Wat Saket, also known as the Golden Mount or Phu Khao Thong, is a historic Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand, with a rich history dating back to the Ayutthaya period (1350–1767). Originally named Wat Sakae, it was renovated and renamed by King Rama I (r. 1782–1809) when Bangkok became the capital of the Rattanakosin Kingdom.
The name “Saket” is said to derive from a legend that King Rama I stopped to bathe and wash his hair at the temple before entering the city after a war.
Key Historical Points:
1. Ayutthaya Era Origins: Established during the Ayutthaya period, Wat Saket is one of Bangkok’s oldest temples. It initially served as a crematorium for the poor, reflecting its early role in community welfare.
2. Cholera Outbreak and Dark Past: During the reign of King Rama II (r. 1809–1824), a cholera epidemic struck Bangkok, leading to the cremation of tens of thousands of bodies at Wat Saket. The temple couldn’t keep up, and bodies were left in the open, attracting vultures, earning ...
Wat Maheyong วัดมเหยงคณ์ is located outside the city island in the Hantra sub-district of Ayutthaya, which is part of the ancient area of Ayodhya, inhabited before the establishment of Ayutthaya in 1351. It is near the train station and several other historic temples.
The earliest records mention this temple “In 800 [Chulasakarat], the year of the horse, when King Boromracha II had built the Maheyong Monastery he ascended the royal throne."
Following the Luang Prasoet chronicles the monastery was built in 1438 A.D. at the start
of the reign of King Borommaracha II 1424-1448
(also called Chao Sam Phraya or King Thai Sa).
Later Royal chronicles of Ayutthaya (written after the fall of Ayutthaya) changes that date and put the temple's construction in 1424, the year King Borommaracha's ascended the throne.
The Royal Chronicles of Ayutthaya mention that Chao Phraya Maha Sena had his stockade set up in the Hantra plains during the war with Burma in 1563-1564. His stockade was ...
Puek Tian Beach, also known as Hat Puek Tian, is a serene and relatively quiet stretch of coastline along the Gulf of Thailand in western Thailand. It lies in Phetchaburi Province, positioned roughly midway between Chao Samran Beach to the north and Cha-am Beach to the south, about 21 kilometers southeast of the city of Phetchaburi and around 7 kilometers south of Chao Samran. This location places it in a peaceful spot, away from heavier tourist crowds.
The beach itself features soft sand and calm waters that deepen gradually, making it suitable for relaxed swimming, especially for families with young children, though it includes a sea wall in parts.
What sets Puek Tian apart from typical Thai beaches is its strong literary connection to the epic poem Phra Aphai Mani, a masterpiece by the renowned Thai poet Sunthon Phu. Legend holds that Sunthon Phu visited or was inspired by this area during his time as a monk, leading him to set parts of his story here.
Large, iconic statues along the shore and ...
Wat Kudee Dao วัดกุฏีดาว
Wat Kudee Dao or the Monastery of the Star Dormitory is located off the city island in
the northeastern sector of the city. It is also spelled Wat Kudi Dao.
Wat Kudee Dao is located in area known as Ayodaya. It is widely believed that an ancient
Dvaravati settlement existed in this area prior to King U-Thong’s arrival in 1351.
Recent excavations suggest that Wat Kudee Dao was built on the foundation of earlier buildings that predated the foundations of Ayutthaya. However, Royal Chronicles fail to mention it until King Thai Sa’s reign. The first report about this monastery is that the younger brother of King Thai Sa went out to be ordained as a monk at the Monastery of the Star Dormitory.
The restorations at Wat Kudee Dao began in 1711 and were completed in 1715. Royal Chronicles report that, when the renovations at Wat Kudee Dao were finished, a seven-day festival was held to celebrate its completion. Holy acts of merit were performed by giving...
