Temples, also known as wats, are popular places to visit in Thailand for several reasons. Visiting temples offer insights into Thailand’s rich cultural heritage as they often house ancient relics, statues, and artworks that depict important Buddhist stories and teachings.
Tourists get to experience Thai culture firsthand as well as they can witness local rituals and observe Buddhist monks going about their daily routines. Some temples also offer opportunities for visitors to participate in religious ceremonies or receive blessings from monks.
While temples are popular tourist destinations, they are also active places of worship. Remember to dress modestly, adhering to the temple rules and dress code. Tourists are also required to show respect for the religious practices and customs observed within the premises.
Find out where are the top temples to visit in Bangkok, Thailand.
Kuan Yim Shrine
Checking out the Kuan Yin Shrine on Yaowarat Road in Bangkok’ Chinatown! Established in 1902 by Chinese immigrants and completed in 1995, as part of the Thian Fa Foundation. The buildings beside the shrine were hospitals, set up originally to provide free medical care for those in need. This is a popular shrine among locals who come to pray for fertility, success, health, happiness and more!
Wat Pho Temple Complex
After paying the entrance fee of 200 baht, I started wandering around the temple complex. I realized only after an hour of sweating that I had entered a labyrinth of archways, halls and corridors. I found a directory of Wat Pho while trying to escape the heat, and there were so many checkpoints within the temple complex. Full review here!
Temple of Reclining Buddha
This temple is located within Wat Pho Complex of Temples. Within the temple lies the 46 meters long Buddha is covered in gold leaves and countless visitors would stream in for it!
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
The Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is located within the grounds of The Grand Palace and is one of the most revered and visited temples in Bangkok.
Wat Chakrawatrachawat Woramahawihan
Exploring the compound of Wat Chakrawatrachawat Woramahawihan Temple that is located at the West end of Chinatown, Bangkok. Do check out its crocodile residences which has an interesting story behind it!
Wat Traimit Withayaram Worawihan
Located around Chinatown district of Bangkok, the Wat Traimit Withayaram Worawihan is a temple known to house the statue of Golden Buddha!
(Separate Tickets)
2nd & 3rd Floor – Chinatown & Golden Buddha Exhibition (200 baht)
4th Floor – The Golden Buddha (100 baht)
Wat Hua Lamphong Temple
The Wat Hua Lamphong Temple is not exactly a tourist destination but popular among Thai locals. Many would visit this temple to donate money for coffins for those who passed on but could not afford one. It is quite a huge and beautiful temple near Samyan Metro Line.
Samut Prakan District
The Erawan Museum
Erawan Museum is famous for its giant three-headed copper elephant sculpture. The place is not exactly located within Bangkok, but around Samut Prakan which is pretty close by. It is in between Pu Chao and Chang Erawan station of the Sukhumvit Line and up 15-20 mins walk over. Besides being the first and biggest hand-carved sculpture in the world, it is also a holy shrine for many believers. Full review here!
I will probably update and add onto this list of top temples to visit in Bangkok again!