Born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand, I've seen a fair share of Buddhist temples in my lifetime. Some are incredibly impressive, while others are not as much, which is the reason why I decided to write this article.
For those of you who have just arrived in Bangkok and are looking to visit the beautiful Buddhist temples that the city is known for, you are in the right place.
Within this article, I will list all my favorite temples in Bangkok that you should check out, why they are beautiful, how to get there, and more. Without further ado, here are the 10 best temples to visit in Bangkok.
10 Best Temples to Visit in Bangkok
1. Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen
One of my favorite temples in Bangkok is Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen, home to one of the largest Buddha images in Bangkok that you can see, glistening in the sun from miles away.
It is a popular place to visit among Buddhist pilgrims, as well as photographers, as you can get some really incredible photos of the colossal Buddha image set against the modern cityscape of Bangkok.
If you are a photographer and are looking for a nice lookout point, I highly recommend you check out the view from this morning market. You can park your car at Wat Intharam nearby and walk towards the water through the morning market.
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You should be able to find an opening where you can walk through and find yourself at a balcony area with a view of the river running towards the Buddha image and its pagoda. It took me ages to find this spot, but it was well worth it.
There is also a really nice café you can check out while you are here called Suriya Coffee and they sell local breakfast and Thai iced coffee at a really cheap price. The coffee here is only 20 THB, and you can sit by the river and enjoy the view while you have breakfast.
Once you are done enjoying the view, you can visit the temple itself to see the Buddha image up close and explore the beautiful interior of the white pagoda behind it.
Inside the pagoda, you will find a large museum with tons of religious relics spread out across two floors. On the third floor, you will encounter a stunning pagoda within a pagoda, painted in psychedelic patterns and colors, unlike anything you've seen before. It is definitely worth the climb!
The temple is open from 6 AM to 9 PM every day, and there is no entrance fee. You can take the MRT to Bang Phai Station, then walk or hail a taxi to reach the temple quickly. You can also drive here and park at the temple's dedicated parking lot, which is free for the first hour and costs 20 THB for the next 2 hours.
2. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha
Of course, you can't make a list of the best temples in Bangkok without mentioning the crown jewel of the city, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha located inside the Grand Palace, home to some of the most stunning Thai architecture in Thailand.
The Grand Palace is a complex of temples, museums, and gardens that has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since the 1980s. The temple of the Emerald Buddha was built as part of the palace to hold the sacred Emerald Buddha that was taken from Laos during the sack of Vientiane in the 18th century.
Once inside, you will enter the Grand Palace courtyard, and you will be surrounded by massive golden pagodas and ordination halls. These structures are covered in stunning and intricately designed Thai traditional patterns and carvings. It is quite a sight to behold.
There are two sections in the Grand Palace: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, where you can walk around and go inside all the beautiful temples there, and the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, a stunning piece of architecture that blends the European colonial architectural style perfectly with the Thais.
The Grand Palace's admission fee is 500 THB, and the opening hours are between 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM every day. Do not listen to tuk-tuk drivers who claim that the Palace is closed. The place is never closed, even on public holidays, unless it is during a renovation.
3. Wat Pho
Wat Pho is another great temple you should visit in Bangkok. It is right next to the Grand Palace, and you will be able to witness one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in the country here.
Wat Pho is a little less busy than the Grand Palace and offers you a closer look at the stunning Thai architecture within the temple courtyard. From the giant Reclining Buddha image to lines and lines of Buddha statues, there are no shortage of great photo ops here at Wat Pho.
Not to mention, Wat Pho is the place where you will find these stunningly detailed and colorful pagodas. Many travelers from all over the world come to Bangkok just to take photos with these magnificent structures.
Wat Pho courtyard is rather large, and you will have to spend at least 30 minutes to see all the structures inside. In my opinion, I prefer Wat Pho over the Grand Palace just because it feels more like a proper temple than a tourist attraction.
Wat Pho also has a cheaper admission fee than the Grand Palace. It has no shortage of stunning architecture for photos and is way less crowded than the Grand Palace, allowing me to enjoy the beauty of the temples a little bit more.
Wat Pho's opening hours are from 8 AM to 6:30 PM, and the entrance fee for foreigners is 200 THB. I prefer this temple more than the Grand Palace because it is way less crowded, and you can actually sit and enjoy the place at your own leisure.
4. Wat Arun
Across the Chao Phraya River, you will find Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn, an old temple that is home to the stunning white pagoda, which is prominently featured on the 10 Thai baht coin.
Wat Arun is probably one of the most recognized landmarks in Bangkok due to its stunning location right on the riverside of the Chao Phraya. It serves as a great point of interest for travelers to watch the sunset at one of the many riverside restaurants nearby.
