Friday, April 20, 2007

Wat Pha kaeo

Wat Pha kaeo

The temple is in the outer section of the Royal Enclosure west of the Grand Palace . It was built on the orders of King Rama I along with the Grand Palace and Rattanakosin Island , and is built as a temple in a Royal compound like Wat Sri Sanphet in Ayutthaya . It has no resident monks.

The Emerald Buddha (Phra Putta Maha Mani Ratana Patimakorn or Phra Kaeo Morakot): This is a Buddha image in the meditating position in the style of the Lanna school of the north, dating from the 15th century AD. King Rama I brought it from Vientiane , and it is considered to be the most important Buddha image in the country.

Model of Angkor Wat: King Rama IV had this built by Phra Samphopphai when Cambodia was under Siamese control. The model was recreated in plaster at the behest of King Rama V to celebrate the first centenary of the Royal city.

Prasat Phra Thepidon: This four-square prang originally called "Puttaprang Prasat" was built in the reign of King Rama IV. Inside are statues of Kings Rama I-King Rama VIII, to which the public pay their respects on Chakri Day, April 6, every year.

Mondop:This structure stands behind Prasat Phra Thepidon, and was built in the reign of King Rama I. Inside is a cabinet holding the Buddhist scriptures beautifully decorated in mother-of-pearl.

Balcony: This can be compared to the temple wall. The murals inside tell the Ramayana story in its entirety. On the columns of the balcony are stone inscriptions of the verses describing the murals.

Phra Sri Ratana Chedi: Built in the style of Wat Sri Sanphet in Ayutthaya , this chedi is to the west of the Monhop. Inside is a small chedi with relics of the Lord Buddha.

Phra Atsada Maha Chedi: This group of eight chedis stands in front of the temple. It was built in the reign of King Rama I and dedicated to the heavens. Six of the group are outside the balcony, two are inside. Each has its own name.

Yaksa Tavarnbal (Gate-keeping Giants): Six pairs of mythical ogres stand at each gate of the Balcony. These are the main Giants of the Ramayana.

Hor Phra Khanthan-rat: Standing in the estern corner of the balcony, this is where the Phra Puttakhanthan-rat figure is enshrined. It presides over the Royal rain-making ceremony and the ceremony of the first rice planting. Inside are paintings by the mural artist Khrua In Khong.

Hor Phra Ratcha Karamanusorn: Inside this structure are 34 Buddha images in various positions, built by command of King Rama III and dedicated the kings of Ayutthaya and Thonburi.

Hor Phra Ratcha Pongsanusorn: Built in the reign of King Rama IV, this is the location of the Buddha image of the reigning King of the Rattanakosin Era. Inside are murals of Royal chronicles of Ayutthaya by Khrua In Khong.

Hor Phra Nak: Situated behind the temple, this traditional Thai building roofed with glazed tiles contains the ashes of the Royal family.

intricate details of the
surrounding pagoda

Borom Phiman Mansion
further south
Kinaree half human
half bird

Chinese Guard
stone statue

Details of "Nabun"
the roof part
"KUMYAN" Thai
structure element

Opening Hour:
Daily 8 am-4 pm

Admission Fee:
Foreigner 200 Bht

Activity-Festival:
Sun: Sermon 1 pm Buddist Holy Day: Sermon 9 am 1 am

Guide:
10 am 2 pm Personal Audio Guide (PAG):
German English French Japanese Mandarin Russian Spain Thai

Wat Pha kaeo

Wat Pha kaeo

The temple is in the outer section of the Royal Enclosure west of the Grand Palace . It was built on the orders of King Rama I along with the Grand Palace and Rattanakosin Island , and is built as a temple in a Royal compound like Wat Sri Sanphet in Ayutthaya . It has no resident monks.

The Emerald Buddha (Phra Putta Maha Mani Ratana Patimakorn or Phra Kaeo Morakot): This is a Buddha image in the meditating position in the style of the Lanna school of the north, dating from the 15th century AD. King Rama I brought it from Vientiane , and it is considered to be the most important Buddha image in the country.

