Travel & Story in Thailand

Likay

2012-09-01T07:48:00.000-07:00

Likay Chaiya - Ann in Concert Ekachai

The most popular dramatic form is “likay”, a burlesque of lakorn containing elements of pantomime, comic folk opera and social satire. Generally performed against a simple-painted backdrop during temple fairs, likay commonly presents court-derived stories and embellishes them with local references and anecdotes.

Players, garishly costumed in satins, sequins and feathered headgear, androgynously made up with powder, rouge and mascara, rely heavily on pratfalls, jarring musical accompaniment and bawdy lyrics, Spontaneous dialogue is freighted with outrageous puns and double entendres. Interaction between characters keeps audiences awake and laughing until the morning.

Reference : Thailand into the 80’s

Nang Talung

2012-09-01T07:16:00.001-07:00

Nang Su Thip Comedy movie scenes 6 Episode 5

“Nang Talung”, a popular shadow play found mainly in the south of Thailand, closely resembles the Indonesian wayang. Beautifully fashioned nang talung figures are smaller than nang yai counterparts and are often constructed to have one movable part – an arm, a leg, a chin or genitals.

Concealed from audiences, nang talung manipulators are skilled singers and comedians whose brilliants repartee keeps action bubbling.

Reference : Thailand into the 80’s

Nang Yai

2012-09-01T06:54:00.000-07:00

"Nang Yai" Wat Khanon performed at

Silpakorn Research 2/4

“Nang Yai”, the neglected dramatic form, the regular entertainment in 17^th century Ayutthaya predates khon and lakorn, intricately fashioned cowhide (cow skin) figures, some two meters tall, are held against a brilliantly backlit white screen. Bearers of the figures dance their parts; their movements were later to provide the pattern for khon and lakorn.

The effect resembles a high contrast, black and white television set viewed inside a dark room. Animated silhouettes, the figure-bearing men’s gestures and dancing combine with music and singing to bring the spectacle to life.

Reference : Thailand into the 80’s

Lakorn (Thai Drama)

2012-09-01T06:27:00.002-07:00

Thai Folk Drama "SungThong " on 30 January 2011

at Sankit Sala near Bangkok National Museum

“Lakorn” dance movements are graceful, sensual and tender, the upper torso and hands being particular expressive with conventionalized movements portraying specific emotions. Because the steps are very taxing on the dancer’s energies, a chorus sings narrative as in the khon.

Lakorn dance drama is less formal and actors than Khon, with the expectations of monkeys, ogres and other non-human, non-celestial beings, do not wear masks. Lakorn plots are drawn mainly from the Ramakien, the Jatakas (collected Buddhist tales), and folk stories.

Lakorn Categories :

Lakorn is sub-divided into numerous variations, the major three being lakorn jatri, a lakorn nawk and lakorn nai.

Lakorn jatri, a type of itinerant theatre, is derived from ‘Manohra’, the chief folk entertainment of southern Thailand. Simplest of all lakorn in form and presentation. Lakorn jatri is often seen at popular shrines such as Bangkok’s Lak Muang (City Pillar) near Wat Phra Keaw (The Emerald Buddha Temple) where dancers are hired by supplicants whose wishes have been granted (to win lottery prizes, promotion and the like) to perform for the shrine deity according to the fee they have received.

Lakorn nai drama was originally presented only by court ladies in the palace. It was graceful, romantic and highly stylized.

Lakorn nawk (Thai Folk Drama) play on the other hand, were performed outside the palace and acted only by men. Filled with lively music, off-colour humour and rapid, animated movements, lakorn nawk was the ancestor of the enormously popular likay folk theater.

Reference : Thailand into the 80’s

JJ Mall

2012-08-26T22:30:00.000-07:00

JJ Mall, air-conditioned shopping complex is the place of goods collection from Baiyoke, Bo Bae, OTOP, Local product, import product and etc. JJ Mall is located next to Jatujak weekend market. 3 floors of parking are also provided for more than 2,000 vehicles including open-air parking for buses.

