Wat Chana Songkhram Ratchaworamahawihan dates from before the Ayutthaya period and has historically been a temple for Mon people – both monks and soldiers. After the wars of 1785-85 defeating the Burmese, it was given its current name, meaning ‘Victory of War Temple’. The main ubosot features a large, gilded Buddha surrounded by a further eleven Buddha statues (more, if you count the smaller ones), to make a strong impact as you enter the hall. There are more golden statues in the passageways flanking the main hall. One imagines that it is a peaceful escape, offering some respite from the clamour of the street next-door, which just happens to be the Khao San Road. I wonder how many of the Khao San types check it out?