Wat Devaraj Kunchorn Worawihan

Rating: 4.3/5 (4 votes)

Open Days: Generally open daily (recommended to call ahead before visiting, especially during merit-making events/ceremonies)

Opening Hours: Generally 08:00 – 17:00 (recommended to call ahead before visiting)

 

Wat Devaraj Kunchorn Worawihan is an old temple in the Dusit area that suits anyone who wants a calm Bangkok stop without leaving the city behind. Even though the surroundings are inner-city and easy to reach, the moment you step inside the grounds the mood shifts into that familiar Thai-temple stillness—with a steady flow of locals coming to make merit. It’s not just a photo stop or a checklist destination, but a living place of faith that continues to sit naturally inside the rhythm of the neighborhood.

 

The story of Wat Devaraj Kunchorn is often traced back to the Ayutthaya period, and local accounts describe it as a temple that existed before the founding of Rattanakosin. Its older name was “Wat Samo Khraeng” (วัดสมอแครง), and that name itself becomes a key to reading the area’s past. One explanation says the word “samo” relates to Indian gooseberry trees once common here and remembered by residents. Another line of interpretation suggests “samo” may have shifted from “thamo (ถะมอ),” a Khmer word meaning “stone,” implying the place may once have been called “Thamo Khraeng”—roughly “hard stone” or “tough rock”—before the pronunciation changed into what people kept calling it over time.

 

As Bangkok entered the early Rattanakosin era, the temple was re-established and cared for continuously, with restoration work associated with the reign of King Rama I and further renovations by members of the royal family in later periods. Over time, the layout and key buildings became more defined and orderly. In the reign of King Rama IV, the temple was accepted as a royal monastery and granted the name “Wat Devaraj Kunchorn Worawihan.” The name links “Devaraj” with “Kunchorn,” connected to the former personal name of a key royal patron involved in restoring the temple. So the title is not just elegant wording—it’s a signpost that points back to layers of history embedded in the site itself.

 

The heart of a visit is the ordination hall, where the principal Buddha image is enshrined: “Phra Phuttha Devaraj Patimakorn” (พระพุทธเทวราชปฏิมากร). The image is in the Mara-Vijaya posture, and it is described as being in a Dvaravati artistic style. For many visitors, this turns the visit into more than simply making a wish. It becomes a quiet moment to notice the language of form and style—and to reflect on how older artistic traditions are remembered, preserved, and reinterpreted inside a Bangkok temple setting.

 

Overall, Wat Devaraj Kunchorn is the kind of place that is easy to reach and worth the time. You can come to settle your mind, take in the atmosphere of an old temple in Dusit, and then continue to nearby areas such as Thewet or Sri Yan with minimal travel. On weekdays especially, when the grounds are less crowded, the pace feels naturally slower and calmer—perfect for anyone who wants a breather from the city without truly stepping out of it.

 

Getting There If you don’t want to worry about parking, taking the BTS/MRT and continuing by taxi or motorcycle taxi into the Dusit area is usually the most convenient. Another option is to use buses that pass through the Dusit–Thewet zone and walk a short distance depending on the exact stop. If you drive, it’s best to allow extra time for traffic during rush hours, and it’s recommended to call the temple ahead of time—especially if you plan to visit comfortably or during periods with ceremonies.

 

 

A: It’s in Dusit District, near the Thewet–Sri Yan area. It’s easy to reach and fits well into a half-day temple-and-city stroll.

 

A: Local accounts describe its former name as “Wat Samo Khraeng” (วัดสมอแครง), tied to place-based memory and linguistic interpretations of the area.

 

A: One interpretation suggests “samo” may have shifted from “thamo (ถะมอ),” a Khmer word meaning “stone.” This leads to the idea that the area might once have been called something like “Thamo Khraeng” (hard stone) before the name changed in common speech.

 

A: The principal image is called “Phra Phuttha Devaraj Patimakorn” (พระพุทธเทวราชปฏิมากร), in the Mara-Vijaya posture.

 

A: Plan around 60–90 minutes for worship, a slow walk through the grounds, and a calm look at the temple atmosphere without rushing.

 

A: Call 02-281-2430.