Baan Hollanda บ้านฮอลันดา is a former Dutch trading village in Thailand, founded in 1643 during the Ayutthaya era. Located along the Chao Phraya river near the Ayutthaya Historical Park, to the south of the city island. It was established by the Dutch East India Company (VOC).
The term "Wilanda" was used by the Siamese in the past to mean those from the Netherlands, or the Dutch. It was derived from the Malay "Orang Belanda". It was used to denote the Dutch in Java and elsewhere in the East Indies. "Belanda" itself was possibly derived from the Portuguese "Hollanda" (Holland).
The Dutch first established formal trade relations with Siam in 1604, towards the end of King Naresuan’s reign. In 1608, King Ekathotsarot granted permission to the Dutch East India Company (VOC) to open its trading post in Ayutthaya.
The location was in the southern part of the walled island city and was a rather constricted space. In 1634, during the reign of King Prasat Thong, a new VOC ...
On April 12, 2026, Orthodox Easter (Pascha) in Vladivostok reached its public climax at the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral (Cathedral of the Transfiguration). This grand cathedral on the central square, overlooking Golden Horn Bay, served as the destination for the city’s main Easter procession (Крестный ход).
The procession began at 14:00 from Pokrovsky Cathedral and wound through the center, arriving at Spaso-Preobrazhensky around 14:30. There, Metropolitan Pavel of Vladivostok and Primorsky addressed the crowd with blessings and resurrection greetings. Clergy then blessed the traditional Easter foods—kulichi, paskha, and especially the vibrant red-dyed eggs symbolizing Christ’s blood and new life.
Believers exchanged the joyful Paschal greeting “Христос воскрес!” (“Christ is risen!”) and “Воистину воскрес!” (“Truly He is risen!”) while sharing and cracking the blessed eggs. The square in front of the cathedral quickly turned into...
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 ...
