Is the Chinnarat Buddha in the main hall the original from Phitsanulok?
No. The main hall houses a bronze replica modelled on Phra Phuttha Chinnarat. The original is enshrined at Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat in Phitsanulok.
Wat Benchamabophit · Marble TempleWat Benchamabophitวัดเบญจมบพิตร
Bangkok · Temple with marble architecture and a Buddha-image gallery
At Wat Benchamabophit, light marble and stained glass sit beneath a Thai-style roof. The temple in Bangkok’s Dusit district is known as the Marble Temple because marble imported from Italy was used in its construction.
After admiring the marble exterior and Thai-style roof, look inside the main hall at the Phra Buddha Chinnarat image and the bronze Buddhas lining the outer gallery. The pale stone, coloured windows, golden Buddha and gallery columns each have a different character, making this a good place to enjoy architecture and Buddhist art together.
Location and getting there
The pin marks the place, not necessarily its entrance, ticket office or vehicle drop-off point.
Area
วัดเบญจมบพิตร Khwaeng Dusit, Dusit District, Bangkok 10300
Travel by road after taking the BTS
The Tourism Authority describes reaching the temple by road from Phaya Thai BTS station. Enter Wat Benchamabophit, Dusit as the destination. The temple is not directly beside the station.
Essential visitor information
- Main hall visiting hours
- Until 17:00
- Admission information
- 100 baht
What can you see?
Italian marble beneath a Thai-style roof
The temple was designed by Prince Narisara Nuwattiwong during the reign of Rama V. Italian Carrara marble and stained glass were added to traditional Thai architecture, creating light surfaces and colours unlike brick ruins or wooden halls.
From a distance, the symmetrical rooflines and halls stand out first. Up close, look separately at the stone surfaces and windows. Visitors who enjoy architecture can compare traditional building forms with materials brought from Europe in one place.
A bronze replica based on the Phra Buddha Chinnarat
The golden Buddha image in the main hall is a bronze replica based on the Phra Buddha Chinnarat. The original is enshrined at Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat in Phitsanulok. Here in Bangkok, you can see the form of the Chinnarat image through a separately made statue.
Notice the contrast between the blue-toned interior and the golden image behind it. After seeing the light marble outside, step into the main hall to experience the different colours and atmosphere inside.
The outer gallery lined with bronze Buddha images
Bronze Buddha images also line the gallery around the hall. Rather than stopping at the main building, walk around the gallery to see the images and architecture together. The repeated figures between the columns are another feature of the temple.
After seeing the bright marble exterior, continue to the Phra Buddha Chinnarat image in the main hall and the outer gallery. Look closely at the statues, then walk through the gallery and take in the columns and roof. The main hall is listed as open until 17:00, so leave enough time for the interior visit.
Before you visit
Suggested clothing for a temple visit
For all visitors, we recommend wearing clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. A sleeved top with long trousers or a skirt that covers the knees is a good choice. Please dress modestly rather than wearing a sleeveless top or short bottoms.
Frequently asked questions
What can I see besides the marble?
After viewing the Thai-style roof and stained glass, look around the Chinnarat Buddha in the main hall and the bronze Buddha images lining the outer gallery. The main hall is listed as open until 17:00, so visit before then if you want to see inside.
Related places and travel information
Sources checked:
Sharing image credit: Philip Nalangan / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0