Wat Suthat Thepwararam is one of Bangkok’s oldest and most impressive Buddhist temples. It features an elegant prayer room with high ceilings, rich murals and exquisite hand-carved teak paneling on the doors. It is well known for its imposing giant red swing. Stand at the entrance.
The Wat Suthat temple in Bangkok was built under King Rama I, who decided to make this temple to protect a 13th-century Buddha statue. One can admire 150 hand-made Buddha images safeguarding the temple on the temple’s walls. Today, millions of tourists who come here to admire the magnificent chapel visit Wat Suthat temple and the magnificent Buddha statue enshrined in it every day. Of course, you can. Take advantage of the giant swing and the red pillars in front of the temple!
Highlights about Wat Suthat:
Wat Suthat Thepwararam was commissioned by King Rama I (1782-1809) to house a 13th-century bronze Buddha sculpture from Sukhotai. The temple was completed during the reign of King Rama III (1824-1851). The prayer hall describes the 24 previous incarnations of the Buddha. Chinese stone carvings and 8-story hexagonal pagodas line the temple’s outer walls. They are believed to have been shipped as ballast on Chinese merchant junk.
The architecture of the temple is impressive. You will admire all the frescoes, ceilings and pinnacles that decorate the temple. In the chapel of Wat Suthat temple, it is possible to observe the 24 images of Buddha through beautiful frescoes.
The famous giant swing at Wat Suthat is a must-see, especially after exploring the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. The enclosed courtyard surrounding the main prayer hall has around 156 Buddha images, while the outer walls and four front doors are individually hand-carved with intricate detail.
Good to know about Wat Suthat:
At 21.15 meters high, the giant swing sits between Wat Suthat and Bangkok City Hall. It’s two imposing red pillars and intricately carved transom can be seen from afar. In the past, during the Brahmin thanksgiving ceremony (mid-December), young men rode the swing in the air, which at full swing hung 24 meters above the ground. They tried to grab a bag of silver coins with their teeth.
This somewhat risky practice was discontinued in 1932, so this giant swing now offers good photo-ops for visitors to Wat Suthat Thepwararam.
More about Wat Suthat Temple:
The Wat Suthat temple in Bangkok was the brainchild of King Rama I but was completed during the reign of King Rama III. Inside, besides the bronze statue of Buddha, you can admire the handcrafted depictions of Buddha, the frescoes and also the beautiful arches that lead to the chapel. The temple covers an area of four hectares and is located in the Rattanakosin area, where the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo are also found. This is the oldest. Part of the city, and it’s also the part that preserves the ancient traditions. Visiting Wat Suthat Temple and the Rattanakosin area will immerse you in a sacred and contemplative atmosphere.
During your vacation in Thailand, you cannot miss the opportunity to discover this country’s ancient history and traditions. So it’s better to start from the capital and Wat Suthat temple!
