Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital, is home to an array of mesmerizing temples, collectively known as “wats.” These sacred sites offer a glimpse into the country’s deep-rooted spirituality and rich cultural heritage. From the resplendent Temple of the Emerald Buddha to the majestic Temple of Dawn, Bangkok’s temples are architectural marvels that reveal the city’s captivating history.
Embark on a journey through Bangkok’s top temples to uncover the significance, legends, and allure of these striking landmarks. Discover intricate murals, colossal statues, tranquil gardens, and gilded chedis that transport visitors back in time. This definitive guide covers the 10 must-visit temples in Bangkok that should be on every traveler’s itinerary.
1. Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
Location: Inside Grand Palace complex, Na Phra Lan Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Significance: Thailand’s most sacred and revered temple
Main Highlights: Emerald Buddha, golden Chedi of the previous king, detailed murals
The most hallowed and revered temple in all of Thailand, Wat Phra Kaew is located within the grounds of the Grand Palace. It enshrines the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most esteemed Buddha image carved from a single block of emerald-green jade.
Believed to date back to 14th century AD, the Emerald Buddha is adorned with exquisite gold seasonal costumes changed by the King of Thailand in an annual ritual. In addition to the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew is home to many other significant structures.
The temple’s clean symmetrical architecture represents the cosmic Mount Meru, with the Emerald Buddha at its sacred pinnacle. The temple complex glitters with mirrors, crystals, golden spires and elaborate Thai mythological murals. The Palladian-inspired Phra Si Rattana Chedi with its glistening gold mosaic tiles is a shrine memorializing the previous king.
With its regal architecture and the powerfully revered Emerald Buddha, visiting Wat Phra Kaew offers deep insight into Thailand’s spiritual heritage and the monarchy’s divine significance.
2. Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha Temple)
Location: 2 Sanam Chai Road, Grand Palace Subdistrict, Pranakorn District, Bangkok
Significance: Home to the enormous reclining Buddha statue and Thailand’s earliest center for public education
Main Highlights: 150-foot long reclining Buddha, over 1,000 Buddha images, massage school
Wat Pho‘s fame derives from its colossal reclining Buddha covered in golden leaf and measuring an imposing 150 feet long and 50 feet high. This iconic and serene statue depicts Buddha entering Nirvana, built to commemorate the king’s victory over Burma.
In addition to the giant reclining Buddha, Wat Pho boasts over 1,000 images of Buddha displayed in different postures and materials. The temple complex contains 91 chedis (stupas), 4 great chedis, and a bot (ordination hall) featuring 400 gilt Buddha images.
Wat Pho is also considered Thailand’s earliest center for public education and is renowned as the birthplace for traditional Thai massage which is still taught and practiced at the temple grounds’ medicine pavilions. The temple’s tranquil courtyards with granite Chinese statues are perfect for contemplative strolls.
With its colossal reclining Buddha and tranquil spaces, Wat Pho gives great insight into Buddhist teachings and Thai healing arts.
3. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Location: On the Thonburi west bank of the Chao Phraya River, opposite Wat Pho, Bangkok
Significance: Represents the legendary Mt. Meru, home of Hindu gods
Main Highlights: Iconic riverside prang (spire), Wang Na rooftop terrace, porcelain tile decoration
The Temple of Dawn, named after Aruna the Indian God of Dawn, is one of Thailand’s most recognizable landmarks. Sitting majestically on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun’s central tower (prang) rises over 250 feet into the sky, ornately decorated with tiny fragments of colorful porcelain arranged in beautiful floral patterns.
The temple is modeled after Mt. Meru, the sacred mountain home of the Hindu gods in Indian cosmology. The main prang represents Mt. Meru’s central peak, surrounded by four smaller peaks and enshrined towers containing Buddha relics.
Climb the steep stairs to Wat Arun’s panoramic Wang Na rooftop terrace overlooking the Chao Phraya River and Grand Palace for Instagrammable views. As the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun is best witnessed at sunrise or sunset, the light creating a striking glow.
4. Wat Saket (Golden Mount Temple)
Location: 344 Chakrabongse Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Significance: Only artificial mountain in Bangkok with panoramic views
Main Highlights: Golden Chedi, 360° city views, atmospheric prayer walks
Built on an artificial 80-meter-high mound, the Golden Mount Temple offers a peaceful respite from Bangkok’s bustle with the reward of stellar city views. The temple started as a small shrine housing Buddha relics before becoming Bangkok’s only mountain.
Visitors must climb over 300 steps to reach Wat Saket’s gleaming gold-leaf chedi crowning the summit. The journey up passes leafy bonsai trees, rock gardens, and resting spots to enjoy the panoramas. At the peak, the Golden Mount provides sweeping 360° views over Bangkok’s dense urban sprawl.
The temple sees worshippers lighting incense and candles as they circumnambulate the chedi in prayer. The walk down passes glittering Buddha statues and shrines, completing the atmospheric experience. With its lofty vantage point, Wat Saket lets you rise above Bangkok’s chaos.
5. Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha)
Location: 661 Tri Mit Road, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok
Significance: Houses the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statue
Main Highlights: 5.5-ton Golden Buddha, interesting museum
Wat Traimit provides visitors with a unique opportunity to admire the world’s largest solid gold Buddha image. The mysterious origins of this priceless statue trace back centuries.
Standing 10-feet-tall and weighing 5.5 tons, the Golden Buddha is an awe-inspiring sight to behold. Originally covered with a layer of stucco, it was only revealed to be solid gold in 1955 when being relocated. Pieces of the stucco are displayed in the temple’s museum chronicling the statue’s fascinating history.
