About Wat Rakang Kositaram
Wat Rakang Kositaram Woramahawihan is a second-class royal Buddhist temple on the Thonburi bank of the Chao Phraya River in Siriraj, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok. Originally Wat Bang Wa Yai from the Ayutthaya period, it was restored by King Rama I who renamed it Wat Rakhang (Temple of the Bells) after discovering a large bell. Notable for its historic bell tower, Ho Phra Trai Pitaka library, and association with revered monk Somdej Toh, it remains an active religious site opposite the Grand Palace.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a compact riverside temple compound with an ordination hall (ubosot) featuring murals and principal Buddha image, a distinctive bell tower (Ho Rakhang) housing several bells, and the historic Ho Phra Trai Pitaka wooden scripture library elevated on stilts near the river. The grounds include shrines and statues dedicated to Somdej Phra Buddhachan (To Brahmaransi), active prayer areas, and a pier with views across the Chao Phraya River toward the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. The atmosphere is generally quieter than major central Bangkok temples.
Key highlights
- 01
Historic bell tower (Ho Rakhang) with five bells associated with King Rama I
- 02
Ho Phra Trai Pitaka - Ayutthaya-period wooden Tripitaka library on stilts
- 03
Ornate ubosot with murals and principal Buddha image
- 04
Shrine and statue of Somdej Phra Buddhachan (To Brahmaransi)
- 05
Riverside location with views across Chao Phraya River to Grand Palace
History of Wat Rakang Kositaram
Originally built in the Ayutthaya period as Wat Bang Wa Yai, the temple was restored in 1788 by King Rama I (King Phutthayotfa Chulalok). During restoration five large bells were discovered; four were moved to Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat (Wat Phra Kaew) and one was returned, giving the temple its current name Wat Rakhang Kositaram meaning Temple of the Bells. It was later designated a second-class royal temple and is closely associated with Somdej Phra Buddhachan (To Brahmaransi), a highly revered monk who was abbot here.
Culture & Context
An active Theravada Buddhist temple revered for its association with Somdej Toh and the Chinabanchon chant, its bell symbolism, and its preservation of traditional Thai architecture. The Ho Phra Trai Pitaka library is a notable example of Ayutthaya-period wooden architecture and Thai manuscript preservation. The temple remains an important center for merit-making and Buddhist observance on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River.