[logpogingg]

The only time I ever had to part with money at a temple is at Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai and that was only to avoid climbing the stairs up the mountain and to rent trousers to cover the legs. I can't say that they were charges to enter a temple.

If I remember correctly, the temple in Phitsanulok asked for a donation from Farangs unless the Farang was a Buddhist. That's no different from many of the Churches and Cathedrals in Europe where donations are solicited from non-worshippers.

As to MBK, that place can be a real hassle when the public is out in force shopping. The mobile phone and electronics floor (3?) is especially tortuous. And I agree with FaranginPhetch the reasons for going to either destination have no relationship to each other.

And for a visitor to miss out on a major part of the cultural heritage of Thailand is, of course, a real crime.