Wat Bowonniwet Vihara
Wat Bowonniwet Vihara
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Plan your visit
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Phra Nakhon
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,574 within 3 miles
Attractions
585 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
464 reviews
Excellent
270
Very good
166
Average
26
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Rex
Bangkok, Thailand19 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
This Temple is in a walking distance from Khao Sarn Road. It is not very crowded except during the religious ceremony. The ordination hall is also unique as there are two principal Buddha images in the same hall (normally one). This was also the residential temple for King Rama 4th - 10th, when they were monks.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DavidWGrant
Dallas, TX139 contributions
Feb 2012 • Business
Wat Bowonniwet (or Boworniwet, as the locals spell it) is fascinating for a variety of reasons, well beyond its presence as a cool respite in an interesting neighborhood. Many site that it was where the current King Bhumibol received his training and ordination into the monk hood, or that the Supreme Patriarch lives here...fine. Others site the very nice Sukothai Buddha image inside from Phitsanulok…it is beautiful and soothing to behold, certainly. Others love the modern clean lines of the large chedi out back, and if you like modern chedis, fine. Still others point out the odd juxtaposition of the Chinese style broken-pottery roof top over one of its structures, and that’s interesting too, I suppose. These are reason enough to go.
I found three attractions to the place on top of those. First, it was the first time I saw, examined and touched one of the machines for which King Bhumibol holds a patent: the propane-powered canal/pond aerating machine. (His other patent concerns a cloud-seeding process.) There, in the small Koy channel that runs around one of the temple structures, is a small steel aerating machine, ingenious in its simplicity and apparent effectiveness. Wat Boworniwet is one of the few places where such channels are sufficiently oxygenated for the Koy to thrive. Second, there is hand-carved plaster of such strength and thickness that it is actually part of the support structure for a colonnade/walkway outside the Wiharn building. I was able to watch the carving process (done entirely with mallets, chisels and Surform-style formers for a twelve-foot section of supporting plaster!) and able to see it lifted into place the next day. It is molded offsite, and all carving is done onsite. Amazing filigree in a true support structure! Third, was the active life in this Wat. Much like an active Catholic Parish church from the 1960s, Wat Boworniwet has a strong local following that makes it uplifting at all times of day. Donations are taken up as necessary from locals via the placement of long steel wires to which are affixed Baht bills, into blocks of Styrofoam in large vases out front. No one steals the money, and in the end, the vases appear to be filled with Baht-bill flowers! You will feel part of a community there, even if you are not interested in architectural design or engineering. Go!
I found three attractions to the place on top of those. First, it was the first time I saw, examined and touched one of the machines for which King Bhumibol holds a patent: the propane-powered canal/pond aerating machine. (His other patent concerns a cloud-seeding process.) There, in the small Koy channel that runs around one of the temple structures, is a small steel aerating machine, ingenious in its simplicity and apparent effectiveness. Wat Boworniwet is one of the few places where such channels are sufficiently oxygenated for the Koy to thrive. Second, there is hand-carved plaster of such strength and thickness that it is actually part of the support structure for a colonnade/walkway outside the Wiharn building. I was able to watch the carving process (done entirely with mallets, chisels and Surform-style formers for a twelve-foot section of supporting plaster!) and able to see it lifted into place the next day. It is molded offsite, and all carving is done onsite. Amazing filigree in a true support structure! Third, was the active life in this Wat. Much like an active Catholic Parish church from the 1960s, Wat Boworniwet has a strong local following that makes it uplifting at all times of day. Donations are taken up as necessary from locals via the placement of long steel wires to which are affixed Baht bills, into blocks of Styrofoam in large vases out front. No one steals the money, and in the end, the vases appear to be filled with Baht-bill flowers! You will feel part of a community there, even if you are not interested in architectural design or engineering. Go!
Written November 30, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BradJill
Hong Kong, China159,140 contributions
Apr 2014 • Couples
We visited Wat Bowonniwetwiharn (free entry) during a recent trip to Bangkok and very much enjoyed this particular temple.
This first grade Royal Temple was built during the reign of King Rama III between 1824 and 1832 and is historically important for being the location where several Thai kings resided during their monkhood years, including King Rama IV, King Rama VII and King Rama IX.
