ThailandBangkok has hundreds of temples, and the sheer variety will make your head spin. Which temple to visit first, which is the most beautiful, interesting or unusual. If that's the question you're facing, here are our Bangkok temple selections with complete practical information: opening hours, admission prices, how to get there on your own. We've personally visited all these temples, taken our own photos (no stock images) and verified all prices, opening hours and routes. Only verified practical information for independent travelers.
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The Three Main Temples of Bangkok: Must-Sees
If you have only one or two days in Bangkok, start with the three top and most important temples – they're close to each other and give 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, since after 10 o'clock groups of tourists start arriving in huge buses, and it'll be very difficult to see it and take beautiful photos. Exploring the palace will take 2 to 4 hours. After the palace you can walk to the entrance of the famous Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho. The third temple, the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun, is on the other side of the Chao Phraya River, and you can easily cross there by ferry in a few minutes.
After seeing the whole trio, it's worth staying in this area until dark to see the attractions lit up. At that time they're magnificent.
The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
This palace complex, made up of many temples and palaces, is Bangkok's main religious site and the first capital attraction worth visiting. The palace complex was built in 1782 and serves not only as an actual royal residence but also as the location of numerous government offices. Of course, both the royal residence and the offices are off-limits 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 to receive ambassadors and foreign delegations, as well as many temples and shrines, are open for visits. A full tour of the palace will take at least half a day. More about the Royal Palace of Bangkok and photos.
Practical info
🕐 Opening hours: daily from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM (the complex is open until 4:30 PM, but visitors are stopped at 3:30 PM). Free tours in English start at 10:00, 10:30, 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM.
💵 Entrance fee / ticket prices: 500 baht (14.93 USD, Thailand currency), audio guide player – 100 baht (passport or credit card as deposit).
🚶 How to get there: the palace is in the historic part of the city (Grand Palace entrance on the map). From the tourist Khao San Road area you can walk here. From other districts, take a taxi (about 200 baht) or buses, or take the MRT subway to the new Sanam Chai station and walk 1 kilometer from there.
Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) – the largest in Bangkok
Not far from the Grand Palace is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha – one of the oldest temples in the Kingdom and the largest in Bangkok, built in 1688-1703. Here you'll find the famous 46-meter gilded statue of the Reclining Buddha. The temple complex grounds have many chapels and pagodas. This is the largest and oldest temple in the capital, and at the same time the most famous among tourists, and one of Thailand's most recognizable symbols. More about the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.
Practical info
🕐 Opening hours: daily, no days off, from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
💵 Entrance fee / ticket prices: 300 baht (8.96 USD), prepare exact change, they don't give change; guide accompaniment (optional) per 1 person – 200 baht, 2 people – 300, 3 or more – 400 baht.
🚶 How to get there: the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is next to the Royal Palace of Bangkok on the banks of the Chao Phraya River on the Rattanakosin peninsula (temple on the map). The tourist Khao San area and Chinatown are within walking distance.
Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) – the most beautiful pagoda
Opposite the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, across the river, is the Temple of Dawn – Wat Arun. You can get there via the river ferry, which costs 3 baht. The piers are right next to the temples. In the evening, when the 88-meter temple is illuminated by spotlights, it offers a wonderful view from the opposite bank of the river. It's probably the most picturesque temple in Thailand. In spring and summer, every evening at 7:00, 8:00, 9:00 and 9:30 PM there are light shows, during which the history of the temple is told in Thai and English accompanied by traditional Thai music. More about the Temple of Dawn.
Practical info
🕐 Opening hours: daily from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
💵 Entrance fee / ticket prices: 200 baht (5.97 USD).
🚶 How to get there: the temple is on the opposite side of the river, opposite the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (temple on the map). The easiest way to get there is by ferry boat from Tha Tien pier next to the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the crossing costs 4 baht.
The Most Popular Bangkok Temples After the Main Three
After you've seen the three main temples, you can visit the other most beautiful and popular ones among tourists. They're popular for good reason and worth visiting.
Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit) – 5.5 tons of gold
This outwardly unremarkable temple could have been just one of hundreds in Bangkok if it weren't for the world's largest golden statue of a seated Buddha. Thais say it's made entirely of gold, and it weighs 5.5 tons. Buddha's pupils are black Thai sapphires, and the whites of the eyes are made of pearl. The temple complex consists of several temple buildings and even a museum, so there's plenty to see. More about the Temple of the Golden Buddha.
Practical info
🕐 Opening hours: daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
💵 Entrance fee / ticket prices: entrance to the temple with the Golden Buddha (4th floor) - 40 baht, entrance to the museum (2nd and 3rd floors) - 100 baht (2.99 USD).
