Wats or Temples
Wat Pho (Temple of The Sleeping Buddha)
or Wat Phra Chetuphon, the oldest and largest Temple in Bangkok, was built in the 16th century during the Ayutthaya period and then almost completely rebuilt in 1781 by King Rama I. It features the largest reclining Buddha and the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand and was the earliest centre for public education.
Location : South of Wat Phra Kaew, entrances on Chetuphon and Thiwong Roads
http://smiling-holiday.blogspot.com/2008/09/wat-pho.html
Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of The Emerald Buddha)
Wat Phra Kaew in the official name Wat Phra Si Rattanasatsadaram or The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, adjoins the Grand Palace on common ground, which was consecrated in 1782, the first year of Bangkok rule, The 945,000 square metre compound encompasses over 100 buildings that represent 200 years of royal history and architectural experimentation. Most of the architecture can be classified as Bangkok or Rattanakosin style.
Location : Within the Grand Palace compound on Naphralan Road near Sanam Luang
http://smiling-holiday.blogspot.com/2009/01/wonderful-palaces-and-temples.html
Wat Arun (Temple of The Dawn)
The Temple of Dawn or Wat Arun is named after the Indian god of dawn, Aruna. It appears in all the tourist brochures and is located on the Thon Buri side of the Chao Phraya River. King Tak Sin chose this 17th century Wat for his royal temple and palace as it was the first place in Thon Buri to catch the morning light. The Emerald Buddha was housed here, after it was recaptured from Laos, before being moved to Wat Phra Kaeo in 1785. Even without the sacred statue, Wat Arun continued to be much revered, and the King Rama II and Rama III reconstructed and enlarged it to its present height of 104 metres, Today, Wat Arun has a long, elongated, Khmer style, Prang, the tower, and four monor towers symbolising Mount Meru, the terrestrial representation of the thirty three beavens. the Prang are covered with pieces of porcelain, which Chinese boats coming to Bangkok used as ballast.
Location : To reach Wat Arun from Bangkok side, catch a cross river ferry from Tha Tien at Thai Wang Road.
http://smiling-holiday.blogspot.com/2008/07/wat-arun.html
Wat Traimit (Temple of The Golden Buddha)
Buddha image made of 75 per cent gold weighing 5.5 tons and stading 3.5 metres high. The image of the Golden Buddha is believed to have been found by accident inside a larger statue. People believe the image was covered with plaster when the Burmese were attacking Ayutthya in the 18th century. Inside the hall of the Golden Buddha, evidences that led to the discovery of the image in 1954 are exhibited. The Golden Buddha is one of the most Famous Buddha images in the World.
Location : Traimitr Road, near Hual Lampong Railway Station
Wat Saket and Golden Mountain
Wat Saket is an undistinguished temple except for the Golden Mountain or Phu Khao Thong, on the West side of the grounds. The steep climb up the Golden Mountain puts everything back in perspective and offers views over Rattanakosin Island that are simply stunning. The artificial hill was created when a large Chedi under construction by King Rama III collapsed because the soft soil beneath would not support it. the resulting mud and brick hill was left to sprout weeds until King Rama IV built a small Chedi on its crest. King Ramai V later added to the structure and housed a Buddha relic from India in the Chedi. The concrete walls were adds during World War II to prevent the hill from eroding. Every November a large festival, held on the ground of Wat Saket, includes a candlelight procession up to the Golden Mountain.
Location : Intersection of Rajadamnoen Avenue and Klong Banglampoo
http://smiling-holiday.blogspot.com/2009/01/wonderful-palaces-and-temples.html
Erawan Shrine
San Phra Phrom or Erawan shrine is one of the most visited sites in Bangkok. The beautiful golden shrine, laden with garlands of sweet scented jasmine, marigold and roses. The golden shrine is of Lord Brahma and is always filled with the strains of Thai music. Thai classical dances perform around the asrine for a small fee, offering prayers to make merit for wishes granted by the deity to his devotees.
Location : Corner Rama I and Rajdamri Road
http://smiling-holiday.blogspot.com/2009/03/erawan-shrine-ratchaprasong.html
credit : Bangkok Metropolitan Administration
