Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit
Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit
4
About
Built during the reign of King Rama I, this temple complex houses houses Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University, one of the most important sites of Buddhist learning in Thailand.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Plan your visit
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Riverside
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,695 within 3 miles
Attractions
571 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
100 reviews
Excellent
33
Very good
44
Average
22
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Heena P
5 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
Wat Mahathat will remain in our hearts forever. What was supposed to be a short visit to a Wat onroute to the river turned out to be a 3 hour long meditation session.
I came across this Wat online as was looking for somewhere peaceful to go - off the beaten track. After spending a month travelling Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand - it's safe to say we were "templed out".
But this Wat was something else. All month long me and hubs talked about how we had visited many Wat's but not heard a single prayer. So this experience was definitely one to remember.
We follow the lunar calender, as do Monks and so were very pleased to be vising on full moon night. We arrived at 4pm and heard some ladies mic-checking and immediately got very excited that we were about to experience something spectacular.
Indeed we did.
We were greeted (as the only non native attendees) by English speaking ladies of the temple and monk's, we were given explanations of proceedings for the evening and so made ourselves comfortable.
I would certainly recommend this Wat if you are looking for somewhere to go that makes you forget where you are. Away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.
An experience you won't forget (try to visit on full moon eve which occurs every 15 days). You won't regret it.
I came across this Wat online as was looking for somewhere peaceful to go - off the beaten track. After spending a month travelling Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand - it's safe to say we were "templed out".
But this Wat was something else. All month long me and hubs talked about how we had visited many Wat's but not heard a single prayer. So this experience was definitely one to remember.
We follow the lunar calender, as do Monks and so were very pleased to be vising on full moon night. We arrived at 4pm and heard some ladies mic-checking and immediately got very excited that we were about to experience something spectacular.
Indeed we did.
We were greeted (as the only non native attendees) by English speaking ladies of the temple and monk's, we were given explanations of proceedings for the evening and so made ourselves comfortable.
I would certainly recommend this Wat if you are looking for somewhere to go that makes you forget where you are. Away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.
An experience you won't forget (try to visit on full moon eve which occurs every 15 days). You won't regret it.
Written January 10, 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.
DH
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg660 contributions
Nov 2019
Just a short walk away from Tha Phra Chan Ferry Pier on the way to Wat Phra Kaeo.
This temple might already give you a little idea what you are about to see continuing to the big ones Wat Phra Kaeo and Wat Pho although it can certainly not be compared to those ones.
Only few peole on the site which made it quite comfortable compared to the crowds we would see later on...
Unfortunately lots of parked cars on the site as well :-(
This temple might already give you a little idea what you are about to see continuing to the big ones Wat Phra Kaeo and Wat Pho although it can certainly not be compared to those ones.
Only few peole on the site which made it quite comfortable compared to the crowds we would see later on...
Unfortunately lots of parked cars on the site as well :-(
Written December 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.
kuhnsl07
Chicago, Illinois67 contributions
Sep 2016 • Friends
Went to the complex for mediation class. Held at 7am, 1pm, 6pm. FREE! Building 5. Be prepared to actually practice meditation for quite a long segment. We had a few minutes education and went right into a 30 min seated meditation. Then went over walking meditation as well. My whole lower half went numb during the seated meditation, but it was quite interesting. The complex is confusing from that starting point, but pretty.
Written September 28, 2016
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.
Ctaylor483
Bangkok, Thailand89 contributions
Oct 2014 • Solo
This place organises free Meditation Classes twice a day! This was interesting and informative and good to try!
Written October 20, 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.
bkwrmgrl1
Kolkata (Calcutta), India65 contributions
Mar 2016 • Couples
Unlike the more crowded temples, Wat Mahathat is a good place to sit and contemplate the Buddha images or the stupa containing a relic. There are several temples within the complex, and when we visited it was almost empty. Walking toward the meditation classes, you can see the lovely houses in which the monks live, shaded by green bushes and flowers.
