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Thailand has always been a spiritual destination, alluring with its sacred temples and religious sanctuaries. Below are the top 5 temples you must explore when visiting Bangkok!
Top 5 Temples You Can't Miss in Bangkok
Wat Arun Ratchawararam Temple
Wat Arun is an ancient temple dating back to the Ayutthaya period and revered as a royal sanctuary by King Rama II (or Buddha Loetla Nabhalai) of the Chakri dynasty. Its central prang is one of the most magnificent and colossal of its time.
Featuring a unique architectural style, Wat Arun's spires are constructed from white bricks and embellished with various materials such as shells and ceramics, mostly imported from China. Visitors can also admire numerous sculptures surrounding the temple, including Kinnaris, giants, angels, and garudas.
Wat Pho Temple
Wat Pho is the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok. Before its construction, the temple grounds served as a center for traditional Thai medical education, also known as the birthplace of Thai massage. The temple complex spans 80,000 square meters, divided into two sections. The northern section houses the iconic Buddha statue and massage school. The southern section is where the monks reside.
The temple was built during the reign of King Rama I. Within the temple grounds are 71 small stupas and 4 large ones, housing relics of Lord Buddha. Flanking the gates are large guardian statues designed in the Chinese style. The temple's guardians represent various disciplines such as martial arts, literature... and even a statue of Marco Polo – the famous Italian explorer.
Wat Saket Temple
Wat Saket, or the Golden Mount in Bangkok, is a Buddhist temple located in the Pom Prap Sattru Phai district. Exploring this temple complex is undoubtedly a must-do when in Bangkok. Ascending the 344 steps will lead you to a marvelous golden chedi, from the top of which you'll be mesmerized by the breathtaking scenery.
Wat Saket dates back to the Ayutthaya period, constructed in 1467. It sits atop an artificial hill with a golden chedi at its peak, housing relics of Lord Buddha. The relics were a gift from the British government to King Rama V. Wat Saket is also the tallest temple in Bangkok, and it's a unique complex with many points of worship.
Wat Traimit Witthayaram Temple
Wat Traimit Witthayaram is an ancient revered temple located west of Hua Lamphong railway station, Bangkok. The area surrounding the temple used to be a swampy land, now transformed with reinforced concrete construction throughout all areas of the temple.
The main hall enshrines the Phra Puttha Thotsaphonlayan Buddha statue, a figure made of plaster coated with lacquer and gold leaf. Some refer to this Buddha statue as “Luang Phor Toh,” while others call it “Luang Phor Wat Sam Chin.”
King Rama V showed great reverence for this temple and admired its magnificent Buddha statue. Another important Buddha statue in the temple is the Phra Sukhothai Traimit, placed in the statue hall. It is the largest solid gold Buddha statue in the attitude of subduing Mara and is listed in the Guinness World Records.
Wat Benchamabophit Temple
This is one of the most beautiful temples in Bangkok, also known as the “marble temple” or Wat Ben. The formal name of the temple is Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram, meaning “the monastery of the fifth king near the Dusit Palace,” the fifth king being King Chulalongkorn the Great (Rama V).
The temple is an outstanding example of Bangkok architecture style with its multi-tiered roof, exquisite gold carvings. White marble and gold-decorated windows give the temple an interesting appearance, especially under sunlight. Flanking the temple entrance are two large stone lions serving as guardians.
As per Mytour
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourFebruary 6, 2023
