of objects from the Exhibition Office of Ancient Artifacts, the Summer Palace and the Imperial Hanlin Academy were moved in five groups to Shanghai.
In 1936, the collection was moved to Nanjing after the construction of the storage in the Taoist monastery Chaotian Palace was complete. As the Imperial Japanese Army advanced farther inland during the ...
