Visit Wat Prayoon (Bangkok)

Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in the Thonburi district, not far from the Memorial Bridge, Wat Prayurawongsawas Worawihan, as it is fully known, is a 19th-century Buddhist temple, built in 1828 during the reign of King Rama III. It was founded by Chao Phraya Phra Klang, an influential minister of Persian descent from the Bunnag family, who transformed his personal garden into a monastery. Four years later, King Rama III established it as a royal monastery.

The remarkable feature of Wat Prayoon is its large, carefully restored white Ayutthaya-style chedi, which earned it the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award in 2013. It is surrounded by a circular, white enclosure, which can be climbed for commanding views of the district and the chedi. You can also enter the chedi through the lower entrances and corridors (you have to get down on all fours). It's a little-known temple with original architecture and a fun place to visit in a neighborhood I love! The temple also has a small, rather interesting museum of ancient statues.

Wat Prayoon is obviously part of the Bangkok Walking Tour in the Thonburi district that I created, and in which I give you the full tour (see also my video).

Don't miss Khao Mo, a miniature garden representing a sacred mountain, populated with small stupas, spirit houses, and statues. A very beautiful, Zen-like place right next to the temple.