Many of the reviewers seem to be confusing this temple with one in Ayutthya, but this one is located right next to the Grand Palace and across from the Amulet market in Bangkok.
Despite what Lonely Planet says, we did not need to pay for entry.
Many of the reviewers seem to be confusing this temple with one in Ayutthya, but this one is located right next to the Grand Palace and across from the Amulet market in Bangkok.
Despite what Lonely Planet says, we did not need to pay for entry.
Written March 12, 2016
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.
MC Brigitte S
Bangkok, Thailand178 contributions
Nov 2016
this main temple of the mahanikai lineage of thai therravada buddhism, has a section 5 where meditation classes in english are given.
Written November 9, 2016
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.
NickOzJap
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam50 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
Walking and sitting meditation classes were great. Section 5 inside the walls.The classes are suitable for beginners and are in English. It is possible to do multi-day retreats.
Written July 30, 2015
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.
William W
Boston, MA3 contributions
Feb 2012 • Friends
If you're interested in a place to practice sitting and walking mediation in Bangkok, this is the real thing. They offer English instruction, or if you're experienced, you can simply join the scheduled daily practice sessions. It's a great way to mix your mind with Thailand. But, never mind this place as a temple tour destination: they have turned all of their courtyards into parking lots and have lost all feeling of sacred space, even though this is a venerable old Wat.
Written February 29, 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.
Claire C
33 contributions
Jan 2018 • Solo
This temple is one of the Royal temples in Bangkok and inside you can expect the grandness of the temple. This temple also has a meditation center which provides walk-in meditation class every day from 1-3pm. At the meditation center, there is also a meditation room for people who want to practice meditation. Would recommend to try it out if you have time.
This temple is the one located at Bangkok near the Grand Palace, there is another old one with the same name located at Ayutthaya.
This temple is the one located at Bangkok near the Grand Palace, there is another old one with the same name located at Ayutthaya.
Written January 21, 2018
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.
Nik R
Varna, Bulgaria6,654 contributions
Apr 2014 • Family
Wat Mahathat is just a short distance north of the Grand Palace. The serenity of the place makes you feel like you are in another world. Tha gates from Sanam Luang Park are closed most of the time that's why you have to go to those on the Mahathat Road. There are many Buddha statues along the courtyard. It is said that the temple keeps a relic of Buddha (a bone as far as I understood).
They also have free meditation classes, 3 times a day, if I'm not mistaken. Some are even in English.
They also have free meditation classes, 3 times a day, if I'm not mistaken. Some are even in English.
Written February 23, 2015
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.
Do you make a reservation? What is the cost?
Written September 17, 2019
No, it is not necessary to make a reservation to visit temple. Normally a temple in Thailand is open to public, you can just walk in starting from dawn till dusk. No entrance fee for local but I am not quite certain for foreigner, if it is, it will be minimal. 50 Baht perhaps.
Written September 24, 2019
Do you know if classes are suitable for non thai speaking people?
Thank you very much.
Written May 19, 2019
Yes, I look into their website, the course for for foreigner is available. Below are info i copy from their website,
For foreigners
1. Objectives of the program:
– To lead one’s life correctly according to the Buddha teachings;
– To cultivate the mind (mindfulness);
– To be the device for problem solving in daily life;
– To be familiar with roles of Thai Buddhist monks in the society;
– To lead one’s life to the cessation of suffering (Nirvana).
2. Organizers:
The monks in Section 5;
The committees of Wat Mahadhatu.
3. Budget:
From donations by devotees;
From donations by practitioners.
4. Qualification of participants:
– Intention to practice insight meditation;
– Intention to practice according to the instructor;
– Having a good health and no dangerous diseases;
– Following the meditation course strictly.
5. Personal requirement for over-night stay:
– White clothing (available);
– Soap, toothpaste and brush, towel, sleeping bag (blankets and pillow available), personal medicines if needed.
