Choosing among the top temples to visit in Bangkok is no simple task. Each temple boasts unique stories, ancient Buddha statues, and cultural intrigue.

It is advisable to select a few temples to truly appreciate rather than attempting to see them all. Overindulgence can lead to wat burnout—a sensation where even a centuries-old temple fails to captivate your imagination. To enhance your visit, familiarize yourself with the temple’s history in advance while mixing in some other interesting activities in Bangkok.

Although hundreds of Buddhist temples exist in Bangkok, most travelers frequent the top three: Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. However, there are many tranquil alternatives that are less crowded.

Tips for Visiting a Temple

Theravada Buddhism plays a vital role in daily life throughout Thailand. Thus, it is important to demonstrate respect and cultural sensitivity when visiting the top temples in Bangkok. Adhering to some common etiquette can greatly enhance your experience:

• Ensure your knees and shoulders are covered; avoid shorts and sleeveless tops.
• Remember to remove your shoes before entering.
• Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor; do not interfere with rituals and worshipers.
• Refrain from eating, drinking, chewing gum, smoking, or playing loud music in temples.
• Do not turn your back on the Buddha statue for selfies; photography is usually allowed unless otherwise signaled.

Wat Phra Kaew

Address: QF2V+M34, Na Phra Lan Rd, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand

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Situated within the Grand Palace grounds, Wat Phra Kaew is Thailand’s most visited temple. It houses the Emerald Buddha, a jade statue from the 1400s regarded as the nation’s protector, adorned in a gold garment altered seasonally by the Thai King.

Officially named Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, this temple can get very crowded, so allow for limited tranquility amidst the throngs of tourists.

Proper dress code is vital at Wat Phra Kaew; shorts or sleeveless tops will result in being turned away to purchase or rent appropriate attire from nearby vendors.

• Location: Inside the Grand Palace
• What to Know: Opening hours align with the Grand Palace, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with the ticket window closing at 3:30 p.m.

Wat Arun

Address: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand

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Phone: +66 2 891 2185

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Scenic Wat Arun, known as the Temple of Dawn, is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, opposite Wat Pho. While obviously a Buddhist temple, its architecture and vivid murals exhibit noticeable Hindu influences, as the temple is named in honor of Aruna, the chariot driver of the Hindu sun god.

Wat Arun is often recognized in Bangkok’s local currency and has undergone extensive restoration work completed in 2017, restoring it to its glorious state.

• Location: West side of the Chao Phraya River, a ferry connects it to Tha Thien Pier.
• What to Know: The entrance fee is 50 baht.

Wat Pho

Address: 2 Thanon Sanam Chai, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand

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Phone: +66 83 057 7100

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Wat Pho is renowned for housing one of the world’s largest reclining Buddha statues, depicting Gautama Buddha in his final moments. Additionally, it is recognized as the global hub for studying traditional Thai massage and medicine.

Though Wat Pho has historical roots dating back to the establishment of Bangkok as the capital in 1782, many modern structures have been added since. To pronounce Wat Pho correctly, note that the h in ph is silent—it’s spoken as “waht poe.”

• Location: Located south of the Grand Palace, it can be found on Google Maps under its official name, Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn.
• What to Know: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; entrance fee for foreign visitors is now 200 baht as of January 2019.

Wat Saket

Wat Saket is renowned for Phu Khao Thong, commonly referred to as the Golden Mountain, which features a golden chedi thought to contain a relic from Buddha.

Climbing the 344 steps to the viewing platform is rewarded with panoramic views of Bangkok, while devotees ring bells and strike gongs to earn merit. Compared to Wat Pho and Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Saket is often less crowded and easier to enjoy.

• Location: Approximately a 20-minute walk from Khao San Road, past the Democracy Monument and Mahakarn Fort.
• What to Know: Visit early to avoid the sun; the entrance fee is 50 baht for foreign visitors.

Wat Traimit

Address: 661 Charoen Krung Road, Khwaeng Talat Noi, Khet Samphanthawong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand

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Phone: +66 89 002 2700

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Known as the “Temple of the Golden Buddha,” Wat Traimit is home to one of the most priceless Buddha statues, crafted from 18-karat gold and weighing approximately 11,000 pounds, valued at around $250 million.

While the exact age of the Golden Buddha statue remains uncertain, some theories suggest it dates back to the 13th or 14th century. Remarkably, the statue was accidentally uncovered in 1955, revealing its true composition after being concealed under plaster and stucco.

• Location: On Trai Mit Road within Bangkok’s Chinatown area
• What to Know: Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Erawan Shrine

Address: 494 Thanon Ratchadamri, Khwaeng Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand

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Phone: +66 2 252 8750

As indicated by its name, the Erawan Shrine is not technically a temple; however, it remains an important religious site worth visiting.

This bustling sidewalk shrine features a striking statue of Phra Phrom, the Thai variant of the Hindu god Brahma. It is a common stop for business people praying for prosperity, burning incense, and making small offerings; some even hire traditional dancers to perform in thanks for prayers answered.

• Location: Found at the intersection of Ratchadamri Road and Rama I Road, near the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel—Chit Lom is the closest BTS Skytrain station.
• What to Know: Erawan Shrine acquired unfortunate notoriety due to a terrorist bombing in 2015.

Wat Mahahat

Address: 3, 5 Maha Rat Road, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand

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Phone: +66 2 222 6011

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Wat Mahahat is an influential royal temple located in Bangkok, distinct from other temples sharing a similar name, such as those in Ayutthaya and Sukhothai. This significant temple is home to Thailand’s oldest Buddhist monk institute and a vipasana meditation center.

Sunday is the peak day as Bangkok’s largest amulet market operates just outside Wat Mahahat, drawing attendees to buy and swap amulets believed to aid in love, luck, health, and protection.

• Location: Located north of the Grand Palace and west of Sanam Luang Park.
• What to Know: Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wat Bowon Niwet Wihan

Address: 248 Thanon Phra Sumen, Khwaeng Wat Bowon Niwet, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand

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Phone: +66 2 629 5854

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While just around the corner from the bustling Khao San Road and Soi Rambuttri, many backpackers overlook Wat Bowon Niwet Wihan. It offers a serene escape, especially during the morning, and frequently remains open late into the evening.

Notably, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who was the longest-reigning monarch, served as a monk at Wat Bowon Niwet Wihan; his ashes are enshrined within its grounds. Numerous other royals also rendered service and are interred here.

• Location: Situated on Bowon Niwet Road, just north of the roundabout at the end of Soi Rambuttri.
• What to Know: Visitors are required to dress appropriately when exploring the ornately decorated royal crematorium.