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Wat Prayurawongsawas Worawihan

Free entry, a turtle pond, and a white chedi you can climb, with barely a tour group in sight.

4.6(4,031)Sanam Chai MRT Station · 9 min walk
Directions

Plan your visit

Hours
Daily 07:00–20:00
Getting there
Sanam Chai MRT Station
9 min walk

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.

Details

Full opening hours
Monday07:00–20:00
Tuesday07:00–20:00
Wednesday07:00–20:00
Thursday07:00–20:00
Friday07:00–20:00
Saturday07:00–20:00
Sunday07:00–20:00

Why go, and how to do it well

The turtles are the reason most people remember this one. There's a pond in the garden just inside the entrance, home to hundreds of them in every size and color, and 20 baht buys a bag of food. Thai families come to feed them as merit-making, kids do the actual throwing, and the whole thing has a warmth you won't get waiting in line at the Grand Palace. The garden around it is planted with unusual trees labeled in Thai and English, and the grounds are kept in immaculate order, right down to the clipped shrubs along the entrance walls.

Beyond the garden sits the big whitewashed chedi holding sacred relics, and you can climb it for a view over the city. This is a working temple on the west bank of the Chao Phraya, near the Thon Buri end of the Chao Phraya Sky Park, and it stays quiet even when Wat Arun is heaving. Two buildings are under renovation at the moment, so parts may be screened off.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026

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Around here, on foot

Well-rated places within a short walk of Wat Prayurawongsawas Worawihan, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After Wat Prayurawongsawas Worawihan, round out your day in Bangkok with contrasting stops nearby.

Reviews from Google

​🏛️ Wat Prayurawongsawat: An Organized Sanctuary of Noble Kindness ​If you are tired of "tourist-centered" temples and seek something truly authentic, Wat Prayurawongsawat (Wat Prayun) is where you belong. This temple doesn't just show you art; it shows you the true soul of a Thai community. ​The "Noble Home" Vibe: What makes this place stand out is its incredible sense of organization. Entering here feels like being invited into the private estate of a wise, noble elder. Everything is meticulously kept, clean, and systematic. Yet, it never feels stiff or unwelcoming. Instead, it radiates a warm, "Metta" (loving-kindness) that makes you feel like an honored guest rather than just another tourist. ​Why this place is a "Hidden Treasure": ​No Commercialism: You won't find souvenir traps or aggressive sales here. The temple remains a temple—a place for prayer, education, and reflection. ​A Legacy of Giving: This temple is a pillar of the community. It has supported local schools for generations (including my own!) and continues to share wisdom through its Dhamma school. ​The Rare Turtle Pond & White Pagoda: Find peace by the pond feeding turtles or step inside the massive white chedi to see its hidden architectural beauty. 🐢✨ ​A Request for Our Guests: In a place so well-ordered and generous, we naturally ask ourselves: “How can I be a worthy guest?” ​Dress with Honor: To respect the spirit of this noble sanctuary, please ensure shoulders and knees are covered. 👗 ​Support the System: There is No Entrance Fee, which is rare for a place this beautiful. However, maintaining this level of cleanliness—including their wonderful air-conditioned restrooms ❄️—and caring for the animals requires resources. ​Donate with Gratitude: Please don't assume the temple is wealthy. A voluntary donation is a powerful way to say "Thank you" for the peace and education this temple provides to everyone. ​"Visit before 7:00 PM to explore inside the pagoda. Come as a guest, leave with a peaceful heart, and help us keep this organized oasis alive for the next generation." 🙏⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ​💡 Hashtags: ​#WatPrayurawongsawat #BangkokHiddenGem #AuthenticThailand #SustainableTourism #RespectfulTravel #OldTownBangkok #TempleEtiquette #PeacefulOasis

Beautiful Temple on large grounds located near the West end of the Chao Praya Sky Park. Entry is free, two buildings are currently under renovation. There is a garden park located on your right as you enter, with a large variety of plants, flowers, and a pond with countless turtles of various sizes and colours. You can purchase food for the turtles for 20 baht. The grounds are meticulously maintained, complete with sculptured plants along the entrance walls and inside the grounds.

A beautiful and very atmospheric temple, and one of the most famous among people from Bangkok 🙏🏻 A truly wonderful and peaceful place 🪷

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 4,031 reviews on Google.

24 Thanon Prajadhipok, Khwaeng Wat Kanlaya, Khet Thon Buri, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, 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.

Wat Prayurawongsawas Worawihan: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wat Prayurawongsawas Worawihan worth visiting?

Wat Prayurawongsawas Worawihan holds a 4.6★ rating from 4,031 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Bangkok.

What are the opening hours of Wat Prayurawongsawas Worawihan?

Wat Prayurawongsawas Worawihan is typically open 07:00–20:00 — 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 Prayurawongsawas Worawihan?

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 Prayurawongsawas Worawihan located?

Wat Prayurawongsawas Worawihan is at 24 Thanon Prajadhipok, Khwaeng Wat Kanlaya, Khet Thon Buri, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand, in Bangkok. Getting around Bangkok: BTS Skytrain (most central areas); MRT Metro (underground).

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