JJ Mall goods on each floor

G-Floor : Thai handicrafts, Arts & Paintings, Gold/Silverware, Home Decor & Accessories, Banks, Thai Massage and Pet Shops.
F-Floor : Imported and Domestic Garments, Ornaments, Fashion & Gift Shops, Cosmetics, Gems & Jewellery, Banks, Restaurants and Money Exchange.
S-Floor : IT Centre, Electronic Appliances, Pharmacy, Health & Beauty, Beauty Salon, Antiques, Home Furniture, Optic and a large Food Centre.
Top-Floor : A 2,500-square-metre grand hall is available for seminar, banquet, events, concerts, celebrations, job fairs or a theme party.

JJ Mall Location

In front of JJ Mall is adjacent to Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, the left is Kamphaeng Phet 4 Road, and Jatujak Weekend Market.

Address

588 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Jatujak, Bangkok, 10900

How to reach JJ Mall

Bus no. 3, 26, 34, 38, 49, 58, 77, 96, 122, 134, 136, 138, 145, 157, 158, 170, 508, 510, 512 or 517

Opening Time

10.00 A.M. – 9.00 P.M. on everday

Map

View Larger Map

Reference Site : JJ Mall - Wiki, JJ Mall

Jatujak Weekend Market

2012-08-26T08:43:00.001-07:00

Jatujak Market (or Chatuchak Market) or JJ Market in short name is the most famous weekend market in Thailand. It is all well known, both Thais and foreigners. There are more than 8,000 shops and lot of goods to choose from a wide range of products, especially traditional Thai crafts. And, the price is affordable as well.

Goods

Clothing, jewelry, art and crafts, decorations, foods, beverages, pets, plants and etc.

Address

Kamphaengphet 3 Road, Jatujak, Bangkok, Thailand, 10900

How to reach Jatujak Market

Get off at the bus stop in front of Jatajak Park (Phaholyothin Road)

Bus no. : 3, 8, 26, 27, 28, 29, 34, 38, 39, 44, 52, 59, 63, 77, 90, 96, 104, 108, 122, 134, 136, 138, 145, 182, 188
Air-conditioned bus no. : 3, 28, 29, 34, 39, 44, 59, 63, 77, 104, 134, 138, 145, 157, 177, 502, 503, 509, 510, 512, 517, 524, 529

Get off at bus stop in front of Jatujak Day and Night or Jatujak Weekend Market Gate 1 (Kamphaengphet 2 Road)

Bus no. : 26, 77, 96, 104, 122, 134, 136, 138, 145, 157, 182
Air-conditioned bus no. : 77, 134, 138, 145, 157, 509, 517, 529, 536

Sky Train (BTS) : Get off at Mo Chit station
Subway (MRT) Get off at Kamphaeng Phet station

Opening Time

Sat - Sun at 8 am - 6 pm
Plant shops on Wed - Thu at 7 am - 6 pm

Map

View Jatujak Weekend Market in a larger map

Wachira Benchathat Park

2012-08-26T07:19:00.002-07:00

Wachira Benchathat Park (or Suan Rod Fai) was built in the concept of "Garden of the family" where prepares activities for people of all ages in the family. It is the park of cyclists, walking in the park, exercise at Community Recreation Park, Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, playground and etc for children's learning and practical skills.

Wachira Benchathat Park Area

375 Rais

Address

Kamphaeng Phet 3 Road, Ladyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok

How to reach Wachira Benchathat Park

Bus no. 3, 8, 26, 27, 28, 29, 34, 38, 39, 44, 55, 63, 90, 96, 104, 112, 134, 138
Air condition bus no. 2, 3, 9, 10, 12, 13

Get off the bus at Chatuchak Park and walk through Chatuchak Park to reach Wachirabenchatat Park.

Opening time

4.30 A.M. - 21.00 P.M. on everyday

Butterfly Garden and Insectarium in

Wachira Benchathat Park

Map

View Larger Map

Queen Sirikit Park

2012-08-26T06:09:00.000-07:00

Queen Sirikit Park is one of fully botanic park of Thailand where collects and conserves plants to educate and inherit the conservation of the rare local plant species. The trees are planted by families. To honor Her Majesty the Queen, the pool was designed as "S" shape which conveys the title of the Queen.

