Name: Bangkok
Rating: 4.1

Wat Traimit, Bangkok Overview

Wat Traimit, nestled at the end of Chinatown's Yaowarat Road near Hualampong Railway Station is the perfect place to admire the glittering gold statue of Buddha. One of the best royal temples of Bangkok, it is famous for housing a pure gold statue of Lord Buddha. It is known as 'The Temple of the Golden Buddha', as the world's largest gold statue, which is almost 5 metres tall and 5.5 tonnes heavy, is sheltered here.

This 13th-century temple houses the iconic Golden Buddha statue of Wat Traimit crafted in elegant Sukhothai style which was found about 40 years ago by sheer luck or accident. Hidden inside stucco/plaster exterior, the figure was dropped off in disposal. However, the origin of the idol is yet the subject of research assuming it belonged to either the Sukhothai or Ayutthaya period when the Burmese attacked the city.

The Golden Buddha Statue of Wat Traimit

The Iconic Golden Buddha Statue at Wat Traimit Bangkok
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The elegant Golden Buddha Statue of Wat Traimit, as we see it now, is known as Phra Phuttha Maha Suwan Patimakon. But the story of how it landed in this temple is quite impressive. After the capital of Thailand was moved from Ayutthaya to Bangkok by King Rama I, this statue, then covered in stucco and plaster, was also moved. In 1955, a new building was created to house this statue, and while it was being shifted to its new location, it fell off the crane. The people responsible for moving this statue feared that it would bring them bad luck and hence, they fled without taking it back. The overnight rains washed off some of the plaster, revealing the original golden statue, which was discovered by local monks in the morning. Before that, the identity of this statue was undiscovered and unknown.

Golden Buddha Statue at Wat Traimit Bangkok — Source

Even after more than 50 years of the discovery of this statue, its origin is unknown. It is highly uncertain if it belonged to the Sukhothai period or Ayutthaya period. However, the most popular speculation is that it was initially cast in the Sukhothai period, i.e. somewhere between 1238 to 1438. Afterwards, during the Ayutthaya period, it must have been covered with plaster to conceal its true identity from Burmese invaders.

Architecture of Wat Traimit

The three-storied structure of Wat Traimit appears white on the outside and is capped with golden roof. The building which houses the exquisite Buddha image is called Phra Maha Mondop.

The first floor has a museum, which is dedicated to the Chinatown heritage. It displays the history and life story of Chinese immigrants in Bangkok. The wholesome information about Chinatown can be found here. The second floor displays information about the Gold Buddha statue. It safely houses the pieces of plaster which were used to cover the icon.

Room of Gold Buddha, Wat Traimit Bangkok — Room of the Golden Buddha Statue at Wat Traimit Bangkok (Source)

And the third floor is where the gold statue stands. Hundreds of people visit here every day to capture their glory in their eyes. Holding high religious significance, the figure is one of its kind.

Visitor Tips

Wat Traimit Bangkok, Temple of the Golden Buddha
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You are supposed to go bare feet inside the temple.
It is advisable to dress conservatively, as it is a religious site.

How To Reach Wat Traimit

Wat Traimit in Chinatown Bangkok — Wat Traimit in Chinatown, Bangkok
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Wat Traimit is located on the Yaowarat Road in Chinatown, Bangkok, very close to the Odeon Traffic circle.

By Bus:
Take Bus No 21, 4, 25, 25 AET, and 40R to the Traimit Temple Bus Station to reach Wat Traimit, located opposite the station.

By MRT:
The Hua Lamphong Station is a 5-minute walk from Wat Traimit.

By Ferry:
The Chaophraya River Express Boat service can also be taken to Ratchawong Pier, from where it takes about 10 - 15 minutes to reach Wat Traimit.