The Erawan Museum
This three-headed elephant, Airavata was born of Khun Lek Viriyapant's ideas and imagination. It was inspired by his wish to preserve his collection of antiques as a contribution to Thai cultural heritage. Many of these were priceless objects of art they were also held as sacred objects for people of ancient cultures. According to ancient traditions they were believed to bring blessing and prosperity to the land and its people, and therefore must not be lost to outsiders. It had been Mr.Viriyapant's concern to find a way that would keep these objects safe and that would also be suitable to their traditional functions.
He had the idea of constructing the most important building in the town in the form of the heavenly elephant Airavata of Hindu mythology. In addition, he wanted this three-headed elephant to be more than just the vehicle of the god Indra.
The elephant would be a symbol of the centre of the universe and, as such, the building would function symbolically as the spiritual heart of the land where sacred objects of the land were housed and revered. Already during the construction, the building attracted people who came to worship. Both Khun Lek and his son who supervised the construction passed away before the construction was completed, their heirs continued their wish to create a place where ceremonies and festivals of Thai traditions might be held, and to serve as memorial to Khun Lek Viriyapant's life and work.
Getting to The Erawan Museum : Bus No: 25,142,365
Air-conditioned bus No: 102,507,511,536
Admissions : Adult Baht 150 / Children Baht 50
Tel: 0 2371 3135-6 Fax: 0 2371 3136
Open Everyday 9.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m.
Sananwan Palace now offers tours of the Bangpli &
Samutprakahn area, also the ancient city of Ayuttahya
Bangpli and
Samutprakahn tours click here!
The ancient
city of Ayutthaya tours click here!
To rent a car to visit Thailand's attractions click here!
Rub Bua (Rap Bua) - The Lotus Flower Festival of BangPli
This festival has a long history, being handed down from one generation to another in Bang Pli District. It is held annually one day before the end of the Buddhist Rain Retreat -- that is the morning of the fourteenth day of the waxing moon, the eleventh lunar month, usually late October. There is a procession of elaborately decorated boats led by a specially decorated float which is to transfer the replica of Luang Poh To Buddha image to the Wat BangPli Yai. Traditionally, tens of thousands of local people line both banks of the canal ready to throw lotus flowers onto the boat carrying the Buddha image. These lotus flowers are meant as homage to the Triple Gem -- the Lord Buddha, Dhamma and the Sangka. Besides, the Bang Pli local People will also throw lotus flower onto visitors’ boats as a gesture to invite them to join in their merit-making. Also traditionally the young men will shower the prettiest girls with lotus flower offerings. The Buddha image is quickly hidden by the number of lotus flowers and the canal becomes a mass of blossom. The Festival covers 3 days of colourful activities and contests culminating in this highlight event. For a description of this event visit http://www.paknam.com/rap_bua.htm
The Floating Market
The BangPli Floating Market still operates in a very traditional format, with its interesting array of different stalls. It is a basic wooden structure built out over the water where the stall holders, between them offer a full range of wares, covering almost every common necessity in the lives of the local people. Hawkers still pass by in their small traditional wooden boats, offering home cooked food, icecream, and locally grown vegetables.
DRIVE YOURSELF CAR RENTAL OPTION:
Sananwan Palace is pleased to be able to offer a car rental option now.
The following 2 cars are offered for rental on a daily or weekly basis. You can drive yourself to see the local attractions in one or two days, or you can use the vehicle for the whole time you are in Thailand.
Rental Rates:
1. A near new economical compact size Honda City
2. A powerful and comfortable Nissan SUV
On a daily basis: 1,000 Baht per day
On a weekly basis 5,600 Baht per week
Comprehensive (First Class) Insurance cover is included.
Contact Us NOW! at info@bangpli.com