Wat Pariwat is an impressive temple in Bangkok. It's also known as the "David Beckham Temple" because of a small David Beckham statue located in the base of the main building on the ground floor. However, it's more accurately nicknamed the "Marvel and Manga Temple" today. Inside its small hall in the square courtyard, you'll find numerous superheroes and comic book characters alongside the statues on the exterior. Superman, Batman, One Piece, Mickey Mouse (with breasts?), Pinocchio, Popeye – to name just a few. It's a fun little game to spot them. The interior is also worth seeing, featuring, among other things, a portrait of Albert Einstein. A second hall, also planned to be decorated with many figures, is currently under construction. Personally, I find this part of the temple much more interesting than the small golden statue of David Beckham on the first floor of the large building next to the school. However, if you absolutely must go there and the outside staircase is closed, you can enter the temple on the ground floor and go to the left corner. There is an elevator there. Beckham can be seen as decoration on the base of the Buddha statues on the right-hand side, near the wall.

Entry is free, but donations are welcome. I also recommend a visit to the Mahanakorn Skywalk, located right next to the Chong Nonsi metro station, which offers the highest 360° panoramic view of Bangkok.

The easiest way to reach Wat Pariwaat is by public transport. Take the BTS (Bangkok Skytrain) to Chong Nonsi station and then the BRT bus towards Ratchapruek. Get off at the Wat Pariwat stop. The bus ride takes approximately 15–20 minutes. Please note that you cannot pay with cash on the bus or at ticket machines. You will need a Rabbit Card.

Wat Pariwat 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 I get to Wat Pariwat? The easiest way to reach Wat Pariwat is by public transport. Take the BTS (Bangkok Skytrain) to Chong Nonsi station and then the BRT bus towards Ratchapruek. Get off at the Wat Pariwat stop. The bus ride takes about 15–20 minutes. Please note that you cannot pay with cash on the bus or at ticket machines. You will need a Rabbit Card.