Wat Bowonniwetwiharn Ratchaworawiharn — Local services in Bowon Niwet Subdistrict

Somdet Phra Bowon Rat Chao Maha Sakdiphonlasep, the viceroy of King Rama III, established Wat Bowonniwet Vihara after the funeral of the mother of his consort, Her Highness Darawadee. Before King Rama’s IV became an abbot of this temple, it was called ‘Wat Mai’ (the New Temple) or ‘Wat Bon’ (the Upper Temple). Tha Nam Pavilion, Wat Bowonniwet Vihara, and a painting of a boat at the Ekkachai Pha Kanya Hall.

Whilst the prince-monk stayed at Wat Rachathiwat, he was held in such high regard that many have come to pay homage to him. Thus, the rumor was spread that they came for political purposes. King Rama III strongly wished to overcome this rumor, hence, he invited his brother to become an abbot of Bowonniwet Vihara Temple, which is located near the Grand Palace, whilst the abbot position was available at that time. He moved to the temple on Wednesday 11th January 1836 and remained in position for 14 years and 3 months.

Whilst His Majesty was the abbot of Wat Bowonniwet Vihara, the word ‘Dhammayut Order’ was not yet coined. The word calling this group of monks is ‘Pavaranivesādigana’ (the Group of Monks from Temples Beginning with Wat Bowonniwet Vihara). The prince-monk initiated many traditions such as morning-evening chants and preaching sermons every Buddhist holiday. When he performed the sermon, he would rely on his wit rather than reading the sermons from the palm-leaf. He also introduced the ceremony on Visakha Puja Day, Atthami Puja Day, and Magha Puja Day. The prince-abbott changed the Kathin Robe Offering Ceremony. In addition, he supported the study of Buddhist scriptures and founded the first Thai publishing house inside Wat Bowonniwet Vihara. He also sent monks to Sri Lanka to develop diplomatic relations with the Sangha community there.

There are many places related to His Majesty King Mongkut in Wat Bowonniwet Vihara, for example: Phra Panya is the building which King Rama III commissioned to move from the Right Garden in the Grand Palace to this temple. King Rama IV dug up the old boundary stones and set the new boundary for the chapel. He also moved the Chinnasi Buddha image from the back to the front of the chapel. Furthermore, he also commissioned the renovation of the chapel and invited Khrua In Khong, the famous painter, to paint the wall with dhamma puzzles. The pagoda was built in a Sri Lankan style which is favored by the prince-abbot. On the upper level of the pagoda is the place where the famous Phairi Phinat Buddha image could be found. The Hall of Phra Sri Satsada is where Phra Sri Satsada, which was casted in Pitsanulok at the same period of time with Phra Buddha Chinnaraj and Phra Buddha Chinnasi, and Phra Buddha Saiyat from Sukhothai period, were enshrined.

........................

Now their usual event will be Uposatha Days weekly(9am4.30pm), conducted in Thai and Pali. Ordination programs on special dates. Overnight preaching sermons(7pm6:30am) on Magha Day, Vesaka Day, Atthami Day...

I’ve visited Wat Bowonniwet Vihara many times before, but somehow this most recent visit opened my eyes to corners of the temple I’d never truly noticed. It felt like rediscovering a place I thought I already knew.

The quiet, serene atmosphere on that day invited me to slow down and truly observe the beauty around me — from the richly adorned ordination hall to the intricately carved details along the cloister walls. The sunlight filtering through the colored glass ceiling panels made everything glow with an almost sacred warmth, and for the first time, I felt I was experiencing the temple not just as a visitor, but as part of its living presence.

One of the highlights of this trip was finally making my way up to pay respects to Phra Phiraphinas, the revered Buddha image enshrined in the upper section of the chedi. I’d heard about it for years, but had never taken the steps up until now. The moment I entered that quiet, golden chamber, something shifted — the space was peaceful, timeless, and filled with a sense of stillness that stayed with me long after I left. People came and went in silence, offering prayers and simply sitting, as if they, too, felt something special up there.

Afterward, I took my time strolling around the temple grounds and capturing some lesser-seen corners with my camera. From Chinese-style archways to small white stupas tucked away behind the cloisters, and even shadows dancing off incense pots on the marble floor — every detail felt beautifully intentional. If you enjoy art, architecture, or photography, Wat Bowon offers more than just spiritual enrichment. It’s like an open-air museum that surprises you at every turn.

Getting there is fairly easy. If you’re lucky, you might find a parking spot inside the temple grounds, but if not, roadside parking is available — though you’ll need a bit of patience and local intuition! The surrounding area is a charming old neighborhood full of hidden gems and local food stalls, from hearty Thai dishes to trendy little cafés. It’s a great place to explore on foot, especially if you want to combine culture with culinary adventures.

Even after so many visits, this temple continues to reveal something new each time. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of Bangkok or simply a beautiful spot to wander and reflect, Wat Bowonniwet has a quiet magic that lingers.

I know I’ll keep coming back — sometimes to make merit, sometimes to take photos, but always to reconnect with that stillness that’s becoming harder to find in the city. And if you haven’t been yet (or haven’t been in a while), maybe it’s time to let yourself see it with fresh eyes — you might just discover a hidden part of Bangkok that feels timeless, sacred, and...

Wat Bowonniwet Vihara is a first class Royal Buddhist monastery (raja wara maha vihara) of the Dhammayut tradition, located on the northeast side of Bangkok’s Ratanakosin island, just inside the old city wall bordering Banglumpoo canal, on Pra Sumeru road. The monastery’s name comes from the Pali language: Pavara+niwesa and translates as the Excellent Abode Monastery.

Wat Bowonniwet Vihara, or Wat Bowon for short, has a long and interesting history beginning with the arrival of the first abbot, Prince Mongkut, in 1836. The Prince Bhikkhu, also known by his monastic name, Phra Vajiranyano, was ordained for twenty-seven years, and abbot of Wat Bowonniwet for fourteen, before ascending the throne as Phra Bat Somdet Phra Chom Klao Chao Yu Hua — better known in English as King Rama IV.

Before the arrival of Venerable Vajiranyano, the area presently occupied by Wat Bowonniwet was actually two different monasteries separated by a canal — Wat Mai to the north and Wat Rangsee Suddhawas to the south. As Wat Mai was abbotless, King Rama III (1824-1851) requested the Prince Bhikkhu to take over as abbot in 1836. Later, during the reign of king Rama VI (1910-1925), the two monasteries were incorporated into one, resulting in the temples present dimensions.

The Temple Precincts

Buddhist monasteries are usually divided into two sections: Buddhavasa – buildings and structures devoted to the Buddha such as the Uposatha hall, the Cetiya or Stupa, etc., and Sanghavasa – or dwellings for monks (bhikkhus) and novices...