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Ubon Ratchathani Attractions:
Wat Suputtanaram
Woraviharn, on Somdej Road, was the home of the Dharmayuthi
sect in the mid-19th centruy. The architecture of the main
chapel is a mix of Thai, European and Khmer styles. In front of
chapel is a huge wooden bell.
Wat Si Ubon Rattanaram (Wat Si Tong) on Uparat Road was
built in 1855. The ordination hall, an imitation of the Mrble
Temple in Bangkok, houses a topaz Chiang Saen Buddhan image.
This image was brought to Thailand form Vientiane at the same
time as the Emerald Buddha, which was later enshrined at Wat
Phra Kaew in Bangkok.
Wat Maha Wanaram on Sapphasit Road is the principal
temple of Ubon. Built in 1807, it houses the Phra Chao Yai Indra
Plang, a Buddha image in the attitude of subduing Mara.
Wat Chaeng on Sapphasit Road was built in 18888. There
are some striking wood-carvings in front of the main chapel
including a mythical half-elephant half-horse creature as well
as a depiction of Erawan, the three-headed elephant of Indra.
Wat Thung Si Muang on Luang Road was constructed in the
reign of King Rama III (1824-51). The temple is a mix of early
Rattanakosin and Lao architecture. Along with the representation
of a Buddha footprint in one of the buildings, there is a
scripture hall built on stilts in the middle of apond. The
chapel's interior is covered with 150-year-old murals.
Phra That Chedi Si Maha
Pho in Wat Nong Bua on the road to Nakhon Phanom was
build to commermorate the 25th century of Buddhism. The chedi, a
close replica of the Mahabodi chedi in Bodhgaya, India, contains
relics of the lord Buddha.
Wat Nong Pa Pong, 10 km past the railway station in
Warin Chamrap district, is a classical forest wat, noted for its
traditional discipline and a balance between work and meditaion.
It attracts foreigners who wish to study meditation. Some have
been ordained as monks and one became the abbot of the
affiliated Wat Pa Nanachat Bung Wai. There is a museum here and
a chedi where the ashes of the wat's founder Ajan Chaa are
interned. The wat has several branches in Ubon and one in Sussex,
England.
Wat Pa Nanchat Bung Wai, also in Warin Chamrap district,
is a branch of Wat Nong Pa Pong. Most of the monks here are
Americans, Europeans or Japanese. English is the main language
spoken. Men who wish to stay more than three nights at the
temple are required to shave their heads. The temple is opposite
Beung Wai village on the road to Si Sa Kat.
Ubon Ratchathani National Museum on Khuen Khan Road was
formerly a palace of King Rama VI. The museum's collection
ranges from ancient bronze tools and Ban Chiang-style pottery to
fine examples of Southeast Asian art produced since the
Dvaravati period. There is also an exhibition of Ubon crafts and
culture. Many of the exhibits have English sub-titles.
Ban Pa-ao, 21 km from Ubon, is a handicraft village
noted for its cloth-weaving, bronzeware and silverware. A crafts
centre has daily demonstrations and wide selection of goods for
sale. Kaeng Saphu is a beautiful set of rapids on the Mun, 75 km
east of Ubon, as the river approaches the Mekong. The best time
to visit the area is between January and May.
Festival
Candle festival
is held in Ubon in late July. The festial coincides with Khao
Phansa, The beginning of Buddhist Lent. Gaint elaborately carved
candles are carride around town in colourful processions during
the five-day festival. There are competitions for the most
magnificent float, as well as beauty contests, music and
games.
Songkran Festival at Kaeng Saphu has the traditional Nong
Songkran (Miss Songkran) beauty contest, cultural shows and a
fun fair.A wide range of local crafts and souvenirs are on sale while
the traditional water-throwing dominates the festival.
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 Thailand
as a health tourism center
There
are more than
SPAS,
when it comes to health tourism in Thailand,
although they get by far the biggest
media coverage. There is everything
available for check ups to heart bypass,
to sex change. Travel Thailand will
cover it all over the next year. So
if you want to save a LOT of money on
health care, while at the same time
enjoying a most facinating destination
come back Travel Thailand often. |
