Thailand Culture

Gain a basic understanding of some of the historical culture leading to what is Thailand today. Click here to view a list of Articles about Thai Culture.
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Mountain Temples and Shrines

5/21/2020

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​Mountain Temples and Shrines can be magical places to find while traveling in Thailand for a number of reasons.  One, they usually add to the beauty of the mountain scene and Two, they provide scenic views that one would not normally have access.  A few mountain Temples and Shrines that I have visited are presented below. Follow the links to find out more information. 

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Wat Doi Suthep

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep or often called Wat Doi Suthep sits on top of Doi Suthep Mountain that overlooks Chiang Mai, 15 kilometers away. 
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Click here for more information.

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​Wat Phu Thok

Wat Phu Thok ​is at the base of a large sandstone outcrop that juts steeply out of the Thailand Isaan Northern Plains.  But behind the temple rises these cliffs which have a walkway built into.  I have no idea how safe the walkway really is but for me it looked pretty scary. 

​​Click here for more information.

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​Wat Tham Sua and Wat Tham Khao Noi in Kanchanaburi 

​Wat Tham Sua and Wat Tham Khao Noi in Kanchanaburi is perched on top of a rocky hill overlooking the Mae Klong Hill, affording visitors an amazing view of the river valley.  

​Click here for more information.

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Buddha Footprint on Khao Kitchikud

​The summit of Khao Kitchakud is visited by thousands of Thais and a few foreigners to pay respect to Buddha.  The area of the footprint is within a National park and is only open for this retreat 3 months out of the year.  

​Click here for more information.

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​Wat Yansangwararam 

On the hill over looking the temple is the Phra Maha Mondop Phutthabat which contains a Sacred Buddha FootPrint.  The hill has a great view which extends all the way to the Thai Gulf.   ​

​Click here for more information.

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​Phra Nakhon Khiri Palace - Chedi Daeng (Red Pagoda)

​Phra Nakhon Khiri Palace, including the Temple of the Red Pagoda in Petchaburi has the most majestic views and one worth visiting.  The palace is located on a high hill on the outskirts of the town of Petchaburi in Southern Thailand...

​​Click here for more information.

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​Wat Phra Thart Pha Kaew

Wat Phra Thart Pha Kaew is a Buddhist Temple high in the Mountains of Petchabun Province in Thailand.  Construction of the temple was completed in 2004 and Was certified as a Temple in 2010...

​​​Click here for more information.

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​Wat Neramit Wipatsana

Wat Neramit Wipatsana is located high in the mountains in Loei Province in northern Thailand.  The laterite gateway is what caught my eye while driving though the Loei Mountains. 

​​​​Click here for more information.

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​Wat Pa Phu Kon

Wat Pa Phu Kon is nestled in the Mountains of Udon Province in the District of Na Yung and approximately 65 kilometers west of Nong Khai.  

​Click here for more information.

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Wat Khanon - Home of Nang Yai - Thai Shadow Puppets

5/6/2020

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​Thai Culture is rich in art, music and dance and Nang Yai (which means Grand Shadow Play) combines the three in a sophisticated performance.  Nang Yai uses leather, cut into intricate patterns representing traditional characters.  These characters come to life when they are used to tell lovely stories on backlit stages supported by music performed on traditional Thai instruments.  

The Temple of Wat Khanon is home to the Nang Yai Museum, a thai primary school and a Nang Yai theater.  Students at the school are taught how to make the puppets and perform in the shows.  The museum preserves approximately 330 puppets that are over 100 years old as well as newly created puppets.  The theater offers a free showing of Nang Yai at 10 am every saturday.  Wat Khanon is a World Heritage Site due to the preservation of the Nang Yai art. 

Wat Khanon, built in the late 1700's,  is located in Ratchaburi Province along the Mae Klong River, approximately 100 kilometer drive due west of Bangkok. 

Nang Yai Theater

Nang Yai Museum

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Rice Paddy Fish BBQ

1/7/2020

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The winters in Thailand are dry and cool and to grow an extra rice crop the farmers need to find a source of water to start the second crop. Some Thai families make this a fun event by draining a farm pond that may be on their property and having a BBQ. 
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The draining of the pond turns into a day-long event starting with a picnic lunch, as they watch the water level descend. When the water level is as low as the pumps will allow the entire family jumps into the pond to catch the fish. The catching is mostly by hand but may involve a net on two. The fish are mostly dug out of the mud at the bottom of the drained pond. During the draining, the family was able to catch mostly cat fish, a few big frogs and some smaller fish.

