Wat Prayurawongsawat (Wat Prayoon), Bangkok - Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand
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Wat Prayurawongsawat (Wat Prayoon) Bangkok

4.6
·4k reviews·, Thailand

A serene 19th-century Buddhist temple featuring a striking whitewashed stupa and a popular turtle pond, offering a peaceful escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
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Wat Prayurawongsawat (Wat Prayoon), Bangkok - Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand

Wat Prayurawongsawat (Wat Prayoon) Bangkok

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene 19th-century Buddhist temple featuring a striking whitewashed stupa and a popular turtle pond, offering a peaceful escape.

4.6
(4k reviews)

"Appreciated for its peaceful atmosphere and unique whitewashed stupa, it's a great spot for authentic cultural immersion."

Vertical photo
TIP

Dress Modestly :pray:

Cover shoulders and knees to show respect at this active temple. It's a must for any temple visit in Bangkok.

Feed the Turtles :turtle:

Bring or buy some turtle food for a fun, interactive experience at the base of the main stupa.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand White Stupa

The Grand White Stupa

Central Courtyard

A massive, whitewashed bell-shaped stupa, a striking landmark housing relics. Climb its steps for panoramic views.

The Turtle Pond

The Turtle Pond

Base of the Stupa

Feed the resident turtles! It's a peaceful, charming spot that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

The Museum

The Museum

Inside the Stupa Base

Discover Buddhist artifacts and relics. A quiet space offering insight into the temple's history and significance.

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Local Vibe

Wat Prayoon is a working temple, so dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered!). It's less touristy than some other Bangkok temples, offering a more authentic experience. Arrive early to avoid the heat and any potential crowds.

Getting There & Around

This temple is a bit off the main tourist path, so plan your transport. A taxi or Grab is easiest, but consider a scenic boat ride along the Chao Phraya River for a unique arrival. Wear comfy shoes for exploring the grounds.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light on stupa
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

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@dicungvanh
71.6K likes • 896.9K views

Dress Modestly :pray:

Cover shoulders and knees to show respect at this active temple. It's a must for any temple visit in Bangkok.

Feed the Turtles :turtle:

Bring or buy some turtle food for a fun, interactive experience at the base of the main stupa.

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@leechieee
62.8K likes • 1.8M views
Traditional Thai Costume & Photoshoot at Wat Arun Temple for my one year abroad anniversary 🥳 #thailand🇹🇭 #bangkokthailand #watarun #temple #thai #travelvlog #thingstodo #traveltok
@youxoparis
25.4K likes • 282.8K views

Wear Comfy Shoes :athletic_shoe:

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the temple grounds, so comfortable footwear is key.

Go Early or Late :sunrise:

Avoid the midday sun and the biggest crowds by visiting first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon.

Things To Do in Bangkok - Thai Costume Rental & Photoshoot with @thaicostumerental_official 👗 Would you ever do this or have you done something similar before? Comment Below ⬇️ 📍Absolute Thai -Thai C...
@thetraveltauruss
18.8K likes • 325.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Dress Modestly :pray:

Cover shoulders and knees to show respect at this active temple. It's a must for any temple visit in Bangkok.

Feed the Turtles :turtle:

Bring or buy some turtle food for a fun, interactive experience at the base of the main stupa.

Wear Comfy Shoes :athletic_shoe:

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the temple grounds, so comfortable footwear is key.

Go Early or Late :sunrise:

Avoid the midday sun and the biggest crowds by visiting first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Wat Prayurawongsawat (Wat Prayoon) is a beautiful, less-crowded Buddhist temple known for its distinctive whitewashed stupa and charming turtle pond. Visitors appreciate its peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity for authentic cultural immersion. While it lacks the grandeur of some of Bangkok's more famous temples, its unique features and serene environment make it a worthwhile visit.

"I really loved going to this beautiful temple. Words can't define the feeling especially when you go near a turtle pond to feed them.
Everything in this temple was so beautiful and calm.
I will visit on my next trip too."

Naveen Kaushik Godsmasterpiecenvn

"A must visit Wat. If you want to explore alone, like quiet, peaceful atmosphere, the weekday is better. A museum at the entrance and can also enter inside of the Suthep (upstairs).
Near by the Khao More Wat, feed turtles and fish there ( only 20 Baht for turtles food)"

Emma Kyaw

"Great place to spend an hour away from the hustle and bustle and feed the resident turtles. Little pots of food cost 20 baht and come with a long stick to save your fingers from snapping jaws!"

Chris King

What People Like

Peaceful and serene atmosphere
Unique whitewashed stupa
Charming turtle feeding experience

What People Dislike

Smaller scale compared to major temples
Limited food options on-site

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The easiest way is by taxi or Grab, which will take about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. You can also take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin station and then a Chao Phraya Express Boat to the Memorial Bridge (Saphan Phut) pier, followed by a short walk or taxi ride. Some travelers enjoy taking a scenic boat ride along the river to get there.

