Bangkok Temples: A Complete Guide to the Main and Most Unusual Sacred Sites

Bangkok has hundreds of temples, and the sheer variety can make your head spin. Which temple to visit first, which is the most beautiful, interesting, or unusual? If you're facing this question, here are our picks of Bangkok's temples with all the practical info: opening hours, entrance fees, and how to get there on your own. We've personally visited all these temples, taken original photos (no stock images), and verified all the prices, opening times, and routes. Here you'll find only verified practical information for independent travelers.

The three main temples of Bangkok: what you absolutely must see

If you only have one or two days in Bangkok, start with the three top and most important temples – they're close to each other and give you a complete picture of Thai temple architecture.

It's best to start with the Grand Palace. It's open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and it's best to come right at opening time because after 10 AM, huge tour buses start bringing in crowds, making it very difficult to see and photograph. Exploring the palace will take 2 to 4 hours. After the palace, you can walk to the entrance of the famous Reclining Buddha temple, Wat Pho. The third temple, the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), is on the other side of the Chao Phraya River – you can easily hop over there on a ferry in just a few minutes.

After seeing all three, it's worth staying in the area until dark to see the sights lit up. They look magnificent at that time.

The Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha Temple

This palace complex, consisting of numerous temples and palaces, is the main religious site in Bangkok and the number one attraction in the capital to visit. Built in 1782, it serves not only as an active royal residence but also as the location for various government offices. Of course, the royal residence and offices are not open to tourists, but the most beautiful and interesting part of the complex is open for a fee. Several palaces and throne halls used by the royal family for receiving ambassadors and foreign delegations, as well as many temples and shrines, are open to visitors. To properly explore the palace, you'll need at least half a day. More details and photos of Bangkok's Grand Palace here.

The Reclining Buddha Temple (Wat Pho) – the biggest in Bangkok

Near the Grand Palace is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha – one of the oldest temples in the Kingdom and the largest in Bangkok, built between 1688 and 1703. It houses the famous 46-meter gilded statue of the reclining Buddha. The temple grounds contain many chapels and pagodas. This is the largest and oldest temple in the capital, and also the most famous among tourists, and one of Thailand's most well-known symbols. More about the Reclining Buddha temple here.

The Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) – the most beautiful pagoda

Across the river from the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is the Temple of Dawn – Wat Arun. You can get there via a river crossing that costs 3 baht. The piers are right next to the temples. In the evening, when the 88-meter temple is lit up by spotlights, there's a wonderful view from the opposite bank. This is perhaps the most picturesque temple in Thailand. In spring and summer, every evening at 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, and 9:30 PM, light shows are held, during which the history of the temple is told in Thai and English, accompanied by traditional Thai music. More about the Temple of Dawn here.

The most popular temples in Bangkok after the main three

After you've seen the three main temples, you can visit other beautiful and popular ones. They're popular for good reason and are worth seeing.

The Golden Buddha Temple (Wat Traimit) – 5.5 tons of gold

This otherwise unremarkable temple would be just one of hundreds in Bangkok if not for the world's largest gold statue of a seated Buddha. Thais say it's made entirely of gold and weighs 5.5 tons. The pupils of the Buddha's eyes are black Thai sapphires, and the whites are made of pearl. The temple complex consists of several temple buildings and even a museum, so there's plenty to see here. More about the Golden Buddha Temple.

The Marble Temple (Wat Benchamabophit)

This is one of the most beautiful temples in Bangkok. Although it's called the 'Marble Temple,' the literal translation is 'Temple of King Rama V,' under whose order it was built in 1899. After the king's death, his ashes were enshrined in the base of the temple's main Buddha statue. As the name suggests, much of the temple is built from marble, including some imported from Italy. The temple is also interesting because it's one of the newest, combining modern European style with traditional Thai architecture. More about the Marble Temple.

