Bangkok temples: you shouldn’t miss these 10 sacred places

Bangkok is not only a party metropolis, but also a center of deeply rooted spiritual traditions.

Thailand’s capital, a kaleidoscope of colors and cultures, is home to some of the most breathtaking temples (wats) in all of Southeast Asia.

In this blog post, we show you the most beautiful Bangkok temples, each of which has its own history, architecture and spiritual significance.

These 10 Bangkok temples are a must for your visit

From the famous Wat Phra Kaeo, home to the emerald green Buddha, to the picturesque Wat Arun on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok’s most sacred sites are not only spiritual places, but also witnesses to Thailand’s rich history and art.

Admire the finely crafted mosaics and golden stupas, enjoy the very special atmosphere and immerse yourself in the country’s exciting culture.

And you should definitely not miss these 10 Bangkok temples during your visit to Thailand’s capital:

1st Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)

Wat Phra Kaeo, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is one of the most important and revered religious symbols in Thailand.

Located in the historic center of Bangkok, within the walls of the Grand Palace, this impressive temple exudes an aura of spirituality.

Built in 1782, during the founding of Bangkok by King Rama I, it serves as the spiritual center of Thai Buddhism.

The centerpiece of the temple is the highly revered statue of the Emerald Buddha, which despite its name is carved from a single piece of jade and is considered the patron saint of Thailand.

This small but impressive statue is known for the three different robes it is dressed in at different times of the year – a ceremony performed personally by the King of Thailand.

Wat Phra Kaeo is not only a place of spirituality, but also a masterpiece of Thai architecture.

The entire complex is richly decorated with colorful mosaics, golden chedis and intricate murals depicting scenes from the Ramakien, the Thai national epic.

The grounds are also lined with a series of impressive buildings and pavilions in traditional Thai design, testifying to the deep religious and cultural significance of the site.

Click here for our detailed article about the Grand Palace.

Tip: Book a guided tour to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo to find out more about the Grand Palace.

2nd Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn)

Wat Arun, known as the Temple of Dawn, is one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks and one of the most visually stunning spiritual sites in Thailand.

Situated on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River, this majestic temple rises into the sky with its unique architecture and finely decorated towers (prangs).

The main prang, believed to represent the mythical Mount Meru, is decorated with colorful porcelain pieces and sea bowls and is a spectacular sight at sunrise when the first light of day illuminates its façade.

Wat Arun dates back to the Ayutthaya period and was remodeled and expanded in the 19th century under King Rama II and Rama III.

The top of the central Prang can be reached via steep steps, from where visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view over the river and the city.

In addition to the main prang, the temple complex also includes smaller prangs dedicated to the four heavenly guardians in Hindu mythology.

Wat Arun is not only a place of worship, but also a symbol of Thailand’s cultural identity and artistic excellence.

Its breathtaking beauty and deep spiritual significance make it an absolute must-see on any trip to Bangkok.

Here you can find our detailed article about Wat Arun.

3. Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

Wat Pho, officially known as Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn, is one of the oldest and largest temple complexes in Bangkok.

It is particularly famous for its gigantic reclining Buddha statue, which is one of the largest of its kind in Thailand at 46 meters long and 15 meters high.

The statue, which depicts the Buddha at the moment of entering Nirvana, is completely covered in gold leaf and impresses with the artistically designed mother-of-pearl inlays on the feet.

In addition to the reclining Buddha statue, Wat Pho is home to an impressive collection of more than a thousand Buddha statues brought together from various parts of Thailand.

The temple complex itself is a labyrinth of colorful chedis (stupas), beautiful pavilions and a lush garden.

Wat Pho is also known as the center of traditional Thai medicine and massage. It is considered the birthplace of Thai massage and offers both training in this art and relaxing massage treatments for visitors.

Here you can find our detailed article about Wat Pho.

Tip: This private tour to the city’s most important temples also takes you to Wat Pho.

4th Wat Saket (Golden Mount)

Wat Saket, better known as the Golden Mount, is a historical and artistic masterpiece in Bangkok.

The temple, which was built on an artificial hill, offers a unique blend of spiritual significance and breathtaking views.

The most striking structure of Wat Saket is the golden chedi at the top of the hill, which makes the temple visible from afar and gives it its nickname.

The ascent to the Golden Mountain leads over 300 steps that spiral upwards.

During the ascent, visitors are surrounded by gardens, waterfalls and traditional bells that create an almost meditative atmosphere.

Once you reach the top, you are rewarded with a panoramic view of Bangkok’s skyline. The platform around the golden chedi is a popular place to meditate, pray and make offerings.

Wat Saket also plays an important role during the annual Loi Krathong festival, when thousands of worshippers visit the temple to take part in religious ceremonies and light candles.

5th Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha)

Wat Traimit, also known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha, is an impressive landmark in Bangkok, famous above all for its remarkable Buddha statue made of pure gold.

This statue, which is almost 5 meters high and weighs around 5.5 tons, is a great example of Buddhist art and is considered to be the largest solid gold statue in the world.

The story of the Golden Buddha, or Phra Phuttha Maha Suwana Patimakon, is almost as fascinating as the statue itself.

For centuries, the statue was hidden under a layer of stucco to protect it from thieves.

