Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit)

This is a famous Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand, renowned for housing the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statue. Here’s what you need to know:

1. The Golden Buddha (Phra Phuttha Maha Suwana Patimakon)

   • Made of solid gold, weighing 5.5 tons (approx. 250 kg of pure gold).

   • Height: 3 meters (9.8 feet).

   • Age: Estimated to be from the Sukhothai period (13th–14th century).

   • Discovery: The statue was hidden under a plaster coating for centuries to protect it from invaders and was accidentally rediscovered in 1955 when it was dropped during relocation, cracking the plaster and revealing the gold beneath.

2. Architecture & Museum

   • The temple complex includes a grand marble ordination hall (Ubosot).

   • A four-story museum (opened in 2010) details the history of the Golden Buddha and Bangkok’s Chinatown.

3. Location

   • Situated in Yaowarat (Bangkok’s Chinatown) near Hua Lamphong MRT Station.

   • Address: 661 Charoen Krung Road, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok.

Visiting Information:

• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (daily).

• Entry Fee:

  • Golden Buddha: 100 THB (foreigners), 40 THB (Thai nationals).

  • Museum: Additional fee (~150 THB).

Significance:

• A highly revered religious site and a must-visit for those interested in Thai history and Buddhism.

• Represents Thailand’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship.