|
|
| |
Bangkok Attractions |
| |
::
Wat Ratchaburana
This temple is located at the foot
of the Rama I Memorial Bridge on the Bangkok side. Built
in the late Ayutthaya period by a Chinese merchant,
it is otherwise known as Wat Liap and is one of the
3 principal temples of the capital which include Wat
Ratchaburana, Wat Ratchapradit and Wat Mahathat. It
had been regularly restored since the reign of King
Rama I through to the reign of King Rama VII, except
in the sixth reign. Some of the temples principal buildings,
especially Phra Ubosot the ordination hall which houses
mural paintings by Khrua In Khong, were badly damaged
by bombing during World War II. The buildings were later
restored to their good condition as they appear today.
Open : Daily from
6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Admission : Free
Tel : 0 2225 1595
|
| |
|
| |
::
Canal Tours
A voyage through time
Bangkoks history is so closely connected to the waterways.
It used to have so many canals that it was often called
The Venice of The East. Rattanakosin Island came into
existence when King Rama I had the Bang Lamphu Klong
constructed to fortify Bangkok.
Cruising along the klongs as the canals are called in
Thai, takes you on a journey of contrast back to earlier
eras and up to modern Bangkok.
The most popular klong trips start on the Bangkok side
of the Chao Phraya River and cross over to the Thonburi
side to venture up Bangkok Noi and Bangkok Yai canals.
These journeys take you to fascinating places such as
The Royal Barge Museum and the colonial-style Thonburi
Railway Station.
On the way you will see a different
side of life as you pass the homes of the klong-dwellers.
Each home seems to have its own boat, be it a small
canoe or a hang yao the long-tailed boats powered by
car or truck engines and a propeller on a long shaft
that acts as both propulsion and steerage.
The contrast continues as you pass
into idyllic rural pockets where villagers grow fruit,
vegetables and orchids which are sent to markets on
the long-tailed boats. Youll see children on there way
to or from school and saffron robed monks travelling
to their klong-side temples. You may even come across
Thai women in boats selling boat noodles, drinks, snacks
and fruit.
Most organized canal tours take you to a floating market
at Taling Chan in Thonburi that operates from 8.30 a.m.
until noon. It is usually crowded with other tourists.
How to get there:
Tour boats depart from the pier beside the Oriental
Hotel, at River City and Tha Chang Wang Luang Pier.
|
| |
|
|
::
Royal Barge National Museum
The Royal Barge Procession is one of
the most spectacular events in the world. It is performed
occasionally during the Tod Kathin Buddhist Festival
when H.M. The King delivers new robes to the monks at
Wat Arun. It was also seen by millions of viewers around
the world when it was specially staged for the 2003
APEC Conference in Bangkok and broadcast live to the
participating countries.
These ornately decorated boats are
maintained by the Royal Thai Navy and docked at The
Royal Barge National Museum on Bangkok Noi canal on
the Thonburi side.
The most impressive and important boat
is the Kings personal barge, Suphanahong which was built
in 1911. It is 46 metres in length hewn from a single
tree and covered with intricate gilt carvings and colourful
pieces of glass. The design is representative of a mythical
swan. The crew consists of 54 oarsmen who paddle in
time to the rhythmic beat of a drummer.
The Royal Barge fleet consists of 52
vessels. Each is a masterpiece of marine and traditional
craftsmanship. They feature a variety of figureheads
on their bows, including a sacred Garuda, Hanuman and
the seven heads of Naga.
In formation the fleet travels in rows
five abreast and more than one kilometer from the leading
barge to those at the rear. These are propelled by 2,082
specially trained naval personnel
A visit to The Royal Barge National
Museum will give you an insight into the colourful culture
of Thailand.
How to get there:
by Chao Phraya Ferry cross the river at Tha Pra Chan
Pier near Thammasat University to Bangkok Noi (Thonburi)
Train Station Pier or by chartered boat from Tha Chang
Pier.
Open daily : 9 am.
- 5 pm.
Admission : 30 baht
Tel : 0 2424 0004
www.thailandmuseum.com |
|
|
|
::
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
This famous Chao Phraya riverbank landmark
diagonally opposite the Grand Palace, is best known
for a porcelain encrusted 79 metre central pagoda which
sparkles in the sun. The temple can be reached either
by Arun Amarin Road or by boat from Tha Tian Pier near
Wat Pho.
Open : Daily from
7.30 a.m. - 5.30 p.m.