From the natural diversity, many birds in verious species are found here. The Royal Grace Park for the blind (The first park for handicapped man in Thailand) and Children's Discovery Museum are also located here.

Queen Sirikit Park Area

196 Rais and 365 Square two-meters.

Address

Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Ladyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok Tel. 02-272-4374 Fax. 02-272-4576

How to reach Queen Sirikit Park

Bus no. 77, 104, 122, 136, 145
Air condition bus no. 23, 138

Opening time

5.00 A.M. - 19.00 P.M. on everyday

Map

View Larger Map

Jatujak Park

2012-08-26T01:34:00.002-07:00

Relaxation on Chatuchak Park

Most area of Chatuchak (or Jatujak) park is backyard. Relaxation among sylvan greenery with the beautiful various trees, pavilions and benches are also provided. There are rowing boats and pedal boats for visitor service.

Moreover, we can exercise at Health Park for Chalermprakiet Major General Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, outdoor fitness equipment and playground.

There are also ASEAN Sculpture and Railway Hall of Fame at Jatujak Park.

Jatujak Park Area

155 Rais and 356.6 Square two-meters.

Address

Kamphaeng Phet 3 Road, Jatujak, Bangkok Tel. 02-272-4575

How to reach Jatujak Park

Bus no. 3, 8, 28, 29, 34, 38, 39, 44, 55, 63, 77, 90, 96, 104, 112, 134, 138
Air condition bus no. 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 38, 26, 27, 44
Subway (MRT) : Get off at Chatuchak station.
Sky train (BTS) : Get off at Mochit station.

Opening time

4.30 A.M. - 9.00 P.M. on everyday

Map

View Larger Map

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

2012-08-22T22:09:00.001-07:00

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, a photo by edwin.11 on Flickr.

Wat Phra Kaew

2012-08-22T22:06:00.001-07:00

Wat Phra Kaew, a photo by edwin.11 on Flickr.

Wat Phra Kaew, the temple of the Emerald Buddha officially names "Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram" established in 1782 on the area of the Grand Palace. The central ubosoth in the temple has been enshrined the Emerald Buddha, the sacred respectable Buddha image since the city of Bangkok founded.

The interior of the central ubosoth is magnificently decorated from ceiling to floor. The Emerald Buddha image is enshrined in the middle of the golden throne with several importance Buddha images.

Admission Fee

200 Bath for the foreigner.

How to reach Wat Phra Kaew ?

To go to Wat Phra Kaew, we can get on the bus no. 1, 3, 9, 15, 25, 30, 32, 33, 39, 43, 44, 47, 53,64, 80, 82, 91, 201, 203, 501, 503,508 or 512.

Opening Time

8.30 A.M. - 15.30 P.M. on everyday (Except for the date of the ceremony)

Map

View Larger Map

Koh Nangyuan, Suratthani

2012-08-22T08:19:00.003-07:00

ภาษาไทย | English

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Background

We recommend a place to visit on your holiday. It is Koh Nangyuan (Nangyuan Island), one of the dive sites and coral viewing in area of Amphoe Koh Phangan, Suratthani comprises 3 small islands jointed with sand dunes. Koh Nangyuan is located in Northwest of Koh Tao. It is far apart from Koh Tao only 480 m. approximately, 110 km. from Suratthani and 74 km. from Chumphon.

At Koh Nangyuan, the crystal clear water makes we see various fishes, seashell and corals under the water vividly. The Tourists like to relax here with fresh air and privacy time among 3 lush islands surrounding.

Accommodation

Many accommodations are provided here such as resorts and bungalows that can be scanned upon our favor. Each one faces the sea in various point of view. It's easy to relax with lying to see natural scenery in the rest.

Travel

We can go to Koh Nangyuan by the boat from Koh Tao.
For more information, please contact Office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Suratthani Tel. 0-7728-8818, 0-7728-8819 or Public Relations of Province Tel. 0-7728-3970

Mahya bay, Krabi

2012-08-22T07:06:00.001-07:00

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Background

Travel to Mahya bay (or Maya bay) in Koh Phi Phi Lee, Phi Phi Islands, Krabi is a trip to suggest. It's small crescent moon shape bay surrounded by limestone hills. Here... Its beautiful landscape makes me have a lasting impression. We can see the fine clean sand under the sea through the bright green clear water.

I like to walk along the beach to touch the soft fluffy sand under my feet. Sometime, wesplash and swim in the sea or take a rest by sunbathing or snorkeling.

Travel

We can go to Mahya Bay by taking a boat at Ao Nang or Jao Fa Pier in Krabi.

Activity

Swimming, walking along the beach, sunbathing, snorkeling and relaxing with the natural beautiful scenery.

Accommodation in Krabi e.g. :

Chaya Resort Tel. +66 075-638155 to 6
Haleeva Resort Tel. +66 7563 8431 to 2
Aonang Princeville Resort Tel. +66 7563 7971 to 3
The Element Resort Tel. +66 7562 7999
etc.

Phucheefa, Chiang Rai

2012-08-21T21:15:00.001-07:00

Phucheefa National Park, Chiang Rai, Thailand

Phucheefa National Park, the famous tourist attraction in Chiang Rai. It is in the National Forest area approximately 2,500 rai above sea level from 1,200 m to 1,628 m. The park is high mountain in the massif of Doi Pha Mon adjacent to the border of Thailand and Laos.

Tourist Attraction

Phucheefa mountain is the highest peak of Doi Pha Mon. The most beautiful scenic spot is a steep cliff adjacent to Laos border. In winter, the scenery is so beautiful. Most tourists will stay overnight at Ban Rom Fa Thong (บ้านร่มฟ้าทอง) away from the scenic point about 1.5 miles, then walk up to Phucheefa scenic spot at dawn.

Wild Himalayan Cherry

Snowy Orchid Tree

On the way, the tourists will walk through Wild Himalayan Cherry forest with beautiful flowers bloom during January - February. In February, Snowy Orchid Tree's flowers are also in full bloom around the foothills of Phucheefa.

Travel by Car

Phucheefa is away from Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai about 144 kilometers. We can be along the route as follows :

Start from Amphoe Mueangt to Amphoe Thoeng, Chiang Rai, through 3-way junction, Phu Sang Witthayakhom School, Ban Sop Bong, Ban Muang Chum 3-way junction, then go on to Phucheefa.
Go along the highway number 1093, through Phu Sang waterfall (Phu Sang National Park), Ban Hwk border, Doi Pha Mon Agricultural Extension Center (Experiment and promotion for planting winter flowers such as tulips and lilies)

From Phucheefa, we can go to Doi Pha Tang, Amphoe Wiang Kaen, Chiang Rai by the provincial highway number 1093. Doi Pha Tang is away from Phucheefa about 25 Km. From Doi Pha Tang, we also go to Chiang Khong, Chiang Saen and Mae Sai, Chiang Rai.

Home - Service

No service for house, camping and food. If tourists wish to stay overnight, please bring your own tent and prepare your own food.
To request permission to use the park, please contact Phu Chi Fa National Park directly.

For more information, please contact :

Phucheefa National Park ,the 15th Conservation Area Office, Chiang Rai tel. (053) -714914

or National Park Management, National Park Bureau, Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Jatujak district, Bangkok Tel. 0-25614292 -3 ext. 719

Reference : Wikipedia : ภูชี้ฟ้า, โอเชี่ยนสไมล์ทัวร์

Image : 7wondersthailand.com, moohin.com, Wikipedia : ภูชี้ฟ้า

Thai Puppet

2012-08-21T21:11:00.001-07:00

Thai Puppet performing by "Joe Louis Puppet Theater"

Feature & Background

The puppet comprises 5 main parts ie. head, body, hands, feet and costume with decoration. Head, hands and feet are simulated the human's organs emulated the realistic motion naturally. Minimum 3 controller men are needed to control 1 puppet. While the puppet is dancing, all controller men have to dance synchronously as the same person. They have to express the emotion through their dancing and the puppet in concurrent harmony.

New Home at Asia Antique, Charoen Krung Road, Bangkok

Joe Louis Puppet Theater's new home, Asia Antique is under construction and expected to be completed early next year.

For more information, please contact :

Joe Louis Puppet Theater Company Limited 301, Moo 3, Tambon Bangrakputtana, Bang Bua Thong district, Nonthaburi, 11110, Thailand
Tel. 02 571 4968, 02 571 4969, Fax. 02 571 1855
email: info@joelouistheatre.com
web site : http://www.joelouistheatre.com
facebook : หุ่นละครเล็ก โจหลุยส์ Fan Page

Khon

2012-08-21T21:08:00.004-07:00

Show at National Theater on August 29, 2010

Feature & brief history

"Khon", the high class of Thai art is a kind of dancing with graceful tenderness and exquisite elegance. "Khon" has a long history since the Ayutthaya period. In the record of La Rou Bear, the Ambassador of France in the reign of King Narai the Great of Siam (A.D.1656-1688), it said that "Khon" performance was dancing with the sound of twang and instruments. The actors mask to hide their faces and carry weapons. "Khon" is various integration of arts and science ie. literature, dancing art, music art and craftsmanship. The feature of playing and dressing is taken from "ชักนาคดึกดำบรรพ์" (One kind of Thai ancient game). The excitingly sensational action of struggle and dance is applied from the first gesture of dancing of the teachers salute feature from "กระบี่กระบอง" (Clubs or other weapons, Contest with swords) including the arts of dub, conversation and music & song used for the show.

The main characteristics of "Khon"

The main characteristics of the show is masking of the actors called "สวมหัวโขน" (swm-haw-khon). "หัวโขน" (haw-khon) is the mask covering from head to neck. Two holes on mask are drilled for eyes seeing. The emotion is expressed through the dancing. Each dancing gesture and the mask are created differently upon the role of each character ie. the giant, the monkey, the angels, etc. The masks are decorated with colors, lacquer & plate (ลงรักปิดทอง) and decorative glass called "หน้าโขน" (nar-khon).

Literature for "Khon"

Similar to the drama, Khon's story is played sorting in chronological order. The popular literature to play "Khon" is "รามเกียรติ์" (Ramayana), the story of battle between the giant and the human with the help of the monkey volunteering for troops of the man.

Thai Silk

2012-08-21T11:15:00.000-07:00

According to understanding, Silk fabric is made from Bombyx mori's cocoons. Bombyx mori called silkworm eats plenty of mulberry leaves before reform to caterpillar on a steady diet.

Why is Thai silk popular?

Generally, fabric made of silk is soft light, not heat and slippery smooth. Nevertheless, Thai silk has the special properties differing from others. The texture of Thai silk is glossily sequins, naturally spongy, soft and weighty. It is also weaved with exquisite Thai painting in various pattern; therefore, Thai silk is very popular and needed in the global market.

How to identify authentic Thai silk?

However, there are some people make the artificial Thai silk by using other silk or other thread marketed in the brand of Thai silk. To identify genuine Thai silk, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand designates "peacock" symbol for Agriculture Ministry of Thailand use in order to authenticate Thai silk and prevent the imitation.

Thai silk quality guarantee

"Peacock" symbol is used for Thai silk quality guarantee. The symbol is categorized into 4 types by production process as follows :

Gold peacock (Royal Thai Silk) A traditional hand-made Thai silk. All materials and production are processed by Thai folk wisdom. The threads are created from native Thai silkworm.
Silver peacock (Classic Thai Silk) The production is processed by Thai folk wisdom and application tools. The threads are created from improved breed of Thai silkworm.
Blue peacock (Thai Silk) Thai folk wisdom is applied with the technology in the production process to modernize and support commercial purpose. All threads are authentic Thai silk dyed by natural material or non-poisonous environmental chemical.
Green peacock (Thai Silk Blend) Thai silk is blended with other fabrics as the customer purpose. The mixing proportion must be labeled clearly.

The first Thai silk shop

At present, there are many shop where you can find good Thai silk. By the way, the first Thai silk shop is "Jim Thompson", established in 1948 by Mr. James Harrison Wilson Thompson, american man who initialized trading system for Thai silk production successfully.

