Joanna James
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is known as the City of Temples. This is unsurprising, being a predominantly Buddhist country with a culture that has influenced the nation for centuries. For discerning visitors with a thirst for spiritual and cultural insights, things to see in Bangkok may mostly involve traversing the sacred temples in the city.
Wat means Temple in Thai, and Wat Phra Kaew is the much-venerated temple of the Emerald Buddha located in the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. This temple ensconces the seated statue of Buddha in a meditative or lotus position within its ubosoth (the ordination hall). This petite statue, carved from a block of jade, is 26 inches tall, and its green hue makes it known as the Emerald Buddha. The murals within the ubosoth portray Buddha’s life and significant narratives of Buddhist practices.
For keen visitors planning to explore many sacred wats, a central property providing easy access to public transport is best. You have several options; however, properties like Gardina Asoke seem popular among most visitors.
Wat Arun means the Temple of Dawn. Standing majestically on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Wat Arun’s origins can be traced back to the 17th century. At present, with many enhancements done in the 19th century, it is an outstanding sacred site with a prang (the tall spire) soaring to over 70 m, embellished with glazed tiles with intricate designs on them. If you arrive early, you can also witness the awe-inspiring sunrise from the central prang, a vista that has earned the temple its name.
Wat Pho is the temple of the Reclining Buddha, one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok, which is home to a reclining statue, which is 46 m long and 15 m in height.
This temple, dating to the 16th century, has many chedis, revered by devotees as Buddha’s relics are enshrined within them. Its galleries showcase numerous murals. Traditional Thai Massage is supposed to have commenced at this temple during ancient times.
This temple, known as the Golden Mount, is situated on an artificial hill in the heart of Bangkok. Dating to the 18th century, it was built as a Buddhist Shrine in Ayutthaya, the capital city at that time. It was brought to Bangkok during the reign of King Rama III in the 19th century, including the debris from the old capital.
This temple stands out in a striking golden hue on the hill, offering a panoramic view to visitors. It remains a significant Buddhist temple known for its historical importance as one of the main shrines during the Ayutthaya reign. Despite its grandeur, the serenity and reverence you witness here are other important elements in the Buddhist culture.
Known as the temple of the Golden Buddha due to a huge golden statue of the seated Buddha in the Maravijaya position, with a height of 3 m. Despite the stature of this statue, Wat Traimit is a modest temple with many smaller buildings and shrines on its grounds.
It is said that this massive statue was cast in the 13th century and later covered in plaster and stucco to protect it from enemy armies. Much later in the 20th century, the plaster cracked during a relocation, and the golden statue was restored and placed in its current location. These portray the importance of Buddhism in Thailand over the centuries.
This is known as the Lotus Temple, a modest temple dating to the 19th century in the heart of Bangkok. It features a sacred Bodhi tree, revered by Buddhists. Despite its unusual location in the Red-Light district of Bangkok, famous for its vibrant nightlife, including adult entertainment, this serves as a tranquil place of worship in a central location.
Known as the marble temple, Wat Benchamabophit is famous for its architecture. From its ubosoth to other areas within the temple, Italian marble tiles have been used alongside Thai architecture. Its exterior carries sections of scriptures from the Tripitaka. This temple has a tranquil aura, enabling visitors to appreciate its beauty at their own pace.
Known as the Temple of the Royal Niece, as King Rama III commissioned it for his niece, Wat Ratchanatdaram dates to the 19th century. The temple includes Loha Prasat, a building with multiple tiers covered by a metal roof. This structure, shaped like a pyramid, is 36 m tall and has 37 shining spires. This unique design is supposed to have been modelled after a similar structure at a Sri Lankan temple and is worth a visit.
Wat Suthat, meaning The Great Model, is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, dating to the early 19th century. It is directly opposite the Giant Red Swing, a popular landmark in Bangkok. This impressive and serene temple has outstanding murals, a noteworthy prayer hall and meticulously hand-carved door panels that captivate visitors’ attention.
Nestled on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, this tranquil temple, meaning temple of good friends, was founded in the early 19th century. It is home to the largest seated statue of Buddha in Bangkok, which is 16 m tall. With fewer crowds visiting this temple, exploring it is a pleasure.
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.
