The Pond can’t obviously compete with the Grand Palace, but it’s definitely worth visiting. While you can find luxurious hotels in other countries, this pond can’t be found anywhere else.

Photo by -AX-

You’ve probably already guessed why the pond is so special. The water is extremely clean and the color is bright emerald. The contrast is very high, you won’t be able to pass by without a stare.

The pond is created by a number of hot springs. The water goes through a few stages and becomes bright greenish blue. First, it passes through a fissure right,over a rock, and falls into the pond. It actually looks very cold, but you can swim in it as much as you want. You need to be very attentive, the rocks around the pond are very slippery. If you fall down and break something, doctors might not arrive at once.

The pond has a few names. Another one is Crystal Pond. The variety of names is related to the color, which depends on the temperature. It can be bright green or crystal clear. Hence, the name “Crystal Pond.”

You can’t arrive at the pond directly. Consider wearing comfortable shoes, because there will be a short hike through a forest. If you can’t arrange a tuk-tuk or some other transportation, seek help in your hotel. Most of them have special tours planned for guests. Of course, the pond will come with another natural attraction (because it won’t take the whole day), which will most probably be the Hot Waterfall. It’s also located in Klong Thom district and is created by hot springs. They’re very similar in essence, but Hot Waterfall doesn’t have the same incredible beauty as the Emerald Pond.

Photo by -AX-

The Blue Pool is also close to the site. You can’t swim there, but it looks absolutely gorgeous. Sometimes it’s much more secluded than the emerald pond. It’s smaller and sort of hidden from the curious eyes. Not everyone visits it, knowing they can’t enjoy the water. This is why you should take the chance and stay alone with nature for a while.

Elephant riding is another option you may be offered. If you don’t mind elephant exploitation, go for it. If you’re a highly sensitive person towards animals, ask for a different second activity before taking the tour. You don’t want to skip the activity you have payed for or, worse, get into a heated  fight with the guide.

I know I said tours are not always a good idea at the beginning, but hotels offer one-day tours only. This means that you can go on the tours to your favorite destinations, and skip those you’re not interested in.

One of the worst things about the pond is the popularity. There are just too many people wandering around. This means that you might have to deal with locals or other tourists. And wherever there are people, there can be no word about seclusion and focus. Find someone at your hotel who speaks English, or someone that can translate your words into Thai. Make sure it’s a local and visits the pond regularly. Ask him about the best time to visit this sight. The time will vary depending on the season. I wouldn’t recommend you going there after dark.

Photo by -AX-

I think all guides will tell you to visit the pond early in the morning. In case you haven’t noticed, colors in nature tend to be brighter right after the sunrise. Moreover, afternoon is “reserved” for children who come out of school and go for a swim. And that is the last thing you want to encounter, dozens of children running around and ruining the romantic-atmosphere of the pond.

Keep your first impression in mind. Although there are many trees around, meaning the place looks quite green, Emerald Pond looks more like an oasis than a small pool. It’a like a gigantic piece of a precious stone that has accidentally fallen down from the starry sky. It looks like a the pond can be a romantic honeymoon destination as well. Don’t forget to take the camera along. Special photography skills are not required. If you can keep the camera steady and capture the color . . . the color only . . . I guarantee you’ll have an awesome shot.

There are not so many natural wonders left, this is why we should grab every chance to see them all. Men can build temples over and over again, but they can never imitate the natural beauty of Thailand.

Let’s start the list, and you’ll understand the point immediately.

Photo by @Doug88888

Traffic! Traffic!

The majority of traffic complaints are addressed to Moscow. It’s notorious for horrible traffic and how it’s always a good choice to take the subway. But Thai people happen to be more creative on the road.

First, one seat in the car can host more than two people. A motorcycle seat might host even more. It’s not about people only. One can put so many bags on a motorcycle that it starts looking like an elephant getting ready for the tourist ride. Different types of animals can also be put on top of clothing and other items.

Photo by travelourplanet.com

If you have rented a car, watch in all directions. The danger can come every second, because the Thai are not very organized drivers. Keep in mind, you can never know for sure what’s on the driver’s mind ahead of you. Guessing is all you can do.

So, you can sometimes find yourself in the middle of a road, surrounded by tuk-tuks, luxury cars, motorcycles, and all that is flavored with different smells and noises of the city. If you look too blond (it’s not necessary to have blond hair, you can just have a fair skin), people will stare at you . . . and they will stare at you as long as they want, especially if you’e wearing something particularly funny.

Super-creative traffic is one of the things you will only see in Thailand.

