Showing posts with label Religious. Show all posts

[PLACE] 20150114 Temple of Dawn - Wat Arun @ Bangkok


Wat Arun, or also known as the Temple of Dawn has a history that stretches way back into the seventeenth century and has undergone various restoration. It is a Buddhist temple which a central prang which measures more than 200 feet along with four smaller satellite prang which was built later in the nineteenth century during the reign of King Rama II. It is situated by the river bank of Chao Phraya River and is visible from far due to its height.

In addition to the history, the highlight of Wat Arun would be the architecture and the steep climb to the top platform of the central prang. The central prang has 3 levels in total and encrusted with colourful tiles and porcelain. Well, most of it are broken pieces of porcelain. The main challenge will be climbing up to the platform where many tourist may halt due to fear of height. The stairs are indeed very steep but climbable with the help of railings and ropes.

An entrance fee of 50 Baht is chargeable for foreigners and the temple opens until 5:30pm. Wat Arun is a favourite spot for photography enthusiast with its unique architecture and the landscape. Capturing a picture during the dawn or the sunset with the magical colours of the sky enhances the mysterious feel, whether from near or afar.

There's some rooftop bars and cafe at the opposite side of Wat Arun, at the Tha Tian Pier which gives you a very good vantage point for photoshooting. However, despite the nice weather during the day, the sunset did not give much colours to my photo. Perhaps next time.

Wat Arun, west side of Chao Phraya River, opposite Tha Tian Pier (Pier 8)
Nearest BTS Stations: Nil
Telephone: +66 2891 2978
Opening Hours: 08:00am until 5:30pm

TO GO


There are a few methods to get to Wat Arun and unfortunately there's no direct assess by BTS nor MRT. While taking cab or tuk tuk is the most convenient way, you may still be able to reach Wat Arun if you have to take the BTS. 

Take the Silom Line (Dark Green) and disembark at Saphan Taksin Station. Walk towards Exit 2 towards the Central Pier, you may then purchase the boat ticket from the ticket counter for 40 Baht per pax and then take the Chao Phraya tourist boat. Get off at Pier 8 - Tha Tian Pier. Wat Arun is located at the opposite bank hence you need to take another cross river shuttle for another 3 Baht per pax per trip.

Wat Arun is right after Wat Pho in my itinerary, due to the proximity of both temples. Would recommend to visit both together.

ATTRACTION



I travelled across the Chao Phraya River after visiting Wat Pho with a fee of 3 Baht per pax per trip. Buddhist monks get to transit for free as there are many temples around this area. It is hard to shoot into the sun without blowing out the mid tone and highlights.



However, when you shoot with the sun at your back, the wonderful colours of the bright sky and the temple shines. Wat Arun is one of the prettiest temples around Bangkok even without the vivid colour structures or roof, thanks to its detailed glass and porcelain. The prangs have a base of devils or monkeys statues that supports the upper structure.


The temple is undergoing restoration work during my visit, which cause quite a disappointment for photoshooting due to the scaffoldings. This is the only satellite prang that is not covered by the scaffoldings.


The straight and steep climb at the central prang. The ascend and descend shares the same stairs as other three entrances are closed. I'm not sure whether there is a limit of numbers that are allowed at one time. Proper attire is advised to pay respect to the sacred grounds, and you probably also do not want to wear too short for the climb as well.


The climb will lead you to the first platform or terrace, which is bigger and wider and able to accommodate more people. The adventurous ones will probably continue to climb further to the second terrace or platform, which is steeper and narrower than the first.


You can judge the steepness of the stairs from this picture. Also notice the ascend of each stair is much taller than our usual steps.


From the top, you will be able to have an overview of the surroundings, including the Chao Phraya River, which you also can observe the Wat Pho and Grand Palace from here.


The details of the porcelain and sculptures of the prang that makes Thai architecture so unique, with the trace of Indian and Chinese structures.


The top of the central prang, where the Hindu God, Indra riding on Erawan. Each of the details on the temple has its meanings that relates to Buddhism and Hinduism. It is an interest blend of both teachings.


 The scaffolding put me off to shoot an overview of Wat Arun unfortunately. I tried to wait for the sunset but the colours just fade quickly behind the clouds without much contrast. The image above is already enhanced in Lightroom but is only able to bring out some colours. Maybe next time, Wat Arun.

