Some of the most captivating temples in Thailand can be found in its cosmopolitan capital, Bangkok, and here are four such sacred sites you should not miss visiting.
Wat Arun
Referred to as the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun stands beside the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok; serviced apartment hotel options in downtown Sukhumvit make an ideal base from which to head to such temples. Look to go on a river cruise at sunset to see this site with its impressive central spire decorated with coloured glass; you can also visit the complex to observe various shrines or take in mesmerising views from the spire.
Wat Phra Kaew
Within one of the city’s most popular attractions, the historical Grand Palace, is Wat Phra Kaew that’s revered by Buddhists across the nation. Easy to reach from properties like Citadines Sukhumvit 8 Bangkok, this site which is known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is home to a sacred Buddha image made from jade; the intricate designs, diverse statues and enthralling murals add to the temple’s charm too.
Wat Pho
Located close to the Grand Palace is Wat Pho another of the key temples in Bangkok. Its English name, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a clue of the main attraction here; you will be able to take in the sight of the largest reclining Buddha statue in the country which spans an amazing 46 metres in length and 15 metres in height. Also of interest are fascinating murals and chapels that house nearly 400 hundred gilded Buddha images.
Wat Traimit
Amongst the best things to do in Chinatown, Bangkok is to visit Wat Traimit; once again, the English name, Temple of the Golden Buddha, indicates what to expect; of course, what it doesn’t tell you is that the Buddha statue here is made from solid gold and is amongst the largest of its kinds in the world! Weighing 5.5 tonnes and with a height of 5 metres, it’s certainly a sight to behold, while the temple has a museum you can visit as well.
