Friday, September 17, 2010

lumbini(nepal) birth place of buddha

sources:  http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhistworld/sarnath.htm

Lumbini (Sanskrit for "the lovely") is a Buddhist pilgrimage site located at the Nepalese town of Kapilavastu, district Rupandehi, near the Indian border.
Lumbini is one of four Buddhist pilgrimage sites based on major events in the life of Gautama Buddha. Interestingly, all of the events occurred under trees.
The other three sites are in India: Bodh Gaya (enlightenment), Sarnath (first discourse), and Kushinagar (death).



History

Lumbini is the traditional birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, who was born in the 7th or 6th century BC.
According to Buddhist tradition, Maya Devi (or Mayadevi) gave birth to the Buddha on her way to her parent's home in Devadaha in the month of May in the year 642 BC. Feeling the onset of labor pains, she grabbed hold of the branches of a shade tree and gave birth to Siddharta Gautama, the future Buddha. The Buddha is said to have announced, "This is my final rebirth" as he entered the world. Buddhist tradition also has it that he walked immediately after his birth and took seven steps, under each of which a lotus flower bloomed.
In 249 BC, the Buddhist convert Emperor Ashoka visited Lumbini and constructed four stupas and a stone pillar. Ashoka's Pillar bears an inscription that translates as: "King Piyadasi (Ashoka), beloved of devas, in the 20 year of the coronation, himself made a royal visit, Buddha Sakyamuni having been born here, a stone railing was built and a stone pillar erected to the Bhagavan ["blessed one"] having been born here. Lumbini village was taxed reduced and entitled to the eight part (only)".
Monasteries and temples were built at Lumbini until the 9th century, but Buddhism declined in the area after the arrival of Islam and later Hinduism. All that remained was a sculpture, revered by local women as a fertility symbol. The garden of the Buddha's birth was lost for a thousand years.
The site was rediscovered in 1895, when a German archaeologist came upon Ashoka's Pillar, identified by its inscription. Records made by the Chinese pilgrim Fa Xian were also used in the process of identifying this religiously acclaimed site. Lumbini was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.


What to See

Lumbini lies in the foothills of the Himalayas in Nepal. The site is a large garden with a grove of pipal trees. The area around Lumbini is entirely Hindu, but many Buddhist temples and shrines from various nations are scattered around the holy site itself.
The most important temple at Lumbini is the Maya Devi Temple, which enshrines the traditional site of the Buddha's birth. The current temple stands on the site of earlier temples and stupas, including the stupa built by Ashoka.
The modern temple consists mainly of simple white building that protects ancient ruins, with the exact spot of the Buddha's birth identified. The delicate sandstone sculptures discovered here are now in the National Musuem in Kathmandu.
Atop the temple is a small square tower of the type seen in Kathmandu, with Buddha eyes on each side and a golden pinnacle on top.
On the south side of the temple is a sacred pool (see top photo), where it is said Maya Devi bathed before giving birth, and where the newborn Buddha was washed by two dragons.
The Maha Devi temple is surrounded by the brick foundations of ancient temples and monasteries. All around Lumbini, long lines of colorful prayer flags are strung between trees. They carry prayers and mantras heavenward as they flap on the breeze.
The other main sight of interest at Lumbini is Ashoka's Pillar, near the temple. It is protected by a small fence, which is decorated with prayer flags and banners from the faithful. Around the courtyard containing the pillar are bowls for incense sticks, and there is room to sit in front of the pillar for contemplation.

Getting There

Lumbini is in west-central Nepal near the Indian border. It is not terribly easy to get to, and the site does not receive a large amount of visitors. Most pilgrims to Lumbini come from Southeast Asia, Japan and Tibet, but westerners come regularly as well.
Lumbini has a small airport, which receives flights from airlines like the aptly-named Buddha Air. Consult the links below for more information.

Quick Facts

Site Information
Names:Lumbini
Location:Nepal
Faith:Buddhism
Categories:Shrines; Buddhist Temples; World Heritage Sites
Date:Founded 249 BC; current temple built c.1900
Features:Footsteps of the Buddha
Status:active
Visitor Information
Coordinates:27.469483° N, 83.275453° E   (view on Google Maps)
Lodging:View hotels near this location
more photos at http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=lumbini birthplace of buddha

Note: This information was accurate when published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

thai temples in Singapore (info may NOT be latest)

LIST OF THAI BUDDHIST TEMPLES IN SINGAPORE

WAT PALELAI
http://www.watpalelai.org/
49 Bedok Walk
Singapore 469145.
Tel:-2440317
Founded in the year 1962/BE2505 by Ven Phrakhru Prakasa Dhammakun (Phra Chamnong Keorsmays)
Current chief abbot is Phra Maha Prasit Polchaiya

WAT SUWANKIRIWANARAMA
2030-V Pulau Ubin
Singapore 508388.
Tel:-5423468


 
WAT ANANDA METYARAM
http://www.watananda.com/
(strongly recommended to visit)
(short period of monkhood is available here, check their website for more info)

50-B Jalan Bukit Merah
Singapore 169545.
Tel:-2724240
Founded in the year 1923/BE2466 by Ven Luang Phor Hong.
Current chief abbot is Ven. Phra Pannadhannavides

WAT UTTAMAYANMUNI
32-B Track 4, Choa Chu Kang Road.
Singapore 689382.
Tel:-7691751
Founded in the year 1962/BE2505
Current chief abbot is Phravicharanayanmuni


WAT SATTHA PUCHANIYARAM
395 Bukit Batok West Ave 8
Singapore 658963.
Tel:-5634935
Founded in the year 1963/BE2506 by Ven Phrakhru Saddhanukul Foo Hong Kim.
Current chief abbot is Phrakhru Saddhanukul Foo


