Temples in Bangkok

Wat Pho is a famous temple located immediately south of the Grand Palace precinct in Bangkok. The place is renowned for being the headquarters for teaching and preserving traditional Thai medicine. The temple is largely visited to view the large reclining Buddha within, thus also known as the 'Temple of the Reclining Buddha'.

Address: Maharat Road, Phra Nakorn District

Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

The temple of the Emerald Buddha, commonly known as Wat Phra Kaew, is the most essential and revered Buddhist temple in Thailand as it enshrines the image of Phra Kaew Morakot carved from a single jade block. Established in 1785, the temple has elaborate carvings, paintings and pagodas, making it a spectacular sight for visitors.

Address: 2 Na Phra Lan Rd, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon

Timings: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Due to its painfully long real name Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, this temple in Bangkok is also known as the Temple of Dawn. The most prominent characteristic of this temple is its 82 meters high tower which provides a panoramic view of the Chao Phraya river on the banks of which the temple is built. The stairs to reach the top of the tower are quite steep, so it gets a tad bit difficult to climb, but it's worth it considering the scenic view it offers. With an entry fee of just THB 50, the temple provides one of the best sunset views in the entire city.

Address: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai,

Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Popularly known as the Golden Mount, Wat Saket is a picturesque temple with a 58-metre golden chedi which houses a Buddha relic. Established during the Ayutthaya period, this temple is built on a man-made hill and requires you to climb 300 steps to get to the top of the chedi. A colourful week-long fair is hosted here every November.

Address: Khwaeng Ban Bat, Khet Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon

Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

In addition to being humongous and majestic, Wat Suthat also holds the title of the highest royal temple in Bangkok and Thailand. The sanctuary inside the temple vaults has labyrinthine stories of the Buddha, also called the Jataka murals and Thailand's most massive Phra Si Sakayamuni sculpture. Standing tall at 8 meters, Thailand's largest safeguarded Sukhothai-period bronze built in the 14th century. The temple also holds a significant place with the Brahman priests. 

Address: 146 Bamrung Muang Rd, Khwaeng Wat Ratchabophit, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon

Timings: 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM

Wat Traimit, nestled at the end of Chinatown's Yaowarat Road near Hualampong Railway Station is the perfect place to admire the glittering gold statue of Buddha. One of the best royal temples of Bangkok, it is famous for housing a pure gold statue of Lord Buddha. It is known as 'The Temple of the Golden Buddha', as the world's largest gold statue, which is almost 5 metres tall and 5.5 tonnes heavy, is sheltered here.

Address: 951 Charoen Krung Rd, Khwaeng Talat Noi, Khet Samphanthawong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon

Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Commonly known as the marble temple, Wat Benchamabophit is one of Bangkok's most beautiful attractions. Embodying an impressive, modern style of Thai architecture, Wat Benchamabophit is a royal temple hosting a beautiful Buddha statue. With red carpets, polished marble and stained-glass painted walls - Wat Benchamabophit is a unique yet beautiful Thai temple!

Address: 2 Maha Chai Rd, Wat Bowon Niwet, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200

Timings : 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sri Mariamman is one of the few Hindu temples amongst the many Buddhist ones. Dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the temple is as colourful and vivid as it can get. Its visually stunning architecture was built by Tamil immigrants in the 1860s. While most of the temple workers are from India, it is interesting to see even Thais and Chinese singing prayers inside this temple in Bangkok. Such is the power of the Hindu gods.

Address: 2 Pan Rd, Khwaeng Silom, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon

Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Wat Mahathat is a significant meditation centre that trains pupils in meditation science and Buddhism. Situated in the old Rattanakosin district of Bangkok, Wat Mahathat is among Thailand's ten prominent royal temples. Tucked away somewhere between the Grand Palace and the National Museum, this opulent edifice also houses the Insight Meditation Vipassana centre, where tourists can avail of classes in English and Thai language.

Address: Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200

Timings: 7-30 AM to 6 PM

In a way, Wat Prayoon is no different from its other Buddhist counterparts. This temple in Bangkok showcases an ordination hall, meditation hall, a library and other common features of a Buddhist temple. But there's a catch. A red iron fence, 1.5m in height, sets this temple apart. The fence is made up of weapons as old as the 19th century. Visitors can also feed turtles in the turtle pond placed within the temple's boundaries. Plan a day's trip here to meet with the Portuguese community to learn more about their culture.

Address: Prajadhipok Rd, Thon Buri

Timings: 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Built in 1926, Wat Bowonniwet, also called Wat Bowon by the locals, is the national headquarters of Thammayut order, a sect that refers to Thai Buddhism. The temple also houses noteworthy murals and depictions of western Thai life dating back to the 19th century. 

Address: 248 Phra Sumen Rd, Khwaeng Wat Bowon Niwet, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon

Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Besides being the most important, Wat Mangkon Kamalawat is also the biggest Chinese Buddhist temple in Bangkok. Also called the Dragon Lotus Temple or the Wat Leng Noei Yi in Chinese, it remains extremely crowded during any festivities or occasions in the Chinese calendar, especially the Chinese New Year. Set up in 1871, Wat Mangkon Kamalawat was the first one to be bringing in Mahayana Buddhism in Bangkok.

