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Temples and Buildings of Cultural InterestBangkok takes great pride in its large number of fascinating temples around the capital. The major ones can be found in the Rattanakosin area on the western side of the city. The Rattanakosin area is called an island but has been incorporated into the city. A trip there will allow visitors to see many attractions within a short distance of one another. The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaeo (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha) Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall Located on Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue, this beautiful Throne Hall was built in the reign of King Rama V using marble for construction in the Italian Renaissance architectural style. The ceiling of the dome is highlighted by exquisite fresco paintings of important royal functions during the reigns of King Rama I up to King Rama VI of the Royal House of Chakri. Nowadays, Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall is primarily used to hold important royal and state ceremonies. Recently, the Hall welcomed leaders from many countries participating in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2003 hosted by the Royal Thai Government. The Hall opens only on the 2"' Saturday of January (Children's day). However, the outdoor portion is open daily from 9.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Wat Mahadhatu Located across the street from Wat Phra Kaeo on the west side of Sanam Luang, Wat Mahadhatu, known as the Temple of the Great Relic, is the national centre for the Mahanikai monastic sect. The temple houses Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist Vimanmek Mansion Royal Elephant National Museum This is the first building on the right when entering the Vimanmek compound, containing a life-like model of the white elephant. The myth and legend of the white elephant began in Southeast Asia - The Land of the White Elephant. In the story of the Lord Buddha, the white elephant is connected to fertility Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) San Lak Mueang (City Pillar Shrine) On the southeast corner of Sanam Laung, this shrine houses a city pillar placed there by King Rama Ito mark his new capital, Bangkok. It is reputed by many to have the power of granting wishes. The city pillar is made of the wood of "Javanese Cassia" and contains the city's horoscope. Sanam Luang, an oval public area in front of the Grand Palace, is used for various royal ceremonies including Royal Cremations and the Royal Ploughing Ceremony held each May. Located near its borders are several important institutions such as the Fine Arts Department, Thammasat University, Bangkok National Museum and National Gallery.
Bangkok National Museum
Located across from the National Museum on Chao Fa Road, this building was once the old Royal Mint and was converted into the National Gallery in 1974. It displays permanent traditional paintings and contemporary paintings by leading Thai artists. There are regular temporary exhibitions. The admission fee is 30 baht and a package ticket is 80 baht. It opens on Wednesday to Sunday from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Tel. 0 2281 2224, 0 2282 2639 Ext. 14, 17 Website: www.thailandmuseum.com
The gallery, located on Phan Fa intersection, was established in response to the gracious wish of H.M. the Queen to provide a permanent place for the exhibition of a wide range of visual arts - a public gallery deemed an important means for the promotion of Thai culture and Thai artists as well as younger talents with exceptional skill and obvious potential. Gallery hours are from 10.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. daily (except Wednesday). Admission is 20 baht. Silpakorn University Beside Sanam Luang is Silpakorn University, the first university of art in Thailand. All kinds of art have been passed down from generation to generation, keeping Thailand abreast of changes in modern art. Professor Silpha Bhirasri (1892 - 1962), an Italian artist serving the Royal Government, committed himself wholeheartedly to developing art education in Thailand. He was the founder of this university. The University has 4 galleries which display many kinds of traditional and contemporary arts such as paintings, sculptures, graphic designs, and architecture. These works are by students and faculty members. In addition, leading Thai and foreign artists also have exhibitions here. Art Galleries - The Art Gallery of the Faculty of Painting Sculpture and Graphic Design Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn) Wat Trimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha) Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple) Wat Suthat Located on Bamrung Mueang Road, the temple is renowned for its superb murals and elaborate woodcarving door panels created during the reign of King Rama II. The preaching hall contains a collection of gilded Buddha images. The temple was constructed in the early 19'h