Wat Ratchanatdaram is best known for the Loha Prasat, a towering mondop topped with 37 slender iron spires that grab the eyes of passing travellers.
The wat was built in the mid-19th century by order of King Rama III to honour his niece, Princess Sommanas, and a large statue of the king fronts the complex. As an attraction, Wat Ratchanatdaram is not nearly as popular as several other temples and we can’t figure out why—it’s well worth a visit and the location along Ratchadamnoen Avenue, near the Democracy Monument and the Golden Mount, means that most travellers will walk past it at some point.
The spires were originally in black. Photo: Stuart McDonald
Standing 38 metres tall with three tiers, the Loha Prasat is composed of laterite pillars encased in plaster and rising to ascending series of prasat spires that were given a golden sheen in recent years. These symbolise the 37 qualities contributing to enlightenment, which include contemplation of the mind and body along with calmness, energy, mindfulness and equanimity.
While it was loosely modelled after much older structures found in India, Sri Lanka and perhaps Burma, Wat Ratchanatdaram’s Loha Prasat is the only one of its kind in the world. It was originally designed as a meditation venue—novice monks would sit in quiet corners among the pillars on the ground floor while senior monastics meditated on the upper levels.
Now in gold. Photo: David Luekens
Visitors can step inside the Loha Prasat’s labyrinthine confines dotted with small Buddha images and info boards in English explaining the historical and spiritual background of the temple. There’s also an odd interactive display where visitors hold up a square of plastic to a mirror and it appears that you’re holding a miniature model of the Loha Prasat. You can then take a spiral staircase to the upper floors for a view of the ... please log in to read the rest of this story.
Don’t miss the boat!
Please subscribe to Travelfish.org to read the rest of this article, or log in here.
Subscribing to Travelfish costs A$35 per year and it gets you access to more than 200 downloadable guides to specific destinations, fabulous discount coupons and 50% off our personalised travel planning service. Sign up here.
By
David Luekens.
Last updated on 21st July, 2017.
How to get there
Wat Ratchanatdaram stretches at the corner of Ratchadamnoen Ave and Mahachai Rd, 200 metres east of Democracy Monument.
Location map for Wat Ratchanatdaram
Start planning your holiday today
Sent every Monday, our newsletter is full of travel advice, news & special deals. Read past issues.
Popular attractions in Bangkok
A selection of some of our favourite sights and activities around Bangkok.
Best places to stay in Bangkok
A selection of some of our favourite places to stay in Bangkok.
What next?
Browse our independent reviews of places to stay in and around Bangkok.
Check prices, availability & reviews on Agoda or Booking
Check out our listings of things to do in and around Bangkok.
Read up on how to get to Bangkok, or book your transport online with 12Go Asia.
Do you have travel insurance yet? If not, find out why you need it.
Planning on riding a scooter in Bangkok? Please read this.
Buy a SIM card for Thailand—pick it up at the airport when you arrive.
Browse the web securely while travelling with TunnelBear. Try with a 7–day free trial.