Thailand is a country that has a deeply rich historical heritage in addition to containing a bounty of natural beauty. Much like most Asian countries, Thailand has seen her fair share of ancient civilisations ruled by monarchs. Monarchs have a habit of building lavish testaments to their gods and religious figures and one major monument is the Wat Phra Chao Phananchoeng, a large Buddhist statue located along the Chao Phraya river. Any Chao Phraya Cruise organised by entities such as Anantara Cruises, Thailand, are sure to have this iconic locale on their itinerary.

Initially, the site contained a notable temple complex that was constructed sometime in AD 1324, but these buildings have since withered away and the remaining ones have been rebuilt to a point beyond resembling the original architecture. The kings of the Chakri Dynasty have also rebuilt the temple complexes multiple times.

The most notable feature of this historical site is the colossal statue of the Buddha that is contained within the tallest building. The statue is immense, measuring 14 metres in width and 19 metres in height, and has been built of brick and mortal while retaining a bright Golden finish. The precise date of the statue’s construction is unknown, but King Naresuan the Great has been reported to have done a restoration at some point in time.

The temple is unique in Thailand since it is a ‘living temple’, with a group of resident monks. People frequently visit the temple since they believe it to bring them good fortune, especially when it comes to venturing into lakes and oceans.

If you happen to find yourself in Thailand, take a retreat from the bustling cityscapes and visit this historical site.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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