Amidst the massive steel and glass structures that make up the central skyline of Bangkok are a host of traditional Thai style temples that coexist. Many of these Buddhist temples are laced in gold and some have accents of red on the exterior. A typical Thai temple has two different parts, the phutthawat and the sanghawat. The phutthawat is the main part of the temple that houses the shrine that’s dedicated to Buddha, while the sanghawat is a living grounds for monks.
1. Wat Pho
One of the most famous Bangkok temples to visit is Wat Pho, characterized by the gigantic reclining golden Buddha. The statue is housed inside of a gym like structure with a temple complex that surrounds. The sheer volume of gold and mega size is enough to make everyone gasp with unbelief. Wat Pho is also a favorite temple because it is accredited as coming up with the authentic Thai massage.
2. Wat Phra Kaew
Also referred to as the temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew is on the same compound as the Grand Palace. The emerald statue is reported to have come from India and is one of the most sacred temples in all of Thailand. The temple is frequented by tourists and is one of Thailand’s main iconic symbols of representation.
3. Wat Arun
Wat Arun is known as the temple of dawn or of the rising sun. It’s a recognizable image as it sits perched on the opposite side of the river as most of the other Bangkok attractions. During the early morning the temple illuminates with a beautiful glow from the sunshine rays, bring forth another day in the rising sun.
4. Wat Traimit
It wasn’t until recently that Wat Traimit became famous. An accidental construction blunder where the statue feel from a crane, revealed a pure golden statue of Buddhha within concrete exterior. The temple is now home to the world’s largest solid golden statue.
5. Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram
Nicknamed the Marble Temple, Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram is depicted on the 5 baht coin. The temple is a beautiful sight, a symmetrical temple that seems to rise to sky.
6. Wat Hua Lamphong
With a backdrop of Bangkok’s downtown, Wat Hua Lamphong remains a traditional temple in the midst of an ever changing and modern metropolis. The temple is located right in the Silom district of Bangkok.
7. Wat Yan Nawa
The interesting part of Wat Yan Nawa is that it resembles a boat. It was King Rama III that commissioned the temple to be built as a boat in an effort that people might not forget about the traditional Chinese junks, in a modern age.