Admission : 20 baht
Tel : 0 2465 5640
|
|
|
|
::
Wat Arun
Make sure you set aside one late afternoon
to see and photograph this imposing sight at sunset
with the Chao Phraya River in the foreground. These
photographs will bring back beautiful memories of Bangkok.
The temple was built during the Ayutthaya
period and was originally called Wat Makok after the
name of the local village Tambol Bangmakok. It means
"Village of Olives".
Wat Arun gets its name from Aruna,
the Indian god of the dawn, hence its common name The
Temple of Dawn.
The location of the temple is in the
area that used to be occupied by the palace of King
Taksin who re-established the Siamese Kingdom after
the fall of Ayuttaya more than two hundred years ago.
The main Buddha image is believed to have been designed
by King Rama II.
Wat Arun, often called The Temple of
Dawn, is one of the most remarkable visual identities
of Bangkok. The imposing Khmer-style prang or tower
is 104 metres tall and decorated with bits of porcelain
that was used as ballast by boats coming from China.
It is surrounded by four smaller prangs. Construction
of the prangs were started by King Rama II and completed
by King Rama II.
The central balcony is an ideal spot
for looking across the river to The Grand Palace and
The Temple of The Emerald Buddha.
Each year at the end of the three-month
lent period for Buddhist monks, H. M. The King or his
appointed representative travels down river in a Royal
Barge Procession to present new robes to the monks.
This ceremony is called Royal Tod Kathin.
How to get there:
Bus routes 19, 57, 83
Open daily: 7.30 am.
to 5.30 pm.
Admission fee: Baht
20
Contact: Tel: 0 2465
5640
Website: www.wararun.org |
|
|
|
::
Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
Situated in the southeastern area of
Vachirabenjatas Park (Railway Park), the garden covers
an area of approximately 6 rai. It comprises an activity
ground, exhibition area, feed breeding room, embryo
breeding room, scenic area, insectariums, butterfly
garden and Lamphu tree ground. There is a cage covering
an area of 1,100 square metres with a large dome of
15 metres high, built from an open framework for good
ventilation. The garden area connects to Chatuchak Park
and Queen Sirikit Park. It is a natural study room ideal
for learning and being a source of information as well
as exchange of knowledge about butterflies and insects,
their life cycles and being. The garden is open daily
except for Monday during 8.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m.
Open : Tue - Sun and
public holidays
Admission : Free
Tel : 0 2272 4359-60,
0 2272 4680 |
|
|
|
::
Chatuchak Park
This is located at the junction of
Phahonyothin and Vibhavadi Rungsit roads. There are
nine pieces of ASEAN sculptures that enhance the character
of the park.
Open : Daily from
5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission : Free |
|
|
|
::
Chatuchak Weekend Market
This is paradise for bargain hunters.
Every Saturday and Sunday, 9,000 individual booths are
open selling an infinite variety of goods.
It is just about impossible to go to
Chatuchak Weekend Market and not buy anything. There
is just about everything that bargain hunters, home
makers, pet lovers or just browsers can imagine.
Handicrafts are every where including
pottery, hand-made glass models of the Royal Barges,
fluffy toys, colourful tropical fish, singing birds
puppies of many breeds, furniture and lots of new and
second hand clothing, shoes, handbags, belts. There
is so much on offer that even international home decor
wholesales come here to shop.
Music lovers can find unique traditional
Thai musical instruments being sold direct by the artisans
who have crafted them to make the pleasing sounds.
One rule for all shoppers to observe
is bargain, bargain, bargain. This is part of the fun
and also gets you the best prices.
Chatuchak Weekend Market has interesting
products from all over Thailand as well as things from
far off lands.
You should allow the best part of a
whole day to explore the many stalls. You never know
what you will find. But this is work that will make
you thirsty and puckish, so take a break here and there
to cool off with a fresh fruit juice or feast on delicious
Thai dishes such as Pad Thai, barbecue chicken, noodles
and sweets.
How to get there:
BTS Skytrain to Mochit Station or Metro to Kamphaeng
Phet Station
Bus Routes 3, 26, 27, 29, 34, 59, 77, 96, 112, 134,
136, 138, 145, 502, 503, 510, 512, 513
Open : Saturday and
Sunday
Admission: Free |
|
|
|
::
Childrens Discovery Museum
The museum is located inside Queen
Sirikit Park and was established under the royal initiative
of Her Majesty the Queen, in her realizing the significance
of creating a pleasurable learning process for Thai
children. Based on the Bangkok Metropolitan Administrations
children and family activities, the Childrens Discovery
Museum took shape in the form of 3 exhibition buildings
and an open-air activity ground covering a total area
of 5 rai. The construction was completed in 2001 and
undertaken under the project to celebrate the 60th birthday
anniversary of Her Majesty the Queen.
