Wat Rakhangkhositaram Woramahawihan, Bangkok

It is located in Thon Buri. Originally, it was called Wat Bang Wa Yai and is a first-class royal temple of the Woramahawihan class. Built since the Ayutthaya period, later in the Thon Buri era, King Taksin the Great built a palace near Wat Bang Wa Yai and graciously ordered the restoration and elevated it to be a royal temple. It was also the residence of the Supreme Patriarch in the Rattanakosin period and Phra Tripitaka (Buddhist scriptures), which were transferred from Nakhon Si Thammarat. Interesting items in the temple include Tamnak Daeng that looks like a teak house. This is believed to have been used as a palace for meditation of the King of Thon Buri. Inside the palace there is evidence referring to this, which is the door dividing the room inside the original palace, paintings depicting different types of evil; in addition, and the image of the monks practising meditation. This is consistent with the character of King Taksin the Great. However, nowadays, these images have hardly any traces left to be seen. There is also very beautiful Thai architecture like the Tripitaka Hall that looks like three houses. It was built from wood that was demolished from the former royal palace and sitting room of King Rama I the Great when he was still serving in Thon Buri. The eaves are in the shape of the gods and lined up periodically, and the exterior wall cladding is painted red. Inside there is a large cabinet of scriptures painted with watering cans. It is enshrined at the north tower and the south tower. Inside is a painting by Achan Nak that tells the way of life of people in the Thon Buri period. Open daily 08.00-18.00 hrs. For further details contact, Tel. 0 2418 1079; website: www.watrakang.com