The kings' temple
Where Thai kings were ordained.
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One of Bangkok's most important royal temples, minutes from Khaosan Road, where many Thai kings were ordained as monks, among them King Mongkut, its abbot for years before taking the throne, and Kings Bhumibol and Vajiralongkorn. It is the seat of the Thammayut order of monks that Mongkut founded, giving it a special standing among Thais. At its centre a large golden stupa is ringed by golden animal statues, and the ordination hall holds Phra Buddha Chinnasi, one of the finest images of the Sukhothai era. Its walls carry unique nineteenth-century murals by the painter Khrua In Khong, showing scenes with Western houses and landscapes in European perspective, rare in old Thai art. Entry is free and donations are welcome. Modest dress is expected: shoulders and knees covered, and shoes off inside the halls. It is a working royal temple, so behave quietly; some halls open at set times. Pair it with Khaosan Road and nearby Wat Chana Songkhram, a quiet break on an old-city day.
Where Thai kings were ordained.
A rare European perspective.
Ringed by golden animals.
Phra Sumen Road, Banglamphu, near Khaosan Road, Bangkok
Khaosan RoadA short street of no more than four hundred metres in Banglamphu that has been A4 minutes walk
Democracy MonumentA large monument in the middle of a roundabout on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the broa6 minutes walk
Phra Sumen Fort and Santichaiprakan ParkOne of only two survivors of the fourteen forts King Rama I built in 1783 to gua8 minutes walk
Wat Ratchanatdaram and Loha PrasatA temple in the heart of the old city, on the same road that leads to the Golden10 minutes walk
Wat Intharawihan (the Big Standing Buddha)A quiet temple north of the old city, known for a giant standing Buddha called L10 minutes walkMany kings were ordained here, and it is the seat of the Thammayut order founded by King Mongkut.