Listly by Joanna James
Thailand is a top pick for many leisure travellers across the world for its abundance of wonders to uncover. This wonderful nation demonstrates its diversity through nature, art and culture. An ideal way to get to know the rich heritage of the country would be to visit some of its beautiful, glowing temples.
The 'wat' which is another name for the temple, plays an important role in every community for its visitors. Temples in Thailand behold the most enduring sights in the country. Generally, a wat (temple) comprises two enclosing walls to separate from the secular world. The quarters of monks can be found between the inner and outer walls. In larger temples similar to Wat Phra Dhammakaya, the inner walls are lined with different images of Buddha.
Spare some time to visit the oldest and biggest temple in Bangkok, Wat Pho to witness its incredible Thai architectural elements and the famous statue of the 'Reclining Buddha'. This gold-leaf-covered statue has something special to see in the feet of the Buddha. It depicts 108 symbols of Buddha ranging from dancers, and flowers to tigers. The three-meter-high statue made of solid gold at Bangkok's Wat Traimit date back to 1957.
This temple is adored by Thai Buddhists as this temple is named in homage to the Hindu God called Aruna. The temple is also called 'the temple of dawn'. Even though this temple was founded nearly 100 years ago, most of what you witness today including the stunning prang of the temple dates back to 1800. For those staying at a boutique hotel in Sukhumvit the likes of SQ Boutique Hotel, it is a 24-minute drive to the temple.
Immerse in quiet contemplation in a marble temple built in Italian marble. You will find fewer crowds here compared to other temples in Bangkok. This temple became a hot sport among many leisure travellers after it was featured in the Amazing Race 9. The stunning gold and red Benchamabophit definitely deserves a visit as it is quieter than other major wats and the Grand Palace.
Located within the grounds of the grand Palace, this temple is home to the most important statue in Thailand. Even though it says, 'emerald temple' You will be amazed to see how the temple has been carved out of a single piece of jade stone.
Here is an amazing opportunity to visit an impressive religious complex located atop an 80-meter-tall hill in central Bangkok. You will have to reach the temple by climbing 300 red and gold steps. An important highlight of this temple is the massive golden chedi (a Buddhist Stupa) having Buddha's relic.
This temple is small in size, but it attracts a lot of tourists who are holidaying around Chinatown in Bangkok. A three-metre-high seated Buddha statue made of gold is the key highlight here. For those who are keen to know the history of this temple, there is a museum with photos and video presentations explaining the background of the Golden Buddha.