Is that a golden lion you see? Here at Wat Kanchana Singhat Worawiharn, the name itself means “golden lion temple”. Before it earned this majestic title, locals knew it simply as Wat Thong, or “gold temple”. This name harkens back to its founding by the wealthy magnate Thong. He built this temple alongside his brother, Ngoen, who established the nearby Wat Ratchada Thitthan. Wat Kanchana Singhat Worawiharn, steeped in the legacy of the Ayutthaya period, stands as a testament to Thai devotion. Princess Rupsirisophak Mahanaknari, mother of Queen Amarindra, elevated its status to a third-class royal temple during the reign of King Rama I. The temple underwent a significant renovation during the reign of King Rama III, and it was King Rama IV who bestowed upon it its current name, Wat Kanchana Singhat. Take a moment to admire the temple’s bai sema, the boundary stones, which display the exquisite artistry typical of the Ayutthaya period. The ordination hall, constructed in the Mon style, houses a revered Buddha image in the subduing Mara posture and is flanked by four grand prangs, echoing the design of Wat Ratchada Thitthan. The Fine Arts Department recognized its historical significance, listing Wat Kanchana Singhat Worawiharn as a registered ancient monument in 1953. As you explore the grounds, remember that you are walking through centuries of history, faith, and royal patronage, a hidden gem in the heart of Bangkok.
Garuda Museum
Behold the Garuda, a four-meter sculpture spreading its wings. This is the entrance to Southeast Asia’s one and only Garuda