Wat Kuti Thong วัดกุฎีทอง is an active temple located on the northern side of the old
Lopburi River. It is split into two parts by a road that runs through the center of the monastery.
The monks live in the buildings closest to the river and the ancient ruins are on the opposite side of the road.
Wat Kuti Thong is framed by many ancient walls and an arched entrance gateway. These can still be seen directly next to the road, but they are also visible completely around the monastery’s boundaries. Some of the walls are quite high in places.
The main sermon hall sits on top of a large mound, which may have been the remains of an older building. Two gold painted Buddha images sit in the taming mara poses on the main altar.
The sermon hall is a modern construction in the Ratanakosin style.
On the north side if the hall are two large chedis. They sit on top of a huge mound, so some parts of them may still be concealed underground. Both chedi are bell-shaped, which suggests that ...
Planning a trip to Russia in 2026 starts with checking your nationality’s visa requirements early, as most travelers need either an electronic visa for short stays up to 30 days or a traditional tourist visa obtained through a consulate or visa center, often requiring an invitation letter from a registered agency and proof of travel insurance. Some countries enjoy visa-free entry for limited periods, while others must apply well in advance—always verify the latest details on official Russian government sites since rules can shift.
Decide on the best timing based on your preferences: summer from June to August brings pleasant weather, long daylight hours especially during St. Petersburg’s famous White Nights, and lively festivals, though it is the peak season with higher crowds and prices. Shoulder seasons in late spring or early autumn offer milder temperatures and fewer visitors for a more relaxed experience, while winter delivers magical snowy landscapes ideal for cultural events but ...
Exploring Khlong San district on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River offers a refreshing contrast to the more crowded tourist spots across the water, revealing a quieter, more layered side of Bangkok where history lingers in the streets and architecture.
Once a vital trading hub during the Rattanakosin era, this neighborhood retains an intimate, lived-in feel that invites unhurried wandering along its riverfront and narrow sois. The historic section unfolds gently as you move away from the modern developments near Khlong San Pier, where older communities and landmarks tell stories of Chinese settlers, royal connections, and defensive fortifications from centuries past.
The area’s heritage shines through in its charming buildings, many of which blend Chinese, Thai, and colonial influences in understated yet captivating ways. Graceful shophouses with weathered facades and wooden details line some of the quieter lanes, their upper floors often featuring intricate latticework or faded pastel tones ...
Wat Sam Phraya, formally known as Wat Sam Phraya Worawihan, is a serene third-class royal temple located in the Wat Sam Phraya subdistrict of Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok, near the Chao Phraya River in the historic Bang Khun Phrom area.
Its origins trace back to the Ayutthaya period, when it was known as Wat Sak or Wat Bang Khun Phrom. In the early Rattanakosin era during the reign of King Rama I, Luang Wisut Yothamart dedicated land and houses originally belonging to his deceased brother Khun Phrom to establish the temple as a memorial.
The temple later fell into disrepair but underwent extensive renovation in the reign of King Rama III. Three noble brothers of Phraya rank—Phraya Raja Supawadee (Khun Thong), Phraya Rachikul (Thong), and Phraya Thep Worachun (Thong Pak)—restored it and offered it to the king. In 1823, Rama III elevated it to royal temple status and bestowed the name Wat Sam Phraya, meaning “Temple of the Three Lords,” in honor of these three benefactors.
The temple ...
