Wat Pariwat (The David Beckham Temple)

Most visitors come to Bangkok’s temples for serenity. Wat Pariwat offers that too — plus a treasure hunt. Look closely at the riot of carved and gilded detail around the ordination hall and you’ll start finding cartoon characters, superheroes, and a tiny golden David Beckham, added by craftsmen with a sense of humour.

Why It’s Interesting

The temple takes the centuries-old tradition of folding contemporary life into sacred art and runs with it. The Beckham figure (dating from the late 1990s, when he was at the peak of his fame) is the celebrity headline, but the surrounding decoration rewards slow looking. It’s a genuine place of worship, so the cameos sit quietly among the saints and guardians rather than shouting for attention.

Getting There

Wat Pariwat sits in the Yan Nawa district in southern Bangkok, near the Chao Phraya. It’s an easy taxi or ride-hail hop from the riverside or the BTS. Dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered — as you would for any active temple.