Wat Ratchanatdaram (Loha Prasat)

When we talk about grandpa’s gift to the grand-children, we probably think of money, toy, book, pet, music instruments. Well, Thailand King Rama III built Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan, Loha Prasat, for his granddaughter, who became the first consort of King Rama IV the Great and was commonly known as Queen Sommanat Wattanawadi. It is called Loha Prasat because it means iron or metal castle or iron or metal monastery. Loha Prasat, a royal temple, is firstly conceived and built [but unfinished] in 1846 and finally completed in 2007. It is considered the first metal castle style temple in Thailand. It was constructed into a 7-storey building with 37 golden-color castle peaks, which refers to the 37 Bodhipakkhiya Dharma in Buddhism. The top of the castle on the 7th floor is where the Buddha’s relics are enshrined. The visitors can walk around the 7th floor and have 360-degree view. For any visitors to the Temple, they will all impressed by the design of the building when natural sunshine or sun light can come in from 4 sides of the building wall, and every piece of the walls does have some Buddhist study or meditation reading or phrases for reflections. It is the only remaining Buddhist temple in castle peaks style in the world, when two other similar temples in India and Sri Lanka have been damaged. The Temple can be accessed by taking Bangkok MRT to Sam Yot Station, BL 30. The entrance fee for entering the 7-story building is $20 BAHT for foreigners, while Thailand citizens are free.

This Buddhist temple set in the heart of Bangkok is a thing of beauty. Do not rush your time here, it is a place to stroll, stop, admire and contemplate life. A true work of art and a stunning example of Buddhist and Thai culture that must be visited when in Bangkok.

Went there Saturday late afternoon, less crowded. Sun is getting down which creates a beautiful background. It's quite peaceful walking around the temple.