I rarely visit Wats (Buddhist temples) as I sometimes feel a little uncomfortable, worried about contravening protocol and unwittingly causing offence. However as a consequence of starting to study Thai architecture I was drawn to a Chinese influenced Wat (Wat Nang Ratchawihan) on the west bank of the Chao Phraya. Just a short walk from the BTS, Wat Nangnong Worawihan and Wat Nang Ratchawihan were nearly deserted. Other than the beautiful sound of the monks having some kind of music practice and the odd bark of a temple dog it was a very peaceful foray. The Chinese influence was apparent in the paintings and bas-reliefs on the gables of the temple buildings, there was also some striking ceramic work on the entrance gates to Wat Nang Ratchawihan. I was also particularly intrigued by the double gateway to a temple building on part of the Wat Nangnong Worawihan complex which can be seen in the panoramic image below and in more detail in the full set of images which are on Flickr.
