Wat Benchamabophit - Marble Temple

Located in Dusit, Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram or The Marble Temple, is one of Bangkok's most modern and yet striking temples. Building began in 1899, shortly after completion of nearby Dusit Palace, when King Chululongkorn (King Rama V) asked his half-brother, Prince Narris, to design him a temple.

The result is a dazzling Ubosot (ordination hall) cast in white Carara Italian marble and with three-tiered roof - an excellent example of modern Thai architecture, with beautiful features from near and afar. This T-shaped structure contains an exquisite Sukothai-style Buddha replica called Phra Buddha Chinarahat, the original of which is located in Wat Mahatat. Interned in the base beneath it are the ashes of King Chulalongkorn.

The courtyard exhibits 52 local and foreign Buddha images from the period (33 originals and 20 copies). Each one is different in style and pose, with highlights including the Buddha in walking posture statue, and subduing Mara posture statue. Behind the cloister is a large Bodhi Tree, bought as a gift for King Rama V from Bod Gaya, the place of Buddha's enlightenment. There is also a 'Sala Nam' (water pavilion) and, in between the monks and people area, several bridges in a variety of styles.