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Best things to do in Hua Hin

Hua Hin is a perfect destination for couples and families to go on holiday. The city is located at the shore and there are many tourists attractions in the city and surrounding area. Furthermore, Hua Hin Has many accommodations, because the city was hundreds of years ago a holiday destination for the Thai Royals. Hua Hin is also not too far away from Bangkok, so when you want to escape the crowded city, you can go easily to Hua Hin.

Relax at the beach
Hua Hin has a wide beach which is visited by many tourists. This beach is clean and pleasant for families with young children, has many restaurants at the shoreline and during the weekdays, this beach is not too crowded. There are also many sun beds to get a nice tan during your day the beach. Furthermore, there many activities you can do during your day at the beach like jet-skiing, water-skiing, kiteboarding and horse riding.

Fun an Vana Nava Waterpark
If you get enough of the beach, don’t worry. There’s also an enormous waterpark which has many different pools and waterslides. A fun fact to know is that this waterpark is an ecologic waterpark. There is also a big variety of flora and fauna, because there are 2000 different plants and trees which grow over the whole of Thailand planted at the waterpark. Due to this wide variety of flora and fauna, this park is also named “Vana Nava Jungle”. The park is friendly for all ages. If you want to have a relaxing day or a day full of aqua fun, the park is a decent place to go.

Travel back in time to Plearn Wan Shopping Village
Travel back in time to the 50s. When you go to Plearn Wan Shopping Village. Parents enjoy their visit to the village and teenagers can learn a few things from the past. The village exists from a wooden complex with 2 levels. In this complex, you’ll find many vintage shops from the 50s. all those shops are covered movie-star and fashion magazine posters from the past. You’ll also hear music from the 50s-60s throughout the whole complex. The complex also offers many vintage accommodations which are an experience to stay for the night.

Hole in one in Hua Hin
Hua Hi has 3 big greens which are in use for golfing, these greens have all one of the if not the lowest fees to play in the whole world. The 3 courses are The Royal Hua Hin, Black Mountain and the Banyan Golf Course. All the courses have 18 or more holes, so you aren’t done with the courses that quickly. All the courses have a restaurant where you can go for lunch of dinner.

Khao Takiab “the spiritual monastery”
Visit Khao Takiab and experience the spiritual side of Hua Hin. The mountain is a spiritual monastery for many monks within the Buddhism religion. Monks goes to this place to pay their respect for the gods by praying. While traveling to the monastery on the mountain, you’ll see monkeys. These monkeys are also called “the carb-eating macaques” and they are an attraction to see by themselves. Be aware that these monkeys are wild monkeys and you have to make sure that you hide your shimmering personal belongings.

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Best things to do in Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is the third largest province in Thailand. The province has a lot of various landscapes. There are many mountains and there are flowing 2 main rivers through the province. Those rivers are the river Kwai Yai and the river Kway Noi. The province has also a dark history during WW2. Due to the war, there are many museums which commemorate the events that took place. There are also many rainforests and waterfalls to discover which will amaze you.

Pay your respect to the fallen ones
The Kanchanaburi war cemetery is a memorial for WW2. The people who have fought during the war are buried on this cemetery. Here you’ll find the graves of 5085 Thai fallen soldiers and 1896 Dutch fallen soldiers who gave their life for others to have a live a life of freedom. There is also a smaller cemetery where war soldiers are buried. This war cemetery is the Chungkai war cemetery and here, you’ll find the graves 1426 Thai fallen soldiers and 313 Dutch fallen soldiers. Both cemeteries are memorial sights.

Watch the rescued elephants
Elephant World Sanctuary is a non-profit organization where you’ll see elephants who have been cared for due to a handicap, sickness, abuse and many other horrible things. Here, you can gather food for the elephants, so you can help them. Furthermore, it’s also possible to stay for the night at the sanctuary.

