Phra That Doi Pu Khao

Just two kilometers away from Chiang Saen Lake is Phra That Doi Pu Khao which is believed to have been built by a king of Wiang Hirannakhon Ngoen Yang in the middle of the 8th century. This riverside temple near Sop Ruak Market is located on a hill just before the Golden Triangle and offers a spectacular view of the Golden Triangles riverine and mountain areas. The vihan and crumbled chedis are the only visible remains of antiquities today.

The King Mengrai the Great Memorial

It is located in the town on the intersection leading to Mae Chan. Originally, King Mengrai was the ruler of Nakhon Hiran Ngoen Yang (an ancient town on the bank of the Mae Khong around Chiang Saen) before Chiang Rai was established as the administrative centre in 1262. He consolidated his power by merging the different city in the North and founded the Lanna Thai Kingdom in 1296 with Chiang Mai as the capital.

Golden Triangle Thailand

A trip to Chiang Rai province would not be complete without seeing the notorious Golden Triangle first hand! This famed border location where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet on the Mekong River was once supposed to be the center of all the poppy cultivation in Thailand.
Travel approximately 9 kilometers north of old town Chiang Saen, along the road parallel to the Mekong River to the area where the borders of Thailand, Myammar and Laos converge. This area where the Mekong River meets the Ruak River is locally referred to as "Sop Ruak". Within this area are remains of many ancient places and structures attesting to the fact that the area had been settled by people in the past. It is also the area where various legends concerning the Lanna ancestors originate.

Boats can be hired in order to view the upstream scenery of the Golden Triangle and to travel downstream to Chiang Khong. The trip to the Golden Triangle and Chiang Khong would take approximately 40 minutes and 1 hour respectively, depending on river currents and water levels.

Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong Chiang Rai

Located on 157, Chiang Mai-Hot Road, Baan Luang Sub-District, Chom Thong District on Km.58. Wat Phra That Si Chom Tong is the Burmese-style chedi and said to contain a relic of the Buddha. The viharn was built to a cross-shaped floor plan. The tastefully arranged, gilded wood carvings on the side gables, cornices and portals, as well as the ornamentation of the teak columns and beams inside, are of outstanding artistic quality. The viharn also contains a richly decorated altar in the Burmese style with two equally ornate tusks and various statues of Buddha. The seated bronze Buddha is highly revered.

Wat Phra Sing

Wat Phra Sing is located near the townhall used to house a major Buddha statue, the Phra Buddha Sihing which is now enshrined in Chiang Mai. A special feature is the Lanna-style Ubosot and the wooden door panels carved by Chiang Rai contemporary craftsmen.

Floating Market Damnoen Saduak in Bangkok

Damnernsaduak is believed to be one of a well-known and an attractuve travelling sites. Historically, Damnoenssaduak was actually the name of the canal dug in the reign of King Rama IV by the military men and the people of Rajburi, Samutsakorn and Samutsongkram Province directed by Phayasrisuriyawong, the minister of Defence. In those days without rivers and canals, transportation was almost motionless; King Rama IV with his great concern over the country's future economic growth, he finally had the canal dug to connect the Taachin River in Samutsakorn Province and Maklong River in Samutsongkram Province together.
Nowadays Damnoensaduak is one of a provincial district of Rajburi Province. Most people live densely along both sides of the canal from one end of the canal to another.The majority of this people are agriculturists. They grow several different kinds of fruit and vegetable for examples oranges, grapes, papayas, cabbages, bean, onion and etc. The land in this area is naturally fertile. Apart from providing transportation, Damnoensaduak Canal also provides farmers with adequate water for agricultural purposes for the whole year around. More than 200 small canals were dug by local peasants to connect with it to get water to splatter their land. Moreover; these small canals also become protitiouus ways of taking their agricultural products to the markets in neighbouring provinces and Bangkok.
Day in and day out from about 8 a.m. to about 11 a.m. the Floating Market is routinely crowded with hundrreds of vendors and purchasers floating in their small rowing boats selling and buying or exchanging their goods. What they purchase are particularly food, fruit and vegetable which mostly brought from their own orchards. They usually travel on their small rowing boats. however; today the long-tailed boats pushing by engine become very popular. People tend to use them instead. Anyhow because of the shortage of fuel today long-tailed boats are quite unavailable compared to a few years ago.
Damnoen Saduak in Ratchaburi about 109 kilometres south of Bangkok

Sanctuary of Truth, a Wooden Wonder

The Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya, Thailand, is made entirely of wood and is styled to resemble ancient Buddhist temples such as Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. Though it may look old, it isn’t – the sanctuary was begun in 1981 and the entire complex is expected to be complete by the year 2025. What kind of person decides to build a 315ft tall religious sanctuary? Lek Viriyaphant, for one, a Thai millionaire said to be somewhat eccentric.

