Alyssa writes, a Canadian blogger, has written this guest post. Hope you enjoy it!
Thailand has a beautiful landscape that is perfectly complemented by its architectural marvels and religious temples. The temples in Thailand are beautiful examples of how the ancient Taoist religion and subsequent Buddhist tradition have met.
You must visit these 8 temples in Thailand.
WAT PHRAKAEW – EMERALD BUDDHA TEMPLE
Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Main Temple of Buddhism, is located in the center of Bangkok (Phra Nakhon). The temple was constructed between 1782-1784 and is located in Bangkok’s center (Phra Nakhon). The main temple houses the Emerald Buddha, which is accompanied by a traditional ritual. The deity’s dress is changed three times a calendar year to correspond with the Thai seasons.
WHY SUTHEP PHRATHAT?
The temple Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is located 15 km from Chiang Mai on the top of Doi Suthep Mountain. The temple offers stunning views of Chiang Mai, and is full of interesting features: the 200 steps to the top of the mountain, the White Elephant statue and the Temple Bells which are said to bring good luck when rung.
The Temple of the Bodhi Tree
Wat Si Chhum was built around 13 in Sukhothai Province. It is located about a km and a half to the north of Wat Mahthat. The temple is known for its 11-metre wide, realistic and huge stucco statue of Buddha. The statue is next to a passageway that leads up to the roof. It is symbolic, as it’s believed that climbing the stairs represents the journey to enlightenment.
WHY TRAIMIT
Wat Traimit is a temple in Bangkok’s Samphanthawong district that is known for its huge statue of Buddha. The Golden Buddha, which is 3 meters tall and made entirely of solid gold, is the largest statue in the world. The origins of the statue are unknown, but it is believed to have been built over 700 years ago. It was then covered in plaster for 200 years and left forgotten until an accident occurred in 1955. The view is nice, but it’s not the place to be if you want to experience peace and quiet.
WAT RONG KHUN, THE WHITE TIMEPLE
This temple is located in Chiang Rai, a northern province. Wat Rong Khun was built in 1997, but is still unfinished. The temple is designed in a modern style, but it has a somewhat unconventional design. The colour white also represents purity in Buddhism.
WAT PHRA SINGH
Wat Phra Sing lies in the Mueang district, west of Chiang Rai. The temple, which was built by Pra Chao Maha Proma in 1345, has a diverse and interesting collection of statues. There are images of Pra Singh made from ebony, gold and purple jade as well as gold Buddhas collected from bodhi trees.
WAT ARUN – TEMPLE OF DAWN
The temple is located in Bangkok’s Bangkok Yai District. It was constructed during the reign Ayutthaya. Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is named after the Hindu god Aruna. Aruna is usually represented by a rising sun. The main temple is located here, as is the Ordinance Hall which was allegedly designed by King Rama in the 19th century. It is still being used for rituals. There are many beautiful frescoes on the walls that depict the life of Buddha.
SANTA CRUZ CHURCH
The Portuguese built this church in the early 1700s. It’s not the typical temple you expect to find in Thailand. After the fall of Ayutthaya, King Tksin gifted them the land as a token of gratitude for their assistance – the Portuguese had been supplying arms to the country since 1516. This Catholic Church was originally built by the Portuguese with wood. It has since been rebuilt two times. Santa Cruz Church combines Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque styles with stained glass windows and sculptures of Jesus’ life.
Thailand is not only a popular destination for backpackers and gap year students, but also for anyone who wants to experience a new way of living.
Booking tickets for ground transportation and sea transport online is simple.
