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Wat Wachiratham Sathit Worawihan
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Open Days: Generally open daily
Opening Hours: 06:00 – 18:00 (hours may change depending on temple activities)
Wat Wachiratham Sathit Worawihan — locally known as “Wat Thung” or “Wat Thung Sathit” — is a royal temple in the Sukhumvit 101/1 area (Bang Chak, Phra Khanong). It offers the calm, grounded atmosphere of a community temple while also standing out for its eye-catching architectural details, especially the way Lanna influences feel naturally woven into a Bangkok setting. Visiting here is not only about “stopping by to make merit”; it can also be a slow walk through art and memory, reading the story of Phra Khanong through the temple itself.
Looking back at the temple’s roots, it is said that around 1856 a Lao merchant patron built the temple. Local accounts also say it had been abandoned before, and that its story connects to periods of migration following the fall of Vientiane. After the founder passed away, the temple declined again due to the lack of ongoing patronage. With the last abbot’s passing and no one to continue the upkeep, the temple fell quiet. In those days, the area was still far from development, surrounded largely by rice fields, which made it even easier for the temple to fade from public memory for a long period of time.
A major turning point came in 1963 when Phra Ajarn Sathit Thanawaro (Luang Por Sri Nuan) was invited to restore “Wat Thung.” The restoration was not merely repair work; it brought the temple back to life. The monastic layout was re-established in an orderly way, with the construction of structures such as a vihara, boundary walls, kuti residences, and functional spaces for the daily routines of the Sangha. From there, the temple once again became a spiritual anchor for the Phra Khanong community as the neighborhood gradually grew and changed.
Later, on 9 September 1965, His Majesty the King graciously appointed His Royal Highness Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn to take Wat Thung Sathit under royal patronage, elevating it to royal monastery status and bestowing the name “Wat Wachiratham Sathit Worawihan.” This moment clarified the temple’s standing as an important institution in the area and reflects the long-standing Thai cultural relationship between temple, community, and monarchy — a support system that helps sacred places endure with stability.
The charm of Wat Wachiratham Sathit Worawihan lies as much in its “details” as in its overall atmosphere. As you walk through the grounds, you may notice architectural features that echo Lanna identity — roof proportions that feel light and flowing, gable ornaments, and carefully composed elements that give the temple a refined visual rhythm. If you move slowly, you may also sense how the layout itself encourages quiet: walkways and walls soften the city noise. This is one of the strengths of an urban temple — it “creates silence” through spatial design, rather than simply hoping visitors will be silent.
This is why the temple suits both a quick visit to pay respects and a more unhurried walk for those who want to see a beautiful Bangkok temple without traveling far. Mornings tend to be cooler and less crowded, making it easier to focus and observe. In the late afternoon, the light softens; gold tones and warm colors in decorative details often look even more vivid naturally, without staging. The overall feeling is restrained and calm, but never dull, because the craftsmanship continues to hold your attention.
Getting There is convenient by BTS. You can get off at Punnawithi or Bang Chak station, then take a motorcycle taxi or taxi into Sukhumvit Soi 101/1, which locals often call the “Wat Thung soi.” The distance from the station to the temple is not far, making it an easy city-temple visit without a long ride. If driving, enter from Sukhumvit Road and turn into Soi 101/1, then follow local signs or navigation. It’s a good idea to allow extra time during rush hours, as Sukhumvit and nearby side streets can become heavily congested.
Etiquette remains central to having a good experience: dress modestly, keep your voice low, and respect areas used for ceremonies. If you want to take photos, follow posted guidance and avoid photographing in ways that disturb people making merit or praying. Silencing your phone and walking with quiet composure helps the temple’s calm atmosphere reach you more clearly.
Overall, Wat Wachiratham Sathit Worawihan is a strong example of a temple revived from abandonment through faith and serious restoration, before later being elevated to royal monastery status. It is not only a place for rituals; it is a living record of the area’s shift from open fields to city life, and a space that invites Bangkok residents to rest the mind gently and naturally.
| Place Name | Wat Wachiratham Sathit Worawihan (Wat Thung / Wat Thung Sathit) |
| Location | 1199 Sukhumvit Soi 101/1, Bang Chak, Phra Khanong, Bangkok 10260 |
| Status | Royal monastery (third class), Worawihan type |
| Brief History | Local accounts say it was built around 1856, later declined and was majorly restored around 1963, then elevated to royal monastery status and renamed on 9 Sep 1965 |
| Latest Abbot | Phra Ratcha Wachirathammaphorn (Boonsak Siripunyo) |
| Open Days | Generally open daily |
| Opening Hours | 06:00 – 18:00 |
| Contact Number | 02-746-4593 (also listed on the temple page: 092-826-8591) |
| Nearby Attractions (Approx. Real-Route Distance) | True Digital Park (approx. 2.0 km) Tel. 02-009-1101 101 The Third Place (approx. 2.3 km) Tel. 02-074-3714 BTS Punnawithi Station (approx. 2.4 km) Tel. 02-617-7300 BITEC Bangna (approx. 3.5 km) Tel. 02-749-3939 Suan Luang Rama IX (approx. 7.0 km) Tel. 02-106-2674 |
| Nearby Restaurants (Approx. Real-Route Distance) | Food court and restaurants in True Digital Park (approx. 2.0 km) Tel. 02-009-1101 Restaurants and cafés around 101 The Third Place (approx. 2.3 km) Tel. 02-074-3714 (Note: If you want a verified list of individual restaurants with confirmed phone numbers, please specify cuisine or budget range; then I will curate only from official pages/websites to avoid incorrect numbers.) |
| Nearby Accommodations (Approx. Real-Route Distance) | (Note: There are many hotels nearby and phone numbers can vary across channels. If you want only confirmed phone numbers, please specify the area you prefer, such as Udom Suk / Punnawithi / On Nut / Bang Na, and I will use only official sites or OTAs that clearly list the contact number.) |
| Facilities | Worship areas, ceremony spaces, internal walking areas, donation points and on-site/nearby parking areas (please help keep the atmosphere quiet) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where is Wat Wachiratham Sathit Worawihan located?
A: The temple is on Sukhumvit Soi 101/1 in Bang Chak, Phra Khanong, Bangkok. Locals often refer to this as the “Wat Thung soi.”
Q: What other names is this temple known by?
A: It is commonly called “Wat Thung” or “Wat Thung Sathit.”
Q: What time is the temple open?
A: Generally 06:00 – 18:00, though hours may change depending on temple activities. It’s best to check announcements before visiting.
Q: What is the temple’s architectural highlight?
A: Many visitors notice Lanna-influenced architectural details adapted to an urban Bangkok context, creating a calm temple atmosphere with craftsmanship worth lingering over.
Q: Which BTS station is most convenient?
A: BTS Punnawithi or Bang Chak, then take a motorcycle taxi or taxi into Sukhumvit Soi 101/1.
Q: When is the best time to visit for a comfortable walk and good photos?
A: Morning tends to be cooler and less crowded, while late afternoon light is softer and often brings out the warmth of gold and decorative colors naturally.
Wat Wachiratham Sathit Worawihan Map
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