Wat Suthat Thep Wararam Temple and the Giant Swing

This temple, located in the very center of Bangkok, is one of the oldest. It is known for housing one of the most beautiful and the largest Viharn (sermon hall). Construction began in 1807 under King Rama I and was only completed in 1947. Part of the ashes of King Rama VIII are enshrined in the base of the statue's pedestal. In 2005, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Right in front of the temple are the Giant Swings, which were used until 1932 in the Tri-yampawai ritual (the birth of a new world and an expression of gratitude to the god Shiva for the rice harvest). Young men would swing on the swings and had to grab a bag of money suspended about 25 meters high.

Wat Ratchanaddaram Temple (also Ratchanadda)

Construction of the temple began in 1846 by order of King Rama III, but to this day, construction is still considered incomplete, making it the longest construction project in Thailand – over 160 years. It is interesting primarily for its unusual architecture, different from other Thai temples: the main chedi is made in the form of a multi-level metal pyramid. The complex grounds are quite large, decorated with greenery and beautiful buildings, but there are very few tourists here. Inside, there is a museum, which you can enter by leaving 20 baht in the donation box. From the museum, you can go up to the very top, which offers a stunning view of the surrounding area. More about Wat Ratchanaddaram Temple.

The Golden Mount Temple (Wat Saket, Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan)

This Buddhist temple is famous for its gilded pagoda, built on a high artificial hill called the Golden Mount. For a long time, before skyscrapers began to be built in Bangkok, the pagoda was the tallest structure in the city. At the top, there is not only the pagoda but also an observation deck, from where you can take wonderful panoramic photos. This temple is highly revered among Buddhists because it houses a relic of the Buddha's ashes brought from India. Every November, a grand festival takes place at the temple, during which a huge procession climbs the hill. More about Wat Saket and the Golden Mount here.

Sacred temples in Bangkok that Thais revere

In addition to those mentioned above, Bangkok has several other temples that are important to all Thais. They are not the most beautiful or touristy, but are revered by Thais as very sacred places.

Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit Temple

This is one of the most important and oldest temples in Bangkok, one of the ten royal temples of Thailand of the highest class, founded to house one of the Buddhist relics. It is also home to the Vipassana meditation center. This temple is almost unknown among tourists, even though it is very conveniently located in the heart of the historic district: not far from the Grand Palace and within walking distance of Khao San Road. More about Wat Mahathat Temple.

Lak Muang, or the City Pillar Shrine

Lak Muang, the city pillar shrine, is one of the most sacred and symbolic places for the capital's residents. It is believed to be the first structure built in Bangkok, and the city grew from this spot. In 1783, by decree of Rama I, a city pillar and shrine were erected here, marking the beginning of the city's construction. This is also the conventional geographical center of Bangkok, as distances are measured from here. More about the City Pillar Shrine.

Wat Bowonniwet Vihara Temple

Wat Bowonniwet Vihara is not particularly well-known or visited by tourists, yet it is one of the most important temples and monasteries in Bangkok. Here, a Buddha statue from approximately 1357 is kept in a large golden stupa, and most members of the royal family spent their monastic period and training here. But most importantly, today the temple houses the remains of King Bhumibol Adulyadej Rama IX, who died in 2016. Nearby, in a separate building, are the monastery library and the abbot's museum. More about Wat Bowonniwet Vihara Temple.

Erawan Shrine

This is one of the most important pilgrimage and worship sites in Bangkok, despite its modest size. Erawan is the name of a huge white divine elephant with 33 heads, one of the main symbols of fertility and rain, and the shrine itself is a statue of the 4-faced Brahma, a Hindu deity. Every day, a huge number of people come to this place, and dance shows and chants are often held here. Tourists can freely come here, sit on benches and watch the rituals, and if they wish, they can light incense, offer flowers, or bathe in holy water. More about the Erawan Shrine.

The most unusual temples in Bangkok: dragons, crocodiles, and David Beckham

If you've already seen everything but still want something more, here are the most unusual temples in Bangkok.

