Chiang Mai

Doi-Suthep

Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second largest city, covering some 20,000 square kilometres. With a population of only 250,000 in the city, however, it does not even come close to the size of Bangkok.Many visitors stay in Chiang Mai longer than planned because of the high quality and low cost of accommodation, variety of cuisine and shopping, cool nights, international atmosphere and friendly people. With the increasing number of cultural and spiritual learning experiences available to visitors, Chiang Mai has become more than just a quick stop on the tourist trail.It lies about 800 kilometres north of Bangkok on a mountainous plateau 310 metres above sea level. The city stands along the Ping River, a major tributary of Bangkok’s Chao Praya River. Chiang Mai City also serves as the capital of Chiang Mai Province, which is home to around 700,000 people.

The province of Chiang Mai contains over 300 ancient temples, and some of the country’s oldest. Although rich with history and legendary, mystical attributes, Chiang Mai has developed into a modern, cosmopolitan city of friendly people and manageable size. Its central location makes Chiang Mai an excellent base for exploring the north of Thailand.Many people flock to Chiang Mai to do some trekking into the mountains or rafting down rivers. Others come purely for the fantastic shopping for handicrafts and furniture. Chiang Mai’s elegant hotels tucked in valleys and hillsides provide perfect romantic getaways or soul-searching retreats. As everywhere in this country, Thai cooking is superb and you’re sure to find a restaurant to suit your tastes.
Getting there is relatively easy. There are flights and trains from Bangkok daily as well as a good bus service. If your stay in Thailand is a short one, it’s only an hour’s flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.The mountains are taller here than anywhere else in Thailand. Mt. Inthanon, located 106km from Chiang Mai at 2565 metres is the tallest peak in the country. The cooler plains provide fertile soil where fruits, vegetables and tobacco are grown.It would be difficult to find a city that reflects more of the country's diverse cultural heritage than Chiang Mai. Tour buses crowd stunning temples, ablaze with the colour of saffron and humming with the chanting of monks. Hill tribe groups sell their wares in the busy market and local villages. Narrow streets lined with ornately carved teak houses lie in the shadow of contemporary skyscrapers.
Chiang Mai's heart is its Old City, an area surrounded by remnants of ancient walls and moats originally constructed for defence; yet Chiang Mai is a modern city with a growing infrastructure of modern shopping malls, international restaurants and condominiums. The contrast is part of the town's charm.
Whether you plan on a long visit or short, you will be touched by the friendliness of the people and the beauty of Chiang Mai.

Chang Mai wall_city

History

Chiang Mai's historic strength derived from its important strategic location near a southern branch of the ancient Silk Road. Long before the modern influx of foreign visitors the city served as an important centre for handcrafted goods, umbrellas, jewellery (particularly silver) and woodcarving.Chiang Mai owes her existence to the Ping River which provided the trade route which could be extended beyond the wall of mountains that surround the Chiang Mai valley. It became a channel for trade from China and Burma to the Gulf of Siam. The wide, fertile valley, able to support a large number of people, became the basis of political power in the feudal kingdom of Lanna (Kingdom of One Million Rice Fields).Archaeological excavations show the area has been inhabited by humans for over two thousand years. However, the city of Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 by King Mengrai as the capital of the first independent Thai state, Lanna Thai. It became the cultural and religious centre of the northern Tai, who had migrated from southern China to dwell in Thailand, and remained so throughout the turbulent period of recurring Burmese attacks. The Burmese finally captured Chiang Mai in 1556 and occupied it until King Taksin retook the city in 1775, driving the Burmese forces back to near the present border. Burmese influence on religion, architecture, language, cuisine, and culture, however, remains strong.Local princes, called chao, remained in nominal control of the city in the late 18th and early 19th century, though they deferred to the King of Siam in Bangkok. In 1874, King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), concerned with encroachment by the British (who had teak-logging interests as occupiers of Burma) and fearful of a conflict with them, sent a commission to Chiang Mai, which eventually limited the power of the local princes and brought the Lanna Kingdom further under the control of the central government in Bangkok. In 1939, the city was formally and fully integrated into the kingdom of Thailand, becoming the administrative centre of the north. In 1996, the city celebrated its 700th anniversary.