Many of the catfish were cooked on an open fire, throwing the fish into the hot coals. The fish are then eaten with a spicy dipping sauce.

There were also an interesting dishes prepared like chopping up catfish and marinated in freshly caught red ants all crushed by hand. This was allowed to sit then added lime, fish sauce, sugar and ground baked rice (larb).
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Jungle Markets of Thailand

12/22/2019

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​There are market areas found in remote areas of Thailand that sell various animals, reptiles and insects that live in the jungle.  These markets are not easily or often visited by foreigners.  However, I stumbled on such a market outside Ta Phraya National Park on my way through to that part of Isaan.  The creatures sold at these markets are collected in the jungles areas of Thailand and are considered delicacies to some ethnic groups in Thailand. The creatures includes frogs, ants and ant eggs, beetles,  giant water bugs, and tree crabs and many more...  Photos of a few of these are shown below: 
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Thailand Food Courts

4/9/2018

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Food Courts can be found everywhere as you travel throughout the country, in malls, gas stations/rest areas on the highways and in business office areas (and a hole lot more). The food courts are a natural extension of the street markets found everywhere in Thailand and deeply ingrained into the Thai Culture.  

When I first moved to Thailand I was quite intimidated by food courts for a few reasons:
  • I didn't know the food
  • I didn't understand the operation procedure 

After living more than 10 years in Thailand I now know the foods sold in food courts. I have a separate blog that will help you with this, but it does take time to become comfortable with identification. I suggest you experiment but a word of caution, most foods are spicy (as I'm sure you are aware).

Food court operation are mostly the same with few changes here and there:

Usually you are required to purchase coupons, which you use as money as the various vendors. The unused coupons are returned in exchange for money. Malls may have swipe cards or some variation.

Select your food, redeem your coupons and bring your plate(s) to an empty table. Easy right? Well, now you need utensils which can be found at the utensil station. These stations have spoons and forks (no knives) and an electric pot of simmering water. The water is used to give the utensils a last brief wash.

​Now you ready to enjoy your tasty Thai food! 
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Loy Krathong in Lumpini Park

12/2/2016

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This year's Loy Krathong was on November 14th and during the super moon! Giving people like me great opportunities for photographs.  As always, I am here to share. 

Loi Krathong occurs on the evening of the 12th full moon in the traditional Thai lunar calendar and in the Western calendar this usually falls in November. On this day Thais launch their krathong in a river, canal, lake or a pond, making a wish as they do so. The traditional krathong is a floating decoration made from a slice of the trunk of a banana tree or a spider lily plant.  A beautiful event to see during your travels in Thailand. 
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Icons of Thailand

4/29/2016

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This blog presents 14 of the most well-known Thailand icons, when you see the photos, you know that it is Thailand, especially if you have been lucky enough to visit Thailand.  A lot of the icons are also tourist attractions that I have already blogged about so I have provided a link to those blog in the brief write-up below.  Let me know if the comments below what is your favorite Thailand icon and why…



Thai Flag
Thailand Flag

Thailand Flag

The Thailand Flag can be seen everywhere in Thailand including all the parks and the resort areas. 
Thailand Giants
Giants

Giants

The Giants of Thailand can be seen  guarding the entrances to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and many other important Thailand Icons. Read More...

Reclining Buddha
Reclining Buddha

Reclining Buddha

Wat Pho's Reclining Buddha is a memorable Icon (the birth place of Thai Massage) in the great City of Bangkok.  Read More...

Democracy Monument
Democracy Monument

Democracy Monument

Bangkok's Democracy Monument  is located on Ratchadamnoen Klang Road.  Read More...

Thailand's Tuk Tuk
Thailand's Tuk Tuk

Tuk Tuk

The tuktuk is a three wheeled modified motorcycle, that runs on natural gas, making them a bit loud. Read More...

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Ramakien

Ramakien

Khon mask dance that combines traditional dance and acting, and used to depict episodes from the Ramakien. Read More...

