Wat Benchamabophit - Marble Temple, Bangkok

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This was the first Wat that I was to visit in Bangkok…known otherwise as the “Marble Temple”, my travel buddy and I stumbled across this kind of accidentally. As I recall we didn’t even access it from the front entrance way, and unintentionally did not pay for entrance until we had made our way around and discovered the main entrance.

The Ubosoth or chapel if you will…is constructed of Carra marble imported from the Tuscany region of Italy and was founded by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) on 1 March 1900.
Wat Benchamabophit is a royal monastery and as such contains a large area where Monks have some Spartan like living quarters. You can walk freely about as we did…in this area of the complex…not being overly obtrusive and mindful of where we were, it didn’t seem to be an issue. The “backstreets” of the compound are lined with vegetation, potted plants, and access to the many apartments that are here, just like any apartment complex in any city.

The whole compound of the Wat is quite beautiful and you’ll even see here a canal that’s criss crossed in a couple of places with striking red painted bridges and Buddha’s carved from stone, a separate covered area where ceremonies are performed using drums and a bevy of concrete walkways that bring you through the immaculately kept grounds.

The primary structure at Wat Benchamabophit is the Ubosoth Hall where you’ll discover the Phra Buddha Chinnarat Buddah, which in fact is a replica of the Phra Buddha Chinnarat found at Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat in Phitsanulok province, about 400 kms north of Bangkok. The original version of this Buddha was cast in the mid 1400’s.Unfortunately I can’t tell you the casting date of the one seen here but it is a striking image. The Buddha is set against a blue painted wall and strikes a memorable image for you to carry with you.
At the base of this Buddha some ashes of King Rama 5(King Chulalongkorn) are kept and throughout the Ubosoth you’ll see some photos of the man himself.

At the back end of the Ubosoth you can find a collection of carved statues of Buddha in various reclines. Some are originals and others have been brought here from all around Thailand.

It was a pleasure to stroll around here and it was NOT a busy attraction when we visited.

You really should make this a stop during your adventures in Bangkok. Access costs to this Wat again are minimal…I’ve read 20 Baht but most other temples charge 50...either way…it’s a pittance for what you’re able to see here and experience here.

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Wat Benchamabophit
"The Marble Temple"

Located on Si Ayutthaya Road, this unique marble temple was constructed during the reign of King Rama V. Also known as the marble temple, it is one of Bangkok's most beautiful temples and a major tourist attraction.


Information
Name: Wat Benchamampovit
Theme - Attraction Type: Wat-Temple, Thai Style houses, small canals, walking in the park and relax.
Close to: Dusit Zoo
Location: Near Dusit
City: Bangkok
Pictures in the web: Wat Benchamambovit
Last Visit: September 2007


My Photos
First Photo: Wat Benchamampovit
Second Photo: Wat Benchmampovit Ticket

Officially named Wat Benjamabophit, the Marble Temple is the last major temple built in Bangkok. Begun by King Rama V in 1900, it was designed by his half-brother Prince Naris. When the temple was finished 10 years later, King Rama V wrote to Prince Naris "I never flatter anyone, but I cannot help saying that you have captured my heart in accomplishing such beauty as this."

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Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple) is part of a tour we got from the airport. Costs 500B including the van transfer for 6 pax half day trip. Tour includes 3 temple visits, tailor & jewelry shops. Nice start to get acquainted with Bangkok City. Other temples are Wat Pho & Wat Traimit. Not bad for the price.

Unique temple built of Italian marble. European in ecclesiastic details but classical Thai in architecture.

We got taken here on a tuktuk tour. Its a pretty temple with neatly kept gardens around it. There is a little stream with bridges crossing over it outside. You can go inside too, we saw people praying to the Buddha. You must remove your shoes before you go inside.
Not as big an attraction as the Grand Palace but still worth a visit to take lots of stunning photographs.

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My memories are a bit hazy but I went to the Marble temple after having been on an overnight flight and while waiting to check into my hotel! I arrived there and was immediately pounced upon by a guide who wanted to show me around. Being jetlagged I agreed without asking how much first (live and learn!!). It turned out to be 220 Baht (ouch!!)

Unfortunately it was prayer time so I couldn't go inside the temple itself but my fairly useless guide showed me around the temples and the park area and the drums. It was unfortunate that I didn't get to see the Buddha properly. He did show me the other buddhas and attempted to explain which buddhas meant what. It was interesting and fairly relaxing to just wonder around the temple groups.

All in all I thought it was pretty and a nice place to go but not on the must see list - but that could also be because I was tired and just want to check in to my hotel!

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This Wat, also called the Marble Temple, is one of the most beautiful in all of Bangkok. It can be found near Dusit Park. Built by Rama V in 1899, it is one of the youngest monuments, yet one of the most beautiful. Inside is a lovely Sukhothai-style Buddha statue named Phra Buddhajinaraja. It is underneath here that the ashes of King Chulalongkorn are kept. In the inner courtyard is a sort of museum with an assortment of Buddhas from not only Thailand, but other Buddhist countries. One of the rarest of these is the so-called Starving Buddha (see photo).

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The space occupied by the marble temple may be way too small for those who got lost in The Grand Palace. Its number of visitors may never parallel the figures of the scenic Wat Arun by the romantic Chao Phraya but that very fact explains why this attraction is so endearing.

Slightly symmetric, the primary building in this complex commands serenity- marble walls, regal red roofs adorned by golden spikes, intricately designed stained glass windows and an almost empty quadrangle of some sort at the back for religious activities. Maybe it was a slow day for this Wat's ticketing office, but unlike sites that seemingly need the swarm of tourist to get the feel of a must-see location, Marble Temple is better appreciated without the crowd.

I've a different religion by default and I'm not a big fan of praying and doing stuff, but this location, not the large golden Buddha or something else, got me seated quietly, with camera unattended, and for some time experience calmness, without the waiting taxicab driver in mind.