century and there are four smaller chapels constructed on each of its corners. The main Buddha image, Phra Si Sakayamuni was orginally cast in the Sukhothai period (1238-1438 A.D.) Eight-metres tall, on a six-metre pedestal, the image is the largest bronze-cast one in the kingdom and considered one of the most beautiful Buddha images in Thailand. The cloisters within the complex are pleasantly quiet and contain many Buddha images. With an admission fee of 20 baht, the temple is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. Website: www.watsuthat.org This unusual 200-year-old red swing outside Wat Suthat was once used in Brahmanic ceremonies to honour the highest God Shiva. Furthermore, it was used competitively in a contest designed to seek the brave man who could swing the highest to seize a money bag from a 25-metre-high pole. But the contest was outlawed many years ago, when accidents and deaths became too common. www.watsuthat.org Wat Rajbopit
Wat Saket (The Golden Mount) Located near Ratchadamnoen Avenue, this temple houses a 58metre-high stupa surmounted by a golden cupola. The relic of the Lord Buddha is enshrined here. Visitors can climb the 318 steps to the cupola. Before entering the cupola area, however, it is interesting to see Thais placing flowers, lighting candles and paying homage to Buddha images. This room beneath the cupola is redolent of sandalwood and incense and attracts many Thai visitors. The climb to the top gradually reveals views of the temple below and the panorama of Bangkok. For only 10 baht to enter the enclosure at the top of the edifice, the visitor can see the golden cupola entirely covered with small golden squares. These reflect the sun which give the building its name the Golden Mount. On each side of the square enclosure, a panoramic view of Bangkok is offered, especially of the Rattanakosin area, the enclave which houses the Grand Palace and other historic buildings. The Golden Mount understandably attracts many visitors. It is an unusual and pleasant experience to enjoy the silence of the cupola area in this bustling city. The temple is open daily from 7.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. and admission is 10 baht. Wat Ratchanatdaram On Wisutkasat Road, visitors will enjoy a visit to this temple with its impressive 32-metre-high standing Buddha image and other buildings within its complex which are well worth seeing. The temple is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and there is no charge for admission. |
Thailand Destinations
The splendid Grand Palace enclosure is home to many ornate temples and buildings with a variety of architectural styles. Gold leaf, reflective tiling and Buddha images are to be seen everywhere. The magnificent Wat Phra Kaeo, a treasure trove of Thai arts and home to the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most revered Buddha image, is at the heart of the complex, but there is much else of interest to be seen in the Grand Palace compound, such as the Royal Thai Decorations and Coin Pavilion, where a permanent exhibition of royal regalia, decorations, medals and coins dating back to the early 11 th century is on display.
The complex is open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. except on special days designated for royal ceremonies to be announced later. The admission fee is 200 baht which includes entry to Vimanmek Mansion and the Coin Pavilion. Visitors are advised that polite and modest dress is essential. Tel. 0 2623 5500 ext. 3100
This is the largest golden teakwood building in the world, built in 1901 by King Chulalongkorn the Great (Rama V) as a royal residence. It is located behind the National Assembly Building. The 3-storey mansion contains 81 rooms, halls and antechambers. It was renovated and extensively restored by the order of H.M. Queen Sirikit to house priceless treasures and a collection of late I 9' and early 20th century royal memorabilia. Situated on the east wing of Vimanmek Mansion is Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall, a one-storey teak building built in the reign of King Rama V. The Hall is now Thailand's first handicraft museum where Her Majesty the Queen collects handicraft masterpieces, created by members of her SUPPORT
Foundation. In the museum, visitors will find handicrafts such as nielloware, Thai silk with various unique designs, Liphao basketry made from finely split jungle vines like beautiful trays and handbags studded with jewels in different designs such as the green metallic wings of an indigenous beetle.
Near the entrance to Vimanmek Mansion is the Royal Carriage Museum with splendid examples of ancient horse-drawn carriages.
Vimanmek Mansion is open daily from 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. Tickets are available until 3.00 p.m. There are Thai classical dance performances at 10.30 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. Admission is 100 baht. For visitors with a ticket to the Grand Palace, admission is free. Golf car rental is 400 baht per hour. Polite and modest attire is required.
