Daily Archives: August 9, 2006

Bangkok in My Mind

Recently I saw the photographs of Bangkok in the Thailand forum of Scyscrapercity. It seems, very highly qualified engineers, architects and photographers are running the site. There are outstanding drawings and photographs at different stages of construction. I could see the drawing of the Future Park coming up in Chaengwattana Road.

Lets take the interesting case of Central World Tower. The building itself has undergone design changes. The name also has changed from time to time. After the building has been complete, it has been a proud addition to the canvas of Bangkok. Standing tall, one could see it from as far as Wat Saket in direct line with Siam Discovery Centre. I saw the photographs of Central World entitled “Dancing in the Moonlight” where in the illuminated building glows at night.

Unlike Tokyo or Hongkong, Bangkok seems to have greater beauty in its architecture. We can remember the individual personalities of the buildings and recall them. Off hand, with out pressing my mind, I could recall Baiyoke Tower, Amari Watergate, Grand Diamond, Intercontinental, Vanit Tower II, Landmark Plaza, Amari Boulevard, Sheraton, Marriott, Westin and Windsor Manor in one stretch of Askhoke, Ploenchit and Sukhumvit Road.

The future seems to be brighter.

Wat Phra Singh

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Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Mai

Year of the Dragon: Probably the most visited temple in Chiang Mai is Wat Phra Singh. When I was there earlier in the year it was under renovation. The outside of the beautiful Lanna style Wihan Lai Kham had already been completed as you can see in this photograph. But, there was scaffolding blocking the entrance so I couldn’t enter. I believe all renovations are now over. This 14th Century temple is famous for the Buddha image Phra Singh which is revered by all people from Chiang Mai. Wat Phra Singh is an important pilgrimage site for people born in the Year of the Dragon. I urge everyone to visit this temple if you find yourself in Chiang Mai.

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