Often shrouded in mystery temples do not only pay omens to the gods but are unique structures that can tell you much about a country’s history and legacy. From the unique engravings etched on their walls to their fabulous architecture, temples are much more than ancient relics.
Thai temples, perhaps more than any other attraction, attract tourists from all over the world. People come to Thailand to explore these Wats (temples), with their pagodas often gleaming when the sun’s rays hit their sparkling golden spires.
Perhaps one of the most remarkable facets of Thai temples is the people’s dedication to them, with their bountiful offerings of lotus flowers, incense, drinks, and even candles upon each visit they bestow. If you happen to visit Bangkok, here are a few temples you can’t miss on your next trip.
Wat Pho
Known as the temple of the reclining Buddha, crowds are a regular feature all year round. Here, one must push through the crowds to see the reclining Buddha. Nevertheless, not to be missed are several other points of interest, like the large ordination hall, which includes the largest collection of Buddha images. Other unique structures to explore include the four great chedis and a unique collection of artifacts like the 108 bronze bowls representing the 108 positive actions that led Buddha to enlightenment.
Visitors come here specifically to see the Reclining Buddha, located in the western courtyard. The statue is 46 meters long and 15 meters high. It is made of cement, covered with brick, and coated with gold leaf. The soles of the feet are inlaid with mother of pearl, adding glamour to the statue’s lustrous eminence.
Wat Arun
The Temple of Dawn, or Wat Arun is a major landmark in the City of Angels. Its unique position along the banks of the Chao Phraya allows visitors to explore it up close. One of the temple’s most attractive features is its 70-meter pagoda decorated with a mosaic of multi-coloured Chinese porcelain.
The unique pagoda is one of the tallest structures in any temple around the world. Once you are up there, you will get a fascinating view of the Chao Phraya, which is well worth the try, especially if you want to capture unique photographs.
Despite being called the Temple of Dawn, one of the fascinating views is of the neighbouring Chao Phraya, which avails itself at sunset. Wat Arun has a unique collection of sculptures. King Rama II renovated the temple when he was just a prince, and it is believed that he sculpted the face of the principal Buddha image of the temple himself.
The Marble Temple
A marvel of architectural design the Marble Temple is called Wat Benchamabophit in Thai. Designed by none other than Prince Narisara Nuwattiwong, the temple is made exclusively out of marble imported from Italy; that’s why it is referred to as the Marble Temple. Among the interesting things you could explore is a chapel entirely decorated with marble panels adorned with 52 Buddha statues in different positions sitting at the edge of the chapel’s balcony.
Enshrined in the chapel is a unique Buddha statue of Phra Phuttachinarat, which is a bronze replica of the original Buddha statue of the Sukhothai period located in Pitsanalouk Province.
Wat Saket
Wat Saket is considered one of the most unique temples in Bangkok because it is the only one of its kind that sits on top of a hill. Once you climb the 320 steps to the top, you will get a panoramic view of Rattanakosin Island. The temple is renowned for its golden chedi, or dome, which sits on top of the temple. At a unique height of 77 meters, the golden chedi enshrines special relics of Buddha from India.
Wat Saket dates to the Ayutthaya era and was called Wat Sakae when Bangkok became the capital. King Rama I renamed it Wat Saket, which means washing hair. History has it that the King stopped here upon his return from the war to take a shower and wash his hair before entering the city, hence the name Wat Saket.
Thailand’s vast temples are a unique sight to behold; more than anything else, they can tell you much about the country’s heritage. In many temples around Bangkok, you are apt to see meditation halls brimming with hundreds of chanting monks especially on auspicious occasions.
Devotees are expected to show respect by dressing appropriately in white and removing their shoes before entering. Similarly, tourists visiting temples in Bangkok are expected to dress modestly and follow strict protocols prior to entry. After all, these revered places of worship are a delight to explore!
