Page 186 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SUMMER 2024 LIMA

Temples & shrines
istorically, Bangkok has often
been viewed as a stopover
city for those on their way to
other places in the country
H or region. However, with a
population over 11 million, the other City of
Angels (as its proper name translates) is a
thriving destination in and of itself.
Whether you are in search of authentic
street food, beautiful temples and shrines,
bustling markets or a culture quite unlike
that found within the U.S., Bangkok may be
the perfect destination for your next ad‐
venture.
Often referred to as “The Land of
Smiles,” the people of Thailand are reason
enough to make your way there. The hospi‐
tality shown by complete strangers will
make you feel safe and comfortable no
matter where you may be or what you may
be doing. In fact, the people make the oth‐
erwise massive and even intimidating city
seem manageable, whether they are help‐
ing you figure out how to enter the turn‐
stiles of the immaculately clean subway or
helping you negotiate with a TukTuk driver.
186 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2024
So go ahead and do yourself a favor.
Don’t just stop in Bangkok. Explore it.
Temples & Shrines
Embedded within Bangkok’s diverse in‐
frastructure, you will find temples and
shrines around nearly every corner. To un‐
derstand Bangkok and Thailand more
broadly, you must dive into the very spe‐
cific type of Buddhism practiced in the
country. Over 92% of Thai people identify
as Buddhist, but they incorporate elements
of Hinduism as well. Keep a mindful eye out
for this blend of beliefs as you explore the
temples and shrines found in the city, many
of which will leave you with a complete
sense of awe. Must visits include Wat Pho,
The Golden Mount (Wat Saket), the Grand
Palace with Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Arun
(if you haven’t figured it out, Wat means
Temple in Thai). If time permits, visit the
Ganesha Shrine to witness the line of peo‐
ple queued up to whisper their desires to
Ganesha’s mouse companion, Mushak, and
the Paknam Phasi Charoen Temple with its
massive sitting Buddha.