Unveiling the Hidden Gems: A Journey through Thailand’s Wat Pho and Wat Arun

Thailand, known for its diverse cultural heritage, boasts some of the world’s most stunning temples – Wat Pho and Arun are two iconic examples that stand out as architectural masterpieces with unique charm and histories all their own. Not only are these ‘wats’ places of worship; they are also invaluable repositories of Thai art, culture and history.

Wat Pho, commonly referred to as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha in Bangkok, is one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok. When visitors enter its complex they are immediately struck by its enormous 46 meter long by 15 meter tall Reclining Buddha statue covered with gold leaf and featuring mother-of-pearl inlaid soles depicting 108 auspicious characteristics of Buddha himself.

Wat Pho is more than just home to its famous Reclining Buddha; the temple complex itself offers an abundance of art and architecture with intricate murals, stone sculptures and beautifully landscaped gardens. Additionally, Wat Pho offers traditional Thai massage classes where visitors can experience an authentic Thai massage first-hand or take short courses to learn this art themselves.

Just a short ferry ride across the Chao Phraya River from Wat Pho stands Wat Arun, Temple of Dawn. This temple is best-known for its exquisite central Khmer-style tower decorated with colorful porcelain tiles and seashells – a tower that represents Mount Meru as the focal point in Buddhist cosmology and is illuminated in golden glow at sunrise or sunset.

Climbing the steep steps of a prang can be quite a challenging undertaking, but the effort will definitely pay off as you reach its top and enjoy stunning views of Bangkok’s riverside and skyline from up there. Furthermore, this temple complex houses smaller prangs, pavilions, and statues each telling their own unique tale.

Wat Arun is not only beautiful, but it holds great spiritual significance too. The site is often used for merit-making – a Buddhist practice of performing good deeds to earn positive karma – such as offering food to monks, releasing fish into a river or simply lighting a candle and saying prayers – there are countless ways in which visitors can partake in this age-old practice.

Wat Pho and Wat Arun temples provide a step back into time, giving visitors a look into Thailand’s past, religion, art traditions and craftsmanship. Witness these marvellous structures created from limited resources!

These temples provide more than simply history lessons; they’re oases of peace and tranquility in Bangkok’s hectic urban environment, offering quiet respites where visitors can stop, reflect and take in all that surrounds them. No matter who you are – history buff, art lover or spiritual seeker alike – both Wat Pho and Wat Arun have something to offer everyone visiting Thailand; when planning your itinerary make sure Wat Pho and Arun temple treasures are included – you won’t be disappointed!