Home to one of the largest golden Buddha statues in the world, the Wat Trai Mit is a legendary site that has taken every precaution to preserve the structure that is believed to have been carved during the Sukothai Dynasty of Siam. The construction which is considered to be over seven hundred years old is brilliant white with glistening gold trimmings, pointed golden roofs, broad stairways and an opulent interior, thus being a fitting domicile for the glittering Buddha statue.
During the Burmese invasions, the ingenious locals covered this statue, which is made out of solid gold and weighs 5.5 tons in a plaster that would not tarnish the gold. The safety coating did a splendid job as the secret of the bullion statue hidden beneath an unassuming coating was only revealed to the world by accident when the coating chipped off when attempting to relocate the statue for renovation and the ropes gave way at the sheer weight of 5 and a half tons.
The large and ostentatious place of religious importance is open to the public from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, where some locals sound a large black and gold gong as it is supposed to bring good luck. There are souvenir vendors within the premises and one can purchase trinkets including miniature figurines of the golden Buddha, postcards and other good luck charms.
Buddhists will find the seated statue of Buddha most fascinating; the craftsmen have accomplished the task to perfection as the intricate carvings bring out the character of Buddha in the most subtle manner. The pose of the statue is known as ‘Bhumisparsha Mudra’, where the right hand of the statue touches the earth. This position is famous as the stance taken at the time of attaining enlightenment.
Regardless of whether you are a Buddhist or not, it is customary to visit the Wat Trai Mit during a stay at Bangkok serviced apartments. Out of the many outstanding holy premises that surround Sukhumvit accommodation, this temple complex deserves a special place and starting from those who reside at Anantara Baan Rajprasong Bangkok, there is no dearth of visitors to the site.
