RiderLogHidden Bangkok Temples
Lesser-known temples of Bangkok and Thonburi. Strange histories, murals, and quiet courtyards far from the tour buses. Here is a taste of the 18 places in this collection.
Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram Ratchaworawihan
Thai exterior + interior influenced by European/Italian design, plus a large royal cemetery hidden behind it.
Wat Srisudaram Pier
The childhood school of Sunthorn Phu, Thailand's most famous classical poet. The temple itself is much less important than the connection between literature, education and old Bangkok canal life.
Wat Nang Chee
An Ayutthaya-period temple whose name literally relates to a female ascetic/nun. Its origin story involves a nobleman's daughter recovering from illness and making a religious offering. Very local-feeling Thonburi.
Wat Rakhang Khositaram Woramahawihan
Thonburi riverside history, old canals and one of the most interesting stories around the temple's name: a bell found here became associated with the famous bells of Wat Arun after being moved during the early Bangkok period.
Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen
Historically it's fascinating: founded around 1610, nearly abandoned, then transformed by meditation master Luang Pu Sodh into a huge educational/meditation centre. It's also the origin point of the Dhammakaya tradition.
The other 13 places in this ride
- Wat Bowonniwetwiharn Ratchaworawiharn
- Wat Pariwat Ratchasongkram
- Wat Suwannaram Ratchaworawihan
- Wat Intharawihan
- Wat Thewarat Kunchorn Worawihan Pier
- Wat Ratchaburana Ratchaworawihan (Wat Liap)
- Wat Samphaya Worawihan (Wat Bang Khun Phrom)
- Wat Prayurawongsawas Worawihan
- Wat Khun Chan
- Wat Saket Ratchawora Mahawihan
- Wat Sampran (Dragon Temple) Car Park
- House of OM Sanctuary Bangkok
- Wat Khachon Siri
Ride it, do not just read it
That was 5 of 18. The full stories, exact locations, what to order at each stop, and ride plans that string them into loops are in the RiderLog app. Free on the App Store.