Wat Yannawa – The Boat Temple, Bangkok

Wat Yannawa is a Buddhist temple in the Yannawa district of Bangkok. For obvious reasons it’s gained the nickname of The Boat Temple.  

Wat Yannawa Boat Temple, Bangkok
Wat Yannawa Boat Temple, Bangkok

Wat Yannawa (Yannawa Temple) dates back to the Auytthaya period, so has a very long history. The unique boat-shaped chedi was built during the reign of King Rama III, which was from 1824-1851.

Wat Yannawa Boat Temple, Bangkok
Wat Yannawa Boat Temple, Bangkok

As well as the boat-shaped chedi, the rest of the temple grounds are worth walking around, as there are some beautiful buildings, as you can see from these photos.

Wat Yannawa Boat Temple, Bangkok
Wat Yannawa Boat Temple, Bangkok

In the image above you can see a few condo buildings in the background. These are on the other side of the Chao Phraya river. The temple grounds go from the main road right up to the edge of the river. This makes the temple one of the most popular places to celebrate the annual Loy Krathong Festival.

Wat Yannawa Boat Temple, Bangkok
Wat Yannawa Boat Temple, Bangkok

The best place to take a photo of the boat-shaped chedi is to head up the steps on the right hand side as you enter the temple grounds. From there you’ll have the best view of the chedi.

Entrance To Wat Yannawa Boat Temple, Bangkok
Entrance To Wat Yannawa Boat Temple, Bangkok

Amazingly, the image above shows the entrance to the temple grounds. It’s not often you see such a beautiful entrance to a temple.

Wat Yannawa Boat Temple, Bangkok
Wat Yannawa Boat Temple, Bangkok

This temple is very easy to get to, so is well worth a visit.

How To Get To Wat Yannawa (The Boat Temple)

Wat Yannawa Boat Temple, Bangkok
Wat Yannawa Boat Temple, Bangkok

The easiest way to get to the Boat Temple is to take the BTS (skytrain) to Saphan Taksin station. When you get off the train you’ll be able to see the temple from the platform. Leave the station via exit 1 and walk straight ahead to the main road (Charoenkrung). From there turn right and walk from around 300 meters. The temple will be on your right. 

If you’d like to visit an awesome vegan and vegetarian restaurant, there is one about 200 meters from the temple. See Nop Nan Vegan Restaurant for details.