Model of Angkor Wat: King Rama IV had this built by Phra Samphopphai when Cambodia was under Siamese control. The model was recreated in plaster at the behest of King Rama V to celebrate the first centenary of the Royal city.

Prasat Phra Thepidon: This four-square prang originally called "Puttaprang Prasat" was built in the reign of King Rama IV. Inside are statues of Kings Rama I-King Rama VIII, to which the public pay their respects on Chakri Day, April 6, every year.

Mondop:This structure stands behind Prasat Phra Thepidon, and was built in the reign of King Rama I. Inside is a cabinet holding the Buddhist scriptures beautifully decorated in mother-of-pearl.

Balcony: This can be compared to the temple wall. The murals inside tell the Ramayana story in its entirety. On the columns of the balcony are stone inscriptions of the verses describing the murals.

Phra Sri Ratana Chedi: Built in the style of Wat Sri Sanphet in Ayutthaya , this chedi is to the west of the Monhop. Inside is a small chedi with relics of the Lord Buddha.

Phra Atsada Maha Chedi: This group of eight chedis stands in front of the temple. It was built in the reign of King Rama I and dedicated to the heavens. Six of the group are outside the balcony, two are inside. Each has its own name.

Yaksa Tavarnbal (Gate-keeping Giants): Six pairs of mythical ogres stand at each gate of the Balcony. These are the main Giants of the Ramayana.

Hor Phra Khanthan-rat: Standing in the estern corner of the balcony, this is where the Phra Puttakhanthan-rat figure is enshrined. It presides over the Royal rain-making ceremony and the ceremony of the first rice planting. Inside are paintings by the mural artist Khrua In Khong.

Hor Phra Ratcha Karamanusorn: Inside this structure are 34 Buddha images in various positions, built by command of King Rama III and dedicated the kings of Ayutthaya and Thonburi.

Hor Phra Ratcha Pongsanusorn: Built in the reign of King Rama IV, this is the location of the Buddha image of the reigning King of the Rattanakosin Era. Inside are murals of Royal chronicles of Ayutthaya by Khrua In Khong.

Hor Phra Nak: Situated behind the temple, this traditional Thai building roofed with glazed tiles contains the ashes of the Royal family.

intricate details of the
surrounding pagoda

Borom Phiman Mansion
further south
Kinaree half human
half bird

Chinese Guard
stone statue

Details of "Nabun"
the roof part
"KUMYAN" Thai
structure element

Opening Hour:
Daily 8 am-4 pm

Admission Fee:
Foreigner 200 Bht

Activity-Festival:
Sun: Sermon 1 pm Buddist Holy Day: Sermon 9 am 1 am

Guide:
10 am 2 pm Personal Audio Guide (PAG):
German English French Japanese Mandarin Russian Spain Thai

Thursday, April 19, 2007

The Amari Watergate Hotel Bangkok

The Amari Watergate Hotel & Spa is located in Pratunam which is in the heart of Bangkok's commercial and shopping district. The airport expressway is conveniently reached within minutes.

Location

From Distance Time By
Suvarnabhumi A irport, Bangkok 40 km 25-30 mins Car
Central World Plaza 500 m 3 to 5 mins Walk
Pratunam Market Immediate Area
Siam Square 5 km 15 mins Car
Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre 8 km 20 mins Car
BITEC Exhibition Centre 15 km 15 mins Car



Rooms and Reservations

The Amari Watergate Hotel & Spa offers a variety of stylish and comfortable rooms, all with excellent amenities.

