Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha) Wat Traimit is the temple that holds the Golden Buddha Statue named Phra Phuttha Maha Suwana Patimakon. The relic is a golden Theravada Buddhist statue which stands approximately 3 metres high and weighs in at an impressive 5.5 tonnes or 5,500 kilogrammes of gold. It is made of 9 separate pieces with a single key that can dissemble them. During the Burmese invasion of Ayutthaya in 1767, the golden Buddha was coated in plaster and coloured glass to hide its significance, importance and true value. After the war, it had been forgotten about and so it remained camouflaged for an estimated 200 years. So long that it had become considered a statue of lesser importance. This was true, until one day during its relocation in 1955, the plaster and glass chipped and its golden coat was revealed. It is recorded in Thai history that this statue was once housed under a tin roof for over 20 years. However, once its prestige discovered, King Rama III ordered the temple which it is hosted at to be redeveloped into a significant holy site. According to Thai officials, the purity of the statue's pieces measured to be 99% gold. At today’s current prices, the relic is valued between an astounding 200-250 million dollars. Photos of the plaster which covered the Buddha statue are on display at the temple. The golden Buddha is located in the temple Wat Traimit or better known as Golden Buddha Temple is only 4.8 kilometres from Shanti Lodge Bangkok. Expected travel time ranges between 10-15 minutes and can costs approximately 60-150 Baht depending on if you choose to take a taxi or Tuk-Tuk. If walking is how you prefer sightseeing, the journey will take an estimated 45-60. Opening Hours 9:00 - 17:00