Shopping and Temple visits are the 2 major things to do when in Bangkok... that's what I always see on blogs and trip advisory. However, I never imagined that there are more that 400 wats (temples) around BKK, just like the mosques here in UAE.
Considering that we were are in Muslim country, with a very conservative culture, we were able to adapt easily on their Buddhist cultures although they are of different faith. Respect other's culture and understand their belief is basic and important things to practice when travelling.
From my previous post, we Cruise Along the Chao Phraya River... and this is the same route that we took to reach the temples...
THE GRAND PALACE | the spiritual heart of Thai Kingdom
Built in 1782 - and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government
Wat Phra Kaew | Temple of Emerald Buddha
(officially known as Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram)
Most important and most visited temple within the grounds of Grand Palace.
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| Entrance fee is Baht 500 for foreigners |
The Balcony
The murals along the Balcony tell the Ramaya epic. On each columns of the balcony are stone inscriptions of the verses describing the murals. Each gate is guarded by the five-meter tall Gate-keeping Guards (Yaksa Tavarnbal)
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| The Balcony |
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| The Balcony murals of full Ramayana epic |
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| Stone inscriptions of the verses |
The Angkor Wat replica
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| Replica of Angkot Wat |
Wat Phra Kaew | Temple of Emerald Buddha
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Wat Phra Kaew |
Phra Kaew Morakot - The Emerald Buddha image is in the meditating position in the style of the Lanna school of the north, dating from the 15th century AD. It is carved into a 66 cm tall block of Jade.
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| Phra Kaew Morakot - The Emeral Buddha |
It took us about an hour or two to explore the place... and that includes my photography :)
Apart from the Emerald Buddha, its decorated holy buildings, statues and pagodas are worth seeing.
Apart from the Emerald Buddha, its decorated holy buildings, statues and pagodas are worth seeing.
It opens from 8:30AM to 3:30PM only. There are Personal Audio Guide on duty from 10AM - 2PM for English, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian and Spanish. Entrance fee for foreigners is 500 Bhat.
From Chao Phraya River, get off at the Ta Chang Pier and walk to the temple.
About 10 minutes walk from the Grand Palace is Wat Pho.
Wat Pho | Temple of the Reclining Buddha
(officially known as Wat Phra Chetuphon)
One of the largest temple complex in BKK, located behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
The Reclining Buddha is 15 meters tall, 46 meters long, covered in gold leaf; its feet are 5 meters long.
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| The Reclining Buddha |
Along the hallway, are 108 bronze bowls indicating the 108 auspicious characters of Buddha which line the length of the walls. You can purchase a bowl of coins at the entrance and drop those small pennies for those who believe in good luck; if you don't this also makes nice ringing sound inside the temple...
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| Dropping of coins at the bronze bowl - Wat Pho |
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| 108 Bronze bowls at Wat Pho indicating 108 auspicious characters of Buddha |
Wat Pho is also a great place to get a traditional Thai massage. It is often considered the leading school of massage in Thailand.
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| Massage hall at Wat Pho |
The Wat Pho Complex consists of two walled compounds: the larger northern walled compound contains finest buildings dedicated to Buddha while the southern walled compound contains the residential quarters of the monks and a school.
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| Pagodas inside Wat Pho complex |
Wat Pho is one of the largest and oldest wats in Bangkok and is home to more than one thousand Buddha images.
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| Buddha images at Wat Pho |
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| Buddha images at Wat Pho |
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| Buddha images at Wat Pho |
Below is image of two out of four pagodas, which are dedicated to the four Chakri kings.
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| Phra Maha Chedi Si Ratchakan |
Wat Pho opens everday from 8:30AM - 6:30PM with entrance fee of 100 Baht for foreigners.
From Chao Phraya River, get off at the Ta Tien Pier and walk to Wat Pho.
Opposite Ta Tien pier is the Wat Arun via cross river ferry which is only 3 Baht
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| Cross - river ferry from Ta Tien Pier to Wat Arun |
Wat Arun | Temple of Dawn
(officially known as Wat Chaeng)
One of the most stunning temples in Bangkok; its design is different to other temples and is partly made up of colorfully decorated spires and wires and stands majestically along Chao Phraya River.
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| Wat Arun view from Ta Tien Station |
Unfortunately, we didn't see the majestic view of the iconic Central Prang of Wat Arun because it was under construction...
However, there are uncovered areas which still shows its amazing details...
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| Wat Arun - central prang - details |
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| Wat Arun - central prang |
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| Pagoda at Wat Arun |
Wat Arun is open daily from 8:30AM to 5:30PM with an entrance fee of 100 Baht for foreigners.
Just want to share another not so good experience we had during this visit; the below image is the guy at the token booth for cross-river ferry at Ta Tien station; while we were paying, I have few coins on my hand and my other hand was holding my camera, so I told him to take the payment - which should be 6 Baht (since we are 2). But he took 16 Baht instead, a 10, 5 and 1 Baht coin; maybe he thought that I do not know their currency... so I asked him why he took more; he insists that he took only 6 Baht. The coins were still on his hands, I told him to show it if its only 6 Baht, then I heard the sound of coin as he dropped it on the bucket...
For only 10 Baht, this guy gave a negative impression to their visitors.
Except for this guy, we had a great time exploring these places; its always good to learn new culture and belief. We might not be of same faith, but their ways of preserving their tradition is remarkable.
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| Chao Phraya River |
While we were inside the temple, I observed how they practice their faith; not all the people who were inside are visitors, there are locals and monks. Then I realized how difficult it is for them to communicate with their god; it was so hot that day... but they traveled all the way to the temple to pray. I admire their discipline and dedication to their faith and religion...
For us Christians, we do not need to go to a certain place to pray; everything was made easier by the grace of God, through His Son Jesus Christ. But despite of these, many still neglect the importance of praying and communication with God.
How many times do we remember to give thanks or pray in a day? Good thing if we were not too tired, we can at least say once a day before we sleep or when we wake up, just before we start our busy day. Others even remember praying only during emergencies, when they are in pain, when there are trials and sufferings.
This trip made me realize how blessed I am knowing that my God is just a prayer away. I do not need to ride a train nor cross the river to communicate with God. I can just close my eyes and whisper a prayer... I can sing anytime to give Him praise... I can worship Him anywhere... with all my heart and soul, in all the things that I say and do for His glory.
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Floating market & Elephant ride is next...
Thailand Journal
Thailand Journal
(c) KALI PHOTOGRAPHY
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