One of the things we liked about Wat Bowonniwet was the Wiharn room which features an ancient Buddha statue (circa 1350), nice wall murals, window carvings and general decor. We also liked the statues and figures found throughout the temple grounds.
There is a large golden chedi that you can walk around as well as ceremonial halls built with a blend of Thai and European architectural styles. These are attractive and unique buildings to see, enter and take pictures of.
Overall, we found Wat Bowonniwet to be a decorative and attractive temple to visit, one that we would happily visit again during future trips to the city.
You can conveniently visit from Khao San Road area and comfortably see most of the temple grounds in 30-45 minutes, making this nice attraction to see for those staying in the area.
This first grade Royal Temple was built during the reign of King Rama III between 1824 and 1832 and is historically important for being the location where several Thai kings resided during their monkhood years, including King Rama IV, King Rama VII and King Rama IX.
One of the things we liked about Wat Bowonniwet was the Wiharn room which features an ancient Buddha statue (circa 1350), nice wall murals, window carvings and general decor. We also liked the statues and figures found throughout the temple grounds.
There is a large golden chedi that you can walk around as well as ceremonial halls built with a blend of Thai and European architectural styles. These are attractive and unique buildings to see, enter and take pictures of.
Overall, we found Wat Bowonniwet to be a decorative and attractive temple to visit, one that we would happily visit again during future trips to the city.
You can conveniently visit from Khao San Road area and comfortably see most of the temple grounds in 30-45 minutes, making this nice attraction to see for those staying in the area.
Written May 10, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gunma
Turin, Italy170 contributions
Jul 2014
Wat Bowon is one great temple under royal patronage. At present the funeral for the head abbot is going on. BEWARE TOURIST: Proper dress require, inappropriate dress ie short, tank top may not enter the temple complex. I didn't see any facility to lend a dress like royal palace or Wat Phra Keaw. Before go there dress properly. No entrance fee.
Written July 5, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bell h
Washington DC, DC7 contributions
Oct 2019
If you are interested in architecture, you should visit this place! you will experience something different Thai culture and Asain in general!
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stravaig
Inverness, UK626 contributions
Jan 2020
A very beautiful and quiet temple. When we visited there was only one other person in the whole of the grounds that we seen. Worth a visit to escape the crowds.
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ธิติ ต
40 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
We go to visit this temple regularly with my family, especially on the important days when people walk with lighted candle around Phra Ubosatha (Ordination Hall). This royal temple is very important for Bangkok. It houses two (of three) most important and most beautiful bronze Buddha Images made during the Sukhothai Period, Phra Buddha Chinnasi and Phra Sri Sasada. The other image is Phra Buddha Chinnarat is now housed in Phitsanulok Province.
Written July 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tawi.t
Bangkok, Thailand1 contribution
Dec 2019 • Friends
Wat Pavaranivesh Vihara Rajavaravihara (Wat Bowon Niwet Wihan Ratchaworawihan, is a major Buddhisttemple (wat) in Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok, Thailand. Being the residence of Nyanasamvara Suvaddhana; the late Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, it is the final resting place of two former kings of Chakri Dynasty; King Vajiravudh Rama VI and King Bhumibol Adulyadej Rama IX.
The temple is a center of the Thammayut Nikayaorder of Thai Theravada Buddhism, it is the shrine-hall of Phra Phuttha Chinnasi (พระพุทธชินสีห์), a statue of the Buddha which dates to around 1357. Bowonniwet has been a major temple of patronage for the ruling Chakri dynasty. It is where many royal princes and kings studied and served their monkhood, including King Bhumibol and his son, the present king Vajiralongkorn.
Architecture
The golden chedi at the wat's shrine carries the relics and ashes of Thai royals. The two viharas are closed to public. The T-shaped bot holds a magnificent Sukhothai-period Buddha, cast in 1257 CE to celebrate freedom from the Khmerชs.
The murals on the bot's interior walls were traditionally light and limited in their subject matter and style. They were painted to appear three-dimensional.Monk artist Khrua In Khongintroduced Western style in the murals depicting Buddhist subjects.