* 182 Superior Rooms
* 312 Deluxe Rooms
* 49 Executive Rooms
* 19 Corner Suites
* 7 Executive Floor Suites (incl. Presidential Suite)


General Information

  • Check-out time is 12 noon
  • No extra charge for children under 12 years occupying same room as parents although breakfast will be charged at 50% of the adult charge
  • Baby cot is free of charge
  • Non-smoking rooms available
  • Group rates are available upon request

Executive Rooms

  • 24-hours butler service and executive lounge
  • Rates include complimentary breakfast, coffee, tea and cocktail hours
  • Personalised check-in and check-out on 32nd floor
  • Free half-day use of boardroom on 32nd floor


* Sunday Brunch Buffet @ Grappino Italian Restaurant 01 Jan 2007 - 30 Jun 2007
Join us each and every Sunday week for a Sunday Brunch by award winning Chef Marco Amarone.

* Bakery Delights 01 Jan 2007 - 31 Dec 2007
Daily selection of pastires, home-made sandwiches, cakes and confectionary.

* Dim Sum Lunch 01 Jan 2007 - 30 Jun 2007
There is no finer lunchtime snack than a Dim Sum Luncheon. For business or pleasure, this is one of the finest Cantonese delicacies to be had.

* Birthday Promotion 01 Jan 2007 - 31 Dec 2007
Grappino restaurant makes your birthday very special!

* Wine Buffet at Grappino 01 Jan 2007 - 30 Jun 2007
At the Grappino restaurant join us for a very new and novel experience, our wine buffet.

* Italian Cooking Class 01 Jan 2007 - 31 Dec 2007
Enjoy free time with a difference with Grappino Execuitve Chef Marco Amarone.

more info : http://www.amari.com/Watergate/

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (ANANTASAMAKOM THRONE HALL)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (ANANTASAMAKOM THRONE HALL)
This hall was built at the command of King Rama V and Finish in the region of king Rama VI for visiting foreign dignitaries and for state council meetings. The Italian architecture, Tamango; designed it in the Renaissance style.

http://www.asiaartmart.com/images/products/2006120076b.jpg

Dome Ceiling: Frescoes depict the monarch, of the Chakri Dynasty and important works of those from King Rama I to King Rama VI are featured or, the ceiling of the dome. The rotunda under which ?the Royal throne is placed has been used for state ceremonies
The Anantasamakom Throne Hall has played an important role in Thai political history. It reflects the bond between Royal and political institutions since the day when King Rama VII affixed his signa ture to give the Thai people their first constitution. The first meeting of the Thai parliament Convened in this hall.


Uthongnai Road Dusit Su6-District Dusit District Bangkok 10300

Phone:(662) 2441549 2441557-60


Fax:(662) 2441558


Bus: 70 72
Air-con Bus: 3

Openning Hours:
Children's Day
(2nd Sat of Jan)
http://www.moohin.com/eng/pictures/tour3grandpalace.jpg
Admission Free:


Free Admission

Parking:
In front of the Bldg.


Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Sofitel Central Plaza Bangkok Hotel


Sofitel Central Plaza Bangkok is located in the city centre, only 10 minutes from the airport, close to Chatuchak Park Market, Central Plaza Shopping Centre and the Bangkok Convention Centre. The hotel features 607 rooms, 6 restaurants, a lobby lounge with karaoke, business centre, outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, sauna, spa and 26 function rooms seating up to 3800 people.

Hotel code :3432

Address :
1695 Phaholyothin Road
Chatuchak
10900
BANGKOK
THAILAND

Tel : (+66)2/5411234
Fax : (+66)2/5411087
E-mail : scp@chr.co.th

Hotel manager :
Mr Martin REED

Head Chef :
Mr Colin GRANT

Room fittings :
Audible smoke alarms
Dead bolt in rooms
Sprinkler in room
220/240 V AC
Airconditioning
Safe deposit box in room
Minibar
Radio in room
Satellite/cable colour TV
Voicemail
High speed transmission line
RJ 11 outlet
RJ 25 outlet
Security peephole
Smoke alarm in room
Bathroom fittings :
Bathtub
Telephone in bathroom
Room service :
Hot dishes
Cold snacks
Weekday hours :
24 Hours
Weekend hours :
24 Hours

mor info : http://www.sofitel.com

Shangri la Bangkok Hotel

Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok

Shangri la Bangkok Hotel
Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok is set in beautiful tropical gardens and enjoys convenient access to the central business and shopping districts. Only 30 minutes from the international airport and adjacent to a Skytrain station, the 5-star deluxe hotel is a preferred choice for business and leisure travelers. Consistently voted one of the best hotels in the world, Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok boasts unrivaled business services in an elegant and exotic setting.

