Songshan Ciyou Temple
This temple, built in the mid-18th century, is the cradle of development of the Songshan district. The story goes that a monk once roamed this area, carrying a gilded image of Mazu, Goddess of the Sea, as he begged for alms. One day at Xikou—the old name for this district—the monk came upon a number of people, all Mazu believers, from his old home. Together they planned construction of a temple to honor the goddess, and after raising funds for more than 10 years they were able to realize their dream. Construction started in 1753 and was completed in 1757.
The top of the temple roof is richly ornamented; in addition to human figures, there is also a flying dragon placed there because dragons were believed to have the power to prevent fires.
Inside the temple are layer after layer of oil lamps lighted by devotees in the hope that Mazu will grant their wishes. The side altar to the right of the Mazu image enshrines the Earth God, who is protected on either side by...
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...