Travel over the river Kwai
The steel bridge over the river Kwai is one of the most important landmarks of Thailand. The bridge is well-known for the battle during WW2 and several movies which show the events during the war. The damaged bridge was renovated after WW2 in 1946 and nowadays, it’s possible to walk over the bridge. The bridge is also still used for train rides so by passers who want to walk over the bridge have to be careful for trains

Temple visit in Kanchanaburi
The temples of Wat Tham Sua and Wat Tham Khao Noi are twin temples. Both temples are located on a mountain which have a view over Mae Klong Hill. The temples are actually twin temples, but the temples are very different from one another. The Wat Tham Sua is built in Buddhism style while the Wat Tham Khao Noi is built in Chinese style. Both the temples are not connected to each other, so it will challenge you reach both the temples.

Cool down at the waterfall
Go to the Say Yok Noi waterfall and see the true beauty of nature. When you visit the waterfall, you’ll see an enormous rock formation. This rock formation is 15 metres high and is all covered by flowing water of the waterfall. The area of the waterfall has also an immense biodiversity of birds and mammal. The waterfall is also home to the world’s smallest mammal “the Kittes Hog-nosed Bat”. Furthermore, there are also several caves in the surrounding area which you can explorer.

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Best things to do in Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a famous tourist destination among many tourists across the world. It’s so well-known for its white beaches, waterfalls, viewpoints over the sunset and sunrise, temples, spa’s and many more. The island has enough hotels which will fit anyone’s budget. The best period to travel to Koh Samui is from January till July, due to the dry season.

Relaxation on the beach
Koh Samui has many beaches to offer which attract many tourists from all over the word. One of them is Chaweng Beach and this is also the biggest beach on the island which attracts the most tourists from all over the island. With its white powdery sand, coral reefs and rocky cliffs, many tourists enjoy their time here at the beach. There are also a lot of hotels and restaurants surrounding Chaweng beach which also makes the beach very popular among tourists.

Refresh yourself in one day
When you go to Koh Samui, you have to go to one of the spa’s, because the spa’s in Koh Samui are the best spa’s in Thailand. The spa’s in Koh Samui will make you feel reborn after you’ve got a message, body scrub or any other treatment they offer. One of the best spa’s in Koh Samui is Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa. This spa offers multiple day programs which will make you feel as a totally new person after you’ve done one of their programs.

Koh Samui in a spiritual sight
The Wat Plai Laem is a must see during your stay on Koh Samui. This temple is home to the statue of the goddess of mercy. The statue has 18 arms and this is a wonderful sight to see. Visitors who donate an amount of money will be given a bag of seafood to feed the fish of the temple. The temple itself is relatively new, but the art of the temple shows an old traditional style which is admired by many visitors who go to the temple.

The landmark of Koh Samui
The biggest landmark of Koh Samui is the Big Buddha. This statue is located in the north of Koh Samui 3 kilometre from the Airport. The Big Buddha is 12 metres tall and looks over the sea. If you want to see the Buddha, you have to climb a big staircase, but it will be rewarded with a beautiful sight over the see and the Buddha itself. There are also many shops which are convenient if you have to buy lunch or want to buy a souvenir.

Party on Koh Samui
The nightlife in Koh Samui is famous in Thailand for being one of the most popular party destinations of the country, if not the world. On the island, you have a big variety in clubs, pubs, bars, parties and many more. Koh Samui is well-known for its legendary full moon parties which are celebrated on the white sandy beaches. The full moon parties are organised by open air clubs who hire national and international DJ’s who provide you of the best music. When you want to go out to “regular” clubs on the island, you have to visit Chaweng. Here, you’ll find the biggest nightlife scene on the island with big clubs, bars, restaurants and many more.

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Best things to do in Krabi

Krabi is a province in the south of Thailand which has a beautiful scenery both the inlands as at sea. Krabi has many different small islands, gigantic cliffs, gorgeous waterfalls and exotic wild life. Krabi is the ideal destination for a laid back holiday without mass tourism. It’s less crowded then Phuket and more laid back than Koh Samui.

Enter a tropical quiet paradise
One of the islands you have to visit during your stay in Krabi is actually a group of islands which are called the Phi Phi islands. This group of islands is famous for its beaches with white sand surrounded by palm trees and turquoise water. The island is a tropical quiet paradise which provide you from a relaxing holiday. The Phi Phi islands also have a very nice attitude when you compare it to other islands. There are just a few places in the whole world which are just as laid back as the Phi Phi islands. Stress doesn’t exist on the island.

