Wat Traimit, Bangkok
Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha) in Bangkok might not rate a second glance if not for its astonishing Buddha image.
History of Wat Traimit
Wat Traimit is thought to date from the 13th century. The Golden Buddha image is about 900 years old and is cast in the Sukhothai style. It is believed to have been brought first to Ayutthaya.
When the Burmese were about to sack the city, it was covered in plaster to hide its value. Two centuries later, still in plaster, it was thought to be worth very little.
But in 1957, when the image was being moved to a new temple in Bangkok, it slipped from a crane and was left in the mud by workmen.
In the morning, a temple monk, who had dreamed that the statue was divinely inspired, went to see the Buddha image. Through a crack in the plaster he saw a glint of yellow, and discovered that the statue was pure gold.
What to See at Wat Traimit
Off to the side of Wat Traimit is a small chapel containing the Golden Buddha, which is the world's largest solid-gold Buddha. The graceful seated Buddha is nearly 10 feet high and weighs over 5 tons.
This powerful image has such a bright, reflective surface that its edges seem to disappear, and it gleams with such richness and purity that even the most jaded are inspired by its strength and power.
Pieces of the stucco that once hid this remarkable treasure are on display in a case to the left.
Quick Facts on Wat Traimit
Site Information | |
Names: | Temple of the Golden Buddha · Wat Traimit |
---|---|
Categories: | temples |
Dates: | 13th C |
Status: | active |
Visitor and Contact Information | |
Coordinates: | 13.738093° N, 100.514007° E |
Address: | Traimit Rd. Bangkok, Thailand |
Hours: | Daily 9am-5pm |
Lodging: | View hotels near Wat Traimit |
References
- Wat Traimit (The Golden Buddha) - Frommer's Thailand
- Fodor's Thailand, 8th edition
- Wat Traimit - Asian Historical Architecture
- Wat Traimit, Bangkok – Thailand for Visitors
- Golden Image Buddha – TripAdvisor traveler reviews
More Information
- Photos of Wat Traimit - here on Sacred Destinations
Map of Wat Traimit, Bangkok
Below is a location map and aerial view of Wat Traimit. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.