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Updated by Lavinia Woolf on Aug 25, 2014
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Must See Temples in Bangkok - breathe in the spiritual legacy

Rise in the wee hours to breathe in Thailand's spiritual legacy. These wats, which is Thai for temples, make you escape from the tired mindset at least for a while. Go and get to know life out there.

1

Loha Prasat Temple

Loha Prasat Temple

Also known as 'Metal Castle', this temple was built in 1846 on King Rama III's request. Inspired by temples in Sri Lanka and India, Loha Prasat Temple is a 36-m high construction. Up on the construction rests a relic of the Buddha. Loha Prasat is the only temple of multi-floored and square-based construction that is in existence today. With its architectural elegance, the temple is located close to well known Wat Saket.

2

Wat Saket

Wat Saket

Check into Somerset Sukhumvit Thonglor Bangkok, and wake up early the following day to make an interesting pilgrimage to Wat Saket. This temple is located on a mountain, built by King Rama III. This temple is also said to house one of the Buddha's relics. The mountain was built initially during the Ayutthaya era for cremation purposes. At least 30,000 bodies have been cremated here. Reaching the top of the mountain, you could view Rattanakosin Island. What attracts people to this temple is not only its calm environs, but also its historical and historical religious importance.

3

Pathum Wanaram Temple

Pathum Wanaram Temple

In 1857, King Mongkut built this temple close to Sa Pathum palace. The temple is still in the vicinity of rice fields. Its signatory carvings stand out for excellent Thai craftsmanship. If you seek some exile from cultural monotony, this will be the ideal place.

4

Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom

Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom

Phra Pathom Chedi is considered to be the world's tallest stupa. From bottom to top, the stupa is 127 metres in height. Nakhon Pathon is where Thai Buddhism was first established. For a fact-finding tourist, Nakhon Pathon is a haven of interesting facts and stories. The temple's construction work began 1898 on the orders of King Mongkut.

5

Wat Arun

Wat Arun

Standing on waters, Wat Arun's design is unique with its riverside view. Its design is also quite uncommon. You can choose either a small shuttle boat or a river boat to Wat Arun. Open from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm, the temple charges 100 baht to enter. It is recommended to spend one hour in the least, reaching there at the earliest possibility. Stunning scenery along with sunrise is something you should not miss.

6

Wat Benchamabophit

Wat Benchamabophit

This is a modern temple, which was built in 1899. Also known as Marble temple, this place is quintessential of modern Thai architecture. About 52 Buddhas occupy the courtyard with different poses such walking and defeating the Mara. A large Bodhi tree, which is gifted to King Rama V from Bodh Gaya, also rests there.

7

Wat Bowonniwetwihan

Wat Bowonniwetwihan

This temple means much religious importance to Thais, with its interfused connection of royalty and sacredness. The temple was founded by King Rama III's son Prince Maha Sakdipolsep in 1826. Its first abbot was Bhikkhu Mongkut who was later enthroned as King Rama IV. His Bhikkhu period spanned for 27 years before becoming the king. Kings Rama VI, VII and Bhumibol Adulyadej also became monks in this temple.