Restoring the Thai-French era’s colonial treasures in Chanthaburi

Rarely explored by tourists, several colonial-style buildings in Chanthaburi province’s King Taksin Camp are set to have a main facelift, which will return the historic structures to their full glory. The Phra Racha Wang Derm Restoration Foundation together with the French Embassy and the Thai Fine Arts Department recently started restoring the buildings.

All seven structures were built in 1893 by French troops, when they were stationed about 155 miles from Bangkok in Chanthaburi province. They offer great insight into the French colonial influence during King Chulalongkorn’s reign. Despite its historic significance, King Taksin Camp is hardly known to the public due to the site’s restricted position inside the headquarters of the infantry regiment in the province’s Muang district.

It is under the Marine Division’s supervision that didn’t carry out decent maintenance of the colonial buildings. When the French ambassador was informed about it last year he was astonished to learn that the area houses a French military camp. The diplomat enthusiastically supported the restoration plans and offered assistance by his country.

The French embassy and the Restoration Foundation introduced fund-raising activities for the project’s support. A reception was hosted by the embassy, with sales of typical French goods, such as perfumes and wines, with the entire proceeds going to the restoration project. In addition, French businesses in Thailand were asked to co-operate as well.

Once the restorations have been completed, the camp will be accessible to the public, encouraging more research on this important historic period in which King Chulalongkorn succeeded to protect Siam from colonialism. The younger generation will be educated about this period with the help of an exhibition.

King Chulalongkorn Biography

However, humidity is a huge problem for the historical structure as moss covers big parts of the buildings and several are being destroyed by termites. It took the team eight years completing the restoration of King Taksin’s Palace in Thon Buri. Restoration activities will have to take place step by step. The final result will definitely be amazing.

Sai Thong National Park in Chaiyaphum province

Balls might shrink, but when Sai Thong National Park’s tulips bloom, the dramatic cliff drops are forgotten.

Sai Thong Park’s sheer cliffs have weird names, such as “Pha Ham Hod”, which in English translates as “Shrunken Balls Cliff”. That kind of thing won’t make this park a paradisiacal destination, but if you stand at the precipice’s edge in question, the adrenaline rush is fantastic. The huge picturesque valley below with houses that resemble matchboxes against the high range’s curling backdrop.

This brilliant park deserves to be more famous, but it is in its sister’s shadow, Pa Hin Ngam National Park. Both national parks in Chaiyaphum province enjoy the reputation for boasting endless fields of Siam tulips, by the Thais called dok krajao. The more renowned Pa Hin Ngam is much more promoted, but this helps Sai Thong, because there are no crowds of campers, even during the period when the tulips bloom.

This natural environment provides one of Thailand’s most spectacular cliff-walking routes, apparently created for a smooth stroll over nearly two miles, across four fields of wildflowers and Siam tulips. 

The most ideal time to enjoy the wild blooms is in June and July. Sai Thonk National Park is located about 44 miles from Chaiyaphum. The national park features a few lodges that offer basic amenities. For an overnight stay you should bring some cooking equipment and food along. 

Sai Thong Park tourist information

Introduction to Sakon Nakhon

Sakon Nakhon province is located in the north eastern part of Thailand about 400 miles from Bangkok, on the Phu Pan mountain range. Rural Sakon Nakhon boasts several Buddhist forest temples that are popular meditation retreats. Famous Thai monks as well come here to meditate.

Huai Huat National Park is an interesting tourist attraction in Sakon Nakhon. This park’s reservoir and waterfall creates some breathtaking scenery while at the wet season’s end pretty flowers cover the entire rock plateau. Prehistoric cave drawings can be seen here as well.  

Phra That Choeng Chum is a must-see for every visiting history buff! This historically important site has always been one of the province’s main attractions. This brick square-based plaster-covered pagoda is 24 metres tall. The gorgeous chapel features the sacred Luang Pho Ong Saen.

Located on Phu Pan mountain range tourists will appreciate Naamtok Pricha Suksan. Water from the rock plateau comes down like a slide, creating this waterfall that is suitable for a refreshing swim.

Phra That Narai Cheng Weng is a sacred Khmer temple. Ornate designs decorate this sandstone pagoda’s windows, doorway and lintel. It is believed that women built the entire structure. The temple dates back to the 16th century.

Sakon Nakhon province offers tourists many more interesting attractions such as a pottery village, the Isan Freshwater Quarium, the huge Nong Han Lake, Phu Phan National Park, several museums and arts & crafts centres.

Hua Hin

Located within easy reach of Bangkok, Hua Hin is an enjoyable little seaside resort town that draws package tourists and families: definitely not a place for backpackers to hang out. Being close to the Thai capital the town also attracts many domestic tourists, and this contributes to the more authentic Thai atmosphere to compliment mainstream tourism’s westernised elements. Hua Hin is a friendly, picturesque place: souvenir shops and cafes line the narrow lanes; and pony rides, ice cream vans and deck chairs on the white sandy beach.

