Bangkok Thailand River Cruise & Golden Buddha Temple

Bangkok's Sacred Spaces Part Two

After leaving the Grand Palace complex described in our previous post, we cruised on the Chao Phraya River, docked at a hotel for lunch, then went by bus to the Temple of the Golden Buddha.

Chao Phraya River

The Chao Phraya River is the lifeline of Bangkok, a broad, winding waterway that has shaped the city’s history, culture, and daily rhythms for centuries. Often called the “River of Kings,” it flows past glittering temples, bustling markets, and modern high‑rises, offering one of the most vivid cross‑sections of Thai life. Longtail boats, ferries, and dinner cruises glide along its surface, creating a constant sense of movement and energy. For visitors, the river is both a scenic backdrop and a practical route—an easy way to reach major landmarks like the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and the historic neighborhoods that line its banks. Its blend of beauty, activity, and tradition makes it one of Bangkok’s most memorable and defining features.

Wat Arun Temple

The National Museum of Royal Barges located along the Bangkok Noi Canal in Bangkok, Thailand serves as a boathouse for the ornate vessels used in the Royal Barge Procession, a centuries-old tradition reserved for special occasions.

The Rama VIII Bridge over the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand was completed in 2002 as Thailand's first cable-stayed bridge, featuring a single pylon. It has a total length of approximately 475 meters and a main span of 300 meters.

Wat Traimit [The Temple of the Golden Buddha]

Wat Traimit, home to the world‑famous Golden Buddha, is one of Bangkok’s most remarkable spiritual landmarks. The temple’s centerpiece is a solid‑gold seated Buddha statue weighing over five tons, believed to date from the Sukhothai period. For centuries the statue was hidden beneath a thick layer of plaster—likely to protect it from invading armies—until it was accidentally revealed in the 1950s when it slipped during a move. Its rediscovery transformed Wat Traimit into a symbol of resilience, faith, and the enduring value of what lies beneath the surface.

Inside the temple, the Golden Buddha sits in the Mara‑subduing posture, a gesture symbolizing the Buddha’s victory over temptation and ignorance. The statue’s radiant gold surface represents purity, enlightenment, and the unchanging nature of truth. Surrounding murals illustrate scenes from the Buddha’s life and the history of the statue itself, reinforcing themes of hidden wisdom and spiritual awakening. The hall’s polished marble, soft lighting, and elevated setting create a serene atmosphere that invites reflection on the journey from illusion to insight—mirroring the statue’s own dramatic emergence from obscurity.

This third post concludes the main selection of photos from our visit to Thailand. At the end of a long day, we boarded our cruise ship and sailed for Vietnam.

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About the Author

Geoffrey W. Sutton has a PhD in psychology and writes about psychology, culture, and travel.

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