Bangkok, the cultural and spiritual capital of Thailand, where the golden spires of countless temples stretch towards the sky. With so many temples to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to visit. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
Having explored Bangkok thoroughly, I’ve curated a list of the 10 must-see temples that are sure to leave you in awe. These are temples that I have personally been to and found to carry that special “wow” factor – whether it’s their unique history, stunning architecture, or spiritual significance.
You can rest assured that the temples on this list are definitely not the ones you’ll want to be missing out on while you’re in Bangkok!
Thai Temple Terminology
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Thai
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English
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Wat
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Temple
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Ubosot / Bot
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Main Hall / Ordination Hall
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Chedi
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Stupa / Pagoda
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Phra
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Sacred
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Prang
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Spire / Tower
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Where to Stay in Bangkok
Bangkok had some of the finest establishments at super affordable prices. We were living like kings and staying in 5-star hotels which was somehow the same price as our capsule hotel in Singapore! Here are just some recommendations on where to stay in Bangkok:
Best Hotels in Bangkok
- Prince Palace Hotel – this is exactly where we stayed in Bangkok and I gotta say, a 5-star hotel for 20 USD ain’t bad at all. There’s also a pool with a skyview that’s perfect for night time dip after a day of exploration. Rooms are a bit old but classic is a better word for it and the bathrooms come with a bath tub too. We had a fridge as well as TV that we never got to use.
- Shangri-La Bangkok – offers a 10,000-square-meter Fitness Center. The hotel has 9 dining options, including an award-winning restaurant, and you can also participate in daily aerobics and dance classes or play tennis. The hotel also features a spa pool, sauna, steam room, shopping arcade, and business center. The rooms are decorated with Thai silk and wood furnishings and offer flat-screen satellite TVs, safety deposit boxes, and mini-bars.
- The Phoenix Hotel Bangkok – if you’re looking for a hotel near to the airport, The Phoenix Hotel is a good choice. This was another hotel I stayed in before heading off to Sri Lanka. The interior is modern and chic with free breakfast and also a very nice pool.
Best Hostels in Bangkok
- Diff Hostel – a modern and comfortable hostel which offers a cozy atmosphere. The hostel provides clean and comfortable shared rooms with high-quality blankets, anti-dust mite mattresses, individual privacy curtains, luggage storage, personal lockers, individual reading lights, USB ports, and universal sockets. Additionally, the hostel also offers private rooms with King beds and private bathrooms, as well as flat-screen TVs.
- Good Day Hostel – awarded the Certificate of Excellence 2016 by Tripadvisor and offers you a “home away from home” experience. Good Day Hostel has a range of room options available, including twin bed, 8-bed, 6-bed, 4-bed mixed and female dormitories, and private rooms upon request. The hostel offers numerous features, including individual reading LED lights, personal electronic sockets, super clean and comfortable anti-dust mite mattresses with freshly cleaned linen, towels, personal lockers, and more.
- Kloem Hostel – a renovated Thai government house built in 1957 that perfectly combines traditional Thai house architecture made of hardwood with modernist design. The hostel is located along the trail of the original Thai train heading to the eastern edge of Thailand, offering breathtaking scenery.
10 Best Temples in Bangkok to Visit
1. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The temple was named after the Hindu god Aruna, who is personified as the radiations of the rising sun. He is also the charioteer of the Hindu sun god, Surya.
The main feature of Wat Arun is its central prang (the spire-like tower structure), which is encrusted with colorful porcelain, floral patterns and seashells.
The central prang is topped with a seven-pronged trident, referred to as the “Trident of Shiva.” Shiva, being the Hindu god of Destruction. The central prang symbolizes Mount Meru of the Hindu cosmology, and the satellite prangs are devoted to the wind god, Phra Phai.
The yaksha (demons) at the entranceway are from the Ramakien which is the Thai version of the Ramayana and an integral component of Thai culture. The white figure is named Sahassa Deja and the green one is known as Thotsakan, the Demon King Ravana, the antagonist of the Ramayana. If you want to enhance your travel experience in Thailand, I recommend reading about the Ramayana which you can find here.
Over the second terrace are four statues of the Hindu god Indra riding on Erawan, the three-headed elephant. You can try to spot it as it’s easily recognizable! From afar it appears all white just like the White Temple in Chiang Rai but on closer inspection, you’ll notice just how intricate and colorful Wat Arun actually is though I must say, our experience in the White Temple was also quite interesting!
What to Know Before Visiting Wat Arun
Official Name: Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan
Location: Wat Arun
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Cost: 100 THB (3 USD)
2. Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
Wat Pho was built during the reign of King Rama I in the 18th century. Maybe you have noticed but all the Thai kings are actually named after Lord Rama from the Ramayana.
The temple was built on the site of an earlier temple called Wat Photharam, which dates back to the Ayutthaya period. The temple complex is home to a large number of buildings, including several stupas (chedi), smaller temples (vihara), and courtyards.
One of the most impressive structures in the temple complex is the Phra Ubosot, which is a hall used for important Buddhist ceremonies. The hall is decorated with beautiful murals depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha.