🚶 How to get there: the temple is in the Chinatown area (Temple of the Golden Buddha on the map). The easiest way to get here is by MRT subway to MRT Hualamphong station, then a 5-minute walk.
Marble Temple (Wat Benchamabophit)
This is one of the most beautiful temples in Bangkok. Although it's called the "Marble Temple," the literal translation of the name is "Temple of King Rama V," by whose order it was built in 1899. At the base of the temple's main Buddha statue, after the king's death, his ashes were sealed in. As the name suggests, most of the temple is built of marble, including that brought 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.
Practical info
🕐 Opening hours: from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, no days off.
💵 Entrance fee / ticket prices: admission for foreigners – 50 baht (1.49 USD).
🚶 How to get there: it's in the Dusit district (temple on the map). From the tourist Khao San Road area you can walk to it, but you'll have to walk almost two kilometers.
Wat Suthat Thep Wararam Temple and the Giant Swing
This temple, located in the very center of Bangkok, is one of the oldest. It's known for having one of the most beautiful and largest Viharns (sermon halls). Construction began in 1807 under King Rama I and was only completed in 1947. At the base of the statue's pedestal is part of the ashes of King Rama VIII. In 2005 it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Right in front of the temple is the Giant Swing, which until 1932 was used 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 swing and had to grab a bag of money suspended at a height of about 25 meters.
Practical info
🕐 Opening hours: daily from 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
💵 Entrance fee / ticket prices: 100 baht (2.99 USD).
🚶 How to get there: see the location of the temple and swing on the Bangkok map.
Wat Ratchanaddaram Temple (also Ratchanadda)
The temple began construction in 1846 by order of King Rama III, but to this day construction is considered still unfinished, making it the longest ongoing construction project in Thailand – over 160 years. It's 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's 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, from where a stunning view of the surrounding area opens up. More about Wat Ratchanaddaram.
Practical info
🕐 Opening hours: from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Entrance to the observation deck closes at 4:50 PM.
💵 Entrance fee / ticket prices: temple grounds free, museum entrance 20 baht.
🚶 How to get there: within walking distance of the tourist Khao San Road area (temple on the map).
Golden Mount Temple (Wat Saket, Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan)
This Buddhist temple is known for its gilded pagoda built on a tall 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's not only the pagoda but also an observation deck, from which you can take wonderful panoramic photos. The temple is highly revered among Buddhists, as it houses a particle of Buddha's ashes brought from India. Every November the temple hosts a grand festival, during which a huge procession climbs the hill. More about Wat Saket Temple and the Golden Mount.
Practical info
🕐 Opening hours: daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
💵 Entrance fee / ticket prices: temple admission is free, access to the observation deck – 100 baht (2.99 USD).
🚶 How to get there: the Golden Mount Temple is located in the Rattanakosin Island area (temple on the map). From the tourist Khao San area it's not hard to walk here. From other districts you'll need to get there by taxi, bus, or canal boat.
Sacred Bangkok Temples Revered by Thais
Besides those already mentioned above, Bangkok has several more temples important to all Thais. They're not the most beautiful and not touristy, but they're revered by Thais themselves as very sacred places.
Wat Mahathat Temple (Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit)
This is one of Bangkok's most important and oldest temples, part of the top ten highest-level royal temples of Thailand, founded to house one of the Buddhist relics. It also houses the Vipassana meditation center. Among tourists this temple is almost unknown, although it's very conveniently located in the very heart of the historic district: not far from the Royal Palace and within walking distance of the tourist Khao San Road. More about Wat Mahathat.
Practical info
🕐 Opening hours: from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, no days off.
💵 Entrance fee / ticket prices: free.
🚶 How to get there: it's in the historic district of Bangkok, a few minutes' walk from the Grand Palace (temple on the map). From the Khao San Road area the easiest way is to walk (about one and a half kilometers). From other districts you can get there by bus or boat on the Chao Phraya River to Tha Maharaj pier.
Lak Muang or the City Pillar Shrine
Lak Muang, the City Pillar Shrine, or the temple pillar, is one of the most sacred and iconic places for residents of the capital. It's believed to be the first structure in Bangkok, and the city began to grow from this spot. In 1783, by decree of Rama I, a temple pillar and temple were installed here, and this marked the beginning of the city's construction. It's also the conventional geographic center of Bangkok, since distances are measured from here. More about Lak Muang Shrine.
Practical info
🕐 Opening hours: around the clock.
💵 Entrance fee / ticket prices: free, donations in the form of buying offerings and incense are welcome.
🚶 How to get there: it's in the center next to the Grand Palace (city shrine on the map).
