One of the key Thai festivals on the annual calendar, Loi Krathong, took place on Monday evening, Bangkok’s populace heading in droves for the water to light candles nestling on small “rafts” (Krathong) that are then gently lowered into the river, wishes are made, the hopes and dreams of city dwellers, along with any bad luck, consigned with a flourish for safekeeping to the dark swirling waters of the Chao Phraya River which winds like a giant, lazy snake through the heart of Bangkok. I start tonights adventure at the southern end of the city where the BTS line crosses the river, and I get a quick idea what is in store when I try to squeeze onto the Skytrain at Siam, which is packed to the rafters, not the norm for the post rush hour. Alighting from the spur line at Saphan Taksin Station where the BTS disgorges passengers before skimming over the Chao Phraya on the Taksin Bridge, I am immediately and, but less unexpectedly by now, thrust into a huge scrum of people. I was expecting it to be busy here as this one of the key transport hubs where the BTS meets the river, but its really, really busy. Getting down to the Sathorn Pier it is a case of filing slowly along past stall after stall of Krathong makers selling their wares, people behind the tables busily crafting these intricate arrangements, as buyers flock around, with the skill and dexterity of a lifetime of experience. The Krathongs themselves are mostly around ten inches across with a base tightly fashioned out …

Amazon.com
WAT ARUN Most sightseers travel by boat to see the fascinating Wat Arun Temple that is located close to the shore of the Chao Phraya in the historic heart of Bangkok. According to legend, Wat Arun, The Temple Of The Dawn, existed long before the founding of Bangkok. King Taksin who reigned in the 17th century A.D. chose this sanctuary as his royal temple and also gave it its present name. The journey up to the higher sections of the sanctuary travels past several splendid images including various mythological and religious figures such as the Moon God, Soma. Over the years the temple was further extended and decorated and the central ‘prang’ of the building complex grew taller and taller. It symbolizes Meru, the Holy Mountain, upon which the Earth rests. The Hindu god Indra that rides on the three-headed elephant, Erawan, was also included in the impressive temple complex of Wat Arun. The main tower and magnificent decor of the buildings are one of the most famous … More >>

Global Treasures WAT ARUN Temple of the Dawn Bangkok, Thailand