Assumption Cathedral in Bangkok: history, Mass times and how to get there

Updated on October 5, 2026

Assumption Cathedral, on Oriental Avenue in Bang Rak district, is the main church of Bangkok's Catholics and the seat of the archdiocese. Building began in 1809 at the request of a French missionary, Father Pascal, and was completed in 1821 under King Rama II. The present Romanesque Revival building in red brick was rebuilt between 1910 and 1918; two tall square towers flank the entrance. It has hosted both papal visits to Thailand: John Paul II in 1984 and Francis in 2019. Visiting is free; the church is open every day, from about 8:30am to 5pm. Allow 30 to 45 minutes.

Highlights

The red-brick façade

Below the rose window, an inscription recalls the Jubilee of the year 2000. The two square towers and the arcading give the whole a Romanesque look very different from the neighbouring Thai temples.

The nave and the vault

Inside, the coffered vault is richly decorated in gold and bright colours, and the stained glass tints the light. The decor is a surprise in a district of river and luxury hotels.

The story of a community

The church bears the marks of the French missionaries' presence in Bangkok and of damage in the Second World War: nearby buildings were destroyed by Allied bombing, and the church had to be restored. Three schools share the grounds: Assumption College, Assumption Convent School and Assumption Suksa School.

Infos pratiques

Tips

Free entry. Respectful dress required: shoulders and knees covered, no shorts or tank tops. The church is an active place of worship: speak quietly and avoid taking photos during services. Mass times noted: Sundays at 8:30am, 10am (in English) and 5pm; Saturday anticipated Mass at 4:30pm; weekday Mass at 6am in the chapel. They may change: check on site.

How to get there

Oriental Avenue, Bang Rak, Bangkok, near the Mandarin Oriental hotel and the French embassy. Get off the Chao Phraya express boat at Oriental pier, leave the pier, turn left onto Oriental Avenue and walk about 5 minutes: the church is on your right. To continue your walk, see the Bangkokian Museum and our guide to Charoen Krung and Bang Rak.