Wat Benchamabophit or Benchamabophit Temple (Wat in Thai means temple) also known as the mable temple is one of the most visited temples in Bangkok, Thailand. Thousand of tourists visit the temple every year. In this blog, I will talk about Wat Benchamabophit and other attractions nearby the temple that you can also visit. These are Vimanmek Mansion, Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, Phra Boromrup Song Ma (Equestrian Statue of Rama V), Mud Khana Ratsadon (People's Party Rivet) and Chitralada Royal Project. Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram Ratchawora Vihara The temple was known as 'Wat Laem' or 'Wat Saithong.' After Rama V decided to build Dusit Palace, he ordered the temple to be renovated to be the palace's main Buddhist site. Photo credit : freepik.com The renovatoin was planned by Prince Narit which makes it one of the best-planned temples in Thailand. The temple is commonly known among tourists as 'the Marble Temple' due to its white Carrara marble ordination hall. Photo credit: discoverimages.com The ubosot is regarded as 'the perfect form of Thai architecture' as well as the whole site of the temple. It attracts tourists both Thai and foreigners. The ordination hall also houses the full size replica of Phra Phuttha Shinnarat. Vimanmek Mansion Not far From Wat Benchamabophit, there is Vimanmek Mansion located nearby. The mansion is the world's biggest teak wood mansion. It was first built on Si Chang island in Rama V's reign but later it was relocated and completed in the Dusit palace in 1901. The mansion's architecture is based on Victorian architecture with some elements from Thai architecture. Photo credit: naewna.com The mansion is a L-shape building and there are 31 rooms for displaying Rama V and princes and princesses' private collections such as the Green Chamber which is dedicated for silverware from China, Rama V's private study
Wat Benchamabophit or Benchamabophit Temple (Wat in Thai means temple) also known as the mable temple is one of the most visited temples in Bangkok, Thailand. Thousand of tourists visit the temple every year. In this blog, I will talk about Wat Benchamabophit and other attractions nearby the temple that you can also visit. These
Bangkok chinatown is the largest oversea Chinese community in the world. In the community, there are many histtoric attractions to visit and these are the list of attractions that I recommend when you're in Bangkok chinatown; Yaowarat Road, Wat Trimitr Wittayaram, Talad Kao (Old Market), Leng Buay la Alley, Sampeng Market, Wat Chakkrawat Ratchawat Wora Maha Vihara, the old buildings on Thanon Song Wad, Luang Kocha Ishak Mosque, Wat Pathumkongka Ratchawora Vihara, Talad Noi, Holy Rosary Church, Siam Commercial Bangk, and Krung Thai Art Galley. Yaowarat Road Yaowarat Road or "The Dragon Road", built in 1891 under King Rama V's reign, is a part of the famed Chinese-Thai community with a very long history. In the past, Yaowarat Road was the main commercial avenue before Silom Road, as you see the evidence of its greatness from the commerical buildings which are regarded as the very first construction of its kind. Photo credit : home.co.th There are two sides of Yaowarat Road, the old Chinese-Thai cultural community, and the centre of wonderful dishese and great restaurants. The dazzling Chinese billboards on each side combined with the crowded atmosphere every night would impress visitors. Especially, in the Chinese New Year Festival, when the road would be filled with people from everywhere and shinging with lights that never go out. At the beginning of Yaowarat Road is "Odeon Circle." Also known as the 'Dragon Head', named after Odeon Cinema, was the recreational space in the past. The great Chinese ceremonial gate is located there, built in 1999 for the 72nd aniversary of the King, and now became the landmark of Yaowarat Road. Photo credit : bkkchina.co.th The gate which was the result of collaboration of Chinese-Thai people in the area, is the emblem of the royalty and the great bond. It is the Chinese style arc with
