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King Taksin Statue, Bangkok – Thailand.
The Bangkok 9 Wats in One Day Challenge
Bangkok’s reputation as a traffic clogged megalopolis overshadows the fact that Bangkok has more temples than any capital in Southeast Asia.
Bangkok is the seat of Thai Buddhism, and the grandest wats in Thailand are in the capital.
A popular way to visit the wats is to visit 9 temples in one day. In Thai the number nine also sounds like progress, so it has become a tradition for Thai’s to visit 9 in one day to bring good luck for the new year.
There are probably closer to 900 than 9 wats in Bangkok, but this is the 9 as listed at www.9wat.net, by the Amazing Thailand office.
I have seen other tour companies offer a different variation of wats to the one listed here. I personally would add Wat Traimit to the list, afterall how can you go past a Wat with a 5.5 tonne 3.5 metre tall solid gold Buddha?
Most of the 9 Wats can be found in Ko Rattanakosin, which is the oldest part of Bangkok. This area has the most interesting historical sights, and it is nearby to the Banglamphu area, where Khao San Rd can be found.
Each wat has its own motto, and I have kept the translation as is.
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
Motto: Endless Wealth and Prosperity
Wat Bowornniwet Vihan
Motto: Receive the good things in life
Wat Saket (Golden Mount)
Motto: Create auspicious vision
Wat Pho
Motto: Calmness is happiness
Wat Suthat Thepwararam
Motto: Enlarge your visions and fascinate surround people
Wat Chanasongkhram
Motto: Conquer all obstacles
Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn)
Motto: Have a prosperous life
Wat Rakhang
Motto: To be admired and loved
Wat Kanlayanamit
Motto: Bon Voyage
Flight Review: Firefly – Singapore to Subang
Firefly is a regional airline based in Subang, Malaysia. Before coming to Malaysia I had not heard of Firefly, but they are actually owned by Malaysia Airlines, which anyone who has been to an airport has heard of. Firefly operate to destinations in Malaysia, Indonesia (Sumatra), Thailand and Singapore.
I took a flight with Firefly from Singapore to Subang, near Kuala Lumpur.
Firefly operate out of the low cost terminal in Singapore. While the airfares are cheap, they are not considered as a low cost airline. They offer free onboard snacks, assigned seating and 20kg free checked-in baggage allowance. Firefly are a point to point airline, so like a low cost airline there is no connecting flights service.
The Firefly fleet is made up of ATR 72 twin-turboprop aircraft.
Being a regional aircraft and operating out of the smaller budget terminal in Singapore meant that check-in and boarding was very quick. Flying time from Singapore to Subang is about one hour.
Subang was the Kuala Lumpur Airport before the current KUL airport was built. It is now only used by regional airlines. There is no bus service from Subang, but it is close enough to KL to make getting the taxi an economical option. There is a taxi voucher desk at the airport where you prepay your destination.
If you are planning a trip to Southeast Asia, it’s worth having a look at the Firefly destinations for travel inspiration.
Note: This trip was sponsored in part by Firefly.
Related: Firefly offer Holidays To Kuala Lumpur.
Candle Statue, Ubon Ratchathani – Thailand
Candle Statue dedicated to His Majesty the King, Ubon Ratchathani – Thailand.
Riverside Bungalows, Don Det – Laos
Riverside bungalows on Don Det, in the Si Phan Don (4000 islands) – Laos.
Things To Do In: Singapore – Singapore Flyer
I have been through Singapore many times as a stop-over destination, so I thought I knew the city well. Seeing Singapore from the Singapore Flyer has given me a whole new perspective of the city.
The Singapore Flyer is located in the Marina Bay area of Singapore, and upon completion in 2007 became the world’s highest observation wheel.
The wheel is 165 metres high, which at ground level it didn’t seem as high as I thought it would be. Once you are in it and start ascending though, you get an appreciation for how high it is.
The Marina Bay area is reclaimed land and some of the biggest developments in Singapore are happening in this area. The Flyer’s location is ideal as it sits by the bay with a uninterrupted view of the financial district skyline.
The Singapore Flyer happens to be in the middle of the Grand Prix circuit, so one of the first things you see on your “flight” is the pit buildings and track grid. There are packages available for Grand Prix fans where you can watch the race from the Singapore Flyer.
As the wheel gets higher the harbour comes into view, with container ships as far as the eye can see. Singapore has one of the busiest shipping ports in the world (it was the biggest until Shanghai took over). This fact isn’t apparent at ground level, so seeing all those ships out there I could see how busy Singapore really is.
Beyond the ships on a clear day you can, apparently, see the Indonesian islands of Batam and Bintan.
On the land side is where you see where Singaporean’s live, with apartment blocks stretching to the horizon. Singapore is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. At the street level the city is so well organized with public transport and infrastructure that it doesn’t feel crowded. Viewing Singapore from the air gives you a better picture of the population density.
The wheel rises to what is perhaps the best view in Singapore – The Marina Bay and financial district skyline.
The wheel takes around 37 minutes to complete and the descent faces the city skyline. Looking at the other buildings, the Singapore Flyer probably has the best location for views of the city.
Note: James was a guest of singaporeflyer.com.
Related Links
Firefly offer Holidays To Singapore.
Mekong River Ferry, Champasak – Laos
Mekong River Ferry, Champasak – Laos.
Worship Pavilion North Palace, Wat Phu Champasak – Laos
Worship Pavilion North Palace, Wat Phu Champasak – Laos
