“This temple,” our guide began, gesturing towards the elegant structure, “has a history as rich and enduring as the Chao Phraya River itself.” We stood before Wat Bot Samsen, its white walls gleaming under the Bangkok sun. Established as far back as 1708, during the twilight years of the Ayutthaya period, Wat Bot Samsen has witnessed the ebb and flow of time. The temple’s very existence is a testament to its resilience. It survived the tumultuous fall of Ayutthaya and even thrived through renovations under King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri Dynasty. He saw to it that the temple was carefully maintained, a tradition upheld to this day. The architecture speaks of this rich lineage. Look closely, and you’ll see it boasts the classic style of the early Rattanakosin period, a captivating blend of history and artistry.
Garuda Museum
Behold the Garuda, a four-meter sculpture spreading its wings. This is the entrance to Southeast Asia’s one and only Garuda