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Bangkok’s temples are a unique part of the capital’s heart and soul.
The architecture is inspiring and glittering decoration is stunning. |
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Constructed in 1899 byKing Rama V, its walls are covered with Carrara marble from Italy. |
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The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, located in
a separate complex within the compound of the
Grand Palace, is Thailand’s holiest shrine. Offi cially
named Wat Phra Si Rattanasatsadaram, the temple complex was modeled on the temples of the Sukhothai and Ayuttaya eras. Even though small in size, the Emerald Buddha is considered one of the most important icons for Thai people. The sacred Buddha was fi rst brought to Thonburi, currently the west side of Bangkok, by King Taksin the Great. In 1784, King Rama I moved the statue to the current location in Bangkok. It should be pointed out that the Emerald Buddha is in reality carved from a large piece of green jade. The word in Thai for emerald means “green colored”. |
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This large and extensive temple neighbors the
Grand Palace enclave on Thai Wang Road and
contains a gigantic gold plated reclining Buddha
some 46 meters long and 15 meters high, with inlaid
mother of pearl soles. |
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This famous Chao Phraya riverbank landmark, located diagonally opposite
the Grand Palace, is best known for a porcelain encrusted 79 meter central pagoda (phra prang), which sparkles in the sun. The temple can be reached either by Arun Amarin Road or by boat from Tha Tien Pier near Wat Pho. |
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| Wat Saket’s major feature is the Golden Mount, dating from the mid 19th century. It is an artifi cial hill topped by agilded pagoda, which is 260 feet in height. Begun by King Rama III and completed in the reign of King Rama IV, the golden mountain is one of the most celebrated landmarks in Bangkok’s old area. The golden Chedi houses relics of the Buddha and affords visitors who climb its 318steps a panoramic view of Bangkok from the top. |
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The King, the Queen and the Royal family are highly respected by Thai people. |
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Visitors should show respect to the Royal family and not engage in criticism of them. Also, people should stand still when the national anthem is played. |
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“Wai”, a prayer-like
gesture with the palms of the hands pressed together, is how Thai people greet each other.
Generally, a younger |
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| person wais fi rst and the older one then return the gesture. Thais regard the heads the highest part of the body, literally and fi guratively. Therefore, touching people on their head is considered rude. In contrst, feet are considered the most degraded part of the body, and using feet to point something out to someone is regarded to be very rude. Thai people do not display affection between men and women in public, although it is accepted in Bangkok where most people are westernized, it is unsuitable to openly express affection. |
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