Wat Ratchabophit

This temple provides the tourist with a quieter, less crowded way to appreciate the beauty of a Thai Buddhist temple. That is not to say that it is any less important; this temple is a royal temple of the first grade, housing many miniature cathedrals lauding deceased members of the Thai monarchy.

Beautiful and intricate, the buildings of this temple are all adorned with hand painted glazed tiles. All of the doors and windows are also framed with gold and mirrors. The temple has a unique design including a central courtyard and a gilded Chedi containing a serene, seated image of the Buddha.

The interior of the Ubosot, or main chapel, is European in style and copies the regal style of European monarchies. The chapel contains a high-ceilinged chandelier and walls that are almost entirely golden with decorative patterned panels.

This temple is the last to have been erected by the illustrious King Rama V. King Rama VII subsequently restored the building to its present glory. It was originally commissioned by Rama V in order to commemorate his Queen and his concubines.

The temple is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm and admission is free to all visitors. One of the quickest ways of getting to Wat Ratchabophit is via the Express Boat. You can take his boat at the Tha Thien Pier which is located just past Wat Pho. However, you can also take a taxi there from central Bangkok which should cost between 80 and 90 Baht or at most $2.80 USD.

You can visit Wat Pho, the bigger nearby temple first, and then continue on to Wat Ratchabophit in the same day. Both temples are located in the same vicinity, although the latter is much smaller.