Located at the southeast comer of Sanam Luang, this graceful, templelike structure houses "Lak Muang" a stone pillar placed there by King Rama I, the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty, as the foundation stone for his new capital city of Bangkok. Lak Muang is believed by many people to have the power of granting wishes.

         This world famous temple is located right next to the Grand Palace, on the south side. It is one of Bangkok's oldest and largest temples. Wat Pho was built by King Rama I nearly 200 years ago and houses the gigantic gold plated reclining Buddha. This unique image is 46 meters in length and 15 metres high with beautifully inlaid mother-of-pearl soles. Wat Pho is also regarded as the first centre of public education and is sometimes called ''Thailand's First University". The building housing the Reclining Buddha is open daily from 9.00 am.-5.00 pm. Admission fee is 20 baht.

          At the end of Yaowarat Road, near Bangkok's Hualamphong Railway Station, is a temple situated on Traimit Road. This temple is known for its famous Golden Buddha, constructed during the Sukhothai period. The image, of solid gold, is three meters high and weighs five and a half tons. The building holding this image is open to the public everyday from 9.00 am.-5.00 pm.

          The Marble Temple is on Si Ayuttbaya Road near Chitralada Palace. The temple is well-known because its main building was constructed during the reign of King Rama V. The best time to visit this temple is early in the morning when Buddhist monks are chanting inside the chapel. The interior of the main building is magnificently decorated with cross beams of lacquer and gold. A large collection of Bronze Buddhas lines the walls of the spacious, inner courtyard. The main building is open to vistors until 5.00 pm. There is an admission charge of 10 baht.

          Located in Bangkhunphrom area on Wisutkrasat Road, Wat Indravihan is well-known for a huge standing Buddha image. Thai image of ''Buddhasiariyametriya'', is 32 metres tall (108.99 feet) and 10 metres and 24 inches wide (40.09 feet).

          This Buddhist monument was built during the reign of King Rama IV. The topknot of the Buddha image contains a relic of Lord Buddha brought from Sri Lanka. The temple is open to the public every day. There is no admission fee.

          Located on Sukhumvit Sol 101, this is the highest pagoda in Bangkok. The pagoda, 94.78 metres high, has 14 storeys and an elevator to enable visitors, particularly elderly people, to go to the top of the building. Relics and a hair of the Lord Buddha, kept in the pagoda, were presented by the Supreme Patriach of Bangladesh.

          Located on Mahachai Road. This royal temple was built in the reign of King Rama III in 1846. Loha Prasat (Metal Palace), one of its tourist attractions, standing on its 36 meters high with 37 surrounding spires is the only one of its kind left in the world. Situated in the nearby area are a royal pavilion for a guest welcome and the memorial statue of King Rama III.

          This is a very old temple on Na Phrathat Road between Silpakorn University and Thammasat University. The back of the temple faces the Pramane Ground, or Sanam Luang. Wat Mahathat was built during the reign of King Rama I and houses Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University, one of the two highest seats of Buddhist learning in the country. Those interested in Buddhist meditation should visit Section 5, which is the head-quarters of Wipassana (insight) meditation in Thailand. Information and practice in English can usually be arranged according to the availability of suitable monks. The temple complex is open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.

          This Chedi or pagoda is the tallest Buddhist monument in the world. It is located in Nakhon Pathom,56 kms. west of Bangkok. It towers almost 380 feet into the air. The golden-tiled dome of the chedi looks like an inverted bell and can be seen from miles away. The famous Buddhist edifice can be reached by bus from the Southern Bus Terminal, by train from Bangkok Railway Station, or by car.

          This temple is a sanctuary for the open-billed stork. It is located on the bank of the Chao Phraya River in Changwat Pathumthani. From December to June, thousands of these storks come to nest in the temple area. Those interested in ornithology, should they be in Thailand during these months, should not miss the opportunity of a visit to this temple. Regular weekend cruise is organized by the Chao Phya Express Boat (Tel. 2225330) from Maharat Pier every Sunday at 8.00 am.