Bangkok Temples
Buddhism is the main religion in Thailand with 95% of the population Buddhist. There are over 40,000 Buddhist temples in Thailand with over a thousand in Bangkok alone. The Temple (Wat) is an important part of Thai culture, history, and daily life. The best temples in Bangkok are architecturally stunning with beautiful decoration both inside and out. The must-see temples in Bangkok are Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. There are also many others with something unique about them that are worth visiting. Getting around the temples of Bangkok is easily done using public transport or as part of an organized tour. Read our Bangkok Temples guide for the most popular and interesting temples in Bangkok.
The Best Temples in Bangkok
Wat Phra Kaew (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew are Thailand’s most sacred places and spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom. They are also Bangkok’s most visited tourist attraction. It’s very touristy and busy every day but don’t let that put you off. The stunning collection of beautiful, historic buildings are worth it and it’s number one of the must-see temples in Bangkok.
Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn)
Also, known as The Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun is one of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks. The ancient temple has a distinctive central spire unlike other Bangkok temples and looks spectacular when lit up at night. The riverside setting is a great place to watch the sunset.
Wat Pho (The Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
Wat Pho is one of the best temples in Bangkok. The main attraction is the massive Reclining Buddha. It’s a large complex with a lot to see. There is also a traditional massage school which is open to the public. This is one of the best places in Bangkok to get a traditional massage. It’s popular but not as crowded as its neighbor Wat Phra Kaew which is handily located next door.
Wat Saket (The Golden Mount)
The Wat Saket temple is a short cab ride away from the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. It’s the highest temple in Bangkok with an easy gradual 344 step climb to the summit. When you get there you will find a great 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding area. It’s cheap to get in and even has free WiFi and a nice cafe. Be sure to explore the complex fully as a few hidden gems can be found within.
Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple)
Wat Benchamabophit is one of Bangkok’s most beautiful temples and is in the Royal Dusit district. It is also known as the marble temple due to the extensive use of marble in the construction.
Wat Ratchanatadaram Worawihan (Loha Prasat)
Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan was built in 1846 by King Rama III for his granddaughter. The main hall of Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan contains a large seated golden Buddha surrounded by several other smaller Buddha images. The hall contains beautifully painted murals on the walls.
Wat Thepthidaram Worawihan (The Temple of the Heavenly Daughter)
Wat Thepthidaram Worawihan is next to Wat Ratchanatdaram on Maha Chai road. Construction started in 1836 and completed in 1839 during the reign of King Rama III. The temple is a tribute to his eldest daughter and is also known as Temple of the Heavenly Daughter.
Wat Mahathat
Wat Mahathat is a Royal Class temple of the highest order in Bangkok, located near the Grand Palace opposite Sanam Luang. It’s an Ayutthaya period temple formerly known as Wat Salak.
See & Read More: https://touristbangkok.com/wat-mahathat-yuwaratrangsarit/
Wat Kalayanamit
Wat Kalayanamit is a historic second class royal temple in Thonburi by the riverside. It’s worth visiting to see one of the biggest Buddha images in Thailand.
See & Read More: https://touristbangkok.com/wat-kalayanamit/
Wat Ratchapradit
Wat Ratchapradit is a very small temple built during the reign of King Rama IV. It’s on the edge of Saranrom park near Wat Pho and The Grand Palace. The temples distinctive feature is the grey and white marble tiles of the ordination hall and pagoda which give them …
Wat Ratchabophit
Wat Ratchabhopit was founded in 1869 during the reign of King Rama V. It’s noted for the impressive architecture mix of Thai and Gothic styles and its beautiful Thai Bencharong porcelain art decoration. The temple grounds also house the royal cemetery containing monuments to and remains of both major and minor Thai royalty.
Wat Traimit (The Temple of the Golden Buddha)
Wat Traimit is in Bangkok’s Chinatown district. It is also known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha. It is home to the world’s biggest gold Buddha image. The ancient Sukhothai period Buddha image is 700-800 years old. It’s made of 18-karat solid gold is 3 meters high and weighs 5.5 tonnes. The value of raw gold alone is 250 million US$.
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Wat Bowonniwet Vihara
Wat Bowonniwet, built in 1829 is one of Bangkok’s most important temples. There is a very ornate shrine hall featuring murals depicting early 19th century Thai and western life. Inside is a 14th-century bronze Buddha image with a second larger image behind. A bell-shaped Golden Chedi holds relics and ashes of Thai royalty.
