November 24 Bangkok

Wat Saket Ratchawora Mahawihan, Wat Phu Khao Thong Temple of the Golden Mount Bangkok, Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan, Wat Loha Prasat / Metal Castle, Wat Suthat Thep Wararam Ratchaworamahawihan

7am flight AIRASIA from Chiang Mai to Bangkok

We called a GRAB taxi at 5am, dropped our apt keys as instructed and reached Choang Mai airport. Airasai staff even checked in another bag free of cost, we had paid for 1 checked bag and we flew in time into Suvarnabhoomi airport.

Took GRAB taxi to our apartment, it was not ready. We kept our bags, had some food at the reception table, took our packed sandwiches in a day pack, started off

Our hotel was very close to Chong Nonsi metro station, but we chose not to walk and take public transport

called Grab taxi and reached Wat Saket

Wat Saket Ratchawora Mahawihan

also known as Wat Phu Khao Thong, is a royal temple of the third class (Ratchaworamahawihan) located on the bank of Khlong Maha Nak in Pom Prap Sattru Phai District, Bangkok. It is renowned for its iconic landmark, the "Phra Borommathat Chedi'' or commonly known as the "Golden Mount."

At a height of 77 meters, it stands majestically to welcome visitors. Wat Saket is an ancient temple from the Ayutthaya period, originally known as Wat Saka. During the reign of King Rama I, the temple was renovated and given a new name, Wat Saket. Additionally, the Phu Khao Thong Chedi was constructed during the reign of King Rama III, using a model from the Phu Khao Thong Chedi in the Ayutthaya period. It was completed during the reign of King Rama V. The chedi also houses sacred relics brought from Kapilavastu, India

Specific Buddha for each day of the week

In Thai Buddhist tradition, there's a specific Buddha posture for each day, representing key life events and qualities, like Sunday's "Steadfast Gaze" for enlightenment, Monday's "Restraining Kinsmen" for calming conflict, Tuesday's "Reclining" for entering Nirvana, Wednesday's "Alms Bowl" (day) & "Forest Meditation" (night), Thursday's "Meditation," Friday's "Reflection," and Saturday's "Naga Protection" for overcoming obstacles, allowing people to connect with their birth day's image for spiritual reflection.

Sunday (Pang Thawai Net): Standing, with hands crossed over the waist (right hand over left), looking at the Bodhi Tree after enlightenment.

Monday (Pang Ham Yati): Standing, right hand raised in a calming gesture (palm outward) to stop feuding relatives.

Tuesday (Pang Sai Yat): Reclining on the right side, head resting on the hand, representing entering Nirvana (parinibbāna).

Wednesday (Day) (Pang Umbat): Standing, holding an alms bowl with both hands.

Wednesday (Night) (Pang Welalai): Sitting in meditation with an elephant and monkey offering food (Pālileyyaka Forest).

Thursday (Pang Samati): Seated in meditation (Dhyāna mudrā), hands in lap, palms up.

Friday (Pang Ram Pueng): Standing, arms crossed over the chest, contemplating.

Saturday (Pang Nak Prok): Sitting in meditation with a multi-headed Naga serpent shielding him from rain.

These images help Thai Buddhists connect with specific stories and attributes, with people often praying to the image of their birth day for blessings and reflection

Bamiyan Cave

"Bamiyan Cave" at Wat Saket is a museum and grotto complex built into the base of the Golden Mount, housing Buddhist artifacts and a replica of the destroyed Bamiyan Buddhas, linking Thailand's spiritual heritage to the historic Buddhist sites in Afghanistan

This large, standing Buddha statue is carved into the grotto's base, inspired by the monumental statues destroyed in Afghanistan.

Golden Mount or Phu Khao Thong

This temple is known for the Golden Mount or Phu Khao Thong, a high hill that offers stunning views at its summit over Rattanakosin Island

Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan

We walked to the next temple, monks leading the way!

Wat Loha Prasat / Metal Castle

Loha Prasat (Metal Castle) at Wat Ratchanatdaram is located at Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan, near the Golden Mount (Wat Saket) and the Grand Palace, with murals and statues inside.

It is a unique, multi-tiered Buddhist temple known for its 37 ornate metal spires symbolizing enlightenment virtues, built by King Rama III in 1846 and modeled after ancient Indian and Sri Lankan structures.

It's a rare surviving example of a "brazen palace," featuring concentric square levels and offering panoramic views of the city from its summit

A distinctive 36-meter-high structure with three levels, featuring 37 spires (24 on the bottom, 12 middle, 1 top) atop a square base

We walked to the next temple, lovely craft on the way...

Wat Suthat Thep Wararam Ratchaworamahawihan

Wat Suthat Thepwararam is one of the oldest and most impressive Buddhist temples in Bangkok. It has an elegant prayer hall with sweeping roofs, magnificent murals, and exquisite hand-carved teakwood door panels.

Built in the early 19th century to house the large 25-foot-tall Phra Sri Sakyamuni Buddha statue, this temple features the huge red frame of a giant swing once used in annual ceremonies to celebrate and thank Shiva.

the towering red Giant Swing's frame standing at its entrance...