The Food

I had a friend who used to insist that a person will eat anything if he’s really hungry. That would be entirely wrong in Thailand. It turns out you don’t have to starve to eat insects or bats.

Yes, Thailand has some of the most outrageous dishes in the world. They eat almost anything that crawls or hisses. Street food stands usually offer insect snacks on banana leaves. The variety is very big.

Interestingly, these “dishes” are very cheap. If you like them, you can save up a lot of money. Insects are usually bought by the poor class of Thai society . . . and travelers, of course.

Photo by slagheap

Hold on, it gets even better. They can turn normal foods into weird dishes as well. For example, there’s a special fish dish in Thailand. The specialty is in the time of preservation. It can be compared with the greatest wines in the world, the older it gets, the better it tastes. The same principle literally applies to fish. You can eat fish that has been dead for almost a year. It’s almost rotten, but apparently still edible for the Thai.

There is no magic in preparing it. Your stomach will start complaining after the first bite. If you’re used to normal kitchen, you might not take this particular dish well, so just remain an onlooker.

The same problems occur with the locals, but it doesn’t seem to be a huge problem for them. Moreover, the frequency of the consumption of this dish can range for 2-3 meals a day.

While these were the most weird dishes in the country, there are also good ones, unique in their essence. However, they can be found in the top restaurants and cafes, not food stands and the field of grasshoppers.

Unconventional dishes are among the things you can only see in Thailand.

Asking Directions

Getting lost is natural, especially in foreign cities, where you don’t know the language and have some issues with the map. What is the most common thing travelers do in that case? They ask for directions from the locals.

Now, there’s a mistake you should never make. I tell you, it’s easier to find a hotel with super WiFi connection and explore Bangkok, for example, rather than ask the locals.

Don’t get me wrong, Thai people are very kind. They may differ a little, but no one will wish you bad luck (donation collecting ladies in temples are a different story, they are real tourist traps, far away from the real nation).

Photo by FriskoDude

The problem is that sometimes locals don’t know the directions to certain attractions too. But if a European would honestly tell you he/she doesn’t know, Thai people will try to guess. In fact, it’s more than possible that they’ll send you to the opposite direction. They really don’t want to admit their ignorance. This doesn’t apply to everyone in Thailand, of course, but you may want to stick to your own map (whether online or printed) just in case.

False directions are one of the things you will only see in Thailand.

These were only three of them, but there’s so much more in this country. I’m afraid you have to be prepared to face the rest on your own. Remember, vacation must be unforgettable, and Thailand gives you the chance. Just take it!

The sacred mountain temple of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, Wat Suan Dok, the Anusan Night Market, and so on. The region is filled with attractions. In fact, there’s one more fantastic night activity reserved for you here, and we’ll get to know it right now. It’s the Chiang Mai Night Safari, which was opened for public in 2006.

Photo by bwaters23

Now, you can visit this attraction anytime of the day you want, but it’s famous for the night trips not day excursions. If there are any objective reasons, like a fear of darkness, the park looks great during the day too, just not so exciting.

The area has three zones: the North Zone, the South Zone, and the Walking Zone. The first two can be visited by a bus. The Walking Zone is meant for brave travelers on foot. There have recently been a few changes in the structure of the park. In any case, the changes were made for the better.

You might never ever have the chance to visit the wild nature after dark. The ticket can include different parts of the tour, but the average cost is €13 for adults, a little less for the children.

Photo by kit_johnson

I know you would most probably want to scream in your native language when a tiger attacks you, but do your best to call for help in English, cause that’s what the language of the tour will be! Although Thai people are more informed and prepared for their own nature, it would be difficult to communicate in Thai in such a dangerous setting. However, if you happen to be a specialist of Thai culture and the language, you can take the local version of the tour. It departs every 15 minutes, while the English tour is planned on specific hours, and you might have to wait for a while.

You should actually get ready too. Don’t wear too bright colors. You know, no one likes to capture the wrong attention. Invest in binoculars that have night vision availability. Darkness makes it a little difficult to look around and appreciate what you see without any equipment.

The night time adds the adrenaline, that’s for sure. But when you give it a second thought, the tour doesn’t start that late. It takes off around 7:30 pm, which is not even “night,” but more towards “evening.” The tour lasts for 2 hours. This means that you’ll be back to safety around 9:30 pm. Of course, this agenda works if you stick to the plan. When that plan is lost in the middle of nowhere, you might need some appropriate clothing, as you might stay their longer. In general, the park is open from 10:00 am to midnight.

