Tag: Temples

This was the first temple I visited in Bangkok. Located not far from my hotel and close to Khao San street I walked past it on my way to the Grand Palace.

Full name Wat Bowonniwetwiharn Ratchaworawiharn is a major buddhist temple under patronage of the Chakri Dynasty. Many royal princes and kings studied and served their monk hood here. This includes the late King Bhumibol (Rama IX) who is also laid to rest here, as well as the current King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X).

Another former king of the Chakri Dynasty, King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), is also laid to rest here.

The day I visited a lot of cleaning (all the intricate golden carvings with toothbrushes!), tree cutting (health and safety would have had a fit) and decorating was taking place. The reason will become clear in my next post.

Several temples with many buddha statues situated around and on a hill. Great views over Bangkok.

This temple is just behind the Grand Palace. Its many pagodas have ceramic decorations. Just beautiful.
The main attraction though is the longest reclining Buddha. 46 meters! They surely must have build the temple around it.

The temple complex is one of the six top royal temples and houses the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand.

On site is also the school of Thai medicine which is attributed to be the birthplace of Thai massage. A museum informs about uses of different spices and herbs as well as anatomical techniques. It also had air condition which drew in even uninterested tourist. You can book a walk-in massage session at the school on site.

WOW – the size of the pagoda is impressive but also what an unexpected decoration style! Detail photos in next post.

Another interesting feature were again the many Asians dressed up in traditional clothing, posing everywhere, photographers swarming them like paparazzis. I didn’t mind having any of the pretty ladies walking into my photos. I actually tried to take sneaky photos of them.

This temple is Khmer style and is located across the river from the Grand Palace.

Only 30 minutes walk from my hotel, crossing two 4-6 lane roads with traffic that make London and NYC look empty. The air pollution is not necessarily visible but I can feel it in my throat.

Just before the palace complex is a hidden oasis underground. A huge marble tiled hall with benches and restrooms – fully air conditioned. Pure bliss. I stopped there whenever my way took me past just to bring down my body temperature. On the walls hang blown-up posters of the palace and Bangkok through the ages.

At the entrance to the palace many guides try to sell their services. In hindsight it would have been good to have somebody explain the stories behind the beautiful paintings. Next time. I like to explore at my own pace.

Security is high, soldiers in immaculate uniforms everywhere. Tourists in shoulder and knee free attire are directed to the stalls outside to buy appropriate clothing. I find it astonishing that people don’t read up customs in countries they visit. Or just employ common sense. You wouldn’t go to church like that, would you?

Once inside the palace walls my senses got flooded with exotic architecture, gold everywhere, colourful glittery mosaics, and Asians dressed up in old traditional clothing. The King and I sprang to mind.