Chino-Portugal Architecture Building Phuket

Phuket is one of the oldestcities with a long history in Thailand. This old town used to be the important port of the west of Malay Peninsula where Chinese people from oversea came for settling business and where cassiterite can be found. Phuket used to be ruled by the western both Portugal and Holland. This is why Phuket becomes major growing community and becomes the meeting location for those two major cultures from two different countries.

The old buildings situated in Phuket town certainly represent the prosperity of the culture. These old buildings have been constructed more than hundred years since the mining business was popular. The architectural style is European mixed with Chinese modern called “Sino-Portuguese” style; it is often a medium single or two-storied building with more area inside than the wideness. From the tiles, doors, perforated windows to other details, they are all influenced by Chinese and European style mixed together. You can visit these buildings at Thalang road, Deebook road, PhangNga road, Yaowarat road and Krabi road.

These buildings are not only the symbol of Phuket town, but are also part of local people’s daily lives until the present. They function as a city hall, provincial court, Siam City Bank, office places and other residences; they are well taken care of by the new generation. Also, nowadays Phuket city municipal has provided old part of city’s walking route for tourists in order to appreciate these buildings and the daily life of people in Phuket. The distance for sightseeing the old part of Phuket is approximately 4.6 kilometers with short 6 routes. For those who are interested in experiencing Phuket’s old atmosphere, these routes are certainly perfect for the visit.

For more information, contact Phuket Municipal Office Tel. 07-621-4325

Resource : www.tourismthailand.org

Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall Bangkok

There are two main reasons a single traveler must visit the great Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall. Firstly, this structure is one of the most beautiful Italian Renaissance architectures outside Italy. The construction of this grand mansion was commissioned by His Majesty King Rama V in 1906 to serve as the reception hall. The building was designed by a team of Italian architects, who covered the exterior with white marble imported from Carrara, Italy, while the interior walls are beautifully painted by Italian artists to depict the history of the Chakri Dynasty. The construction was, unfortunately, not finished until 1915, five years after the reign of King Rama V. Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall was later served as Thailand’s first parliament after the political transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy and is now used for important state’s functions.

Secondly, Ananta Samakhom currently hosts the fifth edition of “Arts of the Kingdom” exhibition that displays sophisticated art pieces and crafts made of precious materials by the craftsmen of Sirikit Institute, an organization under the royal patronage to help raise living standards in rural areas by encouraging them to learn and create traditional crafts. The masterpieces include a model of royal barges made of gold and a 10 meter tall carved teak panels.

Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday  from 10.00 a.m. to 06.00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays, on New Year Day and on Songkran Holidays )   

Admission fee: 150 baht (proper attire is essential , Shorts and Sleeveless are not allowed, women please wear skirts or Thai Sarong )

Contact: Tel : 02 283 9411, 02 283 9185 or 0 2628 6300 ext. 5119 - 5121, 

Resource : http://www.tourismthailand.org/

Thailand Attractions : Historical Sites

Historical Sites 

In the early 13th century, the first independent Thai capital was born at Sukhothai thus ushering in a Golden Age of Buddhist art and architecture, The impressive remains of Sukhothai have been preserved as part of a historical park, a major attraction for visitors to the region. When Sukhothai's power waned, a new capital rose further south on the banks of the Chao Phraya. Known as Ayutthaya it ruled the kingdom for more than four centuries and became one of the largest, most cosmopolitan cities in Southeast Asia. 

Popular Historic Sites in Thailand:

• Ayutthaya, 
• Sukhothai

Historical Sites, Thailand Attractions.

Popular Historical Sites

In the early 13th century, the first independent Thai capital was born at Sukhothai, thus ushering in a Golden Age of Buddhist art and architecture, The impressive remains of Sukhothai have been preserved as part of a historical park, a major attraction for visitors to the region. When Sukhothai's power waned, a new capital rose further south on the banks of the Chao Phraya. Known as Ayutthaya it ruled the kingdom for more than four centuries and became one of the largest, most cosmopolitan cities in Southeast Asia.

Popular Historic Sites 

• Ayutthaya
• Sukhothai

Walking Through History-Thailand Popular Activities

Walking Through History-Thailand Popular Activities

One of the best ways to appreciate the grandeur and significance of Thailand’s history is to absorb the atmosphere of the ruins and monuments of past Thai civilisations.

Central Plains

Visitors can stroll into a thousand years of history at the historical parks of Sukhothai, Lop Buri, Si Satchanalai and Ayutthaya. Out of the historical parks, Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom is an awe-inspiring sight : The tallest Buddhist monument in the world, and also where Buddhism was first taught in this Buddhist country.

The North

One can enjoy the culture just by walking down the street of Chiang Mai. Here at Wat Pa Pao in Chang Phuak (White Elephant) District, for example, are gorgeous examples of Burmese and Shan temple architecture. A short walk southest of the old town are the weather – worn earthen ramparts erected by Chao Kavila, the warrior who in 1776 drove the Burmese out and restored the city to its former glory. Westward is Doi Suthep, a mountain named after the hermit whose modest cave is just above Wat Phar That Doi Suthep. There are many temples in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Mae Hong Son and Nan where visitors can enjoy the lean about the northern history and architecture.

The Northeast

History lovers may prefer to wander among the ruins of the mighty Khmer empire of the 11th-12th centuries. The best known is Prasat Hin PhiMai, just outside Nakhon Ratchasima, the largest sandstone sanctuary in Thailand of classic Khmer design. The most spectacular monument is Prasat Phanom Rung in Buri Ram, a towering structure seated on top of an extinct volcano, which took over 17 years to restore. Southern Isan is dotted with khmer shrines in various states of repair.

The South

A must – visit is Phar Borom That Chaiya in which authentic Srivijaya architecture is preserved in perfect condition, or Wat Phra Kaeo ans Wat Hua Wiang also in Surat Thani Province Srivijaya was a group of small communities scattered along the Malay Peninsula from Sumatra in Malaysia to the southern part of Thailand from the 7th to the 13th century. These communities shared common cultural ground in terms of Buddhism, trading, governance, and architecture. Some archaeologists believe that a nerve centre of Srivijaya could be Chaiya in Surat Thani Province, since a number of Srivijaya artifacts and architecture have been unearthed there.