Safety Features of the Hotel
Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok offers a safe environment
in case of any natural disaster or civil disturbance .

WATER
The hotel has a total combined potable water
storage capacity of 2,406 cubic meters, which is
constantly refreshed and supplied by a system of
city mains. Water is stored within the secured
perimeter of the hotel in sealed, compartmentalized
and reinforced sanitar y tanks. Sur veillance of water
purity standards is independently maintained by the
hotel through a series of ultra-violet light treatments.
In addition, the hotel undertakes monthly cer tifiable
laborator y tests (WHO drinking water standards)
of all water supplied to various kitchens.

The hotel' s own water treatment plant recycles river
water to be used for sanitar y flushing, gardening and
f i re fighting. In the event of an extreme emergency
the river water, which is filtered and lightly
chlorinated for microbiological purposes, could be
used for drinking. The hotel has enough stock of
bottled water to supply 8,000 people for up to 3 days.

FOOD
In the case of an emergency the extensive kitchen
storage space ensures the availability of ample food
supplies. The hotel has enough fresh food and dry
goods stored to feed up to 2,500 people three times
a day for 14 days. In addition, the hotel's riverside
location means that fresh food supplies could also be
obtained by boat if land transportation was hindered.

FUEL AND POWER
In the case of power emergencies, the hotel's own
generating system is designed to provide sufficient
power to operate essential lighting and power
systems including the maintenance of fire detection
and protection systems. The power to operate this
system (capacity of 2,000 kilowatts) is supplied by
three generators, which are regularly tested and
maintained, and remain fully operational at all times.
The hotel's internal fuel storage capacity is large
enough for this system to operate independently for
more than three days.

SECURITY
Security and guest safety is a top priority at
Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok. The hotel's location, design,
technical sur veillance equipment and security guard
force are all factors which contribute to creating a
secure, safe environment for guests. With two access
roads, three entrances and riverside situation, the hotel
provides many options for safe movement to and from
the property. All entrances to the hotel are manned by
sur veillance cameras and staffed by security guards.
The hotel maintains a large staff of uniformed and
plain-clothes security officers. Closed circuit cameras
are strategically situated throughout public areas and
corridors accessing guestrooms and are monitored
through a central security command post, which
operates 24 hours a day.

Guests should also be aware of the following:
• All hotel staff are trained and rehearsed in crisis
management.
• The hotel, in cooperation with the local fire
department, conducts regular fire d r i l l s .
• The hotel's rooftop helipad can be used in case of
emergency evacuation.
• In the case of an emergency, special communications
are immediately sent to all guestrooms to advise
and update guests about the situation.
• The hotel has satellite communication.

Guests have multiple options for travel to and from the
property including by skytrain, boat, road or helicopter.
The hotel is close to highway access, which ensures rapid
(normally 25-30 minutes) travel to international airpor t .
Finally, in case of an emergency the executive
management of the hotel is trained to form a special
security task force. This team oversees and super vises
the management of hotel staff, remaining on duty
24 hours a day during any crisis.

GUEST SAFETY & SECURITY
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts would like to assure
ever y guest of our commitment to their personal safety
and security.

Address Quick Facts
89 Soi Wat Suan Plu,
New Road, Bangrak,
Bangkok 10500,
Thailand

Tel : (66 2) 236 7777
Fax : (66 2) 236 8579
Email : slbk@shangri-la.com
Check-In
2 pm
Check-Out
12 noon
Accommodation
799 guest rooms & suites
Horizon Club

more info : http://www.shangri-la.com