Saturday, September 25, 2010

culture - Dos and Don'ts in Bangkok

How do you address someone older than you when in Thailand?  Or how should you greet someone in Thailand.  These and other useful tips on Thai Culture.

Dos and Don'ts

Useful Thai Food Phrases Useful Getting Around Phrases Thai Names

Dos and Don'ts in Bangkok

Here are some tips on Thai etiquette and Thai culture.

How to greet a local

  • Place my palms together as if I'm saying a prayer. This is the wai gesture.
  • The tips of my fingers should be somewhere between my chin and nose; closer to the nose if I am greeting a person of higher honour, e.g. an elderly.
  • For females, you say 'sawa-dii-kha'. For males, you say 'sawa-dii-khrap'.

Avoid losing your temper

  • Bangkok is the Land of Smiles, so avoid losing your temper under any circumstances, because this means a loss of face for both you and those around. Always keep a cool head and look on the bright side.

Avoid the feet and head

  • Never point your feet at people or things because it is the lowest part of the body, physically and spirtually.
  • Similarly, as the head is regarded as the highest part of the body, never touch a Thai on the head. But do apologize immediately if you accidentally do so, or it's considered very rude.

Public Displays of affection

  • You may see the younger, more "modernised" Thai couples holding hands in the cities, like Bangkok. But generally, for Thai culture, public displays of affection is frowned upon.

For Women

  • Do not touch a Buddhist monk if you are a woman. If you want to give something a monk, pass it to a man who will pass it to the monk. Or, spread a cloth in front of the monk and place your gift on it.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