Photo by bwaters23

So, let’s talk about safety. First of all, you should remember the safari rules and behave appropriately. You can’t leave the bus to take a picture, if the guide doesn’t allow you to, and a few other rules too. If you keep your part of the deal, the safari will keep its own. The wildest animals like tigers and lions are not really free here. They’re separated from the bus trail. However, there are other less-harmful, but still wild animals that can walk up right to you and take a photo together. Zebras, giraffes, and even rhinoceroses will be more than friendly to the guests . . . probably.

Besides that, there are also stunning light shows you can watch. For example, you can catch the musical fountain show after the ride though the safari. The show is not one of the best in the world, but still, it’s worth watching.

You can actually combine the safari with a nice elephant riding tour. It would be smart to get to see those animals up close, and only then ride them. You can take part in the feeding process of the animals. Just check the timing schedule, as every animal has lunch at a certain hours, and, no, they can’t wait!

Photo by bwaters23

In fact, if you can’t wait to eat as well, there are a few places to visit. First, there are food kiosks on the way. Don’t worry, they don’t sell insects as the ones in Bangkok do. They are a great choice, if you can’t afford to lose the precious time. For longer and more complete meals, the park offers two restaurant. One of them is called the Giraffe restaurant. You can watch the animals as you eat.  The other restaurant is at a lake, meant for a calmer atmosphere and dinners. I would recommend this one in the evening. The Giraffe restaurant sounds more exciting for the lunch and some traditional Thai dishes.

It’s no secret that Safari travel is one of the best extreme travel ideas. You should leave the comfort of your luxury resort and challenge yourself in the wild. It’s much better than visiting a zoo, where animals are locked in cages. I bet there will be a lot of surprises, once you step out to the real nature . Good luck and watch the darkness!

This resort is not for budget-travelers. In fact, I encourage you not even look up the pictures of the resort if you’re planning on saving some money on vacation. This resort is for travelers who are ready to pay any price for a perfect rest.

Photo by phuket-real.com

Now, I find it really hard to characterize this villa. There would be too many positive adjectives and too many exclamations. But there is actually no other way of describing this kind of luxurious resorts.

In any case, let’s start with the facts. The Baray Villa is located on the island of Phuket. It’s managed by Sawasdee Village. The building is quite new, it was built in 2008. The villas are not far away from Kata Beach, just a short walking distance. There are 14 villas in number, each one of them ready to make your vacation in Thailand unbelievable.

There is a restaurant on site. You can also get a drink from the poolside bar. The resort provides free parking and WiFi for guests. The room includes other necessary amenities. If you get lucky, maybe your villa will have an individual garden as well. In that case, the only thing to add to the scene is the white soft beach sand, and you can stay inside as much as you’d like.

If you’re short on local money, there’s a currency exchange in the hotel as well. Besides that, you can take a day off, preferably when the weather is going gloomy, and spend your time in the euphoria of spa treatments and massages. The staff will also help you organize tours to Bangkok, nearby islands, or wherever your heart desires.

The territory is safe and the main people you might encounter will be either the staff or the tourists. No other persons can wander around on the resort premises.

Photo by phuket-real.com

There’s still some souvenir shopping left? You can try to be creative and make a few purchases at Jungceylon Shopping Center, located inside the resort.

Ironically, such a great-looking Hotel like the BarayVIlla should have more facilities, but apparently the management really hoped for the pools to cover the impressions. And it’s not that they’re wrong.

There must be a special description for the pools. Actually, individual pools are not an innovation in the hotel business of Thailand. You can actually see a lot of resorts that offer villas with a separate pool. But I can bet you can’t get this pool system anywhere else. There is one big pool, which is shared by all villas. These villas have direct access to the big pool. But the greatest part of it is that the access lies through your own individual pool.

I personally think this is genius. You can lie down in your villa’s pool for a while and then roll over to a bigger pool to stretch your body. In addition to that, your own and the bigger pool are separated by nothing less than a full-size door.

The overall design of the hotel also deserves a few comments. It completely fits into the category of Eastern cultures, where it’s OK to use lots of materials, the more colorful, the better. This time the colors are not too various. By the evening, when all the lights are turned on, the hotel looks like a golden oasis.

Photo by ebookers.com

Other than that, villas are built in Thai and Arabic styles. You would also want to add a bit of royalty to get the right amount of luxury. The exterior looks like a palace from an Arabic fairy-tale. The interior is filled with Thai culture. You can easily wrap a blanket around and become a traditional Thai dancer.

