Tucked away in a residential area, Wat Suwan Prasit is a hidden gem. It’s one of Bangkok’s original temples. Its bold architecture sets it apart. The buildings are covered in gold and green bas-reliefs. This creates a unique and calming atmosphere. The grounds are dotted with trees and flowers. The most striking building is the Ubosot. It sits at the center of a cloister. The cloister forms four covered galleries. These are called Phra Rabiang. Each gallery is filled with rows of identical Buddhas. The Ubosot’s facade maintains the green and gold theme. Dharmachakras, or Wheels of Dharma, adorn the upper exterior. The lower walls display multiple Buddhas in bas-relief. The interior is unique. It has few decorations and no murals. A large golden Buddha dominates the space. It resembles the Buddhas in the cloister. Its style is unusual for Thailand. It’s a modern take on the ancient Gandhara art. Gandhara was a region in Pakistan. It’s where the first representations of Buddha originated two millennia ago. The Buddhas here display the vitarka-mudra. This is a symbolic hand gesture associated with teaching. The right hand is raised. The thumb and index finger form a circle. The large interior Buddha reigns over the space. Three smaller Sukhothai-style statues stand before it. They add charm and originality not commonly seen in many city center temples. The Ubosot is rarely open.
Garuda Museum
Behold the Garuda, a four-meter sculpture spreading its wings. This is the entrance to Southeast Asia’s one and only Garuda