Jim Thompson House Museum

Jim Thompson's house now becomes the museum, you can visit the house at the address below :

Address

Jim Thompson House
6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama 1 Road, Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: (662) 216-7368 Fax: (662) 612-3744

The Jim Thompson House is located on Soi Kasemsan (2) Song, opposite the National Stadium on Rama I Road

Reference site : Jim Thompson House, Wikipedia : Thai silk (Thai, English), Jim Thompson

Image : Wikipedia : Thai silk, Jim Thompson

Koh Lipeh, Satun

2012-08-21T10:58:00.003-07:00

ภาษาไทย | English

Let's go to Koh Lipeh. Koh Lepeh (or Leepe, Lipe, Lipeh Island) is a small island in Tarutao National Park. It's in the southern boundary of group of Koh Adang - Rawi and in the west of Koh Tarutao. Here's the islander community housing over a hundred years. In addition to enjoying the beautiful nature. We can also easily find food shops, fruits and seafood sold by the villagers in the island.

Attractive Beaches on Koh Lipeh

Sunrise Beach (หาดชาวเล)

Sunrise Beach is in the east of island stretches for several hundred meters. It's shady with the line of coconut trees along the beach. Here... Sunrise is so beautiful. So, this beach's called "Sunrise Beach". From here, we can see Koh Adang - Rawi, just 800 meters as well. There're uncrowded villager's but enough beach resorts here.

Pattaya Beach (หาดพัทยา)

Pattaya Beach is in the west of island. We can come here by walking from village about 20-30 minutes. Long Beach is a half-circle curves with the white clean sand. It's nice landscape and the most beautiful sunset in Koh Lipeh. There are many resorts and bungalows. Some are located on a slope where we can be cozy to see scenery. There are also restaurants, groceries, food shops, diving equipment rental and boat rental.

From Koh Lipeh, we can go to other islands in Koh Adang - Rawi easily. The islands are located in the short distances eg. Koh Adang, Koh Rawi, Koh Hin Ngam, Koh Ja Bang, and etc.

Vimanmek Mansion

2012-08-20T09:06:00.001-07:00

ภาษาไทย | English

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Visiting Vimanmek Mansion makes me be so impressed.

All around the royal house are very beautiful.

How to reach Vimanmek Mansion

Starting from Victory Monument by getting on bus no.18, 28, 108 or air-conditioned bus no. 515, 539, 542. The admission fee 100 Baht.

Guide told me that Vimanmek Mansion has been the world's largest golden teakwood mansion built in the reign of King Rama 5.

Elegant royal house in the lush garden is pleasing for my sightseeing. In the mansion, there are many antique utensils of the king and the royal family. All them are quaint and rare.

Because of the royal court, photo isn't allowed inside the building. So, I took the photos outdoor instead.

Inside the building, There are the windows around the balcony. The outside through the windows is more beautiful.

Especially, Reurn Thai (Thai style's house) behind Vimanmek Mansion is very beautiful. Its stunning makes me out the world. (I really feel. Not over.) Unfortunately, I can't take the photo inside the building .I'd like other to see it.

There are the several groups of tourist. so, it's not easy to avoid people and find out the open space.

There are Chitralada shop, beverage and ice-cream shop near the royal house for shopping service.

This photo is Chitralada shop and beverage shop when viewed from Vimanmek Mansion.

In front of Chitralada shop.
There are many goods eg. clothing, hat, bag and etc.

Because of many photos, other interesting royal houses around Vimanmek Mansion will be mentioned in page 2, 3 and 4 to prevent slow loading.

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Anantasamakom Thron Hall

2012-08-20T09:04:00.001-07:00

ภาษาไทย | English

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I walk out Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall and turn right to reach Anantasamakom Thron Hall. Inside of Anantasamakom Thron Hall is very beautiful. I'd like you to visit to see such the beauty by yourself. I can't take the photo inside the building for you because of the royal court. So, I take outdoor photos for you instead.

I take more photos, but car parked around the palace area makes me have discomfort eyes. So, many photos are skipped.

Photographed while I was walking out of Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall area.

