Overview

This exquisite, Chinese-influenced temple sadly does not receive the number of visitors it deserves. Building of the temple commenced under King Rama V in 1869 and took 20 years to finish. The temple helps to serve as a monument to the awakening interest in Thailand of new architectural ideas from other countries and cultures. The ordination hall features mother-of-pearl inlaid window panels, which are some of the best from the Rattanakosin era (1782-present). The interior is, on the other hand, remarkably European in style. The temple's full name is Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram.