Highlights

Wat Pariwat is remarkable for its unique architectural style and contemporary applied art, breaking away from traditional designs. Outside the viharn (main prayer hall), the columns feature statues of ancient warriors from various ethnicities and celestial beings from different cultures. There is also a 24-inch gold-plated clay statue of David Beckham placed on a pedestal beside a statue of a celestial being. Inside, the walls are adorned with Benjarong ceramics, colored stones, and various gems forming unique murals with no repeating patterns. The roof finial of the ubosot (ordination hall) is shaped like a blooming lotus made of gold weighing over one kilogram. The new viharn and ubosot together are estimated to have cost over 250 million baht to build.

The exterior and interior decorations combine contemporary art elements, including cartoon characters and historical figures such as Spiderman, Superman, Mickey Mouse, the Old Turtle, and Winnie the Pooh. These playful designs are integrated without losing the core Buddhist philosophies concerning Mount Meru, the three realms (Traiphum), and the Buddha's past lives. Inside the ubosot is the principal Buddha statue, Phra Buddha Sukhothai, which is over 700 years old.

The temple grounds also include the Mondop (pavilion) of Luang Pho Wong, a merit-making and meditation courtyard, a small chapel housing a replica of Buddha’s footprints built in 1922, and sacred boundary stones (luk nimit) from the time of Luang Pho Wong. There is also a pavilion commemorating the 50th anniversary and a royal fish palace along the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

History

It is believed that Wat Pariwat was originally constructed between the late Ayutthaya and early Rattanakosin periods. Initially, it was a small temple or meditation retreat in a garden with an unknown founder. During the reigns of King Rama II and III, historical records show that Phraya Phetphichai (Kes) and Phraya Ratchasongkhram (That) were responsible for building several temples in the area, including Wat Phai Chayon and Wat Prodketchettharam. They also refurbished Wat Pariwat, which had fallen into disrepair on the opposite riverbank, and renamed it Wat Pariwat Ratchasongkhram after their noble titles.

In 2008, due to riverbank erosion, the original ubosot and viharn were damaged. The abbot initiated the construction of a new ubosot and viharn complex set slightly inland. The new buildings feature a highly distinctive architectural style that departs significantly from traditional temple design.

• Take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin Station, then take a bus or taxi for about 10-15 minutes

• Bus lines 75 and 1 run along Rama 3 Road

• Private car parking is available near the temple

• Best visiting season is November to February for cool, comfortable weather

• Dress respectfully when visiting the temple

• Great for photography of unique architectural and artistic details

• Try local food in the Rama 3 area after your visit

• Visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid strong sunlight

Admission Fee:

• Free of charge

Opening Hours:

• Daily 08:00 - 17:00