From my learning, the building is European architecture made of marble from Italy. I try to come close to see marble tracery.

Unfortunately, the area of palace is currently under construction. The Thron Hall is elegantly magnificent as picturesque, but I can photograph only half of building because the fence construction is overlay the another haft. Although only haft, Thron Hall is still elegant.

Way into the palace. We can walk through to the other side of the Thron Hall.

There are coffee shop and souvenir shop near the palace for tourism service.

The garden around the palace.

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Koh Kret, Nonthaburi

2012-08-20T09:01:00.000-07:00

ภาษาไทย | English

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I went to Koh Kret, Nonthaburi (Kret Island) on last weekend. I not only found the craft pottery but also visited the antique temples and had various delicious foods. I had a fun, gained the knowledge and enjoyed eating in one trip.
On the above photo, The short bell-shaped chedi as Mu Tao relics design built by Mon people in the Ayutthaya period more than 200 years ago. This Mu Tao chedi can be considered as the symbol of Kho Kret.

Travel easily by getting on the bus no. 104, 52 or 166. Get off at Pak Kret waterside (Thana Pak Kret). Then, go to Sanam Nuea temple (Wat Sanam Nuea) by walking into the alley adjacent to the Lotus. Or, get on Three-wheeler at the entrance to alley. (above right photo). At Wat Sanam Nuea, get on the boat to Koh Kret. The boat fee is 2 baht. On above left photo, Mu Tao chedi is viewed from the boat.

A dog also gets on the boat.

Paramaiyikawatworawihan Temple (Wat Paramaiyikawat)

Then, we ashore at Wat Paramaiyikawat, Koh Kret. The original name of Wat Paramaiyikawat is "Wat Pak Aow". It has been ancient temple of Mon people since 200 years ago.

Maha Raman Chedi in Wat Paramaiyikawat. King Rama 5 came to contain the relics at Maha Raman Chedi.

In the church of Wat Paramaiyikawat, there are murals in the reign of King Rama 5 period.

One of the murals

"Thai Nitasns Hall Pottery, King Rama 5 the museum" in Wat Paramaiyikawat is opened everyday. On Monday - Friday open 1.00 P.M. - 4.00 P.M. On Saturday - Sunday open 9.00 A.M. - 5.00 P.M.

Principle Buddha image in Wat Paramaiyikawat.

The giant guards the church door like Thai temple concept.

Scenery around Wat Paramaiyikawat area.

Wat Paramaiyikawat, there are also pottery shops, food shops, dessert shops and etc.

A pig lives in Wat Paramaiyikawat.

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Koh Kret (Handicrafts, goods & foods)

2012-08-20T08:59:00.000-07:00

ภาษาไทย | English

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From Wat Paramaiyikawat, we can go around the island by turning left or turning right out of temple. To walk or ride a bike. Up to you. There are bicycles for rent. I ride all day at 40 baht. If you choose to walk, distance may be a long way.

Along the way, there are various shops eg. handicraft pottery shops.

Decoration accessories and the dolls have a wide selection.

The foods here.

One of local food, Raman "rice in ice water" has to be tasted.

Isan Grilled sausage.

Fried fish patty with Alpinia nigra (Alpinia nigra is local food of Mon people).

Kanom Dok Jok, traditional Thai dessert.

Snakeskin gourami and the big fish eggs.

Traditional ice-cream at only 3 baht.

Portrait shop.

Spa's also here.

This spa is Thai Massage career support center of Koh Kret located nearby Wat Soa Tong Thong.

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Koh Kret (Temples)

2012-08-20T08:58:00.001-07:00

ภาษาไทย | English

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Wat Pai Lom

There are many temples around the island. From Wat Paramaiyikawat, I walk to the left (Counter-clockwise). Wat Pai Lom is the first temple that I reach.

Phra Raman Chedi (Reproduced Shwedagon Pagoda) is enshrined at Wat Pai Lom.

Wat Soa Tong Thong

I later found Wat Soa Tong Thong.

200 years old Young tree (Dipterocarpus alatus), two cork hair children Shrine and Takianthong Shrine are in Wat Soa Tong Thong

Wat Sao Thong Thong with ancient pagoda.

