Wat Pathum Wanaram

The main entrance to the ubosot.

 
Set in the midst of Bangkok's biggest shopping area is the strangely serene temple of Wat Pathum Wanaram. Its a sort of multi-layered temple that only reveals all its sights bit by bit.

The chedi in between the ubosot and wiharn.

Just inside the high outer wall of the temple is a large pond and parking area that acts as a buffer between the street and the temple, helping to create the quiet serenity of the temple. Passing through the gates in a second wall brings you into the temple compound proper.

The temple buildings are arranged in a row parallel to the street. A small elegant ubosot sits at the eastern end. Behind it is a large white chedi, followed by the very large wiharn. Finally is an ancient Bo tree housed in a courtyard. Behind this main line of buildings is a library. Another wall separates the main temple compound from the monks' quarters.

Behind the monks' quarters, and actually separate from the temple, is a sort of park thickly planed with trees. In the middle of this is a large open sided prayer hall dedicated to the memory of the late Princess Mother, who lived near the temple in Sra Pathum Palace. Next to the hall is a paved plaza also densely planted with trees.

Phra Meru Mas

A house next to the temple.

 
Running along the west side of the temple is a very narrow lane. Near the main road, you'll find a school along with some curious houses which seem to be connected to the temple. If you follow this lane back past the temple and around, you'll eventually come upon the entrance to the Phra Meru Mas.

The Phra Meru Mas.

The Meru is a crematorium, originally built in 1996 for the cremation of the late Princess Mother. The Meru and surrounding pavilions were originally built on Sanam Luang in front of the Grand Palace. After the cremation they were moved and reconstructed here in memory of the Princess Mother.

Curiously, when last we checked in mid 2003 the compound had been fenced off to keep people out. Its still accessible from the east side if you don't mind climbing a fence. The buildings, which were meant to be temporary in any case, are starting to deteriorate and their future is unknown.

Photo Gallery

For more pictures of Wat Pathum Wanaram, see our online photo gallery.

Getting There

Wat Pathum Wanaram is located in Bangkok's central shopping district, next to the World Trade Center. The easiest way to get there, if you're not staying in the area, is by Skytrain to the Siam Station.