5 Best Temples in Bangkok to Visit

Looking for the best temples in Bangkok to visit during your trip to this great city?

One thing that many first-time visitors want to do in Bangkok is to visit some of the many beautiful and impressive Buddhist temples (or “wats”), but with so many to see, it’s often hard to choose which ones to visit.

Five of the best temples in Bangkok not to miss are the the Temple of the Golden Buddha, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Yannawa and Wat Pathum Wanaram.

The Temple of the Golden Buddha

One of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks is the Temple of the Golden Buddha, also known as Wat Traimit.

The Temple of the Golden Buddha is located in the heart of Bangkok’s Chinatown, on Traimit Road. It’s a relatively small temple, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in beauty and historical significance. The temple is home to one of the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statues, which has a fascinating story behind it.

As you enter the temple grounds, you’ll be struck by the peacefulness and serenity that surrounds you. The hustle and bustle of Chinatown fade away, and you’ll experience the joy of tranquility and spirituality. The temple’s architecture is impressive, with intricate carvings and ornate decorations adorning the roofs and walls.

Legend has it that the Golden Buddha statue was hidden under a layer of plaster for over 200 years to protect it from being looted by invaders. The statue was so well hidden that nobody knew of its existence.

The Temple of the Golden Buddha dates back to the 13th century when it was built as a part of the Sukhothai Kingdom. Over the centuries, the temple underwent several renovations and restorations, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that its true treasure was discovered.

Legend has it that the Golden Buddha statue was hidden under a layer of plaster for over 200 years to protect it from being looted by invaders. The statue was so well hidden that nobody knew of its existence until a construction crew accidentally chipped away some of the plaster, revealing a small part of the gold underneath.

Today, the Golden Buddha statue is the temple’s main attraction, and it’s easy to see why. The statue is a masterpiece of Thai art, standing at three meters tall and weighing over five tons. It’s made entirely of solid gold, and its value is estimated to be around 250 million dollars.

The statue’s intricate details are awe-inspiring, with every inch of its surface covered in delicate carvings and decorations. The Buddha is depicted in the meditation pose, with his hands resting on his lap, and his eyes closed in a state of inner peace.

The statue’s serene expression and golden glow make it impossible not to feel a sense of wonder and reverence.

How to Get to the Golden Buddha

The closest metro stop is Hua Lamphong. From the station’s exit, walk to Charoen Krung Road (easily found on any tourist map), then turn right and walk about 1/2 mile to Mittaphap Road. You will see the large, white Traimit Temple just down the road.

It’s only a few blocks from Chinatown, so you can also visit this interesting area of the city after you leave the temple.

The The Temple of the Reclining Buddha

The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, also known as Wat Pho, is another of the Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks. It’s certainly one of the best temples in Bangkok to visit on your trip.

Located within the Grand Palace complex in the historic district of the city, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. As you approach the temple, you’ll notice its grandeur, with ornate decorations adorning the walls and roofs, and intricate carvings depicting mythical creatures and deities.

The main attraction of the temple is the Reclining Buddha statue, which is an impressive 150 feet (46 meters) long and 49 feet (15 meters) high. The statue is made of plaster and covered in gold leaf, and it’s a sight to behold.

The Buddha is depicted in a reclining position, with his head resting on his hand, and his eyes closed in a state of serenity.

As you walk around the statue, you’ll notice the intricate details of its feet, which are adorned with mother-of-pearl inlays, depicting auspicious symbols and scenes from Buddhist mythology.

You’ll also notice the peaceful atmosphere of the temple, with the sound of chanting and the scent of incense filling the air.

The Temple of the Reclining Buddha has a rich history dating back to the 16th century, when it was built by King Rama I. The temple underwent several renovations and restorations over the centuries, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that the Reclining Buddha statue was created.

As you walk around the statue, you’ll notice the intricate details of its feet, which are adorned with mother-of-pearl inlays, depicting auspicious symbols and scenes from Buddhist mythology.

