Visiting Bangkok’s magnificent temples

Posted by Sukhumwit Steve on January 13th, 2012 filed in Sightseeing, Temples, attractions

One of Bangkok’s principal attractions is its fabulous temples. There are plentiful examples of these religious edifices in all corners of the capital which are easily spotted by the high-eaved roofs of their main chapels (viharn) and the tapered spires of the pagodas (chedi). Although most of the temples are worth a quick look, the three on most tourism itineraries are Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Arun.

Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn, sits on the west bank of the main city waterway, the Chao Phraya River. Wat Arun’s stunning architecture is visible for miles in either direction on the opposite bank of the river. Up close, it is no less impressive. The temple’s 70m spire is inlaid with mosaic and glass and is an arresting sight.

Wat Pho and Wat Phra Kaew are close to each other. The latter is contained within the Grand Palace complex and houses the noted Emerald Buddha image from which its name is derived. The image was carved from a single piece of the precious stone and is on an elevated dais in an ornate chapel. Wat Pho is across from the palace and is home to a massive 45m reclining Buddha statue and one of the most famous massage schools in Asia.

Thai temples can be visited at any time during daylight hours. They are even pleasant on a summer afternoon as lofty, old trees usually take away the worst of the heat. People planning on visiting temples should remember they are religious sites and need to dress appropriately. Males should wear T-shirts and long trousers and females need to cover upper arms and legs.