Bangkok has a unique and integral part of its culture in temples, which are often visited by tourists. The architecture is awe-inspiring, and the decorations are unlike any other. With thousands of pieces of colored glass and pottery adorned with intricate structures, gilded in glaring gold, you’d feel like you’re truly in the City of Angels!
The best time to visit most temples is early in the morning when it’s cooler and less crowded. These temples are not just tourist attractions but are also an essential part of Buddhist traditions. Monks live in the temple complexes, and they wake up around 4 am to attend to prayers and duties. They collect food and necessities from ordinary people on the streets. If you’re up early in Bangkok, you’ll see monks walking around in saffron-colored robes. This daily alms ritual, called tak baht, takes place all over Thailand and is part of the Buddhist philosophy of giving and making merit to attain a better life beyond this one.
It is important to dress appropriately when visiting Thai temples. Shorts and revealing tops are not allowed, especially at Wat Phra Kaew inside the Grand Palace.
1 - Wat Phra Kaew - Temple of Emerald Buddha
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Kaew is located within the Grand Palace grounds in Bangkok. This temple is the most important and the most visited one in the city. The Emerald Buddha, one of the most significant features of Wat Phra Kaew, was carved out of a 66 cm tall block of jade. It was first discovered in 1464 in Chiang Rai when the wat housing it was struck by lightning. The icon was then taken to Laos before returning to Chiang Mai, and finally finding its permanent home in Bangkok, where it can be admired today.
Wat Phra Kaew is an excellent temple to explore, particularly the 2-km-long gallery that is covered with incredibly detailed mural paintings depicting 178 scenes of the epic story of Ramayana. You’ll find tall chedis covered with glazed tiles or gold leaf around every corner, but the most photographed building is the massive golden chedi of Phra Sri Rattana, which is featured on the 1 baht coin. The temple is open until 3.30 pm, and the entrance fee is at least 500 baht for non-Thai citizens. A strict dress code applies, and it prohibits short pants and sleeveless shirts.
Location: Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Open: Daily from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm
Phone: +66 (0)2 224 3290
2 - Wat Pho - Temple of the Reclining Buddha
Wat Pho is one of the oldest and largest Buddhist temples in Bangkok. The temple is named after a monastery in India where Buddha is believed to have lived. It is also known as ‘The Temple of the Reclining Buddha’ because it houses a 15-metre-high, 43-metre-long Buddha image covered with gold leaf. The Buddha image also bears 4-metre-long feet adorned with exquisite mother-of-pearl (or nacre) decorations.
Wat Pho is located just next to the Grand Palace and has 1,000 Buddha images and 91 chedis (stupas), including 4 impressive chedis dedicated to the 4 Chakri kings. The temple is also home to the first Thai massage school where Thai massage is taught at the Traditional Medical Practitioners Association Center, located in a shophouse outside the temple.
If you have time to learn it, the temple’s full name is Wat Phra Chettuphon Wimon Mangkhlaram Ratchaworamahawihan. The entrance fee is 100 baht.
Location: 2 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Open: Daily from 8 am to 6.30 pm
Phone: +66 (0)2 226 0335
3 - Wat Arun - Temple of the Dawn
Wat Arun is one of the most famous temples in Bangkok. It is located on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, almost opposite to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. The temple was built in the 17th century and is commonly known as the ‘Temple of the Dawn’ due to its beautiful view in the early morning.
The temple is especially recognizable for its unique structure, which consists of a central Khmer-style tower called a prang, surrounded by four smaller towers. These towers are encrusted with faience from plates and potteries.
Visitors can climb up the steep stairs to the balcony on the main tower and enjoy a breathtaking view of the surroundings. Although the name of the temple suggests it’s best seen at dawn, it looks equally stunning at sunset.
To get to Wat Arun, visitors can take a ferry across the Chao Phraya River to Maharaj pier. The entrance fee to the temple is around 50 baht.
