I had seen photos from Wat Mahathat in a magazine about ten years ago. I scanned the page and saved it in a file of places I want to visit before I die. I was thrilled that we had some free time on this trip to do a little exploring on our own, so we hopped in a taxi and made a visit. I'm so glad we did. It's only slightly off the beaten path, yet we only saw one other couple the whole time we were there. The place is magnificent. We saw temples with extremely large gold Buddhas and then a few other places that had rows of smaller (but still fairly large) ones. This is a must-see

They run 2 meditation sessions daily that last 3 hours for international travellers that are conducted in English. A great experience

What an incredible place!! Went to section 5 for the meditation centre (they seem to be open three times a day for drop ins, morning time, 1pm and 6pm). Was an unbelievably welcoming place. The monk spent 3 hours sharing wisdom, showing different meditation techniques and generally being incredibly open to curious questions about meditation and Buddhism. A special special visit!!

Went for a meditation class, it was very nice. They have it everyday starting 1pm

Near the palace, you can parking in this temple but it's fee of charge. It's nice to see the temple and you can walk around or get on the boat here.

This is a very unique place that you can’t miss in Bangkok if you want some quiet time for reflection and planning. A royal temple close to the Grand Palace, it has magnificent Buddhism building and statues, but very few tourists or local people will visit it. Do try to spend an hour or so in front on the Buddha, putting aside your electronics and enjoy talking to yourself, where you are from and heading for next.

Difficult to find the entrance and the class timings were wrong but oh so worth the early morning and waiting until 1pm! The Nun took us through basic mediation guidelines and was so thorough. I’ve struggled with it for many years and never really understood what I was doing wrong. Today it clicked. I was overthinking it all along. Simplicity is the key. I came away feeling so positive and thankful to the lovely Nun who taught us. If you have the time and want to learn, this is the perfect place.

Had a lovely meditation session here and was able to sit and chat with a few monks. This place is absolutely beautiful and the staff is very welcoming. I highly recommend.

close to grand palace this ancient royal temple is a busy yet peaceful place with a meditation center and buddhist university within the temple complex. many large buildings including a massive ordination hall. meditation class can be taken at the meditation center

Everytime sit inside and pray til your mind calm, then start meditation. Feel so deep happiness inside that I am cleaning my mind. On the way out I feel so fortunate and so positive understanind what real life is from.

Amazing place. Currently they celebrate 300 years. A must to visit if you are in Bangkok

unseen temple and their assets inside, very interesting.

Best place to visit, it just next to Grand Palace. Simple, peaceful and quiet.

Today, it seemed like there was some kind of ceremony going on, so I couldn't go inside to see. Fortunately, I could still pay homage to the image of Somdej Phra Wanrat Luang Pu Kim Heng.

Entering into Wat Mahathat temple was one of the most memorable experience I had. This is a supernatural place with Buddhist symbols such as tiled roofs, huge statues and traditional rites. I couldn't believe that religion belief of Thai people is so high like that, even they always kowtow without going to the temples everyday. I took a lot of photos with my wife because I do not want to forget it. Paul

Nice place and must visiting in Bangkok.

Nice place and must visiting in Bangkok.

Daily free meditation course in English for beginners and people with some experience. Really great experience and helpfull meditation teacher. Would recommend coming here 100%

If you're looking for Vipassana meditation, the daily session is from 1-4pm (enter through gate 3)

Very nice. Almost no tourists at all. It was a place for families to go pray, feels like an actual religious site rather than a tourist attraction, however this just made me VERY intimidated. If you're looking for peace, come here. On the other hand, there are some very impressive Buddha statues as well if you want to gawk.

Wat Mahathat is one of 10 Royal-class temples in Thailand and the country's oldest institute for the higher education of monks. I spent the afternoon walking the grounds, inquiring about the Vipassana Meditation center and met several Buddhist Nuns or "Bhikkhunis"tending to various tasks. Although I didn't get a clear description, I understood that women cannot be ordained as monks (in Thailand) but can live a monastic life - of another senior Bhikkhuni initiates her to the order. That afternoon the sun was bright, the sky clear and the whole area peaceful and inspiring. Nevertheless, after a quick overview on Vipassana, I'd say it requires a great deal of dedication and discipline; l'l continue taking photos as an alternative.

Very nice temple

Breathtaking and wonderful Temple and grounds.

Went there around sunset time and there was nobody, which makes it way better! Silent and peaceful place, love it!