Watthaphra Sub District

DISTRICT: Bangkok Yai

POSTCODE: 10600

Wat Tha Phra is a sub-district of Bangkok Yai and can be found to the west of the center of Bangkok. The area is serviced by the MRT Blue Line which gives it good access to the underground network of Bangkok.

The general area around Wat Tha Phra has a plethora of temples and most tourists that visit the area come to see this fine array of religious buildings. The temples include, Wat Tha Phra, Wat Arun, Wat Molilokkayaram, Wat Ratchasittharam, Wat Diduat, Wat Chao Mun, and Wat Mai Phiren.

Other historical sites in the area are Wichai Prasit Fort, and Wang Derm Palace.

Wichai Prasit Fort is a striking white building on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, and is now used to fire ceremonial guns on the required occasions as the Royal Barges cannot now access this part of the river.

Wang Derm Palace is the former royal palace of King Taksin, who was the ruler of the Kingdom of Siam after the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767. Later it served as a residence for many high-ranking members of the Chakri Dynasty. Then in 1900 it became the site for the Thai Royal Navy’s Academy.

Wat Tha Phra has great historical significance but has little in the way of trendy shopping malls or an extensive social scene. Tourists that tend to frequent this part of Bangkok do so as a day-trip and return to their hotels after.

Real Estate is still quite expensive around Wat Tha Phra as it has access to the MRT network and has great river views.