Wat Ratchanatdaram is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Bangkok but very less visited by travelers than other famous temples like the Temple of Reclining Buddha or the temple of Golden Buddha. It is located at the crossing of Maha Chai Road and Ratchadamnoen Klang near the Democracy Monument and only 10 minutes walk from Khao San Road. The full name of Wat Ratchanadda is Wat Ratchanatdaram Woravihara. In Thai, it is also called Loha Prasat which means a castle of iron or iron monastery. Wat Ratchanatdaram is a must visit to complete your temple tour in Bangkok.
Wat Ratchanatdaram – The Metal Castle
Posted on: 19th February 2016
Loha Prasat
Wat Ratchanatdaram was constructed in 1846 on the orders of King Rama III (King Nangklao). He built this temple for his granddaughter Princess Somanus Wattanavadi. Loha Prasat is famous for it’s unique design and structure which is 36 meters high and has 37 spires. These spires represent 37 virtues that lead to enlightenment. Loha Prasat is one of the three similar structures that have existed on earth; one in India and other in Sri Lanka. But these two do not exist anymore. In 2005, Wat Ratchanatdaram was considered as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This Buddhist pilgrimage sometimes goes unnoticed by travelers, but you must not miss it.
Important Things to Remember
The temple is located on Maha Chai Road, just a few hundred meters from the Democracy Monument in Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok. Admission to Wat Ratchanatdaram is free and you can visit between 8:30 am and 6 pm. You must wear appropriate clothes and no transparent and short clothes are allowed. Wat Saket and Pom Mahakan (Mahakan Fort) are also located in the same area.
Though it would nearly take an hour or so to get the gist of the Wat, it is always advisable that one should rent a car instead of relying on high-priced local commutes or in its absence, hitch hiking. Book a Bangkok Airport car hire with us and take home the best deal at economical prices.