WAT DHAMMACAKRA
8 Jalan Sikudangan
Singapore 368393.
Tel:-7452788


WAT PORNCHAIYARAMA
550 Lor 3 Geylang Road
Singapore 388796.
Tel:-8419131


WAT BUDDHACAKRARATANARAMA
21 Seraya Cresent
Singapore 388503.
Tel:-4530407


WAT KANCANARAMA
2 Lorong Ong Lye
Singapore 536358.
Tel:-2886945


WAT SANGKHARATANARAMA
18 Jalan Datoh Road
Singapore 329415.
Tel:-3525761


WAT BUDDHA SANTIDHAMMA
20 Lorong Marican
Singapore 417215.
Tel:-8468227 Fax:-8460635
Founded in the year 1985/BE2528 by Phrakhru Athorn Kalyanwat (Luang Phor Phern)
Current chief abbot is Phrakhru Palat Charan


WAT BUDDHAGURA
27 Jalan Senyum
Singapore 418151.
Tel:-4458337
Founded in the year 1988/BE2531 by Ven Mahaviro Seck Kong Hian
Current chief abbot is Phra Mahaviro Kong Hian


 
WAT BUDDHAARUNCHAI
17 Jalan Vaunghan Road
Singapore 358103.
Tel:-3839916


WAT DHOTYAHOM
9 Geylang Lorong 30
Singapore.
Tel:-8418532
Current chief abbot is Phra Anan Toh


WAT BUDDHASANTISOOK
24 Mangis Road
Singapore 424692.
Tel:-3444913
Current chief abbot is Phra Palad Sooyin


WAT CHAIMONGKOL
24 Silat Road
Singapore 545782.
Tel:-2827180

bangkok dinner cruises

Bangkok Dinner Cruises & Shows

Bangkok Tours

Bangkok at night, especially along the city's spectacular Chao Praya River, is a wonder to behold. For proof of this, look no further than one of many available dinner cruises. While you wine and dine in luxurious surroundings, you'll get a true taste of just how much this city dazzles at night.
Shimmering temples, glistening skyscrapers and a rich stream of passing nocturnal traffic will greet you from every direction. As you lap up the first-class hospitality and delicious Thai food on board your converted rice barge or luxury cruiser, you'll get a true sense of what makes the 'River of Kings' such an evocative spot. Rounding off the experience will be a cool, tropical breeze and romantic candlelit ambiance, making this a simply unforgettable occasion.

Ayutthaya Rice Barge Dinner Cruise

Thai set menu | View of Chao Phraya River | Explore the Island City
Ayutthaya, in the romantic surroundings of the old capital, preserves its precious treasures, arts and culture for later generations. Board “NATTAWARIN – Ayutthaya Cruise”, or the intellectual of the river in Thai, an exquisite converted traditional teak rice barge... Read more...

Bangkok Manohra Dinner Cruise

Luxury rice barge cruise | Thai cuisine | Riverside scenery and sights
Made of delicate teak wood, the beautifully restored 50-year old Manohra rice barge is the perfect venue for an unforgettable cuisine-meets-culture experience. On this evening dinner cruise, glide up the Chao Phraya river, past time-honoured treasures like Wat Arun and the Grand Palace... Read more...

Bangkok Loy Nava Cruise

Traditional Thai food | Sunset scenery | Rice barge cruise
While on board the Tahsaneeya Nava, an antique teakwood rice barge, drift down the most historic section of the Chao Phraya River. While dining open-air, pass landmarks like the Temple of Dawn, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace. Read more...

Bangkok Grand Pearl Cruise

Modern cruise boat | International buffet | Chao Phraya River scenery
Experience the Chao Phraya River by candlelight with this dinner cruise on the luxurious Grand Pearl. After being welcomed with warm smiles and cocktails, you'll admire the beauty of the city's passing riverside sights. You'll revel in the captivating charm of Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) Read more...

Bangkok Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise

Chao Phraya River View | Thai & International Buffet Dinner | Thai Classical Dance
“Amazing Dinner Cruise”
Being first under the Chao Phraya Cruise family, this luxury choice of its kind has catered to guests from around the world, including several VIPs and dignitaries. Read more...

Bangkok Wanfah Dinner Cruise

Chao Phraya River View |Thai & Seafood set menu | Thai Classical Dance
A memorable night out aboard one of Bangkok's most luxurious boat restaurant. Relax in modern comfort and experience the warmth of Thai hospitality. Dine on a variety of authentic Thai food cruising along the Chao Phraya River. You can take in the scenic sunset and river life by night. A truly exotic experience and unforgettable. Read more...

Bangkok Shangri-la Horizon Cruise

Luxury cruise boat | International buffet | Riverside scenery and sights
Departing from the Shangri-La pier on board the luxury Shangri-La Horizon river cruiser, guests enjoy a sumptuous Thai and international dinner buffet while taking in nocturnal views of Bangkok's majestic Chao Phraya River. Glimmering lights, shimmering temples and many other twilight city sights will greet you as you dine on the River of Kings. Read more...

