Thailand Siam Temples Wats of Bangkok Wat Phra Keo Wat Poh cm99

Oriental Rug Review/Asian Trade is pleased to offer an original article from Asia Magazine, "Wats (Temples) of Bangkok," Margaret Ayers. This is an original article from Asia Magazine, May 1922, 7 pp. (loose), 8 Illustrations, 8" X 11 1/4".

Asia Magazine was an extremely popular travel magazine during the height of the art deco era - middle 1920s through late 1930s. It featured photographic articles about Asian history and culture - both Far East and the Middle East, complemented with cover art by noted artists of the time, especially Frank McIntosh. Writers published in the magazine included Rose Wilder Lane, Lowell Thomas, Roy Chapman Andrews, Gertrude Emerson, Owen Latimore and John Dos Passos. Froelick, Louis. D., Editor.

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Wats and Temples of Bangkok. Bangkok's temples are a unique part of the capital's heart and soul. A visit here would not be complete without seeing at least two of them. The architecture is awe-inspiring and the glittering decoration like no other. Imagine thousands of pieces of coloured glass and pottery adorned with intricate structures gilded in glaring gold - you're indeed in a City of Angels! The best time to visit most temples is in the early morning. It's cooler and generally less crowded. The temples ('wats') are not just tourist attractions but also play an important part in Buddhist traditions. Monks live in the temple complexes, wake up around 04:00, attend to prayers and duties and then collect food and necessities from ordinary people on the streets. If you are up very early in Bangkok you will see monks walking around, dressed in saffron coloured robes. This daily alms ritual (called 'tam boon') takes place all over Thailand and is part of the Buddhist philosophy of giving and making merit to attain a better life beyond this one. It's daunting to visit all the temples, so we've listed in the following sections those in the 'must- visit' category, according to their beauty, cultural significance and high regard in Buddhism. Please not that most temples are not open after 18:00. Thai temples are sacred places so you must dress appropriately. No shorts or revealing tops, otherwise you won't be allowed in. This applies particularly to Wat Phra Kaew (inside the Grand Palace.)

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