Where is Wat Yannawa located in Bangkok?
Wat Yannawa stands on Charoen Krung Road in the Sathon district of Bangkok today. The temple was originally part of a community where Dawei people bought and sold buffalo near this site.
Questions about Wat Yannawa
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What is the original name of Wat Yannawa and why did it change?
The area thrived as a trading hub during early centuries of Thai history when locals called the site Wat Kok Khwai or Buffalo Temple. This trade activity led to the original name before the current designation emerged later.
Who commissioned the ship-shaped viharn at Wat Yannawa and when?
King Rama III commissioned a viharn shaped like a Chinese junk during his reign in the 19th century. He believed traditional ships were becoming obsolete due to new maritime technologies and wanted to preserve their image for future generations.
How many chedis are inside the ship-shaped viharn at Wat Yannawa?
Two chedis sit upon the deck of the ship-shaped viharn to represent masts while a larger one contains twenty wooden recesses and a smaller one holds sixteen. The altar at the rear functions as the wheelhouse within the design.
What painted images decorate the doors and windows of Wat Yannawa?
Painted images of yaku jars decorate the doors and windows of the viharn alongside a large Krathong lantern on the upper part of the door and back wall. This specific style matches the Loi Prathip Royal Lantern Festival used in royal ceremonies.