Wat_Chiang_Man

IN CHIANG MAI

Doi Angkhang, Doi Suthep, Doi Inthanon National Park, Elephant shows, Ob luang, Phu Ping Palace, Snake Farm, Chiangmai Zoo, Samoeng, Huay Kaew Waterfall, Khun Mae Ya, Travel, Hotels, Resorts, Tours, Waterfalls Chiangmai, Doi Suthep, Doi Pui, Doi Inthanon National Park, Huai Nam Dang, Mae Sa Waterfall, Hotels, Resorts and Travel.

Krabi

Located approximately 814 kilometers from Bangkok is Krabi Province, one of most attractive destinations in southern Thailand. Encompassing an area of 4,708 square kilometers, the western border of Krabi is the Andaman Sea, the northern borders are Surat Thani and Phang-nga Provinces, the southern borders are Trang Province and the Andaman Sea and the eastern borders are Nakhon Si Thammarat and Trang Provinces. Krabi is an ideal getaway destination teeming with natural attractions including white sandy beaches, fascinating coral reefs, numerous large and small islands and verdant forests with caves and waterfalls.

Krabi's topography is mostly mountains and highlands separated by plains in some parts. Flowing through Krabi City to the Andaman Sea at Pak Nam Sub-district is Maenam Krabi which is 5 kilometers in length. In addition, there are several canals originating from the province's highest mountain range, Khao Phanom Bencha including Khlong Pakasai, Khlong Krabi Yai and Khlong Krabi Noi. Lush mangrove forests line the canals and the banks of Maenam Krabi particularly before it empties into the Andaman Sea. The provinces sandy soil conditions are suitable for growing various agricultural products, particularly rubber trees, palms, coconuts, cashew nuts and coffee.

Due to the influence of the tropical monsoon, there are only two seasons in Krabi; the hot season from January to April and the rainy season from May to December. Temperatures range between 17 C and 37 C.

Krabi is administratively divided into 8 Amphoes (Districts): Amphoe Mueang, Khao Phanom, Khlong Thom, Plai Phraya, Ko Lanta, Ao Luek, Lam Thap, and Nuea Khlong. The provinces jurisdiction covers not only in-land districts and sub-districts, but also extends to more than 130 large and small islands including the world famous Phi Phi Islands.

In addition, Krabi is the location of two world class beaches Ao Nang and Hat Rai Le which offer numerous diving trips, restaurants, shops etc. Additional attractions in the province are stunning limestone cliffs and rock formations which make it a heaven for rock climbers and a National Park located approximately 40 kilometers outside of town with lakes, caves and spectacular natural scenery.

History of Krabi

Some archeologists claim that Krabi City is one of the older settlements in the country as there is archaeological evidence indicating that this area had been home to homosapiens during the prehistoric times or between 25,000 - 35,000 B. C. The assumption has been strongly supported by the discovery of stone tools, ancient colored pictures, beads, pottery and skeletal remains in the provinces cliffs and caves.

In 1200 A.D., the area was known as Ban Thai Samo, one of 12 royal cities that had a monkey as the town symbol. During this period of time, Krabi was under the rule of the Kingdom of Ligor, a city better known today as Nakhon Si Thammarat.

During the reign of King Rama V (1868-1910), the community was known as Pakasai Sub-county and remained under the direct jurisdiction of Nakhon Si Thammarat province.

Around 1872, King Rama V elevated Pakasai Sub-county to Krabi Province with the provincial administration office situated at Krabi-yai Sub-county (currently, the office is located near the estuary at Pak Nam Sub-district) and in 1875, ordered the separation of Krabi Province from Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.

During the present reign, the corps of civil servants, merchants, and the people of Krabi and nearby provinces have collectively organized the construction of a royal residence at Laem Hang Nak Cape which is thirty kilometers west of Krabi Town on the Andaman coast to be presented to His Majesty the King.

