Wat Prayoon, Turtle Mountain Verified listing

Wat Prayoon is situated within a lush compound on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, at the southern edge of what used to be the Portuguese community. It houses the church of Santa Cruz, a large white chedi in the Ayutthaya style and the most memorable aspect, Khao Mor cemetery. The temple is known for its large entrance mound, said to have been built by Rama III in the early nineteenth century and adorned with various shrines, chedis, spirit houses and even an old doll house. Behind the mound are the temple buildings, crematorium and wiharn, decorated with colourful mirrors and tiles in a spectacular show of craftsmanship.

The temple is home to a vast population of turtles that you can feed with bread, pork balls and fruit on sale in the courtyard. The shallow water is murky, but the turtles and large fish are clearly visible when food is on offer. Children will squirm with enjoyment and fascination as they personally feed the animals.