good buddhist book

sources:   http://www.buddhanet.net/ftp12.htm

Note: These PDFs have been zipped due to large file sizes, you will need Win-Zip Win Zip (or similar) and Acrobat Reader Acrobat Reader Version 4 or higher to view these files.
Zipped FileDownload File
File size
PDFPDF Documents - File Description
 • pdf_filelist06.zip
45 KB
- Updated File List of BuddhaNet's eBook Library, with descriptions.
281 KB
-The BuddhaNet Brochure.
520 KB
-3 Teachings: Retreat, Mahamudra, Mindfulness — Ven. Tenzin Palmo.
214 KB
-The Four Noble Truths — Ajahn Sumedho.
 • 4sublime_states.zip
558 KB
-The Four Sublime States — Ven. Nyanaponika Thera.
427 KB
-Sixty Songs of Milarepa — Translated by Garma C.C. Chang. [Mahayana]
 • abhidhamma.zip
1,071 KB
-A Manual of Abhidhamma — Ven. Narada Maha Thera.
 • abhidhaultsci.zip
1,756 KB
-Buddha Abhidhamma, Ultimate Science — Dr Mehn Tin Mon.
 • abhistudy.zip
519 KB
-Abhidhamma Studies (Buddhist Psychology) — Ven. Nyanaponika Thera.
 • acariya-mun.zip
1,677 KB
-Acariya Mun Bhuridatta - A Spiritual Biography — Tr. Bhikkhu Dick Silaratano.
940 KB
-Buddha's Constant Companion: Ven. Ananda — Ven. Sarada Maha Thero.
450 KB
-Animal Magnetism: Attraction of Spiritual Leaders — Francis Story.
70 KB
-The Art of Attention (vipassana meditation) — Ven. Pannyavaro.
449 KB
-The Art of Living (Parts 1&2) — Ven. Master Chin Kung.
1,660 KB
-The 31 Planes of Existence — Ven. Suvanno Mahathera.
265 KB
-Talks on Vipassana Meditation — Ven. Sayadaw U Kundala.
155 KB
-Loving-kindness Meditation — Ven. Sujiva.
 • advice.zip
894 KB
-Advice for Monks and Nuns — Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa.
888 KB
-Anapanasati - Mindfulness of Breathing — Ven. Buddhadasa Bhikkhu.
 • bd_students.zip
503 KB
-Buddha Dhamma for University Students — Buddhadasa, Bhikkhu.
370 KB
-Becoming Your Own Therapist — Lama Thubten Yeshe.
1,131 KB
-Sutra on the Eight Great Realization of Great Beings — Thich Nhat Hanh.
 • beyond-belief.zip
608 KB
-Beyond Belief: Buddhist Critique of Fundamental Christianity — A L De Silva.
 • bhikkhuni_patimokkha.zip
1,132KB
-Bhikkhuni Patimokkha of the Six Schools — Chatsumarn Kabilsingh Ph.D.
729 KB
-Theravadin Buddhist Monk's Rules — compiled by Bhikkhu Ariyesako.
 • bm7insight.zip
289 KB
-Seven Stages of Purification & Insight Knowledges — Ven. Matara Sri Nanarama.
2,821 KB
-Brahmavihara Dhamma — Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw.
 • breathmind.zip
1,008 KB
-Keeping the Breath in Mind & Lessons in Samadhi — Ajaan Lee Dhammadharo.
 • budartthai2.zip
3,361 KB
-Buddhist Arts in Thailand — Ms Charuwan Chareonla.
 • buddhadhammcakra.zip
2,948 KB
-Phra Buddha Dhammacakra — Wat Phra Rama.
 • buddhist_funeral.zip
987 KB
-A Guide to a Proper Buddhist Funeral.
 • buddhistpilgrimage.zip
3,361 KB
-Buddhist Pilgrimage — Chan Khoon San.
279 KB
-The Buddha and His Disciples — Ven. S. Dhammika.
536 KB
-Buddhism in Myanmar - A Short History — Roger Bischoff.
513 KB
-Buddhism in Sri Lanka - A Short History — H.R. Perera.
341 KB
-Buddhism in Thailand — Karuna Kusalasaya.
 • buddhinthai.zip
1,092 KB
-Buddhism in Thailand — Published by The World Buddhist University.
285 KB
-Handbook For Mankind — Buddhadasa Bhikkhu.
595 KB
-The Buddhist Way — Ven. Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda.
115 KB
-Buddhism as a Religion — Ven. Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda.
304 KB
-Buddhism as an Education — Ven. Master Chin Kung.
389 KB
-The Book of Protection — Ven. Piyadassi Thera.
413 KB
-Bodhicharyavatara — Shantideva. (Tibetan text with romanization).
 • bookchant.zip
392 KB
-Chanting Book — Pali and English.
519 KB
-The Fundamentals of Ch'an Meditation — Ting Chen, tr. by Master Lok To.
 • damapada.zip
382 KB
-Dhammapada, a translation — Thanissanro, Bhikkhu.
 • death_dying.zip
151 KB
-Preparing for Death & Helping the Dying — Sangye Khadro.
