The Passenger

Wat Saket, often known as the Temple of the Golden Mount, is one of กรุงเทพฯ’s oldest and most unique temples, with roots tracing back to the พระนครศรีอยุธยา period before the 18th century. Originally called Wat Sakae, it underwent restoration and was renamed Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan by King Rama I when กรุงเทพฯ was established as the new capital, highlighting its importance in Thai royal and religious life. The temple sits just outside the old city of กรุงเทพฯ on a man-made hill, offering a distinct atmosphere from other temples located within the old city walls.

Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is one of กรุงเทพฯ’s most striking and iconic landmarks, beautifully situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Its distinctive spires, or prangs, richly adorned with colourful porcelain and seashells, rise majestically against the cityscape, making it a favourite among both locals and travellers. The temple’s name celebrates the Hindu god Aruna, who is considered the personification of the rising sun, reflecting the temple’s role as a symbol of the dawn and new beginnings in Thai culture.

The water people of กรุงเทพฯ, often known as the ‘klong dwellers‘, have a distinctive lifestyle shaped by generations living along the city’s sprawling network of canals and rivers. Historically, many communities settled on the banks and floating homes connected by wooden platforms, relying on boats for daily travel, commerce, and socialising. Their way of life reflects a balance between adaptation and tradition, maintaining age-old practices while coexisting with the city’s rapid urban growth. These waterborne neighbourhoods reveal a fascinating blend of culture, resilience, and intimacy with the waterways that once earned กรุงเทพฯ its nickname, the ‘Venice of the East‘.

The Royal Palace of กรุงเทพฯ, officially known as the Grand Palace, stands as one of Thailand’s most iconic and historically rich landmarks. Constructed in 1782 during the reign of King Rama I, it served as the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) for over 150 years. The palace complex sits majestically on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, representing the splendour and cultural grandeur of the Thai monarchy. While it no longer houses the monarch permanently, the Grand Palace retains its deep ceremonial significance and remains a symbol of the nation’s heritage and sovereignty.

Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is one of กรุงเทพฯ’s oldest and most revered temples, steeped in rich history and cultural significance. Founded in the 16th century during the พระนครศรีอยุธยา period, it was extensively restored and expanded in the late 18th century by King Rama I, who established it as a quintessential example of Thai religious architecture and a centre for education in traditional medicine and Thai massage. The temple complex is a sprawling site, offering visitors a glimpse into Thailand’s spiritual and artistic heritage, adorned with intricate murals, stupas, and thousands of Buddha images.