Wat Benchamabophit, Buddhist temple in Dusit district, Bangkok, Thailand
Wat Benchamabophit is a Buddhist temple in the Dusit district of Bangkok, Thailand, built with walls and pillars of white Carrara marble imported from Italy. The European material combines with the curved roof and gilded ornaments of traditional Thai temple design.
King Chulalongkorn ordered the construction in 1899 on the grounds of an older monastery. Prince Narisara Nuwattiwong completed the building in 1911, blending European design methods with Thai forms.
The assembly hall is surrounded by fifty-two Buddha figures showing different hand positions, collected from several centuries of Buddhist art. Visitors can compare styles and expressions side by side as they walk around the courtyard.
Early morning visits between six and half past seven allow you to watch local people bring food and flowers to the monks. The grounds open later for all visitors, who should dress modestly and remove shoes before entering any building.
The temple appears on the back of the Thai five-baht coin, making it recognizable across the country. The coin has carried this building for decades, linking the temple to everyday life.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
