Wat Mahathat: meditation classes and the amulet market in Bangkok

Updated on October 5, 2026

Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit stands on Rattanakosin Island, between the Grand Palace and Thammasat University, facing Sanam Luang. It is one of the country's six first-class royal temples and a major centre of Buddhist study: Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Thailand's oldest institution of higher education for monks, has been based here since 1889. Hours and access to the halls vary between sources (about 7am to 5pm, free entry): in October 2026 no official hours could be confirmed. Allow 45 minutes for the visit, longer for a meditation class or the amulet market next door. The temple, of older origin (Wat Salak in the Ayutthaya period), became Bangkok's Wat Mahathat in 1803.

Highlights

The white galleries

White and red cloisters with intricate stucco decoration surround the ubosot and lead towards its orange roofs. The whole place is much quieter than the big neighbouring temples.

The courtyard and the viharn

A paved courtyard and a lawn lead to the large halls with their gilded gabled roofs. Monks and students pass through between classes.

Vipassana meditation

The temple houses one of Bangkok's oldest meditation centres, in "Section 5", a building in the south of the compound. English-language sessions, free for foreigners, are offered several times a day (according to sources, morning, afternoon and evening): ask on site, as times can change.

The amulet market

In the lanes around Maha Rat and Phra Chan roads, the Tha Phra Chan stalls sell Buddhist amulets, medallions and small statues. It is open in the daytime, every day (about 9am to 5pm). Looking is free; if you buy, compare prices and do not pay a "collector" price without knowing the subject.

Infos pratiques

Tips

Cover your shoulders and knees, and take your shoes off in the halls. Meditation classes are free but run on donations; wear white or plain clothes, keep silent and do not photograph practitioners. The temple remains a place of study: students and monks live here. It combines easily with the City Pillar Shrine, the Grand Palace or Wat Pho, 10 to 15 minutes on foot.

How to get there

3 Maha Rat Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200. Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Chang pier (N9) or Tha Maharaj, then 5 to 10 minutes on foot. MRT Blue Line, Sanam Chai station, about 20 minutes on foot.