Wat Ratchanatda

The Iron Temple: A stunning combination of beauty and grace.All the 37 spires of the Loha Prasat (the Metal Palace) are lit up at night. The rise like flames into the dark sky and bath the surroundings in a beautiful golden glow. This makes for a sight so dazzling that you are left speechless with awe and can only stare at its sheer bright beauty. That moment is captured and forever engraved in your mind as one of the most perfect sights of your lifetime.

The gardens are beautifully landscaped and invite you to take quiet turn around them before proceeding further. The Loha Prasat stands proudly in the center calling you like a glowing beacon. Ascend the Loha Prast and be rewarded with some of the most stunning sights of the city. Beyond the beautiful gardens you will find an extensive market selling Buddhist phra khreuang, amulets bearing the image of Buddha and also those of Indian deities and famous monks.
This temple is one of the more recently built Wats. Its architecture is inspired by the metal temples found in India and Sri Lanka though it displays some Burmese influences. This temple was commissioned to be built by King Rama II in honor of his grand-daughter in the mid nineteenth century and bears a large and dignified statue of King Rama II out front acting as a link between the generations of the dynasty. This temple is located across Th Mahachai and a novel way to reach it is by ferry on the canal. This combines an exciting and somewhat dangerous canal trip with your cultural experience.
Take a five minute walk to The Golden Mount located right across the temple and your cup of joy runs over which is a part of the Wat Srakesa. It’s also referred to as the Royal Mount. On reaching the summit you are presented with panoramic views of the city. The sight encompasses the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) and also the previous capital of Thailand. A camera is a must on this particular trip as it makes for a number of ‘kodak moments’.
The Wat Srakesa showcases an impressive collection of paintings, among which the most famous and fascinating is the one of underworld which bears Dantesque tones. This temple enjoys the patronage of the current Royal family and thus boasts an impressive art collection which provides a deep insight into the Thai culture.
This trip is a must during your visit to Thailand. Enjoy the magic of the night and the dazzling beauty of the temple. The visit will touch your heart and the images will be engraved on your mind forever to be revisited time and again to enliven an ordinary day.