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 ...
Port FC sit in 3rd place, just two points behind Ratchaburi and with a game in hand over several teams above them. A win tonight would keep their AFC Champions League Two qualification hopes firmly alive and apply pressure on the top two.
Port FC, the league’s most in-form home side in recent weeks, welcomed bottom-half Lamphun Warrior looking to bounce back strongly after a goalless draw at Muangthong United last weekend. The home side boasted a solid defensive record (only 19 goals conceded all season) and dangerous attacking options led by Brazilian forward Kaká Mendes and winger Bordin Phala.
Lamphun, fighting to stay clear of the relegation zone, arrived with one of the league’s poorest away records and had struggled to score consistently on the road. Port dominated possession from the start and wasted no time breaking the deadlock.
The match was effectively over inside the first 23 minutes as Port raced into a commanding three-goal lead:
• 4’ – Worachit Kanitsribampen opened the ...
Wat Mahathat Worawihan is an ancient royal temple built somewhere between the 11th to 13th century.
Wat Mahathat Worawihan is located in an old, busy district with narrow lanes and wooden shop houses in the old center of Phetchaburi town.
The large complex is surrounded by a wall with several large elaborate entrance gates. The Wat Mahathat Worawihan comprises of five large prangs, a viharn, an ubosot, several chedis, the kuti and several other monastic buildings. Most eye catching are the five white prangs towering above the area, that are visible from much of Phetchaburi.
The founding date of the temple is unknown, it is believed that Wat Mahathat dates back to the late Mon Dvaravati era or the Khmer era. Objects found during excavations suggest the first structures were built between eight to ten centuries ago. Today nothing remains of the original structures. The prangs have been rebuilt and enlarged many times over the centuries.
At the center of the Wat Mahathat is a large courtyard enclosed ...
The Ayutthaya Historical Park (a UNESCO World Heritage site) has no general entrance fee for the park itself, but individual major temples charge admission for foreigners. The key temples now charge 80 Baht each. For visitors planning to see multiple sites, a combined/all-inclusive ticket priced at 300 Baht covers 7 key temples managed by the Fine Arts Department. This pass offers good value compared to paying individually (80 Baht × 7 = 560 Baht, saving 260 Baht).
The 7 temples included in this 300 Baht ticket are:
1. Wat Phra Mahathat
One of the most iconic and visited temples, famous for the Buddha head entwined in the roots of a sacred fig tree—a surreal, photogenic symbol of nature reclaiming the ruins. The site includes ancient stupas, viharns, and many Buddha images.
2. Wat Ratchaburana
Built in the 15th century, known for its striking central prang (Khmer-style tower) with restored stucco work and murals. It features a large chedi and underground crypt discoveries.
3. Wat Phra Si Sanphet
The most ...
