The 22,000km Trip (10) Bangkok: Wat Hua Lamphong

Wat Hua Lamphong is a few stops away from the infamous Wat Pho but it's not very well known among tourists. However interestingly, it's one of the most popular temples among locals. Apparently praying at the temple gives you a lot of merit. Since my health was in the dumps, I decided to pay a visit there.

A few stops past Wat Pho, you need to take another boat that gets you to the other side. And sure enough the boat soon became full with local Thai people in their nice outfits and food offerings. It was quite refreshing after days of being swarmed in tourists!

To be honest, it's nothing too spectacular or grandiose compared to the other "tourist" temples. Nevertheless, you can feel the heightened spirit of the place with local aunties and uncles praying intently and making their offerings. You also see students chilling after their courses and children playing in the area so you can really experience how much the temple is integrated into Thai everyday life. Because there's no one walking around with their cameras (except for me of course!) and loud speaking foreigners, there's a really nice cozy relaxed feeling. If you want to get away from the hustle bustle touristy locations, I highly recommend a visit here; and while you're at it, make a wish!