Wat Bupparam was originally built in the late 15th century on the site of a royal palace, though much of the architecture is recent. There are two viharn, one small and one big, both of which are quite old and, unusually, face north rather than east.
There’s also an elaborately decorated chedi and a large well, but the building that catches most visitors’ eye is a two-storey building with steeply pitched roofs and intricate statues all around of mythical creatures. This is the Hor Monthientham, which was built in 1996 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of King Bhumibol’s reign.
Though it’s not one of the city’s most famed temples, its location on Tha Pae Road and its rather eccentric adornments, which include no less than a model of Donald Duck, appeal to most visitors’ sense of humor.
Getting There
You can walk there from anywhere in the city center, or hop on a songthaew or hire a tuk-tuk.
Need to Know
- What is it? A temple with an odd mix of architectural styles
- Address: Tha Pae Road
- Where: About 300 meters east of Tha Pae Gate on Tha Pae Road, on the south side of the road.
- Opening hours: 06:00-20:00
- Entrance fee: Free.