Kelinton Felder
Artistically soothing to the eye and spiritually endearing to the soul the many temples which is locally known as wats of Bangkok are must visits for a healthy dose of culture and tradition.
Home of the Emerald Buddha, wat Phra Kaew is a majestic structure that gleams and glistens in the sun. It is the main religious centre to Thailand and the country's royalty. Also in the same compound are the Royal quarters which at one time were off limits to the general public. The 94.5 hectares are home to around 100 buildings that are symbolic of a 200 year old history that intertwines with Thai royalty. Many vintage statues of gods and goddesses; together with murals make the wat a culture buffs haven.
Wat Pho is not as large as Wat Phra Kaew; however it is home to many iconic symbols such as Bangkok's largest reclining Buddha statue and Thailand's biggest collection of Buddha images. Wat Pho was also the country's first learning centre. The place is in fact the main centre for teaching traditional Thai Medicine and the Thai massage school. The well-known massage school has two functioning massage pavilions where one can relish one of the best traditional Thai massages.
Graded as one of the highest amongst royal temples Wat Suthat is quite a grand and imposing site. Inside you will find murals depicting Jataka Stories on the Buddha's life, while Thailand's largest remaining bronze statue of Buddha, from the Sukhothai period is displayed there. It is a significant site for the Brahman Buddhist priests who perform all royal religious ceremonies.
If you are intent on touring the many temples of Bangkok; why not consider the convenience of booking your stay in one of the Bangkok serviced apartments. These are well placed in convenient locations around the city; allowing you to move to your own schedule. Set up with modern kitchens and comfortable living spaces they offer a convenient at home feel. One such apart-hotel located on South Sathorn Road is the Ascott Sathorn Bangkok.
The temple is believed to date back to the early 13th century. It is home to the famous 3 metre tall solid gold statue of the Buddha. Sculpted in Sukhothai styles the gleaming image was discovered accidently; encased within a plaster covering. On one floor is the Phra Buddha Maha Suwanna Patimakorn Exhibition that explains in detail how the statue was made and how it was discovered. On another floor is Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Centre; a small museum that demonstrates the history behind the residents and infrastructure of Bangkok's vibrant Chinatown.
Golden Mount was constructed on the orders of Rama III. He envisioned that the earth dug up to create Bangkok's intricate network of canals be piled up and used to create the hill. Wat Saket too is within the same compound. In November there is a celebration where a candlelit procession makes it way up to the Golden Mount.
Wat Arun is named after the iconic Indian God of dawn – Aruna. It was first constructed as home for the Emerald Buddha. After the Emerald Buddha was moved out, Wat Arun was made resplendent with a Khmer style 82 metre high tower. Visitors can only explore the inner compound and not the tower.
This Wat is a Chinese style temple belonging to the Mahayana Buddhist sect. You will see vendors selling food to be offered to the gods; these are steamed dumplings in the shape of a lotus and oranges. The temple dates back to 1871 and is considered one of the most iconic religious structures in the area.