6. The obtained benefit:
– To understand the right way of leading one’s life according to the Buddha teachings;
– To understand the way of solving difficulties in daily life in the right way;
– To understand the supreme aim of the life (mind and body).
7. Daily retreat timetable:
Afternoon: 1.00- 4.00 p.m.
Evening: 6.00- 8.00 p.m.
8. Group retreat is accepted by giving information at least 2-3 weeks prior the schedule. Details of
number, age, country, and duration of the practice are most helpful.
Remarks: Anyone who likes to take part in any of the above period or the whole day and/or support the program in either offering food or donation for the cost of utilities, kindly contact:
WAT MAHADHATU, SECTION 5
Maharaj Road, Phranakorn, Bangkok 10200,
Tel. 0-2222 6011, 0-2222 4981,
Fax. 0-2223 3091
Particulars
1. Get information from the front desk;
2. Register your name and address;
3. Put on White clothes;
4.Orientation and demonstration;
5. Start meditating and practice individually;
6.Talking and cell phone are prohibited;
7.Food available at 6.00 am., and 11.00 am.Beverage served at 3.00 pm.
8. For over-night stay: One must take five or eight precepts and request to be a yogi/meditator;
9. Chanting at 07.00 am.; get instruction then meditate to 10.00 .;
10. Personal free time, washing clothesfetef, etc.;
11. Chanting at 1.00 pm., get instruction then meditate to 4.00 pm.;
12. Chanting at 6.00 pm., get instruction then meditate to 8.00 pm.;
13. Dhamma talk at 8.00 pm. for an hour;
14. Continue to meditate until bed time;
15. Any doubts, problems or discussion should be made only with the instructors;
16. Leaving the compound is prohibited, unless approved by an instructor.
Wat Mahadhatu, Section 5 Maharaj Road, Phranakorn, Bangkok 10200
Written June 6, 2019
Hello, I have two questions with respect to meditation at Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit.
1) Is the free English class also possible for beginners?
2) How long does a lesson take?
Thank you very much!
Written November 18, 2018
Need to know if they have any meditation classes for 2-3 days.How to contact the staff at Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit.
Written July 2, 2018
As far as i know, they offer daily meditation classes. But consecutive 2-3 days, not really sure. You can contact the staff through phone and email. The info are listed on Wat Mahathat website
Written July 3, 2018
Hi, i would to to go for Vipassana Meditation centre during my trip in Bangkok.
May i know which time have provide this class? And how many hours? Suit for children 3-6 years old? Is there nearby Grand Palace?
Thanks and have a great day.
Written May 2, 2018
The meditation classes are from 7-10am & 1-4pm daily. But it’s better to call the center first before you go as they might have cancel the class for some days. As for whether it is suitable for kids, it’s also best to ask the center.
Written May 2, 2018
Do we need to book space for meditation class?
Written March 25, 2017
Any answers? Am also quite interested:)
Written October 10, 2017
I'm planning to be Bangkok the first full week in December, 2017 and would love to participate as a beginner in daily 3-hour meditation classes held in English at Wat Mahathat. Are those classes available that week, are they still held in Section 5, and if so, what do you recommend regarding appropriate attire, appropriate donation amount? Is one timeframe preferred over others? Is it a good option for the beginner, etc? At this point, any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Written March 23, 2017
You would have to check if they have availability in Dec. I expect so.
allow for extra time to find the building, ask people at the temple for the easiest way to find the building. Its a bit hidden in the complex.
yes it is good for beginners. wear comfortable clothing like yoga pants or althetic wear as you will be sitting for long periods of time. No shoes will be allowed in the studio. bring water.
a small dollar amount for donations is appropriate. $10 or $20 usd is more than enough.
Written April 11, 2017
Ver fechas que esté cerrado el Gran Palacio y sus templos para elegor otras
Written February 2, 2017
Showing results 1-10 of 10
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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 listing