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5 Best Temples in Bangkok to Visit

by Wes Thompson | Mar 21, 2023 | All, Bangkok, Southeast Asia, Thailand

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

The Golden Buddha at Wat Traimit

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

Wat Pho or Temple of the Reclining Buddha in Bangkok

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 at Wat Phra Kaew

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

Wat Yannawa is worth a visit when you are in Bangkok.

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.

The interior of of Wat Yannawa in Bangkok.

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

The beautiful Wat Pathum Wanaram is easy to get to in Bangkok.

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.

The beautiful altar of Wat Pathum Wanaram in Bangkok.

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!

Top Things to Do in Bangkok

by Wes Thompson | Dec 17, 2022 | All, Bangkok, Southeast Asia, Thailand

There are so many things to do in Bangkok that the challenge is fitting everything you want to do into to your schedule. Whether day or night, there is no shortage of fun activities in this lively city. So, let’s take a look at some of the top things to do in Bangkok for a first visit or if you are on a tight schedule.

Take in the Grand Palace Bangkok

The Grand Palace Bangkok is one of the most visited attractions in Bangkok and with good reason. It’s a magnificent complex of buildings that will dazzle and delight visitors and give you a great overview of Thai culture and history. It was built in 1782 and was commissioned by King Rama I, the first of Thailand’s Chakri Dynasty.

Throughout its history, the palace complex has served as the official residence of the Thai Royal Family, however, today, the facilities are used for official functions and it serves primarily as a museum and a venue for state events.

The Royal Family today lives in Dusit Palace, near the Victory Monument in Bangkok. The palace complex is breathtaking to say the least.

Inside the Grand Palace in Bangkok

The Grand Palace has four primary sections, divided by intricate walls and gates: The Outer Court, the Middle Court, the Inner Court and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Be Awed by the Great Chakri Palace

Most would agree that the main attraction in the palace complex is the Great Chakri Palace, the specific building where the royal residence is housed. Historically, this was the home of Thai kings and their families. The Palace also houses the throne room, where Thailand’s kings are crowned.

The palace is an interesting structure architecturally. Its lower level was designed in a combination of Italian Renaissance style as well as other 19th Century European styles by English architect John Clunich. This was done at the request of the king, but he later decided to make the upper level be build in traditional Siamese style, with stepped roofs and mondhops, the traditional pointed embellishments on Thai buildings.

All of the rooms of the palace are filled with valuable paintings and portraits of every Thai king in modern history.

In addition to the Great Chakri Palace, another fascinating structure nearby is known as Phra Mandop, which is covered in small gold and green mosaics. It’s floors are made of pure silver. The building serves as the palace library. Within its walls are the Canon of the Buddha, which are sacred writings on palm leaves.

See Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha

One part of the palace that is simply a must-see is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, also known as Wat Phra Kaew. This is arguably the most sacred Buddha image in all of Thailand.

The statue measures 26 inches (66 cm) high by 19 inches (48.3 cm) wide at the lap. Despite its name, the statue was carved not from emerald, but rather from a single piece of green jasper, a stone similar in features to quartz, and often used for carving statues and in jewelry-making.

Upon seeing the Emerald Buddha, you may be surprised to see such a small Buddha situated so high on its 30-foot (9-meter) pedestal. The Buddha statue rises above the heads of visitors as a sign of respect.

Wat Phra Kaew is the official royal chapel. Visitors are welcome, and the temple is usually full of both locals and tourists, but no one but the Thai king is ever allowed to touch the statue. Three times a year (one for each of Thailand’s seasons), the King presides over a changing the Buddha’s garments ceremony, which is believed to bestow good fortune upon the nation.

Visit Wat Pho or “The Temple of the Reclining Buddha”

Wat Pho or Temple of the Reclining Buddha in Bangkok

While you are in the area of the Grand Palace, be sure to include a visit to Wat Pho, or “The Temple of the Reclining Buddha.” It’s just south of the palace complex and is only about a 10-minute walk to get there. Wat Pho is one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok. It is considered to be among the “highest grade of the first-class royal temples.” It was built even before Bangkok was Thailand’s capital.

