Joanna James
Thailand is well-known for its spectacular temples, but not many people are aware that is it also a collection of wonderfully weird temples. 😜
Probably the least likely material you would ever expect a place of worship to be built with, but here it is, a temple constructed out of empty beer bottles.
From afar, the temple gleams a bright green, giving off the effect that is encrusted with jewels, however the look closer and you will see the beer bottles. 🍺🍾
The temple , also called Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew , and its surrounding structures have been constructed from over one million recycled glass bottles. The bottle collection first began in 1984, by locals monks seeking means for new waste disposal.
Once they decided to use it as construction material, it took two years to build the main temple. Since then the monks have been expanding the area, and now around 20 buildings have been built with the glass bottles.
Photo Credit: kerry_walker87 via Instagram
Officially known as the Chicken Temple (Wat Kai) in remembrance of the many chickens that died there many years ago; you'll forget the chickens as soon as you enter.
The main attractions here are the sculptures representing hell, and the monkeys that live here. The Hell Garden features several sculptures of naked men and women in various acts of torture. The images are quite graphic and not for the fainted hearted.
The monkeys that live here are quite friendly, so be sure to bring some fruit if you would like to feed them. 🐒🐔
Photo Credit : Rachel Abdollahian via Instagram
While this temple definitely falls into the weird but wonderful category, it is also undeniably beautiful.
It is one of the most visited temples in Thailand - Wat Rong Khun, more commonly known as the White Temple, has been featured in several travel magazines and blogs like Travel Bangkok Now, and for good reason.
The original structure was in a state of ruin, before local artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat, decided to completely rebuild the entire structure with his own money. Work around the temple is still ongoing but you can still visit the grounds and take in the various sculptures and designs.
Whether you are interested in seeing unique locations, or just a football fan, this is a must see. One of the top places to visit in Bangkok for most tourists, the David Beckham Temple doesn't look all that different from your usual temple, until you take a closer look.
The head monk of the temple is a huge Manchester United fan and in honour of his favourite player, he included a sculpture of David Beckham to be used at the base of one of the shrines.
The temple is only open to the public on special occasions, but if you ask nicely, you may be allowed inside for a quick peek.
Photo Credit: gk18_antalan via Instagram
All Thai people visit temples to earn merits in order to gain good karma and blessings and there are several ways to do so, but the coffin temple is certainly one of the strangest ways.
At this temple, anyone can donate money to purchase coffins for other people who have already died, but who don't have any living relatives that can afford to buy one.
Photo Credit: Shabbar Raza via Instagram
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