Origin of the name Krabi

There are two legends concerning the origin of the name "Krabi". The first is that villagers presented a large ancient sword (or krabi) that was discovered by chance to the governor. Later when a smaller, on discovering a smaller one, it was also presented to the governor. Regarded as sacred and auspicious, the governor decided to keep them in the province. As the process for the establishment of the province was still in progress, the swords were placed crossing each other in Khao Khanap Nam cave. Since then, the crossed swords have remained a part of the provincial seal.

The second legend is that "Krabi" was derived from the name of a local tree known as "Lumphi". The Malay and Chinese merchants mispronunciation of the name to "Ka-lu-bi" or "Kho-lo-bi" finally resulted in "Krabi" (or sword).

Distances from Amphoe Mueang (Town) to Neighboring Districts

Ao Luek 43 kms.

Plai Phraya 66 kms.

Khao Phanom 39 kms.

Khlong Thom 42 kms.

Ko Lanta 103 kms.
Lam Thap 67 kms.

Nuea Khlong17 kms.

Wat Phra Kaew Morakot

Phra Kaew Morakot

The First Must Visited Temple in Bangkok. Wat Phra Sri Ratana Sasadaram, officially called the temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Kaew, had built in the reign of “King Rama I”, Phra Bat Somdej Phra Phuttha Yod Fa Chula Lok Maha Raja, the founder of the Chakri Dynasty. The construction work had begun in 1782 and completed in 1784. The temple of the Emerald Buddha, the royal chapel, is located east, adjoining the Grand Palace. The temple is particularly built to house the Emerald Buddha, a Buddha image which King Rama I brought from Vientiane when he captured the city.Although it is the most national sacred temple, there is no any resident monk. But, it has only elaborately decorated holy buildings, statues, and pagodas.The Emerald Buddha or Phra Kaew Morakot, the highly revered Buddha image, meticulously carved from a huge block of Jade. It is the Buddha image in the seated meditating position, in the style of the Chiang San School on the north of Thailand.

Wat Phra Kaew

The Emerald Buddha was first discovered in Chiang Rai province in the reign of King Triloknatha (1441-1487). Later, it was taken to several important cities such as Lampang, Chiang Mai, Luang Phra Bang, and Vientiane.When 1778 King Rama I overcame over Laos, he had brought it back at Wat Arun in Thon Buri, the capital at that time. And, in 1785, the Emerald Buddha was transferred from Wat Arun to Wat Phra Kaew and then shrined in the Phra Ubosoth (ordination hall) until now.

The Royal Pantheon or Prasat Phra Thep Bidon, originally called Buddha Prang Prasat, was built in the reign of King Rama IV in 1855. This building is a pavilion with four-square Prangs. It is initially considered to enshrine the Emerald Buddha, but too small to accommodate the congregation at royal ceremonies. Now it is used for keeping statues of deceased 8 kings of Chakri Dynasty.On the four-sides of cloisters like-galleries (Phra Rabiang) around Phra Ubosoth, there are the Mural Paintings depicting Ramakien epic (The Thai version of the Hindu epic, Ramayana). These paintings consist of 178 sections, firstly done in the reign of King Rama I. Later, some parts of Phra Rabiang and paintings were renovated from time to time in the present Chakri Dynasty.

The paintings of Ramayana epic around Phra Rabiang start from north door turn to the west.

The golden Stupa, Phra Sri Ratana Chedi, has a bell shape which is the Ceylonese style. The chedi was built by Rama IV to house a relic of the Buddha. Its form imitates the large chedi of Phra Sri Sanphet temple in Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand. Later, in the time of King Rama V had applied the golden tile mosaics to the Chedi.

Phra Mondop, Ho Tri, or the library, was built in the time of King Rama I, containing the new copy of Tipitaka (important Buddhist scriptures). Phra Mondop is based on the Pillars and located between Phra Sri Ratana Chedi and The Royal Pantheon. However, it is almost always closed to the public.

If you have a free time, you can visit Patron Rub ushi, Gate-keeping Giants, Phra Vihara Yod (The spired Hall), Model of Angor Wat, The lined Pavilions (Sala Rai), etc.

