On the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in the Thonburi district, not far from the Memorial Bridge, lies Wat Prayurawongsawas Worawihan, a 19th-century Buddhist temple. It was built in 1828 under King Rama III. It was founded by Chao Phraya Phra Klang, an influential minister of Persian descent from the Bunnag family, who transformed his personal garden into a monastery. Four years later, King Rama III elevated it to a royal monastery. Wat Prayoon is distinguished by its large, meticulously restored white Ayutthaya-style chedi, which earned it the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award in 2013. It is surrounded by a circular white enclosure that can be climbed for panoramic views of the district and the chedi. The chedi can also be accessed through the lower entrances and passageways (requiring crawling on all fours). It's a relatively unknown temple with unique architecture and a worthwhile destination in a neighborhood I really love! The temple also houses a small but interesting museum with antique statues. Wat Prayoon is, of course, part of my Bangkok walking tour of the Thonburi district, which I'll be sharing with you in full (see my video). Don't miss Khao Mo, a miniature garden representing a sacred mountain, populated with small stupas, spirit houses, and statues. It's a beautiful, Zen-like spot right next to the temple.

Free entry to the Prayu Phantakhan Museum: Open Wednesday to Sunday, 6:30 am to 6:00 pm. Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and public holidays. Admission: 40 THB. Opening hours: Daily from 6:00 am to 5:30 pm.

Getting to Wat Prayoon in Bangkok by public transport inevitably involves a short walk. Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat (connecting to the BTS station Saphan Thaksin) and get off at the Memorial Bridge pier (Saphan Phut). Cross the bridge and walk for about two minutes to the temple.

Wat Prayoon 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 Prayoon? If you're traveling to Wat Prayoon in Bangkok by public transport, you'll inevitably have to walk a bit. Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat (connecting to the Saphan Thaksin BTS station) and get off at the Memorial Bridge (Saphan Phut) pier. Cross the bridge and walk for about two minutes to the temple.