The resort offers a few packages as well. So, make sure to contact them and ask for tips before booking. You may find a better, more efficient solution. Remember that accommodation is very important. It controls your mood in the morning, and therefore, it controls the food menu of the day, the amount of attractions to be seen, and so on.

Even though the resort is around 20 km away from the nearest city center, the staff speaks good English, and there is no need to get the local language going.

By the way, if you’re planning your honeymoon, do take care of a couple of interesting ideas. For example, let the resort know about your status beforehand. This way there will be special honeymoon decorations waiting for you.

If you don’t like the pictures or think they over-represent the real picture, take the risk and visit this resort. Read some traveler reviews for the guarantee. Almost all of them are absolutely positive.

Even if you have short-term stay at this particular hotel, you will never ever forget that time spent here. Yes, that’s how great Baray Ville really is!

Sanctuary of Truth is the name of that building. No one could think of a more mysterious name for such a mysterious shrine.

Photo by tazlambert

This attraction is like a rich bouquet of surprises. There are so many of them that by the time you come back to your hotel, your head will be full packed with impressions.

The architecture is one of the top aspects of this attraction. Even if you’re not a fan of art or religious sites, this one will amaze you to death. There is nothing more breathtaking than standing in front of the Sanctuary and feeling the tiny size of yourself and the gigantic angles of this building. The only construction that could ever be compared to this kind of architecture is Sagrada Familia, the architect of which was erected by a great master, Antoni Gaudi.

In comparison with Sagrada, the Sanctuary is even more stunning considering the ocean coast. The highest point of the building, which is the top tower, is 105 m high.

While the techniques used for the construction are ancient, the monument is quite modern. Of course, you can never tell that without a background knowledge. Make sure to have a camera nearby, whether a digital one or your cell phone. You will undoubtedly want to shoot the scene.

Photo by Eternal Vagabond

Another surprise is the choice of material. The whole temple is built out of wood. There are no metals involved, there are no nails, nothing you could feel with a magnet. Surely, Thai people didn’t wake up one day and decide to build a super-hard building. They refuse the metal for a reason. And that reason is the progress of the Western civilizations and the technological advances taking place in the whole world. The architects want to show everyone that men is more valuable than technology, that men can build a wonder without the slightest help of modern machines. And as far as it goes, Thai people have the winning score.

Another interesting factor is the religion it follows. Although I insist that Buddhists will find this place the most convenient for them, other religions are also welcome. Moreover, the woodwork, which basically covers the walls, all of them, is divided into four styles corresponding to four religions (Thai, Khmer, Chinese, and Indian).

Now that we have discussed the beauty of the site, you probably want to know who the initiator of this project was. It would take a millionaire and all of his fortune to create such beauty. And a millionaire it was, Lek Viriyaphant.

Photo by DigiTaL~NomAd

The same initiator built the Ancient City, which is not far from the capital city of Bangkok. The construction started 30 years ago and is still unfinished. The amount of work contributed to the project testifies that this temple will hardly ever be completed. There will always be something more to add. Not counting the ever-adding details, the building should be complete in around 12 years. So, together the construction period would be about 52 years, which is very little time for a landmark like this.

The admission to the Sanctuary costs around €13. The price is twice as less for children. You can’t walk around self-led here. Tours are almost compulsory. Despite that, you don’t have to pay them additionally. Although guides are very smart and friendly, it would be better of you could seek some key information on Buddhist philosophy. The better you understand the meaning of the Sanctuary, the more it will amaze you.

The tour can also be combined with traditional Thai dances if you visit the Sanctuary from 11:30 am to  3:30 pm. Yes, there are many tourists visiting this attraction, especially in the season. However, the Sanctuary always manages to preserve its soothing and peaceful atmosphere. You can sit in a corner and feel yourself alone in the enormous building. If you’re going through difficult time, this is one of the places to do some thinking at. And it doesn’t matter if you’re a Muslim, a Christian, or a Buddhist. There is no classification for understanding real beauty.

Photo by Eternal Vagabond

The opening hours are longer than those of a museum and shorter than those of a temple. Doors open at 8:00 am and close at 6:00. The Sanctuary is located in Chonburi, a province in Thailand. It’s not far from the city of Pattaya. This means that you will have to either rent a tuk-tuk or take your own rented car. On the other hand, it’s definitely a better temple than you can find in the city, so the transportation is totally worth it.