Bangkok chinatown is the largest oversea Chinese community in the world. In the community, there are many histtoric attractions to visit and these are the list of attractions that I recommend when you’re in Bangkok chinatown; Yaowarat Road, Wat Trimitr Wittayaram, Talad Kao (Old Market), Leng Buay la Alley, Sampeng Market, Wat Chakkrawat Ratchawat Wora
In Bangkok Chinatown ,which is the largest oversea Chinese community in the world, the area has many Chinese shrines and temples scattered around the neighborhood. There are one Chinese shrine and one temple that I recommend to visit for blessing. These are Wat Mangkon Kamalawat and Tai Hong Kong Shrine. Tai Hong Kong Shrine | The Shrine of Death Body Collector Tai Hong Kong Shrine was constructed in 1910 to house the Tai Hong Kong statue which was transferred from China. Tai Hong Kong was a merciful Buddhist monk who performed funerals for unknown dead in the Song Dynasty period and was the founder of Tai Hong Kong body collector order to collect bodies and perform funerals for poor people. gerryganttphotography.com/ gerryganttphotography.com/ The order is Por Tek Tung Foundations' ancestor. Tai Hong Kong is widely respected among Thai people of Chinese descent for centuries. It is believed that whoever worships Tai Hong Kong will be blessed and protected. Tai Hong Kong Shrine is always crowded during Chinese New Year. gerryganttphotography.com/ Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (Wat Leng Nei Yi) Nearby you can also visit another holy and famous Chinese temple; Wat Mangkon Kamalawat or locally known by Chinese name as Wat Leng Nei Yi. The temple was built during the Rama V's reign in 1861. It is a Chinese-Majayana temple with Teochiu-Chinese architecture, modelled after ancient Teochiu Palace. Wat Mangkon Kamalawat is Bangkok's first Chinese-Mahayana temple and famous among people of Chinese descent in Thailand and abroad. Waves of people come to worship Buddha, Bodhisattavas, and Chinese gods at the temple, especially on important traditional Chinese holidays. During Covid 19 Photo credit Wat Mangkon Kamalawat Fan Page
In Bangkok Chinatown ,which is the largest oversea Chinese community in the world, the area has many Chinese shrines and temples scattered around the neighborhood. There are one Chinese shrine and one temple that I recommend to visit for blessing. These are Wat Mangkon Kamalawat and Tai Hong Kong Shrine. Tai Hong Kong Shrine
In this blog, I will take you to two hidden gems communities in Bangkok. They are offbeat experience. These community visits show you the traditioal monk armbowl making and Shino-Thai way of life. If you enjoy real local life experience, you should read this blog. The communities that I will show you are Charoen Chai Community and Ban Bat. Charoen Chai Community Charoen Chai Community's attractiveness is reflected in its' own culture. The community reflected the Shino-Thai way of life in this part of Yaowarat, where they have been here for a century and have continued their trades for generations. Shop selling metal paper Charoen Chai Community is home to shops, selling items for Chinese ceremonies such as metal paper, paper-mache, and ornaments. There are also herbal shops, traditional food vendors, and Phlapphla Chai Camera, an old photo equipment shop, in the community. By nairobroo.com Ban Kao Lao Rueang (an old house with stories) is also located there on a small alley on Chareon Krung Soi 23, near Wat Mangkon Kamalawat. It's a small local museum run by local people to provide knowledge about Sino-Thai people's traditional way of life in this area, as it is going to be swept away by urban development. By nairobroo.com Ban Bat Ban Bat (Almsbowl maker quarter) is an old community where people had lived their lives as almsbowl makers for many generations. Ban Bat's famous hand-made almsbowls were not only available at sampeng and Sao Chingcha but nation-wide. Each house in this quarter makes almsbowls in a different part of its procedure. Nowadays, the community of Ban Bat has set up a project to prerserve this craftsmanship as well as being a tourist attracton. From the community, you can walk to the famous Golden Mount of Wat Saket to explore the attraction that was
