Whether your are a practicing Buddhist, Hindu, Sangha or just an interested tourist or interior decorator one thing is assured when visiting the temples of Bangkok- YOU WILL BE INSPIRED!
We are about to reveal our top ten picks when visiting Bangkok, but before we do here are a few additional tips: A. Hire a guide. Your hotel can arrange for them, it supports the local economy and are still affordable. B. Map out which temples you want to see on what days. You can use this pre-planning to help save money on packing lunches or stop in at a local coffee or sandwich shop to get even more emerged into the local color. C. Hire transportation. This adds to your security and is not cost prohibitive. Sometimes your guide will provide transportation in their fees. D. Remember you sun block, camera, water and snacks. E. Extra Bhat for entry offering for each temple. Prices will be listed in your temple guide book you pick up at the hotels.
1. Everyone's first pick has got to be Wat Phra Kaew- the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The Emerald Buddha was created in India in 43 BC. It is made of green jasper rather than emerald and clothed in golden robes; it stands about 45 cm tall. But as impressive as this Buddha is... that is not why the Wat Phra Kaew Temple is so Spiritually and culturally important. Wat Phra Kaew is of primary significance because the Temple's connect to the King- Thailand's Spiritual Leader! The Temple is built on the grounds of the grand palace and hosts many other religious artifacts and ancient manuscripts with in their two libraries.
2. It may not be "everyone's second pick, but the Wat Traimit-or Temple of the Golden Buddha, has my vote for second position. Why? Because it houses the Largest Solid Gold Buddha in the World! It stands about 15 feet tall and weight over 11 tons! In ancient times it was covered in plaster to hide its value from marauding armies. Then in 1955 while being moved a monk noticed a crack in the exterior and a yellow sparkle inside. This gives a Buddhist meaning to the American colloquialism; "Don't judge a book by its cover."
3. Third is the iconic Wat Arun- the Temple of Dawn. Built on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. It predates Bangkok as the set of government and it's massive 260 foot high Buddha can easily be seen from all over the neighboring areas. It is a majestic sight to see...especially at sun set or rise!
4. Wat Pho- the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is my number 4 pick. Why? Because being the birth place of Traditional Thai massage... for a few Bhat one can be smoothed into peaceful tranquility during you long days of touring. This busy Temple is adjacent to grand palace and it is common to see a Thai dance performance or be engaged by a monk wishing to practice his English. This Temples "One - Two" punch has got to be: A. It's 150 foot long Reclining Buddha monolith. B. It's large 1,000 Buddha Statues placed all around the grounds. (Here a Buddha, there a Buddha, everywhere a Buddha!)
5. Wat Mahathat is my 5th choice. The Temple of the Great Relic is the headquarters of Thailand's largest monastic order and *Vipassana Meditation centre. [ Vipassana- which means to see things as they really are. And is one of India's most ancient techniques of meditation being practiced in Thailand. ] The temple was originally built to house a relic of the Buddha and is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok. Interestingly enough you can also have your fortune told inside the 'wat' (temple) by a seasoned monk. [If you have seen the movie: "Eat, Pray, Love," you'll have an idea of the gentle spirited monk that will be sitting across from you.
6. Once the highest mount in Bangkok, Wat Saketor- the Temple of the Golden Mount was built by King Rama III in 1800's. The original temple collapsed and was rebuilt to house a relic of Lord Buddha. It's 300 steps to the top will not make you short of breath but it's towering 260 foot tall gold chedi just might leave you speechless.
7. The Temple of the Fifth King- King Rama V is named: Wat Benchamabophit is also known by foreigners as the Marble Temple. Constructed from pristine white Carrara marble form Italy... this temple is the hidden gem on our list. It is not to be missed if you are touring in Bangkok for two days or longer! One should walk around the whole Temple and building structures to admiring the intricate and colorful decoration of the windows and especially the gables. Wat Benchamabophitis a royal monastery belonging to the first class ranking of Rajavaravihara. It is located close to Dusit palace in the city district of Bangkok called Dusit.
8. Though not much of a tourist draw, the Wat Suthat- is the temple that keep on giving with it interesting history, multi-cultural art and architecture. It comes in at number 8 on our list for its inauspicious size and most auspicious history. The Temple took the reign of three kings before it was completed. It houses the 25 foot tall Buddha statue Phra Sri Sakyamuni or "Sisakayamunee". This Temple also doubles as a monk's home and is decorated with over 150 additional golden Buddha sculptures and numerous Buddhist art murals.
9. Though near the bottom of our list the Wat Ratchabophit may not be the last Temple to visit in chronological order as it is located within walking distance from Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing. After coming to the throne, this pagoda was the first Temple commissioned to be built by King Rama V in 1869. The entire compound of the Wat holds a cluster of buildings, all built on elevated bases, sheathed with marble. With its exquisite architecture, a beauty of the exteriors; adorned with hand-painted glazed tiles, and studded door and window frames of the buildings, the Wat Ratchabophit, though small in size, claims distinction as one of the most beautiful temples of Thailand.
10. This ancient Temple dates back to the Ayutthaya period; is also adjacent to the Grand place and is called Wat Rakhang. The Temples name means "bell". During the rign of King Rama II a large bell was unearthed on the premises and was later moved to Wat Phra Kaewin exchange for five smaller bells. The halls and grounds are lovely here. And if your into seeing the homesteads of famous people, here you would find the Thai version in its' "ho trai." The house where king Rama I lived before he was crowned.
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