The most famous feature of Wat Pho is of course, the massive statue of the Reclining Buddha, which is also known as Phra Buddhasaiyas. The statue is made of brick and stucco, and is covered in gold leaf. The statue is 46 m (150 ft) long and 15 m (50 ft) high, and is one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand though it’s still not as large as Yangon’s very own Reclining Buddha statue.
The Reclining Buddha represents the Buddha’s entry into Nirvana, which is the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice. If you want to learn more about Buddhism in Thailand, you can check out my post on Theravada Buddhism, the principal Buddhist tradition practiced around Southeast Asia.
Aside from the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is also known for its traditional Thai massage. The temple has a massage school that is open to the public, where you can learn how to give and receive traditional Thai massages. Wat Pho is considered to be one of the best places to learn about traditional Thai massage, and the massage school is even accredited by the Thai Ministry of Education.
What to Know Before Visiting Wat Pho
Official Name: Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan
Location: Wat Pho
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Cost: 200 THB (6 USD)
3. Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
Wat Phra Kaew, built in 1782 by King Rama I, is a temple located within the grounds of the Grand Palace. It is considered to be the most important and sacred temple in Thailand.
The Emerald Buddha, also known as the Phra Kaew Morakot in Thai, is a highly revered statue of the Buddha carved from a single block of jade. According to legend, the Emerald Buddha was discovered in Chiang Rai in 1434 by a monk who noticed the statue shining in the sunlight after a storm. The statue was originally covered in plaster to make it look like an ordinary Buddha image and was taken to Laos, where it was enshrined in the capital city of Vientiane.
In 1564, the king of Thailand, King Maha Chakkraphat, conquered Vientiane and brought the Emerald Buddha back to Thailand. The statue was originally housed in the temple of Wat Phra Si Sanphet in Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand. It was later moved to several other locations before finally being enshrined in the newly-built Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok in 1784, where it remains to this day.
If you’re interested, you can find a guided tour that visits Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and Wat Phra Kaew here.
What to Know Before Visiting Wat Phra Kaew
Official Name: Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram
Location: Wat Phra Kaew
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Cost: 500 THB (15 USD) – including the Grand Palace
4. Wat Ratchanatdaram (Temple of the Royal Niece)
Wat Ratchanatdaram is known for its distinctive architecture, particularly the Loha Prasat, a multi-tiered structure with 37 metal spires that represent the 37 virtues toward enlightenment in Buddhism. The spires are arranged in five concentric circles, with the top circle representing the five core Buddhist principles: compassion, wisdom, generosity, morality, and equanimity.
The Loha Prasat was originally modeled after the one in Sri Lanka. Currently, it is the only one of its kind in the world, and it is considered one of the most unique architectural works in Thailand.
Wat Ratchanatdaram was built in 1846 by King Rama III in honor of his niece, Princess Somanass Waddhanawathy. Hence, the temple’s name being the “Temple of the Royal Niece.”
I particularly liked just how perfectly symmetrical each side of the Loha Prasat was and I was able to take really impactful photos through photography composition.
What to Know Before Visiting Wat Ratchanatdaram
Official Name: Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan
Location: Wat Ratchanatdaram
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cost: 20 THB (0.20 USD)
5. Wat Thepthidaram (Temple of the Celestial Daughter)
Wat Thepthidaram was also founded by King Rama III in 1836 in honor of his eldest daughter Princess Vilas, and was completed in 1839. Originally named Wat Ban Phraya Krai Suan Luang, after the nobleman who owned the land, the temple displays a unique combination of Chinese, European, and Thai architectural styles.
The temple is known for its beautiful porcelain, Chinese dolls, and other historic artifacts that reflect the prosperous trading relationship between China and Thailand in the past. The ordination hall, or Ubosot, features a Chinese-style roof and doors and is decorated with European-style frescoes. The hall also houses a principal Buddha statue carved from pure white stone, named Phra Phuttha Thewavilas.
Wat Thepthidaram is also unique in that it has a bhikkhuni sanctuary that contains 52 images of female monks, which is not commonly found in other temples.
What to Know Before Visiting Wat Thepthidaram
Official Name: Wat Thepthidaram Worawihan
Location: Wat Thepthidaram
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cost: 100 THB (3 USD)
6. Wat Suthat (Temple of the Giant Swing)
Wat Suthat houses several Buddha images, including Phra Sri Sakyamuni, which was moved from Sukhothai Province, and Phra Buddha Trilokachet in the ubosot. Additionally, there are 28 Chinese pagodas on the lower terrace of the temple, symbolizing the 28 Buddhas born on Earth.
Wat Suthat is most known for the “Sao Chingcha” or the Giant Swing standing in front of the temple. But did you know that the Giant Swing was actually mistaken as a ghost before?
According to legend, tall hungry ghosts with thin bodies and howling cries known as “preta” are said to often appear in front of Wat Suthat at night. However, it is believed that the sightings of these “preta” were probably a result of a misunderstanding, as the Giant Swing is often seen at night without any light.
The Giant Swing was used as part of the Triyampawai Ceremony. This swinging ceremony was believed to have originated from an ancient Hindu epic that tells the story of Shiva’s (Hindu God of Destruction) descent to Earth after Brahma (Hindu God of Creation) created the world.
