Bangkok is a multifaceted city. It offers modern skyscrapers, a gritty underbelly, and spiritual sites that serve as reminders that Thailand is still over 90% Buddhist. The temples impress for a variety of reasons: some are simply magnificent structures that attract tourists, while others are deeply spiritual sites for the locals. No matter which neighborhood you're in, you're sure to find a beautiful temple ("wat") somewhere.

We try to visit two or three different temples on each of our trips, simply because it offers a welcome change from the usual shopping, street food, and rooftop bar routine. As vibrant as the capital is, it's sometimes good to immerse yourself in a quiet and contemplative environment (Bangkok's green parks are perfect for this). If temple visits are your priority in Thailand, then Bangkok is the place to be. Below is a list of our favorite temples, along with tips on how to visit them without the crowds.

Kat at the Golden Mountain (Wat Saket)

The 10 most beautiful temples in Bangkok

Classical Temples

1. Wat Pho

Wat Pho is the perfect introduction to Bangkok's temple scene. Here you'll find traditional architecture, charming little courtyards, rows of small Buddha statues, and of course, the Reclining Buddha. You can even treat yourself to a Thai massage, either inside or just outside the temple gates. The grounds are surprisingly vast – we've often gotten lost here while searching for the Reclining Buddha. But when you finally find it, it's always a special experience. It's best to arrive early, otherwise it gets quite crowded for taking photos.

  • Participation fee: 300 THB (cash only)
  • Getting there: Take the MRT to Sanam Chai station and exit at Exit 1. From there it is a five-minute walk to the main entrance.

    • Read more: How to visit Wat Pho: Home of Bangkok's reclining Buddha

    The reclining Buddha, Wat Pho

    2. The Great Palace

    The Grand Palace has much to offer – from the colorful and intricately detailed Ramakien Gallery to the enormous Yaksha statues standing guard. The glittering architecture in gold and blue is magnificent, but the high entrance fee and the constant stream of tourists can dampen the enthusiasm somewhat. Therefore, you should arrive as soon as the gates open and adhere to the dress code. For men, this means long trousers. Strange as it felt, Cam wore a pair of these famous Thai elephant trousers.

  • Arrival time: 8:30 a.m. sharp
  • Entrance fee: 500 THB (cash and card payments accepted)
  • Getting there: Take the MRT again to Sanam Chai station and take exit 1. From there it is a 15-minute walk to the North Gate.

    • Read more: How to visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok: A detailed guide

    Crowds in the Grand Palace

    3. Wat Traimit

    If you plan to explore Chinatown (which is an absolute must), you should definitely visit Wat Traimit. This building, made of white marble and gold, rises spectacularly 60 meters above a street corner. On the top floor is a solid gold Buddha statue – the largest of its kind in the world, weighing an incredible 5.5 tons. We loved the intimate atmosphere inside – it felt like discovering a precious treasure.

  • Arrival time: 8:00 am (for quiet) or 4:00 pm (before dinner)
  • Entrance fee: 140 THB for the statue + museum combination (cash only)
  • Getting there: Take the MRT to Hua Lamphong station and take exit 1. Then cross the canal and walk for five minutes to the entrance.

    • Read more: 15 top things to do in Chinatown: Bangkok's culinary paradise

    Hidden Treasures & Local Temples

    4. Marble Temple (Wat Benchamabophit)

    Wat Benchamabophit, the marble temple, is another example of marble architecture, this time made from Italian Carrara marble. The ordination hall is precisely symmetrical and offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially under the red and gold door frames. During our visit, we saw art students sketching the temple – some of them were extremely talented. It's one of the few temples in Bangkok that can be visited at sunrise, and as you can imagine, the white marble glows beautifully in the morning light.

  • Best time to arrive: 6:00 am (for sunrise) or 4:30 pm (to avoid the biggest crowds)
  • Entrance fee: 100 THB (cash only)
  • Getting there: Unfortunately, this temple is not located near a train station. Therefore, we recommend traveling by taxi or Grab.

    • Read more: Bangkok's Marble Temple: How to visit Wat Benchamabophit

    Marble Temple (Wat Benchamabophit)

    5. Wat Ratchanatdaram (Loha Prasat)

    Wat Ratchanatdaram is a somewhat forgotten temple in the old city, which is surprising given its visually stunning and unique Sri Lankan-Indian style. Connoisseurs visit for Loha Prasat – the "Metal Castle" with its golden iron spikes. Each spike symbolizes a virtue of enlightenment. We recommend visiting in the late afternoon before the temple closes at 5:00 PM, followed by a stroll to King Rama III Memorial Park to admire the golden spikes illuminated in the evening. Afterward, a visit to the nearby Rajadamnern Stadium to witness a Muay Thai fight is highly recommended.

  • Entrance fee: 20 THB (cash only)
  • Getting there: Take the MRT to Sam Yot station, exit at Exit 1 and then walk along Maha Chai Road – a leisurely 15-minute stroll.

    • 6. Wat Ratchabophit

    Wat Ratchabophit is another temple in Bangkok, located not far from Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, yet still easily visible. Its exterior architecture is somewhat similar to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, but it is significantly less crowded. The real highlight is the interior: it was built like a miniature Versailles, inspired by King Rama V's travels in Europe. The temple opens at 6:00 a.m., but there's no need to rush.

