Say “Wat”! Temples to Visit in Bangkok
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is home to more than 400 temples. These are part of the city’s history and culture. Each are unique and features wonderful architecture and remarkable decoration. These temples are also the heart and soul of Bangkok. It’s an experience to visit at least two of them. But with hundreds of magnificent temples located throughout the city, choosing the best ones to see isn’t easy. In fact, I went to Bangkok three times already but I haven’t able to see more than 10 of these temples yet. But I guess you don’t have to visit everything. For me it was a great experience already seeing at least the most popular and beautiful temples to visit in Bangkok.
Here I list some of the temples that I was able to visit during the past trips that I had in Bangkok. Many of these are located nearby each other so going from one site to another is pretty much convenient.
Grand Palace Complex
First on the list is the Grand Palace Complex. Built in 1782, the complex features several magnificent buildings including Wat Phra Kaew or Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The temple contains a beautiful Emerald Buddha that dates back to the 14th century. It is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand.
For 150 years, the Grand Palace had become the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government. Today, this significant landmark in Bangkok is partially open to the public as a museum and serves as a tourist attraction as well. Within the palace complex are remarkable structures, gardens and courtyards.
Opening hours: Daily 8:30am to 3:30pm
Location: Na Phra Lan Road, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Ticket price: THB500
Wat Pho
Next on the list of temples to visit in Bangkok is Wat Pho or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The central attraction of the temple is its namesake statue. It is a gold-plated reclining Buddha image housed in a pavilion. The buddha measures more than 150 feet in length, making it as the largest in Thailand.
Aside from the reclining Buddha, the temple complex also contains a large number of structures like ordination hall, number monasteries and almost a hundred stupas. Wat Pho also houses more than one thousand other Buddha images.
Opening hours: Daily 8:00am to 6:30pm
Location: Maharat Road, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Ticket price: THB200
Wat Arun
With a location on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun is one of the most famous temples to visit in Bangkok. It is also one of the most stunning because of its 70-meter high stupa-like pagoda decorated with colored faience. The temple is also best photographed during sunset and when it is lit up at night.
Wat Arun is also called as the Temple of Dawn.
Opening hours: Daily 8:30am to 5:30pm
Location: Wat Arun Amarin Road, Bangkok
Ticket price: THB50
Wat Benchamabophit
If I have to choose a favorite among my list of temples to visit in Bangkok, then that would be Wat Benchamabophit. The temple is small and very unique. It has one of the most brilliant architectures that I’ve seen in Bangkok. Often referred to as the Marble Temple, the temple is elegantly made of white marble imported from Italy. It features a mix of European and Thai design. This architectural gem also houses a magnificent Buddha.
Opening hours: Daily 8:00am to 5:00pm
Location: Dusit District, Bangkok
Ticket price: THB50
Wat Ratchanatdaram
A Buddhist temple with fine architecture, Wat Ratchanatdaram is definitely one of the temples to visit in Bangkok. Also known as Loha Prasat, which means iron castle, it is a 36-meter-high structure that is multi level and composed of five towers. The towers contain 37 large golden spires signifying the 37 enlightenment virtues of Buddhism.
There’s no cost to visit the ground complex but donation is requested to enter Loha Prasat. Take the spiral staircase to the top for a magnificent view of Bangkok.
Opening hours: Daily 8:00am to 5:00pm
Location: Wat Bowon Niwet, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Ticket price: None but donation of THB20
Wat Saket
Known as the Temple of the Golden Mount, Wat Saket is an ancient Buddhist temple located on a steep hill. Visitors require to climb up some 300 steps to get to the summit. On top is a gold stupa and spectacular view of the city. The temple is one of Bangkok’s oldest temples dating back to the Ayutthaya era. It also served as the capital’s crematorium during the late 18th century.
Opening hours: Daily 7:30am to 7:00pm
Location: Ban Bat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok
Ticket price: THB50
Visiting these magnificent temples was a great experience while in Bangkok. I was glad that during my past trips to this city, I was able to explore around and see these historical sites. If you know a temple that is worth visiting in Bangkok, please comment it down below and will definitely check it out the next time I’ll be in the city.
Related links:
Smart and Comfy, a Weekend Stay at Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Siam
A Royal Experience: a Visit to the Temples and Palaces of Bangkok
Wild & Crazy Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan, Thailand
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links in this post are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. For more information, see my disclosures here.
