It is not a simple thing that Thailand is called the Land of Gold. As one of the countries that worship Buddhism, coming to this country, you can see the imprint of Buddhism in anywhere; these are sacred shrines in gold; is the cassock littered all over the road, the prayer and the dignified space create a Thailand filled with the atmosphere of Buddhism. You don’t need to go far, as soon as you arrive in the Bangkok capital, you have been able to meet the ancient temples with beautiful architecture that any traveler must stop. Let’s discover the list of best temples in Bangkok — Top 6 most ancient & famous temples in Bangkok you should visit when traveling to Bangkok, Thailand.
- Hua Hin places to visit — Top 10 best places to visit in Hua Hin, Thailand
- Bangkok to Krabi — How to get to Krabi from Bangkok?
- What to buy in Thailand? — Top +19 must-buy gifts & best things to buy in Thailand
- Bangkok itinerary 3 days — What to do in Bangkok for 3 days
- Thailand travel blog — The fullest Thailand travel guide for first-timers
In much experiences of traveling to Bangkok, there are indispensable notes about the temples. Visit 6 of the most ancient and famous temples in Bangkok, the capital of the Golden Temple Country to learn more about culture, history and find a little quiet during this busy trip.
1. Wat Pho – The unique Buddhist temple
Wat Pho or Buddhist Temple is the first destination you can’t miss. This is one of Bangkok’s oldest and largest temples, Wat Pho is still glittering in the sun by glittering golden roofs surrounded by magnificent pebbles, towering stupas and puncture up the blue sky. A unique feature of this place is the huge Buddha statue with 15 m in height which is covered the whole body with gold, placed on a delicate mother-of-pearl necklace of 4 m in length. Glittering golden light is reflecting in the morning light as the halo is wrapped around the sacred Buddha.
Wat Pho is also known as the first Thai massage school. Coming here and do not forget to enjoy the skill of Bangkok’s top massage therapists. Please close your eyes and relax in a solemn and quiet space, to calm your mind in the prayer. Wat Pho will surely make you unforgettable.
Opening time: Daily, from 8 am 5 pm (Massage service is available until 6 pm).
Address: 2 Sanamchai Road, Grand Palace Subdistrict, Pranakorn District, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand (Maharat Road, near the river bank, about half a mile south of the Royal Palace).
Admission fee: about 3 dollars.
2. Wat Arun – Bright Dawn Temple
A pagoda with a unique architecture and unlike most temples in Bangkok and Thailand, Wat Arun was built in the 17th century on the romantic Chao Phraya River, which is considered a symbol of Bangkok’s architectural r with magnificent spires covered with ceramics which create an incredible beauty. Situated in the “Oriental Venice” river, opposite the Royal Palace and the Wat Pho Buddha Temple, it is not the simple thing that Wat Arun is known as the Temple of Dawn.
Coming here in a peaceful moment, and discover one of highest places-that is Wat Arun, where you can admire the beautiful Chao Phraya River, see dawn which is cover with gold on the roofs of temples, brilliantly palaces across the river. In the midst of that beautiful moment, let the slow prayers bring you into the quiet and sacred space of Buddhism, allowing you to throw your daily worries, drowning in the deserted world.
Opening time: 8 am to 5:30 pm.
Address: Soi Arun Amarin, Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand (West of Chao Praya River, opposite to Tha Thien Pier).
Admission fee: About 1.5 dollars.
3. Wat Saket – Mount Golden Temple is associated with history
It is situated on an artificial hill, surrounded by thick and dark of trees, Wat Saket’s history of formation and development has been associated with an unstable history of Thailand. Originally built in the reign of King Rama III (1787 – 1851), the ancient Wat Saket was quickly destroyed, completely collapsed. Today, the magnificent golden towers that you can see are the architecture built on the old sacred foundation, but Wat Saket lost its historical value.
Come here, you will be challenged with 300 sidesteps on the winding road embracing the temple, looking for the most sacred place, admire the relics of the Buddha is respected from India far away. In particular, Wat Saket often hosts the festival in November, during Loy Krathong ceremony. With things still cherished under the magnificent sidesteps and walls, Wat Saket is the place to hide a part of ancient Thailand, come and touch the flow of this history, to understand and add more this beautiful country.
Opening time: 9 am to 5 pm.
Address: 1344 Ban Bat Road, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand (From Boriphat Road turn onto Borommabanphot Road).
