Bangkok Things to Do Tips by gypsysoul73

Inside what seems like an unremarkable temple structure, sits a most remarkable five and a half ton solid gold (!) Buddha. We stood in awe and barefoot humility before this shiny 15 foot structure that stared down at us with mother-of-pearl eyes.

The story goes that it was cast during the Sukothai period sometime in the 13th century and was later covered in stucco to prevent it's plundering by the Burmese and then left to be forgotten. How you can forget about something of this size and worth (it is supposedly worth around $14 million today!) is beyond me. It was only much much later in 1955, while the plastered image was being moved to it's present location that it fell from a crane to reveal the golden image inside. Imagine their surprise!

It was here that I first learned about the significance of the different buddha postures. We listened as our guide explained that each posture or mudra depicts a period in the life of a buddha. If they are sitting, he is in a state of meditation or teaching. If the right hand is pointed towards the earth resting near the knee (as this one's is), the buddha is believed to be subduing demons. A reclining buddha represents his death and passage to nirvana, symbolizing complete peach and detachment from the world. If standing, the buddha image is bestowing blessings upon those before him but if depicted in a walking stance, this signifies his return to earth from heaven.

Leave a Comment

Phone: 623 1226
Address: Thanon Yaowarat
Directions: Near Hualamphong Station

Though not nearly as awesome as Wat Traimit, Wat Intharawihan (Wat In), or Temple of the Standing Buddha is worth a visit only if you have extra time. Even as I stood before this gigantic 32 meter tall buddha, I regretted not seeing the others instead. After I took some photos from afar, trying to fit the whole image into my lens, I swooped in for a closer look. Sometimes the beauty can be found in the details as in this case. Upon closer inspection I noticed that the buddha's 'skin' is made up of tiny mosaic glass pieces which resembled the scales on a fish. I found the buddha's feet to be the most amusing part, with some toes as if pedicured with pretty flower designs.

Leave a Comment

Phone: 66-(0)2 2817810
Address: Wat Intharawihan -Standing Buddha Image
Directions: Bang Khun Phrom Sub-District, Phra Nakorn District, near by newly open Rama VIII bridge and Bank of Thailand.

No picture of this wat, also known as the Temple of the Dawn, could ever do it justice and it definitely does not prepare you for the micro view. The details are stunning! The temple is named after Aruna the Indian god of dawn and consists of a central prang (Khmer-style tower) that is about 70 meters high known as the Phra Prang and four smaller corner prangs.

Though most postcards usually portray this temple's beauty against a spectacular sunset from across the Chao Phraya River on the east bank- its spires creating a most impressive silhouette , one should not miss a chance to walk among its grounds and up its steep steps. It is only when you are near that you can see the intricate details on it's surface.

The prangs are decorated in delicate patterns using porcelain and fragments from old Chinese boats. My guidebook told me that Wat Arun was restored during the brief Thonburi period to be the Royal Chapel of King Taksin. Once upon a time it also played host to the Emerald Buddha before it was transferred to it's present location. Climbing the super steep steps rewards you with vertigo-inducing but breathtaking views of the river. As I turned to face the steps and make my way down, I once again faced my newly-discovered fear of heights. Since when did going down become harder than climbing up?! I had to go use the other set of steps where no one was blocking the side, otherwise I would have had nothing to hold on to as I made my way down.

Leave a Comment

Phone: 02-466-3167
Address: Tha Tien Pier, Chao Phraya River
Directions: From this pier take a cross river ferry to Wat Arun.

To truly appreciate and embrace the vibrant Thai culture, you have to take the time to know and understand the food because it is central to the Thai identity. And though Thai cuisine has been influenced somewhat by neighboring countries such as India and China, it still retains much of it's own unique and distinct flavors. But the most important thing I learned about Thai cuisine is this: the exclusive use of fresh ingredients. Everything is made fresh, including curry pastes which don't contain any curry powder or other dried and ground spices.

Leave a Comment

Taking a cruise up Chao Phraya river offers you a unique view of Bangkok. Check out the rundown houses on stilts juxtaposed with palaces and temples with stuppas made of pure gold. There are many cruises to choose from, some that just do a leisurely sail along the banks of the metropolis, while others go all the way up to Ayutthaya.

Leave a Comment

Address: Saphan Taksin Stn., Bangkok

Chatuchak is a place for the serious shopper, the food lover and the sight-seer (it is a sight to see thats for sure!) Everything you're looking to buy in Thailand can be found here: buddhas, antiques, silk blouses, bags, shoes, towels, houseware, food, name it, it's there!

But be warned, it's hot and it's crowded. We didn't last more than 2 hours and we barely scratched the surface. If you're determined to make the most of your shopping, t might be a good idea to do your shopping here in a span of 3 days , maybe 2-3 hours each day.

Leave a Comment

Address: Mo Chit Station, Bangkok
Directions: Simply take the Skytrain to the end terminal called Morchit which is exactly where the market is located.
Website: http://www.discoverthailand.com

Oh you simply MUST get a traditional Thai massage. There is nothing like it in the world, and this from a girl who gets a home massage at least once a month and visits a spa about once every 3 months. It is unbelievable and an experience you will never forget. I came out feeling brand new!

The Healthland Spa is the perfect place for this indulgement. It's a large luxurious establishment with 7 floors of private rooms and a very competent staff. It is open from 9am to 11pm.

Leave a Comment

Phone: (662) 637 8883
Address: 120 North Sathorn Rd.
Website: http://www.healthlandspa.com/