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| Apr 17, 2025
Bangkok, Thailand's capital, is popular for its vibrant city life, and there's more that adds to the charm. The city is home to numerous temples and you can make a bucket list of the best temples to visit in Bangkok from among them. They are a remarkable and iconic part of the city's history.
Let's look at 7 famous temples in Bangkok.
7 Famous Temples in Bangkok to Visit
In Thailand (Thai), temples are known as "wats”. To enter, you must be dressed appropriately and always ensure your shoulders and legs are covered.
The famous temples in Bangkok are stunning, each emanating distinctive beauty and attraction, making them a must-see for visitors. These temples are one of the most captivating factors that lure tourists to this destination.
This article will explore seven famous, must-see temples in Bangkok. The categories selected are based on both aesthetic value and historical significance.
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Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of Emerald Buddha)
The temple of the Emerald Buddha is one of the best temples to visit in Bangkok. Located in the city centre, Wat Phra Kaew is one of the most significant and famous Buddhist temples. It preserves one of Thailand's most adored Buddha statues, carved from a single jade block.
Visitors enjoy the attractive architecture raised on a series of high platforms. It's also a serene place to unwind.
At the temple, you'll have the privilege of viewing the murals that portray the Buddha's life history and the proverbs from the Ramakien (the Thai version of the Ramayana). Other sources of fascination in Wat Phra Kaew include an Angkor Wat model and a balcony resembling the temple wall.
Note: Sleeveless shirts and shorts are illegal. You can also rent Sarong (traditional clothing in the form of sheets worn by all genders when visiting temples).
Location: inside the grand palace, 2 Na Phra Lan Road, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand.
Visiting Time: 8.30 am - 3.30 pm.
Entry Fee: 500 Baht per head.
Contact: +66 (0)2 623 5500 Ext. 1124, 3100.
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Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, is exceptional. This is evident with its image on Thailand's most treasured currency (the 10-baht coin). The temple is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River.
It's home to five towers that overlook the Mae Nam Chao Phraya. Wat Arun's “phra prang” (towers) are the most prominent attraction, yet are only a minor part of the building.
The complex also hosts magnificent white buildings, shrines, ponds, and beautiful lanes. The central prang is beautifully decorated with ceramic tiles and colourful porcelain pieces.
If you want to capture the best shot of Wat Arun, get it from the other side of the river, especially at sunset. You can also enjoy breathtaking views as you enjoy a sumptuous meal at the restaurant, Arun Residence.
Location: 34 Arun Amarin Road, 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand. To go there by boat, take a cross-river ferry at Tha Tien Pier.
Visiting Time: Opens daily from 8 am to 5.30 pm.
Entry Fee: 50 Baht per head.
Contact: www.watarun.net.
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Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha)
Situated next to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho hosts Thailand's enormous reclining Buddha statue with gold leaf covers. The temple is also home to 1,000 Buddha images and 91 chedis (stupas), with four stunning chedis devoted to the four Chakri kings.
Wat Pho also hosts a highly esteemed massage school that has trained Thai masseurs since 1955. While there, you can check in for a traditional Thai massage. You can also take short- and long-term massage courses.
Note: For the dress code, avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts. You can rent a Sarong at the entrance, but it's best to go there dressed appropriately to avoid the long queues.
Location: Sanam Chai Road and Maharat Road, next to the Grand Palace (about a half mile south of the palace) and close to the river, in the Old City (Rattanakosin).
Visiting Time: 8 am to 5 pm.
Entry Fee: 100 Baht per head.
Contact: +66 (0)2 225 9595.
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Wat Traimit
This temple houses one of the world's most enormous solid gold Buddha statues. It measures approximately 5 metres in height and weighs 5.5 tonnes. The statue's current value is more than $250 million. This is undoubtedly one of the most important temples to see in Bangkok.
Outside the temple is the captivating giant red Royal Jubilee Gate known as "Chalermphrakiat”. It was designed in 1999 to symbolise Thailand's prosperity and Chinese culture.
Location: 661 Traimit Road, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong (west of Hua Lamphong Train Station), at the very beginning of Chinatown.
Visiting Time: 9 am to 5 pm.
Entry Fee: It's free to visit the temple. You pay 10 Baht per head to visit the museum situated halfway to the top of the building.
Contact: +66 (0)2 509 9091.
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Wat Saket (Temple of The Golden Mount)
Wat Saket is another popular temple in Bangkok. It is world famous for the Golden Mount, which rises far higher than the rest of the temple grounds.
Unique landmarks, such as the "Golden Mount", are the main attraction features, more than the temple itself. The Golden Mountain is an artificial hill with a towering chedi, which offers awe-inspiring views of Bangkok.
Aside from climbing the Golden Mount, you can have a glimpse of adorable Buddhist paintings inside the ordination hall of Wat Saket. The chapel and library are open to visitors on a historic basis.
November tends to usher in more visitors as the temple holds a great Loy Kratong fair (one of Thailand's largest traditional Siamese festivals celebrated annually).
Location: 344 ถนน บริพัตร Khwaeng Ban Bat, Khet Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand.
Visiting Time: 9 am to 5 pm.
Entry Fee: Free.
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Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit
Wat Mahathat Yuwarajarangsarit is one of the most religiously significant and royal Bangkok temples to visit. When Bangkok became the capital city, the temple was used for royal ceremonies due to its strategic location near the newly built Grand Palace.
Today, it hosts the Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, founded in 1887. It is Thailand's oldest higher education centre for Buddhist monks and the headquarters of Vipassana Meditation.
While here, it's worth checking out the nearby National Historic Museum. You can also explore the massive amulet market opposite Wat Mahathat, an attraction on its own rights.
Location: 3 MahaRat Rd, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand.
Visiting Time: 9 am to 5 pm.
Entry Fee: It's free to visit the temple.
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Wat Benchamabophitr (The Marble Temple)
The magnificent Wat Benchamabophitr is one of Bangkok must see temples. It's a royal monastery highly esteemed as an outstanding architectural masterpiece. The temple's image is embossed on Thailand's 5-baht coin.
Situated in Bangkok's leafy green Dusit district near Chitralada Palace, the main ordination hall is made with of Italian marble. One of the temple's highlights is the astounding collection of 52 Buddha images representing different poses. This rich collection presents the bountiful diversity of Thailand's Buddhism.
The Marble Temple is also a Buddhist education centre and a lively institution for cultural celebrations during the Songkran Festival. It features European neo-classical influences and a serene garden setting for visitors to relax and meditate.
Location: 69 Nakornpathom Road, Dusit district, near Chitralada Palace.
Visiting Time: Open daily from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Conclusion
Are you captivated by the best temples in Bangkok? Whenever you plan your visit to Thailand, ensure you explore these fascinating temples to make your tour more enjoyable and ensure lifetime memories. Most importantly, a travel insurance policy is essential to secure visitors from emergencies while travelling abroad.
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