The museum offers exhibitions as well
as funny activities for children to enjoy and learn
about human life, sciences, culture and society, nature
and the environment, including an exhibition in honour
of Her Majesty the Queen. It is open during 9 a.m.-
5 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. on weekends.
Open : Daily (Mon-Fri
from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat-Sun from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Admission : Adult
70 baht, Child 50 baht
Tel : 0 2615 7333
ext. 102, 134, 148 www.bkkchildrenmuseum.com |
|
|
|
::
Santi Chai Prakan Pavilion and Public Park
The Park is on Phra Athit Road on the
bank of the Chao Phraya River. It was constructed near
Phra Sumen Fort under the cooperation between the Royal
Thai Government and the general public to mark the auspicious
occasion of the sixth cycle birthday anniversary of
His Majesty the King on 5 December, 1999. The spacious
area provides a pleasant atmosphere as well as a scenic
view of the Chao Phraya River and the Rama VIII Bridge.
It is popular among both Thais and foreigners, especially
from the nearby Bang Lamphu community.
Open : Daily
Admission : Free |
|
|
|
::
National Memorial
It is located on Vibhavadi Rangsit
Road slightly beyond Bangkok International Airport.
Covering an area of 38 rai, the National Memorial is
under the responsibility of the Armed Force Education
Department, Supreme Command Headquarters. There are
wall paintings depicting historic events in Thai history
from the Sukhothai period to Rattanakosin period, replicas
of royal decorations, bas-reliefs of the establishment
of the city and models recounting historic battles in
Thai history.
Open : Mon. - Fri.
from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Admission : Free
Tel : 0 2532 1021
A speaker is available for a group
visit but advance contact in writing is required. |
|
|
|
::
Dusit Zoo
Dusit Zoo has a very good collection
of animals from around the world. It is ideal for a
family outing or just for those who would like to know
more about animal behavior.
The Dusit Zoo was established in 1938
and covers an area of 118 rai in the Dusit District
of Bangkok. Under the administration of The Zoological
Organization under the Royal Patronage of H.M. The King,
it welcomes more than 2,500,000 visitors a year. It
takes care of over 1,000 birds and nearly 2,000 animals.
Major sections include a Nocturnal
Animals Exhibit where you can see how they live in the
night- time environment. The Reptiles and Amphibians
Center has more than 70 species.
There is a special Childrens Zoo where
youngsters can have contact with small animals that
are of interest to children.
You can learn about animal behavior
at the Animal Presentation area including how they live
in their respective environments. Visitors can witness
and experience the animals in person.
For more fun, there is Playland where
children can really enjoy themselves on amusement rides.
There are other more sedate rides available on the lake.
How to get there :
Bus routes 18, 28, 70, 108, 510, 515, 539, 542
Open : Daily from
8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Admission : Adult
30 baht, Child 5 baht
Tel : 0 2281 2000,
0 2282 7111-3 www.zoothailand.org |
|
|
|
::
The Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall
The Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall is
the beautiful white building facing the Royal Plaza
where the statue of H.M. King Chulalongkorn ( Rama V
)stands.
In 1906, His Majesty commissioned the
construction of a new Throne Hall within the grounds
of the Dusit Palace. The name Ananda Samakhom was taken
from a previous building that had deteriorated and was
no longer usable. The foundation stone was placed by
His Majesty King Chulalongkorn on the occasion of the
40th anniversary of his ascension to the throne.
The design and construction was supervised
by Chao Phraya Yommaraj, with a team of Italian architects,
engineers and painters. It took nine years to complete
the building, which is designed in Italian Renaissance
style. The exterior is decorated with marble imported
from Carrara in Italy.
As beautiful as the exterior is, it
is the exquisite paintings inside that really take your
breath away. These paintings, by Mr. C. Riguli and Prof.
G. Chini, trace the history of the Chakri Dynasty from
Kings Rama I to Rama VI.
The north side dome is painted to depict
King Rama I on his return from a battle in a neighbouring
country, while the eastern dome has paintings of Kings
Rama II and Rama III and their support for the arts.