There was once an older version of the temple, but it became so dilapidated that King Rama I re-established it in 1782. The name refers to the monastery in Bodh Gaya, India, where the Buddha is believed to have achieved enlightenment.

In addition to being one of Bangkok’s most beloved places of worship, the temple houses one of the top schools for traditional Thai medicine and massage, which was founded in 1955. It remains the national headquarters for traditional Thai medicine and massage to this day.

Getting to the Grand Palace Bangkok and Wat Phra Kaew

The easiest way to get to the Grand Palace is to simply take a taxi. Unfortunately, there are no Skytrain or metro stations near the palace. Be cautious when taking a taxi in Bangkok, though, as sadly, so many are dishonest and will try to take advantage of tourists.

Insist that they run their meter and do not accept a set price, as these will invariably be much higher than what it would cost on the meter. However, if you are feeling adventurous, I recommend that you go by combination Skytrain and Chao Phrya Tourist Boat. It’s easy if you just do the following:

Take the Silom Line (Skytrain) to the Saphan Taksin station
Take the exit from the station which will lead you directly to the boat dock. There is an information stand inside the station where you can ask for directions
Just take the riverboat to the Tha Chang stop.
From here, it is only about a 10-minute walk to the Grand Palace Bangkok

You can ask for directions at the ticket booths at the riverboat stop.

The palace opens daily between the hours of 8:30 am and 3:30 pm and the entrance fee for the palace complex, including Wat Phra Kaew, is 500 baht.

A Note About Proper Dress When Visiting Palaces and Pagodas

Because they are considered to be Thailand’s cultural treasures and truly revered by the local people, you should follow the dress code for all visitors to sacred or culturally important venues. Men should wear long pants and shirts with sleeves with an appropriate length. Avoid tank tops and shorts. Women should avoid see-through clothes, bare shoulders, short skirts, or shorts that are too revealing.

Visitors who are not properly attired will be asked to place a deposit and borrow clothing to cover up properly. This applies to all government buildings and sacred places throughout Thailand and even Southeast Asia in general.

Take a Stroll through Lumpini Park

Lumpini Park is the perfect place for a relaxing stroll after a long day of sightseeing in Bangkok.

When visiting any city, public parks can be a great place to take in the culture and get to see how locals interact. Lumpini Park in Bangkok is certainly a place worth including on your visit to this great city.

Conveniently situated at the start of Silom Road on the other side of Rama IV Road, there is a seemingly never-ending abundance of activity and energy in the park, yet it can be relaxing at the same time. It’s a great way to take a break from exploring the streets of the city. At the front gate just opposite Silom Road is a large statue of King Rama VI, the founder of the park.

The park is named after the city of Lumbini in Nepal, the birthplace of the Buddha. It was Bangkok’s first park. The park is 142 acres but can easily be walked within an hour or so. There is a pleasant lake in the center of the park, which serves as a focal point and provides interesting photo opportunities. There are benches to sit on while enjoying views of the lake. You can even rent paddle boats for a small cost of about 30 baht for a half hour.

Many birds and other wildlife can be enjoyed here as well, and if you are lucky, you will spot one of the park’s large monitor lizards walking along a path or swimming across the lake. For your safety, always keep some distance from them, as they are a bit aggressive and will bite.

Lumpini Park is very popular with locals and every evening hundreds of people come to exercise at organized aerobic classes, to jog along the park’s paths, or to just take a relaxing walk and leave their stress behind.

Visitors can ride bicycles in the park from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on a nicely maintained riding path with plenty of passing room. If you ride there, be sure to ride in a counter-clockwise direction.

A live music show in Lumpini Park, Bangkok. The park is a great place to relax or people watch.

The park often hosts special events, such as musical and theatrical performances on its outdoor stage, and even larger-scale concerts. Public toilets are available in the park for a nominal fee (about 10 baht) and you can buy water, tea, juices, and soft drinks from vendors at stations within the park.

Visit Chinatown and the Temple of the Golden Buddha

Bangkok’s Chinatown

The Golden Buddha

The Golden Buddha at Wat Traimit is quite worth a visit when in the area of Bangkok’s Chinatown.

