Wat Ratchabophit

The Chao Phraya River flows through Thailand’s glittering capital and it has played an important role in city life right throughout history. Today, it serves as a scenic backdrop for restaurants and luxury hotels that sit on its banks; and even the increasingly popular river cruise. Bangkok has relied on this network of waterways to provide transport and trade channels for many years. It earned itself the honourable title ‘River of Kings’ from King Rama I. A trip down the river with Anantara Cruises will take you back in time in an ancient rice barge with historic temples and shrines on either side.

Wat Ratchabophit is easiest to access by boat that will take you to Tha Thien Pier by way of the Chao Phraya River. Wat Ratchabophit is a Buddhist temple that was commissioned by the King Rama V in 1869. Tradition dictated that each ruler must build a temple to mark his rein. The complex consists of a large prayer hall, ordination hall, circular courtyard, large gold chedi and a royal burial ground containing the ashes of King Rama V’s close relatives. The cemetery has many small monuments built in different styles. Away from the temple buildings there is housing for the monks as well as a Chinese-style building that was once used for accommodation by the kings. A footbridge for crossing the canal lies at the north end of the temple. It was built by a wife of King Rama V, who was born in the year of the pig, giving rise to the stature of a golden pig being erected in her honour.

The temple boasts a one of a kind design that blends traditional Thai architecture with some elements of Western design. Hand painted glazed tiles cover the outer sides of the temple buildings while door frames and window frames are adorned with ornate gold and mirrors. 

Filled with wanderlust that seeks to explore distant shores and captivated by the colors and vibrancy of exotic cultures, Kanya Mae writes on the beautiful, exciting, and enchanting wonders of the world. She is a writer who not only has a passion for travel, but also has a background in fashion, art and media. Google+