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Would you like to know which temples are the best in the world? Take a trip to Wat Traimit, the temple of the Golden Buddha. This imposing temple near the entrance to Bangkok’s Chinatown is home to the world’s largest gold Buddha statue. This statue looks truly captivating in its classical Bhumisparshamudra pose. We’re here to help you explore this popular attraction that has a rich history and cultural significance. Want to know what makes the Temple du Bouddha d’or so special?
Overview of The Temple du Bouddha d’or
| Full Name | Wat Traimit Withayaram Worawihan |
| Nickname | Temple of the Golden Buddha |
| Location | Bangkok, Thailand (Chinatown district) |
| Type | Buddhist temple |
| Most Famous For | World’s largest solid gold Buddha statue (Phra Phuttha Maha Suwanna Patimakon) |
| Best Time to Visit | Early mornings, April-May and September-October |
| General Entrance Fee | Free |
| Buddha Statue Fee | 40 Baht per person |
| Museum Fee | 100 Baht per person (closed on Mondays) |
History of Temple du Bouddha d’or
In the early 18th century, during the Ayutthaya period, Wat Traimit was founded, although its exact date of foundation is unknown. The Golden Buddha statue it houses has a much longer history, dating back to the Sukhothai Dynasty in the 13th and 14th centuries. It’s possible that the Golden Buddha was covered in plaster and lacquer for many centuries to hide its value from invading armies. It took until the 1950s for the statue’s true nature to be discovered. During a move, the statue fell, revealing the gold beneath the plaster.
The Golden Buddha was housed in a new building at the temple in 2010. There are exhibits on the history of the Chinese community in Bangkok and the origins and significance of the Golden Buddha in this four-story structure. In addition to its rich history and stunning Golden Buddha, Wat Traimit Withayaram Worawihan remains an important place of worship and a popular tourist destination.
What to Expect: Visiting Temple du Bouddha d’or
The Golden Buddha
The main attraction at Wat Traimit is, of course, the massive solid gold Buddha image known as Phra Phuttha Maha Suwan Patimakon. This 5.5-tonne statue is the largest solid gold Buddha in the world and is worth millions of dollars. The statue is in the Maravijaya attitude, seated with one hand resting on its lap and the other hand extended palm down on its knee.
The Temple
Despite the Golden Buddha’s fame, Wat Traimit itself is a beautiful and serene temple. The temple buildings are a mix of architectural styles, reflecting the long history of the site. There are several other Buddha statues and religious artefacts on display, and visitors are welcome to wander the grounds and soak up the atmosphere.
The Museum
The onsite museum tells the fascinating story of the Golden Buddha. The statue was originally cast in the 13th century, but it was covered in stucco in the 18th century, likely to protect it from Burmese invaders. For centuries, the Golden Buddha remained hidden in plain sight, revered as a plaster statue at Wat Traimit.
In 1955, during renovations, the statue was accidentally chipped, revealing the gold beneath. The museum explores the history of the statue, the process of its rediscovery, and its cultural significance.
Bangkok Chinatown Heritage Centre.
Located next to Wat Traimit, the Bangkok Chinatown Heritage Centre is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Bangkok’s Chinatown, one of the largest Chinatowns in the world. The centre has exhibits on Chinese immigration to Thailand, traditional Chinese customs and festivals, and the role of Chinese businesses in the Thai economy.
Historical Exhibition
Wat Traimit occasionally hosts special exhibitions on various historical topics. It’s always a good idea to check the temple’s website or social media pages before your visit to see what’s on display.
What is The Best Way to Reach The Temple du Bouddha d’or
The Temple du Bouddha d’or, also known as Wat Traimit Withayaram Worawihan, is located in Bangkok, Thailand. The following are the best ways to reach the temple:
By Public Transportation
- MRT Subway: Take the MRT Blue Line to Hua Lamphong Station. From there, you can take a taxi or walk to the temple, which is about a 15-minute walk.
