Wat Phra Kaeo, Thailand

Wat Phra Kaeo is one of the most sacred places of Bangkok, Thailand

Wat Phra Kaeo, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is undoubtedly one of the most sacred places of Bangkok. It won’t be wrong to say that a tours to Bangkok is incomplete without paying a visit to Wat Phra Kaeo. It houses a dark green statue of Buddha with a height of 2 feet. According to a story, the Emerald Buddha was once kept covered in a plaster in a monument in Chiang Rai, which was uncovered by heavy lightening in 1434. Since then many kings tried transporting it to their own countries. After traveling in several countries, this statue finally rests at Wat Phra Kaeo.

King Rama I built Wat Phra Kaeo in order to enshrine the Emerald Buddha. Corresponding to different seasons, Emerald Buddha is covered in seasonal costumes, which are changed thrice a year. In summer the statue is adorned with crown and jewellery, in winters it is wrapped in a golden shawl and in the rainy season, you will see Emerald Buddha wearing gilt robe and headdress.

Do visit the three famous pagodas that are located on the temple grounds after paying a visit to Wat Phra Kaeo during Tours to Bangkok. Lying in the west of Wat Phra Kaeo is Phra Si Ratana Chedi that houses ashes of the Buddha. Phra Mondop, is a library that lies in the middle and towards the east side stands Royal Panthon that was built to commemorate the foundation of Chakri dynasty.

Fin Garden (Bagh-e Fin)

Fin Garden (Bagh-e Fin) in Kashan, Iran

Fin Garden (Bagh-e Fin) is a historical Persian garden, located in Kashan, Iran. The garden contains Kashan’s Fin Bath, famous for being the site of the murder of Amir Kabir, a Qajarid Prime Minister under Naser al-Din Shah. Kabir was assassinated by someone at Fin bathhouse, who was sent by King Nasereddin Shah in 1852. The garden was probably first created during the Safavid era, though there were renovations later in history.

Completed in 1590, Fin Garden is the oldest extant garden in the country. Fin Garden features long reflecting pools, cypress trees, and plenty of Safavid era tile work. The garden’s fountains and bathhouses are remarkable for their water features and advanced system that functioned without the construction of mechanical water pumps. The central pavilion is notable for its art and décor that reflects the style of the period. Inside, a museum houses ancient ceramic statues, coins, and Persian rugs. Architectural styles include those from Safavid, Zandiyeh, and Qajar eras.

Historic Centre of Sighişoara

The Clock Tower – Landmark of Sighişoara, Romania

Sighişoara is a fortified medieval town in Romania, built at the crossroads of Central and Eastern Europe at the edges of Latin culture and Byzantine-Orthodox culture. Hungarian rulers invited German craftsmen to help establish this city and secure the borders. After the Mongol invasion in 1241, the city was reinforced with defensive walls and guard towers. Later in around 1421 to 1526, these walls were heightened due to threats of invasion from the Turks.

The people that colonized Sighişoara, who became known as the Saxons of Transylvania, were skilled in various trades, and grouped by their guilds. Each guild was tasked with building a tower and devising its defense strategy. As a result, notable buildings in the Historic Centre of Sighişoara include the Ropemakers’ Tower, the Butcher’s Tower, the Coopers’ Tower, and the Locksmith’s Tower. The town’s economy as well as the town itself developed due to the community of craftsmen.

Though the culture is dying out after 850 years, the city center remains as a preservation of the Saxons of Transylvania culture. The historical city center features bright and colorful architecture, sprawled across City Hill and Lower Town, making up this medieval town. Visitors interested in architecture can observe the various phases of construction from the 12th to the 16th centuries, especially in a row of houses between Citadel Lane and Hermann Oberth Square. Made from stone or brick, and colored roughcast (plaster), the houses are similar to one another in construction and layout. The clock tower, where city council assembled until 1556, now houses a museum. The Church of St. Nicholas offers an example of Gothic architecture in Transylvania, with influences from Central Europe in its decorative faade. The craftsmen guilds began to leave around 1840, but the historic center is still relatively well preserved.

The city of Sighişoara is perhaps best known as the hometown of Vlad II, or Vlad the Impaler – the historical figure who became inspired the character and story of Dracula. His alleged birthplace is located within the citadel.

Wellington Arch

Wellington Arch or Constitutional Arch was built to honor the Duke of Wellington.

Wellington Arch which is also popularly referred to as the Constitution Arch is the creation of Decimus Burton. The magnificent monument is located at London’s Hyde Park corner and towards the end of Constitution Hill. The monument was built in honor of the Duke of Wellington and was erected way back in the year 1828 as a befitting memorial to Sir Arthur Wellesley who was the first Duke of Wellington and later was also appointed as the Prime Minister.

The original statue depicted the Duke straddling over a horse. Nevertheless, in the year 1882 as part of the road extension scheme, the arch had to be moved to its existing abode at Hyde Park Corner. Today, the arch stands like a sentinel over the rather busy Hyde Park traffic island. In the year 1912 the statue was again replaced by a colossal bronze sculpture of “Wuadriga” by renowned artist Adrian Jones which till date is the largest bronze figurine in Britain. Today, the Wellington Arch is looked after by the English Heritage and the edifice has been fully renovated and restored.

A visit to the interiors of this grand edifice is a must for the first time visitor. There are three floors inside and houses a wide variety of exhibits, which highlights the many facets of this historic arch. In the past, the arch also housed a Police Station, which was among the smallest in London. On a clear sunny day, the breathtaking glimpses of the London Eye, Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace can be seen from the pinnacle. One great way to appreciate the beauty of the surroundings is to take leisurely walks around the beautifully landscaped Royal Parks. The arch itself has a marvelous exhibit – “Lived in London: Celebration of Blue Plaques”.

