The Wat Ratchanatdaram temple and the Loha Prasat monastery
Also spelled Wat Rachanadda or Wat Ratchanaddaram, this temple's name means Temple of the Royal Niece. Built in 1846, it includes a metal monastery called Loha Prasat, which is used for meditation and which was modelled after a 3rd-century BC Sri Lankan temple, now in ruins. It’s made up of five towers with 37 golden spires -- one for each of the virtues required to reach enlightenment. Its architecture is now unique in the world and awaits World Heritage status.
Signs throughout the complex inform you of Buddhist principles and traditional meditation. The temple’s courtyard is the site of an amulet market, but note that locals disapprove of these pieces being bought as souvenirs.
The Loha Prasat monastery
Visitor's Guide
Opening times: 8am-5pm
Tickets: 20 baht
How to get to Wat Ratchanatdaram
The temple is about a 20-minute walk from the Grand Palace. There's no BTS Skytrain or MRT subway station within reasonable walking distance. It's also just a few steps from the Golden Mount.
Wat Ratchanatdaram and Loha Prasat