leisuretravel

Thailand has nearly 40,000 temples. Most of these temples are active and some are in disrepair. The bulk of the temples are Buddhist sanctuaries, although you can find several Hindu temples as well. These wats aren't only meant for praying; visitors can light oil lamps and incense and talk to the monks for spiritual guidance. Foreign visitors seem to be fascinated by the temples; they make up their own wat hopping tours. Here are some of the most visited temples in Thailand. Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas  or alternatively  © CEphoto, Uwe Aranas,  Chiang Rai Thailand Wat-Rong-Khun-01 ,  CC BY-SA 4.0 1. White Temple, Chiang Rai Although it is called a temple, White Temple is not really a temple. The temple was in ruins when a local artist decided to restore the site. He spent years turning the temple into a stunning art gallery. The main hall houses a range of artwork and can only be reached via the bridge built over a pool. Some of the other halls are dedicated to lear...

Tipped to be among the most popular cultural attractions in the capital of Thailand, the Grand Palace is a must-visit highlight for all visitors touring Bangkok. Serving as the palatial residence of the Thai royal family, a vast portion of the palace and its extensive grounds are open to the public. From exploring the main hotspots to dressing appropriately, here are some guidelines on how to visit the one and only Grand Palace in Bangkok. Photo by form PxHere 1. Get a Head Start Those who wish to experience the beauty and majesty of the Grand Palace without contending with large throngs or having to endure the heat should get a head start when visiting the attraction. The Grand Palace is open to visitors from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm and first-time visitors should take care to arrive well before in order to be one of the first to be let inside the compound. As the busiest tourist highlights in the city, the crowds entering the Grand Palace only increase as the day wears on so getting inside...

Heading out on a boat to explore Bangkok's world-renowned Klongs or canals is a rite of passage all first-time travellers in the city must experience. Teeming with life and vibrancy, this unique water locked area of the Thai capital offers tourists a glimpse of how the river-dwelling communities of Bangkok truly live. Here are some practical guidelines on how to make the most of your tour of the intricate maze network that is the Bangkok canals. Image by  Wilfried Strang  from  Pixabay   1. Get a Head Start While tours of the Chao Praya River canals are conducted throughout the day, those who are visiting this precinct of Bangkok for the first time should strive to schedule a morning excursion. This is because the riverbanks as well as the canals are bursting with life during the wee hours of the morning and remain abuzz till late in the afternoon. Although night-time tours may seem romantic, they are not suitable for those who have not ventured into this part of the...