The principal attraction here is the beach, which is more than three miles long. Boulders are strewn across and this adds to the beach’s aesthetics and creating several small rock pools as well. In English ‘Hua Hin’ means ‘head rock’ referring to a particular rocky headland, which separates the two major beach areas. However, these rocks do not obstruct swimming options – in fact the ocean here is excellent for swimmers, the sole drawback is the presence of jellyfishes during the rain season.

At the beach’s end is chopstick hill– or Khao Takiab. There are some Buddhist temples on the route up this tiny hill and it makes for a rewarding walking trip. The hill and the temples on it are home to many monkeys, swinging and jumping around as you ascend. The hill’s summit offers a stunning view of the beach area below you and the enormous high-rise hotel establishments dotted around.
Also recommended is visiting the Chatchai market, particularly if you wish to sample some locally and freshly caught seafood. But this lively market features a wide range of other gastronomic options, and a tasty and healthy meal can be had simply by grazing.

Scenic Sangkhla Buri in Kanchanaburi province

Sangkhla Buri never fails to fascinate its visiting tourists. Positioned on the Burmese border, this town’s pleasurable ambience is influenced by a colourful mixture of Thai, Burmese, Karen and Mon cultures.

The wooden bridge in Sonkhla Buri is perhaps one of the region’s most photographed landmarks. The bridge offers a breathtaking panorama of the Khao Laem reservoir. However, those travelling by motorcycle should know that their vehicles are not allowed on the bridge due to the structure’s rather poor state. Bicycles are allowed on the bridge.

Another landmark in this town is the Wang Wiwekaram Buddhist temple (also known as Wat Mon) and its highly revered abbot, Pho Uttama. The temple’s architecture is very impressing containing Mon, Indian and Thai styles. The brilliant Mon-style white marble statue of the Lord Buddha is the temple’s highlight. Complete Kanchanaburi guide

The Three Pagodas Pass is another fascinating attraction here. The miniature pagodas commemorate the route that was favoured during the Ayutthaya period by the Burmese army invading Thai territory. In addition, there’s a border market selling a wide range of goods such as Burmese herbal balm and wooden handicrafts.  

Amazing Tarutao

Once a notorious area for buccaneers, today Tarutao draws sun-worshippers and scuba diving enthusiasts looking for a spectacular off the beaten track environment. This island and its surrounding area is now territory belonging to the Tarutao Marine National Park.

Positioned 604 miles south of Bangkok and within less than three miles from the Thai-Malaysian border in the southern province of Satun, Tarutao is most famous for boasting stunning and colourful formations of hard and soft coral, turquoise-tinted waters and abundant underwater life.

It is relatively simple to reach this exotic island and therefore no need to purchase a package tour. You should allow at least three days of time for the tour, beginning with a flight service to Hat Yai. If you have more than three days, it is also rewarding to explore the other three main islands.

Staying overnight on the calm and idyllic Ko Adang Island with its many different bird species is an unforgettable experience. Ko Lipe, a great and tranquil snorkelling destination and picturesque Ko Rawi deserve to be explored as well. 

The national park does offer tourist accommodation and the most ideal time to visit is between November and April. Don’t forget to bring along plenty of suntan cream, your swimming suit and some light summer clothing. 

Tarutao National Park Website

Songkhla province

Situated in Thailand’s deep southern part, the province of Songkhla borders with Malaysia’s state of Kedah, which is approximately 590 miles south of the country’s capital. Songkhla’s territory formerly belonged to the enormous Srivajaya kingdom that once ruled over the southern peninsular.

Located between Songkhla Lake and the Gulf of Thailand on a stretch of land, Songkhla is a historically highly interesting city and it was at the foot of the Khao Daeng Mountain where the authentic community was founded. More information about Songkhla City

Many historic remnants, which can be found throughout the province, explain that the city and its surrounding region was influenced by the Srivajayan Empire as well as from Europeans, who arrived here much later to trade. In addition, Songkhla boasts several superb beach areas, gorgeous waterfalls and other natural sites.
 

Thailand’s Stonehenge

Anyone flying over the small Udon Thani district of Ban Phue can see endless, in all directions stretching rice fields, with occasional cattle gnawing on stalks left over from the harvest. Farther north, along a canal snaking its way through the paddies, is Phu Phan, a sandstone ridge that reaches into Laos. The lifeless Ban Phue landscape isn’t exactly breathtaking, but for archaeologists this is exciting territory.

The Fine Arts Department has excavated several sites around here and found numerous artefacts that suggest Phu Phan hill was a forest-temple centre for hundreds of years. There are Buddha images, boundary stones and other remnants dating back to the 10th century, the Dvaravati Period. On both sides of the Mekong River you can find animist, forest and Buddhist temples.

