Wat Thammamongkhon
This contemporary temple in eastern Bangkok features a 95-meter pagoda, the tallest in the country. The soaring chedi contains a hair of the Lord Buddha, presented by the Supreme Patriarch of Bangladesh. Visitors can ride to the top of the chedi in a lift to enjoy the panoramic views of the area.
Wat Thammamongkhon is located on Sukhumvit Soi 101 and admission is free.
Showing posts with label Historical Sites. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Historical Sites. Show all posts
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Historical Sites - Sri Mariammam Temple
Sri Mariammam Temple
Also known as Wat Phra Si Maha Umathewi or commonly 'Wat Khaek', the Sri Mariammam Temple is one of few temples in the busy commercial district of Silom. Located on the corner of Pan Road and Silom, Wat Khaek is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Uma Devi, although many other deities are represented. Immigrants from southern India built this colorful temple in the 1860s.
People of all creeds worship at the temple on Friday mornings and at around 11.30 am vegetarian food is offered to the devotees. At around noon, a priest sprinkles holy water on the hands of worshippers, who pass their hands through the flame of an oil lamp for purification. They then dip their fingers in colored powder and daub prayer marks on their foreheads.
Watch out for the brightly colored garlands of marigolds on sale around the temple and at the entrance to Pan Road.
The Sri Mariammam Temple is open daily and admission is free.
Also known as Wat Phra Si Maha Umathewi or commonly 'Wat Khaek', the Sri Mariammam Temple is one of few temples in the busy commercial district of Silom. Located on the corner of Pan Road and Silom, Wat Khaek is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Uma Devi, although many other deities are represented. Immigrants from southern India built this colorful temple in the 1860s.
People of all creeds worship at the temple on Friday mornings and at around 11.30 am vegetarian food is offered to the devotees. At around noon, a priest sprinkles holy water on the hands of worshippers, who pass their hands through the flame of an oil lamp for purification. They then dip their fingers in colored powder and daub prayer marks on their foreheads.
Watch out for the brightly colored garlands of marigolds on sale around the temple and at the entrance to Pan Road.
The Sri Mariammam Temple is open daily and admission is free.
Historical Sites - Wat Saket and the Golden Mount
Wat Saket and the Golden Mount
A large festival is held in the grounds of Wat Saket every November with a candlelight procession up the hill.
The footpath up the Golden Mount offers fine views over the city. Admission to the temple is free except for the final stretch to the top, which costs 5 baht.
Historical Sites - Wat Ratchanatdaram
Wat Ratchanatdaram
Wat Ratchanatdaram is also well known as a center for amulets and small Buddhist charms. Amulets of all shapes and sizes are available at the small market, including images of the Buddha, Indian deities and well-known Thai monks. Certain amulets are highly sought after and command high prices among Thais who believe in the magical powers of these charms.
Historical Sites - Wat Ratchabophit
Wat Ratchabophit
Built in 1869 by King Rama V, this temple is within walking distance of Wat Pho on Fuang Nakhon Road. Wat Ratchabophit demonstrates the growing influence of new ideas at the end of the 19th century with its blend of local and western styles. This melding of forms is particularly evident in the interior of the main chapel or 'bot', which is strongly reminiscent of a gothic church or cathedral. The western influence can also be felt with the gilded pagoda and courtyard that is enclosed by a circular cloister. Watch out for the windows and doors to the main chapel with their mother-of-pearl inlay and exquisite bas-reliefs.
Wat Ratchabophit is open daily and admission is free.
Built in 1869 by King Rama V, this temple is within walking distance of Wat Pho on Fuang Nakhon Road. Wat Ratchabophit demonstrates the growing influence of new ideas at the end of the 19th century with its blend of local and western styles. This melding of forms is particularly evident in the interior of the main chapel or 'bot', which is strongly reminiscent of a gothic church or cathedral. The western influence can also be felt with the gilded pagoda and courtyard that is enclosed by a circular cloister. Watch out for the windows and doors to the main chapel with their mother-of-pearl inlay and exquisite bas-reliefs.
Wat Ratchabophit is open daily and admission is free.
Historical Sites - Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha
Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha
The main feature of Wat Pho is a colossal 46-meter-long reclining Buddha, which depicts the Buddha passing into nirvana. The reclining Buddha is modeled from plaster and brick with a gilt covering. The soles of his feet are adorned with the 108 auspicious attributes of the Buddha in mother-of-pearl inlay.
Wat Pho is often considered the first center of public learning, "Thailand's First University", and also serves as the national headquarters for the teaching and preservation of Thai massage and medicine. A massage here costs 180 baht for an hour or 100 baht for half an hour. Courses are also available for anyone wishing to study Thai massage.
Wat Pho is open from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm with a 10 baht admission fee. English, French, German and Japanese-speaking guides are available for hire.
Historical Sites - Wat Pak Nam
Wat Pak Nam
The temple is perhaps best known for its meditation lessons. The meditation teacher can speak some English or the junior monks are able to interpret.
Getting to this temple is probably easiest by chartered long-tailed boat from Tha Chang or Tha Saphan Phut.
