Hidden in the hustle-bustle of Bangkok’s nightlife are the beautiful Buddhist temples of Thailand which are reminiscent of ancient Thai and Buddhist culture. The temples of Bangkok are unique in their own way. Being a holiday destination, Bangkok hosts a bunch of Buddhist and Hindu temples that talk to you in more ways than one about culture and heritage rather than strict traditions or rituals. Most Buddhist monasteries follow age-old traditions that value and embrace Buddhist ideals of caring for the society and making merit.

Among those temples that shelter beautiful spaces for recreation and contemplation is the Wat Pathum Wanaram temple here in Bangkok. The temple is housed in the heart of Bangkok right across the street from Siam centre. The quiet and peaceful interiors of the temple make it almost impossible to believe that the place is sandwiched between two Bangkok shopping malls. Let's go have a sneak peek at this lush green sheltered temple and why it should make it to your list of must-visit 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 Pathum Wanaram

Pray

The temple is called the Lotus temple and is said to be a third class royal Buddhist temple. The courtyard is adorned by several artefacts that have historical significance such as the Bodhi tree which is believed to have been translocated from Sri Lanka. The main Buddha image inside the temple is believed to be a gift to Thailand from pre-independent India. The courtyard is a popular place of worship for both the locals and tourists, you can see the place usually decorated with lotus flowers. The Buddha images placed inside the Viharn are believed to make the worshippers’ wishes come true.

Photograph

The authorities here at Wat Pathum Wanaram allow visitors to take photographs inside the premises. The ordination walls embellished by meticulously drawn murals narrating Buddhist folk tales make a beautiful background to capture a treasured memory of your holiday here. The stone carvings in the Stupa and the Wat Pathum garden are also amazing choices for aesthetic backdrops for your photos! Although do make sure that you remain respectful to the locals or tourists carrying out their prayers.

Meditate

The temple hosts a mini tropical forest in itself where Buddhist monks reside and carry out their duties. You can visit this forest for a quiet relaxing session of contemplation as you meditate. The temple authorities even allow visitors to converse with the monks. If you are someone who loves to learn about the local culture and its facets, then you could also try interacting with the monks who live here.

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Highlights of Wat Pathum Wanaram

The temple features a beautiful display of historic antiques that are rich with artistic brilliance of ancient Thai sculptors and artists
The lush green trees that adorn the temples have various coloured flags and messages attached to them which is a unique feature of the temple
The temple has provisions to allow its visitors and devotees to make donations to help out those in need, following the Buddhist tradition of making merit
The stupa of Wat Pathum Wanaram has buried in itself the ashes of several descendants of the royal family including King Rama VIII
The Buddha images and sculptures which Wat Pathum Wanaram boasts are testimony to the friendly relations between the royal kingdom and several other countries such as India, Sri Lanka and Laos

Best time to visit Wat Pathum Wanaram

The temple is open throughout the week from 9 in the morning to 5 in the evening. You could visit the temple during the early hours to get yourself a nice peaceful session of deep meditation inside the mini forest within the temple.

There is no entrance fee to the temple

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How to Reach Wat Pathum Wanaram

You can hire a taxi from the Suvarnabhumi airport which will take about 40 minutes to get to Wat Pathum Wanaram.
If you prefer travelling via public transport, the best way to reach the temple is to take the BTS skytrain and get down at the Siam station. The temple is a five to ten minute walk from the station.

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Attractions near Wat Pathum Wanaram

Central World

Get ready to experience Bangkok as you have heard of it! Central World is the largest shopping mall in all of Thailand and is the seventh largest in the world! The mall has in itself about 500 shops that include all the big international designer and lifestyle brands such as TopShop, Gap, Marks & Spencers and so on. The mall hosts a multiplex cinema and an ice-skating rink. Pay this place a visit if you want a taste of the cosmopolitan while you are on your Bangkok holiday!

Siam Paragon

If you are looking for a luxury based exclusive shopping experience while in Bangkok, Siam Paragon is just where you need to be. It is the third largest shopping mall in Thailand and houses around 250 stores. You can find high-end designer brands such as Louis Vuitton and Prada, right next to the floor decked up with a sophisticated collection of antique Thai handicrafts. The mall also hosts a multiplex cinema, a bowling alley and a karaoke bar!

Nine shrines of Ratchaprasong

Ratchaprasong is commonly known and loved by Bangkok’s tourists as the hub of shopping while in the city. But the centre is also home to nine shrines dedicated to various Hindu and Buddhist deities. These nine shrines are located minutes away from each other. This involves the Erawan shrine, the Ganesha shrine, the Druga shrine and many others. Take a day out of your Thai holiday trip to indulge in some spiritual experience here in Ratchaprasong. 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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