Wat Chan

Later, Wat Chan.

Wat Sala Kun

From Wat Chan, I walk along the way until reach Wat Sala Kun.

Wat Chimplee

Wat Chimplee is the old temple in Ayutthaya period.

Buddha image, the attitude of subduing Mara in the middle of Ayutthaya period

enshrined at the chapel of Wat Chimplee.

Left and right doors of the chapel is a beautiful angel motifs

The Pagoda is very beautiful and unique constructed in the shape of a junk boat. Inside of Pagoda has been kept 3 important things of the Buddha i.e.
Fabric wrapped the head, the hair and the right fang.

Chinese statue guards the temple door, similar to Wat Pho.

Walking out Wat Chimplee, I go on along the way to return Wat Paramaiyikawat.

Furthermore, there are other temples in Koh Kret that are not mentioned i.e. Wat Yai Swang Arom, Wat Klang Kret, Wat Cheing Len, Wat Tha It and Wat Saengsiri Dham.

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Koh Kret (around the island)

2012-08-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

ภาษาไทย | English

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I often found maps around the island.

The old houses too.

The road is too narrow. I didn't see a car. Only motorcycle and bicycle were found.

There are small huts on the way.

That looks so far.

Home made herbal tea Rang Deang Home is under the way.

Entrance to rabbit and cavy farm, but I didn't stop here.

Perhaps, I found the pool.

Or, stay a while in the village.

Then, I go on.

In the village, there are old cambered burner.

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Taling Chan Floating Market

2012-08-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

ภาษาไทย | English

Last Saturday, I went to Taling Chan Floating Market. There are a lot of foods e.g. green papaya salad, noodle, Thai desserts, sea foods and etc.

How to reach Taling Chan Floating Market. Getting on bus no.28, 515 or 159 at the Victory Monument. Then, get off at Taling Chan police station. Get on the red minibus to go into alley nearby the police station. The minibus fare is 7 baht per person. Then, get off at Thanon Chak Phra located near the entrance of Taling Chan Floating Market.

Noodle

Green Papaya Salad

Pork satay

Fruit Salad

Food for fish

Thai Music

Way to the market. There are various shops e.g. Plant shop.

A lot of dolls

Vetgetable

Fruit

A variety of potted plants

Herb juice

Wine

Thai Pancake

Pastry stuffed crispy egg crepe

Sugarpalm cake

Thai massage

A small park nearby Thai massage shop.

It is the rail behind the garden.

There are boat tours for tourists to go elsewhere. Information below is noted from advertising at Taling Chan Floating Market.

3 hours tour for 3 markets i.e. Taling Chan Floating Market, Khlong Latmayom Floating Market and Wat Saphan Floating Market. The boat takes from the pier at Taling Chan Floating Market on every Saturday and Sunday at 9.45 A.M. Adult 99 Baht. Child 60 Baht.
3 hours tour to visit Taling Chan Floating Market, Bhikul Temple or Koh Temple, Orchid Garden at Wat Saphan floating market, buy glutinous rice roasted in bamboo joints at Wat Paknamfangtai. Starting at 10.30 A.M. on every Saturday and Sunday. Adult 99 Baht. Child 60 Baht.
3 hours tour to visit Wat Paknam Thonburi Snake Farm, having a worship Loung Por Sod at Wat Paknam Phasicharoen and fish feeding enjoy Thai sweet sticky rice in bamboo cooked. Starting at 1.00 P.M. on Sunday. Adult 150 baht. Child 60 baht.
1 hour tour around the island. Starting at 2.00 P.M. 60 baht per person.
2.5 hours tour to visit Thai puppet home. Starting at 1.15 P.M. on Saturday. Adult 99 Baht. Child 60 Baht.
An Hour Charter Boat to visit Taling Chan Floating Market, Bang Ramat canal, Latmayom canal and Bang Phrom canal. One boat per 5 persons in maximum. 1,000 baht per 1 hour. Starting at anytime.

I also noted phone no. : tel. 081-701-2569 and 081-325-3590.

Ps. Taling Chan Floating Market is open on every Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.