In this blog, I will take you to two hidden gems communities in Bangkok. They are offbeat experience. These community visits show you the traditioal monk armbowl making and Shino-Thai way of life. If you enjoy real local life experience, you should read this blog. The communities that I will show you are Charoen Chai
Wat Khae Nang Loeng Community There is speculation that the name 'Nang Loeng may come from 'E-loeng', a type of Mon earthen jar which had been sold here and gave the name E-loeng to this quarter. The name 'E-loeng' was modified to be more proper as 'Nang Loeng under the premiership of Marshall Phibunsongkhram (E in Thai is not a polite women's title). This quarter is centred on "Wat Sunthon Thammathan" (Wat Khae Nang Loeng). Wat Khae Nang Loeng has its trace back to Rama III reign. There is also a memorial of Mitr Chaibancha, Thailand's famous film star whose body was taken to perform rites after his death at this temple. Mitr Chaibancha Photo credit dailynews.co.th/ Wat Khae Nang Loeng is also home to famous "Trok Lakhon" (Drama Alley) which preserves cultural heritage,; Khon (Thai mask play), Lakhon (Thai traditonal drama), Nang Talung (Thai shadow play), Li Ke, and Pi-phat (Thai traditional woodwind band) although facing a lack of support. Li Ke show Khon show. Photo credit โขนรามเกียรติ์ Nang Talung Photo credit: silpa-mag.com There are a few cultural centres dedicated to preserve these art "Ban Nangloeng", a century old traditional Thai house, is dedicated to preserve traditonal Thai play, Lakhon Chatri, and "Ban Tenram" (House of Dances), a renovated Dancing School Ban Samakkhi Leelard, now serves as both dancing museum and dancing school. Ban Nangloeng in Wat Khae Nang Loeng Community. Credit : bangkokpost.com Photo credit : bangkokpost.com In short, the community is a hidden gem that is interesting to explore if you would like to stay away from Bangkok mainstream attractions. You can customize your own itinerary with a visit to the community with Explorenique's custom tour experience. For more info please click here Nang Loeng Palace Nang Loeng Palace or Wang Nang Loeng in Thai was constructed to be Prince Chumphon's residence
Wat Khae Nang Loeng Community There is speculation that the name ‘Nang Loeng may come from ‘E-loeng’, a type of Mon earthen jar which had been sold here and gave the name E-loeng to this quarter. The name ‘E-loeng’ was modified to be more proper as ‘Nang Loeng under the premiership of Marshall Phibunsongkhram (E
Nang Loeng Market, the century-old market, was officially opened on 29th March 1901 by Rama V. Its uniqueness lies in its buildings and its vicinity's well preserved 19th century architecture. There is another Prince Chumphon Shrine at the marekt. Due to its proximity to Prince Chumphon's Estate, the market's Prince Chumphpon Shrine is regarded as the most connected to the prince himself. Nang Loeng Market is famous for its traditoinal dishes and dessert. Many food vendors in the market are famous in both their traditional recipes and taste, such as beef noodle, duck noodle, wonton noodle, rice with Thai curry, rice with roasted duck, roasted pork and crispy pork, and Thai traditoanl desserts but highly recommended dishes are Khao Chae, Khao Tang Natang, and Saikrok Planaem, a rare traditonal snack. Photo credit: travel manager There is also an old cinema Sala Chalerm Thani Theatre in Nang Loeng Market. A seven decade old movie theatre was built in Rama VI reign. It's known as Rong Nang Nang Loeng (Nang Loeng Movie House). The theatre is a two storied wooden building. Its first screening was in 1918 with silent films with a brasswind band playing along. The cinema ceased screening in 1993 and its building is in dire condition but still waiting to be revived. Although it was closed permanently, there is still stict security guarding and the front court are still utilized normally.