The statue was commissioned by King Rama III, who wanted to create a symbol of Thai art and culture that would rival the Golden Buddha statue at the nearby Temple of the Golden Buddha. The Reclining Buddha statue took over ten years to complete, and it’s considered one of the most important works of Thai art.

The Temple of the Reclining Buddha is more than just a tourist attraction; it’s also a center of learning and a place of worship for the local community. The temple is home to one of the oldest and most prestigious schools of traditional Thai massage, which has been taught here for over 200 years.

If you’re interested in learning about Thai massage, you can take a course at the temple’s massage school, where you’ll learn the ancient techniques and principles of Thai massage. You can also explore the temple’s library, which contains a vast collection of Buddhist scriptures and texts.

As you leave the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, you’ll feel a sense of peace and tranquility, knowing that you’ve experienced one of the most significant cultural landmarks in Bangkok.

The temple’s beauty and historical significance make it a must-visit for anyone interested in Thai art and culture, and its peaceful atmosphere makes it a haven of serenity in the bustling city of Bangkok.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha

The Emerald Buddha statue housed in Wat Phra Kaew is the most sacred Buddha image in all of Thailand.

The legend of this statue traces its origins to India, about 500 years after the Buddha’s death. It was moved to Wat Phra Kaew in 1782, during the reign of Rama I, the first king of the Chakri dynasty.

The statue is in fact not made of emerald but rather of jade. It is called “emerald” due to its rich green color, and not to being made of the actual stone. It is surprisingly small, being just over two feet (66 cm) tall. But, though small in size, the statue commands attention with its intricate details and serene expression.

No one but the Thai king is ever allowed to touch the statue and it sits high above the ground on a tall altar. The king presides over a ceremony changing the Buddha’s garments three times a year.

Its captivating beauty is heightened by the intricate golden decorations that surround it. The Buddha sits in the Lanna meditating posture in the style of northern Thailand.

No one but the Thai king is ever allowed to touch the statue and it sits high above the ground on a tall altar. The king presides over a ceremony changing the Buddha’s garments three times a year (one for each of Thailand’s seasons), which is believed to bestow good fortune upon the nation.

The temple also features stunning murals and paintings that depict scenes from Thai mythology and history. The intricate details and vivid colors of these artworks are a testament to the skill and artistry of Thai artisans.

Prior to coming to Thailand in the 18th century, the statue resided in Cambodia and in Laos. Don’t miss this one, as it’s one of the best temples in Bangkok to visit.

How to Get to the Reclining Buddha and the Emerald Buddha

Wat Phra Kaew is within the complex of the Grand Palace. Wat Pho is right next to the Grand Palace complex. If you get there early enough, you can see both Wat Pho, and Wat Phra Kaew (and the Grand Palace) all in one visit.

However, you can also spend the whole day in each place and make it a two-day visit. There is certainly enough to see to last two days.

One of the easiest ways to get to these wats is by taxi, as there no Sky Train or metro stations nearby. Be careful when taking a taxi, however, as, unfortunately, many taxi drivers in Bangkok are unscrupulous.

As a rule, they are always supposed to run their meter, so please insist that they do. They will often attempt to charge you 200 baht for a ride that will come to 60 baht on the meter.

A better way to get there is to be a little adventurous and take the Sky Train (Silom Line) to Taksin (the terminal stop as of this writing) and then take a Chao Phrya Tourist Boat to the Tha Chang stop.

From here, it is only about a 10-minute walk to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho is adjacent to the palace complex.

Wat Yannawa

Located in the Sathon district, this temple is often overlooked by tourists in favor of the more well-known Wat Arun and Wat Pho. However, if you’re looking for a unique and peaceful experience in Bangkok, Wat Yannawa is a must-visit destination.

One of the most distinctive features of this temple is the Chinese junk ship that sits in the courtyard. This ship was built during the reign of King Rama III and symbolizes the strong cultural and commercial ties between Thailand and China.