The temple is located right opposite Wat Pho, across the Chao Phraya River, and you can get there by getting on the river-crossing ferry, which will take you across for only around 4 THB.
Once you are at Wat Arun, you can climb up the newly renovated pagoda to the upper section and watch the beautiful sunset over the city of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya River from the top.
If you are looking for a riverside restaurant to enjoy the view of Wat Arun at sunset instead of climbing it, I recommend you check out The Deck, located right across the river from Wat Arun. They offer an unobstructed view of Wat Arun and the river. Although the food is expensive, we are paying for the exclusive view of the temple during the golden hours, which I think is well worth the price.
Wat Arun is open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM every day, and the admission fee is 100 THB for foreigners, but free for Thais.
5. Wat Ratchabophit
Another beautiful, albeit a little smaller, temple you should visit when you are in Bangkok is Wat Ratchabophit. Not many know about this temple, but Wat Ratchabophit is home to some of the most stunning architectural designs, and best of all, it is free to enter.
Wat Ratchabophit was built in the 19th Century with a mixture of Thai and Western architectural styles. The exterior is clearly Thai, but once you get inside, you will notice the interior design and decor reminiscent of those found in chapels and churches in Europe, which is quite unique.
Another unique thing about Wat Ratchabophit is its layout. With the 43-meter-high pagoda at the center, the ordination halls of the temple are joined by a circular courtyard, all covered in highly detailed Thai patterns.
Since the halls are built in a circular layout, you can walk around them both inside and outside of the courtyard and admire the beauty of Wat Ratchabophit from every angle. As it is a small temple, it should take you around 30 minutes to visit.
Wat Ratchabophit's opening hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM every day, with absolutely no admission fee!
6. Saket Temple (The Golden Mount)
One of the best viewpoints you can get in Old Town Bangkok is from the observation deck at Wat Saket, or as it is known, the Golden Mountain. It is one of the best sunset spots in the area as it offers a stunning 360° panoramic view of the city.
Wat Saket itself was built in the 18th century during the Ayutthaya era around the ground level of the modern-day Golden Mountain, and it was not until the mid-19th century that the 80m-high hill was artificially constructed to support the golden pagoda atop. Hence, the name "the Golden Mountain."
At the foot of the Golden Mountain, you will have to climb up the 318-step stairway that goes around the hill and up to the top of the temple, where you will find a large golden pagoda at the top, and a platform surrounding it.
The climb is rather easy with only 318 very small steps, and it should take you less than 5 minutes to reach the top. Once you are there, you will be able to see Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, the Rama 8 bridge, and all the skyscrapers in Bangkok's city center. It is a great spot to witness the contrast between the old and new parts of the city.
The Golden Temple's opening hours are from 7 AM to 7 PM every day, and you do not have to pay to enter the temple. However, a donation is greatly appreciated. I highly recommend visiting the temple during the golden hours and timing it so that you can reach the top in time for sunset.
7. Loha Prasat (Metal Castle)
Another lesser-known temple that is located not too far from the Golden Temple is Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan, home to Loha Prasat, or the Metal Castle, one of the most unique structures in Bangkok's Old City.
Loha Prasat is a stunning structure made out of metal, consisting of 37 black spires symbolizing the 37 virtues of enlightenment. It stands on a 3-level platform with 24 spires on the first level, 12 spires on the second level, and 1 large spire at the center that reaches a height of around 36 meters.
The structure is so unique that the moment you are up at the top of Golden Mountain, you will notice it right away, especially after sunset when they start turning on the lights atop all 37 spires, illuminating the surrounding area.
I highly recommend that you drop by Loha Prasat right after you watch the sunset at the top of Golden Mountain and get some photos of the illuminated Loha Prasat as the sky turns purple. I was there during that time, and it was quite a sight to behold.
You will also be able to see the illuminated Golden Mountain from Loha Prasat temple grounds, which is another good spot if you wish to take a photo of Wat Saket and the golden pagoda atop the Golden Mountain.
Loha Prasat's opening hours are from 8:30 AM to 6 PM, and you do not have to pay to enter Loha Prasat.
8. Wat Benchamabophit
Located by the Dusit Palace, outside of the Old City area, you will find another stunning temple called Wat Benchamabophit, which is one of the few temples that were built entirely out of marble. It is also the temple that is featured on the 5 Thai Baht coin.
Wat Benchamabophit is built from Carrara marble imported from Italy at the end of the 19th century. The architectural style found here is a great example of Bangkok's ornate style, with high gables and multi-tiered roof design, supported by stunning marble pillars.
