Phuket Aquarium
Mueang Phuket District, PhuketIf diving is not your element, you can get to know live with marine life by visiting the Phuket aquarium. Although it does not claim to be the largest oceanarium in the world, several hundred species of fish and other exotic marine inhabitants are represented here.
The Royal Palace in Bangkok
Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, ThailandThe most famous landmark of Bangkok category must see is the Royal Palace. The palace occupies an area of 218 thousand square meters. m, consists of several buildings, 95 pagodas and is surrounded by four walls 2 km long. The majestic ensemble of the 18th century has long been not the residence of the royal family, although several days a year there are ceremonies with their participation in the palace.
Mini-Siam
Chon Buri, Bang Lamung DistrictTo see most of the sights not only of Thailand, but of the whole world in one place? This opportunity is with tourists who came to rest in Pattaya. In the park Mini Siam collected copies of monuments of Thai and world architecture.
Bridge over the Kwai River
Kanchanaburi, Mueang Kanchanaburi DistrictResting in Thailand, do not miss the opportunity to visit the bridge over the river Kwai. This is a very symbolic place, which left a notable mark in world history of the 20th century. It is known that it was erected during the Second World War to establish communication between Thailand and Burma.
National Museum of Bangkok
Na Phra That, Bangkok, ThailandThe National Museum of Bangkok is famous for one of the richest collections in Southeast Asia. The museum is located in the historical center of the city, near the Royal Palace. It occupies several buildings dating back to the era of the construction of modern Bangkok (18th century). The most famous of them is Buddhhisavan, the chapel of the crown prince with one of the national relics - the statue of Buddha Siching.
Sirinat National Park
Thep Krasattri - Nai Yang Rd, Sa Khu, PhuketThe Sirinat National Park is a favorite holiday destination for many tourists in Phuket. And that's why. On a vast territory (the area of the reserve is about eight thousand hectares) there are three landscaped beaches, untouched tropical forests, and the banks of the park are washed by the cleanest sea.
Thai village of Phuket
Ratsada, Mueang PhuketIf you want to really appreciate Thai culture and traditions, and not to spend a holiday on the beach on the principle of "all inclusive", feel free to go on an excursion to the Thai village of Phuket. This is an amazing place where you will be shown the best dance shows, sword fighting and Thai boxing.
Big Buddha Hill in Pattaya
Pattaya, Wat Phra YaiIn each city there are places to visit which every self-respecting traveler owes. In Pattaya, the role of such a well-known landmark is performed by the Great Buddha Hill or Big Buddha, as it is often called in the English manner.
Temple of the Emerald Buddha
Na Phra Lan Road, Palace Road, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200 Thailand., ThailandThe Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Keo Temple) is also located in the Royal Palace. It houses a true Thai shrine - a Buddha statue - a sculpture of green jadeite only 66 cm high. The statue is clothed in a special robe. In total, there are three such garments - according to the seasons they change on the statue by the king himself.
The Temple of Truth
Soi Na Kluea 12, Bang Lamung District, PattayaThe Temple of Truth in Pattaya is a wooden temple, which has been under construction for 32 years. Its main feature is that they erect a building without nails. True, this is a very controversial statement. In fact, there are nails, but they are only half driven.
Siam Ocean World Aquarium
Pathum Wan, Bangkok, ThailandThe largest aquarium in Southeast Asia is on the lower floor of the Siam Paragon shopping center. In occupying 10 thousand square meters. m aquarium inhabits more than 30 thousand fish and aquatic mammals. It is divided into 7 zones: "Deepwater reef", "Living ocean", "Sea jellyfish", "Open ocean", "Rocky shore", "Strange and beautiful", "Wet forest". On the top of the aquarium you can ride on a boat with a glass bottom.
Aquarium and zoo on Koh Samui
Samui, Natien BeachPerhaps, it is no exaggeration to say that the nature of Samui is extremely bright, rich and diverse. A traveler who has visited this mysterious island watches a game of amazing colors every day. No less flora and fauna, especially its underwater part, are no poorer.
Wat Ratchanadda
2 Ratchadamnoen Klang, Bangkok, ThailandWat Ratchanadda is a complex of buildings, the brightest of which is the Loch Prasat temple. This is the only temple in Bangkok, chedi, made of metal. The temple is four-story, it is crowned by 37 spiers according to the number of virtues leading to enlightenment. From the top of the building you will see a superb view of the Old Town of Phra Nakhon and Wat Sacket.
Wat Socket on the Golden Mount
between Th Wora Chak and Th Boriphat, Bangkok, ThailandThis Buddhist temple personifies Mount Meru, one of the symbols of Buddhism. Before the construction in Bangkok of skyscrapers, this 76-meter building, built on the Golden Mount, was the highest in the city. During the reign of King Rama III, the chedi, covered with gold, was built above the temple, thanks to which the temple was called Golden.
