Among the Favorite Bangkok Temples: Wat Po and Wat Arun

Back in 2013, I remember visiting many temples when I was in Bangkok but those temples I could not remember the names. I remember not entering the Grand Palace because of how grand the entrance fee was. I remember visiting a temple that we were able to ate food for free because the head monk died that time and they served food to those people entering small temples. I remember Irish, Joyce, Maan and I just kept ourselves walking and when we found a temple we entered and observed. I remember entering a temple with the tallest Buddha in it. I am not sure how many temples are there in Bangkok but one thing that I forgot during that time was to do my research and know what temple I really wanted to visit. Same with my friends. 

So now, this time I made sure that I listed all the temples I wanted to see in Bangkok as I do not want to be disappointed again. Because I've been reading blogs and all. I've been researching for the must visit temples in Bangkok and I must say that there were two temples that caught my eyes. 

Wat Arun
Address: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai,
 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand
Phone : + 66 2 891 2185
Open: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Entrance Fee : 50 Baht as of 2018



I've always wanted to visit Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn. I saw it in the internet and saw pictures of it wishing that one day I could see it in person. I have a little regret that I did not research this temple during my first travel here. But you know as the traveler's motto : If you are meant to see a place or travel that place - you will. 

 I could not take my eyes off to it's beautiful facade when we were cruising the Chao Praya river, now I am breaking the ice, it was just in time for the sunset and while you're on the boat the feeling was like - I just could not believe that I am seeing it. 
This temple is really at it's best during sunset. 

Apart from us seeing the temple from the cruise. Madhel and I decided to make a stop over to this temple since we were also heading to Wat Pho. Good thing is, Wat Arun and Wat Pho are just across each other and you just need to ride the ferry if you want to see both. 

Madhs and I decided not to pay for the entrance fee and we just took photos from afar. I think it's better since you can frame up to the tip of the temple. 

Wat Pho

Address: 2 Sanamchai Road Grand Palace Subdistrict 

Pranakorn District Bangkok 10200, Thailand

Phone: +66 2 225 9595

Open: 8:00 am - 6:30 pm

Entrance Fee : 100 Baht as of 2018

This temple is just near the Grand Palace. Why we decided not to go to Grand Palace is because of how expensive it is to enter the place. I bet I don't have one day to see the entire area. I know it's worthy though, but I like Temple of Dawn more and since it's just near Wat Pho, I think it's better to visit it too. These two temples would just cost us 150 Baht but since we did not enter Wat Arun then we just spent 100 Baht for Wat Pho. (I know I am thrifty like that.)

The 100 Baht is worthy too. Wat Pho's location is really vast that aside from the reclining Buddha which is the highlight of this temple are different colorful stupas around it. Look around and you will see a lot of Buddha images too.

I later learned that Wat Pho is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok and it houses traditional Thai medicine which includes Thai massages. See, it's good to know that the culture still lives in this part of this temple and how well this temple is still well maintained. 

The architecture is just beautiful. The colors of the temple and how the designs of it were formed was like - How was it done? 

There is something about the temples of Bangkok that could not be compared to other temples of other countries. It deserve the beauty that it beholds and even though there are a lot of tourists coming to Bangkok to see these dwelling place of our Buddhist brothers and sisters, that they cannot control people conquering their space, it pays off the amount the tourists pay in exchange to the worshipers moment of prayers. I am not sure maybe they are used to it or they just know how to find silence. 

Overall, we should be thankful that we are allowed to get inside, witness the culture and see how majestic the temples are. We as tourists should have the etiquette to follow what must and must not. Remember that we are only visitors and the temple is still for it's people. 

As always, ขอขอบคุณ - Thank you!

Reclining Buddha