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 ...
Khlong Suan 100 Years Market (Thai: ตลาดคลองสวน 100 ปี, pronounced “Klong Suan Roi Pee”) is a historic waterfront marketplace that offers a glimpse into Thailand’s canal-side trading past. Dating back to the reign of King Rama V (late 19th to early 20th century), it was originally a bustling hub for travelers and traders along the Khlong Prawet Burirom canal, which connected Chachoengsao to Bangkok via boat services like the one run by Nai Loet (later known as Lert Sresthaputra, namesake of Bangkok’s Nailert Park). The market declined with the rise of roads and cars but was revived in 1999 and rebranded to highlight its century-old heritage. Today, it’s a “living museum” popular with local Thais for its authentic vibe, though it remains off the radar for most foreign tourists.
Unlike touristy floating markets, this one is a traditional land-based affair along the canal banks, with wooden shophouses in Sino-Thai style perched precariously on stilts. It spans both ...
Wat Mongkol Thep (also spelled Wat Mongkhon Thep, วัดมงคลเทพ) is a serene Buddhist temple located in Pak Nam Subdistrict, Bang Khla District, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.
Originally established as a meditation center by wandering monks, it was officially declared a temple on June 3, 1999, under the Mahanikaya sect. The temple received permission to be built on October 11, 1994 on land donated to the temple.
The first abbot, Phra Athikarn Bancha Siriwichayo, was appointed as Phra Khru Phawanasitkun Wi.
The temple serves as the 27th meditation center in Chachoengsao Province.
The temple is primarily a place for meditation and Buddhist practice, with daily activities from 5:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. It is known for its tranquil environment, making it a spiritual destination for worship and blessings.
The temple is renowned for its stunning golden chapel, which houses the revered Phra Buddha Pathom Maha Anantabarami Sriviriya (Somdej Ong Pathom), a beautiful Buddha statue adorned in ...
Wat Pho (Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangkhararam Rajwaramahawihan), located in Bangkok, Thailand, is one of the city’s oldest and most revered temples.
• Origins (16th Century): The temple’s history traces back to the Ayutthaya period, with evidence suggesting it existed before Bangkok became the capital in 1782. It was initially a modest temple named Wat Photharam.
• Reconstruction (1782–1809): After establishing Bangkok as the capital, King Rama I rebuilt and expanded the temple, renaming it Wat Phra Chetuphon. This marked its rise as a major royal temple, housing sacred relics and Buddha images.
• Major Expansion (1824–1851): Under King Rama III, Wat Pho underwent significant renovations, including the construction of the iconic 46-meter-long Reclining Buddha statue, symbolizing the Buddha’s entry into Nirvana. The temple was further developed as a center for traditional Thai knowledge, earning the title “Thailand’s first university.”
• Cultural Legacy: Wat Pho became ...
