Wat Ratchanatdaram Woravihara (Loha Prasat)
2 Maha Chai Road, Wat Bowon Niwet, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand, 10200
Topped by 37 gilded spires, representing the 37 virtues, Wat Ratchanatdaram’s Loha Prasat shrine is a highlight of the Bangkok skyline. The name translates as “Iron Palace” because the 19th-century architects took inspiration from metal temples in India and Sri Lanka—but it was designed as a space for meditation.
The basics
Loha Prasat ascends in three neat tiers to a height of 125 feet (38 meters), its rows of needle-thin spires gleaming golden day and night. Travelers are welcome to enter the ordination hall, with its tall copper Buddha, and take the steps up to enjoy city views. While it’s not as busy as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or the Temple of the Dawn, plenty of guided tours swing by Wat Ratchanatdaram: Arrive on foot, on the back of a motorbike, in a tuk-tuk, or in air-conditioned comfort. You can even book a meditation experience with the monks.
Things to know before you go
- Loha Prasat is a must for photographers and Instagrammers alike.
- As always with Thai temples, dress respectfully: Wear clothing that covers shoulders, knees, and upper arms, and shoes that are easy to remove when entering sacred spaces.
- While Loha Prasat is the main draw at Wat Ratchanatdaram, the gardens are charming too.
- Neither Wat Ratchanatdaram nor Loha Prasat is wheelchair-friendly.
How to get there
Wat Ratchanatdaram stands proud in the heart of downtown Bangkok, just a 0.5-mile (800-meter) walk from the city’s backpacker epicenter Khao San Road and a stone’s throw from the Democracy Monument. The nearest MRT station, Sam Yot (Blue Line), is a 1-mile (1.5-kilometer) walk so many travelers opt to book a tour.
When to get there
Wat Ratchanatdaram and Loha Prasat are open from morning until late afternoon seven days a week. Photographers will find the spires come into their own at night and quite a few Bangkok night tours pass by to admire the roof from outside.
Bangkok’s Don’t-Miss Temples
Nestled among the skyscrapers, Bangkok’s myriad of temples can seem overwhelming. With limited time, most travelers focus on the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho), known for its 151-foot (46-meter) gilded Buddha, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), a spectacularly decorated temple inside the Grand Palace, and the Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit), with its solid gold Buddha.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!