Spiritual Bangkok

Our Local Expert Says:

If you're not too busy watching the group fitness routines, look out for Lumphini's wildlife. Giant monitor lizards and tropical birds make you forget you're in the middle of a city!

Description:

Smack in the heart of the city lies Lumphini Park, an oasis of nature within bustling Bangkok. The first of its kind in Bangkok, plans for the public park began in 1925. Lumphini Park is named after the Buddha's birthplace and covers approximately 58 hectares, gracing the city with greenery and waterways for picnics, pick-up sports and paddleboat rides. Early mornings are unforgettable: hordes of fitness group regulars engage in synchronized aerobics, while others jog peacefully and practice tai chi. Lumphini Park is a great place to take a timeout during a long day of sightseeing.

Description:

This Wat is made of white Carrana marble, hence it is also called The Marble Temple. Constructed by King Rama V in 1901, it employs European ecclesiastic details, such as stained-glass windows and contains a superb cloister collection of bronze Buddha images. These images (33 originals and 20 reproductions) represent famous images and styles from all over Asia and other Buddhist countries. This is an excellent place to watch religious festivals and processions. Unlike most other temples, monks do not go out seeking alms but are instead visited by merit-makers from 6a-7a.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you had to see one thing in Bangkok, this arguably would be it.

Description:

Over 200 years old, Wat Pho is one of Bangkok's largest and oldest temple complexes. For an entry fee of 50 baht, visitors can roam the grounds with or without a guide, stopping along the way at numerous notable temples and sites. The most famous of Wat Pho's relics is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, wherein lies an impressive 46 meter-long gold-plated image of a reclining Buddha. A first grade royal monastery, Wat Pho is also Thailand's oldest learning center and the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Take a Chao Phraya River ferry to Tha Thien (pier). The Grand Palace is a short walk from Wat Pho. You can also cross the river from the pier to see Wat Arun. Beware that scam artists (often tuk-tuk drivers) will try to claim that the temple is closed for the day. Don't believe it.

[Note: Pho is pronounced with a P like Paul not an F like a Vietnamese noodle soup]

Description:

Call it the holy of the holies. This 45-centimeter tall statue of the sitting Buddha is carved from jasper and is only "emerald" in color. Nevertheless its importance is such that only the King of Thailand may go near it and he does so three times a year to change its golden clothing. The temple is right next to the Grand Palace and both are part of a sprawling 1.5 square kilometer collection of buildings. Murals adorn the temple's walls with scenes from the Ramakian, what in India would be the Ramayana. Visitors must cover up -- no bare shoulders or legs -- and some rental clothing is available for anyone who didn't plan ahead. Audio tours can be rented.

Description:

Also called Chao Mae Tubtim Shrine, Lingam Shrine is a unique quick-stop while downtown. Next to a canal, the shrine is very small and consists of innumerable phallic offerings. Believers visit Lingam shrine to honor the female deity Jao Mae and ask for fertility, luck or good fortune. The phalluses come in every shape, size and material imaginable and definitely provide for a light-hearted cultural site.

Description:

A global organization of Buddhists, whose Thailand headquarters lie behind Benjasiri Park. On the first Sunday of every month, it holds a Buddhist forum and free meditation instructions and practices for English speakers. On selected Sundays there is also a dhamma talk--a brilliant opportunity to experience Buddhist instructions from world experts. The forum is an open discussion on a topic of spiritual interest.

Our Local Expert Says:

Just strides away from Central World, one of Bangkok's largest and most upscale shopping malls, the Erawan Shrine presents the shopaholic tourist with a convenient chance to soak up some culture.

Description:

In the middle of the glitz and traffic of downtown commercial Bangkok stands Erawan Shrine, a very unique place of worship that is a must-see. Devoted to the Hindu god Brahma, Erawan Shrine was built in 1956 to honor the spirits that once resided in trees that were chopped down during construction of the nearby Erawan Hotel. Nowadays, the shrine is constantly flooded with worshippers praying for good fortune as they burn incense, light candles and place carnation garlands at offering tables. Traditional Thai dancers perform on a stage around the clock, and tourists are welcomed to partake in the spirituality. The open-air fills with pleasant scents and the good vibes are abundant. Erawan Shrine is a Bangkok must.