Wat Prayurawongsawas Worawihan is a well-preserved royal temple that combines rich history, beautiful architecture, religious symbolism, and tranquil natural features. It offers both locals and visitors a calm retreat in bustling Bangkok, with cultural depth and visual beauty that make it a hidden gem worth visiting.
Location & origin
Wat Prayurawongsawas Worawihan, often called Wat Prayun or simply Wat Prayoon, is a historic 19th-century Buddhist temple complex located on the Thonburi (western) side of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, near the foot of the Memorial Bridge. Construction began during the reign of King Rama III (1824-1851) on land donated by the noble Somdet Chao Phraya Borom Maha Prayurawongse, which had previously been a coffee plantation.
Architectural highlights
One of the temple’s most striking features is its large white stupa (chedi), known as Phra Borommathat Maha Chedi. The chedi is about 60.5 meters high, with a base diameter of about 50 meters, and is surrounded by smaller chedis or stupas. The structure is hollow inside, allowing visitors to ascend via narrow stairways and see golden Buddha statues and walls adorned with gold leaf.
Another unique element of the complex is Khao Mo (Turtle Mountain). This miniature rock garden is the largest man-made mountain outside of the Grand Palace and represents the mythical Mount Meru. It is surrounded by a pond that serves as a habitat for numerous large, friendly turtles and soft-shelled turtles, which are sacred in Buddhist culture. Visitors can purchase food to feed the turtles, earning the temple the unofficial nickname “Wat Khao Tao” (Turtle Mountain Temple).
Cultural significance & conservation
The temple is classified as a royal temple of the Worawihan class, meaning it holds special status in Thai Buddhist and royal heritage. In recognition of the successful restoration of the chedi and adjoining structures, the temple won the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award of Excellence in 2013 for cultural heritage conservation.
Visitor experience
Wat Prayun is a peaceful, less crowded temple where you can enjoy serene gardens, interesting historical structures, and friendly resident monks. There is also a small museum on the grounds that displays Buddha images, relics, and antiquities found during the temple’s restoration.
Getting there
The temple is free to enter and is easily accessible: you can walk from the nearby express boat pier at the Memorial Bridge or take local transport across the bridge.
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