Top 5 most famous temples in Bangkok

Bangkok is home to some of the most stunning temples in Bangkok, each offering a unique glimpse into Thailand’s history, culture and spirituality. From the grandeur of Wat Phra Kaew to the riverside charm of Wat Arun, these sacred places are must-visits for any traveler. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the most famous temples, share practical tips for a smooth visit and help you make the most of your cultural journey. 

At Hanoi Voyage, we create tailored travel experiences so you can discover Bangkok at its best. Ready to start your temple adventure? Let’s dive in!

Bangkok’s temples: Discover the spiritual heart of the city 

Bangkok is a city where history, culture and spirituality come alive and its most famous temples in Bangkok perfectly capture this vibrant mix. This list of temples in Bangkok includes sacred sites that are more than just places of worship - they are cultural landmarks that showcase Thailand’s rich heritage and artistic brilliance.

Visiting these temples allows you to step into a world where architecture, faith and tradition intertwine, offering unforgettable experiences for visitors. Whether you’re here for cultural exploration, photography, or quiet reflection, Bangkok’s temples reveal the spiritual heart of the city like nowhere else.

Top 5 temples in Bangkok you shouldn’t miss 

Exploring the top famous temples in Bangkok is one of the best ways to experience the city’s spiritual heart. This list of temples in Bangkok highlights sacred places where history, culture and stunning design come together, offering travelers an unforgettable glimpse into Thailand’s heritage.

Wat Phra Kaew - The Temple of the Emerald Buddha

• Address : Na Phra Lan Road, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok 10200

• Opening hours : 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday - Sunday

• Entrance fee : around 500 THB (≈ 13–14 USD)

Wat Phra Kaew, located within the Grand Palace complex, is one of the most famous temples in Bangkok and a must-see cultural landmark. Home to the Emerald Buddha - a giant statue carved from jadeite, regarded as Thailand’s most revered national treasure. 

The temple itself is a masterpiece of Thai craftsmanship, featuring dazzling golden spires, intricate mosaics and mural paintings. Beyond its architectural splendor, Wat Phra Kaew remains deeply tied to Thai identity and traditions, serving as a key site for royal ceremonies and important Buddhist festivals.

Wat Arun - The Temple of Dawn

• Address : 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkokyai, Bangkok 10600

• Opening hours : Daily from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Entrance fee : 100 THB (≈ 2.70 USD) for foreign tourists

Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn, is one of the most iconic temples in Bangkok, known for its towering central prang - a Khmer-style spire decorated with thousands of pieces of Chinese porcelain and seashells. This is one of the tallest temple structures in Thailand. 

Wat Arun’s central prang rises majestically, adorned with intricate porcelain mosaics and seashells that shimmer under the sun. Its unique Khmer-inspired design symbolizes Mount Meru, the mythical center of the universe in Buddhist cosmology.

💡Useful tips : One of the most striking experiences is visiting around sunrise or sunset, when the light hits the porcelain mosaics and the riverside setting along the Chao Phraya makes the prang glow beautifully. 

Wat Pho - The Temple of the Reclining Buddha

• Address : 2 Sanamchai Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200

• Opening hours : Daily from 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM

• Entrance fee : 200 THB (≈ 5.40 USD) per person, includes a free bottle of water

Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is one of the most famous temples in Bangkok and a true cultural treasure of Thailand. Its highlight is the colossal Reclining Buddha, entirely covered in gleaming gold leaf. 

The temple is also recognized by UNESCO as part of the Memory of the World Program for its marble inscriptions, which preserve ancient knowledge of Thai medicine, literature and yoga.

Additionally, Wat Pho is regarded as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Its renowned massage school continues to teach and practice this healing art, making it not only a place of worship but also a living center of Thai heritage where spirituality, culture and wellness come together.

