If you love temples and are planning a trip to Bangkok, you’re in for a treat! Thailand is a land of many temples, each more beautiful than the next. And the capital is blessed with so many glittering temples with stunning architecture and innate details. If you’re looking to add a little spirituality to your travel itinerary, here are the most beautiful temples in and around Bangkok to visit.
Before we start, please remember to be careful upon entering the temples as there are certain customs to follow to respectfully admire the landmarks of culture in Thailand.
1. Wat Arun
1 . Wat Arun
2 . Wat Pha Sorn Kaew
3 . Wat Phra Sri Sanphet
4 . Wat Pho
5 . Wat Phra Kaew
Address: Bangkok – 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, 10600
Wat Arun is one of the most beautiful temples in Bangkok. As it overlooks the Chao Phraya River, the Temple of Dawn doesn’t disappoint. Previously, it housed the reclining Buddha that is now called Wat Pho its home. Wat Arun now features 5 towers, which are climbable to tourists. Thus, the view at the top is indescribable as one can see the entire skyline of Bangkok.
As it is situated on the river, you can take a boat ride to get to the temple, taking in the sights along the way. Many restaurants are located on the river and can be an end-of-the-day treat after enjoying the bright porcelain and ceramic tiles in which Wat Arun is constructed. The admission fee is only 100 baht, making the trip well worth it.
2. Wat Pha Sorn Kaew
Address: Wat Pha Sorn Kaew, 95 moo. 7 Khaem Son, Khao Kho District, Phetchabun 67280
This temple can be found about 5 hours north of Bangkok, and is known as the “Temple on a high glass cliff.” Despite its secret location, those who are traveling off the beaten path may wish to visit one of Thailand’s most magnificent temples. Its colorful mosaic tiles make it sparkle like new as it overlooks stunning mountains.
The temple’s creators didn’t leave a stone unturned when thinking of the magical vibes it could produce. 5 white Buddha statues stand in sharp contrast to the explosion of colored mosaic tiles, making it eye candy for visitors.
3. Wat Phra Sri Sanphet
Address: Ayutthaya – Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
A must-do day trip from Bangkok is that of visiting Ayutthaya. As the city was once the second capital of Thailand, it was made a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1991. Additionally, the wats are some of the most iconic in the country. However, if you can only see a few, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet should be on your list. Located on the royal palace grounds, its bell-shaped pagodas serve as a striking landmark.
Nonetheless, the small ruins surrounding the pagodas have their place in history. The crumbled remnants are thought to be those of the old royal housing. The placement of the temples in Ayutthaya was strategic as the city became a hub for global diplomacy and commerce in the 14th to 18th centuries. Additionally, it was located above the tidal bore of the Gulf of Siam (Thailand was known as Siam previously), to prevent the attacks of warships and other nations. Its history and beauty are a sight to see for those touring the nation’s temples.
4. Wat Pho
Address: Bangkok – 2 Thanon Sanam Chai, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, 10200
Wat Pho, or the ‘Temple of the Reclining Buddha’, is the biggest and most ancient in Bangkok as it is famous for its 47-meter-long and 15-meter-high reclining Buddha in its main sanctuary. Thus, stopping here on your temple journey is surely an exciting photo op. And, if you need some rest, the temple features a traditional Thai massage school on its grounds.
The entrance fee is 100 baht, however, the price doesn’t indicate the quality of sightseeing you will experience. Most who see Wat Pho will remember it for a lifetime. Additionally, stopping at Wat Pho is quite convenient for those who are touring the capital of Thailand as it is located near other exciting attractions.
5. Wat Phra Kaew
Address: Bangkok – Wat Phra Kaew, Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, 10200
Known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew is on the same grounds as Bangkok’s Grand Palace. Therefore, one can knock 2 sights off the list in a short period. The temple was constructed in 1785 when King Rama I moved the nation’s capital from Thonburi to Bangkok. Thus, Wat Phra Kaew is one of the most important temples in Thailand.
In addition to its historical importance, the temple also features a model of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, the largest religious structure by land in the world. The entrance fee is a bit higher than most temples, at 500 baht per person. However, it is surely well worth the price. Also, keep in mind the temple enforces the typical dress code for visitors a bit more than other temples, due to its historical significance.
Thailand’s temples are undeniably some of the most elaborate in the world, and visiting them can serve as a unique experience in your travels. Featuring ancient remnants of the past and the nation’s colorful history, entering the temples serves as a window to the country’s fascinating culture. Tourists who exit from viewing these architectural delights, nonetheless, experience something that pictures alone can’t capture.
Bangkok Tours
Support my site
If you found the articles useful please consider supporting my work by booking hotels, rental cars, or activities through my affiliate links. The price for you stays the same and I receive a small commission. Thank you!
Accommodation: Booking.com and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.
Train, buses, and ferries 12Go to find your travel route for local buses, and ferries, we use them all the time as you can easily see the reviews, and the vouchers are everywhere accepted. tickets are sold for more than 5,000 destinations in 100+ countries worldwide.
Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars all over the world.
Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an Esim-compatible smartphone, install it on your phone before your trip, and you are all set.
Day Trips & Tours: Viator, and GetYourGuide, are great platforms to search for activities to do