While not as directly served by the BTS or MRT as some other attractions, it's accessible via the Chao Phraya Express Boat to the Memorial Bridge pier. From there, it's a short walk or a quick taxi/tuk-tuk ride. Taxis and Grab are generally the most convenient options.

Wat Prayoon is located on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, not far from Wat Arun. You can take a short ferry ride across the river from the Memorial Bridge pier (near Wat Prayoon) to the pier near Wat Arun. This is a quick and scenic way to hop between the two.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Wat Prayurawongsawat (Wat Prayoon) is a functioning temple and generally free to enter. Donations are always welcome to help with its upkeep and preservation.

The temple grounds are typically open daily from early morning until late afternoon or early evening. It's best to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the architecture and grounds. Specific closing times can vary, but generally, it's accessible from around 7 AM to 5 PM.

No, advance booking is not required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit Wat Prayoon at your leisure during its opening hours.

🎫 📍 Onsite Experience

The most prominent feature is the large, whitewashed bell-shaped stupa, which is a significant landmark. Inside its base, you'll find a small museum with Buddhist artifacts. The surrounding grounds are also beautifully maintained.

Yes, you can climb the steps to the base of the main stupa, and in some areas, you can ascend higher to get a better view of the temple complex and the surrounding area. It offers a great vantage point.

Besides exploring the stupa and its museum, a popular activity is feeding the numerous turtles in the pond at the base of the stupa. The temple grounds are also peaceful for a stroll and offer a glimpse into local Buddhist life.

Absolutely! The whitewashed stupa against a blue sky is very photogenic. The intricate details of the temple architecture and the serene atmosphere make it a great spot for capturing beautiful images. The turtle pond also offers unique photo opportunities.

Yes, Wat Prayoon is generally family-friendly. Children often enjoy feeding the turtles, and the open grounds provide space to explore. It's a more relaxed and less crowded experience compared to some of Bangkok's larger temples.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no restaurants or dedicated food stalls directly within the temple complex itself. However, you can find local eateries and street food vendors in the surrounding neighborhood, especially near the Memorial Bridge pier.

The area around Wat Prayoon and the Memorial Bridge offers typical Thai street food and local restaurants. You can find dishes like Pad Thai, som tum (papaya salad), grilled meats, and various noodle soups. It's a good place to try authentic local flavors.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

Families with Kids

Wat Prayoon offers a more relaxed and engaging experience for families. The highlight for most kids is undoubtedly feeding the turtles in the pond at the base of the stupa. It's a simple yet captivating activity that provides a lot of fun. The large, open grounds are also great for children to explore without feeling overwhelmed by crowds. The whitewashed stupa is visually striking, and the museum inside offers a brief, digestible look at artifacts. Remember to dress modestly and bring water, as it can get warm.

Budget Travelers

Wat Prayoon is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers as there is no entrance fee. You can easily spend an hour or two exploring the grounds and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere without spending a baht. The main cost would be transportation to get there and perhaps a small purchase of turtle food. It offers a significant cultural experience for free, making it a great value.

Photography Enthusiasts

The striking whitewashed stupa of Wat Prayoon provides a fantastic backdrop for photography, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The clean lines and grand scale of the architecture are very photogenic. The turtle pond also offers unique and charming shots. Because it's less crowded than many other Bangkok temples, you'll have more opportunities to capture your desired angles without constant interruptions.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic White Stupa: A Symbol of Peace

The most striking feature of Wat Prayurawongsawat is its magnificent, whitewashed bell-shaped stupa. This grand structure, often referred to as the 'Phra Borommathat Chedi', is a prominent landmark visible from afar. Unlike the ornate, gilded temples common in Bangkok, Wat Prayoon's stupa stands out with its clean, minimalist design, symbolizing purity and peace. Visitors can ascend the steps to its base, where a small museum houses Buddhist relics and artifacts, offering a glimpse into the temple's history and spiritual significance. The climb provides a sense of accomplishment and offers a unique perspective of the temple grounds.

A Haven for Turtles: The Temple's Beloved Residents

One of the most charming and interactive aspects of Wat Prayoon is the large pond at the base of the main stupa, teeming with turtles. This has become a beloved feature, and visitors are often encouraged to purchase small bags of turtle food from vendors nearby to feed them. Watching the turtles eagerly swim to the surface for a snack is a delightful experience, particularly for families. It adds a unique, lively element to the otherwise serene temple atmosphere and provides a moment of simple joy and connection with nature amidst the spiritual surroundings.

Exploring Wat Prayoon's Rich History and Artifacts

Wat Prayurawongsawat, also known as Wat Prayoon, was established in the 19th century by King Nangklao (Rama III). The temple complex is not just about its impressive architecture but also its historical and religious significance. Within the base of the main stupa, a small museum showcases a collection of Buddhist artifacts, historical items, and relics. These exhibits offer visitors a deeper understanding of the temple's heritage and the Buddhist traditions it upholds. The temple's relatively less crowded nature compared to more famous sites allows for a more contemplative exploration of its history and spiritual essence.

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