Wat Hong Rattanaram Ratchaworawihan

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Wat Hong Rattananram Ratchaworawihan is an ancient temple in Bangkok Yai, near Wat Arun
Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan. It dates back to the late Ayutthaya periodwhen it was
first built by a wealthy Chinese merchant named Hong and called “Wat Chao Sua Hong.”
Located along Khlong Bangkok Yai, an important trade route, the temple became a religious
center for the local community.
During the Thonburi Kingdom, the temple gained royal importance. King Taksin the Great
renovated and elevated it to a royal temple, as it was close to the royal palace. He often visited
for religious practices, making it significant in this era.
In the early Rattanakosin period, the temple continued to be restored. Maha Sura Singhanat
renovated and renamed it, and later King Rama II gave it the current name. Further
developments were added in the reign of King Rama III.
Overall, the temple reflects Thailand’s historical development and remains an important royal
monastery.

 

Temple Layout
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The ordination hall

The ordination hall (ubosot) of Wat Hong Rattanaram Ratchaworawihan is considered one of the most outstanding and largest architectural structures on the Thonburi side, holding significance in both artistic and historical aspects. Externally, it is a grand building with a three-tiered roof covered in glazed tiles and adorned with traditional Thai decorative elements such as chofah, bai raka, and hang hong. Its doors and windows are particularly notable for their stucco frames featuring Chinese-style floral motifs (peony patterns) blended with some Western influences, reflecting the craftsmanship of the early Rattanakosin period, especially during the reign of King Rama III. Inside the ubosot is the principal Buddha image known as “Luang Pho Saen,” a bronze Buddha in the Mara-vijaya posture created in the Lan Xang (Lao) artistic style; it is believed that King Rama IV had it brought from Chiang Taen to be enshrined here, and its graceful features represent a rare example of Lao art in a major royal temple in Bangkok.

Murals

https://web.facebook.com/100069811292242/postsThe painting of Rattanapimphawong (The Legend of the Emerald Buddha)

This painting of Phra Bot Rattana Pimphawong is decorated above the window frame inside the temple of Wat Hong Rattanaram, Bangkok. The decoration is divided into 19 groups, 3 images per group, with a total of 57 images. It is assumed that it was written in the reign of King Rama IV. It is a historical image of the Emerald Buddha from the beginning of construction in Patlibutr, India until it was enshrined in Lampang until the reign of King Narinthorn.

 

The vihara

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Adjacent to the grand ordination hall, the vihara of Wat Hong Rattanaram Ratchaworawihan is equally significant and distinctive, particularly in terms of Buddhist art and the enshrinement of ancient Buddha images. Architecturally, the vihara stands alongside the ubosot and follows traditional Thai design, though it conveys a calmer atmosphere with more refined decorative details. Its doors and windows are especially notable for their intricate wood carvings, featuring elaborate kanok patterns combined with mythical Himmapan creatures and floral motifs, reflecting master craftsmanship of the past.

The highlight of the vihara is the ancient golden Buddha image known as “Luang Pho Thongkham,” which was originally covered in plaster—similar to the famous Wat Traimit Witthayaram Worawihan discovery—and only later revealed to be made of solid gold beneath. This Buddha image is depicted in the Mara-vijaya posture and represents the elegant Sukhothai artistic style, characterized by graceful lines and a serene facial expression. Inside the vihara, there are also mural paintings illustrating the life of the Buddha and various Jataka tales; although some have faded over time, they still reflect the color usage and artistic style of the early Rattanakosin period. Additionally, the spatial arrangement of the vihara and the ubosot demonstrates traditional temple planning from the Thonburi and early Rattanakosin eras, emphasizing the temple’s role as both a ceremonial center and a focal point of the community.

Shrine of King Taksin the Great

 

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• • The surrounding area of Wat Hong Rattanaram Ratchaworawihan is home to several sacred sites that reflect the history of Thonburi and diverse cultural beliefs. One of the most important is the shrine of King Taksin the Great, which holds deep spiritual significance for local residents. It is believed to be the first shrine dedicated to him in Thailand, built by the community to honor his contributions, particularly his restoration of the temple during his reign. The current structure is a reinforced concrete building that encloses the original site, housing a seated statue of the king, where people come to pray for success, resilience, and good fortune.

• • Another notable spot is the so-called “San Phiang Ta,” a small shrine associated with a historical legend concerning the king’s death. According to tradition, after King Taksin’s passing near Wichai Prasit Fort, a Chinese monk who revered him carried a tray to collect his blood; however, the tray was accidentally dropped near this location. The site was then marked with a shrine believed to house his spirit. It is situated close to a sacred water pond, where the king was said to have performed ritual ablutions.

Five Celestial Generals Shrine

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• • • Additionally, the temple features a popular spiritual site known as the “Five Celestial Generals Shrine,” a Chinese-style sanctuary that has recently gained attention among worshippers. The building is richly decorated in red and gold, and inside are enshrined several Chinese deities, including Nezha as the principal figure, along with the Five Directional Generals and Guanyin. This shrine is believed to possess strong positive energy according to feng shui principles, attracting visitors who seek blessings for victory, success, authority, and protection from misfortune, especially those who feel their luck has declined.

A must-visit spot

 

The Sacred Well and Sacred Stone at Wat Hong Rattanaram are among the temple’s most important spiritual highlights. Believed to date back to the Thonburi period and associated with King Taksin the Great, the well was traditionally used to bless soldiers before battle, symbolizing protection and victory.

Today, the Sacred Well is known for its spiritual significance. Each direction of the well is believed to offer different blessings:

North: success in career and life stability
South: charm, relationships, and kindness from others
East: good fortune and new opportunities
West: protection from harm and negative energy

Visitors often sprinkle the holy water on their head or face to cleanse negativity and invite good luck.

After collecting the holy water, visitors are encouraged to continue their spiritual journey at the Sacred Stone, where people make wishes for good fortune, success, and the fulfillment of personal goals. Many gently touch the stone or bow their head while focusing on their intentions.

If you have the opportunity, the temple also holds a monthly holy water blessing ritual where visitors can take part in a ceremonial bathing for added auspiciousness and spiritual renewal.

 For more information, updates, and activity schedules, you can follow the temples on its official Facebook.