Bangkok is one of the most visited cities, not just in Asia, but in the world. Its urban jungle has a bit of everything all types of visitors need. There are many hotels, bars, hostels, shops and activities that easily fill an itinerary. It also has a distinct mix of old and new exemplified by the many temples you will see.
If you are planning a trip to Bangkok, temple hopping is one of the things you can do. Here is a list of some of the temples worth including in your itinerary.
Wat Arun
Also known as the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun is part of the city’s distinct cityscape, in fact, you will see it on one of Thailand’s coins. King Rama II ordered the construction of the towers during his reign; King Rama III completed his elaborate project.
If you look close enough, you will see that each tower has several pieces of colourful ceramics on it. These details make the entire whole beautiful and eye-catching. Other than the towers, there are also fetching shrines and buildings within the complex.
The ideal time to take pictures is during sunset and on the opposite side of the temple and river.
Wat Pho
One of the top places to visit in Bangkok, Wat Pho is home to the 46m long Reclining Buddha. It is also one of the oldest temples in the city. After seeing the giant Buddha statue, explore the historic complex to learn more about the country’s religious history and culture.
You will see Buddhist treasures and relics while walking around. Many include this destination along with a trip to the Royal Grand Palace.
Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Phra Kaew is home to one of the most revered Buddhist relics in the country, the Emerald Buddha. Many Thais visit the complex to say their prayers or just to see the statue. Its makers used only one block of jade to carve out Buddha’s likeness.
The statue has travelled around the region a few centuries ago; it was in Chiang Rai then Chiang Mai then Luang Prabang then Vientiane then lastly Bangkok. When King Rama I ordered the construction of Bangkok and the Grand Palace, he had the Emerald Buddha placed in the chapel where it has been for decades.
Wat Saket
This temple is the place to see the golden Chedi of Phu Khao Thong. Perched atop a hill in Bangkok’s old city, Kings Rama IV and Rama V successfully had the golden structure built when King Rama III’s attempt failed.
Fast forward to today, the chedi is one of the city’s most famous landmarks and is part of its beautiful cityscape. If you are up for a bit of a challenge, climb the 300 steps leading to it.
Wat Traimit
This beautiful temple has a mix of gold and white colours that give it a regal appearance. People just do not visit Wat Traimit to gawk at its stunning design, but also to see the giant, golden Buddha inside the temple. Some say the statue dates back to the 13th to 14th centuries. Explore the complex to learn about the religion.
Bangkok has other temples, but these are the most famous and must-visit ones. When you see these, you will get a glimpse of the country’s history and roots in Buddhism.
