Phuket, Thailand

June 30-July 2, 2018
P1100463_IC Reception area, Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach
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IMG_3297_SP The resort features a sparkling lagoon pool, kids pool and a beautiful beach.
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IMG_3293_SP Lots of space on the beach...
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IMG_3294_SP Low tide...
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IMG_3301_SP Lots of small holes on the sand, a bit creepy...
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IMG_3316_SP A very interesting view that one could only see during the low tide.
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IMG_3317_SP A close up of the sand ridges...
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P1100481_IC Wat Chalong, or Chalong Temple (Wat Chaiyathararam), the largest of Phuket's temples.
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P1100480_IC Locals and many Thai tourists come to pray and pay respects to several revered monks who were the founders of Wat Chalong, among them Luang Pho Cham and Luang...
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P1100484_IC Luang Pho Cham and Luang Pho Chuang, 2 monks, led the citizens of Chalong Sub district fighting against the Chinese rebellion in 1876 and with their knowledge...
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P1150023_SC The temple complex was built in its current location in 1837. Some remains of older structures have been found, however it is unknown exactly how old they are.
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P1150026_SC The large grounds of Wat Chalong that is officially named Wat Chaitararam contains a viharn (sermon hall), a mondop (a temple or shrine with a spired roof), a...
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P1150029_SC Wat Chalong is located 8 Km south of Phuket town on the way to Rawai Beach.
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P1100489_IC Chofas are hornlike finials (ornaments) on the roof ridges of temples, and represent the head of the mystical garuda (legendary bird like creature). They are...
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P1150031_SC Chofa resembles a tall thin bird and looks hornlike. The chofa is generally believed to represent the mythical creature Garuda, half bird and half man, who is...
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P1150033_SC It is said the Grand Pagoda dominating the temple contains a splinter of Lord Buddha's bone and is officially named Phramahathatchedi-Jomthaibarameepragat.
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P1100491_IC The pagoda is decorated with wall paintings depicting the Buddha's life story and also features various Buddha images.
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P1100493_IC Wats in general are sacred places for local people.
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P1150036_SC Local people are careful not to stand over, or otherwise position themselves higher than any Buddha images except when pasting gold leaf to them - which in any...
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P1100496_IC It is inappropriate to go into a wat - a place of worship - wearing clothes that reveal one's shoulders, chest, belly or legs.
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