Wat Bowornniwet
temple of the kings

Wat Bowornniwet Wiharn, near the Banglampu market, in Phra Sumen Road is one of the more famous Bangkok temples with a long royal tradition.

It was here that he studied English and Latin from the early missionaries who came to Thailand. A keen student, he also studied mathematics, science and astrology and started a strict monastic order.

The arched Chinese gateway, through the old temple walls, is studded with porcelain; carvings of Chinese warriors serve as guardians of the gate.

On passing the gate, the massive ubosot or ordination hall is the first building encountered. Like many temples built in the Third Reign, the roof and gables are of Chinese design.

Two gold nagas or serpents and tall pillars line the entrance to the ubosot with the doorway and windows framed in matching gilded carvings.

Canals dissect the vast and serene temple grounds where the former residence of Prince Mongkut, a three story European designed building, is located. The temple is also the home of Mahamakut Buddhist University, established later by King Rama V.

The significance of Wat Bowornniwet is that almost all the subsequent kings of the Chakri dynasty were ordained as monks here; King Rama VI, King Rama VII, King Rama IX and King Rama X.

View Wat Borwornniwet in a larger map

Back

How to get there

Wat Bowornniwet is in Phra Sumen Road just north of the Democracy Monument. The Khao San area that’s popular within budget travellers is just 300m to the west of the temple. 

Other attractions nearby are Wat Chana Songkhram and Fort Phra Sumen.

A convenient way to get there is to take the Chao Phraya River boat to N13 Phra Arthit Pier (Banglampu), the walk along Phra Arthit Road and onto Phra Sumen Road.

Or you can take a bus to Ratchadamnoen Avenue and then walk through Tanao Road to the temple. It's about 300 m. The following air-conditioned bus services pass Ratchadamnoen Avenue

No 79 – Central World – Pratunam (bus stop in front of Grand Diamond Pratunam Hotel) – Lan Luang – Ratchadamnoen Avenue

No 511 – Sukhumvit Road – Sam Rong – Bang Na – Sukhumvit 62 – Petchaburi Road – Pratunam – Lan Luang – Ratchadamnoen Avenue

For more Bangkok Temples.

My Journey through Thailand Part I The First Steps

This is my second e-book and the first in the series of travel journals on my trips to explore the various provinces in Thailand. This edition, which covers my travels from late 2009 to mid-2013, will guide you to historical sites, cultural monuments and exquisite Thai handicraft, across a vast spectrum of cultural and ethnic diversity.

You can have a virtual tour with this e-guide book or take the first steps yourself in this journey through Thailand.

My Kindle e-book