Temples and Shrines of Bangkok - Wat Phra
Kaeo
Wat Phra Kaeo , situated in the same compound of the Grand Palace, is
a treasure house of Thai arts, and houses the Emerald Buddha, the most
revered Buddha image in Thailand. Three main buildings inside the temple
which form up a glittering scene are the Golden Stupa, enshrining the
relics of the Buddha, the Phra Mondop or the Library, housing the Tripitaka
or a Buddhist scripture, the Royal Pantheon which is a pavilion used for
keeping statues of deceased kings of Chakri dynasty. Besides, the 178
section mural paintings which depict the story of the Ramayana are the
superb masterpiece of Rattanakosin artisans. The compound of Wat Phra
Kaeo and the Grand Palace is open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.. The
admission fee is 200 baht , including the entry to the Royal Thai Decorations
& Coins Pavilion in the same compound and to Vimanmek Mansion Museum
on Ratchawithi Road.
Temples and Shrines of Bangkok - Wat Pho
This large and extensive temple neighbours the Grand Palace enclave
and contains a gigantic gold plated Reclining Buddha, some 46 metres long
and 15 metres high, with beautifully inlaid mother-of-pearl soles. Wat
Pho is also regarded as the first centre of public education and is sometimes
called ‘Thailand’s first university’. Mural paintings,
inscriptions, and statues found in the temple educated people on varied
subjects such as literature, warfare, archaeology, astronomy, geology,
meditation and Thai traditional massage.it is open daily from 9.00 a.m.to
5.00 p.m.Admission fee is 20 bht.
Temples and Shrines of Bangkok - Wat Arun
Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, the temple can be
reached either by Arun Amarin Road or by boat from Tha Tien Pier, near
Wat Pho. The most attractive structure is the 79 metre high pagoda, which
is decorated with ceramic tiles and fragments of multi-coloured porcelain.
it is also called the ‘Temple of Dawn’, and the most beautiful
view of it is from the east side of the river at sunset.
Temples and Shrines of Bangkok - Wat Mahathat
Located on Na Phrathat Road near Thammasat University, the temple houses
Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University, one of the two highest seats of
Buddhist learning in Thailand and also offers meditation classes for foreigners.
The temple is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m..
Temples and Shrines of Bangkok - Wat Suthat
The temple is located on Bamrung Muang Road. it took 27 years, during
the reigns of the first three kings of the Chakri Dynasty, to complete
the construction. This temple is noted for its 19th century murals. The
Viharn (preaching hall) should be seen for its collection of gilded Buddha
images. The temple used to house a huge door with intricate carving, The
temple complex is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.. in front of
the temple is the Giant Swing or Sao Ching Cha where a Brahmanic ceremony
had taken place until the early 20th century. Many shops near the Giant
Swing stock a very comprehensive range of Buddhist religious supplies.
Temples and Shrines of Bangkok - Wat Saket (The Golden Mount)
Wat Saket’s major feature is the Golden Mount, dating from the
1800. it is an artificial hill topped by a gilded pagoda which is 260
feet in height from its base. Begun by King Rama iii and completed in
the reign of King Rama iV, the golden mount is one of the most celebrated
landmarks in Bangkok’s old area and offers a panoramic city view
from the top.
Temples and Shrines of Bangkok - Wat Ratchanatdaram
Located on Mahachai Road, the temple was built in the reign of King
Rama iii in 1846. Loha Prasat, the temple’s main attraction, standing
36 metres high with 37 surrounding spires, is the only one of its kind
left in the world. Next to the temple is the area for welcoming an important
foreign guest to the country, and a memorial statue of King Rama iii.
Temples and Shrines of Bangkok - Wat Benchamabophit
Also known as the Marble Temple, this temple is on Sri Ayutthaya Road
near the Chitralada Palace. The main building was constructed during the
reign of King Rama V. it employs European ecclesiastic details, such as
stained glass windows, and contains a superb cloister collection of bronze
Buddha images.
Temples and Shrines of Bangkok - Wat Trai Mit
Located at the end of Chinatown’s Yaowarat Road near the Bangkok
Railway Station (Hua Lam Phong), this temple is known for
its famous Golden Buddha. The beautiful image of solid gold is three metres
high and weighs five and a half tons. The temple is open everyday from
9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Temples and Shrines of Bangkok - The City Pillar Shrine (San Lak Muang)
The graceful, temple-like structure houses a wooden pillar placed there
by King Rama i in 1782 as the foundation stone for the new capital of
Bangkok. The shrine is across the street from Wat Phra Kaeo
Temples and Shrines of Bangkok - Erawan Shrine
Located on Ratchadamri Road, the shrine devoted to Phra Phrom, a Hindu
god, is greatly revered by people. Laced flowers and small wooden elephants
as well as Thai dancing performances are always offered to the statue
by grateful devotees.
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the national theatre
Wat Phra Kaeo
Wat Pho
Wat Arun
Wat Suthat
Wat Saket (The Golden Mount)
Wat Benchamabophit
Wat Trai Mit |
