Visitors to Thailand’s cosmopolitan capital Bangkok will be able to enjoy splendid sightseeing opportunities, and some of the most notable of these are the picturesque temples which are innumerable in this predominantly Buddhist country. Most of these temples are unique displaying distinctive features which will capture the imagination of the visitor.
One of the most unusual of these shrines is the Wat Niwet Thammaprawat which is quite unlike any other Buddhist temple in Thailand. This is because it features magnificent European themed Gothic architecture. This appealing temple is situated on an islet on the river Chao Phraya, facing the well known Bang Pa In Palace. Taking a Bangkok cruise tour is an excellent way to explore the many engrossing sights of the Thai capital which include the temple itself. An outstanding choice in this regard would be the refreshing excursions offered by Anantara Cruises, a recognised leisure specialist.
At first glance the temple building appears to be indistinguishable from a European cathedral. This intriguing place of worship was constructed by decree of King Rama V who wished to create a Buddhist shrine employing Western design motifs. Therefore the architecture as well as the decorations of the temple resemble those of Christian churches.
Many noteworthy features may be observed at Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, almost all of them imitating the features of a typical European place of worship. You will see beautifully rendered windows of stained glass which compare favourably with similar creations in Western countries. The main Buddha image and secondary statues are positioned on the base of the church; even this structure mirrors the design of Gothic churches, in which a cross is placed in this position. The primary Buddha image is coated with gold, and is venerated by the steady stream of devotees who arrive to pay their respects.
Another interesting feature is the likeness of King Rama V which has been rendered on stained glass. Near the entrance of the principal building you will see a sundial, which permits the observer to ascertain the time of day. These unusual features make this place of worship an attraction for sightseers.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+