Wat Hong Rattanaram Ratchaworawihan

Rating: 3.5/5 (4 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:00

 

Wat Hong Rattanaram Ratchaworawihan is a long-established temple on the Thonburi side of Bangkok that has served for generations as both a “place of faith” and a “community center.” The temple is located in the Wang Derm area, close to Wat Arun Ratchawararam and the historic grounds of the former Royal Palace (Phra Ratchawang Derm). This setting keeps the surrounding atmosphere distinctly old-Bangkok and genuinely lived-in. It is not merely a photo stop, but a place where local residents regularly come and go to make merit, pay respects, and take part in religious activities.

 

From a historical perspective, the temple’s roots reach back to the Ayutthaya period. It began as a commoners’ temple and was known by several names connected to a Chinese merchant benefactor who founded it, such as Wat Chae Sua Hong, Wat Chao Sua Hong, or Wat Khrua Hong. Over time it was elevated in status and restored through different eras, becoming today a second-class royal monastery in the Ratchaworawihan category. These earlier names help readers picture the old Thonburi world more clearly, because they reflect how trading communities and wealthy patrons supported temples as the spiritual heart of their neighborhood from the very beginning.

 

Another compelling layer is the temple’s “name changes in step with the state and royal court.” Evidence concerning restorations and naming shows an ongoing flow of change across the Thonburi and Rattanakosin eras. After periods of renovation in the Thonburi Kingdom, the temple’s name was adjusted multiple times in the Rattanakosin period in line with royal usage, eventually becoming “Wat Hong Rattanaram” and later adopting the designation “Ratchaworawihan.” This is why the temple is not only a religious site, but also a landmark linking the city’s memory, politics, and community together.

 

Architecturally, to enjoy a visit in the spirit of “reading a temple with understanding,” it helps to observe how the overall layout and key buildings are arranged to support both monastic rituals and community use. The appeal of a temple like this does not have to rest on sheer size. Instead, it lies in layers of restoration across different periods—some parts retain older characteristics, while others were repaired and reinforced to suit practical use later on. In that sense, it is a temple where “time remains in the material,” and each visit can reveal different details depending on how closely you look.

 

One reason Wat Hong Rattanaram is widely discussed today is the devotional practice that many visitors come specifically to undertake, especially the “holy water pool / holy water of the four directions.” This is a spot where people stop to pray and take holy water home as a blessing. When describing this, it is best to keep a respectful tone that honors personal belief: emphasize that it is a tradition carried out with faith, and that visitors should follow the temple’s guidelines properly—dress modestly, speak softly, and keep the area clean.

 

Getting There The temple is on Wang Derm 2 Road (also known as Itsaraphap 28), in Bangkok Yai District. If traveling by metro, you can take the MRT to Itsaraphap Station and then use a short local ride or walk as appropriate. There are bus routes that pass nearby according to district information, and if you drive, it’s wise to allow extra time because traffic in the old-city Thonburi area can become dense at certain times, especially on weekends or during merit-making events.

 

For a relaxed walk and better viewing, mornings or late afternoons are recommended. The light tends to bring out surface textures and decorative details more clearly, and it is generally more comfortable than the midday heat. Most importantly, remember basic temple etiquette: avoid climbing on fragile areas, do not touch murals or vulnerable decorative elements, and respect spaces used for ceremonies by monks and the community.

 

 

A: It began as an Ayutthaya-era community temple and was known by names linked to its Chinese benefactor, such as Wat Chae Sua Hong / Wat Chao Sua Hong / Wat Khrua Hong, before later developing into the official name “Wat Hong Rattanaram Ratchaworawihan.”

 

A: Many visitors come to pay respects and make merit, and also stop at the “holy water pool / holy water of the four directions” to take holy water home as a blessing. Visitors should do this respectfully and follow the temple’s rules.

 

A: Yes. A recommended route is to take the MRT to Itsaraphap Station, then continue by a short local ride or walk depending on your preference.

 

A: Information commonly indicates hours around 09:00 – 17:00. If you plan to attend a specific activity, it’s best to check the latest notice or call the temple before visiting.

 

A: You can easily plan a connected route, such as Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and Wat Rakhang, or explore nearby old riverside areas and finish with a cafe or dessert spot around the Wang Derm–Itsaraphap neighborhood.