Thailand Culture and Arts

Land of Heritage and History Thailand’s unique culture is a large part of the destination’s appeal. While Thailand is famous for its wealth of Buddhist arts and temples, you will enjoy another taste of Thai culture, seasoned with tradition. From the moment of arrival, being greeted with the gracious wai gesture, to your first experience of unique riverside lifestyle or traditional Thai boxing and Thai massage, you will find endless memories to cherish for a life time! Relish a Regal Experience at the Grand Palace <A HREF="http://www.palaces.thai.net/day/index_gp.htm" target=_blank>The Grand Palace</A> is not only Bangkok’s but Thailand’s number-one tourist attraction providing a fascinating glimpse of the majesty and splendor of the Thai monarchy. Built in 1782 by King Rama I, the Grand Palace consists of several Thai-style buildings with highly decorative architectural detail. The murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana, a magical epic, are otherworldly. This complex includes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha – Wat Phra Kaeo. At the heart of the temple itself is a fabulous Buddha image, carved from one piece of Jade, which is Thailand’s most sacred Buddha statue. What is also fascinating is how many everyday Thais come here to pray. Watching them observe age-old Buddhist rituals is a genuine slice of Thai life. Only a short walk, you will also enjoy the marvels of Wat Pho – home of the Reclining Buddha and a traditional massage school, as well as <A HREF="http://www.thailandmuseum.com/en_map.htm" target=_blank>Bangkok National Museum</A>, the City Pillar, and <A HREF="http://www.thailandmuseum.com/thaimuseum_eng/artgallery/main.htm" target= _blank>the National Gallery</A>. Time Traveling on a Bicycle Founded in the middle of the 13th century, Sukhothai, which means “Dawn of Happiness”, also marked the dawning of the first Siamese Kingdom and the birth of Thai language. It was a golden age for classical Thai art, architecture and Buddhism. To traverse these magnificent ruins in the World Heritage Site of Sukhothai Historical Park – Thailand’s equivalent of Ankor Wat – rent a mountain bike for a pittance. You can also cycle leisurely along the World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya Historical Park and around the ancient town which was once considered the most glorious town and trading port in Asia. There are not many towns in the world where you can drive by the ruins of a 15th century pagoda, just down the street, but that’s the magic of Ayutthaya for you. Unique Riverside Lifestyle Although Bangkok is a modern metropolis, the architecture and way of life along the river and canals remain true to the city’s origin. Floating markets are a colorful reminder of the days when farmers brought their produce to sell by boat. They made an early start when the sun was not hot and the fruit and vegetables were at their freshest, and this remains the rule today. Popular floating markets include Damnoen Saduak, Taling Chan, Amphawa and Tha Kha. Another historic voyage is along the canal of Klong Om to the island of Ko Kret, home to the Mon community. Enjoy the lush fruit orchards with a visit to Ko Kret pottery village where village potters make many kinds of earthenware products such as bowls, vases, mortars, and water jars. There are also good local dishes to be enjoyed, especially those made from young coconut shoots and the sweets in the Klong Khanom Wan or Dessert Canal. Learning Thai Art and Culture Thai Boxing – Muay Thai When it comes to martial arts, everyone knows that Muay Thai kick-boxers are the lords of the ring. More and more people are also getting their kicks by taking Muay Thai lessons at the many schools across the country, for fitness reasons, self-defense, or to become professional boxers. There is nothing more soothing for those aches and pains than some downtime on the beach or a swim in a tropical sea after a hard day’s workout, learning pugilistic moves like “breaking the elephant’s tusks”. <A HREF="http://seeyouinthailand.com/activities/9">Thai Cooking</A> Forget the thousands of cookbooks and experience authentic Thai food preparation with a distinctly local flavor. Take a day-long course or longer and learn the secrets of preparing your favorite local dish from a real Thai chef. Better still, you can choose your own kitchen. Would you like to study aboard a converted wooden rice barge? How about in a humble wooden abode? Or would you prefer the gleaming kitchen of a five-star hotel? Upon returning home, feast yourself and friends with Tom Yam Kung spicy soup, Phat Thai noodles, green curry, spicy papaya salad and many more. <A HREF="http://seeyouinthailand.com/activities/10">Thai Massage</A> Thai massage is a deep-massage technique that can be very relaxing, but it goes beyond pampering and relaxation and the more advanced practitioners are trained to treat illness as well. Massage schools are available throughout the country however Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is the traditional center of learning for Thai massage techniques. Intensive courses are available for those wish to learn more about the techniques. At Home in the Village Up to dozen homes in each rural community offer to host foreign guests and visitors are free to decide how they wish to spend their time. Enjoy living with a host family and learn what it is really like to be a rice farmer, a fisherman or an orchard manager, while acquiring hands-on experience. Popular villages include: <LI>o Thai Elephant Conservation Center, Lampang: Learn about the life of the mahout or elephant keeper. <A HREF="http://www.changthai.com" target=_blank>>></A> <LI>o Ban Chiang, Udon Thani: Learn about the way of life in times past through cultural presentations and demonstration of textile weaving, making copper utensils, and visiting the Ban Chiang, a World Heritage Site. <LI>o Ban Na Teen, Krabi: Learn batik making, rubber tapping and the production of latex sheets, boat building, paper-making from pineapple pulp, and squid fishing. Thailand’s unique culture is a large part of the destination’s appeal. While Thailand is famous for its wealth of Buddhist arts and temples, you will enjoy another taste of Thai culture, seasoned with tradition. From the moment of arrival, being greeted with the gracious wai gesture, to your first experience of unique riverside lifestyle or traditional Thai boxing and Thai massage, you will find endless memories to cherish for a life time! 2

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