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Wat Niwet Thammaprawat & Bang Pa-In
Wat Niwet Thammaprawat was built in 1878 under the commission of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) as part of his broader modernization efforts. Designed by the Italian architect Joachim Grassi, it was deliberately styled after a Gothic Christian church, making it one of the most unusual Buddhist temples in Thailand. This architectural choice reflected the king’s embrace of Western ideas while maintaining Siamese sovereignty, a balance he carefully managed during his reign.
Walking through the grounds, the blend of styles is immediately apparent. The ubosot with its high vaulted ceilings and colorful stained glass, is unlike any traditional Thai temple, yet the Buddha image at the altar leaves no doubt about its purpose. The stained glass, which in a church might depict biblical scenes, serves a purely decorative role here, casting a soft, ethereal glow across the space. Overall, it’s a place that feels both familiar and unfamiliar—a striking architectural statement that captures a unique moment in Thailand’s history.
Across the river from Wat Niwet Thammaprawat lies Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, a site with a history stretching back to the 17th century. Originally built during the Ayutthaya period by King Prasat Thong, it served as a summer retreat for Thai royalty. However, after the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, the palace was largely abandoned until King Mongkut (Rama IV) initiated its restoration in the mid-19th century. His son, King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), expanded and transformed the complex into what it is today, blending Thai, Chinese, and European architectural styles.
Walking through Bang Pa-In, the contrast between these influences is striking. The floating pavilion, Aisawan Thiphya-Art, is a classic example of traditional Thai architecture, sitting elegantly in the middle of a reflecting pond. Nearby, the two-story Wehart Chamrun, built by Chinese craftsmen and gifted by Chinese merchants, showcases intricate carvings, lacquered wood, and a completely different aesthetic. In contrast, the neoclassical and Victorian-style residences, such as the Phra Thinang Uthayan Phumisathian, reflect the growing Western influence during Rama V’s reign.
Exploring Wat Niwet Thammaprawat and Bang Pa-In Royal Palace was an interesting experience, but not one we’d go out of our way to repeat. The temple was unique, and its Gothic Revival design made it stand out from any other Buddhist temple we’ve seen. It was peaceful and well-maintained, but unless you’re already in the area, it’s not something we’d consider a must-visit.
Bang Pa-In, on the other hand, was a circus. The palace grounds were undeniably beautiful, and the mix of architectural styles was fascinating, but the crowds made it harder to fully appreciate the architecture. It’s the kind of place that’s worth seeing once, especially if you’re interested in royal history and design, but not something to go out of your way to see. If you’re already visiting Ayutthaya and want a quick detour, it’s worth considering, but we wouldn’t recommend making a separate trip just for these two sites. Only go if you have extra time to kill.
Thailand Travel Resources
The Ayutthaya Toolkit
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Wat Niwet Thammaprawat
The Temple's Location
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Who We Are:
Alan & May
Welcome to North of Known! We’re Alan and May, a married couple who have embraced digital nomadism while calling Bangkok, Thailand, our current home base. Over the past 7 years, our shared passion for exploration and adventure has fueled our journey across the globe. Join us as we continue to embark on our nomadic adventures, sharing our insights, discoveries, and travel tales along the way.
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