Bangkok Temples, Thailand

After the razing of Ayutthaya by the Burmese in 1767, General Taksin eventually emerged as a unifying leader for the Siamese and established a base in Thonburi, on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River. He was later deposed by General Chao Phraya Chakri, who moved the capital across the river in 1782 to what is now known as Bangkok. What the court had in mind for the new capital was a resurrected Ayutthaya with grandiose temples and an island district (Ko Rattanakosin) at its heart. As a result, many of Bangkok's temples are large and contained in a relatively small area not far from the Khao San Road backpacker area.

Popular temples

All of the popular Bangkok temples can be found in the Ko Rattanakosin area, bounded by the Chao Phraya River and canals, the wider Phra Nakhon area, and the Yaowarat (Chinatown area).

Wat Arun: Temple of the Dawn, with a majestic khmer-style prang on the river bank in Thonburi.

Wat Phra Kaew: Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most sacred Buddha image.

Wat Pho: Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

Wat Saket: with its Golden Mount stupa.

Wat Suthat: and the nearby Giant Swing.

Wat Ratchanadda: with its Metal Palace.

Wat Benchamabophit: the Western-influenced Marble Temple.

Wat Bowonniwet: a royal temple with several famous Buddha images.

Wat Intharawihan: One kilometer north of Khao San Road, this temple features a huge standing Buddha statue.

Wat Traimit: The lagest solid gold Buddha statue in the world.

Other temples

Others temples worth visiting are:

Wat Hua Lamphong, Wat Pathum Wanaram, Wat Thepthidaram, and Wat Yannawa.

Bangkok Buddhist Temples: Wat Benchamabopit

Wat Benchamabophit - the Buddhist temple built with Italian marble.

Bangkok Buddhist Temples: Wat Phra Kaew

Wat Phra Kaew Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Bangkok temples: Wat Bowonniwet Chinnasee Buddha

Phra Phutthachinasi Buddha.

Bangkok temples: Wat Suthat celestial guadians

Celestial guardians at Wat Suthat.

Bangkok temples: Wat Phra Kaew illuminated

Wat Phra Kaew illuminated at night.

Bangkok temples: Wat Pho Reclining Buddha

Wat Pho - one of the most famous Bangkok temples.

Bangkok temples: Golden Mount chedi

Golden Mount chedi at Wat Saket.