Fun Things To Do In Pigeon Forge

BY  Barsha Dec 28, 2023

Bangkok is home to over a thousand temples. Some of these temples are historical and have cultural significance, and some others or mainly for local prayers. During a Holiday in the Capital of Thailand, booking a Bangkok temple tour is a must to explore the city’s main highlights and most beautiful temples. In this article, we will be listing the best and most recommended 5 temples in Bangkok to visit. Wat Pho  Wat Pho temple (also known as the temple of the sleeping or reclining Buddha), is one of the most important temples to visit when being in Bangkok. The temple is home to the famous sleeping Buddha statue which measures 46 meters in length and 15 meters in height. The statue is covered in gold leaf and is a unique piece of art. This temple is considered as the largest temple in Bangkok and is the birthplace for Traditional Thai massage. It was the first public university in Thailand that specialized in religion, science, and literature. Till today, It is still a center of learning for traditional Thai massage and medicine. During your visit to Wat Pho temple, you can book a traditional Thai massage session that combines stretching, pulling, and rocking techniques to relieve tension and enhance flexibility and circulation. It's often described as a combination of yoga and meditation. This Temple is very popular among Bangkok temple tours since it has a strategic location near the Chaophraya river, the Grand Palace, and other important Landmarks in Bangkok. Wat Phra Kaew Wat Phra Kaew is located inside the Grand Palace. This temple is home to the Emerald Buddha, one of the most revered Buddha images in Thailand. Despite its name, the statue is actually made of jade or jasper rather than emerald. This temple is considered as the Personal chapel of the Royal Family. Wat Phra Kaew was Constructed in 1782 when King Rama I moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok.  The temple's architecture is a stunning example of Thai craftsmanship, with intricate carvings, colorful mosaics, and gold-leafed figures adorning its structures. The Great thing about visiting this temple is that you will have the opportunity to combine the visit of both the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew since they are both within the same location. They are also within a very short walking distance from Wat Pho, making combining both of them in a half-day visit a very popular choice among tourists visiting Bangkok. Wat Arun  Wat Arun is Known as the temple of Dawn and it dates back to the Ayutthaya period. It has a unique design, similar to the Ayutthaya temples design and having some Khmer elements as well. The temple was renovated by King Rama II and It has been a significant symbol of the Rattanakosin Period and the shift of the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok. Wat Arun’s towers (known as prangs) are decorated with colorful porcelain and seashells, making it visually unique. The central prang is a symbolic representation of Mount Meru, the center of the world in Buddhist cosmology. The temple is located along the Chaophraya river and is often included on the same day when visiting the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. You just need to take a ferry boat to cross the river to reach the other side of the City and visit this amazing temple. Wat Arun has undergone several renovations in the past years and the last significant restoration completed was in 2017 under the supervision of UNESCO. Wat Traimit  Wat Traimit is another beautiful temple in Bangkok with unique features. It is famous for housing the world's largest solid gold Buddha image. The statue is about 3 meters tall and weighs approximately 5.5 tons. The Golden Buddha dates back to the 13th or 14th century, originating in the Sukhothai period. However, the exact origins and history of the statue are still subject to debate and research, and no one has confirmed it. Wat Traimit is one of the most sacred temples, not only in Bangkok but all around Thailand. The building is a beautiful example of modern Thai Buddhist architecture. The temple complex includes a museum where visitors can learn about the history of the Golden Buddha and the Chinatown area where the temple is located. In addition to that, it also offers insights into the Chinese community's role in Thai society. Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple) Wat Benchamabophit is famous for its use of white Carrara marble from Italy, which gives it a distinctly elegant appearance. This feature is unique among Bangkok's temples and of course, is the reason why it gained the name of the Marble Temple of Bangkok. This temple was built in the Late 19th Century during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), in 1899. It is a fine example of modern Thai religious architecture from the end of the 19th century. The temple's design is a fusion of traditional Thai architecture and European influences. Wat Benchamabophit is associated with the Thai royal family and has been used for numerous royal ceremonies. When you hold a five Thai baht coin, you will find the image of this temple on the back of the Coin, reflecting its importance and significance in Thai culture. The temple is home to 52 Buddha images, representing various styles and postures from different periods of Thai history. This collection offers a comprehensive overview of the evolution of Buddhist art in Thailand. The temple complex includes beautifully maintained gardens and courtyards, adding to its serene and tranquil ambiance. Read Also: Crime Rate In Florida Trending Down While California Skyrockets: Report World’s Most Famous Christmas Tree Has Reached Trafalgar Square

