Bangkok is an amazing city, known for its towering skyline, lovely parks and gardens, and the slower, quiet charm of Thailand. The city is equally proud of its modern marvels (boasting over 1000 skyscrapers) and its traditional heritage. The city has a number of enchanting and significant temples. Visiting each of the temples could encompass an entire trip to Bangkok and provide a uniquely spiritual and architectural experience.
Wat Pho is more commonly known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Located next to the Grand Palace it features a gold-plated Buddha that is fifteen meters tall and 46 meters long. Wat Pho was the region’s first public education center as well as a religious enclave.
The Temple of Dawn is officially known as Wat Arun. Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya, the temple is famous for its central pagoda. Rising 79 meters high, the pagado is encrusted with porcelain that sparkles in sunlight.
Wat Ratchabophit’s architecture is a mixture of western and local styles. Wat Mahathat is an older temple that is home to Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University and offers meditation classes to tourists. Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing houses beautiful 19th century murals as well as the Giant Swing that is a reminder of the ancient Brahmanic ceremonies for which is was created.
Other temples of interest in Bangkok include Wat Ratchapradit Sathitmahasimaram, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Bowon Niwet, and Wat Intharawihan. Wat Ratchapradit Sathitmahasimaram is a smaller temple with a royal heritage and was originally a royal coffee plantation. Wat Saket and the Golden Mount, Wat Intharawihan, Wat Ratchanatdaram, Wat Thepthidaram, Wat Trai Mit, and Wat Benchamabophit all have beautiful and one-of-kind features that provide inspiration and insight into Thailand’s rich religious history.
To make the most of any visit, stay in one of the best Bangkok hotels and be sure to enjoy the many superb local restaurants featuring the best food in Thailand. And make sure to bring your bargaining skills as all the shops and markets in Bangkok expect you to haggle, even though the prices here are already much cheaper than western tourists are accustomed to paying.
