About Wat Pathum Wanaram
Wat Pathum Wanaram is a historic royal Buddhist temple located in central Bangkok's Pathum Wan District between Siam Paragon and CentralWorld. Founded in 1857 by King Mongkut (Rama IV), it is a third-class royal temple of the Dhammayuttika Nikaya order. Notable for its tranquil wooded grounds amid a busy shopping district, the temple features a central ubosot, a large pond, and a reconstructed ordination hall, offering a peaceful contrast to the surrounding urban area.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a serene temple compound set among trees and ponds in the heart of Bangkok's shopping district. The grounds include an ornate ubosot (ordination hall), vihara, chedi, and a large lotus pond with a bridge. Interiors feature Buddha images and murals. The atmosphere is quiet and contemplative, with areas for walking, photography, and observing daily monastic activities. The temple is easily accessed on foot from nearby BTS stations and malls.
Key highlights
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Royal temple founded in 1857 by King Mongkut (Rama IV)
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Tranquil forested grounds and lotus pond between Siam Paragon and CentralWorld
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Ornate ubosot and vihara with traditional Thai architecture and Buddha images
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Reconstructed Phra Ubosot and Sala with murals and religious art
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Active meditation and merit-making centre for locals and visitors
History of Wat Pathum Wanaram
Founded in 1857 by King Mongkut (Rama IV) as a royal temple of the Dhammayuttika Nikaya order. Originally built in a rural area with rice fields and lotus ponds outside the city walls, it was intended as a place for meditation and royal merit-making. The temple was later designated a third-class royal temple (Ratchaworawihan) and has been restored and expanded over time.
Culture & Context
An important Theravada Buddhist temple in central Bangkok, serving as a centre for meditation, religious ceremonies, and merit-making. It houses significant Buddha images and is known for its peaceful forest-like setting that preserves traditional temple culture amid modern urban development. It remains an active monastic community.
Route
| By air |
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