Location: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600, Thailand
Open: Daily from 8 am to 5.30 pm
Phone: +66 (0)2 891 2185
4 - Wat Saket - The Golden Mount
Wat Saket is a temple located in the old city of Bangkok that houses the famous golden Chedi of Phu Khao Thong or ‘the Golden Mountain’. The construction of this massive structure was attempted by King Rama III but failed due to the soft ground, resulting in the collapse of the chedi and the abandonment of the project. The present golden chedi was built during the reigns of King Rama IV and Rama V and is constructed on the remains of the original one. To reach the chedi, visitors must climb 300 steps that lead to the top terrace, where the relic of Buddha brought from India is housed.
Location: 344 Thanon Chakkraphatdi Phong, Ban Bat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Open: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm
Phone: +66 (0)92 690 9222
5 - Wat Traimit - The Golden Buddha
Wat Traimit is a stunning temple situated at the beginning of Yaowarat Road, which is ideal for starting a Chinatown exploration. The temple, painted in white and gold, is an impressive multilevel structure that showcases beautiful architecture. However, its main attraction is the immense Buddha statue made of solid gold. It is the largest of its kind in the world, standing at 5 meters high and weighing 5.5 tons.
Interestingly, the statue was hidden under an unimpressive coating of stucco and plaster for centuries, until it was accidentally revealed in 1955. The gold hidden underneath the stucco and plaster was a surprise to everyone. The museum, located halfway up the steps, requires a small entry fee. However, visitors can see the golden Buddha above the museum for free.
Location: 661 Charoen Krung Rd, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Open: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm
Phone: +66 (0)89 002 2700
6 - Loha Prasat - Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan
Bangkok boasts countless magnificent temples, each more elegant and impressive than the next, but Loha Prasat stands out with its unique architectural identity. Also known as the ‘Metal Castle’, Loha Prasat is situated within the grounds of Wat Ratchanaddaram and was nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status in 2005, further highlighting the historical significance of the temple. Located near Wat Saket and the Democracy Monument, it is a must-visit destination if you happen to be around Khao San Road.
Location: 2 Maha Chai Rd, Wat Bowon Niwet, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +66 (0)2 224 8807
7 - Wat Mahathat
Wat Mahathat, also known as Wat Mahathat Yuwarajarangsarit Rajaworamahavihara, was constructed during the Ayutthaya period. It is one of the ten highest-class royal temples in Bangkok and is used for royal ceremonies due to its strategic location between the Grand Palace and the Royal Palace.
The temple grounds house the oldest higher education institute for Buddhist monks in Thailand and is an important center for studying Buddhism and meditation. Wat Mahatat has become a popular destination to learn Vipassana Meditation, with some classes even conducted in English. A massive amulet market is situated just opposite to Wat Mahatat, which extends beyond the few vendors on the street walkway.
Location: 3 Maha Rat Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Open: Daily from 7 am to 5 pm
Phone: +66 (0)2 222 6011
8 - Wat Suthat Thepwararam
Wat Suthat is one of the oldest and most impressive temples in Bangkok. It is better known for the red Giant Swing that stands at its entrance. The temple features an elegant chapel with a sweeping roof, magnificent wall murals, and exquisite hand-carved teakwood door panels. King Rama I (1782-1809) commissioned the temple’s construction to shelter the 13th-century bronze Buddha image transported by boat from Sukhothai, and it was finally completed during King Rama III’s reign (1824-51). You can easily combine a visit to Wat Suthat with the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Grand Palace, and Wat Pho, as it is located in the Old City area, just east of the Royal Field.
Location: 146 Bamrung Mueang Rd, Wat Ratchabophit, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Open: Daily from 8.30 am to 9 pm
Phone: +66 (0)2 622 2819
9 - Wat Prayoon
Wat Prayoon, also known as Wat Rua Lek, is situated on the western bank of the Chao Praya River. It was constructed during the reign of King Rama III and boasts several remarkable features such as a large chedi (pagoda) in the shape of an inverted bell, a turtle mountain that houses spirit houses, and a pond where visitors can feed the turtles. The temple is located on the Thonburi side of the river, at the base of the Memorial Bridge (Saphan Phut), which is situated on the southern periphery of the old Portuguese community (Kuthi Jeen). This area was allocated to Portuguese merchants and government officials during the Early Rattanakosin Period, after Ayutthaya was destroyed, and King Rama I established a new capital in Thonburi.
