Wat Ratchapradit is a small Buddhist temple located to the north of Suan Saranrom. Also written as Wat Rajapradit, or in full Wat Rajapradit Sathitmahasimaram Rajaworavihara, this temple was built by King Rama IV in 1864 for the monks of the Dhammayutika sect.
The central building of Wat Ratchapradit is its viharn, or main chapel, called Phra Vihara Luang. During construction of the temple, it was discovered that the soft soil of the area would threaten to cause the structures to sink down. To strengthen the base, King Rama IV ordered that the foundation be enforced with garlic pots as landfill.
At the time of my visit, Wat Ratchabophit was undergoing restoration. Inside the Phra Vihara Luang, one can see murals showing royal ceremonies of the calendar year. There is also an illustration showing King Rama IV using the telescope as part of his astronomical studies.
Wat Ratchanaddaram (29 August 2006)
Getting there
Wat Ratchapradit is located to the west of Wat Ratchabophit, along Thanon Rachini and Thanon Saranrom. The easiest way to reach this part of Bangkok is by taxi. Otherwise, you can also take the BTS Skytrain to the Saphan Taksin Station (S6)) and then catch a ferryboat to Thien Pier (N8).