WAT MANGKON KAMALAWAT

Wat Mangkon Kamalawat is one of the notable pilgrimage sites and tourist attractions in Bangkok that is also known as the Dragon Lotus Temple. It’s the largest Chinese Buddhist place of worship that was opened to the public in 1871. Being the very first Mahayana Buddhist temple in Bangkok, it enshrines the shining Buddha in the ornately decorated Ordination Hall.

The Wat Mangkon Kamalawat is a Buddhist shrine that was established in the year 1871 by Phra Archan Chin Wang Samathiwat. The temple complex is decorated with traditional flower, animal, and Chinese dragon designs. The shrine is a low, open structure with an arched tiled ceiling and a pearl-playing dragon. During your Thailand trip, visit this temple and you'll find yourself in a maze of courtyards and interconnecting passageways, each leading to Buddha and Taoist god altars. The smoke from the incense that is continually burning fills the labyrinth.

As you walk through the melancholy sermon halls, you'll come across collections of Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian shrines, where guests are always lighting incense. The oil in the altar lamps is kept full at all times to keep the present life's 'Fire' burning brightly and leading one's soul towards the afterlife.

The temple is quite picturesque and tranquil, and it is known to offer a sense of calmness far away from the city's rush and bustle. Wat Mangkon Kamalawat is best visited during the Chinese New Year or the Vegetarian Festival. The temple hosts a variety of religious rites as well as unique culinary activities. A variety of vegetarian food is prepared for the event, particularly during the Vegetarian Festival. On these occasions, Wat Mangkon is the epicenter of Chinatown's festivities.

Highlights

• Explore the largest Chinese Buddhist temple in Bangkok which was established somewhere around 1871.
• Get a chance to be a part of the events hosted like Chinese Vegetarian Festival and Chinese New Year
• Witness the rich Chinese architectural designs on the temple as well as the Chinese Dragons.
• Participate in a number of religious and culinary activities during the annual vegetarian festival.