Temples in Bangkok

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So Many Temples, So Little Time

Despite it’s well deserved reputation as the nightlife capital of the East, Bangkok remains a city with a strong spiritual core. Saffron robed monks and serene temples jostle for space with noisy bars and adults-only entertainment clubs. It is home to a reported 800 temples, each of them unique with its own history and cultural significance. Together, they give the city it’s soul. Visit early on weekday mornings to beat the crowds. 

The Big Three and Beyond

If you only have time to visit three temples in Bangkok, make them Wat Phrae Kaew, Wat Pho and Wat Arun. Wat Phrae Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, situated within in the grounds of the Grand Palace, is the most important Buddhist shrine in Thailand.  It is home to the most revered image of the Thai people, the Emerald Buddha, carved painstakingly out of a single emerald stone. Only His Majesty the king is allowed near this iconic image. Make sure to step on to the balcony with its giant Gate Keeping Guards and murals from the Ramayana painted on the walls.  Wat Phrae Kaew is notably different from other temples in that it has no living quarters for monks; only holy buildings, statues, and pagodas.  Foreign tourists are charged an entry fee of about $5. Just behind Wat Phrae Kaew is Wat Pho or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. It is the largest Wat in Bangkok and renowned for it’s 46 meter long, gold leaf splayed reclining Buddha.  This 16^th century temple is a great place to try a traditional, invigorating Thai massage for about 200 baht an hour.  Make a token donation to the Wat and receive a personal blessing from a placid-faced monk.  An admission fee of 20 baht applies. On the west bank of the Chao Phraya River is the Wat Arun or Temple of the Dawn. It’s breathtaking 70 meter spire, beautifully decorated in an intricate mosaic of colored glass and porcelain, is one of the city’s most recognized landmarks.  The best time to visit is during sunset or better still, take in a night cruise and watch as it floats past, brilliantly lit up, in the inky blackness.  Magical!  Some of Bangkok’s temples exhibit a curious amalgamation of traditional Thai and popular European architectural features.  Like Wat Benchamabophit with it’s slightly incongruous stained glass windows and Wat Ratchabophit on Fuang Nakhon Road whose interiors are classically Western in design. Other worthwhile temples include Wat Suthat, with it’s newly restored 19^th century murals, and the remarkable Giant Swing. Wat Mahathat is a popular center for learning Vipassana meditation techniques, and English speaking monks are on hand to guide you through the motions.  Every Sunday, this Wat becomes the scene of a weekly amulet market where you can pick and chose talismans to ward off ill health and enemies, increase wealth, or find a perfect love match. Choose with care!   

Temple Etiquette

Women must dress appropriately, taking care not to expose knees, shoulders, and midriffs.  Shoes and sandals are not allowed inside a temple.  While sitting before an altar, make sure your feet are pointed away from it. Treat Buddha images with reverence – no sitting on them or posing cockily beside them!  A word of caution for the ladies –it is considered rude behavior to directly interact with or touch a monk, however innocently.