Posts Tagged With: Thailand
Childlike wonder
Categories: Blog, Quotes
Tags: Adventure, Bill Bryson, Crystal Pagoda, new experiences, Thailand, travel, travel addict, travel blog
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Spooky places to spend your Halloween
Halloween is my favourite time of year. I love all the decorations and costumes and how everything seems just a little spookier as the leaves change colour and the carved pumpkins glow.
It’s also a great time to explore some of the world’s creepier destinations.
Here are a few of my favourite spooky spots to check out this time of year:
Exploring the Catacombs of Paris.
“The City of Love” has a darker side waiting 20m below the city streets. Here, in the underground ossuaries lie the remains of more than six million people. The bones are laid in a small part of a tunnel network built to consolidate Paris’ ancient stone mines.
During the late 1700s, many of the city’s cemeteries had reached capacity. Some, including the Saints-Innocents (Cemetery of the Innocents) had gone beyond capacity. Here, people were buried in mass graves, piled one on top of the other until it became a source of infection for those nearby. In late 1785, the Council of the State closed the cemetery and decided to remove its contents.
Millions of bones found in the underground ossuary of Paris
This transfer began in 1786 after the blessing and consecration of the site and continued until 1788. The moving of remains took place at nightfall, where a procession of priests sang the service for the dead along the route taken by the carts loaded with bones and covered by a black veil. Until 1814, this site received the remains from all the cemeteries of Paris.
Nowadays, the 2kms of bone-filled tunnels is a perfect place to spend a couple of hours on Halloween!
Koi fish swimming in the pond surrounding What Rong Khun
Better known as the “White Temple,” Wat Rong Khun is one of the most famous temples in Thailand. Located in Chiang Rai, this temple looks like something out of a fairy tale… until you get a closer look.
Skeleton head pylon
Skulls and hands reaching up from Hell
A variety of character heads
There are demons and villains popping out of the ground and hanging from trees all around the temple. To enter the main chapel, you cross a narrow bridge over a pool of hands and faces reaching up, trying to claw their way back to the surface, representing suffering souls in Hell.
Bridge to the temple, with the hands reaching up
Hands clawing their way to the surface at Wat Rong Khun
And they sure are creepy to walk across!
Mickey Halloween Lanterns
While it may be known as the happiest place on earth, Disney World turns into a spooky night out with Mickey’s Not- So-Scary Halloween Party.
Jack and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas with Mary Poppins and Bert!
It may not be as creepy as some of the other spots on this list, but with all the Halloween decor, characters like Jack and Sally out for photos and special shows like the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” and the “Boo-to-You” Parade, it’s definitely a fun night out. Plus, it’s the one time of year that as an adult you can dress up as your favourite character at the park – and you get to trick or treat along the way, no matter how old you are!
Bert and Mary
Trick or Treating around Magic Kingdom!
Disney is truly a place where you never have to grow up, and that makes celebrating Halloween there even more fun!
And then, of course, there is Salem, Massachusetts
Salem Witch Museum
Salem Witch Museum lit up at night
Salem is widely known as the site of the witchcraft trials of 1692, and the history and stories surrounding the hysteria of the witchcraft trials is found everywhere here, from museums to historical re-enactments to haunted walking tours.
During the month of October, this small town of 40,000 doubles in size as Halloween enthusiasts make their way here to explore the haunting history
Memorial to Bridget Bishop
Witch Trial Memorial
You can visit the memorial dedicated to the 19 innocent people who were killed during the witch trials and you can also check out some of the film locations of my favourite fictional witches, The Sanderson Sisters from “Hocus Pocus ”
Allison’s Mansion from Hocus Pocus
Salem has something for everyone and should definitely be on your Halloween travel list!
All dressed up for Zombie Prom in Salem
Next on my list of places to visit for Halloween are New Orleans, and of course, Transylvania!
What’s on your spooky travel list?
Categories: Asia, Blog, Europe, North America, Photo, Where in the World
Tags: Catacombs, Halloween, Hocus Pocus, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Paris, Salem, spooky travel, Thailand, travel, Walt Disney World, White Temple
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Travellers are dreamers
Categories: Asia, Blog, Quotes, Where in the World
Tags: Adventure, Asia, Long boat, Thailand, travel, travel addict
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Finding ‘Crystals’ around the world
I’ve always enjoyed seeking out ‘Crystals’ in my travels around the world.
