The capital and most populous city of Thailand, Bangkok is a true representation of the culture of the country. Apparently, the cosmopolitan and dynamic city is full of glitz and glamour, projecting famous shopping malls and bursting nightlife. The elementary street-foods are all set to treat your taste buds, or the world-famous fine dining restaurants will provide you an experience of a lifetime. However, the main attraction of the ‘City of Angels’ is the contrast. The city possesses a charming multifaceted personality, where the tradition is alive with the modern lifestyle. The most iconic part of this heritage is the grand Golden temples. The charming Buddhist temples project a typical Thai architecture, where the lifestyle of the Buddhist monks can bring a true glimpse of the culture. Each of the temples is unique in nature, with their proper own history. Here are some of the important temples in Bangkok, Thailand, to give you a true flavor of Thai Culture.
1. Wat Phra Kaew (from USD 148.0)
Wat Phra Kaew is also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It is known as the most important Buddhist temple in entire Thailand. The temple is officially called Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram and is based on the ground of the Grand Palace, very close to the historic center of the town. You can visit this temple easily while visiting the Grand Palace. The temple is most famous for the presence of the Emerald Buddha (Phra Kaew Morakot), which is a revered Buddha image, technically curved from the single block of jade. It belongs to the 15th-century AD, which depicts the meditating position of Buddha in the style of the Lanna school of the north.
Damnoen Market, Grand Palace, and Wat Phra Keo from Bangkok
Duration: 1 day
2. Wat Pho (from USD 64.0)
One of the most important temples of the city of Bangkok is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The temple Wat Pho or Wat Phra Chetuphon is located at the back of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. A mere 10-minute walk from the Grand Palace is to take you to this temple. This temple is most famous for the huge statue of Reclining Buddha, covered in gold leaf. The temple complex is also one of the largest in the city. If you are looking forward to a traditional Thai massage, this is the right place for you.
Bangkok 3-Temple Private Tour with Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho
Duration: 3 hours
3. Wat Arun (from USD 105.0)
Located in the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, this is one of the most stunning temples of Bangkok city. The design of this temple is very unique, projecting colorfully decorated spires and standing mystically over the river. The temple is also known as the ‘temple of the dawn’, located just directly opposite the temple Wat Pho. From the Sapphan Taksin boat pier, you can take a riverboat till pier 8, where the small shuttle boats are to take you to the other side of the river, to visit this temple.
Bangkok Canals Cruise including Grand Palace and Wat Arun
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
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4. Wat Ratchanatdaram Woravihara
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The name Wat Ratchanatdaram signifies Temple of the Royal Niece. It was built by King Nangklao for his granddaughter, Somanass Waddhanawathy, in the year 1846. it is located in the intersection of Ratchadamnoen Klang and Maha Chai Road, in Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok. It features unique architecture, resembling a mythical castle of the gods. The temple is also known as Loha Prasat or Metal Palace.
5. Wat Suthat
Wat Suthat is one of the oldest temples of Bangkok. It is very famous for its iconic red Giant Swing at its entrance. The elegant chapel comes with a sweeping roof, and the colorful wall murals also feature the history of a different era. The construction of the temple was started during the rule of King Rama I, mainly for housing the 13th-century bronze Buddha image, which was completed during the reign of King Rama III.
6. Wat Benchamabophit (from USD 70.48)
Wat Benchamabophit can be described as a first-class royal temple. The temple is also known as the marble temple, which features the typical architecture of the ornate style of high gables, stepped-out roofs. The name signifies ‘Temple of the fifth King located nearby Dusit Palace’.
Private Tour: Wat Pho, Wat Traimit and Wat Benchamabophit
Duration: 4.0 hour
7. Wat Kalayanamit
This temple is located in the bank of the Chao Phraya River, at the Wat Kanlaya sub-district. It was built in the early 19th century on donated land by a man named Kalayanamit. His ashes are enshrined in a large white chedi on the south ground of the temple. The term Kalayanamit signifies ‘Good Friend’. The grand Buddha statue of this temple portrays Mara posture, with one of the largest ordination halls of Thailand.
8. Wat Saket (from USD 34.0)
A low hill of the Bangkok city is crowned with a gleaming gold chedi, which is also known as the Golden Mount or ‘Phu Khao Thong’. The ancient temple belongs to the era of Ayutthaya Period, built during the rule of King Rama V. The temple hosts the annual temple fair in the month of November, which is a major festival of Bangkok. In the temple complex, you are to find many interesting attractions, the temple hall, the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, the pagoda, the scripture hall.
Bangkok: Chinatown and Flower Market at Sunset Group Tour
9. Wat Traimit (from USD 70.0)
The temple is famous for housing the world’s largest gold seated Buddha. Wat Traimit is located on Yaowarat Road, at the end of the Chinatown. Earlier, the temple used to be known as Wat Sam Chin Tai. It also features some interesting history of Thailand. In the past, the Buddha Statues were safeguarded from the invading armies, covered in stucco and plaster. The Buddha at Wat Traimit was also found covered in plaster, which is still on display here.
Half-Day Bangkok City and Temples Tour
Duration: 4 hours
10. Wat Mahathat (from USD 109.0)
Wat Mahathat can be described as the headquarter of Thailand’s largest monastic order and Vipassana Meditation center. It is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, built to host relics of Buddha. The amulet market is hosted every Sunday in this temple complex, where the religious amulets, traditional medicine, charms, talismans are sold. These elements are all set to bring good luck to your life and ward off evil.
Meditation Class at Wat Mahathat Temple in Bangkok
Duration: 4 hours
Temples connected to history
The temples of Bangkok not only signify spiritual value, but they are also connected to the history of the city. The city has more than 400 temples in various corners, with a distinct architecture. Your visit to the city won’t be complete until you have seen some of the most beautiful temples of this city. So, book your tour immediately to explore the best temples of Bangkok.
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