The serene three-story marble hall provides a fitting shrine for this globally significant Buddha. Beyond the dazzling Golden Buddha, Wat Traimit has an extensive collection of Buddha images and traditional paintings. The temple shows how beauty and spirituality can be hidden beneath the surface.
6. Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple)
Location: 69 Rama 5 Road, Dusit District, Bangkok
Significance: Bangkok’s finest example of modern Thai architecture
Main Highlights: Intricate marble detailing, 52 bronze Buddha statues, tranquil lakes
Constructed of Italian Carrara marble, Wat Benchamabophit showcases superior craftsmanship and elegance. Built in Thailand’s last period of absolute monarchy rule under King Chulalongkorn, the Marble Temple combines European neoclassical and traditional Thai designs.
The temple’s main ubosot (ordination hall) features intricate marble walls, doors, windows, and floors. Inside are 52 bronze Buddha statues in dynamic poses set against tranquil surroundings including gardens, lakes, and fountains.
Dusky orange roofs and gold accents complement Wat Benchamabophit’s white facade. Meticulous details like engraved floral marble patterns and stained-glass windows create a refined elegance. The Marble Temple is Bangkok’s finest example of modern Thai temple architecture.
7. Wat Intharawihan (Temple of the Standing Buddha)
Location: Wisut Kasat Road, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok
Significance: Home to Thailand’s tallest standing Buddha statue
Main Highlights: 32-meter-tall standing Buddha, tranquil atmosphere
Wat Intharawihan houses the tallest standing Buddha statue in Thailand, measuring an immense 32-meters tall. This imposing bronze statue depicts Buddha standing gracefully with downcast eyes and curled fingers in the common ‘dispelling fear’ mudra.
The giant standing Buddha was built in the mid-1800s, taking over 30 years to complete. Its placid facial expression and towering height make it an awe-inspiring sight. The statue’s base is also intricately decorated with detailed mother-of-pearl depictions of Buddhist disciples and mythical creatures.
Beyond the colossal standing Buddha, the temple grounds are relatively compact but provide a peaceful sanctuary in Bangkok’s dense city center. The temple is surrounded by sage green trees and walls with red lacquered pillars, adding vivid pops of color.
8. Wat Suthat Thepwararam
Location: 146 Bamrung Muang Road, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok
Significance: Houses the Giant Swing used in traditional Brahmin ceremonies
Main Highlights: Giant red swing, sweeping murals, tranquil courtyards
Wat Suthat Thepwararam is one of Bangkok’s oldest and most magnificent temples. While its main draw is the towering Giant Swing that sits in front of the temple, the complex houses expansive murals and serene courtyards.
The iconic Giant Swing stands over 21 meters tall and was historically used in an ancient Brahmin ceremony. Today it makes for an impressive photo subject, contrasting against the temple’s sweeping slate roofs.
Inside, Wat Suthat Thepwararam features sweeping wall-to-wall murals intricately decorated with scenes from the life of Buddha. Statues of Chinese warriors and serene Buddha images dot the spacious grounds. The temple’s tranquil courtyards framed with orange-robed monks create a peaceful escape.
9. Wat Ratchanatdaram
Location: Mahachai Road, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Significance: Unique blend of Thai and European architecture
Main Highlights: Intricate spires, vibrant mosaics, peaceful surroundings
Unlike most traditional Thai temples, Wat Ratchanatdaram beautifully fuses Asian and European architectural styles. The temple was commissioned by King Rama III and designed by his son, a well-traveled prince who incorporated foreign influences.
Heavily decorated Gothic-style spires rise next to Thai-style lotus bud towers, accented with stunning multi-colored Chinese porcelain tiles. Inside, the temple’s dimly-lit ordination hall has intricately carved doors, red carpet floors, and worldly mural paintings.
The temple complex provides a peaceful escape from Bangkok’s bustle despite its central location. Lush trees, small ponds, Chinese stone statues, and tiny garden nooks make Wat Ratchanatdaram one of Bangkok’s most picturesque temples.
10. Sri Mahamariamman Temple
Location: 566 Rama 1 Road, Bangkok
Significance: Oldest and most important Hindu temple in Bangkok
Main Highlights: Intricate sculptures, colorful shrines, vibrant culture
Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the oldest and most prominent Hindu temple in Bangkok, providing an immersion in the culture and rituals of the city’s Indian community. Founded in the 1820s, the temple is dedicated to the supreme mother goddess Mariamman.
The temple complex bursts with color, from its intricate sculptures of Hindu deities to vibrant orange, pink and blue shrines. Visitors can witness devotees making offerings and tying strings around their wrists to have deities grant wishes.
While most are accustomed to Bangkok’s Buddhist sites, Sri Mahamariamman Temple provides a look at a unique facet of Thai culture. The temple pulsates with an infectious energy and spiritual devotion that lingers after your visit.
Conclusion
Bangkok’s temples provide an unparalleled opportunity to delve into Thailand’s rich cultural heritage, spiritual traditions, and architectural mastery. Ranging from the magnificent Temple of the Emerald Buddha nestled within the grounds of the Grand Palace to the towering Temple of Dawn that sits majestically along the riverfront, Bangkok’s sacred sites hold legends and meanings waiting to be uncovered.
Beyond glittering chedis and serene Buddha statues, the temples offer glimpses into facets of Thai culture with their unique histories. Marvel at the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statue, admire intricate mother-of-pearl decorations and soak in sweeping murals depicting tales of Buddha’s life. From tranquil courtyards to panoramic viewpoints, a visit to Bangkok’s temples promises insight and inspiration.
As Bangkok’s landscape rapidly modernizes, these ancient temples provide a powerful connection to the nation’s artistic spirituality. By stepping into their sanctum’s, visitors can embark on an enriching cultural and spiritual journey through the legends, faith, and creativity of the Thai people.
