Are you going to visit Bangkok in 2020? If your answer is yes, here’s a list of must visit temples in Bangkok to get some serene feelings, you don’t have to visit them all; but make sure to pick one or two from the list for your itinerary.
- Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Phra Kaew, commonly known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is the most visited temple in Thai capital. The large temple complex is located within the grounds of the Royal Palace and is a must to visit on any Bangkok tour. You will feel the serenity by glancing at the glittering statues, golden chedis and fascinating ornaments. Emerald Buddha is the main attraction in the temple and it is a small jadeite 66 cm statue. The robes of the Buddha statue are changed 3 times a year according to the seasons. The epic history of Ramayana in 178 scenes illustrated by an incredible mural painting is kept in display on its 2km long gallery.
- Wat Pho
Wat Pho or the Temple of Reclining Buddha is one of the oldest and popular temples in Bangkok is located near the Grand Palace. The golden enormous reclining Buddha statue of 15m height and 43m long depicts the last position of Gauthama Buddha on the earth at death bed. The statue bears 4m long feet. Nacre decorations of the statue are brilliant. Wat Pho is also a home to 91 stupas (chedis) and 1000 Buddha images. Out of them, the 4 chedis devoted to the 4 Chakri kings are very impressive. The First Thai Massage School in Bangkok is situated just outside the temple so without any hesitation give your tired feet a pretty cool massage. You also have the ability to learn about massaging procedures here.
- Wat Arun
The Temple of the Dawn, located on the west of Chao Phraya River exhibits a breath-taking beauty during sunset. You have to approach the Wat Arun through a ferry which is also a highlight of this visit. Don’t forget to click some amazing photos of the temple while you are on the ferry. The unique shape of Wat Arun consists of a central prang surrounded by 4 small towers, all made over with faience from potteries and plates. Your visit won’t be worthy unless you climb upstairs to experience the jaw-dropping view, especially during sunset.
- Wat Sanket
Wat Saket or the Golden Mount Temple, settling on a man-made hill provides a panoramic view above the rooftops of Bangkok. The Golden Chedi highlights the night once the lights are lit up, and it is believed to be built by King Rama III by embedding the relics of Buddha carried from India. Khao San road is in close proximity to Wat Sanket. While you are climbing the 344 steps leading to the temple, collect merits by ringing bells and gongs. As Wat Sanket gets rarely crowded you have the opportunity to tranquil your minds while admiring the wide-ranging view of Thai capital.
- Wat Traimit
Wat Traimit, which is also known as the Temple of Golden Buddha is located at the entrance of Yaowarat Road of China Town. At the first glance you will find this as a site with incredible architecture designed in white and golden color. Wat Traimit becomes one of the world’s valuable temples because of the 5m high solid golden Buddha statue residing inside. It is entirely made of 18-karat gold weighing 11000 pounds and worth nearly 250 million USD. The golden composition underneath the statue was revealed by a small plaster chip off in the robe.
- Loha Prasat
The Loha Prasat, a must visit temple in Bangkok which is located near the Golden Mount Temple. I recommend this as the best place among all the temples to serene and tranquil your minds. The elegant white shining temple with a peaceful atmosphere is a home to 37 golden chedis. Its unique architectural identity is the reason to call it “The Metal Castle”. This is a highlighted world heritage site of UNESCO since 2005.
- Wat Mahathat
An important Royal Temple among the 10 high class temples in Thai capital, which has been built during the times of Ayutthaya. Inside the Wat Mahathat is a vipassana meditation center established under the oldest Buddhist monks’ higher education center of Thailand. Due to the largest amulet market present outside the temple, this becomes a quite busy place on Sundays.
- Wat Benjamabhopit
The Marble Temple, also called the Wat Benja is believed to be built by King Rama IV. It is called the Marble Temple because the walls are made of Carrara marbles imported from Italy. White marble windows decorated in gold give the temple with an elegant impression. Wat Benja houses 52 Buddha images. The entrance is guarded by two large stone lions. The numerous Buddha images standing on the either sides of the walkways add a simple wow fact. As many government offices are situated near this temple, it is mostly visited by high-ranked officials.
Now, how are you going to book flights to Bangkok? You can book tickets online through the Cathay Pacific Website. Team Cathay Pacific’s mission is to make the most out of your travels…so this applies when you fly into Bangkok as well.
