Wat Ratcha Orasaram Ratchaworawihan (Chom Thong)

Wat Ratcha Orasaram Ratchaworawihan is a beautiful temple on the Thonburi side, showcasing exquisite Chinese-Thai art.

This temple is renowned as an ancient temple from the reign of King Rama III of the Chakri Dynasty. It is located in Bang Kho subdistrict, Chom Thong district, Bangkok, and has existed since before the establishment of Rattanakosin.

The first thing you will see upon arriving at Wat Ratcha Orasaram is the Chinese-style gate. Although it was built to replace the original gate, it fits well with the temple’s Chinese style. There are two ancient Chinese-style pagodas flanking the gate. However, there are also prang-style pagodas at the corners of the wall, representing a harmonious blend of new and old architectural traditions.

Another interesting feature before entering the ordination hall is the temple guardians. Usually, temple guardians are either carved or painted on the doors, or are stone sculptures. Here, there are two large glazed ceramic statues instead. The inner doors are painted with Chinese temple guardians called Xiao Gang, while the outer doors are decorated with mother-of-pearl inlays depicting dragons riding clouds. This is a unique use of guardians layered upon guardians.

Inside the ordination hall is the Buddha image called Phra Phuttha Anantakhun Adulyan Yanabophit, a meditating Buddha beneath the nine-tiered white royal umbrella. King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) graciously ordered this Buddha image to be enshrined above the principal Buddha in 1961 because the sacred cloth of this Buddha bears the emblem of King Rama III’s reign, which is the place where the royal ashes of King Nangklao (Rama III) are kept, along with the stone inscription of King Mongkut (Rama IV) from 1854, who also gave this Buddha its name.

Besides the principal Buddha, the interior walls of the ordination hall are decorated with Chinese auspicious symbols murals, a style that first appeared during this reign. Previously, murals would depict the Ten Jataka tales, Buddhist history, or cosmology. The use of Chinese auspicious symbols likely comes from the Chinese tradition of decorating homes and temples with such symbols for good luck, which had already been practiced in Chinese shrines and temples.

If you have the chance, I highly recommend visiting to admire the beautifully blended Thai-Chinese art. It is truly stunning and not disappointing at all. The temple is beautiful, peaceful, and serene. The ordination hall is magnificently decorated. There is a kind nun inside who shares the history and is very friendly. My first visit left a deep impression.

Wat Ratcha Orasaram Ratchaworawihan, Bangkok
Open for visitors: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Post by MarkTid | Aug 2, 2025