Bangkok Song Fang Klong Dinner Cruise

Varieties of dining | Romantic remembrance | Chao Phraya River View
The “Song Fang Klong” a new comer, classic cruise invites you to be a part of one of the most ultimate experiences touchable in Thailand. Witness the luminous city lights of Bangkok along the calm bank of the beautiful Chao Phraya River. Read more...

hotels in bangkok

http://www.bangkok.com/pratunam/pratunam-where-to-stay.htm

First Hotel

3-Star | Business & Leisure | Banquet & Meeting Facilities
First Hotel Bangkok is a medium-sized hotel offering 368 fully furnished rooms and a wide choice of dining options, including Thai restaurant, International food, Muslim and Indian. Featuring all of the amenities, facilities and levels of comfort you woguld expect from a hotel of this class, First Hotel manages to maintain the meticulous standards required by travel and tour operators worldwide. Suitable for business and leisure travelers alike, its offers guests a wide variety of facilities combined with a personalised service. Situated in the city centre, the First Hotel Bangkok is within walking distance of business districts, scenic cultural attractions, wonderful shopping and glittering night life. Read more...
(First Hotel has rooms available at special price on LateStays, starting at 808 THB for the next 28 Days only)

bangkok travel safety - dishonest taxi driver

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/Thailand/Central_Eastern_Thailand/Bangkok-1445238/Warnings_or_Dangers-Bangkok-TG-C-1.html

At Least Do This: Use a credit card to pay if you suspect of being scam. Then deliberately sign under a different name or initials. Upon receiving the bill, tell your credit card company that you didnt sign for that bill. One scam deserves another scam!! The only people who loose out are the original scammers as the credit card company will back charge the restaurant or shopping place.
Alternative: Always take the sky train or MRT if you intend to go to any restaurant or shopping places. Make sure you have a photo of the place you want to go to.......otherwise be prepared to be brought to a fake location where prices are easily 5X to 10x of the origional.

Tuk-tuks (39 Reviews - 27 Photos)

  1. Beware of Tuk tuk drivers near major sights! by Ines28
  2. Bangkok, go prepared by Myndo
  3. Gas Vouchers by Rachelynn
  4. Beware,be educated and have fun! by thedouglas
  5. Tuktuk drivers by Mahieu

» More Tuk-tuks Reviews

Don't bother with the Tuk Tuk's.

I got on one earlier today at a promise of 5 baht.

He took me to many tailors, gem merchants & a tourist office. After refusing to go to any more, the driver turned from a nice guy to a hostile angry mofo.

He intentionally stalled his tuk tuk and claimed he had ran out of fuel... and demanded petrol money. So I sat in the tuk tuk and refused to get out. After traffic kept beeping he magically started it up and stalled it again at a more convenient place.

So after an arguement I got out, didn't pay and walked 1.5 miles back to Koh San in midday heat. He left me in a dodgy area, alone and i'm young so he clearly didn't give a ***.

Stay away from Tuk Tuks!

Taxi scams (36 Reviews - 17 Photos)

  1. Dishonest Taxi drivers by kiely
  2. New Official Taxi Scam at Bangkok Airport Update by gaolei
  3. Grand Palace is Open by trisanna
  4. Beware of (some) Taxis by Arjaree
  5. Mad Taxis by Unknownsu
» More Taxi scams Reviews

Jewellery and Gem Scams. (28 Reviews - 4 Photos)

  1. Gem Scam continued.... by aberacadabra
  2. Wat Phra Keow is never closed !!! by aberacadabra
  3. jem scams by trisanna
  4. Gem Scam by aukjejetty
  5. A Little Story by Unknownsu
» More Jewellery and Gem Scams. Reviews

Con Artists (26 Reviews - 8 Photos)

  1. Fake International Police by beebah
  2. A Warning from the Bangruk Police in Bangkok by balisunshine
  3. Fake Monks by SumTingWong
  4. Nice Old Man - University Professor by tna
  5. First time travellers beware by citytrip
» More Con Artists Reviews

Closed? Best check for yourself. (21 Reviews - 7 Photos)

  1. Closed? Are you sure? by SWFC_Fan
  2. Closed!! by Pete.Gibson
  3. Don't believe people who say the palace is closed by Rodan44
  4. The Grand Palace is closed today by Dabs
  5. I spoke earlier about the... by shivan
» More Closed? Best check for yourself. Reviews

bangkok shooting range about SIN$100 for 50 bullets similiar in Singapore

sources:  http://bangkokshootingrange.com/index.htm

Bangkok Shooting Range in Bangkok,Thailand
Many people think if come to Thailand in addition to sightseeing attractions such as mountains or sea, someone want adventure tour or love challenges.
But need to travel relatively longtime. Or someone not have enough time.
Bangkok Shooting Range, Bangkok Thailandwe have another option for tourists, who don’t have enough time. And we are located in  downtown Bangkok,  so you don't  have spend a lot of time on the  bus or Taxi.
It takes only 2-3 hours including transfer from and to you hotel or any other place in Bangkok.
You can reach us in about 15-25 min. from Silom, Sukhumvit or Siam area. (Central World, Siam Paragon)
Our large shooting range is distance of 25 meters with a capacity that will fit more than 20 people to shoot all at once.  A technical will be present to instruct you at all times, so even a group of first timers, women or elderly may enjoy a safe and a pleasant shooting.  And for serious shooters who wish to skill-up their shooting techniques and score-up their shooting ability, a well-trained officer may instruct you individually if requested.

