5 MUST-VISIT TEMPLES IN BANGKOK

I remember with joy the first time I set foot in Asia. The first city that welcomed me was Bangkok in Thailand and that’s why I want to tell you which are the 5 must-visit temples in Bangkok, so that together we can retrace the beauty that my eyes fell in love with at first sight.

The dominant religion is the Theravada Buddhism, professed by about 95% of the population. For the rest we find minorities of religions such as Islamism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism that live peacefully together in an environment of respect and tolerance.

I will tell you which are the 5 MUST-VISIT TEMPLES IN BANGKOK.

BANGKOK: 5 IMPERDIBLE TEMPLES

1. Wat Arun

Wat Arun, also called the Temple of Dawn because of the wonderful color effects that the early morning light gives it, is a temple complex located in the Wat Arun district of Bangkok Yai of the capital Bangkok on the right bank of the Chao Phraya River and dating back to period of Ayutthaya.

There are many buildings and statues built in different times and styles and for this reason it is the most beautiful and original temple complex in the city. The buildings are imposing and built using materials such as Chinese porcelain, stained glass, white marble.

Surely what will immediately jump out at the eye as calssified as the most striking structures of the complex only the high spires in Khmer style that rise to the sky, or rather the prangs. Moreover, this temple complex is an architectural representation of Mount Meru, the centre of the world in Buddhist cosmology. Let me take you to discover the 5 must-see temples in Bangkok.

Opening hours: Every day from 08.00 – 17.30

Costs: 50 baht per person ( 1.40 EUR)

For more info visit: www.watarun1.com

2. Wat Benchamabophit

Wat Benchamabophit, also known as Mramo Temple, is an imposing Buddhist temple located in the Duist district, one of the most important in the capital. The particularity of this structure is its architectural style defined as Italian neo-classical combined with traditional Thai Buddhist architecture. It was built by Italian architects in 1899 and completed in 1911.

Made of white Carrara marble, inside it has many glazed beams or decorated with gold leaves. Remarkable the porch that houses 52 statues of Buddha, each of which depicts him in a different mudra, that is the symbolic gestures of the Buddhist tradition.

The importance of this temple is such that the image of its façade has been affixed on one side of the 5 baht coin.

Opening hours: every day from 8.30 – 17.30

Costs: 20 baht per person (0.60 EUR)

For more information visit the Facebook page: watbencham.

3. Wat Suthat Thepwararam

Wat Suthat Thepwararam is one of the oldest times in Bangkok, built in 2350 BE is located in the old part of the city. It is one of the 10 royal temples of Bangkok city ( 23 in total in Thailand). Built during the reign of King Rama I then later enriched during the reign of King Rama II and finally completed during the reign of King Rama III, each of which contributed to make it rich and majestic.

Known above all for the Giant Swing, a giant red swing that stands at the entrance formed by two red columns joined by a third horizontal and dating back to 1784. In addition, the temple boasts a large portico in which you can admire 150 representations of Buddha made entirely by hand.

Opening hours: every day from 8.30 – 21.00

Costs: 20 baht per person (0.60 EUR)

For more information visit the Facebook page: WatSuthatBangkok

4. Wat Saket

Wat Saket, also known as the Golden Mountain, is a sanctuary in the shape of a “cream flake” that can be reached by walking down 320 steps, but is rewarded with a 360° view of the city. Located north of the historic island of Rattanakosin and south of Kuan Luang Road. Built during the reign of Rama I, it is one of the oldest structures in Bangkok. Famous for his stupa containing the sacred relics of Buddha. In this place, in November, the annual temple festival takes place, during which the mountain is climbed with a procession of candles.

Opening hours: every day from 7.30 – 19.00

Costs: 50 baht per person (1.40 EUR)

For more information visit the page: www.watsrakesa.com/.

5. Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan

Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan or Wat Prayoon is a Buddhist temple complex located on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River at the foot of the Memorial Bridge. Built during the reign of Rama III on an old coffee plantation, it originally had the name Wat Rualek. This name was inspired by the iron fence that surrounded it, made of axes, swords and spears of which there are still traces.

Inside this complex you can admire The Vihara & Ordination Hall, The White Chedi temple, The museum of Buddha images and the different statues representing Buddha.

Opening hours: every day from 6.00 – 18.00

Costs: Free

For more information visit the page: prayurawongsawat.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING A

BUDDHIST TEMPLE

1. Respectful clothing is required. ( Trousers covering the knee or at least part of it, shoulders should be covered and excessive necklines should be avoided).

2. Never point your feet towards the statue of Buddha, as the feet are considered the most impure part of the body.

3. Take off your shoes before entering a temple.

4. If you are female, avoid touching or coming into contact with monks. They are not allowed.

5. Try not to tread on the entrance of a temple, but rather climb over it. This rule arises from the fact that the threshold of a temple or house is where the spirit is located and the feet, as mentioned above, the most impure part of the body, is not auspicious.

I have come to the end of this article in which I explain to you what I think are the 5 times not to be missed in Bangkok.

I hope you have found the right information to visit them.

See you soon from your curious traveler Chiara.

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