Top 7 Temples You Must Visit in Bangkok

With Thailand being 95% Buddhist, it’s no surprise that Bangkok boasts hundreds of temples, known locally as 'wats.'

Some temples are tucked away down narrow side streets, far from the tourist crowds, while others are part of sprawling complexes with halls, schools, and revered statues, making them staples in every Bangkok travel guide.

Here’s a curated list of seven of Bangkok’s finest temples, chosen for their historical importance and stunning beauty.

Be sure to dress modestly – covering your legs and shoulders – or you may be denied entry to these sacred sites.

1. Wat Arun – Temple of Dawn

A temple as significant as Wat Arun is so revered that it even appears on the 10-baht coin. Situated on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River, this iconic structure is known as the Temple of Dawn.

The construction of the magnificent 'phra prang' (towers), decorated with vibrant Chinese porcelain fragments, began under King Rama II (1809-1824) and was completed during the reign of King Rama III (1824-1851).

While the grand phra prang of Wat Arun are the main highlight, they’re just one part of a much larger complex. The temple grounds also feature beautiful white structures, peaceful shrines, serene ponds, and charming narrow lanes. For the best photo of Wat Arun, head to the opposite bank of the river, especially at sunset. The Arun Residence restaurant offers stunning views and delicious meals.

34 Arun Amarin Road, Kwang Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai. To reach the temple by boat, take the cross-river ferry at Tha Tien Pier. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.www.watarun.net

2. Wat Phra Kaew – Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Wat Phra Kaew is likely familiar to many visitors, as it resides within the legendary Grand Palace grounds. Known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, it houses one of Thailand's most sacred Buddha statues, carved from a single block of jade.

This revered Buddha has journeyed far. As per Thailand’s official palace website, it was first discovered in Chiang Rai in 1464, later moved to Lampang, and then brought to Chiang Mai by King Tilok of Lannathai. From there, it traveled to Luang Prabang, Laos, before making its way to Vientiane.

Eventually, the King of Thonburi dispatched an expedition to reclaim it. When King Rama I founded the city of Bangkok and constructed the Grand Palace, the Emerald Buddha was placed in the temple where it remains to this day.

Don’t miss the murals inside this sacred temple, which depict the life story of the Buddha, moral proverbs, and scenes from the Ramakien — Thailand’s version of the Ramayana epic.

Located within the Grand Palace on Na Phra Lan Road. Open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. +66 (0)2 623 5500 Ext. 1124, 3100.

3. Wat Pho – Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Located right next to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho houses Thailand’s largest reclining Buddha. The 46-meter-long statue features mother-of-pearl inlays on its feet, depicting the 108 auspicious signs of the Buddha, while the statue itself is coated in shimmering gold leaf.

As recorded in Thai history, after relocating to the Grand Palace, King Rama I acknowledged the temple’s religious significance and instructed its restoration in 1788. The restoration took an impressive seven years, five months, and 28 days. Under King Rama III, a major expansion and further restoration took place, lasting 16 years and seven months.

Wat Pho is also home to a renowned massage school, where skilled Thai masseurs have been training since 1955. Visitors can enjoy a traditional Thai massage or even sign up for short- or long-term courses.

Located on Sanam Chai Road and Maharaj Road, next to the Grand Palace. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. +66 (0)2 225 9595.

4. Wat Benchamabophit – The Marble Temple

Known as 'The Marble Temple' in English, Wat Benchamabophit is a stunning royal monastery, widely regarded as a masterpiece of Thai architecture. Its main ordination hall is constructed from Italian marble and showcases strong European neo-classical influences.

Situated in the lush Dusit district of Bangkok, near Chitralada Palace, Wat Benchamabophit was founded by King Rama V in 1900. His ashes are interred in the ordination hall beneath a Sukhothai-style Buddha statue. Its image can also be found on Thailand’s five-baht coin.

Located at 69 Nakornpathom Road, Dusit. Open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

5. Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit – A Place of Great Significance

Although not the most visually stunning temple in Bangkok, Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit holds immense religious and historical significance.

As one of the six royal wats, Wat Mahathat was constructed during the Ayutthaya period. When Bangkok became the capital, it was designated as the royal temple, chosen for its strategic location near the newly built Grand Palace, where it hosted royal ceremonies.

Today, Wat Mahathat is home to Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, founded in 1887, making it Thailand’s oldest institution for higher education for Buddhist monks. It also serves as the headquarters for Vipassana Meditation, where visitors can attend classes.

Nearby attractions worth exploring include the amulet market and the National Museum.

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Located on Phra That Road, next to the Grand Palace.

6. Wat Saket – The Golden Mount

Wat Saket is one of those Bangkok temples that attracts visitors more for its striking features than for the temple itself. The main highlight here is the ‘Golden Mount,’ a man-made hill topped with a towering chedi, offering magnificent views over Bangkok.

Though the temple itself isn’t particularly remarkable, Wat Saket dates back to the Ayutthaya era and was later restored during the reign of King Rama I.

The hill of the Golden Mount was constructed during the reign of King Rama III, but it was King Rama IV who added the golden chedi. The current chedi, which remains today, was completed under King Rama V. Inside the chedi is a revered Buddha image given to him by the British.

The trek to the top can be tough on a hot day, so be sure to bring plenty of water. If you don’t mind the crowds, the temple hosts a fantastic Loy Kratong fair every November.

Located at Ratchadamnoen Klang Road and Boripihat Road. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

7. Wat Traimit – Temple of the Golden Buddha

Wat Traimit is another Bangkok temple where appearances can be deceiving. Beneath its humble exterior lies one of the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statues.

Incredibly, the golden Buddha had been overlooked for centuries, hidden beneath plaster until workmen accidentally cracked it in the 1950s. They had assumed it was just a five-ton, 13th-century Buddha statue. The plaster covering was originally used to deceive invading Burmese forces.

Outside the temple, on the right, stands the towering red Royal Jubilee Gate, or 'Chalermphrakiat' in Thai. Built in 1999, it symbolizes the harmonious prosperity of Thai and Chinese cultures under the reign of His Majesty the King.

Located at 661 Tri Mit Road, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, near Hualumphong Train Station. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. +66 (0)2 509 9091.