Address: Khet Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon

Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Located on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Suwannaram is a 150-year-old second-class royal monastery showcasing ornate hand-painted murals depicting Buddha’s life. This magnificent temple complex offers a pond, a wooden library on stilts that stores religious books, monks’ quarters, fish to feed, and leafy grounds for a quiet moment of meditation.

Address: 32 Siri Rat, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok 10700

While boating across the Chao Phraya river, the large enchanting ordination hall of the Wat Kalayanamitr is sure to catch anyone's attention. Built in 1825 by Chaophraya Nikonbodin, the temple's ordination hall is one of the tallest in Thailand. It houses a 15-metre-tall Buddha image made of limestone and gold leaf.

Address: New Arun Amarin Rd, Khwaeng Wat Kanlaya, Khet Thon Buri

Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Originally known as Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Chang Songkhran has one of the largest Sri Lankan-style bell-shaped chedi in Sukhothai. Around the main chedi, several smaller chedis are placed, receding in size as they move towards the top. You can walk a little north of this temple in Bangkok, where the monument of King Ramkamhaeng lies locals usually visit.

Address: Chakrabongse Rd, Khwaeng Chana Songkhram, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, Thailand

Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen, also known as Wat Paknam, was built during the Ayutthaya period. The temple attracts mae chis (nuns) because of the meditation master Luang Pu Sod's meditation policies. He emphasised Buddhist and secular studies for them. With a 7.9-acre complex, this temple has the largest mae chi community in Thailand.

Address: Ratchamongkhon Prasat Alley, Khwaeng Pak Khlong Phasi Charoen, Khet Phasi Charoen, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon

Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM

Wat Rakang, or the temple of bells, is a lesser known temple of Bangkok. Built in the 18th century, it has five giant bells and a seated Buddha in the meditation position in the centre. The architecture of this temple in Bangkok is sublime, and the murals inside the ordination hall are gorgeous and noteworthy. The locals believe that sounding of the bells will bring them fame and good reputation.

Address: Thanon Arun Amarin, Khwaeng Siriraj, Khet Bangkok Noi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon

Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Located in the Bang Rak District, Wat Hua Lamphong is one-of-a-kind Royal Buddhist Temple in Bangkok. It has an aesthetic architecture, is easily accessible and also falls off the beaten path. This temple in Bangkok is extremely popular among the local Thai civilians, who visit here to donate money for coffins for the people who have died but, unfortunately, have no relatives who can afford to buy a coffin for them.

Address: 728 Rama IV Rd, Khwaeng Si Phraya, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon

Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Loha Prasat, also famous as ‘Metal Castle,’ dwells inside the Wat Ratchanatdaram Woravihara along with many similar temples and relics. More often than not, the temple is overshadowed by the fame of the closely located relics such as Khaosan and Wat Saket. The imposing Loha Prasat is also considered the world’s only brazen palace (the building’s roof is made of bronze tiles).

Address: 2 Maha Chai Rd, Wat Bowon Niwet, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

Wat Intharawihan or Wat Intharavihan in Bangkok is known for the famous Buddha statue, 32 m high. The temple which is situated close to the Chao Phraya River, in the Thanon Wisut Kasat area of Bali, was known as Wat Rai Phrik in the olden times. The pious statue is believed to have the power to fulfil the wishes of the visitors who come to seek blessings.

Address: Bang Khun Phrom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200

Timings : 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM

Wat Rakang, or the temple of bells, is a lesser-known temple in Bangkok. Established in the 18th century, the temple has five giant bells and a seated Buddha in the meditation position in the centre. The architecture of the temple is sublime, and the murals inside the ordination hall are gorgeous and noteworthy. The locals believe that sounding the bells will bring them fame and a good reputation.

Address: 250 Arun Amarin Rd, Siri Rat, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok 10700

Timings : 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Built-in 1869, Wat Ratchabophit near Grand Palace is King Rama IV’s historic royal temple flaunting a 43-metre-tall golden bell-shaped stupa surrounded by manicured courtyards. Showcasing stunning handmade mosaics across its giant pink walls, gilded black lacquer, drum towers and spires, this tile-clad temple and cemetery is among Thailand’s most incredible regal temples blending Sri Lankan and Italian architecture.

Address: 2 Fueang Nakhon Rd, แขวง วัดราชบพิธ Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

Wat Thepthidaram is the only temple in Bangkok with carvings and images of Buddha’s female disciples. Constructed by King Rama III in 1836 for his daughter, this royal temple is a unique combination of Chinese architecture and Buddhist prangs. The complex flaunts stunning stone dolls, sculptures made from the ballast of old Chinese merchant ships, and the world’s oldest Bhikkuni statues.

Address: 70 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200

Founded by King Rama IV, Wat Pathum Wanaram is a mid-19th century Buddhist temple compound displaying ancient Phra craftsmanship. Also known as Lotus Temple, this multi-layered shrine is fronted by a large pond and open pavilion. In the middle of a large prayer hall stands a paved plaza, while the backyard is occupied by monks’ quarters and a reconstructed crematorium.

Address: 969 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330

As Thailand’s fourth emperor’s burial place, Wat Ratchapradit is a revered Buddhist temple in Bangkok originally intended to be a Dhammayutika Sect. A place of interest in Wat Ratchapradit is Phra Wihan-Luang Image Hall, housing mural paintings depicting The Royal Ceremonies and Buddhist solar eclipse phenomenon legend.

Address: 2, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200

Timings: 9 AM to 4:30 PM