THE GOLDEN BUDDHA AT WAT TRAIMIT

The Golden Buddha, locally referred to as the Phra Sukhothai Traimit, is a solid gold Buddha Rupa statue located within the temple of Wat Traimit in Bangkok. It is a Maravijaya Attitude seated statue that weighs 5.5 tonnes and is one of the most popular and significant tourist attractions in the city.

Located in the temple of Wat Traimit, within a four-story tall marble structure is the solid gold statue of the seated Buddha also known as the Phra Phuttha Maha Suwan Patimakon. Legend has it that the statue was covered with a layer of stucco and colored glass and kept in this state for almost 200 years. 

This was so that its true value did not get revealed to onlookers, particularly invaders who took it for a mere pagoda, very common in those times. It was only much later in 1955 when the statue was being moved to a new location, that its outer layer suffered a chink when it fell off a crane that was used to haul it. It was left there by the workers overnight when rainwater washed away the outer layer of plaster divulging its true worth to the local monks in the area. For those planning Thailand tour packages, exploring the awe-inspiring Wat Traimit and witnessing the magnificent Phra Phuttha Maha Suwan Patimakon is a must-include experience.

The earliest origins of the statue continue to remain a mystery to historians who assume it was either from the Sukhothai (1238 – 1438) or the Ayutthaya period when the city was attacked by the Burmese invaders. The Golden Buddha statue is placed on the third floor of the temple complex and it attracts hundreds of people who visit here every day for its religious as well as historic significance.

Highlights

• Get dazzled by the Golden Buddha statue of Wat Traimit, which is the world’s largest gold statue, standing almost 10 feet tall and weighing 5.5 tonnes.
• Delve deep into the history of the statue that has been crafted in a sophisticated Sukhothai style and was discovered by accident about 6 decades ago.
• Enjoy the exquisite workmanship of the temple structure which stands gleaming in pristine white with a golden cap, especially the Phra Maha Mondop which houses the Golden Buddha statue.
• Visit the museum in the temple complex, the Phra Buddha Maha Suwanna Patimakorn Exhibition which showcases more information about the Golden Buddha statue including the pieces of plaster that were used to cover the iconic statue.