Wat Pariwat: A Spiritual Oasis in Bangkok

The Bear Team 7 min read

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If you’re hoping for exploration after seeing Bangkok’s more traditional sceneries, refresh your youths and kids with a visit to Wat Pariwat. It will be an unforgettable experience in your travel life.

Wat Pariwat Ratchasongkhram, also known as Wat Pariwat, is a temple on the Chao Phraya River near Rama 3 Road. It is an enthusiastic place of worship and a collection of pop culture citations that is occasionally nicknamed the "David Beckham Temple" for its sculpture of the famous soccer celebrity below the main altar. 

In the past, it was classified as built around the end of Ayutthaya to the outset of Rattanakosin.

Wat Pariwat may be out of the way, but it’s a wonderful one worth the journey. So, continue reading to learn more, and let's see how gorgeous it is now! 

 Fun Fact!

You can get a lot of pop art in Wat Pariwat. Abundant of them must be your childhood characters, such as Superman, Captain America, and Pikachu. Local monks developed this temple to stimulate the invention of a younger generation. It’s easy for travelers of all generations to spend several hours here exploring this wonderful place.

A Perfect Remedy for Travel Fatigue

Thailand's temples are a marvel to behold, but after a few days of navigating through the crowds, your enthusiasm to explore the country may wane. This is where Wat Pariwat in Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) comes into play. Once you've explored the main attractions, consider taxiing to Wat Pariwat, a genuinely unique temple along the Chao Phraya River.

Situated on the Phra Nakhon side near Rama III Road, this temple was initially known as "Wat Pariwat," likely functioning as a sanctuary or a smaller temple in its early history. It is believed to have been built between the Ayutthaya period's end and the Rattanakosin era's beginning. Later, it underwent renovations and was renamed "Wat Pariwat Ratchasongkram."

Temple visitors offer their respects to monks and engage in acts of merit. In addition to the traditional rituals, you'll also find a collection of artistic works and statues. The surroundings of the ubosot (ordination hall) provide an excellent vantage point for appreciating these artistic pieces. Its stunning modern stucco work sets Wat Pariwat apart, which distinguishes it from other temples.

The temple features contemporary art elements, including superhero cartoon characters and iconic figures from the past. These playful characters have been integrated to engage younger audiences or those eager to learn about Buddhism. Keen-eyed travelers may spot miniature versions of popular characters such as Pikachu, Albert Einstein, Winnie the Pooh, Captain America, and Mickey Mouse, among others, amidst the more traditional figurines.

Inside the temple, the walls are adorned with benjarong ware, creating a unique mural of colored stones and gems. Notably, you'll find "Phra Phuttha Sukhothai," a significant Buddha image housed in the ubosot. This image is over 700 years old, adding to the historical significance of this extraordinary sculpture. While Wat Pariwat may not boast the same grandeur as Wat Pho, it tends to attract a mix of families with young children and Instagram bloggers seeking to capture its unique atmosphere.

Despite its distinctive charm, Wat Pariwat primarily serves as a spiritual space for the local community, with more locals than foreign visitors. While taking photos is encouraged, dress respectfully and be mindful of those who have come to pray.

Trivia

Wat Pariwat is a lovely temple for making merits, offering food to monks and nuns, meditation, and giving money to the temple. Furthermore, you can give food to lucky fish. The temple donates bread and food for fish so that you can contribute at the food corner.

Exploring the Unique Sculptures of Wat Pariwat

In contrast to the many prominent temples strategically situated in tourist areas, Wat Pariwat is a bit of an offbeat gem along Bangkok's Chao Phraya River. This temple boasts a variety of structures, including the central tower housing a colossal Buddha statue, smaller buildings for various events, and an ordination hall adorned with a captivating collection of international and non-traditional statues that have become the main attraction of this place.

Notably, the temple features unconventional statues, including a golden sculpture of David Beckham from his Manchester United days and other pop culture icons like Pikachu, Doraemon, Captain America, and more. Here is a list of some of the unique figures you can discover at this distinctive temple:

• Obama Taking a Selfie
• Dobby, the House Elf from Harry Potter
• Falkor, the Luck Dragon from Never Ending Story
• A Big-Breasted Bunny with a Selfie Stick
• An Elephant-Fish Hybrid
• Captain America
• Winnie the Pooh Climbing a Tree
• A Japanese Doraemon Figurine
• A Portrait of Albert Einstein
• A Mutant Panda
• A Sword-Wielding Rat Warrior

While embarking on the exciting sculpture quest at Wat Pariwat, don't overlook the opportunity to delve deeper into its historical aspects. The remarkable craftsmanship of Wat Parimat is a must-see. Including modern figures serves the purpose of engaging and captivating younger generations.