Snorkel your way through Koh Poda
you have to see is Koh Poda. This island is the perfect place to snorkel and dive and it’s still a secret to many tourists. If you want to see a beautiful underwater world without that many tourists, then Koh Poda is the place to be. When you want to see an island within one day, you can go to Koh Hong. This island is easy to reach and it’s small enough to see all the nature sights in one day. Tourists are also not allowed to stay for the night on the island.

Replay the movie “the beach”
Travel to Maya Bay and see the former scenery of the movie “the beach”. Relax at the beach which is as white as snow and have a view over the beautiful rock formations of the bay. Buy your drinks and snacks in a small shack at the beach. You can also dive and snorkel at Maya Bay. You’ll see the amazing rocks and sea life underwater. It’s also possible to explorer the area by boat. You can hire a kayak, so you don’t have to spend your whole day on the beach.

The Emerald pool in the lush forest
The Emerald pool is surrounded by lush green trees which are really high. The pool itself is a hot water spring which makes it really pleasant for swimming. The pool has also a wild verity of flora and fauna which you can only find in the Emerald pool and the surrounding forest. The water of the lakes has an amazing turquoise and emerald colour which the name of the lake refer to.

Follow the footprints of Buddha
Krabi has many caves which can be visited by tourists and each cave has its unique sights. The first cave you have to visit during your visit to Krabi is the Krabi Tiger Cave. This cave is unique, because it’s actually a temple. The cave is filled with many Buddhism handcrafts and statues. You’ll also find the footprint of Buddha which is the main attraction of the cave. During your visit to the Krabi Tiger Cave, you’ll also see many monkeys which walk freely through the area.

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Best things to do in Hua Hin

Hua Hin is a perfect destination for couples and families to go on holiday. The city is located at the shore and there are many tourists attractions in the city and surrounding area. Furthermore, Hua Hin Has many accommodations, because the city was hundreds of years ago a holiday destination for the Thai Royals. Hua Hin is also not too far away from Bangkok, so when you want to escape the crowded city, you can go easily to Hua Hin.

Relax at the beach
Hua Hin has a wide beach which is visited by many tourists. This beach is clean and pleasant for families with young children, has many restaurants at the shoreline and during the weekdays, this beach is not too crowded. There are also many sun beds to get a nice tan during your day the beach. Furthermore, there many activities you can do during your day at the beach like jet-skiing, water-skiing, kiteboarding and horse riding.

Fun at Vana Nava Waterpark
If you get enough of the beach, don’t worry. There’s also an enormous waterpark which has many different pools and waterslides. A fun fact to know is that this waterpark is an ecologic waterpark. There is also a big variety of flora and fauna, because there are 2000 different plants and trees which grow over the whole of Thailand planted at the waterpark. Due to this wide variety of flora and fauna, this park is also named “Vana Nava Jungle”. The park is friendly for all ages. If you want to have a relaxing day or a day full of aqua fun, the park is a decent place to go.

Travel back in time to Plearn Wan Shopping Village
Travel back in time to the 50s. When you go to Plearn Wan Shopping Village. Parents enjoy their visit to the village and teenagers can learn a few things from the past. The village exists from a wooden complex with 2 levels. In this complex, you’ll find many vintage shops from the 50s. all those shops are covered movie-star and fashion magazine posters from the past. You’ll also hear music from the 50s-60s throughout the whole complex. The complex also offers many vintage accommodations which are an experience to stay for the night.

Playing golf in Hua Hin
Hua Hin has 3 big greens which are in use for golfing, these greens have all one of the if not the lowest fees to play in the whole world. The 3 courses are The Royal Hua Hin, Black Mountain and the Banyan Golf Course. All the courses have 18 or more holes, so you aren’t done with the courses that quickly. All the courses have a restaurant where you can go for lunch of dinner.

Khao Takiab “the spiritual monastery”
Visit Khao Takiab and experience the spiritual side of Hua Hin. The mountain is a spiritual monastery for many monks within the Buddhism religion. Monks goes to this place to pay their respect for the gods by praying. While traveling to the monastery on the mountain, you’ll see monkeys. These monkeys are also called “the carb-eating macaques” and they are an attraction to see by themselves. Be aware that these monkeys are wild monkeys and you have to make sure that you hide your shimmering personal belongings.

