Wat Pathum Wannaram
A pleasant leafy retreat
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Wat Pathum Wannaram
Once inside the leafy grounds, which have a solid reputation as a meditation centre, you can almost forget that there is a bustling city right outside.
Construction of Wat Pathum Wannaram was ordered in 1857 and once it was completed monks from Wat Bowooniwet were invited to take up residence. The temple's two principal Buddha images date back to the Rama III period and were imported from Vientiane.
To get to the forest section of the wat, enter via the Rama I entrance and make your way toward the rear right hand-corner of the complex. From there the path leads around to the meditation area and greenery. Unfortunately, the detailed signage around the complex is only in Thai. No photography is allowed once you are in the forest enclosure.
During the 2010 protests Wat Pathum Wannaram was thrust into the spotlight when six people were killed on its grounds. There was much controversy over who shot these people at the temple, a place that is meant to be a site of refuge.
How to get there
Get off the BTS at Siam and follow the signs to the wat. The temple is wedged between Siam Paragon and World Trade Centre.
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