Satin Fine Art Gallery in Pattaya
Pattaya City, Beach Road Soi, 13Art Gallery "Satin Fayn Art" in Pattaya is not just an exhibition space, in which visitors are presented with a variety of paintings. This is also a real workshop, where anyone can order their own portrait or a copy of the works of artists.
Elephant Village in Pattaya
Pattaya City, Tambol Nong Prue, Moo 7, 48/120The village of elephants is an amazing reserve, which without exaggeration can be called unique. Here, not only does human contact with elephants - animals, which in Thailand are considered sacred. In the village of elephants, these mostly elderly herbivores live in complete safety.
Snake Farm Phuket
Tambon Chalong, Chang Wat PhuketIn Phuket, many fly in search of exotics: to see the local rich nature, to swim in the azure sea and try the strange fruits, as well as the famous Thai massage. Meanwhile, the resort has a tourist attraction, which will more than cover all this exotic entourage.
Bangkok Marble Temple
69 Sydney Road, Bangkok, ThailandThe marble temple of Bangkok (Benchamabophit), designed and built by the Thai prince at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries almost entirely from white Carrara marble from Italy. The three-level roof of the temple is decorated with special glazed tiles from China. Nearby is a gallery with 50 Buddha statues that are copies of the most famous statues of the deity from different provinces and countries.
Bottle Museum in Pattaya
Chonburi, Bang Lamung, Na Kluea, Sukhumvit, 79/15 Mu 10What can be interesting in the museum with the talking title "Bottle Museum"? It is logical to assume that there are a lot of old and very rare bottles from various drinks stored there. Imagine your surprise when you find out that the Pattaya Bottle Museum is a real art museum.
National Museum of Royal Barges
Arun Amarin, Bangkok Noi, BangkokIn the area of the channel of Klong Bangkok Noi, near the Phra Pin Klao Bridge, is the National Museum of Royal Barges. The exposition includes several royal barges, used in ceremonies and as military vessels. The most beautiful and famous barge is Suphanahong, it was used only for the Royal River Procession during the Kathin, the Buddhist ceremony of offering gifts to monks in October and November.
Temples of Thailand
In order not only to see, but to be imbued with the culture of Thais, expressed in stone or adorning the walls of monasteries in the form of frescoes, first of all, one must understand the role of Buddhism in Thailand .The school to which the believers in the Buddha of the Thais is believed to be one of the oldest .It is called Theravada and is considered the most conservative direction, whose goal is complete exemption from all-inclusive, temporary and misleading .Strict observance of the ritual is the faithful custodian of the tradition .And today, like when in the Middle Ages in Europe, a monastery or "wat" is the focus of life of any Thai .Inside it you can find not only a sanctuary, but also a library, a hospital, a school .In total there are more than thirty thousand such centers of culture in the territory of the country, which in combination are the residence of numerous monks .In their desire to preserve the tradition, the people of Thailand do not spare even tourists .Each visitor of the temple is obliged to show respect for Buddha images and to behave in accordance with the rules (for example, women should not denude shoulders and feet) .
The temples of Bangkok
Usually acquaintance with the temple complexes takes place in the capital of Thailand - Bangkok .And this is not accidental, since it is here that there is a magnificent example of the current monastery - Wat Phra Kao or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha .Wat Phra Keo is the most sacred place in Thailand, which the royal family itself visits .Entrance to the building is guarded by bronze lions, and inside - frescoes, telling about the life of Buddha .The temple received its name in honor of the emerald (in fact, a jade) statue stored in it, according to a legend found in the 15th century on the territory of Chiang Rai .
Another no less interesting cult structure is Wat Arun or the temple of the Morning dawn, named after the goddess of the dawn - Aruna. For the decoration of the main tower of the temple used pieces of Chinese porcelain, left from the ship sunken nearby Chinese people. Get to Wat Arun will be on the ferry for a fee, so the temple is located on the other side of the river. If time is limited, then it should be added to the named Wat Pho or the temple of the Reclining Buddha and on this to complete the survey of religious sites in Bangkok, since the number of monasteries in the city is far beyond a few hundred. Wat Pho is one of the oldest temples. The building dates back to the 12th century. It is believed that it was here that the famous Thai massage appeared.
