Wat Ratchanatdaram (Loha Prasat) Bangkok
Wat Ratchanatdaram is home to the Loha Prasat, Bangkok's unique 'Metal Castle' with 37 spires, offering stunning architecture and city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the heat and crowds
Wat Ratchanatdaram (Loha Prasat) Bangkok
Best Time
Escape the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Wat Ratchanatdaram is home to the Loha Prasat, Bangkok's unique 'Metal Castle' with 37 spires, offering stunning architecture and city views.
"A truly unique architectural gem offering a serene escape and panoramic views, often less crowded than other Bangkok temples."
📸 Golden Hour Photos
The sunset light hitting Loha Prasat is magical for photos. Aim for late afternoon visits!
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs and walking around. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the temple grounds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Loha Prasat (Metal Castle)
Central structure
Unique tiered structure with 37 metal spires, a true architectural marvel. Climb to the top for panoramic views.
The 37 Spires
Exterior of Loha Prasat
Each spire represents a Buddhist virtue. Admire the intricate metalwork and symbolic design.
Panoramic City Views
Top level of Loha Prasat
Enjoy breathtaking views of Bangkok's skyline from the highest point of the temple.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Respectful Attire is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Golden Hour Photos
The sunset light hitting Loha Prasat is magical for photos. Aim for late afternoon visits!
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs and walking around. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the temple grounds.
👗 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees. It's a sacred site, so respectful attire is essential.
💰 Affordable Costume Rental
Rent traditional Thai costumes for a fun photoshoot! It's surprisingly affordable, around 200 THB.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Golden Hour Photos
The sunset light hitting Loha Prasat is magical for photos. Aim for late afternoon visits!
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs and walking around. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the temple grounds.
👗 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees. It's a sacred site, so respectful attire is essential.
💰 Affordable Costume Rental
Rent traditional Thai costumes for a fun photoshoot! It's surprisingly affordable, around 200 THB.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Wat Ratchanatdaram, particularly its Loha Prasat or 'Metal Castle,' is lauded for its unique architecture and serene atmosphere, offering a less crowded alternative to other Bangkok temples. Visitors appreciate the free entry and the stunning city views from the top. Some find it less grand than other major temples, but its distinctiveness is a major draw.
"A breathtaking slice of Bangkok history and architecture.
Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan, known as the “Temple of the Royal Niece,” was commissioned by King Rama III in 1846 to honor his granddaughter, Princess Sommanass Waddhanawathy .
Its centerpiece is the stunning Loha Prasat (“Metal Castle”), a rare multi-tiered temple adorned with 37 metal spires symbolizing the virtues toward enlightenment .
Despite its central Old Town location—at Ratchadamnoen Klang and Maha Chai Road—the temple offers a calm, almost serene atmosphere. The Loha Prasat stands 36 m tall with three tiers (24 spires at the base, 12 in the middle, and a single top spire) and houses a Buddha relic at the summit .
The structure’s design is modeled after ancient temples in Shravasti (India) and Anuradhapura (Sri Lanka), both of which no longer exist—making this one of only three such metal-palace structures worldwide .
Visiting at sunrise or late afternoon offers the best lighting and atmosphere. The outer garden plaza, opened after the adjacent cinema’s demolition, now showcases a pavilion and statue of King Rama III
📍 Intersection of Ratchadamnoen Klang & Maha Chai Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
🕘 Open daily, 9 AM–5 PM (approx.)
💡 Tip: Best visited in the early morning or just before sunset for gorgeous light and fewer crowds.
#thailand #bangkok #thebestintheworld#traval#วัดราชนัดดา"
Nittreeya Wongsa
"Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan, often referred to as Loha Prasat, is a significant Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand. Here are some key facts:
* Historical Significance:
* It was constructed during the reign of King Rama III in the 19th century.
* It was built to honor Princess Somanass Waddhanawathy.
* It was completed in 1846.
* Architectural Uniqueness:
* The temple is famous for its "Loha Prasat," or Metal Castle, a multi-tiered structure with distinctive spires.
* It's known for its 37 metal spires.
* It has architectural influences from both Thai and Sri Lankan styles.
* Cultural Importance:
* It is a royal temple and an important place of Buddhist worship.