How to get there:
Bus routes 70, 72, 503
Open : Daily from
9.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except public holidays)
Admission : 50 baht
(proper attire is essential)
Tel : 0 2628 6300
ext. 5119 - 5121 www.palaces.thai.net |
|
|
|
::
Vimanmek Palace
Vimanmek Mansion, the principal building
in the palace compound, was built for King Rama V on
land he named The Dusit Garden located between Padung
Krungkasem and Samsen canals. The completion was celebrated
on March 27, 1901 and King RamaV took up residence until
1906. The mansion was originally his Summer Palace,
the Munthaturaltanaroj Residence, on Sri Chang Island.
It was dismantled and re-built at the present location
under the supervision of HRH Prince Narissaranuwaddhiwongse.
The three-storey Vimanmek Mansion is
the largest golden teak building in the world, built
in an architectural style that reflects European influences.
There are two right-angled wings, each 60 metres long
and 20 metres high. The section where The King resided
is octagonal and has four storeys. The mansion has 81
rooms, halls and ante-chambers.
How to get there:
Bus Routes 18, 28, 108, 510, 515
Opening Hours: Open
to the public everyday from 9.30 am. to 3.15 pm.
Admission Fee: Baht
100. If you have visited The Grand Palace on the same
day you will have also received an entrance ticket to
Vimanmek Palace which is valid.
Contact: Telephone:
0 2628 6300-9 Website: www.palaces.thai.net |
|
|
|
::
Wat Benchamabophit
To stand at the main gateway and look
upon the Monastery of Five Kings is a sight to behold.
The perfect symmetry and proportions must inspire admiration
of this architectural masterpiece.
Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram is
known to foreigners as The Marble Temple as its exterior
is clad in Carrara marble. Very talented The Prince
Naris, a son of King Rama IV , designed the main building
which was completed during the reign of King Rama V.
The interior crossbeams are decorated
with lacquer and gold. The walls of the spacious inner
courtyard are lined with a large collection of bronze
Buddha images. The canal in front and to the left hand
side has ornate bridges.
It is advisable to come in the early
morning to see local people offering alms to the monks
as they do not go outside as monks at other temple do.
Stand at the main entrance to the compound and watch
the pigeons take flight. If you cant be there at this
time, go at sunset when the main doors are illuminated.
This is another sight well worth witnessing.
How to get there:
Bus routes 72, 503
Open : Daily from
6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Admission : 20 Baht
Tel : 0 2281 2501,
0 2628 7947 |
|
|
|
::
Safari World
The main attraction is as the name
says traveling through the open spaces where wild animals
can be seen in their natural habitat from the windows
of a tour coach or your own car. The journey is 8 kilometres
and takes about 45 minutes. On the way you will have
close encounters with rare and endangered species. One
highlight you should not miss is feeding time for the
lions and tigers. It will send a chill down your spine.
There are many animals in the underwater
world too. Some are very playful and mischievous. They
will split your sides with laughter as the sea lions
and their friends perform in the Sea Lion Show at Lighthouse
Cove.
Add more excitement to your visit on
a boat ride through the tropical jungle where hungry
crocodiles await and head-hunters have their eyes on
you. Beware of the gorillas lurking in the forest. You
had better hold on to your seat as the boat moves through
the mangroves and thick reeds and shoots down a heart-stopping
flume.
All this adventure will probably build
up an appetite so you head to the restaurants and kiosks
spread throughout the park.
How to get there:
Bus routes 26, 60, 71, 96, 501 and go to Safari World
by "Song Theaw" mini bus.
Open : Daily from
8 a.m. - 5.30 p.m.
Admission : Adult
700 baht, Child 450 baht
Tel : 0 2518 1000-19,
0 2914 4100-19 www.safariworld.com
|
|
|
|
::
Siam Park City
Located in suburban Min Buri on Sukhaphiban
2 Road, this water amusement park contains a man-made
sea with towering slides. Satellite attractions include
childrens playgrounds, aviaries, an open zoo and a botanical
garden.
Open : Mon. - Fri.
from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sat. - Sun. and Public Holidays
from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Admission : Adult
200 baht; Child 100 baht
Tel : 0 2919 7200-19
www.siamparkcity.com
|
|
|
|
::
Jim Thompson's Museum
This exquisite collection of traditional
Thai house stands as a museum to the man who revived
the Thai silk industry after the Second World War.
