Wat Benchamabophit, Bangkok
Dramatic clouds over the Marble Temple. Photo
Darko Pevec.
Buddha statue in the main bot. Photo
Tetsulaw Kimura.
Opulent temple ceiling. Photo
Tetsulaw Kimura.
Closer look at the Carrara marble temple. Photo
Jordan Wooley.
Cloister with Buddha statues in various styles. Photo
romsbells.
Novice monks during an ordination ceremony in the Marble Temple.
Photo © Nick Leonard.
Location map and aerial view of Wat Benchamabophit. For a larger interactive view, see our Bangkok Map.
Wat Benchamabophit (the Marble Temple) is named for the gleaming white Carrara marble (from Italy) of which it is constructed. The most modern and one of the most beautiful of Bangkok's royal wats, Wat Benchamabophit is also notable for its use of European designs.
History
Wat Benchamabophit was built in 1899 by Prince Narai, half-brother of Rama V. Thailand's current king spent his days as a monk here before his coronation. Today, it is not only a magnificent Thai temple, but a seat of learning for Buddhist monks with intellectual interests.
What to See
True to its name, the Marble Temple gleams with the polished white stone from Carrara's quarries, including the pavement of the courtyards. Unlike the older temple complexes in Bangkok, the Marble Temple has no central wihaan or chedi. Instead, it has many smaller buildings that combine European influences (such as stained-glass windows) with traditional Thai religious architecture. The main bot contains a golden Buddha statue against an illuminated blue backdrop.
Beyond the main bot is a cloister containing over 50 bronze Buddha images in many different styles, representing various Buddhist countries and regions. Behind the cloister is a large Bodhi tree, bought from Bodhgaya (where the Buddha found Enlightenment) as a gift for King Chulalongkorn.
Wat Benchamabophit is an excellent place to watch religious festivals and processions. Unlike most other temples, monks do not go out seeking alms but are instead visited by merit-makers from 6-7am. During the early mornings, monks chant beautifully and intensely in the main chapel.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Wat Benchamabophit; Marble Temple |
| Location: | Bangkok, Thailand |
| Category: | Buddhist Temples |
| Faith: | Buddhism |
| Denomination: | Thai |
| Status: | active |
| Date: | 1899 |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 13.765959° N, 100.513465° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | Si Ayutthaya Road, Bangkok, Thailand |
| Hours: | Daily 8am-5pm |
| Cost: | 20B |
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Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Fodor's Thailand, 8th edition
- Frommer's Thailand
- Wat Benjamabophit – Thailand for Visitors
- The Marble Temple (Wat Benchamabophit) – TripAdvisor reviews, articles, and resources
Article last updated: 04/13/2009.
