Wat Bowonniwet (1st Class Royal Temple)

This temple was built in the early 1800s during reign of King Rama III. Prince Mongkut (later King Rama IV) during this 27 year period as a monk, become the first abbot of the temple. The temple is a center of the Dhammayut Nikaya order that was created by Prince Mongkut during his residence here. The temple thereafter served as a royal residence for members of the royal family during their ordination period as a monk, including in more recent times King Bhumibol (Rama IX), and current King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X). 

 

The architecture and decoration is a blend of Thai, Chinese, and Western influences. Two notable Buddha images at this temple are Phra Suwanna Khet from Phetchaburi, and Phra Phuttha Chinnasi from Phitsanulok. Both these Buddha images are central to the worship and history of Wat Bowonniwet, with the ashes of  King Rama VI and King Rama IX, enshrined beneath the Phra Phuttha Chinnasi image.

 

The Ubosot (ordination hall) is a three-sided structure with a stunning blend of Chinese and Western art. Crafted by artisans from the Front Palace during King Rama III’s reign, the building's gables are adorned with glazed tiles and intricate stucco patterns, reflecting the aesthetic preferences of King Rama III. The Phra Maha Chedi (Great Pagoda) houses important relics and images, was constructed during the reign of King Rama IV to house the Buddha’s teachings. The pagoda is intricately designed with carved depictions of the Buddha's life and his sacred teachings.

 

Other important buildings include Vihara Wihan Keng, a Chinese pavilion chapel contains Buddha images of former abbots, a royal Buddha image of King Rama IV, and other significant royal figures. Ban Ya Palace, originally part of the Grand Palace, served as the residence for King Mongkut (Rama IV) during his time as a monk, and still in use till this day. Phet Palace, the royal audience hall for the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, is in design that blends Thai and Western architecture. The Museum and Library of the Abbot was established in 2009 to preserve the history of the abbots who have served the temple, as well as showcasing the legacy of Thai Buddhism.

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Wat Ratchabhopit (1st Class Royal Temple)

Established under the royal command of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in 1870 as a royal temple for his reign. The temple is historically significant as it was the last royal temple built in the traditional manner, following the old royal custom of constructing a royal temple for each reign. The temple’s architecture blends Rattanakosin-era Thai style with Khmer and Western influences. The Ubosot (ordination hall) is a standout feature, with its Thai-style exterior adorned with glazed tiles, and the Gothic-style interior that illustrates a fusion of architectural traditions reflective of King Chulalongkorn's reign.

 

Within the Ubosot stands the Phra Phutthangkhiras Buddha image, which is mounted on a marble base imported from Italy. The image was cast during the reign of King Rama IV and gilded in gold. The name "Phra Phutthangkhiras" translates to 'the Buddha whose radiance spreads from His body'. Additionally, the temple houses the Maha Chedi, a Thai-style chedi with flared corners and adorned with Benjarong glazed tiles. It enshrines Buddha relics and is surrounded by niches, one of which contains statues of Prince Chinnaworaphut, the Supreme Patriarch, as well as other notable figures.

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A significant addition to the temple was the establishment of the Royal Cemetery, ordered by King Chulalongkorn to be the final resting place for members of the royal family. The cemetery features a blend of architectural styles such as Thai-style golden stupas, Khmer-style prangs, and Gothic-style buildings, all set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens. Prominent figures interred in the cemetery include Prince Mahidol and Princess Srinagarindra, the parents of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), as well as Princess Galyani, his sister, further enriching the cemetery's legacy of royal remembrance.

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Wat Ratchapradit (1st Class Royal Temple)

During King Mongkut’s reign (Rama IV), he emphasized the importance of having three principal temples in the capital, following a long-standing royal tradition. In the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, these temples were Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, and Wat Rajapradit. However, after the establishment of Bangkok as the new capital in 1782, only Wat Mahathat and Wat Ratchaburana were constructed. King Mongkut, recognizing the need to complete the royal tradition, was determined to build the missing temple—Wat Rajapradit, that was constructed in 1864.