Toed Thai Road, Phasi Charoen, Thonburi
Historical Sites - Wat Mahathat
Wat Mahathat
Just across the street from Wat Phra Kaew is Wat Mahathat, the so-called Temple of the Great Relic. Built in the 1700s, Wat Mahathat is the national center for the Mahanikaya sect and the Mahathat Rajavidyalaya University, one of Asia's highest seats of Buddhist learning.
This temple also houses the International Buddhist meditation Centre, which offers English instruction in meditation. Those interested in learning 'wipassana' (insight) meditation should visit Section 5 of the temple compound to arrange information and practice with the Buddhist monks.
Wat Mahathat is open daily from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Admission is free.
Just across the street from Wat Phra Kaew is Wat Mahathat, the so-called Temple of the Great Relic. Built in the 1700s, Wat Mahathat is the national center for the Mahanikaya sect and the Mahathat Rajavidyalaya University, one of Asia's highest seats of Buddhist learning.
This temple also houses the International Buddhist meditation Centre, which offers English instruction in meditation. Those interested in learning 'wipassana' (insight) meditation should visit Section 5 of the temple compound to arrange information and practice with the Buddhist monks.
Wat Mahathat is open daily from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Admission is free.
Historical Sites - Wat Indravihan
Wat Indravihan
Wat Indravihan is located on Wisut Kasat Road off Samsen Road, not far from the Thewet Flower Market. The temple is open to the public every day and admission is free.
Historical Sites - Wat Bowonniwet
Wat Bowonniwet
King Rama IV, founder of the Thammayut sect resided at the monastery as a monk and abbot for several years. Other kings including King Rama VII and HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and HRH the Crown Prince have been ordained as monks here.
Wat Bowonniwet is located on Phra Sumen Road in Banglamphu District. The temple is open daily from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm and admission is free.
Historical Sites - Wat Benchamabophit, The Marble Temple
Wat Benchamabophit, The Marble Temple
Located on the corner of Si Ayutthaya and Rama V Roads near Chitralada Palace, the Marble Temple is open until 5.00 pm with a 10 baht admission charge.
Historical Sites - Victory Monument
Victory Monument
The monument was erected in 1941 by the Pibulsongkhram administration in honor of the heroic deeds of soldiers and civilians who died during the border dispute between Thailand and France.
Historical Sites - Suan Pakkard Palace
Suan Pakkard Palace
The palace grounds house five traditional Thai houses from Chiang Mai with displays of Thai art, antiques and furniture, and beautifully maintained tropical gardens with many indigenous plant species. One house accommodates an extensive collection of seashells, minerals and painted pottery from Ban Chiang, a bronze-age settlement in northeastern Thailand. At the back of the compound is the Ayutthayan-period Lacquer Pavilion, which features murals of the Ramayana and scenes from daily life in Ayutthaya.
Suan Pakkard is open daily from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm except Sundays and national holidays. The admission fee is 150 baht.
Historical Sites - Rama IX Bridge
Rama IX Bridge
Spanning the Chao Phraya River between the port area to the north and Dao Khanong to the south, the expressway road bridge was completed and opened to the public on December 5, 1987 to coincide with His Majesty the King's 60th birthday. Viewed from the east at sundown, the bridge presents an excellent subject for photographers.
Historical Sites - Democracy Monument
Democracy Monument
Italian-born Silpa Bhirasi, founder of Thailand's premier institute of the fine arts, Silpakorn University, designed the Democracy Monument. The 75 cannons arranged at the base of the monument symbolize the Buddhist year 2575 (1932 AD), while the revolutionaries are depicted in plaster relief. The four-ton copper tray at the center holds the Constitution.
Historical Sites - The City Pillar Shrine
The City Pillar Shrine
Many Thais believe their wishes will be granted if they worship at the shrine. It is particularly noted for its powers to grant fertility to those who make offerings of pig heads and incense at the shrine. Lak Muang is open daily and no admission fee is required. The shrine is a good place to see Thai classical dance.
Historical Sites - Ananta Samakom Throne Hall
Ananta Samakom Throne Hall
The interior of the Ananta Samakom Throne Hall is decorated with marvelous mural paintings. A wonderfully detailed fresco can be seen on the inside of the domed ceiling. The hall is only open to the public once each year on children's day, the second Saturday of January.
Immediately in front of the Royal Throne Hall in the middle of the parade ground is an imposing statue of King Chulalongkorn on horseback. Much of this part of Bangkok was originally built during the great king's reign. Many Thais turn out on October 23, the anniversary of his death, to lay wreaths at the base of the statue.
Historical Sites - Vimanmek Teak Mansion
Vimanmek Teak Mansion
The three-storey wooden palace has 81 rooms, halls and ante-rooms, excluding terraces and verandahs. Vimanmek served as King Rama V's residence at the turn of the century and still contains many of his personal effects, antiques and works of art.
Although not a temple, Vimanmek is within the grounds of Chitralada Palace and visitors should wear respectful clothing.
