Tucked quietly between Bangkok’s busiest shopping zones—Siam Paragon and CentralWorld—Wat Pathum Wanaram Rachaworawihan feels like it belongs in a different world. It’s one of those rare places where you can step away from the buzz of traffic, malls, and endless foot traffic, and suddenly find yourself surrounded by silence, shady trees, and the soft chants of monks.
Most people rush past Wat Pathum without even noticing it. That’s the charm. Right in the heart of the city’s chaos, this temple offers a peaceful break. You could be shopping at Siam and be at the temple in under five minutes. That’s how close it is.
Wat Pathum was built in 1857 by King Rama IV as a place of worship near the royal family’s residence. It’s not just another temple—it’s a royal monastery, which gives it historical and cultural weight, even though it feels incredibly welcoming and down-to-earth.
What Makes Wat Pathum Special?
Quiet and Serene: Unlike the more touristy temples in Bangkok, you won’t find crowds here. You’ll likely share the space with a few locals meditating, monks sweeping leaves, or a couple of curious explorers like yourself.
Stunning Architecture: The main hall (ubosot) has beautiful traditional Thai details, and the grounds are clean and well-kept. If you like photographing temples, this one has perfect angles, especially during the golden hour.
The Stupas and Ashes: Wat Pathum is where the ashes of several members of the Thai Royal Family are enshrined, making it not just a religious site but a place of national respect.
Dharma and Meditation Events: The temple often holds meditation sessions and dharma talks open to the public. Even if you’re not into meditation, it’s calming just to sit quietly under the trees.
How to Visit
Getting There: It’s super easy since it is just next to Siam Paragon and the largest BTS station in Bangkok—take the BTS to Siam station and walk a few minutes. You’ll find the temple right between two of Bangkok’s biggest malls.
What to Wear: Like any temple, dress modestly. Shoulders covered, knees too.
Entry Fee: Free. Just remember to be respectful while walking around.
Why You Should Go
If you’ve been shopping all day or exploring the busy parts of the city and just need to catch your breath, Wat Pathum Wanaram is the perfect stop. It’s not flashy or famous, but that’s exactly why it’s special. It’s the kind of place that reminds you that even in one of Asia’s most hectic cities, moments of peace are never far away.
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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