A sculpture like Donald Duck in a temple setting may initially seem unusual, but it all comes together remarkably well. The intricate craftsmanship ensures that these modern-day figures blend seamlessly with the temple's traditional elements, preventing them from appearing overly comical. While it may not be the most visually dazzling temple in the city, it undeniably ranks among the most remarkable.

Guidelines for Respecting Tradition When Visiting

Wat Pariwat is a temple, and when you attend a temple in Thailand, there are some rules to know and obey.

• You should dress adequately (knees and shoulders should be covered).

• Always take off your shoes when entering the buildings. 

• Be quiet to show respect. 

• Don't hug or kiss your partner. 

• Don't point your feet to Buddha's image. 

• Don't smoke.

Why Visit Wat Pariwat in Bangkok?

Some people use temple-hopping for extensive merit-making, while others visit temples to appreciate their elegant architecture. If you fall into the latter category, Wat Pariwat in Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) is a must-visit temple renowned for its exceptionally unique art that will leave you in awe.

Wat Pariwat features stunning traditional artwork depicting naga snakes and angels meticulously etched in stone and adorned with gems. What sets this temple apart is the juxtaposition of these traditional elements with pop culture icons held in equal reverence. However, it's important to note that these modern figures are not meant for worship; they are designed to captivate and engage younger generations in the temple-hopping culture.

The temple is often affectionately called the "David Beckham temple" due to the presence of a golden sculpture of Beckham from his Manchester United years. It's a testament to the fact that even temples can be places of reverence for football fanatics, as the abbot is a dedicated Manchester United fan.

Among the other celebrity figures you can encounter during your visit are Wolverine, Popeye, and even Che Guevara. It's challenging to list them all, and part of the fun lies in discovering your favorite icons in this unique and splendid setting while immersing yourself in the experience.

Wat Pariwat also offers the opportunity for worship and relaxation. You can pay your respects to Ganesha and feed the fish at the Riverside Fish Market. The waterfront of Wat Pariwat serves as the place of worship for Ganesha. Worshippers typically light seven incense sticks and offer a variety of fruits, including coconuts, bananas, sugarcane, pineapples, durians, longans, lychees, grapes, and oranges.

Furthermore, visitors to the temple often purchase bread to feed the pangasius fish living in the area. It's also an excellent spot to unwind and relieve tension, offering picturesque views, particularly of the industrial ring bridge.

How to Visit Wat Pariwat in Bangkok

The most convenient way to reach Wat Pariwat is to use the BRT (bus rapid transit) system and disembark at the Wat Pariwat bus station. This station is situated on Rama III Road, close to the Chao Phraya River, and is second in popularity only to the Chatuchak Weekend Market.

Considering this unique approach to encourage younger people to visit temples, it's worth taking a bus ride. Here are a few transportation options for getting to Wat Pariwat:

• Traveling by Private Car

  • If you're approaching Sathupradit Road, continue straight until you reach Rama 3 Road, then make a left turn at the intersection.

  • Look out for the BRT station, Wat Pariwat station. Just before you enter the industrial ring, you'll find a U-turn opportunity, and Wat Pariwat will be on your left.

• Traveling by Train

  • Take the BTS to Chong Nonsi Station and then transfer to the BRT bus to reach Wat Pariwat Station. This offers a seamless public transportation option to reach the temple.

 Did you know?

Enthusiastic tourists must request permission to visit the temple because it is not generally open to aliens to visit the pavilion in honor of His Majesty the King's 50th birthday.

Maps & More Information 

Wat Pariwat is an amazingly distinctive place in the middle of Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok). It's a real gem that has been plunged upon. There are many varied, unique characters, and the inside of the temple is impressive. The ordination hall in this temple has a spectacular & fantastic decoration with internationally prominent characters from animation, movies, and influential people in history. So, it is worth a visit during your Bangkok tour.