iReport: A temple of calm in the eye of the Bangkok storm

"My passion is to show how fascinating Bangkok looks off the tourist tracks and how Thais manage their daily lives," says German iReporter Holger Bauer. Here, Holger shares his experiences at Wat Bowon Niwet. 

Wat Bowon Niwet Vihara Rajavaravihara, a Buddhist temple off most tourists' radars, is located on Thanon Bowon Niwet and Thanon Phra Sumen, close to the backpacker area of Khao San Road. 

This stunning temple, interveined by small canals (khlongs) and plenty of trees and flowers, provides visitors with a rare piece of calm in otherwise buzzing Bangkok.

But beautiful as the grounds are, be sure to visit the monks' retreat, which is made up of tiny, beautiful houses with terraces surrounded by flowers. Visitors are allowed in, so you can sit with the monks as they study and have a talk, or just watch them go about their daily lives.

Many events take place at Wat Bowon Niwet, including Buddhist holidays, funerals and -- a highlight -- the inauguration of the new novice monks.

Also within the huge Wat Bowon Niwet compound is the Buddhist Thammayut Nikaya university, where the dean is more than happy to let visitors follow a lesson in one of the classes.

Entrance is free of charge but a donation is always welcome and will help keep this gem in shape. 

The history of Wat Bowon Niwet Vihara Rajavaravihara

This highly revered temple is well-known among Thais. Prince Bhikkhu Mongkut first arrived at the temple in 1836, and became the first abbot. He later acceded to the throne of Siam as King Rama IV.

His great-grandson, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, was ordained at the Grand Palace and liveded here for a short period after he became king.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej's son, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, also spent a short period at this temple, as well as several of the prince's own sons.