The Thai capital Bangkok is noted for its multitude of splendid Buddhist temples, each with its own appearance and appeal. Many of these shrines feature elaborately handsome exteriors and exquisite interiors making each a delight to explore.
One of these fascinating places of worship is Wat Pariwat, popularly known as the David Beckham Temple. This huge temple is best known for its statue of the iconic footballer, a sight that one would not expect to see in a traditional Buddhist temple. This figure may be seen positioned inconspicuously in a rear corner of the massive altar.
The story goes that the statue which originally existed at this place was an image of the mythical winged garuda. Apparently this statue was removed and the statuette of the footballer was installed in its place, at the suggestion of a devotee who was a fan, to which the presiding abbot agreed. This foot-high statuette was fashioned by the devotee and installed in 1998. The hairstyle on the statue may be slightly different from the hairdo of the footballer we know today, but the figure looks recognizable and even the sponsor’s logo on the T-shirt is discernible. This unique feature has made the temple well-known, and many visitors arrive just to see this attraction.
You will also enjoy exploring the rest of this expansive temple compound. The visitor will see that the rear of the compound faces the river Chao Phraya and you will be able to observe the river traffic passing by. Many locals enjoy snacks or meals at this appealing location, and amuse themselves feeding the local fish.
Bangkok is a city of many attractions. This is conclusively proved by the millions of tourists who congregate on this vibrant and cosmopolitan city. In addition to the impressive monuments and buildings of interest you will find unexpected and unforeseen surprises at every turn. The Thai capital is also renowned for its amazing shopping opportunities which range from air-conditioned modern malls to quaint outdoor marketplaces.
Affluent visitors interested in 5 star hotels in Bangkok will be pleased by the Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa. This fine Bangkok resort offers sumptuous rooms and welcoming hospitality.
Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travelers across all walks of life.