Bangkok Shooting Range Best Service Bangkok Thailand
Gun shooting in Bangkok Thailand
We are open to all People, who are Interested in a new experiences,
On a very safe level ! Feel free to contact us !
Times: Daily (9:00 am. - 17:00 pm.) all year.
Duration: 1 - 2 hours
Pick up:  Pick you up any place in Bangkok
We offer a wide choice of Bangkok Shooting guns !
Choose either Luger Revolver Shooting or Magnum Gun Shooting for your group.
All trip options also include learning how to use a rifle and a pump action shotgun.
Long Gun Shooting in Bangkok Thailand

1000thai baht  about  SIN$45
You Can Choose Bangkok Shooting of Trip
Trip.
  Gun Shooting type.
Bullets
hot gun shootingPromotion!
Online
hot gun shooting
Additional Option
50 Bullets
Gun Shooting .38mm

.38 mm

50

2,450 THB.
Gun Shooting  Booking

2,000 THB.
Gun Shooting .45mm

.45 mm

50

2,450 THB.
Gun Shooting Booking

2,000 THB.
Gun Shooting .9mm

.9 mm

50

2,450 THB.
Gun Shooting  Booking

2,000 THB.
Clay Shooting Bangkok

Clay Pigeon Shooting

25

2,450 THB.
Gun Shooting Booking

2,000 THB.
Gun Shooting Bangkok
.357
    .22 Rifle
    Shotgun
    Other Gun
More
Package
Special for Group ! 1. Group of 4 peple with any of the choice the package above get 50 THB. Off !
2. Group of 10 peple with any of the choice the package above get 100 THB. Off !
Activity Price of Gun Shooting qq

1. Pick you up any place in Bangkok
2. One gun for your choice and Shooting range fee.
3. Include 50 bullets , Target
4. Instruction fee
5. Ear protector rental fee.
6.
Cold drink
7. A cold wet hand towel will be provided after shooting.
Remark : Our shooting range is located within Bangkok area,
However incase we need to take highway, please be responsible for the toll fee.
( Ex.Wihtin bangkok 45 THB,Motor way 30 THB, Tool way 35 THB.)

Thursday, September 16, 2010

spa in bangkok

http://blog.tourismthailand.org/EugeneTang/?p=1174

The Bangkok Oasis Spa (Thailand)
The Bangkok Oasis Spa (Thailand)
After having enjoyed the aromatic hot stones massage in Phuket. I have discovered another ultimate spa experience in the heart of Bangkok’s city – a signature Four Hands Massage offered by The Oasis Spa located at 64 Soi Sawasdee Sukhumvit. The elegant day spa is well hidden in a lush green private garden. The Chiangmai Oasis Spa was opened in 2003 by Mr Pakin Ployphicha and Toby Allen, and has rapidly expanded into Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket and is fast becoming one of Thailand’s greatest day spa.
Reception @ The Bangkok Oasis Spa (Thailand)
The Reception @ The Bangkok Oasis Spa (Thailand)
It is a totally different world in the Bangkok Oasis Spa; you will be treated like royalty from the moment you arrive. Pamper is the key work. Tea is served from authentic Thai fine porcelain tea set. The front desk staffs are warm, cheerful and gracious and the room is filled with a gentle aroma. During summer, the garden is ignited by the Flame of the Forest and painted the garden red.
Thai Herbal treatment @ The Bangkok Oasis Spa (Thailand)
Authentic Thai herbs @ The Oasis Spa (Thailand)
The Bangkok Oasis Spa offers spa patrons a wide selection of spa treatments from Thai massages , body polishes, wraps, facials, and classic beauty therapies to Oasis Signature Massages. There is a total of 12 couples treatment rooms tastefully furnished with a touch of Lanna style. Every client has a choice to mix and match the spa treatments to suit their needs to enjoy the ultimate spa experience. The King of Oasis (3900 THB exclude tax and service charge) is a 2 hrs sporty massage tailored for men using Thai herbal ball. For the ladies, the Oasis Pampering spa package (2700 THB exclude tax and service charge) consists of body scrub, aroma hot oil massage and royal Thai facial. The treatment lasts for 2.5 hrs.
Treatment Room @ The Bangkok Oasis Spa (Thailand)
Couple Treatment Room @ The Bangkok Oasis Spa (Thailand)
The room is very holistic and the bed is comfortable. I love the ideal of placing a simple flower arrangement beneath the bed. When I laid on my back, it has a thereputic effect. I am getting pampered like a newborn baby. The treatment began with a traditional Ayuverdic Head Massage to release tension and relax me. The therapist worked graciously on my face and head using the best quality essential oil extracted from homemade Thai herbs. I love the nice scalp massage. I was hypnotized with the nature sounds from the cascading waterfall and soothing background music. Completely put my mind at ease.
Ayuraveda Head Massage @ The Oasis Spa
Traditional East Indian Style warm oil Massage @ The Oasis Spa (Thailand)
After a quick shower, a moment that I has been waiting for the past six months – Four-Handed Massage. Two therapists have to coordinate and synchronize their stroke movements with the background music. It is an amazing feeling like an artist painting his great masterpiece on my back. I am in Heaven. All the therapists have to complete at least 45 days intensive skill training in Chiangmai. If you have a deep pocket, I will recommend you to try the 90 mins new signature authentic Lanna Music Gold Massage. It is a four-handed massage will definitely make your skin glow in which you will be rubbed down with fragrant oil infused with 24K gold flakes.
Golden Lanna Signature Massage @ The Oasis Spa (Thailand)
Golden Lanna Signature Massage @ The Oasis Spa (Thailand)
No matter where you are, you can always make your reservation online and booking is compulsory. The Bangkok Oasis Spa can organize limousine service to pick you up at Sukhumvit area. A dedicated service team is the foundation of successful spa operations . The Oasis Spa has received 3 prestigious Awards: The Prime Minister’s Export Award (2007), SME’s Best Brand Award (2007) and The Award of Excellence for Thai Day Spas (2008) by Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and managed by Destiny Enterprises Co Ltd.
Garden Patio @ The Bangkok Oasis Spa (Thailand)
Garden Patio @ The Bangkok Oasis Spa (Thailand)
Reserve a day to pamper yourself at the newly opened Phuket Oasis Spa and I believe that you will come back for more. The Oasis Spa is determined to provide each client with the ULTIMATE SPA EXPERIENCE by combining ancient secrets with advanced discoveries in beauty and wellness to create treatments that feel good and make a difference.
Getting There:
Alight at BTS Prompong Station.Get a taxi at exit 2
Contact Information:
The Bangkok Oasis Spa64 Sukhumvit 31 (Soi Sawasdee)
Bangkok 10110
www.bangkokoasis.com
Open Daily 10.00am-10.00pm
4 Hands Massage @ The Oasis Spa (Thailand)
Four Hands Massage for men, women and couples @ The Oasis Spa (Thailand)

sticky rice with coconut milk and mangoes

Desserts in Thailand – Kao Niao Mamuaug (mangoes served with coconut milk and sticky rice)

