Wat Traimit: Temple of the Golden Buddha
The Golden Buddha, also known as Phra Sukhothai Traimit in Thai, is a 5.5-ton gold Maravijaya Attitude standing Buddharupa statue. Its formal name is Phra Phuttha Maha Suwant to Patimakon. It is located in the temple of Wat Traimit, Bangkok, Thailand. The Buddha statue made of plaster was supposed to be removed as part of the sale, but the crane couldn't move the statue because it was too heavy. The cable parted and the figure was dropped, being left overnight where it fell. It was the rainy season at the time, and the following morning some monks passing by observed a gleam of gold showing through the plaster. After the coating was removed, a 3.5-meter Buddha made of 5.5 tons of solid gold was visible.
The origin of this expensive statue has never been determined, but it is believed to have originated during the Sukhothai period, when invading marauders threatened the nation and its riches and it was normal practice to cover priceless Buddha statues with plaster. Nobody is sure how it got to Bangkok, but now it is there for tourists from all around the world to admire.
Rating: 4.6 (17,384 Google reviews)
Timings: 8 am – 5 pm
Entry Fees: THB 40
Location: 661 Charoen Krung Rd, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Website: n/a