Many tourists are so overwhelmed with the grandeur of the Wellington Arch that they miss out on one of the most bizarre statues that one will ever come across, not only in London, but anywhere else in the world. In an obscure and shaded area is the remarkable statue of a dead soldier.

Mogao Caves

A Statue of Buddha at Mogao Caves (Caves of the Thousand Buddhas) , Dunhuang, China

Mogao Caves, also known as Mogao Grottoes or the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas, are a collection of 492 caverns, built into the cliffs along China’s Dachuan River, home to a whole host of artwork from over 1,000 years. Constructed on these caves began around 366 AD, by Buddhist monks from several significant dynasties of China, up into the 14th century.

The location of the caves, right on China’s famous Silk Route, also greatly influenced the lasting cultural significance of the caves and the works of art they hold. The caves were an important location for the exchange of both goods and cultures.

Each of the 492 caves is a sanctuary, adorned with various types of art including statues and frescoes. The art work has been dated, and provides a unique look into the progress of Chinese art over the centuries. The art also gives an inside look into life in the area during those years, depicting varied scenes of the culture and arts, politics, religion, and economics of China throughout the various dynasties. The art also shows influences of the other cultures who came into contact with the Chinese throughout this era, including Indians, Turks, and Tibetans. The people portrayed in the art also show the evolution of dress styles and cultural traditions over time.

The caves are numbered, featuring various scenes of daily life, including scenes of the Silk Route, camels with carts, and trade exchanges, field workers, warriors, and landscapes. One of the caves was found with thousands of historical manuscripts, which has been named the Library Cave. This was an important discovery for the studies of ancient Chinese culture, providing much insight into the history and culture.

The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace of Bangkok, Thailand is known for it’s Beautiful Architecture

Bangkok tourist attractions cannot be talked about without talking of the Grand Palace. A complex of various historical buildings located in the heart of Bangkok, the Grand Palace is surrounded by walls built in 1783. Within these walls of the Grand Palace are situated the Chapel Royal of the Emerald Buddha, the royal residences and government offices.

The Grand Palace came in to existence when King Rama I shifted the capital of Thailand to Bangkok. Apart from making the Grand Palace the center of administration with all his ministries and offices, King Rama I also used it as his residence. Being no longer the royal residence, the Grand Palace is now used only for occasional ceremonies.

Highlights of the palace include Amarinda Hall, Boromabiman Hall, Grand Palace Hal/ Chakri Maha Prasat, Dusit Hall, Phra Thinang Borom Phiman, Phra Asada Maha Chedi and Museum.

Amarinda Hall, also known as ‘the Great Residence’ is situated in Phra Maha Montien building of the Grand Palace. With its carved boat-shaped throne, Amarinda Vinichai Hall is an enchanting site that will mesmerize you with its interiors. Nowadays, Amarinda Hall in the Grand Palace is used for ceremonial occasions.

Built by King Chulalongkom Rama V, Chakri Maha Prasat was used by him as his residence. This beautiful renaissance-style building was not used as residence since the death of King Rama VIII, who was found shot dead in this room. The elegant crystal decorations inside the hall are worth watching during your tour to Bangkok.

Dusit Maha Prasad, also known as ‘Audience Hall’, is the third important building of the Grand Palace. This hall is known for the crowing ceremony of King Rama I. Apart from been used as the customary hall for the lying-in-state of Ayuttaya kings, Dusit Hall in the Grand Palace serves as a perfect venue for the annual Consecration Day Ceremony, Dusit Hall in the Grand Palace.

King Rama V built Phra Thinang Borom Phiman in 1903 for his son and the heir to the throne. With Indra (rain god) on the east side, Varuna (wind god) on the west, Agni (fire god) on the north and Yama (god of death) on the south side, the Siamese conception of the Vedic Gods in India is depicted inside Phra Thinang Borom Phiman of the Grand Palace and is a beautiful site.

Tourists are advised to strictly follow the dress code for visiting the Grand Palace. You won’t be allowed to enter the palace bare foot and wearing revealing clothes or with bare shoulders. In short, you have to fully dress up and would be provided with clothes at a booth near the entry gate if not adhering to their dress code.

An entry ticket is required for tourists. This includes admission ticket to Vimanmek Mansion, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Central Court. Entry for Thai people is absolutely free.

Wat Arun, Thailand

Wat Arun, Thailand also known as the Temple of Dawn

Originally known as Wat Makok, meaning ‘the Olive Temple’, Wat Arun was built during the days of the ancient capital of Ayuttaya. Wat Arunratchawararam, shortly called Wat Arun, offers breathtaking views at sunset time from the Bangkok side of the Chao Phraya River. Perhaps owing to this fact, it is also known as ‘the Temple of Dawn’. Stamped on post cards, Wat Arun is an outstanding monument that is worth visiting during a tour to Bangkok.

King Rama II started constructing this majestic temple in early 19th century and later it was completed by Rama III. The central prang built as a Khmer-style pagoda, standing with a height of 80 meters, is the main attraction of Wat Arun. The bell-shaped central prang is said to symbolize the legendary Mount Meru, center of the universe and home of the gods.

Wat Arun is surrounded by four smaller satellite prangs, which are beautifully adorned with seashells, pieces of colored glass and Chinese porcelain. Wat Arun is home to various statues of ancient Chinese soldiers, animals and the Hindu god Indra.

Looking at the two temple guardian figures or the so-called demons at the front side of Wat Arun will enthrall you. Entry is chargeable and the ticket costs around 30 Bahts per person for foreign visitors. There is no entry fee for Thai citizens.