Wat Chaloem Phrakiat

Wat Chaloem Prakiat Wora Wiharn is the last temple built by His Majesty King Jessadabodindra (King Rama III) before he passed away. Therefore, it is considered the last temple of his reign. At first, the temple was built in 1847 on a piece of land that was a residence of his maternal grandfather and grandmother and the Princess Mother Somdej Phra Sri Sudalai. As an honor to his beloved 3 persons, HM King Rama Ill bestowed the name of this temple that is "Wat Chalerm Prakiat" and was so kind enough to build glass walls and terrets on all 4 sides to lend a majestic touch to the temple, which was built on the site of ancient fortresses. Unfortunately, the reign of King Rama III had ended before the temple construction was complete. Therefore, His Majesty King Rama IV, after ascending to the throne, graciously took this task to his own by entrusting Phaya Tibbhakornwongse (Kham Bunnag) as a leader of the construction and restoration team until the construction process was fully finished in 1858. Wat Chaloem Prakiat is situated along Chao Phraya River and is famous for its beautjful architecture. The temple was built in a style of Thai-Chinese architecture to suit the King's taste; while the south side of the temple is where the grand sanctuary or "Phra Wiharn Luang", which is famously known as "Wiharn Sila Khao", is located. HM King Rama IV was so kind enough to have principle Buddha statue "Phra Sila Khao" installed there in 1858. Nearby is also the site of the Phra Wiharn Luang which was built in Thai-Chinese style as well, inside which "Phra Buddha Patima Chaiwat" is enshrined. When looking out from the back of the temple, we will see a majestic white spherical pagoda shape with glass lotus base (Lanka style) standing out at the height of 48 meters against the backdrop, which the Buddha's relics are kept inside.