The White Temple - Wat Rong Khun

Wat Rong Khun is different from any other temple in Thailand, as its ubosot (Pali: uposatha; consecrated assembly hall) is designed in white color with some use of white glass. The white color stands for Lord Buddha’s purity; the white glass stands for Lord Buddha’s wisdom that "shines brightly all over the Earth and the Universe."

The bridge leading to the temple represents the crossing over from the cycle of rebirth to the Abode of Buddha. The small semicircle before the bridge stands for the human world. The big circle with fangs is the mouth of Rahu, meaning impurities in the mind, a representation of hell or suffering.
All the paintings inside the ubosot (assembly hall) have golden tones. The four walls, ceiling and floor contain paintings showing an escape from the defilements of temptation to reach a supramundane state. On the roof, there are four kinds of animals representing earth, water, wind and fire. The elephant stands for the earth; the naga stands for water; the swan's wings represent wind; and the lion’s mane represents fire.
Visitors will find it rather bizarre to find modern images throughout this temple. Images of the Predator from the Hollywood film, Spiderman, Batman, Keanu Reeves character in the Matrix, rocket ships, etc. The sea of hands rising up towards the bridge to the temple, some holding skulls are very striking.
In 1997, Chalermchai Kositpipat volunteered his service to carry out the construction of the ubosot at his own expense as an offering to Lord Buddha, but he later altered the plan as he saw fit in such a way that Wat Rong Khun developed into a prominent site attracting both Thai and foreign visitors.
Nowadays, Wat Rong Khun is still being constructed. When completed, the construction project of Wat Rong Khun will consist of nine buildings: the ubosot, the hall containing Lord Buddha’s relics, the hall containing Buddha images, the preaching hall, the contemplation hall, the monk’s cell, the door façade of the Buddhavasa, the art gallery, and the toilets.

The History Chiang Rai

The city was founded by King Mengrai in 1262 and became the capital of the Mengrai dynasty. Subsequently, Chiang Rai was conquered by Burma and remained under Burmese rule for several hundred years. It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai became Chiang Mai vassal. After Siam or Thailand annexed Chiang Mai in 1899 Chiang Rai was proclaimed a province of Thailand in 1933.
In 1432 during the reign of King Sam Fang Kaen of Mangrai dynasty (1402–1441) the Phra Kaeo, or Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha statue, was discovered in Chiang Rai when an earthquake split the Chedi at Wat Phra Kaeo of Chiang Rai City. The beautiful jade figure was then seen concealed within. Another telling of the story has the 'Emerald Buddha' hastily covered in mud just before marauders entered to pillage. It wasn't until many years later, that the clunky-looking mud Buddha was found to actually house the magnificent jade statue, perhaps by way of the earthquake mentioned above - which caused a piece of the clay to break off - revealing the jade beneath.
In 1992, the City Pillar was moved from Wat Klang Wiang to Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong, where it is known as Sadue Mueang (Thai: สะดือเมือง), the Navel or Omphalos of the City

Chiang Rai in Thailand

Chiang Rai City is 200 kilometres northeast of Chiang Mai City, 62 kilometres south of Mae Sai and the Burmese border; 60 kilometres southwest of the town of Chiang Saen on the Mae Kong across from Laos; and 90 kilometres north of Payao town.

The Mae Kok River runs along Chiang Rai's north side, flowing from west out of Burma at Taton town - to east and thereby merging with the Mekong River.

There are four bridges spanning the Mae Kok river within the town's boundaries, each running south/north. Most of the terrain surrounding Chiang Rai town is either flat or has moderate hills. The exception is outward in the west and northwest directions, where limestone hills are evident, some of which have straight-up exposed cliffs. Not surprisingly, that's also the direction where most of the region's Hill Tribe people have their villages, further afield.

