Showing 1-12 of 12 results
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Baan Krua
Baan Krua (literally 'Muslim Family Village') is one of Bangkok's oldest communities. It dates to the turbulent years at the end of the 18th century, when Cham Muslims from Cambodia and Vietnam fought on the side of the new Thai king and were rewarded with this plot of land east of the new capital. The immigrants brought their silk-weaving traditions with them and the community grew with the arrival of other Muslims, and when the residents built the khlong to better connect them to the river.
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Erawan Shrine
In Bangkok commerce and religion are not mutually exclusive. This Brahman shrine was built after several accidents delayed construction of the first Erawan Hotel. News of the shrine's protective powers soon spread and local merit-makers now stream into the courtyard with their own petitions.
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Lak Meuang
A wooden pillar containing the city guardian (Lak Meuang) is housed in this shrine, at the southeastern corner of Sanam Luang. The pillar was placed here at the founding of the new capital and today worshippers come and make offerings by commissioning traditional dances or delivering severed pigs' heads decorated with incense.
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Lingam Shrine
This little shrine at the back of Swissotel Nai Lert Park was built for the spirit of a nearby tree. But soon word spread that the shrine had fertility powers and a small forest of wooden phalluses sprung up creating one of Bangkok's bawdiest shrines.
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Lingam Shrine (Saan Jao Mae Thap Thim)
Every village-neighbourhood has a local shrine, either a sacred banyan tree tied up with coloured scarves or a spirit house. But it isn't everyday you see a phallus garden like this lingam shrine, tucked back behind the staff quarters of the Nai Lert Park Hotel. Clusters of carved stone and wooden shafts surround a spirit house and shrine built by millionaire businessman Nai Loet to honour Jao Mae Thap Thim, a female deity thought to reside in the old banyan tree on the site.
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Ratchaprasong Intersection Shrines
A crowd in this part of town usually means a bargain market is nearby. But in this case the continuous activity revolves around the Hindu shrines credited for making this commercial corridor a success. It's a fascinating place to come and just watch the way modern Thais have pragmatically adapted their beliefs - and their hopes - to the perceived reality that success breeds success, especially with the deities on your side.
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Sao Ching-Cha
It is easy to forget the powers of the Brahmans in Thai Buddhism, unless you happen upon the giant red poles of Sao Ching-Cha (the Giant Swing). During the second lunar month (usually in January), Brahman beliefs dictate that Shiva comes down to earth for a 10-day residence and should be welcomed by great ceremonies (and apparently great degrees of daring) including the acrobatics of the Great Swing.
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Sri Gurusingh Sabha Temple
This sleek and modern Sikh temple (it's kitted out with elevators and marble throughout) is devoted to Guru Granth Sahib, one of the last 10 gurus or teachers. You'll find it down a little alleyway off Th Chakraphet.
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Sri Mariamman Temple
Thai Buddhism still honours its mother religion of Hinduism. Built by Tamil immigrants in the 1860s, this Hindu temple is a colourful place of worship in every sense of the word, from the multi-hued main temple to the eclectic range of people of many faiths and ethnicities who come to make offerings. Thais call it Wat Phra Si Maha Umathewi.
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Wat Mahathat
While other temples in the area claim all the fame, Wat Mahathat goes about the everyday business of a temple. Saffron-robed monks file in and out of the whitewashed gates, grandmas in their best silks come to make merit, and world-weary soi dogs haul themselves out of the shade in search of food, if not nirvana.
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Wat Mangkon Kamalawat
This Chinese temple is a labyrinth of vestibules. The gods of fortune in one of the first chambers is the most popular. Outside the temple, vendors sell heavenly food (oranges and steamed buns in the shape of lotus flowers) that are purchased as offerings. Located east of Th Ratchawong.
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Wat Pho
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) has a long list of credits: the oldest and largest wát in Bangkok, with a pedigree as a temple site dating back to the 16th century; the longest reclining Buddha and the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand; and the earliest centre for public education.
Showing 1-12 of 12 results
