Wat Pathum Wanaram Rachaworawihan
Most people walk right past this one on their way between Siam and CentralWorld, which is exactly why it's worth stopping. It's a royal temple with strong links to the Thai royal family, and the crowd inside is mostly locals who've come to pray rather than photograph. That changes the feel of the place completely.
The main hall is smaller than you'd expect and better for it. Blue-toned murals of scenes from the Buddha's life run around the walls, and the sanctum is packed with Buddha images, one of them enthroned. Outside there's a meditation garden, monks' quarters and a crematorium. The garden is where I'd spend my time. Ten minutes on a bench and the traffic noise on Rama I stops registering. Entry is free, so there's no reason not to duck in for a quarter of an hour when the shopping gets too much.
If you're in town over New Year, the eve chanting ceremony is a proper event. Registration has run from mid-afternoon with a small donation for a chanting book, and there are seats rather than floor space.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Pathum Wanaram Rachaworawihan, round out your day in Bangkok with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
This is a Wat that you will often missed walking from Siam to Central world and vice versa. My first participation on the eve of New year chanting. The feeling is awesome, everything is so well organized and orderly. Make me wanna come back again. Start of registration at 1500 and we proceed to reserve seat. Oh ya, seats are available if you are worried about sitting on the floor. During registration, donation of 60baht/pax and you will be given a chanting book in Thai though. The chanting 1900 to 0100. If you are like me who can’t read Thai, you are welcome to observe the whole chanting or leave anytime. Most people are dressed in white and please observe the dress code for temple visit. The serenity you will felt despite sandwiched in between 2 major locations for New year concert. This will definitely not the last time for me. Sadhu sadhu🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Free entry to this Thai Buddhist Temple. Great place to see old Thai architecture. Most visitors are locals who come and pray, so ensure to keep your volume low as respect to devotees. Highly recommended! 💯
This is a pretty Buddhist temple with plenty of connections to the Thai royal family. The main wat is a surprisingly small and intimate hall with blue background murals depicting the life of the Buddha and possibly scenes from Ramayana. The sanctum has lots of statues of the Buddha , one of which is enthroned. Lots of locals were visiting when I was there.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 4,889 reviews on Google.
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Wat Pathum Wanaram Rachaworawihan: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Pathum Wanaram Rachaworawihan worth visiting?
Wat Pathum Wanaram Rachaworawihan holds a 4.7★ rating from 4,889 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Bangkok.
What are the opening hours of Wat Pathum Wanaram Rachaworawihan?
Wat Pathum Wanaram Rachaworawihan is typically open 07:30-17:00 — 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 Wat Pathum Wanaram Rachaworawihan?
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 Wat Pathum Wanaram Rachaworawihan located?
Wat Pathum Wanaram Rachaworawihan is at 969 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand, in Bangkok. Getting around Bangkok: BTS Skytrain (most central areas); MRT Metro (underground).
Location Info
969 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand+66 2 251 6478www.facebook.com/pathumwanaramVisitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: April – May (peak heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
25°C – 34°C(77°F – 93°F)
Crowds
Peak: December & January
Getting there
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports serve Bangkok with direct flights from most major cities.
Getting around
- •BTS Skytrain (most central areas)
- •MRT Metro (underground)
- •Airport Rail Link (ARL)
- •Chao Phraya Express Boat
- •Grab (ride-hailing app)
- •Metered taxis — always use the meter
Where to stay near Wat Pathum Wanaram Rachaworawihan
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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
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.
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.
Nearby Places
Thao Maha Brahma
A four-faced Brahma in gold, ringed by luxury malls, with incense and live dancers going almost all day.
Bangkok Art & Culture Centre
Free contemporary art in the middle of Siam, and the spiral building is half the reason to go.
The Royal Place 2
A residential condominium complex in central Bangkok's Lumphini area, not a tourist attraction.
The Jim Thompson Art Center
A cultural gallery and event space in central Bangkok celebrating Thai silk heritage and contemporary art.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Doi Suthep Temple
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The Sanctuary of Truth Museum
A hand-carved wooden giant still under construction, and watching the carpenters work is half the point.
The Big Buddha, Phuket
A 45-metre marble Buddha on a hilltop, though the front is closed and you'll be viewing from behind.
Tha Phae Gate
Free, open all hours, and best after dark when the brick gate is lit and the square fills up.
Where to stay near Wat Pathum Wanaram Rachaworawihan
Find hotels in Bangkok on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: April – May (peak heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
25°C – 34°C(77°F – 93°F)
Crowds
Peak: December & January
Getting there
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports serve Bangkok with direct flights from most major cities.
Getting around
- •BTS Skytrain (most central areas)
- •MRT Metro (underground)
- •Airport Rail Link (ARL)
- •Chao Phraya Express Boat
- •Grab (ride-hailing app)
- •Metered taxis — always use the meter