Wat Phra That Hariphunchai วัดพระธาตุหริภุญชัย is a Buddhist temple (wat) in Lamphun, Thailand. The temple's origins date from the 11th century but the central stupa is thought to originate in the 9th century.
According to history, in 897, King Athitayarat of the Raman Dynasty, who ruled Lamphun, built a gold urn covered with relics inside that has been reinforced in many subsequent periods.
Later, in 1443, King Tilokarat of Chiang Mai renovated the chedi to be a new Lankan style that appears today. Phra Suwan Chedi or Pathumwadi Chedi is located on the right side of Phra Borommathat and was constructed in the 12th century by Queen Pathumwadi, consort of King Athitayarat 4 years after Phra Borommathat was completed. Phra Suwan Chedi is a square prang shape of the Lavo style.
In the 1930s temple renovations were made by the northern Thai monk Khru Ba Sriwichai.
The unusual pyramid shaped, 46 m high Chedi Suwanna, in the northwest of the compound, is ...
The Khmer Empire was a powerful Kingdom in South-East Asia. Its major architectural works (temples and sculptures) are located in present day Cambodia, where the capital of the empire was located. However, during long periods of time the Khmer ruled over parts of present day Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.
Like other major ethnic groups in the history of South-East Asia (the Thais, the Mons, The Chams) the Khmer are thought to have descended in the prehistoric period from the river valleys in Eastern Tibet and Southwest China. The Khmer appear first on the scene (in Chinese records) in the second half of the 6th century A.D. with the Kingdom known as Chenla.
Since the Khmer reigned for long periods over extended areas of present day Thailand, Thailand has a substantial number of important Khmer monuments on its territory, mainly in its Northeastern Region (such as Phonom Rung and Muang Tam in Buriram Province, Phimai in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Muang Singh in Kanchanaburi province). Any look around the...
One of the many Thai traditions that have survived from the Ayutthaya era, dating back about 600 years. The boat races started as a means to prepare and boost the morale of the kingdom’s soldiers, as a way to develop their courage and strength by rowing. In the days of the Ayutthaya kingdom every Thai man was considered vital to the country’s defense. At that stage of history aggressive neighbors could start a war at any time.
Boats used during the festival are carefully chosen and made from trees that reflect the beliefs of a particular area. The boats are also rowed by the best trained and most fit of rowing crews.
During the months where water levels are at their highest points many areas in Thailand will host long boat racing festivals. They can be found in all regions of Thailand from August through November.
In this video we get a chance to see the races in Phimai. Events like this are a great way to experience Thai culture.
Traditional Long Boat Racing in Thailand - Phimai ...
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...
