Founded in 1826 Wat Bowonniwet is the full name of Wat Bowonniwet Vihara Rajaparampara. It is the Central temple district in Nakhon Bangkok and the main temple, the patron of the ruling Chakri dynasty. In Bowonniwet temple is the national headquarters of the sect Thammayut, founded by king Mongkut, the fourth king of the Chakri dynasty.

Many future rulers, the young princes of the dynasty of Chakri received his Buddhist education. The current king of Thailand Rama IX and his son crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn also trained at Wat Bowonniwet.

The Prince of Bhikku Mongkut came to the temple in 1836 and became its first Abbot, and later he ascended to the throne of the Kingdom of Siam as king Rama IV. Many years of his life he spent, studying Buddhist teachings. As a result of acquired knowledge and their own reform ideas, he created a monastic sect Thammayut. As a sign of his great merit in the Bowonniwet temple is a statue of king Rama IV.

Later the mentor of his Majesty king Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) Somdet Phra Janaserver became the chief Abbot of the temple Bowonniwet, and the entire Buddhist community in Thailand.

Golden Chedi (stupa) at the temple keeps the ashes and relics of the Royal family. Two viharn (main building) are closed to public use.

In ubosot (a small building for Buddhist ceremonies) you can see the beautiful hand painted. However, access is open only to men and only on special holidays.