One of the many Thai traditions that have survived from the Ayutthaya era, dating back about 600 years. The boat races started as a means to prepare and boost the morale of the kingdom’s soldiers, as a way to develop their courage and strength by rowing. In the days of the Ayutthaya kingdom every Thai man was considered vital to the country’s defense. At that stage of history aggressive neighbors could start a war at any time.
Boats used during the festival are carefully chosen and made from trees that reflect the beliefs of a particular area. The boats are also rowed by the best trained and most fit of rowing crews.
During the months where water levels are at their highest points many areas in Thailand will host long boat racing festivals. They can be found in all regions of Thailand from August through November.
In this video we get a chance to see the races in Phimai. Events like this are a great way to experience Thai culture.
Traditional Long Boat Racing in Phimai ...
Tawean Beach Koh Larn
Tawean Beach, located on Koh Larn Island near Pattaya City, is the largest and most visited beach on the island. It is known for its white sand, clear turquoise water, and vibrant atmosphere, attracting up to 5000 visitors a day, especially on weekends.
The ferry to Tawean Beach departs from Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya and takes approximately 45 minutes to reach the beach. Upon arrival, visitors can engage in various water sports such as jet skiing, banana boat rides, and snorkeling. The beach also offers numerous restaurants and shops, serving a wide range of cuisines.
Accommodation options are available for those wishing to stay overnight, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury resorts. The beach is particularly popular among tourists and locals alike due to its accessibility and array of activities.
For those interested in exploring further, Tawean Beach serves as a convenient starting point to reach other beaches on Koh Larn using shared songtaews, motorbike taxis, or by ...
Wat Kalayanamit Woramahawiharn วัดกัลยาณมิตรวรมหาวิหาร Thonburi is a second class royal temple under the Woramahawihan class. It is considered a priceless temple of Thon Buri and was constructed during the reign of King Rama III on the bank of the Chao Phraya River at the mouth of Khlong Bangkok Yai.
Initially, Chao Phraya Nikhon Bodin (To Kalayanamit) donated his house and land to King Rama III and bought additional land nearby to build a temple in 1825. The King bestowed the name Wat Kalayanamit. Later, the King built and bestowed both the royal Wihan and the principal image for the royal Wihan, which is Phra Phuttha Trai Rattananayok (Luangpho To) that is highly evered, especially among the Chinese called Sam Po Hut Kong or Sam Pho Kong.
It is a stucco Buddha image in the subduing Mara posture, which the lap width is 10 meters and a height of 14 meters. It is located in the large wihan in the center of the temple. In the middle between the small ...
Wat Chana Songkhram
Wat Chanasongkhram Ratchaworamahawiharn วัดชนะสงครามราชวรมหาวิหาร usually shortened to Wat Chana Songkhram วัดชนะสงคราม is a second-class royal monastery in Chana Songkram Sub-district, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok Thailand.
It has a rich history dating back to the Ayutthaya period.
Originally named "Wat Klang Na," it was renamed to "Wat Chana Songkhram" to honor the Siamese soldiers who fought in the Burmese-Siamese War in 1767.
The temple's architecture is a blend of traditional Thai and Chinese styles, featuring a three-tiered roof and intricate gold and red decorations. The main hall, or ubosot, is where monks perform religious ceremonies and visitors pay their respects to Buddha, with walls adorned with murals depicting the life of Buddha. The temple's most impressive feature is its tall and ornate chedi, or stupa.
Wat Chana Songkhram is an important royal temple and is an old second-class royal...
