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Ganesh in Thailand
Although Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist nation, statues and shrines to Hindu deities are a common sight in the kingdom. Thai Buddhists routinely pay their respects to these Hindu figures although these deities usually have a different name in Thai compared to Hinduism. One of the most widely s
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Bangkok’s Shrine to Love: Trimurti Shrine
The outside of a Bangkok shopping mall isn’t most people’s idea of a romantic setting. Flanked by the traffic-choked Ratchadamri Road on one side and the modern glitz of the Central World Plaza, Isetan and Zen department stores on the other, the Trimurti Shrine is an unlikely venue for romantics. Ne
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All Smiles at the Chiang Mai Flower Festival
It was all smiles at the 37th annual Chiang Mai Flower Festival held over the course of last weekend. This was despite unseasonal weather disrupting preparations for many of those working on the floats and floral displays in the lead up to the event. A midweek storm surged through Chiang Mai last we
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The Marble Temple: Wat Benchamabophit, Bangkok
Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaran is often referred to by Bangkok locals as ‘Wat Ben’, but overseas visitors may know it better as the Marble Temple. Wat Benchamabophit is one of Thailand’s most famous temples and features on the back of Thailand’s 5-Baht coin.
Work began on constr
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9 Reasons to Love Thailand
Thailand may be many things, but it certainly isn’t boring. It’s a country full of life and energy with an intoxicating mix of the fascinating, the fun and the frivolous. It can also be frustrating at times as visitors get to grips with the different way of doing things in Thailand and t
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The Sea Dragon that Protects Phuket
According to an ancient Chinese legend, the island of Phuket is a golden sea dragon known as Hai Leng Ong. For those that believe in such things, Hai Leng Ong is regarded as the protector of Phuket.
Hai Leng Ong Statue at Queen Sirikit Park, Phuket Town
An imposing golden-coloured statue of a dragon
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Phuket Fantasea
Described by the owners as a ‘140-acre cultural theme park’, Phuket Fantasea (written as FantaSea by the owners) has rapidly established itself as one of the most popular visitor attractions on Phuket island. Built at a cost of over USD 100 million, the Fantasea venue at the northern end
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Tom Yam Kung (Spicy Shrimp Soup)
Arguably Thailand’s most famous dish, tom yam kung (also written as tom yum goong/gung) has a reputation for being universally loved by Thais as well as overseas visitors to Thailand. The classic spicy shrimp soup can vary in terms of spiciness and the thickness of the broth which can range in colou
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No Alcohol: Buddhist Holiday
For some important Buddhist holidays in Thailand such as Makha Bucha and Visakha Bucha Day, there are restrictions in place on the sale of alcohol. Shops and venues found flaunting the law on these days are liable to prosecution, although that doesn’t mean that all entertainment venues adhere
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Pad Krapao Gai (Stir Fried Chicken with Holy Basil)
Pad krapao gai is an extremely popular one-plate dish served at many roadside stalls and restaurants throughout Thailand. The main ingredient is usually chicken (gai), but pork (moo) or shrimps (kung) are also common alternatives to chicken. Using the example of pad krapao gai, the chicken is stir-f
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Afternoon Tea at The Chedi, Chiang Mai
I’ve got a secret I need to confess. Last month I transgressed. It was just an afternoon fling, I promise. Am I ashamed? No. It was fantastic. In fact, it was so good I’m looking forward to doing it again.
I’m a man of simple tastes. Give me a lunchtime plate of khao man kai or a steaming hot
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Royal Elephant National Museum, Bangkok
One of Bangkok’s smallest and least well-known museums, the site dedicated to Thailand’s royal elephants enjoys a picturesque setting in the grounds of the Dusit Palace complex. The museum consists of two buildings, both of which were former elephant stables.
History of the Elephant Museum
Up until
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National Elephant Day in Thailand
In Thailand, March 13 is designated as National Elephant Day to highlight the importance of the Thai elephant (chang Thai) in Thai history and culture. It’s a day where special events take place at various zoos and elephant parks throughout Thailand. Some elephant parks will even hold Buddhist ritua
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Elephant Parade House, Chiang Mai
Bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘the elephant in the room’, the Elephant Parade House in Chiang Mai is a unique venue that I personally recommend putting on your must-see list if you are planning a trip to northern Thailand. Part boutique, part workshop, part learning centre,
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Saranrom Royal Garden and Public Park, Bangkok
Despite its proximity to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo, the public park at Saranrom Royal Garden doesn’t usually merit a visit from the tourists who flock to the other more celebrated sights nearby. But the loss of those on whistle-stop tours of the Thai capital is very much the gain of visitor
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A Unique Way to Recycle Beer Bottles on Ko Lanta
Picture the scene. You run a beach bar on a lovely little, laid-back Thai island. Every night your customers get through copious amounts of Chang and Singha beer. Life is good. The only problem you have is what to do with all those empty bottles. Well, one enterprising bar owner on Klong Nin Beach,
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Wat Mahathat, Sukhothai
Dating back to the 13th century, the impressive ruins of Wat Mahathat are one of the highlights of the Sukhothai Historical Park. During its heyday, Wat Mahathat and the royal palace served as the administrative centre for the Sukhothai kingdom. From whichever direction you approach the remains of t
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Thailand in Bloom
I’ve written before about how flowers are integral to everyday Thai life, particularly with the daily offerings made at Buddhist temples and to spirit houses. Even in the most urban of environments like Bangkok, garlands of flowers can be found dangling from mirrors in taxi cabs and tuk-tuks a
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Bangkok City Pillar Shrine
Sitting at the very heart of Bangkok, the Lak Mueang or ‘city pillar’ is often overlooked by overseas visitors who come to see the better known attractions nearby such as the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Wat Pho. The Bangkok City Pillar Shrine may lack the more obvious
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See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil
You might be familiar with the saying, “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil”, but at this Thai temple they’ve replaced the monkeys with miniature novice monks to get the message across. It’s just one more example of the Thai fondness for the narak or the cute which often
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