When traveling in Asia, you will frequently overhear locals using the phrase “expelled” to refer to themselves. It’s easy for travelers to get the impression that “once you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all,” whether they’ve been to the world-famous Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia, or they’ve explored Thailand’s northern temples in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai. Both of these destinations are located in Thailand. On the other hand, this is not the case for a few of Bangkok’s most incredible historical temples, which never fail to awe visitors. In the following, we will discuss six of the most important temples that can be found in Bangkok.
1) Temples In Bangkok: Wat Pho
Wat Pho, which is both the oldest and the largest temple in Bangkok, is widely considered to be among the most well-known temples in all of Thailand. Due to the 46-meter-long and 15-meter-tall Buddha that sits at the center of this temple, it is frequently referred to as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. This name comes from the fact that the Buddha is positioned to appear as though he is reclining. You can easily spend a whole day touring this old historic quarter, which is located just to the south of the Royal Grand Palace and has a very convenient location. The temple grounds are filled with wonderful artifacts that visitors should investigate, in addition to the enormous Buddha statue. You can even reset by getting one of the therapeutic Thai massages that are offered, which are reasonably priced despite their high level of effectiveness. There is a one hundred yen (approximately three dollars) entrance fee.
Address: Wat Pho, 2 Sanamchai Road, Grand District Subdistrict, Pranakorn District, Bangkok, Thailand, +66 02 225 9595
2) Temples In Bangkok: Wat Arun
The Temple of the Dawn, also known as Wat Arun, comprises five prangs, which are also known as towers. These towers gaze out over the Mae Nam Chao Phraya. Before moving to its current location at Wat Pho, the Reclining Buddha was formerly housed at Wat Arun. According to legend, King Taksin and his royal fleet landed at this temple just as the sun was rising. In subsequent years, he proclaimed the shrine to be royal. The main prang, which is adorned with colorful porcelain pieces and ceramic tiles, is accessible to guests who wish to take a short stroll up it. There is a 50 admission fee (about $1.50) per person.
Address: Wat Arun, 158 Wang Doem Rd, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok, Thailand, +66 02 891 2185
3) Temples In Bangkok: Wat Saket
Wat Saket, or Temple of the Golden Mount, stands on an artificial hill, from which the great city of Bangkok seems almost calm. Inside the ordination hall of Wat Saket, you will find a number of Buddhist paintings. This temple is most famous for the Golden Mount that rises above the rest of the temple grounds. You can climb the Golden Mount, but be aware that it is quite a long way to go in the inevitable heat of Bangkok. There is also a chapel and library open to visitors on these historic grounds. Admission is free.
Address: Wat Saket, 344 dormitories en Khwaeng Ban Bat, Khet Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand, +66 093 258 4028
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4) Temples In Bangkok: Wat Suthat
Many people associate Wat Suthat with the enormous red swing that is located across the road. The Sao Ching-Cha, also known as the Giant Swing, was originally built in 1784 but was eventually replaced in 2004. In addition to this swing, the temple is home to beautiful murals and architecture that are sure to grab your attention.
Address: Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing, Wat Ratchabophit, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Tailandia, +66 02 222 6935
5) Temples In Bangkok: Wat Traimit
Wat Traimit is a temple that can be seen in Chinatown. This temple is a highlight of any trip to Bangkok since it houses a Buddha figure made of solid gold weighing six tonnes and covered entirely in gold leaf. It stands at a height of three metres and is the world’s largest statue made of gold. It has been estimated that this statue is worth more than $250 million at the present day. There is a forty dollar charge to enter the venue.
Address: Wat Traimit, Mittaphap Thai-China Road, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok, Tailandia, +66 02 225 9775
6) Temples In Bangkok: Wat Ratchanatdaram
In the 1840s, Rama III commissioned the construction of Wat Ratchanatdaram. It is said that the architecture and design of this structure derive from the metal temples that can be found in India and Sri Lanka. It is stated that the 36-meter-tall edifice that sits in the center of the temple grounds represents the 37 virtues toward enlightenment in Buddhism. Buddhism is the predominant religion in this country, with 95 percent of the population following its teachings. The tiles on the roof are made of bronze, and the temple is one of the very few buildings in the world to have this kind of roofing material. There is no charge for entry.
Address: Wat Ratchanatdaram, Ratchadamnoen Klang Tai Alley, Khwaeng Wat Bowon Niwet, Wat Bawon Niwet, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand, +66 22 248 807
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