Vimanmek is open daily from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm with a 50 baht admission fee. Guides are available free of charge.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Attractions - China Town
Bangkok's Chinatown District
Bangkok's vibrant Chinatown district runs along Yaowarat Road from Odeon Circle, where a huge ceremonial Chinese gate unmistakably marks the entrance, up to the Ong Ang Canal, which marks the outer boundaries of the royal district. Yaowarat Road itself is lined with many gold shops, and Chinatown is indeed one of the better places to shop for gold. However, just off the road in either direction is a whole other world where, it is said, you can find just about anything.
Chinatown is an easy place to explore on foot, and in fact there really isn't any other way. Our own suggested walking tour takes in many of the sights of Chinatown, as well as the Indian market at Phahurat and the flower market further on.
Chinatown History
The Chinese community in Bangkok pre-dates the founding of the Thai capital in the city. Indeed, the land where the grand palace is today was originally a community of Chinese traders. When King Rama I decided to establish the capital on the site of the village of Bangkok, he asked the traders to move. They settled to the east of the new city, along the river. It may be hard to believe today, but the narrow Sampaeng Lane, which isn't even big enough for a car, was once Chinatown's main street.
In 1902, the foreign community, who settled on the river further east of Chinatown, petitioned the king for a larger road. Yaowarat Road was built as a result, and the celebration of the road's 111th birthday was the highlight of Chinatown's 2003 Chinese New Year celebration.
Chinatown Sights
Although there are many things to see in Chinatown, one of the biggest sights is the experience of the place as a whole. The best way to see the area is to pick a starting point and wander around.
Bangkok's Chinatown |
- Wat Traimit
- This small and rather uninteresting temple is home to the world's largest solid gold Buddha image, the five-ton-plus image sits in a small wiharn within the temple.
- Tien Fa Charity
- Just a short distance up Yaowarat Road from Odeon Circle is the small clinic run by th Tien Fa Charitable Foundation. In the courtyard of the old building is a large chapel to the goddess Ming.
- Historic Buildings
- Chinatown is home to many examples of the architecture of Bangkok's early years. About 14% of the buildings in the district have been designated as historical landmarks. Most of them are off on side streets. One of the most well known is the is the Tang To Gung gold shop on Sampaeng Lane around Mangkon Road.
- Sampaeng Lane
The crowded Sampaeng Lane on a typical day.
- Chinatown's original main street is a small narrow alley which runs from the Phahurat Market all the way down to Songsawat Road. The lane is too small for cars, and is now a crowded market selling mostly inexpensive household items. Near the Tang To Gung gold shop is a very old Chinese pharmacy that is definitely worth a look.
- Wat Mangkon Kamalawat
- At the heart of Bangkok's Chinatown is the Chinese-Buddhist temple of Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, known in Chinese as Wat Leng Nui Yee. The temple is the center of festivities during important festivals such as Chinese new years and the vegetarian festival.
- Wat Kanikaphon
- This small temple in Bangkok's Chinatown has some interesting details, but its main claim to fame is the fact it was founded by a former madame who owned a brothel.
- Li Thi Miew Temple
- This Chinese temple is one of the more open and accessible of the many Chinese temples in Bangkok's Chinatown.
- Wat Chakrawat
- This large monastery, one of the three biggest in Bangkok, houses some very unusual buildings as well as a few crocodiles!
- Phahurat Market
- The market is home to a huge number of fabric and wedding stalls. Its really the center of a small community of Sikhs and other immigrants from the sub continent.
- The Old Siam
- If the array of sights and smells is a bit too overwhelming for you, head over to the Old Siam shopping center, where you will find more tourist-friendly western and Thai restaurants and fast food outlets.
Getting There
The easiest way to reach Chinatown is by boat. Alight at the Ratchawong Pier and walk up Ratchawong Road to Sampaeng Lane or Yaowarat Road. You can also alight at the Harbor Department Pier, which is closer to Odeon Circle; or you can also use Memorial Bridge Pier, right at the flower market.
Historical Sites - Wat Traimit, the Temple of the Golden Buddha
History Wat Traimit is thought to date from the 13th century. The Golden Buddha image is about 900 years old and is cast in the Sukhothai style. It is believed to have been brought first to Ayutthaya.
When the Burmese were about to sack the city, it was covered in plaster to hide its value. Two centuries later, still in plaster, it was thought to be worth very little.
But in 1957, when the image was being moved to a new temple in Bangkok, it slipped from a crane and was left in the mud by workmen.
In the morning, a temple monk, who had dreamed that the statue was divinely inspired, went to see the Buddha image. Through a crack in the plaster he saw a glint of yellow, and discovered that the statue was pure gold.
What to See
Off to the side of Wat Traimit is a small chapel containing the Golden Buddha, which is the world's largest solid-gold Buddha. The graceful seated Buddha is nearly 10 feet high and weighs over 5 tons.
This powerful image has such a bright, reflective surface that its edges seem to disappear, and it gleams with such richness and purity that even the most jaded are inspired by its strength and power.
Pieces of the stucco that once hid this remarkable treasure are on display in a case to the left.
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