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Best things to do in Pattaya

Pattaya is a big resort city on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Pattaya is a mass tourism destination which is the reason that this city is modern. The city offers also hundreds of bars, cafes, and clubs which makes the nightlife major. Furthermore, the city is a multi-cultural city, so you will see a lot of different nationalities and oversee influences.

Not a fan of the beach?
You don’t have to worry when you want to cool down in Pattaya without liking the beach. You can go to Ramayana Water Park Pattaya. This waterpark is the biggest waterpark of Asia. The park has over 50 water slides and there are plenty of activities in the water which you can do, like water sports, fly boarding, and many more. There is also a relaxing big relaxing park in the park where you can take a well-deserved rest after trying all the water slides and activities.

Will you find the truth?
When you see the sanctuary of truth, you’ll see what human skill is really capable of. This shrine is a wooden that the sanctuary is fully made by only the hand worship of humans and nothing else. The sanctuary represents the understanding of Ancient Life, Human Responsibility, Basic Thought, the Cycle of Life, Life’s Relationship with Universe and a Common Goal of Life toward Utopia. The Thai residence believe that the sanctuary is the answer of the above called subjects.

Explorer the night life of Pattaya
Pattaya is famous all over the world for its nightlife. There are many different places where you can go and there is for every category a club of café. The LGBT community is also strongly supported in Pattaya and for that community are many different options within the nightlife of Pattaya. Furthermore, there are many bars and festivals which tourists can enjoy in an international environment.

Lose yourself in Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
This garden will show you different landscapes in just one day. You’ll see a different biodiversity while you’re walking through the park. The organisation of the park also held shows every day which are a feast for the eye to see and there are also plenty of restaurants in the park to have lunch or dinner during your visit.

The largest Buddha of Pattaya
When you want to go to Jomtien Beach from Pattaya, you cannot miss the 18 metres high Buddha. This is the Wat Phra Yai and this is the biggest Buddha in the whole region. The temple itself is actually a fishing village and this because of this, the temple is also visited by many locals who came to pray at the statue. The first thing you see are golden dragons when you want to enter the temple. The temple is made in 1940.

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Best Things To Do in Phuket

Phuket the biggest island of Thailand and this island is also a province of the country. The island has beautiful beaches at the west side of the island where tourists can enjoy the sun and relax during their holiday. The east of Phuket is full of mangroves where you experience total different landscapes then the rest of the island. The north coast of the island has many rocky cliffs which will help you to make the most beautiful pictures. Phuket also has a very active nightlife scene in all over the island, but you’ll the most active night life in Soi Banglan. When you go land inwards, you’ll see a jungle landscape which includes high mountains and waterfalls.

Feel the Las Vegas atmosphere in Phuket
You can go to the biggest show of the island; Fantasea. This show functions as a theme park where you can play games, watch big shows, have dinner in the 4000 seat restaurant where you can have traditional Thai food and many more. The main event is still the big theatre with animals which are waiting to show their poses and skills to the audience. There are also 70-minute acrobatic shows which will blow you away.

Enjoy your day at the beach
Phuket offers several which tourists enjoy their time during their holiday. Kata Beach is a well-known beach under many tourists. This beach is ideal for snorkelling during the high season and during the low season, this beach is perfect for surfing. Freedom Beach is a quiet beach where people can enjoy their day without mass tourism. This beach has white sand which is said to be the finest sand of the whole island. Patong Beach is one of the most popular beaches of Phuket. The beach includes nice soft sand, hotels, bars and restaurants.

Parties all around Bangla Road
Phuket is the place to be for nightlife. People from all across the world visit Phuket for its famous nightlife. If you want an unforgettable night out, you have go to the Bangla Road in Patong Beach. This is a road of 400 metres long which is filled with bars, restaurants, pubs and clubs. Mostly of the time, this street is the first and last stop for any tourist.

Feel the spiritual energy of Wat Phra Yai
When you climb up to the top of Khao Nak Koet, you’ll see the Wat Phra Yai which is well known under the name “de big Buddha”. This Buddha is 45 metres tall and is admired by both locals and tourists. Not only, you can see the big Buddha at the top of the mountain, but you’ll also have a beautiful view all over the island of Phuket. You see a tiny Phuket Town and small Karon beaches from the top.

