Showing 1 - 10 of 13
Five shades of beauty
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 14/01/2019
» Many Thais know and love Chinese blue and white porcelain. Yet, another kind of Chinese ceramics called Bencharong, literally meaning "five colours", is not so popular although it was custom-made in China for Siam.
Cooling down in Laos
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 27/12/2018
» When tourists go to the Unesco World Heritage town of Luang Prabang in Laos, many immediately think of Buddhist temples, such as Phra That Phou Si, and the simple yet beautiful way of life evinced in traditions like sticky-rice almsgiving. As a matter of fact, Luang Prabang has numerous natural attractions, such as waterfalls and Tham Ting (Pak Ou Cave) for visitors to enjoy. One of the most popular spots is Kuang Si Waterfall.
More than meats the eye
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 15/11/2018
» Japan is one of the most popular destinations for Thai tourists. More than 80,000 Thais visit Japan monthly, and the total number of Thai visitors per year is expected to reach 1.1 million this year, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). To Thais, well-known Japanese destinations include Tokyo, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Osaka and Hokkaido, while Kobe sounds familiar for its premium-quality beef from grains and beer-fed cattle rather than tourism. As a matter of fact, this port city, about 500km from Tokyo, is worth a visit for its cultural diversity, modern comfort and good food.
A land steeped in history
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 24/05/2018
» Ketsurang, an archaeologist, miraculously travels back in time from the present day to the reign of the Ayutthaya Kingdom's King Narai the Great (1656-1688). She enjoys the traditional way of life and the beauty of many places in Ayutthaya and Lop Buri.
Exploring Thailand in one day
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 26/04/2018
» Thirty-six years ago, the 10-year-old me felt excited to see the replicas of more than 100 historic monuments, life-sized and smaller, in one place. Many other Thai students must feel the same since one of the must-sees on any school study trip is Muang Boran (Ancient Siam) in Samut Prakan province. Nowadays, Muang Boran has become a Thai art and culture learning centre and also a popular setting for the filming of TV series and movies.
Architectural splendour
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 24/07/2017
» Every Saturday morning, hundreds of people form a long queue for a visit to Bang Khun Phrom Palace. Once the home of Marshal-Admiral Prince Paribatra Sukhumbhand of Nagor Svarga (1881-1944) and now the Bank of Thailand Museum, the handsome residence has become a new attraction that draws huge interest of cultural tourists, local and international. Some of the visitors are late to the queue and have to return on another Saturday, since only 400 tickets are issued each day. From last month until the end of this year, the palace, normally open to group visits only, welcomes the public on an individual basis for the first time in decades.
Rediscovering roots
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 02/05/2017
» On the Thon Buri side of Chao Phraya River, Klong San is an old school community, a trading district since the early Bangkok period. It was the home of one of Siam's most powerful clans, the Bunnag family, and is the birthplace of the Princess Mother of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
A place to treasure
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 04/08/2016
» Nestled behind trees on a 1,700m² plot of land near the congested Charoen Krung Road is the Bangkok Folk's Museum. Donated by biologist Assoc Prof Waraporn Suravadi to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) in 2003, this museum features three houses in a lush tropical garden with a pond.
Digitising dhamma
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 23/03/2016
» At Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong in Chiang Mai, experts have been reading and digitising the old temple's palm-leaf manuscripts for weeks. Centuries-old manuscripts at other ancient northern temples -- Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Duang Dee in Chiang Mai, Wat Sung Men in Phrae and Wat Lai Hin in Lampang -- have been registered and well conserved.
Timeless elegance
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 22/02/2016
» Nestled in lush green ground in the Chidlom area, Nai Lert Park Heritage Home is a hidden treasure in the heart of the capital. Apart from the architectural beauty of the house, the 14 rai Nai Lert Park has historic importance as Bangkok's first Western-style park that existed even before Lumpini Park was initiated by King Rama VI in 1925. In his day this private property was open for the public to enjoy its tranquil atmosphere.