Kao Niao  Mamuaug (mangoes served with coconut milk  and sticky rice)
I love Thailand honey mangoes (Nam Dok Mai ?)??and it is sweet and juicy.?? Mango??(Ma-Muang) season starts between March and June which falls on the summer months. It is probably the most popular and typical of Thai fruit.
It is??very cheap in the markets?? during the fruiting season as compare??to Singapore.?? It costs about 40 – 50??THB????for a Thai honey mango??back home. Chachoengsao province is famous for mangoes with an annual?? mango fair. The mango trees are mostly found in Amphoe Bang Khla and Amphoe Plaeng Yao. Popular varieties being grown by mango orchardists are Raet, Khiao Sawoei, Nam Dok Mai, Chaokhun Thip, Thong Dam, etc.
Kao Niao?? Mamuaug (mangoes served with coconut milk?? and sticky rice) is a must try dessert??if you visit Thailand. It is catered both on roadside-shops and in restaurants.??When in season, it has become a regular meal for many??local people??by eating mango with sticky rice and coconut milk.
It is one of the most popular desserts in Thailand beside Kao Chae ( rice served in cold jamine water) during the Songkran Festival. For sure, I will??never miss my authentic mango juice and spicy mango salad during my trip.
Kao Chae (Rice served in cold jamine water)
Kao Chae

Bangkok four faced buddha

http://blog.tourismthailand.org/EugeneTang/?p=649

Around Bangkok – Four-Faced Buddha of Erawan Shrine

Temples in Thailand -  The original Four-Faced Buddha of  Erawan Shrine-The Face of Peace and Health
Original Four-Faced Buddha image of Erawan Shrine (Bangkok)
I am quite a spiritual person and there are three normal routine that I normally do whenever I have time in Bangkok. Paying respect to the Four-Faced Buddha at Erawan Shrine located next to Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok is my top priority. FYI, the four-headed statue is an image of Brahma or Phra Phrom in Thai- a class of celestial beings but not Lord Buddha. Locals believe that prayers will be answered when one prays to this Buddha especially on Thursday. Next, I will catch a cab or motorbike to do merit making at Ruamkatanyu Foundation??next to Wat Hua Lampong by offering one or a pair of coffins for a safe journey in Thailand. The temple is located directly above San Yan MRT station before proceeding to Thien Fa Foundation in Bangkok’s Chinatown (Yawaorat) to pay homage to Kwan Si Yim Phu Sak??or Goddness of Mercy. Above all, I also pay respect to Lord Ganesha and Phra Trimurti (God of Love) shrine in front of the Central World Plaza as well.
Four-Faced Buddha of Erawan Shrine - A wish fulfilled
Traditional Thai Dancers @ Four-Faced Buddha of Erawan Shrine (Bangkok)
Erawan Shrine or San Phra Phrom is located diagonally opposite to Central World Shopping Mall (former World Trade Centre) at the junction of Ratchadamri Road and Phloenchit Road , and also within walking distance if you are coming from Pratunam, MBK or Siam square. The place is popular among Asian tourists and many locals come here and make their offering. This place can be crowded on certain times. In the past, the Shrine was built as a spirit house – home to the guardian of the place/building for the Erawan Hotel which has now made way for the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel. The gilded plaster statue was enshrined on November 9, 1956 and devotees from all over the world will come and pay homage to the highly revered deity on this date. If so, please mark this date on your calender. Unfortunately, the status was destroyed by a demented man in March 2006 and a replacement was built in May 2006. The name Erawan comes from Brahma’s thirty-three headed elephant.
Four-Faced Buddha of  Erawan Shrine- Offering
Offering @ Four-Faced Buddha of Erawan Shrine (Bangkok)
The Four-Faced Buddha literally has four faces. The first Face starts in a clockwise direction from the entrance of the shrine which represents the Face of Peace and Health, Face of Good Fortune, Face of Good Relationships and Face of Protection against Evils. People offer garlands of marigold flowers, lotus, young coconuts, candles and incense sticks to the Four-Faced Budhha at the 4 corners in a clockwise direction. Often, if a wish has been granted, people thank the spirits by donating teak elephants, gigantic candles or commissioning the classical Thai dancers and musicians to perform to the Gods. Many Thai use gold leaf and make an offering-by placing the gold on the wooden elephants. I was told by a friend that to pray on Thursday because your wishes will come true.
Holy water
Holy Urn filled with holy water (Four-Faced Buddha of Erawan Shrine)
An urn of holy water is located at the corner of the Shrine and people usually sprinkle the water over their heads and shoulders or dropping coins into the water for good luck after prayer.
Cages of birds on sold for releasing
Cages of birds on sold for releasing
At the entrance of the Shrine, caged birds like Munia are sold for releasing. Thais people believe in merit making and it is supposed to bring good luck and tickets bought from the lottery sellers are also considered lucky. I usually do my merit making at Ruamkatanyu Foundation. It is much cheaper. It costs only 100 THB for 7 birds. It is crazy to pay 500 THB for a cage of birds!!! It is a great experience by visiting the Four-Faced Buddha of Erawan Shrine in the heart of the city to learn more about the Thai people belief and colourful culture. It is one of the top ten things to do for visitors visiting Thailand.
Four-Faced Buddha of  Erawan Shrine- Offering garlands of Marigold
Price for the dancers to dance for you
2 dancers = 260 Baht 4 dancers = 360 Baht 6 dancers = 610 Baht 8 dancers = 710 Baht . Remember to purchase your offering inside the Shrine because it will only cost you from 50 THB and above.
Visiting Times: Brahma Shrine: 6.00-23.00 hrs
Getting There: Skytrain to Siam Square if you are from the Silom Line or skytrain to Chit Lom Station if you are in Sukhumvit Line.
Four-Faced Buddha of  Erawan Shrine- Devotee make an offering using gold leaf
A devotee offers gold leaf @ Four Faced Buddha of Erawan Shrine (Bangkok)