The Penis Shrine or Fertility Shrine (Chao Mae Tuptim)

This is not a temple but a small shrine, yet in terms of 'unusualness,' no other religious site in the capital can compete with it. The Penis Shrine, the Pregnancy Shrine, or the Fertility Shrine is not actually a place to admire the male reproductive organ, but rather a place where people come to pray for offspring and fertility, or to pay homage for help from Buddha. As of 2026, the shrine is practically abandoned; we do not recommend visiting. More about the Penis Shrine.

The Crocodile Temple (Wat Chakrawatrachawat Woramahawihan)

Wat Chakrawatrachawat Woramahawihan, also known as Wat Sam Pleum or simply the Crocodile Temple, is one of the most unusual temples in the capital. It doesn't shine with beauty or architecture, but it is home to crocodiles – real, live ones. A total of 4 reptiles live here, and every day around 5:00 PM, the monks feed them. This is one of the oldest temples in the capital. More about the Crocodile Temple.

David Beckham Temple (Wat Pariwat Ratchasongkram)

Wat Pariwat is one of the most unusual temples in Bangkok, popularly known as the 'David Beckham Temple.' Originally a small local temple from the Ayutthaya period (14th–18th centuries), at the end of the last century it was decorated with images of famous people and fictional characters. Here you'll find statues and frescoes of Che Guevara, Barack Obama, Einstein, Superman, Pinocchio. A special place is occupied by a gilded statue of David Beckham, installed in 1998 in honor of the 16th FIFA World Cup. More about Wat Pariwat.

The Dragon Temple (Wat Sam Phran)

The Sam Phran Dragon Temple is one of the most unusual temples in the Bangkok area. On its grounds, next to the main ubosot, an 80-meter pink cylindrical tower has been erected, wrapped by a giant dragon. The temple opened in 1985. The first floor is open to visitors, but the most interesting thing is to enter the body of the dragon and climb to the very top observation deck, which offers a panoramic view of the area. More about the Dragon Temple.

Other temples worth seeing

The Boat Temple (Wat Yannawa)

This temple is not very well known among mass tourists, but its architectural feature is a viharn built in the shape of a snow-white Chinese junk – a sailing vessel from the 19th century. More about the Boat Temple.

The Chinese Temple (Wat Mangkon Kamalawat)

This is the largest and most important temple of the Chinese community in Bangkok, which follows the Mahayana branch of Buddhism. It was built in the early 19th century in the classic Chinese architectural style. You can freely walk around the temple and enter any of the rooms. More about the Chinese Temple.

Sri Maha Mariamman Hindu Temple (Wat Khaek)

There are only two Hindu temples in Bangkok, and this one is the most beautiful. It was built in the 1860s by immigrants from India. Taking photos inside without permission is not allowed, but permission is easy to obtain by making a donation. More about Sri Maha Mariamman Temple.

Map of Bangkok's temples

The map above marks all the main temples in Bangkok described in this article. You can zoom in and click on the markers for more information.

Which temple to choose if you're short on time?

• For photos and architecture: The Grand Palace and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn).
• For impressive statues: Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) and Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha).
• For panoramic views: Wat Saket (Golden Mount) and Wat Ratchanaddaram.
• For peace and local atmosphere: Wat Bowonniwet Vihara, Wat Mahathat.
• To surprise kids: the Crocodile Temple and the Dragon Temple.

Practical tips for visiting Bangkok's temples

• Dress code: When visiting temples, you need to dress modestly: covered shoulders and knees. At some temples, you can rent a sarong or wrap.
• Shoes: You must take off your shoes before entering a temple. It's handy to have a bag for your shoes.
• Time to visit: It's best to come at opening time (8:00–9:00 AM) to avoid crowds of tourists and the midday heat.
• Rules of conduct: Don't turn your back to the Buddha, don't point at statues with your finger, don't touch monks (especially women).
• Water: Bring bottled water with you, especially during the hot season.