Wat Benchamabopitr Dusitvanaram (simply called Wat Benchamabopitr) or “The Marble Temple” as known to foreigners is most satisfactory architecturally with its symmetry and lovely proportions. The Uposatha Hall (Bot or Ordination Hall) was constructed from Carrara marble from Italy and showing distinct European neo-classical influence. Prince Narisranuvattivongse, half brother to King Chulalongkorn, Rama V, and has been reckoned for its architectural and decorative arts of finest Thai craftsmanship, say, second to none in the world. It attracts the interest of tourists throughout the world to come to visit with a large number each year. It covers the area of about 12 acres, locating in Dusit District of central Bangkok with just a distance of five to ten minute-walking to H.M. the King’s Chitralada Palace in the northeast, Dusit Palace and the Parliament House in the North-west, and the Government House in the south. The four main roads passing nearby the temple are the Rama V Road in the east, Sri Ayudhya Road in the north, Rajadamnuennok Avenue in the west, and Phitsanulok Road in the South. Wat Benchamabopitr was founded by King Chulalongkorn, Rama V of the Chakri Dynastry on 1 March 1900 (counded as Thai 1899). The layout was very well-planned and demarcated by Buddha quarter (Buddhavas like the Uposatha Hall, etc.), monk living quarter (Sanghavas like the monk cells, schools, etc.), and lay helper living quarter outside the southern fence.