BY  Sibashree Jan 22, 2026

Is Koh Tao safe? Now, this is the question everyone is asking about Koh Tao these days. The reason? This island of stunning beauty has suddenly become the “Death Island.” Since 2014, the news of foreign tourists dying or going missing on the island has been common. But this is not the reason that makes Koh Tao famous. Let me share with you a fascinating story about how I felt when I visited Koh Tao for the first time. We really had our toes in the sand. You have to be here to understand how this island is the crown jewel of the sustainable tourism and green economy initiatives of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. “What adds to Koh Tao’s success is the whole-of-society mindset shift that we have seen over the past few years. We’ve seen an evolution from just trying to raise profits and attract more tourists to creating a more sustainable and environmentally conscious tourism experience that truly makes Koh Tao unique. I am thrilled to see the results of UNDP BIOFIN’s work that has contributed to this change and will continue to support local communities in working towards Thailand’s ambitious climate priorities.” - Renaud Meyer, Resident Representative for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Thailand. BIOFIN stands for Biodiversity Finance Initiative. It has played an active role in convincing the diving and fishing communities here about the importance of protecting biodiversity and marine life. Nevertheless, this Turtle Island is gorgeous, and it is also pristine. So, along with celebrated locations such as Raja Ampat in Indonesia, Koh Tao is also emerging as a place to encounter stunning marine life and beautiful reefs. The First Impression At Koh Tao I don’t know whether it is the “Fortune favors the brave” trick or something else. But I visited Koh Tao in July with my girl gang and found a clear sky to our greatest surprise. However, the experience at Mae Haad Pier was not that pleasant. The crowd was endless when we were trying to get off the ferry. The men were bare-skinned, and they were hauling their backpacks. Furthermore, a few Thai men kept asking, “Where are you going?” It was very confusing whether to answer them first or jump off the ferry first! I am an introvert, and suddenly there was too much energy around me. So, it took me a while to get accustomed to the crowd. But after that, it was absolutely okay. Koh Tao Is Growing: And We Saw How The Infrastructure Is Changing Do you know that the first adventure travelers arrived at Koh Tao in 1977? They took the coconut and fish transport boats to reach this island for diving. Since then, infrastructure development on Koh Tao has been significant. The concrete streets are clean. Also, many shops, restaurants, and hotels looked new. Also, the shops' advertising was quite cool, and along with the pharmacies and cafes serving espresso, there were motorbike rental shops. Now, motorbikes are the best way if you want to explore this small town at your own pace. The rental price starts at around 150-200 THB per day. Another great thing was the availability of ATMs. It was such a relief! Moreover, the crowd buzz was just right as it was the rainy season. It was enough to soak in the local culture. However, we always got our spots at the cafes and restaurants. In addition, we were using the TrueMove connection, and the coverage was quite decent throughout the island. Getting Around Koh Tao The island is walkable. Furthermore, moving around was pretty easy with the motorbikes, taxis, and ferries being frequent. Also, Koh Tao is close to the Koh Samui Airport and the Chumphon Airport on the Thai mainland. So, since it does not have its own airport, the initial transit can be challenging.  What Are The Things To Do On Koh Tao?  Scuba diving, hiking, snorkeling, and exploring the beaches are the best things to do on Koh Tao. Here are more details. 1. Scuba Diving You can get your PADI certification, and there are as many as 84 dive schools on the island. “We produce around 100000 PADI certfied divers every year. This is an affordable place and the price you get here is matchless.”  • Kim, Big Blue Diving  Other diving companies we got to know about there were Roctopus Dive, Goodtime Adventure, and Ban’s Diving Resort. However, diving here has seasonal specialties. For example, January to May is the best time for diving. Having said that, February is the month if you want to enjoy a swim with the whale sharks. 