4. Loha Prasat – Unique metal castle
Come to Bangkok, you will admire the Buddhist architecture with splendid beauty. Bring on a shirt that is slightly less “flashy” than the other brothers, but you must mention Loha Prasat, the 36 m high temple with 37 unique metal towers representing 37 enlightened faiths in Buddhism.
Loha Prasat is one of the three similarly structured temples in the world and the only surviving building, this is a good place for your stay when you visit Bangkok. Visit the white temples Wat Ratchanaddaram around the campus, admire the golden Buddha statue and the carved doors are delicate, and you do not forget to walk through the market of the famous Buddha bridge and Buddha statue behind the temple. You definitely can not miss this great experience.
Address: Maha Chai Road Bowon Niwet, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok.
Admission fee: about 1 dollar.
5. Wat Suthat – The ancient temple in the center of Bangkok
With bright red domes in the heart of the bustling city, Wat Suthat is known as one of Bangkok’s most ancient and impressive temples. It was built in the reign of King Rama I (1782 – 1890), but only in the reign of King Rama III (1824 – 1851), the new temple was completed.
Unlike other domes, the golden tower of other temples, Wat Suthat give its mark on the tourist map of Thailand with the beautiful architecture of the Giant Swing – two bright red pillars 25m high and placed in front of the entrance, white porcelain walls with 156 Buddha statues are placed along with unique wooden frescoes representing 24 incarnations of the Buddha. All of these buildings, along with the rich history of the temple, will appeal to you, while keeping your footsteps to the Bangkok capital.
Opening time: 08:30 – 21:00.
Address: Bamrung Muang Road, opposite Bangkok City Hall.
6. Wat Phra Kaew – The famous Jade Buddha Temple
One of the rare places you can’t miss when coming to Thailand. Stepping into this ancient temple, you will be amazed to see 178 fountains stretching up to 2 km describing the epic Ramayana, one of the oldest and historically high epic. Come to Wat Phra Kaew, cannot miss mentioning the famous Jade Buddha statue. It was carved from solid emerald, the Emerald Buddha is considered as the national security of Thailand, so on some important occasions, the King of Thailand always perform the ritual express the devotion of Royalty and people, pray for the country more prosperous.
The Jade Buddha Temple has long been regarded as the pinnacle of the arts, culture, architecture, and religion of the Golden Temple country. Your journey will certainly be a major shortcoming if you miss this famous Buddhist destination.
Opening time: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Address: Na Phra Lan Road, Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand
Clothes: do not wear shorts/shorts, short skirts, blazers, slippers. You can hire a sarong at the entrance to wear but you need to wait in line for some time.
Price: About 10 dollars.
Not only famous for the magnificent temples, sparkling and splendor, Bangkok always welcomes you with the most amazing surprises. The unique and abundant eating and drinking streets of the city, with the Red light district, all things are waiting to be explored.
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Bangkok you can refer to
- Bangkok City & Temples Tour by Tour East
- Classic Bangkok Tour: Floating Market, Elephant Village, Asiatique, & More by AK Travel
- Bangkok Old City Half Day Tour
- Bangkok Landmarks Day Tour: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chao Phraya River & More
- Bangkok Sky Train (BTS) One Day Pass
- Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link (ARL) Ticket
- [Sale] Private Suvarnabhumi Airport Transfers (BKK) for Bangkok, Pattaya & More by Oriental Holiday
- Shared City Transfers between Bangkok and Pattaya by Oriental Holiday
- Private City Transfers between Bangkok and Pattaya, Ayutthaya, Hua Hin & More
- Shared City Transfers between Bangkok and Pattaya by Oriental Holiday
- Private City Transfers from Pattaya to Bangkok, Hua Hin, Koh Samet & Koh Chang
- [SALE] BTS Skytrain Rabbit Card
- Chao Phraya Tourist Boat Bangkok Hop-On-Hop-Off Sightseeing Boat
- [SALE] Chao Phraya Princess Cruise
- [SALE] 4G Sim Card (Thailand Pick Up) for Thailand
- 4G SIM Card (BKK Airport Pick Up) for Thailand (Unlimited Data)
- 4G Pocket WiFi (Bangkok and Phuket Airports Pick Up) for Thailand
- 4G Portable WiFi for Thailand from Uroaming (Unlimited Data)
Are you looking for more Bangkok travel guide and top things to do in Bangkok: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Bangkok travel blog — The fullest Bangkok travel guide blog for a budget trip to Bangkok (BKK).