There is nothing that should hold you back. Even if you’re on budget travel, try to carve out time and finances to visit this site. I guarantee you will love it regardless of your profession, occupation or interests. There are certain things that are maid for making the mankind dazed. Sanctuary of Truth is one and one of the best examples of the given series of things. Just look around, drink the impressions in, and let out a big WOW of appreciation for its creators.

Although Thailand is a democratic state now, it still has a monarch and a royal family. True, the rights and responsibilities of the monarch are limited. He does not rule the country anymore, but the cultural side of the story has remained unchanged.

Photo by jEdC

The Chakri dynasty has been in power since 1782. There was a succession of around 9 kings, who shared one and the same name, Rama. Rama IX is the current monarch of Thailand. In fact, this Thai king is the longest reigning one in the history of all monarchs, having taken the thrown in June 1946. He has a son, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, who will succeed the king.

The monarch can be found in Grand Palace (the phrase is rather symbolic, you will hardly be able to FIND him). If you’re traveling to Bangkok in early December, be prepared to witness a huge celebration for the king’s birthday. You will see the best Thai costumes, the most delicious traditional dishes, there are no luxuries to be held back. In the meantime, the celebration corresponds to the Eastern understanding of feasting. This is why some Western tourists might be surprised at how many colors can be combined in one place or other details.

The monarch has a few symbols around the country, all of which are almost sacred and are no topics for jokes. Those are the six thrones in different parts of the country, white elephants, the flag, the emblem, and the anthem. There is a slight chance you will come across them in a high-class resort or at the beach. Bangkok and some of the biggest temples are the main places to look out for them. Local markets can also be filled with royalty-related items.

Photo by permanently scatterbrained

Be very careful here, don’t ever touch a picture of the monarch (this applies to Buddha pictures as well) with your feet. Thais believe that there are two poles of human body. The head is the most sacred part, while the feet are the dirtiest. So, if you touch a sacred picture with your feet, even if you point at something sacred with your foot, Thai people would see it as rubbing rotten tomatoes all over their national pride.

There are not too many places, where you can communicate with the locals. No matter how friendly you seem, you’re always a tourist, a guest here (there might be exceptions though). So, if you rent a tuk-tuk for the whole day, you can start a conversation with the driver by showing off some of your knowledge and asking for more. The locals will definitely appreciate your respect towards their monarchy. In fact, there are a few social rules you should follow when it comes to Thai monarchy.

Surely enough, do not ever mention or promote the movie Anna and the King. This movie and a number of its Western variations are still not welcome here. Thais take the story as a misinterpretation of the history.

Photo by @Doug88888

Interestingly, it’s hard to say if it really is a misinterpretation or not. Thailand has been closed from the outside eyes for a very long time. It’s tourism boom is  a recent phenomenon, and there was a time when even Thais themselves were not quite aware about what’s going on in their country.

You can touch upon the cultural aspect of the monarchy. For example, you can ask questions on the traditional dances that were allowed only in the court. But don’t go anywhere near politics. There might be some tensions in the given arena, and if you catch the wrong person with the wrong person, expect to have a lot of conflicts. You can’t do much about the conflict either, of course, if you don’t speak perfect Thai. Just accept that some people may not be into political discussions, they might not even be informed about what democracy is. Keep your status as a tourist in mind.

Photo by rumpelstiltskin1

Then again, you shouldn’t take this as a rule for every single Thai person you meet. The people working at the hotels and places where there is a constant flow of tourists and Western values are much more tolerant. You can ask them questions about the most controversial issues in the country, and they will give you some background information on the topic. Those people can be the staff at your hotel, the friendly waiter at the bar, and so on. Just make sure to formulate the sentence in an extremely polite way. Don’t offend their national pride, because there’s a lot of it here.

You would never want to offend Queen Elizabeth in front of an Englishman, right? Follow the same rule, and you should be alright. Just enjoy the culture and be grateful for its richness. Some of the most interesting part of Thai history and culture is related to their royalties. If you want to know their country, you have to know their monarchy as well.

One of the best regions of Northern Thailand is Chiang Mai. We have already touched upon a few attractions located in this region like Wat Suan Dok and Anusan Night Market.

Photo by Gustible

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is one of the most beautiful temples you will discover in Chiang Mai. I say “discover,” because you really need to look for it in order to find it. The temple rests on the top of the Doi Suthep mountain.

The construction of this jewel begun in 1386 and took a few years. This is another mystery of the relatively older architectural techniques. While they are complicated and unique, it seldom takes more than a decade to build a masterpiece.

Over the next few centuries, the temple was extended and renovated. In other words, it never got stuck in one time period.

