Bencharong tiles
Chinese porcelain on every wall.
กสิณธร ราชโอรส — CC BY-SA 4.0 · กสิณธร ราชโอรส — CC BY-SA 4.0 · กสิณธร ราชโอรส — CC BY-SA 4.0 · กสิณธร ราชโอรส — CC BY-SA 4.0 · กสิณธร ราชโอรส — CC BY-SA 4.0
A royal temple in the old city steps from the Grand Palace, built by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in 1869 at the start of his reign. Its layout sets it apart from other Bangkok temples: a golden stupa at the centre ringed by a circular cloister joined to the ordination and prayer halls, with every wall clad in colourful Chinese porcelain tiles, known as Bencharong, in intricate patterns that glitter in the sun. Inside the ordination hall comes a surprise: a European Gothic interior of columns, arches and soft colours, like a small chapel, reflecting the king's love of Western architecture. The doors and windows bear mother-of-pearl inlays of state decorations, and the door guardians are carved as soldiers in European uniforms. West of the temple lies a royal cemetery with memorials to members of the royal family in many styles. Entry is free and donations are welcome. Modest dress is expected: shoulders and knees covered, and shoes off inside the halls. The ordination hall usually opens at set times and may close during ceremonies. It is far calmer than the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, so make it a pause on an old-city day, ten minutes on foot from the Giant Swing.
Chinese porcelain on every wall.
A hall like a small chapel.
Around the golden stupa.
Fueang Nakhon Road, Rattanakosin island, near the Grand Palace, Bangkok
Wat Suthat and the Giant SwingOne of Bangkok's first-class royal temples, begun by King Rama I in 1807, with K6 minutes walk
Bangkok City Pillar ShrineThe place where Bangkok was officially born: when King Rama I founded the new ca7 minutes walk
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)One of Bangkok's oldest and largest temples, directly south of the Grand Palace 7 minutes walk
Grand Palace and the Emerald BuddhaThailand's most famous landmark: a lavish royal complex of palaces, halls and te8 minutes walk
Museum SiamA modern interactive museum opened in 2007 in the old Ministry of Commerce build8 minutes walkIts circular cloister clad in Chinese porcelain, and an ordination hall with a European Gothic interior rare in Thailand.