The story goes that the Naga serpents wrapped around the mountains to keep the earth in place until Shiva found the earth solid. After this, the Nagas moved to the seas in celebration.
The Swing Ceremony was a re-enactment of this story, where the pillars of the Giant Swing represented the mountains, while the circular base of the swing represented the earth and the seas. During the ceremony, young men would swing, trying to grab a bag of coins placed on one of the pillars.
What to Know Before Visiting Wat Suthat
Official Name: Wat Suthat Thepwararam Ratchaworamahawihan
Location: Wat Suthat
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Cost: 40 THB (1.15 USD)
7. Wat Ratchabophit (Temple of the Great Sacred Boundaries)
Wat Ratchabophit was built in 1869 during the reign of King Rama V and features a unique blend of Thai and Gothic architecture. The temple’s layout is also distinct, with its wiharn and ubosot joined by a circular courtyard at the center of which stands a gilded chedi covered with orange-colored tiles.
The ordination hall has 10 door panels and 28 window panels, each decorated with gilded black lacquer on the inside. The drum tower is a two-storeyed one with hexagonal spires decorated with Benjarong ceramic nagas and Erawan heads.
Wat Ratchabophit is also the final resting place of several members of the Thai royal family, including King Rama V and his son, Prince Mahidol. The temple’s Royal Cemetery on the west end of the temple grounds has numerous monuments to members of the Thai royal family.
What to Know Before Visiting Wat Ratchabophit
Official Name: Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram Ratchaworawihan
Location: Wat Ratchabophit
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Cost: Free
8. Wat Saket (The Golden Mount)
Wat Saket, also known as the Golden Mount, is an iconic temple located on a man-made hill. Though you would have to hike a bit and climb the spiral staircase of 318 steps, it’s well-worth it once you get to the top as the temple offers a stunning panoramic view of the city.
The hill was created during the reign of King Rama III in the early 19th century to serve as place to enshrine the relics of the Buddha, but the project was abandoned due to the unstable ground. Later, a small temple was built on the hill, which was expanded and renovated over the years to become the Wat Saket we know today.
Wat Saket is especially enchanting during the sunset and at night when the city lights up so I recommend saving this one for the later part of the day if you’re looking for a sunset with a city view in Bangkok.
What to Know Before Visiting Wat Saket
Official Name: Wat Saket Ratchawora Mahawihan
Location: Wat Saket
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Cost: 50 THB (1.5 USD)
9. Wat Ben (The Marble Temple)
Wat Ben was built during the reign of King Rama V in 1899, featuring Thai meets European architectural styles. The temple is made of Italian Carrara marble which gleams in the sunlight, earning it the name “Marble Temple.”
The ubosot of Wat Ben houses a Sukhothai-style Buddha statue known as Phra Buddhajinaraja, cast in 1920. The surrounding gallery features 52 Buddha statues, each displaying different mudras, collected by Prince Damrong Rajanubhab for the king.
What to Know Before Visiting Wat Ben
Official Name: Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram
Location: Wat Ben
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Cost: 50 THB (1.5 USD)
10. Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha)
Wat Traimit is a magnificent Buddhist temple that houses one of the largest and most valuable solid gold Buddha statues in the world! The Golden Buddha statue, which stands at 3 m (10 ft) tall and weighs over five tons, is made of solid gold and is estimated to be over 700 years old. It’s estimated to be worth more than 250 million dollars!
For more than 200 years it was covered with a layer of stucca and the golden exterior was discovered in the 1950s when it accidentally fell off its plaster covering during a move to a new temple. Wat Traimit is one of the most popular temples in Bangkok and is definitely not to be missed!
What to Know Before Visiting Wat Traimit
Official Name: Wat Traimit Withayaram Worawihan
Location: Wat Traimit
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cost: 40 THB (1.15 USD)
Plan Your Trip to Bangkok | Best Travel Resources
Book Your Accommodations
- Booking.com – the world’s leading online booking platform for accomodations around the world, they have an extensive amount of available listings with zero booking fees and best price guarantees.
- Hostelworld – a backpacker’s best friend, Hostelworld has the largest collection of hostels and guesthouses for affordable prices.
Don’t Forget Insurance
- SafetyWing – from Nomad Insurance, an insurance by nomads for nomads. They understand our lifestyle well and have really comprehensive and flexible plans that cater to any traveler.
Find Cheap Flights
- Kiwi.com – my go-to for booking and finding the cheapest flights and it’s helped me save tons of money. They do virtual interlining which is connecting flights from airlines that do not codeshare, so you can find routes that you wouldn’t be able to find normally.
Join Tours & Activities
- GetYourGuide – is one of the best places to find unique tours and activities. I found that it’s an excellent way to meet fellow travelers and create fond memories. They are not only limited to tours as they also offer niche services such as skip-the-line tickets or private transfers.
Catch a Ride
- Rentalcars.com – nothing beats the freedom of the road, Rentalcars.com is the world’s largest online car rental service. They operate across 160 countries so they’re the perfect partner to work with if you find yourself wanting a ride.
