Joanna James
Just as much as Bangkok is known for delightful shopping, floating markets, and awesome street food, this capital city of Thailand is home to many fascinating temples. Some with historical significance while the others for the spectacular beauty and tranquillity that entices the curious visitor.
Meaning Temple of Dawn, this picturesque temple dates back to the ancient Ayutthaya period. Consisting of a group of Khmer-styled towers with the one in the centre being the tallest it stands out even from a distance due to the decorative work on the towers with coloured porcelain. Visitors from many a 5 star Bangkok hotel are drawn to this riverside temple to admire the beauty of the ornate work within the complex completed centuries ago.
A temple of grandeur the focus being the 46-metre long reclining statue of Lord Buddha, thus making this temple one of the must-visit ones for guests at Emporium Suites by Chatrium. Added to this special grandeur is the learning available in the form of marble inscriptions on medical, orthopaedic and anatomical sciences making this temple known as the country's first public library. These inscriptions have also been instrumental in setting up the Thai Massage Academy on the temple complex, thus a relaxing foot massage can be experienced on your visit to Wat Pho.
An oasis of tranquillity in the heart of the city adjacent to Siam Paragon. This quiet temple is missed by most visitors who rush past the temple toward the shopping arenas. Some of the main features of this temple are the beautiful craftsmanship and the lacquered sculptures on the open pavilion used for prayer by devotees. Just sitting in quiet contemplation in these serene surroundings can be a soothing balm to your mind and soul.
Also referred to as Wat Benja or Marble Temple this temple earned the label of Marble Temple due to the exterior walls of the main temple being covered by marble. Windows gleam in white and yellow stained glass while the ceiling is artistically decorated in deep red and gold making the interior a striking one. Situated near Thai palace complexes and government offices this revered temple is visited often by government officials.
This iconic temple opposite Bangkok City Hall can be easily identified by the 20-metre high giant swing decorated with intricate carvings in teak. Within the temple complex, Chinese influence is visible from the pagodas. The 8-metre tall image of Lord Buddha within the main hall is surrounded by murals depicting his life before Buddhahood. A temple of importance and favoured by visitors, yet providing a tranquil atmosphere.
Situated within the complex of Thailand's Grand Palace in Bangkok, this temple is known as the temple of the Emerald Buddha attracting visitors throughout the year. The statue itself is 66centimetres in height and 48.3 centimetres in width and is expertly carved from a single piece of grey-green jasper mostly found in Africa and India. The visitors are curious about the size of the statue and the height of its pedestal which is 9 metres high almost reaching the ceiling of the hall it is serenely seated. The elevation of the statue is a mark of respect to Lord Buddha to have him placed above the heads of the visitors.
Located close to Wat Arun near the Chao Praya River, this white temple is surrounded by gardens, a pond and a cluster of artistically decorated buildings. Drawing the attention of the visitors is the creamy white 80-metre high bell-shaped chedi which ensconces relics of the Lord Buddha lying towards the back of the temple complex. Worth a visit when you explore Wat Arun temple.
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