In the village of Nong Kaleum, you may explore the little Wat Nonsila-ard (temple). Here are also some of the recently excavated boundary stones. They are not typical markers, but clearly ancient, three metres high and created out of pinkish sandstone, with fine carvings on the lower parts of horses and people who are reminiscent of Angkor’s dancing apsara.

However, don’t let the Hindu-style carvings fool you as this isn’t a Hindu monastery, even if the artwork suggests this. The historic structure is a Buddhist forest-temple. Monks who pursue their faith in the forests usually come from a little faction of Theravada Buddhism popular among the Lao-speaking communities in Northeast Thailand.

Conservative and orthodox, they bring scant possessions to the woods in search of nirvana through unfettered meditation. The Lord Buddha’s wisdom was continuously passed on in the folklore, stories based on his earlier incarnations. The illustrations on the boundary stones depict the Jataka tales about the Buddha.

From the village it takes just a five-minute walk to reach Phutthabat Buaban, a historic park. Another group of boundary stones are positioned in the forest’s centre. This place is rightfully nicknamed “Thailand’s Stonehenge”. There are three rings of huge stones, looming like a long-lost twin of the renowned ancient site in England’s Wiltshire. Each ring forms an octagon. The composition is as mysterious as it is unique.

So far, much less is known about the monastery’s ruins than scientists have pried from Stonehenge. The remains seem to hark back to Lop Buri and Dvaravati eras, suggesting the forest-temple originated in the 10th century as well. Phu Phrabat Historical Park is a 30-minute ride away and is particularly notable for its bizarre rock formations, stunning Buddha carvings and caves. Walking around the archaeological sites here you can witness the fascinating transformation from caveman to devout monk.

Wat Po in Bangkok after dark

Bangkok’s majestic ancient Buddhist temple is even more enticing on the illuminated evening tours continuing through March. A night visit to this World Heritage Site offers entire new vistas. Every evening the famous site of popular massages and the Reclining Buddha is hosting a small-scale sound-and-light festival that wonderfully illustrates its “nine Wonders”.

Two-hour tours are offered by an English speaking guide explaining the temple’s origins during the Ayutthaya era. The nightly shows use light effects to dramatically re-create the brilliant architecture of the principal chapel, old stupas and numerous statues of the Lord Buddha.

To see the Reclining Buddha, the tour begins at Viharn Phranorn. This is considered Thailand’s most significant and wonderful piece of religious fine art, and no other Buddha’s image depicted reaching nirvana comes close. A short stroll away is the position of the Satellite Pavilions, where the art of traditional massage is explained by murals featuring elaborate inscriptions. Bangkok Sight Seeing Guide

The tour’s highlight is the Legend of Songkran, which story was recorded by King Rama III on the porticos’ inner walls. The celebrated Wat Pho giants are outside Phra Monbod, and next you’ll arrive at Sala Kara Parien, featuring in the Tourist Authority’s “Unseen Thailand” campaign.

The final stop is at the contoured Hermit Mount that was constructed by King Rama I. There are 25 hermits striking 24 yogic positions, showing how to achieve health and balance.

“The 9 Wonders of Wat Pho” will take place until April 6, with each evening between 18:00 and 21:00 six tours. Tours are limited to 50 participants. Tours conducted in English begin at 19:00 and 20:30. The fee for Thai people is 50 baht and 200 baht for foreigners. Booking tickets in advance is recommended. Visit website

North Eastern Thailand’s sacred spires

Nakhon Phanom, a wonderful city with Vietnamese, Laotian and French influences houses seven main stupas that are regarded by Buddhists as sacred centres of pilgrimage, each symbolising a week’s different day. These are Phrathat Nakorn (worshipped by those born on Saturday) in downtown Nakhon Phanom’s Muang district, Phratat Phanom (Sunday) in Tat Phanom district, Phratat Renoo (Monday) in Renoo Nakhon district, Phratat Srikhoon (Tuesday) in Na Kae district, Phratat Mahachai (Wednesday) in Plabak district, Phratat Prasit (Thursday) in Na Wa district and Phratat Uthane (Friday) in Tha Uthane district.

The graceful spires radiate blessings for Thai Buddhists thanks to the Buddha’s relics they house – worshipping a stupa is akin to paying honours to the Lord Buddha. Mostly found in large cities and usually exhibiting white stuccoing with golden embellishments, these distinctive and impressing Isarn stupas can rise as high as 30 metres and each construction features its own unique character for devotees.

Nong Waeng stupa in Khon Kaen

The North Eastern part of Thailand is home to some of the oldest stupas in the country such as Phratat Choengchum in Sakhon Nakhon, Phramahathat Kaen Nakorn in Khon Kaen and Phratat Anon in Roi Et.

Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai