Wat Prayoon: A Hidden Gem of Bangkok’s Spiritual Heritage
Nestled on the serene Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan—commonly known as Wat Prayoon—is a captivating blend of history, architecture, and cultural richness. Built in 1828 during the reign of King Rama III, this first-class royal temple offers a tranquil escape from Bangkok’s bustling cityscape.UNESCO+14Condé Nast Traveler+14Condé Nast Traveler+14Tourism Thailand+1North of Known+1
The Majestic Phra Borommathat Maha Chedi
The temple’s most striking feature is its towering white chedi, the Phra Borommathat Maha Chedi. Standing over 60 meters tall, this Ayutthaya-style stupa is unique for its hollow interior housing a massive central pillar weighing approximately 144 tonnes. This architectural marvel earned Wat Prayoon the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Excellence for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2013. Condé Nast Traveler+3UNESCO+3Trazy+3UNESCO
Khao Mo: The Sacred Turtle Mountain
Adjacent to the chedi lies Khao Mo, an artificial hill adorned with miniature stupas, shrines, and rare plants. Surrounded by a pond teeming with turtles, this rock garden symbolizes Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Buddhist cosmology. Turtles, revered in Buddhism for their longevity and endurance, add to the site’s spiritual ambiance. TakeMeTour+5Wikipedia+5Condé Nast Traveler+5
Phra Prayu Phantakhan Museum: Thailand’s First Public Library
Originally a dhamma studies hall built in 1885, this structure was transformed into Thailand’s first public library in 1916. Today, it serves as a museum housing ancient Buddha images, amulets, and relics, offering visitors a glimpse into the country’s rich religious history. Wikipedia
A Testament to Resilience
Wat Prayoon has withstood the test of time, including surviving a bomb blast during World War II that damaged parts of the temple but left the main Buddha statue unscathed. This resilience adds to the temple’s historical significance and spiritual aura. UNESCOUNESCO+7TakeMeTour+7TakeMeTour+7
Visiting Wat Prayoon
- Location: 102 Thanon Thetsaban Sai 1, Khwaeng Wat Kanlaya, Thonburi, Bangkok
- Opening Hours: Daily from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Admission: Free
- Getting There: Take the Chao Phraya River Express Boat to Memorial Bridge Pier, cross the bridge, and the temple is a short walk away. Hotels.com+12Trazy+12Condé Nast Traveler+12
Explore the Surrounding Kadeejeen Community
The temple is part of the historic Kadeejeen neighborhood, known for its multicultural heritage. Nearby attractions include the Santa Cruz Church and the Kian Un Keng Shrine, reflecting the area’s Portuguese and Chinese influences. A riverside promenade connects Wat Prayoon to these sites, offering a scenic route for visitors. UNESCO+1UNESCO+1
Wat Prayoon stands as a beacon of Bangkok’s spiritual and cultural legacy. Its unique architecture, serene environment, and rich history make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a deeper understanding of Thailand’s heritage.