Wat Mangkon Kamalawat

This is one of the largest and most important Chinese Buddhist temples in the capital, set in the heart of the Chinatown district along a busy commercial street. Founded in the late nineteenth century, its ornate halls combine Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian elements, with elaborate roofs, dragon motifs and rows of altars where worshippers light incense. During the annual vegetarian festival and Chinese New Year it becomes a focus of intense activity, its rich decoration reflecting the neighbourhood's heritage.