Lanna Folklife Museum in Chiang Mai Thailand : Art, History, Statues, Lifestyle

The Lanna Folklife museum is set in a 1935 colonial style building which was previously the Municipal Court of Chiang Mai. It was open in december 2013 after a complete renovation to promote the Lanna heritage and rich culture.

The museum displays statues, temples reproductions, artefacts, and reproduction of the lifestyle and knowhow of the Lanna traditional culture. There is as well a special collection of Buddhas made in quartz by local independent artists.

It is conveniently situated in the center of Chiang Mai (Phrapokklao Road)
opposite the 3 Kings statue.

It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8.30am to 5pm. closed on Monday.

Continue reading “Lanna Folklife Museum in Chiang Mai Thailand : Art, History, Statues, Lifestyle”

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Buddhist Temple in Chiang Mai Thailand

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a sacred and revered temple, 15 km from Chiang Mai, Thailand.
The altitude of 1600 meters above sea level offers beautiful views of the city.
During the Sukhothai Kingdom, the monk Sumanathera found a relic of the Buddha, a shoulder bone, which had magical powers.
In 1368, the monk brought the relic in Lamphun to King Nu Naone of Lan Na. The relic broke in 2 pieces. The small one was enshrined at a temple in Suandok.
The other part was placed on the back of a white elephant. The elephant when on top of a mountain and died here after trumpeted three times. This was interpreted as a good omen and King Nu Naone ordered the construction of Wat Phra Tat at this place.

Continue reading “Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Buddhist Temple in Chiang Mai Thailand”

Chinese New Year in Bangkok Chinatown Yaowarat Thailand 2016

Chinatown in Bangkok is called Yaowarat, it’s a huge neibourhood were the chinese migrants settled in the 19th and 20th century.
The traditions are still alive in Chinatown Bangkok and they celebrate the Chinese New Year from the 8th of February this year 2016.
Dragon dance, music, food, shows, and prayers in the temple, all the ingredients of and authentic New year are there, just like in China.

I shot 70 pictures with my Sony A7R2 and the Zeiss prime lens FE55mmF1.8.

Enjoy the pictures!

Continue reading “Chinese New Year in Bangkok Chinatown Yaowarat Thailand 2016”

Amazing Taipei Taiwan : Night Market, Food, People, Street Life, Temples, Hotels

Taipei is the amazing capital of Taiwan, with 7 million people.  It is at the same time modern and traditional : leader in new technology, Taipei has kept as well its traditions, religion, temple and culture.

In Taipei you are really in a Chinese atmosphere, but at the same time, it has Western influences which make your travel easy and convenient. People are very welcoming and most of them speak well english. Taxis are honest in general and not expensive for a modern city. The subway is very convenient and can bring you anywhere. You can find all kind of food, at a very good quality for the price.

In this article, you will see many aspects of the city : the night markets and the authentic food they serve, the dynamic street life, the temples and their traditional architecture, some hotels, and the unique 101 Tower.

I selected my best 40 pictures to give you a good idea of this great city!

Continue reading “Amazing Taipei Taiwan : Night Market, Food, People, Street Life, Temples, Hotels”

Splendid Longshan Temple in Taipei at Night

Mengjia Longshan Temple was built in Taipei in 1738 by settlers from Fujian. It is seen as an emblematic example of Taiwanese classical architecture.

Located in the center of the city, this temple is always busy, Taiwanese people being attached to their Buddhist tradition. They come to pray Buddha, pay respect to their ancestors, burn incense, and reading their future with the fortune sticks (Kau Cim).

I went to take pictures at dusk, this is a magic moment where you can feel the vibrations, and I hope that you will feel them by watchings the photos…

Continue reading “Splendid Longshan Temple in Taipei at Night”

Vesak Day Candles Celebration in Bangkok Thailand

Vesak, Vesakha or Wisakha Bucha Day is the most important and beautiful celebration in the year for all Buddhist countries. It celebrates the birth, the enlightenment and the passing away of the Buddha. Worshippers are turning around the tempe with a candle, incense and a lotus flower.
I shot these pictures in Bangkok, Thailand, at the temple Wat Pathum Wanaram. It is a haven of peace in the very busy neibourghood of Siam, situated just between the shopping malls Siam Paragon and CentralWorld.

Continue reading “Vesak Day Candles Celebration in Bangkok Thailand”