It was not until the 1950s, when it was accidentally dropped, that the valuable gold came to light.

The temple, which is located in the Chinatown district of Bangkok, attracts a large number of visitors and worshippers every day who come to admire the statue and pay their respects.

In addition to the main attraction, Wat Traimit also has a museum that presents the fascinating history of the Golden Buddha and the rich culture of Thailand.

Tip: This guided tour through Chinatown shows you the most exciting corners of the district.

6th Wat Benchamabophit (marble temple)

Wat Benchamabophit, better known as the Marble Temple, is one of the best examples of Thai temple architecture in Bangkok.

Built at the end of the 19th century under King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), the temple stands out for its use of white Carrara marble from Italy, which gives it its nickname and radiant appearance.

The architecture of Wat Benchamabophit is a fascinating fusion of traditional Thai design and European influences.

The central ubosot (ordination hall) is surrounded by a crescent-shaped courtyard with a beautiful garden and 52 different Buddha statues representing various postures and styles from all over Thailand and other Buddhist countries.

Inside the ubosot is an impressive seated bronze Buddha from the Sukhothai period, which was donated by King Chulalongkorn himself.

The walls and ceilings are richly decorated with ornate paintings depicting religious stories and spiritual scenes.

The Bangkok temple Wat Benchamabophit is not only a popular destination for tourists, but also an active religious site where ceremonies and meditation sessions are held regularly.

Tip: This private temple tour takes you to Wat Pho, Wat Traimit and Wat Benchamabophit.

7th Wat Suthat

Wat Suthat, one of Bangkok’s oldest and most impressive temples, is famous for its architectural elegance and profound spiritual significance.

Construction of the temple began in the early Rattanakosin era under King Rama I and was completed under King Rama III.

It is one of the few temples in Bangkok to have survived three royal reigns, which underlines its historical and cultural significance.

At the center of the temple is the magnificent main Buddha, known as Phra Sri Sakyamuni, which dates back to the 13th century and was brought to Bangkok from Sukhothai.

The halls of Wat Suthat are surrounded by beautifully detailed murals depicting scenes from the life of Buddha and Ramakien, the Thai national epic.

Another characteristic feature of Wat Suthat is the huge red swinging beam, known as the Giant Swing, which stands in front of the temple.

This historic landmark, which was once part of a Brahmin ritual, has become an iconic symbol of Bangkok.

Wat Suthat, less crowded than other temples in the city, offers visitors an atmosphere of tranquillity and spirituality.

8th Wat Ratchanatdaram

Wat Ratchanatdaram, an architecturally unique temple in Bangkok, offers visitors a fascinating combination of spiritual significance and historical backdrop.

Built in the 1840s under King Rama III, the temple is particularly famous for the Loha Prasat, the “metal palace”, a multi-storey building with 37 metal spires symbolizing the 37 virtues for enlightenment in Buddhism.

The Loha Prasat is unique in the world and the only one of its kind that still exists. It consists of several concentric squares built around a central tower.

Each square is covered with small chedis and connected by a labyrinth of corridors.

Visitors can explore the different levels that lead to a viewing platform from which you have a great view of the historic parts of Bangkok.

Wat Ratchanatdaram is also known for its beautiful architecture in traditional Thai style and its calm, meditative atmosphere.

Despite its proximity to the bustling city center, the temple offers a place of peace and is an oasis of contemplation.

Tip: You can escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok on a day trip – for example to the temples of Ayutthaya.

9th Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit

Wat Mahathat, located in the heart of the historic city of Bangkok, is one of the oldest and most important temples in Thailand.

Known for its deep spiritual significance, the Bangkok temple Wat Mahathat plays a central role in Thai Buddhism and serves as the headquarters of the Mahanikai school of Theravada Buddhism.

The temple, whose full name is “Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit”, was built in the 18th century during the Ayutthaya period and has undergone several renovations over the years.

It is famous for its elegant chedis and viharns, which are designed in the traditional Thai architectural style.

One of the main attractions of the temple is the “Phra Viharn Luang”, the large ordination hall, which houses impressive Buddhist works of art.

Wat Mahathat is also known as a center of meditation and offers regular courses in Vipassana meditation, which are open to both locals and tourists.

In addition, the temple complex houses the Center for the Study of Buddhism and Thai Traditions, making it an important place for education and spiritual practice.

10th Wat Ratchabophit

Wat Ratchabophit, located in the historic old town of Bangkok, is an extraordinary temple that impresses with its unique architecture and artistic design.

Built at the end of the 19th century under King Rama V, this temple impressively combines traditional Thai and neoclassical European architectural styles.

The central chedi of Wat Ratchabophit, richly decorated with colorful tiles and gilded elements, is a true work of art and a striking feature of the temple.

The ordination hall (ubosot) is known for its round shape, a rarity in Thai temples, and for the detailed murals depicting both Buddhist and secular scenes.

Another notable feature of Wat Ratchabophit is the row of altars that line the walls of the main building, showing various Buddha statues in different postures.

The temple also houses a royal cemetery, where some members of the royal family are buried, and is characterized by its magnificent mosaic-decorated towers.

Tip: Book a guided tour to the main sights of the city to learn more about the history of Bangkok.

Frequently asked questions about Bangkok temples

Finally, we will answer some frequently asked questions about Bangkok temples.