Wat Sanam Chai (วัดสนามไชย) is a small, active Buddhist temple located in the historic region of Ayutthaya Thailand, outside the main city island.
It is situated in the Ban Pom Sub-district (ตำบลบ้านป้อม), along the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, approximately 5-6 km southwest of the Ayutthaya Historical Park’s core ruins. This places it in a quieter, riverside area amid lush greenery and local communities, away from the major tourist crowds. The temple is affiliated with the Maha Nikaya sect of Thai Theravada Buddhism and serves as a local place of worship rather than a prominent archaeological site. Its name translates to “Temple of the Victory Field,” evoking themes of triumph and prosperity, which aligns with Ayutthaya’s royal and military heritage.
History
The origins of Wat Sanam Chai are rooted in the Ayutthaya Kingdom (1351–1767 CE), a period when Ayutthaya was the thriving capital of Siam (modern Thailand), known for its grand temples, ...
The Kuwait Towers أبراج الكويت are an iconic landmark and national symbol of Kuwait, located on a promontory along the Arabian Gulf Road in Kuwait City’s Sharq district, overlooking the Persian Gulf.
This group of three slender towers, designed by Danish architect Malene Bjørn in collaboration with Swedish firm VBB (now Sweco), blends functional water storage with modern architecture inspired by Islamic motifs like minarets and mosque domes.
Construction began in 1971 by Yugoslavia’s Union Inženjering and was completed in 1976, with public opening on March 1, 1979, following a request from Emir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah for a distinctive design for the sixth set of water towers in Kuwait’s national system. They received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1980 and survived the 1990 Iraqi invasion undamaged, symbolizing Kuwaiti resilience.
The towers store 9,000 cubic meters of water total and are covered in ~41,000 enameled steel discs in blues, greens, and grays for a...
Souk Al-Mubarakiya, one of Kuwait’s oldest traditional markets, has a rich history spanning over 200 years as a central hub for trade and commerce in Kuwait City, predating the oil era and serving as a vital economic lifeline when Kuwait relied on maritime and overland exchanges with regions like India, Iraq, Oman, and Africa.
Named after Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah, the founder of modern Kuwait who ruled from 1896 to 1915, the souk originated around a small kiosk (“kishk”) in the Qibla district.
This structure initially functioned as a diwan (office) for addressing community issues and grievances, evolving into Kuwait’s first court, with merchants gathering nearby to trade goods like spices, textiles, dates, and pearls, transforming the area into a bustling marketplace.
The souk’s design, featuring wooden ceilings, palm-frond roofs, and shaded alleys, was adapted to Kuwait’s harsh climate, providing protection from heat and sandstorms while fostering a communal space for haggling, ...
Nakhon Nueang Khet Ancient Market: A Historic Canalside Treasure in Chachoengsao
Nakhon Nueang Khet Ancient Market (ตลาดโบราณนครเนื่องเขต), also known as Nakhon Khlong Nueang Khet Old Market, is a picturesque 130-year-old riverside market in Khlong Nakhon Nueang Khet Subdistrict, Chachoengsao Province, central Thailand.
Situated at the scenic intersection of Tha Kai Canal and Nueang Khet Canal, it evokes a bygone era with its wooden shophouses, boat-based trading heritage, and vibrant local scene. It’s a top spot for authentic Thai culture, open weekends and holidays (Sat-Sun, 9 AM–4 PM), making it ideal for a relaxed day trip from Bangkok (~1-hour drive east).
Established over 130 years ago during the late 19th century (Rattanakosin period), the market—originally called Si Yeak Tha Kai—flourished as a vital trading hub where canals met, facilitating boat commerce for rice, fruits, and goods in rural Chachoengsao.
The intersection point was a ...
