Page 22 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SUMMER 2025 THAILAND

OH MY BUDDHA! TOP TEMPLES

The next morning we climbed aboard
the coach that would be our main transport
between Bangkok and Chiang Rai. I had ex-
pected a small van, but the bus proved a
good choice, giving us plenty of room to
spread out. Our driver Jay, a recent vet-
eran of Thailand’s mandatory military ser-
vice, greeted us with cold bottled water
and awed us with his ability to maneuver
the bus through tight city streets and park-
ing spaces.
The bus AC was always welcome in this
country where the seasons are hot, hotter,
hottest, and even hotter. Sunscreen is a
must; so is a hat or umbrella for portable
shade. Lightweight walking shoes, easy off
and on, are ideal, especially for entering
and exiting temples - must-see destinations
here.
More than 44,000 temples dot Thailand,
where Buddhism is the dominate religion.
“OAT - Oh Another Temple” is sometimes
bantered about this intensive tour, but we
thought the number was balanced and se-
lective. We relished visits to some of Thai-
land’s most sacred, historic and beautiful
temples, especially with Joe’s expert com-
mentary to help us appreciate what we
were seeing.
Our first was within the sprawling 50-
acre Royal Grand Palace in Bangkok, built
in the 18th century by one of the country’s
most beloved leaders, Rama I. Over the
years, until recently, the palace was the
residence of royal families including Rama
IV, romanticized in “The King and I.” (Con-
sidered disrespectful and negative, the mu-
sical and film are banned here, Joe told
us.).Today grand halls still host dignitaries,
ceremonies and celebrations and conical
“stupa” towers stand as monuments to de-
ceased royals and religious leaders.
But most of the some eight million who
annually visit throng to the magnificent
temple housing the Emerald Buddha.

22 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2025