Check out our complete guide to: Explore Wat Pho: A must-see temple in Bangkok 

Wat Saket - The Golden Mount

• Address : 344 Thanon Chakkraphat Di Phong, Ban Bat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100

• Opening hours : Daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

• Entrance fee : 100 THB (≈ 2.70 USD) per person for foreign visitors

Wat Saket, also known as the Golden Mount, is one of the most famous temples in Bangkok to visit for its unique blend of historical depth and panoramic views. Roughly built during the reigns of King Rama III and finished by Rama V, it features a gleaming golden chedi that enshrines sacred relics of the Buddha.

Visitors ascend around 300-odd steps - to reach the summit and enjoy sweeping 360-degree vistas over Bangkok’s old town. This elevated perspective makes Wat Saket especially magical at sunset, when the golden chedi glows against the backdrop of the city. 

💡Useful tips : Travel Wat Saket in November to enjoy the vibrant annual temple fair, a centuries-old tradition that combines spiritual rituals with festive lights, local food and lively performances. 

Wat Traimit - Temple of the Golden Buddha

• Address : 661 Charoenkrung Road, Talad Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100

• Opening hours : Daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

• Entrance fee : To see the Golden Buddha: 40 THB (~ 1-1.20 USD) per person. Museum / exhibitions within the Phra Maha Mondop building : 100 THB (~2.70-3 USD)

Tucked away in Chinatown, Wat Traimit is home to the world’s largest solid gold Buddha, weighing about 5.5 tonnes and standing nearly 4 meters tall. Once hidden under layers of plaster for centuries and only revealed by accident in the 1950s, this extraordinary statue now shines as a symbol of resilience and faith. 

Today, the temple complex is divided into two main sections: the pavilion that houses the Golden Buddha and the Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Center with exhibitions on the history of the Chinese community in Bangkok. With its extraordinary legend and unmatched splendor, Wat Traimit stands proudly among the most famous temples in Bangkok, drawing pilgrims and travelers from around the world.

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Practical tips for visiting Bangkok temples

Visiting the most famous temples in Bangkok is an unforgettable experience, but to truly enjoy it, a little preparation goes a long way. From dress codes and timing to cultural etiquette, these practical tips will help you navigate sacred spaces with confidence and respect. 

Read on to make your temple visits smoother, more meaningful and deeply memorable. 

Dress code matters

Temples in Bangkok are sacred spaces, so visitors are expected to dress modestly. Avoid sleeveless tops, short skirts, or shorts above the knee. Men should wear long pants, while women should cover shoulders and knees. 

If you arrive unprepared, some temples like Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho have sarong rental services near the entrance. 

💡Tips : Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal for Bangkok’s tropical climate.

Best time to visit Bangkok’s temple

Bangkok’s temples can get very crowded, especially the most famous temples in Bangkok such as Wat Phra Kaew or Wat Arun. 

• Arriving early in the morning, around opening hours (8:00 AM – 9:00 AM) to explore in peace and take photos with softer lighting. 

• Sunset is another magical time, particularly at Wat Arun, where the golden light reflects beautifully off its spires.

Read more : Bangkok good time to visit: A complete travel guide 

Respectful behavior

• Always remove your shoes before entering the main prayer halls. 

• Keep your voice low, avoid pointing your feet toward Buddha images and never climb on statues. 

• Photography is usually allowed, but flash and tripods may be prohibited in sacred areas. 

• If you wish to take pictures of monks or worshippers, ask politely for permission first.

Getting around and accessibility

Temples are spread across the city, but many are clustered along the Chao Phraya River. 

• Using river boats or the MRT (subway) makes travel easier, especially to Wat Arun and Wat Mangkon (near Chinatown). 

• Tuk-tuks are fun but agree on the fare before the ride. 

For a hassle-free experience, consider guided tours with companies like Hanoi Voyages, where transportation and cultural insights are included.

Combine culture with relaxation

After exploring, you can unwind with a traditional Thai massage at Wat Pho, the birthplace of this practice. Or enjoy riverside cafés near Wat Arun for a stunning temple view at sunset. Balancing sightseeing with relaxation helps you fully enjoy the temple experience.

The most famous temples in Bangkok are not only architectural wonders but also windows into the city’s soul, blending history, culture and spirituality. Visiting them offers a deeper connection to Thai traditions and unforgettable memories for every traveler.

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