Tropical Storm Tour: Thailand Part 8
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Bangkok, Thailand
Wat Ratchanaddaram in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand.
Wat Ratchanaddaram in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand.
Loha Prasat at Wat Ratchanaddaram in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand.
Loha Prasat at Wat Ratchanaddaram in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand.
Today, I schlepped out into the blistering mid-day sun to go Buddhist temple hopping. First on the agenda was Loha Prasat at Wat Ratchanaddaram, less than a mile from my guesthouse. Although construction on it started way back in the 19th century, it only got completed just recently because of its complex, labyrinth-like design. Over a century of construction? Now, that’s what I call dedication! This temple is notable for its unusual black trim and spires, as well as a spiral staircase that leads up to a shrine in a little tower in the top center.
The entry to the Golden Mount in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand.
A collection of bells at the Golden Mount in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand.
A happy Buddhist monk at the Golden Mount in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand.
A collection of Buddha images at the Golden Mount in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand.
Next, I headed over to the Golden Mount, just a stone’s throw away. I had visited it once before on a previous trip to Bangkok, but only made it about halfway up because I was late: the top section closes at 5:00 pm. This time, I made sure to get there earlier, and I’m glad I did, because, in addition to the scenic statuary to look at, and a phalanx of bells and gongs to play on the way up, the top is truly lovely. Not only is there a collection of beautiful Buddha images throughout the temple, but, because it’s so high up, there is a glorious strong breeze that blows through the open windows and doors, which feels great.
A view of a small part of Bangkok from atop the Golden Mount in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand.
A Buddha image in the center of the Golden Mount in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand.
A devotee prays at a Buddha image in the center of the Golden Mount in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand.
Curry fried vegetables and rice at May Kaidee’s in Banglamphu, Bangkok, Thailand.
Strangely, there is also a looped recording that tells you to keep your shoes on, which I’ve never heard of at a Buddhist temple before, and there’s even a sign announcing free wi-fi! It really confused me that a Buddhist temple would have wi-fi. I saw quite a few tourists at the Golden Mount, which really surprised me, as it is off the well-worn trail of the usual Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho and Wat Arun. Around 5:00 pm, my feet and legs were too tired to wander anywhere else, so I headed back to May Kaidee’s for another helping of the yummiest food anywhere.
Words and photos ©2015 Arcane Candy.
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