You may also consider visiting Wat Pho after Wat Arun but be mindful of the closing hours.


SUMMARY


A very unique and historical site of the beauty lies on the detail and the structure of the temple. Advised to come in the morning before the crowd, or before sunset for a nice picture. Dress code is applicable and the steep climb is not for the fainted heart.

Attraction
☆☆☆☆☆
unique, historical, and challenging
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆

Entrance Fee
50 Baht
Opening Hours
08:00am until 5:30pm
Wifi
N/A
Parking
N/A
Website
N/A

GPS: 13.743600, 100.489049
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[PLACE] 20150114 Wat Pho - Sleeping Buddha @ Pranakorn, Bangkok


Wat Pho ("Wat" means temple in Thai) is one of the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok and is well known for its largest Buddha statue, which is the Sleeping Buddha or also known as Reclining Buddha. The giant sleeping Buddha statue is 160 feet long and covered with gold leaves.

Wat Pho is just 10 minutes walk away from the Grand Palace and its often the next destination for tourists to drop by. An entrance fee of 100 Baht is chargeable on foreigners and entitled for a bottle of mineral water. Besides the reclining Buddha, Wat Pho has other halls within its compound with more than 1,000 Buddha statues, big and small.

Another highlight of Wat Pho will be the detailed architectural of its structures and building where very strong presence of Thai culture is observed in the design and carvings. Dress code applies for female tourist and sarongs or scarf are available for those who wears shorts or sleeveless clothes, especially when entering the prayer halls.

Guided tour is available with price ranging from 200 Baht to 400 Baht, depending on size of crowd and season, can be negotiated. The tour guide will be able to brief you on the history and details of the temple if you are interested to engage their service. Traditional Thai massage service is also available here and Wat Pho is the origin of Thai massage as there was a massage school established here in the older days.

Wat Pho, Pranakorn, Bangkok
Nearest BTS Stations: Nil
Telephone: N/A
Opening Hours: 08:00am until 06:30pm

TO GO


There are a few methods to get to Wat Pho and unfortunately there's no direct assess by BTS nor MRT. While taking cab or tuk tuk is the most convenient way, you may still be able to reach Wat Pho if you have to take the BTS.

Take the Silom Line (Dark Green) and disembark at Saphan Taksin Station. Walk towards Exit 2 towards the Central Pier, you may then purchase the boat ticket from the ticket counter for 40 Baht per pax and then take the Chao Phraya tourist boat. Get off at Pier 8 - Tha Tian Pier. Wat Pho is located right at the exit of the pier, towards the right side.


ATTRACTION



The weather was just awesome for the day with clear blue sky, with the help of my CPL filter as well. The picture above is the rear of the hall where the reclining Buddha is located.


Visitors are required to wear proper attire (no shorts or sleeveless shirt) and to remove your footwear and carry along when you are entering the hall. The reclining Buddha statue is so huge and long that you will require a ultra wide angle lens to fit in everything within the narrow space.


The Buddha's feet with 108 auspicious symbols of Buddha. It seems like a normal picture, but you definitely unable to capture the same image with normal cameras as the picture above is taken with an angle as wide as 10mm (16mm equivalent for 35mm format).


Other highlight of Wat Pho will definitely be the amazing structures of the temple roofs.


Some parts of the temple consist of ancient schools for various disciplines including art, culture as well as Thai massage.


The vibrant colours and the unique texture of the roofs is infused deeply with the Thai culture.





There's a huge prayer hall located right at the centre of the temple which offers a place for visitors to either pray or just to sit down and feel the atmosphere and the serenity of the temple.

You can also consider to visit Wat Arun after Wat Pho as it is just at the opposite bank of the Chao Phraya River.

SUMMARY


Overall, Wat Pho is worth a visit with the main attraction of the reclining Buddha, as well as other thousands of Buddha images, accompanied by fascinating Thai architecture of the structures and buildings. It is just a short walk away from the Grand Palace and can be an alternative destination if you are planning your itinerary.

Attraction
☆☆☆☆
Main highlight will be the reclining Buddha but other attractions also worth a visit
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆☆

Entrance Fee
100 Baht for foreigner (inclusive of complementary bottle of mineral water)
Free for locals
Opening Hours
08:00am until 6:30pm (Daily)
Wifi
N/A
Parking
N/A
Website
N/A

GPS: 13.746374, 100.491235
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