1,740 KB
-The Wheel of Dhamma, Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta — Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw.
174 KB
-The Dhammapada, The Buddha's Path of Wisdom, tr. by Ven. Buddharakkita.
2,562 KB
-Treasury of Truth - Dhammapada, text only — Ven. Sarada Maha Thero.
 • dhamma_illustrated.zip
21,511 KB
-[NOTE: Lage File Size] The Illustrated Dhammapada — Ven. Sarada Maha Thero.
 • dhamma-nibbana.zip
1,351 KB
-Practising Dhamma with a View to Nibbana — Radhika Abeysekera.
 • dietolive.zip
2,521 KB
-Dying to Live: The Role of Kamma in Dying and Rebirth — Aggacitta Bhikkhu.
 • dmind-wmind.zip
666 KB
-Dharma Mind, Worldly Mind — David Smith.
659 KB
-An Elementary Pali Course — Ven. Narada Thera.
 • essentials.zip
3,037 KB
-Essentials of Insight Meditation Practice — Ven. Sujiva.
357 KB
-Facing the Future — Bhikkhu Bodhi.
 • frames_ref.zip
481 KB
-Frames of Reference — Ajaan Lee Dhammadharo.
220 KB
-Fundamentals of Buddhism — Dr Peter D.Santina.
197 KB
-Buddhism for the Future — Ven. Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda.
• gates_of_chan.zip
391 KB
-The Gates of Chan Buddhism — by Venerable Jing Hui.
343 KB
-A Guide to Awareness — H.H. Somdet Phra Ñanasamvara.
 • good_evil_beyond.zip
634 KB
-Good, Evil & Beyond — Bhikkhu P.A. Payutto.
 • gqga2.zip
473 KB
-Good Questions, Good Answers — Ven Dhammika.
624 KB
-The Prajna Paramita Heart Sutra — Commentary by Master T'an Hsu. (2nd Edition)
 • hello_with_love.zip
2,795 KB
-Hello with Love & Other Meditations — Ven. Visuddhacara.
 • honourfathers.zip
1,686 KB
-Honour Thy Fathers — Terry Shine.
551 KB
-Buddhist Tales for Young & Old, Volume 1, Jataka Tales [ TEXT VERSION ].
1,400 KB
-Buddhist Tales for Young & Old, Volume 1, Jataka Tales [ ILLUSTRATED VERSION ].
431 KB
-Buddhist Tales for Young & Old, Volume 2, Jataka Tales [ TEXT VERSION ].
2,640 KB
-Buddhist Tales for Young & Old, Volume 2, Jataka Tales [ ILLUSTRATED VERSION ].
350 KB
-"Snow in the Summer" Dhamma Teachings — Sayadaw U Jotika.
 • kathina.zip
1,779 KB
-Kathina Then and Now — Aggacitta Bhikkhu.
 • king_asoka.zip
1,425 KB
King Asoka and Buddhism — Anuradha Seneviratna.
1,794 KB
-Talks and Q & A on Meditation — Pa Auk Sayadaw.
218 KB
-Sutra on Ksitigarbha Bodhisatta, Translated by Ms Pitt Chin Hui. [Mahayana]
 • lam_rim_outline.zip
1,576 KB
Lam.Rim Outlines — Compiled by Karin Valham.
923 KB
-Liao-Fan's Four Lessons — Liao-Fan Yuan of the Ming Dynasty.
776 KB
-Light of Asia — Sir Edwin Arnold (text only)[TEXT VERSION].
5,045 KB
-Light of Asia — Sir Edwin Arnold (text with illustrations) [I(LUSTRATED VERSION].
395 KB
-The Buddha, His Life and Teachings — Ven. Piyadassi.
 • lifecherish.zip
3,602 KB
-To Cherish All Life — Roshi Philip Kapleau.
217 KB
-Living Meditation, Living Insight — Dr. Thynn Thynn.
153 KB
-Practical Vipassana Meditation, by Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw.
1,626 KB
-Maha Satipatthana Sutta — translated by U Jotika and U Dhamminda.
519 KB
-Mãtrceta's Hymn to the Buddha — Translated by Ven. S. Dhammika.
 • miao_yun.zip
667 KB
-Teachings in Chinese Buddhism — Venerable Yin Shun.
 • milinda.zip
686 KB
-The Debate of King Milinda — Bhikkhu Pesala.
447 KB
-Make Your Mind an Ocean — Ven. Lama Thubten Yeshe.
 • mindread.zip
890 KB
-Reading the Mind — K. Khao-Suan-Luang.
831 KB
-'Mind-Seal of the Buddhas' by Patriarch Ou-i's Commentary on the Amitabha Sutra.
 • mission-accomplished.zip
1,052 KB
-The Mission Accomplished — Ven. Pategama Gnanarama Ph.D.
762 KB
-Sutra of the Medicine Buddha — Dharma Master Hsuan Jung. [Mahayana]
 • med-guided2.zip
398 KB
-Guided Meditations for Primary Students. (BDEA)
134 KB
-Insight Meditation Workshop — Ven Pannyavaro.
269 KB
-Sutra on the Merits of the Master of Healing — Master Hsuan-tsang. [Mahayana]
785 KB
