Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple) The Marble Temple or known to locals by its official name ‘Wat Benjamabophit’, was built under King Rama 5’s reign around the year 1899. It is one of Bangkok’s most visited holy sites due to its profound beauty and religious importance. The name which means “Monastery of the fifth King” was erected on top of an old 19th-century temple and was intended to be the Dusit Palace’s private holy site. Designed by King Chulalongkorn’s half-brother Prince Naris, the temple is built from Italian marble and has Carrara marble pillars on display with a stunning marble courtyard as well as two large marble lions (singhas) standing guard of the temple's entrance. Inside the temple, there is an ordination hall that houses a Sukhothai styled statue of the Buddha, named Phra Buddhajinaraja. Surrounding the temples are also 52 different Buddha statues all showing different spiritual hand gestures. If you love Thai culture, spiritualism and architecture, visiting this temple whilst in Bangkok should be on top of your priorities. As it isn’t immensely large like many of Bangkok’s other tourist destinations, it only takes about 1-2 hours to view everything here. Location/Accessibility The Marble Temple is located on the intersection between Rama V Road and Sri Ayutthaya Road. Shanti guests can travel to this holy site by Taxi & Tuk-Tuk for approximately 50 Baht, travelling there only takes 5 minutes! Opening Hours 6:00 - 18:00