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Take a tour around nine of the most sacrosanct places of worship in Bangkok, from the grandeur of Wat Phra Kaew with the revered Emerald Buddha to the iconic spires of Wat Arun, glistening beside the Chao Phraya River. Sights much more than being toured by visitors are living and breathing signs of faith and resilience. Apart from these Buddhist temples, the Erawan Shrine brings in a tint of Hinduism, showing how multiple religious traditions are adopted together in Thailand.
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Thai people come to offer incense at the Erawan Shrine (Source: Asia King Travel)
Join us for an odyssey in order to discover these oases in the spirituality of their stories, architectural marvels, and significance in culture. For meditation, to get inspired, or merely to soak into the serenity of the atmosphere-these nine holy places of worship promise to be one of your lifetime experiences while adding value to understanding the spiritual heritage of Thailand.
Located within the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew boasts of having Thailand's most sacrosanct temple guarded by no other than the Emerald Buddha itself - an extremely valuable sculpture that was hewed out from one block of jade. It makes the temple literally clad with gold on every space provided and hence has been considered an entity to be taken as having great spiritual value both by the local and tourist alike.
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Wat Phra Kaew (Source: Smarthistory)
Indeed, it is a hub of beauty with stunning murals and craftsmanship in every minute detail at every turn, hence attracting millions every day. Beyond the questions of beauty, Wat Phra Kaew remains an important symbol for monarchy and religious devotion. Tourists are allowed to visit, provided they dress modestly, because of the revered state of the place.
On the banks of the Chao Phraya River, one can find Wat Arun, among the most iconic landmarks in Bangkok. Colorful porcelain covers its tall spires, strikingly impressive in the early morning and late afternoon sun when reflecting off its surfaces.
Wat Arun (Source: Asia King Travel)
The main prang rises over 70 meters in the air and allows visitors to climb for a stunning view down upon the river and surrounding cityscape. With great design and a riverside view, it is loved by photographers and voyagers for the outstanding adventure. It is well worth taking a riverboat across for the best views of this beautiful temple.
A site featuring a huge reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is a spiritually and culturally significant place. The 46-meter-long statue, which is clothed in gold leaf, depicts the Buddha's entrance into Nirvana. Wat Pho was also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, which is still taught and performed on site.
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The state of ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death (Source: Asia King Travel)
The grounds are quite large, featuring more than 1,000 images of Buddha and many ornate chedis. The visit to Wat Pho allows for a great feeling of peace and culture. Notice especially the soles of his feet inlaid with mother-of-pearl designs representing auspicious symbols.
As commonly known, Wat Saket is the temple that is built upon a hill, providing your serene get-away from cacophony-Bangkok. As with just about anything in this ancient holy structure, the experience of the ascent to the pinnacle via 300 steps down a tunnel past trickling waterfalls running through verdant growth along and around its sides, awaits the panoramic view at the top.
The Golden Mount (Source: MIA.vn)
Brilliant in sunlight, golden chedi at the top houses Buddhist relics. During its temple fair in November, Wat Saket appears especially beguiling because of colorful processions and folk dances. Everything a calm atmosphere may require-melodious sound of temple bells, fresh breeze-everything perfectly forms here, making it appropriate to reflect.
It is also home to the world's biggest gold Buddha, and indeed it is an extraterrestrial experience to witness anything that pure and enlightening.
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The Golden Buddha Statue (Source: Viator)
The three-meter tall statue weights upwards of five tons, was found underneath a layer of plaster, which was done to hide it from the invading powers centuries ago. On the grounds of the temple is also a museum that provides historical background on the statue, as well as the Chinese-Thai community in Bangkok. History, culture, and spirituality combine to make Wat Traimit very interesting. The visitors are allowed to go in and explore the craftsmanship and religious devotion that went into this highly unusual work of art.
Read more: 10+ Thailand taboos you should know when visiting
Better known as the Marble Temple, Wat Benchamabophit is a Thai architectural gem. Built from Italian marble, it combines the traditional Thai form with the European function of that modernizing period of Bangkok in the late 19th century. It is set around a quiet courtyard, beautifully carved, and always so serene, which makes it quite popular.
Wat Benchamabophit (Source: Wikipedia)
Notably rewarding too are early morning visits where monks gather for daily alms round, which can provide one with a real look at spiritual Thailand hard at work. At its perimeter, the beautifully serene surroundings, combined with the beautiful layouts of the gardens make an oasis amidst a bustling city-a setting worthy for photography and quiet contemplation.
The grounds, set among ancient stupas containing relics of Buddha, form excellent spots for quiet meditation and thoughts.
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Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit (Source: Wikipedia)
Located near the Grand Palace, Wat Mahathat is one of Bangkok's oldest temples and a major center for Buddhist learning and meditation. Monks, students, and laypeople from around the world are drawn to the temple, which offers courses in Vipassana meditation. One can participate in meditation sessions or simply take a walk in the grounds to absorb this tranquil energy of the site. The temple is believed to also be a hub of spiritual education, hence the reasons being another unique and enriching travel destination.
All these places combine to touch appreciation for Thai culture and beliefs by blending history, spirituality, and architectural beauty. From the grandeur of Wat Phra Kaew to the serene charm of Wat Saket, these holy sites invite you to probe into the spiritual soul of Bangkok. From a moment of peace, an enriching cultural experience, or that feeling of wonder in relation to stunning craftsmanship, these nine holy sites are some of the must-see stops along the way to Bangkok. If you want to make a tailor-made tour in Thailand, do not hesitate to contact the team of Asia King Travel for an authentic and memorable experience.
Read more: Thailand Excursions