-Taming the Monkey Mind, A Guide to Pure Land Practice — Cheng Wei-an. [Mahayana]
1,082 KB
-Sutra of the Master of Healing, revised by Upasaka Shen Shou-Liang.  [Mahayana]
 • myfacesofdeath.zip
357 KB
-The Many Faces of Death — Jacqui James.
 • nagarjuna.zip
1,299 KB
-The Wisdom of Nagarjuna — Dr Peter Della Santina.
116 KB
-The Natural Cure for Spiritual Disease — Buddhadasa Bhikkhu.
1,029 KB
-Book on the Pa Auk Method of Meditation — translated by Greg Kleiman.
 • noinnercore.zip
512 KB
-No Inner Core: Introduction to the Doctrine of Anatta — Sayadaw U Silananda.
122 KB
-Now is the Knowing, Dhamma Teachings — Ven. Ajahn Sumedho.
106 KB
-Buddhism in a Nutshell — Ven Narada Thera.
 • only_help.zip
911 KB
-Only We Can Help Ourselves — Ven. Dhammavuddho.
1,942 KB
-The Path To Freedom — Sayadaw U Pandita.
1401 KB
-Pali Buddhist Dictionary (4th Edition) — Ven. Nyanatiloka.
431 KB
-A Grammar of the Pali Language — Chas. Durioselle.
341 KB
-A Pali Word A Day — Mahindarama Sunday Pali School
428 KB
-Passages from the Commentary on The Infinite Life Sutra. [Mahayana]
2,304 KB
-Commentrary on the Diamond Sutra — Dhyana Master Hsuan Hua. [Mahayana]
1,387 KB
-Pure Land Buddhism — Patriarch Chih I & Master Thich Thien Tam. [Mahayana]
 • qanda-women.zip
689 KB
-Women in Buddhism - Question & Answers — Ven Chatsumarn Kabilsingh Ph.D.
425 KB
-The Eightfold Path for the Householder — Jack Kornfield.
258 KB
-Scientific Acceptability of Rebirth — Dr. Granville Dharmawardena.
 • roots_goodevil.zip
1,488 KB
-The Roots of Good and Evil — Ven. Nyanaponika Thera.
1,281 KB
-Analytical Study of the Jhanas in Theravada Meditation — Henepola Gunaratana.
 • scrn_metta.zip
1,561 KB
-Metta Bhavana, Loving-kindness Meditation — Ven. Dhammarakkhita.
4,366 KB
-[NOTE: Large File] Settling Back into the Moment — Joseph Goldstein.
 • surangama.zip
1,543 KB
-The Surangama Sutra — Tr. by Upàsaka Lu K'uan Yu (Charles Luk). [Mahayana]
861 KB
-Mindfulness: The Path of the Deathless — Ven. Ajahn Sumedho.
785 KB
-Taming the Monkey Mind, A Guide to Pure Land Practice — Cheng Wei-an.
1,224 KB
-Analytical Study of the Jhanas in Theravada Meditation [PRINT ONLY VERSION].
537 KB
-Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms — Fa-Hien.
 • sakya_bios.zip
2,470 KB
Biographies of Sachen Kunga Nyingpo & H.H. The 41st Sakya Trizin.
2,155 KB
-The Sigalovada in Pictures (Sutta), Compiled by Ven. K. Dhammasiri.
64 KB
-Seeding the Heart - Teaching Loving-kindness to Children — Gregory Kramer.
870 KB
-Vows of Bodhisattva Samantabhadra Sutra, Trans. by Upasika Chihmann. [Mahayana]
 • taste-freedom.zip
1,173 KB
-A Taste of Freedom — Ven. Ajahn Chah.
1,314 KB
-Guide to Tipitaka: Outline of the Pali Buddhist Canonical Scriptures. [Print Version]
 • thai_cambodian_art.zip
9,738 KB
-Thai-Cambodian Culture - Relationship through Arts — Ms Charuwan Chareonla.
 • thera-chifuner.zip
1,026 KB
-The Theravadin Buddhist Chinese Funeral — Ven. Suvanno
705 KB
-Essential Themes of Buddhist Lectures — Ven. Sayadaw U Thittila.
 • tree-enlightenment.zip
1,970 KB
-The Tree of Enlightenment — Dr Peter D. Santina.
401 KB
-To Understand Buddhism — Ven. Master Chin Kung.
1,350 KB
-Bhavana Vandana - Book of Devotion — Compiled by Ven. Gunaratana.
 • virtue.zip
485 KB
-Virtue and Reality — Ven. Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
152 KB
-For the Stilling of Volcanoes, an Introduction to Insight Meditation — Ven. Sujiva.
 • volition.zip
564 KB
-Volition: An Introduction of the Law of Kamma — Sayadaw U Silanada.
2, 754 KB
-Wind in the Forest' — Poems by Ven. Sujiva.
 • whatbelieve.zip
1, 756 KB
-What Buddhists Believe (Expanded 4th edition) — Ven. Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda.
117 KB
-From Womb to Womb - Metamorphosis of a Mother — Francis Story.
 • words_of_buddha.zip
913 KB
-Daily Readings: Buddha's Words of Wisdom — Ven. S. Dhammika.

