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Holy Rosary Church (Kalawar Church)

A Gothic Revival church on the river in Talat Noi, built in the 1890s for a Portuguese Catholic community that settled here after 1767.

Directions

Plan your visit

Hours
Mon–Sat 16:30–18:30, Sun 07:00–11:00 and 16:30–18:30

Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.

Why go, and how to do it well

Holy Rosary Church, called Kalawar Church after the Portuguese word for Calvary, is the Catholic church of Talat Noi. Portuguese Catholics settled here after the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, and their first church, a wooden one on stilts, went up in 1787. It was rebuilt in 1838, and the building you see now, the third on the site, was built in the Gothic Revival style between 1891 and 1897.

The main facade faces the Chao Phraya, with a central steeple and pointed arches throughout, and its stained glass is counted among the most beautiful in Thailand. It won an ASA award for architectural conservation in 1987. It's a working parish church, so dress modestly, stay quiet during services, and check the parish's page for opening times before you go.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026

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Around here, on foot

Well-rated places within a short walk of Holy Rosary Church (Kalawar Church), nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After Holy Rosary Church (Kalawar Church), round out your day in Bangkok with contrasting stops nearby.

1318 Yotha Road, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand

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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture

Mind Your Feet

Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.

Ask Before Photographing

Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.

Go Early Morning

Big-name temples are dramatically less crowded in the first hour after opening. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.

Holy Rosary Church (Kalawar Church): Frequently Asked Questions

Is Holy Rosary Church (Kalawar Church) worth visiting?

Holy Rosary Church (Kalawar Church) holds a 4.6★ rating from 960 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Bangkok.

What are the opening hours of Holy Rosary Church (Kalawar Church)?

Holy Rosary Church (Kalawar Church) is typically open 16:30–18:30 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.

When is the best time to visit Holy Rosary Church (Kalawar Church)?

The best months to visit Bangkok are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December & January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: April – May (peak heat).

Where is Holy Rosary Church (Kalawar Church) located?

Holy Rosary Church (Kalawar Church) is at 1318 Yotha Road, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand, in Bangkok. Getting around Bangkok: BTS Skytrain (most central areas); MRT Metro (underground).

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