The capital as well as the largest city of Thailand, Bangkok is one of the 22 megacities of the world. It is located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, near the Gulf of Thailand. Bangkok is not particularly an old capital city since it was founded in 1782 when King Rama I moved here from the city across the river. Since then, it has been the hot spot of Thailand's political, commercial and cultural life.

For tourists, Bangkok holds aplenty of attractions. There are Buddhist temples, palaces, museums, parks and a host of other sightseeing places. The best time to visit Bangkok is in between the months of August to February. Buddhism in Bangkok
Today, Buddhism is a way of life in Bangkok, much like in the rest of Thailand. The city is actually noted for its gorgeous marble temples and golden Buddhas. On the street, Buddhist monks can be easily seen making their daily rounds for alms. A number of Buddhist associations also dot the land of Bangkok.

Historically speaking, Bangkok was founded by Thong Duang (king Rama I) who not only did a lot to save his land from the foreign invaders but also made efforts to save the Buddhist religion (which was under threat due to Burmese invasion). He saved the Buddhist texts, built the Wat Phta Kaew to house the Emerald Buddha statue and created a new code of laws, the book of three seals. He also appointed the very first Supreme patriarch of Thai Buddhism. His efforts to save and propogate Buddhism earned him the name Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke posthumously.


Buddhist Attractions

• Wat Phra Kaew : The most important as well as most sacred temple of Thailand, Wat Phra Kaew is located within the ground of the Grand palace. The temple dates back to the time when Bangkok became the capital city of Thailand. It was constructed by Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke and comprises over 100 brightly coloured buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics. The highlight here is the tiny (between 60 and 75 cm) Emerald Buddha, which is located high above the heads of the devitees and tourists. Despite its name, the statue is not made of emerald but rather of green jade or jasper but it is considered a talisman and holds tremendous significance for Thailand and the Thais. Apart from this, there are also many other Buddha images in the temple.
  
  
• Wat Pho : The official name of the Wat Pho temple is the Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. It is, however, also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon. The temple is the largest and oldest wat in entire Bangkok covering an area of 80,000 square metres and is known for more than 1000 images of Buddha. The highlight of the temple also include 46 m tall and 15 high gold plated image of reclining Buddha. The eyes and te feet of the image are engraved with mother-of-pearl decoration. Also, the feet shows the 108 auspicious features of the true Buddha. Though the temple was built 200 years before Bangkok became capital, still what you will see today is the structure that was reconstrucred by King Rama I.
  
  
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• Wat Suthat Thepwararam : The construction of the temple was initiated by King Rama I in 1807, however, later efforts of King Rama II and III also went by in completion of the temple. An image of Phra Sri Sakyamuni and 28 Chinese Pagodas are the major highlight of the temple. The temple has been submitted to UNESCO for inclusion in the list of world heritage sites.
  
  
• Wat Ratchanaddaram : Wat Ratchanaddaram is a Buddhist temple most famous for the Loha Prasat. It is located in Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok. The structure of the pagoda, 36 m high, is based on Loha Prasat built in India. It has 37 spirals that indicate towards the 37 virtues for enlightenment. This temple, too has been submitted for inclusion in UNESCO World Heritage site.
  
  
• Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram : Located in the Dusit district of Bangkok, this temple is also known as the marble temple. It is counted amongst most beautiful temples of Bangkok. The construction of the temple commenced in the last year of 19th century at the request of King Chulalongkorn. Within, you can see Sukhothai-style Buddha statue named Phra Buddhajinaraja.
  
  
• Wat Arun : Located in the Bangkok Yai district, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun was constructed when Ayutthaya was the capital of Thailand and at that point of time it was known as Wat Makok (The Olive Temple). The temple, for a brief period of time, also housed the image of the Emerald Buddha before it was shifted to Wat Phra Kaew in 1784. The highlight of Wat Arun is its central prang (Khmer-style tower) with 4 smaller satellite prangs around it.