"Clearing the Path" by Nanavira Thera: screen and print versions.
 • ctp_sreen-view_v1.zip
3, 443 KB
-This version is made for screen viewing - not suitable for printing.
 • ctp_book_v1.zip
3, 223 KB
-"CtPbookV1.pdf" is made to be printed as a book.
 • ctp_book-2up_v1.zip
2, 602 KB
-"2upBookCtPv1.PDF" is for printing as 2 pages per A4 page in Landscape orientation

bangkok famous temple

bangkok Wat Mahathat

Bangkok Wat Mahathat

Bangkok Temples

The headquarter of Thailand's largest monastic order and Vipassana Meditation centre, Wat Mahathat is an important centre for the study of Buddhism and meditation. Although most programmes are in Thai, there are some in English and the temple has become a popular place to learn the Vipassana meditation method.
Although most programmes are in Thai, there are some in English and the temple has become a popular place to learn the Vipassana Meditation (Insight Meditation). Classes are held daily from 07:00 - 10:00, 13:00 - 16:00, and 18:00 - 20:00. Time needed for practice will vary with each individual English-speaking monks assisting.
The temple was originally built to house a relic of the Buddha and one of the oldest temples in Bangkok. You can also have your fortune told inside the 'wat' (temple).
Just next to the temple, every Sunday is the Bangkok's largest amulet market, where religious amulets, charms, talismans, and traditional medicine are spread on the ground to be inspected by buyers looking for one that will bring good luck or ward off evil. Different amulets are used for specific purposes; to bring money, restore health, deal with unrequited love or keep your enemies away. Choose carefully!
Opening Hours: 09:00 - 17:00
Location: Phra That Road (near Sanam Luang Park, between the Grand Palace and the National Museum), Old City (Rattanakosin)

different buddha for different day sunday - monday

Bangkok Wat Pho

Wat Pho : Wat Phrachetuphon Wimonmangkhalaram Rajaworamahavihara


Contorted hermit mount.
Reclining Buddha's feet.
Phra Maha Chedi Sri Rajakarn.

Wat Phrachetuphon Wimonmangkhalaram Rajaworamahavihara
( Wat Pho) is situated behind the Grand Palace, near the Tha Tien Pier. It is a large temple originally called Wat Photharam, that was built during the Ayutthaya Period. King Rama I ordered its complete restoration in 1789 and installed many Buddha images that were removed from abandoned temples in other parts of the country. King Rama III ordered another major renovation of the temple to make it a center of learning and art. This took 16 years to complete. Texts from treatises on various fields of knowledge were inscribed on marble slabs and placed in pavilions in the temple and stone statues. Wat Pho thus became a source of knowledge for people of all classes and has therefore been referred to as Thailand's first university.
Important features of the temple include phra vihara, phra mondop or the tripitaka tower, and the palace of a royal poet, Phra Poramanuchit Chinorot.
There are murals in the phra ubosot depicting scenes from the lives of Buddha that were painted in the Third Reign. On the window panels are decorated with lai rod nam designs and inscribed children's lullabies and folk tales, while on the walls around the phra ubosot there are bas-relief's executed on marble depicting the Ramakian.
The Phra Buddhasaiyat, or Giant Reclining Buddha, in the phra vihara for which the temple is famed was constructed in the Third Reign. On the sole of the foot inlaid in mother of pearl is the auspicious number 108.
There are also 95 chedi of various types, the most important being the four chedi of the first four Kings of the Chakri Dynasty. There are also numerous small and large stone statues from China.
source:dhammathai.org
photo: www.thaitravel.info

massage




Wat Po famous school for massage
Wat Phra Chetuphon, or "Wat Po", is well known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, as well as being Thailand's first “open” University. After present Chakri Dynasty in 1782, HM the King had a royal instruction to restore Wat Po to be the first grade of royal monastery. From the great restoration during King Rama I and King Rama III, Wat Po came to be the center of Thai Arts and Knowledge where the wisdom of Thai Traditional Medicine and Massage were gathered from the ancestors and is still passed on today, e.g. instruction of herbal drug recipes, diagnosis and treatment for general ailments, baby illnesses and healing methods, massage inscriptions and drawings, Ascetic statues etc.