 

The temple’s main structure is the Phra Viharn Luang (ordination hall), situated on a raised platform and covered with grey marble tiles. The pediment of the Phra Viharn Luang features a golden royal crown set against a blue glass background, representing the emblem of King Mongkut. The central door and windows are framed in gilded teak, and crown-shaped pediments that symbolize the king’s emblem adorn the entrance. The main Buddha image within the hall is a replica of the revered Phra Phuttha Sihing. The ashes of King Mongkut are also interred under this sacred statue.

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The temple is renowned for its Japanese-style mother-of-pearl inlays, which are over 160 years old. These delicate inlays can be found on the doors and windows of the Phra Viharn Luang, crafted through collaboration between Thailand’s Department of Fine Arts and the National Research Institute for Cultural Heritage in Japan. Additionally, the temple's murals, painted during King Chulalongkorn's reign, depict various royal ceremonies, including those celebrating the changing months of the year. One of the murals on the opposite wall famously portrays King Mongkut observing a solar eclipse at Wakor village in Prachuap Khiri Khan in 1868.

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Behind the Phra Viharn Luang is the Pasana Chedi (Stone Chedi), a large Sri Lankan-style stupa built by King Mongkut, covered in grey marble tiles. The Chedi stands as a symbol of the king's dedication to Buddhism. On either side of the Phra Viharn Luang are two almost identical shrines, called Prasat, which are significant royal or sacred buildings. These structures are built in a prang-style spire typical of Khmer architecture. The eastern shrine is known as the Ho Trai, which serves as the library of sacred texts. Its pediment features scenes from the Buddha’s birth and his passing into Parinirvana. The western shrine is the Ho Phra Chom, decorated with Brahma faces on all four sides, and it houses a life-sized gilded bronze statue of King Mongkut himself.

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Wat Suthat Thepwararam (1st Class Royal Temple)The construction of Wat Suthat began in 1807 under the reign of King Rama I, during the early Rattanakosin period. It was completed in 1847, during the reign of King Rama III, making the temple a significant symbol of architectural development during the early years of the Rattanakosin Dynasty.

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During the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), the names of the principal Buddhas within the temple were unified. Phra Sakyamuni was established as the principal Buddha in the vihara, ubosot (ordination hall), and sermon hall. Other Buddha images include Phra Phutthatrilokachet and Phra Phutthasertthamon.

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​The temple is closely associated with King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII), who is regarded as the royal patron of Wat Suthat. His royal remains were enshrined in the temple, and a statue of King Ananda Mahidol is placed inside the temple. His remains are housed on a sacred cloth in front of the Buddha throne of Phra Sakyamuni.

 

​Wat Suthat’s ubosot (ordination hall) is notable for being the longest ordination hall in Thailand. This grand structure houses the principal Buddha image, Phra Phutthatrilokachet, which is depicted in the posture of Mara's temptation. The ubosot is adorned with beautiful murals created by artists from the Rattanakosin era. The inner walls of the ubosot depict 24 images of the Buddha before Nirvana. These murals, painted using Western artistic techniques, are a unique feature of Wat Suthat, demonstrating the blending of traditional Thai and modern painting methods of the Rattanakosin period. The doors and windows of the ubosot are designed in the shape of stupa arches, adding to the temple's distinctive and elegant architecture.

 

The outer walls of the temple feature carved Chinese stone, reflecting the historical interactions between Thailand and China. Additionally, the temple complex includes an impressive octagonal eight-story tower, which is often believed to be made of ballast rocks from Chinese trading ships. Surrounding the ubosot, there are eight stone lion-shaped markers. These markers depict three-headed elephants holding lotus buds. These decorative elements serve a ceremonial function, used in royal ceremonies and the public ritual of "koi proy than," where the public can receive alms offerings from the monks. The four paths leading to the temple are exquisitely carved with intricate motifs, showcasing the artistic craftsmanship of the time, including 156 Buddha statues that are placed along the outer walls.​