Temple in Thailand

Wat Benchamabophit

This wát of white Carrara marble (hence its tourist name, 'Marble Temple') was built at the turn of the century under Chulalongkorn (Rama V). The large cruciform bòt is a prime example of modern Thai wát architecture. The base of the central Buddha image, a copy of Phitsanulok's Phra Phuttha Chinnarat, contains the ashes of Rama V. The courtyard behind the bòt exhibits 53 Buddha images (33 originals and 20 copies) representing famous figures and styles from all over Thailand and other Buddhist countries - an education in itself if you are interested in Buddhist iconography.

Wat Ben is on the corner of Th si Ayuthaya and Th Rama V, diagonally opposite Chitlada Palace; it's open daily and admission is 10B. Bus Nos 2 (air-con) and 72 stop nearby.

Wat Thai @ 8:09 PM