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Cable Car Across the River at a Unique Temple in Ayutthaya

It’s not every day you board a cable car to visit a temple, but then again Wat Niwet Thamprawat is no ordinary temple. Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Ayutthaya, Wat Niwet Thamprawat is the only Buddhist temple in Thailand which is designed to look like a Western cathedral.

Wat Niwet Thamprawat, Ayutthaya

The temple can be reached by taking an antiquated cable car (operated by monks) across the Chao Phraya River. If you’re planning a visit to nearby Bang Pa-In Palace, be sure to make time too for this unusual and historic temple.

taking the cable car across the Chao Phraya River at Wat Niwet Thamprawat, Ayutthaya

Design of Wat Niwet Thamprawat

Construction of Wat Niwet Thamprawat was completed in 1878 during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). With his penchant for European architecture, the Siamese monarch employed the services of an Italian architect, Joachim Grassi, to design the building which served as the royal temple for Bang Pa-In Palace on the opposite side of the river.

Wat Niwet Thamprawat, Chao Phraya River, Ayutthaya

Built in the Gothic Revival style, Wat Niwet Thamprawat includes a number of details you would expect to see in a Christian church rather than a Buddhist temple with the spires and stained glass windows providing a striking contrast to the standard design features seen at other Thai temples.

inside Wat Niwet Thamprawat, Ayutthaya

The main Buddha image rests on a plaster base which is designed in the shape of a cross. A separate shrine houses an ancient seated stone Buddha image that is believed to date back around a thousand years.

Royal connections

Wat Niwet Thamprawat was one of many European influenced structures that were built during the reign of King Chulalongkorn. Known as the modernising monarch, King Chulalongkorn was a man ahead of his time and remains a revered figure in Thailand to this day. Visitors to Wat Niwet Thamprawat pay homage at statues of the king with his image also featuring on one of the stained glass windows.

King Chulalongkorn (Rama V)

The spacious temple grounds feature a large Bodhi tree with branches spreading out over a seated Buddha image. The grounds also contain a stone garden with relics of Prince Damrong Rajanubhab. The prince was a half-brother of King Chulalongkorn and became one of the king’s most trusted advisors who played a key role in reforms that helped modernise Siam. A renowned scholar and skilled administrator, the prince is credited with many achievements. He promoted Thai history, literature, arts and culture and is remembered as the founder of the modern Thai educational system.

Buddha statues at Wat Niwet Thamprawat
Wat Niwet Thamprawat

How to get to Wat Niwet Thamprawat

Wat Niwet Thamprawat is located opposite Bang Pa-In Palace in Ayutthaya. With the temple located over the river, the most convenient way to access it is to take the cable car. The old-fashioned looking system of pulleys works well with the system operated by monks from the temple which all adds to the charm of a visit here. To reach the cable car, head to the main car park area adjacent to the front entrance of Bang Pa-In Palace. Wat Niwet Thamprawat is open daily from 8am-6pm. There is no charge to enter the temple or to use the cable car, but donations are encouraged to enable the maintenance of the cable car.

Category: Tourist AttractionsTag: Ayutthaya

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About Roy Cavanagh

Roy Cavanagh is a former stand-up comedian who now works as a freelance writer and website designer. Passionate about Thailand and Thai culture, Roy is also the editor of the online magazine, Fan Club Thailand.

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Thank you for your interest in Thaizer. My name is Roy Cavanagh and I’ve been fortunate enough to live in Thailand and travel to every region of the country over a number of years. Thaizer.com is where I share my knowledge and experience with you. Just like any destination, Thailand has its good points and its bad points and I try to offer honest and practical advice.

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