Wat Benchamabophit

    Highlighting traditional Thai culture and architecture, this is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok. It is built with marble imported from Italy, making it commonly known as the Marble Temple amongst foreigners. The church is shaped like a square with five layers. There are 52 Buddha figurines arranged in various positions on the balcony behind the chapel. These statues were gathered by Prince Damrong Rajanubhab from both domestic and foreign locations. The main Buddha image is a copy of Phra Buddha Chinarat, who resides in Phitsanulok in northern Thailand. Queen Saovabha Phongsri constructed the Song Tham Thorne Hall as a memorial to Royal Crown Prince Vajirunhis. She also constructed the Sor Por Chapel, which serves as a library containing Buddhist texts. These days, it houses the statue of the Buddhist Norasingha as well as other important statues. The well tower is a tall structure with marble decorations. The temple’s vicinity has shops that sell gems, but beware of the scams, as there might be fake gems sold too!