Have you ever heard of a temple named after a traffic jam? Here at Wat Chalo, that’s exactly the legend. Wat Chalo sits at the meeting point of two canals, the Khlong Bangkok Noi and the Khlong Bang Ruai. Imagine the boat traffic in the 18th century, when Wat Chalo was founded during the reign of King Borommakot. The story goes that boats frequently collided here due to the strong currents. This led to the name “Chalo,” derived from the Thai phrase “Cha Ro,” meaning “slow wait.” Now, picture the scene. Wat Chalo isn’t just a temple. It’s a testament to the historical importance of waterways in Thailand. Its original Ubosot, called Ubosot Rua Sam Pao, has a curved base, resembling a boat floating on the water. This architectural style was popular during the late Ayutthaya period. Nearby Wat Kaeo Fah also boasts a similar Ubosot design. Wat Chalo’s modern Ubosot is even more dramatic. It rests atop a replica of a royal barge. This massive structure, nicknamed Bot Rua Suphan Hong (Ubosot-boat of the golden swan), is the largest of its kind in the Bangkok area. Construction began in the 1980s, but remains unfinished. Wat Chalo offers a glimpse into the past and the present. While the modern Ubosot might be the most eye-catching feature, don’t miss the historic Ubosot. It whispers tales of a time when canals were the lifeblood of this region. Inside the modern Ubosot, you’ll find two Buddhas. One is gold, likely representing Maitreya, the future Buddha. The other is black. And if you’re lucky, you might still see some of the quirky, anachronistic paintings that were being worked on in 2019. After exploring Wat Chalo, consider a boat trip along the canal. It’s a unique way to experience the area, just as people did centuries ago. Or, cross the bridge over the canal and explore the other side, discovering more hidden temples and pockets of nature. Wat Chalo. Remember the name, and remember the boats that gave it its unusual name.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to