The main building of the Wat Suthat complex
Originally built in 1807, this is one of the city’s ten royal temples but one of the least visited, so you can have a more peaceful and intimate experience. It houses 156 Buddha images, plus the central image from the 1300s, which, at 8m (26ft) tall, is said to be the largest surviving Sukhothai bronze and contains the ashes of King Rama VIII at its base.
The temple also features replicas of seven holy sites visited by Buddha after attaining his enlightenment, and doors added in 1822 that are considered the country’s finest example of wood carving.
The Giant Swing outside Wat Suthat
In the ordination hall, decorated with detailed murals, are statues of dozens of monks facing the Buddha. Outside is the Giant Swing, built in 1784 for ceremonies honoring the Hindu creator god.
Nearby is another landmark, the Democracy Monument, and just a few feet from there, the lively Khao San Road.
Dozens of monks face the Buddha in Wat Suthat
Visitor's Guide
Opening times: 8:30am-9pm
Tickets: 100 baht
How to get to Wat Suthat
Wat Suthat is about a 10-to-15-minute walk from the Sanam Chai station of the MRT subway, and about 15 minutes from the Grand Palace.
A few of the 156 Buddhas in Wat Suthat