2. Hiking Koh Tao has many beautiful viewpoints, and you can easily hike along any of them. These viewpoints are:  Two View  John Suwan Viewpoint  Chalok Viewpoint  Mango Bay Viewpoint  Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint  Love @ Khao Tao Viewpoint  We started our day early so we could enjoy the fresh air and complete the walk before it got crowded.  3. Exploring The Koh Tao Beaches We were impressed to witness the initiatives to protect the beaches of the island. Stunning is an understatement for them. Also, for lazy travelers like us, these beaches are the best things about Koh Tao. Now, you will find many beaches with palm trees, white sands, and aqua blue water. However, I have seldom seen beaches being so sincere about the recycling programs and cleanups. We relaxed in our hammocks and allowed the sea breeze to caress our cheeks and hair. Furthermore, among the beaches we visited, Ao Chalok Ban Kao and Sai Daeng were my silent favorites. Those beaches were quiet. Also, as we visited Koh Tao in the monsoon, the more touristy ones, such as Tanote Beach, Sairee Beach, and Ao Luek, were not that crowded. These are usually full during the peak months. Pro Tip The sand is beautiful on Koh Tao beaches. But it is not smooth. So, you will need your flip-flops.  Chaloke Harbor was an exception. But most beaches have the remains of bleached coral. So, make sure that you don’t cut your feet.  Moreover, these beaches offer amazing sunrise and sunset views. 4. Nightlife On Koh Tao We were on Koh Tao till around 9 PM, and by then the bars had come to life, and we could hear the rock and pop music they were playing. The quiet vibe of the island is gone after sundown. The groups of divers and young tourists here get busy with tropical cocktails and local beers. Also, the fire dancers were putting on their shows. One more thing I learned from a local pub owner. You can be a part of the Pub Crawl here three times a week. Friday, Wednesday, and Monday are the days. Along with all these activities, you can also try ocean kayaking and rock climbing. Furthermore, snorkeling at Hin Wong Reef is a lot of fun.  How Is Koh Tao Making A Successful Ecotourism Movement  It was fascinating to see how all the people and local businesses of Koh Tao came together to reduce the impact on the environment. With around 500000 visitors here every year, the small island gets a lot of waste. Most waste comes from the packaging and construction work. Food waste and bathroom waste amounts are also quite high. Now, non-profit organizations such as Trash Hero Koh Tao are working to make the island clean. They encourage the locals and the visitors to get involved in the reef and beach clean-up drives. When you clean up the waste with your own hands and see what the plastic bags, bottles, and straws do to the sea and the marine animals. You will never throw them carelessly. Furthermore, the hotels here play a proactive role. We chose Ban’s Diving Resort for our stay, and they have a separate section to make detergents and soaps from organic waste. Also, they compost the fruit scraps and vegetable waste and use the gray water, along with sorting the recyclables. Moreover, the food they serve at their restaurants has vegetables from their organic gardens. Is Koh Tao Safe To Visit?  Back to where I started this article. The recent cases of tourist deaths have been a bad patch for the reputation of Koh Tao. Though it has been years now, it felt weird seeing such a scarce presence of police here.  I think I last saw some officers at Mae Haad Pier. Also, it was even more alarming here to know that most officers don’t understand or speak English. However, the local people here and business owners here are so committed to maintaining the sanctity of the place that we did not have any problem during our stay. We were a bunch of women, and we never even felt unsafe. Tips To Follow If You Want To Visit Koh Tao Safely  •Are you renting a motorbike? You must check all the scratches on the vehicle, and your rental agency will need a photocopy of your passport.  •Furthermore, keep the international driver's permit for motorcycle driving handy and wear your helmet. Moreover, don’t forget to get travel insurance. •You cannot stroll at night alone. Be with a group, and even if you are going to the bay alone in the daytime, keep your hotel staff member informed. •Be mindful of how much you are drinking. The buckets can seem fun, but they are traps, and sometimes they are drugged. •When you are on the speedboats, you have to wear life jackets. It does not matter if you can swim or not. Koh Tao Is Beautiful But A Bit Overhyped  Koh Tao deserves all the accolades for its sustainable tourism initiatives. However, I think it is a bit overhyped if you are not diving. For a diver, it is an excellent place to get the PADI certification and explore the coral reefs. The beaches are good, but not something that you won’t find anywhere in Bangkok or anywhere else. So, it’s a 5/10 kind of experience for me.  What’s your take on this? Read Also: What Is The Ultimate Luang Prabang Itinerary Planner For Solo Travelers? What Are The Best Restaurants In Cape Town? What Are The Best São Tomé Eco-Lodges?

