Top 10 must-see temples in Bangkok

Bangkok is home to some of the most stunning and culturally significant temples in Thailand. For those planning to explore the city’s spiritual side, here’s a list of the top 10 must-see temples in Bangkok, brought to you by DayTripsThailand:

1. Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)

• Location: Grand Palace, Phra Nakhon

• Highlights: The most sacred temple in Thailand, housing the Emerald Buddha, a highly revered statue carved from a single block of jade. The temple complex is adorned with intricate murals and gilded structures.

  
  

2. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

• Location: Thonburi, west bank of the Chao Phraya River

• Highlights: Famous for its stunning riverside location and central prang (spire) decorated with colorful porcelain. Best visited at sunset when the temple glows with golden light.

  
  

3. Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

• Location: Phra Nakhon, near the Grand Palace

• Highlights: Known for its massive Reclining Buddha statue, which is 46 meters long and covered in gold leaf. Wat Pho is also considered the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.

  
  

4. Wat Saket (Golden Mount)

• Location: Pom Prap Sattru Phai

• Highlights: Situated atop a man-made hill, this temple offers panoramic views of Bangkok. The Golden Mount is especially popular during the annual Loy Krathong festival.

  
  

5. Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple)

• Location: Dusit District

• Highlights: Built from Italian marble, this elegant temple is a prime example of modern Thai architecture and features stunning marble pillars, a courtyard, and manicured gardens.

  
  

6. Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha)

• Location: Chinatown (Yaowarat)

• Highlights: Houses the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statue, weighing 5.5 tons. The statue’s fascinating history includes its rediscovery after being hidden under plaster for centuries.

  
  

7. Wat Ratchanatdaram (Loha Prasat)

• Location: Phra Nakhon

• Highlights: Unique for its multi-tiered structure known as Loha Prasat, meaning "Metal Castle," which is the only one of its kind remaining in the world. The temple’s iron spires and intricate design are breathtaking.

  
  

8. Wat Suthat

• Location: Phra Nakhon, near the Giant Swing

• Highlights: Known for its large Buddha image and stunning murals. Wat Suthat is also famous for the Giant Swing, a religious structure used in Brahmin ceremonies.

  
  

9. Wat Bowonniwet Vihara

• Location: Banglamphu

• Highlights: A royal temple that has been associated with Thai kings for centuries. It is also the temple where King Rama IV and King Rama IX were ordained as monks.

  
  

10. Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit

• Location: Near Sanam Luang and the Grand Palace

• Highlights: One of Bangkok’s oldest temples, Wat Mahathat is a center for meditation and Buddhist studies. The temple is also known for its amulet market.

  
  

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, these temples offer a deep dive into Bangkok’s rich cultural heritage. To make the most of your visit, consider booking a guided tour with DayTripsThailand for an immersive experience tailored to your interests.