Neighbouring the Grand Palace enclave, this temple is considered the largest in Bangkok. The famous Reclining Buddha, constructed in 1832, is enshrined in this temple. This 46-metre long and 15-metre high gold-plated Reclining Buddha, the eyes and feet inlaid with mother-of-pearl brings to mind the Lord Buddha's entry into Nirvana. The sole also shows 108 auspicious characteristics of the true "Buddha".
Wat Pho was also the first centre of public education in the Kingdom. Nowadays, it is an important centre for the teaching and administering of traditional Thai massage. Wat Pho is open daily from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and the entry fee is 20 baht. Modest attire is required. Tel. 0 2222 7831, 0 2225 9595 Website: www.watpho.com
Sanam Luang (Phramen Ground)
Near the National Theatre and not far from Sanam Luang, one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in Southeast Asia, the National Museum houses an important and superb collection of artefacts and objets of art ranging from the Bronze Age to the Bangkok period. The complex consists of several old and beautiful buildings once used as a palace. The museum
The National Gallery
This famous Bangkok landmark is on the Thon Bun side of the Chao Phraya River, directly opposite the Grand Palace complex and easily accessible by boat from the Bangkok side. The temple dates back to the Ayutthaya period. The temple was enlarged by King Rama II and King Rama III. Renovations were completed in the reign of King Rama IV. The Emerald Buddha was enshrined in this temple for a brief period before King Rama I built the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo on the Bangkok side.
The landmark of this temple is a 79-metre-tall massive central pagoda, "Phra Prang", and four smaller ones at each corner. The ornamentation of the central pagoda consists of encrusted pieces of porcelain which sparkle in the sun. Despite its name, the best photographic opportunities are in the late afternoon with the sun setting in the red sky behind the temple.
To visit the temple, shuttle boats from the Tha Tian Pier at
the south-west side of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo area are provided regularly. The Chao Phraya Express Boat stops at the Tha Tian Pier and there are several Thon Buri canal tours, which include the temple. Enter the temple from 7.00 a.m. to 5.20 p.m. for 20 baht. Website: www.watarun.org
Located at the end of Chinatown's Yaowarat Road, this temple houses the extraordinary 700-year-old golden Buddha image,
Situated on Si Ayutthaya Road, near the intersection with Rama V Road, this unique marble temple was constructed during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (1868 - 1910 A.D.). Its proportions are classically beautiful, with European influences evident in its stained glass windows and the use of Carrara marble. The temple houses a superb cloister collection of bronze Buddha images and many reckon the temple to be one of the finest in the world as far as its craftsmanship and architectural splendour are concerned. It attracts large numbers of visitors every year. Admission is 20 baht. The temple is open daily from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
The Giant Swing
South of Wat Suthat is the impressive Wat Rajbopit, built in the reign of King Rama V (1868-1910 A.D.) Its most striking features are the 5-colour porcelain mosaics encrusted in the main stupa. The architecture of the main chapel is in Thai-style, while its interior decorations reflect a European influence with some Gothic details. Visitors will particularly be impressed with the delicate mother-of-pearl inlays and the exquisite bas-reliefs on the window and door panels of the main chapel. The temple is open daily from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Admission is free.
Located behind the King Rama III Memorial Statue on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, this temple is considered one of the most orginal temples in Bangkok. It was constructed during the reign of King Rama III and completed in recent years by the Fine Arts Department. The temple contains a pyramid-shaped pink Loha Prasat (metal-spired Pagoda) inspired by the one in Sri Lanka. The Loha Prasat stands 36-metres high with 37 surrounding spires, the only one of its kind left in the world.
In front of this temple, there is a memorial statue of King Rama III and a Pavilion "Maha Chetsadabodin" which is used for performing an official welcoming ceremony, to the visit of Heads of States. On the opposite side of the temple, there is Mahakan Fortress which is a part of an ancient city wall. The temple is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Admission is free.
Wat Indharavihan