Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan

Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan (Wat Prayun); Portrait of a monk

Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan, also known as Wat Prayun, is a Buddhist temple that is situated along the Chao Phraya River. Founded during the early years of the Thai Rattanakosin Kingdom, this historic temple offers visitors a glimpse into Bangkok’s past.

Architecture: 8.5
Aesthetics: 8.0
Culture: 9.5
X Factor: 9.0
Value: 10.0

Name (Thai): วัดประยุรวงศาวาสวรวิหาร

Address: 24 Prajadhipok Rd, Wat Kanlaya, Thon Buri, Bangkok 10600

Opening Hours: 7.00 to 18.00 daily

Entrance Fee: Free

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Quick Note: During our visit, the temple’s viharn was under construction

Length of Trip: ~45 minutes

Trip Type: Cultural / historical

Age Restrictions: None 

Dress Code: Modest and conservative 

Religious Affiliation:

Classification:

  • First-class Royal.

Table of Contents

The Turtle Mountain

Khao Mo (Wat Khao Tao)

Built in 1828 during the reign of King Rama III, Wat Prayun is home to a unique feature that other temple’s built during the same era lack — an artificial mountain called Khao Mo that is surrounded by a large pond filled with turtles. This mountain was added about ten years after the temple’s initial construction and serves as a meditative rock garden that reprensents Mount Meru. 

Its name, Khao Mo, comes from the Khmer word “t’mor,” meaning rock. In 1979, Khao Mo was designated as an ancient monument by the Thai government’s Fine Arts Department. 

*Visitors to Khao Mo are able to feed the turtles (a small shop outside its entrance sells feed)

Wat Prayun, Bangkok

Phra Borommathat Chedi

At Wat Prayun, you’ll discover a remarkable sight: a towering white structure known as the Phra Borommathat Chedi, which is visible from the banks of the Chao Phraya river. Standing ~60 meters tall with a base diameter of 50 meters, it is encircled by 18 smaller chedis that were designed in the distinctive Ayutthaya style.

Remarkably, it’s the only large-sized Chedi of its kind in Bangkok. Legend has it that King Rama II tried building something similar at the eastern city gate, but it ended up collapsing, giving rise to the famous Golden Mount instead. 

In 2013, the Chedi’s cultural significance garnered international recognition with its nomination for a UNESCO award, reflecting its esteemed status on a global scale.

*Visitors can enter the Chedi and rub gold leaves on the walls as well as several Buddha images

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วัดประยุรวงศาวาสวรวิหาร

Getting To Wat Prayun

Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan is located on the Thonburi side of Bangkok, making it accessible by both public and private modes of transportation:

MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): Take the subway to the Sanam Chai station the blue line. From there, it’s a ~15 minute walk or a ~5 minute motorbike taxi ride to the temple.

Taxi: You can easily take a metered taxi to the temple. Just inform the driver of the temple’s name and address, and they should be able to take you directly to the entrance.

Tour: If you’d like to go on a guided tour of the temple that also explores its surrounding areas, we highly recommend checking out this Street Food + Temple Tour by GetYourGuide.

Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan

Actionable Information

In Buddhism, turtles hold deep symbolic significance, representing various qualities and principles cherished within the faith. Turtles are often associated with creation, as they are believed to have emerged from the primal waters at the dawn of time. 

This association with creation ties into broader Buddhist themes of the cyclical nature of existence and the interconnectedness of all life forms. Furthermore, turtles are revered for their endurance and longevity, traits that align with Buddhist teachings on patience, resilience, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment over countless lifetimes. 

Additionally, turtles symbolize strength, both physical and spiritual, as they are able to navigate through the challenges of their environment with steadfast determination. 

In essence, turtles serve as powerful symbols within Buddhism, embodying enduring principles of creation, endurance, strength, and the interconnectedness of all beings on the path towards enlightenment.

When visiting Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan, it’s generally respectful to adhere to a modest dress code. This means wearing clothing that covers your shoulders, chest, and knees. 

For both men and women, loose-fitting and breathable clothing is recommended to ensure comfort during your visit. Additionally, it’s customary to remove your shoes before entering the temple buildings as a sign of respect. 

If you’re unsure about what to wear, don’t worry too much — just aim for something comfortable and modest, and you’ll be good to go!

Absolutely! Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan is definitely worth a visit. This temple offers a unique blend of historical significance, cultural richness, and spiritual tranquility that makes it a memorable destination for tourists and locals alike. From the striking white chedi and the fascinating Khao Mo replica mountain to the serene ambiance along the Chao Phraya river, there’s plenty to explore and appreciate here.

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Wat Prayun's Location

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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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