The Temples (Wats) of Bangkok
The many temples of Bangkok are unique and inspiring, each in their own way, and tourists are welcome to visit. Click here for tips and etiquette.
Below are some of the most temples in Bangkok that should not be missed, listed in alphabetical order. And to get a better feel for everyday Thai devotion, try to stop by a small neighborhood temple as well.
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Rising above the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun is one of Bangkok's major landmarks.
Wat Benjamabophit (Marble Temple)
Perhaps the most beautiful of Bangkok's temples, Wat Benajambophit combines western religious influences (stained-glass windows!) with an interesting collection of bronze Buddhas. Today it is an important center of Buddhist monastic learning.
Wat Mahathat (Temple of the Great Relic)
One of Bangkok's oldest sacred sites and the home of the Center for Vipissana Meditation at Buddhist University. The biggest amulet market is next door.
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
The oldest and largest temple in Bangkok, the main attraction is its giant, golden Reclining Buddha. The temple is the home of traditional Thai massage.
Wat Phra Keo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
Located in the Grand Palace, this is the most revered shrine in Thailand. It features a green Buddha statue about 2 feet tall, which only the king can approach in official rituals.
Wat Saket (The Golden Mount)
An exhausting climb up to the gilded chedi provides a nice view, and an important festival is held here each November.
Wat Suthat (Giant Swing)
This large, old and beautiful temple encompasses a variety of religious traditions, with a Buddha image, Chinese pagodas, Hindu shrines, and the remains of an ancient swing used in a ritual dedicated to Shiva.
Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha)
An otherwise unremarkable temple that houses a huge, beautiful, solid-gold Buddha image, created in the 1700s and rediscovered in 1957.