BY  Abdul Aziz Jan 18, 2024

Washington, aptly dubbed the Evergreen State, is awash in pristine nature, breathtaking scenery, and striking landscapes.   It has world-class cities, museums, and tourist attractions in addition to stunning mountains, forests, beaches, and volcanoes.  Situated in the Pacific Northwest, this rough terrain has the Cascade Mountains all around it.   Canada, Idaho, Oregon, and the ocean surround it.   Many of Puget Sound's biggest and most significant settlements are located around Puget Sound, including Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia.   With its historic sites and bustling markets, Washington State offers a plethora of activities.  But what appeals most to many people are Washington's countless wild places, islands, and national parks.   This is because you can fully immerse yourself in the natural world and explore its breathtaking scenery while hiking, biking, kayaking, and camping all in one region.   Here are the best things to do in Washington State. Things To Do In Washington State If you are looking for some of the most unique things to do in Washington State, then here are your top choices. Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest The expansive Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, located two hours east of Seattle, is another beautiful place to visit in nature.   Its nearly infinite forests and valleys cover the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains.   This makes it a very untamed and isolated area for the most part.  Glistening lakes, rivers, and glaciers pierce its greenery as it stretches from Canada to Mount Rainier, covering a vast expanse.   You can hike, ride a bike, go horseback riding, or ski and snowboard down the slopes of the magnificent Mount Baker. Moreover, all of them are set against a breathtaking backdrop.  Due to the presence of bald eagles, grizzly bears, and deer on the mountain slopes, wildlife viewing is also highly satisfying.   The national forest is a fantastic place to explore.   It offers a plethora of opportunities for exploration, such as waterfalls, impressive viewpoints, and rock formations.  Fort Worden State Park The wonderful Fort Worden State Park is located directly at the Puget Sound entrance.   It is conveniently located north of Port Townsend.   It offers a plethora of amazing outdoor activities amidst beautiful scenery, wildlife, and views.  Owing to its strategic significance, there were three robust forts near the inlet's entrance in the late 1880s.   Visitors can now explore the deteriorating batteries, fortifications, and buildings of the “Triangle of Fire.” However, they never fired a single shot.  They permit tours of the castle and museum of the former military installation.   Visitors can bike, hike, and camp in the immaculate park.   Many choose to swim and boat in its waters. Moreover, it features some of the best views from its beaches and coastal bluffs.  Museum Of Pop Culture Another one of the top things to do in Washington State is to see the Museum of Pop Culture.   It is located right next to the Space Needle.   In addition to housing a plethora of iconic artifacts and hosting exhibitions that have won awards, it offers visitors a ton of enjoyable, interactive experiences.  Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, founded the company in 2000.   Its shiny exterior, as well as eye-catching shapes and colors, make it instantly recognizable.   Its collection and galleries are devoted to modern popular culture.   They feature everything from music, television, and video games to literature and film.  Alongside historical photos, costumes, and film clips, guests can see instruments used by Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana, among others.   Once you've explored its interactive exhibits and Hall of Fame, you can snap pictures of its movie memorabilia or try your DJing skills in the Sound Lab.  This option is also one of the free things to do in Washington State. Skagit Valley Tulip Festival The colorful Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is one of the biggest, most beautiful events in the Pacific Northwest.   Its flower-filled fields and exquisite display gardens are scattered throughout the large valley of the same name, and it takes place every April.  Bulbs were first planted in the rich soils of the Puget Sound region as early as the 1890s, but growers were forced to relocate south to Skagit County due to a string of freezes.   Even though the festival was not founded until 1984, people had been visiting the tulip farms for several decades before then.  