Doi Suthep Temple Music:Chanting By Imee Ooi

Doi Suthep is a constant part of life in Chiang Mai. A Thai saying goes, "If you haven't tasted Khao Soi or seen the view from Doi Suthep, you haven't been to Chiang Mai." This regal mountain overlooks the city from the northwest, providing commanding views from its summit. Aside from its dominating presence on the horizon, Doi Suthep is the home of some of the most deeply loved symbols in the Kingdom.In 1981 Doi Suthep, Doi Pui and Doi Buakha, along with the 161 square kilometres (62 square miles) of forest in which they are located, became Thailand's 24th national park. A year later a 100 square kilometre (38 square mile) annex was added, bringing the park's total area up to 261 square kilometres (100 square miles). Dense forests hang from the mountain's shoulders like a cloak; deciduous at lower elevations and evergreen near the peaks of the mountains.

Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai

Located in Chiang Mai Province, Doi Inthanon National Park encompasses the highest mountain In Thailand, Doi Inthanon, as well as several lesser summits. The doi (mountain) is largely a granite batholith intruding a southerly extension of the Shan Hills range and forming the divide between the Nam Mae Ping river to the east and the Nam Mae Chaem river to the west. Lower elevations in the most easterly pant of the park are limestone formations and contain a number of caves.
Formerly known as Doi Angka, the mountain now bears (since 1899) a shortened version of the name of Chiang Mai's last sovereign, King Inthawichayanon. During his reign, he had, with great foresight, expressed his concern for the forests of the northern hill country as the watershed for all of central Thailand. The modern study of rain forest hydrology has borne out his early convictions and given substance to Thai folklore which describes this hill region as the home of the Phiphannam, the 'spirit who shares water'. Before the King died near the turn of this century, he commanded that his remains be placed at the top of this mountain: his ashes at the summit stupa are visited by thousands of people each year.
The park covers an area of 48,240 ha. Its lowlands below 800 meters in elevation are warm and very dry during the rain-free season, but the summit of Doi Inthanon, at 2565 meters, has a climate more like Canada than Thailand. The temperature has been known to drop as low as -8 degrees C. and frosts are not unusual during the cool, dry season. January is the coldest month: an average nighttime temperature is 5.5 degrees C. At any season, Doi Inthanon is a comfortable reprieve from the heat of the lowlands. At altitudes above 1000 meters, rainfall exceeds 2500 mm, considerably more than at nearby Chiang Mai. Even in the dry season, November to April, there is rare but occasional rain or the summit may be shrouded in cloud for a part of the day; persistent mist is an important factor in the maintenance of moist forest there.
The various sub montane forest formations at higher elevations are a unique asset of the park. They have dominant species belonging to temperate climate families rather than tropical. The summit area supports the only red rhododendron in Thailand (R. delavayi); it blooms from December through February. There are also two white-blossomed species abundant on Doi Inthanon which are restricted to only a few other sites.
Where mists are persistent, the slopes carry a moist hill evergreen or 'cloud forest' with many epiphytes, plants which live on tree trunks and branches but do not receive their moisture and nutrients from the host tree as do true parasitic plants. Instead, they are nurtured by the accumulation of dust particles and humus around their 'root' area and the moisture retained there, augmented by frequent bathing in cloud and mist. Epiphytic orchids are also abundant, along with lichens, lianas and fern.
At mid-elevations, 800 - 1500 meters, two species of pine are present, Pinus merkusii mixed with dipterocarp in the lower range, and P. kesiya with oak and laurel on drier slopes in the upper range. The pines are thought to be a relic from a prehistoric cooler climatic period when flora from the Sino-Himalayan region migrated southward. At the mid-elevations of the park, much of the forest has been removed by the activities of swidden cultivators and the slopes have converted to fire climax grasslands.

Chiang Mai National Museum

Located near the historic Wat Jet Yod, this is the main museum of northern Thailand and is under the patronage of Their Royal Majesties, the King and Queen. It was renovated in 1996 to celebrate the 700th anniversary of the founding of Chiang Mai and now features a larger and better organized exhibition. The museum is housed in a large, two storey traditional Lanna style house, complete with the signature roof design, reminiscent of a bird's spreading wings. Visitors to the museum pass through six sections of exhibits, which constitute a journey from Chiang Mai's prehistory to its present and future course.
The museum begins with the natural and cultural background of the region, including the ecology and geography of the north, as well as information on prehistoric settlements. From there the museum tells the history of the Lanna Kingdom from the founding of Chiang Mai in 1296 through its sacking by the Burmese in 1558 until it was again liberated with the aid of the King of Siam in 1769. The next section deals with the short period of time during between the city's liberation from the Burmese to its re-establishment in 1782, during which period the city was under control of the King of Siam. Ascending to the second floor, visitors will find an exhibit hall devoted to the trade and economy of the Lanna Kingdom until its integration with Thailand in 1939. The next section displays photographs and artefacts showing the modern life of Chiang Mai - its agriculture and industry, and its relation to the national and global community. The final exhibit focuses on the unique art style of the Lanna Kingdom, displaying numerous distinctive artefacts from the 13th century all the way up to contemporary pieces

