There are a lot of temples in Bangkok, and if you have a lot of time you gotta visit them all! But these three temples are my favorites.
Golden Mount or Wat Saket is an Ayutthaya-era shrine with a gleaming gold chedi in Bangkok. It occupies an 80-metre-tall manmade hill that was built during the reign of King Rama III. The temple welcomes worshippers year-round, though it’s busiest during its annual temple fair in November, during Loy Krathong.
Wat Pho or Temple of the Reclining Buddha – As one of the largest temple complexes in the city, it’s famed for its giant reclining Buddha that is 46 metres long, covered in gold leaf. The figures here are impressive: 15 metres tall, 46 metres long, so large that it feels like it’s been squeezed into the building. The Buddha’s feet are 5 metres long and exquisitely decorated in mother-of-pearl illustrations of auspicious laksanas (characteristics) of the Buddha. The number 108 is significant, referring to the 108 positive actions and symbols that helped lead Buddha to perfection.
Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn is one of the few temples that predates the founding of Bangkok and the start of the Rattanakosin era in 1782. It’s prang dominated the skyline around the Chao Phraya river during the early days of Bangkok and today is still one of the most impressive sights on the river.
TEMPLE HOPPING TIPS: BANGKOK EDITION
- The must-see temples in Bangkok are mostly located in the Old Town, some of them are just a walk away from each other.
- Wat Saket is just a 3-minute walk from Once Again Hostel and it is best for viewing sunset. Choose a hostel that’s inside the Old City so you can just walk in any of the temples there.
- Wear proper clothing. Cover shoulders and knees, you may wear a scarf on your shoulder to hide your cleavage as well.
- You may have to remove your slippers when you enter a temple.
thaedab.wordpress.com 