Tulip Town and Roozengaarde are great places to visit.   They both have expansive flower-filled fields and gardens that make for picturesque photos.   Sporting events, art exhibits, and lively street fairs are all regularly held throughout the month.  This one should easily get a space on your list of fun things to do in Washington state. Lake Chelan There is no better place to de-stress, enjoy the great outdoors, and engage in outdoor activities than the picturesque Lake Chelan.   The lengthy lake, which is tucked away amid stunning mountains and forests in north-central Washington, is sure to please nature enthusiasts.  Its glittering surface is just over fifty miles long overall, with state parks, private beaches, and coves all along its edge.   Therefore, those who enjoy the great outdoors can swim, fish, and hike along the trails.   There are also several wineries, campsites, and water sports available.  Everywhere you look, there are breathtaking views of the lake and mountains.  Most of the surrounding area is pristine, except for the small communities of Manson, Chelan, and Stehekin.   There are quiet lakeside lodges, quaint stores, eateries, and marinas where you can rent kayaks, jet skis, and boats at each of these. Mount St. Helens Ever since the state's famous and massive eruption in 1980, Mount St. Helens has practically become synonymous with it.   Outdoor enthusiasts can now hike up to its lava-scarred site to enjoy breathtaking views over the surrounding desolate yet stunning landscapes.  Until the avalanche and explosion, the mighty mountain was the fifth-highest peak in the country.   Following the remarkable event, the summit of 9,677 feet was lowered by more than a thousand feet, leaving behind the large, horseshoe-shaped crater that is still visible today.  In addition to hiking up to Windy Ridge's notable peak, you can take pictures of the slowly regaining flora and fauna as well as get a peek inside the caldera.   You can find out everything there is to know about the deadliest and most destructive volcanic event in US history at the visitor center and Johnston Ridge Observatory.  Best Time To Visit And Getting Around Washington State Washington's attractions span coastline, alpine forest, high desert, and volcano, which means the state doesn't have a single “best season” so much as a best season per region.   A little planning around timing and transportation makes it much easier to string these six stops together.  Seasonal Considerations For Your Trip  Summer (July through early September) is by far the easiest window for this particular list.  Mount Baker-Snoqualmie's high trails and Mount St. Helens' Windy Ridge access road are typically snow-free.   Also, Fort Worden's beaches and bluffs are at their most pleasant, and Lake Chelan's marinas and wineries are in full swing.   The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is the one fixed-date exception on this list.  It runs through April regardless of the season elsewhere.  So, if that is your priority, plan the rest of the itinerary around a spring trip instead.   Shoulder-season visits (May-June and September-October) trade a bit of high-elevation trail access for noticeably thinner crowds and lower lodging prices around Lake Chelan and the national forest.   Winter turns Mount Baker-Snoqualmie into a ski and snowboard destination instead of a hiking one.  On the other hand, Mount St. Helens' visitor centers and the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle remain comfortable, indoor-friendly options year-round.  Getting Around The State  Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the natural hub for a Washington State trip.  It puts you within easy striking distance of the Museum of Pop Culture right away.   From there, a rental car is close to essential for the rest of this list.  Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is about two hours east, and Mount St. Helens roughly three hours south.  Lake Chelan is around three and a half hours northeast over Stevens Pass. Moreover, Fort Worden is a scenic two-hour drive plus a short ferry crossing north of Seattle via the Puget Sound.   Because several of these routes cross mountain passes, it is worth checking Washington State Department of Transportation pass reports before a late-fall or winter trip.  Snow can close or restrict travel on routes like Stevens Pass with little notice. Read Also: Here Are The 10 Best Things To Do In Baltimore! Weekend Escapades: Things To Do In Chattanooga Historic City, Timeless Charm: Exploring The Best Things To Do In Bath