What to see in Bangkok,Thailand? Known as the "Land of Golden Temples," Thailand is both a tourist haven and a significant spiritual place. With over 95% of the population practicing Buddhism, Thailand is adorned with numerous stunning and renowned sacred temples. So, during your trip, you will come across many temples in Bangkok - from small local temples to large royal temples. To make your trip more complete, let Autour Asia guide you through the top 10 best temples in Bangkok, Thailand and help plan your temple visits!
1. Wat Phra Kaew - What to see in Bangkok?
What to see in Bangkok? If you come to Bangkok, don't miss the opportunity to visit Wat Phra Kaew, one of the best temples in Bangkok! Located in the Grand Palace complex, Wat Phra Kaew or Temple of the Emerald Buddha is a Buddhist temple that plays a very important role in the spiritual life of Thai people.Wat Phra Kaew houses the Emerald Buddha, a 66cm jade statue depicting Buddha meditating. What's unique is the Buddha changes outfits thrice yearly in ceremonies by the Thai King, marking the seasons.
The temple's stunning architecture, adorned stupas, and a 2km gallery featuring intricate murals from the Ramayana story will mesmerize you. From the buildings, statues and monuments, you can get a glimpse of Thailand's rich history and culture.
Remember, there's a strict dress code at Wat Phra Kaew: no short pants or tank tops allowed. If you wear sandals, socks are necessary to comply with the dress requirements.
2. Wat Pho - one of the famous temples in Bangkok Thailand
Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is one of the famous temples in Bangkok Thailand. It is located right opposite Wat Arun, just across the Chao Phraya River. Wat Pho Temple is famous for its giant reclining Buddha statue, 15 m high and 46 m long. The inside of the statue is built of bricks, the outside is completely covered with gold leaf. In addition, Wat Pho also houses 1,000 Buddha statues and 91 stupas (stupas), including 4 very impressive stupas dedicated to the 4 Chakri kings. Apart from the Buddha statue, Wat Pho is filled with beautiful murals, inscriptions, and sculptures adorned with glazed porcelain.
In Buddhism, the number 108 is special, representing positive actions leading to perfection. Wat Pho has 108 bronze bowls along its walls; dropping coins into them is believed to bring good luck. Additionally, Wat Pho is more than just a temple; it houses the first Thai massage school where traditional Thai massage is taught. If you have time, don't miss the chance to visit Wat Pho and enjoy a relaxing traditional Thai massage!
3. Wat Arun - one of the best temples in Bangkok
- Address: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok, Thailand
- Entrance fee: 100 THB/ person (2.87 USD)
- Opening hours: Daily from 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM
- Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vQjNEVDhbBTqwKVt6
Thailand has over 31,000 Buddhist temples, and Wat Arun is a must see temple in Bangkok, Thailand. Besides the name Wat Arun, it is also commonly known as the Temple of Dawn. Standing by the Chao Phraya River, this stunning temple rises 82 meters high with famous towers seen across Southeast Asia.This temple dates back to the Ayutthaya period and is considered the Royal temple of King Rama II or Buddha King Loetla Nabhalai of the Chakri dynasty. Though it looks white from afar, it's covered in beautifully painted floral designs made from Chinese porcelain.
From its main tower, Phra Prang, you'll get fantastic views of the river, the Grand Palace, and Wat Phra Kaew. Despite its name, Wat Arun is most breathtaking during sunsets and nights. Beyond its beauty, it represents the start of the Rattanakosin era after Ayutthaya's fall. It once housed the sacred Emerald Buddha before it was moved to Wat Phra Kaew. So, if you're wondering what to do in Bangkok, put Wat Arun at the top of your list!
4. Wat Traimit, Buddhist temple in Bangkok
- Address: 661 Charoen Krung Road, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok, Thailand
- Entrance fee: 40 THB/ person (1.17 USD)
- Opening hours: Daily from 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tdR2zVux8BZHEoUM7
Near the entrance to Bangkok's Chinatown along Yaowarat Road stands Wat Traimit, also known as the Golden Buddha Temple. This is a Buddhist temple in Bangkok that you cannot miss when visiting Thailand. Inside, there's an extraordinary treasure-a solid gold Buddha statue. This is also the largest golden Buddha statue in the world with a height of 3 meters and a weight of 5.5 tons. It is estimated that the statue is worth millions of dollars at today's gold prices.
