Erin Hunter
With at least 400 temples, Bangkok takes pride in splendid spiritual architecture. They await your visit, but make sure you are dressed properly to respect religious ethics in these sacred places.
Located within the easy reach of Ascott Sathorn Bangkok, this temple is the most frequented temple in the city. One major architectural item found in this temple is its Emerald Buddha, which was first discovered in 1464. This is one magnificent temple that demands your exploration. Walk along the gallery, which is two kilometres in distance, and you will get to see murals depicting 178 scenes from Ramayana, an Indian epic story. The temple is accessible to the public only until 3 pm, while the entrance fee is 400 baht.
The Buddha is believed to have occupied this temple. This temple belongs to the olden days of Singapore. This temple also has the first Thai massage school. There Thai massage is taught as a traditional medical practice. The Traditional Medical Practitioners Association Center is in in an open air hall. To enter this temple, you need to pay 100 bahts.
Get into one of the Sathorn Apartments, and it is easy to reach this legendary temple, Wat Arun. This wat was built in the 17th century. As its full name, 'Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan' is too difficult to remember, the temple is commonly known as 'Temple of Dawn'. Four small towers encircle the Wat Arun. The steep staircase to get into the temple's balcony, makes the climb-up much easier and more convenient than climb-down. The kaleidoscopic view up from the balcony is really worth the climb. At sunset, the temple looks regal and magnificent. You need to take a ferry to reach Wat Arun.
This temple, built on a hilltop, narrates a disturbed account of history. When King Rama III built this during his reign, 1787 - 1851, the initial efforts did not succeed. As the ground was not strong enough, the construction fell down. King Rama V built a new construction atop the original construction with a chedi that contains a relic Buddha taken from India.
It is the massive Buddha statue that rests inside the temple that takes you by surprise here. The statue is one of the largest statues in the world. Wat Traimit is also noted for its pristine architecture. The statue is said to have been formed in the 13th century. In 1955, gold was found hidden in the statue. Although you can see the golden Buddha for free, the museum which is located a little distance away charges a nominal fee.
Loha Prasat is well noted for its architectural uniqueness. This is also known as Metal Castle. Although it was suggested to UNESCO to make this place a World Heritage Site based on the temple's historical significance, it is yet to materialise. The Metal Castle is situated in the premises of Wat Ratchanaddaram. It is close to Wat Saket and the Democracy Monument. In case you walk along Khao San Road, do not forget to step into Loha Prasat.
