When we were there in 2024/11, the famous huge 12 metre bronze statue of the Great Buddha was under renovation, so we couldn't see it, the view was obscured by large tarpaulins... a great pity. The temple was badly damaged during the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767. It was only rebuilt in the 20th century at the instigation of the King of Thailand, giving it its present magnificent appearance. Queen Sirikit contributed to the reconstruction of Wiharn Phra Mongkhon Bophit in 1956. This restoration was part of a wider effort to preserve and restore Thailand's historical sites damaged during the Burmese invasion of 1767. The Queen's contribution was an important step in the restoration of this important religious site, which has since become a tourist attraction and spiritual centre. It is built in a traditional Thai style, combining elements of religious and royal architecture. Its exquisite details and grandeur reflect the importance of the site. We were there with a Thai guide... who showed us the traditional wand divination known as Siem Si. In this method of divination, wooden sticks with numbers on them are held in a bamboo cylinder. The sticks are rattled gently until one falls out. The number on the dropped stick corresponds to the divination card containing the prediction or advice. We received the slip from the lady who collected the voluntary donations. This method of divination is popular in Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia, and although it is considered more of a fun tradition than serious prophecy, many visitors enjoy it as part of the cultural experience. At Wiharn Phra Mongkhon Bophit, there is a tree on which visitors hang their divination cards when a bad or unwanted prediction is made. This custom is meant to symbolise leaving negative things behind and leaving them to fate or nature. Hanging a leaf on a tree is seen as a way of getting rid of bad luck and hoping for a better future. A piece of paper with a bad hanging should not be taken home. This act is part of traditional Thai culture and spiritual practices, where it is believed that bad omens can be alleviated or changed in this way. Visitors often come to pray for good luck, health and success. A traditional wooden bell can also be seen as you enter the temple. These bells are common in Thai temples and are often used instead of metal bells. Wooden bells, known as 'phuang malai', are used to mark the beginning or end of prayers and rituals. These bells have a symbolic meaning and their sound has a purifying and protective effect according to Buddhist traditions. Wooden bells can be decorated with beautiful carved designs and are considered an important part of temple decoration. During various Buddhist festivals, such as Songkran (Thai New Year) or Visakha Bucha Day (celebrating the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha), large ceremonies and processions are held here, attracting many devotees and tourists.

I came here on a tour of Thailand with some colleagues from work. It is a large, pointed building with white walls. We were surprised by its size when we went inside. The seated Buddha statue enshrined in the prayer hall (wihan) is about 13 meters tall (including the base, it is about 17 meters tall), and is one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand. This Buddha statue is covered in gold leaf, and the golden color is eye-catching. Many people come to pray, and it is worshiped by many people. The Buddha statue did not originally have gold leaf, but the gold leafing began in 1990 and was completed in 1992.

As it is next door to Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, you will inevitably go here. Nice to spend some time here or grab a soda nearby. Otherwise nothing much. The real treasure awaits next door.