Wat Phra Ram 9 Kanchanaphisek

Rating: 4/5 (5 votes)

Open Days: Monday – Saturday

Opening Hours: 09.00 – 17.00

 

Wat Phra Ram 9 Kanchanaphisek is a Dhammayut (Thammayut Nikaya) temple in the heart of Bangkok that many people describe as “calm in a contemporary way,” making it a gentle stop for worship, merit-making, or simply resting the mind amid the city’s fast rhythm. The temple is located at 999 Rama 9 Soi 19, Rama 9 Road, Huai Khwang Subdistrict, Huai Khwang District, Bangkok. What makes it special is not only its location or the beauty of its buildings, but the deeper “meaning” of being a temple established by royal initiative—born from a royal intention to serve as a true spiritual center for the people.

 

The core story of Wat Phra Ram 9 Kanchanaphisek begins with the royal initiative of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, who envisioned the establishment of this temple in 1995 (B.E. 2538), with practical use and public benefit as key considerations. This idea positioned the temple as a shared space for people—not merely a site for religious rites, but a “meeting point of peace” where city dwellers can come to pay respects, regain mindfulness, or take part in Dhamma activities as opportunities arise. It also aligns with the concept of “Bowon” (home–temple–school), viewing the community as one connected network rather than separate, disconnected parts.

 

In terms of official status, Wat Phra Ram 9 Kanchanaphisek was formally declared a Buddhist temple in full on 2 October 1997 (B.E. 2540), and later received Wisungkhamsima (the official consecrated boundary for an ordination hall). It was then elevated to a third-class royal temple (Phra Aram Luang) as a “special case” from 15 October 1999 (B.E. 2542), in connection with the auspicious royal celebration of the King’s 6th cycle birthday anniversary on 5 December 1999. This “special case” elevation means the temple is not only significant within its neighborhood, but is also recorded in Bangkok’s modern historical context as a royal temple closely associated with King Rama IX in terms of establishment and intent.

 

The temple’s land details also help paint a clear picture of how it was designed to fit naturally into real community life. The temple covers a total area of 8-2-54 rai and borders key surrounding areas on all sides: one side is adjacent to educational institutions such as the Thai-Japanese Association School; another side connects to land reserved as an entrance–exit route from Rama 9 Soi 19; another side is next to a Bangkok Metropolitan Administration school; and one side borders Lat Phrao Canal. Together, these elements make the temple feel as though it sits “within everyday life” rather than as a sacred place cut off from the outside world—a space where faith can coexist smoothly with learning, travel, and the city itself.

 

One feature that draws many visitors is the ordination hall (ubosot), designed as a harmonious blend of traditional and modern architectural elements. Instead of creating a clash between old and new, the design aims for balance, resulting in a distinctive identity. As you walk through the grounds, you may feel that the architecture does not try to impress through sheer grandeur, but gradually invites you into a sense of order, calm, and structure—an atmosphere that aligns well with what many people associate with Dhammayut temples: discipline and a clear sense of practice.

 

From a traveler’s perspective, Wat Phra Ram 9 Kanchanaphisek is one of Bangkok’s temple visits best enjoyed “without rushing.” Its beauty is not only about dramatic photo angles, but also about the sensation that “the noise in your head gets quieter” once you are inside. The grounds often feel open, clean, and well-organized. These may sound like small details, yet for people living with Bangkok’s density every day, a sacred space that feels orderly can be a very real, tangible gift.

 

Another reason this temple feels different from a typical temple stop is its role as an integrated spiritual center aligned with the “Bowon” concept. With schools and community life nearby, activities are naturally connected with learning and the cultivation of moral values in everyday life. Whether you come to make merit, offer alms, or simply sit quietly for a moment, what you take away is often more than “having asked for blessings”—it can feel like you have brought a piece of simplicity back into yourself.

 

For those interested in Dhamma practice, Wat Phra Ram 9 Kanchanaphisek communicates activities and courses through official channels and related networks, helping working people and city residents plan participation more easily. When joining activities, the most important thing is basic temple etiquette: dress respectfully, avoid loud voices, refrain from taking photos that disturb others, and try to stay “with the present moment” rather than rushing to collect every experience. In the end, a temple is built to help the mind settle—not to make us hurry as we do outside.

 

Getting There To visit Wat Phra Ram 9 Kanchanaphisek by private car, you can use Rama 9 Road and enter Rama 9 Soi 19 (near No. 999), then follow the lane inward to reach the temple. A practical note is that traffic can be heavy during rush hours on Rama 9 Road and nearby junction connections, so it’s wise to allow extra time to avoid turning a temple visit into a stressful rush. If traveling by MRT, you can get off at stations around the Rama 9 / Thailand Cultural Centre / Huai Khwang area, then continue by taxi or motorbike taxi to Rama 9 Soi 19, which is often more convenient—especially in hot weather or if you have belongings with you.

 

If you are looking for a Bangkok destination that offers both meaning and calm, Wat Phra Ram 9 Kanchanaphisek is a particularly gentle choice. You are not only “visiting a temple”—you are experiencing a concept of sacred space designed to live alongside the city with an understanding of people’s lives. Even if you stay briefly, walking slowly, paying respects, making merit with intention, or simply sitting quietly for a moment can be one of the best ways to reset your mind—without needing any special ceremony at all.

 

 

A: The published office/contact hours indicate Monday – Saturday, 09.00 – 17.00. If you plan to join specific ceremonies or activities, it’s best to check the temple’s latest announcements before you go.

 

A: Wat Phra Ram 9 Kanchanaphisek began from a royal initiative in 1995 (B.E. 2538) and was elevated to a third-class royal temple as a special case from 15 October 1999 (B.E. 2542). It carries significance as part of honoring the King and serving as a spiritual center for the people.

 

A: The current abbot is Phra Phrom Wachirasuthee (Aphiphon Aphiphalo).

 

A: Yes. You can get off at an MRT station around the Rama 9 / Thailand Cultural Centre / Huai Khwang area, then take a taxi or motorbike taxi to Rama 9 Soi 19. This is often more convenient, especially in hot weather or if you have belongings.

 

A: Dress respectfully, avoid overly short or tight clothing, keep your voice low, and avoid taking photos in ways that disturb ceremonies or other visitors. This helps ensure a smooth visit and shows proper respect for the sacred space.