Wat Bowonniwet

A visit to Thailand is incomplete without getting a look in here. Located in the Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok it’s fairly easy to reach. It is one of the major Buddhist temples found anywhere and has enjoyed immense patronage of the Chakri dynasty. It primarily serves as a center of Thammayut Nikaya school of Thai Theravada Buddhism.

This temple is steeped in the history of Thailand and is teeming with must-see heritage sites. The Pra Tamnak Panya tops this list. Original constructed in the Grand Palace it was relocated to this site to serve as living quarters for Prince Monguk. Since then it has housed many ‘celestial princes’ who include King Rama VI, VII and IX. This beautiful building blends Thai, Chinese and European architectural styles. Next one must pay a visit to the Pra Tanmak Chan which was built by King Rama V to honor the memory of Princess Chantra. It also served as the residence of the second abbot.
Right next to the Pran Tanmak Chan is the Pra Tanmak Pet or the Diamond Tanmal which was commissioned by Rama VI and bears his royal seal the Vajira emblem. It was intended to be a Tong Pra Rong (an audience hall). The interior of this beautiful building is a perfectly balanced combination of Thai and European styles which seems to draw inspiration from the renaissance.
The Haw Trai also known as the Tipitaka Hall houses exquisite palm leaf scriptures in beautiful, old tipitaka boxes. These however have not been well preserved and are in various stages of deterioration; though efforts are being made to salvage them. Opposite this is the Maha Cetiya, a building used by the Kings for study and presenting seminars.
It is seen that almost all the Kings of the Chakri dynasty have made a personal contribution to this temple and left their mark here. It is advised to utilize a tour guide for this place as he will explain the rich history of the place enhancing your experience here. One can happily wander away a whole day here and still have uncovered territory which will draw you here again.
FAQ: Prince Bhikkhu Mongkut arrived at the temple in 1836 (ordination name: Vajiraña?o) and became the first abbot. He later acceeded to the throne of Siam as King Rama IV. His great grandson, King Bhumibol Adulyadej ordained at the Grand Palace (Wat Phra Kheo) and resided here for a short period after he became King. Bhumibol's mentor, Somdet Phra Yanasangworn, eventually became abbot of the temple, and later, the Supreme Patriarch of Thai Buddhism. Exiled dictator Thanom Kittikachorn. returned to Thailand as a novice monk to join Wat Bowonniwet leading to large public demonstrations and a bloody crackdown in October 1976. King Bhumibol Adulyadej's son, Prince Vajiralongkornn was ordained and spent a short period at this temple, as well as several of the Prince's own sons.
This temple is on the Th Phra Sunem and you can get there by a river ferry.