Wat Ratcha Orasaram Ratchaworawihan

Rating: 3.3/5 (7 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: Generally 08:00 – 17:00 (hours may vary depending on areas within the temple and specific activities)

 

Wat Ratcha Orasaram Ratchaworawihan is an old temple on the Thonburi side of Bangkok with a history that predates the founding of Bangkok itself. It was formerly known as “Wat Chom Thong.” This temple is not simply a place for worship; it is a reflection of the city’s early transformation — politically, socially, and artistically — in the early Rattanakosin period. In particular, it is closely associated with Prince Jessadabodin, later King Rama III (King Nangklao), who restored and re-established the temple on a grand scale, effectively rebuilding the entire monastic complex and giving it the standing of a royal temple admired by both temple lovers and architecture enthusiasts.

 

A story frequently told about this temple centers on an event in 2363 BE (1820 CE), when Prince Jessadabodin led a military expedition to counter a potential Burmese force at the Three Pagodas Pass in Kanchanaburi. As the royal flotilla reached Wat Chom Thong on the Thonburi side, the Prince is said to have stopped to rest and performed the ritual known as “opening the khlon thawan” (a ceremonial rite described in traditional military manuals), while making a vow for success in the campaign. Although it later turned out that no Burmese army advanced as expected, upon returning from the expedition the Prince carried out a major restoration of Wat Chom Thong and dedicated it as a royal temple. The temple subsequently received the new royal name “Wat Ratcha Oras,” a title connected to the royal prince who undertook its restoration.

 

In the wider context of Thai temple history, “re-establishing the entire monastic complex” is far more than a minor repair. It represents a deliberate act of placing the temple in a position worthy of a royal institution, transforming the grounds into a living space where people can “read the era” through the layout, craftsmanship, and overall atmosphere. What makes Wat Ratcha Orasaram especially appealing is that it invites visitors to slow down and observe details. Its beauty is not only in what stands prominently, but also in the smaller architectural and artistic elements designed to “coexist with lived devotion,” sustained by generations of worshippers.

 

For visitors who enjoy temple trips with both cultural depth and a calm mood, Wat Ratcha Orasaram is best visited in the morning or early afternoon, when you have time to walk and absorb the atmosphere without rushing. You can begin by paying respects and making merit, then gradually explore important structures and the craftsmanship that reflects the tastes of King Rama III’s era — a time when Bangkok was growing in commerce, international trade, and urban identity. Many temples from this period carry subtle “voices of that day’s modernity” within their decorative and design choices.

 

One reason a visit here feels different from a typical temple stop is the sense that you are not only “bowing before sacred images,” but standing inside a page of history — where stories of military journeys, ritual practices from traditional strategy texts, vows before major missions, and the act of repaying faith through restoration all intersect. Combined with the earlier roots of Wat Chom Thong, the temple holds both layers of time and layers of meaning with unusual density.

 

Getting There If you travel by BTS, you can get off at Wutthakat Station and then continue by taxi or local transport into the Ekachai–Chom Thong area. Another option is taking buses 43, 120, or 167, which are commonly recommended for reaching the area near the temple. If you drive, you can access the temple via Ekachai Road and other key connecting roads on the Thonburi side, but it is wise to allow extra time during rush hours as traffic can become heavy in this part of the city.

 

The charm of visiting Wat Ratcha Orasaram is that you can easily “continue a Thonburi itinerary” afterward. Nearby, there are several important temples, riverside areas for walking, and older communities with distinctive local character. If you plan a half-day trip, you might begin with worship and a slow walk through the temple, then move on to nearby temples or a floating market to experience community life. This turns the visit into more than tourism — it becomes a way of “reading the city” through sacred spaces and people.

 

 

A: It was formerly known as Wat Chom Thong. The temple predates the founding of Bangkok and was later re-established on a grand scale and given the name “Wat Ratcha Oras.”

 

A: Because Prince Jessadabodin (later King Rama III) carried out a major restoration and re-established the entire monastic complex, shaping the temple into a royal institution with a clear imprint of its era.

 

A: It is a ritual described in traditional military manuals, said to have been performed in 2363 BE (1820 CE) before the expedition toward the Three Pagodas Pass. The story is often linked to the major restoration that followed after the campaign.

 

A: BTS Wutthakat is a common choice. From there, you can continue by taxi or local transport into the Ekachai–Chom Thong area.

 

A: You can continue to Wat Nang, Wat Nak Prok, Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen, stop by Riverside Plaza, or stroll around Khlong Bang Luang Floating Market. All are nearby and easy to connect in one route.