Wat Ben
Wat Ben

Wat Ben

The Temple most notable feature is the stunning Italian Marble and a collection of 52 Buddha Images.  Read More...

Great Swing
Great Swing

Great Swing

Wat Suthat is located adjacent to the "Giant Swing" and the swing is considered part of the Temple complex. Read More...


Wat Arun
Wat Arun

Wat Arun

Wat Arun is probably the most stunning sight in Bangkok, located in the banks of the great Chao Phraya River.  Read More...

Chinatown Gate
Chinatown Gate

Chinatown Gate

 Walked first to the Chinatown Gate then into Yarowat Road, the main Chinatown area for for restaurants, street food and markets. Read More...

Golden Mount
Golden Mount

Golden Mount

Golden Mount was first constructed under the reign of King Rama III. Read More...

Longtail Boat
Longtail Boat

Longtail Boat

Longtail boats can be found in all the waterways throughout Thailand. 
​Islands of the Thai Gulf: Read More...

Rama 8 Bridge
Rama 8 Bridge

Rama 8 Bridge

The Rama 8 Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge crossing the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand. Read More...

Asian Elephant
Asian Elephant

Asian Elephant

Images of Elephants can be seen all over thailand and the elephant is considered sacred.  Read More...

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Songkran 2016 - Silom Water Fight

4/16/2016

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Songkran was a bit different this year... People were unsure of when the water play was allowed due to government restrictions because of the ongoing drought. However, Thursday, April 14th was by far the biggest day for water fighting in Bangkok. The Silom area was packed with thousands of people enjoying the Songkran festivities of spraying water. The photos and video below are of the Silom area but there were other areas of big water play like Khao San Road. 
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Songkran 2016 - Small Soi Activities

4/15/2016

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The vast majority of Thais celebrate Songkran in the small streets (sois) throughout the cities and villages throughout Thailand by spraying water at people, cars, motorcycles and Tuktuks as they pass by their location.  Friends gather at locations, usually with alcohol and fun music, have fun with the children in the sois by splashing water.
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Chinese New Year Celebrations in Bangkok

2/10/2016

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​Bangkok celebrated the beginning of the Year of the Monkey with celebrations in Bangkok's Chinatown for several blocks starting from the Chinatown Gate along Yaowarat Road.  The celebrations were packed with thousands of people enjoying the festivities. The festivities included cultural performances from China, dragon parades and lion dances, street stalls selling Chinese food, and lantern decorations.  
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    Thailand Culture

    Gain a basic understanding of some of the historical culture leading to what is Thailand today.  Click here to view a list of Articles about Thai Culture.

    ​Follow the "Explore Thailand" link to easily explore Thailand Travel Explorer Blog's. 

    ​Use the "Thailand Destination Direction Guide" to help you navigate to your desired destination.

    Blog Highlights

    Bangkok's ​9 Royal Temples
    Bangkok Must Sees
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    Islands of the Thai Gulf
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    Thailand and World War 2 
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    Art Box At EM District
    Bangkok Greets 2016! Happy New Year!
    Celebrating The Beginning Of Buddhist Lent - Khao Phansa
    Chinese New Year Celebrations In Bangkok
    East And West Meet At The Beach
    Halloween In Bangkok 2015
    Icons Of Thailand
    Jungle Markets Of Thailand
    Khon Performance Of The Prommas
    Loy Krathong Festival At Golden Mount
    Loy Krathong - Festival Of Lights
    Loy Krathong In Lumpini Park
    Monk Ordination Ceremony In Thailand
    Morning Alms In Exotic Places
    Ramakien Or Thai Ramayana
    Rice Paddy Fish BBQ
    Royal Patent - Chaipattana Low Speed Aerator
    Songkran 2016 - Silom Water Fight
    Songkran 2016 - Small Soi Activities
    Thailand's Royal Palaces
    The History Of Thailand's Floating Markets
    The Navarathiri Festival In Bangkok
    Viharnra Sien Art Museum In Pattaya
    Wat Khanon - Home Of Nang Yai - Thai Shadow Puppets

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  • Home
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    • Thailand Destinations >
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    • Thai Food
    • Photography and Videos
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