Thailands beach paradise, Railay Beach also frequently referred to as Rai Leh or Rai Lay — is a small peninsula just south of the town of Ao Nang, Krabi. It’s attached to Krabi’s mainland, but cut off by towering limestone cliffs from all the roads and towns.
This isolation from the mainland, and the complete absence of cars and roads, gives Railay Beach a very island feel. All photos in this gallery can be enlarged by a click
Chalong Temple
Wat Chalong, or Chalong Temple, built at the beginning on 19th century, is the largest and most visited Buddhist temple in Phuket. Its real name is Wat Chaitararam.
All photos in this gallery can be enlarged.
The most recent building on the grounds of Wat Chalong is a 60 meters tall ‘Chedi’ sheltering a splinter of bone from Buddha. Walls and ceilings are decorated with beautiful painting illustrating the life of Buddha, as well as many donated golden statues.
Wat Chalong Chedi is built on three floors From the You can see the nearby Phuket Big Buddha from there, but actually you can see it from almost anywhere in the southern part of Phuket island.
The central temple is where most Thai people will make merit by offering lotus flowers and adding a small piece of gold paper to the monks statues inside. No need to tell you to remove your shoes…
Once in a while, you will hear loud explosions of firecrackers coming form a brick oven-like construction. That’s another way to make merit, it is supposed to show your gratitude when one of your wishes has been granted. One person stands by to lit the firecrackers for you, the big ones are pretty scary but make fun photos
From the Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata a place with stunning vistas of both sides of the island – Chalong Bay lay in one direction while on the other they looked down over Kata and the Andaman Sea.
Phuket’s Big Buddha is one of the island’s most important and revered landmarks. The huge image sits on top of the Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata and at 45 metres high it is easily seen from far away.
The lofty site offers the best 360-degree views of the island (think sweeping vistas of Phuket Town, Kata, Karon beaches, Chalong Bay and more.
Close up to the image itself it is very peaceful and the only noises you will hear are the tinkling of small bells and the yellow Buddhist flags in the compound flapping in the wind plus soft background dharma music.
Known among Thais as the Phra Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri Buddha in full, it is 25 meters across at the base. The whole body is layered with beautiful white Burmese marble that shines in the sun, making it a natural symbol of hope.
More skies at; Skywatch Friday
The sunset that evening was lovely, started pink turned bright orange…it lasted long and was so beautiful
Fishermen in Thailand, returning to the harbour. All photos can be enlarged by a click.
Digital Art of my mine
I was looking at African art and got inspiration to try and create something as colorful as the art they do. I wanted the women to be embraced by warmth, color. people.
Holiday is over,I uploaded my photos to the computer. I need to start going through them, I might have some editing to do.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 