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.
Traveler's tips
Sara
When visiting temples in Thailand, always bring something to cover your shoulders and legs, like a scarf or a sarong. Many temples have strict dress codes, and showing too much skin can be considered disrespectful. Even if it’s hot, make sure you’re dressed appropriately to enter these sacred spaces.
1. Wat Phra Kaew
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.
Visited this place?2. Wat Pho
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.
Tip from Content Creator
Wat Pho is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, housing over 1000 Buddha images, and is home to one of the largest Buddhas in Thailand, the Reclining Buddha, which measures 151 ft (46 m)!
Aside from admiring the impressive Reclining Buddha, you can wander the grounds and explore the numerous gardens, ponds, shrines and pavilions. I truly enjoy the ancient architecture, which includes the intricate detail and tiling and the gleaming gold spires that make a perfect backdrop for photos. Another favorite of mine is the rows and rows of golden Buddhas.
The Reclining Buddha is very impressive and truly amazing to see in person. Built in 1832, it is meant to represent Lord Buddha entering Nirvana. It resides in a large hall, held up by pillars, so you won't be able to get a full photo from the front. There are a couple of openings toward his feet from where you can capture photos of him in his entirety. Do arrive early to avoid the crowds and queues!
Here's some useful information: - Entrance fee: 200 THB (5 USD).
- Dress code: Make sure to keep your shoulders and knees covered; shorts aren't allowed for men. You must also not wear any shoes or hats when entering the temples.
- Accommodation: We stayed at Villa de Khaosan, which is extremely affordable and within walking distance of the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Khaosan Road.
Tip from Content Creator
Wat Pho is one of the most beautiful temples I have seen. It's made primarily out of broken china. If you take a close look at the exterior when visiting, you will spot small chipped or broken plates and tiles. We wandered around here for three hours taking in the beauty and structure.Visited this place?3. Wat Arun
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.
Visited this place?4. Wat Ratchanatdaram Woravihara
https://www.instagram.com/manjik.pictures https://www.instagram.com/manjik.studio https://500px.com/manjik
Posted by Manjik photography on Tuesday, 22 January 2019The 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.
Visited this place?Bangkok Tour Guide
Arnon Aramnun
Hello My name is Arnon. I live in Bangkok I love to be guide Traveler and show you where's amazing of Thailand, you will know more about Thailand and get a great memory with new friends. I can guarantee you an outstanding experience with fun activities and knowledge on Thai history. I like to travel very much and i like to find some delicious food to taste, You'll have the chance to enjoy an... Read more
Tours by Arnon
Bangkok Tour Guide
Chob Panma
I love my job and sharing my experience about Bangkok, Thailand, to make sure that the customers will feel comfortable with the city and have a wonderful experience back home.
Tours by Chob
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.
Visited this place?6. Wat Benchamabophit
Source: www.getyourguide.comWat 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’.
Visited this place?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.
Visited this place?8. Wat Saket
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.
Visited this place?9. Wat Traimit
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.
Visited this place?Book Tours : Half-Day Bangkok City and Temples Tour
10. Wat Mahathat
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.
Visited this place?Book Tours : Meditation Class at Wat Mahathat Temple in Bangkok
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.
History
This article has been endorsed by Bangkok local expert Pallavi Mandar JadhavGet Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Saptami's primary life mission revolves around the exploration of the uncharted. Following the completion of her MBA, she steered clear of the conventional 9-to-5 career path, prioritizing the...Read more
.JPG)
