Wat Suthat Thepwararam is a Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand.

Wat Suthat Thepwararam is a Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand. It is a royal temple of the first grade, one of ten such temples in Bangkok. Construction was begun by King Rama I in 1807. In the beginning, it was initially called "Wat Maha Sutthawat" and was located in the combretum grove.

Built in the early 19th century to house the large 25-foot-tall Phra Sri Sakyamuni Buddha statue, this temple features the huge red frame of a giant swing once used in annual ceremonies to celebrate and thank Shiva.

Wat Suthat, better known for the towering red Giant Swing that stands at its entrance, is one of the oldest and most impressive temples in Bangkok. It features an elegant chapel with sweeping roof, magnificent wall murals, and exquisite hand-carved teakwood door panels. Located in the Old City area, just east of the Royal Field, you can easily combine a visit to Wat Suthat with Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Grand Palace, and Wat Pho.

Wat Suthat is perhaps more famous for the Giant Swing than its impressive interior architecture, which is a must-see after the splendour of nearby Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. The
cloistered courtyard, surrounding the main chapel, boasts 156 Buddha images along the outer walls and four entry gates individually hand-carved with intricate details.

Wat Suthat is a royal temple of the first grade, meaning it’s one of the most important Buddhist temples in Bangkok and the whole of Thailand. Construction on the temple started in the early 19th century. It is a very ornately decorated temple, with intricate carvings, many statues of Buddha and other figures, Chinese-style pagodas, and extensive murals--well worth checking out.

Many travelers visit Wat Suthat while touring the Old City area of Bangkok, and it’s easy to combine with visits to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. Some guided tours also include Wat Suthat. Bike tours, walking tours, tuk tuk tours, and private tours where you choose your own itinerary can all include Wat Suthat.

Wat Suthat is opposite the Bangkok City Hall, which is a good point of reference. Taxi and tuk tuk drivers should know where to go, and this is the easiest way of reaching Wat Suthat from other parts of the city or from BTS or MRT stations.

Things to know before you go
Thais can enter Wat Suthat for free but foreigners must pay an entry fee.
Dress modestly when visiting Wat Suthat (and all Thai temples); cover your shoulders, knees, and chest.
Be prepared to remove your shoes and leave them outside the temple.