The Amazing Temple Tour by Power Snorkel South East Asia Co Ltd

Tour Itinerary

Your first stop, Wat Traimitr (Temple of the Golden Buddha), houses the world's largest solid-gold Buddha. Cast approximately 9 centuries ago, this remarkable statue stands 10 feet (3 m) high and weighs 5 1/2 tons. The golden Buddha was long ago disguised from invading armies with a layer of stucco and plaster. Thereafter forgotten, the true value of the Buddha was only rediscovered after the plaster was accidentally chipped during a move, revealing the shining gold beneath. Pieces of the now removed plaster are displayed next to the statue.

Though Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) is Bangkok's oldest and largest temple, it is even more highly revered for its enormous Buddha statue. As the name suggests, the gold-plated Buddha is lying down and is beautifully inlaid with mother of pearl in its eyes and on the massive soles of its feet. The temple also became regarded as the first university in Thailand after King Rama III ordered important texts to be inscribed on stone slabs around the temple.

Your last stop is the truly spectacular Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple), which is named after the Carrara marble imported from Italy with which the ubosoth (a structure for ordinations) was constructed. The architecture is considered so perfect that it is known as an example of Thai art. A large collection of Buddha images line the spacious inner courtyard, while the interior is magnificently decorated with crossbeams of lacquer and gold.