Thai Temples in Bangkok

Located in the chinatown area, this temple houses the 700 years old world's largest solid Buddha image (3-metre tall and 5.5 tonne in weight). It was a plain stucco Buddha image when discovered in 1955. 20 years later it was accidently cracked and revealed the precious material inside.

The famous colossal reclining Buddha statue decorated with mother-of-pearl inlay at its soles is enshrined in this oldest and biggest temple in Bangkok. It is also recognised as the first open university in Thailand and nowadays it is perhaps best known for its Thai traditional massage school.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha located in the Grand Palace is an important Buddhist temple in Thailand which is famous for the highly revered Emeral Buddha image, the world's longest murals and numerous interesting sculptures such as fanciful mythical animals and fierce-looking giants standing guard at the gates.

Graceful and transquil as its main chapel is made of white carrara Italian marble, the Marble Temple is one of the most modern religious buildings that employs European ecclesiastical details. It houses a replica of Thailand's most beautiful Buddha image and exhibits 53 other famous image styles from all over Asia.

The Golden Mount is an artificial hill (77 metres in height) with a large golden pagoda on top. Climbing up the spiral staircases, it offers a panoramic view of Bangkok including the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha, the Temple of Reclining Buddha and the Temple of Dawn.

Wat Suthat is a good place to see the blend of Thai art and Chinese art. The main features include a 14th century large cast bronze presiding Buddha, the beautiful murals in the main building, and splendid carving door leaves. In front of the temple is the Giant Swing which was riden during Brahman ceremonies since the establishment of Bangkok until 1935.

Situated across the street from Wat Phra Kaeo, Wat Mahathat was built in the reign of King Rama I and houses one of Thailand's two Buddhist universities. The International Buddhist Meditation Center is also situated in the temple.

Photo : www.watmahathat.com

This old temple formerly named Wat Bangwayai was built in the Ayutthaya period. During the renovation in the reign of King Rama I, a sonorous rakhang or bell was found in the temple compound.

Constructed in the reign of King Rama V, this temple is a combination of Thai and western architectural styles. Its striking features are the temple hall and the pagoda decorated with five-colour (or benjarong) ceramics.

Photo : en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Ratchabophit

This royal temple was built in the reign of King Rama III in 1846. It is famous for its Loha Prasat (Metal Castle) standing to the west of the main temple. This is the only one of its kind left in the world.

Wat Thepthidaram was built between 1836 and 1839 by command of King Rama III. The exquisite designs in this temple constitute the four directional Stupas created by court artisans and the mural paintings on the walls of the main temple.