How to read a temple

A Thai temple compound is a set of buildings with different jobs. The โบสถ์ (ordination hall) is ringed by eight boundary stones (ใบเสมา) and is where monks are ordained; the วิหาร is the hall where lay people come to pray before the main Buddha image. The เจดีย์ holds relics; a tall corn-cob tower is a ปรางค์. Look up at the roof: the hooked ช่อฟ้า at each ridge end, the serpent-like bargeboards and the carved gable (หน้าบัน) with ลายไทย. Inside, จิตรกรรมฝาผนัง murals tell the Buddha's past lives, often with funny scenes of village life in the corners. You may see people ปิดทอง, pressing gold leaf onto an image. Dress modestly, take your shoes off at the hall door, and never point your feet at the Buddha.