          Being the base of Thai Medicine, Wat Po Thai Traditional Medical and Massage School was opened in 1955 inside Wat Po. It is the first Thai Medical School under the approval of Thai Ministry of Education. The school presently offers 4 basic courses of Thai Medicine that are Thai Pharmacy, Thai medical practice, Thai Midwife Nurse and Thai Massage.

          Wat Po TTM is acknowledged worldwide and the school's original Thai Traditional Massage treatment and training course that is sometimes referred to as Wat Po massage. A large number of Thai and foreign students that graduate from the school participate in Thai Massage as well as enter into the spa business all over the world.


Foot Massage Course - 30 Hours
     Study foot massage method that integrate the knowledge of Chinese reflexology points with the most relaxing Wat Po massage techniques. Thai massage practically starts at the sole of the lift foot to stimulate the wind element and to balance all of four elements in human body (earth, water, wind and fire). Moreover, pressing and massaging through reflexology points are benefited to regain and improve activities of internal organs.

     Practical session only     

     - Introduction to Thai massage and foot massage
     - Precaution and prohibition of foot massage
     - Foot reflexology points - Massage technique, step and procedure
     - We Welcome customers and give recommendations
   

   Fee : 6,500 baht

     Monday thru Sunday for Wat Po TTM School, Chetawan TTM school at Chaeng Watthana and IKD in Sukhumwit .

     Monday thru Saturday for Chetawan Health school in Salaya, NakornPrathom and Chetawan TTM school in Chiang Mai

     Class Time : From 9 AM to 4 PM for 5 consecutive days unless otherwise pre-arranged.

     *Please bring 3 pictures 2" by 2" size for each course.


Thai Massage Experience Training                       
 We now offer to the students who have completed the General Thai Massage Course the chance to practice and earn experience in Thai Massage to improve and develop their Thai Massage skils under the masters' supervision from the school. Opening on Monday June 14 th
Apply : Every Monday.
Period of Time : 5 days for 1 course, Monday thru Friday 09.00 AM. - 05.00 PM.
Fee : 2,000 Baht.
Discount : For the students who have registered and participated for Thai Massage Experience Training 3 consecutive times (15 days) will be able to get a discount and pay only 5,000 baht.
Place: The WatPo Thai Medical School. (Tatien

Bangkok top 10 for visitors and temple reviews

sources: http://wat-thai-temple.blogspot.com/2007/04/bangkok-top-10-for-visitors-by-andy.html

Bangkok top 10 for visitors by Andy Burrows


Wondering what to do in Bangkok for the weekend? Or what to leave out? Here are ten of the best sights and activities to get the most out of this great Asian city.


Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew Together, these two attractions are top of most visitors' itinerary. They form the most splendid and ornate of Thailand's temples and palaces, making them a primary attraction. Wat Phra Kaew, also commonly referred to as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is the name of the most famous Buddhist temple (wat) in Bangkok, which is situated within a complex of temples and houses the famous Emerald Buddha statue. Sitting adjacent to the temple complex is the Grand Palace, an ornate royal residence built in the neo-Baroque style. Appropriate clothing must be worn for both attractions.



Jim Thompson's House A trained architect, Thompson was posted in many locations around the world during WWII. When the war came to an end, Thompson was en-route to Bangkok. Having developed a love for the country, he returned to establish a silk business which quickly gained international acclaim. Before his mysterious disappearance in the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia, in 1967, Thompson built this beautiful Thai-style teak house, which is a work of art in itself. Visitors can enjoy the house that was once the 'talk of the town', which has now been made into a museum.
Khao San Road The backpacker hub of the city, this road is notorious for its late night drinking, vendors selling counterfeit CDs and hippy trinkets, and cheap guesthouses and restaurants. Recent times have seen some more upmarket accommodation establishments popping up here, but it is still often hard to find a room in peak seasons. This is the place to party and meet people.

