Saturday, December 25, 2010

Bangkok Temples

Instead of the usual Wat Pho (Reclinging Buddha), Wat Arun (Temple of the dawn) and Grand palace. Here in my blog, I recommend some of the more interesting temples to visit.

1) Wat Saket (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. The golden Chedi houses relics of Buddha and affords visitors who climb its 318 steps a panoramic view of Bangkok from the top.

If you decided not to go, you may look for a 2 Baht coin, the temple is revealed on the surface of the coin.

Where: Wat Saket is located between Ratchadamnoen Klang and Boripihat road.

2) Wat Indraviharn

The 32m standing Buddha wrapped with his robe is impressive. The temple also contains a chinese shrine and statues of Ramas IV and Ramas V. What's more, it's open to public everyday and free admission. Now there is a good reason to Dana (make donations).

Where: Wat Indraviharn in Bangkok is on Thanon Wisut Kasat (Wisut Kasat Road) off Thanon Samsen, quite close to the Thewet Flower Market. Wat Indravirharn is very close to Rama VIII Bridge.

A visit to the monk’s bowl village is a bonus if you must.

This is the only surviving village established by Rama I to make the bàht (rounded bowls) that the monks carry to receive food alms from faithful Buddhists every morning. Today the average monk relies on a bowl mass-produced in China, but the traditional technique survives in Ban Baht thanks to patronage by tourists.

Where: Soi Ban Baht, Th Bamrung Meuang




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