Located in the historic Thonburi district, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River (opposite the Grand Palace), Wat Kalayanamit Woramahawihan is an important royal Buddhist temple in Bangkok. Although less well-known than Wat Arun or Wat Pho, it is nonetheless impressive and well worth a visit for its colossal Buddha statue and the opportunity to observe Buddhist rituals. Worshippers flock there throughout the day. The temple was founded in 1825 by Chao Phraya Nikon Bodin, a wealthy Chinese merchant who became a minister under King Rama III. It was presented to the king, who transformed it into a royal monastery. Wat Kalayanamit thus embodies the fusion of Siamese and Chinese influences, particularly evident in the architectural style of its ubosot (ordination hall). There, you will find the Phra Phuttha Trai Rattananayok, one of the largest seated Buddhas in Bangkok, standing 15 meters tall. This is nothing, of course, compared to the Big Buddha of Bangkok, which towers 64 meters high in the courtyard of Wat Pak Nam. Its large bell in the courtyard is considered the largest in Bangkok. Wat Kalayanamit Woramahawihan is part of my recommended walking tour through Thonburi, an authentic Bangkok neighborhood rarely visited by foreign tourists.

Free admission. Opening hours: Daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The easiest way to reach Wat Kalayanamit is to take the Chao Phraya Express boats to Rajinee Pier on the other side of the river and then take the ferry that crosses the Chao Phraya and drops you off at Wat Kalayanamit Pier.

Wat Kalayanamit is a temple, and when visiting a temple in Thailand there are some rules to follow: appropriate clothing (knees and shoulders should be covered), take off your shoes when entering the building, be quiet, do not hug or kiss, do not point your feet at the Buddha statue, do not smoke.

How to get there

How do you get to Wat Kalayanamit? The easiest way to reach Wat Kalayanamit is to take the Chao Phraya Express boats to Rajinee Pier on the other side of the river and then take the ferry across the Chao Phraya River to Wat Kalayanamit Pier.