Wat Bowonniwet Vihara Temple
Bowonniwet Vihara isn't particularly well known or visited by tourists, but it's one of Bangkok's most important temples and monasteries. Here, in a large golden stupa, a Buddha statue from around 1357 is kept, and here most members of the royal family spent their monkhood and training. But most importantly, today the temple holds the remains of King Bhumibol Adulyadej Rama IX, who died in 2016. Nearby, in a separate building, is the monastery library and the abbot's museum. More about Wat Bowonniwet Vihara.
Practical info
🕐 Opening hours: from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
💵 Entrance fee / ticket prices: free.
🚶 How to get there: the temple is near the tourist Khao San Road, a 5-minute walk from it (temple on the map). From other Bangkok districts you can get here by taxi (no more than 200 baht with the meter), by bus, by commuter boat on the river to Phra Arthit pier and then a 10-minute walk.
Erawan Shrine
This is one of the most important places of pilgrimage and worship in Bangkok, despite its unimpressive size. Erawan is the name of a huge white elephant deity 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 chanting are often held here. Tourists can freely come here, sit on the benches and observe the rituals, and if they wish, they can also light incense, make offerings of flowers, or bathe in sacred water. More about the Erawan Shrine.
Practical info
🕐 Opening hours: around the clock.
💵 Entrance fee / ticket prices: free.
🚶 How to get there: it's next to BTS Chidlom Station, near the Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel (Erawan Shrine on the map).
The Most Unusual Bangkok Temples: Dragons, Crocodiles and David Beckham
If you've already seen everything but want something more, here are the most unusual temples in Bangkok.
Shrine of Penises or Fertility Shrine (Chao Mae Tuptim)
This isn't a temple but just a small shrine, yet no other religious site in the capital can compete with it in "unusualness." The Shrine of Penises, the Shrine of the Pregnant or the Shrine of Fertility is actually not a place to admire the male reproductive organ, but a place where people come to ask for offspring and fertility, or to pay tribute to Buddha for help. As of 2026 the shrine is practically abandoned, we don't recommend visiting. More about the Shrine of Penises.
Practical info
🕐 Opening hours: around the clock.
💵 Entrance fee / ticket prices: free.
🚶 How to get there: the shrine is on the grounds of the Mövenpick hotel (formerly Swiss Hotel) (see on the map). The closest metro stations: BTS Chit Lom and BTS Phloen Chit. From them you can get there in a 10-minute walk.
Crocodile Temple (Wat Chakrawatrachawat Woramahawihan, Crocodile Temple)
Wat Chakrawatrachawat Woramahawihan, also Wat Sam Pleum or simply Crocodile Temple, is one of the capital's most unusual temples. It doesn't shine with beauty or architecture, but it's home to crocodiles – real, live ones. There are 4 reptiles living here, and every day around 5:00 PM the monks feed them. It's also one of the capital's oldest temples. More about the Crocodile Temple.
Practical info
🕐 Opening hours: from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, no days off.
💵 Entrance fee / ticket prices: free.
🚶 How to get there: the temple is in Chinatown (temple on the map). The dense buildings and narrow streets of the Chinese quarter hide the temple until the very last moment.
David Beckham Temple (Wat Pariwat Ratchasongkram)
Wat Pariwat is one of Bangkok's most unusual temples, known by the popular name "David Beckham Temple." Originally it was a small local temple from the Ayutthaya era (14th–18th centuries), but at the end of the last century it was decorated with images of famous people and fictional characters. There are statues and frescoes of Che Guevara, Barack Obama, Einstein, Superman, Pinocchio. A special place is taken by the gilded statue of David Beckham, installed in 1998 in honor of the 16th FIFA World Cup. More about Wat Pariwat.
Practical info
🕐 Opening hours: from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, no days off.
💵 Entrance fee / ticket prices: free.
🚶 How to get there: it's on the southern outskirts of Bangkok in the Silom district (temple on the map). The easiest way to get there is by taxi (from 200 baht).
Dragon Temple (Wat Sam Phran)
The Dragon Temple Sam Phran 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 around 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 dragon's body and climb to the very top to the observation deck, from which a panoramic view of the area opens up. More about the Dragon Temple.
Practical info
🕐 Opening hours: daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
💵 Entrance fee / ticket prices: free, donations welcome.
🚶 How to get there: it's in the suburb of Sam Phran, 40 km from the center (temple on the map). A taxi ride will cost from 400 to 600 baht (11.94–17.91 USD).
Other Temples Worth Your Attention
Boat Temple, Wat Yannawa
This temple isn't very well known among the mass of 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.
Practical info
🕐 Opening hours: from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
💵 Entrance fee / ticket prices: free.
🚶 How to get there: it's in the Riverside area next to BTS Saphan Taksin station (temple on the map).
Chinese temple Wat Mangkon Kamalawat
This is the largest and most important temple of Bangkok's Chinese community, which follows the Mahayana Buddhist branch. Built in the early 19th century in a classic Chinese architectural style. You can freely walk around the temple and enter any rooms. More about the Chinese temple.
