The temple's name, 'Benchamabophit', literally translates to 'The Temple of the Fifth King'.
The 52 bronze Buddha statues in the gallery were collected by Prince Damrong Rajanubhab to showcase different artistic eras.
The cross-shaped floor plan of the ordination hall is a distinct departure from the rectangular layouts typical of traditional Thai temple architecture.
The marble used for the construction was imported directly from Italy via the East Asiatic Company.
The temple grounds are bisected by a klong (canal) that predates the construction of the current marble structure.
Stained glass windows within the ordination hall feature ornate Thai-style floral patterns executed in a Western technique.
The temple appears on the reverse side of the Thai 5-baht coin.
The design was overseen by Prince Narisara Nuwattiwong, a half-brother of King Chulalongkorn known as 'The Great Craftsman of Siam'.
Wat Benchamabophit, often called the Marble Temple, is a 19th-century Buddhist temple distinguished by its exterior constructed entirely from Carrara marble imported from Italy. Commissioned by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in 1899, the temple serves as a premier example of modern Thai architectural design blending traditional tiered roofs with European neoclassical elements. The main ordination hall (ubosot) houses a replica of the Phra Phuttha Chinnarat statue, considered one of Thailand's most aesthetically significant Buddha images. A covered gallery flanking the inner courtyard displays a collection of 52 bronze Buddha statues representing various historical styles from across Asia. The temple complex is surrounded by a canal system, stone bridges, and manicured gardens. It serves as a working monastic site for monks residing within the adjacent living quarters. As of June 2026, the site remains an active place of worship and a notable landmark within the Dusit administrative district.
The red-roofed stone bridge spanning the canal in front of the main temple entrance.
Arrive early to experience the morning alms-giving ceremony, which is quiet and culturally authentic.
Bring a portable fan or umbrella for sun protection, as the white marble courtyard reflects intense heat during midday.
Walk along the exterior canal perimeter to see the traditional wooden monastic dwellings hidden from the main tourist paths.
Do not attempt to touch or lean on the marble statues or gallery bronzes. Avoid visiting during major national holidays when the temple becomes extremely crowded with local devotees.
Shoulders and knees must be covered for all visitors; remove footwear before entering any temple building.