Location: 24 Prajadhipok Rd, Wat Kanlaya, Thon Buri, Bangkok 10600, Thailand
Open: Daily from 8 am to 5.30 pm
Phone: +66 (0)2 466 1693
10 - Wat Benjamabhopit: The Marble Temple
Wat Benjamabhopit, commonly known as Wat Benja, was constructed by King Rama V in 1900 and is renowned for several reasons. It is called ‘The Marble Temple’ because all the external walls of the main temple are covered with marble that has been imported from Italy. However, it is more famous for being the temple depicted on the back of 5 baht coins. Located near various government offices and palaces, this wat is highly revered and often visited by high-ranking officials.
Location: Rama V Road, 5 Dusit, Dusit District, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
Open: Daily from 8 am to 5.30 pm
11 - Wat Pathum Wanaram
When this area was founded, it was only accessible by canal and was surrounded by rice fields. King Mongkut built Wat Pathum Wanaram in 1857, and it was the closest place of worship to his Sa Pathum Palace. You can see carvings on the crematorium that showcase rare examples of ancient craftsmanship, such as ornate stencils and lacquered sculptures. If you’re looking for some cultural refreshment after shopping at nearby Siam Paragon or CentralWorld, Pathum Wanaram is the perfect place to visit.
Location: 969 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +66 (0)2 251 6469
12 - Wat Bowon Niwet
Wat Bowon Niwet is an important temple in Bangkok, Thailand, due to not only its religious significance but also its connections to the Thai royal court. It was founded in 1826 by HRH Prince Maha Sakdipolsep, a son of King Rama III, and is located on Rattanakosin Island, within the old city walls on Phra Sumen Road. The temple complex features elaborately carved doorway arches and windows in gilded stucco, as well as glazed ceramic decorations on the gable, which reflect strong Chinese architectural influences. Among the temple’s rare and revered artifacts are several Buddha statues, a large chedi covered in gold tiles, and four small golden prangs (Khmer-style towers).
The temple’s association with Thai royalty dates back to its first abbot, Prince Bhikku Mongkut, who later became King Rama IV. Prior to ascending the throne, he spent 27 years as a monk and 14 years as the abbot of Wat Bowon, during which he founded Thailand’s second Buddhist university, Mahamakut University, within the temple grounds. Kings Rama VI, Rama VII, and Bhumibol Adulyadej were also ordained at Wat Bowon, further cementing its significance as a temple of patronage for the Chakri Dynasty.
Location: 248 Phra Sumen Rd, Wat Bowon Niwet, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Open: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm
Phone: +66 (0)2 629 5854
13 - Wat Chana Songkhram
Wat Chana Songkhram is a small temple that is located in the backpacker district of Banglamphu. Despite being close to the busy streets of Khao San Road and Soi Rambuttri, the temple maintains a sense of peace and ancient heritage. While it dates back to the Ayutthaya period, it was restored in 1787 during the reign of King Rama I after the Nine Armies’ Wars. The temple’s name, Wat Chana Songkhram Ratchaworawihan, translates to “victory in war,” which reflects its history.
Location: Chakrabongse Rd, Chana Songkhram, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Open: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm
Phone: +66 (0)2 281 9396
14 - Wat Intharawihan
Wat Intharawihan, located at the northern edge of Banglamphu and bordering Wisut Kasat Road, is home to a 32-meter-tall standing Buddha named Luangpor Toh. Construction of this statue began in 1867 during the reign of King Rama IV and it took over 60 years to complete. The statue is adorned with glass mosaics and 24-carat gold. The prayer room, built towards the end of the Ayutthaya period, features several interesting Buddha images, elevated murals on the walls, and lavishly gilded window shutters. Outside, visitors can view unusually carved stones, and tucked away in an alcove is a lifelike model of Luang Phaw Toh, a famous monk. The small museum contains old Buddha images and various paintings.