Nang Loeng Market, the century-old market, was officially opened on 29th March 1901 by Rama V. Its uniqueness lies in its buildings and its vicinity’s well preserved 19th century architecture. There is another Prince Chumphon Shrine at the marekt. Due to its proximity to Prince Chumphon’s Estate, the market’s Prince Chumphpon Shrine is regarded as
Rama V constructed Ratchadamnoen Avenue to serve as the main road between the Grand Palace and the Dusit Palace in 1899. It is modelled after the Champs Elysee in Paris and consits of three parts. The first part is Ratchdamnoen Nai (Inner Ratchadamnoen). The second one is Ratchadamnoen Klang (Middle Ratchadamnoen), and the third part is Ratchadamnoen Nok (Outer Ratchadamnoen). Along the avenue, there are interesting attractions to visit. These are Democracy Monument, the 14th Octorber Memorial, Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium, Wat Ratchanatdaram, Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center and 14th octorber memorial. In 1937, the Ratchadamnoen Klang buildings were constructed. The buildings' architecture utilizes a quadrangle and circle, which are normally found in its contempararies. Ratchadamnoen Avenue serves as Bangkok's large open museum. Its collection reflects the history of Thailand in many aspects such as society, culture, and politic. Democracy Monument Democracy Monument is the symbol of Thai democracy and located on the avenue. Here at the mornument is regards as "Kilometre Zero" of Bangkok which is rarely known by locals Marshall Phibunsongkhram constructed the monument in order to commemorate the revolution of 1932. The monument has been an imprtant demonstration site many times. The 14th Octorber Memorial Another monument nearby is "the 14th Octorber Memorial located at Khok Wua intersection. The monument is dedicated to people who lost their lives in the student revolution in 14th October 1973. Maha Chetsadabodin Pavillion Plaza Maha Chetsadabodin Pavillion Plaza is another beautiful attraction located along Ratchadamnoen Avenue that is worth exploring. The plaza was constructed in 1989 to replace Sala Chalerm Thai (The Modern Thai Theatre). It is the site of Rama III statue. Wat Ratchanatdaram and the Loha Prasat are visible from the plaza. Nearby, there is an ancient fort "Mahakan Fort' located. The fort is one of the two remaining fortes out of 15 forts built in Rama's I reign.
Rama V constructed Ratchadamnoen Avenue to serve as the main road between the Grand Palace and the Dusit Palace in 1899. It is modelled after the Champs Elysee in Paris and consits of three parts. The first part is Ratchdamnoen Nai (Inner Ratchadamnoen). The second one is Ratchadamnoen Klang (Middle Ratchadamnoen), and the third part
Since 1932, a grop of businessmen and mielloware makers from Nakhon Si Thammarat have run "Thai Nakon", a nielloware making shop near this old Bangkok quarter. At the beginning , Thai Nakon shop produced items like cigar saskets, powder cases, picture frames, and silver trays. It also has been the purveyor to the Royal Household. Nowadays, Thai Nakon meillowares still produces the product in traditional way. The shop is located on Prachthipatai Road close to Wat Tri Thotsathep. Betel box Bracelet By thainakonintimex.com/ Lion Head Making Initiated by Chaiwat Boonshuprasert, the third generation leader and inheritor of lion dance group, "Luk Chao Poh Phraka" who experimented by making their own lion head instead of buying from markets. In the beginning, the making depended on kinsman, whose experitse is kite making, designing and sculpting the bamboo frame. Currently, Luk Chao Poh Phraka is a family enterprise. The lion head made here is distinct in its pattern, and would be decorated and restored to a graceful state for its time span, and is not for sale because it is believed, like cooking recipe, that its' value would be decreased if it was imitated. Photo by แฟนเพจคณะสิงโตและมังกรทองลูกเจ้าพระยา Mahatthai Uthit Bridge Mahatthai Uthit Bridge was built to honour Rama V and facilitate land traffice. However, the reign ended before the construction was completed. Mahatthai Uthit Bridge was designed with European influence and modern engineering. The bas-relief of a women holding a child with a tuberose bouquet in the middle of the right railing, and another bas-relief of a man touching a boy's shoulder to console him on the left railing were created to represent Thai people's gratitude to theri king and their sorrow for the king's death. Therefore, the Mahatthai bridge bears another name; "Saphan Rong Hai" (Mourning Bridge). By th.wikipedia.org/ By ประวัติศาสตร์ราชอาณาจักรสยาม By the way,
Since 1932, a grop of businessmen and mielloware makers from Nakhon Si Thammarat have run “Thai Nakon”, a nielloware making shop near this old Bangkok quarter. At the beginning , Thai Nakon shop produced items like cigar saskets, powder cases, picture frames, and silver trays. It also has been the purveyor to the Royal Household.