 

Wat U-Mong in Chiang Mai

Off the beaten track and more than a little odd is Wat U-Mong, which is located about 1 km south of Suthep Road, west of the canal. The halls of this temple are actually tunnels which crisscross an artificial mound.

The tales say that this temple was built for a highly revered monk who was so in touch with the Buddha that he was a little out of touch with everything else and had a habit of wandering off. The temple grounds are heavily forested, owing partially to the temple's long period of abandonment. Between the maze of tunnels and the overgrown jungle you may find yourself wishing you had a fedora and a bullwhip. 

Wat Chang Kong Chiang Mai

Wat Chang Kong is located on Loi Kroh Road. It was constructed by Chang Kong villagers who immigrated from Chiang Sean at the beginning of the Rama Period it now stands as an abandoned chedi which is completely surrounded by shops and dwellings on three sides.

WAT PHAN TAO CHIANG MAI

Directly adjacent to Wat Chedi Luang, although there is a wall between the two you can walk through one to get to the other. The name of this temple means "Monastery of a Thousand Kilns", in reference to the numerous Buddha images within the magnificent Wat Chedi Luang. The temple has a viharn, which is one of the few remaining all wood structures in Chaing Mai, this was originally the ho kham whicgh literally translates as ‘guilded hall’ and was the palace of Chiang Mai's king, Chao Mahawong, who ruled from 1846 to 1854.It now functions as a monastery. 

Chiang Mai Temples and Wats

In Chiang Mai the past is not merely the stuff of stories and musty old history books, it is a very real part of everyday life. The city is defined by a 600 year old moat, sits in the shadow of a monastery built in the 14th century and is dotted with wats (temples) raised by kings in centuries long past.
In ancient times kings built temples to demonstrate not only their devotion, but also their wealth and power. Temples served not only as centres of faith, but also as schools and hospitals. Today, temples are still a central part of Thai life and the holy structures of Chiang Mai are living, breathing places that serve as invaluable bridges to the past, keeping the people linked to the timeless traditions of their ancestors.

Kawila Monument and Park in Chiang Mai

 

Directly opposite the army barracks in a small but pleasant park is the Kawila monument. The monument was erected in the honour of Kawila. Born in 1742, Kawila was the first of Prince Chai Kaew's 10 children who played a major part in the defense and rebuilding of Chiang Mai and consequently is considered as one of the founders of the new city which was reborn after the repressive Burmese regime was driven out. Behind the statue lies a small museum where you can learn more about this great and much revered Thai leader

Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai

 

 Built sometime between 1385  and 1402, during the reign of  King Saen Muang Ma, 7th ruler  of the Mengrai dynasty, Wat  Chedi Luang's massive chedi  (pagoda) is a distinctive feature  of the Chiang Mai skyline. At its  peak, the chedi measured 60  metres across at the square base and 80 metres tall and was once the home of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most sacred religiousrelic.Damagedduringanearthquakein 1545, the chedi’s height is reduced to nearly half of its orginal size yet it is still an impressive structure. In 1992, the Fine Arts Department finished restoration work around the chedi, bringing back the naga (water serpent) staircase on each of its faces and wonderful statues of elephants adorning the base. The actual work on the chedi itself, however, was never quite complete, leaving it in its present state.

