Not far from the entrance to the Wang Lee Mansion along Chiang Mai Road is the small temple of Wat Thong Thammachat. The temple's name means 'golden nature' in Thai, and the temple stands in a small wooded park, which unfortunately is now used as a car park.
The ordination hall of Wat Thong Thammachat
The temple dates from the Ayutthaya period, before Bangkok was the capital of Thailand. Its exact founding date is unknown. It was restored by King Rama I, who founded Bangkok, then restored again by King Rama III. The last major renovation was done by King Rama VI in 1915.
Close-up of the details on the doors of the prayer hall
The ubosot (ordination hall) reflects the intricate decorations of the Ayuthaya style, with a curved base and fanciful roof brackets. The ubosot sits in a beautifully landscaped courtyard (sometimes closed). The front entrance to the walled court is flanked by two open pavilions.
There was once a wooded area in front of the temple, which is now a car park, while to the south are several monks' quarters in many different styles. The bell tower is roughly in the center of the side facing the car park.
Outside the entrance to the temple there still is a patch of trees with a large old fashioned red meeting hall behind. Next to the hall is a Boh tree bought from Buddha's place of enlightenment in India.
Getting There
The entrance to Wat Thong Thammachat is on Chiang Mai road near the entrance to the Wang Lee Mansion. See our map of Klong San for more information.
If coming from Wat Thong Noppakhun, there's a footpath starting behind the courtyard that crosses the canal and leads to Chiang Mai Road just a short way from Wat Thong Thammachat. If in doubt, follow the bike lane markers.