Decades ago, Bang Lamphu was the urban center with its market, department stores, cinema, theatre etc. Nowsaday, the travel business has become the top priority, and the area is full of hotels, guesthouses, travel agencies and many entertainment places. There are many artistic and cultural spaces in Bang Lamphu. If you walk around there are many alleys around the neighborhood. You would find a goldsmiths of Trok Chakraphong Mosque, miello wares of Trok Ban Pan Thom, the art of making the lion's head at Trok Wat Mai Amataros, and the heritage of Thai traditional music in "Ban Duriay Praneet" (or Ban Bang Lamphu) of Wat Sungwej community. Chakraphong Mosque Goldsmith in Trok Chakraphong Mosque Lion's head at Trok Wat Mai Amataros Ban Duriya Praneet, founded by Tham Duriyaparaneet, is regarded as the symbol of the area, and is regarded as the symbol of the area, and has been continuosuly conserving the national heritage since 1898. The Duriay Praneet Institue was founded in 2003. By Ban Duriya Praneet Facebook Page The neighborhood is well-known as the locations of Chao Pho Nu Shrine (Nu Godfather Shrine) in Talad Nawarat. Every year, there will be a ritual ceremony at the shrine to pay respect to the godfather. By Chao Pho Nu Shrine Facebook Page The important canal of Bang Lamphu is "Khlong Bang Lamphu," a part of Khlong Rob Krung in the north. There are many cork trees (Ton Lamphu in Thai) along the bank of the canal. Because the neighborhood had a lot of the tree, thus, it became the name of the district. The neighborhood offers visitors the charming of cultural heritage of old Bangkok downtown. This area is suitable for travelers who want to be embraced by local culture and get away from mainstream tourist attractions. Interested in visiting these sites?, you
Decades ago, Bang Lamphu was the urban center with its market, department stores, cinema, theatre etc. Nowsaday, the travel business has become the top priority, and the area is full of hotels, guesthouses, travel agencies and many entertainment places. There are many artistic and cultural spaces in Bang Lamphu. If you walk around there are
The temple was built in the Ayutthaya period. The Prang of Wat Arun, Khmer style, is recognized worldwilde for its magnificence. There were many names that the temple had been called such as Wat Makok, Wat Makok Nok, Wat Chaeng and Wat Arn Rachataram. Its final name was "Wat Arun Racha Wararam during the reign of King Rama IV. The art and architecture of the temple complex are worth exploring; particularly Phra Prang which underwent a major restoration during the reign of King Rama V. The prang was ornamedted with splendid mosaics of tiny pieces of Chinese ceramics. On the top of the tower, it offers stunning views of the Chao Phraya River. The ubosot built in late Ayutthaya architectural style is a remarkable architecture in the reign of King Rama II. The vihara enshrines the Principal Buddha statue, 'Phra Buddha Chamnphunut Mahaburus Lakkana Asitayanubophit and Phra Aruhn or Phra Chaeng, the Buddha image which was bought from Vian Chan. The temple is also a hot spot to watch sunset. If you would like to watch a beautiful sunset in Bangkok, I suggest Wat Arun. There are many rooftop restaurants and bars on the opposite site of the temple. People will come to the restaurants for dinner and drinks while watching sunset with the temple and Chao Phraya River in the background.
The temple was built in the Ayutthaya period. The Prang of Wat Arun, Khmer style, is recognized worldwilde for its magnificence. There were many names that the temple had been called such as Wat Makok, Wat Makok Nok, Wat Chaeng and Wat Arn Rachataram. Its final name was “Wat Arun Racha Wararam during the reign