Replay the James Bond movie
When you travel to James Bond island, you’ll see the famous set of the James Bond movie “The Man With The Golden Gun”. The best way to see the James Bond island is to go near by boat. People are not allowed to enter the island, because it’s protected by UNESCO. The bay called Phang Nga Bay also famous for its cliff which appears to fall. The beach itself is surrounded by emerald green water which is beautiful for the eye.

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Makha Bucha Day

Makha Bucha Day is a Buddhist holiday celebrated in Thailand. It is based on the Buddhist Lunar Calendar and comes in February or March on the Gregorian Calendar. The celebration is held during the third lunar month of the year (which will be held on 19th February this year) because Buddha is said to have delivered certain of his teachings at this time.

 

What does Makha Bucha mean?

Where does the name for the Makha Bucha Day holiday come from? Well, the Buddhist calendar traditionally used in Thailand is a lunar one, and the third lunar month is known in Thai as ‘makha’.

The term ‘makha’ in turn comes from the word ‘Magha’ in Pali, the sacred language of the religious texts of the Theravada strand of Buddhism most widely practised in Thailand. Meanwhile, ‘bucha’ is a Thai word – once again deriving from the Pali language, this time from the word Puja – which means ‘to venerate’ or ‘to honour’.

Therefore, the term Makha Bucha is taken to refer to a day intended for honouring the third lunar month and, in particular, the Buddha and the teachings that he delivered on the full moon day of the fourth lunar month. Note that in a leap year, Makha Bucha Day may instead be held on the full moon day of the fourth lunar month.

How is Makha Bucha Day celebrated in Thailand?

As well as Thailand, Makha Bucha Day is celebrated in other countries including Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. It first came to be celebrated in modern-day Thailand during the reign of King Rama IV, first observed only in the ground of the royal palace and later becoming more widely recognised nationally and finally introduced as a Thai public holiday.

As is common on all manner of Buddhist holidays in Thailand, it is common for Thai Buddhists to visit their local temple to make merit on Makha Bucha Day. While at the temple, they might also listen to Buddhist teachings, give alms to monks, recite Buddhist scriptures, and participate in the evening candlelight processions around the ordination hall that are held by many temples.

If you want to get your own insight into local celebrations of Makha Bucha Day in Thailand, simply stop by the local temple closest to wherever you are staying in Bangkok or elsewhere. Most will be happy to welcome inquisitive souls and to let you observe – or even participate in – processions and other activities to mark the holiday.

 

Source: expique
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Thai King Coronation Ceremonies

The Royal Household Bureau announced since January the three-day coronation ceremony of His Majesty King MahaVajiralongkorn. The main ceremonies will take place from May 4-6. The coronation is scheduled for May 4, when the King will make a public appearance before a gathering of the Royal Family, privy councilors, Cabinet members and senior public officials who will offer their good wishes, according to the announcement.

 

On the following day, a ceremony is scheduled to bestow the royal name on the newly crowned King, in line with the traditions governing the monarchy. On the same day, certain members of the Royal Family will be bestowed new titles to reflect their relationship with King Rama X. The royal parade will take place on this day and will lead to the closure of 34 roads from midnight onward.

On May 6, the King will hold a grand audience with members of the public and foreign diplomats in the Grand Palace.

 

 

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No plastic bags campaign in Thailand

Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has urged consumers nationwide to refrain from using single-use plastic bags. December 4 was the plastic bag free-day, which is the cooperative start of the nationwide campaign afterwards. Convenience stores and shopping malls have also agreed to tuck away single-use plastic bags to shoppers on their own designated dates. Hospitals are also being asked to dispense medicine in cloth bags rather than plastic bagsas of October 1. Athiwara “Toon” Khongmalai of the rock group Bodyslam, whose is well known for his charitable efforts to help Thais, is taking part in 7-Eleven’s campaign “Reduce A Plastic Bag A Day”. Every refused plastic bag will turn into a donation of Bt0.20 per bag to Siriraj Hospital to support the purchase of medical equipment for Navamindrapobitr 84th Anniversary Building.