You’re probably asking yourself, if the temple is located on a mountain, how do you get there? Don’t worry that particular convenience corresponds to our demands. There is a 300-step staircase that will lead you UP! Furthermore, we all understand that it’s not that easy to climb 300 stairs, i.e. to climb a mountain-long staircase.

Photo by whyyan

This is why you can start the sightseeing from the beginning and work your way through the path. The stairs are decorated with Naga figures, dating back to 16th century.

Above all, the path looks painfully like the Great Wall of China, but much more luxurious. The whole exterior design of the complex is done in gold color. This turns the building into a gateway to heaven. Once you turn around and see the surrounding panorama, you start thinking that it’s not even the gateway, but the heaven itself.

The experience is absolutely magical. Nature-fans will especially love the sensation. Besides the architectural sights, there is also an amazing variety of birds flying around you. Therefore, do expect a lot of singing, you might even want to turn the recorder (you most probably have one in your cellphone), as it will surely catch the most lyrical sounds in the world. Trust me, no Timberlake can compete with more than 300 species of singing birds. Mission impossible.

Photo by whyyan

There are a few things you have to consider. One of them is the appropriate clothing. This dress-code problem occurs in almost all Thai temples around the country. Don’t wear anything too open (particularly open shoulder-cuts) or tight. If you don’t have such clothing, you can borrow one at the door, and it’s free of charge. Speaking frankly, I would recommend you bring your own cloths, cause they will come handy more than once.

The temple opens for visitors at 08:00 am and closes at 5:00 pm. Getting to the bottom of the stairs in early morning. First, the air is really fresh, their is no dirty air produced by cars and tuk-tuks. The sun has just gone up in the sky, if you get lucky the sky will have that peachy glow. This can also be one of the best ways to spend a honeymoon sunrise.

The Legend

The temple has a very interesting story. Moreover, it’s unique and one-of-a-kind.

There is a popular tradition of building temples over sacred relics. So, when the time came for the construction of the Wat Suan Dok, the sacred relic doubled itself. As it would be not logical to place both relics in the same temple (besides, it was another reason for building a new temple, and we know the Thai love building temples).

The king, naturally, made a very wise plan, i.e. put the relics on a white elephant and see where it goes. There are a few sacred animals in religious theories, and elephant is one of them in Buddhism. It’s not too significant, but this animal is present in all over Thai culture and tourism. There are special camps for elephants, riding courses for tourists, and so on.

Photo by oase hati

Getting back to the story, the elephant climbs the Doi Suthep mountain. The mountain is very important to the region of Chiang Mai. The animal stopped at the top, trumpeted three times, turned in circle three times and . . . guess what? . . . just died.

This is how it was decided to built the temple at this spot. Although this story is considered to be a legend, there is no other explanation why people would choose to built an entire temple at the top of a mountain, where there are no “user-friendly” paths to carry the materials.

While having said that, the Egyptian Pyramids, mountainous Armenia (where you will find a shrine or church on top of almost every mountain), some logic appears behind the scenes of  Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep.

It’s no secret that the best marbles are hidden in a the most difficult places. In this case, you have to be a good hiker to witness the beauty that awaits on Doi Suthep mountain.

Bars and pubs will definitely exhaust you after a while, you can’t spend the whole vacation at the beach as well, restaurants will soon repeat themselves and the local cuisine. So, what will you do when all that happens? Of course, you’re going to learn a few things about Buddhism and travel the temples, exploring their richness and beauty.

Photo by bfick

Chiang Mai is often mentioned for its spectacular temples. Wat Suan Dok is only one of them.

Once there was no temple at this site, only a vast flower field, . . . even better, a royal fower garden, one of the most beautiful ones. This field was set as the host of a new temples in 1373. That’s how Wat Suan Dok came into being. The story is also the source of the temple name, Wat Suan Dok, which means a “flower field.”

The temple was built by King Keu Na of Lanna, or more precisely, by his order. A monk named Sumana had discovered sacred relics that needed a special place to be housed in. Moreover, the same monk had a vision that bought him to the flower fields. Hence, the construction began right here.

It’ actually a very typical story when it comes to sacred sites. Such places are based on stories of relics and visions all around the world. Someone finds relics, has a vision, and starts a temple/church construction on that spot.

I’m sure we’d all want to see something more dynamic and amazing, but I guess we’ll have to concentrate our admiration on the architecture only.

