Wat Yannawa
“The boat temple”
Boat shaped viharn first half of the 19th century
Bangkok
On the banks of the Chao Phraya river in Sathorn district is the Wat Yannawa, a temple little known to foreign visitors.
The Wat Yannawa that is also known as “the boat temple” is a 3rd class Royal Temple. Most distinctive feature of the large complex is the viharn built in the shape of a Chinese junk vessel, a 19th century sailing ship.
Ayutthaya era temple
The Wat Yannawa is one of the older temples in Bangkok; it was built during the time of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, before the founding of the Rattanakosin Kingdom and the city of Bangkok.
At that time the temple was called Wat Kok Khwai.
The viharn in the shape of a Chinese sailing ship
During the reign of King Nangklao (Rama III, 1824 - 1851) a viharn was built in the shape of a Chinese junk ship and the temple renamed to Wat Yannawa, which translates to “the boat temple”.
The King had the boat like structure built to serve as a memorial to the Chinese junk vessels that were used intensively for trade with China and that had brought prosperity to the Kingdom. During the reign of King Nangklao the Chinese sailing vessels were being replaced by steam ships.
The viharn is open to visitors.
Two white chedis where the masts should be
The replica of a Chinese junk vessel is over 40 meters long and made from concrete. At the place where the masts should be are two white chedis or pagodas. In the back where the wheel house should be is a room containing a number of Buddha images where visitors can pay respect to the Buddha.
At the top of the stairs leading to the boat is a statue of King Nangklao.
Other structures at the Wat Yannawa
A large elaborately decorated gate house gives access to the temple grounds.
Behind the boat shaped viharn is the ubosot, the building where monks get ordained. The structure has a multi tiered roof with chofahs in the shape of stylized Naga serpents decorating its roof edges.
Other buildings on the temple grounds include a large meeting hall, several offices and libraries and the kuti, the monks living quarters.
Location
The boat temple is located in the Sathorn district of Bangkok on Charoen Krung road. It is found just around the corner (South) from BTS Sky Train station Saphan Taksin.
How to get to the Wat Yannawa
You can get there by BTS Sky Train, river boat, taxi or tuk tuk.
Sky Train
Get on a BTS Sky train on the Silom Line and get off at Saphan Taksin station. It’s a very short walk from the station.
River boat
Get on a boat of the orange, yellow or green line of the Chao Phraya River Express boat and get off at Sathorn pier. From there, it’s a few minutes walk to the temple.
Taxi or tuk tuk
If you are not near to a Sky Train station or river boat pier, take a metered taxi or a tuk tuk.
Opening hours
The grounds are open from 8 am until 6 pm.
Entrance fee
Admission to the Wat Yannawa is free.
Nearby attractions
- Asiatique shopping, dining & entertainment complex
- Sri Maha Mariamman Hindu temple
- Assumption Cathedral
- Holy Rosary Church
- Iconsiam luxury mall
- Mahanakhon tower & Skywalk
- Saphan Taksin BTS Train Station
- Sathorn Chao Phraya River Express Boat pier
Attractions in Bangkok