Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit doesnโt always show up on first-timersโ lists, but itโs one of the oldest and most significant temples in Bangkok. Youโll find it tucked between the Grand Palace and what used to be the Front Palace โ not far from Sanam Luang. Because of its location, itโs long been used for royal ceremonies and funerals.
It started out as Wat Salak during the Ayutthaya period, long before Bangkok became the capital in 1782. Then in 1803, the name was changed to Wat Mahathat, meaning โTemple of the Great Relicโ โ a title usually reserved for temples that hold important Buddha relics. Much later, in 1996, King Rama IX gave it the long official name we use today, marking its royal importance.
Whatโs unique about this temple is that itโs also home to Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University โ the countryโs oldest Buddhist university. Itโs been around since 1887 and still offers classes in Buddhist studies, including some in English.
One thing that makes Wat Mahathat especially interesting for visitors is the Vipassana Meditation Centre. They hold free daily meditation sessions in both Thai and English. Anyone can join โ you donโt need experience, just a bit of patience and an open mind. The classes are run by monks and open to all.
The temple buildings themselves follow traditional Thai architecture, with a main ordination hall (ubosot), a sermon hall (viharn), and a library (mondop). Thereโs also a quiet gallery lined with Buddha images and relics โ easy to miss if youโre rushing through.
Even though itโs right near the busy Grand Palace, Wat Mahathat feels calm and a bit hidden. I usually stop by when I need a breather from the crowds.
Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit Photos
Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit Info
Address: 3 Road Tha Prachan โ Wang Lang, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200 Hours: Open 24 hours Phone: 080 546 4497 Entry: free
The Grand Palace of Bangkok and Wat Phra Kaew are the most famous landmarks in Bangkok, and they are often seen in many movies, a marvel of delicate and intricate ... Read More
Wat Pho, the temple of the reclining Buddha or Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan, is such an iconic landmark of Bangkok that it is on everyone's list of places ... Read More
Wat Arun, also known as the temple of Dawn, is a significant landmark of Bangkok, built before 1656. It's much more modest than Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace ... Read More
Wat Saket Bangkok, more officially Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan, is a Buddhist temple in Rattanakosin, not far from the famous Khao San Road. The famous Golden Mount is easily visible ... Read More
Loha Prasat, or Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan, is a superb temple in the old city of Bangkok, easily identified by its 37 golden spires. In the recent past, Loha Prasat was ... Read More
Wat Benjamabophit (Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram), also known as the Marble Temple, is a magnificent temple located in the Dusit district of Bangkok. It is one of the most beautiful and ... Read More
Wat Mangkon Kamalawat is the best of the cultural things to do in Chinatown, Bangkokโs largest Chinese Buddhist temple. Built in 1846, the templeโs design is unmistakably Chinese ... Read More
The striking spire of Wat Traimit protects a 5-metre-tall seated Buddha statue made of solid gold. Weighing in at 5.5 tonnes, the statue dates back to the 13th century and ... Read More
Wat Suthat Thepwararam (Giant Swing) is a famous Buddhist temple dating back to the late 18th century. Itโs mostly known for its towering red teak swing standing at 21 m ... Read More
Wat Kanlayanamit is a magnificent temple in the Thonburi side of Chao Phraya River. It was constructed in 1825 during the reign of King Rama III on the bank of ... Read More
Wat Chakrawat Rachawat Woramahawihan earned its nickname from the resident population of large reptiles. The legend goes that an especially belligerent man-eating croc with a missing eye, going by the ... Read More
Wat Ratchabophit Sathit Maha Simaram is one of those temples that surprised me. Tucked away near the Grand Palace, it was built in 1869 by King Rama V, and what ... Read More
Wat Pathum Wanaram Rachaworawihan is a peaceful temple hidden between Siam Paragon and CentralWorld, offering a quiet space of shady trees and monk chants just steps from Bangkokโs busiest shopping ... Read More
Wat Prayoon, also referred to as Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan, is a 19th-century Buddhist temple placed near the Memorial Bridge in Bangkok's Thonburi district ... Read More
Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit doesnโt always show up on first-timersโ lists, but itโs one of the oldest and most significant temples in Bangkok. Youโll find it tucked between the Grand Palace ... Read More
Willy Thuan is the founder of Phuket 101. After travelling through 40+ countries and working with Club Med and Expedia, he settled in Phuket in 1994. He shares real travel insights and original photography from across Thailand.View Author posts