Even the temple courtyard is built from marble. Inside, you will find a copy of the original Phra Buddha Chinnarat Buddha Image, one of the most important Buddha images in Thailand that dates back to Sukhothai. The real Buddha image is currently in Phitsanulok.
Wat Benchamabophit's opening hours are between 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM, and the admission fee is 50 THB for foreigners and free for Thais.
9. Wat Mangkon Kamalawat
Buddhist temples come in many shapes and forms, and thanks to the diversity of Bangkok's population, you will also find many Chinese temples in the mix. The most beautiful and sacred Chinese temple here is Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, located in Bangkok's Chinatown.
The temple is of Chinese origin, adorned with an array of impressive and intricate sculptures and beautiful red lanterns that cover much of the ceilings. Inside, you will find numerous shrines and passageways filled with people praying and making merits.
The last time I was there, much of the structure was under renovation, but the old buildings were pretty fascinating to see, and the new ones should be stunning as well, once the construction is completed.
If you really want to see a true spectacle, I highly recommend you visit the temple during the Chinese New Year celebrations. Tons and tons of people from all over the country come here to make merits and pray. It is quite a sight to behold, so be sure to check it out. The temple is open from 8 AM to 6 PM every day, and it is free to enter.
You can easily reach the temple with the MRT. Make sure you get off at Wat Mangkon Station. You can also drive here, but you will have to park your car at Wat Khanikaphon and the parking fee is 30 THB per hour.
10. Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
Bangkok is also home to a sizable Hindu community, and you will find quite a few Hindu temples here. One of the most impressive Hindu temples in Bangkok is the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, located in the Silom district.
Like most Hindu temples around the world, the place is not large, but it is jam-packed with stunning details and colorful sculptures that you can explore. From the beautiful patterns on its exterior to the incredible gate design adorned with sculptures of deities in various colors, you just can't find any temple quite like it.
Unfortunately, taking photos is prohibited inside the main temple, but you can take photos of its exterior, which is as nice as the inside. As you enter the main temple, the priest will also apply Tilak to your forehead, which is pretty cool.
The temple is open from 6 AM to 8:30 PM every day, and there is no entrance fee. You can easily reach the temple via BTS sky train. Get off at Surasak or Saint Louis stations and head north for about 5 minutes, and you will find the temple in the corner of the main road.
You can also drive here, but you are going to have to park at the nearby KFC and grab something from there to avoid paying parking fees.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Thailand
Looking for more information for your trip to Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Thailand that you might find useful:
- Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3-Month Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
- Planning a trip to Thailand? Here are the 11 Best Places to Visit in Thailand.
- Thailand is incredibly rich in history, with ancient cities scattered across its landscapes. If you’re looking to explore some of the country’s most remarkable historical sites, don’t miss this guide: Discover Thailand's Rich History: 12 Best Historical Sites to Visit.
- Looking to go off the beaten path in Thailand? Check out the 10 Best Hidden Gems to Visit in Thailand.
- Visiting a country like Thailand, you are going to need a comprehensive packing list to ensure you bring everything you need for your trip. Check out: What to Pack for Thailand - The Essential Packing List.
- Wondering when the best time is to visit Thailand? Here is a complete guide on picking The Best Time to Visit Thailand.
- Want to spend one month backpacking around Thailand? Check out: One Month Itinerary for Thailand.
- Have 2 weeks in Thailand? Check out this itinerary: 2 Weeks Backpacking Thailand Itinerary.
- Looking for an itinerary for Thailand? Check out the 10-Day Itinerary for Thailand.
- If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
- Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
- Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
- Not convinced by my words? How about looking through these photos I took in Thailand? 25 Beautiful Photos from Thailand.
- More often than not, your journey in Thailand will begin in Bangkok, and there are a ton of things you shouldn't miss in this city. Here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok.
- Want to spend a day outside Bangkok, but not sure where? Here are the 9 Best Day Trips To Make From Bangkok.
- Don't have a lot of time in Bangkok? Check out our One Day in Bangkok Itinerary.
- Have more than one day in Bangkok? I highly recommend that you spend at least 3 days in Bangkok. Here is a complete 3 Days Itinerary for Bangkok.
- For the best areas and neighborhoods to stay in Bangkok, check out: 7 Best Areas to Stay in Bangkok.
- There is no need for an introduction to the renowned old capital city of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai. Here are the 20 best things to do in Chiang Mai, according to the locals.
- One of the best road trips you can make in Thailand is traversing the Mae Hong Son Loop. Here's a complete backpacking guide and 10-day itinerary for the Mae Hong Son Loop.
- Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Northern Thailand, Central Thailand, or Southern Thailand?
- Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about continuing on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
- For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
- Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all of my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
- You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
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