bangkok floating market

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Bangkok Floating Markets

Short and Easy
Famous tourist site
Local food and snacks
Family friendly
Floating markets are like living museums where you can immerse in the local culture and way of life as it once was before the arrival of global consumerism. Well on the tourist trail, a trip to the Damnoen Saduak floating market will be a highlight of your trip to Bangkok.
Totally lively and somewhat chaotic, small 'khlongs' or canals are filled with flat boats piled high with fresh produce, each jockeying for position and paddled by ladies ready to stop and bargain at a moment’s notice. It's colourful, noisy, touristy but great fun. During the long-tail boat ride to market, you’ll pass orchards, traditional teak houses and local people going about their lives. You'll also visit Nakorn Pathom town, site of the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia.
Time:
07:30 - 12:30
Includes:
- Air conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide
- Transportation from/to hotels in major areas of Bangkok
- Admission fee as mentioned on this program
- Insurance
Excludes:
- Personal expenses such as drinks, tips etc.
- Other service not mentioned on this program

The Maeklong Market - making way for train

The Maeklong Market vs. the Maeklong Railway

Bangkok’s Maeklong Market has been in existence for decades. It remained relatively undisturbed until the later creation of the Maeklong Railway and, contrary to what you might see in the United States and in other parts of the world, there was no eminent domain law forcing market vendors to move.
Maeklong Market Railway
Image credit: Chrissy Olson

Making Way for the Train in Maeklong

The result? Every single day the Maeklong Railway line passes through Maeklong – 8 times a day, 7 days per week. The train literally runs directly through the middle of the market, forcing vendors to pull back their awnings and wares while shoppers find a place to step off of the track that serves as their only walkway.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lo8xwNaHgBE&feature=player_embedded

The second the train passes through, the awnings are lowered to their original positions, protecting the people and food from the heat of the mid-day sun. Rolling containers of fish, fruits, and vegetables are pushed back into position and business resumes as if nothing had happened.

Traveling the Maeklong Railway

The Maeklong Railway from Bangkok opened in 1905 and has a total of 18 stations in small villages and towns from beginning to end. The railway, which receives relatively little use compared to those in major cities, is regularly threatened with closure – though it seems that may never really happen.
Maeklong Market
Image credit: Chrissy Olson
The Maeklong Railway has two sections. The first goes as far as Samut Sakhon, sometimes referred to as Mahachai, where the railway suddenly ends when it reaches the river. After taking a ferry to the other side you can purchase a second ticket which will take you to Samut Songkhram, also referred to as Maeklong. Once you pass through the market at Maeklong you will reach the end of the railway line at yet another river.
Maeklong Railway Ending
Image credit: sugree
The Maeklong Railway has only one track, making it difficult to operate more than two or three trains at a time. The only time two trains can pass each other is if they are resting in one of the terminals.
Tourists on the Maeklong Railway should carefully plan their trips. The timing of the trains on each side of the river do not match up – as if they don’t really expect anyone who is merely visiting as a tourist to want to cross the river to begin with, let alone catch the next train. In some instances you may arrive as the train is pulling out of the station, while in others you may have to wait as long as two hours for the next train to arrive.

Exploring the Maeklong Market


When the train reaches the end of the railway line in Maeklong tourists will have plenty of time (about an hour) to get off the train and explore the market before the train turns around again. As soon as you reach the market you’ll be astounded at how well run it is, especially considering the most recent interruptions caused by your train as it rumbled through.

Introduce yourself to the locals and you’re bound to be greeted with welcoming smiles and handshakes. The locals in Maeklong rarely expect tourists to visit just to see their market and you will be as interesting to them as they and their businesses are to you.
Maeklong Market
Image credit: Chrissy Olson
When you get up close, be sure to explore the trays of vegetables and fish along the rails. You’ll notice that many are on wheels so that they can easily be slid out of the way when the train comes through. Other vendors have to physically lift their goods out of the way but there is always enough warning so that no one’s goods (or physical self) are harmed.