Wiang Kum Kam Chiang Mai

         

Wiang Kum Kam as the capital city is slightly different from those of other ancient capitals. Rather than being left in ruin, the city was completely submerged under the Ping River, which suddenly changed its course and swept the whole city under. Had it not been accidentally rediscovered (in 1984), the story of Wiang Kum Kum would just be a legend.After a number of archaeological expeditions were carried out, experts unearthed extensive city foundations and more than 40 ancient structures within an area of 850 metres long and 600 metres wide. The Fine Arts Department has done restoration works on some of the structures whereas many are left in their original ruined state and others completely destroyed by the floods, leaving only traces of their previous existence. Wiang Kum Kam is Wat Chedi Liam (or Temple with an Angular-based Chedi). Widely depicted in postcards, the temple features a Burmese-style pavilion (restored in 1908 by a Burmese trader) and a five-tiered chedi set on a square base – the signature style of the early Lanna period. Each corner of the chedi is guarded by an outward-facing lion, an architectural feature that is unique to the Haripunchai style (today’s Lamphun). Other important structures include Wat Chang Kham, containing the spirit house of King Mengrai (founder of the Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai kingdoms) and the Cultural and Local Wisdom Learning Centre which exhibits Lanna objects and traditional Lanna-style houses. It’s a good idea to drop by Wiang Kum Kam Information Centre, where excavated earthenware pottery and artifacts are displayed in the exhibit rooms.

Chiang Mai Thailand

              

 Chiang Mai is the    largest and  mostculturally    significant city  in  norther     n Thailand.   It  is located     700km (435 miles)  north of     Bangkok  in  some of   the    highest   mountains  in  the   country.  The city was founded  in   1296AD  as the capital of    the    Lanna kingdom. Its  location on  thePingRivermadeit an  important city on the trade  route. Many Buddhis
 templesor‘wats’ were built within the moated city walls and they still can be visited today.The most famous buildings are the Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep with its golden chedi and the Wat Chiang Man, which dates back to the 13th century. It holds the Phra Sila, a marble Buddha and a crystal Buddha. Chiang Mai is often used as a starting point for treks through the jungle and visits to the nearby Elephant Nature Park. Night bazaars sell local handicrafts including locally made woven goods and umbrellas.

Wat Arun Temple of Bangkok

     

 Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, is one of Bangkok's best know landmark. It stands on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Thon Buri. Wat Arun is best seen from the opposite bank of the river; it glistens in the sunlight during the day and stands dark and noble at dawn or dusk. A visit to the beautiful, peaceful monastery complex surrounding the familiar towers is very worth-while. These towers, the "Phra Prang," although best known, the only part of Wat Arun. It also contains narrow lanes; elegant, old white buildings; shrines, pools of turtlesand two fine giants, " Yuk Wat Jaeng," mortal enemies of the " Yuk Wat Po" across the river.
 The monastery has existed for many years since the days when Ayutthaya was capital of Thailand. It was then named Wat Mokok, situated in a place called Tumbol Bangmakok. The word Bangmakok, meaning " Village of Olive", has since been shortened to " Makok".
When King Taksin and his army reached this place to build his new capital Thonburi, after defeating the Burmese who had sacked Ayutthaya, he arrived at dawn. He renamed the monastery he found there Wat Jaeng- Jaeng meaning "clear", "bright" and         Construction of the tall prang and four smaller ones was started by King Rama II   1809-1824  and completed by King Rama III (1824-1851). The towers are supported by rows of demos and monkeys. Very steep and narrow steps lead to a balcony high on the central tower. The circumference of the base of the structure is 234 meters, and the central prang is 250 foot high.

Buddha in Bangkok

                              

The Buddha lies in its own building and you should dress appropriately to visit it, preferably no bare shoulders or shorts that are entirely too short.
The body of the Buddha is covered in gold, whereas the soles of his feet and the eyes are mother of pearl. The statue is 46 meters long and 15 meters high.
Wat Pho is one of Bangkok's biggest temple wat (sacred precinct), and covers 80,000 square meters. There are over 1000 Buddha statues here and also statues depicting various yogic positions. Indeed, the place was used for the instruction of Thai masseurs and yoga instructors before the temple was built.
Wat Pho still boasts the most famous school for massage artists.

Chachoengsao.

              
 Just east of Bangkok is Chachoengsao province  which occupies an area of 5351 square km.  Chachoengsao is approximately 100 kilometers  from Bangkok and administratively divided into 9  Amphoes and 2 King Amphoes.
 Chachoengsao province frequently visited by  foreign tourists, because there are major rail and rail  network from Bangkok. And that is why hardly any  tourists know that Chachoengsao province is home   to one of the most sacred Buddha images in   Thailand. 

