(‘Abode of the Gods’) or Anek Kusala Sala (‘Multipurpose Pavilion’).
Built
in 1993 within the royal temple of Wat Yansangwararam, in honour of His
Majesty the King, Viharnra, by the Chinese-Thai community, this site is
a fascinating museum of cultural artefacts, objects d’arts,
antiques, works of art and religious statues from all over China and
Thailand. The 3 storey museum, next to a lake, is housed within a
traditionally decorated pavilion which resembles a Chinese palace.
The museum contains
• Buddha images and a series of paintings illustrating the Lord Buddha’s life.
• replicas of the famed X’ian terracotta warriors
• giant T’ai Chi symbols (yin-yangs)
• brass sculptures of Chinese gods
• a pair of huge granite Peking Lions.
• a white jade statue of Goddess of Mercy - Guan Yin
• ancient Chinese pottery,
• painted silk scrolls,
• multi-coloured dragons
• huge decorated vases and urns
• Thai National dress over the years,
• replicas of the royal barges of His Majesty the King
• carriages used by the Royal family across the ages
The museum is open from 8:00-17:00. Entry fee: 50 Baht.
Unfortunately,
the Abbot isn’t over keen on publicizing the wat complex, nor are
travel agents prepared to lay on conducted tours, which is not to say
that tourists aren’t welcome, they are. It’s best to go
independently, which has the advantage of imposing no time constraints.
Strict dress code is observed.
Although there are
publications in Thai, none exist in English; the various exhibits are
labelled in both English and Thai, however.
