Temples, monuments and shrines

Temples, monuments and shrines

As beautiful as they are old, the temples and shrines sporadically located throughout Greater Bangkok are traveller magnets, attracting millions of sightseers each year. Central to the Buddhist teachings, temples and shrines are an important part of everyday life in Thailand.

From the grandeur of Wat Po and Wat Arun, to the miniature spirit house shrine usually found at the corner of houses or establishments, each temple and shrine bears the heart and soul of the general Thai population. Not only are the sacred religious sites significant cultural attractions of Thailand, they also radiate unparalleled beauty from the fascinating exterior architecture, to the delicate intricacies of the interior design.

Thailand boasts a selection of the world’s most renowned Buddhist temples and shrines, and Bangkok humbly hosts a large number of these. Tourists who visit these spectacular sites must adhere to strict rules or risk being denied entry. Shoes must be removed before entering a temple, and when sitting, feet are to never be pointed towards the Buddha image or monk. Conversation should be kept very low and as limited as possible, and formal clothing is generally required for larger temples. This means no t-shirts, short skirts, tank tops and unclean clothes.

Below is a list of featured temples and shrines that will awe, amaze, intrigue and stun you with their radiance and cultural significance.

Wat Phra Kaew: regarded as the most famous temple in Bangkok, Wat Phra Kaew located on the grounds of the Grand Palace, houses the renowned ‘Emerald Buddha’. In short, this temple is an absolute must-visit. Sitting in front of the revered jade Buddha image, surrounded by the phenomenal artistic beauty of the temple hall is almost indescribable. Open everyday for viewing from 08:30 to 12:00, then 13:00 to 15:30, Wat Phra Kaew is easily accessible via taxi from the Landmark Hotel and is always open, contrary to the word of loitering scam artists.

Wat Po: located beside Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Po is another awe-inspiring temple famed for its 46 meter long Reclining Buddha, and ancient massage school. Entrance to the temple will cost 120 baht, and tour guides are usually in abundance, offering English services at around 200 to 400 baht. Opening hours are from 08:00 to 17:00 every day.

Wat Arun: stands on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River and is one of Thailand’s most photographed and alluring attractions. Also known as the Temple of Dawn, its main spire reaches over 70 meters into the air, and is covered with tiny porcelain pieces that reflect the beauty of the rising and falling sun. This temple pre-dates the founding of Bangkok and is one of the cities most exotic structures. Open everyday from 08:00 to 17:30.

Wat Traimit: conveniently situated close to Hua Lumpong railway and MRT station, Wat Traimit has a newly constructed mondop, but the real attractions is inside the unassuming viharn hall, where you’ll find the largest seated Buddha in the world. Made of gold and weighing over five tons, the Buddha image attracts travellers and locals alike on a daily basis. Open each day from 9:00 to 17:00.

Wat Sutat: famous for the Giant Swing positioned at its front entrance, Wat Sutat still attracts thousands of visitors each day. The Giant Swing is no longer in operation, but was a popular ceremony swing to bring luck for the new rice harvest. At its peak, men were swinging some 80 meters through the air. Open from 08:30 to 17:00 daily, the temple has an admission fee of 20 baht.

Wat Saket – Temple of the Golden Mount: very popular tourist attractions, and there is little wonder why. Wat Saket rests beneath an artificial hill, on which sits a brilliant, golden Chedi with an intriguing history. Boasting beautiful gardens, magnificent relics and an unrivaled view of Bangkok city, Wat Saket and the Golden Mount are open daily from 9:00 to 17:00.

Wat Mahathat: renowned as one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, Wat Mahathat is not just a visual delight with Buddhist statues, relics and carvings. The temple is the central teaching establishment for Vipassana meditation, and caters for both Thais and foreigners with various courses in English. Located near the Grand Palace, Wat Mahathat is open everyday from 9:00 – 17:00, and has an entrance fee of 20 Baht.

Wat Rajanadda: nestled next to the Golden Mount temple, Wat Rajanadda is unlike most other wats aforementioned. Built in the middle of the 19th, Wat Rajanadda depicts a Burmese influenced architecture with iron black spires protruding from the roof. Definitely worth a visit, Wat Rajanadda houses an important Buddha relic, and provides wonderful views from the top of its five-story structure.

Erawan Shrine: located on the corner of Ploenchit Road and Rajdamri Road, the Erawan Shrine is not only well-known in Thailand, but in countless countries throughout Asia also. Each week, thousands of tourists flock to this four-faced Brahman shrine to pay respects and receive good fortune. Open from 06:00 – midnight, the shrine is close to the Chitlom BTS Station.

Trimurti and Ganesha Shrines: situated adjacent to each other in front of the Central World shopping complex, the shrines of Trimurti and Ganesha are frequently crowded at all hours of the day and night. Visitors can pay respects to the gods and hope to receive success and accomplishment blessings in return. From the Erawan Shrine, walk under the Skytrain tracks and across to the Central World complex. The shrines are located beside the Rajdamri Road clock.

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