BANGKOK!!(3)

                              The City Pillar Shrine (Lek Muang)

     Located at the south east corner of Saman Luang, this a graceful, temple-like structure house "Lak Muang" a stone pillar placed there by King Rama I, the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty, as the foundation stone of his new capital city of Bangkok. Lak Muang is believed by many to have the power of granting wishes.

Wat Pho

     This world famous temple s located right next to the Grand Place, on the south side. It is one of Bangkok's oldest and largest temples. Wat Pho was built by King Rama I some 200 years ago and houses the gigantic gold-plated Reclining Buddha. This unique image is 46 meters in length and 15 meters high with beautifully inlaid mother-of pearl soles. Wat Pho is also regarded as the first center of public education and is sometimes called "Thailand's First University" The building housing the Reclining Buddha is open daily from 8.00 A.M. - 5.00 P.M.

Wat Arun (Tample of the Dawn)

      Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun can be reached either by Arun Amarin Road of by crossing the river by boat from Tha Tien Pier, near Wat Pho. The most attractive structure in this temple is the 79 meter-high pagoda or "Phra Prang". Wat Arun was restored during the brief Thonburi period to be the Royal Chapel of King Taksin. Despite its name "Temple of the Dawn", the most beautiful view of it is from the Bangkok side of the river at sunset.