 The Phra Phuttha Sothon Buddha image is housed

in Wat Sothon Wararam Warawihaan and that is 198 centimeters (77 inches) tall. This sacred image

of Buddha is a famous Buddhist monk who had holy powers and actually predict the exact time ofdeath. The church is locatedattheedgeofBangpakong River and was built during the period of Ayutthaya. Then there is the Wat Chin Prachasamoson which is a temple built by Chinese architecture built by the followers of MahayanaBuddhist doctrine. Apart from these attractions, the other attractions in the province of Chachoengsao are various festivals and events are held round the year. In March-April, Paet Riu

the temple of the Emerald Buddha

  

 

The temple is located in old Bangkok, that part of town that is usually referred to as the historical part of Bangkok.
Wat Phra Kaew boasts possession of the very famous Emerald Buddha that has been transported throughout the region for several hundreds of years. This Buddha is very valuable and very important to the Thais. Stolen and moved both within the country and also to other countries in the region, it is now where it belongs according to Thai Buddhists.
Wat Phra Kaew came to be in connection with King Rama I moving the capital from Thonburi that lies on the west side of the Chao Praya river to the eastern side, where the currently most developed part of the city now lies.
The temple is grandiose both given its size and beauty. Given that Thailand and Cambodia to a great extent share the same background and roots, there is also a model of Angkor Wat in the temple area.
Wat Phra Kaew shares the same compound with the Grand Palace, and you must be well dressed to gain admission. In other words, long pants and covered shoulders are obligatory.
You can reach Wat Phra Kaew with the river boat from the Sky Train Station Saphan Thaksin, disembarking at Pier 8.

Siam Center Bangkokangkok

        

Siam Center lies right next to Siam Paragon and has a bit of a younger and somewhat more stylish attitude and style. You will find a number of small boutiques selling nice clothes designed by youngThaidesigners. The focus here is on clothes, but there are also a number of places to eat in the shopping center.... Siam Center is big but still accessible and can  be polished off in half a day, as opposed to other huge shopping centers in Bangkok. Siam Center is found at the Station Siam via the Sky Train.

SIROCCO SKY BAR - RESTAURANT

                          

 
 Located on the 63rd floor of The Dome at lebua, Sirocco is the world's highest al fresco restaurant and one of Bangkok's most coveted dining choices. It never fails to leave one mesmerized with a breathtaking view of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya river, an amazing Skybar and quality Mediterranean fare with ingredients from the world's best markets. Live jazz music featuring vocalists of international repute, adds to its captivating ambiance for a perfect evening.

grand palace the bangkok

     

Grand Palace was the dwelling place of the King from the 1700's until the middle of the 1900's. The current king, Bhumibol, now lives in the Chitralada Palace. As such, Grand Palace has been able to be converted into a tourist attraction, the area filled with automatic telling machines and boutiques selling various souvenirs. The palace for the most part is used for various ceremonies. You must dress appropriately in order to be let in to the area, given that the palace is very holy. This implies covered shoes as well as legs and shoulders. Sunglasses are not obligatory but recommendable as to protect your eyes from the blinding reflection from all the precious metal decorating the place. Notable are all the well-dressed Thais outside of the palace that will nearly convince you that the palace is closed. Often  this is not the case, so just continue right on past  them to the main entrance and find out for your self what the deal is. Wat Pho, Wat Kaew and Grand Palace are all grouped in the same place and the easiest and most pleasant way of getting here is to take the river boat from the Sky Train - Station Saphan Thaksi, disembark at Pier 8 Tha Chang

Benjakiti Park Bangkok

     

The park is oval in shape and in the middle lies a relatively large dam decorated with fountains. The dam is approximately 2 km in diameter and it is possible to walk, run, bike or rollerblade around it. The park is just a few years old, and is kept fresh and clean. During the day, the park is often completely empty but it gets a bit more lively in the evenings. It is then that elderly Thai men will come to sit and chat, walk around the park or jog. Children are there with their parents learning to bike and groups of youth also run or jog to keep in shape. There are separate paths for bicycle traffic and pedestrians which does keep things running smoothly. In the park there is also a skateboarding ramp, exercise equipment and a large Buddhist meditation center. The park is a small but appreciated refuge for Bangkok's residents and visitors. You can rentbothbicyclesand peddle-boats in the shape of swans, at a little kiosk in the park. The easiest way to get to Benjakiti park is with the Sky Train or the underground to the Asok station, alternatively you may take the underground to Sukhumvit or Queen Sirikrit ConventionCenter