Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat
Large Royal temple in Lopburi founded by the Khmer 800 years ago.
The Wat Phra Sri Mahathat is a large Royal temple in the center of Lopburi. The temple was founded when Lopburi was under control of the Khmer empire from Angkor, in present day Cambodia.
The eight acres complex which is little visited by foreign tourists houses structures from several periods, the oldest ones being the main prang dating back around 800 years.
Khmer style Prang
The main prang was built by the Khmer in the Bayon style in the late 12th or early 13th century. Standing on a platform, it was probably flanked by similar prangs of smaller size, of which virtually nothing is left. On the West side a portico protrudes out from the structure, giving access to the prang’s interior.
The prang was adorned with fine stuccoed artwork depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha, some of which are still intact. Inside is the cella, the room where the Khmer people worshipped the linga, the ...
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 ...