The story of James H.W. Thompson is
one upon legends are made. After serving in the U.S.A.
armed forces, Jim Thompson settled in Thailand and found
the tremendous opportunity to re-establish the Thai
silk industry. In recognition of his services to the
country, he was bestowed the royal award of The Order
of the White Elephant.
The company he founded, Jim Thompson
Thai Silk, is recognized worldwide for its brilliant
creations.
He was an avid collector of Asian artifacts
and antiques and The Jim Thompson's House is possibly
the epitome of his collection.
Before his mysterious disappearance
in the Cameron Highland in Malaysia in 1967, his house
was the talk of the town where he entertained his friends
and visitors including the like of Somerset Maugham.
The house sits on approximately a half
acre of land on Mahanak Canal. Ban Khrua village where
his silk weavers lived and worked. Is just on the other
side of the canal. To build the house he gathered 6
original traditional teak structure from different parts
of the country and brought carpenter from Ayutthaya
who completed the house in 1959.
The gardens are equally impressive
with a lush tropical jungle imitating nature's haphazard
beauty right in the center of the city.
Jim Thompsons connoisseur collection
of antiques and artifacts is on permanent exhibition,
making this a magnificent museum of the lifestyle of
the legend.
How to get there:
BTS Skytrain to National Stadium Station Bus routes
15, 32, 39, 53, 59, 70, 80, 82
Open daily: 9.00 am.
to 5.00 pm.
Admission fee: Adult
100 baht, Child 50 baht.
Contact: Tel: 0 2216
7368 www.jimthompson.com |
|
|
|
::
China Town
The largest outside of China
Chinatown is a bustling, crowded area where you can
buy just about anything day or night.
The main thoroughfare through Chinatown
is Yaowarat Road, which is approximately 1.5 kilometres
in length. It was built during the reign of King Rama
V. On each side of the road, there is a network of streets
and alleys lined with shops selling all sorts of things.
In many of these streets, you'll find shops side by
side selling the same items.
There is an old fresh food market called
Trok Isarnuphap where leading chefs from all over Bangkok
shop for the finest and freshest ingredients for their
restaurant menus.
A visit at night will take you to a
food street where you sit on stools watching your meal
being prepared, then enjoying the delicious cuisine
washed down by tea or a cold beer.
How to get there:
Subway to Hua Lamphong station Bus routes 1, 4, 7, 25,
53, 501 |
|
|
|
::
Khao San Road
Where the worlds young travellers meet.
Khao San Road is a favourite crossroads for the young
travellers on a budget. It has evolved over the last
two decades from just one small hostel providing low-budget
accommodation become one of the worlds most well-known
destinations. It has been featured in many movies and
television documentaries.
During the day, Khao San Road is the
scene for back-packers looking for a cheap room while
others are arranging transport to their next destination
in Thailand or overseas. Some will be just chatting
with friends over a cup of coffee or a bowl of noodles.
At night, it turns into a lively thoroughfare
lined with street stalls selling cheap clothes, handicrafts,
souvenirs and thousands of other items. The lights are
on at the many bars where the travellers tell tales
of the days adventures and discoveries and the plans
for tomorrow. Khao San Road is not just for foreign
travellers, many young Thai people like to hang out
there, including members of the TV and film production
industries.
The location is very convenient for
visiting the many tourist attractions on Rattanakosin
Island. It is just a 10-minute walk to Sanam Luang and
The Grand Palace.
How to get there:
Bus routes 3, 9, 32, 64, 39, 44, 53, 59, 503, 509, 511 |
|
|
|
::
Vimanmek Mansion Museum
This is the world's largest golden
teak building located in the compound of the Dusit Palace
on Ratchawithi Road. The three-storey royal mansion
has 81 rooms, halls and ante-chambers containing fin
de siecle royal memorabilia. A guided tour in English
is provided to visitors.
Other beautiful buildings in the same
compound display various items and art objects; for
example, H.M. King Bhumibols photography, H.M. Queen
Sirikits collection of handicraft masterpieces created
by rural people, paraphernalia of rank and portraits,
old clocks, ancient cloth, and royal carriages.
Open : Daily from
9.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. Tickets are sold till 3.15 p.m.
Thai dancing shows :
Daily at 10.30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Admission : 100 baht
Proper attire is required
Tel : 0 2628 6300-9
ext. 5119 - 5121, 0 2281 5455, 0 2281 6880 www.palaces.thai.net
|
|
|
|
::
Wat Pho
This is possibly the most interesting
temple in Thailand as it combines history, medical science
and is a center for meditaion and traditional massage
training. Its official name is Wat Phrachetuphon Vimon
Mangkararam Ratchaworamahawihan, although it is commonly
called Wat Po.