The Golden Buddha of Wat Traimit has a fascinating history. Covered in plaster for protection during a war, it was later forgotten. In the 1950s, while moving it, the plaster broke and revealed the gold inside!
When you visit Wat Traimit, you'll find this golden statue on the fourth floor. Additionally, on the lower floors of the temple, you will discover the history of Chinese migration to Thailand as well as the history of the famous Golden Buddha statue.
5. Wat Saket (The Golden Mount)
- Address: 344 Thanon Chakkraphatdi Phong, Ban Bat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok, Thailand
- Entrance fee: 50 THB/ person (1.46 USD)
- Opening hours: Daily from 07:00 AM - 07:00 PM
- Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Mpgbt1Ecx3QooGkS9
Wat Saket or the Temple of the Golden Mountain is located right in the center of the capital, near km 0 and located on top of the only hill in the city.This is the place where 60,000 plague victims were cremated, and is the oldest temple in Bangkok. As one of the best temples in Bangkok, Wat Saket attracts a large number of worshipers and tourists with a strong belief that all wishes will come true.
The "Golden Mountain" got its name from the pieces of a collapsed stupa, a sacred structure, built by King Rama III. You can easily spot the temple by its dazzling gold-plated stupa towering 58 meters high. Around Wat Saket, you'll find lush trees that create a serene green landscape. Even if you're not a worshiper, the path leading to the top of Wat Saket is attractive, especially for nature lovers and photographers. But to get there, you'll need to climb over 300 stairs that twist and turn like a snake.
In November, there's a grand festival at the pagoda celebrating Buddha's relics, usually happening during Loy Krathong.The top of the tower is draped in a giant red cloth, and there's a magnificent candle procession that marks the start of a joyous festival week.
6. Wat Benchamabophit, must see temple in Bangkok
- Address: 69 Thanon Si Ayutthaya, Dusit, Dusit District, Bangkok, Thailand
- Entrance fee: 50 THB/ person (1.46 USD)
- Opening hours: Daily from 06:00 AM - 06:00 PM
- Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kdtVVut5D5KVTTnp9
Wat Benchamabophit sits at 69 Nakornpathom Street in Dusit District, Bangkok. Meaning the Temple of the 5th King in Dusit district, Bangkok, Wat Benchamabophit is considered one of the most famous temples in Bangkok Thailand.
Built in the late 1800s, Wat Benchamabophit boasts a blend of Thai, European, and Chinese architectural styles. The marble Ubosot, the main hall, was designed by Prince Narisara Nuvativongse, King Chulalongkorn's half-brother. The temple owns a golden Buddha statue placed right in the middle of the main hall with a meditating appearance, creating sacredness, dignity and also full of danger and splendor. Around the Main Hall, there are houses displaying 52 bronze Buddha statues from various countries, including the prominent Chinnarat Buddha statue in the Sukhothai style, dating back 700 years and holding the ashes of King Chulalongkorn.
During Thai Buddhist festivals like Makha Bucha (February) or Visakha Bucha (May), visiting Wat Benchamabophit offers a fantastic chance to see the vibrant parade under the glow of countless candles in the dark.
7. Wat Ratchanatdaram
- Address: 2 Maha Chai Rd, Wat Bowon Niwet, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand
- Entrance fee: 20 THB/ person (0.59 USD)
- Opening hours: Daily from 08:30 AM - 09:00 PM
- Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wW6SnTYJhjLKxzPD6
What to see in Bangkok? Don't miss Wat Ratchanatdaram, also known as the Loha Prasat Temple, meaning "iron castle" or "iron monastery." It's an exceptional Buddhist architectural marvel located at the junction of Ratchadamnoen Klang and Mahachak Road in the Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok.
Inspired by temples in India and Sri Lanka, the Golden Temple Wat Ratchanatdaram stands tall with a 36-meter pagoda encircled by 37 metal towers, symbolizing 37 virtues leading to enlightenment. Additionally, the temple's layers of cubes, arranged in a relatively even manner, are coated with an impressive layer of copper.
When visiting Wat Ratchanatdaram, remember to explore the corridor area, which features a unique spiral design resembling a miniature maze. The thick laterite pillars support the towers, and as you move from the hallway to the spiral staircase leading to the central tower, you'll learn about the temple's history depicted in Thai descriptions installed in 2007.
Here's the most general information of temples in Bangkok gathered by
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Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand do you want to visit the most? Let's make your answer come true, take the most beautiful pictures at these temples and remember to dress respectfully when you visit these sacred places!