Wat Hua Lamphong

Wat Hua Lamphong is a Royal Buddhist temple, third class. The temple was renovated to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the ascension to the throne of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) in 1996. The royal seal of what became known as the Kanchanapisek, or Golden Jubilee, year, showing two elephants flanking a multi-tiered umbrella, features extensively in the temple's remodelling. Inside the temple compound, the ubosot and viharn are unusual in being raised on a one-story high platform, accessed by a wide staircase. The platform also supports the temple's chedi. The compound in front of and below the ubosot platform is home to a number of shrines dedicated to important Thai Buddhist figures, including King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), and the Hindu god Ganesha. The temple compound also contains a crematorium, and living quarters for monks.