Location: 114 Wisut Kasat Road, Banglamphu, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Open: Daily from 6 am to 6 pm
Phone: +66 (0)2 282 3173
15 - Wat Kalayanamit
Despite its giant temple structure dominating the western bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Kalayanamit is often overlooked by tourists, city guides, and even locals. The nearby Wat Arun is much more famous and acts as a magnet, drawing crowds away from some of the other nearby Thonburi attractions and temples. If you’re looking for a tranquil and less touristy alternative, head to Wat Kalayanamit, which is particularly famous for its enormous golden seated Buddha inside the main building.
Getting to Wat Kalayanamit in Thonburi is easy. In fact, it even has its own pier. You can take a ferry from Ratchinee Pier on the opposite side, or you can hop on one of the many Chao Phraya express boats that make their way up and down the river every day and simply ask for “Wat Kalaya-namit”.
Location: New Arun Amarin Rd, Wat Kanlaya, Thon Buri, Bangkok 10600, Thailand
Open: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm
16 - Wat Rakhang Khositaram
Wat Rakhang Khositaram is an ancient temple located in Thonburi, next to the Chao Phraya River. It was originally built during the Ayutthaya period and got its name, meaning ‘temple bell’, during the reign of King Rama I after a bell was found in the temple compound. Later, King Rama II moved the bell to Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and sent 5 new ones in its place. These can be found in the pretty hor rakhang, or bell tower, built in the 4-gable style of Ayutthaya and early Rattanokosin periods, located in the corner of the temple compound.
Not far from here, there is an elegant ho trai, or library, which is considered an outstanding example of Thai architecture. This was once the residence of King Rama I before his ascendance to the throne. Its 3 adjoining buildings today function as a small museum, housing beautiful scriptures stored in lacquer and gilt cabinets.
Location: 250 Arun Amarin Rd, Siriraj, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
Open: Daily from 7 am to 7 pm
17 - Wat Ratchabophit
The Wat Ratchabophit temple features a wiharn (prayer hall) and ubosot (ordination hall) with typical Thai exteriors. The buildings are adorned with hand-painted glazed Thai-style ceramics and elaborate, gilded door and window frames. However, the interiors resemble those of a gothic cathedral with European-style decorations.
The temple is home to the renowned Phra Buddha Ankhiros, a gilded Buddha image in the meditation posture. It rests on a base that holds the ashes of King Rama VII. The temple also has an impressive chedi, modeled after the famous Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom province, which contains relics of Lord Buddha. Encircling it are numerous Buddha images in various postures. Additionally, there is a royal cemetery on the premises with monuments containing the ashes of the Queen, concubines, sons and daughters of King Rama V, and other members of the Royal Family.
Location: 2 Fuang Nakhon Road Phranakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Open: Daily from 6 am to 6 pm
Phone: +66 (0)2 222 3930
18 - Wat Ratchapradit
Wat Ratchapradit, a small but impressive Buddhist temple, is situated in Rattanakosin, near the Grand Palace. The temple, built in the late 19th century, belongs to the Thammayut Nikai sect and was constructed by King Rama IV on a former coffee plantation.
The temple’s main feature is a beautifully decorated prayer room with grey and white marble tiles, intricate stucco crowns, and Chinese pearl embellishments on the doors and window frames. The ceiling of the room is painted deep red with golden rosette patterns, while murals depicting royal ceremonies adorn the walls.
Inside the prayer room, there is a stunning altar that contains the ashes of King Rama IV and a replica of Phra Buddha Sihing. Additionally, the temple has two Khmer-influenced towers, or prangs, one of which bears faces reminiscent of Cambodia’s Angkor Thom temple.
