The Buddhas

In Thailand, the fact is that Buddha statues are very popular with local residents and tourists. For that very reason, their are a number of oversized Buddhas and ones which symbolise different things. Normally Buddhas are the star attractions in the towns they are located and offer an insight into the culture and history surrounding the towns. Usually, Buddhas will be designed to gleam in the sun to radiant peace and tranquillity across the land.

Largest Buddha Statues

In Wat Muang it is not hard to miss the incredible Phra Buddha Maha Nawamin. The ninth tallest statue in the world, the statue has been nicknamed as the 'Great Buddha of Thailand' and for good reason. 92 meters tall, the statue took around 18 years to build since its start date dating back to 1990. From knee to knee it spans 63 meters showing just how staggering this statue is.

Despite the argument that Buddha statues would be even bigger if they would stand up, the argument is invalid due to the tallest standing Buddha being nearly half the size of the 'Great Buddha of Thailand'. Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol statue in Roe Et Province stands at 59.2 metres high. Offering a viewing platform visiting this Buddha statue can offer some amazing view of the city.

The third largest Buddha statue may come as a surprise to some people. Wat Pho's world-renowned Reclining Buddha may not be considered that tall due to it being lay on its side, however, once you measure its length do you really appreciate its true size. At 46 metres long, the reclining Buddha is the exception to the rule that it is rude to point to the soles of people feet in Thailand as the statues are famous for its giant mother of peal feet.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Located in Wat Phra Kaew, you will discover the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Tales talk of how the statue orientated in India was taken to Sri Lanka during a war and eventually ended up in Thailand. The statue is covered in Gold clothing which is changed by the King during the changing of seasons. Dating back to 43BC it is one of the oldest and most famous Buddha statues in the world.

Learn the Laws Surrounding Buddha Statues

To avoid being stopped at the airport customs in Thailand you really want to know the laws that affect the sort of gifts you may bring back for loved ones. You will notice whilst at the airport it will announce how it is illegal to export Buddha's heads and there are even restrictions on what images can be taken out of the country.

If you are planning on visiting a Buddha statue and fancy taking a few pictures, you must get written permission from the Thai Government Fine Arts Department or have a license. If you do not, these images you possess will be taken and destroyed. The department also stops people exporting a Buddha statue that is bigger than 12 cm and only allows 5 statues or images to be exported at any one time.

Buying heads or hands is risky as there is a total ban on exporting parts of the Buddha statue. This is to stop people destroying ancient site for parts. If you are to buy anything Buddha related, make sure you buy a small figure from a licensed distributor and the product has the official inspection tag. Otherwise, you are breaking the law or will be stopped at customs.