omitted, new arrivals may suddenly find themselves speaking a rather neanderthal version of English, with utterances like “Want beer”.
There is also no Thai equivalent of ‘some’ or ‘any’, and when forming a question in Thai, the subject normally begins the sentence. This means that once the feckless foreigner masters the modern art of Tinglish, he will probably begin constructing sentences like “Beer have?” It’s not all bad though, as he is likely to also add krab on the end of every sentence.
THAILAND’S MOST IMPORTANT RELIGIOUS SITES
Many of the most stunning and historically significant Thai wat (temples) are located in the cities of Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and, of course, Bangkok. Thai temples are often used for multiple purposes and are therefore central to Thai life.
Some Thai temples act as rehabilitation centers, while others serve as festival venues. Some host huge annual temple fairs, complete with funfair rides, games, contests, live music and an obligatory Thai market. Entry to temples in Thailand is free for Thais but there may be a small entry fee for foreign visitors.
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. This iconic riverside structure is breathtaking and when viewed from the water the temple’s reflection makes for a truly memorable experience, especially at sunset or sunrise. This beautiful structure is further characterized by its two central prang (spires), decorated with multicolored ceramic, that seem to stretch right up into the sky.
Wat Arun is a particularly beautiful Bangkok temple, especially when viewed at sunset. Although more like a theme park than a tranquil place of contemplation, the Grand Palace attracts thousands of visitors every day.
Another popular temple site is Wat Phra Mahatat in Ayutthaya. The temple ruins are in a similar state to other sites in Ayutthaya. However, it is the spectacular Buddha image embedded in a tree trunk that prompts many to visit. Theories vary as to its existence. Most Thais believe that Burmese ransackers had tried to steal the head, failed because of its weight, dropped it and that trees had subsequently grown around it.
Wat Pho
As its name suggests, Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) contains a 151 ft (46 m) long gold leaf-covered reclining Buddha statue. It is the biggest temple complex in Bangkok and is home to the Thai Traditional Medical and Massage School, where weary travelers can revive their aching feet, shoulders and body with a traditional Thai massage for a very reasonable price. Aspiring masseurs can even take a Thai massage course.
A patron receives a traditional Thai massage at the Wat Pho Thai Traditional Medical and Massage School.
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is perhaps the most important temple in the whole of Thailand. Situated within the grounds of the Grand Palace, the exquisite structure contains a Buddha image dating from the 15th century, raised high upon a platform.
Wat Saket (Temple of the Golden Mount) in Bangkok dates back to the Ayutthaya kingdom. The Golden Mount refers to the manmade mound upon which the temple sits. To reach the top of the mount, worshippers and visitors have to climb 300 steps. The crowning glory of Wat Saket is the wonderful golden chedi (stupa).
Wat Suthat is not only one of the largest temples in Bangkok (it covers around 10 acres/4 ha) but also one of the oldest. A huge red teak arch at the entrance is all that remains of a giant swing that once welcomed visitors to the complex. Inside the complex are wonderful murals, numerous pagodas and a 25 ft (7.6 m) tall bronze Buddha image.
Wat Benchamabophit
Wat Benchamabophit is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. Designed by Prince Naris, a brother of the king at the time, it stands out from the majority of temples in Bangkok as it uses the finest Italian marble. This major tourist attraction draws huge numbers of visitors who come to marvel at the majesty and beauty of the temple and its 52 Buddha statues that decorate the exterior.
Wat Rakhang
Wat Rakhang (Bell Temple) is a popular temple for visitors who wish to ring in good fortune to their lives. The ringing of the temple bell is a common practice for those wishing to bring positive influence in their life. Wat Rakhang is also well known for its artistic exterior design.
Housed in Wat Traimit in Chinatown, Bangkok, is the world’s largest golden-seated Buddha. Carved in solid gold, the 5 ft (1.5 m) high statue, which weighs around 5 tons, is believed to date back to the Sukhothai period. It is well worth a visit if only to learn more about the interesting story of the structure.
Wat Ratchabophit is a temple designed in rather a unique manner and is well worth a visit. Although its layout includes a traditional Thai circular courtyard, complete with golden chedi, the interior design of the temple was heavily influenced by the gilded Italian architecture of the time. There is also a royal cemetery in the temple grounds.
The otherworldly design of the interior of Wat Paknam is strikingly beautiful. Unlike other traditional Thai temples, the ornate décor is colored with unconventional light blues and reds, and unusual shapes and hues. The temple is also well known for its meditation lessons, and monks here instruct in Buddhism and meditation in both English and Thai and therefore attract many visitors each day.
Another Thai temple worthy of mention is Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) in Chiang Rai. As its name suggests, it is a completely white structure (representing purity) that would not look out of place in a Lord of the Rings movie. The unconventional temple was designed in 1997 by Chalermchai Kositpipat, who once said that it would never be finished in his lifetime. He plans to build—or have someone build—another nine dream-like structures and aims to have them all finished by 2070.
OTHER PLACES OF WORSHIP
Thailand is also home to some beautiful Christian churches. Increasingly of late, more and more Russian Orthodox churches have sprung up around the kingdom. One incredible structure, built in a classic cross-shaped plan and topped with a gold onion-shaped dome, is the Church of the Holy Trinity Church in Phuket.
Because of the relatively large Muslim population in Thailand, there is understandably more than a fair share of spectacular mosques in the kingdom. A stand-out mosque is the Pattani Grand Mosque, situated in the troubled south of the country. Easily the largest mosque in Thailand, the Pattani Grand Mosque, opened in 1963, is also widely regarded as one of the hundred most beautiful mosques in the world, with the large dome in the center and four smaller surrounding ones often drawing comparisons with India’s Taj Mahal.
