Bangkok boasts home to some of the finest Buddhist temples in all of Thailand. Being the capital city, Bangkok has in itself temples that were nurtured and preserved by the royal family. Bangkok offers as much in culture as it does in shopping and nightlife. There are several shrines in the city that worship and pay reverence to deities from various religions. Buddhist temples in Bangkok are unique in the sense that they strike the perfect balance between a religious and cultural significance. Bangkok’s Buddhist temples attract staunch believers and culture-enthusiasts alike.

Wat Intharawihan is one such culturally significant place of worship that traces all the way back to the Ayutthaya era of Thailand. The temple is widely known for its 32-metre tall standing Buddha statue. The story behind the construction of this statue says it took no less than sixty long years of hard work! The statue is truly one of a kind and the tallest of its type in the world! The temple also houses a meditation centre within itself. Read on to find out what sets Wat Intharawihan apart from the rest of the Buddhist temples in Bangkok. Explore the vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and exotic cuisine with our exclusive Thailand Tour Packages, offering an unforgettable journey through this enchanting Southeast Asian destination.

Things to do at Wat Intharawihan

Standing Buddha

The 32-metre tall standing Buddha statue is traditionally referred to as ‘Luang Pho to’. The construction of this statue is believed to have started during the reign of King Rama IV and it is said that it took more than half a century to be completed. The statue is a visual treat to all of the temple’s visitors. The members of the royal family have been involved in the restoration of the statue and have bedecked it with Italian golden mosaics and relics of Buddha received as a gift from Sri Lanka.

Meditation

The ordination halls have been beautifully painted with traditional Buddhist paintings. The inside of the ordination hall follows an authentic Ayutthaya architectural style. The ordination hall sets a tranquil atmosphere for the devotees to have an uninterrupted spiritual experience. Take a few minutes here and close your eyes while you let go and slowly get into the rhythm of meditation. You could also donate fish, boiled eggs or flower garlands which are sold by the vendors outside the temple.

Highlights of Wat Intharawihan

Wat Intharawihan nurtures a shrine dedicated exclusively to Guanyin, who is considered to be the female avatar of Avalokiteshvara from Mahayana Buddhism
The 32-metre tall Buddha statue has been embellished with glass mosaics and gold by the members of the royal family. There is a humble museum that features preserved ancient paintings of Buddha and other Thai paintings.
Boundary stones marking the end of the ordination halls have Naga markings on them.
It is not uncommon to see a practice of making and selling of amulets as a good luck charm here in the ordination hall.
The land where Wat Intharwihan is situated was initially decreed to be the place that accommodates prisoners of war in the Ayutthaya era.
The main hall of the temple features five-colour clay urns commonly used in funerals in Buddhist culture.

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Best Time to Visit Wat Intharawihan

Wat Intharawihan is open throughout the week from 8:30 in the morning till 8 in the night. It is advisable to visit the temple in the early hours to avoid being hassled by the tourist crowd.

Entry into the temple is free of charge. Explore the vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history of Thailand with our curated Bangkok Tour Packages, offering an unforgettable journey filled with adventure and relaxation.

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How to Reach Wat Intharawihan

The temple is located near the Chao Phraya river and the best way to reach it would be by water. You could choose to travel by the Chao Phraya express boat and get down at the Rama VIII pier, from where it is approximately 700 m by walk.

Renting a cab from the Suvarnabhumi would take approximately 35 minutes to get to the temple.

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Attractions Near Wat Intharawihan

Rama VIII Bridge

This bridge was built over the Chao Phraya river to avoid traffic between the Rattanakosin island to Thonburi The bridge is 475 metre long and comes alive elegantly with glittering lights as the night grows on. You could take a Chao Phraya dinner cruise to get the most picturesque views of the bridge.

Dusit Palace

The Dusit palace is a must-visit especially if you are someone who is fascinated by architecture. The palace is a beautiful mix of Thai and European architecture. It hosts within itself several buildings that reflect significant aspects of importance of Bangkok and Thailand in general. It is also sprawled with some of the best gardens in the world that allow you to just fall in love with nature as you go about your day.

Vimanmek Mansion

This mansion is the largest golden teak wood building in the whole world! It is said that the king had this mansion built in European principles following Thai construction methods. The Vimanmek mansion is a brilliant window to see how the royals of Thailand lived.

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FAQs on Wat Intharawihan

What is special about Wat Intharawihan?

The temple is known for its 32-metre tall standing Buddha

Are there any rules at Wat Intharawihan?

Yes. The temple requires its visitors to cover their knees and shoulders. You would also be required to remove the shoes while entering the main hall in the temple

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