Chatuchak Market Located in the north of the city and accessible by MRT, this weekend market is enormous. As you wander along the narrow alleys you will pass through sections selling everything from wickerwork, jewellery and pets, to clothing, plants and artwork. Often very crowded, there are plenty of places to rest your feet and have a snack, but be careful you don't loose you friends in the crowds!
Shopping An essential activity for all visitors to Bangkok, the capital provides some of the best malls in Asia, with the glitzy new Siam Paragon complex being the newest addition to Bangkok's shopping hotspots. Within walking distance is the Siam Discover Centre, MBK complex, World Trade Centre and Pratunam Market. Whether you want designer goods, or copies at basement prices, the city is a first-class hunting ground for shopping aficionados.
Patpong Better known for its sleazy nightlife than its quality night market, this area is heaving with foreigners day and night. Home to many quality hotels and one of the city's red light districts, Patpong is loved for its street vendors, cafés, nightclubs and overpriced go-go bars. But if watching a sex show isn't your thing, don't dismay; Patpong offers many other kinds of entertainment including live music. The bar touts can be a bit of an annoyance, but overall this is a friendly place where you will encounter little trouble (unless you go looking for some).
Dreamworld This adventure theme park can make a great alternative to the usual sightseeing agenda, especially if you have children. Boasting replicas of seven wonders of the world, extensive gardens, a cable car, various adrenalin-infusing rides and even a field of snow. There is also a selection of live shows to appeal to different interests as well as a wide choice of eateries. Accessible by car, bus or train, this is a white-knuckle experience you will not want to miss.
Muay Thai Boxing If you think you've experienced boxing, you haven't seen anything yet. Traditional Thai boxing is a proud Thai tradition that sees opponents swap furious punches, lethal kicks and elbow strikes that will makes you squirm in you seat as the locals cheer on with insatiable enthusiasm. Followed as passionately as football, catch a match at Lumphini Stadium or Ratchadamnoen Stadium, with fights taking lace most evenings.
Wat Arun The one-time home of the Emerald Buddha, this Buddhist temple sits on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and boasts a Khmer-style tower which is ornately decorated with small pieces of seashell and porcelain. Interesting features include figures of Chinese soldiers and animals, and a statue of the Hindu god Indra. Surrounded by six Chinese-style pavilions, if you don't have time to see the real thing, make sure you at least catch a glimpse of it on a 10 baht coin. Lumpini Park A peaceful retreat in the heart of the Bangkok, this is the ideal escape from the city's crowded streets. Relax amid palm trees and water or explore the Chinese Pavilion and Clock Tower. Also of interest are the Thai Lanna Pavilion and various sculptures. Although shadowed by some of Bangkok's tallest skyscrapers, the tranquil park is perfect for outdoor activities, including paddle-boating, and simply chilling out.

credit: Andy Burrows

photo:thai
weekender.com
www.thaiwave.com
www.cctravel.dk

Monday, September 20, 2010

singapore famous buddha tooth relic temple at china town

sources:  http://www.btrts.org.sg/Index_Eng.html

MUST visit the SOUVENIR SHOP at 2nd floor, buy the 24 gold plated coin and etc, good as a gift 

24K Gold-Plated Medallion Coin - 2004 Eight – Auspiciousness Depicting the eight auspicious symbols, the gold medallion represents prosperity, wealth, fame, longevity and the pursuit of happiness. The eight auspicious symbols, also called the eight treasures, are namely the precious conch, the precious Dharma wheel, the precious parasol, the supreme banner, the excellent lotus, the great inexhaustible treasure vase, twin golden fish and the glorious interwoven knot of life. The twelve zodiac signs on the reverse symbolize lasting, happiness and auspiciousness.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum is a living cultural monument in the heart of Chinatown housing what is reputed to be the Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic in a magnificent Relic Stupa composed of 420kg of gold donated by devotees. Everyday the inner chamber will be unveiled at stipulated timings in a ceremony conducted by resident monks and the public can view the Relic Stupa.

panda in chiangmai zoo

sources:  http://amuletforums.com/fruitful-trip-bangkok-and-t6723.html

The Guest StarsChuang Chuang(创创), Lin Hui (林惠) and Lin Ping(林平)
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Welcome to Lin Ping‘s house
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Right at one corner is the panda cub, Lin Ping!
Having waited for nearly 2 hours, Lin Ping was still deep in slumber:sad:
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Mother panda, Lin Hui, woke up as it is feeding time
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Sadly, Lin Ping was still deep in slumber as the mother panda enjoys her bamboo feast...

Next, watch Chuang Chuang in action!
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He has got two red carrots in both paws, enjoying the companionship of homosapians who watched on...Guess should rate the following pics as R(A)
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