Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
sect, a reformed version of Thai Buddhism. The murals in the panels of the
ùbohsòt
(chapel) of this temple are noteworthy, and include Thai depictions of Western life (pos-
sibly copied from magazine illustrations) during the early 19th century. Because of its
royal status, visitors should be particularly careful to dress properly for admittance to this
wát - shorts and sleeveless clothing are not allowed.
Rama IV (King Mongkut; r 1851-68), who set out to be a scholar, not a king, founded
the sect and began the royal tradition of ordination at this temple. In fact, Mongkut was
the abbot of Wat Bowon for several years. Rama IX (King Bhumibol Adulyadej; r
1946-present) and Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, as well as several other males in the roy-
al family, have been ordained as monks here.
TH BAMRUNG MEUANG RELIGIOUS SHOPS
(Th Bamrung Meuang; 9am-6pm; klorng boat to Tha Phan Fah)
The stretch of Th Bamrung
Meuang (one of Bangkok's oldest streets and originally an elephant path leading to the
Grand Palace) from Th Mahachai to Th Tanao is lined with shops selling all manner of
Buddhist religious paraphernalia. You probably don't need a Buddha statue or a creepily
lifelike model of a famous monk, but browsing is always fun. Behind the storefronts,
back-room workshops produce gigantic bronze Buddha images for wát all over Thailand.
SHOPPING DISTRICT
