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Of temples and Thailand
Golden: One of the statues at Wat Arun Ratchavararam Ratchawaramahavihara, although it is also popularly known the Temple of Dawn
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Golden: One of the statues at Wat Arun Ratchavararam Ratchawaramahavihara, although it is also popularly known the Temple of Dawn.
Thailand, with Bangkok as its capital, has never abandoned its history or cultural origins.
Pattaya, about 150 kilometers southeast of Bangkok in the Chonburi province, is the biggest tourist haven in Thailand. It should not be missed by visitors keen on relishing a natural beauty that simply can't be found in other countries.
Formerly a fishermen's settlement, Pattaya has now grown into a city that remains awake until dawn.
'Pattaya is quiet from sunrise and gets busy when at dusk,' said Alex, a local tourist guide. Most tourists are looking for recreation and fresh air on the beach while vacationing ' and to enjoy some of the world's most infamous nightlife.
Around 4 million people from various parts of the globe visit Pattaya each year, according to official statistics.
Any tour of Thailand must include a visit to Wat Arun, located in Bangkok Yai, west of the historic Chao Phraya River, in Bangkok.
The full name of the temple is Wat Arun Ratchavararam Ratchawaramahavihara, although it is also popularly known the Temple of Dawn.
Standing 75 meters tall, the temple, which symbolizes Mount Meru in Hindu cosmology, features ornate walls that are full of decorative carvings and ceramic fragments from China.
Another magnificent edifice is the Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang, or Grand Palace, a complex of buildings in the middle of Bangkok.
This palace has been the official residence of the Thai monarchy since 1782 and continues to be used for state ceremonies. It is one of the best known tourist attractions in Thailand.
Madame Tussauds Bangkok should not be overlooked either when in the Thai capital. On entering the museum, visitors are welcomed by a wax sculpture of Indonesia's first president, Sukarno.
It's enjoyable, as tourists can pause to take selfies with simulacra of world luminaries like such as US President Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Albert Einstein, Pablo Picasso, Aung San Suu Kyi, Mahathir Mohamad and soccer player Steven Gerrard.
Yet another choice for sightseers is the Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden in Chonburi, about 100 km east of Bangkok.
The garden, with a total area of 500 hectares, was built in 1954 and was officially opened to the public in 1980.
Amid its tranquil grounds, green vegetation and flowers; visitors can enjoy the view ' or even elephant shows and dance performances.
Text and Images by JP/Wendra Ajistyatama
