The Temple of the Golden Buddha is a large complex of temples located in the Chinatown area of Bangkok. It is famous, how hard it is to guess, thanks to a huge golden Buddha statue located inside. It has existed for a long time, but only gained recognition and popularity in the 50s, when it was discovered that the impressive and huge display inside is made entirely of pure gold (83% to be exact, but we won't be petty).
It is a statue with a height of 3 meters and a weight of no less than 5 tons. Estimates are that it is at least 700 years old. Needless to say, he is worth millions of dollars and is considered one of a kind.
Archaeologists claim that the statue went through many incarnations, between the hands of kings in Thailand and even outside of it. The Thais used to wrap and hide it to protect it during local riots or wars with neighboring countries. That is why it is preserved in an astonishing way. The interesting story is that due to a cover that wrapped the statue until 1955 its nature was unknown. Due to a historical error, it fell when they tried to move it with a crane, the cover was removed and the wonder was revealed in all its glory.
The famous statue sits today, as of 2010, in a special house built in his honor (on the first floor). In the same building there is also a museum on the history of the statue (on the second floor) as well as a museum on the history of Chinese culture in Thailand (on the third floor). In the museums you can watch informative films and XNUMXD displays, alongside displays and photos that will illustrate the stories.
How to get there - The Chinatown area in Bangkok is a special area, which shows another side of the city and presents a different character from the rest of its places. It is recommended to combine a visit to the Golden Buddha Temple with a tour of the area. It can be started (or finished) from Ratchawong Pier, which can be reached by taxi-boat services of the Chao River out of the city.
Of course you can arrive by tuk-tuk or taxi. In addition, the temple is located close to a subway station. You can take the MRT Subway Blue Line and get off at Hua Lamphong Station, from where it is only a few minutes' walk to the temple.
Temporary opening - Every day except Monday, 8:00-17:00.
Prices - Entrance to the temple complex is free. Entrance to view the Buddha statue involves a fee of 50 baht. Entrance to the museum costs 100 baht for an adult and 60 baht for a child.