From the beautiful Crystal shops in Hungary and the Cristal beer in Cuba to swimming with manatees in Crystal River, Florida to these shining Crystals at the Galaxy in Macau.
A Crystal with the Crystals!
‘Crystal Lobby’ at the Galaxy Macau
So when I heard there was a Crystal Pagoda in the small village of Ban Thaton, where we were staying, near Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand, I just had to go see it for myself.
Wat Thaton is a large temple complex located at the top of a hill overlooking the Mae Kok River. It turned out to be quite a hike up into the hills surrounding Ban Thaton, near the border of Myanmar. The view on the hike up was incredible.
View from the top
Looking down over Ban Thaton and the Mae Kok River
The temple complex is built on several levels, hosting statues, temple buildings and a Buddhist school on the way up to the top.
Phra Sang-Krachai Buddha statue amongst the lush vegetation and animal statues.
White Buddha in Wat Thaton.
Buddha with seven-headed serpent
While the hike itself was beautiful and all the statues and buildings on the way up were great, none were as striking as the Chedi Kaew or Crystal Pagoda.
Sitting at the top of the hill, this colourful building can be seen from miles way. The structure is covered with intricate designs depicting the Buddha’s teachings.
Wandering inside, we found a large number of Buddha statues coming from many different countries. In the centre of the Chedi Kaew is a spiral platform that leads to the top level of the building, with more artifacts found along the way.
The Wat Thaton organizes several programs to benefit the local community. A project for local children and hill tribe children aims to bring several communities living in the area closer together.
The Golden Dragon surrounded by Buddha statues.
Shimmering Silver Dragon
One of the monuments on the complex grounds
The colourful roof of the Crystal Pagoda
The Chedi Kaew all lit up at night
Within the complex , there is a Buddhist school for monks and novices and a Vipassana meditation center. You can also find a herbal medicine center, a restaurant, a large meeting hall and several other buildings.
So, if you’re headed to Northern Thailand, pack your hiking shoes and visit the beautiful Crystal Pagoda. The Wat Thaton is open from 8 am until 5 pm. Admission is free and the view is incredible! 
Categories: Asia, Blog, Photo, Where in the World
Tags: Ban Thaton, Buddha, Chedi Kaew, Chiang Mai, Crystal Pagoda, Thailand, travel, Wat Thaton
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Long boating the Mae Kok River
While in Northern Thailand, what better way to travel from one place to another than by traditional long boat?
After flying into Chiang Rai, we spent the night at The Legend Boutique River Resort & Spa in Chiang Rai, a gorgeous, peaceful spot a short tuk tuk ride from Chiang Rai’s bustling night bazaar.
The Legend Chiang Rai
View from our patio
Old fashioned Tuk Tuk
Our Room
The Legend lit up at night
Beautiful elephant lights
After a delicious breakfast in the morning, we made our way down to the dock, where a long boat was waiting to take us along the Mae Kok River to our next spot.
Breakfast at The Legend
Morning on the Mae Kok River
It was a long 6 hour journey, but it was peaceful out on the river with hardly anyone else in sight most of the journey and the landscape we stunning.
Long boats along the river bank
Cow on the river bank
Everything was so green
The long boat crew along with our very skilled captain!
One of the Buddha statues along the river
Our long boat captain knew the river like the back of his hand, easily maneuvering through the sometimes very shallow, sometimes very rough water, knowing exactly where any dangers like rocks or sandbars were hiding.
Along the way, we stopped at the Ruammit Elephant Camp in Karen Village. While you could ride them here, we decided against that and instead spent our time feeding and petting these incredible animals, before heading across the street for a delicious Thai lunch.
Feeding an elephant
Such a beautiful animal
Elephant along the Mae Kok River
Continuing along, we made it to our final destination, the Maekok River Village Resort, another incredible resort on the banks of the Mae Kok.
The Maekok River Village Resort
Our bungalow
Such beautiful grounds at the Maekok River Village Resort
The grounds here were lush and filled with flowers and you could wake up and have breakfast each morning with a view looking out over the Mae Kok River.
Beautiful flowers found all over the resort
Huge moths found at the resort. The wing tips almost look like snake heads!
Morning view over the Mae Kok River
Evening at the pool
While it may take longer, if you are travelling around Northern Thailand, consider taking a long boat. You won’t regret it!
Categories: Asia, Blog, Photo, Where in the World
Tags: Asia, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Legend Chiang Rai, Long boat, Mae Kok River, Maekok River Village, South East Asia, Thailand, travel
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Thailand’s fairytale temple
Wat Rong Khun, better known as the “White Temple,” is one of the most recognizable temples in Thailand. This unique temple, located just outside the city of Chiang Rai, is one of the most visited attractions in the area. It’s not hard to see why.
The temple looks like something out of a fairy tale. The entire structure is a brilliant white colour with pieces of glass in the plaster, sparkling in the sun. It almost doesn’t look real. It’s more like a mirage you’ve stumbled upon – a beautiful mirage with a glistening pool of water below, filled with Koi swimming around.
Last year, we made our way to Wat Rong Khun just before Halloween. With all the demons and villains that met us as we entered, coming out of the ground and hanging from trees, it was the perfect time of year to visit.
Character heads
A variety of character heads
Predator lurking at the entrance
Villains and Superheros
Wat Rong Khun was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat, a famous Thai visual artist. He chose white to signify the purity of the Buddha. The pieces of glass throughout it symbolizes the Buddha’s wisdom and Buddhist teachings. The temple is filled with Buddhist symbolism.
To enter the main chapel (ubosot), you cross a narrow bridge over a pool of hands and faces reaching up, trying to claw their way back to the surface, representing suffering souls in Hell.
Hands clawing their way to the surface at Wat Rong Khun
Skulls and hands reaching up from Hell
Reaching up from Hell
The pathway symbolizes the way to happiness by overcoming worldly things like temptation, greed and desire.
Guarding the path to the temple and casting those not worthy to Hell.
“Gate to Heaven” guarded by representations of Death and Rahu, who decide over men’s fate
After crossing the bridge you arrive at the “Gate of Heaven,” guarded by two creatures representing Death and Rahu, who decide over men’s fate. At the end of the bridge, you reach the ubosot where there are several Buddha images in meditation.
Heading the main chapel or ubosot
Beautiful statue at the entrance to the ubosot
Side view of the main temple, the ubosot
Once you make your way out of the main temple and leave the fenced in grounds, you come to an ornately decorated golden building. This one represents the body while the ubosot represents the mind. The building was created in a gold colour to symbolize the focus on worldly desires and money.
Around the temple grounds are several concrete “trees.” Hanging from each of them are thousands of ornaments or ‘Lucky Leaves.’ For 30 Baht, you can add one with your name and a message written on it for luck.
Tree filled with lucky leaves
Thousands of lucky leaves
You can purchase a leaf for 30 baht and add it to the collection on the trees
Hanging my lucky leaf on the tree
You can also make a wish by throwing a few coins into the wishing well.
Ornately decorated gazebo covering the wishing well.
Make a wish at the temple’s wishing well
Most of Thailand’s Buddhist temples have centuries of history. By comparison, Wat Rong Khun is very young as construction on it only began in 1997.
Then, on May 5, 2014, a strong earthquake hit Chiang Rai and Wat Rong Khun was damaged. The designer, Chalermchai Kositpipat, decided to restore and further expand the temple.
At this point, the temple is not finished. It’s stated that eventually there will be nine buildings on site.
If you find yourself in Northern Thailand, Wat Rong Khun is a must-see. Just get there early to avoid the crowds.
Unique White Temple
Golden statue
Monsters lurking below
Cow being dragged below
Demon peering up from Hell
Skeleton head pylon
Info
- The temple is located about 13km south of Chiang Rai
- The temple opens daily from 8 am until 6 pm.
- The temple gets very busy with both tourists and locals, so plan to arrive early.
- Admission is 50 Thai Baht per person.
- Dress respectfully. No revealing clothes. Shoes must be removed before entering a temple building.
- Taking photos is not allowed in the main building.
- Souvenirs, coffee and snacks are available on the grounds.
Categories: Asia, Blog, Photo, Video, Where in the World
Tags: Asia, Chiang Rai, temples, Thailand, travel, travel addict, Wat Rong Khun, White Temple
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