Bangkok's
temples, despite being in the center of a thriving modern
metropolis, are some of the finest in all of Asia.
The
most spectacular are in the same complex (the old royal
city, where the king and a vast number of relatives
ran the country until 1932) - the
Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
(Wat Phra Keo), with their fantastic roof lines and
spires, are bright, extravagant and richly ornamented.
They
are really best appreciated when crowds are small, so
avoid Sundays and Buddhist holidays.
You could conceivably cover these on foot in a single
day. But due to the heat, you might want to catch a
tuk-tuk or taxi between a few of them.
Wat
Arun (Temple of the Dawn)
Wat
Arun (Temple of the Dawn) is on the other side of the
Chao Phraya River and should also be visited: Classic
Thai dancers are sometimes there (be prepared to pay
them a fee for posing).
Another
good place to see dancers in traditional dress is at
the small Erawan Shrine
at the corner of Ratcha-Damri Road and Sumkumvit.
Very popular with locals and camera-toting foreigners,
the shrine is a nice place to enjoy the music and dance.
Democracy
Monument
Trapped
in a huge traffic circle, this monument with its 24-ft-/7-m-high
granite wings is an easy landmark to spot. It was built
in 1939 to celebrate the 1932 overthrow of the absolute
monarchy.
The
designer was much inspired by Italian fascist architecture.
In the area between there and Sanam Luang, democracy
demonstrators were massacred by the army in 1973, 1976
and 1992.
The
offerings at this monument honor these dead. Ratchadamnern
and Lan Luang Roads, Baan Lampoo (1 mi/1.5 km east of
the Chao Phraya River).
Erawan
Shrine
Next
to the
Grand Hyatt hotel, this shrine is a small, simple,
open-air sanctuary containing a four-headed bronze Brahman
sculpture that's highly revered by Buddhists worldwide.
Built by the hotel for good luck, the modest little
shrine has become a Buddhist mecca.
Because
of miracles attributed to the goddess at this site,
Buddhists from around the world come to make offerings
and requests, usually in matters of love or in hopes
of winning the lottery.
The
shrine is one of the best places to see traditional
religious dances. Get up early to see the dancers commissioned
by people who are making sincere offerings.
Open
24 hours.
Free.
Ratchadamri
and Ploenchit Roads (across from Gaysorn Plaza).
The
Grand Palace
The
Grand Palace is the most famous structure in all of
Thailand with its fantastic roof lines, spires and bright,
extravagant ornamentation.
Originally
built for King Rama I in the late 18th century, it has
evolved into a vast, golden city...a temple compound
and a mecca for this country's predominantly Buddhist
population.
Wat
Phra Kaew, the most important structure inside the walled
compound, houses the Emerald Buddha. Carved from a single
block of jade, this ancient, holy object rests on a
magnificent altar and is said to be a protector of whoever
possesses it. Often the booty of war since its discovery
in the 15th century, the statue was last looted from
Vientiane by King Rama I.
A
few rules for visiting the Grand Palace: No shorts or
sleeveless shirts; no photography inside the building
that houses the Emerald Buddha; women must not touch
the monks.
Daily
8:30 am-3:30 pm, but occasionally closed for ceremonies
and other events.
They're best appreciated when crowds are small, so avoid
Sundays and Buddhist holidays. But don't save it for
your last day (most people want to see it more than
once).
Admission:
125 baht.
Na
Phra Lan Road, phone 222-0094 or phone 222-6889.
Lak
Muang
A
small temple that contains the foundation stone of the
city, this attracts many locals who believe the stone
has the power to grant wishes.
If
you're lucky, you may see traditional lakhon dancing
in the nearby open-air sala.
The
dancers have been paid by the faithful whose wishes
have been granted by the foundation spirit.
Open
24 hours.
Free.
Sanam
Chai Road (between Chareon Krung Road and Bam Rung Muang
Road, on the east side of the Grand Palace).
Wat
Benchamabophit
Wat
Benchamabophit (the Marble Temple) features splendid,
symmetrical architecture with gold and lacquer decorations.
It
has numerous courtyard Buddhas representing famous styles
from other Buddhist countries.
Daily
9 am-5 pm.
Admission:
10 baht.
Sri
Ayutthaya Road (in the Dusit area), phone 281-2501.
Wat
Po
Next
to the Grand Palace,
this is one of Bangkok's oldest temples and it's famous
for its numerous ceramic-tiled stupas and gold-plated
reclining Buddha: It's the largest Buddha in Thailand
(152 ft/46 m long). Walk its whole length, the mother-of-pearl
inlay on the soles of his feet are sensational.
Daily
8 am-5 pm.
Admission:
10 baht.
Thye
Wang and Sanam Chai Road, phone 222-0933.
Wat
Saket
Built
in the late 1700s, Wat Saket is one of the oldest temples
in the city. Its grounds served as a cremation site
for common people. It's easy to spot because of a prominent
landmark—the Golden Mount—that rises on its
grounds. It looks like a yellow concrete hill and is
believed to house Buddhist relics. It's worth climbing
up for the view.
Daily
8 am-5 pm.
Admission:
10 baht.
Between
Boriphat and Lan Luang Roads, south of the Democracy
Monument.
Wat
Suthat
Located
a mile east of the
Grand Palace, this temple from the mid 1800s is
an interesting blend of Thai and Chinese architecture.
It houses some lovely Buddhist relics and ornate murals.
Daily
9 am-5 pm.
Admission:
10 baht.
Tri
Thong and Bam Rung Muang Roads.
Wat
Tri Mitr
Wat
Tri Mitr houses the famous 14th-century Golden Buddha.
Primarily of gold and weighing more than 10,000 pounds,
it was discovered under an unremarkable cement veneer
in 1954, where it had lain hidden for hundreds of years.
Daily
9 am-5 pm.
Admission:
10 baht.
Traimit
Road (on the eastern edge of Chinatown, near the Hualampontg
Railway Station).
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