Founded during the 16th century, Wat
Pho is most famous for the golden reclining Buddha that
measues 46 metres and has feet inlaid with mother-of
pearl. This is the main attraction that draws visitors
to the temple. In more modern times, Wat Pho has gained
international recognition as a meditation centre and
for the traditional Thai massage that is both practiced
and taught here.
Traditionally, temples were the schools
as there was no formal education system, with monks
providing basic lesson in both spiritual and secular
subjects. King Rama III turned Wat Po into a major centre
for learning in botany, geography and history.
Bas reliefs around one of the main
buildings depict the story of the Ramakian which is
the Thai adaption of the Indian Ramayana.
For those interested in traditional
Thai medicine, there is a pavilion that serves to both
impart knowledge and provide treatment. The walls have
marble tablets describing basic anatomy and treatments.
In the late afternoon, traditional medicine practitioners
are there to dispense herbal mixtures. Nearby, there
is a cloister where you can have a traditional Thai
massage for a very small payment.
How to get there:
Bus routes 1, 3, 12, 25, 47, 53, 60, 82, 91, 501, 508
Open daily : 8.30
a.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Admission : 20 baht
Tel : 0 2222 1969
; Thai Massage School : 0 2221 3686 www.watpho.com
|
|
|
|
:: Wat Phra Kaeo
situated in the same compound of the
Grand Palace, is a treasure house of Thai arts, and
houses the Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image
in Thailand. Three main buildings inside the temple
which form up a glittering scene are the Golden Stupa,
enshrining the relics of the Buddha, the Phra Mondop
or the Library, housing the Tripitaka or a Buddhist
scripture, the Royal Pantheon which is a pavilion used
for keeping statues of deceased kings of Chakri dynasty.
Besides, the 178 section mural paintings which depict
the story of the Ramayana are the superb masterpiece
of Rattanakosin artisans.
The compound of Wat Phra Kaeo and the
Grand Palace is open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m..
The admission fee is 200 baht , including the entry
to the Royal Thai Decorations & Coins Pavilion in
the same compound and to Vimanmek Mansion Museum on
Ratchawithi Road. |
|
|
|
::
Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing
A visit to Wat Suthat Thep Wararam,
situated almost in the center of old Bangkok, gives
you an opportunity to see both the Giant Swing and one
of the first-class Royal temples. The surrounding area
is also worth exploring as there are many shops selling
religious items.
The building of the temple was commissioned
by King Rama I, the founder of Bangkok, in 1807. Its
location in the center of Rattanakosin Island. This
was in keeping with the Buddhist belief that it is like
Mount Phra Sumeru being the center of the universe.
Phra Sri Sakayamunee, the principal Buddha image, was
moved from Wat Mahathat in Sukhothai to be placed in
Phra Wihan Luang in Wat Suthat in 1808.
Wat Suthat is surrounded by an impressive
wall 1.94 metres high and 0.85 metres thick. There are
a total of 15 doorways leading into the temple compound.
Within the temple grounds the most important building
is the Phra Wihan Luang which is the Royal Temple. The
mural paintings, covering all the interior walls are
some of the finest to be seen anywhere. Each has stone
inscriptions describing the pictures.
Surrounding the Royal Temple is Phra
Wihan Khot terrace which is really impressive with 156
Buddha statues, mostly in the seated meditative attitude
called Smathi.
The chapel, Phra Ubosot at Wat Suthat
is possibly the most beautiful in Thailand and is also
the largest measuring 72.25 metres in length and 22.60
metres in width.
There are four pavilions (sala) within
the compound that are elevated to the height of the
temples walls. These are used for various royal functions
and for viewing the previous functions at the Giant
Swing in front of the temple.
The annual ceremony was held up until
the 1930s but was discontinued to the high fatality
rate as young men tried to swing high enough to grab
a sack of gold on a pole about 25 metres in the air.
How to get there:
Bus routes 12, 15, 42, 73, 96, 508
Open daily: 8.30 am.
to 9.00 pm
Admission fee: Baht
20
Contact: Tel: 02 224
9845 Website: www.watsuthat.org
|
|
|
|
| :: Bangkok Hotel Special Offers :: |
|
|
|
| |
|
