The pagoda of Wat Ratchapradit faced with small marble tiles
This crowded little temple lies behind Saranrom Park, not far from the Grand Palace and Wat Po. It was built by Rama IV (King Mongkhut, 1851 to 1868).
Immediately inside the gate, you ascend a short stairway to a platform supporting the ubosot surrounded by several prangs and a large chedi (pagoda) behind. The ubosot, including its round columns, and the pagoda are completely surfaced with small square tiles of gray to white marble tiles. This gives some of the features, especially the chapel's columns, a sort of checkerboard pattern.
On either side of the ordination hall are large prangs with a noticeable Khmer influence. The faces looking out from each side of the towers are very similar to the Angkor Thom temple near Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The green-painted doors and windows of the prangs have some simple but excellent details.
Inside, the ubosot is dark and cool compared to the hot outside. The main Buddha image on the alter is backed by a shimmering blue mosaic of mirrors. The ceiling is typically finished in red and gold, with crystalline stars in gold rosettes.
Getting There
The easiest way to get to Wat Ratchapradit is by boat. Take the Chao Phraya River Express to the Tha Thien pier, then walk through the market and up the short street. Wat Po is directly across the intersection, on your right. Walk past Wat Po to the end of the block and cross the busy intersection. Saranrom Park is on the left and Wat Ratchapradit is right behind the park. See our map of Ratanakosin for location information.