HOW TO GET THERE

Market on the Railway Tracks

Market train
There are two kinds of trips that I love doing but don’t often get a chance. These are boat trips and train trips. Well, this weekend I had a chance to do just that and I must tell you that I had a great time. For quite a few years I have heard stories about the mysterious Maeklong Railway that runs from Bangkok to Samut Songkhram, south-west of the capital. The railway is not part of the national network and you won’t find any of the train times listed on the timetable at the State Railway’s website. Not only that, but there is only one narrow track which is broken about half way by a river. Here you have to disembark and cross to the other side by boat. Then, at the far end you will find that the train tracks double as a market! It all seemed to good to be true and I had to take this journey before it became a thing of the past.
We started our trip in Bangkok on a Sunday morning. For most people, there are two well-known train terminals in Bangkok. These are Hualamphong Station and Bangkok Noi Station. However, there is one more on the west bank which not many people know about. It is called Wong Rian Yai and is just south of the large roundabout of the same name.  It is easy to find the roundabout as it has a large statue of King Taksin (no relation to Prime Minister Thaksin). However, the station is so tucked away that you really have to keep your eyes peeled as you are driving along. There only evidence that there is a station is a sign in Thai.
We turned in and found that there were only four parking spaces which were all taken. So we decided to drive further on down this narrow road. On both sides were vendors selling food and snacks to people waiting for the train. As we progressed the road became narrower and narrower. It became so narrow that we were starting to wonder whether we were going the right way. But we finally reached a place where we could safely park the car for the day. The attendant told us it would be 20 baht for the first two hours. I told him we were going to Samut Songkhram and would be away for the whole day. This seemed to shake him rather. Why would we want to take the train to Samut Songkram when we had a perfectly good car? In fact he was right. It would have been a lot quicker for us to drive straight there along the main highway. In the end he compromised on a fee of 50 baht.
Market train
Trains leave Wong Wian Yai about every hour between 5.30 a.m. and 8.10 p.m. The first stretch takes you to Samut Sakhon, which is confusingly called Mahachai by the local people. So, when you go to buy your ticket, make sure you say Mahachai. Here you catch a ferry to the other side and then buy another ticket to take you to Samut Songkhram. This also has a second name which is more commonly used by the locals. This time you need to ask for a ticket to Maeklong (the “k” is pronounced as a “g” ). You really have to plan your day well because the timetables don’t really match. Sometimes when your train arrives the other is leaving. Other times you only have 30 minutes or as much as two hours! We decided to catch the 10.40 a.m. train which gave us 110 minutes in Mahachai and 60 minutes in Maeklong.
I think there are only two or three train on this line. You couldn’t really have more as it is a single track. The trains can only pass when they are in a station. If you are feeling the heat, you will be glad to know that the 10.40 a.m. train has an air-conditioned carriage. The trip to Mahachai costs a whopping 10 baht. If you decide to sit in the air-con carriage, the conductor will ask you for an extra 15 baht. About 60 cents in total for a one hour journey! Not bad when you consider how much it would have cost me in petrol if I had driven there.
The train left on time and we trundled out of the station. After about 15 minutes we started to leave the big city behind us and the concrete blocks were replaced by banana plants and orchards. There were a number of brief stops along the way but none of them lasted for long. A few times when we stopped the only evidence I could see that we were at a station was a sign in Thai and English and a small patch of gravel. As we approached most of the roads, the driver blew his whistle and slowed down as he carefully looked both ways. He then crossed the road. Many of these roads didn’t have any barriers to stop the cars. Every now and then we were back into another community or passed a few factories. But, most of the time we were in the countryside. I must admit I was a bit like an excited schoolboy and kept looking out of the window on both sides. (A small tip, if you do decide to ride the air-conditioned car, you won’t see much out of the dirty windows!)
Market train
We arrived in Mahachai on time at 11.39 a.m. The time had passed quite quickly. We climbed down from the train on the lefthand side. But there was no obvious way to leave the station as there was another train blocking our away. This train was nearly full and it looked like it was about to depart. However, people from our train started to climb up into this train and out the other side. So, we decided to do the same. We weren’t actually in a rush as we had a full 110 minutes before the next train left from the station on the other side of the river. I reckoned it would take us at least 15 minutes to cross. Call it 30 minutes to be safe. As we had plenty of time I wandered to the area at the back of the train to take some pictures of the market vendors. Can you see our train in this picture? It has already been penned in and won’t be getting out in a rush!
 [Related article: Fish Market at Samut Sakhon ]

