By the way, SQT means “Spend Quality Time.” Yes, I could’ve just written that I the title, but that would make it look longer.
Anyways, that is exactly what this post is all about – visiting the various temples around the city of Bangkok that houses statues and replicas of Buddha. And believe me when I say that the people who constructed these houses of worship spared very little or none when it comes to the architecture of the buildings.
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
The temple is located in Yai District on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, and this location along with the height of the temple makes it s wonderful vantage point where visitors and locals go to enjoy the beautiful view of the sunrise and the sunset. At night, the whole temple becomes a grand monument as it is lighted up.
Wat Arum is one of the most popular structures in Bangkok because of its religious and cultural importance. The temple is composed of spires and towers, and the central spire stands at about 250 feet high, adorned with Chinese porcelain, seas shells and coloured glass. The top is decorated with Shiva’s trident, which can be observed closely after climbing the steep stairs.
Tip: The best time to visit the temple is early morning as there are lesser crowds during this time. The temple opens at 8:30 – try to get there before then.
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
Many people may not find the temple appealing, as the architecture and decorations are pretty minimalist. However, it is not just the temple itself that draws the crowds. Instead, as the name suggests, it is the statue of the reclining Buddha inside.
The reclining Buddha is plated with gold, and one of the biggest replicas around – measuring about 15 metres high and 45 metres in length. In addition to this, there are about one thousand more Buddhas inside the temple complex.
In addition, the temple is also famous as one of the best places n Bangkok to get a Thai massage, as it is known as the Centre of Education for Traditional Thai Medicine.
Tip: Book well ahead if you’re planning to take the massage. There are many appointments made for the massage, and if you don’t make an appointment you may end up waiting in a long line
Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha)
This temple is located in Yaowarat Road near the Hualampong Railway Station, and the main attraction is the Golden Buddha inside. No, it is not one of those golden plated statues – this one here is made of real 18k gold – worth around $250 million.
The three metre high and six tons golden Buddha was made around the 13th or 14th centuries, but it was only in the 1950s that the gold was discovered as it has been covered in plaster for hundreds of years, as ordered by the emperor in order to prevent invaders from taking any interest and stealing it.
Tip: Buddhist temples are pretty strict when it comes to dress codes. When visiting any of the temples, be sure to not wear sleeveless shirts or shorts. Remove your shoes as well when asked.
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Photo by the-malory-man on Flickr