Unique Thailand
Thailand has exploded onto the world tourist stage in the last 20 years and it's
easy to see why. Superb natural scenery from the mountains of the north to the
beaches of the south, marvelous temples and ancient ruins, a fabulous piquant
cuisine and a relaxed and friendly people make
Thailand the ideal Asia
destination for visitors of all ages. However, for most visitors, the most
enchanting sight is that of the Thai temple.
Bangkok is home to over 400 temples from the ancient to the modern. These
fantastic creations with their multilayered roofs and kaleidoscopic colors
amaze and delight all visitors. Somerset Maugham said they were examples of the
'the playful boldness of man'. One of Bangkok's most interesting temples is Wat
Po, known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.
Wat Po is on most tourist itineraries owing to its massive reclining Buddha. But
a wander through the rest of the temple is extremely rewarding.
Wat Po in fact served as Bangkok's first university. In the 19th century, King
Rama 3 enlarged the temple compound and added stone tablets illustrating Thai
traditional medicine. He also created the hermit's garden which is populated
with statues of hermits in various contortions which are based on yoga. At the
end of the temple compound are the massage pavilions which offer traditional
Thai massages and also courses teaching massage.
The northern capital of Chiang Mai, though a fraction of the size of Bangkok,
has almost as many temples. Most are northern style structures showing a strong
Burmese influence. Stone lions stand guard at the gate and writhing nagas or
celestial serpents form the balustrades to stairways.
Chiangmai's most eminent temple is considered to be Wat Phra Singh which stands
in the old walled city. A temple was first built on this site in 1345 and the
original stupa or pagoda still stands.
The viharn or assembly hall houses the Phra Singh image and is notable for its
mural paintings depicting traditional life in northern Thailand in the 19th
century.
On the southern island of Phuket in the Andaman Sea stands the temple of Wat
Chalong, a place of much history and legend. Known officially as Wat Chaitararam,
the temple is located in the Chalong district in the north of Phuket.
The main pagoda at Wat Chalong contains a splinter of bone that is said to have
come from the Buddha. The chedi is adorned with murals and Buddha images.
Wat Chalong played a dramatic role in the 19th century when Chinese laborers
rioted over being denied opium. The abbot of the temple, Luang Poh Cham, rallied
the locals to stand and fight the rioting Chinese and eventually save the day.
These are just three of the thousands of fascinating Buddhist temples that grace
Thailand. A visit to any temple is not only a feast for the eyes but also the
heart and soul.
About the Author
Richard has over 20 years experience in the travel industry and writes for Cheaper than Hotels. Cheaper Than Hotels offers cheap hotels in Thailand .