Thai Woman Walking At Wat Bowonniwet Vihara, Or Wat Bowon Royalty-Free Stock Photo

Wat Bowon Niwet is regarded as being one of Bangkok’s most important temples, not least because it was here a number of kings (including Thailand’s current king, King Bhumibol) served their time in the monkhood. The national headquarters of the Thammayut Buddhist sect, the temple was built in 1829 and houses a very ornate ‘shrine-hall’ and a Buddha image from the 14th century. The temple also houses Mahamakut Buddhist University. Its main gate is opened once a week on lunar observance days and special events. The gate is finished in gold-leaf and its extremely ornate design includes coloured glass. Wat Bowon Niwet is a good place to visit if you have the time, but is perhaps not as important as some of the main sites if you have limited time.