If there is something regretful when traveling, it’s being in a time crunch, rushing as not always there is enough time to see and experience everything. Bangkok is huge and has a lot of attractions, places to go to. I shall hopefully visit it again someday as I did not get to see all it has to offer, but on the last full day in the city, right before closing dinner, we decided to go on the audio walking tour via Steemfest app. No regrets there. Yet, I did not drink enough water and got a migraine. Don’t let the shade of the buildings in the city fool you, drink your water dummy! Luckily, 7-Elevens are on every corner selling paracetamol among other useful things, so I was able to continue with the tour after sitting outside the cafe of a random hostel for a short while.
Do you feel like a dumb tourist? Yeah, me too. It was my very first time visiting real temples. Even though I felt extremely awkward and shy about etiquette, I tried my best to follow the guidelines and to be respectful. There are several rules visitors should be aware of in Buddhist temples such as taking off shoes before entering the temple, not turning back to Buddha, dressing appropriately covering shoulders and knees, no taking photos of the people praying or the monks without their permission, and more. I felt very much out of place, yet it was an amazing experience. I was mesmerized by the peacefulness and the vibe of these sacred places of worship.
Temple kitty says hello! Meow to you too!
Look, even the kitty is wearing a saffron-colored collar! Monks must be taking good care of the little guy.
Blooming bonsai trees in colors
The public school system in Thailand had its beginning here at Wat Mahan after the order of King Rama V. The first school still exists in the original place today. Randomly, we began to talk to a local who turned out to be one of the teachers there. I was taken by surprise of his curiosity of strangers such as ourselves. It made me cautious as genuine friendliness is hard to come by these days, but perhaps, it is just a lovely trait of Thai people. He gave us some good advice on what to see in the city, then we parted our ways.
Bodhi Tree
Strange I thought. This tree must be special since it has a saffron ribbon around it. Indeed. According to the audio tour on the Steemfest app, this Bodhi Tree or the tree of awakening was brought here by King Rama V from Sri Lanka as a sapling. Bodhi Tree is an ancient fig tree under which Buddha sat as he attained enlightenment. The tree at Wat Mahan is believed to be a direct descendant of it. As I was walking by it, I heard the most soothing sound its leaves made in the wind. Buddha himself must have enjoyed it as well.
Oh, the clusters of wires everywhere! I had never seen anything like it before.
Tiger God Shrine
No photos! No photos! Shouted a lady sitting at the entrance. Unlike most Buddhist temples, no photography can be taken inside this Taoist shrine. The vibe inside was a lot more different than in Buddhist temples. We stepped inside only for a short while since the place seemed to be very busy, noisy, and filled with worshipers buying food offerings, praying, pouring oil, and burning incense. It felt intense and chaotic, we did not want to disturb much of those who were going there to worship.
Tuk tuk?
Phuang Malai
Phuang what? Not what, Malai. It is a bunch of flowers strung together creating beautiful decorations that can be found in shrines, temples, and random places all over like hanging from a tree. Other than looking pretty, Phuang Malai has many meanings. They are often given as offerings or as a sign of respect and importance, for good luck, as souvenirs, and more. I saw a person giving out or selling (not sure) Phuang Malai in the middle of the busy traffic of Bangkok. Drivers of cabs and vans also had Phuang Malai, most likely for good luck and safety on the road.
Prince Nara Palace and Pridalai Theater (first theater in Thailand) on Phraeng Nara street, shame it appears wasting away by time and elements now.
You wondered how could you hear rooster singing in the middle of the city? This is how!
Red Whiskered Bulbul Bird
While on the tour I snapped this shot of the Red Whiskered Bulbul Bird without any knowledge about them at the time. Then later I spotted the same birds in a bamboo cage and similar bird feeder while in Koh Chang which made me wonder what’s up with that. As it turns out, in Thailand bird singing competitions are quite a thing and every year thousands of people gather to witness it and in hopes to earn some pretty grand prizes if their birds do well. Red Whiskered Bulbul Bird is one of the most popular singing birds in Thailand.
Wat Suthat Thepwararam
Wat Suthat Thepwararam is considered to be The Spiritual Heart of Bangkok and is one of the ten royal temples of the highest importance in Thailand.
One of my favorite bits from visiting Wat Suthat was these meditating Buddhas sitting outside the temple by all of the walls of the courtyard. Something about the reflection of them on the marble floor and the patterns. I can't quite put my finger on it.
Under restoration at the time, but still impressive. These grey pillars are Chinese-style pagodas. Exactly twenty-eight of them surrounding the temple for twenty-eight different lives of Buddha on Earth.
Phra Buddha Trilokachet image at Ordination Hall
If walls could tell stories? These do, through the breathtaking, entangled murals of the past lives of Buddha. Where does one life start and one end? One could spend a lot of time studying every detail hard to grasp just by a glance.
Guardian lions
Since the last post including these googly-eyed thingies, I’ve learned that they are guardian lions which is a Chinese influence in Thai architecture. More particularly they originate from Chinese Buddhism and serve as protectors from spiritual or physical harm attempting to enter temples and other buildings. Now that explains why they always sit by the entrances!
The Giant Swing
Squirrel friend! Hi! Isn’t it adorable?
The Democracy Monument in the daylight
Fascinating how tiny cultural puzzle pieces reveal themselves to those curious enough. Sometimes accidentally, sometimes by repetition, and sometimes by seeking them out in the unknown. Bangkok is a truly amazing melting pot of culture with discoveries awaiting on every step. Until next time! Thank you for checking out what I managed to capture!
