The temples of Bangkok are so impressive, so grand, so spiritual and, overall, so amazing that it is hard not to stand in awe trying to take on all the colors, intricate design and symbolism before your eyes.
The temples of Bangkok are so impressive, so grand, so spiritual and, overall, so amazing that it is hard not to stand in awe trying to take on all the colors, intricate design and symbolism before your eyes.
This gorgeous temple is one of the ten royal temples of the highest class in Bangkok and is still used for royal ceremonies. Wat Mahathat dates back to the Ayutthaya period and within its grounds is the oldest higher education institute for Buddhist monks in Thailand. It is also an important center for the study of Buddhism and meditation.
Wat Prayoon is quite an impressive site due to its size, height and architectural features. It sits on the western side of the Chao Praya river bank on a man-made hill and a surrounding pond home to numerous turtles which visitors can feed as they stand by the water. One of the most unique features of Wat Prayoon is the large inverted bell shaped chedi.
Built in 1846, Loha Prasat is one of the most beautiful and unique temples of Bangkok! The 36m high construction supports 37 metal spires, each representing the 37 virtues toward enlightenment.
The beautiful Wat Suthat was built over a long time, spanning through 3 kings' reign. The time and effort was worth it as the temple features beautiful architecture and exceptional wall paintings along with exquisite hand-carved teak-wood door panels. The most famous feature is actually outside the temple, right in front of it: The Giant Swing. Standing over 21m high, the swing is unmistakable with its towering red pillars and elaborately carved crossbar. In the past, the swing was used for a ceremony celebrating the main rice harvest in mid-December. Young men would ride the swing in full force trying to grab a bag of silver coins with their teeth. The dangerous ceremony was discontinued in the 1930s after many serous injuries and even a few deaths. However, now the swing remains standing for admiration.
The unmistakable golden chedi towers over the old city of Bangkok from a man-made hill and provides for some amazing panoramic views... That is if you are willing to climb the 300 steps to the top. It will be worth it! In addition to the great vistas, the temple also features beautiful architecture and exquisite Buddha statues.
Wat Benja is often called "The Marble Temple" for the bright Italian marble covering its facade. This picturesque temple is also embossed on the back of 5 baht coins... You can even keep a coin after your trip as a souvenir of your visit.
An impressive white and gold temple is located just at the start of Yaowarat Road of Bangkok's Chinatown... But the architecture of this temple, as beautiful as it is, is not the main reason to visit. Its jewel is inside - an astonishing golden statue of Buddha weighting over 5 tons of pure gold and dating back to the 13th-14th century. The real golden statue was covered under plaster for many years to hide its true value until one day in the 1950s there was an unsuccessful attempt to move it from its location, the crane dropped the statue and its true face was revealed! Pure gold! Now, it is displayed in the Wat Traimit temple for worshipers and visitors to admire.
A symbol of Bangkok, Wat Arun is one of the most stunning temples in Thailand. It was built to represent a new begging after the Burmese defeat and rises majestically by the river across from the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. Its main tower was built in Khmer architectural style, with intricate details along its stone surface and four lower surrounding towers in similar artistic beauty.Climb the steep stairs to the terrace of the big tower for amazing views over the city. Despite its name "Temple of Dawn", it is most stunning at sunset!
The most important Buddhist temple of Thailand is the Wat Phra Kaew aka Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Located in the Grand Palace complex, the temple is a uniquely spiritual place of great beauty and incredible significance. The architecture of the temple is outstanding, so are all the details and treasures inside but its greatest feature of all is The Emerald Buddha (Jade), sitting in a meditating position. It was carved out of a single emerald stone and is dressed in a golden robe. Only the King is allowed to go close and touch the statue. He is also the only one who changes the robes each season, signifying piece and prosperity for the country.
One of the most recognizable symbols of Bangkok and Thailand is the Reclining Buddha of Wat Pho. The giant gold statue is 46m long and 15m high and its 4m long feet are encrusted with exquisite mother-of-pearl decorations. An unforgettable sight, the Buddha statue embodies so much symbolism and tradition that you can spend quite some time deciphering the elements. But this is not all for Wat Pho! The temple complex is one of the largest and oldest in the country containing an incredible wealth of Buddhist statues and art of spiritual significance. Wat Pho is also the first school of traditional massage and practitioners still offer it to the visitors.
Bangkok is a city with many faces. It is hard to define and hard to explain. The contradictions are everywhere... Red light districts in plain sight next to luxury shopping malls. Backpackers' mecca of cheap street stalls is contested by outstanding world-class restaurants and hotels. Run down old buildings, crossing wires and dark allis are quickly forgotten before the sight of richly decorated palaces and temples... It is a city that has to be experienced and cannot be defined.
Bangkok is a city with many faces. It is hard to define and hard to explain. The contradictions are everywhere... Red light districts in plain sight next to luxury shopping malls. Backpackers' mecca of cheap street stalls is contested by outstanding world-class restaurants and hotels. Run down old buildings, crossing wires and dark allis are quickly forgotten before the sight of richly decorated palaces and temples... It is a city that has to be experienced and cannot be defined.
Asia is such an incredible destination with countless treasures to discover. Here are some of the best places to visit where natural beauty, cultural diversity and outstanding architecture will make the experience absolutely unforgettable.
Asia is such an incredible destination with countless treasures to discover. Here are some of the best places to visit where natural beauty, cultural diversity and outstanding architecture will make the experience absolutely unforgettable.
Ah, the blissful heavenly beaches of Thailand!
Ah, the blissful heavenly beaches of Thailand!
These streets are so iconic and so unique that they absolutely have to be experienced. Historic routes, spiritual walks, backpackers meccas, luxurious shopping, lights, life and adventure... these are the best streets to stroll in the world. How many have you walked already?
These streets are so iconic and so unique that they absolutely have to be experienced. Historic routes, spiritual walks, backpackers meccas, luxurious shopping, lights, life and adventure... these are the best streets to stroll in the world. How many have you walked already?
A true celebrity among all Thailand islands is, no doubt, Phi Phi! Crystal clear emerald water surrounds the sandy beaches contrasting with the towering dark coastal cliffs and bright green vegetation. A real paradise on earth, Phi Phi is the place to escape, relax and disconnect as you stare at the surrounding beauty. The laid back atmosphere takes you away and immerses you in the moment. No hustle and bustle, pure tranquility overpowers Phi Phi of which only Ko Phi Phi Don is inhabited while all the rest are gorgeous virgin nature.
A true celebrity among all Thailand islands is, no doubt, Phi Phi! Crystal clear emerald water surrounds the sandy beaches contrasting with the towering dark coastal cliffs and bright green vegetation. A real paradise on earth, Phi Phi is the place to escape, relax and disconnect as you stare at the surrounding beauty. The laid back atmosphere takes you away and immerses you in the moment. No hustle and bustle, pure tranquility overpowers Phi Phi of which only Ko Phi Phi Don is inhabited while all the rest are gorgeous virgin nature.
Nested in the mountains of northern Thailand, the ancient city of Chiang Mai is to this day a sacred destination. The multitude of Lana temples, built in the exquisite architecture of soaring rooftops, mosaics and paintings create an enchanting atmosphere. Spirituality, meditation and enlightenment are in continuous pursuit by monks and visitors who dive into the ambiance of the mountain and the city temples. Outside of the Old Town, there is a modern metropolis where busy markets, street vendors and talented craftsmen stand out as the charm of Chiang Mai.
Nested in the mountains of northern Thailand, the ancient city of Chiang Mai is to this day a sacred destination. The multitude of Lana temples, built in the exquisite architecture of soaring rooftops, mosaics and paintings create an enchanting atmosphere. Spirituality, meditation and enlightenment are in continuous pursuit by monks and visitors who dive into the ambiance of the mountain and the city temples. Outside of the Old Town, there is a modern metropolis where busy markets, street vendors and talented craftsmen stand out as the charm of Chiang Mai.