Practical info
🕐 Opening hours: from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
💵 Entrance fee / ticket prices: free.
🚶 How to get there: it's in Chinatown (temple on the map). Entrance from Charoeng Krung road.
Hindu temple Sri Maha Mariamman (Wat Khaek)
Bangkok has only two Hindu temples, and this is the most beautiful. Built in the 1860s by immigrants from India. Photographing inside without permission is not allowed, but permission is easy to get by leaving a donation. More about Sri Maha Mariamman Temple.
Practical info
🕐 Opening hours: from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
💵 Entrance fee / ticket prices: free.
🚶 How to get there: a 10-minute walk from BTS Surasak and Chong Nonsi stations (temple on the map).
Wat Ratchapradit Temple (Wat Ratchapradit Sathit Maha Simaram)
A tiny royal temple lost in a narrow alley a hundred meters from the Grand Palace. There are no queues or noisy tourist groups here – only silence, marble floors and frescoes depicting a solar eclipse, reminiscent of King Rama IV's journey. The temple was built in just seven months in 1864 by order of the monarch, and his ashes are kept inside. More about Wat Ratchapradit and how to visit it.
Practical info
🕐 Opening hours: from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
💵 Entrance fee / ticket prices: free.
🚶 How to get there: it's in the old city on the Rattanakosin peninsula, in a narrow alley near the Grand Palace (temple on the map). From the Grand Palace and Wat Pho – a 5–7 minute walk. Nearest metro station – Sanam Chai or Sam Yot (blue subway line, 5 minutes walk). You can also get there by taxi or river tram to Tha Tien pier and walk 20 minutes.
Wat Ratchabophit Temple (Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram)
King Rama V's personal temple, built in 1869, is one of the most underrated jewels of the historic center. There are no tourist crowds here, and European Gothic unexpectedly combines with Thai traditions: inside the main hall there are pointed arches and Italian decor, and the walls are covered with mosaics of five-color bencharong ceramics of such quality that it could be mistaken for a photograph. On the grounds there's an active royal cemetery with 34 burials of royal family members. More about Wat Ratchabophit and how to visit it.
Practical info
🕐 Opening hours: from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
💵 Entrance fee / ticket prices: free.
🚶 How to get there: it's in the historic center on the Rattanakosin peninsula (temple on the map). From the Grand Palace and Wat Pho – a 10–15 minute walk. Nearest metro station – Sam Yot (blue MRT line, 5 minutes walk). More about transport: Bangkok transport.
Wat Thong Thammachat Temple (Wat Thong Thammachat Worawihan)
An ancient third-class royal temple on the Thonburi side, in the Khlong San district, opposite Chinatown. The main reason to stop by is the murals inside the ubosot, created in the Rama III era, which is called the golden age of Thai temple painting. Besides scenes from Buddha's life, the artists wove the daily life of the Siamese of that era into the paintings: clothing, houses, everyday activities. There are almost no tourists here – only the shade of trees, silence and local cats. Admission is free, and along the way you can combine it with a stroll around ICONSIAM or the Khlong San area. More about Wat Thong Thammachat and how to visit it.
Practical info
🕐 Opening hours: daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. During religious ceremonies the schedule may change.
💵 Entrance fee / ticket prices: free.
🚶 How to get there: it's in the Khlong San district on the Thonburi side, opposite Chinatown (temple on the map). The nearest metro station is BTS Khlong San (10–15 minutes walk). From Chinatown you can take the ferry to Wat Thong Thammachat Pier and walk 5 minutes.
Bangkok Temples Map
On the map above all the main Bangkok temples described in this article are marked. You can zoom in on the map and click on the markers for more information.
Which Temple to Choose If You're Short on Time
- For photos and architecture: The Royal Palace and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn).
- For impressive statues: Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) and Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha).
- For a panoramic view: Wat Saket (Golden Mount) and Wat Ratchanaddaram.
- For silence and local atmosphere: Wat Bowonniwet Vihara, Wat Mahathat.
- To surprise the kids: Crocodile Temple and Dragon Temple.
Practical Tips for Visiting Bangkok Temples
- Dress code: When visiting temples, dress modestly: covered shoulders and knees. At some temples you can rent a sarong or cover-up.
- Shoes: Before entering a temple you need to take off your shoes. It's convenient to have a bag for your shoes.
- Time to visit: It's best to come at opening (8:00–9:00 AM) to avoid tourist crowds and the daytime heat.
- Rules of behavior: Don't turn your back on Buddha, don't point at statues with your finger, don't touch monks (especially women).
- Water: Bring bottled water with you, especially in the hot season.