Lucie Aurore
As the spiritual epicentre of Thailand, Bangkok is home to the country's most iconic temples. From the Temple of Dawn to the Temple of Emerald Buddha, here are the city's finest temple edifices.
Perhaps Bangkok's most visited religious site the Temple of the Reclining Buddha or Wat Pho as it is known in the local tongue is a one of a kind spiritual centre in the Thai capital. As one of the city's largest and most ancient Buddhist temple complexes the venue is best known as the home of the gold plated reclining Buddha. Inlaid in its entirety with pure gold leaves the 46m long Buddha sculpture features mother of pearl motif carvings on its 4m long feet. Housing more than 1000 Buddha statues within its confines the temple is home to over 90 stupas dating back centuries.
Tipped to be the most breathtaking temple in all of Bangkok Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn is especially awe-inspiring during the sunset hours when its reflections cast magical shadows on the water. Located on the shores of the River of Kings (Chao Phraya River) the temple dates back to the 17th century and is featured on the 10Baht minted coins in the country's currency denoting its significance in Thai culture. Visitors based in Somerset Lake Point Bangkok or similar Hotels Bangkok CBD counts among its most conveniently located rests will have easy access to the site and other temples in the city.
Occupying pride of place on the Grand Palace compounds in Bangkok this royal temple is home to the most coveted Buddha sculpture in the entire country. Composed from an exquisite block of jade the Emerald Buddha was first unearthed in a shrine in Chiang Rai during the 15th century. As a popular stopover for tourists and locals alike the beauty and majesty of this jade sculpture is difficult to capture in words.
Dating back to Thailand's golden age or the Ayutthaya era Wat Mahatat is another iconic temple worthy of exploration on a tour of Bangkok. As one of the 10 royal relgious insitutions in the thai capital the vneue serves as an epicentre for religious learning and education. As a hub for buddhist monks to further their studies and practice meditation this spiritual hub is one of the most prominent temples in all of Thailand.
Located in Chinatown Wat Traimit occupies the start of Yaowarat Road and is one of the lesser known temple edifices in the city. Home to an iconic Buddha sculpture of pure gold the statue is believed to the biggest such statue in the globe while the architecture and the beauty of design are other attributes of Wat Traimit.
Renowned for its architectural majesty Loha Prasat is another off the beaten track temple that is also recognized as the "Metal Castle" in Bangkok. A UNESCO World Heritage of grand proportions no other venue of its kind has been found in Thailand.
Towering above the surrounding landscape Wat Saket lies at the summit of a one of Bangkok's tallest hills. Occupying a strategic location in the old quarter of the city the venue is best known for the golden Phu Khao Thong Chedi found within its grounds.