  • Admission: Free (donations are welcome)
  • Getting there: If you are on Khao San Road, you can simply walk. Otherwise, you can take the MRT to Sanam Chai or Sam Yot stations.

    • Temple with the best view

    7. Golden Mountain (Wat Saket)

    Wat Saket is definitely one of our favorite temples in Bangkok. The whole experience is simply magnificent. You begin by climbing the 344 steps of the Golden Mount, passing gardens and water features, and then you get to ring bells and giant gongs. After the final climb, you reach a viewing platform with a breathtaking view over the old city and the skyscrapers of the city. A visit at sunset is particularly charming, when you can watch the locals earning their living and participate in the three-round Wian Thian ritual (something Kat performed with such grace).

  • Arrival time: 5:00 PM (one hour before sunset)
  • Getting there: Take the MRT to Sam Yot station and exit at Exit 1. From there you can walk to the foot of the mountain in 15 minutes.

    • Read more: Golden Mount (Wat Saket): The best temple for sunset in Bangkok

    8. Wat Paknam

    If you're wondering where to see Bangkok's giant Buddha, you'll find it at Wat Paknam, right on the Khlong Dan canal. A longtail boat ride alongside the statue is, in our opinion, an absolute must, as is a visit to the emerald-green pagoda on the fifth floor of the Maharatchamongkhon Stupa. It might be tempting to fly a drone over the 69-meter-tall Buddha, but please refrain from doing so, as it is strictly forbidden. Instead, stroll through the narrow alleyways ("sois") or visit a nearby café to discover unique vantage points for taking photos.

  • Entry: Free (except for 200 THB per person for the longtail motorcycle ride)
  • Getting there: Take the MRT to Bang Phai station (blue line), take exit 1 and then walk for 15 minutes (see Google Maps).

    • Read more: Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen: How to see Bangkok's giant Buddha

    Strange and wonderful temples

    9. Wat Sam Phran

    Although Wat Sam Phran is an hour west of the city, it's well worth a visit. You'll be amazed by its imposing size, its pink color, and of course, the green dragon that winds around it from top to bottom. Be sure to touch the dragon's claws at the base of the temple for good luck, and then climb to the shrine on the roof for panoramic views of the verdant cityscape of the nearby Nakhon Pathom province.

  • Arrival time: 9:00 am (to avoid the heat)
  • Admission: Free (small donations are welcome)
  • Getting there: The best option is to book a Grab for the one-hour journey. We've taken many long trips with Grab all over Thailand and it's always worked out well.

    • 10. Wat Phra Dhammakaya

    Wat Phra Dhammakaya is Bangkok's most controversial temple, located off the beaten tourist track north of Don Mueang Airport (a major domestic hub). The temple has been embroiled in numerous local scandals, including allegations of cult-like behavior and financial exploitation. Yet its architecture alone makes it a fascinating destination. It houses a pagoda containing a million tiny Buddha statues – 300,000 outside and 700,000 inside – resembling a golden UFO.

  • Arrival time: 10:30 am (departure from Bangkok at 9:30 am)
  • Getting there: Here too, we recommend traveling by Grab or taxi.

    • Overrated temples in Bangkok

    Wat Arun is the only temple you can visit without major reservations. It's not bad in itself – its towers and mosaics are quite impressive. However, since it's visible from the Chao Phraya River and places like the Eagle Nest Rooftop Bar, it's best admired (and photographed) from a distance. Other temples we wouldn't recommend are the Erawan Museum, Wat Suthat with its giant swing, and Wat Intharawihan.

    Wat Arun from the Eagle Nest Bar

    Temple etiquette in Bangkok

  • Be careful with your feet: Always take off your shoes when entering the main halls (ordination halls) and never point your feet directly at Buddha statues, monks or other Thais, as this is considered an insult in the local culture.
  • Sit respectfully: Keep a respectful distance from Buddha images and pull your legs up instead of sitting cross-legged.
  • The most important rule: Avoid standing taller than statues, monks, or other religious figures. And never touch the head of anything or anyone.
  • Give monks space: In Bangkok's temples, you often see monks (in orange robes). It is important to give them space, to remain calm, and to allow them to practice their religion undisturbed.

    • Frequently asked questions about the temples of Bangkok

    How many temples should I visit in one day?

    In Bangkok, you should visit a maximum of three temples per day. Visiting more than that risks overwhelming you with temples. Some travelers even recommend up to ten temples in a single day – this seems excessive to us and a logistical nightmare. We advise you to spread your temple visits over several days and flexibly integrate them into your itinerary. For example, a day in Chinatown could include visiting Wat Mangkon Kamalawat and Wat Traimit, followed by a stroll along Song Wat Road and a hot pot meal on Yaowarat Road.

    Is there a dress code and are men allowed to wear shorts?

    Strictly speaking, all temples in Bangkok require both women and men to cover their shoulders and knees. Theoretically, this means men are not allowed to wear shorts, which makes life difficult for them in the sweltering heat. However, the rules can be relaxed as long as men are dressed appropriately: smart, knee-length trousers (that don't show the thighs), a clean T-shirt, and proper shoes. The Grand Palace is an exception, where the wearing of long trousers for men is strictly enforced.