Photo by Yiqun Ding

The whole temple is the combination of white and gold. In a more Western culture, when colors play an essential role in fashion and trends, this would be difficult to understand. But once you step on the land of Bangkok or any other city in the country, all colors start forming acceptable color combinations. White and gold become more breathtaking. The main temple is covered with gold, while the numerous chedis or pagodas, spread around the main temple are all white.

It’s one of those temples that don’t require too much time. You don’t have to spend the whole day here . . . if only you’re not a professional photographer or a hunter of good shots. This place is so photogenic almost all shots come out great. This is why you need to find some ways of saving your battery life. The session promises to be endless.

Don’t indulge yourself in green-grass shots, focus for the main jewel, the morning at Wat Suan Dok. The mist gradually covers the mountains around, making the whole scene look mystical.

While you’re catching the best sides of this attraction, don’t get too carried away. The temple is also a cemetery. The white chedis, the smaller ones, as a rule, contain the ashes of Chiang Mai royal family members.  The ashes were collected from all over Chiang Mai and centered right here. The place is definitely not one of the haunted places in the world, but this doesn’t mean ghosts can’t visit you there one day.

Photo by Akuppa

The ashes are not the only characteristics that makes this temple different from the other. As you enter the main temple, you will find yourself in an unusually big prayer hall.

You can use the chance to learn about Thai culture and religion. There are certain days of the week, when it’s all about exchange of knowledge and experience. Monks, which visit the temple, conduct a series of talks with visitors. The tall the travelers about the history of the temple, the essence of Buddhism, and so on. First, it’s quite a new thing to talk to a monk. Second, you don’t need to spend extra money on a guide, the monks will do the job much better. Third, you don’t even have to speak the Thai language  the man goal of talks for monks is to improve their knowledge of English. This means that it will be them trying hard to form a decent sentence in a foreign language, and not you.

The program extends to meditation, which is open for public and everyone interested. These sessions take place at Maha Chulalongkorn Rajavidyalaya university campus. If you’re interested, take care of the registration beforehand. Last days of every month offer more meditation days, so you have more opportunities to get in.

Photo by anuradhac

Finally, you can’t get there on public transportation so make an arrangement with a cab or a tuk-tuk. Check your backpack for the camera, batteries, the memory card, and set out on the journey.

Frankly speaking, photography is the main reason why this temple is special, other wise the main characteristics of Thai architecture can be observed without having to come out of Bangkok, right in the city. Another reason is the chance to meditate with monks. Thai massage and meditation are on of the top things to try in Thailand (we can add the insects to this list as well). In any case, it’s always nice to see something new in a beautiful culture like that of Thailand.

Photo by ahseng.net

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, you need to be prepared. Those who enjoy the backpack lifestyle often enjoy spontaneity, the notion jetting off on short notice and arriving without a strict itinerary. Well, that is all well and good, but you have to get there first and know that you will be safe when you do! If you´re looking for more than a holiday, despite Thailand´s affordable cost of living, you will need a means to support yourself. One way to do this could be to teach English as a foreign language. The demand for native English teachers is high and could be your ideal way to prolong your Thai adventure.

Step 1 Passport and Visas

It goes without saying. Make sure you have a valid, in-date passport. In terms of Visas if you only wish to stay for a month or less, with a valid passport, you will be granted a visa-free visit. If you wish to stay for more than one month you can obtain a tourist visa from a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate outside the country, which will be valid for 60 days. Tourist Visa extensions can be applied for at the immigration department in Bangkok.

If you choose to teach English in Thailand you will require a non-immigrant B Visa, again applied for at any Thai embassy or consulate outside the country. To obtain one, you must have evidence of a job offer. But many people choose to enter Thailand on a tourist Visa, search for and attain a job in person and then do a “visa-run”; temporarily going to a neighboring country to get a work Visa.

Step 2 Complete a TEFL course

If you do choose to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL) you will need to have a TEFL certification in order to be considered by the public and private schools in Thailand. If you don´t want to wait to start your adventure, you can complete a TEFL course in Thailand. Lasting for 4 weeks, week 1 and week 2 are held in neighboring Phnom Penh, Cambodia and weeks 3 and 4 in Pattaya, which is Thailand´s premier beach resort stretching along 15 km of white sandy beaches. A way to ease you into Thai life, let´s say!      

Step 3 Choose your accommodation

This depends on the type of Accommodation you are looking for. If you’re going for a short break and are looking for a hotel, all price-ranges can be found from 5-star hotels to no-star guest houses, especially in Bangkok and Thailand´s second most visited city, Chiang Mai.

