Thailand, a predominantly Buddhist nation, is dotted with temples, or wats, each showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage. While some temples are quaint and small, used by locals for their daily prayers and rituals, others have gained immense popularity for their diverse architectural styles, housing unique images of the Buddha. Bangkok, the vibrant capital, is a treasure trove of these sacred temples, offering visitors a glimpse into the heart and soul of Thai spirituality.
From the iconic Grand Palace and the popular Wat Arun to Wat Traimit in solid gold and some lesser-known marvels, Bangkok’s temples showcase a stunning diversity of architectural styles and artistic expressions. Whether you’re seeking spiritual enlightenment, architectural marvels or simply a peaceful retreat, a visit to these temples in Bangkok is a must. Let’s embark on a journey through the most captivating wats in Bangkok.
The best time to visit the temples in Bangkok
The best time to visit the temples in Bangkok is early in the morning when it is generally cooler as compared to the afternoons. Early mornings are also when tourist crowds are relatively small.
How to reach the temples in Bangkok
Travelling within Bangkok, especially to its popular temples, is easy by public transportation, especially for those who prioritise convenience. Tuk-tuks, taxis, BTS (Sky Train), MRT (Subway), and river taxis ensure that travellers reach their destinations quickly and with minimal effort. Further, the Bangkok Airport Rail Link from Suvarnabhumi Airport allows connectivity with the MRT Blue Line and the BTS Sukhumvit Line.
The most famous temples in Bangkok
Wat Phra Kaew (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
Also known as Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, Wat Phra Kaew is considered the most sacred Buddhist temple in Bangkok. Located within the Grand Palace grounds, this temple is home to a figure of Buddha made from a single piece of jade. Dressed in diamonds and gold ornaments, this figure of Lord Buddha was brought in originally from Chiang Rai in 1464. Statues of warriors and sentinels seemingly guard the temple premises, making for some stunning photographs. The temple is an extraordinary piece of architecture, with murals depicting Buddha’s life story, episodes from the Ramakien saga, and traditional proverbs.
Entry fee: THB 500
Opening hours: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Things to do nearby: Explore The Grand Palace, spend time at Saranrom Palace, and visit the Museum of Siam.
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
The oldest temple in Bangkok, Wat Pho is located on Rattanakosin Island. This world-renowned temple complex houses the country’s largest collection of Buddha figurines and statues, boasting the iconic 46-metre-long gold-plated reclining Buddha that attracts thousands of visitors each day. The temple complex also houses pictorial plaques that shed light on various subjects, including Yoga, history, lexicography, literature, Buddhism, proverbs, customs, health, and medicine.
Entry fee: THB 300
Opening hours: 8 am to 7:30 pm
Things to do nearby: Explore Pak Khlong Talat (Thailand’s largest flower market), spend time at THe Grand Palace, and enjoy a walk around Saranrom Park.
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Located in Thonburi on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun is one of the most popular temples in Bangkok. Gorgeous sculptures, vibrant colours, tiny pieces of Chinese ceramics, shiny porcelain figurines, and a towering spire mark the temple, turning it into a work of art. Its name comes from the stunning figure the temple cuts when the first lights of the morning sun hit. Fun fact? You’ll find the image of Wat Arun on the 10-baht coin. Picturesque ponds, cobbled lanes, a serene air, and proximity to several places of interest in Bangkok make it a must-visit.
Entry fee: THB 200
Opening hours: 8 am to 6 pm
Things to do nearby: Catch a water taxi from Tha Tien Pier, explore the Museum of Siam, and visit The National Museum Bangkok
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Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple)
Often referred to as The Marble Temple, Wat Benchamabophit is one of Thailand’s most revered temples. With its image on the 5-baht coin, it is considered a masterpiece of Thai architecture. Made with Italian Carrera marble, the interiors of the temple feature crossbeams of gold and lacquer, with walls showcasing paintings of stupas from all over Thailand. Wat Benchamabophit is home to 52 images of Buddha in the assembly hall, and the ashes of King Rama V buried under a Sukhothai-style Buddha statue.
Entry fee: THB 50
Opening hours: 6 am to 6 pm
Things to do nearby: Explore Ratchawat Market, spend an evening shopping at Chatuchak Weekend Market, and catch a match at Rajadamnern Thai Boxing Stadium
Wat Saket (The Golden Mount Temple)
One of the most popular temples in Thailand, Wat Saket (known as the Golden Mount) is also one of the oldest in the country. Popular for its unique man-made hilltop vantage point, people flock to the temple not just for religious purposes, but also for enjoying stunning panoramic views of Bangkok. The iconic golden chedi (an alternate form of a Buddhist stupa) of the towering temple is its most distinguished feature.
Entry fee: THB 50
Opening hours: 7 am to 7 pm
Things to do nearby: Visit King Prajadhipok Museum, enjoy stunning art at Queen Sirikit Art Gallery, and watch a Muay Thai competition at Rajadamnern Muay Thai Stadium
Wat Traimit (The Golden Buddha Temple)
Home to one of the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statues, Wat Traimit seems like just another unassuming Buddhist temple from its exterior. In the 1950s, workers dropped and broke open what they thought was a regular plaster-based Buddha statue. It turned out to be a 13th-century Maravijaya Attitude seated Buddharupa statue in solid gold, weighing approximately 5.5 tonnes. Covered to fool invaders from plundering the temple, the statue is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bangkok.
Entry fee: THB 100
Opening hours: 8 am to 5 pm
Things to do nearby: Explore the on-site Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Center, spend time at Chinatown Market, and check out the Jim Thompson House Museum
Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen
Part of Bangkok’s stunning skyline, the Big Buddha Statue at Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen is a must-visit. This 92-m high structure is the largest Buddha statue in Bangkok, housed in a complex with an 8 m glass stupa, a museum, Buddha images, a mediation hall, and more. An immensely serene destination, this Buddhist temple is a majestic sight.
Entry fee: Free entry
Opening hours: 8 am to 6 pm
Things to do nearby: Shop for souvenirs at the Talad Plu Market, go on a boat ride in the Chao Phraya River, and explore nearby temples
(Feature image credit: Craig Schuler/Shutterstock)
This story first appeared here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
One must cover their knees and shoulders to enter the temples in Bangkok. If you don’t have the means to do that before entering, there are sarongs available free of charge or for a small fee right outside the sanctum sanctorum.
Yes, removing your shoes is a mandatory custom before entering the temples in Thailand.
Yes, some temples in Bangkok charge visitors an entry fee.
Most temples do not allow taking photographs inside the main temple, but some, like Wat Pho are okay with photographing the temple and the statue.
A few things to keep in mind when visiting the temples in Bangkok include dressing modestly, removing your shoes and hat before entering, not touching the statues and altar, avoiding public displays of affection, and asking for permission before taking photographs.
Yes, there are half-day and full-day guided tours available for visiting the temples in Bangkok.
During festivals, non-Buddhists and outsiders are allowed to take part in some of the religious ceremonies. Make sure to ask for permission before taking part in any temple rituals.
Make sure that you are not sitting on the raised platforms reserved for the monks.
Yes, making donations at the temples in Bangkok is possible. Just ask the attendants or look for donation boxes or other receptacles.
If that does happen, make sure to apologise and ensure it does not happen again. Thai people are generally accommodating and understanding of other cultures, so if you explain the accident, it will probably be forgiven.
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Esha is a traveller at heart, with a penchant for exploring the unchartered. She has previously worked with TravelTriangle and Internet Moguls. When not in work mode, she can be found downing endless cups of coffee while reading Enid Blyton/Sidney Sheldon.
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