Wat Ratchaburana (Wat Liab): The Old Temple by Memorial Bridge That Survived the War
Stroll through the Pak Khlong Talat flower market or cross Memorial Bridge on the Bangkok side and you'll notice a tall, weathered prang rising over Chakkraphet Road. That is Wat Ratchaburana Ratchaworawihan, better known to locals as Wat Liab. A second-class royal temple whose story begins in the late Ayutthaya period, it is also one of the few places in the city that still carries visible traces of the Second World War.
This guide covers the temple's history, what to see, what's nearby, and how to get there if you're staying at a hotel in Bangkok near Victory Monument, such as The Victory Bangkok Hotel.
Getting to Know Wat Ratchaburana
Wat Ratchaburana is a second-class royal temple of the Ratchaworawihan grade, belonging to the Maha Nikaya order. It sits at 119 Chakkraphet Road, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon District — right at the foot of Memorial Bridge, close to Pak Khlong Talat and Phra Pok Klao Bridge, and diagonally across from the famous Long Building of Suankularb Wittayalai School.
Where the Name "Wat Liab" Comes From
The temple was founded in the late Ayutthaya period by a wealthy Chinese merchant named Liab. Locals simply called it after its founder — "Wat Liab" — and the nickname has stuck to this day, even after the temple received its royal name.
What "Ratchaburana" Means
"Ratchaburana" translates roughly as "restored by the king." The name dates back to the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya eras, and temples of the same name still stand in Ayutthaya and Phitsanulok. Giving it to this temple carried an old royal tradition into the new capital of Rattanakosin.
History: From Ayutthaya to Rattanakosin
The Thonburi Era and the Restoration Under King Rama I
During the Thonburi period, Wat Liab was home to senior monks. In 1793, under King Rama I, the king's nephew Prince Krom Luang Thepharirak restored the entire temple with royal funding. It was elevated to royal temple status and given the name "Wat Ratchaburana."
Residence of Supreme Patriarchs and Celebrated Monks
During the reigns of King Rama II and King Rama III, the temple served as the residence of the Supreme Patriarch. It was also home to renowned monks such as Somdet Phra Si Sommotiratchakhru (Khrua I-To) and Khrua In Khong, the influential monk-painter of King Rama IV's reign who blended Western perspective into traditional Thai mural art.
Scars From the Second World War
Wat Liab stands next to the Wat Liab Power Station, a strategic target during the war. On 14 April 1945, Allied bombing destroyed almost every building in the temple grounds. Only two structures survived: the great prang at the front and the Japanese pavilion. After the war, the abbot and local residents rebuilt the temple together, and the current ordination hall was completed in 1960.
Highlights You Shouldn't Miss
The Great Prang: A Survivor of War
Built in the Khmer style during the reign of King Rama III, the prang is the heart of the temple and an iconic sight around Memorial Bridge. The Metropolitan Electricity Authority restored it in 1962 and again in 2007. Standing beneath a monument that has outlasted both time and bombs gives you a real sense of the old city's resilience.
The Ordination Hall (Ubosot)
Rebuilt after the war, the ubosot is calm and quiet inside — a good place to pay respect to the principal Buddha image and take a breather from the bustle of the surrounding market streets.
The Japanese Pavilion
Another fascinating spot is the Japanese pavilion, built in 1935 by the Japanese community in Thailand to hold the ashes of Japanese nationals who passed away in the country. One of only two structures to survive the 1945 bombing, it reflects the long-standing ties between Thailand and Japan. Under an agreement with the Japanese Association in Thailand, a Japanese monk still looks after it today.
Explore More Around Wat Liab
The temple's location makes it easy to plan a half-day or full-day walk:
- Pak Khlong Talat – Bangkok's largest flower market, just a few minutes' walk away and lively around the clock.
- Memorial Bridge (Saphan Phut) – A great spot for Chao Phraya River views and sunsets, with an evening market at the foot of the bridge.
- Phahurat and Sampeng – Right behind the temple, perfect for fabric shopping and local street food.
- Museum Siam and Wat Pho – Close by and easily reached from MRT Sanam Chai.
Dress Code and Temple Etiquette
- Dress modestly: no sleeveless tops, shorts or skirts above the knee.
- Remove your shoes before entering the ordination hall and avoid pointing your feet toward Buddha images.
- Take photos only where permitted and keep your voice down.
- Opening times may vary with temple activities, so plan to visit during the daytime.
How to Get to Wat Liab From The Victory Bangkok Hotel
The Victory Bangkok Hotel is on Soi Si Ayutthaya 12, off Rang Nam Road near Victory Monument, so there are several easy ways to reach Rattanakosin Island.
Taxi or Ride-Hailing App
The most convenient option, taking around 25–45 minutes depending on traffic. Just tell the driver "Wat Liab, Saphan Phut."
BTS + Chao Phraya Express Boat (The Scenic Route)
Take the BTS from Victory Monument, change at Siam for Saphan Taksin, then hop on the Chao Phraya Express Boat at Sathorn Pier and get off at Memorial Bridge (Saphan Phut) Pier. The temple is a short walk away — and you get river views along the way.
BTS + MRT
Ride the BTS from Victory Monument to Sala Daeng, transfer to the MRT Blue Line at Si Lom, and get off at Sanam Chai. From there, walk or take a short ride to the temple.
Stay Central at The Victory Bangkok Hotel — A Well-Connected Hotel in Bangkok
If you want to explore the old temples of Rattanakosin while enjoying the convenience of the city centre, The Victory Bangkok Hotel is a hotel in Bangkok that fits the bill. It's close to BTS Victory Monument and Phaya Thai stations, the Airport Rail Link at Phaya Thai, and an expressway entrance.
Facilities include a rooftop swimming pool, fitness centre, sauna and steam room, breakfast room and limousine service. After a full day exploring Wat Liab and Pak Khlong Talat, unwinding by the rooftop pool with evening city views is the perfect way to end the day. Rang Nam's restaurants and several shopping malls are also within walking distance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wat Liab
Are Wat Liab and Wat Ratchaburana the same temple?
Yes. "Wat Liab" is the original name, after the Chinese merchant who founded it, while "Wat Ratchaburana Ratchaworawihan" is the royal name bestowed during the reign of King Rama I.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, entry is free. Donations are welcome.
What's the nearest train station?
The nearest station is MRT Sanam Chai. If you're travelling by boat, get off at Memorial Bridge (Saphan Phut) Pier.
Where should I stay to visit Wat Liab and the old town?
The Victory Bangkok Hotel is a great choice: it's right in the city centre with easy connections to the BTS, the expressway and the Airport Rail Link.
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