* It represents Thailand's rich historical and cultural heritage.
* Loha Prasat:
* Loha Prasat is considered to be one of only a few metal castles that have ever been built.
* It is a very unique structure within Bangkok.
* Royal Temple:
* It is a third-class royal temple of the Worawihan class.
Ps. There are lots of cat there. The old lady there is a cat lover"
Neda Nahid
"Beautiful temple which befits its nickname of Metal Castle. The spires are exquisitely designed and the whole structure stands majestically as a symbol of Thai creativity and craftsmanship. Definitely worth visiting for tourists who appreciate such good architecture. A small payment is required if you are interested to learn the making and history of Loha Prasat in Bangkok."
Avril Atkeg
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wat Ratchanatdaram is conveniently located at the intersection of Ratchadamnoen Klang and Maha Chai Road. You can easily reach it by taxi or Grab. The nearest MRT station is Sam Yot, from which it's a short walk or a quick tuk-tuk ride. Many visitors also find it accessible by bus.
Yes, Loha Prasat, also known as Wat Ratchanatdaram, is quite prominent and easy to spot due to its unique architecture. It's often mentioned in conjunction with nearby attractions like Wat Saket (Golden Mount), making navigation straightforward.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the main temple grounds and the Loha Prasat structure itself is generally free, making it a fantastic budget-friendly attraction. However, donations are always appreciated to help with the upkeep of this historic site.
The temple complex is typically open daily from early morning until late afternoon or early evening. While specific hours can vary slightly, it's best to visit between 8 AM and 5 PM to ensure full access to all areas, especially the Loha Prasat structure.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Loha Prasat, meaning 'Metal Castle,' is a truly unique Buddhist temple structure built in the 19th century. It's famous for its multi-tiered design featuring 37 metal spires, each representing a Buddhist virtue. It's one of the few structures of its kind remaining in the world. 
Yes, you can climb to the top of the Loha Prasat structure. The ascent offers a unique architectural experience as you pass by the numerous spires. The summit provides a rewarding panoramic view of Bangkok's cityscape.
For the best photographic opportunities, aim for the late afternoon. The golden hour light casts a beautiful glow on the metal spires, creating a magical atmosphere. Early morning also offers good light with fewer crowds.
Absolutely! Wat Ratchanatdaram is located in a temple-rich area. Nearby, you can visit Wat Saket (The Golden Mount) and Wat Ratchabophit, offering a comprehensive temple-hopping experience in Bangkok.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The exterior of the Loha Prasat itself is incredibly photogenic from various angles. The top level offers stunning panoramic shots of Bangkok. Consider capturing the intricate details of the metal spires and the symmetrical design.
Yes, many visitors rent traditional Thai costumes for photoshoots at temples like Loha Prasat. It's a popular activity and adds a beautiful cultural element to your pictures. Rentals are often affordable.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with affordable street food from nearby vendors and utilize public transport like buses or the MRT to keep costs down. The opportunity to rent traditional Thai costumes for photos is also surprisingly inexpensive, offering great value for memorable souvenirs.
Photography Enthusiasts
The symmetrical design and intricate details provide endless framing opportunities. Don't miss the panoramic views from the top of the Loha Prasat, which offer a sweeping vista of the Bangkok skyline.Consider renting a traditional Thai outfit for a more immersive and visually striking photoshoot. The contrast of vibrant traditional clothing against the ancient temple architecture is a popular and effective choice. Remember to be respectful of worshippers and avoid intrusive photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel: Loha Prasat
+3Visitors can ascend through the levels of the Loha Prasat, each offering a different perspective of the intricate design and the surrounding city. The climb itself is part of the experience, allowing you to appreciate the craftsmanship up close. The higher you go, the more expansive the views become, making the ascent well worth the effort. It's a testament to traditional Thai architecture and Buddhist symbolism.
Experiencing Wat Ratchanatdaram: Beyond the Metal Castle
Many visitors find the temple to be a less crowded alternative to some of Bangkok's more famous sites, allowing for a more personal and reflective experience. The combination of the striking Loha Prasat and the peaceful temple grounds makes it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in Thai culture and architecture. The proximity to other key attractions like Wat Saket also makes it easy to incorporate into a day of sightseeing.
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