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Best thing to do in Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is the former capital of Thailand and is renowned for its temple ruins and historical sides. Ayutthaya is the perfect place if you want to see the Buddhism culture. Ayutthaya attracts many backpackers by its historical sides and this place is a must-see when you make a round trip through Thailand.

Temple of ruins
During your stay in Ayutthaya, you have to visit is the Wat Phra Si Sanphet. This temple has served as the royal monetary for the Thai king in 1350 till 1448. You can make a walk through the monetary and you’ll end up in front of the royal palace. Nowadays, this temple is a ruin which is impressive for the eye. This temple has also served as a modal which is now located in Bangkok. Back in the days, the Wat Phra Sanphet used to be the most important temple in the whole Ayutthaya region.

Dutch sights in Thailand?
Yes indeed, there is a big Dutch monument in Thailand which is called Baan Hollanda. This house keeps the Thai-Dutch history. It has been opened since 2013 by the former queen of the Netherlands herself “Beatrix” and the Dutch government. In this building, you see the Dutch history of the VOC. You see the lifestyle of the Dutch residence during this period, how they worked and how they integrated with the Thai culture.

Exhibition of Buddhism
The Chao Sam Phraya National Museum is a museum you have to visit during your stay in Ayutthaya. This museum has many artefacts from different temples across Ayutthaya. At the first floor, you’ll see Buddha images which show you the fortune of the time they were built by the style of the images. At the second floor you’ll find many gold and wooden Buddha’s and at the third exhibits the traditional houses of Thailand.

Shopping under the locals
If you want to see true Thai culture, you must go to the Krungsri Night Market. You’ll find everything you can think of when you visit this market. The market has also plenty of traditional food choices. The food is also fresh which makes the taste of the Thai dishes only better. You’ll also hear Thai sounds the whole evening to make the Thai experience complete.

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Best things to do in Bangkok

Bangkok “the capital city of Thailand” is a city which have several great things to offer to many tourists across the world. Bangkok is well known for its cuisine, great nightlife, friendly residence who are always willing to help you even when they cannot speak another language then Thai, floating markets, authentic sights, spa’s and much more.

Visit the king in the Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is home of the king of Thailand. This palace is the biggest mark of Thailand and as a tourist, you have to see it. The Grand Palace is built in 1782 and it was the home of the king of Thailand for more than 150 years. The Grand Palace is also home to several other buildings like the Pra Ubosot which is home to the emerald Buddha. This Buddha is the most important Buddha in Thailand. During your visit, you also have to see the Phra Asadha Maha Chedi. This complex is built of 8 different towers and each of those towers refers to a different concept within the Buddhism religion.

Buying your souvenirs on a boat
Ever visited a floating market? Now is your chance. There are 3 floating markets in Bangkok which will give you a totally different experience than what you used to. The first market is the Bang Ku Wiang Market , the second market is the Tha Kha and the third market is the Damnoen Saduak. The Damnoen Saduak floating market is the biggest one of Thailand. You can buy here many souvenirs, food and drinks.

Visit China in Bangkok
Chinatown is a neighbourhood in Bangkok which is really old. This Neighbourhood was once the economic centre of Bangkok, but it has changed to a place where you can buy your supplies for the lowest prices in the whole city. Furthermore, you can have a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner for a very low price. The street is very narrow and crowded and because of this, the street is authentic to the Chinese culture. When you arrive at the train station, you’ll see the biggest golden Buddha of the world.

Party your way through the Khao San Road
After sunset, this street will become a big party street. You’ll many mobile bars which sell buckets of cocktails which you can enjoy to start the night. After you drank your bucket, you can go further and choose one of the many bars to go. Every bar has its own music genre and because of this, there is always a bar which you can enjoy.

Be amazed by the Reclining Buddha
Every first timer in Bangkok has to go to the Wat Pho. When you are at the Wat Pho you’ll see a Buddha which you have never seen before. This Buddha is called the reclining Buddha and this is one of the biggest Buddha statues. The Buddha is 46 metres long and is fully covered in leaf gold. While visiting the Wat Pho, you cannot forget to take a massage, because this temple is well-known as the centre relaxation.

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