5 Must-Visit Temples in Bangkok 2024

Buddhism, Thailand's national religion, deeply influences daily life, with thousands of temples (called “wats” in Thailand) scattered across the country. The City of Angels, Bangkok or Krung Thep Maha Nakhon to Thais, is home to many majestic temples in Bangkok, particularly in Rattanakosin, Bangkok’s Old Town. Must-visit temples in Bangkok include Wat Phra Kaew (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha) within the Grand Palace, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), famous for its stunning riverside location and spire, and Wat Pho (The Temple of the Reclining Buddha), renowned for its giant reclining Buddha and traditional Thai massage school. These world famouse temples in Bangkok offer a glimpse into rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Thailand.

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1. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

Wat Arun, situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Thonburi, Bangkok’s quaint neighborhood and former capital of Thailand, is globally known as the Temple of Dawn. Believed to have existed since the Ayutthaya period, it is steeped in history and legend. When Ayutthaya was invaded by the Burmese, King Taksin who was still a general on his way to fight the invaders is said to have encountered the temple when the dawn had just arrived, giving it its name. Wat Arun once enshrined the revered Emerald Buddha, brought from Vientiane, Laos (Lan Xang), during King Taksin's reign. However, after King Rama I established Bangkok as the new capital, the Emerald Buddha was moved to Wat Phra Kaew (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha) in 1784. Wat Arun remains one of the most popular temples in Bangkok and a world-renowned symbol of Bangkok's rich cultural heritage.

2. Wat Pho (The Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

Wat Pho, also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon, is internationally renowned as The Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Built during the reign of King Rama I and completed under the reign of King Rama III, this famous temple in Bangkok is home to the iconic Reclining Buddha that was completed in 1848. The statue is 46 meters long and 15 meters high, with soles inlaid with mother of pearl depicting 108 auspicious images of the Buddha. Wat Pho (The Temple of the Reclining Buddha) houses Thailand's largest collection of over 1,000 Buddha images, gathered from ancient ruins from across the country. To preserve traditional Thai medicine and massage, King Rama III transformed the temple complex into Thailand's first university. The Wat Pho Thai Traditional Medical and Massage School, established during his reign, continues to operate, preserving and teaching these ancient practices to this day.

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3. Wat Phra Kaew (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha)

Wat Phra Kaew, known locally as Wat Phra Chetuphon and internationally as The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is one of the most revered temples in Bangkok. The Emerald Buddha, intricately carved from a single block of jade, holds significant religious and cultural importance. Originally located in Chiang Mai, it was moved to Vientiane, Loas (Lan Xang) by King Setthathirat I in 1560, then later captured and returned to Thailand by King Rama I who was still a grand duke in 1779, during King Taksin's reign. The statue found its permanent home at Wat Phra Kaew in 1784 after King Rama I's accession to the throne, becoming a symbol of Thai sovereignty and spirituality.

Adjacent to Wat Phra Kaew stands the magnificent Grand Palace, commissioned by King Rama I in 1782. It served as the royal residence for several generations of Thai kings and continues to host important ceremonial events. Together, Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace represent not only Thailand's rich architectural heritage but also its enduring royal traditions and religious practices, drawing visitors from around the world to experience Thailand’s unique cultural splendor.

4. Wat Saket (Temple of the Golden Mount)

Wat Saket or Temple of the Golden Mount, is a renowned temple in Bangkok Old Town, alongside famous landmarks like the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. Originally dating back to the Ayutthaya period, its iconic golden chedi tops a 77-meter artificial hill constructed during the reign of King Rama IV and completed under King Rama V. Atop this mount lies enshrined Buddha relics brought from India, making it a sacred site for Buddhists.

Each year during the Loy Krathong Festival, devotees ascend the 344 steps to the summit to wrap a long red cloth around the chedi as an act of reverence. The climb rewards visitors with breathtaking vistas of Old Bangkok, the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, and the bustling cityscape beyond, including the Rama VI Bridge and modern skyscrapers. Wat Saket not only preserves Thailand’s ancient architectural splendor but also offers serenity and Thai religious tradition amidst Bangkok’s urban landscape.

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5. Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple)

Wat Benchamabophit also known as The Marble Temple, stands as a gem of Bangkok's architectural heritage that was completed in 1911 during the reign of King Rama V. Its name derives from the imported Italian marble used extensively in its construction, lending it a majestic and luminous appearance. Designed by Prince Narisara Nuwattiwong, the king's half-brother and a skilled architect, the temple combines elements of the traditional Thai Rattanakosin style with influences from the Italian Renaissance.

Central to its beauty is the Phra Buddha Chinnarat, a replica of the renowned statue from Phitsanulok's Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, where the ashes of King Rama V are interred beneath. This masterpiece embodies spiritual significance and artistic prowess, making Wat Benchamabophit not only a testament to Thai craftsmanship but also a popular temple in Bangkok and a revered sanctuary honoring the monarchy's legacy and cultural heritage.

Stay at Our Luxury 5 Star Hotel to Visit the Best Temples in Bangkok

Book a luxurious stay at Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok, Vignette Collection, an IHG Hotel, and immerse yourself among the most famous temples in Bangkok and historical treasures. With 393 elegantly designed rooms and suites featuring modern Thai aesthetics, the hotel offers a serene retreat in the heart of the city. Chic interiors complement our minimalist style with vibrant deep blue hues. Indulge in amenities such as a rooftop infinity pool boasting stunning skyline views, a fully equipped 24-hour fitness center, and seamless access to Bangkok's cultural sites via nearby BTS Chit Lom (E1) to BTS Asoke (E4) and interchange with MRT Sukhumvit (BL 22) to MRT Sanam Chai (BL 31). Discover Thailand’s history while exploring majestic temples in Bangkok from our centrally located, 5-star hotel.

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