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Wat Phra Phiren
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Open Days: Daily
Opening Hours: 07:00–17:00
Wat Phra Phiren is an old temple in the Worachak–Ban Bat area of Pom Prap Sattru Phai District. If you have ever walked through Khlong Thom or the long-established trading streets nearby, you will likely feel it right away: an “old-city temple” has a different kind of charm. It does not try to impress through sheer size. Instead, it stands firmly on the strength of its community, its stories, and the visible layers of history that overlap in the space itself.
The temple is located at 326 Worachak Road, Ban Bat Subdistrict, Pom Prap Sattru Phai District, Bangkok. It remains an active temple with merit-making events and community activities throughout the year. As a result, the overall atmosphere is not merely that of a photo stop, but a living place of faith—one that still carries the daily “breath” of the neighborhood.
Historically, Wat Phra Phiren is often described as an ancient temple. It is generally believed to have been established in the late Ayutthaya period, around B.E. 2300 (1757) or earlier, with no definite founder recorded. What brings the temple into clearer focus in documents and in the city’s memory is a major restoration during the reign of King Nangklao (Rama III) by “Phra Phirenthon Thep (Kham Na Ratchasima).” He carried out extensive renovations and added several monastic structures, bringing the temple to a well-established condition.
The temple’s names over time also reflect governance and rank in earlier periods in an intriguing way. It was once called “Wat Kham Khem Kararam,” connected to the name of its restorer. Later, during the reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV), it was referred to as “Wat Kham Korat,” and in time the name “Wat Phra Phiren” became the one most familiar to Bangkok residents today. These changes were not simply rebranding; they read like brief notes in the record of the eras the temple has passed through alongside the city.
For those who appreciate Thai temple architecture, one of the most interesting aspects of Wat Phra Phiren is seeing a “city temple” where different layers of time coexist. The Ubosot (ordination hall) is often discussed as being associated with court artisans, and it is said to include details that blend Eastern and Western influences. This gives the temple a character different from the rural temples many people are used to, expressing an architectural language connected to Bangkok during a period when the city increasingly engaged with international aesthetics.
Another place that locals and visitors often make a point of stopping by is the “Vihara of Luang Pho Dam,” which houses a Buddha image of deep devotional significance for this neighborhood. The atmosphere inside feels calm and somewhat more private than many large, heavily touristed temples, making it well suited to unhurried worship before continuing to walk around the compound with focus and attention.
Wat Phra Phiren is also mentioned in the context of contemporary Bangkok culture because the temple space is connected with activities and rituals of certain artist communities, especially the “krob khru” (teacher-honoring initiation) ceremony. This gives the temple an additional layer of identity beyond being an ancient temple and a daily spiritual anchor for local residents. Visiting here can feel like seeing both the roots of faith and the roots of urban culture unfolding in the same place.
If you want the most immersive visit, morning is recommended: the light is beautiful, the air is lighter, and the Worachak area is usually less crowded. It is also a good time if you plan to continue your day toward Yaowarat or Hua Lamphong, since starting early helps the whole route flow smoothly.
Getting There The temple sits on Worachak Road in the Ban Bat–Khlong Thom zone. If you are coming by public transport, use the Worachak / Charoen Krung area as your main reference, then walk a short distance to the temple. If you are driving, it is wise to allow extra time, as this is an old commercial district where traffic can be heavy at many hours. Planning to arrive a bit earlier in the day generally makes the visit more comfortable.
| Name | Wat Phra Phiren |
| Location | 326 Worachak Road, Ban Bat Subdistrict, Pom Prap Sattru Phai District, Bangkok |
| Period | Believed to date to the late Ayutthaya period (around B.E. 2300), with major restoration in the reign of Rama III |
| Highlights | An old temple in the Worachak area with layered name history across eras. The Ubosot is often discussed as connected to court artisans, and the temple includes a revered space at the Vihara of Luang Pho Dam, along with a cultural association with krob khru ceremonies among certain artist circles. |
| Current Abbot | Phra Khru Phatthara Kittisundhon |
| Temple Contact | 02-222-1877 |
| Nearby Attractions (real-route distance estimate) | Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (Leng Noei Yi) – approx. 0.6 km Hua Lamphong Railway Station (Bangkok Railway Station) – approx. 1.5 km ICONSIAM – approx. 2.3 km Samyan Mitrtown – approx. 2.8 km Yaowarat (Chinatown) – approx. 1.5 km |
| Nearby Restaurants (real-route distance estimate) | Khao Kaeng Phu Yai Lee (in front of Wat Phra Phiren) – approx. 0.2 km – 099-393-6942 Ancient-Style Sandwich by Aroi Prim – approx. 0.1 km Ayatana Cafe Charoen Krung – approx. 0.2 km Nakhon Sanuk Roasted Pork Rice (Worachak Intersection) – approx. 0.1 km Kuay Jap (Wat Phra Phiren Alley) – approx. 0.1 km – 081-834-5615 |
| Nearby Accommodations (real-route distance estimate) | Lub d Bangkok Chinatown – approx. 0.3 km Hotel Royal Bangkok @ Chinatown – approx. 0.9 km Grand China Bangkok – approx. 0.6 km Prince Palace Hotel Bangkok – approx. 1.2 km The Quarter Hualampong by UHG – approx. 1.5 km |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How old is Wat Phra Phiren?
A: It is generally believed to date back to the late Ayutthaya period, around B.E. 2300 (1757), and it underwent major restoration during the reign of Rama III, continuing to serve the Worachak area to the present day.
Q: Why did the temple’s name change several times?
A: The names reflect restoration phases and the administrative context of different eras. At various points it was known as Wat Kham Khem Kararam and Wat Kham Korat before Wat Phra Phiren became the commonly used name later on.
Q: If I’m visiting for the first time, where should I start?
A: Begin around the Ubosot area to get an overall sense of the architecture, then continue to pay respects at the Vihara of Luang Pho Dam. After that, take your time walking around the compound to feel how an old-city temple remains closely woven into its community.
Q: Is the temple really connected with krob khru ceremonies?
A: Wat Phra Phiren is often mentioned in relation to rituals among certain artist communities, which adds a contemporary cultural layer to its identity. If you intend to attend a specific ceremony or event, it is best to confirm details with the temple or the organizing group at that time.
Q: Where is convenient to continue visiting after the temple?
A: A natural route is to continue to Yaowarat and Wat Mangkon, or to stop by Hua Lamphong, since they are not far and connect easily into a one-day plan of “temple + old town + food.”
Wat Phra Phiren Map
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