Welcome to Bangkok, a city that is known for its vibrant street life, delicious food, and bustling markets. However, what many people don’t know is that Bangkok is also home to some of the most beautiful and historic temples in the world. We went to Bangkok back in 2019 and absolutely loved it! In this blog post, we will be exploring some of the must-visit temples in Bangkok, from the iconic Wat Phra Kaew to the gorgeous Wat Arun.
Wat Phra Kaew
No visit to Bangkok is complete without a visit to Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Located in the historic centre of Bangkok, this temple is one of the most visited attractions in the city. The temple is home to the famous Emerald Buddha, a small, highly revered statue of Buddha made of green jade. It is arguably the most important Buddha image in Thailand.
The temple complex is also home to several other beautiful buildings and structures. There is also the Grand Palace, which was once the official residence of the King of Thailand. Visitors can explore the grounds of the temple and take in the beautiful architecture and intricate details of the buildings.
Wat Pho
Located just a short walk from Wat Phra Kaew is Wat Pho, one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok. This temple is home to the famous Reclining Buddha, a massive statue of Buddha that is 46 metres long and 15 metres high. The statue is covered in gold leaf and features beautiful mother-of-pearl inlay on its feet.
In addition to the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is also home to over a thousand other Buddha images, as well as several beautiful chedis (stupas) and other structures. Visitors can explore the temple complex and take in the stunning architecture and artwork.
Wat Arun
Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is one of the most iconic temples in Bangkok. The Khmer-style prangs (towers) are covered in colourful ceramic tiles and seashells and are worth a picture!
Visitors can climb to the top of the main prang and take in the stunning views of the river and the city skyline. The temple complex also features several other beautiful structures. There is a statue of the Hindu god Indra riding his elephant, Erawan.
Wat Saket
Located on a hill just outside of Bangkok’s historic centre is Wat Saket. Also known as the Golden Mount, it is a beautiful temple that offers stunning views of the city. You will see the beautiful golden chedi (stupa), standing at 80 metres tall and covered in gold leaf.
Visitors can climb to the top of the chedi and take in the panoramic views of the city. The temple complex also features several other beautiful buildings and structures, including a large prayer hall and several smaller chedis.
Wat Traimit
Located in Bangkok’s Chinatown district, Wat Traimit is home to the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statue. The statue is 3 metres tall and weighs over 5 tons, and is valued at over $250 million.
Visitors can explore the temple and take in the beautiful architecture and artwork. You can also learn about the history of the temple and the statue.
Tips for Visiting Bangkok’s Temples
When visiting Bangkok’s temples, there are a few tips to keep in mind :
- Dress appropriately: As the temples are places of worship, dress modestly. This means covering your shoulders and knees, and avoiding tight or revealing clothing.
- Shoes: Remove your shoes before entering the temples. Be sure to wear shoes that are easy to take on and off
You can also find me on social media: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Did you know that I also vlog my travel adventures? I would love you to subscribe to my YouTube channel so that you never miss an episode… SUBSCRIBE HERE
Other posts that may help you:
- 50 Thailand Photos to Inspire your Next Trip
- What to Take to Thailand (and What I Wish I had Taken!!)
- Have you seen my new Travel Series?
Thank you for reading and I hope I have inspired you and helped with narrowing which temples of Bangkok you should add to your itinerary! If you have any questions about the items on my list or the area in general, please do get in touch in the comments below.
If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your family and friends!
Happy exploring,
Love Victoria X
