I Discovered Bangkok's Spiritual And Cultural Heart On A Recent Trip

Bangkok, Thailand | "During World War II, a bomb meant for the Memorial Bridge missed and landed right near the front of Wat Prayoon [a 19th-century Buddhist temple complex in Bangkok]. The assembly hall was badly damaged, but surprisingly, the large Buddha inside wasn't harmed at all. However, the force of the explosion likely caused a hidden crack in the central pillar, making it lean heavily against the inner wall," Mu, my guide, told me as we stood inside the chedi (an alternative term for a Buddhist stupa, mainly used in Thailand), built during the reign of King Rama III of the Rattanakosin Kingdom.We were on a cultural walking tour of Thonburi—Bangkok’s historic riverside district—organised by The Peninsula Bangkok. Known for its views of the Chao Phraya River and curated guest experiences, the hotel offers guided walks that explore Thonburi’s quieter side, from old temples and shrines to local artisans. Once the capital of Siam, the area still reflects its royal past. Our 1.5-hour tour, led by Mu, brought us to Wat Prayoon."As part of a 2006 survey, engineers found that the chedi was leaning around 1.2 m towards the Chao Phraya River," Mu explained. "To prevent further damage or collapse, the abbot launched a restoration project. During the process, two hidden crypts were uncovered inside the chedi, containing a collection of ancient and precious relics. Interestingly, a newspaper dated September 1954 was also found inside—believed to have been left behind by someone who had broken in to loot the site but failed."Today, many of these artefacts, including the old newspaper, are housed in the nearby Pharin Pariyattithammasala pavilion. Originally built as Thailand’s first public library, the pavilion has since been carefully restored and now serves as a small museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the temple's past.Turtle Tales In ThailandA short walk from Wat Prayoon brought us to our next stop—Khao Mo, a man-made mountain set in the middle of a large pond. This rock garden, adorned with miniature chedis, stupas, pavilions, and rare plants, has served as a peaceful retreat within the monastery for over 180 years. Designed as a symbolic representation of Mount Meru—the cosmic mountain in Buddhist and Hindu cosmology—it is considered Thailand’s largest and oldest replica mountain.The pond surrounding Khao Mo is home to turtles, and feeding them turned out to be unexpectedly delightful. Far from the slow-moving creatures I had imagined, these turtles sprang into action the moment food appeared!"In Buddhism, turtles are seen as sacred beings," Mu explained. "They symbolise creation, endurance, strength, and longevity. That’s why there’s even a tradition of releasing turtles as an act of merit. Because of this deep association, the temple is known by locals as Wat Khao Tao—or Turtle Mountain Temple."Our walk ended at the Guan Yu Shrine, one of the oldest Chinese temples in Bangkok. Tucked along the river near the Princess Mother Memorial Park, this small yet striking complex was originally built in the 18th century by Hokkien immigrants.A pagoda-style tower, its roof edges curling skyward, stood adorned with vibrant dragons and horses—symbols of strength in Chinese tradition. Just beside it was the indoor shrine hall. Stepping inside, I was struck by the vivid red and gold interiors, where three statues of Guan Yu, the revered Chinese god of war and loyalty, took centre stage amidst the incense and flickering candles."Local Chinese families come here to pray to Guan Yu for luck in business and real estate," Mu told us. "That’s why the largest statue is often draped with copies of contracts and property deeds."After a quick prayer to Guan Yu—hoping for just enough prosperity to return one day and offer a proper thanks for some real estate (pun intended)—I set off for some much-needed rest and a quiet dinner back at The Peninsula Bangkok.A Taste Of Luxury And WellnessAlthough my stay at The Peninsula was just for a day, I packed in every bit of the experience. As soon as I arrived, I was shown to my Deluxe Room, where floor-to-ceiling windows framed spectacular views of the Chao Phraya River and the city skyline beyond. The room was a blend of classic Thai elegance and modern luxury, with rich silk finishes, an indulgent marble bathroom, and every tech comfort imaginable. Even the teakwood foyer, walk-in closet, and executive desk made it clear that no detail had been overlooked.After a quick freshen-up, I made my way to a beverage class. Here, we learned to brew our own kombucha—a lightly effervescent, fermented tea that's as fascinating to make as it is to sip. The workshop was a perfect introduction to creating healthy, flavourful drinks at home, offering recipes and tips that I couldn’t wait to try on my own. If you're looking for a refreshing experience that blends taste, wellness, and a bit of fun, this class is an absolute must.Beyond these experiences, The Peninsula Bangkok curates a range of wellness activities for guests, from private fitness sessions and Aquafit to Sunrise Yoga at Thiptara and Hatha Yoga at the Gong Wu Shrine. Mindfulness breathing classes also offer a pause from the buzz of the city. For couples, the hotel weaves a series of meaningful experiences into the wedding preparation, from personalised menu planning and tea blending to floral arrangement workshops and signature beverage crafting. Connecting Through TraditionOn my second morning in Bangkok, just before setting off for Krabi, I was fortunate to experience the Tak Bart Alms Giving Ceremony, a centuries-old practice rooted in Theravada Buddhist culture, just right outside The Peninsula.Early in the morning, I joined the locals to offer food parcels to Buddhist monks passing silently by. Watching them walk barefoot through the streets, heads bowed in quiet reflection, was humbling. As I knelt down to offer my parcel, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of connection. One of the locals smiled at me and said, "In giving, we open our hearts—not just to others, but to the world."The Tak Bart ritual felt not just like a ceremony, but like a lesson in grace and gratitude—one I will carry with me long after the journey ended.The Information | Bangkok, ThailandGetting ThereSeveral Indian cities, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, offer direct flights to Bangkok. Visa for IndiansThailand is visa-free for Indian travellers.Best Time To VisitThe best time to visit Thailand is during the cool, dry season from November to February. This period offers pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall, perfect for exploring the beaches, temples, and vibrant cities.A Weekend At Rayavadee Krabi, Where I Found Quiet Islandic Luxuries In Every Nook