If you decide to teach it is best to find an apartment. There are many affordable apartments in Thailand, and many often take over apartments of teachers from the previous season.   

Step 4 Money

In international hotels and large Thai chains in the major cities, US dollars are often accepted. However, elsewhere the Thai currency “Baht” is required.  The best exchange rates come from banks and private moneychangers. You will be able to enjoy a low cost of living, especially when buying the necessities such as food, where bargaining is commonplace.

Step 5 Choose your travel destination or find your job

The bustling cities of Bangkok or Chiang Mai; one of Thailand´s idyllic islands or beach resorts such as Phuket or Hua Hin- Thailand has a diverse offering. Teaching jobs can often be found before you travel to Thailand, especially if you have a Bachelor degree and previous teaching experience. However, some schools require interviews to be conducted in person. Travelling to Thailand before you secure a position can be beneficial, giving you chance to consider all your options and check out working conditions.

There you have it, start planning your trip to Thailand right away.

As we already know, Thai religion is Buddhism, which is why the temples spread all over the country are Buddhist.  Wat Benchamabophit is one of those temples. It’s better known to Westerners as the Marble Temple. The story is as follows.

Photo by Justin Gaurav Murgai

The Marble Temple was built during the reign if King Rama V in 1899. It not only remains one of the best pieces of architecture in Bangkok, it’s also one of the places where you can see Thai monks. You can single them out in bright-orange cloths. The temple hasn’t got the reputation and fame it deserves, but it can be considered special, because the current Thai king, the most crucial entity in the royal family, spent some time here as a monk before the coronation.

Now, let’s come to the name. The temple is built in Carrara marble, which has been brought all over from Italy. It’s very simple, isn’t it? You build a temple out of marble and call it the Marble Temple. Even the pavement is constructed out of marble. The architects clearly took their business seriously.

The stone is not the only indication of the European influence. The design itself has some touches of the European architecture. I reckon you can’t view it as an example of the local culture. It will be more suitable to call it a combination of the East and the West. The window glasses are the first spots you will see the difference of style. Further on, where else can you see a red carpet inside a Buddhist temple . . . only and only in Bangkok.

However, we’ll do justice to the temple saying the overwhelming part of the architecture is Thai. Moreover, it’s one of the best models, a truly wonderful place to enrich your understanding of beauty and the photo album of the vacation.

Photo by Thai Jasmine (Smile..smile…Smile..)

I have always been against charging money for temples and churches. These sights are related to one of the most important values of human beings, i.e. faith. And you don’t charge people for faith? Even if the visitor is not Buddhist but Christian, he should have a free access to view another religion. Luckily, this temple doesn’t demand high prices to open its doors. The entrance fee is only 20 Baht, less than a Euro. The reason might be the popularity of other temples in Bangkok. The Grand Palace is the most famous one, it also the main attraction for tourists. Due to this the Marble Temple remains tourist free and calming.

Some tourists love the noise and the cheer. If you belong to this category of visitors, then choose a religious holiday or festival and plan the visit at that time. The temple will be full of all kinds of people, locals, tourists, curious people . . . The festivals usually take place either in February or in May.

If you have at least any faith in the Buddhist religion or, better, come from a Buddhist country, some sculptures and paintings will remind you of home. Every Buddhism country develops its own style of being Buddhist over the time. The Marble temple is the collection of those styles. The cloister collection of bronze portraits, which depict Buddha, are one of the most significant pieces of the attraction. The majority, around 33 pictures are original, while 20 are reproductions. Each one of the pictures represents a different Buddhism style, peculiar to this or that Asian country.

Each image is represented through a different pose, making every one equally important for Thai history and beyond. So, if you have been away from home for a long time, this is the best place to feel yourself at home, in a comfortable and familiar atmosphere. Plus, these portraits can serve as a great souvenir idea, you can find similar pictures (with less quality, of course) in Thai markets and gift shops.

While you just have to take the photos of the temple, it’s surroundings and the garden, you will have to give it up when entering. You will hear those 4 painful words “Photography is prohibited inside.” In any case, you will have the chance to capture awe-inspiring shots around the building.

Photo by mookE

It’s not appreciated only in Thailand, UNESCO did, too, in 2005 and included the temple in the list of World Heritage Sites.

The eye-blinding red color contrasts well with the red and golden roof. The whole temple is a must-see for all travelers. It doesn’t matter which one of the religions you have chosen. The heritage is so big any human will fall in deep amazement from the first glance. Just enjoy this sacred destination, the sea and the bars will wait. It’s time for unforgettable beauty now!