Wat Suthat
Wat Suthat is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok. Construction began in 1807 and completed during the reign of King Rama III in 1847. The temple is a blend of Thai and Chinese art and architecture that was popular at the time. It is in the old city Rattanakosin district next to the Giant Swing and in front of City Hall.
Wat Intharawihan (The Big Buddha)
Wat Intharawihan is a very old temple pre-dating the founding of the city of Bangkok in 1782. It is famous for its huge standing Buddha image called Luang Pho To. The image is 32 meters tall and 10 meters wide.
Wat Yannawa (The Boat Temple)
Wat Yannawa is an old Ayutthaya period temple on Charoen Krung road in the Sathorn area of Bangkok. It’s famous for the unique Chinese Junk shaped chedi and viharn.
Wat Prayoon
Wat Prayoon sits on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya river at the foot of Memorial Bridge. It was built during the reign of King Rama III on an old coffee plantation. Wat Prayoon was the first temple of the Rattanakosin period to feature a Lanka style chedi. It’s famous for the large white bell-shaped chedi and a rock garden featuring a replica mountain. The mountain comes features miniature spirit houses surrounded by a pond inhabited by turtles that you can feed.
Wat Chakrawat (The Crocodile Temple)
Wat Chakrawat is famous for its family of resident crocodiles who inhabit a cave and pond in the grounds.
Wat Chana Songkram
Wat Chana Songkram is an Ayutthaya period temple established during the reign of Somdet Phra Phutta Yod Fah Chulalok Maharaj. It was later designated as a royal temple by King Rama the first and later renovated by King Rama V. Ash containers were built for the royal members whose ashes were moved from the rear palace to the temple. It’s a stone’s throw away from Khao San Road opposite the police station. It attracts a steady flow of local worshipers who come to pray and make offerings as well as curious travelers.
See and read more: https://touristbangkok.com/wat-chana-songkram/
Wat Thipwariwihan
Wat Thip Wariwihan also known as Wat Dibayavariviharn or locally as the green dragon temple is a Buddhist Chinese temple. It’s in the old city area Ban Mo community and built in the Thonburi era of King Taksin.
See and read more: https://touristbangkok.com/wat-dibaya-vari-vihara/
Wat Pariwat (The David Beckham Temple)
Wat Pariwat, also known as Wat Pariwas is on the banks of the Chao Phraya river. The temple is also known as the David Beckham temple because of its golden image of the former football player. As well as Beckham there are many images of popular cultural icons from Barack Obama to cartoon and anime characters. It’s off the main tourist trail but is easily accessible and a must-see temple in Bangkok.
See and read more: https://touristbangkok.com/wat-pariwat/
Wat Bampen Chine Prote
Wat Bampen Chine Prote is a Chinese Buddhist temple in Bangkok’s Chinatown previously known as Wat Yong Hok Yi. It’s one of the oldest and smallest temples in Bangkok and is worth a visit if you’re exploring Chinatown.
See and read more: https://touristbangkok.com/wat-bampen-chine-prote/
Wat Ratchathiwat Ratchaworawihan
Wat Ratchathiwat Ratchaworawihan is an ancient temple on the banks of the Chao Phraya river in Dusit district of Bangkok. The temple is a royal temple second class and associated with Thai kings throughout the Chakri dynasty. The temple is a short bus ride from Khaosan Road.
See and read more: https://touristbangkok.com/wat-ratchathiwat-ratchaworawihan/
Wat Thewarat Kunchorn Worawihan (Wat Deveraj)
Wat Thewarat Kunchorn Worawihan also known as Wat Deveraj is a beautifully preserved, architecturally stunning temple. It’s on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in the Dusit district of Bangkok. It was registered as a national monument in 1949. The temple is within walking distance of or a short bus ride from Khaosan Road and the sights of Dusit.
See and read more: https://touristbangkok.com/wat-thewarat-kunchorn-worawihan/
Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen
Wat Paknam is famous for its 69 meters tall Buddha statue that dominates the local skyline. Its the biggest in Bangkok.
Wat Rakhang (Temple of Bells)
Wat Rakhang is a very old temple dating back beyond the establishment of Bangkok. It is famous for its large collection of Bells some dating back hundreds of years.
Wat Pathum Wanaram (The Lotus Temple)
Wat Pathum Wanaram is located between the shopping malls of central world and siam paragon in the busiest part of the city.
The Best Temples in Bangkok / Temple Tours
Get Your Guide offers a variety of tours that include visits to temples both inside & outside Bangkok using a variety of transportation modes.