Wat Sam Phraya, Buddhist temple in Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok, Thailand
Wat Sam Phraya is a Buddhist temple in Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok, Thailand. The compound features an ordination hall with Chinese glazed tiles housing the main Buddha image called Luang Pho Phra Phutta Keson, surrounded by twenty-five stupas and a ceremony hall decorated with Chinese plates and patterns.
The temple was originally named Wat Bang Khun Phrom and received its current name in 1823 when King Rama III elevated it to royal temple status. This change marked recognition of its growing importance in Bangkok's religious and political life.
The interior walls display traditional Thai artistry with floral patterns and golden friezes showing dragons and phoenixes across the upper sections. These designs reflect a long exchange between Chinese and Siamese artistic traditions that visitors can see layered throughout the sanctuary.
The temple is easily reached by public transport since it sits near the Phra Arthit Express Boat Pier, which offers river connections. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing to enter the sanctuaries and check opening hours before visiting.
The ordination hall contains a fascinating mix of Chinese ceramic plates thoughtfully integrated into the architecture, revealing how Chinese trading communities left their mark on Bangkok's built environment. This unusual feature is less known than the temple's spiritual role, yet tells a story of the city's multicultural past.
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