This is the guide of the first Temple in Bangkok in ThaiLook.Blogspot.com
How to getting to Wat Phra Kaew
Located within the Grand Palace, near Sanam Luang, Phra Nakorn District, Bangkok
Tel No. 02 623-5500 ext. 1830, 3100
By Bus - 1, 2, 3, 9, 15, 19, 25, 30, 32, 33, 39, 42, 43, 44, 47, 53, 59, 60, 64, 65, 68, 70, 79, 80, 82, 91, 123, 124, 201, 203, 503, 508, 512
By Air-conditioned Bus - 1, 6, 7, 8, 12, 25, 38, 39, 44, 59, 524
By Chaopraya river - Tha Chang pier



Temple Talk
There are hundreds of Thai Buddhist temples (Wat) in Bangkok. Several of these will vary in styles and sizes but will consist of the principles of Buddhist architecture. Many visitors may not be familiar with the structures inside a temple-compound. Therefore, this part will recommend you the concise meaning of Thai Buddhist temple terminology.

Wat
Other words are Thai Buddhist temple or monastery. In general, Wat is substitutes for the collection of several Buddhist structures within the courtyard and enclosed by walls with several gateways.
Anyway, in Thailand the chief religious architectures are Chedi, Ubosoth, Vihara, Prang, Mondop and Prasat. The other buildings that are not very essential - Kuti, Ho Trai, Sala and Ho Rakhang.

Bot or Ubosoth
Other words are Ordination Hall or Convocation Hall or Assembly Hall. Ubosoth are always used for Buddhist clergy performing ritual of the monastic community or other significant ritual ceremonies. Another meaning, Ubosoth is the heart of the monastery and would be a monk centre.
Besides, Ubosoth will always enshrine the Buddha statue. Ubosoth may generally have three doors, both at the front and one at the rear of Ubosoth. The exterior of Ubosoth will be observed by the six boundary stones (Bai Sema or Sema stones). There will only be one Ubosoth in the temple. Some temples may not give the public permission to enter Ubosoth. Only the monks can be permitted to perform ritual ceremonies.

Viharn or Vihara
The sermon hall or Buddhist Monastery is used for enshrining major Buddha statues. Actually, Vihara is a replica of Ubosoth. In Bangkok and the central of Thailand, most Vihara are usually smaller than Ubosoth.
Viharn always opened to everyone to meet and pray together. There are no Sema stones surrounding Vihara like Ubosoth. Maybe, there are several Vihara within the temple.

Sema (Bai Sema or Sema stone)
The marks of boundary are made of stone slabs and represent the sacred ground of the temple. They are usually in leaf-shaped stone, putting up right from the ground and always surrounded Ubosoth by eight boundary stones. However, Sema in some temples had nicely been decorated.

Chofah
Chofah are the decoration as the horn-like finials (gable apex) on the roof ridges of temples. They represent the ‘Garuda’ head, the mythical bird.

Chedi
Other words are pagoda or stupa. Chedi is generally bell-shaped solid structure. In Thailand, Chedi is the most holy sacred religious structure in Thai temple because the underneath of the interior area of Chedi will always contain some relics of the Buddha and some are built to contain some relics of the magnificent revered Buddhist monks.
The prototype of Chedi originated in central India. In Thailand, we are able to see Chedi or Stupa of the classic type in several various forms. However, the round chedi that were often built in Bangkok and the central of Thailand. It has the same elements as the Indian prototype which was introduced from Sri Lanka - a high drum formed by many moldings of the same design, a bell-shaped dome, a square throne surmounted by a low circular colonade supporting the high and slender Chatra (umbrella)

Prang
The Khmer-style religious architecture (Khmer prang), a vertical tall finger-like spire and usually elaborately carved. Later, this feature was later adopted by Thai important religious architecture. Usually, Prang has three niches and one entrance door toward a very steep staircase. The internal area sometimes contains Buddha statues.In Bangkok, Prangs can be easily found in several Buddhist temples such as Wat Phra Kaew (The temple of Emerald Buddha), Wat Pho, Wat Arun, etc. However, Prangs can be conveniently seen in North-East region of Thailand, such as Phimai Prang, Phanomrung Prang, etc.

