• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to after header navigation
  • Skip to site footer

Thailand Travel ADVICE

Thaizer Thailand

Thaizer

Thailand news, tips & advice

  • Home
  • Start Here
  • About
    • Contact
  • Blog
  • Destinations
  • Do’s & Don’ts
  • Events & Festivals
  • Weather

The Marble Temple: Wat Benchamabophit, Bangkok

Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaran is often referred to by Bangkok locals as ‘Wat Ben’, but overseas visitors may know it better as the Marble Temple. One of Thailand’s most famous temples, Wat Benchamabophit features on the back of Thailand’s 5-Baht coin.

Wat Benchamabophit on the back of a 5-Baht coin

Work began on constructing Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaran in 1899 during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V). Much like the nearby Dusit Palace and Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, there is a European influence in the design of Wat Benchamabophit with Italian white marble used extensively throughout the temple. Following the death and cremation of King Rama V, his ashes were placed in the base of the main Buddha image which can be found in the ordination hall. Wat Benchamabophit is classified as a top-ranking royal temple with connections to King Rama V and also to Rama IX (King Bhumibol Adulyadej) who stayed here as a young man when he ordained as a monk.

Wat Benchamabophit might not be as grand as Wat Pho or Wat Phra Kaeo, but it is an attractive cluster of buildings with beautiful design features including stained glass windows. And with Wat Ben attracting fewer tourists than the previously mentioned temples, it’s well worth a look if you are in the Dusit area.

Practicalities

The temple is officially open to visitors from 08.00 to 18.00. Entrance fee to the main temple is 20 Baht 50 Baht for non-Thais. The Marble Temple is located in Bangkok’s Dusit district on the corner of Si Ayutthaya Road and Phra Rama V. There are no BTS Skytrain or MRT metro stations in the immediate vicinity (Phaya Thai BTS station is a 30 minute walk away), but Bangkok taxi drivers should know where you mean if you say ‘Wat Ben’.

Category: Tourist AttractionsTag: Bangkok

Book your Thailand transport

Powered by 12Go system

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.

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Sidebar

Compare Thailand accommodation

  • Central Thailand
  • East Thailand
  • North Thailand
  • South Thailand

About Thaizer

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.

Read MORE

Recent Posts

  • Bangkok’s new train station: Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bang Sue Grand Station)
  • Thailand Entry Rules
  • Thailand news: January 2023
  • HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha
  • Visa rules for tourists travelling to Thailand
  • How to buy Thailand train tickets online
  • Public Holidays in Thailand, 2023
  • Chiang Mai City Pillar Inthakin Festival

Where to Go

When to Go

Plan your trip

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2023 · Thaizer · Privacy Policy