Wat Niwet Thamma Prawat is one of the strangest and most beautiful temples in Thailand because it was built in western art style or European Gothic style, which makes it look like a Catholic cathedral more than a Thai temple. This temple was built in accordance with the desire of King Rama V as a place to commit religious ceremonies when King Rama V had a temporary stay at Bang Pa-in Palace. Thus, this temple is the one for Bang Pa-in Palace like the Temple of the Emerald Buddha which is for the Grand Palace.
All the constructions in the temple were built in western style, especially the main hall, which is tremendously beautiful like a Catholic cathedral because the inside of the main hall is decorated with stain glass and western decorative components. Thus, this temple demonstrates the perfect combination between western and Thai culture.
The principal Buddha image in the temple is Phra Phuttha Naruemon Thammophat, which King Rama V ordered Phra Ong Chao Phradit Worakan (His Highness Mom Chao Dit Duangchak) to mold as a beautiful brass alloy Buddha image in the meditation posture, with the lap width of 22.5 inches and height of 36.5 inches.
On the lower level base from the level of Phra Phuttha Naruemon Thammophat, there is a Phra Nirantarai Buddha Images which is a Buddha image that King Rama IV ordered to be replicated from the genuine Nirantarai Buddha Image (found at Si Maha Pho, Prachinburi in the reign of King Rama IV and now housed at Suralai Phiman Chamber in the Grand Palace). There are 18 replicas in total, which are housed at many Dhammayukti Buddhist temples including this Niwet Thamma Prawat Temple.
Since this temple is located on a small island in Chao Phraya River, visitors must take cable cars in order to visit the temple. Visitors can take the cable cars from the parking lot for visitors to Bang Pa-in Palace and pay as much fee as each visitor want in order to make merit to the temple.
Location: Bang Pa-in District, 600 meters away from the District Office, taking a cable car from the parking lot of Bang Pa-in Palace