Thailand

Bangkok / Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha)

On Traimit Road at the end of Yaowarat Road near Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Railway Station is Wat Traimit, known for its Golden Buddha from the Sukhothai period. The image of solid gold is 3m (about 10ft) high and weighs five and a half tons. The Golden Buddha was discovered by accident as an outer Buddha image broke when it was moved and the inner Golden Buddha was revealed. The golden image was probably covered with plaster to conceal it from Burmese armies threatening Ayutthaya. The building housing this image is open daily 9:00-17:00.