The temple is a center of the Thammayut Nikayaorder of Thai Theravada Buddhism, it is the shrine-hall of Phra Phuttha Chinnasi (พระพุทธชินสีห์), a statue of the Buddha which dates to around 1357. Bowonniwet has been a major temple of patronage for the ruling Chakri dynasty. It is where many royal princes and kings studied and served their monkhood, including King Bhumibol and his son, the present king Vajiralongkorn.
Architecture
The golden chedi at the wat's shrine carries the relics and ashes of Thai royals. The two viharas are closed to public. The T-shaped bot holds a magnificent Sukhothai-period Buddha, cast in 1257 CE to celebrate freedom from the Khmerชs.
The murals on the bot's interior walls were traditionally light and limited in their subject matter and style. They were painted to appear three-dimensional.Monk artist Khrua In Khongintroduced Western style in the murals depicting Buddhist subjects.
Written December 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AdrijanaZecevic
Belgrade, Serbia16 contributions
Dec 2019
One of the best temples in Bangkok to visit. Serenity is consistent and have a nice ambiance. highly recommended
Written December 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stephrab
New York City, NY720 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
The other major Buddhist temples in Bangkok have hordes of tourists. This, on the other hand, is deeply spiritual and also amazingly beautiful. Mostly local Thai worshipers without a lot of foreign visitors. This temple invites contemplation.
Give yourself an hour or two to just sit and take it all in, Something you cannot do at the other major Buddhist temples in Bangkok.
Explore the complex. There are temples and chapels everywhere. Find the reclining Buddha which is hidden way in the back.
Give yourself an hour or two to just sit and take it all in, Something you cannot do at the other major Buddhist temples in Bangkok.
Explore the complex. There are temples and chapels everywhere. Find the reclining Buddha which is hidden way in the back.
Written November 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EnglePigen
Glostrup, Danmark5 contributions
Hvad hedder det tempel i Bangkok hvor narkomaner blir afgiftet. Jeg har været en del i Thailand og Bangkok, og kunne godt tænke mig at besøge det på et tidspunkt. Pt er jeg en måned i Thailand og slutter i BKK.
Mvh
Susse
EnglePigen
Glostrup, Danmark5 contributions
Hvad hedder det tempel i Bangkok hvor narkomaner blir afgiftet. Jeg har været en del i Thailand og Bangkok, og kunne godt tænke mig at besøge det på et tidspunkt. Pt er jeg en måned i Thailand og slutter i BKK.
Mvh
Susse
Why do the demons in the entrance of this temple have black paint dripping from their mouths? What is the significance of this?
kinglear13
Bangkok, Thailand304 contributions
The demon at the gate is kind of the guardian goddess that local could pray and ask for help.
The help which local ask for help could be win the lotto, success on the business deal , pass an exam, etc.
In the old day When the prayer get what they ask for, some local Chinese put opium cream or the black coffee on the month of the guardian as the offer or bribe.
What we see today is the black coffee.
Tiffany C
Aix-en-Provence, France38 contributions
Est-ce payant?
John Bentley R
32 contributions
Est-ce payant?
Oui.
Je suis désolé d'avoir donné la mauvaise réponse
L'entrée au temple est gratuite. Pas de paiement.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingWat Bowonniwet Vihara, Bangkok
Frequently Asked Questions about Wat Bowonniwet Vihara
- Hotels near Wat Bowonniwet Vihara:
- (0.07 mi) Suneta Hostel Khaosan
- (0.09 mi) Thanabhumi
- (0.08 mi) Casa Vimaya Riverside
- (0.06 mi) Korbua House
- (0.11 mi) Chillax Resort
- Restaurants near Wat Bowonniwet Vihara:
- (0.02 mi) Khaotom Bawon
- (0.02 mi) Khao Tom Bawon
- (0.03 mi) Patonggo Restaurant
- (0.04 mi) Kayy Coffee
- (0.10 mi) Mango Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurant and Arts Gallery
- Attractions near Wat Bowonniwet Vihara:
- (0.05 mi) Maliwan Thai Cooking Class
- (0.14 mi) Iris Thai Massage
- (0.15 mi) Aman's Fashion Tailor
- (0.16 mi) Shewa Spa
- (0.11 mi) Stray Asia
Wat Bowonniwet Vihara Information
Excellent Reviews | 271 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 166 |
Wat Bowonniwet Vihara Photos | 765 |