About Wat Ratchanatdaram
Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan is a 19th-century Buddhist temple in Bowon Niwet, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok, renowned for its Loha Prasat (Metal Castle). Built in 1846 by King Nangklao (Rama III), it features 37 black iron spires representing 37 virtues toward enlightenment. Located at Ratchadamnoen Klang and Maha Chai Road, it is the world's only remaining metal temple and a significant royal temple and meditation center.
Visitors guide
Visitors can explore the temple grounds and the distinctive Loha Prasat, a 36-meter high multi-tiered structure with 37 metal spires, corridors, and meditation cells. The ground floor and surrounding courtyard are open for walking and photography, while upper levels are reached via narrow staircases and offer views over Phra Nakhon and Ratchadamnoen Avenue. The site includes a central Buddha image, meditation halls, and quiet cloisters. The atmosphere is that of an active royal Buddhist temple and meditation center.
Key highlights
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Loha Prasat (Metal Castle) with 37 black iron spires symbolizing 37 virtues toward enlightenment
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Only remaining metal temple in the world, inspired by ancient metal temples in India and Sri Lanka
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36-meter high multi-tiered structure with corridors and meditation cells open to visitors
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Panoramic views of Bangkok's old city from upper levels
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Royal temple built in 1846 by King Nangklao (Rama III) for Princess Somanass Waddhanawathy
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Active meditation center and historic Buddhist architecture
History of Wat Ratchanatdaram
Built in 1846 during the reign of King Nangklao (Rama III) for his granddaughter Princess Somanass Waddhanawathy. The Loha Prasat was modeled after two earlier metal temples in India and Sri Lanka, which no longer exist, making it the only remaining metal temple in the world. It represents the 37 Bodhipakkhiya Dhamma virtues required for enlightenment in Buddhism and reflects Rattanakosin-era architecture.
Culture & Context
A royal temple (Wat Worawihan) of the Thai Theravada Buddhist tradition, important as a meditation practice center and architectural symbol of Buddhist cosmology. The 37 spires embody Buddhist virtues toward enlightenment and the temple remains an active religious site for merit-making, meditation and cultural education.