Location: 2 Saranrom Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Open: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm
Phone: +66 (0)2 622 2076
19 - Wat Suwannaram
Wat Suwannaram is a temple located in Thonburi, near the Royal Barges Museum. It is known for its beautiful original murals, which were created during the Ayutthaya period in the reign of King Taksin. The temple was also used as an execution site for Burmese prisoners during that time. The temple underwent restorations during the reigns of King Rama I and King Rama III, which gave it its current name and design. It was later used as the Royal cremation ground for members of the royal family and high-ranking officers until the reign of King Rama V.
The main attraction of the temple is the collection of original, early-19th-century murals by famous historic artists Thong Yu and Pae Khong. These murals depict the story of Lord Buddha and are considered among Thailand’s most beautiful, but they are in need of restoration due to decay. Additionally, there is a Buddha image from the Sukothai period within the temple complex. Another feature of the complex is a wihan, or prayer hall, which was built during King Rama V’s reign.
Location: 33 Charan Sanit Wong Road Soi 32, Siri Rat Subdistrict, Bangkok Noi District, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
Open: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm
20 - Wat Thepthidaram
This temple, originally named Wat Ban Phraakrai Suanluang, was constructed between 1836 and 1839, by the order of King Rama III. It was a gift for HRH Prince Apsornsudathep. The temple’s characteristic architecture is typical of the time, with the ordination hall being the most notable for its strong Chinese influence, featuring a gable adorned with glazed ceramics. Inside the hall, you can find remarkable murals and the temple’s main Buddha image, Luang Phor Khao or Phra Buddha Devavilasa.
The prayer hall is of a similar style and showcases images of 43 enlightened female disciples that are cast in metal. Four tall prangs, representing the 4 Chinese deities, are also present.
Location: 70 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Open: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm
21 - Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
The Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is a Hindu temple devoted to the Goddess Mariamman. It was constructed by Tamil immigrants in the 1860s, showcasing an exuberant blend of vibrant colors and intricate decoration that makes for an unexpected sight in Silom. The temple is an excellent destination to experience Indian architecture in the heart of Bangkok. The tall central structure is adorned with intricate, interwoven Hindu deities. The shrines inside the temple are dedicated to the consort of Shiva and the elephant-headed Ganesha, along with others that honor Vishnu and Krishna.
Location: 2 Pan Rd, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Phone: +66 (0)2 238 4007
22 - Wat Mangkon Kamalawat
Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, also known as Wat Leng Noei Yi, is a temple located in the heart of Chinatown. The temple is the center of activities during festivals such as Chinese New Year and is known as one of Bangkok’s most significant and largest Chinese-Buddhist temples. It features stunning Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian shrines and has a history dating back to 1872 when it was originally named Wat Leng Nui Yee. King Rama V later changed its name to Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, which means Dragon Lotus Temple.
Location: 423 Charoen Krung Rd, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +66 (0)2 222 3975
23 - Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Temple
Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha is a Sikh temple located in Pahurat, adjacent to Chinatown. This area is the hub of Bangkok’s small yet vibrant Sikh community. The temple is six stories tall and painted in white, with a golden dome at the top. It was constructed in 1932 and is the second largest of its kind outside India.
Inside the temple, the congregation hall is situated on the 4th floor, while the 5th floor houses an international school. The top floor is the primary prayer area, adorned with a flower-filled altar where you’ll find a copy of Sikhism’s holy book, Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
Location: 571 Chakkraphet Rd, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Open: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Phone: +66 (0)2 221 1011
24 - Wat Pathum Khongkha
Chinatown’s Wat Pathum Khongkha is a beautiful temple that dates back to the Ayutthaya period. However, it has a rather grisly history. In the early Rattanakosin period, it was used as an execution site for members of the Royal Family. The temple’s execution stone was used to dispose of several members from the first and third reigns.Chinatown’s Wat Pathum Khongkha is a beautiful temple that dates back to the Ayutthaya period. However, it has a rather grisly history. In the early Rattanakosin period, it was used as an execution site for members of the Royal Family. The temple’s execution stone was used to dispose of several members from the first and third reigns.
Location: 1620 Song Wat Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Open: Daily from 5 am to 9 pm
Phone: +66 (0)2 639 1952