Take a moment to marvel at the intricate details of the ship, from the wooden carvings to the colorful porcelain plates that adorn the walls.

As you make your way through the temple grounds, you’ll notice a number of other interesting structures, including a bell tower and a pagoda. The pagoda is particularly striking, with its bright red and gold colors standing out against the blue sky.

Inside, you’ll find a small shrine and a staircase that leads to the top of the pagoda. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

Another highlight of Wat Yannawa is the statue of the Chinese goddess of mercy, Kuan Yin. This statue is said to be one of the largest in the world, standing at 16 meters tall. Take a moment to admire the intricate details of the statue, which was crafted by Chinese artisans using traditional techniques.

If you’re lucky, you may also have the opportunity to witness a traditional Thai ceremony at Wat Yannawa. The temple is still an active place of worship for the local community, and ceremonies are held throughout the year to celebrate important events and festivals.

If you’re lucky, you may also have the opportunity to witness a traditional Thai ceremony at Wat Yannawa. The temple is still an active place of worship for the local community.

Before you leave, be sure to stop by the gift shop to pick up a souvenir of your visit. The shop sells a variety of items, including traditional Thai clothing, handmade jewelry, and Buddhist artifacts.

If you’re looking for a unique and peaceful experience in Bangkok, be sure to add Wat Yannawa to your itinerary.

With its distinctive Chinese ship, striking pagoda, and impressive statue of Kuan Yin, this temple is a truly worth adding to your Bangkok itinerary.

How to Get to Wat Yannawa

The best way to get to Wat Yannawa is to take the Silom Line Skytrain to the Saphan Taksin station, walk back in the opposite direction that train was heading, exit to your right onto Charoen Krung Road. The temple is at 40 Charoen Krung Rd.

Wat Pathum Wanaram

Located just a stone’s throw away from the bustling Siam Paragon shopping center, Wat Pathum Wanaram offers a tranquil escape from the buzz of the city.

One of the most striking features of Wat Pathum Wanaram is its beautiful gardens. As you enter the temple grounds, you’ll be greeted by a lush green lawn and a pond filled with lotus flowers.

As you make your way towards the main temple building, you’ll notice the intricate details of the architecture. The temple is designed in a traditional Thai style, with ornate carvings and delicate gold leaf detailing.

Take a moment to stroll through the gardens, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and the fragrant scent of flowers.

As you make your way towards the main temple building, you’ll notice the intricate details of the architecture. The temple is designed in a traditional Thai style, with ornate carvings and delicate gold leaf detailing. Inside, you’ll find a peaceful and serene atmosphere, with soft lighting and the gentle sound of chanting filling the air.

One of the most notable features of Wat Pathum Wanaram is the stunning murals that adorn the walls of the temple. These murals depict scenes from the life of the Buddha, with intricate details and vibrant colors bringing the stories to life.

Take your time to explore the murals, soaking in the rich history and culture of Thailand.

Another highlight of Wat Pathum Wanaram is the peaceful meditation hall. If you’re looking for a moment of tranquility and mindfulness, this is the perfect place to pause and reflect. The hall is designed to create a calming atmosphere, with soft lighting and a peaceful ambiance.

Another highlight of Wat Pathum Wanaram is the peaceful meditation hall. If you’re looking for a moment of tranquility and mindfulness, this is the perfect place to pause and reflect.

So, if you’re feeling the need to relax and unwind during your Bangkok visit, be sure to visit Wat Pathum Wanaram. With its stunning gardens, beautiful architecture, and rich history, this temple is a true gem in the city.

How to get to Wat Pathum Wanaram

It’s easy to get Wat Pathum Wanaram by Skytrain. Take either the Sukhumvit or Silom line train to Siam / Central station and exit on the side of Siam Paragon, exit to street level then walk back in the opposite direction that the train was going. You will see the wat as you are entering the Siam / Central station from the Skytrain.

I hope that these 5 five best temples in Bangkok will add peace and joy to your trip to this city. Take lots of pictures and enjoy the peace and quiet!