Wat Phra Thong (or Wat Prathong), meaning ‘Golden Buddha Image Temple is a very old temple with an incredible legend behind it, the kind of story that irresistibly attracts people. It’s not very big or impressive, but everyone first wants to see the famous half-buried golden Buddha.
A long time ago in Thalang, a boy tied the rope of his buffalo to a piece of wood sticking out of the pasture ground. This was a ‘finial’, the conical shape at the top of a very large Buddha image almost entirely buried. The boy became ill and soon died, as well as his buffalo. Following a dream he had, the boy’s father went to have a look at this stick to find out what it was. Villagers tried to free the statue, but the diggers were attacked by swarms of hornets coming out from the dug-up earth, while the spectators were left unharmed.
Later, during the invasion of Thalang town by the Burmese Army, Burmese soldiers tried to excavate the statue to take it back to Burma. But this time, they were ...
Pak Khlong Talat Mai Flower Market represents the modern evolution of Bangkok’s iconic flower trade, relocated to a larger, more organized facility to accommodate growing demand and urban development. Situated in the western part of the city, it serves as the primary wholesale and retail destination for fresh blooms, garlands, and related goods, maintaining the vibrant spirit of its historic roots while embracing contemporary logistics.
Originating as a floating market along the Chao Phraya River during King Rama I’s reign (early 18th century), the original Pak Khlong Talat site in central Phra Nakhon District transitioned from fish trading (19th century) to produce and flowers around 60 years ago. As Bangkok expanded, produce wholesaling shifted to outer markets like Talat Thai. In 2016, a city cleanup initiative moved street vendors indoors at the original location. By 2019, the market fully relocated to its current “Mai” (new) site—a bigger, modern warehouse-style complex—to handle...
Wat Chomphuwek วัดชมภูเวก also spelled Wat Chumpoo Wek is a Thai Buddhist temple in the Mahā Nikāya sect, located in Nonthaburi Province, central Thailand. It is considered one of the oldest and most prominent temples in Nonthaburi. It is over 350 years old as well having some amazing historic murals painted on the inside of the ancient halls. The architecture of the buildings is some of the most beautiful you will see from this period.
Wat Chomphuwek is a monastery that was believed to have been built by a Mon monk named Poh Phu Si Chomphu พ่อปู่ศรีชมภู in the late Ayutthaya period corresponding to the reign of King Narai the Great around the year 1682. Originally, it was called Wat Chomphuwiwek วัดชมภูวิเวก but later people just called it Wat Chomphuwek.
Its name means "Lonely Temple of Chomphu", or may translate as "High Temple of Chomphu" because it is located on a small hill.
The wall in the old ordination hall is ...
Nestled along the Noi River in Wiset Chai Chan District, Ang Thong Province, San Chao Rong Thong Market ตลาดศาลเจ้าโรงทอง is a charming, over 100-year-old riverside market that embodies authentic Thai-Chinese heritage. Just 60–70 km north of Bangkok (about a 1-hour drive), it’s a peaceful escape from urban hustle, blending daily trading with cultural strolls.
Famous for rare Thai sweets, street food, and weekend pedestrian vibes, it’s ideal for day-trippers seeking local flavors without the crowds—think wooden shophouses and small community atmosphere.
Originally called “Ban Phai Cham Sin,” the area transformed in 1877 during King Rama V’s era, when Ang Thong Province was officially established, drawing waves of Chinese immigrants. By the early 20th century, it became a vital trading hub for rice, fish, and goods transported via water taxis along the Noi River (then teeming with pufferfish and edible catches).
The market endured a devastating fire ...
