Wat Pariwat

Wat Pariwat, also known as Wat Pariwat Ratchasongkram, is a Buddhist temple on Rama III Road in Bang Phong Phang, Yan Nawa, Bangkok, along the Chao Phraya River. Dating to the Ayutthaya period, it is notable for its blend of traditional Thai temple architecture and highly unconventional contemporary sculptures, including pop-culture figures, which have made it a distinctive cultural attraction in central Bangkok.

Visitors can expect a working Buddhist temple compound with an ordination hall (ubosot), viharn, chedi, and riverside grounds. The temple is known for its eclectic collection of statues and carvings that mix traditional Buddhist iconography with modern pop-culture and cartoon figures. Areas to explore include the main prayer halls, courtyard sculptures, and decorated walls and pillars. The setting is urban and riverside, with a calm atmosphere for sightseeing, photography and merit-making.

Originally known as Wat Laem, the temple dates to the Ayutthaya period and was later renamed Wat Pariwat Ratchasongkram. It has undergone several restorations, with the present structures reflecting later renovations while retaining its historic role as a community temple in the Yan Nawa riverside area.

A Theravada Buddhist temple serving the local community for religious ceremonies and merit-making. It is culturally significant for its unique integration of traditional Buddhist art with contemporary sculpture, reflecting modern Thai creativity within a religious context and attracting visitors interested in both religion and modern Thai art.