After being added to the list of Unesco World Heritage Sites last week, Phu Phra Bat Historical Park is offering visitors a free admission until Aug 12. Located in the northeastern town of Udon Thani, the fifth cultural World Heritage Site in Thailand is a testament to the Sima stone tradition of the Dvaravati period.
As part of Phu Phra Bat, Phu Phrabat Historical Park and the Sima Cultural Site at Wat Phra Phuthabat Buaban were designated as a serial property. It boasts a large stone courtyard and numerous peculiar rock shelters which were formed by ice-melted water erosion around 135 million.
The megalithic rock shelters with their walls depicting human figures, hand palms, animals and geometric patterns provide evidence of prehistoric settlement two millennia ago. When Buddhism spread to the region in the 7th century, numerous Sima stones were erected in the Khorat Plateau, transforming Phu Phra Bat into a holy Buddhist site that was used as a religious centre.
A highlight is Tham Phra, which was naturally formed by sandstone erosion shaping its roof. It has a statue of a Dvaravati-style seated Buddha image under a wood gable adorned with floral and rosary motifs. There is also a series of six Buddha images standing on a lotus and adorned with yellow robes and short loincloths, reminiscent of Bayon-style Khmer art from the 18th Buddhist century.
Visit virtualhistoricalpark.finearts.go.th.
Amazing Muay Thai Experience.
TAT to organise muay Thai events nationwide
To promote the uniqueness of Thai martial arts and boost tourism during the rainy season, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is organising "Amazing Muay Thai Experience" events this month and in September in four regions.
The first event will start tomorrow and run through Sunday at Chaloem Phrakiat 84th Birthday Anniversary Public Park, which is situated in Chaiya district of Surat Thani province. Visitors can witness the wai kru ritual and take part in training drills and a muay chaiya session to learn how to use your body as a weapon.
The second event is set to take place at Wat Yai Tha Sao in Uttaradit province from Aug 16-18. It will showcase the fast and versatile muay tha sao fighting style, which blends Thai and Chinese martial arts.
The third event is scheduled from Sept 6-8 at Meru Bhramathat, which is located in Phimai district of Nakhon Ratchasima. It will showcase the muay Korat martial art, which is famous for its powerful kicks and wide-angle punching, known as buffalo swing fist.
The last leg of the series will take place in King Narai's Palace in the historic town of Lop Buri from Sept 13–15. It will showcase the agile and evasive muay Lop Buri fighting style.
Contact the TAT Contact Center at 1672.
Banyan Tree Samui.
Banyan Tree Samui offers Mother's Day package
To celebrate Mother's Day, Banyan Tree Samui is offering a specially designed spa and dining package for 10,500 baht from Aug 8-12. The delightful journey will begin with a sensuous 60-minute massage, followed by a fine dining experience at the award-winning restaurant, Saffron.
To highlight Thai cuisine, the Mother's Day set menu will include tom kha goong hoi, a coconut-galangal broth with fresh scallops, coriander and kaffir lime leaves, as well as main courses of sea bass or red curry beef tenderloin.
For those who want to extend their trip, the Stay More, Pay Less – 3 Nights Stay package offers up to 15% savings when booking at least three-night stays.
Visit banyantree.com.
