Bangkok - Wat Ratchabophit

Wat Ratchabophit is on the edge of Chinatown, located just about a block away from the Grand Palace.

Wat Ratchabophit was constructed during the reign of Rama V and is quite distinct in design and decorations. The temple has the wiharn (prayer hall) and ubosot (ordination hall) linked by a circular courtyard. In most Thai temples, the ubosot is in its own square courtyard. Moreover, all temple structures are covered on the outside by pieces of Thai Benjarong ceramics instead of being plain white like a lot of other temples.

Ubosoth of Wat Ratchabophit

Phra Ubosoth, the main ceremonial building of the temple, is a combination of two different styles. The outer part of the building is in Thai style while the inner part is of Gothic style. The exterior panels of windows and doors have royal insignia inlaid with mother-pearl. The interior ones are designed with a lotus-like lacquer ware work.

The principal Buddha Image is installed in the Phra Ubosoth. It is on a pedestal of Italian marble.

The temple grounds cover a relatively small area, so one doesn't quite get the same sense of tranquility one can get at Wat Pho. On the other hand, there are a lot fewer tourists.

As a sidebar, if you come from Wat Pho or the Grand Palace, you can cross the canal using a footbridge just north of the temple. There, you'll find a gilded statue of a pig. The story is that the footbridge was built by one of the wives of King Rama V. For many years the bridge had no name, but since she was born in the year of the pig, the bridge became known by that name. The statue of the pig was erected later in her honor