Panorama showing the complex of Wat Yannawa temple in Bangkok. The temple is unusual in that it is shaped like a Chinese junk boat.

Wat Yannawa - Bangkok visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Wat Yannawa' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Central Thailand.

Wat Yannawa (วัดยานนาวา) is also known as the Boat Temple due the chedi and to it being shaped like a Chinese junk. The temple was built in the Ayutthaya period, before the capital of Thailand moved ot Bangkok. It is close to Chinatown, next to the Chao Phraya River just south of the Assumption Cathedral.

Wat Yannawa was originally called Wat Khok Kwai and stabled buffalo. It was later designated a royal temple during the reign of Rama I (1782-1809) and renamed 'Wat Khok Krabue'. At the beginning of the 19th century the Chinese junk, which had been so importnat to trade and the wealth of the area, was disappearing, being replaced by various steam ships.

Thus, during the reign of King Rama III (1824-1851) the replica of a Chinese Junk was built on the site. The two chedis within the junk represent the masts, with the altar and Buddha images in the boathouse to the rear. A statue of King Rama III stands at the base of the steps leading up to the Boat Temple.

The complex is accessed from the street through an elaborate guardhouse. It is not a major tourist attraction, and most of the visitors to Wat Yannawa are locals.

Wat Yannawa
Charoen Krung
Sathon,
Bangkok 10120

Bus: Charoen Krung (1, 15, 75)
Ferry: Sathon Express Boat Pier
Skytrain: Saphan Tak Sin BTS Station
Metro: Saphan Tak Sin BTS Station