SW explores a pretty province
By Itsarin Tisantia
Photos courtesy of Bangkok Post
Nonthaburi is famed for its piers and water transport along the Chao Phraya River. The centuries-old city is also full of natural resources, as well as many religious and multicultural heritage sites.
For this week’s Freeze Frame, SW explores some of the popular tourist destinations in Nonthaburi.
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Nonthaburi’s largest Buddha statue, Luang Pho Toh, stands out on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. The statue is housed at Bang Chak Temple, which was built by Mon immigrants in 1813. |
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Nonthaburi Museum consists of seven two-storey brick buildings. The complex was built in a European style in 1910 to be used as the town hall. It was converted into a museum in 2009. Nonthaburi Museum shows exhibitions relating to the history of Nonthaburi. |
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Chimphlee Sutthawas Temple was built in the middle of the Ayutthaya Period. King Rama II had the temple restored in 1815. Its ubosot, or ordination hall, has only one door, typical of the Maha Utt architectural style. |
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Situated on the west side of the Chao Phraya River, Chaloemphrakiat Temple, whose architecture has a distinct Chinese influence, boasts a Buddha statue made of white stone. The statue was housed at the temple on the orders of King Rama IV. |
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Koh Kret is one of Nonthaburi’s landmarks. The small island offers visitors a variety of tour guides, restaurants, souvenirs and local products. |
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Paramaiyikawat Temple is famous for its dazzlingly decorated ordination hall. The murals on the hall’s ceiling combine elements of traditional Thai and European art. |
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Khemaphirataram Temple has been a royal temple since the early Ayutthaya period. The temple was renovated during the reign of King Rama IV. The main hall wall is painted in a mix of Thai, Chinese and Western styles. |
EXERCISE
Read through Freeze Frame. Then, fill in the blanks in the following sentences with the correct words used in the article.
1. ___________ was renovated during the reign of King Rama IV.
2. Bang Chak Temple was built by Mon immigrants in the year of ___________.
3. ____________ is one of Nonthaburi’s landmarks.
4. _____________________ displays exhibits about the history of Nonthaburi.
Vocabulary
- bank (n): the side of a river, canal, etc. and the land near it
restore (v): to repair a building, work of art, etc. so that it looks as good as it did originally
distinct (adj): easily or clearly heard, seen, felt, etc.
dazzlingly (adv): in a very impressive and attractive way
