Ershawan Fortification (Ershawan Battery) 二沙湾炮台 or better known as Tenable Gate of the Sea 海門天險 is a battery emplacements camp in Zhongzheng District, Keelung Taiwan.
It was built during Taiwan's Qing era and was the site of combat between the French and Chinese forces during the Sino-French War. It was the command post of Liu Ming-chuan, who was later appointed by Qing court as the first governor of Taiwan, when he was charged with the defense of Keelung during the war. It lost its military value under Japanese rule and is currently listed as a class one national historical monument.
The battery was first constructed in 1840. It was originally located by the sea and was used by the garrison to fend off British assaults during the Opium War. It was part of the Taiwan Seventeen Fortification Plan 台灣十七口設防圖說狀.
The fortification that exists today is not at the seaside. When the Sino-French War broke out in 1884, Liu Ming-chuan, who was in charge of defense ...
The Phimai Festival, also known as the Phimai Boat Race Festival, is an annual cultural extravaganza held in Phimai, Nakhon Ratchasima Province (Isaan region, Thailand). It celebrates the area’s Khmer heritage, centered around the 1,000-year-old Phimai Historical Park (Prasat Hin Phimai).
The 2025 edition is expected to occur during the first weekend of November, 5-9th 2025. Key highlights include long-boat races on the Chakrat River, light-and-sound shows depicting Khmer history, traditional performances, and cultural markets. The festival draws thousands of visitors, transforming the quiet town into a vibrant hub of Isaan traditions.
The night market, often styled as an “ancient market” during the festival, is one of the event’s most enchanting features. It turns the streets surrounding Phimai Historical Park into a lively, bamboo-constructed bazaar evoking ancient Khmer trading hubs, blending historical reenactment with modern street vibes.
Centered near the Clock Tower and the ...
The Khmer Empire was a powerful Kingdom in South-East Asia. Its major architectural works (temples and sculptures) are located in present day Cambodia, where the capital of the empire was located. However, during long periods of time the Khmer ruled over parts of present day Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.
Like other major ethnic groups in the history of South-East Asia (the Thais, the Mons, The Chams) the Khmer are thought to have descended in the prehistoric period from the river valleys in Eastern Tibet and Southwest China. The Khmer appear first on the scene (in Chinese records) in the second half of the 6th century A.D. with the Kingdom known as Chenla.
Since the Khmer reigned for long periods over extended areas of present day Thailand, Thailand has a substantial number of important Khmer monuments on its territory, mainly in its Northeastern Region (such as Phonom Rung and Muang Tam in Buriram Province, Phimai in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Muang Singh in Kanchanaburi province). Any look around the...
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 Thailand - Phimai ...
