Guest blogger Julie Miller discovers a city of monkeys at Lopburi’s famous macaque monkey temple.
When our guide said we were stopping by a “monument where monkeys live” in the city of Lopburi, 93 kilometres northeast of Bangkok, I assumed she meant a temple in the jungle. When our bus pulled up on a chaotic city square I was confused – where were the trees? Continue reading “City of monkeys: Lopburi”
Thailand developed as a nation along the banks of its mighty rivers. For centuries, the kingdom’s waterways have provided Thai people with their staple foods of rice and fish, fuelled by the abundant monsoon rains that have made the land fertile. It’s little wonder then, that so many local ceremonies and traditions are water-based. Continue reading “Songkran: why water is at the heart of Thai culture”
Loi Krathong, one of the most vibrant and stunning festivals in Thailand is just around the corner. Here’s a guide to where to celebrate Loi Krathing all over Thailand and even in Sydney, Australia.
On the 25th November, people all over Thailand will float their Krathong (small floating vessels made from banana leafs) down a river or pond to pay respect to the Lord Buddha and seek forgiveness from the goddess of water for any misdeeds against her.
And last Saturday, Sydneysiders joined in the celebrations as the Parramatta River foreshore came to life with light, colour and energy. Continue reading “Celebrate Loi Krathong all over Thailand!”
Travel writer Julie Miller visits the ancient city of Ayutthaya to witness the 11th World Wai Kru ceremony celebrating ‘the art of eight limbs’.
Let me say this up-front – I’m not a fan of combat sports. The sight of grown men beating each other to a pulp just doesn’t do it for me, regardless of the skill, precision and strength involved. Continue reading “Muay Thai boxing: the art of eight limbs”