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After booking flights to Bangkok, your research about the city will soon lead you to the stunning temples the Thai capital is home to. There are more than 400 working temples in Bangkok, so you have a wide selection to choose from - although three stand out for their beauty, craftsmanship and religious importance. When you first step off your cheap flights at Bangkok's airport, you might not believe the city has a quiet and reflective side! Its convenient location in south-east Asia - easily accessible from countries such as India, Cambodia and Vietnam - means it is popular with holidaymakers and backpackers alike. In addition, the airport is a significant aviation hub that is often used as a stopover for connecting flights around the world. Thailand also has a robust train network. While a flight to Chiang Mai in the north takes around an hour, you can just as easily board an overnight train, which is a two-in-one transport and accommodation solution! Likewise, the islands in the south can be reached from Bangkok, so when on holiday in Thailand, you might find you make a couple of trips to and from the city. The first thing you are likely to do is stroll down the renowned Khaosan Road. This popular strip in the centre is packed with hotels, bars, restaurants and street stalls, so grab a local beer, a huge bowl of Pad Thai and soak up the electric atmosphere. However, you may soon want to get under the skin of the history and culture of Bangkok, as well as escape into the peace and quiet. This is where taking a tour around its Buddhist temples can be the ideal way to spend some time in a calmer environment - aside from having to dodge tuk-tuks, that is! Seeing shaven-headed monks wearing bright orange robes serenely worshipping in a temple will remind you there is much more to Bangkok than first meets the eye. Perhaps the top three temples in the city are: Wat Pho Wat translates to temple, which is worth remembering when trying to make sense of maps and signs around the city. Wat Pho is also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, due to the fact there is a 46 m golden reclining Buddha here, complete with mother of pearl feet. It will take you a while to get used to its sheer size and the workmanship that must have gone into it. The temple is also home to a traditional massage and meditation centre. For just a small fee, you can enjoy one of the treatments on offer. A visit to Wat Pho will mean you are ideally located for a trip to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which lies in front of it. Wat Phra Kaew Wat Phra Kaew - or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha - is housed in the stunning Grand Palace and is viewed by many as one of the most important Buddhist places of worship across the country. The Buddha image itself is carved from a single block of jade and is revered by monks and practising Buddhists alike. Only the King of Thailand is allowed to get close to the feature, which is in a meditating position. While in all temples you will have to take off your shoes and be dressed appropriately, this is especially the case here. There are shawls and other items of clothing you can hire should you need to cover up a bit more. Wat Arun This is also called the Temple of Dawn, and it is best coming here in the late afternoon after visiting the other two. This is because it looks breathtaking against the sunset, with the Chao Phraya River glistening in the foreground. You will spot the main 67 m tower quite a distance away and it is adorned with tiny pieces of colourful glass and Chinese porcelain. It is surrounded by four smaller towers and they all beautifully reflect the sun. Inside, you will find a Buddha image that is thought to have been designed by King Rama II. Whichever and however many temples you visit, you need to keep in mind they are places of worship so you should be respectful, especially if there are monks inside going about their daily rituals. If you have always fancied travelling to Bangkok, you can find a selection of cheap flights at Netflights. The city is certainly eclectic - one minute you can be in the hustle and bustle of Khaosan Road, the next in a peaceful Buddhist temple. Discover the city for yourself by booking flights to Bangkok with us.
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