Wat Suwannaram

Wat Suwannaram is most famous due to the murals, which are considered the most artistic of that time. In the Suwannaram School next to the temple is also the district museum.

Dating back to Ayuthaya era, this temple was renovated and completed in 1831. Murals in main wihan (chapel) are some of the best of the early 19th century. This Ayutthayan temple is very famous for the murals painted by two historic artists, Thong Yu and Pae Khong. Murals painted by these two artists in other temples are more or less repainted, the ones here are kept original.

The murals tell the story of Lord Buddha. Experts say these the most beautiful murals in Thailand. Look closely at the one with the Lord Buddha and his mother. The main chapel has a unique shape of a boat symbolizing the carrier of Lord Buddha bringing buddhists to the enlightment. The gable is decorated by carved wood.

The ubosot has a three-tiered roof decorated with garuda heads, leaf-like decorations and mosaics, and its gable is carved elaborately from wood. Other features in the temple complex include a wihan, or prayer hall, built during King Rama V's reign, and monks' residences.

Wat Suwannaram is in Bangkok Noi, not too far from the Royal Barges Museum.