Wat Traimit is the relatively small temple, near Hualampong Station and just on the edge of Chinatown, which houses the Golden Buddha. But for an accident, it might never have become famous. In 1952, a plaster Buddha was being moved to the temple by crane when the rope slipped and the statue was dropped. The plaster broke and a metal statue underneath was revealed.
When the plaster was peeled off, a beautifully formed solid gold Buddha was found inside. It appears to date from the fourteenth century and weighs over five tons. It was probably concealed in the plaster to prevent the Burmese from stealing it during one of their invasions. The glow of the solid gold is unforgettable. Located near Hualamphong Station on Traimitr Road.
From Khao San Road, take bus no. 35 to its terminus, then walk to the front bus in the line and take no. 35 again to Hualampong Station. From Sukhumvit Road, take a bus no. 25 or 40 or air-conditioned no. 1.
