Wat Ratchaorasaram Ratchaworawihan is a first class royal monastery, or Ratchaworawihan, and a royal temple of Chakri dynasty's King Rama III. This temple is in the Chom Thong District, Bangkok. It is connected to not only the west side (Thonburi side) of Khlong Sanam Chai, but also Khlong Bang Wa on the north side of the temple.
It is an ancient temple constructed before the establishment of Rattanakosin Kingdom. It is said that this temple was a common monastery built during Ayutthaya period. In the past, it was called "Wat Chom Thong," "Wat Chao Thong," or "Wat Gong Thong." However, the founder of this temple is still unknown.
Prince Chetsadabodin (later crowned King Rama III) had the whole Wat Chom Thong renovated after he had led the Thai army to intercept the Burmese army at the Three Pagodas Pass in Kanchanaburi Province in 1820. When the naval army reached Wat Chom Thong on the Thonburi side, the prince decided to pause and perform a religious ceremony called Khon Thawan, according ...
Wat Mahathat Worawihan is an ancient royal temple built somewhere between the 11th to 13th century.
Wat Mahathat Worawihan is located in an old, busy district with narrow lanes and wooden shop houses in the old center of Phetchaburi town.
The large complex is surrounded by a wall with several large elaborate entrance gates. The Wat Mahathat Worawihan comprises of five large prangs, a viharn, an ubosot, several chedis, the kuti and several other monastic buildings. Most eye catching are the five white prangs towering above the area, that are visible from much of Phetchaburi.
The founding date of the temple is unknown, it is believed that Wat Mahathat dates back to the late Mon Dvaravati era or the Khmer era. Objects found during excavations suggest the first structures were built between eight to ten centuries ago. Today nothing remains of the original structures. The prangs have been rebuilt and enlarged many times over the centuries.
At the center of the Wat Mahathat is a large courtyard ...
Wat Ko Kaew Suthatham in Petchaburi is truly a hidden gem. Built during the reign of King Borommakot in 1734, the Wat Ko Kaew Suttharam temple, more commonly known as Wat Ko, has a relatively simple architecture. Its main attraction is the mural paintaings in the historic ubosot. These murals date back around 300 years and are probably the best preserved murals remaining from the Ayutthaya period. If in Phetchaburi they should be on your list of things to see.
On the north wall are represented the "Seven Great Places" where the Buddha stayed for seven weeks after his enlightenment except for the scene "under the Bodhi tree," which is the first of the seven places.
On the south wall are represented the "Eight Great Events" of Buddha's life, beginning with his birth. There are also paintings of the first Westerners who came to the Kingdom of Siam.
Phetchaburi is an underrated destination in terms of temple architecture. Considering its proximity to Bangkok, you'd expect it to be ...
Wat Satue Phuttha Saiyat is a temple built on the bank of the Pasak River with a giant white reclining Buddha.
Satue Temple was built in 1857. Important things within the temple include a large reclining
Buddha image (Luang Pho To), which people in the region regard as very sacred. It is 52 meters long and 16 meters high, which Somdej Phutthachan To built in 1870.
At Wat Satue, you can also see the Rama VI Dam and walk across the bridge to visit Wat Kai Chon. This is the birthplace of Somdet Phutthachan To, the founder of this temple.
The old Ayutthaya style temple, the huge Buddha statue and the murals painted on the inside of the ordination hall are very nice. The temple itself is located about 2 hours north of Bangkok in the Tha Ruea area of Ayutthaya.
Next to the temple is a fresh market that sells snacks, fresh fruit and the local Thai favorites. The prices are reasonable and a great place to grab some lunch while exploring the temple.
I had a wonderful time exploring this ...
