Temple of the Great Relic (Wat Mahathat) Tours and Activities

Temple of the Great Relic (Wat Mahathat) is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, not far from Bangkok’s famous Grand Palace complex. Dating back to the eighteenth century, this ancient temple was later altered significantly after one of its monks, Prince Mongkut, became King Rama IV of Thailand.

Temple of the Great Relic (Wat Mahathat) serves as the center for the Mahanikai school of Buddhism, and as such is a hub for monastic learning for its members all across southeast Asia. This large and busy temple shares its grounds with monastic cells, schools, offices, and other buildings, and features a peaceful garden towards the back of its grounds.

Meditation classes are held here that welcome everyone, with many worshippers and other visitors attending these sessions before visiting the various viharns, shrines, chedis, and Buddha images within the temple’s sprawling complex.