-
Wat Phu Khao Kaew
The tile-encrusted bóht at Wat Phu Khao Kaew, on the west side of town, is covered with Khmer symbols, including apsara and dancing Shivas on the outside, while the interior walls have reliefs of important stupas from around Thailand.
-
Pha Bong Hot Springs
Eleven kilometres south of the capital in the Shan village of Pha Bong is this public park with hot springs. You can take a private bath or rent a room, and there’s also massage (per hour 150B). The springs can be reached on any southbound bus.
-
Khao Sam Muk
Hundreds of rhesus monkeys with greedy eyes and quick hands live on this small hill (avoid feeding them, as this just makes them more aggressive). Local folklore says the hill is named after a girl who took her life here after a doomed romance.
-
Wat Mano Phirom
Wat Manophirom is one of Mukdahan Province’s oldest temples. The original bòht, now a wí·hăhn, was built in 1756 in Lan Xang style with an elaborately carved wooden facade and large painted eave brackets. It holds many ancient Buddha images.
-
National Library
The country’s largest repository of books has few foreign-language resources, but its strength is in its astrological books and star charts; the collection also holds recordings by the king, sacred palm-leaf writings and ancient maps.
-
Nam Tok Than Mayom
A series of three falls along the stream of Khlong Mayom can be reached via the park office near Tha Than Mayom. The view from the top is superb and nearby there are inscribed stones bearing the initials of Rama V, Rama VI and Rama VII.
-
Talat Indojin
This riverside market, which stretches along and under the promenade, is a busy and colourful spectacle, with stall after stall of food, clothing and assorted trinkets from China and Vietnam, plus silk and cotton fabrics made in Isan.
-
Tsunami Memorial
Kamala was one of Phukets worst hit areas during the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. The Heart of the Universe Memorial pays tribute to lost loved ones with a moving, wave-inspired metallic oval created by prominent Thai artist Udon Jiraksa.
-
King Buddhalertla (Phuttha Loet La) Naphalai Memorial Park
This park is a museum housed in a collection of traditional central Thai–style houses set on four landscaped acres. Dedicated to Rama II, who was born in the area, the museum contains rare Thai books and antiques from early-19th-century Siam.
-
Khao Phloi Waen
Four kilometres north of town off Rte 3249 is Khao Phloi Waen , which is only 150m high but features a Sri Lankan–style chedi on top, built during the reign of Rama IV. Tunnels dug into the side of the hill were once gem-mining shafts.
-
Pattaya Park
Pattaya Park has three different ways to exit the 55-storey tower in its water park. Once the kids (and Mum and Dad) have recovered, get them all excited again on the roller coaster and dodgems in the venue’s Funnyland Amusement Park.
-
Wat Phra Phai Luang
This somewhat isolated wát features three 12th-century Khmer-style towers, bigger than those at Wat Si Sawai in the Central Zone. This may have been the centre of Sukhothai when it was ruled by the Khmers of Angkor prior to the 13th century.
-
Temurun Waterfall
A brief walk from the main road up to Teluk Datai, the falls here – the island’s tallest – are worth a look, though beware of food-stealing monkeys. The turn-off is on the left-hand side as you head east, 1km past Pantai Pasi Tengkorak.
-
Thaksin Folklore Museum
The must-see Thaksin Folklore Museum actively aims to promote and preserve the culture of the region. The pavilions here are reproductions of southern Thai–style houses and contain folk art, handicrafts and traditional household implements.
-
Thai Gallery
If you’re into Buddhist art you’ll love these slick, well-thought-out pieces steeped in regional and ethereal beauty. There are neon lotus flowers, limestone karsts, tropical fish and bodhi trees all drenched in shafts of sun and moonlight.
-
Nakhon Khasem
Cooking equipment, spare electronic parts, and other bits you didnt know could be resold are available at this open-air market. During looser times, this was once known as the Thieves Market, selling the fruits of the five-finger discount.
-
Golden Jubilee Art & Cultural Centre
There is a museum in the lower level of this striking contemporary Isan-design tower at Rajabhat University. There are some interesting cultural displays, particularly of houses and handicrafts. There’s also a whole lot of wax sculpture.
-
Hat Tri
Can you really find peace on a beach just around the corner from Patong? Hell yes. Sheltered by boulders to the north and a headland to the south, this tiny bay is an antidote for your Patong-weary soul. You won’t even see the sprawl.
-
Health Park
Locals fill this well-maintained municipal park every evening to practise yoga, tai chi and skateboarding. The park includes a coffee shop, jogging track and play equipment. Stick around until dusk to see bats zipping from one tree to the next.
-
Maha Viravong National Museum
Though the collection at this seldom-visited museum is very small, its also very good. Theres ancient pottery (dont miss sneaking a peek at whats stored in the back) and a variety of Buddha images spanning the Dvaravati to Rattanakosin eras.
Total
1184 -travel
FirstPage PreviousPage NextPage LastPage CurrentPage:
26/60 20-travel/Page GoTo Page:
