During WWII Thailand remained neutral and soon found themselves occupied by Japanese forces intent on using Thailand’s centralized location to further their control of South East Asia. In October 1942 the Japanese Military began construction on a railway line from Ban Pong, Thailand to Thanbyuzayat Myanmar (Burma). The train was to help transport goods from Thailand into Myanmar (Burma) to facilitate their intended expansion of the war to India. The construction of the meter-gauge railway is now known as the Death Railway due to the incredibly inhumane conditions enforced on those who were compelled to build the 415km long railroad.
Tag: Thailand
Wat Pho or Reclining Buddha Temple Bangkok Thailand
Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan is more commonly known as Wat Pho or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.
Wat Pho is located in central Bangkok and is thought to be built in or about 1688. It is one of the largest temple complexes in Bangkok at 80,000 square meters (861,000 square feet) and has over 1,000 Buddha images as well as one of the largest Golden Reclining Buddhas in the world at 46 meters (151 ft) in length. The soles of the feet of the Buddha are 3 meters (9.8 feet) high and 4.5 meters (14.7 feet) long, and inlaid with mother-of-pearl. They are each divided into 108 panels with the center of each foot containing a circle representing a chakra or ‘energy point’. There are other buildings housing beautiful relics and some amazing garden areas to see. Wat Pho is also an education center that focuses on traditional medicine and massage therapy. It is definitely an amazing place to visit and it has easy access from the MRT. Be sure to bring water.
Thailand Floating Market, Train and so much More
This was a very long day with so much included. We started very early in Bangkok by Van to the Samut Sakhon Brine Salt Fields. The Salt Fields. This is also where we began our train ride on the Mae Klong Railway that runs to the Train Market also known as the Life Risking Market. We then enjoyed the Market and experienced the oddity of the train running through the middle of it. After that excitement we were back into the Van heading to the Damnoen Saduak Canal and Ladplee Floating Market. We took an hour plus ride in a flat bottom longtail boat through the canals and floating market as people floated by selling goods and food. Then a 2 hour Van ride back to Bangkok. This was an amazing day full of adventure and new experiences. Below you will find descriptions of each stop and Video Links as well as pictures.
The Grand Palace Bangkok Thailand
The Grand Palace complex in Bangkok Thailand is located in central Bangkok was established in 1782 by King Rama I. The 218,000 square meter (2,346,532 square feet) complex is completely walled and includes the palace, temples and administrative offices.
Intersection or Art in Bangkok Thailand
Here is proof that a utilitarian elevated intersection can be amazing when you include design and Art. This is an elevated walk above the street but below the BTS skytrain. It connects all 4 corners with building access. It is beautiful and very cool. Art covered seating, green tiles, and awesome views
Welcome to Bangkok Thailand
Now, for a quick rant. Jeffrey Cleland decided we did not need transport from the airport to our hotel. He was pretty sure you could take the train. Well technically he was right …but
Let’s Check Out the Thavorn Palm Beach Resort on Karon Beach Thailand
When you get into the Thavorn grounds, which are vast, you are surrounded by whimsical manicured gardens and animal sculptures, 4 pools (one with water slides, one with a swim up bar), a huge Koi Pond with waterfall in the middle of the Breakfast area, beautiful open air lobby, fitness center, spa and an amazing Zen Garden to reflect in.
Trip to Ya Nui Beach at the tip of Phuket, Thailand
We wandered out to the beach and it was beautiful….small but beautiful. There were just a few people who were lying around on towels or sitting in the shade of the palm trees. I mean just perfect. We selected our spot and laid out our towel and within 5 min it started pouring down rain…lol. So the entire beach gathered their items and dispersed mostly to scooters. We went across to one of the restaurants. It was a delight beautiful garden atmosphere. That is when I noticed the Black Bat Wing Orchid….casually sitting in a pot near a table.
Thai Cooking Class in Phuket Thailand
Food in Thailand is like a religion. I am not kidding. The food here is phenomenally delicious, fresh, healthy and inexpensive.
So if you find yourself in Thailand you should do yourself a favor and take a cooking class. Make sure it includes a trip to the local market for ingredients. The market is an amazing treat in itself full of color, scents and the sounds of Thailand.
Big Buddha on Nakkerd Hill in Phuket Thailand
One of my favorite places in Thailand to visit is the Big Buddha above Karon. This is an amazing and very calm place to visit. The big Buddha of Phuket Thailand’s official name is Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol “the Cherished Auspicious Lord Buddha atop Nāga Hill” . It is located at the very top of Nakkerd Hill. Construction began in 2004 and is the 3rd tallest Statue in Thailand. The Big Buddha statue is 45 meters (148 feet) tall and 25.45 meters (83.5 feet) wide and is made of concrete and covered with Burmese white marble.