Wat Ratchapradit Sathit Maha Simaram
Wat Ratchapradit Sathit Maha Simaram is a first-class royal monastery commissioned by King Rama IV, built on the belief that traditional royal ceremonies in the city required three dedicated temples. Sitting beside Saranrom Park and just a two-minute walk from the Grand Palace, this compact temple punches well above its size with its refined Buddhist architecture, gilded teak interiors, vivid mosaics, and polished marble — details that reward those who take time to look closely.
Despite its modest footprint, the temple carries a quiet, contemplative atmosphere that sets it apart from the busier royal temples nearby. Visitors describe it as peaceful and relatively uncrowded, making it an appealing stop for those looking to experience genuine Bangkok temple culture without the crowds. Decorative banners and intricate ornamentation give the site considerable visual interest, though it is worth noting that renovation work may occasionally limit access to certain areas.
The temple is open daily from 08:00 to 18:00, giving visitors flexibility to plan their visit around other nearby attractions in the Phra Nakhon district. As with all temples in Thailand, modest dress is required — shoulders and knees should be covered before entering. Be aware that the temple may close on certain Thai public holidays, so checking ahead is advisable if visiting around significant dates.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Ratchapradit Sathit Maha Simaram, round out your day in Bangkok with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
THE FIRST CLASSED ROYAL MONASTERY OF RATCHAWORAWIHARN WAS BUILT FROM KING RAMA IV'S BELIEF THAT TRADITIONAL ROYAL CEREMONIES IN THE CITY REQUIRED THREE TEMPLES NAMELY WAT MAHATHAT, WAT RATCHABURANA AND WAT RAJAPRADIT. AS BANGKOK HAD NIETHER WAT RAJAPRADIT NOR A THAMMAYUTIKA NIKAI TEMPLE CLOSE TO THE GRAND PALACE, WHILE WAT BOWONNIWETWIHARN WAS NOT CONVENIENT FOR THE KING AND ROYAL FAMILIES TO TRAVEL TO AND FRO, HE THEN ORDERED TO BUILD THE TEMPLE. IN THE REIGN OF KING RAMA V, THE ASHES OF KING RAMA IV WERE KEPT UNDERNEATH THE PRINCIPAL BUDDHA IMAGE IN UBOSOT (THE ORDINATION HALL). THE MURAL PAINTINGS IN UBOSOT DEPICT 12 ROYAL CEREMONIES AND A SOLAR ECLIPSE WHICH IS A MEMORIAL TO KING RAMA IV'S TRIP TO OBSERVE A SOLAR ECLIPSE AT TAMBON WAKO OF PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN PROVINCE IN 1868.
In scale of Bangkok, Wat Ratchapradit Sathit Maha Simaram is a small, even a tiny temple. The temple is located beside Saranrom Park, and it is, of course, very beautiful, and historic, too. For a regular visitor there are numerous details to wonder, and - during our visit closed - the Viharn is amazing, even exceptional... one can just marvel what there is inside that fabulous building. As said, the temple is very beautiful but doesn't maybe belong to those for an ordinary tourist "must see" temples.
Peaceful temple. Part of it was under renovation when I was there but I could still see its beauty, although not as stunning as the temple across the canal.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 802 reviews on Google.
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Wat Ratchapradit Sathit Maha Simaram: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Ratchapradit Sathit Maha Simaram worth visiting?
Wat Ratchapradit Sathit Maha Simaram holds a 4.7★ rating from 802 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Bangkok.
What are the opening hours of Wat Ratchapradit Sathit Maha Simaram?
Wat Ratchapradit Sathit Maha Simaram is typically open 08:00-18:00 — 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 Ratchapradit Sathit Maha Simaram?
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 Ratchapradit Sathit Maha Simaram located?
Wat Ratchapradit Sathit Maha Simaram is at 2 Saranrom Rd, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand, in Bangkok. Getting around Bangkok: BTS Skytrain (most central areas); MRT Metro (underground).
Location Info
2 Saranrom Rd, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand+66 86 500 6123www.facebook.com/223794347671542Visitor 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 Ratchapradit Sathit Maha Simaram
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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
Pig Memorial
A quietly intriguing cultural memorial in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, honoring local heritage with an open, reflective atmosphere.
Pi Kun Bridge
A preserved 1911 pedestrian bridge over a Bangkok canal, built to honour a royal milestone.
Saranrom Palace
A tranquil royal garden and historic palace grounds near the Grand Palace in Bangkok's Phra Nakhon district.
Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram Ratchaworawihan
Free, near-empty and covered in decorative tilework, this is the old city temple most people walk straight past.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
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The Big Buddha, Phuket
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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 Ratchapradit Sathit Maha Simaram
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