Wat Suthat Thepwararam (Wat Suthat)

History & Significance

Wat Suthat Thepwararam, commonly known as Wat Suthat, is one of the few first-class royal temples of the Ratchaworawihan class in Thailand. It is also designated as the official temple of King Rama VIII (King Ananda Mahidol). The temple's construction began in 1807 during the reign of King Rama I, who wished to build a grand viharn (assembly hall) comparable in size to that of Wat Phanan Choeng in Ayutthaya. Originally named "Wat Maha Sutthawas," the temple was built on a low-lying area called Dong Sakae, which had to be filled before construction could begin.

King Rama I passed away after only the foundations of the grand viharn were completed. King Rama II continued the construction, even personally carving the intricate wooden front doors of the viharn. The temple was finally completed in 1847 during the reign of King Rama III. Later, King Rama IV bestowed rhyming names upon the main Buddha images of the temple: "Phra Sri Sakyamuni" (in the Viharn), "Phra Phuttha Trilokachet" (in the Ubosot), and "Phra Phuttha Setthamuni" (in the Sala Kan Parian). On August 31, 2023, the Fine Arts Department officially designated the temple's historical site to cover an area of 28 rai and 76 square wah.

Highlights & What to See

Unlike many other Thai temples, Wat Suthat does not feature a traditional central chedi (pagoda). Instead, it features the "Sattamahasathan"—seven types of sacred trees representing key locations in Buddhism—which serve as Uthesika Chedi. Key highlights include:

• Phra Phuttha Sri Sakyamuni (Luang Pho To): The principal Buddha image of the grand viharn. This magnificent bronze image in the Mara-vichaya (subduing Mara) posture measures 6.25 meters wide and approximately 8 meters high, making it the largest complete bronze Buddha image surviving from the Sukhothai period. It was relocated from the grand viharn of Wat Mahadhatu in Sukhothai. King Rama II later adjusted the head size to be more proportionate to the body and lengthened the fingers to be equal.
• The Grand Viharn (Phra Wihan Luang): A masterpiece of traditional Thai architecture featuring a 2-tiered roof with 4 tiers of eaves. The gables feature exquisite gilded wood carvings decorated with glass, depicting Indra riding the Erawan elephant and Narayana riding Garuda. The base of the viharn is elevated in three tiers, decorated with bronze horse sculptures at the corners and surrounded by 28 Chinese-style stone pagodas.
• The Carved Wooden Doors: The original front doors of the viharn were masterfully carved by King Rama II. Following a fire on November 13, 1959, which damaged the front doors, the original back doors were moved to the front. The damaged original front doors are now preserved in the National Museum Bangkok.
• The Giant Swing (Sao Ching Cha): Located right in front of the temple, this iconic 21-meter-tall red structure was originally built in 1784 to host the Brahmin Triyampawai (swinging) ceremony. It was relocated to its current spot during the reign of King Rama V and rebuilt in 1920 using teak logs donated by the Louis T. Leonowens company. The swinging ceremony was officially abolished in 1935.

Visitor Information

Wat Suthat Thepwararam is open daily from 08:00 to 20:00. The admission fee for foreign visitors is 100 THB. Visitors are advised to dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees, in accordance with temple etiquette. Restroom facilities are available on-site.

How to Get There

The temple is located at 146 Bamrung Mueang Road in the Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok, right next to the famous Giant Swing landmark. Visitors can easily reach the temple via public transport, taxis, or local tuk-tuks. For inquiries, you can contact the temple at 0636546829.