Bangkok attractions: temples, historical sites, Thailand

Wat Phra Kaeo
Wat Phra Kaeo , situated in the same compound of the Grand Palace, is a treasure house of Thai arts, and houses the Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. Three main buildings inside the temple which form up a glittering scene are the Golden Stupa, enshrining the relics of the Buddha, the Phra Mondop or the Library, housing the Tripitaka or a Buddhist scripture, the Royal Pantheon which is a pavilion used for keeping statues of deceased kings of Chakri dynasty. Besides, the 178 section mural paintings which depict the story of the Ramayana are the superb masterpiece of Rattanakosin artisans.
The compound of Wat Phra Kaeo and the Grand Palace is open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.. The admission fee is 200 baht , including the entry to the Royal Thai Decorations & Coins Pavilion in the same compound and to Vimanmek Mansion Museum on Ratchawithi Road.

Wat Pho
This large and extensive temple neighbours the Grand Palace enclave and contains a gigantic gold plated Reclining Buddha, some 46 metres long and 15 metres high, with beautifully inlaid mother-of-pearl soles. Wat Pho is also regarded as the first centre of public education and is sometimes called ‘Thailand’s first university’. Mural paintings, inscriptions, and statues found in the temple educated people on varied subjects such as literature, warfare, archaeology, astronomy, geology, meditation and Thai traditional massage. It is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.. Admission fee is 20 baht.

Wat Arun
Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, the temple can be reached either by Arun Amarin Road or by boat from Tha Tien Pier, near Wat Pho. The most attractive structure is the 79 metre high pagoda, which is decorated with ceramic tiles and fragments of multi-coloured porcelain. It is also called the ‘Temple of Dawn’, and the most beautiful view of it is from the east side of the river at sunset.


Wat Benchamabophit
Also known as the Marble Temple, this temple is on Sri Ayutthaya Road near the Chitralada Palace. The main building was constructed during the reign of King Rama V. It employs European ecclesiastic details, such as stained glass windows, and contains a superb cloister collection of bronze Buddha images.


Wat Suthat
The temple is located on Bamrung Muang Road. It took 27 years, during the reigns of the first three kings of the Chakri Dynasty, to complete the construction. This temple is noted for its 19th century murals. The Viharn (preaching hall) should be seen for its collection of gilded Buddha images. The temple used to house a huge door with intricate carving, The temple complex is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.. In front of the temple is the Giant Swing or Sao Ching Cha where a Brahmanic ceremony had taken place until the early 20th century. Many shops near the Giant Swing stock a very comprehensive range of Buddhist religious supplies.

Wat Saket (The Golden Mount)
Wat Saket’s major feature is the Golden Mount, dating from the 1800. It is an artificial hill topped by a gilded pagoda which is 260 feet in height from its base. Begun by King Rama III and completed in the reign of King Rama IV, the golden mount is one of the most celebrated landmarks in Bangkok’s old area and offers a panoramic city view from the top.


Wat Trai Mit
Located at the end of Chinatown’s Yaowarat Road near the Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lam Phong), this temple is known for its famous Golden Buddha. The beautiful image of solid gold is three metres high and weighs five and a half tons. The temple is open everyday from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.