1. Wat Bowonniwetwiharn Ratchaworawiharn (Wat Bowon)
Wat Bowon is located in Bang Lamphu district. The temple’s outstanding characteristic is the blended architecture between Thai, Chinese, and Europe. Wat Bowon is considered the major-class royal temple because many Thai Kings used to ordain and stay at this temple. The area inside the temple is divided into two parts: the ceremonial area and the living quarter. The ceremonial area consists of buildings for monks and Buddhists to pray such as the main chapel, pagodas, the reading hall, the bell tower, etc. On the other hand, the living quarter consists of the royal villas where the former Kings used to stay during the ordination period. Apart from that, Wat Bowon also has the Museum & Library of the Abbots which exhibit the history of the past abbots.
Open hours: 08.00 a.m. – 05.00 p.m.
Address: 248 Phra Sumen Rd, Wat Bowon Niwet, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LqxEDLAXNuD1vW7k9
2. Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan (the Temple of Metal Castle)
Located on the Ratchadamnoen Klang three-way junction opposite Wat Saket, Wat Ratchanatdaram is most known for the majestic metal castle. It is the only metal castle in Thailand and the third in the world after India and Sri Lanka. The blueprint of the Thai Metal Castle is inspired by the other two metal castles but its architecture still follows the traditional Thai style. Loha Prasat (metal castle) was built in place of the main chapel in the late King Rama III era in honor of the royal granddaughter of His Majesty the King who was the Queen Consort of the King Rama IV. Originally, the color of Loha Prasat was black but it was renovated in 2017 into a golden color instead.
Open hours: 08.30 a.m. - 09.00 p.m.
Address: 2 Maha Chai Rd, Wat Bowon Niwet, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AqMXLzCsLc9vgAFt5
3. Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram (The Marble Temple)
Wat Benchamabophit or Wat Ben is one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. The exterior of Phra Ubosot (the main chapel) is entirely made of marbles imported from Italy while the interior is made of pink granite. The project was achieved by the cooperation between Thai and Italian architects to renovate and honor the temple to the five royal family members who participated in the rebellion suppression. Apart from the gorgeous and magnificent marble temple, Wat Ben also houses a national museum. It exhibits numerous important Buddha images from many regions and antiques such as ceramic glaze wares.
Open hours: 06.00 a.m. – 06.00 p.m.
Address: 69 Thanon Si Ayutthaya, Dusit, Dusit District, Bangkok 10300
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ChQeacsxYLu2zR3n6
4. Wat Yannawa (The Boat Temple)
Formerly known as Wat Kwai, Wat Yannawa dates back to the Ayutthaya era but it was only a small local temple back then. In the King Rama III era, the temple was renovated and expanded. A life-size junk ship inspired by Chinese junk ship was erected as the base of the primary and secondary pagodas. His Majesty the King Rama III had foreseen that this specific type of sailing ship would be gone from people’s memory after being replaced by European ships. Therefore, he ordered the temple to be built as such and bestowed a new name “Wat Yannawa” which means the Boat Temple. Apart from the signature boat temple, the white jade Guanyin statue performing three poses in one form is also a popular attraction that people visiting Wat Yannawa always come to see and pay respect to.
Open hours: 08.30 a.m. – 05.00 p.m.
Address: 40 Charoen Krung Road, Yan Nawa, Sathon, Bangkok 10120
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wCdMkUrYHYDcTPsn9
5. Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen
Located at Bangkok Yai canal, Wat Paknam is an old temple that dates back to the middle Ayutthaya era. The temple was renovated in the King Rama III and Rama V era. Later on in the King Rama VI era, an abbot named Luang Po Sot was sent to look after the temple. He founded a Buddhist school and it became one of the renowned Buddhist schools in Thailand. For that reason, Luang Po Sot was widely respected as “Luang Po Wat Paknam”. The highlight attraction of Wat Paknam is the magnificent white pagoda named “Phra Maha Chedi Maha Ratchamongkhon”. The 5-story pagoda is divided into various areas; including the temple’s history & Luang Po Wat Paknam exhibition, antique exhibition, meditation hall, Luang Po Sot statue, and the gorgeous pagoda made of glass. Another highlight at Wat Paknam is the giant Buddha statue, as tall as 20-story building.
Open hours: 24 hours
Address: 300 Ratchamongkhon Prasat Alley, Pak Khlong Phasi Charoen, Phasi Charoen, Bangkok 10160
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Mkgo9sFt3ESvZU2w5
