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The mighty river of Bangkok: what you can expect to see during the Chao Praya River tour
Exploring the Chao Phraya River is a splendid way to immerse yourself in Bangkok’s culture and captivating scenery. The Chao Phraya Express Boat operates a regular service with different routes along the river, stopping at key piers close to famous landmarks. These are the main attractions I would personally choose: Temple of the Dawn This magnificent riverside temple, also called Wat Arun, derives its name from the Hindu god Aruna, personified as the radiations of the rising sun. Although the temple had existed since at least the seventeenth century, its distinctive prang (spires) were built in the early nineteenth century during the reign of King Rama II. Where: Tha Tien…
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Parks in Bangkok offer a refreshing escape from urban chaos: make sure to explore at least a few
Exploring the vibrant cityscape of Bangkok goes beyond its bustling markets and towering skyscrapers; it’s also about finding solace in its lush green oases. From the tranquil lakes of Lumphini Park to the artistic allure of Benjasiri Park’s sculptures, these green havens offer a respite from the city’s hustle and bustle. Lumphini Park This park is Bangkok’s answer to New York’s Central Park. Lumphini Park is centrally located in the city’s heart and is loved and enjoyed by locals and tourists. Lumphini Park, with its serene lakes and diverse flora, beckons for a peaceful stroll amidst towering trees. Opening Hours: 04:30-21:00 dailyLocation: Rama IV Road, PathumwanMRT: Silom, LumphiniBTS: Saladaeng Benjasiri…
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Big Buddha, little Buddha: once it was golden. Now he’s pink
In the future Buddha will be a towering giant… After the Chinese, Buddhas must be the most numerous folk on the globe. With 360 million Buddhists worldwide, each having at least two or three statues of their founder, this amounts to about a billion copies of the same body. Given such abundance it’s no surprise that Siddhartha Gautama appears in so many different forms. Emaciated or with folds of fat on the legs, tiny or the size of a three-storey building, he appears in all kinds of styles, from the finely crafted to the shockingly kitschy. Thailand is responsible for much of the proliferation of the world’s Buddha population. The…