Sala
Generally, Sala is any open-sided pavilion. In a temple, these may be used for sermon and resting place to the public.Like magnificent structures, some Sala were ornamented with glazed tiles and beautiful gilded decoration on the gables.

Ho Trai and Mondop
Other words are Ho Phra or the scripture hall or Buddhist library of the temple. Thai Mondop will be similar to Mandapa of Indian temples.Mondop is usually a very small and highly decorated building. However, Mondop may be a quare-shape structure, entirely made of bricks. Their pyramidal upper part is formed by two or three layers of roofing or usually topped with a spire section (spire library). Anyway, some Mondop were made of wooden roofing, decorated with wooden carvings, gilded and enriched with multi-color glass mosaics. Ho Trai or Mondop is the place to contain the Tipitaka (Teachings of Buddha or The Buddhist Scriptures), other important Buddhist religious sacred manuscripts, and some holy objects. Some Mondop may also serve as store room for holy opjects used in religious ceremonies.

Belfry or Bell Tower (Ho Rakhang)
In Thailand, the belfry generally has no special artistic attraction. Normally, belfry is shaped with four wooden or brick poles, and provided a high platform with steps on one or four sides. A pyramidal roof is built over the platform and the bell is suspended within.

Kuti
Normally, Thai temples have the residential section of monks (Sangghavas). Kuti is monks’ living place and varied in several sizes and shapes with simply construction, and no any artistic features.

Bangkok History

The Grand Palace Bangkok

History of Bangkok The town of Bangkok (บางกอก ) began as a small Khmer trading center and port community on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River before the establishment of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, the precursor of modern Thailand which existed from 1350 to 1767. The etymology of the town's name is unclear. Bang is the Central Thai name for a town situated on the bank of a river. It is believed that "Bangkok" derived from either Bang Kok, kok (กอก) being the Thai name for one or more olive-bearing fruits (olive in Thai is makok [มะกอก]); or Bang Koh, koh meaning "island," a reference to the area's landscape which was carved by rivers and canals.

Wat Phra Kaew

Wat Phra Kaew was constructed as part of the Grand Palace complex at the founding of the capital.

After the fall of Ayutthaya to the Burmese Kingdom in 1767, the newly declared King Taksin established a new capital in the area of then-Bangkok, which became known as Thonburi. When Taksin's reign ended in 1782, King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke reconstructed the capital on the east bank of the river and gave the city a ceremonial name (see below) which became shortened to its current official name, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (which, similarly to "Los Angeles" means "city of angels"). The new city, however, also inherited the name Bangkok, which continued to be used by foreigners to refer to the entire city and became its official English name, while in Thai the name still refers only to the old district on the west bank of the river. The city has since vastly modernized and undergone numerous changes, including the introduction of transportation and utility infrastructure in the reigns of King Mongkut and King Chulalongkorn, and quickly developed into the economic center of Thailand.

Bangkok (Thai: กรุงเทพฯ Krung Thep) is the capital of Thailand and by far its largest city with an estimated population of over 11 million.Bangkok is one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities. Created as the Thai capital in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty, Bangkok is a national treasure house and Thailand’s spiritual, cultural, political, commercial, educational and diplomatic centre.

Geography Bangkok exceeds 1,500 square kilometres in area and is home to more than one-tenth of the country's population. Major tourist attractions include glittering Buddhist temples, palaces, timeless “Venice of the East” canal and river scenes, classical dance extravaganzas, and numerous shopping centres.

History of Muay Thai

Muay Thai is a martial art whose roots immersed in the history of Thailand. Muay (Thai Boxing) Thai Muay Thai is spoken by native Thais. Muay Thai is a brutal sport and demanding combat sport, with participants with fists, elbows, knees and feet as weapons to strike the enemy. Muay Thai is practiced in Thailand, with international participationclearly growing over the past ten years.

Thai boxing has a historical value, the sport is enjoyed by those who practice it. This history, culture, the Thai government to support forms of boxing has been developed over the centuries, the battle military and imperial, religious influences, cultural heritage, social development.

