There are many temples in Bangkok, Thailand, but this Buddhist temple is one of the sacred and of great importance to the Thais. It is considered a royal temple by the Thai people. What attracts people all around the globe to visit this iconic temple is the magnificent architecture and the serene atmosphere. From the giant swing at the entrance. To the captivating murals depicting Buddhist stories. Each corner of the temple talks about the rich history and culture of the Thai people. If you are a person who loves history. Or is interested in great artwork. Then you cannot miss adding this cultural heritage to your Thailand tour package.
Detailed Guide on Wat Suthat
It was also called “Wat Maha Sutthawat” a name not known by most people. King Rama I began the construction of this temple in 1807. King Rama II further enhanced it. However the temple was still unfinished and was completed in the year 1847 during King Rama III’s reign. It houses the Buddha image of Phra Sri Sakyamuni which has been transported from the Sukhothai Province. There are 28 Chinese pagodas on the lower terrace of the base which symbolises the 28 Buddhas born on this earth.
The temple name literally means “Temple of the Guardian Deity”. It symbolises as the spiritual protector and the cultural bastion for the Thai people. This place has had undergone many changes and is not only a place of worship but also the centre for learning and community gatherings. Tourist who travel here will definitely take many great historical stories associated with the place.
How to reach Wat Suthat Thep Wararam?
Wat Suthat Thep Wararam is located in the Bamrung Mueang road. To reach to this spot from:
Bangkok: You can take the BTS SkyTrain to Saphan Taksin Station. From Saphan Taksin Station take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Ta Chang which is near Wat Suthat. Then book a taxi or tuk tuk to reach Wat Suthat
Phuket: Take a flight from Phuket International Airport (HKT) to Bangkok’s Don Mueang (DMK) or Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). It will take approximately 1.5 hours. From Bangkok airport take a taxi or a bus which will take another 1.5 hours to reach the spot.
Chaing Mai: Take a flight from Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) to either Don Mueang (DMK) or Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok. From the Bangkok airport, you can take a taxi, train or bus depending on your budget and how fast you want to reach the spot.
Activities to do at the Wat Suthat Thep Wararam
Apart from the beautiful architecture which is a sight to behold, there are many other things that one can view and do in the temple. Some of the major activities that one can do are:
Admire the Giant Swing
As you enter the temple you will find a Giant Swing on the entrance that will immediately catch your attention. It was constructed in the year 1784 during the rule of King Rama I and is 21.15 meters high. It is one of the iconic landmarks in Bangkok. The Giant swing was used in traditional Brahmin ceremonies during the harvest season. It is the perfect blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions in Thai culture.
Explore the temple grounds
In the centre of the ground, you will find the ordination hall which is surrounded by many buildings, shrines and courtyards. Each area of the ground has its own significance, providing a deep insight into the culture of Thais for the tourist. You will also come across the Phra Viharn, which is a huge assembly hall and home to another important Buddha image. There is a gallery with 156 Buddha images which is placed below the murals which talk about the life of Buddha.
Engage in Buddhist Practices
If you are in Wat Suthat then you cannot leave without experiencing the traditional Buddhist practices. It provides the perfect spot if you want to engage in prayer, meditation and other spiritual rituals that you would want to perform. There are meditation sessions provided by the experienced monks who help tourist to meditate and also impart them with knowledge about Buddha life.
Admire the murals
You will find murals inside the temple, each painting talking about the sacred life of Buddha. These are not just murals but more than that which talks about the different stages and incarnations of Buddha right from its birth till the end. It captures all the pivotal moments that had occurred in the life of Buddha.
Opening and Closing Hours
It is open daily from 8:30 am to 9:00 pm. The best time to visit the temple would be in the morning as the heat will be less with fewer crowds. Apart from morning evening time would also be an ideal time to visit the place and take good pictures of the sunset.
Entrance Fee
There is an entrance fee of TBH 100 which is pretty affordable and cheap. Apart from the entrance fee, there will be the travelling cost involved. Overall the trip to Wat Suthat Thep Wararam is budget friendly. You can also visit another tourist spot nearby which will make your journey a worthwhile one.
What to Wear During your Visit to Wat Suthat Thep Wararam?
Since you are visiting a temple it would be best to be dressed modestly and respectfully. Men should wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts while women should skirts or pants that will cover their knees and wear tops that would cover their shoulders.
More Temples in Bangkok
| The Grand Palace | Wat Arun Ratchawararam |
| Wat Pho | Wat Phra Kaew |
| Wat Traimit | Wat Saket |
| Wat Benchamabophit | Erawan Shrine |
| Wat Saman Ratanaram | Wat Rakhangkhositaram |
Places to Visit Nearby
After immersing yourself and exploring this beautiful spot you can also explore nearby destinations. You will find other important landmarks, historical sites, museums and vibrant markets just nearby within a short distance from Wat Suthat Thep Wararam. Some of the important landmarks are:
Grand Palace
This Grand Palace served as the royal residence and administrative centre of Thailand. You will be mesmerised by the Palace architecture beauty, intricate design, golden spires and beautiful garden. The palace has many buildings and is one of the important landmarks nearby which is a perfect destination to visit if you are travelling to see the Wat Suthat Thep Wararam.
Temple of the Emerald Buddha
It is also known as “Wat Phra Kaew”. You will get to see the image of Buddha in the meditating position. It became a royal chapel after 2 years when King Rama I moved the capital across the Chao Phraya River to present-day Bangkok. It is regarded as one of the sacred temples in Thailand.
Wat Pho
It is one of the oldest temples in Thailand. It is well known to house the 46-metre reclining Buddha. Not only this but it is one of the major centres for traditional Thai medicine and massage education. So if you are planning a trip, then you must definitely add this site to your Thailand tour package.
Wat Arun
It is also known as the Temple of Dawn and is an important temple in the history of Thailand. It is located near the Chao Phraya River. On the centre of the temple is the Khmer-style prang decorated with colourful seashells. It is known as the Temple of Dawn because the name of the temple is taken from the Hindu God Aruna.
China and India Town
Explore the Chinatown town which is situated amidst the bustling city of Bangkok. It has vibrant market, mouth-watering delicious street food and a lively atmosphere. Along with Chinatown, you can also explore the Indian town which has Indian restaurants and shops.
Conclusion
The site offers visitors a different and enriching experience. It is the perfect blend of art, culture and history and has something to offer for everyone.Its architectural marvel, intricate design and peaceful atmosphere make it a must-visit tourist spot and you should immediately add this to your Thailand itinerary.