Saturday, November 5, 2025
Wat Benchamabophit, The Marble Temple

Wat Benchamabophit, formally known as Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram, is one of the best-known and renowned religious landmarks in Bangkok. And it is a major tourist attraction. The temple is known for its refined architectural composition in the ornate style associated with temples of Bangkok. The central-Thailand style includes high gables, multi-tiered roofs, and elaborate finials. The Marble Temple combines traditional Thai aesthetics with European influences introduced during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V) after he had visited Europe.

Construction of the temple began in 1899 at the request of King Chulalongkorn after the construction of his palace nearby was complete. The temple’s formal name means “the Temple of the fifth King located near Dusit Palace.” It was designed by Prince Naris, a half-brother of the king, and is built of Italian marble. Unlike the Iron Temple I had visited before, Wat Benchamabophit has a large and dramatic entrance area. Stepping into the temple grounds through an ornate gate, I took this photo of the main assembly (worship) hall:

A closer view of the entrance guarded by two singha creatures shows the subtle and elegant styling.

The elaborate multi-tiered roof with elaborate finials is evident in the first photo, and another view shows more detail from a different angle.

Walking over to the left side, the scale of this hall is seen.

Across the creek in an open field is this bell tower, also constructed primarily of marble.

The back of the large hall is as elegant as the front and almost identical. Where there were doors at the front, at the back is a large standing Buddha statue.

Behind the large hall was a field with several Buddha statues positioned almost in a circle. This is perhaps a meditation garden. Here are three of the statues:

I was disappointed that the doors to the large assembly hall were closed – I would have liked to have seen the inside. I first visited this temple about 10 years ago and came away being fairly unimpressed. Now, knowing more about Thai Buddhist temples and more about the history of Thailand, I have a better appreciation for what I saw.

Next: First day in Chiang Mai