photo journal for Bangkok
What started as a small trading post on the banks of the Chao Phraya River now beckons travellers to South East Asia. Bangkok has a number of attractions pulling in visitors - foodies alone have everything from the hustle and bustle of street food markets to high-end restaurants with talented chefs at the helm.
A more lewd side to the city has more recently gained prominence, but a history that kept Thailand free from European colonisation means that the high culture attractions will not go quietly. Thailand is home to an approximate 40,000 temples and around 400 of those are in the city of Bangkok, with the oldest dating back to the 17th century.
Being freer from Western influence, in comparison to a majority of South East Asia, has allowed Thailand’s unique culture an opportunity to exhibit its full potential. Religious temples are the centre for opulence in the Kingdom’s capital, but also a symbol of an educated civilisation with great focus on sharing knowledge of science, literature and beyond with its citizens.
Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan or Wat Arun is a Buddhist Temple in Bangkok, also known as The Temple of Dawn.
Red Roof over Wat Pho, The Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The temple was built in the 17th century making it the oldest temple in Bangkok. Wat Pho is one of six temples in Thailand that is classed as the highest grade of royal temples and it is associated with King Rama I who rebuilt the complex on an earlier temple site. It was his main temple and where his ashes are enshrined.
Phra Rabiang is a double cloister in Wat Pho containing around 400 images of Buddha from northern Thailand. These were selected from an original 1,200 that were originally brought to the site by King Rama I.
Outside the Phra Rabiang cloisters are dotted many smaller chedis, called Phra Chedi Rai. 71 of these small chedis were built by Rama III and contain the ashes of the Royal Family.
20 slightly larger ones placed in groups of 5 contain the relics of Buddha.
The Wat Pho complex was renovated and expanded by King Rama III and houses the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand, including the 46m long reclining Buddha.
Wat Pho is considered the first public university of Thailand, teaching students in the fields of religion, science, and literature through murals and sculptures.
The Grand Palace was established in 1782 after King Rama I ascended to the throne.
The two earliest buildings erected within the complex were the Dusit Haha Prasat Throne Hall, and the Phra Maha Monthian.
The King, his court and his governments were located in The Grand Palace from 1782 until 1925. After the abolition of absolute monarchy in 1932 all government agencies completely moved out of the palace.
Today, the Grand Palace is only used on ceremonial occasions, but it remains a pilgrimage destination for devout Buddhists.
As part of the greater complex that also encompasses the hallowed Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha), the 94.5-hectare grounds encompass more than 100 buildings.
The mural paintings surrounding the Temple of the Emerald Buddha depict the story of the Ramakien, the Thai version of the Indian epic the Ramayana.
Looking for restaurant, bar or hotel recommendations in Bangkok? Maybe our map can help.
‘Sightseeing’ from our book club picks is a short story collection by Rattawut Lapcharoensap that explores what Thailand is beyond the tourists.
If you’re visiting Bangkok, consider heading north to Khao Yai National Park and visiting GranMonte Winery and Vineyard. If you’re looking to explore more of South East Asian Buddhist Temples check out our photo journal for Angkor and photo journal for Borobudur (Java).