The original source of Thai boxing can be traced back 2,000 years in southern China Ao Lai tribes that migrated southcentral plains of what is now the Kingdom of Thailand. Since all records of Siam in the history of the period Ayuddhaya Burma have been destroyed, it is difficult for the precise origin of writing. Therefore, the origins of Muay Thai has been passed down orally from generation to generation, with modern Muay Thai fighters against the understanding of the value created by the warrior respectful of them by a combination of artistic skill and explosiveSerenity. It 'been said that great leaders in Thailand, many Thai proven warrior spirit that Muay paved the way for development. In the 15th Century King Naresuan the Great was known for his courage against the Burmese. Phra Chao Suua or King Tiger (1662 -1709) was an enthusiastic supporter of Muay Thai. The Tiger King Muay Thai fights, adopted in all of Thailand.

King Taskin the Great reigned from 1767 to1784 and rose to prominence from the ashes Ayuddhaya when the capital of Siam. The Burmese invaded the city and destroyed all the historical records of Siam. After an intense battle, captured in the Burmese King Taksin Ayuddhaya gathered 500 supporters and fled to the east, which is now known as the Issan region of Thailand. Taskin king built a new army in the region with hak legendary warrior Phraya Pichai DAAB as its supreme commander. The name means hak DAAB 'BrokenSword ", a name that fought as when he fought on, without a sword, after he broke in two during the battle, using techniques such as Muay Thai is now known. Phraya Pichai DAAB hak King Taskin led to a glorious victory on the Burmese inexorable.

Nai Khanom Tom is considered the most famous fighter in boxing history in Thailand. He was the first boxer to have fought in another country. After being held by the Burmese during the war captured Nai Khanom Tom challengedFighting the 10 best boxers of Burmese Bando. He defeated all one after another and brought again the freedom of Siam.

The form of boxing and wrestling in Thailand, in historical times was known as Muay Boran, and has been fighting a battle using significant form of military, therefore, Korat to death. Muay was a special kind of Muay Boran is now Muay Thai was practiced in the heart, the region northeast of Thailand,Issan. Muay Korat is the emphasis was on the force, with the strike in Buffalo is so powerful it might be a Buffalo with one shot.

Muay Boran was finally part of the Siam Society, with entertainment events, festivals and staged, but always kept in combat as a form of military.

Legend has it that in these historical forms of Thai boxing warriors wore hemp dipped his hands tied resin or starch. In extreme battles handswere also broken glass makes it a struggle to the death to deny coverage as seen in the famous movie Kickboxer.

King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) has revived the practice of Siam Muay Thai in his elevation to the throne in 1868. The art was held with participation in a sport in order to convert aid move, self defense, relaxation and personal development. training camps were established throughout the country to allow the practice to bemaintained and developed. Very few modern warehouse bear the ethics and traditions of the original fields, an example is the act of consuming alcohol during the registration in a stock strictly prohibited at all times. Unfortunately, many modern stores in tourist destinations, which are essentially against the initial goal of this secluded training camp have created.

Muay Thai has influenced modern called "The art of eight limbs" and wasModern Western boxing with the adoption of boxing gloves and a square roped ring, which has its origin in Western boxing.

An important part of the tradition of boxing in Thailand, which is still in operation of the Wai Kru, a pre match ritual dance, which is charged to the coach fighters. Wai is a term used, respect for the head and bend derived from the Buddhist tradition and Kru means teacher. Muay Thai trainers are also referred to AA-Jarn but Kru is more appropriate.

Thai KickBoxing

Muay Thai is seen a modern re-birth and growth worldwide in the realization of their importance in Mixed Martial Arts MMA MMA. Many fighters make the trip to Thailand to learn Muay Thai Muay Thai is seen as an essential part of it MMA, which is a testament to the true warriors and sporting values.

The art of Muay Thai kickboxing is not to be confused with the modern. Many of the skills> Muay Thai, the tradition of centuries have been developed, not replicated in the modern kickboxing, the programs are very popular in the U.S. and the world of fitness. However, Muay Thai training provides a superior form of combat, air conditioning and athletic ability because of its technical requirements in the use of impressive eight points.