Spirituality is omnipresent in Bangkok – you don't need to visit a temple or shrine to experience it. For me, sometimes simply finding a quiet spot on Silom Road on a Friday evening is meditation enough!

At the same time, many of Bangkok's explicitly sacred sites are spectacular. In some cases, this is due to the architecture, in others to the atmosphere. Still others are defined as much by the context in which the temple is found as by the temple itself.

The list below contains what I believe to be the most beautiful temples in Bangkok. (However, I welcome comments from anyone who disagrees – I'm always open to new perspectives!)

Why are there so many temples in Bangkok?

Choosing the best temples in Bangkok (Wat in Thai) is difficult due to their sheer number. But why is that? The first reason is obvious and requires explanation: Thailand's official religion is Theravada Buddhism, to which over 90% of the population adheres. Bangkok's millions of inhabitants literally need thousands of places of worship!

It's not just the city's population. Bangkok has been Thailand's capital for over 200 years, and before that, it was located directly across the river in Thonburi (now part of Bangkok). Therefore, many of the places I'm about to list have existed for centuries, which makes them all the more fascinating. Consider this post an exploration not just of spirituality or architecture, but of Thai history itself!

My favorite temples in Bangkok

Wat Saket

The aptly named "Golden Mountain," Wat Saket, towers over the northern part of Rattanakosin Island and is visible from afar. Whether you enjoy the sunset from its summit or not, be sure to visit the nearby Sao Ching Cha (also known as the Giant Swing) and the peaceful Wat Suthat, where it's easy to find a quiet moment among the Buddha statues.

Wat Arun

Wat Arun, the "Temple of Dawn," is one of Bangkok's most beautiful temples, whether bathed in the magnificent morning light from the east or in the evening as the sun sets behind it. Afterwards, a 5-baht ferry ride across the Chao Phraya River to Rattanakosin Island is highly recommended if you haven't already visited it.

Wat Benjambophit

Although the "Marble Temple" Wat Benjambophit is located a bit too far north from Khao San Road to reach on foot, it is undoubtedly one of the architectural highlights of the old city. I recommend visiting in the afternoon, as the lighting conditions are optimal then.

Wat Intharawihan

Wat Intharawihan, another of Bangkok's most impressive temples, and its standing Buddha are located in a similar area to Wat Benjambophit. However, since the Buddha faces east, I recommend visiting in the morning.

Wat Pak Nam

For many years, Wat Pak Nam was primarily known for its interior, which Japanese tourists long referred to as the "space temple." Today, the temple (which belongs to the controversial Dhammakhaya sect of Buddhism and is now accessible via the Bang Phai MRT station) also houses a giant Buddha statue.

Wat Traimit

Wat Traimit, another "marble temple" on this list of Bangkok temples, is the most impressive temple in Yaowarat, also known as Bangkok's Chinatown. It is beautiful during the day (especially on days with a clear blue sky, when the white of the temple contrasts beautifully with the deep azure of the sky), but it is also worth a visit at night when it is illuminated.

Wat Phra Dhammakhaya

Wat Phra Dhammakhaya, also part of the Dhammakhaya complex, is located quite far outside Bangkok, near Don Mueang Airport. It's visible from the airport during takeoff, but I recommend taking a taxi or Grab so you can see the "million Buddha statues" with your own eyes.

Overrated temples and sights in Bangkok

While Bangkok is home to countless temples and shrines that are impressive and absolutely worth the effort, many are simply not that incredible:

  • The Grand Palace: At its center stands the Wat Phra Kaew temple. This place is simply not worth the crowds, the stress, or the 500 baht entrance fee for foreigners.
  • Erawan Shrine: While it is fascinating to see the skyscrapers rising up around this Hindu shrine (especially from the Ratchaprasong Sky Bridge), the shrine itself is a busy mess.
  • Wat Pho: I'm sorry to include one of Bangkok's most famous temples (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha) on this list – it's a classic. However, the entrance fee has been increased several times in recent years, and it's one of the most crowded temples in Bangkok.

    • More frequently asked questions about the temples in Bangkok

    Which is the most important temple in Bangkok?

    The most visited temple in Bangkok is undoubtedly Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, located in the Grand Palace. In my opinion, however, it is not the most beautiful temple in Bangkok – not even close. It is too crowded and too expensive to be worth visiting.

    Which is the most famous shrine in Bangkok?

    The Erawan Shrine, located at the Ratchprasong intersection next to Central World Mall and Lumphini Park, is by far Bangkok's most famous shrine. Skyscrapers rise up around it, creating a striking contrast that many tourists find hard to resist.

    Is a visit to the Grand Palace worthwhile?

    The Grand Palace is definitely worth seeing – after all, it's a vast complex full of impressive architecture and timeless heritage. However, the entrance fee for foreigners is very expensive at 500 baht (as of April 2024); furthermore, it's crowded all day long, and long trousers are recommended.

    Conclusion

    Do you agree that these are the most beautiful temples in Bangkok? Perhaps it's a bit of a stretch to make such a statement – ​​but that's a topic for another post. All I can say is that after almost two decades of exploring Thailand's "City of Angels," these are the places that make me feel closest to heaven. Some are well-known – perhaps you've even been there – while others are so remote that I'm surprised I ever discovered them. Would you like help seamlessly integrating these (and other) places into your Thailand trip? Then simply book me to plan your personalized Thailand itinerary!