Wat Phra Mahathat Voramahavihan
Wat Phra Mahathat Voramahavihan is a famous temple in the city of Nakhonsithammarat, located in the south of Thailand .Here is stored the tooth of the Buddha himself .Once from this city Buddhism of the Theravada branch spread all over the country .Generally speaking, the phrase Wat Mahathat is the general name of all important Thai religious buildings .So temples beginning with this pair of words can be found everywhere, in Bangok and in Sukhothai, one of the ancient former capitals of Thailand, and in the town of Phitsanulok, located 60 km from Sukhothai, which houses Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat - a place of pilgrimage for many tourists .This temple dates back to the 14th century and is widely known for the most beautiful Buddha statue in Thailand .
The most interesting monasteries in Ayutthaya, another ancient capital of Thailand, are mostly located in the old part of the city, called Ayutia. Historically important Ayutthaya is under the tutelage of UNESCO.
In general, characterizing the temples of Thailand, which are the main representatives of the country's architectural monuments, it should be noted that all the uniqueness of the facilities is created due to the intertwining of Indian and Chinese elements that, when unifying, create the unique cultural landscape of the country.
Sculpture of Thailand
Sculpture in a country where the majority of the population are deeply religious Buddhists, has a religious character .Numerous Buddha images adorn all temples of Thailand .However, do not forget that for the Thai this is not an art object, but a shrine .Traditionally, sculptures are made of bronze, stone and gypsum .The Buddha is portrayed in different canonical poses, the meaning of which is understood only by the initiate .Image styles differ from each other .The most common postures in which one can see a saint are the Buddha in a state of meditation (the famous lotus pose) and the Buddha calling the Earth as a witness .
The stories associated with the sacred statues are no less amazing and diverse, as are various legends about Orthodox icons. That there is only a legend about the head of the Buddha, entangled and pulled from the ground by the roots of a tree. This head, by the way, is a symbol of Ayutthaya.
In addition to monasteries, Buddha statues can be seen in museums in Thailand. The highest Buddha statue, established as a sign that Buddhism was born there thousands of years ago, is located in a park in the province of Nakonpat. Its height is about 130 meters.
Palaces of Thailand
The Grand Palace in Bangkok is not only a magnificent example of Thailand's architecture, but also a must-see within the whole country. This wonderful royal residence has served the rulers of Thailand for more than one century. The construction of the building was started by Rama I in 1782. The palace is surrounded by a wall built in the 18th century, the length of which is about two thousand meters. Behind the wall is not only the residence. There is also Wat Phra Keo or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Currently, the king does not live here.
The wooden palace Vimanmek (Heavenly Palace), built in the early 20th century, is located in the surrounding areas, 3 km from the Grand Palace. Inside it is a museum dedicated to the Reforming King Rama V. Once upon a time this palace also served as a residence for a Thai royal family.
The Bang Pa-In Palace in Ayutthaya is the summer residence of kings. The history of the construction begins in the 17th century and is connected with the ruler of Prasat Thong. Subsequently, the palace was destroyed and rebuilt by King Rama VI, who began using the water-built residence as a place for rest and reception of foreign ambassadors.
The Royal Palace Phu Ping is located in Chiang Mai province. This is already the winter residence of the rulers, built in 1961. A beautiful botanical garden with wonderful butterflies and birds on the territory of the palace is one of the local attractions.
Sanam Chandra is located in the province of Nakonpatom and is a bizarre combination of French and English architectural styles, adapted to the tropics. The palace was built in the early 20th century by Rama VI and looks like a small castle outside.
Museums of Thailand
The most interesting and large museum in Thailand is located in Bangkok and carries the proud designation National. The richest exhibition will acquaint anyone with the history and culture of Thailand, from the prehistoric period to the present.
Parks of Thailand
A huge number of parks - a distinctive feature of the country .Those that are of national importance, count at least a half .If you add to this list all kinds of gardens, for example the Rose Garden in the suburbs of Bangkok, and zoos, the list will increase several times .The most famous are the Khao Yai National Park, delighting the inexperienced tropical nature of the tourist with waterfalls, orchids and even elephants; Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai Province, a marine park on the island of Samet with magnificent coral reefs; the Erawan National Park with a multi-tiered waterfall; a park of waterfalls and birds Khu Khut, located on the lake; one of the best dive sites - the Tarutao Marine Park in the province of Satun .
Other attractions
Snake Farm (Pasteur Institute) in Bangkok is one of the most famous sights. Every day there are presentations, during which the staff demonstrate the skills of handling poisonous reptiles, confirming the danger by this procedure, squeezing a certain amount of poison directly in front of the participants.
Crocodile farm in Pattaya - the largest in the world and has about forty thousand reptiles. Those who wish can be photographed with the most ancient animals on earth.
The elephant village in Pattaya is a unique opportunity to ride an elephant. Also, animals demonstrate all their abilities during everyday performances, starting at 10.00 and ending at 4.30.