Pay homage to Luang Pho Phra Saen and Luang Pho Thongkham

🏘 Wat Hong Rattanaram Ratchaworawihan, a second-class royal temple, was originally built during the Ayutthaya period. It was initially named Wat Chao Sua Hong or Wat Chao Khrua Hong, after the Chinese merchant who founded it around 1771. King Taksin later ordered its restoration and expansion, renaming it Wat Hong Awat Wihan. 🧱 During the reign of King Rama III, the temple underwent further restoration but was left incomplete due to his passing. King Rama IV completed the restoration, and in 1915, during the reign of King Rama VI, the temple was renamed Wat Hong Rattanaram. Key highlights within the temple include: 🏠 The Ubosot (ordination hall), built during the Thonburi period and restored during the reigns of King Rama III and IV. Inside, there are stucco swan sculptures adorned with glazed tiles, murals depicting the life of the Buddha, and glass-framed frescoes illustrating the legend of the Emerald Buddha. The principal Buddha image, in the Maravijaya posture, is an early Rattanakosin art piece. In front of it is Phra Saen, a bronze Buddha image in the Lan Xang art style. 🏡 The Vihara (assembly hall), once abandoned, has been restored. Inside is Luang Pho Thongkham (or Luang Pho Suk), a Sukhothai-style Buddha image in the Maravijaya posture, made of gold alloy. 🛖 The Ho Trai (scripture hall), a traditional Thai elevated structure with a gabled roof, features lacquer and gold leaf decorations on its panels, showcasing exquisite Rattanakosin craftsmanship. 🏞 The Holy Water Pond, constructed during the Thonburi period, was used for sacred rituals by King Taksin, who invited the first Supreme Patriarch of Thonburi, Somdet Phra Sangharaja (Dee), to consecrate the water. The king himself used the water during important royal ceremonies. 🏕 The Shrine of King Taksin, built by the public to honor the spirit of the king, is located by the Bang Luang Canal. ♨️ Wat Hong Rattanaram Ratchaworawihan: No. 72, Wang Derm Road, Wat Arun Subdistrict, Bangkok Yai District, Bangkok. 🎯 Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/a2AHMtBTEQ9BQyXx9 🕗 Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00.