 
Market on the Railway Tracks
Maeklong railway
I have been telling you about my recent trip on the Maeklong Railway in Thailand where my first stop was Samut Sakhon (otherwise known as Mahachai). This city has one of the biggest fish markets in the country and I enjoyed myself looking around and also going on a boat trip on the river. The railway line from Bangkok opened to the public in 1905. Along its 31 km length there are 18 stations, though we didn’t stop at all of them. There has been talk of discontinuing this service but I don’t think they will do so. There were four carriages and some people had to stand up for the journey.
At Mahachai, we had to catch a ferry to the other side of the river in order to continue our journey to Samut Songkhram (otherwise known as Maeklong). We had to wait around for a while because the times didn’t match up. They don’t really expect you to go all the way from Bangkok to Maeklong. Actually, the second section from Ban Laem to Maeklong doesn’t seem as popular. There are only four trains a day and two carriages. But for me, it was the best section of the railway.
Our train was due to leave at 1.30 p.m. We had 110 minutes to explore Mahachai. This is the last train you can catch if you want to return the same day as the next train at 4.40 p.m. spends the night in Maeklong! The only other trains are 7.30 a.m. and 10.10 a.m.  When you go to buy the ticket you need to say you want to go to Maeklong. Don’t forget to pronounce it “mae-glong”. This will set you back 10 baht for the one hour journey. This line is slightly longer at 33 kms. If you arrive too late then you can buy the ticket on the train. Or, if you do that boat ride I mentioned before then you can ask your boatman to drop you off at Talat Phlu which is the second stop on the line.
Maeklong railway
This section of the railways spends more time in the countryside. The areas here is not so built up and the journey proved to be more enjoyable. When you go, make sure you get a window seat on the left hand side. There is more action and scenery on this side! It isn’t long before the greenery makes way for the salt farms and windmills. Saltwater is pumped into shallow, large ponds in the fields and then left to drain. As we passed we could see dozens of people raking salt into piles. At another place people were loading large sacks of salt onto a truck. It was fascinating to watch them at work as we trundled past at a leisurely pace. I made a mental note to come back here by car to explore the salt farms.
The journey was over very quickly and we soon entered a built up area. The outskirts of Maeklong. I knew that during the last 100 metres or so the train would pass through a market. Literally. I know it sounds strange but this was my planned highlight of the trip. I wanted to get pictures of the market stallholders pulling back their produce as we passed through the market. It had always intrigued me and I wanted to come and see for myself. For this event, I made sure I was at the front of the train. The door to the driver’s cabin was open and I asked him if it was OK if I took some pictures. He said “no problem”. As we approached a corner he sounded his whistle a number of times. Then, as we rounded the corner we were presented  with the image in the above pictures. I thought I would see people rushing to grab their vegetables before it was run over by the train. But, they knew the train was coming and everything had been cleared!
I took a few pictures here, then went back to my seat to see if I could take some pictures of the people in the market from my window. But, as they had pulled back their awnings, I couldn’t see anything! In fact, we were so close that I didn’t dare to stick my head out of the window. It wasn’t quite as I had imagined it but nevertheless it was an interesting experience. A short while later we arrived at the final stop on the line. In front of us was another river blocking our way. There was a ferry here to the other side but sadly no more tracks. The next train to leave was at 3.30 p.m. so we had about an hour to explore the city. Not enough time to go on the river but time enough to explore that market on the railways tracks.
Maeklong railway
By the time we had walked to the market at the rear of the train everything was back to normal. The awnings had been pulled back to give shelter from the blazing sun. All of the vegetables and seafood had been pushed back closer to the line. If you look closely at the picture, you will see that some of the seafood containers are on wheels. For these they just pull them back to let the train pass. However, other people have to literally carry their vegetables away from the tracks. The market vendors are actually on either side of the tracks. It is the customer who has to walk down the middle of the tracks. This is probably OK for Thai people but I had to keep ducking as there wasn’t much headroom here.
As we went along I took quite a few pictures and also bought some seafood for my meal that night. As I asked for the price in Thai the vendor was taken back and started asking me a bunch of questions. Where was I from? What work was I doing? How long had I been in Thailand? Then, as I walked on, I could hear her excitedly telling other sellers all about me. It was so obvious they don’t get many foreigners down here. Actually, that reminds me. When we were in Mahachai, a Thai family came up to me waving their camera. Of course I thought they wanted me to take their family portrait. I often volunteer to do this. However, the mother wanted her picture taken with me! Now, that hasn’t happened to me for a long time. I remember when I was backpacking across China more than 10 years ago I used to have people lining up to have their picture taken with me. But not so much in Thailand.
After about 100 metres we reached the end of the market. We bought some iced coffee here near the road then turned around and proceeded to walk back through this fascinating market! We could, of course, walked back along the road, but a market like this was just too good to miss. Back at the station we still had about 20 minutes before the train was due to leave. It was actually our train and I noticed that a lot of the people that had come with us were waiting to go back. Thinking we had plenty of time we sat down and ordered a bowl of noodles each. There didn’t seem to be many people on the train so we didn’t think there was a rush to find a seat. That was our mistake.
Maeklong railway
With only five minutes to spare, we went to buy our tickets and then boarded the train. It still wasn’t full but people had reserved their seats by putting plastic water bottles or shopping on their seats. Unfortunately, all the best seats had already been taken. A lesson to learn for next time. If you do this trip then make sure you reserve your seat for the return journey before you get off. My seat this time was near the rear on the lefthandside. I had my back to the engine. I was thinking about going forward again to take some more pictures when I suddenly had this brainwave. Why didn’t I take some action shots from the rear window! This way I would get some pictures of them pushing their produce back to the tracks as we passed.
This turned out to be an excellent idea though with one small problem. The window was not only dirty but the sun was shining straight into my eyes. Not so easy to take pictures but then I had this other idea. Why not take a video? So, I ended up with this excellent one minute video which I posted yesterday over at our sister site thailandvideoblogs.com. This worked out really well. As we passed through the market, you will be able to see on the video, the market vendors pushing their produce back to the tracks. I made a note that if I ever returned here, I would take pictures from the rear of the train as we arrived so that I wouldn’t be shooting into the sun. Then, when we left I would shoot from the front.
The return journey passed very quickly. However, it wasn’t uneventful. About halfway back, the train started to slow down (not long after passing under the main highway from Bangkok) and people rushed to the windows on the lefthandside. I couldn’t see what was going on at first. Then someone tossed out a bag of cucumbers. Then about 30 monkeys ran towards the train. I have never seen so many monkeys in one place. That was fun. After we had watched them for a while, the train continued on its journey back to Mahachai. At the terminal station, we followed everyone to the front of the train and walked the short distance to the river to a different pier. I guess this was a special boat put on for people from our train. As the trip was slightly longer it cost 5 baht instead of 2 baht.
Back in Mahachai we had about an hour to wait for our train. This was just long enough to walk around and to buy some refreshments. You know, I had a really enjoyable day. It was tiring for sure but it was fun and certainly a wonderful experience. I really want to do this again and I have already made plans. The next time I will drive down to Mahachai earlier in the morning to see the fish market. And then catch the train to Maeklong where I will spend longer in order to explore more. That way I can be there when a train arrives and passes through this wonderful market.
The next time you are in Thailand, make sure you find time for this train trip.You won’t regret it.
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