- Chao Phraya Express Boat: Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Wat Mangkon Station. From there, you can take a taxi or walk to the temple, which is about a 10-minute walk.
By Taxi
Transportation by public transportation. You can hail a taxi on the street or book one through a ride-hailing app like Grab. Just tell the driver “Wat Traimit” or show them a picture of the temple.
By Tuk-Tuk
Tuk-tuks are a fun and iconic way to get around Bangkok, but they can be more expensive than taxis. Before you get in, negotiate the fare with the driver.
Read More: Kunchikal Falls
What is The Best Time to Visit the Temple du Bouddha d’or?
The best time to visit the Golden Buddha Temple, also known as Wat Traimit, is generally considered to be early in the morning. Several reasons can be attributed to this:
- Fewer crowds: Since Wat Traimit is a popular tourist destination, it can get quite crowded later in the day. By arriving early, you’ll be able to enjoy the temple’s beauty and serenity in a more peaceful atmosphere.
- Pleasant weather: Bangkok can get very hot and humid, especially in the afternoon. Early mornings tend to be cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing.
The pros and cons of visiting at different times are as follows:
- Early morning (before 10 am): Pros: Fewer crowds, cooler weather. Cons: The temple may not be open yet (opening hours are typically from 8:30 am to 5 pm).
- Late morning (10 am to noon): Pros: The temple is open, and crowds are still manageable. Cons: The weather starts to get hotter.
- Afternoon (noon to 3 pm): Pros: You’ve had a chance to explore other parts of Bangkok in the morning. Cons: The temple is most crowded at this time, and it can be very hot.
- Late afternoon (3 pm to 5 pm): Pros: The crowds start to thin out a bit. Cons: The weather is still hot, and the temple closes at 5 pm.
Nearby Attractions to Temple du Bouddha d’or
Here are some nearby attractions you can visit after you visit the temple:
- Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew): This is the most important temple in Thailand and home to the Emerald Buddha, a revered Buddha statue carved from jade. The Grand Palace was the official residence of the Siamese royal family until 1925.
- Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha): This temple is famous for its giant reclining Buddha statue, which is 46 metres long and 15 metres high. The temple also houses a traditional Thai massage school.
- Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn): This beautiful temple is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is best known for its prang tower, which is made of colourful porcelain.
- Chinatown:Chinatown in Bangkok is the largest Chinatown in the world..It is a great place to wander around and explore the shops, restaurants, and temples.
- The Chao Phraya River: The Chao Phraya River is Bangkok’s main waterway. You can take a boat ride on the river to see some of the city’s most famous landmarks, such as the Grand Palace and Wat Arun.
What You Need to Know About Golden Buddha Temple
- The temple is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Dress modestly as you would for any other religious site. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
- To avoid crowds, aim for a visit in the early mornings or late afternoons.
- There are several other temples and attractions close by that you can combine with your visit to Wat Traimit.
- Always remove your shoes before entering the temple building. Look for designated shoe racks near the entrance.
- Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanour inside the temple. Avoid loud talking or pointing directly at the Buddha statue.
- Wat Traimit is situated near Bangkok’s Chinatown, a bustling area with delicious street food and vibrant markets. Explore the area after your temple visit for a more immersive experience.
FAQs About Temple du Bouddha d’or
What is The Other Name for Wat Traimit?
The other name for Wat Traimit is the Temple of the Golden Buddha.
Is The Golden Buddha Made of Pure Gold?
The exact gold content of the statue is unknown, but it is believed to be very high.
What Are The Opening Hours of Temple du Bouddha d’or?
Temple du Bouddha d’Or is typically open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 p.m.
How Much Does It Cost to Enter Wat Traimit?
There is an entrance fee to visit Wat Traimit, though the cost is relatively inexpensive.
What Is The Dress Code for Visiting Temple du Bouddha d’or?
As with most Thai temples, respectful clothing is recommended. This means the shoulders and knees should be covered.
