Someone once described Wat Ratchasittharam Ratchaworawihan as “a temple that seems to have been forgotten, despite its remarkable history and status as a second-class royal monastery.”

Perhaps that feeling comes from its location in Thonburi, where several celebrated temples—including Wat Arun, Wat Rakhang and Wat Prayurawongsawat, regularly welcome streams of Thai worshippers and international visitors. In comparison, Wat Ratchasittharam remains quietly tucked away in Soi Itsaraphap 23, almost unnoticed by those following Bangkok’s familiar sightseeing routes.

Yet this sense of being overlooked is precisely what makes the temple worth discovering.

Located less than 200 metres from MRT Itsaraphap Station, Wat Ratchasittharam offers a meaningful one-day journey into Bangkok’s spiritual heritage, one that combines Buddhist art, meditation history, neighbourhood culture and a slower, more responsible way of travelling.

From the entrance of the soi, the first glimpses of the temple appear above the surrounding walls: the tips of ancient chedis and the rooflines of its historic viharns.

Continue walking into the temple grounds, and the scale of the complex gradually reveals itself. Two large chedis rise prominently above clusters of smaller stupas, creating a distinctive architectural composition. Two viharns stand to the right, while the main ordination hall, or ubosot, is situated farther to the left.

The atmosphere is noticeably different from Bangkok’s more famous temples. There are no large tour groups moving quickly from one landmark to another. Instead, visitors can pause, observe the architectural details and experience the temple as a living place of worship.

The atmosphere is noticeably different from Bangkok’s more famous temples. There are no large tour groups moving quickly from one landmark to another. Instead, visitors can pause, observe the architectural details and experience the temple as a living place of worship.

Wat Ratchasittharam was originally known as Wat Phlap, an ancient temple believed to date back to the Ayutthaya period.

Its importance grew during the reign of King Rama I, who ordered the construction of a new royal monastery beside the original temple and later combined the two sites. The temple became the residence of Phra Yanasangwon Thera, better known as Somdet Phra Sangkharat Suk, a highly respected meditation master.

King Rama I held him in great esteem and encouraged members of the royal family to study meditation under his guidance. As a result, Wat Ratchasittharam became one of Bangkok’s important centres for Vipassana meditation, a spiritual legacy that continues to define the character of the temple today.

During the reign of King Rama III, the monastery underwent further restoration. New structures were added, including chedis, viharns, a preaching hall and a Chinese-style residence. In 1831, the temple was officially given the name Wat Ratchasittharam.

One of its principal chedis was later restored during the reign of King Rama IV and received the royal name Phra Sirijumbhat Chedi.

These layers of royal patronage are reflected throughout the temple, but its true significance extends beyond architecture. Wat Ratchasittharam preserves the story of meditation practice, Buddhist education and the close relationship between Thailand’s monarchy and religious institutions during the early Rattanakosin period.

A visit may begin at Viharn Phra Phuttha Metta, where the principal Buddha image is carved from green jade. A representation of the Buddha’s footprint can also be found here.

From this viharn, continue to the central sanctuary before walking towards the ubosot. The approach offers one of the temple’s most unusual and meaningful architectural features.

At many Thai temples, an ordination hall is surrounded by a covered gallery lined with Buddha images. Wat Ratchasittharam is different. Instead of a continuous gallery, 24 small meditation residences known as kuti vipassana are arranged around the ubosot.

Each residence contains a platform for a Buddha image and a meditation seat for a monk. One of the kuti near the front-left side of the ubosot houses a statue of Somdet Phra Sangkharat Suk, honouring the meditation master whose teachings shaped the temple’s spiritual identity.

These modest structures are not simply decorative. They are physical reminders that meditation has been central to life at Wat Ratchasittharam for more than two centuries.

Inside the ubosot is the principal Buddha image, Phra Phuttha Chularak, together with valuable murals and decorative works. Access may occasionally be restricted during monastic prayers or religious activities. If this happens, visitors are encouraged to wait respectfully or admire the architecture from outside. The rhythm of temple life should always take priority over sightseeing.

Exploring the neighbourhood is an important part of the experience.

Near the entrance to Soi Itsaraphap 23 is Achcha Tea Shop and Homemade Bakery, a small café specialising in tea rather than coffee. Its selection includes Indian teas and delicately scented floral blends, making it a pleasant place to rest after walking around the temple.

Stopping at a locally owned café also allows visitors to contribute directly to the neighbourhood economy, an uncomplicated but meaningful part of responsible travel.

Near MRT Itsaraphap Station is another important heritage site: the Plai Na Muslim Cemetery, associated with Ton Son Mosque. Its presence reflects the long history of different religious communities living alongside one another in Thonburi.

Rather than viewing the area as a collection of isolated attractions, visitors can experience it as a living neighbourhood shaped by Buddhism, Islam, local businesses and generations of residents. Please remember that the cemetery remains a sacred place. Observe it respectfully and avoid entering or photographing people without permission.

On the day of our visit, the temple grounds were almost empty. Apart from us, there was only one international traveller exploring the complex.

The quietness was beautiful, but it also made the description of Wat Ratchasittharam as a “forgotten temple” feel surprisingly accurate.

It is unfortunate that a place with such important history, graceful architecture, Buddhist sculpture and traditional mural art remains unfamiliar to many visitors. At the same time, its peaceful atmosphere offers an opportunity to experience Bangkok differently—slowly, thoughtfully and without overwhelming the place or its community.

Wat Ratchasittharam does not need to become another crowded attraction. What it deserves is careful appreciation, sensitive conservation and visitors who understand that heritage is not merely something to photograph. It is something to respect and help preserve.

When visiting Wat Ratchasittharam:

• Dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering sacred buildings.
• Keep conversations quiet, especially near monks or meditation areas.
• Do not interrupt prayers, ceremonies or meditation sessions.
• Ask permission before photographing monks or local residents.
• Avoid touching murals, Buddha images and historic architectural surfaces.
• Support small businesses in the surrounding community.
• Carry reusable drinking bottles and avoid leaving waste behind.

A quiet temple, a cup of fragrant tea and a walk through one of Thonburi’s historic neighbourhoods may seem like a simple itinerary. Yet together, they reveal a side of Bangkok that is often missed, a city where royal history, spiritual traditions and multicultural communities continue to live side by side.

Let Pacific Leisure take you beyond Bangkok’s familiar landmarks and into the quieter stories that give the city its soul. Our thoughtfully curated journeys invite travellers to experience local heritage with respect, curiosity and care, helping preserve meaningful places for generations to come.

Editor in Chief : Nampetch Siramanon
Editor: Pacific Leisure (Thailand)
Content Creator : Mr. Saroj Na Ayutthaya