Wat Wachiratham Sathit Worawihan
Tucked along the banks of Khlong Phra Khanong in the heart of Bang Na, Wat Wachiratham Sathit Worawihan is the kind of neighbourhood temple that rewards visitors who wander off the main road — ornate, serene and almost entirely free of tour groups. Its riverside setting, gilded chedis and beautifully maintained grounds make it one of the most photogenic sacred sites in the eastern Bangkok district
The Temple and Its Setting
The wat sits directly on the canal, and the best first impression is from the water — if you arrive by long-tail boat along Khlong Phra Khanong you'll see the white-and-gold ordination hall reflected in the dark water before you even step ashore. On land, the complex is compact but richly detailed, with intricate mother-of-pearl inlay work on the main bot doors and a collection of Buddha images spanning several distinct artistic periods.
The surrounding grounds are shaded by mature trees and kept immaculately clean by the resident monks, giving the whole place a meditative calm that feels genuinely different from the grand, crowd-heavy temples of the old city. Early mornings, when monks in saffron robes perform alms rounds along the canal path, are especially memorable.
Exploring the Canal Neighbourhood
The canals and pedestrian lanes immediately around the temple constitute one of Bang Na's most authentic residential pockets — wooden stilt houses lean over the water, small spirit houses stand at every gate and the pace of life is noticeably slower than on the main Bangna-Trat Road just minutes away. A 20-minute walk along the canal bank in either direction reveals local markets, decades-old noodle shops and community gardens.
This is the Bang Na that existed long before the expressways and shopping malls arrived, and it is still very much alive. Bring a camera with a wide lens — the interplay of temple spires, canal reflections and tropical vegetation creates compositions that feel effortlessly cinematic.
Practical Notes for Visiting
The temple is free to enter and welcomes respectful visitors throughout the day. Standard Thai temple etiquette applies: cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes before entering any building and keep voices low inside the prayer halls. A light scarf or sarong in your bag solves the dress code instantly.
The easiest approach is by motorbike taxi from Bang Na BTS Station (around 30–40 THB), asking for Wat Wachiratham Sathit. Alternatively, the temple is reachable on foot in about 15 minutes from the station via a pleasant canal-side path that is worth the walk in its own right.
Wat Wachiratham Sathit Worawihan on video
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