May 2005

Wat Arun or temple of the dawn is a temple complex in Bangkok beside the river of Chao Phraya. This is the most famous and beautiful temple complex among others in Bangkok. In Thailand, to show how 'big' and how 'great' of the king, they usually built many temples. Fortunately for us, the location of temple complex is near each other. From Wat Pho or king palace, you just need to across the river which is quite very cheap and not spend so much time.

Wat Arus has many beautiful temples which managed well. During the Buddha ceremony or Buddha religious days, this place will be very crowded. Chao Phraya river itself is one of Bangkok symbol. Many activities are still using this river. When the king celebrated his birthday, the ceremony is held in this river. Beautiful boats from local and other countries are there to give a remark on his birthday. As Thailand people very respect to their king, don't ask me how crowded the river will be at that time.

One of the interesting temple in Bangkok is Wat Pho. It is located near the grand palace or I can say that it is still in one complex area although you have to walk little bit to reach this place from the grand palace. The main thing here is the big big statue with yellow metal colour of Buddha with rest position. People said that it is a one of yoga position. You can go around to the statue where they put many boxs for praying purpose. Some thing like this, there is a place that you can change your baht money with some special coints. You will receive many coins and you put it one by one during your walk surround the statue. For believe, they did it with praying or saying something. My friend told me that it is a place that you can ask somethings to Buddha.

This place is the oldest and the largest 'wat' in Bangkok where many temples and Buddha statues are in here. You can believe that this is the place of the beginning of Thai massage. Surround the area is also very nice. Imagine, see everything with full of temple and Buddha statue. Really like in the different world.

I think everybody knows very well about this place. Or at least, ever heard about the name of Pataya, famous beach in Thailand. In my opinion, frankly speaking, the beach itself is not so beautiful. In my opinion, Indonesian beach is more beautiful and clean than Pataya. But, don't even argue about the facility for tourism. It is very complete. The motor boat, tend, accomodation, bar, massage, ..everything there. This is probably what Pataya offers to us. It was also nice that I arrived there in the evening where I can know the night life of Pataya.

They build many buildings and malls beside the beach. One of the famous is Ripley's believe it or not where you can find many stranges things there. I am not sure whether it is still there or not. At night, the street beside the beach is closed and very crowded of foreign tourisms who want to spend their night in the bars, restaurant, and see the beach as Pataya has many docs.

It was May 2, 2005 that I have joined Indonesian community in AIT having tour to Pataya. After visiting the maritim museum in Burapha university and chinese three kingdom palace, we stoped the place where there is a big picture of Buddha. They created that picture on the slope of Kau Si Jan hill. From the story that I heard, first they make an almost flat slope by crushing the stone of the small hill. Then, by laser, they created the picture schetch and finalized by giving 'gold'-like metal on it. So, it will create a drawing-line similar to cartoon. I am not sure whether it is really gold metal or not, as I know it mixed between some metals.

In front of the hill, you can enjoy the big park where you can take a rest or make some picture with the background of buddha.