Wat Rachathiwat Rachaworawihan was built next to the Chao Phraya river in the 18th century. It was here that King Mongkut (Rama IV) trained to become a monk, hence its name meaning ‘Royal Residence’. The wat is set in large leafy and peaceful grounds, with monks’ accommodation all round. It is not much visited, perhaps because it is out of the way, being a 15 minute walk from Thewet Pier or a 25 minute taxi ride from Victory Monument. The style is mostly Khmer, although the ordination hall’s interiors were painted by an Italian as frescos. Unfortunately, the ubosot was closed when I was there.