Joanna James
Thailand is a country rich in culture and heritage. While Thailand is known for its stunning islands, parties and unforgettable cuisine, there's an equally rich cultural side you don't often get to see.
For an immersive cultural experience, explore The Grand Palace's famous collection of beautiful buildings, a jewel in the country's architectural and political legacy. The royal grounds, established in 1782, have been expanded over the ages with eclectically styled structures, rooms, and pavilions. The official residence of Thai monarchs until the absolute monarchy was abolished in 1932, however, the site is still open to visitors, with its well-kept grounds and colossal buildings giving wonderful photo opportunities and an immersive cultural experience.
Locally known as Wat Phra Kaew, this is one of the many sacred temples that are found in Bangkok. The temple, located within the grounds of the Grand Palace, houses an emerald Buddha statue fashioned from semi-precious green stone and coated in gold, which is considered Thailand's palladium (protecting image). When you visit the Grand Palace, make sure to make some time to visit this temple too. The surrounding structures, sculptural shapes, and murals add to the regal and spiritual ambience of the Buddha's room.
Wat Pho is another one of Thailand's six important Buddhist temples. In here, you can explore the wide range of temple buildings showing rich and sophisticated religious architecture and a history reaching back to the 16th century, as well as the 46-metre-long Buddha statue. The location houses Thailand's biggest collection of Buddha images, which is important to the city's and country's spiritual and architectural legacy. The temple, which is said to be the country's first public institution, also has a long educational history and still continues to offer courses in traditional Thai massage and medicine. Not too far from the likes of Pathumwan Princess Hotel, you can find the best Bangkok hotel deals, offering closer proximity to the city's iconic landmarks.
Admire the majestic design of the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), a towering Buddhist temple in Bangkok's core. The temple, constructed in the 1600s, showcases an awe-inspiring religious architecture, making it one of the most meticulously preserved among all buildings commissioned by the Thai monarchy. As the sun sets, Wat Arun comes to life, illuminating the evening sky with its captivating beauty. Its intricate details and ornate spires create a mesmerising sight that leaves visitors in awe of Thailand's rich cultural heritage.
The resurgence of Thai silk owes much to Jim Thompson, a US architect who arrived in Thailand with the OSS (now the CIA). Thompson saw the marketing potential of the diminishing silk weaving business, which was still practised by Muslims in Baan Khrua at the time, and launched a profitable firm selling beautiful fabrics and home decor. His residence is now a museum with lush gardens that displays Thompson's Asian artefacts and appears much the same as it did when he went missing in Malaysia's Cameron Highlands in 1967.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