First, the Sukhothai Traimit Golden Buddha near China Town is a true sight to behold. It is the largest golden Buddha image in the world, standing at 15 feet, nine inches (4.8 meters) from the base to the crown and weighing 5.5 tons. It is estimated to contain gold valued at US$250 million.

Though the origins of the statue are uncertain, it is believed to have been cast over 700 years ago, during Thailand’s Sukhothai period. Interestingly, at one time, the entire statue was covered with plaster, as a means to conceal its value in order to protect it from Thailand’s enemies.

The statue, thought to be of minor importance due to its rough plaster coating, was moved to a few locations over the next several hundred years.

It wasn’t until 1955 that a team of movers was relocating the statue from its current location at the old Wat Traimit, where it sat since 1935 under a simple tin roof. While attempting to lift the statue from its pedestal, the ropes broke, and the statue crashed to the ground. This caused some of the plaster coating to break off, exposing part of the gold surface underneath.

This was one of the most remarkable discoveries in the history of Buddhism.

How to Get to Chinatown and the Golden Buddha

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

Walk Down the Vibrant Silom Road

After your stroll through Lumpini Park, why not take advantage of being right in one of the hearts of Bangkok? From the main gates of the park, near the statue, just cross Rama IV Road — sometime a daunting experience, so be careful! — and you will be in the start of the Silom area.

Silom Road is undoubtedly an adventure not to be missed! There is much to see and do just walking along the street, but one of the main attractions is the famous (or infamous) Patpong Night Market. As the name suggests, the market is open only in the evening, beginning at 5:00 pm on Tuesdays – Sundays.

It is closed on Mondays. The market takes over the entire Patpong I Street off Silom Road. You can’t miss it, but if you have trouble finding it, just ask anyone for directions and they will help you get there. The market has many stalls selling gifts, souvenirs, and knock-off clothing and fashion accessories. Do take note that the market is situated right in the middle of one of Bangkok’s largest and most well-known red-light districts.

Silom Road is also a great place to try authentic Thai street food. In fact, just on the Surawong Road side of the Patpong Night Market, across the street from the Starbucks, is one of my favorite Bangkok street food hawking areas. You can get good curry and rice dishes there and the vendors usually speak decent English. Service is pretty good as well.

You can easily get to Silom Road on the Skytrain; just exit at the Sala Dang station and you will be at the perfect spot. You can also get to Lumpini Park from the Sala Dang station.

The Patpong Night Market is about a 10-minute walk from the station.

Shop in Bangkok’s Elegant Malls

Bangkok’s Terminal 21 shopping center with a replica of the Golden Gate Bridge

Bangkok has some of the largest, most well designed, and beautiful malls of anywhere in Asia. You will find just about everything you could need or imagine combined with the comfort of elegance.

There are many options to choose from, but the largest concentration of malls anywhere is at the Siam / Central Skytrain stop. Just take either the Sukhumvit or Silom lines to this stop and voila, you have the choice of about six major malls all within walking distance of the train stop. Siam Paragon is a good starting point, as it houses many stores for major international brands.

In our days of ever decreasing bookstores, one of my favorite stops in Paragon is the Kinokuniya Bookstore near the top level of the mall. It’s one of the finest bookstores I have seen, and I have been to a lot of bookstores.

If you are in the mood for a cool and relaxing visit to an aquarium, well, the Paragon mall has a very respectable one of those too!

There is also no shortage of places to eat in the malls. In fact, there is a large food court in the street level, offering everything from Thai to many international favorites. Often, you can get from one mall to the next without having to step foot outside. Tunnels, or at the least, overhangs, will keep you out of the elements as you enjoy your shopping. You may find everything you need at the Siam / Central area, but the prices may not be at a bargain.

If you are looking for budget-friendly shopping, you can’t beat the MBK (Mahboonkrong) Center, just one Skytrain stop (National Stadium) down on the Silom Line. This is the last stop in this direction for the Silom Line trains. Once the largest mall in Asia, MBK Center is the city’s famously frenetic super shopping center offering eight floors of bargain shopping. MBK attracts over 90,000 shoppers a day.

There are so many more things to do in Bangkok, but I hope this post will provide you with a good starting point in planning your trip to this magnificent city.