Wat Prayoon, Bangkok

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We have been to Bangkok many times and have done most of the touristy sights, so I was pleased to find a suggested walking tour of the Old Thonburi District in a guide book I borrowed from the library. The first sight on this walking tour was Wat Prayoonwong or Turtle Temple. We got here by taking the public Chao Praya river boat, getting off at Memorial Bridge, walking across the bridge, walking a short distance to the right from the bridge, then turning left and following the road until we reached two turtle statues sitting outside the temple garden. It is quite well signposted from the bridge.

The temple garden has a large pond filled with lots of turtles. There are lots of little houses on the rocks around the pond. We also visited the temple itself with its lovely mother of pearl inlaid doors and a large seated image of Buddha. On the same complex there is a large white stupa (I hope that is the correct word). Interesting and a bit different.

This little temple is located close to the Chao Phraya river not far from Wat Po. The small gardens with landscaped features has a circular stream flowing all round. The water is murky but this is no problem as its inhabitants are very tame. Many turtles and large fish cruise around, suddenly appearing at the surface when there could be food on offer. In order to feed them there's a little kiosk where, for a few baht (can't remember but it was cheap) you can buy sliced banana and a long pointed stick. Simply attach the banana to the stick, stand by the edge and within seconds it'll be gone.

Doesn't seem to get busy so it's a nice break from the days sightseeing.

Easiest way to get there is by Taxi but make sure the driver really does understand where you want to go. Otherwise take the river taxi and get off at Tha Saphan Phut. Cross over the river on Memorial bridge and the temple is about 100 metres on the right hand side.