Famous Thai Temples on Local Coins
When you are travelling in Thailand staying at beautiful villas, you can take the time to appreciate the little things while on your holiday. Have you ever noticed the different famous Thai temples that are depicted on the reverse side of each Thai baht and satang coins? Here’s a closer look so you can be informed when next in need of some dinner conversation fodder (while looking out over your villa infinity pool to the beach of course!):
10 Baht Coin – Wat Arun
Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn depicted on the 10 Baht coin is ironically more photogenic at dusk than at dawn, when the last rays of the setting sun illuminate the sanctuary. According to the legend, the former King of Thailand had found a refuge inside the temple when was escaping from Ayutthaya city. The king arrived at the sanctuary at dawn, and thus, the temple got its name.
5 Baht Coin – Wat Banchamabophit
The 5 Baht coin has Wat Banchamabophit (Wat Ben) or the Marble Temple illustrated on the side. This temple is remarkable for its Carrara marble imported from remote Italy used to build the sanctuary. One of the most beautiful and significant Thai temples, this is located in Bangkok and is classified as the first class Royal temple.
2 Baht Coin – Wat Saket
Wat Saket or the Temple of the Golden Mount depicted on the 2 Baht coin is truly an astonishing sight! Towering over the area of historic Bangkok, the temple was built on a man-made artificial hill providing the stunning panorama. If you would like to visit the temple, get prepared to sweat, as the top of the sanctuary is separated from the land by 300 steps.
1 Baht Coin – Wat Phra Kaew
Bangkok’s greatest temple – Wat Phra Kaew – also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is portrayed on the 1 Baht coin. As the name implies, Wat Phra Kaew is a home of the Emerald Buddha that is carved from a single block of jade. The temple is located in the historic centre of Bangkok, and it’s a must-see attraction for anyone travelling to the capital.
50 Satang Coin – Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
One of the Thai people’s most sacred temples, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, is located in beautiful Chiang Mai, a burgeoning city in a northern part of mainland Thailand in the Golden Triangle (and up-and-coming tourist hotspot for Chinese travellers coming south). The remarkable feature of the sanctuary in this temple is its particular northern-style Thai architecture, complete with a 300 step staircase in the form of snakes lined with mosaics. However, once you appear on the top of the sanctuary, you will be rewarded with a fantastic view over the city.
25 Satang Coin – Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan
One of the oldest Thai temples portrayed on the 25 Satang coin is called Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan. The temple was built during the Srivijaya empire at least 160 years ago and keeps one of the Buddha’s teeth brought from Sri Lanka as a spiritual foundation.
Thailand’s rich cultural and religious heritage can be traced back many centuries, and it’s wonderful seeing the Thai coins as they portray the most significant and sacred local temples accordingly. Perhaps next time you are there, you should check your wallet and decide which sanctuary you are going to visit next?
Image Credits:
Wat Banchamabophit – Panoramio
