Joanna James
One of the most unique things about Bangkok is the temples that you can find all over the capital. Each temple is distinct in its architecture so just because you have seen one doesn't mean you have seen it all. They are also great depictions of the passing history of the capital.
Situated just under half an hour's drive from Maitria Rama 9 Hotel, Wat Phra Kaew is also known as The Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It is a great temple to explore, especially because it has a 2 km long gallery that has a detailed mural telling the epic story of the Ramayana in 178 scenes. The temple's highlight is the 66 cm jade buddha that earns it the name. The statue was discovered in Chiang Rai in 1464 when the wat that house it was struck by lightning.
The temple of the Reclining Buddha or Wat Pho is also located in Phra Nakhorn and is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Bangkok. Situated in close quarters to the Grand Palace, the temple of the Reclining Buddha is home to 1000 Buddha images, 9 stupas, 4 of which are dedicated to the four Chakri Kings. The temple's star is the golden statue of a reclining Buddha that is 43 metres long and 15 metres high. There is an entrance fee of 100 baht to the temple, which incidentally is the birthplace of the first Thai Massage school.
Before you continue on your tour of temples, consider having a late brunch or an early lunch along Rim Klong Samsen road known for the best Thai restaurant in Bangkok. Wat Arun is best visited at sunset for it is an icon of Bangkok and must be accessed by taking the ferry across the Chao Phraya river. The temple was built in the 17th century. It has a distinctive shape and costs 50 baht to enter. The view from the balcony of the main tower is spectacular, particularly during sunset.
Wat Saket should be visited at night. It is the temple that houses the golden stupa of Phu Khao Thong or the Golden Mountain. The temple has a long and troubled history having been constructed at the top of a hill in the old city of Bangkok. The stupa collapsed when it was first constructed by Rama III and was abandoned for a long time until Rama IV and Rama V began to rebuild it during their respective times on the throne.
The Golden Buddha Temple or Wat Traimit is a multilevel temple that is housed at the top of Yaowarat Road and makes for a great starting point from which to explore Bangkok's famed Chinatown. The immense Buddha statue in the temple is made of solid gold and is the largest of its kind in the world. It stands at 5 metres and weighs 5.5 tonnes.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
